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Celebrity Silhouette is a Solstice-class cruise ship A cruise-ship passenger, injured in a fall aboard ship, was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard while the passenger vessel was anchored in New York Harbor off Staten Island, yesterday. A Coast Guard spokesman says the 97-year-old woman was aboard the Celebrity Silhouette when she fell and suffered a head injury that required immediate medical attention. A Coast Guard flight surgeon determined the woman's condition needed medical attention and recommended she be transported off the cruise ship. The 87-foot Coast Guard patrol boat Sailfish, home ported at Sandy Hook, N.J., responded to the 6:20 p.m. call for help, and transferred the injured woman to shore. She was transported to a hospital by an FDNY ambulance. The woman, whose name was not released, was reported to be in stable condition when she was transferred from the ship. Click here to view the article

CRUISE CRAZIES CONASHEADYDAY; HAPPY TO HAVE U ABOARD PLEASE POST OFTEN JOHN JACKIE

Italy's highest court ruled Tuesday that the captain of Costa Concordia, which capsized on January 13, will remain under house arrest during a criminal investigation into his actions. Prosecutors have pushed to put Captain Francesco Schettino behind bars, while his defense argued for his freedom. The Court of Cassation met Tuesday morning in Rome and issued its ruling later that evening, according to a CNN report. The report quoted a pre-ruling statement from Schettino's lawyer, Bruno Leporatti, who said that his client had "full trust and respect in the judges and that he awaits the Supreme Court's decision with serenity." With two people still missing and presumed dead, 30 bodies have now been recovered from the site of the Concordia wreck off Italian island of Giglio. The accident occurred after Schettino deviated from the ship's approved route to "salute" the island's residents. Schettino -- who faces a number of allegations, including manslaughter, abandoning ship, causing a shipwreck and failing to report the accident to the coast guard, has been under house arrest outside Naples since being taken into custody following the incident. Meanwhile, an operation to refloat the wrecked Costa Concordia is now being considered. Teams of engineers would work around the clock for a year to remove the ship from the shallow waters of the marine sanctuary in which it sits. However, Costa is still evaluating several other proposals for removing the ship. Costa says the next phase in the ship's removal is "care taking," with the intention to "guarantee environmental monitoring and protection with the assistance of experts using dedicated means and resources, and to clean up the seabed and the area around the hull." Conducted by the Neri/Smit Dutch Salvage team, this process will last one to two months. The extraction of a half-million gallons of fuel from the ship, which began February 12, was completed in late March. According to a company statement from Costa Crociere, which owns and operates Concordia, the fuel was removed from 17 tanks, with a small amount of fuel that "pose no significant environmental risk" to be left in the tanks' bulkheads. The Neri/Smit Salvage team led the operation. Costa has offered passengers who were onboard when the ship struck a rock and capsized 11,000 euros each (about $14,500) in compensation. The amount, according to Costa, is to cover "all patrimonial and non-patrimonial damages, including loss of baggage and personal effects, psychological distress and loss of enjoyment of the cruise vacation." The lump sum extended to non-paying children as well, regardless of age. The deal did not cover crew members, those who lost loved ones or those who were injured. For full compensation and cancellation information for survivors and all other Costa cruisers.. The compensation was announced after negotiations between the line and consumer groups. Passengers were free to reject the deal and take legal recourse if they so desired. To that end, several class-action lawsuits are reportedly in the works against the line, asking for far more per claimant than the deal announced today. The largest potential monetary payout demanded to date is $460 million in a suit brought on behalf of four Americans and two Italians who rejected the 11,000 euro offer made by Costa Crociere. The civil suit was announced at in Genoa but filed in Miami by Mitchell Proner, an American personal injury lawyer. Click here to view the article

ALOHA; MARTHA ENJOY YOUR CRUISE & THE ISLANDS JOHN JACKIE

ANCHOR'S AWAY ROSE & HOWIE ENJOY YOUR MUCH NEEDED CRUISE JOHN JACKIE

Princess Announces Record-Breaking Bookings for New Royal Princess Princess Cruises had the biggest booking day in its history for a new ship's inaugural season with the anticipated debut of Royal Princess . Opening the books on its 2013 Mediterranean season on March 15, sales for the new Royal Princess reached an all-time record for the most bookings of any ship's maiden season voyages. "We're thrilled to see such enthusiasm for our new Royal Princess," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer service. "The volume of bookings we received on Thursday is a testament to the huge support of the travel agent community, our loyal past passengers, and those first-time Princess cruisers excited to experience Royal Princess." The ship's 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises between Barcelona and Venice begin on June 23, 2013. Preceding these cruises, Royal Princess sails on her inaugural voyage, a seven-day Iberia cruise from Southampton to Barcelona departing June 16. "Offering our newest ship on our most popular Europe itinerary, the Grand Mediterranean, has clearly proved popular with consumers and we'd like to thank everyone who has booked a cruise on the new Royal Princess," added Swartz. "The combination of an extraordinary onboard experience with these iconic European ports is sure to give passengers the cruise of a lifetime." The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship currently under construction for Princess Cruises. Among the new features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; the dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship's starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; a dazzling water and light show; an expanded version of Princess' signature adults-only haven, The Sanctuary; and the popular poolside theater, Movies Under the Stars. Click here to view the article

Construction on Carnival Breeze continues to move along as scheduled, with just three months until its inaugural 12-day cruise from Venice to Barcelona June 3. Following this special one-time cruise, Carnival Breeze will operate a series of 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona through October 25 followed by a 15-day transatlantic crossing that starts in Barcelona and ends in Miami. The ship then launches year-round six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises from Miami beginning November 24, becoming the largest Carnival ship ever based at that port. As Carnival's newest "Fun Ship" Carnival Breeze will offer a host of exciting innovations,including expansive top-deck areas such as WaterWorks,an aqua park with exhilarating water slides and other attractions; SportSquare, an open-air recreation complex with a ropes course, mini-golf, and outdoor fitness area; The Lanai, a wraparound promenade with whirlpools extending over the ship's sides,and a 270-square-foot poolside LED screen displaying movies,and other programming. Carnival fans can count down the days until the ship's inaugural voyage at www.carnivalbreeze.com, which also features a variety of images and videos, along with a comprehensive virtual tour. Click here to view the article

The Norwegian Cruise Line is the backdrop for a new reality show, "Love for Sail," which premieres on Lifetime April 10, 2012, at 10 pm ET/PT. In each episode, mate-seeking men and women board Norwegian Cruise Line ship to embark on what they hope will be a voyage of love. While there's no Julie McCoy, there are cruise directors Bucko and Carmen who help match make for the women at open mixers The passengers go on dates, parties and shore excursions, stopping in ports of call that include Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Nassau, Bahamas. The series will be shot on the Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star with scenes filmed in the Mandara Spa, the Bliss Ultra Lounge and La Cucina Italian restaurant --giving views into some areas of the ships not open to the general public . The show is being produced by Studio Lambert, creators of "Undercover Boss", which Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan starred in 2011. "We are thrilled to work with Lifetime and our friends at Studio Lambert on a unique series that showcases the many aspects of cruising from lavish suites and incredible dining options to innovative on board activities and exciting shore excursions," said Sheehan. Click here to view the article

P&O Cruises has added exotic Papua New Guinea to its great range of Pacific destinations, with the cruise line announcing new cruises visiting the remote islands and towns of spectacular Milne Bay. In a first for P&O Cruises, Papua New Guinea will feature in two dedicated itineraries, with Pacific Dawn sailing from Brisbane to the turquoise waters of Milne Bay, where it will visit the local capital Alotau as well as the beautiful white sand beaches of Doini Island and the culturally-rich Trobriand Islands, also known as the Islands of Love, along the northern straits of the Bay. A highlight of the new 2013-14 program, the Papua New Guinea sailings are priced from $1049* per person quad share for a nine-night cruise, with the maiden cruise to Milne Bay in October 2013 timed to coincide with the sacred Canoe and Kundu Festival where local communities compete in canoe races, costume display and cultural performances. Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said the cruise line was excited to be sailing its first dedicated cruises to Papua New Guinea on a superliner. “Papua New Guinea is one of the most remote and untouched corners of the world – it’s so close to Australia geographically, but a million miles away in terms of culture and scenery,” Ms Sherry said. “We’re very excited to be able to take Australian holidaymakers from their doorstep and show them this region from the comfort of a superliner for the first time - cruising really is the perfect way to explore Papua New Guinea’s idyllic beaches and scenery and discover its ancient customs and history.” The new 2013-14 program, on sale from April 23, features 73 departures across 22 different itineraries with Pacific Dawn sailing from Brisbane and Pacific Jewel and Pacific Pearl cruising from Sydney. Other highlights of the program include more weekend getaways and short breaks ranging from three to six-nights. In all, the program offers 21 cruises of less than a week with itineraries based around lifestyle themes as well as Melbourne Cup and Australia Day cruises. The short break cruises start from $529 per person quad share for a three-night cruise from Sydney. Click here to view the article

Start-up Premier Cruises has acquired the 118-passenger Andrea and plans to launch service in the Mediterranean and the British Isles and Norway in April 2013, according to Christer Morn, senior vice president. Premier is owned by Vladimir Esakov, who owns the Volga Dream company, which has been operating the 100-passenger Volga Dream on Russian waterways since 2007, promising a luxury river experience. Morn is also senior vice president of Volga Dream since retiring from his position as president of Sea Cloud Cruises. The Andrea is the former Harald Jarl, built in 1960. She has been in Split, since arrested and tied up in a legal dispute until now. Renamed the Serenissima, the ship will have a solid four-star standard, according o Morn. Premier Cruises is based in Mariehamn, Finland. Click here to view the article

Genting Hong Kong has reported net income of $185.4 million on revenues of $515.5 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2011, compared to net income of $82.9 million on revenues of $399.8 million for 2010. For 2011, income from the sale of real estate assets contributed $85.9 million to net income and $13.3 million from an out-of-court settlement with the Louis Group in conjunction with the sale and purchase contract for the Norwegian Dream. Finance income contributed $4.2 million. Genting generated $488.5 million from cruises and related activities and $27.0 million from other activities. Passenger ticket revenues were $119.2 million, onboard and other revenues were $44.6 million and gaming revenues were $324.6 million for 2011. Total revenue was up 28.9 percent from 2010, mainly due to a 42.6 percent in gaming revenue, according to Genting, in addition to a 7.3 percent increase in capacity days as a result of the full-year operation of the Super Star Libra, which had been laid up in the first quarter of 2010. Fleet wide occupancy was up 1 percent – at 84 percent in 2011 compared to 83 percent in 2010, which contributed a 13.7 percent increase in ticket revenues year-over-year. The ongoing fleet rationalization included the refurbishment and redeployment of the Star Pisces from Malaysia to Hong Kong, as well as the move of the SuperStar Libra and the Aquarius to Malaysia and Taiwan, respectively, boosting gaming revenues. Operating expenses were up, driven by more capacity days, payroll, port charges and higher fuel costs. Fuel prices were up approximately 28 percent year-over-year. Holding a 50 percent interest in Norwegian Cruise Line, Genting said that Norwegian contributed $69.7 million to the company’s earnings in 2011, compared to $12.8 million for 2010. Click here to view the article

Royal Caribbean International today announced Explorer of the Seas’ summer and autumn 2013 line-up, featuring 30 sailings to 17 ports of call on seven different itineraries to Bermuda, Caribbean and Canada and New England from April through October 2013. The Explorer will continue to home port year-round at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, NJ, featuring iconic Royal Caribbean onboard amenities such as an ice-skating rink, nine-hole mini-golf course, a rock-climbing wall, full-size basketball court and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship, flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques, and where parades and night-time street dance parties are held. From April through August 2012, Explorer of the Seas will alternate five-night Bermuda and nine-night Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries. The five-night itinerary will feature an overnight at Kings Wharf, Bermuda, while the nine-night sailing calls at Kings Wharf; St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private destination on the north coast of Haiti. From September through October, vacationers can choose a seven-night Bermuda itinerary, which uniquely features three days and two nights at Kings Wharf to enjoy more of the 181-island nation. There will also be a special Canada and New England sailing to catch the arrival of autumn and the changing of the leaves. Departing August 31, guests will call at Boston, Mass.; Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Explorers of the Seas’ summer 2013 cruises are now open for booking. Click here to view the article

Adrenalin junkies; shutterbugs; film, theater and jazz buffs; foodies; political opinionators; whole body lifestyles; amateur gardeners; lifelong learners; golfers; ballroom dancers; and other zealous hobbyists need only look to Crystal Cruises to indulge their passions next year, according to a press release from the cruise line. Fourteen “Experiences of Discovery” themes are being offered on 28 Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony voyages in 2013, expanding 2012’s program with two new themes and more theme cruises overall. Travelers can explore their interests with complimentary, hands-on activities, rousing performances, educational presentations, and expert instruction on board, as well as optional Crystal Adventures ashore (where available). New themes include: Photography: Top international photographers shall lead presentations, hands-on workshops, and shooting expeditions along North America’s East Coast. Esprit du Grand Prix: VIP Monte Carlo Grand Prix experiences ashore will be accompanied by presentations on Formula One racing, royal Monaco, or other related topics. Returning themes include Big Band and Ballroom Dance; Film and Theater; Wine and Food; Golf; Jazz; Ocean Views (world affairs expert panel discussion); Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute (enhanced enrichment curriculum); Emerging Artists (young performers from LA Music Center’s Spotlight); President’s Cruise (hosted by Crystal President Gregg Michel); Crystal Society (gathering past Crystal cruisers); and Gardens and Floral Design, which expands its theme to include gardening design and technique classes, as well as visits to stunning local gardens. After taking 2012 off, Mind, Body, and Spirit has also been brought back by popular demand, according to Crystal, with three voyage options for 2013. Click here to view the article

Azamara Quest On Schedule for April 24 Departure Azamara Quest expressed confidence that the fire-damaged Azamara Quest will be repaired in time for its next departure on April 24. “Azamara Quest arrived in Singapore ahead of schedule, and the repairs to the damage caused by the engine room fire are proceeding as planned,” the company said. “We continue to be pleased with the progress that has been made on the ship, and are on schedule to complete the necessary work before Azamara Quest’s next scheduled sailing from Mumbai (Bombay), India on Tuesday, April 24.” The ship quickly extinguished an engine room fire on March 30, but lost power until the next day when propulsion was restored. Five crew members suffered from smoke inhalation, but no guests reported injuries. The ship slowly made its way to Sandakan (Sabah), Malaysia, arriving safely the evening of April 1. Azamara gave guests several options, such as returning home early, staying in Singapore until April 12, or vacation in another location such as Bali. The company has been working with guests on vacation plans, but didn’t have a breakdown of how many chose each of the options. The fire occurred during the March 26 sailing. Guests were given a full refund for the cruise and a future cruise certificate for 100 percent of the cruise fare paid. The following cruise, which was to depart April 12 was also concelled. Those guests will receive a full refund and a future cruise certificate for 30 percent of the cruise fare paid. Click here to view the article