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Disney Cruise Line Embarks on Inaugural Season from Sydney, Australia

Inaugural sailing kicks off a season that includes cruises from four home ports across Australia and New Zealand

SYDNEY, Australia (Oct. 28, 2023) – Disney Cruise Line reached a new milestone on Oct. 28, setting sail from the shores of Australia for the first time and embarking on an inaugural season of ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ cruises for families in Australia and New Zealand.

The special sailings aboard the Disney Wonder range from two to six nights and depart from four home ports: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia, as well as Auckland, New Zealand, through February 2024. ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ cruises offer guests the opportunity to explore new destinations along with the unique spaces, immersive dining and world-class entertainment that define a Disney Cruise Line vacation.

In fall of 2024, Disney Cruise Line will return to Australia and New Zealand for a second season of vacations after a set of bucket-list itineraries. The Disney Wonder will sail from Vancouver, Canada, to Honolulu, Hawaii, in late September 2024 with stops on the islands of Kauai, Maui and Hawaii before arriving in Oahu. From Hawaii, families will set sail on a transpacific voyage to Sydney, Australia, that will take them through the South Pacific to visit once-in-a-lifetime destinations such as Fiji, American Samoa and New Caledonia.

For more information on the ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ Australia and New Zealand sailing itineraries for both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons and booking details, please visit DisneyCruiseLine.com/AUNZ.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Debuts Series of Firsts with New Multi-Million-Dollar Art Collection on Seven Seas Grandeur™ 

The 1,600-Piece Art Collection includes Multiple Picassos, a Nearly 40-Foot-Tall Hand-woven Tapestry and the First Fabergé Egg to Reside Permanently at Sea

MIAMI, October 25, 2023 – Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the world’s leading luxury cruise line, today unveils details of its latest multi-million-dollar art collection, to be displayed on board the line’s newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur™. The 1,600-piece collection, predominantly featuring contemporary art, took nearly two years to curate and commission, sourcing from artists and galleries worldwide. This awe-inspiring catalogue of works will debut when the new ship launches in November 2023.

As an added first at sea, Regent will be introducing a digital art tour - Art Experience - available through the new Regent Mobile App which will also be launched on Seven Seas Grandeur. The digital art tour will provide an immersive, interactive experience for guests to connect, not only with the artwork, but with the artist who created the piece. The tour will shine a light on works within central guest areas, including Rauschenberg, Matta, Sophie Elizabeth Thompson and Eduardo Arranz-Bravo. Using expert technology, luxury travelers will be able to scan select artworks via the app, and discover a film connecting them to the artist, their process, and their inspiration for the piece. The new Regent Mobile App will also allow guests on board to review the daily program guide Passages, view the shore excursion catalogue, all restaurant menus, and ship phone directory.

“With each new ship, our team works tirelessly to identify and source the most impressive array of art pieces, building a collection that would be enviable by most modern-day museums, to ensure our guests’ time onboard is as enriching and thought-provoking as their time on land,” said Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “It is extremely rare to enjoy such personal access to artwork of this caliber, and now guests will be able to connect deeper with the art and artists they’ve fallen in love with onboard our ships through our first ever virtual art tour. Regent’s art-loving guests will find Seven Seas Grandeur to be one of most engrossing galleries they have ever explored.”

The highly anticipated art collection has been a topic of discussion since the exterior design of the first piece of art, a commissioned Fabergé Egg, ‘Journey in Jewels’, was unveiled last year. The first and only Fabergé Egg to reside permanently at sea, the interior design and mechanisms of this one-of-a-kind piece remain cloaked in mystery and will be revealed alongside the full art collection during Seven Seas Grandeur’s christening in Miami this December.

Earlier this year Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced that Sarah Fabergé, Founding Member of The Fabergé Heritage Council, and great-granddaughter of Peter Carl Fabergé, will serve as Godmother to Seven Seas Grandeur. One of Sarah’s first duties as Godmother will be to host art lovers on board Seven Seas Grandeur on a special Spotlight Voyage in July, featuring behind-the-scenes access to Fabergé through master classes and shoreside excursions.

A variety of notable works will join the commissioned Fabergé Egg as centerpieces of the Seven Seas Grandeur art collection, including a staggering nearly 40-foot-tall hand-woven tapestry, “The Enchanted Tree,” created by world-renowned Brazilian artist Walter Goldfarb. The close to tapestry will hang adjacent to the elevator wall in the ship’s lavish atrium, giving multiple vantage points of this breathtaking feat of intricately woven textiles.

Another exclusive piece in the collection features a custom-made bronze and hand-cast glass Bonsai Cherry Tree Sculpture by Savoy Studios, creating an experiential entrance to Pacific Rim, the ship’s pan-Asian specialty restaurant. The delicate installation contrasts with the Pacific Rim entrance pieces of a Tibetan Prayer Wheel and Mythical Dragon found on board Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendorrespectively.

Trees are an ongoing design theme for Seven Seas Grandeur, which can also be witnessed in the largest specialty restaurant at sea, Compass Rose. Once inside the restaurant, guests will sit under a canopy of interwoven crystal and wood-edged illuminated trees, giving the illusion of dining in an enchanted forest featuring thousands of individually placed crystal-faceted leaves, enveloping the restaurant in an awe-inspiring display.

Regent’s Art Director Sarah Hall Smith, spent close to two years piecing together the incredible art collection on board Seven Seas Grandeur, having also assisted it the curation of the collections on board sister ships Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer.

“Seven Seas Grandeur is inspired by the past, reimagined for the future and we’ve endeavored to mirror this with a fascinating onboard art collection,” said Sarah Hall Smith, Art Director for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “The artwork featured on Seven Seas Grandeur includes work from some of the most notable artists of our time, from Pablo Picasso to Eduardo Arranz-Bravo, as well as unique installations and features such as the largest hand-woven tapestry on board a Regent ship, a hand-cast glass Bonsai Cherry Tree Sculpture and first Fabergé egg to live permanently at sea.” 

Seven Seas Grandeur’s curated art collection features artists from all over the world across dozens of mediums including sculpture, original paintings, photographs, and more.

Highlights include:

• Pablo Picasso (Lithograph and Linocut). “Toros y Toreros”, “Antes de picar al toro” and “Picador picando al toro, con matador al quite”

• Three Picasso works are on display in Prime 7 on deck 10. From the colorful costumes and movements of the matadors to the majestic power of the bulls, each painting offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Spain. These artworks are windows into a world that is both beautiful and dangerous, where tradition and spectacle collide in a display of courage and skill.

Fabergé: “Journey in Jewels”

• “Journey in Jewels” will be displayed in the Atrium in Deck 5 and embodies the Regent sailing experience with a cascading waterfall of ocean greens and subtle turquoise throughout its three-tiered base, while the outer shell features soothing deep blue waves which break into a sea spray of pearls. The outer egg ‘shell’ is comprised of seven blades, representing the seven seas, which will unfurl to reveal a surprise hidden inside, details of which are being kept as a closely guarded secret until Seven Seas Grandeur’s christening.     

  Savoy Studios: “Bonsai Cherry Tree”

• Exclusively created by Savoy Studios is a custom-made bronze and hand-cast glass Bonsai Cherry Tree sculpture, creating an experiential entrance to Pacific Rim, the ship’s pan-Asian specialty restaurant on Deck 5. 

and much more!

The ship itself is a work of art. In addition to a number of notable design touchpoints, Seven Seas Grandeur, the sister ship to the acclaimed Seven Seas Explorer® and Seven Seas Splendor®, will exemplify Regent’s 30-year heritage of perfection with unrivaled space, unparalleled service, and transformative experiences that will begin the moment guests step on board. 

The new Regent Mobile App can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play starting in December 2023, providing guests sailing on board Seven Seas Grandeur with exclusive access to Art Experience.

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SIX REASONS TO SAIL NORTHEN EUROPE THIS WINTER ON MSC EURIBIA

Geneva, Switzerland - October 26, 2023 – MSC Cruises is offering 7-night sailings to some of the most sought-after destinations in Northern Europe this winter onboard MSC Euribia, the line’s newest flagship. From November 2023 through April 2024, guests can embark on a journey sailing to Hamburg (Germany), Rotterdam for Amsterdam (the Netherlands), Zeebrugge for Bruges and Brussels (Belgium), Le Havre for Paris (France), and Southampton for London (UK).

Guests looking for an extended stay on board will have the opportunity to embark on a 21-night unique itinerary in January to the Northern Pearls with added stops in Portugal, Spain, Morocco and the Canary Islands, all full of rich cultural sites and stunning natural marvels.

MSC Euribia is MSC Cruises’ second vessel powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), which is the cleanest marine fuel commercially available at scale, and is one of the most energy-efficient ships in the industry. The ship features a range of technologies and solutions that minimize the impact on the air and marine environment. These include advanced onboard wastewater treatment systems and waste management handling. The ship has also been designed with the future in mind, allowing for the opportunity to easily incorporate future fuels, such as synthetic or bio-LNG, as they become available at scale.  

Whether it’s exploring each destination’s renowned historical landmarks, admiring winter landscapes, or enjoying the ship’s fantastic amenities, world-class entertainment, and gourmet dining options, MSC Euribia’s winter sailings offer guests the opportunity to create lasting memories.

Itinerary highlights include:

1.      EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF WINTER IN NORTHERN EUROPE

The winter season provides a wonderful opportunity to discover the magic of Northern Europe’s cities with fewer crowds during one of the most festive times of the year. MSC Euribia’s itineraries will offer guests the chance to explore stunning destinations, showcasing the best of the region with a wealth of enriching adventures and cultural attractions to discover. From strolling alongside the enchanting canals of Amsterdam to exploring the medieval charm of Bruges and visiting Hamburg’s charming Christmas markets, MSC Euribia offers memorable experiences for every type of traveler.

2.      WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT

On board, MSC Eurbia offers round-the-clock entertainment for guests of all ages. During the 7-night itineraries, the ship will host incredible shows in the Delphi Theatre and Carousel Lounge—including live music from one of the largest big bands at sea—along with leisure activities throughout the day to unwind and enjoy the ship. For guests looking to etch their names in the record books, Guinness World Records will be on board with unique live shows and opportunities for guests to break records.

3.      ENRICHING FAMILY OFFERINGS

MSC Cruises brings its award-winning family offerings to new heights on MSC Euribia, with seven rooms filled with entertainment options for children and teenagers. The revolutionary kids’ area features more than 7,500 square feet of interior space with each room catering to different age groups from 0 to 17 years old. For the first time in the fleet, the ship features MSC Foundation Lab with a slate of activities dedicated to educating children and teenagers on environmental subjects. Extended space in the Teens Club makes room for activities including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, VR, foosball and table tennis. Plus, the toys onboard are selected to ensure they are as environmentally friendly as they are fun.

4.      ELEGANT WINING & DINING

Guests can expect plenty of delectable dining and drink experiences on board. Five of the 10 dining venues are specialty restaurants like the brand-new Le Grill, a stylish French bistro-meets-steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi & Robatayaki, a spin on one of MSC Cruises’ mainstays featuring Robatayaki for the first time. Guests looking for cocktails can head to one of the ships’ 21 bars and lounges, featuring five outdoor and 16 indoor venues. The new Helios Wine Bar allows guests to discover the story behind their favorite glass of wine using state-of-the-art multi-touch tables activated by digital coasters. The cutting-edge bar allows guests to dive into the history, grape varieties, and wine-making region for the glass in hand.

5.      AN ARRAY OF SHOPPING POSSIBILITIES

A modern and vibrant shopping experience awaits guests on MSC Euribia, boasting the largest retail area of any cruise ship, full of immersive and unique spaces. Guests can treat themselves to the ship’s new Luxury Plaza, offering workshops, discovery sessions, one-to-one consultations with a personal shopper, and tastings. Whether it’s discovering some of the most sought-after watchmaking brands from prestigious Maisons in the TimeVallee boutique, indulging in Davidoff cigars and an extensive selection of distinctive Scottish Single Malt whiskies in The Liquors and Cigars area, or choosing from the widest selection of tech in the fleet in the Shopping Gallery, there’s something for everyone.

6.      LUXURIOUS MSC YACHT CLUB

Guests seeking the ultimate luxury cruise experience can enjoy the MSC Yacht Club, a “ship within a ship” concept on MSC Euribia providing exclusive areas on board with plenty of personalized service including 24-hour butler and concierge service. A stay in the MSC Yacht Club comes complete with an array of lavish suite options, private facilities including a dedicated pool and sundeck, and a high-end restaurant.

To find out more about MSC Euribia’s northern Europe itinerary options, please click here.

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Disney Cruise Line Offers Even More Fun in the Sun in the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico in Early 2025

Early 2025 itineraries include both of Disney’s Bahamian destinations – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay – and the Disney Treasure’s inaugural season

CELEBRATION, Fla. (Oct. 26, 2023) – In early 2025, Disney Cruise Line will feature new and fan-favorite itineraries, bringing guests more options for fun in the sun from four home ports in the United States. From voyages that stop at one or both of Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations in The Bahamas, to the Disney Treasure’s inaugural season of seven-night voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, to a tropical sailing to Hawaii or the South Pacific aboard the Disney Wonder, early 2025 will provide a myriad of adventures aboard Disney Cruise Line’s six ships.

Bookings for early 2025 open to the public on Monday, November 6. For more details, visit the 2025 itineraries page of disneycruise.com.

Delight in Disney’s Island Destinations

In early 2025, the Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Dream and Disney Magic will all offer an assortment of three- to five-night getaways from Florida to Disney Cruise Line’s Bahamian destinations – the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and the beloved Disney Castaway Cay. The Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish will set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, while the Disney Dream and Disney Magic will voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Aboard all four ships, guests will have the opportunity to experience one of the Disney island destinations, with each ship also offering at least one special itinerary that will sail to both Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay.

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney’s celebration of The Bahamas and its newest, one-of-a-kind island retreat located on the island of Eleuthera, will welcome families with breathtaking natural beauty combined with the magic of Bahamian storytelling and artistry. Purposefully designed to be a unique fusion of Bahamian culture and Disney experiences, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will feature Bahamian art and music paired with signature Disney entertainment, sweeping architecture inspired by Bahamian natural wonders brought to life by Disney Imagineers and opportunities to explore Eleuthera through unique port adventures.

Meanwhile Disney Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in The Bahamas, will continue to provide guests of all ages with relaxation and adventure amidst its turquoise waters and lush landscapes. The whimsical tropical hideaway provides a hassle-free experience for a fun and relaxing beach day coupled with a picture-perfect setting with distinctly Disney touches.

The Disney Treasure’s Inaugural Season

Following its maiden voyage on Dec. 21, 2024, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Treasure, will embark on an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral. Eastern Caribbean sailings will take families to the beautiful island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, Disney Castaway Cay and either San Juan, Puerto Rico, or St. Thomas, while Western Caribbean sailings will bring families to destinations such as Falmouth in Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. The week-long voyages will offer at least two days at sea, giving families more time to enjoy the unique spaces, immersive dining and world-class entertainment onboard the Disney Treasure.

Pacific Voyages Aboard the Disney Wonder

The Disney Wonder will conclude its second season in Australia and New Zealand in early 2025 with a special 15-night South Pacific cruise from Sydney, Australia, to Honolulu, Hawaii. Its return to North America will feature two more special sailings: a nine-night Hawaiian Island cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver, Canada in late February, followed by a five-night cruise from Vancouver to San Diego, California, in early March. From San Diego, the Disney Wonder will take guests on three- to seven-night adventures to the Mexican Riviera or the Baja Peninsula.

Adventures from Texas on the Disney Magic

Before homeporting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Disney Magic will also offer the opportunity to visit Mexico on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. For the first three months of 2025, the Disney Magic will sail to Progreso and Cozumel in Mexico and Grand Cayman from Galveston, Texas. In April, the ship will set sail on a special seven-night cruise from the Lone Star State to San Juan, Puerto Rico that will stop at both of Disney’s island destinations, before returning to the Sunshine State for a series of three- to four-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale, followed by four- and five-night sailings from Port Canaveral to Nassau and at least one of Disney’s island destinations in The Bahamas.

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Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas Begins Homeport at Port Canaveral

Ship’s 3- and 4-night itineraries are a cruise industry first for an Oasis Class vessel

Port Canaveral, FL – October 26, 2023 – Port Canaveral welcomed home Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas, the first of the game-changing Oasis Class ships to sail 3- and 4-night getaways to The Bahamas and the cruise line’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.  

"We’re proud to be Royal Caribbean’s partner in this industry first offering,” stated Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray. “Our partners see a strong demand in our market for shorter itineraries on an Oasis Class ship. We are thrilled to welcome home the Allure of the Seas and look forward to delivering exceptional customer service experiences to their cruise guests.”

Over the past half-year, Port Canaveral has prepared for the arrival of Allure by expanding the parking capacity with approximately one thousand new spaces near Cruise Terminal 1 to cater to cruise guests arriving by car.

In maritime tradition Port Canaveral CEO, Capt. John Murray, extended a warm welcome to Allure’s Capt. Tobias Oster and Hotel Director Adriana Tibaudo upon their arrival to the port.

Allure, now a distinguished part of Port Canaveral's homeported fleet, stands alongside a lineup of Royal Caribbean ships – Wonder of the Seas as well as Mariner and Adventure of the Seas. Notably, Allure holds the title of the world's fifth-largest cruise ship, making Port Canaveral the proud home of two of the five largest cruise ships globally.

The ship boasts seven distinct neighborhoods, offering an array of amenities, including a thrilling nine-story zip line and two exhilarating FlowRider surf simulators. Additionally, vacationers can enjoy twin rock-climbing walls, mini-golf, ice skating, and a Sports Court.

Entertainment options on board are equally impressive, featuring full-scale productions spanning four stages – air, ice, water and theater. Guests can take in a performance of “Mamma Mia!” at the Royal Theater, witness daring high divers, aerialists, and slackliners at the AquaTheater, and even enjoy a spectacular performance by Olympic-level skaters at the Studio B ice-skating arena.

Allure also serves up a variety of dining and nightlife experiences, with over 30 restaurants, bars, and lounges like family-style Italian classics at Giovanni’s Table, sushi and hibachi at Izumi, American steakhouse Chops Grille, Starbucks and Vintages wine bar.

Families have ample opportunities to cool off, from the adults-only Solarium to the H2O Zone kids aqua park. The ship also boasts the Central Park neighborhood, featuring thousands of real plants, inviting walking paths, live music, and charming spots to dine and unwind.

Measuring an impressive 1,187 feet in length and 215 feet in width, Allure  boasts a grand total of 18 decks and 2,748 staterooms. The ship weighs in at 225,282 gross tons and comfortably accommodates approximately 5,496 guests in double occupancy.

Allure was constructed at the shipyard formerly known as STX Europe in Turku, Finland. 

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Happy Haunts Materialize in First-Ever Bar Inspired by The Haunted Mansion Debuting on the Disney Treasure in 2024

CELEBRATION, Fla. (Oct. 24, 2023) – Today, at the height of spooky season, Disney Cruise Line reveals the Haunted Mansion Parlor, an all-new bar inspired by the iconic Disney Parks attraction, The Haunted Mansion. Foolish mortals will sip spirited craft cocktails among 999 happy haunts for the first time inside this new venue on board the Disney Treasure when it sets sail in December 2024.

The one-of-a-kind experience will invite guests to partake in the next chapter of the Haunted Mansion, focused on the story of a jovial captain who entered the ghostly realm after a disastrous dinner with his beloved fiancé. A custom musical arrangement inspired by the attraction’s original score arranged and adapted by composer Shruti Kumar and Walt Disney Imagineering will set the stage for an ever-escalating anthology of illusions that immerses guests into the mysterious lore of the Haunted Mansion.

Legendary characters from Haunted Mansion attractions at Disney Parks around the world, as well as new seafaring arrivals, will come out to socialize in mysterious ways throughout the experience. The venue will follow the nostalgic art style of the original 1969 Disney Parks classic, and true to the original attraction, the Haunted Mansion Parlor will blend humor with Disney’s own distinct brand of spooky storytelling. 

The design of the Haunted Mansion Parlor will be reminiscent of a first-class drawing room from the classic cruise liners of the golden age, invoking inspiration from the original Haunted Mansion with a nautical twist. The lounge will include tributes to the Disney Parks attractions, from the iconic purple wallpaper framed by wooden finishes to a mantel clock atop an inviting fireplace to a distinctive purple armchair tucked in the corner. Guests will also encounter a few new ghoulish faces in a portrait gallery depicting the Disney Treasure’s own ghostly residents.

Deliciously Chilling Drinks

At the Haunted Mansion Parlor, guests will sample from a selection of ghostly cocktails that capture the spirit of the famed theme park attraction, The Haunted Mansion.

• Blood orange and sour cherry flavors will harmonize in a shimmering zero proof cocktail served in a specialty mug aptly titled, Sympathetic Libations.

• The Ghoulish Delight will be an ube-flavored treat that everyone will be able to enjoy. The drink, with hints of sweetness and nuttiness, will incorporate decadent ube fudge, oat milk and tapioca pearls in a purple concoction garnished with a gummy eyeball and ube glitter.

• A spooky twist on a classic margarita, presented to guests amidst a swirl of flavored smoke, will be another signature drink at the Haunted Mansion Parlor. Topped with a lemon salt foam, this tequila-based cocktail will contain a secret message, only to be revealed by black light.

Mysterious Merchandise

The new bar venue will introduce an exclusive array of haunted homewares and spooky souvenirs to the shops onboard the Disney Treasure: 

• The Haunted Mansion Parlor Music Box will be a keepsake inspired by the eerie music box that will play a melodic soundtrack inside the Haunted Mansion Parlor.  As the rumors go, this mysterious box belonged to the captain’s bride-to-be and only opens in the presence of malevolent spirits.

• Honoring the memorable grandfather clock seen in the original Disney Parks attraction, the Haunted Parlor Mantle Clock will loom over the fireplace inside the venue, instigating mysterious happenings when it strikes 13. As a part of the new merchandise collection, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to bring home their very own mantle clock, just like the one from the parlor.

• Featuring the same octopus design from the bar’s entrance onboard the Disney Treasure, the Haunted Mansion Parlor Sculpted Mug will depict an aura of intrigue and will be accented with a variety of sea life, including a hidden Mickey Mouse-shaped barnacle. 

• The Haunted Mansion Parlor Mirror will allow guests to take home a piece of the magic, offering a ghoulish surprise to unsuspecting users when the hitchhiking ghosts mysteriously appear.

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Discovery Princess to Call Sydney Home for the 2025/26 Australian Summer Season

Discovery Princess will be the biggest Princess ship to sail from Australia in its 50-year cruising history

Image Source, Princess Cruise

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (October 23, 2023) – Princess Cruises announced that its current flagship vessel – Discovery Princess – will make Sydney her home port in the 2025/26 summer Australia season.

Built in 2022, the 145,000-ton ship measuring 1,083 feet in length, and 19 decks high will be the biggest ship Princess Cruises has ever homeported in Australia in its 50-year cruising history. The 3,660-guest, ship will debut in her home port of Sydney in October 2025, offering a number of itineraries from Down Under.

Princess Cruises President John Padgett was in Sydney yesterday to officially welcome Royal Princess on her debut summer season in Australia and shared the news in an early reveal of the line’s 2025/26 program.

“Nearly half a century has passed since Princess Cruises introduced the Pacific Princess ship to Sydney’s shores. In commemoration of this milestone, we are delighted to unveil the future deployment of the Discovery Princess, further solidifying our belief in the Australian market,” said Padgett. “We are confident that both our international and Australian guests will be excited about the spectacular experience aboard Discovery Princess as she sails from Sydney in late 2025."

Discovery Princess, the third vessel designed from the ground up with Princess MedallionClass and the sixth Royal-Class ship shares all the spectacular style and luxury of her sister ships – Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess and Royal Princess. With an array of spectacular features, guests will enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from the largest balconies in the Princess fleet with the Sky Suites, unwind in the ultimate comfort at the Sanctuary and indulge the senses with world-class dining options including new to Australia 360: An Extraordinary Experience now available for all guests sailing on Discovery Princess. The Award-winning 360: An Extraordinary Experience is exclusively offered on Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess taking guests on a sensory journey through world-class cuisine with a fusion of master storytelling and visual entertainment.

In addition, Discovery Princess elevates the guest experience with an abundance of amenities including 14 restaurants, 10 bars and additional lounges, and entertainment options. Among its dining options is The Catch by Rudi, Crown Grill, Sabatini’s Trattoria and Gigi’s Pizzeria. Other features include the SeaWalk, a breathtaking glass-bottomed enclosed walkway that extends nearly 28 feet beyond the ship's edge, treating guests to awe-inspiring views while suspended 128 feet above the sea.

Other notable features include private poolside cabanas, four main pools including two top-deck pools, Retreat Pool and Wakeview Pool, 10 hot tub spas, the Enclave and Lotus Spa featuring Princess’ largest-ever thermal suite, and an exquisite Chef’s Table Lumiere dining option, where guests are magically surrounded by a curtain of light. Meanwhile, more than 82 percent of the ship’s staterooms offer a private balcony.

In addition to the incredible amenities aboard Discovery Princess, guests also enjoy the Princess exclusive MedallionClass experience, offering a level of service personalization previously only available on small ships now delivered on a large ship, amenity-rich platform.

The connected guest experience maximizes guests’ time by delivering a host of onboard conveniences including contactless payment for anything on board; expedited embarkation; keyless stateroom entry; muster anywhere; friends and family locator; and ordering food, drinks, retail items or requesting service from their smart device or a crew member and having their order delivered directly to them…even if they move.

Padgett added the cruise line is thrilled to announce the addition of Discovery Princess to its Australian fleet for the 2025/26 summer season. The ship will sail in local waters with other Princess ships Crown Princess and Grand Princess as part of the summer program to be revealed in full next month including the longest World Cruise yet.

“Discovery Princess will continue to set new standards for premium cruising when she sails from Australia in the 2025/26 summer season. She’s an incredible ship with many wonderful features for our guests, from superb cuisine to world-class entertainment and facilities.”

The program will be announced in full on November 15, 2023 and go on sale November 29, 2023.

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CARNIVAL FREEDOM RETURNS TO SERVICE WITH NEW LOOK – AND NEW FUNNEL

Heroes Military Tribute Bar Among Enhancements Added to Ship During Dry Dock in Cadiz, Spain

 MIAMI, Oct. 23, 2023 – Once again sporting an iconic winged funnel, Carnival Freedom marked its return to service by welcoming guests on board in Barcelona, Spain for a 14-day transatlantic voyage to its homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla. The ship underwent an extensive refurbishment that included the installation of the new funnel, the addition of the signature Carnival red, white and blue hull livery and other enhancements.

Earlier this month, the 2,980-guest ship entered its 16-day dry dock at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain. The ship’s vibrant transformation is a significant milestone for the shipyard. While the yard’s team members have worked on other projects across the fleet, this is the first time they have designed and manufactured a Carnival funnel.

Among the other enhancements is a newly installed Heroes Tribute Bar, which is an expanding venue across the Carnival fleet and honors military veterans and active-duty service members. Carnival Freedom now also features a Dreams Studio, where guests can capture memories that become keepsakes from their cruise with the help of Carnival’s photography staff. Some of the other work includes an expansion to the ship’s casino, and renovations and upgrades across the ship’s staterooms and public areas.

Carnival Freedom’s two-week-long transatlantic Carnival Journeys cruise from Spain is offering guests an unforgettable journey that includes visits to Valencia, Malaga and Las Palmas, Spain as well as Bermuda. From Port Canaveral, the ship offers four- and five-day sailings to destinations in The Bahamas, such as Nassau and Princess Cays, as well as other Caribbean destinations, including Grand Turk. Many new itineraries were recently opened for the ship, and among them are sailings that feature Carnival’s upcoming exclusive destination, Celebration Key, as a port of call beginning in 2025.

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Royal First for Sydney - Princess Cruises' Spectacular Royal Princess Debuts Down Under

Princess’ Biggest Ever Australian Summer Season with four ships including two Royal-Class Vessels homeported in Sydney for the very first time

Image Source, Princess Cruise

Sydney has welcomed a new royal visitor this morning, with Princess Cruises’ spectacular Royal Princess sailing into the city’s harbour for its inaugural season of cruising from Australia.

Measuring 330 metres in length, and 19 decks high, the stunning 3560-guest ship will be based in Sydney until April next year, offering 14 round trip cruises from the city during its six-month deployment Down Under.

One of Princess Cruises’ largest and most popular ships, the 142,229-tonne Royal Princess has a strong regal connection. The ship was christened by HRH, Catherine, Princess of Wales, in the United Kingdom 10 years ago, while the late Princess Diana - Catherine’s mother-in-law - christened Princess Cruises’ original Royal Princess in 1984.

Watch the full ship tour:

Princess Cruises Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, UK + Europe Stuart Allison said the cruise line is thrilled to welcome Royal Princess to its Australian fleet this summer. The ship will sail in local waters with Coral Princess, Majestic Princess and Grand Princess.

“Royal Princess set new standards for premium cruising when it was launched and continues to turn heads wherever she sails around the globe,” Mr Allison said.

“Not only is she a fantastic looking ship, she’s packed with wonderful features for guests, from superb cuisine to world-class entertainment and facilities. We know guests will especially love the Sanctuary and Retreat areas over the summer season.”

Royal Princess will sail in Australasian waters with Coral Princess, which returned from her Round World Cruise to Sydney on September 20, Grand Princess, which spent Saturday (October 21) in Sydney’s harbour, Majestic Princess, arriving in Sydney on November 4 as well as Island Princess calling into the Harbour City on Valentine’s Day February 14, 2024.

‘We’ll have 44% more guest capacity than last season and 85% more guests passing through Sydney, making this the biggest summer season in Australia Princess has ever had.”

“The vast majority of guests disembarking today are international so today is sure to be a multi-million dollar day in economic contribution to the state of NSW and setting the industry on the way to exceed the $5.6b of economic contribution last year. “

The inaugural vessel within the cruise line’s Royal-Class, Royal Princess elevates the guest experience with an abundance of amenities including 11 restaurants, 9 bars and additional lounges, and entertainment options. Among its remarkable features is the Sea Walk, a breathtaking glass-bottomed enclosed walkway that extends nearly 9 metres beyond the ship's edge, treating guests to awe-inspiring views while suspended 39 metres above the sea.

Other notable features include private poolside cabanas, two main pools, 8 top deck spas, the Enclave and Lotus Spa featuring Princess’ largest-ever thermal suite, and an exquisite Chef Lumiere dining option, where guests are magically surrounded by a curtain of light. Meanwhile, more than 80 per cent of the ship’s staterooms offer a private balcony.

In addition to the incredible amenities aboard Royal Princess, guests also enjoy personalised service found throughout the fleet. Exclusive Princess Medallion innovation takes the entire holiday back to the roots of what makes cruising special by creating a personalised, customised and simplified experience for each and every guest. The connected guest experience maximises guests’ time by delivering a host of onboard conveniences including contactless payment for anything on board; expedited embarkation; keyless stateroom entry; muster anywhere; friends and family locator; and ordering food, drinks, retail items or requesting service from their smart device or a crew member and having their order delivered directly to them…even if they move.

Royal Princess’ arrival in Sydney today marks the end of its inaugural 27-night transpacific crossing from Vancouver, Canada. The ship will sail from Sydney this evening on it first Australian voyage - a 10-night roundtrip cruise to Queensland, making maiden calls to Brisbane, Cairns, the Whitsundays and Port Douglas.

“We’re excited to have such an impressive regal visitor in our waters this summer and look forward to welcoming our New Zealand guests on board,” Mr Allison added.

Mr Allison added that Princess will continue its popular Across the Ditch program on all Princess ships sailing to New Zealand.

“We’ll be revealing some new features and exciting product enhancements to the program highlighting authentic cuisine and local entertainment. These fantastic guest experiences bring the best of New Zealand onboard further showcasing our leadership in this magnificent and much-loved destination,” Mr Allison said.

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FIVE REASONS WHY THE MSC YACHT CLUB IS THE ULTIMATE WAY TO CRUISE

Geneva, Switzerland – October 19, 2023 – The MSC Yacht Club is a ‘ship within a ship’ concept offered onboard many MSC Cruises ships, providing guests with an unparalleled cruise experience full of complete serenity and exclusivity. This private area of the ship is only accessible to MSC Yacht Club guests, offering stylish facilities and lavish accommodations with a host of dedicated amenities, such as a panoramic lounge, high-end restaurant, elegant pool and secluded sun deck.

Guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club benefit from a range of privileges and personalized service. These perks are available around-the-clock and are designed to cater to guests’ specific needs and preferences, ensuring a seamless luxury experience at sea. The MSC Yacht Club also offers numerous dedicated leisure and entertainment possibilities, allowing guests to enjoy the exclusivity of a private club while also having access to the countless recreation and entertainment options available throughout the ship.

Whether guests are looking for a relaxing escape or a lavish vacation, the MSC Yacht Club provides exclusive areas to savor the sophistication and elegance of a luxury cruise experience, ensuring the utmost privacy and comfort where every detail is designed to surpass guests’ expectations and create memories of a lifetime. 

MSC Yacht Club is available on more than half of MSC Cruises’ modern fleet, allowing guests to experience the same level of exceptional, personalized services across many destinations.

Highlights of the MSC Yacht Club benefits include:

1.24-HOUR PERSONALIZED SERVICE

MSC Yacht Club’s all-inclusive experience is fully personalized with dedicated 24-hour butler service and a concierge, making the cruising experience truly personal and tailored to each individual guest’s needs. The butler will quickly get to know each guest’s personal preferences, providing the highest level of customized service to ensure all guests feel pampered and relaxed. Meanwhile, the dedicated concierge is on hand to facilitate any request, from organizing shore excursions and making reservations for the spa, to arranging for a newspaper to be brought to the cabin each morning.

2.PRIVILEGED ACCESS

MSC Yacht Club is sure to exceed expectations with a host of privileges that create an effortless experience, from the moment guests step on board to the moment they depart. This luxurious cruise experience offers a dedicated priority check-in and check-out, ensuring a seamless and quick embarkation and disembarkation, so guests can start enjoying their vacations as soon as possible. They will also receive the full VIP treatment with a variety of offerings including tailored shopping sessions in the onboard boutiques outside regular opening hours, embarking on exceptional private excursions, or the complimentary use of the Thermal Suite and MSC Aurea Spa to decompress while at sea.

These private-access areas extend ashore in a number of destinations:

• MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, The Bahamas – MSC Cruises’ private island, founded on a strong commitment to the preservation of marine resources and the conservation of coral reefs, has a private beach area exclusively reserved for guests of the MSC Yacht Club. With privileged access to enjoy sunbeds and cabanas with butler service, the private area of the island also features a dedicated restaurant to relax, sip a cocktail and enjoy a 3-course dedicated lunch surrounded by sea breezes.

• Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates – A beach lover’s paradise just off the southwest coast of Abu Dhabi offers guests a stunning tropical oasis to unwind. The island features an MSC Yacht Club zone with premium sunbeds and dedicated transportation, barbecue lunch and bar service to ensure the utmost comfort and privacy for guests during a day ashore.

3.PRIVATE AND LUXURIOUS LEISURE AMENITIES 

MSC Yacht Club guests have exclusive access to a range of private and elegant spaces to enhance their cruise experience. The dedicated Top Sail Lounge offers panoramic views for guests to sit back and relax in a sophisticated setting, while indulging in an array of gourmet finger foods, delicious drinks and high tea service, as well as live music every evening. The club’s private sundeck, complete with a pool, hot tub, sundeck and bar, offers guests the chance to soak up the sun and enjoy complimentary refreshments in complete comfort, while taking in the best views on board across the bow of the ship and out to sea.

4.LAVISH ACCOMMODATION

Experience the finest luxury accommodation with the MSC Yacht Club’s wide variety of suites to meet all guests’ preferences. The stylish and spacious accommodations set themselves apart and include options with stunning ocean views from the cabin’s private balcony, as well as options like the Duplex Suites, Royal Suites and Owner’s Suites, offering a private hot tub on the balcony. From Myform Memory mattresses and crisp Egyptian cotton bedding to an indulgent Dorelan pillow menu, luxurious marble bathrooms and complimentary minibars, the MSC Yacht Club suites provide unparalleled comfort for an unforgettable vacation.

5.CULINARY DELIGHTS FROM DAY TO NIGHT

With a dedicated restaurant, the MSC Yacht Club offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of an exquisite fine-dining experience with five-star service. Offering sophisticated cuisines with an à la carte menu, guests can savor an array of the finest dishes served exclusively for them from a dedicated kitchen staff, accompanied by a spectacular selection of drinks, including fine wines from around the world with a dedicated sommelier available to further enhance the food and wine pairing experience. The private restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can dine at any time that suits their needs.

A toast to relaxation, MSC Yacht Club guests can also enjoy the finest spirits with the premium drink package included in their booking.

Note to editors:

MSC Yacht Club is an all-inclusive experience with a host of privileges:

• Dedicated priority check-in and check-out as well as priority departure and return on excursion days

• 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge

• Unlimited drinks throughout the ship with the Premium Extra package

• Unlimited dining within the MSC Yacht Club

• Inclusion of the Browse Internet package with unlimited data for two devices

• Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa

• Tailormade shopping experiences

• Private excursions available with priority departures and returns to and from the ship

• Complimentary welcome bottle of either wine, Spumante, Champagne or spirit

• A complimentary personalized mini bar offering juices, soft drinks, water, and beer replenished daily, and complimentary snacks

• Room service available 24 hours

• Other personal touches such as luggage unpacking and packing service, newspaper delivered to the cabin each day and something different delivered at turn down each night - a different selection of sweet or savory canapés each day

Private facilities on the ship only accessible to MSC Yacht Club guests:

• Suites featuring a pillow menu and Egyptian cotton sheets with memory-foam mattresses for the most comfortable night’s sleep

• Panoramic Top Sail Lounge with bar, afternoon tea service, light bites available day and night and live entertainment in the evening

• Gourmet restaurant with a la carte dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner where guests can dine at a time that is convenient for them

• A private and spacious pool deck that offers whirlpool baths and sunbathing area and outdoor bar

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EXPLORA JOURNEYS MAKES TWO SENIOR HIRES TO EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Geneva, Switzerland, October 20, 2023 - Explora Journeys has made two senior appointments to its executive leadership team.

Koray Savas has joined MSC Group’s luxury brand from sister company MSC Cruises as VP Hotel and Alban Gjoka has been promoted to the role of VP Food and Beverage. Both report to Explora Journeys’ CEO Michael Ungerer.

Michael Ungerer, CEO, Explora Journeys said, “It has been nearly three months since we launched our first ship EXPLORA I and we are now moving ahead into the next chapter of the growth of our brand. Koray and Alban both bring extensive experience and skills to our hotel and food and beverage operations respectively and they will add great value to our current ship at sea as well as to the development of the onboard experience for our upcoming five luxury ships.”

Mr. Savas has worked in the cruise industry for 22 years with the last five at MSC Cruises, most recently at the Company’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland where for two years he was a Brand Performance Director (BPD) overseeing the hotel operations and guest experience for the line’s ships based in Asia, the Gulf region and the Mediterranean Sea. He was also a BPD for the line’s world cruises in 2022 that marked for the first time two of its ships sailing the globe simultaneously and prior to his move to Geneva Mr. Savas spent three years as VP Hotel Operations Asia based in Shanghai, China.

Mr. Gjoka joined Explora Journeys at the beginning of 2022 as Senior Lead Culinary Operation from the Apollo Group where he worked for 15 years, most recently as Senior Executive Chef and Culinary Manager for a luxury cruise line where he oversaw large-scale international food and beverage operations. Mr. Gjoka was previously employed for five years by another leading luxury cruise company in a range of food and  beverage roles, lastly as Culinary Director, where he was involved in leading the food and beverage strategy.

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Princess Cruises Makes Dramatic Pricing Change, Now Focused on Unprecedented Savings for Early Bookers on Summer 2024 & 2025

Image Source, Princess Cruise

Princess Cruises Makes Dramatic Pricing Change, Now Focused on Unprecedented Savings for Early Bookers on Summer 2024 & 2025

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (October 18, 2023) – Princess Cruises today announced a dramatic shift in its pricing strategy, ensuring that early birds get the best deals possible.

The significant pricing model change marks a significant departure from the legacy cruise industry model that discounts closer to departure. Prices for 2024 and 2025 cruises are now set at their absolute lowest and will increase going forward.

“A Princess cruise vacation is the best value in travel, but with continuing increases in consumer demand our new pricing approach will always reward guests who lock in their Princess vacations well in advance,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer, Princess Cruises. “Gone are the days of last-minute deep discounts close to departure dates. The best time to secure a spot on a 2024 or 2025 Princess cruise is right now.

To underscore its commitment to providing the most competitive pricing in the industry, Princess is introducing the Best Price Guarantee. Princess is so confident that its new pricing structure offers the best value that the brand will match any lower price found for the same cruise and stateroom category. Further, if a guest is unsure of departure date, Princess Promotions will allow them to secure today’s pricing for a future vacation without locking in the specific dates or itinerary. For full terms, conditions and restrictions, visit https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/.

And the good news doesn't stop there. Princess has also announced lower prices for third and fourth guests sharing a stateroom, creating exceptional value for families and friends traveling together.

For example, four guests sailing in a balcony stateroom on a 7-day Regal Princess Caribbean cruise departing on March 17 from Galveston can sail for as low as $600 on average per person*. That's just $86 per person, per day, for a spectacular vacation that includes everything from spacious accommodations and MedallionClass personalized service to delectable meals, thrilling entertainment, and unforgettable visits to the best Western Caribbean destinations.

Princess Cruises has long been synonymous with elegance and excellence in the cruise industry, and these exciting pricing changes further cement the brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and unforgettable experiences for guests.

 *Taxes, fees & port expenses not included. Prices may vary based on cruise itinerary and stateroom category.

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MIAMI, June 9, 2020 

PRNewswire

Luxury cruise line Cunard, announced today that, as a result of the continued impact of Covid-19, it will be extending the pause in operations. 

For its ships Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, Cunard is cancelling all sailings that were due to depart up to and including 1 November, 2020 and for Queen Elizabeth, departures up to and including the 23 November, 2020.

Cunard President, Simon Palethorpe, said, "With many differing restrictions across countries, people's ability to move freely and safely across borders remains seemingly someway in the distance. For Cunard, where we celebrate having a truly international mix of guests and sail all over the world, this becomes particularly impactful. We also need to better understand the implications Covid-19 will have on board our ships. We are therefore working, at the highest level possible, with government bodies, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - the CDC - and Public Health England, as well as the industry collective body – CLIA - and other expert medical professionals to review every aspect of a holiday with us."

He added: "Whilst we have always taken pride in having the highest levels of health and safety, we are looking at enhanced protocols across all aspects of ship life and experiences on shore. We will only return to service when we have a comprehensive restart protocol with the stamps of approval and accreditation from the most trusted and informed sources."

Cunard will be communicating with all guests, and their travel advisors, who are booked on affected voyages.

As Cunard has done previously during this pause period, guests who are booked on cancelled voyages will automatically be given a 125% Future Cruise Credit. This can be redeemed against any new booking made by the end of December 2021 on any voyage that's on sale at the time of booking.

Full details of the changes to operations and options available to guests due to travel on cancelled voyages, can be found at www.cunard.com

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To assist guests' decisions regarding their upcoming cruise vacations during the evolving worldwide COVID-19 situation, Princess Cruises is temporarily making some changes to our cancellation policy for cruises and cruisetours departing between March 6 and May 31, 2020, and final payment terms for cruises and cruisetours sailing in June 2020.

Updated Cancellation Policy for cruises and cruisetours departing March 6, 2020 through May 31, 2020

The details vary by departure date. The following applies to new and existing bookings on cruises and cruisetours in all markets globally.

Date of Departure

Benefit

March 6 – 8, 2020 Cancel up to sailing date to automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for 100% of cancellation fees

March 9, 2020 - April 3, 2020Cancel up to 72 hours before sailing to automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for 100% of cancellation fees

April 4, 2020 - May 31, 2020Cancel by March 31 and automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit for 100% of cancellation fees

*Date of departure is from the start date of your cruise or cruisetour, whichever is earlier. Excludes charter cruises.

For guests that have already cancelled a March 6-May 31, 2020 cruise or cruisetour on or after January 20, 2020, they will automatically receive Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for 100% of cancellation fees; no need to call Princess.

Future Cruise Credits (FCC) are non-refundable and non-transferrable. They may be applied to any new or existing booking not yet paid in full on a Princess cruise or cruisetour departing on or before December 31, 2021. The FCC does not have to be used on the same itinerary that was cancelled.

Future Cruise Credits will automatically be applied to each guest’s Captain Circle account after they have cancelled. FCCs will not be available instantly and may take up to 10 business days to be processed; no need to call to Princess before this time.

Special Offer for Guests Who Choose to Keep Bookings on March 6 through May 31, 2020 Departures

Guests who choose to keep their booking on cruises or cruisetours as currently scheduled for departures between March 6, 2020 and May 31, 2020 will automatically receive the following Onboard Credit amounts:

• $100 USD / $150 AUD per stateroom for 3 and 4 day cruises

• $150 USD / $225 AUD per stateroom for 5 day cruises

• $200 USD / $300 AUD per stateroom for 6 day and longer cruises

Guests will automatically receive their onboard credit amount on their folio, which may take up to several days after the ship has embarked.

Revised Final Payment Timing on June 2020 Departures

Additionally, we are amending Final Payment on cruises and cruisetours sailing June 1 through June 30, 2020.

Date of Departure*BenefitJune 1, 2020 - June 30, 2020Final Payment moves to 60 days prior to sailing

*Date of departure is from the start date of your cruise or cruisetour, whichever is earlier. Excludes charter cruises.

To ensure we cover guests who already made final payment, the revised final payment date means no cancellation fees will be assessed until 60 days prior to sailing.

To review our complete Cancellation Policy for all departures, please refer to the Passage Contract.

For further information please visit: Cancellation & Final Payment Updates

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the leading luxury ocean cruise line, today announced a new temporary change to its cancellation policy to give luxury travelers additional time, if needed, to feel confident in their decision to sail on a currently booked Regent voyage or to sail on a future one.

Regent Reassurance includes all Regent voyages embarking March 10, 2020 through September 30, 2020. Guests who have paid in full on any of these voyages now have the option to cancel their voyage up to 48 hours prior to sailing and receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit, which can be applied to any new reservation within one year on any Regent voyage sailing between today and December 31, 2022.

Regent Reassurance is applicable to all existing and new reservations made by April 30, 2020.

“At Regent, our extended family of guests is always at the center of everything we do. With so much information coming from around the world very quickly regarding the global health environment, we understand our guests may feel uneasy about traveling,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Regent Reassurance is designed to provide our guests with maximum flexibility and give them the confidence to take a Regent voyage on the most luxurious fleet in the cruise industry.”

For further information please visit: Regent Reassurance 

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The “Cruise With Confidence” policy allows guests on Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea to cancel up to 48 hours before a sailing. Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of the guest’s choice in 2020 or 2021. The policy applies to both new and existing cruise bookings.

“Our previous policy set earlier deadlines for guests to cancel their cruises, and that added unnecessary stress,” said Richard Fain, the company’s chairman and CEO. “Trying to guess a month or more in advance where areas of concern about coronavirus might be is challenging for medical experts, much less a family preparing for vacation.”

“When circumstances are as fast-changing as they have been recently, it’s good to know you have the option to take a rain check,” Fain said. “We think putting more control in our guests’ hands helps them make informed decisions about whether to keep their existing vacation plans or trade out for a more convenient time or itinerary.”  

In addition to easing concerns for booked guests, Fain said the policy would also give consumers more confidence in making new bookings, knowing that they could later adjust their plans without penalty.

The policy applies to all cruises with a sailing date on or before July 31, 2020 and will be offered by the company’s global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea. Full details of the “Cruise with Confidence” policy can be found at the respective brand websites.

For further information please visit: Royal Caribbean Cruise with Confidence

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