Jordin Sparks Records Signature Song for the Disney Treasure

Posted on 3 March, 2024 by Spacejunkie2

Singer-songwriter Jordin Sparks recorded a new song dedicated to Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, according to a press release.

Released on streaming platforms on March 1, “Live the Adventure” sets the tone for a new era of Disney Cruise Line vacations as the ship enters the final stages of construction.

The tune features lyrical and instrumental nods to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Aladdin” and blends Sparks’ signature pop stylings with Agrabah-inspired sounds.

“For me, this is a really cool moment,” Sparks said. “I’ve been wanting to do something like this for so long. I’m very excited that [“Live the Adventure”] is going to be part of the Disney repertoire, and that it’s going to be an original with my vocals on it.”

This is the first time Disney Cruise Line has released a signature song for one of its ships.

“I really like ‘Live the Adventure’ because it’s happy – it automatically makes you feel like it’s going to be a great day,” added Sparks. “It’s saying we can discover the treasure of what the day is going to bring.”

“The ability to work with Jordin Sparks is amazing,” said John Dennis, executive creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “She has been a terrific partner, and her vocal style is perfect for ‘Live the Adventure’.”

Set to launch in December, the Disney Treasure will debut experiences such as Plaza de Coco, a new theatrical dining experience themed to the Pixar film; Haunted Mansion Parlor, the first-ever bar inspired by the Disney Parks attraction; and “Disney The Tale of Moana,” the world’s first stage adaptation of the animated movie.

Sir Richard Branson Surprises Passengers on Delta Flight with Free Cruise

Posted on 2 March, 2024 by Spacejunkie2

Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson surprised passengers when he walked onto a Delta flight heading from Atlanta to San Juan, according to a press release.

Virgin Voyages and Delta Airlines teamed up to surprise 160+ passengers with a free cruise aboard the Resilient Lady to celebrate the ship’s launch in Puerto Rico later this year. Branson boarded the flight to personally gift all SkyMiles Members on the flight (18 and older) a free cruise during the ship’s inaugural season in San Juan later this year.

“The Caribbean has been my home for many years, and I’m very excited to welcome Resilient Lady as she sails from San Juan to visit the region’s most beautiful destinations,” said Branson. “My excitement clearly couldn’t be contained, so we came up with a way to celebrate with a personal invitation and surprise for some unsuspecting guests on a Delta flight to San Juan. We’re grateful for our partners at Delta who joined in on the fun and have also been long-time venture partners of our airline, Virgin Atlantic. We look forward to showing everyone what it’s like to Set Sail the Virgin Way!”

Before boarding, Virgin Voyages hosted a full departure gate takeover, bringing to life elements of the ship’s onboard experience at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Fliers were treated to original choreography from Virgin Voyages’ entertainment team, vignettes at the gate, specialty drinks and music.

Branson was joined by Delta’s SVP and Chief Communications Officer, Tim Mapes, for a game of roulette. Customers and passersby alike were invited to spin the wheel of prizes, which included Delta and Virgin Atlantic flights, Virgin Hotel stays, a Virgin Voyages cruise, a Delta Vacation package, gift cards and more.

“When two award-winning brands come together, they create magic for their customers. Delta is thrilled to have partnered with Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages for this special surprise-and-delight for our SkyMiles Members on the flight,” said Mapes. “This is one more way in which we’re adding value to the program and unlocking exclusive experiences for our Members. Stay tuned for more with Virgin Voyages.”

Norwegian Dawn: Mauritius blocks cruise ship over cholera fears

Posted on 26 February, 2024 by Spacejunkie2

Mauritius has denied a Norwegian cruise ship permission to dock at the capital Port Louis over fears of a potential cholera outbreak on board.

At least 15 people on the Norwegian Dawn have been in isolation over suspected illness.

Mauritian authorities said the decision to block the ship was “taken in order to avoid any health risks”.

Samples were taken for testing on Sunday, with results expected to be known on Tuesday.

The passengers developed mild symptoms of a stomach illness during a trip to South Africa, a representative of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said.

Mary Francovilla Dees, 69, a passenger on the Norwegian Dawn told the BBC that despite the delay the atmosphere on the ship has been “fairly calm”.

“The passengers on this ship have appeared to take this in their stride,” she said.

Ms Francovilla says passengers have entertained themselves by sitting by the pool, attending shows and going to the bar.

A Dutch passenger on board told BN DeStem they were told there could be a cholera outbreak on board by the captain.

There have been cholera outbreaks in southern Africa over the last few months, with Zambia being hardest hit.

Since January 2023, at least 188,000 people have been infected with cholera across seven countries in southern Africa, according to the UN. More than 3,000 people have died.

“The health and safety of passengers as well as that of the country as a whole are of the utmost to the authorities,” the Mauritius Ports Authority said.

The ship arrived in Mauritius on Saturday evening after arriving a day early because it did not stop in Réunion Island.

There are 2,184 passengers and 1,026 crew members on the ship. About 2,000 planned to disembark in Port Louis, with another 2,000 expected to board at the same time.

Those who were disembarking or joining the cruise will now do so on 27 February, the Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson said.