Princess Cruises Unveils New On-Demand Feature that Lets Guests Call a Crew Member to Their Location for Assistance on MedallionClass® Vacations

CrewCallTM Gives Guests Instant Access to Personal Service While  CrewCall Chat Lets Guests Text Specific Questions and Requests to Crew 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 10, 2021) -- Princess is introducing a new on-demand service that allows guests to call a crew member to their exact location to make an in-person request for assistance.

CrewCallTM service on demand is available on stateroom TVs as well as the MedallionClass app and leverages the innovative OceanMedallion wearable to guide a crew member to a guest’s exact location to be of service to the guest.

The new capability is yet another example of how Princess is leveraging MedallionClass technology to increase high-touch and personalized service versus replacing it.

The corresponding CrewCall Chat feature lets guests text their specific question or request using a smart device to be answered or actioned virtually by crew.

“CrewCall significantly expands our MedallionClass service-on-demand capabilities allowing us to deliver high-touch, personalized service that doesn’t interrupt the vacation they are enjoying to find a crew member,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “It minimizes wait time at our guest services desk while simultaneously improving our responsiveness.”

Both CrewCall features expand the OceanNow® digital experience guests use to place food, beverage, retail and amenity orders for delivery directly to their location.

“Every minute a guest has to stand in line to wait for service or to have a simple question answered diminishes the value of their vacation,” added John Padgett, chief experience and innovation officer, Carnival Corporation “OceanNow with CrewCall really delivers on the MedallionClass ‘service now’ philosophy and maximizes the vacation value for all Princess guests by responding in the moment to their wants, needs, and desires without any inconvenience.”

CrewCall is part of a new array of TrulyTouchlessTM conveniences that will be available to guests when Princess returns to sailing starting July 25 aboard Majestic Princess in Alaska, and aboard Regal Princess and Sky Princess with “seacations” in the UK starting July 31.

The feature is the latest of several enhancements recently added to the Princess MedallionClass experience to deliver an effortless and more personalized vacation. The award-winning OceanMedallionTM wearable elevates the guest experience by enabling touchless embarkation and disembarkation, frictionless commerce, and keyless stateroom entry, as well as additional contactless capabilities accessible using smart phones and tablets, including wayfinding; family and friends locator; first-run movies and live TV; an interactive events and activities planner; and interactive fun.

Crystal Announces $1,000 “As You Wish” Shipboard Credit for Crystal Endeavor Inaugural Antarctic Voyages

Eight expedition voyages ranging from 11 – 19 nights explore spectacular landscapes and wildlife

Miami, FL – June 8, 2021 – Crystal is offering $1,000 “As You Wish” shipboard spending credits for all new guest bookings on Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural collection of voyages to Antarctica November 2021 through February 2022. The first ever “Made in Germany” Polar Class 6 (PC6) luxury expedition yacht will take guests on eight thrilling expedition voyages ranging from 11 to 19 nights departing round-trip from Ushuaia to explore the dramatic landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica from towering ice cliffs to teeming penguin colonies. Following in the footsteps of bold explorers these immersive, expert-led expeditions showcase immense glaciers and icebergs and allow guests to experience rare encounters with penguins, seals, whales and sea birds in remote lands few people have ever seen.

A one-night pre-cruise hotel in Buenos Aires is included in the cruise fare, as are round-trip flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. All-inclusive fares for Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural Antarctic voyages start at just $15,649 per guest, double occupancy, including up to $9,000 Book Now Savings per suite ($4,500 per guest) when booked by June 30, 2021, and now featuring a $1,000 “As You Wish” shipboard spending credit per new guest booking. Guests will also enjoy reduced deposit of 15 percent (normally 25 percent) as well as relaxed final payment due 60 days prior to first date of service for 2021 voyages, and 120 days prior to first date of service for 2022 voyages.

2021-2022 Crystal Endeavor Antarctica Voyages

Expedition Antarctica, 11 Nights, Round-trip Ushuaia

November 18, November 29, and December 10, 2021; January 5, and February 4, 2022

Ushuaia, Argentina; Crossing Drake Passage; South Shetland Islands; Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica, South Shetland Islands.

Antarctic Holiday Expedition, 15 Nights, Round-trip Ushuaia

December 21, 2021

Ushuaia, Argentina; West Point Island; Saunders Island; Port Stanley, Falkland Islands; Elephant Island Expedition, Antarctica; Cruising the Weddell Sea; South Shetland Islands, Antarctica; Antarctic Peninsula Expedition, Antarctica; Crossing Drake Passage 

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Wildlife Expedition, 19 Nights, Round-trip Ushuaia

January 16, 2022

Ushuaia, Argentina; Falkland Islands Expedition, Falkland Islands; Port Stanley, Falkland Islands; South Georgia Expedition, South Georgia; Cruising the South Scotia Sea; Elephant Island, Antarctica; Antarctic Sound Expedition, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica; Antarctic Peninsula Expedition; Crossing Drake Passage

Beyond the Antarctic Circle, 14 Nights, Round-trip Ushuaia

February 15, 2022

Ushuaia, Argentina; Crossing Drake Passage; Crossing Antarctic Circle; Antarctic Peninsula Expedition; Lamaire Channel Expedition, Antarctica; Paradise Bay Expedition, Antarctica; South Shetland Islands, Antarctica; Antarctic Peninsula Expedition

              In true Crystal fashion, these rugged adventures are also blissfully indulgent and the all-suite, all-verandah, all-butler serviced Crystal Endeavor is also luxuriously all-inclusive, with everything from Zodiac landings and kayak adventures to fine wines and gratuities, conveniently included. Guests booking new Antarctic sailings can take their pampering to the next level by utilizing their $1,000 “As You Wish” shipboard spending credit to enjoy spa treatments, shopping at the onboard designer boutiques, fine cigars at the Connoisseur Club or perhaps a rare experience like helicopter flightseeing launched directly from the ship’s own helipad.

Taking immersive adventures to new heights Crystal Endeavor will travel with two helicopters offering guests the option for a bird’s eye view of magnificent landscapes during these Antarctic voyages, as well as a seven-person submersible that provides the chance to experience the underwater world and wildlife of this incredible destination. True remote expedition experiences, Crystal Endeavor’s carefully crafted itineraries balance days at sea with scheduled ports of call, and are intentionally designed to be flexible, allowing the captain and his team of experts to incorporate unplanned “expedition days” when favorable weather conditions invite the opportunity for uncommon discovery.* 

The first ever PC6 luxury expedition yacht to be “Made in Germany,” Crystal Endeavor was built at MV WERFTEN in Stralsund, part of a family of shipyards known for their passenger ship, icebreaker and private yacht building expertise. The ship was designed for superior operation and performance in polar conditions with a focus on the power, reliability, and painstaking craftsmanship for which German engineering is known. Crystal Endeavor’s responsiveness, agile maneuverability, and safety and technical capabilities can be compared to a finely tuned German sportscar like a Porsche, allowing the vessel to explore boldly and with confidence in remote locations.

A PC6 classification allows her to cruise in Arctic and Antarctic waters, while state-of-the-art FarSounder 1000 technology allows the captain and bridge officers to detect sea life and underwater objects far in advance and navigate appropriately, utilizing real-time 3-D imaging of the terrain up to 1,000 meters ahead and 50 meters deep. 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 substantial power, offering guests a smooth and powerful ride, especially important while cruising in the Antarctica and the Arctic.

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 a private veranda and the attentions of butler service.

Throughout the ship, Crystal hallmarks will accent guests’ onboard experience: Michelin-inspired dining options including Umi Uma, the first and only Japanese restaurant on an expedition ship, Italian fine dining at 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.

* The Expedition Team will maintain a keen eye so that if an opportunity arises and conditions allow, the captain will attempt to position the vessel accordingly. The order of expedition calls/stops and/or itineraries may change due to weather/sea conditions or permit specifications.

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 ANNOUNCES CRUISE DIRECTORS FOR FOUR SHIPS AS IT PREPARES TO RESTART GUEST OPERATIONS THIS SUMMER

Ships Include Carnival Breeze and Vista from Galveston, Horizon from Miami and Miracle from Seattle Sailing this July

              MIAMI, June 8, 2021 – As Carnival Cruise Line prepares for its summer restart, the company announced today the slate of cruise directors who will entertain guests on its first four ships sailing from Miami, Galveston and Seattle.

            At the helm of the excitement on board will be Jonathan “Cookie” Adams on Carnival Breeze and Kyndall Magyar on Carnival Vista from Galveston, as well as Chris Salazar on Carnival Horizon from Miami and Jen Baxter on Carnival Miracle from Seattle this July.

“As we continue to ramp up in preparation for our return to service, we are bringing back the fun in many ways, and our wonderful cruise directors who define the fun aboard our ships will be leading the charge,” said Chris Nelson, vice president of entertainment for Carnival Cruise Line. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, and we are getting ready to finally give our guests the amazing vacation experiences they know and love.”

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed its plans to return to guest operations from Port of Galveston on July 3 with Carnival Vista, followed by the return of operations on Carnival Breeze on July 15, as well as a series of Alaska voyages from Seattle on Carnival Miracle beginning July 27. The other ship and port identified for a July restart is Carnival Horizon from PortMiami.

IT’S TIME TO CRUISE AGAIN! MSC CRUISES TO RESUME CRUISING FROM U.S. PORTS THIS SUMMER

  Announcement follows CDC approval of simulation cruise on MSC Meraviglia departing July 17, 2021

MSC Meraviglia to begin 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami on August 2, 2021 with 7-night cruises beginning on September 18, 2021

MSC Divina to begin 3-, 4- and 7-night cruises from Port Canaveral on September 16

Cruises will be available for booking starting Wednesday, June 16, 2021, with all itineraries featuring MSC Cruises’ new private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (June 7, 2021) — MSC Cruises – the world’s third largest and fastest-growing cruise brand — is announcing today its restart plans for cruising from U.S. ports beginning this August on two of its most glamorous and modern ships. The announcement follows CDC approval of the Company’s Phase 2A Port Agreements for PortMiami and Port Canaveral as well as the provisional approval of its request to conduct a simulation cruise, to be held on MSC Meraviglia from PortMiami on July 17, 2021.

“After what has been a challenging period, we’re thrilled to say it’s finally time to cruise again. We are excited to be officially announcing our restart this summer from the U.S., and Florida in particular, as excitement is building for vacationers to get back to traveling and plan a much-deserved getaway,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “We want to thank our guests and partners, as well as Governor Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami Dade County, PortMiami and Port Canaveral port officials. and the CDC for their strong support in bringing cruising back to the U.S. so we can get back to doing what we do best, providing our guests incredible and enriching vacations at sea.” 

U.S. Restart Plans

MSC Cruises’ new itineraries from the U.S. on board MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina will officially open for booking on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. MSC Meraviglia will kick off MSC Cruises’ restart starting August 2, 2021, with 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami to The Bahamas and featuring MSC Cruises’ exclusive new private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Then, starting September 18, 2021, MSC Meraviglia will add 7-night cruises from Miami to The Bahamas and Caribbean, including Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. MSC Divina will resume cruising from Orlando (Port Canaveral) on September 16, 2021, offering 3-, 4- and 7-night cruise options from to The Bahamas and Caribbean, also including stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. 

“With our vast experience cruising in Europe since August 2020 along with our industry-leading health and safety protocol, our guests can book with confidence knowing we are well prepared for a successful restart in the U.S.,” said Rubén Rodriguez, president of MSC Cruises USA. “To ensure the safest experience for our guests, we previously announced a fleet-wide vaccination program for all crew — thanks to the support of The State of Florida, local government and port officials, and our partners,— and we expect that the majority of our guests booking a cruise this summer will plan to be vaccinated prior to sail. The rapid distribution of vaccines in the U.S. has been a positive step toward helping vacationers get back to traveling, and we encourage our guests to take advantage of this added layer of protection when resuming travel this summer. 

MSC Cruises will reveal additional itinerary details for cruises on board MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina in the coming week, as well as health and safety measures and guidelines for guests. Cruises will welcome both vaccinated and non-vaccinated guests.  Those who are not vaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be subject to requirements such as additional testing, as well as restrictions, which will be announced at a later date. Details of our current health and safety protocol can be found on MSC Cruises’ website at www.msccruisesusa.com/health-and-safety.

MSC Cruises is also confirming today the cancellation of existing U.S.-based sailings. The decision will affect the schedules of three ships based in Florida: MSC Divina scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral, and MSC Meraviglia and MSC Armonia scheduled to sail from PortMiami, as follows:

• Cruises onboard MSC Divina from July 1, 2021 through to and including September 15, 2021

• Cruises onboard MSC Meraviglia from July 1, 2021 through to and including September 17, 2021

• Cruises onboard MSC Armonia from July 1, 2021 through to and including October 24, 2021

Guests booked on the impacted sailings have the unique opportunity to easily rebook on one of MSC Cruises’ first sailings from the U.S. on MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina, open for sale on June 16, 2021, or on the brand new MSC Seashore, arriving to Miami this November. Guests impacted by these cancellations — and who have paid in full and booked through MSC Cruises USA or affiliated U.S.-based travel advisors — will be offered a 100 percent future cruise credit (FCC) of the original cruise fare and up to $200 onboard credit, depending on the length of the original cruise. The FCC and onboard credit can be used on any future cruise of choice — on any ship, and any itinerary that is open for sale – or guests can request a refund if they prefer.  For additional details, guests should contact their travel advisor or MSC Cruises directly.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE CONFIRMS PLANS FOR JULY RESTART

MIAMI, June 7, 2021 – Carnival Cruise Line today confirmed its plans to return to guest operations from Port of Galveston on July 3 with Carnival Vista, followed by the return of operations on Carnival Breeze on July 15. 

              These cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination, in accordance with current guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

          “We appreciate the progress and support for our U.S. restart from the CDC and other key federal agencies; however, the current CDC requirements for cruising with a guest base that is unvaccinated will make it very difficult to deliver the experience our guests expect, especially given the large number of families with younger children who sail with us.  As a result, our alternative is to operate our ships from the U.S. during the month of July with vaccinated guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

 The other ship and port identified for a July restart is Carnival Horizon from PortMiami.  Carnival continues to work with both the State of Florida and the CDC for Carnival Horizon sailings and plans to provide an update by Friday concerning protocols specific to these sailings to all booked guests. 

          Duffy also acknowledged the strong support of both Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, as well as other state officials, in making vaccinations available to cruise line personnel, which has expedited the restart process. She also said the support of local officials, especially Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Galveston Mayor Craig Brown, and PortMiami and Port of Galveston leaders, has been instrumental in the restart efforts.

 Carnival also said it will be advising guests and travel advisors about its plans for August sailings over the coming days.

CALLING ALL VACATIONERS: ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES U.S. COMEBACK FOR SUMMER

Freedom of the Seas to Kick Off the Cruise Line’s Return by Fourth of July, before a Full-fleet Return by Year’s End

MIAMI, June 4, 2021 – Travelers can once again mark their calendars and set their sights on a summer full of long-awaited cruise vacations. Building on the excitement of its upcoming return to Alaska, Royal Caribbean International has announced that six of its award-winning ships will begin sailing from major U.S. cruise ports in Florida and Texas in July and August. The cruise line’s comeback will kick off on July 2 in Miami, the cruise capital of the world, with Freedom of the Seas* embarking on a special Fourth of July weekend sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay. By the end of August, 12 Royal Caribbean ships will be cruising once again across The Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska and Europe.

On the heels of the first cruise in Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated return to the U.S. will be the debut of the brand-new Odyssey of the Seas* on July 3. The game-changing ship will set sail from Fort Lauderdale on new 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises, to soon be followed by Allure, Symphony, Independence* and Mariner of the Seas. In the coming weeks, the cruise line will announce its plans to reintroduce its full fleet around the globe by year’s end. The 2021 summer cruises are available to book today.

“This is it. Vacationers can finally plan to take their precious time off this summer and truly get away after what has been a challenging time for everyone. I would like to sincerely thank our guests and travel partners for their incredible patience and understanding during this very difficult period. Thanks in large part to the successful rollout of vaccines, the world of adventure is beginning to open up, and we are all excited to start delivering great vacations to our guests, who have increasingly told us they are getting vaccinated. As of today, 90% of all vacationers booking with Royal Caribbean are either vaccinated or planning to get vaccinated in time for their cruise,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We also thank Governor DeSantis of Florida, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Broward County Mayor Steve Geller and Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority board Wayne Justice and board commissioners for their steadfast support of our industry and for providing access to vaccines to the thousands of crew on our ships off the eastern seaboard. This act of understanding and humanity has been deeply appreciated, and we are grateful for their support, which is enabling the health and safety of our guests, crew members and the communities we visit.”

Royal Caribbean’s newly revealed cruise vacations offer a range of itineraries that vary in length and destination, ease and flexibility in booking, and convenient departure ports across the U.S. Whether departing Florida on two of the world’s largest cruise ships, cruising from Texas to discover the best of the western Caribbean or venturing out to cooler temps to explore the wilds of Alaska, there is something for everyone.

Royal Caribbean’s full summer lineup:

• Freedom of the Seas* – 3- and 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay sailings from Miami, starting July 2

• Odyssey of the Seas* – 6- and 8-night Southern and Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, starting July 3

• Serenade of the Seas – 7-night Alaska sailings from Seattle, starting July 19

• Allure of the Seas – 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, starting Aug. 8

• Ovation of the Seas – 7-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle, starting Aug. 13

• Symphony of the Seas – 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Miami, starting Aug. 14

• Independence of the Seas* – 7-night Western Caribbean sailings from Galveston, Texas, starting Aug. 15

• Mariner of the Seas – 3- and 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay sailings from Port Canaveral, starting Aug. 23

The expanded summer lineup will go beyond the U.S. to include international ports across the Atlantic, like Barcelona and Rome, when Harmony of the Seas returns to Europe. Starting Aug. 15, the Oasis Class ship will set sail on 7-night itineraries to the Western Mediterranean and visit iconic destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Provence, France.

The new U.S and Europe cruises extend Royal Caribbean’s previously announced plans to return to sailing, which include Adventure of the Seas departing from The Bahamas on June 12 as well as Anthem of the Seas sailing out of the U.K. and Jewel of the Seas from Cyprus in July. The complete list of Royal Caribbean’s 2021 cruises is available here.

U.S. Health and Safety Measures
Travelers can plan their cruise adventure with peace of mind knowing that all crew members will be vaccinated against COVID-19. Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date. Other measures in place for travelers to cruise with Royal Caribbean include:

• Vacationers sailing to Alaska who are 16 years of age or older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and those 12 or older as of Aug. 1.

• If departing from an international port, guests must meet the travel requirements of their home country and the country of departure. The most up-to-date policies can be found online on each country’s tourism site.

Royal Caribbean is continuing discussions with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and multiple state, local and port authorities in the U.S. and with various destination communities regarding the various requirements for the upcoming sailings. The current process requires each ship to complete a simulation cruise before receiving approval to resume sailing once again from U.S. ports. The applications for simulation cruises are under review and receiving approvals on a rolling basis. The progress made as a result of the ongoing collaboration with and support from the state, local and federal level continues to set the stage for Royal Caribbean to return to sailing this summer as planned. The cruise line will share updates on measures with guests and travel advisors before their departure dates.

Cruises outside of those announced today will be cancelled through the end of August. Booked guests and travel partners impacted will be contacted with further details specific to their sailing, including the option to receive a full refund. For added reassurance, all vacationers who have booked by July 31 are covered by the Cruise with Confidence program. Royal Caribbean is grateful for the patience and loyalty of its guests.

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. 

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. 

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its Healthy Sail Panel of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.  

MARDI GRAS, CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE’S NEWEST AND MOST INNOVATIVE SHIP, MAKES U.S. DEBUT, DOCKING IN PORT CANAVERAL FOR THE FIRST TIME

PORT CANAVERAL, FLA., June 4, 2021 – Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, made her U.S. debut this morning, docking for the first time at Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 3, built specifically for this vessel which is the first in the Americas powered by eco-friendly Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and features the first roller coaster at sea. 

Port Canaveral-based Carnival Freedom and Carnival Liberty joined Mardi Gras as she made her way down the cruise channel, creating a truly grand and memorable entrance befitting this innovative, game-changing ship.

More than 1,500 fans lined Jetty Park, located adjacent to the terminal, to welcome Mardi Gras to the Space Coast, while Carnival President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corp. Chairman Micky Arison, Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald, Carnival Corporation COO Josh Weinstein, and Canaveral Port Authority CEO Captain John Murray, along with 300 travel advisors, partners, dignitaries and guests, participated in a welcome reception highlighting the excitement for Mardi Gras’ arrival and its impact on the local economy.  

A video highlighting the journey of Mardi Gras from construction to today’s arrival in Port Canaveral can be viewed here. 

“Mardi Gras has been five years in the making and today’s arrival is a historic milestone for our company not to mention a truly emotional moment for everyone here at Carnival Cruise Line,” said Duffy.  “This ship offers so many innovations and ways for our guests to choose fun that we are certain that she will quickly become a guest favorite.  And as we look forward to our restart in guest operations, Mardi Gras’ arrival is symbolic of the excitement and anticipation we have about the future at Carnival Cruise Line.”

“For nearly four years we have been working hard to prepare for Mardi Gras,” said Capt. Murray. “As we welcome home this magnificent ship to Port Canaveral, we are filled with pride to see her at berth at our beautiful Cruise Terminal 3.”

The company will now begin the process of ramping up Mardi Gras’ crew to a full contingent of 1,750 ready to create memorable vacations for guests who will enjoy the widest array of entertainment at sea, including the first shipboard version of the hit TV show Family Feud, and dine in more than two dozen restaurants with venues from Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Rudi Sodiman and the line’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal.

Guests can enjoy a host of culinary, bar and entertainment experiences throughout 19 decks and six distinct themed zones, as well as a wide range of outdoor attractions, including the longest ropes course and largest water park in the fleet. 

Mardi Gras will sail year-round from Port Canaveral, offering seven-day itineraries to the eastern and western Caribbean.

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.

MSC CRUISES RESUMES OPERATIONS IN SPAIN AS MSC GRANDIOSA ADDS BARCELONA TO ITS CURRENT ITINERARY STARTING JUNE 26

• Valencia to be added as an additional port of call as of July 30

• Announcement follows MSC Cruises’ resumption of service in the UK, Germany, France and the Baltics in addition to the Mediterranean

Geneva, Switzerland (June 3, 2021) - MSC Cruises today announced it will restart its cruise operations in Spain with the deployment of MSC Grandiosa to Barcelona from June 26 with Saturday embarkation. Valencia will then be added as an additional port of call as of July 30. 

This follows recent announcements of MSC Cruises’ ships restarting operations in Germany, France and the Baltics in addition to its current and future Summer 2021 confirmed itineraries in the West and East Mediterranean as well as UK. 

Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises, said: “When we first announced our confirmed programs for summer 2021, we indicated that we would enrich them with any new ports and destinations as they became available. This is the case today with Spain and Barcelona, thus allowing our guests to visit this magnificent destination that has been unavailable since March of last year thanks to the secure bubble shore excursions we provide under our health and safety operating protocol. This will also make an international cruise holiday on an MSC Cruises ship more easily available to more of our guests living in Spain and for the first time on one of our most modern and innovative ships, MSC Grandiosa.

As measures are progressively relaxing across Europe and beyond and tourism resumes, we have every confidence that our progressive resumption of service will continue to move forward and that we will be able to add more ports and destinations from more countries to our itineraries very soon. This will allow us to either enrich existing itineraries or add new ones.”

This resumption of service is fully in line with local regulations in Spain and will be supported by MSC Cruises’ industry-leading health & safety protocol, which has protected tens of thousands of guests, as well as crew members and local communities since the line first introduced it in August 2020 on MSC Grandiosa. 

MSC Grandiosa offers seven-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean calling Genoa, Civitavecchia/Rome, Naples, and Palermo, Italy; Valetta, Malta; and now Barcelona, Spain on Saturdays with embarkation in the Italian ports as well as Barcelona. From July 30, MSC Grandiosa will add Valencia to the itinerary with embarkation on Fridays. Then from July 31, ship will then offer seven-night itineraries calling Barcelona, Spain; Genoa, Italy; La Spezia, Italy for Florence and Pisa; and Civitavecchia/Rome, Italy and Valencia, Spain.

MSC Seaside is also sailing in the Mediterranean, and since May 20 the newly-launched MSC Virtuosa has operated cruises around the British Isles for UK residents. While MSC Seaview will restart voyages in the Baltics from Germany on July 3.

To learn more about MSC Grandiosa’s current itinerary and to book, guests can contact their preferred travel advisor or visit here. Sales for future cruises beginning July 26 will open on Saturday June 5. 

About MSC Grandiosa

One of the Company’s newest ships, MSC Grandiosa launched in November 2019 and offers a richness of guest experiences. Designed with an iconic Mediterranean-style promenade and impressive 305-ft. LED sky screen that animates throughout the day and night, MSC Grandiosa features state-of-the-art facilities and is a destination in itself. 

With an unparalleled choice of options for dining, leisure activities and entertainment, guests will be able to relax by one of the five pools with a choice of outdoor and indoor, spend the afternoon browsing the shops in the Galleria Grandiosa, get a massage in the spa, enjoy a cocktail in one of the many bars, eat in a different restaurant every night and round the evening off with a grand-scale theater production or live music in the Carousel Lounge.

As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises knows how to deliver memorable experiences for the whole family and is renowned for the award-winning family offering. For those guests looking for something more premium and exclusive, the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Grandiosa is currently one the largest of any in the MSC Cruises’ fleet. With its all-inclusive features, the MSC Yacht Club offers all of the facilities of the private club while also enjoying access to the countless recreation and entertainment possibilities the rest of the ship affords.  MSC Grandiosa promises a memorable summer holiday for all. 

MSC Grandiosa is one of the most environmentally advanced ships in the MSC Cruises fleet featuring a state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and next-generation Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) systems. MSC Grandiosa also received the Biosafe Ship additional class notation assigned by the classification society RINA, a goal-based and voluntary notation that certifies that the ship is equipped with systems, components and has a layout and operational procedures that reduce infection risk.