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Marella Cruises Family Highlights

A hit with the whole family, Marella Cruises are proud to boast one of the friendliest services at sea. From family and interconnecting rooms to buffet lunches and a great selection of activities they’re perfect for multigenerational cruises. Plus, when in port, children up to 12 years old are lucky enough to get discounted shore excursions.

Marella Cruises’ family-friendly cruise ships are Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer and new ship, Marella Voyager.

Marella Cruises Family Highlights | 9
Santo Domingo, DR

Family-friendly Excursions

Marella Cruises believe one of the perks of cruising is seeing lots of fantastic new places, that’s why they’ve designed a series of excursions suitable for the whole family. This includes exciting trips to places like waterparks, aquariums and beaches for little ones as well as fun cycling excursions for children 10 years and older. In almost every port you can join experienced guides and pedal your way to the best sights. 

Marella Cruises Family Highlights | 9
Broadway Show Lounge

Entertainment

From after dark West End-style shows to cabaret acts, wine tasting and dance classes there’s a little something for everyone to keep entertained. You’re sure to be belly laughing in 

no time with some of the UK’s well-known stand-up comedians taking to the stage or if that’s not for you, enjoy some live music in one of the lounges

Kids Dining

Formal affairs and posh dining aren’t on the agenda when it comes to your family cruise. With buffet restaurants catering to all tastes, your mealtimes will be a relaxed family get-together on board a Marella Cruise. With firm favourites like pasta, pizza, chips and ice cream on the 

menu, even the fussiest kids will be satisfied.

Kids Club: 3-11 Years Old 

The accredited Kid’s Club staff on board Marella Cruises’ ships are adept at keeping children of all ages entertained. From messy-time with arts and crafts to dress-up time, movie nights and pyjama parties, most age groups are catered for. Budding sailors can even take a trip to the bridge to see the captain at work and join a behind the scenes tour. You can even enjoy a lie in a few days in your week as the staff take your youngsters to breakfast! Depending on ages and abilities the club will be split into 2-3 groups for a fun and tailored experience.

The Hideout: 12-17 Year Olds

Teenagers can get a space all of their own on board a Marella cruise. Conveniently next to the gaming area, with comfy seating, games tables and plenty of consoles, your teens can have their Independence to meet new friends and do what they love.

For The Big Kids

Try your luck in the casino or sign up for a cocktail-making class whilst the kids play with their newfound friends in the Kids Club.

Carnival Cruise Line Takes Top Honors In Multiple Awards

Carnival Cruise Director Lee Mason
Carnival Cruise Line, President Christine Duffy and Cruise Director Lee Mason.

Ahead of the culmination of Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th birthday festivities with the arrival of its newest ship, Carnival Celebration, the excitement is heightened by the company earning several recent awards by multiple organizations. The honors all reflect Carnival’s excellence in delivering fun and memorable vacations for all who sail on the Carnival fleet.

Carnival Cruise Line Takes Top Honors

Carnival Cruise Line Takes Top Honors
Carnival Cruise Line’s redesigned Terminal F in PortMiami

Reader’s Digest: Cruise Line Winner

Carnival Cruise Line has once again been named the winner in its category by the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand® Survey.

The independent, online survey asks Americans to rate products they trust across 40 different categories in areas such as quality, value and reliability.

In addition to noting Carnival’s history of providing unforgettable vacations at sea since 1972, Reader’s Digest also highlighted Carnival’s support of a broad range of philanthropic organizations, like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in the fight against childhood cancer.

This is Carnival’s seventh win as Reader’s Digest’s Most Trusted Cruise Line.

BOLT aboard Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration

Porthole Cruise Magazine: Four Readers’ Choice Awards

Carnival has been recognized once again in the annual Porthole Cruise Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards, earning top honors based on readers’ surveys in four categories, including Best Cruise Line for the Money, Best Theme Cruise, Best Signature Cocktail and Best Cruise Director.

Carnival Cruise Director Lee Mason is known for his boundless energy and love for life, earning him the top honor in the Porthole awards as Best Cruise Director. Mason has served as cruise director on multiple Carnival ships over the past six years and is cruise director for the line’s newest ship, Carnival Celebration.

“I’m grateful to our guests for recognizing me with this honor and distinguishing me in what is a truly tough competition among my incredible colleagues!” said Mason. “We’re constantly striving to deliver truly fun, memorable vacations for our guests in every aspect of the cruise experience, and I look forward to continuing that for everyone on board Carnival Celebration.”

Carnival also earned Best Cruise Line for the Money by providing an affordable vacation experience, complete with a wide range of complimentary onboard options, like delicious burgers from Food Network star Guy Fieri to exceptional entertainment choices like Playlist Productions and Punchliner Comedy Club performances. In addition, Carnival was also recognized for its themed cruises and won the title of Best Signature Cocktail for its Alchemy Bar exclusive, the Cucumber Sunrise.

Cruise Tips
Mardi Gras

Network of the Hospitality Industry: Cruise Ship Amenities Award

Carnival’s Brass Magnolia Bar on board the flagship Mardi Gras earned top honors at  The Network of the Hospitality Industry’s (NEWH) Golden Palm Awards in Coral Gables, Fla..  The award recognizes design firms for recent projects that go above and beyond in hospitality excellence.

Brass Magnolia, a bar inspired by New Orleans’ Garden District and jazz culture, is in Mardi Gras’ French Quarter zone. The bar is adorned with ornate decor, like the grand mansions of the south, brass instruments and a vibrant gold bar with lush greenery wall accents.

This is the first time Carnival has been recognized with an award from NEWH, which is a networking service for the hospitality industry that provides scholarships, education and business development opportunities to students and professionals.

Carnival Celebration Arrives in Southampton

Carnival Celebration Arrives in Southhampton
Carnival Celebration. Southampton 6th November 2022. Photograph by Steve Dunlop www.stevedunlop.com steve@stevedunlop.com

Today marked a special occasion as Carnival Cruise Line’s most anticipated new Excel-class ship, Carnival Celebration, arrived to the Ocean Cruise Terminal in Southampton, UK, for a first-look event and marked Carnival’s first time bringing a new ship to the UK in 20 years.

To warmly welcome the ship, Carnival hosted local officials, travel partners, and members of the media for a day of fun with guided tours and lunch. Southampton port officials and Celebration’s senior officers participated in a traditional plaque and key ceremony, as well.

Carnival Celebration Arrives in Southampton
Carnival Cruise Line, President Christine Duffy welcomes the first guests onboard the NEW Carnival Celebration in Southampton, UK. Southampton – (6th November 2022. Photograph by Steve Dunlop).

To commemorate the special day, Carnival President Christine Duffy hosted a “Let’s Celebrate” event in the cruise terminal that included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting welcoming the first guests on board.

Earlier this week, the line took delivery of Carnival Celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, before Captain Vincenzo Alcaras, Hotel Director Pierre Camilleri, Chief Engineer Fabian Gervaise and the ship’s 1,800 team members helped bring her to the UK destination

Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration Arrives in Southampton
Carnival Celebration docked in Southampton, UK. This marked Carnival’s first time bringing a new ship to the UK in 20 years. (6th November 2022. Photograph by Steve Dunlop)

“I can’t tell you how exciting this day has been, finally giving our UK travel partners the opportunity to see our new Excel-class ship,” said Christine. “Carnival Celebration is the ultimate 50th Birthday gift and is a key part of a very unique and exciting period of growth for us. It’s been a wonderful 50 years, and we kicked off the next 50 with a bang today! Next up – Miami!” 

Later today, Carnival Celebration will depart on her 14-day transatlantic sailing to Miami where the line will soon host her official naming ceremony with Godmother Cassidy Gifford, daughter of longtime Carnival friend Kathie Lee Gifford, who was the Godmother of the original M/S Celebration. 

The Gateway Zone is debuting aboard the NEW Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration features six unique zones, including the new Miami-themed 820 Biscayne, travel-inspired The Gateway, and stunning Celebration Central, as well as the BOLT roller coaster. Carnival Celebration is the second ship in the Carnival fleet to be powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Growing Fleet

Including Carnival Celebration, Carnival is adding five beautiful new ships to its fleet over the next two years in an exciting period of growth unlike any other in Carnival’s 50-year history. Today, a second ship in Australia will be added as Carnival Luminosa begins guest operations in Brisbane, and next year, the third Excel-class ship Carnival Jubilee will debut from Galveston. Carnival will also introduce a new concept, “Carnival Fun Italian Style,” with Carnival Venezia joining next spring from New York City and Carnival Firenze in 2024 from Long Beach. 

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

Carnival Cruise Line Takes Delivery of Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration in Meyer Turku
Carnival Celebration in Meyer Turku in Turku, Finland

Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th birthday celebration is ready for the grand finale, and it involves a spectacular gift to its guests as the company took delivery of Carnival Celebration, the fleet’s newest Excel-class ship and sister to Mardi Gras, at a signing ceremony at Meyer Turku in Turku, Finland. Carnival President Christine Duffy, Carnival Senior Vice President of New Builds Ben Clement joined CEO of Meyer Turku Tim Meyer to welcome Carnival Celebration into the fleet.

“We have so many reasons to celebrate now that Carnival Celebration has joined as the 24th ship in our fleet. Now, more guests will experience all that our innovative Excel-class has brought to cruising,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “She represents the culmination of our 50th birthday while also shining a light on our bright future with so much more excitement to come!”

Delivery of Carnival Celebration
Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy

Delivery of Carnival Celebration

The second ship in Carnival’s groundbreaking Excel-class, Carnival Celebration is stunning from the first step on board, from its three-deck-high atrium to the dozens of dining and beverage concepts spread out across six themed zones – which include the Miami-inspired 820 Biscayne and an homage to all-things travel in The Gateway – plus, the award-winning BOLT roller coaster.

“Our team of shipbuilders are delivering a world-class addition to the Carnival fleet today. She is one of the most technologically advanced and environmentally-friendly ships,” said CEO of Meyer Turku, Tim Meyer. “I am very proud of the results of this great partnership.”

The Gateway Zone will debut aboard the New Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration will arrive at her homeport of PortMiami on Nov. 20 after a 14-day transatlantic Journeys Cruise from Southampton, England. A naming ceremony will be held that evening which promises a tribute to Carnival’s past and more importantly a look ahead to its exciting future.  Carnival Celebration will accommodate more than 5,200 guests, expanding Carnival’s overall capacity and adding a spectacular new option for guests sailing from Miami as it operates Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries year-round. The week-long voyages will visit destinations like San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cozumel, Mexico and Grand Turk. To see current sailings from Miami on Carnival Celebration, click here.

Carnival Cruise Line's redesigned Terminal F in PortMiami
Carnival Cruise Line’s redesigned Terminal F in PortMiami

Terminal F at PortMiami

Debuting from the redesigned Terminal F at PortMiami, Carnival Celebration will join sister Mardi Gras as the second Carnival ship in the fleet with a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system, part of Carnival Corporation’s pioneering green cruising platform.

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

American Cruise Line Makes Port Charges, Fees Commissionable for Agents

American Symphony
American Symphony

American Cruise Lines announced that beginning November 1, 2022, all cruise prices for new bookings will now include Port Charges & Fees, making the amounts commissionable for Travel Agents. The change is the first in the domestic cruise market and is the latest example of American leading the river and small ship cruise industry. American has a strong commitment to their partners in the travel agency and advisor communities.

Travel Agents

“We aim to do everything possible to support the businesses of all our Travel Advisors. They are valued partners and work extremely hard on behalf of their clients. We intend to implement structures on our end that will increase advisor sales, increase commissions, and improve the overall booking experience with American Cruise Lines,” said Susan Shultz-Gelino, Vice President, Trade Relations for American Cruise Lines.

American Cruise Line

Year after year, American Cruise Lines has continued to expand, growing the small ship market here in the U.S. exponentially.  In just the past 5 years, the company has more than doubled its fleet and totally transformed the U.S. River cruise market by introducing the country’s first modern riverboats.

In August 2022, American Symphony was christened and began cruising the Mississippi River. Next year, American’s 6th modern riverboat, American Serenade, will debut on the River in April. American Cruise Lines will also introduce 2 small Coastal Cats in 2023; part of the company’s recently announced 12-ship Project Blue Series of 109-passenger, go-anywhere small cruise ships.

The year ahead is set to be the most exciting year ever for American Cruise Lines, with 17 small ships and riverboats operating over 50 domestic itineraries in 35 states.

Norwegian Reveals Incredible Military Appreciation Program

Military Appreciation Program
Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals New Military Appreciation Program

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced the launch of its first-ever Military Appreciation Program to recognize active and retired U.S. military members, and their spouses, with special onboard experiences, amenities and cruise fare discounts across the Company’s 18-ship fleet.

Military Appreciation Program

NCL’s Military Appreciation Program will set the cruise industry standard for supporting and engaging with U.S. military service men and women. Launching on Nov. 2, 2022, all active, retired military veterans and their spouses will be eligible to receive a 10% discount on their cruise fare for all sailings beginning on Jan. 1, 2023. The ongoing offer can be combined with the Company’s guest-favorite Free At Sea offer, which provides guests the opportunity to design their dream vacation with free airfare, unlimited open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and more delivering a value up to $3,450.

 Military Appreciation Program
Norwegian Prima

Exclusive Experiences & Recognition Included

In addition to the special discount, guests who book under the Military Appreciation Program will also receive exclusive experiences and recognition on board, including a welcome reception and special amenities such as a collectible military challenge coin, pins to designate program participation and collectible patches customized for each ship in the NCL fleet.

Service men and women will be validated through ID.me, a secure digital identity network that allows active and retired U.S. military members to verify their identity once, and never have to re-verify their identity again across any organization where ID.me is accepted. Those already registered with ID.me will be one step closer to booking their deserved cruise vacation under the Military Appreciation Program.

“I personally understand and appreciate the sincere comradery within the U.S. military community and how much we value time with our loved ones,” said David Herrera who served in the Army National Guard and is the chief consumer sales and marketing officer for Norwegian Cruise Line. Our mission at NCL is to deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests, and with the Military Appreciation Program, we are proud to be able to offer military families the opportunity to reconnect with those they care about most and help create memories for a lifetime.

Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Prima

Designed For Veterans By Veterans

Matthew Lewis, co-sponsor of the Military Appreciation Program, who served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 21 years including 18 years as a Navy SEAL and is the senior vice president and chief security officer for the Brand’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., added, “This program was designed for veterans by veterans. It is important to me and very personal to David and all veterans at NCL as we wanted to create a program that taps into that comradery and the values of this community with a goal that they walk away knowing that NCL understands them, commends them, and thanks them for their service and dedication.”

As part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to support the U.S. military veteran community, several of NCL’s veteran team members flew to North Carolina to participate in “Military Makeover” airing on Lifetime TV with host Montel Williams. The NCL veteran team members honored a deserving military family by repairing their kitchen and repurposing old cabinetry to create a new coffee bar area. Additionally, the Brand surprised the family with a seven-day cruise to the Caribbean on board one of NCL’s award-winning vessels. The episode will air in December 2022 on Lifetime TV.

To learn more about Norwegian Cruise Line’s Military Appreciation Program, please visit www.ncl.com/military.

For more information about the Company’s award-winning 18-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

The Mekong’s Most Luxurious River Expedition Cruise Returns

Aqua Mekong
Aqua Mekong

Aqua Expeditions has announced the anticipated return of Asia’s finest river cruise ship, Aqua Mekong. On September 23, Aqua Mekong resumed operations along Vietnam and Cambodia’s fabled Mekong River. Aqua Mekong offers 3-, 4- and 7-night itineraries with scheduled departures from Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Aqua Mekong

Originally launched in 2014, Aqua Mekong showcases contemporary design and interiors by renowned architect Noor Design. The ship’s 20 spacious suites feature full-length windows for panoramic views of Mekong’s picturesque scenery. Common areas include a newly redesigned infinity pool deck and alfresco dining area on the sun deck, barbeque area, gym, spa, games room, theater-style screening room, and artisanal boutique. The ship offers guests the highest level of safety, comfort and exclusivity in a mystical destination known for its landmarks, temples and villages. Aqua Mekong is the only ship on the river with a fleet of four military-grade tenders which make for the perfect way to explore life on the calm waters.

As guests cruise along the Mekong, they will embark on an inspiring culinary journey of local flavors helmed by Australian Michelin-starred chef, David Thompson. For those who are food curious, Aqua Expeditions hosts onboard cooking classes for guests to uncover the secrets behind Thompson’s eclectic recipes. The ship’s bar menu is designed by Proof & Company, Singapore-based advocates for craft spirits and sustainability using ecoSPIRITS.

On September 23, the 7-night expedition cruise sailed north along the Mekong from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap for its first post-pandemic sailing. The classic itinerary featured twice-daily excursions. Activities included cycling through the countryside on mountain bikes, tuk-tuk rides and guided visits to the Mekong River’s dynamic riverside markets, villages and holy sites. All activities can be adapted to the desires and abilities of each guest thanks to Aqua Expeditions’ 1:1 guest-to-crew and 8:1 guest-to-guide ratio.

“I am so excited to be back on the Aqua Mekong. The ship, the staff, the food, and daily adventures on our private speed boats are the best way to experience the beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia. After hosting the first 7-night upriver voyage it’s great to see these two countries return and deliver world-class experiences that are unique to Aqua Expeditions,” said Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO and Founder of Aqua Expeditions.

Aqua Expeditions

During low-water season on the Mekong, Aqua Expeditions offers a Siem Reap extension for exclusive access to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat; luxury land transfer and flight costs are included in the cruise fare. While most other cruises make this trip via a 5-hour bus ride, Aqua Expeditions provides a luxurious alternative.

7-night sailings in 2022 start from US$9,625, 4-night sailings from US$5,500, and 3-night sailings from US$4,125 (all per adult). Early bird discounts are available when booking selected suites.

Royal Caribbean First In US To Sail Using Renewable Diesel

renewable fuel
The renewable fuel being used by Navigator of the Seas contains less carbon than traditional marine fuels.

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) became the first major cruise line operator to sail a cruise ship from a U.S. port while using renewable diesel fuel to meet part of the ship’s fuel needs when Navigator of the Seas set sail from the Port of Los Angeles. Part of the Group’s award-winning cruise line, Royal Caribbean International, the use of renewable fuel will reduce the ship’s carbon emissions.

Destination Net Zero

This key step in the Group’s pursuit of alternative fuels comes less than a year after the unveiling of Destination Net Zero, Royal Caribbean Group’s comprehensive decarbonization strategy.

We are committed to investing in technologies and innovations that will help us reduce emissions and fulfill our purpose to deliver great vacations responsibly,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, Royal Caribbean Group’s Executive Vice President, Shared Services Operations. As we celebrate this milestone, we continue to set our sights on other leading alternative solutions to meet our net zero goals.

Renewable Diesel Fuel

The renewable fuel being used by Navigator of the Seas contains less carbon than traditional marine fuels. While this fuel is produced from renewable raw materials, the production process for this fuel makes it molecularly identical to traditional marine gas oil — creating a “drop in” fuel that can be safely used with the ship’s existing engines.

The cruise company plans to continue using lower carbon fuel to meet part of the Los Angeles-based ship’s fuel needs as it evaluates the feasibility for long-term use, with ambitions to expand its usage to other ships across the fleet. This follows a similar trial by the Group’s joint venture partner, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, which is exploring a different process for developing a sustainable biofuel.

Royal Caribbean First In US To Sail Using Renewable Diesel | 9
The amplified Navigator of the Seas offers something for every traveler.

Royal Caribbean Group

For the trial, Royal Caribbean Group has partnered with World Fuel Services to supply the renewable fuel to Navigator of the Seas. The Jankovich Company will deliver the fuel on behalf of World Fuel Services to the ship while at the Port of Los Angeles. Once fueled, Navigator of the Seas will set sail to Mexico.

We are extremely proud to be a part of Royal Caribbean Group’s journey toward making the cruise industry more sustainable by leveraging our renewable fuel distribution capabilities and technical expertise to facilitate the use of renewable fuel in a marine application,” said Michael J. Kasbar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, World Fuel Services Corporation.

In addition to testing the use of biofuel aboard Navigator of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Group is set to debut the cruise industry’s first hybrid-powered ship in summer 2023, as part of Silversea Cruises newest class of ships, the Nova class. The Group is also working to reduce emissions while at port by investing in shore power on its ships and collaborating with key cruise ports for its use. For example, in 2021, Royal Caribbean Group signed an agreement to bring shore power to PortMiami, which will enable ships to use electricity at port instead of burning fuel. The company also is introducing a new zero-energy cruise terminal in the Port of Galveston, Texas, that builds on its sustainable design efforts and will be a LEED-Gold certified facility.

To learn more about Royal Caribbean Group’s sustainability efforts, visit https://sustainability.rclcorporate.com/.

MSC World Europa Sets Sail For Naming Ceremony

MSC World Europa
MSC World Europa is en-route to Doha, Qatar to prepare for her Naming Ceremony on November 13 following her delivery earlier this week.

MSC Cruises’ most innovative, most environmentally advanced and most exciting ship to date—MSC World Europa—is en-route to Doha, Qatar to prepare for her Naming Ceremony on November 13 following her delivery earlier this week.

The eagerly anticipated new ship spans 22 decks, is 154 feet wide, features 2,626 cabins, and boasts more than 430,556 square feetof public space. This ultramodern urban metropolis at sea is the future of cruising and will offer a world of experiences pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the world’s oceans—setting a new standard for the industry.

Waiting for guests onboard the new MSC World Europa:

The spectacular World Promenade – the beating heart of the ship

The nearly 350-foot long outdoor World Promenade is one of the ship’s most impressive spaces. Day or night, this is the place to be for entertainment, stunning sea views and The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, a striking architectural masterpiece and the longest dry slide at sea with its 11-deck drop. The World Promenade is connected to the World Galleria, which spans 23,831 square feet and is crowned by an awe-inspiring LED and kinetic dome ceiling. The World Promenade is the perfect place to shop, dine and relax with a drink.

Immersive culinary experiences

MSC World Europa will take guests on a gastronomic journey around the world with a choice of 33 restaurants, bars and lounges—each with its own distinct style and ambiance. This includes six specialty restaurants and seven brand new bar and café concepts. Highlights include:

  • Chef’s Garden Kitchen is a collaboration with Michelin-starred chef, TV personality and author Niklas Ekstedt focusing on natural ingredients and a farm-to-ocean ethos. This new restaurant features the first-at-sea hydroponic garden where guests will be treated to a uniquely immersive experience, with the master chef preparing Ekstedt’s extraordinary creations in an open kitchen against a backdrop of panoramic sea views
  • La Pescaderia is a signature Mediterranean fish restaurant serving the freshest fish, where sophistication meets casual family dining
  • The line’s first onboard microbrewery in partnership with Teo Musso, the founder and brewmaster of Italian craft and farm brewery Birra Baladin
  • The sleek and modern Coffee Emporium is a coffee connoisseur’s dream
  • The Gin Project is a must-visit for gin aficionados offering over 70 craft gins, classic cocktails expertly prepared by gin-tenders, and a vintage Crawley’s shaker
MSC World Europa
The Panorama Lounge aboard MSC World Europa

Next-level entertainment options

Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy awe-inspiring entertainment from morning to night, including three new concert-style shows in the multipurpose Luna Park Arena, five new full-scale theatre productions in the World Theatre, four themed experiences in the Panorama Lounge, and pop-up live shows throughout the ship. Highlights include:

  • The Panorama Lounge at the aft of the ship will offer immersive and flamboyant entertainment with flying chandeliers
  • The stylish 1,153 seat World Theatre will host original productions each night of the cruise
  • The versatile Luna Park Arena is a new multifunctional entertainment venue that will host movies, game shows, kids’ activities and themed parties
  • Sportplex is a multi-use venue and home to Bumper Cars
MSC World Europa Sets Sail For Naming Ceremony | 9
MSC World Europa, Kids Area

The largest, most action-packed kids’ area in MSC Cruises’ fleet

MSC World Europa’s children’s area will be the largest in the fleet, with over 8,245 square feetof interior space and seven rooms dedicated to various age groups from 0 to 17 years old, developed in collaboration with LEGO® and Chicco®. Entertainment for children and teenagers will be even more varied with new and original game and talent show formats across high-tech venues.

MSC World Europa Virtual Tour

Ultimate leisure and wellness facilities

With seven swimming pools and 13 whirlpools located in distinct parts of the ship, there is one to suit every type of traveler, whether the aim is to relax and unwind or enjoy thrills and adventure.

A next-level MSC Yacht Club for premium cruising

MSC World Europa will feature the most luxurious MSC Yacht Club yet, offering unparalleled levels of comfort with more public space, expanded outdoor areas, and stylish new suites. The enhanced public spaces include a totally reimagined sundeck set over two decks for the first time, while two brand-new ultra-spacious Owner-Suites join the ‘ship within a ship’ concept with its key-card access exclusivity.

Innovative new accommodations

MSC World Europa is as different on the inside as she is on the outside, with all-new cabin designs and the most balcony cabins on any ship in the fleet. From luxurious suites with private facilities in the MSC Yacht Club to brand-new cabins overlooking the outdoor promenade and Infinite Ocean View staterooms with panoramic sliding windows that open to form a glass balustrade, there are high-quality, comfortable accommodations to satisfy every taste.

Find out more about MSC Cruises’ newest ship here.

NCL To Pay Travel Agents Commission on NCFs

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced that it will pay travel agents commission on non-commissionable fares (NCFs), showcasing its industry-leading commitment to the travel agent community worldwide.

NCL is the first major contemporary cruise line to compensate travel advisors on NCFs for reservations booked outside of the 120-day window. Since the establishment of the Brand’s Partners First philosophy, Norwegian Cruise Line has been committed to being the easiest cruise line to do business with by providing agents with educational tools, promotions, and marketing assets to help them grow their businesses.

Harry Sommer
NCL President and CEO Harry Sommer

“Our Partners First philosophy remains top of mind, and our decision to pay commission on NCFs is further proof of our commitment to this community,” said NCL President and CEO Harry Sommer. “We want our partners to thrive; we want to see their businesses grow all around the world.”

The Cruise Line has been dedicated to equipping the travel agent community with the tools and information to provide their clients with exemplary service. This revolutionary choice will further help travel partners establish a stronger relationship with their clients and increase brand loyalty, resulting in repeat business and higher earning potential.

“Our travel partners are incredibly important to us and our business; it is a true partnership,” said Todd Hamilton, senior vice president of sales at NCL. “Advisors know why NCL offers the best cruise experience at sea and when they can speak to our unique, bucket-list itineraries, one-of-a-kind Free at Sea promotion, and incredible 18-ship fleet with unparalleled onboard offerings, they are providing immense value to the business. We see this value and we wanted to reward our travel advisors like never before.”

Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Prima

The payment of NCFs will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023 for reservations made outside of final payment (120 days prior to sailing) on sailings departing May 1, 2023 and forward. To qualify for the NCF commission, travel advisors will need to submit a marketing plan through Norwegian Central by Dec. 31, 2022

For more information about the Company’s award-winning 18-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.