Out To Sea: May 2013

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Overnight stays, Antarctica adventures and destination expertise highlight Celebrity Cruises' 15th season in exotic region

CELEBRITY CRUISES ADDS EXHILARATING SOUTH AMERICA AND PANAMA CANAL COLLECTION TO “CELEBRITY’S WORLD TOUR”

MIAMI – Celebrity Cruises has announced the next set of itineraries in “Celebrity’s World Tour,” the brand’s guest-inspired, destination-rich, modern luxury vacations to all seven continents of the world in 2014-15.

On sale now are Celebrity’s exotic 2014-15 South America and Panama Canal vacations.

The newly “Solsticized” Celebrity Infinity – enhanced with a series of guest-favorite attributes found on the brand’s widely heralded Solstice Class ships – will provide vacationers with Celebrity’s modern luxury ambience and the breathtaking sights and exhilarating experiences of South America.

Receive up to $400 per stateroom to spend on board select Europe cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line is launching a limited time sales event, offering incredible savings on the line’s award-winning cruises throughout Europe.

Guests who book a Europe cruise from May 29 through May 31, 2013, can receive up to $400 to spend on board. Guests can use their on board credit towards a variety of shore excursions in Europe, pampering treatments in the ships’ award-winning Mandara spa, dinner in any of the ships’ specialty restaurants, and much more. Air credits of up to $1,000, military and AARP discounts are also available on select sailings.

Worldwide Cruise Vacations for 2014-15 Open for Sale Today

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 28, 2013) – Just open for sale today, Princess Cruises’ 2014-15 Exotics program offers a world of options for globetrotting travelers.

The line’s global itineraries will take passengers to the colorful ports of Asia & Africa, Australia & New Zealand, Tahiti & the South Pacific, and South America – plus even a special connoisseur itinerary in the Caribbean.

The lineup also includes Princess’ first-ever World Cruise sailing roundtrip from North America and additional capacity in Tahiti & the South Pacific.

In Australia, Princess will continue to offer the biggest choice of ships, homeports and itineraries with four ships deployed in the region. The West Africa itinerary, returning to the lineup due to popular demand, will add a new port to Princess’ roster of more than 300 around the world, with a maiden call to the island nation of São Tomé.

Celebrity Cruises partners with “54 Below” to bring Broadway’s brightest stars To Bermuda vacations‏

(NEW YORK) -- Upscale consumers eager to visit one of the nation's hottest new entertainment spots should pack their bags for a modern luxury cruise to Bermuda.

That’s because Celebrity Cruises today announced an exclusive partnership with Manhattan’s noted “54 Below,” which will bring guests on Celebrity’s newly “Solsticized” Celebrity Summit the industry’s most comprehensive, direct-from-Broadway entertainment experience while sailing to the pink-sand paradise of Bermuda.

54 Below – ensconced in a cool, cozy cellar space beneath the legendary, disco-era “Studio 54” – has been dubbed “a throwback to the heyday of authentic New York nightlife,” and “the hot new stage attracting Broadway’s brightest stars.” Now, those stars will light up the stage of Celebrity Summit during its Bermuda vacation season from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), NJ, from this Sunday, May 5, through October 2013.

Grandeur of the Seas' May 31 sailing cancelled after fire while en route to CoCo Cay

(News Release)

Repairs to Sustained Fire Damage to Take Place at Freeport, The Bahamas

MIAMI, May 27, 2013 – Royal Caribbean International announced today that the May 31, 2013 sailing of Grandeur of the Seas from Baltimore, Maryland, will be cancelled to allow for repairs to damages sustained as a result of a fire.

Guests booked on the May 31 sailing will be provided a full refund of the cruise fare paid for their sailing.

Royal Caribbean also will provide these guests with the opportunity to sail in the future by providing a future cruise certificate for 50 percent of the cruise fare paid for the May 31, 2013, Grandeur of the Seas sailing.

NEW YORK – A magical voyage will begin this Thanksgiving as Royal Caribbean International, the award-winning global cruise line returns to the lineup of the 87^th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

On Thursday, November 28^th, the brand new Royal Caribbean float will set sail for a fun-filled family journey that will help ring in the start of the holiday season for millions.

Richard J. O'Hanlon apointed vice-president, Nautical and Safety Operations for Carnival Cruise Lines

(News Release)

MIAMI – Richard J. O’Hanlon, a former rear admiral in the U.S. Navy with nearly two decades of government and private sector executive experience in maritime operations, maintenance and logistics, has been named vice president – nautical and safety operations for Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator.

O’Hanlon started May 20, reporting to Martin Landtman, Carnival’s senior vice president of marine operations.

In this newly created position, O’Hanlon will be responsible for all aspects of nautical and safety functions across the line’s 24-vessel fleet, including bridge procedures and nautical operations, as well as firefighting and lifesaving systems. Additionally, all shipboard deck and bridge personnel, including ship captains, will report to him.

Four new, exquisite voyages featured exclusively on Star Pride

Seattle – Windstar Cruises, a leader in yacht-style cruising, announces the debut of its new all-suite yacht, Star Pride, and the 2014 Pride Voyage Collection.

The new voyages open for sale today, and feature four new itineraries exclusive to the all-suite yacht, including Windstar's new itinerary through the Black Sea. Star Pride’s nine distinctive voyages highlight small-ship ports throughout the Mediterranean seas and French Riviera, tucking into tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach.

The collection features voyages from May 5 to October 21, 2014.

Celebrity Chef Cat Cora to sail as part of Holland America Line's Culinary Arts Center program

An all-star line-up of celebrated chefs and authors enhance program throughout the year

SEATTLE - This summer Celebrity Chef Cat Cora will demonstrate how to whip up her favorite dishes as part of Holland America Line's Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine.

Cora is scheduled to sail on ms Nieuw Amsterdam's 12-day Mediterranean Empires cruise departing July 2, 2013.

In addition to Cora, the lineup for the Culinary Arts Center fleet-wide enrichment program includes other celebrated chefs, cookbook authors and television personalities from the culinary world who sail throughout the year.

Also sailing this year are the Food Network's "Next Food Network Star" finalist Michele Ragussis and Danny Grant, executive chef at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, who was named one of Food & Wine magazine's "Best New Chefs of 2012."

Silversea Expeditions introduces Galapagos' cruise and land packages

Short expedition voyages of 3 and 4 days now available

Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- Silversea Expeditions is offering travelers the opportunity to take advantage of special cruise and land packages for its 2013 Galápagos program.

Eight new shorter Silver Galapagos voyages of just 3 and 4 days have been combined with pre- and post-cruise South America land adventures to create a collection of enticing vacation packages of 8, 10 or 11 days.

CELEBRITY CRUISES UNVEILS ALLIANCE WITH ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT BRAND XBOX

MIAMI – Revealing an addition to its series of premium collaborations, Celebrity Cruises has joined forces with Microsoft’s Xbox to integrate the leading destination of video game entertainment into guests’ modern luxury vacations.

Slated to introduce one of the industry’s largest Xbox experiences at sea, Celebrity’s alliance boasts entertaining Xbox-themed spaces across its fleet, offering families interactive Xbox Games experiences for children, teens and even the kid in every adult.

Guests can anticipate enhancements to existing venues and onboard programming as soon as this summer, with the inclusion of Xbox-featured activities and gaming areas in the youth program’s Fun Factory and X-Club facilities. For youth who have been registered to participate by their parents, the Celebrity Xbox experience will offer exciting age-appropriate games and themed nights ranging from sports and dance to adventure and racing on Xbox 360 and Kinect for Xbox 360.

MIAMI – Beginning in 2014, Carnival Cruise Lines has significantly diversified Carnival Splendor’s year-round offerings from New York, adding new four- and five- day Canada cruises, seven-day Canada/New England departures, and the only program of eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages operating one-way between New York and San Juan.

These new voyages complement the ship’s popular year-round eight-day departures that showcase top destinations in the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Central Florida.

In total, Carnival Splendor will offer 10 different itineraries visiting more than a dozen scenic destinations throughout the Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S. Atlantic Coast, providing consumers with an incredible array of “Fun Ship” vacation choices.

Savings Include Airfare Discount of up to $700 for Two

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 23, 2013) – Princess Cruises is marking Memorial Day with a sale on more than 60 worldwide cruise vacations.

Beginning today and running through May 28, the Memorial Day Sale features air savings to intriguing destinations such as Hawaii and Tahiti, Asia and Europe. Passengers can save up to $700 in air savings for two passengers.

More information about the cruise sale and pricing can be found at princess.com/sale.

Examples of cruise deals include:

Norwegian breakaway makes maiden call to Bermuda

Norwegian Breakaway at Heritage Wharf, Bermuda

BERMUDA – May 15, 2013 – Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship that is making headlines as a “game changer” for the cruise industry, today made her inaugural stop in Bermuda, on her first seven-day voyage which departed New York on Sunday.

Carrying 4,000 guests, Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship to ever port in Bermuda, docked at Heritage Wharf at approximately 8 am local time. Bermuda’s Premier Craig Cannonier and local officials greeted the ship and Captain Evans Hoyt amidst much fanfare.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL SEASON ITINERARIES FOR QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

MIAMI, May 22, 2013 – With more game-changing “firsts at sea” being introduced on Royal Caribbean International’s new Quantum class of ships, vacationers will be hard pressed to find another experience that delivers the “WOWs” like Quantum of the Seas.

The cruise line known for introducing incredible signature onboard offerings, such as the rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, FlowRider surf simulator, zip-lining and a park with more than 12,000 plants and trees, today unveiled Quantum of the Seas’ first 18 Caribbean sailings, ranging from seven to twelve nights, with the official inaugural voyage set for November 23, 2014.

Bookings will be available to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members beginning May 28, 2013 before opening to the general public on June 4.

Cunard Line’s “Ship Beautiful,” Aquitania (1914-1949), in Liverpool

A rare Cunard overnight stay in Liverpool in 2014 will celebrate Aquitania Centenary
22 May 2013 – A highlight of Cunard Line’s 2014 Voyage Programme will be the overnight stay of the intimately luxurious Queen Victoria in Liverpool, England, in May – the first two-day call in Cunard's spiritual home made by a Cunard ship in almost 50 years.

Taking place during her 13-day Around the British Isles cruise, departing roundtrip Southampton on 23 May 2014, Queen Victoria will arrive in Liverpool on 30 May. That day she will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Maiden Voyage of Aquitania – a Cunard legend that became known as the “Ship Beautiful.”

Caribbean, Panama Canal, Canada & New England, and West Coast Cruises Including Hawaii, Mexico, Coastals and Getaways Open for Sale Today

***
New Regal Princess Debuts in the Caribbean;
Royal Princess to Sail Canada & New England Route for First Time

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Princess Cruises has opened the books on its Americas program – including Caribbean, Panama Canal, Canada & New England and West Coast cruises.

The new sailings include Regal Princess’ debut in the Caribbean as well as Royal Princess’ first cruises to Canada & New England roundtrip from New York.

On the West Coast, new roundtrip sailings from Vancouver add another departure port for Hawaii and California Coastal cruises, and Crown Princess, the line’s newest ship on the West Coast, will offer its first full season sailing from Los Angeles.

Norwegian Breakaway and Royal Princess are first-of-their class mega-ships

Out to Sea for May 18/13

Savour that new ship smell and innovations of the latest floating resorts aboard the Norwegian Breakaway and Royal Princess.

These two first-of-their class mega-ships have special features including Breakaway’s New York design elements and the Royal Princess' cantilevered walkway.

A cruise ship is shown at King's Wharf in Bermuda through the 200-year-old fortress at the Royal Naval Dockyard. (Jim Fox photo)

A taste of the Big Apple

Now on its first Bermuda sailings, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, captures some of the best of the big city at sea.

Christened by the New York’s legendary Rockettes during a ceremony officiated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the ship is the largest ever to homeport in Manhattan.

She will be “amongst New York City’s greatest icons,” proclaimed Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s chief executive officer.

Vacationers Finally Will Have Enough Time to Enjoy All Oasis of the Seas Has to Offer During Trans-Atlantic Crossings

MIAMI – Royal Caribbean International has announced that the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship Oasis of the Seas will be sailing Europe for a short autumn season in 2014.

Renowned worldwide for its award-winning Caribbean cruise vacations, Oasis of the Seas now will offer a sampling of its unrivaled Oasis-class experience in Europe. Oasis of the Seas’ 2014 Europe season will open for sale on Apr. 11, 2013. For an extensive collection of webisodes detailing the variety of experiences aboard Oasis of the Seas, please visit http://tinyurl.com/bw585wa.

Unique certification program validates dishes’ nutrition without compromising taste

MIAMI – Celebrity Cruises – the world’s first cruise line to be invited to cook at the prestigious James Beard House, and the first to bring its award-winning, fresh-from-scratch cuisine to land through popup restaurants in San Francisco and New York – has announced yet another culinary ‘first.’

The modern luxury brand has partnered with SPE Certified to expand its healthy dining options with scientifically-grounded, third-party validation of their merits.

Born from the Latin phrase, Sanitas Per Escam, or “Health Through Food,” SPE Certified is a unique certification and consulting program designed to enhance the nutritional quality of meals without compromising taste.

SPE’s team of experts include chefs, nutritionists and registered dieticians who collectively take an innovative and scientific approach to certifying dishes – essentially, giving them their seal of approval – based on a specific set of criteria.

Disney Cruise line offers Canadians a 25-percent savings deal on sailings to Alaska from Vancouver

Exclusive Canadian Offer from Disney Cruise Line

CELEBRATIONS, Florida – 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.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- Silversea Expeditions has introduced new multiple-day land excursions to complement voyages to the Galápagos Islands aboard Silver Galapagos, the luxury expedition ship set to debut in late September, featuring 50 ocean-view suites (many with private balconies), gourmet cuisine, and the personalized service of a butler.

Silversea guests who have the opportunity to explore the remarkable natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands - from their base of luxury aboard Silver Galapagos -- may now enhance their expedition cruise experience with extraordinary journeys to South America.

MIAMI (May 17, 2013) – Carnival Sunshine – which recently underwent a groundbreaking $155 million renovation that added a host of new features and facilities – arrived today in Barcelona, Spain, following its inaugural 12-day cruise from Venice, Italy.

The unprecedented transformation added all of the line’s Fun Ship 2.0 dining, bar and entertainment features, along with a host of unique and exciting innovations and an additional 182 staterooms.

Today’s voyage from Barcelona represents Carnival Sunshine’s first-ever departure from the Spanish port and continues the ship’s summer schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages that will run through October.

Cunard Line program gives North American military personnel up to $250 to spend on board

N E W S

Cunard Line Gives Credits Where Credit Is Due

Cunard Line is pleased to announce a new benefit for those who serve in the armed forces in North America.

The new programme grants On Board Credits of up to $250 per person to members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserves, and the Canadian National Defense. Military personnel who are active, retired or disabled veterans are eligible with proper documentation.

The credits apply to all published voyages aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth and are combinable with other On Board Credit offers.

Cruise Line Pledges Efforts to Honor and Highlight Service of Armed Forces

Princess employees who are also Vietnam veterans met Major General James T. Jackson
and held the commemorative flag presented to Princess Cruises at a special ceremony.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 17, 2013) – In a special ceremony coinciding with Armed Forces Day tomorrow, Princess Cruises was officially recognized as a commemorative partner of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.

Major General James T. Jackson (U.S. Army, retired) presented a commemorative flag and certificate from the Secretary of Defense to Princess Cruises President and CEO Alan Buckelew, a Vietnam veteran himself, to mark the occasion.

The cruise line is being recognized as a commemorative partner in this program, created by the Department of Defense, in part because of activities saluting veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces during Princess’ first-ever fundraising cruise.

Cruise line handcrafts epicurean experiences for up-market travelers

AZAMARA’S DELECTABLE ITINERARIES ENTICE GOURMANDS WITH EUROPEAN CULINARY-IMMERSIVE VOYAGES

MIAMI, May 16, 2013 – Azamara Club Cruises knows that travelers not only want to visit destinations, but also want to immerse themselves in the wealth of cultures and nightlife found there.

Among those are individuals who revel in a destination’s unique culinary offerings and seek out vacations that can whet their appetite.

Azamara, as a result, has hand-crafted a variety of diverse and enticing voyages that will take gourmands on a trip of a lifetime. From Bordeaux vineyards at their peak to savory Basque tapas, these options include delectable opportunities for wine, cheese and seafood lovers alike.

Up-market travelers also can further elevate their epicurean voyage with the cruise line’s authentic, exclusive and bespoke AzAmazing Evenings, which vary from voyage to voyage and feature events such as a tapas and flamenco show at Spain’s famous cava producer Cordoniu Cellars.

Disney’s first cruise ship, Disney Magic, offers guests new experiences and reimagined spaces

AquaLab, an interactive water playground

Guests will experience new adventures from stem to stern throughout their journey on the cruise ship that set the standard for oceangoing majesty and family fun.

From a new grand atrium lobby and a children’s area of “super hero” proportions to a three-story water thrill slide and a spa to stimulate the “Senses,” there are plenty of new and magical surprises in store for cruise guests. The ship features fun new experiences with Marvel characters – the first time Super Hero icons from the Marvel Universe have been introduced on a Disney Cruise Line ship.

Tantalizing Menus, High Flying Entertainment and New Technology to WOW Guests

MIAMI, May 15, 2013 – Royal Caribbean International’s Brilliance of the Seas has reemerged from a $30 million drydock ready to WOW guests.

The 2,100 guest ship will now offer vacationers signature Royal Caribbean amenities first introduced aboard Oasis-class ships including five new dining concepts, an exhilarating aerial entertainment experience and technology advancements allowing guests to stay more connected than ever before.

Brilliance of the Seas will debut her newest innovations this summer as she sails from Harwich, England, offering Northern European itineraries that visit some of the Baltics’s most sought after destinations such as Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden and Helsinki, Finland.

Award-winning British Singer-Songwriter to Perform During Next Month’s Launch
of Princess Cruises’ Newest Ship

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 15, 2013) – Adding yet another special touch to the naming ceremony launching Royal Princess, British singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield will perform at the June 13 naming ceremony of the new ship in Southampton, Princess Cruises has announced.
The globally acclaimed artist will make a special appearance at the celebration, where Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will officially name the ship.

Star Pride

Seattle, May 14, 2013 – Windstar Cruises, a leader in yacht-style cruising, announces the debut of its new all-suite yacht, Star Pride, and the 2014 Pride Voyage Collection.

The new voyages open for sale today, and feature four new itineraries exclusive to the all-suite yacht, including Windstar's new itinerary through the Black Sea. Star Pride’s nine distinctive voyages highlight small-ship ports throughout the Mediterranean seas and French Riviera, tucking into tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach. The collection features voyages from May 5 to October 21, 2014.

Norwegian Breakaway christened by New York icon's the Rockettes

NEW YORK – May 8, 2013 – Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, was christened by the legendary Rockettes during a ceremony officiated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss,” hosted the highly anticipated ceremony.

Throughout the christening ceremony, which was simulcast in ten venues thoughout the ship, Norwegian Breakaway’s spectactular onboard amenities and entertainment were showcased in front of more than 4,000 guests.

From live performances by Slam Allen, Howl at the Moon, Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy, along with Burn the Floor and a show stomping finale featuring Rock of Ages, Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship ever to homeport in Manhattan, kicked off its arrival to New York City in style.

Azamara Club Cruises inaugurates Azamazing Evenings

Azamara’s Capt. Smith faces off against Sete’s seven-time champion jouster at an exclusive event for Azamara Club Cruises’ guests in the French village as part of the cruise line’s latest AzAmazing Evenings event.

MIAMI, April 5, 2013 – Marking another ‘first’ for Azamara Club Cruises, the destination-immersion cruise line inaugurates its new industry-differentiating inclusive program AzAmazing Evenings, authentic, exclusive and bespoke night touring events that are inclusive for all guests aboard every Azamara voyage.

The latest AzAmazing Evenings event took place at Sete, France, during the cruise line's President’s Voyage, where President and CEO Larry Pimentel and wife Sandi are currently hosting a very special itinerary along the Cote D’Azur.

Throughout the President’s Voyage, which concludes at Monte Carlo on April 10, Larry is sharing his thoughts and insights through his new Twitter handle @LarryPimentel, as guests of Azamara Quest join in unforgettable and authentic cultural experiences while calling at some of the region’s most intriguing destinations. Travelers also can join the President’s Voyage virtually with #AzAmazing.

Carnival Cruise Lines to be featured on Travel Channel's Trip Flip

Line’s Newest Ship, Carnival Breeze, to be showcased on Travel Channel show May 5, 2013

MIAMI (April 29, 2013) – Carnival Cruise Lines will be featured in an upcoming episode of the popular Travel Channel series, Trip Flip. During the show, a couple from Austin, Texas, is surprised with a six-day cruise on the line’s newest ship, Carnival Breeze, and whisked away to the balmy Caribbean.

Hosted by professional fun-seeker, comedian, and travel expert Bert Kreischer, Trip Flip does a “switcheroo” on travelers who may already be on vacation, as well as people still in their hometown, by tossing out the guidebook and giving them an exceptional holiday experience they never saw coming.

The Port of Baltimore welcomed Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas with a special proclamation from Governor Martin O’Malley as 'Royal Caribbean Cruise Day’ in Maryland. Pictured from left to right are: Charles H. White, Jr., Maryland Port Commissioner; Cindy Burman, General Manager of Cruise Maryland; James J. White, Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration; Captain Espen Been, Master of Grandeur of the Seas; Cynthia Cobb, Director of Sales, Royal Caribbean International; Emily Hicks of Going Places Inc.; and Peta H. Richkus, Maryland Port Commissioner.Add caption

BALTIMORE, May 3, 2013 – The Port of Baltimore today welcomed Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas to Maryland, where she replaces Enchantment of the Seas and offers six-, to 10-night cruises year-round to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Eastern and Western Caribbean, as well as Canada and New England.

Originally deployed in Baltimore from 2004 to 2009, Grandeur of the Seas was welcomed back today with a special proclamation from Governor Martin O’Malley, who declared May 3, 2013 as ‘Royal Caribbean Cruise Day’ in Maryland.

Tales Include College Sweethearts, Long-Lost Relatives, and a New Job

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Princess Cruises’ blog, “Linked by the Sea” has chronicled five more stories of people who made new connections thanks to a cruise. These stories include romantic meetings, long-lost family members coming together, and even a new career and a spontaneous home-cooked meal.

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.

Un-Cruise Adventures Adds Two Theme Cruises to Active Adventure

Expeditions in Alaska

Seattle, WA – Un-Cruise Adventures has added two theme cruises on Active Adventure sailings in Southeast Alaska this summer. The 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer welcomes guest experts on board for a photography theme on June 8 and an Alaska Insider theme on July 13.

“Our guest experts offer additional insights to complement our own expedition team and adventure activities,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “It’s an added benefit for sailing on these two dates.”


*Four new luxury cruises offer travel to fifteen new and intriguing ports*

Wind Surf will visit Trapani, Italy for the first time on its Sicilian Splendors voyage.

Seattle – Windstar Cruises, a leader in defining the small-ship cruise experience, announces 2014 European voyages including four brand new itineraries, are open for sale.

The collection includes 15 unique voyages with nine new ports of call sailing through Italy and Malta; captivating stops along the Adriatic; breathtaking cities along Europe’s west coast; enchanting islands of Greece and the Amalfi Coast, as well as the previously announced French Polynesia cruises, which are offered from March to November 2014.

More celebrated names join exciting Cunard Insights' roster of renowned speakers

(News Release)

Cunard Line has confirmed author Margaret Atwood and broadcaster Sir David Frost as additional speakers in the line’s award-winning Cunard Insights on board enrichment program aboard the Queen Mary 2.

“Cunard was the first cruise line to invite a variety of distinguished speakers aboard its ships nearly 40 years ago,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We are delighted to continue to welcome internationally respected figures who will add an extra dimension to our guests’ experience on board.”

Alaska and Europe Cruise Vacations Discounted up to 50 Percent

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 1, 2013) – Princess Cruises is getting ready for summer with a special sale on the line’s popular summertime destinations – Alaska and Europe. The Summer Clearance Sale runs through May 8, 2013 and features savings of up to 50 percent off launch fares.

More than 200 cruise departures are featured in the sale, including voyages to some of the most intriguing destinations throughout Europe, including the Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Scandinavia & Russia. Or travelers can explore the natural beauty of the 49th state with Alaska cruises and cruisetours.

Cunard’s Flagship Queen Mary 2 to embark on 200th transatlantic crossing

Milestone Crossing Departs Eastbound from New York to Southampton on 6 July 2013

Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 in New York

Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 will mark a major milestone on her 6 July 2013 voyage from New York to Southampton, achieving her 200^th Transatlantic Crossing in her ninth season since entering service in 2004. The milestone will be commemorated with various activities and special speakers and performers on board to add to the celebratory mood.

“Sailing a Transatlantic Crossing aboard our flagship Queen Mary 2 is a luxury travel experience like no other,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “And now with 200 Crossings under her belt, the grandest ocean liner in the world has proven to be the icon of the new golden age of ocean travel across the Atlantic.”

The new Aqua Lab water playground on the Disney Magic

CELEBRATION, Fla. — There’s an extra dose of magic coming aboard the Disney Magic, when the Disney Cruise Line vessel relaunches with new spaces, reimagined areas and exciting additions for the whole family.

Guests will experience new adventures from stem to stern throughout their journey on the cruise ship that set the standard for oceangoing majesty and family fun.

From a new grand atrium lobby and a children’s area of “super hero” proportions to a three-story water thrill slide and a spa to stimulate the “Senses,” there are plenty of new and magical surprises in store for cruise guests.

The ship features fun new experiences with Marvel characters – the first time Super Hero icons from the Marvel Universe have been introduced on a Disney Cruise Line ship.

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises will have the pleasure of welcoming two of Britain's top culinary innovators to host two of its popular Culinary Arts voyages this year.

Jason Atherton, the Michelin-starred chef who owns restaurants in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai, will host an Asia cruise, Silver Shadow's 9-day, Hong Kong-to-Singapore voyage (#3334) departing November 25, and renowned chocolatier Chantal Coady, founder of award-winning Rococo Chocolates, will host Silver Whisper's 7-day Caribbean cruise (#4329) sailing November 8 roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados.

CELEBRITY CRUISES ANNOUNCES MOST EXTENSIVE MODERN LUXURY AUSTRALIA AND ASIA VACATION COLLECTION

MIAMI – April 30, 2013 – Celebrity Cruises has announced the next set of itineraries in “Celebrity’s World Tour,” the brand’s guest-inspired, destination-rich, modern luxury vacations to all seven continents of the world in 2014-15.

Opening today are Celebrity’s 2014-15 exotic Asia and Australia sailings, offering vacationers more options and overnight stays in the region, with Celebrity Century complementing the itineraries presented on Celebrity Solstice in Australia and Celebrity Millennium in Asia.

Kids Tour Free in Europe, Caribbean Upgrades, Plus Royal Incentive Rewards

MIAMI, May 1, 2013 – Royal Caribbean International, the cruise line known for its award-winning family programming, is enticing families with a selection of offers aimed at crafting the perfect family vacation adventure at a great value.

Vacationers can choose from among three offers, including children touring free aboard select ships in Europe, a free upgrade opportunity for Bahamas, Bermuda or Caribbean sailings in the fall, or for a limited-time the ability to purchase Royal Incentive Reward certificates for an anticipated vacation or to gift a loved one.

Guests aboard the cruise line’s innovative ships enjoy signature Royal Caribbean features and amenities such as rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks and cutting-edge entertainment that will WOW and dazzle them.

Travel credit savings offered on 2013 inaugural season voyages

Seattle, WA – Launching in August 2013, Un-Cruise Adventures’ 88-guest S.S. Legacy sails back through history bringing alive the stories and characters from Alaska’s Gold Rush of ’98 and the Lewis and Clark Expedition westward through Oregon and Washington.

Guests receive a travel credit savings up to $1,088 per couple on cruise fares for the inaugural season in Alaska in August 2013 and on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in fall 2013 when booked by June 15, 2013.

Star Pride’s New European Voyages Open for Sale May 14, 2013

Seattle – Windstar Cruises, a market leader in small ship cruising, has announced the name for the first of its three new, all-suite, power yachts as Star Pride.

The ship will be launching in May of 2014 and spend its first season in Europe offering exciting new voyages which open for bookings on May 14, 2013. The names of the additional two yachts will be announced in the coming weeks.

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