The New MSC Divina Is Floated Out

(September 6, 2011) – MSC Divina, the third and latest addition to the MSC Cruises’ flagship Fantasia class, floated out of dry dock B at the STX Europe ship yard in Saint-Nazaire, France on Saturday, September 3, and transferred to dock C for final fitting and furnishing prior to her christening on May 26, 2012.

Representing a major milestone in this 140,000 ton ship accommodating up to 4,363 guests, a select group gathered to witness the ship slated to become the 12th ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet.

“Today marks the start of the final one-million hours of work required to ensure MSC Divina is ready for her debut on May 26, 2012 in Marseille, France,” said Emilio La Scala, general manager of MSC Cruises’ technical department.

Named in honor of Sophia Loren, Italian film legend and godmother of several MSC ships, MSC Divina will be appropriately themed as a divine goddess.

Also announced during the float out, the ship’s 18 decks (13 of which are for guests’ use) are being named after the gods of ancient Greece; among them Urano, Afrodite, Aurora, Giunone, Artemide, Zeus, Mercurio, Cupido, Iride, Minerva, Apollo, Saturno, and Elios.

Another addition to the ship is the aft Garden Pool purposely designed and decorated as an upscale area for quiet retreat, philosophizing or simply gazing into the sunset.

Construction of MSC Divina began more than a year ago with a total of 74 mega-blocks each consisting of a set of large pre-fabricated hull components used for assembling the ship.

Work on the keel is nearly completed. Already 50 percent of the outfitting has been done including completion of the electrical networking, plumbing, and public areas. Work has also begun on 400 of the 1,751 staterooms, 100 more than her sister ships MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida.

Cutting-edge technical changes on MSC Divina include more powerful propulsion motors, rated at 21.8 MW each (compared to 20.2 MW on the MSC Splendida); new alternators, and state-of-the-art HVAC chillers. The ship will feature a new reverse osmosis system for fresh water production that requires 40 percent less power, therefore, providing less of an impact on the environment.

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Great American Steamboat Company Acquires the American Queen

August 2011, Start-up cruise line Great American Steamboat Company has purchased the American Queen steamboat. The purchase price for the vessel was reported to be $15.5 million.

The 16 years old ship last sailed in 2008 for Majestic America Line,

The ship will receive a $5 million drydocking prior to entering service in April 2012The American Queen will homeport out of Memphis, where the new company is based.

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American Safari Cruises Acquires the Safari Legacy,

American Safari Cruises, a division of InnerSea Discoveries, is also acquiring the Safari Legacy, formerly the Spirit of ’98. Preliminary plans are for it to operate summers in Alaska's Inside Passage beginning in 2013 and fall and spring on the Columbia/Snake Rivers. The company recently acquired the Safari Endeavour which will begin operations in Alaska in 2012.
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InnerSea Discoveries Acquires the 76-guest Wilderness Explorer

August 2011, On the heels of a sold out inaugural season in Alaska, InnerSea Discoveries announces the acquisition of the 76-guest Wilderness Explorer, formerly the 86-guest Spirit of Discovery. After significant renovations, the ship will sail active, adventure un-cruises between Juneau and Sitka, Alaska beginning summer 2012.

“There’s no doubt about the demand for active, hands-on explorations in Southeast Alaska,” said Dan Blanchard, principal and chief executive officer. “We quickly sold out our first season. This ship fits in nicely with our fleet, and we are starting renovations now to add new amenities and spaces fitting our style of active adventures.”

Beginning June 2, 2012, the Wilderness Explorer will sail weeklong un-cruise adventures between Juneau and Sitka, Alaska with three days spent exploring inside Glacier Bay National Park. A National Park Ranger will stay aboard the ship for the full three days to provide interpretation on the area’s history, culture, geography, flora and fauna. The park ranger, along with shipboard expedition guides, will also lead guests on hiking and kayaking expeditions within Glacier Bay. Other areas to be explored include Icy Strait, Chichagof Island and Peril Strait. In May and August, two-week cruises between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) will be offered.

“Adding Glacier Bay rounds out the wilderness areas explored by the InnerSea Discoveries fleet,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “The ships explore an impressive number of scenic and wilderness areas, and guests now have a broader range of choices, including the option of a three-week voyage.”

The new Northern Passages & Glacier Bay itinerary will sail from Juneau on Saturdays linking it to the line’s two other vessels—60-guest Wilderness Adventurer and 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer—which sail between Juneau and Ketchikan, AK (and reverse) on weeklong adventures beginning and ending on Saturdays. An all-encompassing three-week voyage combines a two-week roundtrip Juneau cruise with a weeklong cruise on the Wilderness Explorer.

Three cabin categories consist of 21 Trailblazer, 13 Pathfinder and 4 Explorer cabins. Bed configurations include twin or queen with many more made convertible during renovation. Cabins will feature flatscreen televisions with DVD players, iPod docking stations and eco-friendly bath amenities. All cabins feature a large, view window.

During renovation, two hot tubs will be added with one on the bow and one on the aft sun deck. A sauna and exercise equipment will also be added to the aft sun deck. The lounge bar will be expanded with the addition of 10 taps serving a selection of microbrews and cask wine. To ensure ample space for included adventure activities, a new swim step will be added to the ship’s main deck aft. The extra space will serve as a launch pad for excursions and host a state-of-the-art kayak launch platform able to quickly and safely launch five kayaks at a time.

With an emphasis on exhilarating explorations in Alaska’s wilderness, expert naturalists lead hiking and kayaking tours of varying lengths and activity levels. Guests may also enjoy open paddling. Other adventure activities include stand-up paddle boarding, skiff explorations and whale watching. Snorkeling gear is available for a fee. Flexible itineraries and few set port times allow the ships to seek out wildlife and maximize viewing time for guests.

Other shipboard amenities include complimentary on-deck yoga classes, a large resource library, well-stocked DVD library and board games. A professional masseuse is part of the crew and massages are available for a fee. An underwater camera mounted on the ship’s bow will stream video from the underwater world to flatscreen televisions in all guest rooms and the lounge. Healthy and hearty meals feature fresh ingredients including locally caught Alaskan seafood. A 3-1 guest to crew ratio ensures attentive service.
Prices for the 7-night cruises aboard the Wilderness Explorer start at US$3,095 per person, double occupancy, and include transfers and all activities except optional excursions. Port charges of US$167 per person per week, massages, spirits and gratuities are extra.
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Holland America Offers Early Advantage Saving Program on Alaska CruiseTours and Other Select Cruises

August, 2011- Holland America Line’s 2012 Early Advantage Savings program is now available offering guests who book early an opportunity to save up to 50 percent off brochure fares on select cruises and Alaska CruiseTours.

The program also features free and reduced rates for third and fourth guests, as well as savings on 2012 Europe fares. For example, a family of four can cruise the Caribbean in 2012 from just $1,100 plus tax with Early Advantage.

“Our Early Advantage Savings program rewards those who book early and allows guests to plan their cruises for the coming year,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Cruising is an incredible value and Early Advantage Savings offer a once-a-year opportunity for travelers to book their dream vacation and take advantage of significant savings.”

Among the Early Advantage Savings cruise fares are rates beginning at $699 for a seven-day Alaska sailing, $899 for a seven-day Mediterranean cruise, $1,399 for a 12-day South America sailing and $1,599 for a 14-day Australia/New Zealand voyage. Holland America Line is also offering savings of up to 45 percent off verandah staterooms on select cruises.

Longer sailings also are included in the program, with Early Advantage Savings fares starting at $3,899 for a 28-day Hawaii and Tahiti cruise, or $3,049 for an 18-day Grand Voyage segment from Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Piraeus, Greece, to Fort Lauderdale.

Holland America Line’s popular Alaska CruiseTours also are part of the program, with rates starting at $999 on select packages. The CruiseTours combine a three-, four- or seven-day Inside Passage cruise with in-depth overland tours.

Third and fourth guests sail free on select cruises on these itineraries: 7-day Bermuda cruises with Early Advantage Savings fares beginning at $699; 7-day Caribbean sailings beginning at $599; 7- to 16-day holiday sailings from $799, 7-day Mexico cruises starting at $699; and 15-day Canada New England from $1,599.

Longer warm water destinations are also part of the program, with fares starting at $1,499 on 14-day Hawaii sailings and $1,699 for 14-day Panama Canal sailings.

Select cruises also have reduced rates for third and fourth guests, in addition to the Early Advantage Savings for the first two guests in the stateroom. For example, seven- to 13-day Canada and New England sailings begin at $1,299, with third and fourth guest rates starting at $299.

All rates are per person, double occupancy, and are capacity controlled so guests are encouraged to make their reservations early to obtain the savings and their preferred itinerary.
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Hebridean Offers Last Minute Discounts on the Hebridean Princess

There is still time before the season ends in November to save on a memorable experience to majestic and idyllic ports in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland onboard Hebridean Island Cruises’ Five-Star, ultra-luxurious 50-guest Hebridean Princess.

Hebridean Island Cruises is now offering last minute savings on its remaining cabins of popular Fall 2011 itineraries of up to 25% off all-inclusive brochure fares. Here is a sampling of what guests will experience on these unique 7-night, all-inclusive itineraries departing from Oban, Scotland:

• Inner Hebridean Medley - round-trip Oban, Oct. 18, 2011: Visit the lush hilly isle of Kerrera and experience a fascinating wildlife haven and the charming village of Jura. Cruise Loch Sween, take a leisurely stroll along the canal in Crinan and visit the spectacular 20-acre Arduaine Gardens with its mesmerizing scenery. From $4,416 per person (Category F stateroom).

• Inner Hebridean Prospector - round-trip Oban, Nov. 1, 2011: Discover the ancient treasures of Eigg featuring Iron Age forts, a 6^th century church and Viking burial mounds. Enjoy picturesque Plockton, explore the Scottish Baronial Torosay Castle and Gardens and visit the magnificent Inverewe Gardens, one of the most beautiful in Scotland. From $3,408 per person (Category F stateroom).

• Inner Hebridean Adventure - round-trip Oban, Nov. 8, 2011: Enjoy the tranquility of Iona and the restored 12^th century abbey. Walk the towpath of the Crinan Canal and explore Arduaine Gardens, a delightful coastal paradise. From $2,128 per person (Category H stateroom).

• South from Oban - 7-nights, Oban to Greenock, Nov. 15, 2011: Absorb the Victorian charm of Lamrash. Travel to Inveraray and Crarae for a stroll through 50 acres of flourishing gardens. In Bute, visit Mount Stuart House, considered Britain’s most outstanding Victorian mansion. From $2,176 per person (Category H stateroom).

Fares include all meals, beverages and select wines, spirits and champagne, privately escorted tours, a distinguished guest speaker program, port charges and gratuities. Activities such as the use of the ship’s bicycles to explore ashore, fishing, bridge, speedboat rides are also included. Black-tie gala dinners are a special highlight, and guests will enjoy a fine dining experience featuring tantalizing culinary delights fused with fresh local ingredients on every cruise.

The Hebridean Princess has attracted many loyal guests over the past 20 years, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and members of her family when the ship was privately chartered in 2010.

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MSC Cruises Offers Discounts on Back to Back Cruises

August 2011 - MSC Cruises is offering special savings when you combine back-to-back 7-night Mediterranean cruises on MSC Splendida this winter for a memorable 14-night European experience with savings of 50 percent off the second cruise.

Cruise-only, Back-to-Back rates begin at $1,048.50 plus government fees and taxes (GFTs) per person, double occupancy. Rates are available on select sailings; certain restrictions apply. Bookings must be made by Sept. 30, 2011.

For that unique back-to-back cruise experience, guests can combine alternate Mediterranean itineraries (departing Jan. 7, 21, 14, 28 and Feb. 4, 18, 11, and 25). For example, sail the Jan. 7 and 14 cruises from Genoa, Italy to Barcelona, Spain; Valletta, Malta; La Goulette, Tunisia; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Marseille, France; Genoa, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Casablanca, Morocco; Gibraltar, Gibraltar; Valencia, Spain; and Marseille France. Rates for these back-to-back cruises begin at $1,048.50 plus GFTs.

Also available are back-to back cruises from Barcelona (departing on Jan. 8, 22, 15, 29 and Feb. 5, 19, 12 and 26) and Marseille (departing Jan. 6, 20, 13, 27, and Feb. 3, 17, 10 and 24).

Ask for the “SP Back 2 Back” promotion when booking. As with all MSC Cruises’ sailings, kids 11 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

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Royal Caribbean Offers Behind The Scenes Tour for a Fee

August 2011 - Below deck, backstage and behind certain doors, the sophisticated operations of a Royal Caribbean International ship has always piqued guests’ curiosity. To help demystify the hard work put forth by the cruise line’s dedicated staff and crew and the spaces they work in, Royal Caribbean International today announced the launch of the All Access Tour. Guests now have the option to visit behind-the-scenes operations spaces and meet key shipboard staff members on an escorted tour during their Royal Caribbean vacation. The All Access Tour will offer guests insight into the inner workings of some of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships and be available fleetwide aboard each ship’s first July 2011 sailing.

“The All Access Tour offers guests the opportunity to learn about what it takes onboard to deliver the world’s most contemporary vacation, also known as the Royal Advantage,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president of Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Our guests have always inquired into what happens behind the scenes and below deck. We are glad to offer these really special guest tours into areas that are normally not accessible, escorted by staff members who explain the complex workings of running of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships.”

The All Access Tour escorts guests into a variety of ‘back-of-house’ areas, including a visit to the bridge, galley, backstage of the main theater, engine control room and other behind-the-scenes operations areas that collectively create the best vacation experience and value for guests. At least one All Access Tour will be offered on itineraries shorter than seven nights, and two tours offered aboard a seven-night or longer itinerary with additional tours added, based on demand. The experience lasts up to 3.5 hours and is $150 per guest and can be purchased onboard with the Concierge, Crown & Anchor Society Loyalty Ambassador, or at Guest Relations.

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American Safari Cruises to Operate the Renamed Spirit of Endeavour

August 2011 - American Safari Cruises announces the addition of an 86-guest small ship to its fleet of three yachts offering inclusive adventure cruises. The Safari Endeavour, formerly the Spirit of Endeavour, will undergo major renovation to transform it into an upscale vessel ready to sail in Southeast Alaska in summer 2012.

“This is an ideal time to expand our fleet,” said Dan Blanchard, principal and chief executive officer. “In our 14-year history, our occupancy rates have never been higher, and we are seeing an increase in demand for the type of small-group adventure travel we offer.”

The yacht-style ship will cruise in Southeast Alaska from May to September. Weeklong cruises roundtrip from Juneau, Alaska follow similar itineraries sailed by the yachts with two days exploration in Glacier Bay National Park and expedition cruising in Icy Strait, Frederick Sound, Thomas Bay, Chichagof Island, Ford’s Terror and Endicott Arm. Inclusive fares start at $4,795 per person. Two-week cruises from Seattle to Juneau and reverse will be offered in spring and fall.

“The addition of the Safari Endeavour enables more travelers to see the awe-inspiring sights in Alaska—close up adventure on a small ship,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “The newly-created ambiance on board will be casual yet with a full menu of upscale amenities. The highlight remains the wilderness outside which we explore daily in a variety of ways.”

An extensive renovation project will add American Safari Cruises’ exceptional comfort and refined atmosphere on board. The guest capacity of the yacht-style ship will be reduced 16% from 102 to 86 guests with a mix of twin (some convertible) and king beds. Five stateroom categories include three Master, 21 Commander, 12 Captain, three Admiral and four Commodore Suites. The suites will be created by merging two former staterooms and adding new step-out balconies. All staterooms have one or two outside view windows. Other amenities being added to the ship include two massage rooms, two hot tubs, sauna, exercise equipment, wine bar and a library. An all-American crew of 34 will ensure attentive service with a guest-crew ratio of 2.5 to 1.

American Safari Cruises’ active, adventure cruises allow freedom to engage in many activities, much like on board the yachts. Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available for excursions. Skiff rides will explore shoreline, wildlife and glaciers up close. Expert naturalists and guides lead excursions on land and sea. An enhanced program of educational presentations will be presented in the salon. In Glacier Bay, a National Park Ranger boards the ship for two days to lead hiking and kayaking excursions and provide interpretation of the area’s history, culture and geography.

American Safari Cruises’ meals are a highly anticipated part of each day. Exquisite cuisine is innovative and fresh with seafood and produce purchased locally whenever possible. All meals will be served in the elegant dining room, and the complimentary bar offers premium spirits, fine wines and microbrews.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Updates Smoking Policy

August 2011 - Norwegian Cruise Line today announced adjustments to its smoking policy for each of the line’s 11 Freestyle Cruising ships in response to changing guest preferences. Effective January 2012, guests setting sail on a Norwegian cruise vacation are no longer permitted to smoke cigarettes in their staterooms. Guests who are in a balcony stateroom will be permitted to smoke on the outside balcony; however, cigar and pipe smoking in staterooms and on balconies is prohibited. Ashtrays will be available for use upon request through housekeeping staff.

In an effort to diminish the presence of smoke indoors, cigarette smoking is only permitted in the casino, where ashtrays and appropriate signage will be displayed. Smoking is prohibited in all other public interior venues including all bars, restaurants, conference rooms, corridors, restrooms, staircases and landings. Guests may utilize the enclosed cigar bars on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Spirit for cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking.

In addition, the policy allows guests to smoke cigarettes, cigars and pipes in outdoor public guest spaces and open decks, where designated by the appropriate signage. Smoking is not permitted near outdoor venues which serve food, in open spaces such as the jogging track, sport complex, children’s pool and in The Haven outdoor areas.

For more information on Norwegian’s updated smoking policy guests may consult their Freestyle Daily once on board the ship, or view the policy on the website at www.ncl.com.

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