Dec 17

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL OPENS SAILINGS TO CUBA

 

Adventure Seekers Can Now Visit Havana On Empress of the Seas from Miami or Tampa

MIAMI, Dec. 9, 2016 – Salsa music, dominoes, Mojitos and historic Havana neighborhoods are easier to reach than ever before for guests on Royal Caribbean International. The newly revitalized Empress of the Seas will make history for the cruise line with its first visit to Cuba during a 5-night sailing departing Miami on April 19, 2017. The ship will then reposition to Tampa offering two itineraries with calls to Havana on April 30 (7-night sailing) and May 20 (5-night sailing). These Empress of the Seas sailings are now open for sale.

               Empress of the Seas will homeport in Tampa for the 2017 summer season – the cruise line’s first-ever summer program from the destination – offering a series of 4- and 5-night sailings, including port calls to destinations in Cuba. The largest ship to sail to Cuba from the United States, Empress will provide vacationers with the opportunity to discover the timeless sights, sounds and culture of this island nation. Details of the summer itineraries will be released at a later date.

               “Royal Caribbean is the world’s most exciting adventure company, and we’re thrilled to introduce culture-seeking travelers to Cuba. As the unrivaled innovators of the cruise experience, no company is better positioned to help adventurers explore and experience this culturally rich destination,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

               Guests sailing onboard Empress of the Seas and visiting Cuba can enjoy curated people-to-people experiences created to immerse vacationers in the natural beauty of Cuba, its architecture, cuisine, music and art.  All cruises will be designed in accordance with current U.S. to Cuba travel regulations. 

               While in Cuba, guests will explore Old Havana – a UNESCO World Heritage site – some of the city’s most notable squares, historic neighborhoods, a local artisan market, Havana’s rum museum as well as Hemingway’s former residence and favorite haunts. Local experts will immerse guests in the history, culture and people of Cuba. These authentic encounters will give guests an unforgettable taste of what has made Cuba the gem of the Caribbean.

               The authentic experiences aren’t limited to land. The vibrant culture will extend to Empress of the Seas, from cortaditos and café con leche in Café Royal to salsa music, guests will have a range of onboard activities developed to bring the spirit of the island to life during the entire journey. The revitalized Empress will bring the shipboard Cuban flair together with signature amenities, such as a thrilling rock-climbing wall for adrenaline seekers; updated pool and whirlpools; a Vitality Spa with an extensive treatment menu; and a complimentary Adventure Ocean youth program. Empress also will offer a variety of dining options with the casual atmosphere of the Windjammer Café and fine dining at Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse Chops.

               The summer program on Empress of the Seas provides travelers with more opportunities to sample the unique Royal Caribbean experience from Tampa. Two other Royal Caribbean ships, Rhapsody of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas, will offer Caribbean itineraries from the homeport during the winter season. Guests interested in being one of the first to experience Cuba with Royal Caribbean can contact their travel professional, call Royal Caribbean at 1-866-562-7625 or visit RoyalCaribbean.com/Cuba.

 

Dec 17

New 133,500-Ton Vista Class Ship To Join Carnival Cruise Line Fleet In 2019

 

 

MIAMI, Dec. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — A new 133,500-ton cruise ship, which will be the third vessel in the company’s Vista class series, will join the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in late 2019.  The ship, under contract with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, was originally designated for the P&O Cruises Australia brand. In conjunction with this change, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Splendor will be transferred to P&O Cruises Australia in late 2019.

The ship will offer many of Carnival’s most popular guest features, a wide range of accommodation types and a number of new innovations unique to this vessel.  The ship’s name, homeport and itinerary details will be announced at a later date. 

“We are truly thrilled to have another Vista class ship joining our fleet,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Carnival Vista, which was named the best new ship of 2016 in the Cruise Critic Editors Picks awards, has proven to be the most innovative and popular ship we’ve ever introduced. Consumer, travel agent and media reaction to the Vista class design has been extraordinary and we are elated to have two additional ships in this spectacular series now joining our fleet – Carnival Horizon, which is scheduled to be delivered in March 2018, and now a third in 2019.”

Duffy added that the introduction of these ships to the Carnival fleet provides the opportunity to offer the Vista class experience from a variety of homeports in addition to creating exciting new itinerary options across the balance of the Carnival Cruise Line fleet as this additional capacity is integrated into the deployment mix.

Dec 17

Carnival Corporation Earns Perfect Score in Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index

 
World’s largest leisure travel company earns perfect score of 100 and designation for third straight year as 2017 best place to work for LGBTQ equality

MIAMI, Dec. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest leisure travel company, today announced that it has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) with a perfect score in the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), which rates U.S. companies on their treatment of LGBTQ consumers, investors and employees.

This is also the third consecutive year that HRC – the largest LGBTQ civil rights organization in the U.S. – named Carnival Corporation among the top companies and recognized it as a best place to work for LGBTQ equality, acknowledging the company’s efforts to be fully inclusive.

“A perfect score from the HRC is a major achievement and reflects our efforts to promote a positive work environment that respects people from all walks of life,” said Jerry Montgomery, chief human resources officer for Carnival Corporation. “To be recognized by the largest LGBTQ civil rights organization in the country underscores that our commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming company has never been stronger.”

Carnival Corporation’s 2020 sustainability goals include a commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and providing all employees with a positive work environment and opportunities to build a rewarding career to further drive employee engagement.

The company has also shown its support of LGBTQ equality and inclusion through:  

  • Offering welcoming environments with LGBTQ cruises, onboard activities and special events, including hosting the 2015 Director’s Circle Summer Luncheon for the Seattle Men’s and Women’s choruses on Holland America Line;
  • Participating in the Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce coalition to end LGBTQ discrimination in the state’s businesses; and
  • Partnering with equal opportunity champions such as the Human Rights Campaign

“At Carnival Corporation, all of our 10 cruise line brands have unique cultures that reflect the diversity of their employees, guests and suppliers,” said Montgomery. “Our ability to be competitive, foster innovation and thrive globally is in part a result of our diversity and our belief that diversity of thinking plays an important role in our success and passion to provide our guests with great cruise vacations.”

Available online, the CEI has been the nation’s preeminent benchmarking tool for LGBTQ equality in the workplace since 2002. This year, the top score was awarded on the basis of detailed criteria in five key categories: non-discrimination policies, employment benefits, public commitment to LGBTQ equality, responsible corporate citizenship and demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion.

Dec 17

Princess Cruises Introduces Best Price Guarantee on Shore Excursions

 

 
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2016) – Princess Cruises today announced its Shore Excursions Best Price Guarantee is available on thousands of the award-winning tours in ports the cruise line visits worldwide. Today the program launches fleetwide and guarantees if guests find the same shore excursion elsewhere at a lower price, they will receive 110 percent of the difference in the form of non-refundable onboard credit.

 

“Our new Best Price Guarantee on shore excursions gives guests satisfaction that they are receiving competitive and fair pricing while enjoying an exceptional experience ashore,” said Bruce Krumrine, vice president of shore excursions for Princess Cruises. “We find our guests rate their overall cruise vacation experience higher when they take our shore excursions because we handle every detail for them so they can easily explore the world and take home lifelong memories of the places they visit.”

 

The new Best Price Guarantee is being announced to Princess guests through pre-cruise e-mails and on Princess.com and is available to guests who book their excursions with Princess pre-cruise. If guests find an equivalent shore excursion at a lower price, the request can be submitted at least seven days prior to the sailing date to shoreexcursions@princesscruises.com for review by the Shore Excursion customer service team. Within two business days, guests will be notified if their request meets the Best Price Guarantee criteria. If it does, 110 percent of the price difference will be applied in the form of a non-refundable onboard credit.

 

The Best Price Guarantee only applies to shore excursions that are advertised with pricing and publicly available. It applies to all shore excursions, with the exception of Asia, Southeast Asia and Japan ports, and excludes private vehicle and driver excursions in ports worldwide.

 

Princess Cruises was recently awarded “Best Cruise Ship Excursions” by Global Traveler Magazine and “Best Cruise Line for Shore Excursions” in the 2016 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks awards. The cruise line offers guests more than 4,000 shore excursions in 360 destinations around the globe, on more than 150 itineraries.

 

Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ shore excursions are available as part of the cruise line’s Discovery at Sea™ program, an exclusive partnership designed to create memorable vacation experiences for the whole family. Discovery and Animal Planet Exclusive Tours are unique tours that cannot be booked independently and are available only through Princess Cruises. Now more than 1,000 Discovery and Animal Planet tours are available worldwide.  

Dec 04

Holland America Line Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Private Island Half Moon Cay with New Lobster Shack, Island Upgrades

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 Recent awards solidify Bahama paradise as top cruise line private island

Seattle, Wash., Nov. 30, 2016 — In 2017, Holland America Line will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Half Moon Cay, its award-winning private island paradise in the Bahamas. To commemorate the event two decades in the making, the premium cruise line is introducing a new Lobster Shack eatery, as well as several island updates and upgrades that were in place for the first ship call in early November.

The new Lobster Shack will be permanently located near the “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” bar and serve fresh grilled lobster with Caribbean coconut beans n’ rice and a rum-jerk butter glaze. Pineapple and Caribbean Sofrito salsas bring out the local flavors. The lobster barbecue will be available for a nominal fee, and Rum punch and other beverages also are available for purchase at the Lobster Shack.

“For the past 20 years Half Moon Cay has been the recipient of numerous accolades ranking it the best private island in the Caribbean, and it continues to be the jewel in our Caribbean itineraries,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “We are renowned for providing top destination experiences, and all of our guests will enjoy the recent enhancements on Half Moon Cay, including the Lobster Shack that is a fantastic addition to our culinary offerings.” 

Island Upgrades Introduce New Water Toys and Refreshed Retreats
During summer 2016, Half Moon Cay underwent several upgrades and welcomed new additions. Water sports are a central focus of any call at the idyllic island, and guests can now get out on the water with new Sunfish sailboats, Hobie catamarans, Aqua Cycle Trikes and Aqua Trax Wave Runners. These join paddleboats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear and more.

The private beach-side cabanas and two-story villas also received facelifts with new paint, and some new furnishings. The Grand Cabana — the ultimate private retreat on Half Moon Cay — received new décor as well.   

Guests looking for a drink on the beach now have three more satellite locations, and the Captain Morgan on the Rocks bar received new furniture.

The horseback riding tours are among the most popular, and 14 additional horses and two more grazing pastures were added, while the changing rooms at the Ranch were enhanced. Many guests visit the island’s Welcome Center, where new furniture adorns the facility.

All Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale Caribbean Cruises Call at Half Moon Cay
For the 2016-17 Caribbean season, all cruises that sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, make a call at Half Moon Cay. Guests on the new ms Koningsdam, ms Eurodam, ms Zuiderdam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Rotterdam, ms Veendam and ms Prinsendam will be able to visit Half Moon Cay on a variety of itineraries.

Awards for Half Moon Cay Place Island at the Top
Holland America Line guests and fans consistently rank Half Moon Cay as their favorite Caribbean call, and the readers of Cruise Critic and Porthole Cruise Magazine agree. Half Moon Cay recently was named a “Top-Rated Cruise Line Private Island Destination” in Cruise Critic’s first-ever Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards. The awards are given based entirely on consumer feedback submitted on the Cruise Critic website over the past year. Half Moon Cay also was awarded “Best Private Island” in the 2016 Porthole Readers’ Choice Awards. 

Dec 04

Carnival Vista Launches Year-Round Service From PortMiami

 

 
Six- and Eight-Day Itineraries Visit Spectacular Destinations in the Caribbean

MIAMI, Nov. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — PortMiami welcomed Carnival Cruise Line’s newest, largest and most innovative ship, Carnival Vista, when it arrived yesterday to kick off a year-round schedule of six- and eight-day cruises to the Caribbean. 

To officially welcome Carnival Vista to its Miami homeport, Carnival Vista Captain Stefano Battinelli and PortMiami Assistant Director Fred Wongparticipated in a traditional maritime plaque exchange prior to the ship’s inaugural departure from Miami.

As the line’s newest ship, Carnival Vista takes cruising to new heights, introducing groundbreaking features such as SkyRide, a suspended open-air cycling experience; the world’s first IMAX® Theatre on a ship; Kaleid-O-Slide, the line’s first water tube slide, part of the ship’s massive WaterWorks aqua park; and the RedFrog Pub & Brewery featuring the first brewery on a North American-based cruise ship.

“Miami has been our home since our company’s inception in 1972 and homeporting the new Carnival Vista here not only provides consumers with a convenient homeport with renovated facilities and numerous operational enhancements but speaks volumes about our confidence in growing this important market,” and said Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president. 

“We are thankful for Carnival Cruise Line’s continued growth at PortMiami,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “The arrival of new and innovative cruise ships such as Carnival Vista helps solidify our place as a global hub for travel and tourism, vital to the continual growth and development of our community.”

“It’s an exciting day at PortMiami,” said PortMiami Director/CEO Juan M. Kuryla.  “There’s no doubt that the arrival of the Carnival Vista, Carnival Cruise Line’s newest and largest cruise ship, represents a new vacation option for passengers sailing out of the Cruise Capital of the World.  We’re grateful to have this opportunity, and we look forward to continue strengthening our partnership with Carnival,” he added.

Island-Intensive Caribbean Cruises from Miami
Carnival Vista kicked off its new schedule from PortMiami with a special six-day cruise to Grand Turk, Ocho Rios and Nassau that departed yesterday.  The ship will then launch a year-round schedule of six- and eight-day cruises beginning with an eight-day voyage departing Dec. 3, 2016.  Six-day cruises feature Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, while a mix of different eight-day itineraries visit some of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations, including Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Kitts, St. Maarten and La Romana (Dominican Republic).

The ship will also offer a combination of one-time voyages, including a five-day cruise departing Dec. 11 and seven-day voyages departing Dec. 17 and 24, 2016, that offer an exciting selection of ports including the Caribbean’s newest destination, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, as well as Mahogany Bay, Grand Turk, Belize, San Juan, St. Thomas and Cozumel, depending on the itinerary. 

In addition to visiting breathtaking Caribbean destinations, guests can experience all the Carnival Vista has to offer – from the colorful Havana area with tropics-inspired staterooms and suites and Family Harbor with special accommodations and a new family concierge to delicious choices like Seafood Shack and new al fresco options at the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi and Cherry On Top, featuring a mixed-to-order premium ice cream bar.

Dec 04

Princess Cruises Resumes Summer Caribbean Cruises in 2018

 

 
 
Departures from Ft. Lauderdale Open for Sale Dec. 1 with Special Captain’s Circle Savings

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2016) – For the first time in four years, Princess Cruises will offer Summer Caribbean cruises including Panama Canal transits in 2018. The 3,192-guest Caribbean Princess returns to sail on a full summer season of voyages ranging from seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean to a 20-day Caribbean and Panama Canal Explorer. All Summer Caribbean cruises are open for sale Dec. 1.

The 2018 April to October summer program features 47 departures, roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, including eight unique itineraries visiting 23 destinations in 22 countries. In addition, four ports offer late night stays so guests have more time to explore the evening offerings these destinations have to offer.

New for 2018, 20-day Caribbean and Panama Explorer voyages combine a 10-day Panama cruise and a 10-day Southern Caribbean Medley or Eastern Caribbean Voyager cruise. Princess Cruises takes more guests through this engineering marvel than other cruise line.

“Summertime is the prime vacation season for most Americans and we’re happy to offer the Caribbean in 2018,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We have award-winning itineraries of various lengths so families, honeymooners, couples, friends and travelers alike can get away to explore new places, reconnect with one another and ultimately ‘come back new’ with Princess.”

Caribbean cruise highlights for Summer Caribbean 2018, roundtrip out of Ft. Lauderdale, include:

Eastern Caribbean (7 days) – Guests can enjoy an adventurous week in the Caribbean, including calls at the ports of Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Grand Turk or Amber Cove with a multitude of water activities to choose from. Sailings depart May 26; June 9, 23; July 7, 21; August 4,18; and September 1.

Western Caribbean (7 days) – Alternating with the Eastern Caribbean voyages, this itinerary features calls at Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Roatan and Belize highlighting the Mayan culture and history of the region. Caribbean Princess sets sail on this route on May 19; June 2, 16, 30; July 14, 28; and August 11, 25.

Guests can combine these popular seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages, for a 14-day Caribbean East/West Adventure.

Southern Caribbean (8 days) – For a more in-depth experience, one Southern Caribbean cruise will be offered with stops in Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire; departs May 11.

Eastern Caribbean Voyager (10 days) – For more relaxation time, guests will enjoy an extended Eastern Caribbean cruise, visiting Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St.Kitts. Cruises depart May1 and September 28.

Southern Caribbean Medley (10 days) – For those looking for deeper exploration, guests can travel to the beautiful beaches in the Southern Caribbean, including Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and Curacao. Departures on April 11; September 8 and October 18.

Panama Canal with Costa Rica (10 days) – Transiting the new Agua Clara Locks with a Panama Canal partial transit, including a day of scenic cruising through Gatun Lake, guests will also visit Grand Cayman, Cartagena, Colon, Costa Rica (Límon) and Falmouth (Jamaica). Sailings depart April 1, 21; Sept. 18; and Oct. 8.

Guests can combine the cruise line’s signature 10-day Panama Canal voyage with the 10-day Southern Caribbean Medley or Eastern Caribbean Voyager for the ultimate 20-day cruise vacation.

Captain’s Circle Savings

Princess Cruises past guests are eligible for a special promotion when they book before August 31, 2017. Captain’s Circle members booking a seven- to 10-day cruise, will receive a savings of $50 per person and those booking a 14- or 20-day cruise will save $100 per guest (does apply to third and fourth berth guests).

Dec 04

Princess Cruises Announces Largest Ever Fall Deployment in Canada & New England

 

 
Regal and Royal Princess sail for the first time together departing from New York and Quebec

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2016) – The 2018 Canada & New England cruise season offered by Princess Cruises showcases the fall foliage to iconic destinations along the east coast and offers the largest deployment ever with two of the cruise line’s newest ships – Regal Princess and Royal Princess.

The 3,560-guest Regal Princess and Royal Princess, sailing for the first time together departing from New York and Quebec, offer 10 cruise departures on four unique itineraries, visiting 12 destinations in New England and Canada.

“We’re excited to bring two of our newest ships to Canada & New England in 2018, so that more guests can enjoy the gorgeous fall foliage and famed destinations and landmarks in this region,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president.

All 2018 Canada/New England are open for sale on December 1. Highlights include:

  • Royal Princess makes her maiden 10- to 11-day voyages out of Quebec and New York featuring overnight stays in Quebec on every voyage. These cruises visit Newport, Boston, Portland, Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy), Halifax, Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) and Quebec. The 11-day cruises include an overnight stay in Boston. Cruises depart Sept. 25; Oct. 5 and 16.
  • In addition, Royal Princess offers a 14-day Canada & Colonial America cruise from Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale featuring calls in Port Saguenay (scenic cruising of the Saguenay River), Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Halifax, Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy), Bar Harbor (for Acadia National Park), Boston, Newport, New York and Norfolk (for Williamsburg and Jamestown). This cruise departs on Oct. 26.
  • Regal Princess sails on seven-day cruises roundtrip from New York, visiting Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor (for Acadia National Park), Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy) and Halifax. Cruises depart Sept. 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13 and 20.
  • A five-day Canadian Atlantic Provinces Getaway out of New York is also being offered aboard Regal Princess, visiting Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy) and Halifax. This voyage departs on Oct. 27.

To further enhance guests’ cruise vacations, Princess Cruises is pleased to offer a choice of two cruisetours on the East Coast to see the sites of colonial America or Niagara Falls and the best of Eastern Canada: 

  • Historic America Cruisetour takes guests to such important places as Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, Colonial Williamsburg, Independence Hall in Philadelphia and the Gettysburg Battlefield.

The Maple Explorer Cruisetour brings guests to beautiful Niagra Falls; exciting cities like the capital of Ottawa and French-flavored Montreal with guided tours of the Canadian Museum of Civilization, dazzling cathedrals and the historic 19th century Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests will also be treated to a lovely cruise through the picturesque Thousand Islands.

Captain’s Circle Savings

Princess Cruises loyal past guests are eligible for a special promotion when they book before August 31, 2017. Captain’s Circle members purchasing a Canada/New England cruise or cruisetour will receive a savings of $50 per person (does not apply to third and fourth berth guests).

Club Class Mini-Suites

All fall 2018 Canada/New England guests sailing aboard Royal Princess or Regal Princess can book a new stateroom category featuring VIP amenities and exclusive dining with the new Club Class Mini-Suite. This elevated mini-suite category features select perks including new Club Class Dining, a reserved dining area with expedited seating and expanded menu options; priority embarkation and disembarkation; complimentary wine and luxurious bathrobes

Dec 04

Carnival To Enhance Leadership Position In Tampa And Long Beach With The Addition Of New Year-Round Ships

 

 
Carnival Miracle to Operate Seven-Day Cruises from Tampa, Carnival Splendor to Sail Weekly from Long Beach Beginning in 2018

MIAMI, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Carnival Cruise Line will expand capacity in two key markets with Carnival Miracle operating seven-day Caribbeancruises from Tampa and Carnival Splendor offering week-long Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, Calif., beginning in 2018.

Prior to launching service from their new homeports, both ships will offer extended Panama Canal cruises in January 2018 that will feature a variety of spectacular ports throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. Carnival Splendor will also operate unique 14-day Hawaii cruises round trip from Long Beach.

With these capacity increases, Carnival is further bolstering its leadership position in two popular homeports, adding a second year-round ship in Tampawith Carnival Miracle and a newer, larger vessel on the West Coast with Carnival Splendor.

“Tampa and Long Beach are both highly convenient and popular homeports and we’re delighted to provide our guests with exciting new year-round cruise vacation choices in these two markets,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.   

Seven-Day Cruises From Tampa Aboard Carnival Miracle
Carnival Miracle will launch a year-round schedule of seven-day Caribbean sailings from Tampa Jan. 27, 2018, becoming the second ship based at the popular southwestern Florida port.  The week-long adventures depart on Saturdays and Sundays and feature four of the Caribbean’s most popular ports of call: George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; and Belize City, Belize, each of which offer world-class beaches, water sports and a variety of shore excursion opportunities.

The seven-day voyages from Tampa are part of Carnival’s exclusive Cozumel Plus program, which feature extended stays that provide guests even more opportunities to experience and explore one of the Caribbean’s most diverse vacation destinations.  On Cozumel Plus itineraries, guests have access to a variety of new excursions, many taking place on Mexico’s mainland – with unforgettable tours like swimming with whale sharks, visiting centuries-old ruins and swimming in hidden caverns, complementing nearly 50 existing tours already available.

The 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle joins the 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise which operates year-round four- and five-day Caribbean cruises from Tampa.  Carnival is the only year-round cruise operator from Tampa. The two ships will offer the widest variety of four-, five- and seven-day itineraries from Tampa and carry 320,000 guests annually.

Week-Long Mexican Riviera Cruises Aboard Carnival Splendor
The 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor will launch a year-round schedule of seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, beginning Jan. 27, 2018, replacing Carnival Miracle and representing a 41 percent capacity increase on the line’s week-long cruises from the West Coast.

Three different itineraries will be offered, each featuring stunning destinations along the Mexican Riviera. One itinerary visits Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, another spends two days at Cabo San Lucas and a full day in Puerto Vallarta, and a third overnights in Puerto Vallarta with a day-long call in Cabo San Lucas, as well.  On these cruises, guests can relax on beautiful beaches, visit centuries-old historical sites and enjoy unforgettable dining and shopping experiences.

Carnival Splendor will join Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination which both offer three- and four-day Baja cruises from Long Beach.  With the addition of Carnival Splendor, the line will carry upwards of 700,000 guests annually from Southern California, operating nearly 250 three- to 14-day cruises a year.  

Exciting Panama Canal and Hawaii Cruises
Carnival Splendor will also offer a special 13-day Panama Canal cruise departing Miami Jan. 14, and arriving in Long Beach Jan. 27, 2018, becoming the first Carnival ship to transit the newly opened Panama Canal locks and providing guests the opportunity to experience this engineering marvel firsthand.  The cruise will visit Cartagena prior to the Panama Canal transit, then call at Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. 

Additionally, Carnival Splendor will operate two 14-day Carnival Journeys cruises to Hawaii round-trip from Long Beach – one departing Oct. 13, 2018, and the other Dec. 1, 2018 and visiting four breathtaking Hawaiian destinations – Maui, Honolulu, Kona and Hilo, as well as a call at Ensenada, Mexico.

Carnival Miracle will offer a 14-day Panama Canal cruise departing Long Beach, Calif., Jan. 13, and arriving in Tampa Jan. 27, 2018.  Ports of call include Cabo San Lucas; Puerto Quetzal; and Puntarenas; followed by a transit of the Panama Canal, then stops at Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman. Carnival Miracle will also offer a unique eight-day Panama Canal cruise round-trip from Tampa April 14-22, 2018, with stops at Limon, Costa Rica; prior to a partial transit of the Panama Canal, then a call at Grand Cayman.

A special 14-day Carnival Journeys cruise featuring a partial transit of the Panama Canal along with visits to Cozumel, Limon, Cartagena, Aruba, Curacaoand Ocho Rios, will also be offered by Carnival Miracle round-trip from Tampa Dec. 2-16, 2018.

Guests sailing on Carnival Journeys cruises enjoy unique local dining and entertainment experiences and a number of shipboard enrichment activities. 

Wide Variety of On-Board Amenities and Features
Carnival Miracle and Carnival Splendor each offer a variety of onboard amenities, including an elegant American-style steakhouse, a Serenity adults-only retreat, multiple swimming pools, a cascading water slide, and luxurious spa facilities.

Family friendly options include complimentary programs for kids in three age groups, as well as the exclusive Seuss at Sea program, operated in conjunction with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

Oct 14

Princess Cruises Seventh Designs and Key Features Unveiled For Newest Ship in the Growing Fleet

 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 24, 2016) – Princess Cruises today unveiled designs and announced key features of Majestic Princess, the newest and most luxurious ship in the global fleet. Departing April 4, Majestic Princess will sail on her inaugural voyage, a five-day Adriatic Sea cruise roundtrip from Rome with stops in Kotor and Corfu.

Following her maiden cruise, Majestic Princess will tour Europe, offering guests a chance to experience the ship on 7, 14, 21 and 28 day cruises departing from Rome, Barcelona or Athens. A repositioning voyage will depart Barcelona on May 14, 2017, visiting Dubai and Singapore before arriving in Shanghai, her new home. Majestic Princess will begin her first cruise from its home-port in Shanghai on July 11, 2017, carrying 3,560 guests to a variety of destinations in Japan and Korea.

“Over the past 50 years, we have developed a mastery of global travel, delivering a truly international cruise vacation experience to our guests,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “With the debut of Majestic Princess, first in Europe and then in China, we invite guests to indulge in a world-class experience that allows them to completely relax, unwind and ultimately ‘come back new.’”

Majestic Princess, a sister cruise ship to Regal Princess and Royal Princess, will offer its guests a variety of enticing features and experiences, including:

Global Cuisine – Exceptional culinary offerings are a pillar of the Princess guest experience, designed and executed by masterfully trained chefs from France, Italy, the United States, Australia, China and Japan, among others. They create memorable dining experiences inspired by the more than 360 exotic ports of call visited by the line annually. This is why Princess Cruises has been named “Best Cruise Line for Food Lovers” by Food & Wine Magazine.

Popular culinary offerings from sister ships Royal Princess and Regal Princess will be aboard Majestic Princess including:
• The exclusive Chef’s Table Lumiere, a unique and engaging dining experience personally hosted by our Princess Executive Chef which includes a private galley tour and a multicourse dinner served at a grand custom-designed table where guests are surrounded by a glimmering curtain of light.
• The award-winning Crown Grill & Bar, an American steakhouse, preparing top-quality cuts of beef, chops and seafood in an open-kitchen served in a classically elegant restaurant setting.
• Alfredo’s, named after Princess Cruises’ award-winning Master Chef Alfredo Marzi, offers a selection of classic Italian and signature Neapolitan-style pizzas (voted “Best Pizza at Sea”), along with baked pasta dishes and specialty appetizers and desserts.

Two new specialty restaurants will be introduced onboard Majestic Princess. They include:
• Harmony, created in partnership with Chef Richard Chen formerly of Wynn Las Vegas “Wing Lei” (the first Chinese restaurant in North America awarded a Michelin star).  Harmony will feature haute Chinese cuisine paired with pristine ocean views and modern décor, serving Chef Chen’s interpretation of classic Cantonese dishes.
• La Mer, located in the lively atrium, offers casual French home-style dining with a modern twist. Harkening back to an authentic Parisian bistrot, guests will enjoy traditional Escargots Casseroles, Braised Ox Tongue and Mushroom Ragout, along with baquettes, tartines, tourtes and French Patisseries.

To top it off, there will also be a wide selection of all-day gastronomy in the World Fresh Marketplace (Horizon Court buffet on other ships), where guests can taste flavors from diverse food stations around the world ranging from Mediterranean dishes, a pasta specialty counter, colorful farmer’s market salads and fresh fruits and a new “East Meets West” street food specialty counter. The Bakery inside the World Fresh Marketplace will serve Western, European and Asian pastries and Danishes.

Modern & Stylish Cruise Ship Design – Influenced by fashion, art and history, the interior designs of Majestic Princess present a sophisticated and stylish visual experience representative of traveling the world. Exquisite designs use metal, glass and inlaid wood through-out to welcome guests who appreciate the elegance and glamour of premium cruising. European marble, mosaic tile floors, polished woods and sumptuous fabrics are featured onboard the ship. Plush custom-designed carpets in the guest corridors feature floral motifs that represent an Asian-inspired beauty and grace. Hand tufted area rugs also mirror floral motifs located at the entrances to the main dining rooms.

Modern & Stylish Stateroom Design – More than 80 percent of Majestic Princess’ staterooms include a private balcony. All staterooms feature the new Princess Luxury bed, featuring a custom-made mattress developed by Dr. Michael Breus, the board-certified sleep expert recognized as “The Sleep Doctor.” The bed also includes luxury linens designed by Candice Olson, the Canadian design-star of the hit HGTV shows “Candice Tells All” and “Divine Design.” The superb bedding system is exclusively designed for the Princess SLEEP program.

World-Class Entertainment – The first two shows to be seen on Majestic Princess will be “Fiera” and “Fantastic Journey” both have been met with enthusiastic acclaim by international audiences across the Princess fleet.  These musical shows feature a world-class cast of singers and dancers along with some of the most elaborate production numbers, costumes and advanced multimedia stage technology ever produced at sea.  It also features Movies Under the Stars on the largest outdoor screen at sea, as well as Water Color Fantasy, a cruise industry first presenting a dazzling water and light show at sea.

Onboard Experience – Onboard Majestic Princess, guests will also experience the signature SeaWalk, the industry’s first glass floor walkway at sea, and SeaView Bar featuring “flair” bartending with the best views at sea.  The Piazza Atrium, the central focal point of the ship features live entertainment throughout the day and evening.  It is a grand spectacle surrounded by The Shops of Princess, nearly 1,100 square meters of luxury boutiques which include designer brand shops from Cartier, Bvlgari and Chopard, leather goods from Burberry and Gucci, along with watches by these luxury brands as well as Montblanc, Longines, Rado and Tissot to name a few.