More News

Carnival Cruise Line drives demand as Amber Cove and Ensenada each celebrate one million cruise guests

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 January 2024 05 January 2024

With its Fun Ships filled with guests from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and California, Carnival Cruise Line has played a pivotal role in helping Amber Cove, Dominican Republic and Ensenada, Mexico each cross the one millionth cruise guest threshold as they closed out 2023.

Each destination celebrated in late December by recognizing the one millionth visitor as guests and their families arrived at each port. At Amber Cove, the Collier family were the special guests, visiting from Mardi Gras on Dec. 20. The Andrus family, who arrived in Ensenada aboard Carnival Radiance on Dec. 27, marked the special milestone. In each destination, local dignitaries, ship leaders and other guests joined together to celebrate the occasion.

“This year, we’re celebrating that no one does fun like Carnival, and it’s also true that no cruise line drives demand and the tourism economy like Carnival! We’re delighted that our guests set these important distinctions for both Amber Cove and Ensenada,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. “Amber Cove is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean. Our guests love the relaxation and adventure they find here and that’s why many of our ships visit Amber Cove. Likewise, Ensenada is a quaint coastal town that has grown into a strong part of our West Coast offerings. Our guests love its rich history and vibrant culture, with the addition of Carnival Firenze joining our fleet this spring, plus some exciting plans under development, we see even better things ahead for the destination.”

Amber Cove, located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic just outside Puerto Plata, welcomed its first Carnival ship in 2015. The cruise port is an island paradise operated by Carnival Cruise Line’s parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc, and features pools, bars and many shore excursion opportunities, such as snorkeling and a waterfall adventure.

“We congratulate the Amber Cove cruise terminal for reaching one million cruise visitors. This represents unstoppable growth for Puerto Plata and its people who directly receive the benefits of these achievements,” said Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism David Collado.

Carnival has sailed to Ensenada, one of Mexico’s original seaside getaways, for nearly three decades. From historical sightseeing to thrilling ATV riding, Ensenada offers something for everyone. Carnival guests enjoy the delicious food they find in the vibrant city, as well as finding adventure nearby, learning about local traditions and exploring the nearby wine country.

“This achievement is the result of the efforts of the Ensenada Cruise Committee, as well as the Ensenada City Council, the Ensenada National Port System Administration and Hutchison Ports, and commits us to continue working for Ensenada to consolidate itself as a leading cruise destination in Mexico," said Miguel Aguíñiga Rodríguez, secretary of tourism of Baja California.

Carnival sails to Ensenada from San Francisco seasonally and year-round from Long Beach, Calif., where Carnival Firenze will soon add more options for more people to sail from the West Coast with four-day cruises visiting Catalina Island and Ensenada, as well as five-day Mexican Riviera cruises calling in Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. Carnival Firenze, named after the city of Florence, Italy, will join the fleet in April 2024, sailing from Long Beach as the second ship to showcase Carnival Fun Italian Style experiences.

Royal Caribbean partners with Eurovision Song Contest

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 January 2024 04 January 2024

Royal Caribbean International has joined forces with the world’s largest live music event, the Eurovision Song Contest. As an Official Partner for 2024 and 2025, Royal Caribbean will bring to life a wide range of moments and experiences, including brand exposure throughout the event, host-city promotion and more.

The new collaboration will debut ahead of the upcoming 68th Eurovision Song Contest that will be held in the city of Malmö, Sweden, in May 2024, and broadcast in the 37 participating countries with millions more watching online. This will also mark the start of Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated European season with six award-winning ships sailing from eight cities across the continent and visiting a line-up of landmark destinations.

Ben Bouldin, vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa, Royal Caribbean International comments, “As two world-renowned brands that are known for delivering memorable moments to millions across the globe, the combination of Royal Caribbean International and Eurovision Song Contest makes the ultimate partnership that will bring to life the very best of world-class live entertainment and a fusion of cultures from all over. With more than 60 historic years of the Eurovision Song Contest, we’re proud to partner with an iconic brand that has a global audience, which only continues to grow with the popularity of an event that has become a cultural moment for so many around the world.”

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor for the Eurovision Song Contest said: “We’re thrilled to announce our exciting new partnership with Royal Caribbean International. The Eurovision Song Contest and Royal Caribbean share a passion for creating unforgettable experiences that unite people from all around the world. We look forward to making new memories for our fans and guests alike and can’t wait to set sail together on this new adventure!"

For those who love live entertainment, exploring the world and creating lifelong memories, Royal Caribbean’s 2024 summer season is a line-up of holidays that bring all three together. Holidaymakers will be blown away with full-scale shows across four signature “stages” – air, ice, water and theatre – alongside live music and comedy. With more than 50 years of experience delivering holidays with experiences for every type of family and traveller, Royal Caribbean sets the stage for everyone to make memories their way every day on holiday.

Details on how fans can get tickets to the 68th annual Eurovision Song Contest with Royal Caribbean will be revealed in the coming months.

MSC Cruises rolls out new global brand campaign

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 January 2024 04 January 2024

MSC Cruises, the contemporary brand of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, is launching its brand new global integrated marketing campaign, “For a Greater Beauty”.

The campaign encourages audiences to discover the beauty of cruising in a more conscious way with a profound respect for the ocean and the planet. Beauty, represented in the film by an alluring voice, invites the audience to immerse themselves in the world’s destinations, into nature and into wonderful experiences on and off board.

The campaign will be activated in more than 30 countries worldwide and will be seen through a mix of marketing channels including TV, out of home, print media, digital and social media.

The TV spot was filmed on board MSC World Europa, the fleet’s first ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), featuring the latest environmental technology. MSC World Europa offers an enriching vacation experience inspired by the Company’s European heritage, where guests can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programs and the latest user-friendly technology.

MSC Cruises is firmly committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its marine operations by 2050. The Company is also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry-wide.

Created in partnership with Dentsu Creative Italy, the new campaign has been filmed by the Australian director Kiku Ohe. Known for his ability to craft compelling visual narratives, elicit authentic character-driven performances, his highly awarded film craft displays a rare depth and artistry. The production is signed by Birth.

New cruise line to begin year-round sailings in the Baltic

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 January 2024 02 January 2024

In August 2023, passenger shipping companies Viking Line and Gotlandsbolaget launched a completely new joint venture in cruise traffic between Stockholm, Mariehamn and Visby. In December they announced that the Baltic Sea's new year-round cruise vessel will be called Birka Gotland. Under the leadership of CEO Susanne Kaarnimo-Knight, Birka Gotland will offer cruises from the end of March 2024.

Around Easter 2024, the maiden voyage departs from Stockholm to Mariehamn with the ship Birka Gotland, to also go via Visby on selected departures during the spring and summer. After that, the destinations are gradually expanded during the summer months with several popular destinations such as Härnösand, Ystad, Bornholm and Riga.

"We start from the two most beautiful islands in the Baltic Sea and the love for the sea, the archipelago and the unique local environment. There is a great demand for both shorter and longer cruises in the region. We are extra proud to be able to present the opportunity to go to beautiful Visby during the spring and summer, which gives travelers the chance to discover Gotland at its most beautiful," says Susanne Kaarnimo-Knight, CEO of the new company, Gotland Alandia Cruises.

The entertainment on board Birka Gotland will include several restaurants, shopping, spa and entertainment. "We offer an attractive alternative for the everyday traveler. We know that many are curious about the onboard experience, and we look forward to presenting the details shortly," says Susanne Kaarnimo-Knight.

The tickets for the cruises with Birka Gotland go on sale in January 2024. Birka Gotland has connecting traffic from 78' Swedish locations. The cruises will be sold both via Birka Gotland's new website as well as Viking Line's and Destination Gotland's channels.

Riverside Luxury Cruises to launch its third vessel in March 2024

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 December 2023 31 December 2023

Riverside Luxury Cruises, the new luxury river cruise brand, will launch of its third all-inclusive, all-suite luxury river ship, Riverside Debussy, in March 2024. Riverside Debussy offers an expansive selection of more than 40 departures in 2024 with her inaugural voyage sailing from Brussels, Belgium, to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on March 23. On the special, six-day itinerary, guests will visit Gent, Belgium; Middleburg, Germany; and Vissingen, Wilemstad, Dordrecht and Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Riverside Debussy will join Riverside Mozart and Riverside Ravel to bring travellers to some of Europe’s most picturesque and culture-rich locales along the Rhine, Rhône, Main and Danube rivers. To celebrate Debussy’s upcoming launch and the holiday season, Riverside is offering 500 euros onboard credit per suite to travellers when they make a new booking aboard any of the brand’s all-inclusive, 2024 luxury river cruises.

“Riverside’s three elegant ships are floating, luxury boutique hotels that bring guests on immersive and all-inclusive, Europe vacations,” said Jen Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, Americas. “Riverside Debussy, Riverside Mozart and Riverside Ravel dock daily in a new town- and city-centre so guests can walk off and immediately experience the beauty and culture of inland locales that cruise ships cannot reach. We look forward to welcoming discerning travellers and delivering more culture, more celebrations and more luxury in 2024.”

Travellers can take advantage of Riverside’s holiday offer and choose a grand variety of memorable itineraries along the Rhine, Rhône, Main and Danube rivers aboard Riverside Debussy, Riverside Mozart and Riverside Ravel. Guests can apply their onboard credit to indulge in a complimentary spa treatment; experiences in the Vintage Room, an exclusive, gourmet dégustation and wine pairing; or a private shore excursion. Throughout, guests will enjoy Riverside’s signature, intuitive service and savour unmatched gourmet dining; and bask in exceptional comfort throughout the ships’ expansive spaces and plush accommodations.

The new Riverside Luxury Cruises is Europe’s premier luxury river cruise brand offering all-inclusive vacations along the Rhine, Rhône, Main and Danube rivers. The brand’s all-suite Riverside Mozart, Riverside Ravel, and the soon-to-launch Riverside Debussy are regarded among the most luxurious ships on Europe’s waterways. All guests enjoy Riverside’s signature intuitive and attentive service from every staff and crew member; personal butlers service in every suite; StarLink broadband Wi-Fi; gourmet cuisine paired with the region’s best wines; and shore excursions to delve further afield into the region’s history, culture and attractions.