Stuart Hawkins Appointed Senior Vice-President, Health, Environment, Safety and Security Compliance for Princess Cruises

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 29, 2013) – Stuart Hawkins has been appointed senior vice president of Health, Environment, Safety, and Security (HESS) Compliance for Princess Cruises.

Previously vice president of newbuilds, Hawkins will add to his current role by assuming responsibility for the administration and maintenance of the company’s safety management system and fleet regulations. In this new role, he will oversee shipboard and shoreside compliance with operating and safety procedures, corporate standards, and regulatory requirements.

“We’re so pleased that Stuart is taking on this important new role,” said Alan Buckelew, Princess Cruises president and CEO.

Quark adds Antarctic voyage to its 2014-15 season

WHAT:
Quark has added an additional 12-day departure for their Antarctic 2014.15 season aboard the Ocean Diamond.

WHERE:
The Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7^th Continent voyage departs from Ushuaia, Argentina, spends two days crossing the mythical Drake Passage and then sails down the Antarctic Peninsula before returning north back to Ushuaia.

WHEN:
November 4, 2014 to November 15, 2014

Silversea launches 2014 brochure for seven-ship fleet and 500 destinations

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- August 29, 2013) Silversea has just released two new brochures detailing the luxury line's expansive array of voyages in 2014, when its seven-ship fleet will visit over 500 destinations on seven continents.

The brochures are available in digital and print formats, and can be viewed online at Silversea.com by clicking the E-BROCHURE link.

The new Voyage brochure, devoted to the elegant ocean-going journeys of Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, and Silver Spirit, is complemented by a separate Adventure guide highlighting the extraordinary expedition cruises of Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos, ships known for exploring some of the world's most remote regions.

Boot Camp Fitness Cruise to Bermuda offering kick boxing, yoga, 3D cardio, high impulse beat and cornerstone cardio

Sophisticated Cruise Specialists at Crown Cruise Vacations Assist With the Ordinary and the Extraordinary Cruises

PRINCETON, N.J. – Crown Cruise Vacations presents Cornerstone Health & Wellness’s Sea Fitness Cruise onboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, departing Oct. 13, 2013, from Bayonne, New Jersey.

Leave the gym at home and get fit at sea while enjoying all that Royal Caribbean and Explorer of the Seas can provide in addition to a gym and fitness classes on the ocean.

The Sea Fit Cruise takes place over seven days of cruising and ports, starting with introductions to 3D Cardio and ending with a Living a Healthy & Fit Life session. Cruise ports include three days of cruising at sea and three days at Kings Wharf, Bermuda.

60-guest Wilderness Adventurer begins new itinerary from Seattle in spring 2014

New Itinerary By Un-Cruise Adventures Explores Washington State’s

Islands and Shoreline

 

Seattle, WA,  –Beginning spring 2014, active travelers seeking to explore Washington State’s coastal shores from South Hood Canal to Olympic Peninsula and San Juan Islands, may choose a weeklong expedition with Un-Cruise Adventures aboard an expedition vessel.  Weeklong cruises sail roundtrip Seattle, WA and include adventure activities.

The new itinerary, Explore! Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands, explores South Hood Canal, Olympic Mountains, Quilcene Bay, Deception Pass, San Juan Islands, Lopez Island, Orcas Island, the towns of Port Townsend and Friday Harbor, and Sucia Island, Washington.  Thirteen departures in 2014 sail from April 5-May 3 and September 13-November 1, 2014.

Royal Caribbean announces winter 2014-15 Brazil cruises

Splendour of the Seas to Continue Seasonal South America Cruises for Eighth Year
MIAMI, August 27, 2013 – Royal Caribbean International today announced the winter 2014-15 Brazil and South America season of Splendour of the Seas. 

Sailing roundtrip from Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil, Splendour of the Seas will sail three- to eight-night Brazil cruises, calling at Buzios, Ilha Grande, and Ilhabela, and seven-night Argentina and Uruguay cruises, calling at Punta Del Este and Montevideo, Uruguay; and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

A special eight-night sailing, departing December 27, 2014, will take guests to Porto Belo, Buzios, Ilha Grande and Ilhabela, and herald in the New Year at Rio de Janeiro to catch the world-famous fireworks show at Copacabana Beach. Splendour of the Seas’s winter 2014-15 Brazil and South America cruises are now open for sale.

New and noteworthy Norwegian Cruise vacations and hot cruise deals through Aug. 31

FEATURED PROMOTIONS:

Ø  Cruise Event Week:  Norwegian’s Limited time Cruise Event offer, on now-August 31. Get extra perks, valued at up to $270, when you book any 5+ day sailing.

Ø  Airfare Credits: Receive up to $1,000 in airfare credits on select sailings.

Ø  The Haven and Suites: Receive up to $300 onboard credit per stateroom for the Haven and Suites fleet-wide for reservations booked nine months or greater prior to sailing, through December 31, 2013.

Un-Cruise Adventures christens S.S. Legacy and launches Heritage Adventures

(News Release)

88-guest vessel sails in Alaska and on the Columbia and Snake Rivers

Seattle, WA, August 12, 2013 – On Thursday, August 8, 2013 Un-Cruise Adventures officially christened its newest vessel, the 88-guest S.S. Legacy, in a dockside celebration near company headquarters in Seattle, Washington.  The replica coastal steamer is the eighth vessel in the adventure cruise line’s fleet.

The S.S. Legacy sails Heritage Adventures taking guests back in time to the 1890s and early 1900s to explore history of the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska and early explorers along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The all-American crew–in 1890’s attire–brings history to life through short vignettes during the course of the day and staged dramas at night.

Chef Michael Sabourin joins Windstar Cruises as Corporate Executive Chef

(News Release)


Seattle, August 21, 2013 – Windstar Cruises announced today that Michael Sabourin has joined the company as Corporate Executive Chef.

In this role he is responsible for the creation of new dishes, galley training, menu design and enhancing the local culinary experience so Windstar guests can 'taste' the ports of call the leading small ship line visits. Chef Sabourin will report directly to Alan McGrory, Vice President of Hotel and Marine Operations.

Norwegian Cruise Line introduces senior officers for Norwegian Getaway's inaugural season

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that two seasoned captains, Rune Myre and Tommy Stensrud, will take the helm of Norwegian Getaway, the largest ship to homeport in Miami year-round launching in February.

In addition, Norwegian announced the additional senior officers that will deliver the line's newest ship: Staff Captain Niklas Persson, Chief Engineer Carsten Forsbo, Chief Engineer Oeystein Undrum and Hotel Director Sean Wumhoeringer.

Cunard Line celebrates 175th anniversary year with 2015 World Voyages and Exotic Cruises program

N E W S

Highlights include Gallipoli Commemoration, Chinese New Year celebration in China
and a fleetwide Cunard Royal Rendezvous in Southampton

White Star Premier Package introduced for Full World Voyage Guests

Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 in Sydney, Australia.  In 2015, she will meet sister ship Queen Victoria Down Under  in Sydney to celebrate the company’s 175 years of service. (Photo by James Morgan for Cunard Line)

 

 

Franconia, Cunard’s regular World Cruise ship before World War II, seen in Sydney, Australia in 1934
on the first of many visits to the port by Cunard ships. (Photo by Frederick Garner Wilson, courtesy of the
Australian National Maritime Museum)

 22 August 2013 – Fulfill the ultimate adventure aspiration and set sail with Cunard Line, the leader in sailing world voyages with more experience in offering these legendary itineraries than any other cruise line.

In 1922, Cunard invented the world voyage when Laconia set off on the first-ever circumnavigation of the globe by a passenger ship, and since then Cunard ships have undertaken more world voyages, carried more passengers on world voyages and visited more destinations during world voyages than any other line.

In 2015, Cunard will commemorate the 175^th year of the company’s founding, and the global voyages planned will celebrate this significant milestone in style.

Sailing, sailing in Canada and New England

   Out to Sea for August 17/13

   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox

   Growing numbers of people are discovering that a great way to explore Atlantic Canada and New England is by cruise ship.

The lighthouse on the rocks at Peggy's Cove is a popular tourist attraction on cruise ship shore excursions from Halifax. (Jim Fox photo)

   Leisurely seven-to 10-day cruises enjoying Canada's “natural” air-conditioning in the summertime and fresh ocean and St. Lawrence River breezes are a big draw.

   It used to be the Maritimes were a prime fall foliage cruise destination, and still are, but there’s a much longer season now from April to November.

   Cruising isn’t just for tropical island getaways and hot fun in the wintertime as record numbers of people are sailing in Atlantic Canada.

   A record 660,000 cruisers on 25 cruise lines that ply these placid waters will visit this season, a more than 10-per-cent jump over the past two years, the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association says.

A deer makes a run for it along the Cabot Trail on a cruise ship shore excursion. (Barbara Fox photo)

Groundbreaking card benefits now to include ability to earn and redeem points on three brands: Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. FAMILY OF BRANDS AND BANK OF AMERICA
RENEW PARTNERSHIP AND LAUNCH NEW AFFINITY CARDS

MIAMI – Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Bank of America today announced the multi-year renewal of their affinity partnership and the launch of new credit cards that will offer unique benefits created for enthusiasts of the Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International brands.

“MyCruise Rewards,” one of the most unique new features of the cards, introduces a cruise-industry first: it gives cardmembers the ability to redeem points not only with the cruise brand that they choose for their affinity card, but also across the other two brands in the Royal Caribbean corporate family.

Through MyCruise Rewards, cardholders can earn discounts on cruise-related packages and redeem points for cruises, stateroom upgrades, specialty gifts, and onboard credit across all three cruise lines. The new cards provide double points for purchases on Azamara, Celebrity, and Royal, and one point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

Carnival Cruise Lines introduces new quarterly travel agent survey

Survey features in-depth questions regarding trade relations, pricing, marketing strategies and more
 

MIAMI (August 19, 2013) – Seeking to gain additional feedback and insight from the travel agent community, Carnival Cruise Lines is conducting its first-ever travel agent survey to all registered users of GoCCL.com, the line’s travel agent Internet portal, as part of the ongoing Carnival Conversations trade outreach program.

The 63-question survey, which is being administered by an independent third party on a quarterly basis, is comprised of a wide variety of topics, including general trade relations sentiment, specific elements of the line’s current pricing structure, and preferred components for a potential future brochure.

Silversea welcomes acclaimed jazz guitarists Paul Brown and Marc Antoine to headline music series

(News Release)

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- August 19, 2013) Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has tapped legendary contemporary jazz guitarists Paul Brown and Marc Antoine to perform on two special "Music under the Stars" voyages aboard its intimate, 540-guest Silver Spirit this year.

These unique music-themed sailings will each feature two concerts on stage in the elegant Show Lounge, as well as an outdoor performance during a sail-away cocktail party on the ship's pool deck (when departing Monte Carlo and St. Bart's), where the artist will have a chance to meet and mingle with guests.

Plus autographed copies of the musician's latest CD will be delivered to each guest's suite.

Norwegian Cruise Line plans to develop eco-friendly destination in Belize

Artist representation of the proposed destination 

Company has purchased 75 acres in Southern Belize 

BELIZE CITY – August 14, 2013 – Norwegian Cruise Line (NASDAQ: NCLH) announced today that it has purchased approximately 75 acres in Southern Belize for the planned development of an eco-friendly cruise destination. 

The land, called Harvest Caye, is made up of two adjoining islands in the Stann Creek and Toledo districts that had previously been approved for a resort development with an air strip.  Norwegian plans to invest $50 million in the project.

Super Saturday Sale offers vactioners onboard credits from Royal Caribbean

UP TO $100 ONBOARD CREDIT FOR SELECT AUTUMN SAILINGS FLEETWIDE

Vacationers Enjoy Double Offer and Unprecedented Value on
Unmatched Oasis-class Experience
MIAMI, August 16, 2013 – Just because summer is coming to an end doesn’t mean that the spirit of the season comes to a close.

Royal Caribbean International today announced a Super Saturday Sale for Saturday, August 17, 2013, offering U.S. and Canadian vacationers up to $100 onboard credit per stateroom when they make a new individual booking on any sailing, departing August 23 to October 31, 2013. 

Norwegian Cruise Line onboard and air credits offered short-term

NORWEGIANS BOOK IT LIKE IT’S HOT

Receive up to $250 to spend on board, up to $1,000 in air credits, and more

Norwegian Cruise Line is launching its popular DASH sale on all sailings of three days or longer, fleet-wide.

Guests who book a Norwegian cruise vacation from Tuesday, August 13 through Friday, August 16, 2013, can receive up to $250 per stateroom to spend on board (based on cruise length and stateroom category) and reduced deposits. Air credits of up to $1,000, Military and AARP discounts also apply to select sailings.

Sun Princess begins dramatic drydock transformation

$30 Million Refurbishment to Add New Features to Princess Cruises Ship, Including Sushi Restaurant and International Café

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 9, 2013) – Sun Princess has begun an extensive $30 million transformation that will refurbish and enhance the Princess Cruises ship.

During the two-week makeover, the vessel will receive a sparkling new atrium with Princess’ signature International Café, a new sushi and seafood venue, an updated Horizon Court buffet, and a refreshed Lotus Spa.

Cruise Lingo apps and more from Celebrity Cruises

TRAVELERS “TALK THE TALK” WHILE TRAVELING GLOBALLY
Modern luxury meets modern tech with innovative mobile app for guests

MIAMI – August 5, 2013 – English may be the universal language, but to feel truly immersed in the culture and vibe of a local destination, there’s nothing quite as authentic as speaking like the locals do.

So, modern luxury line Celebrity Cruises – with vacations visiting all seven continents, and a focus on enhancing the destination experience for its guests – has made it easy for vacationers to speak local languages with its new, industry-first app, “Cruise Lingo.”
An interactive language and culture guide, and a customized version of the award-winning mobile app from TripLingo, Cruise Lingo allows travelers easy access to authentic local phrases and relevant information to enhance their destination experience.

Kenneth Jones named vice-president of marketing at Carnival Corporation & PLC

(News Release)
 

             MIAMI (August 7, 2013) – Kenneth Jones has been appointed vice president of corporate marketing for Miami-based Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise vacation group.

             In this capacity, Jones is responsible for the continued development of the corporate marketing function by collaborating with brand leadership and department heads in the areas of distribution, reservations, marketing, revenue management, and itinerary planning. 

Silversea Cruises appoints its first female captain, Margrith Ettlin

Captain Margrith Ettlin

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- August 8, 2013) For the first time in its nearly 20-year history, a female captain is at the helm of a Silversea ship.

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises, which operates a fleet of six ships, has promoted Margrith Ettlin to the position of captain.

A Swiss national with extensive maritime experience in remote regions, including the Arctic and Antarctica, Captain Ettlin assumed control of the 132-guest expedition ship Silver Explorer on August 7 in Reykjavik. Her first tour of duty as captain will extend into October.

Celebrity Cruises introduces suite of rich, new vacation apps for easy, immersive travel planning

MIAMI – August 12, 2013 – To bring vacation planning out of the realm of daydreaming and into the palms of consumers’ hands, Celebrity Cruises is introducing a suite of easy-to-use mobile apps allowing travelers to digitally immerse themselves in the line’s modern luxury vacation experiences in all seven continents.
       
After downloading Celebrity’s free mobile vacation apps onto iPads or Android tablets, consumers will find – literally at their fingertips – the next-best thing to actually being on the cruise, with content including:

Royal Caribbean International celebrates 50-million guests

(News Release)
 
MIAMI, August 12, 2013 – Today, Royal Caribbean International recognizes an important milestone in its 45-year company history as it welcomes its 50 millionth guest onboard its fleet of 21 ships.

The momentous occasion kicks off a year-long celebration honoring the cruise line’s guests, business partners, employees and crew.

Royal Caribbean upgrades guests' view on Bahamas, Caribbean and Bermuda sailings

Vacationers Enjoy Lower-Category Price for Ocean View or Balcony Staterooms in August

MIAMI, July 31, 2013 – The view is looking better and better on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The cruise line known for “WOW-ing” guests with some of the industry’s most revolutionary first-at-sea amenities is offering adventurous families and vacationers the opportunity to ‘upgrade their view’ when making a new booking in August 2013.

From August 1-31, 2013, vacationers can enjoy a Balcony stateroom for the price of an Ocean View on most ships, and an Ocean View category stateroom for the price of an Inside stateroom on all of these sailings. The Upgrade Your View offer applies for all new, individual bookings on three- to 10-night Bahamas, Caribbean and Bermuda cruises departing September 1, 2013, through April 30, 2014.

Azamara Club Cruises highlights European and Central American voyages with double stateroom upgrade

Guests Booking an Interior Stateroom Enjoy Double Upgrade to a Room with a View and Veranda

MIAMI, July 31, 2013 – Up-market travelers can immerse themselves in vibrant histories, heralded traditions and colorful cultures – and receive a double-category upgrade – when booking  a 2014 Azamara Club Cruises voyage to intriguing destinations around the world.

From August 1 through September 30, 2013, travelers making a new booking will enjoy a Club Veranda Stateroom for the price of a Club Interior Stateroom aboard select Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest Europe and Central America voyages in 2014.

Carnival Legend to operate 13-day Panama Canal cruise, 23-day Trans-Pacific cruise prior to start-up of Australian service

Ship to Undergo Extensive, Multi-Million-Dollar Upgrade Prior to Arrival Down Under

            MIAMI (August 5, 2013) – Prior to its deployment to Australia in fall 2014, Carnival Legend will operate two unique and exciting cruises – a 13-day Panama Canal cruise and a 23-day trans-Pacific voyage – that will serve to position the vessel for its new seasonal schedule from Down Under.

            The 13-day Panama Canal cruise will depart Tampa, Fla., Aug. 17 and arrive in Long Beach, Calif., Aug. 30, 2014.  Carnival Legend will visit George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cartagena, Colombia; prior to the Panama Canal transit followed by day-long calls to Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. 

Philanthropist Lin Arison to serve as godmother of Carnival Sunshine

Distinguished Arts Benefactor and Author to Preside at

Traditional Shipboard Naming Ceremony Nov. 17 in New Orleans

 

            MIAMI (July 30, 2013) – Lin Arison, wife of the late Ted Arison, founder of Carnival Cruise Lines, will serve as godmother of Carnival Sunshine, the former Carnival Destiny, which was renamed following a massive $155 million makeover earlier this year. 

            Arison will officially name Carnival Sunshine during an invitation-only ceremony held on board the completely transformed 102,853-ton ship at its new U.S. homeport of New Orleans, Nov. 17. During the event, Carnival will donate $25,000 each to the Miami-based National YoungArts Foundation and New World Symphony.

Azamara Quest visits the Arctic Circle Globe

MIAMI, July 31, 2013 – Guests Azamara Quest’s current Norwegian Fjords and The North Cape voyage, guests had the opportunity to experience how unique an Azamara Club Cruises voyage can be.

Azamara Quest’s Captain Stig took advantage of the day at sea to provide guests with the opportunity to see the Arctic Circle Globe on Vikingen Island in Norway, which marks a crossing into the Arctic Ocean. 

On behalf of Azamara Club Cruises, Azamara Quest, and Captain Stig and his Officers and Crew, Chief Engineer Ole Pederson had the privilege to present a commemorative plaque to local officials and mark the ship’s crossing of the Arctic Circle.

Royal Caribbean International celebrates dual milestones for Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas

Keel Laying and Steel Cutting Ceremonies Held for new Quantum Class

MIAMI, August 2, 2013 – Excitement was in the air at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, today, as Royal Caribbean International marked two important milestones in the development of its Quantum class of ships.

 Quantum of the Seas, scheduled to be delivered in the autumn of 2014, received its first block as the keel was officially lowered and put into place. In conjunction, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum’s sister-ship, had its first piece of steel cut, signaling the first step in the ship’s construction.

Norwegian is first major cruise line to adhere to international standards for seafarers

Company to make $10,000 donation to Virlanie Foundation in the Philippines

MIAMI – July 31, 2013 – Norwegian Cruise Line (NASDAQ: NCLH) announced today that it is the first major cruise line to be certified in and in compliance with the requirements of the International Labor Organization’s Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006.

It providescomprehensive rights and protection at work for the world's more than 1.2 million seafarers, including Norwegian’s more than 17,000 crew members working onboard its 11 international vessels.