German Operator TUI Cruises Announces 2010/2011 Cruises

November 20, 2009 - TUI Cruises has released its brochure and itineraries through April 2011. After completing her first European season, Mein Schiff starts sailing from Santo Domingo on November 13, offering two alternating northern and southern Caribbean itineraries until March 26, when she sails back to Europe. Caribbean ports of call are St. George’s, Grenada; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; and St. John’s, Antigua, on its southern itinerary; and Fort de France, Martinique; Roseau, Dominica; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe on its northern itinerary.

Starting April 2010, Mein Schiff will sail two eight-day cruises from Palma de Mallorca, before sailing 10 days north to Hamburg for a series of May cruises, and then sail from Kiel during the summer months. From Hamburg, Mein Schiff will also sail around the British Isles, celebrating the cruise line’s one year anniversary with fireworks while calling in Dublin on May 15 (2010). The sailings from Kiel alternate between the Baltic and cruises to the North Cape and Spitsbergen, in addition to Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Scotland, and two short cruises to Copenhagen and Oslo.

In September, Mein Schiff sails back to Palma de Mallorca until November, when she starts her winter season program of seven-day cruises from Las Palmas until April 2011.

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NOTE: For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.
For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Oasis of the Seas 7 God Mothers.

November 10, 2009 - Oasis of the Seas will have seven godmothers, one for each of the ship’s neighborhoods.

Each will start in her own neighborhood, then all will convene at the AquaTheater for the formal naming, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s Richard Fain discloses in his latest Chairman’s Blog.

The godmothers will cut a ribbon that needs seven snips to release the bottle. Seven scissors are already prepared in a special carrying case for the Nov. 30 event, to take place at Port Everglades.

‘An extraordinary and innovative ship deserves an extraordinary and innovative naming,’ Fain writes.

The identities of the godmothers have not been revealed.

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NOTE: For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.
For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Disney Cruise Line Unveils Disney Dream Details.

(Oct. 29, 2009) – A first-of-its kind water coaster that sends guests racing above the upper decks of the ship. An animated turtle that engages children in conversation about life in the ocean. A sophisticated lounge where the sun sets over the skyline of a different world-famous city each night. When the Disney Dream debuts in early 2011, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet will bring to life these innovations and more.

The Disney Dream will take family cruising to all-new heights, embracing the spirit of innovation, magical family entertainment and immersive experiences that have made Disney Cruise Line the preeminent cruise of choice for families since 1998.

Disney Cruise Line revolutionized the cruise industry with purpose-built ships designed just for families. With the Disney Dream setting sail on Jan. 26, 2011, preparations are underway to expand the one-of-a-kind family experience, utilizing technology to enhance the world-class entertainment and legendary guest services onboard. From stem to stern, the Disney Dream will offer a cruise experience that caters to the preferences of the whole family.

“For more than a decade, passengers have filled their passports with memories sailing around the world with Disney Cruise Line,” said Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. “With the Disney Dream joining our fleet, we’ll be able to take families to even more places they never imagined they could visit – in true Disney style.”

The Disney Dream features a remarkable interior design which provides guests with a warm and welcoming feel throughout. The ship’s design offers guests a perfect blend of elegant Art Deco style and fun-filled Disney whimsy to create one of the most spectacular ships afloat. Distinctly Disney guest features aboard the Disney Dream include:

AquaDuck Water Coaster. . .

Disney Cruise Line debuts a cruise-industry first: a shipboard water coaster … AquaDuck! Guests aboard the Disney Dream will get swept away on an exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids – all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.

■AquaDuck stretches 765 feet in length - more than two and a half times the length of a football field - and spans four decks in height.
■Guests slide 13 feet over the side of the ship in a translucent "swing out" loop allowing them to look down on the ocean 150 feet below.
■Guests experience coaster-like thrills as high-powered water jets push them upwards and forwards at 20 feet per second.
■AquaDuck continues through the forward funnel, encounters a 335 foot stretch of river rapids and splashes down to an end on Deck 12.

A Virtual Porthole for Inside Staterooms. . .

Disney Cruise Line introduces another stateroom innovation with all inside staterooms on the Disney Dream featuring a Virtual Porthole that provides guests with a real-time view outside the ship. High-definition cameras placed on the exterior of the ship feed live video to each Virtual Porthole.

As guests observe the impressive outside views, they may glimpse a magical surprise: animated characters such as Peach the starfish from the Disney•Pixar hit film “Finding Nemo,” or Mickey Mouse may pop by the Virtual Porthole.

A Magical Oasis for Children. . .

Only on a Disney Cruise Line ship can children become immersed in their favorite Disney stories with the help of caring counselors, beloved Disney characters and a sprinkling of pixie dust. The celebration of children’s creativity rises to a new level on the Disney Dream with nearly an entire deck of youth spaces designed to inspire, entertain and unlock the imagination of children. There are two main spaces for children ages three to 10:

At Disney’s Oceaneer Club, children can:

■Play among larger-than-life characters from Disney•Pixar's "Toy Story" in Andy's Room
■Explore the Laugh Floor with loveable monsters Mike and Sully from "Monsters, Inc."
■Dive under the sea with Nemo and friends or visit Tinker Bell's fairy forest


At Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, children feel as though they are embarking on a great seafaring adventure in a room filled with maps, maritime instruments and swashbuckling artifacts. Here, children can try their hand at animation, become a pop star or navigate ships through digital seas.

Both venues offer magical interactions with the animated characters such as Crush, the sea turtle from the Disney•Pixar motion picture “Finding Nemo” and Stitch, the mischievous alien from “Lilo and Stitch.” The characters chat, play and joke with children in live, unrehearsed conversations from their digital undersea and intergalactic environments via 103-inch plasma screens.

Chill-Out Zones for Tweens and Teens. . .

Located inside the forward funnel is Edge – the lounge just for tweens (ages 11 to 13). This tween pad is filled with a multitude of hi-tech entertainment including the ability to create and star in photo postcards and video karaoke using green-screen technology.

Teens have their own exclusive club aboard the Disney Dream with Vibe – a trendy and inviting indoor/outdoor space created especially for guests ages 14 to 17. A “teen-only” swipe card provides access to the nearly 9,000-square-foot club.

Teens can create and edit videos, play computer games, access the onboard social media application or try their hand at spinning and mixing dance tracks. Teens have their own private outdoor deck area with chaise lounges for sunbathing, two wading pools, misters and pop jets for cooling off, and deck games such as ping-pong and foosball.

Personal Touches with Rotational Dining. . .

Disney Cruise Line continues its innovative rotational dining concept onboard the Disney Dream with elaborately themed restaurants, distinctly Disney touches, and world-class cuisine to create a magical dining experience. Throughout the cruise, guests “rotate” through three different restaurants for dinner – with their servers accompanying them, providing guests with friendly, familiar, personalized service each night. The rotational dining restaurants include:

■ Animator's Palate, a signature Disney Cruise Line restaurant that brings the magic of Disney animation into the dining room for a unique experience that will captivate the entire family.
■Royal Palace, an elegant restaurant inspired by the classic Disney films "Cinderella," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," " Beauty and the Beast" and "Sleeping Beauty."
■Enchanged Garden, a whimsical casual restaurant inspired by the gardens of Versailles and featuring a dining environment that magically transforms from day to night.

Just for Adults. . .

On the Disney Dream, while children are having the time of their lives in the elaborately themed youth areas, adults can look forward to incomparable indulgences and relaxation with exclusive areas and offerings designed exclusively for them.

■Adults can escape in to The District, a nighttime entertainment area on the Disney Dream with five unique venues. This playground for grownups features sophisticated lounges, each with its own unique design, look, feel and palate-pleaseing delights.
■Senses Spa & Salon offers adult tranquility with 17 private treatment rooms, lavish spa villas with indoor treatment rooms and private outdoor verandahs, and Rainforest, a special section of the spa offering the benefits of steam, heat and hydrotherapy to relax the mind and body.
■At Palo, adult guests find epicurean excellence and an unforgettable dinner experience at sea. Every seat offers beautiful ocean vistas while a pianist softly serenades guests in an intimate restaurant setting.
The Disney Dream is scheduled to depart on its maiden voyage Jan. 26, 2011, and will sail alternating three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. During summer months, the ship will alternate four- and five-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay. Guests can book their Disney Dream cruise beginning Nov. 9, 2009.

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NOTE: For Information on Cruises From New York Check out http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/.
For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out http://www.northeastcruiseguide.com/.

Norwegian Cruise Line Offers Discounts on Bahamas Cruises

October 7, 2009 – Norwegian Cruise Line is now offering Savings Certificates for three-day weekend getaways and four-day short vacation cruises on Norwegian Sky, the youngest ship sailing short cruises from Miami with the most balcony staterooms. For sailings from now through December 31, 2009, guests booking a cruise on Norwegian Sky will receive special Savings Certificates that they can use once on board. These savings include casino credits, spa incentives and family portrait and shopping discounts.

The certificates are tailored to meet the needs of a variety of vacationers including those planning short break getaways, family vacations, spa retreats or those with gaming in mind. Upon booking a cruise only on Norwegian Sky, guests can log on to Norwegian’s Certificate Center at http://www.nclsavings.com and enter their reservation number to download the Savings Certificates.

Norwegian Sky recently underwent $15 million in renovations focused on enhancing the guest experience and now offers guests a ship that features more than 200 balcony staterooms; seven Freestyle Dining options and nine bars and lounges; the hottest poolside deck party at sea with the White Hot Party; and longer, complimentary Kids Crew hours.

“Norwegian Sky offers guests the youngest and highest quality ship sailing three-day long weekend getaways and four-day short vacation cruises from Miami to the Bahamas ,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “Norwegian Sky out matches the competition by offering more balcony staterooms; more dining options; and a multitude of on-board amenities including themed parties; kids and teen facilities; and a full-service spa and fitness center.”

Girlfriend and Guy Getaways

Norwegian Sky is the solution to the perfect bachelorette or bachelor party; a girl’s spa weekend or a short vacation with the guys. Savings Certificates range from casino credits for slot play to discounts on body treatments at the spa. The party starts from the moment everyone steps on board and is greeted with a complimentary glass of bubbly. Ladies can indulge in unique and exotic spa treatments while the men try their luck at the casino or vice versa. The party continues into the wee hours of the morning at the White Hot party.

Family Fun

Norwegian Sky offers Freestyle family fun for children of all ages, and parents can enjoy the ship with extended Kids Crew hours. The Kid’s Korner features areas for arts and crafts, movies and computers. The Zone serves as a hip place for teens ages 13 to 17 to hang out, complete with video games, a jukebox, foosball table and air hockey. By night, The Zone turns into a teen disco and bar serving non-alcoholic drinks. Splashes Kid’s Pool is just right for pint-size splashing and playing and features a waterfall and a children’s hot tub. In addition, the popular Wii is available for play. Savings Certificates include discounted family portraits; complimentary kid’s bingo; and internet minutes for the Facebooking teen in the family.

Spa and Casino Lovers

Guests looking for a relaxing vacation will find the Body Waves Spa the perfect place to unwind with unique spa treatments reflecting the beauty, spirit and traditions of rejuvenation from around the world. Guests will find everything from the traditional to the exotic in spa and salon treatments. In addition, aerobics, spinning and exercise classes are also available in the ship’s fitness center.

If getting lucky is in the cards, guests can roll the dice in the Sky Club Casino which features Blackjack, Roulette, 3-Card Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em and Craps. For slot lovers, there are more than 160 of the newest video and traditional slot machines. The ship also features less traditional games including Pai-Gow Poker, Pai-Gow Tiles and Mini Baccarat, on request. Casino and gaming Savings Certificates include various casino credits and complimentary bingo.

Norwegian Sky’s three- and four-day Bahamas sailings departing from Miami are from $159 per person, per day. Norwegian Sky departs Miami on Mondays sailing four-day short vacation Bahamas cruises with full-day stops in Grand Bahama Island , Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas . On Fridays, the ship sails three-day long weekend getaway Bahamas cruises, departing Miami at 5 p.m. with all-day stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, returning to Miami at 7 a.m. on Monday mornings.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 43-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 the youngest fleet in the industry with 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

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NOTE: For Information on Cruises From New York Check out http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/.
For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out http://www.northeastcruiseguide.com/.

Crystal Cruises Offers Enrichment Cruises

October 7, 2009 –Crystal Cruises announces an inspired collection of 2010 Experiences of Discovery theme cruises designed to enrich more than two dozen Crystal cruises with a special-interest focus. Special classes, events and, in most cases, a destination program will augment voyages throughout the Middle East, Australia/New Zealand, Europe, Panama Canal and beyond.

A new Science & Technology focus joins Crystal classic favorites including Crystal’s Wine & Food Festival (set for seven cruises, with two back-to-back options); Mind, Body & Spirit; Jazz; Golf; Film & Theater Festival; Big Band; Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute; and Holiday cruises. Additionally, Crystal’s annual President’s Cruise adds special programming and events in celebration of the line’s 20th anniversary of luxury cruising.
“The 2010 Experiences of Discovery offer guests more in-depth exploration of an array of topics that suit most any interest,” said Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing.

In focus for 2010 are:
*NEW* Science & Technology – Guest expert lecturers focus on the world’s latest scientific developments on a winter Caribbean itinerary.
* December 11, Caribbean

Emerging Artists – Tomorrow’s stars shine today through Crystal’s exclusive partnership with The Music Center Los Angeles, showcasing some of the brightest talent from the Center’s Spotlight Awards on two European cruises.
* June 21, Baltic/Northern Europe
* September 29, Mediterranean

Wine & Food Festival – World-renowned chefs and wine experts share their techniques and specialties on several Australia/New Zealand, the Mediterranean and Mexican Riviera voyages.
* March 30, Australia/New Zealand
* April 29, Mediterranean
* May 25, Mediterranean
* September 5, Mediterranean
* September 17, Mediterranean
* November 22, Canary Islands
* December 12, Mexican Riviera/Sea of Cortez

Mind, Body & Spirit – Wellness experts focus on yogthanksa, Tai Chi, Pilates and general fitness on itineraries through Asia/Indian Ocean, Mexican Riviera and an Atlantic Ocean crossing.
* April 26, Indian Ocean/Southeast Asia
* September 5, Transatlantic
* December 5, Crystal Symphony

Golf – PGA pros offer onboard and shoreside tips on improving guests’ games, and play at some of the world’s most exclusive courses in New England/Canada.
* October 22, Crystal Symphony


Fashion & Style – Personal style consultations with professional designers and stylists, fashion shows, films and lectures highlight European fashion.
* June 6, Mediterranean
* Sep 29, Mediterranean

Film & Theater Festival – Guest film experts salute film and theater with lectures and onboard entertainment on a Pacific Ocean crossing.
* February 28, Transpacific

Jazz – Live performances and discussions about musical legends jazz up South America and Mexican Riviera itineraries.
* January 8, South America
* November 28, Mexican Riviera

Big Band – Live daily Big Band performances, guest music lecturers, and additional Ambassador Hosts serve as dance partners on an Atlantic Ocean crossing.
* December 1, Transatlantic

Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute – Crystal’s Creative Learning Institute offers expanded music, language and arts curriculum throughout the 2010 World Cruise.
* January 10, (108-day Full World Cruise),

President’s Cruise – Crystal’s President Gregg Michel hosts Special Crystal 20th Anniversary receptions and events on board and ashore on a journey through the Red Sea.
* May 12, Red Sea

Holiday – Lavish feasts, events and décor create a festive atmosphere for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s in the Mexican Riviera, Canary and Hawaiian Islands and the Caribbean.
* November 21, Mexican Riviera
* November 22, Canary Islands (also Wine & Food)
* December 21, Caribbean
* December 22, Hawaiian Islands

Experiences of Discovery programs complement Crystal’s exclusive ongoing Creative Learning Institute, which presents language classes through Berlitz, keyboard instruction through Yamaha, and an array of stimulating guest lecturers offered through the Crystal Visions Lecture Program.

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NOTE: For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.
For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

MSC Cruises Kids Sail Free and Kids Program

(October 7, 2009) – For the perfect vacation that combines a family escape with the desire to discover new places, MSC Cruises has it all.

Plus, kids ages 17 and under sail free on all MSC Cruises’ itineraries when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

On each MSC Cruises sailing, our friendly staff caters to the specific needs of all ages - including the youngest guests. Each ship has cheerful, colorful, safe play areas. MSC Cruises’ ships are kid friendly, offering daily entertainment and plenty of space for running, exploring, diving, swimming and playing.

Special activity leaders organize age-appropriate fun activities, with ages 3-6 in the Mini Club, 7-12 in the Juniors Club, and 13-17 in the Teenagers Club. MSC Cruises also offers a Teen’s Card. This personalized card, which can be used like a credit/cruise card, allows children ages 12-17 to spend nominal amounts of money on board.

Each card comes with a bonus amount. In the Caribbean, a $30 card purchase comes with a $5 bonus (a total card value of $35); a $50 card purchase comes with $10 bonus, for a total value of $60. In the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, a €30 card comes with a €5 bonus, making it a €35 card, and a €50 card comes with a €10 bonus, making it a €60 card.

Parents and kids will be delighted with the children’s menus. In addition to Italian favorites like pasta and pizza, there are all-American favorites such as hamburgers and hot dogs and numerous tantalizing pastries and desserts.

Knowing the youngsters are with the expert staff, parents can relax and enjoy the sun or the pool, or unwind with a Turkish bath, an aromatic massage or a session at the fitness center.

Cruise-only rates begin at $349 per person, double occupancy for a 7-night Caribbean cruise and $549 per person, double occupancy for a 7-night cruise in Europe. Government fees and taxes for all guests are additional.

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NOTE: For Information on Cruises From New York Check out http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/.
For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out http://www.northeastcruiseguide.com/.

Princess Offers Family Alaska Excursions

(October 9, 2009) – With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and plethora of active adventure opportunities, Alaska offers the perfect family vacation. To make it easier for families to plan a trip to the 49th state, Princess Cruises has added a fun new cruisetour option designed especially with family groups in mind.

The 12-night cruisetour offers the best of Alaska by land and sea and includes a variety of special features not usually included in a cruisetour package. Families will have the opportunity to travel on a jetboat, pan for gold, take an interactive tour of Denali National Park, and experience what Alaska is like in the winter when it’s many degrees below zero.

The cruisetour (number: FUN) is offered at a 25 percent discount for all berths, so all members of the family are included in the special pricing.

“This is really the ultimate family vacation,” said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. “Alaska is a wonderful travel destination with kids, so we wanted to make it easy and affordable to plan the perfect Alaska experience for everyone in the family.”

The Family Fun cruisetour includes a seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise plus a five-night land tour featuring one night at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, two nights at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and two nights at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. At sea, families can also take advantage of Princess’ many onboard programs especially for children, including a special Junior Ranger program in Glacier Bay National Park.

In addition, the following special extras are included in the tour:

Daily Breakfast – Everyone in the family can start their morning off with the most important meal of the day.

Direct-to-the-Wilderness Rail Service with Lunch – Princess’ acclaimed Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service gets families to their wilderness lodge faster, and includes lunch aboard the train.

Three Rivers Jetboat Tour (Mt. McKinley) – An exhilarating alternative to taking a motorcoach to Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, this tour travels from Talkeetna to the lodge by jetboat, with stops along the river to view historic encampments and learn about the native wildlife.

Arctic Blast (Denali) – Family members can experience winter in Alaska – in the summertime. This special chamber is chilled to wintertime temperatures, so visitors can find out what happens to hot water when it is thrown in the air and whether soap bubbles can survive the cold.

Music of Denali Dinner Theater (Denali) – This rollicking musical comedy tells the legend of the first expedition to the summit of Mt. McKinley, accompanied by a hearty, family-style meal featuring smokehouse ribs and Alaska salmon.

Experience Alaska with Alaska Geographic Tour (Denali) – A more intimate tour of Denali National Park, this special experience includes a variety of interactive experiences, including an enhanced view of the Denali ecosystem and current research taking place. The narrated bus tour takes guests 15 miles into the park to a beautiful river valley where they embark on a short walk to the historic Savage River Camp, where they can participate in a number of hands-on experiences.

Denali Sourdough Expedition Breakfast (Denali) – While fueling up for the day with a family-style, Alaskan roadhouse-style breakfast, guests experience an unforgettable journey up Denali through breathtaking images in Laurent Dick's Climb Denali. Participants have the opportunity to meet this real mountain climber and ask questions about mountain climbing.

Riverboat Cruise and El Dorado Goldmine Tour (Fairbanks) – Families can enjoy traveling on an authentic sternwheeler for a fully-narrated cruise along the Chena River and try their hands at gold panning at the El Dorado Gold Mine, where they will learn about Alaska's gold mining history.

Fares for the Alaska Family Cruisetour (#FUN) start at $1,743 per person for the first and second berths, and $1,191 per person for the third and fourth berth passengers.

Princess offers a variety of land/sea Alaska experience with itineraries ranging from three to eight nights. All cruisetour options feature at least two nights in the Denali National Park area, stays in Princess’ own riverside wilderness lodges, and a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing with Glacier Bay National Park.

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NOTE: For Information on Cruises From New York Check out http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/.
For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out http://www.northeastcruiseguide.com/.