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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Norwegian Sun to Homeport in Port Canaveral

Norwegian Cruise Line’s 1,936-guest Norwegian Sun will call Port Canaveral (Orlando) home when the ship arrives on Saturday, October 16, 2010. The ship, purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing every Saturday from October 16, 2010 through April 7, 2012.

Guests can extend their vacation in Florida with easy access to pre- and post-cruise shore excursions. Those looking for an outdoor adventure can enjoy a scenic airboat tour within the heart of the Central Florida Everglades, kayak through the eco-trails of the Indian River , or spot native wildlife from a pontoon boat. Fast-paced excitement can found at any number of amusement parks from Universal Studios to Walt Disney World Resort, or by spending a day learning how to surf at Cocoa Beach .

“We are always looking for new home ports where it’s easy for our guests to be on vacation in a matter of moments. By adding Port Canaveral as one of our home ports, we’re able to offer our Freestyle Cruising experience to the millions of residents who live in Central Florida and surrounding areas,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “In addition, Port Canaveral’s close proximity to the myriad of theme parks and beaches makes it perfect for a pre- or post-cruise experience.”

"Norwegian Sun represents the next step in a successful, well-established relationship between Norwegian Cruise Line and Port Canaveral that already provides passengers from the Northeast a day to explore the many attractions of Central Florida,” said Stan Payne, Port Canaveral CEO. “We are excited about having Norwegian Sun as a homeported vessel so we can proudly show Norwegian passengers the ease of sailing from Port Canaveral."

Norwegian Sun features 14 Freestyle Dining options including Norwegian’s signature French restaurant, Le Bistro; 10 bars and lounges; a swimming pool with a kid’s pool and five hot tubs; a complimentary kid’s club and teen lounge; a casino; a full-service spa and salon; and a fitness center offering state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

Norwegian Sun’s extensive choice of accommodations is suitable for families on vacation to couples on a romantic getaway. Families of all sizes can choose from a large number of staterooms (including suites and mini-suites) that can interconnect to create multiple bedroom configurations, with a separate bathroom and shower. Couples may unwind in the luxurious Romance Suite with floor-to-ceiling doors that open to a private balcony, bedroom with queen-sized bed, and full bath with tub and shower.

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 cruise will call in Cozumel , Mexico ; Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala ; Belize City , Belize and Key West , Florida . The two itineraries can be easily combined to create a port-rich 14-day Caribbean tour for guests looking for a longer cruise escape. Beginning May 2011, Norwegian Sun will spend her summer in Europe sailing from Copenhagen , Denmark , for the first time in the company’s history, embarking on 15 nine-day Baltic Capitals cruises. Ports of call include: Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany ; Tallinn , Estonia ; an overnight in St. Petersburg , Russia ; Helsinki , Finland and Stockholm (Nynashamn), Sweden . Norwegian Cruise Line’s 1,936-guest Norwegian Sun will call Port Canaveral (Orlando) home when the ship arrives on Saturday, October 16, 2010. The ship, purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing every Saturday from October 16, 2010 through April 7, 2012.

Guests can extend their vacation in Florida with easy access to pre- and post-cruise shore excursions. Those looking for an outdoor adventure can enjoy a scenic airboat tour within the heart of the Central Florida Everglades, kayak through the eco-trails of the Indian River , or spot native wildlife from a pontoon boat. Fast-paced excitement can found at any number of amusement parks from Universal Studios to Walt Disney World Resort, or by spending a day learning how to surf at Cocoa Beach .

“We are always looking for new home ports where it’s easy for our guests to be on vacation in a matter of moments. By adding Port Canaveral as one of our home ports, we’re able to offer our Freestyle Cruising experience to the millions of residents who live in Central Florida and surrounding areas,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “In addition, Port Canaveral’s close proximity to the myriad of theme parks and beaches makes it perfect for a pre- or post-cruise experience.”

"Norwegian Sun represents the next step in a successful, well-established relationship between Norwegian Cruise Line and Port Canaveral that already provides passengers from the Northeast a day to explore the many attractions of Central Florida,” said Stan Payne, Port Canaveral CEO. “We are excited about having Norwegian Sun as a homeported vessel so we can proudly show Norwegian passengers the ease of sailing from Port Canaveral."

Norwegian Sun features 14 Freestyle Dining options including Norwegian’s signature French restaurant, Le Bistro; 10 bars and lounges; a swimming pool with a kid’s pool and five hot tubs; a complimentary kid’s club and teen lounge; a casino; a full-service spa and salon; and a fitness center offering state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

Norwegian Sun’s extensive choice of accommodations is suitable for families on vacation to couples on a romantic getaway. Families of all sizes can choose from a large number of staterooms (including suites and mini-suites) that can interconnect to create multiple bedroom configurations, with a separate bathroom and shower. Couples may unwind in the luxurious Romance Suite with floor-to-ceiling doors that open to a private balcony, bedroom with queen-sized bed, and full bath with tub and shower.

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 cruise will call in Cozumel , Mexico ; Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala ; Belize City , Belize and Key West , Florida . The two itineraries can be easily combined to create a port-rich 14-day Caribbean tour for guests looking for a longer cruise escape. Beginning May 2011, Norwegian Sun will spend her summer in Europe sailing from Copenhagen , Denmark , for the first time in the company’s history, embarking on 15 nine-day Baltic Capitals cruises. Ports of call include: Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany ; Tallinn , Estonia ; an overnight in St. Petersburg , Russia ; Helsinki , Finland and Stockholm (Nynashamn), Sweden .

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Royal Caribbean's 2010-11 Short Cruises

April 22, 2009 – Royal Caribbean International today announced its 2010-11 Short Caribbean cruises – a total of 331 sailings, comprised of 20 distinctive itineraries and 15 unique ports of call – presenting a variety of convenient getaways to enthusiasts and compelling vacation values to those who are new to cruising. The cruise line will enhance and expand its deployment in Tampa with Radiance of the Seas from autumn 2010 through spring 2011, while Majesty of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas will continue their year-round Bahamas getaway sailings from their respective homeports of Miami and Port Canaveral. Grandeur of the Seas will reposition to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale for summer and autumn 2010, after which Navigator of the Seas will take over as the largest, most innovative and amenity-filled ship to offer short Caribbean itineraries for its fourth consecutive season. Bookings for the line’s 2010-11 short cruises are now open.

Guests on the cruise line’s short Caribbean cruises also can purchase a wide array of exciting shore excursions for an action-packed day in port. In Mexico, Dolphin Push, Pull & Swim offers guests the once-in-a-lifetime, up-close experience to swim with the graceful and intelligent mammals in Cozumel; or Bike & Clear Kayak Adventure can delight guests in Costa Maya with its beautiful beaches and local flavors from different vantage points. On itineraries that include a call at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise in the Bahamas, guests can select a guided high-energy adventure, touring the neighboring Berry Islands atop their own personal watercrafts.

With more berths and an expanded season, Radiance of the Seas will increase Royal Caribbean’s capacity in Tampa compared to Grandeur of the Seas’ previous seasonal deployments. Radiance of the Seas’ itineraries will include a four-night sailing, calling at Cozumel, Mexico, and a five-night sailing that adds Costa Maya. The ship’s 2010 season will kick-off with a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing on October 9, calling at George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; and Belize City, Belize.

Grandeur of the Seas will reposition from Tampa and continue sailing four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades in April 2010. Ports of call will include Key West, Cozumel, Costa Maya, George Town and CocoCay.

In November 2010, Navigator of the Seas will replace Grandeur of the Seas at Port Everglades, also offering four- and five-night itineraries. On one of its five-night itineraries that depart Mondays, Navigator of the Seas will call at the new port of Falmouth, Jamaica, and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach paradise on the north Haitian coast. Other ports of call will include George Town, Cozumel, Belize City, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Among the ten largest cruise ships in the world, Voyager-class Navigator of the Seas offers guests many onboard diversions exclusive to Royal Caribbean, including innovative onboard amenities as an ice-skating rink, in-line skate track, the cruise line’s iconic rock-climbing wall, a nine-hole mini-golf course, and the Royal Promenade – lined with shops, restaurants, bars and lounges that run nearly the length of the ship.

Majesty of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas will continue year-round three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries, departing Mondays and Fridays from Miami and Port Canaveral. Ports of call will include Nassau, CocoCay, and Costa Maya.

Onboard every Royal Caribbean ship, guests enjoy the cruise line’s award-winning Broadway-style musical revues from Royal Caribbean Productions, acclaimed Adventure Ocean kids and teen programming, world-class gaming in the Casino Royale, and Royal Caribbean’s renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from every staff and crew member.

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.