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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Announces Caribbean Shore Collection

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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Announces Caribbean Shore Collection

Bethesda, MD, United States, February 4, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company announced the Shore Collection for the Caribbean itineraries on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, offering a first look at the signature shore excursions in five distinct categories which include Iconic Sights; Stirring the Senses; Cultural Connections; Active Explorations; and Epicurean Experiences. For those guests looking to extend their time in destination, the brand is also introducing a selection of Overland Programs.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Caribbean Shore Collection,” said Doug Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “While developing the Shore Collection, our goal was to offer guests extraordinary itineraries that provide an intimate look at each destination and its culture, as well as enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences at hotels and resorts within Marriott International’s luxury portfolio.”

The Shore Collection tours are offered in intimate group sizes and most can be personalized into private experiences, and a dedicated Concierge Ashore is available to create bespoke experiences for guests. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection stands apart through extensive research and choosing experts by port, ensuring insider knowledge in the destination and a truly local, authentic perspective. Highlights of the Caribbean Shore Collection include an exclusive tour of Aruba Aloe in Oranjestad, Aruba paired with an aloe-based treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Aruba; an overland adventure to Bogotá, Colombia; and exploring Belize’s marine and mountain wonders from the skies.

Stirring the Senses: Aruba Aloe Tour and Aloe Spa Experience
Unearth the powers of the aloe’s healing properties and restorative powers on a visit to an island aloe facility and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Aruba. The wellness-focused trip begins with a tour of Aruba Aloe, one of the world’s first companies to formulate and manufacture skin and hair products with the succulent plant. Following the tour, guests will experience the healing benefits firsthand at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Aruba where they will first create a customized sugar scrub, then choose from a selection of aloe-based treatments to indulge in.

Cultural Connections: Overland Adventure to Bogotá, Colombia
Go beyond the tropical coast to explore history, heritage, and culture in Colombia’s vibrant mountaintop capital. Experience Colombia’s diverse regions on an overnight tour that takes guests from the Caribbean coast to the capital of Bogotá. Highlights of the overnight excursion include a guided tour of Bogotá’s colonial district featuring the presidential mansion and museums dedicated to gold and Botero; an evening outing to Monserrate, a hilltop church that affords unparalleled views; and authentic dining experiences such as a cooking class with a local chef in a private home following a trip to the Plaza de Paloquemaofruit and flower market.

Active Explorations: Flightseeing over Blue Hole and Mayan Ruins
Discover Belize’s marine and mountain wonders from the skies, followed by a Maya wine and food pairing at an exclusive resort. A chartered aircraft will take off from Belize City, traveling due east over the shifting blue hues of the coastal waters. At Long Caye, the plane banks northward toward the Lighthouse Reef and the Great Blue Hole at its center. After circling the Blue Hole, the plane will soar over rolling landscapes, waterfalls, and the granite hillsides of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Touching down deep in the tropical jungle, guests will arrive at an exclusive resort for a wine and food pairing four-course lunch.

“The Caribbean Shore Collection demonstrates the type of innovative and personalized programming that will make The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection unique,” Prothero continued. “Our experiences are about taking people into the destination and bringing a new or different perspective to ‘must-do’ tours in addition to offering our own off-the-beaten path adventures. We aim to stimulate our guests’ cultural curiosity and offer a truly memorable and authentic way to experience a destination.”

The specially designed yacht will measure 190-meters, accommodate up to 298 passengers and feature 149 suites, each with its own private terrace. The yacht will also feature two 158 square-meter lavish Owner’s suites, each with its own private whirlpool, modern craftsmanship and interior finishes jointly designed by The Ritz-Carlton and leading design firm Tillberg Design of Sweden. The onboard experience will reflect the sublime comfort and unparalleled level of individualized guest service for which the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection guests will enjoy an all-inclusive luxury experience including spacious accommodations, onboard activities and entertainment, beverages, multiple dining venues, onboard gratuities, WiFi and water-sports from the yacht’s marina. Signature experiences available for an additional fee include a culinary experience at Aqua, the yacht’s signature restaurant designed by Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld, spa treatments, and immersive excursions offered through The Shore Collection. Voyage prices vary based upon the itinerary and season.

The yachts of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Cruise Industry Leaders to Put Focus on Sector’s Revival in Australasia

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Cruise Industry Leaders to Put Focus on Sector’s Revival in Australasia - TRAVELINDEXSydney, Australia, August 3, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Cruise industry leaders from across the globe will put a focus on the sector’s revival in Australasia and Asia this month as Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) hosts a Virtual Cruise Forum.

In lieu of the postponed Cruise360 Australasia Conference in Sydney, the August 27 forum will provide an essential update for the region’s cruise community, offering important insight as the industry navigates a path to recovery.

CLIA announced speakers for the online event, which will combine the global perspective of international leaders with the insight of key regional executives working on cruising’s resumption locally. Speakers will include:

– Kelly Craighead – CLIA Global President and CEO
– Gianni Onorato – CEO, MSC Cruises
– Ellen Bettridge – President & CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
– Jason Montague – President & CEO, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
– Colleen McDaniel – Editor in Chief, Cruise Critic
– Annie Chang – Director, Cruise Development, Singapore Tourism Board
– Gavin Smith – CLIA Australasia Chair; VP & MD Australia & New Zealand, Royal Caribbean
– Sture Myrmell – CLIA Advocacy Committee Chair; President, Carnival Australia
– Sarina Bratton – Chairman Asia Pacific, Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions
– Michael Londregan – Senior Vice President, Global Operations, Virtuoso.

Other speakers will be announced soon.

CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said the Virtual Cruise Forum was open to all CLIA Australasia and Asia members at no charge and would feature live panel discussions and interviews.

“At a critical time for our industry, this online forum will give travel agents valuable insight that will help ensure they benefit from cruising’s recovery,” Mr Katz said. “It has never been more important for our cruise community to unite around our common goals, and with the help of global industry leaders this forum will help define our path forward.”

Topics will include a State of the Industry update on cruising’s road to recovery; how the cruise sector is working to rebuild confidence; how travel agents can achieve new relevance as cruise specialists; and how close collaborations have resulted in the successful resumption of operations overseas.

The Virtual Cruise Forum will run from 10am to 4pm AEST (12pm to 6pm NZST) on Friday August 27, 2021. For further details and registration, CLIA Members can visit Virtual Cruise Forum.

CLIA invites you to join our Virtual Cruise Forum on Friday 27 August 2021, offering essential insight from regional and international speakers as our industry navigates a path to recovery.

To be held in lieu of the postponed Cruise360 Australasia Conference in Sydney, this forum will provide important updates and an opportunity for our cruise community to unite at this critical time.

CLIA’s Virtual Cruise Forum is open to all CLIA Members at no charge and will feature live panel discussions and interviews – each designed to keep you informed and ensure you benefit from cruising’s recovery.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MSC Cruises to Expand Saudi Arabia Programme

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MSC Cruises to Expand Saudi Arabia Programme

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, August 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / MSC Cruises, the contemporary brand of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, today announced that MSC Bellissima, one of the line’s most modern ships, will sail 21 Red Sea voyages from Jeddah, the commercial hub of Saudi Arabia, between the end of July and late October.

  • MSC Bellissima to homeport in Jeddah with 3- and 4-night cruises to Egypt and Jordan
  • Summer season to complement winter 2021/22 Red Sea itineraries
  • Eighth MSC Cruises ship to resume operations with passengers on board

MSC Bellissima is the largest cruise ship ever to sail the waters of the Red Sea and the vessel arrived at the weekend in Jeddah to prepare for her maiden season.

The ship, which first came into services in 2019, will offer 3- and 4-night cruises to Safaga for Luxor, Egypt or Aqaba for Petra, Jordan before returning to her Saudi homeport.

The summer sailings will add to MSC Cruises’ previously announced winter 2021/22 Red Sea voyages from Jeddah starting in November.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises said: “As the tourism industry of Saudi Arabia grows progressively for its own residents and international visitors, we at MSC Cruises are looking forward to make a positive and lasting contribution as more people explore and discover the rich heritage and incredible cultural attractions it has to offer.

“With our cruises this summer from Jeddah of MSC Bellissima and a ship dedicated for the winter season in the Red Sea we are committed to serve holidaymakers with the very best cruise experiences. This, we believe, will accelerate the attractiveness of holidays at sea in the region and significantly help in the growth of tourism.”

MSC Bellissima will be the eighth MSC Cruises’ ship to resume sailings with passengers on board with a further three vessels preparing to start future voyages, which will see half of the Company’s fleet back at sea by the end of summer.

Five MSC Cruises’ ships are currently sailing in the Mediterranean – MSC Grandiosa MSC Seaside, MSC Orchestra, MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica, MSC Virtuosa is operating around the UK and MSC Seaview is cruising in the Baltic Sea.

MSC Meraviglia from 2 August will resume Caribbean cruises from Miami and will be joined in the region from 18 September when MSC Divina restarts sailing from Port Canaveral near Orlando in Florida.

MSC Seashore will come into service in August with voyages in the West Mediterranean before the Company’s newest flagship transfers in November to Miami for a season in the Caribbean.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO and Greece to Collaborate on Maritime Tourism Research Centre

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Athens, Greece, June 6, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO is to collaborate with the Greek Ministry of Tourism in establishing a first research station dedicated to measuring the sustainable development of coastal and maritime tourism across the Mediterranean. The new monitoring centre will be based at the University of the Aegean in Greece. From here, experts will capture and collate measurement data…

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News