Holland America Dancing With The Stars at Sea

Whether you like to Tango, Quickstep, Paso Doble, or sit back and enjoy watching the sizzling performances, this program offers guests an entirely unique experience on the seas.

Six theme cruises in 2013 and early 2014 will feature “Dancing with the Stars” events including dance lessons; a chance to meet the dancers, ask questions and take photos; and a dazzling production starring celebrities and the famed dance pros, complete with glamorous costumes and routines from the TV show. 

Currently scheduled to appear on select sailings are two-time champion pro dancers Mark Ballas and Kym Johnson; pros Tristan MacManus and Lacey Schwimmer - More dance pros and celebrities to be announced.

In addition to the theme cruises, every sailing on all 15 ships in the Holland America Line fleet will feature an exclusive “Dancing with the Stars” program including dance lessons and an opportunity for some lucky guests to dance center stage in an exciting dance-off performance. These activities will feature the ships’ professional dancers and will be developed in collaboration with the show’s dancers and choreographers.

Currently scheduled to appear on our 2013 Theme Cruises

February 16, 2013, ms Eurodam, 7-Day Eastern Caribbean 
Professional Dancers: Lacey Schwimmer and Mark Ballas 
Stars: Joey Fatone and Sabrina Bryan.

June 22, 2013, ms Veendam, 7-Day Canada & New England 
Professional Dancers: Chelsie Hightower and Mark Ballas 
Stars to be announced.

June 30, 2013, ms Oosterdam, 7-Day Alaska 
Professional Dancers: Kym Johnson and Tristan MacManus 
Star: Carson Kressley. Additional star to be announced 

July 7, 2013, ms Oosterdam, 7-Day Alaska 
Professional Dancers: Kym Johnson and Tristan MacManus 
Star: Carson Kressley. Additional star to be announced


2014 Theme Cruises: (Pros/celebrities to be announced)
January 5, 2014, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, 7-Day Eastern Caribbean

January 12, 2014, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, 7-Day Western Caribbean

Professionals and celebrities are subject to change.

Holland America Line

Kids Sail Free on Crystal to Northern Europe and Mediterranean

In the summer of 2013 Crystal Cruises is offering a kids-sail-free promotion on cruises in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. 

There are four June and July cruises in 2013 where kids age 17 and under can travel for free when sharing a third berth in a stateroom with two adults. Crystal Family Memories program also offers additional free sailings and perks for groups of six or more.


The kids sail free program is available on three 10-day Baltic sailings on Crystal Serenity departing June 25, July 20 and July 30, from Stockholm, Sweden, to Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Berlin/Warnemünde, Germany; and Copenhagen, Denmark.

The free sail program is also good on the seven-day Mediterranean sailing departing July 6 on Crystal Symphony, which visits Istanbul and Kusadasi, Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; and Sicily, Sorrento, and Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy.

Prices start at $2,495 per person if booked by December 28, 2012. 

http://www.crystalcruise.com/

New Carnival Breeze

See why Carnival BreezeTM was awarded Cruise Critic's Best New Ship 2012. 

Now sailing from Miami. New features include a multi-dimensional Thrill Theater, family fun at Hasbro, The Game Show, RedFrog Rum Bar, and so much more!

Check it out!

New Way to Share the Fun of a Carnival Cruise

The perfect gift for holidays, birthdays and any special occasion!

• Good for any amount between $10 and $2,000
• Redeemable toward bookings and/or purchases on board
• Available digitally and by mail

http://www.carnivalgiftcards.com/

Best Cruise Deals

Popular Cruise Destinations

Alaska
from $64 / night

Bahamas
from $37 / night

Bermuda
from $63 / night

Caribbean
from $32 / night

Europe
from $32 / night

Hawaii
from $61 / night

Mexico
from $56 / night

Canada / New England
from $50 / night

RCI Launches New All-Inclusive Beverage Packages

Royal Caribbean International has introduced two new beverage packages, joining other lines that offer similar inclusive deals. 

The Classic Beverage Package costs $45 per guest, per day, for beer, house wines by the glass, non-alcoholic cocktails, fountain soda and juices.

The Premium Beverage Package costs $55 per guest, per day, and includes beverages in Classic Package - as well as frozen drinks and all cocktails including premium brands. Both package prices include service charges.

Beverage packages are available for purchase on all seven-night or longer sailings and must be purchased on the first day. Guests choosing either package also must purchase the package for guests 21 years old or older sailing in the same stateroom. Packages are currently available on 13 ships and will be available on the remaining ships with seven-night or longer itineraries by early 2013.

The move follows similar programs offered by Carnival Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line. Carnival launched the program as a test but has rapidly expanded it to eight ships. The “Cheers!” all-inclusive beverage package is now available on Carnival Splendor, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, Carnival Victory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Legend.

The Cheers Package costs $42.95 per person, per day, plus a 15% gratuity, includes a variety of wine, beer and spirits, along with sodas and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails throughout the voyage. All wines by the glass, beer and individual cocktails priced $10 and lower are available within the program.

Norwegian is testing an all-inclusive drink package on Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jade. The package costs $49 per person per day, plus gratuity.

SOURCE: TravelPulse

Holland America “Sail & Save”

Holland America Line just announced “Sail & Save” sale on select cruises 

“Sail & Save” offers up to 50% off select cruise fares and free or reduced third and fourth fares on select voyages. A free hotel stay is also offered on select Canada/New England and Alaska cruises and cruise-tour departures.

Cruise destinations featured in the sale include Alaska cruises and cruise-tours, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Europe, Grand Voyages, Hawaii/Tahiti, Mexico, Panama Canal and South America.

Holland America

Travel Channel's Sweepstakes - Win $10,000 Caribbean Cruise Vacation

Travel Channel is giving you the chance to take to the seas in the Travel Channel - December 2012 Caribbean Cruise Travel Trivia Sweepstakes. Enter for your chance to win a week-long cruise or instant prizes.

The grand-prize winner will receive a Caribbean voyage for two on a full rigged tall ship including shore excursions, meals, and more. The total prize value is $10,000. In addition, daily instant winners will travel blankets and carry cases.

Entry into Travel Channel's December 2012 Caribbean Cruise Travel Trivia Sweepstakes - Open to US residents above the age of 21. 

Enter daily through December 31, 2012. Read more...

Disney Basing Entire Fleet in Florida By 2014

Disney will operate all of its ships out of Florida in the early half of 2014, the cruise line announced as it unveiled new itineraries, which include a new port in Jamaica.

The Disney Magic will return to Port Canaveral, joining Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy in sailing off the central Florida coast.

And Disney Wonder will continue to home port in Miami. (In 2013, Magic is scheduled to sail out of Galveston, Texas; Barcelona and Miami.)

Most sailings from Port Canaveral will visit Disney's popular private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay.

Dream and Magic will sail a variety of itineraries, including three- and four-night Bahamian sailings. Fantasy will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean routes, some of which will include a stop at Castaway Cay, and a stop in the new port, Falmouth, Jamaica.

Many passengers sailing from Port Canaveral combine a cruise with a theme-park vacation in nearby Disney World.

Meanwhile, Wonder, which begins sailing from Miami later this month, will offer four-night Bahamas sailings, and five-night Western Caribbean sailings, some of which include a stop in Castaway Cay.

For more information, visit disneycruise.disney.go.com

Source: USA Today

Carnival Introduces Gift Card Program

Carnival Gift Cards can be used to pay for a cruise, on-board purchases - and a great way to assist couples with a honeymoon cruise. 

The gift cards will be available in denominations of $10 - $1,000, and are NOT re-loadable.

You can place an order for up to 5 Gift Cards in one payment transaction, and can redeem multiple Gift Cards per transaction. The Gift Cards can be purchased online as well as on-board cruise ships.

Carnival announced the website would be up and running December 5th launch - and the site is up now, check it out! http://www.carnivalgiftcards.com/

Royal Princess Private Cabanas

Oh My! 

The 3,600 passenger Royal Princess will launch in June 2013 with private cabanas.

Passengers who reserve a private cabana can order a gourmet "Cabana Picnic" and bottle of wine with prices starting at $40 for two - and the charge for the cabana will start at $50 for a half day.

The Royal Princess will be Princess Cruise lines largest ship ever. Stay tuned.

Dancing With The Stars On Board Holland America

Holland America Cruise Line has announced a new “Dancing with the Stars” experience which will be featured on board its premium cruise ships next year. 

Six theme cruises in 2013 and early 2014 will feature “Dancing with the Stars” events including dance lessons; a chance to meet the dancers, ask questions and take photos; and a production starring celebrities and the famed dance pros, complete with glamorous costumes and routines from the TV show.

Currently scheduled to appear on select sailings are two-time champion pro dancers Mark Ballas and Kym Johnson, pros Tristan MacManus and Lacey Schwimmer, and some of your favorite celebrity competitors. More dance pros and celebrities will be announced.

In addition to the theme cruises, every sailing on all 15 ships in the Holland America fleet will feature an exclusive “Dancing with the Stars” program, including dance lessons and an opportunity for some lucky guests to dance center stage in an exciting dance-off performance. 

These activities will feature the ships’ professional dancers and will be developed in collaboration with the show’s dancers and choreographers.

The “Dancing with the Stars” theme cruise sailings: 

• Feb. 16, 2013, Eurodam, seven-day Eastern Caribbean
• June 22, 2013, Veendam, seven-day Canada and New England
• June 30 and July 7, 2013, Oosterdam, seven-day Alaska
• Jan. 5, 2014, Nieuw Amsterdam, seven-day Eastern Caribbean
• Jan. 12, 2014, Nieuw Amsterdam, seven-day Western Caribbean

Source: TravelPulse

MSC Cruise Savings For Active, Retired Military Personnel

Active and retired military personnel can take advantage of savings on select 2012-13 Caribbean and winter European sailings. Plus there is an additional savings of 10% off cruise-only fares.

Cruise rates start from $399 per person for select 7 night sailings and $599 for a 10-night cruise. The rates on select 7 night winter 2012-13 Mediterranean cruises range from $299 to $699. The early booking rate adds up to 60% off.

The rates are available on select Mediterranean sailings of MSC Splendida, and MSC Poesia in the Caribbean.

Book by November 14th to receive this special savings.

http://www.msccruises.com

Cruiser Sues Line Over Early Wake-Up Call

Good luck with that!

Thomson Cruises is facing a lawsuit this week from a British vacationer who says an early wake-up call on a Thomson ship ruined his trip.

The Derby Telegraph says David Bookbinder, 71, of Derbyshire, is asking for a full refund for his Red Sea cruise on the Thomson Celebration after being forced to get up before 5:00 a.m. on the day of a stop in Israel to clear immigration.

Continue reading

Silversea Offers Fare Guarantee

Silversea introduces a new Fare Guarantee program for cruises departing on or after June 1, 2013

The line's new "Silver Privilege" fares are also available for new bookings starting this month. The program offers a single price for cabins separate from extra add-ons such as optional air travel, transfers, hotels and land programs.

Silversea's easy to understand fare structure offers one simple price:

• Plan your cruise vacation in advance
• Take advantage of the best suite availability
• Have peace of mind knowing the fare will be protected if reduced 

Under the terms of the guarantee, customers who book early will be entitled to any future price reduction for the sailing. Customers must request an adjustment from Silversea if the fare for their cabin drops, and the line says it will make the adjustment by one of several methods that include a shipboard credit, suite upgrade, future cruise credit or fare reduction.

http://www.silversea.com/

RCL Overturns Ban on Cruise Passengers Bringing Wine Onboard

(ˆ◡ˆ) Saw this today on Cruise Critic 

After years of forbidding passengers from bringing their favorite bottles of wine or sparkling wine on-board with them, Royal Caribbean is reversing its stance. Effective immediately, passengers on all Royal Caribbean ships can bring up to two bottles of wine per cabin on-board during embarkation.

Bottles must be 750 ml each or smaller, and passengers who want to drink their wine in public spaces such as bars or restaurants must pay a $25 corkage fee per bottle.

Additionally, each bottle must retain the original manufacturer's seal and exhibit no signs of tampering.

Royal joins sister company Celebrity Cruises, as well as other lines including Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, in allowing passengers to bring a limited number of wine or champagne bottles on-board with them.

Silversea Cruises Opens Reservations For 2014 Voyage Collection

More than 200 cruises will visit more than 500 destinations on seven continents. Among the highlights are the new Fare Guarantee Program and Silver Privilege fares. 

For a limited time on most 2014 voyages, guests can save an additional 10% when combining two or more consecutive voyages.

Also noteworthy for 2014 are Silver Whisper’s 113-day World Cruise, three voyages that feature extended stays in Myanmar, and Silver Explorer’s first-ever expedition cruises through the Northwest Passage, the Russian Far East, Japan, South Pacific and French Polynesia.

Plus, Silversea is offering 95 new ports of call, which include 83 just for Silver Explorer.
Collectively, the line’s other ships will offer 12 new destinations -- Melilla and Almeria, Spain; Haugesund, Norway; Eskifjordur and Djupivogur, Iceland; Koror, Palau; Ponce, Puerto Rico; Sept-Îles and Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada; Alotau, Papua New Guinea; Kavala, Greece; and Trujillo (Banana Coast), Honduras.

The schedule and fares for new new Silver Galapagos will be available when the expedition cruises open for sale in the coming weeks.

The 2014 World Cruise departs Jan. 6 from Los Angeles and will visit 54 destinations in 29 countries, with 12 overnight stays. Following a westward path across the Pacific, Silver Whisper will call on Polynesia and lands Down Under, including Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Australia and New Zealand. From there, it will sail up to the remote island of Koror and then head west to spend a month exploring China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, India and three days in Myanmar. Silver Whisper will conclude the global tour in Barcelona.

In a first for Silversea, the luxury expedition ship Silver Explorer will sail the Northwest Passage, the famed shipping route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Canadian Arctic. The ship also will embark on its first-ever voyages to the Russian Far East, Japan, South Pacific and French Polynesia.

Source: TravelPulse

When To Book A Caribbean Cruise For Best Price

Cruise Market Watch has posted an info-graphic to guide cruisers on how far in advance you should book, and the season to set sail for the best deal on a Caribbean cruise.  

The graph provides a framework for planning, from which you can then narrow down your specific destinations, cruise duration, cabin type and ship segment. 

Check it out!

Cruise Lines Access Private Island Hurricane Damage

Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean and Holland America have reported damage to their private islands in the Bahamas. 

Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay will reopen next week after accessing damage to structures, landscasping as well as beach erosion. Visits to Great Stirrup Cay by cruise ships Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Pearl were cancelled this week.

Princess Cruises private beach report Princess Cays on Eleuthera, Bahamas experienced beach erosion, roof damage to structures and landscaping, and also the observation pier was lost in the storm. Princess Cays is expected to be open for visits by November 11th.

Holland America's Half Moon Cay located off the Southeast coast of Nassau sustained minor damage to structures, beach erosion and landscaping.

Royal Caribbean's CocoCay suffered minor damage to facilities and the beach area. RCL reports the island will be open for cruise guests.

Disney Cruise Line is still assessing damage on its island, Castaway Cay. The big story this past week was the damage on the Disney Fantasy cruise ship.

Cruise passengers reported being terrified aboard the Disney Fantasy as it sailed back to Port Canaveral last week during Hurricane Sandy. Other cruise lines managed to stay out of harms way during Hurricane Sandy, and one Norwegian cruise was extended due to not being able to get into port.

I personally cannot imagine why the cruise line decided to return to Florida in dangerous high seas. The video taken by one passenger has over 600,000 views - and it's pretty scary. Disney is known for being family friendly, and this particular cruise was a really bad PR nightmare.

Royal Caribbean Now Offering Weddings and Vow Renewals

"Sweethearts at Sea"  - The Bahamas has cleared Royal Caribbean to conduct legal weddings aboard their cruise ships while at sea. 

Brides and grooms looking to marry on board a Royal Caribbean ship will be married in a manner that is legally recognized by the Bahamas through the newly passed Marriage Act. The act allows for marriages while in international waters, which is defined as outside the 12-mile limit of the territorial waters of any nation. The actual location of the ship when the marriage takes place is then recorded in the Marriage Record book of the Bahamas.

Couples wishing to share this special moment with friends and family can enjoy the Sweethearts at Sea promotional offer, inclusive of a ceremony performed by the Captain, photography and more, when booking 12 or more staterooms on a 2013 Royal Caribbean International sailing during the special introductory offer.

More about Sweethearts at Sea at Royal Caribbean Blog

Girlfriend Caribbean Cruise To Jamaica And Grand Cayman

Five fabulous nights for the Girls to relax, reconnect and laugh on board the Celebrity Constellation sailing out of Miami to Grand Cayman and Jamaica. 

Sail out of Miami to the islands of Grand Cayman and Jamaica PLUS two days at sea to enjoy the sea, ship and sunshine with our sister friends!

On Grand Cayman – Fabulous shopping, gorgeous beaches and swimming with the Stingrays! For those who love the beach, the seven mile strand of powdery white sand and stunning waters will amaze you. For those who love to shop, Cayman has style and flair. And for those who love adventure, come with us and swim with the stingrays!

On Jamaica – Zip line through the jungle, climb Dunns River Falls, or spend the day on a stunning beach. This tropical paradise has culture, beauty and reggae music that will keep you moving to the beat!

Your days at sea – Lounge by the pool, relax at the Aqua Spa, Broadway shows, movies, shopping, casino, Wine tastings, golf, attend an art auction … the list is endless! Sing, dance, laugh, enjoy time with your girlfriends!

Block out January 26-31, 2013 for a GREAT GIRLFRIEND GETAWAY CRUISE to the CARIBBEAN!

New York Cruises On Hold In Wake Of Sandy

The closure of the Port of New York this week in the wake of Super Storm Sandy is wreaking havoc with cruises scheduled to begin and end in the city.

Norwegian Cruise Line says the New York-based Norwegian Gem will make an unscheduled stop in Boston today for several hours to take on supplies and fuel before returning to sea to await the New York port's reopening. The 2,394-passenger ship was scheduled to return to New York on Monday after a nine-night cruise to the Caribbean but has been stuck at sea for the past two days.

Princess says the Caribbean Princess sailing scheduled to begin today in New York is being delayed for an indeterminate period.

"The Brooklyn port is closed to all vessels until the weekend," Princess notes in a statement. "We are researching other ports and are hopeful we can secure a berth in Manhattan on Friday if the area is approved for sailing by the U.S. Coast Guard."

The Crystal Symphony sailing to Los Angeles that was scheduled to begin today in New York now will begin on Friday in Charleston.

Read full article - Cruises from New York on hold in wake of Sandy

Hurricane Sandy Strands Cruise Passengers at Sea

Passengers on a cruise ship headed for New York City will have to remain at sea for at least another day and possibly more.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Gem was on a nine-day eastern Caribbean cruise sailing round-trip from New York. The ship departed New York Oct. 20 and was scheduled to return today, but can't because all area ports are closed.

"All passengers on the ship are comfortable and we have opened up phone lines and Internet so passengers can make complimentary calls and emails as needed," Vanessa Lane, a spokeswoman for the cruise line, told ABC News.


"What makes this situation unusual," she said, "is the size of the storm. Usually a ship would just head to another port -- but that's not possible."

She added that while some passengers might see the extra sea days as an inconvenience, others would see it as an extended vacation.


Read full article
Hurricane Sandy Strands Cruise Passengers at Sea - ABC News

Windstar National Cruise Vacation Week Promo's

Windstar is offering two-for-one cruise fares on select voyages in both Europe and the Caribbean for National Cruise Vacation Week for bookings by October 27, 2012. 

Guests booking a European cruise will also receive two free hotel nights at the beginning or the end of the cruise. Caribbean cruise guests will receive up to $800 of bonus savings. Also all bookings made from Oct. 21 to 27 will receive $100 per stateroom of shipboard credit.

http://www.windstarcruises.com/

National Cruise Week - Free Upgrades From Carnival

They say nothing in life is free ... except upgrades!

During National Cruise Vacation Week (October 21- October 27), the term "free" is being thrown around quite a bit.

FREE upgrades for past guest cruisers when you book during the world's largest cruise sale.

Low Past Guest Rates - Free Upgrades* (up to two categories) - 50% reduced deposits
 
Check it out!

RCI Announces New Dining Options

From the Royal Caribbean Blog - The cruise line formally announced it was revamping its main dining room choices by investing in a multi-million dollar upgrade.

The exact changes are as follows:

• The main dining room menu has been revamped to offer a greater variety of choice.Royal Caribbean’s much-loved favorites such as aged hand-cut Manhattan steak, escargot bourguignonne, shrimp cocktail and crème brulee, are now available every night.
• To cater to its growing global clientele, Royal Caribbean will add more international food options in the dining room with a renewed focus on authenticity.
• Good news for dessert lovers – Royal Caribbean will offer a new “hot from the oven” blueberry peach crumble, sticky bread and butter pudding and sumptuous carrot cake.
• To better cater to those with special dietary needs, Royal Caribbean will introduce more heart-healthy, gluten-free and lactose-free food options. It has enlisted a registered and licensed dietician and nutrition consultant to evaluate existing menus, create new offerings for guests with dietary restrictions, and shape the cruise line’s current gluten-free and lactose-free program into a more guest-friendly experience.
• All low calorie, gluten-free and lactose-free options will be clearly identified with respective menu icons as well as menu selections that can be modified to fit these requirements for guests.? In addition to the new menu designations, Royal Caribbean is rolling out new daily gluten-free bread offerings, available on request in all venues, including specialty restaurants.
• All of the new main dining menu offerings will include upgraded entrees such rack of lamb, surf & turf, beef sliders and daily entrée dinner salads.
• As part of the investment, the cruise line will continue to focus on training which includes a sous chef certification program with the American Culinary Federation and a new wait staff training curriculum targeting the new menus, standards training, and allergen and dietary programs.
• Guests also will notice a change in the physical menu with a new fresh design featuring the cruise line’s international culinary team.

Source: Royal Caribbean Blog

Steal of the Week: Cruise Eastern Caribbean From $57 Per Night

Wow - this is an awesome deal for a 7 night Caribbean cruise - especially a "suite" for under $1K! 

THE DEAL: American Discount Cruises & Travel is offering a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise onboard Holland America’s Eurodam, sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale on December 8, 2012. 

Fares start from $399 per person for an inside cabin, $449 for an outside cabin, $599 for a balcony and $999 for a suite.

Get more details at Cruise Critic 
Steal of the Week: Cruise the Eastern Caribbean From $57 Per Night : The Lido Deck

Special Savings on Luxury Tahiti Cruises

The islands of French Polynesia are spectacular - and so are the savings on select luxury cruises to paradise aboard the deluxe m/s Paul Gauguin! We've dramatically reduced prices on three of our most popular itineraries, so you can enjoy:

Savings of $800-$4,300 per person off previously advertised prices

That's on top of our previously advertised special offer of 50% off standard cruise fares plus included airfare from Los Angeles!

Only six sailings are eligible, featuring one-of-a-kind itineraries to Tahiti & the Society Islands (7 nights), the Cook Islands & Society Islands (11 nights), and the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands (14 nights).

With only 332 guests per sailing - and incredible savings like these - space is sure to fill up fast. You must book by October 27, 2012, to take advantage of this special offer.

http://www.pgcruises.com/2-week-sale

Crystal Opens Bookings For 2014 and early 2015 Itineraries

New 7- to 89-day cruises in 2014 are among the 61 sailings aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, with 16 maiden calls, 194 total ports and 68 countries – including a glamorous World Cruise. 

Early 2015's global calendar offers 15 exotic cruises and a 20th World Cruise, as well as nine maiden calls and a return to ports Crystal Cruises hasn't visited in more than a decade.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are featured on 54 of 61 cruises (or 89% of 2014's itineraries), visiting over 135 historical destinations.

World Cruise: 89-day, Jan-Apr, 5-segment LA-London cruise, with Crystal's first return to West Africa since 2011

34% of cruises are 10 days or less

New ports include Galway, Ireland; Luanda, Angola; Lombok, Indonesia; Ibiza, Spain; Oban, Scotland; Skagen, Denmark; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Returns to places less-frequented by Crystal include the Andaman Islands; Brunei; Ghana; Helsingborg, Sweden; Ko Samui, Thailand; Zihuatanejo, Mexico; Tokyo, Japan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Korcula, Croatia.

Nearly every itinerary features at least one overnight stay in renowned cities and two consecutive overnights in many places like Yangon, Shanghai, Hong Kong, St. Petersburg, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Itinerary Highlights:

Asia
Twice as many Asia sailings than 2013
First-ever cruises to and from Bangkok, including a new round-trip Holiday voyage with Christmas and Hanukkah in Vietnam and New Year's Eve overnight in Hong Kong. (Dec 21)

Europe
More port-intensive voyages, including four sailings with no sea days
Five North and South Europe combination voyages, with four of them offering time in Bordeaux
New North Cape itinerary, with maiden call in Skagen, Denmark and rare calls in Alta and Kristiansand (Jul 14)

U.S., Caribbean, & Panama Canal:
Crystal Serenity sailing the New England/Canada season for the first time ever, with new cruises to/from Quebec City and Boston.
More Caribbean, including 5 Panama Canal cruises, extending coast-to-coast as well as between Costa Rica and Miami.
New cruises to and from San Diego.

2015 Crystal Cruise Schedule
Crystal kicks off its 25th Anniversary year of ultra-luxury cruising with virtually all itineraries from Jan to mid-Apr being brand new.
New ports include Ambodifototra and Tolanaro, Madagascar; Richards Bay, South Africa; Sanya, China; and Albany, Australia.
Returns to locales less-frequented include Alter do Chao, Brazil; Yantai, China; and Maputo, Mozambique.

Itinerary Highlights:

Crystal Symphony spends the entire first quarter in Southeast Asia, with eight new, exotic sailings between Bangkok, Bali, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Crystal Serenity makes her first-ever complete circumnavigation of the world, from Miami, with the company's 20th annual World Cruise. Six voyages sailing through Miami, Callao, Auckland, Perth, Cape Town, and Rio comprise the 108-day Crystal Serenity adventure.

Source: eturbonews

Carnival Victory 2013 Horror Film Theme Cruise

Sailing Holloween Week 2013 from Miami to Nassau, Half Moon Cay and Freeport

Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Victory has been chartered to host a theme cruise for fans of horror films.

The “Ship Of Fear: A Horror Cruise,” is scheduled to depart Miami on Oct. 28, 2013.

Scheduled to attend are directors and actors from films including “Child’s Play,” “Candyman,” “Phantasm,” “Fright Night,” “The Lost Boys,” “Gremlins,” “Friday the 13th,” “The Howling,” “Pet Sematary” and more.

Also scheduled to perform are Alice Cooper, Dee Snider, Corey Feldman and Truth Movement. Rates start at $729 per person when booked by Dec. 31.

Cruise details at http://www.shipoffear.com/

Source: TravelPulse

Cruisers Get Prison For Skipping Out On Bills

Thinking about walking off a cruise ship without paying your bill? You could end up in prison. 

That's the fate of three New Yorkers who snuck off cruise ships earlier this year without paying for purchases.

Cruisers get prison for skipping out on bills

ESPN Announces ESPNatSEA Events Aboard Royal Caribbean

ESPNatSEA announced a new schedule of  ESPN International live network sports viewing-cruise VIP events aboard select Royal Caribbean ships in 2013.

The new events are part of an initiative by ESPN to offer specialized viewing events to sports fans who also want to enjoy a cruise.  The first two inaugural events will be held aboard Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.

"Oasis MVP Cruise I" aboard Oasis of the Seas: 7-night cruise round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale to some the hottest Caribbean destination such as Labadee, Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico. The biggest football day of the year will be televised live at sea, so be prepared. Dates: February 2 to 9, 2013.

"Jewel MVP Cruise II" aboard Jewel of the Seas: Calling all women soccer fans and football lovers. The biggest day in football is not the only sporting highlight on this 5-night VIP cruise. There will also be a special focus on the international success and rising popularity of women's soccer. This cruise leaves from Tampa, stopping in Key West, Fla. and Cozumel, Mexico. Dates: February 2-7, 2013.

The events will include private VIP cocktail receptions with sport celebrities,behind-the-scenes participation in the production of popular ESPN International programs and sport event viewings.

Participation in both programs will NOT be offered on the cruises. However, interested parties who may have already booked their cruise can contact ESPNatSEA at info@ESPNatSEA.com to register for the VIP Experience.

SOURCE: Royal Caribbean Blog

MSC Diva Sweepstakes

Enter every weekday Monday - Friday for the best chance to win Daily and Weekly Prizes

http://www.msccruisesagent.com/

Grand prize is a 7 night cruise in the glamorous MSC Yacht Club Suite designed by the ship's godmother Sophia Loren.

The Grand Prize voyage will sail from Port Miami during the Caribbean debut season of MSC Divina in the the Fall 2013/Winter 2014 season.

You can't win if you don't play the game!

Pinterest Contest WIN A Carnival Caribbean Cruise

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a Pinterest board full of pictures is worth a 7 Day Cruise for 2 to the Caribbean!

Start Pinning!

Island Hop Hawaii This Winter

Why not island hop Hawaii aboard NCL's Pride of America?

The only itinerary of its kind, enjoy seven full days cruising Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island on a Hawaii Cruise.

With Freestyle Cruising with NCL's unique 7-day Hawaii cruise itineraries, you get the option of overnights in both Maui and Kauai as well as visits to Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Enjoy 18 restaurants, 9 bars and lounges, excellent family accommodations, spacious suites and lots of balconies for whale watching or taking in the dramatic views of the Napali Coast.

See Hawaii the Norwegian way™ with their new e-brochure

Carnival Cruise Check In At Miami Airport

Along with just announcing fees for early embarkation, Carnival is now offering cruise passenger check in at the Miami airport. 

Cruise passengers can now get their Sail & Sign and boarding cards at the Miami airport on the day of sailing from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Once passengers retrieve their luggage at baggage claim, they will be directed to the check in counter to receive "Airport Express" boarding cards. Sail & Sign cards will also be available at the airport. If you want to use cash for the Sail & Sign deposit, just stop by a cruise terminal check-in counter, or use an on-board Sail & Sign kiosk.

Most cruisers purchase round trip transfers between the airport and pier when paying for their cruise. For those passengers who did not purchase transfers, they will have the option to buy transfers during the airport check in process.

Once you arrive at the pier, passengers will be directed to the Airport Express security lane for a photo ID check, along with the Sail & Sign check.

Royal Caribbean plans to drop Middle East cruises out of Dubai after this winter, industry watcher Seatrade Insider is reporting.

The news outlet says the 2,100-passenger Serenade of the Seas will sail an abbreviated season of 11 seven-night voyages from Dubai to ports in the United Arab Emirates and Oman starting in January and then not return to the region in 2014.

Read Report: Royal Caribbean to end cruises out of Dubai 

Quito & Galapagos Islands Cruise

Destination: Quito & the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Weekly Departures: Saturday & Sunday (Cruise departs Mondays)
Booking Deadline: October 31th, 2012!

Always a unique experience, the Galapagos Islands are simply at their best aboard one of the best deluxe expedition ships in the region, the M/V Galapagos Legend.

See firsthand why Quito was the first city UNESCO declared a World Cultural Heritage. From its historical 'Old Town', to the Equatorial monument, surrounded by volcanoes and sheltered by a deep blue sky.

Explore the varied marine life, flora & fauna, of the Galapagos Islands each day with a certified naturalist guide each day, and return to the comfort of your cabin.

Whether it's one from the bucket list or the annual family getaway, this is bound to be a memorable experience!

More info on this unique cruise opportunity

Windstar 2-for-1 Fares to Caribbean, Panama Canal

Windstar Cruises is offering two-for-one cruise fares plus bonus savings of up to $1,000 per stateroom on select itineraries. Fares start at $1,299 per person, based on double occupancy, when booked by Oct. 27, 2012.

The program includes Wind Surf’s seven-day “Flavors of the Caribbean” and “Yachtsman’s Caribbean” voyages, both roundtrip from St. Maarten. Wind Spirit offers the seven-day “Jewels of the Windward Islands” cruise from Barbados to Bequia, Tobago Cays (overnight), Mayreau, Pigeon Island and St. George’s.

The Wind Star operates the seven-day “Passage Through Panama” voyage from Colon to the San Blas Islands, Isla De Coiba, Golfito, Bhaia Drake and Puerto Caldera and a transit of the Panama Canal. The Wind Star’s trans-Atlantic crossing is also available at two-for-one pricing.

Source: Theresa Norton Masek - Travel Pulse

Is Texas Ready For The Mouse?

The first Disney cruises out the Lone Star State kicked off over the weekend with a celebration at the Port of Galveston.

The ship will be based in Galveston through May, when it repositions to Barcelona for the summer of 2013.

The 1,754-passenger Disney Magic set sail from the port on Saturday for the first of several dozen four-, six-, seven- and eight-night sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas.

Disney already has announced plans for more cruises out of Galveston over the winter of 2013-14 aboard the Disney Magic's sister ship, the Disney Wonder.

To salute its arrival in Texas, the Disney Magic displayed a Texas-sized cowboy hat on its funnel on Saturday as it arrived in Galveston. Crew members and Disney characters waved from the vessel's upper decks.

The Disney Magic is one of five cruise ships sailing out of Galveston this year. Also based in the port full- or part-time are the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph, Royal Caribbean's 3,114-passenger Mariner of the Seas and (starting in December) the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess.

Source: USA Today Travel "The Cruise Log" - Click to read these related stories
- Disney shakes up itineraries out of Texas
- Photo Tour - Disney's two newest ships compared
- Disney Magic has begun stocking wines from the Bryan, Texas-based Messina Hof winery at its bars

MSC Baseball Themed Cruises

MSC Cruises is offering five Caribbean baseball themed cruises for the winter Caribbean sailing season. 

The MSC Poesia will sail out of Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean on seven night cruises headlined by famed baseball greats. 

The baseball themed cruise activities include player-hosted trivia games, question-and-answer sessions with players, passenger pitching contests and storytelling sessions. The Players will also host pitching, hitting, fielding and base-running clinics.

Sailing dates for 2013 Baseball Themed Cruises

February 9, 2013 - 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise features Ken Griffey Sr., Jim Fregosi, Stan Bahnsen, Ed Herrmann and Larry Parrish.

February 23, 2013 - 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruises features Tommy Davis, Cookie Rojas, Stan Bahnsen, Clarence Jones and Juan Marichal.

March 9, 2013 - 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise features Gorman Thomas, Gary Peters, Stan Bahnsen, Wallace Johnson and Rico Petrocelli.

April 6, 2013 - 7 night cruise to islands of Antigua, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas features Randy Hundley, Stan Bahnsen, Jack Billingham and Ellis Valentine.

Fares start at $549 per person, based on double occupancy, and must be booked by September 30, 2012.

Autograph sessions take place at the end of the cruises.

More info about Baseball Themed Cruises, along with other MSC Themed Cruises

The Rocketts Are NCL Breakaway Godmothers

The Rockettes, one of New York’s most illustrious and beloved icons, will christen Norwegian Breakaway as the official Godmothers.

The christening ceremony will take place in New York City on May 8, 2013 on board Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship to homeport year-round in New York.

The partnership with the Rockettes will include Norwegian Cruise Line as the designated “Official Cruise Line” of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall, and as the “Official Partner”of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

As part of their role as Godmothers, two Rockettes will sail aboard the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, beginning May 12, 2013, and the first sailing of each month thereafter, taking part in special events for guests to enjoy.

More about Breakaway at NCL's site

Cruise Lines Arrange for Couples to Jump Ship to Tie the Knot

If you can’t decide if you want your destination wedding to be on a cruise ship or a sunset beach ceremony, why choose?

Cruise lines are increasingly offering a complete wedding experience that is part cruise, part beach paradise. Cruise passengers board vessels with their betrothed in hand and their wedding parties in tow -  all of whom will jump ship to celebrate the big event on, and then re-board where the party continues.


“It is a great trend and it’s cost effective.  They can have their wedding in a beautiful venue on land while local wedding planners do the paperwork and make all arrangements in advance and the couple gets back on the ship for the honeymoon,” says Susie Wagner, founder and publisher of Honeymoons.com

Always ahead of the pack, Disney Cruise Lines’ Fairytale Weddings has been organizing off-the-ship weddings since 1998 when the cruise line purchased a Bahamian island, Castaway Cay.

Royal Ocean Events coordinates weddings for many of the cruise lines, including Holland America, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises.

Holland America offers a wedding destination for the couple and 10 guests at its own chapel on Half Moon Cay, the cruise line's private island, as well as at Bluebeard’s Castle or Lime Tree Beach on St. Thomas, Pigeon Point Beach on St. Lucia, Cockle Shell Beach on St. Kitts, Valley Church Beach on Antigua and Grand Old House on Grand Cayman.

Carnival also offers destination wedding packages at just about any port of call in the Caribbean from Barbados, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk and Nassau.

Read entire article

Norwegian Star Crashes into RCI Ship

Really?!? This isn't the first time Norwegian Star has has a "fender bender"

While in Bermuda yesterday the Norwegian Star broke loose from her moorings - and while pushed by the wind sailed into the Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas moored at the next berth.

This happened as passengers watched from shore and aboard both ship.

Around 1:30 p.m. on Friday among 45 knot winds (52 miles per hour) the aft mooring lines holding Norwegian Star to the dock began to break.

As the aft mooring lines broke the wind took over moving the Star from the dock and into the nearby Royal Caribbean International Explorer of the Seas.

Both ships sustained some hull damage - Read story

New York's Ship - Norwegian Breakaway

"Norwegian Breakaway is New York's ship, and this colorful artwork by Peter Max will make the ship an instant icon," Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan says in a statement.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has released the first image of Peter Max hull art on its next ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, which debuts in April 2013.

Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest ship to be based year-round in New York. The New York themed ship will carry 4,000-passengers, and will sail year-round out of  New York to Bermuda and the Bahamas.

Crystal Cruise Special Fares for New England and Canada

Photo Courtesy of Crystal Cruises

Discover the colonial heritage of Boston's Beacon Hill charming cobblestone streets lined with grand townhouses and fashionable shops. Or marvel at the beauty of old Québec by horse-drawn carriage. Delight in the Scottish charm of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and savor authentic Maine lobster in Bar Harbor.

Sail to New England & Canada with Crystal and enjoy:

• Limited-time Book Now Cruise-Only Fares
• All Inclusive: complimentary specialty restaurants, fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
• Complimentary gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and Penthouse butler staff
• Plus, optional air add-ons

Book cruise by October 31, 2012, before fares increase!

MSC Deals to Sea One-Week Sale to Caribbean and Europe

Save up tp 58% on select 2012-2013 Caribbean Cruises, and select 2012 European Cruises.

The “MSC Deals to Sea” are available on select Europe sailings of two Fantasia-class ships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, and MSC Poesia for Caribbean sailings.

• MSC Fantasia’s seven-night “Mediterranean Fantasy” itineraries in September and October include port calls at Genoa, Barcelona, Naples, Palermo, La Goulette and Marseille. Roundtrip departures are available from Genoa, Barcelona, Marseille or Naples. 

• MSC Poesia’s 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing Dec. 11 and select seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, including the Dec. 21 Christmas cruise and Dec. 28 New Year’s sailing from Fort Lauderdale.

Book by September 5, 2012. Rates start at $54 per night per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

Check out this offer, and all special offers from MSC

Princess Cruises Features Rare Caribbean Sailing

Princess Cruises is offering a rare 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on the 680-passenger Pacific Princess, Jan. 17 to 27, 2013. 

The sailing features the line’s only calls at Tortola and St. Barthelemy in 2013 as well as Antigua, St. Lucia and St. Kitts. Fares begin at $899 per person, based on double occupancy.

“Because Pacific Princess travels the globe, we rarely have the opportunity to offer a Caribbean cruise on this popular small ship,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “But because we’re rescheduling the ship’s dry-dock, we now have a wonderful chance to offer this unique one-time itinerary option before she takes off on her yearly world cruise.”

Source: Travel Pulse

What Does It Mean When Your Cruise Ship Is Sick?

As we head into the end of summer and beginning of Fall, we will hear more about the norovirus because cruise ships will start their Caribbean cruises and the cold and flu season kicks off again. 

This means more stories about cruise passengers getting ill while at sea. The word "norovirus" does sound pretty bad. I even thought there was something dangerous about sailing on cruise ships after I heard about case after case.

That was until I talked to doctors at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and found out that norovirus is nothing more than the stomach flu - and it isn't a disease that people only get on cruise ships.

According to the braniacs at the CDC, "the common cold is the only illness more common, and
the CDC estimates that there are more than 20 million cases of norovirus annually."

Read full article - What Does It Mean When Your Cruise Ship Is Sick?

NCL's New Stingray Encounter, Snorkel Trail at Private Island

Norwegian Cruise Line has opened a new stingray encounter and a snorkel trail as part of its $30 million enhancement project on its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas. In addition, a new theme bar sponsored by Patrón Spirits is expected to open in September.

Located inside Bertram’s Cove, on the right hand side of the main beach, the Stingray Encounter lets guests interact with 18 specially trained stingrays in an enclosed area.

Each stingray has a name and its own personality, and guests can feed, watch and hold them, and even take photos.

Use of a mask, snorkel and snorkel vest is included so guests can peer at the rays below the water’s surface. The hour-long excursion includes 45 minutes of interaction with the rays and costs $29 per adult and $19 per child.

The new snorkel trail, located near the Stingray Encounter in Bertram’s Cove, portrays the tale of a shipwreck. As the legend goes, “The Fancy,” sailing from Nassau, Bahamas, in 1696, encountered a mythical creature named Lusca that was half-shark, half-octopus. It is believed the creature was responsible for the ship disappearing near the Berry Islands, the location of Great Stirrup Cay. Guests can look for clues underwater that lead to the treasure that the Fancy was carrying, highlighted by 17 underwater scenes that depict the shipwreck and Lusca’s legend, including cannons, a sunken piano, treasure chests, swords and more.

Developed in conjunction with IDEA Inc., an Orlando-based company that develops theme park experiences, the “Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure” features some authentic artifacts that are more than 300 years old. In addition, the artifacts are eco-friendly and are expected to stimulate additional marine life.

Guests can explore the snorkel trail by renting snorkel equipment for $29 per adult or $15 per child for the day. Or, they can purchase both the “Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure” and the stingray encounter at a discounted price of $49 per adult, a $9 savings, and $29 per child, a $5 savings.

Norwegian has also partnered with the spirits brand, Patrón, on a new bar called Lighthouse Beach Bar presented by Patrón. It will feature Patrón products, including its popular tequila, along with a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The bar will be outfitted with beach-inspired décor, including bar stools, umbrellas and menu boards, as well as two large flat-screen TVs that will show entertainment from music videos to sporting events. The new bar is set to open in September.

Earlier this year, Norwegian opened private cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay. Located to the west of the island’s main beach, the cabanas are available for $249 per day for up to six guests. Each cabana is furnished with lounge chairs, tables, a cooler, beach towels and a shower. Cabana rental also includes a $50 food and beverage credit, up to six all-day passes to the Hippo Waterslide and one large float to use.

Guests who reserve one of the 10 cabanas will get priority tender service to the island and, upon arrival, will receive six complimentary bottles of water and a fruit basket. The cabanas are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be pre-booked as a shore excursion.

The 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay was the first private island operated by a cruise line. Additional activities on the island include a Waverunner tour, a large Hippo Waterslide, an eco-boat tour, kayaking, parasailing, shopping at the straw market and more.

Norwegian Sky makes year-round stops at Great Stirrup Cay on three- and four-day cruises from Miami. Norwegian Gem visits during seven-day “Bahamas & Florida” itinerary from New York.

Beginning in October, Norwegian Jewel will also stop at Great Stirrup Cay on seven-day “Bahamas & Florida” cruises from New York.

Norwegian Pearl will also visit the private island this winter on its seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami.

Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian’s new ship launching next spring, will visit Great Stirrup Cay on seven-day cruises from New York to the Bahamas and Florida beginning in mid-October 2013.

By Theresa Norton Masek - TravelPulse

Holland America Facebook Sweepstakes

Holland America Line has launched a sweepstakes on Facebook that will award one fan a seven-day summer cruise for two in an ocean-view stateroom to Europe, Canada/New England or Alaska.

To enter, users must “like” Holland America’s Facebook page, while current fans will click on the “win a cruise” icon. The entry form must be completed for a chance to win the cruise.

The sweepstakes runs through Oct. 31, 2012.

Source: TravelPulse

Cruise Tip of the Day and Contest from Condé Nast Traveler

Share a Cruise Tip - You Could Win a $10,000 Caribbean Cruise

What was the best day you ever spent in a cruise port? Did you watch glass-blowing in Venice? Spy on endangered tortoises in the Galapagos? 

Sumbit your cruise tip to Condé Nast Traveler by September 7, and you could win a $10,000 Caribbean cruise for two on luxury liner Seabourn. Travel editors and experts will select the person with the smartest tip to win the grand prize. 

Cruise Contest Tip of the Day: Basket Shopping in Dominica - Condé Nast Traveler