Wine connoisseurs and novices alike can experience the art of winemaking at BLEND aboard Holland America Line’s new ms Koningsdam when the ship debuts in April 2016. In collaboration with Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington State’s oldest and most acclaimed winery, the intimate venue will enable guests to blend their own wine and enjoy it at dinner or in the privacy of their stateroom.
BLEND — the first of its kind for Holland America Line and the only purpose-built wine-blending venue at sea — will have a tasting table that accommodates 10 guests who can create their own blend from a selection of five barrels of single-vineyard red wine. In addition to participating in the blending process, guests also will learn about wine from the ship’s wine expert, who leads the blending session.
“At the core of every Holland America Line cruise is our desire to offer unique, immersive and innovative experiences, and BLEND by Chateau Ste. Michelle is all of those things and more,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “The BLEND experience on Koningsdam is designed to appeal to everyone, and it will be exciting for our guests to create an exclusive wine tailored to their personal taste that they can enjoy onboard with our exceptional cuisine.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7363852-holland-america-line-ms-koningsdam/
October is National Plan a Cruise Month and the cruise industry is celebrating by launching #CruiseSmile, a simple and exciting chance to win one of 31 cruise vacations from 23 different cruise lines awarded each day, from October 1 through October 31, 2015. Anyone can enter each day during the sweepstakes by simply submitting a photo featuring a ‘cruise smile’ at CruiseSmile.org, or posting their ‘cruise smile’ on Twitter or Instagram using #CruiseSmile and #Sweepstakes. Participants will have the opportunity to share their posts for more chances to win.
“Those who cruise have a secret: they love cruising and cannot stop smiling about it. Whether it's planning, booking, dreaming about or basking in the memories of taking a cruise vacation, it's hard not to smile,” said Cindy D'Aoust, Acting CEO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “The #CruiseSmile campaign is a fun way for the cruise industry to spread the love of cruising during National Plan a Cruise Month as well give vacation dreamers the chance to win a remarkable cruise vacation for two.”
The #CruiseSmile sweepstakes prize calendar is filled with incredible cruise vacations for two, including a seven-night luxury voyage to Tahiti and the Society Islands in the South Pacific, an eight-day European river cruise on the Seine River from Paris, a magical family-friendly three-night Bahamian voyage at sea and even a 14-day Far-East Discovery cruise visiting exotic ports throughout Southeast Asia.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7584131-clia-national-plan-a-cruise-month/
The 2015 Christmas Book was unveiled today by luxury retailer Neiman Marcus in Dallas. The 89th edition of this legendary book continues Neiman Marcus’s unmatched tradition of offering its customers a selection of spectacular and unique holiday gifts sure to make even their wildest dreams come true.
ARCH MOTORCYCLE & RIDE EXPERIENCE
Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger make up Arch Motorcycle Company, and the KRGT-1—hailed by one reviewer as “the Zen of motorcycle design”—is their first production bike. Framed of steel and aircraft-grade billet aluminum with carbon fiber fenders and front cowling, it has a 124-cubic-inch v-twin engine that produces 121 horsepower and matching 120 pound-feet of torque. This limited edition comes with custom race-inspired trim, performance suspension, and an exclusive two-day ride experience for two along the California coast with Reeves and Hollinger. Hotel and airfare to California included. With the purchase of the KRGT-1 Motorcycle Ride Experience, Neiman Marcus will donate $5,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7561451-neiman-marcus-2015-christmas-book/
As a founding voice in the world of holistic wellness, Canyon Ranch® has the wisdom and expertise of spending nearly 40 years helping its guests achieve well-being. Now, the life-enhancement brand that’s built a devoted global following, is finally going global itself.
Under the guidance of the brand’s new Chief Executive Officer, Susan E. Docherty, the Company announced today the development of its first-ever international destination, Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort at Kaplankaya, on a spectacular peninsula of the sun-kissed Aegean coast. The initial phase of the Canyon Ranch development, which will open in July 2016, will include a strikingly modern resort and luxury real estate offerings. The property will integrate the signature wellness and lifestyle programming that has earned Canyon Ranch a famously loyal clientele worldwide.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7634751-canyon-ranch-resort-kaplankaya-turkey/
More than half of Americans under the age of 40 surveyed in a recent poll (58.4%) would choose a day without food over a night without sleep. But they might want to hang onto their hamburgers. It seems they aren’t getting enough shut eye, anyway. This is interesting food for thought that led the Sleep Inn® hotel brand to dig deeper into the state of American sleep. The findings were eye-opening. And now the brand that prides itself on better dreams and relaxing rest is asking Americans around the country to take a stand for more sleep and join the “Let’s Sleep Inn” Movement.
“We are launching the “Let’s Sleep Inn” Movement because the Sleep Inn hotel brand recognizes the vital importance of a good night’s rest - for health, happiness and even, perhaps, the American economy. The word ‘Sleep’ is not only in the name of our Sleep Inn hotels, it’s in our brand DNA,” said Anne Smith, vice president of brand strategy for Choice Hotels. “We wanted to learn more about how and when Americans are sleeping. Our survey not only reveals interesting trends about sleep styles and preferences, but also just how much people would be willing to give up or trade for more quality rest.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7267151-sleep-inn-movement/
Royal Caribbean International sails 23 ships to more than 250 destinations around the world delivering the world’s best vacation for adventure seekers on the most innovative vessels at sea. The cruise line is launching a new brand campaign inviting these seekers to “Come Seek” their own experience filled with adventure, exploration and discovery.
“Come Seek” reflects the brand’s adventurous spirit by placing the traveler’s personal experience and point of view at the heart of the campaign. It also showcases the essence of the experience that the brand has been delivering for more than 40 years. Known for its innovation – including the revolutionary Oasis- and Quantum-class ships – and delivering many industry-firsts from ziplines and rock climbing walls, the FlowRider surf simulator and the RipCord by iFly skydiving experience, to leading technological breakthroughs like VOOM – the fastest internet at sea, Royal Caribbean continues to transform the cruise experience offering an active adventure with an immersive experience and connectivity that all travelers desire.
“Our mission is to challenge misperceptions and invite the next generation of travelers to experience the unique Royal Caribbean adventure,” said Michael Bayley, president & CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Our loyal guests recognize that Royal Caribbean is an adventure designed to inspire and excite the senses. With our new campaign, we will show these new travelers what our guests already know and love.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7657051-royal-caribbean-come-seek/
Rivea and Skyfall Lounge, by Michelin-decorated chef Alain Ducasse, are now open atop Delano Las Vegas, the newest luxury hotel on The Strip. Rivea, the first location in the United States, and Skyfall Lounge bring together Riviera-inspired cuisine, celebrated libations, a chic casual atmosphere and the best views of Las Vegas.
“I am thrilled to introduce Rivea and Skyfall Lounge to Las Vegas,” said Chef Ducasse. “Upon entering the restaurant and lounge, every detail transports guests to those endless summer nights in the South of France. The seductive menu highlights simple, fresh Italian and French cooking, while the design is sophisticated and laid-back, complementing the best view of the Las Vegas Strip.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7655651-rivea-skyfall-lounge-delano-las-vegas/
When friends and families can't be together at Thanksgiving, celebrating may become a little less joyful. In fact, nearly half of Americans (45 percent) say they would skip certain family traditions if they had to spend Thanksgiving alone, while nearly one in five (19 percent) would skip the holiday entirely. So this Thanksgiving, SC Johnson is launching Happy Thanksgathering™, giving families who might not be together this holiday season the chance to gather, to give thanks and to celebrate.
Now through Wed, Nov. 25, consumers can visit www.HappyThanksgathering.com for daily chances to enter a sweepstakes to win a $1,000 “Help Me Get Home” Visa rewards card to put toward a trip home this holiday season. They also have the option to enter a second sweepstakes for the chance to win a $250 “Help Me Host” gift card to help pay for a holiday feast with loved ones.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7671331-sc-johnson-a-family-company/
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) today conducted the first flight of the first flight-test airplane for the MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet), their next-generation regional jet. The first flight was viewed around the world on the MRJ website, www.flythemrj.com.
The MRJ took off from Nagoya Airport and confirmed its basic characteristics and functionality in ascent, descent and turning in airspace off the Pacific coast during its 1.5-hour first flight.
“The MRJ successfully took to the sky today thanks to ongoing cooperation and support from all members involved,” said Hiromichi Morimoto, President, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. “ We will make our utmost efforts towards type certificate acquisition, committing all our resources to develop and produce the finest regional jet aircraft to enter commercial service in 2017.”
“Operational performance of the MRJ exceeded expectations. We had a significantly comfortable flight,” said Pilot Yasumura, who served as captain.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7688051-mitsubishi-aircraft-mrj/
World trade in perishable foods turns a page as Maersk Container Industry (MCI), an independent business unit in the Maersk Group conglomerate, today announced that it has begun production of the first refrigerated containers and Star Cool refrigeration machines built in South America at its new MCI facility in San Antonio, Chile.
The first trial production of these ISO standard 40 feet reefer containers were successfully delivered during the third quarter of 2015 into the Maersk Line and CMA CGM operations. Shortly thereafter, both shipping lines placed new orders. To further leverage this new value proposition, Maersk Line has secured a fixed monthly volume from the MCI facility allowing for increased agility and fast response time to the demand in the region.
“In this sweet spot of fruit exporters, we have placed the factory right where the demand is. For the first time ever in South America, reefer containers can go straight “from factory to farm”,” said Stig Hoffmeyer, Chief Executive Officer of MCI. “Offering the Star Cool Integrated reefers locally to shipping lines, farmers, fruit distributors and leasing companies, will have a financial benefit counted in thousands of dollars per reefer, and millions for the industry in total,” he continued.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7688551-maersk-container-industry-factory-chile/
As part of their ongoing Stop the Texts. Stop the Wrecks. Texting and Driving Prevention campaign, the Ad Council and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are partnering with YouTube creator and actress Meg DeAngelis to raise awareness of this dangerous behavior. The collaboration also coincides with the release of new television campaign public service advertisements (PSAs) and the launch of Project Yellow Light, a national video contest and scholarship program that aims to educate young drivers on and generate engagement around this issue.
Meg is joining the effort as part of the Ad Council’s Creators for Good program by distributing new exclusive video content to her almost four million subscribers on YouTube. The video amplifies the campaign message, showing drivers that no matter how “safely” they think they can drive while doing other things, distracted driving is always dangerous. Created as an advice video, Meg runs through “10 Everyday Things You’re Doing Wrong” - from putting in bobby pins to folding your clothes - and ends with a serious message to her fans about the dangers of texting and driving.
“Texting and driving is such a serious issue, so I'm really proud to be a voice of this important campaign,” said DeAngelis. “I want all of my viewers to stay safe, so I hope that together, we can spread the word on the dangers of distracted driving.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7682151-ad-council-project-yellow-light/
Though Quanzhou was once the greatest port in the world, it is now relatively unknown to the international traveler. Perhaps that was one reason Bill Brown, MBA Professor at Xiamen University, was advised to write a book on the city, and not just by anyone.
Brown and his family moved to Fujian, southern China in the 1980s and, finding China very different from how he expected, he started writing about the fascinating region.
Then there was a meeting with Xi Jinping, then governor of the province.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7696651-bon-cp-china-mystic-quanzhou/
