(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, November 10, 2021 – Crystal Endeavor – a game-changing expedition yacht that has garnered rave reviews from guests and travel advisors since its debut this summer – has been named “Best New Expedition Ship” in The Points Guy’s (TPG) Editors’ Choice Awards. The annual awards are presented based on the expert opinions of TPG editors who comprise some of the most seasoned and experienced writers and editors in the travel and hospitality industry. The luxury expedition yacht’s highly anticipated Antarctica season launches November 18 with the first of eight voyages round-trip from Ushuaia ranging from 11 to 19 nights exploring incredible wildlife within this remote icy wonderland, including the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and lands beyond the Antarctic Circle. Complimentary round-trip airfare between Ushuaia and Miami, along with luxury hotel stays in both cities, is also available. (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, FL, November 10, 2021 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has announced the second phase of culinary enhancements rolling out across the luxurious small-ship fleet as part of its OceaniaNEXT program. Following the May introduction of new thoughtfully crafted dining experiences, menus and elevated service levels, this next phase brings new wine tasting programs, expanded in-room dining offerings and a soufflé of the day in The Grand Dining Room. These updates have already launched on board Marina and Riviera and will debut on Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, and Sirena as each vessel returns to sailing. “The OceaniaNEXT enhancements continue to elevate The Finest Cuisine at Sea® to be even better than ever,” said Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “Never resting on our laurels, we continue to challenge ourselves to raise the bar to continually delight our guests. Across all six of our ships, the creativity and dedication of the Oceania Cruises culinary team continues to create memorable experiences for our guests.” SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2021) – Princess Cruises offers a first look at the cruise line’s newest MedallionClass ship – Enchanted Princess, the newest ship to join the global fleet. showcasing beautifully designed interiors, elegantly appointed accommodations, world-class entertainment, gourmet dining and craft cocktails, extensive alfresco dining areas, and expansive views from the cruise line’s largest balconies, a feature of the new Sky Suites. A special naming ceremony celebration will be broadcast on Monday, December 13, on Princess.com, Princess Cruises’ Facebook page and YouTube channels with more details to follow. The 145,000-ton, 3,660-guest ship represents an evolution of the design platform consistent across her sister ships – Royal Princess (2013), Regal Princess (2014), Majestic Princess (2017) and Sky Princess (2019) – offering an elevation of spectacular style and elegance that is distinguished by Princess. The ship’s inaugural cruise season begins Nov. 10, with 15, 10-day Caribbean itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, before heading to Europe. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Nov. 9, 2021 – As it prepares to debut Carnival Radiance, Carnival Cruise Line announced the senior leadership team who will be at the helm of the transformed ship scheduled to debut this December. These experienced mariners and passionate leaders will oversee a team of more than 1,000 team members and include: · Captain Stefano Bonica: Captain Bonica joined Carnival as a third officer in 2000. He was named captain in 2017 and has served on virtually every ship in the fleet during his two decades with the company. He attended the Istituto Tecnico Nautico Caio Duilio in Messina, Italy, to learn his craft. · Chief Engineer Mauro Fabbrini: A 27-year veteran of Carnival, Fabbrini joined the company as a second engineer in 1994 and was named chief engineer in 2003. He previously served as a chief engineer for Carnival Sunrise in 2019. Fabbrini graduated from the San Giorgio Maritime Academy in Genoa, Italy. Prior to joining Carnival, he started his nautical career with an Italian-based shipping company. · Hotel Director Caroline Bourke: The Cork, Ireland, native and 17-year Carnival veteran was part of the inaugural team that introduced Carnival Radiance’s sister ship, Carnival Sunrise, in 2019. Bourke joined the company in 2004 and was named guest services manager in 2009 before being named hotel director in 2016. Her hospitality career began at the Hayfield Manor Hotel after earning her degree from the Cork Institute of Technology. The third in the line’s Sunshine-class, Carnival Radiance will make her Southern California debut on Monday, Dec. 13, kicking off a year-round schedule of 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. 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, Nov. 8, 2021 – As part of its “Onboard with You” pledge that supports the line’s longstanding commitment to the travel advisor community, Carnival Cruise Line is launching a week-long game, “Carnival Playbook,” that begins today. Through the fun, interactive experience, travel advisors can play by designing the perfect cruise vacation for an assigned “client persona” every day. Client personas may include a couple on their honeymoon or a multi-generational family, and travel advisors can match their clients’ designated persona traveling on a Carnival ship to onboard venues they think would best fit the client’s wants and needs. Giving travel advisors an extra incentive to get involved and play Carnival Playbook, 500 lucky participants will randomly win a Carnival cruise. Each winner is eligible to win once and will select their desired voyage from an array of ships and itineraries. The instant cruise prizes will provide eligible travel advisors in U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada (except Quebec) and U.K. the opportunity to experience a Carnival cruise vacation and further develop their Carnival knowledge. “We are always thinking of new ways to help our travel advisors grow, thrive and enjoy their work, and we think Carnival Playbook will do just that,” said Adolfo Perez, Carnival’s senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing. “Not only will the unique and playful game help them learn more about our product and test their skills all in the spirit of the Carnival fun they’ve come to expect, know and love, but they’ll also have the opportunity to win a free cruise with us! I encourage all of our travel partners to participate and have some fun – and as always, Travel Agents Rock!” The game is now live and will run for seven consecutive days, concluding on Sunday, Nov. 14. Eligible travel advisors can participate in the game on a daily basis and can find Carnival Playbook and the official rules and information on GoCCL.com and GoCCL.co.uk for U.K. agents. Building on its “Onboard with You” pledge, Carnival continues to focus on its Why Use a Travel Advisor program, the industry’s first consumer-focused program that reinforces the value of using travel advisors and providing additional support to attract new customers. (PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., November 8, 2021 – Plan for a most memorable 2022 with an Atlas Ocean Voyages’ luxe-adventure journey to some of the world’s most captivating and remote destinations. This Black Friday, travelers can enjoy more value and more savings when they book an all-inclusive, luxury Atlas voyage aboard World Navigator and World Traveller. From November 26 through 30, 2021, travelers will receive complimentary round-trip, intercontinental business-class air travel for all new deposited suite bookings or 20 percent savings for all new deposited stateroom bookings made aboard Atlas voyages departing from March 1 through September 30, 2022, based on availability. Travelers can choose among 29 voyages in Antarctica and the Arctic, South America, the Mediterranean, British Isles and Northern Europe, and Iceland and Greenland aboard newly launched World Navigator and World Traveller, launching in July 2022. Travelers must mention code BLKFRI21 at time of booking. For more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Black Friday offer, please call Atlas Ocean Voyages at 1.844.44.ATLAS (28527). “Our generous Black Friday Offer delivers the best value, savings and selection for an all-inclusive, 2022 luxury adventure with Atlas,” said Carlos Garzon, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Atlas Ocean Voyages. “World Navigator and World Traveller call at smaller ports than other cruise ships and can ply narrow channels and shallow waters to bring guests to authentic, off-the-beaten-path locales, as well as dock in city centers for the most convenient access. Because of this, Atlas Ocean Voyages is ideal for seasoned travelers seeking a distinctive, luxurious and safe experience.” By GERRY BARKER
ABOARD CELEBRITY APEX_581 days. Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo told us that's how long it's been from the original date of Celebrity Apex's grand U.S. debut. Then the pandemic hit. But now the time has come, and Ms. Lutoff-Perlo delivered a simple but powerful message to an assembled crowd of travel advisors, media and guests: "The comeback will be stronger than the setback." Amen. COMPLETE COVERAGE PLUS PHOTOS AND VIDEOS HERE (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Nov. 5, 2021 — Travelers looking for a family getaway can take advantage of Holland America Line’s latest offer that allows kids aged 5 to 17 sailing as the third and fourth guests in the same stateroom to cruise for free.
Good for select holiday sailings and cruises through spring 2022, families can make the upcoming months merry and bright by setting sail over winter break to the warm waters of the Caribbean or Mexico. After the holidays, the ships continue to explore both regions, along with the California coast. Come spring, families also can cruise through May to Europe, Canada/New England or Alaska with the same offer. “Now that kids ages 5 and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine, getting out and seeing the world is on everyone’s mind,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “A multigenerational cruise is the perfect way to return to travel, and we can’t wait to welcome our junior guests and feel the excitement as everyone is able to explore the world together again.” (ROYAL CARIBBEAN)_November 2021 - Revolutionary technology, robotics, live performers, physical scenery and more blur the lines between realities to create Royal Caribbean’s latest hit production, The Book, on board new ship Odyssey of the Seas. Headlining Two70, the cruise line’s signature high-tech venue, The Book takes audiences of all ages on an adventure of seven unique chapters. It’s brought to life as one story by talented singers, musicians, aerialists, dancers, and boundary-pushing technology across six 100-inch Roboscreens and a one-of-a-kind backdrop comprised of 135 feet of 12K-resolution video projection screens. Get an inside look at what it takes to put on the new, unparalleled show from the cast, production crew and experts, and learn how Two70 sets the stage for a fully immersive experience unlike any other venue in entertainment.
(PRESS RELEASE)_Los Angeles (November 4, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced the summer 2023 season of its expedition voyages, including a new two-week itinerary in the Great Lakes—as well as additional offerings in North and South America. Debuting in June 2023, the new 15-day Great Lakes Collection itinerary will sail between Toronto and Duluth, providing guests with a complete view of the region and ports of call in all five Great Lakes. As a result of strong demand, Viking has also announced 2023 sailing dates for four existing Great Lakes expedition voyages: the 8-day Niagara & the Great Lakes, Great Lakes Explorer, and Undiscovered Great Lakes itineraries, as well as the 13-day Canadian Discovery itinerary. Three additional expedition voyages in North and South America will also debut in summer 2023. The new, 16-day Canada & the Atlantic Coastline itinerary will expand offerings along the St. Lawrence River and Atlantic coastline, featuring destinations that include Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, Norfolk, Charleston and more. Guests can discover the natural beauty of Patagonia while sailing from Santiago to Ushuaia on the new 14-day Patagonian Shores & Chilean Fjords itinerary, while guests looking to explore destinations in North, Central and South America, can choose the new 18-day itinerary Panama & Scenic South America. |
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