(Press Release) MIAMI, Aug. 27, 2025 — Carnival Cruise Line opened reservations for a lineup of new 2027 cruises aboard Carnival Firenze, including three distinct, unforgettable Carnival Journeys voyages across South America and 10 new Caribbean cruise options from Miami. The new sailings coincide with Carnival’s plans to reposition the popular “Carnival Fun Italian Style” ship to the east coast of the U.S. To see the new sailings on Carnival.com, click here.

(Press Release) MIAMI (August 25, 2025) - Celebrity Cruises is thrilled to announce Janaína Torres as Godmother of Celebrity Xcel, the first Brazilian chef to be appointed as such for a major cruise line. Named Best Female Chef in the World 2024 by World’s 50 Best, Torres is widely recognized for her innovative and no-waste approach to cooking that blends heritage with purpose. Torres and Celebrity share a passion for celebrating culture through elevated culinary experiences while upholding values of delivering authentic recipes, sourcing local and sustainable produce, and high standards of service and hospitality – crafting a partnership that celebrates travelers’ journeys through vibrant flavors while transforming every dining experience into a memorable occasion. 
 
“We are honored for Chef Janaína Torres, a trailblazer in the culinary industry, to be Godmother of Celebrity Xcel,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “Janaína shares our commitment to celebrating and sharing global culture through elevated culinary experiences, connecting diners with culture through unique food experiences.” 

(Press Release) MIAMI, FL - Aug. 22, 2025 - Virgin Voyages is just over a week away from the unveiling of Brilliant Lady with a heart full of inspiration from her new destinations around the four corners. Picture New York's irresistible energy, Miami's Latin fire, Los Angeles' optimism and glamour and Alaska's spirit of adventure. The design philosophy centers on bringing people together in beautiful spaces to make magic and memories happen. With her MerMaiden voyage from New York set for Sept. 5, every thoughtful detail aboard the brand’s fourth ship celebrates the joy of shared discovery and the brilliance of connecting with fellow adventurers against nature's most stunning backdrops. 

By GERRY BARKER

When describing Monte Mathews, a number of words come to mind. Words like “bon vivant,” “raconteur,” “epicurean” and “connoisseur.” Germans would say “feinschmecker.”

While he is all those and more, the New York-based food and travel writer is at heart a story-teller. The Canadian-born, former advertising executive has traveled the world, with visits to 70-plus countries. Fluent in French, Spanish and Italian, his work has appeared in Saveur and Connoisseur magazines, and online at All Things Cruise, Travel-Wise, and The Daily Meal, among others.
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(Press Release) ​MIAMI, August 15, 2025 – Strike up the band! In keeping with maritime tradition, a keel laying ceremony took place yesterday at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany for Carnival Cruise Line’s newest Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale, set for delivery in spring 2027. Video from the ceremony is available here.

(Press Release) MIAMI, FL - Aug. 14, 2025 - Get ready to boogie on the high seas! Virgin Voyages is tapping into its musical DNA and evolving its most exclusive party at sea. Its newly rebranded 2026 Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage (formerly the Celebration Voyage) is setting sail March 12, 2026, aboard the show-stopping Brilliant Lady with Grammy Award-winning artist and disco legend, Nile Rodgers. It was Rodgers' fearless sound that helped define Virgin’s rise as a music label known for its innovative pop sound. Now, decades later, that collaboration comes full circle, not in a studio, but on the open sea, as Rodgers reunites with the Virgin brand. This full-throttle, nine-night musical odyssey is hitting the hottest ports including Puerto Plata, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Virgin Voyages’ exclusive Beach Club in Bimini, all designed to match the electric energy of Virgin's Sailors.