Jamaica Makes Major Investment in Ochio Rios.

Feeling the pressure from the new Port of Falmouth, the Port of Ocho Rios is in a defensive position trying to keep the cruise lines interested. The Jamaican Government is expecting to spend upwards of $21 Million dollars over a 5 year period to revitalize the city of Ocho Rios.

To Learn More ->http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-09-27-Jamaica-Ocho-Rios-Expansion-Beautification.htm

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Golden Mediterranean Getaways with MSC Cruises this Winter from $499

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

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

Here are some highlights of the Golden Odysseys Mediterranean cruises:

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

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

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


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Philadelphia to Lose Dedicated Cruise Terminal

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

Philadelphia Cruise Terminal Shutdown

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SilverSea Publishes 2010 Cruise Atlas

July 23, 2009) Silversea Cruises has published its new 2010 Voyage Atlas. The 188-page brochure details over 190 itineraries visiting 7 continents, over 80 countries, and more than 400 destinations.

In addition to a voyage-by-voyage summary of cruise itineraries (including many that can be combined back-to-back into one extended sailing without repeating a port), the new Voyage Atlas features comprehensive information on Silversea's signature amenities, special programs, deck plans and new simplified Silver Savings pricing structure. Voyages currently offering free roundtrip airfare from 22 gateway cities are also highlighted. The balance of the brochure is dedicated to optional Silver Shore land programs and services.

"We're very pleased to launch our new Voyage Atlas for 2010," said Steve Tucker, Silversea's vice president of field sales for North America. "It has been carefully designed to reveal the luxurious, all-inclusive Silversea lifestyle. Within its pages, readers will discover award-winning ships that offer an exclusive passport to exotic destinations, countless indulgences and uncompromising service."


GRAND INAUGURAL VOYAGE OF SILVER SPIRIT

The 2010 Voyage Atlas also includes the new Silver Spirit, and highlights her inaugural season. Departing Fort Lauderdale on January 21, Silversea's newest ultra-luxury ship is set to explore over 20 countries and 45 ports on her 91-day Grand Inaugural Voyage, visiting South America, the Mexican Riviera and crossing the Panama Canal before reaching her ultimate destination, New York City.

To celebrate such a momentous journey, Silversea is lining up an array of celebrity guest speakers (to host onboard presentations), complimentary excursions and other exclusive onshore events designed to showcase local cultures as well as entertain guests. The centerpiece of this aptly themed "Spirit of South America" voyage is the ship's arrival in Rio de Janeiro on February 14, at the height of Carnaval. Following an early dinner, guests will have the chance to experience the magic of the Rio Carnaval parade from prime seats reserved for them at the Sambadrome.

EXPANDED BUTLER SERVICE

Silversea is raising the bar in personalized service with plans to feature butlers for all guest accommodations. The enhanced service is being phased in gradually over the coming months and will be in place for all voyages in 2010. As the complimentary butler service rolls out, it will join an already expansive array of all-inclusive amenities available to Silversea guests. Highlights include complimentary beverages served throughout the ship -- including fine wines, spirits and champagnes, in-suite bar and refrigerator stocked with each guest's preferred beverage selections, open-seating dining, 24-hour complimentary room service, and fares that include all onboard gratuities.

SILVER SHORE LAND PROGRAMS

Catering to a clientele that seeks travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary, Silversea offers a unique collection of Silver Shore land adventures, hotel packages and services, enabling guests to delve deeper into local cultures, learn more about historic sites and have closer encounters with remarkable wildlife. Guests can even choose to have the Silver Shore Concierge design a special activity, private excursion or exclusive event tailored to their personal interests.

EXPEDITIONS IN LUXURY -- PRINCE ALBERT II

Expedition voyages continue to grow in popularity with luxury travelers and a special 26-page section of the Atlas is devoted entirely to the Prince Albert II. Next year 25 expedition itineraries will explore the Arctic, Antarctica, Central and South America. On every journey, guests will be escorted in unsurpassed luxury. With the largest average accommodations size of any expedition ship, guests enjoy spacious, ocean-view suites and staterooms (select suites have French balconies or large private verandas), sumptuous gourmet cuisine, warm hospitality and personalized service.

In keeping with the company's commitment to promote the use of environmentally responsible products, the Atlas is printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The brochure displays the FSC's "Mixed Sources" label, certifying the paper comes from well-managed forests, controlled sources and/or recycled material.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper -- and launching in December, Silver Spirit -- all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents.

MSC Cruises Adds Pre-Christening Voyage on the MSC Splendida

(May 19, 2009)—Spend this Independence Day on board MSC Splendida, the second in MSC Cruises’ luxurious “Fantasia” class of cruise ships, for its pre-christening voyage from St. Nazaire, France to Barcelona, Spain. Cruise-only rates begin at $549 per person, double occupancy, for residents of the U.S. and Canada. As with all MSC Cruises’ sailings, kids 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

This once-in-a-lifetime, 7-night experience on board MSC Splendida departs on July 4, 2009 from St. Nazaire, France visiting Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands/Spain; Marseille, France; and Barcelona, Spain. Like her sister ship MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida will feature the MSC Yacht Club, offering private suites and luxurious facilities. With MSC Yacht Club accommodations, guests indulge in comfort and convenience; from their own personal Butler trained to the rigorous standards of the International Butler Academy to complimentary beverages available any time of the day in the MSC Yacht Club’s exclusive lounges and pool area.

Also, MSC Splendida will feature an “Aurea Spa” well-being center, 4 restaurants and 2 buffets, including a speciality Mexican restaurant; numerous bars (including a sports bar, wine bar, coffee bar and Jazz bar), shops, casino, disco, mini-bowling lanes, Formula 1™ simulator and a 4D cinema. Kids can enjoy a water slide that straddles two decks within the amazing scenic views and an Aqua Park with 150 fountains and water jets that will light up at night to the rhythm of music. There will also be a fun area for Mini-Club, Junior Club and Teenager Club guests.

For more information about MSC Cruises’ pre-christening voyage on MSC Splendida, visit http://www.msccruisesusa.com/

CruiseWest To Offer Luxury Antarctica Cruise in 2010

Continuing to add exciting new destinations to its global offerings, exploration cruise line Cruise West (http://www.cruisewest.com/) is pleased to announce that it is adding an exclusive, 19-night Antarctica expedition to its product line-up for 2010.

On board the 114-guest, all-suite Corinthian II, a very select group of guests will have the opportunity to explore the very best that the most remote continent on earth has to offer. Ports of calls and sites include the Falkland, South Georgia and Orkney Islands as well as the Antarctic Peninsula and the myriad of islands that dot its shore.

“Cruise West is making a conscientious effort to keep itinerary offerings fresh and intriguing, said President and CEO Dietmar R. Wertanzl. “We are seeking out destinations that complement our core products, create excitement for repeat guests and appeal to new guests – so introducing Antarctica was a natural progression. The Corinthian II is a sister ship to our Spirit of Oceanus, so we know our repeat guests will feel right at home.”

Diversity – in cultures, landscape and temperatures – will be one of the hallmarks of this maiden voyage as guests begin their adventure in luxury at the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Hotel in Buenos Aires before departing for the quaint, southernmost city in South America, Ushuaia. After boarding the Corinthian II, guests will gain fascinating insight on the flora, fauna, history and geology via presentations by an expert staff of eight naturalists. In the tradition of Cruise West’s up-close, casual and personal style, guests will have extraordinary opportunities to view Rockhopper penguins in the remote British outpost of the Falkland Islands; thousands of King penguins and nesting grounds of wandering albatross in South Georgia, while simultaneously admiring the water-loving larger species of whales, fur seals, elephant seals and the icebergs and glaciers that surround them.

Antarctica, owned by no country but managed under a 46-country scientific treaty, is the fifth largest continent on the planet while remaining the least populated. Its exotic remoteness combined with legendary stories of exploration and adventure spur on the fantasies of armchair travelers and documentary-watchers all over the globe; for 114 Cruise West guests, the fantasy has now become an attainable reality.

Cruise West’s 19-night maiden voyage to Antarctica will depart February 7, 2010. Prices start at $13,899 (US dollars); save $1,000/person, based on double occupancy, by booking and paying in full by May 1, 2009.

Clelia II To Sail the Great Lakes in 2009.

Today I was very surprised when I went to my mailbox and received a flyer for Great Lakes Cruises on board the ultra luxury Clelia II. Travel Dynamics International of New York is sponsoring 22 7-day cruise starting on June 27th and running through September 12, 2009.

The voyages are one-way trips departing either Toronto, Canada or Duluth, Minnesota visiting Port Weller (Welland Canal / Niagara Falls/ Lake Erie), sailing through Lake Huron to Little Current (Manitoulin Island) Ontario, Mackinac Island, Michigan, Soo Locks, Sailing Lake Superior, Houghton (Keweenaw Peninsula) Michigan, and Thunder Bay (Old Fort William), Ontario Canada. The cruise can be extended for extra nights in Duluth or Toronto either pre or post cruise.

The Clelia II has traditionally spent the summers sailing the Mediterranean, probably due to the slow down in the economy and soft European bookings, Travel Dynamics International have found a unique and specialized itinerary for it's ship. The size of the Corithian II makes her ideal for passing though the narrow locks of the Great Lakes and visiting ports where other cruise lines cannot go.

Prior years, Hapag-Lloyd's Columbus, Clipper Cruise Line and the Great Lakes Cruise Company have placed larger sized ships on the lakes. But recently only American Canadian Caribbean Line (ACCL) has been operating.

This year the Clelia II will sail the lakes with the ACCL ships.

The Clelia will under go an extensive refurbishment, redecoration and other improvements before starting the Great Lakes cruising season. The all-suite Clelia II will offer the finest in small-ship cruise travel. This private yacht-like cruise ship accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites, each of which affords ocean views, measures 215 square feet or more and is appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed, spacious closets, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, mini-refrigerator, air conditioning and bathroom with marble vanity and teak floor. Public facilities include a restaurant that accommodates guests at a single, unassigned seating, two lounges, expansive library with Internet access, state-of-the-art gym/spa, beauty salon, boutique, Jacuzzi, hospital, and ample deck areas for relaxing and sunbathing. An elevator serves all decks. Clelia II complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an ice-strengthened hull and a fleet of Zodiacs. Clelia II is staffed by 60 European officers and crew. Taken together with her limited guest capacity, excellence of design, craftsmanship and material, Clelia II's spaciousness and intimate ambiance combine to make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages

The Clelia II, a smaller luxury cruise-ship, is 290 feet long, 50 feet wide and weighs 4,077 Gross Tons. Her draft is 12 feet and she flies the flag of Malta.

Bermuda Government Welcomes Cruise Ships Again

Over the years, the cruise industry and the Bermuda Government have had a love hate relationship. When the cruise ships sails to Bermuda, the local hotels and restaurants complain because, cruise passengers sleep and eat on board the ships - leaving hotel rooms and restaurants empty. Rightfully so since passengers are using the beaches and attractions but generating very little revenue. The government reacts by limiting the number of ships calling at the island in hopes that hotel bookings will increase. When they restrict the number of ships, a good number of tourists find the hotels and eateries very expensive and opt not to go to Bermuda at all.

After a year or two of lost revenue or reduced tourism, Bermuda welcomes the cruise ships and their passengers back.

Last year Bermuda decided that they no longer wanted ships to call at St. George and Hamilton. All ship calls would be at the Royal Navy Dockyard and passengers would have to ferry to Hamilton or St. George - if wishing to visit those locations. Mid-way through the year, the Bermuda Government, in a turn of events, started a major effort to attract upscale cruise lines back to Hamilton and St. George. This effort did attract some upscale cruise lines to make occasional calls at these locations, but none on a regular basis.

In 2008 and 2009, only 4 ships will regularly call at Bermuda for more than one day. Changing their minds, the Bermuda Government decided that they wanted to welcome the cruise lines back, offering to allow cruise lines to open up their casinos in port after 10:00 PM. Casinos are a major source of on-board revenue for cruise lines. Previously the casinos would need to remain closed until the ship left port.

In 2010, two additional ships will be calling at Bermuda, spending extended time in the port. The Veendam will be the only ship offering calls at both St. George and Hamilton, while Celebrity Cruises will be returning to Bermuda after a 3 year absence calling at the Royal Navy Dockyard. Celebrity Cruises Summit will be sailing from Cape Liberty, Bayonne, NJ and Holland America's Veendam will be sailing from Manhattan.

These 2 ships will be calling at Bermuda, in addition to, the Norwegian Dawn (from NY), Norwegian Spirit (From Boston), Grandeur of the Seas (from Baltimore & Norfolk, Va) and Explorer of the Seas (From Cape Liberty, Bayonne, NJ) which are expected to continue to sail to the port thru 2010.

With 6 ships having extended stays at Bermuda, it is anticipated that cruise fares may drop in 2010 to this popular cruise destination.

Incredible Cruise Fare - 18 Days - $499 - That's Not a Typo

This week I rceceived mailing from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) touting an 18 Day cruise from Valparaiso, Chile to Los Angeles California, for a remarkable $499 for an inside cabin.

The Norwegian Sun departs Chile on April 12, 2009, visiting Coquimbo, Chile; Iquique, Chile; Arica, Chile; Lima (Callao) Peru; Trujilo (Salaverry), Peru; Puntatenas, Costa Rica; Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Los Angeles California where the cruise ends.

For $27.75 per day - this cruise is an incredible value.