Crystal partners with Broadway talent

Luxury-line Crystal has partnered with Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Kevin McCollum. The producer who has worked on In the Heights, Avenue Q, Rent, Motown: The Musical and more will help present performances, lectures and hold Q&A with some of theatre’s top artists. “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Kevin McCollum and his vast network of talented performers,” says Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s chairman, CEO and president. “The artists and experts set for this exclusive new program hail straight from Broadway, offering our guests the superlative caliber of entertainment, enrichment and insider viewpoints they expect aboard a Crystal ship.”

Ponant starts construction of new ships

Ponant has started construction of its new expedition ships, Le Lapérouse and Le Champlain, marking the launch of the construction of the second in the series of four PONANT EXPLORERS sisterships, due to be delivered in Summer 2018 and Summer 2019. These 4 yachts will be fitted with a multi-sensorial underwater lounge, an exclusive design and a world first, which will be revealed in May 2017.

Queen Victoria refurbishment

Cunard will be spending $40 million on refurbishing the Queen Victoria. It will be adding 30 cabins and refurbishing 24 suites, adding a new dining room as well as a new sundeck and specialty café. The refurbishment will start in May this year and involves slicing off part of the back of the ship to add the Britannia Club cabins and a Britannia Club Restaurant. “This investment in Queen Victoria just goes to demonstrate Cunard’s passion for delivering an experience that exceeds guests’ expectations in luxury travel by sea,” said Simon Palethorpe, Senior Vice President, Cunard. “For the first time on Queen Victoria, guests can enjoy an elevated experience with large, well-appointed balcony staterooms in prime locations and the new Britannia Club Restaurant will be the perfect setting for those who prefer a more intimate dining experience in one of the finest restaurants at sea.”

Disney to offer Beauty and the Beast themed cruises

Starting in 2018, Disney will be hosting Beauty and the Beast themed cruises along the Rhine River. On the six itineraries, Disney will take guests to villages and experienced that inspired Beauty and the Beast films. The sailings will also feature Beauty and the Beast themed dinners as well as screenings of both the live-action and animated film. Adventure by Disney’s eight-day Rhine cruise will be aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaKristina.