Princess Cruises Unveils 2014 Alaska Tours and Cruise Season

Princess Cruises' Crown Princess Sails Alaskan Waters in 2014

 Princess Cruises has opened the books on its 2014 Alaska cruise and cruisetour season, which will feature the debut of the line’s largest ship in the state, Crown Princess, plus the return of small-ship cruising aboard Pacific Princess.

Throughout the 2014 season, passengers have the opportunity to explore the best of Alaska by both land and sea, with a selection of sailing options aboard seven ships as well as a variety of Princess’ signature cruisetour options to experience the heart of the state at the company’s own riverside wilderness lodges.

Highlights of the program include Crown Princess’ debut in the 49th state, Princess’ largest ship to sail in the region, which will cruise on the line’s popular “Voyage of the Glaciers” route through the scenic Gulf of Alaska, joined by Coral Princess and Island Princess. Small ship Pacific Princess, which last sailed in Alaska in 2009, will again bring its intimate cruise experience to Inside Passage cruises from Vancouver. Golden Princess and Grand Princess will offer Inside Passage cruises from Seattle, and Star Princess will depart on 11-day Inside Passage 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. Passengers can pick their perfect Alaska experience with 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 one night exploring the wonders of this area.

“We will once again lead the way in Alaska next year, offering our most diverse choice of ships ever,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “And more than half of our Inside Passage sailings include a visit to Glacier Bay National Park. This number-one Alaska attraction is always a highlight with its dazzling blue glaciers.”

Princess’ 2014 Alaska program includes:

Cruises – Passengers have a variety of options for exploring “The Great Land,” with seven ships sailing on seven itineraries to more than 14 destinations. In total, the line will offer 123 Alaska cruise departures in 2014.

    Voyage of the Glaciers – Princess’ favorite Gulf of Alaska route between Vancouver and Whittier (for Anchorage) features two glacier-viewing experiences on every sailing, with visits to Glacier Bay National Park plus either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Ships also call at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Crown Princess will join Coral Princess on this signature itinerary for Saturday departures, and Island Princess will set sail on Wednesdays. In total, the ships will offer 54 sailing choices between May 10 and September 17, 2014.
    
    Inside Passage from Seattle – Golden Princess and Grand Princess offer convenient weekend departures on two different seven-day roundtrip itineraries from Seattle along the scenic Inside Passage. Both visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, B.C., and passengers will enjoy dramatic glacier viewing in either Glacier Bay National Park (Golden Princess) or Tracy Arm (Grand Princess). The two ships will sail on 38 departures between May 3 and September 14, 2014.
    
    Inside Passage from Vancouver – Pacific Princess will offer an intimate cruise experience on a seven-day roundtrip cruise from Vancouver, taking in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan plus dramatic glacier viewing in either Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm Fjord. The ship will offer 19 sailings between May 13 and September 16, 2014.
    
    Inside Passage from San Francisco – Star Princess will sail from the “City by the Bay” on 11-day roundtrip cruises. The ship offers 12 voyages from San Francisco featuring the scenery of Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm Fjord, with calls at Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria (with some sailings substituting Icy Strait Point). Departures sail between May 12 and September 10, 2014.

Cruisetours – Princess cruisetours offer passengers 23 itinerary options for a complete land and sea Alaska experience ranging from 10 to 15 nights. All cruisetours include a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing including a visit to Glacier Bay National Park, plus up to four nights in the Denali National Park area with stays at Princess’ riverside wilderness lodges.

    Denali Explorer – Princess’ most popular cruisetour option, Denali Explorer packages feature multiple nights at the line’s Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and/or Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, plus 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 – An affordable option for independent-minded travelers, these tours offer a flexible way to see the Heart of Alaska. Tours follow similar routes as Denali Explorer options, but do not include any pre-planned excursions, giving travelers the opportunity to customize 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.
    
    Connoisseur – These cruisetour options offer the services of a professional tour director and additional time for passengers to experience the Great Land. Offering the highest level of service, these tours include most meals and enhanced sightseeing options.

======================================================= 

 

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter

,

Crystal Cruises Release Its 2014/15 Cruise Brochure

Crystal Cruise 2014/2015 Cruise Atlas

Luxury cruise supplier, Crystal Cruises, has released its complete 2014/early 2015 Worldwide Cruise Atlas, marking the annual planning guide’s earliest-ever publication.  With 2015 kicking off the line’s 25th year of cruising, the glossy, 170-page tome profiles 78, seven- to 108-day itineraries in more than 75 countries and 220 ports, in the colorful travel journal style of Crystal’s award-winning brand campaign, “Begin a New Story.”
 
We understand that the meaningful stories our guests collect with Crystal are inspired by the places we visit together, and that, yet, the discovery of each destination is a very personal experience,”  says Nitsa Lewis, Crystal’s vice president of marketing.  “This year’s Atlas details so many ways Crystal makes those vacations personal and memorable for everyone, from innovative itineraries and shore excursion options to onboard entertainment and the most attentive service possible.”

Highlights of the book include:

·         Visual and written showcasing of Crystal’s award-winning service, space, quality and choices, including chic accommodations; environmental and voluntourism commitments; and overall luxurious value, from Crystal Family Memories and Book Now savings to all-inclusive fine wines, premium spirits, and dining (including Nobu Matsuhisa cuisine).

·         95 pages of itineraries, grouped by region:

Ø  World Cruises:

      o    2014 -- LA to London

      o    2015 Silver Celebration/20th annual -- Miami round-trip, Crystal’s first-ever global circumnavigation

 Ø  Tropical Escapes: Panama Canal & Caribbean

Ø  Exotics: Australia, New Zealand & Pacific, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Japan & China

Ø  Europe & the Mediterranean

Ø  New England & Canada

·         New Insider’s Guides to worldwide destinations, local tips, and must-see highlights of places both popular and unexplored, from can’t-miss vineyards in Bordeaux to hiking trails in Australia.

·         Theme Cruises, including six new Experiences of Discovery: Extreme Thrill Seekers; Explorations in Elegance; Gladiators & Empires; Maritime: Past, Present, & Future; Up Close & Magical; and Wine & Food: Microbrews

·         New innovations, from upcoming culinary enhancements in Prego and Tastes restaurants to production shows, including iLuminate, a cutting-edge America’s Got Talent musical showstopper of light and movement.

·         Crystal Adventures options, from the line’s exclusive new Boutique Adventures to the various private choices available in port.

·         Photos, maps, and detailed amenities of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, including the ships’ $100+ million extreme makeovers and recent design awards.

·         New Crystal Society benefits beginning April 2014, with rewards for returning Crystal cruisers ranging from shipboard credits to free cruises.

·         More shorter cruises (34% 10 days or less in 2014 alone), port-intensive voyages, and Caribbean and Asian offerings.

·         New cruises in the North Cape, Andaman Sea,Polynesia, to and from San Diego, Bangkok, Québec City, Boston, and more.

·         14 new/maiden calls, plus returns to less-visited ports-of-call, such as Galway, Ireland; Luanda, Angola; Lombok, Indonesia; Ibiza, Spain; Brunei; Ghana; Ko Samui, Thailand; Zihuatanejo, Mexico; Tokyo, Japan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Tôlanaro, Madagascar; Sanya, China; Alter do Chão, Brazil; Yangon; Myanmar; and Maputo, Mozambique.

Fare Guides for cruises through April 2015 are conveniently located in the Atlas’ back pocket, and shall be re-issued every 60 days due to Book Now fare changes.  Atlases are being shipped to agents, Crystal Society members, and Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity over the next two weeks, with delivery expected by early April.  Others interested in receiving their own Atlas can request one from their Crystal travel agent; view or download from Crystal’s website; or call Crystal’s toll free brochure line, 1-866-446-6625. 

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. 

======================================================= 

 

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter 

.

Princess Cruises Unveils 2014 European Cruises

Princess Cruises' Royal Princess will Sail Europe in 2014.

 

Princess Cruises opened its 2014 Europe cruise season for sale today, including the debut of the new Regal Princess which will set sail on its inaugural cruise in June from Venice. In total, five ships – including the line’s two newest vessels – will sail on a variety of cruise itineraries throughout the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

A sister ship to the upcoming Royal Princess, Regal Princess, will debut on June 2, 2014 with a seven-day inaugural voyage from Venice to Barcelona – including calls in Kotor (Montenegro), Rome, Florence/Pisa, and Toulon (France, for Provence). The ship will then sail on a 10-day Mediterranean & Aegean cruise, followed by a season of Princess’ signature Grand Mediterranean cruises, with two itinerary choices.

Other highlights of the season include Royal Princess sailing on the line’s popular Scandinavia & Russia cruises, featuring two days in the dramatic city of St. Petersburg; more sailings than ever before to the British Isles aboard Ruby Princess and Ocean Princess; and a variety of seven-day Interlude sailings in the Mediterranean aboard the intimate Ocean Princess.

“With Regal Princess’ debut we will have our two newest and largest vessels sailing on our most popular routes in Europe,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Throughout the season, whether passengers want to explore the diverse cultures and expansive history of the Mediterranean, visit the favorite ports of the Baltic Sea on a Scandinavia and Russia voyage, or conveniently circle the British Isles, they can do so in an environment of a relaxing retreat aboard one of our ships.”

The 2014 Europe program features five ships sailing on 94 departures on 48 itineraries to more than 120 destinations:

• Regal Princess will debut with Princess’ signature 12-day Grand Mediterranean itinerary between Venice and Barcelona, with two itinerary options.
• Royal Princess will sail for the first time on the line’s popular 11-day Scandinavia & Russia cruises, featuring two days in St. Petersburg, Russia.
• Ruby Princess will be based in Southampton for 12-day British Isles cruises as well as one North Cape & Summer Solstice cruise.
• Emerald Princess will also be based in Southampton for sailings to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands.
• Small ship Ocean Princess will feature cruises to both Northern Europe and the Mediterranean including eight-day British Isles cruises, a series of seven-day interlude sailings in the Mediterranean, and new Black Sea and Holy Land voyages, all of which can be combined for a longer voyage.

Mediterranean – Passengers wanting to visit the best of the Mediterranean now have a choice of two itinerary options on the line’s signature 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises aboard Regal Princess – both feature an overnight stay in Venice, plus calls in Rome, Florence/Pisa, Naples (for Capri & Pompeii), Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi (for Ephesus) and Toulon (for Provence). One version of the cruise features a call at the intriguing Turkish port of Istanbul and the other calling at medieval Dubrovnik, Croatia. Additional options in the Mediterranean include seven-day Interlude voyages aboard the intimate Ocean Princess, 11-day sailings to the Holy Land or Black Sea on Ocean Princess, and 14-day Mediterranean Medley cruises from Southampton aboard Emerald Princess.

Scandinavia/Russia – Princess’ 2-Day Experience in St. Petersburg – featuring two full days and an overnight stay in the Russian city – will now be is offered on three different Baltic itineraries – Royal Princess on an 11-day itinerary from Copenhagen, Emerald Princess with a 14-day Baltic Heritage route from Southampton and Ocean Princess with a 14-day Scandinavia & Russia collection cruise from Dover.

British Isles – Princess will offer more departures on British Isles sailings than ever before with two itinerary options – a 12-day route on Ruby Princess from Southampton and an eight-day option from Dover aboard Ocean Princess. Five departures will include the option to see the famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Iceland & Norway – Several options will take passengers to the northern reaches with a 16-day Land of the Midnight Sun cruise and a 14-day Iceland & Norway journey both aboard the intimate Ocean Princess, as well as a 12-day North Cape & Summer Solstice cruise on Ruby Princess. Two fall transatlantic voyages also feature calls in Iceland – Royal Princess will sail from Copenhagen to New York on a 17-day Iceland & British Isles Explorer cruise, and Ruby Princess will offer a 15-day Iceland & Norway Explorer cruise from Southampton to New York.

Transatlantic Voyages – In addition, passengers can enjoy a variety of other itineraries that travel across the Atlantic in spring and fall, including a 17-day Maiden Passage cruise on Regal Princess from Venice to Ft. Lauderdale. Royal Princess will sail from Ft. Lauderdale to Copenhagen in spring on a 15-day Northern Europe Passage. Emerald Princess will offer a 15-day British Isles Passage from Ft. Lauderdale to Southampton and a 17-day Western Europe Passage from Southampton to Houston. Ruby Princess sails on a 14-day Western Europe Passage from Ft. Lauderdale to Southampton. Ocean Princess ends its extended Europe season with an 18-day Renaissance Passage from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale.

New Ports: Maiden calls for the season include Alta, Norway; Salerno, Italy; and Jersey, Channel Islands.

Cruisetours: Princess also offers a selection of European cruisetours which combine certain sailings with a fully-escorted land tour, including a new Paris and the French Countryside vacation option. Passengers can also choose to explore Ireland’s Ring of Kerry; the imperial treasures in Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin; or the remarkable Swiss Alps and Lake Como.

Regal Princess and sister ship Royal Princess are new-generation ships for Princess Cruises. Among the special features found on board the 3,600-passenger vessels 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.

 

======================================================= 

 

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter

. 

Royal Caribbean Unveils 2014 Alaska Cruise Season

Royal Caribbean Unveils 2014 Alaska Season

Royal Caribbean International today announced its 2014 Alaska cruise and cruisetour season, which will mark 25 years of delivering the magnificence of the Alaskan frontier on land and sea. Recently revitalized Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will return to Alaskan waters and offer 34 sailings on exciting seven-night itineraries from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, Washington. On board, guests can enjoy up to 11 dining options, new and breathtaking entertainment, as well as family programming such as the award-winning Adventure Ocean kids and teen program, and the new Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, catering to Royal Caribbean’s youngest guests, age six to 36 months old.

            In ports of call, guests can choose from an extensive menu of shore excursions to further explore the untamed Alaskan frontier. At Icy Strait Point, for instance, adventure seeking guests can ride the world’s longest ZipRider zip line – 5,300 ft. long – that accelerates up to 60 miles an hour over a lush forest to the beach 1,300 ft. below, or mush their own dogsled team on Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter from Juneau. For the whole family, the Gold Rush Sled Dogs & White Pass Train Adventure in Skagway offers an exciting ride on the world-famous, narrow-gauge White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, followed by meeting a veteran Iditarod musher and his dogsled team with a chance to pet some pups, or the opportunity to go off-roading through Tongas National Park and canoeing in Lake Harriet Hunt on Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari from Ketchikan.

            “Royal Caribbean has been unfolding the wonders of the Alaskan frontier for a quarter century and we continue to deliver this amazing destination like no other cruise line,” said Lisa Bauer, executive vice president of Global Marketing and Sales, Royal Caribbean International. “Guests can explore this awe-inspiring destination while sailing aboard our recently revitalized ships that are Designed for WOW and enjoy Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging GOLD Anchor service from every staff and crew member. To further immerse themselves, vacationers also can choose an unforgettable Royal Caribbean Alaska cruisetour combining the best of land and sea in the region and without having to worry about any of the planning.”

            In addition to witnessing the majesty of Alaska by ship, vacationers also can explore Alaska’s interior on a variety of exciting Royal Caribbean Cruisetours, which combines a sailing aboard Radiance of the Seas with a three- to six-night land tour adventure. Royal Caribbean takes care of all the planning, transportation and lodging on fully escorted tours that spend at least one night in Denali National Park and one leg on the Wilderness Express, a plush, glass-domed train cars that offer panoramic views of the grand Alaskan frontier. A 10-night, family-geared cruisetour will feature a three-night land tour that includes a behind-the-scenes visit to the Alaska Sea Life Center to learn about the region’s natural habitat and the center’s wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts, and wildlife spotting in Denali National Park at the Murie Science and Learning Center.

            Vacationers also can combine a Radiance of the Seas or Rhapsody of the Seas’ Alaska cruise with one of four pre- or post-cruise land tours throughout the Canadian Rockies and – new for 2014 – the Okanagan Wine Valley. For a comprehensive Alaska and the Canadian Rockies adventure, the Ultimate Cruisetour combines both region’s land tour programs with a seven-night cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas for a 19-night grand adventure on land and sea.

            Recently revitalized in 2011 and 2012, respectively, Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas now offer guests a range of new dining options, breathtaking entertainment, and contemporary amenities that are Designed for WOW. Each ship now features some of the most popular dining options and amenities that were first introduced aboard the world’s largest and most revolutionary ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. New signature concepts aboard these ships include a new dance club experience in the contemporized Viking Crown Lounge. On Rhapsody of the Seas guests are surprised and delighted throughout the day by a series of heart-pounding, aerial-acrobatic entertainment experiences in the four deck-high Centrum which also features the new retro R Bar. Guests enjoy choices from 11 delectable dining options on Radiance of the Seas and nine on Rhapsody of the Seas, including the Park Café gourmet deli, Izumi Asian Cuisine, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, and the exclusive Chef’s Table, some for an additional cover charge. Both ships offer bow-to-stern WiFi service, a refresh of all public spaces and updated staterooms with flat-panel televisions. An oversized LED movie screen overlooking the main pool provides entertainment to guests taking a brisk dip on a warm Alaskan day, and new Concierge and Diamond lounges aboard each ship further recognize Royal Caribbean’s loyal Crown & Anchor Society members and suite guests.

            Radiance of the Seas will alternate North- and Southbound seven-night itineraries from Vancouver and Seward, respectively. Guests will cruise the Inside Passage and the monumental Hubbard Glacier, as well as call at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska. Radiance of the Seas’ Alaska season will be bookended with a seven-night itinerary, sailing roundtrip from Vancouver on May 9 and Sept. 5, calling at Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Ketchikan, and cruising up Tracy Arm Fjord to see Sawyer Glacier.

            For its part, Rhapsody of the seas will sail seven-night, roundtrip itineraries to Sawyer Glacier from Seattle, Wash. Guests will cruise the Inside Passage and call at Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, British Columbia. Two similar seven-night itineraries that call at Ketchikan instead of Victoria will sail from Vancouver to Seattle on May 16 and vice versa on Aug. 29.

            Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming.

======================================================= 

 

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter

.

Princess Cruises Expands 2014 Japan Cruise Program

Diamond Princess - Princess Cruises - Japan Cruises in 2014

Underscoring its commitment to the growing Japanese cruise market, Carnival Corporation & plc today detailed a substantially expanded 2014 Japan cruise program for the Princess Cruises brand, which brings a second ship to the market, features sailings from three homeports and plans to significantly expand the size of the cruise market in Japan to approximately 100,000 passengers.

The Japan-built Diamond Princess will join Sun Princess for a cruise program from three homeports – Tokyo (Yokohama), Kobe, and an industry first, Otaru near Sapporo on Hokkaido. Sailing between April and October in 2014, the two ships will offer 42 departures featuring nine unique itineraries ranging from seven to nine days. The two ships will visit more than 20 ports in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Russia.

“We were the first international cruise line brand to offer a full season of cruises designed specifically for passengers from Japan, and we continue to believe there is substantial untapped demand for cruise vacations here,” said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. “With a second, larger ship and our ground-breaking itineraries in 2014 we look forward to continuing to help develop the full potential of the cruise market in Japan.”

Buckelew added that the economic impact from this deployment will be notable, with a total contribution for the 2014 season estimated to be in excess of 11 billion yen. This includes passenger and crew spending in each port, plus the port and other local costs Princess Cruises pays to bring its ships to Japan.

Diamond Princess will homeport in Tokyo (Yokohama) for an extended season of 9-day cruises that include visits to Taiwan, South Korea, Hokkaido, Russia and 15 Japanese ports, including five new itineraries created especially for the ship. During the popular holiday period of Golden Week, Diamond Princess will feature a special 10-day itinerary that includes opportunities to visit several festivals plus enjoy a special call to Nagasaki, home to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries where the ship was built, to celebrate Diamond Princess’ 10-year anniversary.

Sun Princess will debut several industry firsts for the Japanese market – including innovative 7-day cruises from the northern coastal town of Otaru, located outside of Sapporo, as well as two new 8-day itineraries from Kobe. These itineraries will offer cruise options to appeal to passengers looking for a week-long cruise vacation, and the northern Hokkaido itinerary will offer a refreshing summer destination. The ship will also make maiden calls in the Japanese islands of Ishigaki, and Amami Oshima, as well as Abashiri and Hualien, Taiwan.

On these sailings, passengers will find the cruise experience substantially the same as that offered by Princess Cruises around the world, providing an impressive array of dining and entertainment options in addition to the line’s signature innovations such as its popular Movies Under the Stars poolside theater and The Sanctuary, an exclusive top-deck retreat.

However some changes and enhancements are being made to appeal to the local market such as Japanese-speaking crew members in key passenger-facing positions. Dining room menus will offer international Princess cuisine while additional offerings will cater to Japanese tastes, such as an a la carte sushi bar, Japanese breakfast, noodle bar, regional tea tastings, and special sake menu. A traditional kagamiwari ceremony will be held during the captain’s welcome. Specially designed enrichment programs will include an expert lecture series on art, culture and history. Other amenities such as the shopping selection and spa treatments will also be tailored to Japanese preferences, and onboard collateral items and stateroom information will be translated into Japanese.

An extensive array of shore excursions will be available to complement the itineraries so passengers can experience all the ports have to offer.

The 2,670-passenger Diamond Princess was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, Japan – the first of two Princess ships built in Japan. Diamond Princess and the 2,022-passenger Sun Princess offer passengers a wealth of amenities including Movies Under the Stars and The Sanctuary. The ships feature multiple dining rooms and entertainment venues, many staterooms with private balconies, Lotus Spa, boutiques, and an internet café among other amenities.

The 2014 Japan cruise program opens for sale today.

======================================================= 

 

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter

 

.

Louis Cruise Line and Cuba Cruise Partner on Winter Cuba Cruises

Louis Cruise Line's Louis Cristal in Cuba Cruise Livery

Louis Cruise Lines has announced that the Louis Cristal will be deploy to Cuba for the 2013/14 winter season. The itinerary will call at various ports around Cuba and Jamaica.  The 1,452-passenger Louis Cristal will be on a charter arrangement with Toronto-based Cuba Cruise.

Cruises are expected to begin December 16, 2013 thru March 31, 2014. Louis Cruises will be assume all vessel operations responsibility, manage the onboard experience and assisting with the marketing.

Louis Cruise Line and Cuba Cruise attempted a prior Cuba Sailing Season in 2011, but the entire program was cancelled due to low bookings.

It should be noted that American passengers are not able to sail this itinerary because of the current trade embargo with Cuba, but Cuba remains a popular destination among Europeans and Canadians.

=================================================

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter

 

.

Norwegian Announces 2014/15 Winter European Cruise Deployment

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Jade 2014 European Winter Season

Cruise Line today announced its Europe deployment for the winter 2014/2015 season. Norwegian will have two ships sailing in Europe year round, Norwegian Jade will sail seven-Day Greek Isles; seven-Day Adriatic, Greece and Turkey; 10-day Eastern Mediterranean and an 11-day Western Mediterranean. Norwegian Spirit will offer 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyages and 10-Day Canary Islands and Morocco itineraries. These cruises go on sale today, January 30, 2013.
“Europe itineraries during the fall and winter seasons continue to be a very successful and popular market for us,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer.  “We are proud to have been named “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” by the World Travel Awards for five years in a row and will continue to offer our guests a variety of exciting itinerary options that take them to the best ports in Europe.”

Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade will set sail from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy during the winter and sail alternating 10-Day Eastern Mediterranean itineraries from November 12, 2014
through December 13, 2014 and January 14 through April 8, 2015. This scenic itinerary includes stops in Olympia (Katakolon), Greece; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus  (Izmir), Turkey, Naples, Italy and features and overnight call to Istanbul, Turkey.  Norwegian Jade will also offer an 11-Day Western Mediterranean itinerary from November 1, 2014 through December 23, 2014 and from January 3 through April 18, 2015. Setting sail from Rome (Civitavecchia), this amazing itinerary visits a new port of call almost every day throughout the cruise, giving guests the best of the Western Mediterranean. Ports of call include Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Provence (Toulon), France; Barcelona, Spain; Valencia, Spain; Cagliari, Sardinia;
Carthage, Tunisia; Palermo, Sicily; and Naples, Italy. Guests who are looking for the ultimate adventure and the opportunity to experience the Eastern and Western Mediterranean ports can combine these itineraries for the ultimate 21-Day Mediterranean experience.

Norwegian Spirit
From November 26, 2014 through April 15, 2015, Norwegian Spirit will sail 10-Day Canary Islands & Morocco itineraries from either Barcelona or Malaga, Spain*; giving guests the flexibility to depart from their most convenient homeport. This new itinerary visits Casablanca, Morocco, giving guests the opportunity to experience a full-day excursion to Marrakech; Funchal, Madeira; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands; Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands; and Granada (Málaga), Spain.

======================================================= 

 

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter

 

.

Crystal Cruises Offers 2014 World Cruise Excursions Earlier Than Ever.

Just days after Crystal Cruises’ 2013 World Cruise has set sail, the ultra-luxe line has released Crystal Adventures online for its 2014 World Cruise, marking the voyage’s earliest-ever availability of guests’ outing options.  More than 200 shore excursions are now described in detail and offered for pre-reservation at crystalcruises.com.   The carefully-curated experiences, ranging from half a day to several days each, will take guests to some of the most awe-striking natural marvels and historically significant landmarks from LA to London, via the Pacific Islands, Asia, Africa, and more.   The annual World Cruise, which is considered by cruisers to be the ultimate of luxury travel experiences, sails for 89 days aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity, starting January 18, 2014.

“So many of our World Cruisers are early planners, committing to the cruise months and years in advance.  2013 was a record-breaking year in that respect, and 2014 and 2015 are shaping up to be similar record-breakers,” says John Stoll, vice president of land and port operations.  “By allowing guests to explore, and pre-reserve, their shore options now, they can begin connecting with their World Cruise experience all the sooner, planning all the places they’ll visit, and growing more excited about their trip ahead with each adventure booked.”

In 2014, World Cruise guests will be able to:

§  Helicopter over Hawaii, Hong Kong, and Cape Town.

§  Safari for native African wildlife, from gorillas to elephants.

§  Explore cultural microcosms from Geisha life in Kyoto to Ghandi and Indian sub-culture in South Africa.

§  Stay overnight off-ship in several countries, including Vietnam and Cambodia.

§  Indulge in hands-on culinary treats, from blending one’s own wine near Cape Town or learning traditional tea preparation in Hong Kong to local market shopping and hands-on Creole cooking in Mauritius.

§  Visit pivotal WWII Pacific Theatre sites from Tinian to Oahu, including a private lunch with captain of the USS Missouri.

 

Crystal’s 2014 World Cruise is comprised of five, 12 to 22 day segments visiting ports in California, Hawaii, Guam, Mariana Islands, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Principe, Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Portugal, and England.  Full World Cruisers receive special perks, such as a bon voyage pre-cruise gala, complimentary chauffeured pre- and post-cruise transfers, souvenir gifts, special shore-side event participation. 

Guests booking the entire World Cruise by February 28, 2013 enjoy savings of $3,900/person and all-inclusive fares starting from $39,280/person.  “Book Now” (booked by Feb, 28) fares for individual World Cruise segments begin at $6,845/person.  

 ======================================================= 

 

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter

 

.

Princess Cruises Adds New South America and Tahiti Sailings in 2014

Crown Princess - Princess Cruises - Adds Modified 2014 Itineraries.

Princess Cruises has added several new Exotics cruise options in spring 2014, giving passengers additional vacation choices in the popular destinations of South America and the South Pacific. Options include a new South America grand adventure aboard Crown Princess – the first such voyage for the vessel. In addition, Pacific Princess will add new departures of the line’s signature Tahiti & French Polynesia cruises plus additional Hawaii and South Pacific voyages.

During Crown Princess’ South America debut, passengers can enjoy highlights such as an overnight call in vibrant Rio de Janeiro during the city’s famous Carnaval celebrations, sailing around legendary Cape Horn, an optional overland tour to the dramatic Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and Princess’ first call to Ilhabela (“beautiful island”) an island that lives up to its name with lovely beaches and natural beauty. The new 49-day voyage travels from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles, sailing first to Brazil, then around Cape Horn along the Chilean Fjords and up the Pacific coast. Shorter segments of 16- to 33-days are also available.

To add more of the line’s signature Tahiti & French Polynesia voyages, Pacific Princess will move to the South Pacific to offer three additional departures of this popular 10-day itinerary. The ship will also offer new departures of a 16-day New Zealand & South Pacific sailing from Sydney to Tahiti; a 12-day Hawaii & Tahiti sailing from Tahiti to Honolulu, and a 10-day Hawaiian Islands crossing from Honolulu ending in Vancouver, British Columbia. Many voyages can be linked for a Grand Adventure of 22 to 26 days.

“South America and the South Pacific have been among our most popular cruises recently, so these new voyages offer wonderful additional opportunities for passengers to explore the natural beauty and colorful cultures of these destinations,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Whether passengers want to meet a penguin or learn to hula, these cruises offers a great way to find the experience of a lifetime.”

The new Exotics sailings include:

49-day South America Grand Adventure – Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles
Featuring an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval and Princess' maiden call to Brazil’s Ilhabela, this adventure also starts off with calls in St Thomas, St Kitts, Barbados, Trinidad, and Recife. After an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the cruise then sails around the famed Cape Horn at the tip of South America and features scenic cruising of the Chilean Fjords, plus calls in Montevideo, the Falkland Islands (Port Stanley), Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego), Punta Arenas (Chile) and Puerto Montt. While traversing South America’s Pacific coast, this voyage offers the opportunity to take an overland tour to the famed Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, plus port calls including La Serena (Coquimbo), Pisco (San Martin), Lima (Callao), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), San Juan Del Sur (Nicaragua), and Puerto Vallarta.
Departs February 15, 2014 on Crown Princess

10-day Tahiti & Polynesia – Roundtrip Papeete
One of Princess’ classic voyages, featuring an overnight in Papeete, Tahiti, plus visits to the idyllic isles of Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora (for a two-day call), and Moorea.
Departures on March 12, March 24, April 1, 2014 aboard Pacific Princess

16-day New Zealand & South Pacific – Sydney to Papeete
From Sydney, the ship heads for three calls in New Zealand – Tauranga, Auckland, and Bay Of Islands. After crossing the International Date Line, passengers can relax in paradise with visits to Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea, before arriving in Tahiti.
Departs February 25, 2014 on Pacific Princess

12-day Hawaii and Tahiti – Papeete to Honolulu
The Polynesian paradises of Tahiti and Hawaii will enchant passengers on this cruise featuring calls in Moorea, Bora Bora, Hilo, Kona, Maui (Lahaina), and Kauai (Nawiliwili)
Departs April 11, 2014 on Pacific Princess

10-day Hawaiian Islands – Honolulu to Vancouver
Passengers can revel in visits to Kauai (Nawiliwili), Kona, and Hilo before heading across the Pacific for relaxing time at sea on the way to British Columbia.
Departs April 23, 2014 on Pacific Princess

Pacific Princess’ 2014 World Cruise will be cancelled to allow for these new sailings; however the first segment of the cruise departing January 20, 2014 will remain available for purchase. The 35-day sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to Sydney will feature a transit of the Panama Canal, calls to Ecuador, Peru, Easter Island, French Polynesia and New Zealand before arriving in Sydney on February 25, 2014.

Crown Princess’ previously scheduled Caribbean cruises from February 15 to April 26, 2014 have been cancelled to allow for the new South America voyage. Passengers on the rescheduled sailings are being notified and assisted with finding alternate cruise options.

======================================================= 

 

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter

,

Carnival Cruises Expands West Coast Cruise Program

Carnival Imagination - Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruise Lines will expand capacity on the West Coast with the introduction of year-round three and four-day cruises on the 2,052-passenger Carnival Imagination from Long Beach, Calif., beginning January 26, 2014.  The move will bring the total number of Carnival ships operating from Long Beach to three and further solidify the line’s position as Southern California’s largest cruise operator.

Carnival Imagination will offer three-day cruises to Ensenada, Mexico, departing on Thursdays and four-day voyages to Catalina Island and Ensenada departing on Sundays.  The vessel’s sister ship, Carnival Inspiration, will continue to offer a similar program from Long Beach with three-day cruises departing on Fridays and four-day cruises on Mondays.  Additionally, the seven-day Mexican Riviera and 15-day Hawaii programs from Long Beach currently operated by the Carnival Splendor through February 3, 2013 will continue on the Carnival Miracle seasonally from October 2013 through April 2014.  Together, these ships will carry approximately 550,000 guests annually from Long Beach – more than any other cruise operator.

“Carnival’s West Coast cruises are exceptionally convenient and popular, particularly for guests from California and other areas within easy driving range of Long Beach,” said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines.  “These fun, high quality vacation getaways offer an exceptional value compared to land-based options including Las Vegas.  Carnival is the only cruise line to offer a year-round short cruise program from the West Coast and, with the addition of the Carnival Imagination, there will be even more cruises and departure dates to choose from,” Cahill added.

Carnival Imagination has undergone an extensive renovation and includes an expansive WaterWorks aqua park, a Serenity adults-only retreat, and a tropical-themed resort-style main pool area, renovated spa and children’s facilities, and more.

 

Carnival Ecstasy to Reposition to Miami

Carnival Ecstasy, currently sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla., will reposition to Miami to assume Carnival Imagination’s current three- and four-day Bahamas/western Caribbean itinerary.  A sister ship to Carnival Imagination, the Carnival Ecstasy features a number of balcony staterooms, which is a ‘first’ for a Carnival ship operating short cruises from Miami.  Carnival Ecstasy’s first voyage from Miami will depart January 10, 2014.   Three-day cruises departing Fridays visit Nassau and four-day cruises departing Mondays visit Key West and Cozumel.

 

Exciting 16-Day Panama Canal Voyage on Carnival Imagination

Prior to the start-up of its new West Coast schedule, Carnival Imagination will offer a 16-day Panama Canal cruise departing Miami January 10,  2014, and arriving Long Beach January 26, 2014.  

In addition to a spectacular full transit of the Panama Canal, ports of call on this voyage include Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Cartagena, Punta Arenas, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

======================================================= 

 

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter

Luxury Operator SeaDream Yacht Club Releases 2014 Cruise Brochure

SeaDream Yacht Cruises 2014 Cruise Brochure

SeaDream Yacht Club opens 2014 for bookings in conjunction with their just released, glossy 80-page brochure. The impressive new brochure highlights SeaDream’s yachting lifestyle, provides destination information and pricing along with the comprehensive 2013 and 2014 voyage schedule. SeaDream made previous announcement of new voyages in Asia sailing late 2013 through April 2014. Now, the remainder of 2014 is released with details found on the lines’ website and in their new brochure.

 

Notable in 2014, is an April 26 Trans-Atlantic voyage sailing from San Juan to London. It will mark SeaDream’s second visit up the Thames. Following SeaDream I’s dry dock in Bremerhaven, Germany in May, she’ll spend June, July and August in the Baltic and Norwegian Fjords. Sure to be sought-after is a unique 14-day voyage sailing Dover, England roundtrip with intermediate ports in Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Germany and three days in St. Petersburg, Russia.

 

SeaDream’s website and new brochure detail their Caribbean, Costa Rica, Asia, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Black Sea and Trans-Atlantic voyages. The fascinating Black Sea voyages in 2013 & 2014 call on Bulgaria, Romania and the Ukraine. SeaDream’s onboard amenities include all gourmet dining, open bar with select premium brands, gratuities, golf simulator, complimentary mountain bikes and a water sports marina with motorized and non-motorized water toys.

 

SeaDream’s President, Bob Lepisto said “This elegant new brochure reinforces the unique differences one finds when yachting with SeaDream. Well thought-out sections highlight onboard fitness and wellness offerings, service and cuisine. The maps, images and destination descriptions make this an easy to use tool.” Lepisto added “Our hope is that family and friends gathered together for the coming holidays will discuss future travel plans having all the information needed at their fingertips”. An electronic version of the new brochure may be viewed here: http://brochures.seadream.com/seadream-main-brochure-2013-2014-usd. Printed brochures may be ordered from www.seadream.com or your travel professional.  

 

======================================================= 

 

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter