The Pretty sisters and their lasting legacy: Cunard Line's history

This article, written by Michael Gallagher, public relations executive and historian for Cunard Line,
is part of an ongoing series of key moments in Cunard Line's history

19 August 2014 – As the 20th Century dawned, Cunard Line began to draw up initial plans for what would become the first-ever “superliners,” Lusitania and Mauretania, which would enter service in 1907.

But how would the future superliners, the largest and fastest ships in the world, be powered?

There were two options for Cunard to consider: the standard quadruple-expansion system or the new-fangled Parsons steam turbine system. Engineer Charles Parsons had caused controversy at the 1897 Spithead Naval Review by demonstrating his revolutionary turbine-powered Turbinia.

At the same time, Cunard's German rivals were eclipsing its fleet so, in a bid to reclaim its tarnished pride, Cunard convinced the British Government to provide a generous loan package to rebuild its fleet in return for the ships being made available to the government in time of war.

This is how Cunard would finance all of its major newbuilds right up to QE2, and every loan was repaid.

Norwegian expands partnership with Miami Dolphins to bring Norwegian Getaway’s onboard thrills to Miami Dolphins fans each home game

MIAMI – August 27, 2014 – Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing the excitement and innovation of its newest ship Norwegian Getaway to Sun Life Stadium this football season, announcing today the expansion of its partnership as the Official Cruise Line of the Miami Dolphins.

The highlight of this new collaboration will be the “Ultimate Getaway Fan Experience,” an interactive opportunity for Miami Dolphins fans to “step aboard” some of Norwegian Getaway’s most thrilling onboard activities such as the Free Fall, bungee trampoline, rock wall, spider mountain and more, prior to each home game at the Grand Plaza at Sun Life Stadium.

The Ultimate Getaway Fan Experience will feature a different onboard attraction at each Miami Dolphins home game beginning September 7. In addition, fans will be able to snap their photo in front of a virtual Norwegian Getaway backdrop, hear the latest news and happenings on the new ship and current promotions from Norwegian brand ambassadors, and enter a sweepstakes for the chance to win a cruise for four on Norwegian Getaway or the all-new Norwegian Escape, coming to Miami in Fall 2015. 

Cunard Line announces latest roster of famous faces to sail aboard the fleet in the coming months through 2015

20 August 2014 – Continuing its 40-year tradition of providing the finest speaker programme in the industry, Cunard Line announces the latest roster of high-calibre speakers who will join Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria over the coming months.

The award-winning Cunard Insights on board enrichment programme will feature such famous faces as motoring legend Murray Walker, former South African President F.W. de Klerk, legendary actor Robert Powell, and other well-known U.K. politicians, broadcasters and journalists.

“We are very excited to host such leading lights in their respective fields on our ships,” said David Dingle, CEO of Cunard Line. “Our innovative Insights speaker programme, now in its 40^th year, continues to go from strength to strength.”

Princess Cruises keeps the warm weather of the season alive with “Endless Summer Sale”

Passengers Can Save Up to $1,400 with Cruise Deals to Sun-Swept Destinations Including
the Caribbean, Hawaii and Panama Canal
 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 21, 2014) – Princess Cruises is keeping summer alive with savings on more than 150 cruise vacations to sunny destinations such as the Caribbean, Tahiti, Hawaii, Panama Canal and Mexico.

The “Endless Summer Sale,” which begins today and runs through September 10, offers guests the chance to save up to $1,400 on select cruises departing between November 2014 and February 2015.

In addition to special cruise fares, guests booking balcony staterooms or above will receive an onboard credit of $200 (for cruises 11 days or longer) or $150 (seven- to 10-day cruises); and those booking interior or oceanview staterooms can get credits of $150 (cruises 11 days or longer) or $100 (seven- to 10-day cruises).

Carnival Cruise Lines takes on the Ice Bucket Challenge; donates $100,000 To ALS Association

Carnival jumped in on the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for ALS by making a pledge - and the challenge swept through the entire Carnival fleet! Watch as all the fun-makers, from the… 00:02:52

A three-minute YouTube video of Carnival’s IceBucketChallenge can be viewed at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ppm6Rbepk4c&list=UUQtaYLDkO94wL2Nc7riTkSA

MIAMI (August 15, 2014) – Leave it to Carnival Cruise Lines to take the #IceBucketChallenge to another level! 

The world’s most popular cruise line enlisted all 24 of its “Fun Ships,” as well as President and CEO Gerry Cahill, to participate in the #IceBucketChallenge, designed to raise much-needed awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  Carnival is also making a $100,000 donation to the ALS Association.

The way the #IceBucketChallenge works is simple: participants are encouraged to pour a bucket of ice water over their head and then challenge others to do the same or make a donation to fight ALS within 24 hours.

Celebrity Cruises introduces immersive luxury vacations with the launch of “Celebrity Explorations”

MIAMI, FL – August 26, 2014 – Recognizing the growing trend toward extended vacations and answering the demand from guests, Celebrity Cruises today unveiled “Celebrity Explorations” – unique vacations that pair ocean cruises with deep, immersive destination experiences on land.

Celebrity’s well-traveled destination experts have uncovered the most authentic experiences in each destination and cultivated relationships with local experts to deliver more than 20 different one-of-a-kind Celebrity Explorations, with more to be revealed this year. Vacationers can combine an ocean cruise with several days of extensive and fully-guided tours, exhilarating excursions and indulgent hotels – minus the stress of planning.

Guests can now pair an exciting safari in Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves with a cruise to the Iberian Peninsula or journey down the Amazon River on a luxury custom-built riverboat with floor-to-ceiling picture windows before setting sail on a modern, luxurious Celebrity ship for a thrilling Antarctic cruise. Additional Celebrity Explorations that offer memorable insight into the sights, flavors, culture and history of destinations include vacations that combine the vibrancy of Sydney, Australia with unforgettable cruises in the South Pacific.

Social media survey conducted by Azamara Club Cruises and Cruise Critic determines new promotion

CHOSEN BY CRUISERS FOR CRUISERS…AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES ANNOUNCES
“BUY ONE, GET ONE HALF OFF” FARES FOR 2015/16 VOYAGES

MIAMI – Azamara Club Cruises® took to its social media channels and the popular cruise forum, Cruise Critic, to ask community members what travel bonus they would appreciate most when booking a voyage.

Using results from that survey, Azamara Club Cruises announces today its “Buy One, Get One Half Off” fare.  Now, up-market travelers booking 2015 and 2016 voyages can receive up to 50 percent off their second guest’s fare for most sailings*.

During the survey period held the week of June 2, Azamara Club Cruises’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram fans were invited to weigh in on “what promotion they would like to see next.” 

Participants were given four choices, “double stateroom upgrade,” “onboard spending credit,” “free shore excursion,” or “50 percent off second guest cruise fare.”  The offering of 50 percent off was the overwhelming favorite. Cruise Critic also posted the question to its fans prompting the same response from participants.

Carnival Pride to operate special 10-to-14-day Caribbean sailings

FIVE-DAY BERMUDA CRUISES FROM BALTIMORE AND SAN JUAN IN 2015-16

MIAMI (August 20, 2014) – For the first time, Carnival Pride will operate a series of 10- to 14-day Caribbean cruises round-trip from Baltimore and one-way between Baltimore and San Juan featuring some of the region’s most breathtaking destinations, as well as new five-day Bermuda cruises and unique six- and eight-day Caribbean/Bahamas voyages, beginning in October 2015.  

 

“Our guests and travel agent partners have been seeking more varied options from the Northeast – particularly longer length voyages – and we’re delighted to expand our schedules from Baltimore and San Juan to provide these attractive ‘Fun Ship’ cruise offerings from these ports,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO. “These new voyages not only provide vacationers with an abundance of five- to 14-day cruise choices but also feature a wide range of spectacular island destinations throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda,” he added. 

Princess Cruises unveils hip Night Sky Lounge aboard Regal Princess

A rendering of the new Night Sky Lounge hints at the evening experience
onboard Regal Princess this fall.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 26, 2014) – A new, cool nighttime experience will debut on Regal Princess in November, enabling guests to enjoy a chic and contemporary outdoor nightclub under the stars. The Night Sky Lounge will debut in November when the ship begins her inaugural Caribbean season.

The top-deck Retreat Pool will transform into the new Night Sky Lounge one night during each cruise, inviting guests to enjoy an upbeat and modern, South Miami-style nightclub vibe, including atmospheric pool and furniture lighting, glowing drinks and a DJ spinning tunes on a state-of-the-art audio system. Guests will sip sophisticated cocktails, even in the two Jacuzzis, enjoy a flair bartending demonstration, dance the night away, and can even reserve a cabana with hosted bottle service.

Cunard Line to explore new territories in world cruising with 2016 World and Exotic cruise program

Guests Booking Full World and Exotic Cruises or Segments by 28 February 2015
will Receive On Board Credit and Reduced Deposit

26 August 2014 – Embark on the journey of a lifetime and take to the seas with Cunard Line on its 2016 World and Exotic Cruise Programme, travelling to 92 unique destinations, including 32 maiden calls, in 47 countries.  On sale beginning 10 September 2014 (9 September for Cunard past passengers), the programme will feature three World and Exotic Cruises with options ranging from four to 121 days aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

“Since 1922, Cunard has carried on the tradition of creating luxurious and memorable adventures for travellers seeking a unique view of the world through our World Voyage Programme,” said David Dingle, CEO for Cunard Line.  “Cunard has embarked on more circumnavigations than any other cruise line, all the while gaining a reputation for continuously providing guests with a world-class experience. We look forward to a fantastic year at sea with new and returning guests.”

Cunard initiated the world cruise concept in 1922, and in 2016 the company will celebrate 94 years of carrying more passengers around the globe than any other cruise line.  Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will depart Southampton together on 10 January 2016 and will all return from their respective World Cruises on 10 May 2016.

The bear is loose: 30-foot-tall, eight-ton polar bear featured on ship's top deck

Royal Caribbean International Unveils World-Class Multi-Million Dollar Art Collection for Quantum of the Seas

MIAMI, Aug. 12, 2014 – Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Quantum of the Seas,  left the enclosed building hall at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany on August 13, revealing an unexpected occupant – a 30-foot-tall magenta polar bear situated prominently on the exterior deck of the ship.

The bear, a sculpture created by Denver-based artist Lawrence Argent, is the first glimpse of the 2,980 piece, multi-million art collection themed “What Makes Life Worth Living” that has been curated for Quantum of the Seas.    
 
In addition to Lawrence Argent, an impressive portfolio of artists, including Paul Villinski, who created a monumental installation called “Crossing” which encompasses a wall of 210 butterflies representing 30 species, each made of aluminum, stainless steel, acrylic and enamel; sculptor Soo Sunny Park, whose sprawling, undulating structure titled “Waves of Light,” explores the light’s potential as a structural element.  Pieces by these artists and others span size, art forms and mediums, and can be enjoyed both inside and outside the ship.

Brandindex ranks Carnival Cruise Lines #1 improver amng U.S. brands in mid-year "Buzz Report"

Rankings assess consumer perceptions of brands across multiple categories

            MIAMI — YouGov’s BrandIndex has ranked Carnival Cruise Lines the most-improved U.S. brand in consumer perception, or “buzz,” in its mid-year 2014 Buzz Rankings Report. Throughout the second half of 2013 and thus far in 2014, Carnival has initiated a number of new programs that have resonated positively in the marketplace.

            According to BrandIndex, Carnival’s change in consumer-perception score by mid-2014 was double the improvement level achieved by the company ranked second on the most-improved list.

            “Carnival not only brought its consumer perception back in line with the rest of industry, but their sales potential, indicated by consumers who say they would consider the brand for their next cruise, has rebounded above the rest of the cruise sector,” said Ted Marzilli, CEO of BrandIndex.

Celebrity Cruises launches “Signature Event Sailings:" New "exhilarating" upscale experiences

MIAMI, FL – Aug. 1, 2014 – Celebrity Cruises is broadening its immersive vacations in 2015-16 with its new exclusive array of “Signature Event Sailings”. Guests can experience iconic global events and celebrations as part of their Celebrity vacation while sailing to popular locales in Europe, the Far East and South America.
 
Providing vacationers with inside access into a series of the most desirable events across the globe, Celebrity’s Signature Event Sailings immerse guests in each culture-rich destination with specially designed shore excursions that place them in the middle of the action or a VIP vantage point.

Vacationers seeking to explore and experience a destination’s unique and authentic cultural events can set their sights on celebrating the star-studded Cannes Film Festival, the historic Redentore Festival in Venice, Italy; Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, the vibrant Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and more. 
 
To further enhance the Signature Event Sailings vacation experience, guests also will be entertained and engaged onboard with unique shows, speakers and activities inspired by the highlighted world event.

Royal Caribbean announces "unprecedented" five-day 'Wow Sale."

Vacationers Enjoy More and Save on WOWs that last a Lifetime

MIAMI, Aug. 15, 2014 – Just because summer is drawing down doesn’t mean that vacationers should forget sunny days, blissful beaches, and surprising cultures.

To help ease the transition into autumn, Royal Caribbean International today announced an unprecedented five-day WOW Sale – happening Aug. 16 through 20, 2014 – to help consumers plan for their next vacation and have an unforgettable experience to look forward to.

During the WOW sale, vacationers can receive up to $200 onboard credit per stateroom when making a new booking on itineraries through spring 2016 aboard Royal Caribbean’s currently sailing fleet. For more information, please visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/WOWSale.