Coronation Celebrations at Sea on board Cunard's Three Queens

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VALENCIA, Calif., May 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard joins the celebration in marking the historic coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort with a range of coronation-themed activities planned on all three of its Queens.

Cunard celebrates the coronation of His Majesty The King onboard all three ships.

From street parties in the majestic Grand Lobby to themed musical performances, films and quizzes, guests on board Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will be able to truly immerse themselves in the regal festivities.

An exclusive Coronation dinner menu has been created for the evening of Saturday, May 6, inspired by King Charles' love of farming, agriculture, game, and organic principles. It features a selection of specially curated dishes showcasing some of his favorite ingredients, to create a meal that perfectly commemorates this auspicious occasion.

Specially designed cocktails will be available to toast Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, including a "Coronation Oath" made with Prosecco, White Vermouth, Grapefruit and Cardamom Bitters and a "Monarch Martini" using Cunard's 3 Queens Gin.

All three ships will be at sea for the big day and will broadcast the ceremony live from Westminster Abbey into the ships' Royal Court Theatres and stateroom TVs. Queen Elizabeth guests will be just starting their nine-night tour of Southern Japan and Taiwan, visiting the stunningly beautiful island of Hualien and the idyllic tropical paradise of Miyakojima, while Queen Victoria will be returning from a 12-night voyage around the Canary Islands.

A brand-new Coronation Celebration voyage was announced earlier this week, with Queen Mary 2 sailing roundtrip from Southampton on May 2 to Cunard's spiritual home port of Liverpool.

Cunard's world-renowned Insights program across the fleet will feature royal commentator Dickie Arbiter, historian Caroline Aston and etiquette expert Grant Harrold.

Each ship will also host a deck walk in honor of The Big Help Out on Monday May 8, to raise money for youth charity The Prince's Trust, a proud partner of Cunard's for the past 15 years since the Queen Consort was named as godmother to Queen Victoria in 2007. This significant milestone will be celebrated on a special British Isles voyage in August. To date, thanks to the generosity of guests, crew and friends, Cunard has raised over $3.37 million for the Trust. The charity helps young people who have faced disadvantage and adversity to build a better future for themselves, through employment, education and enterprise.

Cunard's royal connections date back to August 1861, when Prince Alfred sailed from Halifax to Liverpool on Cunard's SS Arabia. More recently, Cunard is immensely proud that members of the royal family have graced each of the ships in its current fleet.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

About Cunard
Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic, since 1840, celebrating an incredible 183 years of operation. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys for generations, Cunard is world class. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment and outstanding service. From five-star restaurants and in-suite dining to inspiring guest speakers, the library and film screenings, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. Destinations include Europe, the Caribbean, the Far East and Australia.

There are currently three Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria and a fourth ship, Queen Anne, will enter service in 2024. This investment is part of the company's ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc. www.cunard.com (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).  

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SILVER NOVA℠ FLOATS OUT: 12TH SILVERSEA SHIP NEARS COMPLETION AT MEYER WERFT

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Silver Nova℠, the most sustainable ultra-luxury cruise ship ever built, was manoeuvred out of one of the world’s largest enclosed ship construction halls at Meyer Werft on April 28, 2023

(Papenburg – May 2, 2023) Silversea Cruises® and the Meyer Werft shipyard celebrated the float out of the new ship Silver Nova℠ in Papenburg, Germany, on April 28, 2023. After water had filled the drydock, tugboats manoeuvred the vessel from one of the world’s largest enclosed construction halls into the adjacent harbour. Set to become the 12th ship in the leading ultra-luxury cruise line’s fleet when she launches in summer 2023, Silver Nova will be the most environmentally conscious ultra-luxury cruise ship ever built.

Excitement ran high among onlookers at the Meyer Werft shipyard as the construction hall’s doors parted ahead of the ship’s repositioning. In a matter of hours,Silver Nova was positioned alongside the pier in the neighbouring harbour basin, where the fitting out phase will continue. Commemorating the important milestone and in observance of shipbuilding traditions, Captain Cosimo Pontillo welded a special coin to a wall on the pool deck, which will remain visible to the ship’s future guests as a symbol of good luck. Meyer Werft’s skilled craftspeople cleaned the ship’s hull, attached her funnel, and installed her LNG and radar masts. Unique to the Meyer Werft shipyard, Silver Nova’s next journey—scheduled for the end of May—will entail a conveyance of 32km (approximately 20 miles) down the narrow Ems River to the sea.

“With her float out at the Meyer Werft shipyard, anticipation is building among our guests, travel partner community, and the extended Silversea family for the launch of our 12th ship, Silver Nova,” said Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “Silver Nova embodies the vision of our cruise line and the evolution of our fleet. She has been purpose-built for ocean cruising, ushering an evolution of Silversea’s industry-leading, ultra-luxury cruise experience. We at Silversea and the entire Royal Caribbean Group are looking forward to welcoming her to the fleet. 

“Silver Nova is unlike anything we have seen in the luxury cruise industry so far,” said Roberto Bruzzone, SVP Marine Operations, Silversea Cruises. “The float out marks the completion of the first construction phase and we will now focus on installing the ship’s beautiful interiors. As well as being the most sustainable ultra-luxury ship at sea, Silver Nova will introduce our guests to a new level of comfort, with some of the industry’s most spacious accommodations; the largest array of bars, lounges and restaurants of any ultra-luxury ship; and a host of unprecedented innovations for our cruise line.”

“We have reached another important milestone in the construction process with the float out of Silver Nova. This ship is an important step towards green cruising due to its many technological features, as well as high environmental compatibility and energy efficiency. Beyond that, Silver Nova features a particularly innovative interior design,” said Jan Meyer, Managing Director, Meyer Werft.

Currently under construction in Papenburg as the first of two Nova class ships, the 728-guest Silver Nova is set to become the most sustainable ultra-luxury ship ever launched when she joins Silversea’s fleet in summer 2023. Silver Nova will represent the next iteration of Silversea’s unique take on luxury, with the largest choice of bars, restaurants, and lounges in ultra-luxury cruising; some of the most spacious guest suites at sea; and a range of innovative features—including an asymmetrical design and horizontal layout—that are unprecedented for the leading ultra-luxury cruise line.

Find out more information about Silver Nova and view her upcoming voyages:

https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-nova.html

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Oceania Cruises Takes Delivery of and Announces Leadership Team for Newest Ship Vista

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MIAMI, FL, May 1, 2023 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has welcomed its newest ship – Vista. Delivered at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa, Italy, Oceania Cruises’ initial Allura Class ship features several firsts in the realms of dining, accommodation and guest experience. 

This 67,000-ton, 791-foot-long ship is one of the most anticipated new ships to join the global cruise fleet in 2023. The 1,200-guest Vista boasts the most spacious standard staterooms at sea, three brand-new dining concepts and operates with a market-leading service ratio of two staff members for every three guests. She is highly anticipated by brand loyal and new guests alike, with only a few select staterooms available for her inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean. 

Vista builds on Oceania Cruises’ exemplary reputation of destination-rich itineraries with world-class service and The Finest Cuisine at Sea® by offering 11 culinary venues, three of which are new concepts – Ember, a signature restaurant featuring elevated American cuisine; Aquamar Kitchen, which brings wellness offerings to a new level; and The Bakery at Baristas, an expansion of popular coffee bar Baristas, serving freshly baked French and Italian pastries. In addition to an elevated mixology program with innovative specialty cocktails, Vista’s new Broadway-caliber productions feature recognizable songs by some of the world’s most beloved artists and contemporary dance numbers led by “Dancing with the Stars” choreographer Britt Stewart.

“Today we usher in a new era for Oceania Cruises with the delivery of Vista,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “We could not have built such an exceptional ship without the close partnership enjoyed with Fincantieri. We thank each and every person who had a hand in bringing her to life. From the smallest of design details to the largest per capita galley at sea, Vista is a marvel that will be enjoyed by guests for decades to come.”

When constructing Vista, Fincantieri’s key intention was to embody Oceania Cruises’ commitment to luxury and top-of-the-line guest experiences. The innovative ship is a reflection of Fincantieri’s extensive abilities and commitment to quality. 

Vista will be christened on May 8, 2023, in an exclusive glittering ceremony in Valletta, Malta, by her godmother, celebrated Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur and Emmy Award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis. The christening is due to begin at 9 PM CEST, and the event will be livestreamed at 12 PM PDT/3 PM EDT/8 PM BST/9 PM CEST/5 AM AEST (next day) for anyone who wishes to join. The event site and livestream registration can be found here: www.VistaCelebration.com.

After her summer season in the Mediterranean, Vista will sail to Canada and New England before heading south for a series of winter itineraries exploring the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. 

As Oceania Cruises takes delivery, the line announces its leadership team for Vista. The newly appointed shipboard leaders bring widespread experience from longstanding careers in the industry to their new roles leading 800 crew members on the 1,200-guest ship.

Vista Leadership Team

Captain Luca Manzi: Born in Chiavari, just east of Portofino, Italy, Captain Luca Manzi, Vista’s dynamic leader, has always been fascinated by life at sea. He graduated from the Marine Academy and the Navy Academy. With a career spanning over three decades, including serving as a lieutenant in the Italian Navy and commanding cargo ships, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. 

Staff Captain Edgardo Cossu: A native of Sardinia, Italy, Edgardo Cossu was born and raised in the small fishing village of Camogli, known as the “City of a Thousand White Sailing Ships.” Ever since he was a child, he had a passion for the sea, deciding to embark at a young age as a sailor working on small local ferries and private yachts. After graduating maritime nautical school, he began his career sailing around the world working on cargo and cruise ships. 

General Manager Dominique Nicolle: Hailing from Brittany, France, Dominique Nicolle started his career as a trained chef working in high-end restaurants in Germany. In 1994, he entered the cruise industry during which time he has held multiple positions ranging from chef to general manager. 

Executive Chef Frederic Camonin: Born in France, Frederic Camonin has been surrounded by cooking for as long as he can remember, starting with his family’s catering business. Since attending culinary school in Verdun he has myriad experiences to his credit including time spent at French restaurants and brasseries as well as catering. For the past 20 years, he has dedicated his life to traveling the world as a chef at sea, furthering his passion for elevated cuisine. 

Food & Beverage Director Susanna Cahyadi: Susanna Cahyadi was born and raised on a farm in the North West province of South Africa. She completed her studies in hospitality management in Phalaborwa and worked at various private game reserves and lodges before joining Insignia in 2011. She relished her time on board and has expanded her career at sea ever since. 

Cruise Director Paul Baya: Originally from Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, Paul Baya now resides in Coconut Grove (Miami), Florida. He attended Lynchburg College in Virginia on a singing scholarship majoring in communications and minoring in theatre performance. In 1995, days after graduating college, Paul started working on board his very first ship which launched his illustrious career in the industry. 

A full overview of Vista’s 2023 and 2024 itineraries can be found at OceaniaCruises.com. For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA or speak with a professional travel advisor.

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s seven small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,238 guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. The brand has a second 1,200-guest newbuild, Allura, on order for delivery in 2025.  Oceania Cruises is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.

About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is the leading global cruise company that operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With a combined fleet of 30 ships and more than 60,000 berths, NCLH offers itineraries to nearly 500 destinations worldwide. NCLH has seven additional ships scheduled for delivery across its three brands, adding over 19,000 berths to its fleet. To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com

CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER NAMES SILVER ENDEAVOUR & SILVER DAWN IN ITS 2023 “HOT LIST” OF THE BEST NEW CRUISE SHIPS

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Silversea’s Silver Endeavour and Silver Dawn have been named two of The Best New Cruise Ships in Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 27th annual ‘2023 Hot List,’ announced April 27.  

The Hot List is Condé Nast Traveler’s annual collection of the best and hottest travel options for the year. Crafted by the brand’s global team of editors, who visit and vet the entries, this carefully curated list unveils the newest hotels, restaurants, cruises, museums, and transportation around the globe, as well as the destinations that elevate the standards of hospitality through their unique style, ethos, and quality of service.

Here’s what Condé Nast Traveler had to say about Silversea’s winning ships:

Silver Endeavour 

While sipping complimentary champagne in a solarium hot tub, ogle gentoo penguins standing single file atop a turquoise ice floe through two-story glass walls. One by one, they dive into Antarctic waters like some choreographed chorus line in 1930s flicks. Back in your sumptuous suite, celebrate that sighting with caviar, as a tux-clad white-gloved butler stirs a three-olive martini. Next up? A lavish lobster dinner, served here, there—well, everywhere. Just a typical day on the 200-passenger, polar-class expedition ship Silver Endeavour. The ultra-posh, all-inclusive vessel delivers unforgettable journeys; hop a chartered flight landing smackdab in Antarctica, for an adventure before the adventure. Beyond the poles, the ship sails remote lands with a savvy, passionate expedition team leading the way. Expect private yacht-style service with a one-to-one passenger-crew ratio. Swim laps in the indoor heated swimming pool, and absolutely indulge in Otium spa’s 100-minute golden radiance facial and the flakiest teatime scones with double cream in Art’s Cafe. 

Silver Dawn

A plush robe and slippers are status symbols for the passengers gliding aboard the Silver Dawn. After all, this is one of Silversea’s three ships with Otium, the line’s newly imagined wellness concept, which weaves tranquil moments into the entire onboard experience, even beyond its smashing new spa with Roman-style baths. In the rooms, guests can sink into a fig-and-cedar-scented aromatherapy bath as Bach plays softly in the background and candles flicker. Peckish? Your tux-clad magic maker can score you spa-menu favorites, like lobster brioche or truffled popcorn. Culinary venues popular on other Silversea ships—like S.A.L.T. Kitchen and upscale French La Dame—have been expanded here. Coupled with foodie-focused shore excursions that whisk you to beloved local hangouts, they make this vessel a luxury-ship game changer.

Condé Nast Traveler is one of the world’s leading luxury and lifestyle travel magazines, published by Condé Nast. The publication assembles four major travel lists every year: Hot List, Spa Guide, Readers' Choice Awards and The Gold List. 

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

MIAMI’S NEWEST MEGASHIP—MSC WORLD AMERICA—TO USHER IN A NEW WORLD OF CRUISING, NOW AVAILABLE TO BOOK

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  • MSC World America will offer sailings from Miami to the Caribbean starting April 2025

  • MSC Cruises’ second pioneering World-Class ship will feature new experiences and venues tailored to the North American cruise market, including a brand-new family experience – The Harbor

  • The ship will be the cruise line’s third LNG-powered ship and first in North America, exemplifying the brand’s commitment to sustainable technology

Geneva, Switzerland – March 29, 2023 – A new world of cruising is coming to Miami and is now available for booking. MSC Cruises—the world’s third largest and fastest growing cruise brand—opened sales today for MSC World America. The remarkable LNG-powered ship will be the second in the cruise line’s innovative World Class when she launches in April 2025, offering sustainable cruising with new, immersive and unique experiences at sea.

MSC World America will sail from MSC Cruises’ brand new, state-of-the-art terminal at PortMiami, which is set to be the largest cruise terminal in North America once completed. She will exclusively sail 7-night Caribbean itineraries during her inaugural season, giving guests the opportunity to visit some of the most sought-after destinations in the world on a ship designed for worldly and curious travelers.

The ship’s itineraries are designed to maximize time available for guests to fully discover the various ports of call. All sailings will include visits to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve—MSC Cruises’ stunning private destination in The Bahamas.

Available Itineraries:

  • Eastern Caribbean: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, The Bahamas

  • Western Caribbean: Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, The Bahamas

Voyager’s Club members will benefit from their usual exclusive benefits when booking more than 12 months ahead of their departure. This includes a 5% + 5% discount, double membership points for the type of experience chosen and a $50 onboard credit.[1] Members booking by April 12, 2023 will receive an additional onboard credit of $50. [2]

To book a cruise on MSC World America, click here.

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[1] This offer is applicable to Silver, Diamond and Gold Voyagers Club Members

[2] Excluding Welcome Members 

MSC World America will be optimized for North American cruising with new restaurants, bars, public spaces and experiences designed to create a truly memorable cruise vacation. On board, different cultures will come together from around the world as elegant European design meets American comfort.

One of the revolutionary new experiences on board MSC World America will be The Harbor—a brand new outdoor destination designed for kids and families to play and relax together. The new area on deck 20 places all the components of the perfect family experience at sea in one convenient location. The Harbor combines a water park, interactive water features, new thrills, and comfortable areas to relax with delicious food and cool beverages.

The Harbor offers some of the best views of the ocean, alongside adventures like the intricate High Trail course and zip line, sensory play areas for little ones, and the Harbor Lighthouse—a thematic playground kids are sure to love. The Harbor will feature fun food trucks at sea, serving up convenient snacks and refreshments within steps of five new spaces offering plenty of well-shaded seating and stunning sea views.

Ruben Rodriguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said, “MSC World America will be another major milestone in our North American growth story and a fantastic new experience for our guests, whether they’re local or visiting from different parts of the world. Our goal with this ship is to go beyond her long list of features with thoughtful touches that make each guest’s cruise experience unique and memorable. On board, they’ll find the elegant European design that’s a hallmark of our entire fleet, mixed with classic American elements and hospitality. We can’t wait to have our guests experience our next U.S. flagship.”

About MSC World America

MSC World America will create an eye-catching silhouette against the Miami skyline with her signature plumb bow rising vertically from the waterline and Y-shaped aft that opens onto the impressive outdoor World Promenade. The new World Class ship will span 22 decks, measure more than 150 feet wide, feature 2,626 cabins, contain more than 420,000 square feet of public space, and offer top-of-the-line features and facilities, including:

  • A re-imagined outdoor World Promenade, where unique dining, lounging and entertainment options are paired with stunning ocean views and unmatched LED light shows

  • The indoor World Galleria—lined with bars, restaurants, shops and boutiques—topped with a state-of-the-art LED and kinetic light ceiling

  • 13 restaurants:

  • Six specialty restaurants, featuring two NEW concepts alongside guest favorites like Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos and Cantina

  • Four main restaurants serving globally inspired cuisine and familiar American favorites

  • Two buffets offering ample choices for casual dining

  • Luna Park Pizza & Burger: Complimentary casual fast-food spot located next to Luna Park in the World Galleria offering quick snacks around the clock

  • 20 bars and lounges, including:

  • NEW! Sports Bar: New for MSC World America, this warm and inviting venue combines sports memorabilia, technology, and entertainment in a space where guests of all ages will feel welcome. Guests can grab a beer or soft drink and watch the game on one of the many screens while enjoying popular bar food like wings and sliders. Games like darts and foosball will be available, too.

  • NEW! Comedy Club: New for MSC Cruises, the Comedy Club is a place where guests can come to kick back, let loose, and take life a little less seriously. Evenings begin with an interactive and comical dueling pianos experience that friends of all ages can enjoy. The laughter will continue with sets from amazing comedians that will rival some of the best shows in NYC & Chicago.

  • The Gin Project: Offering an extensive choice of craft gins with classic cocktails expertly prepared by gin-tenders.

  • Elixir - Mixology Bar: Expert mixologists creating handcrafted concoctions, featuring an outdoor terrace to enjoy pre- and post-meal cocktails while enjoying spectacular ocean views.

  • Masters of the Sea: MSC Cruises’ classic British pub comes complete with a full-scale micro-brewery making MSC Signature beers on board.

  • Coffee Emporium: A sleek and modern coffee house that is any coffee connoisseur’s dream, offering some of the world’s best coffee beans and a selection of brewing and serving styles including French, Italian, Turkish and Moroccan.

  • Jean-Phillipe Chocolate shop and Café: Offering custom chocolates, coffee and other treats in a relaxed café atmosphere.

  • More NEW concepts on the way!

  • A striking 11-deck-high dry slide made of stainless steel, giving guests a fun way to reach the lower decks in style.

  • Six pools and 14 hot tubs, including a spacious indoor pool with retractable roof and twin adults-only Zen pools at the aft of the ship.

  • Expansive water park with water slides that include a VR experience.

  • Kids Clubs featuring dedicated facilities for age groups ranging from infants to 17 years old.

  • Three entertainment venues with all-new live entertainment and theater shows.

  • Stylish and comfortable staterooms and suites, including Infinite Ocean View cabins, balconies that overlook the outdoor World Promenade and connecting family staterooms.

  • The MSC Yacht Club, featuring spacious suites, dedicated lounge and restaurant, private pool and sun deck facilities, and 24-hour concierge and butler service as well as spacious, luxurious suites.

Commitment to the environment

MSC Cruises is committed to pioneering sustainable technologies and renewable fuels, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. As the third LNG-powered ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet and first based in the U.S., MSC World America will be a key step toward that goal, creating a world where technology meets innovation for a more sustainable cruise experience. LNG is the most sustainable marine fuel currently available at scale, with the ability to nearly eliminate particulate air pollutant emissions like sulfur oxides and fine particles, greatly reduce nitrogen oxides and achieve a greenhouse gas reduction of up to 20%. MSC World America will also feature a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that reduces NOx emissions by 90% when LNG is not available and the ship must run on marine gas oil.

The new ship will also feature systems to maximize efficiency as well as an advanced wastewater treatment system and an underwater radiated noise management system with hull and engine room designs that minimizes acoustic sound impact, reducing potential effects on marine life.

CARNIVAL PRESIDENT CHRISTINE DUFFY AND CHIEF CULINARY OFFICER EMERIL LAGASSE TO WELCOME GUESTS ON CARNIVAL VENEZIA’S FIRST SAILING

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Christine Duffy

Emeril Lagasse

MIAMI, March 29, 2023 – As it prepares for the debut of “Fun Italian Style,” Carnival Cruise Line announced today that its President Christine Duffy and Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse will welcome guests aboard Carnival Venezia’s first sailing departing Barcelona on May 29, 2023, and they will sail for the first part of the cruise.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet and interact with them while experiencing all that Carnival’s new “Fun Italian Style” cruising has to offer. Programming highlights include a Sail Away Party and Captain’s Venetian Toast with Christine and Emeril, guest appearances on The Wave Morning Show, a special Fireside Chat, along with their participation in other events and entertainment.

And of course, it wouldn’t be an Emeril sailing without a special cooking demonstration! Guests will have the opportunity to learn from the pro himself on the sailing’s first sea day. Spaces for the private cooking demonstration can be purchased once on board and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. Proceeds will serve as a fundraiser for Carnival’s charitable partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“We are eagerly awaiting the debut of Carnival Venezia and so we wanted to welcome the ship with ‘BAM’ by having Emeril join me on board as we interact with guests and show off this beautiful ship,” said Duffy. “Together for the first part of Carnival Venezia’s first sailing, we’ll experience Carnival’s signature fun with a new Italian flair, exclusive onboard events and beautiful European destinations – I can’t wait!”

The 15-day Transatlantic Carnival Journeys cruise from Barcelona will stop in Malaga, Spain; Gibraltar; Lisbon, Portugal; Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; and Halifax, NS, Canada on the way to New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal. 

Carnival Venezia will sail year-round from New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal beginning June 15 and offer guests a wide range of sailing options, with 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.

When guests first board Carnival Venezia, they will be immediately surrounded by Italian architectural design both inside and out. The ship’s beautiful atrium is modeled after Venice’s main public square, the Piazza San Marco, whereas the Lido deck draws inspiration from the Italian Riviera with a retractable roof to allow guests to still enjoy the pool year-round.

The ship will introduce many new food and beverage offerings to the Carnival fleet where guests can indulge in the flavors of Italy, including La Strada Grill with classic Italian street food, a Mexitalian fusion restaurant Tomodoro, a similar-to-Alchemy-Bar Amari, and Frizzante, serving a variety of bubbly drinks, from prosecco to spritzes and bellinis, along with Italian beer, authentic Italian coffees and biscotti. 

Carnival Venezia will also feature new Italian-inspired entertainment spaces, such as the Gondola Lounge, designed with the famous Venetian canals in mind, and the Carnevale Bar & Lounge, celebrating the elegance of Venetian masquerades during Carnevale, as well as new activities like the Italian Street Party where Little Italy meets Lido, the Captain’s Venetian Toast, and Italian-inspired youth programming for kids and teens.

The ship will be home to many of the activities and experiences guests enjoy aboard other Carnival ships as well, including Carnival Waterworks, Piano Bar 88, Heroes Tribute Lounge, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki, Guy’s Burger Joint, Cloud 9 Salon & Spa, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, and Dr. Seuss Bookville.

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

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE VOTED BEST OCEAN CRUISE LINE IN USA TODAY’S ‘10BEST’ READERS CHOICE AWARDS

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Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunshine Earn Additional Awards

Carnival Cruise Line was a big winner in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, taking home the top honor of Best Ocean Cruise Line.

“The Best Ocean Cruise Line distinction is outstanding, and all the more so because it’s earned by the votes of USA Today’s readers. We are so grateful to them for choosing fun,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our team members both on board and ashore work diligently to provide excellent experiences for our guests, and to see their efforts being rewarded is phenomenal.”

In addition to the Best Ocean Cruise Line award, Carnival Horizon also earned the top spot of Best Cruise Ship for Dining, and Carnival Sunshine was named Best Mid-Size Cruise Ship.

            USA Today’s editors note, “Carnival caters to families and casual cruisers at an affordable price, with amenities from water parks to glitzy casinos, and live entertainment along with a focus on diverse, casual dining, highlighted by a partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri bringing Guy’s Burger Joint to the fleet.”

Nominations for the 10Best Awards were selected by a panel of cruise industry experts, with voting taking place online by USA Today readers who were asked to rank cruise lines in a variety of product and service-based categories.

The awards come amid an extraordinary period of growth for the cruise line. Carnival just became the first cruise line to sail 100 million guests, ahead of three new ships preparing to deliver more fun over the next 14 months. Carnival Venezia, the cruise line’s first ship to showcase ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style,’ will expand sailings to year-round from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York, starting in June. Carnival Venezia’s sister ship, Carnival Firenze, will begin sailing from Long Beach, Calif., in May 2024, and sailings recently opened for sale. Later this year, Carnival’s next Excel class ship, Carnival Jubilee, will sail from Galveston, Texas.

            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.

Formula 1® Races in Abu Dhabi + Monaco Can Be Accessed Via a Cruise Ship So Small & Nimble It Feels Like Your Own Private Yacht

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MIAMI, FL, March 27, 2023 – Small ship line Windstar Cruises has added a new Formula 1® experience for its guests, this time at the final race of the 2023 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November. The racing excursion is in addition to Windstar’s long-standing themed F1® cruise to the Monaco Grand Prix, with this year’s Rome & Prix du Monde of Monaco slated for May 21-28 aboard Windstar’s flagship: 342-passenger sailing yacht Wind Surf. 

Offered by no other cruise line, the Windstar shore excursion to the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 is available as part of Windstar’s first-ever sailings in the Middle East on board the all-suite, 312-passenger Star Legend. 

During an overnight in Abu Dhabi amidst the inaugural 10-day Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf voyage departing Dubai on November 23, guests will have the option to experience the climactic race of the F1® season on November 25 and 26 with premium grandstand seats for the time trials and the race, transfers to and from Yas Marina Circuit, English-speaking coordinators, and onboard perks like an exclusive cocktail party. Guests will also be joined by F1® Sports Broadcaster Bob Varsha, who will provide insights and expert analysis of the race and drivers. Pricing for the excursion is $1,599, while rates for the cruise are from $2,999 per person. 

Cruising to the Monaco Grand Prix has its origins in the 1990s as Windstar’s first themed cruise and one of the industry’s very first themed cruises (long before cat lovers, bikers, rockers, and other hobby groups made them so ubiquitous). Windstar’s passengers n the Rome & Prix du Monde of Monaco itinerary, which consistently sells out far in advance, all receive race tickets, specifically Section K seats for the time trials and final. The entire cruise is hosted by a Formula 1® racing expert who provides behind-the-scenes insight, and there is also a themed cocktail reception and dinner on board, plus extras like high definition binoculars, comfy seat cushions, and ear protection. Cruise fares are from $7,699 per person, including all Grand Prix programming; 2024 cabins are still available. 

“I’m a huge fan of F1® racing, and with the sport experiencing its highest ratings ever in the U.S., more and more of our Windstar customers are racing fans as well,” explains Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “When we were planning our first-ever sailings in the Middle East, which begin in November, I had hoped a 2023 race date would overlap. And lucky us: our inaugural Middle East voyage aligns with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It’s a green flag for Windstar’s sailing in a new, exciting region and a checkered flag for the 2023 racing season… a perfect fit.”   

For more details on Windstar Cruises, visit www.windstarcruises.com.  

Note: FORMULA 1 and F1 are registered trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV. The use of these marks does not and is not intended to create any affiliation, connection or association with Formula One Licensing BV.

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Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega completes highly successful first Antarctic Season with unique cultural expedition cruise to South Africa

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The iconic cultural expedition cruise pioneer’s second purpose-designed ice-class ship has reached Cape Town, concluding a spectacular Antarctic season visiting new and rarely-visited areas

Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Saturday the 25th of March, Swan Hellenic announced that SH Vega’s closing cruise of the 2022-2023 Antarctic season, which departed Ushuaia on the 5th of March, has reached Cape Town, South Africa, from where she is about to embark on a series of unique cultural expedition cruises of the West Coast of Africa. Her extraordinary 20-day voyage crossed the Drake Passage, explored the South Shetland Islands  the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia. Finally, she then sailed on to Cape Town via Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha, the most remote island in the world, last visited by a ship in 2019.

SH Vega’s first Antarctic Season has seen it take around 1,200 guests on 11 cruises of singularly spectacular regions and locations, including the Falklands, Portal Point, Port Lockroy, the volcanic Deception Island, The Lemaire Channel and the massive A76-A iceberg that’s as big as the Spanish island of Majorca or the US state of Delaware. Capping it all was the technically demanding Gullet passage, which is rarely visited due to the narrowness of the channel, but rewards passengers with an exceptionally exciting navigation experience. Despite some truly challenging weather, the ship’s crew and expedition team managed to complete more than 120 expeditions in almost 5 months, keeping everyone safe in compliance with the company’s rigorous, industry-leading protocols while making their dreams come true. What’s more, over 400 guests ventured on exclusive kayaking expeditions during the season.

The innovations and successes of these cultural expedition cruises have driven fast-growing interest in the resurgent cruise pioneer, with its Instagram followers ballooning from 5,000 to around 30,000 in just 4 months, taking Swan Hellenic’s coverage to 156,000, and profile visits to 160,000. 

 SH Vega’s Antarctic season saw guests discover several new and never-before-visited locations south of the Lemaire Channel. Unforgettable moments on the Peninsula itself included a 2-hour Orca encounter at Useful Island, in which a group of curious Orca lingered and played around the ship, plus a long hike from Whalers Bay up to a stunning viewpoint, completed by over half the guests. One of the cruises was also lucky enough to stop in the middle of a group of over 100 playful humpback whales.

All the cultural expedition cruises saw guests mixing with specialist lecturers and seasoned expedition guides able to offer eye-popping insights into the geography, wildlife and cultures of the places and areas explored. Many guests also participated in leading citizen science programmes, contributing valuable data obtained during their expeditions and on board.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito commented: “We're extremely proud of our guests’ wholehearted appreciation of SH Vega’s first Antarctic cultural expedition cruises. Even in some truly severe weather conditions, including the notoriously challenging Drake Passage, the exceptional seakeeping characteristics of the ship and expertise of the crew meant the comfort of our guests was never compromised and we could take them safely on nearly every planned expedition to see what others don’t, experiencing an average of two a day. Now we look forward to taking our guests to discover unique sites along the West African Coast for the first time in our history. This is the beginning of an exciting new era for adventurers with curious minds.”

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.

Swan Hellenic's purpose-built ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. SH Minerva and SH Vega, two new 5-star Polar Code PC 5 expedition cruise ships with ice-strengthened hulls, launched in December 2021 and July 2022 respectively, each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious suites and staterooms, the majority with large balconies. A slightly larger PC 6 ice-class vessel, SH Diana, accommodating 192 guests in the same distinctive comfort and style in 96 staterooms and suites, will be arriving in May 2023. 

All three 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. 

The crews each include a team of 12 seasoned expedition guides, expert speakers and lecturers, for a total complement of 120 and 140 persons respectively, offering outstanding staff-to-guest ratios to deliver the highest standards of attentive personal service.

Creative and expert partnerships significantly enhance the guest experience. Many of the cruises are also accompanied by world-renowned experts from the SETI Institute, who provide guests with expert insights into the history and latest discoveries in astronomy, astrophysics, astrobiology and planetary science, and the quest to find other forms of life within and beyond our solar system.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf, Monaco, Fort Lauderdale (serving the North American market), Hong Kong (serving Greater China, India and South-East Asia), Sydney (serving Australia-New Zealand) and Copenhagen (serving Scandinavia and Iceland), together with a partnership serving Japan, Swan Hellenic supports the travel trade with local specialist partners to provide customers with expert personal service worldwide.

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

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CARNIVAL FIRENZE OPENS FOR SALE WITH CRUISES FROM LONG BEACH

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Reservations Now Available from May 2024 through April 2025

MIAMI, March 23, 2023 – Carnival Cruise Line today opened reservations for the inaugural season of its next new ship to showcase Carnival Fun Italian Style experiences, Carnival Firenze™, which will begin sailing year-round from Long Beach, Calif. starting in May 2024 through April 2025. View the sailings now open for sale on Carnival.com.

“Carnival Firenze is named after the spectacular city of Florence, Italy. She was designed to evoke the same charm and beauty found in Florence and she’ll also pack in plenty of Carnival fun, which will be brought to life by the friendly and dedicated team members that make cruises across our fleet memorable,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “This truly stunning ship will serve as a great new cruise vacation option from Long Beach, joining Carnival Panorama and Radiance, and offering a range of sailing lengths to Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera.”

The newly available sailings give guests 15 different itinerary options of three to seven-day cruises. Carnival Firenze’s sailings will feature visits to popular Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera destinations. Some of the sailings now open for sale from Long Beach, Calif. include:

  • 5-Day Mexican Riviera Inaugural Cruise departs May 2, 2024, and visits Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico

  • 6-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise, offering several departure options, visits Ensenada and two days in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

  • 7-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise, offering several departure options, visits Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Carnival Firenze will be the second ship to showcase all-new Carnival Fun Italian Style experiences, which will debut with the May 2023 arrival of Carnival Venezia. Carnival Fun Italian Style incorporates Carnival’s signature fun, friendly crew and many familiar venues, plus several new, creative concepts – including Italian-themed restaurants, bars and entertainment – and beautiful, unique architectural designs.

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.