Wednesday, November 30, 2011

2012 Panama Canal & South America Promotions

Book By December 31 for Fares from $3,490 - 
Including Free Air and $500 per person “As You Wish” spending credits


This winter depart Los Angeles or Miami for a tropical getaway with Crystal Cruises. Book the cruise by December 31, 2011 and they'll enjoy:

There is simply no better time to plan a winter escape and allow your clients to experience the award-winning luxury of the cruise line consistently voted World’s Best.

More Special Offers

Trans-Atlantic
Enjoy a classic ocean crossing with cruise-only fares from just $136 per person, per day!

2011 Holiday Cruises
Celebrate the Holidays with Crystal and enjoy value-rich savings!

2011 Fall Fare Sale
Limited space is still available for 2011 voyages. Book now to enjoy up to $6,000 per couple savings!

2013 Cruises
Book a 2013 cruise by February 28, 2012 and enjoy up to $1,000 additional savings!

More Info

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Splendour of the Seas Wow Revitalization

During a five-week revitalization program in Spain, the guest staterooms on Splendour of the Seas will get an extensive makeover including 124 new balconies and state-of-the-art technology including iPads and flat screen televisions. So cool - an iPad in every stateroom hooked up to wifi!





In 2011, experience the Royal AdvantageSM when Royal Caribbean expands our most popular innovations to select ships, giving more to see, more to do, and more to love, to more guests than ever before. In fall 2011, Splendour of the Seas will boast the addition of two specialty restaurants, a nursery, two high-end lounges, and other venues. Balcony staterooms will be created, and public areas of the ship will be enhanced.

After enhancement, Splendour of the Seas will explore South America on a selection of itineraries featuring the continent’s most diverse and vibrant ports.

Balcony staterooms added, public areas refreshed

More than 100 balconies will be added to Splendour of the Seas, along with more inside and oceanview staterooms. Existing staterooms will boast flat-screen televisions, plus enhancements to bathrooms and other upgrades. Public areas including the atrium, pool deck and Shops Onboard will also be revitalized.
Outdoor, poolside movie screen

More info on revitalization

Monday, November 21, 2011

Cruise Line Deals and Popular Cruise Destinations


DEALS
Royal Caribbean - Call-in Special! Get $100 to $400 Cruise Credit with ChoiceAir

Norwegian Cruise Line - Receive $50 Onboard Credit

Carnival - Early Saver Rates: Save up to 20% + Get the Absolute Lowest Rate with Carnival’s Price Protection Guarantee!

Celebrity - Receive up to $100 Onboard Spending Credit

Holland America - Receive $50 to $125 Onboard Credit

And More!


POPULAR DESTINATIONS



Alaska from $73 / night

Bahamas from $32 / night

Bermuda from $60 / night

Caribbean from $34 / night

Europe from $35 / night

Hawaii from $64 / night

Mexico from $46 / night

Canada / New England from $56 / night

DEALS AND POPULAR CRUISE DESTINATIONS

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Onboard Gourmet Dining

Cruising has always been a great vacation value with room, food and activities included upfront. 

Major cruise lines have added upscale or unique dining experiences for an extra cost. Cruise prices have stayed relatively the same, and these additional onboard revenues are definitely adding to the bottom line profits of the major cruise lines - Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.

Of course cruisers do not have to spend additional money to have a great cruising experience, but you do need to know many of the onboard restaurants do come with an addtional charge.


Carnival's Steakhouses - Each ship has a different name for the Steakhouses which all offer superb steaks, veal chops, lobster, fish of the day, lamb chops and other enticing entrees. The cost is $30 per person - and you should note some of the entrees are not included in the cost.

Royal Caribbean - Allure of the Seas features a whopping 26 dining options, and 12 incur an additional charge. 150 Central Park (shown above) restaurant on Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas has a $40 per person cover.

Norwegian Dawn - Brazilian steakhouse for an additional $20 charge.

Disney Dream - Remy gourmet restaurant with a $75 per person charge - and that does not include alcohol.

Celebrity Cruise - Qsine onboard Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Infinity with a $35 - $40 cover charge.

Crystal Cruises - Both Crystal Serenity and Symphony have Silk Road and the Sushi Bar with a $7 per person service charge for both.

Holland America - The Pinnacle Grill on the entire fleet with a $10 cover charge for lunch, and $25 for dinner. Kids priced at $12.50.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Carnival Magic Deputs with Maroon 5 Concert

November 14, Carnival Magic – the newest Carnival cruise ship to sail from Texas – will depart on its inaugural U.S. voyage.

Magic will sail year-round Caribbean cruise program that features two different week-long itineraries, 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.


The ship's U.S. debut features a concert by three-time GRAMMY Award-winning band Maroon 5, will perform an hour-long concert from Pier 21.

www.carnival.com/Magic

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Holland America Grand World Voyage Cruise 2013

Holland America announces a globe-circling cruise on Amsterdam, its 1,380 passenger cruise ship. 

The 115-day itinerary, sailing from Fort Lauderdale includes over 40 ports in South America, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. The Grand World Voyage Cruise, will depart on January 5, 2013 and return on May 1, 2013.

Fares for this luxury vacation start at $20,000 for the inside cabin and go up to $74,000 for a deluxe suite.

All prices are per person and double occupancy. If you are interested in only a particular segment of the cruise, Holland America is offering a 31-day voyage ending in Auckland, New Zealand with a starting price of $5,400; and a 40-day voyage ending in Sydney Australia with a starting price of $7,350.

Visit the site for more info

Friday, November 11, 2011

Hurtigruten Early Booking Savings 2012-2013 Antarctica

Guests Booking by Dec. 31, 2011, Receive up to 20% off- Loyalty Club Members - Enjoy Additional 5% Off & Exclusive Perks
   

Guests can enjoy early booking savings of up to 20% on five exciting Antarctic exploration voyages offered by award-winning cruise company, Hurtigruten, if booked by Dec. 31, 2011.

These once-in-a-lifetime voyages, aboard the purpose-built expedition ship MS Fram, explore the vast and mysterious wilderness of the White Continent, the coldest, driest and windiest destination on earth.

The size of the ship allows guest a more intimate experience - leaning on its rails as gleaming icebergs pass by, taking in blue whales and orcas feeding nearby, and standing near penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands.

Reduced pricing for the 10- to 19-day, Nov. 2012 through Feb. 2013 sailings range from $5,567 to $13,719 per person, double, and includes accommodation in cabin or suite of choice; flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires; Ushuaia transfers; all meals onboard; expert guides and lecturers; wind and water-resistant coat; and numerous PolarCirkel boat landings.

The 17-day "Christmas Expedition" celebrates the season with traditional carols, festive meals, Santa Claus visits and a New Year's gala as guests travel round-trip from Buenos Aires on a route that navigates the western-most outposts of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and several ports in Antarctica. Prices for the Dec. 17 departure range from $8,257 to $13,719 with savings.

The 13-day "Polar Circle Expedition" and the shorter 10-day "Classic Expedition" focus solely on Antarctica, sailing through the Drake Passage to landings that immerse guests in the remote landscape and exotic wildlife of The White Continent. The "Polar Circle Expedition" spends its extra days traveling as far south as the Antarctic Circle, departing Feb. 1, 2013 with discounted prices of $7,366 to $12,743. Reduced rates for the "Classic Expedition" range from $5,567 to $9,814 for five departures between Nov. 29 and Jan. 11.

The 13-day "Weddell Sea Expedition" follows the path forged by British Captain James Weddell, who reached 74º latitude in 1823 - a first for explorations, and resulted in scientific discoveries that covered extensive ground in biology, zoology, geology, meteorology and magnetism. Priced with savings, the Jan. 20 sailing is $7,366 to $12,743.

Guests on the 19-day "In the Realm of the Great Explorers" explore the same areas visited by Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, a prominent figure during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. In addition to Antarctica, the voyage takes in the sub-Arctic ecosystem of the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia, home to the largest king penguin colony in the world. The Feb. 22 departure date offers reduced prices from $5,940 to $11,618.
   
Hurtigruten's MS Fram accommodates 318 guests (allowing no more than 200 for the Antarctica sailings) in suites and staterooms and features a restaurant, two bars, panoramic lounges library, an Internet café and conference rooms. The early-booking savings can be combined with discounts available in the 1893 Ambassador Program, Hurtigruten's customer loyalty program, which includes 5% off Explorer Voyages to Antarctica in addition to exclusive discounts and recognition benefits for members.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic's Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring and fall. The company's fleet of 13 intimate ships, carrying 100 to 646 passengers, allows passengers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.

For more information, VISIT: www.hurtigruten.us

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Experience the Seabourn Difference

Sail with Seabourn and experience the world-class service that guests have come to expect from the world's best small-ship cruise line.
 

  • Spacious, all-suite accommodations with sweeping ocean views – many with verandas
  • Open bars throughout the ship and fine wines poured at lunch and dinner
  • All dining venues are complimentary – dine where, when, and with whom you wish
  • Complimentary welcome Champagne and in-suite bar stocked with your preferences
  • Tipping is neither required nor expected – service simply to delight you


SAVE 50% OR MORE

Request a Brochure - www.seabourn.com

Ultimate Guide to Alcohol on Cruise Ships

Check out Cruise Critic's guide to (responsible) drinking at sea. The article discusses info on cruise line alcohol policies, ways to score free drinks and information about special cruises for wine enthusiasts.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Cruise Ships Woo Foodies with Celebrity Chefs

Carnival's announcement last month that Food Network star Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive-ins and Dives) is getting a namesake burger joint on Carnival ships is just the latest step by the cruise lines to appeal to gourmets, gourmands and just plain fans of celebrity chefs.

Ships are wooing both serious foodies and those simply addicted to TV cooking shows on such networks as Food Network and Bravo with the cuisine of famous chefs shipboard. In some cases, passengers can even meet their favorite culinary star at sea.

Celebrity chefs at sea in 2012:

• Talented young chefs trained by New York celebrity chef Charlie Palmer (Aureole), serve up tasting menus at Restaurant 2 on the Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest, using fresh ingredients gathered at ports. Palmer himself serves as the line's culinary advisor, with his dishes featured in the main restaurant on all Seabourn ships. No charge.

Todd English (Olives in New York, Boston, Las Vegas) is behind the modern Mediterranean cuisine at his namesake restaurants on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. Signature dishes include billowy pasta "Love Letters." Cover charge: $20 at lunch, $30 at dinner.

Read full article at ABC News

Monday, November 7, 2011

NYC Thanksgiving Weekend Cruises Inc. | Travel Agent Central


Sail around New York City this Thanksgiving weekend on the glass roofed cruise ship, the Bateaux, with Entertainment Cruises Inc.

Onboard enjoy a bountiful buffet of traditional favorites, lively entertainment and awesome views. 
Thanksgiving weekend lunch and dinner cruises are available November 24-27. 
Lunches start at $55 and dinners for $129; taxes, administration fees and fuel surcharges are not included.


Source: Sail NYC Thanksgiving Weekend With Entertainment Cruises Inc.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Princess Cruises Adds Adults-Only Sanctuary to 14 Ships

Princess Cruises marked the completion of a three-year project to add the line’s adults-only The Sanctuary on 14 ships (small ships Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess do not offer this feature).

The Sanctuary, which debuted in 2006 aboard Crown Princess, offers plush seating, massage cabanas, signature beverages, light meals, service by “serenity stewards” and soothing personal entertainment.

To make room for the newest Sanctuary, the sports court on Sapphire Princess was relocated to a new space on top of Skywalkers nightclub.

The installation of The Sanctuary on Sapphire Princess marked the beginning of a transformation for the ship, which will go into dry dock from Jan. 7 to Feb. 4.

The ship will receive the Piazza atrium with its International Café and Vines wine bar; the line’s second Alfredo’s pizzeria, which was introduced earlier this year aboard Grand Princess; and the Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen.

For more information, call 800-PRINCESS or visit www.princess.com

Friday, November 4, 2011

Oceania Cruises' Riviera to be Christened in Monte Carlo

Oceania Cruises’ new 1,250-guest Riviera is scheduled to be christened in Monte Carlo on April 19, 2012. The invitation-only gala ceremony will take place pier-side at Monaco’s Port Hercules overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Following the christening cruise, Riviera will embark on her 12-day Ancient Grandeur itinerary as her maiden voyage.

Departing Piraeus April 24, Riviera will visit Alexandria and Port Said, Egypt; Haifa and Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel; Rhodes and Patmos, Greece; and Alanya, Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Istanbul, where the ship will overnight before guests disembark.

Riviera will spend the summer and fall cruising the Mediterranean and then cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean where she will operate a series of winter cruises.

The Riviera will feature 625 accommodations ranging from 174 to over 2,000 square feet. Her top suites feature furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home and designs by Dakota Jackson of New York and S.B. Long Interiors of Greenwich, Conn.

The ship will also feature a Lalique-designed grand lobby, 10 dining venues and numerous bars and lounges. Facilities will include a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub, innovative Bon Appétit Culinary Center, swimming pool and hot tubs.

Visit www.OceaniaCruises.com

Source: Travel Agent Central