Princess Cruises Announces 2013 Cruises From Houston Texas

Princess Cruises will launch new service from the Port of Houston beginning in 2013 when it starts sailing from the state-of-the-art Bayport Cruise Terminal.

Princess Cruises and the Port of Houston Authority confirmed an agreement Nov. 15 for the line to make passenger cruise calls during the 2013-2014 cruise season at the port’s cruise facility.

The new service is scheduled to begin in November of 2013. A total of 26 departures are planned for the season.

The inaugural cruise is an unprecedented sailing aboard the Caribbean Princess to support U.S. veterans. The historic cruise, which will sail between Nov. 5 and Nov. 9, is expected to raise $1 million for two U.S. veterans organizations, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) and Operation Homefront.

"We're pleased that Houston will be the home port for Caribbean Princess during her 2013-2014 season," said Jan Swartz, executive vice president. "We expect that the port's state-of-the-art facilities and convenient airport-close location will provide a great experience for our passengers embarking there."

The Port Authority’s agreement with Princess Cruises marks the first full contract with a cruise line to use the Bayport Cruise Terminal. Both Princess and the Port Authority project the cruise activity will have a significant positive impact on the economy of Harris County and the greater Houston area, including the cities of Houston and Pasadena. Smaller cities near the cruise terminal are also expected to benefit.

“We are very pleased with the decision by Princess, as it helps us fulfill our commitment to build Bayport as a means of spurring job creation and economic development for the entire Houston region,” Port Authority Chairman Jim Edmonds said.

Economic activity from a single cruise line is expected to generate $50 million annually, according to the firm Martin Associates, including local purchases of $3.6 million. Over a four-year period, this is expected to result in a $200 million dollar economic impact to the greater Houston region over the four year period.

A total of 222 jobs will be touched, including the creation of almost 100 new jobs. An estimated $941,000 annually in state and local taxes is anticipated.

When it began sailing in 2004, Caribbean Princess introduced Movies Under the Stars, a giant poolside movie theater featuring first run movies, concerts and sporting events, Onboard, passengers can also enjoy a variety of street performing acts in the Italian-inspired Piazza, indulge in a soothing massage from an outdoor cabana at The Sanctuary, or savor a premium steak cooked to order in the Crown Grill.

Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company taking more than 1.3 million passengers each year to more than 300 worldwide destinations on six continents. Princess currently operates a fleet of 16 ships, with two more under construction.

Princess Cruises has been named by cruise industry travel agents as having the “best cruise line itineraries.”

The Bayport Cruise Terminal, which was fully completed in 2011, is located in Pasadena, Texas, which is outside of Houston.

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

 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 Largest 2012 European Season

Whether it’s the timeless cities of the Mediterranean, the splendor of Scandinavia and Russia or the intriguing ports of the continent’s northern reaches, Princess Cruises passengers may have a hard time choosing from among next summer’s array of Europe sailings. In 2012, the line will offer more itineraries and capacity than ever before.

The season features seven ships sailing on 57 itineraries to 116 destinations, with more than 125 departures between April and December. Highlights of the program include the European debut of Caribbean Princess, which brings additional capacity to the region, and a new 14-day Baltic Heritage itinerary offering more time to explore the fascinating ports of Scandinavia and Russia.

In addition, Princess sailings continue to give passengers extra time in fascinating ports throughout Europe, with 2-day experiences in Istanbul, St. Petersburg, Egypt, and Israel. Especially popular are the overnight stays in one of the continent’s most sought-after destinations – Venice – on all 12-day Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises.

Two new ports will debut during the season – the beautiful island of Korcula, Croatia, the reputed birthplace of explorer Marco Polo; and Nessebar, Bulgaria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site because its ancient city is a unique example of a synthesis of numerous civilizations with important Greek and Byzantine ruins.

“The vast diversity of attractions in Europe – from the ancient ruins of Rome, to the imperial splendor of Russia, fascinating modern cities and a variety of important UNESCO World Heritage sites – has inspired our growing collection of intriguing cruise options,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “And our passengers have the opportunity to choose from a variety of ships, from our intimate small ships to the largest amenity-filled vessels.”

The 2012 Europe program features:

• Ruby Princess returns to again offer the line’s signature 12-day Grand Mediterranean itinerary and Greek Isles routes.
• Crown Princess also cruises the Mediterranean, taking over the 12-day Egypt, Greek Isles and Mediterranean itineraries.
• Emerald Princess again offers the best of Scandinavia and Russia including Princess’ signature two-day experience in St. Petersburg.
• Caribbean Princess takes over British Isles sailings, as well as voyages to Norway and Iceland.
• Grand Princess sails from London to the Mediterranean, as well as on Northern Europe voyages.
• The intimate Ocean Princess offers a variety of seven-day Interlude itineraries that can be combined into 14-day or longer voyages, giving passengers the opportunity to explore boutique ports.
• Small ship Pacific Princess sails to the Holy Land and Black Sea, and offers experiences in classic destinations such as Egypt, Israel, Ukraine, Greece and Turkey.

Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Holy Land – Five ships will sail throughout the sunny waters of the Mediterranean, offering voyages from seven to 30 days to historic cities, Greek islands, the Holy Land and Egypt. Both Ruby Princess and Crown Princess will offer the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, as well as Egypt & Aegean sailings, and Grand Princess sails to the region from London, giving passengers more than 25 different itinerary options to choose from in the Mediterranean. A variety of itineraries aboard Ocean Princess and Pacific Princess will provide small-ship sailing options in the region as well.

Scandinavia, Russia and Norway – Emerald Princess returns to the Baltic region for the line’s popular 11-day sailings from Copenhagen. In addition, Grand Princess debuts a new Baltic Heritage route sailing roundtrip from London and including calls at Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Gdansk and Oslo. Together with sailings to the spectacular Norwegian Fjords, four Princess ships offer eight itineraries options in the region.

British Isles, Iceland and Canary Islands – The British Isles, the northern reaches of Iceland, Norway and Greenland, and even the Canary Islands round out Princess’ Europe itinerary options. The lineup includes sailings from London ports aboard Caribbean Princess, Grand Princess and Ocean Princess, as well as adventurous ocean crossings, for a choice of more than 10 itinerary options ranging from eight to 16 days.

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

Additional Links:

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

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Sign Up for Free Cruise Newsletter

Hurricane Irene Causes Cruise Lines to Alter Itineraries

Hurricane Irene has caused cruise lines to make many last minute changes as storm approaches. To read about how the itineraries are changing click here ->
http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-08-26-Hurricane-Irene-Disrupts-Cruise-Schedule.htm

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

Additional Links:

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

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Sign Up for Free Cruise Newsletter

Princess Cruise Offers Discounts on Fall Cruises.

(July 6, 2010) – Princess Cruises has launched a new “Caribbean Super Sale” offering customers significant savings on select 2010 and 2011 voyages through the sparkling waters of the Caribbean. Travelers can choose to sail among the sun-swept islands for seven to 14 days, with fares starting at just $399.

“Our relaxed cruising style in the Caribbean makes for the perfect getaway from hectic everyday life,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “With a welcoming atmosphere, spectacular ships and engaging diversions Princess is certainly the ultimate way to escape completely to this tropical paradise.”

Tropical itinerary options and pricing (per person, based on double occupancy) available in the Caribbean Super Sale include:

· Seven-day Classic Southern Caribbean on Caribbean Princess – starting at $399

· Seven-day Western Caribbean on Crown Princess – starting at $449

· Seven-day Eastern Caribbean on Ruby Princess – starting at $449

· Seven-day Southern Caribbean Explorer on Caribbean Princess – starting at $449

· Eight-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean on Caribbean Princess – starting at $549

· 10-day Eastern Caribbean Voyager or Southern Caribbean Medley on Emerald Princess or Star Princess – starting at $749

· 14-day Caribbean Collection on Grand Princess – starting at $999

These exceptional fares have limited availability. The Caribbean Super Sale promotion is open to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Additional information about the promotion is available at http://www.princess.com/caribbeansupersale.page

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

Additional Links:

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

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Princess Cruises Expands 2011 New England Canada Season

Princess Cruises will launch its largest Canada & New England program ever in 2011, with a new itinerary and an expanded season, offering nearly a 30 percent increase in capacity over the previous season. These summer cruises will sail between the line’s Caribbean sailings from New York, offering a selection of summer destinations from the “Big Apple.”

The expanded Canada & New England season begins May 17 and introduces a new nine-day itinerary that adds calls in Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) plus features many favorite ports in the region. Caribbean Princess will offer four sailings on this roundtrip New York route between departures on its nine-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean itinerary, giving passengers the choice of sailing north or south (or both) for their summer vacation.

In autumn, the Canada & New England program continues with 14 sailings on two different itineraries – weeklong roundtrips from New York on Caribbean Princess and the classic 10-day route between New York and Quebec City aboard Crown Princess. In addition, Crown Princess will offer a 12-day Canada and Colonial America sailing.

These sailings also feature opportunities to visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unique places that represent the planet’s cultural and natural heritage. In Canada, travelers can visit the town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia (from Halifax), and Crown Princess passengers can explore the historic old city of Quebec. In Bermuda, the historic town of St. George is designated a UNESCO site.

“The charm and natural beauty of the Canada and New England region have made these sailings so popular each fall, that we’re now expanding our season into the summer,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “It’s our largest season ever, with the widest range of departures to choose from, so passengers should be able to find the perfect cruise to explore these scenic ports.”

The 2011 Canada & New England and Summer Caribbean program includes:

Canada & New England – During the summer months, Caribbean Princess will feature four sailings of a new roundtrip New York itinerary with calls at Sydney (Nova Scotia), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport. Sailings depart May 17, June 13, June 22 and July 19. In August, the ship resumes its popular seven-day sailings featuring Halifax, Saint John, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport, with eleven departures between August 6 and October 15.

Classic Canada & New England – Crown Princess sails on three Classic Canada & New England 10-day cruises between New York and Quebec City, featuring calls in Newport, Boston, Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and an overnight in Quebec. Crown Princess departs on these sailings between September 14 and October 4. The ship also offers one 12-day Canada & Colonial America sailing from Quebec City to Ft. Lauderdale on October 14, also featuring an overnight in Quebec and calls along the Eastern seaboard in Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, New York and Charleston.

Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean – Caribbean Princess will also offer six sailings to the crystal waters of the Caribbean with a nine-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from New York that includes calls at Bermuda (West End), San Juan, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk. Sailings depart on May 8, May 26, June 4, July 1, July 10, and July 28. The ship will also feature one seven-day sailing from San Juan to New York with calls in St. Thomas, Antigua and Bermuda, departing on May 1.

Fares for seven-day Canada & New England sailings begin at $799 per person, and nine-day Caribbean sailings begin at $999 per person.

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

Additional Links:

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

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Princess Cruises Expands 2010 Summer Caribbean Season

April 29, 2009 – Two Princess ships will sail to the Caribbean during summer 2010, more than doubling the line’s capacity for the season. Passengers will have the option of five itinerary choices, as well as sailing from New York and Florida.

Caribbean Princess returns to offer the popular nine-day itinerary from New York to Bermuda and the Caribbean, while Emerald Princess will sail on seven-day roundtrip cruises from Fort Lauderdale to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. Together, the two ships will offer 30 departures to the sun-filled islands of the Caribbean.

“We’ve seen increased interest from passengers in sailing to the Caribbean during the summer,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “So in response, we’ve significantly expanded our program to offer cruisers a choice of sailings and the option of two departure ports.”

Caribbean Princess from New York – Caribbean Princess’ summer season from New York will feature 10 departures between May 2 and July 29, 2010. Eight of the nine-day voyages sail roundtrip on an itinerary that includes Bermuda (West End), St. Thomas, Grand Turk and San Juan. Caribbean Princess will also offer two sailings to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Grand Turk and San Juan. In addition, the ship sails on a special seven-day Eastern Caribbean & Bermuda sailing from San Juan to New York featuring calls in Bermuda, St. Thomas and Antigua.

Emerald Princess from Fort Lauderdale – Emerald Princess will sail on week-long Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, departing from May 9 to September 12, 2010. The ship will offer nine Eastern Caribbean departures calling at Princess Cays, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk, alternating with 10 Western Caribbean sailings to Princess Cays, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Caribbean Princess and Emerald Princess both offer a variety of passenger-favorite features perfect for cruising the balmy waters of the Caribbean, such as the dramatic poolside “Movies Under the Stars” outdoor theater and the line’s signature Sanctuary, an adults-only pocket of tranquility featuring plush lounge chairs and massage cabanas. Passengers will also enjoy hallmark Princess features such as the piazza-style atrium with its International Café and Vines wine and seafood bar.

Launch Fares for nine-day Caribbean Princess summer Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean cruises begin at $1,099 per person, and seven-day sailings on Emerald Princess begin at $699, based on double occupancy. A $50 per person Captain’s Circle Launch Savings discount is available to Princess past passengers on bookings made by December 31, 2009. Sailings open for booking on May 14, 2009.

Costa Cruises Celebrates 50 Years of Cruising from Florida

When the Costa Fortuna sailed into Port Everglades on December 21, 2008, she celebrated Costa’s 50th Caribbean cruise season from South Florida. In 1959, Costa Cruises became the first cruise line to offer regularly scheduled Caribbean cruises from Port Everglades with the elegant Franca C, setting the stage for the modern day cruise vacation that so many travelers from South Florida enjoy today.

“We’re proud to bring a little bit of Italy to South Florida each year with our seasonal departures from Ft. Lauderdale to the Caribbean and value the loyal clientele we’ve established in this market over the years,” said Maurice Zarmati, president and ceo of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. “Our modern, state-of-the-art ships may differ from the smaller vessels that set sail in these waters 50 years ago, but one thing remains the same – our warm, authentic and genuine Italian hospitality and flair that keeps guests sailing with us year after year.

”The convivial atmosphere onboard back in 1959 aboard the Franca C was marked by Italians and Americans mixing and mingling against a glamorous tropical backdrop. The 552 berth ship featured sleek, elegant interiors designed by Nino Zoncada and accommodations, all in one class, featured bathrooms and air conditioning, heralding a new era of pleasure cruises. Guests sipped cocktails and played cards on the lido deck, creating the indelible impressions of cruising’s heyday that would eventually become a more accessible luxury for guests to enjoy.

Today, Costa Cruises is still bringing its signature style of “love, laughter and la dolce vita” to guests departing on cruises from South Florida.

NCL Announces 2010 Itineraries Including Sailings From Port Canaveral

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced that for the first time in more than 11 years, the company will homeport a ship seasonally at Port Canaveral, Florida beginning October 2010. The 1,936-passenger Norwegian Sun, purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, departing every Saturday from October 9, 2010 through April 16, 2011.

Norwegian Sun's seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise will stop in Nassau, Bahamas; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The ship's seven-day Western Caribbean will call in Cozumel, Mexico; Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala; Belize City, Belize and Key West, Florida. Since there is no port repetition between the two itineraries, they can be easily combined to create a port-rich 14-day Caribbean tour.

NCL will also offer seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Miami on Norwegian Pearl from October 10, 2010 through April 10, 2011. Ports of call on the Western Caribbean itinerary include: Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya,Mexico; and Key West, Florida. Norwegian Pearl's Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes stops in: Samaná, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas. For guests seeking a full Caribbean escape, these two Norwegian Pearl itineraries can be combined into a 14-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruise.

Norwegian Dawn will sail alternating five-day Western Caribbean and nine-day Southern Caribbean cruises from November 14, 2010 through April 22, 2011. Ports of call on the Western Caribbean sailing include: George Town, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. Norwegian Dawn's Southern Caribbean itinerary includes: Samaná, Dominican Republic; Tortola,British Virgin Islands; St. John's, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Basseterre, St. Kitts. Norwegian Dawn's five- and nine-day sailings can be combined to create a 14-day Caribbean cruise with no port repetition.

Also from Miami, NCL has extended Norwegian Sky's three and four day cruises to the Bahamas through April 18, 2011. The 2,002-passenger Norwegian Sky sails four-day Bahamas cruises on Mondays with full-day stops in Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas. On Fridays, the ship sails a weekend getaway, three-day Bahamas itinerary, departing Miami at 5 p.m. with all-day stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, returning to Miami at 7 a.m. on Monday mornings.

For foliage seekers, NCL will offer a variety of Canada & New England sailings from New York and Boston. In the fall of 2010, Norwegian Dawn will sail four seven-day Canada & New England cruises from New York, along with Norwegian Jewel sailing three 10-day Canada & New England cruises from New York. Norwegian Dawn's ports of call include Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; and Newport, Rhode Island. Norwegian Jewel's 10-day Canada & New England itinerary includes: Newport, Rhode Island; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Quebec City, Quebec; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Sydney, Nova Scotia.

From Boston, Norwegian Spirit will sail a series of four seven-day Canada & New England itineraries from September 25, 2010 through October 16, 2010, with alternating departures from Boston and Quebec. Ports of call from Boston include: Bar Harbor, Maine; Saint John, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Ports of call from Quebec include: Sept-Iles, Quebec; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Portland, Maine, along with a cruise of the Saguenay Fjord. These sailings can also be combined into a port-rich 14-day cruise for the ultimate fall foliage experience.

Guests looking for a taste of Freestyle Cruising can sample one of NCL's one-, two-, or three-night getaways in 2010-2011 on Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Spirit from London, New York, Miami and Boston.

Caribbean Princess Emerges From Drydock With Signature Princess Features

Caribbean Princess has just emerged from an extensive three-week drydock to add many of Princess Cruises signature features that have proven so popular on its newest ships. The vessel now offers passengers the engaging street-cafe atmosphere of the piazza-style atrium with its International Cafe and Vines, the wine, seafood and cheese bar; the adults-only Sanctuary, seven new suites, and a more centrally located casino. Work is also nearly complete on a new Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant.

These amenities became passenger favorites when they debuted aboard Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess over the last three years, and are being added to a number of ships, including Golden Princess in May. The company has already introduced many of these features on Star Princess and Grand Princess.

"We want to give passengers who sail aboard any of our large ships the opportunity to enjoy the innovative amenities that have become hallmarks of the Princess cruise experience," said Jan Swartz, executive vice president of Princess Cruises.

Caribbean Princess' new atrium now features the specialty coffees, fresh baked cookies and pastries, paninis and tapas of the International Cafe. Also new is the Vines wine bar offering a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of seafood, artisan meats and cheeses, and a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle.

Adult passengers looking to get away from it all will be able to relax in the tranquility of The Sanctuary, Princess' signature retreat featuring plush padded lounge chairs and the services of dedicated Serenity Stewards. Visitors to this exclusive space can enjoy refreshing beverages and light snacks, or receive a massage in one of two private cabanas.

Caribbean Princess will soon debut a brand new Crown Grill restaurant featuring an open kitchen where passengers can enjoy watching as chefs prepare chops, steaks and seafood, including live lobsters.

As part of the renovation, the 3,080-passenger ship -- which debuted in 2004 -- also received seven new suites with ocean-view picture windows, and a relocated casino on deck 7, bringing it into the ship's central entertainment area. Other changes include a new location for the sports court, a new Limelight boutique, new shore excursions and Captain's Circle desks, new Internet cafe and library, and the addition of flat-screen televisions in all staterooms.

The dramatic makeover took place at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas, where more than 1,500 workers and contractors worked around the clock to complete the impressive project.