NO LONGER A MEAN ONE, THE GRINCH DELIVERS HOLIDAY CHEER TO CARNIVAL CREW

MIAMI, Dec. 17, 2020 -- The Grinch’s heart definitely grew three sizes this year as he brought some holiday cheer to Carnival crew members across the fleet, delivering more than 10,000 hand-written cards from the line’s fans and employees. 

Operation Happy Holidays was kicked off by Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald and promoted by the line’s personal vacation planners and on Carnival’s Facebook page, asking guests and employees to bring some holiday cheer by sending cards to the roughly 125 crew members on each of its 23 ships who are maintaining the vessels as the company prepares to resume service.  

The response was nothing short of sensational with Carnival fans delivering in a big way, posting photos of themselves writing cards or mailing them at the post office.  

Even the kids from the Camp Carnival child education center at the company’s Miami headquarters got into the act, creating beautiful handmade cards for team members on board.  The Port of Galveston Police Department also showed their thanks and appreciation by submitting more than 500 cards. Galveston is one of Carnival’s most popular ports.

While crew members are accustomed to being away from family during the holidays, usually the ship is filled with guests which makes this initiative that much more special and heartwarming.

“This year’s holiday season is different and our most sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who stepped up and made our crew feel special and are making their holidays brighter,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president.  “Operation Happy Holidays is a testament to our wonderful guests and employees who go to great lengths to remember our crew who are the secret behind our success.”

MSC CRUISES REVEALS SUMMER 2022 PROGRAM

• Summer 2022 program offers 124 ports of call, 47 countries with 83 itineraries*

• Two homeports in the U.S for greater flexibility for embarkation

• 10 ships deployed in the Mediterranean offering unparalleled choice of destinations and embarkation ports

• Five ships to spend the summer in Northern Europe with stunning landscapes and fascinating cities designed to unleash a sense of adventure

Geneva, Switzerland (December 17, 2020) — MSC Cruises today unveiled details of the program for the Summer 2022 season with sales opening today for theCaribbean and Mediterranean, while Northern Europe will open soon. The summer season running from April 2022 through to November 2022 offers a wide range of itineraries to suit a variety of vacation styles with 19 ships to choose from. Those looking to relax in the sun-drenched Caribbean can choose from ships departing from convenient embarkation ports in both Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral). And, with MSC Cruises being the leading cruise line in Europe and the experts in Mediterranean-style cruising, it comes as no surprise that the program for Summer 2022 offers the most embarkation ports in the Mediterranean, with ten ships deployed in this stunning region. 

MSC Cruises offers an unforgettable onboard experience with an incredible choice of dining options featuring authentic international cuisines, world-class entertainment, award-winning facilities and activities for families and children of all ages, luxurious spas and fitness centers as well as comfortable, stylish accommodations to meet every need. Guests can contact a preferred travel advisor or visit the MSC Cruises’ website to learn more about MSC Cruises’ latest offers. 

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN – five ships offering seven-night cruises

The Western Mediterranean is one of the most iconic and popular cruise regions for summer and MSC Cruises offers a combination of itineraries visiting Italy, France, Spain and Malta. With multiple embarkation ports that are easily accessible from around the world, these itineraries offer guests the chance to immerse themselves in the unique spirit of the Mediterranean, discover some of the world’s most famous cultural sites, enjoy browsing shops and boutiques and sample world-class cuisines. Each of the ships in the Western Mediterranean feature the MSC Yacht Club, the Company’s unique “ship within a ship” concept for those looking for exclusivity and privacy.

• MSC Seaside offers departures on Saturday from Genoa to Civitavecchia, Palermo, Cagliari, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Marseille;

• MSC Splendida departs Genoa on Saturdays, calling Marseille, Barcelona, Ibiza, Naples and Livorno;

• MSC Seaview departs Genoa each Sunday to offer MSC Cruises hugely popular itinerary to Naples, Messina, Valletta, Barcelona and Marseille;

• MSC Fantasia offers itineraries departing on Sunday from Genoa to Marseille, Barcelona, La Goulette, Palermo and Civitavecchia; and

• MSC Meraviglia departs from Barcelona on Saturdays, sailing to Cannes, Genoa, La Spezia, Civitavecchia and Palma de Mallorca.

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN – five ships offering seven-night cruises

The Eastern Mediterranean has grown in popularity in recent years and MSC Cruises’ summer 2022 program offers the best that this part of the world has to offer while cruising the Adriatic and Aegean Sea. Cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean offer the perfect combination of historic attractions, stunning beaches and colorful coastlines, with a selection of some of the best itineraries in this region including Italy, the Greek islands, Croatia and Albania.

• MSC Musica will offer cruises from Venice on Saturdays to Bari, Santorini, Chania, Corfu and Dubrovnik;

• MSC Armonia offers sailing on Sundays from Venice to Brindisi, Mykonos, Piraeus, Corfu and Koto

• MSC Lirica departs Venice with cruises to Split, Santorini and Mykonos, Dubrovnik and Ancona;

• MSC Sinfonia departs on Saturday from Venice, calling at Kotor in Montenegro, the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, Sarande and Bari; and

• MSC Opera, homeporting in Trieste, will sail on Saturdays to Bari, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik and Split.

Sales are now open for MSC Musica, MSC Lirica and MSC Sinfonia, while MSC Armonia and MSC Opera will open soon.

THE CARIBBEAN – two ships with two convenient homeports in the U.S.

Sailing out of Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral), two of MSC Cruises’ glamorous ships will call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the Company’s private island destination in The Bahamas. On the island, guests can spread out and relax with more than two miles of pristine, white sand beaches as well as enjoy a variety of ocean discovery activities like paddle boarding — day or night — kayaking and more.

• MSC Seashore, the Company’s flagship, will homeport in Miami and offer alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, always calling at Ocean Cay; and

• MSC Divina will homeport in Port Canaveral, sailing to Ocean Cay and Nassau with three- and four-night cruises and Ocean Cay and Mexico with 7-night cruises. MSC Divina will also offer a stunning 12-night cruise at the start of the summer season, embarking in Miami, visiting Jamaica, Aruba, Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras and Ocean Cay, before finishing at Port Canaveral.

FALL 2022 - Special long cruises from Genoa

A handpicked selection of longer cruises for Fall offer unique getaways in the Mediterranean. These cruises will be available to book in the coming months.

• MSC Splendida offers nine nights from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean — Genoa, Malaga, Casablanca, Lisbon, Barcelona and Marseille.

• MSC Poesia offers 11 nights from Genoa to the Canary Islands, Madeira and Casablanca.

• MSC Orchestra offers a new 11-night itinerary from Genoa to Greece and Turkey, returning to Istanbul with an extended stay in port.

• MSC Lirica offers four 11-night cruises from Genoa, calling in Rome, Limassol in Cyprus with an overnight stay in Haifa, allowing two days to visit the Holy Land: Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem, calling Crete and Olympia on the way back.

NORTHERN EUROPE – five ships offering cruises ranging from two nights to 21 nights

A cruise in Northern Europe is a magical way to witness some of the world’s most breath-taking coastlines and landscapes from the unique vantage point of a cruise ship, all without unpacking a suitcase. These cruises will be available to book soon. 

• MSC Grandiosa will spend her first season in Northern Europe offering two alternative itineraries every other week from Kiel on Saturdays and Copenhagen on Sundays (seven-night cruises to Baltic Capital and seven-night cruises to the Fjords);

• MSC Poesia, homeporting in Warnemuende, will offer cruises from seven to 21 nights, visiting the Baltic capitals, Fjords and Greenland;

• MSC Orchestra will offer mixed cruises from 10 to 14 nights from Hamburg to Iceland, Ireland, North Cape and Spitzbergen;

• MSC Preziosa will serve two alternating itineraries from Kiel on Sundays to the Baltic capitals or Fjords;

• MSC Magnifica will be based in Southampton offering two to 14-night cruises to a range of destinations including the Baltic capitals, Fjords as well as the Mediterranean Sea and Canary Islands.

ASIA – two ships to be deployed for the first time

MSC Cruises will deploy two ships in this region for the first time in summer 2022, with MSC Virtuosa, one of the Company’s newest ships, joining her sister-shipMSC Bellissima. Detailed itineraries for both ships will be released later.

For more information on Summer 2022 with MSC Cruises, visit here

LTI Releases Their World's Best (and Worst) New Luxury Hotels 2020

From Luxury Travel Intelligence

This has been an unprecedented year. But in the middle of all the sadness and chaos the world over, the global luxury hotel sector has demonstrated how bold and resilient it can be. While we estimate that around 75 per cent of the anticipated new luxury hotel openings have been postponed, a number of impressive properties have found a way through. So, of the 31 new properties we have managed to visit this year, we have settled on an exceptional 15 (and one particularly disappointing project).

In reverse order, here is our Best of 2020:

The Lake House

15. The Lake House USA
On Lake Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes, a talented and passionate team of hands on owners have created this beautiful, design led and laid back affordable luxe bolthole.

14. Paragon 700 Puglia Italy
An impressive rustic red brick property, that stands out among the otherwise whitewashed buildings of Ostuni. We love the exposed brick, cathedral ceilings and french parquet floors. Each of the 11 rooms and suites are different, so take your time choosing the perfect option.

13. Cayo Exclusive Resort Greece
Exclusive is a much overused word, but this chic new resort has every right to be called the Cayo Exclusive Resort. We are impressed with the location (on Elounda Bay), the choice of four restaurants and the small but oh so perfect spa.

12. Alamayah Boutique Retreat Indonesia
This luxury boutique retreat on Sumba Island (a 50 minute flight from Bali) is a slice of paradise. With just six suites and their 'everything included' policy, this is one of those rare properties where you simply don't want to ever leave.

One & Only

11. One&Only Desaru Coast Malaysia
The first ever One&Only resort in Asia and the last project by the supremely talented late architect Kerry Hill, this sumptuous 45 key beachfront sanctuary, managed by the ever present GM Jerome Colson, sits in 128 acres of lush rainforest. The Ember Beach Club and Chenot Spa are particularly impressive.

10. Zannier Bai San Ho Vietnam
Arnaud Zannier is a luxury hotel operator to watch. His latest property, located in peaceful Phu Yen, sits in 240 acres of jungle landscape and rice paddies, complete with a private half mile stretch of pristine beach. There are 71 spacious villas, three restaurants, a panoramic infinity pool and a beautiful spa.

9. Maslina Resort Croatia
On Hvar Island, the resort successfully fuses classic mediterranean styles with contemporary French touches. Led by the passion of highly respected luxury hotelier Zoran Pejovic, the attention to detail is evident throughout. Staff are friendly and engaging.

Banyan Tree Krabi

8. Banyan Tree Krabi Thailand
Three years in the making, this is an idyllic beachfront resort with a world-class spa and superb dining options. All 72 spacious suites and villas face westwards towards the sea and have their own private pool.

7. Four Seasons Madrid Spain
The first ever Spanish property for Four Seasons – it has taken its time to create this beautiful urban oasis within a collection of seven historic buildings. There are 200 rooms and suites (the most spacious in the city), including the spectacular Royal Suite.

6. Raffles Bali Indonesia
The 15th property from this highly regarded and iconic luxury hotel operator, with just 32 villas, each with its own pool. Set on its own secluded beach and overlooking Jimbaran Bay. The hilltop Rumari restaurant is particularly impressive.

5. Montage Healdsburg USA
In the heart of Sonoma wine country in a spectacular 258 acre vineyard setting. The property (​opening this week) offers 130 luxury bungalow style rooms, with private outdoor living space and fire pits. With four dining options and a 12,000 square foot world class spa, this is a true luxury escape for wine loving, discerning guests.

4. Arctic Bath Swedish Lapland
Rarely does a hotel deliver a once in a lifetime opportunity, but with Arctic Bath this really is the case. The location, the architecture and the elements combine to deliver something quite exceptional. This 12 room floating spa hotel offers guests a unique Arctic wellness and dining experience. Breathtaking.

Mayfair Townhouse Fifth floor suite

3. The Mayfair Townhouse UK
This is the latest project from Iconic Luxury Hotels. Andrew Stembridge – much respected – is the man in charge, so this will be a glamorous, well run and special retreat for discerning visitors to London. Opt for one of the Penthouse Suites – well worth the splurge.

2. JK Place Paris France
The original JK Place in Florence impressed. Then came JK Place Capri (equally impressive), followed by the exceptional JK Place in Rome – completing a trilogy of very special and discreet 'home away from home' retreats for a legion of discerning followers. Now, after several years in the making, hotelier Ori Kafri has finished his most spectacular and audacious hotel ever, right under the noses of Paris's iconic Grand Dames. Truly Special.

The World's Best New Luxury Hotel for 2020 is…

Capella Bangkok private villa

1. Capella Bangkok Thailand
Capella really is one to watch. In fact, we have been following the team with great interest for several years, as they have crafted six very special luxury hotels throughout the world. With Capella Bangkok, they have created another exceptional property. A blueprint for what a luxury hotel now needs to be – personal, memorable, authentic and inspiring.

And the Worst?

Dolce Hanoi Golden Lake
Even pre-pandemic, this 'all gold' hotel (with their gold crust topped hamburgers) would have been considered too ostentatious and out of touch with the needs of today’s luxury traveller. This is an embarrassment for the luxury hotel sector – as it struggles with the biggest global challenge it has ever faced.

About LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence
We are a global, members-only organisation, providing digital reporting for affluent travellers who wish to make informed travel decisions, based on honest and highly detailed intelligence. We cover luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and nightlife in granular detail. We do not sell travel, have a booking engine or carry advertising. Membership fees are our only revenue and we only answer to our members.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S EMPRESS AND MAJESTY OF THE SEAS SET TO DEPART FLEET

MIAMI, Dec. 16, 2020 – Royal Caribbean International today announced Empress and Majesty of the Seaswill depart its fleet later this month.

“Empress and Majesty of the Seas made indelible marks on the cruise industry with their revolutionary design and size. Touted as the cruise industry’s most groundbreaking ships when they were introduced, they continued to make history throughout their more than three decades of service,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Saying goodbye to these two beloved ships is a major moment in Royal Caribbean’s history – one that is difficult but necessary. With plans for new, innovative ships to join our fleet in the upcoming years, we look forward to our guests and crew continuing to make new memories with us.”

Empress was the first ship designed for 3- and 4-night cruises when she launched in 1990, with her initial sailings visiting The Bahamas from Miami. Empress also made history as the first cruise ship to sail out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey when Royal Caribbean opened the terminal in 2004. In 2017, the ship took center stage again when she set sail on the global cruise line’s inaugural cruise to Cuba.

Majesty also played a crucial role in Royal Caribbean’s commitment to continuously redefine the industry. The third ship to round out the impressive Sovereign Class was more than twice the size of the average cruise ship – and the largest in the vacation company’s fleet – when she debuted in 1992. Her adventures began with 7-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

The ships have been sold to an undisclosed party, based in Asia-Pacific, that will release details for future sailings at a later time.

Guests and travel advisors with clients booked on Empress and Majesty will be contacted about their options. 

About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 16 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

YES VIRGINIA, THERE IS A ROLLER COASTER ON A CRUISE SHIP, AND SANTA CLAUS JUST RODE IT

TURKU, FINLAND, Dec. 15, 2020 – Santa Claus took a break from his pre-Christmas festivities to venture down to Finland and take a test run on BOLT, the first-ever roller coaster at sea aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s new Mardi Gras which is being delivered at the Meyer Turku shipyard later this week.

With enthusiastic shrieks of delight and a few hearty “ho-ho-ho’s” echoing throughout the shipyard, Santa zipped along the 800-foot-long track featuring a hairpin curve around the ship’s iconic funnel, all while achieving speeds of up to 40 miles an hour.   The all-electric coaster can accommodate two riders – or one Santa Claus and his bag of toys, perhaps – in motorcycle-like vehicles that race 187 feet above the water line, providing incredible views to the sea below.  

“Never in my wildest dreams would I think a rollercoaster could be on a cruise ship.  It’s something we’ll be talking about at the North Pole for a long time!” St. Nick said. 

Built in partnership with Germany-based Mauer Rides, BOLT is a first-of-its-kind open-air attraction that take cruise industry innovation to new heights when the ship enters service in 2021 from Port Canaveral, Fla.