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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Princess Cruise New Royal Princess Offers a Range of Lively Entertainment Options

Club 6 on Royal Princess will offer a vibrant new nightlife spot with an intimate atmosphere.

Evenings aboard Royal Princess will offer a range of lively options for passengers aboard Princess Cruises newest vessel. When the ship debuts in June, cruisers can enjoy four new production shows in the Princess Theater, try their luck in the casino, and dance for hours in the brand-new Club 6.

These and many other entertainment features are showcased in the latest Royal Princess preview video, available at princess.com/royalprincess.

“Royal Princess will feature the widest variety of entertainment we have ever offered at sea,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “No matter how passengers like to spend their evenings at sea, we’ll have an exceptional array of options to keep passengers entertained.”

Among the entertainment features of Royal Princess are:
Club 6 – Royal Princess’ energetic new dance club, conveniently located on Deck 6 near the Atrium, Club 6 offers a vibrant space with an intimate atmosphere and contemporary decor. Passengers can grab a cocktail and dance to their favorite hits. The resident DJ keeps the party going whether passengers just want to people-watch or get up and move to the beat.

Production Shows – With high-definition screens and a brand new lighting system to enhance each show, the Princess Theater will offer a larger and more spectacular space for the line’s original production shows and entertainers. Four new productions will debut aboard Royal Princess, including “Colors of the World,” an experiential journey through the destinations visited by Princess ships; “Spectacular!” a musical revue extravaganza; “Sweet Soul Music,” an upbeat tribute to Rhythm and Blues; and “What the World Needs Now,” a timeless, elegant show celebrating the music and style of the ‘60s.

Vista Lounge – A more intimate entertainment setting, the Vista Lounge will host a variety of top-notch entertainers each night, from live bands to comedians and illusionists, plus themed parties and special events.

Casino – The Princess Casino aboard Royal Princess will feature the latest new slots and table games. Passengers can indulge in their favorite games of chance, from blackjack to Texas Hold’em and roulette, or participate in the excitement of slot tournaments. Standing at the heart of the casino is a stunning spiral staircase which leads up to Deck 7 and the onboard boutiques, while an adjacent bar makes it easy to pop in for drinks between games.

Water & Light Show – Dazzling new water and light shows bring intrigue, beauty and excitement to the top deck pools with fountains that shoot plumes of water to delight and amaze all members of the family. Royal Princess also boasts a second-level stage above the pool area where live bands will play during unforgettable evening parties.

Crooners – The resident entertainer in Crooners will keep the crowds singing along while passengers try to choose their favorite from the bar’s famous selection of more than 50 martini varieties.

Bellini’s – The new Bellini’s bar offers a prime location for watching the action in the Piazza below. This hotspot serves up a variety of Bellini-inspired drinks, including the new signature “Royal Bellini.”

Movies Under the Stars – Naturally Princess’ signature poolside theater will have a variety of movies and concert playing on the big screen. Featuring the largest Movies Under the Stars screen yet, Royal Princess offers passengers a great view while they relax on a comfortable lounger snuggled under a cozy fleece blanket and snack on complimentary fresh-popped popcorn or delicious cookies and milk.

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

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Friday, March 22, 2013

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.

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Thursday, February 21, 2013

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.

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Thursday, January 24, 2013

Princess Cruises Adds 2 Short Cruises For The New Royal Princess

Royal Princess Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises has announced two preview cruises aboard Royal Princess, giving passengers a unique opportunity to get a taste of the new ship before its official inaugural voyage. The June 9 and June 14 cruises will sail roundtrip from Southampton on a two-night itinerary featuring a call in St. Peter Port, on the island of Guernsey.

Passengers on the short sailings will be able to sample Royal Princess’ many ground-breaking features, including the dramatic over-water SeaWalk, Princess Live! television studio, and plush new poolside cabanas before the ship’s inaugural sailing on June 16, 2013.

Both voyages will go on sale on January 29, with limited availability. Per person cruise fares start at $530 for an obstructed-view balcony stateroom.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship for Princess Cruises. Among the special features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.

The ship’s 2013 maiden season will include cruises on the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean itinerary throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the fall.

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Monday, January 14, 2013

Celebrity Cruises Offers Discounts on European Cruises

The countdown to the New Year may be over, but the countdown to an exceptional modern luxury vacation is just beginning. Celebrity Cruises today launched “123 go!” – the brand’s biggest promotion to-date, featuring three powerful offers allowing consumers to select what they value most in a Celebrity vacation.

The three exceptional options include:

    Free “Classic Beverage Package” for two, allowing guests to pair Celebrity’s delectable cuisine with their favorite beverages – representing a value of up to $616 for two guests, based on a 7-night sailing, and including coverage of beverage gratuities; or,
    Free gratuities, allowing vacationers to fully relax, knowing tips for Celebrity’s expert staff are covered – representing a value of up to $210 per stateroom based on a 7-night sailing and includes coverage of stateroom, waiter, assistant waiter and head waiter gratuities; or,
    An onboard credit of up to $300 per stateroom, depending on the selected itinerary length, and available for guests to apply to shore excursions, specialty dining, wine tastings, spa treatments, boutique items, or any other onboard purchase.

And, if a Celebrity vacation in Europe wasn’t already enticing enough, guests booking a cruise on one of the line’s five modern luxury ships in the region have the opportunity to select two of the three special options.

Celebrity’s “123 go!” offers are valid for oceanview stateroom and higher bookings on all ships (with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition), and all sailings from February 2013 through April 2014 – with nearly 450 sailings to choose from – providing the cruise is booked between January 7 through January 27, 2013.

“To complement our incredible new promotion in a fun and engaging way, we’ve also introduced an interactive online program called, ‘Experience it,’ which – like our ‘123go!’ offer –puts consumers front and center,” said Celebrity’s Vice President of Marketing Lisa Kauffman. “The video invites them to see and select where they want to go from among Celebrity’s sailings in all continents, then to click on what they want to do onboard, whether it’s relaxing in the AquaSpa or playing in the fitness center; enjoying a cooking class or cocktails; indulging in a culinary journey at Qsine or open-air barbecuing at The Lawn Club Grill.”

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Saturday, June 30, 2012

Crystal Cruises Offers Special Solo Discounts on European Sailings

Crystal Cruises already charges one of the lowest rates in the luxury cruise industry for sole occupancy of a double occupancy room, but with a new solo travelers’ sale on fall Mediterranean voyages, guests traveling alone can enjoy even lower fares to vacation in ease through one of the most beautiful cruising areas in the world. A significantly-reduced solo supplement of just 10% can save individuals up to almost $900 off a private, deluxe outside stateroom (Category C) of their own.

The savings are offered on eight 11- and 12-day Crystal Serenity sailings through the Black Sea, Middle East, Canary Islands, and entire Mediterranean. The all-inclusive luxury cruises embark in Athens, Istanbul, Venice, Barcelona, and Lisbon from September through November, with overnight visits and more time in both smaller, off-the-beaten-path and favorite, large ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Montenegro, Israel, Croatia, Morocco and the Canary Islands. Attractive air add-ons are offered from more than 200 North American ports.

“A Crystal cruise is a wonderful option for solo travelers who seek luxury and pampering while on vacation and also the fast, easy friendships that are made on board,” says Jack Anderson, senior vice president of marketing and sales. “This is an ideal opportunity for cruisers indulging in a room all to themselves to realize significant savings and value with the World’s Best Cruise Line.”

Among the extraordinary care Crystal provides for solo travelers are Ambassador hosts on every sailing for those seeking a dance partner, assigned seating for dinner in the Crystal Dining Room, and “Table for 8,” which brings individuals together for friendly shared dining in the specialty restaurants at night. Crystal Cruises’ ocean resort experience always includes fine wines, premium spirits, and gratuities with one’s vacation, as well as a host of other complimentary amenities, from enlightening enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the world-renowned cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa.

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, resort, or hotel in history.

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Thursday, June 14, 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line Offers Discounts Through June 17, 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line's - Norwegian Jewel - Cruise Discounts

It’s smooth sailing this summer with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Resident Sale starting Sunday, June 10, 2012, and offering up to $1,000 off (depending on the stateroom category booked) on select sailings, based on state of residency. Residents will enjoy savings on many popular summer cruise destinations, including Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii and the Bahamas, when they make a new cruise reservation by June 17, 2012.

Those residing in the Northeastern states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and District of Colombia, will find excellent savings on a variety of exciting itineraries to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii or Bermuda this summer.

Residents of Southeastern states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, will save on cruises through Europe and on three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas from Miami, Florida.

Those living in the Western states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Hawaii, have the opportunity to save on cruises to two of Norwegian’s most popular and scenic destinations: Alaska and Hawaii.

For an unparalleled cruise experience, guests living in the Midwestern states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio can embark on a cruise vacation in Hawaii. Sailing round-trip from Honolulu, Pride of America offers seven-day cruises to four beautiful islands of Hawaii. This incredible itinerary also includes a scenic sail by the breathtaking Napali Coast.

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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Crystal Cruises Visits 7 New Port in Europe

Louis XIV’s marital stomping grounds, puffins’ Icelandic party pad, a former Prussian capital, Napoleon’s birthplace, and the gateway to Norway’s most scenic vistas are among seven European ports-of-call Crystal Cruises will be visiting for the first time this year. From Crystal Serenity’s current trans-Atlantic voyage to Crystal Symphony’s reverse pond crossing in September, guests will be among the first Crystal travelers to stop in quaint communities, centuries-old fishing villages, and trendy cosmopolitan centers in Lithuania, Norway, France, Iceland, and Spain.

Maiden calls include:

Klaipėda: The third-largest city in “hot” Lithuania, this historic east-west-south crossroads offers metropolitan architecture, as well as the natural beauty of the Curonian Spit right outside. Crystal Adventures: Birdwatch at the Ventė Cape ornithological station, learn about local fairytales at the Hill of Witches Sculpture Park, bike through Old Town, or step inside a former Soviet nuclear missile base.

Heimaey: Virtually destroyed in a 1973 volcanic eruption, this rebuilt island of 4,500 people serves as home to 8 million puffins per year. Crystal Adventures: Explore caves by RIB boat, motorboat past orcas and puffin colonies, or watch locals rope-swing over cliffs to collect bird eggs.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz: This Basque coastal gem, with narrow cobblestoned lanes leading past the Church of St. Jean Baptist, is where Louis XIV married Spain’s Marie Thérèse in 1660. Crystal Adventures: Glimpse Balenciaga’s haute couture, make a pilgrimage to Lourdes, sample Basque delicacies, or daytrip to San Sebastian, Biarritz, or Hemingway’s Pamplona.

Leknes: The Lofoten archipelago’s colorful Arctic trading/shopping center is ground zero for Norway’s most stunning mountains and cliffs. Crystal Adventures: Safari for sea eagles, appreciate frozen art at an ice bar/gallery, or learn Scandinavian history at Borg’s Viking Museum.

Bonifacio: French chicness and Napoleonic history are all crammed into this one medieval Corsican town, perched precariously on the edges of stunningly steep, limestone cliffs. Crystal Adventures: Canoe along the coast, ride a wheel train through the port, or trek cliffside hiking paths past wildlife and gorgeous views.

Palamós: This 800-year-old Costa Brava fishing village is famous for giant-sized prawns, water sports, and some of the best people-watching in Europe. Crystal Adventures: Segway around gothic Girona, taste Salvador Dalí via a visit to his home or a meal inspired by his favorite dishes, or daytrip to Barcelona for a behind-the-scenes tour of Barça Team’s Football Club Stadium.

Akureyri: Iceland’s second-largest city offers a robust cultural scene surrounded by snowcapped peaks and gardens. Crystal Adventures: Visit the “Waterfall of the Gods,” flightsee over Eyjafjordur fjord to Grimsey Island, take a whale-watching expedition, soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths, or sample homemade ice cream, jam, and smoked lamb at local farms.

Until June 30, all-inclusive Book Now fares for the luxury European cruises featuring maiden calls start at $3,165/person, with optional air add-ons and savings for groups of six or more, combining cruises, and Crystal Society member-sponsored, new-to-Crystal guests.

Crystal Cruises’ passion for creating unique luxury experiences both on land and at sea have helped earn the company top ratings from international travelers for two decades.

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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Billy Casper And Championship Course Set For Crystal Golf Cruises in Europe 2012

Crystal Cruises Add Golf Cruises in Europe

Crystal Cruises has lined up 10 of Europe’s most spectacular championship golf courses for exclusive, luxury play during two limited-access “Experiences of Discovery” golf-themed cruises this summer. Hosted by 51-time PGA tour-winner Billy Casper, travelers can strike balls in Spain, Portugal, and Monaco during July 13’s Crystal Serenity voyage or throughout the British Isles on Crystal Symphony’s August 25 sailing.

Courses include:

Edinburgh/Rosyth

Gleneagles King’s and Queen’s Courses: Overnighting allows for games on two aristocratic moorland links.

Barcelona

Real Club de Golf El Prat: One of Spain’s most exclusive courses, designed by Greg Norman.

Club de Golf Masia Bach: Challenging and contemporary 18 holes designed by José Maria Olazábal.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo Golf Club: Inaugural Crystal club features sweeping Mediterranean Sea views.

Valencia

El Saler Golf Course: Pine forests and sea flank this site of several Spanish Opens.

Cádiz

Valderrama: Voted the 15th Best International Course by Celebrated Living readers.

Belfast

Royal Belfast Golf Club: Ireland’s oldest fairway, with Belfast Lough and Antrim plateau views.

Lisbon

Penha Longa Golf Course: This mountainous Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed green is considered one of the European Circuit’s best.

Dublin

Kildare Hotel & Country Club: Inland links designed by Arnold Palmer.

Boutique excursions offer socializing during warm-up refreshments, games, lunch, and “19th-hole” cocktails in legendary private clubhouses, with Crystal also arranging round-trip transportation, team-pairing, carts and caddies (where available), and club and shoe cleaning and storage. Shoreside activities are complemented by a host of on-board offerings, including parties, awards, golf clinics with PGA pro John Clark, TaylorMade clubs, putting green, and two driving ranges for practice-at-sea. Billy Casper will also play and mingle with guests, as well as provide tips and presentations.

“We design these cruises to be a golfing traveler’s dream,” says John Stoll, Crystal’s vice president land and port operations. “Guests need not worry about maneuvering complex foreign logistics, only packing their clubs -- we take care of everything else in the finest of style.”

Until April 30, all-inclusive Book Now fares start at $5,330 for 11 days circumnavigating the UK, conveniently round-trip from London/Dover through Edinburgh/Rosyth (overnight), Belfast, Dublin, Holyhead, Waterford, Portland, and the Channel Islands, and $5,410 for 12 days sailing from Monte Carlo (overnight) to Marseilles, Barcelona (overnight), Valencia, Málaga, Gibraltar, Cádiz/Seville, and Lisbon.

Crystal Cruises’ passion for creating unique luxury experiences both on land and at sea have helped earn the company top ratings from international travelers for two decades.

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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Princess Cruises Offers Spring Cruise Sale To Europe and Alaska

Princess Cruises is celebrating the arrival of springtime with special fares on favorite summer destinations – Europe and Alaska. The “Spring into Savings” sale begins on the first day of spring, March 20, and runs through March 26. Passengers can enjoy savings of up to 2-for-1 fares, plus can receive an onboard credit of up to $100 per stateroom on 2012 sailings.

The sale features the best of Europe and Alaska with sailings to sought-after destinations such as the Mediterranean, Holy Land, British Isles and Scandinavia, as well as sailings through the stunning Gulf of Alaska.

In addition to fare savings, passengers booking interior or oceanview staterooms can receive an onboard credit of $25 (cruises up to 9 days) to $50 (cruises 10 days or longer), and in balcony staterooms or above can get credits of $50 (cruises up to 9 days) or $100 (for sailings 10 days or longer). All onboard credits are offered per stateroom.

Examples of sale fares include:

12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises from $1,095 ($1,995 balcony)
12-day Greek Isles cruises from $999 ($1,899 balcony)
12-day Holy Land cruises from $1,199 ($1,999 balcony)
12-day British Isles cruises from $1,499 ($2,399 balcony)
12-day Egypt & Aegean cruises from $995 ($1,595 balcony)
7-day Scandinavia cruises from $699 ($1,299 balcony)
7-day Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers from $599 ($1,199 balcony)

All cruise prices are per person. The “Spring into Savings” event begins at 12:01 a.m. PDT on March 20 through 11:59 p.m. PDT on March 26, 2012 and is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Reservations made during the sale require a non-refundable deposit.

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Friday, February 17, 2012

Carnival Lengend to Sail in Europe in 2013

Carnival Cruise Lines will launch its widest array of European itineraries ever with Carnival Legend offering an exciting choice of options, including the line’s first Norwegian fjords itinerary and its first extended program from the UK, as well as cruises to the Baltic, Mediterranean and British Isles, beginning in spring 2013.

Carnival Legend’s schedule will encompass 12-day voyages to Norway/Western Europe, the British Isles and the Baltic departing from Dover (London), along with 12-day Mediterranean cruises departing from Venice, Barcelona and Dover.

In total, Carnival Legend will operate 17 European cruises between April 22 and Oct. 31, 2013, visiting 34 ports across 18 countries.

“For the Carnival Legend’s 2013 European season, we’ve assembled a truly outstanding collection of ports that offer our guests an exciting diversity of experiences, from viewing breathtaking Norwegian fjords and the lush Irish countryside to visiting centuries-old landmarks and exploring UNESCO World Heritage cities such as St. Petersburg and Tallinn,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Norway/Western Europe, British Isles Cruises Round-Trip from Dover

For the first time, Carnival Legend will offer an extended series of voyages from Dover (London) with 12-day cruises to Norway/Western Europe, the British Isles and the Baltic, each offering a spectacular array of interesting and awe-inspiring ports of call, from quaint villages to cosmopolitan cities.

The program includes a “Norway & Western Europe” cruise offering a unique combination of ports, as well as the unforgettable experience of sailing the Norwegian fjords. The voyage will operate Sept. 1-13, 2013, and visit Alesund, Bergen, Stavanger, and Oslo, Norway; Hamburg, Germany; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Zeebrugge (Bruges), Brussels, Belgium; and Le Havre (Paris), France.

A “British Isles, Norway & France” voyage will depart Sept. 13, 2013, and feature stops at Stavanger, Norway; Edinburgh, Invergordon, and Glasgow (Greenock) Scotland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; and Le Havre (Paris), France.

Six “Baltic Wonders & St. Petersburg” cruises will also be offered, visiting Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (overnight call); Tallinn, Estonia; and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Departure dates include June 21, July 3, 15 and 27, and Aug. 8 and 20, 2013. The June 21 departure will visit Zeebrugge (Bruges), Brussels, Belgium, instead of Amsterdam.

12-day Mediterranean Cruises

Several different Mediterranean cruises will also be offered, providing guests an opportunity to experience and explore some of the region’s most popular and picturesque ports of call and enjoy a wide variety of dining, shopping and sightseeing choices.

The schedule includes 12-day cruises from Venice to Barcelona departing May 4 and 28, and Oct. 31, 2013. On these voyages, guests can tour medieval castles, sample delicious local cuisine, and marvel at ornate churches and other historic architecture as they visit Dubrovnik, Croatia; Messina, Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Livorno, Italy; and Marseilles, France. The May 4 and Oct. 31 departures also include Athens, Greece; and Izmir, Turkey; while the May 28 voyage stops at Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Carnival Legend will also operate 12-day Western Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona to Dover June 9-21 and from Dover to Barcelona Sept. 25-Oct. 7, 2013. These cruises offer guests the chance to sample all the region has to offer with extended visits to stunning seaside destinations in five countries, including Marseilles, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Malaga, Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal.

Also featured are three “Grand Mediterranean” voyages sailing from Barcelona to Venice April 22, May 16 and Oct. 19, 2013. These voyages feature stops at Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Marseilles, France; Livorno, Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Messina, Italy; and Dubrovnik, Croatia, along with an overnight call in Venice to provide guests with ample opportunities to explore this world-class city. The Oct. 19 voyage will include a stop at Olbia (Sardinia), Italy, instead of Monaco.

Rounding out Carnival Legend’s 2013 Europe program is a 12-day voyage round-trip from Barcelona Oct. 7-19, 2013, with calls at Marseilles, France; Livorno, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Venice (overnight call) and Messina, Italy.

15-Day Transatlantic Crossings in April and November 2013

Carnival Legend will operate a 15-day transatlantic crossing departing Tampa on April 7 and arriving Barcelona April 22, 2013. Featured ports on this voyage include King’s Wharf, Bermuda; Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal; and Malaga and Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Following its European schedule, the ship will operate another 15-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Tampa Nov. 12-27, 2013, calling at Palma de Mallorca and Malaga, Spain; Funchal (Madeira), Portugal; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; and the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay.

From Tampa, Carnival Legend will sail on a special four-day cruise before resuming seven-day Caribbean service Dec. 1, 2013. The week-long cruises call at Half Moon Cay; Nassau, The Bahamas; and Key West, Fla.; or George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; Mahogany Bay, Roatan; and Belize City, Belize.

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