Out To Sea: March 2013

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Cruise line continues to deliver the fascinating cultures and history of Europe

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES 2014 MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES TO TOTAL EIGHT OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE SHIPS PLYING EUROPEAN WATERS

MIAMI, March 18, 2014 – Royal Caribbean International today opened Jewel of the Seas’ 2014 summer Southern Caribbean season for sale and announced the cruise line’s 2014 Mediterranean cruises to complete its future Europe deployment.

Liberty of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Splendour of the Seas will sail the Mediterranean and augment recently announced Independence of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas and Legend of the Seas in Northern Europe, offering vacationers eight of the world’s most innovative cruise ships that sail to the continent’s most compelling destinations.

Canadian residents save 25% on select Disney Cruise Line itineraries departing for Alaska from Vancouver

Exclusive Canadian Offer from Disney Cruise Line

Discover all the arctic allure and outdoor adventure of Alaska! For a limited time, Canadian residents can enjoy 25% off prevailing rates as quoted on disneycruise.com on most Disney Wonder sailings departing from Vancouver between May 27 and June 24, 2013.

Beginning May 27, the Disney Wonder will sail from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska. Guests will enjoy a fun-filled way to experience Alaska’s breathtaking vistas, native wildlife and the history and customs of native cultures. After each day’s adventures ashore, everyone will return to the comfort and amenities of the Disney Wonder.

Royal Geographical Society and Silversea Cruises announce partnership

A perfect discovery for Silversea travelers: The Royal

Geographical Society to enrich Silversea Expeditions with

knowledge collated from decades of scientific exploration

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- March 13, 2013) The renowned Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers), founded nearly 200 years ago to advance geographical science, is to enhance Silversea voyages even further by providing detailed scientific and historical information to guests embarking on some of the greatest journeys around the globe.

The Society, based in London, and whose Royal Patron is Queen Elizabeth II, is partnering with leading luxury expedition cruise operator Silversea to share some of the world's most important geographical research and archive material with guests traveling on Silversea expedition ships, including Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos.

Princess Cruises celebrates float out of Regal Princess

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 26, 2013) – Regal Princess reached a significant construction milestone today when the Princess Cruises vessel was “floated out” at its building dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. A traditional ceremony marked the occasion as the ship met the ocean for the first time.

Following the Italian shipyard’s custom, the float out of a ship begins when a “madrina,” or godmother, cuts the cord that begins the flow of water into the ship’s building dock. Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief of the popular online community Cruise Critic, served in this role to begin the two-day process of setting the ship afloat.

Montjuïc Palace in Barcelona, Spain, a popular destination
among Cunard Line’s European itineraries

29 March 2013 – Cunard Line announces the Grand Europe Sale on a variety of select European cruises aboard flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, now through April 1/13.
The Grand Europe Sale offers a Reduced Deposit, Complimentary Balcony Upgrades, and up to $300 in On Board Credit for a total of 29 roundtrip voyages from Southampton or Hamburg to Northern Europe and the Baltics. Queen Mary 2 sails to the beautiful rugged coastline of Norway and other striking ports, while Queen Victoria explores the jaw-dropping North Cape, and Queen Elizabeth circumnavigates the British Isles to the legendary Norwegian fjords.

Norwegian Breakaway has its float out in Germany

PAPENBURG, GERMANY – Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship ever constructed in Germany, was floated out of MEYER WERFT’s covered building dock II in Papenburg, Germany where the 146,600-ton ship has been under construction since September 2011.

The massive 4,000 passenger ship with her signature hull artwork designed by pop icon Peter Max, departed building dock II as

the first ship to depart bow first.

Norwegian Breakaway has an overall length of 324 meters, and is 39.70 meters wide. The ship’s float out represents a major milestone in the vessel’s construction as it denotes that the ship has now moved into the final phase of construction with delivery taking place in just 58 days.

“Norwegian Breakaway represents a significant achievement both for MEYER WERFT and Norwegian Cruise Line in terms of innovation and design,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Celebrating her float out today brings us closer to her much-anticipated delivery on April 25 when she will make her debut in Europe before arriving in her homeport of New York City on May 7. We can’t wait.”

First phase of Carnival Cruise Lines' fleetwide review announced; Triumph, Sunshine sailings cancelled

ACTION IS TO FURTHER INCREASE OPERATING REDUNDANCIES AND BACK-UP SYSTEMS

MIAMI (March 19, 2013) – Carnival Cruise Lines has announced the first implementation phase of its fleetwide comprehensive operational review, focused on Carnival Triumph, as well as Carnival Sunshine, which is currently undergoing a previously scheduled dry dock for product enhancements.

The cruise line is making significant investments to enhance the level of operating redundancies and the scope of hotel services that can run on emergency power, and further improve each ship’s fire prevention, detection and suppression systems.

Given the necessary lead time to source needed materials and implement the enhancements, Carnival will extend the current out-of-service period for these two ships.

Distinctly Disney Experiences Bring One-of-a-Kind Excursions to Life

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Disney Cruise Line invites families to explore the culturally rich and exotic locales of Europe with one-of-a-kind Port Adventures featuring exclusive Disney touches during its 2013 Mediterranean sailings.

In preparation for the three-month season of European cruises, Disney Cruise Line worked with local tour operators to create excursions on the various Mediterranean sailings that offer families authentic cultural experiences with distinctly Disney storytelling
.
All Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures are designed to entertain and inspire both children and adults – in true Disney fashion – with added touches such as more scheduled breaks, complimentary snacks and beverages and fun port activity sheets for kids. For an extra sprinkling of pixie dust, guests can choose a Port Adventure from Disney Cruise Line’s Signature Collection.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES 2014 NORTHERN EUROPE AND NORTHEAST AMERICA SAILINGS TO NEW ENGLAND, CANADA, BERMUDA AND CARIBBEAN

MIAMI, March 06, 2013 – Royal Caribbean International today unveiled its 2014 Northeast America and Northern Europe cruises aboard six ships to New England and Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, and the Baltic, North, Norwegian and Mediterranean seas, respectively.

In total, Independence of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas will embark on 87 sailings with a total of 85 unique ports of call on two continents. Royal Caribbean’s 2014 Canada and New England cruises open for sale today while the cruise line’s Northern Europe cruises will open for sale on March 20, 2013.

Modern luxury line presents “Sin City Comedy”

MIAMI – March 19, 2013 – An edgy outgrowth of modern luxury line Celebrity Cruises’ commitment to offer what consumers want in innovative, late-night entertainment is the debut of “Sin City Comedy.”

Designed to be funny and a little bit sexy, Sin City Comedy combines comedians with tasteful burlesque acts. The new, late-night show is offered on Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Silhouette, and will rotate to Celebrity Solstice in May.

Presented by the award-winning Sin City Comedy at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, the show is a two-time winner of the coveted “Best of Las Vegas” award.

Cruise Deals Offer up to $1,800 Savings on Alaska and Europe Cruise Vacations

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 21, 2013) – Princess Cruises is celebrating the arrival of spring with a “Spring into Savings” sale, with cruise deals on sailings to Alaska and Europe.

Running through March 25, the promotion offers savings up to $1,800 per stateroom, plus up to $500 in air savings. Passengers can also enjoy up to $100 in free onboard spending money per stateroom.

Select European Voyages feature 2-for-1 cruise fares plus bonus savings of up to $2,400

Seattle, March 20, 2013 - Windstar Cruises is celebrating spring with a March Savings Sale that features 2-for-1 cruise fares plus bonus savings of up to $2,400 per stateroom on signature voyages such as Classic Italy & the Dalmatian Coast and Greek Isles & Turkish Delights.

Guests who book a cruise by Saturday, March 30thwill enjoy the lowest fares of the year on Windstar’s European itineraries departing April through August. In addition, Windstar’s Facebook page will feature an exclusive offer for its fans.

Un-Cruise adventures adds theme cruises to luxury adventures In Alaska

2013 themes include photography, wine, marine biology, ornithology

Seattle, WA, March 19, 2013 –Un-Cruise Adventures confirms six theme departures aboard the 86-guest Safari Endeavour in Alaska this summer with special guest experts in photography, marine biology, ornithology and from two Northwest wineries. Guest experts join the trip for a full week of enrichment activities in addition to regularly scheduled excursions and activities.

“Whether you are an expert, novice or just curious, these themes add another spark of interest to complement our adventure activities,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing.

18 March 2013 – Cunard Line has renewed its commitment to the joy of dressing up aboard “The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World” with an update to its dress codes, while at the same time encouraging the loosening of ties on its less formal nights.

Research with existing passengers and luxury travellers generally has led Cunard to strengthen the Line’s commitment to special occasion dressing three times a week on its Transatlantic Crossings and twice each week on sailings to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and beyond.

New Splash Academy and Entourage Programs receive rave reviews from kids and parents alike

MIAMI – March 18, 2012 – Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that the line’s children’s program, Splash Academy, has implemented a brand new “Guppies” program offering exciting, interactive programming for kids’ ages six months to three years old.

The new program gives parents, with children under the age of three, the opportunity to engage in a variety of sensory-based programs with children including baby art, featuring organic, vegetable-based “Wee Can Too” art products, baby “Rhyme Time,” where a storyteller recites popular nursery rhymes featuring puppets, and “Motion in the Ocean,” a parent and baby mini-workout.

Cruise Line Designated as a Commemorative Partner with the United States of America
Vietnam War Commemoration

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Princess Cruises’ first-ever cruise to support U.S. veterans will feature a number of special guests including former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen (Ret.); retired senior officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force; an award-winning war correspondent; and other respected speakers, authors and panelists.

The groundbreaking sailing will raise funds for two respected veterans’ organizations - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Inc. and Operation Homefront Inc. The voyage is expected to generate $1 million for the two charities.

Cunard previews 2014 cruise program

Venerable Line Renews Mediterranean Focus and Features
10^th Birthday Celebrations for Flagship Queen Mary 2

New Queen Elizabeth Mediterranean itineraries
New twist to Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings
Three Queens event to celebrate Queen Mary 2 10^th birthday
7 March 2014 – Cunard previewed today the line’s new 2014 cruise programme, featuring a markedly increased presence in the Mediterranean, and special Transatlantic Crossings and celebratory events to mark the 10^th birthday of flagship Queen Mary 2.

“Our new 2014 itineraries offer added variety and innovation to our loyal Cunarders, as well as appeal to today’s luxury traveller,” announced Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line, while aboard Queen Mary 2 during her port of call to Sydney, Australia. “By offering the best in cities and destinations, along with the outstanding luxury experience on board, Cunard is a compelling vacation choice for 2014.”
Queen Elizabeth in Venice, Italy

“City by the Bay” Declares the Day “Grand Princess Day”

Grand Princess, the first ship to be based in San Francisco year round, arrived at Pier 35 on March 16 for
a season of sailings to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico and the California coast.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 17, 2013) – The first cruise ship to be based year round in San Francisco, Grand Princess, sailed through the Golden Gate for the first time yesterday.

The city celebrated the Princess Cruises vessel’s arrival by declaring the day “Grand Princess Day.”

The ship departed from Pier 35 on a voyage to the Hawaiian Islands.

Royal Caribbean announces 2014 Alaska cruises and cruisetouers

Cruise Line to Celebrate a Quarter Century of Unforgettable Adventures in the Last Frontier only Found on Royal Caribbean

MIAMI, March 14, 2013 – Royal Caribbean International today announced its 2014 Alaska cruise and cruisetour season, which will mark 25 years of delivering the magnificence of the Alaskan frontier on land and sea.

Recently revitalized Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will return to Alaskan waters and offer 34 sailings on exciting seven-night itineraries from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, Washington.

On board, guests can enjoy up to 11 dining options, new and breathtaking entertainment, as well as family programming such as the award-winning Adventure Ocean kids and teen program, and the new Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, catering to Royal Caribbean’s youngest guests, age six to 36 months old. For a range of short webisodes about Royal Caribbean’s Alaska experience, please visit http://tinyurl.com/bjpjuo7.

Vessel will sail Luxury Adventures in Mexico, then Central America

Seattle, WA, March 4, 2013 –Un-Cruise Adventures announced today its acquisition of the 64-guest Safari Voyager for its yacht fleet with plans to offer Luxury Adventures year-round in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés beginning in November 2013.

In winter 2015, the vessel will transition to sailing year-round in Central America. Previously named Sea Voyager, the vessel is currently in Colombia undergoing renovation.

Details for Central America deployment such as itineraries, included shore programs, fares and dates of operation will be available spring 2013.


Australian emergency services volunteers with Cunard Commodore Christopher Rynd on the bow of Queen Mary 2 en route during their special voyage from Brisbane to Sydney

The arrival of Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 in Sydney, Australia, on 7 March 2013,
as seen from the ship’s webcam

7 March 2013 – In a tribute to their tireless efforts this summer, a group of volunteers from Australia’s recent devastating bushfire and flood emergencies arrived in Sydney in style this morning on board Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2.

Sailing from Brisbane as Cunard’s guests were more than 35 volunteers from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Tasmania Fire Service, Victoria Country Fire Authority and the Queensland State Emergency Service – who have been at the forefront of natural disasters this summer.

Crown Princess Sails in “The Great Land” for First Time; Pacific Princess Brings Small-Ship
Cruising Back to Lineup

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 15, 2013) – Princess Cruises has opened the books on its 2014 Alaska cruise and cruisetour season, which will feature the debut of the line’s largest ship in the state, Crown Princess, plus the return of small-ship cruising aboard Pacific Princess.

Throughout the 2014 season, passengers have the opportunity to explore the best of Alaska by both land and sea, with a selection of sailing options aboard seven ships as well as a variety of Princess’ signature cruisetour options to experience the heart of the state at the company’s own riverside wilderness lodges.

Norwegian Cruise Line is launching its popular Kids Sail Free limited time offer on Monday, March 18, 2013, giving children (17 and younger), who are sailing in third and fourth berths, the opportunity to cruise for free when their parents make a new reservation before March 23, 2013.

Kids will love cruising for free on select fall sailings to Alaska, Bahamas & Florida, Bermuda, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, Europe, or Hawaii. In addition, select sailings are also eligible for free balcony upgrades, up to $1,000 in air credits, military and AARP discounts.

Norwegian Breakaway continues innovation with technological advances

MIAMI – Norwegian Cruise Line (NASDAQ: NCLH) has announced several new environmentally-friendly and technologically advanced innovations on its newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, currently under construction at MEYER WERFT in Papenburg, Germany.

Norwegian Breakaway will incorporate a number of emission reducing, energy saving and enhanced safety systems which will be in use when the ship is delivered on April 25, 2013.

Discover Polynesian history through ancient marae sites, dance, and tikis

Seattle, March 13, 2013 - Windstar Cruises announces 2014 Dreams of Tahiti voyages open for sale.

Wind Spirit, the line’s newly renovated 148-passenger sailing yacht, will sail seven-day voyages from the capital city of Papeete, Tahiti, beginning May 2, 2014, with stops through the Society Islands of Moorea, Tahaa, Raiatea, Huahine, and Bora Bora. Dreams of Tahiti will sail through to November 7, 2014, with voyages starting from $2,799 per person.


*Ship Whistle Salutes and Fireworks Set the Stage for Historic Meeting*

13 March 2013 – Amidst fireworks and much fanfare yesterday, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth met Queen Mary for an historic Cunard Royal Rendezvous.

Cunarders and maritime enthusiasts alike gathered along the shores of Long Beach Harbour and more than two thousand people were aboard Queen Mary for a celebration that began with a series of whistle salutes between the two ships. Joining these maritime icons high above was the famed Goodyear blimp, the Spirit of America.

Club 6 on Royal Princess will offer a vibrant new nightlife spot with an intimate atmosphere.

New Princess Cruises Ship to Feature Lively Lounges, Four Fresh Shows and Chic Dance Club

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Evenings aboard Royal Princess will offer a range of lively options for passengers aboard Princess Cruises newest vessel.

When the ship debuts in June, cruisers can enjoy four new production shows in the Princess Theater, try their luck in the casino, and dance for hours in the brand-new Club 6.

These and many other entertainment features are showcased in the latest Royal Princess preview video, available at princess.com/royalprincess.

Princess Cruises tells first five stories of people “Linked by the Sea”

Tales Include Long-Lost Friends Reunited, Romance and a Little Boy Who Touched Many Hearts

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Princess Cruises’ new blog, “Linked by the Sea” has chronicled its first five touching stories of people who made new connections on a cruise.

Told by both passengers and crew members, the tales include meeting a perfect match, friends finding each other after more than 50 years apart, and a little boy named Dominic who cheered an entire ship’s crew with his enthusiasm.

Each week the blog, found at LinkedByTheSea.com, will illustrate how a cruise not only offers a relaxing retreat from which to explore the world, but often includes the discovery of new friends that lead to meaningful or lifelong relationships. Both passengers and crew tell about people they connect with at sea.

The first five “Linked by the Sea” stories are:

MIAMI – In anticipation of the arrival of its newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, launching this May, Norwegian Cruise Line has expanded its tour offerings in Bermuda.

The line has added several new excursions that are available only to guests on Norwegian Breakaway, as well as a number of excursions for guests on both Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Dawn, sailing from Boston to Bermuda. The new tour options add to Norwegian’s extensive shore excursion program, which offers guests more than 30 unique Bermuda excursions.

Southampton, England’s historic Chawton House Library
frequented by “Pride and Prejudice” author Jane Austen

Site Excursions Illuminate the Life of Renowned Author Jane Austen
1 March 2013 – In celebration of the 200^th anniversary of Jane Austen’s classic “Pride and Prejudice,” Cunard Line will offer a special site tour highlighting the famed author’s regional ties to Southampton, England, Cunard’s home port.

Four-day, three-night tours are available pre- and post-sailing for select Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings and Europe voyages between April and December of this year, and include lodging and select meals.

Site visits include:

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Sunday, March 31, 2013

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Distinctly Disney Experiences Bring One-of-a-Kind Excursions to Life

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Disney Cruise Line invites families to explore the culturally rich and exotic locales of Europe with one-of-a-kind Port Adventures featuring exclusive Disney touches during its 2013 Mediterranean sailings.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Friday, March 15, 2013

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Saturday, March 2, 2013

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