Holland America's updated logo, new tag line and advertising campaign aim to connect with premium cruisers

SEATTLE, Jan. 21, 2016 -- Holland America Line is evolving its image with a new brand campaign that introduces a refreshed logo, new advertising campaign and new tag line that invites guests to "Savor the Journey." The new slogan encourages travelers to embrace the exhilaration of a Holland America Line cruise, both aboard ship and ashore.

The updated blue and white logo is still classic, but simpler and forward looking. It continues to feature the company's timeless oval around a Holland America Line ship, with the bold blue hull that guests associate with the brand purposefully breaking out of the oval plane. Fonts were updated to be cleaner and more contemporary and the new "Savor the Journey" tagline appears under the company name.

"'Savor the Journey' is all-encompassing and tells the story of today's Holland America Line cruise experience, from our breadth of destinations to our classic style, gracious service, impeccable cuisine and onboard entertainment and enrichment programs," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president.

"Our goal is to marry how we present the brand with what motivates our guests to travel today. That theme carries through to the logo, advertising, marketing collateral, partnerships and other enhancements.

Carnival Inspiratioin to undergo multi-million-dollar renovation

 Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar,

Cherry on Top and Alchemy Bar to be Added During Three-Week Dry Dock

 

MIAMI (January 14, 2016) – The 2,052-passenger Carnival Inspiration is undergoing a multi-million-dollar makeover that will add a wide range of new dining and bar innovations.

 

The new features are being incorporated during a three-week dry dock taking place in Portland, Ore., Jan. 18 to Feb. 5, 2016.  Following the renovation, the ship will resume its year-round schedule of three- and four-day Baja cruises from Long Beach, Calif.

Here’s a look at the exciting new options that will be added to Carnival Inspiration:

Disney Cruise Line introduces Star Wars Day at Sea on select Disney Fantasy sailings

Day-long celebrations thrill both Jedi-in-training and Jedi Masters of the family

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

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

Occurring one day during each of eight Disney Fantasy sailings, Star Wars Day at Sea transports guests to a galaxy far, far away — in the Western Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Line announces ground-breaking European Summer 2017 itineraries

Five ships sailing European waters between April and October 2017, including Norwegian Getaway cruising to the Baltic Capitals from Copenhagen and a first ever complete season from Southampton, Amsterdam and Hamburg on Norwegian Jade

MIAMI – January 26, 2016 – Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its ground-breaking summer 2017 deployment for Europe that, for the first time in company history, features five ships sailing in European waters in the summer season.

Highlights of the new itineraries include cruises to the Baltic Capitals on Norwegian Getaway from Copenhagen and a first ever complete season from Hamburg on Norwegian Jade, with embarkation for those cruises also available in the UK and Amsterdam. In addition to the European sailings, Norwegian also revealed details on Norwegian Escape’s 2017 summer cruises to the Caribbean from Miami.

Norwegian will bring Norwegian Getaway, currently the second newest ship in the fleet, back to Europe for the first time since its delivery in 2014, giving guests the opportunity to experience the ultimate in freedom and flexibility on eight- or nine-night Baltic Capitals cruises from Copenhagen.

This spectacular itinerary will allow guests to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, take in the picturesque Baltic countryside and experience the unique history, cultures and architecture of these famed European cities. The itinerary includes calls in Tallinn, Estonia; Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; along with an overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Princess Cruises announces “The Come Back New Promise”

 A $450 Million Multi-Year Product Innovation, Cruise Ship Renovation and Guest Experience Enhancement Campaign

 

Stein Kruse, CEO Princess Cruises (left) and Jan Swartz, President Princess Cruises (right) joined by partners Chef Curtis Stone, Designer Candice Olson, Sleep Expert Dr. Michael Breus and Chef Ernesto Uchimura who were together to announce the Come Back New Promise.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (January 26, 2016) – Princess Cruises announced The Come Back New Promise, a $450 million multi-year product innovation and cruise ship renovation campaign that will continue to enhance the line’s onboard guest experience. These enhancements will result in more transformative moments, lifetime memories and meaningful stories for guests to share from their cruise vacation.

“The Come Back New Promise differentiates our approach to cruising and offers our guests enriching vacation experiences by connecting them with each other, nature and different cultures in a new way,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “Our promise is to provide guests transformative moments designed to inspire them to discover the world and themselves, ultimately allowing us to declare that a cruise isn’t good enough unless you ‘come back new.’”

The campaign demonstrates a commitment by Princess Cruises to exceed guest expectations while continuously improving upon and delivering a high value cruise vacation experience that inspires guests to return and introduce cruising to their family and friends. 

Recently, Princess introduced new initiatives inspired to deliver The Come Back New Promise which further elevate the line’s wellness, culinary/dining experiences and expands the partnership with Discovery Communications. They include:

Holland America Line partners with master mixologist and James Beard winner Dale DeGroff to create 'unique libations'

DeGroff's innovative cocktail recipes debut in bars on ms Eurodam

Dale DeGroff_Mixologist_making a Flaming-Vegas

 SEATTLE, Jan. 11, 2016 -- Whether you like your drinks on the rocks, straight up, shaken or stirred, Holland America Line's new partnership with 2015 James Beard Who's Who Inductee and Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff brings an innovative menu of creative cocktails to the premium cruise line. 

DeGroff's creations will debut aboard ms Eurodam this month and will expand fleetwide by springtime. 

Continuing Holland America Line's commitment to offer an exceptional food and beverage experience, DeGroff — known as "King Cocktail," author of two best-selling cocktail books and founding president of The Museum of the American Cocktail — has developed a drink menu to showcase artfully prepared signature classics as well as some unique originals. 

"For many guests, there's nothing better than relaxing with a well-made, unique cocktail after a long day of sightseeing or before dinner, and adding a master mixologist to our team gives us the diversity we seek in creating the most robust food and beverage program at sea," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "We're excited to welcome the talents of Dale DeGroff to our family, and we know our guests are going to enjoy his innovative creations."

Norwegian Cruise Line's global deployment expansion highlights

Highlights include Norwegian Star sailing to Asia, India, Australia and New Zealand; new three-, four-, six- and seven-day itineraries aboard Norwegian Epic from Port Canaveral; and new South American itineraries featuring Brazil aboard Norwegian Sun

MIAMI – Norwegian Cruise Line's "exciting and exotic new itineraries" for the brand’s Fall/Winter 2016/2017 deployment, bring the world to guests who want to explore new sights while experiencing the freedom and flexibility that only Norwegian Cruise Line can offer.

Norwegian offers guests new destinations and new ports to choose from in 2016 and 2017, including cruises to Asia onboard Norwegian Star, with itineraries departing from Istanbul, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney and Auckland—marking the line’s return to the Asia and Australia regions for the first time since Norwegian Wind Fall/Winter 2001-2002 and first-ever visits to The Gulf and India.

Norwegian Epic will continue to spend her summers in Europe and return to the US in the fall as Norwegian’s newest and largest ship to homeport in Port Canaveral, offering three-, four- and seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.

Princess Cruises examines sleep habits

Americans find getting more sleep a more appealing resolution than going back to the gym

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (January 13, 2016) – Americans are tired of feeling tired and willing to sacrifice almost anything for more sleep in the new year, according to a new sleep-inspired survey commissioned by Princess Cruises. The Princess Cruises Sleep Survey results suggest that 2016 may be the year Americans wake up and acknowledge the power of sleep by embracing a new sleep schedule. In fact, 57 percent say getting more sleep is a resolution that is more appealing than going back into the gym.
 

Celebrity Cruises sweetens vacation lists by extending Go Celebrity! with cruises in Europe

Cruise line adds premium ports, adventurous shore excursions,

and never-before-traveled itineraries to its endless list of European explorations 

MIAMI – Modern luxury cruise brand Celebrity Cruises has announce its "bucket-list-worthy experiences" throughout Europe as part of its 2017-2018 celebritycruises.com/gocelebritycruisesGo Celebrity! lineup.

 The premium line’s richest season yet offers many thrilling options for guests to choose from, including 86 overnights in 24 vibrant cities and four double overnight stays in Europe. 

With so much to see and do in the region – both on and off the line’s ships – there is no better way to discover the Old World than in modern luxury style. After all, the cruise line was born in Europe, so no one knows it better.

Disney Cruise Line unveils ports and itineraries for early 2017

Returning to popular destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas

 CELEBRATION, Fla. – In early 2017, Disney Cruise Line returns to favorite destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas on a variety of itineraries, most from popular Florida ports. Limited-time engagements in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Galveston, Texas, complete the line-up for the first part of the year.

During these sailings, Disney Cruise Line guests will visit timeless tropical locales, dive into charming island cultures, sunbathe on golden beaches and revel in local marketplaces. Most cruises feature a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests.

More details on 2017 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2017 page of disneycruise.com

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Carnival named 'best cruise line' and 'best cruise ship for dining'

USA TODAY’S 10BEST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

MIAMI (January 11, 2016) -- Carnival Cruise Line took top honors in two categories in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, earning accolades for “Best Cruise Line” and “Best Cruise Ship For Dining” (Carnival Breeze).  

The awards were based on nominations from a team of cruise industry experts and the winners were determined by an online vote by USA Today readers. 

Carnival earned “Best Cruise Line” honors for its affordable, high quality vacation experience that offers a variety of onboard features and facilities, from the exclusive Seuss at Sea program in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to luxurious spas and hilarious comedy shows at the Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez.

 

   Carnival ships have added the popular casual Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint. (Barbara Fox photo)

Un-Cruise Adventures offers savings on Alaska cruise and land tour adventures

Save $400/couple on adventure cruises and $250/couple on Denali & Knik River tour

Seattle, WA, January 12, 2016—Un-Cruise Adventures unwraps new travel credit savings in 2016 for small ship adventure cruises and land tours in Alaska. Travelers can save $400 per couple on select weeklong cruises and $250 per couple on a connecting Denali and Knik River tour. Travel must be booked by March 1, 2016.

The $400 travel credit applies to weeklong Alaska cruises aboard the 74-guest Wilderness Explorer and 84-guest Safari Endeavour on departures from April 16 through September 18, 2016. Available itineraries include Exploring Muir’s Wilderness, Eastern Coves, Western Coves and Northern Passages & Glacier Bay. Homeports include Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska.

Travelers extending their adventures in Alaska can save $250 per couple on the line’s new escorted Denali National Park and Knik River Adventure tour.

Princess Cruises' largest-ever Australia deployment for 2016-2017

Five Ships to Sail Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific

 SANTA CLARITA, Calif. -- Princess Cruises will home port five ships in Australia to sail the cruise line’s largest-ever program offering in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific for the 2016-2017 season.

Princess Cruises will introduce the 3,082-guest Emerald Princess to the market, with Golden Princess returning to sail from Melbourne and Sun Princess, Sea Princess and Dawn Princess rounding out the fleet and expanding the cruise line’s in-market capacity by 20 percent.
 
Highlights of the new program include an 84-day Circle South America voyage, more ways to see New Zealand, longer South Pacific cruises and Circle Australia voyage options.  In addition, Land and Sea Vacation packages will immerse adventure-seekers in the diverse destinations. 

Holland America Line details inaugural season of newbuild in second ‘Countdown to Koningsdam’ video

Ship to visit 36 countries in the Mediterranean, northern Europe and Caribbean

Seattle, Wash. – Holland America Line has its second “Countdown to Koningsdam” video on its website with details about the ship’s inaugural season Europe and Caribbean itineraries. The video series was created to share product and construction updates as anticipation builds for ms Koningsdam delivery in April 2016. http://bit.ly/1lZIefv

Hosted by Jonathan Rogers, Koningsdam’s inaugural cruise director, the second video, “Countdown to Koningsdam Episode 2,” features Holland America Line’s Vice President Deployment and Tour Marketing Linda Springmann talking about the ship’s inaugural year itineraries. Springmann details Koningsdam’s cruises in the Mediterranean, northern Europe and Caribbean, offering itinerary highlights and fun facts about the ship’s maiden sailing season.

“Fans keep asking for more Koningsdam details, and these short videos are a great way for us to communicate the latest updates and provide a glimpse into the ship’s progress,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “The newest video outlines the inaugural season itineraries which have been very popular. So for those interested in sailing on Koningsdam next year, we recommend booking now.”

Carnival Live 2016 lineup to feature popular acts, Journey, Trace Adkins, Gladys Knight and KC & the Sunshine Band

MIAMI – Carnival Cruise Line has announced its initial 2016 Carnival LIVE lineup with popular acts Journey, Trace Adkins, Gladys Knight, and KC & The Sunshine Band entertaining guests on 11 different ships.

 

Bringing the best in live music to the seas, Carnival LIVE is a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience that provides guests an opportunity to enjoy captivating performances by major artists at a tremendous value.  Performances are held in the ships’ main theaters – ranging in guest capacity from 900 to 1,300 – meaning there’s never a bad seat in the house.  

Carnival LIVE performances will be offered on cruises departing from eight U.S. homeports with concerts taking place while vessels are docked in Cozumel, Nassau and St. Thomas. 

'Take Care of YourSelfie' around the world with Celebrity Cruises and Randi Zuckerberg

 

Modern luxury cruise line introduces new wellness shore excursions

curated by digital trailblazer and New York Times best-selling author

MIAMI, FL  – Vacationers can power up while powering down with Celebrity Cruises’ exclusive Take Care of YourSelfie shore excursions. In partnership with New York Times best-selling author and digital trailblazer Randi Zuckerberg, the exclusive Take Care of YourSelfie wellness program has been expanded to offer specially designed holistic experiences on land.

 

“With this new collection of shore excursions, finding a tech-life balance now can happen on land and at sea,” explained Dot Complicated founder Randi Zuckerberg. “On vacation, many of us have grown accustomed to literally experiencing a destination through a digital lens. These active experiences ensure that there is an opportunity to be fully engaged and present during your modern luxury vacation.”

 

“In our very connected culture, it can be challenging to take time and disconnect while on vacation, even for a moment” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises.

Holland America Line reveals 15 guest competitors for 'Dancing with the Stars: At Sea' Champions Cruise

Winners representing each ship selected to compete for coveted Mirrorball Trophy

SEATTLE, Jan. 7, 2016 -- Holland America Line has announced the 15 winning guest finalists who will compete on the "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" Champions Cruise Jan. 10, 2016, aboard ms Nieuw Amsterdam.

Each winner represents one of the ships in Holland America Line's fleet (including the former ms Ryndam and ms Statendam) and was selected via the onboard "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" dance competitions held throughout the past year on every sailing.

The 15 guests and their professional shipboard dance partners will perform and compete in the main show lounge for guests. The winning couple will walk away with the coveted Holland America Line "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" Mirrorball Trophy and title of Holland America Line's "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" Champion.  

Windstar Cruises launches deckside festival on the Panama Canal

Renowned fleet of luxury yachts celebrates Panamanian culture with new guest program 

  

Seattle – Windstar Cruises has announced a new program for guests traveling on Costa Rica & Panama Canal itineraries. The Canal Celebration, a deckside festival, invites guests to experience the sights and sounds of the Panama Canal while enjoying amenities and activities that highlight the Panamanian culture.

Guests can enjoy a cool and breezy nighttime passage through the Panama Canal, during which lights illuminate the inner workings of the waterway. The Canal Celebration takes place as the yacht traverses the 40-mile passage. As the ship approaches the first locks in the early evening, a speaker from the Panama Port Authority comes on board to introduce guests to the complex and ingenious lock system, a modern world wonder.

As the yacht navigates the passage, guests are invited to stroll along the deck and sip on local beverages, beers, and cocktails from a mobile drink cart while listening to local festive music from various regions around the country.

Norwegian Cruise Line unveils "Feel Free" brand campaign

New brand identity focuses on company’s philosophy of freedom and flexibility for guests

 

MIAMI – January 5, 2016 – Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed the company’s new global brand campaign, “Feel Free.” Rooted in the line’s fundamentals of freedom & flexibility, Feel Free is an invitation for guests to experience Norwegian’s philosophy of what a vacation should be, free from rigid schedules with the freedom to make their vacation their own. 

The integrated campaign, launched January 4, is inclusive of national television spots, online video, digital units, and various social media activations. One social media initiative encourages usage of the campaign’s #FeelFree hashtag by asking consumers to share their New Year’s resolutions for a chance to win a 7-day cruise with Norwegian.

The high-energy campaign conveys the brand’s passion for delivering outstanding vacation experiences and showcases Norwegian’s fun-loving, bold personality.  It further provides an opportunity to speak to guests in new markets via new formats, including various social platforms. The new campaign was created and developed with partner agencies BBDO Atlanta and OMD.