(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Fla. Nov. 30, 2021 - Virgin Voyages, the newest cruise line to set sail from Miami, is waving hello to the holiday season and showing its appreciation for the community’s healthcare heroes. This Giving Tuesday, Virgin Voyages is teaming up with Baptist Health South Florida and donating 500 complimentary cabins for employees to ‘Set Sail the Virgin Way’ this festive season with their friends and loved ones.
 
“The past two years have tested our community, and we wanted to find a small way to express our deepest gratitude to all of the healthcare professionals who went above and beyond to keep us safe,”said Tom McAlpin, President and CEO of Virgin Voyages. “We hope a voyage on our beautiful Scarlet Lady allows the Baptist team to enjoy some much-needed R&R this season.” 
 
Dedicated to creating an “Epic Sea Change for All” and making a positive impact in the local community, Richard Branson’s new cruise line launched “Shipload of Love” earlier this year, committing to offer 2,021 complimentary cabins to philanthropic causes and deserving Sailors in need. As an extension of that promise and commitment, every Baptist employee was eligible to win a four- or five-night “Fire & Sunset Soiree,” “Dominican Daze,” or “Scarlet Caribbean Holidays” voyage, embarking December 15-29. In celebration of Giving Tuesday, the 250 winners will be announced today, and each employee will receive two complimentary cabins to enjoy the voyage with up to three additional travel mates.
 
“Throughout this pandemic, our caregivers have embodied the true meaning of sacrifice and heroism, always putting themselves before others,” said Bo Boulenger, President and Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “We are thrilled with this opportunity to show them our community’s heartfelt appreciation for their selflessness and dedication with this fantastic trip, thanks to our friends at Virgin Voyages.”
 
Starting from her homeport in Miami, Scarlet Lady will make her way to Puerto Plata or Nassau, with each voyage including a stop at the signature Virgin Voyages’ beach club in Bimini. On-board, Sailors can live it up with sun-kissed pool days, Michelin-star-inspired culinary experiences, invigorating or restorative fitness classes, dance parties under the stars, and immersive entertainment.
 
As sailing safely remains Virgin Voyages’ first priority, the five-star experience comes without compromise, leading with health and well-being at the forefront. Every Sailor must be fully vaccinated and complete a complimentary COVID-19 test prior to boarding.
 
For more information on the sailing experience, visit www.virginvoyages.com. 

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Nov. 30, 2021 – Proving that the first roller coaster at sea is both fun and a feat of modern engineering, Popular Science magazine has recognized Carnival Cruise Line with its “Best of What’s New” engineering award for the innovation and design work that resulted in the July 2021 debut of BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea on board the line’s flagship Mardi Gras.

Since 1988, Popular Science annually reviews thousands of new products and innovations and chooses the top 100 winners across 10 categories. To win, a product or technology must represent a significant step forward in its category.

“Normal roller coasters use gravity to send thrill-seekers zooming and looping. But if you want to build a ride on a cruise ship—where stable, level ground is far from guaranteed—you have to get creative,” according to Popular Science.

“As you’re whipping around the Mardi Gras’ funnel while riding BOLT, I doubt many people are thinking about how we got the roller coaster built, but this recognition from Popular Science underscores the tremendous work that went into making this happen,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “While ultimately, we’re about providing new ways for our guests to have fun, we’re also honored and appreciative of this incredible recognition for our team.”

A marvel in maritime engineering, BOLT is an all-electric roller coaster encompassing an elevated track across Mardi Gras’ upper decks with 800 feet of exhilarating twists, drops and turns, including hairpin turn around the ship’s iconic funnel. Riders can achieve speeds of up to 40 miles per hour as they enjoy views to the sea 187 feet below.

Established in 1872, Popular Science is one of America’s oldest and most trusted magazine brands with a legacy of bringing readers groundbreaking innovations and discoveries.

Sister ships to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee will also feature BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster when they debut in late 2022 in Miami and in 2023 in Galveston, Tex., respectively.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

(PRESS RELEASE)_After nearly two years of pent-up wanderlust and right before the holiday season, there’s no better time to go shipping and bring a friend!  Celebrity is offering the following Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts:
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1. If you book a Celebrity cruise between 11/23 – 11/30, you’ll get 50% off your second guest's fare as well as up to $300 on-board credit (tiered to the length of the cruise)
2. The Black Friday/Cyber Monday offer can be applied to Caribbean and European sailings departing between 12/18/21 and 3/31/23
3. There’s an additional offer for Caribbean sailings between 12/18/21 and 12/27/21 - if you book an ‘always included’ sailing within the Black Friday window above, you are eligible for even more on board credit - up to $200
4. Air fare savings of up to $700* is also available from all U.S. and Canada gateways on select new bookings through Flights by Celebrity (based on destinations and class of service). 

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Offer On Board Credit (OBC):

Onboard Credit (OBC) – Per Stateroom / Tiered by Length of Voyage
2-5 nights: $100 OBC p/stateroom
6-9 nights: $200 OBC p/stateroom
9 nights or longer: $300 OBC p/stateroom
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Black Friday/Cyber Monday Air Fare Offer:
Air Savings of $100 p/p for Caribbean 
Air Savings of $300 p/p for Europe Economy Class, $700 p/p Business or First Class

(PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Nov. 22, 2021 — With Holland America Line’s Black Friday Sale, travelers can have it all for the holidays … and beyond. For one week only, guests can book a stateroom on select 2021-23 cruises with a reduced deposit of $99 and receive the Have it All package of shore excursions, beverages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi, plus Holland America Line will include crew appreciation, valued at $100 per person. The Black Friday Sale runs Nov. 23 through Nov. 30, 2021.
 
With the Black Friday Sale, travelers looking to get out and explore can book a cruise to all seven continents that departs from Nov. 30, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2023. Cruise destinations include Alaska, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Canada/New England, Hawaii, the South Pacific, South America, Antarctica, Australia and New Zealand, the U.S. Pacific Coast and more. Alaska Cruisetours, which combine an Alaska cruise with an overland exploration to Denali and the Yukon, also are included.

Black Friday Sale Benefits

• Inclusive crew appreciation and reduced deposits of $99 make booking a dream cruise with Holland America Line all the more affordable.
• Based on the length of the cruise, guests receive up to three shore excursions valued at $100 each. Choose from among thousands of tours all over the world – from active adventures and immersive culinary experiences to historical explorations and cultural discoveries.
• With the Signature Beverage Package, guests enjoy a large selection of wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, soda, coffee and more. Up to 15 drinks per day are allowed, and bar service charges are included.  
• Depending on the ship and duration of the cruise, guests can indulge in Holland America Line’s award-winning specialty dining up to three nights. Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, while Tamarind showcases the traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan with sensuous flavors and dishes. Canaletto is a relaxed venue that serves authentic Italian cuisine.
• A Wi-Fi Surf Package keeps travelers connected while away from home. With Holland America Line’s most popular package, guests can visit their favorite sites, including e-mail, news, sports and more.

 
The Black Friday Sale is available for the first and second guests in the stateroom and is not valid on Grand Voyages or cruises five days or less.
 
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_CELEBRATION, Fla. (Nov. 22, 2021) – Disney Cruise Line has unveiled new details about the two brand-new theatrical productions coming to its newest ship just days after the shows were first announced during a presentation by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro at Destination D23 on Saturday.
 
Setting sail in summer 2022, the Disney Wish will debut two original stage spectaculars in its state-of-the-art Walt Disney Theatre: an innovative, Broadway-style take on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Little Mermaid” and an embarkation day celebration helmed by Captain Minnie, Goofy and an all-star cast of Disney and Pixar characters. Up on deck, guests will rock out to an all-new pirate deck party complete with fan-favorite fireworks at sea.

Stunning Stage Shows at the Walt Disney Theatre
A hallmark of the Disney Cruise Line experience is the unparalleled live entertainment performed in the Walt Disney Theatre. On the Disney Wish, this elegant 1,274-seat show palace will evoke an enchanted forest inspired by scenes from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Fantasia,” with orchestra and balcony seating spanning three decks. The theater will be equipped with state-of the-art technology, including the most robust projection mapping capabilities of any Disney ship and a Dolby Atmos 3D audio system — a first for the cruise industry — to create a transformative theatrical experience rivaling anything on land or at sea.
 
A Treasure Retold – ‘Disney The Little Mermaid’
“Disney The Little Mermaid” will be an original Broadway-style stage adaptation of the renowned 1989 Disney Animation film developed exclusively for the Disney Wish. During this one-of-a-kind theatrical production, audiences will rediscover the iconic scenes, acclaimed music and beloved characters of “The Little Mermaid” while experiencing the story like never before.

(CRYSTAL)_Guests aboard Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural Antarctica sailing enjoyed a truly bucket-list experience as they were first to venture several hundred feet under the sea via a new submersible that provides incredible views of marine life along the way.   No special equipment or gear is required in the two-person underwater vehicle (plus pilot) which takes guests on an unforgettable undersea journey offering a truly unique way to experience and explore the icy polar region.
 
The German-engineered Crystal Endeavor is on the first of eight 11-day Antarctica voyages that depart from Ushuaia, Argentina and crosses the famed Drake Passage before visiting South Shetland Islands, the Weddell Sea, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia, as well as ample time exploring the Antarctic peninsula, home to penguin colonies, seals, whales and seabirds.    The program runs through February 2022.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Nov. 21, 2021 — Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, today on its first cruise since the industrywide pause last year. The ship marks the fifth Holland America Line vessel to reenter service, joining Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam.
 
To commemorate the occasion, Holland America Line held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the terminal to open embarkation, and team members greeted guests with flag-waving fanfare as they boarded the ship. Nieuw Statendam set sail on a seven-day western Caribbean itinerary that will visit Nassau, Bahamas; Ocho Rios and Port Royal, Jamaica; and Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas.
 
“Today is another milestone in our return to service, with Nieuw Statendam starting operation just in time for Thanksgiving, and we have a lot to be thankful for this year that we’re getting back in the water,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Today is a great day for Holland America Line, and our team members can’t wait to welcome guests on board.”
 
Nieuw Statendam will spend from November through April in the Caribbean on cruises ranging from seven to 11 days, all roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades. Guests looking for a longer getaway can embark on a Collectors’ Voyage — combined back-to-back itineraries that offer an in-depth exploration covering more than one part of the region.
 
Every Caribbean cruise includes a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s award-winning private Bahamian island. This quaint sanctuary has evolved into a tropical playground for cruise guests and features the white-sand beaches; two-story villas and private cabanas; delicious dining venues like Lobster Shack; a children’s waterpark; and a variety of fun-filled tours for nature lovers, adventurous travelers and explorers.
 
Holland America Line has been homeporting from Port Everglades since the 1990s. Operationally, each ship visit contributes $364,000 directly to the local economy in provisioning (fuel, food, flowers, piano tuning, supplies, etc.), port taxes and spending. Holland America Line works with nearly 100 South Florida vendors who supply the company and its ships with goods and services.
 
Throughout the years, Holland America Line has been actively involved with more than 30 nonprofit organizations in South Florida through giving, shipboard lunches and cruise donations, including Seafarers’ House, Henderson Behavioral Health, Coast Guard Women’s Leadership Initiative, Symphony of the Americas, The Opera Society and more.
 
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.