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Celebrity kicks off year-round Caribbean cruises with new activities, offers

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Celebrity Equinox - sailing from PortMiami with new programs including 'Summer Camp at Sea' and, for adults, new 'Taste of the Caribbean' activities
Celebrity Equinox will operate year-round Caribbean sailings starting in 2017. Affluent vacationers have been looking for summer cruises in the Caribbean and 'we felt this was a significant opportunity in our offering,' said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and ceo, Celebrity Cruises.

'Our guests, first-time cruisers and our travel partners have been asking me for many years to offer year-round Caribbean cruises. They wished we offered these itineraries,' Lutoff-Perlo elaborated.

The new sailings, she said, are 'perfect for discerning families and couples who want a summer getaway to sought-after tropical islands, with the best culinary experiences in the region and enriching activities for children and adults—all of which can only be offered by Celebrity.'

The line is adding new Caribbean itineraries and programs including a 'Summer Camp at Sea' for children plus new 'Taste of the Caribbean' activities for adults. For a limited time, the 'Endless Summer' offer provides free perks and upgrades.

According to Lutoff-Perlo, the response to Celebrity's year-round program has been 'overwhelming.'

Sailing from PortMiami, Celebrity Equinox will offer 24 alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean routes and seven itineraries.

Among them is an 11-night 'Signature Event' sailing that includes a double-overnight stay in New Orleans, coinciding with the city’s famous jazz festival. In addition, Lutoff-Perlo will be hosting a President’s Cruise on Aug. 27, 2017. This eight-night Eastern Caribbean cruise will feature special events and excursions.

Celebrity also introduced 'Summer Camp at Sea,' giving children enriching and inspiring activities along with recreation. From an 'Adventure through Science' program to becoming a director for the day and creating a short video on board, children ages 3-17 have a range of activities to choose from.

For adults, Celebrity's new 'Taste of the Caribbean' program provides complimentary events at sea including a culinary demonstration with featured chefs, mixology demonstrations, what the line touts as the biggest wine tasting at sea, a rum and reggae party on The Lawn Club and brunch and bubbles. Fee-based events are also available, including a pasta and mozzarella-making class and lunch in Tuscan Grille and a five-course tasting dinner with Celebrity chefs.

The line's 'Taste of the Caribbean Premium Package' gives a taste of all of the culinary, wine and cocktail indulgences available on the Celebrity Equinox, including a 'Chef Market Discovery' excursion, a 'Blendtique' wine-blending class and a Riedel wine comparison workshop.

For a limited time Celebrity is offering four free perks and qualifying upgrades on select 2017 sailings aboard Celebrity Equinox. For travel booked between July 19 and Aug. 31, 2016, each passenger receives up to four perks including a $150 on-board credit, unlimited Internet package, premium beverage package and prepaid gratuities.

This 'Endless Summer' offer is valid on travel from April 24 through Nov. 6, 2017, with rates starting at $1,399 per person for veranda staterooms.