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 Stephen Jones OBE and the finished design worn by a model from STORM Model Agency on Queen Mary 2. (Cunard) (PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., May 30, 2019 – With the summer season upon us, luxury cruise line Cunard unveiled a stunning millinery masterpiece designed in collaboration with the legendary milliner Stephen Jones OBE, onboard Queen Mary 2 today.
Jones, who has designed for royalty including Princess Diana, Princess Eugenie and the Duchess of Sussex, drew inspiration for the hat from Cunard’s rich heritage and the emotive experience one gets while sailing across the Atlantic on the luxury liner, Queen Mary 2. “There is something truly unique about travelling across the Atlantic onboard Queen Mary 2 for a Transatlantic Crossing. It is an experience that never leaves you and this emotional connection that guests have for this voyage, in addition to Cunard’s history, provided the perfect inspiration to create this headpiece.” said Jones. He added: “I wanted to design something that was strong and bold - yet elegant and regal, like a crown. The hat is a nod to the beauty of the sea but also the glamour of ocean travel that Cunard epitomizes. The look and feel is modern and contemporary and could be for the British Social Season. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the hat being worn at Gold Cup Day, Royal Ascot in a few weeks time.” Jones has incorporated a variety of materials into the headpiece, mirroring the milliner's preoccupation with creating designs that appeal to fashionable women who are confident in their wardrobe choices. Among his clients are members of London society and some of the most legendary fashion houses including Dior. Jones will headline Cunard’s annual Transatlantic Fashion Week which departs New York on July 28, 2019, arriving in Southampton seven days later on August 4, 2019. The hat will be part of Jones’ dazzling runway shows on board. In addition, Jones will offer guests insight on his distinguished career via a series of talks and Q&As. He will be joined during the fashion week by other celebrated names in the industry including Stuart Weitzman, Hilary Alexander OBE and Lindy Woodhead. “The Transatlantic Crossing is our signature voyage and sailing on a Cunard liner has long been synonymous with style and glamour. Stephen Jones is one the most respected and innovative milliners of our generation; his participation in Transatlantic Fashion Week this July 2019 illustrates the distinctive experiences that are found only on Cunard,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. 
(PRESS RELEASE)_Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, the new adult-by-design cruise ship setting sail in 2020, has already booked voyages with sailors from all over the United States… except South Dakota. The average full-time employee in South Dakota uses only 26% of their vacation days to travel. In fact, about 73% of South Dakotans have left over days each year! To rally some South Dakotans to come sail with Virgin Voyages and use those vacation days, the brand has put out a call for sailors encouraging them to book with clever billboards around the state. To give them even more of a nudge, Virgin Voyages is offering the first lucky South Dakotan who books a cruise a prize package that includes:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Additionally, Virgin's Richard Branson, ever the master marketer, published this letter as a full-page ad in today's New York Times:  UPDATE: As of 1 pm EDT, still no booking!
 Ocean Explorer (artist rendering) (PRESS RELEASE)_Boston, MA – May 29, 2019 – Ocean Explorer, Vantage’s first ocean going small-ship, is booking its first 11 itineraries of uniquely-curated travel experiences, launching with its inaugural voyage Essential Asia: Hong Kong to Singapore Adventure Cruise in 2021. The Ocean Explorer will circumnavigate the globe with a roster of exciting new expeditions that will bring guests to the hidden gems in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, the British Isles, Scandinavia and beyond. For more information or to book an itinerary, please visit www.vantage.cruises. Marking a major milestone in Vantage Deluxe World Travel’s history, Vantage Cruise Lines recently announced the expansion of its fleet of world-class cruise ships with two ocean-going vessels, the Ocean Explorer and sister ship, the Ocean Odyssey, which is set to launch in 2022. “At Vantage, our goal is to provide the ultimate in small-vessel luxury experience,” said Henry R. Lewis, Founder & Owner, Vantage Deluxe World Travel. “The Ocean Explorer will offer a completely unique experience for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture of faraway lands and truly experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, while enjoying the incredible service and amenities of an intimate environment.” Guests who book the following eleven itineraries will be the first to experience this luxury expedition small-ship ocean cruising vessel for the cruising season:
For those who believe there can never be a true synergy between luxury travel and expedition cruising, the five-star Ocean Explorer defies expectations. In its inaugural season, the Ocean Explorer will navigate worldwide with 20 itineraries beginning in Asia, through Europe, a transatlantic passage to North America, down to Central and South America, and make its way down to Antarctica. Fine dining, small passenger-to-crew ratio, spa amenities and services await onboard — along with adventures like small-group wildlife viewing, biking, kayaking and paddle-boarding offshore. Multiple stateroom and suite options are available, walk-out balconies offer private panoramic observation opportunities, and unique TriLuxe Suites with the option for adjoining rooms will enhance family and group experiences. The Ocean Explorer will accommodate up to 170 guests with 77 cabins and a landmark 15 solo cabins. Breathtaking views abound on the ship’s top deck observation lounge and lobby. Guests will enjoy curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events held in the multilevel lounge, relax by the swimming pool, or catch a movie on the outdoor movie screen. The onboard Concierge will cater to every need, both pre-trip and during the cruise.
What’s more, the Ocean Explorer features the latest satellite and navigation technology, including ULSTEIN X-BOW® technology, allowing for smoother sailing and deeper exploration into packed ice, enhancing comfort as guests traverse the world’s seas. Additional amenities include:
About Vantage Cruise Lines: Vantage Deluxe World Travel, is an award-winning, world-renowned deluxe river cruising tour operator named by Travel + Leisure as ‘One of the Best River Cruises in the World’ in 2018, recognized by Conde Nast Traveler’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Award for the sixth consecutive year as one of the top river cruise lines in the world, and voted the Best Solo Cruise for River Travelers by The Solo Traveler. The Vantage family of brands also includes Vantage Cruise Line and Vantage Adventures. The company owns and operates its own fleet of luxurious river cruise ships that sail the Rhine, Danube, Main, Moselle, and Seine rivers; and also charters ships in Portugal, the Mediterranean, Russia, Asia, North America, Central America, and South America. To see more from our vantage point, check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. To start creating your journey, call 1-888-514-1845 or visit www.vantage.cruises.  Photo: North Palm Beach Life ST. MAARTEN_Half-French, half-Dutch, and All-Fun, this is one of our favorite Caribbean destinations. No, we don't rush to Maho Beach to watch the planes 100 feet above our heads so the jet blast can propel us into the ocean; no, we don't head for the famous nude beaches, either. To each his own.
What we enjoy is taking the Water Taxi over to the Philipsburg, the capital on the Dutch side. The taxi is just a short walk from where the cruise ships dock, through upscale shops and bars. The fare is $7 roundtrip, and if you are only here for a short time, as we were, it's our go-to option. MORE PHOTOS, CLICK HERE  Carnival Sunrise in New York (Carnival)  Custom-built champagne bottle (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (May 23, 2019) – Following a $200 million dry dock that is already generating raves from guests sailing on its first cruises out of Norfolk, the transformed Carnival Sunrise was officially named today by godmother Kelly Arison – daughter of Carnival Corporation & plc Chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine – in an elegant and memorable ceremony at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City.
As a Carnival godmother, Kelly Arison carries on a family tradition – her mother, Madeleine was godmother to the ship when it first entered service in 1999, and her grandmother Lin Arison served as godmother to Carnival Sunrise’s sister ship, Carnival Sunshine, in 2013. “To be a part of Carnival Sunrise’s official naming is more than I could have ever imagined and an experience I’ll never forget,” said Kelly Arison. “The ship is absolutely beautiful, and I’m so honored to not only carry on my family’s legacy as godmother but to also use this opportunity to raise awareness for a well-deserving organization, the Ehlers-Danlos Society.” In a unique twist, the naming of Carnival Sunrise was commemorated with Arison “uncorking” a custom-made, four-foot-high confetti-filled champagne bottle sculpture designed by world-renowned and Miami-based artist Romero Britto. The one-of-a-kind bottle features Britto’s signature vibrant colors, bold patterns and elements of cubism, pop art and graffiti, as well as Carnival-inspired designs. Smaller versions of the bottle will be sold onboard with proceeds benefiting the Ehlers-Danlos Society (EDS), an organization dedicated to serving those with joint hypermobility spectrum disorders, of which Arison is a strong advocate. Carnival also made a donation to the organization as part of the naming festivities. Kathie Lee Gifford, who has had a longstanding 35-year relationship with Carnival, took a moment to address the crowd and extend her best wishes to Arison as godmother, a role that Gifford served for two Carnival ships, Celebration in 1987 and Ecstasy in 1991. The event included a video featuring players from the Miami Heat, of which Micky Arison is a managing general partner. In the video, Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning, as well as former Miami Heat player and Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal, congratulated Arison. “The planning for this project began more than two years ago and involved 7,000 people who worked together to deliver this amazing transformation. We are so excited to welcome Carnival Sunrise to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet – she is already winning over our guests and providing so many new ways to Choose Fun,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “It has also been such a special and unique opportunity to have Madeleine Arison, who served as godmother at the original delivery of this vessel 20 years ago, pass the honor of serving as godmother to her daughter Kelly during our official naming ceremony today.” As part of a fleetwide $2 billion ship enhancement program, Carnival Sunrise features all of Carnival’s popular branded food, beverage and entertainment innovations with new offerings such as Guy’s Burger Joint and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, in collaboration with Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri; The Chef’s Table fine dining experience; cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar; a new WaterWorks aqua park; SportSquare recreation area; and a Serenity adults-only retreat, among many others. Carnival Sunrise will spend the summer in New York operating four- to 14-day voyages before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for a winter schedule of Caribbean and Bahamian cruises beginning in October. Carnival Sunrise then heads back to New York for another season of cruises beginning in spring 2020.  Credit: Azamara (AZAMARA CRUISING DIGEST)_Where to Cruise this Summer...Festivals & Events in Europe: This summer, the special events and festivals offered by Azamara will make this season one you won’t forget. This July, history buffs can relish in a night full of fireworks at the Festa Del Redentore in Venice, which celebrates the end of the plague in 1576. Golf enthusiasts can set sail on Azamara’s 12-night voyage to the British Isles and attend the 148th Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Another shore-excursion Azamara’s guests can book while on Azamara’s 10-night Northern Capitals Voyage is to the Edinburgh’s Royal Tattoo, which is one of the world’s greatest spectacles that honors the symbol of Scottish pride and passion.
Set Sail to America’s 49th State…For the first time ever, Azamara Quest will set sail to Alaska this summer, with a total of 11 ports of call including larger ports such as Juneau and Skagway and smaller ports including Hubbard Glacier and Ketchikan, which Azamara is able to access due to its smaller ship size. During these sailings, Azamara’s guests will be able to explore Alaska through the exclusive-to-Azamara Destination Immersion-focused program AzAmazing Evenings, which are complimentary signature evening shore excursions designed to connect guests to the local culture of a destination. AzAmazing Evenings include performances from Sitka’s native Alaskan dancers, Naa Kahídi Tlingit and Russian folk dancing group, the New Archangel Dancers. Aside from the signature AzAmazing Evenings, Azamara also offers other experiences for guests including a ride on the Wilderness Express, off-roading in a Tomcar Kart through Ketchikan’s expansive outdoors, dog sledding in Skagway, and boarding The Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau.” What’s New – 2021 and 2022 Itineraries…Amani, Japan and Arica, Chile to Fraser Island, Australia and Tema (Accra), Ghana are among the 10 maiden ports Azamara has added to its 2021/2022 voyages. Guests can expect over 140 overnight stays around the world as well as deepen their discovery of Eastern Europe with expanded itineraries to the Black Sea and Turkey, including overnights in Istanbul and a chance to explore hidden gems, Antalya and Sinop. Highlights of the Azamara shore programming include touring Seville’s Alcazar and Palacio de Duenas — two sumptuous Moorish style palaces constructed in the 1300s, which housed some of Spain’s most important kings and aristocratic figures — as well as Antalya, aboard the 15-Night Ancient Wonders Voyage to discover the famous Greco-Roman amphitheater, Aspendos — one of the world’s most well-preserved theaters, which can hold over 15,000 people and is still used today. New Culinary Delights Aboard Azamara…Azamara Club Cruises has officially released the brand’s first-ever vegan menu, with wholesome, healthy options for all Azamara guests to enjoy. The vegan menu’s tasty dishes such as the “Tofu Satay with Nasi Goreng” and “Peking Seitan Duck Pancake Rolls,” are carefully crafted and prepared by the esteemed Azamara culinary team, who are committed to bringing the same high-caliber menu to the ship’s vegan and vegetarian community. Further, specialty dining restaurant, Aqualina — which serves fine-dining Italian cuisine aboard all three Azamara ships — also launched a new menu. Azamara’s culinary team will infuse the restaurant's existing menu with more authentic Italian options such as the “Gnocchi con Salsiccia” — a homemade gnocchi with grilled Italian Sausage, zucchini, and marinara sauce and “Aragosta con Linguine al nero di seppia e Frutti di Mare” — lobster tail with squid ink pasta, shrimp, calamari, scallops, and light-garlic lemon jus.  Queen Elizabeth’s maiden visit to Vancouver, BC. (Photo by William Jans for Cunard) (PRESS RELEASE)_VANCOUVER, May 22, 2019 – Luxury cruise line Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth kicked off the company’s return to Alaska today in their West Coast homeport of Vancouver, Canada. Queen Elizabeth will sail four ten-night roundtrip voyages out of Vancouver in 2019, and ten voyages in 2020, calling at Juneau, Ketchikan, Victoria, Skagway, and more.
The 2020 program will run from June-September, offering a variety of nine to 12 nights as well as a getaway cruise to San Francisco for an overnight stay on the 4th of July. The Alaska voyages will feature longer time in ports such as Ketchikan, Victoria, Juneau, Skagway, and others. In other experiences only to be found on Cunard, guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of Alaska with Cultured Heritage Guides on every sailing. For relaxation, guests can indulge in Mareel Wellness & Beauty (Cunard’s new holistic spa concept) on every voyage, offering oceanic treatments and meditation rituals inspired by the wilderness. And as night falls, with the backdrop of Alaska, guests will enjoy the unique sense of occasion with an Ice White Ball in the spectacular Queens Room on every voyage. “We are thrilled to launch our inaugural Alaska season today in Vancouver,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “Our guests now have the opportunity to sail into this spectacular region with the luxury and style of being on a Cunard ship. With Glacier Bay added to our 2020 Alaska itineraries, our guests will have an even more dramatic front-row seat to witness the immense beauty of the region.” Guests who book a 2020 Alaska Voyage by June 27, 2019 receive: -Up to $1000 Onboard Credit per stateroom -50% reduced deposit -Third/fourth berths as low as $500 per person -Free Drinks and Free Gratuities for Grill Suite guests -5% off public fares for past guests -Up to $500 additional Onboard Credit per person when booking Cruise and Rail package -Please visit https://www.cunard.com/en-us/cruise-destinations/alaska visit for additional details on the offer Queen Elizabeth, the youngest ship in the fleet, has recently undergone a refit, launching the new spa concept Mareel Wellness & Beauty, developed in partnership with industry innovator Canyon Ranch®. The new spa offers a holistic approach with a focus on the healing energy of the sea. The spa features an extensive new treatment menu with mineral-rich seawater and marine-based experiences as well as a redesign of the entire spa facility. An Alaskan Wellness Experience will be featured during the Alaska voyages – a 2.5-hour treatment which incorporates elements of the environment. Cunard continues its partnership with Rocky Mountaineer, offering pre- and post-cruise tours on the famous railroad. Tours include either three- to five-nights’ accommodation, plus two full days aboard the train. The expedition travels through a spectacular array of scenery with glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, through winding river canyons, mountain passes and dramatic tunnels. Highlights include the Continental Divide, Kicking Horse Canyon, Spiral Tunnels and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com  (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (May 22, 2019) – Carnival Cruise Line’s #ChooseFun AirShip is heading east to celebrate the start of summer and the New York debut of the totally transformed Carnival Sunrise, kicking off its month-long tour with an appearance at the ship’s official naming ceremony at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on May 23.
Over the subsequent four weeks, the 128-foot-long AirShip will visit locations across all five New York boroughs, New Jersey and Philadelphia, flying over many popular landmarks and events. AirShip’s first week will include visits to Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn followed by classic summer vacation hot spots Fire Island, Coney Island and Staten Island for Memorial Day weekend, and a week in Long Island. AirShip will then spend the first week of June flying over New Jersey before concluding its northeast tour in The Bronx and Brooklyn. “Seeing how successful our West Coast journey was earlier this year, we knew we had to get the East Coast in on the fun,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We plan to do New York in a big way this summer as we take the region by sea and air with summer sailings of the beautiful Carnival Sunrise and AirShip enticing fun seekers to Choose Fun with a Carnival cruise.” Carnival’s AirShip has a bigger and better charitable component than ever before, as well. Encouraging fans to engage with AirShip on social media, for every person who posts a photo of the colorful blimp using the hashtag #ChooseFun, Carnival will make a $10 donation to its longtime charitable partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, up to a maximum donation of $20,000, helping in the ongoing fight against childhood cancer. Consumers will also have the chance to win a free cruise or weekly drawings for cash gift cards when they enter the AirShip Sweepstakes that kicks off May 23 at carnival.com/choosefun. Carnival Sunrise will spend the summer in New York operating four- to 14-day voyages before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for a winter schedule of Caribbean and Bahamian cruises beginning in October 2019. Carnival Sunrise then heads back to New York for another season of cruises in spring 2020.  (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (May 21, 2019) – Carnival Cruise Line announced today an exclusive partnership with the world-famous basketball team, the Harlem Globetrotters, serving as the group’s official cruise line sponsor worldwide.
Combining the Harlem Globetrotters’ high-flying athleticism, theatrical stunts and comedic acts with Carnival’s role as the family cruise leader, the two ambassadors of fun will bring a new level of excitement to more than 150 of the team’s shows across the country. The Harlem Globetrotters’ always entertaining exhibition games will be enhanced by Carnival’s signature brand of fun through in-game integrations, giveaways and joint marketing efforts such as a designated Choose Fun Zone seating area with branded signage, playful décor, special player interactions and more. This partnership will also provide Carnival with traditional marketing assets to support their charitable partners’ initiatives. To celebrate the partnership, Carnival is launching an exclusive “Trot the Globe” sales event from May 21 – 23 which can be accessed at https://www.carnival.com/. A video shot on board Carnival Horizon featuring Harlem Globetrotters stars Hammer Harrison and Dragon Taylor showcases the dynamic duo’s impressive skills as they make shots from high above Carnival’s SkyRide aerial attraction and Lido Deck. The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Ke36j-QUMto. “For more than nine decades, we’ve used basketball as a means to bring laughter, joy and fun to our fans worldwide,” said Howard Smith, Harlem Globetrotters president. “When we heard about the opportunity to partner with cruise industry leader Carnival, we couldn’t wait to use our combined love of entertaining audiences to make our games more fun and memorable than ever.” “The Harlem Globetrotters are synonymous with fun, helping families create wonderful memories – and our brands align so well together,” said Scott Becher, vice president, head of partnerships for Carnival Cruise Line. “We look forward to seeing how everyone will ‘Choose Fun’ Globetrotters-style.” Inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and known for their incredible dribbling, shooting and dunking skills as well as their crowd interaction, the Harlem Globetrotters have performed for more than 148 million fans in 124 countries since their inception in 1926. Now performing 400 shows each year, the team has become a worldwide icon and pioneer in the sports industry showcasing some of the best basketball players in the world.  Crispy Sweet & Sour Vegetables with Tofu, Cashew and Sesame Seeds (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (May 20, 2019) – Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, today announced the debut of an extensive array of innovative plant-based cuisine on menus across its fleet.
Beginning October 1, 2019, more than 200 gourmet plant-based selections will be offered at breakfast, lunch and dinner to meet the evolving tastes of luxury travelers who are following vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, or hunger to enjoy more plant-based fare. New dishes like Wild Mushroom Tart with Brittle Pie Crust,Mushroom Duxelles and Red Pepper Coulis; Falafel Fritters with Harissa Mayo, Cucumber, Mint, and Capers; Spiced Potato & Green Pea Samosas with Tamarind Chutney; and Summer Berry Pudding Chantilly showcase a range of cuisines including Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, Malaysian, and more. Other menu highlights include nourishing Power Bowls and Poke Bowls, hearty pastas and noodles, light and refreshing salads and soups and decadent items like an ImpossibleTM Cheeseburger, and a Peach and Blueberry Cobbler with Cornmeal-Almond Topping. “For luxury travelers who are increasingly adding more plant-based cuisine to their meals, we’re offering even more imaginative selections of bold, flavorful appetizers, entrees and desserts, with craveable tastes and mouth-watering presentations,” said Jason Montague, Regent Seven Seas Cruises president and chief executive officer. “Our expanded plant-based cuisine sets the highest benchmark in luxury cruising.” Luxury travelers are increasingly interested in enjoying plant-based fare. Worldwide, more than 9 of 10 plant-based meals are consumed by people who are not vegans. Regent’s 200 plant-based selections will be fully integrated into the daily menus on Regent ships, instead of being offered on a separate menu. The new offerings were developed by Regent’s culinary leadership team under the direction of Bernhard Klotz, Regent’s vice president of Food and Beverage, in concert with worldrenowned chef, culinary instructor, and author Christophe Berg. “Plant-based cuisine appeals to a broad audience of luxury travelers,” Klotz explained. “This is an emerging, modern specialty cuisine that allows our guests to enjoy more flavorful foods that are in harmony with their current tastes and pushes the boundaries on Regent’s acclaimed culinary creativity and imagination.” |
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