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Feb 7, 2010, Cruise Articles, Cruise Tips and Travel Advice

Cruise articles, tips and travel advice on many aspects of cruising

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Feb 4, 2010, Newwest Cancels Olympic Charter Of Norwegian Star

Newwest Special Projects LP is announcing the cancellation of its charter of the Norwegian Star. The cancellation includes the pre cruise, scheduled for 6-10 February from LA to Vancouver, the post cruise, scheduled for 2-6 March from Vancouver to LA and the Vancouver stay for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Newwest Special Projects Limited Partnership cited poor sales as the reason for the cancellation of the 28-day charter. The Norwegian Star was scheduled to be in Vancouver throughout the Winter Olympics.

Newwest will be issuing refunds. Guests who have booked should contact them at 877.254.2010 or 780.450.1555

Feb 2, 2010, Carnival Miracle Back on Schedule After Mishap

Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Miracle is back on schedule after it struck a dock Jan. 28 in St. Kitts. The ship departed on its current eight-day cruise at about 5 p.m. Jan. 31 from Fort Lauderdale, after arriving slightly late, at 9:15 a.m. The ship had sustained a gash approximately 15 feet long by 2 feet wide on its forward port side adjacent to three crew cabins. There were no injuries to guests or crew. Repairs were made while the vessel remained in St. Kitts overnight. The ship departed St. Kitts the morning of Jan. 29 and was able to make up for lost time.

Source: Travel Pluse

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Feb 2, 2010, Peru's Machu Picchu Could Be Closed for Two Months

Peru has declared five regional departments in the southern part of the country in a state of emergency following torrential rains, and more downpours are expected. Peru's national civil defense institution said more than 38,000 people have been seriously affected by rains that have swollen rivers, flooded towns, roads and houses, and caused mudslides. Mudslides in the Cusco region, the worst-hit department, blocked access to Peru's world-famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Access to Machu Picchu, which is reached mainly by train, reportedly could remain blocked for nearly two months.

Helicopters have reportedly ferried out the last tourists stranded near Machu Picchu. A total of 3,900 tourists and locals were flown out of Machu Picchu Pueblo over the past week after mudslides and torrential rains destroyed sections of the railway. Rail operator Perurail said it will take months for workers to repair the railway that leads to the Inca citadel. Authorities said Machu Picchu will remain closed for weeks until the government can repair roads and railroad tracks washed out by mudslides and the flooding around the Urubamba River.

On a notice on its website, Orient-Express, which owns hotels in the affected region and the Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, recommended that customers scheduled to travel to the Hotel Monasterio, Hotel Rio Sagrado or Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge before Feb. 15 contact their travel consultant or Orient-Express at 800-237-1236 or 843-937-9066. Orient-Express said customers scheduled to travel before Feb. 15 on the Hiram Bingham train should contact their travel consultant or PeruRail for further information and advice on their journey. For more information, visit www.orient-express.com or www.visitperu.com.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Jan 22, 2010, Silversea Christens Silver Spirit in Fort Lauderdale

Silversea Cruises’ christened the Silver Spirit on Jan. 21 in a formal ceremony dockside at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In a first for the company, the event was broadcast live on the Internet; a replay of the webcast will soon be available for viewing on the Silver Spirit Blog at www.silversea.com . More than 450 invited visitors included local dignitaries, members of the trade and media, members of the Venetian Society past-guest club and guests sailing on the Grand Inaugural Voyage. A brass and strings ensemble serenaded guests as they took their seats. The ship’s godmother, Silvia Lefebvre, sister of Silversea Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre, presided over the festivities. Besides speeches and the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle against Silver Spirit’s hull, the ceremony included a blessing of the ship by the Rev. Thomas W. Falkenthal, director of the Apostleship of the Sea for the Archdiocese of Miami.

In a brief departure from an otherwise celebratory tone, Silversea Chief Operating Officer Kenneth W. Watson acknowledged the recent tragedy in Haiti and announced that the company had made a charitable donation to the American Red Cross on behalf of Grand Inaugural Voyage guests. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Haitian people during this very difficult time,” he said.

Silvia Lefebvre christened the ship with a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne. A replica of the champagne bottle will be auctioned off as a memento during the Grand Inaugural Voyage to benefit the Maruzza Lefebvre d’Ovidio Foundation, a non-profit organization spearheaded by Silvia Lefebvre. A major part of its energy and resources is dedicated to the diffusion of palliative care for children, babies and adolescents affected by incurable disease.

Silver Spirit departed later on a 91-day Grand Inaugural Voyage exploring over 20 countries and 45 ports throughout the Americas, then will spend the summer in the Mediterranean before repositioning to the Caribbean for fall and winter cruises. At 36,000 tons, and accommodating 540 guests, the intimate ship has the largest suites in the Silversea fleet, with 95 percent featuring a private veranda.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Jan 20, 2010, Carnival to Return to Europe with New Magic in 2011

Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, will debut with seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating roundtrip from Barcelona from May to October 2011. This marks Carnival’s first full season of Mediterranean cruises in three years, as well as the first time the line has homeported a ship in Barcelona.

To commemorate the line’s return to Europe, for the first time ever Carnival is offering an exclusive pre-sale for past guests from Jan. 19 to Jan. 25, including complimentary two-category upgrades, along with special rates starting at $829 per person, based on double occupancy. For consumers new to Carnival, the line’s full range of cruise fares will open on Jan. 26.

The 130,000-ton Carnival Magic will offer a host of features found on its sister ship Carnival Dream, including a WaterWorks aqua park, a café/live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza, Serenity adults-only retreat, facilities for children and teens, and a wide range of stateroom categories. Several innovations unique to the Carnival Magic will be announced in the coming months.

Source: Carnival Cruise Lines

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Jan 20, 2010, Seabourn Pride Gets Renovation, Begins Program in Asia

Seabourn Pride has received a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, just in time to begin a new year-round schedule of cruises in Asia. The all-suite vessel is deployed in Asia to operate itineraries to places such as Dalian, China; Busan and Yeosu, Korea; Nagasaki and Kagoshima, Japan. The schedule also includes the line’s first summer voyages in Vietnam and Thailand, which are typically featured in winter itineraries, as well as direct sailings between the China and Taiwan, another first for the company. A selection of escorted pre- and post-cruise land options is also available.

The Yachts of Seabourn is currently offering complimentary round-trip business-class airfare from 27 North American gateways to eight 12-day voyages in Asia aboard Pride from June 3 to Aug. 22. Bookings must be made by Feb. 15. The included airfare is combinable with early-booking savings of up to 30 percent off brochure fares. All-inclusive fares for the 12-day voyages start at $7,980 per person, based on double occupancy, and include round-trip business-class air, airport transfers, and deluxe hotel accommodation where flight schedules require it. The complimentary business-class air offer is subject to space availability.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Jan 16, 2010, Cruise vacations - where reality and fantasy trade places!

Cruise Vacations Guide is a website designed to offer tips and information on how to plan and get the most from a cruise vacation.

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Jan 13, 2010, Valid Passport Required for Mexico

The Mexican government has announced that effective March 1, 2010 Canadian and American passengers flying into Mexico will be required to show a valid passport.

This measure harmonizes Mexican boarder control policy with that of Canada and the US under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).

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Jan 12, 2010, Seabourn Quest Launches In 2011

Seabourn Cruises' third Odyssey-class ship will be called the Seabourn Quest, when the ship launches in 2011.

The first of the three ships, the 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey, debuted last summer. The second, the Seabourn Sojourn, will launch this June in London.

The Quest will be Seabourn's sixth vessel, with the three Odyssey-class ships representing a 200% capacity increase for Seabourn over a three-year period.

Seabourn CEO Pamela Conover said in a statement that the names of the three ships "represent the passion for adventure and discovery that spurs our guests’ desire to travel in Seabourn style."

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Jan 8, 2010, Cunard Partners with Juilliard to Present Jazz Performances

Cunard Line is partnering with The Juilliard School to present jazz performances on select 2010 eastbound trans-Atlantic crossings aboard Queen Mary 2. Students and faculty from Juilliard will perform in the ship’s Royal Court Theatre. These presentations are part of Cunard’s entertainment and enrichment. Last August, Juilliard Jazz scholar Jumaane Smith became the first student from the school to take the stage onboard Queen Mary 2, presenting a trumpet recital. Juilliard performers are scheduled for the April 15 to 22, May 21 to 28, June 7 to 14, July 6 to 3, Aug. 8 to 22, Sept. 12 to 19 and Oct. 12 to 19 crossings.

Source: Cunard

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Jan 8, 2010, Seabourn Names Third New Vessel Seabourn Quest

The Yachts of Seabourn has announced that Seabourn Quest will be the name of its newest vessel. Seabourn Quest will debut in June 2011. Seabourn Quest will be the third of the sleek design that first appeared on Seabourn Odyssey in June. The second sister, Seabourn Sojourn, will debut next June in Greenwich, England, and is already selling strongly for its maiden year. Together, the three new vessels represent a capacity increase of over 200 percent for the line in a three-year period, underlining the company’s confidence in a burgeoning demand for top-shelf cruising options in the leisure travel market. The three new Seabourn yachts are 32,000 tons and carry 450 guests each.

Last September, the cruise line launched a contest inviting people to guess the name they will give to the newest ship, with a complimentary cruise for two aboard the vessel as the prize. The contest drew more than 2,100 email responses by the time it closed on Dec. 31. The contest winner is Kevin Staub of Newtown, Pa., who submitted “Quest” along with 15 other suggestions on Oct. 12. Staub wasn’t alone in admiring the name, and so his name was drawn at random from a pool of 120 contestants who submitted correct guesses. Staub and his guest will enjoy a complimentary seven-day cruise on Quest during the vessel’s maiden year of operation.

Seabourn’s new yachts include a gathering spot called Seabourn Square, which replaces the traditional reception lobby with a club-like room that combines a library, Internet café and a guest services center with a social lounge and konditerei-style coffee bar. The ships have four dining venues, six bars and lounges and a range of open decks and terraces.

With its expanded fleet, The Yachts of Seabourn offers travelers new itineraries, including year-round sailings in Asia aboard Seabourn Pride exploring Vietnam, Thailand, China, Korea and Japan. For a limited time, many of these voyages are being offered with free round-trip business-class airfare. The new vessels will continue to offer popular itineraries such as Europe, the Mediterranean, the Americas and annual World Cruises.

Source: Yachts of Seabourn

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Jan 4, 2010, TSA Updates Air Security Measures on International Flights

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a directive to all United States and international air carriers with inbound flights to the U.S. effective Monday, Jan. 4. The new directive comes in the wake of the terrorist incident on Dec. 25. During that incident a Nigerian national attempted to set off a small explosive device on Northwest Airlines Flight 253 just as it was on approach to Detroit on a flight from Amsterdam. The terrorist fortunately was subdued by passengers and crew.

>It is mandating that every individual flying into the U.S. from anywhere in the world traveling from or through nations that are state sponsors of terrorism or other countries of interest be required to go through enhanced security screening. The directive also increases the use of enhanced screening technologies and mandates threat-based and random screening for passengers on U.S. bound international flights.

“Passengers should not expect to see the same thing at every airport.”

TSA also issued a directive for additional security measures to be implemented for last point of departure international flights to the United States. Passengers flying into the United States from abroad can expect to see additional security measures at international airports such as increased gate screening, including pat-downs and bag searches. During the flight, passengers will be asked to follow flight crew instructions, such as stowing personal items, turning off electronic equipment and remaining seated during certain portions of the flight. Reportedly that may include not allowing passengers to get out of their seats, access carry-on baggage or use personal items for the last hour of any international flight.

At this time, the TSA said security checkpoint requirements for passengers departing U.S. airports remain the same. Passengers do not need to do anything differently, but they may notice additional security measures at the airport. Passengers traveling within the United States should give themselves extra time to check in and proceed through the security checkpoint before their flight, especially during the holiday travel season. The TSA also is advising that passengers traveling on international flights to U.S. destinations allow extra time for security and arrive an additional hour earlier. TSA said it will continuously review these measures to ensure the highest levels of security. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has ordered a review of the aviation security system after it was reported that the Nigerian man arrested had earlier been placed on at least one terrorist watch list.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Dec 22, 2009, Celebrity Announces Name Of 4th Solstice Class Ship

The word “silhouette” conjures up images of light and shadow, and sleek profiles in the world of design and fashion, so it’s fitting that Celebrity Cruises has named the fourth ship in its stylish Solstice Class fleet Celebrity Silhouette. And what better date to announce it than on winter solstice?

Like its widely acclaimed sister ships – Celebrity Solstice, which was named “Best Premium Ship” and “Best Rookie Ship” in Travel Weekly’s annual awards gala just last week; Celebrity Equinox, which set sail in July 2009; and Celebrity Eclipse, which will enter service in April 2010 – the 122,000-ton Celebrity Silhouette will offer the series of brand-defining, industry-first attributes that guests, travel agents and press have praised about Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, including a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass, a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass, unrivaled dining venues offering trendsetting cuisine and design, and widely varied entertainment. Like its sisters, the 2,850-guest Celebrity Silhouette will have larger staterooms – 90 percent outside, and 85 percent with verandas – and spacious bathrooms, as well as several categories of accommodations, including Celebrity’s ConciergeClass and spa-inspired AquaClass staterooms.“Countless guests and travel partners have asked us to reveal the ship’s name over the past few months, which is yet another indicator of the widespread interest in these stunningly designed ships,” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. “The enormous response to our unique new sweepstakes is a powerful indicator, too.”

Cruise lovers interested in being among the very first to see Celebrity Silhouette while under construction in Germany actually have a chance. By entering Celebrity’s “Eclipse of a Lifetime” sweepstakes, running through January 14, 2010, 10 winners and their guests will be the first individuals outside of the line’s employees to board Celebrity Eclipse when it sets sail for the very first time; the first to have exclusive, up-close-and-personal views of the construction process of Celebrity Silhouette at Meyer Werft, one of the most modern shipyards in the world; first to be led and hosted throughout Celebrity Eclipse by Celebrity's President and CEO Dan Hanrahan; first to nestle into the ship’s AquaClass staterooms; first to sample the ship's innovative cuisine created by the line’s VP of Culinary Operations and Chef Jacques Van Staden, and the first to have the chance to interact with the ship’s senior officers.

To enter, visit the Celebrity web site, at www.celebritycruises.com and click the “Eclipse of a Lifetime” tab to access the entry form and sweepstakes rules. Or, click www.celebritycruises.com/EclipseSweepstakes.

Source: Celebrity Cruises

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Dec 15, 2009, Oceania Marina to Feature Ralph Lauren Suites

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina will have luxury suites outfitted with furniture, fabrics, lighting and bedding from the Ralph Lauren Home collection when it debuts in winter 2011. The cruise line tapped New York-based Tocar Interior Design to decorate the suites. Susan Bednar Long, co-founder and president, previously oversaw the decoration of flagship retail stores for Polo across North America. Christina Sullivan, co-founder and vice president, began her career at Polo in the store design department, where she launched Double RL Collection Shops across the U.S.

The three Owner’s Suites on Marina feature walls of inset Georgian wood paneling finished in an ivory gloss. An ivory marble entryway with a black and camel mosaic tile inset is surrounded by black carpeting trimmed with a polished nickel metal edge. The foyer also contains a mahogany gloss bar with three ivory leather and chrome stools, burnished silver armchairs covered in faux crocodile and brown and white faux zebra skins and an oversized ivory brocade and black satin chaise in front of floor-to-ceiling windows. An ebony baby grand piano serves as the room’s focal point while an alabaster and polished nickel chandelier hangs overhead.

In the spacious living and dining room, Macassar ebony-veneered chests with silver hardware topped by faux zebra-framed mirrors flank the entrance. Walnut herringbone wood flooring rings a field of camel carpeting with an inset chocolate border. A full wall of windows affords aft views. A camel-colored suede L-shaped sectional is positioned in the corner. To its side is a mahogany Anglesey end table and oversized Mayfair tufted armchair upholstered in coffee-brown velvet. The Planar brushed stainless steel and acrylic coffee table centers the seating area. A 42-inch flat-screen TV mounted atop a nickel and mahogany entertainment center is anchored by a black teak and nickel Aldgate étagère. A mahogany Mayfair dining table with smooth caramel leather Clivedon dining chairs affords seating for six topped with a candelabra chandelier finished in nickel.

The Tocar designers used ivory wainscoting and silvery grey carpeting in the bedrooms. The walls above the wainscoting are covered in Austyn cashmere, and all windows and balcony doors are dressed with ivory wool sheers and silver drapery panels in a silk/cotton blend. The bedroom’s centerpiece is the Bel Air bed in a deep, library mahogany, its headboard, footboard and side rails upholstered in steel-blue mohair with polished nickel nail-head accents. In the marble bathroom is a separate shower and soaking tub. The mahogany double vanity is topped with double portholes and accented with nickel ceiling-mounted round pivoting mirrors.

Source: Oceania Cruises

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Dec 15, 2009, Silversea Cruises' New Ship Unveiled At Fincantieri Shipyard

Silversea Cruises’ new 36,000-ton Silver Spirit was officially presented to shipyard workers at Fincantieri in Italy on Dec. 12. Silversea Chairman of Silversea Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio attended, along with Fincantieri Chairman Corrado Antonini and CEO Giuseppe Bono. Silversea is expected to take possession of the ship this week. The Silver Spirit is the largest in the fleet with eight decks and a cruising speed of 20.3 knots. Assisted by an international crew of 378, over 540 passengers can be accommodated in 270 suites, 95 percent of which have a sea view. Italian architect Giacomo Mortola designed the ship with touches of Art Decò.

“The hallmarks of the Silver Spirit are innovation, her distinctive, elegant Art Decò style and greater space available for passengers,” Lefebvre d’Ovidio said. “Despite the economic slowdown in 2008, we have continued to invest in the product and in human resources; in July we reached a record number of bookings and for the end of December we expect to achieve approximately 70 percent of the revenue plan for 2010 -- for the company’s best result since it was founded.”

The ship has six restaurants, including Seishin, which means “spirit” in Japanese, and Stars Supper Club, inspired by the sophisticated atmosphere of British clubs of the 1930s. On Dec. 19, the Silver Spirit is due to enter the port of Monaco and on will depart on its inaugural cruise Dec. 23 from Barcelona to Lisbon. On Jan. 21, it will be christened at Fort Lauderdale and depart on its 91-day “Grand Inaugural Voyage” to 45 ports in 20 nations including Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Mexico.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Dec 4, 2009, Princess Ship to be Renamed Ocean Princess at Virtual Christening

Princess Cruises is celebrating the new name of its ship Ocean Princess (formerly Tahitian Princess) by extending an open invitation to anyone wishing to become an honorary godparent for the vessel, with the first-ever virtual christening. The naming ceremony will take place completely online at www.princess.com/oceanvirtualchristening. Each new godparent will trigger a $1 donation from Princess to the New England Aquarium, a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation, up to $25,000. The virtual christening will run throughout the ship's 16-day Southeast Asia cruise, ending on Dec. 18. The Ocean Princess has just completed a two-week drydock and departed Singapore yesterday on the first voyage with its new name.

In addition, christening participants will be able explore the following areas online: Honorary Godparents (a real-time collection of the names of the ship’s honorary godparents), Ocean Princess Webcam (live web cam from the ship), Ocean Princess Itineraries, About the New England Aquarium, Ocean Princess Drydock Photo Journal, About Ocean Princess, and The Small Ships of Princess. Participants also will be able to share their virtual Ocean Princess experience with friends and family and encourage them to participate through send-to-friend and Facebook functions.

During the ship's recent drydock at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore, the Ocean Princess name was placed on the bow and throughout the vessel. The ship also received new fuel-efficient silicone paint on its hull, as well as interior enhancements including new upholstery, carpet and flooring. The ship was renamed Ocean Princess to more accurately represent its global range of itineraries, according to the company. Following its inaugural Treasures of the Southeast Asia cruise from Singapore to Shanghai, the ship will offer a season of Asia, India and Africa sailings, followed by a summer of European voyages.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Dec 2, 2009, Royal Caribbean Celebrates Oasis of the Seas Naming

Royal Caribbean International officially named its newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on Nov. 30 during an elaborate maritime celebration designed especially for the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship. The ship had seven celebrity godmothers -- Gloria Estefan, Daisy Fuentes, Shawn Johnson, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Michelle Kwan, Jane Seymour and Dara Torres – matching its seven signature “neighborhoods.”

The celebration culminated with the traditional Champagne bottle breaking ceremony followed by a fireworks display in the AquaTheater, the ship’s oceanfront theater in the stern. Video of the event is available on the ship’s dedicated website, www.OasisOfTheSeas.com. Marking the finale of 10 days of preview sailings, the naming ceremony gave Royal Caribbean the opportunity to give back to the community, doubling as a one-night inaugural celebration-fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Such celebrities as NBA legend Michael Jordan, Corbin Bleu of High School Musical and Olympic gymnast (an Oasis godmother) Shawn Johnson and Karina Smirnoff, a professional dancer with “Dancing With the Stars,” were in attendance, granting the wishes of several children that wanted to meet them. Since 2000, Royal Caribbean has hosted more than 1,300 children who wished to go on a cruise to destinations around the world. The company also has contributed more than $2.8 million in in-kind services and $372,000 in discount savings through its Wishes at Sea program.

Through employee and guest fundraising efforts, Royal Caribbean has also raised more than $480,000 and 460,000 frequent-flyer miles used to secure airline tickets for children’s wish travel and help the Make-A-Wish Foundation conserve critical financial resources. The cruise line donated 1,000 staterooms for this inaugural, once-in-a-lifetime event to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit organization.

Oasis of the Seas introduces several industry “firsts,” including the neighborhood concept – seven main themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood. Within these seven neighborhoods – Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool & Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone – are such elements as the first living park at sea, a zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium, an original handcrafted carousel, 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, an amphitheater-style theater that serves as dazzling ocean front theater by night, and an array of dining innovations that allow for new culinary experiences each day of a guest’s cruise vacation.

Oasis of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, spanning 16 decks, encompassing 225,282 gross registered tons, carrying 5,400 guests double occupancy and featuring 2,700 staterooms. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Dec 2, 2009, Carnival Corp. Agrees to Build Another 130,000-Ton Fun Ship

Carnival Corp. & plc has reached an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to construct a 130,000-ton cruise ship, scheduled to enter service in spring 2012 for its Carnival Cruise Lines brand. The ship, to be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard under a U.S. dollar denominated contract, will cost approximately $200,000 per lower berth. The new 3,690-passenger vessel will offer many of the same innovations featured on the recently launched Carnival Dream, as well as some new elements to be announced at a later date.

Like Carnival Dream, the new 130,000-ton ship will include a WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide, an indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza, and a wide range of staterooms including deluxe ocean-views with two bathrooms, some of which feature five berths and appeal to families. Also to be included on the new ship are expansive facilities for children and teens, a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, and The Lanai, an outdoor promenade featuring cantilevered whirlpools that extend over the ship’s sides. Already under construction at Fincantieri is the second sister ship to the Carnival Dream, the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, which is scheduled to enter service in May 2011.

“Barely in service for two months, Carnival Dream is already earning rave reviews from guests and travel agents, and ordering a third Dream-class ship speaks volumes about the confidence we have in the continued success of this series,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines’ president and CEO. “The Dream class of ships embodies the evolution of our brand by providing the type of fun, affordable vacations that today’s consumers are seeking.”

Source: Travel Pulse

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Nov 30, 2009, Royal Caribbean introduces kid tracker for the Oasis

Young children on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas have to wear wristbands with an electronic tracking device.

Royal Caribbean said that all children ages 3 to 11 must wear the Youth Evacuation Plan band, which has information about the child and helps the Adventure Ocean youth counselors reunite parents with their child in cases of emergency. The wristband also helps counselors reunite children with parents at muster stations.

The wristband also enables parents to track their kids in real time on the world’s largest cruise ship. The wristband has a WiFi button that helps parents or guardians locate their children with a RoyalConnect device passengers can rent for $17.50 per voyage.

If parents do not rent the device, they can go to guest services, where the ship’s security personnel can inform them about the approximate location of their child.

USA Today’s Cruise Log said that the RoyalConnect devices are reconfigured Apple iPhones that allow passengers to keep in touch with each other as well as make spa and restaurants reservations.

The devices also display the latest shipboard activities.

Source: Travel Weekly/Royal Caribbean

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Nov 30, 2009, Norwegian Dawn Cancels Cruise After Power Loss

Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled the Nov. 29 departure of the Norwegian Dawn’s five-day Western Caribbean cruise from Miami because of a power outage on Nov. 27. The cruise was re-routed to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and passengers were flown back to Miami on chartered flights.

The ship lost power outage about 95 miles off the north coast of San Juan. The U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities were immediately notified, and the line said guests were safe and secure. The ship was able to restore limited power that same day. NCL will provide each guest with a 75 percent refund and a 50 percent future cruise credit good through Dec. 31, 2010. Guests booked on the cancelled Nov. 29 cruise are getting a full refund and a 50 percent future cruise credit, based on the cruise fare paid. The power loss occurred during a nine-day Southern Caribbean cruise that departed Miami on Nov. 20.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Nov 19, 2009, Seven Godmothers Set for Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International named seven high-profile godmothers for the 225,000-ton Oasis of the Seas, one for each of the neighborhoods on the world’s largest cruise ship. For the Nov. 30 christening, the line is putting a new twist on the longstanding maritime tradition. While normally bestowing the honor of godmother on one person, Royal Caribbean has chosen seven. They are Gloria Estefan, a singer and songwriter who was godmother of Empress of the Seas; Michelle Kwan, the Olympic medalist figure skater; Jane Seymour, a multiple Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress; Dara Torres, 12-time Olympic medalist and the oldest female swimmer to compete in a record five Olympic games; Keshia Knight Pulliam, film and television actress is best known for her role as Rudy Huxtable on the sitcom “The Cosby Show” and star of the TBS television comedy “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”; Shawn Johnson, four-time gymnastic medalist at the 2008 Olympic games; and Daisy Fuentes, television personality and producer.

The seven women will take their posts to officially name the ship during a one-night inaugural celebration-fundraiser onboard Oasis of the Seas to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Tickets for the event begin at $500 per person. Guests who wish to stay onboard can do so at the discount price starting at $650 for a four-night cruise to Labadee departing the morning of Dec. 1. Room is still available for Oasis of the Seas’ inaugural sailing departing on Dec. 5. The inaugural sailing will include exclusive entertainment and gifts for guests to commemorate the occasion. Oasis of the Seas’ seven neighborhoods include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship has 16 decks, and carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Nov 17, 2009, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas arrives in Fort Lauderdale

The Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International's newest and largest ship, arrived at its home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale Friday after a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Turku, Finland.

Pre-inaugural festivities kick off Nov. 19 with a performance by pop music artist Rihanna, followed by a preview of the ship on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Nov. 20.

The official naming ceremony for the Oasis of the Seas will take place Nov. 30 in Fort Lauderdale with seven godmothers, one for each neighborhood -- Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool & Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone -- on the 16-deck, 225,282-ton vessel.

At full capacity, the Oasis will carry 5,400 guests in 2,700 staterooms.

Prior to its inaugural cruise, updates and webisodes will be available at www.oasisoftheseas.com

Source: Travel Weekly

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Nov 17, 2009, Carnival's New Dream to Arrive in Port Canaveral Nov. 18

Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, the line’s largest Fun Ship, will arrive in Port Canaveral for the first time Nov. 18. With a capacity of 3,646 passengers, Carnival Dream represents a new class of ship and offers innovations such as WaterWorks aqua park featuring the longest water slide at sea; a café and live music venue called Ocean Plaza; The Lanai, an outdoor promenade with whirlpools that extend out over the ship’s sides; a variety of new accommodation categories; and 19,000 square feet of space dedicated to children and families. To commemorate the ship’s arrival, a traditional maritime plaque exchange between Port Canaveral officials and Capt. Carlo Queirolo will take place aboard the vessel at 11:45 a.m. Nov. 18. Port officials also will host a free community bon voyage “Sail-a-Bration” in Jetty Park from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sail-a-Bration participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Central Brevard Sharing Center. Built at a cost of $860 million, Carnival Dream launches year-round seven-day Caribbean service from Port Canaveral next month. It is estimated that Carnival Dream will carry an estimated 200,000 passengers annually from Port Canaveral.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Nov 12, 2009, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean to charge for paper tickets

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International will charge $35 for paper tickets in an effort to shift to electronic cruise documents.

Azamara Cruises is waiving the fee, but electronic documents will become the default option for bookings made on and after Dec. 13 for all three brands of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

RCCL is enabling travel agents to insert their agency name and contact information into the e-documents.

Source: Travel Weekly

The e-documents offer a table of contents with hyperlinks that bring customers to the exact page they want to view. Also, there are links to shore excursion options.

Customers can email the cruise documents to others and have the option to print specific pages.

While agents can print a printer-friendy version for their clients, Royal Caribbean is encouraging agents to promote the electronic option, "so clients can experience the truly interactive, personalized format," said Dondra Ritzenthaler, Celebrity's senior vice president of sales.

Once a booking has been finalized, RCCL said electronic documents could be issued as early as 49 days prior to sailing.

Nov 9, 2009, Carnival Names Actress Marcia Gay Harden Dream Godmother

Carnival Cruise Lines announced that Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden will serve as godmother of the new Carnival Dream and will unveil a multi-year partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Harden, a New Yorker and mother of three, will officially name the new ship when it makes its North American debut in New York on Nov. 12. The Tony Award-winning actress also unveiled Carnival’s Big Book of Dreams -- measuring 15.5 feet high by 20 feet wide -- in New York City’s Rockefeller Center on Nov. 6 and conducted a reading of the story to dozens of schoolchildren. Inspired by the dreams of children who sailed on Carnival Cruise Lines this spring, “The Dream Plucker of Perrysport” tells the tale of young friends who encounter a furry orange monster in a quest to remember their dreams. The book will remain on display at Rockefeller Center Nov. 6 and 7 as one of the free Carnival “Dream Big” family events. “As a mother and actress driven by the idea of dreaming big, I’m honored to take on this new role as godmother of Carnival’s largest-ever ship and to help bring the Big Book of Dreams to life for local children,” said Harden. “I’m also inspired by Carnival’s dedication to support and encourage all kids to dream big through its partnership with St. Jude.”

During the three-year partnership with St. Jude, Carnival Cruise Lines’ goal is to raise $3 million for the hospital’s mission of finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. To support the hospital, under the theme “Care to Play,” Carnival is creating a number of interactive onboard fundraising activities that will involve guest participation. Carnival will also donate hundreds of kid-sized copies of “The Dream Plucker of Perrysport” to the hospital. For more information, visit www.BigBookofDreams.com or www.stjude.org.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Nov 9, 2009, Oasis of the Seas Delayed Two Days by Strong Winds, High Seas

While crossing the North Atlantic Ocean on its way to Port Everglades, Fla., Oasis of the Seas encountered strong winds and high seas, according to a statement on Nov. 6 from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Due to the inclement weather, the ship is now scheduled to arrive at Port Everglades on the morning of Nov. 13, 2009, two days later than originally scheduled. Royal Caribbean said the late arrival will not impact any inaugural events, promotional activities or revenue sailings. Oasis’ journey can be monitored on www.OasisoftheSeas.com.

Oasis of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world. It spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests double occupancy and has 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas also has a new “neighborhood” concept of seven distinct themed areas, including Central Park, the Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will said weekly from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Nov 8, 2009, Live Cruise Ship Web Cameras

Live pictures from cruise ship web cameras and live web cams from land

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Live Cruise Ship Web Cameras"

Nov 4, 2009, Princess Cruises Debuts Fully Digital Travel Documents

Princess Cruises has debuted an array of digital documents designed to help passengers plan and learn about their upcoming cruise. The new electronic format will deliver more information about their cruise by email and to their computer desktop from the time of booking and continuing through departure. The digital documents include a new email series filled with personalized pre-cruise information, a downloadable Princess Countdown Connection widget that delivers information to a passenger’s computer, personalized online luggage tags, and customizable shore excursion eBooks. The change from printed information to fully digital documents applies to all North American passengers on voyages departing on or after Jan. 21.

As soon as passengers book their cruise, they will begin to receive a new series of four emails that are timed to deliver the right information needed for each stage of the cruise planning process. Replacing a printed Cruise Answer Book, the emails include the passenger booking details -- including the travel agency name -- and interactive content that gives passengers a fun way to learn more about the amenities and activities on their ship. The information will be customized to the itinerary and the ship the passenger is sailing, and greetings are featured from some of the senior officers who will be sailing on their cruise. Links are provided to such things as ship videos and virtual tours, bridge cams, dining options, entertainment choices, shipboard features and amenities, travel logistics, weather information, packing tips, frequently asked questions, Captain’s Circle benefits, important notices and reminders, and how to stay connected to family and friends while onboard.

The Princess Countdown Connection widget is an online clock that ticks down the days, hours and minutes until their cruise departs. The new application, which can be downloaded from the pre-cruise emails, can live on a passenger’s computer desktop and will automatically deliver personalized information about their upcoming sailing such as dining, onboard activities, shore excursions and notices. Passengers will also be able to print their own personalized luggage tags from their computer. The new tags not only include the passenger's name, but also feature their Captain’s Circle membership status, cabin number and embarkation information. Passengers will be able to print as many tags as needed. The printable luggage tags debut for all voyages departing after Dec. 1 and are accessible through the Cruise Personalizer. They can be printed up to 75 days prior to the sailing date. Generic luggage tags will continue to be available at the pier for passengers who may need them.

Beginning in December, passengers will be able to print their own personalized shore excursion eBook for their cruise. Using this tool, passengers can select excursions and create their customized eBook of shoreside experiences.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Oct 30, 2009, Disney Cruise Line Unveils Disney Dream Details

At an event in New York City, Disney Cruise Line officially unveiled major features of its 4,000-passenger Disney Dream cruise ship, which will sail on its first cruise Jan. 26, 2011. The 128,000 gross-registered-ton, 14-deck ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenberg, Germany, but cruises will go on sale on Nov. 9.

Disney Dream, like the other two ships in the Disney fleet, will feature an interior design that blends elegant Art Deco style and Disney decor in a ship that will very much cater to families. The ship have a first-of-its kind water coaster, called appropriately the AquaDuck, which will send guests careening around the twin stacks on the upper decks of the ship and out over the ocean. The AquaDuck will stretch 765 feet in length and spans four decks of the ship. Guests slide 13 feet over the side of the ship in a translucent “swing out” loop allowing them to look down on the ocean 150 feet below. They will experience coaster-like thrills as high-powered water jets push them upwards and forwards at 20 feet per second.

Disney Dream will have another stateroom innovation with all inside staterooms on the Disney Dream featuring a Virtual Porthole that provides guests with a real-time view outside the ship. High-definition cameras placed on the exterior of the ship feed live video to each Virtual Porthole. As guests observe the outside views, they also can glimpse animated characters such as Peach the starfish from the Disney Pixar hit film “Finding Nemo,” or Mickey Mouse.

Like other ships in the Disney Cruise fleet, Disney Dream will feature large spaces for children. The ship will have nearly an entire deck of youth spaces designed to inspire, entertain and unlock the imagination of children. There are two main spaces for children ages three to 10: At Disney’s Oceaneer Club, children can play among larger-than-life characters from Disney Pixar’s “Toy Story” in Andy’s Room; explore the Laugh Floor with lovable monsters Mike and Sully from “Monsters, Inc.”; or dive under the sea with Nemo and friends or visit Tinker Bell’s fairy forest.

Senses Spa & Salon, a 16,000-square-foot facility, will have 17 private treatment rooms, two spa villas with indoor treatment rooms and private outdoor verandahs, and Rainforest, a special section of the spa offering steam, heat and hydrotherapy. Located in the forward section of the ship and spanning two decks, the spa features a design that is soothing – using a color palate of natural green, blue and soft brown hues, organic tropical motifs and lush woods to impart a calming effect. An ocean-view gym, a 2,500-square-foot facility, will have state-of-the-art exercise equipment and complimentary group classes such as yoga, Pilates, aerobics, stretching and spinning. Adults also can use a Quiet Cove Pool, a multi-level pool with varying depths.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Oct 29, 2009, Royal Caribbean Accepts Delivery of Oasis of the Seas

After nearly six years in the making, Royal Caribbean International took delivery of Oasis of the Seas in Finland on Oct. 28 and began the countdown until its U.S. debut into Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 11, 2009. Oasis of the Seas will depart Turku, Finland, on Oct. 30 with Capt. William S. Wright at the helm. Space is still available for Oasis of the Seas’ inaugural sailing departing on Dec. 5.

The ship’s trans-Atlantic crossing will be chronicled on www.OasisoftheSeas.com as new webisodes are posted daily and via Twitter by following @OasisandAllure. A new feature at www.OasisoftheSeas.com will allow visitors to view a Google Maps application and follow Oasis of the Seas’ journey.

Oasis of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship, at 225,282 gross registered tons and a double-occupancy capacity of 5,400 guests. Oasis of the Seas introduces a neighborhood concept with seven themed areas -- Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. Other features include a zip line that races diagonally nine decks above an open-air atrium, a handcrafted carousel, 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, and an aquatic amphitheater that serves as a pool by day and an ocean-front theater at night.

Oasis of the Seas will be unveiled on ABC’s “Good Morning America” during a live broadcast on Nov. 20. The official naming ceremony will take place on Nov. 30 during a one-night inaugural celebration and fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Tickets for the event begin at $750 per person. Guests can choose to stay on for a four-night cruise at fares starting at $650 per person.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Oct 26, 2009, U.S. House Passes Cruise Vessel Safety Legislation

The U.S. House on Oct. 23 passed a bill that requires cruise lines to report onboard crime to the U.S. Coast Guard and the FBI. The Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act of 2009 also requires cruise ships to comply with design and construction standards, such as specific rail heights, peep holes, warning devices and cabin security measures. The bill also requires that vessels are equipped with a video surveillance system to assist in documenting and prosecuting crimes, and it requires vessels to maintain a log book to record reports on specified complaints. A similar bill, introduced by Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) in the U.S. Senate, passed unanimously out of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. The bill will need to pass the full Senate before being sent to the president to be signed into law.

The House legislation was proposed by Rep. Doris O. Matsui, a Democrat from California. “I originally became involved in this issue because of a young woman, Laurie Dishman, from my hometown of Sacramento,” Matsui said in a statement. “Laurie was sexually assaulted while on a cruise ship, and was left to fend for herself. My legislation will not only help protect and empower future victims, but it contains important reforms that will help change the culture of the cruise industry and prevent future attacks from happening.” The legislation is also championed by a group called the International Cruise Victims Association.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Oct 20, 2009, Cruise Ships Maneuver to Avoid Hurricane Rick

Several cruise ships are altering itineraries to avoid Hurricane Rick on the west coast of Mexico. The storm is forecast to make landfall on the southern tip of Baja California on Oct. 21. The Carnival Splendor, which departed Long Beach, Calif., on a Mexican Riviera cruise on Oct. 18, will visit Ensenada on Oct. 19, Puerto Vallarta on Oct. 22 and Cabo San Lucas on Oct. 23. Carnival Spirit departed on a similar itinerary on Oct. 18, but at this point is operating its scheduled itinerary. However, Carnival said changes may be required based on the actual path and speed of the storm. Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas was scheduled to depart San Diego on Oct. 19 and expected to head south to Ensenada and visit Cabo San Lucas on Oct. 22. Should the ship be unable to visit Cabo San Lucas, the Radiance will visit Ensenada, Los Angeles and Catalina Island. Meanwhile, Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess revised its itinerary to visit San Francisco on Oct. 20, Catalina Island on Oct. 21, San Diego on Oct. 22 and Ensenada on Oct. 23. Holland America Line’s Veendam and Statendam also are in the area, but have not changed itineraries as of press time.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Oct 19, 2009, Princess Continues Behind-the-Scenes Drydock Journal

Princess Cruises is again inviting cruise enthusiasts to go behind the scenes at a shipyard as Coral Princess enters dry-dock for a renovation through Oct. 23. The Coral Princess Drydock Journal, featured at www.princess.com, will show the daily progress as the ship is lifted from the water and receives a full exterior and interior makeover, including the addition of the line’s signature features, The Sanctuary and Movies Under the Stars. The journal will feature regular updates throughout the dry-dock period at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. The fourth in a series, the dry-dock journal follows online journals chronicling work on Golden Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess. The journal can be found on the Coral Princess page in the website’s “Ships” section, and it will be regularly updated throughout the ship’s two-week drydock. The photos will also be posted to Princess’ Twitter feed, Facebook page and Flickr photostream.

When Coral Princess emerges from dry-dock, the ship will feature The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat featuring padded lounge chairs and the services of dedicated Serenity Stewards. Visitors can enjoy refreshing beverages and light snacks or listen to a relaxing playlist of music. In addition, Movies Under the Stars will also debut in the poolside area with a 300-square-foot LED screen, offering evening movies and a variety of daytime programming. In addition to films, Movies Under the Stars also features major sporting events, concerts and the Leonard Maltin Movie Club. Other changes viewers will see throughout the dry-dock include the installation of new carpet and upholstery, plus a rare view of the bottom of the ship’s hull as it receives several new coats of silicone paint. After the dry-dock Coral Princess will set off on a series of Panama Canal sailings, including a number of voyages featuring Princess’ “Two-day Canal Experience,” with an extra day to explore Panama.

Source: Travel Pulse / Princess Cruises

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Oct 16, 2009, Royal Caribbean to Unveil Oasis on "Good Morning America"

When Royal Caribbean International unveils its new 225,000-ton Oasis of the Seas, ABC’s “Good Morning America” will be there to give viewers a first glimpse of the ship during a special live broadcast. GMA viewers can tune in from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. ET on Nov. 20 to see the world’s largest cruise ship. Some unique features include Central Park, the first park at sea with nearly 12,000 plants and trees; Boardwalk, a family oriented environment with a hand carved carousel; a zip-wire ride that races diagonally over Boardwalk 90 feet above the deck; 28 multilevel loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows; and the AquaTheater that serves as a pool by day and an oceanfront theater by night.

In addition to the live broadcast, Royal Caribbean and “Good Morning America” are working with ABC affiliate stations in six markets -- Hartford, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Francisco and Seattle -- to search for people who have done something extraordinary for their community. Three individuals (plus guests) in each market will win a trip to join GMA for the live broadcast onboard and a pre-inaugural cruise. The ship will sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Oct 2, 2009, Carnival, Royal Caribbean Ships Bump in Cozumel

Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Legend bumped into Royal Caribbean International’s Enchantment of the Seas in Cozumel just after 6 p.m. Sept. 30. Carnival said the Legend was maneuvering on departure from the port of Cozumel. “Extremely strong winds pushed the vessel up against the side of Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas,” Carnival said in a statement.

The Enchantment was docked at the time. The Carnival Legend sustained broken glass and other minor damage to some open deck areas. Royal Caribbean said the Enchantment sustained what “appears to be minor damage to the stern of the ship and some railings.” All appropriate authorities were notified. Following examinations by Mexican authorities, both ships were cleared to sail on to Belize. No injuries were reported.

Source: Travel Pulse

Oct 2, 2009, Port of Los Angeles to Add Cruise Ship Facility

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a major development at the Port of Los Angeles that will include a new, outer harbor cruise ship terminal designed to accommodate the largest ships that will call at the port in the coming decades. The project is expected to take 10 or more years to complete. The port anticipates funding approximately $900 million, largely for public infrastructure. An additional $300 million will be raised through private investment through the board’s entitlement of up to 300,000 square feet of commercial-retail redevelopment and an additional 75,000 square feet of conference center space.

Source: Travel Pulse

Sep 30, 2009, Seabourn Pride, Spirit & Legend to Undergo Multi-Million Dollar Upgrades

Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend will undergo major overhauls of their public rooms during their upcoming periodic maintenance periods. Seabourn has hired the design firm of RTKL Associates Inc. – Miami to transform the look and feel of the rooms into an airy, modern atmosphere that lightens, brightens and updates the décor.

The Reception Lobby on each vessel will receive a fresh new look from honey-toned wood paneling on the walls, glowing above gleaming two-toned marble floors. The seating upholstery will be a rich burgundy tone, and the ceilings will glow in a warm, neutral beige.

Each yacht’s main show lounge will be a symphony of blue and taupe with glittering stars of white light overhead. The overall effect is of an open, inviting space that will encourage dancing on the spacious dance floor and facilitate focus when the room is darkened and the stage is lit for performances.

The Club will become a lively, welcoming space highlighted by warm reds and burnt oranges, with a carpet enlivened with floral motif in carmine, warm reds and chocolate on a tan background. Polished stone panels add an elegance that revels in the natural beauty of the material itself. Here, too, the walls are tinted in relaxing, neutral tones that add a spacious character to the lounge.

Soothing creams and beiges reflect the light from the expansive wrap-around windows in each yacht’s observation lounge. These are calculated to react to the changing colors of the sea and sky for an ever-shifting aura of natural light. Vernal green accents attract the eye like sprigs of fresh growth, lending a welcome sense of health and vigor that is at once relaxing and exciting. Upholstered in smooth, creamy leather, the club chairs are as comforting to the eye as they are to sit in. In all, the unobtrusive scheme is created to invite your gaze outward, toward the horizon all around.

Entering The Restaurant, diners will be met with a rich, understated elegance accented by handsome toffee-toned woods, creamy caramels and a floor finished in milky marble with sage infusions. Muted rose drapes warm and soften the walls.

The carpets are caramel, as well, laced with dusty rose floral filigree. The chairs are simple and graceful, slightly Chinoise, with accent upholstery of antique gold or rose madder.

Source: Yachts Of Seabourn

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Aug 4, 2009, Crystal Symphony to Undergo $25 Million Makeover

Crystal Cruises will unveil new interiors and deck spaces on the Crystal Symphony this September following a $25 million-plus makeover. The 922-guest, 50,000-ton ship will get redesigned penthouses, pool areas, Prego Italian restaurant, Lido Cafe and guest elevators as well as behind-the-scenes upgrades. Crystal Symphony’s two 982-square-foot Crystal Penthouses with large verandahs will be stripped and transformed into what the line says will feel like residential apartments with luxurious fabrics, details and finishes. Internal space will be extended to enlarge the living spaces and bedroom.

While both the master and guest bathrooms will feature marbles and designer fittings, the master bathrooms will boast a sunken Philippe Stark Duravit Jacuzzi bathtub with 90-degree ocean views, glass mosaics and recessed televisions. The suites also offer an entrance lobby, his-and-hers walk-in closets, a study area, living room, state-of-the-art audio-visual system, and dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. The 61 butler-serviced Penthouses and Penthouse Suites will be redesigned in taupe and sand tones, accented by citrus or icy blue, one of two color schemes. New custom cabinetry will include stone countertops and flat-screen televisions, while new bedding, stone-topped end tables and bedside reading lights will be framed by new headboards, carpeting and window treatments. All bathrooms will feature new tile with mosaic accents, glass showers, contemporary hardware and lighting, and a white and neutral color palette.

The Lido Café, popular for breakfast and lunch, will be transformed into an upscale dining spot with a new dining experience, designed to showcase Crystal’s freshly cooked fare as well as add intimate seating and improve flow. Inspired by the skies, surf and sand dunes of the Hamptons seashore, the room will be infused with light through a new glazed indoor/outdoor extension and floor-to-ceiling windows. The décor will feature tones of seashell, sand and weathered timber along with polished metal accents and sea grass screens. New food and drink service islands will offer different choices. Also in store are a new bread oven, grill, woks and other culinary equipment for more freshly cooked choices.

The pool areas will be redefined with new spaces, water features and furniture for more indoor and al fresco dining, plush conversational seating and varied sunbathing options. Limestone tile will offset the azure pool and the new, larger whirlpool, while deck furniture will be a combination of antique white and neutral taupe accented with colors of sunshine and tropical fruit. In the retractable roof-covered, mid-ship area of the Lido Deck, the Neptune Pool will be removed and replaced with teak decking and al fresco dining and lounging options around the Trident Bar.All Crystal staterooms, all of which were redecorated in late 2007 and feature sitting areas, will receive new sofas to provide more seating and add third berths for families. This year, all accommodations on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity received new plush Simmons mattresses with sanitary protectors.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Jul 28, 2009, Carnival Dream To Offer New Dining Experiences

The Carnival Dream, scheduled to debut on Sept. 21, will offer new dining options.

The Chef's Art Steakhouse, located on Spa Deck 12, will seat 139 and specialize in dry-aged beef. Carnival will charge $30 per person for this alternative restaurant. Reservations are recommended.

The Gathering, a two-level eatery, will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Options within The Gathering include a pasta bar, a burrito bar, a Mongolian wok, a 35-item salad bar and a tandoori oven serving Indian specialties. There is no charge to dine at the Gathering.

Located along the Promenade Deck will be Wasabi, a sushi bar serving complimentary sushi.

The Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor cafe, will have a dance floor and a stage for live entertainment. Ocean Plaza also will offer full WiFi access and 12 stand-alone kiosks where guests can access the FunHub, the Carnival Dream’s onboard social network.

Within Ocean Plaza, the Plaza Cafe will sell specialty coffees, pastries and milkshakes. There also will be full bar service.

Source: Travel Weekly

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Jul 28, 2009, Carnival to Offer Behind-the-Scenes Tour on All Ships

Carnival Cruise Lines has created “Behind the Fun,” a guided tour of the company’s shipboard operations. Currently available on the Carnival Valor and Carnival Conquest, the program will be rolled out to all 12 ships operating voyages of seven days or longer by the end of September. The 3.5-hour tour offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at shipboard venues that are normally off limits to guests. During the tour, key shipboard personnel, including the captain, chief engineer, chef de cuisine and other department heads, share their expertise.

“Behind the Fun” begins with a stop backstage in the main show lounge and then moves on to the laundry room, crew galley and dining room, crew gym, and crew training center. Next it’s on to the expansive main galley where the culinary team prepares upwards of 12,000 meals and snacks a day. The tour also includes a visit to the ship’s bridge and engine control room.

Participants also receive commemorative gifts, including a baseball cap and lanyard, a Team Carnival Picture Perfect book with photographs of Carnival ships and destinations taken by the line’s employees, and complimentary photos with the captain on the bridge. The tour can be booked at the ships’ shore excursion desks. The cost is $95 per person, and capacity is limited to 16 guests per tour. Participants must be 13 or older.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Jul 9, 2009, CELEBRITY CRUISES LAUNCHES NEW CAPTAIN’S CLUB

Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club – the top-rated premium brand’s three tiered recognition and benefits program designed exclusively for its most loyal guests – has been redesigned and relaunched based on a series of member-inspired improvements. Several new features are rolling out across the fleet on sailings beginning this month, while others will be introduced in intervals over the course of the year.

New features launching this month include the Captain’s Club Celebration, a one-of-a-kind social andentertainment event available to all members; significantly improved Internet and laundry benefits forSelect and Elite tier members; and a new onboard lounge exclusively for Elite members.

In recognition of their desire to stay in touch with family and friends while vacationing, Elite memberswill now receive complimentary, 90-minute Internet packages, while Select members will receive a 25percent discount. Also within the new program, Captain’s Club Select- and Elite-level members cannow enjoy new laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing benefits, based on the length of their cruise(laundry and Internet benefits upgrade from tier to tier, and are not cumulative).

For members interested in a quiet haven of their own, Celebrity is pleased to introduce the Captain’sClub Lounge at Michael’s Club, exclusively for Elite members and their stateroom/suite companionseach morning and early evening. The new Lounge will offer a casual coffeehouse-style experiencefrom 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with complimentary espressos, teas and other menu items, a variety ofreading materials, and, on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, wi-fi access.

Every evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Captain’s Club Elite members and their stateroom/suite companions can return to the Lounge to socialize with fellow members, participate in a wine tastingevent, or simply relax and enjoy a quiet, complimentary drink before dinner.

Source: Celebrity Cruises

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Jun 1, 2009, Costa Pacific Delivered in Italy as Costa's 14th Ship

The Costa Pacifica, the 14th ship in the Costa fleet, was delivered May 29 at the Genova-Sestri Ponente shipyard by Fincantieri. The sister ship of the Costa Concordia and Costa Serena, the 114,500-ton Costa Pacifica has a double occupancy capacity of 3,000 and a total capacity of 3,704. The ship cost about 500 euros million to build. The Costa Pacifica is the second of three Costa ships to be delivered by Fincantieri to the Italian company in less than one year. The 92,600-ton, 2,260-passenger Costa Luminosa was delivered on April 30. The Costa Deliziosa, sister ship of the Costa Luminosa, is also under construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard and will be delivered in late January. Two other sister ships of the Costa Pacifica will be delivered in the spring of 2011 and 2012.

The Costa Pacifica, designed by architect and interior designer Joseph Farcus, has a music theme. Music is represented in the interior design and artwork (308 originals and 5,929 reproductions). Each area of the ship is distinguished by a song that is also the inspiration for the name of the area. The ship also has a sophisticated recording studio where guests can sing from a repertoire of 400 Italian and international songs and record it on a CD. The ship has a Samsara spa, which includes a wellness center, cabins with direct access to the area and a spa restaurant; a Grand Prix race car simulator; and a central swimming pool area with a retractable glass roof and a giant screen. There’s also a new “Playstation World” equipped exclusively with Playstation 3.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Jun 1, 2009, New How To Video For US Border Crossings

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted a video on its Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) website to show U.S. and Canadian citizens travelers how to benefit most from their new WHTI-compliant documents. The new procedures are effective today, Monday, June 1. Many of the new travel documents that comply with WHTI are embedded with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology -- Passport Cards, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, and NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST cards. These cards can be read automatically when travelers enter the United States, making border crossing even more efficient. The next generation of Border Crossing Cards, for use by Mexican citizens to enter the U.S. border area to visit and shop, also are RFID-enabled.

The video shows travelers the simple steps to follow as they approach a U.S. land port of entry with their RFID-enabled travel card. Stop at the entry to the inspection lane and wait for a signal to move forward. Each passenger removes his or her travel card from its protective sleeve and holds it up, with the flat front face of the card toward a window on the driver’s side. The RFID-enabled cards will be read automatically while the vehicle proceeds to the inspection booth. Stop at the inspection booth, and be prepared to present documents for all travelers in the vehicle to the CBP officer.

As part of the June 1 implementation of WHTI, CBP has installed RFID reader technology in over 350 lanes at 39 ports of entry on the Northern and Southern borders to help streamline border crossings. These 39 ports process more than 95 percent of land border traffic.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Nov 5, 2008, Alaska Cruises - A Guide to Cruises In Alaska

Your complete guide to stunning Alaska Cruises, how, when and where!

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