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Carnival Cruises / YOUNG CRUISERS ON CARNIVAL THIS SUMMER ARE PART OF DR. SEUSS’S WORD CHALLENGE

« Last post by Manuela on August 06, 2018, 12:51:01 AM »

YOUNG CRUISERS ON CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE THIS SUMMER READ AN ASTONISHING 213 MILLION DR. SEUSS WORDS AS PART OF DR. SEUSS’S WORD CHALLENGE ABOARD ALL 26 SHIPS

Part of Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books first-ever Dr. Seuss’s Word Challenge, Carnival’s Fleetwide Program Highlighted by Read-A-Louds by Sports Stars in New Orleans, LA and Long Beach, CA

MIAMI (August 1, 2018) – As part of Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books Dr. Seuss’s Word Challenge to promote literacy, kids sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Line this summer read an astonishing 213 million Dr. Seuss words through fun, educational activities across the line’s 26-ship fleet, helping to surpass the goal of 100 million Dr. Seuss words read during the campaign.   

Events were highlighted by book readings to local children by New Orleans Saints tight end Ben Watson aboard Carnival Triumph in New Orleans and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kike Hernandez in Long Beach. Donning Dr. Seuss’ signature striped hat, Watson and Hernandez gave spirited readings of the new Dr. Seuss classic “What Pet Should I Get?” while extolling the benefits of reading to hundreds of kids from local summer camps and social service organizations.

Young cruisers sailing on Carnival ships in June and July were also encouraged to read as many Dr. Seuss words as possible during summertime book reading sessions on board and then log their words and monitor their progress using a word tracker on Seussville.com. Children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee – one of Carnival’s favorite charitable partners – also participated and were treated to a special reading of “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” by hospital survivors.

All those who registered and entered their Dr. Seuss word count at Seussville.com before July 31 were also eligible to win a free Carnival cruise.

Dr. Seuss’s Word Challenge is part of Seuss at Sea, Carnival’s exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises that showcases the wonderful words and world of the famous children’s author through family-oriented entertainment, youth activities and dining experiences. Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books launched the first-ever Dr. Seuss’s Word Challenge on May 29. Readers responded so quickly to the campaign and original goal of reading 20 million Dr. Seuss words that the goal was increased and expanded it to an incredible 100 million word goal.

“Carnival Cruise Line is the leader in family cruising carrying more than 800,000 kids a year and we’re very proud to be the Official Seagoing Partner of Dr. Seuss’s Word Challenge which serves to reinforce the importance of reading – even on vacation – in a fun and creative way,” said Caroline Lombardi, director of youth programming for Carnival Cruise Line.

Added Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, “Our Dr. Seuss’s Word Challenge was one of our most successful literacy promotion programs ever and hats off to the kids of Carnival Cruise Line for doing their part and helping us surpass our goal by reading an amazing 213 million words at sea.”

Launched in 2014, Seuss at Sea has become one of the most popular children’s program in the travel industry and includes such fun activities as The Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in the Hat and Friends and the Seuss-a-Palooza Parade and Story Time, as well as character interactions, Dr. Seuss toys and games, and popular movies shown on board.

Dr. Seuss Bookville, a vibrant and colorful family reading venue, is also featured on select ships, including the new Carnival Horizon which debuted this year and also offers the first-ever Dr. Seuss water park at sea.

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Carnival Cruises / CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES MAJOR DRY DOCK MAKEOVER FOR CARNIVAL TRIUMPH

« Last post by Manuela on August 06, 2018, 12:43:45 AM »

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES MAJOR DRY DOCK MAKEOVER FOR CARNIVAL TRIUMPH, LEADING TO RENAMING AS CARNIVAL SUNRISE

Totally Transformed Ship to Feature Stateroom Enhancements and All of Carnival’s Popular Branded Food, Beverage and Entertainment Innovations

MIAMI, July 31, 2018 – Carnival Cruise Line today revealed plans for a nearly $200 million bow-to-stern makeover for Carnival Triumph in the spring of 2019 that will include renaming the ship to reflect its significant transformation.  The ship will join Carnival’s Sunshine class and will be named Carnival Sunrise after a two-month-long refurbishment that will take place in Cadiz, Spain, starting March 1. The dry dock makeover will add all of Carnival’s wildly popular branded food, beverage and entertainment innovations, as well as update all staterooms in a broad spectrum of new accommodations providing guests fresh and exciting seagoing vacation choices.

Following a renaming ceremony, Carnival Sunrise will re-enter service with a series of five- to seven-day voyages from Norfolk, Va., beginning April 29, 2019, a summer schedule of four- to 14-day departures from New York commencing May 23, 2019, then move to Fort Lauderdale in October.

 “The introduction of Carnival Sunrise will provide our guests with an array of exciting dining, bar and entertainment choices. The new Carnival Sunrise is part of our multi-billion-dollar ship enhancement program that is transforming our fleet on an unprecedented scale,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival Sunrise enhancements include the redesign of two luxurious Captain’s Suites adjacent to the navigational bridge offering floor-to-ceiling windows and extended balcony grand suites.  All of the ship’s staterooms will be updated to offer island-inspired interiors with bright colors and soothing pastels inspired by the line’s Caribbean itineraries.  Other new features will include:

Food Glorious Food!

Cucina del Capitano: offering delicious Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in an engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home.
 
JavaBlue Café: this expanded version of the line’s popular coffee bars will offer lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated favorites, as well as “spiked” coffees made with liqueurs, and decadent confections.
 
Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse: a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks, gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts, with impeccable service and understated ambiance.
 
Bonsai Express: the success of the full-service Bonsai Sushi restaurants has spawned this casual spot, featuring a mouth-watering array of sushi, sashimi, rolls and more.
 
The Chef’s Table: a new multi-course dining experience hosted in a special glass-enclosed venue in the forward dining room.
 
Cherry on Top: The “sweetest spot on board,” an expanded Cherry on Top features bulk candy, fanciful gifts, custom apparel and a Carnival Adventures shop.
 
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse: a casual open-air eatery featuring “real deal” BBQ favorites created by Food Network star Guy Fieri.
 
Lido Marketplace: A casual poolside eatery boasting favorites like Seafood Shack offering lobster rolls and other New England-inspired fare; The Deli with sandwiches and paninis; Pizzeria del Capitano serving hand-tossed artisanal-style pies free of charge 24/7, and an expanded Swirls venue with complimentary ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Raising the Bar

RedFrog Pub: Featuring the Caribbean’s best rums and beers – including Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red – enjoyed in a distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West atmosphere.
Piano Bar 88: A new twist on Carnival’s popular piano bar concept that amps up the excitement with themed nights, engaging new décor and spontaneous sing-along fun.
 
Limelight Lounge: Home to the Punchliner Comedy Club featuring a hilarious line-up of comics which later transforms into a sizzling night club where guests can dance the night away.
 
New Multi-Purpose Liquid Lounge: an expansive theater that’s home to captivating daytime and nighttime entertainment, including the line’s high-tech Playlist Productions revues and audience participation favorite Hasbro, The Game Show.
 
Open-Air Fun and Relaxation

SportSquare: A suspended ropes course offering heart-racing views to the sea 150 feet below, basketball court, jogging track, ping pong, foosball, pool tables, and a nine-hole miniature golf course highlight this open-area recreation complex.
 
WaterWorks: Featuring a 203-foot-long AquaTunnel slide and Carnival’s signature 212-foot-long Twister slide along with a 75-gallon PowerDrencher tipping bucket and kiddie area.

Serenity Adult Only Retreat: An adult only oasis offering plush chaise lounges, whirlpools and oversized umbrellas, enhanced by dramatic sea views.
 
Expanded Cloud 9 Spa and More

Cloud 9 Spa:  Designed as the ultimate refuge for rest and relaxation, the health and wellness center offers an elaborate thermal suite, private treatment rooms, and the latest cardio and weight-training equipment.
 
Modern, Spacious Facilities for Kids and Teens: including a new Camp Ocean, a colorful marine-inspired play area designed for kids ages 2-11, along with new spaces for Circle “C” aimed at 12- to 14-year olds and Club O2 geared to those 15-17.
 
The Warehouse:  promising fun for all ages with a variety of the latest video and arcade games.
 
Expanded Retail Spaces:  a mall-style shopping area lined with retail outlets offering fine jewelry, watches, fragrances, and more along with the line’s own branded spaces like Hip Fish and The Carnival Store.
 
“These new dining spaces and features complement many of Carnival’s signature food and beverage outlets that were added during previous renovations, including Guy’s Burger Joint developed in tandem with Guy Fieri,” said Gus Antorcha, Carnival’s chief operating officer, who has led the reimagination of Carnival Sunrise and many other ships in the fleet.  “Carnival’s investments are part of an overall plan that is raising the bar on ship amenities and features, itineraries and offshore excursions that our guests are loving.”

Carnival Sunrise’s Inaugural Season from Norfolk, New York and Fort Lauderdale

Carnival Sunrise’s inaugural schedule from Norfolk kicks off with a seven-day cruise departing the Half Moone Cruise Center visiting Grand Turk, the private island of Half Moon Cay and Freeport departing April 29, 2019.   A pair of five-day voyages departs May 12 and 17, 2019 calling at Nassau and Freeport and three six-day cruises departing May 6, and Oct. 14 and 20, 2019, visiting Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Freeport. 

The ship will then reposition to New York for a series of four- to 14-day voyages beginning May 23, 2019. The program includes four- to eight-day Bermuda cruises, including long weekend sailings to the island departing Thursdays and returning Mondays, along with seven-day fall foliage cruises to New England and the Canadian Maritimes, and two different eight-day Caribbean itineraries with stops at the region’s top destinations.  Several longer voyages will also be offered, including a 10-day exotic eastern Caribbean itinerary and a 14-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal cruise highlighted by local dining and entertainment experiences and unique shipboard enrichment activities.

Carnival Sunrise will then reposition to Fort Lauderdale for four- and five-day cruises beginning Oct. 28, 2019.  Four-day long weekend cruises will call at tropical ports like Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, Grand Turk and Nassau, while five-day cruises will visit Cuba, as well as seaside destinations in The Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Grand Turk.

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Norwegian Cruise Line / Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Announces Efforts to Reduce Single-Use Plastics

« Last post by Manuela on August 06, 2018, 12:36:38 AM »

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Announces Efforts to Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Plastic straws eliminated across all 26 ships in the Company’s fleet

Company’s island destinations, Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye, to eliminate plastic straws by August 2018

Over 50 million plastic straws expected to be eliminated each year across fleet                 

MIAMI, Florida – July 30, 2018 – Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (Norwegian) (NYSE: NCLH), a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, announced the important next step in its efforts to reduce its environmental impact by eliminating single-use plastic straws across its fleet of 26 ships and two island destinations, Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye. The Company anticipates that it will eliminate over 50 million plastic straws each year across its fleet with these changes.

As a member of Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas Alliance®, the Company is actively working towards solutions that will mitigate plastic waste entering the ocean.  The transition away from single-use plastics across the Company’s fleet and island destinations builds upon the Company’s environmental efforts already underway to increase sustainable sourcing, minimize waste to landfills, invest in emerging technologies and reduce CO2 emissions.

“Eliminating single-use plastic straws across our global fleet and island destinations builds on our global environmental program ‘Sail & Sustain’ and further reduces our environmental footprint," said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.  “As a member of the Trash Free Seas Alliance®, we are committed to doing our part to protect the world’s oceans for future generations to enjoy.”

“We commend Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings for this important step to reduce single-use plastics,” said Janis Searles Jones, chief executive officer of Ocean Conservancy. “Plastic straws are just a fraction of the plastic in the ocean, but they are always among the top ten items collected during Ocean Conservancy’s annual International Coastal Cleanup and can be deadly to ocean wildlife, which is why we have long urged our supporters to skip the straw when they can.”

Founded in 2012, the Trash Free Seas Alliance® brings together thought leaders from industry, conservation and academia to create a forum for pragmatic, real-world collaboration focused on the measurable reduction of ocean trash.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ global environmental program, ‘Sail & Sustain’, reflects the Company’s mission of providing truly exceptional cruise vacation experiences for all of its guests while minimizing its impact on the environment.  To learn more about Norwegian’s commitment to environmental stewardship, visit the company’s website at http://www.nclhltd.com/Stewardship.

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Norwegian Cruise Line / NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE PARTNERS WITH GUY HARVEY OCEAN FOUNDATION

« Last post by Manuela on August 06, 2018, 12:32:58 AM »

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE PARTNERS WITH GUY HARVEY OCEAN FOUNDATION TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL CONSERVATION CRUISE

Guy Harvey to set sail on Norwegian Escape for week-long cruise to the Bahamas and Florida

(MIAMI – July 27, 2018) – Norwegian Cruise Line is partnering with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) and Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Guy Harvey Research Institute to host the second annual ocean conservation-themed cruise on Norwegian Escape this fall.

Departing October 21 from New York, guests who sail on this unforgettable cruise will experience a week full of opportunities to meet Guy Harvey, world-renowned marine artist, scientist, conservationist, entrepreneur and hull artist of Norwegian Escape, as he hosts specially-planned events about ocean conservation.

“We’re honored to continue our relationship with Guy Harvey, as one of the leaders in conservation education, and to further showcase the importance of preserving the beauty and well-being of marine life for future generations to enjoy,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “His passion for the ocean is inspiring and extends beyond his canvases. We’re thrilled to be partnering with him and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation once again on this special cruise on Norwegian Escape.”

Guests will learn about the GHOF’s efforts to conserve the ocean environment and hear from a panel of marine life experts and scientists from NSU about the importance of continued support for cleaner and safer waters through conservation and sustainability efforts.  They will also learn about how Guy Harvey went from marine biologist to one of the world’s foremost marine wildlife artists during live painting sessions.

At each port of call, Guy Harvey and the team of experts will lead interactive presentations at local schools, educating children on a variety of marine life and ocean conservation topics with the ultimate goal of inspiring environmental awareness for the future of our oceans.

Featuring Guy Harvey’s spectacular marine life artwork on her hull, Norwegian Escape is the first of the Breakaway-Plus class, the most successful class of ship in Norwegian’s history, and the largest ship in the fleet, by guest capacity.  The conservation cruise will depart from New York on October 21 with calls to Port Canaveral; Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas; and Nassau.

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Celebrity Cruise Line / A CUT ABOVE: CELEBRITY APEX BEGINS HER JOURNEY TO THE TOP

« Last post by Manuela on August 06, 2018, 12:28:50 AM »

A CUT ABOVE: CELEBRITY APEX BEGINS HER JOURNEY TO THE TOP

Launching construction on the next industry-changing ship in its Edge series, Celebrity Cruises pushes modern luxury travel to even greater heights.

SAINT-NAZAIRE, FRANCE – July 23, 2018 – Celebrity Cruises is poised to transform the way modern travelers experience the world – all over again – as the first piece of steel is cut on its newest ship, Celebrity Apex, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard (formerly STX France) in Saint-Nazaire, France. When completed, Celebrity Apex will take her place as the height of modern luxury, so its name couldn’t be more apt. The second ship in Celebrity’s revolutionary Edge series, Celebrity Apex comes right in the wake of the industry’s most anticipated new ship, Celebrity Edge.

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises, who attended the ceremony accompanied by her leadership team, said: “Welcoming Celebrity Apex into our family with the leadership team was a very special moment, especially when we all signed the ship silhouette cut from the first piece of steel.”

Lutoff-Perlo added: “We are so grateful for our partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique and are thrilled to work on another very special ship together. The success and momentum for Celebrity Edge has been incredible, and with Celebrity Apex we will yet again show how we are taking our brand to the next level. We are offering our guests the best way to experience the world in modern luxury style.”

Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, said: “We are proud to celebrate the launch of another incredible Edge Class ship with Celebrity Cruises. The brand is known for many industry firsts so it’s fitting that Celebrity Apex is the first to participate in a steel cutting ceremony under our new name Chantiers de l’Atlantique, another milestone of the great partnership we have built together.”

Celebrity Apex is expected to make her debut in spring 2020, with the third and fourth Edge series ships arriving in Fall 2021 and Fall 2022, respectively.

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Carnival Cruises / CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC DECLARES DIVIDEND

« Last post by Manuela on August 06, 2018, 12:24:52 AM »

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC DECLARES DIVIDEND

MIAMI (July 19, 2018) – Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) today announced that has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share.

The company’s boards of directors approved a record date for the quarterly dividend of August 24, 2018, and a payment date of September 14, 2018.

Holders of Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ADSs will receive the dividend payable in U.S. dollars. The dividend for Carnival plc ordinary shares will be payable in U.S. dollars or sterling. In the absence of instructions or elections to the contrary, holders of Carnival plc ordinary shares will automatically receive the dividend in sterling.

Dividends payable in sterling will be converted from U.S. dollars at the exchange rate quoted by Bloomberg (BFIX) at 12 noon London time on September 4, 2018. Holders of Carnival plc ordinary shares wishing to receive their dividend in U.S. dollars or participate in the Carnival plc Dividend Reinvestment Plan must elect to do so by August 24, 2018.

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Norwegian Cruise Line / Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Enhancements to 2019 and 2020 Itineraries

« Last post by Manuela on August 06, 2018, 12:21:46 AM »

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Enhancements to 2019 and 2020 Itineraries to Meet Strong Demand in Highly Sought After Destinations

Norwegian Joy, sister ship to Norwegian Bliss, to sail to Alaska beginning spring 2019

Norwegian Pearl, Jewel and Jade to expand offerings in Europe and Australasia in 2019

Norwegian Spirit to cruise seasonally in China in summer 2020

MIAMI, Florida – July 18, 2018 – Norwegian Cruise Line today announced enhancements to its 2019 and 2020 itineraries to leverage the strong global demand environment in highly sought after destinations.

Norwegian Joy will join sister ship Norwegian Bliss sailing seasonally in Alaska in summer 2019 and will offer Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal voyages in winter 2019/2020.  Norwegian Pearl will sail to Europe as the cruise line’s sixth ship in the region in summer 2019, while Norwegian Jade and Jewel will significantly expand Norwegian’s presence in Australasia in winter 2019/2020.  Maintaining Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to serving the Chinese cruise market, Norwegian Spirit will sail seasonally in China beginning summer 2020.

“The booming demand environment in our core markets around the world, coupled with Norwegian Bliss’ record-breaking performance, continue to exceed our expectations,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.  “As a result, we are leveraging the strategic benefits of our growing fleet to quickly seize sizable opportunities in over performing, unserved and underserved markets to meet the demands of our global customer base and drive higher returns for our shareholders.”

Norwegian Joy to Sail Year-Round on the West Coast of the United States

Seasonal offerings to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera and the Panama Canal

In April 2019, Norwegian Joy will reposition to Seattle to offer seven-day voyages to Alaska, replacing Norwegian Pearl as Norwegian Cruise Line’s third ship in the region, joining Norwegian Bliss and Jewel.  Prior to her arrival in Seattle, Norwegian Joy will undergo approximately $50 million in upgrades to enhance her already popular features and bring her designs and offerings to be virtually identical to those of her sister ship, Norwegian Bliss, the newest and most successful ship in the line’s 51-year history. To complement Norwegian Bliss’ itineraries and provide guests with more places to explore and experience the natural beauty of Alaska, Norwegian Joy will cruise a variety of itineraries featuring Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Holkham Bay and Icy Strait Point, long recognized for its untouched wilderness, rich culture and fresh seafood. She will also call into Victoria, British Columbia.

“Norwegian Cruise Line expanded the Alaska cruise experience as the first line to sail to the state from Seattle over 24 years ago,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.  “I am extremely excited to further strengthen our presence in the region with the addition of Norwegian Joy, sister ship to Norwegian Bliss, the most successful ship in our 51-year history.  With $50 million in enhancements including the addition of a Starbucks® store as well as enhanced restaurant, bar and entertainment options, Norwegian Joy will be a welcome addition for guests looking to cruise on a world-class ship in one of the world’s most sought after destinations.”

He continued, “On these sister ships, guests will experience incredible ocean and glacier views from our stunning observation lounges and they’ll have access to the best-of-the-best at sea with entertainment options including Norwegian Joy’s Galaxy Pavilion, which features thrilling simulator rides and interactive video walls, as well as our race tracks and laser tag arenas, available on both ships.”

Following her inaugural Alaska season, Norwegian Joy will sail to Los Angeles for a season of Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal voyages in winter 2019/2020.This move will mark a turning point in the historically underserved winter cruise market on the West Coast of the United States with the arrival of a premier, state-of-the-art cruise ship.

Norwegian Pearl to Offer New Itineraries in Europe

As Norwegian Joy enters the Alaska market in summer 2019, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Pearl will deploy to Europe, further strengthening the line’s seasonal European deployment to six ships. She will offer new and varied itineraries from Amsterdam, a strategic pre-and-post cruise port where guests will have easy access to the heart of the city as well as Europe’s third largest and fastest growing airport. Norwegian Pearl will also embark on a variety of Mediterranean sailings from Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona, and Venice.

Norwegian Jewel and Jade to Deploy to Australia and Asia

Norwegian Joy’s seasonal sailings in Los Angeles in winter 2019/2020 allows for Norwegian Jewel, which will be refurbished this fall, to return to Australia/New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific for a third year of seasonal cruises from Honolulu, Papeete, Sydney, Auckland, Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo (Yokohama).

Building even further on the line’s presence in the region, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Jade will offer a season of sailings throughout Southeast Asia departing from Singapore and Hong Kong in winter 2019/2020.  Port of call highlights include high demand locations such as Phuket, Langkawi, Penang, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) and Ha Long Bay. In addition, Norwegian Jade will offer several unique itineraries through the Suez Canal and Indian Ocean featuring calls in Greece, Israel, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Maldives, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. 

The deployment of Norwegian Jewel and Jade to the region is aimed to take full advantage of the flourishing source market in Australia, which remains the world’s highest-penetrated cruise market and one of its most desirable destinations.

Revitalized Norwegian Spirit to Serve China Market Seasonally Beginning Summer 2020

Norwegian Cruise Line remains committed to serving the Chinese cruise market and will deploy the 2,000 passenger Norwegian Spirit seasonally to the region beginning in summer 2020.  Prior to her arrival, Norwegian Spirit will undergo a previously scheduled bow-to-stern revitalization as the final ship to undergo enhancements under the Norwegian Edge® fleet refurbishment program.  In February 2020 her journey from Europe to Asia will feature several exclusive sailings with new calls for Norwegian Cruise Line including South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles and Maldives.

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Disney Cruise Line / A Magical Winter Holiday Awaits Aboard Disney Cruise Line

« Last post by Manuela on August 06, 2018, 12:14:15 AM »

A Magical Winter Holiday Awaits Aboard Disney Cruise Line

CELEBRATION, Fla. (July 17, 2018) – This year, unwrap a holiday adventure for the whole family: a cruise aboard the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy, all decked out with holiday cheer.

Starting early November, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to each ship during Very Merrytime Cruises, with traditional “turkey day” fanfare, Christmas feasts, “snow flurries” and more. During these voyages, special stem-to-stern holiday events include:

“Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic” in the atrium lobby on the first night of the cruise, where Disney characters lead holiday carols and the lighting of the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
“Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball” in the atrium lobby, where Disney cruisers welcome the guests of honor, Santa and Mrs. Claus, with a grand celebration featuring Broadway-style entertainment, favorite Disney characters and classic holiday tunes. This evening of enchantment is made complete when a special pair of royal sisters joins the party and causes a flurry of “frozen” fun as a magical snowfall overtakes the atrium.
 
Dickens-inspired carolers, family activities, youth crafts, a tropical holiday deck party and more.

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Celebrity Cruise Line / THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION BRINGS ENTIRE FLEET TO THE EDGE

« Last post by Manuela on August 06, 2018, 12:08:50 AM »

THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION BEGINS: CELEBRITY CRUISES BRINGS ENTIRE FLEET TO THE EDGE

This isn’t a makeover, it’s a $500-million game-changer.

MIAMI – July 17, 2018 – Once again, Celebrity Cruises is set to transform the industry with the unveiling of THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION, a more than $500-million reimagining of the fleet in partnership with more than 500 leading architects, designers, and engineers designed to bring the rest of the brand’s award-winning fleet to the Edge.

“We launched THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION to do one thing – transform the way our guests experience the world. It began with the introduction of the industry-changing Celebrity Edge, and continued with the stunning Celebrity Flora,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “Our dedication to improving the way guests experience the world knows no bounds. We are taking our entire award-winning fleet to the edge and giving people the vacation they truly deserve.”

THE SUITE LIFE JUST GOT SWEETER

Transforming the brand’s award-winning ships gave Celebrity the opportunity to bring its already world-class suite experience on board Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Summit to lavish new heights with the help of visionary designer Kelly Hoppen, MBE. She will also infuse the newly added Reflection Suite and Signature Suites (found today on Celebrity Reflection) to Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, and Celebrity Silhouette, with her signature style – a subtle, coordinated fusion of East meets West, with clean lines, neutral tones, and a warm, inviting opulence.

“This was a new and exciting challenge to recreate something stylish and luxurious yet totally different from the accommodations that I have designed for Celebrity Edge,” said Hoppen. “I wanted to invoke a feeling of timeless luxury that welcomed guests into their own haven. Your bedroom is where you sleep and where you wake, two of the most important times of day, especially when you are on vacation. It was important to create space, harmony and luxury within a home away from home setting and I think we achieved this balance perfectly.”

With Celebrity Edge, the brand introduced an exclusive new sanctuary for all Suite Class guests called The Retreat. And now, Celebrity is bringing its most luxurious experiences fleet-wide. Every ship will offer The Retreat Sundeck and The Retreat Lounge, both strikingly designed by Hoppen. In imagining The Retreat Sundeck, she has created a chic, open-air hideaway with the feel of a high-end resort, where guests can unwind on plush loungers, sip tantalizing cocktails, and savor refreshing treats. At The Retreat Lounge (formerly Michael’s Club), Hoppen has designed a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.

“REVOLUTIONARY” ACCOMMODATIONS

When redesigning the accommodations, every detail was carefully thought through with guest comfort at the front of mind. Celebrity collaborated with renowned international hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) to transform the staterooms on board Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Summit, plus the staterooms and many of the suites on board Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection into a statement about modern luxury.

“Every detail of our staterooms has been elevated, every comfort refined,” said Brian Abel, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Celebrity Cruises. “By the end of THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION the entire fleet will have the same quality, design essence, and consistency of modern luxury, bringing our fleet to the edge.”

All staterooms will feature a fresh, chic design, rivaling the world’s best boutique hotels. They will also be fitted with Celebrity’s eXhale bedding featuring exclusive luxurious cashmere mattresses, RFID locks, pervasive Xcelerate and Bluetooth capabilities.

“REVOLUTIONARY” CULINARY

Celebrity is always looking for new ways to open the world, not only through the places the brand visits, but through globally inspired culinary experience, as well.

Guest-favorite restaurant Qsine will be added across the fleet and completely renovated, now offering the brand’s virtual Le Petit Chef experience, created by the world-famous artists of Skullmapping and presented by TableMation exclusively for Celebrity. Oceanview Café will be redesigned with an open, airy, marketplace-inspired design offering guests island after island of international delicacies, while the already-stunning Main Restaurants will undergo a beautiful redesign, with new textures and new finishes added throughout.

EVERY DETAIL IS BEING TAKEN TO THE EDGE

Even more groundbreaking innovations are on the horizon with THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION, including:

Expansion of the new SEA Thermal Suite – first introduced on Celebrity Edge – to offer an ahh-inspiring array of therapeutic spa experiences at sea
Exclusive new shopping experiences featuring sought-after brands and designers, such as Shinola, John Hardy, and Hublot, plus state-of-the-art digital photo galleries that make browsing vacation memories a snap 

Elevated bars and lounges, including the newly reimagined Passport Bar and an expansion of Celebrity’s popular Gastrobar concept, serving more than 40 craft beers, creative cocktails, and gourmet comfort food 

More exciting upgrades to public venues all throughout each ship, including The Hideaway, Team Earth, The Library, and more 

 
The first “revolutionary” revitalization will take place in 2019, beginning with the iconic Celebrity Millennium, and will continue across the fleet through 2023.

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Panama Canal Transits / Re: Logos Hope WB Jul 30-31

« Last post by Carolyn Jane on July 31, 2018, 12:04:33 AM »

Miraflores





And into a slip in Balboa, where she will be for a month. Such a nice bridge cam, too bad we couldn't see the transit in daytime.