In light of the travel warning by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico because of concern over Influenza A (H1N1), Princess Cruises has modified its itineraries to suspend calls to Mexican ports through the few remaining voyages of the spring season, which concludes next month.
We are sorry that circumstances beyond our control have caused these itinerary changes, and we recognize that these modifications may cause some disappointment among our passengers. However we hope our passengers will also agree that adhering to the recommendations of the CDC is the best course of action for the safety of our passengers and crew.
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CommentThe Carnival Pride recently launched the first year-round cruise schedule from Baltimore when the 2,124-passenger vessel set sail on its inaugural cruise from the South Locust Point Cruise Terminal on April 27.
Carnival Pride is showcased in a special two-minute video featuring Carnival’s Chief Marketing Officer Jim Berra who provides an insight into the facilities and features available on the 88,500-ton “Fun Ship,” as well as what year-round cruising means for the city of Baltimore.
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CommentThe health and well-being of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance to Norwegian Cruise Line. Accordingly, a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel is one of the safest and cleanest environments in which you can spend your vacation. We take great pride in the efforts that go into keeping it that way.
The company is closely monitoring the health advisories regarding the current H1N1 Influenza situation. It is important to note that Norwegian Cruise Line's scheduled deployment does not include any ports of call in Mexico until the end of September 2009. However, we have proactively taken increased health and safety measures as a matter of caution.
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CommentRoyal Caribbean International has temporarily suspended its port calls in Mexico. The decision was made in an abundance of caution, and to allow additional time to better understand the full impact of the Swine Flu.
The temporary suspension involves four of our ships currently making regularly scheduled port call in Mexico – Enchantment of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. It also involves one additional ship scheduled to make upcoming Mexico port calls as it repositions – Radiance of the Seas. The revised sailings for each ship will be as follows:
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CommentToday, we announced we are temporarily suspending our port calls in Mexico. The decision was made in an abundance of caution, and allows additional time to better understand the full impact of the Swine Flu.
The temporary suspension involves four of our ships currently making regularly scheduled port call in Mexico - Enchantment of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. It also involves two additional ships scheduled to make upcoming Mexico port calls as they reposition - Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. The revised sailings for each ship will be as follows:
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CommentThe health and well-being of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance to Norwegian Cruise Line. Accordingly, the company is closely monitoring the health advisories regarding the current Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) situation.
As a precautionary measure due to the recent travel advisory relating to Mexico, the company is cancelling Norwegian Pearl's final two calls in Mexico on its current repositioning cruise. The stops were scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29 and Friday, May 1, 2009. Apart from this sailing, Norwegian Cruise Line's scheduled deployment does not include any other ports of call in Mexico until the end of September 2009.
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CommentA ceremony marking the Keel Laying for Oceania Cruises Marina was held at the Sestri Ponente shipyard of Fincantieri near Genoa, Italy. During the age-old ceremony which was attended by members of both Oceania Cruises’ and Fincantieri’s management teams, Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings and founder of Oceania Cruises, welded a US Silver Dollar and a pre-Castro Silver Cuban Peso into the keel of the new ship. The welding of the coins into the keel is long-standing maritime tradition which is believed to solicit good fortune for the ship, its crew and its passengers during its seagoing life. After the coins were welded into the keel, the first of the 55 steel blocks which comprise Marina was lowered into the building dock thus marking the official start of the construction of Oceania Cruises’ first purpose-built ship.
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CommentPassengers sailing on P&O Cruises latest superliner Azura will be able to enjoy exotic Indian cuisine from Atul Kochhar in Port Everglades or sip fine wines chosen by Saturday Kitchen star Olly Smith in St. Petersburg. These and many more unique experiences will be available on board the latest addition to the P&O Cruises fleet following her introduction in April 2010 and which will be listed in the Azura preview brochure available from 16 March 2009. Holidays on Azura can be booked from 30 March 2009.
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CommentCunard Line revealed itinerary and design plans for its newest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, which is scheduled to enter service on 12 October 2010, giving one of the oldest names in shipping the strength of operating the youngest fleet in the industry. Queen Elizabeth will be the third new ocean liner to be introduced by Cunard in six years and the second largest Cunard ship ever built.
Queen Elizabeth will feature the unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, and their predecessors. She will also debut some exciting features that will give the vessel her own style and personality, plus all the modern day luxuries Cunard's guests have come to expect.
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CommentAt the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Miami Convention today, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) revealed the full range of innovative and varied accommodations to be offered on its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic. In another industry first, Norwegian is also opening group block space reservations on Norwegian Epic today exclusively for its travel partners before the ship goes on sale to the general public later this spring.
Norwegian Epic, NCL's largest Freestyle Cruising ship to date, set for delivery in May 2010, will feature the biggest ship-within-a-ship suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship. Guests staying in one of these suites will have exclusive access to the Courtyard Villa complex featuring a pool, two whirlpools, gym, saunas, sundeck, indoor/outdoor dining, bar/nightclub and concierge lounge. Always an innovator, Norwegian pioneered the ship-within-a-ship concept on its Jewel class ships and is now taking that vision to epic proportions on the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic.
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CommentThe new 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor is shown here rounding Cape Horn in South America on its way to its permanent homeport of Long Beach, Calif., from where it will operate year-round seven-day Mexican Rivera cruises beginning April 5. Carnival Splendor will be the largest "Fun Ship" ever deployed on the West Coast.
Too large to fit through the Panama Canal, the 113,300-ton SuperLiner embarked on a series of 14- to 18-day South America voyages which will serve to position the vessel on its new California-based program.
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CommentThe largest ship ever to offer cruise vacations from the West Coast arrived into Los Angeles today. At 1,020 feet long and 142,000 gross registered tons, Royal Caribbean International's Mariner of the Seas will sail year-round from the Port of Los Angeles offering a seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary with ports of call at Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, Mexico. Mariner of the Seas is one of the cruise line's Voyager class of ships, which revolutionized the cruise industry by introducing innovative amenities such the iconic rock-wall, an ice-skating rink, a full size basketball and sports court, an inline skating track and Royal Caribbean's signature Royal Promenade, a boulevard of shops, restaurants, bars and lounges that runs nearly the length of the ship.
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CommentNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that for the first time in more than 11 years, the company will homeport a ship seasonally at Port Canaveral, Florida beginning October 2010. The 1,936-passenger Norwegian Sun, purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, departing every Saturday from October 9, 2010 through April 16, 2011.
"As part of our homeland cruising initiative, we are always looking for attractive ports in which to base our ships," said Kevin Sheehan, NCL's president and CEO. "By bringing Norwegian Sun to Port Canaveral, we are offering cruisers in Central Florida and to those vacationing in Orlando quick and easy access to Freestyle Cruising. In addition, Port Canaveral offers our guests a wide range of pre- and post-cruise packages with the ability to visit a number of family attractions."
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CommentThe 2,052-passenger Carnival Sensation has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation and emerged with a host of new facilities and features, including a sprawling water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, and redesigned tropical themed main pool. Ninety-eight balconies were also incorporated onto existing ocean view staterooms and a new Circle C facility for 12- to 14-year olds was added, as well.
The extensive renovation, which took place during a 35-day dry dock, is part of Carnival’s “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program for the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels. Carnival Sensation is the fourth “Fun Ship” to receive the upgrades, joining the Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, and Carnival Fantasy which have already been renovated. The four remaining Fantasy-class ships will be refurbished over the next few years.
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CommentWindstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, announces two new 7-day sailings to the Canary Islands in November 2009 on Wind Spirit. More than 10 years have passed since Windstar Cruises has offered a Canary Islands itinerary.
Wind Spirit departs Lisbon, Portugal on November 14, 2009, and visits the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Casablanca and seaside resort town of Agadir, Morocco, on the northwest coast of Africa before sailing to ports of Lanzarote, Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. On the November 21, 2009, sailing Wind Spirit will depart Santa Cruz de Tenerife and cruise to Las Palmas, Lanzarote, Agadir and Casablanca before arriving in Lisbon. On these exotic voyages guests will be able to experience Moroccan culture and history, sun-drenched beaches, volcanic landscapes, sand dunes and stunning flora and fauna. Cruise rates start at $1,999 per person, double occupancy.
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CommentCaribbean Princess has just emerged from an extensive three-week drydock to add many of Princess Cruises' signature features that have proven so popular on its newest ships. The vessel now offers passengers the engaging street-cafe atmosphere of the piazza-style atrium with its International Cafe and Vines, the wine, seafood and cheese bar; the adults-only Sanctuary, seven new suites, and a more centrally located casino. Work is also nearly complete on a new Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant.
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CommentGuests can get a close-up look at all that MSC Cruises has to offer for the 2009 Europe season with new virtual brochure now available online.
The 57-page brochure, which is now available at <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.MSCCruisesUSA.com">www.MSCCruisesUSA.com</a><!-- w --> and <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.MSCCruisesagent.com">www.MSCCruisesagent.com</a><!-- w -->, provides guests and travel agents an easily accessible way to view what they can expect when they choose to explore Europe the European way onboard an MSC Cruises ship.
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CommentNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced that it has selected the name for its new F3 ship: Norwegian Epic. Just as the name implies, the ship will be the largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date.
The 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic is scheduled to sail year-round to the Caribbean from Miami, beginning in summer 2010. Following a series of inaugural events in Europe and the U.S., the ship will homeport in Miami and will sail year-round to the Caribbean offering alternating seven-day Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages through April 2011. These cruises are scheduled to go on sale to the public later this spring. NCL will open Norwegian Epic's sailings for group block bookings exclusively for travel partners in mid-March 2009.
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CommentNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced its 2010-2011 winter deployment which includes a continued year-round commitment to Europe with Norwegian Jade sailing from Barcelona and the addition of Norwegian Jewel, joining Norwegian Gem, sailing from New York, giving guests the opportunity to choose from among NCL's newest ships, purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising.
NCL will continue its popular sailings to the Caribbean from New Orleans on the newly refurbished Norwegian Spirit and to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles on Norwegian Star. In addition, NCL has also released its 2010-2011 repositioning voyages which include the Panama Canal, Pacific Coastal and Transatlantic. These cruises go on sale January 22, 2009.
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CommentTrogir, Sinop and Kotor may sound like three characters in a bizarre fairytale, but they're actually the new offbeat dream destinations set for Crystal Cruises' 2009 Mediterranean cruises.
Maiden calls to Kotor, Montenegro; Sinop, Turkey; Trogir, Croatia; Lipari, Italy; and Patmos, Greece, join more than 50 other destinations on twelve itineraries, ranging from seven to 14 days. With most cruises aboard the ultra-luxurious, award-winning Crystal Serenity, Crystal's Mediterranean season runs from May 23 to November 1. An array of promotional incentives is making Crystal's Mediterranean itineraries compelling in value as well as destination.
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CommentMSC Cruises has announced a new 2009-10 Caribbean program featuring MSC Poesia. The ship, which joined the MSC Cruises fleet in spring 2008, will sail itineraries of 3-, 5, 7-, 8- and 10-nights throughout the Caribbean sea and to Bermuda during the winter season before returning to Europe in spring 2010.
“MSC Poesia’s program will feature a variety of itinerary lengths and destinations, offering a full range of choices to guests in the Caribbean,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO, MSC Cruises (USA), Inc.
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CommentCarnival Cruise Lines' newest and largest "Fun Ship," the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream is pictured here in the outfitting quay at Italy's Fincantieri shipyard as construction continues on the massive 3,646-passenger vessel.
Representing a new class of ship for the line, Carnival Dream will offer a host of innovations, including the largest spa and children's facilities in the fleet, a new indoor/outdoor entertainment area offering magnificent ocean vistas, and the longest water slide at sea, part of the sprawling Carnival WaterWorks aqua park. A variety of accommodation categories - including a two-bathroom configuration that will be ideal for families, as well as "cove" balcony staterooms closer to the water line - will be available, as well.
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CommentRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has selected business development and travel industry veteran Dr. Zinan Liu as managing director of its operations in China.
In the newly created position, Liu will oversee all commercial and operational activities for three of the company's brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises.
"We are very pleased to have such a seasoned business development professional joining our team," said Michael Bayley, senior vice president, International, for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "Zinan has a proven track record of success in the global travel industry, and an in-depth knowledge of the local market. This will serve him well as he works toward building our business in China."
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CommentPrincess is marking the annual wave selling season with an innovative Alaska Wilderness Sale promotion. The line is introducing a special new lineup of cruisetours that offer passengers the extra convenience of roundtrip travel from Seattle at unprecedented low fares. These new options make planning an Alaska land/sea vacation easier than ever by including all travel once the passenger gets to Seattle, including airfare between Seattle and Anchorage, as well as a free stateroom upgrade.
The Alaska Wilderness Sale runs through February 28, 2009, and features four new Seattle-based cruisetour options. Offering both northbound and southbound travel, the 11- or 12-night cruisetours feature a seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise plus Direct to the Wilderness rail transportation and stays at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Air travel between Seattle and Anchorage, as well as motorcoach transfers between Seattle and Vancouver are included in the package. Free stateroom category upgrades are included as well. Fares start at $1,099 for an 11-night land/sea vacation.
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CommentRoyal Caribbean has introduced a $3.95 charge for any room service ordered between 12-5am.
Room service will still be free at other times and the $3.95 will include the gratuity.
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CommentCrystal Cruises returns to Alaska for the first time since 2005 with a single early season itinerary departing Yokohama April 16. The 22-day voyage also marks the first time Crystal Serenity has ever visited the Great Land, with calls at Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, Seward and Ketchikan. Crystal Adventures will highlight the region's magnificent scenery and wildlife - taking guests zip lining through the Tongass National Forest, flightseeing above the Misty Fjords and yachting off Kodiak to view the region's wildlife.
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CommentWishing everyone a Merry Christmas from Cruise TT.
Hopefully you will find some cruise tickets under the tree this morning.
Now if you will excuse me , the turkey needs my attention.
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CommentHolland America Line announced it will more than double its previously announced Bermuda cruises in 2010 from 11 to 24 beginning on April 25, 2010. Sailing roundtrip from New York aboard ms Veendam, the cruises will visit both Hamilton and St. George’s, Bermuda’s cultural and shopping hubs.
“This is a wonderful development for Holland America Line and Bermuda,” said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We are thrilled to homeport a ship in New York City to sail to Bermuda and our extended season to the islands will be very exciting to our guests.”
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CommentThe Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners today approved a 10-year berthing agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). This represents the first long-term agreement between the Port of Miami and NCL since the company began operating from the Port as the first Caribbean cruise line 42 years ago.
The agreement gives NCL priority access to two large-ship berths at Terminals B and C. In return, NCL will guarantee a minimum of $98 million in port fees over the term of the agreement. In addition, the Port is making a $10 million investment in upgrades to the terminals, including a new gangway and general improvements to make the guest experience more enjoyable and efficient.
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CommentNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and STX France Cruise SA, STX Europe's French shipyard, announced today that they have reached an agreement and are moving forward with the construction of the F3 cruise ship project.
NCL and STX Europe have agreed to revise the original F3 order. STX France Cruise is now building one F3 ship at 150,000-tons with a total of 4,200 passenger berths, representing the largest ship in NCL's fleet. This will mean a continuation of the original hull which is currently in the early phases of construction, with delivery set for late May 2010, as originally scheduled. The planned second vessel, currently only in the preparatory stages, will not be built. Further terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
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CommentWindstar Cruises has announced that it will suspend its fuel surcharge on all sailings departing after January 1, 2009, due to declining fuel prices.
Windstar's fuel surcharge applied only to sailings through March 31, 2009. Windstar will automatically refund the fuel surcharge to guests in the form of a shipboard credit to use during their sailing for those sailings departing between January 1 and March 31, 2009.
Windstar reserves the right to impose fuel surcharges if fuel prices escalate.
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CommentCrystal Cruises has created a global collection of 2010 cruise itineraries spanning 174 ports in 70 countries on 62 voyages. New offerings range from maiden calls in Iran, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia on the World Cruise to new North American cruises to the Sea of Cortez and Hawaii. Crystal has set 17 cruises at 10 days or fewer - almost double those in 2009.
Crystal's 2010 cruise repertoire boasts a balance of cruises celebrating the charming culture of Australia and New Zealand, the fertile history of the Middle East, safari-rich Africa, the treasures of North America and the cosmopolitan centers of Europe. Throughout, the award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will maintain an emphasis on port intensive, destination driven itineraries with many overnight stays in port.
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CommentNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced its 2010-2011 summer deployment and itineraries with new choices in Europe and Alaska, along with a long-term commitment to its profitable Hawai`i deployment on Pride of America. These cruises go on sale to NCL's Latitudes members (past guests) today, December 9, 2008, and to the general public on December 11, 2008.
"For the summer of 2010, we have some of the most diverse and interesting itineraries in the key summer destinations. With exciting new offerings from Venice and Vancouver, we have added to the already diverse range of choices in these popular destinations," said Kevin Sheehan, NCL's president and CEO. "These itineraries aboard the youngest fleet in the industry, combined with the freedom and flexibility that Freestyle Cruising offers, ensure that our guests will experience the vacation of a lifetime when sailing with NCL."
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CommentMore Ships to Receive Innovative Features; New Itinerary Options Debut
The Sanctuary Added to Princess Fleet -- Prompted by enthusiastic response from its passengers, Princess Cruises' ground-breaking "pocket of tranquility" -- The Sanctuary -- has become such a popular haven for passengers looking to escape to a serene hideaway, that it will be added to the entire fleet of Princess ships. The Sanctuary debuted in 2006 aboard Crown Princess and was an instant success as it gave passengers the perfect place to take a break and indulge in a private getaway in a plush, outdoor spa-inspired setting. The area is complete with massage cabanas, signature beverages, light meals, attentive service and relaxing personal entertainment. The exclusive adults-only retreat is currently also available on Emerald Princess, Ruby Princess, Island Princess and Star Princess.
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Comment Fuel Supplement Charges to be Removed From All 2009 Voyages for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Prestige Cruise Holdings, parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced that fuel supplement charges will be eliminated from all voyages departing in 2009. PCH had previously announced that fuel supplement charges for 2010 voyages would be eliminated effective November 10, 2008.
Frank Del Rio, chairman of Prestige Cruise Holdings, stated that the company was eliminating these charges due to the dramatic decrease in the price of crude oil. "As the price of oil has tumbled into the low $40 range, we can now eliminate the fuel surcharge on all 2009 voyages and as long as the price remains below $65 per barrel, we are confident that we will not require a surcharge in the future," he added.
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Comment P&O Cruises Arcadia is currently undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment, during which a total of 34 new staterooms will be added. The refit is being done in the Lloydwerft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. Arcadia arrived in the yard on 26 November and will return to Southampton on 20 December 2008.
P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “This is Arcadia’s first major refurbishment since she joined the fleet in April 2005 and we are taking the opportunity to enhance and improve the features of this already very successful child free ship.
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CommentRoyal Caribbean International has laid the keel of Allure of the Seas, the second of the highly-anticipated Oasis-class cruise ships slated to redefine the industry. The keel laying ceremony at STX Europe's shipyard in Turku, Finland, marks the placement of the very first block of Allure of the Seas in the dry dock where the ship will begin to take shape.
When she launches in 2010, Allure of the Seas will share the title of the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. An architectural marvel at sea, Allure of the Seas will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, will be homeported at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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CommentRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced the suspension of its fuel supplement for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2009, anywhere in the world.
The decision reflects the recently sustained lower price of fuel.
Effective Monday, December 8, guests making new bookings for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2009, will not be charged the fuel supplement.
Guests already booked on sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2009, will receive a refund of any fuel supplement paid, as follows:
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CommentBuilding on the successful launch of Norwegian Sky in the three and four-day market, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced it has extended the Freestyle Cruising ship's deployment from Miami, sailing three and four-day Bahamas cruises, through April 16, 2010.
Norwegian Sky sailings from April 20, 2009 through April 16, 2010 go on sale today. To celebrate the ship's continued deployment, NCL is offering a special promotional offer of $199 per person (double occupancy) and $49 per person for third and fourth guests in the same stateroom with up to a four category upgrade for reservations made today through December 31, 2008.
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CommentAs fuel prices continue to decline, Carnival has announced that it will suspend the fuel supplement for all voyages departing on or after December 17, 2008.
Effective December 4, 2008, for all new bookings on cruises departing on or after December 17, 2008, the fuel supplement will not be charged.
For all existing bookings made prior to December 4, 2008 for cruises departing on or after December 17, 2008, the fuel supplement will be refunded. The refund of the fuel supplement will be made in the form of a shipboard credit for all bookings within the final payment period. All bookings outside of the final payment period will be adjusted to remove the fuel supplement and guests will be provided with a revised final payment amount.
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CommentIn response to the current continued decline of fuel prices, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced today that it is suspending the company's fuel supplement effective immediately for all voyages departing in 2009.
NCL will refund the fuel supplement in the form of an on-board credit for all 2009 bookings within the final payment period. All existing 2009 bookings outside of the final payment period will be adjusted to remove the fuel supplement and NCL will revise the final payment amount.
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CommentMiami, FL, November 30, 2008 - On November 30, 2008, at approximately 0928 local time, 0528 GMT, M/S NAUTICA was transiting through the Gulf of Aden within the prescribed Maritime Safety Protection Area which is patrolled by international anti-piracy task forces. As the vessel sailed past several groups of non-hostile fishing vessels, two small skiffs were sighted by the Officer on Duty and deemed potentially hostile. The skiffs, approaching from a range of approximately 1000 meters, attempted to intercept the vessel's course. Captain Jurica Brajcic and his officers immediately began evasive maneuvers and took all prescribed precautions. NAUTICA was immediately brought to flank speed and was able to out run the two skiffs. One of the skiffs did manage to close the range to approximately 300 yards and fired eight rifle shots in the direction of the vessel before trailing off. No one aboard NAUTICA was harmed and no damage was sustained.
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CommentSnow Flurries Again Provide Holiday Magic, Along with a Gingerbread Housebuilding Challenge and Turkey Carving Training from the Experts
As the holidays draw near, Princess ships are preparing for another festive season at sea, and weather conditions are again pointing to unusual snow flurries onboard. After an extremely popular debut last year, snow will again magically fall in the ship's atriums, transforming the vessels into a winter wonderland throughout December.
"What's better than the romance of a white Christmas, especially when it's an unexpected surprise?" said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "Our snowfalls were such a huge hit last year that this has now become a new tradition on Princess ships."
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CommentA number of new innovations combined with a refined and modern interpretation of the classic cruise experience will be the defining qualities for the latest superliner from P&O Cruises, Azura, set to launch in 2010.
To harness eclectic British tastes and honour the rich history of P&O Cruises, Azura will feature an Indian fine dining restaurant, Sindhu, the creation of celebrated Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar. Sindhu means meeting point, amalgamation or fusion, and the menu will offer a fusion of fine British and Indian cuisine. Dishes such as pan-fried lobster tail in coconut milk and tamarind sauce will tempt passengers through the doors of this - just one of 11 - dining venues on board.
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CommentDuring preview cruises this month on its new Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Cruises revealed plans to resume cruises to Bermuda in 2010.
"Celebrity has a long and positive history with the beautiful island of Bermuda, and we're thrilled to respond to demand that we return, from our longtime guests and travel agent partners alike," said Celebrity's President & CEO Dan Hanrahan.
On April 17, 2010, Celebrity Summit will reposition from San Juan to Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, to present a series of 7-night roundtrip Bermuda itineraries. The ship will dock at King's Wharf, also known as the Royal Naval Dockyard.
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CommentThe final countdown for MSC Fantasia has officially started.
There are less than 30 days to go to the christening ceremony of MSC Cruises` flagship in Naples on December 18. The most beautiful ship in the world will be christened by Sophia Loren, the icon of Italian style in the world, who has already christened five other elegant MSC Cruises` ships.
MSC Fantasia at 133,500 gross registered tons, measures 1,092 feet long, 196 feet high and 124 feet wide. It can cruise at a maximum speed of 23 knots, carrying 3,274 guests (double occupancy) in its 1,637 cabins.
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CommentLine Evaluating Earlier End To Surcharge If Fuel Prices Remain Stable
MSC Cruises has eliminated the fuel surcharge for all its cruises departing on or after April 1, 2009. The surcharge will not be levied on any new bookings for cruises sailing from that date on, and the accounts of guests already booked on these cruises will be adjusted to remove the surcharge from their balances.
The line also has announced that it plans to drop the fuel surcharge for new bookings on sailings departing from January 1 through March 31, 2009, if fuel prices remain stable going into the new year. Guests booked on these cruises will receive a refund of the fuel surcharge in the form of an onboard credit if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel is at or below $65 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange on December 18, 2008.
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Comment In just over one year, Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas will make her long awaited debut. The ship, under construction at STX Europe in Turku, Finland, reached an important maritime milestone today when she was "floated out" - moved from dry dock to wet dock - to begin the final stages of interior work.
At official ceremonies held at the shipyard, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. executives, Richard Fain, chairman and CEO and Harri Kulovaara, executive vice president, Maritime were joined by Martin Landtman, president, STX Finland Cruise Oy, and Toivo Ilvonen, project director, Oasis-class, to turn the valve releasing 87 million gallons of water into the wet dock area.
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CommentRoyal Caribbean International's newest Freedom-class ship, Independence of the Seas, made her US debut today at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Sharing the title of world's largest cruise ship with her sister-ships, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, Independence will be the line's first Freedom-class ship to sail from Port Everglades.
At 160,000 GRT and a capacity of 3,634 guests, Independence of the Seas features all of the industry-first amenities which are trademarks of the Freedom-class ships: a FlowRider surf simulator; the H20 Zone water park with its interactive sculpture garden for families and toddler pool; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean in the adults-only Solarium; a fullsize boxing ring and a 14-person family suite.
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CommentWe have loaded 102,980 items of updated schedule information.
A little update on our database.
143 Ships
821 Ports
120,121 Ship Moves
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Comment Recent drops in crude oil prices have led Crystal Cruises to revise its 2009 fuel surcharge policy. If crude oil is below $65 a barrel on a specific quarterly date, the line will reimburse its fuel surcharge to guests sailing in the following quarter.
Given the volatility of oil prices, Crystal Cruises will continue to apply a $12 per guest per day fuel surcharge for Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity voyages departing in 2009. However, adjustments will be determined quarterly based on the closing price of light sweet crude oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange, as reported in the Wall Street Journal. If this closing price is below $65 per barrel two weeks prior to the beginning of the upcoming calendar quarter, then Crystal will automatically refund the charged supplement, in the form of a Shipboard Credit, for cruises departing within that quarter.
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CommentCelebrity Cruises today announced the Godmother of the most widely-heralded cruise ship to enter the market this year, Celebrity Solstice. Atypically, she's not a star of stage and screen; instead, she 'stars' in a field of enormous importance to Celebrity Cruises: the world's oceans. Professor Sharon L. Smith, the first ocean scientist ever to serve as Godmother of a cruise ship, will join Celebrity executives today to name the brand’s sleek, 2,850-guest ship in formal ceremonies at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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CommentWindstar Cruises is to start offering cell phone service at sea on Wind Star and Wind Spirit. Wind Surf already offers this service.
Wind Star will have the service available on the Nov. 29, 2008, 14-day Panama Canal cruise from Barbados to Puerto Caldera. The network will be installed on Wind Spirit during an upcoming dry dock and be ready on the April 18, 2009, 7-day cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona.
"We are pleased to provide this service to our guests," said Diane Moore, President of Windstar Cruises. "It allows them the convenience of staying in touch with family, friends and business associates while enjoying their cruise."
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QE2's Final Farewell to Southampton yesterday was marked by festivities, fireworks and moving tributes. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh made his seventh and final visit to the most famous ship in the world. While onboard, His Royal Highness observed two minutes of silence at 11:00am prior to meeting crew members who served on the ship to the Falklands. His Royal Highness then toured the vessel, including the Wardroom, Bridge, Engine Control Room and Hospital, before attending a reception in the Queens Room.
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CommentHolland America Line unveiled its 2010 Grand Voyage itineraries, giving cruisers the opportunity to choose either the full, 114-day Grand World Voyage or one of the Grand Voyages, ranging from 51- to 70-days. The four globe-spanning odysseys encompass the savannah of South Africa, the treasures of ancient China, the mysteries of Antarctica and South America, the warm, azure waters of the Great Barrier Reef and the marvels of the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
"The Grand Voyage itineraries for 2010 are among the most exciting ever offered," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. "Regardless of whether guests wish to cruise a 114-day Grand World Voyage or one of our 51- or 70-day Grand Voyages, Holland America offers the best value for extended travel to the world's most captivating and heralded countries in the world."
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