Sunday, January 23, 2011

Luxury Operator Oceania Cruises’ new Marina to Feature 10 Dining Experiences


Oceania Cruises’ new Marina is destined to set new standards
for culinary excellence at sea with 10 dining venues, six of which are no-charge, gourmet restaurants. The 1,250-guest ship, which debuts later this month, was designed for food and wine lovers with an ambitious goal to offer dining experiences comparable to the very best shore-side restaurants.

According to Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president, “Marina is the first ship purpose-built for epicureans. Unlike many cruise lines, all of our meals are cooked to order, a la minute. We are committed to serving cuisine that rivals some of the world’s very best restaurants.”

Continental Cuisine, Asian Fusion & American Favorites

Marina will offer six, open-seating gourmet restaurants, two private-dining venues and two casual eateries. The décor of each is distinctive, yet a common design thread is evident in the extensive use of rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and supple leather. Below is an outline of the ship’s eight no-charge dining venues and two exclusive options:

1. The Grand Dining Room – Tuxedo-clad wait staff serve a six-course menu in a classic setting reminiscent of a five-star restaurant at one of Europe ’s grandest hotels. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2. Toscana – Three, illuminated etched-glass panels provide a dramatic backdrop to savory specialties, many of them family recipes handed down from Oceania Cruises’ staff and crew. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.

3. Polo Grill – Plush and supple leather upholstery, a rich palette of crimson, gold and green, and gold-edged mahogany wall panels evoke the glamour of a vintage Hollywood steakhouse. Fine cuts of Prime, dry-aged beef, as well as chops and fresh seafood, are featured. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.

4. Jacques – The first-ever restaurant at sea for its renowned namesake, Jacques Pépin, draws inspiration from fabled brasseries of Paris and his hometown of Lyon. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.

5. Red Ginger – Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese flavors are showcased in a contemporary setting that features three Buddhas carved from a single piece of backlit glass as a dramatic centerpiece. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.

6. Terrace Café – Shades of burgundy, burnt orange, gold and lemon create a bright and pleasant ambiance or guests may dine al fresco. Regional delicacies and sumptuous buffets are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

7. Waves – This relaxed, open-air bistro serves gourmet burgers, swordfish, chicken and other grilled items, and features a salad bar and homemade ice cream bar. Open for lunch, weather permitting.

8. Baristas – This coffee bar adjoining the library is the place throughout the day to enjoy Illy espresso and cappuccino, plus homemade biscotti and coffee cake.

Optional Wine Dinners & the Ultimate Chef’s Table

9. La Reserve by Wine Spectator – This intimate venue hosts tastings and seven-course pairing dinners with premium wines selected in consultation with Wine Spectator editors. Extra charge for wines; reservations required.

10. Privée – This posh private dining room offers the ultimate Chef’s Table. Eight fortunate guests can create a personalized menu featuring such specialties as Kobe beef, Brittany lobsters, foie gras, caviar and truffles. Room charge is $1,000. Open select evenings, reservations required.

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina also features a Bon Appétit Culinary Center and full-service Canyon Ranch® SpaClub. Interior design highlights include a Lalique-designed grand lobby, luxurious suites designed by Dakota Jackson as well as Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home.

Additional information about Marina dining venues, including sample menus, can be found online. visit www.OceaniaCruises.com

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Friday, January 21, 2011

Mary Hart Named Godmother of Oceania Cruise's Marina

ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT host Mary Hart is confirmed as the godmother of Oceania Cruisesnew cruise ship Marina . Hart will name the ship in Miami at a lavish, invitation-only christening ceremony February 5, which will culminate with a 15-liter Nebuchadnezzar of champagne, custom-made by Armand de Brignac, commemoratively crashing against the hull.

A beloved television personality, this year marks Hart’s final season as host of ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT – the number one syndicated entertainment newsmagazine show in the world, which enters its 30th season this year. Hart joined the popular show as a correspondent in June 1982, and within weeks was named co-anchor.

In her personal life, Hart has been involved with philanthropic causes devoted to children. A member of the board of trustees for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, she currently serves as Leadership Chair of the New Hospital Campaign. Hart is also an ambassador for Childhelp USA , which combats child abuse. For many years she served on the board of directors for the National Childhood Cancer Foundation and continues her affiliation with the Children’s Miracle Network, for which she was telethon co-host for 15 years. Hart is the recipient of the Samaritan Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation for her work on behalf of several children’s charities. In 2001, she was honored with the first-ever Children’s Miracle Achievement Award for her “long-standing commitment to children and contributing in many ways to bettering the lives of children everywhere.”

“It’s very exciting, and a bit humbling,” said Hart, “I’m truly honored to serve as the Godmother for Marina – she will be a very special ship. And, I look forward to smashing a great bottle of champagne as we let the celebration begin!”

”Mary Hart personifies elegance and style, just like our magnificent Marina ,” stated Frank Del Rio, chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings, the line’s parent company. “We especially salute her philanthropic work devoted to children’s causes and we are proud to welcome her to the Oceania Cruises family.”

After christening festivities in Miami , Marina sets sail Feb. 8 on the first of two 18-day Panama Canal transits that visit San Francisco or San Diego , both new ports for Oceania Cruises. Marina then operates a 12-day Caribbean cruise, round-trip from Miami , departing March 16, before sailing along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and on to Europe to begin her inaugural Mediterranean season.

At 66,000 tons and carrying 1,250 guests, Marina features an array of stylish bars and lounges and 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating, gourmet restaurants – including Jacques, the first restaurant at sea for Chef Jacques Pépin. Other highlights include a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Bon Appétit Culinary Center , Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home , and a grand stairway custom-crafted by renowned French glass master, Lalique.

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Luxury Operator Silversea, Opens 2012 Bookings

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is pleased to announce all voyages for 2012 are now open for sale, with complete day-by-day itineraries available at www.silversea.com.

In 2012, Silversea's six celebrated ships will offer over 200 voyages, visiting nearly 450 destinations in more than 100 countries and seven continents. From the majestic Chilean fjords and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia to the gilded palaces of St. Petersburg and the glamour of the Riviera, Silversea will present a diverse collection of the world's most sought-after destinations. Among the highlights are Silver Whisper's 115-day World Cruise and eight new Silversea destinations: Santander, Spain; Porto Novo, Cape Verde; Larnaca, Cyprus; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Sihanoukville (also known as Kampong Som), Cambodia; Christiansted, St. Croix; and Ireland's Foynes and Killybegs.

"The world is an amazing place, and it's our goal to create opportunities for travelers to explore its marvels in exceptional style and comfort," said Steve Tucker, Silversea's vice president of field sales for North America. "Our 2012 schedule has been carefully designed to offer a broad range of travel choices, including multiple-day calls and overnight stays showcasing traditional must-see destinations, as well as journeys to remote regions that are inaccessible to mega-ships."

WORLD CRUISE 2012
Silver Whisper will embark January 6 from Fort Lauderdale on a remarkable 115-day World Cruise that concludes in glamorous Monte Carlo. On this magnificent odyssey, her guests will visit 45 ports in 27 countries stretching from the Caribbean and South America to Africa, the Far East, Arabia and Europe. Along the way, they will enjoy 13 overnight visits and exclusive insider access to seldom seen global treasures.

SILVER CLOUD — 296 guests
2012 begins with Silver Cloud soaking up the eastern Caribbean sun with seven-, nine- and ten-day voyages. Then it's a full day in Bermuda en route to a season in Northern Europe that extends from May through August, including exotic adventures through the cool Arctic waters of the North Cape and Russia's remote Archangel region. Silver Cloud heads south to the warmer Mediterranean to offer a series of mostly 9-day voyages in autumn and come November, crosses the Atlantic to explore the Amazon and trace the eastern coast of South America, arriving at the end of the year at the "end of the world" in Chile.

SILVER WIND — 296 guests
Silver Wind greets the New Year with a voyage spanning from Mauritius to South Africa. After a series of ten-day roundtrip sailings from Cape Town, she'll venture north on an exotic exploration of the vast landscapes and colorful tribal cultures of Africa's west coast. Silver Wind's summer calendar is filled with mostly seven- and nine-day, in-depth itineraries that span the Mediterranean from Barcelona to the Black Sea. Egypt, the Holy Land and Arabia beckon in the fall. Then following a crossing to India, Silver Wind concludes the year bound for such jewels of the Indian Ocean as Madagascar and Reunion Island.

SILVER SHADOW — 382 guests
Silver Shadow's 2012 is a study in contrasts -- summer in Alaska, winter in Australia and New Zealand, and spring and fall in the Far East. Highlights include a special 19-day voyage from Auckland to Fremantle. In Asia you can sail to China, South Korea and Japan or explore Vietnam in depth. The beauty of Alaska is explored with mostly 7-day voyages between Seward and Vancouver. A special holiday sailing visits magical Bali and spends the year's 365th day in the crystal blue waters of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.

SILVER WHISPER — 382 guests
Silver Whisper opens 2012 in grand style with a World Cruise. On this epic journey, she'll visit Brazil then explore South Africa and the fantastic Indian Ocean landscape -- then head east to the marvels of the South China Sea, and west to the storied Arabian Sea and Egypt. Summer reveals Northern Europe at its best -- including a series of seven-night voyages highlighting St. Petersburg -- before the ship arrives in Canada for autumn's vibrant fall foliage. Silver Whisper’s globetrotting pace slows with a Panama Canal crossing and soothing Caribbean sailings through year's end.

SILVER SPIRIT — 540 guests
Silver Spirit sails into 2012 with a 64-day grand circumnavigation of South America, featuring a Panama Canal crossing and three days in Rio de Janeiro at the height of Carnaval. Yachting havens in the deep Caribbean and a leisurely transatlantic crossing are followed by an overnight visit to Monte Carlo in May for the Grand Prix and a summer season of classic Mediterranean sojourns with a special focus on the sun-drenched isles of Greece. Silver Spirit returns to the Caribbean’s tranquil warmth for the holiday season.

PRINCE ALBERT II -- Expeditions in luxury
The 132-guest Prince Albert II expedition ship invites adventure-seeking travelers to embark on a voyage that is just as exhilarating as it is luxurious. After opening the year with a series of cruises to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, March and April find the Prince Albert II exploring the tropical beauty of Central America. Spring and summer are highlighted by adventures along the western coast of Africa, Britains' northern isles, Svalbard's frozen Arctic landscapes and Russia's remote Franz Joseph Land. Three West Africa voyages are scheduled before the ship heads back to Antarctica in mid-November.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

SeaDream Yachting through Four Countries in Ten Days


SeaDream yacht club takes an exciting 10-day Mediterranean voyage through four countries this May. Embark SeaDream II, the intimate, 112-guest mega-yacht in Civitavecchia ( Rome ), Italy on May 18th and set off for the southern tip of the island of Corsica, France spending an overnight in Bonifacio. Stroll the cobblestone streets and discover the medieval old town perched spectacularly atop cliffs. The voyage continues on to nearby Sardinia, Italy with the harbor of Porto Rotondo playing host to SeaDream and other beautiful yachts belonging to the international jet set.

Following Sardinia, the voyage calls on Sicily, Italy . Here the port of Trapani is the gateway to numerous historic, gastronomic and natural attractions. Guests have access to explore beautiful medieval towns including Erice. The third country on this adventure is Tunisia where SeaDream II docks in La Goulette; the port of Tunis and the capital of Tunisia . A walk through the Souk is a feast for the senses with spices, perfumes, jewels and carpet weavers. The fourth country of call is Malta and it’s port of Valletta ; Malta ’s capital and a World Heritage site. It’s nothing short of an open-air museum. Valletta is often described as the most beautiful harbor in the Mediterranean .

Next, spend a day in Syracuse, Sicily where guests have the unique opportunity to visit an active wine farm belonging to Baron Pietro Beneventano del Bosco. Delve into the rich sampling of homemade Sicilian specialties provided by the Baron. The yacht sails the Aeolian Islands which are a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea . SeaDream stops at Lipari, an island known for its beautiful beaches and mild climate. Sailing by the island of Stromboli , view the activity from its three live volcanoes.

A trip to Italy ’s coast is not complete without visiting Amalfi and Capri , the last two calls of this voyage. Amalfi is noted for its peaceful beaches, historic resorts and succulent lemons. Nearby, Capri is an island of lush vegetation atop rocks, amid the deep blue sea. The two towns, Capri and Anacapri are separated by curving, twisting roads making for fun ride in a convertible car arranged by SeaDream. This Voyage, #21125 concludes in Civitavecchia ( Rome ) on May 28th. Visit www.SeaDream.com

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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Golden Mediterranean Getaways with MSC Cruises this Winter from $499


Choose from a variety of cruises this winter with MSC to the temperate Mediterranean with rates starting from $499 per person plus.

Sail 8-, 9-, 10-, and 11-night Mediterranean cruises to some of Europe’s most historic locales and remarkable landscapes, which allows guests to experience the destinations while enjoying the European and Italian ambiance of MSC Cruises.

Here are some highlights of the Golden Odysseys Mediterranean cruises:

* MSC Magnifica: 8-night, Western Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Venice, calling in Bari, Italy; Rhodes, Greece; Alexandria, Egypt; Katakolon, Greece; and Dubrovnik, Croatia; February 28 and March 8; rates from $499 per person plus $58.80 in GFTs;
* MSC Splendida: 11-night, Western Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome) or Genoa, calling in Barcelona, Spain; Casablanca, Morocco; S. Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands), Spain; Funchal, Portugal; and Malaga, Spain; February 5 and 6; rates from $889 per person plus $47 or $55.90 in GFTs, respectively; (Other available dates include March 9 and 10);
* MSC Splendida: 11-night, Eastern Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Genoa or Civitavecchia (Rome), calling in Katakolon, Greece; Heraklion, Greece; Marmarmis, Turkey; Alexandria, Egypt; Piraeus, Greece; and Palermo, Italy; February 16 and 17; rates from $889 per person plus $44.25 or $33.30 in GFTs, respectively;
* MSC Splendida: 9-night, Eastern Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Genoa or Civitavecchia (Rome), calling in Katakolon, Greece; Heraklion, Greece; Alexandria, Egypt; and Piraeus, Greece; February 27 and 28; rates from $599 per person plus $36.85 or $27.09 in GFTs, respectively;
* MSC Fantasia: 11-night, Western Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Genoa, calling in Barcelona, Spain; Gibraltar, United Kingdom; Funchal, Portugal; S. Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands), Spain; Arrecife de Lanzarote, Spain; Malaga, Spain; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; March 3 and 25; rates from $599 per person plus $63.40 in GFTs.

In addition to experiencing Europe the European way, guests onboard MSC Cruises will also enjoy the following:

* A family-friendly vacation, with activities, facilities and menus designed with the youngsters in mind. Plus, kids 11 and under cruise free on all European cruises when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.
* International cuisine with an emphasis on Italian and regional specialties
* Exciting international entertainment
* Superior wellness activities, including the latest spa treatments


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Monday, January 17, 2011

New Disney Dream Arrives in Cape Canaveral

(Jan. 4, 2011): The Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, arrives Jan. 4, 2011 for the first time to her home port of Port Canaveral, Fla. after traveling approximately 6,500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from Bremerhaven, Germany. The Disney Dream will welcome guests on her maiden voyage on Jan. 26, 2011, and is scheduled to sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral. The 4,000-passenger Disney Dream features AquaDuck, a first-of-its-kind shipboard water coaster, magical portholes in inside staterooms that provide guests with a real-time view outside the ship, rotational dining in elaborately-themed restaurants, Disney-infused children’s spaces and more. (David Roark, photographer - Disney Cruise Line Photo and rights reserved)

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Saturday, January 15, 2011

SeaDream Yacht Club's 2011 Norwegian Fjord Debut

SeaDream I, SeaDream Yacht Club’s 112 guest mega-yacht will make her Baltic and Norwegian Fjord debut starting with an eleven-night voyage May 28th to June 8th, 2011 sailing from Hamburg, Germany to Bergen, Norway. On the itinerary; a transit of the Kiel Canal; the summer sailing villages of Faaborg, Denmark and Marstrand, Sweden and eight days discovering the world famous fjords and captivating wildlife of Norway. Leading travel publications worldwide, including National Geographic have rated the Norwegian fjords as a top travel destination.

SeaDream I will be the first cruise vessel to visit Faaborg on Denmark ’s island of Fyn (home of Hans Christian Andersen). Popular for sailing during the summer months, SeaDream guests will have the unique opportunity to race
historical sailing ships in Faaborg. From Denmark , SeaDream sails to the vibrant boating destination of Marstrand , Sweden . Founded under Norwegian rule in the thirteenth century, visitors adore Marstrand’s ornate wooden buildings and bustling harbor.

Additional highlights of this voyage include a call on Lillesand, Norway. Due to the small size of Lillesand, larger cruise vessels do not visit this quaint village. Known for its charming white-painted “Captain’s houses” and its maritime history, here SeaDream guests experience firsthand how Norwegians spend their summers. “Skjaergaarden”, the tiny islands near Lillesand show off incredible summer homes belonging to Norway ’s wealthiest.

During the voyage SeaDream will dock in the center of Oslo , Norway ’s capital. The city is a blend of the country’s old culture and traditions with today’s modern Norwegian lifestyle. Oslo has excellent museums, parks and even a royal Palace. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and fishing are popular during the long summer days here. In contrast Flam , Norway is surrounded by steep mountainsides and deep valleys. It is remote and peaceful. SeaDream’s ample outdoor deck space will allow guests to take in grand views of the surrounding majestic waterfalls. Excursion options will include a ride on the famous Flåm Railway up to the Vatnahalsen Hotel for tea and local delicacies.

This SeaDream voyage concludes in Bergen , Norway with a special beach barbeque on a nearby island. As the calendar approaches June 21st (the longest day of the year) the magnificent “midnight sun” bathes Norway with near 24 hours of light.

SeaDream’s Norwegian Captains and Officers look forward to sharing their country with guests. Space is available with rates starting as low as $7,099 per person plus fees. SeaDream Yacht Club’s inclusive pricing includes ocean view accommodations, gourmet meals, wine with lunch and dinner, open bar with selected premium brands, gratuities, use of mountain bikes and more.

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Thursday, January 13, 2011

Hapag-Lloyd to Charter Insignia from Oceania Starting April 2012

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is set to charter the Insignia, from Oceania Cruises, starting in April 2012. The vessel will be renamed the Columbus
2. A statement from Oceania said the charter period will last for two years with the 684-guest vessel rejoining the Oceania fleet in April,
2014
.

Earlier today Hapag-Lloyd Cruises announced a luxury newbuild with STX France, the Europa 2, and followed that up with the announcement of the two-year charter of the Oceania (ex-R2) Insignia.

According to a statement released by Oceania: "Concurrent with the
charter of Insignia, the line will accept delivery of the 1,250-guest
Riviera."

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Sunday, January 9, 2011

Philadelphia to Lose Dedicated Cruise Terminal


The Port of Philadelphia will no longer have a dedicated cruise facility effective April 2011. The Philadelphia Cruise Terminal Operations will Shutdown. To learn more Click here

Philadelphia Cruise Terminal Shutdown

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Wednesday, January 5, 2011

NCL's Norwegian Sun to Sail from New York to Bermuda in 2012


Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced that the Norwegian Star will replace the Norwegian Gem on the New York to Bermuda run in 2012. The Norwegian Star will berth at Kings Wharf Bermuda as part of her 7 day itineraries.

For more information Click Here: http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-01-05-NCL-2012-Ship-Deployment.htm

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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Cunard's 3 Queens to Meet in New York for a Royal Rendezvous

1/5/2011 - Cunard's 3 Queens will Meet in New York on January 13, 2011. The Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will all be in New York and depart together with a splendid fireworks send off. To learn more info and find the best location to observe the events Click Here: http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-01-04-Three_Queens_NY_Jan_2011.htm

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