Silversea celebrates christening of Silver Discoverer

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- March 25, 2014) A third expedition ship, Silver Discoverer, officially joined the Silversea Expeditions fleet during a christening ceremony held today at the Marina Bay Cruise Center in Singapore.

A traditional Chinese lion dance performance and bhangra folk dancers provided colorful local entertainment for the quayside event. Silversea's senior executive team and company chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio were on hand to welcome a guest list that included local dignitaries and members of the trade and media from around the world.

Following a blessing, honorary godmother Elda Turco Bulgherini, professor of navigation law at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, officially welcomed Silver Discoverer to the Silversea Expeditions fleet by cutting a ceremonial ribbon. 

Explorer of the Seas to homeport in Southampton and sailing European waters in 2015

MIAMI, March 31, 2014 – Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas will sail its very first Europe season in summer 2015.

The cruise line’s Adventure of the Seas, which was originally announced to homeport at Southampton, U.K., is being exchanged for Explorer of the Seas, which will take over three- to 16-night, roundtrip itineraries from late-April through Sept. 2015.

Vacationers can choose among three- and eight-night Northern Europe itineraries, 11- to 16-night Mediterranean itineraries, or 10- to 14-night Madeira, Azores and Canary Islands itineraries. Adventure of the Seas will remain at San Juan, Puerto Rico, to sail seven-night Southern Caribbean cruises throughout the summer season.

Explorer of the Seas will complete an extensive, month-long drydock revitalization before starting seasonal service and boast a wide range of new innovative features to offer guests an unforgettable onboard experience.

Windstar Cruises announces 2015 Voyage Collection

Luxury small ship line premieres seven new voyages, new yachts and new private events

Seattle, March 27, 2014 – Windstar Cruises 2015 voyages open for sale today. The collection features voyages on Windstar’s newest yachts Star Breeze and Star Legend as well as seven brand new itineraries, including a first time visit to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Also launching are Windstar’s new Private Events, an exclusive event created solely for Windstar guests, and complimentary on 2015 itineraries. Cruises start at $2,599.

“In 2015 Windstar’s fleet will be double its current size, which really enables us to expand our itinerary offerings. We offer our guests an outstanding opportunity to explore the hidden coves, renowned ports, and legendary landmarks of the world that others can’t reach,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer. “Additionally our new Private Events really let our guests get up close and personal to the local culture with unique culinary and entertainment experiences.”

Dash to cruise savings on Norwegian

Receive up to $250 to spend on board, free balcony upgrades and more

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

Guests who book a Norwegian cruise vacation from Tuesday, April 1, 2014 through Friday, April 4, 2014, can receive up to $250 per stateroom to spend on board (based on cruise length and stateroom category), free balcony upgrades, reduced deposits and an e-coupon worth more than $300 in on board savings. Air credits up to $1000, Military, AARP and Latitudes Rewards discounts also apply to select sailings.

Miami’s Ultimate Ship, Norwegian Getaway, sails seven-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami, her year-round homeport. The line’s newest ship visits tropical ports of call including Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas.

Four of the region's largest and most innovative cruise ships to sail from Port Everglades and Port Canaveral

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES SHIPS FOR WINTER 2015-16 CARIBBEAN SEASON

MIAMI, March 19, 2014 – With more innovative onboard amenities coupled with award-winning entertainment and world-renowned GOLD Anchor Service, Royal Caribbean International is the perfect cruise line for an unforgettable Caribbean vacation.

         The cruise line today announced that Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas will sail the Caribbean from convenient Florida homeports for the winter 2015-16 season, which are now open for sale.
 
        The world’s largest and most innovative sister-ships Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas will offer vacationers still-matched Caribbean cruises in the 2015-16 winter season. Both ships will homeport at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and alternate a seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Eastern Caribbean ports of call include Nassau, The Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Maarten, while Western Caribbean ports include Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico; and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach paradise on the north coast of Haiti. 

Carnival Splendor to operate seris of two-to-seven-day cruises from Norfolk in 2015

INCLUDES WEEK-LONG BERMUDA VOYAGE 

2015-16 Schedule Also Includes Four- to Eight-Day Departures from New York, Seven-Day Cruises from Miami, One-Way Eight-Day Voyages Between San Juan and New York 

  MIAMI (March 20, 2014) – Carnival Splendor will operate a series of two- to seven-day voyages, including a week-long cruise to Bermuda, from the Port of Norfolk in 2015.  The 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor is the newest and largest “Fun Ship” ever to operate from the historic Virginia port.

Carnival Splendor’s Norfolk program will kick off in May 2015 and will encompass a wide range of itinerary choices, including:

·         A value-packed two-day cruise departing May 16, 2015

·         Three, five-day Bahamas cruises calling at Nassau and Freeport, departing May 11, May 18, and October 12, 2015

·         A six-day Bahamas cruise calling at the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, as well as Nassau and Freeport, departing October 17, 2015

·         A seven-day Bermuda cruise departing October 23, 2015 that features a three-day call in Bermuda

Norwegians chase the sun with incentives

Receive up to $100 to spend on Bermuda, Caribbean and Bahamas & Florida Cruises,

free balcony upgrades, kids sail free and more

Norwegian Cruise Line is launching a bonus days sale offering exceptional savings on the line’s sun-drenched Bermuda, Caribbean and Bahamas & Florida cruises.

Guests who book a Bermuda, Caribbean or Bahamas & Florida cruise vacation from Monday, March 24, 2014 through Friday, March 28, 2014, can receive up to $100 per stateroom to spend on board, free balcony upgrades, reduced deposits and an e-coupon worth more than $300 in on board savings.

In addition, guests sailing in the third through eighth berths will sail free on select sailings. Military, AARP and Latitudes Rewards discounts also apply to select sailings.

Windstar Cruises unveils plans for new Star-Class yachts

Small ship cruise line reveals new yacht names and destinations; Star Pride Godmother

 

Star Legend and Star Breeze will join the Windstar fleet in May 2015.

Seattle, March 12, 2013 – Windstar Cruises, a leader in luxury small ship cruising, unveils new plans for its Star Class yachts – a collection of three all suite ships joining the fleet over the next two years. Windstar takes delivery of Star Pride on April 17, 2014, the first yacht of Windstar’s 2013 purchase of the three luxury cruise ships.

Star Legend & Star Breeze Introduction
Today, Windstar introduced Star Breeze and Star Legend, scheduled to join the Windstar fleet in May 2015. The yachts will spend their inaugural seasons in Europe, cruising new regions in Northern Europe, such as Iceland, as well as the Mediterranean.

Princess Cruises announces Europe schedules for 2015

New Sailings Feature Royal Princess and Regal Princess in Northern Europe, Island Princess’
First European Season and More Capacity in British Isles

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 13, 2014) – The timeless cities of the Mediterranean, the splendor of Scandinavia and Russia plus the intriguing ports of the British Isles and the continent’s northern reaches, will take center stage during Princess Cruises’ 2015 Europe season.

Highlights of the just-announced season include growth in Northern Europe with the line’s newest sister ships, Regal Princess and Royal Princess, both deployed in the region for cruises to Scandinavia & Russia and the British Isles. Island Princess sails in Europe for the first time on the line’s Grand Mediterranean itinerary. Emerald Princess offers a fresh series of Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea voyages that can be combined, so passengers can customize their own 7-, 14-, 21-day or longer voyage. 

Caribbean Princess returns to Southampton for a wide range of itineraries in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, and Ocean Princess offers an intimate small-ship experience on a variety of Northern Europe routes including Iceland, Norway and the Baltic Sea.

Cunard Line announces details of 2015-2016 Voyages Program

Highlights include special 175^th Anniversary cruises and events, plus a unique Mediterranean focus and new overnight Stays

19 March 2014 – With an eye towards the company’s 175^th anniversary in 2015, Cunard Line is excited to announce its 2015-2016 Voyages Programme.

It includes 15 commemorative cruises and events that will pay homage to Cunard’s significant historical moments, as well as unique voyages in the Mediterranean and iconic adventures around the world that will satisfy any globetrotter’s wanderlust.

“We believe that our programme for 2015, our 175^th anniversary year, is one of the best and most extensive Cunard has ever offered,” said David Dingle, CEO of Cunard Line.

“We have listened to our passengers and we will be visiting even more celebrated and iconic destinations along with less familiar but equally alluring places, and we’ll offer longer stays in port.”
Dingle continued, “Combined with our series of news-making celebratory cruises for our 175^th anniversary, Cunard is the outstanding cruise choice for 2015 aboard the finest ships of their class.”
The 2015-2016 Voyages Programme goes on sale 8 April 2014, with Pre-Registration beginning 20 March 2014, 6:00 a.m. PT (9:00 a.m. ET). 

175^th Anniversary Highlights
Cunard will kick off its milestone anniversary with 15 highly anticipated sailings that will give loyal and new Cunarders exciting opportunities to experience luxury ocean travel aboard the Line’s majestic ships – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.   

First steel cut for Holland America Line’s future Pinnacle Class ship

Construction Begins on the 99,500-Ton Flagship Due for Delivery in February 2016

Seattle, Wash., Feb. 5, 2014 — Holland America Line celebrated a significant construction milestone today as the first steel was cut for the as-yet-unnamed Pinnacle Class ship that is due for delivery in February 2016.

Stein Kruse, the company’s president and CEO, presided over the ceremony on February 4 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, where the vessel is being built. Antonio Quintano, director of Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard, co-hosted the event.

The 99,500-ton ship is the first Pinnacle Class vessel for Holland America Line and the largest ever built for the line. The steel cutting follows an intensive period of design and development for the 2,648-passenger ship that will feature exciting new elements and innovations.

Diamond Princess to undergo extensive drydock transformation

Refurbishment to Add New Features to Princess Cruises Ship, Including Largest Japanese Bath at Sea and Sushi Restaurant

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 12, 2014) – To get ready for Princess Cruises’ second season of Japan cruising, Diamond Princess is undergoing an extensive drydock to add enticing new features designed to appeal to Japanese cruisers.

During the $30 million-dollar refurbishment, the ship will receive an extensive new Japanese bath area – making it the largest such bath experience at sea – as well as a new sushi restaurant, enhanced shopping areas, a revitalized Horizon Court, additional staterooms, new interior furnishings and finishes, fresh hull paint and exterior refurbishment, and contemporary and Asian-style touches.

The drydock, which begins today, will take place through April 2, 2014 at Sembawang shipyard in Singapore. Interested viewers can follow the drydock progress with regular photo updates offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse each day.

Haida Gwaii cruise includes first monumental pole raised in over 130 years in Gwaii Haanas

Orcas-MapleLeaf (Photo by Kevin J. Smith/Maple Leaf Adventures)

Boutique Canadian expedition cruise company Maple Leaf Adventures is including visits to the new Legacy Pole in Gwaii Haanas in its Haida Gwaii tours in 2014. The 42-foot, carved monumental pole is the first raised in 130 years in Gwaii Haanas, the protected southern third of Haida Gwaii.

Haida Gwaii (formerly known as The Queen Charlotte Islands), is an archipelago of approx. 150 islands, along the continental shelf, 70 miles from the British Columbia mainland, in Canada.

It is renowned for its Haida village sites, cathedral-like, ancient rainforests, its abundance of whales and seabirds, and its spectacular geography of mountains, islands and sea. The Haida, who have lived here so long that ancient, flooded settlements are being discovered under the sea, developed a spectacular monumental art and building style.

Celebrity Cruises unveils new exceptional ‘Suite Class’ experience beginning April 2015

EXCLUSIVE, INDULGENT AND THE HEIGHT OF MODERN LUXURY

MIAMI, FL – Discerning guests who desire the very best in modern luxury vacations will soon be able to indulge in Celebrity Cruises' new 'Suite Class' experience.

This will be fully introduced on Celebrity's state-of-the-art ships during April 2015. With exclusive new benefits including a suites-only restaurant, VIP lounge, complimentary premium beverages, plus more, the newly launched Suite Class is designed to create the ultimate luxurious experience. Guests will enjoy incredible service from the moment they arrive with their personal butler taking care of every detail. This is the only way to travel.

From the one-of-a-kind Reflection Suite, with its jaw-dropping ocean views and unique cantilevered shower, to the stylish Sky Suites, Celebrity's exceptional Suite Class experience is designed to set the standard in modern luxury vacations around the world.

Autism on the Seas launches the cruise industry's first "Autism-friendly" ship program

Royal Caribbean International is First Cruise Line to Receive Certification

“Autism Friendly” Certification Ensures Cruise Ships’ Services, Venues and Amenities are Accessible to Guests with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities

Shelton, CT  ̶̶   Autism on the Seas™ (AotS), the leading travel organization catering to vacationers with autism and other developmental disabilities, has announced the introduction of the travel industry’s first “Autism Friendly” Certification Standard & Training Program for cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean International is the first cruise line to receive certification from Autism on the Seas, thereby assisting with reasonable accommodations for inclusion and participation by guests with autism and developmental disabilities. Effective immediately, Royal Caribbean’s entire fleet is comprised of Bronze Level certified “Autism Friendly” ships.  The fleet is expected to achieve Silver Level certification by the end of 2014.

“Offering cruise lines a Standard that includes training for their staff to effectively accommodate the needs of the growing and underserved autism community marks a turning point in the travel and cruise industry,” says Mike Sobbell, founder and president of Autism on the Seas.

New "Seuss at Sea" program debuts on Carnival Splendor

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with the Cat in the Hat and Friends,

Seuss-a-palooza Story Time Among Fun New Activities Held for the First Time

MIAMI (March 10, 2014) – Carnival Cruise Lines’ exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises kicked off in grand style on Carnival Splendor which became the first “Fun Ship” to offer Seuss at Sea, a fleetwide program featuring exciting youth, family, dining and entertainment experiences inspired by the amazing world and words of Dr. Seuss.

The fun-filled festivities included the first-ever Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with the Cat in the Hat and Friends, where both the young and young at heart enjoyed deliciously playful food straight from Dr. Seuss’s imagination – green eggs and ham, colorful fruit and pancake stacks, funky French toast, as well as traditional breakfast favorites, all served by wait staff in Dr. Seuss-inspired uniforms.

 Popular characters such as the Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, and Sam-I-Am joined guests at their tables for fun interactions and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. 

Port adventures immerse Disney Cruise Line guests in splendor and culture of Alaska during 2014 season‏

One-of-a-Kind Excursions Created for Families, Children and Adults

CELEBRATION, Fla. – During 2014 Alaska sailings, Disney Cruise Line invites guests to explore the grandeur of America’s 49th state with a wide variety of fun and exciting port adventures.

In preparation for the three-month season of Alaska cruises, Disney Cruise Line worked with local tour operators to create family-friendly excursions that entertain and inspire both children and adults amid Alaska’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Kids sail free, complimentary upgrades, plus reduced deposits on all bookings on Royal Caribbean

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL ROLLS OUT FAMILY-FRIENDLY OFFERS FOR MARCH

MIAMI, March 3, 2014 – Royal Caribbean International, the cruise line known for its award-winning family programming, is enticing vacationers to set sail in 2014 with a selection of enticing incentives.

From March 1 through 31, 2014, vacationers can choose from among three offers, including kids sailing for free, complimentary upgrades and 50 percent-reduced deposits aboard select ships sailing Australia, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean and Europe, departing May 1 through Dec. 15, 2014. For more details, please visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/KidsSailFree.