World News | forimmediaterelease.net

... press releases & Breaking World News

South Pacific Cruise Alliance welcomes Guam

by

The South Pacific Cruise Alliance is pleased to announce the Micronesian US Territory of Guam has joined the organization.

“Guam becomes our ninth member and our second new member to join this year,” said SPCA President & Chairman, David Vaeafe from American Samoa.


eTN Chatroom for Readers (join us)

At Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, Florida in April this year, Wallis & Futuna joined the organization.

“Guam’s location in the northern Pacific and close to Asia makes it an ideal cruising destination from the eastern markets and a potential home port for cruising around Micronesia.

Mr. Vaeafe said SPCA welcomes the opportunity to share information, best practices and experiences to help the destination develop its cruising sector.

“The Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) is very excited for this opportunity to work with the SPCA and its partners in strengthening the Pacific’s position in the cruise market,” said Melanie Mendiola, GEDA CEO.

Under the new leadership of Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero, GEDA is breathing new life into initiatives to get more cruise ship traffic into Micronesia with the hopes of creating more jobs, promoting the entrepreneurial spirit and increasing resiliency of our already thriving visitors’ industry.

GOT NEWS? click here

possible to reach millions worldwide
Google News, Bing News, Yahoo News, 200+ publications

“Guam receives over 1.5 million travellers per year primarily from Japan and Korea. We are investing millions in upgrading our Port of Entry including Guam International Airport Authority and the Port Authority of Guam with plans to develop Guam as a viable home port for top tier cruise brands,” she said.

The South Pacific Cruise Alliance members are American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Wallis & Futuna.

For 2020, 723 cruise ships will call into SPCA ports and destinations.

MEDIA CONTACT: GUAM VISITORS BUREAU, Office: (671) 646-5278, Mobile: (671) 686-4827, http://www.visitguam.org

MSC Cruises partners with Martha Stewart

by

MSC Cruises – the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line – is partnering with internationally acclaimed home and lifestyle expert Martha Stewart on new, exclusive culinary and discovery experiences on board and ashore to make MSC Cruises’ guests vacation moments even more special and memorable. The partnership — themed Celebrate, Discover, Experience — includes specially curated shore excursions, celebration surprise gift packages, and onboard special holiday dinner menus and recipes.

“MSC Cruises is committed to developing enriching guest experiences and as such we partner with world-class experts in their field to create together something truly unique,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises. “Martha Stewart’s philosophy and passion for discovery is a perfect match for MSC Cruises and we are excited to bring her innovation, style and expertise to life in this special partnership designed to help our guests create memorable vacation moments with friends and family.”

“I’ve always enjoyed introducing people to new experiences, and I’m thrilled to be working with MSC Cruises on a partnership that embodies the true celebratory nature of travel, exploration and discovery,” said Martha Stewart. “The excursions showcase some of my favorite activities and help MSC Cruises’ guests discover some of the authentic and hidden treasures of destinations throughout the Caribbean. The holiday dinner menus and surprise gift packages encompass what I believe celebrations should include: good food, good company and commemorating great adventures and inspiration wherever we are.”

Travel News | eTurboNews

New culinary experiences launched in Victoria Falls

by

Earlier this year Pure Africa Destination Management announced its latest restaurant management partnership with Afro-Chic destination venue Zambezi House Restaurant, which was voted as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Restaurants in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveller.

The team at Pure Africa have since then been busy with the reimagination of designing culinary journeys in Victoria Falls for the menu relaunch of Zambezi House, which has taken much of its inspiration from the meandering journey of the venue’s key feature, the Zambezi River.

Pure Africa recently appointed head chef Mike van Rooyen for the development of the latest tasting menu at Zambezi House, forming part of the greater Pure Africa culinary art initiatives aiming to raise the benchmark for food tourism in Victoria Falls.

Our passion is rooted in travel, innovation, design, culinary art and impact, which form our company’s philosophy in looking to awaken this new African spirit together with local talent, international culinary techniques served with the key ingredient, which is warm Zimbabwean hospitality.

“Seasonal ingredients and traditional dishes reimagined, prepared with local knowledge, global culinary techniques and eventually served with the key ingredient, which is warm Zimbabwean hospitality.”

Pure Africa has coincided the latest Zambezi House menu offering, launching in early May 2019 with full day culinary packages for those travellers looking to experience the local food scene in Victoria Falls;

Pure Africa Culinary Journeys in Victoria Falls:

Historic Tram & Bridge Tour + Zambezi House Dinne

What to expect:

A guided tram tour of Victoria Falls Bridge paired up with freshly baked gourmet sandwiches to start, followed by a craft gin pop-up bar and gourmet snack table overlooking the spray of the Falls from the Zambian border and ending off with a three-course dinner tasting menu to be enjoyed later that evening at Zambezi House Restaurant.

Culinary Features:

Artisanal Sandwiches, Pimm’s Train Station Bar, Craft Gin & Tonic Pop Up Bar, Gourmet Scenic Snacks and a three-course Zambezi House dinner experience.

Luxury Deck Sunset River Cruise + Zambezi  House Dinner

What to expect:

A sunset river cruise down the Zambezi paired up with a relaxing three-course dinner experience perched on the edge of the river.

Culinary Features:

Gourmet sunset tasting boards, craft selection of premium beverages onboard the sunset river cruise followed by a three-course Zambezi House tasting menu prepared by head chef Mike Viljoen.

For more information about Pure Africa Destination Management and their latest culinary journeys please email or visit the Pure Africa Destination Management website.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Ideal ocean cruise ship: Ship sizes and what they mean for your cruise

by

Ships sizes range from megaships (over 4,000 passengers) to very small vessels and luxury yachts whose passengers number in mere dozens, and knowing the differences is key to planning your best cruise vacation.

Cruise experts have divided today’s ships into six categories and provides information on the benefits each provides: XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL.

Extra, Extra Large Ships (XXL) – 4,000+ passengers

These megaships boast unparalleled options in entertainment and amenities. They truly give the impression of being on board a floating city and provide endless choices in dining, activities and shopping (some are so large as to even incorporate a “mall” area with brand name stores). If you desire a resort-type feel from your cruise or worry about sea-sickness, this may be your best option.

Some benefits of XXL ships:

•A large variety of cabin options in every price range
•Dining options that range from small, informal cafes to 5-star restaurants
•Over the top entertainment options that include Broadway-quality shows, 3-D movie theaters, large casinos, extensive waterpark areas and more
•Extremely comprehensive children’s programs and amenities
•Increased ship stability; little sea motion

Example XXL ships:

•Royal Caribbean International: Allure of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas; Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas
•Disney Cruise Line: Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy
•Costa Cruise Line: Costa Diadema, Costa Venezia, Costa Smeralda
•MSC Cruises: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Virtuosa; MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina MSC Splendida,
•Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape
•Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Panorama, Carnival Vista, Carnival Mardi Gras

Extra Large Ships (XL) – 3,000-3,999 passengers

These extra-large ships are a destination unto themselves and are especially good for families and multigenerational cruises due to the many amenities found onboard. There is something for everyone, and many cruisers enjoy their time onboard as much as they do the destinations they visit.

Some benefits of XL ships:

•An abundance of cabin options in many different price ranges
•A variety of dining options, ranging from ultra-casual to very upscale and formal
•A popular favorite with families due to the extensive children’s amenities and programs
•Round-the-clock facilities and activities, such as casinos, water parks, gyms and spas
•Excellent entertainment options and Broadway-quality shows like Royal Caribbean’s productions of Chicago, Hairspray and Saturday Night Fever

Example XL ships:

•Royal Caribbean International: Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas
•Princess Cruises: Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Majestic Princess, Ruby Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Sky Princess
•Carnival Cruises: Carnival Splendor, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Dream, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise
•Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Reflection,
•MSC Cruises: MSC Poesia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica,
•Costa Cruises: Costa Fascinosa, Costa Favolosa, Costa Magica, Costa Pacifica
•Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Joy

Large Ships (L) – 2,000 to 2,999 passengers

Large ships offer many of the same amenities as the XL ships, on a slightly smaller scale. They don’t necessarily require a ship map to navigate to entertainment and activity options, and tend to have more personal touches.

Some benefits of L ships:

•Many cabin options in different price ranges
•Numerous dining options, ranging from very casual to formal
•A popular favorite with families due to the extensive children’s amenities and programs
•Also popular with older cruisers, as the pace onboard is not as frenetic
•A variety of activities, such as casinos, gyms and spas and often there are bridge instructors on longer itineraries
•Entertainment options may include things like a fireworks display, outdoor movies and stage shows
•Onboard lecturers are often more cerebral with topics like history, politics and geography.

Example L Ships:

•Royal Caribbean International: Enchantment of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas
•Princess Cruises: Coral Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Star Princess, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sun Princess
•Cunard Cruises: Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2
•Holland America Line: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam,, Nieuw Statendam
•Disney Cruises: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder
•Carnival Cruises: Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Conquest
•MSC Cruises: MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Seaview
•Costa Cruises: Costa Mediterranea, Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa, Costa Serena, Costa Fortuna, MSC Sinfonia
•Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Solstice Celebrity Silhouette
•Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, Pride of America

Medium Ships (M) – 951 to 1,999 passengers

Medium ships generally offer a slower pace than their large counterparts, with fewer crowds, less noise and more modest offerings when it comes to activity and entertainment options. Many cruisers prefer this size of ship for its “relaxation” vibe. Many of these ships tend to be more luxurious with more personal service.

Some benefits of M ships:

•Many of the premium cruise lines have ships that fall into this category
•Several dining options
•Medium-size ships still tend to have amenities like casinos, pools and spas
•Entertainment options tend to include more enrichment activities
•Attracts a more mature crowd that is focused on relaxation and enjoyment of the voyage
•Smaller size of the ships open up options as far as itineraries and ports
•Itineraries are likely to be 10 days or longer

Example M Ships:

•Holland America Line: HAL Maasdam, HAL Veendam, HAL Amsterdam, HAL Rotterdam, HAL Volendam, HAL Zaandam, HAL Oosterdam, HAL Westerdam, HAL Zuiderdam, HAL Noordam
•Princess Cruises: Coral Princess, Island Princess, Dawn Princess, Sea Princess, Sun Princess
•Crystal Cruises: Crystal Serenity
•Oceania Cruises: Oceania Riviera
•Costa Cruises: Costa Classica, Costa Victoria, Costa neoRomantica, Costa neoRiviera
•Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line: Grand Celebration
•Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Sun

Small Ships (S) – 950 passengers or less

Small ships fill a niche for cruisers that are looking for more in-depth exploration of the regions they visit. They can visit ports that are inaccessible to larger ships, and exotic itineraries are the standard. Most river cruise ships and almost all the luxury lines have ships that fall into this category.

Some benefits of S ships:

•Most cabins are suites and have balconies
•Luxury and service are frequently a focal point of a small ship voyage
•Amenities, while limited, tend to be very high end, including dining, shore excursions, spas and enrichment activities.
•Small ships trend toward a truly all-inclusive fare
•Smaller dining and shared areas lend themselves lively conversations and closer relationships with fellow passengers.
•Itineraries tend to be 10 days or longer

Example S ships:

•Princess Cruises: Pacific Princess
•Crystal Cruises: Crystal Symphony
•Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Explorer
•Oceania Cruises: Oceania Insignia, Oceania Nautica, Oceania Regatta, Oceania Sirena, Oceania Marina
•Silversea Cruises: Silver Muse, Silver Moon
•Azamara Club Cruises: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit
•Costa Cruises: Costa Voyager
•Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Sun, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter
•Seabourn: Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation

Extra Small Ships (XS) – 201-499 passengers

Very small ships offer a private, exclusive ambiance, along with personalized service and the advantage of being able to port almost anywhere. Passengers get a feel for the water and experience destinations in a very close-up, personal way.

Some benefits of XS ships:

•The most important benefit of small ship cruising is an immersive experience in the destination. Very small ships allow an in-depth exploration of nature, culture, history and learning not possible on larger ships.
•Passengers tend to be a well-traveled, worldly crowd who enjoy the pursuit of education and exploration of the destinations they visit
•Very personal attention from the crew; with luxury cruises this translates to personal attendants that see to your every need
•More solitude and the opportunity to relax and pursue your own interests
•Seating is usually open, with no set tables

Example XS ships:

•Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Navigator
•Silversea Cruises: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit
•Seabourn: Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Spirit,
•Windstar Cruises: Wind Surf, Star Pride, Star Breeze, Star Legend
•Paul Gauguin Cruises: MS Paul Gauguin
•Voyages to Antiquity Cruises: MV Aegean Odyssey
•Star Clippers: Royal Clipper

Extra-Extra Small Ship-XXS- Under 200 passengers

Example of XXS ships:

•Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Flora-100 Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Xperience, Celebrity Xploration
•SeaDream Yacht Club: Sea Dream I, SeaDream II
•Silversea Cruises: Silver Discoverer, Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos
•Windstar Cruises: Wind Spirit, Wind Star, Wind Spirit,
•Star Clippers: Star Clipper,Star Flyer

Travel News | eTurboNews

Disney Cruise Line and Captain Minnie Mouse inspire future female ship captains

by

With a collection of new initiatives, Disney Cruise Line is aiming to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the maritime industry. The debut of Captain Minnie Mouse, new youth programs and the funding of scholarships are designed to empower girls and young women to pursue careers in the cruise industry and chart a course for success.

Inspiring Youth through the Magic of Captain Minnie Mouse

Disney characters delight and inspire children around the globe, and Disney Cruise Line is counting on the power of the mouse – Minnie Mouse – to spread the message of exploring new horizons, both by land and by sea.

Captain Minnie Mouse, in her crisp new uniform with smart white trousers or skirt and a bold red jacket emblazoned with captain’s insignia, will make the rounds on all Disney ships starting in April.

Empowering Women through Maritime Scholarships

In 2019, Disney Cruise Line will sponsor four scholarships at the LJM Maritime Academy in The Bahamas for female cadets who aspire to be ship captains and shipboard leaders. The scholarships, one for each of the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, will include tuition to the three-year program. The scholarships will include two years of study at the academy and one year of service aboard a Disney ship.

“Our Disney characters have a unique ability to inspire and connect with children, and we know Captain Minnie will encourage young girls around the world to consider a career in the maritime industry,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Disney Cruise Line. “We are excited to work with LJM Maritime Academy to offer scholarships for young women who are pursuing their passions and following their dreams in our industry.”

Nautical Fun for Children at Sea

Onboard Disney Cruise Line ships later this year, Captain Minnie Mouse will appear in an all-new youth activity where young captain hopefuls practice STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills in a fun maritime-themed activity. Children will hone their STEM and problem-solving abilities – skills that play an important role in the maritime industry – in a series of engaging, hands-on activities.

The interactive experience will be a journey of discovery, exploration and imagination that will be offered in Disney’s Oceaneer Lab aboard all Disney ships.

Why Knot – Taking Nautical Fun Ashore

As part of a commitment to encourage future generations to pursue careers in the maritime industry, Captain Minnie Mouse will visit children in some of Disney Cruise Line’s homeports and ports of call.

Children will have an opportunity to meet Captain Minnie Mouse and be inspired by her “can do” qualities and ability to tackle any goal she sets her mind to.

As part of these local community visits, Captain Minnie Mouse will be accompanied by a female Disney Cruise Line officer or crew member to showcase their roles in the maritime industry and raise awareness about career choices for women aboard a cruise ship.

Travel News | eTurboNews