CaribPR Wire

28 Apr 2021

by caribpr

#celebritybeyond, #CelebrityCruises, #chefdanielboulud, #Cruisenews, #gwynethpaltrow, #TravelNews

Summer 2021 Heats Up With New Royal Caribbean Cruises From Bermuda

New 7-night Cruises Feature Perfect Day at CocoCay and an Overnight in Bermuda

MIAMI, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Vacationers looking to soak up the sun and walk the pink sand beaches of Bermuda and the white sandy beaches of The Bahamas this summer need look no further than Vision of the Seas. Beginning June and through August, Royal Caribbean International will bring more adventure to the tropics with a series of new 7-night cruises from first-time homeport Bermuda. In store for guests who sail on Vision is an overnight to explore Bermuda’s culture, history and cuisine as well as a full day at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination in The Bahamas.

The new 2021 summer itineraries from Bermuda will open for bookings on Monday, March 29 and depart as soon as June 26. Sailing with vaccinated crew, the cruises – at this time – will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results. This current health and safety measure, like others, may evolve as they are evaluated on an ongoing basis.

“We are thankful to the government and people of Bermuda for welcoming us to their beautiful island nation with open arms as Vision of the Seas’ new homeport. This is another step in our safe and measured return to sailing beginning in June,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Travelers are eager to venture out gradually and start cruising again. By adding a second unique option to sail the Caribbean from a destination as rich and vibrant as Bermuda, we’re offering guests choice in how they can enjoy their well-deserved vacations this summer.”

The pink sand beaches and charming, colorful homes of Bermuda will be where vacationers can start and end their 7-night cruise in paradise, a destination that is also a prime spot for travelers to extend their time ashore, before or after the cruise, by staying at one of the island’s world-class hotels and resorts. While Vision is docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard, guests can enjoy quality time exploring the island nation’s culture and natural beauty throughout an overnight stay.

Plus, guests of all ages will have the chance to add to the excitement with a visit to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay. The private island destination is home to a lineup of first-of-their-kind thrills and one-of-a-kind ways to chill, ranging from 13 jaw-dropping waterslides at Thrill Waterpark, including the tallest waterslide in North America – Daredevil’s Peak; Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean; Up, Up & Away, the helium balloon that floats up to 450 feet in the air; and the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas at Coco Beach Club.

“Bermuda has safely and responsibly managed the reopening of its tourism economy by air, and we will meet the challenge of doing the same for the cruise industry. We look forward to homeporting Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas this June as part of the island’s strategic tourism recovery planning which, as always, is guided by science,” said Premier the Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, Bermuda.

Vacationers can rest assured their well-being and that of the crew members and communities visited are Royal Caribbean’s top priorities. Details on the health and safety measures to be implemented will be announced at a later date. The comprehensive, multilayered health and safety measures to come will continue to be led by science and leverage expert guidance from the Healthy Sail Panel, Royal Caribbean Group’s Head of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer, and local government and health authorities.

In addition, travelers must meet the travel requirements of Bermuda. This currently includes receiving a negative PCR test result before traveling, testing upon arrival into the country and filling out appropriate entry forms. The most up-to-date policies can be found on Bermuda’s website.

“We look forward to welcoming Royal Caribbean passengers back to our shores and the opportunity for pre- and post-cruise stays in Bermuda. I am very excited that Bermuda will commence safe cruising this summer with our partner Royal Caribbean for their homeporting initiative from Bermuda to their private island Perfect Day at CocoCay,” said The Hon. W. Lawrence Scott, JP, MP, Minister of Transport, Bermuda.

Royal Caribbean’s 7-night sailings from Bermuda continue the cruise line’s measured and safe return to cruising the world once again, following months of successful cruises in Singapore with more than 50,000 guests to date who have now sailed aboard Quantum of the Seas, and the recent announcements of plans for the highly anticipated Odyssey of the Seas to cruise from Haifa, Israel and cruises from The Bahamas with Adventure of the Seas. For more information on Vision’s new summer cruises, click here.

About Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its Healthy Sail Panel of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.

March 2021 – Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas is set to return to the Caribbean in June 2021. Vision’s 7-night cruises from Bermuda offer travelers a full day and overnight in Bermuda and a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay as well as a variety of onboard dining options, including Izumi and signature steakhouse Chops Grille, entertainment, and activities such as the deck-defying rock-climbing wall and movie nights under the stars – courtesy of the outdoor movie screen.

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23 Mar 2021

by caribpr

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#bermudacruise, #bermudanews, #caribbeancruisenews, #Caribbeantravel, #Cruisenews, #RoyalCaribbeanCruises, #TravelNews

Royal Caribbean Marks 2021 Return To Caribbean With Cruises From The Bahamas

Cruise Line to Offer New 7-night Itineraries from Nassau, The Bahamas, Starting in June

MIAMI, March 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – This summer, travelers can trade in virtual travel experiences for their long-awaited vacations and cruise in The Bahamas and Mexico with Royal Caribbean International. The global cruise line has announced a summer lineup of 7-night cruises on board Adventure of the Seas, setting sail this June from new homeport Nassau, The Bahamas. Vacationers now have the chance to island-hop and relish the adventures they have missed, including the first series of two back-to-back days on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s game-changing private island destination in The Bahamas, and quality time exploring Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico.

Travelers looking ahead to their summer vacations can book their roundtrip cruise as soon as Wednesday, March 24 and set sail starting June 12. The new itineraries departing through August, which will sail with vaccinated crew, will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results.

“We are excited to get back to delivering memorable vacations in the Caribbean, gradually and safely. The vaccines are clearly a game changer for all of us, and with the number of vaccinations and their impact growing rapidly, we believe starting with cruises for vaccinated adult guests and crew is the right choice. As we move forward, we expect this requirement and other measures will inevitably evolve over time,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The opportunity to homeport in The Bahamas is a testament to the tremendous partners the government and the people of the island nation have been to us for more than 50 years. We are grateful for the confidence that they have in us and our commitment to a healthy and happy return to sailing.”

Itinerary Highlights

The sun-soaked shores of Perfect Day at CocoCay, Grand Bahama Island and Cozumel beckon.

Royal Caribbean’s limited summer series with Adventure offers guests the unique opportunity to spend two consecutive days on Perfect Day at CocoCay, where all staff will be fully vaccinated. With double the time to enjoy the island’s ultimate combination of thrills and ways to chill, by day, travelers can hit the tallest waterslide in North America among Thrill Waterpark’s 13 jaw-dropping waterslides; Up, Up & Away, the helium balloon that floats up to 450 feet in the air; and the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas at Coco Beach Club. And as the sun sets, they can unwind with a cocktail in hand on Chill Island’s tranquil beaches or at the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Oasis Lagoon.
On the agenda at Grand Bahama Island and Cozumel are turquoise blue waters, island vibes, and the options to safely explore each destination’s culture, history, cuisine and natural beauty on selected Royal Caribbean shore excursions.

“As we anticipate a promising return to a vibrant tourism industry, news that the cruise industry is going to begin homeporting in The Bahamas is exciting. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of passengers will experience Nassau or Grand Bahama in ways they never had the opportunity to before,” said the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas. “I am especially pleased that Royal Caribbean, with whom we have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship for more than 50 years, selected The Bahamas as a homeport when sailing resumes. This is truly a new day for tourism. It should inspire many small- to medium-sized businesses, tour operators, taxi drivers, restaurants and retailers to prepare for brighter days ahead, the best we have ever had.”

Experiences in Store on Adventure of the Seas

Adventure , primed for the memory-making Royal Caribbean is known for, offers guests a host of experiences for smooth sailing from one island to the next. From The Perfect Storm, dual-racer waterslides Cyclone and Typhoon, and the signature FlowRider surf simulator, to kids aqua park Splashaway Bay, thrills of all kinds are on deck.

Add to that the variety of entertainment and dining venues, such as Izumi, known for its menu of fresh sushi and sashimi; the cruise line’s popular steakhouse, Chops Grille; and Latin-inspired lounge Boleros, there are adventures for all ages and every member of the family on board.

“Royal Caribbean has long been a valued partner to The Bahamas, and we are thrilled to work with them on making Nassau their newest homeport,” said Minister of Tourism & Aviation, the Honorable Dionisio D’Aguilar. “Cruising is a vital part of The Bahamas’ economy and having Royal Caribbean and their guests return to our shores will contribute greatly to restoring and reactivating tourism. We have been preparing diligently for the last many months to ensure an experience that is equally safe and enjoyable. We are confident that cruise goers will receive the warm, friendly hospitality The Bahamas is famous for. We cannot wait to remind guests that it is still Better in The Bahamas.”

Vacationers can rest assured their well-being and that of the crew members and communities visited are Royal Caribbean’s top priorities. Details on additional health and safety measures to be implemented by Royal Caribbean will be announced at a later date. The cruise line’s comprehensive, multilayered health and safety measures to come leverage expert guidance from the Healthy Sail Panel, Royal Caribbean Group’s Head of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer and local government and health authorities.

In addition, vacationers must meet the travel requirements of The Bahamas. This may include receiving a negative PCR test result before their arrival, testing upon arrival into the country and filling out appropriate entry forms. The most up-to-date policies can be found at The Bahamas website.

Royal Caribbean’s new 7-night summer itineraries continue the cruise line’s measured and safe return to cruising the world once again, following months of successful sailings with Quantum of the Seas in Singapore and the recent announcement of the highly anticipated Odyssey of the Seas to cruise from Haifa, Israel. For more information on Adventure’s limited series of summer cruises, click here.

About Royal Caribbean International

19 Mar 2021

by caribpr

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#CaribbeanCruise, #Caribbeantourism, #Caribbeantravel, #Cruisenews, #royalcaribbean, #TravelNews, Bahamas

Experts recommend heightened protocols for the healthy return of sailing

Healthy Sail Panel recommends 74 detailed steps to safeguard the health of guests, crew and communities

MIAMI, Sept. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – New recommendations from a panel of globally recognized medical and scientific experts say that by relentlessly focusing on prevention and other measures – including the testing of guests and crew members – public health risks associated with the pandemic can be mitigated in a cruise ship environment.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8644151-royal-caribbean-group-norwegian-cruise-line-healthy-sail-panel/

The Healthy Sail Panel submitted its recommendations today to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in response to a CDC request for public comment that will be used to inform future public health guidance and preventative measures relating to travel on cruise ships. The Panel was formed in June by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH).

The Panel comprises globally recognized experts in medical practice and research, public health, infectious diseases, biosecurity, hospitality and maritime operations that have applied the best available public health, science and engineering insights to their recommendations.

The Healthy Sail Panel’s 65-plus-page report includes 74 detailed best practices to protect the public health and safety of guests, crew and the communities where cruise ships call. Recommendations include testing, the use of face coverings, and enhanced sanitation procedures on ships and in terminals. The Panel is chaired by Governor Mike Leavitt, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“The Healthy Sail Panel spent the last four months studying how to better protect the health and safety of guests and crew aboard cruise ships,” said Dr. Gottlieb. “Taken as a comprehensive approach, we believe the Panel’s robust public health recommendations will help inform strategies for a safe resumption of sailing.”

Gov. Leavitt said: “This Panel undertook an ambitious, cross-disciplinary, public health examination to develop standards and guidelines that create the highest level of safety in the complex environment of a cruise ship. We studied the industry’s experiences combating the pandemic – and we then incorporated the many lessons learned and advances made by medicine and science over the past six months. The Panel’s recommendations are grounded in the best scientific and medical information available and are intended to meaningfully mitigate public health risks to those who sail.”

“We understand our responsibility to act aggressively to protect the health and safety of our guests and crew, as well as the communities where we sail, and we asked the Panel to help us learn how to best live up to that responsibility,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “We were inspired by the depth of the Panel’s work and their determination to help us establish the strongest protocols in the travel industry.”

“The Healthy Sail Panel’s recommendations are robust and comprehensive, and they reflect the intense focus the panelists brought to their work,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We know that both authorities around the globe and consumers expect cruise lines to provide the safest, healthiest vacations we can, and this work demonstrates our commitment to doing just that.”

Fain and Del Rio said each company will use the Panel’s recommendations to inform the development of new, detailed operating protocols, which will be submitted to the CDC and other authorities around the globe for review and approval– an important milestone in the process of resuming sailing around the world. The Panel’s work is open sourced for others to incorporate in their protocols as well; Governor Leavitt and Dr. Gottlieb expressed appreciation that authorities and other cruise companies had already engaged in the Panel’s work as observers.

The Healthy Sail Panel identified five areas of focus every cruise operator should address to improve health and safety for guests and crew, and reduce the risk of infection and spread of COVID-19 on cruise ships:

Testing, Screening and Exposure Reduction
Sanitation and Ventilation
Response, Contingency Planning and Execution
Destination and Excursion Planning
Mitigating Risks for Crew Members

In each category, the Healthy Sail Panel created practical and actionable recommendations to address specific safety concerns. Among the recommendations are key strategies such as:

Taking aggressive measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from entering a ship through robust education, screening and testing of both crew and guests prior to embarkation
Reducing transmission via air management strategies and enhanced sanitation practices
Implementing detailed plans to address positive infection on board, including contingencies for onboard treatment, isolation and rapid evacuation and repatriation
Closely controlling shore excursions
Enhanced protection for crew members

The full Healthy Sail Panel report can be found here: Royal Caribbean Group or Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements contained in this release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this release, including, without limitation, those regarding business strategies, plans, and objectives for future operations (including those regarding efforts made by the panel and future health and safety protocols and mitigation efforts) are forward-looking statements and we cannot guarantee that our protocols and mitigation efforts will be successful. Many, but not all, of these statements can be found by looking for words like “expect,” “plan,” “will,” “may,” and similar words. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and may involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Examples of these risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to the impact of: the spread of epidemics, pandemics and viral outbreaks and specifically, the COVID-19 outbreak, including its effect on the ability or desire of people to travel (including on cruises); the ability to develop strategies to enhance health and safety protocols to adapt to the current pandemic environment’s unique challenges once operations resume and to otherwise safely resume operations when conditions allow; coordination and cooperation with the CDC, the federal government and global public health authorities to take precautions to protect the health, safety and security of guests, crew and the communities visited and the implementation of any such precautions; and other factors set forth under “Risk Factors” in each respective company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. While we believe that the recommendations of the panel will make cruise vacations safer, we cannot guarantee or assure that our protocols and mitigation efforts will effectively eliminate the risk of contracting COVID-19. There may be additional risks that are considered immaterial or which are unknown. The above examples are not exhaustive and new risks emerge from time to time. Such forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which we expect to operate in the future. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change of events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement was based.

21 Sep 2020

by caribpr

#covid19healthprotocols, #Cruisenews, #cruiseprotocols, #norwegian, #norwegiancruisenews, #TravelNews

Royal Caribbean Group sets sail with updated corporate identity

MIAMI, July 30, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – When a company is known for raising the bar on design and innovation, nothing is exempt from the mantra of continuous improvement—not even the company’s own name.

That’s why Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is now known by a new moniker: Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL).

“The name is simpler, fresher and more modern. It’s also more descriptive—Royal Caribbean Group sounds like a parent company name, reflective of our growth and evolution since we last updated our identity more than 20 years ago,” said Royal Caribbean Group chairman and CEO Richard Fain.

The company’s flagship cruise line brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, Azamara, TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises – are all now proud members of Royal Caribbean Group.

Royal Caribbean Group’s logo has also been updated. The company’s iconic crown and anchor emblem has been sharpened and made more symmetrical, and now resides inside a circle at all times.

The Royal Caribbean Group identity was designed by Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv.

About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is the operating business name for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner of four global cruise vacation brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea and Azamara. Royal Caribbean Group is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, our brands operate 63 ships with an additional 16 on order as of July 10, 2020. Learn more at www.rclcorporate.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

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30 Jul 2020

by caribpr

#Caribbeantravel, #Cruisenews, #hotelnews, #royalcaribbeannews, #TravelNews

Royal Caribbean Group names Dr. Calvin Johnson Global Head, Public Health and Chief Medical Officer

Former Pennsylvania Secretary of Health to lead strategic planning and operation of global health program

MIAMI, July 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Royal Caribbean Group has named Dr. Calvin Johnson as Global Head, Public Health and Chief Medical Officer. In this new role, Johnson will lead the Group’s global health and wellness policy, manage its public health and clinical practice, and determine the strategic plans and operations of its global healthcare organization. Johnson will also collaborate with the Healthy Sail Panel to ensure the company establishes and implements its protocols and recommendations.

“Calvin’s extensive experience in public health and clinical care will help us raise the bar on protecting the health of our guests, crew and the communities we serve,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Calvin will also work closely with the newly announced Healthy Sail Panel to ensure we establish and implement leading health protocols and procedures.”

Dr. Johnson has a strong background in protecting public health through service delivery innovation, policy development and analysis, and leadership training and development. He has successfully led significant response efforts during active infectious disease outbreaks and was responsible for ensuring all aspects of patient care while overseeing a clinical operation with 1,300 caregivers and more than 300,000 individuals.

“Royal Caribbean Group is committed to going beyond requirements to truly innovative solutions,” said Johnson. “I am excited to join the industry leader, who is clearly establishing the way forward in managing public health initiatives and protecting health and safety. The Healthy Sail Panel is doing critical work to help us develop enhanced standards, and achieve readiness for the return to service, and I am looking forward to being involved in that work.”

“Calvin will add critical expertise in our mission to elevate the quality of care,” said Jennifer Love, Royal Caribbean Group Senior Vice President, Safety, Security, Environment, Medical & Public Health. “His appointment is testament to our commitment to transforming healthcare for those we serve.”

Dr. Johnson, most recently Principal at Altre Strategic Solutions Group, is the former Chief Medical Officer for Corizon Health, then the largest provider of correctional health care in the United States, and for Temple University Health System. He served as Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 2003-2008 and was Medical Director for the New York City Department of Health from 1998-1999. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a BS in Chemistry from Morehouse College.

About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is the new operating business name for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner of four global cruise vacation brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea. and Azamara. Royal Caribbean Group is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and HapagLloyd Cruises. Together, our brands operate 63 ships with an additional 16 on order as of July 10, 2020. Learn more at www.rclcorporate.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

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28 Jul 2020

by caribpr

#Caribbeantravel, #Cruisenews, #royalcaribbean, #traveltuesday

Royal Caribbean Group Extends Cruise with Confidence Policy Through April 2022

Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Introduce New Booking Options

MIAMI, May 6, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – To provide peace of mind in vacation planning, Royal Caribbean Group is extending its ”Cruise with Confidence” cancellation policy to sailings through April 2022.

For new and existing bookings created by August 1, 2020, guests have the flexibility to cancel their cruise up to 48 hours prior to sailing and receive a full credit of the cruise fare for a future cruise through April 2022. The cruise company has also enhanced “Cruise with Confidence” with new rebooking options. The updates now available to travelers and their travel advisors include:

“ Best Price Guarantee”: Guests can choose to change the price and promotional offer on their reservation up to 48 hours before their cruise.
“Lift and Shift”: For ease and as close as 48 hours prior to sailing, travelers have the option to simply “lift and shift” their cruise to the same itinerary departing on a future date. The original price and promotional offer on the reservation will be protected, along with the length of the cruise and stateroom category.

“Guests are reacting positively to our Cruise with Confidence policy,” says RCL chairman and CEO Richard Fain, “because it enables them to make informed decisions and to better manage complicated travel plans during this unprecedented time of uncertainty.”

“Cruise with Confidence” applies to both existing cruise bookings and those made by August 1, 2020. In addition to easing concerns of booked guests, Fain says the policy enhances consumer confidence to schedule new bookings, knowing last-minute travel adjustments are allowed.

“We want our guests to feel they can safely keep their existing cruise bookings or schedule new sailings,” says Fain, “because this policy gives them more freedom and flexibility.”

The policy applies to all cruises with sailing dates on or before April 2022 and across the company’s global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara. For individual brand policy details, including information on Silversea’s policy, please visit the cruise lines’ websites: Azamara: www.azamara.com/cruise-with-confidence, Celebrity: www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-with-confidence, Royal Caribbean: www.loyaltoyoualways.com/service/cruisewithconfidence1/ and Silversea: www.silversea.com/temporary-amendment-to-cancellation-policy.html.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We are also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 17 on order as of December 31, 2019. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamara.com, www.silversea.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com.

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6 May 2020

by caribpr

#Azamara, #Caribbeantravel, #CelebrityCruises, #Cruisenews, #royalcaribbean, #RoyalCaribbeanGroup, #TravelNews

Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., dies at 90

MIAMI, April 11, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) and a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry, died Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Palma, Spain. He was 90. The entire Royal Caribbean family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilhelmsen family.

Wilhelmsen was a constant influence on the company from its founding, serving more than three decades on the company’s board of directors. Together with the company’s first CEO, the late Edwin Stephan, Wilhelmsen saw possibilities for the nascent cruise industry that others did not.

“At a time when the rest of the world thought cruising was a niche use for old transatlantic liners, Arne was already seeing glimmers of the growth that was possible,” said Richard Fain, RCL’s chairman and CEO. “He had a vision of the modern cruise industry when the ‘industry’ might have been a dozen used ships, total.”

Their key insight: building new ships uniquely designed for cruising in warm weather. The industry did not grow from New York, the traditional transit hub; it came to Miami, helping the region itself grow as the public discovered an entirely new way to take a vacation.

Wilhelmsen saw the potential for cruising to become the fastest growing segment in a growing vacation industry. A believer in economies of scale, he once recalled, “My initial challenge was to convince my partners and management in Miami to build bigger and more efficient ships in order to grow the company.” True to his vision, the company now sails 61 ships calling on all seven continents and its fleet features the largest cruise ships in the world.

Born on June 15, 1929, in Oslo, Norway, Wilhelmsen earned his MBA at Harvard Business School and worked as a chartering assistant for Norway’s EB Lund & Co. and later as a shipbroker in New York. After joining the family business in 1954, he became its president in 1961. The scion of a leading Norwegian shipping concern – Anders Wilhelmsen & Co AS – he spent most of his life in the family business, including an early stint as a deckhand.

“Arne was a steady presence and source of wisdom on our board for decades,” Fain said. “And in 2003, when he was ready to step back, he was succeeded on the RCL board by his son, Alex, who has carried the involvement of the Wilhelmsen family in charting our company’s course into its sixth decade. Our high standards as a company, our insistence on excellence in operations and design, and our determination to persevere all owe a great deal to the long-term vision of Arne, Alex and the Wilhelmsen family. We salute our friend, and we will miss him dearly.”

About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We are also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 17 on order as of December 31, 2019. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamara.com, www.silversea.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com.

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11 Apr 2020

by caribpr

#ArneWilhelmsen, #Caribbeantravel, #Cruisenews, #RoyalCaribbeanCruises, #TravelNews

Royal Caribbean Announces Global Suspension Of Cruising

MIAMI, March 14, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Given global public health circumstances, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has decided to suspend the sailings of our fleet globally at midnight tonight.

We will conclude all current sailings as scheduled and assist our guests with their safe return home.

As with our announcement yesterday regarding U.S. sailings, we expect to return to service on April 11, 2020.

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14 Mar 2020

by caribpr

#caribbeantravelnews #, #CruiseCancellations, #Cruisenews, #royalcaribbean

Royal Caribbean Announces Voluntary Suspension of Cruising

MIAMI, March 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Today Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced that it is suspending cruising in the United States for 30 days.

We understand the gravity of the public health crisis confronting the country. And this is our part to play. So, beginning at midnight tonight, we are pausing the fleet’s US sailings for 30 days.

We are reaching out to our guests to help them work through this disruption to their vacations, and we are truly sorry for their inconvenience. We are also communicating with our crew to work out the issues this decision presents for them. We know this adds great stress to our guests, employees and crew, and we are working to minimize the disruption.

Cruises that depart U.S. ports before midnight tonight and international cruises will operate their scheduled itineraries. U.S. ships already at sea will finish their itineraries as planned.

Our business is providing great vacations and creating great memories. We look forward to getting back to work as soon as we can.

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13 Mar 2020

by caribpr

#Caribbeantravel, #Coronavirusnews, #Cruisenews, #royalcaribbean, #RoyalCaribbeanCancelsCruises

Royal Caribbean Group adopts “Cruise With Confidence” policy, allowing cancellations up to 48 hours before sailing

MIAMI, March 6, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – With COVID-19 adding uncertainty to travel plans around the world, Royal Caribbean Group said it will give guests greater control over their vacation decisions, allowing guests to cancel cruises as late as two days before departure.

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

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

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

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

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

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6 Mar 2020

by caribpr

#caribbeancruises, #Caribbeannews, #Caribbeantourism, #Caribbeantravel, #Cruisedeals, #Cruisenews, #royalcaribbean, #TravelNews

Doing Business with the Cruise Industry: Easy as FCCA

MIRAMAR, Florida, Oct. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Building business and relationships with top executives from FCCA Member Lines, which operate more than 95 percent of the global ocean cruising capacity, will take center stage at the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, the largest and only official cruise conference and trade show in the Caribbean. Taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico from Oct. 21-25 and already having the most-ever presidents and above from FCCA Member Lines confirmed in its history, the event will offer meetings and workshops along with networking, exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities for cruise tourism stakeholders to target some of the industry’s most influential players.

“We cannot be more honored and excited to already have the most presidents and above from FCCA Member Lines confirmed in the event’s over 25-year history,” said Michele Paige, president, FCCA. “This is a clear sign of cruise lines’ interest in proactively working with destinations and stakeholders, which is the event’s main goal and reason for creation, and every attendee will have an opportunity to positively impact their cruise tourism business.”

Thirteen presidents and above from FCCA Member Lines have already registered – the most in the event’s history – as part of the more than 100 total high-level executives, with projections calling for more than 150 cruise executives on hand for the Conference’s series of meetings, workshops and networking functions, as well as the Trade Show, which will offer exhibiting opportunities along with a host of private receptions and the most meetings between exhibitors and cruise executives in its history, including the first dedicated session for Trade Show Pavilion holders and Shorex executives.

Additionally, a wealth of opportunities are available to capitalize on the influential audience – from event signage and sponsorships to hosting private functions such as dinner with a selected FCCA Member Line CEO.

For more information and registration, please visit www.F-CCA.com/Conference. For Trade Show and sponsorship opportunities, please e-mail [email protected] or call 954-441-8881.

FCCA Member Line Presidents and Above Available for Meeting, Networking and Sponsorship Opportunities Including Private Dinners
Micky Arison, Chairman, Carnival Corporation, FCCA
Orlando Ashford, President, Holland America Line
Michael Bayley, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International
Carol Cabezas, COO, Azamara
Arnold Donald, President & CEO, Carnival Corporation
Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line
Roberto Fusaro, President, MSC Cruises USA
Adam Goldstein, Vice Chairman, Royal Caribbean Cruises
Tom McAlpin, President & CEO, Virgin Voyages
Jason Montague, President & CEO, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Richard Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises
Jeff Vahle, President, Disney Signature Experiences

About Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)
Created in 1972, FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that represents the mutual interests of the cruise industry and destinations’ private and public sectors. By building bilateral relationships with cruise tourism stakeholders and providing them a forum to work with executives from its Member Lines, FCCA fosters bilateral success for all parties. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

9 Oct 2019

by caribpr

#Caribbeantourism, #Caribbeantravel, #Cruisenews, #puertorico, FCCA

The Cruise Industry Is Open for Business with Destinations and Stakeholders: Registration Open for FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show

MIRAMAR, Florida, June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the trade association that represents the mutual interests of Caribbean and Latin American destinations and stakeholders along with Member Lines that operate 95 percent of the global cruising capacity, is pleased to announce that registration is open for the 26^th annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, the largest and only official cruise tourism conference and trade show in the region. Taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico from October 21-25, it will link participants with more than 100 high-level executives expected from Member Lines for a series of meetings, workshops and networking opportunities focused on developing mutual understanding and success.

“Last year’s record attendance of more than 150 Member Line representatives – including 11 presidents and above – again displayed the cruise industry’s interest in not only working directly with destinations and stakeholders, but also listening to their needs and understanding how to develop long-term mutual success,” said Michele Paige, President, FCCA. “We look forward to again presenting those opportunities, while enhancing them with new features to further optimize Conference participants’ and Trade Show exhibitors’ invaluable interactions with Member Line representatives.”

All Conference participants will have access to workshops led by cruise executives and successful stakeholders concentrated on topics ranging from attracting and fulfilling diverse cruise guests and cruise lines, to filling ships with supplies and employees – and participants’ needs taking center stage through most workshops encouraging input.

All participants will also have unique opportunities to meet with cruise executives during networking functions throughout the event.

Plus, pre-registered Delegates will have a host of cruise executives to select for one-on-one meetings where they can give a pitch and receive everything from individualized input to potential deals – with nearly 100 cruise executives scheduling one-on-one meetings in 2018. Delegates will also enjoy premium features including the VIP Lounge, where cruise executives often lounge, and event transfers.

The Trade Show will expand the target on the influential audience. Any booth will display a product, company or destination, and Pavilion options are available to increase the impact with grand sizes, prime locations and the ability to showcase a destination or company as a team. Additionally, Trade Show Pavilions will again include space for private meetings coordinated by FCCA, with this year’s event launching new ways to maximize the popular initiative introduced last year.

For more information and registration, please visit www.F-CCA.com/Conference. To inquire about a Trade Show booth, please contact [email protected].

19 Jun 2019

by caribpr