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Here's What's New:

Aug 9, 2010, DHS Adds $14 Fee for U.S. Visitors to Fund Travel Promotion

The Department of Homeland Security will start charging travelers from Visa Waiver countries a $14 fee that will fund a global marketing and promotion campaign aimed at increasing the number of international visitors to the United States. As of Sept. 8, travelers will be charged a $14 fee when applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization. A portion of the fee will go toward funding the Corporation for Travel Promotion, created by the 2009 Travel Promotion Act.

Overseas visitors spend an average of $4,000 per person, per trip in the United States. Oxford Economics estimates the travel promotion program under the Travel Promotion Act will generate $4 billion in new visitor spending and 40,000 new jobs. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the program will reduce the federal budget deficit by $425 million in the next 10 years.

President Obama signed the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 (TPA) into law earlier this year, putting into place a new public-private partnership between the U.S. government and the nation’s travel and tourism industry. Under the TPA, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke will appoint the board of directors for the Corporation for Travel Promotion. The Commerce Department will work closely with the board to ensure the corporation achieves its goals. The U.S. Travel Association immediately applauded the move.

According to Oxford Economics, the inability of the United States to simply keep pace with average growth in international long-haul travel over the past decade has cost the nation’s economy an estimated $509 billion in total spending and 441,000 American jobs. In addition, the U.S. forfeited an estimated $32 billion in direct tax receipts over the same period, according to a statement from the U.S. Travel Association.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Aug 9, 2010, Costa Cruises' 15th Ship, Favolosa, Launched in Italy

Costa Cruises’ newest ship, the Costa Favolosa, took to the sea for the first time on Friday, Aug. 6, at a ceremony held at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard. The 114,500-ton, 3,000-passenger Favolosa will sail on its first cruise in July 2011. It is the fourth of five ships delivered or set to be delivered between 2009 and 2012 for Costa. The total investment in the five new ships is worth 2.4 billion euros. In spring 2012, the Costa Fascinosa, a sister ship to Favolosa, will complete Costa’s fleet expansion program.

The construction of each newbuild involves the labor of around 3,000 people, comprising Fincantieri’s own employees and those of about 500 contracted suppliers, most of which are Italian firms. In overall terms, the fleet investment program launched in 2000 by Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group (comprising Costa Cruises as well as the German AIDA Cruises and Iberocruceros, which operates mainly for the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking markets) is worth some 9.3 billion euros.

The ceremony for the launch of the Costa Favolosa observed the protocol laid down for such occasions by seafaring tradition. The director of the shipyard invited the godmother, Beatrice Siri, to cut the ribbon, sending a bottle of champagne against the bow of the ship. Siri, new building and special projects deputy of Costa Cruises, has been directly involved in the construction of the fleet’s last six ships, including the Costa Favolosa. On March 8, she received the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic from the president of the republic, Giorgio Napolitano. After the opening of the valves and the gradual flooding of the slipway where the ship has taken shape over the last few months, the hull of the Costa Favolosa was transferred for the first time to the sea. The launch was preceded by the welding of a coin to the base of what used to be the mainmast in a ceremony traditionally considered to augur well.

As the name suggests (Favola is Italian for “fairy tale”), the Costa Favolosa is intended to interpret the excitement and emotion of people who view the cruise as a magical voyage in a contemporary enchanted castle. The main innovations onboard include six suites with private verandas and Jacuzzis; a new entertainment area for teenagers, comprising 4D Cinema, PlayStation World, a bar with ice cream, drinks and popcorn, and a dance floor; a children’s game room; and a new open-air water playground with a pirate galleon. Facilities will include the Samsara Spa; a large lido extending over two decks, with a sliding glass roof and giant movie screen; a Grand Prix driving simulator; and a golf simulator.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Aug 5, 2010, Holland America Line Enhances Shipboard Entertainment

Holland America Line is enhancing its shipboard entertainment with the recent launch of the 2,106-guest Nieuw Amsterdam. Among the additions are the singing group Cantaré, a quartet of male performers with a pop music repertoire, and several production shows on Nieuw Amsterdam. Following the shows’ run aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, they will expand across the fleet by the end of 2010. The new shows include “N.Y.C.,” a musical tour of the Big Apple; “Ladies Night,” an all-female revue; “Live from the Avalon Ballroom,” ballroom dance and music; “Garage Band,” a ’60s and ’70s musical set in an automobile service center; and “It Takes Two,” a revue of famous duets and duos.

On several ships, performances take place in the new Showroom at Sea. The Showroom at Sea is aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, as well as Veendam, Rotterdam, Statendam and Ryndam. The Showroom at Sea features a redesigned main stage that introduces a new seating layout, a larger dance floor, a new sound system, enhanced lighting and high-tech video projections.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Aug 4, 2010, Mexicana Airlines Files for Bankruptcy

Mexicana Airlines, Mexico's largest air carrier, has filed for bankruptcy protection after failing to reach a new labor agreement with its pilots and flight attendants. The purpose of the filing is to provide protection to the company from its creditors while it reorganizes. The airline stated that it expects to continue to operate flights and customer programs without interruption.

Mexicana said on its website that it filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. in an effort to bring its cost structure in line with market conditions. It also filed an insolvency petition with a Mexico City district court, and announced that it will continue to operate normally during the bankruptcy proceedings.

Meanwhile, Mexicana has presented its pilots' and flight attendants' unions with two alternatives. The first is the option to enter into a new collective contract to secure the long-term financial viability of Compania Mexicana de Aviacion (CMA). This would imply accepting cuts of 41 percent and 39 percent in wages and fringe benefits for pilots and flight attendants, respectively. This alternative also calls for additional cost-cutting measures, including downsizing 40 percent of the airline's pilots and flight attendants. On the upside, it incorporates a profit-sharing plan whereby the unions would get a percentage of any operating profits that exceed 5 percent of the company's total revenues.

As a second alternative, stockholders have offered to sell CMA to its unions for the token sum of $1 peso, proving that the company is convinced of the vital role these labor organizations will play in the future. As the only entities capable of turning the situation around, CMA's management has stated that it would be willing to transfer control of the airline to its unions. The transaction would require further and more detailed negotiations with the unions, but in broad terms would require the parent company of Nuevo Grupo Aeronautico (NGA) to assume liabilities of $120 million in bank credit lines, while the unions would have the option of retaining a Bancomext loan for $80 million or transferring this credit line and its respective sureties to NGA. The unions would also be given a six-month permit for the use of the Mexicana Airlines brand name, among other measures designed to allow for a smooth transition.

In response to statements by representatives of the pilots union (ASPA) to the effect that both proposals outlined by CMA would be rejected, the company said that it is time to acknowledge reality, that the paradigm of commercial aviation has changed worldwide and that only airlines that operate at competitive costs can hope to survive and continue flying. CMA will continue to negotiate with its unions.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Aug 4, 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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Jul 26, 2010, MSC Confirms Construction of MSC Fantastica at STX France

MSC Cruises finalized the order to build a new Fantasia-class cruise ship, MSC Fantastica, by STX France. Financial backing was provided by French financial institutions, especially Coface, the French Export Credit Agency, making it possible for the vessel to be delivered by the end of spring 2012. It will be 12th ship in its fleet.

“We look forward to continuing the long-standing relationship between the teams of MSC Cruises and STX France for the successful delivery of this magnificent vessel,” said Jacques Hardelay, general manager of STX France.MSC Fantastica will build upon the MSC Fantasia prototype. The new ship will have the MSC Yacht Club, an upscale ship-within-a-ship area. “We are delighted at the confirmation of this important investment—a sign of the success of our ambitious growth strategy,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, worldwide chief executive officer for MSC Cruises.

MSC currently has a fleet of 11 ships, including the MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. The fleet cruises year round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, U.S. and Canada (fall 2010), South America, the Indian Ocean, and South and West Africa.

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Jun 30, 2010, A TOUCH OF KISMET: ALASKA, INTRODUCTION TO CRUISING

A TOUCH OF KISMET: ALASKA, INTRODUCTION TO CRUISING By Tessa Lorien It was July 2005 and it had been a very difficult few years. The many stresses of

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Jun 18, 2010, Norwegian Takes Delivery Of Epic

Norwegian Cruise Line on June 17 accepted delivery of its largest and most innovative ship to date, Norwegian Epic, from STX France SA. At 153,000 gross tons, Norwegian Epic is the largest ship ever constructed in St. Nazaire and therefore represents a major milestone for STX. “Norwegian Epic represents the next level of Freestyle Cruising with branded entertainment, more than 20 dining options and a wide range of accommodations including the largest suite complex at sea,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s CEO. “Following more than four years of development and construction, we are pleased to take ownership of this beautiful ship and introduce her to the world. We are confident that Norwegian Epic will amaze our guests.”

Norwegian Epic will depart St. Nazaire this evening en route to Rotterdam, the first port the ship will visit. Once there, she will welcome on board her first guests who will set sail on a two-day inaugural cruise. On June 21, the ship will sail a one-night preview cruise to Southampton, arriving on June 22 for a two-day inaugural sailing. On June 24, the ship will depart Southampton on a sold-out seven-day transatlantic crossing to New York arriving on July 1.

Norwegian Epic will be christened by entertainer Reba McEntire on July 2 followed by a two-day inaugural cruise. The ship also will be the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event taking place on Sunday, July 4. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET. Norwegian Epic arrives in Miami on Wednesday, July 7 where a welcome event will be held at Bicentennial Park from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information on the event, visit http://epic.ncl.com/epicmiami. Inaugural festivities conclude with a two-day sailing on July 8.

For passengers, Norwegian Epic is implementing a series of high-tech advancements, according to Andy Stuart, the line’s executive vice president of global sales and passenger services, speaking on a trade webinar held Thursday. The enhancements include online pre-booking of entertainment and dining reservations. Passengers can pre-book all of the Epic’s five shows, including Blue Man Group and the Nickelodeon Game Show, and the reservations will be programmed into passengers’ key cards.

In addition, each cabin will feature an HD interactive TV offering in-room gaming with slots and video poker, as well as booking capability for entertainment, dining and shore excursions and on-demand movies. Digital signage is posted throughout the ship. And a new facial recognition system matches photos of passengers taken by the ship staff to numbers assigned to the passengers, eliminating the need to search through a wall of photos. Instead, passengers punch in their numbers to see their photos.

Beginning July 10, Norwegian Epic will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami through April 30, 2011.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Jun 15, 2010, Oceania embarks on fleet-enhancement program

Oceania Cruises launched a multimillion-dollar fleet enhancement plan to be completed by January 2011.

Oceania recently completed upgrades to the 684-passenger Nautica and will do work on its sister ship, the Insignia, this November, followed by the line’s third ship, the Regatta, in January.

All work will occur during regularly scheduled drydocks.

Several of the new amenities and design highlights will be incorporated in the line’s two newbuilds under construction in Italy: the 1,258-passenger Marina, which enters service in January 2011, and the 1,258-passenger Riviera, scheduled for delivery in April 2012.

Under the new program, cabins and suites will be enhanced with new amenities and décor, Oceania said, such as new headboards and paneling as well as new bedding and linens.

All accommodations will be outfitted with refrigerated mini-bars, wall sconces and bedside reading lamps, as well as updated furnishings and bath amenities.

In public areas, Oceania will update the décor in the Polo Grill and enhance the menus in the Terrace Café and Toscana. The ships will also get Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine, part of the deal with its new spa operator, Canyon Ranch.

In addition, onboard programming will be enhanced with Canyon Ranch "Healthy Living Experts" offering classes and workshops addressing lifestyle change, healthy living, stress management and a variety of other topics.

Source: Travel Weekly

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Jun 1, 2010, Carnival Launching Cash Back Promotion

Carnival Cruise Lines announces an exciting new promotion which will be launching on Monday, June 7 which offers "cash back" of up to $160 per stateroom for a wide range of sailings through February 2011.

This new promotion was designed to entice consumers to book cruises during a certain period by offering "cash back" in amounts ranging from $80 per stateroom to $160 per stateroom. The amount is based on cruise length and will be provided in the form of a shipboard credit that can be redeemed on board.

It will be applicable to virtually all 3-day and longer cruises including voyages to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico from 15 convenient North American homeports. Bookings must be made between June 7 and June 30, 2010, to qualify for the promotion and it is valid with the "Fun Select" advance purchase discount fares.

The "Cash Back" details are below.

· $40 per person (max $80 p/stateroom) on select 3-, 4- & 5-day sailings

· $80 per person (max $160 /stateroom) on select 6-day or longer sailings

The shipboard credit is automatically applied on guests' Sail & Sign accounts when they board their cruise and can be redeemed toward shore excursions, spa treatments, gift shop items and a variety of other shipboard purchases. Any unused funds at the end of the cruise will be returned to guests on debarkation day in the form of a check.

The new promotion is capacity controlled and applies to new individual bookings for category 4A and higher. Guests must request fare code OCB when making the reservation.

It will be promoted nationally via TV and local radio as well as through a direct-response TV spot.

May 28, 2010, Celebrity Set to Send Mercury to TUI German Fleet

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Mercury will become the second ship in the fleet of TUI Cruises, a cruise brand tailored for the German market. TUI Cruises was established in 2008 through a joint venture between Celebrity’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and TUI AG. The ship, to be named Mein Schiff 2, will become sister ship to Mein Schiff (the former Celebrity Galaxy), which set sail in May 2009.

Celebrity President and CEO Dan Hanrahan said the Mercury crew will have opportunities to transfer to other ships. “With the rapid growth and momentum of the Celebrity brand, and the fourth member of our five-ship Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Silhouette, launching in July 2011, we have abundant opportunities for the fine crew on Celebrity Mercury to transfer to another Celebrity ship.”

Mercury, which joined the Celebrity fleet in November 1997, was built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, builder of Celebrity’s new Solstice-class fleet. The 77,713-ton ship carries 1,898 passengers double occupancy and 909 crew. “The timing for expanding the TUI Cruises fleet could not be better,” said TUI Cruises CEO Richard J. Vogel. “Mein Schiff has firmly established its place in the German market, and now, it is time to broaden and further develop the concept. The cruise industry has shown its resilience in the midst of the economic crisis, and we look forward to growing it further, with our expanded fleet and our unique ‘premium all-inclusive’ concept.”

Celebrity Mercury will complete its scheduled sailings through the Feb. 14 departure. Guests with individual bookings and named group bookings on Mercury on or after Feb. 26 can either cancel or move to any Mercury sailing from Baltimore from Oct. 18 through Feb. 14, with the exception of the Dec. 20. Guests who transfer will receive an onboard credit of $75 per stateroom for inside or ocean-view accommodations, $100 per stateroom for veranda or Concierge Class, and $200 per suite. Guests with reservations affected by the transition will be contacted by Celebrity or they can call 888-281-9343.

The ship will enter service with TUI Cruises in May following an extensive refurbishment resulting in additional verandas, an expanded spa and fitness area, addition of a teen bar, and a host of design elements and other attributes consistent with those found on Mein Schiff. Mein Schiff 2 will spend its first cruising season in the Baltic and Nordic regions. Full itinerary details will be published when bookings open June 1. Starting in late October, the TUI Cruises holiday price will include almost all drinks and meals in most of the restaurants and bistros. The “Premium All-Inclusive” cruises will include sporting activities, use of the wellness area and sauna facilities, entertainment, child care, the German-speaking onboard tour rep service and tips.

Source: Travel Pulse

May 28, 2010, Seabourn Takes Delivery of New Mega-Yacht Sojourn

T.Mariotti shipyard reports it has delivered the new Seabourn Sojourn to The Yachts of Seabourn. It is the second of three 550 million euro ships. The third sister ship is under construction for delivery in 2011. The new vessel, twin to Seabourn Odyssey delivered in 2009, is 32,000 tons and accommodates 450 guests. A unique detail is the addition of a marina on the stern that lowers directly to the sea. "We are very pleased to take delivery of Seabourn Sojourn, whose first guests are eagerly awaiting her arrival in England to be named and start her maiden voyage," said Pamela C. Conover, Seabourn president and CEO. "We thank the men and women of T.Mariotti for building us a beautiful vessel that will enable us to serve our guests in the finest style." The christening is scheduled for June 6, 2010!

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May 10, 2010, Carnival Names New Ship

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced that Carnival Breeze has been selected as the name for their brand-new ship which will join the fleet in spring 2012.

The 3,690-passenger cruise ship will be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the current builder of our gorgeous Carnival Magic (debuting in Europe May 1, 2011!)

As the third ship in the Dream-class, guests can expect all the amenities on the Carnival Breeze that they've come to love on the Carnival Dream. Features include expansive, modern 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.

Other features will include the popular WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide, and a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza. Of course, Carnival will offer a wide range of staterooms to match your clients' tastes and budgets, including deluxe ocean views with two-bathrooms and some family-friendly accommodations that feature five berths.

Carnival Breeze will be the 24th vessel in Carnival Cruise Lines' fleet, which operates three- to 15-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England and Europe.

Carnival is proud to be able to offer guests such a variety of cruise options, ships and itineraries. Stay tuned for updates on the Carnival Breeze as it is being built!

Source: Carnival Cruise Line

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May 5, 2010, Cunard, P&O to Institute Fuel Supplements on May 10

Cunard Line and P&O Cruises in the U.K. will introduce a fuel supplement for all new bookings made starting May 10 on departures from Nov. 1. The supplement will be $3.85 per person, per day, up to a maximum of $154 per person. The supplement will apply to every paying passenger traveling, including third and fourth person fares and paid children’s accommodation. “We regret having to take this action, but fuel price increases have continued, and we now find it necessary to implement a modest supplement,” Cunard President Peter Shanks wrote in a letter to travel agents.

Source: Travel Pulse

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May 5, 2010, Carnival Finalizes Contracts for Two Large Princess Ships

Princess Cruises, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc, has finalized contracts to build two 3,600-passenger ships in Italy's Fincantieri shipyard. The new ships, which each will have an all-in cost of approximately euro 155,000 per lower berth, are scheduled to enter service in spring 2013 and spring 2014. At an estimated 141,000 tons, the as-yet-unnamed ships will be the largest in the Princess Cruises fleet.

Princess said the ships’ design will be evolutionary, in keeping with the themes of the line's newest vessels, but with some new features and innovations. For example, all outside cabins will feature balconies, bringing the percentage of balconies on the ships to 80 percent of all staterooms. The company's signature Piazza, the ship's central atrium featuring dining, entertainment and retail, will be expanded, as will the Sanctuary, spa and restaurants.

“We're pleased that in this challenging economic environment, the order for these new ships is a testament to the confidence in the growth potential of the Princess brand,” said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. “These new ships will include the features from our newest ships that have been so well received, and take them to the next level.” Specific amenities and design elements for the new ships will be revealed over the coming months.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Apr 29, 2010, Princess eZAir Offers Competitive Fares, Immediate Confirmation

Princess Cruises is introducing a completely re-designed air program that gives passengers real-time pricing and flight availability, immediate flight confirmation, competitive airfares, and something no major online air booking website offers -- next port protection in the event of flight delays. The eZAir program provides passengers and agents a single booking source for both air and cruise reservations, with all transactions accessed online. Travelers using Princess eZAir can choose air carriers and flights, as well as select their preferred cabin level and seating, all with no extra customization fee. They can also order special meals, request a wheelchair and apply their frequent flyer number. And, the line will assist Princess eZAir passengers with re-routing to the next port of call should they experience a flight delay that causes them to miss the ship’s departure.

“We’ve modernized our air program to give our passengers full control of their flight arrangements,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises’ executive vice president. “Until now, passengers paid a set price for air and were given their flight details closer to sailing. Now they can plan their entire vacation as they wish, with real-time access to flights -- and competitive airfares -- that are compatible with their cruise and other travel plans.”

With Princess eZAir, cruise passengers can choose from two air options -- flexible and restricted. Passengers can view both fare options side by side. The flexible air option is for a fully refundable ticket that can be changed without charge. Tickets are refundable up to 45 days before the flight. The restricted option, which is typically lower priced, is not refundable and is subject to change fees. In addition, restricted air tickets must be paid for at the time of booking air to lock in the schedule and lower rate.

With Princess eZAir, flights can be purchased from approximately 330 days to four days before cruise departure. The new program will be in effect for virtually all Princess voyages sailing after Sept. 1. Passengers with existing air bookings will automatically be transferred to the flexible pricing option.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Apr 20, 2010, Alaska Legislature Approves 25 Percent Cut in Cruise Head Tax

The Alaska House voted 27-13 in the early morning hours of April 19 to lower the cruise head tax by 25 percent to $34.50. The measure now goes to Gov. Sean Parnell -- who was the originator of the effort to reduce the head tax after meeting with cruise line executives in March -- to be signed into law. In exchange for lowering the head tax, nine cruise lines agreed to drop a lawsuit challenging the tax. The tax became law after a referendum in 2006 was approved by voters.

The Anchorage Daily News said there was some resistance in the House by those who thought “the Legislature shouldn't monkey with a voter initiative. They said there was no guarantee it would lead to cruise ships.”

“This bill will cost $22 million a year and for it we have the dubious distinction of having one trade group not sue us. Anybody else can sue on the same issues,” said Anchorage Democratic Rep. Mike Doogan, according to the Anchorage Daily News. The head tax could also be lowered further, to offset the local passenger taxes levied by Juneau and Ketchikan of $8 and $7, respectively, according to the Associated Press.

The cruise lines have said they’ve reduced their deployment in Alaska because the taxes and other regulations make it the most expensive place in the world to operate. Their plight gained steam after business people hurt by the decline in cruise tourism formed a grass-roots organization to lobby for change. At the Cruise Shipping Miami convention in March, Parnell met with cruise line executives to hammer out the agreement to lower the head tax in exchange for dropping the lawsuit.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Apr 20, 2010, Cruise Lines Alter Itineraries to Accommodate Delayed Passengers

Several cruise lines are altering itineraries to accommodate passengers delayed by flight disruptions caused by the volcanic ash cloud. However, other companies, including Cunard Line and Princess Cruises, report that there is a surge in inquiries about trans-Atlantic crossings. Cunard, which just launched the Queen Mary 2’s trans-Atlantic crossing season, said the next four seven-day crossings are sold out and that it is maintaining wait lists.

The call volume to Cunard’s reservation center tripled over the weekend so the line extended weekend hours to receive calls. The April 22 trans-Atlantic crossing departing Southampton has a wait list of more than 1,000 names. The May 21 crossing had limited availability on the morning of April 18 but then sold out before noon Pacific time. For its part, Princess said, “we have been receiving unprecedented demand for our trans-Atlantic cruises departing from the U.S. over the coming days. We do have limited space available.”

Meanwhile, due to the flight disruption, Princess said “the situation remains unpredictable and it is currently impossible to predict how air services throughout Europe will continue to be impacted.” Princess said cruisers might be able to board a voyage in an alternative port, but that the line must be contacted first. Upon arrival, those passengers would receive a per diem refund for the number of days missed to onboard accounts.

Holland America line said the Eurodam’s April 19 departure from Civitavecchia will be delayed one day to accommodate guests on delayed flights. It is now scheduled to depart at 6 p.m. April 20. Additionally, the ship will call at Dubrovnik, Croatia, on April 22, one day later than originally scheduled; the port call to Corfu, Greece has been canceled.

Royal Caribbean International delayed the Splendour of the Seas an extra night in Venice and departed at 7:30 a.m. April 18. The cruise will visit the ports on the original itinerary although in a different order. Guests scheduled to sail on April 17 and April 18 who were unable to travel due to airport closures will get a refund of air fare and a 100 percent future cruise certificate if they purchased air through Royal Caribbean. Guests who have purchased their own air travel are asked to contact their airlines directly for assistance. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com, www.princesscruises.com, www.cunard.com or www.hollandamerica.com.

Apr 19, 2010, Cruise Lines Face Challenge of Atlantic Air Traffic Disruption

Some cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line in the U.K., are dealing with passenger delays due to the air traffic disruption caused by the ash from the Iceland volcano. Most of the disruption appears to be British passengers trying to get to or from their cruises. The British National Air Traffic Service (NATS) said restrictions will remain in place in airspace over England and Wales until 7 a.m. U.K. time April 17 at the earliest. From 7 p.m. April 16, restrictions will be lifted in a large part of Scottish airspace including Shetland, Orkneys and Northern Ireland. NATS noted that some aircraft operated at Manchester the morning of April 16, but that restrictions were reapplied to Manchester.

In the U.K., Royal Caribbean said guests returning home would be “looked after by the airline” with affected flights redirected to another airport or guests rebooked. The company said guests could try to claim additional costs on their travel insurance, “as this is a true ‘force majeure’ situation.” For guests flying to their cruises, the company said it would rebook them when airports reopen. If air arrangements cannot be met in time, the company said it will offer an alternative cruise. If the new cruise is cheaper, guests will receive a refund for the difference. If the new cruise is more expensive, guests will need to pay the difference. The line will waive the normal change fee of £75 per person. If no suitable arrangements can be made, guests will get a full refund.

Royal Caribbean said guests who purchased a fly-cruise package from another company should contact that travel provider for advice regarding their flight schedule. “For cruise-only guests, we will be adhering to our normal terms and conditions,” the company said in its statement. “Therefore regrettably, if guests have booked flights independently and are unable to travel, then we will charge our standard cancellation charges for their cruise element. Cruise-only guests will need to make a claim on their travel insurance.”

NCL issued a similar statement, saying that inbound affected flights for inbound guests will either be redirected to another airport or rebooked, with additional costs claimed on travel insurance. For guests heading to a cruise, NCL said it would work to rebook guests and will communicate with passengers and agents with other flight options. “As the [U.K.] airports are currently closed, guests should check with the airline and airport prior to traveling and monitor websites for further news” NCL said.

Source: Travel Pulse

Apr 14, 2010, Norwegian Epic to Host NYC July 4 Fireworks Display

Norwegian Cruise Line and Macy’s said the new Norwegian Epic will host for the 34th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks taking place on July 4. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m.

“This is the biggest and most spectacular fireworks display in the nation,” said NCL CEO Kevin Sheehan. “What better way to salute Norwegian Epic than to host such an epic event onboardω It will be an amazing finale to our inaugural festivities in New York and something we’re sure we’ll never forget.”

In addition to hosting the fireworks broadcast, NCL is partnering with Macy’s to offer a Norwegian Epic Vacation Getaway Cruise for four as part of a national sweepstakes. The fireworks broadcast also will feature performances by popular recording artists. Viewing information, spectator tips and sweepstakes information will be available in June at 212-494-4495 and www.macys.com/fireworks.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Apr 14, 2010, Alaska Cruise Line Pact Hinges on Head Tax Reduction

The Alaska Cruise Association, made up of cruise lines that operate in the 49th state, signed an agreement to drop a lawsuit challenging the $46 head tax if the Legislature lowers the tax to $34.50 before adjourning April 18. The agreement was also signed April 12 by Alaska’s Attorney General Dan Sullivan, according to the Associated Press. Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell spearheaded the move to lower the head tax by 25 percent after meeting with cruise line executives at the Cruise Shipping Miami convention in March. Rod Pfleiger, a spokesman for the Alaska Cruise Association, said April 13 that the organization does expect the issue will be settled before the Legislature adjourns. The nine lines that comprise the Alaska Cruise Association -- Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea Cruises -- say the head tax is among the fees and regulations that make Alaska the most expensive cruise region. Several lines have reduced deployment as a result.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Apr 14, 2010, RCCL Plans New Haiti School, New Tour

Richard Fain, chairman and CEO or Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, last month returned to Haiti for the first time since October. Joining them was Minister of Tourism Patrick Delatour, who is one of President Clinton’s top advisers in Haiti; Clinton is a U.N. special envoy to the nation.

In his blog, Goldstein said the executives wanted to visit the local management team and “express our support for our people and their country.” Secondly, he wrote, Fain wants to explore building a school. Goldstein said he also visited the Citadelle, the largest fort in the Americas built in the 1800s on top of a 3,000-foot mountain. He said he wanted to figure how Royal Caribbean guests can visit the site when the ships call at Labadee.

“The tour to the Citadelle would be an all-day affair with a lot of travel logistics,” Goldstein wrote. “The decision to take the tour would be a decision to forego the normal Labadee experience. Whenever this tour gets going it will be in the category of adventure tour with a relatively high (more than $100 per person) price point. The site needs to be enhanced from a safety standpoint before we could consider bringing our guests there. With the right funding from international donors and a concentrated effort to get the site ready, it could be ready within a few months. But until work actually begins, there is no way to project when this will happen. We are determined that it will eventually happen.” Goldstein also said Labadee “looked great and was in full stride” following repairs and upgrades after the earthquake.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Mar 18, 2010, NCL to Spend $20 Million on Improvements to Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line will spend $20 million to add a tender pier and lengthen the beach at its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, located 120 miles east of Miami in the Bahamas. The 250-acre island will undergo a two-phase renovation scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011, the line announced at the Cruise Shipping Miami convention. The first phase is already under way. This includes the excavation and formation of a new entrance channel for tenders and an arrival area with a welcome pavilion. When complete, the beachfront will be expanded significantly to accommodate more guests. This phase is set for completion before the winter 2010 season.

The second phase will add new dining and bar facilities, a bandstand, an activity area, private beachfront cabanas, a kid’s play area, a straw market and beach volleyball courts. Other new activities include wave runners and a floating Aqua Park with water toys. New excursions will include kayak tours through man-made rivers, an eco-cruise, and a stingray encounter experience. Current options on the island include snorkeling, floats, an inflatable hippo slide and para-sailing.

NCL has owned the island since 1977 when it became the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited island experience exclusively for its guests. Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Pearl regularly call on Great Stirrup Cay throughout the year.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Mar 18, 2010, Norwegian Epic to Feature 21 Eating Venues, Large Spa

Norwegian Cruise Line’s 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic, set for a June 15 delivery, will have 21 dining options, including nine that are complimentary for all guests. Two are complimentary to guests in certain categories of accommodations and the remaining 10 levy a cover charge. Those that will be free of charge are Taste, the atrium restaurant serving traditional and contemporary cuisine; Manhattan Room, a supper club with music, dancing and entertainment; O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, which will be open 24 hours; the casual Garden Café, an action station restaurant; Great Outdoors, the pool-side grill; Spice H20, serving Latin and Asian-influenced cuisine in the adults-only complex; the Atrium Cafe and Wine Bar; Courtyard Grill, the more casual, outdoor area of the Epic Grill, open for breakfast and lunch; and 24-hour room service.

Passengers who book suites and villas will have access to the elegant Epic Club, while guests in the single-occupancy studios can get snacks and light fare at the Studio Lounge. The eateries that charge for dining are La Cucina, a Tuscan-style eatery, $10 per person; Cirque Dreams & Dinner, a nightly show with a three-course meal, $15 for general seating and $20 per person for preferred seating; Shanghai’s, a new Chinese restaurant, $15 per person; Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, a la carte pricing; Wasabi, a sushi and sake bar, a la carte pricing; Le Bistro, which serves French cuisine, $20 per person; Moderno Churrascaria, which serves grilled meats carved tableside, $18 per person; Cagney’s Steakhouse, $25 per person; and Teppanyaki, the popular Japanese tabletop grilling meal, $25 per person. Also new is pizza, which will be delivered anywhere on the ship for $5 around the clock.

Epic’s Mandara Spa will measure more than 31,000 square feet, which executives insist will be the largest at sea. The spa will feature 24 treatment rooms, two private couple’s villas, two steam Rasul rooms, a hydrotherapy courtyard and thermal suite, a salon, fitness center and barber shop. The ship will have 39 spa suites, deluxe balcony and balcony staterooms. Guests who book those accommodations receive private key-card access to the spa and complimentary access to the hydrotherapy courtyard and thermal suite and fitness center. Eight spa suites will feature an in-room whirlpool. The spa features more than 50 treatments for both men and women including Elemis facials, massages, body therapies, bliss face and body treatments, acupuncture and cosmetic medical treatments performed by a licensed doctor. There also will be kid-friendly spa services.

The fitness center will boast the first rappelling wall at sea and the only U.S.-rated climbing wall afloat. The fitness center will feature 37 treadmills, 18 cross trainers, weight equipment, free weight areas, stretching areas and four aerobic studios. Classes will be offered in TRX and kettlebell training, yoga, pilates, Activio group cycling, Gravity reformer and body sculpting boot camps. Personal training sessions will also be available, along with nutritional consultation and metabolism testing.

Spource: Travel Plusle

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Mar 10, 2010, Live Cruise Ship Web Cameras

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

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Mar 3, 2010, Celebrity Eclipse Makes Debut in Papenburg, Germany

The third ship in Celebrity Cruises’ $3.7-billion Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Eclipse (pictured) made her debut on Sunday as she emerged for the first time from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Celebrity Eclipse will enter service on April 26. Following two “short break” cruises, the ship will offer a series of Canary Islands, Scandinavia/Russia and Spanish Mediterranean sailings roundtrip from Southampton, England. The new vessel will sail Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami beginning in November.

The 122,000-ton, 2,850-passenger Celebrity Eclipse, the sister to Celebrity Solstice and Equinox, will feature AquaClass staterooms, which have special access to spa lounges, extra cabin amenities and their own private restaurant, Blu. Other noteworthy features are the Lawn Club, a half-acre real grass lawn on the highest deck; the 13-deck atrium; Cellar Masters, to help guests learn about vintages from around the world; 10 dining venues; and Celebrity Central, an entertainment area for late-night comedy, live music or a movie.

The ship also will feature Celebrity Life, a new series of onboard programs built on the pillars of the brand—dining, enrichment and wellness. It also will feature an exclusive new dining concept called Qsine, part of the “Designed for You” program that the line launched earlier this year. Cuisine will be interactive, with some assembly required, and presented in dishes (some of them custom-designed for Qsine) that are meant for fun. Qsine will be located where Silk Harvest is situated on the Equinox and will feature a playful décor with four styles and colors of chairs.

In addition a new Celebrity iLounge will be more “hip” and stocked with Apple products. The iLounge is composed of three areas. The first has 26 workstations for guests to check email, retain social media connections, or print boarding passes. A retail space will sell MacBooks, iPods and accessories, while an “enrichment center” will have certified staff that offer tips on Mac or iPod usage.

Source: Travel Pulse

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Feb 18, 2010, Costa Deliziosa Christening Set for Feb. 23 in Dubai

Costa Cruises will name the Costa Deliziosa in Dubai on Feb. 23 at a ceremony organized by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) with Costa. The Costa Deliziosa, which was built in Italy by Fincantieri and delivered in Venice on Jan. 30, set sail from Savona on Feb. 5 for its Grand Inaugural Cruise. The voyage includes stops in the Mediterranean, Suez Canal, Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. The ship will stop-over in Dubai from Feb. 23 to 26.

The 15th member of the Costa fleet is the first cruise ship to be named in an Arabian city. More than 3,000 guests are expected to witness the event, including approximately 2,200 Costa guests traveling on the first sector of the maiden cruise. En route to Dubai, the Costa Deliziosa will make two maiden calls. On Feb. 20, it will call at Muscat, the capital of Oman, where a new cruise terminal will be inaugurated as well. The second is Feb. 22 in Abu Dhabi. During both visits the ship will be met by government delegations and Italian state dignitaries who will pay tribute to the Italian Tricolor.

During the naming ceremony, part of the quay will feature a stage and a grandstand with seating for 3,000. The inaugural show will highlight the links between Italian and Arab culture. The first part of the show will highlight the history and culture of Dubai and the Emirates with traditional dance and music. The second part will be dedicated to Italian culture, music and art. Khalid Ahmed Bin Sulayem, director general of the DTCM, and Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A., will make speeches. There will also be an exchange of greetings between local dignitaries and their counterparts from the Italian government. In keeping with tradition, the ceremony will climax with the arrival of the godmother, who will cut the ribbon that will send a bottle of champagne to break against the bow of the ship. The event will end with a fireworks display and a gala dinner in traditional Arab style. The naming ceremony will be broadcast live on www.costadeliziosa.com.

Source: Travel Pulse

Feb 18, 2010, Princess To Get Two New Ships

Carnival Corporation & plc has signed a memorandum of agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of two 3,600-passenger cruise ships for its Princess Cruises brand. The agreement is subject to execution of a definitive contract, financing and other customary closing conditions. The new ships which will have an all-in cost of approximately euro 155,000 per lower berth are scheduled to enter service in spring 2013 and spring 2014. At 139,000 tons each, the as-yet-unnamed ships will be the largest in the Princess Cruises fleet. Carnival Corp. said additional details will be announced at a later date.

Source: Travel Pulse

Feb 12, 2010, Princess Revives Tradition with Bon Voyage Experience

Princess Cruises will revive an old tradition with a new program allowing passengers' friends and family to board their ship on embarkation day.

Set to debut in March, the Bon Voyage Experience will enable passengers to bring guests onboard during embarkation for a four-course lunch with wine, a ship tour and a souvenir photo. The $39 per-guest cost can be applied towards a future Princess cruise.

Princess said the program is a throwback to an old tradition, when friends and family would routinely board ships to say goodbye to passengers. The tradition died out two decades ago due to increasingly tighter security procedures, Princess said.

Passengers wishing to bring guests onboard can arrange it up to six days prior to the cruise. There will be no more than 50 guests allowed onboard on any embarkation day and all guests must supply the required security information and identification.

The program will debut in March in the ports of Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale, and then roll out to New York, San Francisco and Seattle.

Source: Travel Weekly

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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 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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