(PRESS RELEASE)_CELEBRATION, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2019) – In summer 2020, Disney Cruise Line will embark on a variety of itineraries around the world, including a long-awaited return to Greece and the addition of five first-time ports of call in Europe. Along with an expanded European season aboard the Disney Magic, adventures will continue across the fleet with sailings to Alaska, the Caribbean and Bahamas.

Bookings open to the public on March 7, 2019. More details can be found on the Summer 2020 Itineraries page of disneycruise.com.

European Explorations

After a five-year hiatus, the Disney Magic will return to Greece in summer 2020 as part of three special Mediterranean voyages departing from Rome. During one 12-night and two nine-night cruises, guests can marvel at the beautiful landscapes and archeological wonders of destinations like Piraeus, the gateway to Athens; Katakolon, near ancient Olympia; and the islands of Santorini, Mykonos and Crete.

Each of these unique Mediterranean itineraries combines a selection of stops in Greece with visits to other notable cities in the region. Two of the sailings include a new port of call in Messina, Italy, where guests can visit landmarks in Sicily such as Mount Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe, or the Piazza del Duomo, the city’s historic center. The third features a return to the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik, Croatia, for the first time in five years.

(PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., February 26, 2018 – Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced the world class team of designers recruited to create the interiors for its eagerly anticipated new ship set to launch in 2022. Working in concert with the project’s world renowned Creative Director, Adam D. Tihany, will be award-winning designers Simon Rawlings of David Collins Studio, Terry McGillicuddy of Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie from her eponymous design company.

“Cunard has amassed the most talented interior designers in the industry to bring our new ship to life. Each member of the team brings a unique skill set to the project and working in symphony with legendary Adam D Tihany will ensure a product that is one-of-a-kind and uniquely Cunard,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America.

Adam D Tihany, creative director, added: “We have assembled a dynamic, passionate team of talented creatives whose unique design sensibilities and innate understanding of the Cunard brand will move the dial forward while recapturing the beloved spirit of Cunard travel in this next generation cruise liner.”

While design details of the new ship are still under wraps, Cunard can confirm some of the key spaces that the expert design teams will be bringing to life:

Luxury interior design team, David Collins Studio, whose projects have included Kerridge’s Bar and Grill, Corinthia London, The Apartment at The Connaught and Bob Bob Ricard will be responsible for a show- stopping atrium, the Grand Lobby, the Queens Grill Suites and the main dining room. This will be Simon Rawlings and his team’s very first interior afloat.
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Richmond International, which counts The Langham London and the award winning Four Seasons Budapest among its clients, will be responsible for the theater, new and exciting entertainment spaces and the outside deck space.

Renowned French interior studio, Sybille de Margerie Paris, whose projects have included The Mandarin Oriental Paris and Cheval Blanc in Courchevel, will be responsible for the retail spaces, the spa and the flagship event space - the Queens Room.  This will also be Sybille de Margerie’s first ship interior. 
The new ship will be the 249th vessel to sail under the Cunard flag and will bring the luxury line’s fleet up to four, for the first time since the 1980s. The ship will be built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. She joins Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and flagship Queen Mary 2.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Deerfield Beach, FL. February 22, 2019 – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL), the only provider of two-night cruises and Cruise & Resort stays to Grand Bahama Island year-round from the Port of Palm Beach, announces a partnership with Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Entering its 22nd season of baseball in Jupiter, Florida, the 6,871-seat stadium will kick off Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training on February 23, running through March 24. In addition, the Florida State League’s Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals play their regular season at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium April through September. Amidst homeruns, hotdogs and ballpark fun, fans can learn more about Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s vast array of exciting offerings both onboard and on Grand Bahama Island, as well as enter to win a variety of prizes including an unforgettable two-night cruise vacation.

“We are thrilled to bring the excitement of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line to thousands of baseball fans at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium during both Major League Spring Training and the Minor League regular season,” shares Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa. “This partnership solidifies our commitment to show locals and visitors everything Palm Beach county has to offer. You can go from a fun ball game to a quick getaway on a whim.”

Every time the home team hits a homerun, the unmistakable Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line horn will sound, images of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s ships will display on the 35-foot Jumbotron and one lucky fan will have the chance to win a Bahamas Paradise cruise courtesy of the cruise line. Fans can stay tuned to the Jumbotron during the game to learn more about the cruise line’s premier dining options, fitness classes, children’s activities, spa services, live entertainment, shore excursions and more. Fans can also sign up for the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium email newsletter to receive exclusive cruise offers, discounts and promotions.

“We are very excited to start a new partnership with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line”, says General Manager of Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Mike Bauer. “They provide a first-class experience and we cannot wait to introduce our fans to their gorgeous ships and vacation packages.”

The fun doesn’t end once guests leave the ballpark. Fans should follow Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and stay tuned for social media contests on each platform. Guests will be able to participate in each contest with one lucky fan winning a Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line “Cruise into Summertime” package including: 

A two-night cruise for two to Grand Bahama Island
Tickets for two to the Florida State League (FSL) All-Star Game
First Pitch Experience during the 2019 Florida State League (FSL) season

Various teams will make the trek to Palm Beach County for Major League Spring Training including the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, New York Mets, and the Atlanta Braves. Season, Mini-Plan, and Group Tickets for Spring Training 2019 are all available at www.RogerDeanChevroletStadium.com or at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium Ticket Office.

For more information on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit www.bahamasparadisecruise.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – February 21, 2019 – Modern explorers looking to discover the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands in unrivaled comfort will find an array of exciting new opportunities with the unveiling of Celebrity Cruises’ 2021 sailings. With the launch of the cutting-edge luxury mega yacht Celebrity Flora and the stunning modernization of Celebrity Xpedition, this is poised to be Celebrity’s best Galapagos season yet, connecting guests to these awe-inspiring islands and the evolutionary wonders found exclusively in this region, such as the blue-footed booby, Darwin’s finches, land and marine iguanas, and more, like never before.

“Celebrity Cruises has been sailing the Galapagos Islands since 2004. All this time in the destination allows us to perfect every detail of the vacation experience and offer our guests a one-of-a-kind, seamless and completely unforgettable vacation,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “We have taken our experience in this unique and untouched archipelago and combined it with an unparalleled experience on board, so that we offer the best ships, the best crews and certified naturalists, and the best all-inclusive packages. There is simply no better way to experience the incredible Galapagos Islands than with Celebrity.”

CELEBRITY FLORA REDEFINES THE EXPEDITION TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

With its all-suites accommodations, the 100-guest Celebrity Flora will be one of the most energy-efficient ships of its size in the Galapagos Islands. The ship will offer seamless sea-to-shore transportation with the innovative new Novurania Yacht Tenders, and an industry-first Galapagos Glamping experience. Innovative outward-facing design gives guests 360-degree views of the islands, while personal suite attendants, new dining venues, an open-air stargazing platform, and expert-led ecological seminars take Galapagos vacations to new heights.

On Celebrity Flora, guests choose from a selection of 10-, 11-, and 16-night packages, which feature either pre- or post-cruise expeditions to bucket-list destinations and including one of two seven-night Inner or Outer Loop Itineraries, both sailing from Baltra, Ecuador.

EXPLORE LIKE NEVER BEFORE ON THE REVOLUTIONIZED CELEBRITY XPEDITION

Following its seven-day “revolutionary” revitalization in September 2018, Celebrity Xpedition debuted with an array of enhancements across the 100-guest mega-yacht, from redecorated staterooms, lounges, and restaurants that perfectly complement the natural beauty of this one-of-a-kind destination, to faster and more reliable Wi-Fi that allows guests to stay connected even as they disconnect.

Travelers looking to experience the gorgeous Galapagos Islands can do so with ease onboard Celebrity Xpedition, where they can choose from a selection of 10-, 11-, and 16-night packages, which feature either pre- or post-cruise expeditions to bucket-list destinations and including one of two seven-night Inner or Outer Loop Itineraries, both sailing from Baltra, Ecuador.

The best ship in the Galapagos will get even better in June 2019, when Celebrity Xpedition will debut enhanced suites services and amenities coinciding with the arrival of the new Celebrity Flora. Celebrity Xpedition suite guests will be geared up with marine binoculars to use on their cruise, as well as premium backpacks and rain ponchos that they can take back home with them. When unwinding in their suites on board, guests will enjoy stateroom attendants who can help with packing and unpacking, full in-suite dinner service, upgraded premium bathrobes, luxurious bath products from Ecuador, and more.

To learn more about the brand’s unrivaled offerings, its industry-leading stewardship and conservation efforts in the region, or to book a one-of-kind vacation in the beautiful Galapagos Islands, visit www.celebritycruises.com/galapagos.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland / Paris, France – 21 February 2019 – MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise company, and Paris Saint-Germain, one of the fastest-growing football clubs in the world, announced a new partnership under which MSC Cruises will become the official and exclusive global cruise partner of France’s leading football team. The partnership between the two brands will last for three years and will be showcased throughout the seasons at Parc des Princes and beyond.

Commenting on the announcement, which was made in Paris at Parc des Princes, the official home of Paris Saint-Germain, Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “For MSC Cruises, this is a truly exciting opportunity to join forces with the French football giants and a fierce European contender. It is part of MSC Cruises’ strategic focus in France, a key market, to build further positive brand association as well as introduce our distinctive cruise experience to new audiences in France, Europe and across the globe.”

MSC Cruises is the leading cruise brand across the whole of Europe as well as in the Gulf, South America and southern Africa and is currently in the midst of an industry-unprecedented 10-year, €13.6 billion investment plan, which will see 17 new ships coming into service over the 2017 – 2027 period. MSC Cruises has a presence globally and welcomes over 170 different nationalities on its ships.

 Mr Onorato added: “The relationship with Paris Saint-Germain demonstrates our ongoing commitment to partner with world-class leaders. MSC Cruises and Paris Saint-Germain both have a culture of excellence, a strong global footprint, and as we seek to access new audiences in an engaging and relevant way, they are the perfect partner to help us.”

Marc Armstrong, Chief Partnerships Officer of Paris Saint-Germain stated: “We are delighted to welcome MSC Cruises to the Paris Saint-Germain family. We share core values such as striving for excellence and offering high quality and innovative experiences to our fans and customers.

Paris Saint-Germain and MSC Cruises are growing fast all over the world. The Club is now followed by over 65 million fans on social media and is especially focused on markets which are key to MSC Cruises, such as Brazil and Asia.”

The partnership includes collective image rights, VIP hospitality, meet & greets with players, LED perimeter advertising during matches, brand activation during international tours, signed merchandise and dedicated marketing opportunities, including digital assets to engage fans and cruisers alike.

The agreement was made during a milestone week for MSC Cruises, as the Company is preparing to take delivery of MSC Bellissima. The Company’s new flag ship, which was built in France and which will be launched in Southampton in a star-studded ceremony on March 2nd.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland (February 21, 2019) - MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and market leader in Europe, South America and the Gulf, revealed new details of the incredible retail offering on board the Company’s new flagship MSC Bellissima with the largest shopping area in the fleet to date at 8,072 ft2. With an ever-expanding array of luxury brands as well as popular high street names, MSC Bellissima is set to inspire guests from all around the globe with a unique experiential retail offering. MSC Bellissima will feature in shopping space, building on MSC Cruises’ already stellar shopping offer, which clinched the Cruise & Ferry Line Retailer of the Year 2018 award at the Frontier Awards.

MSC Cruises Head of Retail Adrian Pittaway shared, “The beauty of cruise travel is that guests have time on their hands while the ship is at sea unlike other travel retail touchpoints. We are continuously looking to further enrich the onboard experience so when it comes to retail we want to offer more than just a classic shopping plaza with souvenirs and essentials. We are seeking to take shopping at sea to the next level with an experiential approach and combining shopping with entertainment. We work hand in hand with our partner brands to find ways to tailor their products to the setting of the cruise.”

One of the key features of MSC Bellissima will be the Mediterranean-style promenade. Designed as the social hub of the ship, this 315 ft. long promenade topped with a mesmerizing 262 ft. LED dome attracts guests throughout the day and night to shop, eat and drink as well as enjoy a whole host of entertainment activities. In addition, a new team of Retail Ambassadors will be on hand to create an environment of ‘experience retail,’ unique to the cruise industry.

No longer simply a place to purchase mementos, the promenade is rich with “retail entertainment.” MSC Bellissima will be the first ship where the retail team collaborates directly with the entertainment team to determine the best way to involve guests, crafting a party-like atmosphere. Perhaps most notable is the 60s-themed Flower Glory party, where thanks to external partner Ray Ban, guests will have a chance to shop and party together, win exclusive t-shirts or purchase limited edition sunglasses to complete their look, all while dancing the night away.

The dynamic atmosphere of the Galleria will be enhanced with nightly retail events, including competitions, offers, fashion shows and lucky draws, making for a fun, social and interactive shopping experience, complete with exclusive promotions like gifts with purchase and special offers.

A FLEXIBLE SPACE TO ACCOMMODATE A RANGE OF PREFERENCES

Pittaway continued, “With each new ship we look at how to enhance the retail space and as an international company that welcomes more than 170 nationalities on board, we need to ensure that what we offer can be tailored to the needs of our guests depending on where the ship is positioned.”

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – February 14, 2019 – Celebrity Cruises is taking its already unrivaled vacation experience to greater heights by joining forces with two legendary names in the entertainment and culinary worlds—the iconic American Ballet Theatre and world-renowned Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud. Both of these cutting-edge partnerships will create unforgettable onboard experiences unlike anything at sea.

“Our guests know to expect something unique, upscale and unexpected each time they step onboard.  By partnering with American Ballet Theatre and the world’s leading culinary authority, Daniel Boulud, we are creating experiences that won’t just meet those expectations — but shatter them,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises.

“At Celebrity Cruises, we are always looking for new ways to open up the world, not only through the places the brand visits, but also through world-class entertainment and culinary experiences,” said Brian Abel, SVP, Hotel Operations, Celebrity Cruises. “I cannot think of better partners than American Ballet Theatre, who will bring the best classical dance experience on board, and Chef Daniel Boulud, a chef that all other chefs admire and respect for hospitality, creativity and excellence both in the kitchen and dining room.”

A PARTNERSHIP WORTHY OF A STANDING OVATION

Celebrity is teaming up for a pas de deux with one of the most acclaimed dance companies in the world, American Ballet Theatre. Founded in 1939, American Ballet Theatre has been a pillar in New York City’s cultural community and America’s artistic landscape for nearly 80 years. American Ballet Theatre has wowed audiences in all 50 states and in 45 countries, performing for nearly 300,000 annually. Now, through an exclusive partnership that’s a first in the industry, they’re coming aboard Celebrity’s ships to bring guests the best classical dance experience at sea.

As part of the partnership, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive American Ballet Theatre guest performances on select ships, join the dancers for intimate seminars, ballet barre classes, and embark on unforgettable excursions to American Ballet Theatre performances in some of our most dynamic ports of call.

“American Ballet Theatre’s mission is to bring the best of ballet to the widest possible audience,” said American Ballet Theatre Executive Director Kara Medoff Barnett. “We are thrilled to redefine “widest” to now include audiences at sea! This partnership will allow ABT’s remarkable dancers to see the world and will invite Celebrity’s guests to discover the magic of ballet.”

THE MICHELIN STARS ARE ALIGNING

Founder of an award-winning restaurant group that spans the world, including his legendary Michelin-starred flagship, DANIEL and Café Boulud, in New York City, Chef Daniel Boulud is a name every foodie knows. Now, he’s joining culinary forces with Celebrity and the brand’s own Michelin-starred Chef and Associate Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations, Cornelius Gallagher.

As Celebrity’s Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, Chef Boulud will design signature dishes for Luminae, the brand’s exclusive restaurant for suite class guests. Celebrity is also introducing Chef’s Table by Daniel Boulud, complete with a private galley tour and five-course dining experience, plus guest chef appearances on board. The brand is also working closely with Chef Boulud on a culinary mentorship program where the most talented up-and-coming chefs can hone their craft by learning from the best – both in Celebrity’s kitchens and in Chef Boulud’s.

“I’m excited to embark on this partnership with Celebrity Cruises as we share a common passion for excellence, personalized service and creative cuisine for our guests,” said Boulud. “I’m constantly inspired by the local markets in other destinations when I travel around the world and those influences always make their way on to my menus. I look forward to offering cruise guests a taste of my cuisine that complements Celebrity’s global offering.”

The new experiences with both American Ballet Theatre and Chef Boulud will begin rolling out across the fleet in 2019, starting with Celebrity Summit, then Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Millennium. To learn more about Celebrity’s partnership with American Ballet Theatre, visit www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/entertainment/american-ballet-theatre. More information regarding the brand’s partnership with Michelin-starred Chef Boulud can also be found at www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/eat-and-drink/daniel-boulud.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Feb. 14, 2019) – In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Carnival Cruise Line is hosting the biggest Vow Renewal At Sea, with more than 1,000 couples expected to say “I do” in evening festivities across its fleet. 

Carnival’s cruise directors aboard ships in the Caribbean, Mexico and Australia will host ceremonies in the ships’ atrium lobbies followed by a celebratory balloon drop and special toasts to matrimonial happiness and love. Photos of the festivities will be posted through Friday on Carnival’s social media feeds.

Participating couples will be eligible for a variety of prizes on board, including spa gift packages, steakhouse dinners, bottles of wine, and chocolates and other confections from Cherry on Top sweets shop.  

During the cruises, couples can enjoy some “we” time with fun activities like Valentine’s Day-themed trivia and arts and crafts from the new “Make it With Michaels” program, romantic DiveIn Movies and, of course, the ever-popular Love & Marriage Show.  A just-for-couples sunset celebration will be held at the Serenity adults-only retreat, and ships will have their very own Kiss Cam displaying happy couples kissing on the poolside LED screens for all to see.

Love is in the air as well! As the Carnival AirShip completes its West Coast tour, longtime Carnival fans and loyal clients of Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Catherine and Jim Skoglund of Queen Creek, Ariz., will renew their vows high in the sky aboard the line’s #ChooseFun AirShip during a special Phoenix flyover on Friday.

Catherine and Jim met 25 years ago in an Arizona restaurant where Jim was a kitchen manager and Cathy was a server – and it was love at first bite. Since then, the couple has sailed on 14 cruises, including their honeymoon on Carnival Elation, with two more booked for this year – a total of 92 days at sea.

The AirShip also hosted its first-ever wedding earlier this month when Las Vegas couple, Amanda Robertson and Jason Gerken, tied the knot aside the colorful 128-foot-long blimp.