Viking Named A “World’s Best” For Rivers, Oceans And Expeditions By Readers Of Travel + Leisure In 2025 Awards

Travel + Leisure readers have voted Viking® (www.viking.com) a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, which were announced today. Viking was once again named #1 for Expeditions, a position it has maintained since its first year of eligibility in that category, and was voted one of the World’s Best river and ocean lines. Viking is also rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. No other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards—an annual celebration of excellence across the travel industry. Since 1995, Travel + Leisure, the largest travel magazine brand in the U.S., has invited its discerning readers to cast their vote for the World’s Best in cruising with consideration in the following categories: cabins/facilities, food, service, itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities and overall value.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire Viking family around the world,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “From the beginning, we have chosen to do things differently. We remain committed to that philosophy as we continue to welcome more curious travelers to experience the Viking way of exploration around the world.”

The recognition continues to build on Viking’s accolades. In addition to awards from Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, Viking was named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Cruise Lines ranking for the fourth consecutive year. Viking’s ocean ships have also been rated and “Recommended” as part of the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands. Additionally, Cruise Critic honored Viking with seven awards across the Luxury (Ocean), River and Expedition categories 2024 Best in Cruise Awards.

Viking Announces Completion Of First PCR Laboratory At Sea On The Viking Star

Viking® (www.viking.com) announced today that it has completed installation of the first full-scale PCR laboratory at sea. This new onboard facility – an industry first – allows for unprecedented testing capacity in the cruise industry, enabling Viking to conduct PCR testing of all crew members and guests with a non-invasive saliva test. The laboratory has enough capacity for daily testing of every crew member and guest, which provides flexibility to respond to COVID-19 prevalence levels around the world.

This first laboratory has been installed on Viking Star, the company's award-winning 930-guest ocean vessel; it will undergo a series of extensive tests to ensure the procedures and protocols that have been designed are fully effective.

The Viking Star. "We have been working on this for a number of months, and today is important as it moves us one step closer to operating cruises again, without compromising the safety of our guests and crew. The recently announced CDC guidelines are clearly aligned with our public health research, and we welcome the agency's push toward testing, as we believe this is the only way to safely operate. In our view, continuous PCR testing, along with our extensive onboard hygiene protocols, will lead to making Viking ships a safe place to get away to and explore the world," said Matt Grimes, Vice President of Maritime Operations for Viking. Viking will be demonstrating the PCR laboratory, as well as new design and operating procedures, when the Viking Star comes to Oslo, Norway in mid-November. About Viking Viking was founded in 1997 and offers destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests "the thinking person's cruise" in contrast to mainstream cruises. In its first five years of operation, Viking has been rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure's 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 "World's Best" Awards. In addition to the Travel + Leisure honors, Viking has also been honored multiple times on Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold List" as well as recognized by Cruise Critic as "Best Overall" Small-Mid size ship in the 2018 Cruisers' Choice Awards, "Best River Cruise Line" and "Best River Itineraries," with the entire Viking Longships® fleet being named "Best New River Ships" in the website's Editors' Picks Awards. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv. SOURCE Viking

Cunard Announces Chinese New Year Sale With Inside Fares From $888

Free Upgrades^†, Free Drinks in Grill Suites^‡, $100 Non-Refundable Deposit^{^} and Past Guests

 Receive Free Gratuities*

The luxury ocean liner company, Cunard announced that it will feature enticing promotions on a range

 of cruise itineraries on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria in celebration of Chinese New Year.

From January 26 to January 31, 2017, new voyage bookings will receive:

• Free Upgrades
• Free Drinks in Grill Suites
• $100 Non-Refundable Deposit
• Plus Past Guests Receive Free Gratuities

Itineraries include Transatlantic Crossings, New England & Canada, Caribbean and Mediterranean 

voyages with fares from $888. This promotion requires a $100 non-refundable deposit, which is non-transferable.

Cunard's Chinese New Year Sale highlights iconic Transatlantic, Caribbean and New England & Canada

 voyages on remastered Queen Mary 2. During Transatlantic Crossings, guests embrace the feeling of 

adventure and the luxury of time and space, paired with diverse experiences and the elegance of British

 traditions.

Sale voyages also include a series of 7- to 14-night itineraries aboard Queen Victoria departing from

 Rome, Venice, Athens, Trieste or Southampton.

For more information about the Chinese New Year Sale or to book a voyage, contact your Travel

 Agent at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

CunardDefining true excellence at sea with over 176 years of legendary voyages, Cunard is the operator of

 luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2®, Queen Victoria® and Queen Elizabeth®. Renowned for 

impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer

 luxury on a grand scale in Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill and Queens Grill accommodation.

 Cunard is the only line to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic service and continues the legacy of

 world cruising which it began in 1922.

Awarded 'Best World Cruise Itineraries' and 'Best Trans-Atlantic Itineraries' by Porthole Cruise

 Magazine's 2016 Readers Choice Awards, Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise

 Lines, a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the largest cruise vacation

 company in the world. Together Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Fathom, Holland America Line, Princess

 Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) operate 

102 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 226,000 lower berths. For more

 information, call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

Social MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/cunard 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline

Travelore Cruise News: Viking Named #1 Ocean Cruise Line In 2016 World's Best Awards

In its first year of service, Viking Ocean Cruises® - the first entirely new cruise line in a decade – has been named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure readers in the 2016 World’s Best Awards.

Viking launched its first ocean ship, Viking Star®, in April 2015, and this win comes on the heels of the new cruise line launching its second ocean ship, Viking Sea®, in April 2016. Viking’s win of the #1 Ocean Cruise Line unseats luxury cruise line, Crystal Cruises, which held the title in the category for 20 years in a row. Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are based on results from an annual survey, where readers are asked to cast their votes for the very best in cruising with considerations in the following cruise features: cabins/facilities, restaurants/food, service, itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities and value. Viking will also be featured in the magazine’s World’s Best issue, which will be on shelves in July; the full results of the awards can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best.

Viking Ocean Cruises is quickly amassing industry awards. The company’s second ocean vessel, Viking Sea, was recently awarded a top rating of five stars by Cruise Critic, a distinction previously bestowed to Viking Star – which was also named “Bests New Ocean Ship” of 2015 in Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Picks Awards. Additionally, the ship received three top awards in the 6th Annual Cruisers’ Choice Awards and was the highest rated ship in its category in the 2016 version of “cruising bible,” Berlitz’s Cruising and Cruise Ships guidebook. Viking will welcome two additional ships in 2017, Viking Sky® and Viking Sun®, whose maiden voyage will be a 141-day world cruise spanning 5 continents, 35 countries and 66 ports. Two remaining, yet-to-be-named ships will be delivered in 2018 and 2020.

The Viking Difference

Designed for discerning travelers, Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. The Viking difference is providing guests with extraordinarily well-designed cruises that facilitate engagement with the cultures of the world. Ships are small allowing privileged access to smaller ports and getting guests closer to their destination, with more time in port, more overnights and fewer days at sea. Onboard, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. All-veranda ships mean that guests experience every day with a new, expansive vista. With the most al fresco dining at sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences onshore and onboard. And only The Viking Way brings guests itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.

In addition, Viking Inclusive Cruising provides a small ship experience at a big ship value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service—an included value of more than $200 per person, per day.

Booking Details

From now through July 31, 2016, Viking is offering U.S. residents a Special Savings Discount on 2017 and 2018 Ocean Cruises, with up to $1,000 off air per person. Contact a travel agent or call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464). www.vikingoceancruises.com

Source: www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

Celebrity Cruises Makes It Faster And Easier To Share Modern Luxury Moments With New ‘Xcelerate’ High-Speed Wireless Internet

Faster web browsing, accelerated page loads, and more dependable video streaming capabilities

 Celebrity Cruises has just announced its latest modern luxury experiential offering: the addition of Xcelerate – cutting-edge, high-speed internet capability – across its entire fleet. Xcelerate will make it easier for guests to stay connected while on vacation, with higher-speed internet at sea that will allow for faster web browsing, accelerated page loads, and more dependable video streaming capabilities.

Xcelerate provides the type of wi-fi access that modern luxury travelers have come to expect. With the improved capability, guests on Celebrity’s ships now will be able to access, with ease, some of their favorite technology for staying connected, such as Facebook, FaceTime, Skype, YouTube, Netflix and more, with ease.

“Xcelerate is going to give our digitally connected guests a new opportunity to share their amazing travel experiences with the world in real time, whether docked in Europe’s sought-after ports-of-call or gliding through the ocean on all of our large ships, anywhere in the world,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises CEO and President. “We know that this is what our guests expect – it’s what we expect when we travel, too – and we are thrilled to be answering that expectation with Xcelerate, which offers some of the fastest access at sea.”

Xcelerate is available on Celebrity Reflection, and soon will roll out to the remainder of the premium cruise line’s large ships. (Celebrity Xpedition, the 100-guest ship sailing year-round in the Galápagos Islands, is not scheduled to receive Xcelerate.)

Xcelerate is yet another incentive for travelers to take advantage of Celebrity’s signature “Go Big, Go Better, Go Best!” offer, which includes the opportunity to enjoy free unlimited streaming internet onboard.  Guests who book an oceanview or higher stateroom and “Go Big” can enjoy a free perk from the choice of Classic Beverage Packages, unlimited internet packages, gratuities or $150 to spend onboard. Vacationers can even choose to upgrade and “Go Better” to get their choice of two perks, or “Go Best” and get all four perks, plus a Premium beverage package upgrade. Most of Celebrity’s 2017-18 sailings are eligible for “Go Big, Go Better, Go Best!”. Full details about this offer are available at celebritycruises.com/gobigbetterbest.

Celebrity offers numerous Xcelerate packages, all of which can be pre-booked before departure or purchased onboard for the same rate. Xcelerate’s streaming features are well-suited to the unlimited package, which starts at $140 per person for five to nine days and $199 per person for 10+ days.

About Celebrity Cruises:Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers’ precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 10 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of six cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com, or call your travel agent.

Travel Weekly China And Travel Weekly Asia Name Royal Caribbean The "Best Cruise Line Overall"

 
 Royal Caribbean International has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” in the Travel Weekly China andTravel Weekly Asia first annual “Readers Choice Awards.” This marks a global clean-sweep for Royal Caribbean, which now holds the top spot awarded by the three titles of the industry’s most widely-read publication: Travel Weekly, Travel Weekly China andTravel Weekly Asia.  For 12 consecutive years, Royal Caribbean has been recognized as the “Best Cruise Line Overall” by travel experts.  

“It is a significant accomplishment to receive this accolade by our industry partners and peers in China and throughout Asia, extending our winning streak across the world,” said Michael Bayley, president & CEO, Royal Caribbean International.  “I congratulate my colleagues shore-side and across the fleet for this unprecedented recognition, and thank our travel partners for their unwavering support.”  

Travel Weekly Asia and Travel Weekly China, leading travel trade magazines in their respective markets, announced the winners yesterday in a ceremony in Singapore.  The Reader’s Choice Awards pay tribute to the best in the industry, recognizing travel companies and individuals for their outstanding achievements.  The winners are determined by travel professionals who are invited to vote for the best company, brand or destination in 31 categories representing the different segments of the travel industry. The segments include: airlines, cruise, resort, hotel, tour operator, destination, travel technology, attractions, airport, and car rental.

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. 

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.  For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Royal Caribbean's New Generation Oasis-Class Ship Harmony Of The Seas Unveils New Thrills, Adventures, And Innovative Innovations

Royal Caribbean International’s Ship Debuts April 2016

Royal Caribbean International’s new generation Oasis-class ship, Harmony of the Seas, is set to launch in April 2016. The third in the Oasis class of ships – currently the largest cruise ships in the world – will continue the award-winning cruise line’s philosophy of innovation and imagination to offer a unique vacation adventure for guests. 

        “We are orchestrating a medley of new exciting concepts with the best Royal Caribbean innovations to strike the perfect chord for adventurous vacationers That is why we are calling our third Oasis-class ship Harmony of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.        
 
Harmony of the Seas, featuring the cruise line’s design of seven distinct neighborhoods for which Oasis class is known, will offer the most amazing collection of experiences, amenities and activities at sea. Guests can test their mettle on the ship’s three multi-story waterslides, all of which twist and turn over Central Park 10 decks below. One of the slides also will feature a champagne bowl that swirls guests around as they make their approach to the end of the ride.         
“The Oasis class ships continue to astound and delight both new and experienced cruisers. They shatter preconceived notions of what cruising can be and continue to stand in a category by themselves,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “With Harmony of the Seas, we are making the most exciting experience at sea even better.” 

Harmony of the Seas also will feature a new Bionic Bar on the Royal Promenade.  The Bionic Bar was first introduced aboard Quantum of the Seas, and feature robot bartenders serving up one-of-a-kind crafted cocktails while dancing to a fluid beat. Additionally, guests onboard Harmony of the Seas will enjoy RFID technology with Royal WOWBands that provide them access to their staterooms as well as make onboard purchases and reservations.  Like her sisters, Harmony also will feature the fastest Internet connection at sea where guests can stream video; Skype with family and friends back at home; and share their vacation memories through social media instantly while at sea. 

While Oasis and Allure offered some of the largest staterooms in the fleet, on Harmony of the Seas the company has made some stateroom categories even larger.  Interior accommodations also will be outfitted with Royal Caribbean’s exclusive Virtual Balconies which offer a view in every stateroom, while single travelers will have studio stateroom choices. Suite guests also will have exclusive new areas to enjoy, from a well-appointed suite lounge and a private suites-only restaurant called Coastal Kitchen to an exclusive full-service Suite Sun Zone sun deck. 
Younger and young-at-heart guests can take a spin on the handcrafted carousel or enjoy a new classic games arcade on the ship’s Boardwalk neighborhood. While parents enjoy the newly relocated Starbucks café on the Boardwalk, kids can meet new friends at a new climbing play area. 
Royal Caribbean’s Dynamic Dining will give Harmony of the Seas’ guests a culinary experience as vast and varied as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities with more choice and flexibility than ever before. Those preferring a more traditional cruise dining style may select the “Classic” option which will offer two set seating times. Dynamic Dining’s “Classic” option allows guests to rotate through each of the main complimentary restaurants at an early- or a late-seating time throughout their cruise with their dining group and the same assigned waiter each evening. 
New specialty restaurant concepts will provide even more variety for guests including Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, with a new teppanyaki menu, and the Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant. The new Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine will give guests the chance to experience a unique culinary adventure for the senses when Royal Caribbean chefs twist their culinary kaleidoscopes in a whimsical setting that challenges the imagination with never-before-seen fare. 

Harmony of the Seas will span 16 decks, encompass 227,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,479 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,747 staterooms. The Oasis class is an architectural marvel touting Royal Caribbean’s exclusive seven neighborhood concept, including Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. 

With Quantum-class ships Anthem of the Seas (launching in April 2015 in Southampton, U.K.) and Ovation of the Seas (debuting in April 2016), Harmony of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s third new ship to launch throughout the next 18 months. Itineraries for Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas will be announced this coming March. 
Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 45-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. 

Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 22 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered 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. 

For additional information or to make reservations call your travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean or on Twitter @RoyalCaribbean.

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

Music Legends Crosby, Stills & Nash Announced As Headline Act Aboard Queen Mary 2 On Transatlantic Crossing 4 September 2015

 Cunard is proud to announce that

Crosby, Stills & Nash will perform a series of exclusive concerts on board the company's

 Flagship, Queen Mary 2, during her 4-11 September Transatlantic Crossing.

The Grammy^® Award winning trio, who first performed together at the now legendary Woodstock

 Festival over four decades ago, will perform three exclusive concerts for passengers on board

 Queen Mary 2 during the seven-night Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton.

"We are excited to welcome Crosby, Stills & Nash onboard Queen Mary 2 during Cunard's 175th

 anniversary year. Having these music legends perform will be nothing less than thrilling for our

 passengers," said Richard Meadows, president of Cunard Line North America.  "The band's presence

 onboard demonstrates Cunard's continued commitment to providing unique access to some of the world's

 most legendary artists, resulting in a truly unforgettable ocean travel experience for our guests."

Crosby, Stills & Nash (CS&N) burst onto the music scene in 1969 with their self-titled debut LP, now one

 of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." The band members are among the few to have

 been inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, once with Crosby, Stills & Nash, and a second

 time with The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and the Hollies.  They have also been inducted into the

 Songwriter's Hall of fame, with the honour recognizing both CS&N as a group and each member

 as individual solo artists. 

During the Queen Mary 2 Crossing from New York (M519A), the trio will perform some of their

 greatest hits including "Teach Your Children," "Southern Cross" and "Wooden Ships" in the Royal

 Court Theatre. They will also participate in a Q&A session and special autograph opportunity for

 passengers on board.

"This will be a unique experience for us," said Graham Nash. "We're really looking forward to making

 music, bringing back memories and creating new ones—and this journey from New York to Southampton, 

on this beautiful vessel, will do just that."

For more information about Queen Mary 2 and to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call

 Cunard toll-free at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com

About Queen Mary 2 Christened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2004, Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 defines luxury

 travel for the 21st Century and continues a 175-year legacy of transatlantic travel.  Queen Mary 2 

achieved her 200th Transatlantic Crossing in July 2013.  Famous names who have experienced this iconic

 voyage since 2004 include President George H.W. Bush, Desmond Tutu, James Taylor, Wes Anderson,

 Tilda Swinton, George Takei, Kim Novak, Uma Thurman, Richard Dreyfuss, John Cleese and Angela Bassett.

About Cunard Line Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth,

 has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since

 the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages

 bring together like-minded travelers who seek a civilized adventure and relish the Cunard hallmarks of

 impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Today, Cunard offers the

 only regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which

 it began in 1922.

World's Leading Cruise Lines  Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes

 Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn.

 Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading

 Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety

 of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

 Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

Cunard is also here:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard 
Blog: www.WeAreCunard.com 
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/cunard 
Twitter:www.twitter.com/cunardline

MSC Cruises Becomes The First To offer 24/7 Pediatric Telemedicine Service

Distance medical care for junior cruisers now available through on-shore support from the Giannina Gaslini Paediatric Institute, in Genoa.

MSC Cruises has become the first cruise line in the world to offer guests a 24/7 multilingual pediatrictelemedicine service on board, through a partnership with the Giannina Gaslini Institute, in Genoa, Italy, a world-class center of excellence in pediatric medicine.

MSC Cruises will install new technology across its entire fleet to enable ship-to-shore care of children with onshore support from specialists at the Gaslini Institute. Operational September 1, 2014, fleet-wide, MSC Cruises’ onboard doctors will be able to consult specialist pediatricians at any time to seek a second opinion or carry out procedures such as remote diagnosis, radiology and monitoring.

No other cruise company in the world provides such a service, which will bring peace of mind to the thousands of families that take cruise vacations every year.

The project was announced in Genoa by the CEO of MSC Cruises, Gianni Onorato, the Director General of the Giannina Gaslini Institute, PaulPetralia, and the President of the Liguria Region, Claudio Burlando.

Mr. Onorato said: “MSC Cruises is a family-owned company and we strongly believe in caring for the health and safety of our guests on board,with particular attention to younger travelers, who can require help and treatment quite different from other age groups. We’re really excited about this collaboration, which is particularly adapted to our family cruises, no matter where in the world. Pediatric telemedicine is an addition to otherexisting services on our ships, such as teleradiology and teleconsultation, for a cruise vacation where we can respond to any need."

"The expertise of our specialists is being made available beyond the walls of the Gaslini,” said the Director General of the Gaslini, Paolo Petralia. “This enables onboard doctors to confirm their diagnoses and treatments using a cutting-edge system of remote image and data transmission. All this reaffirms the Gaslini Institute’s commitment to offer the best care everywhere while developing the most advanced and efficient means of careand information technology."

This innovation further improves onboard medical responses through diagnostic and therapeutic functions that were once only possible on land.The link-up, via satellite, will be available on all MSC Cruises itineraries anywhere on the planet.

The telemedicine technology is managed by Carestream, which has developed a platform to enable requests for distance consultation to be madeeasily from the remotest locations, allowing Gaslini doctors to move quickly with diagnoses and referrals. The process is fully computerized, from the consultation request to the response, and respects the highest of safety standards.

For more information about MSC Cruises, please visit www.msccruisesusa.com, call 1-877-665-4655 or contact your local travel agency. For MSC Cruises’ latest news and updates, like MSC Cruises’ Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MSC.Cruises.USA or follow along on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/msccruisesusa.

About MSC Cruises

Onboard MSC’s twelve vessels, guests enjoy the Mediterranean way of life. From the hospitality to the dining, guests are enveloped in the Mediterranean manner of enjoying life to its fullest. Guests are encouraged to slow down and enjoy everything their MSC vacation has to offer. Kids 11 and under sail free year-round on MSC Cruises with kids 17 and under sailing at reduced rates. 

MSC Cruises is a privately-held, family-owned, Italian cruise line with a fleet of 12 ships: MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Lirica,MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Opera, MSC Poesia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Splendida.  The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the French Antilles, South America,South and West Africa, The United Arab Emirates and the Red Sea. MSC Divina began sailing the Caribbean from PortMiami on November 20, 2013, becoming the line’s first ship dedicated to North American travelers.  In March 2014, the line announced the construction of two new cruise ships by STX France due for delivery respectively in 2017 and 2019. Two months later, the line announced the construction of two additional new builds by Fincantieri due for delivery respectively in November 2017 and May 2018.  For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.

Royal Caribbean To Offer The World's Most Most Advanced Lineup Of Shows, Productions And Events On It's Newest Ship The Quantum Of The Seas

 Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, is poised to make a show-stopping debut in November 2014, with a lineup of entertainment offerings that push the envelope far beyond imagination. From stage shows that take guests on a highly visual and experiential journey of music, sound and performance, to a radically new form of multidimensional entertainment that seamlessly fuses technology with highly trained live performers, stunning visuals and special effects, Quantum of the Seas delivers an array of first of their kind productions and performances that will leave audiences spellbound.   

 “The level of ingenuity, creativity and sheer imagination that has gone into the creation of the entertainment onboard Quantum of the Seas is staggering,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Executive Vice President, Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “We are taking a quantum leap in all aspects of ship design and programming with the Quantum class, but the entertainment is especially remarkable. These shows and productions are truly one-of-a-kind, and we are confident that our guests will be WOWed.” 

The Intersection of Entertainment and Technology 

Already one of the most anticipated spaces onboard Quantum of the Seas, Two70° is the stage for a futuristic approach to entertainment that pairs the most advanced technology with brilliant dancers, singers, aerialists and musicians to deliver a powerful lineup of shows and events that have never before been seen on land, let alone at sea.   

At the forefront of Two70° is Vistarama, an awe-inspiring innovation engineered especially for Quantum class. Vistarama transforms its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows into any scene, real or imagined, by combining 18 projectors to create an ambient surface over 100 feet wide and over 20 feet tall. Across this expanse, impromptu digital shows come to life in stunning 12K resolution, a pixel-perfect industry first. In addition, Two70°’s troupe of six agile Roboscreens stage surprise performances throughout every cruise. Each measuring over seven feet high and controlled by powerful robotic arms, the Roboscreens are delightfully nimble, as they create scenes while soaring and twisting solo, or uniting as one. The creative possibilities of Vistarama and Roboscreens are brought to life through the beautiful, imaginative and original digital content created exclusively for Royal Caribbean by Moment Factory, the internationally renowned studio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 

“The entertainment in Two70° is simply magical,” said Nick Weir, Vice President, Entertainment, Royal Caribbean International. “There is an incredible team of risk takers and dreamers here at Royal Caribbean. Together, we saw the magnitude of what this room could do and shot for the stars. We’ve always brought the best of land to sea, but in Two70° we are creating something that has never been done anywhere else in the world.” 

The integration of Vistarama and Roboscreens, with highly trained live performers, music and special effects,  provides an endless landscape for Royal Caribbean to create stunningly visual, first-of-their-kind shows that can only be seen on Quantum of the Seas.  Main shows include: 

·        Starwater – created by Moment Factory, this original Royal Caribbean production is a highly visual, theatrical spectacle of video mapping, special effects and human artistry that combine to create an awe-inspiring experience designed to appeal to universal human emotions

·        Virtual Concert – a world-class concert experience featuring premier musicians, groups and bands that is masterfully captured and projected across Vistarama and all six Roboscreens to transport guests to a virtual experience as impressive as the real thing

Headlining a New Art Form 

The main theater onboard Quantum of the Seas, the Royal Theater, is a spectacular, state-of-the-art space that takes advantage of the latest technology to create a performance venue that raises the bar once again.  Seating 1,300 guests, the Royal Theater is home to Royal Caribbean’s two main shows presented by Royal Caribbean Productions:

·        Sonic Odyssey – an original Royal Caribbean Production, conceived and created by William Close, Under The Radar Chicago and Art House Live, is inspired by musician and innovator William Close and his variety of one-of-a-kind majestic instruments. This unbelievable production includes his signature Earth Harp, a unique Drum Wall consisting of 136 drums, a Vocal Percussion Jacket, Violin Dress and more. Sonic Odyssey is an original, theatrical masterpiece that weaves together a nine-piece live orchestra with a cast of singers, dancers, aerialists and gymnasts to envelop the audience in a spectacular show that must be seen and heard to be believed.

Broadway at Sea

Continuing to expand on Royal Caribbean’s commitment to offering award-winning Broadway productions at sea, the Royal Theater also will host the full theatrical version of the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! Guests will delight in this sunny, funny tale of love, laughter and friendship, all set to the timeless songs of ABBA – including “Dancing Queen,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me.”

Live Music at Its Best 

Designed specifically with the music lover in mind, Music Hall is the hottest live music venue onboard Quantum of the Seas and the ultimate place for guests to enjoy intimate and exclusive access to live performances.  Music Hall comes alive at night as the heart of the ship’s entertainment, featuring bands, musicians, DJs, theme night parties and more, including:  

·        MAMMA MIA! After Party – when MAMMA MIA! ends in the Royal Theater, the party is just beginning in Music Hall, where guests can dance the night away during a red carpet, Broadway-style after party with featured cast members from the show

·        Tribute Band Program – an extensive line-up of incredibly talented live musical acts pay homage to timeless entertainers from every era, from The Beatles and Bee Gees, to Journey and Bon Jovi

·        Wink – a premium late-night show with class and sass, featuring the Royal Theater cast in an adults-only showcase 

With a variety of productions, events and parties to experience throughout a sailing onboard Quantum of the Seas, guests are encouraged to reserve the shows they wish to attend prior to their cruise through Royal Caribbean’s all-new Cruise Planner.  All shows are complimentary and included in the cost of a guest’s cruise fare.  

The groundbreaking Quantum-class ships, Quantum of the Seas and sister-ship Anthem of the Seas (debuting in Southampton, U.K. in April 2015), will introduce a new set of first-at-sea onboard experiences, such as Ripcord by iFLY, a heart-pounding skydiving experience; North Star, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever.  Guests also will enjoy the new Quantum-class Dynamic Dining, a completely new culinary experience that offers a landscape of 18 restaurant concepts as vast and varied as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, including specialty restaurants created with partner-chefs Jamie Oliver, Devin Alexander and Michael Schwartz.

The Quantum Class spans 18 decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms. Quantum of the Seas will sail out of New York Harbor from her homeport of Cape Liberty for her inaugural season before departing to her new homeport of Shanghai (Baoshan), China. More information on Quantum class is available atwww.RoyalCaribbean.com/QuantumoftheSeas 

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 45-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. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 11 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.