(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Jan. 31, 2020 – Life is a beach at Royal Caribbean International’s new Coco Beach Club on Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Today, the cruise line welcomes its first guests to indulge in new, one-of-a-kind ways to chill at the private island destination’s newly opened retreat. The opening of Coco Beach Club marks the completion of the $250 million transformation – and phase one – of Perfect Day at CocoCay. The exclusive beach club touts the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas, an oceanfront infinity pool, beach cabanas, a dedicated restaurant with upscale dining and an exclusive bar. Rounding out Perfect Day at CocoCay is the opening of two refreshed beaches – Breezy Bay at Chill Island and South Beach – open to all guests on the island.

CHILL LUXURY
Vacationers can soak up endless ocean views at this beachside escape filled with ways to lounge for every type of traveler. On deck – over the clear blue waters – 20 floating cabanas bring a bit of Bora Bora to the island as the first of their kind in The Bahamas. Each floating cabana features a private slide into the ocean, overwater hammock, dining area, freshwater shower, wet bar and an unbeatable ocean vista for a day of uninterrupted indulgence. Guests can also choose from 10 beach cabanas, luxe hideaways nestled on shore for optimal relaxation and awe-inspiring views. All cabanas in Coco Beach Club accommodate up to eight guests and feature loungers, a dining area, charging outlets, a minifridge, snorkel gear and a dedicated cabana attendant that will tend to a guest’s every need, from beachside drink to delicious bites.

SURF, TURF AND SEA
The clubhouse is the center of social activity at Coco Beach Club with a bar serving specialty cocktails, including the Coco Cuvee signature drink, and a 2,600-square-foot, oceanfront infinity pool with in-pool loungers, daybeds and poolside service. The exclusive restaurant, complimentary and only for beach club guests, serves up an elevated menu that features fresh lobster, grouper and steak, plus a spread of salads, fruits and starters.

ACTION-PACKED DAY
Guests looking to fuel their competitive fire can visit South Beach, the revamped action-packed beach destination for guests that features volleyball and beachside basketball. After working up an appetite, vacationers can grab a bite at the island’s third Snack Shack and a drink at any one of three bars, including the floating bar just offshore. If relaxation is the game plan, there are 10 new beachfront cabanas perfect for lounging in the shade.

To visit Coco Beach Club, guests must book a sailing calling on Perfect Day at CocoCay. This year, the private island will welcome 16 Royal Caribbean ships from more ports than ever, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida; Bayonne, New Jersey; and Galveston, Texas.

(PRESS RELEASE)_ANCONA, ITALY (Jan. 31, 2020) – Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, has welcomed to its fleet the new ship that defines luxury perfected, Seven Seas SplendorTM. Delivered at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy, Regent’s fifth ship builds on the cruise line’s rich 28-year heritage offering guests An Unrivaled Experience TM with every luxury included.

At 55,254 gross tons and 735 feet in length, Seven Seas Splendor is Luxury Perfected. On board, the highest benchmarks of personalized service and comforts will be delivered by 551 professional crew members caring for 750 guests in 375 beautifully appointed suites, ranging from 307- to 4,443-square feet. Lavishly designed public spaces include five exquisite and unique restaurants and three elegant bars and lounges, while a $5 million curated art collection, more than 500 crystal chandeliers, and over an acre of Italian marble complement the ship’s sophistication. 

“Wherever you turn on Seven Seas Splendor, you will be surrounded by elegance, comfort and hospitality,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Luxury travelers have anticipated this stunning new ship for more than two years. The day she opened for reservations was the busiest booking day in our company’s history. We thank the talented team at Fincantieri for collaborating with Regent to achieve our ambitious vision of creating the ship that perfects luxury. Seven Seas Splendor demonstrates how Regent continues to deliver An Unrivaled Experience for guests across our fleet.”

“Quality is a hallmark of both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Fincantieri, and it has been our privilege to construct this important and remarkable ship that reflects Fincantieri’s extensive abilities and its reference presence in the luxury cruise segment, a unique and competitive market niche in the shipbuilding industry,” said Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager, Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division.

Helmed by Captain Serena Melani, the first female captain to take charge of a brand-new ocean cruise ship, Seven Seas Splendor sails her first official voyage on February 6, 2020 from Barcelona, Spain to Miami, Florida. The ship will be christened on February 21, 2020 by her Godmother, the legendary supermodel and actress Christie Brinkley, at a glamorous and elegant ceremony at PortMiami. Seven Seas Splendor will also be showcased to global media and travel partners on preview sailings throughout February and March.

Following her christening event, Seven Seas Splendor cruises the tropical paradises of the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera, which includes two crossings of the Panama Canal and one unique Southern Caribbean cruise from Miami to New York City. In spring, Seven Seas Splendor will traverse the Atlantic Ocean once more for its inaugural European season, offering cultural and historically rich ports of call in one of the world’s most popular regions, the Mediterranean.

(PRESS RELEASE)_SAINT-NAZAIRE, FRANCE – January 29, 2020 – Celebrity Beyond, the third ship in the highly acclaimed, award-winning Edge Series from Celebrity Cruises, has made the monumental move from concept to construct today as the first piece of steel was cut at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

“Celebrity Beyond is the perfect natural next-step in the Edge Series,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “The Edge Series is all about innovation and pushing beyond boundaries and convention, and Celebrity Beyond will continue this legacy.”

“With the launch of our Edge Series, Celebrity Cruises redefined modern cruising. Celebrity Edge impressed the world with its outward-facing design and innovation; Celebrity Apex takes the onboard vacation experience to the pinnacle; and now with Celebrity Beyond, we’re charting new territory once again,” added Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “While we can’t say much just yet, with Celebrity Beyond three’s a charm.”

"This is a new milestone in the long success story we have with RCCL and Celebrity," stated Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l'Atlantique. "Celebrity Beyond will be the symbol of this cooperation based on mutual trust and our common innovation spirit."

With the second-in-class Celebrity Apex set to arrive in Southampton in April 2020, the brand expects delivery of Celebrity Beyond in fall 2021.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Fla. January 28, 2020 – Virgin Voyages announced today its resident On Deck DJ schedule and select dates for specialty sailings, which are now available for booking. Performances will take place at the Beach Club at Bimini, with the 2020 lineup of world-famous DJs set to perform as part of the specialty sailings. Serving as an enticing backdrop and cornerstone of every voyage, The Beach Club at Bimini offers a thoughtfully curated experience where sailors can feel the sand in their toes in a stylish setting that will rival the best beach clubs in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez.

The Resident On Deck DJ program and 2020 Specialty Sailings feature the previously announced line up of Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning artist and producer Mark Ronson, Grammy award-winning Diplo, the much-celebrated DJ MK and Grammy-nominated electronic music duo Sofi Tukker.

Starting today, Sailors can book a Voyage to see their favorite DJ perform live in the Bahamas with key dates including:

·         Diplo: Riviera Maya sailing May 3, 2020, performance on May 7, 2020
·         Mark Ronson: Mayan Sol sailing July 5, 2020, performance on July 9, 2020
·         DJ MK: Mayan Sol sailing August 30, 2020, performance on September 3, 2020
·         Sofi Tukker: Dominican Daze sailing December 6, 2020, performance on December 10, 2020 

“Music is a fundamental element of the Virgin Brand's DNA and we know every world class beach club has an epic DJ line up,” said Chris Stubbs, Senior Director of Sailor Experience at Virgin Voyages. Our On Deck DJ schedule is going to ensure our stunning new beach club at Bimini will be as talked about as the infamous beach clubs of Ibiza, St. Tropez and Mykonos, by immersing our sailors in a hypnotic soundscape as they soak up the Caribbean sun during the day and dance to celebrate the night ahead at our beach bonfire soirees.”

The Virgin brand has a deep-rooted history with music and is not stopping at the On Deck specialty sailings when it comes to making music a core pillar of the Virgin Voyages experience. The brand will carefully curate the soundtrack for The Beach Club at Bimini with founding DJ resident Mark Ronson. Additionally, The Scarlet Lady will feature exciting onboard music experiences for sailors such as Voyage Vinyl, the Scarlet Lady’s record shop at sea. The Scarlet Lady will have a festival of choice in entertainment made up of bespoke intimate and authentic experiences created exclusively for Virgin Voyages. This includes The Red Room, a transformative space for live music and entertainment comprised of a traditional Proscenium stage, an alley stage used in fashion shows, then to a dance flat-floor configuration and finally a unique reverse stage setup. 

In addition, Sailors who book one of these On Deck specialty sailings by February 14, 2020 will receive up to $400 in onboard credit, also known as Sailor Loot.  Sailor Loot can be used towards all of the amazing splurge-worthy experiences over and above what’s already included in their voyage fare, referred to by Virgin Voyages' as their On Us proposition. This proposition includes the things already included in each Sailor's voyage fare upon booking such as Basic Bevvies, WiFi, Food at 20+ Eateries, Group Fitness Classes, and Gratuities.

Future Sailors, First Mates and travel advisors are invited to visit www.virginvoyages.com where they can book trips and learn more about the brand. Additional information can be found at @virginvoyages on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. 

(PRESS RELEASE)_NEW ALBANY, Ind., Jan. 28, 2020 – American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), a Hornblower® Families Company, is a leader in immersive shore experiences and Broadway-caliber onboard entertainment. New in 2020, AQSC will elevate its programming with brand new special interest sailings ranging from Pacific Northwest Wine Cruises on the American Empress to the American River BBQ Challenge on the American Countess, American Queen and American Duchess along the lower Mississippi River.

“All of our river cruises are a reflection of the regions they sail,” shares John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “When it comes to these unique voyages, each element of the special interest whether it be wine or marquee Americana events, is thoughtfully woven into curated itineraries that ignite our guests’ curiosity and exploration.”

Special Interest Series

AQSC’s uniquely themed river cruises feature special entertainment, exclusive events and opportunities that guests would not experience on any other sailing. Whether guests want to taste the various styles of Southern barbecue on the American River BBQ Challenge cruise, learn about the Civil War in a journey through history or experience the best of the Pacific Northwest’s wine country – there’s a specialty cruise for everyone. AQSC is thrilled to introduce new sailings including but not limited to the following:

Beauty in Aging Wine Cruise

For wine afficionados who want to explore the Pacific Northwest’s unique twists on winemaking and soak up the natural beauty of the region, the American Empress is offering a specialty Wine Cruise on its signature Clarkston, W.A. (Spokane) to Vancouver, W.A. (Portland) sailing.

Aboard the largest, most elegant riverboat in the Pacific Northwest, guests will experience immersive lessons in wine tastings and pairings led by experts Manny Nieves, certified sommelier, Jim Laughren, certified wine educator and Michael Lynch, certified advanced sommelier. This specialty cruise will sail March 15-22, 2020 and March 22-30, 2020.

American River BBQ Challenge

The American River BBQ Challenge runs between Memphis, Tenn.  to Alton (St. Louis), Ill. on the American Queen (AQ), American Duchess (AD) and American Countess (AC), the newest paddlewheeler to join the fleet on the Lower and Upper Mississippi. This sailing incorporates three barbeque masters – from New Madrid and Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Chester, Ill. The best of the best in the barbeque business will create unique experiences in each port along the way. Guests will indulge in each authentic, local culinary craft, and then rate each participant -- including the AQSC culinary team. At the conclusion of each journey, the winner will be announced, as chosen by guests.

Ports and Dates:

AC Sailings: May 24- 31 and August 23-30
AD Sailings: September 27-October 5 and October 18-26 (excludes a stop in St. Louis)
AQ Sailings: July 19-27
Maiden Voyage to Pittsburgh

Journey up the Ohio River into the breathtaking scenery of the valley that was cut from the landscape during the Ice Age. Guests on the Maiden Voyage to Pittsburgh sailing on the American Countess will visit river towns that helped build the steamboat era, and subsequently, river transportation in America. The views and towns on this section of the Ohio River have made this voyage a longtime guest favorite. This specialty cruise will sail June 7-14, 2020.

Bourbon to Blues

Learn what makes a centuries-old tradition as during this rare opportunity to experience an extraordinary journey through America’s heartland and into the roots of Kentucky’s bourbon region. This voyage will take guests behind the scenes and into the history books to show you where bourbon comes from, how it is made and the ways to distinguish the unique characteristics of different distilleries. This sailing will include special tastings, creative menus, and cooking demonstrations, and to be announced special onboard guests. This specialty cruise will sail July 5-12, 2020 on the American Countess and August 23-31, 2020 on the American Duchess.

American Music Festival

A very special guest will bless this voyage - country music icon and writer of “God Bless the USA,” Lee Greenwood. Straight from his hometown, Clarksville, Tenn., Greenwood will take to the stage to perform his chart-topping hits in the boat’s intimate venue – The Show Lounge. His exclusive concert is just one of many exciting guest performances planned for this captivating voyage. The American Music Festival cruise will showcase the beauty of American music styles and is sure to be a vacation filled with melodious memories. This specialty cruise will sail May 3-11, 2020 on the American Duchess and May 10-18, 2020 on the American Countess.

For additional information and reservations, please contact American Queen Steamboat Company at 888-749-5289, visit www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com or call a professional travel agent.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – January 28, 2020 – When the much-anticipated Celebrity Apex is christened on March 30, 2020, Celebrity Cruises will do more than continue the lineage of its groundbreaking Edge Series that began with the 2018 launch of Celebrity Edge. Celebrity Apex takes modern cruising to yet another whole new level, with the very latest culinary, spa and wellness trends, and progressive entertainment offerings.

The industry-leading, first-in-class Celebrity Edge has received more than 50 awards and was crowned one of TIME Magazine’s 2019 World's Greatest Places. It impressed the world with its innovative outward-facing design and visionary spaces created by world-renowned designers including: Kelly Hoppen, MBE (accommodations and suite experience); Tom Wright of WKK (ship exterior and open decks); Patricia Urquiola (interior design at The Club and Eden); Scott Butler, AIA (architect for Eden and The Theatre) Jouin Manku (Grand Plaza and circulation); and many more.

Celebrity Apex encores the transformational look and feel of its sister ship with such distinctive features as the floating Magic Carpet cantilevered off the ship's side inviting guests to eat, drink and soar over the sea up to deck 16; The Retreat, the all-exclusive experience for all suite guests; dramatically expanded staterooms with Infinite Verandas; soothing indoor and outdoor garden escapes; magnificent two-story Edge Villas with their own private terrace and plunge pool; and high-style spaces throughout public areas, keeping focus on the contemporary design elements that are a highlight of the Edge Series of ships.

It then adds new luxury features and experiences guaranteed to make Celebrity Apex the industry’s “it” ship, including:

• New culinary venues, menus and programming
• An array of new firsts in beauty, fitness, and wellness
• Sweeping changes to The Theatre with state-of-the-art technology taking center stage in three all-new production shows to captivate audiences.
• New Eden experiences, transforming the breathtaking Eden venue into a myriad of moods.

 
“Celebrity Edge changed the cruise industry and raised the standard for modern luxury vacations,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “Celebrity Apex – the second ship in our revolutionary Edge Series – goes even further. It takes every onboard experience to the very peak of what’s possible at sea.”

Apex of Culinary

Already renowned as the industry’s leading culinary brand, Celebrity further enhances its culinary palate on Celebrity Apex with evolved concepts, new delicacies and new menu offerings from Celebrity’s Michelin-starred Chef Cornelius Gallagher, including:

(PRESS RELEASE)_CELEBRATION, Fla. (Jan. 23, 2020) – Out-of-this-world adventures return to Disney Cruise Line in 2021 with Star Wars Day at Sea. This special day-long celebration is filled with unique character encounters, unforgettable live shows and Star Wars-themed activities for the entire family. Star Wars Day at Sea takes place on seven-night Disney Fantasy cruises to the Caribbean from January through March.

With more than a dozen of the galaxy’s most formidable and heroic characters onboard, guests can meet with the best of the Resistance including Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2; come face-to-face with Darth Vader; and be on watch as Stormtroopers, Bounty Hunters and Jawas roam the ship.

Force-sensitive children learn the ways of the Jedi and use their new-found skills in a face-off against Darth Vader and Kylo Ren in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. The whole family can celebrate the greatest moments from the Star Wars galaxy with the “Summon the Force” deck party, complete with a fireworks show of galactic proportions.

Costume celebrations, movie screenings, trivia sessions, the Star Wars Drawing Academy and a ship-wide Porg-themed adventure are more of the ways families can feel the Force on Star Wars Day at Sea. Unique food and beverage and special merchandise are also available on these sailings in early 2021.

Star Wars Day at Sea Itineraries

With cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, guests can celebrate their love of the Star Wars saga and enjoy tropical destinations, coupled with classic Disney magic and entertainment all week long onboard the Disney Fantasy. All Star Wars Day at Sea sailings make a stop in Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, home to pristine beaches, crystal blue waters and fun-filled leisure and recreational activities for all ages.

Star Wars Day at Sea will be offered on nine Disney Fantasy seven-night Caribbean cruises sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Departing Jan. 2, Jan. 16, Jan. 30, Feb. 13 and Feb. 27, the Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Departing Jan. 9, Jan. 23 and Feb. 20, the Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.

Departing Feb. 6, the Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.

(PRESS RELEASE)_WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – January 23, 2020 – Travelers seeking a refreshing new way to celebrate Valentine’s Day will fall in ‘Love at First Sail’ with an unprecedented new offer from Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line.* Now through February 14, those booking a romantic escape to Nassau or Grand Bahama Island can cruise their way to sweeter than ever savings, purchasing one cruise at the standard fare and bringing a guest for just $14.*

“A last-minute Bahamas getaway is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, whether with friends or your significant other, and this limited-time offer makes it possible to escape last-minute at a fraction of the cost,” said Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “With 2020 being the year for new experiences, there has never been a better time to take in all of our offerings first-hand - including our award-winning dining, entertainment, and so much more.”

The “Love at First Sail” promotion is ideal for couples looking to reconnect, with spacious guestrooms; soothing full-service spas offering couples’ massages; and al fresco dining with breathtaking views. The Oasis, an adults-only pool and lounge area, features hot tubs and daybeds that are the ideal spot to sneak away and recharge. Each ship also features unique dining venues that exemplify the line’s comfortable luxury appeal, including The Rock Grill, an interactive experience where guests can cook their own meats and veggies on a lava rock and Admiral’s Steak & Seafood, with featured items such as Angus Beef Carpaccio and Peruvian Sea Bass. 

The best part of this special offer? It can be romantic, but it doesn’t have to be. Girl groups seeking an instagrammable “Galentine’s” weekend getaway will love the flexibility of a Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line escape, enjoying picturesque views; award-winning comedy and musical shows; champagne breakfasts with a side of mimosas; and exhilarating excursions – from swimming with the pigs and lounging on white sand beaches to snorkeling and paddleboarding. And, after a day on the go, what’s better than dancing the night away to live bands in the lounge while savoring delicious drinks?

As the only cruise line with daily departures from West Palm Beach, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line lets travelers cruise to either Grand Bahama Island or Nassau aboard Grand Celebration or Grand Classica.  Winter weather weary travelers desperate for a longer getaway before heading back to reality will find the perfect solution in the cruise line’s original Cruise & Stay Program, which lets guests extend their stay in paradise at one of several island resorts. On Grand Bahama Island, cruisers can discover secret snorkel spots, the world’s largest underwater cave systems, and more while staying at Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach or the Grand Lucayan Resort. While visiting Nassau, they can discover the magic of Atlantis, swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Cay, enjoy on-land activities – including shopping, yachting and fishing tours – and have ‘suite dreams’ at Atlantis Paradise Island, Meliá Nassau Beach All-Inclusive Resort, SLS Baha Mar, or Comfort Suites Paradise Island.

For more information on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line or to book, visit: https://www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com or call 888-530-2775 (English) / 888-530-2776 (Español). Follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

*Offer applies to inside and outside cabins and is based on double occupancy. See website for details. 

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, JANUARY 22, 2020 – Luxury travelers can now book their all-inclusive 2022 Crystal River Cruises voyages aboard Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel, as the line has published the complete collection of itineraries on the Crystal website. Crystal released a preview of the itineraries on January 15, which included full details of the 155 individual sailings from seven to 10 nights along the Rhine and Danube rivers, many of which are combinable for longer vacations.

Among the new highlights of the year are two maiden calls – in Vidin, Bulgaria and Giurgiu, Romania – on a new “Treasures of Southeast Europe” Danube River itinerary; and a new “Joyous Danube” holiday sailing. Also noteworthy, are voyages along Dutch and Belgian waterways in the colorful springtime tulip season and the cooler month of July, when crowds are fewer; the decennial Floriade International Horticultural Expo outside of Amsterdam; and enriching Wine & Food Festival and Jewish Heritage themed programming. Every voyage features at least two overnight stays – some as many as four overnights – often at the beginning and/or end of the sailing, while many itineraries sail round-trip from convenient hubs like Vienna and Amsterdam. 

“In response to the enthusiasm of our guests and luxury travelers around the world, we’re happy to open the complete roster of itineraries for Crystal River Cruises’ 2022 season for booking,” said Walter Littlejohn, vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises. “The destinations themselves are overflowing with history and charm and fascinating highlights, punctuated by Crystal’s immersive experiences and special details that bring each place to life.”

Crystal River Cruises’ 2022 itineraries start at $3,999 per person, with 2-for-1 cruise fares and Crystal’s Book Now Savings through March 4, 2020, ensuring the best fares available for those who plan ahead and book early.

Comprising the youngest fleet in the luxury cruising industry, Crystal’s new-build river vessels are the river cruising industry’s first and only all-balcony, all-suite, all-butler vessels in Europe, with every category of accommodation positioned above the water line.  All suites feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows™ and walk-in closets and dual vanity in the bathrooms are featured in most categories.

All of Crystal’s river ships feature private butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, ETRO amenities, robes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs. Additional enticing features include farm-to-table cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the countryside. Crystal’s attention to detail reaches ashore, as guests are transported on the days’ adventures in luxury motor coaches equipped with complimentary water and Wi-Fi for added convenience and comfort.