Crystal Cruises Crystal Serenity Offer Triple the Number of Ambassador Hosts

Ultra-luxury specialist Crystal Cruises has tripled the number of its Ambassador Host dance partners, from the normal four aboard every sailing, to 12 for its March 31 “Big Band and Ballroom Dance” voyage.  The Experience of Discovery cruise will also have double the usual amount of dance instructors on board, along with the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra to keep toes tapping.  The Miami-Lisbon voyage aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity provides an easy U.S. departure for Americans and easy return home for Europeans, with an average all-inclusive – yet value-priced -- rate starting at just $221/person per day.
 

Crystal’s gentlemen Ambassador Hosts serve as engaging dancing, dining, and conversation partners for solo women during their cruise.  Hosts are also available to accompany women on the dance floor whose companions might not be dancers.  The social hosting services are complimentary, as are all musical theme activities, including daily intro and advanced dance classes teaching everything from classical ballroom to Latin favorites and swing. 

The 17+-piece Glenn Miller Orchestra and vocalists will also play into the wee hours nightly, providing a lively soundtrack of timeless hits.  Numerous grand and intimate spaces on board, including Palm Court, Stardust Lounge, Pulse nightclub, and the central atrium near the Cove Bar, serve as on board music and dancing venues during the cruise.

“Big Band and Ballroom Dance is hotter than ever now, and our music cruises are always among our most popular voyages, packed with fun,” says Bret Bullock, vice president of entertainment.  “Solo travelers feel comfortable sailing Crystal because we offer so many ways to socialize with others, from dining to dancing.  On this particular cruise, we will have plenty of dance partners to go around.”

Also featured during the 10-day sailing are new Magic Castle at Sea shows and Crystal’s newly-released Elton John tribute production, Rocket Man.

The classic Trans-Atlantic luxury cruise provides ample days at sea to fully enjoy the indulgent Crystal resort experience, with a call in sub-tropical Madeira/Funchal, Portugal en route.  Fares booked by October 31 start at $2,210/person, double occupancy, with $1000/person in “Book Now” savings.  Known for one of the lowest solo supplements in the industry, Crystal’s sole occupancy rates for this cruise start at $3,015/person.

Crystal Cruises’ award-winning entertainment offerings include a range of venues and performances, from cabaret nightclub to piano bar saloon; acclaimed productions to headline entertainers; and sophisticated enrichment activities to in-room Blu-ray-viewing, for all world travelers.

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Former President Geroge Bush Sails on Cunard's Queen Mary 2

President George H.W. Bush and Former First Lady Barbara Bush enjoy a moment out on
the deck of Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 during the flagship’s 27 April 2012 Transatlantic Crossing.

The 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, and former First Lady Barbara Bush, joined by their daughter, Dorothy, and granddaughter, Georgia, sailed their first Transatlantic Crossing aboard Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 this week.  The seven-day voyage originated in Southampton, England, on 27 April and arrived into New York this morning.

Upon embarking in Southampton, they received a White Star welcome in the ship’s Commodore Club by Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line; David Dingle, CEO, Carnival UK; Captain Kevin Oprey, master of Queen Mary 2; and John Duffy, the ship’s hotel manager.  During the greeting, President Bush was heard to say of their Queen Mary 2 voyage, “I've been looking forward to this for weeks!”  Barbara Bush agreed, “You've been talking about nothing else for months!”

“We are honored to have welcomed President Bush and his family as guests aboard Queen Mary 2,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.  “Throughout our history, countless dignitaries have enjoyed the height of leisure and luxury offered aboard Cunard’s Transatlantic Crossings, and we are pleased that the President now joins in that legacy.”

During the voyage, the President and First Lady enjoyed production shows in the Royal Court Theatre, experienced the world-class Canyon Ranch SpaClub® and attended one of Cunard’s new Apple iStudy enrichment classes.  By night, they could be seen dining with the captain, as well as in the Queens Grill Restaurant, La Piazza and Queen Mary 2’s specialty restaurant, Todd English.

"Barbara and I have always wanted to make a Crossing, and it gives us great joy to be able to do so aboard Queen Mary 2 with our family and close friends.  We have enjoyed the voyage from its beginning, and our experience has been made even better by the amazing crew and staff. We will always have fond memories of our Transatlantic Crossing,” said President Bush.

Cunard’s legendary Transatlantic Crossings reflect the pinnacle of adventure and civility in ocean travel.  Queen Mary 2 is the only liner offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic service, ranging from seven-day voyages between New York and Southampton, England, to eight- and nine-day Crossings offered to Hamburg, Germany. Travel aboard Queen Mary 2 offers the ultimate luxury cruise vacation, rich in classic British traditions, fine cuisine and stimulating on board enrichment.  This year’s season includes several new offerings, such as new theatrical productions, jazz music workshops, lecture programs, dining menus and spa treatments.

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Cunard Queen Mary 2 Comparisons and Interesting Facts

With the start of the 2012 Cunard Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic season scheduled to start in May 2012, Cunard is drumming up hype around the 2012 season.

Cunard Line released this interesting fact sheet on the Queen Mary 2 specifically focused on Transatlantic Voyages.


Click on the photo to see and enlarged (and readable) version.

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Celebrity Cruise Offers Extensive Activites on Transatlantic Cruises

From Riedel comparative wine glass workshops to cooking competitions, from Rosetta Stone language lessons to iPhoto classes, from wellness workshops to pool volleyball with the ship’s officers, the popular Celebrity Life activity program offers a multitude of ways to enjoy a modern luxury experience on every Celebrity Cruises vacation. This year, the premium cruise brand is making its already rich Celebrity Life lineup even more robust on its transatlantic sailings and calling it “Celebrity Life Plus,” amplifying the “Taste,” “Learn,” “Revive” and “Play” themes known for exciting and entertaining vacationers year-round.

“Experienced cruisers know that transatlantic cruises offer an ideal opportunity to spend luxurious days at sea learning new things, exploring new tastes, recharging, or simply having fun,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Celebrity Cruises. “The introduction of Celebrity Life Plus takes everything our guests already love about these sailings and about Celebrity Life and marries the two, resulting in the most comprehensive, enriching, exciting and fun long cruises, offering incredible speakers and other exclusive activities. Never before have we had such a wide array of offerings and activities on one sailing.”

In a single transatlantic cruise, Celebrity Life Plus will offer cruisers as much immersion as a theme cruise, but while actual theme cruises focus on one area of interest, Celebrity Life Plus offers a robust breadth of activities focused on multiple themes.

Vacationers who wish to explore their love of food and wine will revel in the opportunity to hear from guest chefs and wine educators, who will present cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, book signings, food-and-wine pairing dinners and more, on each transatlantic cruise.

Those who wish to sharpen their mind will take pleasure in learning from dynamic speakers from Smithsonian Journeys, the program known for often unrivaled expertise that provides Celebrity’s destination lectures on many of its regular cruises throughout the year. Astronomy experts David Hughes and Steve Maran will be onboard select sailings, as will art history expert Allison Jessing and Mark Kaufman, an expert in the burgeoning science of life beyond Earth.

Additionally, former Olympic gold medalist Frank Shorter and Hall of Fame professional basketball player Nancy Lieberman will share their experiences in the world of sports.

Additional special interest speakers will include naturalists, oceanographers and guest artists. The first of these will be the first at-sea appearance by the renowned palette knife artist Graham Denison, a master of contemporary impressionism whose work has been prominently featured by The Walt Disney Company and other leading consumer brands. Denison will be on the first 2012 spring transatlantic sailing painting live in a studio setting, offering guests an interactive class and hosting question-and-answer sessions. Guests with an interest in bringing out their own inner artist can participate in additional interactive classes led by master artists from Miami Beach’s ArtCenter / South Florida. Classes will include jewelry making, mosaics, drawing, Chinese brush painting and watercolor.

Vacationers who wish to use their time onboard to focus on their wellness will enjoy Celebrity Life’s special fitness programming; Celebrity will introduce the popular Latin and internationally inspired dance-fitness class “Zumba Fitness” into its Celebrity Life Plus line-up. The program has over 12 million followers in 125 countries. Celebrity Life Plus will offer two classes a day, led by Zumba instructors who are part of the ‘Zumba Instructor NetworkTM” and who hold licenses to teach specialty Zumba classes – Zumba Gold (for the active older adult) and Aqua Zumba, which Zumba calls “the ultimate pool party.”

The cruises that will feature Celebrity Life Plus are:

• 14-night voyage on Celebrity Solstice, departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 15, 2012 and arriving in Barcelona, Spain on April 29
• 10-night cruise on Celebrity Eclipse, departing Miami, Florida on April 21, 2012 and arriving in Southampton, England on May 1
• 15-night cruise on Celebrity Constellation, departing Fort Lauderdale on May 5, 2012 and arriving in Amsterdam, Holland on May 20
• 14-night cruise on Celebrity Equinox, departing Fort Lauderdale on April 16, 2012 and arriving in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy on April 30
• 9-night cruise on Celebrity Silhouette, departing Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey on April 22, 2012 and arriving in Rome (Civitavecchia) on May 1
• 13-night cruise on Celebrity Eclipse, departing Southampton on October 27, 2012 and arriving in Fort Lauderdale on November 9
• 14-night cruise on Celebrity Equinox, departing Rome (Civitavecchia) on November 26, 2012 and arriving in Fort Lauderdale on December 10
• 15-night cruise on Celebrity Constellation, departing Southampton on November 30, 2012 and arriving in Miami on December 16
• 15-night cruise on Celebrity Silhouette, departing Rome (Civitavecchia) on December 1, 2012 and arriving in Fort Lauderdale on December 16

Additional details are available at www.celebritycruises.com/celebritylifeplus. Select Celebrity Life Plus and Celebrity Life activities require a fee.

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Cunard Line Announces Feel Famous Sale on Cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Legendary Trans-Atlantic Crossings

Those looking to experience a Cunard luxury cruise vacation exploring the historic wonders of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe’s uniquely dramatic landscapes, or the timeless adventure of the line’s signature trans-Atlantic cruise can now enjoy significant savings on select cruises with the 2012 Feel Famous Sale. With savings of up to $1,600 on balcony staterooms, experiencing these sought-after itineraries in distinctive Cunard style is even more accessible than ever.

Guests can save up to:

• $1,600 per balcony stateroom on Northern Europe cruises of 14 days or longer aboard Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth

• $1,100 per balcony stateroom aboard select 7-day trans-Atlantic Crossings aboard Queen Mary 2

• $1,000 per balcony stateroom on Northern Europe cruises shorter than 14 days aboard Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth

• $800 per balcony stateroom on 12-day Mediterranean cruises aboard Queen Elizabeth

The Mediterranean is a world of contrasts, beauty, culture and enduring fascination and its alluring destinations each hold unique appeal. From Kusadasi, for example, guests can explore inspiring Ephesus, with its ancient walls, bustling markets and the ageless temple of Artemis. Rhodes combines beautiful beaches and spectacular vistas, Santorini is the quintessential Greek isle, and Venice perhaps best captures Italy’s romantic splendour where music, art, its famed canals and exquisite cuisine captivate all who visit.

The awe-inspiring beauty of Scandinavia is highlighted by stunning fjords, plunging waterfalls and twisting mountains. Scenic Norway offers some of nature’s most breathtaking landscapes and the natural beauty of Stavanger features charming interlaced bridges and perfectly-preserved 18th century homes.

Cunard’s most iconic itinerary, the trans-Atlantic Crossing, is like no other ocean-going cruise - steeped in heritage, elegance and grandeur, and offering the luxury of time with seven to nine days at sea. On a Crossing, guests enjoy a myriad of interests from traditional, white-gloved afternoon tea, workshops with members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, daily planetarium shows, the largest library at sea and the first shipboard Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

All cruise prices are per person, and the sale runs through 29 February 2012.

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MSC Cruises Offers AARP Members Significant Discounts

MSC Cruises is making available to AARP members savings of more than 50 percent with rates from $859 per person on select itineraries in its Distinctive Collection featuring positioning sailings from various locations all over the world. Positioning itineraries depart from and arrive in different ports and offer an array of cities in many countries typically unavailable on cruises.

Pre- and post-cruise stays and excursions are available at an additional cost. Kids 11 and younger cruise free when sharing a stateroom with two adults.

These special rates for AARP members are available on select sailings. Positioning cruise itinerary highlights include:

• 17-night cruise from Genoa to Cape Town or 16-night Barcelona to Cape Town on MSC Melody and calling in Barcelona, Cadiz, Tenerife, Mindelo, and Walvis Bay. December 1 or December 2; rates from $859 and $44.30 pp. in GFT’s;

• 18-night cruise from Kiel or 17-night from Copenhagen to New York on MSC Poesia and calling in Southampton, Le Havre, Vigo, Lisbon, Ponta Delgada, and King’s Wharf. September 4 or 5; rates from $1,149 plus $65 pp. government fees and taxes (GFT’s)];

• 16-night cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona or 17-night to Genoa on MSC Poesia and calling in San Juan, St. John’s, Port Castries, Funchal, Malaga, and Alicante. March 6; rates from $949 plus $84.43 and $82.85 pp. in GFT’s;

• 18-night cruise from Venice to Rio de Janeiro or 19-night from Rio de Janeiro to Venice on MSC Musica and calling in Dubrovnik, Valletta, Malaga, Funchal, Tenerife, Fortaleze, Recife, and Salvador de Bahia. October 31 or March 29; rates from $919 plus $143.30 pp. in GFT’s;

• 17-night cruise from Genoa to Santos or 19-night from Santos to Kiel on MSC Orchestra and calling in Barcelona, Lisbon, Casablanca, Tenerife, Recife, Salvador de Bahia, and Rio de Janeiro (Funchal, Vigo, Southampton and Copenhagen on 19-night). November 11 or April 12; rates from $999 plus $187.20 pp. in GFT’s;

• 18-night cruise from Venice to Santos or 17-night from Santos to Southampton on MSC Opera and calling in Katakalon, La Valetta, Malaga, Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife, Recife, Salvador de Bahia, and Rio de Janeiro. November 25 or April 20; rates from $919 plus $206 pp. in GFT’s;

Restrictions apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion including standard AARP member offers.

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NCL's New Norwegian Epic Transatlantic Voyage Sold Out

May 27, 2010 – Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that its largest and most innovative ship Norwegian Epic is sold out on its June 24, 2010 seven-day transatlantic sailing from Southampton , England to New York City . The line has launched a wait list for those interested in sailing on the transatlantic should cancellations occur. The ship, the largest to berth in the Port of New York , will arrive at Manhattan Cruise Terminal’s Pier 88 on Thursday, July 1. Country music legend Reba McEntire will christen the ship on Friday, July 2 followed by a two-day inaugural sailing. On Sunday, July 4, Norwegian Epic will serve as the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET and takes place on board Norwegian Epic where invited guests will have a front row view of the fireworks display.

“We are on the edge of our seats in anticipation of the debut of Norwegian Epic to the world in only a few short weeks,” said Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Guests on the transatlantic sailing will be among the first to experience all of Norwegian Epic’s innovative features including her more than 20 dining options and world-class entertainment.”

The company released a sneak peak video of Norwegian Epic on its YouTube channel on Wednesday, May 25 showcasing the finishing touches being made. The video is viewable at www.ncl.com/youtube.

Norwegian Epic will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Miami beginning July 10, 2010 through April 2011. Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas , U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau , Bahamas . The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya , Mexico ; Roatán, Bay Islands , Honduras ; and Cozumel , Mexico . From May through October 2011, Norwegian Epic will sail a seven-day Western Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona, Spain with ports of call including: Florence/Pisa (Livorno); Rome ( Civitavecchia ); Naples , Italy ; and Palma , Majorca , Spain .

Norwegian Epic

World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group will perform their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams™ and Dinner, written and directed by Neil Goldberg , will present a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, will be featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City® Comedy Troupe and Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos Show.

In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic will incorporate many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon™ at Sea offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.

The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H2O with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas. In addition, Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with more than 20 dining options and 20 bars and lounges.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 43-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, Norwegian has the youngest fleet in the industry with 10 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

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Princess Offers Discounts on 2009 Cruises.

Princess Cruises has unveiled discounts on 2009 Cruises.

Among the discounts are 7-day Alaska Cruises in May and September. The Voyage of the Glaciers cruises, sail between Vancouver and Whittier. Prices start as $397 for an interior stateroom.

15 - 33 day transatlantic sailings start at $995 on either the Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess or Ruby Princess. These sailing depart in April and November.

In addition, Princess is offering additional discounts in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, all averaging less than $100 per day for an inside cabin. Some discounts are available in the peak months of July and August.

For more information check with Princess Cruises.

MSC Cruises Offers Discounts on MSC Orchestra Transatlantic Voyage

MSC Cruises USA is offering savings of up to 60% on MSC Lirica and MSC Orchestra’s eastbound Atlantic crossings this spring.

MSC Orchestra departs Fort Lauderdale on May 2 on an 18-night sailing to Copenhagen. The voyage includes the line’s first call in New York City, a May 5 overnight. The offer brings starting prices to $56 per person, double occupancy, for an inside stateroom, $73 for an ocean-view, $84 for a balcony and $144 for a balcony suite.

MSC Lirica departs Fort Lauderdale on April 23 on a 16-night voyage to Dover. With the savings, rates begin at $44 for an inside stateroom, $60 for an ocean-view and $125 for a balcony suite.

The rates expire March 15.