Travellers say “oui” to French river cruising

Avalon responds with new Suite Ships on three French rivers

The river cruise travel style is booming.  That fact is especially evident in France, thanks to the surging interest in seeing and experiencing quaint French villages and metropolitan cities and enjoying wonderful cuisine with world-class wines.  

In response, Avalon Waterways will introduce two of its Suite Ships on the rivers in France next year.  The new Avalon Poetry II (launched in March 2014) will sail the Saone and Rhône Rivers, and Avalon Waterways will unveil a new Suite Ship – the Avalon Tapestry II – on the Seine River in 2015.

“We are nearly doubling our capacity in France next year, giving 95 percent more cruisers the chance to sail that lovely country,” said Avalon’s managing director Patrick Clark.

“More importantly, we’re giving them the opportunity to enjoy the passing French countryside and landscapes from the comfort of the largest staterooms with the biggest windows – and views – in river cruising aboard our two Suite Ships.”

Regal Princess completes successful sea trials

Regal Princess accomplishes a major milestone with the completion of her sea trials in advance of her
May 20 debut in Venice, Italy.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 23, 2014) – Regal Princess has accomplished another major milestone in preparation for her May 20 debut, with the completion of her sea trials.

The new cruise ship set out to sea from her construction dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and was put through her paces with a series of maneuvers to test her propulsion, steering and navigational equipment.

 After a successful five days of trials, the ship is now back in the shipyard for further exterior and interior finishing. Regal Princess will be ready for her maiden voyage from Venice, a seven-day Mediterranean cruise to Athens including stops in Corfu, Mykonos and an overnight call in Istanbul.
Throughout the summer, the new ship will sail on Princess’ signature Grand Mediterranean cruises, with two itinerary choices.

Get up to $200 to spend on board Norwegian's Pride of America

NORWEGIANS HANG TEN 

  

 Norwegian Cruise Line is offering guests the opportunity to take advantage of limited time savings on one of Norwegian’s unparalleled seven-day inter-island cruises in Hawaii on board Pride of America.

Guests who book a new Hawaii cruise reservation, from April 28 through May 2, 2014, will receive $100 to spend on board, plus guests who book a Hawaii Cruise Tour will receive an additional $100 to spend on board. Air credits of up to $400, Military, Latitudes Rewards and AARP discounts may also apply to select sailings

Guests looking to cruise around the beautiful state of Hawaii can do so on board the newly-refurbished Pride of America.

Quintessential magic, unusual shopping and charming Christmas markets on a river cruise

(News Release)

Booking Now is Recommended if You Are Dreaming of This Experience

Sophisticated Cruise Specialists at Crown Cruise Vacations Provide Exclusive Offers, Exceptional Value & Unparalleled Service

Princeton, N.J. (April 23, 2013) – Celebrate the Christmas season with festive journeys aboard a Christmas Market river cruise and bask in the holiday atmosphere. Christmas Markets are generally open from the beginning of Advent until Dec. 23, but you have to plan ahead as these river cruises tend to sell out early, says Crown Cruise Vacations President Ross Spalding.

What and when are the Christmas markets? 
The history of Christmas markets goes back to the late middle ages in the German-speaking parts of Europe. The Vienna “December Market” was a forerunner of the Christmas market and dates back to 1294. In many of the charming towns and villages in Germany and Austria, Advent is usually ushered in with the opening of the Christmas markets.  This is truly an old fashioned Christmas.

Carnival Cruise Lines announces multi-year partnership with Texas League's Frisco Roughriders

(News Release)

MIAMI – Carnival Cruise Lines – Texas’ largest cruise operator – has announced a grand slam partnership with the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers that plays at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. This multi-year partnership marks Carnival’s first-ever relationship with a professional baseball franchise. 

As the Official Cruise Line of the Frisco RoughRiders, Carnival will bring its signature brand of fun to fans of the popular Dallas-area team throughout the 2014 season. 

Carnival helped fans celebrate the most exciting part of the game – home runs – with two specially designed promotions that kicked off with the RoughRiders’ season opener on April 3.

Every time a RoughRiders player hits a home run, fans will hear the iconic sound of the Carnival ship horn, fireworks will launch from the outfield and celebratory graphics will illuminate the LED signs around the stadium.  Carnival will also match monetary donations made by fans during the age-old Texas League tradition of “Passing the Boot” for the RoughRiders Foundation, team and individual players after each RoughRiders’ home run.

Princess Cruises announces 2015-2016 Americas sailings

Highlights Include 50th Anniversary Celebration Cruise, Sister Ships in the Caribbean
and New Itinerary for Mexico

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 23, 2014) – Today Princess Cruises announced its 2015-2016 Americas cruise itineraries including Caribbean, Canada and New England, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaiian Islands and West Coast cruises. The array of cruise vacations departing from U.S. ports range from three to 28 days and go on sale May 13.

In total, 12 ships will sail on more than 230 departures on 48 itineraries to 86 destinations. Guests will have the opportunity to sail on Princess’ two newest cruise ships to the Caribbean - Royal Princess and Regal Princess while for the first time ever, two of the line’s largest sister ships, Crown Princess and Ruby Princess, will be positioned together on the West Coast. In addition, Princess will offer a nostalgic 50th anniversary cruise to Mexico and an all-new, five-day Mexico sampler cruise with an overnight stay in Cabo San Lucas.

“The close-to-home departure ports, combined with the variety of cruise lengths and some of our most exciting ships, will offer our guests some amazing vacation experiences,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president.
Full Details of Princess Cruises’ 2015-2016 America’s season include:

Carnival to add third year-round ship in Galveston

CARNIVAL FREEDOM JOINS CARNIVAL’S TEXAS FLEET IN FEBRUARY 2015

Prior to Arrival in Galveston, Ship to Undergo Multi-Million-Dollar Fun Ship 2.0 Makeover

            MIAMI (April 24, 2014) – Carnival Cruise Lines – Texas’ number one cruise line – will add a third year-round ship in Galveston when Carnival Freedom launches a seven-day cruise schedule in February 2015, marking the first time that a cruise line has deployed three year-round ships in Texas.

Carnival’s repositioning of Carnival Freedom represents a 38 percent capacity increase for the line in Galveston, carrying more than 600,000 guests a year from that port – the most of any cruise operator.  

Prior to its arrival in Galveston, Carnival Freedom will undergo a previously announced makeover that will add an array of innovative new features that are part of the line’s fleetwide Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement initiative.

With the addition of Carnival Freedom, Carnival will offer three highly innovative and exceptional ships sailing year-round from Galveston that offer a huge variety of exciting features. Carnival Freedom will join Carnival Magic, which offers seven-day Caribbean cruises, and Carnival Triumph sailing four- and five-day departures to Mexico.

Silversea announces new "Silver Select" offer exclusively in the U.S. and Canada

 (Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- April 22, 2014) For a limited time, Silversea Cruises is offering a special booking incentive exclusively in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Its new Silver Select promotion enables guests to personalize their voyage with three enticing offers: a two-category suite upgrade, a $500 per person credit towards the purchase of the Silver Sky® air program, or a $500 per person onboard credit that can be used for shore excursions, spa treatments, specialty restaurants and more.

Silver Select is available on new bookings made by June 30, 2014 for select voyages sailing this year in Alaska and the Mediterranean.

"Luxury consumers appreciate personalized travel options," said Kristian Anderson, Silversea's senior vice president and general manager for North America. "Our guests already enjoy customized luxuries in their suites and tailor-made tours ashore. Now they can customize their savings too with our new Silver Select promotion."

Princess Cruises unveils 2015 Japan cruise program

Third Season of Japan Cruising Again Features Diamond Princess
Plus New Shorter Cruises

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 21, 2014) – Demonstrating a continuing commitment to developing the Japan cruise market, Carnival Corporation & plc has announced the 2015 Japan cruise program for Princess Cruises which features Diamond Princess returning for the line’s third season, and introduces new cruises as short as three nights to appeal for those local travelers seeking a quick getaway.

Beginning next April, the Japanese-built Diamond Princess will once again offer an exciting season sailing from the two home ports of Tokyo (Yokohama) and Kobe.

During the four-month summer season the ship will offer 20 departures on a mix of itineraries visiting more than 20 destinations in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Russia. The mix of itineraries is designed to have broad appeal, with cruises as short as three nights and up to 17 nights for guests seeking a more in-depth experience in Japan.

Norwegians act fast: Receive up to $250 to spend on board 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 22, 2014 through Friday, April 25, 2014, can receive up to $250 per stateroom to spend on board (based on cruise length and stateroom category) and reduced deposits. Air credits up to $1000, Military, AARP and Latitudes Rewards discounts also apply to select sailings. 

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

Green Thunder water slide, RedFrog Pub among new features added to Carnival Legend

MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR MAKEOVER

 

2,124-Passenger ‘Fun Ship’ to Sail from Tampa Through August Before Repositioning to Sydney for Seasonal Cruises from Down Under in September

   

MIAMI – Carnival Legend recently returned to service from Tampa with a variety of new and exciting innovations, including a WaterWorks aqua park featuring the exhilarating Green Thunder water attraction, as well as a Twister slide, a children’s spray park and more. 

Also new is the tropics-inspired RedFrog Pub, a full-service sushi restaurant called Bonsai Sushi, the Cherry on Top confections and novelty shop, and two new entertainment options, Playlist Productions and Hasbro, The Game Show, all of which were added during a multi-million-dollar makeover in Freeport, The Bahamas.

 

“With these enhancements we’ve made a terrific ship even better, adding an exhilarating water attraction, as well as a variety of fantastic new dining, bar and entertainment options,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.  “Carnival Legend offers an incredible array of on-board choices and we’re looking forward to working with our travel agent partners in marketing this newly enhanced ‘Fun Ship’ to consumers,” he added.

 

New features on Carnival Legend include:

Four Holland America Line ships to sail 2014-15 South America cruise season

Itineraries Up to 68 Days Call at More Than 50 Ports Around the Continent
 

Seattle, Wash. -- From fall 2014 through spring 2015, Holland America Line will offer the most comprehensive South America deployment of the season with four ships positioned in the region.

The line’s ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Prinsendam and ms Zaandam will sail 20 voyages around the continent ranging in length from 14 to 68 days.

With departures from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; San Diego, Calif.; and Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as sailings originating within South America, the four ships will explore more than 50 exotic and remote ports that include breathtaking scenery and once-in-a-lifetime experiences like visiting the ruins of Machu Pichu and seeing the colossal glaciers of Chile and Antarctica.

Guests cruising to the Caribbean on Miami’s "Ultimate Ship" can talk and text with fellow cruisers

NORWEGIAN GETAWAY TO FEATURE INNOVATIVE
“NORWEGIAN iCONCIERGE” SMART PHONE APPLICATION
 

MIAMI – Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that the company’s revolutionary smart phone application, “Norwegian iConcierge” is now available on board the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Getaway.

Norwegian iConcierge has previously been activated on Norwegian Getaway’s sister ship Norwegian Breakaway, as well as on Norwegian Epic, and will roll out to additional vessels in the fleet by the end of 2014.

In partnership with Allin Interactive, Norwegian’s exclusive application allows guests to create a highly-customized vacation experience by providing interactive access to Norwegian Getaway’s onboard guest information and service systems during their cruise, via the guest wifi network onboard, based on Allin’s DigiMobile™ platform.

Carnival Cruise Lines introduces marine-themed "Camp Ocean" children's program

Features More Than 200 New Ocean-Inspired Activities Tailored for Kids Ages 2-11

 

MIAMI (April 18, 2014) – Carnival Cruise Lines, the leader in family cruising, today unveiled Camp Ocean – an exciting, new marine-themed children’s program coming to its fleet of 24 “Fun Ships.”

Set to debut on Carnival Freedom on May 24, the expansive new program will immerse children ages 2-11 in the wonders of the sea through fun, engaging and educational experiences.

More than 200 new ocean-inspired activities will range from educational games such as Sea Creature Discovery, Marine Life Trivia, Under the Sea Mad Libs and Ocean Artifacts Memory Tray to creative arts opportunities such as Design Your Own Aquarium, Make Your Own Sailboat, Sea Salt Art, and Create a Penguin from Oreos. 

Camp Ocean, which will replace the line’s existing Camp Carnival program, will welcome youngsters in with light blue and white underwater colored spaces and friendly, experienced staff.  Three age-related categories will each have their own identity: children ages 2-5 will be dubbed “Penguins,” with those ages 6-8 called “Sting Rays” while 9-11 year olds will be “Sharks.”

Cunard Line presents speakers across the spectrum

Cunard underlines its reputation for hosting speakers of the highest calibre from across the cultural spectrum with the announcement that legendary musician and founding member of Band Aid, Midge Ure, and former Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King,have been lined up to speak aboard the Line’s ships in the coming months. 

Midge Ure

 Iconic singer Midge Ure will join Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 for the first ten days of her 15-night “Artic Circle Discovery” sailing, departing roundtrip from Southampton, England, on 5 August 2014.  The voyage itinerary includes calls to Hamburg, Bergen, Andalsnes, Trondheim, Tromso, Alesund, Stavanger (where Midge disembarks), then back to Hamburg and Southampton.  Fares start from $3,898 per person, based on double occupancy.

Midge Ure was part of the Band Aid gathering of 36 artists in 1984 for the historic recording of “Do They Know It's Christmas?” a song he wrote with Bob Geldof as the industry's contribution to Ethiopian famine relief.  The project led to Live Aid in 1985, a global concert that spoke for a generation.  Bob Geldof has said that without Midge Ure's initial enthusiasm for the idea, not to mention his rapidly penned sketch for the single, neither Band Aid nor Live Aid could have happened.  Midge is still to this day a Band Aid Trustee.  

Norwegian Escape to homeport in Miama year-round; Norwegian's Winter 2015-2016 itineraries announced

Winter Deployment includes Norwegian Epic sailing from Barcelona,
a return to South America and the addition of Port Canaveral as a seasonal home port

MIAMI – Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that its newest and largest ship to date, Norwegian Escape, will homeport year-round at PortMiami, the cruise capital of the world, sailing an Eastern Caribbean itinerary.

Along with the previously announced move of Norwegian Epic sailing year-round from Barcelona, the line’s 2015/16 winter deployment includes its return to South America cruises, a larger Jewel-class ship sailing to the Mexican Riviera, as well as the addition of Port Canaveral, Florida as a seasonal homeport.  

“Norwegian Escape’s arrival to Miami coincides with Norwegian Epic’s year-round Europe deployment, demonstrating the balanced approach we used to develop our winter 2015/16 deployment and ensuring that we had a varied offering of premium destinations that would be exciting to our guests,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “Much of this deployment was designed based on feedback from our guests and travel partners, and we know they will be happy with the changes and enhancements we have made.”

Select group of travel partners spans various models, advises Carnival sales team on trade initiatives

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS TO ITS TRAVEL PARTNER ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR 2014

MIAMI (April 16, 2014) - Carnival Cruise Lines has appointed 23 new members to its 2014 Travel Partner Advisory Committee (TPAC).

Each year, the line invites select travel partners spanning an array of agency models to participate in the committee, which was first created in 2011. The purpose of TPAC is to offer guidance related to various trade programs, tools and initiatives introduced by Carnival.

“We’re continually listening to feedback travel agents provide us through our Carnival Conversations initiatives, but oftentimes we need more concentrated guidance as it relates to new programs we’re developing for the trade,” said Mike Julius, Carnival’s senior managing director of U.S. trade sales.

Princess Cruises “Summer Clearance Sale” offers cruise deals on summer vacations

Passengers Can Save up to 40 Percent on Alaska, Europe and Caribbean Cruise Fares

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 16, 2014) – Princess Cruises makes it easy to plan a summer cruise vacation with a clearance sale on the lines’ most popular destinations, including Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean.

During the Summer Clearance Sale, passengers who book can save up to 40 percent per person on launch fares, plus receive as much as $200 in onboard spending money per stateroom.

More than 150 cruises are featured in the sale, including top cruise destinations such as the Great Land of Alaska and the sunny Caribbean. Or travelers can explore several captivating destinations throughout Europe, on cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, Mediterranean, British Isles, and Scandinavia and Russia.

A Cunard celebration 175 Years in the making

 N E W S

 Cunard Line to celebrate company milestone with salutes to Liverpool, a re-creation of the first transatlantic crossing, remembrance of Lusitania and more

Cunard Line’s iconic Transatlantic crossings, pioneered by the company in 1840, were with Britannia. Cunard continues to be the only cruise line offering regularly scheduled Crossings between New York and Southampton, England – aboard flagship Queen Mary 2.
 
Cunard Line will proudly celebrate its 175^th Anniversary in 2015 with a special collection of remarkable anniversary cruises and events that will pay homage to significant moments in the company’s illustrious history.

These highly anticipated sailings will give loyal and new Cunarders exciting opportunities to explore the ultimate in cruising adventures with Cunard’s luxurious vessels – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

The 175^th Anniversary Cruises are on sale and past passengers may also receive 5% off fares through 31 August 2014.

Holland America Line’s ‘Summer On Sale’ promotion focuses on family cruising in Europe, the Mediterranean and Alaska

Specials Include Reduced Rates, Free Third and Fourth Fares and Shipboard Beverage Card

Seattle, Wash. -- Families looking to take an exciting vacation this summer or travelers looking for their next adventure can take advantage of Holland America Line’s annual promotion on summer cruises.

The “Summer on Sale” specials are available now and feature savings on select Europe, Canada/New England and Alaska cruises and Land+Sea Journeys.

Guests who book a Summer on Sale promotion can benefit from fares starting at $499, free or reduced third and fourth fares for kids 17 and under on select voyages, and a $50 Beverage Card per person, up to $100 per stateroom.

“With the significant savings featured in our Summer on Sale promotion, this is the ideal time to book a family vacation,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveils 2015 summer collection

Miami -- Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced its 2015 Summer Collection featuring voyages to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Canada/New England, the Caribbean & Panama Canal, Asia, Africa and South America.

The Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Navigator will visit more than 185 ports in 68 countries during the 2015 Summer season. Palamós and Almería, Spain; Walvis Bay, Namibia; Tyne (Newcastle), England; Izmir, Turkey; and Malmö, Sweden are among the season's 27 new ports.

"The dream voyages in our 2015 Summer Collection promise memories that will last a lifetime," shares Kunal S. Kamlani, the line's president. "We deliver the most inclusive luxury cruise experience with highly personalized service, acclaimed gourmet dining with no surcharges and an exciting collection of free and unlimited shore excursions in each port."

Oceania Cruises launches exclusive entertainment series featuing Broadway's original "Annie"

MIAMI, April 2, 2014 – Like fine wine and epicurean cuisine, the artistic brilliance of staged theatrics on Broadway is an indulgence enjoyed by many guests sailing with Oceania Cruises.

Today, the line announced a new "Life in the Theater" series for select sailings, starting with a voyage aboard Riviera on October 29, 2014, featuring stage legend Andrea McArdle - the original namesake character in "Annie" on Broadway.

"We're known industry-wide for our exquisite culinary offerings and impeccable service, but our passion for delivering an upscale cruise experience for our guests is embodied in all that we do." said Kunal S. Kamlani, the line's president.

"That's why we're excited about this special series. It provides our guests with the unique opportunity to enjoy up-close and intimate encounters with notable Broadway icons, and we are thrilled to host Andrea McArdle as our first star."

Oasis of the Seas to feature new Broadway production

ANDREW LLOYD WEBER’S CATS COMES TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST CRUISE SHIP

MIAMI, April 4, 2014 – Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship will be bringing the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of CATS to the high seas.

Based on T.S. Eliot's “Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats,” CATS was one of the longest running productions on Broadway and is the winner of numerous awards including seven Tonys, two Oliviers and a Grammy. The show has been seen in over 20 countries and translated into more than 10 languages. The fully licensed production of CATS will join Oasis of the Seas once it completes its drydock in fall 2014.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Really Useful Group to bring one of the world’s most beloved musicals to Oasis of the Seas,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Executive Vice President, Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Adding CATS to our already amazing line up of Broadway musicals such as Hairspray, Chicago: The Musical, Saturday Night Fever and Mamma Mia exemplify our commitment to bringing top quality entertainment to our guests at no extra cost.”

Longer cruises to and from Texas include rarely visited Caribbean destinations and, for the first time, Bonaire is a featured port of call

CARNIVAL TRIUMPH TO OPERATE SERIES OF UNIQUE 10- AND 11-DAY CARIBBEAN VOYAGESFROM GALVESTON AND SAN JUAN IN 2015-16

 

MIAMI (April 7, 2014) — For the first time, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering 10- and 11-day cruises between Galveston and San Juan featuring visits to six different Caribbean destinations on one itinerary. 

Two 11-day cruises sail from Galveston to San Juan Oct. 24, 2015, and Jan. 16, 2016, and two 10-day cruises from San Juan to Galveston depart Nov. 4, 2015, and Jan. 27, 2016.

 

These longer-length tropical itineraries feature an array of beautiful Caribbean ports and are a first in terms of Carnival’s Texas-based cruise program, which also includes year-round four-and five-day Mexico cruises and seven-day Caribbean itineraries.

A number of the ports featured on the 10- and 11-day voyages are among the most pristine, unique and less visited islands in the Caribbean. Those are combined with several of the region’s most popular destinations to create highly attractive and diverse itineraries that provide the opportunity to enjoy a multitude of islands featuring gorgeous beaches, turquoise waters and endless sightseeing, shopping and water sports activities.

Seasonal sailings from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa augment Royal Caribbean’s wide range of advanced ships and itineraries

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES 2015-16 DEPLOYMENT FOR NEW YORK AND GALVESTON

MIAMI, Apr. 17, 2014 – Royal Caribbean International today announced its 2015-16 year-round sailings from the New York-metropolitan area and Galveston, Texas, and seasonal sailings from Tampa and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Still ranked among the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships, Liberty of the Seas will homeport at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J. for summer 2015 and offer vacationers the most advanced cruise options to sail from the New York-metropolitan area to Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Canada and New England.

Simultaneously, Navigator of the Seas will continue to sail seven-night Western Caribbean cruises throughout summer 2015 and complete two consecutive years of homeporting at Galveston.

In winter 2015-16, Anthem of the Seas will arrive at Cape Liberty for its first season in North America – after finishing its inaugural season in Southampton, U.K. – and offer vacationers unforgettable Quantum-class experiences to the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean.

Whales, Trails and Ales: Un-Cruise Adventures’ craft beer theme cruise explores coastal Washington

60-guest Wilderness Adventurer sails roundtrip Seattle

Seattle, WA  –Outdoor adventure and beer lovers unite for a one-week brouhaha on Un-Cruise Adventures’  craft beer theme cruise on its new itinerary, Explore! Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands.

The 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer expedition vessel explores Washington’s Puget Sound and Salish Sea from South Hood Canal to Olympic National Park and the San Juan Islands. 

The craft beer theme cruise sails roundtrip Seattle departing May 3, 2014. The Active Adventure cruise includes all meals, beer tastings, transfers, adventure activities, hot tub, sauna and yoga on deck. Rates begin at $1,895 per person, double occupancy.

“Exploring the Puget Sound area by boat lets us access scenic areas for kayaking and hiking without traveling too far each day,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. “Adding in craft beer tastings for those who are interested adds a little extra hoppiness to the week.”

Princess Cruises presents 2015 Alaska Cruise and Cruisetour program

Ruby Princess Makes Alaska Debut; Pacific Princess to Sail Gulf of Alaska for the First Time
 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Seven diverse Princess Cruises ships will sail throughout Alaska’s waters in 2015, on a program offering passengers the opportunity to explore the best of the state by both land and sea.
New this season, Ruby Princess makes her Alaska debut, joining sister ship Crown Princess to offer cruises from Seattle. The youngest Princess vessel on the West Coast, Ruby Princess will offer an additional amenity-filled option on Inside Passage itineraries.

Pacific Princess will sail on the line’s signature “Voyage of the Glaciers” itineraries for the first time, to offer an intimate cruise experience to complement the route’s dramatic scenery. The ship joins Grand Princess, Star Princess and Coral Princess on this favorite route, which includes two glacier experiences.

Rounding out the program, Golden Princess will take over Inside Passage sailings from San Francisco.

Cunard Line reveals how amazing photographs were captured of captain standing at waterline below the bow of Queen Mary 2

Unlike magicians who don't reveal tricks of the trade, Cunard Line thought they'd share how photographer James Morgan captured the amazing shots of Captain Kevin Oprey posing on the bulbous bow of Queen Mary 2 while the flagship was anchored off Bali last month. A link below the photograph reveals all!

 

Follow this link to download the video: http://www.hightail.com/download/elNMaUNHcWZYSHlwSHNUQw
For more information about Queen Mary 2 or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Agent, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

Norwegian brings FIFA World Cup to the sea this summer

Guests across the fleet can catch some of the tournament’s biggest matches onboard

 

 

MIAMI – Norwegian Cruise Line is providing soccer fans with the chance to follow the FIFA World Cup™ while on board Norwegian ships this summer, as it will be screening the biggest matches fleet-wide*. World football’s flagship event will be held in Brazil from June 12 to July 13, 2014.

A partnership with the TV channel SPORT 24 will ensure that throughout the competition key games from the tournament matches will be available on board. This means that football fans can have the best of both worlds – a relaxing summer vacation while enjoying one of the most exciting sporting events of the year.

Norwegian will be showcasing key matches in multiple venues onboard each ship, so guests will have plenty of options to relax and enjoy their vacation, while experiencing a great sporting atmosphere onboard.

Fans can enjoy the games onboard all of Norwegian’s purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, including Miami’s Ultimate Ship, Norwegian Getaway, sailing seven-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami, or onboard Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway’s sister-ship and the ship that brings the best of NYC to Sea, setting sail from the Big Apple to Bermuda.

James Beard award-winning chef to bring fresh, simple and pure culinary philosophy to Quantum-class vacation

MICHAEL SCHWARTZ NEWLY NAMED QUANTUM EXPERIENCE ADVISOR FOR CULINARY
 
MIAMI – Royal Caribbean International and The Genuine Hospitality Group are proud to announce James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Schwartz as the latest Quantum Experience Advisor for Culinary.

Known for his fresh, simple and pure approach to food and drink, Michael will help influence food and beverage experiences aboard Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated cruise ships set to debut in November 2014 and April 2015, respectively.

Michael’s new role comes in addition to the latest announcement of the introduction of Michael’s Genuine Pub on Quantum-class ships, the first American gastropubs at sea, announced last week at Royal Caribbean’s culinary reveal in New York City.

As Quantum Experience Advisor for Culinary, Michael joins athlete and adventurer Dhani Jones, Quantum Experience Advisor for Sports and Fitness, and HGTV-star Genevieve Gorder, Quantum Experience Advisor for Design. For a video about Quantum Experience Advisor and Chef Michael Schwartz, please see http://tinyurl.com/lpqsx3l.

Forty-nine performance dates featuring a wide variety of chart-topping artists scheduled during 2014

   CARNIVAL LIVE CONCERT SERIES OFFICIALLY DEBUTS WITH

EXHILARATING SOLD-OUT SHOWS BY LEGENDARY ROCK BAND STYX

 

MIAMI (April 15, 2014) – The official launch of the one-of-a-kind Carnival LIVE Concert Series kicked off last week with sold-out performances by world-renowned rock band Styx.

Fans packed the show lounges on Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Fascination for an intimate, captivating live performance that brought audiences to their feet.  A video recapping the debut of Carnival LIVE featuring Styx can be viewed here.

 

The Carnival LIVE Concert Series offers guests sailing on select Carnival Cruise Lines ships the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive onboard performance by a diverse roster of popular music artists while ships are docked at a port of call. Carnival has booked 49 performance dates for the 2014 concert series with the following artists:

Un-Cruise Adventures' 2015 schedule of adventure cruises in Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii and Pacific Northwest

 More river cruises offered on Columbia & Snake Rivers in 2015 

Seattle, WA -- Un-Cruise Adventures has released its full 2015 schedule of small ship adventure cruises with 15 itineraries in Alaska’s Inside Passage, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Hawaiian Islands, Columbia & Snake Rivers, coastal Washington and British Columbia.

New in 2015, the line has increased its cruises visiting Glacier Bay in Alaska and the number of cruises offered on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

Travelers choose between three expedition vessels, three yachts and one replica coastal steamer carrying 22-88 guests on voyages focusing on adventure activities in scenic, often remote, destinations or river cruising entwined with living history. 

“For 2015, the S.S. Legacy will remain on the Columbia and Snake Rivers during the summer season to significantly increase our river cruise departures there,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. 

Cruising like a Norwegian is getting sweeter

Carlo’s Bake Shop items will be featured on board every Norwegian Ship

MIAMI – Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of the popular TLC television series “Cake Boss” and “Next Great Baker,” who recently opened two Carlo’s Bake Shop locations on board Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, will now feature his incredible dessert creations on all Norwegian ships, fleet-wide.

“The Carlo’s Bake Shop cakes and pastries on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have been a huge hit with our guests,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.

“We are thrilled to make Cruising like a Norwegian even sweeter now by offering Buddy’s incredible dessert creations to guests sailing on all of the ships in our fleet.”

Cunard Line invites guests to 'Come Together' for the Beatles Experience

Travelers on Queen Mary 2 will celebrate the Fab Four with unique musical tribute

As celebrations continue marking the 50^th Anniversary of The Beatles’ American debut, Cunard Line will help commemorate the group’s first crossing of the Altantic with The Beatles Experience, a live musical tribute to the most popular band of all time.

 The premiere tribute band and Queen Mary 2 will come together during one of the ship’s legendary Transatlantic Crossings, departing from New York on 28 October 2014.

For more than a decade, the members of The Beatles Experience have been entertaining audiences all over the world.

Their performances cover the depth of The Beatles’ career—from the heady days of Beatlemania in the early 1960s to the group’s final farewell performance from a London rooftop at Saville row.

Norwegian will be integrated into BROOKLYN FAMILY events

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE BECOMES PRESENTING SPONSOR
OF BROOKLYN SHOW PROGRAMMING FRANCHISE
AT BARCLAYS CENTER

MIAMI  April 10, 2014 -- Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that the line has become the presenting sponsor of the BROOKLYN SHOW™ programming franchise at Barclays Center. BROOKLYN SHOW™ events include concerts and major events.

As part of Norwegian’s integrated marketing platform, the line will receive branding on select arena controlled assets, including LED signage throughout the arena space during concerts, events and BROOKLYN FAMILY™ shows. In addition, Norwegian branding will be incorporated into pre, during and post show communications.

Norwegian will also sponsor the “CRUISE LIKE A NORWEGIAN BARCLAYS CENTER SWEEPSTAKES,” which will run on barclayscenter.com and be promoted through Barclays Center social channels.

“Top Chef” favorites including Kristen Kish, Angelo Sosa, Tiffany Derry and Nina Compton spice up cruises beginning July 2014

CELEBRITY CRUISES AND BRAVO MEDIA ANNOUNCE LINEUP OF CHEFS SETTING SAIL ON “TOP CHEF AT SEA”

NEW YORK, NY & MIAMI, FL – Thirteen former chef’testants of Bravo’s Emmy® Award-winning series “Top Chef” will set sail on four exclusive Celebrity Cruises vacations beginning in July 2014 as part of the “Top Chef at Sea” experience.

The Celebrity Cruises and Bravo partnership gives fans the opportunity to vacation with their favorite ”Top Chef” alums and experience their dishes, including complimentary cooking demonstrations, interactive Quickfire Challenges and other activities. For a more exclusive experience, guests can choose to enjoy private cooking classes and events hosted by the chef’testants.

On July 27, guests can set sail onboard Celebrity Summit to the charming and colorful island of Bermuda for seven nights with three culinary experts:

Disney Cruise Line charts a new course for Norway in 2015

CELEBRATION, Fla. – In summer 2015, Disney Cruise Line is charting a magical new course for northern Europe – exploring for the first time the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. 

Plus, Disney Cruise Line is returning to the Baltic for all-new itineraries, including sailings from Copenhagen, Denmark to St. Petersburg, Russia. Cruises to the Mediterranean, Alaska, Caribbean and Bahamas also are included in the summer lineup.

Con’t: Disney Cruise Line Charts a New Course for Norway in 2015…

To get a glimpse of Norway and other exciting destinations Disney Cruise Line is visiting for the first time, watch this video with Cruise Director Brent Davies as he shares more details about new itineraries for 2015.

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Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and Disney Cruise Line Facebook page, and follow @DisneyCruise on Twitter for updates about exciting new experiences with Disney Cruise Line!