Carnival to Offer More Bermuda Cruises in 2011

May 6, 2010 – Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, will dramatically expand its Bermuda cruise schedule in 2011, offering 16 departures to the island from four popular eastern U.S. homeports -- Baltimore, Norfolk, Va.; New York and, for the first time, Charleston, S.C. Carnival will be the only cruise line offering Bermuda cruises from Charleston.


Read More: Carnival Expands 2011 Bermuda Cruises

Royal Carribbean Announces Cruise From Galveston and New Orleans

May 7, 2010 - Royal Caribbean International announced the cruise line’s exciting winter 2011-12 Caribbean cruise season aboard Voyager of the Seas from New Orleans, La., and Mariner of the Seas from Galveston, Texas. Voyager of the Seas will debut in New Orleans as the largest and most innovative cruise ship to homeport in the city, and offer a third convenient Gulf Coast city to embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Vacationers can choose from 45 sailings aboard Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas from November 2011 through April 2012, which comprise seven distinct itineraries that call at eight unique Caribbean ports. The two ships augment the already-announced short Western Caribbean cruises aboard Jewel of the Seas from Tampa. Royal Caribbean’s winter 2011-12 Gulf Caribbean cruises are now open for booking.

“With our return to New Orleans in winter 2011, Royal Caribbean will offer three vibrant and convenient Gulf Coast cities to embark on a memorable family vacation or winter getaway,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Our ships offer guests the widest array of exclusive onboard amenities and offer something for everyone and every age. Throughout, all guests will enjoy the Royal treatment, delivered by every member of our renowned friendly and engaging staff and crew.”

Guests of Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas also have a wide range of exciting shore excursions to enhance their cruise vacation for an additional charge. Guests can enjoy a fun-filled day at the beach sunbathing and swimming on the "Playa Mia Deluxe Beach Break" in Cozumel, Mexico, or swim with the graceful Southern Atlantic stingrays at the world-famous Stingray City on "Stingray City Sandbar Swim & Snorkel" in Grand Cayman. For the more adventurous, guests can soar through trees from platform to platform on the “Chukka Canopy Experience” at the new cruise port of Falmouth, Jamaica.

Voyager of the Seas begins the new season from New Orleans on November 12, 2011, offering vacationers seven-night Western Caribbean cruises sailing every Saturday from the city’s newly renovated Julia Street Cruise Terminal. Mariner of the Seas will take over for Voyager of the Seas at Galveston and offer two alternating seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries. A special nine-night Western Caribbean itinerary, departing November 11, 2011, will kick off Mariner of the Seas’ inaugural season at Galveston and an eight-night holiday cruise will depart on December 18. A six-night cruise, departing on January 2, 2012, will offer vacationers a relaxing and rejuvenating post-holiday getaway.

Voyager-class Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are two of the world’s 10 largest and most innovative cruise ships at sea. Both ships feature the cruise line’s iconic rock-climbing wall, the Studio B ice-skating rink, nine-hole mini-golf course, an in-line skating track, a full-size basketball court, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of boutiques, restaurants and lounges and bars. Voyager of the Seas features the cruise line’s signature Portofino Italian restaurant, while Mariner of the Seas offers a second specialty restaurant option, Chops Grille steakhouse.

Carnival New Ship to Be Named Carinval Breeze

(May 10, 2010) – Carnival Breeze has been selected as the name for the line’s new 130,000-ton cruise ship scheduled to enter service in spring 2012.

To be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze will be the third in the line’s Dream class. The series’ namesake vessel, Carnival Dream, entered service in 2009 and a sister ship, Carnival Magic, is currently under construction at Fincantieri and is scheduled to debut in Europe in May 2011.

Carnival Breeze will offer many of the popular innovations featured on Carnival Dream as well as some exciting and unique new elements created just for this vessel that will be detailed at a later date, along with homeport and itinerary information.

“Carnival Breeze promises to be a spectacular addition to our fleet and its name reflects the continued evolution of our brand while conveying the fun and carefree spirit associated with a Carnival cruise,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Signature Dream-class elements featured on Carnival Breeze will include expansive facilities for children and teens, a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa and The Lanai, an outdoor promenade featuring cantilevered whirlpools that extend over the ship’s sides.

Other features will include a WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza and a wide range of staterooms including deluxe ocean views with two bathrooms, some of which feature five berths and hold particular appeal for families.

Carnival Breeze will be the 24th vessel in Carnival Cruise Lines’ fleet, which operates three- to 15-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda and Europe.

Jillian Michael's Wellness Cruise

May, 2010 – Wellness expert Jillian Michaels has teamed up with affinity travel company Sixthman and Norwegian Cruise Line to present the JILLIAN MICHAELS ULTIMATE WELLNESS CRUISE 2010. Setting sail from Miami , Florida on October 21, 2010, the cruise will take guests to Great Stirrup Cay & Nassau, Bahamas aboard the beautiful Norwegian Star, returning to port on October 25, 2010.

A New York Times best-selling author, and star of the NBC hit The Biggest Loser and the upcoming series Losing It with Jillian, Michaels and her super team of experts will be on board to motivate and inspire guests on the ultimate wellness vacation! Guests will experience four days of healthy cuisine, heart-pounding exercise, live wellness speaking engagements led by Michaels, activities for kids, and live entertainment – all while learning invaluable wellness lessons and acquiring the tools to help reboot one’s life.

“Being physically fit and healthy transcends into every facet of our lives,” said Michaels. “I’m excited to bring the ultimate in both wellness and fun to Norwegian Star – and to provide our guests with the tools to eat healthier, exercise better and improve all aspects of their lives.”

Giancarlo Chersich, Co-Founder and CEO of Empowered Media, says, “This wellness cruise encompasses all aspects of our brand philosophy. It will embody Jillian’s core messaging as well as introduce key experts that compliment and broaden the scope of our brand.”

Sixthman founder Andy Levine says, “We are proud to partner with Jillian Michaels in bringing her vision for a healthy and active vacation to life. She is a hero to her legions of fans in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, and they will be in for a great four days at sea.”

With beach workouts, team sports, high-energy dancing, great comedians, fitness fun for kids and more, the JILLIAN MICHAELS ULTIMATE WELLNESS CRUISE 2010 will be a family friendly, exciting way to get on the road to a healthier, balanced life.

Carnival Offers Military Personnel Discount for Cruises Purchased in May

In honor of Memorial Day, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering a promotion throughout May that allows active and retired military personnel to book up to three “Fun Ship” staterooms at discounted rates for themselves and their friends and family members.

Learn More About the Carnival Cruises Military Discount

Norwegian Epic Godmother Named

May 11, 2010 – Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that one of music's most iconic performers, Reba McEntire, will christen the company’s newest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic, the hottest new ship of the year. The christening ceremony will take place in New York on July 2, 2010 on board Norwegian Epic.

Read More: Norwegian Epic Godmother

Carnival Cruises Carnival Spirit Alaska Season Begins

(May 11, 2010) – Carnival Cruise Lines will launch its first-ever cruises from Seattle today when the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit departs on a seven-day voyage to Alaska – the first of 17 cruises that will bring some 40,000 passengers to the city this season.

Carnival’s new Seattle-based Alaska program will run through Aug. 31, 2010, with week-long Glacier Bay cruises departing every Tuesday from the port’s newest cruise terminal, Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. Ports of call include popular Alaskan destinations of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as Victoria and cruising Tracy Arm Fjord.

To commemorate the start-up of Carnival’s new service from Seattle, a special reception and luncheon was held on board the Carnival Spirit, attracting more than 400 community leaders and local officials. The event was part of the annual Maritime Festival Luncheon sponsored by Seattle’s chapter of the Propeller Club.

“We have received a warm welcome from our friends in Seattle, which is a wonderful addition to our industry-leading North American homeport choices. In addition to outstanding support from the local community, including our travel agent partners, Seattle provides a convenient and affordable air transportation option and its location offers those in the western U.S. an opportunity to drive to their cruise,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.

“Carnival’s passengers will pump nearly $2 million per ship visit into our economy,” said Port Commission President Bill Bryant. “17 Carnival calls here expected this year mean jobs and local tax revenue. We are pleased to welcome Carnival to their new home at the Port of Seattle.”

Seattle serves as an excellent gateway to Alaska, a region filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders, including calving glaciers, magnificent fjords and native sea and animal life, as well as interesting cultures and attractions.

A wide range of shore excursions – from helicopter flightseeing and rainforest canopy tours to hiking, canoeing, kayaking expeditions and even alpine snorkeling – are available, providing guests myriad opportunities to experience and explore The Last Frontier.

And the Carnival Spirit is the ideal ship for Alaska, with 80 percent of staterooms featuring an ocean view or balcony – perfect for viewing the passing scenery -- along with indoor and outdoor promenades, and a 14,500-square-foot health and wellness center.

Guests also enjoy specially prepared “Just For Alaska” menu items featuring local fish, game and other ingredients, as well as full-service multi-course meals in the main dining room as well as casual options such as a 24-hour pizzeria. Carnival Spirit also features a classic American-style steakhouse with prime U.S.D.A. dry-aged steaks and other gourmet cuisine.

Carnival Spirit also offers a two-deck-high promenade lined with lounges, bars and nightspots, including a 1,200-seat theater showcasing lavish production shows, as well as full casino gambling, a wedding chapel, conference center and bow-to-stern wireless access. Four swimming pools – one of them heated – as well as Carnival’s signature Twister Waterslide, are featured, as well.

Kids sailing on Carnival Spirit can enjoy three different children’s programs – Camp Carnival for ages 2-11, Circle “C” for ages 12 to 14, and Club O2 for 15- to 17-year-olds – with facilities and counselors dedicated to each group. Many activities in these programs feature fun, educational activities with an Alaska theme.

Reservations are currently being accepted for Carnival’s 2010 Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Fred Olsen Outlines 2012 Grand Voyages

May 11, 2010 – Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced two longer cruises for 2012. Balmoral has an epic voyage around South America, departing January 5, 2012 for 89 nights, while Black Watch undertakes a 106-night World Cruise departing from Southampton on January 11, 2012.

Balmoral’s cruise, also from Southampton, travels via the Canary Islands and Caribbean and takes in some of North America, visiting Key West, New Orleans and Galveston (for Houston) as well as Cozumel in Mexico and transits the Panama Canal before travelling around the continent of South America. The cruise can also be booked in four shorter sectors: Southampton to Montego Bay, Jamaica; Montego Bay to Valparaiso, Chile; Valparaiso to Rio (Brazil); and Rio to Southampton. Prices for the full cruise start from $13,198 per person.

For those seeking the ultimate in cruising, a world cruise is hard to beat. This Black Watch cruise travels in an easterly direction, visiting Egypt and the Suez Canal, India, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Borneo, Australia – including the Great Barrier Reef – the South Pacific including Vanuatu, Fiji, Bora Bora and Tahiti, South America and the Caribbean. Prices for this all-encompassing cruise start from $15,673 per person. Prices are based on two people sharing an inside cabin and include all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes.

The world cruise can also be booked in four shorter sectors: Southampton to Singapore; Singapore to Sydney; Sydney to Callao (Peru); and Callao to Southampton.

2012 Grand Voyages go on sale May 18, 2010 for Oceans Members, Fred’s loyalty program members, while general sales start May 19, 2010.

Bookings can be made with MN-based Borton Overseas, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s Official USA reseller, by calling 1-800-843-0602.

Norwegian Cruise Line - Kids from $99 and Free Soda for Kids

Norwegian Cruise Line continues its six-week long Summer Blockbuster Event which features kids from $99 when booked as third through eight guests on select 2010 sailings for new reservations made now through May 31, 2010. In addition to reduced cruise fare, each child will receive a complimentary soda package, offering unlimited sodas, on new reservations made from May 3 through May 16, 2010. Click here to learn more about the NCL Summer Blockbuster Event.

Norwegian Cruise Line NCL Unveils 2011 Ship Deployment

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Unveils 2011 Cruise Deployments including

-o- Home-porting a ship in Copenhagen, Denmark,
-o- New Ships for Bermuda from New York & Boston
-o- Year Round Cruises from New Orleans.
-o- Norwegian Epic European Season.
-o- Information on Alaska and Hawaii Cruises.
-o- Much More.

Learn More about NCL 2011 Cruises.

Cruises from NY/NJ - NYCruiseInfo.com
Cruises from the Northeast - NortheastCruiseGuide.com