Jim Bits: Oprah On Board, Universal Orlando Night Show and More

Holland America Line and O, The Oprah Magazine announced today a three-day Girls' Getaway cruise on Holland America Line's newest ship, Nieuw Statendam, Jan. 30, 2019. Oprah Winfrey will embark on the cruise, joined by O, The Oprah Magazine Editor-at-Large Gayle King and other members of the magazine's editorial staff, who will host special presentations and events on board the ship, currently under construction at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard in Italy. Winfrey will serve as godmother of Nieuw Statendam, with an official dedication by Winfrey to take place in a private ceremony at a later date to be announced.

The Girls' Getaway cruise sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and spends a day at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line's idyllic private island in the Bahamas. The Girls' Getaway cruise celebrates the power of friendship and will feature exclusive onboard experiences that honour and pay tribute to the special bond between women.

As a highlight, guests will have the opportunity to attend one of three live "Conversations with Oprah." Additionally, editorial staff from O, The Oprah Magazine will be on board hosting special events, including Editor-in-Chief Lucy Kaylin, Creative Director Adam Glassman, Beauty Director Brian Underwood and Books Editor Leigh Haber.

Starting this summer, Universal Orlando will take its nighttime lagoon show to the next level in "Universal Orlando's Cinematic Celebration." The all-new lagoon show will give your clients a brand-new, awe-inspiring way to cap off their day in Universal Studios Florida as they enjoy an epic cinema under the stars on select nights.

"Universal Orlando's Cinematic Celebration" will seamlessly blend fountain-based media, a variety of state-of-the-art technologies and special effects in a whole new way. The show combines an all-new storyline with full panoramic water screens accented by additional multi-layer water screens, pyrotechnics and - for the first time ever - more than 120 dancing fountains and projection mapping to transform the entire waterfront and surrounding buildings into a vivid celebration of epic movie moments and beloved characters.

And, guests will be able to enjoy "Universal Orlando's Cinematic Celebration" from an all-new, dedicated viewing area designed specifically for the show - giving them prime viewing of the experience.

Guests will witness moments from the Harry Potter series conjured by way of spells, ear-shattering roars from dinosaurs in Jurassic World, the adrenaline rush of speed from The Fast & the Furious, mischief by the Minions from Illumination's Despicable Me and more come to life right before their very eyes - all in the heart of the Universal Studios Florida lagoon.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts, an award-winning luxury hotel collection that owns and manages properties in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, is pleased to announce the opening of Holiday Villages Montenegro in late summer of 2018.

Ideally situated on the serene Montenegrin coast of Ulcinj and featuring spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea, the stylish and upscale 257-room hotel blends modern convenience and elevated hospitality with effortless glamour, affording groups of all sizes an unparalleled European vacation experience.

Holiday Villages Montenegro offers a wide range of stylish and contemporary accommodations including substantial space for small or large families and welcoming amenities. Suites range from expansive two-bedroom swim-ups to garden view rooms with an inviting terrace and feature stunning views of the region's immaculate lush palm trees.

The property boasts four amazing restaurants with beautiful vistas and sophisticated culinary offerings, bringing together the best of Mediterranean and international cuisine. Guests can indulge in creative cocktails, prestigious wines, and the best beers from Montenegrin breweries at one of the six elevated bars.

In addition to its incredible locale just steps away from the stunning Ulcinj beaches comprised of flour-like sand, Holiday Villages Montenegro provides guests an array of fabulous wellness options including holistic spa treatments and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, along with on-property activities such as tennis, football, an open-air playground, high ropes course, and kite surfing at the expansive Velika Plaza beach. Nightly professional entertainment is also provided at the resort's open-air venue, which showcases a variety of performances like sing-alongs, acoustic concerts and family-themed shows.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Manfredi Lefebvre D'Ovidio today announced an agreement for RCL to acquire a stake in privately-owned Silversea Cruises, bringing together two companies with bold, long-term visions for the cruise industry.

Under the agreement, Royal Caribbean will acquire a 66.7% equity stake in Silversea Cruises based on an enterprise value of approximately $2 billion. The purchase price of the equity being acquired is approximately $1 billion.

"Silversea is a crown jewel, and the acknowledged leader in luxury and expedition cruising, two key markets that are poised for growth," said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "Uniting our two companies presents an extraordinary opportunity to expand vacation options for guests and create revenue in strategic growth areas."

Silversea does a remarkable job with its cruises, which offer top-of-the-line ships, sensational food and terrific tours.