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Jul 22, 2008, Mexico Head Tax On Cruise Passengers Delayed
MEXICO has delayed until Oct. 1 the implementation of a law that would levy a head tax of $5 per person on passengers that visit Mexican ports.
Mexico's Ministry of Tourism was originally going to apply the tax beginning this summer. Mexico said the tax would generate approximately $30 million a year, 80% of which would go toward the infrastructure and maintenance of municipalities with cruise ports.
Jul 22, 2008, Seabourn Odyssey To Named By Passengers
THE UPCOMING SEABOURN ODYSSEY will be named by the passengers on its first cruise next year.
When the new ship embarks on its maiden voyage, from Venice on June 24, 2009 all of the 400 -plus passengers booked on the sailing will participate in the bubbly-breaking event at the launch ceremony.
The Seabourn Odyssey will forego a traditional godmother. "Our guests are the reason this superb vessel is being built," said Seabourn President Pamela Conover. "And those joining the maiden voyage will become part of Odyssey's history."
Jul 11, 2008, Carnival Christens Carnival Splendor in Dover, England
Carnival Cruise Line named its newest and largest "Fun Ship" the Carnival Splendor in a ceremony in Dover, England yesterday. The ship was christened by Myleene Klass, a top musician, singer and television personality in the U.K. Exclusive video of the naming ceremony for the 113,300-ton ship is now available for viewing on www.carnival.com/splendor. Following the ceremony, the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor sailed from the Port of Dover on a special three-day cruise to Amsterdam and will operate the line's first-ever 12-day Northern Europe program from that port July 13-Aug. 30.
The video footage includes the naming ceremony's dramatic culmination during which a member of the Royal Navy dive team -- following a cue from Klass, who was playing a classical piano piece live on Carnival Splendor's Lido Deck -- climbed up a 60-foot-long black marlin ascent rope to reach the ship's name at the top of the bow. From there, the diver broke with tradition by smashing a bottle of 1994 vintage Nyetimber English sparkling wine across the ship's hull. Nyetimber was chosen by Carnival to emphasize the selection of Britain to launch its newest and largest ship.Carnival Splendor Senior Cruise Director John Heald -- whose cruise-themed blog has a popular site on the Internet -- will be blogging live from the ship, offering his own unique insight into the festivities surrounding the line's newest "Fun Ship." There will also be a section where visitors to the portal are encouraged to share their comments and correspond with other readers. The special Web portal also offers a first look at Carnival Splendor's distinctive lounges, bars, restaurants, as well as the luxurious 21,000-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, expansive children facilities, and Carnival's Seaside Theatre, a 270-square-foot LED screen on Lido Deck displaying movies, concerts and other programming.
Following its departures from Dover, Carnival Splendor will reposition to Rome (Civitavecchia) to operate a schedule of 12-day Mediterranean cruises through Oct. 17, 2008, then sail on a trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Oct. 29 - Nov. 14, positioning the vessel for a series of seven-day Caribbean cruises from that port. Carnival Splendor will then operate 14- to 18-day South America voyages followed by year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, Calif., beginning March 29, 2009. Carnival is accepting reservations on all of the Carnival Splendor's various European, Caribbean, South American and Mexican Riviera departures.
Jul 9, 2008, Cruise West ship gets stuck in Glacier Bay
A Cruise West vessel hit bottom in Alaska’s Glacier Bay yesterday, the second such incident this season for the exploration cruise line.
There were no injuries reported when the Spirit of Glacier Bay hit bottom in Tarr Inlet, at the mouth of Glacier Bay National Park at about 7 a.m. on July 7. the third day of a four-day Glacier Bay Highlights cruise out of Juneau.
The Coast Guard said it responded to the ship, which had run aground on a sandbar, with two helicopters and three response boats. There were no injuries to any of the 24 passengers or 27 crew members onboard the vessel, and no reported pollution.
The Coast Guard waited until high tide to let the ship refloat on its own, while passengers and non-essential crew were transferred to a Glacier Bay Park Service vessel and taken to Gustavus, Alaska. Cruise West was working yesterday to return the passengers to Juneau.
The vessel refloated by itself at 4:23 p.m., the Coast Guard said, and was transferred to a nearby dock to assess any possible damage and the cause of the grounding.
Cruise West said it expected to cancel the next four cruises on the Spirit of Glacier Bay, including one that was scheduled to leave Tuesday.
The cruise line added that there was no compromise to the ship's hull, but that it sustained some damage and would need to be repaired.
In a statement, the Cruise West said that along with the Coast Guard, it had "brought in an objective third party to gain any insights on how we will continue to provide the safest product for our guests. We have already completed the majority of these reviews and will use insight from these meetings and audits to review and incorporate any necessary, recommended improvements to our management systems and processes."
In early June, the Spirit of Alaska hit a rock in Tracy Arm fjord on the second day of a week-long cruise. That cruise was canceled, and the 41 passengers onboard were transferred to another Cruise West ship leaving from Juneau the next day.
The Spirit of Glacier Bay began operating in Alaska this season, after transferring from the U.S. East Coast and changing its name from the Spirit of Nantucket.
In November 2007, the Spirit of Nantucket had encounter with the bottom .When it began taking on water near Virginia Beach, the ship's captain intentionally ran the vessel aground to prevent it from possibly sinking. There were no injuries reported in that incident.
SAN GIORGIO DI NOGARO, ITALY----July 1, 2008----Twin blue-white flames in the noonday sun signaled the simultaneous welding of coins yesterday onto two steel keel blocks that will become the sleek hulls of two new, ultra luxury cruising yachts in 2010 and 2011. In an innovative variation on a traditional ceremony, The Yachts of Seabourn solicited good fortune for both of the as-yet un-named sisters and symbolically redoubled its commitment to the line’s unique formula of intimate vessels, highly personalized service and exceptional delivery of the world’s most desirable destinations.
The ceremony, which was officiated by Seabourn’s president & CEO Pamela C. Conover and Marco Bisagno, president of T. Mariotti S.p.A., marks the beginning of the next stage in a three-vessel expansion project that will increase Seabourn’s capacity of luxury cruising accommodations by over 217 percent in the next three years.
“The level of enthusiasm we have seen from luxury cruisers for our new class of Seabourn yachts has frankly got us excited,” said Conover, “and so we decided to start these next two sisters off together, with a special sort of celebration.”
The first of the three hulls, which will become Seabourn Odyssey, was delivered to Mariotti’s shipyard in Genoa, Italy at the end of May, where it will be finished and fitted out over the next year, prior to delivery in June of 2009. It will represent the first newly built capacity in the ultra luxury end of the cruise industry in over six years. Carrying just 450 guests, it will be especially notable for its intimate size, which embodies Seabourn’s commitment to yacht-style vessels at a time when most other brands are engaged in building ever-larger ships. The new yacht promises to further embellish Seabourn’s peerless reputation for superb onboard experiences with an unmatched ratio of space per guest, encompassing a wide range of sumptuous ocean-view suites measuring from 295 to over 1,600 square feet, 90 percent of which will boast private verandas. Additional features include five inviting dining alternatives, an innovative concierge lounge called Seabourn Square and an indoor/outdoor spa facility of over 11,400 square feet, spread over two decks.
Seabourn Odyssey’s maiden season, which will start in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, has been selling briskly since it became available for booking in October of 2007. The latest Seabourn yacht will also embark on a 108-day World Cruise in January, 2010 from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Athens, Greece. Reservations for that voyage are likewise available and selling well.
Jun 27, 2008, Cruise Ship Safety Legislation Introduced
Sen. John Kerry, introduced legislation that would require crimes aboard cruise ships to be reported to the Coast Guard and FBI. In announcing the legislation, Kerry said cruise ships, which operate under foreign flags, are not currently required under U.S. law to report crimes that occur outside of U.S. territorial waters. In addition, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2008 would require cruise ships to maintain medications used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases after assault, as well as equipment and materials for performing a medical examination to determine if a victim has been raped. A United States-licensed medical practitioner would be on every ship to perform the necessary examinations and to administer treatment.
The legislation would mandate that guard rails reach 54 inches in height and that entry doors of each passenger stateroom and crew cabin have peep holes, security latches, and time sensitive key technology. Ship owners would be required to implement fire safety codes as well as technology to detect when a passenger falls overboard. Procedures would be required to establish which crew members have access to staterooms and when.
The legislation would establish a reporting structure based on the current voluntary agreement in place between the cruise industry, the FBI, and the Coast Guard. Additionally, each ship would be required to maintain a log book, which would record all deaths, missing individuals, alleged crimes, and passenger/crewmember complaints regarding theft, sexual harassment, and assault. The log books would be available to FBI and Coast Guard electronically, as well as to any law enforcement officer upon request. Statistical information would be posted on a public website maintained by the Coast Guard. Each ship would be required to maintain anti-retroviral medications and medications used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases after assault, as well as equipment and materials for performing a medical examination to determine if a passenger has been raped. Private medical information would be protected, and would require written authorization for release. Additionally, all passengers would be given free, immediate, and confidential access to a National Sexual Assault Hotline and the FBI.
The legislation would establish a program designed by the Coast Guard and the FBI, and certified by the administrator of the Maritime Administration, to train appropriate crewmembers in crime scene investigation. Each ship would be required to maintain one crewmember trained and certified under such a program.
The Coast Guard would be authorized to dispatch personnel to monitor waste discharge, to verify logbook entries related to waste treatment and disposal, and to act as public safety officers by securing and collecting evidence of alleged crimes. Additionally, the secretary of the Coast Guard shall conduct a study of passenger security needs and report findings/suggestions to Congress.
Jun 26, 2008, California Kills Bill for Police Officers on Cruise Ships
A California Assembly committee killed a bill that would have required police officers on all cruise ships sailing from the state. The Public Safety Committee voted 2-2 with three abstentions, killing the effort proposed by state Sen. Joe Simitian, according to the Los Angeles Times. The committee feared such legislation "would create a jurisdictional and legal mess," the Times reported. "I think the committee action today sends an unfortunate message," Simitian said in the Times article. "Buyer beware when you climb on a cruise ship. You're on your own." At the committee meeting, Gary Bald, Royal Caribbean International's senior vice president of global security, said of his company's 140 cruises from California in the last nine months, five crimes were reported.
Source: Modern Agent
Jun 24, 2008, Carnival's 130,000-Ton Carnival Dream to Feature Innovations
Carnival Cruise Lines' newest and largest 130,000-ton Carnival Dream - is slated to debut Sept. 21, 2009 with an array of innovations. Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 3,646-passenger ship will be a new class of vessel for the line. Unique features of the Carnival Dream include The Piazza, an indoor/outdoor café and live music venue; elaborate children's facilities, including expansive play areas and a Carnival WaterWorks aqua park; scenic whirlpools that extend over the ship's beam; and new stateroom categories, including those specifically catering to families.
One of the ship's innovations is called the Piazza, which is designed to be a comfortable oasis during the day and a bustling entertainment complex at night. It will feature a bandstand and a large circular dance floor. A floor-to-ceiling curved glass wall will separate the indoor and outdoor seating areas. Guests at The Piazza can also enjoy full bar service, along with an espresso bar offering gelato and baked goods, along with high-speed Internet access. Carnival Dream will also have a half-mile, open-air promenade encircling the ship on Promenade Deck 5. Along the promenade, four scenic whirlpools cantilever out over the sea. Higher up, Lido Deck 10 will offer a tropical, resort-style main pool complete with a Seaside Theatre LED screen and a Serenity adults-only retreat.
A variety of lounges, bars and nightspots -- including a new dance club concept offering indoor/outdoor access-will be accessible via an 11-deck-high atrium whose ground level will offer a cantilevered bandstand atop a dance floor. Other features include a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, Carnival's largest and most elaborate health and wellness center to date. Several new types of staterooms will be introduced. The line's first "cove" balcony staterooms -- located closer to the water line -- will offer sea views at a value price. New deluxe ocean-view staterooms will feature two bathrooms. In addition to twin beds that convert to a king, the two-bathroom configuration will include one full bathroom and a second bathroom featuring a junior tub with shower and sink.
Additionally, there will be a selection of balcony staterooms and suites. Additionally, adjacent to the Cloud 9 Spa will be 65 spa staterooms and suites which will offer exclusive amenities and privileges. All Carnival Dream staterooms will feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, duvets and high-quality linens and pillows. Carnival Dream's family-friendly amenities will include separate, purpose-built facilities for the line's three children's programs: Camp Carnival for kids ages 2-11, Circle C for 12- to 14-year-olds, and Club O2 for teens ages 15 to 17, along with a full schedule of morning-until-night activities catering to each age group. Also fun for children will be Carnival WaterWorks, an aqua park offering water slides and water spray apparatus, and a two-level miniature golf course.
Jun 19, 2008, Royal Caribbean Debuts New "Neighborhoods" on Oasis
Royal Caribbean International introduced its latest amenities planned for its newest ship, Oasis of the Seas. Launching in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the world's largest and most revolutionary ship, with a total capacity of roughly 6,300 passengers (third and fourth berths included). The company, which in April debuted a Central Park running down the center of the ship, yesterday unveiled the Boardwalk, a space for families inspired by the nostalgic seaside piers of yesteryear, plus the first amphitheater at sea, AquaTheater, which will celebrate water with the largest freshwater pool found on a ship offering a full spectrum of activities and performances for guests.
Central Park, the Boardwalk and AquaTheater will all be located on one deck, with AquaTheater in the stern. In addition, a new version of the Royal Promenade will allow guests to have a physical connection with the neighborhood above, Central Park, as natural light cascades down from the sky through the Crystal Canopy sculptured glass domes.
Reminiscent of the piers that dot the coast of England and amusement parks such as Coney Island, the elements of Boardwalk will engage the entire family in classic fun with eateries, retail outlets and carnival games. An original, handcrafted carousel -- the first at sea -- will be the centerpiece of this neighborhood. Two rock-climbing walls and the first zip-line at sea will be suspended nine decks above the Boardwalk. AquaTheater, created to offer two unique experiences, will allow guests to swim in the theater's magnificent kidney-shaped pool, relax on sun loungers located on tiered platforms surrounding the pool, and even take Scuba lessons in the afternoon. At night, the venue will deliver a complete sensory experience playing on the element of surprise as audience members witness the area come alive with theatrical performances featuring dramatic acrobatics, synchronized swimming, water ballet, and professional high-diving, as well as elaborate fountain shows synchronized to music and lights.
Royal Caribbean also introduced a series of industry-first loft suites offering expansive ocean views and luxury amenities. The 28 contemporary two-level loft suites will feature vibrant, ocean-inspired colors in a sophisticated and spacious setting. The lofts will feature spectacular views of the ocean with floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows. The signature lofts will round out a new portfolio of 37 categories of accommodation options, many with views unique to Oasis of the Seas, such as Central Park and the Boardwalk.
When she launches in December 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. She will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms.
Jun 5, 2008, Homeland Security Introduces Electronic System for Visa Waiver Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the interim final rule for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a new online system that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The system is designed to obtain basic information about who is traveling to the U.S. without a visa, according to Michael Chertoff, secretary of homeland security. He said the information is designed to help frontline security personnel to determine whether a visa-free traveler presents a threat before boarding an aircraft or arriving in the U.S. Once ESTA is mandatory, all nationals or citizens of VWP countries who plan to travel to the U.S. will need electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship. The requirement will go into effect next year and does not affect U.S. citizens traveling overseas.
Currently, citizens of VWP countries complete a written I-94W form providing basic biographical, travel, and eligibility information while en-route to the U.S. With ESTA, VWP travelers will provide this information online prior to departure for the U.S. ESTA will determine, almost immediately in many cases, if an individual is eligible for VWP travel, and if such travel poses any law enforcement or security risks. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, and once approved, will be valid for up to two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first. Authorizations will also be valid for multiple entries into the U.S. To facilitate the authorization process, DHS recommends that ESTA applications be submitted as soon as an applicant begins planning U.S.-bound travel, and not less than 72 hours prior to travel. On Aug. 1, the department will begin to accept voluntary applications through the ESTA website.
Meanwhile, the Travel Industry Association (TIA) said it is committed to working with DHS to implement ESTA. Roger Dow, president and CEO of the TIA, called the DHS program one that modeled on a successful Australian program. Dow said ESTA is good for travelers because it can streamline documentation requirements and ensure the continuation of the VWP. However, Dow said that effectively communicating the policy will be as important as the policy itself. He described ESTA as "the perfect example of a program crying out for a well-funded communications strategy to explain changing U.S. entry requirements to friends and potential visitors." He urged Congress to pass the Travel Promotion Act (S. 1616 / H.R. 3232), which would create a public-private campaign to better communicate U.S. security and entry policies and welcome more international visitors.
May 30, 2008, California Cruise Ship Bill Passes Senate
The California State Senate approved legislation seeking to post ocean rangers on cruise ships to enhance safety, provide environmental monitoring and strengthen homeland security. Senate Bill 1582, sponsored by State Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), was approved on a 25-12 vote. The measure now moves to the state assembly for a hearing this summer. The bill requires that two Ocean Rangers (one licensed marine engineer and one certified peace officer) be present on all cruise ships sailing in California waters. Simitian's long-term goal, he said, is to create "a seamless network of protection from one end of the Pacific Coast to the other through a series of agreements with other Pacific states" including Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Hawaii.
Members of International Cruise Victims and environmental advocates visited Senate member offices earlier this week to urge support for SB 1582. The group included Ken Carver, whose daughter Merrian disappeared while on a cruise to Alaska; Laurie Dishman, the victim of a rape while on a cruise to Mexico; Son Michael Pham, whose parents disappeared while on a Caribbean cruise; Jamie Barnett, whose daughter Ashley died while on a cruise to Mexico; and Gershon Cohen, project director of the Campaign to Safeguard America's Waters, who was instrumental in the creation of Alaska's Ocean Ranger program. While the issue of cruise ship crime has garnered broader public attention, Simitian said the bill is also designed to enhance environmental protections.
Responding to the move, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) stated: "The cruise industry provides its customers with an extremely safe experience, and our customer satisfaction level of more than 95 percent is an important statistic that means much to the industry. We are also a leader in the maritime industry when it comes to protecting the environment, and in recent years have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in research and technology to reduce our environmental footprint. We look forward to working with the Assembly and the Office of the Governor to address the important issues raised in this legislation."
Source: Modern Agent
May 29, 2008, Seabourn Reaches Construction Milestone for Odyssey
Seabourn Cruise Line said the hull of its new Seabourn Odyssey arrived at the T.Mariotti dock in Genoa, Italy, on May 27. The hull, built in San Giorgio di Nogaro in the Gulf of Venice, was towed southward through the Adriatic, around Italy's heel and up the coast of Italy to the T.Mariotti shipyard, where blocks of the yacht's superstructure have been under construction while the hull was being completed.
Final construction and fitting out of the vessel will be performed over the next year in time for the vessel's launch in June 2009. The arrival of the hull marks a major milestone in the delivery schedule of three cruise vessels from T.Mariotti S.p.A. for Seabourn, the ultra-luxury brand of Miami-based Carnival Corporation.
The €200 million Seabourn Odyssey will be the cruise industry's first ultra-luxury ship in six years. A maximum of 450 guests will travel on board, in all-suite accommodations measuring from 290 to over 1,600 square feet. More than 90 percent of the suites will have private verandas. The mega-yacht will offer five dining options, five lounges and bars, a pool and sunbathing area, and a two-deck, indoor/outdoor spa facility.
Seabourn Odyssey's maiden season will include voyages in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, before embarking on Seabourn's first-ever World Cruise in January 2010. "The arrival of the hull marks a significant step toward this luxury vessel's debut," said Pamela Conover, president and CEO of Seabourn. "Just looking at the graceful curve of her waterline gives a hint of what's in store for luxury cruise lovers come next summer, and we are looking forward to welcoming guests onboard Seabourn's exciting new yacht."
Royal Caribbean has reiterated that infants must be at least six months old before the first day of a cruise or cruise-tour to sail on its Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity and Azamara brands.
For RCCL's transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii and certain South American cruises and related cruise-tours, the new minimum age is 12 months.
In addition, women must be less than 24 weeks pregnant before the first day of a cruise for sailings operated by RCCL's three brands. RCCL implemented the new policies at the beginning of this month, saying that the changes "recognize that infants and pregnant women can often require specialized, emergency medical attention that can best be provided by land-based hospitals."
The Yachts of Seabourn added more port descriptions to its Web site; it now allows passengers to research ports facts and find "insider tips" about what to explore in ports. Its Web site also allows booked guests to purchase pre- and post-cruise hotel stays and land extensions, as well as certain midcruise, overland options and shore excursions, several months before departure.
May 13, 2008, Carnival Cruise Lines Enchances Website
Carnival added new videos, virtual tours and updated images and content for the line's 22 ships. Carnival also added a section for visitors to purchase items that can be delivered to passengers' cabins prior to their cruise.
May 13, 2008, Holland America To Charge For Cabanas
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE will charge between $30 and $75 per day for use of private cabanas on the 2,014-passenger Eurodam, the line's first Signature-class ship, slated to debut in July.
The ship will feature private tented cabanas on two decks: the Observation Deck in an area called the Retreat, and around the midship pool on the Lido Deck. Cabanas will be furnished with woven chaises, ottomans and upholstered settees and will be stocked with bathrobes, towels, handheld fans, an Evian spray mister and iPods preloaded with music. Chilled water and iced fruit skewers will be available to cabana guests in the morning, and in the afternoon they will get frozen grapes, chocolate-covered strawberries and a glass of champagne. The Retreat, a quiet, spa-themed outdoor area, will have 14 cabanas that will cost $45 on port days and $75 on sea days, while the eight Lido Deck cabanas will go for $30 on port days and $50 on sea days.
MSC CRUISES is selling prepaid cards for teenagers to use for purchases and as room keys on MSC ships.
Called the My Teen Card, the product is targeted at kids ages 12 to 17 and can be used to buy sodas and gift shop items. MSC Cruises USA CEO Richard Sasso said that the Teen Card "acknowledges the fact that teens desire a certain level of independence when it comes to onboard purchases...They will not have to go to mom and dad every time they want to make a purchase." MSC said that on Caribbean sailings passengers can buy a $30 card with $5 bonus or a $50 with $10 bonus, and in Europe the cards cost 30 euros with a 5 euro bonus or 50 euros with a 10 euro bonus.
Celebrity Cruises' Galaxy will become the first ship of TUI Cruises, a new cruise brand established through a joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and TUI AG.
"Celebrity Galaxy has been a treasured member of our family of ships since her maiden voyage in December 1996, and the outstanding crew onboard will continue to offer the service with style Celebrity is known for right up until the shift to TUI Cruises," said Celebrity President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. "We look forward to transitioning those fine shipboard colleagues to the balance of the Celebrity fleet as we grow the brand with our new Solstice class." TUI Cruises is designed for German-speaking guests seeking a contemporary/premium cruise experience. The onboard product will be custom-tailored to German tastes in food, entertainment and amenities.
Celebrity Galaxy will complete its scheduled sailings through the March 2, 2009, itinerary. It will enter service for TUI Cruises in May 2009 under a new name, and will sail in the Baltic in the summer and in the Caribbean in the winter.
Apr 17, 2008, Royal Caribbean to Feature "Central Park" on Genesis Ship
Royal Caribbean International said its 220,000-ton Project Genesis ship, set to debut as the largest cruise ship in the world in late 2009, will feature a "Central Park" in the center of the ship that spans the length of a football field.
The park will feature pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees and will be open to the sky five decks above. The vessel will have 16 decks, carry 5,400 guests, and feature 2,700 staterooms. It will be homeported in Fort Lauderdale and, in 2010, will be joined by a sister ship.
In addition to Central Park, there will be six other "neighborhoods" though Royal Caribbean executives declined to describe them. Central Park's central piazza will be the ship's "town square" which evolves from a tranquil atmosphere during the day to a gathering space for alfresco dining and concerts and street performances in the evenings. The neighborhood will be lined with balcony staterooms rising six decks high with views of the park below. Surrounding the park will be an array of restaurants.
Guests will have the option of an elegant dinner at 150 Central Park or a picnic lunch from the more casual Central Park Café. Other dining choices will include Giovanni's Table, an Italian restaurant; Vintages wine bar; and Royal Caribbean's signature Chops Grille steakhouse. Several bars will be scattered throughout the Park, including the Canopy Bar, located in a glass-domed canopies, and the Rising Tide, billed as the first moving bar at sea. Rising Tide will span three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park and then descend back into the public spaces below. Central Park also will have boutique shops.
Central Park, located on Deck 8 of the ship, will be 62 feet wide and 328 feet long. The neighborhood will include 334 staterooms overlooking the park, 254 of which will have balconies. Central Park will be landscaped with tropical foliage, including seasonal flowers, shrubs and trees, including calla lilies, giant elephant ears, red ginger, rabbit-foot ferns and zebra calathea. Trees, some eventually reaching more than two-and-a-half decks tall, will include black olive, Cuban laurel, cherry of the Rio Grande, and painted and golden bamboo.
Central Park also will include reading corners; a chess garden with large-scale pieces; the Pergola Garden, an interpretive garden featuring vegetation from a host of Caribbean locales; and a sculpture garden, highlighting work by international artists. Irrigation and drainage systems will be incorporated, along with micro-climate control techniques. An on-site horticulturist will provide educational classes. The Crystal Canopies, two arched-glass domes, one with a bar, will be a focal point of Central Park and provide sunlight into the ship's inner public spaces.
CELEBRITY CRUISES this fall will ban smoking in cabins and on balconies and will offer fewer public smoking areas. Designated indoor smoking areas will include the port side of one lounge per ship and a designated slot machine area in each ship's casino. Outdoor smoking areas will vary with each ship.
Celebrity Cruises President Dan Hanrahan said that approximately 90% of Celebrity guests do not smoke. Violations to Celebrity's smoking policy could result in a $250 cleaning fee charged to the guest's onboard account. The policy will go into effect on each Celebrity ship's first sailing after October 1, 2008.
Apr 14, 2008, Windjammer Barefoot Appears to Finally Ceases Operations
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, which hasn't operated a ship since last August, has apparently closed its Miami offices. The troubled company, which let lapse its Florida license to sell travel in November, was unsuccessful in its attempts to renew that registration, said Terence McElroy, spokesman for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. "Because of their financial difficulties, we insisted they post a $50,000 bond, which they didn't have to do before," McElroy said. "They were unable or unwilling to post the bond, so we rejected their request to renew the license. At that point, they were no longer licensed to sell travel in Florida."
The Florida Attorney General's office said it has received 172 complaints from consumers about Windjammer. "We currently do not have an investigation on Windjammer Cruises, but we continue to review complaints to see if anything falls under our jurisdiction through the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act," the attorney general's office reported. Windjammer's toll-free phone number is disconnected and the local lines also do not work. The company website -- www.windjammer.com -- is still operating, but the PayPal system has been removed along with itinerary listings. A call to Joey Burke, a grandson of founder Mike Burke who had tried to resurrect the company, was not returned by press time. "We can't say for a fact that they're out of business," McElroy said. "We've gone on their website and tried to call, but there doesn't seem to be anybody there. The office appears to be sort of an abandoned building."
Source: Modern Agent
Apr 8, 2008, MSC Launches Newest Ship - Poesia
MSC CRUISES launched its newest ship, the Poesia, this weekend in Dover, U.K., after Sophia Loren named the vessel, making her a five-time MSC ship godmother. Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France, handed the vessel over to MSC last week, and the ship was then christened in Dover, MSC's first ship naming outside of its Italian homeland. The third in the Musica class of ships, the 93,300-ton Poesia departed on its maiden 14-day cruise Sunday, calling in Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Croatia.
Apr 3, 2008, Tahitian Princess to Be Renamed Ocean Princess
Tahitian Princess, one of the small ships in the Princess fleet, willbe renamed in 2009, becoming Ocean Princess. The new name is intended to reflect the ship's new deployment on worldwide itineraries. The renaming will take place while the ship is out of service during a routine maintenance period in Singapore in November 2009.
During next year's fall season, Pacific Princess, another of the line's small vessels, will provide cruisesfrom Papeete, Tahiti, where the Tahitian Princess has been based.
Tahitian Princess joined the Princess fleet in 2002, and has been primarily deployed on sailings in theSouth Pacific, particularly French Polynesia and Hawaii. Beginning this summer, the ship sets off on newworldwide deployments, featuring a Connoisseur's cruise in Alaska, a world cruise in early 2009 and aseason of unique Northern Europe sailings next summer. Following the 2009 renaming, Ocean Princesswill sail on a series of Asia voyages to be announced separately.
Mar 31, 2008, Passport rule for land and sea travelers postponed to June 2009
Those traveling to the U.S. by land and sea won't have to present a passport until June 1, 2009, according to a ruling issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the State Department.
The ruling follows the congressional passage of a December bill ordering a delay until at least June 2009 of the passport requirement for land and sea travelers.
Many cross-border travelers already have WHTI-compliant documents such as a passport or a Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST), or a Washington State enhanced driver's license (EDL). The Department of State already is accepting applications for the new Passport Cards and additional states and Canadian provinces will be issuing EDLs in the next several months -- all of which are options specifically designed for land and sea border use.
Beginning June 1, 2009, the DHS will institute special provisions that allow school or other organized groups of children ages 18 and under who are U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter the U.S. with proof of citizenship alone.
Over the next 14 months, the departments will be conducting public information campaigns to inform U.S. and Canadian citizens about the new document requirements. These campaigns will include special outreach to residents of border communities who may be most impacted by the new document requirements. The DHS and Department of State are working with the Canadian government to ensure widespread and consistent communications on both sides of our land borders.
This announcement comes two months after the DHS ended acceptance of oral declarations alone of identity and citizenship at the land borders on Jan. 31. Since that time, U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older have been asked to present proof of identity and citizenship. Children ages 18 and under are currently asked only to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
The changes that took place in January marked the beginning of a transition period intended to prepare the public for WHTI implementation on June 1, 2009. This common sense approach is designed to lessen the impact on individuals and allow time for travelers to become accustomed to the change and obtain the appropriate documents.
Upon implementation of the WHTI, travelers will be required to present a single WHTI-compliant document denoting both citizenship and identity when seeking entry into the U.S. through a land or sea border. Standardized, secure and reliable documentation will enable Customs and Border Protection officers to quickly and accurately identify travelers at land and sea ports of entry.
More information on documentation requirements may be found at . For general information on the WHTI or other travel-related programs, visit www.dhs.gov or www.travel.state.gov.
Mar 12, 2008, Silversea Names New All-Suite Ship Silver Spirit
Silversea Cruises said its newest all-suite ship will be named Silver Spirit. The company made the announcement Tuesday at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami Beach, Florida. Currently under construction at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard in Italy, the 540-guest vessel is scheduled to join the fleet in December 2009. Italian architect Giacomo Mortola is overseeing the design of the 36,000-ton vessel. "Silver Spirit's design will mirror the distinctive silhouette of our existing ships and will offer the same standards of luxury that our guests have come to expect," said Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea's chairman. "But there will also be several significant enhancements, including a new supper club, an Asian-themed restaurant and an expanded spa facility that will rival the best spas on land."
Silversea President and CEO Amerigo Perasso said the ship will have a contemporary feel but with touches reminiscent of the 1930s. The space ratio will be a high 67. With a total of 270 ocean-view suites, the new ship will increase the number of accommodations in the most popular suite categories. Silver Spirit will feature more of the quick-to-sell-out Silver Suites, with a total of 26, and 222 Veranda Suites. There will also be six Grand Suites and two Owner's Suites. All but 12 suites will have balconies.
Plans call for a new supper club called Annabelle's that will serve gourmet cuisine followed by music and dance. Also planned are a new Asian restaurant, the main dining room, The Wine Restaurant and the casual Pool Grille. The new Spa at Silversea, which premiered during Silver Shadow's World Cruise last year, will be rolled out aboard the new vessel with dramatically more space. An aesthetically pleasing sanctuary is planned for guests to relax, de-stress and detox with an expanded menu of treatments. Silver Spirit will feature many of the same public lounges found on the line's existing ships, including an Observation Lounge, Vista Lounge (similar to Panorama Lounge on current fleet), Show Lounge, Humidor and Pool Bar, plus a new Lobby Bar styled along the lines of a European hotel, featuring Italian coffees complemented by champagne, wine and spirits -- all served at no charge.
Mar 6, 2008, Alaska Proposes Tax Rebate to Cruisers
The Alaska State Legislature is considering a bill that would amend the cruise ship head tax that Alaska's citizens voted into law in 2006.
Senate Bill 168, which reached the Senate floor this week, would protect passengers from multiple head taxes, effectively capping the charge at $50 per passenger. The state's head tax is $50 but some municipalities, including Juneau and Ketchikan, charge their own passenger tax, said the bill's sponsor, Sen. Bert Stedman (R-Sitka) of the Senate Finance Committee.
"If other port communities impose their own municipal fees, the total taxes a passenger pays will obviously grow," said the Senate Finance Committee in a statement about the bill. "Although it is difficult to quantify, at some point these municipal passenger fees stacked on top of the state head tax could reduce travel to Alaska or decrease the amount cruise passengers spend once they arrive."
The committee said the bill would entitle cruise passengers to a "dollar-for-dollar credit equal to the lesser of $10 or the actual amount of any similar tax the passenger paid at any of the ship's first five ports of call."
Source: Travel Weekly
Feb 19, 2008, Carnival Adds New Program for 12-14 Year Olds
Building upon its distinction as the family cruise leader, Carnival Cruise Lines has introduced a new on-board program called “Circle C” aimed specifically at the 12- to 14-year-old age group, with expansive new clubs, a full schedule of activities and trained staff.
The “Circle C” program complements the line’s other youth-oriented programming, including “Camp Carnival” for younger kids and “Club O2” for 15- to 17-year-olds, which combined are expected to host 600,000 kids this year – the most in cruising.
The facilities feature a dance floor with high-tech sound and lighting system, along with 42-inch plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, and a touch-screen jukebox stocked with the latest hits. Also featured are gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles, with 20-inch plasma-screens positioned throughout the room and used exclusively for video gaming.The facilities offer a sleek modern design created especially to appeal to younger teens, with a vibrant motif, oversized picture windows, and plush comfortable seating -- perfect for hanging out with new friends.
The “Circle C” program also offers a full schedule of activities, which include everything from sports such as basketball, volleyball, ping-pong and various water games to late-night movies and “swimming under the stars” pool parties. “Circle C” activities are listed in a special edition of Carnival Capers printed daily.A new logo and branding campaign incorporating the “Circle C” theme of “cruise.chill.connect” has also been created.
“Circle C” is just the latest enhancement to kid-friendly amenities aboard the “Fun Ships.” Children ages 2-11 can enjoy diverse activities and dedicated facilities of “Camp Carnival,” which continues to evolve with new 1,600-square-foot play areas on “Fantasy-class” ships and new programming fleetwide. For older kids, there’s the “Club O2” teen program featuring teen dance clubs, just for teens shore excursions, and more.
Also new is Carnival WaterWorks, an aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long twister water slide, dual-lane racing slides and water spray apparatus, currently rolled out as part of the “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program on select ships. Carnival Splendor, set to debut in July, will boast Carnival’s largest play area to date and a water spray park.
Other fleetwide features include babysitting services, stroller rentals, children’s menus, and a variety of spacious accommodation categories, with dozens of inter-connecting cabins -- ideal for large families or family gatherings.
Feb 14, 2008, Azamara, Celebrity Captains to Perform Weddings at Sea
Azamara Cruises and Celebrity Cruises have made arrangements for ship captains to marry guests at sea. The sister lines plan to launch legal, captain-led wedding ceremonies later this year.
Celebrity has long partnered with The Wedding Experience to offer onboard vow renewals at sea and in-port wedding ceremonies. With the recent re-registration of seven of Celebrity's eight ships in Malta, where Azamara's two ships also are registered, government regulations have changed to allow for captains to perform legal marriages while the ships sail.
Guests being married at sea will be offered a variety of packages that include private receptions in the ship's specialty restaurant, cake, champagne, and more. Basic captain-performed wedding packages begin at $2,500. Guests should book their wedding in advance of the sailing to allow time for the processing of licenses and other legal documents. Guests can also arrange weddings during Alaska cruise-tours at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and The Hotel Alyeska, amid the hanging glaciers of the Girdwood Valley or with Mount McKinley as a backdrop. These ceremonies can take place from June to September.
Feb 12, 2008, NCL to Withdraw Second Ship from Hawaii
NCL Corp. will withdraw the Pride of Aloha from the Hawaii market effective May 11. The ship will be transferred to Star Cruises and will be re-flagged and deployed in Asia in the summer. The remaining year-round ship in Hawaii will be the Pride of America, introduced in 2005.
The company announced and put on sale Pride of America's sailings through 2010; it offers inter-island cruises departing every Saturday from Honolulu. A year ago, NCL announced the transfer this month of the Pride of Hawaii to Europe, and rename it Norwegian Jade.
For guests booked on Pride of Aloha from May 11 and beyond, NCL is holding space and will offer the same cruise fare as they currently have paid on their Pride of Aloha cruise if they would like to transfer to the same week on Pride of America, departing one day earlier. In addition, guests will receive a $100-per-person onboard credit (up to $200 per stateroom).
For guests who made their air and/or hotel arrangements through NCL, NCL will protect the rates they currently have paid and cover any air or hotel change fees. For guests who purchased their own air, NCL will protect up to the first $100 per person of any increase in air costs and cover up to $75 per person in air change fees. For guests who made independent hotel arrangements, NCL will cover any hotel change fees up to $25 per person.
Guests may book any other NCL cruise and receive a $100-per-person onboard credit (up to $200 per stateroom) if they rebook by March 7. In addition, NCL will cover up to $75 per person in air change fees and up to $25 per person in hotel change fees. Guests may cancel their cruise and receive a full refund if NCL is notified by March 7. In addition, NCL will cover up to $75 per person in air change fees and up to $25 per person in hotel change fees. After March 7, cancellation fees will apply in accordance with NCL's cancellation policy.
Following a 14-day scheduled dry dock in Hawaii from April 26 to May 10, Pride of America will sail its four-island itinerary with a change in order of ports, including an overnight in Nawiliwili, Kauai; an afternoon cruise of the Napali Coast; Hilo, Hawaii; an evening sail by Mount Kilauea; Kona, Hawaii; and an overnight in Kahului, Maui. All of the Freestyle 2.0 enhancements will be rolled out on Pride of America during the ship's dry-dock.
Silversea Cruises plans to launch its new expedition ship in June 2008, after undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. The 1A ice-rated vessel, originally acquired as World Discoverer last September, will get exterior design modifications, state-of-the-art technological enhancements and a complete upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces. The ship is also being outfitted with a fleet of eight Zodiac boats.
In a related development, the company announced the appointment of Conrad Combrink as Silversea's director of expeditions, with responsibility for developing the ship's itineraries and program. He will also oversee the recruitment of expedition staff and lecturers. Combrink's career of over 10 years in expedition cruising includes serving as expedition leader on World Discoverer.
Following the naming ceremony in Monte Carlo in May, the ship will set sail June 12 from London on an inaugural season focusing on polar adventures. Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages. After the ship's refit, the vessel will accommodate 132 guests in 66 ocean-view suites, many featuring private verandas.
Staterooms and suites will range from 215 to over 600 square feet, with an average size of 300-plus square feet. Twenty suites will feature more than 400 square feet of luxury. All staterooms and suites will have flat-screen TVs. The ship will feature a single-seating main dining room, a library with desktop computers and Internet access, a boutique, a beauty salon, a fitness center, a full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools. The ship will be equipped with state-of-the-art satellite communication systems, providing bow-to-stern wireless Internet access and cellular phone service.
Feb 6, 2008, Celebrity Unveils New Restaurants for Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Cruises said its new Celebrity Solstice, set to sail on its first revenue cruise on Dec. 14, will feature 10 restaurants. The line unveiled its dining plans at an event at New York's Per Se restaurant last night. Celebrity Solstice will carry approximately 2,850 passengers.
Celebrity said it has partnered with some of the best restaurant designers in the business to create the new restaurants onboard Celebrity Solstice, among them Adam Tihany, who has created such restaurants as Per Se, Jean Georges, Le Cirque, The Sea Grill and Osteria del Circo in New York; Aureole, Bouchon and Seablue in Las Vegas; and Monte's and the Mandarin Bar in the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London. Tihany, in his first restaurant aboard a cruise ship, has designed the two-level Grand Epernay dining room; the classic steakhouse Tuscan Grille, and the Oceanview Cafe on the ship's lido deck. Grand Epernay features a two-story wine tower, similar to what Tihany created in Aureole in Vegas.
The new menus are being created by Jacques Van Staden, Celebrity's vice president of food and beverage, in conjunction with Celebrity's culinary consultant Blau & Associates. Van Staden was previously one of the top chefs and restaurateurs in Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas. Blau is credited with shaping the dining experience at Bellagio and Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, and is also developing the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's Simon kitchen and bar.
Dining venues aboard Celebrity Solstice will include Grand Epernay, the main dining room open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring French cuisine and the two-story wine tower; Tuscan Grille, a combination of Mediterranean and California Napa cuisine; Silk Harvest, a casual specialty restaurant featuring Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and Indian selections; Blu, which offers "clean cuisine" exclusively for guests booked on the new AquaClass category of accommodations, with healthy food options; Murano, a twist on the restaurant of the same name on Celebrity Century, blending classic and modern Continental cuisine in an elegant setting; Bistro on Five, a casual dining area where guests can eat or take out sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts and other entrees; Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria, an upscale coffee house serving European cafe fare as well as gelato, signature coffees, teas, fresh-based pastries and more; AquaSpa Cafe, a dining option for guests seeking lighter fare; Mast Grill & Bar, featuring comfort food in a poolside venue; Oceanview Cafe & Grill, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with food stations reflecting where the ship is sailing.
Source: Modern Agent
Feb 6, 2008, Seabourn's First World Cruise Opens for Sale
Seabourn Cruise Line has opened reservations for the 2010 inaugural World Cruise of the new Seabourn Odyssey. The 108-day voyage departs from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 5, 2010. A 92-day, west coast alternative departs Los Angeles on Jan. 21. The voyage ends in Piraeus (Athens), Greece, on April 24, 2010, by which time guests will have visited 42 ports in 26 countries on five continents. It also represents the first time that any of The Yachts of Seabourn has undertaken a world cruise. "A world cruise is an exciting prospect for travelers at any time," said Seabourn President and CEO Pamela Conover. "And for any ship, there is only ever one first time. So when Seabourn Odyssey makes her maiden call at each port, it will be a special occasion that will never be repeated."
The full world cruise qualifies for Seabourn's Grand Voyage Savings of 50 percent, creating a range of per-person, double occupancy fares from $53,745 for a 295-square-foot Category A accommodations to $254,745 for a Grand Suite measuring 1,135 square feet with three private verandas adding another 301 square feet of outdoor space.
Seabourn has packed the voyage with value-added benefits and features for full World Cruise passengers. For those embarking at Fort Lauderdale, the voyage begins with a complimentary private-car transfer from their homes to any gateway airport within 100 miles. Upon arrival at Fort Lauderdale, full cruisers can attend a pre-cruise celebration and receive luxury accommodation the night before embarkation. Private car transfers at both ends of the voyage are included for all full-world cruise guests. Other complimentary perquisites include first-class roundtrip airfare, luggage shipping by Seabourn's Personal Valet and a $1,000-per-person shipboard credit. During the voyage, are five shoreside events for full-cruise passengers in addition to six Exclusively Seabourn experiences to which all guests are invited. Commemorative gifts, gala balls and a full program of added enrichment programs and celebrity entertainment are also planned.
Three shorter "World Voyages" are also available -- a 69-day voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Hong Kong, a 53-day segment from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, and a 39-day cruise from Hong Kong to Piraeus. The Seabourn Odyssey will carry a maximum of 450 guests. Ninety percent of the 225 ocean-view suites have private verandas, and all feature full granite baths with separate tub and shower, Molton Brown products, a complimentary in-suite bar stocked to the guests' requests, and a flat-screen entertainment system with movies, television and music. Seabourn Square will be a concierge lounge. The Spa at Seabourn will feature a two-deck-high waterfall entry, gym with a Kinesis Wall, indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, a thalassotherapy pool and salon facilities. The ship will boast two outdoor swimming pools and six outdoor whirlpool spas.
Jan 28, 2008, Applications Now Available for U.S. Passport Card
U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card beginning Feb. 1, in anticipation of land border travel document requirements.
The State Department said the cards should be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards.
The passport card is being issued in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. The card will have the same validity period as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, five for children 15 and younger. For adults who already have a passport book, they may apply for the card as a passport renewal and pay only $20. First-time applicants pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children.
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