(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, FLA., February 28, 2023 – SeaDream Yacht Club announced that industry-veteran Angela Belluco has rejoined the luxury yachting line. With more than 30 years of experience, Angela is named SeaDream’s Sales Director, Brazil, and will support and advance the line’s valued travel travel partners in delivering SeaDream’s most distinctive, luxury yachting experience to their clients. Angela will serve travel advisors throughout Brazil. For more information about SeaDream Yacht Club, please visit www.SeaDream.com.
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            “Angela is rejoining us at the perfect time as we see our loyal guests and travel advisors in Brazil starting now to book our Mediterranean yachting season” said Bob Lepisto, President of SeaDream Yacht Club. “Angela’s immense experience and knowledge of SeaDream makes her a strong advocate for our valued travel advisor partners in Brazil. We are thrilled to have Angela back in our family. She looks forward to reaching out to all of you as soon as possible. She will be at ILTM Latin America in São Paulo. Please stop by to see her whether you have a scheduled appointment or not”.

By Gerry Barker
North Palm Beach Life

MIAMI BEACH_ "When we set out to find the right godmother for Vista, it was something we took very seriously," said Frank A. Del Rio, the president of Oceania Cruises. "We wanted to find someone that exemplified everything Oceania stands for."

That honor went to celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, who was on hand to meet media and other invited guests at a reception in her honor at the Soho Beach House in Miami Beach Feb. 24.

Del Rio called her "a perfect fit," and that's hard to argue. Oceania Vista, which makes her upcoming inaugural voyage in May, aims to deliver "the finest cuisine at sea," and food is a Ms. De Laurentiis specialty.

Looking radiant and flashing her megawatt smile, she charmed the room as she interacted with guests and posed for photos. A star on the Food Network for 20 years, she said she was "thrilled and excited" about her selection. "This is a very special honor. I have never been a godmother before." While noting how important food is to Oceania, she also cited its 20-year association with master chef  Jacques Pepin. "If it's good enough for Jacques, it's good enough for me."

She confessed it's been 15 years since she took her last cruise, but as someone who loves "seeing the land from the water," she's looking forward to sailing on Vista.

Besides godmother, Oceania will utilize her special talents as well. She told us she will work with the chefs onboard to create two signature dishes -- one pasta (of course), and one that spotlights fish. In addition, she talked about hosting a cooking class. No question people better sign up early for that one.

After her long and successful tenure at the Food Network, she announced earlier this month she has joined Amazon to helm new projects still in development. "I would like to connect all my brands -- travel, lifestyle, my website," she told me, "to create synergy" between them.

Something else she likes about Oceania is "the feeling of family," which has always been important to her. "My grandfather told me to look yourself in the mirror every day and don't do things that make you proud, but make me proud and make our family proud."

She added, "I don't do things for money --  I do things for adventure and new experiences."

The reception also was an apportunity for Oceania to spotlight some of the new signature drinks that guests can enjoy on Vista. One is called "The Twenty," made with gin, apple liquor, lemon juice, passion fruit puree, egg white, lemon bitters and rosemary. That sprig of rosemary is the crowning touch.

My personal favorite was "Clooney's O'Twelve Martini," a mix of vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, maple syrup, black peppercorns and coriander. Kudos to the mixologist.

Vista, the line's seventh ship, can accommodate 1,200 guests, with 800 crew, and will feature 12 new dining options. And while we haven't seen any menus, we already know about two very special signature dishes, coming soon from her godmother.
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(PRESS RELEASE)_Bellhop Public Relations is pleased to announce the representation of ALEXA Private Cruises in Indonesia.
 
Established in 2013, ALEXA Private Cruises is considered the most exclusive way to explore Indonesia’s most beautiful regions such as (but not limited to) the Komodo archipelago, the northwest islands of Raja Ampat and the eastern islands of Sumba, Sumbawa and Flores. Tailormade itineraries aboard the ALEXA luxury yacht delivers an intimate and secluded experience in undeniable style. 
 
The ALEXA yacht is a traditional Indonesian Phinisi vessel transformed into the ultimate luxury cruiser with just one cabin on deck – making it the biggest yacht (30 meters on deck) in the world catering for two passengers only. Once onboard, guests enjoy generous living spaces filled with antique art and contemporary classics, along with silk rugs and primitive sculptures from the islands of Indonesia, finest linens, crystal glasses and the highest level of attention to detail. 
 
Each yacht charter is fully staffed with a private chef, cruise director, spa therapist, dive instructor and more, allowing guests to maximize their time exploring the islands, discovering local cultures, relaxing on remote pristine beaches or enjoying an open-air cinema experience under the stars. 
 
Additionally, NEW FOR 2023, the founders of ALEXA Private Cruises and R.O.C.S. Design Studios will introduce a truly unique Robinson-Crusoe island explorer experience on Alfuros Island, bordering Komodo National Park.  This uninhabited private island spans 32 acres and will offer up to 12 guests the ultimate escape within one of the most beautiful environments on the planet, paired with a carefully crafted experience for guests to test their survival skills in almost complete isolation.  
 
Upon arrival, each explorer will be given instructions on surviving daily island life; ranging from collecting firewood, roasting coffee beans and caring for newly planted trees…to bringing the freshest catch from ocean to table and exploring the surrounding mangroves for Jeff, the island’s resident Dugong.  Additionally, the island will boast uniquely designed tented structures and hammock lounges, art museums, rock pools, bonfire gardens and more. Full details, along with images and pricing, will be available in early 2023. 
 
Should your editorial plans include private yacht charters and/or experiences in Indonesia, we hope you will keep ALEXA Private Cruises on your radar.  For more information, please visit www.alexaprivatecruises.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_​Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today revealed the exciting lineup of its popular Meet the Winemaker series, the one-of-a-kind program featuring renowned winemakers and culinary experts bringing their knowledge and expertise to an intimate group of guests on board the Company’s newest ships.

The Meet the Winemaker series provides wine enthusiasts and foodies of all skill levels with an exclusive opportunity to engage with winemakers and other connoisseurs through various enriching seminars and activities. The immersive programming offers guests intimate wine tastings, wine-paired dinners, interactive culinary demonstrations and meet-and-greets on board. Guests can also purchase wines on board that are otherwise only available by visiting the wineries directly. 

“Our Meet the Winemaker series is back and better than ever,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Every year we aim to elevate this exclusive experience and I believe we’ve done just that as we enter the program’s seventh year with an impressive guest lineup. These unique sailings offer a rare opportunity to get one-on-one exposure to esteemed winemakers and their collection of wines, all while visiting multiple destinations and enjoying an unforgettable vacation aboard our innovative fleet.”

(PRESS RELEASE)_​Geneva, Switzerland – February 23, 2023 – The Naming Ceremony for MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, MSC Euribia, will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark on June 8, 2023, the company announced today. The ship symbolizes MSC Cruises’ commitment to protecting the oceans, which is why the cruise line selected the port of Copenhagen for the festivities. The port has a rich maritime heritage and Denmark is a country with a deep respect for the sea and commitment to sustainability.

MSC Euribia will be the cruise line’s second vessel powered by LNG, which is one of the world’s cleanest marine fuels available at scale. The ship also features state-of-the-art environmental systems including a ‘Baltic Standard’ advanced onboard wastewater treatment system, waste management handling, energy efficiency measures, and shore power connectivity to enable zero emissions from the ship where onshore power is available.

(PRESS RELEASE)_ATHENS, GREECE (February 23, 2023) – Celestyal, the award-winning, number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, is delighted to confirm the acquisition of a new vessel.
 
Originally built as the Ryndam for Holland America Line and more recently operating for P&O Australia, the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey will undergo an extensive, €20 million (approximately $21 million), refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul before entering service.
 
“While the global events of the past few years have placed our growth plans on pause, the positive industry outlook along with strong bookings for the coming season, provides Celestyal with the opportunity to recommence the process of renewing our fleet with new vessels,” said Chris Theophilides, CEO. “In addition to her expansive open decks, numerous bar and dining options as well as spacious public areas and staterooms, the Celestyal Journey provides our guests with a significant increase in premium and balcony staterooms, which continue to be in high demand on all of our voyages. We look forward to welcoming her to the Celestyal fleet!’’
 
The Celestyal Journey will undergo its capital expenditure program in the wider Piraeus ship repair zone area. Details regarding the onboard experience and itineraries will be forthcoming.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Feb. 22, 2023 – Longtime Carnival partner, celebrity chef and restaurateur Guy Fieri – along with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar – is now expanding his offerings across the Carnival Cruise Line fleet with the introduction of Guy and Sammy’s premium Santo Tequilas.

In time for National Margarita Day today, Carnival announced that guests now sailing with the line can enjoy the sinfully smooth old world-style Santo Blanco Tequila and the ultimate oak-aged Santo Reposado Tequila at every bar on every ship. And on all ships with Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, guests can sip on Guy Fieri’s Caliente Margarita made with Santo Blanco Tequila, triple sec, cilantro, jalapeno, lemonade, and lime.

 “When Sammy Hagar and I partnered up to bring our real deal, 100% Blue Weber Agave Santo to the tequila loving masses, we worked hard to make it available coast to coast,” said Fieri. “But something just seemed to be missing…Santo at sea! So, we joined forces with my longtime partners at Carnival Cruise Line to bring our old world-style Blanco and Reposado tequilas to every ship in the fleet. Stop by any Carnival bar or my Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse to check it out!" 

Santo Tequila joins Guy’s already-popular dining options on board Carnival ships, including Guy’s Burger Joint which launched in 2011 and is featured on all of Carnival’s 24 ships serving up the most popular burgers at sea. Select Carnival ships also feature Guy’s Pig & Anchor offering smoked-on-board barbecue favorites and sides, as well as Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse serving craft beer brewed on board.

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.