Monday, May 31, 2010

Voyages of Discovery - MV Discovery 2011 Summer Cruises Unveiled

Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery launches its Summer 2011 program on their website. Savings of up to $2,936 per person, along with free and reduced air add-ons from the line’s select 26 North American gateway cities are featured.

The 650 passenger mv Discovery will embark on her most enticing summer program to date. The 20,000 ton vessel is cruising to some of the most fascinating places in the Mediterranean, the Baltic and Scandinavia along with destinations in Iceland, the White Sea and Archangel and the North Cape.

Featuring some unusual destinations the Summer 2011 program itineraries are sure to appeal to those seeking adventure in unfamiliar and extraordinary ports in the world. As an example, the “Voyage to the White Sea and Archangel” guests will follow in the wake of WWII Arctic convoys to discover the indelible marks left by revolution, war and communism in northern Russia. Guest speakers will include natural scientists and historians. A lecture featuring Second World War code breakers and demonstrating an original and working 1940s Enigma machine is currently scheduled.

“In Search of the Holy Lands” will explore many less-traveled but historically rich cultures in the Middle East. Guests will have a chance to explore the holy city of Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee on Discovery’s return to the region after a four year absence.

Be it an excursion to the unknown or a familiar site, Voyages of Discovery offers cultural cruises to fulfill every interest. “Castles and Gardens of the British Isles” is inspired by the country’s greatest gardens as well as by its history, politics and geology. “A Baltic Symphony” will equally impress lovers of the arts, history and architecture.

In addition to great savings, all Voyages of Discovery itineraries feature an extensive enrichment program. Top historians, diplomats, scientists and naturalists provide background and insight into the history, culture, flora and fauna of the destinations visited.

Many of Discovery’s Summer 2011 cruise-tour packages include pre- and/or post-cruise London hotel stays. Earlier it was announced that Discovery will be sailing from Portsmouth, the UK’s most famous naval city as well as Harwich – providing fast and easy access from London. With Free to $249 air add-ons guests have come to expect great value from Voyages of Discovery.

Special rates for single travelers are also available. Discovery Club members enjoy an additional 10% savings on Summer 2011 cruises when booked by June 30, 2010.

The Summer 2011 cruise preview will be available in early June. Guests and travel agents are able to view these cruises now by visiting the website www.voyagesofdiscovery.com for itineraries and pricing.

--------------------
Cruises from NY/NJ - NYCruiseInfo.com
Cruises from the Northeast -
NortheastCruiseGuide.com

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Mercury to Become Germany's TUI Cruises Mein Schiff 2


May 27, 2010 - Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Mercury will become the second ship in the fleet of TUI Cruises, a cruise brand established in 2008 through a joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and TUI AG, tailored for the German market. The new ship, to be named Mein Schiff 2, will become sister ship to Mein Schiff (the former Celebrity Galaxy), which set sail in May 2009.

“Celebrity Mercury has been a cherished member of the Celebrity family since she entered service in 1997, and has offered countless guests outstanding vacation experiences,” said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “We are dedicated to offering the same impeccable service our brand is known for right up until the ship transitions to TUI Cruises, and we are confident that the ship’s future with TUI Cruises is very bright.”

Hanrahan assured that the future for the crew on Celebrity Mercury is equally bright. “With the rapid growth and momentum of the Celebrity brand, and the fourth member of our five-ship Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Silhouette, launching in July 2011, we have abundant opportunities for the fine crew on Celebrity Mercury to transfer to another Celebrity ship.”

Celebrity Mercury joined the Celebrity Cruises fleet in November 1997, and was built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany - builder of Celebrity’s widely heralded, new Solstice Class fleet. The 77,713-ton ship carries 1,898 guests (double occupancy) and 909 crew.

“The timing for expanding the TUI Cruises fleet could not be better,” said TUI Cruises CEO Richard J. Vogel. “Mein Schiff has firmly established its place in the German market, and now, it is time to broaden and further develop the concept. The cruise industry has shown its resilience in the midst of the economic crisis, and we look forward to growing it further, with our expanded fleet and our unique ‘premium all-inclusive’ concept.”

Celebrity Mercury will complete its scheduled sailings through the February 14, 2011, itinerary. Guests with individual bookings and named group bookings on Celebrity Mercury on or after February 26, 2011 have the option to either cancel their booking or move to any Celebrity Mercury sailing from Baltimore from October 18, 2010, through February 14, 2011, with the exception of the December 20, 2010 itinerary.

Guests who pursue this option will receive an onboard credit of $75 per stateroom for inside or ocean-view accommodations; $100 per stateroom for veranda or Concierge Class, and $200 per suite.

Guests with reservations affected by the transition will be proactively contacted by Celebrity Cruises. Guests with questions specific to impacted bookings are welcome to call 1-888-281-9343.

Celebrity Mercury will enter service with TUI Cruises in May 2011, as Mein Schiff 2, following an extensive refurbishment resulting in additional verandas, an expanded spa and fitness area, inclusion of a teen bar, and a host of design elements and other attributes consistent with those found on Mein Schiff.

Mein Schiff 2 will spend her first cruising season in the Baltic and Nordic regions. Full itinerary details will be published when bookings open June 1, 2010.

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. has agreed to provide seller’s financing in the event that alternative financing is not fully available at the time of delivery. Additionally, the company will recognize a gain related to the sale of the Celebrity Mercury, but the gain is not expected to have a material effect on the company’s annual earnings.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Links:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Saturday, May 29, 2010

MSC Cruises Offers AARP Members Significant Discounts


MSC Cruises is making available to AARP members savings of more than 50 percent with rates from $859 per person on select itineraries in its Distinctive Collection featuring positioning sailings from various locations all over the world. Positioning itineraries depart from and arrive in different ports and offer an array of cities in many countries typically unavailable on cruises.

Pre- and post-cruise stays and excursions are available at an additional cost. Kids 11 and younger cruise free when sharing a stateroom with two adults.

These special rates for AARP members are available on select sailings. Positioning cruise itinerary highlights include:
  • 17-night cruise from Genoa to Cape Town or 16-night Barcelona to Cape Town on MSC Melody and calling in Barcelona, Cadiz, Tenerife, Mindelo, and Walvis Bay. December 1 or December 2; rates from $859 and $44.30 pp. in GFT’s;
  • 18-night cruise from Kiel or 17-night from Copenhagen to New York on MSC Poesia and calling in Southampton, Le Havre, Vigo, Lisbon, Ponta Delgada, and King’s Wharf. September 4 or 5; rates from $1,149 plus $65 pp. government fees and taxes (GFT’s)];
  • 16-night cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona or 17-night to Genoa on MSC Poesia and calling in San Juan, St. John’s, Port Castries, Funchal, Malaga, and Alicante. March 6; rates from $949 plus $84.43 and $82.85 pp. in GFT’s;
  • 18-night cruise from Venice to Rio de Janeiro or 19-night from Rio de Janeiro to Venice on MSC Musica and calling in Dubrovnik, Valletta, Malaga, Funchal, Tenerife, Fortaleze, Recife, and Salvador de Bahia. October 31 or March 29; rates from $919 plus $143.30 pp. in GFT’s;
  • 17-night cruise from Genoa to Santos or 19-night from Santos to Kiel on MSC Orchestra and calling in Barcelona, Lisbon, Casablanca, Tenerife, Recife, Salvador de Bahia, and Rio de Janeiro (Funchal, Vigo, Southampton and Copenhagen on 19-night). November 11 or April 12; rates from $999 plus $187.20 pp. in GFT’s;
  • 18-night cruise from Venice to Santos or 17-night from Santos to Southampton on MSC Opera and calling in Katakalon, La Valetta, Malaga, Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife, Recife, Salvador de Bahia, and Rio de Janeiro. November 25 or April 20; rates from $919 plus $206 pp. in GFT’s;
Restrictions apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion including standard AARP member offers.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Links:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Friday, May 28, 2010

NCL's New Norwegian Epic Transatlantic Voyage Sold Out


May 27, 2010 – Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that its largest and most innovative ship Norwegian Epic is sold out on its June 24, 2010 seven-day transatlantic sailing from Southampton , England to New York City . The line has launched a wait list for those interested in sailing on the transatlantic should cancellations occur. The ship, the largest to berth in the Port of New York , will arrive at Manhattan Cruise Terminal’s Pier 88 on Thursday, July 1. Country music legend Reba McEntire will christen the ship on Friday, July 2 followed by a two-day inaugural sailing. On Sunday, July 4, Norwegian Epic will serve as the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET and takes place on board Norwegian Epic where invited guests will have a front row view of the fireworks display.

“We are on the edge of our seats in anticipation of the debut of Norwegian Epic to the world in only a few short weeks,” said Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Guests on the transatlantic sailing will be among the first to experience all of Norwegian Epic’s innovative features including her more than 20 dining options and world-class entertainment.”

The company released a sneak peak video of Norwegian Epic on its YouTube channel on Wednesday, May 25 showcasing the finishing touches being made. The video is viewable at www.ncl.com/youtube.

Norwegian Epic will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Miami beginning July 10, 2010 through April 2011. Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas , U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau , Bahamas . The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya , Mexico ; Roatán, Bay Islands , Honduras ; and Cozumel , Mexico . From May through October 2011, Norwegian Epic will sail a seven-day Western Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona, Spain with ports of call including: Florence/Pisa (Livorno); Rome ( Civitavecchia ); Naples , Italy ; and Palma , Majorca , Spain .

Norwegian Epic

World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group will perform their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams™ and Dinner, written and directed by Neil Goldberg , will present a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, will be featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City® Comedy Troupe and Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos Show.

In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic will incorporate many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon™ at Sea offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.

The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H2O with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas. In addition, Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with more than 20 dining options and 20 bars and lounges.

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 10 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Links:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Luxury Cruise Operator SeaDream Yacht Offers Win a Honeymoon Sweepstakes


When Romance Blossoms SeaDream Has the Answer

5/27/2010- SeaDream Yacht Club believes that romance and yachting go together like love and marriage and has launched a honeymoon contest for those couples planning to be married this summer. The winning couple will receive a $20,000 honeymoon sailing in the Greek Isles aboard the ultra-luxurious, mega-yacht cruiser SeaDream I.

Applicants are invited to seek the support of friends and family in promoting them through various social media including Email, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and personal blogs. A jury selected by SeaDream will review all applications and comments of friends and family and then choose the winner.

The seven-day, luxury honeymoon voyage, September 11-18, includes such romantic ports-of-call as the Greek Islands of Sifnos, Itea, Mykonos and Santorini.

Entries must be received from May 26 through July 30. The winning couple will be announced early August.

Some Conditions apply.

Details and applications are available on SeaDream’s website---www.seadream.com or www.win-a-honeymoon.com. It is also possible to follow updates at www.facebook.com/SeaDreamYC or at www.twitter.com/SeaDreamYC.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Links:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Exceptional Fall Values Available With Carnival's 'Early Saver' Program


One-of-a-Kind Rate Guarantee Protects Against Price Drops

(May 26, 2010) – For consumers seeking an affordable vacation getaway this fall, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering exceptional advance purchase Early Saver rates on a wide variety of three- to eight-day “Fun Ship” departures, with prices starting at just $209 per person.

In addition to offering unprecedented value, Carnival’s Early Saver program offers the cruise industry’s most attractive rate protection feature that allows for a rate adjustment if a lower Carnival advertised rate becomes available after the booking is made. Carnival will issue the price difference upon request in the form of a non-refundable shipboard credit.

The fall Early Saver promotional rates start at $209 per person for three- and four-day cruises; $279 per person for five-day voyages; $399 per person for six- and seven-day cruises; and $529 per person for eight-day departures.

“Carnival’s Early Saver program provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get the best available rates on the widest choice of departure dates by booking early, along with the added benefit of the cruise industry’s best price guarantee,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Early Saver rates are offered up to three months prior to sailing date for cruises of five days or less and up to five months prior to sailing date for longer length voyages, subject to availability. Early Saver fares include all stateroom types, including suites.

Early Saver fall rates listed above reflect category 4A (interior) accommodations on select sailings, are based on double occupancy and subject to change without notice.

Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages ranging from three to 12 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, New England, Canada, Europe, and Bermuda. The line currently has two 130,000-ton ships on order – Carnival Magic, set to debut in Europe May 1, 2011, and Carnival Breeze, scheduled to enter service in spring 2012.

--------------

Go To:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Mariner of the Seas to Sail Four Cruises from Brazil in 2011

May 19, 2010 – Royal Caribbean International today announced Mariner of the Seas’ short Brazil season beginning February 15, 2011. Mariner of the Seas will offer four roundtrip sailings from Sao Paulo (Santos) on a six-night itinerary – the March 5, 2011 voyage coinciding with Brazil’s Carnaval celebrations – featuring a call at Rio De Janeiro and an overnight at Salvador De Bahia. Vacationers also can choose a two-night roundtrip getaway, departing on March 11, which also calls at Rio De Janeiro. Mariner of the Seas will then depart for Rome on March 13 for a 14-night trans-Atlantic itinerary via the Canary Islands to be counted among 11 record-setting Royal Caribbean ships to ply European waters in 2011.

Royal Caribbean International is the one true global cruise brand and deploys some of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships to exciting destinations around the globe. Aboard select ships sailing in certain regions, such as Mariner of the Seas’ short Brazil season, Royal Caribbean offers culturally enriching cruises, where the primary language onboard may not be English and guests are immersed in the region’s customs, food and entertainment onboard. English, however, is still offered and supported throughout the ship and guests will continue to receive the Royal treatment, delivered by every member of Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging staff and crew.

--------------------

Cruises from NY/NJ - NYCruiseInfo.com
Cruises from the Northeast -
NortheastCruiseGuide.com


Monday, May 24, 2010

Celebrity Cruises Announces 2011-2012 Winter Season Cruises


Hot on the heels of its recent announcement that all of its widely heralded Solstice-class ships will sail together in Europe in the summer of 2011, today Celebrity Cruises announced that the four stylish vessels also will glide through the waters of the Caribbean later that year and into early 2012. Cruisers can book most of Celebrity’s 2011-12 winter cruises and cruisetours beginning today.

“We believe that our 2011-12 winter destination portfolio brings to life the essence of our brand platform, ‘Designed for you,’” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. “Our guests told us that they wanted more variety in the Caribbean, so we not only sent all four of our newest ships, we also created a line-up of itineraries offering cruisers the opportunity to choose from a wide range of sailing lengths and destinations on our award-winning ships – all of which include Celebrity’s signature service, style and world-class cuisine.”

With Caribbean offerings on eight ships and itineraries ranging in length from four to 14 nights out of five homeports, discerning cruisers who seek a relaxing warm-weather getaway will have numerous ways to pamper themselves in style. “Firsts” in the season include not only the deployment of four modern, sophisticated Solstice-class ships to sail in the Caribbean, but also the availability of four- and five-night Caribbean cruises on Celebrity Millennium.

For the first time, a Solstice-class ship – Celebrity Silhouette, launching in 2011 – will sail from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, offering cruisers throughout the Northeast easy driving access to a vacation on the newest ship in the line’s award-winning Solstice-class fleet. From November 2011 to April 2012, Celebrity Silhouette will sail 14 alternating Southern and Eastern Caribbean voyages of 12 nights in length. The Southern Caribbean itineraries will visit St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia and St. Maarten. Celebrity Silhouette’s Eastern Caribbean cruises include visits to San Juan, Labadee (Celebrity’s private-island destination in Haiti), St. Croix, St. Thomas, Antigua and St. Maarten.

Celebrity designed the Bayonne offerings as a result of guests and travel agents expressing a strong desire to experience a Solstice-class ship within driving distance from major Northeast metro areas. First booking rights went to members of Celebrity’s loyalty program, Captain’s Club, earlier this month. Today, these cruises – as well as Celebrity Silhouette’s summer 2011 Europe voyages – opened for booking by the general public.

Sister Solstice-class ship Celebrity Equinox also will offer long Caribbean itineraries in the winter of 2011-12, sailing 15 alternating 10- and 11-night “Ultimate Caribbean” cruises out of Fort Lauderdale. The 10-night line-up focuses on Southern Caribbean experiences, with visits to St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, Dominica and St. Maarten. The 11-night cruises take cruisers into the Western Caribbean and Panama, with visits to Mexico, Belize or Honduras (depending upon itinerary), Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Grand Cayman.

Celebrity Constellation, which this month will undergo the brand’s first “Solsticizing” (refitting to include many of the most popular Solstice-class attributes, such as Tuscan Grille and Bistro on Five specialty restaurants, the relaxed-yet-hip hangout, Café al Bacio, and more), will present a series of 14-night Southern Caribbean cruises roundtrip out of Fort Lauderdale, from November 2011 through April 2012. Ports of call include Aruba, Curacao, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

For the first time, Celebrity Century – which underwent a significant revitalization in 2006, including the addition of 314 new stateroom verandas, a Murano specialty restaurant and the first “Ice Martini Bar” at sea – will present a season of 12-night Eastern Caribbean sailings out of Baltimore. The Caribbean season will be bookended by two Hawaii “mini-seasons” – one in the fall and one in spring – and also will include two special Panama Canal sailings between Baltimore to San Diego. These itineraries will open for sale in the coming weeks.

Continuing to offer popular, port-intensive seven-night voyages will be Celebrity Summit, sailing in the Southern Caribbean on Saturdays, roundtrip from San Juan. Celebrity Summit also will offer guests the opportunity to use technology to share aspects of their Caribbean escape, as it will be retrofitted this May with a “Celebrity iLounge” mirrored after the one debuting on Celebrity Eclipse, the newest Solstice-class vessel launching later this month in Southampton, England. The Celebrity iLounge will replace the Internet Café on Celebrity Summit, and feature a retail area offering the latest products through Celebrity’s Authorized Apple Reseller status. The venue will be staffed by certified technologists who will offer contemporary online classes through the ‘Discover’ series of our inspiring and enriching ‘Celebrity Life’ experience. Also, early in the 2011-12 winter season, Celebrity Summit will join other Millennium-class ships in being “Solsticized.”

Joining Celebrity Summit in being retrofitted with a Celebrity iLounge next month is Celebrity’s flagship Solstice-class vessel, Celebrity Solstice, which will return to South Florida to offer roundtrip seven-night Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale in the winter of 2011-12. These will be a series of 25 alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, including a special eight-night Eastern Caribbean holiday sailing on December 18 that will feature an extra sea day, giving cruisers even more time to enjoy Celebrity’s outstanding cuisine and extraordinary service. Celebrity Solstice also will present a one-time six-night Western Caribbean voyage on January 2, ideal for cruisers who wish to experience a Solstice-class ship in the Caribbean but have less than a week to spend at sea. Celebrity’s third Solstice-class ship, Celebrity Eclipse will return for the Caribbean for a second consecutive winter season in 2011-12, offering seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruises roundtrip out of Miami.

Cruisers seeking shorter Caribbean getaways in Celebrity’s signature style can experience four- and five-night cruises roundtrip out of South Florida on Celebrity Millennium, for the first time, when the 2,034-guest vessel takes over Celebrity Century’s previous five consecutive winter seasons of short Caribbean cruises. Sailing four- and five-night cruises roundtrip out of Miami, Celebrity Millennium will offer a total of 41 sailings with four distinct itineraries visiting a total of six ports.

Building on the variety that Celebrity continues to offer, the brand will continue to offer its popular year-round Galapagos Islands experiences on the 92-guest mega-yacht, Celebrity Xpedition. These all-inclusive voyages that feature naturalist-led excursions through the awe-inspiring region, include pre- and post-cruise stays in Quito, Ecuador. Celebrity Xpedition’s 2011-12 cruises opened for sale last month.

Celebrity will continue to sail even further south than the Galapagos Islands with a variety of itineraries in South America – a region will visit for the 12th consecutive year in the winter of 2011-12. From December through February, Celebrity Infinity will present 13-, 14- and 15-night cruises between Valparaiso and Buenos Aires. These will be bookended between a 15-night repositioning cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Valparaiso – including a trip through the Panama Canal – on December 3, and the reverse on March 11.

Celebrity Infinity’s line-up also includes a wide range of Panama Canal voyages lengthened from 14 to 15 nights. The Panama Canal voyages will now include the new port of Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, and two-day Canal experience including a full day spent in the crossing and an extended (full-day) stay in Colon, Panama, allowing cruisers to spend more time in the region. Celebrity Infinity’s Panama Canal voyages between the U.S. East and West coasts will be offered in September and October 2011, and March and April 2012. Celebrity Millennium also will offer a 15-night Panama Canal cruise from San Diego to Miami to reposition the ship from Alaska to the Caribbean, departing on September 19, 2011.

Cruisers who wish to make the most of their time in South America in the 2011-12 winter season can choose from a variety of cruisetours – escorted land tours offered pre- or post-cruise that are combined with the cruise itself for a longer, more in-depth destination experience. In South America, Celebrity offers several fully escorted land tours offered in combination with cruises departing from or arriving in Buenos Aires and Valparaiso. The five-day, four-night “Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls” package includes visits to a gaucho “estancia,” Buenos Aires’ San Telmo region, and the city’s trendy Puerto Madero neighborhood. The package also includes a short inland flight to Iguazu Falls, one of the continent’s most stunning natural wonders, where guests spend two days exploring the massive waterfalls during included tours encompassing Devil’s Throat, the lower and upper circuits of the Argentinean side of the falls, and a Zodiac ride along the lower Iguazu River. The six-day, five-night “Machu Picchu Adventure” package gives guests the opportunity to experience the Sacred Valley of the Incas in and around the Cuzco region, as well as the capital city of Lima. The package is highlighted by train travel to and from Machu Picchu, and over four hours of exploration time there. The experience also includes a tour of Cuzco and its walled Sacsayhuaman Inca area and the Cuzco Cathedral, as well as a city tour of Lima and several other activities that will enhance guests’ South America vacation experience. Several inland flights are included.

Celebrity has designed a variety of shore excursions to round out the cruise experience in the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and South America in 2011-12.

In the Caribbean, Celebrity has designed its line-up of shore excursions to give cruisers a way to unwind in tropical paradise through nature-based activities, and opportunities to experience local history and culture. Examples include:
· In St. Croix, “Carambola Beach Break” features snorkeling with tropical fish and turtles and over coral reefs
· In St. Maarten, “Loterie Farm Treetop Adventure Tour” presents an adventure course consisting of a pulse-pounding sequence of zip-lines, rope swings and ‘bridges' suspended from platforms mounted in the serene forest
· In Costa Maya, “Kohunlich and Dzibanche Mayan Ruins Combo” tour includes the majestic pyramids and manicured lawns at Dzibanche, plus the ancient multilevel Mayan city of Kohunlich, with its magnificent cahoon palms
· In Cozumel, “Mexican Cuisine Workshop Tasting” allows guests to cook fine traditional Mexican cuisine, guided by an experienced chef, before enjoying their creations

* From St. Lucia, “Coastal Cruise to the Pitons” presents the wonder and sights of Petit and Gros Pitons, which are over 2,600 ft. high.

From Machu Picchu to penguin-sighting, Celebrity’s South America and Panama Canal cruises are designed to highlight the region’s natural beauty and culture, and a variety of shore excursions offer a more in-depth experience.

* In Peru, “Cuzco and Machu Picchu Adventure” includes intensive exploration of the lost city of the Incas
* In Buenos Aires, “Estancia San Lorenzo Penguin Reserve and Punta Norte” tour pairs a visit to a Magellan penguin colony with lunch at a typical estancia
* From Puerto Montt, “Petrohue River Rafting” is an exhilarating class III-IV rafting trip down the Rio Petrohue River, one of Chile's glacial rivers
* In Colon, Panama, “Panama Canal Tour” lets guests experience the wonder of the Panama Canal from a different perspective – that of a ferry boat as it navigates the Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel Locks and Gaylard Cut.


For more information on Celebrity’s cruises, cruisetours and shore excursions, travelers are encouraged to visit www.celebritycruises.com/sailwithus.

--------------------

Cruises from NY/NJ - NYCruiseInfo.com
Cruises from the Northeast -
NortheastCruiseGuide.com


Sunday, May 23, 2010

Cruise West, Spirit of '98 Snake and Columbia River Cruises

Tracing the travels of explorers Lewis and Clark, Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the world’s leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, sails on two of the West’s mightiest rivers with the seven-night River Voyage of Discovery from April through October.

Commencing and ending in Portland, Oregon, the cruise traces nearly a 1,000 miles of the famed expedition along the mostly pristine and wild Columbia and Snake Rivers. From the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge – carved by great floods thousands of years ago -- to the towering black pinnacles of basalt to the engineering accomplishments of the locks and dams that make these two waterways vital shipping lanes, the cruise views blend natural wonders with manmade marvels.

Off-ship adventures beckon
Throughout the cruise, the Pacific Northwest's pioneer history is brought to life with a special series of included excursions, knowledgeable local guest speakers, and narration and presentations by the onboard Exploration Leaders. In addition, guests can look forward to an enhanced array of delicious food and wine choices through the line’s Palate program.

Excursions include a motor coach tour to breathtaking Multnomah Falls, the tallest falls in Oregon; a jet boat up Hells Canyon past 7,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs; wine tasting in historic Walla Walla, renowned for producing some of the finest wine in Washington state; and an excursion to Astoria to visit the Lewis & Clark National Historic Park and the site of Fort Clatsop -- where the explorers spent a hard winter by the Pacific Ocean.

The River Voyage of Discovery cruise offers Saturday departures on the 96-guest Spirit of '98 that was designed to emulate an early steamer with carved wooden cabinetry, plush floral upholstery, and a Grand Salon complete with a full bar and old-world charm. Sunday departures are on the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery that offers ample outside deck space for optimum viewing.

The line is including a free pre-cruise hotel stay for all departures June through August 2010. Rates start at $2,999 per person, double occupancy. To book a Cruise West voyage for your client or for more information call 1-800-689-1783.

--------------------
Cruises from NY/NJ - NYCruiseInfo.com
Cruises from the Northeast -
NortheastCruiseGuide.com



Friday, May 21, 2010

Celebrity Constellation Completes Solstice Refit


May 10, 2010 – Celebrity Cruises coined the word “Solsticized” in January, and yesterday, the meaning behind it became reality for guests embarking on Celebrity Constellation in Amsterdam.

Following an ambitious 15-day drydock and revitalization period, Celebrity Constellation now boasts some of the most popular venues found on the line’s widely-heralded Solstice Class ships, including the tantalizing Tuscan Grille steakhouse; the vibrant creperie, Bistro on Five; a “cool” new ice-topped Martini Bar; the inviting Café al Bacio and Gelateria; Cellarmasters wine bar, complete with the state-of-the-art wine serving systems known as “Enomatics,” allowing guests to select and serve wines by the glass, at the touch of a button; more sumptuous suites, with all new furniture, flat-screen TVs, upholstery, bedding and carpeting; restyled staterooms, with entirely new carpeting, flat-screen TVs, upholstery and bedding; and new color schemes, carpeting and upholstery reflective of the Solstice Class’ stylish, modern design in every public venue.

“Our newly Solsticized Celebrity Constellation is a significant outgrowth of our ‘Designed for you’ brand platform, built around our longtime commitment to identifying and designing what our guests want,” said Celebrity’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “By adding Solstice Class features that we know our guests love to our already award-winning Millennium Class ships – with the impeccable service our spectacular crew delivers across the entire fleet – we’re confident we have a winning combination, expressly designed for discerning cruisers.”
Celebrity Constellation is the first of the line’s four Millennium-class ships to be “Solsticized.” Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Summit will be similarly refurbished in 2011, followed by Celebrity Millennium in 2012.

The revitalization is only part of Celebrity’s Designed for you platform, which – when combined with the brand’s Celebrity Life onboard experiences, more robust Captain’s Club loyalty program, and other brand enhancements – represents a nearly $200-million investment.

Following her current 7-night cruise through the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords, Celebrity Constellation will present a series of 12-night Scandinavia and Russia cruises, followed by an 8-night Northern Europe and Mediterranean cruise from Amsterdam to Barcelona, where the ship will present a series of roundtrip, 7-night Mediterranean sailings, before a 14-night transatlantic voyage departing Barcelona November 6, ending in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. There, Celebrity Constellation will present two consecutive 14-night Exotic Caribbean cruises, prior to embarking on a 15-night Panama Canal voyage from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego on December 18.

Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programs, and world-class cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising, Celebrity sails in Alaska, 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, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity’s mega-series of honors include being named the top mega-ship line in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards (November 2009). Celebrity’s fleet currently consists of 10 ships. Its $3.7-billion investment in building five stylish Solstice Class ships between 2008-2012 represents the largest newbuild commitment for a single brand in industry history.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Princess Cruises Unveils 2011 Alaska Cruises


Princess Cruises’ 2011 Alaska program offers travelers a full range of cruise and cruisetour options whether they want to explore Denali in depth, plan independently, enjoy the attention of an expert guide, or venture off the beaten path. The season opens for sale May 13 with special rates that include adding three days at Denali to a cruise for just $299.
The 2011 lineup will offer passengers the company’s hallmark Alaska experience, whether at sea on board amenity-filled ships or on land with Princess’ signature wilderness lodges and exclusive Direct to the Wilderness program, where guests step right from their ship onto luxury railcars that transport them directly to the Denali area.
The season includes a total of 104 Alaska departures aboard six ships sailing on three itinerary options during the May to September season. The lineup includes Diamond Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess traveling on the line’s popular “Voyage of the Glaciers” route through the scenic Gulf of Alaska; Golden Princess and Sapphire Princess sailing the Inside Passage from Seattle, and Sea Princess cruising on 10-day journeys from San Francisco.

The cruisetour program combines a seven-day “Voyage of the Glaciers” cruise with three to eight additional nights on land exploring Alaska’s interior. For 2011, travelers can choose from four types of land and sea packages – Denali Explorer, On Your Own, Off the Beaten Path and Connoisseur. All Princess cruisetours include the company’s exclusive wilderness lodges, rail or motorcoach travel, plus the top two attractions in the state – Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park, where visitors spend at least two nights exploring the wonders of this area.
“Our 2011 program retains all of the classic Princess signatures that make us the clear leader in Alaska, plus some new options,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “And visiting the heart of Alaska has never been so affordable with three days at Denali beginning at just $299 more than a cruise alone.”
Cruises – Princess offers three itineraries to the majestic glaciers, historic towns and scenic waters of Alaska with sailings from seven to 10 days.

  • Voyage of the Glaciers – The line’s famed Gulf of Alaska route between Vancouver and Whittier (for Anchorage) features calls at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway with daylight cruising in Glacier Bay National Park and the 16 glaciers of College Fjord (or Hubbard Glacier on southbound sailings). Diamond Princess and Coral Princess sail on Saturdays and Island Princess offers new Wednesday departures for a total of 54 sailing choices between May 18 and September 17, 2011.
  • Inside Passage from SeattleGolden Princess and Sapphire Princess offer convenient weekend departures on seven-day roundtrip itineraries from Seattle along the scenic Inside Passage with calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, B.C. Passengers will enjoy dramatic glacier viewing in either Glacier Bay National Park (Golden Princess) or Tracy Arm (Sapphire Princess). The two ships will sail on 37 departures between May 14 and September 17, 2011.
  • Inside Passage from San FranciscoSea Princess again sails from the “City by the Bay” on 10-day roundtrip cruises. The ship offers 13 voyages from San Francisco featuring the scenery of Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm, stops at Victoria and Juneau, plus two other calls in Ketchikan, Skagway, Haines, Sitka or Icy Strait Point. Departures sail between May 10 and September 7, 2011.
Cruisetours – Princess cruisetours offer passengers a complete land and sea Alaska experience with vacations ranging from 10 to 15 nights. All cruisetour options include at least two nights in the Denali National Park area, stays at Princess’ own riverside wilderness lodges, and a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing including Glacier Bay National Park.

  • Denali Explorer – Featuring multiple nights at the line’s own Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and/or Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, these tours also offer the exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service between the Whittier cruise terminal and the dramatic Denali National Park area. Most also offer the opportunity to explore Fairbanks or Anchorage.
  • On Your Own – A new option for independent-minded travelers, these tours offer a more affordable and flexible way to see the Heart of Alaska. Tours do not include any pre-planned excursions, giving travelers time to create their own experience.
  • Off the Beaten Path – For those who want to explore Denali and beyond, these tours offer options to the Kenai Peninsula with stays at Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park with stays at Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge. Passengers can even choose to venture to the state’s far north into the Arctic Circle and Prudhoe Bay.
  • Connoisseur – These cruisetour options offer the services of a professional tour director and additional time for passengers to experience the Great Land. Travelers can choose from more of these extended itineraries in 2011, with most meals and enhanced sightseeing options included as well.
Gulf of Alaska cruises and cruisetours for 2011 are available for reservations on May 13, 2010. Launch Fares begin at $649 for seven-day voyages, and $948 for cruisetours.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Allure of The Seas to Fetaure "Chicago" as Broadway Show


May 5, 2010 - This December, Royal Caribbean International will once again make waves on the cruise vacation scene with the debut of the world’s next largest and most innovative cruise ship, Allure of the Seas. As did sister-ship Oasis of the Seas, the arrival of Allure of the Seas will bring an unprecedented array of brand new features and onboard amenities, including one of Broadway’s longest-running and most recognizable theatric productions, Chicago: The Musical, which will headline in the ship’s main theater. Reprising the lauded at-sea debut of Hairspray aboard Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas’ Amber Theater will join an illustrious list of venues, such as the Ambassador Theater in New York City and the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End, that have raised the curtain on the award-winning musical. A new webisode about Chicago: The Musical aboard Allure of the Seas is now playing at www.AllureoftheSeas.com.

“Allure of the Seas will feature an unbelievable lineup of new entertainment options that will dazzle and delight guests of all ages,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Chicago: The Musical will become the second Tony Award-winning musical that Royal Caribbean debuts at sea and tops the list of award-winning caliber entertainment created by our own Royal Caribbean Productions team.”

Chicago fans will find that Allure of the Seas’ version of the popular production includes the same infamous cast of characters and one show-stopping-song after another, weaving together a universal tale of fame, fortune and ‘all that jazz.’ Slightly condensed to fit an approximate run time of 90 minutes, the musical will be brought to life on Allure of the Seas’ Broadway-style proscenium stage in the ship’s state-of-the-art, 1,380-seat Amber Theater.

“We’re very excited at the opportunity to partner with Royal Caribbean, and we look forward to entertaining even more guests each week with the story of Chicago,” said Barry Weissler, Producer of Chicago: The Musical on Broadway.

While Chicago: The Musical is the first production announced for Allure of the Seas, many more world-class entertainment options will be available for guests to enjoy at the wide variety of venues found shipwide – including a spectacle of music, dance and aerial acrobatics called Blue Planet that also will run in the Amber Theater; OceanAria, a signature aquatic production in the ship’s open-air AquaTheater, fusing high dive thrills with dramatic aerial choreography; an ice show extravaganza planned for the ship’s ice-skating rink, Studio B; spectacular and colorful parades in the Royal Promenade; and everything else in between, from jazz performances to comedy.

Auditions for the Royal Caribbean’s production of Chicago, as well as the other shows on Allure of the Seas will begin June 3. Open casting calls will be held June 3 - 5 in Chicago, June 8 - 11 in London, and June 14 - 17 in New York. More details and a full schedule can be found at www.RoyalCaribbeanProductions.com.

Allure of the Seas shares the title of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas will tout Royal Caribbean’s exclusive neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which will include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will alternate a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.AllureoftheSeas.com.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Carnival to Offer More Bermuda Cruises in 2011


May 6, 2010 – Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, will dramatically expand its Bermuda cruise schedule in 2011, offering 16 departures to the island from four popular eastern U.S. homeports -- Baltimore, Norfolk, Va.; New York and, for the first time, Charleston, S.C. Carnival will be the only cruise line offering Bermuda cruises from Charleston.


Read More: Carnival Expands 2011 Bermuda Cruises

Monday, May 17, 2010

Royal Carribbean Announces Cruise From Galveston and New Orleans

May 7, 2010 - Royal Caribbean International announced the cruise line’s exciting winter 2011-12 Caribbean cruise season aboard Voyager of the Seas from New Orleans, La., and Mariner of the Seas from Galveston, Texas. Voyager of the Seas will debut in New Orleans as the largest and most innovative cruise ship to homeport in the city, and offer a third convenient Gulf Coast city to embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Vacationers can choose from 45 sailings aboard Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas from November 2011 through April 2012, which comprise seven distinct itineraries that call at eight unique Caribbean ports. The two ships augment the already-announced short Western Caribbean cruises aboard Jewel of the Seas from Tampa. Royal Caribbean’s winter 2011-12 Gulf Caribbean cruises are now open for booking.

“With our return to New Orleans in winter 2011, Royal Caribbean will offer three vibrant and convenient Gulf Coast cities to embark on a memorable family vacation or winter getaway,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Our ships offer guests the widest array of exclusive onboard amenities and offer something for everyone and every age. Throughout, all guests will enjoy the Royal treatment, delivered by every member of our renowned friendly and engaging staff and crew.”

Guests of Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas also have a wide range of exciting shore excursions to enhance their cruise vacation for an additional charge. Guests can enjoy a fun-filled day at the beach sunbathing and swimming on the "Playa Mia Deluxe Beach Break" in Cozumel, Mexico, or swim with the graceful Southern Atlantic stingrays at the world-famous Stingray City on "Stingray City Sandbar Swim & Snorkel" in Grand Cayman. For the more adventurous, guests can soar through trees from platform to platform on the “Chukka Canopy Experience” at the new cruise port of Falmouth, Jamaica.

Voyager of the Seas begins the new season from New Orleans on November 12, 2011, offering vacationers seven-night Western Caribbean cruises sailing every Saturday from the city’s newly renovated Julia Street Cruise Terminal. Mariner of the Seas will take over for Voyager of the Seas at Galveston and offer two alternating seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries. A special nine-night Western Caribbean itinerary, departing November 11, 2011, will kick off Mariner of the Seas’ inaugural season at Galveston and an eight-night holiday cruise will depart on December 18. A six-night cruise, departing on January 2, 2012, will offer vacationers a relaxing and rejuvenating post-holiday getaway.

Voyager-class Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are two of the world’s 10 largest and most innovative cruise ships at sea. Both ships feature the cruise line’s iconic rock-climbing wall, the Studio B ice-skating rink, nine-hole mini-golf course, an in-line skating track, a full-size basketball court, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of boutiques, restaurants and lounges and bars. Voyager of the Seas features the cruise line’s signature Portofino Italian restaurant, while Mariner of the Seas offers a second specialty restaurant option, Chops Grille steakhouse.


Sunday, May 16, 2010

Carnival New Ship to Be Named Carinval Breeze

(May 10, 2010) – Carnival Breeze has been selected as the name for the line’s new 130,000-ton cruise ship scheduled to enter service in spring 2012.

To be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze will be the third in the line’s Dream class. The series’ namesake vessel, Carnival Dream, entered service in 2009 and a sister ship, Carnival Magic, is currently under construction at Fincantieri and is scheduled to debut in Europe in May 2011.

Carnival Breeze will offer many of the popular innovations featured on Carnival Dream as well as some exciting and unique new elements created just for this vessel that will be detailed at a later date, along with homeport and itinerary information.

“Carnival Breeze promises to be a spectacular addition to our fleet and its name reflects the continued evolution of our brand while conveying the fun and carefree spirit associated with a Carnival cruise,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Signature Dream-class elements featured on Carnival Breeze will include expansive facilities for children and teens, a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa and The Lanai, an outdoor promenade featuring cantilevered whirlpools that extend over the ship’s sides.

Other features will include a WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza and a wide range of staterooms including deluxe ocean views with two bathrooms, some of which feature five berths and hold particular appeal for families.

Carnival Breeze will be the 24th vessel in Carnival Cruise Lines’ fleet, which operates three- to 15-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda and Europe.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Jillian Michael's Wellness Cruise


May, 2010 – Wellness expert Jillian Michaels has teamed up with affinity travel company Sixthman and Norwegian Cruise Line to present the JILLIAN MICHAELS ULTIMATE WELLNESS CRUISE 2010. Setting sail from Miami , Florida on October 21, 2010, the cruise will take guests to Great Stirrup Cay & Nassau, Bahamas aboard the beautiful Norwegian Star, returning to port on October 25, 2010.

A New York Times best-selling author, and star of the NBC hit The Biggest Loser and the upcoming series Losing It with Jillian, Michaels and her super team of experts will be on board to motivate and inspire guests on the ultimate wellness vacation! Guests will experience four days of healthy cuisine, heart-pounding exercise, live wellness speaking engagements led by Michaels, activities for kids, and live entertainment – all while learning invaluable wellness lessons and acquiring the tools to help reboot one’s life.

“Being physically fit and healthy transcends into every facet of our lives,” said Michaels. “I’m excited to bring the ultimate in both wellness and fun to Norwegian Star – and to provide our guests with the tools to eat healthier, exercise better and improve all aspects of their lives.”

Giancarlo Chersich, Co-Founder and CEO of Empowered Media, says, “This wellness cruise encompasses all aspects of our brand philosophy. It will embody Jillian’s core messaging as well as introduce key experts that compliment and broaden the scope of our brand.”

Sixthman founder Andy Levine says, “We are proud to partner with Jillian Michaels in bringing her vision for a healthy and active vacation to life. She is a hero to her legions of fans in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, and they will be in for a great four days at sea.”


With beach workouts, team sports, high-energy dancing, great comedians, fitness fun for kids and more, the JILLIAN MICHAELS ULTIMATE WELLNESS CRUISE 2010 will be a family friendly, exciting way to get on the road to a healthier, balanced life.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Carnival Offers Military Personnel Discount for Cruises Purchased in May


In honor of Memorial Day, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering a promotion throughout May that allows active and retired military personnel to book up to three “Fun Ship” staterooms at discounted rates for themselves and their friends and family members.

Learn More About the Carnival Cruises Military Discount

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Norwegian Epic Godmother Named


May 11, 2010 Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that one of music's most iconic performers, Reba McEntire, will christen the company’s newest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic, the hottest new ship of the year. The christening ceremony will take place in New York on July 2, 2010 on board Norwegian Epic.

Read More: Norwegian Epic Godmother

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Carnival Cruises Carnival Spirit Alaska Season Begins


(May 11, 2010) – Carnival Cruise Lines will launch its first-ever cruises from Seattle today when the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit departs on a seven-day voyage to Alaska – the first of 17 cruises that will bring some 40,000 passengers to the city this season.

Carnival’s new Seattle-based Alaska program will run through Aug. 31, 2010, with week-long Glacier Bay cruises departing every Tuesday from the port’s newest cruise terminal, Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. Ports of call include popular Alaskan destinations of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as Victoria and cruising Tracy Arm Fjord.

To commemorate the start-up of Carnival’s new service from Seattle, a special reception and luncheon was held on board the Carnival Spirit, attracting more than 400 community leaders and local officials. The event was part of the annual Maritime Festival Luncheon sponsored by Seattle’s chapter of the Propeller Club.

“We have received a warm welcome from our friends in Seattle, which is a wonderful addition to our industry-leading North American homeport choices. In addition to outstanding support from the local community, including our travel agent partners, Seattle provides a convenient and affordable air transportation option and its location offers those in the western U.S. an opportunity to drive to their cruise,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.

“Carnival’s passengers will pump nearly $2 million per ship visit into our economy,” said Port Commission President Bill Bryant. “17 Carnival calls here expected this year mean jobs and local tax revenue. We are pleased to welcome Carnival to their new home at the Port of Seattle.”

Seattle serves as an excellent gateway to Alaska, a region filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders, including calving glaciers, magnificent fjords and native sea and animal life, as well as interesting cultures and attractions.

A wide range of shore excursions – from helicopter flightseeing and rainforest canopy tours to hiking, canoeing, kayaking expeditions and even alpine snorkeling – are available, providing guests myriad opportunities to experience and explore The Last Frontier.

And the Carnival Spirit is the ideal ship for Alaska, with 80 percent of staterooms featuring an ocean view or balcony – perfect for viewing the passing scenery -- along with indoor and outdoor promenades, and a 14,500-square-foot health and wellness center.

Guests also enjoy specially prepared “Just For Alaska” menu items featuring local fish, game and other ingredients, as well as full-service multi-course meals in the main dining room as well as casual options such as a 24-hour pizzeria. Carnival Spirit also features a classic American-style steakhouse with prime U.S.D.A. dry-aged steaks and other gourmet cuisine.

Carnival Spirit also offers a two-deck-high promenade lined with lounges, bars and nightspots, including a 1,200-seat theater showcasing lavish production shows, as well as full casino gambling, a wedding chapel, conference center and bow-to-stern wireless access. Four swimming pools – one of them heated – as well as Carnival’s signature Twister Waterslide, are featured, as well.

Kids sailing on Carnival Spirit can enjoy three different children’s programs – Camp Carnival for ages 2-11, Circle “C” for ages 12 to 14, and Club O2 for 15- to 17-year-olds – with facilities and counselors dedicated to each group. Many activities in these programs feature fun, educational activities with an Alaska theme.

Reservations are currently being accepted for Carnival’s 2010 Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Fred Olsen Outlines 2012 Grand Voyages


May 11, 2010 – Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced two longer cruises for 2012. Balmoral has an epic voyage around South America, departing January 5, 2012 for 89 nights, while Black Watch undertakes a 106-night World Cruise departing from Southampton on January 11, 2012.

Balmoral’s cruise, also from Southampton, travels via the Canary Islands and Caribbean and takes in some of North America, visiting Key West, New Orleans and Galveston (for Houston) as well as Cozumel in Mexico and transits the Panama Canal before travelling around the continent of South America. The cruise can also be booked in four shorter sectors: Southampton to Montego Bay, Jamaica; Montego Bay to Valparaiso, Chile; Valparaiso to Rio (Brazil); and Rio to Southampton. Prices for the full cruise start from $13,198 per person.

For those seeking the ultimate in cruising, a world cruise is hard to beat. This Black Watch cruise travels in an easterly direction, visiting Egypt and the Suez Canal, India, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Borneo, Australia – including the Great Barrier Reef – the South Pacific including Vanuatu, Fiji, Bora Bora and Tahiti, South America and the Caribbean. Prices for this all-encompassing cruise start from $15,673 per person. Prices are based on two people sharing an inside cabin and include all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes.

The world cruise can also be booked in four shorter sectors: Southampton to Singapore; Singapore to Sydney; Sydney to Callao (Peru); and Callao to Southampton.

2012 Grand Voyages go on sale May 18, 2010 for Oceans Members, Fred’s loyalty program members, while general sales start May 19, 2010.

Bookings can be made with MN-based Borton Overseas, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s Official USA reseller, by calling 1-800-843-0602.