Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Announces Seven Seas Splendor™ Senior Officer Team

MIAMI (Dec. 2, 2019) – Gratitude is at the heart of exemplary service, which is why this holiday season Regent Seven Seas Cruises® announces the inaugural senior leaders of Seven Seas SplendorTM, who are responsible for ensuring the new ship’s guests enjoy an unrivaled, personalized experience and are treated like family. The five talented senior officers will lead 542 crew when Seven Seas Splendor debuts in February 2020, collectively caring for 750 guests on board the spacious yet intimate ship that perfects luxury.

“We’re thankful for this phenomenal leadership team assembled to deliver our guests a safe and extraordinary experience on every Seven Seas Splendor voyage,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “They are consummate hosts for our luxury travelers. As the first female captain to launch an ocean cruise ship, pioneering Captain Serena Melani takes the helm with strength and expertise. General Manager Franck Galzy will ensure the most luxurious accommodations and the highest levels of personalized guest services are offered in an inviting atmosphere. Cruise Director John Barron sets the course for laughter and entertainment that results in memorable moments. Chief Engineer Giuseppe Russo brings more than 20 years of tenure to ensure the engine and systems operate smoothly. And, Staff Captain Diego Michelozzi’s hands-on leadership and engaging communication style will ensure strong teamwork throughout this remarkable vessel.”

Introducing The Seven Seas Splendor Leadership Team

Captain Serena Melani

As previously announced in March 2019 on International Women’s Day, Captain Melani will be the first woman in cruise industry history to captain a new ocean ship at launch. Captain Melani has progressed quickly in her nearly 30-year career to roles of maritime leadership. She began her nautical career at age 16 as a cadet while attending school working on cargo ships in her hometown of Livorno, Italy, along the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Tuscany region. After graduating from Nautical College in 1993, Captain Melani was one of only a few females to hold roles of increasing responsibilities on oil tankers, cargo and container vessels. Captain Melani joined Regent in 2010 as a Bridge Officer, and then served as Navigation Officer, Safety Officer and Staff Captain on Seven Seas Voyager. She became the company’s first female Master Captain in 2016 and has led Seven Seas Explorer® and Seven Seas Mariner® during her tenure.

General Manager Franck Galzy

General Manager Franck Galzy was born in the beautiful city of Angers, Loire Valley, France, surrounded by picturesque vineyards about two hours southwest of Paris. He began his formal education in Electronic Management, but soon found his passion in food and wine. Galzy joined Regent in 1999, where he quickly progressed, serving as a Sommelier, Head Waiter, Head Sommelier, Bar Manager and then Provision Master. With his vast experience and charming personality, Franck moved into management positions, ultimately serving as Food and Beverage Manager before becoming Regent’s youngest General Manager in 2009. Having launched sistership Seven Seas Explorer® in 2016, Galzy is ready to welcome Seven Seas Splendor to the Regent fleet and delight all the guests who sail her with genuine hospitality and attention to detail, from little touches in guests’ suites to the exquisitely prepared cuisine.

Staff Captain Diego Michelozzi

Staff Captain Diego Michelozzi was born in Viareggio, Italy, where he still resides happily with his wife Samantha. He studied at Nautical school in his hometown and after six years at sea, obtained his unlimited Master license in 2004. Staff Captain Michelozzi graduated with an associate degree in Business and Management from the University of Phoenix in 2012 and is currently studying at the University of Kent for a Maritime, Leadership and Management degree. His passion has always been working onboard cruise ships, and he has done so for the last 20 years. After three years with the Regent family, Staff Captain Michelozzi is honored and humbled to be part of the Seven Seas Splendor launch team.

Chief Engineer Giuseppe Russo

As Chief Engineer, Giuseppe Russo’s job is to keep the ship sailing smoothly. In addition to responsibility for the ship’s engines, he directs a 34-person crew with broad responsibilities from air conditioning and plumbing to steering machinery, fuel lines and more. Born in Piano di Sorrento, Italy, Chief Engineer Russo resides in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi and Capri Island, with his wife. After completing his Engineering studies in Piano di Sorrento, he worked on container ships for five years. Chief Engineer Russo then transitioned from container to cruise ships and joined the Regent family in January 2003 aboard Seven Seas Voyager.

Cruise Director John Barron

Cruise Director John Barron hails from Sutton Coldfield in England and today resides in Newcastle with his wife and two children. Barron’s career at sea began on Seven Seas Navigator® in 2000 as a principal singer in production shows. He was promoted to Cruise Director in 2004 and sailed with Regent until 2009, when Barron decided to spend time on land to raise his young children. Seven years later Barron returned to both the sea and to Regent. Today, he splits time between sailing and spending quality time with wife Lynsay and sons, Luke and Benjamin. Barron enjoys meeting guests and loves to sing and make guests laugh during their enriching and luxurious journey.

About Seven Seas Splendor

Currently being built in Ancona, Italy, Seven Seas Splendor will offer luxury travelers the most exquisite accommodations as she sails to the world’s iconic destinations and less-familiar hidden gems starting in February 2020. Seven Seas Splendor will sail the Caribbean and Mediterranean during her inaugural season.

A work of art from bow to stern, the all-suite, all-balcony ship perfects uncompromised luxury with elegance, comfort and personalized guest service. More than 46,000 square-feet of Italian marble will adorn Seven Seas Splendor – over an acre of marble – and her 375 suites include nearly 52,000 square-feet of balcony space – among the largest balconies at sea. The beautifully appointed suites range from the 307 square-foot Veranda Suite to the lavish 4,443 square-foot Regent Suite.

The Regent Suite sets the tone for Seven Seas Splendor’s 14 other astonishing suite categories in offering the most luxurious accommodations at sea. It features the ultimate comfort of a $200,000 Hästens Vividus custom handmade mattress, an in-suite spa retreat featuring a personal sauna, steam room and treatment area with unlimited spa treatments, unobstructed 270-degree views over Seven Seas Splendor’s bow from the 1,300 square-foot wraparound veranda, and a glass-enclosed solarium sitting area on top of the bridge for a Captain’s view to see the world’s most beautiful destinations. Guests in the Regent Suite also enjoy first-class air accommodations, a dedicated personal butler to manage all the details of the guests’ experience, and a personal car with driver and guide in every port.

Seven Seas Splendor will feature a multi-million-dollar art collection, a Culinary Arts Kitchen with 18 stations for hands-on gourmet cooking demonstrations presented by master chef instructors, and Serene Spa & WellnessTM, a new globally inspired spa brand created for Seven Seas Splendor offering exclusive treatments that integrate techniques and ingredients from destinations around the world to soothe both the body and mind.

The ship’s exquisite restaurants include Compass Rose, the largest specialty restaurant at sea; Pacific Rim, a dramatic Pan-Asian restaurant with a mythical dragon greeting guests; Prime 7, an intimate and elegant steakhouse; Chartreuse, featuring classic French fare with a modern twist; and Sette Mari at La Veranda, serving guests authentic Italian specialties and featuring stunning, over-water alcove seating that jets out over the ocean for an even closer connection to the sea, surrounded on three sides by inspiring, magnificent views.

Crystal River Cruises Sets Sail for Europe’s Christmas Markets in Style This Holiday Season

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.

Carnival Cruise Line Kicks Off Winter Cruises From San Diego Aboard Carnival Miracle

Program Offers Wide Range of Cruise Durations and Ports, from Three-Day Weekend Getaways to Longer Length Adventures to Cabo San Lucas, Hawaii and the Panama Canal

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.

To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com. For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL.

MSC Virtuosa’s Float Out Caps Month-long Triple Celebration for MSC Cruises

MSC Virtuosa floated out today, with delivery in October 2020

Company’s third major milestone during the past month, following delivery of MSC Grandiosa and cutting of first steel for LNG-powered MSC Europa

Geneva, Switzerland (December2, 2019) – Over the weekend, MSC Cruises celebrated the float out of MSC Virtuosa at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, the third major new ship building milestone the Company has celebrated in the past month at the shipyard.

The float out follows the successful delivery on October 31 of MSC Grandiosa as well as the steel cutting ceremony on the same day of MSC Europa, the Company’s first of five liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered ships.

MSC Cruises also unveiled on the same day a ground-breaking R&D project in conjunction with Chantiers de l’Atlantique named PACBOAT that will focus on the integration of a new fuel cell technology, especially relevant for cruising, on board the LNG-powered MSC Europa. MSC Cruises is committed to contribute to the development of next-generation advanced environmental technology for the benefit of its own environmental stewardship journey and that of the entire cruise industry.

MSC Grandiosa was christened in Hamburg the following week on November 9. The Company also announced that from January 1, 2020 it will become the world’s first fully carbon neutral major global cruise line. MSC Cruises will offset all direct carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from its fleet marine operations through a blend of regular and blue carbon offset projects developed according to the highest standards by leading international entities that take immediate action on greenhouse gas emissions.

MSC Cruises recognizes that today’s most advanced maritime environmental technology alone is insufficient to reach carbon neutrality immediately, the line would continue to invest in the accelerated development of advanced environmental technology to eventually achieve its zero-emissions commitment from operations alone.

MSC Virtuosa will be the second Meraviglia-Plus ship after MSC Grandiosa. The ship will now move to a wet dock for further construction and fitting until she is delivered in October 2020.

The sixth MSC Cruises ship to enter service since 2017, MSC Virtuosa will be as highly equipped as MSC Grandiosa with cutting-edge technologies and the second ship in the Company’s fleet to have a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and next-generation advanced wastewater treatment system (AWTS) to minimize her environmental footprint and ensure ever cleaner air emissions.

MSC Virtuosa’s SCR will help reduce nitrogen oxide by 80 percent with the technology converting it into harmless nitrogen and water.

She will also be equipped with a next-generation AWTS to treat wastewater to a very high quality and the end product is of a better standard than most land-based municipal waste standards around the world.

MSC Virtuosa will also be fitted with shore-to-ship power which connects a docked cruise ship to a port’s local power grid to further reduce air emissions. This feature is broadly available across MSC Cruises entire fleet and has been standard across all of the Company’s new ships since 2017.

These features add to other effective environmental technologies deployed on MSC Virtuosa and across the rest of MSC Cruises’ fleet to minimize and continuously reduce a cruise ship’s environmental impact, including: cutting-edge hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems that remove sulphur oxide from ship emissions by up to 97 percent; advanced waste management; ballast water treatment systems; latest-technology systems for the prevention of oil discharges from machinery spaces and various state-of-the-art energy-efficiency improvements – from heat recovery systems to LED lighting.

MSC Virtuosa’s maiden voyage will be a 7-night six-port Western Mediterranean cruise in November 2020 from Genoa, Italy. After a winter season in the Mediterranean, MSC Virtuosa will be deployed in summer 2021 to Northern Europe with itineraries to the Norwegian fjords and Baltic capital cities.

MSC Cruises will soon reveal the exact details of the appealing guest features on board MSC Virtuosa but like MSC Grandiosa, the ship will have a two-story Mediterranean style promenade lined with restauarants and shopping underneath a 305 ft.-long LED Sky Screen, two original new shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea and the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant, ZOE, in every stateroom.

The third of three Meraviglia-Plus ships, yet to be named, will enter service in 2023 and be powered by LNG. MSC Cruises is investing €5 billion (≈$5.5 million USD) in the construction of five LNG-powered ships with the other four set to propel the line’s futuristic World Class prototype with the first – MSC Europa – entering service in May 2022.

The World Class ships, like the Meraviglia-Plus prototype, will be built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France as part of an industry-unprecedented €11.6 billion (≈$12.7 billion USD) plan that will see MSC Cruises’ contemporary fleet increase to 25 ships by 2027.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve to Open on December 5, 2019

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas (November 13, 2019) – MSC Cruises today announced that Ocean Cay’s opening date is now set for December 5, 2019.

The development of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has been a multiyear project in which MSC Cruises worked with multiple contractors and partners to transform what was once an industrial sand excavation site into a stunning tropical destination, including designating the surrounding waters as a flourishing marine reserve.

This has been an extremely complex project as MSC Cruises has been fully committed to developing the destination in the most eco-friendly and sustainable way. At the same time, while the Company anticipated that the island would be ready to receive guests mid-November, as it reached the final stages of readying the island for its opening, some adverse weather conditions and unexpected last-minute operational challenges slowed down the completion of the island.

First, despite Hurricane Dorian and the demobilization of 600 workers, the Company took measures to remain on track and deliver the project on time. However, in the weeks that followed, further adverse weather conditions with strong winds and heavy swell caused several days of interruptions and created additional delays. This included heavy weather in early November which required part of one of the beaches to be further reinforced.

Secondly, last-minute issues with the leveling of the sand in certain areas of the island, the completion of the second breakwater and the landscaping aspects to be fully in line with the Company’s exceeding environmental criteria, have created further last-minute operational issues that could impact the guest experience.

The work on the island is an on-going process and the Company’s commitment to protect, restore and conserve this beautiful cay is part of a multi-phased effort. In the coming months, MSC Cruises will also introduce a Conservation Center and thriving coral nursery on the island, which will serve as an active base for coral education and research.

Providing guests with an outstanding experience in all destinations is a top priority for the Company and Ocean Cay is no exception. When guests start arriving at Ocean Cay they 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’ll have plenty of time to soak up the spirit of The Bahamas and enjoy the day as they wish, with no disruptions to shore excursions or beach and ocean discovery activities, as well as bars and complimentary dining options available.

The MSC Cruises ships that were scheduled to call the island before December 5, 2019 will be rerouted to alternative Caribbean destinations or will add a day at sea to their schedule. Guests will be compensated for the missed call at Ocean Cay.