ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES LAUNCHES NEW PODCAST SERIES TO UNVEIL REMOTE AND CAPTIVATING DESTINATIONS FOR ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCES

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New Program Inspires Luxury Adventurers to Find More Memorable Experiences in Awe-inspiring, Exotic Locales

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., December 13, 2021 – Atlas Ocean Voyages is bringing remote and captivating destinations closer to home with the launch of the luxe-adventure cruise line’s new podcast series. The Atlas Updates Podcast series explores small and less-traveled ports and destinations around the world; unveils those destinations’ unique attractions; and shares tips to help travelers enjoy the most when visiting. Atlas Updates Podcast Host Iris Ferreira brings these audio adventures to life with engaging information, expert guest interviews, and special destinations that World Navigator and World Traveller will visit. The podcast is created in partnership with Elevated Magazines and the latest episode can be found on Atlas Ocean Voyages' website at www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/podcasts.

“Atlas Ocean Voyages brings experienced travelers on unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime luxe-adventure journeys to remote and captivating destinations around the world,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Our new podcast series will inspire travelers to seek more out-of-the-way destinations and help them maximize their visit for more authentic cultural and nature-bound experiences, a specialty of Atlas Ocean Voyages.”

The most recent episode, “Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Antarctica Experience”, covers luxe-adventure expeditions to the Seventh Continent. The episode features Atlas Ocean Voyages’ expedition team leader, Henry Wulff, who demystifies the wondrous destination of Antarctica; answers frequently asked questions; and shares his personal and extensive adventures in the polar regions.

“The Atlas Update Podcast is a great addition to anyone’s playlist, whether they are a novice or a seasoned traveler.” said Podcast Host Iris. “Each episode will bring listeners to fascinating hidden corners of the world. As listeners learn more about these alluring destinations, we also present travel tips from experts and recommendations for travel resources, such as books, and information about our innovative ships, World Navigator and World Traveller.”

Listeners can look forward to the next episode, debuting later this month. The episode “Ports of Unusual Call” highlights less-traveled destinations, such as Peru, Greenland, Faroe Islands, and Portugal. Additional episode topics include luxe-adventure experiences – what it is; why Small is the New Big; and a coffee talk about the ship's onboard experience.

The podcast is also available on Spotify, Apple Music, and the Elevated Magazines website.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure expedition cruise brand designed for experienced and fun-seeking travelers to immerse in exciting and awe-inspiring moments in less-visited, bucket-list destinations. At 9,930 GRTs, World Navigator fosters a refined and convivial ambiance for up to 196 guests and features the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her state-of-the-art design. World Navigator is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified and will be joined by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.

To learn more, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. Also, please follow Atlas Ocean Voyages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), Twitter (www.twitter.com/atlascruises), Instagram (www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/atlascruises). Travel Advisors can call 1.844.44.ATLAS (1.844.442.8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable luxe-adventure expedition

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

CARNIVAL RADIANCE CHRISTENED BY GODMOTHER DR. LUCILLE O’NEAL

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Newest Carnival Ship Based Year-Round in Long Beach Sets Sail Today  on Inaugural Cruise 

LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 13, 2021 – In a celebration of all things fun and family, Carnival Cruise Line christened its newest ship Carnival Radiance last night in a naming ceremony in Long Beach, Calif., with the ship’s Godmother Dr. Lucille O’Neal and her son, Carnival Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal as featured guests of the event. 

Carnival Radiance underwent a $200 million bow-to-stern makeover and is Carnival’s third ship sailing year-round from Long Beach, joining Carnival Panorama and Carnival Miracle.

The heartfelt naming ceremony began with a “We Are Family” video of Carnival Radiance crew members preparing the ship for guests. 

“Carnival Radiance features all of Carnival’s fan favorites and more, so we are beyond excited to finally welcome her to the West Coast and to our fleet,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “And having Shaq’s mom, Lucille, an accomplished speaker who donates her time and talent to a wide range of charitable organizations as the ship’s Godmother has made it even more special.”

Duffy presented Lucille with a $25,000 donation to the Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund that honors the lifetime accomplishments of Lucille’s mother who worked in the medical field as a nurse. The fund’s primary mission is to provide financial contributions to help support students seeking a career in nursing and education.

As part of the ceremony, Lucille and Shaquille helped pour champagne atop a traditional ship’s bell, officially naming the ship. The City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir from Gardena, Calif. rocked the house with a gospel rendition of “We Are Family” as event guests waved light sticks during an emotional grand finale. 

“What a special evening it was to celebrate the debut of Carnival Radiance with my son by my side in what truly felt like a “We Are Family” event,” said Lucille. “It has been such a pleasure to be included in these exciting festivities, so I can only imagine how incredible it will be for guests to sail aboard this spectacular ship – they’re going to love it.” 

Prior to the naming ceremony, the evening kicked off with the mother-son duo cutting a ribbon to officially open Big Chicken, the second seagoing restaurant created by Shaquille, which debuted on Mardi Gras earlier this year, featuring dishes based on his family’s recipes. 

The ship departs today from the Port of Long Beach on its inaugural four-day cruise. Carnival Radiance’s West Coast-based itineraries include three-day voyages to Ensenada and four-day sailings calling at Ensenada and Catalina Island. She joins Carnival Panorama operating week-long Mexican Riviera cruises and Carnival Miracle sailing four- and five-day Mexico voyages

In addition to Big Chicken, new offerings added to Carnival Radiance include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse created by Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri; Heroes Tribute Bar saluting those that serve in the Armed Forces; Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant; Bonsai Sushi; and the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub. All of the ship’s public spaces have been transformed as well – including the water park, youth facilities, retail shops, Cloud 9 Spa and a new Liquid Lounge home to Carnival’s award-winning Playlist Productions shows. The exterior of the ship has also been adorned with the line’s new red, white and blue hull livery fashioned after its flagship, Mardi Gras.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE REOPENS CAMP OCEAN

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Carnival Cruise Line today reopened Camp Ocean, its supervised children’s program for fully vaccinated children ages 5 to 11, for the first time since its ships have resumed service. 

To ensure the health and safety of its young cruisers, Carnival has implemented enhanced protocols for Camp Ocean that are consistent with other onboard procedures, including required face masks, limited capacity, encouraged physical distancing, twice daily deep cleanings of the spaces, and one-parent-per-family drop-offs and pick-ups. Activities will be adjusted as needed to meet these guidelines.

The colorful ocean-inspired facility offers a variety of fun and engaging experiences ranging from educational activities to crafts and active games. Activity sessions will be offered daily, and guests can refer to the HUB App during their sailings for times and details. 

In addition to Camp Ocean, Circle “C” and Club O2 have been and will continue to be open for vaccinated early teens ages 12 to 14 and for vaccinated teens ages 15 to 17, respectively.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Crystal Cruises Returns to Alaska in 2022, Offering All-Inclusive Luxury Seagoing Adventures Throughout the Last Frontier

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Summer schedule of 7- or 11-night voyages aboard Crystal Serenity offers a variety of immersive adventures with nearly 100 different landside experiences 

MIAMI, December 9, 2021 – Crystal Cruises marks its return to Alaska after three years with a series of unforgettable 7- to 11-night voyages in summer 2022 aboard Crystal Serenity with nearly 100 different Destination Discoveries ashore providing guests the ultimate way to experience and explore the serene beauty of the Last Frontier.  

Round-trip and one-way voyages will operate from Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska; and Vancouver, Canada, offering endless opportunities for guests to view massive glaciers, magnificent fjords and rainforests, as well as orcas, eagles, sea lions, humpback whales and other marine and animal life. From explorations of Native American traditions and visits to rustic, Gold Rush-era towns to hands-on culinary-themed activities and whale-watching, flightseeing and kayaking adventures, even artic lake snorkeling expeditions, a Crystal cruise to Alaska is sure to create a lifetime of memories.

        “A Crystal Alaska cruise is like no other, offering the only seagoing vacation that combines up close and personal looks at awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife with the incredible six-star service and an array of onboard amenities that have earned us a reputation as the leader in luxury cruising,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal president. “It’s so wonderful to welcome our guests back to Alaska to experience this incredible cruising region like only Crystal can.”   Anderson noted that Crystal’s Alaska sailings will be exclusive to 2022 as the line does not have any voyages to the region scheduled beyond next year.

Crystal Serenity’s 2022 Alaska program is designed to maximize guests’ enjoyment of the region, with intimate experiences that allow for more in-depth encounters ashore, and varied cruise durations that take place in the optimal late June to August season which offers the longest daylight hours for scenic cruising. Best of all, guests experience all the fantastic outdoor adventures ashore, then return to their Crystal home at sea to relax and enjoy the comfort and luxury of the well-appointed Crystal Serenity. 

A team of onboard experts are on hand to help guests maximize their Alaska vacation, providing valuable insight into the region’s incredible marine and animal life, majestic landscapes, and interesting history gleaned from years of living and working in the region.  

Guest lecturers include Kurt Dunbar, a longtime Alaska resident who has shared his vast knowledge for the past 20 years both to cruise guests as well as university students. Sample lectures will include “Fire and Ice: The Geology of Alaska,” focusing primarily on glaciers; “Fur and Feathers” highlighting native land mammals and birds; “Warm Blood in the Cold Seas,” a look at the region’s fascinating whale population; and “The First Alaskans,” an overview of the native cultures of the Northland. 
              A favorite guest on Crystal’s popular “Storytellers” podcast series, Rob Caskie will share his personal Alaska experiences with memorable conversations such as “The Renowned Alaska/Canada Highway,” an epic tale of human endeavor linking the continental U.S. with Alaska and Russia across the Bering Strait; “Native People of the Bering Region and Bering Sea History,” an examination at the first people’s fascinating history and the sea they call home; and “Emblematic Wildlife,” detailing the region’s magnificent and varied creatures. Caskie’s “Storytellers” podcast is available here.

Crystal Serenity’s 2022 Alaska season encompasses series of five high-season voyages of 7- or 11-nights that run from June 23 to August 1, including:

About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across three distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 27 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises, and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. In November 2021, Crystal Endeavor was named “Best New Expedition Cruise Ship” in The Points Guy’s Editors’ Choice Awards. Crystal was also named “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 and 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA.   

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visitwww.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Hawaii Grants Permission for UnCruise Adventures Winter & Spring Sailings. Small Ship Adventures Continue to Lead in Pandemic. 

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The Adventure Company Launches a Successful Hawaii Season  During Large Cruise Line Ban 

JUNEAU, AK, December 8th, 2021 – Among widespread cruise line cancellations, UnCruise Adventures commenced operations in Hawaii over the Thanksgiving Holiday. UnCruise is the sole small ship company currently operating overnight interisland adventures. The 36-guest Safari Explorer kicked off her winter season with in-depth cultural immersion in Halawa Valley on the island of Molokai. 

Recent news proved to be a major setback for large ship cruise lines that were forced into canceling cruises in Hawaii until 2022. UnCruise Adventures does not fall into the large cruise ship ranks and has received permission to operate in ports and parks in Hawaii. The UnCruise Adventures safety and operations team worked in earnest with all levels of management at the State and County levels, including close coordination with the Hawaii Department of Transportation, and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.  

The company worked diligently with the Hawaii Department of Health to gain approval of the company’s 100% full vaccination and testing requirements for all guests and crew. UnCruise is now celebrating 12 years of operations in Hawaii with their 7-night Hawaiian Seascape adventures from Molokai to the Kona Coast and reverse. 

“It’s time to focus on our guest’s experience and the people and culture of Hawaii,” states UnCruise Adventures owner, Captain Dan Blanchard. “After almost two years of very limited travel, we are celebrating the permissions granted to us, and our ability to share an immersive exploration of the Hawaiian Islands, including the less-traveled island of Molokai, whose people and culture have become a part of the UnCruise Adventures family. We continue to work with the counties of Maui and Hawaii on operational details.” 

Guests on the Hawaiian adventure can immerse themselves in the heritage and living culture of the locals while sailing from Molokai to Maui, Lanai, and the Big Island of Hawaii with multiple adventures each day. The itinerary highlights the UnCruise focus on community, culture, and connection. The Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary visits four islands in one week and includes Halawa Valley, Hualalai Volcano, and Kealakekua Bay as examples of just three of the focal points along the route. 

Blanchard shares. “We have worked diligently to ensure that Hawaii’s residents are safe and confident in our operations. The support shown by Hawaii government officials has been invaluable in routing a path for our guests to experience these beautiful islands. It is humbling to be granted permission to operate. Mahalo to the many officials and residents of Hawaii that support our experiential adventures.” 

Find additional information at www.uncruise.com. For the latest on the company’s COVID-19 health protocols and Hawaii testing requirements please visit https://uncruise.com/pages/covid-travel-updates  

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

CELEBRITY CRUISES SVP OF SALES DONDRA RITZENTHALER NAMED A 2021 POWER WOMAN BY MOVES MAGAZINE

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  • The Long-time Travel Industry Executive Joins Previous Brand Recipients Lisa Lutoff-Perlo and Captain Kate McCue in Coveted Recognition  

Miami (Dec. 8, 2021) - Celebrity Cruises Senior Vice President of Sales Dondra Ritzenthaler was recently named a Power Woman by Moves magazine at its 21st annual Moves Power Women Gala in New York. The event, hosted by fellow honoree and renowned 60 Minutes anchor and producer Laurie Segal, recognizes and celebrates women who embody the magazine’s commitment to women’s rights, social fairness and equality. 

Ritzenthaler, who has been with the organization for nearly 20 years, joins President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo (2016) and Captain Kate McCue (2019) as other brand recipients of this prestigious recognition. Honorees are considered to be influencers boldly standing up for their beliefs yet compassionate by nature; dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others and in society; demonstrating leadership; and, seen as a role model for future women leaders. Other women honored at the event include CBS Evening News Anchor Norah O’Donnell and female executives from such corporations as Bloomingdale’s, Federal Express, Hilton Hotels, Intel, Microsoft and the United States Air Force, to name a few. 

“Dondra is so deserving of this recognition for all that she has accomplished during her tenure here at Celebrity Cruises,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “Her commitment and dedication to her team and our travel partners along with her charity work that she does are just a few of the reasons why she was an outstanding choice for this distinguished honor.” 

“To be recognized alongside these incredibly influential women is definitely a career highlight,” said Ritzenthaler. “I am very lucky to be surrounded by some of the best women in the business who push me to continue be better both personally and professionally, and to strive to always embody what it is to be a ‘Power Woman’.” 

Ritzenthaler was honored for her leadership overseeing all sales aspects for the award-winning cruise line including all national and regional sales, along with trade support and service and her support. Widely credited for raising awareness of the important role of the travel advisors, an industry dominated by entrepreneurial women, Ritzenthaler has led the creation of several programs designed to help travel advisors build their business, including “The Celebrity Commitment,” a unique initiative providing travel advisors with the latest tools to grow their business; and helped to lead “RCL Cares,” a unique initiative that offered one-on-one guidance to accessing recovery benefits under the U.S. government’s 2020 CARES Act. 

A seasoned travel industry executive, Ritzenthaler joined Celebrity Cruises in 2003 following nearly two decades in the business, primarily in sales and marketing management with American Airlines. 

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

SILVERSEA LAUNCHES A NEW ALL-INCLUSIVE FARE WITH NEW "WAVE SEASON" PROMOTION BENEFITING BOTH GUEST AND TRAVEL ADVISORS

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(MONACO – December 7, 2021) Silversea Cruises®, a leading ultra-luxury cruise line, is expanding its all-inclusive offerings in time for the upcoming Wave Season, providing guests with increased flexibility, additional savings and a limited-time reduced deposit of just 15%. The new promotional “Port-to-Port” fares provide travel advisors with additional options to tailor a more personalized program that is suited to the preferences of their clients, particularly those who wish to have their own pre- and post-cruise travel arrangements curated by their travel advisor.

Here's a snapshot of the new all-inclusive fare options:

·        Door-to-Door All-Inclusive Fare-- Now with 15% Refundable Reduced Deposit.

Already among the most robust all-inclusive offerings available in cruising, Silversea's popular Door-to-Door All-Inclusive fares now feature a 15% refundable reduced deposit (normally 25%) on all worldwide voyages sailing through March 31, 2023, if booked between December 6, 2021 and February 28, 2022. This limited-time 15% Reduced Deposit complements an unmatched collection of all-inclusive benefits, including: roundtrip economy airfare, reduced business class air, or air credit; all airport/hotel/ship transfers, including new private executive transfers from home; pre- and post-cruise hotel night/s or hotel day-rooms; and luggage handling -- all in addition to Silversea's inclusive shore excursions* and renowned onboard amenities and services.

·        NEW! Port-to-Port All Inclusive Lower Fares.

Appealing to travelers who prefer to make their pre- and post-cruise travel arrangements independently – including their air, hotel, and transfers – the new Port-to-Port All-Inclusive lower fares are now available on selected itineraries and departure dates and offer on average about 25% savings compared to Door-to-Door fares. These lower fares offer a great value without sacrificing luxury as guests will enjoy included shore excursions* and all of Silversea’s renowned onboard amenities and services. The Port-to-Port fares, which are subject to availability and offered for a limited number of Vista and Veranda suites on select voyages, will be revised from time-to-time starting on February 28, 2022. These fares require a non-refundable 15% deposit. Those who wish to benefit from these fares are encouraged to book.

"In anticipation of Wave Season, we have enhanced our all-inclusive offering with the addition of a reduced deposit and our new Port-to-Port All-Inclusive promotion, designed specifically for those guests who may prefer to design their own pre- and post-cruise travel arrangements,'' says Barbara Muckermann, Chief Commercial Officer, Silversea Cruises. "This gives our travel advisor partners greater ability to create the perfect travel experience for their clients -- whether those clients are seasoned luxury travelers or new to Silversea -- and thus increase their sales during Wave Season."

Continued Peace of Mind with Cancellation Policy for COVID-19, for both rates.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to both guests and travel advisors, Silversea’s Refund and Cancellation Policy for COVID-19 applies to both rates and benefits new bookings made on sailings through April 30, 2022. Under this policy, guests booked with either fare option may cancel their booking and receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit or a 100% refund for the total cruise fare paid to Silversea if the guest is prohibited from traveling to the vessel due to a governmental travel restriction, or should the guest or a member of their travelling party test positive for COVID-19 within 30 days of embarkation. See Silversea’s Refund and Cancellation Policy for COVID-19 for details.

*Shore excursions are included with all expedition voyages and they will be included with select ocean voyages departing on or after March 31, 2022, as well as all voyages from June 2022 onwards. Ocean voyages include one excursion per port, per day.

Find more information on Silversea's two all-inclusive fares at: https://www.silversea.com/best-luxury-cruise-deals.html

For complete details on Silversea's cancellation policy for COVID-19, visit: https://www.silversea.com/lp-refund-and-cancellation-policy-covid-19.html

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 DawnSM, 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 Nova class ships. Browse Silversea's blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.

About Royal Caribbean Group  

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is one of the leading cruise companies in the world with a global fleet of 60 ships traveling to more than 900 destinations around the world. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner and operator of three award-winning cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, and it is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, the brands have an additional 13 ships on order as of September 30, 2021. Learn more at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com or www.rclinvestor.com.  

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Windstar Cruises Launches New Ad Campaign and Holiday Sale 

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12 Ways of Windstar holiday sale runs 12/14-28

SEATTLE, WA, December 7, 2021 – U.S. headquartered Windstar Cruises launched its new ad campaign today touting that “The Wind and Stars Know the Way.”

The campaign advertises Windstar as a unique, small ship cruise product, more clearly conveying the two classes of small yachts the company operates under one definable brand experience. 

Guests can choose between Windstar’s classic sailing yachts (three Wind Class yachts) and luxury all-suite yachts (three newly renovated Star Plus Class yachts) – ergo, “The Stars Know the Way” and “The Wind Knows the Way” in the new campaign materials, together forming the brand name WindStar.  

“We believe in giving guests the power to choose how they sail and then delivering the benefits of small ship cruising in ways that boldly claim a competitive advantage,” says Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “With this new messaging, we have the opportunity to share the personalized approach and perspective each of our ship classes inspire, including visualizing key off-ship and onboard attributes of Windstar, such as feeling like you’re on your own private yacht with only 148 to 342 guests on board.”  

Prelog believes the messaging will resonate with existing guests who know the brand well and inspire new potential customers and convert them into first time cruisers on Windstar. Look for the new messaging in print and digital ads, social, and video, as well as a new landing page on Windstar’s website. 

And on the heels of a successful Black Friday/Cyber Monday “Book Your Bucket List” sale, Windstar is gearing up for its 12 Ways of Windstar holiday sale, running December 14-28. Cruise rates will be reduced on select departures with a lead rate of $1,499 per person, based on double occupancy. Travelers will find great deals on cruises in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Black Sea and Holy Lands, U.S. Coastal, Tahiti and Trans-Ocean.

Windstar’s Beyond Ordinary Care health and safety program requires everyone aboard to be vaccinated.  For more details on Windstar Cruises, visit www.windstarcruises.com.  

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Crystal Cruises Launches First-Ever Zero Single Supplement; Promotion Offered on 15 Crystal Symphony Caribbean and Mediterranean Sailings in 2022

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Fares Start at $2,299 with savings Up to $4,000 per stateroom

MIAMI, December 6, 2021 – Crystal is offering additional holiday cheer to solo travelers with its new Zero Single Supplement promotion, which is available for the first time on its ocean vessels applicable with 15 Crystal Symphony voyages to the Caribbean and Mediterranean in 2022. With the exclusive promotion, all-inclusive fares start at just $2,299 per person with savings up to $4,000 per person for an ocean view stateroom.  The Zero Single Supplement allows solo guests to enjoy all of Crystal Symphony’s luxury six-star amenities at double occupancy rates without the supplemental fee typically charged to solo travelers.

"Solo travelers are an important segment for Crystal and following our successful rollout of Solo Suites aboard Crystal Mozart that are available on all voyages also without a single supplement, we wanted to provide our solo ocean guests with the same opportunity to take advantage of the incredible value and convenience offered by this promotion,” said Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales.

The Zero Single Supplement promotion is offered on the following Crystal Symphony sailings departing from six convenient homeports in North America and Europe:

  • Caribbean: 7-night voyages from Miami and San Juan, (January through March 2022) – These tropical adventures travel deep into the into the Caribbean where pristine beaches rub shoulders with verdant hills while vibrant coral reefs invite exploration of an underwater world of spectacular beauty. Whether it’s enjoying a champagne sailaway, exploring historic landmarks or biking through the lush countryside, these adventures are the perfect winter-time getaway.

  • Mediterranean: 7-, 8- and 10-night voyages from Lisbon, Venice, London and Monte Carlo (April, June and August 2022) – Departing from some of Europe’s iconic world-class cities that are destinations unto themselves, these immersive voyages take guests on a journey of discovery as they marvel at centuries-old architecture, including ancient ruins, savor locally produced wines and authentic cuisine, view famous artwork, and hike through rugged terrain dotted with cliffs and pine forests.

Specific dates included in the promotion are available at crystalcruises.com. Guests must book by January 5, 2022 to take advantage of these special solo fares, with special reduced deposits of $100 on select sailings. The solo fares apply to ocean view categories on select Crystal Symphony voyages and are combinable with FCC and FCP coupons and Crystal Assured Savings Program (CASP). Terms, sailings and categories are subject to change and subject to availability.   The offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. 

About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across three distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 27 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises, and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. In November 2021, Crystal Endeavor was named “Best New Expedition Cruise Ship” in The Points Guy’s Editors’ Choice Awards. Crystal was also named “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 and 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA.   

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visit www.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon