Month: July 2018

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Artfully Inspired Design Of Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam Reflects Evolution Of Pinnacle Class

Artfully Inspired Design Of Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam Reflects Evolution Of Pinnacle Class

Newbuild sets the standard for modern elegance with thoughtful touches; New videos showcase the design and artists

Seattle, Wash., July 30, 2018 — When Holland America Line welcomes Nieuw Statendam to the fleet in December 2018, the ship will showcase the evolution of design that was introduced with Koningsdam, the first Pinnacle Class ship. Focusing on the importance of thoughtful details and special touches, Nieuw Statendam’s musical design and “artfully inspired” finishing perfectly blend Holland America Line’s past, present and future and is showcased in a trio of videos on the design and artists now available on hollandamerica.com and the line’s YouTube channel.

The new 2,666-guest ship will have an interior that balances a fresh, contemporary styling in perfect harmony with the line’s renowned classic elegance, while continuing a bold course forward. At the helm of the design and interiors once again are internationally acclaimed hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and Bjørn Storbraaten, one of the world’s leading architects working in the cruise industry.

“Nieuw Statendam will join our fleet in just over four months and guests are excitedly reserving their place to sail on this beautiful new ship in its premier season,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Like its sister-ship Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam is all about fine details and thoughtful touches throughout the ship that create an ambiance of both elegance and style. From the public areas to the staterooms, Nieuw Statendam is going to be stunning and very popular with our guests.”

A leader in creating luxurious and creative interiors at some of the world’s most iconic properties and the designer for sister-ship Koningsdam, Tihany is approaching Nieuw Statendam with an eye toward creating public spaces that reflect the tradition and signature elegance for which Holland America Line is known, while elevating the design by introducing innovative new features.

Focusing on fluid curves and graceful lines, light-filled spaces and the natural flow of public areas, the key to Tihany’s concept is utilizing visual interaction, where guests actively engage with the interiors rather than passively moving through them.

Nieuw Statendam will showcase a dramatic three-deck-high central atrium that is graced by an airy stainless-steel sculpture that is meant to emulate the feeling of being inside and surrounded by a musical instrument. Like music, the experience changes as guests move around and through it, so no two perspectives are the same. The atrium is capped by a ceiling skylight that serves as a backdrop for subtly changing high-definition projections. Guests will look up by day and see wispy cirrus clouds floating in an azure sky or perhaps soothing images of light in water. By evening, the atrium takes on dramatic lighting hues or reflects the starlit constellations of the night sky.

The Dining Room aboard Nieuw Statendam will span two floors and be framed by views of the sea. A bright interior will be inspired by a modern, global design and sets the stage for the exceptional culinary experience to come. Strong, curved architectural pillars will accentuate the soaring ceiling. Chic, custom furnishings and modern glass lighting are being fabricated especially for the ship. The centerpiece is a curved copper sheath surrounding a two-story wine tower showcasing an impressive selection.

Rudi’s Sel De Mer, Holland America Line’s intimate French brasserie, is reimagined on Nieuw Statendam with expanded seating for 54 guests. The restaurant retains its original curving shape and polished walnut wood accordion-inspired column structure, while richly colored décor creates a sense of sophistication and elegance. The back wall is adorned with a collection of porcelain plates decorated with Chef Rudi Sodamin’s Food Faces culinary pop art, produced by the famed French brand Bernardaud.

Architect and Designer Bjørn Storbraaten Joins Tihany in Blending Contemporary Styling with Brand Hallmarks
Architect and designer Bjørn Storbraaten joins Tihany in bringing the ship to life in a familiar yet innovative style. With his previous work on Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam, Storbraaten adds continuity of the brand while taking elegance to the next level.

Storbraaten’s hand is clearly present in the design of the central pool area. The Magrodome area is two levels to create a vast glass-enclosed space. The lower level will feature traditional poolside elements, while the mezzanine level will showcase more seating, a giant screen for poolside movies and New York Deli and Pizza.
In addition to other areas, Storbraaten is designing the exotic look of Tamarind, the line’s Pan-Asian restaurant that emphasizes nature’s basic elements: water, wood, fire and earth. On Nieuw Statendam, the Tamarind experience expands with the addition of a new outdoor dining area, so guests can take in the sweeping views and fresh sea air.
Across the ship, Tihany and Storbraaten are working together to make Nieuw Statendam an exquisite evolution of the Holland America Line experience.
Nieuw Statendam Showcases the Caribbean in its Premier Season
Arriving just in time to whisk travelers away from winter weather, Nieuw Statendam will spend its first cruising season exploring the golden beaches and sun-kissed skies of the Caribbean, sailing roundtrip Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from December 2018 through April 2019. All Caribbean cruises include a day at Holland America Line’s idyllic and award-winning island Half Moon Cay. Next spring, the ship will cross the Atlantic Ocean and spend the summer and fall exploring northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Nieuw Statendam then returns to the Caribbean in October 2019.

Source: Holland America Line Inc.

Macao Holiday Fever at the MITM International Travel Fair 2018

Macao Holiday Fever at the MITM International Travel Fair 2018

Kuala Lumpur, 25 July 2018 - Amazing news for all travel lovers! The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) will be making a comeback this 3, 4, and 5 August 2018 at the coveted MITM Travel Fair at Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur – so get ready to be lavished with amazing travel package deals to visit the ever-vibrant and culturally rich Macao city!

Don’t miss this chance to book your dream holiday to Macao at the MITM Travel Fair as all packages purchased during the fair will entitle you to redeem exclusive free gifts that you will not get elsewhere! Stocks are limited so hurry up! Terms and conditions apply.

At the fair, you will also be able to catch Macao’s official tourism mascot, ‘Mak Mak’! This adorable black-faced spoonbill mascot is inspired by the Guia Lighthouse and is coloured with hues of red, yellow, and blue to bring out Macao’s European influence. ‘Mak Mak’ is a pathfinder that guides travellers to explore Macao’s culturally unique blend of Chinese and European influences. During its journey, ‘Mak Mak’ also searches for its own meaningful and valuable experiences to be brought back to its most beloved home – Macao.

That’s not all! In conjunction with the 65th Macau Grand Prix happening from 15 to 18 November 2018, the MGTO has also prepared a Grand Prix simulator at the roadshow for those who love some fast and furious action! Feel free to channel your inner professional racer as you fasten yourself to the realistic racing seat and step away at the pedal to ignite your racing passion!

Besides that, Macao is also a food paradise famous for its delectable traditional almond cookies, Portuguese tarts, and many more! To entice you with the sweet and authentic flavours of Macao, the MGTO has prepared a food-tasting activity on-site so that you will be able to taste and enjoy the must-try Macao snacks right here in Malaysia! Don’t forget to also head over to the photo booths featuring various backdrops of the many exciting Macao festivals to take photos and you’ll even have the chance to bring home exquisite Macao souvenirs!

The excitement doesn’t stop there! On 4 August, at 12pm, famous host Natalie will be having a sharing session at the MITM Travel Fair Main Stage for the exclusive showing of her ‘More Than Fun’ travelogue series done in collaboration with the MGTO and ABC Holiday! This exciting travelogue series highlights the delectable gourmet adventures and must-try food spots in Macao! Catch Natalie in action as she takes you through a wondrous food journey that explores well-known gourmet hotspots in Macao as well as hidden little food gems that only locals know about! If you can't make it to the fair, remember to catch the episodes on the MGTO and ABC Holiday’s social media platforms!

In a blink of an eye, we are already half way through 2018; yet Macao is still as she is – vibrant, full of exciting cultural and urban activities, and definitely a must-go holiday destination for first-time and returning visitors! Come and marvel at the various year-round activities and events such as the 29th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest on 1, 8, 15, 24 September and 1 October, World Tourism Day on 27 September, the 32nd Macao International Music Festival from 28 September to 28 October and the 21st Lusofonia Festival in October, the 18th Macau Food Festival from 9 to 25 November, the 65th Macau Grand Prix from 15 to 18 November, the Macao International Marathon on 2 December, as well as the Macao Light Festival, Macao International Parade, 3rd International Film Festival & Awards Macao, Macao Shopping Festival 2018 and many more in December!

What are you waiting for? Come now and explore Macao together with ‘Mak Mak’ and experience this gem of a city with its infinite cultural delights – you’ll not regret it!

For more event details, visit Macao Tourism Malaysia’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MacaoTourismMalaysia/.

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Media inquiries:

Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO)
Representative in Malaysia
Tel: +603 2144 2500
Fax: +603 2148 1357
Email: mgto@pacificworld.travel
MGTO website: www.macaotourism.gov.mo
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MacaoTourismMalaysia
Instagram: www.instagram.com/MacaoTourismMalaysia
YouTube: MYMacao TV

Holland America Line’s Explore4 Promotion Entices Travelers With Complimentary Beverages, Specialty Dining And Reduced 3rd/4th Fares

Early booking benefits add great value for guests; suite bookings receive additional offer

Seattle, Wash., July 18, 2018 — Holland America Line’s popular Explore4 promotion is back, making now the ideal time to book a future dream cruise vacation. Explore4 features four enticing offers on more than 600 cruises and Alaska Land+Sea Journeys from holiday 2018 through spring 2020. Travelers looking to plan ahead for next year or beyond can take advantage of all the perks to sip, dine, sail and save. Offers include complimentary beverages and specialty dining, reduced deposits and free or reduced fares for third and fourth guests in a stateroom. Suite bookings also receive onboard spending money.

The Explore4 promotion for guests booking any category stateroom includes a Signature Beverage Package valued at $1,400 per stateroom (based on a 14-day cruise), dinner at the Pinnacle Grill for two, free or reduced cruise fares for third and fourth guests in the same stateroom, and 50 percent reduced deposits. Guests receive all benefits when bookings are made by Nov. 19, 2018.

Suite Travelers Receive Added Perk
Guests who book a cruise in a suite category stateroom will receive the four Explore4 offers plus an additional $200 onboard spending money per stateroom ($100 per person).
“Explore4 continues to be one of our most exciting annual promotions because it remains very popular among our guests, and the perks are so enticing they appeal to new Holland America Line cruisers as well,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “When planning a vacation such as a winter Caribbean getaway, our guests appreciate added values like an inclusive beverage package and specialty dining, as well as exceptional fares. Explore4 gives travelers the confidence to plan their future vacation with us knowing they’re getting some excellent added incentives.”

Beverage, Dining and Other Onboard Amenities Add to Cruise Value
Guests who book any category stateroom receive a Signature Beverage Package that includes wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, sodas and coffee. The beverage offer is only applicable on the cruise portion of Alaska Land+Sea Journeys.
Explore4 offers also include a complimentary dinner at the award-winning Pinnacle Grill, a specialty restaurant on board known for serving delectable Pacific Northwest favorites with the freshest, richest flavors. Featuring a tantalizing menu highlighting steak and seafood dishes like filet mignon and broiled Alaska king salmon, Pinnacle Grill also includes favorites like roasted pumpkin risotto and double-cut Kurobata pork chops.
With reduced cruise fares on select sailings for friends and kids sharing a stateroom with two other guests, a group of four can take an affordable vacation to the Caribbean or a longer journey to an exotic destination. For example, in the Caribbean, fares for seven-day cruises start from US$949 per person, double occupancy in an interior stateroom, and free or reduced fares apply for the third and fourth guests. A seven-day European cruise starts at US$1,199 per person, double occupancy for an interior stateroom, with free or reduced fares for third and fourth guests. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.
By taking advantage of the 50 percent reduced deposit offer, guests will have more flexibility and time before paying the final deposit on their cruise.

Global Itineraries Available with Explore4
Guests looking to take advantage of the Explore4 program can choose select itineraries to nearly all of Holland America Line’s global destinations, including Alaska and Alaska Land+Sea Journeys (Explore4 applies to cruise portion only), Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Baltic, Bermuda, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Holiday, the Mediterranean, Mexico, the Panama Canal and South America. Grand Voyages and Grand Voyage segments are excluded.

Source: Holland America Line Inc.

Aeroflot named Best Airline in Eastern Europe, premium economy onboard catering named best globally at Skytrax World Airline Awards

Aeroflot named Best Airline in Eastern Europe, premium economy onboard catering named best globally at Skytrax World Airline Awards

17 July 2018, Moscow. – Aeroflot has won two categories at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards. In addition to being named Best Airline in Eastern Europe, Aeroflot took the award for Best Premium Economy Onboard Catering of any airline worldwide.

Aeroflot was named Best Airline in Eastern Europe for the sixth straight year and seventh time overall. The award for Best Premium Economy Onboard Catering represents a breakthrough for the Russian flag carrier. Previously the award had belonged to Singapore Airlines, recognized by many ratings as the finest in the world.

The World Airline Awards ceremony, which took place today in the Grand Ballroom of The Langham hotel in London, brought together senior executives of leading airlines from around the world.

“Aeroflot is continuing to steadily increase its collection of aviation Oscars,” Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev said. “The Skytrax World Airline Awards that we have collected today show that our airline consistently maintains a level of service that is at a high international level. Moreover, Aeroflot is able to compete on an even footing with the strongest global airlines in a key area, namely the quality and variety of our in-flight catering. To receive this award is an honour for any of the world’s airlines. For Aeroflot it also pushes us to become better and more popular, and to offer more convenience in everything we do for our passengers, whose safety and comfort is our highest priority.”

Known as the Oscars of the aviation industry, the World Airline Awards have been held every year since 1999 by Skytrax, the authority on service quality among airlines and airports. In 2018, 335 airlines competed for the awards.

The winners are determined based on the world’s largest passenger satisfaction survey, with travellers from more than 100 countries taking part in online voting between August 2017 and May 2018. Those invited to vote include passengers who took part in previous surveys, who number around 24.5 million. Voting forms are available in six languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. The number of participants from China grew fastest this year, with 3.5 million additional reviews.

Aeroflot has held 4-Star Airline status from Skytrax since 2016, placing it firmly among the ranks of Europe’s top carriers.

Source:Aeroflot news

Holland America Line’s Westerdam Sets Sail For The Far East In 2018-19 For Immersive Explorations Of China, Japan, Vietnam And Taiwan

Cruises from 10 to 31 days offer overnights, late departures and overland adventures

Seattle, Wash., July 17, 2018 — The mysteries of the Far East unfold for guests on Holland America Line’s Westerdam when the ship embarks on its robust 2018 -19 season in Asia. From September 2018 through April 2019, the 1,916-guest Westerdam extensively explores China, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam on cruises ranging from 10 to 31 days.
Departing from Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan; Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; and Singapore, ancient temples and cultures steeped in tradition collide with soaring skyscrapers and bustling capitals. Ten different itineraries showcase the diversity of the countries while celebrating their histories that have been thousands of years in the making. Late departures and nine overnight ports allow extra time for exploration, while Hong Kong and Singapore departures provide an incredible opportunity for Holland America’s exclusive Signature Experience pre-cruise tours.
“As travelers seek more meaningful and experiential vacations, our Asia itineraries remain in high demand for their depth of cultural exploration and once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “For many, a cruise to the Far East is long-awaited and highly anticipated. To ensure we exceed their expectations, we designed Westerdam’s season to be among the most comprehensive and memorable in the industry.”
Westerdam kicks off the season with a 14-day North Pacific Crossing from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan. The ship then begins a series of voyages that explore the Far East, from Japan to Vietnam.
Westerdam's 16-day Far East Discovery cruise between Singapore and Hong Kong calls at Sanya, China; four ports in Vietnam, including an overnight stay in Halong Bay; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; Ko Samui and an overnight at Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand. A 13-day Far East Discovery option eliminates Nha Trang in Vietnam and Sanya, while a 15-day Far East Discovery eliminates the overnight stay in Halong Bay, Vietnam.
The shortest itinerary of the season, Westerdam’s 10-day East Asia roundtrip Hong Kong cruise, departs Dec. 10 and explores Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines.
Celebrating the first cruise of 2019, a 15-day Thailand & Vietnam itinerary sails roundtrip Singapore and offers an extensive exploration of Vietnam. Guests will experience four calls in the country, including an overnight in Da Nang (Hue). The cruise also includes an overnight at Laem Chabang (Bangkok) and calls at Ko Samui and Sihanoukville.
Westerdam’s 14- or 15-day Taiwan & Japan cruise between Hong Kong and Shanghai features an overnight at Hong Kong or Shanghai, depending on embarkation port, and visits the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.

A Series of 14-Day Itineraries Round out the Ship’s Asia Offerings
Cruising roundtrip from Shanghai, the China, South Korea & Japan cruise features two ports in each country, including overnight calls in Shanghai, Tianjin (Beijing) and Incheon (Seoul). The China Explorer from Hong Kong to Yokohama includes two ports in Japan and three ports in China, with overnights at Shanghai and Tianjin (Beijing).
Westerdam’s Japan Explorer is a roundtrip Yokohama (Tokyo) journey with five ports in Japan, including an overnight at Kobe (Osaka); two calls in Taiwan; and a visit to Jeju (Cheju), South Korea. The final cruise of the season is a Japan & Russia itinerary roundtrip from Yokohama visiting an incredible eight ports in Japan and a northerly exploration to Vladivostok, Russia. The season concludes with a 15-day spring North Pacific Crossing between Yokohama (Tokyo) and Vancouver, encompassing ports in Japan and Alaska.

Collectors’ Voyages Up to 31 Days Offer Longer Explorations of Several Countries
Back-to-back cruises can be booked together to form a longer Collectors’ Voyage that provides a more in-depth exploration of the region. Combining up to two itineraries, the Asia Collectors’ Voyages range from 23 to 31 days.

Grand Asia Voyage Offers an 82-Day Circumnavigation of the Pacific
Travelers looking to fulfill their ultimate bucket list adventure should take note of Holland America Line’s 2018 Grand Asia & Pacific Voyage aboard Amsterdam. This 82-day cruise departing Sept. 30, 2018, circumnavigates the Pacific Ocean roundtrip from Los Angeles, Calif., and calls at 33 ports, with six overnight visits.
The 2018 Grand Asia & Pacific Voyage explores Alaska, Russia, Japan, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Australia, several South Pacific islands and Hawaii. Guests interested in expanding their cruise to explore more of the West Coast also have the choice of 89- and 87-day itineraries departing from Seattle, Wash., and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
For travelers who prefer a shorter vacation, the 2018 Grand Asia & Pacific Voyage features 12 segments: 39 days from Vancouver to Hong Kong; 41 days from Seattle to Hong Kong;15 days from Los Angeles to Yokohama; 34 days from Los Angeles to Hong Kong; 64 days from Seattle to Sydney; 62 days from Vancouver to Sydney; 57 days from Los Angeles to Sydney; 42 days from Yokohama to Sydney; 19 days from Yokohama to Hong Kong; 23 days from Hong Kong to Sydney; 48 days from Hong Kong to Los Angeles; and 25 days from Sydney to Los Angeles.

Singapore and Hong Kong Signature Experiences Offer Exclusive Pre-Cruise Tours
Holland America Line’s culturally immersive Signature Experiences were exclusively created for the cruise line and include an evening event, two-night luxury hotel stay and transfers. Guests who book a suite on the eligible cruises receive the Signature Experiences complimentary, but space is limited and reservations are required.
In Singapore, guests can take the An Evening at the National Gallery Singapore tour with a behind-the-velvet-rope evening at the National Gallery Singapore, featuring a private tour of the museum’s impressive collection of Southeast Asian art. In a grand, glass-enclosed space, guests enjoy drinks and appetizers while watching a traditional lion dance performance. They also will see a snake charmer, henna artist, master Chinese calligrapher and palm reader work their magic.
During Hong Kong’s A Taste of Hong Kong — Dai Pai Dong Experience, guests will explore one of the world’s great cuisines the way the locals do: with traditional street food. This exclusive event features an array of delectable dishes served from food stalls, and traditions such as calligraphy, knotting, paper cutting and grasshopper weaving highlight the experience.

Explorations Central Brings Asian Culture on Board
Throughout the voyages, EXC programming brings Asia’s local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life on board. Through EXC Encounters, guests can participate in activities like transforming a piece of paper into origami art, perfecting chopstick skills, learning the etiquette of local tea ceremonies, and exploring the poses and postures of the statues of Buddha. Guests who want to learn more about the region and cultures can attend an EXC Talk by an EXC Guide or head to America’s Test Kitchen for a cooking demonstration, cooking class or themed mixology class featuring local fare.
The EXC Team will provide further customized guidance for the Asian calls as well as online EXC Port Guides. For guests who enjoy exploring on their own, printed EXC Port Maps present a simple view of the best each port has to offer. The in-stateroom EXC Channel will feature a selection of curated films, documentaries and TV shows exploring destinations on the ship’s itinerary.

Source: Holland America Line Inc.