Princess Cruises To Debut Ocean Medallion Class – Offering The Next Wave Of Vacation Travel

First Carnival Corporation Brand to Provide Elevated Experience Personalization, Customization 

and Simplicity

 Princess Cruises, a long-time innovator of cruise industry products, will be the first Carnival Corporation

 brand to feature the Ocean Medallion™, a wearable device powered by a first-of-its-kind interactive 

technology platform within the O·C·E·A·N, One Cruise Experience Access Network. The Ocean Medallion

 enables a new level of personalization that delivers an enhanced guest experience previously not 

available in the global vacation industry.

Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald unveiled the Ocean Medallion today during his opening

 keynote at CES 2017, the world's largest consumer technology trade show. The Ocean Medallion

 is the only accessory needed to elevate the guest experience on cruises. Ocean Medallion Class™

 will be available November 13, 2017, onboard Regal Princess, followed by Royal Princess and 

Caribbean Princess in early 2018.

"We are in the business of providing our guests incredible vacation experiences that create memories

 that they will cherish for a lifetime," said Jan Swartz, president, Princess Cruises.  "Ocean Medallion Class

 will deliver an elevated cruise vacation experience by connecting people, places and cultures from 

around the world in a more profound way. The service Princess guests have always loved will be amplified

 by the Ocean Medallion."

Medallion Class makes Ocean Vacations more personal, immersive, simple and seamless than previously

 considered possible. At the heart of this personalized experience is the Ocean Medallion, which enables 

endless vacation possibilities. The Ocean Medallion has no discernible technology – no on-off switch, no

 charging, no menu to navigate – and can be worn as a pendant on a wristband in a clip or simply placed

 in a pocket to reveal enhanced services and personalized experiences without guests having to push a

 button or take any action. The pre-cruise engage will allow guests to provide preferences that detail

 their wants, needs and desires so that their onboard experience can be personalized. 

Pairing with the Ocean Medallion is the Ocean Compass™ (for both guests and crew). The Ocean Compass

 is a personal digital experience concierge accessible by all guests using interactive displays throughout the

 ship, on stateroom TVs or via guests' own mobile devices.  For example, guests can find their way to

 venues around the ship; make reservations at the Lotus Spa, specialty dining restaurant and shore

 excursions; arrange celebrations; view photographs; learn about the destinations they will visit and 

activities at each port of call and more. The Ocean Compass via Ocean Concierge will invite guests to

 experiences based on their individual needs, wants and desires.

Loyal Princess cruisers and potential future cruisers collectively feel having an exceptional vacation

 occurs when guests' vacation time is spent doing more of what they love. With Ocean Medallion

 Class on Princess Cruises, there is endless possibility for personalized attention and the ability to

 truly relax knowing everything will be handled. Some of the initial service innovations include:

• Ocean Ready: The Ocean Medallion expedites embarkation as required information is added
•  to the guest profile at home.
• Stateroom Access: The Ocean Medallion will also unlock a guest's stateroom door – replacing
•  the key card and its sign and sail functions.
• HERE and NOW™: Guests can place dining orders and have them delivered to their
•  current location. For example, by using the Ocean Compass guests can order select
•  food and beverages from a lounge chair and not miss a moment of Movies Under The Stars.
•  While Stargazing with Discovery at Sea™ on the top deck, parents can order and surprise the
•  kids with hot chocolate without interrupting a moment of the family fun.
• THERE and THEN™: Guests can place a beverage order and have it delivered to where
•  they plan to be at a designated time.  For example, guests wanting to enjoy a glass of wine
•  at the theater can place an order prior to the show and it will be delivered to them at their seat.
• Crew at Your Service: With the OCEAN Medallion, from the moment you embark, your
•  experiences will be curated in alignment with your preferences allowing the crew to assist
•  at all times. For example, a room attendant or bartender will have the ability to assist a
•  guest with booking Lotus Spa services or specialty dining reservations.
• Ocean Navigate: Accessed through the Ocean Compass, guests can learn the whereabouts
•  of their family as they enjoy activities throughout the ship and be guided seamlessly in finding
•  their way around the ship. Friends and family will also be able to easily communicate with each
•  other through seamless messaging service.
• 
  

More announcements surrounding innovations and enhancements from Medallion Class Ocean

 Vacations will be announced in the months leading up to the first sailing on Regal Princess.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by

 calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at princess.com.

About Princess Cruises:One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise line and tour company

 operating a fleet of 18 modern cruise ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of

 choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided with the experience of exceptional

 customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 2.0 million guests

 each year to more than 360 destinations around the globe on more than 150 itineraries ranging in

 length from three to 114 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

About O·C·E·A·N:From sailing to and exploring exotic places to being immersed in authentic cultures with family and

 friends, cruising has always appealed to people who value the travel experience. Now, with 

O·C·E·A·N — One Cruise Experience Access Network™ -- Carnival Corporationis helping

 them transform those experiences into a way of life. Carnival Corporation's new experiential media

 content portfolio features a range of inspirational family- and travel-related TV shows that highlight 

the great destinations, exciting adventures, authentic cultures and cuisine, and beautiful vistas that

 make cruise vacations the fastest growing segment of the vacation sector. Ocean Medallion Class

 is the pinnacle of Ocean Experiences. Ocean Medallion Class leverages Carnival Corporation's

 revolutionary Ocean Medallion™ and Ocean Compass™ to deliver personalization on a level never

 before considered possible. Based on a strategy to make vacations more simple, personal,

 immersive and authentic.

Royal Caribbean Introduces Royal Suite Class Experience

 The award-winning cruise line known for its groundbreaking ship designs, GOLD Anchor service, top-caliber entertainment, and exclusive onboard attractions, today announced the Royal Suite Class, designed for the most discerning adventurers. When vacationing in one of a range of innovative accommodations, guests will enjoy an experience like no other featuring a wide-range of benefits and amenities that they expect from a world-class luxury vacation.  

             “The new Royal Suite Class redefines luxury at sea with exceptional experiences that discriminating travelers will appreciate,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We offer some of the most amazing and unique suites aboard the most revolutionary ships, and with Royal Suite Class we are creating an experience that is both inviting and invigorating for guests seeking a luxurious adventure that is anything but boring.”
            Along with well-appointed accommodations, Royal Suite Class will offer a range of exclusive amenities based on three tiered service levels. Premium features include a Royal Genie, certified by the British Butler Institute to meet guests every need; free VOOM, the fastest internet at sea; complimentary specialty dining; an ultimate beverage package; inclusive gratuities; preferred seating at select onboard venues, and upgraded room amenities.
            The Royal Suite Class will be available for sailings beginning May 2016 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis- and Quantum-class ships, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, as well as Harmony of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas when they debut in spring 2016.
            The Royal Suite Class comprises three service levels based on suite category: Star Class, Sky Class and Sea Class.

• The Star Class includes the most comprehensive collection of amenities and services and the most expansive and richly appointed accommodations, such as Quantum-class’ two-deck high Royal Loft Suite, along with the Owner’s Loft Suite, Four Bedroom Family Suite, Grand Loft Suite, Sky Loft Suite and Two Bedroom AquaTheater Suite.
• The Sky Class features a selection of inclusive amenities in beautifully furnished staterooms such as the AquaTheater Suite, Crown Loft Suite, Owner’s Suite, Royal Family Suite, Superior Grand Suite and Grand Suite.
• The Sea Class includes premium touches in spacious suites such as the Family Connected Junior Suite, Family Junior Suite, Spa Junior Suite and Junior Suite.

            Guests booked in the Royal Suite Class will experience a range of exclusive offerings based on their suite category that include:

• Superior Service: a ‘first’ for Royal Caribbean, Star Class guests will receive the new and complimentary Royal Genieservice. The Royal Genie trained and certified by the British Butler Institute, will serve as a personal assistant to help guests with nearly everything and anything, 24 hours a day. Royal Genies take care of restaurant and show reservations, in-room dining requests, and any other needs – from laundry, pressing and shoe shining, to luggage handling and unpacking. In addition, the Royal Genie will pamper guests with handcrafted cocktails made in-suite as well as assist in creating and reserving customized shore excursions. 
• Upgraded Amenities: guests in the Royal Suite Class will enjoy the ultimate ‘home away from home’ with upgraded amenities, such as Hermès, Ferragamo and L’OCCITANE bath products and luxury pillow top mattresses. Star Class guests will luxuriate in their suites with exclusive Duxiana DUX mattresses and Frette linens.
• Personalized Experiences:  luxury is defined by personal experiences and onboard a Royal Caribbean ship it is embodied by the crew and unmatched tailored service – from a personalized welcome gift to a guest’s favorite cocktail before dinner, guests will feel as if all their personal preferences have been met.  
• Exclusive and Priority Access: Royal Suite Class guests also will have exclusive access to the California-chic Coastal Kitchen restaurant reserved for Suite guests only. On Royal Caribbean’s private beach paradise Labadee, Haiti suite guests enjoy access to the exclusive Barefoot Beach and have the ability to reserve private cabanas on the island. Additionally, Star and Sky Class guests enjoy a private Suite Sun Deck and reserved VIP seating in entertainment productions, like fully licensed Broadway musicals and Oasis-class’ AquaTheater high-diving spectaculars.

For details on the Royal Suite Class and amenities available for each class visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/RoyalSuiteClass.
            Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 46-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Onboard, guests are catered to with the cruise line’s world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 12 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.
            Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 23 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Carnival Cruise Line Revamps Shore Excursion Offerings

Carnival Cruise Line has dramatically expanded its shore excursion offerings, adding exclusive new landside experiences and customized private tours, as well as new family-friendly enhancements, including fun complimentary beachside activities, value pricing and free tours in select ports for children under age five.

The new options build upon Carnival's leadership position in the shore excursion arena, with nearly 1,200 unique landside experiences offered by the line in more than 50 ports of call throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Bahamas, Canada, New England, and Central and South America.

"Shore excursions are an important part of the Carnival vacation experience and we've gone to great lengths to provide our guests with even more choices and offer families unique value-added services and pricing options that are exclusive to Carnival," said Erika Tache, Carnival's director of product development.

Exclusive 'Only-On-Carnival' Tour Options In Select Caribbean Ports
For those who want to create unforgettable vacation memories in their own tropical paradise, Carnival now offers exclusive tours that not only include amenities like access to luxurious private villas but also unique enrichment activities that allow guests to fully immerse themselves in local culture and cuisine. The new tours include:

• La Casa en la Playa (Cozumel) – Recently named Carnival's "Tour of the Year," this five-hour-long tour offers an exclusive luxury experience limited to 30 participants with access to a beach house with five-star service for the day, complete with a personal chef and wait staff. Participants can also learn how to cook authentic Mexican cuisine, make refreshing Margaritas and mojitos, or simply relax on a white-sand beach while enjoying pampering and attentive service.

• Eat, Drink & Dance (Ocho Rios) – This tour is definitely on "island time," designed to please guests' palates and awaken their senses through Jamaica's unique food, music and culture. After savoring spicy samples at a traditional jerk hut, guests enjoy a delicious meal at Miss T's Kitchen which was featured on Guy Fieri's Family Vacation on Food Network. The day continues with a visit to a beachside bar where mixologists create hand-crafted Jamaican rum cocktails and concludes with a spirited reggae dance lesson.

• Jamaican Home for the Day (Ocho Rios) – Just like the name implies, this day-long tour offers guests their own Jamaican home for a day where they can relax, kick off their shoes, and enjoy a fantastic home-cooked island lunch in their own private paradise. The tour also includes full use of the expansive property which features a beautiful secluded beach where guests can enjoy refreshing frozen daiquiris and other rum-infused cocktails.

• Photo Safari & Beach Expedition (Cozumel) -- Taking place over the course of two days, the tour begins with a one-hour photo seminar on board led by the ships' photographers who offer tips on camera equipment, lighting, photo composition and more. The tour continues the following day with a visit to gorgeous Mexican beaches and a national park where participants are offered an informative hands-on demonstration to "Capture the Moments that Matter."

• Eat, Drink & Walk (St. Thomas) – This self-described "walking culinary/culture tour" begins with a drive through the lush countryside to St. Peter Mountain Great House & Botanical Gardens, home to diverse plant and animal life and an observation level where guests can see the 15 islands that comprise the Virgin Islands chain. Participants can sample 24 different island rums as they learn how to make banana daiquiris and nosh on island-inspired food like saltfish, plantains, jonny cakes and West Indian pumpkin soup.

New Family-Friendly Services and Tours

Carnival is offering new "family friendly" shore excursion options in ports throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico, with tours offered at multiple price points to provide parents the ultimate in flexibility, value and convenience. Children age five and under receive complimentary beach excursions with their parents' paid tour. Sample excursions include:

• Family Beach Escape (Freeport) – Designed with all-ages appeal, this tour begins with an air-conditioned ride to a breathtaking beachside resort. Here, under the watchful eye of trained youth specialists, kids can enjoy such activities as sandcastle-making competitions, treasure hunts and face-painting while parents can relax under oversized umbrellas and sip a cool tropical drink. Lunch is included and water toys, paddle boats, kayaks and other watercraft are available for rent.

• Island Beach Escape for Families by Power Catamaran (Cozumel) – After an exhilarating power catamaran ride, families arrive at Passion Island, which boasts white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters along with full resort facilities with plentiful beach chairs and hammocks. Guests of all ages can enjoy volleyball, water trampolines and pedal boats, while kids get their own special beachside play area. A Mexican-style buffet with guacamole, grilled mahi-mahi and a kids' menu is included in the price.

• Family Treasure Hunt with Lunch at Blue Lagoon (Nassau) – Families are sure to have a blast during this fun-filled adventure where participants must discover hidden treasures, collect clues and answer trivia questions on their journey to win the Pirate's Bounty! After their plunder, families can soak up the sun on a stunning powdery beach as they enjoy a grilled lunch and icy beverages at Blue Lagoon Island, one of the top destinations in The Bahamas.

• All Inclusive Family Beach Resort Getaway (Montego Bay) – Hosted at the Mediterranean-inspired Seawinds Beach Club, one of Jamaica's premier oceanfront properties that is home to magnificent beaches and world-class amenities, this tour includes lively island entertainment, along with a complimentary buffet lunch and drinks. When it's time to cool off, families can take a dip in the ocean or one of the many on-property pools and enjoy fun water sports like sailing, snorkeling and kayaking.

Well-staffed beachside excursions provide families with extra assistance with services such as stroller storage as well as hosted fun activities like beachside games, and arts and crafts, along with play areas and water slides and toys, all available on a complimentary basis. Offered in all of Carnival's Caribbean ports, the new activities are designed to keep kids entertained while offering parents some much-needed "we" time.

Unique Valued-Added Options

For guests seeking a more authentic landside experience, there are exclusive private tours – operated via custom motor coaches, sailboats, yachts, and even helicopters – that take guests on off-the-beaten-path excursions tailored to the guests' specific preferences. These excursions showcase non-traditional sightseeing sites typically not available to other guests, all under the guidance of an experienced local who provides an "up close and personal" view of the destination.

And with Carnival's new on-board lounge tour dispatch system, tour operators come on board to meet shore excursion participants and tours depart from a shipboard venue versus the previous method of tour operators assembling large groups of guests on the pier, thus providing a more streamlined, organized and expedited departure. Carnival is the only cruise operator in the Caribbean to have local tour operators involved with this enhanced service option.

Programs and Offerings

All of these new offerings complement Carnival's industry-leading programs such as the Shore Excursion Best Price Guarantee. The only one of its kind in the cruise industry, the program provides a 110 percent refund in the form of a shipboard credit should consumers find a better price on a similar tour, providing much-needed peace of mind knowing that they're getting the best price.

Each of Carnival's 24 ships also offers a dedicated shore excursion desk with highly trained and experienced staff members who can recommend particular tours and answer any questions guests may have. Shore excursion personnel also personally experience the wide array of landside options in every port and obtain feedback from guests to strive for continuous improvement in the line's shore excursion choices.

Carnival has also revamped the shore excursion section of its web site to include a greater variety of photos and videos, enhanced navigation and on-line reservations for both desktop and mobile devices, as well as guest-written reviews of the various options ashore.

Disney Cruise Line Introduces Star Wars Day At Sea

 

In 2016, Disney Cruise Line guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during a brand-new, day-long celebration aboard eight special sailings on the Disney Fantasy: Star Wars Day at Sea.

Marking the first official appearance of the heroes and villains of Star Wars aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, Star Wars Day at Sea combines the power of the Force, the magic of Disney and the excitement of cruising for an out-of-this-galaxy experience unlike any other.

Occurring one day during each of eight Disney Fantasy sailings, Star Wars Day at Sea will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away -- in the Western Caribbean. The event features a full day of Star Wars celebrations, including a deck party, meet-and-greets with favorite characters, Star Wars-themed youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise.

Also featured will be exclusive at-sea screenings of the Star Wars films and the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.

Throughout the day, Star Wars Younglings, Padawans and Jedi Masters alike will enjoy the immersive entertainment. Intergalactic highlights include:

Force-filled Fun for Everyone

• Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Boba Fett, Stormtroopers and other characters from across the Star Wars galaxy will be onboard for scheduled meet and greets, as well as roaming on deck and elsewhere around the ship. Guests also are encouraged to dress up in their own stellar costumes.

• A shipboard version of the popular Jedi Training Academy experience invites young Jedi hopefuls – known as "Padawans" – to learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master. They can then use the Force and face off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader.

• Kids and families enjoy friendly competition during Star Wars trivia games, covering fun facts from the film and television sagas.

• For Younglings, Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities will be offered throughout the day in Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab youth clubs.

• In the evening, adults entering the night club will feel like they stepped into the Mos Eisley cantina scene. Characters and cantina music set the mood as Star Wars-themed specialty cocktails are served.

Film Screenings and Celebrities

• Guests can watch the first six Star Wars films and follow Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke and Leia along their epic journey.

• Also showing will be episodes of the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.

• On each of the special sailings, celebrities and insiders from the Star Wars galaxy will share their experiences, meet fans and sign autographs.

Star Wars Deck Party and Fireworks

• There's intergalactic fun when the Star Wars deck party blasts off to an exciting evening filled with music, dancing and games.

• Star Wars characters converge on the deck stage for a celebration of the Star Wars saga in a show featuring special effects and guest participation.

• The deck party culminates in a spectacular display of themed pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects, lasers and Star Wars music.
Star Wars Day at Sea will be on Disney Fantasy cruises sailing on Jan. 9, 23; Feb. 6, 20; March 5, 19; April 2 and 16, 2016. Departing from Port Canaveral, the seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.