(PRESS RELEASE)_NEW ALBANY, Ind., June 30, 2020 – American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), a Hornblower® Family Company, announced that it will extend its temporary suspension of operations on board the American Empress through August 2, 2020 and the American Duchess through August 16, 2020. The decision was made in an abundance of caution for the health and safety of its guests and crew. “The decision to extend our suspension was disappointing, but necessary in order to prioritize the wellbeing of our guests, crew and partners,” shares John Waggoner, CEO and founder of American Queen Steamboat Company. “We have continued to monitor the climate surrounding COVID-19, we feel that extending our relaunch date is the most responsible way to uphold our commitment to the safety of each individual who steps on board one of our paddlewheelers and to the communities we visit.” AQSC will be contacting all guests and travel agents impacted by the extended suspensions to discuss available rebooking options and offer a future cruise credit for 125 percent of the cruise fare (valid through 2022). Below, please find a full breakdown on each vessel and its planned timeline for resuming its 2020 operation. American Empress The American Empress, which sails the Columbia and Snake rivers, will extend its suspension through August 2, 2020. American Duchess The American Duchess, which sails on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers, will extend its suspension through August 16, 2020, and intends to resume operations with the August 17-23 Lower Mississippi sailing from New Orleans, LA, to Memphis, TN. *Please note, this itinerary begins with a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans on August 16, 2020. American Countess The American Countess, the latest paddlewheeler to join the AQSC fleet on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers, will continue as planned with the previously announced suspension through August 8, 2020. American Queen The iconic American Queen, which sails on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers, will continue as planned with the previously announced suspension through August 8, 2020. AQSC thanks its guests, travel agent partners, vendors and team members for their patience and understanding during this constantly developing situation. The company will continue to work closely with ports of call and the local communities it visits and adhere to the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Coast Guard to prepare for sailings when they resume. To view a full overview of the new health and safety protocols being implemented by AQSC, please visit https://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/health-and-safety-protocols/. (PRESS RELEASE)_CALABASAS, CA – (June 29, 2020) – Family-owned and operated river cruise line AmaWaterways today announced plans to celebrate its 18th anniversary by inviting travel advisors and their guests to join two special virtual events. Full of surprise and delight moments, the events will take place on AmaWaterways’ digital platforms on Wednesday, July 1, at 10:30 a.m. PST/1:30 p.m. EST and 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST. The hour-long interactive celebrations will be hosted by the company’s industry-leading Co-Founders, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, along with Co-Owner and Senior Vice President of Sales, Gary Murphy. “’Ama’ means love – love for our guests, our employees, our crews and our travel partners whose support has meant the world to us since we started AmaWaterways 18 years ago,” said Karst, executive vice president. “It is so rewarding to see the valuable long-term partnerships that have formed and cherished memories our guests have made thanks to the passion and sparkle everyone has brought to the company, especially our wonderful crew on board our ships. We are looking forward to celebrating this milestone with our AmaFamily and sharing exciting plans for three new ships and new destinations like Egypt.” AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneers Schreiner, Karst and the late Jimmy Murphy. Since its founding, AmaWaterways’ fleet has grown to 25 custom-designed ships sailing the world’s most iconic rivers. One of the most admired luxury travel brands in the world, AmaWaterways has earned a reputation for innovation and transforming the river cruise industry by creating authentic and inspiring cruises for every kind of traveler. As the desire for intimate travel experiences increases, the company continues to look for ways to invite more people to consider a magical river cruise experience with AmaWaterways. Over the past several months, the company has hosted more than 1,000 virtual events including a series of educational “Webinar Wednesdays” and virtual “Sip & Sail” cocktail hours in order to remain personally connected to travel advisors and guests and to also inspire travelers dreaming about or planning their next vacation. Additionally, the leading river cruise line recently opened its 2022 bookings six months early in response to increased demand for personalized travel experiences for which AmaWaterways is celebrated. “I am incredibly proud to look back on the last 18 years and see all the innovation that our experienced teams have brought to river cruising,” added Schreiner, president. “With more than 48 years of river cruise experience combined between Kristin and me, the company has been able to remain agile and debt-free -- adapting to unpredictable and challenging situations and turning them into opportunities for advancement. We are particularly grateful for the support we have received from the travel advisor community and the loyal guests they have brought us from around the world. I am looking forward to having them join in our celebration because, without them, none of this would be possible.” Guests can join either session on Facebook Live at Facebook.com/AmaWaterways and on YouTube at YouTube.com/AmaWaterways. Travel advisors are encouraged to pre-register for the event(s) by visiting the Travel Advisor Portal on AmaWaterways.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_Fort Lauderdale, FL (June 22, 2020) — MSC Cruises — the world’s fastest growing cruise line — will begin sailing from Port Canaveral for the first time this Winter and offer a year-round presence, starting with the modern and glamourous MSC Seaside from November – March 2021, followed by the elegant MSC Divina, starting at the end of March. The arrival marks a significant milestone for both MSC Cruises and Port Canaveral, as the port welcomes an MSC Cruises ship for the first time. Guests eager to sail from the sunshine state to the Caribbean and The Bahamas can experience MSC Cruises’ signature European style and enjoy increased flexibility with three-, four- and seven-night cruise options departing on Sundays and Thursdays. Starting today, guests can book MSC Cruises’ sailings from Port Canaveral online at MSCCruises.com or though their preferred travel advisor partner. With nearby access to Orlando, the city’s theme parks and attractions, guests can enjoy an extended stay before or after their cruise, with options of either a short weekend getaway, or a week-long cruise. Itineraries uncover hidden treasures of the Caribbean and The Bahamas, including stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve — MSC Cruises’ private Bahamian destination. “Port Canaveral has always been an extremely popular port with cruisers. It is easily accessible, offers innovative and modern terminals and provides convenient access to many attractions in the surrounding area. We are thrilled at MSC Cruises to bring two of our modern and glamourous cruise ships, MSC Seaside and MSC Divina, to such a high-demand port for the first time, with sailings year-round to the sunny Caribbean and The Bahamas,” said Rubén Rodriguez, President of MSC Cruises USA. “As we look toward the upcoming year, we are eager to bring our guests back to sea when the time is right, with health and safety as a top priority, following guidance from national and international health authorities. We are also excited to expand our presence in North America with new and enriching cruise experiences.” “We’re very pleased to welcome MSC Cruises to Port Canaveral and excited to be the homeport for the beautiful MSC Seaside and MSC Divina,” said Port CEO Capt. John Murray. “This exciting new partnership is an endorsement of our commitment to excellence and the investments we’ve made in our cruise operations. We’re looking forward to working together with our new cruise partner providing the best possible experience for their guests.” HIGHLIGHT ITINERARIES FROM PORT CANAVERAL MSC Seaside and MSC Divina will uncover the treasures of the Caribbean and The Bahamas with itineraries to allow guests to escape with a quick weekend getaway or a week-long vacation under the sun. And, with MSC Seaside beginning sailings starting in November, guests can start planning their time together with a much-needed vacation for the holidays. Aboard MSC Seaside, guests can choose from three-, four- and seven-night cruises starting November 2020 through March 2021, visiting George Town, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; and Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. MSC Divina will replace MSC Seaside in Port Canaveral come March 2021, continuing her itineraries with a diverse set of three-, four- and seven-night cruises through November 2021, and visiting George Town, Cozumel, Nassau and Ocean Cay. IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES IN OCEAN CAY MSC MARINE RESERVE As a highlight of MSC Cruises’ Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, guests will experience the cruise line’s exclusive private Bahamian destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. MSC Cruises has transformed Ocean Cay into a one-of-a-kind destination within a flourishing marine reserve, providing guests a unique opportunity to discover local marine life, soak up the spirit of Bahamian culture and reconnect with themselves and each other. In Ocean Cay, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of crystal blue waters and more than two miles of white pristine sand spread across eight world-class beaches, including a dedicated family beach. Water activities in Ocean Cay have been created to help guests discover marine life close-up, including snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and other water sports. Guests can also relax with private cabanas for rent, or book a massage at the island’s exclusive, luxurious spa concept — The Spa at Ocean Cay — offering treatments designed to immerse guests in the natural environment. With late evening stays on several itineraries, guests have the opportunity to enjoy unique evening activities, such as an incredible lighthouse light show and a high-energy Junkanoo parade. MSC CRUISES’ NEW COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOL MSC Seaside and MSC Divina’s sailings from Port Canaveral will follow MSC Cruises’ new comprehensive and enhanced health and safety protocol which are being developed in collaboration with relevant national and international health authorities with the support of a team of external medical experts. The new enhanced protocol will encompass every aspect of the guest’s journey, ensuring that the health and safety of guests and crew is protected, while preserving the uniqueness of the guest experience. Full details of the new precautionary health and safety measures will be announced in the coming days. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, June 22, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line today advised guests and travel agents that it has extended its operational pause in North America through Sept. 30, 2020.
“During this unprecedented pause in our business, we have continued to assess the operating environment and confer with public health, government and industry officials,” Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy told booked guests and travel agents in a letter sent today. But she added that following the cruise industry’s announcement on Friday that it would voluntarily extend its pause in North America, Carnival Cruise Line is now cancelling all cruises through September 30. “We have watched with great interest as commerce, travel and personal activities have begun to start back up, and once we do resume service, we will take all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we bring our ships to in order to maintain public confidence in our business. Nevertheless, we apologize for disrupting your vacation plans and appreciate your patience as we work through these decisions,” Duffy said in the letter. Carnival initially announced a voluntary 30-day pause in operations on March 13, and has now extended that pause three times, reflecting the public health challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is currently completing the repatriation of nearly 29,000 crew members to more than 100 nations who serve its fleet of 27 ships. As with previous pause announcements, Carnival is giving guests who wish to move their booking to a later date a rebooking offer that combines a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) and either a $300 or $600 Onboard Credit (OBC) that has proven very popular with their guests. Guests, as always, have the option to receive a full refund. The process is fully automated so that guests can submit their preference online and they have until May 31, 2021 to make a selection. “We appreciate the patience and support of our loyal guests, and recognize how much they want to get back to cruising. When the time is right, our outstanding onboard team will be waiting to welcome them back and give them the great vacation that they deserve,” said Duffy. (PRESS RELEASE)_NEW ALBANY, Ind., June 17, 2020 – American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), a Hornblower® Family Company, announced a new timeline for the resumption of operations across three of its vessels for the 2020 season. The American Duchess will resume service on July 20 as previously announced. While the American Empress will suspend services through July 19, and the American Countess and American Queen will suspend services through August 8. The decision to further delay operations on the American Empress, American Countess and American Queen was made in an abundance of caution due to local regulatory compliance and ongoing governmental restrictions across ports, cities and public institutions. “Here at AQSC, we are beyond thrilled to begin cruising again this July 20. We would like to thank our guests whose continued support, enthusiasm and excitement to sail again has continued to inspire the AQSC family,” shares John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “We hope that with this extended suspension and our ongoing work with local partners in each of the communities we visit will help bring our guests back to the river and allow us to continue offering the same high quality, extraordinary cruise experience they are desiring.” The decision to update the 2020 season timeline follows AQSC’s recent partnership announcement with Ochsner Health, a leading Louisiana-based healthcare provider, and its new company-wide health and safety protocols. Ochsner Health will work with AQSC on implementing disease prevention and mitigation strategies across the entire AQSC fleet. A hallmark of this partnership includes real-time access to infectious disease experts within the Ochsner nation-wide telehealth system, allowing guests and crew to see a physician without leaving the safety and comfort of their stateroom. Supplementing this partnership, AQSC has relationships with regional health care providers along all of its routes and the ability to transport passengers ashore quickly and efficiently for treatment. “Throughout this entire process, our number one priority has been and will remain the wellbeing of our guests, crew and partners,” shares John Waggoner. “With our recent Ochsner Health partnership in addition to our enhanced health and safety protocols, we look forward to welcoming guests back on board next month in July.” Below, please find a full breakdown on each vessel and its planned timeline for resuming its 2020 operation. American Duchess The American Duchess, which sails on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers, intends to resume operations with the July 20-27 Mark Twain’s Mississippi sailing from St. Louis, MO (Alton) to Minneapolis, MN (Red Wing) as previously announced. *Please note, this itinerary begins July 19 with the pre-cruise stay in St. Louis, MO. Updated: American Empress The American Empress, which sails the Columbia and Snake rivers, will extend its suspension through July 19, 2020. Updated: American Countess the American Countess, the latest paddlewheeler to join the AQSC fleet on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers, will extend its suspension through August 8, 2020. Updated: American Queen The iconic American Queen, which sails on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers, will extend its suspension through August 8, 2020. AQSC will be contacting all guests and travel agents impacted by the extended suspensions, to offer a future cruise credit for 125 percent of the cruise fare valid through 2022 and discuss available rebooking options. AQSC thanks its guests, travel agent partners, vendors and team members for their patience and understanding during this constantly developing situation. The company will continue to work closely with ports of call and the local communities it visits, as well as the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Coast Guard to prepare for sailings when they resume. To view a full overview of the new health and safety protocols being implemented by AQSC, please visit https://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/health-and-safety-protocols/. (PRESS RELEASE)_AmaWaterways invites travel advisors and guests to its next virtual “Sip & Sail” hosted by Co-Founder and Executive Vice President Kristin Karst with guest Chef Joanne Weir, the award-winning television host of PBS’s Plates & Places. This virtual culinary journey will feature a selection of Weir’s and Karst’s favorite destinations while highlighting the local food and wine scene along the Danube and Rhine rivers. In addition, the session will include the series’ first-ever live cooking demonstration featuring Weir’s apricot tart recipe, which participants can re-create at home. WHEN June 18, 2020 at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST TOPIC “Celebration of Food and Wine Along the Danube and Rhine Rivers” PRESENTERS Joanne Weir, television host of PBS’s Plates & Places A fourth-generation professional chef, Joanne Weir spent five years cooking at Chez Panisse after receiving a Master Chef Diploma with Madeleine Kamman. Proud sponsor of PBS series Joanne Weir’s Plates & Places since 2017, AmaWaterways last welcomed Weir aboard AmaMagna where she filmed episodes featured in the third and fourth seasons of her series. Weir is the author of 18 cookbooks, including her latest, Kitchen Gypsy. Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways co-founder and executive vice president A native of Dresden, Germany, Kristin Karst has become one of the leading executives in the river cruise industry. After obtaining her degrees in the Economics of Tourism & Business Management and an MBA from the University of Dresden, Karst worked for American Express for eight years. Karst relocated to the United States and, in 1999, entered the river cruise segment. Three years later, she co-founded AmaWaterways with Rudi Schreiner and Jimmy Murphy. Karst is well known for her extensive knowledge of Europe’s rivers, culture and traditions, as well as her commitment to providing top-notch customer service and support to the travel advisory community. WHERE: The virtual “Sip & Sail” will be broadcasted on Facebook Live at Facebook.com/AmaWaterways and on YouTube at YouTube.com/AmaWaterways. Travel Advisors are encouraged to sign up for the event via the Travel Advisor Portal on AmaWaterways.com. OVERVIEW: First launched this past April, the new virtual “Sip & Sail” series was created to help the award-winning river cruise line remain personally connected with travel advisors and past guests until AmaWaterways’ much anticipated return to the rivers. The complimentary “Sip & Sail” cocktail hour is typically hosted before dinner onboard its European fleet and has received rave guest reviews since it was first introduced in 2018. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, June 11, 2020 – Travelers seeking warm island escapes this fall have brand new luxury options aboard Crystal Serenity, as Crystal Cruises announces seven-night Sunkissed Chic and Tropical Interlude Caribbean voyages for October and November. Sailing between Miami and San Juan, the itineraries can be combined for an extended 14-night Caribbean vacation, round-trip from Miami without repeating ports. The new voyages offer an enticing new Simply the Best program, which includes the best stateroom or suite available at the time of booking; reduced deposit of just $100 per guest; low Solo Fares from 125 percent; $250 As You Wish shipboard credit per stateroom or suite (based on double occupancy); and 10 percent cruise fare savings when guests choose the combined 14-night itinerary. “Our new Caribbean itineraries offer guests a warm return to luxury travel, with exceptional value on the acclaimed Crystal Experience,” said Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “This value, combined with convenient air travel between Miami and San Juan and Crystal’s signature all-inclusive amenities and experiences and personalized service, adds up to a wonderful opportunity for travelers to save on a true luxury vacation.” Crystal Serenity’s new Caribbean itineraries include: Sunkissed Chic, Miami to San Juan, embarking October 1, October 15 and October 29: calling in Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands (maiden call); St. John’s, Antigua; Gustavia, St. Barts (overnight); and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. Tropical Interlude, San Juan to Miami, embarking October 8, October 22 and November 5: calling in Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Costa Maya, Mexico. Cruise fares for the new voyages begin at just $1,399 per guest; travelers with Future Cruise Credits may redeem them on these voyages. Added peace of mind for guests looking forward to traveling again comes in part from programs like Crystal Confidence, which offers reduced deposits of just $100 for Ocean voyages; relaxed 60-day prior to first service final payment; and adjusted cancellation policy allowing guests to cancel up to seven days prior to sailing and receive 100 percent Future Cruise Credit, valid through 2022. Guests booking Crystal’s new fall 2020 Caribbean sailings will have an additional layer of voyage protection with the new Crystal Voyage Assurance program extended to these new Crystal Serenity voyages, which allows travelers to cancel their cruise for a full refund within seven days if there is a significant itinerary change – including the embarkation or disembarkation ports and/or changes to 30 percent or more of their selected itinerary – due to global travel restrictions. A leader in unparalleled luxury cruising for 30 years, Crystal Cruises distinguishes its ships and its voyages with fine details and nuances that make a big impact for discerning travelers. All-inclusive entertainment; diverse enrichment options; globally inspired dining, including Nobu Matsuhisa’s only seagoing restaurants; unlimited pours of fine wines, beers and premium spirits and an unwavering standard of genuine, personal service for each guest underscores the Crystal difference. By deliberate design, Crystal Serenity has always carried far fewer guests than ships of similar size – featuring one of the highest space ratios in luxury cruising – and her social spaciousness will be further increased with a commitment to lower guest capacity when she resumes sailing this fall. In addition, while the fleet is paused, the Crystal team is developing new procedures and policies that will support all public health and regulatory requirements and ensure that guests’ vacations continue to be not only relaxing and pleasurable but safe and healthy. Details of these new measures and initiatives will be announced soon. The inherent design of Crystal ships maximizes personal and public space, offering plenty of options for those who choose to keep a healthy distance during their voyage. All Crystal ships across the fleet including Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition offer nearly double the space per person than ships of a similar size, which is among the highest space ratios in the industry and their social spaciousness will be further augmented through the new measures we will be implementing. Further, Crystal Endeavor and Crystal’s River ships are all-suite and all-balcony and most staterooms on Ocean ships Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity feature private verandas for fresh airflow. The safety of guests and crew members is Crystal’s number one priority and the fleet will resume service only when the company’s expert team and global health and government authorities indicate that it is safe to do so. (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., June 11, 2020 (1:10 p.m. PDT) — With travel and port restrictions continuing for the near future due to global health concerns, Holland America Line is extending its pause of cruise operations and cancelling additional departures from the port of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 2020, as well as select Hawaii itineraries for early 2021.
The following cruises are affected: Eurodam: · Sept. 26, 2020, 22-day Panama Canal cruise from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Koningsdam: · Sept. 26, 2020, seven-day Pacific Northwest cruise from Vancouver to San Diego, California. · Jan. 16 and Feb. 2, 2021, Circle Hawaii Voyages roundtrip from San Diego. Maasdam: · Sept. 21, 2020, 16-day Mexico and Sea of Cortez itinerary from Vancouver to San Diego. Noordam: · Sept. 27, 2020, 14-day North Pacific Crossing from Vancouver to Yokohama, Japan. Volendam: · Sept. 30, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10, 2020, three- and seven-day Pacific Northwest and coastal cruises from Vancouver. Westerdam: · Sept. 20, 2020, 17-day Circle Hawaii cruise roundtrip from Vancouver. · Oct. 7, 2020, 23-day Inca Discovery voyage from Vancouver to San Antonio (Santiago), Chile. All shorter segments within the above cruise departures are cancelled. Collectors’ Voyages that combine back-to-back cruises including the above departure dates are also cancelled. Guests Automatically Receive Future Cruise Credit Those with impacted cruises automatically will be cancelled, and no action is needed for guests opting for the Future Cruise Credit (FCC). All guests will receive an FCC per person as follows: · Paid in Full: Those who had paid in full will receive 125% FCC of the base cruise fare paid to Holland America Line. · Not Paid in Full: Those with bookings not paid in full will receive an FCC of double the amount of the deposit paid for the cruise. The minimum FCC is $100 and the maximum will be an amount up to the base cruise fare paid. The FCC is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and may be used to book sailings departing through Dec. 31, 2022. All other funds paid to Holland America Line may be transferred to a new booking or will automatically be refunded via the method of payment used to purchase the services. Full Refund Option Also Available Guests who prefer a 100% refund of monies paid to Holland America Line can visit the Cancellation Preferences form to indicate this preference no later than July 15, 2020. The above options are not applicable to guests booked on a charter sailing. Other booking and cancellation conditions and policies may apply if the cruise was not booked through Holland America Line. See the terms and conditions in the Cancellation Preferences form for all details. Recognizing the vital role travel advisors play in the success of the cruise industry, Holland America Line will protect travel advisor commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full and for the total amount of the FCC when rebooked. As previously announced, Holland America Line extended its pause of global cruise operations and cancelled all Alaska, Europe and Canada/New England cruises for 2020. In addition, Amsterdam will not operate the 79-day Grand Africa Voyage. 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)_MIAMI, June 3, 2020 – Global travelers can now look ahead to a world of luxury voyages aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity, as Crystal Cruises opens her 2023 itineraries for booking today. In 2023, the ship will sail individual voyages of seven to 23 nights, as well as a full World Cruise offered with 140-, 128- and 119-night options, and combination sailings of up to 100 nights without repeating ports. Enhancing the roster of sailings that spans from the South Pacific to St. Barts, the Black Sea to Boston, and the Mediterranean to Miami is the added incentive of Crystal’s new Easy Book program, which offers reduced deposits and waived admin fees for all new bookings made through June 30, 2020. “At a time when so many travelers are eager to return to exploring and seeking out new experiences and cultures, we’re happy to offer more than three full years of global itineraries to inspire their next journeys,” said Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “The anticipation of an incredible vacation is one of the best parts of travel – the wonder about places one has never seen or the way that favorite destinations pull at the heart to return. The 2023 voyages planned for Crystal Serenity encompass all of this and are designed to inspire that sense of joyful anticipation for our guests.” Highlights of Crystal Serenity’s 2023 deployment include: Wild Kingdoms & Exotic Discoveries World Cruise, embarking January 11 – 140 nights in total from Miami, with alternative disembarkation options in Venice and Athens for 128- and 119-night itineraries, respectively. The epic voyage visits 73 destinations in all, including five maiden ports and 19 overnights across 40 countries on six continents – with a focus on the world’s greatest wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Destinations range from the South Pacific and Papua New Guinea to Myanmar, the Seychelles, African safaris and Egypt’s ancient wonders. A connoisseur’s collection of the Black Sea, Mediterranean and Western Europe, embarking May 10 through September 16 – Layer upon layer of rich artistic and cultural heritage waiting to be explored in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal, plus sojourns through the Black Sea calling in Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia and Turkey; along the Dalmatian Coast to Croatia and Montenegro; the romantic ports of Iberia. Autumn beauty in New England & Canada, embarking September 27 through October 28 – When the famed foliage of the region reaches peak brilliance, these sailings explore bastions of American history in places like Newport and Bar Harbor, the majestic forests and wilderness trails that cloak the coastline, and the contrasting big city life found in Manhattan, Boston and Québec City. Caribbean island escapes, embarking November 5 through December 22 – For the ultimate luxury warm winter retreats, sailing from one sun-kissed shore surrounded by turquoise waters to another, each with its own culture, character and warm hospitality. Boutique ports like St. John, St. Barts, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Maarten and others offer travelers a balance of chic shops, quaint villages and opportunities to stay active outdoors, while the reefs of Honduras and Belize call are perfect for snorkeling and diving. fares for Crystal Serenity’s 2023 sailings begin at $2,299 per person. Crystal Symphony’s 2023 deployment will be announced in July. With 30 years of cruising to the far reaches of the world, Crystal has a long tradition of implementing and maintaining the highest health and safety policies at sea. While the fleet is paused, the Crystal team is developing new procedures and policies that will support all public health and regulatory requirements and ensure that guests’ vacations continue to be not only relaxing and pleasurable but safe and healthy. Details of these new measures and initiatives will be announced soon. Additionally, the inherent design of Crystal ships maximizes personal and public space, offering plenty of options for those who choose to keep a healthy distance during their voyage. All Crystal ships across the fleet including Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition offer nearly double the space per person than ships of a similar size, which is among the highest space ratios in the industry and will be further augmented through the new measures we will be implementing. Further, Crystal Endeavor and Crystal’s River ships are all-suite, featuring all-balcony suites and most staterooms on our two Ocean ships feature private verandas for fresh airflow. The safety of guests and crew members is Crystal’s number one priority and the fleet will resume service only when the company’s expert team and global health and government authorities indicate that it is safe to do so. |
ABOUTStay current with the latest news from the cruise lines. Gerry is Travel Editor at Aqua South Florida
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