Dream Cruises Unveils The World’s Largest Roller Coaster at Sea

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October 11, 2019

As part of the ground-breaking “Dream Park at the Pier”, the first-ever theme park at sea on the new Global Class ship, the “Space Cruiser” will be one of the many fun and exciting attractions that will thrill and dazzle guests of all ages while cruising at sea.

Dream Cruises, Asia’s Global Cruise Line, will feature the world’s longest roller coaster at sea on board its new Global Class ship which is currently under construction in Germany and slated to debut in early 2021. The “Space Cruiser” will be the highlight of the “Dream Park at the Pier” – first-ever theme park concept at sea that will push the envelope of entertainment and leisure facilities available at sea for discerning cruise passengers looking for unique experiences.

Dream Cruises has teamed up with Maurer Rides to develop the world’s longest roller coaster on a cruise ship with the innovative, interactive “Space Cruiser” on the forthcoming Global Class vessel.

“Outfitted with powerful electric motors and positive-locking drive system, the coaster defies the physical limits experienced by conventional roller coasters, thus allowing acceleration over 1g almost everywhere on the 300-metre track,” said Marco Hartwig, Project Manager, Maurer Rides. “All this guarantees a spectacular and breathtaking ride at up to 60 km/h (37 mph) over the heads of fellow passengers.”

Each of the three Spike carts will provide interactive driving excitement for up to two riders per vehicle with inline seats and an integrated throttle allowing guests to control the speed of the ride. Due to the unusual perspective, the driver of the “Space Cruiser” will have the feeling of flying over the sea.

Global Dream is designed for the rapidly growing Asian cruise market and will join the Dream Cruises award-winning fleet, allowing Dream Cruises to offer cruise itineraries across the world as “Asia’s Global Cruise Line”.

As part of the ground-breaking “Dream Park at the Pier”, the first-ever theme park at sea on the new Global Class ship, the “Space Cruiser” will be one of the many fun and exciting attractions that will thrill and dazzle guests of all ages while cruising at sea.

With something for everyone, “Dream Park at the Pier” assembles a myriad of attractions including:

“Bounce Activity Park” – Spread out over the size of a basketball court, this inflatable park isn’t the same old bouncy castles found at kiddie parties. Guests can run, bounce, dance and jump their way around the massive bouncy obstacle course for the ultimate nostalgia trip.
“Jump!” – Bounce around to your heart’s content in a special trampoline park that will have you jumping for joy!
“Shark Bay” – Unleash your inner daredevil on our bungee trampoline. Accomplish acrobatic feats while attached to a safety harness for maximum fun.
“Wipe Out” – Ride the waves at our on board surf simulator. Whether you hang ten or hang out, you’ll have a wet and wild time with your friends.
“Cosmic Chaos” – Spin, twirl, give it a whirl. Become a human gyro and get ready to tumble.
“Kranky Kraken” – Kiddies can make friends with our amiable octopus and fly around in one of his many arms.
“Little Dreamers Ride” – Tiny tots can test their driving skills in our mini karts for some race-car hijinks – all in a safe and controlled environment.
And much, much more!

Global Dream is designed for the rapidly growing Asian cruise market and will join the Dream Cruises award-winning fleet, allowing Dream Cruises to offer cruise itineraries across the world as “Asia’s Global Cruise Line”. Apart from the theme park, amenities will include a Cineplex, Asian and Western spas, ample shopping facilities as well as authentic Asian and international dining experiences and fast food restaurants. Her 2,500 cabins will be able to accommodate up to 5,000 passengers on a twin share basis and can cater to over 9,000 passengers during peak holiday periods. Global Dream will also feature Dream Cruises’ signature 151-suite luxury “ship-within-a-ship’ concept, “The Palace”.

State-of-the-art technology will include Bluetooth locks and a new smart system allowing passengers to control different functions such as the LED mood lighting and climate control with a smartphone app, voice recognition or through a touch-screen control panel. Smart sensors will also be able to detect occupants in the cabin to automatically adjust the lights and temperature for better energy efficiency and triple vent air-conditioning outlets ensure even air distribution for maximum comfort.

For more information about Dream Cruises, please visit dreamcruiseline.com

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Carnival Cruise Line Returning to Grand Bahama on Friday

By

John Shallo

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October 9, 2019

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it will resume regular calls to Grand Bahama beginning this Friday, Oct. 11, when Carnival Pride will dock in Freeport. Carnival Elation will follow on Sunday, Oct. 13 and Carnival Freedom on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Carnival Pride departed Baltimore on Sunday, Oct. 6 on a week-long cruise with nearly 2,400 guests. All told between now and the end of the year, Carnival Cruise Line expects to host 39 calls in Freeport, bringing more than 100,000 visitors to the destination and providing a significant impact to the local economy. For the full year, over 400,000 guests will visit Grand Bahama on a Carnival cruise vacation aboard 10 different ships sailing from nine U.S. homeports.

“Carnival Cruise Line is proud to be such a big year-round supporter for cruise tourism to Freeport so we are very excited to provide our guests the opportunity to again visit this popular destination,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of nautical and port operations. “Cruise ship visits are important to the local economy and our shore excursion team has been working closely with local tour operators and has confirmed a variety of attractive onshore excursions for our guests.”

More than 15 shore excursions will be offered, including The All Inclusive Beach Club; A Select Retreat with Beach and Water Toys; and the VIP Luxury Sail, to name just a few.

Added Senator James Kwasi Malik Thompson, minister of state for Grand Bahama, “The rebuilding of Grand Bahama has begun. We welcome the return of Carnival Cruise Line back to Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian. Carnival is an incredible partner for the Bahamas and Grand Bahama.”

On Monday, Carnival Ecstasy arrived in Freeport to undergo an extensive 12-day dry dock at the Grand Bahama shipyard, becoming the first cruise ship to utilize the facility since Hurricane Dorian.

The company’s relief efforts include a $2 million pledge from Carnival Corporation and the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, as well as relief shipments delivered by Carnival Cruise Line ships and via a partnership with Tropical Shipping. Carnival employees and guests have also donated well over $500,000 through online giving tools and collections on embarkation day and onboard.

To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com.

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Virgin Voyages Unveils “Shake For Champagne” Delivery Service

By

John Shallo

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October 9, 2019

Virgin Voyages is once again shaking up the cruise industry with today’s announcement. Its Sailors will have an exclusive on-demand champagne delivery service, Shake for Champagne. The new service will enable its Sailors to request champagne, anywhere on board Scarlet Lady, with a simple shake of their phone.

Those looking to take indulgence to the next level, can also treat themselves in the newly revealed luxurious champagne lounge and caviar bar, Sip.

“It is never too early for champagne and there is always something to toast to while aboard Scarlet Lady. We want our Sailors to enjoy a glamorous holiday and what better way to feel like a RockStar than a sip of bubbly whenever and wherever you want it,” said Tom Mcalpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages.

Shake For Champagne

Virgin Voyages is giving its Sailors one more reason to celebrate all of life’s moments with its on-demand delivery service, Shake for Champagne. When the Virgin Voyages Sailor App is shaken, a secret Virgin Voyages Champagne button is revealed and, with just one press, a bottle of Möet Chandon Impérial will be delivered to the Sailor.

“There’s nothing more luxurious than having champagne at your beck and call or even a shake. We are committed to creating the world’s most irresistible travel brand, so we thought long and hard about how to help our Sailors effortlessly get a sip of bubbly during their voyage, and presto Shake for Champagne was conjured up!” said Nathan Rosenberg, CMO for Virgin Voyages.

Delivered in an eye-catching, gleaming Virgin red champagne bucket, which is sure to make everyone around envious, the service includes a 750ml bottle of Möet Chandon Imperial with two glasses. Möet Chandon Imperial is a blend of over 200 crus, mingling the full body of pinot noir with the suppleness of Meunier and the finesse of chardonnay – the perfect pairing for a day or evening sailing in the warm Caribbean sea.

SIP – A champagne lounge and caviar bar

Sip is a lounge designed to be enjoyed with a chilled glass of bubbles. Featuring a diverse curation of champagne labels, including Moët Chandon – Virgin Voyages’ featured champagne house. Sailors can opt for a glass of bubbles priced from $9 or splash out on a $1,000 vintage bottle. In a nod to Virgin’s quintessential British heritage and eccentricity, Sip will offer a signature afternoon high tea, which will delight the eyes as well as the taste buds, while celebrating oceanic elements.

Featuring a long marble bar with rose-gold inlay, Sip encourages Sailors to indulge in one of the most luxurious pairings of them all, champagne and caviar. Gold and rose-pink hues echo the color of the champagnes that will be served, and are beautifully offset by deep watery blues and carrara white marble bars and tables. The deep ocean blue banquette wall and carpet that wraps through the space, will create a chance to revel or relax at all times of day as the ship sails through the ocean’s blue waves.

Limited-Time Booking Offer

Sailors can toast to Virgin Voyages’ inaugural season now through November 30, as those who book April or May sailings will receive a complimentary special Virgin Voyages limited-edition bottle of Möet Chandon Imperial in their cabin upon their arrival. In addition, Sailors who book now can snag their voyage with half off their deposit. Future Sailors and First Mates are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com.

Redefining Adult Cruise Travel

Virgin Voyages is a global lifestyle brand committed to creating the world’s most irresistible holiday. With operations in the US, UK, and Europe, Virgin Voyages currently has four ships on order with master shipbuilder Fincantieri.

With its inaugural season scheduled for 2020, Virgin Voyages’ first ship Scarlet Lady was designed to reflect a yacht’s sleek luxury. Scarlet Lady will be Adult-by-Design, a sanctuary at sea for the 18+ traveler.

A dose of ‘Vitamin Sea’ will be naturally intertwined across the entire ship, with well-being activated through a mix of high-energy moments coupled with relaxation and rejuvenation. The Scarlet Lady will also feature alluring entertainment and 20+ world-class intimate eateries on board. Virgin Voyages will offer incredible value with all restaurants, group fitness classes, soft drinks, gratuities, WiFi and many more Virgin surprises included within the voyage fare.

Scarlet Lady will sail from Miami to the Caribbean in 2020, hosting more than 2,770 sailors and 1,150 amazing crew from around the world.

For more information visit virginvoyages.com

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Carnival Corporation Begins Construction on New Cruise Terminal in Japan

By

John Shallo

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October 8, 2019

Carnival Corporation & plc has officially began construction of the cruise industry’s first cruise terminal in Japan, located at the port of Sasebo. A groundbreaking ceremony was attended by government, business and community representatives. In attendance for Carnival Corporation were Remco Buis, senior vice president port operations and development, and Paul Chong, vice president of business development for Carnival Asia, as well as representatives from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), and the city of Sasebo.

As part of a strategic partnership agreement signed in March 2018 with the city of Sasebo and MLIT Japan, Carnival Corporation will construct and operate the new terminal, expected to open in summer 2020. The partners in the Sasebo development project are working together on an efficient, contemporary design for the terminal to accommodate the corporation’s existing and newest ships. Under the 20-year agreement, Carnival Corporation and its cruise line brands will be granted berthing preference, enabling them to provide guests with optimized cruise itineraries when visiting the port.

“As the cruise industry’s first terminal in Japan, this groundbreaking is a historic day for all of us at Carnival Corporation and for our partners in this exciting project,” said Michael Thamm, group CEO, Costa Group and Carnival Asia.

Japan is a popular destination for seven of Carnival Corporation’s cruise line brands, including AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises and Seabourn. Overall, Carnival Corporation is expecting to accommodate an estimated 2 million passenger movements in the market in 2019, with nearly 800 calls from 15 ships from the company’s cruise line brands to over 50 ports in Japan.

Carnival Cruise Line Unveils New Seasonal ParchedPig Pumpkin Ale Beer

By

John Shallo

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October 8, 2019

Carnival Cruise Line became the first cruise operator exhibitor at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. They have debuted its new fleetwide seasonal beer, ParchedPig Pumpkin Ale, which will be available in bottles and on draft later this month.

Carnival Cruise Line's ParchedPig Pumpkin Ale — Carnival Cruise Line has debuted its new fleetwide seasonal beer, ParchedPig Pumpkin Ale, which will be available in bottles and on draft later this month.

Carnival, which operates the only shipboard breweries in North America, also showcased its ParchedPig West Coast IPA, ParchedPig Toasted Amber and ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat to more than 60,000 attendees at the festival which attracted 800 brewers this year. Recipes for these three beers were created by Carnival’s in-house brewing team and, in partnership with Brew Hub, are available in cans and kegs across the fleet

Additionally, the line announced that a brand new beer, ParchedPig Beach Lager, will debut at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse aboard the new Carnival Panorama when it enters service in December from Long Beach, Calif.

“Showcasing a selection of our beers among some of the top breweries in the country and introducing our product to the thousands of beer enthusiasts at The Great American Beer Festival is a true highlight for our team,” said Edward Allen, vice president of beverage operations for Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re constantly evolving our beverage choices, including the quality and variety of our beers, and this was the perfect opportunity to debut the new ParchedPig Pumpkin Ale and announce ParchedPig Beach Lager as we continue to provide our guests with even more exciting choices on board.”

Available for a limited time, ParchedPig Pumpkin Ale is a bold, full-bodied beer with a hint of spiciness and notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, caramel, and brown sugar, providing the perfect complement to fall cruising. It will be available in 22-ounce “bombers” and on draft in bars and lounges across the fleet, as well as at breweries aboard Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon.

The newest beer under the ParchedPig moniker, Beach Lager, is an easy-drinking refreshing brew that combines traditional German brewing techniques with a fun sense of adventure. ParchedPig Beach Lager will be brewed and served at Carnival Panorama’s Smokehouse Brewhouse, joining the award-winning ParchedPig Smoked Porter, West Coast IPA, Toasted Amber, and Farmhouse Ale, also brewed on board. These beers pair perfectly with the delicious smoked-on-board barbecue offerings created by Food Network star and longtime Carnival partner Guy Fieri.

“ParchedPig Beach Lager is light, drinkable beer that’s a personal favorite of mine and serves as the perfect accompaniment for whatever guests want to do on board, whether it’s relaxing by the pool or enjoying delicious barbecue,” said Colin Presby, brewmaster for Carnival Cruise Line.

To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com.

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Dining on Scenic Eclipse, a Luxury Expedition Ship with Eight Restaurants

By

John Roberts

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October 8, 2019

Scenic Eclipse is unlike any other cruise ship.

As the world’s first luxury expedition vessel, it’s loaded with amenities not typically available on ships that sail such adventurous itineraries.

Scenic Eclipse has a large spa with a thermal suite, two helicopters and a submarine. It offers spacious suites, a big theater a high-end boutique and a massive lounge with a Whiskey Bar. These amenities are all sufficient enough to make Scenic Eclipse “Wow” worthy.

But the dining program might be the best thing about this revolutionary new ship. It features 10 unique food experiences. Let’s have a look at all the ways cruisers can dive into the cuisine on the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse.

Dining on Scenic Eclipse

Chef’s Table

Tucked into a private room within Elements, the ship’s main dining venue, the Chef’s Table experience is a 10- to 12-course food journey. This meal is offered by invitation only to Scenic cruisers who have earned a certain level of loyalty status. It’s offered every other night and takes place at a long table with a view of the ship’s main galley.

Diners watch through large glass windows as chefs prepare meals in the high-tech kitchen. Chef’s Table is a creation of Scenic Eclipse Executive Chef Tom Goetter, a runner-up on Germany’s version of Master Chef.

Each course is incredibly creative, using a variety of molecular styles that leave passengers in awe as they dine on items like cigar-shaped burritos and barbecue short ribs that have been prepared for 72 hours and fall off the bone. This meal is a highlight of your cruise … if you can secure a spot.

Elements

This is the main dining room, serving Italian, steaks and seafood. The menu includes a pasta and risotto of the day and daily specials of meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian options. You might see black angus tenderloin, slow-cooked turkey and black mussels. Scenic shrimp cocktail is always available, and, of course, you get to pick sides, salads and desserts.

Azure Bar and Café

This eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with seating inside or at a terrace area that allows you to enjoy the outdoor views. This a good spot to grab a lighter meal, with items readily available at the counter. You can choose from light salads, pastas, cheese and fruit, pastries, and pre-made sandwiches.

You can also order the egg special of the day or eggs to order at breakfast, pizza for lunch or anything off the room service menu for dinner.

Lumiere

This restaurant offers gourmet French cuisine from a multi-course set menu. Have a pre-meal drink at the Champagne Bar and then settle in for items like frog legs, lobster and rack of lamb.

Koko’s

This Asian-fusion eatery offers three distinct dining options. Koko’s features bento-box lunches and dinners offering a full menu of Asian specialties.

Sushi @ Koko’s is the venue’s sushi and sake bar. The fish is flown in from Japan, so passengers enjoy fresh-made authentic sushi onboard. Teppanyaki @ Koko’s offers an intimate teppanyaki-style experience for dinners only in a private room that seats up to eight people.

The Yacht Club

This poolside grill is the ship’s buffet restaurant. It also has a bar and seating tucked around the indoor pool. This restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and offers a wide range of salads, fruits, veggies, breads and hot items like fish, steak and pasta of the day. Don’t forget to stop by the gelato station for a sweet treat.

Epicure

This is a studio that offers cooking classes throughout the cruise. Check the schedule and sign up to learn how to prepare specialties like ceviche, tacos and spring rolls. Scenic chefs have at least 24 different cooking disciplines that they can put on the program.

Room Service

The ability to order a meal or snack in your suite any time of day is one of the best parts of the luxury cruise experience on Scenic Eclipse. Passengers receive butler service on this ship, and he or she can set up a full dining experience in the privacy of your stateroom whenever you desire. The balconies are large and make for a special place to share a meal with your travel partner while enjoying the scenic views as you sail.

The 24-hour room service menu features delicious gourmet sandwiches and burgers as well as fish, steak, pastas and desserts.

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MSC Meraviglia Makes Record Breaking Arrival In New York City

By

John Shallo

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October 8, 2019

MSC Meraviglia arrives in NY Oct 7. 2019 — MSC Meraviglia — MSC Cruises’ first Meraviglia Class smart ship — made her inaugural visit to North American shores today, arriving at Manhattan Pier in New York City. With a double occupancy capacity of 4,488 and gross tonnage of 171,598 GRT, MSC Meraviglia is MSC Cruises’ largest ship sailing from the U.S and sets the record for the largest ship to ever port in Manhattan.

MSC Meraviglia — MSC Cruises’ first Meraviglia Class smart ship — made her inaugural visit to North American shores yesterday, arriving at Manhattan Pier in New York City. With a double occupancy capacity of 4,488 and gross tonnage of 171,598 GRT, MSC Meraviglia is MSC Cruises’ largest ship sailing from the U.S and sets the record for the largest ship to ever port in Manhattan. As she continues sailings along the east coast, MSC Meraviglia will also be the largest ship ever to call Boston, Mass., as well as Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine.

“We are so thrilled to welcome MSC Meraviglia, a truly beautiful ship, to the U.S. as she marks another major milestone for MSC Cruises in the North American market,” said Ken Muskat, EVP & Chief Operating Officer of MSC Cruises (USA). “Due to significant demand, for the first time in MSC Cruises history we now have four distinct ships sailing in the region as MSC Meraviglia joins MSC Seaside, MSC Armonia and MSC Divina. With each ship offering its own unique design and guest experience inspired by our European heritage, we look forward to providing travelers with even more choice and variety to best fit their vacation needs.”

***MSC Meraviglia*’s Features Onboard**

With a name meaning wonder, MSC Meraviglia boasts an innovative and glamorous design that showcases MSC Cruises’ signature European style. The ship’s two-story Mediterranean-style promenade is lined with a variety of shops and specialty restaurants — including HOLA! Tapas Bar and Ocean Cay, restaurants by two Michelin-starred Spanish chef Ramón Freixa, and Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café, an open fronted chocolate atelier by world-renowned pastry chef, Jean Philippe Maury.

https://youtu.be/922LPB7quL0

Entertainment is available around-the-clock with enriching activities for all ages. In addition to six different full-scale theatrical productions every night in the main theater, guests are also able to enjoy two distinct Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, VIAGGIO and SONOR — created exclusively for MSC Meraviglia in a purpose-built entertainment and dining venue, the Carousel Lounge. Immersive kids and family programs include a winter-themed aqua park with four water slides, a Himalayan bridge suspending cruisers high up above the ship, an interactive XD cinema, two full size bowling lanes and multiple LEGO-designed kids clubs.

Those looking for exclusivity and privacy – while still enjoying all the amenities and choice offered on a larger ship – can book their stay within the MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ all-inclusive ‘ship-within-a-ship’ concept, featuring private amenities and 24-hour butler service.

Launched in June 2017, MSC Meraviglia was MSC Cruises first next-generation innovative ship to feature MSC for Me, a multi-channel digital program designed to help guests get the most out of their vacation. By simply using an app, interactive displays and in-stateroom TV, guests are able to effortlessly book services, find information, plan activities, stay connected with friends and family and easily navigate around the ship.

MSC Meraviglia North American Itineraries

Designed to sail in all seasons and climates, the glamorous MSC Meraviglia will begin her North American journey with three sailing from NYC, including two itineraries to New England and Canada and one repositioning to her new homeport in Miami. On her first Caribbean sailing, departing from NYC on October 28, MSC Meraviglia will be the first ship to call on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ new breathtaking private island destination in the Bahamas opening November 9, 2019.

With endless sweeping vistas of crystal blue waters and over two miles of pristine beachfront across eight white sandy beaches, Ocean Cay is the ideal getaway for guests to escape their busy daily lives and discover nature’s pure, untouched beauty. Exclusively for MSC Cruises’ guests, MSC Meraviglia will dock at Ocean Cay from early morning until late evening, giving guests plenty of time to soak up the spirit of The Bahamas and enjoy the day as they wish. Island experiences span a range of activities including shore excursions designed to discover the marine life close up, such as snorkelling, stand up paddle boarding, and kayaking; luxurious spa treatments; shopping areas with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts by local artisans; and one of a kind night events such as traditional Junkanoo parades, lighthouse light shows, and beachside stargazing.

With MSC Meraviglia’s arrival in North America, she will also now feature MSC Cruises’ partnership with home and lifestyle expert Martha Stewart, which launched earlier in 2019 on all Caribbean sailings. The exclusive Martha Stewart and MSC Cruises partnership includes celebration surprise gift packages, onboard special holiday dinner menus and recipes, and specially curated shore excursions featuring some of Martha’s favorite activities and allowing guests to learn the local culture of the destination they are visiting.

From November 10, 2019 through April 5, 2020, MSC Meraviglia will sail two different 7-night western Caribbean itineraries visiting ports in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Belize, Honduras and The Bahamas. Sample itineraries include:

January 12, 2019: 7-night sailing visiting Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas. Prices start at $629 per person for a balcony stateroom.
February 16, 2019: 7-night sailing visiting Miami, Florida; Isla de Rotan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya, Mexico; Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas; Miami, Florida. Prices start at $639 per person for a balcony stateroom.

Following her inaugural season in Miami, MSC Meraviglia will then return to Northern Europe for summer 2020 (April – October). Upon returning to the U.S. in October 2020, MSC Meraviglia will once again do three 10-night sailings from New York to Canada & New England before then homeporting back in Miami for 7-night Caribbean sailings.

MSC Cruises is the world’s fastest growing cruise line, sailing to more than 200 destinations around the world and offering an enriching, immersive cruise experience inspired by its European heritage. Over the next 8 years, the cruise line is set to expand its innovative, modern fleet from 16 to 25 cruise ships.

For more information visit www.msccruises.com.

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5 Things You Should Know About Cruise Ship Spas

By

John Roberts

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October 7, 2019

Spa aficionado or newbie? Either way, the rules for cruise ship spas are a little different than those you’ll find when getting a massage or other treatment on land.

Check out our guide to cruise ship spas and the top things you should know before you go.

Bundled Discounts

Yes, you can get a better price if you book a package of treatments during your cruise vacation. Cruise ships offer tours of the spa and fitness center on the first couple of days of your sailing. Head over to chat with the staff and ask for the price list and any specials that they will be running during your cruise. You can typically get a discount on a package of treatments that significantly brings down the overall price if you were to buy them separately.

Celebrity Cruises’ Canyon Ranch Spa, for example, often features its “10 20 30” promotion that discounts 10 percent off the first treatment, 20 percent off the second and 30 percent off the third.

Of course, these types of deals work best if you were planning for a spa splurge, like getting a massage, a facial and a body treatment. So, you can book them as a package deal and get a cheaper price.

Monitor Your Spending

The tip is included already when you get your bill to sign after your treatment. It’s generally about 18 percent added to your bill, and you’ll see the amount listed if you look carefully at the slip you are asked to sign by the therapist after your session.

I’m letting you know this because some cruisers (me) have been known to double tip, making for an awkward conversation at the spa services desk when you want to get the amount adjusted.

Also, be wary that the therapists are told to recommend products to you that you will “need” to keep you looking and feeling your best. If you know that you will not be interested in buying any ointments, lotions or creams, make that clear ahead of your treatment to save yourself from the hard sell at the end.

Thermal Suite Life

The spa and fitness areas usually have a thermal suite or at least a locker room with a steam room or sauna. The newest big cruise ships go all out with their thermal suites. These are huge spaces with hot tubs, heated ceramic loungers, salt therapy, steam rooms, snow rooms, saunas and thalassotherapy pools.

They charge a cruise-long or daily admission fee, and you have to book early to ensure that you can get time in the suite. Some ships also may include time in the suites if you are also in for a massage or other treatment.

Worth mentioning: Viking Ocean Cruises includes unlimited use of their amazing LivNordic Spa facility as part of your cruise fare.

Also, make sure to wander into the locker room available at the fitness center, even if you don’t plan to use the gym for a workout. You just might find that there is a steam room or sauna available for passenger use at no extra charge.

Cruise Ship Spas – Not Just Massages

The spa offers much more than massages. The therapists offer hair and nail treatments, facials, wraps, teeth whitening and shaving and hair-styling services, too. You can even try medi-spa sessions such as the Ionithermie, Botox and cellulite-reduction treatments.

Snagging a Deal

The spas feature the best prices for their treatments when your cruise ship is in port. This is done as an enticement to get a little more business when passengers are more likely to be ashore on their excursions and tours. So, if you have been to a particular port a few times and would rather treat yourself to a spa day during your vacation, this would be the time to do it.

Be sure to book the treatment for a time when the ship is actually docked. The discounts are in effect for the time that the ship is not sailing and not simply on every “port day.” So, once it’s anchors aweigh after 4 p.m., for example, your 5 p.m. massage will cost the regular amount.

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MSC Cruises Signs Declaration to Fight Illegal Wildlife Trade

By

John Shallo

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October 7, 2019

MSC Cruises recently signed the Travel & Tourism Declaration on Illegal Trade in Wildlife – known as the ‘Buenos Aires Declaration’ – which sets out a number of specific commitments for companies active in the travel and tourism sector to help combat illegal wildlife trade. Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Linden Coppell, Director of Sustainability, MSC Cruises, signed the agreement in New York City.

Chief among these commitments is a pledge to contribute towards ending the illegal carriage or sale of wildlife products, in full accordance with the terms of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife, Fauna and Flora (CITES).

MSC Cruises has also become the first company to sign the WTTC’s Illegal Wildlife Travel & Tourism Sector Zero Tolerance Policy. Developed in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), this new policy fully commits the business to translate the principles of the Declaration into clear and measurable actions to protect wildlife and help in the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking.

MSC Cruises is particularly committed to increase the awareness among its more than two million annual guests on board its ships about the need to preserve wildlife and, more generally, to promote a responsible approach to tourism. The Company already encourages responsible tourism practices at all destinations its cruise ships reach and always works closely in partnership with communities to ensure that its presence leads to tangible positive local benefits.

MSC Cruises is strongly committed to protect the environment, in all its shapes and forms. With today’s signing, the Company has taken another step forward in its commitment to ensure wildlife protection is integral to its environmental protection efforts.

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MSC Armonia Is Coming to Tampa: What to Know About this Ship

By

John Roberts

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October 7, 2019

Port of Tampa is getting another cruise ship to call its own when MSC Armonia arrives in late 2020. Tampa is a vibrant city positioned on a beautiful bay on Florida’s west coast near the Gulf of Mexico.

MSC Cruises is a fast-growing cruise line, with a number of new ships that have been introduced in recent years, including several big and bold vessels that make Miami their homeport. MSC Divina, MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia sail Caribbean cruises from Miami.

MSC Cruises has a long and storied history in the Mediterranean and throughout Europe and is working to expand its presence and raise awareness among North America cruisers for its affordable and stylish style of cruising. Tampa now gets in on the action with MSC Armonia.

Cruisers who can easily get to Tampa as a “drive-to” port will love being able to book fun getaways on another cruise ship available in their own backyard.

MSC Armonia was built in 2001 and received a “stretching” during a 2014 refurbishment that increased the size and passenger capacity of the ship. Still, the vessel is relatively small, carrying up to 2,000-plus cruisers, when compared with more recent mega-ships. MSC Divina, MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia, for examples, all can sail with more than 3,500 passengers.

Port Tampa Bay offers an attractive area for cruisers to enjoy prior to embarkation, with plenty of shopping, restaurants and activities nearby. Ybor City is Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter, and its 7th Avenue is designated as one of the “Great Streets in America” for its history, community and diverse character.

Channelside is a bustling development just across the street from the cruise piers, and the waterside entertainment complex dubbed Sparkman Wharf offers shopping, restaurants, a beer garden and live music events.

If you’re excited to give MSC Armonia a try for a cruise out of Tampa, here some more details you should know about the ship, which is sure to be nice low-cost option for family cruises to the Caribbean.

The ship offers plenty for the kids through MSC Cruises’ partnerships with toy and baby care brands Lego and Chicco. Kids and teen clubs, play spaces and an elaborate spray water park will keep the youngsters busy.

MSC Armonia Is Coming to Tampa: What to Know About this Ship | 21 — MSC Armonia features well-conceived kids clubs, making the ship ideal for family cruises.

MSC Armonia has a distinct European feel in its design, restaurants and passenger makeup (a more diverse international set of travelers than on most major lines).

MSC Armonia features five restaurants, including two main dining rooms. One of the main dining rooms is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (the other is dinner only). La Brasserie is the ship’s buffet that offers a wide range of food and is open throughout the day, from early morning until late at night. Il Girasole is the pool deck grill and pizza place.

The ship has one for-fee specialty restaurant. Surf and Turf is a 38-seat intimate venue offering a prix fixe menu of appetizer, main course and dessert.

The ship features an English-style pub, cigar room, disco and cocktail bar The Red Room, among other bars and lounges onboard. MSC Armonia offers the Aurea Spa complex, with a thermal suite and relaxation area (day passes available).

The pool deck has an adult pool and a family pool, with nearby hot tubs. The Top 13 adults-only sun deck (day-pass fee) offers a serene retreat. It’s a mid-size and older ship, so the top-deck activities are limited to a mini-golf course and sports court. No rock-climbing walls, ziplines, ropes courses or simulated surfing experiences on this ship.

One of the best things about cruising on MSC Armonia is that it’s one of the ships that will visit the new Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, an eco-friendly private island destination packed with adventure opportunities and lined with pristine beaches and scenic lagoons.

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