Cunard history: Anniversary of the signing of contract for QE2 50 years ago

30 December 2014 – 50 years ago on 30 December 1964, the contract for what was to become Queen Elizabeth 2 was signed. Of the 248 ships that have flown the Cunard flag since Britannia in 1840, QE2, as she was to become universally known, is one of the most significant ships Cunard has built.
 

Q4 under construction in August 1967 - a month before her launch.

At the end of August 1964 Cunard was in a position to invite tenders for Q4 – the widely-used codename for the new ship. The use of ‘Q4’ hinted that the new Cunarder was to be the fourth Queen ship that the company had built and meant that Queen Mary was now ‘Q1’ and Queen Elizabeth was ‘Q2’. ‘Q3’ never left the drawing board and it was the plans for that ship which were re-worked into ‘Q4’.

Technically ‘Q4’ should have been ‘Q5’ as the first Cunard Queen was Berengaria when Imperator was renamed.

The firms invited to tender for Q4 were John Brown and Co., Clydebank; Cammell Laird and Co., Birkenhead; the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Glasgow; Harland and Wolf, Belfast; Swan, Hinter and Wigham Richardson, Wallsend-on-Tyne would combine with Vickers Armstrong, Wallsend.

Cruise into the New Year with special onboard offers from Norwegian

Book a new cruise vacation on the first two days of the New Year and receive $100 in onboard credit on select sailings

  Norwegian Cruise Line is helping guests ring in the New Year with a limited time offer in celebration of the start to 2015.

For two days only, guests who book a new cruise vacation on Thursday, January 1 and Friday, January 2, 2015, on select sailings of Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway or Pride of America will receive $100 in onboard credit.

Onboard credit can be used towards a wide variety of activities and amenities, from thrilling shore excursions to indulgent spa treatments, gifts on board, specialty dining and handcrafted cocktails, and much more.

Original cast of “The Love Boat” reunites to decorate Princess Cruises’ Rose Parade float

Princess Cruises Makes Its Debut at the 126th Rose Parade to
Kick Off 50th Anniversary Celebration

Co-anchor of “Today” Al Roker, along with the cast of “The Love Boat,” sing the show’s theme song in front of  Princess Cruises’ Rose Parade float. Pictured with Roker, from left from right: Fred Grandy, Ted Lange, Bernie Kopell,  Gavin MacLeod, Lauren Tewes and Jill Whelan.

 SANTA CLARITA, CA (December 30, 2014) – The original cast of “The Love Boat” gathered to decorate Princess Cruises’ Rose Parade float today, as well as participate in a myriad of national and local media interviews which celebrated the reunion of this beloved cast.

Princess Cruises, one of the most famous names in cruise vacations, is widely known for its starring role in one of television’s most iconic shows, “The Love Boat.” Their float in the Rose Parade launches Princess’ 50th anniversary year and pays tribute to the light-hearted TV show which played such an integral role in the cruise line’s early history.

The original cast of “The Love Boat” will ride on the float, which comes on the heels of this ensemble christening Princess’ newest cruise ship Regal Princess to kick off the company’s golden anniversary year.

Celebrity Cruises reveals 2016-2017 Caribbean cruise vacations

Launching overnights, double overnights and a new Mardi Gras Signature Event Sailing

MIAMI, FL –Earlier than ever before, Celebrity Cruises has revealed its new lineup of cruise vacations in the Caribbean. Celebrity's Captain's Club members have the first opportunity to choose and book from more than 100 modern luxury getaways that set sail October 2016 - April 2017.
 
The premium brand's season offers vacationers visits to 31 destinations in paradise onboard seven award-winning Celebrity ships guests know and love - Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Silhouette. Guests now can immerse themselves in the Caribbean with the exciting introduction of overnights and double overnights and experience the vibrant nightlife in Aruba, Barbados and Curacao. 
 
Celebrity also has unveiled its first-ever Mardi Gras and Caribbean Signature Event Sailing. Guests can celebrate the city's iconic event of the season - Mardi Gras - as part of an 11-night sailing to George Town, Grand Cayman; Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and New Orleans.

Princess Cruises announces winner of 50th anniversary “Inspiring Stories” contest

Winners Will Ride on Princess’ Rose Parade^® Float on New Year’s Day

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — Out of nearly 1,000 entries submitted in Princess Cruises’ 50th Anniversary “Inspiring Stories” essay contest in which past guests were asked to share an inspirational experience that occurred on a Princess cruise vacation for the opportunity to ride on the line’s Rose Parade float on January 1, the story of a World War II veteran’s Memorial Day return to the South Pacific has been selected as the grand-prize winner.

“Inspiring Stories” contest grand-prize winners Paula and Nathan Abbott, pictured above in Hiroshima,
will ride aboard Princess Cruises’ Rose Parade float on January 1.

The story was submitted by Paula Abbott, whose husband Nathan served as a US Navy Radarman 2/C in the Pacific Theater (1943-45).

One of only seven survivors of the USS Monaghan which went down with two other ships during a typhoon off of the Philippines in 1944, the veteran of the Iwo Jima and Okinawa invasions had long desired to return to the islands where he had served. In 2004, a Princess cruise to the Islands of the Pacific Theater of War allowed him to fulfill that wish, and he was able to share important memories with other WWII veterans. The 91-year-old Bronze Star recipient resides in Whittier, Calif.

Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 named Best Luxury Cruise Ship

Travel Weekly 2014 Readers Choice Awards

19 December 2014 – For the 11th consecutive year, Travel Weekly readers have named Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 as “Best Luxury Cruise Ship” in the prestigious trade magazine’s 2014 Readers Choice Awards.

“It is indeed a high compliment for Cunard and Queen Mary 2 to be recognized year after year by Travel Weekly’s readers as the best luxury ship in the world,” said Richard Meadows, president of Cunard Line North America.  “We are especially thrilled for Queen Mary 2, as it is a wonderful way to conclude her 10^th anniversary year in 2014.”

Cunard Line’s iconic Transatlantic Crossing has appealed to a broad range of sophisticated travellers with a love of glamour, elegance and tradition for nearly 175 years. Each Crossing aboard Queen Mary 2 features a series of Royal Nights themed balls on the largest dance floor at sea in the Queens Room, and the Royal Court Theatre presents West End-style musical revues and guest performers.

Two Canadians favorites in the semi-finals for Holland America Line’s “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” Championship Cruise

***Update***

Brenton Mitchell of Halifax, Nova Scotia, representing ms Nieuw Amsterdam, danced his way to victory on Holland America Line’s “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” Champions' Cruise aboard ms Westerdam in the Caribbean.

After a few missteps while doing the samba, Ian Alldritt of Ottawa (Nepean), representing ms Zuiderdam, finished second.

The opening dance at the semi-final competition of Dancing with the Stars: At Sea. (Jim Fox photo)

   By Jim Fox

   AT SEA IN THE CARIBBEAN — Two Canadians are the judge and fan favorites after the semi-final competition at Holland America Line’s “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” Champions Cruise aboard ms Westerdam in the Caribbean.

   Ian Alldritt of Ottawa (Nepean), representing ms Zuiderdam, and Brenton Mitchell of Halifax, Nova Scotia, representing ms Nieuw Amsterdam, wooed the judges who gave them perfect scores of 30 in the semi-finals – and they continue to be the onboard fan favorites.

   A third Canadian – Caroline Chan of Vancouver, British Columbia – representing ms Zaandam, was eliminated heading into the semi-finals from the original field of 15 contestants representing one of the 15 ships in Holland America Line’s fleet.

  They were selected via the onboard “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” dance competitions held throughout the past year on every sailing.

 

   Ian Alldritt of Ottawa (Nepean) danced up a storm in the semi-finals (Barbara Fox photo)

   The 15 guests and their professional shipboard dance partners are performing and competing in the main show lounge for guests, as well as dance pros and celebrities from the hit ABC television show “Dancing with the Stars,” who are onboard the Champions Cruise.

   The winning couple will receive the coveted Holland America Line “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea Mirrorball Trophy” and title of Holland America Line’s “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” Champion.

   “The talent we’ve seen this year during the ‘Dancing with the Stars: At Sea’ guest competitions has been incredible and the Champions Cruise is going to be a week filled with intense and exciting competitions,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president, sales, marketing and guest programs.

   “The Champions Cruise is the perfect finale that allows us to showcase the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the ‘Dancing with the Stars: At Sea’ program over the past year, and we look forward to crowning the next champion.”

Brenton Mitchell of Halifax, Nova Scotia, did a flawless Foxtrot in the semi-finals. (Barbara Fox photo)

   The other semi-finalists who competed were: Kelly Cooper of Concord, Calif., representing ms Oosterdam; Frances Manzo of Woodlands, Texas, representing ms Volendam; Matthew McGloin of New York, N.Y., representing ms Eurodam; and Ritchie Valenzuela of San Diego, Calif., representing ms Westerdam.

   The three semi-finalists who will advance to the final competitions will be announced on Friday (Dec. 12).

   The other dancers eliminated so far were:

·         Simona Tsives of San Carlos, Calif., representing ms Amsterdam.

·         Elaine Jordan of Meeker, Colo., representing ms Maasdam.

·         Maurice Van Melick of Arnhem, Netherlands, representing ms Noordam.

·         Jacoba Wendrich of Barendrecht, Netherlands, representing ms Prinsendam.

·         Jamie Freedman of Boca Raton, Fla., representing ms Rotterdam.

·         Marie Liza Rodriguez of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, representing ms Ryndam.

·         LeeAnn Valero of Bulingbrook, Ill., representing ms Statendam.

·         Summer Knowlden of Lehi, Utah, representing ms Veendam.

   Joining the Champions Cruise to perform in a special production show were two-time “Dancing with the Stars” champion Kym Johnson and pro dancers Sharna Burgess and Artem Chigvintsev. Celebrities set to perform include actress Sabrina Bryan and television personality Carson Kressley.

   The “Dancing with the Stars” talent dazzled the audience with dance numbers from the television series performed in the main show lounge. Additional events on the cruise include a special fashion show featuring the glamorous show costumes and a chance to meet the dance pros and celebrities, ask questions and take photos with them.

   The Champions Cruise visits the eastern Caribbean sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with calls at Half Moon Cay, the line’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.

   Holland America Line’s partnership with “Dancing with the Stars” features the shipboard program through the 2015-16 sailing season, culminating with another Champions Cruise guest dance-off competition on the Jan. 10, 2016, western Caribbean sailing of ms Westerdam.

   The 2015 schedule also will continue to feature “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” programming on every cruise throughout the year, in addition to six special “Dancing with the Stars” theme cruises featuring the show’s professional dancers and celebrities. Celebrities and professional dancers for 2015-16 will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about the “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” theme cruises, consult a professional travel seller, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com or the Plan a Cruise tab at www.Facebook.com/HALcruises.

- www.hollandamerica.com -

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line’s fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in February 2016.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds. 

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World’s Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

Holland America Line reveals 15 guest competitors for ‘Dancing with the Stars: At Sea’ Champions Cruise Dec. 6, 2014

Winners representing each ship in the fleet selected to compete for coveted Mirrorball Trophy

Seattle, Wash. -- Holland America Line has announced the 15 winning guest finalists who will compete on the “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” Champions Cruise Dec. 6, 2014, aboard ms Westerdam.

Each winner will represent one of the 15 ships in Holland America Line’s fleet and was selected via the onboard “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” dance competitions held throughout the past year on every sailing.

The 15 guests and their professional shipboard dance partners will perform and compete in the main show lounge for guests, as well as dance pros and celebrities from the hit ABC television show “Dancing with the Stars,” who will be onboard the Champions Cruise.

The winning couple will walk away with the coveted Holland America Line “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea Mirrorball Trophy” and title of Holland America Line’s “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” Champion.

“The talent we’ve seen this year during the ‘Dancing with the Stars: At Sea’ guest competitions has been incredible and the Champions Cruise is going to be a week filled with intense and exciting competitions,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president, sales, marketing and guest programs.

Norwegian offers Black Friday savings through Dec. 2

Receive up to $250 to spend on board and reduced deposits fleet-wide

Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a limited-time offer in celebration of the biggest shopping days of the year.

When booking a new cruise vacation now through Tuesday, December 2, 2014, holiday shoppers dreaming of their next cruise vacation will receive up to $250* to spend on board and enjoy reduced deposits.

In the spirit of giving, onboard credits can be used to indulge in nearly anything the heart desires on board from decadent spa treatments and delicious specialty restaurants to delightful shore excursions and more.

Windstar Cruises named Condé Nast Traveler 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards' World’s Best Small Ship Cruise Line

Leader in yacht style cruising named the best in the world among small ship cruise lines 

 Seattle – Condé Nast Traveler has announced the results of its 27th annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Windstar recognized as #1 in the world in the Small Ship Cruise Line category.

Windstar’s winning score of 90.065 also garnered the line the #2 spot among all of small, midsize, and large ocean-going cruise lines.

"We are honored to have our unique style of yacht cruising and warm, personal service recognized by our loyal guests and the discerning readers of Condé Nast Traveler,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer.

Cunard Line names Richard Meadows president of Cunard Line – North America

Appointment as President of Cunard in North America Expands Current Role as President of Seabourn

Rick Meadows, new President of
Cunard Line – North America

Cunard is announcing that Richard Meadows has been appointed President of Cunard Line – North America, assuming operating responsibility for the iconic Cunard brand throughout the North American continent from 1 December 2014.

He will report to David Noyes, CEO of Cunard Line.  Meadows will retain his role as President of Seabourn, leading all business and global operations for the ultra-luxury cruise line.

“With Rick having worked at so many brands within the Carnival Corporation portfolio, we are eager to leverage his knowledge, experience and skills to advance the Cunard brand in North America,” said Noyes from the Line’s headquarters in Southampton.

“His background in leading Seabourn is particularly valuable, as he understands well the nuances of delivering superior service and enriching onboard experiences – the things that directly appeal to Cunard passengers.  We are thrilled to have him join our team.”

Princess Cruises Offers "unprecedented" Getaway cruise deals during the Thanksgiving Cyber Week Sale

Guests Can Save Up to 50% and Book with only a $1 Deposit on Short Cruise Vacations

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (November 25, 2014) – Princess Cruises is taking part in the Thanksgiving weekend Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale traditions by offering unprecedented Getaway cruise savings with the Thanksgiving Cyber Week Sale good through Dec. 4.

Guests can save up to 50% off short cruise Getaways and weekend cruise vacations and bring along their friends and family with third and fourth guests as low as $50 per person.

Norwegian offers exclusive savings on South America and Panama Canal cruises

For a limited time, guests who book select sailings on Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Sun
will receive half-off their second guest’s fare

            Norwegian Cruise Line is offering limited time savings on select sailings to South America and the Panama Canal with a “Buy One, Get One Half Off” (BOGOHO) special offer. Guests who book a new cruise vacation to South America and the Panama Canal between November 28 and December 14, 2014 will receive their second guest’s sailing at 50 percent off. 

            The beautiful Norwegian Pearl will offer roundtrip Panama Canal cruises from Miami through the fall and winter of 2015/2016, visiting Central American favorites including the untouched Banana Coast, Honduras; Cartagena, Colombia; and Costa Maya, Mexico among others.

Vacationers enjoy reduced deposits, half-off second guest fares and up to $300 onboard credit on all Royal Caribbean cruises

(News Release)

MIAMI, November 21, 2014 – As the days become shorter and the temperature starts to dip, families should take advantage of the upcoming holiday gatherings to plan their next adventure in warmer locales with Royal Caribbean International.

The cruise line known for constantly innovating the industry – and having just heralded in the world’s first Smartship, Quantum of the Seas – is making it even more enticing for vacationers to seek out their WOW moments aboard a Royal Caribbean ship with the Vow to WOW offer.

For a limited time from Nov. 17 through Dec. 31, 2014, Vow to WOW offers vacationers half off of the cruise fare for a second guest, booked in the same stateroom with a full-fare guest. With a 50 percent-reduced deposit, travelers can reserve their room for as low as $50 per guest.

Disney Cruise Line: Exclusive Canadian offer‏

Imagine a tropical sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line from Miami or Port Canaveral, Florida? On board, you'll discover something enchanting for every member of your crew, including relaxing adult areas, magical kids' clubs and quality time for the whole family. Canadian Residents save 20% on prevailing rates for Oceanview Staterooms on Disney Magic for 7-Night Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, FL  on 1/4, 1/11 and 1/25/15. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses of approximately US$116 per person not included. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited.See Important Details Call 1-888-272-0497 or your Travel Agent. Mention code CAN at time of booking. Important Details Excludes Suites and Categories with restrictions (VGT, OGT, IGT). This offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or onboard credits. Must mention booking code CAN at time of booking. Proof of Canada residency required at time of check-in. Rates in U.S. dollars. Rate does not include Gratuities or Port Adventures. Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.

Porthole Magazine Readers' Choice names Un-Cruise Adventures best expedition cruise line

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Announced

Seattle, WA, -- Porthole Cruise Magazine readers chose Un-Cruise Adventures as best expedition cruise line in the magazine’s 16th annual Readers’ Choice Awards in 2014.  The small ship adventure cruise line explores remote and scenic destinations with an emphasis on flexible itineraries, wildlife viewing and active pursuits outdoors.

“It’s especially meaningful to be recognized by Porthole readers—a discerning group of travelers,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO.  “We’re happy to be growing, innovating and offering more adventures including Costa Rica, Panama and Galápagos in 2016.” 

Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards are determined by thousands of readers and online fans of Porthole Cruise Magazine who voted for their favorite cruise lines and ships in 54 cruise-related categories.

Windstar Cruises gives thanks with Best of the Tropics sale

 
Seattle, November 24, 2014 – Starting today, Windstar Cruises is giving thanks with a Best of the Tropics Sale that features up to 73% savings on voyages to Caribbean, Tahiti, and Asia.

 Guests who book a cruise by December 12, 2014, will enjoy this year’s lowest fares on Windstar’s exotic itineraries departing December 2014 through September 2015. Voyages start at $1,449 per person.

All voyages in the Best of the Tropics Sale will feature Windstar’s new Private Events, a spectacular onshore experience created exclusively for Windstar guests.

These complimentary events are crafted to give guests an in depth local experience on each cruise. Some examples include Hoi An: Dreams of Floating Lanterns, an interactive experience that showcases lion dances, lantern-making, and traditional Vietnamese music; and Bora Bora, Dinner on Your Private Motu, a traditional Tahitian feast complete with fire dancers.

Famed BBC Formula One commentator Murray Walker congratulates world champion Lewis Hamilton on board Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria

Murray Walker, legendary Formula One motor sports commentator for the BBC,
seen here with Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria, is a popular speaker for
the Cunard Insights on board enrichment program

 24 November 2014 – Legendary Formula One commentator Murray Walker was one of the first to congratulate Lewis Hamilton on his second F1 world title yesterday, after arriving in Southampton on board Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria.

The 91-year-old motor sport legend watched the final stages of the 2014 FIA Formula One World Championship in luxury this year, as an Insights speaker on board the luxurious Queen Victoria. After completing his 14-day cruise, Canary Islands Explorer with Murray Walker, which explored some of the most stunning islands in the Canaries, Walker was one of the first to congratulate the British world champion.

Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian to host Norwegian Cruise Line curated dining experiences at sea

       Norwegian Cruise Line is offering two exceptional opportunities for foodies to experience their ultimate vacation while cruising with celebrity chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian.

       Guests on the December 7, 2014 sailing of Norwegian Breakaway from New York and the January 10, 2015 sailing of Norwegian Getaway from Miami can enjoy an exclusive culinary experience at sea, featuring personal encounters with the Ocean Blue chef, including meet and greets, cooking demonstrations, book signings and intimate dinner experiences.

Holland America Line's new ms Koningsdam to debut an innovative design approach

 First reveal of interior renderings available now on the Holland America Line website 
 
SEATTLE -- When Holland America Line welcomes ms Koningsdam to the fleet in February 2016, the ship will debut a new era in design approach for the line.

As the first ship in the Pinnacle class, the 2,650-guest ship will have an interior that blends a fresh, contemporary styling in perfect harmony with the line's renowned classic elegance. 

Future guests, travel agents and ship fans can now get the first look at select interior renderings on Holland America Line's website, www.hollandamerica.com. The story of the ship will unfold online over the coming months through vibrant renderings, engaging videos, ship facts and more details about the interiors created by Adam D. Tihany and Bjorn Storbraaten. 

Koningsdam Atrium

"When guests come aboard ms Koningsdam they'll know they're on a Holland America Line ship, but they'll see we're taking a forward-thinking approach to many of the design elements," said Stein Kruse, CEO of Holland America Group.