(PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland (December 5, 2019) — MSC Cruises today welcomed the very first guests to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, its new private island destination in The Bahamas. The island’s opening is a major milestone for MSC Cruises. As part of a multi-faceted restoration strategy, the Company has transformed the island from what was once an industrial sand excavation site into a stunning tropical destination, while working with environmental engineers and other experts to revitalize the surrounding ocean beds, marine life and endangered coral. The environmentally-sound development of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is a unique feat, taking nearly three years to complete an island destination capable of delivering the best possible guest experience as well as meeting the Company’s uniquely ambitious environmental targets. 7,500 tons of scrap metal were removed and, throughout the clean-up process, a team of expert divers and marine biologists carefully removed individual hard coral colonies from debris on the ocean bed and relocated them to an approved location outside the construction area. More than 75,000 plants and shrubs planted across the island to create a biodiverse and sustainable environment. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said: “Ocean Cay is founded on a deep commitment to ecological principles – beliefs that shape everything from how venues are built, to how the island is run, to the kinds of activities featured on the island. Having the first guests arrive on the island is a moment of great pride for all of us at MSC Cruises. We wanted to create for our guests something sustainable, with a higher purpose. Ocean Cay is not just a vacation island, it is a unique marine reserve where people and nature thrive in harmony.” Upon arrival at Ocean Cay guests will be greeted by endless sweeping vistas of crystal blue waters and some of the most pristine white sand beaches. From early morning until late evening, they will have plenty of time to soak up the spirit of The Bahamas and enjoy the day as they wish. With many shore excursions to choose from, guests can discover the marine life up close, including snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, and kayaking. Guests can treat themselves to a luxurious spa treatment or relax in a private cabana; stroll the Bahamian village with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts by local artisans; grab a bite at the complimentary Seakers Food Court or from one of six food trucks; enjoy cocktails and drinks from multiple bars around the island; and catch one of a kind evening events such as traditional Junkanoo parades, and lighthouse light shows. (check out images here and video here). In the coming months, MSC Cruises will also introduce a Conservation Center on the island, which will serve as an active base for coral education and research. The natural, unspoiled beauty of the ocean and beaches is at the heart of the Ocean Cay experience, and the eco-friendly and sustainable practices on the island as well as designating the surrounding waters as a flourishing marine reserve are built around MSC Cruises’ commitment to protecting, restoring and conserving it. Following today’s first call to the island, all four of MSC Cruises’ North America-based ships – MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia – will call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve on different days. For an interactive media kit on Ocean Cay and the guest experience, please visit HERE. For more information about Ocean Cay please visit www.mscoceancay.com (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, FL (December 5,2019) – Marking a major milestone ahead of its Maiden Voyage on April 1st 2020, Virgin Voyages’ first ship, the Scarlet Lady has successfully completed Sea Trials. The ship embarked on its first round of Sea Trials, sailing from Genoa to Marseille from November 15 to 18, and then back from Marseille to Genoa from November 27 to November 30. Virgin Founder Sir Richard Branson boarded the Scarlet Lady in Marseille, touring the ship with his wife Joan and children Sam and Holly, as well as Virgin Voyages’ CEO Tom McAlpin, Chief Commercial Officer Nirmal Saverimuttu, SVP of Design Dee Cooper and CEO of Virgin Atlantic, Shai Weiss. Branson ceremoniously painted the outline of the Virgin flag on the hull of the ship where the Virgin Voyages logo will appear. Following Sea Trials, Virgin Voyages can confirm the Scarlet Lady is smooth, stable and quiet, gliding through the water in various weather conditions for a thoroughly enjoyable sailing experience. Upon completion, the ship has been put to the test and demonstrated that she is seaworthy. In addition to her superior performance, the ship’s interior design and experiential backdrop truly breaks the mold in the cruise industry. Designed to reflect a yacht’s sleek luxury, her interior spaces are curated by a creative collective that includes some of the top names in contemporary aesthetic, offering a chic atmosphere paired with stunning sea views throughout. “We’re thrilled to have completed such a significant milestone with our Sea Trials and have our amazing crew to thank for their passion and tenacity in this achievement. We’re one step closer to getting our Sailors on the Scarlet Lady and are grateful for all that have chosen to join us on this adventure,” said Tom McAlpin, Virgin Voyages CEO. On April 1, 2020 the Scarlet Lady will set sail on her inaugural Maiden Voyage. This first celebratory sailing will be packed full of celebrity-guest appearances, special events, exclusive surprises and an overall enhanced Virgin Voyages experience for sailors to revel in. Sailors who are unable to join the Maiden Voyage can book the Sneak-a-Peek sailings now on VirginVoyages.com. The first Sneak-a-Peek sailing will run from Thursday, March 26 - Sunday, March 29. The second sailing will run Sunday, March 29 - Wednesday, April 1. The three night Sneak-a-Peek Scarlet Lady sailings will feature the ship’s marquee experiences including a stunning day at the Beach Club at Bimini, a Scarlet Night Party, access to all restaurants and complete versions of entertainment offered onboard. As Virgin Voyages first ship prepares for her Maiden Voyage, the brand announces their second ship, Valiant Lady. Debuting in May 2021, Valiant Lady will have a home port of Barcelona, Spain and will sail 7-night Mediterranean itineraries. Bookings for the three feature itineraries, that all offer overnight and late-night stops across some of the hottest destinations in France, Italy and Spain, will open December 19, 2019. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Dec. 3, 2019) - Expanding its commitment to making a cruise vacation more accessible for everyone, Carnival Cruise Line has become the first cruise operator to be certified “sensory inclusive” by KultureCity, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to accessibility and inclusion for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities. The rollout of the program started in October and all of Carnival Cruise Line’s South Florida-based ships are certified, with the balance of the fleet scheduled to be completed by March 2020. As part of a comprehensive fleetwide training program, hundreds of guest-facing team members, including guest services personnel and youth staff, have been trained to understand and help adults, youth and children with sensory related questions or needs relating to conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, PTSD, etc. In addition, KultureCity sensory bags are available for check out for the duration of the cruise and contain a variety of items to help calm, relax and manage sensory overload. Items include comfortable noise cancelling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget toys, and a visual feeling thermometer (produced in conjunction with Boardmaker), as well as a KultureCity VIP lanyard to help staff easily identify guests. These measures have proven to be helpful in the more than 450 landside venues like stadiums, arenas and amusement parks that have partnered with KultureCity. Since the program has been implemented aboard the first wave of Carnival’s ships, feedback from guests and their families has been overwhelmingly positive. Once on board, guests should inquire at the Guest Services desk to inquire about borrowing a sensory bag and any other accommodations that are available. Informational videos featuring actor Christopher Gorham, a member of the KultureCity board of directors, designed to create greater awareness among all guests, are playing on in-stateroom television on the line’s six certified ships and will expand across the fleet as the program rolls out to other ships. “Carnival Cruise Line and KultureCity share a heartfelt commitment to acceptance and inclusivity. Working together, all of our guests can maximize their enjoyment and be the truest versions of themselves during their time on board,” said Vicky Rey, Carnival’s vice president of guest care and communications and the company’s ADA Responsibility Officer. “We’re proud and grateful to partner with Carnival Cruise Line, offering guests with sensory needs an opportunity to more fully enjoy their vacations and create wonderful memories with their friends, families and loved ones. We appreciate Carnival Cruise Line for taking this important step in making their vacations accessible to everyone,” said Dr. Julian Maha, co-founder, KultureCity. In addition to the KultureCity certification, Carnival will be the first cruise operator to complete an additional special needs certification program offered by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The IBCCES program includes 17 continuing education units (CEUs) of training in a variety of special needs, such as Autism, Down Syndrome, mobility issues, and various other disabilities. Additionally, Carnival’s youth staff have different resources on hand to help soothe, calm and entertain children participating in our youth programs, such as weighted vests, conversation cards, sensory games and other aids. Myron Pincomb, board chairman of IBCCES: “It has been a pleasure working with the Carnival team. Their unwavering passion to go above and beyond to create the best experience possible allows guests of all abilities to 'Choose Fun'.” “Carnival Cruise Line is to be commended for training their staff about autism and offering sensory bags that will enable individuals with autism and their families to have an enjoyable cruise,” Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned autism advocate and author and one of the first individuals on the autism spectrum to document the insights she gained from her personal experience with autism. To obtain more information on the KultureCity program, please visit the Guests with Disabilities page on Carnival.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, December 2, 2019 – Crystal River Cruises’ holiday season sailings are officially underway, bringing guests in luxury and comfort to the most remarkable Christmas Markets and destinations that Europe has to offer. Voted Best River Cruise Line for the 2019 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Crystal continues to immerse guests in the spirit of the holidays with picturesque décor to complement the beauty of Europe’s waterways this time of year. Each of Crystal’s all-suite and all-balcony river ships, Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel are decked out with sophisticated holiday décor to welcome guests back aboard after a day of exploration. Guests feel the joy of the holiday season as they pass brightly lit and plush Christmas trees with eye-catching ornaments, frosted wreaths adorning the walls and staircases, life-size nutcrackers that greet guests as they walk about the ship and illuminated menorahs. Crystal River Cruises journeys to towns rich in history and tradition along Europe’s rivers, which are enhanced by the spectacle of the markets, creating a magical vacation that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. These unique voyages range from seven to 10 nights, in an intimate setting with only 106 guests aboard the all-suite, all-butler and all-balcony ships, which are true enclaves of elegance. While 2019 voyages are sold out, those wishing to get a head start on their 2020 or 2021 holiday planning can relish in an abundance of options with the company’s Best Available Suite and Book Now Savings promotions available now through January 8 on select voyages, with fares starting at $3,499 per guest. In 2020, Crystal River Cruises will be the youngest fleet sailing in Europe, Christmas market sailings range from seven to 10 nights and journey along the Rhine and Danube for a voyage filled with enchanting merriment. On itineraries between Vienna, Budapest, Amsterdam, Regensburg and Basel — with overnights in all — guests can discover Linz, a European Capital of Culture, and Passau, home to the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests can explore cities that are home to famed museums and quaint villages of storybook charm to experience the wonder of Europe’s legendary holiday celebrations. All suites on Crystal River Cruises feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows™ and walk-in closets, with dual-vanity bathrooms featured in most categories. All suites include private butler service, king-sized beds, ETRO amenities, robes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs. Additional enticing features include farm-to-table cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the countryside while hundreds of inclusive, curated experiences ashore cater to travelers’ individual tastes. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Dec. 2, 2019) – Carnival Cruise Line, the world’s largest cruise operator, returned to the Port of San Diego this weekend to launch a winter schedule of three- to 15-day voyages aboard Carnival Miracle, marking the line’s first departure from the port in seven years. The cruise schedule began yesterday with a seven-day sailing to the Mexican Riviera, and features a wide range of durations and destinations, including: · three-day weekend getaways visiting Ensenada Dec. 27, 2019 and Jan. 3, 2020. · five-day voyages departing Dec. 22, 2019, and Jan. 12, 2020, that spend two days in Cabo San Lucas. · a four-day New Year's Baja Mexico cruise featuring Catalina Island and Ensenada departing Dec. 30, 2019. · A six-day cruise featuring two days in Cabo San Lucas and a day-long visit to Ensenada departing Jan. 6, 2020. · Three longer-length Carnival Journeys adventures, including 14- and 15-day Hawaii cruises visiting popular destinations throughout the Aloha State departing Dec. 8, 2019 and Jan. 17, 2020, respectively, along with a 13-day Panama Canal sailing from San Diego to Miami Feb. 1-14, 2020 offering a unique opportunity to transit through the Panama Canal in addition to visiting exotic destinations in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Colombia. Carnival Miracle features many of the line’s signature dining, entertainment and accommodations options, including guest favorites such as the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub and cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, a water park, specialty dining options, a comedy club, and a 14,500-square-foot spa. “We’re delighted to return to the Port of San Diego to offer this diverse schedule of convenient and attractive voyages for our guests,” said Fred Stein, Carnival’s vice president of revenue, deployment and itinerary planning. “The West Coast is an important and fast-growing market for Carnival and these departures from San Diego provide guests a wide array of exciting cruise choices with stops along Baja Mexico, the Mexican Riviera and Hawaii.” “The Port of San Diego is excited for the return of Carnival Cruise Line as part of our homeported cruise business,” said Garry Bonelli, chairman of the board of port commissioners. “We are proud to once again partner with Carnival and we welcome Carnival Miracle to our cruise lineup.” Carnival Miracle will return to San Diego to operate another winter schedule in 2020-21. Carnival Miracle’s San Diego-based schedules are part of the line’s West Coast expansion that also includes its first-ever program from San Francisco to Alaska, Hawaii and Baja Mexico as well as the arrival of Carnival Panorama which kicks off a year-round schedule from Long Beach Dec. 11 – the company’s first new cruise ship in Southern California in 20 years. San Diego is an integral component of Carnival’s ship deployment strategy in which the line positions ships near large U.S. population bases along the East and West Coasts and the Gulf of Mexico. Including San Diego, Carnival sails from 19 North American homeports providing a cost-effective means for guests to get to and from their cruise. It’s estimated that roughly half of the U.S. population is within a day’s drive of a Carnival homeport. |
ABOUTStay current with the latest news from the cruise lines. Gerry is Travel Editor at Aqua South Florida
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