(PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., Sept. 29, 2021 – Providing guests with greater peace-of-mind for unexpected situations and possible complications while traveling, Atlas Ocean Voyages is augmenting its industry-innovative complimentary insurance coverage for guests with the new Atlas Assurance protection program. The luxe-adventure cruise line’s President Alberto Aliberti announced Atlas Assurance today at during Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry’s leading annual business-to-business event held in Miami Beach, Fla. Atlas Ocean Voyages was first in the industry to include emergency medical evacuation insurance as part of its innovative All Inclusive All The Way style. With the new Atlas Assurance, all guests are protected with medical, travel and legal coverage, in addition to emergency medical evacuation insurance for if, in the unlikely chance, they experience an emergency during their luxe-adventure voyage. Atlas Assurance is an additional complimentary inclusion in Atlas’ All Inclusive All The Way.
 
             “We are delivering greater peace-of-mind to our guests with the new Atlas Assurance program,” said Alberto. “While emergencies rarely occur, it’s comforting to know that our guests are protected with Atlas Assurance if something unexpected should happen and they need help. Atlas Assurance is part of Atlas’ All Inclusive All The Way, which provides guests a safe, convenient and seamless experience on a luxe-adventure voyage.”

            Atlas Assurance provides a breadth of emergency support and services anywhere in the world for guests traveling with Atlas Ocean Voyages. For a variety of medical, travel and legal emergencies, Atlas Assurance’s worldwide network of experts and resources are instantly ready to assist guests. Medical coverage includes emergency evacuation and return home transportation; emergency prescription and eyeglasses replacement; payment guarantee of medical expenses; dispatch of physician or specialist; worldwide hospital and physician referral, return of dependent children; and more. Travel services include lost document assistance; 24-hour emergency travel arrangements; embassy and consular assistance; traveling companion transportation; and more. Guests also are covered with worldwide legal and bail bonds assistance.

            Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All The Way provides all guests a complete and seamless experience by including complimentary round-trip air travel, unlimited premium wine and spirits, international beers and coffees, prepaid gratuities, polar parkas, regionally inspired gourmet cuisine, Atlas Assurance protection program, and L’OCCITANE bath amenities. In every stateroom, guests enjoy robes, slippers and binoculars to use throughout the voyage, personalized coffee, teas and bar service, and butler service in suites.

            Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure expedition cruise brand designed for discerning, fun-seeking travelers to immerse in unique and awe-inspiring moments in remote and captivating destinations. World Navigator, Atlas’ first ship, has begun service and will sail Caribbean, South America and Antarctica for winter 2021/22; and the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Arctic, and Central and South America in summer 2022.  The cruise brand’s second ship, World Traveller, launches in July 2022, with three additional sister ships, World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer, to join the fleet by the end of 2023. At 9,930 GRTs, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ships are Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified.

            The luxe-adventure cruise brand welcomes travelers to ‘come back to something brand new’ in its ongoing marketing campaign “At Last… Atlas” (www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/itstime.) For more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. Travel Advisors can call 1.844.44.ATLAS (1.844.442.8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable luxe-adventure expedition.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Fort Lauderdale, Florida (September 28, 2021) – American Queen Steamboat Company®, part of Hornblower® Group, is now American Queen Voyages™, the new overarching brand merging American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines®. Offering a varied and comprehensive portfolio of North American itineraries, American Queen Voyages is comprised of American Queen Voyages River, American Queen Voyages Lakes & Ocean (welcoming the Victory Cruise Lines fleet) and American Queen Voyages Expedition, which includes new Alaska and Central America expedition experiences beginning 2022.
  
Embracing its new tagline “Discovery Runs Deep,” American Queen Voyages invites travelers to throw away the guidebook and go off the beaten path to discover the unscripted experiences of North America. New worlds and encouters await guests- from interacting with flinty New England oystermen while warming up over salty fish tales, docking next to Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, to shadowing marine science researchers from California Polytechnic State University on a Zodiac approaching a secluded cove. New creative elements will also be unveiled in the coming months including a print and digital campaign, a reimagined loyalty program, onboard enrichment offerings and milestone moments.  

“Through a decade of transformation, American Queen Voyages has surged from the great American rivers to include lakes, ocean and expedition experiences,” said Shawn Bierdz, president, American Queen Voyages. “Today, we are American Queen Voyages and embrace this simple but important expression – Discovery Runs Deep™. As we move into this new chapter and introduce our version of encounter travel, we uphold the originating vision of our company’s founder and chairman, John Waggoner and his unwavering belief in the renaissance of U.S. river cruising and close-to-home adventures.” 

Integral to the creative rebrand effort is the interplay between data and creativity. The most iconic part of the legacy, is the paddlewheel, and it is deconstructed into individual paddles to establish a pattern that represents its movement. The creative team behind American Queen Voyages established an algorithm that is informed by measuring the distance traveled and varying nautical speeds on any given vessel. By visualizing the paddles through a generative system informed by the algorithm, an identity was created with endless possibilities of discovery - yet establishing memorable brand recognition. This identity system is being used to create various branding materials like the website, digital experience, posters, guidebooks, merchandise for staff, agents and passengers.

“To see America, you have to look beyond the roads, and American Queen Voyages embraces this notion with compelling travel encounters,” shares Kari Tarnowski, senior vice president marketing and sales, American Queen Voyages. “We celebrate 10 incredible years in business as American Queen Steamboat Company and embrace its legacy as we enter this new phase. We look forward to delivering American Queen Voyages to our guests, travel advisors and port partners across North America.” 

Embracing its Mississippi River and paddlewheel roots, the newly imagined brand celebrates its growth from operating its singular namesake vessel, the American Queen, to expanding to a seven-vessel fleet with the acquisition of Victory Cruise Lines. Looking ahead, American Queen Voyages will offer eight vessels by 2023 and plans to deliver encounter-driven travel experiences throughout America's heartland rivers, the Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest, as well as Canada and the Eastern Seaboard, Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula and the wilds of Alaska.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Fort Lauderdale, Florida (September 28, 2021) – American Queen Voyages®, part of Hornblower® Group and formerly American Queen Steamboat Company® and Victory Cruise Lines®, today announced that it will open a headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A leader in North American river, lakes & ocean, as well as expedition cruising, American Queen Voyages’ new office location will serve as the center of the cruise line’s marketing, sales and vessel operations with over 100 jobs. American Queen Voyages and the many working from its new headquarters will work closely with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Broward County’s official partnership for economic development.

“South Florida is the heart of the cruise industry, and Fort Lauderdale is undeniably the epicenter of that region,” said Shawn Bierdz, president, American Queen Voyages. “Having a presence in Fort Lauderdale allows us to tap into a talented workforce across the tri-county area, as well as offer an attractive home base for those looking to relocate here.”  

American Queen Voyages will be leasing over 23, 000 sq. ft. of the top floor of the landmark Coastal Tower at 24,000 East Commercial Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. The area boasts an outstanding location for business with unobstructed water views and convenient access to I-95, as well as downtown including the Brightline train station at Broward Boulevard.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, September 29, 2021 – Today Crystal Cruises announced Trans-Atlantic Indulgence, a new 11-night journey from Miami to Lisbon aboard Crystal Symphony departing March 26, 2022.  The ocean-spanning voyage will call in the colorful harbor of Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, known for its pristine beaches, lush hills and vibrant coral reefs, before setting off on its Atlantic crossing. Featuring nine relaxing days at sea, the voyage offers travelers the chance to recharge body and soul with blissful, schedule-free days to enjoy the ship’s luxurious amenities, Michelin-level cuisine and the personalized service of Crystal’s award-winning staff. Crystal Symphony’s Trans-Atlantic Indulgence is open for reservations today.

All-inclusive cruise fares for Trans-Atlantic Indulgence start at $1,999 per guest, including Book Now Savings of $1,000 when booked by November 3, 2021. Returning guests will enjoy Crystal Society Savings of 2.5 percent, and travelers with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on this sailing. All guests will enjoy reduced deposits of 15 percent and an extended final payment date of 60 days prior to sailing.

A leader in unrivaled 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. The all-inclusive experience features award-winning entertainment; diverse enrichment options; acclaimed Michelin-inspired dining in multiple specialty venues; unlimited pours of fine wines, beers and premium spirits and an unwavering standard of genuine, personal service for each guest.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Sept. 24, 2021 -- Carnival Cruise Director Mike Pack officially re-joined Carnival’s newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, today to lead the FUN and expansive lineup of entertainment.

Giving Mike and his wife, former Carnival cruise director Emma Nixon, time to enjoy their newborn baby, Chris “The Flying Scotsman” Williams has been serving as Mardi Gras’ cruise director since the ship entered service on July 30.

From the first seagoing version of the hit TV game show Family Feud and the award-winning Playlist Productions, to the Punchliner Comedy Club and an endless array of unique music and programming in the Grand Central Atrium as well as throughout the ship’s six themed zones, Mardi Gras is home to the widest variety of entertainment in the fleet.

            “Over the last few weeks, I’ve been training and getting familiar with all-things-Mardi Gras, and although I was excited before, it doesn’t compare to how thrilled I am now to be back with our guests and our amazing crew,” said Pack. “I want to thank Chris Williams for his amazing leadership thus far, and the incredible reception our guests have had for Mardi Gras and the ship’s entertainment makes this moment that much more special. Let’s get this party started!”

            Pack is adored by guests for his energetic and infectious personality, making everyone feel like family. He has a longstanding commitment to Carnival’s charitable partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and has been recognized for his continued support as a top fundraiser.

Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship in the Americas to be powered by eco-friendly Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and features BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea (a video of Pack riding BOLT can be viewed here). Guests can enjoy a host of dining and entertainment experiences throughout the ship’s 19 decks including more than two dozen restaurants with venues from Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Rudi Sodamin and the line’s Chief Fun Officer, Shaquille O’Neal. Mardi Gras sails year-round from Port Canaveral, offering seven-day itineraries to the eastern and western Caribbean.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, September 24, 2021 – Today Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line, celebrates its return to cruising from New York City as Crystal Symphony sets sail this evening on her Luxury Bermuda Escapes. The voyage is the first in a series of nine seven-night cruises sailing round-trip from New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal departing every Friday through November 19, 2021. This series follows Crystal Symphony’s Luxury Bermuda Escapes series out of Boston in late August and early September, which earned rave reviews.

“We are delighted to sail once again from New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal, offering our guests the chance to experience Crystal’s unmatched luxury, Michelin-level cuisine and genuine personalized service on voyages close to home,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal. “Travelers can enjoy the stunning pink-sand beaches and abundant outdoor pursuits of Bermuda with peace of mind knowing that their health and safety is our number one priority and our comprehensive Crystal Clean+ measures and vaccination requirement assure them a safe and pleasurable trip.”

(PRESS RELEASE)_Sebastian, Florida, September 24, 2021 - Triton Submarines, the leading designer and manufacturer of civilian submersibles and Scenic, operators of the World’s First Discovery Yachts, have today announced the commencement of a long-term partnership for the supply and management of submersibles aboard the Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht series. Under the agreement, Triton Submarines will supply a first-of-its kind Triton 660/9 AVA for the Scenic Eclipse II, a vessel currently under construction, which will allow up to eight Scenic guests plus their pilot to share an exciting sensory dive experience to depths as great as 200 meters or 660 feet.

Rob Voss, Chief Operations Officer at Scenic Group, announced the acquisition saying, “We are thrilled to have a long-term partner in Triton Submarines that will enable us to continue to provide our guests with unique underwater explorations during their ultra-luxury discovery and expedition voyages. This new partnership means even more of our guests will be able to discover beneath the surface and we’re excited to have this first-of-its-kind Triton on board our latest discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse II.”

Launching in Q1 2023, the second of Scenic’s Discovery Yacht fleet, Scenic Eclipse II will be set to navigate both polar and tropical regions. At 168 meters long and 21.5 meters wide, the six-star luxury yacht will host just 228 guests in all-inclusive luxury.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Sept. 23, 2021 – Carnival Cruise Line announced today that it has officially changed the name of Carnival Victory to Carnival Radiance, which is in the final stages of a $200 million bow-to-stern makeover in Cadiz, Spain.

The third in the line’s Sunshine-class series, Carnival Radiance is scheduled to  depart  Cadiz, Spain, on Oct. 18 starting a seven-week journey to her eventual homeport in Long Beach, Calif., with stops in Miami and a transit of the Panama Canal along the way.

On Dec. 13, Carnival Radiance makes her Southern California debut, kicking off a year-round schedule of three- and four-day cruises to Baja Mexico from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. On this route, three-day cruises depart Fridays and visit Ensenada, Mexico, while four-day cruises sail on Mondays calling at Ensenada and Catalina Island.

Carnival Radiance features all of the line’s popular Fun Ship 2.0 dining, beverage and entertainment spaces as well as Big Chicken, a casual poolside restaurant created by Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal that debuted on Mardi Gras earlier this year.  From new dining choices such as the Cucina del Capitano to expanded entertainment venues like the multi-purpose Liquid Lounge and one of the largest and most luxurious Cloud 9 Spas at sea, Carnival Radiance will offer an abundance of ways for guests to Choose Fun from the West Coast.

“The transformation of Carnival Victory has been in the works for quite some time but we’re delighted that she can now be officially be called Carnival Radiance -- the newest member of our fleet,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “Carnival Radiance features all of our most popular spaces and provides a truly unique and exciting vacation option for the Southern California short cruise market.” 

A traditional naming ceremony will be held once Carnival Radiance arrives in Long Beach.  Additional details will be announced in the near future.

Carnival Radiance joins Carnival Miracle which will reposition to Long Beach Sept. 27 to operate short cruises to Mexico, as well as Carnival Panorama sailing week-long voyages to the Mexican Riviera.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL,
visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.