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VIRGINIA COUPLE SPENDS 1,000 DAYS CRUISING ON CARNIVAL
Nancy and Robert Houchens Celebrate 1000 Days with Carnival
Avid Cruisers Mark Major Milestone on Carnival Pride
Robert and Nancy Houchens, a retired couple from Virginia, spend most of their time on cruise ships, and recently reached a milestone while on Carnival Pride: 1000 days at sea on a Carnival Cruise Line ship.
As they sailed the Norwegian Fjords, Robert asked the ship’s team to surprise Nancy with a celebration to mark the occasion. Of course, Carnival Pride’s crew members were happy to oblige.
The Houchens have been cruising for decades, so we asked them what they love about life on the high seas.
Why do you cruise?
Nancy: For us, cruising is a way of life. Our goal was to sell everything we owned and pretty much live on cruise ships. And we’ve done a pretty good job of it since we’ve retired.
When did you start cruising?
Robert: More than 20 years ago when our kids were still at home. At first, we cruised because it was a great value.
You’ve made many memories aboard many ships, what stands out?
Nancy: Carnival Pride has a lot of memories for us. It’s a very special ship. We were so lucky because we were invited when Pride came back into service from Baltimore last September. We were asked to take part in the opening ceremony with Carnival’s President Christine Duffy and it was absolutely wonderful – very emotional.
What is your favorite place on board a Carnival ship?
Robert: Serenity deck.
Nancy: Yes, we love the Serenity deck. We used to do the nightclub, partying and staying up all night, but now we like to relax. Also, the beds. You can’t sleep anywhere like you can at sea on the beds.
After spending 1000 days at sea, you must have many friends across the Carnival fleet.
Nancy: Yes, we have family all over the fleet, meaning the team members on board. They have become family to us! Now we try to figure out what team members are on a particular ship, and that’s how we pick which cruise we want to go on. After cruising for so long, we’ve got a lot of [extended] family and we love them.
Robert: People from all walks of life, all cultures, all age groups, everybody cruises Carnival. We cruise Carnival because of the people. It isn’t the destinations for us anymore, it’s the journey — and the biggest part of the journey is the people.
Would you spend another 1000 days at sea?
Nancy: If we live long enough, we will!
The Houchens are currently sailing aboard Carnival Pride in Europe on back-to-back cruises and plan to keep cruising as much as possible throughout their retirement.
Princess Cruises Marks Year-Round Sailings from Los Angeles with New Summer Cruises
2023 Summer Sailings Visit Mexico, Hawaii and the California Coast
SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (July 12, 2022) – Princess Cruises - the destination leader based on the west coast and the cruise line with the longest history sailing from the Port of Los Angeles – is offering a brand-new summer season of cruises roundtrip from Los Angeles in 2023. This will mark the line’s first-ever summer season to Mexico, Hawaii, and the California Coast, with Emerald Princess sailing on a series of voyages ranging from five- to 16-days between May and August 2023.
The summer sailings, on sale today, are perfect for those looking for convenient cruise vacations for the whole family. The 3,080-guest Princess MedallionClass cruise ship features nearly 700 balconies, world-class dining, and dazzling entertainment. Plus, guests can choose from a variety of curated shore excursions in every port to soak up the local sights, culture, and cuisine.
Emerald Princess itineraries include:
Mexican Riviera with La Paz – seven-day cruises with stops in Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and Ensenada. Departure dates: June 24, 2023, and July 29, 2023
Hawaiian Islands – 16-day cruises with stops in Hilo, Honolulu, Maui (Lahaina), Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Ensenada. Departure dates: May 4, 2023, June 1, 2023, July 6, 2023, and August 5, 2023.
Classic California Coast – seven-day cruises including an overnight in San Francisco with San Diego and Ensenada. Departure dates: May 20, 2023, June 17, 2023, and July 22, 2023.
Cabo San Lucas Getaway – five-day cruise with an overnight in Cabo San Lucas. Departure date: May 27, 2023.
West Coast Getaway with San Francisco – five-day cruise featuring San Francisco and Ensenada. Departure date: July 1, 2023.
A special launch-week offer includes $1 deposits and $50 onboard spending money per person when booked by July 19, 2022 (Offer is valid in United States, Canada and Puerto Rico).
Princess delivers Princess MedallionClass Vacations which begins with the Medallion™ wearable, a quarter-sized, 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 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/.
TRAVEL + LEISURE NAMES VIKING THE #1 OCEAN LINE AND THE #1 RIVER LINE IN 2022 “WORLD’S BEST” AWARDS
Viking is Also Rated #1 for Both Rivers and Oceans by Condé Nast TravelerBecoming the First Cruise Line Ever to Simultaneously Earn #1 in its Categories from Both Publications
Los Angeles (July 12, 2022) – Travel + Leisure readers have voted Viking® (www.viking.com) first in its categories in the 2022 World’s Best Awards, which were announced today by the publication. Viking was named the #1 Ocean Line for ships with 300 to 799 cabins and the #1 River Line, making it the first cruise line ever to top both categories in the same year. Viking is also rated #1 for both rivers and oceans by Condé Nast Traveler; no other cruise line has simultaneously earned #1 in its categories from both publications.
Since 1995, Travel + Leisure, the largest travel magazine brand in the U.S., has invited readers to cast their vote for the World’s Best in cruising with considerations in the following features: cabins/facilities, food, service itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities and value. Viking will also be featured in the magazine’s World’s Best issue, which will be on newsstands in July; the full results of the 27th annual awards can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best.
“Thank you to the readers of Travel + Leisure for voting us first in these prestigious awards. We are proud to be named the world’s #1 for both oceans and rivers. To be the first line ever to receive both awards in the same year is a very special honor. This achievement is the result of the hard work our Viking team members have put in over the last 25 years,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “In my view, it is now time to work even harder. They say that when you reach the top, there is only one way to go – at Viking, we say that way is onwards.”
Today’s announcement follows a year of significant milestones as Viking celebrates its 25th anniversary. In January, the company launched Viking Expeditionsand the first of two purpose-built expedition vessels, the Viking Octantis®, which is currently sailing its inaugural season in the Great Lakes. In the spring, the company also welcomed eight new Viking Longships® and a new ocean ship, the Viking Mars®. By the end of the year, Viking will have also welcomed a second identical expedition ship, the Viking Polaris®, and another identical ocean ship, the Viking Neptune®, as well as new purpose-built vessels for the Nile, Mekong, and Mississippi Rivers.
My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion
CARNIVAL LUMINOSA SIGN-UP PAGE NOW ACTIVE FOR GUESTS TO BECOME FIRST-TO-KNOW SHIP NEWS
Carnival Luminosa Ship Rendering
As of today, Carnival Cruise Line fans can register to be the “first to know” about Carnival Luminosa’s itineraries and special sale promotions at www.carnival.com/carnivalluminosa.
Costa Luminosa will join the Carnival fleet in September and will start guest operations as Carnival Luminosa™ in November 2022 from Brisbane, Australia.
Carnival Luminosa will operate seasonally from October through April from Brisbane, then reposition to Seattle, where it will sail Alaska itineraries from May through September, before returning to Brisbane.
Cruises out of Brisbane will be announced shortly, and Carnival will sail a variety of itineraries that will initially include visits to Australian favorites such as the Great Barrier Reef and Airlie Beach, and, as destinations open over time, ports of call such as Noumea and Lifou Isle in New Caledonia, Port Vila and Mystery Island in Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
Luminosa is a sister ship to the four other popular Spirit class ships that already sail for Carnival. Given the short timeline to get Carnival Luminosa ready for service, the ship will go through some modest updates to change over from Costa to Carnival over the next few months ahead of the November service start-up.
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.
Princess Cruises Named Best Cruise Line for Alaska Sailings as Part of 2022 TravelAge West WAVE Awards
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (July 6, 2022) – Princess Cruises was honored with the 2022 WAVE Award in the category of Best Cruise Line for Alaska Sailings for the third time on June 9 in Marina del Rey, California as part of the TravelAge West WAVE (Western Advisor’s Votes of Excellence) Awards.
As part of the WAVE Awards, readers of TravelAge West recognized companies, individuals and destinations in categories that spanned the cruise, tour operator, airline, hotel and resort, destination, rail vacation and travel insurance travel fields. The annual awards give travel advisors in the Western U.S. the opportunity to recognize the outstanding qualities and services of their travel supplier partners.
Princess Cruises’ 2022 and 2023 Alaska seasons include six MedallionClass ships, with Discovery Princess – the newest ship in the Princess fleet – marking her inaugural season as the youngest ship in Alaska this year. Four west coast home ports – Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., Anchorage (Whittier) and San Francisco – make traveling to Alaska convenient.
The 2023 Alaska cruises and cruisetours season includes 145 departures, 14 unique itineraries and five glacier viewing experiences. These offerings include Voyage of the Glaciers, which gives guests the chance to experience Alaska’s top-two attractions – Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park – by choosing from 24 cruisetour itineraries, ranging from three to 10 nights on land, before or after the cruise.
Princess continues to enhance the award-winning North to Alaska program, bringing local Alaskans, culture, and fresh seafood on board and ashore to immerse guests in all things Alaska. From Cook My Catch to Puppies in the Piazza, to mountain climbers, new offerings for 2022 include:
“Wild for Alaska Seafood” - this industry-first, location-based seafood initiative features an extensive menu rotation of fresh Alaska seafood dishes, along with destination-inspired cocktails including flights of Alaska spirits sourced from local distilleries—inventive cocktails such as “Creamy Cinnamon Moonshine,” “Glacial chilled Martinis,” and hand-picked, premium wine pairings to go with Alaska seafood dishes.
Professor Amy Butcher - award-winning author of “Mothertrucker: Finding Joy on the Loneliest Highway in America” and featured on NPR, BBC and in the Washington Post. Butcher will share her story of how she found meaning, strength and friendship when she joined the nation’s only female ice road trucker through the Alaska wilderness.
Tom Kizzia - renowned Alaskan author, and journalist, including “Pilgrim’s Wilderness – A True Story of Faith and Madness on the Alaska Frontier.” His work has appeared in The New Yorker, New York Times, and Los Angeles Times. Kizzia reveals his passion for the Great Land through his local experiences as a reporter for the Anchorage Daily News and resident of Homer, Alaska.
TravelAge West will feature WAVE Awards coverage in the July 11 issue.
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/.
American Queen Voyages™ Premieres “The Field of Dreams Experience” on Upper Mississippi River Voyages
American Queen Voyages™ Premieres “The Field of Dreams Experience” on Upper Mississippi River Voyages
American Queen Voyages
photo credit: Travel Dubuque
Fort Lauderdale, FL (July 5, 2022) – American Queen Voyages™, part of the Hornblower® Group, is now offering an extraordinary experience on its Upper Mississippi River sailings that’s certain to be a home run for sports fans and movie buffs alike. The new Field of Dreams Experience premium shore excursion is available beginning with the American Countess® arrival in the Iowa port of Dubuque on July 22, 2022. Starring the iconic baseball diamond in nearby Dyersville, made famous by the 1989 film starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones and the late Ray Liotta, the Field of Dreams Experience is available on eight, nine-day voyages between St. Louis (Alton) and Minneapolis (Red Wing) through October 2022. Additional ports include Hannibal, MO; Bettendorf, IA; La Crosse, WI; and Burlington, IA.
“Our guests always enjoy strolling in the footsteps of Mark Twain’s classic characters in Hannibal and spotting bald eagles near Red Wing,” said Isis Ruiz, chief commercial officer, American Queen Voyages. “Adding the Field of Dreams Experience premium excursion in Dubuque promises to create even more memorable moments on this popular Upper Mississippi River itinerary.”
Upon docking in the city of Dubuque, where much of the movie was filmed, a local guide will point out many iconic locations from Field of Dreams, including the local elementary school, University of Dubuque, and Central Avenue, which was transformed into Boston for the film. Departing the city with countryside views of cornfields and farmlands weaving through the Iowa bluffs, guests will arrive at the “If You Built It” exhibit to explore the story that inspired the film and view behind-the-scenes photos that delve into the making of Field of Dreams.
At the actual Field of Dreams baseball diamond and farm from the film, guests may walk the bases like Shoeless Joe Jackson, emerge from the corn and take a break on the bleachers for an Instagram moment. The Field of Dreams Experience is available on Upper Mississippi River itineraries of the American Queen®, American Duchess® and American Countess® between St. Louis (Alton) and Minneapolis (Red Wing) embarking July 18, 30, Aug. 28, Sept. 10, 11, 24, 26 and Oct. 16, 2022.
“Dubuque has played an important part in the rich history of riverboating in the U.S. and we are proud to be hosting American Queen Voyages’ paddlewheelers this season,” said Keith Rahe, president and CEO, Travel Dubuque. “A visit to Field of Dreams adds even more to the experience for American Queen Voyages guests, and we look forward to welcoming the fleet starting with the American Countess on July 22.”
To recreate the ballpark dining experience at home for the upcoming Field of Dreams game with the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 11, American Queen Voyages Culinary Ambassador, Chef Regina Charboneau, is sharing a pair of special hot dogs celebrating the two cities with the recipe found at blog link.
The Field of Dreams Experience premium shore excursion is $99 per person. Independence Day Sale fares from $1,350 per guest are available on nine-day voyages between St. Louis (Alton) and Minneapolis (Red Wing) when booked by July 14, by contacting a travel professional, 833-598-0119 or visit www.AQVoyages.com.
My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion
Innovative New Stateroom Entry Experience, Princess Prizes, Rolling Out Fleetwide Offering Guests Chance to Win Host of Prizes, Including $100,000 in Cash
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (July 5, 2022) – Princess Prizes – a first-of-its-kind experience that turns every stateroom entry into a chance to win a variety of prizes, including $100,000 in cash – is rolling out across the Princess Cruises fleet following a highly successful pilot on Caribbean Princess.
The way Princess Prizes works is simple - every time an adult guest accesses their stateroom using their Medallion, they have the chance to win a prize including shipboard credits, wine tastings, Chef’s Table dinners and even free cruises for two for the next decade. Additionally, guests can enter an end-of-cruise drawing awarding at least $5,000 every voyage.
“Princess Prizes takes our guests’ MedallionClass experience to the next level, providing them with a fun way to win prizes simply by entering their stateroom,” said Princess President John Padgett. “At Princess, we’re always aiming to provide our guests with unique experiences they can’t have anywhere else and Princess Prizes is just the latest example of how we can leverage MedallionClass technology in new and exciting ways.”
Princess Prizes was introduced on Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess in Alaska this past weekend with an additional 10 ships coming online between now and the end of the month. The rollout schedule is as follows:
Grand Princess – July 6
Crown Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess – July 9
Regal Princess – July 16
Emerald Princess – July 20
Enchanted Princess – July 22
Sky Princess – July 23
Coral Princess, Island Princess – July 29
Princess Prizes is part of the recently launched Princess Premier, the line’s premium add-on that includes unlimited WiFi for four devices, a top-shelf beverage package, specialty dining, photos, and daily crew appreciation at one all-inclusive price.
Princess Prizes also takes full advantage of Princess’ exclusive MedallionClass experience which begins with the Medallion™ wearable, a quarter-sized, 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.
More 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 www.princess.com.
Windstar Cruises Hires Vice President-Legal & Assistant General Counsel Based in Miami
MIAMI, FL, July 5, 2022 -- U.S. headquartered Windstar Cruises has hired Lyall Duncan as Vice President-Legal & Assistant General Counsel. He is the line’s first in-house legal counsel dedicated solely to Windstar Cruises and will be based out of the luxury cruise line’s new headquarters in Miami.
Lyall Duncan moves to Windstar Cruises after serving as in-house counsel for several cruise lines as well as founding his own private firm. Duncan has served as General Counsel for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection; VP & General Counsel for Crystal Cruises; Associate General Counsel for Royal Caribbean; as well as Legal Counsel at Seadream Yacht Club.
“We feel very fortunate to have Lyall join the company as we establish Windstar in Miami,” said Windstar and Xanterra Travel Collection’s Chief Legal Officer Kirk Anderson. “Lyall’s breadth and depth of legal experience in the industry will be invaluable as we continue to build Windstar’s legacy as the leader in yacht-style cruising.”
Duncan earned a JD from C.U.N.Y. School of Law in New York and has a B.A. from St Louis University. He is licensed to practice law in New York and Florida, and he’s a longtime member of various maritime bars.
For more details on Windstar Cruises, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion
Windstar Cruises Celebrates New Miami Office
Above: Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog, TYPOE and Founder of The Fountainhead Residency Kathryn Mikesell in front of the mural
Fountainhead Artist TYPOE’S Mural Unveiled in HQ Office Yesterday
MIAMI, FL, JUNE 30, 2022 – Windstar Cruises celebrated its new headquarters office in Doral, Miami with a party yesterday. The line moved its office across the country from Seattle, WA, where it had been previously headquartered.
The small ship cruise line marked its official relocation to Miami at its new office at 8400 NW 36th St. (Suite 520) with a grand opening ceremony followed by an open house. Local businesses, partners, vendors, media, and government officials were in attendance.
“We are all so excited to open our new headquarters of Windstar Cruises here in Miami, the center of the universe in cruising,” said Windstar Cruises’ President Christopher Prelog. “This new location allows us to collaborate closely with our vendors, partners, travel agents, and fleet. The location here in Doral is perfect for Windstar.”
Allison Matherly & Jeffrey Noble - Photo credit: @WorldRedEye
Prelog said a Miami office is beneficial for building industry relationships and attracting new talent. It also enables operations employees in Miami to be closer to the line’s ships and crew as they pass through Florida and shorten flight times to the ships in Europe and the Caribbean.
Guests enjoyed food, drinks, entertainment, and the much-anticipated unveiling of the office mural created by Fountainhead Arts-commissioned artist TYPOE. Windstar has partnered with Fountainhead Arts, a Miami-based arts organization dedicated to elevating and supporting artists, to commission local artists to paint murals on each of the three Star Plus Class yachts, in addition to the office mural. Guests at the party also had the chance to meet James Beard Foundation Chef Jennifer Hill Booker, who recently sailed with Windstar on a culinary cruise as the guest chef. Windstar is the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation and has a series of culinary sailings and other special dishes + programming on board.
For more information on Windstar Cruises, visit www.windstarcruises.com
My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE SELECTS FAN FAVORITES TO LEAD THE FUN ABOARD CARNIVAL CELEBRATION
Lee Mason Named New Ship’s Cruise Director, Calvyn Martens to Serve as Entertainment Director
Carnival Celebration will offer a long list of highly anticipated features taking cruise vacations to the next level, from her BOLT rollercoaster to her uniquenew zones and dining venues, and now guests have two more reasons to be excited about the next new ship from Carnival Cruise Line: Lee Mason as Carnival Celebration’s cruise director and Calvyn Martens as the ship’s entertainment director.
Mason and Martens are both popular with Carnival guests and bring a combined quarter-century of Carnival fun and experience to lead the team responsible for the cruise line’s quintessential atmosphere, activities and entertainment aboard its new ship.
“Not only will Carnival Celebration arrive as the ship marking our 50th birthday, but it will build upon the stellar entertainment offerings which our guests have already come to love since the debut of Mardi Gras. Lee and Calvyn are the perfect team to take on this responsibility and help our guests make great memories while having lots of fun,” said Chris Nelson, Carnival’s vice president of entertainment.
Mason, currently serving as cruise director on Mardi Gras, is from Cumbria, England, and has served as cruise director on several ships across Carnival’s fleet over the past six years, including the return to service of Carnival Panorama in Long Beach. Having trained at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City, Mason’s talent for showmanship is matched only by his boundless energy and love for life. His proudest achievement to date is helping to set Carnival Splendor’s $40,000 St. Jude fundraising record.
Martens, from Vancouver, Canada, has been entertaining Carnival guests for nearly 20 years, having joined the company as part of the team on Carnival Holiday. He has helped bring to life much of the entertainment programming Carnival fans enjoy today and is a mentor to many entertainers across the fleet. Calvyn’s Carnival journey has had many highlights, but some of his fondest memories include being selected as part of the inaugural team for Carnival Magic and Carnival Breeze, leading the Carnival Legend for its inaugural Baltic season, becoming known to guests as the “Morning Show” co-host and serving as Executive Assistant to John Heald, Carnival’s brand ambassador.
Carnival Celebration is part of the cruise line’s new Excel-class and the sister ship to Mardi Gras, which entered service last year as the first ship in North America to run on an Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system. Carnival Corp. pioneered the introduction of LNG fuel in the passenger cruise sector as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and emissions reduction.
Carnival Celebration will arrive to its homeport, Miami, in November and will debut along with the redesigned Terminal F at PortMiami. The new terminal will be among the first at PortMiami to be shore-power ready in 2023.
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.