Carnival Panorama Officially Named by Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White

Festivities Included Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies for First Sky Zone Trampoline Park at Sea and Carnival Kitchen Culinary Center

MIAMI (Dec. 11, 2019) – The arrival of Carnival Panorama – the line’s first new ship on the West Coast in 20 years – was celebrated in true Carnival Cruise Line fashion with Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White serving as godmother and officially naming the ship during a memorable ceremony on board.

White delivered poignant comments during which she spoke about her love of cruising and the commitment she shares with Carnival to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as well as the cruise line’s relationship with Wheel of Fortune, which she has co-hosted for the past 37 years.

Then, in a nod to her role on Wheel of Fortune, America’s Game®, White turned a series of letters spelling out PANORAMA that triggered the release of a bottle of Moet champagne to officially name the ship.

“I’m incredibly flattered and honored to be the godmother of this ship.” said White. “Naming Carnival Panorama was truly a special moment, and one I will never forget. I look forward to sailing on her in the future.”

The festivities also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Carnival Kitchen, a first-in-fleet culinary center that offers more than 15 different interactive cooking, baking and decorating demonstrations.

Joining Carnival President Christine Duffy at the ribbon cutting were Carnival’s team of “Culinary All Stars” including Guy Fieri whose Burger Joint and Smokehouse Brewhouse are featured on Carnival Panorama, as well as Emeril Lagasse and Rudi Sodamin, who each will have new restaurants, Emeril’s Bistro 1396 and Rudi’s Seagrill, respectively, on the new Mardi Gras when it debuts next year.

“One of the things we are most proud of is the delicious food we offer across our fleet,” said Duffy. “To celebrate Carnival Panorama’s inaugural with our very own ‘Feast of Fun’ featuring our amazing culinary team both on board and through our partnerships really added to the celebration.”

The grand opening of the first Sky Zone trampoline park at sea was celebrated with Duffy and Sky Zone CEO Jeff Platt cutting the ribbon followed by the first participants checking out the high-flying action within the two-level, 3,000-square-foot facility.

The day included a return of the Carnival AirShip, a 128-foot-long blimp emblazoned with the line’s Choose Fun tag line and concluded with a massive fireworks display that lit up the Long Beach sky.

Following an inaugural three-day cruise, Carnival Panorama will launch year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera service from Long Beach, Calif., Dec. 14, departing every Saturday on week-long voyages to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com. For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL. Carnival can also be found on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Journalists also can visit Carnival’s media site, carnival-news.com or follow the line’s PR department on Twitter at twitter.com/CarnivalPR.

Seven Seas Splendor™, The New Cruise Ship That Defines Perfected Luxury, To Permanently Feature Stunning $5 Million Curated Fine Art Collection

MIAMI (Dec. 11, 2019) – Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, today unveiled details of the breathtaking $5 million art collection to be permanently displayed aboard Seven Seas SplendorTM. Taking nearly two years to curate and commission, the 300-piece collection is sourced from artists and galleries from around the world and will debut when the new ship launches in February 2020.

“Artwork featured on Seven Seas Splendor is one of the most discerningly curated collections of museum- quality 20th and 21st century art on the seas,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., who personally commissioned artwork for the ship. “We created a contemporary fine art collection that transforms each space with thoughtfulness, color and inspired creativity to perfect the ambience of luxury. This is truly a cohesive collection our guests will appreciate, with each piece impeccably displayed in public areas and in guest suites throughout this magnificent ship.”

The collection features works from more than 200 artists across dozens of mediums, including:

Pablo Picasso (Lithograph and Print). Two Picasso works are on display in Prime 7 and in the Regent Suite.
Le Taureau Noir Notre Dame de Vie

Eduardo Arranz-Bravo (Oil on Canvas). Arranz-Bravo’s works are on display in Prime 7 and in the Atrium.
Bull Adub The Worker

Juan Roberto Diago (Mixed Media on Canvas). Diago’s works are on display in Coffee Connection.
Time Warrior Miray

Roberto Matta (Oil on Canvas). Matta’s Ouvrez c’est Nous is on display in the Atrium.
Ouvrez c’est Nous

Wifredo Lam (Gouache, pastel and charcoal on paper load on canvas). Lam’s work is on display in the Regent Suite.

Duncan McClellan (Glass). Two hand-blown glass sculptures capture the focus of conversation in the Observation Lounge with fiery colors and sleek curves.

Joan Miró (Aquatint and Carborundum, Lithographs). Miró’s works are on display in Prime 7.
The Bullfighter Move The Styx

Alexander Krishonov (Bronze Sculpture). Krishonov’s bronze sculpture is on display in Serene Spa & WellnessTM.

Reflecting an extensive and diverse collection featuring modern and classic artists, the works are presented in all areas of Seven Seas Splendor, from restaurants and lounges to hallways and restrooms, complementing the ship’s elegant interior design. Great thought was given to the positioning of the pieces, beyond how they would appear in the space.

For example, there is historical significance of Joan Miró’s The Bullfighter Move on display next to Eduardo Arranz-Bravo’s Bull in Prime 7, the ship’s premier steakhouse. Miró’s and Arranz-Bravo’s work showed at the same prestigious Sala Gaspar Gallery in Spain in 1969, the same year The Bullfighter Move was created. Miró, age 76 at the time, was well-established internationally as one of Spain’s masters. He became more familiar with the talent of 28-year old Arranz-Bravo’s works through this showing, and championed Arranz- Bravo as an emerging artist and helped him rise to worldwide acclaim. Now, their work will be forever displayed next to each other on Seven Seas Splendor.

“We are proud to partner with the array of contemporary artists whose pieces are featured and share their amazing talent with our guests to enjoy,” Del Rio said. “By including their art in the Seven Seas Splendor collection, my hope is more people will become familiar with these wonderful international artists, some of whom I’ve had the pleasure to personally meet along the journey of curating this collection.”

An installation that will become an iconic sculpture aboard Seven Seas Splendor is the dramatic mythical dragon rising from under the floor and swirling through the large space up through the ceiling to greet guests in front of Pacific Rim, the ship’s exquisite Pan-Asian restaurant. Holding a supernatural pearl, the cast bronze dragon is an embodiment of good luck in Asian culture. Guests walk through the winding, life- size dragon to enter Pacific Rim.

Dramatic chandeliers, which were commissioned and are also works of art, add to the sophisticated décor. They reflect light in a beautiful balance between drawing attention to their marvelous designs and filling the room with warmth and clarity. These fixtures include:

Atrium Grand Chandelier. The Lasvit Glass art fixture features five rings with 358 clear Bohemian crystal hand-blown glass rods. It took five craftsmen three weeks to carefully install.

Grand Chandelier in Compass Rose Restaurant. With 870 illuminated glass panels, this 6,170-pound chandelier is comprised of stainless steel and hand-blown glass and took three craftsmen 10 days to meticulously install.

In total, there are 216 exquisitely designed crystal chandeliers in restaurants, lounges and in other public spaces on Seven Seas Splendor, with another 119 crystal chandeliers inside the spacious suites and 218 chandeliers illuminating the ship’s corridors.

About Seven Seas Splendor

Seven Seas Splendor is a masterpiece from bow to stern that represents perfected luxury. Currently being built in Ancona, Italy, Seven Seas Splendor will offer her 750 guests the most luxurious accommodations as she sails to the world’s iconic destinations and less-familiar hidden gems.

The all-suite, all-balcony ship features more than 46,000 square-feet of Italian marble – 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 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.

In addition to Pacific Rim, the ship’s exquisite restaurants include Compass Rose, the largest specialty restaurant at sea; 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.

During her inaugural 2020 season, Seven Seas Splendor will sail the Caribbean and Mediterranean, helmed by 30-year veteran Captain Serena Melani.

A World of New Awaits: Introducing Celebrity Cruises’ 2021-2022 Season of Sailings

The brand’s growing fleet of 14 ships will visit more than 280 destinations in nearly 75 countries

MIAMI – December 11, 2019 – Celebrity Cruises invites guests to discover a world of new with the unveiling of their 2021-22 season of sailings, where the brand’s growing fleet of 14 stunning ships will visit more than 280 destinations in nearly 75 countries across all seven continents.

“Our mission at Celebrity Cruises is to open up the world for our guests,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “For our 2021-22 season of sailings, we’ve searched the planet to curate the most incredible new and world-opening vacation experiences we could find. We’ll bring you to places that will stay with you long after you’ve left them, including new ports of call in Europe, Asia, South America, and Alaska.”

Celebrity’s already impressive lineup of destinations is expanding to include eight spectacular new ports of call in 2021-22, including Taranto, Italy; Salvador de Bahia, Brazil; Ilocos, Philippines; Ishigaki, Japan; three new ports in Greece – Zakynthos, Hydra, and Thessaloniki; and the Kenai Peninsula in Homer, Alaska, the highlight of a brand-new Cruisetour debuting in 2021. The brand’s new season of sailings will also feature more than 125 overnight stays in more than 30 of the world’s most dynamic places, including a new overnight stay in Porto, Portugal, and the chance to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a Latin twist in the vibrant city of Montevideo, Uruguay.

Of course, the highly awarded Celebrity Edge is a destination in itself – named one of the World’s Greatest Places of 2019 by TIME Magazine[1] – and the second-in-series Celebrity Apex is poised to double that perfection.

Lutoff-Perlo continued: “Not only are we sailing to exciting new places, but we’re introducing stunning new spaces across more of our award-winning fleet as THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION reaches its peak, marking the first time guests will be able to sail to all the regions we visit on ‘revolutionized’ ships.”

In the new season, the newly modernized Celebrity Solstice will mark a historic first: The first ship in Celebrity’s groundbreaking Solstice Series to sail Asia. Celebrity Eclipse will also return to the Last Frontier for the first time since its “revolutionary” transformation, while Celebrity Infinity will sail its first Mediterranean season since being transformed from bow to stern. Celebrity Millennium is also charting a new course for the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean, offering two exciting new itineraries, including a 10-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary and a short, four-night weekend escape calling Key West, Florida, and Nassau, Bahamas.

Starting now through December 31, 2019, all guests who book a sailing as part of Celebrity’s 2021-22 deployment – April 30, 2021 through April 30, 2022 – will receive exclusive benefits and perks, including 10% off on pre-cruise purchases for shore excursions, Xcelerate packages, both Classic and Premium beverage packages, specialty dining and more[2]. To learn more about Celebrity’s 2021-22 deployment or to book a sailing, visit www.celebritycruises.com/2021-2022-cruises.

Azamara® Reveals Destinations to Sail to Now, Next Year, and In the Future

With the holidays right around the corner, new maiden ports for 2020, and the debut of 27 new itineraries for 2021 and Winter/Spring 2022, Azamara is setting sail to some of the world’s most beloved destinations

Miami, Florida (December 10, 2019): Azamara, the boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion®, announces the brand’s recommended voyages for travelers looking to sail now, next year, and in 2021/2022, highlighting a holiday voyage, 2020 maiden ports, and 27 new sailings for 2021 and Winter/Spring 2022.

Where to Sail Now, a Holiday Voyage Not to Miss:

Travelers can add an extra dimension of destination immersion to their travels by joining one of Azamara’s 15-Night New Year’s Eve in Rio Voyage, setting sail December 21, 2019. Azamara Pursuit will depart from Buenos Aires for Montevideo, where guests will experience an overnight in the destination before venturing to São Paulo and Ilhabela, where guests will have the opportunity to spend late nights in both destinations.

Additional highlights include Paraty, where guests will have the opportunity to tour Cachaca distillery – home to the national liquor of Brazil – and Buzios, a small fishing village that was originally settled by European pirates and slave traders. To ring in the New Year, Azamara is bringing guests to Rio De Janeiro, where excursions range from joining a professional photographer through the street of Rio to capture the beauty of the destination and then to the heart of all the festivities on Copacabana Beach to ring in 2020 with fireworks and explosions of color and light.

Voyages to Book Next Year – 2020 Maiden Ports:

In 2020, Azamara will be taking its fleet, for the first time, to 41 maiden ports across the world. Starting off the year in paradise, travelers on the 15-Night Tahiti & New Zealand Voyage will visit Bora Bora, French Polynesia, which grants the opportunity for ocean-lovers to experience a Aquasafari Underwater Walk amongst colorful coral reef and marine life. With a variety of experiences, other new destinations include Abardeen, Scotland, where guests on the 11-Night Scotland Intensive Voyage can participate in a “Castle Crawl” to the areas collection of fortresses, including Craigievar Castle and Drum Castle. Further up north, passengers on the 13-Night Iceland Intensive Voyage will stop in Husavik, Iceland and visit the famous Whale Museum, where they will learn about the history, habits, and ongoing conservation efforts to protect the local population. Switching continents, sun-seeking cruisers on the 22-Night Western Africa Journey can visit Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and make their way to the nearby former French Colonial Capital of Grand Bassam, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the National Costume Museum.

Looking Ahead – Sailings on the Horizon:

With the addition of 27 new itineraries to Azamara’s 2021 and winter/spring 2022 sailings, the brand is taking exploration to new heights with over 140 overnight stays around the world to deepen traveler’s discovery of destinations including Eastern Europe. For example, guests sailing on the 14-night Black Sea voyage, which departs on July 20, 2021, will uncover the ancient secrets of the region, which some believe is the site of the lost city of Atlantis. Kicking off in Athens – Europe’s oldest city – travelers will journey to the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, followed by a visit to the resort town of Varna, Bulgaria; Constanta, Romana; and opulent, Odessa, Ukraine. While in Odessa, guests can visit Shustov Cognac Museum to learn about its history and dynasty, wine making and distillation of spirits, followed by a tasting of four different brandies in the tasting room.

Tauck Adds Special River Cruise Departures with PBS Show Host Mickela Mallozzi

Four-Time Emmy Award-Winner Explores Intersection of Travel and Dance in Destinations Around the World

WILTON, CT (December 10, 2019) Professional dancer, trained musician and television show host Mickela Mallozzi will be joining Tauck guests next year on two special sailings of the company's eight-day “Danube Reflections” river cruise.

Mallozzi is the host and executive producer of the four-time Emmy Award-winning show “Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi.” The PBS series chronicles Mallozzi's experiences as she travels the world, immersing herself in local folk dance and music traditions, as well as other elements of local culture. In three seasons, featured destinations have ranged from South Korea, Vienna and Argentina, to Scotland, Uzbekistan and Nashville. A dancer since the age of three (and piano player since age five), Mallozzi attended NYU and studied abroad in both Rome and Florence.

The two Tauck departures with Mallozzi will highlight local dance traditions along the Danube, with lighthearted and entertaining interactive performances and workshops. There will be no mandatory activities, according to Mallozzi, and guests will be free to enjoy from the sidelines or participate as they please. “It's all about celebrating local dance traditions in a fun, approachable way,” she explained. “Anyone with even the slightest interest in dance and local culture will enjoy the cruise!”

AN “IMPERIAL EVENING” IN VIENNA

Mallozzi will be joining the April 22nd “Danube Reflections” sailing from Regensburg to Vienna, and the October 14th sailing from Vienna to Regensburg. Along the way, guests will enjoy an “Imperial Evening” with dinner and classical music performances in a private Viennese palace, a walking tour in picturesque Durnstein, a choice of exploring Passau (Germany) or Chesky Krumlov (Czech Republic), as well as visits to castles, palaces, abbeys and cathedrals.

Included in the price (from $3,990 USD/$5,180 CAD, plus airfare) are all shore excursions, all gratuities, all onboard beverages (adult and otherwise), all performances and other activities, shore excursions, luggage handling and much more.

Those interested in more information can contact their local travel professional, call Tauck at 800 468 2825, or visit the company's website at www.tauck.com (www.tauck.ca in Canada.)

Crystal River Cruises Named Best in Luxury, Dining & Service in Cruise Critic U.S. & U.K. Editors’ Picks Awards

MIAMI, December 4, 2019 – Continuing to lead as the definitive leader in luxury on Europe’s rivers, Crystal River Cruises has won top honors for luxury, dining and service from the industry experts of Cruise Critic and Cruise Critic U.K. The online cruise guides’ annual Editors’ Picks Awards were announced today, highlighting the fine nuances of the Crystal River Experience that set it apart from all others.

Cruise Critic editors praised the luxury river cruise line noting:

Best for Luxury (River Category) – Cruise Critic U.S.

“Want to feel spoiled on the rivers? Crystal has you covered, with butler service, spacious suites and delicious, round-the-clock dining. Crystal takes the tour element out of river cruising, encouraging passengers to choose-their-own-adventure with sumptuous extras such as indoor fitness pools, meals prepared à la minute, concierge shore excursion service -- flightseeing in Europe! -- and signature events.”

Best Dining (River Category) – Cruise Critic U.S. & U.K.

“Sophisticated dishes, made-to-order meals and an excellent included wine list make Crystal Cruises the perfect choice for foodies. No dining room lines here; on Crystal, there's open seating and plenty of tables for two, allowing passengers to eat on their own schedule. While oenophiles will love splurging for the decadent Vintage Room, casual dining also shines, with delicious burgers and global tapas.”

Best Service – Cruise Critic U.K.

“With 24-hour butler service for every cabin and high crew-to-passenger ratios, Crystal delivers impeccable levels of service. Striking just the right balance between seamless and unobtrusive service that caters to every whim, whilst making passengers feel completely at ease in a relaxing and friendly environment the line delivers on every level. Intuitive staff members quickly learn names and favourite cocktails to make everyone feel extra special.”

Crystal River Cruises will offer the youngest and most spacious fleet sailing the rivers of Europe with sister ships Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel.

“From the moment we set sail, Crystal River Cruises set an entirely new standard of luxury on Europe’s rivers, one that connects guests authentically with the destinations and offers them the renowned personalize service and stylish elegance and excellence they expect from Crystal,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises. “To earn the acclaim of Cruise Critic experts from both the U.S. and the U.K. is an honor that makes us very proud.”

Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel are the first and only all-suite, all-balcony ships on Europe’s rivers, with all guest suites positioned above the water line. The ships feature private butler service in every room category, 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.

Ashore, guests can choose from more than 200 inclusive Destination Discoveries that are tailored to suit a variety of personal interests and styles. Culinary explorations, cultural connections, active pursuits and personal perspectives with locals are all on offer, as well as complimentary Signature Events on virtually every voyage that include performances and receptions at historically significant castles, museums and other locales.

Crystal Cruises Wins Best Luxury Cruise Line in Annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards

MIAMI, December 4, 2019 – Once again winning the highest acclaim from the experts of Cruise Critic, Crystal Cruises has been named Best Luxury Cruise Line in the online cruise guide’s 12th annual Editors’ Picks Awards. The awards are decided by a global panel of industry insiders and travel experts, who praised the renowned service, exceptional dining experiences and spacious and elegant designs found aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

“The Cruise Critic editorial team is extremely well versed in the nuances of cruising that guests around the world care about most when planning their vacations, and we are tremendously proud that they have once again recognized Crystal as the very best for luxury travelers,” said Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “It’s gratifying to know that the hallmarks of the Crystal Experience – personalized service for each guest, superb cuisine, thoughtfully designed spaces – continue to resonate with guests and industry experts alike.”

Cruise Critic’s editors awarded the top honors in luxury to Crystal Cruises based on their comprehensive assessment, mentioning the following highlights:

“Crystal meets the luxury gold standard, with personalized service onboard beautiful ships designed to transport passengers to far-flung destinations. The all-inclusive ships offer spacious staterooms, while knowledgeable butlers and concierges bring service to another level. Excellent open-seating dining, capped by Crystal's partnership with chef Nobu Matsuhisa and the impeccable Umi Uma and Sushi Bar, keeps cruisers coming back time and again.”

Crystal ships are renowned for a superior standard of excellence and elegant design, with nearly all guest accommodations boasting private verandahs, many of them butler-serviced Penthouse and Penthouse Suites, numerous dining venues inspired by the destinations Crystal explores and integrated high-tech amenities streamlining the guest experience throughout the ships.

Sailing voyages of a few nights to epic 100+-night World Cruises, Crystal entices luxury travelers with personalized service and attention to detail; abundant personal and public spaces throughout its ships; superlative luxury and quality; and a bevy of choices that allow guests to customize their perfect Crystal Experience. Global itineraries through 2022 are now available for booking, allowing travelers to plan their grandest vacations far in advance. Guests who do so are also rewarded with compelling value, as Crystal’s Book Now Savings offer thousands off regular cruise fares for those who book early.

Viking Honored With 2019 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards

Viking Takes Five Categories, Including Best Luxury Value for Money and Best Enrichment in 12th Annual Awards

Los Angeles (December 4, 2019) – Viking® (www.vikingcruises.com) today celebrated new accolades from Cruise Critic®, the world’s largest online cruise resource. In the 2019 Editors’ Picks Awards, Cruise Critic honored Viking with five awards in the luxury ocean and river categories, marking the third consecutive year Viking has won more Editors’ Picks awards than any other river or ocean cruise line. Three of the awards are in the prestigious luxury ocean categories and include Best Luxury Value for Money and Best Spa – both of which Viking has won every year since introducing its ocean cruises in 2015 – as well as Best Enrichment. The company was also recognized in two river categories: Best Itineraries and Best for First-Timers for the second and third consecutive year, respectfully. The full list of Editors’ Picks Awards can be viewed on Cruise Critic here.

“We are honored to be recognized by the editors of Cruise Critic for our leadership,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “I want to thank Cruise Critic’s editors, who are true industry experts that continue to appreciate ‘The Viking Difference’ we offer with our travel experiences. I would also like to thank our guests for their continued enthusiasm and participation in the Cruise Critic community.”

Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks

Cruise Critic boasts the world’s largest online cruise community, with more than 650,000 cruise reviews, covering approximately 700 cruise ships and nearly 500 worldwide ports. The Editors' Picks Awards combine Cruise Critic editors’ impartial cruise expertise – based on firsthand experiences and industry knowledge – to help travelers select the best cruise vacation from an increasing number of cruise options. In ranking Viking in the top spot for five different awards, Cruise Critic’s editors commented with the following:

Best Value for Money – Luxury Ocean: “A cruise on a Viking ship means rarely having to reach for your wallet once onboard. With included perks like specialty dining and shore excursions, it's easy to feel spoiled. Viking's no nickel-and-diming policy means passengers know what they're paying upfront and appreciate the value of a cruise that includes excellent dining, large staterooms and friendly, intuitive service.”

Best Spa – Luxury Ocean: “It doesn't get any better than Viking's sublime LivNordic Spa. The highlight of any Viking cruise is the wonderful thermal suite, which is tranquil, gorgeous and absolutely free. Packed with amenities like a thalassotherapy pool, snow grotto and heated ceramic lounge chairs, the thermal suite is the best place to spend a sea day. Viking has redefined the cruise ship spa experience.”

Best Enrichment – Luxury Ocean: “Not surprising for a cruise line that partners with PBS, Viking takes enrichment seriously. Each ocean ship has a resident historian, who gives entertaining and informative destination-based lectures and leads Q&As about regional current events. New-this-year Viking Jupiter and Viking Orion also have onboard planetariums, technologically powerful enough for 3D shows, and resident astronomers to make sense of what you've seen.”

Best for First-Timers – River: “New to river cruising? Then Viking should be your first stop. Perhaps the best-known river cruise line, Viking is also one of the most expansive; the company's vast fleet of Longships means it's easy to find the perfect sailing. Smart inclusions, such as beer and wine at lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and a shore excursion in every port, mean few extra fees once onboard.”

Bets Itineraries – River: “From the Mekong to the Yangtze, the Danube to the Douro, the Nile to the Volga, you'll find a Viking riverboat. The line has pioneered cruises on many of the world's rivers, offering insightful and in-depth itineraries exploring the culture, heritage and sights of the destinations. The sheer amount of ships means that it's easy to find a river cruise to suit any taste.”

Today’s announcement from Cruise Critic builds on to the impressive list of recent accolades for Viking. For the fourth consecutive year, Travel + Leisure readers voted Viking to the top of its categories in the 2019 World’s Best Awards. Earlier this year, the company’s first five 930-guest sister ships, Viking Star®, Viking Sea®, Viking Sky®, Viking Sun® and Viking Orion® dominated the Cruise Critic® 9th Annual Cruisers’ Choice Awards, receiving 11 First Place honors. All six of Viking’s ships have been awarded a top rating of five stars by Cruise Critic.

Crystal Debuts New Crystal Storytellers Podcast Series

Renowned onboard enrichment speakers featured on the innovative and compelling storytelling platform

MIAMI, NOVEMBER 19, 2019 – Today, Crystal launched a new podcast series titled, Crystal Storytellers, becoming the first cruise line to offer an enrichment series to audiences beyond its ships. The weekly exploration with some of the world’s most intriguing individuals and experts in entertainment, travel, politics, adventure and more builds upon Crystal’s renowned Crystal Visions Lecture Series featured aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, bringing these enriching presentations to listeners around the world. The first episode from the inaugural season featuring Kathy Reichs, novelist and television producer of the hit series Bones, is currently available on the Crystal Insider blog as well as all major listening platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Pandora, Stitcher, Castbox, TuneIn (available through the Alexa app), Overcast, and Pocket Cast.

Each episode of Crystal Storytellers features an expert guest speaker from a 2019 Crystal voyage in conversation with the ship’s Cruise Director about their respective areas of expertise, as well as highlights of their Crystal voyage and anecdotes about their careers and personal interests. These exclusive interviews vary in topic and perspective depending on the guest and are designed to capture the uniquely informative and engaging style presented aboard Crystal ships and leave listeners educated and entertained.

“Crystal’s comprehensive onboard enrichment program has long drawn praise from travelers around the world. The Storytellers podcast is a wonderful opportunity to bring the intriguing dialogue and perspectives presented on board to guests wherever they are in the world,” said Keith Cox, Crystal’s vice president of entertainment. “The podcast delivers innovative entertainment and education for listeners to further expand their interests, passions and general knowledge of the world.”

Every week listeners can expect to hear a new intimate conversational interview recorded aboard Crystal ships as they explore some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.

Featured in season one, guest speakers on Crystal Storytellers include:

1. Kathy Reichs: Novelist and television producer of the hit series, Bones;

2. Bruce McGill: American actor known for his memorable roles in both film and television
   including National Lampoon’s Animal House;

3. General Anthony Zinni: Retired United States Marine Corps Four Star General, former
   Commander in Chief for the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and former special
   envoy to Israel and the Palestinian Authority;

4. Melissa Manchester: Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress;

5. Michelle Lee: Performer, philanthropist, award winning actress, singer, director and producer;

6. Scott Kelly: Former military fighter and test pilot, engineer, retired astronaut, former
   commander of the International Space Station and retired U.S. Navy captain;

7. Ken Walsh: Notable journalist, author and historian;

8. Sir Michael Burton: Former member of the British Diplomatic Service;

9. Leslie Morgan Steiner: New York Times best-selling author, columnist for The Washington Post,
   and renowned speaker on work/family balance;

10. Kevin McCollum: Tony Award-winning theater producer and partner to Crystal Cruise’s Crystal
    on Broadway programming;

11. Rob Caskie: Legendary storyteller specializing in South African history and early Arctic and
    Antarctic exploration.

New episodes of the podcast are available every Tuesday starting today through January 28, 2020. To learn more about upcoming speakers on Crystal, or to book a voyage, please visit https://www.crystalcruises.com/.

About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across four distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; Crystal Yacht Cruises, offering boutique luxury and bold adventure in the world’s most elite harbors; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 26 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises, Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Yacht Cruises and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 20 years; and won “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 & 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA.

Carnival Cruise Line Becomes First Cruise Operator Certified ‘sensory Inclusive’ by Kulturecity

Leading Advocacy Organization Providing Training & Tools to Enhance Vacations for Guests with Autism, ADHD, PTSD, Down Syndrome and Sensory Disabilities

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 click here or visit the Guests with Disabilities page on Carnival.com.

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