American Cruise Lines, the largest U.S. cruise company, is pleased to announce details for the first of a new class of five modern riverboats destined for America’s rivers. These will be the first to combine the modern styling of a European riverboat with the premium comfort for which American Cruise Lines is known.
New Class of Modern Riverboats
The first in the series is scheduled to begin passenger service in 2018 and will carry 200 guests. The new riverboat will feature the largest staterooms in the United States, with private balconies, and hotel-size bathrooms. At 345 feet long, the new riverboat will include all the finest modern design features that today’s travelers have come to expect.
“For over a decade, we have led the way with ship innovation in the United States and we continue to raise the bar with this new class of modern riverboats” says Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American. “American Cruise Lines has consistently pursued its new build program, as it considers refurbished boats unable to meet the modern expectations of today’s river cruise passengers.”
Construction has already begun on the new modern riverboat at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland. In addition to the new class of modern riverboats, American is building two additional cruise ships at Chesapeake Shipbuilding. American Constellation has a capacity of 170 passengers and is scheduled to begin cruising in May of 2017, and its sister ship will begin cruising in 2018.
American Cruise Lines is committed to continuous growth through an innovative ship design and ship building program that elevates the standard of cruising in America. The line has been the recipient of numerous prestigious travel industry awards including World’s Leading River Cruise Company 2016 and North America’s Leading River Cruise Company 2016 by World Travel Awards™, 2016 Gold Magellan Award for the Queen of the Mississippi, 2016 Silver Magellan Award for Best River Cruising, the 2016 Cruise Critic® US Editor’s Pick Award for Best Enrichment, among many others.
American Cruise Lines
American has more than 35 itineraries ranging from 4 to 21-nights in length, which visit the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, New England, the Southeast, and the Mississippi River. The line has been continuously recognized for its new ships and for providing superb service to guests and travel agents before, during, and after a cruise.
To learn more about American Cruise Lines, visit americancruiselines.com or call 800-814- 6880.
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American Cruise Lines Announces New Class of Modern Riverboats 4
Princess Cruises, the top North American cruise line in Japan, just announced its longest Japan cruise season yet with an array of voyages from Tokyo and Kobe in 2018 that circumnavigate the country, visiting top-rated cultural ports.
With Japanese maiden port calls to Ishinomaki, Iwakuni, Niigata, Sakata, Toba and Yokkaichi, along with visits to South Korea, Taiwan, China, Russia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, the voyages are designed to offer opportunities to explore the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage sites and to participate in some of Japan’s largest and most celebrated cultural festivals and special events. In addition, cruisetour itineraries will take travelers into the heart of Japanese culture in Kyoto and Tokyo, and include visits to Togendai, and Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Princess Cruises Unveils 2018 Japan Cruise and Cruisetour Program 8
Princess Cruises Unveils 2018 Japan Cruises
A total of 63 voyages are open for sale on Japanese-built Diamond Princess, ranging from four to 23 nights, with 38 destinations in seven countries. The 2018 season runs from April through December 2018.
“We are honored to bring guests more departures and visits to top-rated ports in 2018 than ever before,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “Through local cultural entertainment and culinary experiences to our purpose-made ship specific to Japan, our guests are sure to enjoy the most of this storied country at sea with Princess.”
2018 Japan program highlights include:
“Three Spring Flowers” voyages depart in April, providing guests access to Japan’s largest tulip fair and some of Japan’s top cherry blossom viewing sites, such as Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa.
Guests enjoy the best of summer festival time in Japan as Princess Cruises offers five 8- to 19-day voyages visiting the Aomori Nebuta and Akita Kanto festivals, with late night stays in both cities to allow for even more exploration of these incredible events. The Aomori Nebuta Festival features Nebuta float figures, music, and many vibrant dancers. The Akita Kanto features a procession of 200 bamboo poles with lanterns weighing over 100 pounds all carried on the palms, foreheads, shoulders, or backs of the celebrants.
Six Fall Foliage voyages depart in early October and November, bringing guests to regions of Japan that showcase the brilliant changing colors of the Japanese maple and Ginkgo trees as summer makes way for fall.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The 2018 Japan season features access to 12 UNESCO World Cruise Heritage Sites, including the historic temples and shrines of Kyoto and Nara, the majestic Mt. Fuji, and the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima.
More Ashore
In 2018, Diamond Princess itineraries will visit 12 ports with late night calls, featuring longer stays on every call to Hakodate for breathtaking views of the city at night – nationally known as one of Japan’s top three night views.
Getaway Cruises
For a shorter journey, there are five-night voyages throughout the season sailing roundtrip from Tokyo, visiting Busan, South Korea and Yokkaichi, a new port of call that provides access to the Ise Grand Shrine and is just a stone’s throw away from Matsusaka, known for the exquisite Matsusaka Beef.
Japan Cruisetours
To further enhance the cruise line’s Japanese vacations, Princess Cruises offers two cruisetour options, available with select cruises, to explore Kyoto and Tokyo. The “Highlights of Japan” cruisetour includes the main sights in Kyoto and Tokyo, sightseeing at Nijo-jo Castle, the famed Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and popular Japanese gardens. After visiting central Tokyo, guests will visit Togendai, Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji.
The “Temples & Traditions of Japan” cruisetour is an extended version of the “Highlights of Japan” with two additional nights in the UNESCO Creative City of Kanazawa. This area is rich with Japanese culture and tradition where guests can roam Higashi Chaya, an iconic Geisha district, as well as Nomura Samurai House. Guests have the opportunity to participate in a Japanese washi paper-making demonstration as well as a sushi-making experience.
An experienced tour director and most meals are included on both cruisetour options.
While Diamond Princess features the cruise line’s signature innovations, such as the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside theater and The Sanctuary, an exclusive top-deck retreat, it also offers many unique features designed to enhance the Japanese cultural experience onboard, including:
Izumi Japanese Bath – the largest of its kind at sea and modeled after the popular Japanese onsen experience
Kai Sushi restaurant – boasting made-to-order sushi and a full selection of Japanese sake
Noodle stations – serving up a rotating selection of ramen, soba, and udon noodles
Tamagoyaki – a traditional Japanese omelet available daily for breakfast
Unique Japanese entertainment offerings such as “rakugo” storytelling performances and origami classes
Extensive luxury brand duty-free shopping
In addition, dining room menus offer a wide variety of international cuisine, including Japanese options on all menus. Onboard collateral items and stateroom information are available in both English and Japanese.
Diamond Princess was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, Japan – the first of two Princess ships built in Japan.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com.
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Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl sailed into her seasonal homeport of Miami this morning following a two-week dry dock where every stateroom and many of the ship’s public areas were revitalized to provide a fresh modern look.
Norwegian Pearl’s extensive renovation is a part of The Norwegian Edge™, an investment program that sets a high standard of excellence for the Norwegian brand, encompassing the entire guest experience.
“Norwegian Pearl is one of our most beloved ships. With this dry dock we wanted to provide her with a refreshed, clean and modern onboard atmosphere while maintaining the ship’s overall charm and flexibility that our guests enjoy so much,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. “Through The Norwegian Edge™ program we are continuing to heavily invest in our fleet to ensure that guests have a consistent experience across all Norwegian ships and the freedom to create their ideal cruise vacation.”
Every one of Norwegian Pearl’s 1,197 staterooms was touched in this dry dock modernization. All accommodations received a completely refreshed look with cool blue hues reminiscent of the calming ocean with silver and turquoise accents.
Each stateroom features new furniture, new carpeting, new headboards, and new televisions as well as the addition of USB outlets where guests can charge their handheld devices. Across the ship, more than 2,200 pieces of art work were installed for guests to enjoy in their staterooms as well as in Cagney’s Restaurant and The Haven.
The Haven by Norwegian®
Guests who sail in The Haven by Norwegian®, Norwegian’s signature ship-within-a-ship luxury suite complex, aboard Norwegian Pearl will now enjoy a completely refurbished Haven Courtyard creating an incredible atmosphere for soaking in the sun with new finishes on the decks, pool and hot tubs as well as new furniture including the addition of new cabanas, making for a chic resort-style experience. The Haven’s suites and villas also received extensive modernization with new wall paper, new furniture, new finishes on the ceilings and balconies, new carpets, new drapery, and artwork.
Cagney’s Steakhouse, one of Norwegian Pearl’s most popular “Freestyle Dining” venues, received fresh new upgrades to carpet, artwork, furniture upholstery, and window treatments. Norwegian Pearl guests can now enjoy as many decadent cuts of meat and seafood as their heart may desire in a more elegant and modern setting at Moderno Churrascaria, which now features new tables and chairs, wall laminates, new granite bar tops in the restaurant’s bar and salad bar areas, and a new crisp glass-door entrance.
Guests looking for a pub-style experience can now enjoy a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere at O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill with modern flooring and an entirely refurbished bar featuring new granite tops, bar back shelving, new ceiling and lighting fixtures, new wall finishes throughout the restaurant, along with fresh tables and chairs as well as newly added banquet seating for larger parties to enjoy.
Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Pearl’s famed pool deck, where guests congregate to bask in the sun or dance the night away, now features fresh flooring and paint as well as refurbished whirlpools. The Great Outdoors bar as well as Sky High bar both received new flooring with Sky High Bar also receiving an overall refreshed look, including new tables, chairs, bar stools, and a new bar façade.
Norwegian Pearl is currently sailing from Miami through April, offering a variety of itineraries including round-trip sailings through the Panama Canal and itineraries to the Western Caribbean. In the summer months, Norwegian Pearl will sail her incredibly popular seven-day cruises to the glacier-filled waters of Alaska from Seattle featuring calls in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia. For more information or to book a cruise aboard the beautifully enhanced Norwegian Pearl, contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com.
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Award-winning Canadian newscaster Coleen Christie has been named the godmother of Emerald Waterways’ newest Star Ship, Emerald Destiny.
First Canadian Godmother
Coleen will be Canada’s first Emerald Waterways’ godparent. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and raised in Victoria, B.C., Coleen Christie’s career both on and off screen has included working as a news anchor in Vancouver; hosting for the CTV network; and working as a producer/creative director in television promotion and marketing.
“We’re thrilled that Coleen Christie has agreed to be the Destiny’s godmother,” says Lisa Norton, vice president of brand management for Emerald Waterways North America. “Canada is a strong market for us, and Ms. Christie’s impeccable reputation as a newscaster along with dedication to charitable work makes her an excellent fit for our brand.”
As a principal anchor for CTV News Vancouver, Coleen has anchored numerous live, breaking news events including the Boston Marathon Bombing and the 9-hour, national broadcast of the final day of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
In a historic first, Coleen was a key part of the team awarded the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for overall excellence. Coleen is a TEDx Vancouver alumnus, speaking on modern news consumption and its effects on society. She’s been involved with many community and charitable organizations including Arts Umbrella, The BC CancerFoundation, Covenant House, Dress For Success, Friends for Life, Girls Can Do, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, Orangutan Foundation International, The Pacific Autism Family Centre, Plan Canada, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the Vancouver Art Gallery. She is a past board member of The Rare Disease Foundation.
The fifth in the Emerald Waterways’ Star Ship fleet, the 186-guest Emerald Destiny features their popular indoor balcony in most cabins, complete with decked area and an ingenious open-air system, as well as a swimming pool and cinema on the ship’s aft.
It is one of three Emerald Star Ships to be launched this year, bringing the total fleet to seven. Emerald Liberté, which will sail the Saône & Rhône rivers in France, will launch in April. The Liberté can host 138 guests and offers all the same amenities as the Destiny, including the swimming pool and cinema. Emerald Radiance, which carries only 112 passengers, will offer an intimate way to traverse Portugal’s Douro River and will launch in May.
Emerald Waterways
Emerald Waterways caters to the four-star-plus market by using deluxe ships and service and an incredibly inclusive pricing plan. The cruise fare includes some flights (depending on market and special offers); all transfers; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins replenished daily; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the ship; most shore excursions as well as all onboard and excursion gratuities.
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Viking Ocean Cruises® celebrated yesterday the maiden voyage of its third ship, Viking Sky®, from Rome’s Civitavecchia port to Barcelona.
Sister ship to the award-winning Viking Star® and Viking Sea®, Viking Sky will begin her maiden season sailing itineraries throughout the Western and Eastern Mediterranean before heading north into Viking territory to sail Scandinavian and Baltic itineraries in the summer. Viking Sky will cross the Atlantic this fall and will finish out the year sailing itineraries in the Americas and the Caribbean.
“As we officially welcome our third ship to the fleet, it is a proud moment for the entire Viking family. We continue to see a positive response from our guests and the industry, which makes us confident in our future growth,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “We started in the cruise business 20 years ago, and our philosophy is still the same – we do not try to be everything to everyone. We are a destination-oriented small ship cruise line, and as we prepare to introduce a fourth ocean ship by the end of 2017, we look forward to introducing even more guests to The Viking Way of exploration.”
Viking Sky
Classified by Cruise Critic as a “small ship,” the all-veranda, Viking Sky, like her sister ships, has a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, boasts 465 cabins, and accommodates 930 passengers. Viking’s fourth ship, Viking Sun®, will be delivered in November and will spend her maiden season sailing the company’s first-ever World Cruise.
Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port, more overnights, and fewer days at sea. Onboard, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. All-veranda ships mean that guests experience every day with a new, expansive vista.
With the most al fresco dining at sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences onshore and onboard. And only “The Viking Way” brings guests itineraries that feature “Local Life,” “Working World,” and “Privileged Access” experiences.
While every cruise fare includes a guided excursion in each port, Viking’s optional excursion program was designed to provide guests with enriching experiences that go beyond the iconic and the expected, for example:
The Hermitage Behind Closed Doors, St. Petersburg, Russia – Offered on the 15-day Viking Homelands itinerary, guests receive a Privileged Access view of the vaults of one of the world’s greatest art collections at the magnificent Hermitage Museum.
Vistas, Vikings & The Village Woodturner, Torshavn, Faroe Islands – Available on the 15-day In the Wake of the Vikings itinerary, guests can gain insight into daily village life and the rich Viking heritage as they explore the village of Kvivik, site of a 10th-century Viking settlement.
A Taste of Provence, Toulon, France – Guests on the 17-day Catalonia to Greece itinerary can enjoy a private cooking lesson at a magnificent 19th-century house in the scenic Provençal countryside from Michelin-star rated Master Chef of France, Monsieur Bérard.
Nazareth & The Sea of Galilee, Haifa, Israel – Offered on the 15-day Cities of Antiquity & the Holy Land itinerary, guests can choose to visit some of the most important places in the life of Jesus on this fascinating excursion through Canaan, Nazareth, Cana, Capernaum and Tabgha.
King Crab Safari, Honningsvåg, Norway – Available on the 15-day Into the Midnight Sun itinerary, guests can set off in a deep-sea raft into the pristine waters of Sarnesfjorden to catch their own king crab in this thrilling excursion.
Evening Concert on the Island of Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor, Montenegro – On the 10-day Empires of the Mediterranean itinerary, guests can embark on a boat for the island of Gospa od Škrpjela, or Our Lady of the Rocks, to enjoy an exclusive and intimate guitar recital by two eminent Montenegrin musicians, Darko Nikcevic and Srdjan Bultaovic.
In addition, Viking Inclusive Value provides a small ship experience at a big ship value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes.
Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service—an included value of more than $200 per person, per day for an average cruise.
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Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering cruise line, is sailing from Tasmania in 2018 with a new arrival to its shores: the recently refurbished Coral Discoverer.
The third Tasmania season will begin on January 1, 2018, on the state-of- the-art flagship Coral Discoverer, which underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in November 2016.
Coral Discoverer
The arrival of the Coral Discoverer brings an increased capacity of 72 guests to the company’s Tasmania sailings, a response to growing demand for the Apple Isle. In true expeditionary style, the voyage offers guests a flexible itinerary to enable the captain to respond to weather conditions, ensuring that guests see the best parts of Tasmania in the best possible conditions.
This allows an element of discovery, as guests will be advised the day prior where their next journey lies. The Coral Discoverer is an ideal vessel to explore the diverse Tasmania wilderness as, despite its increased capacity, it retains the nimbleness to navigate through smaller channels and anchor in small bays.
It also has the added benefit of a more comprehensive and robust stabilizing system so it can smoothly charter the rugged coastlines and inlets of southern Tasmania.
Guests will have the opportunity to soak up the incredible views and watch fur seals sunbathing on the Isles de Phoques, as the Coral Discoverer offers new Bridge Deck Staterooms with private balconies. These new Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms also offer 20 square meters of space and are furnished for the utmost comfort. All other rooms have received an upgrade of soft furnishings and offer spacious living, en-suited bathrooms, and a complimentary turndown service every evening.
The new Sun Deck, Explorers Bar, and outdoor furniture give guests the opportunity to relax during their time onboard and enjoy a beverage after a morning of hiking at the Fluted Cape Trek, combining adventure and comfort as they journey to the furthest reaches of Tasmania’s rugged coast.
Coral Expeditions
This outstanding itinerary will offer guests the opportunity to explore Tasmania’s UNESCO recognised World Heritage Wilderness, enjoying hikes on pristine tracks such as ‘Three Capes Trek’ and ‘Mt Beattie Track’, and kayaking the ‘Narrows’ at Bathurst Harbour.
At Port Davey, guests can amble through ancient forests at the Button Grass Plain, past the airstrip built by Deny King, and explore the Orange Bellied Parrot conservatory. On the Eastern coast expeditions feature walks on the soft white sands of Wineglass Bay, meeting local wombats and wallabies on Maria Island, and learning about the history of Port Arthur with a resident archaeologist on a ‘behind-the- scenes-tour’.
Throughout the trip, the expedition team and local Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Ranger will offer expert interpretation and commentary during excursions in the Explorer tender, bringing nature and history to life, complimented by the engaging onboard guest lecturer.
Onboard, guests can enjoy a full range of marine facilities, including Zodiacs for expeditionary excursions, kayaks for paddling the calm waters of Bathurst Harbour and an Explorer Tender for comfortable day-trip sailings.
Epicurean experiences include Bruny Island oyster and wine tastings, cheese and vodka sampling at Grandvewe Cheeses, and fresh local Tasmanian produce offered on board.
This seven-night itinerary departs Hobart–the capital of Tasmania–weekly from January 1, 2018 to March 12, 2018. Prices from AUD$4,900 (approx. US$3800) per person. Book before March 31, 2017 for a 10% early bird savings offer.
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Carnival Sensation has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation and emerged with a variety of popular food and beverage concepts, as well as a new nautical-themed children’s play area.
Following the two-week-long dry dock, which took place in Freeport, The Bahamas, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Sensation has resumed its year-round schedule of four- and five-day cruises from Miami. Carnival Sensation is the third Carnival ship to undergo a refurbishment this year with Carnival Dream and Carnival Ecstasy also receiving new spaces. Here’s a look at the new spaces now available on Carnival Sensation:
RedFrog Rum Bar: a poolside watering hole offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Carnival’s own private label draught brew, ThirstyFrog Red.
BlueIguana Cantina: a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas, as well as an elaborate toppings and salsa bar.
Alchemy Bar: a “cocktail pharmacy”-themed lounge with mixologists who “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients with creative monikers like Forty is the New Twenty and The Restorative Basil Drop. (Pictured at right)
Cherry On Top: the “sweetest spot on board” which celebrates the joys of simple indulgences with bins of bulk candy, fun fanciful gifts and novelties, custom apparel, and more.
BlueIguana Tequila Bar: a fun and festive outdoor bar offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers, perfect for chillin’ by the pool.
Camp Ocean: a colorful marine-inspired play area designed for kids ages 2-11 that showcases the wonders of the sea through fun and engaging interiors and more than 200 ocean-themed activities, including arts and crafts, science-oriented programming, and more.
Carnival Sensation’s year-round schedule from Miami includes four-day cruises to Cozumel departing Thursdays that visit Nassau and the private Bahamian destinations of Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays, or Cozumel and Key West, or five-day voyages departing Mondays and Saturdays calling at Grand Turk, Nassau and Half Moon Cay, or Grand Turk and Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent or visit carnival.com.
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Norwegian Cruise Line has reached an agreement with Fincantieri S.p.A. to construct the next generation of ships. Four ships are on order for delivery in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, with an option for two additional ships to be delivered in 2026 and 2027.
“This new class of ships will continue Norwegian Cruise Line brand’s legacy of introducing meaningful innovation to the cruise industry,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “This order continues to highlight our disciplined newbuild program, extends our growth trajectory well into the future, enhances our already attractive earnings profile, and drives expected long-term returns for our shareholders.”
“For the past 50 years, Norwegian Cruise Line has been focused on offering our guests the very best in cruising,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “It is with great excitement that we look ahead to our next 50 years, which includes this next generation of ships that will offer guests the innovative experiences that have come to define the Norwegian Cruise Line brand.”
Norwegian Cruise Line
“We are extremely excited to collaborate with Norwegian Cruise Line and this partnership allows us to include a new prestigious client in Fincantieri’s portfolio,” said Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri S.p.A.“We are very proud of the innovative design of these ships and recognize the various stakeholders of the export chain who have contributed decisively to achieving this goal. The significant value of the order will provide substantial economic benefits by extending the employment horizon of our shipyards, and we are honored to support the growth of our country’s economy.”
The contract price for each of the four vessels is approximately €800 million per ship. The Company has obtained export credit financing with favorable terms to fund 80 percent of the contract price of each ship delivered through 2025, subject to certain conditions.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the new Carnival Horizon will offer a series of four-day Bermuda cruises from New York in spring and summer 2018. This will be part of the ship’s inaugural season that includes previously announced voyages to Europe from Barcelona and the Caribbean from New York and Miami.
The four-day “long weekend” cruises will depart Thursdays and feature a full-day visit to Bermuda where guests can relax on the island’s legendary pink beaches, enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and other water sports, and visit historical landmarks such as Royal Naval Dockyard and Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the Western Hemisphere. Five four-day Bermuda cruises will be offered, departing May 24, June 21, July 19, Aug. 16 and Sept. 13, 2018.
Including the five Bermuda sailings aboard Carnival Horizon, Carnival Cruise Line will offer 18 different voyages to the island in 2017-18 departing from five convenient East Coast home ports, including Baltimore, Charleston, New York, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale.
“Bermuda is a beautiful and sought-after destination, and what better way to visit this breathtaking island paradise than on the spectacular Carnival Horizon,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “These visits to Bermuda are part of Carnival Horizon’s terrific inaugural schedule that also features top destinations throughout Europe and the Caribbean, providing our guests with opportunities to create wonderful and fun memories together,” she added.
Port-Intensive Itineraries from Barcelona, New York and Miami
Carnival Horizon is set to debut April 2, 2018, with a 13-day Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona — the first of four round-trip departures from this Spanish port. Other sailings from Barcelona include two seven-day cruises departing April 15 and 22, 2018, and a 10-day voyage departing April 29, 2018.
Carnival Horizon will then reposition to the U.S. with a 14-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to New York May 9-23, 2018. Carnival Horizon’s 2018 schedule from New York includes 12 eight-day cruises operating round-trip from the Big Apple May to Sept. 2018 and visiting Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), San Juan, and Grand Turk. Departure dates include May 28, June 5, 13 and 25, July 3, 11, 23 and 31, Aug. 8, 20 and 28, and Sept. 5, 2018.
Carnival Horizon will then shift to Miami and kick off a year-round schedule of six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises beginning Sept. 22, 2018. The ship will also offer a special two-day cruise to Nassau from Miami Sept. 20-22, 2018.
Exciting Onboard Innovations
Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, Carnival Horizon will offer many of the hugely popular indoor and outdoor dining, bar, entertainment, and activity options that debuted on Carnival Vista, currently the line’s newest ship.
Among those is a groundbreaking bike-ride-in-the-sky attraction called SkyRide, an IMAX Theatre and a massive WaterWorks aqua park featuring a water tube slide called Kaleid-o-slide. A wide range of accommodations will also be offered, including spa cabins with exclusive privileges at the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa, extra-roomy staterooms in Family Harbor, and tropical-inspired Havana staterooms and suites with exclusive daytime access to a Cuban-themed bar and pool.
A variety of unique dining and bar concepts and spectacular outdoor spaces found only on Carnival Horizon will be announced in the near future.
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Continuing the expansion of its popular Carnival Journeys longer duration enrichment sailings, Carnival Splendor will offer a 14-day Alaskan adventure round-trip from Long Beach, California.
It will feature awe-inspiring sites such as majestic Hubbard Glacier and a day-long visit to Icy Strait Point, an unspoiled wilderness area offering some of the best whale and bear watching in the state and the world’s longest zip-line.
The voyage will depart Long Beach on Aug. 25 and return Sept. 8, 2018.
In addition to a full day at Hubbard Glacier and Icy Strait Point, the 14-day cruise will feature the spectacular destinations of of Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Sitka, Alaska, along with a day-long call at Victoria, British Columbia.
In addition to unique cultural opportunities and historic landmarks, each of these destinations offers awe-inspiring natural wonders, including calving glaciers, magnificent fjords, and native sea and animal life. A wide variety of shore excursions – such as helicopter flightseeing, rainforest canopy tours, hiking, canoeing,kayaking, and alpine lake snorkeling – will also be available.
The 14-day Carnival Journeys Alaska cruise will also feature unique on-board experiences where guests can enjoy local cuisine, entertainment, and cultural opportunities within the various ports of call. Activities focusing topics such as photography, cooking, arts and crafts, and a 1980s-themed “Throwback Sea Day” will be offered as well.
Guests aboard Carnival Splendor can also enjoy the ship’s many on board features and amenities, including a classic American-style steakhouse, the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa, and a retractable dome covering the main pool area that also houses the ship’s massive Seaside Theatre LED screen. Kids can have an amazing cruise experience with supervised programs catering to three age groups – Camp Ocean (2-11), Circle “C” (12-14) and Club O2 (15-17), along with fun activities that are part of Seuss at Sea, an exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
All of Carnival’s 2017-18 Alaska cruises aboard Carnival Splendor, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Miracle are currently open for reservations. For additional information and reservations for any of the line’s departures, contact any travel agent or visit carnival.com.
About Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is “The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line®” with 25 ships operating three- to 16-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. Two 133,500-ton Vista-class ships are currently scheduled for delivery–Carnival Horizon in 2018 and an as-yet-unnamed vessel in 2019. Additionally, two new 180,000-ton ships are scheduled to enter service in 2020 and 2022.
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