Caribbean Princess Welcomes Guests Back Onboard for a Season of Cruises to the Tropical Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale

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Guests to Experience An Array of Family Offerings Plus the Ultimate in Effortless, Personalized Cruising with MedallionClass Vacations

Caribbean Princess Senior Officers and Princess Cruises President John Padgett welcome the ship’s first guests,Alexander King and Jennifer Little

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2021) – Enthusiastic cruisers set sail today aboard Caribbean Princess from Ft. Lauderdale for a vacation to the Eastern Caribbean, marking the return to service of the next Princess Cruises ship.

The cruise ship is sailing on roundtrip voyages from Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale to the tropical Eastern and Western Caribbean, visiting popular destinations such as St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Princess Cays, the cruise line’s private island resort in the Bahamas. Seven-day cruises are combinable for 14-day Eastern and Western Adventurer voyages. 

“Caribbean Princess marks our eighth cruise ship to return to service and our teammates are thrilled to be serving our guests back onboard,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “This ship was our very first vessel to offer the innovative Princess MedallionClass Experience and features modernized venues and newly imagined spaces like The Reef Outdoor Splash Zone that offers a tremendous setting for the entire family.”

All guests sailing on Eastern Caribbean itineraries visit Princess Cays private island resort for a day of fun, sun, water activities and a beach BBQ, ranked among the “Top Cruise Line Private Island Destinations” by Cruise Critic. The island even offers cabanas with air conditioning and bar service. MedallionNet Wi-Fi featuring reliable and fast connectivity is also available on the island for cruisers who wish to take advantage of an oceanfront office for the day or to share photos and videos with friends and family back home. 

Recently modernized to appeal to families of all sizes and age groups, Caribbean Princess immerses guests in the destinations the ship visits offering unique themed food and drink offerings. Camp Discovery, the youth and teen center, offers younger cruisers the opportunity to make new friends, hang out and engage in enriching activities. 

Favorite family features onboard include The Reef Outdoor Splash Zone with shade, sun and water activities for the kids; Movies Under the Stars showcasing first-fun movies, sports events and more; and fine and quick-service dining options appealing to all tastes and preferences. 

Princess Cruises delivers the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising featuring the world-class dining and entertainment Princess is renowned for, all elevated with the Princess MedallionClass Experience. On all ships in the Princess fleet, it begins with the Medallion™, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from expedited contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. In addition, guests can share their favorite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best WiFi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favorite movies and shows. 

Princess Cruises sailings 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. All vaccinated guests must also produce a negative, medically-observed COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within two days of their embarkation on all Princess sailings.

For the latest Princess COVID-19 health protocols, please visit https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/covid-19-guest-protocols/.

 Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com/.



My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

CELEBRITY CRUISES DEBUTS THEMED WINDOW DISPLAYS AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

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Celebrity Cruises debuted two themed windows as part of luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue’s famed holiday display that draws millions of visitors every year

Brand Celebrates the Upcoming Launch of Newest Ship Celebrity Beyond℠ with Two Window Displays Including Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud,  Highlighting the Acclaimed Chef’s First Restaurant at Sea Coming in 2022

Exclusive Partnership Also Includes Spring 2022 Fashion Photo Shoot and Digital Marketing

MIAMI (Nov.  24, 2021) – Feeding the travel wanderlust of holiday shoppers, Celebrity Cruises debuted two themed windows as part of luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue’s famed holiday display that draws millions of visitors each and every year.

The windows bring to life two of Celebrity’s most talked about onboard venues – Eden, available on the brand’s Edge® Series ships, and Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud, debuting on Celebrity Beyond next year. The Eden window is inspired by the transformative environment of this iconic space along with the dramatic and magical performances that take place here. The Le Voyage window is inspired by the inviting warm glow, and intimate and upscale feel of Boulud’s first restaurant at sea.

On board Celebrity, the iconic Eden is an innovative experience unlike anything at sea – or even on land. A creative combination of culinary and entertainment offerings, guests discover an array of activities that evolve with the day, from chillful mornings to playful afternoons to wonderful evenings. Eden transforms throughout each sailing, offering food and events designed to awaken a sense of wonder in unique and exciting ways. 

World-renowned chef Daniel Boulud, Celebrity’s Global Culinary Ambassador, has created his first signature restaurant at sea—Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. As the name implies, travel is the inspiration in this intimate and upscale venue for Chef Daniel’s innovative dishes. From the moment guests step inside Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, the experience is so much more than a meal. The ambiance of the restaurant is the result of Jouin Manku’s creative talents—the duo architect-designers, Sanjit Manku and Patrick Jouin responsible for the bars and restaurants of La Mamounia Marrakech as well as Celebrity’s own extraordinary Grand Plaza available on all Edge® Series ships. The globally inspired flavors Boulud has infused into the menu will transport guests to the very places that inspired their creations. 

World-renowned chef Daniel Boulud stands in front of Saks Fifth Avenue’s famed holiday window display, highlighting his first signature restaurant at sea—Le Voyage, set to debut on Celebrity Beyond in 2022

Celebrity’s exclusive partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue officially launched earlier this year with a variety of digital touch points, including a dedicated landing page on Saks.com. In addition to the holiday window displays, there will also be a fashion photo shoot on board Celebrity Apex for inclusion in Saks’ Spring 2022 digital and social media campaigns.  

“Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in our award-winning Edge Series which disrupted the cruise industry, and we wanted to celebrate her by doing something unique,” said Michael Scheiner, chief marketing officer of Celebrity Cruises. “The partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue is the first-of-its-kind for the cruise industry and very special to Celebrity. It’s an exciting and important way for us to show up in unique ways in locations our guests are visiting. This will be one of many firsts in the upcoming year for the brand.”

The holiday windows are on display now and will run through January 1, 2022.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Swan Hellenic confirms christening of SH Minerva today 

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Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Tuesday the 23rd of November 2021, Swan Hellenic announced the christening of its new ship SH Minerva at the Helsinki Shipyard during a small private ceremony this afternoon with godmother Johanna Mäkelä, Finland’s first professor of food culture and wife of Helsinki City Mayor Juhana Vartiainen. Mayor Vartiainen was also present, along with Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito and Helsinki Shipyard CEO Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch with top management.

The celebration follows global supply chain disruptions and recent spikes in COVID-19 cases in Finland, which caused Swan Hellenic to take the difficult decision to delay the start of Minerva’s inaugural season, preferring to cancel its first two cruises rather than risk in any way compromising the highest standards of quality and safety.

SH Minerva is scheduled to depart the shipyard early next week. 

At the christening, Helsinki Shipyard Project Manager Jonas Packalén commented: “We are glad to see this day finally, following the many global challenges that made our task far from easy. Our special thanks to everyone involved in the project for their unstinting dedication and superb work!”

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito added: “I, too, would like to congratulate everyone at Helsinki for their impeccable work in difficult circumstance and the tight safety measures which have kept SH Minerva a safe environment at all times. The vessel has been completed after only 26 month from the signing of the contract  which is a remarkable achievement. We now very much look forward to taking our guests to see what others don’t, exploring in exceptional comfort and style.”

Andrea Zito, CEO Swan Hellenic & Johanna Mäkelä, Godmother to SH Minerva

About Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in July 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’.

SH Minerva and SH Vega, two new 5-star polar PC 5 ice-class expedition cruise ships arriving in November 2021 and April 2022, will each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious suites and staterooms, the majority with large balconies. A larger PC 6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in the same distinctive comfort and style in 96 staterooms and suites will be arriving year-end 2022. All three new ships feature 3 dining venues, the Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge and Pool bar & Grill, and are being built in full compliance with SOLAS Safe Return to Port requirements. Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions. 

Swan Hellenic's ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. The crew includes an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers, and - numbering 120 and 140 respectively - almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf, Monaco, Fort Lauderdale (serving the North America market) and Hong Kong (serving mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam and South-East Asia), as well as partnerships serving India, Japan and Australia-New Zealand, Scandinavia and Iceland, Swan Hellenic supports the travel trade with specialist local partners to provide customers with expert personal service worldwide.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, please visit www.swanhellenic.com  

or call +44 (0) 207 846 0271

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Princess Cruises Announces 2023-2024 Australia & New Zealand Cruises & Cruisetours with Longest Ever World Cruise from Australia 

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Four ships sail to 117 destinations in 43 countries, departing from six Australia and New Zealand homeports

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2021) – Travelers have the opportunity to see the best of Australia and New Zealand with the newly announced 2023-2024 cruises and cruisetours season from Princess Cruises, including the longest ever World Cruise from Australia. Four MedallionClass ships—Majestic Princess, Royal Princess, Grand Princess and Coral Princess—will sail to 117 destinations in 43 countries across Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Southeast Asia, Europe and South America.

Those who imagine checking off 32 countries from the travel bucket list – all in 110 days, from the comfort of a beautiful cruise ship where the cruise line takes care of all the planning, local connections in port, meals, entertainment and more – can make this travel dream a reality with the 2024 World Cruise onboard Coral Princess. On sale Dec. 1, the cruise of a lifetime departs on April 30, 2024 from Sydney and May 2, 2024 from Brisbane. 

  • Departures from six Australia and New Zealand homeports including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth (Fremantle), Adelaide, and Auckland.

  • Extended More Ashore stays in a variety of destinations including overnights in Tahiti (Papeete) and Cairns, as well as late night stays in Auckland, Hong Kong, Honolulu, San Francisco, Tahiti (Papeete) and Vancouver.

  • Access to over 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia (from Port Douglas), the Greater Blue Mountains (from Sydney) and The Tasmanian Wilderness (from Burnie).

Two unique cruisetours are also available: 

  • Australian Outback: Guests have the opportunity to immersive themselves in Aboriginal culture and visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites--soak in the brilliant underwater colors of the Great Barrier Reef and watch the setting sun transform the sky as Uluru National Park's iconic Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock) glows red from afar.

  • Ultimate Australia: This extensive cruisetour guides guests through the highlights of Sydney, Uluru/Ayers Rockin the heart of the Outback, Darwin, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

Voyages will be open for sale at 2 pm PST on Dec. 1, 2021. Guests booking the 110-day World Cruise by April 30, 2022will receive AUD$1,000 Onboard Credit per person. 

Princess Cruises delivers the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising featuring the world-class dining and entertainment Princess is renowned for, all elevated with the Princess MedallionClass Experience. It begins with the Medallion™, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. In addition, guests can share their favorite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best Wi-Fi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favorite movies and shows.   

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com/. 

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year to Connect with Family and Celebrate the Holidays at Sea

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Princess Cruises Offers a Real Holiday Vacation for Vaccinated Families to the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, California Coast & Panama Canal

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2021) – With the holiday season quickly approaching, vaccines available for kids ages five and older, and travel back on the rise, Princess Cruises offers the ultimate family getaway to enjoy the winter break, ring in the New Year or simply enjoy the safe return of family cruising for vaccinated guests. 

From evergreens adorning the decks to sparkling Christmas trees in the Piazzas, guests are treated to a host of holiday festivities including:

  • Holiday Wishes variety show

  • Menorah Lighting

  • Ugly Holiday Sweater Competition

  • Lighting of the lights ceremony

  • Family gingerbread house making and snowman making competition

  • Holiday family movie night

  • Holiday crafts, including card making

  • Twas the Night Before Christmas reading

There’s even special holiday programming on stateroom TVs, including a fireplace channel. Guests sailing over New Year’s will ring in 2022 with a festive countdown party and a Champagne toast! 

“This holiday season, take a real vacation with Princess Cruises where everything is done for you from cooking and cleaning to activities and entertainment, allowing for more time to connect and create last memories with loved ones,” said Shelley Wise, vice president integrated marketing. 

With 24 cruises onboard eight ships, ranging in length from five to 14 days, departing over Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s for fully-vaccinated cruisers, Princess sails MedallionClass ships to the tropical Caribbean, vibrant Mexican Riviera, scenic California Coast and the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. Holiday cruises include:

Roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale

  • 5-day Caribbean Getaway with Cozumel, Regal Princess, Nov. 24 – Nov. 29, 2021

  • 5-day ‘80s Themed Cruise Caribbean Getaway, Regal Princess, Nov. 29 – Dec. 4, 2021

  • 7-day Eastern Caribbean with St. Kitts, Caribbean Princess, Nov. 28 – Dec. 5, 2021

  • 7-day Western Caribbean with Mexico, Sky Princess, Nov. 27 – Dec. 4, 2021

  • 14-day Caribbean East/West Adventurer, Caribbean Princess, Nov. 28 – Dec. 12, 2021

  • 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean (New Locks), Emerald Princess, Nov. 29 – Dec. 9, 2021

  • 10-day Southern Caribbean with Curacao, Enchanted Princess, Nov. 30 – Dec. 10, 2021

  • 7-day Western Caribbean with Bahamas, Caribbean Princess, Dec. 19-26, 2021

  • 7-day Eastern Caribbean with St. Kitts, Caribbean Princess, Dec. 26, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022

  • 8-day Southern Caribbean with ABC Islands, Regal Princess, Dec. 21-28, 2021

  • 8-day Eastern Caribbean with Tortola, Regal Princess, Dec. 29, 2021-January 6, 2022

  • 10-day Southern Caribbean Medley, Enchanted Princess, Dec. 20-30, 2021

  • 10-day Southern Caribbean with Barbados, Sky Princess, Dec. 18-28, 2021 and Enchanted Princess, Dec. 30, 2021-Jan. 9, 2022

  • 10-day Panama Canal, Emerald Princess, Dec. 19-29, 2021 and Dec. 29, 2021-Jan. 8, 2022

  • 11-day Southern Caribbean with Aruba, Sky Princess, Dec. 28, 2021-Jan. 8, 2022

Roundtrip from Los Angeles

  • 7-day Mexican Riviera, Majestic Princess, Nov. 27 – Dec. 4, 2021

  • 7-day Classic California Coast, Grand Princess, Nov. 28 – Dec. 5, 2021

  • 5-day Cabo San Lucas Getaway, Grand Princess, Dec. 30, 2021-Jan. 4, 2022

  • 7-day Mexican Riviera, Majestic Princess, Dec. 22-29, 2021

  • 10-day California Coast with Cabo San Lucas, Grand Princess, Dec. 20-30, 2021

  • 10-day Baja Peninsula & Sea of Cortez, Majestic Princess, Dec. 29, 2021-Jan. 8, 2022

Roundtrip from San Francisco

  • 10-day Mexican Riviera, Ruby Princess, Nov. 27 – Dec. 7, 2021

  • 10-day Mexican Riviera, Ruby Princess, Dec. 17-27, 2021

  • 10-day California Coast with Cabo San Lucas, Ruby Princess Dec. 27, 2021-Jan. 6, 2022

Through the cruise line’s exclusive partnership with Discovery™ offering immersive Discovery at SEA experiences, families create lifelong memories through many educational and interactive activities and Discovery, Animal Planet and Discovery Family shore excursions. 

Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Centers are open and ready to inspire creativity and curiosity through an engaging environment. Popular activities include:

  • Jawsome Mythbusters hands-on challenges, developed with Tori Belleci from Mythbusters.

  • Animal Planet uncovers ferocious secrets in Shark Attack and youth learn squid anatomy in Just Squiddin’ Around.

  • Become an engineer for the day and learn the science of magic with programs from the California Science Center, home of the Endeavor space shuttle.

Teens hang out in a surf-themed lounge, “The Beach House,” to enjoy video game tournaments, air hockey, ping pong, scavenger hunts, late-night movies and board games. 

Princess Cruises delivers the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising featuring the world-class dining and entertainment Princess is renowned for, all elevated with the Princess MedallionClass Experience. On all ships in the Princess fleet, it begins with the Medallion™, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from expedited contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. In addition, guests can share their favorite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best WiFi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favorite movies and shows. 

Princess Cruises sailings 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. All vaccinated guests must also produce a negative, medically-observed COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within two days of their embarkation on all Princess sailings. .

For the latest Princess COVID-19 health protocols, please visit  https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/covid-19-guest-protocols/.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com/.

Last minute cruise deals can be found: https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/last-minute-cruise-deals/.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

NORWEGIAN JOY RESUMES CRUISING FROM MIAMI, OFFERS ADDITIONAL CARIBBEAN SAILINGS

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-Brand to Expand Miami Presence in December with Four Vessels-

MIAMI (Nov. 20, 2021) - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today, continues its Great Cruise Comeback with the return to service of its ninth ship Norwegian Joy, offering even more variety of Caribbean sailings from PortMiami, the "Cruise Capital of the World."

Norwegian Joy's Miami comeback offers a series of seven-day roundtrip Caribbean voyages calling to Roatán, Bay Islands; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize – the Brand's private resort destination in Belize. The week-long itinerary is available through April 23, 2021. Guests looking to celebrate the holidays at sea in a tropical paradise can book the vessel's 11-day cruise from Miami on Dec. 23, 2021, visiting Willemstad, Curaçao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Castries, St. Lucia; St. John's, Antigua; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Guests can also celebrate New Year's Day in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

"The momentum of our Great Cruise Comeback continues as Norwegian Joy resumes voyages from our beloved hometown of Miami to join our other world-class vessels sailing from our brand-new terminal to continue delivering unforgettable guest experiences," said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "With the launch of our ninth ship, we now have more than two-thirds of our berths in operation, and we couldn't be more excited. Norwegian Joy's comeback is perfectly timed with the recent launch of our 'Greatest Deal Ever' and latest deployment of itineraries, we're making it even easier for our guests to book a well-deserved getaway offering them more destinations and ships to choose along with the best value at sea."

Starting in December, PortMiami will be home to four NCL vessels including Norwegian Joy, Encore, Getaway, and soon to restart, Norwegian Pearl. Norwegian Encore, the Company’s newest and most innovative ship, will offer a series of seven-day voyages from Dec. 12, 2021 through April 10, 2022 calling to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. Norwegian Getaway will also sail through the Eastern Caribbean with a selection of five-and-nine-day voyages available from Dec. 22, 2021 through Feb. 11, 2022. Making her restart debut, Norwegian Pearl will return to cruising on Dec. 23, 2021 with an 11-day roundtrip  Panama Canal sailing from the Magic City and making calls to Cartagena, Colombia; Panama Canal/Gatun Lake and Colón, Panama; Puerto Limón, Costa Rica; Roatán, Bay Islands; Harvest Caye, Belize and Costa Maya, Mexico. Guests looking to plan their dream cruise vacation can now take advantage of the Company’s "Greatest Deal Ever," featuring a 70% discount off the second guest fare and seven free offers with a value up to $4,250.

The Company’s fleetwide redeployment will continue in partnership with local governments and are guided by the robust protocols of the Company's Sail Safe Health and Safety program, which at its cornerstone requires that all crew and guests must be fully vaccinated to embark on all NCL voyages for the foreseeable future. Working with the leading experts of the SailSAFE™ Global Health and Wellness Council, the robust protocols will be regularly 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.

NCL invites travelers to witness its return to cruise journey with its pioneering five-part docuseries "EMBARK – The Series," showcasing a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing measures for a healthy and safe return to cruising. The entire first season is available on-demand at www.ncl.com/embark. In addition, the Company recently announced the next two-part episode of its "EMBARK with NCL" storytelling series, "Adventure Alaska," inviting travelers to discover the best way to experience Alaska with NCL, will release on-demand on Dec. 9, 2021. Watch the full suite of EMBARK content on www.ncl.com/embark.

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.

A DECADE IN THE MAKING: ROYAL CARIBBEAN MAKES HOLLYWOOD COMEBACK

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The Amplified Navigator of the Seas Sets Sail from Los Angeles for the First Time

MIAMI, Nov. 19, 2021 – Royal Caribbean International is back in California after more than a decade, and it’s rolling out the red carpet for families and travelers of all ages looking to get away on a memorable vacation. The cruise line’s bold and adventure-packed Navigator of the Seas set sail from Los Angeles today, beginning its highly anticipated year-round season of 3-night weekend to 4- and 5-night weekday cruises to Catalina Island, California, and the Mexican Riviera.

Now cruising from the City of Angels, Navigator premieres the ultimate getaway that combines adventures ashore, in destinations like Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and on board – from the longest waterslide at sea to the industry’s first standalone blow-dry bar.

Guests who cruise on Navigator can enjoy a $115 million series of enhancements introduced on board the ship in 2019. There’s a star-studded lineup of never-before-seen experiences and fan favorites, including:

  • Resort-style pool – Kids and adults alike enjoy Caribbean vibes from day to night, thanks to vibrant colors, a variety of seating – from in-pool loungers to casitas – live music, and the three-level poolside bar known as The Lime & Coconut.

  • The Blaster – The longest aqua coaster at sea propels thrill seekers through more than 800 feet of dips, drops and turns.

  • Riptide – The industry’s only headfirst mat racer waterslide joins The Blaster and Navigator’s lineup of top-deck thrills. A highlight, the exhilarating finish through a translucent tube that goes off the side of the ship makes for inspiring ocean views.

  • To Dry For – The first standalone blow-dry bar at sea. For a quick fix to seamlessly transition from a day out to getting ready for a night out on the town, there is a menu of services that includes blowouts to hairstyling.

  • The Bamboo Room – Royal Caribbean’s take on the tiki-chic bar and lounge serves up spice-infused handcrafted drinks and shareable bites.

  • Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade – Families can enjoy gameday classics, 50 big-screen TVs, tabletop games, classic arcade hits alongside bar bites, ice-cold beer and zero-proof cocktails for the kids.

  • Adventure Ocean and teens spaces – Kids 11 and under have a redesigned venue that sports an open format made for free play and where young travelers can easily switch between types of activity. Teens have an enhanced dedicated space with games, movies, music and more in The Living Room and a private outdoor patio called The Back Deck.

  • Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium – A challenge for teams of families, friends or fellow travelers to solve mind-bending puzzles before time runs out

Also new to Navigator as part of its major makeover are Hooked Seafood, serving up fresh New England-inspired dishes like just-shucked oysters, Johnny Rockets Express, Starbucks and Jamie’s Italian, with a menu of rustic Italian recipes – including fresh pastas – from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Many returning favorites take the stage as well, including the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, the Studio Bice-skating rink, Far East flavors at Izumi and a new mini golf course.

The biggest, boldest vacation along the West Coast, Navigator features something for everyone to spend quality time together and on their own on a short getaway. And for vacationers looking to take more time off, they can choose from several 7-night sailings that visit beach-lovers paradises like Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, Mexico.

For more details about Navigator and cruises from L.A., visit Royal Caribbean’s website.

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.  

PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES ANNOUNCES 2023 VOYAGES IN TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA, FIJI & THE SOUTH PACIFIC 

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BELLEVUE, WASH. – November 18, 2021 – Paul Gauguin Cruises (www.pgcruises.com), operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, announces its new 2023 schedule featuring Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji, and South Pacific itineraries.

The Gauguin will be showcasing its most sought-after itineraries in 2023: the 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands, 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus, 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands, and 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands.

The Gauguin will also be returning to Fiji in 2023, offering 13-night Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands itineraries. These comprehensive voyages follow in the wake of explorers, encompassing the exquisite Society Islands, home waters of The Gauguin, and the Cook Islands with its unique culture and exquisite lagoons. Other highlights include sailing across the International Date Line, a rare visit to the Kingdom of Tonga, and the stunning Fijian islands. Ports of call on the voyages are Papeete, Tahiti; Moorea, Society Islands; Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands; Bora Bora, Society Islands; Aitutaki, Cook Islands; Vava’u, Tonga; Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji; Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji; Beqa Island, Fiji; and Lautoka, Fiji. A 16-night Fiji to Bali (or reverse) voyage from Lautoka, Fiji and continues on to visit Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu; Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea; Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Thursday Island (Jan. 21, 2023 sailing only), Australia; Dili, Timor-Leste; At Sea; Komodo Island, Indonesia; and Benoa, Bali, Indonesia.  

The Gauguin underwent an extensive renovation in February of 2021. In addition to the ship’s staterooms and suites, Studio Jean Philippe Nuel redesigned the ship’s public spaces including its Le Grand Salon, restaurants, piano bar, La Palette Lounge, spa and salon, fitness center, boutique, pool deck, and reception area. A reading nook was also added to Deck 5, Deck 6 is now boasting a digital museum featuring over 150 of Paul Gauguin’s pieces, as well as updates to the ship’s sound and lighting systems.

Designed specifically to sail the pristine lagoons of these islands, The Gauguin provides an up-close, authentic experience of the South Seas and offers an elegant yet casual ambiance with luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, gourmet dining, trademark Polynesian hospitality, private beach retreats, and extraordinary all-inclusive value.

To launch its 2023 voyages, Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering savings of up to 30% off standard cruise fares on allvoyages.

Paul Gauguin Cruises’ top priority has always been to ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers. The health protocols developed by Paul Gauguin Cruises and PONANT exceed international regulations.  

For rates or more information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, please contact a Travel Professional, call 800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

MSC CRUISES AND FINCANTIERI MARK FLOAT OUT OF THE LINE’S NEXT FLAGSHIP MSC SEASCAPE

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MSC Seascape today floated out at the shipyard in Italy as sister ship MSC Seashore’s simultaneous naming ceremony takes place at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas

MSC Seascape is one of three MSC Cruises ships currently under construction, two of which will be delivered in 2022 following the two that came into service in 2021

The MSC Seascape at her float out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, today.

Trieste, Italy – November 18, 2021 – MSC Cruises today celebrated the float out of its next flagship, MSC Seascape,at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, a traditional event as the ship owner and shipbuilder of a new vessel come together to witness a ship touch water for the first time.

MSC Seascape will be delivered in November 2022, the second Seaside EVO class ship to enter the MSC Cruises’ fleet, and the fourth vessel in the line’s highly innovative Seaside class.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, said, “The float out of MSC Seascape marks yet another significant milestone in the growth of our fleet and the vessel will pay homage to the oceans through yet another host of highly innovative maritime and design features."

“We have continued with our ambitious new build plans, in spite of the pandemic, and today is a double celebration for MSC as our next flagship MSC Seascape is floated out into water simultaneously as her sister ship MSC Seashore is officially named at our very own private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve."

“MSC Seascape - together with MSC Seashore - features some of the latest environmental technologies and solutions to minimize her impact on the environment which will help us take a further step forward towards realizing our ambition of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”

Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri added, “Such an imposing ship makes it even more suggestive to reflect on the enormous work behind her construction. We began the work on MSC Seascape almost concurrently with the onset of the emergency and today, together with an established operator like MSC, we celebrate her float out in line with pre-pandemic plans. The great determination in respecting production commitments and preserving the entire orderbook has become the hallmark of our Group, an authentic cornerstone of the culture of the company, and there could not be a better precondition for looking to the future with renewed confidence.”

The GT 169,400 MSC Seascape will be able to accommodate up to 5,877 guests with approximately 140,000 square feet of outdoor space.

MSC Seascape’s sister ship, MSC Seashore, is officially named today at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas, the first naming ceremony for a cruise ship to be held at a private island anywhere in the world. The ship’s naming ceremony also marks the formal inauguration of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, which opened in late 2019 and closed temporarily due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

MSC Seascape Details:

Future-proof environmental technology:

MSC Seascape’s environmental technologies will include selective catalytic reduction systems on each of her four Wärtsilä 14V 46F engines to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90 percent by converting the gas into harmless nitrogen and water, plus hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems to remove 98 percent of sulphur oxide from ship emissions.

The vessel is fitted with best-in-class wastewater treatment systems with purification standards that are higher than most wastewater treatment facilities on land, advanced waste management systems, ballast water treatment systems approved by the United States Coast Guard, the latest-technology systems for the prevention of oil discharges from machinery spaces and various effective energy-efficiency improvements – from heat recovery systems to LED lighting able to save energy.

The ship will also feature an underwater radiated noise management system to reduce and isolate the potential effects on marine mammals.

Designed to connect guests with the sea:

MSC Seascape, as with her sister ship MSC Seashore, will see nearly 70 percent of her public spaces completely redesigned in the Seaside class to enhance the guest experience with an aim to offer beautiful venues and locations to connect with the sea:

  • 2,270 cabins with 12 different types of cabins and suites with balconies, including coveted aft suites

  • 11 dining venues, 19 bars and lounges with many options for ‘Al Fresco’ dining and drinking

  • Six swimming pools including a stunning aft infinity pool with incredible ocean views

  • The MSC Yacht Club will be the largest and most luxurious in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with approximately 32,000 square feet of space to provide sweeping ocean views from the foredecks of the ship

  • An expansive 1,772-foot-long waterfront promenade even closer to the water

  • A spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs at deck 16 with a unique vantage point of the ocean.

For more information on MSC Cruises, please click here.

SILVERSEA CRUISES® LEADS RETURN OF ULTRA-LUXURY EXPEDITIONS TO ANTARCTICA

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(Miami, FL -- November 18, 2021) Silversea's Silver Explorer® has launched the much-anticipated return of ultra-luxury expedition cruising to Antarctica, setting sail from her new departure port of Puerto Williams, Chile, on November 10.Silver Cloud® subsequently joined her fleetmate in Antarctica, sailing from Punta Arenas, Chile, on November 14.

"We are proud and excited to be at the forefront of the comeback of ultra-luxury expedition cruising in Antarctica," says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea's President and CEO. "Accompanied by our seasoned team of expedition experts, our guests will not only be in awe of the authentic beauty and unique wildlife of the White Continent, but they will also enjoy the signature distinctions that have made Silversea the leader in luxury expedition cruising."

“We are making history. By embarking on a private, direct flight from Santiago to Puerto Williams, we are unlocking a flight path that has not been operated for more than 30 years - and never in such luxury - to deliver comfort and convenience to our guests,” says Conrad Combrink, Senior Vice President of Expeditions, Turnaround Operations and Destination Management, Silversea Cruises. “I am thrilled to launch our 2021-22 Antarctica season from the Chilean port of Puerto Williams – the southernmost town in the world – which is a first for Silversea. For their unwavering commitment to resuming expeditions to this unique part of the world, I would like to extend my gratitude to the respective authorities in Chile; the Mayor of Punta Arenas, Claudio Radonich; the Mayor of Puerto Williams, Patricio Fernández Alarcón; the Governor of Antarctica Chilena province, Nelson Cárcamo Barrera; Nicolas Pivcevic and the team at DAP Antarctic Airways; and my colleagues at Silversea Cruises.”

PARTNERSHIP WITH DAP ANTARCTIC AIRWAYS

For the first time, Silversea’s guests are discovering Antarctica from Puerto Williams aboard Silver Explorer. DAP Antarctic Airways is providing Silversea’s guests with private, round-trip flights between Santiago and Puerto Williams. DAP Antarctic Airways is also the carrier selected to provide the flight component of Antarctica Bridge®, Silversea’s new fly-cruise program that provides the fastest, most direct route to Antarctica. 

Offering a diverse range of itinerary options, Silver Explorer and Silver Cloud will unlock the White Continent for guests through March 2022. Several itineraries focus on the stunning pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, while others include visits to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, where opportunities abound to witness bustling penguin colonies and other amazing wildlife. Silversea will inaugurate its Antarctica Bridge fly-cruiseoption on December 11, 2021, enabling guests to skip the Drake Passage and fly in comfort straight to Antarctica to start their cruise. Another season highlight, a special Deep South Expedition voyage will spend 20 days tracing a path beyond the Antarctic Circle, attempting to reach a latitude of 69 degrees south, beginning January 27, 2022.

SILVER WIND® LEAVES DRY DOCK

Silversea’s third ice-class ship, Silver Wind, has now left the dry dock at the Remontowa shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland. Expanding the range of voyage options for Silversea's expeditions, Silver Wind will debut as an expedition ship in May 2022 in the Mediterranean, before heading to Northern Europe and the Arctic for the summer season.

UNRIVALED ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY IN ANTARCTICA

Silversea’s guests enjoy the most inclusive Antarctica package in ultra-luxury cruising, comprising:

  • Round-trip transoceanic flights in economy class (or reduced business class airfares) to Santiago;

  • a one-night, pre-cruise hotel stay in Santiago;

  • domestic flights between Santiago and Puerto Williams/Punta Arenas;

  • transfers and luggage handling between airport, hotel and ship;

  • all-inclusive voyage, including butler service, gratuities, multiple restaurants and in-suite dining including caviar, and premium beverages in-suite and throughout the ship;

  • enrichments from a highly-qualified expedition team, including lectures, guided Zodiac®, land and sea tours;

  • expedition gear, including parka, backpack and water bottle;

  • a post-cruise day-use hotel stay (with transfers) for guests who do not have a return international flight on the day of disembarkation.

Discover more about Silversea's all-inclusive Antarctica cruises:

https://www.silversea.com/destinations/antarctica-cruise.html

Download media related to Silversea’s return to service in Antarctica:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/89lve1n3uh4bki4/AABRYOVygCp8QE0B8bRPbV7Ya?dl=0

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

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 Dawn®, Silver Shadow®, Silver Whisper®, Silver Spirit®, Silver Muse® and Silver MoonSM – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Origin®, Silver Wind, Silver Explorer, and Silver Cloud, Silversea's itineraries encompass 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 two new ultra-luxury Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea's blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon