Azamara Launches Its 2020 WAVE Offer

Miami, December 18, 2019: Azamara — the upmarket, boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion® — is pleased to announce its 2020 WAVE Offer. Guests booking between now and February 29, 2020 will enjoy a sale of up to 40% off 125 sailings starting April 14, 2020 through November 21, 2021. Azamara’s three ships — Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest and Azamara Pursuit — all have participating voyages.

In alignment with the brand’s commitment to Destination Immersion®, and the addition of more late-night stays and overnights in different ports, Azamara’s guests can immerse themselves into local culture with shore excursions ranging from an exploration into the world of Basque cuisine with a traditional “pintxo” cooking class in Bilbao, Spain, to participating in a percussion workshop with the local community in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. For guests looking to spend even more time in a destination, and bookable with all sailings as an additional cost, Azamara’s newly expanded pre- and post-voyage land voyages — the largest selection in the cruise industry — provide experiences that range from a five-night exploration into Ireland’s countryside castles to a four-day adventure journeying into Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil.

For the full list of applicable sailings, visit the website here. Example sailings include:

10-Night Northern Capitals Voyage
Departing June 8, 2020
Itinerary Details: Travelers will begin this summertime voyage in Southampton, England, where they will sail to a variety of Northern Europe’s most alluring cities including Bruges, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Berlin, Kiel Canal and Copenhagen. In Amsterdam, excursionists can tour Anne Frank’s historic home, the Van Gough Museum, as well as opt to enhance their cooking skills with a Dutch Cheese Making Workshop. When visiting Copenhagen, travelers can elect to experience the Copenhagen Harbor Cruise shore excursion, where they will glide gently down the city’s famous canals and see the Copenhagen Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, and Christiansborg Palace.

Added Pre- and Post-Voyage Land Program: Guests can immerse themselves on a four-day adventure through Great Britain, and opt to visit Oxford, Cotswold, & Bath, where they will see three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Blenheim Palace, The City of Bath, and Stonehenge.
Lead-in Price for Voyage: $2,999 / Lead-in Price for Voyage + Land Program: $4,999

12-Night Bali & Western Australia Voyage
December 9, 2020
Itinerary Details Setting sail from Singapore — a food lover’s paradise boasting some of the world’s most ambrosial Malaysian, Chinese and Indian cuisines — to Samarang, which is commonly known as the gateway to the Hindu temples of Parambanan and the largest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobudur. They will then stay overnight in the stunning paradise of Bali before heading to Australia’s west coast, where in Perth they can opt to experience some of the country’s most-esteemed varietals on the Swan Valley Food and Wine shore excursion.

Added Pre- and Post-Voyage Land Program: The ‘In search of Orangutans in Borneo’ is a four-day adventure that can be added to this voyage, which gives guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Borneo and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to see these creatures roam the local rainforest
Lead-in Price for Voyage: $3,099 / Lead-in Price for Voyage + Land Program: $3,899

12-Night South Africa Intensive Voyage
Departing January 18, 2021
Itinerary Details: Guests begin this voyage in the diverse, cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, where they will travel via cable car to the top of Tabletop Mountain for a view of the metropolis and its pristine coastline. Travelers will then sail to Port Elizabeth, where they can lounge on paradisiacal Hobie Beach as well as witness the world’s densest elephant population at Addo Elephant National Park. As well as hitting the cities of East London, Maputo (Mozambique), Richards Bay, and Durban, this voyage is run in partnership with Perry Golf™, the international leader in luxury golf travel. Golf-enthusiasts can expect clubs waiting for them prior to playing some of the continent’s most renowned links, which include Durban Country Club and Jack Nicholaus signature course, Pearl Valley.

Added Pre- and Post-Voyage Land Program: Travelers can opt to embark on the five-night ‘Greater Kruger National Park Safari & Winelands’ adventure — in addition to touring wineries, animal-enthusiasts will visit Kapama Private Game Reserve, which is home to the Big Five — namely the elephant, lion, leopard, the buffalo and Rhino.

Lead-in Price for Voyage: $3,999 / Lead-in Price for Voyage + Land Program: $5,669

Crystal Cruises Named ‘Best Luxury Cruise Line’ by Travel Weekly Readers for 5th Consecutive Year

MIAMI, December 13, 2019 – The readers of Travel Weekly have named Crystal Cruises the “Best Luxury Cruise Line” in the world for the fifth consecutive year. The publication’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards were announced Thursday evening during a gala in New York City, where Crystal executives Carmen Roig, senior vice president of marketing and sales; Melissa Araya, director of strategic partnerships and Bertha Espinosa, vice president of guest services accepted the award. The awards are voted on by thousands of professional travel advisors across the country, who selected their favorite travel companies in 79 categories including airlines, cruise lines, destinations, hotels, and resorts.

“The readers of Travel Weekly are some of our industry’s savviest professionals, who keep their keen eye on what is resonating most with travelers,” said Roig. “To earn their recognition year after year makes us very proud and reaffirms that the caliber of luxury guests enjoy aboard Crystal ships and the personalized service of our crew are truly echoing what the world’s most discerning travelers are seeking.”

She added, “The highest praise remains that so many of the travel advisors who vote on awards such as these also confidently recommend Crystal to their clients, who have entrusted them with their grandest vacation plans. We will never take this trust lightly and thank them for their continued support.”

Crystal Cruises’ ocean-going ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are the most awarded luxury ships in the world, consistently leading the industry in luxury offerings for nearly three decades. As Crystal prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2020, the brand’s ships continue to dazzle travelers seeking comfortable elegance; immersive and enriching experiences in the world’s most fascinating locales; superlative culinary experiences; and its signature, genuine and personalized service that is unmatched in the industry for routinely exceeding guests’ wishes.

Crystal also continues to celebrate its enduring relationship with the travel advisor community, providing travel pros a cache of tools at their disposal to equip them to sell Crystal and grow their luxury business. Along with the day-to-day support of Crystal’s Strategic Business Development Managers across the country, travel advisors can also utilize Crystal’s Partner Resource Center and Travel Agent University, which are filled with resources including videos and webinars; sales and marketing kits; CruiseBuilder 3.0 and training modules as well as familiarization trips to keep up to date on the World of Crystal.

Galveston Wharves Signs Long-term Agreement With Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. To Develop New State-of-the-art Terminal

Galveston, TX, Dec. 12, 2019 – The Port of Galveston, the fourth most active cruise port in North America, has signed a long-term contract with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) for a new $100 million cruise terminal. Through the public-private partnership, RCL will build the terminal, then lease it from the port for an initial term of 20 years, with four 10-year extension options.

The two-story terminal will have a footprint of approximately 170,000 square feet on 10 acres in the eastern section of the port known as Pier 10. Construction is expected to begin in April 2020. Anticipated to open in fall 2021, the facility will feature state-of-the-art technology, including mobile check-in and facial recognition to expedite guest arrival. The terminal will be designed and developed sustainably to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental) certification standards.

Improvements to the pier bulkhead and apron will be made to safely accommodate the cruise line’s largest vessels. In addition, a staging and loading area, bus and taxi staging areas and substantial parking will be constructed.

The port will be responsible for items including maintenance, parking, and improvements to the dock so that it can accommodate the larger vessels. RCL will contribute to the cost of improving the docks.

“This is historic moment, not only for the port but for Galveston. This partnership will bring economic growth to the region and the state by generating new jobs, spending and tax revenues. It also will bring more visitors to the island, a popular tourist destination,” said Port Director/CEO Rodger Rees. “Galveston is on course to become a global destination for cruising, and we are thankful for partners like Royal Caribbean.”

As the Port of Galveston’s cruise industry grows, so does its local and state economic impact. According to a national report, Galveston’s cruise business grew by 13 percent in 2018, resulting in $1.5 billion in cruise industry direct expenditures and 26,241 jobs with total wages of $1.75 billion in Texas.

“We are excited to partner with the Port of Galveston to develop a world-class facility which will allow us to sail our newest, largest and most innovative ships from Texas starting with Allure of the Seas, one of the largest ships in the world,” Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The new terminal will allow us to increase our guests to the region by 50% generating a $100 million economic impact within the first year of operation.”

The port began its successful partnership with RCL in 2002 with the inaugural sailing of Rhapsody of the Seas. Currently, the port is home to Enchantment of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the state of Texas.

In November 2021, the newly completed terminal will welcome one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Allure of the Seas. Following her $165 million amplification, Allure will pump up the adventure with the addition of the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea that touts a 10-story plunge; The Perfect Storm, a thrilling trio of multistory waterslides; and an array of culinary possibilities with more restaurants, including the introduction of Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and returning favorites Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and El Loco Fresh; and more. Allure will sail 7-night Caribbean itineraries from Galveston and will be the biggest and boldest ship sailing form the Lone Star state.

New ‘Heroes Tribute Bar’ on Carnival Panorama Honors Military Personnel, Supports Operation Homefront

MIAMI (Dec. 12, 2019) – Continuing its longstanding support of military women and men, Carnival Cruise Line, which carries more active and retired military personnel than any other cruise operator, debuted the “Heroes Tribute Bar,” a first-of-its-kind venue on the new Carnival Panorama that salutes our military heroes.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, was joined by military personnel and veterans on Carnival Panorama’s inaugural sailing for the grand opening celebration and toast Carnival’s extended military family of guests and employees.

She also said that a portion of the proceeds from the new entertainment and gathering spot will benefit Carnival partner, Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to building strong, stable and secure military families.

“The Heroes Tribute Bar is a project that is very near and dear to my heart and one that everyone at Carnival is extremely proud of. We’re always looking for new ways to honor our military heroes and this new outlet is a wonderful tribute to the sacrifices of our Armed Services personnel and their families, and is a wonderful complement to our extremely popular military tributes which are held on each and every Carnival cruise,” said Duffy.

The venue features a distinctive All-American décor with logos of the five armed service branches of the U.S. military as well as patriotic and military memorabilia throughout the room. The venue’s walls are lined with photos and messages centering on three main themes: Welcome Home, Thank You for Your Service and America’s Heroes.

“We are absolutely thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Christine Duffy and the entire Carnival Cruise Line team to raise awareness and support for our troops and their families,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront. “Their new Heroes Tribute Bar on board Carnival Panorama is a shining example of their desire to honor and celebrate this amazing group of our fellow citizens and provide a special venue where we can thank them for all they have done for all of us.”
Specialty cocktails will be offered and served in a custom pint glass with a portion of each sale benefiting Operation Homefront. Pint glasses are also available for purchase. While the concept will initially be a feature exclusively on Carnival Panorama, Duffy said that the line will look to amplify the spirit of the Heroes Tribut Bar at special moments across the Carnival fleet.

Carnival has been a longtime supporter of the military, hosting a military appreciation reception each cruise, shipboard concerts for military personnel, and events at U.S. Naval bases. Carnival received the U.S. Honor Flag in recognition of its military support and Duffy participated in the 88th Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, the oldest and most prestigious public liaison program in the Department of Defense.

Carnival Panorama sailed on its inaugural voyage yesterday and will launch year-round seven-day cruises to the Mexican Riviera Dec. 14, calling at seaside destinations such as 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.

World Navigator’s welcoming and stylish rooms provide comfortable retreat after day’s adventure

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Dec. 12, 2019 – Combining luxe comfort and casual elegance, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ suites and staterooms provide guests a regenerative haven after a day of excitement and achievement. When World Navigator launches in 2021, guests will bask in the ship’s 98 deluxe suites and staterooms, all exterior with an ocean view and most with a private veranda. Adventurous travelers can choose among seven general categories of accommodations, ranging from the 183-sq. ft. Adventure Staterooms to the ship’s signature one-bedroom, 466-sq. ft. Navigator Suite. All suites and staterooms feature décor that is infused with European sophistication; incorporate modern technological conveniences; and include a stocked refrigerator, deluxe bath amenities, hairdryer, plush robes and slippers, digital safe, daily make-up and turndown service, still and sparking water – replenished twice daily, and ample storage. For more information about World Navigator and her Luxe-Adventure accommodations, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.

“When guests return to World Navigator after a day of adrenaline-pumping Atlas land adventures, their suites and staterooms will be an intimate and stylish retreat that reinvigorates the body and renews the spirit,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “World Navigator and her luxe amenities also will provide alluring and lively venues for guests to come together and share their day’s exploits. Throughout their Atlas voyage, guests will delight in engaging and personal service from every member of our exceptional staff and crew.”

Nearly 90 percent of the ship’s accommodations include verandas, including the 269-sq. ft. Horizon stateroom, which features a floor-to-ceiling glass wall with an upper panel that slides open to make the entire room a veranda – a concept first developed by parent-company Mystic Invest Holding for river cruise ships. The Horizon staterooms’ living room-veranda hybrid design also offer 23 percent more interior space than the traditional 269-sq. ft. Veranda staterooms, though both deliver breathtaking vistas in the open air, whether guests are adventuring in the Black Sea and Holy Lands or exploring Antarctic waters. Twelve Adventure Staterooms also offer guests a view of the ocean and passing landscape through a large picture-frame window.

The centerpiece of each stateroom is a queen-size bed that can be separated into two twin beds facing an oversized, interactive flat-panel screen, providing an expansive line-up of live and on-demand television, movie, music and audio programming, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones and tablets. Each stateroom also includes a desk with chair, while the Horizon and Veranda staterooms offer a sitting area with a plush loveseat and coffee table for guests to enjoy the adjacent sea view. For cameras, phones, tablets and other electronic devices, five USB ports and five 110V and 220V outlets are placed strategically throughout the room so guests have options for where they would like their devices to rest while charging.

For adventurers preferring more space, World Navigator also offers 10 one-bedroom suites. The Journey Suite offers 382 sq. ft. of space; the Discovery Suite, 445 sq. ft.; and the Navigator Suite, 466 sq. ft. All suites also feature a double-wide, 106 sq. ft. veranda, furnished with sun loungers, teak chairs and tables to enjoy private, al fresco dining or relaxation. Each suite includes two closets and the living room and bedroom each include an oversized, interactive flat-panel television, as well as all the amenities found in aforementioned stateroom categories. Additionally, adventurers also can choose among two Junior Suiteconfigurations, one with exterior veranda and the other with the floor-to-ceiling Horizon window that opens to make the entire 300 sq. ft. suite into a veranda.

All of World Navigator’s in-room bathrooms feature spa showers walled with mosaic tiles. Guests can choose one or a combination of rain shower, handheld showerhead and four adjustable bodyjets for a luxurious bathing experience. Guests can rejuvenate with shampoo, conditioner and body wash by L’Occitane, part of the cruise line’s partnership with the iconic French beauty brand, as well as L’Occitane handwash and hand lotion at the ceramic vessel sink, which sits atop a rich, wood-grain veneer cabinet. The Navigator Suite and Discovery Suite both offer his-and-hers sink and a separate water closet, while the Navigator Suite is accentuated with a bathtub.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a Luxe-Adventure cruise brand that is creating a community of new world explorers by delivering authentic, thrilling, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the world’s most sought-after and remote destinations. The new brand’s first ship, World Navigator, will open for booking in December 2019, and start sailing exhilarating itineraries in mid-2021. In 2022 and 2023, World Navigator will be joined by sister-ships World Traveller, World Adventurer, and World Seeker.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is the U.S. distributor of Mystic Invest Holding, a Portuguese holding company that owns and operates a portfolio of travel and tourism brands in cruises, tours, transportation and attractions. Its ships are among the first new Portuguese-built and flagged cruise ships in more than 50 years and employ the latest sustainability technologies to help preserve the breathtaking locales and waters they ply for future generations to also enjoy. For the latest news and more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages and World Navigator, please call 1-844-44-ATLAS (1-844-442-8527); visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com; and follow @AtlasCruises on Facebook and Twitter, and @AtlasOceanVoyages on Instagram.