At sea during the holidays is a great time to cruise

   Out to Sea for Dec. 23/17

 

   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox

   Dreaming of a white (sand beach) Christmas?

   Cruise ships go all out to celebrate the holidays whether at this time of year or other party occasions including Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s, Thanksgiving and Halloween.

   It’s a special time onboard and visiting foreign ports during Christmas and New Year.

A white (sand) Christmas at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas on a Holland America Line cruise. (Jim Fox photo)

   This is a time for family gatherings, away from the hustle and bustle of celebrations at home.

   Enabling guests to enjoy these special days “has made the holidays one of the most popular and festive times to take a seagoing vacation,” Princess Cruises says.

   Many people book a year in advance to secure the cruise and cabin/suite they want but if you hurry, there might still be something available last minute over New Year’s.

   It’s a white Christmas on board as Princess makes “snow” in the atrium while cabins have virtual Yule logs.

  Santa, with a beachy Hawaiian flair, gives the shaka sign (“hang loose”) at Honolulu City Hall.  (Barbara Fox photo)

"Life's a beach again in most Caribbean cruise ports/destinations

   Out to Sea for Oct. 28/17

   (CARIBBEAN)

   (c) Postmedia Network/Sun Media newspapers/websites

   They’re working on “island time” across the Caribbean to get hurricane-damaged ports of call open again for business.

   While the expression is “one of those delightful double entendres,” in this case it means time well spent in a place that refreshes the spirit and cleanses the soul.

   That’s the situation after the devastating blows by two hurricanes but the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) reports the “vast majority of Caribbean ports are open and welcoming tens of thousands of daily cruise passengers.”

Life’s still a beach at most places across the Caribbean including Magens Bay. (Jim Fox photo)

   More than 80 ports are open while four – St. Croix, San Juan, St. Martin and St. Thomas – were “most seriously affected” and are the most significant to popular cruise itineraries.

   It’s in everyone’s best interests to get things back to somewhat normal across the region as the Caribbean is the world’s leading cruise destination.

   Recovery is happening very quickly due to widespread efforts and the people there, said Arnold Donald, chair of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and ceo of Carnival Corp.

Azamara Club Cruises announces expansion with Azamara Pursuit

(News Release)

MIAMI, September 26, 2017 – Azamara Club Cruises®, the upmarket cruise line subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase a sister ship to Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, with delivery taking place in March 2018.

We are pleased to expand our portfolio by 50%, allowing us to visit even more regions of the world through the acquisition of this sister ship,” said Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises®.
 

Azamara fleet

“Our loyal guests and travel partners have asked for this expansion for a long time; we are very pleased to deliver this to them.”

Cunard will add fourth ship to its fleet

(News Release)

 Investment underpins the company’s continued growth ambitions for world’s most iconic fleet

New generation of ship announced on 50th anniversary of launch of legendary QE2

 VALENCIA, Calif., September 25, 2017 - Luxury cruise brand Cunard today announced it is adding a fourth ship to its fleet. This investment is part of the company’s ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally.

Carnival Corporation & plc – the world’s largest cruise company and parent of the Cunard brand – has signed a memorandum of agreement with Fincantieri S.p.A., Italy, to build a new ship that will join the Cunard fleet in 2022.

Canadian Maritimes named safest port in the world for cruisers

   (c) Postmedia Network/Sun Media Newspapers/Websites

   Out to Sea column for September 9/17

   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox

   In a world where tensions are rising, cruise travellers are looking for a safe haven.

   Canadians don’t have to search too far as a survey finds Canada’s Maritimes is the safest cruise destination in the world.

   “This peaceful corner of Canada offers bucolic pastures, exceptional seafood and scenery galore,” writes Chris Gray Faust, senior editor of the Cruise Critic website.

A young fiddler entertains the cruise ship crowds at Peggy’s Cove, N.S. (Jim Fox photo)

   She acknowledges that cruises do go to places “that some consider risky,” such as European capitals, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

   Even Alaska has the risk of bears but her list of the safest cruise destinations is “where you can leave most of your worries behind.”

   Cruise vacations are among the safest but even so, today’s “safe haven may be tomorrow’s ugly headline,” she commented.

   The Maritime provinces are downright friendly with many ports such as Charlottetown, Saint John and Halifax being small, and some, such as Sydney, Nova Scotia, having local greeters meet the ship.

   The biggest risk in this part of the world is “falling in love and not wanting to leave,” she suggests.

   The list of seven safe cruise ports continues with the Baltic in second place.

Sailing, sailing with small-ship pleasures, distinctive service and ports

   Out to Sea for July 8/17

   (c) Postmedia Network/Sun Media Newspapers/Websites

 

   One size doesn’t fit all in these days of huge mega-floating resorts.

   More cruise passengers are opting for “small-ship” cruising with dozens, not thousands, of their “closest friends.”

   They’re looking at voyages with a few fellow passengers up to several hundred, not multiple thousands that disgorge boatloads of visitors all at once at private islands and ports of call.

   These ships include the Tugboat MV Swell for 12 guests and the Schooner Maple Leaf for eight, both from eco-tourism Maple Leaf Adventures of Victoria, B.C., to expedition ships, riverboats and yachts.

Smaller-than-mega ships are able to tie up in Hamilton, Bermuda’s downtown instead of going to the Royal Naval Dockyard at the outskirts. (Jim Fox photo)

   Forget, also, the crowds onboard lined up at the Lido Buffet, dining rooms, shows and packed shore excursions.

   Largest at sea is Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas that can carry a maximum of 6,687 guests and 2,193 crew members.

   “Interest in travelling onboard ships with a smaller passenger capacity is on the rise among travellers,” says Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Ferrari track, Dr. Seuss Waterworks, Star Wars all onboard

   Out to Sea for April 29/17

   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox

    Postmedia News/Sun Media

   Get your motor runnin’ and head out on a cruise ship.

   In the category of “what will they think of next,” Norwegian Cruise Line will have a Ferrari racetrack on the top deck of its newest ship.

   Go for the checkered flag on Norwegian Joy on a “thrilling” two-level racetrack in the middle of the ocean – the first ever at sea.

   In partnership with Scuderia Ferrari Watches, the zoom, zoom fun on electric go-carts will be on the soon to-be-unveiled 3,850-passenger vessel targeted at the Asian market.

Norwegian Joy will have a “thrilling” two-level racetrack on its top deck.

   Up to 10 drivers will be able to race each other on the course and have photos taken at the finish line.

   That’s not all.

Princess Cruises elevates Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria

 Newly Designed Menu, Decor and Handmade Pasta Dishes from Chef Angelo Auriana

              

Fleetwide Enhancement First to Debut Aboard Caribbean Princess

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 7, 2017) – Celebrating the cruise line’s Italian heritage, specialty restaurant Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria has been delighting millions of Princess Cruises guests with traditional and innovative cuisine since it first debuted aboard Grand Princess in 1998. Nearly 20 years later, Princess Cruises today unveiled a fleetwide enhancement to its signature restaurant in collaboration with acclaimed Italian Chef Angelo Auriana.

Introducing a fresh new design and menu featuring antipasti and handmade pasta dishes from Chef Auriana, as well as family recipes curated from Italian Princess executive chefs across the fleet, the transformed Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria debuts aboard Caribbean Princess following a multi-million-dollar drydock. Recognized as one of the “Best Specialty Restaurants at Sea,” the Sabatini locations on Caribbean Princess and Grand Princess will offer the new inspired menu this April, with the newly refreshed menu coming across the fleet in the coming months.

Chef Auriana, Executive Chef and partner at the authentic Italian restaurants, The Factory Kitchen and Officine BRERA, in Los Angeles, is inspired by fresh Northern Italian flavors and childhood roots from his hometown of Bergamo.

Spring refurbishment will refresh and refine Cunard’s Queen Victoria

VALENCIA, Calif., March 15, 2017 -- Cunard continues its unwavering commitment to offering guests unparalleled travel experiences with the announcement of Queen Victoria’s refit this May.

 The highly revered ship will be taken out of service on May 5, 2017 to undergo thoughtfully designed enhancements costing more than $40 million at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Palermo, Italy and scheduled for completion on June 4, 2017.

 

Britannia Club Stateroom Rendering

The elegance, history and nostalgia of Queen Victoria’s art deco past will remain, while refurbishments will usher this regal ship into a new, updated chapter.

Areas of focus will include the introduction of Britannia Club balcony staterooms and dining for the first time, with a dedicated new restaurant, as well as the refreshing of all Britannia staterooms.

In addition, the ship’s majestic Grand Suites and Deck 8 aft Penthouse Suites will be completely redesigned, and a new Chart Room bar will be introduced.

Caribbean Princess to undergo multi-million-dollar renovation

Cruise Ship to Debut Family-Friendly Features with Additional Food and Beverage

News to be Announced

NTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 16, 2017) – Caribbean Princess will undergo an extensive two-week drydock in Freeport, Bahamas, March 26-April 6.

She will emerge from a multi-million-dollar renovation with new offerings appealing to families, including Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Center, upgraded Movies Under the Stars, Princess Luxury Bed and interconnecting staterooms, just in time for the upcoming Europe summer and fall Caribbean seasons.

The cruise ship will also be wired for the Ocean Medallion launch that will be available for the 2018 summer Caribbean season.

“With new amenities catering to families, Caribbean Princess not only provides comfort and technology to stay connected but enriching experiences that can be shared together as a family or in our new Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Center – all renovated with the goal of helping our guests create lifelong memories,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises.

Sí cruceros Cuba son caliente, caliente, caliente

   Out to Sea for March 11/17

  

   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox

   Cruising to Cuba is more than just a trip to the beach.

   That’s because U.S. homeported cruise lines – in order to receive permission to sail to the once off-limits Caribbean nation – must prove these are “cultural and humanitarian exchanges.”

   Now that the strict embargo by the U.S. for cruisers has been lifted, Cuba has become a hot, hot, hot destination.

Cruisers can now visit the vibrant port city of Havana, Cuba.

   Canadians have freely visited the Communist island nation that’s been stuck in a time warp since the 1959 Cuban Revolution, but not usually by cruise ship.

   Now, lines are scrambling to add Cuba to their ports of call.

   “Cuba is an island jewel unique from anywhere else in the Caribbean and we are thrilled to have this rare opportunity to take our guests to this fascinating destination,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

   Bob Binder, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises, said there has been “tremendous demand from consumers for voyages to Cuba and our inaugural voyages to the island have been a sell-out success.”

   Other cruise lines that have recently announced new or expanded sailings include Azamara and Norwegian.

Vibrant sunsets are seen in the Caribbean en route to Cuba. (Jim Fox photo)

Princess Cruises announces fourth ship to debut Medallion Class Ocean Vacations

Island Princess to Set Sail in May 2018 on the Next Wave of Vacation Travel in Alaska

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 17, 2017) – Princess Cruises, the #1 cruise line in Alaska, announced today that Island Princess will be the fourth cruise ship to feature the Ocean Medallion™, debuting May 16, 2018 for the Alaska season.

The wearable device powered by a first-of-its-kind interactive technology platform within the One Cruise Experience Access Network™ (O·C·E·A·N™), enables a new level of personalization and delivers an enhanced guest experience not previously available in the global vacation industry.

Unveiled by Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald during his opening keynote last month at CES 2017, Princess Cruises is the first Carnival Corporation brand to debut this groundbreaking innovation. The Ocean Medallion is the only accessory needed to elevate the guest experience on cruises by offering unparalleled customer service. 

Oceania Cruises to make Fall 2017 voyages to Cuba

(News Release)

MIAMI, FL, February 15, 2017 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, announced an additional series of journeys to Cuba in the autumn of 2017.

Ranging in length from six to thirteen days with departures from Miami in November and December, these voyages include the line’s first calls to Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, in addition to Havana. These new itineraries will open for reservations today, February 15, 2017.

“There is tremendous demand from consumers for voyages to Cuba and our inaugural voyages to the island have been a sell-out success,” stated Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises. “An Oceania Cruises voyage is the best way to experience all Cuba has to offer with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, warm and welcoming people, and a burgeoning culinary scene.”

Cunard presents 2017 Westminster Kennel Club “Best in Show” winner with Transatlantic crossing on Queen Mary 2

(News Release)

First-time Sponsor Cunard Offered White-Gloved
“Doggie” Tea Service to Four-legged Attendees

VALENCIA, Calif., February 15, 2017 -- Cunard, the only line to carry pets across the Atlantic, presented Rumor, the Westminster Kennel Club’s Best in Show winner, with an invitation to sail on a Transatlantic Crossing on Queen Mary 2 in New York’s Times Square.

 

Cunard presents Rumor, a German shepherd, winner of Westminster Kennel Club’s “Best in Show,” and her family, Kent Boyles, Daniel Oster, Maria Oster and Liz Oster, left to right, with a sailing on Queen Mary 2 during a photo op in New York’s Times Square, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017. Cunard, a first-time sponsor of the Westminster show, is the only passenger liner to carry pets across the Atlantic on its signature Transatlantic Crossing. (Photo by Diane Bondareff/Invision for Cunard/AP Images)

Rumor will have an opportunity to take his place in history among celebrity dogs who have sailed with Cunard including Elizabeth Taylor’s pampered pooches and Hollywood film star Rin-Tin-Tin.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announces order for next generation of ships

Company contracts with Fincantieri S.p.A. to build four new ships

with option for additional two

MIAMI, Florida – February 16, 2017 – Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: NCLH; together with NCL Corporation Ltd., “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings”, “Norwegian” or the “Company”) today announced it has reached an agreement with Fincantieri S.p.A. to construct the next generation of extraordinary ships for its Norwegian Cruise Line brand.  Four ships are on order for delivery in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, with an option for two additional ships to be delivered in 2026 and 2027. 

The four 140,000 gross ton ships will each accommodate approximately 3,300 guests.  The new class of ships will build upon the highly successful offering of freedom and flexibility found on the brand’s most recent Breakaway-Plus Class ships and feature a host of innovative designs that will further elevate its already award-winning guest experience.

A priority of the prototype design is energy efficiency, with the aim of optimizing fuel consumption and reducing the impact on the environment.  Details on the ships’ many innovative guest facing and first at sea features will be announced at a later date.

UnCruise Adventures fills more glasses with updated Wine Cruise in 2017

Small ship river cruise line adds additional wine themed sailings

Seattle, WA, February 16, 2017—New year, more wine. UnCruise Adventures  introduces an updated wine itinerary aboard the 88-guest S.S. Legacy with additional departures for 2017. Week-long river cruises depart round-trip from Portland, Oregon, along the Columbia, Snake and Willamette rivers and explore one of the country’s most renowned wine regions.

The updated "Rivers of Wine" itinerary adds a day of wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, an area with more than 500 wineries and known for world-class Pinot Noir. A visit to the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center has also been added.

With seven departures scheduled between April and October, oenophiles visit wineries and vineyards in five leading Washington and Oregon wine regions—Walla Walla, the Columbia Gorge, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley and the Willamette Valley. A sommelier and local wine expert sail aboard the ship for a week of special wine tastings, pairings, and presentations.

Canada 150 cruise honours First Nations history

(News Release)

Royal Canadian Geographical Society, First Nations Elder and Maple Leaf Adventures join forces to host cruise

A spring expedition cruise on classic wooden ships celebrates Canada’s 150^th birthday with a twist: First Nations history of British Columbia’s Salish Sea takes equal billing with Canada’s Pacific history and the region’s natural wonders.

It’s representative of the country’s current reconciliation and re-imagining of its relationship with First Nations.

The April 15-19, 2017 sailing is operated by Maple Leaf Adventures and Canadian Geographic. Shore trips in region’s beautiful geography are a major feature: from white-shell beaches that are actually historic middens, to spectacular views of the location of a US-boundary “war” that’s a hotspot for whales. The trip also highlights spring wildflowers, seabirds and marine mammals.

 

Cruising Gulf Islands (Greg Shea photo

Holland America Line named ‘Best Overall Cruise Value’ by World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society for record-breaking 24th year

Premium line also lauded as tops in High-Deluxe, 5-Star-Plus, Large Ships category

Seattle, Wash., Jan. 11, 2017 – World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society members named Holland America Line the Best Overall Cruise Value 2016 for the 24th consecutive year in the organization's annual Best Cruise Value Awards. Holland America Line once again also received top marks in the High-Deluxe, 5-Star-Plus, Large Ships category in recognition of its premium cruise experience.

WOCLS members are experienced cruisers who take an average of two cruises a year. The society reviews all cruise lines annually, and in its monthly Ocean & Cruise News publication noted, "When we consider the consistency of the product over the years, something that is hard to achieve, the cruise line in 2016 that we continue to feel offers the very best cruise value, and is awarded our Best Overall Cruise Value award for 2016, is Holland America Line."

"This was an incredible year for Holland America Line with the introduction of ms Koningsdam, and we continue to raise the bar across the fleet with new innovations while ensuring that guests experience why cruising is the best vacation value," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line.

"We are humbled that World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society once again honored us with these awards, and we thank everyone for recognizing that we provide memorable cruise experiences in unique ways."

Havana, Cuba to be featured on select Carnival Paradise cruises from Tampa starting in June 2017

Reservations Now Being Accepted for Carnival’s First-Ever Visits to the Historic Cuban Capital

MIAMI (February 14, 2017) – Following the history-making launch of cruises from the U.S. to Cuba on Carnival Corporation’s Fathom brand last year, the company’s namesake and largest cruise brand -- Carnival Cruise Line -- has now received approval to sail to Cuba.  The Cuban capital of Havana will be added to select Carnival Paradise voyages from Tampa beginning in June 2017. 

The overnight visits to Havana will be featured on 12 four- and five-day cruises aboard Carnival Paradise departing from the Port of Tampa starting June 29, 2017, providing vacationers with a rare and exciting opportunity to explore this fascinating and previously off-limits destination.  

Four-day cruises will depart June 29, July 13, August 24, September 7 and 21, and October 5 and 19, 2017 as well as May 3, 2018 and include a daytime and overnight visit to Havana.

 Five-day voyages will depart August 14 and 28, September 25 and October 9, 2017, and include a daytime and overnight visit to Havana as well as a stop in either Cozumel or Key West.  

Grand Dame of Fashion Iris Apfel to set sail on Cunard’s 2017 Transatlantic Fashion Week

VALENCIA, Calif., February 7, 2017 -- Luxury cruise brand, Cunard, has today announced fashion royalty Iris Apfel will join its line-up of fashion icons set to sail onboard Queen Mary 2 for the cruise line’s second annual Transatlantic Fashion Week (August 31 – September 7, 2017).

At 95, Iris is a jet-setting celebrity known for her individual style and joyful flair. Featured in cutting-edge style campaigns for Macy’s, MAC, Kate Spade, Swarovski and other big-name brands, Iris has become renowned for her signature look of bold round glasses, oversized bangles and necklaces, and rich, flamboyant, colorful garments.

Over the course of Transatlantic Fashion Week, Iris will be presenting one Q&A session and will introduce a showing of ‘Iris,’ a documentary featuring fashion, creativity and her soaring free spirit.

“I’ve lived quite a life of fashion and can’t wait to experience style at sea!” said Apfel. “I look forward to being inspired by the elegance and glamour of the occasion and life onboard, especially the formal nights on my voyage across the Atlantic.”

Norwegian Cruise Line extends sailings to Cuba through December 2017

Additional roundtrip cruises from Miami to Cuba on Norwegian Sky begin June 2017 

All 30 voyages will feature an overnight call in the capital city of Havana

MIAMI – February 7, 2017 – Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it will extend its offering of weekly roundtrip cruises from Miami to Cuba aboard Norwegian Sky, the largest vessel sailing to Cuba, through December 2017.

Together with the five previously announced cruises in May 2017, these 25 additional cruises, which start in June 2017, all feature an overnight stay in Cuba’s historical and culturally-rich capital of Havana.

 

            “We are thrilled to be the first cruise line able to offer weekly sailings from Miami to Cuba through the fall of 2017, all with overnights in the beautiful city of Havana,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer for Norwegian Cruise Line.

Princess Cruises 2017 Europe offers best of Mediterranean, Northern Europe and British Isles

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – The 2017 Europe cruise season offered by Princess Cruises showcases top-rated itineraries to iconic destinations and includes the cruise line’s new “Global Partners + Local Experts” program, featuring enriching vacation experiences enhanced by combining deep destination knowledge with local experts.

 

The 2017 cruise vacations to Europe include the inaugural sailings of the line’s newest ship Majestic Princess. The season features six ships sailing to 119 destinations from the corners of the Mediterranean to the northernmost tip of Europe.

Guests can choose from 64 unique itineraries on 153 cruise departures, visiting 27 countries. Debuting in April 2017, Majestic Princess first sets sail on maiden European sailings with five- to 28-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona, Athens and Rome.

Disney Cruise Line expands Marvel Day at Sea to select Disney Magic sailings from Miami in 2018

New experiences unveiled in lineup of immersive entertainment

CELEBRATION, Fla. (Jan. 23, 2017) – In 2018, Disney Cruise Line guests will celebrate Marvel Day at Sea on the Disney Magic during eight special voyages from Miami departing January through April.

 The new Marvel Day at Sea voyages from Miami follow the premiere of the epic event on seven special sailings from New York City in the fall of 2017. New character interactions and an immersive show with Doctor Strange take center stage in the lineup of entertainment throughout the day-long celebration on all Marvel Day at Sea cruises.

Celebrity Cruises taps designer Nate Berkus to Introduce Celebrity Edge to the world

MIAMI – January 24, 2017 – To kick off the New Year in style, Celebrity Cruises is announcing an exclusive partnership with design icon Nate Berkus, naming him Design Ambassador for the brand’s newest class of ships – Edge Class.

 

As Design Ambassador, Berkus will bring his distinctive personality to the launch of Celebrity Edge, hosting a series of Edge Class reveal events alongside Celebrity’s President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo and Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Richard D. Fain. 

 

Designed, and soon to be revealed to the world in 3D, Edge Class will transform the future of cruising. Together, Berkus and Celebrity will share this groundbreaking story in March 2017. 

 

The modern luxury cruise line joins forces with Nate Berkus to tell the story of Edge Class, the most stunningly designed ships at sea

A pioneer in the industry, Berkus established his award-winning interior design firm at the age of 24, showcasing an approachable and elevated design philosophy that has transformed countless interiors around the world for more than 20 years.