New Crystal Endeavor Iceland & Norway Expedition Offers Autumn Exploration of Dramatic Landscapes and Fjords

The 10-night expedition will depart Reykjavík for Tromsø September 5, 2021 

              Miami, May 17, 2021 – Crystal today announced the next bold journey for its new expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor, a spectacular itinerary exploring Iceland, known as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” and the breathtaking fjords of Norway. The 10-night Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway will sail on September 5, 2021, from Reykjavík to Tromsø on a voyage that showcases some of nature’s most remarkable wonders and the region’s historic and charming cities. The new sailing followsCrystal Endeavor’s recently announced inaugural series of five, 10-night Luxury Iceland Expeditions that opened to extraordinary demand with 50 percent of capacity reserved within the first 24 hours of its release.  

“This new expedition caters to travelers seeking a truly luxurious experience that pushes the boundaries of wide-open space both on board and in the destinations featured,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal’s president. “Iceland and Norway are both magnificent countries of natural beauty that will amaze even the most seasoned travelers who are sure to relish the adventurous experiences throughout the journey that will only be enhanced by the welcoming comforts and elegance ofCrystal Endeavor.” 

The Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway voyage combines dramatic landscapes with colorful seaside villages and historic Viking strongholds, suiting travelers’ inner explorers and history buffs alike. In Iceland, geothermal hot springs, waterfalls, whale havens and vast bird colonies are distinctive natural wonders, while Norway’s impossibly steep cliffs, majestic fjords and passion for outdoor pursuits of all kinds are hallmarks of the country’s intrigue. Reservations open May 20, 2021.

Highlights of the new Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway voyage include:

Reykjavík, Iceland – Crystal Endeavor will dock in the heart of town with ideal access to the capital city’s hubs of culture, cuisine, art and music;

Dynjandi Waterfall – Cascading in multiple levels like a powerful veil down a cliff, Dynjandi Falls (also known as Fjallfoss) is called the “Jewel of the Westfjords;”

Akureyri, Iceland – Offering scenic cruising of Eyjafjord and whale watching by sea, plus exploration of lovely Lake Mayvatn and Godafoss waterfall by land;

Seyđisfjörđur, Iceland – Known for the Vök Baths geothermal spa, with Iceland’s only floating pools set on the edge of Lake Urriðavatn, Seyđisfjörđur is also the gateway to Skálanes nature reserve and heritage center, dedicated to the distinct ecosystems and centuries of settlement history in Iceland;

Olden, Norway

Olden, Norway (overnight) – Located in lovely Innvikfjorden, this is a gateway to numerous activities and discoveries like the famous Briksdalsbreen glacier and beautiful Oldevatnet and Lake Loen;

Sandane, Norway – A quaint seaside town that is home to the Nordfjord Folk Museum, with 44 individual houses chronicling the historic daily life in the area;

Nordfjordeid, Norway – Home to the fascinating Sagastad Viking Ship Museum situated at the waterfront marina and the 100-foot Myklebust ship, one of the largest Viking ships ever found. Crystal Endeavor guests can access the marina and museum via zodiac landing;

Hellesylt, Norway – Located at the head of the Sunnylvsfjorden, the town is a gateway to spectacular Geirangerfjorden and the nearby villages;

Geiranger, Norway

Geiranger, Norway – The village named for the massive fjord offers guests access to the extraordinary Seven Sisters, Bridal Veil and the Suitor waterfalls. Travelers can also venture to the top lookout over the fjord via the village’s mountain road;

Vikingen, Norway – The island’s claim to fame is that the Arctic Circle passes through it, marked by the Polar Circle Monument, and has long been an important maritime navigational point;

Reine, Norway – Set in the breathtaking Lofoten Archipelago surrounded by picturesque mountains and islands, Reine is the gateway to Leknes, quaint and colorful with its nearly 700 acres tucked into the jagged peaks;

Tromsø, Norway – Rich in history and known as the gateway to many Arctic expeditions, Tromsø is home to the Arctic Cathedral, a modern architectural delight with gleaming glass that reflects the icy beauty of the place.

Best Available cruise fares for Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway start at $13,999 per guest, including limited-time Book Now Savings of $3,000 and As You Wish shipboard credits of $300 per guest. Returning guests will enjoy double Crystal Society Savings of five percent, while new-to-Crystal guests will save 2.5 percent on their voyage, with solo fares starting at just 150 percent. Guests who book back-to-back voyages comprising the August 26, September 5, September 15 and September 28 cruises will also receive five percent cruise fare savings. Travelers with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on this itinerary. Guests will also enjoy reduced deposits of 15 percent and an extended final payment date of 60 days prior to sailing providing flexibility and ease in the return to travel.

Crystal Endeavor

Built at MV WERFTEN in Stralsund, Germany, part of a family of shipyards known for their passenger ship, icebreaker and private yacht building expertise, Crystal Endeavor will be the fastest, most powerful and most spacious expedition ship in the industry, with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification that enables her to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

The 20,200-GRT vessel is designed to the highest standards of renowned German engineering and, with her responsive, agile maneuverability, safety and technical capabilities, the yacht is akin to a finely tuned German-built elite sports car for seakeeping (like Porsche, a fast, smooth, powerful ride) and little vibration (like Mercedes).

Crystal Endeavor’s luxurious design will offer discerning travelers elegantly casual, expansive private and public spaces with 100 gross tons per person and 10,000 cubic feet per guest for a passenger space ratio of more than 100. The ship accommodates just 200 guests with a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio delivering the personal and genuine service for which Crystal is known. Accommodations are elegantly appointed retreats for guests after days full of exploration, with every suite offering private butler service.

Throughout the ship, Crystal hallmarks will accent guests’ onboard experience: Michelin-inspired dining options including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, Prego, 24-hour room service and the Vintage Room experience; spacious social spaces; the only casino on an expedition yacht; a glass-covered, two-story solarium – which houses the Seahorse Pool and Jacuzzi – providing panoramic views from sea to sky; and the full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa with a state-of-the-art Fitness Center as well as a wrap-around Promenade Deck, rare in the industry but an iconic Crystal design element. Expedition-specific amenities and spaces will enhance guests’ experience, including enrichment areas, designated mud rooms, and an Expedition Lounge. The ship’s marina will feature the “toys” found aboard a private yacht for further explorations including a fleet of zodiacs, kayaks, snorkel gear, and more.

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 visitwww.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.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE REFLAGS MARDI GRAS TO BAHAMIAN REGISTRY

 First LNG-Powered Ship in North America to Arrive at Port Canaveral on June 4 

                MIAMI, May 17, 2021 – When Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Mardi Gras, arrives to her new home in Port Canaveral, Fla. on June 4, she will be flying the Bahamian flag to designate the new ship registry for the first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) ship to operate in North America.

            Mardi Gras has been the most highly anticipated new ship in the cruise industry for more than a year, with her arrival and inaugural impacted by the extended pause in cruise operations from U.S. ports.  But with more and more hopeful signs of a return to guest operations and constructive discussions between the industry and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Carnival is moving the ship to Port Canaveral to get her ready for sailing.  The ship will depart from Barcelona on May 21 to start her transatlantic voyage and eventual arrival.

            Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, thanked the Panama Maritime Authority for their support during the ship’s construction and registration process but said that the move to the Bahamas Maritime Authority made business sense for a number of reasons.  “The Bahamas will be a frequent destination forMardi Gras, and we are pleased to bring this new level of environmental sustainability to the many ports in the Bahamas and the Caribbean that the ship and our guests and crew will be visiting,” she said.

            Upon arrival to Port Canaveral, Mardi Gras will continue to bring joining crew members on board, train them on new equipment, technology and procedures, and get ready to welcome guests for her inaugural sailing.  On Sunday evening during the global broadcast of the MISS UNIVERSE competition, Carnival named Miss Dominican Republic Kimberly Jimenez as the Mardi Gras godmother.  The Dominican Republic destination of Amber Cove will be among the destinations the ship will regularly visit on seven-day itineraries.  Along with the new LNG technology, Mardi Gras will boast many other firsts, including the first cruise ship with a roller coaster.

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.

Norwegian Prima Debuts as Brand's Most In-Demand Vessel with RECORD-BREAKING sales

First of Six Next-Generation Vessels Sets Single-Best Booking Day and Best Initial Booking Week Sales in the Company's 54-Year History 

Norwegian Cruise Line's Record-Breaking Sales Demonstrate Strong Demand for Cruise Travel

MIAMI (May 17, 2021) – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, is once again breaking the boundaries of conventional cruising and vacation experiences, with the reveal of Norwegian Prima, which has become the Brand's most in-demand ship ever, with record bookings on the first day and week of sales.

With voyages beginning August 2022, Norwegian Prima, the first of six ships within NCL's all new Prima Class, will offer guests exciting itineraries, the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any new cruise ship in the contemporary and premium cruise categories, and Brand-first experiences with Ocean Boulevard, Indulge Food Hall, The Concourse, Infinity Beach and Oceanwalk.

"Every aspect of Norwegian Prima, from bow-to-stern, was conceptualized with the guest in mind," said Norwegian Cruise Line's President and CEO Harry Sommer. "With this world-class ship, we are providing our guests with more wide-open spaces, elevated service, thoughtful design and a variety of experiences that go beyond expectation. Our record-breaking sales are a clear indicator of our guests' excitement to return to the ocean and of the significant demand for a premium vacation experience."

Norwegian Prima will not only offer the largest variety of suite categories available at sea but will also boast a redefined The Haven by Norwegian, NCL’s ultra-premium keycard only access ship-within-a-ship concept. The Haven will feature an expansive sundeck, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the ship's wake and an outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.

"Norwegian Prima is already proving to be a gamechanger for NCL," added Sommer. "Norwegian Bliss, which debuted in 2018 and boasted our biggest booking day ever during her unveiling, has been outpaced by Norwegian Prima, which has doubled the prior record. In addition, nearly 20 percent of bookings are for our Haven suites, indicating the desire for top-of-the-line experiences."

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 visit www.ncl.com.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE GOES GLOBAL TO SELECT GODMOTHER FOR MARDI GRAS, NAMING MISS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC DURING MISS UNIVERSE BROADCAST

Kimberly Jiménez to Serve as Godmother to Line’s  Newest and Most Innovative Ship, Mardi Gras, Set to Debut Later This Year

MIAMI, May 16, 2021 – With a global television audience estimated at 500 million looking on, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy presented Miss Dominican Republic Kimberly Jiménez with the “Spirit of Carnival” award for embodying the company’s values of fun, friendship, diversity and inclusion during the MISS UNIVERSE broadcast, and bestowed the honor of serving as godmother to the line’s newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, set to debut from Port Canaveral, Fla., later this year.

A gamechanger for the cruise industry, Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship in the Americas to be powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and the first to feature an onboard roller coaster.   As godmother, Jiménez will preside over the Mardi Gras’ official naming ceremony, continuing a long-standing maritime tradition.

Jiménez, as well as MISS UNIVERSE 2021, Miss Mexico Andrea Meza, will get the unforgettable opportunity to be among the first to sail on Mardi Gras when she begins week-long adventures from the Space Coast to the Bahamas and Caribbean – including the popular destination of Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. 

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Dominican Republic, Jiménez is a champion for at-risk youth and an advocate for adoption, volunteering for the past three years at Los Niños de Cristo orphanage, a non-profit foundation that serves abused and abandoned girls, as well as serving as a founding member of the Dominican Republic Women's Club, dedicated to providing services to indigent women suffering from breast cancer.  A survivor in every sense of the word, Jimenez and her family were left homeless due to the devastation of Hurricane Maria, underscoring her incredible perseverance and a positive, can-do attitude.   

“Kimberly is a role model for female empowerment and has a passion for so many worthwhile causes, particularly those that assist women, children and families.  It is such an honor to present Kimberly with the ‘Spirit of Carnival’ award and an even bigger thrill to announce that she’s going to be the godmother of our newest ship, Mardi Gras,” Duffy said. “Kimberly joins a group of esteemed women who have served in this time-honored role for Carnival.”

Duffy served on the selection committee for the competition, one of eight members of the all-female panel.  She said that seeing so many smart and talented women in the competition representing 74 nations was like being on board a Carnival ship, with a fleetwide team representing 120 countries from across the globe.

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.

Azamara’s® Summer 2021 Voyages Are Now Open for Booking with New Destination Celebration℠ Experiences

Following the reveal of its health and safety protocols, the cruise line's Greece itineraries are now open for booking, featuring new onboard programming  

MIAMI, May 14, 2021 – Azamara – the boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion® experiences – is pleased to announce that bookings have opened today for the brand’s return to service, beginning August 28, 2021, with five back-to-back Greece Country-Intensive® Voyages aboard Azamara Quest®; each seven-nights in length and a total of 18-late nights in port. To coincide with the brand’s return to the high seas, Azamara is also pleased to share the launch of a brand-new, immersive onboard program for guests – Destination Celebration – the adaptation of AzAmazing Evenings®, which will bring the culture and heritage of the destination to life onboard.  

“We are excited that today marks the day that our guests can begin to plan their highly anticipated vacation and join us in exploring the world again,” said President of Azamara, Carol Cabezas. “The philosophy behind every Azamara voyage is our in-depth Destination Immersion experiences, designed to connect travelers to the heart of local culture. While the world may have changed, Azamara’s commitment to delivering experiences that connect guests to authentic culture remains intact and we are thrilled to bring the destination to life safely onboard our ships by introducing Destination Celebrations.”   

Designed with the health and safety of Azamara guests and crew in mind, Destination Celebration allows travelers to still have an immersive experience without having to step away from the comfort of their boutique hotel at sea. The new, complimentary evening events will be exclusively available to Azamara guests from 2021 through the spring of 2022 on most voyages of seven nights or longer. The Destination Celebration event in Rhodes, Greece, will feature music by Duo Violins with accompanying orchestra and a singer, as well as six Greek Gods in respective dress and insignia. In Sorrento, Italy, guests will enjoy an evening attributed to famous Italian operatic tenor, Enrico Caruso. Caruso is considered by many to be the greatest singer of all time, with a rich and powerful operatic music style like no other. 

To book one of Azamara’s Greece Country Intensive voyages, please visit: www.azamara.com/greecereturn 

For information on Azamara’s Cruise with Confidence program to ensure peace of mind when booking, please visit: www.azamara.com/cruisewithconfidence 

 About Azamara   

Azamara is an upmarket cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion® experiences. Presently with three mid-sized ships sailing to all seven continents of the world, and an additional fourth ship scheduled to join the fleet in 2022. The boutique-style ships allow them to reach marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller, less-visited hidden gems. Azamara’s commitment to creating immersive experiences allows guests to travel deeper with longer stays, more overnights, and night touring.  Guests can experience a boutique hotel at sea with inclusive amenities such as gratuities, select beverages, exclusive cultural events and more. For more information visit www.azamara.com.  

Up to 20% off on the ‘most beautiful voyage in the world’

The Northern Lights in Norway with Hurtigruten. Photo: Hege Abrahamsen

Seattle, WA (May 14, 2021) – With three-quarters of Americans ready to resume international travel and Europe about to open its borders for approved travelers, Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Express is offering up to 20% off a number of sailings between this August and May 2023 for Americans to explore the Norwegian coastline.

With 128 years experience of operating along the coast of Norway, no cruise company knows or does Norway better than Hurtigruten. One of the most spectacular coastlines in the world, Hurtigruten has operated voyages between Kirkenes above the Arctic Circle and Bergen, the country’s second-largest city, since 1893. This route is often described as “the most beautiful voyage in the world”. 

Norway is regularly on most Americans’ bucket lists, and just last month, American travelers listed seeing the Northern Lights in Northern Norway as their number one bucket list travel experience in the world, according to USTOA (the United States Tour Operators Association). Being onboard a ship is one of the best ways to experience these magical occurrences from November to March every year. To ensure that guests can cross the lights off their bucket list, Hurtigruten offers the unique Northern Lights Promise on select voyages.

The departures on sale range from six to 12 days, with the latter calling at 34 ports along the Norwegian coast and sailing past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains. Guests can enjoy the astounding Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site; the old Viking town of Trondheim, Norway’s traditional historic, religious, and cultural capital; the postcard-worthy Lofoten Islands, whose special beauty is praised as one of the most beautiful locations in the world by National Geographic; or wander through Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic Ocean, on the North Cape at the top of Scandinavia. All eligible sailings can be found at hurtigruten.com/coastal-offers/ and are valid until June 30, 2021. 

Earlier this month, Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Express announced all its seven ships will undergo one of the largest environmental upgrade in the history of European shipping, with significant green upgrades which will result in CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions being reduced by at least 25% and NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions cut by 80%.

For more information, please contact:
Anders Lindström
Head of PR & Communications, the Americas
646.944.9029 
Anders.Lindstrom@hurtigruten.com 

About Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Express – the original since 1893

Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Express – the original since 1893. Offering a unique combination of local travelers, goods, and international tourists since the very first departure almost 130 years ago. Connecting 34 communities along Norway’s rugged coastline, Hurtigruten Norway’s 7 coastal express ships takes you closer to nature and the local communities – in what is referred to as “the most beautiful voyage in the world”. 

Learn more about Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Express here.

Crystal Symphony’s New Luxury Caribbean Escapes with Departures from St. Maarten Now Open for Reservation

Reduced deposit of $100 per person for new bookings starting May 12, 2021 

Miami, May 13, 2021 – Guests can now book their Luxury Caribbean Escapes featuring departures from St. Maarten as Crystal opens reservations for the 15 recently announced Caribbean sailings. The new departures offer expanded options for Crystal guests eager to return to the peerless excellence of the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line with the addition of 15 new Caribbean sailings departing round-trip from St. Maarten aboard Crystal Symphony this August through December.

The newly added voyages are part of Crystal Symphony’s 10-night Luxury Caribbean Escapes* and offer guests the option of cruising round-trip from either Philipsburg, St. Maarten, beginning August 2nd, or the previously announced voyages departing round-trip from St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, beginning August 5th. The addition of St. Maarten as a port of departure expands the air options for guests as major U.S. cities provide airlift into the country. All of Crystal’s 10-night Luxury Caribbean Escapes, including a holiday cruise, will explore the tropical beauty of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago**, St. Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands.

Best Available cruise fares start at $2,999 with Book Now Savings of up to $1,000 per guest and As You Wish spending credits of $200 per guest. Returning guests will enjoy double Crystal Society Savings of five percent while new to Crystal guests will save 2.5 percent. Travelers can now take advantage of a reduced deposit of just $100 per person for new bookings as of May 12, 2021, aboard Crystal Symphony’sLuxury Caribbean Escapes, with final payment due 60 days prior to departure. Single supplements for these voyages begin at just 125 percent. Guests with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on these voyages.

Crystal announced in February 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+ measures, including negative COVID-19 tests for both guests and crew, reduced capacity, social distancing, mask requirements and health screening questionnaires.

Designed with inherently abundant personal and social space throughout the ship, Crystal Symphony will return to sailing with reduced capacity, increasing its social spaciousness even more. The onboard Crystal Family will welcome guests home to spacious staterooms, suites and social areas and to an experience that is punctuated by abundant choices for activities and enrichment; elegant surroundings and amenities; and most importantly, the genuine, personalized service provided by Crystal’s celebrated crew. 

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

*As more islands in the Caribbean begin to open, Crystal may add additional ports to the itinerary and will inform its guests and travel partners of any changes.

**Trinidad and Tobago is subject to government review with changing health and safety conditions.  

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 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.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE PRESIDENT CHRISTINE DUFFY TO SERVE ON SELECTION COMMITTEE FOR MISS UNIVERSE COMPETITION THIS SUNDAY, MAY 16

 Inspiring Female Executive to Present ‘Spirit of Carnival’ Award to Contestant Who Represents Company’s Values of Fun, Friendship, Diversity and Inclusion

MIAMI, May 13, 2021 - Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, will serve on the selection committee of the MISS UNIVERSE Competition which takes place this Sunday, May 16, in Hollywood, Fla., and airs live on A&E’s FYI broadcast channel and Telemundo.

As president of Carnival, Duffy oversees the overall operations of the company long known as “America’s cruise line” which operates from 14 U.S. homeports, as well as Australia, carrying nearly six million guests annually on relaxing vacations to beautiful destinations worldwide.

She will be part of an all-female panel of eight judges who will determine who among 90 international contestants will earn the coveted title of MISS UNIVERSE, a global, inclusive organization that celebrates women of all cultures and backgrounds and empowers them to realize their goals through experiences that build self-confidence and create opportunities for success.

During the broadcast, Duffy will present a MISS UNIVERSE contestant with the “Spirit of Carnival” award for representing the company’s values of fun, friendship, diversity and inclusion. 

“Serving as a Miss Universe judge is not only a tremendous honor but a wonderful way to celebrate the accomplishments of so many smart and inspiring women from around the world.  There’s a synergy between Carnival and MISS UNIVERSE as our ships are filled with smiling, friendly faces from around the world,” said Duffy, who leads a diverse workforce of 40,000 shipboard and shoreside employees from more than 120 countries.  “It is also my privilege to present the ‘Spirit of Carnival’ award to a contestant who is a role model and shares our values of making others feel welcomed, valued and respected.”

An immensely global television event with an estimated audience of 500 million viewers, MISS UNIVERSE will be broadcast live in the U.S. on Sunday, May 16, at 8 p.m. EDT on A&E’s FYI broadcast channel and Telemundo. Carnival Cruise Line fans are encouraged to tune in to see Duffy present the “Spirit of Carnival” award.

Additional information on Miss Universe is available at https://www.missuniverse.com

MSC VIRTUOSA ARRIVES IN SOUTHAMPTON, READY TO RESTART CRUISING IN THE UK

• MSC Cruises’ latest flagship, MSC Virtuosa, has arrived in Southampton, her homeport for the summer, ready to restart cruising in UK on May 20

• MSC Virtuosa will embark on her maiden voyage around the British Isles

• She will become the third MSC Cruises ship back at sea, sailing 3- and 4-night mini cruises, before starting 7-night sailings around the UK

Geneva, Switzerland (May 13, 2021) – MSC Virtuosa, MSC Cruises’ latest flagship, has arrived in Southampton, preparing to welcome guests as the first cruise line to restart in the UK. The newest and most innovative ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet, MSC Virtuosa will embark on her maiden voyage around the British Isles on May 20.

With all of MSC Cruises’ trademark glamour and European style, MSC Virtuosa is set to bring guests an unbeatable summer vacation, with everything in one place.

Upon MSC Virtuosa’s restart, MSC Cruises will offer guests a choice of three- and four-night mini cruises starting from May 20, then from June 5, begin seven-night cruises. These week-long sailings include calls at the picturesque isle of Portland and the cultural city of Belfast in Northern Ireland, as well as offering multiple ports of embarkation including Liverpool and Greenock, close to Glasgow, Scotland, on top of Southampton.

MSC Virtuosa is one of MSC Cruises’ most innovative and environmentally advanced ships. The 19-deck ship will offer its British guests of all ages the very best of fine dining restaurants, world-class entertainment, relaxing bars and lounges, boutique shopping, spa and fitness centers, an aquapark and clubs for toddlers to teenagers. The ship’s showstopping feature is its iconic 367 ft. promenade with a stunning LED sky dome, the social heart and hub of the ship.

The brand-new MSC Starship Club will launch on MSC Virtuosa, introducing the world’s first futuristic, immersive experience at sea, MSC Starship Club will feature humanoid robotic bartender, Rob, shaking up a galactic choice of cocktails for guests.

MSC Virtuosa’s homeport for the summer will be ABP Southampton, with whom MSC Cruises recently announced a long-term partnership. The ship will initially set sail from City Cruise Terminal, before moving to embark guests from the newly-named Horizon Cruise terminal once it has opened.

MSC Virtuosa will become the third MSC Cruises ship back at sea when she departs for her maiden voyage on May 20, joining two ships already operating in the Mediterranean: MSC Seaside welcomed guests back on board last week, and MSC Grandiosa has been sailing in the Mediterranean since August 2020. All ships operate under the same industry-leading health and safety protocol, including universal testing upon embarkation, which has been developed with a Blue Ribbon Panel of experts.

OCEANIA CRUISES UNVEILS NEW OCEANIA NEXT ENHANCEMENTS TO THE GUEST EXPERIENCE

 Phase One of the Transformation Sees the Line Reveal Thoughtfully Crafted New Dining Experiences and Reimagined Menus, To Elevate Its Dining and Service Levels On Board 

Miami, May 13, 2021 - Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has announced the first in a series of inspired new product enhancements rolling out across its luxury fleet as part of its OceaniaNEXT program. With elevated dining experiences and service levels for guests, the Oceania Cruises experience will be better than ever from the first sailing on board Marina when the line resumes operations in August. OceaniaNEXT enhancements will debut aboard Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Riviera, and Sirena as each vessel returns to sailing. 

During the pause in sailing, the Oceania Cruises team has continued to invest in creative ways to evolve the onboard experience and to inspire its guests with a sweeping array of dramatic enhancements to the brand’s already renowned Finest Cuisine at Sea® and acclaimed service. Whether guests are in the mood for an elaborate dinner at Toscana, or prefer to indulge in the line’s exclusive Dom Pérignon Experience, or crave the casual comfort of tacos or fresh poke bowls, every meal on board is given the same thought, care and creativity to ensure it is as mouth-watering as it is memorable. This is just the first of many inspirational new OceaniaNEXT enhancements to be revealed over the coming months.

“These OceaniaNEXT enhancements not only elevate the guest experience, they showcase the creativity and passion our team has for crafting unique and memorable experiences for our guests,” stated Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “We’ve undertaken this ambitious brand initiative to elevate every facet of the Oceania Cruises guest experience to new levels. From thoughtfully reimagined menus to enhanced service levels to the dramatic re-inspiration of our six ships, guests will find that the Oceania Cruises experience is better than ever,” added Binder. 

The Grand Dining Room Boasts New Appetizers, Main Courses & Diverse Sunday Brunch 

In The Grand Dining Room, more than two dozen inventive new dishes have made their way onto the dinner menu. New appetizers include caramelized duck foie gras accompanied by apricot infused with Loire Valley wine, and mozzarella fior di latte panna cotta with aubergines stiletto and fried focaccia. Meanwhile, main courses range from the deliciously tantalizing French monkfish with saffron-tomato-cognac-cream sauce and wild rice, to the hearty veal piccata with sweet and sour lemon sauce, glazed pearl onions and Parisian potatoes.

Other highlights from the updated menu include:

·       Porcini mushroom risotto

·       Crispy Mediterranean vegetable tart with balsamic onion compote

·       Braised black cod, seafood emulsion, stuffed calamari and green pea purée

·       Grilled prime rib with bone marrow and rustic vegetable casserole

·       Carnaroli truffled risotto with smoked ricotta

·       Florida lobster tail with Rémy Martin cognac sauce and rice pilaf

Sunday Brunch is an elegant yet relaxed affair in The Grand Dining Room, and the new menu has been thoughtfully crafted to include a more diverse selection of international dishes as well as a wider range of healthy options. Highlights include a new Asian Noodle Bar, a gourmet Taco Corner, a prepared-to-order Pasta Station, a healthy Smoothie Bar and a Salad Bar with an extensive selection of starches, proteins, greens and raw and cooked vegetables for guests to create their own custom salad combination. 

Toscana Dinner Menu Features 21 New Dishes

Refined and romantic with a uniquely modern Italian flair, Toscana specializes in the rich and rustic regional flavors for which Italy is famous. Presented on elegant, custom-designed Versace china, masterfully prepared dishes exemplify the essence of Tuscany and celebrate Italy’s culinary passion. As part of OceaniaNEXT, the line has reimagined Toscana’s menu with 21 delectable new dishes including:

·       Sformatino di Peperoni – roasted bell pepper flan, creamy Parmesan sauce

·       Zuppa Fagioli – white bean soup with sausage and pasta

·       Tagliolini Carbonara – tagliolini, pancetta, egg yolk-Parmesan sauce

·       Agnello Arrosto – stuffed roasted lamb loin with spicy soppressata sausage

·       Il Tiramisú ai Frutti di Bosco – red berry tiramisú with mascarpone cream 

·       Tortino di Cioccolata – molten chocolate fondant with Sicilian blood orange sauce

Greater Choice and Diversity in The Terrace Café and Waves Grill

The ever-popular Terrace Café has also expanded its lunch offering to include locally sourced fish, sausages and marinated meats, including regional specialties from the ports and destinations visited. 

For more laidback fare, Waves Grill has added a fresh, prepared-to-order poke bowl station inspired by flavors from around the world including Japan, India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, North Africa, France, the United States, and Mexico. 

New Evening Canapé Choices and Elevated Service Levels

Canapés served in the lounges and bars after a day of exploring are a much-loved tradition on board Oceania Cruises. The experience now features a wider variety of selections, echoing the gourmet inspiration of the new dishes offered in The Grand Dining Room. The selections will also be presented individually to each table as part of the line’s enhanced health and safety measures. Guests in Penthouse, Oceania, Vista, and Owner’s Suites may choose from a canapé selection now including the addition of plant-based California rolls, a Mezze Platter and a Taco Trilogy. 

Service levels have also been significantly enhanced through a combination of increased staffing and implementation of a new electronic ordering system which ensures that the taking of orders, food and beverage service and table re-setting is seamlessly streamlined. This will allow restaurant staff to focus on providing the exemplary service that guests have come to know and love.

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 OceaniaNEXT

OceaniaNEXT is a sweeping array of dramatic enhancements so transformational, they are inspirational. This ambitious brand initiative will elevate every facet of the Oceania Cruises guest experience to new levels. From thoughtfully crafted new dining experiences and reimagined menus to the dramatic Re-inspiration of the brand’s six ships, guests will savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea, be pampered aboard small and luxurious ships, and be enriched through in-depth destination exploration.

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 and feature 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. With headquarters 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.

About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. With a combined fleet of 28 ships with nearly 60,000 berths, these brands offer itineraries to more than 490 destinations worldwide. The Company has nine additional ships scheduled for delivery through 2027, comprising of approximately 24,000 berths.