Royal Caribbean announces Mariner of the Seas' winter 2014-15 season

(News Release)

MIAMI – Royal Caribbean International has unveiled 29 new Southeast Asia sailings aboard Mariner of the Seas.

Starting in November 2014, Mariner of the Seas will homeport at Singapore and sail three- to five-night itineraries, calling at ports such as Phuket, Thailand, and Penang, Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) in Malaysia.

A special seven-night itinerary, departing February 11, 2015, will overnight at Bangkok (Laemchabang), Thailand, and call at Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam. Mariner of the Seas’ winter season will conclude with an eight-night itinerary from Singapore to Shanghai (Baoshan), China, departing on March 7, and featuring an overnight at Hong Kong with calls at Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) and Xiamen, China.

Azamara Club Cruises announces 2015 voyages program

(News Release)
 
Destination-Immersion Cruise Line to Sail Australia in late 2015

MIAMI – Azamara Club Cruises has unveiled its 2015 voyages program, comprising 52 voyages, ranging from five- to 18-night itineraries to some of the world’s most intriguing destinations.

Catering to up-market travelers, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest will visit a total of 203 ports in 62 countries, destinations that have been made famous by myths and legends, history and beauty.

As part of the new 2015 program, Azamara will make 16 maiden port calls among an expansive, curated collection of culture-rich metropolises, charming colonial towns, stunning beaches and unsurpassed natural preserves in South America, the West Indies, Europe, the Far East and – for the first time – Australia.

Celebrity Cruises presents "star-studded" musical performances, gaming experiences on Christmas cruises

‘Finalists at Sea’ features top reality show and recording artists;
Exclusive partnership with Xbox allows guests to be among first to enjoy Xbox One
               
MIAMI – October 3, 2013 – If more is merrier, guests on Celebrity Cruises’ Caribbean Christmas sailings can anticipate very merry vacations, highlighted by exclusive new performances and programs to appeal to all ages.

Together with Nite Raiders Entertainment in Las Vegas, Celebrity will premiere on its Caribbean Christmas cruises “Finalists at Sea,” a series of concerts, Q&A sessions and autograph signings by finalists of past seasons of the popular television show, American Idol®.
       
Two artists will perform on each sailing. The star-studded lineup includes:

Silversea's second expedition ship, Silver Galapagos, sets sail

Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- Luxury expedition cruise specialist Silversea has launched its second expedition ship.

Fresh from a major refurbishment, the 100-guest ship (formerly named Galapagos Explorer II) embarked September 28 on her first-ever voyage as Silver Galapagos.

The all-suite Silver Galapagos has just completed a major stem-to-stern refurbishment. All public spaces and guest suites have been refreshed with new upholstery, carpeting, curtains, and wall treatments. Each suite is highlighted by a totally renovated bathroom, enhanced with rich marble detailing.

Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri sails with Carnival Cruise Lines in Food Network TV special

            MIAMI (October 23, 2013) – Guy Fieri and his family take to the sea for fun, adventure  and killer food aboard the Carnival Breeze in a new television special, Guy’s Family Cruise, premiering on Food Network Monday, October 28 at 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. CT).            

            Guy’s Family Cruise follows the Fieris during their Caribbean adventure – making stops in Miami, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos Islands, and Jamaica aboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ largest and newest ship, Carnival Breeze.

            In the hour-long Food Network special, Guy and his family experience many of the amazing attractions available on Carnival Breeze.

New and noteworthy Norwegian cruise vacations and hot cruise deals

FEATURED PROMOTIONS:

Ø  Let’s Cruise Sales Event: Receive up to $250 Onboard Credit per stateroom plus reduced deposit when you book any 3-day or longer sailing, now through November 1, 2013.

Ø  Cruisetour Onboard Credit Offer: Receive up to $500 Onboard Credit per stateroom plus reduced deposit when you book a Cruisetour in conjunction with cruises in Europe, Alaska, or Hawaii, now through November 1, 2013.

Ø  Norwegian Getaway Bonus Offer: Receive up to $100 Onboard Credit per stateroom when you book a cruise on Norwegian Getaway, now through November 1, 2013.

Ø  Air Credits: Receive up to $1,000 in air 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.

Keep on grooving with B.B. King's Blues Club and Dancing with the Stars on the ms Eurodam

   Out to Sea for Oct. 19-20/13

   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox

   News Update: The B.B. King's Blues Club is being expanded to other Holland America Ships:

B.B. King’s Blues Club Schedule

• ms Westerdam: October 19, 2013 - April 5, 2014
• ms Zuiderdam: November 18, 2013 - March 17, 2014
• ms Eurodam: Through December 8, 2013. Returning March 23, 2014
• ms Noordam: Opening December 16, 2013
• ms Nieuw Amsterdam: Opening April 6, 2014

    Entertainment options and activities on board cruise ships continue to evolve to keep the good time rolling on the high seas.

   Holland America Lines’ (HAL) Eurodam has added the overwhelmingly popular B.B. King’s Blues Club along with Dancing with the Stars: At Sea.

   On a recent Canada-New England Fall Colour cruise from New York City to Quebec City, we found the blues club packed nightly as were the dancing competitions.

   A new addition to the ms Eurodam is the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club. (Barbara Fox photo)

   Culinary enhancements include visiting celebrity chefs and authors to enhance the Culinary Arts Centre program.

   Tasty additions are An Evening at Le Cirque, replicating the famous New York restaurant, in the Pinnacle Grill one evening on each cruise.

   There’s also the Taste of De Librije dinner with dishes and menus from chef Jonnie Boer’s restaurant in the Netherlands.

   The new Master Chef’s International Dinner in the Rembrandt Dining Room showcases signature dishes from around the world.

   Other additions are the alternative dining Canaletto Italian restaurant and Tamarind for fine Asian cuisine with its Silk Den lounge and views from atop the ship.

The ms Eurodam at port in Saguenay-Lac Saint John, Quebec. (Jim Fox photo)