Celebrity Cruises Launches "Signature Event Sailings": New Exhilarating Upscale Experiences

MIAMI, Aug. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrity Cruises is broadening its immersive vacations in 2015-16 with its new exclusive array of "Signature Event Sailings". Guests can experience iconic global events and celebrations as part of their Celebrity vacation while sailing to popular locales in Europe, the Far East and South America.

Providing vacationers with inside access into a series of the most desirable events across the globe, Celebrity's Signature Event Sailings immerse guests in each culture-rich destination with specially designed shore excursions that place them in the middle of the action or a VIP vantage point. Vacationers seeking to explore and experience a destination's unique and authentic cultural events can set their sights on celebrating the star-studded Cannes Film Festival, the historic Redentore Festival in Venice, Italy; Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, the vibrant Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and more.

To further enhance the Signature Event Sailings vacation experience, guests also will be entertained and engaged onboard with unique shows, speakers and activities inspired by the highlighted world event.

Signature Event Sailings for 2015-16 include:

Anzac Day - 100th Anniversary Commemoration in Turkey: As part of a 12-night Turkey and Greece cruise departing on April 22, 2015, history buffs can step back in time with a visit to the battlefields of Gallipoli, one of the world's most historically significant military sites, during the 100th Anniversary of Anzac Day. Guests also have the chance to explore and enjoy a tour of the Gallipoli Peninsula, which showcases Turkey's rich culture and history.

Onboard Celebrity Constellation, vacationers can learn about World War I and II from historian and author Peter Donovan, plus there will be a special viewing of the 100th Anniversary of Anzac Day service televised from the beaches of Gallipoli as well as a commemorative onboard ceremony.

Cannes Film Festival: On a 10-night Mediterranean cruise, departing on May 11, 2015, from Barcelona, Spain, Celebrity Equinox will make an iconic visit to Cannes, France, where the hot-ticket event of the summer will be taking place – the Cannes Film Festival. Vacationers can indulge in the epitome of A-list Hollywood glamour and sophistication by attending an exclusive VIP rooftop celebration ashore with live French music, cocktails and a can't-miss view of the locale's picturesque harbor. Onboard, guests can enjoy Celebrity's film festival ­– a celebration of past Cannes Film Festival winners – and watch live presentations from a film historian.

Redentore Festival in Venice: This 14-night Turkey and Black Sea cruise, departing on July 5, 2015 from Istanbul, Turkey, will visit Venice, Italy during the historic Redentore Festival – a festive celebration that dates back to 1577. Onboard Celebrity Constellation, guests can watch one of the most prolific fireworks displays in the world illuminate decorated boats gathered in Saint Mark's basin, and enjoy a themed poolside and interactive masque event inspired by a Venetian masquerade ball.

The British Open in Edinburgh: Departing on July 15, 2015 from Amsterdam, Netherlands, golf enthusiasts can enjoy the oldest and most prestigious of the major professional golf championships – the British Open – while on the 12-night British Isle cruise aboard Celebrity Silhouette. Celebrating the championship's 144^th year, vacationers can enjoy VIP experiences that include special onboard events hosted by a golf pro, entry at the historic championship in St. Andrews, teeing up for a round of golf on stunning courses in three different locations during the sailing, and the rare opportunity to walk the Old Course.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro: Guests can be part of the action in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during Carnival by sailing on Celebrity Infinity's special 14-night South America and Rio Carnival cruise, departing on January 31, 2016 from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Vacationers can samba down the Sambadrome of Rio in an extravagant costume and experience the vibrancy of the iconic Samba Parade in grandstand or VIP seating. The party continues onboard, as professional samba dancers will grace the stage and invite vacationers to learn the iconic Brazilian dance and show off their new skills under the stars at a Latin-themed celebration with music from South Beach to South America.

Chinese New Year in Hong Kong: Guests can experience Chinese New Year in one of the most vibrant cities of the Far East – Hong Kong – during the 14-night Chinese New Year cruise, departing on January 31, 2016 aboard Celebrity Millennium. While in Hong Kong, guests can explore historic landmarks, from the Wong Tai Sin Temple to Kowloon Walled City Park, and participate in a local tradition by visiting the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree. While at sea, vacationers will have the opportunity to marvel at live performances by Shaolin Monks, take Tai Chi lessons and celebrate the "Year of the Monkey" with more onboard events.

For more information about Celebrity's new Signature Event Sailings, visit celebritycruises.com.

About Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity's 11 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents, and present immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of six cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com, or call your travel agent.

SOURCE Celebrity Cruises