Monday, October 10, 2011

SeaDream Yacht Club's SeaDream 1 Visits Monaco For 2012 Grand Prix


Enjoy luxurious accommodations aboard the 112 guest mega-yacht, SeaDream I and take in the one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world. Now less than 250 days before the departure of the 70th Grand Prix of Monaco 2012!

Taking place May 24-27, 2012 the race is held on a narrow course laid out in the streets of Monaco , with many elevation changes, tight corners and a tunnel, making it one of the most demanding tracks in Formula One. In spite of the relatively low average speeds, it is a dangerous place to race.

Auto enthusiasts and jet setters flock to Monte Carlo for the race, the warm climate, the famous casino and the chance to rub elbows with a Prince or movie star. Although it has a reputation for being a glitzy tax haven for millionaires, the Principality offers an array of exceptional cultural attractions including the Princess Grace Rose Garden and the Oceanographic Museum .

Sail with SeaDream I, voyage #11221 embarking in Nice , France on May 26 then spend May 27 in Monte Carlo followed by five more days of heavenly Mediterranean yachting. After Monte Carlo this itinerary calls on St. Tropez, France; Portovenere, Italy; Viareggio (gateway to Florence), Italy; Portoferraio, Elba, Italy; Portofino, Italy with disembarkation on June 2 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Voyage fare starting at $4,899 per person.

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Sunday, October 9, 2011

NCL Chooses Names for New Ships Under Construction at Meyer Werft.


Norwegian Cruise Line (“Norwegian”) has selected the winning names for its two new Freestyle Cruising® ships: Norwegian Breakaway, launching in April 2013, and Norwegian Getaway, launching in April 2014. The names were selected as the culmination of its “Norwegian’s Cruising for Names” contest.

Norwegian felt these names best reflected the innovation of the brand along with the freedom and flexibility of the line’s signature Freestyle Cruising and invoked the feeling that these ships will provide a “break” at sea from the stress of everyday life. Breakaway is defined as “a departure or break from routine or tradition” and Getaway is defined as “a place where one escapes for relaxation, vacation, etc.”

“We felt Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway epitomized both our Freestyle Cruising philosophy and our belief that these ships will offer a true respite, whisking our guests away from their everyday routines and delivering the ultimate cruise vacation,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer.

The contest winners are Kimberly Powell of Lafayette , Louisiana , who first submitted Norwegian Breakaway, and Dennis Hultman of Vienna , Virginia , who first submitted Norwegian Getaway. Powell took her first cruise in August on Norwegian Spirit and loved the experience. She is a self-proclaimed “news junkie” and thought it would be fun to enter the contest.

The Breakaway class ships will each be 144,017 gross tons and will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths. These ships represent an opportunity for the Norwegian guest to “break away” from the routine of work, school, and daily stress, and find a true respite at sea. These new ships will take the best of the best from all of Norwegian’s existing ships drawing on the line’s experience of having launched 10 ships in the past 10 years – starting with Norwegian Star and Sun in 2001 and culminating with the launch of Norwegian Epic in 2010. To date, the company has revealed all of the ships’ staterooms, which include the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers, along with The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 suites at the top of the ship.

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Friday, October 7, 2011

Norwegian Cruise Line Offers Incentive on New York Cruises for a Limited Time

Norwegian Cruise Line is launching its “Freestyle Dash” limited time offer on Thursday, October 6, 2011 for all New York City departures. Those who make a dash to book can escape the cold and sail to warmer weather on a Bermuda; Bahamas and Florida ; an Eastern Caribbean itinerary or a beautiful fall foliage on a Canada and New England cruise. This 4 day offer is available through October 10, 2011.
To learn more ->http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-10-06-Norwegian-Cruise-Line-NCL-Offering-Cruise-Deals.htm
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Thursday, October 6, 2011

Windstar To Spend $18M on Fleet Renewal

Windstar Cruises, which operates a fleet of three luxury sailing yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, is launching a multi-million dollar fleet refurbishment plan to be completed in multiple phases beginning this fall.

Total investment for the refurbishment is $18 million and it is one of several major projects within Windstar’s “Full Sail Ahead” strategic initiative encompassing refurbishment, branding, technology investments and product upgrades over the next 18 months.

“This is a significant investment in our luxurious sailing yachts and will enable us to provide an unparalleled guest experience,” said Hans Birkholz, President and CEO of Windstar Cruises. “Our new owners, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, are committed to Windstar’s growth for the long term. Previously, there have been enhancements and refurbishment projects throughout the years to keep our yachts beautiful; however this is the most extensive fleet-wide refurbishment project in Windstar’s history.”

Work begins this November on the first phase of Wind Surf’s refurbishment, emerging December 10, 2011, for the start of the Caribbean season, with renovated and luxurious staterooms, suites, bridge suites, corridors, and a ‘timber boardwalk’ throughout the main deck in keeping with her elegant yacht style. The second phase of Wind Surf’s refurbishment will take place in the fall of 2012 and focuses on the yacht’s public spaces including the Lounge, The Restaurant, Degrees, Veranda, Compass Rose, WindSpa, Yacht Club and Pool Bar.

Wind Star and Wind Spirit will undergo complete refurbishments of staterooms, owner’s suite, and corridors along with public spaces including The Restaurant, Veranda, Lounge, WindSpa, Library, Reception, and Pool Bar following their respective Costa Rica and Caribbean seasons. After the completion of work, both yachts begin their Mediterranean seasons with Wind Spirit starting April 15, 2012, and Wind Star beginning April 29, 2012.

The vision for the refurbishment is classic, stylish yacht luxury that dramatizes Windstar’s brand position of a “boutique yacht vacation” that is “180 Degrees from Ordinary.” The yachts will receive new furniture, upholstery, art, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments, and floor coverings. New furnishings will complete the look in keeping with the chic, private yacht scheme. The design palette combines sand and marine colors contrasting elegantly with the warmth of wood finishes, elevating the look and feel to ultimate luxury at sea.

Windstar’s chosen design and build partner for the project is U.K. based Trimline Interiors incorporating MCVITTY Interior Consultants. Trimline is a refurbishment company well known to the industry specializing in cruise ship and superyacht “turn-key” interiors and has completed projects all over the world for many leading luxury cruise lines and yacht owners. Established in 1965, Trimline has its own in-house services including joinery, soft furnishings, upholstery, decoration and all types of flooring.

Alan McVitty, lead designer and director of MCVITTY Interior Consultants, has a career that spans 24 years in the interiors sector. McVitty’s areas of expertise include both leisure and residential assignments along with projects for luxury cruise lines and private yachts.

“Our focus was to provide Windstar with something completely different from what currently exists in the luxury cruise market,” said McVitty. “Every corner of our design was carefully confectioned with details and solutions to make guests find themselves not on another commercial cruise but experience a stylish, floating boutique yacht created with a vision to offer a uniquely different, cruise experience.”

Staterooms and Suites:

· Staterooms on all three yachts will be transformed with new leather headboards, stately arm chairs, linen wall coverings, new lighting features, elegant window coverings, plush wool carpeting, art work, stylish bed cushions, and luxurious bed throws.

· Suites will additionally be outfitted with new furniture that is easily convertible to lounging, dining, or accommodating a third occupant.

Wind Surf Public Spaces:

· The Restaurant will be completed with a new seating layout, all new soft goods, and state-of-the art wine display and storage.

· Degrees Restaurant will be transformed into a Mediterranean bistro, anchored by a central wine bar for counter dining as well as an inviting area to relax before and after dinner. Wine tastings and cooking demonstrations will also be conducted here.

· The Compass Rose will be reconfigured to open up expansively to the adjoining outdoor deck, and its interior completely renovated to reflect the sophisticated elegance of a private club.

· The Veranda’s outdoor seating will be significantly expanded, creating an ideal mid-ship area for enjoying breakfast and lunch alfresco. The interior will include a new buffet, new lighting, and epicurean style display counters.

· In the Lounge, wall-to-wall carpeting will be replaced with hard flooring accented with inset rugs, a contemporary mix of furniture, lighter color palette and improved sound insulation around the casino.

· Corridors will be completely renovated from floor to ceiling with all new wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, lighting and art work.

· The Pool Bar will sport new awnings for additional shade, new deck furniture, and improved outdoor dining layout for Candles Grill.

Wind Spirit and Wind Star Public Spaces:

· The Restaurant will receive a complete makeover to create the excitement and drama of an exclusive destination restaurant with luxurious neutral tones and curved design elements.

· The Veranda will be renewed with new lighting, fresh “market-style” buffet arrangements and reconfigured indoor/outdoor seating.

· The Lounge will be contemporized with new furniture, soft goods, seating arrangements, window treatments and AV system, creating an ideal, welcoming space for evening entertainment.

· The Pool Bar will be redesigned to offer a more engaging and upscale social experience and to create additional alfresco seating for sunset dining at Candles Grill.

· The renovations to the Library space will create an intimate, luxurious cocoon for more contemplative pursuits.

· WindSpa will also receive an interior soft goods update, to reflect the sophistication and elegance of relaxing with spa treatments at sea.

“The refurbishment will give Windstar clients a truly stunning and unique experience to explore destinations in perfect splendor, ultra luxury and comfort,” said McVitty.

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Wednesday, October 5, 2011

NCL's Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Spirit to Receive Major Refurbishments


Continuing the company’s commitment to continually enhance its fleet, Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that both Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Jade will enter dry docks this fall for multi-million dollar enhancements. Norwegian Spirit enters a 13-day dry dock on September 25, 2011 in Mobile , Alabama . The 2,018-passenger ship is receiving renovations including outfitting the entire ship for WiFi; laying new carpet; installing flat screen televisions; and upgrading the Stardust Theater and the ship’s action station restaurant Raffles. Norwegian Jade will undergo enhancements, including the addition of Norwegian’s signature restaurant Moderno Churrascaria; new carpet and tile throughout the ship; painting the hull; among other maintenance updates during an 11-day dry dock in Marseille , France .

“While we have the youngest fleet in the industry, we still want to continuously enhance our ships,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “With the dry docks of Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Jade, we will have completed enhancements on four ships this year, a major investment for the company.”

Norwegian Spirit’s refurbishment includes:

· Installing wireless internet access throughout the entire ship including crew areas;

· New flat screen televisions in guest and crew staterooms;

· Upgrades to accessible guest staterooms and the addition of ramps in various areas of the ship;

· Replacement of 64,000 square feet of carpet throughout the ship;

· Addition of new silk plants throughout the ship;

· Enhancements to the Stardust Theater;

· Addition of an aerobics room in the Roman Spa and Fitness Center for spinning, yoga and various fitness classes;

· Updates to Raffles Court , the ship’s buffet restaurant.

When the ship returns to New Orleans on October 9, 2011, she will sail a series of seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries departing every Sunday calling on Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras and Belize City, Belize; along with two relaxing days at sea through April 8, 2012. The ship will then set off on a 13-day transatlantic cruise to Barcelona on April 15, 2012. She will arrive in Barcelona on April 28, 2012 where she will begin sailing 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises alternating from Barcelona and Venice through October 13, 2012. Beginning on November 6, 2012, Norwegian Spirit will sail nine-day Canary Islands cruises from Barcelona through April 8, 2013.

Norwegian Jade enters dry dock in Marseille , France on November 26, 2011 to December 8, 2011. During this time, the 2,402-passenger ship will receive the line’s signature Brazilian steakhouse, Moderno Churrascia, replacing Paniolo’s Tapas and Salsa restaurant on Deck 8. The ship will also receive technical enhancements including new propeller and thrust bearings; seals on the Azipod propulsion systems; as well as a new coat of hull paint. After dry dock, Norwegian Jade, which sails year-round from Europe, will cruise a nine-day itinerary departing Barcelona, Spain, calling on Funchal, Madeira; Santa Cruz, Tenerife; Arrecife, Canary Islands and Malaga, Spain.

Both Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Sun received major enhancements earlier this year.

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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Fincantieri Floats Out New Carnival Breeze

9-16-2011 - Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone there was the launch of the “Carnival Breeze”, the new flagship of Carnival Cruise Lines, a brand in Carnival Group, the world’s leading cruise operator. Delivery is scheduled for Spring 2012.

The launch was preceded by the customary “coin ceremony” to bring good luck by welding in place a silver dollar on the last deck of the ship, in keeping with an old shipbuilding tradition. Godmother to the ship was Monica Conte, a shipyard employee.

Weighing in at 130,000 gross tonnes, for a length of 306 metres with a beam of 37 the “Carnival Breeze” is the sister ship of “Carnival Dream” and “Carnival Magic” which Monfalcone shipyard delivered in 2009 and 2011 respectively.

In building the “Carnival Breeze” Fincantieri will further strengthen its leading position as builder of build the largest passenger ships in the history of Italian shipbuilding. Indeed the new vessel will have 1,845 cabins, plus 746 for the crew, for a total maximum capacity of over 6,000. A record for ships built to date for Carnival by Fincantieri.

In the next few months the “Carnival Breeze” will be fitted out to the highest standards of comfort in readiness to offer her passengers a wide range of entertainment such as bars, restaurants, theaters, shops and wellness centers. She will boast a totally new design, inspired by intriguing tropical atmospheres with warm colors and pastel shades exclusively created in Germany by Partner Ship Design for Carnival. New also is the large availability of sea view cabins with two bathrooms suitable for up to 5 guests, ideal for larger families..

Since 1990 Fincantieri has built 60 cruise ships and a further 7 ships are under construction or scheduled to be built at Fincantieri shipyards.

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Monday, October 3, 2011

Compagnie Du Ponant Orders New Luxury Mega-Yacht - 3rd New Ship in 4 Years. FOUR YEARS


September 2011 – The world’s only French-flagged cruise line and “Five-star Expedition” specialist Compagnie du Ponant has ordered another “latest generation” yacht with 132 staterooms and suites from the Italian Fincantieri shipyard. The yet-to-be-named new ship will be joining sister ships Le Boréal and L’Austral, launched in May 2010 and April 2011 respectively, and will also comply with the “Cleanship” label enjoyed by Le Boréal and L’Austral. The new vessel is expected to join the fleet by June 2013. The fleet currently comprises five French-flagged yachts: Le Ponant, 32 staterooms; Le Levant, 45 staterooms; Le Diamant, 113 staterooms and suites; and Le Boréal and L’Austral, both with 132 staterooms and suites.

The order continues the growth of Compagnie du Ponant as a leader in luxury cruising, confirming its investment strategy, exclusive positioning, development on the international scene and the strength of its presence on the world cruise market. By the end of 2011, Compagnie du Ponant expects its growth to exceed the 20,000 passenger per year threshold, with turnover estimated at €80 M.

The recent addition of the two cruise yachts to the fleet, Le Boréal and L’Austral, clearly represent Compagnie du Ponant’s dual focus on luxury travel and environmental consciousness while still allowing for a multitude of top-of-the-line amenities. The “clean ship” label was awarded based on the numerous eco-friendly features: dynamic-positioning, advanced waste water treatment, reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and underwater detection system. This dual focus business model has won over loyal clients as well as attracting many new ones as one in two guests in 2011 is a new customer for Compagnie du Ponant, while one in four is going on a cruise holiday for the first time. Customer satisfaction levels (4.5 out of 5) and the high rate of positive recommendations to friends and family (97% of passengers), recognizes the hard work by the company’s enthusiastic personnel.

“For Compagnie du Ponant this order is another step towards the future that validates an effective business model, a good and successful bet,” says Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée.

Compagnie du Ponant’s shareholders share this enthusiasm and are showing ongoing confidence in the company’s successful business model and the crews and land-based teams by investing in this new ship. Having led the project to build the two previous yachts with such flair, the Fincantieri shipyard has again been entrusted with the third ship. French designer Jean-Philippe Nuel will be responsible for the sophisticated modern interior which has contributed so much to the success of Le Boréal and L’Austral.

“In keeping with our concept of cruising, we are again favoring the intimate, friendly environment of a well-designed mega-yacht sized ship, ensuring our passengers receive individual attention and personalized “tailor-made” service in an outstanding environment,” concludes Véronique Saadé, Deputy Executive Vice-President.

o Investment: €100 M o 4.7 meter draft

o Delivery date: June 2013 o Ice certification:1C

o 142 m in length o 264 passengers

o 18 m beam o 140 members of crew

o 6 decks (including 1 sun deck) o 16 knots (cruising speed)

o 132 staterooms and suites (95% with balcony)

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Sunday, October 2, 2011

Azamara Release 2012 Cruise Brochure.


September 21, 2011 – Azamara Club Cruises today announced the unveiling of the cruise lines 2012 Destination Guide. The 144-page glossy brochure features vibrant, lifestyle images by two talented student photographers who captured the cruise line’s exciting destinations and the extraordinary service delivered to every guest by the attentive staff and crew. The brochure highlights the cruise line’s two ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, their worldwide itineraries carrying guests to ports throughout the Mediterranean Sea, Northern & Western Europe, South America, Asia, India and the West Indies, and a variety of culturally-immersive Land Discoveries (shore excursions) and cruisetours.

“We are delighted to offer the new 2012 destination guide to travel professionals and to travelers seeking an authentic experience to some of the world’s most amazing destinations,” said Edie Bornstein, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Azamara Club Cruises. “The brochure’s enticing images transport the viewer to the heart of the destination, whether it’s tango dancing in Buenos Aires, taking a late-night stroll through Crete, Greece, or enjoying a local artist performance onboard on open decks. Throughout, guests will enjoy Azamara’s signature service, fine dining and boutique wines from around the world.”

The comprehensive destination guide highlights the cruise line’s 2012 deployments, which total 64 sailings, calling at 181 ports in 57 countries. It outlines both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest’s itineraries, notes arrival and departure times and conveniently denotes late-night and overnight stays throughout. Friendly color-coding allows for easy planning, with new features such as individual voyage maps, highlights for each voyage, as well as area average temperatures, and easily referenced “from” pricing listed next to the respective itinerary listing.

Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest sails the globe in 2012 immersing guest with the cultures and colors of the world’s most exciting and exotic destinations. Azamara Quest will begin the New Year with two days in Bali, Indonesia, while Azamara Journey will offer guests an incomparable view of the fireworks over Brazil’s famous Copacabana Beach. Azamara 2012 voyages feature itineraries that coincide with unique cultural celebrations or travel to unique destination around the world including Antarctica, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Chelsea Flower Show in England and Floriade in the Netherlands, Jazz in the Norwegian Fjords and the Monaco Grand Prix.

Azamara Club Cruises has a continued commitment to support talented young photographers and to bring their unique view of the world to its guests. For the 2012 Destination Guide two student photographers, Jenna Lyn Pimentel of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and Brandon Jones at Santa Clara University, were selected to photograph the onboard experience of guests and staff and to capture the unique destinations they visited.

The 2012 destination guide may be viewed as an electronic brochure at AzamaraClubCruises.com > Order a Brochure, where travelers also can request a printed brochure.

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Saturday, October 1, 2011

NCL New Ship First Plate Cut At Meyer Werft.

September 21, 2011 – The first piece of steel was cut today at MEYER WERFT in Papenburg, Germany for the construction of Norwegian Breakaway, the first of two new Freestyle Cruising® ships for Norwegian Cruise Line, set for delivery in April 2013. The first plate of steel took four minutes to cut by a plasma torch in the yard’s state of the art facility. This plate will become a supporting part of the double bottom in the middle of the new ship.

“Today’s steel cutting marks the start of construction for Norwegian Breakaway, our next generation Freestyle Cruising ship, that will captivate and amaze our guests,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “We are extremely pleased with the progress we have made so far in planning this incredible vessel. We now look to the capable and talented team at MEYER WERFT to bring this ship to life.”

The Breakaway class ships, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, will each be 144,017 gross tons and will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths. These ships represent an opportunity for the Norwegian guest to “break away” from the routine of work, school, and daily stress, and find a true respite at sea. The new ships will take the best of the best from all of Norwegian’s existing ships, drawing on the line’s experience of having launched 10 ships in the past 10 years – starting with Norwegian Star and Sun in 2001 and culminating with the launch of Norwegian Epic in 2010. The ships’ names were chosen from 230,000 entries received in “Norwegian’s Cruising for Names” contest held in conjunction with national newspaper USA Today.

The shipyard's managing directors Bernard Meyer and Lambert Kruse, as well as Aloys Meemann, project manager, attended the steel cutting ceremony in the laser center. "We are very happy to build these innovative ships for Norwegian and to continue our long lasting relationship," said Meyer. "We can guarantee to deliver a cruise vessel with an exceptional interior design, extremely comfortable staterooms and the highest technical standards.”

To date, the company has revealed details on all of the ships’ staterooms which combine the form and function of the line’s Jewel class ships’ staterooms with the modern and contemporary design touches of Norwegian Epic. A rich mix of stateroom options will be available including 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. The ship also features The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional suites located throughout the ship.

The company expects to release details on Norwegian Breakaway’s inaugural itinerary in the near future.

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