ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES DELIVERS PREMIER LUXE-ADVENTURE EXPEDITIONS BROCHURE

Brochures Arriving by Mail in mid-December, Available Now Online

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., December 14, 2020 – Atlas Ocean Voyages unveiled today the cruise brand’s premier luxe-adventure expeditions brochure for World Navigator’s inaugural 2021/22 year. The new 76-page brochure is the comprehensive reference for Travel Advisors to sell Atlas Ocean Voyages and for travelers to plan a future luxe-adventure expedition in the Holy Land, Black, Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, South America and Antarctica. Launching in July 2021, World Navigator will be Atlas’ first, newly constructed expedition ship, which brings experienced, curious and fun-seeking travelers on once-in-a-lifetime journeys to less-populated, remote and bucket-list destinations. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ new brochure is currently in the mail and will be delivered to travelers and Travel Advisors throughout the United States and Canada starting mid-December 2020. To request a complimentary copy or to view the digital edition of Atlas’ premier luxe-adventure expeditions brochure, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/brochures.

“It’s a sincere pleasure to present Atlas Ocean Voyages’ premier luxe-adventure expedition brochure,” said Brandon Townsley, Vice President of Sales and Trade Partnerships. “Atlas’ new brochure is a powerful tool for Travel Advisors to help their clients plan for an unforgettable luxe-adventure expedition in the New Year. A great feature about the digital edition is that Travel Advisors can select and easily download any page, which they can email to market Atlas to their clients. Luxe-adventure expeditions are fresh and unique, and Travel Advisors can make their clients’ return-to-cruise experience a chance to come back to something new.”

Atlas’ premier brochure provides travelers and Travel Advisors all the information and imagery that articulates the cruise brand’s new, highly anticipated luxe-adventure expeditions, commencing aboard World Navigator in July 2021. Travelers can learn about the ship’s luxurious amenities, impeccable service, and refined accommodations, which together cultivate the relaxed elegance that guests will enjoy on board. The new brochure also provides detailed itineraries, destination highlights, and expansive menu of included and marquee shoreside adventures that guests can choose to create their own personalized, once-in-a-lifetime experience in 2021.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure expedition cruise brand designed for worldly and fun-seeking travelers to immerse in exciting and awe-inspiring experiences in less-visited, bucket-list destinations. At 9,930 GRTs, World Navigator fosters a refined and convivial ambience for up to 196 guests and features the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her state-of-the-art design.

Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All the Way provides guests a more seamless and worry-free experience by including emergency medical evacuation insurance for all guests, as well as complimentary round-trip air travel, polar parkas, prepaid gratuities, premium wine and spirits and international beers, coffees and smoothies, Wi-Fi, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, and regionally inspired gourmet dining. In every stateroom, guests enjoy binoculars to use on board, en suite coffee, tea and personalized bar service, and butler service in suites.

World Navigator is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified and her construction is on schedule for delivery in July 2021. World Navigator will be joined by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.

For more information, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com and follow Atlas Ocean Voyage on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), Twitter (www.twitter.com/atlascruises), Instagram (www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/atlascruises). Travel Advisors can call 1.844.44.ATLAS (1.844.442.8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable luxe-adventure expedition.

Windstar Cruises Plans for a Return to Sailing in May and Launches a Bon Voyage 2020 Holiday Sale

Newly transformed Star Breeze yacht redeployed  to Caribbean and Tahiti for 2021 

SEATTLE, WA, December 14, 2020 – Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises was among the first to cease operations in March and has been a leader in taking careful preparatory steps for a future return to business. The line has now made the decision to postpone all sailings until May, including the debut of its recently reimagined 312-passenger Star Breeze all-suite yacht. 

With this latest shift in operations (which includes cancelling Windstar’s 2021 Alaska, U.S., Mexico ports), Windstar’s Star Breeze will now return to cruising May 15 on a newly added itinerary departing from St. Martin. Three departures of Beach Fun & Sun – A Remote Caribbean Getaway, will be more adventure-focused with an emphasis on secluded beaches and water sports activities.

Windstar will use its Watersports Platform (which opens directly into the sea) as well as its watersports crew to offer exploration by small boats with trips to remote beaches, kayaking, snorkeling, water skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Stops include Norman Island, an island at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands reputed to be the inspiration for Treasure Island; two days at Prickly Pear Beach, a white-sand beach with turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling on Virgin Gorda; and Soper’s Hole on the quiet island of Tortola. 

Star Breeze will then remain in the Caribbean sailing on a variety of itineraries through August 14, when it will head to Colombia and the Panama Canal before continuing to Tahiti on a transpacific voyage. It will then sail from September 19 through March of 2022 on seven, 10- and 11-day cruises. Star Breeze in Tahiti, where Windstar’s 148-passenger Wind Spirit typically only sails, is a unique opportunity to experience the islands on this newly transformed yacht which offers two new dining concepts with serious chef backings, as well as new suites, a spacious spa/fitness center, and other “bigger ship” perks, all with just 312 guests maximum.  

Holiday Sale – Bon Voyage 2020!

Windstar’s Bon Voyage 2020 Sale, which kicks off December 16 for past guests and travel advisors and December 17 for the general public, includes price reductions on select 2021 and 2022 voyages, including many options in Tahiti and the Caribbean. Travelers can also take advantage of a reduced deposit of 5% (normally 15%). It ends December 30. More details here: https://www.windstarcruises.com/specials/ 

“We are seeing increasing interest for summer and fall of 2021 and also 2022,” says Windstar Cruises’ President Chris Prelog. “Our six yachts carry only 148 to 342 guests, and we expect demand for small ship cruising to continue to increase. My advice is to book now and save your desired cruise date before we sell out. You can always cancel up to 48 hours before departure for 2021 cruises.”  

Windstar Yacht Deployment Updates 

The newly transformed Star Legend is slated to be the first Windstar yacht to return to service, beginning May 1 in Athens on the new 10-day Greece, Israel & Egypt: Footsteps of Faith in the Holy Lands cruise. Wind Spirit will begin sailing in Tahiti on May 6. Wind Surf will resume guest operations in Civitavecchia (Rome) on May 9, while Wind Star starts on May 22 in Athens. The reimagined Star Pride will debut July 14 in Dover. 

COVID and Cruising 

Windstar is committed to its Beyond Ordinary Care program throughout all six of its yachts, which notably use HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, plus electrostatic sprayers to sanitize all surfaces. The program is paired with a Travel Assurance Booking Policy that gives flexibility to make plans and update them without fees if things change. On 2021 cruises, guests may cancel up to 48 hours prior to departure and receive cancellation fees as a Future Cruise Credit. 

For updated information, reservations, and itineraries, visit www.windstarcruises.com. 

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE SETS 2021 DRY DOCKS FOR THREE SHIPS AND DEFERS THEIR RETURN TO OPERATIONS UNTIL AFTER WORK IS COMPLETED

MIAMI, Dec. 9, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line has established dry dock plans for three of its ships, and as part of its gradual, phased-in return to operations in 2021, will defer the deployment of the vessels until after the work is completed.

In a letter to guests and travel agents, Carnival advised that it has cancelled cruises on Carnival Magic (up to and including the embarkation on Sept. 24, 2021), Carnival Paradise (up to and including the embarkation on May 31, 2021) and Carnival Valor (up to and including the embarkation on Sept. 11, 2021).

Guests will have the option of a 100 percent future cruise credit combined with a generous onboard credit, or a full refund.

SILVERSEA CONGRATULATES STEVE MCCURRY ON HIS NEW BOOK, WHICH PRESENTS AN UNSEEN WORLD OF TRAVEL

In his new book, In Search of Elsewhere: Unseen Images, iconic photographer Steve McCurry shares 102 previously unseen images—18 of which were captured during his travels with Silversea.

(Monaco – December 9, 2020) Iconic photographer Steve McCurry—Silversea Cruises’ valued, long-term ambassador—has published previously unseen photographs in his new book, In Search of Elsewhere: Unseen Images. Of the work’s 102 captivating shots, 18 were taken during McCurry’s travels with Silversea, as the celebrated storyteller ventured deep into countries such as Benin, Madagascar, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Togo, and others. 

First released in Italian, then in US English on November 24—and since translated into French, German and Spanish—In Search of Elsewhere takes readers across the globe, revealing the diversity of human life. From India, Myanmar and Cuba, to Togo, Ethiopia, Macedonia and the monasteries of Tibet, McCurry offers a new perspective on many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. McCurry is known for creating some of the most iconic images of recent times; his newest compilation reveals the incredible depth of his work. Lauded travel writer Pico Iyer, who is also a long-term collaborator of Silversea Cruises, penned the book’s foreword.

“This book documents my travels over the past 40 years, but more importantly, it records the ways in which people live out their everyday lives, no matter the joys and difficulties,” says Steve McCurry. “The overarching theme of this collection is that no matter how divided our world is, there are more things that bind us together as humans than divide us. […] My collaboration with Silversea has been one of the most fruitful of my career. I’ve been able to photograph such remote, far-flung communities. The respect that they have shown me and my work and the freedom to take pictures in my own way has been a gift.”

“We congratulate Steve McCurry on his beautiful new book, In Search of Elsewhere: Unseen Images,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “McCurry’s remarkable images perfectly capture the wonder of travelling, which is experienced by our guests as they journey deep into more than 900 of the world’s most inspiring destinations. We are very proud of our ongoing collaboration with Steve McCurry; through his lens and with his unique eye, our guests can experience the authentic beauty of the world in vivid color.”

A sample of featured images, taken during McCurry’s travels with Silversea Cruises, include:

INDIA
In March 2017, McCurry arrived in Delhi with Silversea to discover India —a destination dear to the photographer’s heart. “As I walked down a small alley in Kolkata, I happened to pass by this small temple while the priest was starting the evening puja or prayer. Performed just before dusk, it marks the last of the daily prayers and prepares the mind for God's beneficence.”

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

McCurry turned his lens on the Asaro people of Papua New Guinea in November 2017. “I was fascinated to meet the mudmen of Papua New Guinea's highlands, who make ghoulish masks and pose with weapons in homage to their past tribal rivalries. Although today their dances are more ceremonial, they still revere their ancestors' traditions by memorializing old ways of superstition and illusion.”

MADAGASCAR

In November 2019, McCurry fulfilled a lifelong ambition by journeying to Madagascar with Silversea. “It had always been a dream of mine to travel to Madagascar, and I was privileged to visit for the first time in November of 2019. It was an incredible experience to see the gigantic African baobabs up close. They are often referred to as the ‘Tree of Life’ because of their age and ability to store water in times of drought.”

ANTARCTICA

McCurry travelled to Antarctica for the first time with Silversea Cruises, departing Ushuaia on Silver Cloud on December 10, 2019. The photographer witnessed whales, seabirds, penguins, and elephant seals, plus vast glaciers and relics of history, frozen in time. “After a career of shooting mainly in color, my trip to Antarctica was nonetheless a visual feast,” says McCurry. “It exceeded my expectations by far. Monochromatic and minimalist, the mammoth floating sculptures are in constant motion, and the hues of white and blue relentlessly change and evolve.”

Read an insightful Q&A with Steve McCurry on Silversea’s travel blog, Discover: 

https://discover.silversea.com/steve-mccurry/photographer-steve-mccurry-in-focus/

View and download related media:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/l7g88ku62sbcq2s/AADByBNqExFL0oijYeqqA-Dna?dl=0

About Silversea
Part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit, Silver Muse and Silver Moon – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Origin, Silver Explorer, and Silver Cloud, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galapagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of three new ultra-luxury ships: Silver Dawn and two Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea's blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.

About Steve McCurry
Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography for more than 30 years. His work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture alike -- yet always retains the human element. A born storyteller with the soul of an explorer, his unique ability to capture what is left of the authentic beauty and truth in the world made him the natural choice when Silversea sought a global creative collaborator in 2017. His unique mission would be to chronicle Silversea's immersive travel experiences, with a focus on revealing the world's beauty and fragility. With scores of magazine and book covers, over a dozen books, and countless exhibitions around the world to his name, McCurry has been recognized with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. These include the Robert Capa Gold Medal, the National Press Photographers Award, and four first prize awards from the World Press Photo contest.

For more information on Silversea Cruises, please call toll-free (888) 978-4070, or contact a travel agent.

Azamara® Launches 2021 WAVE Offer

The destination-focused cruise line encourages guests to save now for their 2021 and 2022 dream explorations

Miami FL, December 08, 2020: Azamara — the upmarket, boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion® — is pleased to announce its 2021 WAVE Offer. Guests booking between now and March 31, 2021 will enjoy savings of up to 40% for select sailings between March 20, 2021 and May 13, 2022. Other perks of the offer include complimentary WI-FI for guests staying in an Oceanview stateroom or higher, exclusive cultural events, and consumer flexibility with the company’s “Cruise with Confidence” program, which allows guests to book worry-free by January 31, 2021 and change their voyage up to 48-hours before the sailing. Azamara’s three ships — Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, and Azamara Pursuit — all have participating voyages.

In accordance 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. Sailings that can be booked with the 2021 WAVE offer include the Iberia Intensive Voyage — offering the chance to travel Spain and Portugal, permitting an overnight in Sevilla that comes with a wealth of excursions such as a Flamenco show and trip to nearby Jerez de la Frontera to taste the area’s lauded sherry wines; Norway Intensive & Svalbard Voyage — which includes eight late nights and excursions such as hiking along the resident fjords and a crabbing expedition out in the wild; and the Australia/New Zealand Voyage — allowing for three late nights, one overnight, and a sweeping variety of programming that includes whale watching and touring the legendary Marlborough wine region. 

CELEBRITY CRUISES INTRODUCES NEW 2022 BERMUDA AND NORTHEAST ATLANTIC WANDERLUST SAILINGS

Line offers new 9-night sailings from Bermuda and 10-to 12-night itineraries from Boston Highlight is Two ‘Limited Edition’ Sailings to Greenland and Iceland

MIAMI – Dec. 8, 2020 -  Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Summit will take travelers throughout the Atlantic Ocean in luxurious style in 2022, as she visits a range of popular destinations from Bermuda to Canada, the U.S. ‘New England’ coast, Greenland and Iceland. The new offerings are highlighted by new 9-night sailings to Bermuda;  a range of new, shorter cruise length offerings from Boston to New England and Canada; and two special sailings to two of the world’s most sought-after destinations, Iceland and Greenland.

Celebrity Summit was recently part of a $500 million fleetwide ‘revolution’ to elevate every detail and refine every guest comfort on the ship. In addition to newly designed staterooms and onboard spa, Celebrity Summit now features The Retreat®, Celebrity Cruises’ ultimate luxury offering for suite guests featuring stunning accommodations; a private restaurant, lounge and sundeck; and exclusive amenities including a dedicated concierge service for an unparalleled vacation at sea.  

Because Celebrity believes vacations should be effortless from the start, Wi-Fi, drinks and tips are now ‘Always Included SM’ in a Celebrity cruise purchase, bringing that wonderful feeling of ‘everything is taken care of’ to life. In addition, the line’s “Cruise with Confidence” program provides flexible cancellations and best price guarantees. 

Bermuda

From May to July 2022, the luxurious Celebrity Summit will offer a range of 7-to 10-night blissful getaways to the pink sand beaches and turquoise waters of Bermuda.

• Seven-night escapes sail round-trip from Cape Liberty with close-up views of the Statue of Liberty and three days and two nights to enjoy this vibrant vacation spot known for its world-famous beaches, caves, culinary scene and nightlife.

• Ten-night and new 9-night sailings to Bermuda, Charleston, South Carolina and Newport, Rhode Island will include overnight stays in Bermuda and Charleston, adding on plenty of time to explore this city’s renowned southern charm, history-lined cobblestone streets, and delicious low-country
  cuisine. A visit to historic Newport offers opportunities to enjoy a hike along the city’s Cliff Walk and visit its famous Gilded Age mansions.

• In addition, Celebrity Cruises has added one new six-night sailing on Celebrity Summit from Cape Liberty to Bermuda on June 7, 2021.

Canada & New England

For the first time, Celebrity Cruises is offering 10-, 11- and 12-night sailings from Boston to some of the most dynamic cities and destinations in New England and Canada. These spectacular fall foliage sailings, scheduled from the end of August to early October, feature an overnight in either Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island or in the most French city outside of France, Canada’s extraordinary Quebec City.  The itineraries also offer visits to bustling Nova Scotia and to Maine’s coastal gems, Portland and Bar Harbor. 

Greenland & Iceland

Celebrity Cruises will offer two 12-night, Atlantic Ocean-crossing vacations in August 2022 to the bucket-list destinations of Greenland and Iceland. One sailing travels eastbound from Cape Liberty to Reykjavik, Iceland and the other westbound from Reykjavik to Boston. Each journey visits the shores of Canada’s Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and multiple exciting destinations in Iceland and Greenland. 

New ports of call include Isafjordur, Iceland, known for its dramatic landscapes; and St. Johns, Newfoundland, the capital city with its colorful downtown row houses and Signal Hill walking trails. 

Celebrity Cruises is applying the recommendations of its Healthy Sail Panel of public health and scientific experts to ensure a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. For more information on the line’s latest health and travel advisories, please visit www.celebritycruises/travel-alert.

For more information on all Celebrity Cruises offerings, call 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com, or speak with a travel advisor. 

About Celebrity Cruises:

Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of a fleet of 14 award-winning ships redefining luxury cruise travel with cool, contemporary design and accommodations; dining, spa and entertainment experiences for modern tastes; and culturally rich and diverse destination experiences, all complemented by warm, personalized service. Celebrity has pioneered many industry firsts at sea, including: the first use of solar panels on a cruise ship; the first to eliminate use of plastic water bottles; the first American female Captain of a cruise ship; the first-ever all-female bridge and officer team sailing; the first West African woman to work on the bridge of a cruise ship; and one of the first legal same-sex weddings performed at sea. Driven by wanderlust and a passion for opening the world, Celebrity journeys to all seven continents, visiting nearly 300 destinations in more than 70 countries. Celebrity is one of six cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Group. (NYSE: RCL)

Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging many not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features or itineraries. Prior to booking, please consult all applicable U.S. Centers for Disease Control travel advisories, warnings, or recommendations relating to cruise travel at cdc.gov/travel/notices. If a certain threshold level of COVID-19 is detected onboard the ship during a voyage, the voyage will end immediately, the ship will return to the port of embarkation, and your subsequent travel, including your return home, may be restricted or delayed.

Uniworld, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Contiki, Trafalgar, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations and African Travel, Inc. Partner with Uplift to Offer U.S. Travelers Personalized Payment Options

Flexible new way to pay enables guests the freedom to book their travel now and pay Later

Guests enjoying a moment amongst Canada’s Rocky Mountains 

Cypress, Calif. – December 8, 2020 – The Travel Corporation (TTC) and its 40 award-winning brands is continuing to put the guest at the heart of everything they do by partnering with Uplift, the only Buy Now, Pay Later payment solution focused exclusively on travel. Both companies teamed up together to assist travelers and their travel advisors by introducing an innovative new way to book their travel and spread the cost over time. With pent-up travel demand forecasted for 2021, guests no longer need to put their holiday dreams on hold and have the freedom to travel even before they finish making these affordable monthly payments over an 11-month period. TTC guests can buy their trip now, save 10% and pay over time through Uplift with annual percentage rates (APRs) from 7%. 

Uplift’s easy payment options provide Uniworld, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Contiki, Trafalgar,Costsaver, Brendan Vacations, and African Travel, Inc. guests with the peace of mind and flexibility to book and pay for their future travel with confidence, by helping them manage their budgets and book the vacation of their dreams today. Travelers can inform their Travel Advisors that they are interested in applying for Uplift’s payment plans when booking their TTC dream trip of a lifetime. With TTC’s guided brands having 2021 and 2022 European pricing in place or coming shortly this October, guests can lock in their preferred departure dates on the most popular itineraries and book and pay for their trips with confidence.

“As we have shared stories throughout 2020 about our first 100th Anniversary this year, The Travel Corporation continues to be driven by service and is constantly innovating around new ways to make travel more personalized and accessible with the best technology benefitting our loyal Travel Advisors and their clients,” said Brett Tollman, Chief Executive of The Travel Corporation. “Our new partnership with Uplift includes our award-winning brands such as Uniworld, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Contiki, Trafalgar, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations, and African Travel, Inc. and further assists us in building on this commitment by offering our guests another way to pay for their vacations. We believe this may be applicable during these very difficult, challenging times for some, and therefore fits their personal needs while providing a seamless booking and payment solution as well as experience,” he concluded.

Uplift’s omni-channel payment platform integrates into TTC’s Travel Advisors’ booking platforms, creating a seamless guest experience.

“Like TTC, we believe travel is an essential part of the human experience,” said Uplift Chief Commercial Officer, Tom Botts. “As we all look forward to traveling again soon, guests will require more payment options. Uplift is the ideal solution, allowing customers to book the trip they deserve while managing their expenses during these uncertain times,” Botts added.

Terms and Conditions: 

Eligibility and loan terms based on credit and other factors. All loans issued by CBW Bank of Weir, KS, Member of FDIC. 

About The Travel Corporation: 

The Travel Corporation (TTC) is a highly successful stable, and solvent family-owned and passionately run international group of 40 award-winning brands, celebrating our first 100th Anniversary this year. Our exceptional portfolio of brands spans across 70 countries and offers an extensive selection of international travel and tourism companies, encompassing a variety of guided travel experiences, independent holiday packages, boutique river cruising, luxury hotels and safaris. We are committed to consistently delivering outstanding service, experiences and value to each and every one of our guests and we do so through continuous innovation. Beyond our commitment to provide the world’s leading holiday experiences, TTC reassures travelers in these uncertain times that their future travels are safe with us. The financial strength and future longevity of the business is backed by the transparent exposure of the companies Red Carnation Hotels unencumbered fixed assets in excess of US$300,000,000 as of December 31, 2019. For more information, please visit TTC.com or follow us on Twitter and Instagram (insert regional link) while using our hashtags #TravelWithTTC and #MakeTravelMatter.

About Uplift:

Uplift was founded by a passionate team of travel industry veterans to help consumers take control of their budget and experience the travel they deserve. Through an omni-channel payment platform that seamlessly integrates into our partners’ booking sites and payment processes, Uplift gives travelers the freedom to book their trip now and pay later. Uplift is the only Buy Now, Pay Later company focused exclusively on travel. By empowering consumers to pay for travel on their terms, Uplift helps travel brands reach new customers and convert more business.  Uplift’s flexible payment options are offered by leading travel brands through the United States and Canada.

The Future Of Travel - What Does It Look Like, And How Can We Contribute To A Better World Moving Forward?

Cypress, Calif.-- Dec. 7, 2020: As part of its ongoing series of monthly Travel Talks, Contiki will host a free live event with leading experts in the travel industry to discuss the Future of Travel - what this means in today’s context, and how we can contribute to more sustainable travel in our future. 

The future of travel - and our planet - has never felt more poignant than now. In a year that’s forced everyone to sit still and adapt to new ways of living, it’s equally presented an opportunity to reflect on the positive changes we can make as we move forward. 

Social listening shows a 178% increase in activism over the past 12 months among young people, with inequality, sustainability and identity as the biggest topics of focus. There’s also recognition amongst digital-native Gen Zs that online is best served as a supplement for social connection, not the sole source.* This desire to come together, unite over shared issues, and reconnect IRL represents a shift in the mindset of young people, and a nod to potentially different attitudes in the future. 

One thing’s for sure - life won’t go back to the way that it was, and as the panel will discuss, that’s no bad thing. 

The talk, hosted by Adam Armstrong, CEO of Contiki, invites Hege V. Barnes, Director of Innovation Norway, Elena Rodriguez Blanco, CEO & Co-Founder of Authenticitys, and Carmen Huter, Travel Photographer & Sustainable Influencer, to delve deep and share their thoughts on some of the most important topics affecting the future of travel. 

The panel will explore everything from sustainable travel tips and trends, how to make travel count in 2021, and ways to support rebuilding local communities hit hardest by the pandemic. Its focus will be on more mindful travel that aims to give back.

As leaders in travel experiences for 18-35s, Contiki’s talk will frame conversations around the positive ways young people can contribute to this. The event will push out questions to its audience on social media in real time to gage their perceptions and thoughts about the topics of discussion. 

In 2019, the youth travel segment generated around $330 billion dollars for tourism*. Now, that hunger to explore and adventure has never been higher.

This year in particular highlights the activism and energy of young people when it comes to fighting for meaningful change; it’s expected they’ll be spearheads for tackling a more sustainable, eco-conscious future in travel too. The Contiki values that center on connection and shared experience with a like-minded tribe position its audience perfectly to be those innovators for change. 

Adam Armstrong says, “It’s been an incredibly tough year for the travel industry but we’re super confident of the ways we’ll bounce back. The youth travel audience will be one of the most significant contributors to this. Their resilience and optimism in the face of adversity is something we can all harness more of as we adapt to a new world going forward. 

The future of travel will be as exciting as it will be different; as a brand, Contiki continues to innovate with trips and experiences that reflect our ever-evolving climate, championing conscious, sustainable and thoughtful travel.”

The event will take place on 10 December 6-7pm. Register for free here. 

You’ll need to download the free GoTo webinar to take part. Attendees can send any questions they have for the panel in advance who will aim to answer these on the night. They’ll also be able to direct questions to the panel during the event via the Chat function.

MSC Cruises to Temporarily Pause Cruise Operation in the Mediterranean Due to Just-Issued Italian Government’s Severe Restrictions on People’s Mobility Over the Upcoming Holiday Season

• Extensive restrictions across Italy effectively make it impossible for local and international guests to travel to and from any Italy-based embarkation ports

• Three MSC Grandiosa sailings cancelled with restart set for January 10, 2021

• Three MSC Magnifica voyages cancelled with restart now on January 15, 2021

Geneva, Switzerland (December 4, 2020) — MSC Cruises announced today that it will temporarily pause the operation of MSC Grandiosa later this month and move the planned restart of MSC Magnifica to January. This decision has been made in connection with the new measures just introduced by the Italian government for the Christmas and New Year period.

The new measures include extensive restrictions on people’s mobility across the entire country, which would severely impact the ability of future guests — Italian residents as well as international travelers — to reach any of the ships’ embarkation ports in Italy.

The government in Italy has announced that it will nearly completely restrict the movement of residents no longer only between regions, but now also between cities and towns in its efforts to combat the pandemic ashore. These measures will apply to residents of Italy between December 21, 2020 and January 6, 2021. They will effectively also restrict the ability of residents of other countries to travel to and through Italy.

The new decree has thus caused the cancellation of three future planned voyages of MSC Grandiosa and three sailings of MSC Magnifica. 

MSC Grandiosa will temporarily pause her current program of 7-night voyages on December 20 in Genoa, Italy.  The ship will then resume her Western Mediterranean cruises on January 10, 2021 also from Genoa.

MSC Magnifica, which was due to re-start 10-night voyages in the West and East Mediterranean on December 18 from Genoa, will now commence its sailing program on January 15, 2021 following the cancellation of three previous sailings.     

In January MSC Cruises will welcome back guests on board MSC Grandiosa and MSC Magnifica under the protection of its comprehensive health and safety protocol which even during the past several weeks — while the pandemic ashore was at its most recent peak — proved to be working effectively for the protection of guests, crew as well as the communities its ships visit. 

Since August, MSC Cruises’ industry-leading protocol has allowed the Company to safely and responsibly host more than 30,000 guests.   

MSC Cruises Extends Temporary Pause of US-sailings Through to and Including February 28, 2021

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (December 3, 2020) - MSC Cruises announced today a further extension of the temporary pause of its US-based sailings through to and including February 28, 2021.

The decision will affect the schedules of three ships based in Florida: MSC Seaside in Port Canaveral and MSC Meraviglia and MSC Armonia both in PortMiami.

Guests booked and paid in full through MSC Cruises USA or affiliated US-based travel advisors on the impacted sailings will be offered a 125 percent future cruise credit (FCC) of the original cruise fare where they have the opportunity to transfer the full amount paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice – on any ship, and any itinerary – through April 30, 2022, or can request a refund.  

The 125% FCC provides guests with opportunities to upgrade their stateroom category and add pre-purchases such as specialty dining, beverage packages, Wi-Fi, or spa treatments to their booking. 

For additional details, guests should contact their travel advisor or MSC Cruises directly.