Norwegian Cruise Line Returns to Cruise

Norwegian Jade is First Ship to Sail After 500 Day Suspension

MIAMI (July 26, 2021) - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, yesterday officially commemorated its highly-anticipated cruise comeback with a double debut: Norwegian Jade was not only the first of its 17-ship fleet to welcome guests after 500 days, she also made NCL history as the first vessel to homeport in Athens (Piraeus).

Until November 2021, guests sailing aboard Norwegian Jade's immersive Greek Isles itinerary will wake up in a new destination every day, able to spend eight-to-nine hours exploring some of Greece's most picturesque islands including luxurious Crete, bustling Mykonos, historical Rhodes and the iconic blue and white Santorini.

"Welcoming our guests and crew on board has been one of the most memorable moments of my over 30-year career," said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "We are excited to embark on the Great Cruise Comeback with a brand-new itinerary and homeport for our brand, offering our guests an even greater selection of unique vacations at sea."

Greek Minister of Tourism Harry Theoharis added, "We are overjoyed to welcome Norwegian Jade and her guests to Greece. The planned itineraries will offer unique experiences that combine our rich history, bustling culture and famous gastronomy."

Norwegian Jade’s deployment in Athens is part of a long-term strategy to further increase the brand’s presence in Europe, one of the line’s most popular cruise destinations. Through 2023, the Company plans to position nine ships in the region, with Norwegian Dawn, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Gem, Jade and Star scheduled to sail in Greece.

"Norwegian Jade’s first Greek Isles voyages sold out shortly after we made the announcement that we were on our way back," said Sommer. "With such strong demand, we are glad to expand our offering in Greece with seven ships through 2023, providing our guests with a range of innovative vessels and itineraries to choose from."

Norwegian Jade is the first ship to recommence voyages as part of the Company’s larger restart efforts. On Aug. 7, 2021, Norwegian Encore will be the first ship to return to service from the U.S., when she debuts in Seattle for her inaugural season of Alaska cruises. The fleetwide redeployment will continue in partnership with local governments and are guided by the robust protocols of the Company’s SailSAFETM health and safety program, which at its cornerstone includes that all crew and guests must be fully vaccinated to embark for voyages through Oct. 31, 2021. Working with the leading experts of the SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council, the robust protocols will regularly be evaluated and modified as needed, making 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.

Travelers seeking the latest details about NCL’s redeployment should click here.

The cruise line’s Peace of Mind cancelation policy remains in effect for cruises with embarkation dates through Oct. 31, 2021. Guests booked on these sailings have the flexibility to cancel their cruise 15 days prior to departure and receive a full refund in the form of a future cruise credit which may be applied to any sailing through Dec. 31, 2022.

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.

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PRINCESS CRUISES AND HOLLAND AMERICA LINE KICK OFF RETURN TO SERVICE IN THE U.S. FROM PORT OF SEATTLE

From left to right: Arnold Donald, President & CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc, Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises President, and Gus Antorcha,
President of Holland America Line in front of Nieuw Amsterdam in the Port of Seattle

From left to right: Gus Antorcha, President of Holland America Line, Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises President and Arnold Donald, President & CEO Carnival Corporation & plc in front of Majestic Princess in the Port of Seattle

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (July 23, 2021) – To kick off their return to service in the U.S., Princess Cruises and Holland America Line held a celebration at the Port of Seattle today. Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, and Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, spoke to what the positive multidimensional impact the resumption of cruising means to Seattle, the local community and Alaska. 

Holland America Line will kick off its Alaska season with Nieuw Amsterdam setting sail tomorrow, July 24, and Princess Cruises will follow with Majestic Princess sailing on July 25. Each line will operate ten cruises sailing out of Seattle through September. This marks the return to cruising and Alaska for both lines, which combined have more than 125 years of experience bringing cruisers to The Great Land. Historically, one in two guests who cruise to Alaska sail on Princess or Holland America.

Both cruise lines have been homeporting out of the Port of Seattle for more than 20 years. Operationally, each ship visit directly contributes more than $364,000 to the local economy in provisioning (fuel, food, flowers, piano tuning, supplies), port taxes, and spending during a full season. 

Princess Cruises is the world’s leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 14 modern cruise ships to 380 destinations around the globe. Princess celebrates more than 50 years sailing to Alaska, bringing more guests to the Great Land than any other cruise line.  

Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873 and was the first cruise line to offer adventures to Alaska and the Yukon nearly 75 years ago. Its fleet of premium ships visits more than 400 ports in 98 countries around the world, offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience. 

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VIKING WELCOMES GUESTS ON BOARD IN MALTA

New “Welcome Back” Voyages Roundtrip from Picturesque Valletta
Mark Viking’s Return to the Mediterranean  

Los Angeles (July 23, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) celebrated today its first Welcome Back sailings in the Mediterranean—the latest milestone in the company’s return to service. Last week, guests embarked the award-winning Viking Sea® and sister ship Viking Venus® in the Maltese capital city of Valletta—a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site—where the ships are homeporting this summer. Offered as part of Viking’s Welcome Back collection, exclusively available for vaccinated guests, both ships are sailing three new itineraries sailing roundtrip from Valletta. The new voyages include the 11-day Malta & the Adriatic Jewels, the 11-day Malta & Greek Isles Discovery and the 21-day Malta, the Adriatic & Greeceitineraries. Viking has also partnered with Lufthansa to offer non-stop flights from Newark Liberty International Airport to Malta, exclusively for Viking guests—making the transatlantic journey to Europe even easier.

               “We are delighted to be back in the Mediterranean and to be homeporting in Valletta. On behalf of the entire Viking family, we thank the government of Malta for its support and partnership in developing these fantastic new voyages,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, from on board Viking Sea in Valletta. “With its rich history and stunning natural beauty, Malta is truly a gem in the Mediterranean that many American travelers have yet to discover. My daughter, Karine, and I have enjoyed our time in Malta immensely, and we look forward to introducing even more travelers to this wonderful country.” 

Last month the Maltese Government eased rules for the arrival of international travelers—and now allows vaccinated Americans with CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards to arrive in the country. Full details of Malta’s Traffic Light System for travelers can be found on Visit Malta’s website here. Also in June, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it has eased travel recommendations for 110 countries and territories. As part of the new recommendations, the CDC specifically ranked Malta as “Level 1” or the lowest for risk of COVID-19.

Viking restarted the company’s ocean operations in May 2021 with sailings in England for British guests. By keeping ships in warm layup, Viking was able to restart more quickly than most cruise lines.  In June, the company welcomed American guests back on board for new journeys around Bermuda and Iceland. Guests on Viking’s Welcome Back voyages have enjoyed the experience so much that they have provided some of the highest-ever ratings in post-trip surveys—a strong indication that experienced travelers are ready to be exploring the world in comfort once again. This month, Viking has also restarted its European river operations with select itineraries in Portugal and France.

Mediterranean Voyages Beginning in July 2021

• Malta & Adriatic Jewels (11 days; Valletta to Valletta; Croatia, Montenegro & Malta) – Discover Malta’s millennia of history and visit ancient UNESCO sites. Explore Croatia’s captivating coastline and some of the great iconic cities of antiquity. Stroll the majestic city walls of Dubrovnik and visit Diocletian’s Palace. Or immerse yourself in nature and the great outdoors during a visit to Krka National Park. Join us for a fascinating journey as you witness rolling landscapes and ancient architectural treasures along Adriatic shores. Multiple sailing dates July through October 2021.

• Malta & Greek Isles Discovery (11 days; Valletta to Valletta; Greece & Malta) – Immerse in the ancient world as you discover the early empires of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Visit historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Maltese capital of Valletta and Rhodes’ Palace of the Grand Masters. Enjoy dramatic views of the Parthenon in Athens, uncover the mysteries of the Minoans on Crete and admire the white facades and azure domes of the clifftop villages of Santorini during this enchanting voyage through the centuries. Multiple sailing dates July through September 2021.

• Malta, the Adriatic & Greece (21 days; Valletta to Valleta; Croatia, Montenegro, Greece & Malta) – Follow the routes of ancient mariners as you set out on a voyage through the ages. Discover the early empires of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas as you visit historic UNESCO Sites, such as the iconic Parthenon, the Maltese capital of Valletta and Rhodes’ Palace of the Grand Masters. Admire Santorini’s clifftop villages and the walled city of Dubrovnik, and witness the rolling landscapes and captivating coastlines as you journey through the Adriatic Sea.

Viking Health & Safety Program

Those who sail Welcome Back 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—and a strong network of dedicated shoreside labs for Viking river ships in Europe—all guests and crew will receive frequent quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests. The easy access to robust PCR testing also simplifies guests’ travel experience with a final COVID-19   test taken onboard that satisfies the requirement for pre-flight testing before arrival into the U.S. 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.

Booking Details

               Limited space is still available on 2021 summer and early fall sailings. Non-stop Lufthansa flights from Newark to Malta, exclusively for Viking guests, are now available. Space and departure dates for flights are limited. Call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel agent for details.

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Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

OCEANIA CRUISES DEBUTS NEW 2022 EUROPE AND TAHITI CRUISES

16 New Destination-Immersive Voyages Aboard the Better-Than-New Regatta and Nautica

Miami, FL, July 22, 2021 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, introduced 16 new Europe and Tahiti voyages for early 2022 aboard the better-than-new and more beautiful than ever Regattaand Nautica.  

When Nautica debuts on April 1st, the ship will have just emerged from an extensive period in drydock and similarly, Regatta returns to service fresh from her recent Re-inspiration. The debut of Nautica and re-start of Regatta heralds the completion of the $100+ million OceaniaNEXT “better-than-new” rebuild of the brand’s four 684-guest Regatta Class ships and the brand’s full return to service with all six ships sailing the globe once again. 

Nautica’s April through June 2022 Europe voyages range in length from 10 to 24 days and call on the most iconic destinations in the region, such as the French and Italian Rivieras, the Greek Isles, the Holy Lands, and the Canary Islands. Regatta reprises her perennially popular Tahiti itineraries with the addition of three new 10-day roundtrip Papeete cruises in February 2022. These new sailings will be available online at OceaniaCruises.com and open for reservations on July 28, 2021. 

“With such extraordinary demand for travel in 2022, we are pleased to be able to offer our discerning travelers these additional travel options in these most sought-after destinations,” stated Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “With record-setting demand for international travel in the coming year, we are committed to providing our guests with more destination options and our travel advisor partners with even more sales opportunities,” added Binder. 

Iconic Gems and Hidden Jewels of Europe

These sailings capture the true essence of European travel by showcasing the continent’s most iconic treasures, such as Rome, Lisbon, and Athens and blending them with delightful off-the-beaten-path discoveries, like Palamos, Gythion, and Trapani. 

Allure of the Rivieras, 10 Days, Rome to Barcelona
Nautica: April 1, 2022
Sorrento/Capri, Taormina, Valletta, Florence/Pisa, Saint-Tropez, Monte Carlo, Provence, Palamos

Canary Islands Mystique, 12 Days, Barcelona to Lisbon 
Nautica: April 11, 2022
Alicante, Granada, Arrecife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santa Cruz de la Palma, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Tangier, Portimão, Lisbon (overnight)

Spanish Enchantment, 12 Days, Lisbon to Rome  
Nautica: April 23, 2022
Seville (overnight), Gibraltar, Málaga, Cartagena, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Provence, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa

The Adriatic & Italy, 10 Days, Rome to Venice 
Nautica: May 5, 2022
Amalfi/Positano, Messina, Valletta, Katakolon, Corfu, Split, Koper, Venice (overnight)

Adriatic & Aegean Gems, 12 Days, Venice to Istanbul
Nautica: May 15, 2022
Ravenna, Split, Kotor, Santorini, Athens, Paros, Rhodes, Ephesus, Pergamum, Istanbul (overnight)

Greek & Turkish Icons, 10 days, Istanbul to Athens 
Nautica: May 27, 2022
Mitilini, Ephesus, Bodrum, Antalya, Limassol, Rhodes, Agios Nikolaos, Santorini, Mykonos

Marvels of Greece & Italy, 10 days, Athens to Rome
Nautica: June 6, 2022
Ephesus, Gythion, Corfu, Split, Venice (overnight), Taormina, Sorrento/Capri

Legendary Holy Lands, 14 days, Rome to Istanbul
Nautica: June 16, 2022
Naples/Pompeii, Trapani, Valletta, Agios Nikolaos, Jerusalem (Ashdod), Jerusalem (Haifa – overnight), Limassol, Rhodes, Izmir, Istanbul (overnight)

Grand Voyages for Extended Explorations

These longer cruises are perfect for the insatiable traveler as they offer the luxury of time. Spotlighting one region at length or highlighting multiple distinct regions, these Grand Voyages are the ultimate in destination exploration. 

Western Europe Array, 22 Days, Rome to Lisbon
Nautica: April 1, 2022
Sorrento/Capri, Taormina, Valletta, Florence/Pisa, Saint-Tropez, Monte Carlo, Provence, Palamos, Barcelona, Alicante, Granada, Arrecife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santa Cruz de la Palma, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Tangier, Portimão, Lisbon (overnight)

Timeless Mediterranean, 24 Days, Barcelona to Rome
Nautica: April 11, 2022
Alicante, Granada, Arrecife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santa Cruz de la Palma, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Tangier, Portimão, Lisbon (overnight), Seville (overnight), Gibraltar, Málaga, Cartagena, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Provence, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa

Southern Europe Escapade, 22 Days, Lisbon to Venice
Nautica: April 23, 2022
Seville (overnight), Gibraltar, Málaga, Cartagena, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Provence, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Amalfi/Positano, Messina, Valletta, Katakolon, Corfu, Split, Koper, Venice (overnight)

Mediterranean Medley, 22 Days, Rome to Istanbul
Nautica: May 5, 2022
Amalfi/Positano, Messina, Valletta, Katakolon, Corfu, Split, Koper, Venice (overnight), Ravenna, Split, Kotor, Santorini, Athens, Paros, Rhodes, Ephesus, Pergamum, Istanbul (overnight)

European Antiquities, 24 Days, Athens to Istanbul
Nautica: June 6, 2022
Ephesus, Gythion, Corfu, Split, Venice (overnight), Taormina, Sorrento/Capri, Rome, Naples/Pompeii, Trapani, Valletta, Agios Nikolaos, Jerusalem (Ashdod), Jerusalem (Haifa – overnight), Limassol, Rhodes, Izmir, Istanbul (overnight)

The Magical Allure of Polynesia

A true journey for the senses, this 10-day escape to the islands of French Polynesia features warm breezes, fragrant flowers, delicious local foods, tropical adventures, and gorgeous panoramas with each stunning sunrise or sunset promising another fulfilling day in paradise.

Legends to Lagoons, 10 Days, Papeete to Papeete
Regatta: February 5, 2022, February 15, 2022; February 25, 2022
Papeete (overnight), Moorea, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Bora Bora (overnight), Raiatea

About Regatta and Nautica

More beautiful than ever, Regatta and Nautica have become better-than-new ships in a Re-inspiration without peer. Every surface of every suite and stateroom is entirely new, while in the public spaces, a refreshed color palette of soft sea and sky tones surrounds a tasteful renewal of fabrics, furnishings and lighting fixtures that exquisitely encompasses the inimitable style and comfort of Oceania Cruises. Tuscan marble, engaging works of art and designer residential furniture adorn the re-inspired spaces. From the bejeweled new chandeliers in the gracious Grand Dining Room to the beckoning Reception Hall, each ship celebrates a rejuvenation so sweeping that Regatta and Nautica are simply in a class of their own. 

About Oceania Cruises 

Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s seven small, luxurious ships carry no more than 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 an additional 1,200-guest Allura Class ship on order for delivery in 2025. 

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. 

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Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

EVEN MORE ALL-INCLUSIVE THAN EVER: SILVERSEA BECOMES THE FIRST ULTRA-LUXURY CRUISE LINE TO OFFER DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE AS STANDARD

Silversea Cruises has formed an exclusive collaboration with the global chauffeur service Blacklane, offering guests private executive transfers

(Monaco – July 22, 2021) Now more all-inclusive than ever, Silversea Cruises has become the first ultra-luxury cruise line to offer guests private executive transfers as standard, having entered into an exclusive collaboration with Blacklane—the global chauffeur service. Enhancing the seamlessness of travelers’ journeys, guests will have the option of being collected from their homes in a private chauffeured vehicle and transferred up to 50 miles (approximately 80 kilometers) to their local airport or directly to the ship. The same luxurious service is also available on guests’ return journeys. Available on new full-fare bookings, the service enhancement will roll out across Silversea’s ultra-luxury fleet on voyages departing from March 30, 2022.* Silversea’s new private executive transfers are available in over 200 cities in over 50 countries around the world.

“We are delighted to offer our guests a full door-to-door journey on all voyages, further enhancing our all-inclusive offering for guests’ convenience,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President & CEO. “Travelling with Silversea enables guests to enjoy outstanding comfort and convenience as they discover the world. With the introduction of Blacklane’s chauffeur-driven transfers, we are extending our trademark level of service to begin from the moment travelers leave their homes and end when they have returned. We have, once again, exemplified our commitment to exceeding travelers’ expectations.”

"We’re honored to set a new standard in the ultra-luxury cruise experience," says Jens Wohltorf, Co-founder and CEO of Blacklane. "With our private chauffeur service, the first and the last miles of guests' trips are now built into the Silversea itinerary. It’s a five-star experience door to door.” 

With the inclusion of a private chauffeur service to and from guests’ homes, Silversea is building on its broad-ranging all-inclusive offering, which is already among the most comprehensive at sea. In November 2020, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line introduced complimentary shore excursions, roundtrip air, and transfers between the airport and ship as standard on all voyages – both classic and expedition voyages – in its new 2022/2023 itinerary collection.

Find out more information on Silversea’s new door-to-door service and its all-inclusive offering:

https://www.silversea.com/lp-private-executive-transfers.html

Please refer to https://www.silversea.com/health-and-travel-notice.html for the latest health and travel advisories pertaining to cruise travel.

*Silversea’s door-to-door service is available on all public full-fare bookings, including special combination fares, Grand Voyages, and full World Cruises. Transfers that exceed 52 miles are available at an additional cost.

About Silversea

Part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit, Silver Muse and Silver Moon – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Origin, Silver Explorer, and Silver Cloud, Silversea's itineraries encompass over 900 destinations across all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galapagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of three new ultra-luxury ships: Silver Dawn and two Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea's blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.

About Blacklane 

Blacklane’s global chauffeur service brings peace of mind to travelers moving through a fast-paced world. The crew’s dedication to safety, reliability, and smart technology places Blacklane at the forefront of a new era of stress-free travel. Since 2017, the company has been carbon-neutral, combining a five-star guest experience with care for the planet. Upgrade your travels on Blacklane’s mobile apps or website.

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Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

MSC CRUISES AWARD-WINNING FAMILY OFFERING REACHES NEW HEIGHTS ON MSC SEASHORE WITH THE ULTIMATE FAMILY HOLIDAY

• Newest ship, arriving to Miami this November, features larger-than-ever dedicated kids’ area with futuristic space-themed rooms 

• The family experience has been re-designed with brand-new activities, specially created to amaze children of all ages

• 98 hours of kids and family entertainment per seven-night sailing, endless fun for everyone!

Geneva, Switzerland (July 21, 2021) – MSC Cruises today released details of a completely re-designed kids’ area as well as a line-up of brand-new kids’ entertainment on board MSC Seashore, the Company’s new flagship set to come into service on August 1, 2021 an arrive to Miami this November. MSC Seashore is so much more than a simple revisiting of the original iconic prototype, 65% of the new flagship’s public spaces have been completely re-imagined to further enrich the onboard experience, and the kids’ area is no exception. With a whole host of impressive brand-new activities dedicated to kids of all ages, parents can put their mind at ease when leaving their children in the care of MSC Cruises’ experienced kids’ club staff.

As a family-owned company, a key element of the MSC Cruises vacation experience is to always deliver a fun and enriching vacation for families.

“We are constantly developing new, exciting and engaging activities to provide our families with the best entertainment. For MSC Seashore, we have taken the family entertainment to a whole new level to please and delight children of all ages,” said Matteo Mancini, MSC Cruises’ Children’s Entertainment Manager. “Our goal is to make sure our younger guests have the time of their life during their holiday vacation, with not only a completely re-designed dedicated space that is the largest on our fleet but also a set of brand-new activities for even more thrilling adventures. Our secret is to listen to the next generation and design the program according to their up-to-date interests and requirements. In this way, we will always be one step ahead and the ideal choice for them not only in the cruise industry but in the entire international vacation offering.”

The Kids’ Clubs are available from the youngest guests through to teens and activities are organized according to age group:

• Specially for babies, in partnership with Chicco®: Baby Club for toddlers up to 3 years, with qualified crew members

• For the younger kids: Mini Club and Juniors Club (3 – 11 years)

• For the older kids: Young Club and Teen Club (12 – 17 years) including the brand-new TEENS LAB, a totally immersive, tech-filled, modern room just for teens

 THE LARGEST AND COMPLETELY RE-DESIGNED “DOREMILAND” KIDS’ AREA IN THE FLEET

With 7,567 sq. ft. of dedicated kids’ space and re-designed rooms, the kids’ area on board MSC Seashore offers an unmatched experience. From the décor, design colors, and themes of the areas, MSC Seashore’s Kids Club will give all children a chance to reach for the stars, thanks to a futuristic new theme, dedicated to space and planetary exploration.

• MSC Seashore’s kids’ area boasts 6 newly designed space-themed rooms dedicated to children and young guests. The theme of space was chosen as it is a favorite among all young guests sailing on MSC Cruises’ ships. As children enter a futuristic area full of planets, fluorescent colors and technology, they will be transported a whole new dimension as they are greeted by MSC Cruises’ very owned mascot Doremi and his family of astronauts and aliens coming from other planets.

• THE STUDIO: Located near the entrance of the kids’ area, this new modern and multifunctional space offers multiple opportunities to please young media lovers, including a cinema, live TV Studio, console room for gamers. Some of the Studio’s features include: an impressive choice of video games, latest generation consoles, a dedicated space to watch movies just like at the cinema – two special evenings dedicated to film night, one planned for children and one for teenagers only, and guests can perform and create their very own original content

BRAND-NEW ACTIVITIES DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

MSC Cruises has designed brand-new activities for the whole family – with 98 hours of live entertainment per cruise, there is something new and exciting for both parents and children to enjoy their time together!

Highlights include: 

• TLS TEENS LATE SHOW: For the first time, young guests and teens will be part of the cast of a real “Late Show” dedicated just to them. Staged in “The Studio” 10:30pm to 11pm, MSC Seashore will offer a weekly teen night with popular features of “Late Shows” – trends, music charts, guests star, the most loved tv series, games and prizes and so much more. The young guests will be interviewed by the evening's host, talk about their lives and role models, play team games and some of them will even perform live. Thanks to the TLS TEENS LATE SHOW, they will get to know each other even better, and to top it all off, they can win awards just to make them feel like the star of the cruise.

• MSC MUSIC GAME: A MSC Original live game show where the whole family will be starring. Created in collaboration with Jumpcut Media, this is an unmissable game show dedicated to music and suitable for all ages. Held on the day at sea in MSC Seashore’s theatre, children and parents together to play. Two teams against each other, time running out and songs, singers and soundtracks to guess in a duel that will excite. Only one team will be the winner, but everyone will be able to participate in the great final match that will allow few to win original MSC prizes.

• DOREMILAND, The Documentary: Over the past five years, MSC Cruises' entertainment for children and families has become a world of its own. International awards won, thousands of hours of fun and family activities, costumes, mascots, web series, cartoons, game show, technology, sports and art… make up the world of Doremi, better known as "Doremiland". For the first time, the documentary will reveal the behind the scenes, report the successes and answer many questions of hundreds of thousands of children and teenagers, who have traveled with the Company in recent years or will do so in the future.

• YOUNG & TEENS CLUB: Over the last few years the number of young and teenagers on board MSC ships has considerably increased with guests from 12 to 17 years of age representing 42 percent of the youngest on board. MSC Cruises have taken into consideration the needs of teens to escape even more and disconnect from the rest of the family. Teens will enjoy the comfort of two exclusive rooms. While enjoying that feeling of freedom, teens can use a separate entrance and their own space for fun and technology.

EVERYTHING SET FOR AN UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Chico Baby Club

MSC Seashore also sees the return of some of the classic entertainment loved by kids of all ages. Some of the highlights include:

• THE LEGO® EXPERIENCE: Through MSC Cruises’ partnership with colorful brand, LEGO®, young cruisers age 3 to 11 can plan with a virtually endless selection of LEGO bricks in our Mini and Junior Clubs. And, once every cruise, MSC Cruies holds a special event called The LEGO® Experience, an entire day dedicated to fun LEGO activities. This includes meet and greets by the LEGO mascot Sailor Walkabout and LEGO themed competitions and games that result in children earning an official LEGO Junior Master Builder Diploma.

• CABIN 12006 – THE EXPERIENCE: The MSC original series “Cabin 12006” and its related onboard experience are a world apart in numbers and fun. “Cabin 12006” is now also a live entertainment experience, with seven different activities including a family game show and a casting session with performances. The web series, with over four million views and two million interactions on the web, has been written and shot in collaboration with ViacomCBS, the media group behind kids’ channel Nickelodeon, to develop an original, authentic and high-quality web content for kids.

• MSC DANCE CREW: Developed in partnership with Fremantle, the production company behind the globally successful TV talent shows including Idols, The X Factor and Got Talent series, this brand-new competition experience sees teams of 10-17 years battling it out to win the title of dance crew of the year.

• MSC FIRE & ICE: a live augmented reality game for the whole family consisting of two fierce teams: Fire & Ice. Only those who collect more cards will be able to open the magic doors that lead to victory.

• DOREBRO SPORTS: the acclaimed and exclusive sports program for kids designed by Kings Active for MSC Cruises is now also available on MSC Seashore and will include the beloved “Cyclone” family event.

• CHICCO ECO +: MSC Cruises is pleased to welcome the new toys line of the Artsana group "Chicco Eco + " with a collection of new and existing items with a sustainable approach. This entire line of toys in the Babyclub will be made with 80% recycled plastic or 67% organic and recycled plastic. The packaging will be made with paper from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources, becoming totally recyclable.

• MSC FOUNDATION JUNIOR AMBASSADORS: Thanks to the MSC Foundation, the MSC Group is committed to providing our young guests on board with tools for understanding projects such as Environment (marine conservation), Education and Community Support, making them the center of dedicated activities. These Junior Ambassadors of the Foundation share the voices of the new generation to live in a better world.

MSC Cruises has introduced an industry-leading health and safety protocol and specific measures currently apply for the family activities. These include temperature checks, hand and shoe sanitization, masks for children over the age of six and limited numbers for group activities, as well as sanitization and deep-cleaning of the equipment and kids’ club rooms.

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Princess Cruises Announces Discovery Princess Senior Officers

Inaugural Discovery Princess Voyage Scheduled for Spring 2022 from the Port of Los Angeles

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (July 21, 2021) – In fewer than 200 days, the newest Princess Cruises ship – Discovery Princess – will debut at the Port of Los Angeles in spring 2022, for an inaugural season of Mexican Riviera and California Coast cruises. 

Discovery Princess is being built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and will carry 3,660 guests. Captain Arma will officially bring the ship into service from the shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, joined at the launch by an experienced team of executive officers, including Chief Engineer Vincenzo Alfi, Staff Captain Alessandro Genzo and Hotel General Manager Richard Harry.

When Captain Arma is on leave, Captain John Smith will take over the navigation and leadership of Discovery Princess and serve together with Chief Engineer Tomislav Ljoka, Staff Captain Petar Lesic and Hotel General Manager Jasper Wolthuis.

“The entire Princess team, both ashore and at sea, would like to congratulate and recognize Captain Arma and Captain Smith on their notable and hard-earned appointments to lead our newest ship, Discovery Princess,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “Their meticulous focus to always look out for our guests is a testament to the level of service Princess is proud to deliver. The first Discovery Princess guests will have the pleasure of sailing with an esteemed inaugural leadership team, discovering and connecting to new destinations and cultures.”

Discovery Princess offers the innovative technology, spectacular style and design features of its sister ships – Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess. Guests will discover the Princess MedallionClass experience, world-class dining, an overwater SeaWalk, expansive Piazza, Sanctuary, Lotus Spa, Grand Casino, Princess Theater and Sky Suites, featuring the cruise line’s largest balconies at sea.

Discovery Princess Leadership Team

Captain Gennaro Arma has always been passionate about the sea. He began his career with Princess Cruises in 1998 as a Cadet and moved up the ranks achieving his first command as Captain of Sea Princess in 2015, where he navigated the ship on two world cruises. He took the helm of Diamond Princess in 2018 and in 2020, led his team of “gladiators” through unchartered territory managing the COVID-19 virus onboard at the start of the global pandemic. As a result of his efforts, he was honored with the recognition of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, the highest of the orders of the Italian Republic, and selected among the 20 most influential Italian characters of the year by Vanity Fair in December 2020, Arma has also received the title of Magister of Amalfi Civilization for the Byzantine New Year, the Emanuela Loi award for courage, and the Assarmatori prize from the Italian maritime association awarded by the Minister of Transportation. He was born in Sorrento, Italy, where he lives with his wife Mariana and his son Diego.

Captain John Smith joined the Princess family in 2007 as a First Officer and quickly rose through the ranks into his current role as Captain, taking command of the Grand Princess in May of 2018 where he spent two years on board. He joined the Merchant Navy in 1983 as a deck boy, and gained his first certificate in 1988, rising to the rank of Captain on board tankers and ferries before joining Princess Cruises. As he made the transition from rating to officer, he received the ‘Watch Ashore' award by the Marine Society and with this got his name on the famous plaque in London. Captain Smith is from Cheltenham in the UK and now spends his leisure time on the Costa del Sol, Spain.

Chief Engineer Vincenzo Alfi started as a 2nd Engineer Officer onboard Fair Princess in 1999. He was named Chief Engineer in 2011 on Ruby Princess and has since served on various ships including Crown Princess and Royal Princess. Born in Crotone, Italy, he graduated from the Italian Nautical Institute and had his first contract as an Engine Cadet in 1991, onboard a container ship. 

Chief Engineer Tomislav Ljoka joined Princess in 2003 as 3rd Engineer Officer and reached his first contract as Chief Engineer in 2019, onboard Sea Princess. He’s served on various Princess vessels, including Crown Princess and Coral Princess. Born in Zadar, Croatia, he graduated from the Marine Engineering high school and sailed as Engine Cadet on bulk carriers. He then attended the University of Piran/Portorose University and graduated as Marine Engineer and completed a Cadetship on oil tankers. 

Staff Captain Alessandro Genzo began his career at Princess in 2004, where he climbed the ranks to Staff Captain. Over his 17-year career with Princess, he’s served on a variety of vessels, including Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Enchanted Princess. At the age of 10, he watched “The Love Boat” with his grandmother and decided that one day he wanted to be a cruise ship Captain. Born in Trieste, Italy, he studied at the Nautical College, one of the oldest Nautical Schools in Europe. Then, he joined the Italian Navy, serving on a destroyer. Towards the end of his service, he was transferred to the Morosini Navy School in Venice as an instructor, before joining Princess. 

Staff Captain Petar Lesic joined Princess in 2006 and achieved his current position as Staff Captain in 2018. He’s served on Diamond Princess in Japan, one of his favorite destinations. Born in Split, Croatia, he followed the seafaring tradition of his family and graduated from the Maritime University, before starting his career in the Merchant Navy in 2000. 

Hotel General Manager Richard Harry joined Princess in 1988 as a front desk receptionist. Since then, he’s been on the newbuild teams for seven ships, including Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess. He was born in Farnborough, England and now resides in Bristol with his wife—whom he met on Golden Princess—and two children.

Hotel General Manager Jasper Wolthuishas served Princess Cruises since 2002, after seeing a Princess ship sailing by in Curacao and decided to pursue a career at sea. He joined as a Junior Assistant Purser and has enjoyed serving guests ever since. Wolthuis was born in Leiden, the Netherlands, and after receiving his degree in Hotel Management & Economics he moved to Curacao to work in the hospitality industry before joining Princess.

Discovery Princess 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.

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MSC CRUISES SAILS TOWARD RESUMPTION OF U.S. CRUISING WITH SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SIMULATED VOYAGE

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (July 20, 2021) — MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises’ glamorous ship resuming cruises from Miami August 2, returned to PortMiami today after its 3-night simulated cruise, visiting Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island destination, in The Bahamas. The successful completion of the simulated voyage marks not only a key milestone toward the Company’s resumption of cruises from the U.S., but also a significant step its global plan for more than half of MSC Cruises’ fleet back at sea by the end of this summer.

“We are getting closer to bringing our guests back to sea from the U.S., and come August 2, they will finally have the opportunity to again enjoy everything they know and love about our rich experience, with gourmet dining, world-class entertainment and immersive experiences on board. And, with Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve still new to many of our guests, they can also now step onto our natural paradise when cruising The Bahamas, spending the day and evening enjoying activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling and more,” said Rubén Rodríguez, President of MSC Cruises USA. “We are grateful to our volunteer guests who helped us complete this significant milestone, demonstrating the strength of our protocol to protect our guests, crew and the communities we visit, as well as the  memorable cruise vacation we offer.”

Guests participating in the simulated cruise experienced life on board MSC Meraviglia, all under the protection of MSC Cruises’ health and safety protocol, including mask-wearing indoors, social distancing, enhanced sanitization and more. Cruisers dined in the main dining room and specialty restaurants, participated in activities and entertainment throughout the ship and visited ashore in Nassau and Ocean Cay with a number of immersive protected shore excursions — all part of MSC Cruises’ safe and enjoyable cruise experience.

MSC Cruises’ Upcoming U.S. Resumption this Summer 

With MSC Cruises’ simulated sailing successfully completed, MSC Meraviglia will officially resume cruising from the U.S.on August 2, 2021, beginning with 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas, featuring Ocean Cay. The ship will then add 7-night cruises on September 18 to The Bahamas & Caribbean. MSC Divina will be MSC Cruises’ second ship to return to cruising from the U.S. with 3-, 4- and 7-night itineraries beginning September 16 from Orlando (Port Canaveral), a brand-new homeport for MSC Cruises.

All cruises will feature Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, named Best New Cruise Destination, where guests can enjoy the island’s natural beauty, discover local marine life and soak up the spirit of The Bahamas. With ships docking at the island from early morning into the evening — and in some instances overnight — guests can spend a full day enjoying two miles of pristine, white sand beaches and activities including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, thrilling wave runner rides and more.

Health & Safety Measures

MSC Cruises’ top priority is protecting the health and safety of its guests, crew and the communities the Company’s ships visit. All MSC Cruises’ ships cruising from the U.S. will sail under the protection of the Company’s comprehensive health and safety protocol which includes universal COVID-19 testing at embarkation for all guests, weekly testing of crew, physical distancing, mask-wearing, protected shore excursions for guests who are not fully vaccinated, enhanced sanitation measures and personal hygiene recommendations, such as increased hand-washing and sanitizing stations, and specific additional requirements and restrictions for not fully vaccinated guests. For additional details on MSC Cruises’ health and safety measures and additional requirements for not fully vaccinated guests, please visithttps://www.msccruisesusa.com/health-and-safety-measures.

For more information on MSC Cruises’ first cruises from the U.S. and to book, guests should contact their preferred travel advisor, or visit here.

To learn more about MSC Cruises’ comprehensive health and safety protocol, visit here.

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CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE MAKES PLANS FOR ADDITIONAL SHIP RESTARTS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

More Than Half the Carnival Fleet to be Sailing by October With Carnival Planning to Continue to Operate Vaccinated Cruises

MIAMI, July 19, 2021 - Carnival Cruise Line announced today that three more ships will resume guest operations in September, and another four in October – bringing the total number of ships to 15 – as the line's successful restart of operations continues to ramp up.  Based on the success of its initial resumption of service and the guest response to the onboard experience and health and safety protocols that have been implemented, Carnival will continue to operate all its ships as vaccinated cruises through at least October.

The three ships for September are Carnival Glory from New Orleans, starting Sept. 5, Carnival Pride from Baltimore, starting Sept. 12, and Carnival Dream from Galveston, starting Sept. 19.

Turning to October, the four additional ships to restart will be Carnival Conquest from Miami, effective Oct. 8, Carnival Freedom from Miami, effective Oct. 9, Carnival Elation from Port Canaveral, effective Oct. 11, and Carnival Sensation from Mobile, effective Oct. 21.

Related to this announcement, Carnival is notifying guests and travel agents of an extension in its pause of operations through Sept. 5 for Carnival Pride from Baltimore, Sept. 11 for Carnival Dream from Galveston, Oct. 4 for Carnival Conquest from Miami and Oct. 16 for Carnival Sensation from Mobile.  Cruises on Carnival Sunshine from Charleston, Carnival Ecstasy from Jacksonville and Carnival Liberty from Port Canaveral will be cancelled through Oct. 31. In addition, a three-day cruise on Carnival Miracle from Long Beach on Sept. 24 is being cancelled, and then Carnival Miracle will begin sailing from Long Beach on Sept. 27.

“We are very excited about our restart and greatly appreciate the support of our guests, travel agents and port and destination partners,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “By the end of July, we will have five ships in our restart plan, including the introduction of service on Mardi Gras, and we are seeing a great combination of strong demand and strong guest satisfaction scores tied to the positive guest experience on board.”

Carnival will continue to welcome unvaccinated guests on board, but all unvaccinated guests including children under the age of 12, will be subject to pre-cruise and pre-embarkation testing and testing again prior to debarkation (on cruises longer than four days) along with a $150 per person charge to cover the costs of testing, reporting and health and safety screenings. At this time, Carnival is limiting operation of its supervised youth programs to vaccinated children and youth 12 years and older. Unvaccinated guests departing from Florida (effective July 31) and Texas (effective Aug. 2) will also need to show proof of travel insurance coverage, based on the itineraries being sailed and the requirements of ports and destinations visited. These additional measures will be in place through at least October but may be extended based on guidance from public health and medical advisors and the requirements of destination partners.

“The decision to sail with vaccinated voyages was a difficult one to make, and we recognize this is disappointing to some of our guests especially the many families with children under the age of 12 who we love to sail, and who love to sail with us,” said Duffy.  “It’s important to remember that this is a temporary measure given the current circumstances.  In consultation with our medical experts and advisors, we’ve determined this plan is in the best interests of the health and safety of our guests, crew and the destinations that we bring our ships to. It’s very important that we continue to maintain the confidence of our destination partners, so that we can provide our guests with the optimal cruise experience and sail our itineraries.”

“Our plan envisions successfully bringing back our entire fleet by the end of the year, returning to full service – most especially for the millions of families who sail with us –  and building back our business for the benefit of our guests, employees and the tens of thousands of jobs and local businesses that depend on our company.  We will continue to offer exemptions to our unvaccinated guests on a limited, capacity-managed basis within 14 days of sailing as we finalize the vaccinated guest count.  The more bookings we initially secure for our cruises with fully vaccinated guests, the more exemptions we can ultimately offer for those unvaccinated guests already booked and those wishing to sail,” Duffy added.

Booked guests and travel advisors are being notified of the plans for the returning ships, the cruise cancellations and the process by which they are being asked to follow to confirm traveler vaccination status and to apply for an exemption to the vaccination standard.  Guests who want to change their plans, who are unable to wait to see if they receive an exemption, or who cannot meet the vaccination standards may change their reservation without penalty or request a full refund.  Guests, travel advisors and news media with additional questions are encouraged to review Carnival’s Have Fun. Be Safe. page and FAQ on Carnival.com.

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Take a Private Cruise on the River Thames, a VIP Night Tour of the Tower of London with The Milestone Hotel

Celebrate this summer with a VIP royal staycation in London on September 4th with The Milestone Hotel & Residences.

The five-star hotel, located directly across Kensington Palace, is presenting a weekend of sparkling opulence in partnership with Linda Hugo of Beyond Curatedwith a private luxury cruise on the River Thames with after-hours entry into the Tower of London and a private viewing of the Crown Jewels.

Guests will check in to their London residence overlooking Kensington Palace and Gardens, just a short stroll from the Royal Albert Hall. Renowned for the Signature Old Fashioned smoking cocktail, beautiful design and an outstanding collection of art, The Milestone’s Grade-II listed Victorian building offers a rare glimpse into London’s history.

As evening descends, you’ll gather in the conservatory to enjoy a glass of champagne, before being chauffeur-driven to Cadogan Pier where a private luxury boat awaits. Cruise along the Thames, enjoying iconic views from the wonderful river perspective. Approach the Tower of London just as the royal and infamous have done in centuries past and savor the spectacular views as the Tower awaits to welcome you.

The gates of this UNESCO World Heritage site, closed in the evening to the public, will re-open for you as you are warmly welcomed by your hosts. A splendid Beefeater will lead guests through the Tower grounds, sharing the intrigue and mystery of this 1000-year-old fortress.

At the Jewel House vault, enjoy a champagne reception and introduction before entering a private viewing of the priceless Crown Jewels. The Chief Warder of the Jewel House will share rare insights and tales, as you marvel at the beauty of these world-famous jewels and stunning pieces from the Royal Collection.

Depart the Tower to return to The Milestone for an extra-special royal dining experience, heralded with the ceremonial technique of Sabrage, opening a bottle of Champagne with a sabre.

This offer includes

• A private luxury boat cruise along the Thames to the Tower of London

• Champagne Reception in the Jewel House

• Private viewing of the Crown Jewels and tour of the Tower grounds (once the Tower is closed to the public)

• A four-course Royal-themed dinner with wines to accompany each course

• An overnight stay at The Milestone in a Deluxe King room

**Places are extremely limited for this rare and unique opportunity. The price of £765 per person is based on two people sharing a bedroom – the total price per room is £1,530. A supplement of £120 per person applies for single travelers. 

Call +44 20 7917 1000 or ENQUIRE

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