Monday, October 31, 2011

Norwegian Gem Nickelodeon Programming in 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line and Nickelodeon have expanded their partnership by extending the family entertainment and programming from two to three ships with the addition of Norwegian Gem, beginning in Feb. 2012.

Nickelodeon-themed family events, shows and activities were first introduced in April 2010 on Norwegian Jewel and in July 2010 on Norwegian Epic.

Each Norwegian Gem cruise will feature a live Nickelodeon-themed interactive show in the main theater; Nick Live Poolside!, where families can take part in interactive games and activities by the pool.

Other features include:

Breakfast with the Characters, where kids and adults can eat, sing and play with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Patrick, Diego and more

Dora’s Dance Party, where kids can join Dora and the Nickelodeon cast to dance and sing along; and a meet and greets with popular Nickelodeon characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and many more.

In addition, there are also other family activities offered, including Nick Jr. Story Time, family trivia and special arts and crafts sessions.

Norwegian Gem will begin offering Nickelodeon programming year-round beginning on the Feb. 19, 2012 cruise, sailing from New York City to the Bahamas and Florida.

The ship is sailing a series of seven-day Bahamas and Florida voyages from New York City through Sept. 1, 2012. Ports of call include Orlando and the Beaches (Port Canaveral), Florida; Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s private island) and Nassau, Bahamas, as well as three relaxing days at sea.

Visit www.ncl.com

Source: TravelAgentCentral

Monday, October 24, 2011

Carnival Liberty Video - Fun Ship 2.0 Taking Shape

 Really amazing! A recap of how the Carnival Liberty was transformed in to Fun Ship 2.0 in only 14 days.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Carnival Cruise Lines Offers Up to $300 Cash Back

In recognition of National Cruise Vacation Week, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering cash back of up to $300 per stateroom for bookings made through Oct. 23, 2011.

The promotion is valid for a range of three- to 12-day departures through December 2012.

Guests sailing on three- and four-day cruises will receive up to $50 cash back per stateroom; for five-day departures, up to $100 per stateroom; and for six- to nine-day voyages, up to $150 per stateroom. Guests will also receive up to $300 per stateroom for 12-day Europe cruises.

The promotion applies to Fun Select rates and is capacity controlled. The cash back is provided in the form of a shipboard credit, which is automatically applied to guests’ onboard accounts when they board their cruise and can be redeemed toward a wide range of shipboard purchases.

Any unused funds at the end of the cruise will be returned to guests on debarkation day in the form of a check.

For more information, visit www.carnival.com

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Holland America Plans Cruise Viewing 2012 Solar Eclipse

Would you take a cruise to view a solar eclipse? Holland America is betting on it.

The Seattle-based line on Monday announced it will offer a special Solar Eclipse voyage out of Sydney, Australia in November 2012 to view an eclipse scheduled to take place on Nov. 14, 2012.

The 14-night sailing will kick off on Nov. 7, 2012 on the 1,916-passenger Oosterdam and include port calls at Brisbane, Hamilton Island and Townsville, Australia; Ile des Pins and Noumea, New Caledonia, and a total of six days in the Tasman and Coral Sea.

Holland America plans cruise to view 2012 solar eclipse - USATODAY.com:

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

National Cruise Vacation Week

Twenty-five cruise lines will be offering bargains on more than 200 ships during National Cruise Vacation Week, Oct. 17 to 23.

National Cruise Vacation Week
will offer potential savings of $100 to $5,000, shipboard credits of $50 to $300, stateroom upgrades, and other incentives like complimentary shore excursions, airport transfers and deposit waivers.

Cruise deals include:

3-5 day Caribbean cruises from $249
6-8 day sailings starting at $429
Up to $2,000 savings per couple on French river cruises
2 for 1 fares with free airfare plus up to $5,000 in bonus savings on some sailings in Europe or the Pacific

Participating cruise lines include:

AmaWaterways, American Cruise Lines, Avalon Waterways, Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Hurtigruten, Louis Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Windstar Cruises.

More Info

Monday, October 17, 2011

Star Clippers Holiday Specials 2011

Imagine walking along the powdery beaches of the Caribbean feeling the ocean water lapping at your feet. Or perhaps you’d rather explore new heights on a rainforest rooftop adventure in exotic Costa Rica.

With Star Clippers’ incredible Advance Purchase Discounts and a wide selection of itineraries, now’s the time to reserve your cabin.

The mega-yachtsailing experience makes a Star Clippers cruise feel more like an intimate vacation with your closest friends to hidden harbors and destinations untouched by the larger ships. No long lines on board, no crowds ashore, just pampering services in a casually elegant atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking to relax and soak up the sun in the Caribbean or to discover Costa Rica’s natural wonderland on an eco-adventure, there’s no better time to plan your escape from the cold and book a Star Clippers sailing. Don’t forget to invite your family and friends.

Star Clippers

Sunday, October 16, 2011

AmaWaterways Special Promotion - No Solo Supplement

AmaWaterways unveiled special promotions to coincide with CLIA’s National Cruise Vacation Week taking place Oct. 17 to 23.

On select itineraries, AmaWaterways is offering airfare to Europe from any U.S. city and major cities in Canada for $199. Or, travelers can get “Triple Savings” of $1,000 off per stateroom, a complimentary one-category upgrade and a $100 shipboard credit per stateroom.

A third option for solo travelers is the waiver of the single supplement on a number of cruises. Select bookings made Oct. 17 to 23 are eligible for an additional $100 per stateroom savings.

Guests can choose either the “Fly to Europe for $199” or “Triple Savings” offers on the following cruises:

“The Legendary Danube” U.S. departure dates of Oct. 26, Nov. 7 and Nov. 21

“Blue Danube Discovery,” Nov. 17

“Europe’s Rivers & Castles,” Oct. 17, Oct. 19 and Nov. 3

“The Enchanting Rhine,” Nov. 7

“Vineyards of the Rhine & Mosel,” Oct. 13

"Black Sea Voyage," Oct. 18

The Romantic Danube,” Nov. 10 and Nov. 20

Rhine Winter Voyage,” Dec. 2 and Dec. 5

Melodies of the Danube,” Nov. 10 and Nov. 20

Christmas Time Cruise,” Dec. 6 and Dec. 9

The Triple Savings is also offered on the Dec. 18, Dec. 20 and Dec. 22 departures of the Christmas Time Cruise.

The “Single Supplement Waiver” is available on the following cruises:

Europe’s Rivers & Castles,” Oct. 17, Oct. 19 and Nov. 3

"The Legendary Danube,” Oct. 26 and Nov. 7

Blue Danube Discovery,” Nov. 15

The Enchanting Rhine,” Nov. 7

Christmas Time Cruise,” Dec. 3, Dec. 4, Dec. 6, Dec. 8, Dec. 9, Dec. 15, Dec. 17 and Dec. 18

The Romantic Danube,” Nov. 10 and Nov. 25

Melodies of the Danube,” Nov. 10 and Nov. 25

Christmas & New Year’s Cruise,” Dec. 22

The offers are valid on new cruise bookings only made through Oct. 31 and are not combinable with any other offers.

Availability is limited on each cruise, and port charges of $133 per person are additional.

For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com

Saturday, October 15, 2011

New Disney Fantasy AquaLab

Disney Fantasy is slated to make its Florida debut in April 2012 after its maiden voyage on March 31.

Fantasy will feature 14 towering decks, a ship length of 1,115 feet and a maximum width of 125 feet, the 128,000-ton vessel includes 1,250 staterooms and has the capacity to comfortably accommodate 4,000 passengers.

The Disney Fantasy's AquaLab is a new 1,800 square foot water play area on deck 12, near the entrance to the AquaDuck water coaster.

As the story goes, AquaLab was created by Donald Duck’s nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie, and features a variety of water “experiments” designed to drench the whole family.

Disney Fantasy guests will be left in charge as the nephews are away, but left with instructions to "control" the speed and water temperature of the AquaDuck by turning wheels and moving levers.

Also on deck 12 forward is a wading pool with a fountain water feature, ample seating and lounge chairs under canopy offer a respite in the shade.

Exclusively for Adults

In addition to Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar on the Disney Fantasy, a new adult-exclusive area offers a retreat on the upper decks for guests 18 and older.

At Satellite Sun Deck on deck 13 forward a brand-new water feature called Satellite Falls is a circular splash pool with benches and a rain curtain.

Head over to Disney Cruises and find out more about this new ship

NCI's New Branding Campaign

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it is unveiling a new brand platform and integrated national advertising campaign, "Cruise Like a Norwegian," that embraces and celebrates the community of diverse vacationers who embody the passion, freedom and flexibility inherent in a Norwegian Cruise Line Freestyle Cruising(R) vacation.

Cruising like a "Norwegian" is for those who live life to the fullest, embrace new adventures and are passionate about their experiences.

The visual embodiment of the campaign is a brand essence video that illustrates the passion and enthusiasm of Norwegian cruisers who can "Dine like a Parisian," "Surf like a Hawaiian," "Party like a Brazilian," and "Love like a Venetian," among other things.

An original score "Let's Go!" was created to accompany the video. Television advertising includes one 30-second and two 15-second spots running during prime time on the ABC and CBS television networks, as well as on seven national cable channels, including Travel Channel, HGTV, MSNBC and Discovery Channel.

The brand platform comes to life onboard Norwegian's ships when guests are officially welcomed into the Norwegian community and can experience the "Cruise Like a Norwegian" themed Sail-Away Party and drink menu; all new White Hot Party with "Norwegian" elements; special "Cruise Like a Norwegian" photo and video opportunities; and a revised farewell show, so guests will continue to feel a part of the Norwegian community until their next cruise.

To experience the campaign and watch the brand essence video, visit www.ncl.com/facebook and click on the See How We Cruise tab.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Silversea Interactive Cooking Cruise

Silversea Cruises will offer 20 voyages in 2012 that feature the exclusive "Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs" interactive cooking school.


Silversea features the only Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs cooking school at sea.

The free program provides guests with a special culinary curriculum, including hands-on instruction and entertaining events hosted by Silversea culinary trainer David Bilsland, a former instructor at the Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in London. He presents a program developed in collaboration with Jacques Thorel, the owner of L'Auberge Bretonne and a consulting Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.

The curriculum for each of these cruises is designed to celebrate the cultural flavor of the ship's itinerary. Highlights include workshops covering topics from basic knife skills and kitchen terminology to sauces and baking; cooking demonstrations with wine pairings and interactive Q&A sessions; cooking competitions between Chef Bilsland and the ship's own culinary team.

A "Lunch and Learn" event offering small groups of guests a chance to sample a delicious meal of specially prepared dishes; and inspired "Take It Home" recipes that will give guests an edge when entertaining at home.

Also offered on select voyages is a "Market to Plate" experience that provides an escorted tour of a local market followed by a cooking class, and a "Culinary Outing," an instructor-escorted excursion to a local restaurant, hotel or other venue.

Following below is a small selection of the L'École des Chefs voyages for 2012:

Africa and Arabia
Voyage 2235: Silver Wind departs Athens Nov. 12 on a 16-day sailing to Dubai with calls in Alexandria, Sharm el Sheikh, Aqaba, Safaga, Muscat and Fujairah. Silver Savings fares start at $8,958.

Voyage 2236: Silver Wind departs Nov. 28 on a 7-day roundtrip sailing from Dubai with calls in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait City, Al Manama, Doha and Khasab. Silver Savings fares start at $5,198.

Asia
Voyage 4208: Silver Whisper departs Bangkok March 26 on an 18-day sailing to Dubai (a segment of World Cruise 2012) with calls in Ko Samui, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Cochin, Mormugao, Mumbai and Fujairah. Silver Savings fares start at $9,598.

Voyage 3211: Silver Shadow departs Tokyo April 25 on an 11-day sailing to Shanghai with calls in Hiroshima, Busan, Jeju, Dalian and Tianjin (Beijing). Silver Savings fares start at $7,238.

Caribbean
Voyage 4229: Silver Whisper departs Nov. 1 on a 7-day roundtrip sailing from Barbados with calls in Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, Isla Margarita and Grenada. Silver Savings fares start at $2,798.

Voyage 4230: Silver Whisper departs Barbados Nov. 8 on a 9-day sailing to Fort Lauderdale with calls in St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Barts and St. Croix. Silver Savings fares start at $3,638.

Northern Europe
Voyage 1218: Silver Cloud departs Copenhagen July 10 on a 16-day sailing to London with calls in Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Stockholm, Riga, Warnemunde (Rostock), Hamburg and Amsterdam. Silver Savings fares start at $8,398.

South AmericaVoyage 5204: Silver Spirit departs Buenos Aires Feb. 12 on a 7-day sailing to Rio de Janeiro with calls in Punta del Este, Rio Grande do Sul, Santos (Sao Paulo), Parati and Buzios. Silver Savings fares start at $4,838.

Voyage 5205: Silver Spirit departs Rio de Janeiro Feb. 19 on a 15-day sailing to Barbados with calls in Salvador de Bahia, Recife, Fortaleza, Belém, Tobago and Grenada. Silver Savings fares start at $7,598.

Transoceanic
Voyage 3227: Silver Shadow departs Vancouver Sept. 6 on a 16-day sailing to Tokyo with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Kodiak, Kamchatka, Hakodate and Sendai. Silver Savings fares start at $7,798.

Visit www.silversea.com

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Seabourn "Moments" Facebook Contest

 The "Seabourn Moments" contest will run from Oct. 10 through Nov. 7, 2011.

Seabourn has launched a "Seabourn Moments" contest on Facebook, calling on the company's Facebook fans to share their most memorable Seabourn Moments. The top story based on the judging criteria will win the entrant a seven-day Seabourn cruise for two in 2012.


Fans can submit their stories from Oct. 10 through Oct. 24, 2011. To enter, or for more details about the "Seabourn Moments" contest, visit Seabourn's Facebook page.

First-time visitors can "Like" Seabourn to see details or enter. Existing Seabourn fans simply click "Enter" and submit a story about their memorable Seabourn Moments.

Only one entry is permitted per person, and every entry submitted will be posted on the page for Seabourn's Facebook fans to read.

Between Oct. 24 and Nov. 7, 2011, all of Seabourn's Facebook fans will be able to read and vote for their favorite entries, and entrants can enlist their friends and families in voting for their entries.

After the voting period closes, the five most popular Seabourn Moments will be submitted to a panel of judges who will determine the winner in Nov. 2011.

To enter the contest, and for the complete official rules and details, visit here. No purchase is necessary, some restrictions apply.

The contest is open only to legal residents of the United States, the District of Columbia, the United Kingdom and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are age 18 or older as of the date of entry. The contest is void where prohibited.

Visit www.seabourn.com

Carnival Cruise Lines and Maroon 5 Team Up for Carnival Magic's U.S. Debut

Carnival announced it has teamed up with three-time GRAMMY Award-winning band Maroon 5 to perform an exclusive concert to welcome the line's newest "Fun Ship" to its year-round homeport of Galveston, Texas.

On Sunday, November, 13, 2011, set to the backdrop of the spectacular new Carnival Magic from Pier 21, thousands of fans of Maroon 5 and Carnival will be treated to a free, ticketed concert by the multi-platinum group the day before the new vessel sets sail on its inaugural U.S. voyage.

Carnival Magic, which entered service in May in Europe, will make its transatlantic voyage to arrive in Galveston on November 13. That afternoon, lucky invited guests will enjoy a fantastic performance from the globally recognized group known for hits like "Moves Like Jagger," "This Love," "She Will Be Loved," "Wake Up Call" and "Makes Me Wonder."

Free tickets for the performance will be distributed through various channels, including Carnival's Facebook page, which will feature a contest that asks fans to record a video of their best dance moves for a chance to win two tickets to the concert, along with round-trip airfare, hotel, ground transportation and spending money.

Carnival's Facebook fans in Texas, along with readers of the popular blog written by Carnival's Senior Cruise Director John Heald, will have additional opportunities to win, and tickets will also be given away through select Texas radio stations.

Adam Levine, Maroon 5 front man and coach on the hit NBC series "The Voice," said, "We've played every kind of venue imaginable across the world, but we've never helped to launch a new cruise ship. We're excited to work with Carnival and to be part of the Carnival Magic celebration for fans in Texas."

On November 14, the ship will launch its Caribbean cruise program which will feature two different week-long itineraries from Galveston, including seven-day western Caribbean voyages to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and week-long eastern Caribbean cruises to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.

As the line's newest ship, Carnival Magic offers a host of innovations, including the RedFrog Pub, a colorful Caribbean-inspired watering hole featuring its own private label draught beer; Cucina del Capitano, a family-style Italian restaurant that brings the heritage of Carnival's captains to the table; and SportSquare, an expansive open-air recreation complex with the first ropes course and outdoor fitness area at sea.

Other features include a WaterWorks aqua park with a 312-foot-long spiral water slide and other attractions; The Lanai, a wraparound promenade with an outdoor barbeque area and whirlpools that extend out over the ship's sides; and Ocean Plaza, a stunning indoor/outdoor cafe and live entertainment venue.


Twitter: www.twitter.com/carnivalcruise

Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/carnival 

The Grand American Queen Steamboat

Presenting the American Queen and Great American Steamboat Company -  
America's only authentic, overnight paddlewheel steamboat — the grand American Queen

The First Lady of the River will begin cruising America's Waterways in April 2012

These 3-10 night voyages are a tremendous value, with fares including select shore excursions, complimentary wine and beer with dinner, sumptuous dining options, one-night luxury hotel stay, transfers and more!

www.greatamericansteamboatcompany.com/
Check out the Beautiful Online Brochure

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Celebrity Cruises Raises Funds & Awareness for Breast Cancer Research

Celebrity Cruises has entered into a partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to help raise awareness and funds. Kicking off the effort was the sale of tickets to a two-night cruise experience aimed at culinary enthusiasts. The sale was curated by leading local experience site, Gilt City, and sold out in a few hours.

All of our Solstice-class godmothers have been breast cancer survivors who have accomplished great things,” said Dan Hanrahan, president and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “Now, we hope to play a small part in not only honoring these remarkable women, but also in changing the landscape of the field of breast cancer research, by raising money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, one of the world’s leading breast cancer non-profits with a mission that offers hope for a future without breast cancer.”

Celebrity offers different ways its guests can help support BCRF. The cruise line will donate $2 from the sale of each copy of its lifestyle book, “Excite The Senses,” in October, and also will donate $3 per sale of a non-alcoholic pink cocktail onboard. Also, the line will auction off hand-blown of pieces from its glass-blowing show on three Solstice-class ships, with proceeds to go to BCRF.

The first activity to go public was a Gilt City sale of tickets to a two-day cruise package on Celebrity Silhouette, during its stateside debut in New Jersey in November. With a $700 donation from each package to go to BCRF, Celebrity Cruises will donate a minimum of $50,000. Tickets were $900 per couple and include all meals, cocktails and wine.

For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.com

Monday, October 10, 2011

NCI Picks New York Port for Latest Ship

Norwegian Cruise Line's next ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, has picked New York as its home port.

The 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest cruise ship ever to home port in the city - and modifications will have to be made to the terminal.

This is a big boost to New York as it will bring approximately 70,000 additional visitors and also create restaurant, retail and hotel jobs. Nearly half of cruisers sailing out of New York spend an average of two nights in the city as part of their vacation.

Norwegian Breakaway initially will sail from New York to Bermuda, with 22 week-long voyages to the destination scheduled between May 2013 and October 2013. The ship's itineraries beyond Oct 2013 have not been released.

Breakaway joins the 2,394-passenger Norwegian Gem, which also sails year-round out of New York.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Royal Caribbean "Wow" Promotion

Get Ready Cruisers - Here's a HEADS UP on RCI's newest promotion starting Oct 4-5, 2011

Royal Caribbean's new 2 day "WOW" promotion next offering savings up to $200 per cabin.

The "WOW" sale, as the line is calling it, kicks off on Tuesday and is good on all Royal Caribbean cruises and cruise tours departing on or after Jan. 1, 2012.

Customers will receive $50 per cabin in on-board credit on 3-5 night itineraries; $100 in credit for 6-9 night itineraries; and $200 per cabin for 10-night or longer itineraries.


AND it get's even better!!!

Royal Caribbean also is reducing the deposit requirement for new bookings during the sale by 50%.

The promotion is not combinable with other offers and is not available for bookings made in Australia and New Zealand, China, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/home.do

Paul Gauguin Cruises Announce Caribbean/Mediterranean Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises Adds New Ship, Plans Caribbean / Mediterranean Itineraries

Paul Gauguin Cruises just announced it has acquired a new 90-passenger ship (provenance currently unknown) that it will be positioning in the Mediterranean for summer cruises and in the Caribbean and Latin America for winter.

"We are monumentally proud to add a second ship to our Pacific Beachcomber portfolio and Paul Gauguin Cruises family," said Diane Moore, Paul Gauguin Cruises' president, in a media statement. "This is an incredibly huge branding achievement for the growth of our cruise line and I look forward to welcoming fans of the Gauguin onboard our latest addition."

Though PG hasn't yet revealed the identity of its new acquisition, they have noted that she'll undergo a renovation in November 2012 and be rechristened m/v Moana before sailing her first new cruises in December 2012.

"Emphasis," says the line's statement, "will be on delivering unique destinations that larger ships cannot offer and exploring hidden ports throughout these regions."

Source: TravelAgentCentral