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  1. CruiseNews
    Michael Lazaroff, director of The Jazz Cruise, explains the methodology of presenting jazz on a cruise ship The Jazz Cruise recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Produced by Anita Berry, Michael Lazaroff and the staff of Entertainment Cruise Productions, The Jazz Cruise is the first and only full ship charter in the world dedicated to mainstream or straight-ahead jazz. The organization also organizes The Smooth Jazz Cruise, which has two one-week sailings. During January 2011, The Jazz Cruise and The Smooth Jazz Cruise entertained nearly 6,000 passengers from 38 states and over 20 foreign countries, presenting over 125 jazz musicians and vocalists during a three week period. This year The Jazz Cruise sailed on Holland America's m/s Noordam and visited Nassau, San Juan, St. Maarten and the private island of Half Moon Cay. Next year, The Jazz Cruise sails again on Holland America from January 29 through February 5, 2012, from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Aruba, Curacao and the private island of Half Moon Cay. Artists performing include Kurt Elling, Randy Brecker, Houston Person, Clayton Brothers, Benny Golson, Anat Cohen and many others. Lazaroff , the Cruise's executive director, spoke about how his company organizes The Jazz Cruise and what makes it unique. One of the unusual aspects to The Jazz Cruise is that it's a charter of the whole ship. What's involved in chartering a whole ship for a cruise? It's been approximately ten years now [running the cruises] where we did full ship charters with all of our cruises. We have done nearly 30 full ship charters [since the beginning]. My mother, Anita Berry, was part of a sales consortium where she was helping to fill half of the ship. It was a big ship—the SS Norway with 1,100 passengers—and she put a group together that went on that particular cruise. 90% of all theme cruises are not full ship charters, they're groups – and that can be anywhere from 100 to 1,000 people go on the ship and they have certain of events and activities just for them and it's usually run under the auspices of the ship or with some type of small organization. When you charter a ship, you have that ship for the full week. You decide where that ship goes; you decide what the meals are; you decide what all of the entertainment is. You are free to either utilize or not utilize any and all events, items, programs that are on a typical cruise of that cruise line. When we do a theme cruise, we basically get rid of almost everything. There are many activities over which we have no control or things that we do that make our cruise experience better. Obviously, we keep the pool and the gym and the spa and the beauty salons and the gaming and the bars and things like that. But in terms of activity and entertainment, we rarely utilize anything that the ship offers. What is the difference for the fans (and musicians)? One of the differences between doing a group versus a full ship charter is that you have to plan those activities; you have to hire the people; you have to produce the shows; you have to get the people to and from the ship. One of our biggest activities is our travel services—getting all of the musicians and their companions to the ship. Interestingly on our most recent cruise, John Clayton, for whatever reason, left his bass in his hotel room and got on the ship and the ship sailed. He was using somebody else's bass the whole week. Luckily, we were able to secure the bass and it was waiting for him when we arrived back in port. For the jazz fan or listener, our cruises are different because when you walk on the ship, you immediately notice the fact that every single person walking on that ship is there for the same purpose you are. So there is an instant camaraderie and esprit de corps among the guests. Secondly, the music that you hear in all the public areas is music that we control. Even the piped-in music, is our music. When you turn on the television set, you're going to see certain channels dedicated to jazz films and jazz music. You're going to see that we have the full run of the ship. Typically, if it's not a full ship charter, the events that are for the group have to be worked around everybody else's cruise, so you generally get some of the rooms and you get them late at night, after everyone else has seen their normal cruise events, whereas here, it is just us. So we actually take over the ship. One of our goals is that when somebody gets off the ship and they're in the office the next week and somebody asks them, "Where were you last week," that they're going to tell them that they were on a cruise. And when asked, "What was the name of the cruise line?" we want them to say, "The Jazz Cruise." We don't want them to say "The Holland America Line." We want every aspect and every part of the program to be reflective of what we do. A cruise is a pricey trip. Have you seen any effect from the economy? Basically, we haven't seen that yet. We just finished three sailings in January and they were all sold out and we had wait lists. Clearly there have been people who used to go on our cruise, who because of their particular situation, have not been able to go on the cruise, but we have others who have taken their place. I get the impression that people come back year after year. Is that true? That's absolutely the case. We have a large number of people who have sailed with us ten times, fifteen times, even back in the group days. Even with the ten sailings of the jazz cruise that have occurred since we went to a full ship charter, we have a number of people who have been on every one. One of the sale categories we have now is for guests who have sailed on four or more of our cruises. They get a special price and right now that is the largest sale category we have. Do people come for the sights or the sounds? It is almost entirely about the music. I would suggest that no one goes on The Jazz Cruise because of the ports of call. And there are very very few people who choose not to go because of the ports of call. Once in a while you'll hear, "I don't want to go back to so and so," because there are only so many islands within the Caribbean. Whenever we announce a line-up—which we did ten days ago—99% of the emails commenting are about the line-up: "Glad you have so and so" or "Wish you would added so and so." Virtually none of them say, "Damn, Aruba?" or "Why aren't we going back to Jamaica?" One of the jokes on the cruise, which you will hear from people, is that they'd be happy if we pulled out of port and dropped anchor. How do you handle the programming of The Jazz Cruise, particularly in regard to booking new talent? We use the one-third, one-third, one-third rule. We try to have one-third of our performers who are pretty much standards—guys that are always there, sort of a core—and that's probably now less than a third. Then we have approximately a third, let's say 40%, of people who seem to rotate on and off. With the balance, which is less than a third, we try very hard to introduce new people. And obviously, the more cruises we do, the harder it is to come up with quality new people. Like this year, the people who are brand new to the cruise—who have never performed with us before—would include Benny Golson, Carmen Bradford and some of the members of our big band. Kurt Elling has been on the cruise once before, but it was a long time ago. He is somewhat new to the recent cruises but he's been with us before. Who are you excited to present in the next cruise? John Pizzarelli is someone that we've been trying to get for a long time and we finally pulled that off. Obviously Kurt Elling and Benny Golson. And Scott Hamilton. We've got some really top notch people who either have never been with us or it's been so long that it really is current to our people. How do you know if an act just isn't right for the cruise? It's fairly easy to determine the performers that are not clicking with our guests. One is attendance. You see their sets and they are not well attended. Secondly, one of the things that our guests do not pack when they go on our cruise is their shyness. And they are very willing to tell us who they like and who they don't. It really is fun. I would imagine that over 60% of the conversations we have with our guests during the week relate to line-up issues or line-up concepts, such as: "Why do we have him?" or "Why wasn't she back?" or "Why do we try to rotate vocalists every year?" Die-hard jazz fans can't help but think of themselves as experts. Absolutely, our guests are amazingly knowledgeable and they love to swap stories and opinions. Many, many of them are true experts and all of them have an undying love of the music. Once in a while, though, a guest's enthusiasm exceeds their judgment. Let me tell you one of my favorite stories. Most of us know that Freddy Cole doesn't make a big deal out of the fact that he's Nat King Cole's brother. He will rarely mention it. I was at the bar with Freddy one night three years ago and a guest comes over and starts to show off his jazz IQ. He had opinions about everything … everybody … it was over my head and I did not know if he was legitimate or not. Then it happened. He leaned over and asked Freddy Cole the following question, I swear: "Are you from a musical family?" I looked at Freddy and said, "your question" and Freddy said coolly, "Yeah, we do have a couple of fairly good singers in my family." Are there certain styles of jazz that work better than others? It's a standards-based jazz format. Folks who have come on with original compositions and only played original compositions have not been well received. Our guests want to recognize the music they're hearing. For example, we had violinist Regina Carter and she was a hit. We asked her to come back and her manager Myles Weinstein said, "She's doing a new show … please go see it." So I flew up to Chicago to see it and the show was absolutely fantastic [she was performing her African Thread project]. But in no way, shape or form could I bring that on the cruise, because our guests would not like it. Similarly, the second half of that billing was Esperanza Spalding. And she was doing something completely different from what she was originally doing and that too would not have been well received by our guests. They want to hear the music they know and they want it played by terrific people. What little wrinkles do you like to add over the years? We created our own all-star big band and they play with our vocalists. They play for dancing. Our guests love to dance. We've added a 24/7 passenger jam session room which is fully equipped with all kinds of equipment for them to use. We actually have a professionals come in there once a day for an hour to work with them. We've added some fun frills. We have costume parties now. We have many many more meet and greet opportunities for our guests and we do much more "Behind the Music" type of one-on-one Q&A sessions, particularly when we get someone of real stature. Recently, we had Johnny Mandel so there was a wonderful Q&A with him. This year we did it with George Wein. So when we get these icons who represent the history of jazz, we do those interview sessions. We've also added our Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame and we have a very special night where we honor two or three people and we induct them into the Hall of Fame and we actually talk about their music. This year we honored Freddy Cole and posthumously James Moody and we had James' lovely wife Linda on the ship to accept for him and those were lovely tributes. Who will you honor in 2012? We don't know yet. We honored [JT's founder] Ira Sabin one year. When my mother who started doing this ten years ago, there were a couple of people who pitched in and now that we're a very successful business we're not going to turn our backs on people who were there in the beginning. Those people who took a shot on us, I have all of the love and admiration in the world for them. Looking back what has been your most memorable performance or event? The first one that comes to mind was a couple of years ago we were celebrating my mother's 80th birthday and for whatever reason, we asked Freddy Cole to sing to her in front of everybody. He sang "Unforgettable" and it was memorable because it's something he just doesn't do. I framed a very nice picture of this and it's in her office and it is her prized possession. The other personal thing I love is every time our big band starts to play. To me, there is no comparable music in any other genre. And I just love watching the big bands play. For me, every cruise that I've ever done, it's when that first show hits that is so special, because you've got everybody on the ship; you've got the equipment; you put everything up and all this is done all on the same day. And BOOM, the music is playing and all the guests are having a great time. That means everything in the world to me and it was the most compelling moment for me.
  2. CruiseNews
    Four itineraries on seven ships range from seven to 14 days Beginning in May 2012, Holland America Line will feature four Alaska cruise itineraries on seven of its mid-sized vessels, totaling 130 departures from May 2 through Sept. 23. The extensive itinerary offerings will increase the line's guest capacity in the region by nearly 6 percent. Guests can choose from a selection of seven- to 14-day cruises that sail roundtrip from Seattle, Wash., and Vancouver, British Columbia, and also between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. Guests will have the opportunity to visit some of the region's most popular ports of call and scenic surroundings, including Alaska's famed Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park, a glacier-crowned maritime wilderness that stretches over 3.3 million acres. "Alaska itineraries continue to be among the most popular cruises Holland America Line offers, and our increased capacity means more guests will have the opportunity to explore a region that has so much to offer culturally, historically and experientially," said Richard Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Cruising is one of the best ways to experience Alaska so you can get up close to a glacier, visit several ports or perhaps even see some wildlife from the comfort of your balcony." Three Options for Roundtrip Seattle Alaskan Explorer Voyages Both ms Oosterdam and ms Westerdam will sail the seven-day Alaskan Explorer voyage departing roundtrip from Seattle May 6 and 12, respectively. The itinerary features port calls at Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia, and a scenic cruising experience at Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord/Twin Sawyer glaciers. The 1,380-guest ms Amsterdam will homeport in Seattle and includes two Alaskan Explorer sailings on May 18 and May 25. Amsterdam then sails a series of 14-day Alaskan Explorer voyages beginning June 1 for a total of eight sailings. From Seattle, the itinerary features port calls at Ketchikan, Tracy Arm, Juneau, Anchorage, Homer, Kodiak, Icy Strait Point and Sitka, Alaska; as well as Vancouver Island and Victoria. The itinerary also features scenic cruising through Alaska's Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. In Anchorage, the ship spends a full day and evening, allowing diverse optional shore tours from cultural exploration at the Native Heritage Center to spectacular flightseeing around 20,320-foot Mt McKinley and Denali National Park. During embarkation for the Seattle voyages, a ranger from the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park will be available to talk to guests about the Klondike parks and other national parks located throughout the Inside Passage. On all Glacier Bay sailings, a park ranger and native interpreters from the Huna people board the ships to explain the origins of their tribe and cultural traditions. Seven-Day Inside Passage Voyages Sail from Vancouver Three Holland America Line ships – ms Volendam, ms Zuiderdam and ms Zaandam – will sail roundtrip from Vancouver on a series of seven-day Inside Passage voyages. The 1,432-guest Volendam (Wednesday departures) and 1,916-guest Zuiderdam (Saturday departures) sail a total of 41 voyages from May 2 to September 22. During those voyages guests will visit Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm Fjord. Two additional Inside Passage cruises sail aboard Zaandam on May 6 and September 16. Seven-Day Glacier Discovery Voyages Provide Exploration Further North Statendam and Zaandam once again will provide the only mid-sized cruise ship experience available in the Gulf of Alaska. Glacier Discovery cruises sail between Vancouver and Seward (Anchorage) with Sunday departures May 15 through September 16. The itinerary features port calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, a day at sea in the Gulf of Alaska and scenic cruising through the Inside Passage. Each ship will sail 18 voyages and include a visit to Glacier Bay. Cruise fares for the seven-day Alaskan Explorer voyages begin at $699, and $1,899 for the 14-day cruises. Fares for the seven-day Inside Passage sailings and seven-day Glacier Discovery voyages begin at $799. All fares are per person, double occupancy. Holland America Line offers more than 250 optional shore excursions in conjunction with its Alaska cruises. While in port, guests can optimize their Alaskan experience with excursions that involve everything from adventure and wildlife watching to history, art and cuisine. Introduced in Juneau in 2009 with a whale viewing and data collection research tour, exclusive Cruise with Purpose shore excursions turn vacation time into an exciting give-and-take opportunity — combining traditional tour content with a chance to make a difference to society, the environment, animal welfare or economic growth. Guests also can enjoy active excursions such as sea kayaking, fly or sport fishing, dog sledding and viewing eagles, sea otters and whales. Other exciting excursions feature such attractions as the White Pass Summit Scenic Railway from Skagway, Russian heritage in Sitka, a photography tour in Haines and a five-course tasting meal featuring Alaska seafood prepared by a local chef in Ketchikan. About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:CCL - News)] Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 354 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds. World's Leading Cruise Lines Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Click here to view the article
  3. CruiseNews
    Four itineraries on seven ships range from seven to 14 days Beginning in May 2012, Holland America Line will feature four Alaska cruise itineraries on seven of its mid-sized vessels, totaling 130 departures from May 2 through Sept. 23. The extensive itinerary offerings will increase the line's guest capacity in the region by nearly 6 percent. Guests can choose from a selection of seven- to 14-day cruises that sail roundtrip from Seattle, Wash., and Vancouver, British Columbia, and also between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. Guests will have the opportunity to visit some of the region's most popular ports of call and scenic surroundings, including Alaska's famed Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park, a glacier-crowned maritime wilderness that stretches over 3.3 million acres. "Alaska itineraries continue to be among the most popular cruises Holland America Line offers, and our increased capacity means more guests will have the opportunity to explore a region that has so much to offer culturally, historically and experientially," said Richard Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Cruising is one of the best ways to experience Alaska so you can get up close to a glacier, visit several ports or perhaps even see some wildlife from the comfort of your balcony." Three Options for Roundtrip Seattle Alaskan Explorer Voyages Both ms Oosterdam and ms Westerdam will sail the seven-day Alaskan Explorer voyage departing roundtrip from Seattle May 6 and 12, respectively. The itinerary features port calls at Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia, and a scenic cruising experience at Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord/Twin Sawyer glaciers. The 1,380-guest ms Amsterdam will homeport in Seattle and includes two Alaskan Explorer sailings on May 18 and May 25. Amsterdam then sails a series of 14-day Alaskan Explorer voyages beginning June 1 for a total of eight sailings. From Seattle, the itinerary features port calls at Ketchikan, Tracy Arm, Juneau, Anchorage, Homer, Kodiak, Icy Strait Point and Sitka, Alaska; as well as Vancouver Island and Victoria. The itinerary also features scenic cruising through Alaska's Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. In Anchorage, the ship spends a full day and evening, allowing diverse optional shore tours from cultural exploration at the Native Heritage Center to spectacular flightseeing around 20,320-foot Mt McKinley and Denali National Park. During embarkation for the Seattle voyages, a ranger from the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park will be available to talk to guests about the Klondike parks and other national parks located throughout the Inside Passage. On all Glacier Bay sailings, a park ranger and native interpreters from the Huna people board the ships to explain the origins of their tribe and cultural traditions. Seven-Day Inside Passage Voyages Sail from Vancouver Three Holland America Line ships – ms Volendam, ms Zuiderdam and ms Zaandam – will sail roundtrip from Vancouver on a series of seven-day Inside Passage voyages. The 1,432-guest Volendam (Wednesday departures) and 1,916-guest Zuiderdam (Saturday departures) sail a total of 41 voyages from May 2 to September 22. During those voyages guests will visit Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm Fjord. Two additional Inside Passage cruises sail aboard Zaandam on May 6 and September 16. Seven-Day Glacier Discovery Voyages Provide Exploration Further North Statendam and Zaandam once again will provide the only mid-sized cruise ship experience available in the Gulf of Alaska. Glacier Discovery cruises sail between Vancouver and Seward (Anchorage) with Sunday departures May 15 through September 16. The itinerary features port calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, a day at sea in the Gulf of Alaska and scenic cruising through the Inside Passage. Each ship will sail 18 voyages and include a visit to Glacier Bay. Cruise fares for the seven-day Alaskan Explorer voyages begin at $699, and $1,899 for the 14-day cruises. Fares for the seven-day Inside Passage sailings and seven-day Glacier Discovery voyages begin at $799. All fares are per person, double occupancy. Holland America Line offers more than 250 optional shore excursions in conjunction with its Alaska cruises. While in port, guests can optimize their Alaskan experience with excursions that involve everything from adventure and wildlife watching to history, art and cuisine. Introduced in Juneau in 2009 with a whale viewing and data collection research tour, exclusive Cruise with Purpose shore excursions turn vacation time into an exciting give-and-take opportunity — combining traditional tour content with a chance to make a difference to society, the environment, animal welfare or economic growth. Guests also can enjoy active excursions such as sea kayaking, fly or sport fishing, dog sledding and viewing eagles, sea otters and whales. Other exciting excursions feature such attractions as the White Pass Summit Scenic Railway from Skagway, Russian heritage in Sitka, a photography tour in Haines and a five-course tasting meal featuring Alaska seafood prepared by a local chef in Ketchikan. About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:CCL - News)] Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 354 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds. World's Leading Cruise Lines Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.
  4. CruiseNews
    Reflecting on the success of Celebrity Cruises’ stylish Solstice Class fleet, the line’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan has activated the first cut of steel for the fifth in the five-ship class, Celebrity Reflection, at shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. The sleek, 3,030-guest ship will debut in the Fall of 2012. Proudly watching over her sister ship’s start, Celebrity Silhouette is in the midst of the final phases of her own construction. Celebrity Silhouette sets sail in July of this year, enhancing guests’ precious vacation time with a host of industry-first venues and experiences within The Lawn Club, including the interactive “Lawn Club Grill,” where guests can select and grill their own meats side-by-side with Celebrity’s expert chefs, or have them cooked to order; the relaxing, private, wi-fi-equipped cabanas called “The Alcoves”; “The Porch,” a breezy, casual dining spot offering sandwiches, coffees and captivating views of the sea and the ship’s lush lawn, and “The Art Studio,” where vacationers can bring out their inner artist. The ship also will present another entirely new venue, “The Hideaway,” an intimate, quiet space reminiscent of a childhood tree house. Celebrity Reflection will present all the new venues, in addition to the line’s first AquaClass suites, expanding on Celebrity’s in-demand, spa-inspired AquaClass stateroom accommodations. The distinctive new experiences will join the diverse array of other modern venues and attributes already associated with Celebrity’s Solstice Class ships. Click here to view the article
  5. CruiseNews
    Reflecting on the success of Celebrity Cruises’ stylish Solstice Class fleet, the line’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan has activated the first cut of steel for the fifth in the five-ship class, Celebrity Reflection, at shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. The sleek, 3,030-guest ship will debut in the Fall of 2012. Proudly watching over her sister ship’s start, Celebrity Silhouette is in the midst of the final phases of her own construction. Celebrity Silhouette sets sail in July of this year, enhancing guests’ precious vacation time with a host of industry-first venues and experiences within The Lawn Club, including the interactive “Lawn Club Grill,” where guests can select and grill their own meats side-by-side with Celebrity’s expert chefs, or have them cooked to order; the relaxing, private, wi-fi-equipped cabanas called “The Alcoves”; “The Porch,” a breezy, casual dining spot offering sandwiches, coffees and captivating views of the sea and the ship’s lush lawn, and “The Art Studio,” where vacationers can bring out their inner artist. The ship also will present another entirely new venue, “The Hideaway,” an intimate, quiet space reminiscent of a childhood tree house. Celebrity Reflection will present all the new venues, in addition to the line’s first AquaClass suites, expanding on Celebrity’s in-demand, spa-inspired AquaClass stateroom accommodations. The distinctive new experiences will join the diverse array of other modern venues and attributes already associated with Celebrity’s Solstice Class ships.
  6. CruiseNews
    Building upon its distinction as the Caribbean cruise leader, Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce a series of six- and eight-day voyages from Miami aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Valor operating mid-January through October 2012. Carnival Valor’s six- and eight-day departures provide consumers with new itineraries featuring unique combinations of Caribbean destinations and opportunities to visit islands that are typically not featured on longer length cruises from Florida. Six-day cruises depart on Sunday and return the following Saturday, while the eight-day cruises depart on Saturday and return the following Sunday. The value-packed six-day cruises will call at Key West, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios, departing once every two weeks beginning Jan. 15, 2012. Three different four-port, eight-day cruise itineraries will be offered on a rotating basis from Jan. 21 through Oct. 27, 2012. The itineraries include: Eastern/western Caribbean cruises calling at Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, Grand Turk and Nassau Eastern Caribbean cruises featuring stops at St. Thomas, Antigua, Tortola and Nassau Eastern/southern Caribbean cruises to Grand Turk, La Romana (Dominican Republic), Curacao and Aruba Between now and December 2011, Carnival Valor will operate its popular seven-day voyages which depart Sundays from Miami, alternating to the eastern and western Caribbean. Carnival Valor is one of 19 Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships that call at Caribbean destinations on a year-round or seasonal basis. Carnival carries over 3.3 million guests on Caribbean cruises annually, the most of any cruise operator. The line will expand its Caribbean offerings in November when the new Carnival Magic launches seven-day eastern and western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, becoming the port’s largest year-round ship. Click here to view the article
  7. CruiseNews
    Building upon its distinction as the Caribbean cruise leader, Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce a series of six- and eight-day voyages from Miami aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Valor operating mid-January through October 2012. Carnival Valor’s six- and eight-day departures provide consumers with new itineraries featuring unique combinations of Caribbean destinations and opportunities to visit islands that are typically not featured on longer length cruises from Florida. Six-day cruises depart on Sunday and return the following Saturday, while the eight-day cruises depart on Saturday and return the following Sunday. The value-packed six-day cruises will call at Key West, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios, departing once every two weeks beginning Jan. 15, 2012. Three different four-port, eight-day cruise itineraries will be offered on a rotating basis from Jan. 21 through Oct. 27, 2012. The itineraries include: Eastern/western Caribbean cruises calling at Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, Grand Turk and Nassau Eastern Caribbean cruises featuring stops at St. Thomas, Antigua, Tortola and Nassau Eastern/southern Caribbean cruises to Grand Turk, La Romana (Dominican Republic), Curacao and Aruba Between now and December 2011, Carnival Valor will operate its popular seven-day voyages which depart Sundays from Miami, alternating to the eastern and western Caribbean. Carnival Valor is one of 19 Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships that call at Caribbean destinations on a year-round or seasonal basis. Carnival carries over 3.3 million guests on Caribbean cruises annually, the most of any cruise operator. The line will expand its Caribbean offerings in November when the new Carnival Magic launches seven-day eastern and western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, becoming the port’s largest year-round ship.
  8. CruiseNews
    Norwegian Cruise Line announced that three new Legends in Concert tribute artists will make their debut on Norwegian Epic's May 18, 2011 Western Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona, Spain, where the ship will homeport until October 23, 2011. The three Legends will perform on board through November 5, 2011 and represent some of the world's most famous entertainers Whitney Houston, Elton John and Shakira. A staple on the Las Vegas' center strip for over 25 years, Legends in Concert is known as the pioneer of live tribute shows and has assembled the greatest collection of live tribute artists and celebrity look-alikes in show business. "Legends in Concert has been one of the most popular and memorable shows aboard Norwegian Epic because the performers are so dynamic and authentic. We keep it fresh and exciting by changing the performers every four months," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "We are pleased to bring these new Legends performers to Norwegian Epic for her inaugural season in Europe." Jazmine Hyytia, a native of Long Island, New York, portrays Whitney Houston and draws her musical inspiration from her Cuban heritage while speaking and singing in both English and Spanish. Hyytia started her musical career on the European music scene including performances in hundreds of nightclubs, several European summer festivals and multiple radio and television appearances. European success led to Hyytia's 1998 debut within the Latin-American community by singing in eight episodes of the popular Telemundo television show, "Sueños De Fama." "The entertainers appearing on Norwegian Epic for the European summer itineraries performing as Elton John, Whitney Houston and Shakira were specifically selected because of their international appeal and diverse musical styles," said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer for "Legends" producer, On Stage Entertainment. "They are three of the highest quality tribute acts in the world, and they will be joined by the always electrifying Legends singers and dancers, and a rockin' live band." Paying tribute to the "Rocket Man," Stephen Sorrentino embodies Elton John, the bespectacled Englishman known for a number of international musical hits, along with his outlandish attire. Born and bred in New York, Sorrentino has trained at the Metropolitan Opera and later studied comedy with The Second City in Chicago. He is fluent in all instruments, especially voice. Among his repertoire of Elton John songs are "Pinball Wizard," "Crocodile Rock," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" and the rousing "Saturday Night." Ines Zak, a native of Mexico, who will portray Shakira, has been a singer and an entertainer all her life. In Mexico, she performed on radio and television and as the opening act for Mexican legends such as La Prieta Linda and La Sonora Santanera, singing also in prestigious places such as the National Auditorium of Mexico and the Arena Mexico. In the United States, she was proud to perform as part of the 21st Century Platters with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Marvin Hamlisch and as part of Andrea Bocelli's choir for his performance at MGM Arena in Las Vegas. Residing in Las Vegas since 2000, she has also performed the Mexican and American National Anthems for televised sporting events. Legends in Concert is a live musical celebration featuring the world's greatest celebrity tribute artists. Legends in Concert on Norwegian Epic features three celebrity tribute performers taking the stage in the Epic Theater for six 45-minute shows over three days during a seven-day cruise. In addition, a Legends "Unplugged" show is performed on three additional nights in the Manhattan Room, the ship's New York-inspired supper club, providing an unprecedented dining and entertainment experience. Past tribute performers on board Norwegian Epic have included Madonna, Elvis, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond and Janet Jackson. Norwegian Epic sails seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, Spain from May 22 through October 23, 2011 calling on Florence/Pisa (Livorno); Rome (Civitavecchia); and Naples, Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain. Legends in Concert Internationally acclaimed Legends in Concert is known as the pioneer of live celebrity impersonator shows and possesses the greatest collection of celebrity impersonators ever assembled. Featuring live concert shows of famous musicians and celebrities of yesterday and today with concert venues in Myrtle Beach, Branson, Las Vegas, Seattle, Atlantic City, Foxwoods Resort Casino and Coushatta Casino. The live impersonator show with music legends such as Elvis Presley, The Blues Brothers, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Cher, Madonna, Michael Jackson and many more celebrities that appeal to music fans of all ages, makes Legends in Concert a must see live concert show. With an always-evolving cast of legendary superstars with original choreography and extravagant costumes, Legends in Concert is the original and largest live celebrity tribute show in the world. For more information, visit legendsinconcert.com. About Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. The Company contracted for two 4,000-berth vessels for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014. Norwegian's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, Second City® Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, Gibson Guitar, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams" & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top. Click here to view the article
  9. CruiseNews
    Norwegian Cruise Line announced that three new Legends in Concert tribute artists will make their debut on Norwegian Epic's May 18, 2011 Western Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona, Spain, where the ship will homeport until October 23, 2011. The three Legends will perform on board through November 5, 2011 and represent some of the world's most famous entertainers Whitney Houston, Elton John and Shakira. A staple on the Las Vegas' center strip for over 25 years, Legends in Concert is known as the pioneer of live tribute shows and has assembled the greatest collection of live tribute artists and celebrity look-alikes in show business. "Legends in Concert has been one of the most popular and memorable shows aboard Norwegian Epic because the performers are so dynamic and authentic. We keep it fresh and exciting by changing the performers every four months," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "We are pleased to bring these new Legends performers to Norwegian Epic for her inaugural season in Europe." Jazmine Hyytia, a native of Long Island, New York, portrays Whitney Houston and draws her musical inspiration from her Cuban heritage while speaking and singing in both English and Spanish. Hyytia started her musical career on the European music scene including performances in hundreds of nightclubs, several European summer festivals and multiple radio and television appearances. European success led to Hyytia's 1998 debut within the Latin-American community by singing in eight episodes of the popular Telemundo television show, "Sueños De Fama." "The entertainers appearing on Norwegian Epic for the European summer itineraries performing as Elton John, Whitney Houston and Shakira were specifically selected because of their international appeal and diverse musical styles," said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer for "Legends" producer, On Stage Entertainment. "They are three of the highest quality tribute acts in the world, and they will be joined by the always electrifying Legends singers and dancers, and a rockin' live band." Paying tribute to the "Rocket Man," Stephen Sorrentino embodies Elton John, the bespectacled Englishman known for a number of international musical hits, along with his outlandish attire. Born and bred in New York, Sorrentino has trained at the Metropolitan Opera and later studied comedy with The Second City in Chicago. He is fluent in all instruments, especially voice. Among his repertoire of Elton John songs are "Pinball Wizard," "Crocodile Rock," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" and the rousing "Saturday Night." Ines Zak, a native of Mexico, who will portray Shakira, has been a singer and an entertainer all her life. In Mexico, she performed on radio and television and as the opening act for Mexican legends such as La Prieta Linda and La Sonora Santanera, singing also in prestigious places such as the National Auditorium of Mexico and the Arena Mexico. In the United States, she was proud to perform as part of the 21st Century Platters with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Marvin Hamlisch and as part of Andrea Bocelli's choir for his performance at MGM Arena in Las Vegas. Residing in Las Vegas since 2000, she has also performed the Mexican and American National Anthems for televised sporting events. Legends in Concert is a live musical celebration featuring the world's greatest celebrity tribute artists. Legends in Concert on Norwegian Epic features three celebrity tribute performers taking the stage in the Epic Theater for six 45-minute shows over three days during a seven-day cruise. In addition, a Legends "Unplugged" show is performed on three additional nights in the Manhattan Room, the ship's New York-inspired supper club, providing an unprecedented dining and entertainment experience. Past tribute performers on board Norwegian Epic have included Madonna, Elvis, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond and Janet Jackson. Norwegian Epic sails seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, Spain from May 22 through October 23, 2011 calling on Florence/Pisa (Livorno); Rome (Civitavecchia); and Naples, Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain. Legends in Concert Internationally acclaimed Legends in Concert is known as the pioneer of live celebrity impersonator shows and possesses the greatest collection of celebrity impersonators ever assembled. Featuring live concert shows of famous musicians and celebrities of yesterday and today with concert venues in Myrtle Beach, Branson, Las Vegas, Seattle, Atlantic City, Foxwoods Resort Casino and Coushatta Casino. The live impersonator show with music legends such as Elvis Presley, The Blues Brothers, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Cher, Madonna, Michael Jackson and many more celebrities that appeal to music fans of all ages, makes Legends in Concert a must see live concert show. With an always-evolving cast of legendary superstars with original choreography and extravagant costumes, Legends in Concert is the original and largest live celebrity tribute show in the world. For more information, visit legendsinconcert.com. About Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. The Company contracted for two 4,000-berth vessels for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014. Norwegian's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, Second City® Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, Gibson Guitar, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams" & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.
  10. CruiseNews
    Disney Wonder Bound for Alaska in 2011 Disney Wonder Also to Sail Mexican Riviera; Disney Magic to Spend Summer in Europe For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will offer Alaskan cruises during a four-month season of seven-night sailings aboard the Disney Wonder in summer 2011. Combining the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience provided by Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver, B.C., calling on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Before and after the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. In response to guest demand, the Disney Magic will once again return to Europe in 2011 with seven-, 10- and 11-night cruises sailing out of Barcelona. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France, Spain and the island nation of Malta. “We’re excited to offer this incredible choice of itineraries for 2011, with cruise vacation options for every family – whether that’s outdoor adventure in Alaska, the beauty and culture of Europe, folklore and pageantry of Mexico or tropical fun in the Caribbean,” said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. “The unique advantage of Disney Cruise Line is that we offer a customized ship experience that brings families together, while still catering to the personalized vacation needs of every guest who sails with us.” Disney Cruise Line also will offer a number of repositioning cruises and special sailings in 2011, including a 15-night Panama Canal crossing, two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a five- and six-night cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, and Vancouver to Los Angeles, with first-ever stops in San Francisco and Victoria, B.C., and 10- and 11-night holiday sailings to the Mexican Riviera and the eastern Caribbean. Disney Wonder 2011 Schedule Departing out of Vancouver, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 18 seven-night cruises to Alaska for the 2011 summer season, calling on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. As part of the new Alaska itinerary, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to experience breathtaking natural vistas, an abundance of wildlife and the rich history and customs of Alaska’s native culture. On their Alaskan adventure, guests may catch a glimpse of a brown bear, bald eagle or humpback whale, and explore magnificent glaciers and fjords in Juneau. In Ketchikan, guests can fish for some of the largest wild salmon in the world and learn about local culture through hand-carved totem poles. In Skagway, Disney Cruise Line guests can traverse panoramic landscapes by railway, or pan for gold like miners from the famous Klondike gold rush. The first-ever Disney cruise to Alaska will depart on May 3 with the last cruise of the season scheduled for Aug. 30. Rates for the seven-night Alaskan itinerary start at $939 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy. To prepare for the Alaska sailings, a brand-new venue called Outlook Café was added to the Disney Wonder during dry dock in October. Located high atop deck 10, the 2,500-square-foot Outlook Café is a stylish retreat for guests to relax and enjoy a beverage or cocktail as they peer out through floor-to-ceiling, curved glass windows at breathtaking vistas. The design of Outlook Café is sophisticated with contemporary Art Deco inspiration. An elegant spiral staircase connects Outlook Café with the existing Cove Café one deck below. The 65-seat lounge has a granite-topped cocktail bar with comfortable seating throughout the space, all providing picture-perfect views of the surrounding landscapes. Book-ending the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera. Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at $639 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy. Prior to repositioning to Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail a special 10-night Mexican Riviera voyage, including a stop at Manzanillo. Disney Magic 2011 Schedule Departing out of Barcelona, the Disney Magic will sail seven-, 10- and 11-night European itineraries for the 2011 summer season starting on May 28. Once again, guests will be able to explore the culture and beauty of Italy, France and Spain, with a family-friendly experience only Disney can deliver. The longer itineraries also include visits to the island nation of Malta, and Ajaccio, Corsica, an island oasis off the southern coast of France. Rates for the seven-night European cruises start at $1,069 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy. Rates for the 10- and 11-night European cruises start at $1,739 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy. For the majority of 2011, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel). Both itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included. Click here to view the article
  11. CruiseNews
    Disney Wonder Bound for Alaska in 2011 Disney Wonder Also to Sail Mexican Riviera; Disney Magic to Spend Summer in Europe For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will offer Alaskan cruises during a four-month season of seven-night sailings aboard the Disney Wonder in summer 2011. Combining the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience provided by Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver, B.C., calling on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Before and after the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. In response to guest demand, the Disney Magic will once again return to Europe in 2011 with seven-, 10- and 11-night cruises sailing out of Barcelona. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France, Spain and the island nation of Malta. “We’re excited to offer this incredible choice of itineraries for 2011, with cruise vacation options for every family – whether that’s outdoor adventure in Alaska, the beauty and culture of Europe, folklore and pageantry of Mexico or tropical fun in the Caribbean,” said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. “The unique advantage of Disney Cruise Line is that we offer a customized ship experience that brings families together, while still catering to the personalized vacation needs of every guest who sails with us.” Disney Cruise Line also will offer a number of repositioning cruises and special sailings in 2011, including a 15-night Panama Canal crossing, two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a five- and six-night cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, and Vancouver to Los Angeles, with first-ever stops in San Francisco and Victoria, B.C., and 10- and 11-night holiday sailings to the Mexican Riviera and the eastern Caribbean. Disney Wonder 2011 Schedule Departing out of Vancouver, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 18 seven-night cruises to Alaska for the 2011 summer season, calling on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. As part of the new Alaska itinerary, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to experience breathtaking natural vistas, an abundance of wildlife and the rich history and customs of Alaska’s native culture. On their Alaskan adventure, guests may catch a glimpse of a brown bear, bald eagle or humpback whale, and explore magnificent glaciers and fjords in Juneau. In Ketchikan, guests can fish for some of the largest wild salmon in the world and learn about local culture through hand-carved totem poles. In Skagway, Disney Cruise Line guests can traverse panoramic landscapes by railway, or pan for gold like miners from the famous Klondike gold rush. The first-ever Disney cruise to Alaska will depart on May 3 with the last cruise of the season scheduled for Aug. 30. Rates for the seven-night Alaskan itinerary start at $939 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy. To prepare for the Alaska sailings, a brand-new venue called Outlook Café was added to the Disney Wonder during dry dock in October. Located high atop deck 10, the 2,500-square-foot Outlook Café is a stylish retreat for guests to relax and enjoy a beverage or cocktail as they peer out through floor-to-ceiling, curved glass windows at breathtaking vistas. The design of Outlook Café is sophisticated with contemporary Art Deco inspiration. An elegant spiral staircase connects Outlook Café with the existing Cove Café one deck below. The 65-seat lounge has a granite-topped cocktail bar with comfortable seating throughout the space, all providing picture-perfect views of the surrounding landscapes. Book-ending the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera. Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at $639 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy. Prior to repositioning to Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail a special 10-night Mexican Riviera voyage, including a stop at Manzanillo. Disney Magic 2011 Schedule Departing out of Barcelona, the Disney Magic will sail seven-, 10- and 11-night European itineraries for the 2011 summer season starting on May 28. Once again, guests will be able to explore the culture and beauty of Italy, France and Spain, with a family-friendly experience only Disney can deliver. The longer itineraries also include visits to the island nation of Malta, and Ajaccio, Corsica, an island oasis off the southern coast of France. Rates for the seven-night European cruises start at $1,069 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy. Rates for the 10- and 11-night European cruises start at $1,739 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy. For the majority of 2011, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel). Both itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included.
  12. CruiseNews
    Royal Caribbean International today announced an offer for vacationers to experience an Oasis-class vacation just in time for the new spring season. For a limited time, vacationers can enjoy an upgrade to a Central Park- or Boardwalk-view balcony stateroom when they book an inside stateroom aboard select April 2011, seven-night sailings of Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. For a shorter, four- or five-night cruise getaway, vacationers can enjoy an upgrade to an oceanview balcony stateroom when they book an inside stateroom for select April 2011 sailings aboard Navigator of the Seas. The offer is only valid for new U.S. and Canada individual bookings made from March 25 through April 3, 2011, for the April 9, 16, and 23 departures of Oasis of the Seas, April 17 and 24 departures of Allure of the Seas, and April 9, 14, 18, 23, and 28 departures of Navigator of the Seas. Guests must book a Category Z inside stateroom and quote option code “SEE7” at the time of booking in order to redeem upgrade offer. Offer is limited to available inventory. Click here to view the article
  13. CruiseNews
    Royal Caribbean International today announced an offer for vacationers to experience an Oasis-class vacation just in time for the new spring season. For a limited time, vacationers can enjoy an upgrade to a Central Park- or Boardwalk-view balcony stateroom when they book an inside stateroom aboard select April 2011, seven-night sailings of Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. For a shorter, four- or five-night cruise getaway, vacationers can enjoy an upgrade to an oceanview balcony stateroom when they book an inside stateroom for select April 2011 sailings aboard Navigator of the Seas. The offer is only valid for new U.S. and Canada individual bookings made from March 25 through April 3, 2011, for the April 9, 16, and 23 departures of Oasis of the Seas, April 17 and 24 departures of Allure of the Seas, and April 9, 14, 18, 23, and 28 departures of Navigator of the Seas. Guests must book a Category Z inside stateroom and quote option code “SEE7” at the time of booking in order to redeem upgrade offer. Offer is limited to available inventory.
  14. CruiseNews
    The 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, is shown here conducting sea trials in the Adriatic Sea in preparation for its May 1 debut from Europe. Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 3,690-passenger vessel had a full contingent of officers, technicians and engineers on board who thoroughly tested the Carnival Magic’s sophisticated navigation and mechanical systems. Following sea trials, Carnival Magic returned to Monfalcone, where it is undergoing final interior outfitting prior to its delivery late next month. As the line’s newest “Fun Ship,” the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic will introduce a host of innovations, including the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub; Cucina del Capitano, a family-style Italian restaurant that brings Carnival’s Italian heritage to the table; and SportSquare, an action-packed top-deck recreation area featuring cruising’s first ropes course and outdoor fitness area. Carnival Magic is set to debut in Europe with a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating May 1 – Oct. 16, 2011. Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Magic will launch seven-day Caribbean service from Galveston, Texas, Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the port’s largest year-round cruise ship. Click here to view the article
  15. CruiseNews
    The 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, is shown here conducting sea trials in the Adriatic Sea in preparation for its May 1 debut from Europe. Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 3,690-passenger vessel had a full contingent of officers, technicians and engineers on board who thoroughly tested the Carnival Magic’s sophisticated navigation and mechanical systems. Following sea trials, Carnival Magic returned to Monfalcone, where it is undergoing final interior outfitting prior to its delivery late next month. As the line’s newest “Fun Ship,” the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic will introduce a host of innovations, including the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub; Cucina del Capitano, a family-style Italian restaurant that brings Carnival’s Italian heritage to the table; and SportSquare, an action-packed top-deck recreation area featuring cruising’s first ropes course and outdoor fitness area. Carnival Magic is set to debut in Europe with a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating May 1 – Oct. 16, 2011. Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Magic will launch seven-day Caribbean service from Galveston, Texas, Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the port’s largest year-round cruise ship.
  16. CruiseNews
    Royal Caribbean International unveiled its 2012 Europe cruise and cruise-tour season, upping the ante from its 2011 lineup of 11 ships to 12 for 2012, which will again include two 154,000-ton Freedom-class ships. Also noteworthy is the introduction of eight “interports,” which allow passengers to board in places other than the 12 official homeports. Amsterdam will debut as a homeport, bringing the total to 12, with ships calling at 101 ports in 34 countries on itineraries ranging from three to 16 nights. Serenade of the Seas will make its European debut from Barcelona. Brilliance of the Seas will operate a new series of Northern Europe itineraries out of Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Mariner of the Seas will add new Holy Land vacations and seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Rome. Vision the Seas also will sail to the Holy Land sailings as well as some Northern Europe itineraries. Liberty of the Seas will offer new five-night Western Mediterranean itineraries. Independence of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas will sail on a range of Mediterranean cruises. Voyager of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas will operate Greek Isles and Turkey cruises. Jewel of the Seas will focus on Scandinavia and Russia vacations. Itineraries are open for booking now on Adventure of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. In addition to the 12 homeports, Royal Caribbean is also offering eight “interports” -- where guests can board itineraries en route -- creating 20 options for embarkation and disembarkation. The interports are Toulon, Marseille and LeHavre, France; Genoa, Messina (Sicily) and Bari, Italy; Valencia, Spain; and Kusadasi, Turkey. Maiden calls will be made at Arhus, Denmark; Klaksvik, Faroe Islands; and Kenes (Lofoten), Norway. Serenade of the Seas will make its European debut on 12-night alternating cruises in the spring, summer and fall roundtrip from Barcelona, with one itinerary featuring an overnight in Venice and the other offering port calls in Greece and Turkey. Brilliance of the Seas’ new sailings, roundtrip from Amsterdam and Copenhagen, include a mix of Norwegian fjord and Arctic Circle sailings of 12 nights through mid-July. Its other offerings feature seven-night “Scandinavia & Russia” sailings roundtrip from Copenhagen from late July through early September. Mariner of the Seas will return to Europe with a new 12-night Holy Land itinerary roundtrip from Rome, available in May, September and October, which includes overnights in Jerusalem, Israel, and Alexandria, Egypt. Its new seven-night itinerary roundtrip from Rome is available from June through mid-September. Liberty of the Seas’ new five-night spring sailings from Barcelona will call at Cannes/Monte Carlo, Rome and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The ship will also operate a seven-night itinerary from June through September. For the third consecutive year, Independence of the Seas will be positioned year-round in Southampton, primarily operating on an alternating series of 14-night sailings, “Mediterranean Treasures” and “Italian Mediterranean” programs. Three 10- and 11-night Canary Islands itineraries will be available in October and November. The ship will also offer one three-night sailing, overnighting in Paris (LeHavre) in May, and a four-night cruise spending the night in Cork, Ireland. Vision of the Seas will add two new six-night Norwegian fjord cruises from Oslo. The ship will sail Northern European waters from April 29 to Sept. 7, offering 14 itinerary options. Itineraries of four to 12 nights long will explore ports in Scandinavia, Russia, the Norwegian Fjords and British Isles. A 12-night Arctic Circle sailing on Aug. 9, roundtrip from Copenhagen, will cruise the Arctic Circle. From May through September, Adventure of the Seas will continue on its pattern of seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries roundtrip from Malaga, Spain. At the end of the season the ship will operate five seven-night Canary Islands sailings, also from Malaga. Sister ship Navigator of the Seas begins its European season with an eight-night itinerary on April 14 from Barcelona to Spain, where, through Nov. 18, it will offer seven-night Mediterranean sailings. Grandeur of the Seas’ schedule will include seven-night Western Mediterranean sailings that will operate from June 2 to Oct. 10, roundtrip from Palma de Mallorca. Voyager of the Seas, meanwhile, will spend the bulk of its Europe season sailing out of Venice, but will shift from seven- to 10- and 11-night cruises, with itineraries including overnights in Istanbul and Kusadasi. Splendour of the Seas will return to its schedule of seven-night Greek Isles and Turkey and Greek Isles sailings for the bulk of its season, sailing roundtrip from Venice from late April through early November. Jewel of the Seas will continue to operate 12-night “Scandinavia & Russia” cruises from May 15 to Aug. 19 roundtrip from Harwich, England. It will also feature one new cruise on June 20, a “Fjords & Iceland” itinerary, roundtrip from Harwich. Royal Caribbean is offering six cruise-tours, which combines sailings with escorted land tours in conjunction with six ships. Options include four nights in Madrid and Barcelona, available on Serenade of the Seas; five nights in Venice, Florence and Rome, available on Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas; three nights in Lake Como and Venice, available on Voyager of the Seas; four nights in Paris and London, available on Jewel of the Seas; and four nights in Turkey’s Istanbul and Cappadocia, available on Vision of the Seas. Click here to view the article
  17. CruiseNews
    Royal Caribbean International unveiled its 2012 Europe cruise and cruise-tour season, upping the ante from its 2011 lineup of 11 ships to 12 for 2012, which will again include two 154,000-ton Freedom-class ships. Also noteworthy is the introduction of eight “interports,” which allow passengers to board in places other than the 12 official homeports. Amsterdam will debut as a homeport, bringing the total to 12, with ships calling at 101 ports in 34 countries on itineraries ranging from three to 16 nights. Serenade of the Seas will make its European debut from Barcelona. Brilliance of the Seas will operate a new series of Northern Europe itineraries out of Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Mariner of the Seas will add new Holy Land vacations and seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Rome. Vision the Seas also will sail to the Holy Land sailings as well as some Northern Europe itineraries. Liberty of the Seas will offer new five-night Western Mediterranean itineraries. Independence of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas will sail on a range of Mediterranean cruises. Voyager of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas will operate Greek Isles and Turkey cruises. Jewel of the Seas will focus on Scandinavia and Russia vacations. Itineraries are open for booking now on Adventure of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. In addition to the 12 homeports, Royal Caribbean is also offering eight “interports” -- where guests can board itineraries en route -- creating 20 options for embarkation and disembarkation. The interports are Toulon, Marseille and LeHavre, France; Genoa, Messina (Sicily) and Bari, Italy; Valencia, Spain; and Kusadasi, Turkey. Maiden calls will be made at Arhus, Denmark; Klaksvik, Faroe Islands; and Kenes (Lofoten), Norway. Serenade of the Seas will make its European debut on 12-night alternating cruises in the spring, summer and fall roundtrip from Barcelona, with one itinerary featuring an overnight in Venice and the other offering port calls in Greece and Turkey. Brilliance of the Seas’ new sailings, roundtrip from Amsterdam and Copenhagen, include a mix of Norwegian fjord and Arctic Circle sailings of 12 nights through mid-July. Its other offerings feature seven-night “Scandinavia & Russia” sailings roundtrip from Copenhagen from late July through early September. Mariner of the Seas will return to Europe with a new 12-night Holy Land itinerary roundtrip from Rome, available in May, September and October, which includes overnights in Jerusalem, Israel, and Alexandria, Egypt. Its new seven-night itinerary roundtrip from Rome is available from June through mid-September. Liberty of the Seas’ new five-night spring sailings from Barcelona will call at Cannes/Monte Carlo, Rome and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The ship will also operate a seven-night itinerary from June through September. For the third consecutive year, Independence of the Seas will be positioned year-round in Southampton, primarily operating on an alternating series of 14-night sailings, “Mediterranean Treasures” and “Italian Mediterranean” programs. Three 10- and 11-night Canary Islands itineraries will be available in October and November. The ship will also offer one three-night sailing, overnighting in Paris (LeHavre) in May, and a four-night cruise spending the night in Cork, Ireland. Vision of the Seas will add two new six-night Norwegian fjord cruises from Oslo. The ship will sail Northern European waters from April 29 to Sept. 7, offering 14 itinerary options. Itineraries of four to 12 nights long will explore ports in Scandinavia, Russia, the Norwegian Fjords and British Isles. A 12-night Arctic Circle sailing on Aug. 9, roundtrip from Copenhagen, will cruise the Arctic Circle. From May through September, Adventure of the Seas will continue on its pattern of seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries roundtrip from Malaga, Spain. At the end of the season the ship will operate five seven-night Canary Islands sailings, also from Malaga. Sister ship Navigator of the Seas begins its European season with an eight-night itinerary on April 14 from Barcelona to Spain, where, through Nov. 18, it will offer seven-night Mediterranean sailings. Grandeur of the Seas’ schedule will include seven-night Western Mediterranean sailings that will operate from June 2 to Oct. 10, roundtrip from Palma de Mallorca. Voyager of the Seas, meanwhile, will spend the bulk of its Europe season sailing out of Venice, but will shift from seven- to 10- and 11-night cruises, with itineraries including overnights in Istanbul and Kusadasi. Splendour of the Seas will return to its schedule of seven-night Greek Isles and Turkey and Greek Isles sailings for the bulk of its season, sailing roundtrip from Venice from late April through early November. Jewel of the Seas will continue to operate 12-night “Scandinavia & Russia” cruises from May 15 to Aug. 19 roundtrip from Harwich, England. It will also feature one new cruise on June 20, a “Fjords & Iceland” itinerary, roundtrip from Harwich. Royal Caribbean is offering six cruise-tours, which combines sailings with escorted land tours in conjunction with six ships. Options include four nights in Madrid and Barcelona, available on Serenade of the Seas; five nights in Venice, Florence and Rome, available on Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas; three nights in Lake Como and Venice, available on Voyager of the Seas; four nights in Paris and London, available on Jewel of the Seas; and four nights in Turkey’s Istanbul and Cappadocia, available on Vision of the Seas.
  18. CruiseNews
    Royal Caribbean International has launched the Royal Caribbean Bedding Collection, providing consumers with the opportunity to recreate their onboard sleep experience at home. Manufactured exclusively for Royal Caribbean in Italy, the collection features a full line of bedding essentials available for purchase online. Each item, available in various sizes, is designed and engineered to deliver, deep, restorative sleep. Guests may choose to purchase a mattress, pillow top pads, pillows, a bedding set or a duvet insert. The collection features two types of mattresses (the Royal Mattress and the Royal Suite mattress), two types of pillow top pads (the Royal Pillow Top Pad and Royal Memory Pillow Top Pad), and two types of pillows (the Royal Memory Pillow and the Royal Sweet Dream Pillow). The complete bedding set includes a fitted sheet with corners, a flat sheet embroidered with the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor logo, two pillowcases, two Royal Sweet Dream Pillows and a duvet cover with buttons. The Royal Caribbean Collection is available for purchase for shipping to the U.S. and Canada. Click here to view the article
  19. CruiseNews
    Royal Caribbean International has launched the Royal Caribbean Bedding Collection, providing consumers with the opportunity to recreate their onboard sleep experience at home. Manufactured exclusively for Royal Caribbean in Italy, the collection features a full line of bedding essentials available for purchase online. Each item, available in various sizes, is designed and engineered to deliver, deep, restorative sleep. Guests may choose to purchase a mattress, pillow top pads, pillows, a bedding set or a duvet insert. The collection features two types of mattresses (the Royal Mattress and the Royal Suite mattress), two types of pillow top pads (the Royal Pillow Top Pad and Royal Memory Pillow Top Pad), and two types of pillows (the Royal Memory Pillow and the Royal Sweet Dream Pillow). The complete bedding set includes a fitted sheet with corners, a flat sheet embroidered with the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor logo, two pillowcases, two Royal Sweet Dream Pillows and a duvet cover with buttons. The Royal Caribbean Collection is available for purchase for shipping to the U.S. and Canada.
  20. CruiseNews
    19 distinct Mediterranean itineraries, new Venice homeport offerings, first-time Iceland and Fjords sailings to expand lineup. Summer/early fall season to offer broad geographic appeal with Europe, Transatlantic, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada/New England itineraries Some say that to be effective, it's best to "go big or go home." Celebrity Cruises is going big in the summer/early fall season of 2012, when it will offer vacationers more opportunities to enjoy premium Europe cruises than ever before, with five ships visiting 70 ports in 22 countries, sailing from six departure ports, and featuring 19 distinct Mediterranean itineraries. Celebrity's 2012 summer/early fall season also will include a variety of premium cruise vacation opportunities to enjoy Alaska, Bermuda, Canada and New England, and a series of immersive cruisetours in Europe and Alaska. European expansion includes new Venice homeport, Iceland cruises Recognizing that people's vacation time is precious, Celebrity has shaped a 2012 Europe lineup that exemplifies the premium cruise brand's focus on offering a multitude of ways for people to have the best vacation experience possible. Some extended overnight stays and eight new ports will add even more depth to Celebrity's already broad Europe offerings; these include Klaksvik, Faroe Islands; Akureyri, Iceland; Bari, Catania, and Ravenna, Italy; Skijolden, Norway; Koper, Slovenia and Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. Travelers can enjoy these and the 62 other ports Celebrity will visit in Europe in 2012 in ultra-premium style, as Celebrity is deploying four of its award-winning Solstice Class ships to sail full Europe seasons in 2012. They will be joined by the recently "Solsticized" Celebrity Constellation. The 2,886-guest Celebrity Silhouette, which will debut later this year, will be the first Celebrity ship to offer a variety of sailings from Venice, Italy. These will be a series of roundtrip, Venice-based cruises and open-jaw cruises between Venice and Rome, ranging from 11-13 nights in length, from May through mid-August of 2012. Sailing along the Adriatic Coast as well as in Greece and Turkey, these itineraries will be port-intensive, with only one or two "sea days" on each cruise. In mid-August, Celebrity Silhouette will offer eight Holy Land voyages roundtrip from Rome, ranging from 11-14 nights in length. The 2,850-guest Celebrity Eclipse, which launched in 2010 and features the first "Celebrity iLounge" and unique specialty restaurant Qsine, will be based in Southampton, England for the summer of 2012. She will offer four unique 14-night itineraries in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia/Russia, Iceland/Fjords and Canary Islands/Azores. A brand-new expanded Baltic season will include cruises to Iceland and the Norwegian Fjords, with an overnight, in-port stay in Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state and a hub of nightlife and shopping, and a full-day visit to Akureyri, the country's second-largest urban area. Celebrity Constellation, which was retrofitted with a series of Solstice-class venues last year, will offer a variety of cruises from Amsterdam, including seven Scandinavia/Russia cruises, one Arctic Circle cruise and one Norwegian Fjords cruise. Additional offerings on Celebrity Constellation will include three port-intensive, 12-night Greek Isles and Turkey cruises with only two sea days, and three 12-night Holy Land sailings that each feature three immersive days in Israel: a two-day overnight, in-port stay in Ashdod and Alexandria and a full-day call in Haifa. Celebrity's flagship Solstice Class vessel, Celebrity Solstice, and sister ship Celebrity Equinox will continue 2011's itineraries, which are proving to be popular choices among premium vacationers. Celebrity Solstice will present two distinct choices of 12-night Mediterranean sailings roundtrip out of Barcelona, Spain: a an itinerary highlighted by an overnight, in-port stay in Venice, and an itinerary that will include calls at Mykonos, Santorini and Kusadasi. Celebrity Equinox will homeport in Rome (Civitavecchia), and perform 10- and 11-night cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean, visiting ports in Greece and Turkey. The 11-night itinerary will include an overnight, in-port stay in Istanbul, Turkey, allowing vacationers more opportunities to absorb the ancient city's dual cultures and mystique. Guests who wish to deepen their experience in Europe can take advantage of Celebrity's cruisetour offerings, which combine a cruise with a three- to five-night pre-cruise escorted land package in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The packages, exclusive to Celebrity Cruises, immerse guests in culture-rich destinations such as Amsterdam; Venice; Paris; the Italian Lakes; Florence; Madrid; London; and Cappadiocia, Turkey. Celebrity Silhouette will offer two new cruisetour packages: a three-night pre-cruise Italian Lakes and Venice experience that now offers two nights in Como and includes a lake tour to Bellagio, and a five-night Venice, Florence and Rome pre-cruise experience that is ideal for guests who wish to book roundtrip air to and from Venice and sail from Rome to Venice after the land portion of the cruisetour. All of these packages are escorted by a local tour director and include hotel accommodations, transportation, select activities, breakfasts and some additional meals. Celebrity's Europe season will be bookended by transatlantic sailings that will transition the ships from Europe to their next destination; these cruises range from 13 to 15 nights in length and feature ports such as Barcelona, Lisbon, the Azores, the Canary Islands and Paris/Normandy (Le Havre). Popular Alaska vacation experiences continue; new cruisetour targets families For the fifth consecutive year, Celebrity Century, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Millennium will return to Alaska in the summer of 2012, offering vacationers ways to enjoy premium vacations featuring Celebrity's signature cuisine, activities, and service amidst unforgettable, inspiring scenery. Celebrity Infinity will return to Seattle, Washington in the summer of 2012, to offer its popular 7-night roundtrip Tracy Arm Fjord itinerary. The majestic Alaskan scenery will serve as an ideal backdrop for the ship, which will be "Solsticized" in December of this year. The refurbishment will add some of the most popular venues on Celebrity's widely heralded Solstice Class ships, including the first spa-inspired AquaClass accommodations to be added to a Millennium Class ship, the specialty restaurants Qsine and Blu, entirely new verandas added to the ship's spacious Celebrity Suites, additional new oceanview and inside staterooms, the inviting Café al Bacio and Gelateria, a restyling of staterooms to include entirely new carpeting, flat-screen TVs, upholstery and bedding; and more. The 1,814-guest Celebrity Century will present seven-night roundtrip cruises from Vancouver. At the end of the season in September, Celebrity Century will offer a nine-night "Ultimate Alaska" sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, followed by a 10-night wine cruise from Vancouver to San Diego, which features the wine-rich port cities of the Pacific Northwest. Cruising between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, will be Celebrity Millennium, with a series of seven-night open-jaw cruises. Celebrity Millennium's Alaska season will begin with a 15-night Panama Canal sailing from Miami to San Diego on May 12, 2012. Other unique offerings during Celebrity Millennium's 2012 Alaska season will include two cruises highlighting vacationers' passion for wine and food: one five-night wine cruise in May from San Diego to Vancouver, and an eight-night wine cruise in September, from Vancouver to San Diego. Guests who wish to deepen their experience in Alaska can take advantage of Celebrity's cruisetour offerings, which combine an Alaska cruise on Celebrity Millennium with a pre- or post-cruise escorted land package highlighting the region's natural beauty, culture and heritage. A total of 20 packages will be available in 2012, including a new tour geared toward intergenerational travel groups. The popularity of Alaska as a family vacation destination is at the heart of the new tour, which features travel on Celebrity's Wilderness Express domed railcars, experiences on a Resurrection Bay wildlife cruise, lunch at Fox Island, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, time at the Anchorage Museum and Imaginarium and a Denali tour designed specifically for families. Travelers who wish to have a once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experience can opt for an 18-night "Ultimate Cruisetour," which includes a six-night pre-cruise Canadian Rockies land tour, a seven-night cruise on Celebrity Millennium from Vancouver to Seward, and a five-night post-cruise escorted Alaska land tour. All of Celebrity's Alaska cruisetour packages are escorted by an expert tour director and include hotel accommodations, transportation, select activities, breakfasts and some additional meals. Additional cruisetours to the Canadian Rockies and Whistler are available. Bermuda lineup aims to bewitch travelers After being "Solsticized" in January 2012, Celebrity Summit will return to Bermuda that summer for a third consecutive season, reprising its 2011 roundtrip seven-night itineraries from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey. Travelers who wish to take advantage of the convenient New York-area departure point will have the opportunity to enjoy many new experiences on Celebrity Summit. Like Celebrity Infinity's late-2011 "Solsticizing," Celebrity Summit's refurbishment will add some of the most popular venues on Celebrity's widely heralded Solstice Class ships, including AquaClass accommodations inspired by the spa enthusiast lifestyle, the specialty restaurants Qsine and Blu, the hip "Celebrity iLounge," entirely new verandas added to the ship's spacious Celebrity Suites, additional new oceanview and inside staterooms, Cellarmasters wine bar, Bistro on Five creperie, and more. Canada and New England to be presented as enchanting autumn destinations In September 2012, Celebrity Summit will shift from Bermuda cruises to three 14-night Canada and New England sailings. Differing from previous years, the cruises, which will depart on Saturdays, will include a new port of call for Celebrity: Gaspé, a city situated on the point of the Gaspé Peninsula in eastern Quebec, Canada. To help vacationers maximize their celebration of autumn's splendor, Celebrity is also building on its previous Canada and New England offerings in 2012 by adding more time (two full days) in Quebec City, Canada. Shoreside options add immersion, depth To help round out travelers' summer cruise experience, Celebrity will offer a variety of shore excursions aimed at satisfying a range of travelers' interests, including winery visits, glacier tours, private floatplane trips, beach visits and more. To make it easy for guests to plan their vacation, Celebrity offers the option for guests to book shore excursions in advance of their cruise. Examples of Celebrity's premium summer shore excursions include: In Italy, guests can explore their love of wine and their fascination with the Italian countryside simultaneously through a Naples shore excursion that features a tour of Mount Vesuvius National Park in a 4x4 vehicle, a hike, and a winery visit. In Iceland, guests can enjoy an authentic Icelandic experience through a trip through Reykjavik and the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula to the Blue Lagoon, which offers a glimpse of the region's unusual landscape and an opportunity to indulge in the waters of the lagoon, and an air tour over the Tindfjallajokull and Eyjafjallajokull glaciers and Hekla volcano. En route, guests will also take in Geysir, one of the world's renowned geothermal areas, and the Thorsmork Valley, believed to be the realm of the thunder god Thor. In Alaska, Celebrity offers unique Alaska excursion packages that take the guesswork out of choosing shoreside activities and offer a discount over purchasing the same excursions individually. Three packages including tours in Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway hone in on key themes: the "Alaska Sightseeing Package" includes visits to landmarks; the "Flora and Fauna Package" gives nature-lovers an easy way to see the region with whale-watching, rainforest and eagle-spotting activities; and the "Family-Friendly Package" offers activities for guests of all ages with dog-sledding, a suspension bridge and gold-seeking experiences. In Bermuda, guests can experience Bermuda's famed beaches by booking a trip to the uncrowded, pristine Stone Hole Bay, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the island's famous pink sand. In New Brunswick, guests can become "a Fundy scientist for a day" through an experience at Fundy National Park. During the excursion, guests will spend time with park scientists and learn the basics of studying the aquatic ecosystems of the well-known Bay of Fundy. Complete details on Celebrity's shore excursions are available online. Space available now Celebrity's 2012 Europe and transatlantic season opened for sale. On March 15, Celebrity opened its 2012 Bermuda and Canada/New England cruises for sale. On April 6, Celebrity's 2012 Alaska season will open for sale. Members of Celebrity's Captain’s Club loyalty program are eligible to receive up to $600 savings per stateroom when booking select 2012-13 itineraries before July 29, 2011. Shore excursions are not included in cruise fare. Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of the world's top-rated premium cruise line, with spacious, stylish interiors; dining experiences elevated to an art form; personalized service, with a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1; unexpected, trendsetting onboard activities, all designed to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. One of the fastest-growing major cruise lines, Celebrity's fleet currently consists of nine ships, with two additional Solstice Class ships scheduled to join the fleet: Celebrity Silhouette in July 2011, and Celebrity Reflection in Fall 2012. Click here to view the article
  21. CruiseNews
    19 distinct Mediterranean itineraries, new Venice homeport offerings, first-time Iceland and Fjords sailings to expand lineup. Summer/early fall season to offer broad geographic appeal with Europe, Transatlantic, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada/New England itineraries Some say that to be effective, it's best to "go big or go home." Celebrity Cruises is going big in the summer/early fall season of 2012, when it will offer vacationers more opportunities to enjoy premium Europe cruises than ever before, with five ships visiting 70 ports in 22 countries, sailing from six departure ports, and featuring 19 distinct Mediterranean itineraries. Celebrity's 2012 summer/early fall season also will include a variety of premium cruise vacation opportunities to enjoy Alaska, Bermuda, Canada and New England, and a series of immersive cruisetours in Europe and Alaska. European expansion includes new Venice homeport, Iceland cruises Recognizing that people's vacation time is precious, Celebrity has shaped a 2012 Europe lineup that exemplifies the premium cruise brand's focus on offering a multitude of ways for people to have the best vacation experience possible. Some extended overnight stays and eight new ports will add even more depth to Celebrity's already broad Europe offerings; these include Klaksvik, Faroe Islands; Akureyri, Iceland; Bari, Catania, and Ravenna, Italy; Skijolden, Norway; Koper, Slovenia and Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. Travelers can enjoy these and the 62 other ports Celebrity will visit in Europe in 2012 in ultra-premium style, as Celebrity is deploying four of its award-winning Solstice Class ships to sail full Europe seasons in 2012. They will be joined by the recently "Solsticized" Celebrity Constellation. The 2,886-guest Celebrity Silhouette, which will debut later this year, will be the first Celebrity ship to offer a variety of sailings from Venice, Italy. These will be a series of roundtrip, Venice-based cruises and open-jaw cruises between Venice and Rome, ranging from 11-13 nights in length, from May through mid-August of 2012. Sailing along the Adriatic Coast as well as in Greece and Turkey, these itineraries will be port-intensive, with only one or two "sea days" on each cruise. In mid-August, Celebrity Silhouette will offer eight Holy Land voyages roundtrip from Rome, ranging from 11-14 nights in length. The 2,850-guest Celebrity Eclipse, which launched in 2010 and features the first "Celebrity iLounge" and unique specialty restaurant Qsine, will be based in Southampton, England for the summer of 2012. She will offer four unique 14-night itineraries in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia/Russia, Iceland/Fjords and Canary Islands/Azores. A brand-new expanded Baltic season will include cruises to Iceland and the Norwegian Fjords, with an overnight, in-port stay in Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state and a hub of nightlife and shopping, and a full-day visit to Akureyri, the country's second-largest urban area. Celebrity Constellation, which was retrofitted with a series of Solstice-class venues last year, will offer a variety of cruises from Amsterdam, including seven Scandinavia/Russia cruises, one Arctic Circle cruise and one Norwegian Fjords cruise. Additional offerings on Celebrity Constellation will include three port-intensive, 12-night Greek Isles and Turkey cruises with only two sea days, and three 12-night Holy Land sailings that each feature three immersive days in Israel: a two-day overnight, in-port stay in Ashdod and Alexandria and a full-day call in Haifa. Celebrity's flagship Solstice Class vessel, Celebrity Solstice, and sister ship Celebrity Equinox will continue 2011's itineraries, which are proving to be popular choices among premium vacationers. Celebrity Solstice will present two distinct choices of 12-night Mediterranean sailings roundtrip out of Barcelona, Spain: a an itinerary highlighted by an overnight, in-port stay in Venice, and an itinerary that will include calls at Mykonos, Santorini and Kusadasi. Celebrity Equinox will homeport in Rome (Civitavecchia), and perform 10- and 11-night cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean, visiting ports in Greece and Turkey. The 11-night itinerary will include an overnight, in-port stay in Istanbul, Turkey, allowing vacationers more opportunities to absorb the ancient city's dual cultures and mystique. Guests who wish to deepen their experience in Europe can take advantage of Celebrity's cruisetour offerings, which combine a cruise with a three- to five-night pre-cruise escorted land package in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The packages, exclusive to Celebrity Cruises, immerse guests in culture-rich destinations such as Amsterdam; Venice; Paris; the Italian Lakes; Florence; Madrid; London; and Cappadiocia, Turkey. Celebrity Silhouette will offer two new cruisetour packages: a three-night pre-cruise Italian Lakes and Venice experience that now offers two nights in Como and includes a lake tour to Bellagio, and a five-night Venice, Florence and Rome pre-cruise experience that is ideal for guests who wish to book roundtrip air to and from Venice and sail from Rome to Venice after the land portion of the cruisetour. All of these packages are escorted by a local tour director and include hotel accommodations, transportation, select activities, breakfasts and some additional meals. Celebrity's Europe season will be bookended by transatlantic sailings that will transition the ships from Europe to their next destination; these cruises range from 13 to 15 nights in length and feature ports such as Barcelona, Lisbon, the Azores, the Canary Islands and Paris/Normandy (Le Havre). Popular Alaska vacation experiences continue; new cruisetour targets families For the fifth consecutive year, Celebrity Century, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Millennium will return to Alaska in the summer of 2012, offering vacationers ways to enjoy premium vacations featuring Celebrity's signature cuisine, activities, and service amidst unforgettable, inspiring scenery. Celebrity Infinity will return to Seattle, Washington in the summer of 2012, to offer its popular 7-night roundtrip Tracy Arm Fjord itinerary. The majestic Alaskan scenery will serve as an ideal backdrop for the ship, which will be "Solsticized" in December of this year. The refurbishment will add some of the most popular venues on Celebrity's widely heralded Solstice Class ships, including the first spa-inspired AquaClass accommodations to be added to a Millennium Class ship, the specialty restaurants Qsine and Blu, entirely new verandas added to the ship's spacious Celebrity Suites, additional new oceanview and inside staterooms, the inviting Café al Bacio and Gelateria, a restyling of staterooms to include entirely new carpeting, flat-screen TVs, upholstery and bedding; and more. The 1,814-guest Celebrity Century will present seven-night roundtrip cruises from Vancouver. At the end of the season in September, Celebrity Century will offer a nine-night "Ultimate Alaska" sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, followed by a 10-night wine cruise from Vancouver to San Diego, which features the wine-rich port cities of the Pacific Northwest. Cruising between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, will be Celebrity Millennium, with a series of seven-night open-jaw cruises. Celebrity Millennium's Alaska season will begin with a 15-night Panama Canal sailing from Miami to San Diego on May 12, 2012. Other unique offerings during Celebrity Millennium's 2012 Alaska season will include two cruises highlighting vacationers' passion for wine and food: one five-night wine cruise in May from San Diego to Vancouver, and an eight-night wine cruise in September, from Vancouver to San Diego. Guests who wish to deepen their experience in Alaska can take advantage of Celebrity's cruisetour offerings, which combine an Alaska cruise on Celebrity Millennium with a pre- or post-cruise escorted land package highlighting the region's natural beauty, culture and heritage. A total of 20 packages will be available in 2012, including a new tour geared toward intergenerational travel groups. The popularity of Alaska as a family vacation destination is at the heart of the new tour, which features travel on Celebrity's Wilderness Express domed railcars, experiences on a Resurrection Bay wildlife cruise, lunch at Fox Island, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, time at the Anchorage Museum and Imaginarium and a Denali tour designed specifically for families. Travelers who wish to have a once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experience can opt for an 18-night "Ultimate Cruisetour," which includes a six-night pre-cruise Canadian Rockies land tour, a seven-night cruise on Celebrity Millennium from Vancouver to Seward, and a five-night post-cruise escorted Alaska land tour. All of Celebrity's Alaska cruisetour packages are escorted by an expert tour director and include hotel accommodations, transportation, select activities, breakfasts and some additional meals. Additional cruisetours to the Canadian Rockies and Whistler are available. Bermuda lineup aims to bewitch travelers After being "Solsticized" in January 2012, Celebrity Summit will return to Bermuda that summer for a third consecutive season, reprising its 2011 roundtrip seven-night itineraries from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey. Travelers who wish to take advantage of the convenient New York-area departure point will have the opportunity to enjoy many new experiences on Celebrity Summit. Like Celebrity Infinity's late-2011 "Solsticizing," Celebrity Summit's refurbishment will add some of the most popular venues on Celebrity's widely heralded Solstice Class ships, including AquaClass accommodations inspired by the spa enthusiast lifestyle, the specialty restaurants Qsine and Blu, the hip "Celebrity iLounge," entirely new verandas added to the ship's spacious Celebrity Suites, additional new oceanview and inside staterooms, Cellarmasters wine bar, Bistro on Five creperie, and more. Canada and New England to be presented as enchanting autumn destinations In September 2012, Celebrity Summit will shift from Bermuda cruises to three 14-night Canada and New England sailings. Differing from previous years, the cruises, which will depart on Saturdays, will include a new port of call for Celebrity: Gaspé, a city situated on the point of the Gaspé Peninsula in eastern Quebec, Canada. To help vacationers maximize their celebration of autumn's splendor, Celebrity is also building on its previous Canada and New England offerings in 2012 by adding more time (two full days) in Quebec City, Canada. Shoreside options add immersion, depth To help round out travelers' summer cruise experience, Celebrity will offer a variety of shore excursions aimed at satisfying a range of travelers' interests, including winery visits, glacier tours, private floatplane trips, beach visits and more. To make it easy for guests to plan their vacation, Celebrity offers the option for guests to book shore excursions in advance of their cruise. Examples of Celebrity's premium summer shore excursions include: In Italy, guests can explore their love of wine and their fascination with the Italian countryside simultaneously through a Naples shore excursion that features a tour of Mount Vesuvius National Park in a 4x4 vehicle, a hike, and a winery visit. In Iceland, guests can enjoy an authentic Icelandic experience through a trip through Reykjavik and the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula to the Blue Lagoon, which offers a glimpse of the region's unusual landscape and an opportunity to indulge in the waters of the lagoon, and an air tour over the Tindfjallajokull and Eyjafjallajokull glaciers and Hekla volcano. En route, guests will also take in Geysir, one of the world's renowned geothermal areas, and the Thorsmork Valley, believed to be the realm of the thunder god Thor. In Alaska, Celebrity offers unique Alaska excursion packages that take the guesswork out of choosing shoreside activities and offer a discount over purchasing the same excursions individually. Three packages including tours in Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway hone in on key themes: the "Alaska Sightseeing Package" includes visits to landmarks; the "Flora and Fauna Package" gives nature-lovers an easy way to see the region with whale-watching, rainforest and eagle-spotting activities; and the "Family-Friendly Package" offers activities for guests of all ages with dog-sledding, a suspension bridge and gold-seeking experiences. In Bermuda, guests can experience Bermuda's famed beaches by booking a trip to the uncrowded, pristine Stone Hole Bay, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the island's famous pink sand. In New Brunswick, guests can become "a Fundy scientist for a day" through an experience at Fundy National Park. During the excursion, guests will spend time with park scientists and learn the basics of studying the aquatic ecosystems of the well-known Bay of Fundy. Complete details on Celebrity's shore excursions are available online. Space available now Celebrity's 2012 Europe and transatlantic season opened for sale. On March 15, Celebrity opened its 2012 Bermuda and Canada/New England cruises for sale. On April 6, Celebrity's 2012 Alaska season will open for sale. Members of Celebrity's Captain’s Club loyalty program are eligible to receive up to $600 savings per stateroom when booking select 2012-13 itineraries before July 29, 2011. Shore excursions are not included in cruise fare. Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of the world's top-rated premium cruise line, with spacious, stylish interiors; dining experiences elevated to an art form; personalized service, with a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1; unexpected, trendsetting onboard activities, all designed to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. One of the fastest-growing major cruise lines, Celebrity's fleet currently consists of nine ships, with two additional Solstice Class ships scheduled to join the fleet: Celebrity Silhouette in July 2011, and Celebrity Reflection in Fall 2012. Click here to view the article
  22. CruiseNews
    19 distinct Mediterranean itineraries, new Venice homeport offerings, first-time Iceland and Fjords sailings to expand lineup. Summer/early fall season to offer broad geographic appeal with Europe, Transatlantic, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada/New England itineraries Some say that to be effective, it's best to "go big or go home." Celebrity Cruises is going big in the summer/early fall season of 2012, when it will offer vacationers more opportunities to enjoy premium Europe cruises than ever before, with five ships visiting 70 ports in 22 countries, sailing from six departure ports, and featuring 19 distinct Mediterranean itineraries. Celebrity's 2012 summer/early fall season also will include a variety of premium cruise vacation opportunities to enjoy Alaska, Bermuda, Canada and New England, and a series of immersive cruisetours in Europe and Alaska. European expansion includes new Venice homeport, Iceland cruises Recognizing that people's vacation time is precious, Celebrity has shaped a 2012 Europe lineup that exemplifies the premium cruise brand's focus on offering a multitude of ways for people to have the best vacation experience possible. Some extended overnight stays and eight new ports will add even more depth to Celebrity's already broad Europe offerings; these include Klaksvik, Faroe Islands; Akureyri, Iceland; Bari, Catania, and Ravenna, Italy; Skijolden, Norway; Koper, Slovenia and Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. Travelers can enjoy these and the 62 other ports Celebrity will visit in Europe in 2012 in ultra-premium style, as Celebrity is deploying four of its award-winning Solstice Class ships to sail full Europe seasons in 2012. They will be joined by the recently "Solsticized" Celebrity Constellation. The 2,886-guest Celebrity Silhouette, which will debut later this year, will be the first Celebrity ship to offer a variety of sailings from Venice, Italy. These will be a series of roundtrip, Venice-based cruises and open-jaw cruises between Venice and Rome, ranging from 11-13 nights in length, from May through mid-August of 2012. Sailing along the Adriatic Coast as well as in Greece and Turkey, these itineraries will be port-intensive, with only one or two "sea days" on each cruise. In mid-August, Celebrity Silhouette will offer eight Holy Land voyages roundtrip from Rome, ranging from 11-14 nights in length. The 2,850-guest Celebrity Eclipse, which launched in 2010 and features the first "Celebrity iLounge" and unique specialty restaurant Qsine, will be based in Southampton, England for the summer of 2012. She will offer four unique 14-night itineraries in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia/Russia, Iceland/Fjords and Canary Islands/Azores. A brand-new expanded Baltic season will include cruises to Iceland and the Norwegian Fjords, with an overnight, in-port stay in Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state and a hub of nightlife and shopping, and a full-day visit to Akureyri, the country's second-largest urban area. Celebrity Constellation, which was retrofitted with a series of Solstice-class venues last year, will offer a variety of cruises from Amsterdam, including seven Scandinavia/Russia cruises, one Arctic Circle cruise and one Norwegian Fjords cruise. Additional offerings on Celebrity Constellation will include three port-intensive, 12-night Greek Isles and Turkey cruises with only two sea days, and three 12-night Holy Land sailings that each feature three immersive days in Israel: a two-day overnight, in-port stay in Ashdod and Alexandria and a full-day call in Haifa. Celebrity's flagship Solstice Class vessel, Celebrity Solstice, and sister ship Celebrity Equinox will continue 2011's itineraries, which are proving to be popular choices among premium vacationers. Celebrity Solstice will present two distinct choices of 12-night Mediterranean sailings roundtrip out of Barcelona, Spain: a an itinerary highlighted by an overnight, in-port stay in Venice, and an itinerary that will include calls at Mykonos, Santorini and Kusadasi. Celebrity Equinox will homeport in Rome (Civitavecchia), and perform 10- and 11-night cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean, visiting ports in Greece and Turkey. The 11-night itinerary will include an overnight, in-port stay in Istanbul, Turkey, allowing vacationers more opportunities to absorb the ancient city's dual cultures and mystique. Guests who wish to deepen their experience in Europe can take advantage of Celebrity's cruisetour offerings, which combine a cruise with a three- to five-night pre-cruise escorted land package in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The packages, exclusive to Celebrity Cruises, immerse guests in culture-rich destinations such as Amsterdam; Venice; Paris; the Italian Lakes; Florence; Madrid; London; and Cappadiocia, Turkey. Celebrity Silhouette will offer two new cruisetour packages: a three-night pre-cruise Italian Lakes and Venice experience that now offers two nights in Como and includes a lake tour to Bellagio, and a five-night Venice, Florence and Rome pre-cruise experience that is ideal for guests who wish to book roundtrip air to and from Venice and sail from Rome to Venice after the land portion of the cruisetour. All of these packages are escorted by a local tour director and include hotel accommodations, transportation, select activities, breakfasts and some additional meals. Celebrity's Europe season will be bookended by transatlantic sailings that will transition the ships from Europe to their next destination; these cruises range from 13 to 15 nights in length and feature ports such as Barcelona, Lisbon, the Azores, the Canary Islands and Paris/Normandy (Le Havre). Popular Alaska vacation experiences continue; new cruisetour targets families For the fifth consecutive year, Celebrity Century, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Millennium will return to Alaska in the summer of 2012, offering vacationers ways to enjoy premium vacations featuring Celebrity's signature cuisine, activities, and service amidst unforgettable, inspiring scenery. Celebrity Infinity will return to Seattle, Washington in the summer of 2012, to offer its popular 7-night roundtrip Tracy Arm Fjord itinerary. The majestic Alaskan scenery will serve as an ideal backdrop for the ship, which will be "Solsticized" in December of this year. The refurbishment will add some of the most popular venues on Celebrity's widely heralded Solstice Class ships, including the first spa-inspired AquaClass accommodations to be added to a Millennium Class ship, the specialty restaurants Qsine and Blu, entirely new verandas added to the ship's spacious Celebrity Suites, additional new oceanview and inside staterooms, the inviting Café al Bacio and Gelateria, a restyling of staterooms to include entirely new carpeting, flat-screen TVs, upholstery and bedding; and more. The 1,814-guest Celebrity Century will present seven-night roundtrip cruises from Vancouver. At the end of the season in September, Celebrity Century will offer a nine-night "Ultimate Alaska" sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, followed by a 10-night wine cruise from Vancouver to San Diego, which features the wine-rich port cities of the Pacific Northwest. Cruising between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, will be Celebrity Millennium, with a series of seven-night open-jaw cruises. Celebrity Millennium's Alaska season will begin with a 15-night Panama Canal sailing from Miami to San Diego on May 12, 2012. Other unique offerings during Celebrity Millennium's 2012 Alaska season will include two cruises highlighting vacationers' passion for wine and food: one five-night wine cruise in May from San Diego to Vancouver, and an eight-night wine cruise in September, from Vancouver to San Diego. Guests who wish to deepen their experience in Alaska can take advantage of Celebrity's cruisetour offerings, which combine an Alaska cruise on Celebrity Millennium with a pre- or post-cruise escorted land package highlighting the region's natural beauty, culture and heritage. A total of 20 packages will be available in 2012, including a new tour geared toward intergenerational travel groups. The popularity of Alaska as a family vacation destination is at the heart of the new tour, which features travel on Celebrity's Wilderness Express domed railcars, experiences on a Resurrection Bay wildlife cruise, lunch at Fox Island, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, time at the Anchorage Museum and Imaginarium and a Denali tour designed specifically for families. Travelers who wish to have a once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experience can opt for an 18-night "Ultimate Cruisetour," which includes a six-night pre-cruise Canadian Rockies land tour, a seven-night cruise on Celebrity Millennium from Vancouver to Seward, and a five-night post-cruise escorted Alaska land tour. All of Celebrity's Alaska cruisetour packages are escorted by an expert tour director and include hotel accommodations, transportation, select activities, breakfasts and some additional meals. Additional cruisetours to the Canadian Rockies and Whistler are available. Bermuda lineup aims to bewitch travelers After being "Solsticized" in January 2012, Celebrity Summit will return to Bermuda that summer for a third consecutive season, reprising its 2011 roundtrip seven-night itineraries from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey. Travelers who wish to take advantage of the convenient New York-area departure point will have the opportunity to enjoy many new experiences on Celebrity Summit. Like Celebrity Infinity's late-2011 "Solsticizing," Celebrity Summit's refurbishment will add some of the most popular venues on Celebrity's widely heralded Solstice Class ships, including AquaClass accommodations inspired by the spa enthusiast lifestyle, the specialty restaurants Qsine and Blu, the hip "Celebrity iLounge," entirely new verandas added to the ship's spacious Celebrity Suites, additional new oceanview and inside staterooms, Cellarmasters wine bar, Bistro on Five creperie, and more. Canada and New England to be presented as enchanting autumn destinations In September 2012, Celebrity Summit will shift from Bermuda cruises to three 14-night Canada and New England sailings. Differing from previous years, the cruises, which will depart on Saturdays, will include a new port of call for Celebrity: Gaspé, a city situated on the point of the Gaspé Peninsula in eastern Quebec, Canada. To help vacationers maximize their celebration of autumn's splendor, Celebrity is also building on its previous Canada and New England offerings in 2012 by adding more time (two full days) in Quebec City, Canada. Shoreside options add immersion, depth To help round out travelers' summer cruise experience, Celebrity will offer a variety of shore excursions aimed at satisfying a range of travelers' interests, including winery visits, glacier tours, private floatplane trips, beach visits and more. To make it easy for guests to plan their vacation, Celebrity offers the option for guests to book shore excursions in advance of their cruise. Examples of Celebrity's premium summer shore excursions include: In Italy, guests can explore their love of wine and their fascination with the Italian countryside simultaneously through a Naples shore excursion that features a tour of Mount Vesuvius National Park in a 4x4 vehicle, a hike, and a winery visit. In Iceland, guests can enjoy an authentic Icelandic experience through a trip through Reykjavik and the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula to the Blue Lagoon, which offers a glimpse of the region's unusual landscape and an opportunity to indulge in the waters of the lagoon, and an air tour over the Tindfjallajokull and Eyjafjallajokull glaciers and Hekla volcano. En route, guests will also take in Geysir, one of the world's renowned geothermal areas, and the Thorsmork Valley, believed to be the realm of the thunder god Thor. In Alaska, Celebrity offers unique Alaska excursion packages that take the guesswork out of choosing shoreside activities and offer a discount over purchasing the same excursions individually. Three packages including tours in Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway hone in on key themes: the "Alaska Sightseeing Package" includes visits to landmarks; the "Flora and Fauna Package" gives nature-lovers an easy way to see the region with whale-watching, rainforest and eagle-spotting activities; and the "Family-Friendly Package" offers activities for guests of all ages with dog-sledding, a suspension bridge and gold-seeking experiences. In Bermuda, guests can experience Bermuda's famed beaches by booking a trip to the uncrowded, pristine Stone Hole Bay, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the island's famous pink sand. In New Brunswick, guests can become "a Fundy scientist for a day" through an experience at Fundy National Park. During the excursion, guests will spend time with park scientists and learn the basics of studying the aquatic ecosystems of the well-known Bay of Fundy. Complete details on Celebrity's shore excursions are available online. Space available now Celebrity's 2012 Europe and transatlantic season opened for sale. On March 15, Celebrity opened its 2012 Bermuda and Canada/New England cruises for sale. On April 6, Celebrity's 2012 Alaska season will open for sale. Members of Celebrity's Captain’s Club loyalty program are eligible to receive up to $600 savings per stateroom when booking select 2012-13 itineraries before July 29, 2011. Shore excursions are not included in cruise fare. Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of the world's top-rated premium cruise line, with spacious, stylish interiors; dining experiences elevated to an art form; personalized service, with a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1; unexpected, trendsetting onboard activities, all designed to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. One of the fastest-growing major cruise lines, Celebrity's fleet currently consists of nine ships, with two additional Solstice Class ships scheduled to join the fleet: Celebrity Silhouette in July 2011, and Celebrity Reflection in Fall 2012.
  23. CruiseNews
    Company's Largest Deployment Announcement Details Itineraries to Alaska, Europe, Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America, Asia, South Pacific and Australia & New Zealand Highlights Include New Cruises from San Francisco and Galveston, Ship Added to Gulf of Alaska, and Largest Europe Deployment Princess Cruises opened its entire 2012-2013 season for booking, offering an extensive selection of worldwide sailings -- a total of nearly 600 cruise options on 150 itineraries to more than 300 destinations around the world. For the first time, the line has simultaneously launched its full slate of cruises which include Princess' largest Europe deployment, an expanded Alaska schedule, new sailings from Galveston, more South American options with two ships sailing around Cape Horn, and more West Coast sailings to Hawaii, Mexico and along the California coast than ever before. "We know that many of our passengers are advance planners, and would like to see the full breadth of our cruise itineraries to decide where to vacation next with us," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "So for the first time we've released all of our itineraries at once so they have the entire world at their fingertips as they're planning their next cruise." Among the line's offerings for the 2012-2013 season, Princess will begin sailing to the Hawaiian Islands from San Francisco, will offer longer 14-day Australia & New Zealand itineraries, and will once again sail to the Western Caribbean from Galveston, Texas. More ships will sail in South America and Alaska, and several ships will make regional debuts, including Grand Princess' first ever sailings on the West Coast and Caribbean Princess' maiden European deployment. Cruisetours combining a cruise and land experience will enable passengers to more fully explore Alaska, Europe, Canada and New England, Asia, Australia and South America. Highlights of Princess' 2012-2013 season include: ALASKA Princess draws on more than 40 years of experience cruising the 49th state, offering Gulf of Alaska and Inside Passage sailings with an extensive selection of cruisetours to the heart of Alaska. The 2012 program will include a seven-ship deployment, including a fourth ship added to the Voyage of the Glaciers route, and three ships sailing the Inside Passage. All cruisetour options will continue to include Alaska's top two attractions -- Denali and Glacier Bay National Parks, and Princess will take more passengers to Glacier Bay than any other cruise line. EUROPE The largest Europe deployment in Princess history, the 2012 season offers a wide selection of sailings through the timeless cities of the Mediterranean, the splendor of Scandinavia and Russia and the intriguing ports of Northern Europe. The season features seven ships sailing on 57 itineraries to 116 destinations, including Caribbean Princess' European debut and new 14-day Baltic and 16-day Land of the Midnight Sun routes. And 12-day Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises will continue to offer overnight stays in one of the continent's most sought-after destinations -- Venice. Two new ports will debut -- Korcula, Croatia on the 12-day Mediterranean Collection on Pacific Princess and Nessebar, Bulgaria (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on the 12-day Black Sea & Crimean Coasts route. CARIBBEAN Princess' Caribbean schedule will feature five ships sailing to the best of the sparkling waters of the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean. Passengers can choose from 115 voyages sailing to 22 destinations on 10 itineraries. The season includes Princess' return to the Texas Gulf Coast with the debut of Crown Princess sailing out of Galveston. PANAMA CANAL Princess continues to be the leader in Panama Canal cruising, with two ships, eight itineraries -- including both full and partial transits -- and 40 voyages aboard Coral Princess and Island Princess. MEXICO & PACIFIC COAST The 2012-2013 season will feature more Pacific coastal sailings than ever before, plus Mexico sailings from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Five ships will sail on 31 departures of nine itineraries sailing to 14 destinations. A new seven-day California Coastal itinerary will feature the best of the Golden State with an added visit to Catalina and an overnight in San Francisco. HAWAII, TAHITI & SOUTH PACIFIC The dazzling islands of Hawaii and Tahiti headline a season with more Hawaiian Islands sailings than ever before including new voyages from San Francisco. The full program includes eight ships offering 12 itinerary choices with 56 voyages to 32 destinations. Among the highlights are an expanded Hawaiian Islands program with three ships sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles and San Francisco, Grand Princess making her West Coast debut, and two sailings of the popular 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa itinerary previously introduced with the fall 2011 schedule. ASIA, INDIA & AFRICA Princess' Exotics program includes sailings throughout Asia plus passages through the Suez Canal and across the Indian Ocean. Five ships sail on 28 sailings of 21 itineraries to 54 destinations. Other highlights include Bangkok once again featured as a homeport on the line's 16-day Southeast Asia & China itinerary, plus the line's first call in Aomori, Japan. AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND "Down Under" cruising expands with a new longer itinerary, plus three ships based locally for Aussie-style cruising. Four ships will sail on 40 voyages of eight different itineraries. Highlights include a new 14-day Australia & New Zealand itinerary -- adding Wellington and Picton -- and a new 33-day Round Australia & New Zealand itinerary. Featuring the largest Australia deployment of any North American line in the region, Princess ships will also offer more New Zealand cruises than any other line. SOUTH AMERICA & AMAZON The lively Latin culture of South America takes center stage with Princess 2012-2013 cruise season, offering three ships sailing on 18 voyages of 11 itineraries. Highlights include two ships -- Star Princess and Grand Princess -- both sailing an around Cape Horn itinerary between Buenos Aires and Santiago, and a new 19-day Brazilian Adventure route that stops for an overnight in Rio during the world-famous Carnival. Pacific Princess will once again offer cruises up the mighty Amazon River. CANADA & NEW ENGLAND The North Atlantic Coast voyages offer dramatic scenery and historic attractions. Two ships sail on three favorite Princess routes visiting 12 destinations. The 11 departures include Caribbean Princess sailing roundtrip from New York, and Emerald Princess offering 10-day Classic Canada & New England sailings between New York and Quebec. WORLD CRUISES & CIRCLE PACIFIC Three ships will offer world voyages, including Pacific Princess rounding the globe on a 107-day voyage from Ft. Lauderdale to Venice on January 27, 2013; Sun Princess setting sail on her first-ever global circumnavigation with a 104-day sailing from Sydney on May 16, 2012, and Dawn Princess offering a 75-day Circle Pacific itinerary that departs July 27, 2012. Click here to view the article
  24. CruiseNews
    Company's Largest Deployment Announcement Details Itineraries to Alaska, Europe, Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America, Asia, South Pacific and Australia & New Zealand Highlights Include New Cruises from San Francisco and Galveston, Ship Added to Gulf of Alaska, and Largest Europe Deployment Princess Cruises opened its entire 2012-2013 season for booking, offering an extensive selection of worldwide sailings -- a total of nearly 600 cruise options on 150 itineraries to more than 300 destinations around the world. For the first time, the line has simultaneously launched its full slate of cruises which include Princess' largest Europe deployment, an expanded Alaska schedule, new sailings from Galveston, more South American options with two ships sailing around Cape Horn, and more West Coast sailings to Hawaii, Mexico and along the California coast than ever before. "We know that many of our passengers are advance planners, and would like to see the full breadth of our cruise itineraries to decide where to vacation next with us," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "So for the first time we've released all of our itineraries at once so they have the entire world at their fingertips as they're planning their next cruise." Among the line's offerings for the 2012-2013 season, Princess will begin sailing to the Hawaiian Islands from San Francisco, will offer longer 14-day Australia & New Zealand itineraries, and will once again sail to the Western Caribbean from Galveston, Texas. More ships will sail in South America and Alaska, and several ships will make regional debuts, including Grand Princess' first ever sailings on the West Coast and Caribbean Princess' maiden European deployment. Cruisetours combining a cruise and land experience will enable passengers to more fully explore Alaska, Europe, Canada and New England, Asia, Australia and South America. Highlights of Princess' 2012-2013 season include: ALASKA Princess draws on more than 40 years of experience cruising the 49th state, offering Gulf of Alaska and Inside Passage sailings with an extensive selection of cruisetours to the heart of Alaska. The 2012 program will include a seven-ship deployment, including a fourth ship added to the Voyage of the Glaciers route, and three ships sailing the Inside Passage. All cruisetour options will continue to include Alaska's top two attractions -- Denali and Glacier Bay National Parks, and Princess will take more passengers to Glacier Bay than any other cruise line. EUROPE The largest Europe deployment in Princess history, the 2012 season offers a wide selection of sailings through the timeless cities of the Mediterranean, the splendor of Scandinavia and Russia and the intriguing ports of Northern Europe. The season features seven ships sailing on 57 itineraries to 116 destinations, including Caribbean Princess' European debut and new 14-day Baltic and 16-day Land of the Midnight Sun routes. And 12-day Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises will continue to offer overnight stays in one of the continent's most sought-after destinations -- Venice. Two new ports will debut -- Korcula, Croatia on the 12-day Mediterranean Collection on Pacific Princess and Nessebar, Bulgaria (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on the 12-day Black Sea & Crimean Coasts route. CARIBBEAN Princess' Caribbean schedule will feature five ships sailing to the best of the sparkling waters of the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean. Passengers can choose from 115 voyages sailing to 22 destinations on 10 itineraries. The season includes Princess' return to the Texas Gulf Coast with the debut of Crown Princess sailing out of Galveston. PANAMA CANAL Princess continues to be the leader in Panama Canal cruising, with two ships, eight itineraries -- including both full and partial transits -- and 40 voyages aboard Coral Princess and Island Princess. MEXICO & PACIFIC COAST The 2012-2013 season will feature more Pacific coastal sailings than ever before, plus Mexico sailings from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Five ships will sail on 31 departures of nine itineraries sailing to 14 destinations. A new seven-day California Coastal itinerary will feature the best of the Golden State with an added visit to Catalina and an overnight in San Francisco. HAWAII, TAHITI & SOUTH PACIFIC The dazzling islands of Hawaii and Tahiti headline a season with more Hawaiian Islands sailings than ever before including new voyages from San Francisco. The full program includes eight ships offering 12 itinerary choices with 56 voyages to 32 destinations. Among the highlights are an expanded Hawaiian Islands program with three ships sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles and San Francisco, Grand Princess making her West Coast debut, and two sailings of the popular 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa itinerary previously introduced with the fall 2011 schedule. ASIA, INDIA & AFRICA Princess' Exotics program includes sailings throughout Asia plus passages through the Suez Canal and across the Indian Ocean. Five ships sail on 28 sailings of 21 itineraries to 54 destinations. Other highlights include Bangkok once again featured as a homeport on the line's 16-day Southeast Asia & China itinerary, plus the line's first call in Aomori, Japan. AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND "Down Under" cruising expands with a new longer itinerary, plus three ships based locally for Aussie-style cruising. Four ships will sail on 40 voyages of eight different itineraries. Highlights include a new 14-day Australia & New Zealand itinerary -- adding Wellington and Picton -- and a new 33-day Round Australia & New Zealand itinerary. Featuring the largest Australia deployment of any North American line in the region, Princess ships will also offer more New Zealand cruises than any other line. SOUTH AMERICA & AMAZON The lively Latin culture of South America takes center stage with Princess 2012-2013 cruise season, offering three ships sailing on 18 voyages of 11 itineraries. Highlights include two ships -- Star Princess and Grand Princess -- both sailing an around Cape Horn itinerary between Buenos Aires and Santiago, and a new 19-day Brazilian Adventure route that stops for an overnight in Rio during the world-famous Carnival. Pacific Princess will once again offer cruises up the mighty Amazon River. CANADA & NEW ENGLAND The North Atlantic Coast voyages offer dramatic scenery and historic attractions. Two ships sail on three favorite Princess routes visiting 12 destinations. The 11 departures include Caribbean Princess sailing roundtrip from New York, and Emerald Princess offering 10-day Classic Canada & New England sailings between New York and Quebec. WORLD CRUISES & CIRCLE PACIFIC Three ships will offer world voyages, including Pacific Princess rounding the globe on a 107-day voyage from Ft. Lauderdale to Venice on January 27, 2013; Sun Princess setting sail on her first-ever global circumnavigation with a 104-day sailing from Sydney on May 16, 2012, and Dawn Princess offering a 75-day Circle Pacific itinerary that departs July 27, 2012.
  25. CruiseNews
    Royal Caribbean International announced new 2012 Canada, New England & Bermuda sailings from three convenient U.S. homeports, comprising a slate of itineraries ranging from five to 10 nights and providing vacationers more choices from the region than ever before. Enchantment of the Seas’ summer program will debut an entirely new program of six-night Bermuda and eight-night Bermuda & Northeast itineraries, sailing roundtrip from the ship’s year-round homeport of Baltimore. Explorer of the Seas will kick off a new seven-night roundtrip itinerary in September and October from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ, featuring three days in Bermuda, as well as five- and nine-night Bermuda & Caribbean itineraries through the spring and summer. For its part, Jewel of the Seas will offer its ninth short season of roundtrip sailings from Boston on a roundtrip, seven-night Canada itinerary. “Royal Caribbean’s new 2012 sailings from the Northeast U.S. offer convenient options for area-vacationers to enjoy our amazing service, exclusive and innovative onboard amenities, and great destinations within just a few-hours drive from home,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Ideal for families or couples and friends traveling together, our onboard experience offers upscale accommodations, dining and entertainment, delivered with our signature friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from every member of the staff and crew. It's the Royal Advantage, which is delivering the best value that your vacation money can buy.” Enchantment of the Seas’ eight-night Bermuda & Northeast and six-night Bermuda itineraries will depart on Thursdays and Fridays, respectively, from Baltimore throughout the spring and summer. The six-night sailing will call at Kings Wharf, Bermuda for three days, while the eight-night sailing will overnight in Bermuda and also call at Boston and Newport, R.I. In the fall, Enchantment of the Seas will alternate the six-night Bermuda itinerary with the new eight-night itinerary, which calls at Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine; St. John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Canada. Enchantment of the Seas also will sail a five-night itinerary on April 14, which features an overnight in Bermuda. Explorer of the Seas will maintain five-night Bermuda and nine-night Bermuda & Caribbean roundtrip itineraries from Cape Liberty during the spring and summer months. The five-night itinerary overnights at Kings Wharf, and the nine-night itinerary calls at Kings Wharf, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, San Juan, P.R.; and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination on the northern coast of Haiti. A special 10-night Bermuda and Caribbean sailing on August 30 will add St. Thomas as a port of call. In September and October, Explorer of the Seas will then repeat seven-night Bermuda itineraries, featuring three days in Bermuda. The nine- and 10-night Bermuda & Caribbean itineraries will open for sale later in the month. Jewel of the Seas will continue to operate on its popular series of seven-night Canada roundtrip itineraries from Boston, with calls at Portland and Bar Harbor; St. John, New Brunswick; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Departures for the six cruises are set for September 16, 23 and 30; and October 7, 14 and 21. Kids and adults alike can bounce to their hearts’ delight on Enchantment of the Seas’ bungee trampoline or race to the top of the cruise line’s iconic rock-climbing wall, an amenity aboard every Royal Caribbean ship. Voyager-class Explorer of the Seas features an ice-skating rink, full-size basketball court, in-line skating track and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard that spans nearly the length of the ship, lined with boutiques, restaurants, bars and lounges. Jewel of the Seas is appointed with a 10-story glass Centrum, glass elevators offering vistas of the unfolding coastline, and self-leveling billiard tables. On every ship, guests enjoy the cruise line’s award-winning entertainment and innovative amenities that are exclusive to Royal Caribbean International. Younger guests can join the complimentary Adventure Ocean kids and teen program, with counselor-led activities from 9 a.m. till late. Click here to view the article
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