NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE, JUST GOODS, INC. AND THE WILL & JADA SMITH FAMILY FOUNDATION DONATE MUCH-NEEDED DRINKING WATER TO THOSE IMPACTED BY SEVERE STORMS

– Truckloads of JUST Water Delivered to 17 Feeding America Member Food Banks and Other Nonprofit Organizations Located in Areas Severely Impacted by Recent Storms –

MIAMI (MARCH 18, 2021) – Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel, in partnership with JUST® Goods, Inc. and The Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation, joined efforts in a multi-city donation by providing JUST Water to 17 Feeding America member food banks and other nonprofit organizations in the U.S. located in areas ravaged by severe storms. 

The organizations provided 16 truckloads - more than 532,000 responsibly packaged, plant-based cartons of JUST Water - to benefit people effected by the extreme weather.

“We were so saddened to hear about the immense impact to those devastated by the unprecedented storms this year,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are happy that with the support of our team members and partners, we’re able to help by providing much needed water to communities in need.”

“JUST is humbled to be able to support communities struggling with access to fresh water after the recent storms that hit Texas and Gulf states. It’s our highest definition of partnership to work alongside Norwegian Cruise Line and The Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation to make sure people who need water have access to it. We’re so proud of the water we source and, in this moment, to put it to the best use possible,” said Kara Rubin, vice president of brand & product strategy at JUST Goods, Inc. 

The joint efforts provided water to the following food banks and nonprofits across the Southern U.S.:

• Houston Food Bank (Houston, Texas)

• Friendship West Baptist Church (Dallas, Texas)

• Austin Disaster Relief Network (Austin, Texas)

• North Texas Food Bank (Plano, Texas)

• South Texas Food Bank (Laredo, Texas)

• San Antonio Food Bank (San Angelo, Texas)

• Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. (Pharr, Texas)

• East Texas Food Bank (Tyler, Texas)

• West Texas Food Bank (Odessa, Texas)

• Southeast Texas Food Bank (Beaumont, Texas)

• God's Pantry Food Bank, Inc. (Prestonsburg, Ky)

• Mississippi Food Network (Jackson, Miss)

• Boys and Girls Club of Central MS (Jackson, Miss

• New Horizon Church (Jackson, Miss)

• Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana (Monroe, La)

• SH Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana (New Orleans, La)

• Food Bank of Central Louisiana (Alexandria, La)

"Our hearts go out to all the people that have been impacted by the brutal storms that have recently overwhelmed Texas and our Gulf states,” Jana Babatunde-Bey, president & CEO of the Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation. “WJSFF's community partners on the ground have expressed immediate and long-term challenges with facilitating access to clean water, food and housing supplies to those most in need. We hope that this contribution can provide some relief and encourage others to send support as well.  We are grateful for our partnership with JUST and Norwegian Cruise Line to provide these much-needed resources.”

 This latest collaboration follows the recent effort between Norwegian Cruise Line and JUST® Goods, Inc., to support the worldwide generosity movement GivingTuesday.  The cruise line donated a case of JUST Water to local food banks in Miami and New York City for every case purchased through the JUST Goods, Inc. online store during the month of December. The joint effort resulted in the delivery of nearly 150,000 JUST Water cartons into the hands of those who need it most with donations benefitting Feeding South Florida, City Harvest New York and Food Bank for New York City.

 “Feeding America member food banks are on the ground meeting the needs of communities impacted by disasters,” said Liz Baldridge, managing director of manufacturing food industry partnerships at Feeding America. “We are incredibly grateful to JUST Goods, Inc. and Norwegian Cruise Line for their generous support of local food banks.  This critical donation will help people when they need it most.”

 For more information on how you can support efforts benefiting local Feeding America member food banks, please visit www.FeedingAmerica.org.

 For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visitwww.ncl.com.

 About Norwegian Cruise Line

As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 54 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 17 contemporary ships sail to over 300 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize.  Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, mini-suites, spa-suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the media center and follow Norwegian Cruise line on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter and Snapchat @CruiseNorwegian. 

About JUST Goods, Inc.

JUST Goods, Inc. is a global consumer goods company dedicated to producing responsibly sourced, sustainably packaged products.  The company's first product, JUST Water, is 100% spring water ethically sourced from Upstate New York, packaged in a bottle made of 88% renewable resources. A Certified B-Corp, the company's mission to create environmental and social value along the supply chain extends to partnerships with environmental non-profits, key members of the science and innovation community, as well as university collaborations, hospitality partnerships, event alliances and community projects. JUST Water is now being produced in three countries - the US, the United Kingdom and Australia.  JUST products can be found in a growing number of grocery retail locations, hotels, schools, cultural locations and entertainment venues worldwide.  For more information please visit  www.justwater.com.

About The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation

The Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation (WJSFF) is a non-profit organization that sits at the convergence of philanthropy, media and social impact. We are an incubator and accelerator that ignites the next generation of big ideas, cutting-edge artists, thought leaders, change-makers and social innovators. Together with grantees and partners, we invest in organizations and initiatives that empower traditionally overlooked communities and affect real change. Join us at www.wjsff.org.

Crystal Serenity’s New Luxury Bahamas Escapes Now Open for Reservations

MIAMI, MARCH 18, 2021 – Guests can now book their Luxury Bahamas Escapes voyages as Crystal opens reservations for the recently announced Crystal Serenity cruises. The award-winning luxury ship will sail seven-night voyages round-trip from Nassau or Bimini beginning July 3, 2021 and July 4, 2021 respectively, becoming the first cruise ship to home port in The Bahamas and return to cruising the Americas. The all-Bahamas itineraries eliminate the risk of border closures between countries and offer close-to-home options for North American travelers eager to begin exploring again. As the voyages mark the first return to service for Crystal’s Ocean fleet, the partnership with The Bahamas is also an important step toward reinvigorating tourism and support for the islands’ local communities, which have been greatly impacted by the global pandemic. The sailings showcase the natural beauty and warm hospitality, as well as adventure-rich and culturally fascinating pursuits in each destination, including some not accessible to larger cruise ships.

Cruise fares for the new Luxury Bahamas Escapes cruises start at $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. Travelers with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on these sailings. 

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 in 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 Crystal Serenity, the resort properties and the airports and all taxes and resort fees.

Crystal recently announced 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+ 4.1 measures, including negative COVID-19 tests for both guests and crew, reduced capacity, social distancing, nimble mask policy and health screening questionnaires.

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. Crystal Serenity's social spaciousness will be further increased with a commitment to reduced guest capacity when the ship resumes sailing.

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 27 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 Insiderblog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES UNVEILS RENOVATED M/S PAUL GAUGUIN

BELLEVUE, Wash. – March 17, 2021 – Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, is pleased to announce a ship renovation, featuring luxurious enhancements, that took place during The Gauguin’s drydock ending on March 9th in Singapore.

The vision of the renovation was to enhance The Gauguin’s elegant Polynesian signature with a chic and fresh style to enrich guests’ experience sailing the islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji and the South Pacific.

Large Environmental Upgrades in line with Paul Gauguin Cruises’ Values

Minimizing the impact on the environment is one of the highest priorities of the company. In 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises took two major measures in this field. The line completely eliminated the use of heavy fuel oil by using a much cleaner fuel (LS MGO – Low-Sulphur Marine Gas Oil) and also committed to offsetting 150 percent of its carbon emissions. The Gauguin’s most recent environmental upgrades follow this path and include water treatment and consumption optimization along with energy-saving initiatives.

An Empowering Experience Dedicated to Guests’ Highest Expectations

The Gauguin is outfitted with a look designed by Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel that evokes South Seas elegance and the storied islands that the iconic ship sails. The refurbishment enhances the historical interior of the vessel made of warm and dark woodworks and strengthens the local identity. The fresh palette incorporates lagoon shades, a wide range of green and natural tones, warm color touches, organic patterns and woven textiles. Exotic panoramas and traditional artwork transports guests into the local environment. All The Gauguin’s staterooms and suites, as well as the public spaces, were renovated: Le Grand Salon, three restaurants, Piano Bar, La Palette Lounge, Spa and Salon, Boutique, Pool Deck, and Reception area.

Ongoing Onboard Upgrades

To accompany The Gauguin’s renovation, amenities were enhanced for a full guest experience. Guests will be able to enjoy complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi and a virtual museum of over 150 paintings of artist Paul Gauguin during their voyage. These new enhancements will provide guests of The Gauguin an even more luxurious, all-inclusive experience, which encompasses dining in all three of the ship’s restaurants and 24-hour room service; complimentary beverages including select wines, beer, and spirits; and onboard gratuities for room stewards and dining staff.

The Gauguin’s Polynesian Signature

Paul Gauguin Cruises was created to provide enjoyable, meaningful, and authentic experiences with the communities, cultures, and natural wonders that make Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific so alluring. Every detail of The Gauguin’s renovations reflect her home including the ship’s décor, artwork, special Polynesian dishes in the restaurants, enrichment programming, and cultural activities aboard led by Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, the ship’s troupe of Tahitian ambassadors and entertainers.

Itineraries following the renovations include: 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus; 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands; 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands; and 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands voyages.  Guests have exclusive access to the line’s private island Motu Mahana, and a private beach in Bora Bora. Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a wide range of outdoor activities embracing the natural wonders of the South Pacific such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and SCUBA diving excursions.

For more information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, or to check cruise fares, please contact a Travel Advisor, call 800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com.

STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT, ROYAL CARIBBEAN REVEALS NEW WEST COAST ADVENTURES FROM LOS ANGELES

Navigator of the Seas to call Hollywood Home, Offering Short Cruises to Southern California and Baja California, Mexico

MIAMI, March 17, 2021 – After a decade-long hiatus, Royal Caribbean International will once again call Hollywood home starting in June 2022, casting Navigator of the Seas as a “series regular” that will sail from Los Angeles. The amplified ship will broaden the cruise line’s West Coast offerings, sailing 3-, 4- and 5-night itineraries to Catalina Island, California and Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – plus, select winter holiday 7-night sailings will feature overnights in the popular resort city. Royal Caribbean’s new year-round adventures from LA will open for sale the week of March 29, 2021.

“California was calling us home once again, and what better way to reintroduce Royal Caribbean than to bring our next-level cruise vacations to the City of Angels and make it a year-round adventure starting just in time for summer,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We’re excited to return to Los Angeles to add bigger, bolder vacation options along the West Coast. With a ship like Navigator of the Seas, complete with waterslides, activities from day to night and a lineup of restaurants, bars and lounges, friends and families alike are in for a memorable getaway.”

After a $115 million amplification in 2019, Navigator brings star power that will thrill guests with its reimagined Caribbean poolscape anchored by the lively three-level bar The Lime & Coconut; two daring waterslides that cantilever over the edges of the ship – The Blaster aqua coaster, the longest waterslide at sea, and Riptide, the industry’s only headfirst mat racer; the first standalone blow-dry bar at sea, To Dry For; elevated nightlife and dining, and transformed spaces that each are dedicated to kids and teens. The winning combination of these thrilling features and activities alongside Royal Caribbean favorites – against the backdrop of Hollywood Hills – will make for a new short getaway, over the week or weekend, that makes the most of every minute for vacationers of all ages.

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.

Can't travel with your own dog? No problem.

Truffle hunting with dogs in Italy with Contiki

Combining his passions for nature, animals and cooking, Matteo has been a professional truffle hunter for twelve years and he welcomes  Contiki travelers to the beautiful Villa Clodia in Bracciano, just 30kms north of Rome, for a two-night stay on this NEW truffle hunting short breakin Italy. With his trusty pups leading the charge sniffing out truffles, Matteo and his guests will enjoy a forage in the woods, two organic cookery classes and meals (with wine) using the spoils from the forest, and plenty of free time to potter in the town or relax in the expansive grounds and pool at the villa. 

Rescue dog walking in LA

On Contiki’s Best of USA trip (a 13-day trip that takes in four of the USA’s must-see cities – LA, Las Vegas, Miami and New York), travelers get to take foster dogs out for a walk in the trendy Venice beach area of Los Angeles. Walking with one of the co-founders of Free Animal Doctor—a non-profit animal welfare organization – the aim is to give the rescue dogs the daily exercise they need while improving their socialization and chances of being seen and adopted. There are plenty of photo spots along the way, starting with a leisurely stroll along the canals, then along the boardwalk to see the famous Venice Beach sign, the "Touch of Venice" mural, the skate park on the beach and more. It’s a fun day out for both dogs and walkers, who get to see the city in a different way – and dog treats, leads, water bowls etc. are all provided of course. A picture below as an illustration but I am sure more ‘professional’ ones can be tracked down

Meeting champion husky dog racers in Norway

On Insight Vacations Grand Scandinavia trip (which takes in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland over 20 days) guests visit a working husky dog farm in the town of Alta within the Arctic circle in Norway. There they meet Trine Lyrek, a champion dog sledder, and her Alaskan huskies, learning about the dogs and what it takes to compete in Arctic dog sled races. Guests can spend some time playing with these adorable pups, that may grow to be the best racing dogs in the country. This is part of a wider trip that also takes in the best of Scandinavia, for example the fjords and a stop at mainland Europe's most northern point, where the sun never sets. Stand near the fence of the towering cliffs, dramatically rising out of the sea and it feels as if you are on the edge of the world – and to make the moment even more special you’ll be served a glass of champagne. Here’s some pictures of husky dogs (disclaimer, these aren’t official pics from our brand, I’ll need to track some down more for you if you’re keen)

Irish wolfhounds at Ashford Castle

And finally, for a spot of luxury, the glorious Ashford Castle in County Mayo in the west of Ireland has a pair of wolfhounds – Garvan and Cronan - that guests can meet and walk. Every day for an hour or so in the morning they come to the castle’s Oak Hall to say hello to the guests, and then guests are also able to take them for a walk in the 350-acre estate, which has a huge lake and plenty of woodland and paths to explore. Not just about dogs of course, the castle has an award-winning spa, an indoor cinema, underground wine cellars for private dining, three restaurants, a museum (the castle was once home to the Guinness family and has welcomed royalty, stars of stage and screen, sporting legends and more) and some stunning bedrooms. Outdoors it offers falconry, watersports, tree climbing, zip wiring, horseriding, cycling and more…). Check out the dogs’ Instagram account in the link above and also some pictures of the castle below.