OCEANIA CRUISES ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS TO RESUMPTION OF CRUISE OPERATIONS

Three Additional Ships to Sail Published Voyage Schedules in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the 2022 Around the World in 180 Days Voyage from Los Angeles to New York 

Miami, FL, May 26, 2021 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, announced that it will resume cruise operations with three additional ships, Riviera, Insignia, and Sirena, between October 2021 and January 2022.  

• Riviera will resume its previously published voyage schedules beginning from Istanbul on October 18, 2021 and sail a series of Mediterranean voyages prior to beginning a winter 2021-2022 series of Caribbean voyages from Miami.

• Insignia will resume sailings with the December 21, 2021 Panama Canal voyage from Miami prior to embarking on a sold-out 180-day Around the World cruise from Los Angeles to New York.

• Sirena will commence sailings starting with the January 22, 2022 Caribbean voyage from Miami to Panama City, Panama.

“This is an exciting day for our guests and team members alike as we begin to prepare another three ships to resume sailing in Europe, the Caribbean, and the eagerly anticipated kickoff of our epic Around the World in 180 Days voyage for 2022,” stated Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises.  

Voyage itineraries for each ship will continue to be evaluated for port availability and may be adjusted as required closer to the sailing dates. These additional ship restarts follow the April 28th announcement of the line’s Marina resuming cruise operations from Copenhagen beginning on August 29, 2021.   

Phased restart dates for Regatta and Nautica will be announced at a later date.   

All Oceania Cruises voyages, until further notice, will sail with the requirement that 100% of guests and crew be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of all on board the ships as well as ashore in the communities visited. The vaccination requirement is the cornerstone of the company’s robust SailSAFETM health and safety program which was developed with guidance from the company’s team of public health and scientific experts including the Healthy Sail Panel and the SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council.  

Full details on our SailSAFE protocols and the notable public health and scientific experts leading the Council can be found here. These protocols are subject to continuous refinement as science and technology evolves.

 Better Than Ever – New and Exciting OceaniaNEXT Enhancements

Oceania Cruises recently announced the first in a series of inspired new product enhancements rolling out across its acclaimed 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 each and every ship when the line resumes operations beginning in August. 

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 & 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.  

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. 

About the Healthy Sail Panel 
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. in collaboration with Royal Caribbean Group established the Healthy Sail Panel (“HSP”), a group of 11 leading experts to help inform the cruise industry in the development of new and enhanced cruise health and safety standards in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The HSP, co-chaired by Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Governor Mike Leavitt, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, consists of globally recognized experts from various disciplines, including public health, infectious disease, biosecurity, hospitality and maritime operations. The panel’s work, including detailed recommendations across five key areas of focus, is informing the Company’s health and safety protocols and has been widely shared with the cruise industry and open to any other industry that could benefit from the HSP’s scientific and medical insights. 

About the SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council 
The SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council (“Council”) was established by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. to provide expert advice on the implementation, compliance with and continuous improvement of the Company’s SailSAFE health and safety program. The Council will complement the work of the Healthy Sail Panel and continuously evaluate and identify ways to improve health and safety standards after cruise voyages resume, utilizing the best technologies and information available. The Council is cross-functional, diverse and extensively experienced, comprised of six experts at the forefront of their fields and led by Chairman of the Council, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

Crystal Endeavor Completes Final Sea Trial In Latest Milestone for the New Luxury Expedition Yacht

MIAMI, May 25, 2021- Crystal Expedition Cruises today announced the successful completion of the second and final sea trial for its new luxury expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor, marking another important milestone toward the upcoming delivery of the Made in Germany vessel from MV WERFTEN. Crystal Endeavor’s final sea trial began on Thursday, May 20 and returned to the shipyard the evening of May 23 where the final steps of the construction process will be completed. The ship is scheduled for its technical delivery on May 27, 2021.  

During sea trials, Crystal Endeavor underwent rigorous performance and operational tests on the ship’s systems, machinery and engines, including safety, navigation and propulsion systems, and noise and vibration measurements. Captain Thomas Larsen along with senior members of the Crystal Endeavor bridge and engineering teams participated in the sea trials in collaboration with the engineers, naval architects and builders from the expert MV WERFTEN team in Stralsund, part of a family of shipyards known for their passenger ship, icebreaker and private yacht building expertise. 

The onboard team noted that the ship “is an absolute gem and performed like a dream, far exceeding specifications.”  For example, the ship “crash-stopped” from full speed to zero within 660 meters (4 ship’s length) compared with 1,700 meters (10 ship’s length) requirement and ship maneuverability, such as turning circle test, which far exceeds standards. Noise measured at 10 percent lower than requirements with vibration measuring even lower at up to 80 percent lower than requirements. 

“These sea trials mark another successful milestone in the highly anticipated debut of Crystal Endeavor, bringing the award-winning Crystal Experience to the most remote places on the planet,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal. “We applaud the MV WERFTEN team for their partnership and professionalism in overcoming the many challenges of the past year and their engineering expertise and design excellence in working to create and deliver a new standard in luxury expedition cruising.”

From bow to stern, the 20,200-GRT Crystal Endeavor is designed with power, efficiency, and the environments of the world in mind. Crystal Endeavor will be the most spacious, fastest and most powerful expedition ship in the industry, with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification that enables her to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The ship’s propulsion system includes two Azipod D units and a diesel electric power plant designed specifically for ice-going vessels to help them operate at optimum efficiency while providing 13,020 kW of installed power, delivering well-balanced power and propulsion installation, giving both speed and comfort. 

According to Captain Thomas Larsen, who will helm the ship: “The design and building standard of Crystal Endeavor is outstanding. Contracted for max speed of 19 knots, she has delivered an actual max speed of nearly 20 knots during sea trials, exceeding all performance expectations and standards with little to no vibration even during ‘crash stop’ tests in the suites and public areas. This means a comfortable, enjoyable experience for guests even in unpredictable weather conditions. With her responsive, agile maneuverability, safety and technical capabilities, this vessel is akin to driving a finely tuned German-built elite sports car such as a Porsche and there is no better ship to be on than Crystal Endeavor in adverse weather in the Arctic and Antarctic.  Combined with the programs and features that will bring the journeys to life, Crystal Endeavor represents the pinnacle of luxury expedition cruising and I look forward to exploring the world with her and our valued guests.”

 As the first and only true luxury expedition yacht to restart cruising in the Arctic and Northern Europe, Crystal Endeavor will set sail beginning July 17 with five 10-night immersive voyages circumnavigating Iceland’s most dramatically beautiful and fascinating locales. The Luxury Iceland Expedition voyages will sail round-trip from the ship’s homeport of Reykjavík, affording travelers convenient air options, just six hours from New York City, three hours from London and with frequent non-stop flights from many major cities in the U.S. and Europe and will be followed by the 10-night Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway from Reykjavík to Tromsø departing September 5, 2021.

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.

VIKING ANNOUNCES NEW MEDITERRANEAN VOYAGES FOR SUMMER 2021

Three Ships Will Now Homeport in Malta Starting in July 

Los Angeles (May 24, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) announced today that it will expand its presence in the Mediterranean this summer, adding a third ship to sail roundtrip voyages from the Maltese capital city of Valletta—a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Offered as part of Viking’s Welcome Back collection, Viking Star® will now join sister ships Viking Venus® and Viking Sea® and will sail a new 11-day itinerary, Malta & the Western Mediterranean.

With the addition of this new voyage, vaccinated guests now have three new options for experiencing the Mediterranean between July and early October 2021. Guests on theMalta & the Western Mediterranean itinerary will overnight in Valletta and then sail to Sicily, Italy and Spain, calling in Messina, Naples (Pompeii), Civitavecchia (Rome), Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Genoa and Barcelona, before returning to Valletta. Those on the Malta & Adriatic Jewels itinerary will overnight in Valletta and then sail to Montenegro and Croatia, calling in Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Šibenik, before returning to the Maltese archipelago, with a stop on Gozo Island and finally back to Valletta. And guests on the Malta & Greek Isles Discovery itinerary will also overnight in Valletta and then sail to Greece, calling in Kalamata, Athens, Santorini, Rhodes and Souda Bay, before returning to Valletta. 

              “Once again we thank the government of Malta for being such a supportive destination partner as we begin welcoming guests back on board for ocean voyages,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Malta’s central position in the Mediterranean, as well as its historic sites and many cultural experiences, make it is an ideal destination for travelers who want to explore the Mediterranean from the comfort of a Viking vessel. We are pleased with the response we have received thus far, and we look forward to introducing even more guests to this fantastic European country.”

Today’s news follows Viking’s recent announcements of initial Welcome Back ocean voyages in England, Iceland, Bermuda and the Mediterranean, beginning in May 2021—as well as the restart of European river operations beginning in July 2021. Just last week, Viking named its newest ocean ship, Viking Venus®, and she is currently sailing in England with guests.

Those who sail these new voyages will also experience Viking’s industry-leading health and safety program. Grounded in scientific research, the Viking Health & Safety Program was developed in partnership with an international team of medical advisors, including Raquel C. Bono, M.D., Viking’s Chief Health Officer. Dr. Bono is a board-certified trauma surgeon and retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy Medical Corps—and most recently led Washington State’s medical and healthcare systems response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a full-scale laboratory installed on every Viking ocean ship, all guests and crew will receive daily quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests. New air purification technology has also been installed on all Viking ships, which have always featured independent air handling units for all guest staterooms. And additional health checks, sanitization and physical distancing measures will provide further protection for Viking guests and crew at all points of the journey. A complete overview of the Viking Health & Safety Program can be found at:www.viking.com/health-safety.

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES ANNOUNCES $250,000 LUXE-ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES

Ten Luxe-adventure, Grand Prize Voyages to be Awarded

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., May 24, 2021 – Atlas Ocean Voyages announced today its momentous $250,000 Luxe-adventure Sweepstakes to inspire consumers and travelers to seek once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the all-inclusive, luxury expedition brand. Consumers can enter for a chance to win one of 10 grand prizes for a Veranda stateroom aboard any Atlas Ocean Voyages’ itinerary with included complimentary roundtrip air travel. Additionally, entrants have chances to win a first or second prize of $1,000 or $500, respectively, of L’OCCITANE en Provence bath, skin and cosmetic products at each drawing. The value of all the prizes totals up to $250,000 and consumers can enter daily, as often as they wish, and refer friends and share on their social media channels to increase their chances of winning. For more information and rules, and to enter Atlas’ $250,000 Luxe-adventure Sweepstakes, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/Sweepstakes. 

            “Atlas Ocean Voyages brings travelers on once-in-a-lifetime experiences to remote and bucket-list destinations, and we are pleased to offer everyone a chance to win one of our extraordinary journeys through our epic $250,000 Luxe-adventure Sweepstakes,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “As they enter, consumers can learn all about the Atlas’ distinctive luxe-adventure experiences and the compelling destinations where we will bring them.”

            Drawings for the sweepstakes will take place on July 27 and December 17, 2021; March 9, June 17, September 19, and December 17, 2022; and February 27, May 17, August 18, and November 18, 2023. Each grand prize is All Inclusive All The Way for the winner and a guest. 

            Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure expedition cruise brand designed for discerning, fun-seeking travelers to immerse in unique and awe-inspiring moments in less-visited, bucket-list destinations. World Navigator fosters a refined and convivial ambience and features the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her state-of-the-art design. At 9,930 GRTs, World Navigator features SeaSpa, the first L’OCCITANE spa at sea, and is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified. World Navigator will be joined by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.

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

            Atlas welcomes travelers to ‘come back to something brand new’ in the brand’s ongoing marketing campaign “At Last… Atlas” (www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/itstime.) To learn more, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. Travel Advisors can call 1.844.44.ATLAS (1.844.442.8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable luxe-adventure expedition.

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Plans for Highly Anticipated Return to Cruising om the U.S.

Cruise Line Will Return to Alaska with 11 Week-Long Voyages from Seattle Beginning Aug. 7, 2021 Pending CDC Authorization

MIAMI (May 24, 2021) - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 54-year history of breaking boundaries, today announced that it expects to resume cruise operations from the U.S. beginning Aug. 7, 2021 with week-long voyages from Seattle to Alaska, one of the top cruise destinations among its guests.

The news follows the temporary waiver of the Passenger Vessel Services Act, allowing cruising to Alaska to resume upon obtaining the pending Conditional Sailing Certificate from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC"). In partnership with local governments and guided by the robust protocols of the SailSAFE™ health and safety program, which at its cornerstone includes that all crew and guests must be fully vaccinated to embark, travelers will once again be able to explore the "Last Frontier" and all its beauty with NCL.

"Seattle has always been our second home, and we are beyond excited to return to this incredible homeport and to once again bring our guests to Alaska," said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "Twenty-one years ago, we were the first to offer itineraries to Alaska from Seattle, and we continue to celebrate a strong relationship with our partners in this spectacular destination. We have been waiting for a very long time to announce a resumption of cruising from the U.S. We are so proud to be sailing for the first time in over a year from our special homeport of Seattle to the breathtaking state of Alaska."

This summer, travelers will be able to recommence their cruise adventures to Alaska with week-long voyages aboard Norwegian Bliss. She will sail revised itineraries from Aug. 7, 2021 through Oct. 16, 2021, offering seven to 13 hours of port time in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, Alaska. On select sailings, guests will also have the chance to take in the serene views of Glacier Bay National Park or the Holkham Bay Glacier Fjord.

Guests will also benefit from the opening of the second cruise pier in Icy Strait Point, which NCL’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., developed in partnership with Alaska Native-owned Huna Totem Corporation. Initially scheduled to open during the 2020 summer cruise season, the recently expanded Wilderness Landing on Icy Strait Point caters to visitors in search of individualized experiences with the land, wildlife and native peoples of Alaska. The enhancements include upgraded retail and restaurants, as well as shore excursion offerings, including the world’s largest ZipRider zip line, the most accessible coastal brown bear viewing platforms in Southeast Alaska, whale watching, fishing adventures and walking trails as well as Alaska’s first gondola connecting the new Wilderness Landing development to the Adventure Landing and Historic Hoonah Packing Company Cannery.  In 2022, the guest experience will continue to evolve with the opening of the Mountain Top gondola that will provide easy, vehicle-free access through the treetops, unlocking additional areas of exploration and spectacular views of icefields, the Fairweather Range and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, the ancestral homeland of the Huna Tlingit people.

“Alaskans are ready to welcome visitors from across the globe to Alaska, where they can personally experience the scenic and cultural wonders that can only be found here,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. “I am grateful for the teamwork and thoughtful planning that many people from Norwegian Cruise Line, Alaska’s local governments, our congressional delegation, tourism industry, and the state’s public health team put into preparing for a cruise ship season that promises to be both safe and rewarding for everyone.”

Norwegian Cruise Line will continue with its thoughtful approach to redeploying its fleet, working with destination partners and the leading experts of the SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council. The Council will regularly evaluate the robust protocols of the SailSAFE health and safety program and make science-based decisions to protect guests, crew and the destinations it visits. As protocols evolve and additional information becomes available, updates will be published at www.ncl.com/sail-safe.

For more information about the Company's award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

MAJESTIC PRINCESS CREW MEMBERS RECEIVE COVID-19 VACCINES AT THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES WORLD CRUISE CENTER

Vaccines Administered to Over 200 Crew Members in Partnership withThe Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Photo Caption: Majestic Princess crew members received vaccines on Friday morning at the Port of Los Angeles. 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 21, 2021) – Majestic Princess crew members received COVID-19 vaccinationstoday at the Port of Los Angeles. In partnership with The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Ports America, and Metro Cruise Services, Ambulnz administered 221 COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr. Brenda Barnetson, Senior Director of Clinical Services for Princess Cruises, visited the crew members who volunteered to take part in an encouraging step in preparation for Princess Cruise to begin offering cruise vacations.

“We’re glad to be providing the World Cruise Center as a location where our partners can vaccinate staff in preparation for the return of cruising to Southern California,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This is important to the hundreds of thousands of people who enjoy cruises embarking from Los Angeles annually as well as to our local economy and job market. Each time a cruise ship calls in Los Angeles, it generates more than $1 million to local restaurants, hotels and shops.”

Princess Cruises has been working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to define and manage best practices to promote the health of guests and crew as it finalizes its additional plans for return to cruising.

THE GREAT ALASKA COMEBACK: ROYAL CARIBBEAN TO SAIL THE LAST FRONTIER THIS SUMMER

Returning Favorites Serenade and Ovation of the Seas Begin Sailing from Seattle July and August

MIAMI, May 21, 2021 – Royal Caribbean International’s U.S. comeback marks its first step forward with the cruise line’s return to Alaska this summer. Today, the cruise vacation company announced plans to launch its Alaska season with 7-night cruises – roundtrip from Seattle – on returning favorites Serenade and Ovation of the Seas, beginning July 19 and August 13, respectively. After more than a year with cruising on pause and the significant impact its had on the beloved Alaskan communities, travelers can now chart a course for the culture-rich destinations they have looked forward to discovering while helping revive the local economies. The new summer 2021 Alaska cruises on Serenade and Ovation’s existing sailings are available to book today.

“Any traveler who visits Alaska immediately understands how special it is, given its natural beauty, the welcoming locals, and the culture carefully preserved over centuries,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The past year has been a challenging time for us all, and the Alaskan communities heavily reliant on cruise tourism have felt it deeply. To see the communities, industry and government successfully pass a solution that will help bring these communities back to life shows the great progress and clear paths we can make together. We are confident this is just the first part of our return to cruising from the U.S.”

Serenade will begin cruising in July, sailing roundtrip from Seattle – a change from its previously scheduled homeport in Vancouver. On board, the ship will deliver awe-inspiring views from its signature ocean-facing glass elevators and floor-to-ceiling windows as guests travel from one far-flung destination to the next. The week-long itinerary features a lineup of popular ports of call, including Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, as well as the jaw-dropping Endicott Arm fjord and Dawes Glacier.

Ovation follows suit in August for a different take on Alaskan adventure, pairing the region’s natural wonders and wildlife-filled fjords with a thrilling lineup of experiences on board. From the North Star glass observation capsule to the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, vacationers can get their adrenaline pumping as they take in deck-defying sights of the scenic landscape and lush scenery of the destinations, such as Glacier National Park, the Inside Passage, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, from unparalleled viewpoints.     

Travelers can plan their Alaska cruise with peace of mind knowing that all crew members and vacationers 16 years of age or older will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and everyone 12 or older as of August 1. Those underage will receive a test prior to sailing. These measures are part of the cruise line’s Royal Promise commitment to the health and safety of every guest, crew member and community visited. The measures will be evaluated and updated as public health circumstances evolve. Royal Caribbean will continue to work closely with local health officials on specific measures outlined for the region.

Guests and travel partners impacted by the affected sailings will be contacted directly with their options. These reservations are covered by Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence program.

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. 

Star Legend Delivered To Windstar Cruises – Second Yacht to Complete its Star Plus Initiative

Fincantieri hands over the Star Legend plaque to Windstar Cruises’ President Chris Prelog commemorating the completion of the yacht’s Star Plus Initiative stretch and re-engineering project

SEATTLE, WA, May 21, 2021 – Windstar Cruises’ President Chris Prelog officially received Star Legend back from the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Italy today after completion of its part of the line’s $250 million Star Plus Initiative. The yacht begins cruising in Northern Europe on Sept 4, 2021 with the Belles of the British Isles sailing roundtrip London.  

“We’re proud to see Star Legend emerge from this major project with all initial plans completed,” said Prelog. “I am so thankful to Fincantieri for their great partnership on this complicated and innovative project. This is the ship I began my seagoing career on 20 plus years ago and to see it today like a new ship is more than exciting for me. I am blown away.”

“Many thanks to the team here in Palermo for their hard work and diligence on a long, complicated project,” said John Gunner, Windstar’s vice president of expansion projects. “It was an amazing process to get the ship to where she is now; and we have one more to go.”

Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises embarked on its Star Plus Initiative in 2019 with plans to stretch all three Star Plus Class ships – Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride – which inserted a new section into each ship with 50 new suites, new and reimagined public spaces and additional amenities. Though guest capacity increased from 212 to 312 guests, the size of these three all-suite motorized yachts still fit within Windstar’s credo to visit smaller, scenic ports for diverse itineraries mixing these with marquee ports. 

Highlights of the Star Plus Class transformation:

• Two new restaurants: Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, an outdoor barbecue concept, and Cuadro 44 by Michelin chef Anthony Sasso, a Spanish small plates restaurant

• Re-imagined and enlarged spa and fitness center to invigorate active guests. The workout equipment is made by Technogym, an Italian company known for its cutting-edge designs. The spa menu features regional spa treatments and destination-themed therapies as part of the World Spa by Windstar program

• The yacht now has a larger pool and hot tub on an elevated top deck, offering outstanding views, along with expanded outdoor deck areas for relaxing and sun-bathing

• 50 new gracious 277 square feet suites featuring new suite categories and open floor plan configurations, as well as two brand-new, larger Owner’s Suites. These suites combine to create up to a three-bedroom, two-balcony suite with more than 1,300 square feet – the first of its kind in the cruise industry.

• Every suite on board will feature all-new bathrooms

• State-of-the-art, efficient engines and diesel generators plus new advanced wastewater treatment system

• Comfortable tender loading area located mid-ship and new elevator mid-ship

• Two new 90-passenger tenders that will ferry guests to port when yachts are at anchor

“The outcome of this project is really a new build, a complete transformation,” said Prelog. “I can’t wait to see our guests enjoying the new spaces and amenities aboard this yacht.”

Windstar Cruises’ President Chris Prelog (on left) finishes signing handover documents for Star Legend at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Italy

The transformation also includes new health and safety renovations, which became a part of the project when COVID-19 upended the cruise industry in 2020. Windstar’s Beyond Ordinary Care program is a multi-layered strategy with key hospital-grade elements: HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, plus electrostatic sprayers to sanitize all surfaces throughout the yacht. 

Windstar Cruises will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all guests sailing aboard Windstar’s yachts.

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

Princess Cruises Plans to Resume Cruising in United States with Alaska Sailings Departing Seattle in July 2021

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (May 20, 2021) – Following passage of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, work with Alaska government officials, and recent guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Princess,is announcing its intent to return to service in the United States with a partial season of Alaska sailings from Seattle. 

Departing July 25 through September 26, 2021, round-trip Seattle, seven-day cruises, onboard Majestic Princess, a MedallionClass™ ship, will be open for sale on May 21, 2021. These cruises will visit signature ports, glaciers and attractions in Alaska including:

• Glacier Bay National Park – this 3.3-million-acre world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage site features the magnificent Margerie Glacier

• Juneau – the 49th state’s capital city, with the chance to see humpback whales and Mendenhall Glacier

• Skagway – this Gold Rush-era town is home of the White Pass Scenic Railway

• Ketchikan – this quaint seaside port is known for its infamous Creek Street and as the salmon capital of the world

 “We have been working towards this moment to return to service for over a year and starting with our Alaska cruise vacations is incredibly gratifying. We would like to offer our sincerest appreciation to Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Congressman Don Young, and Governor Mike Dunleavy for their tireless efforts on behalf of the many small businesses that are the backbone of Alaska tourism,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “In addition, we would like to thank our long-standing partners at the CDC, and in both Alaska and the Port of Seattle who helped make this happen. Our passion has always been to provide our guests with a truly remarkable travel experience. We are thrilled to be able to do that again, safely with confidence.”

Plans for these itineraries to fulfill our obligations under the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) are expected to be approved as are final instructions from CDC. Princess is continuing its return-to-cruising preparation already underway.

Dining, entertainment and shore excursion details are currently being finalized and will be communicated in the coming weeks.

“The return of the cruise industry to Alaska is great news for anyone hoping to experience the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. “More importantly, it signals a hopeful new chapter for the dozens of communities and tens of thousands of Alaskans who rely on cruise industry partners to help them share Alaska with the world.”

These Princess cruises to Alaska are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Crew vaccinations will be in accordance with CDC guidelines.

CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE

As of now and subject to change as CDC guidance, medical, and public health guidance evolves, the line’s Cruise Health program provides steps to enhance public health. Please check regularly, as there will be updates as new procedures are finalized and existing protocols may evolve.

Updates to the cruise line’s Cruise with Confidence program are also being implemented, providing peace of mind for booked guests who may encounter an unexpected trip cancellation or interruption due to COVID-19. Guests can cancel for any reason up to 30 days before departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit for any cancellation fees and a refund of additional funds received to the original payment method. As an enhanced benefit, guests may cancel and receive the same Future Cruise Credit and refund within 30 days all the way to sailing day if they test positive for COVID-19. Full details can be found here. 

PRINCESS MEDALLIONCLASS VACATION

Majestic Princess offering TrulyTouchless™ experiences with more ways to support physical distancing and personalization that simplifies the guest experience and delivers next-level service supporting new health protocols. 

The cruise line’s award-winning OceanMedallion wearable device replaces the traditional cruise card and pairs with embedded IoT (“Internet of things”) -driven innovative technology to significantly expand touch-free options and personalization on board Majestic Princess, including:

• Touchless embarkation and disembarkation

• Keyless stateroom entry

• Completely contactless commerce

• Simplified safety training

• On-demand food, beverages and retail items delivered anywhere on board

• Guest service requests via mobile device chat

• Location-based gaming and wagering

• Entertainment content via smart devices

Majestic Princess offers the best Wi-Fi at sea, MedallionNet™, so guests can stay connected to the things and people they love and share vacation memories with ease. 

To accommodate this restart, all remaining roundtrip Seattle cruises on Emerald Princess, including Alaska Inside Passage and a Northern California Coast cruise will be cancelled. For guests booked on a cancelled Alaska voyage, Princess will offer to move and give priority for Majestic Princess cruises departing the next day in 2021. Alternatively, guests can choose a future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum $25 USD) or a full refund to the original form of payment. Requests must be received through this online form by June 30, 2021, or guests will automatically receive the FCC option. FCCs can be used on any cruises booked by and sailing by December 31, 2022.  

These Alaska cruises start at $799 per person for Princess Savers and $1,079 for Princess Plus fare that includes drinks, Wi-Fi and crew incentive, and through June 30, as part of the Indulge at Sea promotion, guests can receive up to $200 onboard spending money per stateroom.

Cruises can be booked through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.