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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Tracy Wilson Mourning Named Godmother of Carnival Cruises' New Carnival Breeze

Tracy Wilson Mourning, whose lifelong ambition to help others inspired her to establish the Honey Shine mentoring program for young girls a decade ago, has been selected to serve as godmother of Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, Carnival Breeze.

A noted motivational speaker and author, Mourning will preside over the traditional naming ceremony on board the 130,000-ton ship while it is docked at its homeport of PortMiami on Dec. 8, 2012. The invitation-only event will also include a $25,000 donation from Carnival Cruise Lines to the Honey Shine program.

The largest Carnival Cruise Lines ship ever based in South Florida, Carnival Breeze will launch year-round Caribbean service from Miami later this month.

Embodying her credo of “Be Comfortable Being You,” Mourning founded the Honey Shine mentoring program in 2002 as a way to make a difference in the lives of young girls by pairing them with female role models in the community. Through a combination of classroom training, spiritual education and collaborative experiences, Honey Shine’s goal is to empower young women and create future leaders in our communities, fulfilling the organization’s mission of “Inspiring Young Girls To Shine As Women.” In addition to the Honey Shine program, she and her husband, NBA legend Alonzo Mourning, donate much of their time to a variety of other philanthropic causes that benefit the youth of South Florida.

“Tracy is a hero in our community and with Miami serving as our headquarters since our inception 40 years ago, I can think of no better choice as godmother of the new Carnival Breeze,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “Tracy’s passion, commitment to serving others and desire to help make South Florida a better place is extraordinary and we are proud and honored that her name will be forever associated with this magnificent ship,” he added.

“I am honored to serve as godmother to the Carnival Breeze,” said Tracy Wilson Mourning. “The Honey Shine mentoring program continues to be a vital part of our community thanks to the generosity and commitment by companies like Carnival Cruise Lines,” she added.

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze debuted earlier this year in Europe, introducing a host of on-board innovations, including a variety of dining, bar and entertainment options that are part of the company’s groundbreaking Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement program, a $500 million initiative that is rolling out across the line’s fleet.

Carnival Breeze kicks off its new Miami-based schedule with a special two-day cruise operating Nov. 22-24, followed by the launch of year-round six- and eight-day Caribbean departures Nov. 24, 2012.

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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Port of New York Slowly Recovering From Hurricane Sandy Aftermath

Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and Queen Mary 2

Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to personal residences, businesses and even the cruise ship terminals in New York City and Brooklyn.

To read about the cruise terminal damage and the progress made to date check out our story on our sister blog

http://www.northeastcruiseguide.blogspot.com/2012/11/port-of-new-york-continues-to-recover.html

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Princess Cruises Unveils the Sanctuary Onboard the New Royal Princess

Sanctuary On-board the Royal Princess

hen Princess Cruises’ new Royal Princess debuts next June, passengers will find that two of the line’s signature features have been enhanced to provide passengers with the ultimate in relaxation. Both The Sanctuary and the line’s popular adults-only pool also will offer private cabanas for the first time.

Located near the forward end of the top deck, these two areas together provide a peaceful haven for passengers looking to recharge. With a new look and feel, the larger Sanctuary will feature fresh décor plus two new private cabana options along with its plush loungers and Serenity Stewards. Meanwhile, the Retreat Pool will provide a serene spot for a dip, along with its new poolside cabanas.

“The private spa-inspired setting of The Sanctuary and the calm atmosphere of our adults-only pools have made them among the more popular areas on our ships,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “So aboard Royal Princess we’re taking both of these areas and giving them a new twist.”

The three new private cabana options will give passengers the opportunity to personalize their relaxation time, with elegant Sanctuary and Lotus Spa cabanas in The Sanctuary, while the Retreat Pool offers poolside cabanas, perfect for enjoying an extra special day at the water’s edge. Cabana guests looking for a gourmet treat can order one of the ship’s new cabana picnic baskets, packed with artisan edibles paired with a premium wine.

Both areas are detailed in the company’s latest video previewing Royal Princess, available at princess.com/royalprincess.

The Sanctuary – This oasis of tranquility will feature all the special touches that have made The Sanctuary so popular since it was first introduced on Crown Princess in 2006, plus a number of new features. With a 20 percent larger space than on the line’s other ships, The Sanctuary adds four private Sanctuary Cabanas for more luxurious experience, plus two Lotus Spa Cabanas offering an elegant private space for a range of spa treatments. Featuring the air of a romantic hideaway under its distinctive white canopy cover, The Sanctuary design includes strategically placed rock gardens and special topiary planting with atmospheric lighting. These new elements create an inviting path leading to a new central pavilion. Passengers can relax on luxurious plush lounge chairs or circular daybeds, while Serenity Stewards provide healthy refreshments and music players with peaceful music. Space in The Sanctuary can be reserved for $15 for a half day/$25 for a full day, per person.

Sanctuary Cabanas – Within The Sanctuary, four new Sanctuary Cabanas offer an even more exclusive and special experience with amenities such as a personal television with noise-reducing wireless headphones, cushy sofas, luxurious robe and slippers, a welcome cocktail, and healthy snacks including nuts, and dried and fresh fruit. The cabana also features a fully stocked mini-bar with refreshing waters and sodas, as well as a choice of alcoholic options, including beer or wine. Sanctuary Cabanas will be available beginning at $80 for a half day.

Lotus Spa Cabanas – The two new, luxurious Lotus Spa Cabanas offer a truly special alfresco massage experience. These larger, enclosed areas will offer added privacy, a comfortable resting area with a television and plush chairs, a treatment area with two massage tables for a refreshing couples massage and beautiful ocean views looking out over the front of the ship. A variety of packages will be available for the Lotus Spa Cabanas.

Retreat Pool – Adjacent to The Sanctuary, the Retreat Pool will offer an exclusive area for adults to relax and rejuvenate. The Retreat Pool on Royal Princess will offer more space and seating than the adult pools on other Princess vessels, plus add new Retreat Cabanas that can be reserved for an enhanced experience. These cabanas are the perfect way to enjoy private space poolside, or even add the indulgence of one of the ship’s special picnic baskets. The Retreat Pool is open to all adults, and Retreat Pool Cabana rental will be available beginning at $50 for a half day.

Cabana Picnic – Passengers reserving a cabana in The Sanctuary or the Retreat Pool can not only enjoy the privacy and relaxed atmosphere, but can also pamper themselves with a gourmet picnic featuring a premium bottle of wine paired with a gourmet feast of antipasti, artisan sandwiches, pizza and even fresh-baked desserts. Picnic items passengers may find in their basket include Young Spinach Salad with Stilton Crumble, Pancetta Chips, Toasted Pecans and Black Pepper Vinaigrette; Ahi Tuna Poke with Hass Avocado, Red Onions, Sesame Seeds and Crisp Wonton Skins; and Alfredo’s Surf & Turf Pizza with Lobster Medallions & Beef Tenderloin. Baskets serving two people will begin at $40.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship currently under construction for Princess Cruises. Among the special features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms. The ship’s 2013 maiden season will include cruises on the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean itinerary throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the fall. More information and video previews of the ship are available at www.princess.com/royalprincess.

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Monday, November 26, 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line Offers Cyber Monday Sale.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Breakaway - Cyber Monday Sale.

Norwegian Cruise Line is launching a limited time offer to celebrate the biggest shopping days of the year especially for those who want to give the perfect gift: a cruise vacation. Super shoppers who book a new cruise reservation to any destination, including Alaska; Bahamas & Florida; Bermuda; the Caribbean; Europe; or Hawai’i by Tuesday, November 27, 2012, will receive up to $250 per stateroom to spend on board (based on cruise length and stateroom category) and reduced deposits. Air credits up to $1,000 are also available on select sailings.
Vacationers can heat up the holidays when they take advantage of incredible savings on cruise vacations to the Caribbean. Guests can set sail to tropical escapes in the Western Caribbean when they set sail from Tampa on board Norwegian Dawn, fares start at $299*. For more fun in the sun, cruisers can sail on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian's largest and most innovative ship, which has been recognized by USA Today as “Best Cruise Ship Entertainment” and “Best ship on sea days,” by Cruise Critic. Departing from Miami weekly through April 13, 2013, Norwegian Epic visits beautiful ports of call in the Eastern Caribbean, with fares starting at $429*.

Families cruising from New York City can set sail to the Bahamas and Florida on board Norwegian Jewel, featuring exclusive Nickelodeon activities and shows. The seven-day escape includes the following ports of call: Orlando & Beaches (Port Canaveral); Great Stirrup Cay; and Nassau, Bahamas, with cruise fares starting at $299*.

Guests looking to experience the majestic beauty of Alaska can set sail on Norwegian Pearl or Norwegian Jewel on a seven-day cruise from Seattle to Glacier Bay and visit some of Alaska’s most scenic destinations including Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan, Alaska and Victoria, British Columbia, with cruise fares from $549*. Norwegian Sun also offers a series of seven-day Alaska cruises from Vancouver, British Colombia, with fares starting at $499*.

In addition to these limited time savings, kids 17 and under can cruise for 50% off on a family cruise vacation to Europe when sailing with two adults in the same stateroom. While enjoying a history-filled expedition, families can discover why Norwegian was recently named “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” by the World Travel Awards for the fifth consecutive year in a row when sailing on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Star or Norwegian Spirit; with fares from $349*.

To book a cruise with Norwegian during the biggest shopping event of the year, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.

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MSC Cruises Offers Cyber Monday Discounts.

MSC Cruises - MSC Poesia Offer Cyber Monday Sale

Guests who book a select MSC Cruises 2012-2013 Caribbean sailing online on Cyber Monday will receive special fares and up to a $200 shipboard credit.

“Cyber Monday Sale” rates on select 7-night roundtrip Caribbean sailings of MSC Poesia from Fort Lauderdale begin at $399 for an interior stateroom, $619 for an ocean view, $819 for a balcony and $1,269 for a suite.

In addition, residents of the United States and Canada who book interior and oceanview staterooms will receive $25 per person (maximum of $50 per stateroom) in shipboard credits; balcony staterooms receive $50 per person (maximum of $100 per stateroom) and suites receive $100 per person (maximum of $200 per stateroom).

This special offer applies to the following sailings:

• Western Caribbean: Dec. 21, Jan. 12, Jan. 19
• Eastern Caribbean: Dec. 28, Feb. 23 and March 9

“Cyber Monday Sale” rates can only be booked online on Monday, Nov. 26. All cruise-only rates are non-refundable, per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional for each guest.

MSC Poesia features 2 pools, 4 hot tubs, a 12,000 sq ft. Balinese-inspired spa and fitness center, four restaurants (including Sushi Bar and authentic pizzeria), 12 bars and lounges, outdoor cinema and much more.

On each sailing, guests can enjoy the line’s renowned white-gloved service, elegant and pristine décor, delicious cuisine (including regional Mediterranean specialties) and highly acclaimed world-class entertainment.

For more information about MSC Cruises, visit us online at www.msccruisesusa.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional and ask for the “Cyber Monday Sale” promotion.

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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Silversea Enhances Sleep Experience With Pratesi Bed Linens

Silversea Cruises Adds Pratesi Bed Linens - Pictured the Silver Whisper

Silversea guests will soon find their sleep experience elevated to a new level of comfort and luxury with the debut of Pratesi custom-made bed linens.

Founded in 1860 and renowned for creating masterpieces in linens for the Italian and European aristocracy, the legendary Italian linens firm is bringing its high-quality and stylish creations to the beds in every Silversea suite beginning with the September 3 voyage of Silver Spirit, followed by Silver Cloud in November. Pratesi bedding will then be rolled out to the rest of the Silversea fleet in 2013.

The plush new bedding collection, which features 240 thread count, 100% Egyptian cotton satin sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers, will complement an already lavish collection of sleep amenities enjoyed by Silversea guests. These include a memory pillow top and dual-side mattress that can be flipped to provide either soft or firm support, a down duvet, and a pillow menu offering nine different pillow options, from soft down to memory foam, and chamomile or lavender aromatherapy pillow covers.

"Getting a great night's sleep is a priority for luxury travelers," said Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas. "We know many of our guests have luxurious bedding in their own homes, and if they have not yet discovered Pratesi, we're happy to introduce them to this revered Italian brand."

About Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises, which is chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, is recognized as an innovator in the luxury cruise line industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ship Silver Explorer, Silversea Cruises' itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, both polar regions and over 450 fascinating destinations in between.

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Monday, November 12, 2012

Potential Use for Older Ships

Proposed Alternate Use for Old Cruise Ships

It now appears that a number of offshore software development firms are looking for available cruise ships to convert into offhsore dormitory and office facilities.

The plan anticipates anchoring cruise ships off the West Coast of the US in international waters - just far enough from US immigration and legalistrative control. The software development companies would hire hire developers from third world counties to perform the work. They would be housed 3-4 per cabin dependioong on the size of the cabin.

Once per month, the ship would pull into Mexico for supplies, fuel and the transfer of staff off and on the ship.

The cruise ships would be owned by 3rd party who would lease out space much like an office buildin - with many companies operating from a single ship.

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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Details of the Titanic II to be Announced On December 4th

TITANIC II - BLUE STAR LINE

Clive Palmer, an Australian millionaire, has announced a black-tie dinner at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, at Pier 86. on December 4. The Gals is planned to a fund raiser for charity and also to globally launch the design and engineering plans for the building of a full-scale replica of Titanic.

The meals served are expected to replicate the dinner menu served aboard Titanic. Once introduced the Titanic II will sail under the Blue Star Line banner.

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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

SeaDream Cruises SeaDream II to Sail in Asia in Late 2013

SeaDream Yacht Cruises Sails to Asia in 2013 onboard the SeaDream II

Prompted by demand from it’s very loyal Club members, SeaDream Yacht Club has just released full details on its plans to sail a series of voyages in Asia and Northern Australia beginning in late 2013. The line reports that one of its twin mega-yachts, SeaDream II will sail to Asia after completing her 2013 Mediterranean season. Sure to be a unique voyage, the “Passage to the Far East” will depart Athens, Greece in October 2013 and include a transit of the Suez Canal, excursions to Egypt’s fascinating archeological sites (accompanied by Egyptologist) and calls to several other intriguing destinations before arriving in Mumbai, India. From Mumbai, the yacht will sail to Singapore and the Far East, planning to offer 18 unique voyages in the region. Voyages are 7 to 15 days long, but most may be combined as a back-to-back voyage for a lengthier holiday.

Scheduled to stay in Asia through April 2014, itineraries include numerous exotic ports in several different countries including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), East Timor, Northern Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong. “Whether you crave the peace and tranquility of undiscovered beaches and islands or the exhilarating energy and buzz of foreign cities, Asia offers something for everyone” said SeaDream’s President, Bob Lepisto. Adding, “Virtually every country in the region is accessible by water and SeaDream’s yachting itineraries include an incredible mix of commercial cities, pristine beaches and impressive historical sites. We’ve planned very unique calls, such as the little-visited islands of the Burmese Mergui Archipelago in the Andaman Sea and Sanya, on Hainan Island in China.”

Each voyage offers exciting and unique ports of call. Highlights include:

Overnight, 2-day stay in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma), site of The Shwedagon Pagoda. Optional full day excursions by air to Mandalay and Bagan; a valley covered with 2,000 pagodas and temples.
Yachting the beautiful Langkawi Archipelago of Malaysia.
Visiting “the beach” (made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie “The Beach”) in the Phi Phi Islands of Thailand.
Diving the vibrant underwater paradise of Thailand’s, Similan Islands National Park.
Playing great golf in Malaysia, Phuket and at the Andaman Club, a five star golf resort & casino on Thahtay Kyun Island, Burma.
Spending New Year’s Eve in Patong Bay, Phuket, Thailand. A night of fireworks and thousands of floating, candlelit paper “magic lanterns”.
Exploring the world heritage site of Halong Bay, Vietnam; one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Seeing giant monitor lizards on Komodo Island.
From Singapore, pre & post voyage overland packages to Cambodia including Angkor Wat and the many famous temples. Also from Singapore, overland packages to Borobudur (UNESCO site) and Yogyakarta, site of the Prambanan Temple.

SeaDream first shared the news with their devoted past guests and their travel professionals, allowing their Club members to be the first to reserve space, on what are expected to be highly sought after voyages.

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Monday, November 5, 2012

Silversea Cruises' Silver Cloud to Undergo Refit at Italy's Fincantieri Shipyard

Silversea Cruises Silver Cloud

Starting this November, ultra-luxury Silver Cloud will welcome guests to a stylishly renovated shipboard environment brimming with a host of new enhancements.

A major stem-to-stern refurbishment will take place this month, with most of the work being completed during a three-week dry dock at Fincantieri's shipyard in Palermo, Italy. Overseeing the design and construction elements of the project is renowned Italian architect Giacomo Mortola.

The goal is to completely renovate Silver Cloud's interior decoration, including the suites, public spaces and dining venues, in order to introduce a fresh and contemporary classic atmosphere. Silversea is making a significant financial investment in this refurbishment to ensure its guests experience a renewed sense of luxury and comfort when sailing aboard Silver Cloud.

Highlights of Silver Cloud's makeover will include:

Refreshed Public Spaces: As soon as guests step aboard Silver Cloud, they will notice a totally renewed lobby displaying a color palette of warm earth tones that will be carried throughout most areas of the ship with the installation of stylish new carpets, wall treatments and artwork in the corridors, staircases and public spaces. Providing contrast to the main color scheme of the ship will be The Bar, which will be decorated in cooler shades of teal mixed with neutral tones of brown and beige. All new furniture, carpet, curtains and reconditioned wood flooring will give the Panorama Lounge a refreshed contemporary look, while The Spa and Beauty Salon will also get a makeover.

Dining Enhancements:

-- Le Champagne, the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant at sea, will be completely transformed with an upgraded entrance design, the addition of gleaming, backlit wine displays, a redesigned seating layout, and new wood flooring, fabrics and window treatments.

--La Terrazza's updated interior will include a remodeled buffet area and handsome new banquettes along the walls, offering greater seating flexibility, including more tables for two.

--The Restaurant will be refreshed with chairs dressed in bright new fabrics, new window treatments and reconditioned hardwood flooring.

--The Grill, with its unique interactive dining concept, will now be featured aboard Silver Cloud as the existing Pool Bar and Grill area is expanded with additional seating, a large overhead awning, and the removal of the central stair unit, which will be replaced with a curving corner staircase. At this new outdoor restaurant, guests will enjoy an innovative dining experience that lets them cook prime meats and fresh seafood on heated volcanic rocks at their table.

Sophisticated New Decor for Suites: The sofas and chairs will be updated with new fabrics. All carpets, headboards, curtains and outside veranda furniture will be replaced. Each suite will have a new mattress custom-made exclusively for Silversea. The mattress will feature an individual spring system with a soft and firm side that can be reversed to suit each guest's preference. The new beds will be outfitted with plush new Pratesi sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers. All bathrooms will be enhanced with new flooring, marble appointments and either a new bath-and-shower combination or a new walk-in, glass-enclosed rainforest shower with sitting area, offering a soothing, spa-like experience. (This will replace the existing bath-and-shower combination in nearly 90% of the Veranda and Vista Suites). The Owner's and Grand Suites will be outfitted with a modern wet room bath configuration featuring a new rainforest shower that will be separate from the bathtub.

Upgraded Outdoor Spaces: The jogging track will feature all-new synthetic turf and the pool area will be outfitted with new deck furniture.

In addition to enjoying a fresh reconditioning and polishing of teak decks and woodwork, the ship will undergo thorough maintenance on mechanical and propulsion systems.

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