Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Nov. 4, 2016

Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Nov. 4, 2016

• Executives from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Meyer Werft gathered in Papenburg, Germany, to celebrate the first steel-cutting for Norwegian Bliss. “As we close in on Norwegian Cruise Line’s 50th anniversary, we are thrilled to celebrate the start of construction for Norwegian Bliss, our latest and most innovative ship yet,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. The ship, customized for Alaska cruising, is due to be delivered in spring 2018.
• Royal Caribbean International has partnered with the Madison Square Garden Company, becoming the official cruise line of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, and the Arena Concert Series at Madison Square Garden. The cruise line’s brand will be used on LED signs in the arena, in featured spots on GardenVision, and on Knicks and Rangers digital and social assets. Says Royal Caribbean International Chief Marketing Officer, Jim Berra: “We hope to inspire New Yorkers to consider Royal Caribbean for their next great adventure.”
• Carnival Cruise Line is adding two year-round ships to new homeports in Tampa and Long Beach. Starting January 2018, Carnival Miracle will offer 7-day cruises to the Caribbean from Central Florida, while Carnival Splendor will provide weeklong Mexican Riviera cruises from Southern California. Before settling into their new routines, both ships will sail extended Panama Canal cruises. Carnival Splendor will also operate a 14-day Hawaii round-trip from Long Beach.
• Look for Crystal on television. The luxury brand — which includes ocean cruises, river cruises, and an airline — has launched its first TV campaign in more than a decade, advertising its growing portfolio of travel experiences on Fox and CNN. “The past year has been packed with firsts for Crystal, as we expand our experiences to meet and exceed the interests of a broader audience of discerning travelers,” says Crystal president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez. “We are thrilled to share these experiences on a larger platform, and provide a visual glimpse into the internationally acclaimed world of All Things Crystal.”

^{Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd.}