CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE EARNS FOUR USA TODAY 10BEST AWARDS, INCLUDING ‘BEST OCEAN CRUISE LINE’

MIAMI (March 12, 2021) – Proving yet again why it’s America’s favorite cruise line, Carnival Cruise Line was the big winner in USA Today’s 10Best Awards, earning first-place honors in four different categories: Best Ocean Cruise Line, Best New Cruise Ship (Mardi Gras), Best Cruise Ship for Families (Carnival Horizon), and Best Cruise Ship Dining (Carnival Horizon). 

This marks the fourth time that Carnival Cruise Line has been named Best Ocean Cruise Line by USA Today readers. 

Nominations for the USA Today 10Best Awards were selected by a panel of cruise industry experts with voting taking place online by readers who were asked to rank cruise lines in a variety of product- and service-related categories.

• Carnival was named Best Ocean Cruise Line for consistently providing its guests with fun, memorable vacations at a great value. In addition to new ships, the line has invested $2 billion in ship enhancements, adding popular offerings across the fleet, including Guy’s Burger Joint developed with Food Network star Guy Fieri, massive water parks, updated spas and upgraded accommodations. The line sails from more than a dozen year-round North American homeports – the most in cruising – providing a convenient and affordable way for guests to get to and from their cruise.

• The most anticipated ship in cruising, Mardi Gras, was named Best New Cruise Ship for its exciting innovations, including its groundbreaking Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system, the first ship in North America to utilize this technology, and BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea. Mardi Gras also boasts restaurants from Emeril Lagasse, Guy Fieri, Rudi Sodamin and Shaquille O’Neal as well as a wide range of accommodations, including 180 suites across 11 different categories.

• Carnival Horizon earned its Best Ship for Families distinction for providing a seemingly endless variety of all-ages fun with award-winning children’s programming and outdoor attractions like the SkyRide cycling adventure. These complement family-friendly amenities like an IMAX Theatre and Family Harbor featuring its own lounge and extra-roomy staterooms with five berths and two bathrooms.

• Carnival Horizon earned Best Cruise Ship for Dining honors for its array of culinary choices, including the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant, Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, The Chef’s Table fine dining experience, Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse and more.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

New Crystal Mozart and Crystal Mahler 2022 Sailings Now Open for Reservations

MIAMI, MARCH 12, 2021 – Reservations are now open for the recently announced 2022 deployment for Crystal River Cruises’ Crystal Mozart and Crystal Mahler. Crystal River Cruises unveiled the new itineraries for the two ships this week, also announcing that Crystal Mozart will set sail next year with the industry’s first dedicated suites for solo travelers, available with no single supplement. Travelers can now book an array of new itineraries including Crystal Mozart’s convenient seven-night Danube Dreams & Discoveries round-trip from Vienna and new Christmas and New Year’s sailings. Aboard Crystal Mahler, guests have a selection of new routes at their fingertips, including five-night summer Rhine & Moselle Summer Escapes sailings between Amsterdam and Trier; 10-night fallSplendors of the Rhine & Moselle voyages between Amsterdam and Basel; 14-night Magnificent Europe sailings between Amsterdam and Budapest on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers; and a 10-night Holidays on the Rhine sailing from Basel to Amsterdam.

In addition to the new itineraries, Crystal Mahler will sail popular seven-night Romantic Rhine and Legendary Rhine itineraries between Amsterdam and Basel and springtime Tulips & Windmillsvoyages on Dutch waterways and the Rhine River round-trip from Amsterdam. The latter showcases the once-in-a-decade Floriade Expo near Amsterdam, where the city and surrounding area transform with flora and greenery from across the globe.

Cruise fares for the new 2022 Crystal River Cruises start at $2,999 per guest, with Book Now Savings up to $1,000 per guest, five percent savings when guests book back-to-back cruises and exclusive Crystal Society savings.

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 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises; 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.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visit www.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

Crystal Cruises Launches New Close-to-Home Bahamas Escapes from Nassau and Bimini Beginning July 2021

Exuma, Bahamas

In partnership with The Bahamas, Crystal Cruises seeks to reinvigorate tourism in the region, as first ocean cruise line to return to sailing in the Americas  

NASSAU AND MIAMI, MARCH 11, 2021 – Today, in a joint virtual press conference with the Honorable Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism & Aviation for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Crystal Cruises announced its plans to restart cruising with new close-to-home Bahamas Escapesbeginning July 3, 2021 with a series of 16 seven-night, round-trip cruises from Nassau on its award-winning flag ship, Crystal Serenity. In addition to its Nassau itineraries, Crystal will also offer 16 seven-night voyages round-trip from Bimini beginning on July 4, 2021. With her new Bahamas Escapes cruises, Crystal Serenity becomes the first ship to homeport in The Bahamas, as well as the first ocean ship to sail from the Americas since the cruise industry’s voluntary halt in operations almost a year ago. In attendance at today’s press conference announcing the new Bahamas Escapes cruises were Jack Anderson, Crystal’s interim president and CEO, Minister D’Aguilar and Director General Joy Jibrilu, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

Crystal Serenity

“Like our guests, we have been eagerly looking forward to the day we can welcome them back on board, and we’re thrilled that this day will come in The Bahamas,” Anderson said. “The newBahamas Escapes cruises will allow travelers to enjoy luxury cruising now, as well as bring much-needed benefits to the local workforce, airlines, restaurants, retailers and hotels for pre- and post-cruise stays. The launch of these cruises will also drive economic growth to The Bahamas, which, like other destinations around the world, has been negatively affected by the global pandemic.”

“The Bahamas is ready and delighted to welcome cruise visitors back to the islands and to partner with Crystal Cruises in the effort to restore and help re-activate our tourism industry and protect jobs and businesses,” D’Aguilar said. “Crystal Cruises will go on record as the only cruise line offering Bahamas-only voyages that highlight the signature features and experiences travelers can find here in our islands, and the support that these cruises will bring to multiple communities within the country will be tremendous. We have worked tirelessly to ensure a safe and healthy stay for all travelers, enhancing the innately spacious and outdoor-focused experience the islands provide. Guests will find ample room to roam and a warm welcome from the people of this unique destination.”

Anderson added, “We can offer these cruises with mutual confidence, thanks to the meticulous planning and health and safety protocols that both Crystal Cruises and The Bahamas have put in place, which Crystal Cruises’ sister cruise line, Dream Cruises, has successfully implemented in Taiwan and Singapore for over seven months with no incidents on board. The all-Bahamas itineraries allow us to sail without risk of border closures, and our North American guests to sail as close to home as possible.”

The Beauty of Exploring Again

                Crystal Serenity will return to sailing with reduced capacity, providing guests a passenger space ratio that is twice that of contemporary cruise lines and allowing for the best social distancing aboard any cruise ship. The onboard Crystal Family will welcome guests back home to a shipboard experience that features spacious guest staterooms and suites and social areas; abundant choices for activities and enrichment; elegant surroundings and amenities; and most importantly, the genuine, personalized service provided by Crystal’s celebrated crew. 

The new itineraries highlight the enchanting, romantic nature of The Bahamas and its islands, where guests will find a bevy of sun-drenched pursuits that showcase the destination’s ecotourism; thousands of miles of irresistible beaches and blue waters; scuba diving and snorkeling; world-class fishing; dining; resort experiences; and much more. 

 “Travelers’ sense of exploration has only grown over the past year, and the destinations featured on the new itineraries are ideal for unwinding and renewing the spirit, as well as adventures that remedy restlessness brought on by extended stays at home. Some of the destinations we are calling on are only visited by private yachts and our guests will have the opportunity to visit these idyllic places that are not on other cruise itineraries,” Anderson said.

Departing from either Nassau, a hub of art, nightlife, history, 17 spectacular beaches, colorful fish and ancient reefs, lavish resorts and straw markets, and home to the third-largest wine cellar in the world built by notorious pirate, Howard Graysmith; or Bimini, a Hemingway favorite known as the sport fishing capital of the world where cruisers can also enjoy the resort amenities of The Beach Club at Bimini, a private island oasis with a lagoon-style pool, hammocks, cabanas and cocktail lounge. In addition to Nassau and Bimini, Bahamas Escapes feature four idyllic Bahamian destinations:

• Harbour Island, called the Nantucket of the Caribbean with its colorful New England architecture and famed for its Pink Sand Beach. The island is a former capital of The Bahamas and has been twice recognized as The Best Island in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure magazine. Guests can also discover Preacher’s Cave, Glass Window Bridge and Sapphire Blue Hole on North Eleuthera Island;

• Great Exuma, the largest of the 300+ islands and cays of the Exumas, home to waters so stunning they can be seen from outer space and the famous swimming pigs. Guests can island-hop among pristine isles, snorkel gorgeous reef-fringed cays, escape to secluded beaches and hidden caves, enjoy an ATV adventure and dive clear waters;

• San Salvador Island, featuring more than 50 dive spots and splendid beaches. Guests can hike up to Watling’s Castle ruins and gaze out at French Bay from the lookout tower; also they can visit the first landing spot of Christopher Columbus, marked by an iconic stone cross;

• Long Island, an 80-mile-long island straddling the Tropic of Cancer and known for its white-sand beaches, technicolor waters and lush greenery. Guests can explore the geological and ecological exploration of Hamilton’s Cave and Dean’s Blue Hole and enjoy some of the bluest waters in the islands at Gordon’s Beach.

These ports of call are subject to final confirmation and enhancement and may also vary according to the captain’s discretion due to weather or other conditions.

For an extraordinary value, guests can extend their cruise vacations by choosing Crystal’s Extended Land and Hotel Programs feature that carefully selected shoreside partners to ensure a seamless vacation from ship to shore. For Crystal Serenity’s new voyages, these include Nassau’s SLS Baha Mar and Hilton Resorts World Bimini, where guests will enjoy luxury accommodations and daily breakfast, as well as the stylish amenities of each. Guests can also indulge in spa days, golf rounds, casino nights and a host of dining experiences inf each tropical paradise. The pre- and post-cruise hotel programs in Nassau and Bimini start at $359 and $299 per guest, respectively, including transfers between the resort properties and the airports and all taxes and resort fees. 

Comprehensive Health and Safety Measures

Crystal announced on February 18 that guests must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to boarding any Crystal ship. This new requirement is in addition to existing, comprehensive Crystal Clean+ 4.0 measures, including negative COVID-19 tests for both guests and crew, reduced capacity, social distancing, nimble mask policy and health screening questionnaires. 

In addition to the peace of mind provided by such robust protocols, Crystal is enticing travelers with compelling savings, reduced deposits and an extended final payment date to 60 days prior to first date of service, as well as other incentives. Best available cruise fares for the new Bahamas Escapescruises start from $1,999 per guest, including $500 Book Now Savings and $500 air savings along with Best Available Savings by category. Guests will receive a $125 per person As You Wish shipboard credit with Crystal Society Savings doubling to five percent; new-to-Crystal guests saving 2.5 percent; and solo fares starting at just 125 percent. The company’s Crystal Confidence program offers a no-money-down deposit window until April 5, 2021, with a reduced deposit of just 15 percent due at that time as part of its Easy Book program. The Bahamas Escapes cruises open for reservations on March 18, 2021; and travelers with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on these sailings.

The new Bahamas cruises will replace Crystal Serenity’s previously scheduled itineraries that were set to sail July 8 through and including October 19, 2021. Guests who were booked on these voyages have the option to transfer their bookings to one of the new cruises with an applicable 115 percent cruise credit based on cruise fare paid.

A leader in unrivaled luxury cruising for 30 years, Crystal Cruises distinguishes its ships and its voyages with fine details and nuances that make a big impact for discerning travelers. All-inclusive entertainment; diverse enrichment options; globally inspired dining, including Nobu Matsuhisa’s only seagoing restaurants; unlimited pours of fine wines, beers and premium spirits and an unwavering standard of genuine, personal service for each guest underscores the Crystal difference.

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 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises; 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.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visit https://www.crystalcruises.com/special-offers/bahamas-escapes. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises onTwitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

About The Bahamas

With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

CELEBRITY CRUISES ANNOUNCES GALAPAGOS SAILINGS FOR 2023

GIVING GUESTS THE CHANCE TO EXPLORE THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND DESTINATION IN ULTIMATE LUXURY

MIAMI (March 10, 2021) - Celebrity Cruises has today announced its 2023 sailings around the stunning Galapagos Islands - perfect for those looking to plan a vacation that’s on every world traveler’s “must see” list.

From New Year’s Eve 2022, the new luxury travel brand will offer six unique, in-depth itineraries that are meticulously designed to ensure travelers experience the best of the islands on every sailing. Guests will also be able to choose from three stunning ships—the luxurious, state-of-the-art mega-yacht, Celebrity Flora®, the award-winning Celebrity Xpedition®, and the intimate 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration®.

For those looking to explore the Galapagos’ spectacular wonders in ultimate luxury, Celebrity Flora®, a mega-yacht built specifically to navigate the waters of this natural paradise, is ideal. Inspired by the islands and built with natural materials and the latest environmental technologies, the ship merges seamlessly with the surroundings. And, to fully immerse travelers in this extraordinary landscape, certified naturalists from the Galápagos National Park are on board to guide the journey.

In 2023, Celebrity Flora® will offer two unforgettable sailings around the Galapagos: Outer Loop and Inner Loop itineraries. On either itinerary, guests will spot exotic wildlife, walk on volcanic islands and black-sand beaches, and witness some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

Meanwhile, Celebrity Xpedition® and Celebrity Xploration® will both explore the equally beautiful 7-Night Galapagos Northern Loop and 7-Night Galapagos Southern Loop. In this extraordinary destination, every island offers its own unique experiences, from hiking otherworldly volcanic landscapes to snorkeling alongside sea turtles in their natural habitat.

What’s more, vacations to the Galapagos Islands with Celebrity Cruises are all inclusive, meaning guests won’t have to spend a single minute thinking about logistics and details. Alongside twice-daily shore excursions guided by Galapagos National Park certified naturalists, locally sourced cuisine from menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, drinks, unlimited Wifi, tips, luxury hotel stays and flights between Ecuador and the islands, everything has been thought of - even any equipment needed, like snorkeling apparatus, wetsuits, binoculars, and more is included.

Across all sailings, Celebrity Cruises also offers comprehensive 10-to-16-night vacation packages, adding even more bucket-list adventures into one vacation from the history and culture of Quito, to the charm and beauty of Lima, and the ancient allure of Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel perched high up in the Andes.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN WILL WOW GUESTS WITH STUNNING LONG CARIBBEAN SAILINGS

Travelers Can Choose from Impressive Itineraries, Featuring Hidden Gems of the Southern Caribbean

MIAMI, March 11, 2021 – Royal Caribbean International is inviting vacationers to venture off –the beaten path as part of the cruise line’s 2022-2023 long Caribbean deployment. A variety of 6-night Western Caribbean and 8- to 11-night Southern Caribbean sailings will tout jaw-dropping itineraries and immersive excursions across 16 destinations. From strolling the brightly colored neighborhoods of Antigua and stopping for roadside barbecue in St. Maarten, to reveling in the historic ruins of Colón, Panama and exploring the twin Piton mountains in St. Lucia, vacationers can find their stride exploring both soft-sand beaches and inland gems. Evening and late-night stays in the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) and Puerto Rico mean more time for travelers to journey further into the islands, experience the Caribbean nightlife, or do both.

There will be no shortage of adventure on the 6-night, sun-soaked winter cruises with nearly all itineraries visiting Royal Caribbean’s game-changing private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Primed for memory making, family and friends can partake in first-of-their-kind thrills at Thrill Waterpark on their choice of 13 jaw-dropping slides, including the tallest waterslide in North America, and one-of-a-kind ways to chill in the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool – complete with swim-up bar – or at Coco Beach Club, home to the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas, a beachside dining experience, infinity pool and private cabanas.

New adventures are ready to be had, especially for those sailing on Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Odyssey of the Seas. Designed for island-hoping adventures, this Quantum Ultra Class ship – the first to cruise in North America – will return to South Florida in November 2022 for its second winter season of 6 and 8-night cruises to the western and southern Caribbean. Making its world debut  this May, Odyssey will tout the most action-packed top deck, featuring a vibrant Caribbean pool deck with two open-air pools and four whirlpools across two decks, the next-generation SeaPlex, the largest indoor and outdoor activity center at sea that also debuts this venue’s first Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade; the gravity-defying SkyPad, FlowRider surf simulator, skydiving with RipCord by iFly; and the iconic North Star all-glass observation capsule that boasts 360-degree views from 300 feet above sea level. Guests can also enjoy one-of-a-kind entertainment in teched-out venues such as Two70, where immersive technology, unparalleled special effects and world-leading performers and aerialists take the stage alongside six agile Roboscreens for a multidimensional live show. Dining options are nearly endless with restaurants ranging from Teppanyaki, serving East Asian flavors in a traditional Japanese style and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Royal Caribbean’s new take on its signature Italian trattoria.

Royal Caribbean’s 2022-2023 long Caribbean cruises open for bookings today. Highlights of the spectacular Western and Southern Caribbean itineraries include:

Sun-soaked Winter Cruises Sailings to the Southern Caribbean 

• Royal Caribbean’s all-new Odyssey will say “ciao” to Rome, Italy and set off on a 13-night transatlantic to her winter homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Once stateside, Odyssey will pull out all the stops and sail enviable 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries that visit destinations such as Labadee, Haiti – a Royal Caribbean private destination; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao and La Romana, Dominican Republic – a destination rich with natural and historical adventures. The Quantum Ultra Clas ship will alternate 8-night Southern Caribbean cruises with 6-night Western Caribbean sailings that visit island gems Falmouth, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas on every sailing.

• Vision of the Seas will join Odyssey in the “Venice of America” to sail 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, beginning November 2022. These wanderlust-worthy sailings are perfect for adventure seekers who have been saving their vacation days to experience an epic mix of the Caribbean’s most picturesque beaches and pulsing ports. Vision’s 10-night itineraries visit a variety of popular ports of call, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; Castries, St. Lucia; St. Johns, Antigua and private destination Labadee. The 11-night sailings take guests to exotic tropical locales like Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Colon, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; Oranjestad; Kralendijk, Bonaire and Willemstad.

• After a summer spent in Europe, Jewel of the Seas will set its sights on Orlando’s Port Canaveral to sail 8-night Southern Caribbean cruises to the “ABC Islands” and Eastern Caribbean itineraries to the beautiful beaches of Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Phillipsburg. The ship will make late-night visits to San Juan and Oranjestad in addition to longer days in Bonaire’s Kralendijk. Jewel will also embark on 6-night adventures to western Caribbean destinations, including Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth; and Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

• Grandeur of the Seas will call Miami home for the winter season and offer guests 5-night Western Caribbean jaunts to Labadee and Key West, Florida, alternating with 9-night cruises to Castries, Bridgetown, Barbados; St. John’s, and Basseterre.

Not-to-be-Missed Mainstays of the Caribbean 

• Explorer of the Seas will continue cruising from Miami for the winter, offering 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries to the stunning ABC Islands.. With late stays in both Kralendijk and Willemstad on every sailing, the longer cruises are perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the myriad of cultures, sounds and flavors well into the night. Explorer will alternate with 6-night adventures that visit Falmouth; George Town; and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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 18 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

IN CELEBRATION OF ITS 49TH BIRTHDAY, CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE’S GUESTS LIST THE TOP 49 MOMENTS THEY MISS ABOUT CRUISING

World’s Most Popular Cruise Line Begins the Countdown to the Big 5-0

MIAMI (March 11, 2021) – Today marks Carnival Cruise Line’s 49th birthday and the start of the countdown to the Big 5-0.

In honor of its 49th birthday, the line asked fans to help rate the “Top 49 Moments Guests Miss About Cruising.”  The results, of course, included many signature “Fun Ship” experiences like taking a spin on the SkyRide aerial attraction and savoring the line’s legendary Warm Chocolate Melting Cake or a hand-crafted burger at Guy’s Burger Joint. 

Carnival got its start 49 years ago today when the original TSS Mardi Gras departed PortMiami on its inaugural cruise, ushering in a new style of fun, affordable vacations once reserved for the very rich.  That inaugural sailing started Carnival Cruise Line on its path toward unprecedented success with many industry “firsts” along the way. 

This year, the new Mardi Gras is scheduled to debut.  It boasts a number of firsts, including the first ship in North America to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and the first rollercoaster at sea.  A sister ship, Carnival Celebration, is scheduled to enter service next year. 

Over the years, Carnival has grown to become the “World’s Most Popular Cruise Line™” carrying more than 90 million satisfied guests as well as serving as the flagship of Carnival Corporation, a global vacation leader with a portfolio of nine cruise brands.

Carnival’s 50th birthday festivities begin in March 2022 – the company’s birthday month – with a series of commemorative sailings featuring at-sea ship meet-ups off the coast of The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and Australia, as well as special entertainment and activities continuing all year long, all culminating with Carnival Celebration’s arrival to PortMiami in November. 

Details on the March 2022 sailings are available at www.carnival.com/sailabration.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visitwww.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

OCEANIA CRUISES’ RECORDS SINGLE BEST BOOKING DAY IN COMPANY’S HISTORY

2022-2023 Winter Season Launch Showcases Exceptional Demand for Long, Exotic Cruise Vacations

Miami, FL, March 10, 2021 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, announced that the launch of its latest collection of exotic itineraries for winter 2022-2023 on March 3rd resulted in an all-time record with the most bookings taken in a single day in the company’s 18-year history. 

On March 3, 2021, Oceania Cruises opened its 2022-2023 Tropics and Exotics Collection of itineraries for sale to the public. This collection of 127 itineraries ranges from 7 to 77 days across Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, the Caribbean, South America, and the South Pacific. The top-selling destinations were Asia, Africa, and South America. The Caribbean and Australia/New Zealand also produced strong results with the single bestselling voyage of all being a 35-day circumnavigation of Australia over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. 

“The tremendous wave of bookings we saw on the day we opened our new 2022 and 2023 itineraries for sale underscores the extraordinary demand for long and exotic cruise vacations. Upscale travelers are eager to explore the world once more and are booking farther in advance to ensure their travel dreams are fulfilled,” stated Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises. 

This latest booking record comes only weeks after the line sold out its epic six-month-long world cruise on the first day it opened for sale to the general public. Travelers continue to drive robust demand for long, exotic cruise vacations with “Grand Voyages” ranging from several weeks to more than two months in length, accounting for almost one-third of the bookings taken on March 3rd. 

The line has also seen exceptionally strong demand for its 2022 Europe and North America collection of voyages. To satisfy demand from consumers and travel advisors who are booking farther in advance, the line will be opening the spring, summer and fall 2023 Europe and North America voyages for sale beginning in September. 

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor. 

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s six small, luxurious ships carry only 684 or 1,250 guests featuring the finest cuisine at sea and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 450 marquee and boutique ports across Europe, Alaska, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, New England-Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Tahiti and the South Pacific in addition to the epic 180-day Around the World Voyages. The brand has two 1,200-guest Allura class ships on order. 

Headquartered in Miami, Oceania Cruises is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a diversified cruise operator of leading global cruise brands which include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. 

CELEBRITY CRUISES’ HISTORY-MAKING ALL-FEMALE BRIDGE AND LEADERSHIP TEAM REUNITE

Captain Kate with Celebrity Edge in background

Barrier-breaking crew comes together on International Women’s Day for first time since making HERstory one year ago

Industry-leading conversation to air as Facebook Watch Party on March 8, 2021

MIAMI (March 5, 2021) – On March 8, 2020, Celebrity Cruises set sail with the first ever all-female bridge and onboard leadership team and made history. Just days later, the pandemic suspended sailings indefinitely. Now, on International Women’s Day 2021, one year after their glass ceiling-shattering achievement, the women behind this maritime first are reuniting to reflect on the historic sailing, discuss the challenging year that followed, share their stories of joy and heartbreak and why it’s more important than ever to #choosetochallenge.

In a sign of the times, the team will gather virtually, coming together from homes across the globe and even from onboard Celebrity Edge stationed in the Bahamas. Powerful voices contributing to this unique, industry-leading conversation include Captain Kate McCue, the first American female cruise ship captain, and Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the first female President & CEO of Celebrity Cruises.

They will be joined by Chief Officer Rachel Arnold (UK); 2nd Officer Elizabeth Marami (Kenya); Chief Security Officer Mor “Mia” Segev (Israel); Hotel Director Niina Huataniemi; Assistant Hotel Director Milana Dortangs; Guest Relations Director Julie Sherrington (UK); and Cruise Director Sue Denning (UK).

“Making history with these women was quite extraordinary for our industry and an honor for me. It was a dream come true for all of us,” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “Our mantra has been to use this time away from the water to come back stronger than ever and reuniting these incredible trailblazers is a sign of that. Together, we will continue to sail beyond conventional thinking and wisdom into a new world of opportunity.”

Officers on Celebrity Edge Bridge

Around the world, only 2 percent of mariners are women. Celebrity Cruises catalzyed the maritime industry, leading it into a more diverse future and growing the number of women on their bridge teams from 3 percent to 28 percent, ultimately, making 2020’s historic WOMANned sailing onboard the award-winning Celebrity Edge possible. Now, as the company prepares to return to service this year, it is looking again to set new standards across the seven seas.

Join the conversation with these incredible leaders on International Women’s Day by tuning into Celebrity Cruise’s Facebook Watch Party at Noon ET on Monday March 8, 2021. During the airing of the conversation, Captain Kate will take over Celebrity Cruises’ Facebook page to take specific questions from the public and offer additional commentary.

Adria Bono joins Swan Hellenic as Destination Management Director

High-end excursions expert joins top team at cultural expedition cruise pioneer

Today, Wednesday the 4rd of March, Swan Hellenic announced that its top management was being strengthened with the arrival of Adria Bono, bringing the cultural expedition cruise leader the connections and insight of twenty years’ unrivalled high-end excursions design and commissioning expertise in the luxury and expedition cruise markets.

Joining as Destination Management Director, Adria will work closely with Director of Expedition Operations Pierre Thomas to ensure that the expert lecture, expedition and excursion facets of Swan Hellenic’s cultural expedition cruises complement and enhance one another to the highest standards, providing guests with an exceptionally complete, insightful and enriching experience.

With an increasingly strong management team of top names in the high-end cruise industry, growing local market partnerships to provide close customer care, and an order book of three custom-designed expedition cruise ships all due for delivery on schedule, Swan Hellenic is clearly on track to deliver on its promise of an entirely new high-end cruise experience. Public enthusiasm is reflected in strong bookings for its maiden season, launching year-end 2021.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Adria to the team. With her tremendous focus on quality of guest experience and strong relationships with leading excursion partners worldwide, nobody could be better placed to ensure our guests enjoy unforgettably insightful explorations ashore, fully in tune Swan Hellenic’s pioneering heritage,” explained Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito.

Adria Bono commented: “I’m excited to join the dynamic, expert team bringing the Swan Hellenic vision of cultural expedition cruising to life across a distinctively stylish new five-star fleet. I look forward to contributing to the creation of a truly unique discovery experience.”

About Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in July 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’.

Two new 5-star polar PC 5 ice-class expedition cruise ships arriving in November 2021 and April 2022 will each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the majority with large balconies. A larger PC 6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites in the same distinctive comfort and style as its sister ships will be arriving year-end 2022. All three new ships are being built in full compliance with SOLAS Safe Return to Port requirements.

Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions.

Its ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. The crew includes an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers, and numbering 120 and 140 respectively almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf and Monaco, together with a branch office in Hong Kong (serving mainland China, Taiwan and South-East Asia), as well as partnerships serving India, Japan and Australia-New Zealand, Scandinavia and Iceland, Swan Hellenic supports the travel trade with specialist local partners to provide customers with expert personal service worldwide.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, please visit www.swanhellenic.com

or call +44 (0) 207 846 0271

For Swan Hellenic, please contact:

Mario Bounas, VP, Marketing: Mario.bounas@swanhellenic.com

MSC CRUISES TO INTRODUCE TWO BRAND NEW SPECIALTY DINING CONCEPTS ON BOARD MSC VIRTUOSA

• New flagship will offer an incredible choice of restaurants and bars offering the very best international cuisines and flavors

• Two new specialty dining concepts to launch on board MSC Virtuosa - HOLA! Tacos & Cantina and Indochine Restaurant

Geneva, Switzerland (March 4, 2021) – MSC Cruises revealed today details of the extensive dining offering on board MSC Virtuosa, the Company’s next flagship. 

With five specialty restaurants, five main dining rooms, a 1,336-seat buffet and 21 bars and lounges, there is incredible choice for guests, offering casual or more formal settings to suit their needs. Inspired by MSC Cruises’ European roots — where a passion for food is a way of life — the enjoyment of good food plays an integral role in creating the unforgettable MSC Cruises’ experience. Guests are able to discover new cultures and tastes while on board, while also cruising to different destinations around the world. 

MSC Cruises’ CEO Gianni Onorato shared, “Dining on board MSC Cruises ships is a gastronomic adventure with authentic food, globally inspired menus and culinary artistry at the heart of our offering. As a company, we are in constant pursuit of new and exceptional experiences that showcase international cuisine, taking our guests on a gourmet journey of discovery. MSC Virtuosa will feature two brand new specialty restaurants — HOLA! Tacos & Cantina and Indochine. Developed by our talented culinary team and exclusive to MSC Cruises, these new restaurants build on the success of our existing popular specialty dining concepts and allow us to further expand and enrich our dining offering with new and innovative ideas.”

HOLA! TACOS & CANTINA: LAID BACK, LATIN AMERICAN-INSPIRED DINING

This new fast-casual street food dining concept offers a selection of Latin American and Mexican-inspired dishes and drinks to be shared and enjoyed in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, open for lunch and dinner. Guests can choose from a tantalizing array of dishes ranging from blue corn tacos and nachos, authentic beef empanadas and tasty tamales through to tortilla soup or vegetarian tacos, all to be savored with a glass of agua fresca or a selection of Top 10 Tequilas and Mezcals! 

A signature salsa bar offers a choice of six home-made salsas and a large selection of spicy sauces as well as a fresh guacamole station to round out the experience. Guests are able to choose between having their guacamole made for them or taking the interactive meal to the next level and making the guacamole themselves at their table. And, why not then opt for sweet-treat or pop in for a sweet snack from the all-new Mexican Ice Cream Taco bar.

INDOCHINE: A FUSION OF FINE CULINARY HERITAGES

This new original concept will offer guests Vietnamese classics with a French twist, combining two delicious culinary heritages. The menu will include a host of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as a multitude of tasty options that can be served family style to share amongst friends. From Green Papaya Salads to Beef Bo Buns, and French Roasted Snails to Veggie Vietnamese Crêpes, the selection offers healthy and balanced options, featuring careful combinations of sweet, sour, salty, bitter and hot flavors. In addition, the ample wine list features both New and Old-World options, to tempt even the most practiced of sommeliers, while the tropical signature selection cocktails help complete this authentic experience.

POPULAR SPECIALTY DINING CONCEPTS EXCLUSIVE TO MSC CRUISES

Returning to MSC Virtuosa are the three popular MSC Cruises specialty restaurants that guests know and love from other ships in the fleet.

• The traditional American-style steakhouse, Butcher’s Cut, celebrates the skill of a master butcher in a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. Serving specialty cuts of meats including dry-aged tomahawk, T-bone, as well as surf and turf, cooked in an open kitchen.

• The stylish Kaito Teppanyaki restaurant offers the modern East-West cooking style of Japanese cuisine on two teppanyaki grills, where chefs delight and entertain guests with spectacular flips and tricks while preparing authentic, mouth-watering meals right before their eyes.

• The Kaito Sushi Bar offers a more intimate experience, where guests can watch their fresh sushi, sashimi and tempura being prepared by master sushi chefs for a meal seated above the bustling promenade.

EXTENSIVE BUFFET AND ELEGANT MAIN DINING

• A favorite of the dining experience is the 1,336-seat Marketplace Buffet, open from early morning until night, serving a wide variety of international dishes with open-fronted kitchens, a fresh mozzarella factory, freshly baked bread, and a fresh pasta, fruit and vegetable market. For summer 2021, the buffet will follow the same service concept as sister-ship MSC Grandiosa, with food being plated for the guests and with the seating layout to allow for social distancing.

• MSC Virtuosa will also feature five main dining restaurants serving first-class Mediterranean and international specialties in elegant surroundings. Menus change every day, and exquisite dishes have been created for the Elegant dinners. In addition, the main dining venues have all been specially designed around the theme of music.

CHOICE OF BARS AND LOUNGES FOR ALL OCCASSIONS

Rounding out the dining offering, the bar experience on MSC Virtuosa will suit all possible occasions. The ship offers a variety of unique places to enjoy a drink with family and friends, with 21 bars and lounges both indoor and outdoor. 

• The Champagne Bar offers a wide selection of different champagnes accompanied by a mouth-watering array of caviar, oysters and crab to complement the experience.

• The Sky Lounge is known for its molecular cocktails in art deco inspired surroundings.

• The Masters of the Sea, an authentic British pub, offers a selection of over 40 different beers.

Also new to the ship is the immersive, futuristic MSC Starship Club featuring Rob, the first-ever humanoid, robotic bartender at sea. This immersive bar and entertainment experience includes 3D holograms, a digital art wall and a 12-seater infinity digital interactive table, giving guests the possibility to explore space with their own personalized galactic tour. Rob will mix, and serve his signature cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and countless personalized drinks, just like a human bartender would do, while engaging guests with his voice and human-like expressions for a fully immersive bar experience. 

GOURMET CHOCOLATE, CREPES AND GELATO

Award-winning pastry chef and chocolatier, Chef Jean-Philippe Maury returns with his two mouth-watering concepts — Jean-Philippe Maury Café & Chocolat and Crêpes & Gelato. 

• The Chocolat & Café features an open chocolaterie with fresh chocolate made on board, framed by remarkably intricate chocolate sculptures, worthy of any museum. Guests may watch the chocolate-making process with their own eyes as they enjoy the cozy atmosphere of this café and shop, while tasting an impressive array of treats.

• The Crêpes & Gelato counter is filled with tempting delicacies, all set to satisfy a sugar craving from the classic milkshakes and sorbet, to trendy green juices!

To find out more about MSC Virtuosa visit here.

#MasterpieceAtSea #MSCVirtuosa