(PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Nov. 20, 2020 — As Holland America Line continues to prepare and develop its plans to meet the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the company is extending its pause of cruise operations for all departures through March 31, 2021. The line also will cancel select longer voyages, and cruises of eight days or longer that call in the United States until Nov. 1, 2021.
 
Cruises impacted by this pause in operation are:

• All cruise departures from Jan. 1 through March 31, 2021.
• Cruises of eight days or more that call at a U.S. port through Nov. 1, 2021. 
• Select longer voyages in Asia, Australia/New Zealand and South America through mid-April 2021. Some departures will be rescheduled to comparable dates in 2022.

 
Guests and their travel agents are being notified of the cancellations and options for Future Cruise Credits and rebooking.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Nov. 18, 2020 – As it continues to build and implement its plan to meet the requirements of the Framework for Resuming Cruise Ship Operations Order issued on Oct. 30 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Carnival Cruise Line notified guests and travel agents that it has cancelled additional cruises for the first part of 2021, including:

·       All embarkations from U.S. homeports from Jan. 1-31.
·       Additionally, Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, Long Beach, Mobile, New Orleans and San Diego embarkations through Feb. 28.
·       Embarkations on Carnival Legend out of Tampa through March 26.
 
           Carnival is in the process of building a gradual, phased in approach to resume guest operations, which will focus initially on Miami and Port Canaveral, to be followed by Galveston.  Consistent with CDC protocols, Carnival Horizon arrives in Miami this week, and Carnival Breeze will be the next ship back to the U.S.   In total, 16 Carnival ships are currently following the CDC process for an eventual resumption of guest service in the U.S. in 2021, including Carnival Conquest, Dream, Ecstasy, Elation, Freedom, Glory, Liberty, Miracle, Panorama, Pride, Sensation, Sunrise, Sunshine and Vista.  Mardi Gras, which is under construction in Finland, will also enter service in 2021.

          With this announcement Carnival’s operations are paused in the U.S. through Jan. 31, 2021.  In addition, Carnival had previously cancelled certain other itineraries on four ships (Magic, Paradise, Valor, and Victory/Radiance) that are scheduled for required dry docks in the first half of 2021, with the plan to return them to operations after maintenance work and upgrades are completed.  Carnival previously cancelled operations in Australia through March 2, 2021.

“We are committed to meeting the CDC requirements and keeping our guests and business partners informed of our progress,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “The entire Carnival team appreciates the great support of our guests, travel advisors and business partners, and local officials in our homeports and destinations.” 

(PRESS RELEASE)_Coral Gables, FL, November 17, 2020 – Interior Design Magazine’s “Fastest Growing Firm” Studio DADO, is pleased to announce that American Cruise Lines has selected the hospitality design firm, as the sole interior architect for their newest modern riverboat, American Melody, set to debut on the Mississippi River in 2021. The design project awarded by American, the largest and fastest-growing domestic cruise line, is noteworthy for Studio DADO, as the firm’s first foray into the domestic river cruise industry.

“The magnitude of the American Melody build reaches beyond the normal anticipation we see with clients celebrating the expansion of their fleet,” remarked Studio DADO Founding Partner Jorge Mesa. “From our first insightful meeting through the entirety of the collaborative design process, our team was honored to step into the moment with American Cruise Lines and create a fresh, but still cultured atmosphere aboard its new ship. We leaned-in and considered every element from a fresh palette to the architectural structure to functional details- while still paying homage to the brand’s perfectly American origins.” 

As sole interior designer, Studio DADO thoughtfully approached the design process through the lens of creating a transformative experience the moment American Melody’s guests step onboard. The ship features a notable four-story atrium and encircling main stairway which invites guests into intimate lounges on every level, each with its own unique atmosphere.

The new riverboat highlights an elegant, yet approachable color palette both inside and out, which encourages passengers to unwind and explore their new “home on the waters of the Mississippi.” The staterooms and suites average over 350 square feet,  providing serene escapes in open comfortable settings. The main dining room and outdoor lounges highlight refined materials and employ elevated design elements that encourage comfort, relaxation, and the enjoyment of beautiful river views. Each interior space onboard features DADO’s refined selection of textiles, colors, and beautiful furniture which complement the ship’s overall elevated and refined aesthetic.

“Studio DADO has a remarkable ability to blend the sophisticated and the modern. Their design vision closely aligned with our mission to provide sophisticated experiences on modern ships” said Charles B. Robertson, President, and CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We have been proud to partner with them in creating the new class of modern riverboats. American Melody and its sister ships will be the biggest step forward in American Cruise Lines design history, but will still offer the same great experience that has defined us since our founding.”

This latest build marks the first time American Cruise Lines has utilized an outside interior design firm for its ships.

To enjoy a video tour of American Melody’s new interior design please visit: https://www.americancruiselines.com/usa-riverboat-cruise-ships/modern-riverboat-cruise-ship-tour
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For more information on Studio DADO’s recent “Fastest Growing Firm” award, please visit: https://www.studiodado.com/blog/fastest-growing-firm/

Seattle, Wash., Nov. 16, 2020 — Holland America Line’s Group Advantage Program (GAP) is one of the industry’s most robust group programs that offers enhanced value when travel advisors book groups on cruises and Alaska Land+Sea Journeys. When booking groups of five or more staterooms traveling together, travel advisors have access to GAP amenities that are valid on cruises through 2022.
 
Holland America Line’s GAP features more than 30 different amenities to choose from — plus GAP Packages that cater to weddings and family reunions. GAP provides benefits tailored to each group program, while other groups receive amenities based on GAP points established by the cruise destination, departure date and length.
 
“Holland America Line’s Group Advantage Program is one of the most extensive in the cruise industry, and, now when we all need to focus on next year and beyond, we developed our program with exciting benefits to support travel advisors to elevate and grow their group business,” said Gus Antorcha, Holland America Line’s president. “We continuously work to fine-tune the menu of amenities to feature what’s popular and what’s being ordered so that our travel partners have the best options that their clients will really appreciate.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (NOV. 12, 2020) – Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel with a 53-year history of breaking boundaries, today announced a new docuseries, “EMBARK - The Series,” inviting the public to experience the Brand and enjoy a front row seat to its highly-anticipated comeback.
 
The docuseries kicks off with an “EMBARK NCL Spotlight Series,” two episodes showcasing the iconic Broadway and West End caliber entertainment found across the Norwegian fleet. The first episode invites viewers into London’s historic West End Garrick Theatre for a special reunion that brings “The Choir of Man” cast together for the first time in many months. The episode will include performances of guest favorites including “Save Tonight,” “Escape (The Piña Colada Song),” “Hello” and “Some Nights” as well as an inside look at how the cast is managing through this historic time and how the talented performers are remaining optimistic about the future.

Highly praised for its high energy, live music and foot stomping choreography, “The Choir of Man” is an immersive pub experience featuring ordinary guys who perform everything from sing-along classics to classic rock. Traditionally set in a neighborhood pub, the show highlights the importance of community and human connection through a series of songs, poetry and intimate conversations. 

​​​​“Now more than ever, we are all longing for connection,” said Richard Ambrose, senior vice president of entertainment and cruise programming at Norwegian Cruise Line. “Entertainment unites us, allowing us to forget our worries, even if just for a short while.  We have always been advocates for the entertainment community and are committed to providing high-caliber performances for our guests.  While theaters are closed and gatherings are limited, we want to support our fellow performers while connecting with our guests in a meaningful way.  Through this exclusive offering, we hope to showcase human resiliency and offer hope for a better tomorrow. In the end, we are in this together and that’s why we will all persevere.”

In addition to its residency on Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Encore, “The Choir of Man” has performed across the globe in iconic venues including Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and Washington D.C.’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and just announced that it will return to the Sydney Opera House for the third time beginning February 2021. 

Produced and directed by Nic Doodson, one of the creative minds behind “The Choir of Man,” the nearly 40-minute episode will first stream live at  www.ncl.com/embark on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020 at  9 p.m. EST, before being made available on-demand. 
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“’The Choir of Man’ family and I were absolutely thrilled when NCL asked us to come together to create an exclusive performance of the show that guests could enjoy from home, until they have the chance to cruise again,” said Doodson. “The world of theater has had a particularly hard year, so this opportunity to sing, dance and perform together again was an incredible feeling, not only for the guys, but for everyone involved. I hope that the positive and uplifting energy comes across in this episode and inspires those tuning in to continue to look ahead to brighter days. The cast appreciated this opportunity to reconnect on and off stage, and now more than ever are looking forward to entertaining guests again soon in our pub on land, at sea or wherever people enjoy gathering with those closest to them.”

Further details regarding “EMBARK – The Series,” will be shared in the coming weeks. 
To learn more about the Company’s 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_​MIAMI, Nov. 10, 2020 – Royal Caribbean International is gearing up for its most adventure-packed Alaska season in summer 2022, introducing new itineraries that tout four ports of call and others that showcase twice the glaciers. With a variety of destinations and four unforgettable cruise ships to choose from, including two of the most innovative in the region – Ovation, Quantum, Radiance and Serenade of the Seas – thrill seekers can experience the breadth of Alaskan nature and culture. The diverse beauty of America’s last frontier will come to life in the culturally rich towns of Haines and Sitka, Seward’s wild natural beauty, and the majestic vistas of the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier.

Informed by guest feedback, travel advisors and local partners, the robust vacation offering will be part of a longer summer program, offering 7-night cruise vacations departing from Seattle; Seward, Alaska; and Vancouver, British Columbia. Royal Caribbean’s 2022 Alaska cruises open for bookings on Wednesday, Nov. 11; Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members are able to book today.
 
Quantum Class Goes Bolder & Bigger in Alaska
Ovation of the Seas – the first of the cruise line’s game-changing Quantum Class to sail the Last Frontier – will be joined by sister ship Quantum of the Seas to sail 7-night roundtrip itineraries from Seattle. The Quantum Class ships will bring guests to more scenic cities and towns along the Northwest coastline, including Victoria, British Columbia; Sitka, Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau, Alaska. Travelers will feel a warm welcome in picturesque towns, where native tradition and original Russian architecture are folded into daily Alaskan life, and the awe of the region’s lush landscape, wildlife-filled fjords and gigantic glaciers like the 30-mile-long Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier – best viewed from the North Star, a glass observation capsule unique to Quantum Class that rises 300 feet above sea level.

The adrenaline rush will continue with onboard activities, including a collection of indoor and outdoor pools, the FlowRider surf simulator, RipCord by iFly indoor skydiving experience, and SeaPlex, the largest and most revolutionary indoor active space at sea. When vacationers need a break, they can enjoy Two70, a cutting-edge and transformative venue that offers 270-degree views of the ocean by day and transforms into an unparalleled theater by night with the help of the cruise line’s signature Roboscreens – a troupe of six agile screens that fuse performance art and technology for immersive, live theatrical productions.  
 
Radiance Class Dazzles with Views
A popular choice among vacationers for their ocean-facing glass elevators and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views, two Radiance Class ships will return to the region to round out the summer season. Radiance and Serenade of the Seas will further expand Royal Caribbean’s reach with a fresh take on 7-night itineraries anchored by visits to Haines, Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Seward, Alaska.

Sailing alternating, open-jaw itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, Radiance will introduce a second northbound itinerary that includes a visit to Icy Strait Point – a port owned and operated by native Alaskans – celebrated for its genuine native Tlingit hospitality, diverse landscape and active wildlife. Southbound sailings will introduce an evening call to Haines, among the Inside Passage’s most scenic towns and home to a thriving arts community. Paired with a day spent in Skagway, guests can take advantage of the long, summer daylight hours in the state’s adventure capital that is located along the continent’s longest and deepest fjord.

Sister ship Serenade, departing roundtrip from Vancouver, will similarly hero Haines with a full-day visit to the destination known for whitewater rafting and spotting the North American brown bear. Guests can also enjoy twice the ice with an itinerary that features both the Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, and the Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America.
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Guests on board Serenade can extend their stay with Royal Caribbean’s signature CruiseTours, a series of 2- to 6-night pre- or post-cruise land tours led by local experts. Travelers can witness the notorious American Brown Bear hunting as part of the Katmai Bear Trek, or learn more about “The Last Great Race” and the team of sled dogs on the Family Tundra Express experience. Royal Caribbean also offers 5- to 6-night Canada CruiseTour options with visits to Banff, Calgary and more.