(Press Release) MIAMI, Aug. 27, 2024 – Carnival Cruise Line today announced an array of new itineraries for seven of its ships setting sail in 2026 and 2027 from four of its U.S. homeports: Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston and Baltimore.
Among the many destinations featured in the new itineraries is Half Moon Cay, a private island set for expansion. The highly rated destination known for relaxing, beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters will be enhanced to include an expanded beach, dining and beverage experiences along with a pier that will allow some of its ships to dock, making way for Carnival’s Excel class ships Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee to visit for the first time. More details on the expansion plans will be announced soon.  Also featured on many new sailings is Celebration Key, the first exclusive destination Carnival is developing for its guests.

(Press Release) ​MIAMI, August 27, 2024: Azamara Cruises – the small-ship cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion® experiences – has unveiled a new offer, giving all travelers $500 onboard credit, as well as a choice between complimentary Wi-Fi and a Premium Beverage Package for those who reserve a veranda or suite. This offer is available on select sailings booked between August 22 – October 30, 2024.    

(Press Release) SYDNEY, Aug. 29, 2024 – Carnival Splendor is sailing home to Sydney with a range of new onboard enhancements following her dry dock in Singapore. The ship, which will return to Sydney Harbor on Sept. 9, now boasts updated dining venues, various stateroom and amenity refurbishments, and the striking red, white, and blue hull design that’s become the trademark look of Carnival’s fleet. The ship’s hull design also includes a unique feature: a Southern Cross motif – a signature element of P&O Cruises Australia ships that will soon join the Carnival fleet.

(Press Release) MIAMI, FL, August 29, 2024 – Windstar Cruises began sailing in 2024 to the Marquesas Islands – a remote, South Pacific paradise that welcomes just a few thousand visitors per year, and in July the Marquesas received broad international recognition by being named one of the planet’s newest UNESCO World Heritage sites. Windstar is commemorating the moment by offering a celebration cruise departing September 26 hosted by Windstar’s French Polynesian Attaché Hironui Johnston, along with three Marquesas Islands mayors. An additional celebratory sailing will take place on March 27, 2025. Suites are available for booking on both dates.

(Press Release) MIAMI, FL – August 28, 2024 – Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, is adding a range of new Caribbean and Panama Canal winter sailings in early 2026 departing from Tampa on Florida’s west coast. The line’s 670-guest Insignia will make history in March 2026 as it becomes the first ultra-premium cruise line to sail from Port Tampa Bay.
 

(Press Release) MIAMI, FL, August 26, 2024 – Windstar Cruises is pleased to announce that it has awarded Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, Head of Travel Policy for Chase Travel, with the ASTA Icon Award. The award was presented at the ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) Travel Masters event on August 21 by Windstar Cruises' Vice President of Sales Dianna Rom. 

"Now a 3-time ASTA award winner among several other awards and notable accomplishments, Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg is a staple in the travel industry," shared Rom. "She brings a forward-thinking approach and 'challenge the status quo' mindset to all her endeavors. Her commitment and contributions to the industry is tremendous and only continues to grow."

Wilson-Buttigieg was previously awarded the Paul Ruden Industry Ambassador Award (2018) and the ASTA Barbara O’Hara Advocacy Award (2010).

By GERRY BARKER
Splash Magazines

Splash Magazines readers know Pam and I are fans of Amtrak, and enjoy taking the Silver Meteor from West Palm Beach to New York every chance we get.  And every time we go, the train makes one stop where we've always wanted to step off and explore: Winter Park, Florida.

From the historic train depot to the wide green spaces of the idyllic Central Park that it fronts, the town looks like something out of a storybook or a Norman Rockwell painting. One of our friends, an ex-resident of New York, said it reminds her of Willoughby, the fictional 19th century town featured in a classic episode of "The Twilight Zone." And she's right.

Recently, looking for a weekend escape with our granddaughter, Cate, before school started, we decided it was high time to take the Amtrak and visit Winter Park.

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