Four new revues debut on Carnival Freedom as part of extensive transformation

 

GetawayIsland

 MIAMI (June 27, 2014) – Four brand new production shows featuring cutting-edge technology that blends amazing live performances with towering LED screens showcasing spectacular staging and special effects recently debuted on Carnival Freedom as part of an extensive multi-million-dollar makeover.

The latest in the line’s high-tech Playlist Productions revues, the four new shows – 80s Pop to the Max, Heart of Soul, Getaway Island, and 88 Keys: The Rock n’ Roll Piano Show – complement an array of innovative new dining, bar and entertainment experiences that are part of the groundbreaking Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement initiative.

 Including the new shows introduced on Carnival Freedom, the company’s entertainment team has created 10 captivating Playlist Production shows which are presented throughout the “Fun Ship” fleet.

            Carnival Freedom’s new Playlist Productions shows include:

Maple Leaf Adventures Introduces ‘SWELL’

A classic tug refit into an expedition yacht offers 2015 adventures in British Columbia and Alaska

Victoria, BC – British Columbia-based Maple Leaf Adventures is adding a new ship to its fleet for 2015: Swell is an 88-foot, classic wooden tugboat which has been beautifully restored to offer boutique expedition cruises along the dramatic BC and Alaska coast.

Responding to the growing global demand for enriching, multi-day journeys aboard small ships, Maple Leaf Adventures has begun selling 2015 packages aboard Swell.

No more than 10 guests at a time will explore the coast’s wild fjords and archipelagos with resident experts as guides and crew. These boutique expeditions are very personalized trips.

The introduction of Swell extends the ability to take these live-aboard adventures to people who seek more privacy and space than these trips typically offer.

Royal Caribbean brings 'next era' of dining to Food and Wine Classic in Aspen

MIAMI, June 20, 2014 – Royal Caribbean International is bringing its next vision for dining at sea – which will debut on the much anticipated Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas in November 2014 and April 2015, respectively – to the ultimate epicurean event this summer.

As the official cruise partner of the 32^nd Annual FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, June 20-22, 2014, Royal Caribbean is giving guests a taste of Dynamic Dining, a completely new culinary experience offering guests a landscape of 18 restaurants as vast and varied as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, including specialty restaurants created with partner chefs Jamie Oliver, Devin Alexander and Michael Schwartz, and more.
 
On Friday, June 20, Royal Caribbean is showcasing three of its next-level signature dining options on Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas at the Grand Tasting Pavilion, including:

Dr. Seuss Bookville family reading venue, Camp Ocean children's program on Carnival

LATEST ENHANCEMENTS TO CARNIVAL’S FAMILY-FRIENDLY OFFERINGS

             MIAMI (June 23, 2014) – With summer travel season in full swing, Carnival Cruise Lines continues to enhance its family-friendly offerings, introducing the new Dr. Seuss Bookville family reading venue and Camp Ocean marine-themed children’s program on Carnival Freedom, along with highly attractive rates for families to make a summer cruise more affordable than ever. 

            Recently debuting on Carnival Freedom following a multi-million-dollar makeover, Dr. Seuss Bookville and Camp Ocean featuring more than 200 new ocean-inspired activities are part of a fleetwide rollout of new children’s programming designed to build upon Carnival’s position as the family cruise leader. Carnival hosts more than 700,000 kids a year – the most of any cruise operator and roughly double what the line carried a decade ago.

Chef Todd English to join Queen Mary 2's Independence Day Celebration voyage

The famous chef and restaurateur joins Cunard’s flagship
to celebrate ten years of culinary partnership

The cover of celebrity Chef Todd English’s cookbook, copies of which he will sign for guests during Queen Mary 2’s Independence Day Celebration cruise departing New York on July 1

25 June 2014 – Cunard Line will welcome celebrity chef and partner Todd English on board Queen Mary 2 on 1 July 2014 for her Independence Day Celebration voyage from New York to Boston. 

While on board, Chef English will develop a new menu with the flagship’s culinary team, debuting later this summer.  The famed restaurateur will also sign copies of his cookbook, Cooking in Everyday English: The ABCs of Great Flavor at Home, and participate in a Q&A with the Entertainment Director.

“We are delighted to welcome our longtime partner and friend, Todd English, aboard Queen Mary 2 in July,” said David Dingle, CEO for Cunard Line.  “Our flagship has the distinct honour of featuring the only Todd English restaurant at sea. We look forward to having him on board to continue celebrating the ship’s 10^th anniversary.”

Uncorked: Un-Cruise Adventures’ new river cruise blends wine and history on the Columbia and Snake Rivers

Four rivers and nine wineries on a weeklong cruise from Portland, Oregon

 

Seattle, WA, June 24, 2014— Oenophiles unite on a river cruise. Un-Cruise Adventures’ 88-guest S.S. Legacy sails a new wine-centric itinerary on four departures along the Columbia and Snake Rivers in 2015. Departing roundtrip from Portland, the itinerary blends scenic cruising along four rivers with visits to nine wineries.

The weeklong Ameritage! Four Rivers of Wine & History itinerary is offered August 15, August 22, August 29 and September 5, 2015. The inclusive cruise features four rivers—Columbia, Snake, Willamette and Palouse—and highlights the burgeoning wine regions in Washington and Oregon including Walla Walla, recently named one of the top ten wine regions in the world. A local wine expert joins guests on board for the week leading presentations and wine tastings.

Tastings at nine wineries are included in the cruise fare.  Wineries may include Springhouse Cellars, Maryhill Winery, AniChe Cellars, Bergevin Lane, Dunham Cellars, Terra Blanca, Sunshine Mill Winery and others. A visit to the Wine Shack in Cannon Beach includes tastings of Washington and Oregon wines. The Oil & Vinegar Bar nearby presents tastings of infused olive oil.

Red, White & Blue Sale offers deals on Princess Cruises

Passengers Can Save Up to $700 from June 26 – July 10

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 26, 2014) – Princess Cruises is celebrating the summer season with the “Red, White & Blue Sale” featuring cruise deals on North American departures 10 days or longer. The June 26 to July 10 sales event offers cruise discounts of up to $700 per stateroom, plus up to $150 free onboard spending money.

Voyages featured in the sale include cruise vacations to the Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, Canada & New England and Hawaii. Cruises depart between September 2014 and April 2015.

In addition to special fares, guests booking balcony staterooms or above will receive an onboard credit of $150 per stateroom and those booking interior or oceanview staterooms can get a $100 per stateroom credit. Plus, guests can book their stateroom with only a $100 deposit per person.
More information about the cruise sale and pricing can be found at http://www.princess.com/sale.
Examples of cruise deals include:

New Cunard video reveals transformations aboard Queen Elizabeth during recent multi-million dollar fefit

Cunard Courts Solo Travellers with Creation of Single Staterooms

19 June 2014 – A new four-minute video tells the story of the recent multi-million dollar refit that took place aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth, creating nine new single staterooms, laying more than 25,000 square metres of carpeting and replacing more than 3,000 mattresses.

As well, installing 1,200 flat screen TVs, adding new awnings on the sun decks, re-modelling the Lido restaurant and Royal Arcade shopping area, and on the technical side, replacing a 65 tonne alternator.

Over 20 days in May and June, 950 contractors worked with ship’s staff around the clock to complete the work at the Blohm+Voss yard in Hamburg, Germany, drinking 54,300 cups of coffee, more than 35,000 cups of tea and 9,000 litre bottles of water, and consuming more than 80,000 meals – with 13,500 sachets of tomato sauce - over the duration of the 265,000 man-hour project.

Windstar Cruises offers best value on luxury Asia voyages

Guests receive a $1,000 air credit, free hotel and transfers on arrival,

a free Private Event, and savings of up to 50% on cruise fares

Seattle, June 17, 2014 – Windstar Cruises’ new offer features the best value in small ship luxury cruising to Asia.

Guests who book by August 27^th will receive up to a $1,000 airfare credit per person, free hotel and transfers on arrival, a free exclusive Private Event, in addition to savings of up to 50% on cruise fare. Windstar’s Asia voyages, on board Star Pride, the company’s newly acquired all-suite yacht, start at $3,599.

“Small ship cruising is the perfect way to experience the Far East. Guests can enjoy the vibrant Asian culture during the day, and step back onto their private yacht at night to relax,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer. “These voyages will feature our new Private Event, giving our guests an even deeper immersion in the local culture.”

Say 'Aloha" to savings on Norwegian Cruise Lines

Receive up to $200 to spend on board Pride of America

Norwegian Cruise Line is offering limited time savings on Norwegian’s spectacular seven-day interisland cruises in Hawaii on board Pride of America.

Guests who book a new Hawaii cruise reservation, from June 22 through June 30, 2014, will receive up to $100 to spend on board, plus guests who book a Hawaii Cruise Tour will receive an additional $200 to spend on board. Air credits of up to $400, Military, Latitudes Rewards and AARP discounts may also apply to select sailings. 

Vacationers looking to cruise around the majestic state of Hawaii can do so aboard the newly-refurbished Pride of America. This port-packed itinerary gives guests the opportunity to explore the islands of Hawaii on seven-day inter-island cruises, year-round from Honolulu.

Princess Cruises offers savings on bucket list cruise destinations

Sale includes Cruises to Tahiti, Australia, and New Zealand, Asia and South America

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 17, 2014) – Princess Cruises’ Bucket List Extravaganza Sale gives guests the opportunity to visit exotic vacation destinations on their travel bucket list. The cruise sale, running through July 17, offers up to $200 free onboard spending money and up to $400 in pre-paid gratuities, when booking a balcony, mini-suite or suite.

Voyages featured in the sale include cruises to the clear blue waters and white sandy beaches of Tahiti, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or exploring the ancient temples of Asia.

In addition to special fares, guests booking interior and oceanview staterooms will receive an onboard credit of $50 per stateroom for six- to nine-day cruises or $100 per stateroom for cruises 10 days or longer. Guests booking balcony staterooms or above will receive $100 onboard credit per stateroom for six- to nine-day cruises or $200 onboard credit per stateroom for cruises 10 days or longer.

Norwegian Cruise Lines launches new air and hotel packages from Houston

MIAMI – June 12, 2014 -- Norwegian Cruise Line is launching an all-new inclusive package from Houston, Texas, offering cruisers an easy way to book air, hotel accommodations and a Caribbean cruise aboard the recently enhanced Norwegian Jewel.

The extensive package comes complete with the option of roundtrip air from major cities across the U.S., along with transfers, one-night pre-cruise accommodations, a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Jewel, three specialty dinners onboard and more. The Houston Caribbean package starts from just $599 per person without air and $999 per person with air*.

Guests booking the inclusive Houston Caribbean cruise vacation package will enjoy a relaxing, one-night stay in a deluxe room at the Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks, complete with complimentary transfers from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the cruise pier.

Carnival Cruise Lines doubles reward points for travel agents

CARNIVAL ADVENTURES SOCIAL LEARNING GAME

MIAMI (June 2, 2014) – Carnival has doubled the amount of reward points travel agents may earn while playing Carnival Adventures, the line’s award-winning social learning game. 

As part of the game, agents earn Fun Points that are then converted to reward points which are redeemable within the Travel Agent Rewards Program. 

Prior to June 1, agents could redeem 100,000 Fun Points for 100 Reward Points. Moving forward, agents may redeem 50,000 Fun Points for 100 Reward Points, doubling their earning opportunity. Fun Points are redeemable in 50,000 increments only.

Quantum of the Seas introduces the 'world’s most-advanced' lineup of shows, productions and events

THE REVIEWS ARE IN: GROUNDBREAKING ENTERTAINMENT HEADLINES ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL’S NEWEST SHIP
MIAMI, June 11, 2014 – Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, is poised to make a show-stopping debut in November 2014, with a lineup of entertainment offerings that push the envelope far beyond imagination.

From stage shows that take guests on a highly visual and experiential journey of music, sound and performance, to a radically new form of multidimensional entertainment that seamlessly fuses technology with highly trained live performers, stunning visuals and special effects, Quantum of the Seas delivers an array of first of their kind productions and performances that will leave audiences spellbound.  
 “The level of ingenuity, creativity and sheer imagination that has gone into the creation of the entertainment onboard Quantum of the Seas is staggering,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Executive Vice President, Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “We are taking a quantum leap in all aspects of ship design and programming with the Quantum class, but the entertainment is especially remarkable. These shows and productions are truly one-of-a-kind, and we are confident that our guests will be WOWed.”

Princess Cruises celebrates first birthday of Royal Princess

Ship Named by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Has Delighted 150,000 Guests

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 13, 2014) – Princess Cruises is today celebrating the first birthday of Royal Princess, which was launched in Southampton, England during a spectacular christening by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge.

Guests currently sailing aboard Royal Princess will be treated to some special festivities marking the occasion including a “Royal Ball Birthday Party” in the ship’s showpiece atrium with a birthday sing-a-long, balloon drop and celebratory cake.

Princess Cruises celebrates the first birthday of Royal Princess,
christened by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge on June 13, 2013.

During the past 12 months Royal Princess has traveled 120,000 miles and carried 150,000 guests. The ship has set sail on 44 cruises, and visited 39 ports in 20 countries throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean. This summer the ship is cruising through the waters of Scandinavia and Russia, and Iceland and British Isles before repositioning to New York for its first Canada and New England season this fall.

Frisco Roughriders and Carnival Cruise Lines host "Kids Day" event for local youth

500 UNDERSERVED CHILDREN EXPERIENCE UNFORGETTABLE DAY OF FUN

FRISCO, TEXAS (JUNE 9, 2014) – Carnival Cruise Lines, Texas’ number one cruise operator, and the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, hosted a special day of fun, food and baseball on Sunday, June 8, at Dr Pepper Ballpark for 500 children and their families from across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. 

The inaugural “Carnival Kids Day” was part of the cruise line’s multi-year partnership with the ‘Riders.

“Carnival Kids Day” participants came from a variety of Dallas/Fort Worth- area organizations, including YMCA Frisco, Plano and Irving, Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Frisco Family Services, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club of Denton County, Collin County Frisco Branch, Collin County Plano Branch, Greater Fort Worth, Greater Dallas and Rockwall County.

Buy one, get one 50-percent off” offer on select Royal Caribbean sailings extended for a limited time

SET SAIL FOR SAVINGS WITH SUMMER SPECIALS FROM ROYAL CARIBBEAN

MIAMI, June 10, 2014 – For more than forty years, Royal Caribbean International has been taking guests to some of the Caribbean’s most exciting destinations aboard the world’s most innovative cruise ships.

Now, vacationers can enjoy even greater value when they book select cruises that set sail as early as August 2014. For more information about these exciting offers, please visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/dealsandmore/limitedTimeOffer.do.

“Don’t miss out on your summer family vacation,” said Carol Schuster, senior vice president of Global Marketing for Royal Caribbean International. “Families can take advantage of these great offers to immediately book a summer vacation and save. For vacationers looking beyond the summer months, Royal Caribbean also has irresistible deals to get onboard and enjoy a vacation that will create memories of a lifetime.”

Celebrity Cruises unveils authentic dining experience with locals and reforestation project in national park

 NEW DESTINATION ADVENTURES IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

MIAMI, FL – June 9, 2014 – Explorers can enjoy new vacation experiences when sailing to the Galapagos Islands with Celebrity Cruises.

The modern luxury brand, celebrating its 10-year anniversary in the unspoiled region, has launched immersive and inspiring land excursions that range from dining on authentic cuisine prepared by local residents to contributing to the protected islands by giving new life to a native tree species.  

Building on 10 years of involvement in the Galapagos Islands, Celebrity continues its commitment to supporting and empowering the communities of the region with a medical clinic, fishing and agriculture cooperatives, and a partnership with the Galapagos Conservancy, which includes a matching program to double the value of guests’ donations. Now for vacationers, Celebrity has introduced more Galapagos experiences that include:

Quantum of the Seas godmother to advise on entertainment offerings

 KRISTIN CHENOWETH PLAYS EXPANDED ROLE WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN AS
QUANTUM EXPERIENCE ADVISOR FOR ENTERTAINMENT

MIAMI, June 6, 2014 – Royal Caribbean International is pulling out all the stops when it comes to the entertainment offerings for its newest ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, with a keen eye on pushing boundaries and introducing brand new innovations that have never before been seen on land or sea. 

With such a strong emphasis on entertainment, the cruise line has partnered with some of the most creative and talented minds in the industry to lend their expertise, including Quantum of the Seas’ godmother, Kristin Chenoweth, who has been named Quantum Experience Advisor for Entertainment.

Chenoweth joins a lineup of Quantum Experience Advisors who are working with Royal Caribbean to ensure the amenities and activities onboard Quantum of the Seas are nothing short of amazing, including HGTV-star and interior designer Genevieve Gorder, athlete and adventurer Dhani Jones, and James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz.

Cunard Line to welcome Kim Novak aboard Queen Mary 2 this July

The legendary actress joins Cunard’s distinguished Insights speaker programme
during the 10^th anniversary of its flagship ocean liner 

Cunard Line is pleased to announce that legendary actress Kim Novak will join flagship Queen Mary 2 on her eastbound 6 July 2014 Transatlantic Crossing as a Cunard Insights speaker on board.

Guests and fans aboard the seven-night voyage will be treated to two film screenings in the Royal Court Theatre, followed by a Q&A session with the renowned star.

“We are delighted to welcome Kim Novak aboard Queen Mary 2 in July,” said David Dingle, CEO for Cunard Line. 

“Ms. Novak’s work in iconic films such as Hitchcock’s ‘Vertigo’ is beloved among Cunard’s guests, and we know they will be thrilled with this unique opportunity to get to know her during the Crossing.”

With a career spanning four decades, Novak is most well-known internationally for her starring dual role in Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller “Vertigo” (1958) as Madaline and Judy Barton.  Other notable films include “Picnic” (1955), “The Man With the Golden Arm” (1955), “The Eddy Duchin Story” (1956), “Pal Joey” (1957), “Bell, Book and Candle” (1958) and “Middle of the Night” (1959). 

Norwegian Cruise Line celebrates Hawaii with inclusive package featuring air, hotel, cruise and more

MIAMI – June 3, 2014 -- Norwegian Cruise Line is launching its Hawai`i Celebration, offering cruisers a once-in-a-lifetime Hawai`i vacation.

For the first time, Norwegian is featuring an extensive package complete with roundtrip air from major cities across the U.S. with transfers, two-night pre-cruise accommodations in a beach-front Waikiki hotel, seven-day cruise aboard the recently refurbished Pride of America, three specialty dinners once onboard and more. This Hawai`i Celebration package starts from just $1,999 per person and is available for the month-long celebration through June 30, 2014.

Guests booking the inclusive Hawai`i cruise vacation package will receive roundtrip air and a  relaxing, two-night stay in a deluxe oceanview room at the luxurious Waikiki Beach Marriot Resort and Spa in Honolulu, complete with a beautiful lei greeting and complimentary transfers from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the cruise pier.

Explore four islands by yacht on Hawai‘i adventure cruise with Un-Cruise Adventures

 

Save $600/couple on Hawai‘i cruises booked by July 31

Seattle, WA, June 2, 2014—From November through April, Hawai‘i-bound travelers can explore four Hawaiian Islands—Hawai‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i—by yacht on a weeklong cruise with small ship cruise line Un-Cruise Adventures.

An adventure savings of $600/couple is offered on bookings made by July 31, 2014 for cruises departing November 2014 – April 2015, excluding holiday departures on December 20 and 27.

Hawai‘i cruises sail one-way between Hawai‘i, the Big Island and Moloka‘i or reverse aboard the 36-guest Safari Explorer.  With an aft swim step and a full complement of water sports equipment, guests aboard the Safari Explorer enjoy the freedom of water exploration. Kayak through a lava tube or nearby volcanic cliffs. Jump in a skiff to look for whales or other marine life.

Watch dolphins off the bow. Snorkel among tropical fish, green sea turtles and dolphins.  Swim, sail or paddle board nearby the yacht.  Expert naturalists provide interpretation on guided excursions ashore and at sea.

Complimentary companion airfare on more than 100 Azamara Club destination-immersive voyages

MIAMI – Travel is always more real when you can share it with someone. And Azamara Club Cruises is inviting up-market travelers to share a destination-immersive adventure with that special someone by offering complimentary companion airfare when they make a booking in June and July 2014.

Whether it’s reveling in the Sambadrome at Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival; delighting in the hospitality of charming European ports and towns where larger ships cannot reach; exploring the bustling metropolises of the Far East; or discovering Australia and New Zealand during Azamara’s inaugural season in the region, up-market travelers have a choice of more than 100 voyages aboard the cruise line’s boutique ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, to take advantage of the special offer.

With Azamara’s distinctive longer stays and more overnights in port, guests can enjoy night touring in some of the most intriguing destinations in Asia, Northern and Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and South America and the West Indies, as well as on trans-oceanic crossings.

Azamara guests can fully immerse themselves in a destination’s nightlife and savor its authentic culture and flavors when other cruise ships have departed. For more information and the complete list of applicable voyages, please visit www.AzamaraClubCruises.com/Free-Airfare.