Norwegian Cruise Line Adds Attractions to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Norwegian Cruise Line Adds Attractions to Private Island - Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that a new Stingray Encounter and Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure are now available on Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s 250-acre private island in the Bahamas. In addition, coming soon is a brand new Lighthouse Beach Bar presented by Patron. The launch of these three brand new experiences marks more exciting additions to the island as part of the ongoing $30 million enhancement project.
 

Located inside Bertram’s Cove, on the right hand side of the main beach, the Stingray Encounter invites guests to interact with 18 specially-trained stingrays in an enclosed area. This exciting and unique excursion introduces guests to these smooth and graceful creatures. Each of the stingrays has a name and its own unique personality, and guests will enjoy feeding, watching and holding them, for the perfect photo opportunity. Also included in the Stingray Encounter experience is use of a mask, snorkel and snorkel vest so that guests can peer below the surface to examine the rays up close. The hour-long excursion includes 45-minutes of interaction with the rays and is $29 per adult and $19 per child.

Norwegian is also launching a new snorkel trail experience called, “Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure,” for guests to enjoy during their time on Norwegian’s private island. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities on the island and Norwegian has now enhanced that experience with the snorkel trail. 

Located near the Stingray Encounter in Bertram’s Cove, the Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure is the first private island snorkel trail to depict an actual legend as it portrays the tale of a shipwreck. As the legend goes, “The Fancy,” sailing from Nassau, Bahamas in 1696, encountered a mythical creature named Lusca that was half-shark, half-octopus. It is believed that Lusca was responsible for the ship disappearing near the Berry Islands, the location of Great Stirrup Cay.  Guests can explore discover and look for clues underwater that lead to the treasure that the Fancy was carrying, highlighted by 17 different underwater scenes that depict the shipwreck and Lusca’s legend, including cannons, a sunken piano, treasure chests, swords and more. 

Developed in conjunction with IDEA Inc., an Orlando-based company with experience in developing theme park experiences, the Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure features some authentic artifacts that are more than 300 years old. In addition, all of the artifacts are eco-friendly and will stimulate additional marine life in the area.

To experience the snorkel trail, guests can rent snorkel equipment at a rate of $29 per adult or $15 per child for the entire day.  Guests wishing to experience both the Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure and the Stingray Encounter during their time on the island can purchase a combination package that includes both tours at a discounted price of $49 per adult, a $9 savings, and $29 per child, a $5 savings.

            Norwegian has also partnered with the popular spirits brand, Patron, to introduce a new island bar experience to Great Stirrup Cay called, Lighthouse Beach Bar presented by Patron. This is the first private island bar that Patron has sponsored.  It will feature Patron products, as well as a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The bar will be completely redesigned and will be outfitted with beach-inspired décor, Patron branded materials, including bar stools, umbrellas and menu boards, as well as two large flat-screen TVs that will showcase a variety of entertainment from music videos to sporting events. The new bar is set to open in September 2012. 

Norwegian was the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its guests. Great Stirrup Cay offers magnificent white sand beaches, majestic palms and calm, pristine waters where an abundance of colorful marine life inhabits the surrounding coral reefs. Additional activities on the island include a Waverunner® tour; a large Hippo Waterslide; eco boat tour; kayaking; parasailing; shopping at the straw market; and more.

            Norwegian Sky makes year-round stops at Great Stirrup Cay on her three and four-day cruises from Miami.  Norwegian Gem visits Great Stirrup Cay during her seven-day Bahamas & Florida itinerary from New York.  Beginning in October, Norwegian Jewel will also stop at Great Stirrup Cay on her seven-day Bahamas & Florida cruises from New York. Norwegian Pearl will also visit Great Stirrup Cay this winter on her seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami.  Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian’s newest ship launching next spring, will visit Great Stirrup Cay on seven-day cruises from New York to the Bahamas & Florida beginning in mid-October 2013. 

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Rockettes Named Godmothers for Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway

The Rockettes Are Named Godmothers For Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Cruise Line and MSG Entertainment announced today that the Rockettes, one of New York’s most illustrious and beloved icons, will christen Norwegian Breakaway as the official Godmothers, further strengthening the ship’s strong ties to New York.  The christening ceremony will take place in New York City on May 8, 2013 on board Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship to homeport year-round in New York. The partnership with the Rockettes will include Norwegian Cruise Line as the designated “Official Cruise Line” of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall, and as the “Official Partner”of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. As part of their role as Godmothers, two Rockettes will sail aboard the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, beginning May 12, 2013, and the first sailing of each month thereafter, taking part in special events for guests to enjoy.

 

“Norwegian Breakaway is being designed as New York’s ship and we want everyone to know that this is the “must-sail” cruise ship from New York in 2013 and beyond,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “I strongly believe that the Rockettes, one of the most beloved and recognizable New York icons, are the perfect choice to serve as the ship’s Godmothers.  The Rockettes not only epitomize New York, they are known as strong role models and talented stars. We couldn’t be more pleased to have these renowned dancers as the Godmothers of New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway.”

 

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line as we bring together three of our iconic New York based properties in the MSG Entertainment portfolio, Radio City Music Hall, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the legendary Rockettes,” said Melissa Ormond, president, Madison Square Garden Entertainment. “This signature partnership will provide Norwegian Cruise Line with unprecedented access to the Rockettes, Radio City and the Christmas Spectacular, providing their customers an opportunity to experience firsthand these New York icons. The Rockettes have been beloved by millions of fans for the past 85 years in New York and it is such an honor to celebrate their legacy as the official Godmothers of the largest ship ever to homeport in New York City.”

 

The larger partnership across the MSGE properties, Radio City Music Hall, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the Rockettes, will create expansive brand exposure for Norwegian Cruise Line at Radio City Music Hall, including onsite venue presence during the 2012 production of the Christmas Spectacular. Guests attending this year’s Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall can participate in the “Spectacular Sweeps,” a sweepstakes that can be entered right from their seats with the opportunity to win one of two cruises for a family of four on Norwegian Breakaway. 

 

Norwegian Cruise Line will have a year-round display in Radio City Music Hall’s Grand Lounge that features an 11-foot replica of Norwegian Breakaway, along with information on the ship’s unique attributes, entertainment, dining, destinations and more.

 

Onboard Norwegian Breakaway, the Rockettes, with their unparalleled grace, athleticism and precision technique that has made them part of the fabric of New York City for 85 years, will be showcased with a variety of offerings, including a historical retrospective in the ship’s library, exclusive fitness class designed by the Rockettes, featured beverages and more. On select sailings, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to meet two of the Rockettes.  Sailing on the first six cruises from New York, as well as the first sailing of every month, two Rockettes will offer special fitness classes, photo opportunities, meet and greet speaker series and more.

 

“Having two Rockettes on board select sailings is going to be a very special opportunity for our guests to have more interaction with these incredibly talented and dynamic women,” added Sheehan. “This truly takes the role of Godmother to a new level as the Rockettes will be a special part of Norwegian Breakaway’s unique cruising experience.”

 

Starting with their inaugural New York City performance in 1927, the Rockettes have wowed audiences for the last 85 years.  From appearances on the Tony Awards, Project Runway, Dancing with the Stars and the Super Bowl Halftime Show to Presidential inaugurations, the Rockettes are the epitome of teamwork and the embodiment of the belief that “together we're better.” Each dancer achieved their lifelong dream of becoming a Rockette through hard work, determination, dedication and dreaming big.  Known for their rich history, unrivaled talent, strength, dynamism, precision and athleticism, the Rockettes have become one of the nation's most beloved icons. As the stars of the annual Christmas Spectacular production, the Rockettes entertain more than one million people each year and have played to 75 different cities across the country with the national touring production.

 

Known as the showplace of the nation, Radio City Music Hall has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment and music since it opened its doors on December 27, 1932.  More than 300 million people have come to the Music Hall to enjoy stage shows, movies, concerts and special events, as well as the annual Christmas Spectacular production. The 2012 edition of the Christmas Spectacular invites audiences to take part in the Rockettes Celebration! This year’s production commemorates 85 years of the past, present and future of the Rockettes featuring dazzling dance numbers, beloved favorites, breathtaking special effects and a brand new showcase featuring the Rockettes' most extraordinary costumes through the years, alongside beloved favorites that have been in the show since its inception.

Norwegian Breakaway

The 4,000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round homeport of New York City in early May 2013. The ship will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013.  From October 2013 through April 2014, New York’s ship will offer seven-day voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as two 12-day sailings to the Southern Caribbean.  

 

To date, the company has revealed the ship’s groundbreaking design, including The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean.  Norwegian Breakaway’s entertainment will include three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY.  The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York’s own Slam Allen will also perform on the vessel. Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian.

 

The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

 

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship in an exclusive, private key-card enclave and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; the re-introduction of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.  

 

For more information on the incredible features and accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, visit www.breakaway.ncl.com.

Carnival Ecstacy Offers Unique Itineraries From Port Canaveral

Carnival Cruise Lines launched the cruise industry’s only four- and five-day Bahamas/Caribbean program from Port Canaveral on November 7th when the Carnival Ecstasy departed on a five-day sold-out cruise to Nassau, Freeport and the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay – the first of 78 annual voyages from the Space Coast.

Carnival Ecstasy’s one-of-a-kind schedule includes two different four-day itineraries, along with two different five-day choices. Four-day “long weekend” cruises depart Thursdays and visit Nassau and Half Moon Cay or Freeport, while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays, calling at Nassau, Freeport and Half Moon Cay or Key West. These cruises represent a tremendous value, as well, with non-refundable Early Saver rates starting at $329 per person for four-day voyages and $349 per person for five-day departures.

The new program further bolsters the line’s position as Port Canaveral’s largest cruise operator with three year-round ships carrying approximately 600,000 guests annually. Combined with Carnival Sensation’s three- and four-day Bahamas cruises and Carnival Dream’s seven-day eastern and western Caribbean voyages, the line offers an unprecedented variety of itineraries, cruise lengths, and departure days from Port Canaveral.

“The growth of Port Canaveral as a cruise departure point is truly extraordinary and millions of consumers have discovered the benefits of sailing from this convenient and centrally located homeport,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “The Canaveral Port Authority is an outstanding business partner and deploying a third year-round ship is a testament to our relationship with the port and our confidence in its continued success,” he added.

According to Port Canaveral CEO Stan Payne, “The Carnival Ecstasy’s arrival comes only a few days after we shattered our record for cruise passengers at Port Canaveral. Our success in providing customers, guests and our cruise partners with world-class service and facilities has resulted in momentum that will be richly enhanced by the Carnival Ecstasy.”

Carnival Ecstasy underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2009 that added a host of new facilities and features, including an expansive WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long spiral water slide, a tropical-themed resort-style main pool area, and a Serenity adults-only retreat. Ninety-eight balconies were added to existing staterooms, as well. These features complement the ship’s wide range of on-board amenities such as a renovated 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival health club, three restaurants, complimentary programs for children in three age groups, a 24-hour pizzeria, a jogging track, and 12 lounges, bars and nightspots.

Carnival Ecstasy’s new schedule continues the line’s longstanding relationship with Port Canaveral, which began in 1990 with a single 950-passenger ship carrying approximately 100,000 passengers annually. Over the past 21 years, Carnival has dramatically expanded its presence at the port, adding newer and larger ships along with new schedules and itineraries.
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Travel Dyanmics International to Sail Northeast, US, Canada, Hudson River and More

August 2011 - Another ex-Cruise West ship has found employment. Travel Dynamics International has chartered/purchased the Spirit of Yorktown (ex Yorktown Clipper of Clipper Cruise Line).

The 257 foot long, 43 foot wide, 2,354 ton ship will begin sailing for Travel Dynamics on May 24, 2012 as the Yorktown. The initial cruise will be. from Gloucester, Massachusetts to New England,
Canada and into the Great Lakes. Throughout the summer of 2012, the Yorktown will sail throughout the Great Lakes on various itineraries until late September.

After the summer Great Lakes Season, the Yorktown will sail the St Lawrence to New England and Canada followed by a series of one way trips between Providence RI and New York City including sailing up the Hudson to West Point to view the fall foliage and visit historic towns.

In late October, the Yorktown will sail on four 7-day cruises from Philadelphia to the historic Towns and Sites of the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware, James River and Potomac Rivers.

Starting in November 2012, the Yorktown will sail from New Orleans to multiple ports in Alabama and Florida Gulf Port cities through late December.

The Yorktown was built in 1988 and has gone through multiple refits. Her capacity is limited to 138 guests in all outside staterooms.

Included in the cruise fare is Cruise transportation; Complete program of tours and excursions; Welcome and Farewell reception party; All meals; Soft Drinks throughout the day and wine and beer with lunch and dinner; Educational Programs; Port and embarkation taxes; Gratuities to guides and drivers.

The Yorktown is register in the United States.

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Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic to Sail from NY in 2012

Disney Cruise Line Announces Sailings from New York in 2012 -

To learn more about Disney Cruises From New York, Use this link -

http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-04-17-Disney-Cruise-Line-Disney-Magic-From-New-York.htm

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Norwegian Cruise Line Re-Arranges Fleet Norwegian Jewel to Sail From NY.

April 27, 2009 – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced that it has redeployed Norwegian Sun for the summer of 2010, moving the ship from Alaska to Europe . The 1,936-passenger Norwegian Sun is assuming the summer 2010 itinerary previously announced for Norwegian Jewel and will sail a 12-day Baltic Capitals itinerary from London ( Dover ) beginning May 11, 2010 through September 8, 2010. In addition, the 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel will move from Europe to New York , sailing a combination of seven-day Bahamas & Florida, 10-day Canada & New England and 10-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from April 24, 2010 through April 24, 2011.

“After carefully weighing the rising costs of deploying three ships in Alaska and taking into account the recently enacted legislation, in particular the $50 head tax, we felt it was necessary to redeploy Norwegian Sun,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “ Alaska is an incredible destination, but we are clearly seeing the impact of these changes in 2009, emphasized even more by this challenging economic environment.”

Norwegian Sun had been scheduled to sail a seven-day itinerary between Vancouver , British Columbia and Whittier , Alaska . The ship’s new European deployment now includes a 15-day Panama Canal sailing from Santiago ( Valparaiso ), Chile , to Miami , Florida on April 11, 2010. Norwegian Sun will then reposition to Europe on a 15-day transatlantic voyage from Miami to London (Dover) on April 26, 2010, and begins her series of eleven 12-day Baltic Capitals cruises with stops in Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm (Nynäshamn), Sweden.
Following her winter season in Miami , Norwegian Jewel repositions to New York on a 13-day Circle the Caribbean voyage on April 11, 2010. Once in New York, the ship will sail a series of 20 seven-day Bahamas & Florida cruises with stops in Orlando (Port Canaveral), Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas.

Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star will continue their deployment in Alaska next summer, sailing seven-day Sawyer Glacier and Glacier Bay cruises from Seattle .

Norwegian Cruise Line is contacting travel partners and guests with reservations on Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Jewel’s previously scheduled sailings. The company is offering the option to transfer their reservation to a comparable sailing with their fare protected or re-priced if the fare is lower, along with an on-board credit. Transfers must be completed by Monday, May 11, 2009. To assist impacted guests and travel partners, the company has established a dedicated support line at 877-461-1160, open weekdays beginning this Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT.

Starting Wednesday, April 29, 2009, the company is also accepting reservations on Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Jewel’s new itineraries.

Discovery Sun Resumes Sailings to Bahamas

Discovery Cruise Lines' Discovery Sun returned to it daily sailings between Fort Lauderdale Florida and Grand Bahama Island on May 2nd 2009. The Discovery Sun was removed from service for most of the month of April while mechanical repairs were completed.

Discovery sails every day except Wednesdays from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island, departing at 7:45 am and returning at 10 pm. Discovery offers Fun Day cruises as well as cruise and stay vacation packages at most of the island’s hotels.

Carnival Pride Begin Year-Round Sailings From Baltimore.

(April 27, 2009) – Later today, Carnival Cruise Lines and the Port of Baltimore will launch the city’s first year-round cruise schedule when the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride sails on its inaugural departure from Baltimore.

The Carnival Pride arrived this morning at the South Locust Point Cruise Terminal, accompanied by, appropriately enough, The Pride of Baltimore, an authentic reproduction of a 19th century clipper topsail schooner. Following the Carnival Pride’s arrival, a special invitation-only reception was held on board the vessel and attended by port and community officials, dignitaries and VIPs.

Today’s voyage of the Carnival Pride marks the first of 50 voyages annually aboard the 88,500-ton “Fun Ship,” which is expected to carry 115,000 passengers a year from Baltimore. The Port of Baltimore estimates that with the addition of the Carnival Pride, the cruise industry will provide an annual economic impact of $152 million and generate 1,550 jobs within the state.

With the new year-round service from Baltimore, Carnival now sails from 19 North American departure points - the most in cruising - providing consumers with easy and affordable access to a wide variety of embarkation ports throughout the U.S.

“Baltimore is an excellent addition to our North American homeport offerings as it is in close proximity to millions of consumers who now have the opportunity to embark on a ‘Fun Ship’ cruise right from their own backyards,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “And the Carnival Pride is a truly spectacular ‘Fun Ship,’ offering a host of exciting facilities and features, along with a variety of appealing itinerary options, to create wonderful vacation memories for our guests,” he added.

“The State of Maryland welcomes the Carnival Pride and the beginning of year-round cruising to the Port of Baltimore,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “Now, tens of millions of people that live within a short drive of Baltimore can cruise anytime of the year they wish. The Cruise Maryland terminal’s unique location off Interstate 95 makes it easy for passengers to arrive and park on site,” he added.

Carnival Pride’s New Baltimore-Based Cruises Carnival Pride will operate a series of six-, seven- and eight-day cruises from Baltimore through Aug. 29, 2009. These cruises will visit a wide variety of ports, including Nassau, Freeport, Half Moon Cay (a private Bahamian island), Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Grand Turk in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Carnival Pride will then feature a year-round seven-day schedule starting Sept. 6, 2009, with cruises departing every Sunday. Two different itineraries will be offered including an Exotic Eastern Caribbean itinerary calling at Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, and Freeport; and a weeklong Bahamas/Florida route featuring Port Canaveral (near Orlando’s many attractions), Nassau and Freeport.

Signature ‘Fun Ship’ Amenities

The 960-foot-long Carnival Pride offers a host of resort-style amenities and facilities: four swimming pools – one with a cascading water slide - a wedding chapel and an upscale supper club located at the top of a glass-enclosed atrium, just one of several dining venues on board. Sixteen lounges and bars, including a sports bar, wine bar, piano bar and a 1,200-seat theatre showcasing lavish revues, are also featured. These facilities are accessible by a promenade running the length of the ship. Other features include a 14,500-square-foot spa, a jogging track, ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service.

Carnival Pride also appeals to families by offering expansive facilities and organized activities for children in three age groups - Camp Carnival for 2- to 11-year-olds, Circle “C” for 12- to 14-year-olds, and Club O2 for 15- to 17-year- olds.

The ship offers a wide variety of spacious accommodations and features the exclusive Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows. This includes approximately 700 staterooms and suites which have a private balcony -- a very popular option for enjoying the beautiful ocean vistas.

Reservations

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Pride’s new departures from Baltimore. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways are also available.