(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Sept. 23, 2018) – Carnival Cruise Line solidified its place as the cruise leader in Texas with Sunday’s arrival of Carnival Vista – the largest ship ever homeported in Galveston. The arrival was celebrated with Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and ship Godmother Deshauna Barber, the first member of the U.S. military to be named Miss USA, before the ship left on its first voyage from Galveston Sunday afternoon.

Carnival Vista is part of the line’s newest and largest class of ships and has been wowing guests out of Miami for the past two years with new features like the SkyRide aerial bike ride, an IMAX theater, onboard brewery, two dining venues developed by Food Network star Guy Fieri, an expansive water park, and the Family Harbor accommodations with larger staterooms and lounge area.

Carnival Vista offers two distinctly different week-long western Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, visiting the region’s most popular destinations. The first itinerary includes calls at Montego Bay; Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, while the other features visits to Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan); Belize; and Cozumel.  Carnival Vista joins Carnival Freedom and Carnival Valor with year-round departures from Galveston. Together, these three ships operate more than 200 sailings each year carrying more than 600,000 passengers annually – the most in cruising.

“Carnival Vista brings Texas-sized fun to Galveston for guests of all ages and we are thrilled to celebrate the arrival of the port’s newest ship and show our appreciation for the local community,” said Duffy. “Carnival is Texas’ number one cruise operator and positioning one of our newest ships, Carnival Vista, in Galveston underscores our commitment to our confidence in growing this key market.”

The homecoming event was attended by local officials, travel agents and military families supported by Operation Homefront.  Galveston Mayor Pro Tem Craig Brown presented Duffy with a key to the city and proclaimed Sept. 23 “Choose Fun Day” in recognition of Carnival’s brand campaign.  In support of the local community, Carnival made a $10,000 donation to Houston SPCA and an additional $10,000 to the Houston Food Bank.

“After 18 years of cultivating the cruise business in the State of Texas, we are thrilled to welcome Carnival’s largest class ship to her new home,” said Rees. “As one of Carnival’s most successful homeports, their decision to re-position their newest ship is a testament of their confidence in the port’s continued success as one of the nation’s top cruise ports. We look forward to continuing our mutually beneficial partnership.”

“Choose Fun” is a key component of Carnival’s ongoing Homeport Advantage campaign designed to heighten awareness of new ship deployments.  A bumper sticker adorned with the “Choose Fun” tag line was unveiled on Carnival Vista’s stern during the event.

            Added Barber, “As godmother, Carnival Vista remains very near and dear to my heart and I’m proud and honored to be a part of the festivities to bring this spectacular ship to its new homeport of Galveston.”

The Homeport Advantage campaign also included a flyover in Houston, Galveston and the surrounding area earlier this month by the Carnival AirShip, a 128-foot long red, white and blue blimp emblazoned with #ChooseFun. Consumers who posted a photo of the AirShip in social media with #ChooseFun were entered into a sweepstakes awarding free cruises and other prizes and triggering a donation to St. Jude. 

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – September 20, 2018 – The award-winning Celebrity Xpedition has emerged from a stunning seven-day makeover in Panama, surrounding guests in upgraded comforts as they explore the extraordinary Galapagos Islands. It’s another bold step in THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION, beyond the introduction of two industry-changing ships – Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Flora – and the $500 million modernization of the rest of the brand’s fleet. When she makes her stylish return to service on Sunday, September 23, 2018, the revitalized Celebrity Xpedition will debut an array of enhancements across the 100-guest mega-yacht, from redecorated staterooms, lounges, and restaurants that perfectly complement the natural beauty of this one-of-a-kind destination, to faster and more reliable Wi-Fi that allows guests to stay connected even as they disconnect.

“Our commitment to the Galapagos Islands has never been stronger, because we know, having sailed these awe-inspiring islands for so many years, what a life-changing experience it is to come here,” noted Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “The upgrades we’re making to Celebrity Xpedition and the upcoming arrival of our new Celebrity Flora, the first ship designed specifically with the Galapagos Islands in mind, will transform the way our guests discover this amazing place and take our unrivaled Galapagos offerings to an entirely new level.”

THE BEST SHIP IN THE GALAPAGOS IS GETTING EVEN BETTER

As part of her modernization, Celebrity Xpedition will receive meticulously thought-out enhancements from bow to stern:

Suites and staterooms will be stunningly refreshed, adding new carpeting and balcony upgrades to a list of already impressive touches, like Celebrity’s eXhaleTM bedding, which make for a welcoming place to relax after the day’s adventures

All suite and stateroom doors will be outfitted with RFID lock technology that makes it easier for guests to access their rooms

An upgrade to the shipboard IT systems, including the addition of an O3B satellite will improve the speed and reliability of the ship’s full-coverage Wi-Fi, and the adjusted bandwidth will enhance both guest experience and crew efficiency

The Beagle Grill will be outfitted with new furniture and lighting that enhance guests’ comfort as they dine under the sun and stars, as well as state-of-the-art new culinary equipment to bring the menus crafted by Celebrity’s Michelin-starred chef to life

In The Discovery Lounge, guests will find a new, state-of-the-art video wall, upgraded finishes, and updated textiles, as well as a new dedicated DJ station to elevate the ambiance of this guest-favorite hangout

The Darwin Dining Room will receive similar design enhancements with new lighting, carpet and millwork
Water filtration system on every deck for guests to enjoy

Crew area enhancements including new mattresses with Celebrity’s eXhaleTM bedding, carpets, and Dayroom TV to enjoy

Then in June 2019, Celebrity Xpedition will debut enhanced suites services and amenities coinciding with the arrival of the new Celebrity Flora. Suite guests will be geared up with marine binoculars to use on their cruise, as well as premium backpacks and rain ponchos that they can take back home with them. When unwinding in their suites on board, guests will enjoy stateroom attendants who can help with packing and unpacking, full in-suite dinner service, upgraded premium bathrobes, luxurious Kuno bath products from Ecuador, and more.

FROM BUCKET LIST TO BOOK-IT LIST

With more than 14 years in the Galapagos Islands, Celebrity remains the authority in the region, offering guests an unparalleled experience in this iconic archipelago of volcanic islands, with all-inclusive vacation packages ranging from seven to 16 nights, each featuring an immersive seven-night cruise and seven certified naturalists on board.

To learn more about the brand’s unrivaled offerings, or its industry-leading stewardship and conservation efforts in the region, visit www.celebrity.com/galapagos.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Deerfield Beach, FL. Sept. 20, 2018 – As travelers begin making plans for fall and winter holidays, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL) is introducing four and six-night Cruise & Stay packages. As a cruise industry first, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offers the opportunity for people to take a cruise one way from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island, stay two or four nights at one of their partner resorts on the island and then cruise back to the Port of Palm beach in style. Cruisers get the best of both worlds combining a full cruise ship experience with several days on land to relax and explore, all in one customizable getaway.

With several premier properties to choose from, guests can stay in an all-inclusive resort property that includes food and beverages like the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach or Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan, or they can opt for a hotel only plan at the Pelican Bay Hotel or the Marlin at Taino Bay. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line gives guests the flexibility to customize a vacation package to meet their specific individual needs.

Whatever the choice, Cruise & Stay packages offer substantial value and affordability. Guests can pair two nights in an ocean view stateroom onboard Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line with two nights at an all-inclusive resort stay at the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort for a four-night package starting from just $469 per person, based on double occupancy. Package prices also include convenient transfers from the ship to the resort and back.

“We are the only cruise line in the industry that can offer this unique Cruise & Stay vacation experience and believe it gives consumers as well as our travel partners another reason to choose Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line,” shared Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “With our daily departures from the Port of Palm Beach, our Cruise & Stay packages are easily tailored to fit into traveler’s busy schedules and ultimately provide a perfect getaway option.”

Guests on board both the Grand Classica and Grand Celebration will enjoy a full complement of dining options, several bars and a variety of entertainment choices including Vegas-style shows in the theater, live music, comedians and more. The newly renovated Par-A-Dice casino is also a favorite among cruisers, featuring a variety of slot machines and table games, as well as free lessons for amateur players to enjoy. Both ships are also home to full-service spas for treatments, pool deck games led by an energetic entertainment team, interactive kids’ programs, sail away shows and parties, and much more.

Once on Grand Bahama Island, cruisers will have plenty of time to soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful beaches and facilities at the resort properties. With extra days to explore the gorgeous and tranquil Island, families, friends and couples can take advantage of unique activities like snorkel adventures, swimming with dolphins, parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing or visiting off-the-beaten-path areas like the Garden of the Groves, Peterson Cay National Park or Cooper’s Castle.

With fall right around the corner, there is no better time to plan a completely customizable and affordable warm weather retreat with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s Cruise & Stay packages. For more information on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line including Cruise & Stay packages, please visit www.bahamasparadisecruise.com/cruise-resort-stay.php. To book a Cruise & Stay package, guests should call (800) 995-3201.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – (September 18, 2018) – Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in cruise travel, today opened for sale summer 2020 itineraries for 11 of its 17 ships, including upcoming voyages for Norwegian Encore, the company’s highly anticipated ship setting sail in 2019. The cruise line also opened summer 2021 through spring 2022 sailings on its Pride of America ship.

With voyages to the most popular destinations in the world, the summer 2020 schedule includes three ships cruising to Alaska, four ships voyaging in Europe and two sailing to Bermuda from New York City and Boston, including Norwegian Encore, which begins sailing from the city that never sleeps on April 22, 2020.

“We’re proud of the itineraries we’ve carefully curated for our guests, which allow them to experience some of the most sought-after destinations around the globe,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.  “Summer 2020 is especially exciting as our Breakaway-Plus class will be making waves all over the world, from Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss in Alaska to Norwegian Encore in Bermuda and Norwegian Escape’s debut in Europe as our newest ship in the region.”

Alaska – Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Jewel will sail to Alaska in summer 2020, as the youngest and most exciting fleet in the region. Sister ships, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss, return to the state with seven-day cruises from Seattle, Washington beginning May 9 and May 10 respectively. In Alaska, Norwegian Joy will call to Holkham Bay, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, and in British Columbia, she will call in Victoria. Norwegian Bliss will call to Glacier Bay, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska as well as Victoria, British Columbia.

(ROYAL CARIBBEAN)_Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line in the world to partner with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors® (PADI) to offer a full Open Water Diving course for guests onboard. With classes done onboard in the ship’s pools and then an open-water dive, guests can earn their certification during their 7- night vacation. Once the course is complete, guests have unlocked an incredible new world of underwater beauty that they are now certified to discover on their own.

(PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., September 13, 2018 – Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced its expanded voyage program for the remainder of 2020, including new voyages to the Norwegian Fjords, Japan and Australia. Guests will have the opportunity to experience true luxury and relaxation on Cunard’s iconic ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria – while traveling around the world.

Cunard will continue many of its classic voyages, including its signature Transatlantic Crossing between New York and London, while adding new itineraries in Western Europe and Southeast Asia. Whether choosing a three-night short break or a 19-night Grand Voyage, Cunard guests will enjoy a blend of iconic, world-class cities and lesser-known, charming destinations.

In total, the Cunard fleet will travel over 169,000 nautical miles with calls at 110 destinations in 34 different countries, with eight maiden calls including Bornholm, Denmark; Nordfjordeid, Norway; Ringaskiddy, Ireland; Jakarta, Indonesia; as well as Kurhiro, Ishigaki and Tokyo, Japan. Cunard will also offer a selection of two-night calls in major cities including Barcelona, Hong Kong and Québec and late evening departures which allow guests more time in port for deeper exploration in places such as Juneau, Alaska, Aomori, Japan , Malaga, Spain, and Tromsø, Norway.

“2020 represents the most extensive deployment of Cunard ships ever,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “In addition to visiting incredible destinations such as Norway, Japan, and Asia, we are excited to offer guests longer time in port to enjoy these iconic destinations. Nearly 90% of all port calls on voyages in Summer 2020 are in port 10 hours or longer.”

Queen Mary 2

Flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 will continue to be the only ship to offer regularly-scheduled service between New York and London, making 19 7- to 8-night Transatlantic Crossings from April through December in 2020. Voyage itineraries range from seven to 21 nights and include port calls in Canada, Iceland, Scotland and Le Havre, France, along with overnight calls in Québec and Reykjavik and evening departures in Boston and Halifax. Queen Mary 2 will also sail two Norwegian Fjords voyages ranging from seven to 25 nights and five Western European voyages for three to five nights.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Sept. 13, 2018 — Holland America Line is introducing Rolling Stone Rock Room, a new classic rock club developed in partnership with Rolling Stone, the world’s leading authority in music. Rolling Stone Rock Room lets cruisers step into a unique experience as a live band chronicles rock history as they kick out iconic hits by favorite rock stars.
 
Rolling Stone Rock Room will debut as part of the innovative Music Walk area on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam when it joins the fleet in December 2018 and Koningsdam that same month.
 
“We are so excited to tap Rolling Stone’s incredible expertise to create a new live entertainment venue that will appeal to all our guests,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Innovative and authentic music experiences are at the heart of all our entertainment offerings and is what distinguishes us in the industry. Classic rock appeals to people across generations because the music is universal, and Rolling Stone Rock Room will bring another incredible live music venue to our ships.”
 
Rolling Stone Rock Room will feature a live five-piece band playing a collection of hits inspired by the magazine’s top song lists.
 
“Rolling Stone and Holland America Line are two iconic brands that share the vision of bringing the best in music to cruisers,” said Meng Ru Kuok, CEO of Rolling Stone International. “We’re looking forward to this unique brand experience and the first partnership of its kind for us, to bring the Rolling Stone brand to life in the ultimate live rock venue at sea.”
 
About Rolling Stone
Five decades since its founding, Rolling Stone today has evolved into a multi-platform content brand with unrivalled access and authority, reaching a global audience of more than 60 million people per month. Staying true to its mission to tell exceptional stories that illuminate the culture of our times, Rolling Stone is an authority for music reviews, in-depth interviews, hard-hitting political commentary and award-winning journalism across print, digital, mobile, video, social and events. Published by Penske Media Corporation, Rolling Stone is the number one global brand in music publishing and media.
 
Music Walk Live Stages
The innovative Music Walk on Holland America Line ships offers a variety of musical experiences and genres to create a live experience unlike any other at sea. In addition to Rolling Stone on Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam, venues in Music Walk include Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King’s Blues Club.  

PRESS RELEASE_MIAMI (September 13, 2018) – Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in cruise travel, today announced a free and reduced roundtrip airfare offer for new reservations on Norwegian Joy’s seven-day Alaska itineraries beginning April 2019 through September 2019. 

The offer will be available to the general public for one day only on September 14, with past guests gaining early access on September 13.  New bookings for a balcony or better will be eligible for free or reduced roundtrip economy class airfare for up to two guests from over 100 airports across the U.S. and Canada. Guests reserving The Haven or Concierge level will receive complimentary airfare at all eligible airports.  Guests may opt for a discount up to $1,000 per stateroom instead of the airfare offer. The Free Air promotion is also combinable with Norwegian’s Free at Sea offer, where guests can select up to five amenities of their choosing.

The promotion celebrates the repositioning of Norwegian Joy to the U.S. for year-round sailings on the west coast.  Prior to her arrival in Seattle, Norwegian Joy will undergo approximately $50 million in upgrades to enhance her already popular features and bring her designs and offerings to be virtually identical to those of her sister ship, Norwegian Bliss, the newest and most successful ship in the line’s 51-year history.  From dining and entertainment to recreational activities, guests will have more opportunities to experience the innovative features expected of the modern and dynamic fleet while discovering the natural beauty of Alaska. 

“Alaska itineraries are some of our most popular cruises amongst travelers nationwide, as they offer one of the best ways to see and experience the Last Frontier,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.  “We’re extremely excited to have Norwegian Joy join her sister Norwegian Bliss in Seattle next year, so we’re asking guests to join us in celebrating her arrival with this new and exciting free airfare promotion.”

Norwegian Joy will cruise a variety of itineraries featuring Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Holkham Bay and Icy Strait Point, long recognized for its untouched wilderness, rich culture and fresh seafood. She will also call into Victoria, British Columbia.  Following her first season in Alaska from Seattle, she will remain on the west coast with cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal from Los Angeles, as one of the newest and largest ships in the area, growing the brand’s presence in the underserved market.

The Free Air promotion will be available on September 14, with past guests gaining early access on September 13.  It is only available with seven-day Alaska itineraries on Norwegian Joy and is based on availability.  The offer includes roundtrip economy class airfare from select airports.  It is not applicable with Sail Away categories.  Additional terms and conditions may apply.

For more information about the free air fare offer, Norwegian Joy or to book a cruise aboard one of Norwegian’s ships, please contact a travel professional; call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784); or visit www.ncl.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – September 13, 2018 – With Celebrity Edge less than three months from delivery, Celebrity Cruises completes the final chapter of the ship’s transformational design story, with the reveal of iconic spaces designed by renowned designers, Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku of Jouin Manku Studio. This includes the stunning space that will become the beating heart of the year’s most anticipated new ship, The Grand Plaza, yet another venue designed to break from traditional cruise ship thinking and shatter all expectations.

“We couldn’t be happier that the excitement and anticipation around the launch of Celebrity Edge is growing each and every day,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “We’re thrilled to give everyone another sneak peek of our transformational new ship with the unveiling of The Grand Plaza, the ever-evolving epicenter of Celebrity Edge, and even more beautiful installations brought to life by the truly visionary Jouin Manku, who infused a dynamism and energy that will be felt throughout the ship at almost every turn.”

THE HEART AND SOUL BEHIND THE HEART AND SOUL OF CELEBRITY EDGE

With the aspiration to completely transform the way guests connect to the world, Celebrity sought creative thinkers who were new to the cruise industry to ensure every aspect of Celebrity Edge would be a departure from traditional thinking about cruising.

Among those chosen were the Paris-based design duo of Jouin Manku, who are celebrated for drawing inspiration from a multitude of cultures and for merging cutting-edge technology with old-world craftsmanship. They are credited with world-famous works such as the Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée and the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower. Together, the visionaries collaborated with the Celebrity team to bring these new concepts to life.

Jouin’s connection to the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard was also found to be far rooted beyond his work on Celebrity Edge, noting: “The shipyard is very important for me and my family: My grandfather worked at this very yard, and when he passed away at a young age, they hired my grandmother so she could continue to support her family. This project was a very emotional one for me. Sanjit and I channeled that into our design, which inspired our unique approach in showing the craftmanship.”

WELCOME TO THE GRAND PLAZA

Mixing simplicity and modernity, The Grand Plaza takes inspiration from the glamourous days of transatlantic travel. At a time when cruise ships were at the heart of chic society, the center of these ships were traditionally spectacular ballrooms, accented with dramatic staircases and ornate chandeliers. They were social places to meet, greet, dine, drink and dance. The Grand Plaza pays homage to these powerful historic spaces and reinterprets them for the 21st century.