Crystal Cruises 2 for 1 Worldwide Fares

Booking a cruise early saves money - and you get the pick of your itineraries and cabins.

Crystal Cruises is running its two-for-one sale for 2013 itineraries. Right now, there’s plenty of availability, so whatever stateroom or voyage you want is yours.

2013 offers a diverse collection of cruises with 64 itineraries to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand, the Pacific Coast, South America, Panama Canal, the Caribbean, New England & Canada and Trans-Ocean.

What You Get:

• 2-for-1 fares (with up to an additional $2000 off)
• All meals, including fine wine, premium spirits, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages 
• All gratuities

Book by June 30, 2012 and enjoy exclusive limited-time savings and value

For more information or to book, please visit Crystal Cruises, or call (888) 799-4625.

RCCL Adds Additional Ships for Virgin Islands

Great news! The U.S. Virgin Islands is a perfect cruise destination

Royal Caribbean International announces new Caribbean itineraries which include two additional ships regularly calling on the Virgin Islands.

Jewel of the Seas will visit St. Thomas several times during the 2013-2014 season, and Adventure of the Seas will call on St. Thomas and St. Croix on various voyages.

Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will continue to alternate seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries with stops in St. Thomas, while Freedom of the Seas' Eastern Caribbean itinerary lists calls on St. Thomas.

Paul Gauguin Luxury Small Ship Special Offers

Save 50% plus FREE Airfare from Los Angeles on all 2012 sailings of the m/s Paul Gauguin

Great savings on all of our Tahiti and French Polynesia cruises.
Choose the itinerary you want: Tahiti & the Society Islands (7 nights), Society Islands & Tuamotus (10 nights), Cook Islands & Society Islands (11 nights), Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands (14 nights), Fiji (12 or 13 nights, 2012 only), and Australs & Society Islands (11 nights).


Save 50% on all m/v Tere Moana sailings
50% off standard cruise fares on all 2012-2013 sailings aboard The Moana. Take advantage of these great savings on all of our Europe, Caribbean, and Latin America voyages.

If you are a past guest of The Gauguin, reserve select sailings by September 1, 2012, and you'll receive double  Paul Gauguin Society savings, for a total of 10% off final cruises fares.

Get details on both sailings
http://www.pgcruises.com/offers

Holland America's Summer Culinary Arts Program

During Holland America Line’s summer cruise season, the Culinary Arts Center program presented by Food & Wine magazine will host five of the world’s most celebrated chefs who will showcase their expertise and share tips with guests.

Chef Kevin Sbraga, Food Stylist Denise Vivaldo, Entrepreneur Sonia Hunt, Chef Angelo Sosa, and Chef Jonathon Sawyer will be aboard five of the line’s premium ships in July and August as part of the line’s robust Culinary Arts program that offers culinary enrichment opportunities for guests on more than 500 cruises annually.

During their cruises, the experts will perform complimentary cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Arts Center, the line’s state-of-the-art show kitchens aboard each ship. The interactive sessions include recipe handouts, food tastings and the opportunity for questions and answers and photos with the culinary celebrities.

Read full article at Cruise Industry News
Holland America's Summer Culinary Arts Center Program 

Enchantment of the Seas Sails From Port Canaveral in 2013

Royal Caribbean has announced Enchantment of the Seas will debut as a homeported vessel at Port Canaveral in 2013.

In December the ship will undergo a revamp, and  replace Monarch of the Seas which last sailing from Port Canaveral will be March 29, 2013. The ship is being transferred to Royal Caribbean's sister cruise line Pullmantur in Spain.

As of April 25, 2013 Enchantment of the Seas will sail every Monday and Friday, offering three- and four-night voyages year-round from Port Canaveral. Both the three and four night cruises will call at Nassau, Bahamas and CocoCay - Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

After the revitilazation Enchantment of the Seas will offer guests more onboard amenities, including Royal Caribbean's signature Chops Grille steakhouse.

Royal Caribbean Pulls Back From Europe

Royal Caribbean cruise line announces trips in Europe would be curtailed in 2013 as demand for tickets has been slack.

USA Today reported Friday that the cruise line said it is sending nine ships to Europe for the travel season next year, whereas this year it is sending 12.

Next year, the company plans to offer 276 trips in Europe running 58 different routes. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean to pull back from Europe - UPI.com

Diabetes Cruise on Royal Caribbean

Novi-based Diabetes Daily Post announces on April 25, 2012 that it has signed with Royal Caribbean Cruise to conduct an educational and motivational diabetes cruise which sails on January 7, 2013 for a 6 day Caribbean cruise. 


Along with Jorge Prada, MD, an Educator and Diabetes Researcher, Susan Sloane Pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Educator, a member of American Diabetes Association board of director and Charles Liu, Clinical Pharmacist with special interest in Type 2 Diabetes. 


The program is tailored to both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Patients for a better management, awareness and course-changing experiences. The participants will receive a broad and comprehensive education including a diabetes-exercise session and on board two-mile fun walk for diabetes to raise funds for the American Diabetes Association.


Read full press release at Diabetes Daily Post

First Look at Oceania Cruises' Newest Gem

Riviera, the newest ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet, is now sailing on its inaugural cruise from Monaco to Venice, Italy. 

The christening ceremony was held mid-cruise in Barcelona on May 12, with Cat Cora, the Food Network’s only female Iron Chef, as the godmother.

Read more, and watch the video First look at Oceania Cruises' Newest Gem |

New Cruise Ships Slated for Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico

Carnival Corporation said Tuesday that it is building a $65 million cruise ship center in the Dominican Republic to draw ships to the Puerto Plata region for the first time in nearly 30 years.

The Amber Cove Cruise Center at Bay of Maimon is scheduled to open in 2014 and is expected to accommodate as many as 8,000 cruise ship passengers daily.

Also on Tuesday, officials in Puerto Rico announced that the U.S. Caribbean territory would be the home port for a Royal Caribbean cruise ship next year. The Jewel of the Seas is slated to make 25 departures out of San Juan starting in May 2013.

Read full article
New cruise ships slated for Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico - The Washington Post

Hurtigruten New 2013 Norway Brochure Available

Hurtigruten’s 2013 Voyages feature classic itineraries, theme voyages and the incredibly popular Search for the Northern Lights.



Order your brochure now, featuring NEW cruises:

- Guided Astronomy Voyages
- Exclusive Northern Lights Voyages
- Plus Summer Midnight Sun Voyages with new  - excursions.


Special Brochure Offer - how you can save up to 25% on 2013 voyages

All the information you need to plan your Norweigan Coastal Voyage including itineraries, pricing, and shore excursions.

Check out the new brochure!

Kate Gosselin Cruise Cancelled Like a Bad Reality Show

Can't say this it surprising!


Like the Titanic, it was probably doomed from the start.  "It" being the late summer Royal Caribbean cruise that was to feature TV reality star Kate Gosselin.  According to cruise coordinators at Alice Travel, it was cancelled due to poor cabin bookings and those who had purchased would receive a full refund.  A link to the cruise website is now dead.

Kate Gosselin cruise: cancelled like a bad reality show - Bowling Green Cruise | Examiner.com

RCI Winter 2013-14 Cruises Open for Booking

Royal Caribbean International has announced its winter 2013-2014 Caribbean cruise itineraries for the Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas. The fleet will offer 140 sailings, visiting 20 ports of call.

Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will continue to alternate seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Port Everglades, Florida.

Independence of the Seas will homeport at Port Everglades as well, and alternate six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

Freedom of the Seas will continue its year-round service from Port Canaveral, alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Navigator of the Seas will debut in Galveston and offer guests two seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries.

Serenade of the Seas will offer vacationers new Caribbean itineraries from New Orleans, Lousiana once the ship has arrived from Barcelona, Spain on it 15-night trans-Atlantic  itinerary. The first sailing will be a one-time, nine-night caribbean adventure, departing December 12.

All six ships have completed their revitalizations and enhancements.

For additional information, or to make reservations, visit www.royalcaribbean.com

Source: TravelAgentCentral

New Orleans Launches New Cruise Booking Site

NewOrleans.com has launched a new cruise booking site connecting cruisers with the major cruise lines at the New Orleans port.  

The new sites blog will feature travel guides for cruise passengers wishing to have pre or post cruise stay in the Big Easy.  

When you take a New Orleans cruise, you sail through the Port of New Orleans - a vital part of the lower Mississippi River port system - which will host more than a million cruise passengers this year.

The New Orleans cruise terminals are within walking distance (less than 10 minutes / 5 blocks) of the French Quarter. Bourbon Street and most downtown New Orleans and French Quarter hotels, landmarks, shopping, and restaurants are less than 15 minutes walking distance from the cruise terminals

Online booking for cruise ships docking in New Orleans - Carnival Cruise's Elation and Conquest, Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Star. These ships sails to exciting ports of call including Cozumel, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Belize and the Bahamas. Summer rates for cruises booked on NewOrleans.com start as low as $389 per person.

For more information visit www.NewOrleans.com/cruises 

Carnival Breeze Dining Choices and Sweepstakes

There's been so much buzz about the new Carnival Breeze - Making reservations for early 2013

.......................................

The Carnival Breeze will offer an array of culinary choices when it enters service June 3, 2012.

Photo courtesy of Carnival News

To celebrate Carnival Breeze’s new dining choices, Carnival Cruise Lines has launched a sweepstakes on its Facebook fan page tied to another of the ship’s dining spots, the Mexican-themed BlueIguana Cantina.

The sweepstakes asks fans to choose their favorite burrito or taco toppings available at the casual dining venue for a chance to win a Caribbean cruise for two on the new 130,000-ton “Fun Ship,” along with round-trip air transportation.  

Carnival Breeze’s Dining Choices:

Bonsai Sushi - Carnival’s first full-service sushi restaurant, Bonsai Sushi will offer Asian-inspired delicacies with contemporary decor featuring Bonsai trees and colorful koi kites. Bonsai Sushi includes a number of varieties of sushi, sashimi, and rolls along with bento boxes, with prices ranging from $1 for appetizer-sized portions to $15 for a sushi ship for two.

Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ - Complimentary open-air dining offers grilled favorites, including barbecued chicken breast, kielbasa, Italian sausage, and Fat Jimmy’s signature item, pulled pork sandwiches, along with traditional sides like baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw and mini-corn muffins.

Guy’s Burger Joint - Fresh-made burgers, hand-cut fries and innovative toppings created in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri.

BlueIguana Cantina - Offering authentic tacos and burritos that can be personalized by diners at a salsa and toppings bar.

Punchliner Comedy Brunch presented by George Lopez featuring comedic performances and an extensive menu of brunch-time favorites.

Fahrenheit 555 - Classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks and other gourmet fare (surcharge consistent with other steakhouses in the Carnival fleet).

Cucina del Capitano - Family-style restaurant with dishes inspired by the Grandma of Carnival Breeze Captain Vincenzo Alcaras with penne pasta, crispy shrimp and prosciutto in a vodka cream sauce (free lunch-time pasta bar during the day with a nominal charge for dinner).

Lido Marketplace - a casual poolside eatery offering international favorites, from paninis and 24-hour pizza to Indian Tandoori and a Mongolian Wok station and just about everything in between.

"The Comfort Kitchen” - Located within Lido Marketplace offering American-style “comfort food.”

Ocean Plaza - Indoor/outdoor café serving cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos as well as pastries and other confections.

RedFrog Pub - Island-themed pub where guests can nosh on Caribbean-inspired fare.

Serenity - Salads, sandwiches, wraps and other light fare available at the ship’s exclusive adults-only retreat.

Taste Bar - Complimentary bite-size offerings inspired by Carnival dining venues, along with a signature cocktail tied to that eatery’s particular theme available for purchase.

Sea Dogs - Hot dog-shaped cart in outdoor recreation featuring all-beef franks and traditional toppings (debuts on Carnival Breeze in November).

Following an inaugural 12-day cruise from Venice departing June 3, 2012, Carnival Breeze will operate a series of 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona through Oct. 25, 2012.

After its trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Breeze will sail year-round from Miami beginning Nov. 24, 2012, offering port-intensive six- and eight-day cruises.

For more information, visit www.carnival.com

Savings on 2013 All-Inclusive Crystal Cruises

In 2013, Crystal offers 64 extraordinary world-wide journeys to Australia & New Zealand, Asia, the Pacific Coast, the Caribbean, South America, New England & Canada, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

From an exploration of the exotic Amazon to a discovery of Bali's tranquil temples, cruise passengers will step aboard award-winning Crystal and be treated like royalty while enjoying the true value of luxury aboard the World’s Best.

Book an all-inclusive 2013 cruise by June 30 and receive:

• 2-for-1 Fares with up to $2,000 per person additional Book Now Savings
• Complimentary fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and Penthouse butler staff

Find our more! Special Offer: 2013 Book Now Savings

Why Luxury Cruises Are Investing More In First Class Sections

Dennis Nienkerk, a luxury cruise specialist with Strong Travel Services in Dallas, recently returned from a week-long cruise on the Norwegian Epic, which sailed round-trip from Miami. 

I fell in love with the sea while in the Navy in the late 1960’s, and spent over 700 days “cruising” on a guided missile frigate, which gave me the opportunity to see much of the world.  

After beginning my business career, my first real cruise was on the Cunard Princess in 1977 and I was hooked forever, and went on to take at least 12 cruises over the next 25 years.  


Ten years ago I walked into a travel agency to book my first post-retirement cruise and knew so much more about the industry than the agent I talked to that I told the owner that if he hired me I would be his top agent within six month.  I was, and moved into specializing in luxury cruises.  In total, I’ve taken over 40 cruises and now take 3-4 every year.


In a Q&A, Nienkerk reviewed his experience and discussed a new trend in luxury cruising.
Why Luxury Cruises Are Investing More In First Class Sections - Forbes

Norwegian Breakaway Three-Story Sports Complex

Norwegian Breakaway is featuring the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

The line also announced that the ship will feature Nickelodeon experiences for the whole family and will include a Nickelodeon themed Kids’ Aqua Park.

The Aqua Park features five multi-story water slides. In the Kids’ Aqua Park, children can meet Nickelodeon characters from Bikini Bottom, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick, Squidward and more. The tropical area will include a kid-sized pool and slide.

The three-story sports complex will be Norwegian’s largest and feature the line’s first ever ropes course. The ropes course with its multi-level structure that offers 40 different challenging elements, including a zip track.

Guests will confront The Plank, a platform that extends eight feet over the side of the ship. Those who choose to test their courage on The Plank will be rewarded by having their photo taken. Kids have a special rope course just for them. A nine-hole ocean-themed miniature golf course is located beneath the ropes course.

A rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline and spider web, a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage complete with a spiral slide, round out the activities.

Norwegian Breakaway will be the fourth Norwegian ship to offer Nickelodeon experiences, including the all-new Pajama Jam Character Breakfast, Dora’s Dance Party, Nickelodeon Character Meet and Greets, Story Time with Dora and Nickelodeon Arts and Crafts.

In addition, Nickelodeon’s Splash Mobs add an element of surprise with spontaneous, impromptu games that are exciting for the whole family with pies, slime and other surprises. Nickelodeon characters and themed activities will also be featured in Splash Academy, the ship’s two-story youth area offering merriment for kids ages three to 12.

Norwegian Breakaway will also feature adult-only outdoor enclaves. Spice H2O, located at the back of the ship on deck 16, is an adult-only escape with contemporary Asian influences offering day-time relaxation and night-time exhilaration.

Several sun loungers surround a huge video screen, complete with two hot tubs and a dual waterfall feature. At night, guests can dance under the stars or chill at the bar with accompanying lounge area, featuring comfortable seating while admiring the ocean views.

On deck 17, guests ages 18 and over will have the opportunity to enjoy another private retreat – Vibe Beach Club – by purchasing an access pass. A full-service bar, water spritzers and chilled towels are also available.

For more information, visit www.breakaway.ncl.com

Source: TravelAgentCentral