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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Legend of the Seas Emerges From Refit

Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas Emerges from Refit.

Royal Caribbean International’s Legend of the Seas emerged today from a month-long $50 million drydock in Singapore and will show off a new array of features and amenities for its remaining Asia season before returning to Europe. The Vision-class Legend of the Seas is the most recent ship in the fleet to receive Oasis-class amenities, extensive upgrades and a bow-to-stern revitalization.

Legend of the Seas will “wow” guests with acclaimed industry enhancements, such as popular specialty dining, first introduced on Oasis of the Seas, and give diners the choice to expand their palates with Park Café, Chef’s Table, Chops Grille and Izumi Asian Cuisine, along with new spots for an evening cocktail at the 60’s inspired R Bar or Viking Crown Lounge nightclub. Onboard entertainment options now include an outdoor movie screen, perfect for alfresco movie viewing and the addition of aerial entertainment experiences in the Centrum, the main gathering place on the ship. New and updated staterooms, flat-panel TVs, digital signage and bow-to-stern Wi-Fi all add to the contemporary guest experience onboard.

Through March, guests can enjoy the newly revitalizes ship as she sails Southeast Asia itineraries from her Singapore homeport. Itinerary options include: Malaysia (three nights), Southeast Asia (four or five nights), Bangkok and Ko Samui (five nights) and Borneo (seven nights). Beginning in April, the ship will sail a four night Southeast Asia itinerary roundtrip from Singapore and then reposition to Europe for the summer season. It will begin by sailing seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries roundtrip from Rome.

Legend of the Seas divides her 2013 Europe summer between the Italian homeports of Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice. From May through August, the ship will sail a seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary, calling at Genoa, Italy; Provence (Marseilles), France; and Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Valencia, Spain. A nine-night circumnavigation of the Italian peninsula, departing August 31, will bring Legend of the Seas to Venice, where she will offer vacationers 10-night Greek Isles and 11-night Greece and Turkey itineraries in September and October. The ship will then return to the Caribbean to offer Southern Caribbean and Panama Canal sailings.

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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Crystal Cruises Offers 2014 World Cruise Excursions Earlier Than Ever.

Just days after Crystal Cruises’ 2013 World Cruise has set sail, the ultra-luxe line has released Crystal Adventures online for its 2014 World Cruise, marking the voyage’s earliest-ever availability of guests’ outing options. More than 200 shore excursions are now described in detail and offered for pre-reservation at crystalcruises.com. The carefully-curated experiences, ranging from half a day to several days each, will take guests to some of the most awe-striking natural marvels and historically significant landmarks from LA to London, via the Pacific Islands, Asia, Africa, and more. The annual World Cruise, which is considered by cruisers to be the ultimate of luxury travel experiences, sails for 89 days aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity, starting January 18, 2014.

“So many of our World Cruisers are early planners, committing to the cruise months and years in advance. 2013 was a record-breaking year in that respect, and 2014 and 2015 are shaping up to be similar record-breakers,” says John Stoll, vice president of land and port operations. “By allowing guests to explore, and pre-reserve, their shore options now, they can begin connecting with their World Cruise experience all the sooner, planning all the places they’ll visit, and growing more excited about their trip ahead with each adventure booked.”

In 2014, World Cruise guests will be able to:

§ Helicopter over Hawaii, Hong Kong, and Cape Town.

§ Safari for native African wildlife, from gorillas to elephants.

§ Explore cultural microcosms from Geisha life in Kyoto to Ghandi and Indian sub-culture in South Africa.

§ Stay overnight off-ship in several countries, including Vietnam and Cambodia.

§ Indulge in hands-on culinary treats, from blending one’s own wine near Cape Town or learning traditional tea preparation in Hong Kong to local market shopping and hands-on Creole cooking in Mauritius.

§ Visit pivotal WWII Pacific Theatre sites from Tinian to Oahu, including a private lunch with captain of the USS Missouri.

Crystal’s 2014 World Cruise is comprised of five, 12 to 22 day segments visiting ports in California, Hawaii, Guam, Mariana Islands, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Principe, Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Portugal, and England. Full World Cruisers receive special perks, such as a bon voyage pre-cruise gala, complimentary chauffeured pre- and post-cruise transfers, souvenir gifts, special shore-side event participation.

Guests booking the entire World Cruise by February 28, 2013 enjoy savings of $3,900/person and all-inclusive fares starting from $39,280/person. “Book Now” (booked by Feb, 28) fares for individual World Cruise segments begin at $6,845/person.

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Monday, February 11, 2013

Carnival Victory Now Sails on 4 & 5 Day Caribbean and Bahamas Cruises.

Carnival Cruises Carnival Victory Now Sailing 4 & 5 Day Cruises from Miami

On February 4th, 2013, the Carnival Victory arrived at PortMiami to kick off its new year-round schedule of four- and five-day cruises that visit tropical destinations throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas.

Carnival Victory’s new Miami-based schedule features three distinctly different itineraries, providing consumers with a variety of convenient and affordable cruise options departing from one of America’s top tourist destinations.

Four-day “long weekend” cruises departing Thursdays call at Key West, Fla., and Cozumel, Mexico; five-day cruises departing Mondays include stops at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay; and Nassau, The Bahamas; and five-day voyages departing Saturdays feature George Town, Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Each of these destinations offers a truly unique vacation experience, with miles of gorgeous white-sand beaches and an interesting array of shore excursion choices such as zip-lining, horseback riding, kayaking, and more.

Carnival Victory offers a variety of ways to have fun, from a 214-foot-long Twister water slide and fun supervised activities and spacious play areas for kids in three age groups to a 270-square-foot poolside LED screen showing nightly Dive-In Movies and a wide range of dancing and entertainment venues, including the Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez.
Dining options range from two full-service restaurants with extensive menus and wine lists to a two-level casual eatery offering an array of delectable culinary choices, including a New York-style deli, an Asian specialty venue, a 24-hour pizzeria, pasta- and meat-carving stations, and a Taste of the Nations area offering a different international cuisine each day. Additionally, 60 percent of the ship’s 1,379 staterooms offer either an ocean view or private balcony.

Carnival Victory replaces Carnival Destiny which departs PortMiami on February4th, on an 18-day trans-Atlantic crossing that will end in Venice, Italy, on Feb. 22, positioning the vessel for a $155 million renovation. Carnival Destiny will emerge from the 49-day dry dock with a new name – Carnival Sunshine – along with a host of dining, bar and entertainment innovations that are part of the line’s Fun Ship 2.0 enhancement initiative.

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Sunday, February 10, 2013

Classic International Cruises Re-Emerging From Bankruptcy.

Classic International Cruises Princess Daphne

Reports out of Portugal indicate that the Arion, Athena, Funchal and Princess Danae have been sold to Portuguese business man Rui Alegre to settle the debt owed by Classic International Cruises. Alegre intends to operate the ships but exact deployments/charters have not yet been disclosed.

The remaining ship, the Princess Daphne was purchased back by Classic International Cruises from the bank handling the Bankruptcy settlement. It appears the Potamianos brothers, Alex and Emilios will most like charter the Princess Daphne - most-likely to German operators.

There is definitely more to come.

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Thursday, February 7, 2013

Celebrity Cruises New Celebrity Reflection Exterior Glass Shower

Celebrity Cruises' New Celebrity Reflection Suite Features Exterior All Glass Shower.

Celebrity Cruises' fifth and final Solstice Class ship the Celebrity Reflection, is now sailing weekly Caribbean sailings from Miami. The 126,000 ton ship has a few new tweaks and additions.

Perhaps the newest addition getting the most attention is the 1,636-square-foot Reflection Suite, and it's all glass shower. You may say so what about a shower? - but the shower is all glass, which extends off the side of the ship. The shower glass, with the flick of a switch, can be changed from transparent to translucent so you can see out but others cannot see in. In addition, there is an automatic sensor setting which will automatically fog-up the glass if you should forget to click the switch.

High up above the ship, even those without a fear of heights may get a little woozie.

The Celebrity Reflection carries 3,030 passengers and offers an upscale experience.

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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Princess Cruises Adds New South America and Tahiti Sailings in 2014

Crown Princess - Princess Cruises - Adds Modified 2014 Itineraries.

Princess Cruises has added several new Exotics cruise options in spring 2014, giving passengers additional vacation choices in the popular destinations of South America and the South Pacific. Options include a new South America grand adventure aboard Crown Princess – the first such voyage for the vessel. In addition, Pacific Princess will add new departures of the line’s signature Tahiti & French Polynesia cruises plus additional Hawaii and South Pacific voyages.

During Crown Princess’ South America debut, passengers can enjoy highlights such as an overnight call in vibrant Rio de Janeiro during the city’s famous Carnaval celebrations, sailing around legendary Cape Horn, an optional overland tour to the dramatic Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and Princess’ first call to Ilhabela (“beautiful island”) an island that lives up to its name with lovely beaches and natural beauty. The new 49-day voyage travels from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles, sailing first to Brazil, then around Cape Horn along the Chilean Fjords and up the Pacific coast. Shorter segments of 16- to 33-days are also available.

To add more of the line’s signature Tahiti & French Polynesia voyages, Pacific Princess will move to the South Pacific to offer three additional departures of this popular 10-day itinerary. The ship will also offer new departures of a 16-day New Zealand & South Pacific sailing from Sydney to Tahiti; a 12-day Hawaii & Tahiti sailing from Tahiti to Honolulu, and a 10-day Hawaiian Islands crossing from Honolulu ending in Vancouver, British Columbia. Many voyages can be linked for a Grand Adventure of 22 to 26 days.

“South America and the South Pacific have been among our most popular cruises recently, so these new voyages offer wonderful additional opportunities for passengers to explore the natural beauty and colorful cultures of these destinations,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Whether passengers want to meet a penguin or learn to hula, these cruises offers a great way to find the experience of a lifetime.”

The new Exotics sailings include:

49-day South America Grand Adventure – Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles
Featuring an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval and Princess' maiden call to Brazil’s Ilhabela, this adventure also starts off with calls in St Thomas, St Kitts, Barbados, Trinidad, and Recife. After an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the cruise then sails around the famed Cape Horn at the tip of South America and features scenic cruising of the Chilean Fjords, plus calls in Montevideo, the Falkland Islands (Port Stanley), Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego), Punta Arenas (Chile) and Puerto Montt. While traversing South America’s Pacific coast, this voyage offers the opportunity to take an overland tour to the famed Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, plus port calls including La Serena (Coquimbo), Pisco (San Martin), Lima (Callao), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), San Juan Del Sur (Nicaragua), and Puerto Vallarta.
Departs February 15, 2014 on Crown Princess

10-day Tahiti & Polynesia – Roundtrip Papeete
One of Princess’ classic voyages, featuring an overnight in Papeete, Tahiti, plus visits to the idyllic isles of Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora (for a two-day call), and Moorea.
Departures on March 12, March 24, April 1, 2014 aboard Pacific Princess

16-day New Zealand & South Pacific – Sydney to Papeete
From Sydney, the ship heads for three calls in New Zealand – Tauranga, Auckland, and Bay Of Islands. After crossing the International Date Line, passengers can relax in paradise with visits to Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea, before arriving in Tahiti.
Departs February 25, 2014 on Pacific Princess

12-day Hawaii and Tahiti – Papeete to Honolulu
The Polynesian paradises of Tahiti and Hawaii will enchant passengers on this cruise featuring calls in Moorea, Bora Bora, Hilo, Kona, Maui (Lahaina), and Kauai (Nawiliwili)
Departs April 11, 2014 on Pacific Princess

10-day Hawaiian Islands – Honolulu to Vancouver
Passengers can revel in visits to Kauai (Nawiliwili), Kona, and Hilo before heading across the Pacific for relaxing time at sea on the way to British Columbia.
Departs April 23, 2014 on Pacific Princess

Pacific Princess’ 2014 World Cruise will be cancelled to allow for these new sailings; however the first segment of the cruise departing January 20, 2014 will remain available for purchase. The 35-day sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to Sydney will feature a transit of the Panama Canal, calls to Ecuador, Peru, Easter Island, French Polynesia and New Zealand before arriving in Sydney on February 25, 2014.

Crown Princess’ previously scheduled Caribbean cruises from February 15 to April 26, 2014 have been cancelled to allow for the new South America voyage. Passengers on the rescheduled sailings are being notified and assisted with finding alternate cruise options.

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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Carnival Cruises Expands West Coast Cruise Program

Carnival Imagination - Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruise Lines will expand capacity on the West Coast with the introduction of year-round three and four-day cruises on the 2,052-passenger Carnival Imagination from Long Beach, Calif., beginning January 26, 2014. The move will bring the total number of Carnival ships operating from Long Beach to three and further solidify the line’s position as Southern California’s largest cruise operator.

Carnival Imagination will offer three-day cruises to Ensenada, Mexico, departing on Thursdays and four-day voyages to Catalina Island and Ensenada departing on Sundays. The vessel’s sister ship, Carnival Inspiration, will continue to offer a similar program from Long Beach with three-day cruises departing on Fridays and four-day cruises on Mondays. Additionally, the seven-day Mexican Riviera and 15-day Hawaii programs from Long Beach currently operated by the Carnival Splendor through February 3, 2013 will continue on the Carnival Miracle seasonally from October 2013 through April 2014. Together, these ships will carry approximately 550,000 guests annually from Long Beach – more than any other cruise operator.

“Carnival’s West Coast cruises are exceptionally convenient and popular, particularly for guests from California and other areas within easy driving range of Long Beach,” said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines. “These fun, high quality vacation getaways offer an exceptional value compared to land-based options including Las Vegas. Carnival is the only cruise line to offer a year-round short cruise program from the West Coast and, with the addition of the Carnival Imagination, there will be even more cruises and departure dates to choose from,” Cahill added.

Carnival Imagination has undergone an extensive renovation and includes an expansive WaterWorks aqua park, a Serenity adults-only retreat, and a tropical-themed resort-style main pool area, renovated spa and children’s facilities, and more.

Carnival Ecstasy to Reposition to Miami

Carnival Ecstasy, currently sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla., will reposition to Miami to assume Carnival Imagination’s current three- and four-day Bahamas/western Caribbean itinerary. A sister ship to Carnival Imagination, the Carnival Ecstasy features a number of balcony staterooms, which is a ‘first’ for a Carnival ship operating short cruises from Miami. Carnival Ecstasy’s first voyage from Miami will depart January 10, 2014. Three-day cruises departing Fridays visit Nassau and four-day cruises departing Mondays visit Key West and Cozumel.

Exciting 16-Day Panama Canal Voyage on Carnival Imagination

Prior to the start-up of its new West Coast schedule, Carnival Imagination will offer a 16-day Panama Canal cruise departing Miami January 10, 2014, and arriving Long Beach January 26, 2014.

In addition to a spectacular full transit of the Panama Canal, ports of call on this voyage include Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Cartagena, Punta Arenas, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

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Monday, February 4, 2013

Luxury Operator Silversea Offers Shorter Cruises

In its continuing mission to provide guests with more choices, ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has just announced a new collection of eight shorter cruises for 2013. These convenient four- to seven-day voyages to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean are designed for time-strapped working professionals, travelers who like to combine a cruise with a land program, and individuals who may be new to luxury cruising and would like a taste of Silversea's award-winning, all-inclusive experience.

"Many travelers today have busy schedules that make it difficult to fit in time for an extended luxury cruise vacation," said Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas. "It's important for us to offer options that cater to these consumers as well as those who have time for longer voyages."

Silversea's new shorter voyages for 2013 include:

FOUR DAYS

Northern Europe Voyage 1318B: Silver Cloud, June 15 - 19, Hamburg to Copenhagen, with calls in Warnemünde (Rostock) and Helsingborg. Silver Privilege fares start at $1,830.
Mediterranean Voyage 2307C: Silver Wind, March 16 - 20, Barcelona to Rome, with calls in Monte Carlo and Livorno. Silver Privilege fares start at $1,360.
Mediterranean Voyage 2314A: Silver Wind, May 14 - 18, Rome to Monte Carlo, with calls in Bonifacio, Calvi, and Livorno. Silver Privilege fares start at $1,590.

FIVE DAYS

Mediterranean Voyage 2307B: Silver Wind, March 11 - 16, Lisbon to Barcelona, with calls in Málaga, Cartagena, and Valencia. Silver Privilege fares start at $1,560.
Mediterranean Voyage 2314B: Silver Wind, May 18 - 23, Monte Carlo to Barcelona, with calls in Sóller de Mallorca, Ibiza, and Valencia. Silver Privilege fares start at $2,170.

SIX DAYS

Northern Europe Voyage 1318A: Silver Cloud, June 9 - 15, Southampton to Hamburg, with calls in Honfleur, Oostende, Antwerp, and Amsterdam. Silver Privilege fares start at $2,610.

SEVEN DAYS

Mediterranean Voyage 5309B: Silver Spirit, April 16 - 23, Lisbon to Barcelona, with calls in Portimão, Cádiz, Málaga, Ibiza, and Valencia. Silver Privilege fares start at $2,730.
Mediterranean Voyage 5314B: Silver Spirit, May 25 - June 1, Athens to Rome, with calls in Katakolon, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, and Sorrento. Silver Privilege fares start at $2,810.

Aboard Silversea's intimate, all-suite ships, guests enjoy spacious ocean-view accommodations, sumptuous gourmet cuisine, the personalized service of a butler, and a generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet, and all gratuities.

Silver Privilege fares listed above are cruise-only rates per guest, based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite. Silver Privilege is a capacity-controlled program and subject to change.

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Friday, February 1, 2013

Cruise Lines Alter Itineraries To Reduce Fuel Consumption

Cruise Line Battling Rising Fuel Prices

The price of fuel has become a larger part of the operating expenses for cruise lines. Cruise lines are continually looking for new ways to reduce expenses.

Many are modifying their itineraries choosing ports closer to their embarkation points to reduce fuel consumption. In addition some cruise lines are adding overnight stays to not only allow more time in port but also keep costs in line. Another tactic is to spend more time at sea. When cruise ships operate at slower speeds, they burn substantially less fuel.

Carnival for example, has cut fuel consumption 24% since 2005 but is still expected to consume 3.3 million tons of fuel in 2013 at a price of $692/per ton. Most of Carnival's 2013 fuel savings are driven by itinerary changes, sometimes trading off itineraries with higher yield in favor of lessening fuel costs.

Other cruise lines are performing similar cost cutting measures to remain competitive and counter rising operating costs.

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