(PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., July 10, 2019 – Luxury cruise line Cunard will host the Fifth Annual Samuel Cunard Prize for Vision, Courage and Creativity on July 26, 2019, honoring Zita Cobb and Sandra Greer. Local dignitaries, port officials and key members of the community will be in attendance to celebrate the award recipients onboard the line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 while docked in Halifax, NS. Later that day, Haligonians will be in for a rare treat as Queen Mary 2 meets her sister ship Queen Elizabeth in Halifax for the first time as they sail together and offer a spectacular sail away in the harbor. As part of this special day of celebration, historian John Langley will make a significant gift to the Cunard archives. Canadian businesswoman and social entrepreneur Zita Cobb is founder of the Fogo Island Inn and the Shorefast Foundation, a Canadian charity that uses business-minded means to help secure economic and cultural resilience for Fogo Island. Cobb is an eight generation Fogo Islander and sailed on the inaugural voyage of Queen Mary 2 from England to North America, making it fitting that she receives this honor onboard the same ocean liner. The Samuel Cunard Prize was inaugurated in 2015 to celebrate the company’s 175th Anniversary in the ancestral home of its founder, Sir Samuel Cunard. The award acknowledges an extraordinary individual who demonstrates the qualities exemplified by Cunard throughout his life. Cobb is just that individual. Inspired to help secure a resilient future for the area where she grew up, she applied the asset-based community development approach to build another leg on Fogo Island’s economy. Shorefast is recognized for its charitable initiatives and innovative businesses which reinvest in the community, such as Woodshop on Fogo Island, Fogo Island Fish and Fogo Island Inn. The award-winning luxury Inn is recognized as one of the world’s leading properties, attracting international guests who value its commitment to place-specific, community-minded hospitality. The Samuel Cunard Innovative Spirit Award was created to honor an extraordinary individual who, early in their career, has demonstrated the pioneering spirit exemplified by Samuel Cunard. As President and CEO of Amirix Systems, Greer spearheaded the merger of two innovative organizations – Amirix and Vemco – creating a dynamic new organization where innovation flourished. The product of the combined entity is the backbone of important scientific research performed in lakes, rivers and oceans around the world. Often dubbed the underwater internet – it allows researchers to better understand the movement and behaviour of aquatic life. Amirix’s instrumentation division garnered the attention of InnovaSea resulting in further consolidation. This Nova Scotia grown technology is being used to tackle some of the most important environmental, social, and economic issues around sustainable fish farming. Greer is admired for her innovative and transformative leadership. She currently serves on the Boards of Directors of NSPI, InnovaSea, NSBI and COVE. Sailing on Queen Mary 2’s voyage to England on July 28 will be Cunard historian John G. Langley, Q.C., Director and Chairman of the Cunard Steamship Society, Langley will donate a significant portion of his Cunard collection to the Cunard Archives at the University of Liverpool and work with the Cunard archivists cataloging his pieces. Guests onboard the sailing will have the opportunity to attend talks by the historian and see select pieces of the collection including: original legal and lease documents signed by Samuel Cunard; a portrait of the Titanic rescue; and a poem written at sea onboard the RMS Eutruria on authentic letterhead. This significant contribution is above Langley’s already generous donation to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, ensuring Cunard’s legacy is preserved for future generations. 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)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (July 9, 2019) – South America and Antarctica continue to lure travelers from around the world, and with Princess Cruises’ 2020-2021 program, guests can discover this region of the world with unique cruising opportunities. New for 2020-2021, guests will be offered the opportunity to see the Total Solar Eclipse off the coast of Argentina on Dec. 14, 2020 during the 15-day Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan itinerary on Coral Princess. Cruises are now on sale. “We make traveling to the bucket-list destinations of South America & Antarctica easy for our guests, while offering unique opportunities to explore this culturally rich and beautiful region,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “All of our Antarctica and Cape Horn cruises include four days of Antarctic Peninsula scenic cruising, immersing guests in the best of the stunning ice-bound destination.” South America & Antarctica 2020-2021 itinerary highlights include:
Captain’s Circle Savings and Early Booking Deposit Princess Cruises past guests are eligible for a special promotion when they book early. This can be combined with launch and group promotions. These discounts do not apply to third or fourth berth guests. Additionally, a reduced deposit is available for Captain Circle guests when they book by November 30, 2019. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at princess.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (July 10, 2019) – Today, Carnival Cruise Line announced it is the first large-scale cruise operator to partner with Clean the World. Through this global sustainability program, nearly 40 tons of discarded soap will be collected each year to be recycled into new soap bars and distributed to vulnerable communities worldwide. Clean the World is a global health leader in WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) and sustainability dedicated to saving lives by recycling and distributing soap and other hygiene products to more than 127 countries. As part of the program, Carnival will start collecting discarded soap from guest and crew staterooms throughout the fleet and send it to a Clean the World recycling center where the soap will be sanitized, melted down and reprocessed. Together, Carnival and Clean the World will distribute more than 400,000 new, clean bars of soap to people in need across the globe each year. The new program has already been tested on several of Carnival’s ships and will be rolled out across its entire North American fleet by the end of July. It is one of multiple initiatives underway to further reduce waste disposal and recycle additional products used on board. Through its partnership with Carnival, Clean the World will be able to expand its existing recycling program to locations throughout the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda and Central America, providing life-saving hygiene services to residents in these areas as well as further support its WASH programming in the Dominican Republic. “We’re proud and honored to be the first large-scale cruise line to partner with Clean the World, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those in underprivileged communities throughout the world,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Carnival guests use more than three million bars of soap each year. With this partnership, we’ll positively impact the lives of so many people who will have access to a basic hygiene product that so many of us take for granted.” “We rely on partners to help us deliver much-needed hygiene supplies to children and families in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and South America, which are among the areas most in need of this support,” says Shawn Seipler, founder and chief executive officer, Clean the World. “This incredible partnership with Carnival Cruise Line allows us to expand our outreach, putting more soap into the hands of people in need. We hope that this program will continue to grow in the future.” Nearly 5,000 children under age five die each day – two million children a year – due to hygiene-related diseases. Through its efforts, Clean the World has contributed to a 60 percent reduction in the death rate of young children worldwide. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (July 10, 2019) - Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, today opened reservations for its newest Navigate the World – Elements of the Pacific voyage, which is distinct from previous world cruises. Enabling luxury travelers to appreciate the natural elements that formed some of the world’s most inspiring regions, the “Elements of the Pacific”-themed world cruise embarks in January 2022 on a 120-night, roundtrip journey from San Francisco, California, circumnavigating the inspiring Pacific Rim aboard the award-winning, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner®. It sails to 17 countries and 59 distinct ports of call with 18 overnight stays, while providing access to 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and nearly 300 free shore excursions. “Elements of the Pacific” is Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ first world cruise to Asia-Pacific since 2009 and reflects luxury travelers’ increasing interest in experiencing Asian-Pacific destinations. “Our 2022 world cruise itinerary, tours and events present an unrivaled experience to the growing number of luxury travelers craving to visit stunning and culturally enriching Asian Pacific destinations,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “There is no better way to traverse this wondrous part of our world than in the company of like-minded friends in the care of the best staff and crew on the ocean.” Elements of the Pacific: Water. Earth. Fire. Ice. Over the ages, our planet’s elements of water, earth, fire and ice crafted and shaped the globe. World cruise guests will discover these elements as they escape to the inviting waters of the South Pacific and earthen wonderlands of Australia and New Zealand, savor the fiery flavors of Southeast Asia and touch on the volcanic edges of Russia before standing in awe of Alaska’s majestic ice fields. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, July 10, 2019 – Royal Caribbean International will sail year-round from New Orleans when Majesty of the Seas arrives to her new homeport in January 2020, offering more itineraries from the Big Easy than ever before. Embarking on 7-night adventures, vacationers will visit bucket list-worthy beaches in The Bahamas and catch big thrills at Perfect Day at CocoCay – Royal Caribbean’s newly reimagined private island that features a combination of first-of-their-kind thrills and one-of-a-kind ways to chill. Cruises from New Orleans on board Majesty are now open to book for itineraries departing through April 2020. Sailings departing from May 2020 through April 2021 will be open to book the week of July 22, 2019. Empress of the Seas will continue to depart from Miami, adding Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands as a new destination for the global cruise line. Famed for hidden grottos and giant boulders, the idyllic island offers sun-soaked discovery for adventure seekers of all types. Empress’ 6- to 8-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings will also visit Mexico, Belize and The Bahamas, as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay on select itineraries. Cruises on Empress departing from January through April 2020 are now available to book. Details for the ship’s 2020-21 deployment will be announced and available to book in the upcoming weeks. Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, was unveiled in May 2019 following a $250 million transformation. Exclusive to Royal Caribbean guests, Perfect Day at CocoCay forever changes what is possible in a vacation destination with an iconic lineup of action-packed adventures and relaxing island amenities, including Thrill Waterpark with 13 jaw-dropping waterslides, like Daredevil’s Peak – the tallest waterslide in North America; Oasis Lagoon, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool; the largest wave pool in the Caribbean; Up, Up & Away, the helium balloon that can soar up to 450 feet in the air; and Chill Island for some beach R&R. (PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland (July 9, 2019) — MSC Armonia, MSC Cruises’ Miami-based ship sailing the Caribbean, will start off its winter season (November 2019 – April 2020), with its maiden call to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve just one week after the island opens. As part of an enrichment of her itineraries for Winter 2019 and Summer 2020, MSC Armonia will visit this exclusive natural island destination every week, as well as other exciting ports across the Western Caribbean. Founded on a deep commitment to ecological principles, Ocean Cay will be a private island destination like no other, surrounded by protected waters rich in marine and coral life. It has been developed to immerse travelers in the natural beauty of the Caribbean and The Bahamas. Snorkeling tours, scuba diving, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking are among the outdoor activities that MSC Armonia’s guests will be able to enjoy at Ocean Cay. Guests looking to relax can choose from eight white-sand beaches, or select a treatment at the island’s new luxurious spa concept. Families will also have plenty to do, with a dedicated family beach and activities for all ages to not only have fun, but also learn about the environment. MSC Armonia will stay docked at the island from 9am to 11pm, allowing guests to easily enjoy activities during the day, retreat to the ship to freshen up, and then enjoy sunset and evening activities, like a traditional junkanoo parade. (L - R) Collette Wilson, Deputy Consul General, British Consulate Los Angeles; Cantor Sara Hass, Temple Beth Israel Long Beach; Captain Inger Thorhauge, Master, MS Queen Elizabeth; John Jenkins, Former General Manager, The Queen Mary Hotel; Jackie Chase, PR Director, Cunard North America; Commodore Everette Hoard, The Queen Mary Hotel during the ceremony that officially opened The Cunard Story exhibition onboard The Queen Mary Hotel on Friday, July 5, 2019 in Long Beach, Calif. (Photo Credit: Jose Amaral Jr for The Queen Mary) (PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., July 8, 2019 – Luxury cruise line Cunard’s youngest ship, Queen Elizabeth, met her ancestor, the Queen Mary, in Long Beach harbor to celebrate the July Fourth holiday. During this rare visit, Queen Elizabeth’s Captain Inger Thorhauge offered a 'salute' to the historic Queen Mary by sounding her horn, and guests on both vessels were treated to a spectacular firework show that evening. On July 5, ‘The Cunard Story’ on The Queen Mary was officially dedicated. Captain Thorhauge joined Everette Hoard, Commodore of The Queen Mary, Collette Weston, Deputy Consul General of the British Consulate Los Angeles, and John Jenkins, General Manager, The Queen Mary, for the ribbon-cutting to launch this new exhibition. ‘The Cunard Story’ on the Queen Mary tells the evolution of the line’s remarkable 179-year history and illustrates the legacy of a brand responsible for many innovations seen today in modern day cruising. ‘The Cunard Story,’ a permanent exhibition, showcases the company’s legacy through artifacts, photographs and film, and also features an Immigration Salon allowing visitors to explore the Ellis Island database to learn about the arrival and ships that carried their ancestors to America. Approximately one in five immigrants came through Ellis Island on a Cunard ship at the height of the immigration period during the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century. The 2,081-passenger Queen Elizabeth had sailed down from her first season in Alaska and spent an overnight in the Port of Los Angeles on July 4, setting sail south to Mexico on July 5. The ship will transit the Panama Canal, call in New York City, and arrive in Halifax, NS on July 26 to meet her other sister ship, Queen Mary 2, for a celebration in the company’s ancestral home. (PRESS RELEASE)_PROVIDENCE, RI, July 8, 2019 -- This week as Poseidon Expeditions commences another sold-out season of voyages from Murmansk, Russia aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory, to the geographic North Pole, the company announces that reservations are now open for three departures during the summer of 2020. “Since our first voyage in 2001, we’ve had the great pleasure of providing more than 4,300 guests from all over the globe the singular opportunity to stand on top of the North Pole,” said Nikolay Saveliev, president of Poseidon Expeditions. “That’s 42 departures to-date that we’ve operated through the summer of 2018, with 2019 the 12th consecutive season aboard the world’s most powerful icebreaker, the nuclear-powered 50 Years of Victory.” (Before 2008, North Pole programs were operated aboard the similar Arktika-class Yamal.) Poseidon Expeditions plans to operate three trips to 90º north latitude at the height of the 2020 summer season: July 12, July 23 and Aug. 3. The 13-day program includes a full day of activities on the ice at the North Pole, plus Zodiac landings on Franz Josef Land, an infrequently visited region of 192 islands rich in polar wildlife and stark landscapes in the Russian High Arctic. Rates for the 2020 season – including the early booking savings that are in effect through Oct. 31, 2019 – range from US$29,445 per person for Standard Stateroom to US$42,840 for the 33-square-meter Arktika Suite. “Human experience as well as the right vessel for the task both play an all-important role in making such a trip successful. So we are pleased that Captain Dmitriy Lobusov will again be at the helm of 50 Years of Victory for the 2019 season,” continued Saveliev. “Captain Lobusov has worked in the Arctic ice for more than 30 years and participated in North Pole trips for a quarter century, serving as master for more than 100 of them. The technical management of a 23,439-GT vessel, which can break ice up to three meters in thickness, is considerably more than following a compass heading to 90º north latitude through the frozen Arctic Ocean. Significant pressure ridges along the way can pose challenges, even for a ship with 75,000 horsepower and two OK-900A nuclear reactors and a pair of robust steam turbo-generators,” said Saveliev. Experience will also benefit the passengers’ educational enrichment while aboard and ashore in Franz Josef Land. Creating an unforgettable experience will be the task of Poseidon’s 14-member expedition staff, which includes a marine biologist, geologist, glaciologist, historian, geographer, Zodiac master, visual artist, Citizen Science organizer and musician. Leading the team will be Huw Lewis-Jones, historian, author and former curator of art at the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge. He is an authority on Arctic and Antarctic exploration, portraiture, print culture and the history of photography in the polar regions. If living the adventure of travel to the North Pole itself isn’t enough, guests on the July 29, 2019, departure will enjoy learning about the exploits of Guest Lecturer Fyodor Konyukhov, internationally known aerial and marine explorer, mountaineer and artist. He is the first Russian climber to have completed the Seven Summits, conquering the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. He completed a solo circumnavigation of Antarctica in 102 days by sailboat in 2008, crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a row boat in 46 days and the Pacific Ocean by row boat in just 162 days. And in 2016, he became only the second person to circumnavigate the world in a balloon. In addition to the regular program of enrichment, guests during the 2019 and 2020 seasons will enjoy Zodiac cruises ashore in Franz Josef Land and other special events and activities at the North Pole and in transit. The program includes one night pre-cruise hotel accommodations in Murmansk, and all transfers to/from the airport and ship. The 525-foot 50 Years of Victory carries 128 passengers in comfortable accommodations, all with exterior views. Public spaces include a dining room; aft salon for lectures, presentations and socializing; a bow-facing bar and lounge; library and lounge; plus a gym, two saunas and swimming pool with heated seawater. The ship has a clinic, a physician and a massage therapist. For inquires and reservations in North America, or to request a catalog, agents can contact the company’s Providence, RI, sales and reservation office at SalesUSA@poseidonexpeditions.com or by telephone at 347-801-2610. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, contact Poseidon’s Hamburg office – Anfrage@poseidonexpeditions.com or telephone +49-40-7566-8555. In the UK and elsewhere on the globe, contact Sales@poseidonexpeditions.com or telephone +44-870-068-9142. In a game-changing moment two years in the making, Celebrity Cruises officially launched the revolutionary new Celebrity Flora, a 100-guest, all-suites mega yacht that’s poised to connect travelers to the Galapagos Islands like never before. Step aboard Celebrity Flora on this hyperlapse tour. --CELEBRITY CRUISES The ship was welcomed to the brand’s award-winning fleet with a sustainability-focused ceremony where executives, valued travel advisers and journalists joined the ship’s Godmother, environmental advocate and former World Wildlife Fund International President Yolanda Kakabadse, in blessing the ship. --CELEBRITY CRUISES
(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (July 2, 2019) – Carnival Cruise Line announced today that Netherlands-based Boskalis, a worldwide leader in marine solutions, will deploy a transport vessel as a first of its kind “floating dry dock” facility to complete the repairs to Carnival Vista’s two azipods, the ship’s main propulsion system. The procedure will entail loading the ship onto a semi-submersible heavy transport vessel, Boka Vanguard, and then docking the vessel at the Grand Bahama shipyard for the repair work.
A video animation detailing the “floating dry dock” process can be viewed here www.vimeo.com/boskalis/vista. “This groundbreaking procedure made possible by Boskalis is a revolutionary way to ensure Carnival Vista’s repairs are completed in a safe, timely and efficient manner, so the ship can resume her popular seven-day schedule from Galveston later this month,” said Lars Ljoen, executive vice president of marine operations for Carnival Cruise Line. Boka Vanguard is expected to arrive in Bahamian waters on Friday, July 5 to prepare for Carnival Vista’s arrival on July 12. The loading, transport and repairs are expected to take approximately two weeks, allowing Carnival Vista to return to Galveston in time for her July 27 voyage and continue with year-round seven-day Caribbean itineraries. |
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