Crystal Endeavor Expeditions

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On August 10, 2020, Crystal Endeavor will embark on her maiden voyage from Tokyo. The groundbreaking vessel under Crystal Expedition Cruises will sail a remote and remarkable journey through the islands of Japan and the Russian Far East, Antarctica via the Ross Sea; New Zealand and Tasmania; Australia and the Great Barrier Reef; and Borneo, Indonesia and the Philippines.

We are most excited for the Crystal Endeavor’s Indonesian Immersive & the Great Barrier Reef that sails for 16 nights from Bali to Cairns on October 15, 2020.  You’ll journey through the legendary Spice Islands and Papua New Guinea, to Komodo Island where you may encounter its famous dragons. And of course the breathtaking underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.

Throughout this voyage you’ll want to don your wet suit for fascinating deep water discoveries like Lizard Island, nestled within the spectacular Great Barrier Reef and Ribbon Reef, constituting approximately 125 miles of it. Lizard Island is an ideal spot for expedition adventures that range from snorkeling to rugged hikes through mangroves and acacia woodlands in search of the yellow-spotted monitor lizard and even taking the time to sun yourself along white sand beaches. Ribbon Reef presents opportunities to dive deep into the coves, caves and canyons that house a rainbow of sea life within an isolated haven of turquoise. In Kalabahi, Indonesia, a snorkeling adventure will take you to the coastal waters of Pura Island, where the coral reefs still thrive and tropical fish dart in and out, playing hide-and-seek with visitors. You may also meet some of the local Alor tribe, who farm and fish the land.

There are adventures and eye-opening discoveries in each of these spectacular destination, and even aboard the expedition ship itself.

explore4 with Holland America

Why Holland America Line?

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Over the years Holland America Line has consistently been a favourite of our valued cruisers and cruise specialists. If you have not cruised before you may be asking yourself “Which cruise line is best for me”.  If you are a seasoned cruiser but have yet to try Holland America you may be asking “Why should I try Holland America when I am happy with the cruise lines I have previously cruised with”. Well, hopefully this answers your question of Why Holland America Line?

 

THE HOLLAND AMERICA GUEST
Holland America Line guests don’t need things like waterslides, go-karts, roller coasters or climbing walls when they cruise. They are explorers, foodies and music lovers of all ages who want to pursue these passions on refreshingly uncrowded ships with one-of-a-kind culinary experiences, the very best in live music and staff that attends to every detail, every day.

 

DESTINATION EXPERTISE & IMMERSION
• Nearly 150 years of experience sailing the world’s oceans
• More than 500 itineraries connecting with over 470 ports of call
• Exclusive Explorations Central™ destination programming that gives guests a deeper understanding of the places you visit

 

UNRIVALED CULINARY EXPERIENCES
• Culinary Council® of world-renowned chefs — plus experts in wine and spirits — who design our onboard dining experiences
• A variety of dining options*, including specialty restaurants, pop-up dining and the exceptional Dining Room
• Live onboard cooking demonstrations
• Culinary shore excursions in partnership with FOOD & WINE® magazine

 

THE BEST IN LIVE MUSIC
• A great cruise deserves a great soundtrack with memorable performances from world-class musicians
• Live music for every taste at Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Rock Room and more*

 

PERFECTLY SIZED SHIPS; RENOWNED SERVICE
• Ships designed with the philosophy that bigger isn’t better, better is better
• Sleek nautical lines, spacious public areas, wraparound decks and sophisticated style
• In every detail, every day, guests experience the best service at sea, with a gracious, friendly staff that’s never in the way but always close at hand

 

When you are ready to Experience the WHY of Holland America don’t forget to contact one of our cruise specialists to help you plan! 

Click here for a list of current Holland America cruise offers for you to take advantage of 

Luxury Cruise Line Adds Plant Based Dishes

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Debuts More Than 200 Inspiring Plant-Based Dishes Fleetwide

MIAMI (May 20, 2019) – Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, today announced the debut of an extensive array of innovative plant-based cuisine on menus across its fleet. Beginning October 1, 2019, more than 200 gourmet plant-based selections will be offered at breakfast, lunch and dinner to meet the evolving tastes of luxury travelers who are following vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, or hunger to enjoy more plant-based fare.

New dishes like Wild Mushroom Tart with Brittle Pie Crust, Mushroom Duxelles and Red Pepper Coulis; Falafel Fritters with Harissa Mayo, Cucumber, Mint, and Capers; Spiced Potato & Green Pea Samosas with Tamarind Chutney; and Summer Berry Pudding Chantilly showcase a range of cuisines including Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, Malaysian, and more. Other menu highlights include nourishing Power Bowls and Poke Bowls, hearty pastas and noodles, light and refreshing salads and soups and decadent items like an ImpossibleTM Cheeseburger, and a Peach and Blueberry Cobbler with Cornmeal-Almond Topping.

“For luxury travelers who are increasingly adding more plant-based cuisine to their meals, we’re offering even more imaginative selections of bold, flavorful appetizers, entrees and desserts, with craveable tastes and mouth-watering presentations,” said Jason Montague, Regent Seven Seas Cruises president and chief executive officer. “Our expanded plant-based cuisine sets the highest benchmark in luxury cruising.”

Luxury travelers are increasingly interested in enjoying plant-based fare. Worldwide, more than 9 of 10 plant-based meals are consumed by people who are not vegans.

Regent’s 200 plant-based selections will be fully integrated into the daily menus on Regent ships, instead of being offered on a separate menu. The new offerings were developed by Regent’s culinary leadership team under the direction of Bernhard Klotz, Regent’s vice president of Food and Beverage, in concert with world-renowned chef, culinary instructor, and author Christophe Berg.

“Plant-based cuisine appeals to a broad audience of luxury travelers,” Klotz explained. “This is an emerging, modern specialty cuisine that allows our guests to enjoy more flavorful foods that are in harmony with their current tastes and pushes the boundaries on Regent’s acclaimed culinary creativity and imagination.”

 

Selected Plant-Based Menu Highlights

Breakfast
• Chia Cashew Yogurt with Carrot-Hazelnut Granola, Mixed Berries and Tropical Fruits
• Chickpea Pancake with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, Mushrooms and Harissa Sauce, Just Like Feta
• Banana-Oatmeal Pancakes with Berries and Maple Syrup
• Avocado Toast on Rustic Farmers Bread

Lunch
• Sweet Potato Soup with Miso & Ginger
• Tomato Bisque with Dill
• Roasted Almond and Vegetable Soup
• Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Vegetables, Grapefruit, Coconut, Boston Lettuce, Rice Paper, Roasted Peanut Dip
• Tajin Spiced Hummus & Avocado Wrap with Boston Lettuce, Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Fruit Skewer
• Osaka Power Bowl with Soba Noodles, Eggplant, Tofu, Sweet Potatoes, Edamame, Wakame Salad, Nori, Miso Sesame Dressing
• Mediterranean Bowl with Brown Rice, Beluga Lentils, Green Peas, Cauliflower, Tomato, Homemade Tzatziki, Kalamata Olives, Pita Bread, Roasted Almond-Orange Dressing
• Falafel Power Bowl with Roasted Carrots, Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Assorted Greens, Olives, Capers, Mint, Parsley, Lemon-Tahini dressing
• Green Lentil Penne Pasta, Wild Mushroom Bolognese with Cashew Nuts
• “Impossible Burger” Sesame Bun, Just Like Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Skinny Fries

Dinner
• Caramelized Apple Tart with Fresh Feta-Cashew Cheese, Balsamic Caramel
• Wild Mushroom Tart with Brittle Pie Crust, Mushroom Duxelles, Red Pepper Coulis
• Mulligatawny, Traditional Indian Red Lentil & Coconut Soup
• Spiced Potato & Green Pea Samosas with Tamarind Chutney
• Baked Porcini & Spinach Cannelloni, with Toasted Hazelnuts, Tomato Sauce, Béchamel
• Mushroom & Spinach Crepes, with Béchamel and Tomato Sauce
• Roasted Mushroom Stuffed Zucchini with Quinoa-Olive Salad, Pine Nut Dressing, Yellow Pepper Coulis
• Singapore Noodles, with Stir Fried Vegetables, Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Soy Sauce, Rice Vermicelli
• Green Curry Vegetable Stir Fry, with Eggplant, Oyster Mushrooms, Cauliflower, Green Peas, Jasmine Rice
Crispy Sweet & Sour Vegetables with Tofu, Cashew and Sesame Seeds

Desserts
Summer Berry Pudding Chantilly
• Basil Scented Fruit Minestrone, Lemon Sorbet
• Peach and Blueberry Cobbler with Cornmeal-Almond Topping
• Pear Williams & Rosemary Sorbet
• Lime-Vodka Sorbet
• Champagne Sorbet

 

Canaletto’s New Menu is Amore at First Bite!

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In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food, which is what you’ll discover at Holland America Line’s Canaletto — a specialty dining venue that brings people together with delectable dishes, designed to be shared family-style.

Our popular Italian restaurant recently debuted a new menu that features an authentic selection of outstanding dishes. To make the experience even more exceptional, Holland America Line is now making fresh pasta on board our ships! Continue reading below for a taste of what’s on the menu.

THE INTRODUCTION

To start, whet your appetite with a variety of delicious small plates including Beef Carpaccio, Grilled Calamari, and Melanzane Ripiene — eggplant roulade filled with ricotta, basil, Parmesan, wilted spinach and chunky arrabiata sauce. Additional selections include tasty Salumi All’ Italiana, Veal and Sage Polpettine and Mozzarella Di Bufala!

 

THE MAIN EVENT
Hungry for more? Canaletto’s new menu features a variety of mouthwatering entrees that include Italian classics like Lasagna Bolognese, Branzino Alla Siciliana, Gnocchi Carciofi E Antara and Scaloppine Alla Caprese, and that’s not all! Each day of the week Canaletto features specials that are sure to wow guests.

Sunday: Chicken Parmigiana
Monday: Osso Bucco Milanese
Tuesday: Beef Short Rib Brasato Barolo
Wednesday: Veal Liver Veneziana
Thursday: Veal Saltimbocca Alla Romano
Friday: Chicken Curry – Cipriani Style
Saturday: Gamberi Alla Griglia

Don’t forget to compliment your meal with a delicious cocktail, like the restaurant’s refreshing Aperol Spritz.

 

THE EPIC FINALE

“Save room for dessert!” This familiar saying is advice we strongly recommend to our guests when dining at Canaletto! The new menu offers everything from Tiramisu, Gelato and Affogato to Torta Caprese Al Limone — an almond lemon tart with limoncello, Mascarpone cream and fresh berries! Trust us, these sweet treats are not be missed!

Whether Italy is on your itinerary or not, enjoying a meal at Canaletto will have you feeling as if you’ve been magically transported there. We guarantee this is a dining experience your taste buds will thank you for. Buon appetito!

Canaletto is available at dinner for a nominal charge. Reservations are recommended but not required.

 

 

Post shared from Holland America’s Blog April 15 2019
Original Blog post can be found here

Crystal Cruises Features Perth’s Black Truffles in Culinary Journeys Series

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Perth’s Black Truffle Delicacies Star In Episode 5 Of Crystal’s ‘Culinary Journeys’ Video Series

Black Périgord truffles are among the most expensive edible mushrooms in the world, and Western Australia is one of the world’s largest producers of them. When one thinks of black truffles, images of the eponymous Périgord region in France and Italy’s Piedmont region come to mind. But in Perth, even in summertime – considered “off season” for the fine fungus – restaurants across town feature truffle-accented dishes on their menus, creatively incorporating their earthy flavor into signature entrees, from seafood to potato salad.

But it’s a classic Italian specialty that takes center stage in the latest episode of “Crystal Cruises Presents: A Culinary Journey Hosted by Jon Ashton,” which takes Jon to some of Perth’s local foodie hubs in search of the best iteration of black truffles. Through his explorations, Jon is inspired to bring the truffles of Western Australia back to Crystal Serenity, where he works with Prego’s Chef de Cuisine Alfred Napotnik to create Italian gnocchi prepared in the Old-World style – a rich, creamy comfort food of the most elegant kind.

And where better to serve such a decadent, yet uncomplicated, dish than Prego?

In the words of Chef Alfred, whose parents would take him to Italy for weekend lunches during his childhood, “Simple is always good.”

 

Watch the full episode here 

New Guest Experience Enhancements with Regent Seven Seas

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Miami (Mar. 28, 2019) – Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the leading luxury ocean cruise line, today announced three guest experience enhancements.

  • The cruise line is nearly doubling internet bandwidth size across its fleet by January 2020. Significantly increasing bandwidth compared to 2018 will make free internet surfing more enjoyable for Regent guests as the internet will be faster and even more reliable on all devices. Guests will begin to benefit from bandwidth expansion starting April 2019. Signing on to Wi-Fi will be smoother through a log-in webpage that appears when guests connect to the ship’s network, and guests will have a more streamlined log-in process enabling unlimited complimentary and effortless web surfing.”
  • Free unlimited valet laundry service for guests sailing in Master and Grand Suites. All guests who sail in a Master Suite or Grand Suite on the cruise line’s ships will enjoy the added benefit of free unlimited valet laundry service starting in April 2019.
  • A new Digital Guest Survey will help Regent track guest experiences and feedback in real-time. The digital survey replaces end-of-cruise paper guest satisfaction questionnaires. Guests may easily provide feedback through this web-based questionnaire during the voyage and the feedback is automatically sent to the ship’s officers and company leaders in Miami. This new system will be deployed fleetwide by October 2019.

“Nearly doubling bandwidth provides Regent guests with an even faster and easier free internet experience to stay in touch and share their travel experiences with their family, friends and business associates at home while sailing around the world,” says Jason Montague, Regent Seven Seas Cruises president and chief executive officer. “Across our fleet we continue to refine the small details, such as creating a faster internet, including free valet laundry service for Master and Grand Suite guests, and deploying a tool for real-time guest feedback. This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to providing guests with an unrivaled experience.”

These three initiatives are Regent’s latest guest experience enhancements. Over the past year Regent has completed a $125 million fleet refurbishment program, unveiled its 2020-2021 Voyage Collection with 167 itineraries and new ports, introduced new relaxed outdoor evening dining fleetwide at the Pool Grill, debuted the most immersive luxury Cuban voyage itineraries, and revealed Go Local Tours and Regent Choice small group shore excursions – all while readying to launch its fifth ship, Seven Seas Splendor™, in February 2020.

Wine Tasting

Holland America Line Debuts ‘James Suckling’s Guide to Great Wines’ List

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New wine list created by the cruise line’s wine curator offers an exceptional selection of champagnes, rosés, reds and whites

SEATTLE, March 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Holland America Line is debuting a sophisticated new wine list created in collaboration with James Suckling, the premium cruise line’s wine curator and one of the world’s most acclaimed wine critics. “James Suckling’s Guide to Great Wines” will be available fleetwide by early spring.

Designed to help a wine novice make a selection that pleases their palate, the list presents wine aficionados with a range of cellar-worthy gems. All of the “JS 90+” wines by the glass and all of the bottle options were hand-selected by Suckling and consistently received a rating of at least a 90, which is “outstanding” on his 100-point rating scale. The list also features wines by the glass that are Holland America Line favorites and some of the most popular wines at sea.

“As we crafted our new wine list with James, our goal was to make it accessible for everyone, no matter their wine knowledge, but we also wanted it to have a selection that was unmatched anywhere at sea,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “The idea behind having such an exceptional collection on board is to give our guests the opportunity to try wines they might not know, experiment with different types of wines, and, for those who are new to wine, ease into it with guidance from one of the foremost experts in the world. James’ wine list is like having him at the table helping choose the perfect wine just for you.”

The exclusive list features a diverse range of champagnes, rosés, reds and whites, chosen by Suckling to perfectly pair with any meal or occasion. In addition to the Dining Room, guests will find the list as part of an expanded wine menu in Canaletto, Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind and Rudi’s Sel de Mer, specialty dining venues featured on Holland America Line ships.

“James Suckling’s Guide to Great Wines” is organized by categories to enhance the guest wine drinking experience, such as Light Conversation, Mealtime Favorites and James’s Rock Star Wines, instead of traditional ways such as provenance, vintage or price. Suckling provides further guidance with wines listed in categories such as “easy, fun and delicious,” “thoughtful, reflective and rich,” “versatile with any food,” “fresh, light and fruity,” “medium body, balanced and focused” and “bold, flavorful and characterful.”

I created the wine list to be fun and experiential for guests on Holland American Line,” says Suckling, who rated more than 22,000 wines last year with his team at JamesSuckling.com and more than 200,000 wines in his three-decade career as a wine critic.

The list features selections at all price points, and the James’s Rock Star Wines section offers 21 of the best wines in the world, all having received at least 94 points, considered at the upper level of “outstanding” and “truly great” (95 and above). Guests looking to experience an elite collection that received a perfect 100 points from Suckling can indulge in a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Brut frm Champagne, France; Vega Sicilia Unico from Ribera del Duero, Spain; Seña Red Blend Biodynamic from Aconcagua, Chile; and Chateau d’Yquem from Sauternes, France.

About James Suckling

Suckling began his wine critic career in 1981 as an assistant editor for Wine Spectator magazine. Four years later he moved to Paris, France, to establish Wine Spectator’s European bureau. This put him at the center of European wine production and cemented his relationships with thousands of vintners, as well as contributed to his expanding knowledge of wines throughout the continent. In total, Suckling spent nearly 30 years as senior editor and European bureau chief of Wine Spectator and as European editor of Cigar Aficionado.

In 2010 Suckling launched JamesSuckling.com, a site that evolved from seeing a need for wine information to be communicated in a more modern way. Suckling and his team of critics rate about 22,000 wines a year, and Suckling estimates that he’s tasted close to 200,000 wines in his career. For more information, visit JamesSuckling.com or find him on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and WeChat.

SeaDream Yacht Club Introduces A New Luxury Yacht

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The 2021 inaugural season is now accepting bookings from past SeaDream guests. Reservations for new guests will open April 17.

SeaDream Yacht Club is pleased to announce a new era in luxury yachting. For the first time since its founding in 2001, SeaDream is expanding its fleet with SeaDream Innovation, a new, revolutionary yacht, which will introduce the concept of “Global Yachting.” Commencing sailing in September 2021, the ultra-luxury yacht will sail to all seven continents in its first year, visiting over 200 ports in 49 countries. Guests will explore the world’s most remote and unique destinations, including Svalbard, the Northwest Passage, Antarctica, the fjords of Norway, Japan, New Zealand, the Fiji Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

SeaDream is now accepting reservations from Club Members, guests who have previously sailed aboard SeaDream’s classic yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. Reservations will open to the public on April 17.

“This project has been a dream of mine for many years,” said Atle Brynestad, Owner, Chairman and CEO of SeaDream. “It has been a true labor of love to meticulously design every aspect of this yacht, from the interiors and facilities to the itineraries.”

With only 110 elegantly appointed, ocean-view suites, SeaDream Innovation will offer an intimate setting and all-inclusive vacation with a one-to-one guest to crew ratio. Combining innovation with elegant comfort, all spaces and facilities have been designed to elevate the guest experience at sea, including three marinas and outdoor dining.

“We were drawn to Damen Shipyards for their excellent reputation and proven track record as innovators in the shipbuilding industry,” said Atle Brynestad, Owner, Chairman and CEO of SeaDream. “Damen Shipyards understood our vision from the very beginning. Both Damen and SeaDream are family-owned businesses, making Damen a perfect long-term partner for this visionary project. We are looking forward to working closely with the Damen team to bring this dream to reality.”

At 15,600 gross tons and measuring 155m, the mega-yacht will follow in the tradition of excellence set by its predecessors. SeaDream will offer a true yachting lifestyle, featuring anticipatory service, 5-star dining, luxury accommodations, generous outdoor spaces and inspiring itineraries.

In 2001, Brynestad reinvented luxury for the second time when he introduced discerning travelers to the SeaDream yachting experience, where casual elegance and intimate ports replaced tuxedos and formal evenings. Prior to SeaDream, the Norwegian entrepreneur was already recognized as a leader in the industry when he as the sole owner and founder of Seabourn Cruise Line first reinvented luxury cruising with Seabourn Pride in 1988, followed by two more ultra-luxury cruise ships. Since its founding, SeaDream has achieved the industry’s highest accolades, consistently recognized for exceeding guests’ expectations with its casual yachting lifestyle and offering a distinct experience at sea.

Oceania Cruises to Eliminate Plastic Water Bottles

Oceania Cruises To Eliminate Plastic Water Bottles

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Oceania Cruise to eliminate plastic water bottles in pioneering green initiative – Partnership with Vero Water will save more than three million plastic bottles per year.

Miami, FL, January 31, 2019 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, announced a ground-breaking sustainability initiative to eliminate millions of plastic water bottles per year through a new partnership with Vero Water. This pioneering green initiative is the newest facet of the brand’s OceaniaNEXT enhancements and the company’s larger Sail & Sustain environmental program.

“By introducing Vero Water to the Oceania Cruises experience, we are not only taking a quantum leap forward environmentally, we are providing our guests with the gold-standard of still and sparkling water,” stated Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises. As part of its OceaniaNEXT initiative, the line’s ships will be outfitted with Vero Water’s acclaimed still and sparkling water distillation systems starting in April. Installation of the Vero Water systems will ultimately eliminate an estimated three million plastic bottles per year.

The Who’s Who of the Hospitality World
Vero Water, is the world’s leading purveyor of premium water distillation systems and is used around the globe by leading luxury hospitality brands such as Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott, Kimpton, MGM Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt, Fisher Island Club, Sea Island, and at the crème de la crème of restaurants including James Beard Award-winning Saba New Orleans, Eleven Madison Park, Meadowood at Napa Valley, Farmhouse Inn, Saison, Tribeca Grill, Blue Hill, and too many others to name.

Vero Water’s environmentally friendly approach to great-tasting distilled water utilizes dishwasher-safe glass bottles which can be used over and over again, eliminating up to three million plastic bottles per year. Vero Water’s proprietary purification system which utilizes Nano-Filtration and five separate layers of filters delivers delicious, crisp, perfectly chilled water.

Vero Water Onboard and Ashore
Vero Water service will be implemented in two phases during the coming year. Phase One focuses on implementing the onboard water service in suites, staterooms, restaurants, lounges and bars which will start in April and is expected to be completed by mid-June. Phase Two will marry the Vero Water service with the guest experience ashore. All guests will be provided with their own re-useable Vero Water bottle which will be theirs to keep and to take home with them. This phase-in is expected to start in the second half of 2019.

Implementation Schedule
Riviera – April 2, 2019
Marina – April 19, 2019
Regatta – May 1, 2019
Sirena – May 19, 2019
Nautica – May 30, 2019
Insignia – June 19, 2019

 

 

About OceaniaNEXT
OceaniaNEXT is a sweeping array of dramatic enhancements so transformational, they are inspirational. The Regatta-Class re-inspiration is the first in a line of exciting announcements and enhancements to come in 2018, 2019, and beyond. This ambitious brand initiative will elevate every facet of the Oceania Cruises guest experience to new levels. From thoughtfully crafted new dining experiences and reimagined menus to the dramatic re-inspiration of the iconic Regatta-Class ships, guests will savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea™, be pampered aboard intimate and luxurious ships, and be enriched through in-depth destination exploration.

About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s six intimate and luxurious ships which carry only 684 or 1,250 guests offer an unrivaled vacation experience featuring the finest cuisine at sea and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly crafted voyages aboard designer-inspired, intimate ships call on more than 450 ports across Europe, Alaska, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, New England-Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Tahiti and the South Pacific and epic 180-day Around the World Voyages.

About VERO WATER®
Vero Water is a healthy lifestyle choice for Inspired Living. VERO WATER® is a leading provider of luxury still and sparkling water to the hospitality industry and is served to over 50 million consumers a year in six countries and in the United States from coast-to-coast in over 40 states. Vero’s proprietary purification and bottling process enables hospitality and business clients to purify, chill, fill and serve Vero still and sparkling water on-premise and on-demand. Served perfectly chilled from a luxury branded bottle with every pour, Vero’s signature taste is pure and crisp – noted by a distinctively luxurious mouthfeel and a light and refreshing finish. A profile that cleanses the palate, enabling the taste of the food and drinks to be at the center of the dining experience. The exceptional water taste 01and quality, combined with the unparalleled level of concierge service provided to its clients, has propelled Vero Water into many of the most acclaimed restaurants worldwide, firmly establishing it as the water brand proudly served by the most demanding and successful chefs, restaurateurs and owner operators in the hospitality industry. verowater.com

About Sail & Sustain
We remain committed to being a responsible corporate citizen by fostering a culture of awareness and respect for our world’s resources. Our core company values extend beyond our ships and encourages the preservation of the precious natural resources that are integral to our success. Our ability to offer extraordinary guest experiences relies on the clean and healthy marine environment and well-being of the destinations we visit.

Royal-Class Royal Princess

Princess Cruises Showcases Progress Royal-Class Ships

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Princess Cruises Showcases Progress of Three New Royal-Class Ships Under Construction at Fincantieri Shipyard. Ceremony Marks Cruise Industry First and Signals Strength of Brand and Global Industry

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Feb. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Princess Cruises, the world’s largest international premium cruise line, is growing and today major milestones for three ships under construction at the same time were celebrated, at Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

The three milestones included the introduction of the Sky Princess crew member who was nominated by her peers to serve as Madrina to celebrate the recent float out of the ship which will enter service in October 2019; the keel laying ceremony for Enchanted Princess launching June 2020 and the steel-cutting ceremony for the sixth and final Royal-Class ship, yet to be named, debuting 2022. With two additional ships on order for delivery in 2023 and 2025, Princess Cruises will increase its capacity by 32 percent over the next six years, adding to its current fleet of 17 ships.

“The number of people enjoying cruise vacations has increased on average more than one million new cruisers every year over the last decade, an overall increase of more than 68 percent,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia group president. “As we continue to grow our fleet with five new ships arriving by 2025, we’re proud to not only celebrate these three major construction milestones in the same day but also to continue to innovate our product with cutting-edge technology and elevated guest experiences that will be offered on all of these ships.”

Sky Princess is the first new ship to join the fleet activated with Princess MedallionClass™ Vacations enabled by the OceanMedallion, the vacation industry’s most advanced wearable technology delivering guests the enjoyment of hassle-free, personalized cruise vacations. Sky Princess will also feature MedallionNet, the best Wi-Fi at sea delivering land-like internet speeds for watching sports, movies or making video calls from a smart-phone.

In an industry-first event, three significant ship building construction milestones occurred in the same day, including:

Steel-Cutting Ceremony for the final Royal Class ship
The steel-cutting ceremony for the sixth and final Royal-class ship, was broadcast live to the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone from the builder’s yard in Naples, Italy. This ceremony marked the cutting of the first plates of steel to begin the building phase of the ship, which is scheduled to launch in 2022.

Enchanted Princess Keel Laying Ceremony
Princess Cruises and Fincantieri executives started the countdown to the launch of Enchanted Princess as the keel – the bottom-most part of the ship – was ceremoniously lowered into position in the dry dock. Following a traditional blessing, the ship’s keel – which weighs approximately 500 tons – was lifted then lowered into position by a huge crane onto the keel blocks. Representatives and invited guests participated in a traditional coin ceremony, and for this occasion, welding an OceanMedallion into the ship believed to bring good luck to the vessel and all who sail on her.

Sky Princess Madrina Celebration in Honor of the recent Sky Princess Float Out
Ms. Kerry Ann Wright, 2nd officer for Princess Cruises, nominated by her fellow crew members will serve as the Madrina recognizing her “Reach for the Sky” story and the career she is forging in the cruise industry. Sky Princess is nearing the final construction and interior outfitting phase before joining the fleet in October 2019.

Swartz added, “We couldn’t think of better day to mark these milestones than on Valentine’s Day, a day when we typically celebrate romance and our co-starring role on ‘The Love Boat.’ While we’ll always be known for love on the high seas, today also solidifies our position as the fastest growing premium cruise line in the world.”

All three 143,700-ton Royal-class ships carry 3,660 guests and will include the best of the stunning features found on Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess, as well as new offerings that represent an evolution of the current ships’ designs.

Recently announced features to debut onboard Sky Princess, include:

  • Largest Balconies at Sea for guests in the Sky Suites accommodations, featuring the largest continuous private balconies ever offered by any cruise line. Measuring 1,012 square feet (starboard side Sky Suite) and 947 square feet (port side Sky Suite), the furnished balconies will provide a private vantage of the ship’s Movie Under the Stars screen and create the ultimate space for entertaining. The two suites will also offer 270-degree panorama views and have sleeping capacity for five guests, and more room for gathering — making them ideal for families.
  • Princess MedallionClass™ Vacations enabled by the OceanMedallion, this complimentary wearable device is the most advanced in the vacation industry. Delivering a hassle-free, personalized vacation giving guests more time to enjoy what they love most about cruising.
  • Award-winning entertainment offerings, including new jazz lounge Take Five, the popular Vista Lounge, an enhanced Princess Theatre, and new exclusive entertainment options.
  • World-class dining with more than 25 restaurants and bars onboard. From the World Fresh Marketplace to guest favorites like the Crown Grill Steakhouse and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, offering the Northern Italian flavors of acclaimed chef, Angelo Auriana and La Mer, a French Bistro by Chef Emmanuel Renaut whose Flocons de Sel restaurant has received three Michelin stars.
  • Contemporary-designed Sanctuary with eight private cabanas – offering an adults-only area for rest and relaxation.
  • The Enclave at Lotus Spa. Sky Princess will include Princess’s largest thermal suite at sea – featuring a stunning hydrotherapy pool, heated stone beds, Turkish bath and dry, steam, and aromatherapy chambers.

Sky Princess is scheduled to launch in the Mediterranean in October 2019, before debuting in North America in December 2019 marked with the traditional naming ceremony before sailing a season of Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale.