CruiseNews

The 1,500 entries have been reviewed and, Aussie fan Elke Faulwetter has successfully named the new thrill slide on board Carnival Spirit ‘Green Thunder’. Elke will be flown to the U.S.A in January 2012 to inaugurate the slide following Carnival Spirit’s dry dock and US$7 million ‘Aussification’ in preparation for her Sydney home porting in October. Passengers will step into the ‘Green Thunder’ before the floor drops away and they plummet ten metres, almost vertically, through a semi-translucent slide before looping just off the ship and splashing down on deck. Carnival Spirit’s Australian cruise director, Stu Dunn, headed to Sydney to brief media on the plans for the ship during her January dry dock. Born and bred in Sydney, Stu has worked as cruise director with Carnival for eight years with two of those onboard Carnival Spirit. “It was pretty much the happiest day of my life,” Stu said of the news he would be based out of Sydney from October 2012. Stu also shared with e-Travel Blackboard his admiration of Carnival Cruise Line’s senior cruise director John Heald, but said that he doubted he would have enough time to become as famous a blogger as John has been in recent years. Carnival Spirit will also feature a brand new ‘WaterWorks’ and ‘Splash Park’ for younger cruisers who can indulge in staying cool with the ‘Power Drencher’ and two mini racing slides. Adults wanting some time out can take advantage of the new adult-exclusive area, ‘Serenity’, one of the largest child-free zones at sea, complete with a pool, spa, double hammocks, sun lounges and cocktail bar. Stu’s dream of creating an Aussie outdoor BBQ at sea has also come true as part of the refurbishments with sausages and skewers served up for passengers. Families have been catered for further with an additional 86 interconnecting cabins slated, with at least one of the cabins featuring a balcony. Coffee lovers will be treated to locally ‘accepted’ beans and the search for Australia’s best barista will commence on Facebook. The winner will train the onboard baristas to ensure Aussie standards are adhered to. Fans will be called on over the next 12 months to be a part of the ‘Aussification’ of the ship via the line’s Facebook page and Carnival are encouraging people to make this ship theirs. Click here to view the article

The focus of the works carried out on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' Europa during her 13-day shipyard stay was a complete facelift of the interior design of the Lido Café, which now boasts a new design of shades of beige and dark blue. Furthermore, the bathrooms on Deck 9 were gutted and redesigned according to the latest standards. Here, light-colored virgin stone and granite create a modern ambiance. The two Penthouse Grand Suites, each measuring 85 square meters/ 915 square feet, were also overhauled and fully renovated in the living and sleeping areas, as well as in the bathrooms. Beyond this, a new communication system was installed in all of the suites.A total of 330 shipyard workers, technicians and engineers were involved in the comprehensive renovations on board. The complete shipyard list consisted of several hundred items. Twenty-four containers and three trucks delivered the required spare parts, furniture and carpets to the shipyard with a view to the implementation of the envisaged works. In total, 2,000 square meters/ 21,528 square feet of new carpet were fitted on the Europa, and 5,600 litres of paint were used to provide the ship with a makeover both on the inside and on the outside. The new communication system Media4Cruises by Siemens ensures state-of-the-art infotainment in all of the suites. Besides the features already available in the past such as video and music on demand, television, access to the latest news, weather forecasts as well as information on the ship and the itinerary, it boasts additional services, e.g. the posting electronic greeting cards. The system is very user-friendly and also offers guests convenient Internet access using their own smartphones and tablet PCs. Click here to view the article

Today, Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, arrived at its year-round homeport of Galveston, Texas, after completing its transatlantic voyage. An expected crowd of more than 4,000 will celebrate the ship’s U.S. debut with a concert by three-time GRAMMY Award-winning band Maroon 5, internationally known for hits like “Moves Like Jagger,” “This Love,” “She Will Be Loved,” “Wake Up Call” and “Makes Me Wonder.” The chart-topping group, nominated for the 2011 American Music Awards’ “Favorite Pop/Rock Band,” will perform an hour-long concert set to the backdrop of the stunning new vessel from Pier 21. “Today marks a big day for Carnival Cruise Lines as we introduce the spectacular new Carnival Magic to its U.S. homeport of Galveston, Texas,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines’ president and CEO. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the Carnival Magic’s arrival with a Texas-sized performance by Maroon 5, one of the country’s most popular bands.” On Monday, November 14, Carnival Magic – the newest and most innovative cruise ship to sail from Texas – will depart on its inaugural U.S. voyage, launching a year-round Caribbean cruise program that will feature two different week-long itineraries, including seven-day westernCaribbean voyages to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and week-long easternCaribbean cruises to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West. Carnival Magic offers a wide variety of innovations, including the RedFrog Pub, a colorfulCaribbean-inspired watering hole featuring its own private label draft beer; Cucina del Capitano, a family-style Italian restaurant that brings the heritage of Carnival’s captains to the table; and SportSquare, an expansive open-air recreation complex with the first ropes course and outdoor fitness area at sea. Other features include an exciting WaterWorks aqua park with a 312-foot-long spiral water slide and other attractions; The Lanai, a wraparound promenade with an outdoor barbeque area and whirlpools that extend out over the ship’s sides; and Ocean Plaza, a stunning indoor/outdoor cafe and live entertainment venue. Click here to view the article

Ante Up is planning three poker cruises in 2012, including a return to its home port of Tampa and sailing out of Baltimore for the first time. The schedule kicks off with a March 17 five-night sailing out of Tampa, continues with an Aug. 27 four-night voyage out of Port Canaveral and ends with a Nov. 10 seven-night sailing out of Baltimore. "We're excited that we were again able to put together a great schedule of poker cruises at very affordable prices," said Scott Long, who publishes Ante Up with Chris Cosenza. "The Baltimore cruise will make it easier for our fans in Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states to sail without having to fly, and we're pleased that we can again sail from Tampa, just minutes from where we're based." Ante Up transforms the conference centers aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships into floating poker rooms, complete with professional equipment and staff. Each cruise features a variety of cash games, multitable and single-table tournaments, free poker classes and an open-bar cocktail party. Passengers enjoy all of the normal amenities of cruising, including gourmet food, exciting shows and fun activities, and at the same time get up to 94 hours of poker action. All cruises feature a $125 buy-in main event that qualifies for Ante Up's Player of the Year race, as well as at least one $70 tournament. An advanced hold'em class taught by a professional player is included in all fares, as well as a Poker 101 beginners class. On two of the cruises, a beginners Omaha/stud class also is offered. Ante Up will again seek to partner with a number of companies to add value to each of the three cruises, so the schedule and amenities are subject to change, but here's an early look at what to expect on all three sailings: Spring The five-night cruise out of Tampa, Fla., aboard the Jewel of the Seas features Ante Up's first stop in Costa Maya, a historic Mexican town featuring Mayan ruins, as well as a stop in Cozumel, Mexico. Rates start at $579 per person and are guaranteed through Jan. 3. Summer Ante Up's most popular cruise returns, with no price increase from last year. The four-night sailing aboard the Monarch of the Seas out of Port Canaveral, Fla., starts at $369 per person and the rate is guaranteed through June 15. Port stops include Nassau, Bahamas, and Royal Caribbean's private island of CocoCay. Winter Ante Up's first cruise out of Baltimore, Md., is a seven-night voyage aboard the Enchantment of the Seas. In addition to stops in Nassau and CocoCay, the cruise makes a unique stop in Port Canaveral, Fla., allowing passengers to visit the Kennedy Space Center and dozens of other Florida attractions. Rates start at $599 and are guaranteed through Aug. 31. As usual, Ante Up will work with poker rooms and poker leagues to offer cruise package giveaways or satellites so passengers can win their way aboard. Details of giveaways will be posted on the cruise web page. "We're looking forward to working with poker rooms in Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and elsewhere in the area to join our cruise program with the Baltimore sailing, as well as all of the rooms in Florida who annually support the program," Long said. Click here to view the article

A year ago today, fire tore through the engine room of Carnival Splendor, leaving the vessel adrift and cut off from the rest of the world. The ship, which had just begun a weeklong voyage to the Mexican Riviera, had 3,299 passengers and 1,167 crewmembers onboard. For the next four days, a saga unfolded that riveted millions worldwide -- one that involved a daring Navy supply mission, a cruise director who both entertained and kept things in check, and a mysterious pallet of Spam caught by a photographer's lens.<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; ">On November 11, 2010, the ship was finally towed into San Diego, where it was met by a phalanx of journalists, family members and buses that transported passengers to area hotels. The fire, it was revealed two months later, was caused by the "catastrophic failure" of a diesel generator. <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; ">So what did the Carnival Splendor adventure teach us? <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; ">The best way to handle a crisis is to let the world know what the crisis is. From the beginning, Carnival was forthcoming about what was going on and how things were expected to progress. Even as the media firestorm ticked upward, the line sent out a steady stream of alerts via Twitter and Facebook. It responded to all of x's e-mails and phone calls, even going so far as providing us with copies of the makeshift dining menus and access to a very busy Senior Cruise Director (John Heald).<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; ">John Heald deserves a promotion. Talk about dumb luck. Somehow Carnival's star cruise director was on the right ship at the right time and was able to skillfully prevent panic on a dead ship and mount a PR campaign at the same time. Then, upon his return, his candor was both reassuring … and almost unnatural. <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "> Click here to view the article

Egypt's tourism authority has announced that theriver Nile will be opened up for the resumption of the "long Nile cruise," the full 14-day voyage all the way from Cairo to Aswan.<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; ">Egypt's new minister of tourism, Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, said at a press conference in London yesterday that the cruises on the Lower Nile (confusingly, the northerly stretch of the river between Cairo and Luxor), would resume after a 16-year break. This is part of a plan by the Egyptian government to boost tourism numbers, which plummeted by 80 percent in February this year following the uprisings of the Arab Spring. <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; ">Currently, Nile cruises only operate between Luxor and the southerly city of Aswan; this stretch is known as the Upper Nile. There are virtually no licenses for operators to sail north of Luxor, so a typical visit to Egypt includes a few days in Cairo -- to visit the pyramids, the Museum of Antiquities and the Sphinx -- followed by a flight south to cruise the Upper Nile for up to a week. <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; ">The longer cruises, which take between 11 and 14 days, were stopped in 1994 for various reasons, including security concerns and the fact that the river was becoming severely silted up. Since then, docks have fallen into disrepair, so both dredging the riverbed and improvements to the infrastructure are all part of the new plan. When the government does start issuing sailing permits again, it will only be to boats with shallow drafts. <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; ">It could be argued that the big hits along the Nile are already accounted for in the short cruises, which take in the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple in Luxor, as well as Edfu, Edna and Kom Ombo on the way to Aswan, and the Temple of Philae once in Aswan. Apart from the Temple of Dendera, 37 miles north of Luxor, there isn't much of cultural note until the river reaches Memphis and Sakkara, just outside Cairo. But what this does mean is longer spells relaxing on deck, watching life on the river banks, a chance to see some lesser-known tombs at Beni Hasan and an opportunity for repeat visitors to Egypt to do something different; boarding a ship in the middle of Cairo and sailing all the way to Aswan is likely to have a certain romantic appeal. <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; ">Philip Breckner, commercial director of Discover Egypt, one of the U.K.'s leading Egypt specialists, told x: "This is great news. We haven't done these cruises for 16 years and it's really exciting that they are starting up again. We are planning to start these cruises in March 2012, subject to Egyptian government approval." <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; ">The announcement is so new that itineraries haven't even been planned yet, but watch this space for further details. <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; ">By Sue Bryant, x Contributing Editor Click here to view the article

An effort to widen the shipping channel in Key West, Fla., to allow for larger cruise ships was dealt a setback this past week, according to local news outlets. The Florida Keys Keynoter reports the Key West City Commission voted 6-1 against funding a study of the feasibility of such a widening, despite support from Key West's City Manager, the Key West Chamber of Commerce and the cruise industry. The Keynoter says public opinion is against the idea. "I think for now it's over and done with," Key West Mayor Craig Cates told the news outlet. "Hopefully (the city manager) got the message ... the commission doesn't want it, and the public doesn't want it." ALSO ONLINE: Inquiry into death on cruise ship moves to Indiana ALSO ONLINE: Luxury line Silversea shakes up entertainment The study was expected to cost more than $5 million and the widening project itself was estimated to have a pricetag of $36 million, the Keynoter says. The dredging required for the widening project would be in violation of legislation that established the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the news outlet adds. Cruise Loggers, would you like to see the shipping channel in Key West widened to allow for larger cruise ships? Take our quick poll below and then share your thoughts in the comment area. Click here to view the article

Nov. 5, 2011 will mark the beginning of a whirlwind nine days for the Port of New Orleans, as the first of three new and larger cruise ships will call the Crescent City home. The new additions will double the Port’s cruise capacity, bringing the total number of homeported ships from two to four. The 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation will arrive at the Port on Saturday Nov. 5 to sail year-round four- and five-night cruises to Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico. The ship replaces the Carnival Ecstasy which replaced the Carnival Triumph September 22. On Nov. 12, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s 3,114-passenger Voyager of the Seas will arrive to sail seasonal seven-day western Caribbean itineraries. The ship will be homeported in New Orleans during the winter cruise season from November to April. The 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest will arrive Nov. 13 to sail year-round seven-day itineraries to both eastern and western Caribbean ports of call. With the arrival of the Conquest, Carnival will have two ships homeported in New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. The three new ships join Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,018-passenger Norwegian Spirit currently sailing seven-day western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans. In the fall of 2012, the Norwegian Spirit will be replaced by the newer and larger 2,348-passenger Norwegian Star. “This is truly the most exciting time ever for cruising in New Orleans,” said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange. “We have worked hard to regain the trust of the cruise industry following the events of 2005. By our calculations, the Port of New Orleans is on track to handle nearly 1 million cruise passengers in 2012, cementing our place as a top 10 cruise port in the United States.” Carnival’s two cruise ships will homeport at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal and Parking Garage, which opened in the fall of 2006. Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean will share the new Julia Street Cruise Terminal – which is currently nearing the end of a $17 million complete renovation. Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas is the largest cruise ship ever to homeport in New Orleans. Prior to the arrival of the new ships, the Carnival Triumph and Norwegian Spirit combined for a capacity of 4,776 passengers. With the additions, the combined passenger capacity of the four cruise ships is 10,158 passengers per voyage, a 112 percent increase. Click here to view the article

A passenger who sailed on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas during the world's biggest-ever charter for gay cruise travelers was sentenced to 21 months in prison for dealing drugs onboard. According to the Associated Press, the passenger, Steven Barry Krumholz, 51, of West Hollywood, Calif., pleaded guilty in July of dealing drugs onboard the February cruise. He had been arrested while the ship was docked in St. Thomas. Allure had been on a seven-night private charter with Atlantis Events, a travel company specializing in gay trips, both on land and at sea. The A.P. quotes U.S. District Court Judge Curtis Gomez, who said that Krumholz used his cabin "as if it was an apothecary for controlled substances." Krumholz was ratted out by a fellow passenger who reportedly was caught in possession of drugs by St. Thomas-based customs officers. Reports the AP: "Agents searched Krumholz's cabin and allegedly found more than 142 ecstasy pills, nearly 3 grams of methamphetamine, a small quantity of ketamine and about $51,000 in cash, the agent said. While waiting for the suspect to return to his cabin, two more passengers came to buy drugs, according to the affidavit." After the arrest in February, Royal Caribbean spokesman Cynthia Martinez told x that the line "maintains a strict zero tolerance policy regarding illegal drugs on its ships. We take various steps to prevent the transport of illegal narcotics, including working closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Royal Caribbean cooperated fully with authorities during this investigation and will continue to provide law enforcement with any assistance they may need." Atlantis Events, which chartered the Allure of the Seas for the gay cruise, told in a statement that guests "are fully advised of all policies and customs laws in advance of sailing. Atlantis fully supports Royal Caribbean's policies and works closely to enforce them." Click here to view the article

Heritage River Cruises (India) management team is proud to announce that the second season of the “Incredibly on the Ganges” cruises has started. During the Monsoon season the ship has undergone significant technical improvements by our marine engineers and the maintenance of all cabins and public areas by our carpenters has made them looking better than ever. The hotel staff has attended refreshment courses for what the F&B and HK services are concerned, a new improved beverage menu has been prepared and our chefs have added more gourmet dishes to our already delicious cuisine, a mix of Indian and international dishes. All our crew has also been trained to improve the response plan in case of emergency and the safety on board including a first aid course. Rv Bengal Ganga cast off from Kolkatta’s Botanic Garden jetty on the 1st of October in a very auspicious period of the year, blessed by the celebrations of the Durga Puja, the most important festival of the Hindu’ calendar especially in West Bengal and Bihar states. This season (October 2011 to April 2012) we have scheduled 14 cruises and all of them will be operated. Click here to view the article

Work commenced in Genoa at the T. Mariotti shipyard on the radical refurbishment of the Costa Cruises fleet member Costa Romantica, which is currently 53,000 tons and can carry up to 1,697 passengers In August this year, Costa placed a new order, with a total investment by the Italian company of around 90 million euro, for major restyling operations on the ship with the San Giorgio shipyard in the Port of Genoa; the yard, specialists in ship repair and conversion, will be carrying out the work with the assistance of their affiliate T. Mariotti. The work on the Costa Romantica – involving the works in dry dock, quay and fitting out in by the ship-owner – is due for completion in mid-February 2012. Thanks to the restyling, the Costa Romantica will be completely renovated, just like her name, which will become the "Costa neoRomantica". This extensive make-over will include the construction of new areas and the introduction of services that represent a major evolution in the Costa product. The objective is to offer a renewed cruise experience: the perfect way to satisfy the needs of a special clientele target. The restyling works include 2 new half-decks extensions, 111 new cabins, plus 120 cabins and suites with private balcony. The ship's total guest capacity will increase from 1,697 to 1,800, the number of cabins from 678 to 789, and her new gross tonnage will be around 56,000. According to analysis by S. Giorgio del Porto, some 40 million euros will be generated by induced activities linked to the work in the shipyard only in the Province of Genoa. Around forty Genoese companies will be contributing to the undertaking, thus confirming both the importance of shipbuilding and repair for the local economy, and the degree of technical know-how and expertise available locally. In employment terms, the refurbishment of the Costa Romantica will involve approximately a thousand people – naval architects, marine engineers, project managers, shipboard managers and skilled workers. Costa neoRomantica - Interior design The architectural project of the Costa neoRomantica's interiors is the work of the Swedish company Tillberg Design, which has a 40-year history in marine interior design including assignments for around 130 luxury yachts and prestigious cruise ships, and London master planners Syntax, who specialize in the interior design and architecture of hotels and prestigious spa resorts. The Costa neoRomantica will stand out on account of her sophisticated ambience and particularly elegant and refined interior design. Among the new areas on the ship, Costa neoRomantica Guests will find a "wine and cheese bar", with 100 different labels and a wide selection of cheeses from around the world; a "coffee & chocolate" bar to enjoy selected sweets and coffee; a new Italian "pizzeria"; a cabaret lounge and a night-club. Another addition is the Samsara Spa, a 4200 m2 wellness area with a gym, thalassotherapy pool, treatment rooms, sauna, Turkish bath, 50 cabins and 6 suites as well as a dedicated spa restaurant. Click here to view the article

Work commenced in Genoa at the T. Mariotti shipyard on the radical refurbishment of the Costa Cruises fleet member Costa Romantica, which is currently 53,000 tons and can carry up to 1,697 passengers In August this year, Costa placed a new order, with a total investment by the Italian company of around 90 million euro, for major restyling operations on the ship with the San Giorgio shipyard in the Port of Genoa; the yard, specialists in ship repair and conversion, will be carrying out the work with the assistance of their affiliate T. Mariotti. The work on the Costa Romantica – involving the works in dry dock, quay and fitting out in by the ship-owner – is due for completion in mid-February 2012. Thanks to the restyling, the Costa Romantica will be completely renovated, just like her name, which will become the "Costa neoRomantica". This extensive make-over will include the construction of new areas and the introduction of services that represent a major evolution in the Costa product. The objective is to offer a renewed cruise experience: the perfect way to satisfy the needs of a special clientele target. The restyling works include 2 new half-decks extensions, 111 new cabins, plus 120 cabins and suites with private balcony. The ship's total guest capacity will increase from 1,697 to 1,800, the number of cabins from 678 to 789, and her new gross tonnage will be around 56,000. According to analysis by S. Giorgio del Porto, some 40 million euros will be generated by induced activities linked to the work in the shipyard only in the Province of Genoa. Around forty Genoese companies will be contributing to the undertaking, thus confirming both the importance of shipbuilding and repair for the local economy, and the degree of technical know-how and expertise available locally. In employment terms, the refurbishment of the Costa Romantica will involve approximately a thousand people – naval architects, marine engineers, project managers, shipboard managers and skilled workers. Costa neoRomantica - Interior design The architectural project of the Costa neoRomantica's interiors is the work of the Swedish company Tillberg Design, which has a 40-year history in marine interior design including assignments for around 130 luxury yachts and prestigious cruise ships, and London master planners Syntax, who specialize in the interior design and architecture of hotels and prestigious spa resorts. The Costa neoRomantica will stand out on account of her sophisticated ambience and particularly elegant and refined interior design. Among the new areas on the ship, Costa neoRomantica Guests will find a "wine and cheese bar", with 100 different labels and a wide selection of cheeses from around the world; a "coffee & chocolate" bar to enjoy selected sweets and coffee; a new Italian "pizzeria"; a cabaret lounge and a night-club. Another addition is the Samsara Spa, a 4200 m2 wellness area with a gym, thalassotherapy pool, treatment rooms, sauna, Turkish bath, 50 cabins and 6 suites as well as a dedicated spa restaurant. Click here to view the article