Royal Caribbean Promises Faster Internet at Sea

As frequent cruisers can attest, Internet connections at sea can be painstakingly slow and undependable, a source of perennial frustration for passengers.

And, let's add costly to the frustration - you are paying by the minute - Sue

Royal Caribbean is hoping to remedy that with a recent agreement the cruise line made with O3b Networks that the line says will bring Internet at sea, "as if connected to fiber at home or in the office."

By summer 2013 the company's 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, will offer passengers "high-speed satellite-delivered broadband service" thanks to a multiyear, multimillion dollar agreement Royal made with O3b, a global satellite service provider.


Read complete article - Royal Caribbean promises faster Internet at sea - USATODAY.com

HAL Introduces Master Chef's International Dinner

Holland America Line introduced a new Master Chef's International Dinner in the main dining room of its ships, showcasing signature dishes from around the world. 

The exotic menu is offered once during a cruise, and features cuisine from six continents by Holland America Line's award-winning Master Chef Rudi Sodamin in collaboration with several of the line's expert chefs.

Guests can design their international three- or four-course meal by choosing each course from selections that represent a variety of cultures.

The 20-dish menu includes appetizers, entrees and desserts from Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, as well as wine pairings from each region. Guests also can choose Chef Rudi's Tour Around the World, a pre-selected three-course meal by the master chef.

The international menu includes Scandinavian-style Seafood and Potato Chowder, Lebanese Lamb Shank, Argentinean Guiso Soup, Bourbon Glazed Beef with Grilled Portabella Mushrooms and Tofu and Vegetable Korma. Desserts include New York-style Cheesecake, Viennese Mohr im Hemd and Kiwi and Passion Fruit Pavlova, a traditional meringue-based Russian dessert.

Variety Cruises New 29 Million Euro Mega-Yacht

Variety Cruises launched a newly built mega-yacht, Variety Voyager, currently operating charters and scheduled cruises in the Adriatic. 


On July 14, it will begin a four-month cruise season with “Romantic Rivieras” sailings from Nice, France, and Salerno, Italy.

The 29 million euro vessel accommodates up to 72 passengers and a 28-member crew. The Variety Voyager is the first sea-going member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Preferred Boutique Collection.

The ship’s features include an indoor restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor restaurant area seating 36 guests, a lounge area with adjoining reception area and bar, an outdoor deck bar featuring late-night entertainment from resident pianist and DJs, a Balinese Spa with massages and sauna, an exercise area with fitness equipment, an Internet corner and library, audio/visual equipment for groups, and a marina from which to launch Zodiacs and watersports equipment.

The family-owned Variety Cruises is a boutique yacht line with a fleet of 11 fully owned vessels including mega-yachts, sail cruisers and private luxury yachts.

http://www.varietycruises.com/

Source: Theresa Norton Masek - TravelPulse

Crystal Offers New Low Solo Fares For Fall European Cruises

Crystal Cruises unveiled a new solo travelers' sale on fall Mediterranean voyages that features even lower fares. 

A significantly reduced solo supplement of 10% can save individuals up to almost $900 off a private, deluxe outside stateroom (Category C) of their own.

The savings are offered on eight 11- and 12-day Crystal Serenity sailings through the Black Sea, Middle East, Canary Islands, and entire Mediterranean, starting with Sept. 6, 2012 voyage.

The all-inclusive luxury cruises embark in Athens, Istanbul, Venice, Barcelona, and Lisbon from September through November, with overnight visits and more time in both smaller, off-the-beaten-path and favorite, large ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Montenegro, Israel, Croatia, Morocco and the Canary Islands.  Attractive air add-ons are offered from more than 200 North American ports.

Among benefits that Crystal provides for solo travelers are Ambassador hosts on every sailing for those seeking a dance partner, assigned seating for dinner in the Crystal Dining Room, and "Table for 8," which brings individuals together for friendly shared dining in the specialty restaurants at night.

Crystal’s ocean resort experience always includes fine wines, premium spirits, and gratuities with one's vacation, as well as a host of other complimentary amenities, from enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the world-renowned cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa.

Source: TravelPulse
http://www.travelpulse.com/

RCI Warning of Delays for Majesty of the Seas on June 25

Royal Caribbean is warning passengers on the Majesty of the Seas cruise out of Miami, Florida on June 25 that there could be delays related to the Miami Heat victory parade.

The victory parade for the NBA champion Miami Heat is scheduled for the same day the ship is scheduled to depart. Some of the victory parade festivities will take place in the downtown Miami area and include streets that provide access to the Port of Miami.

Royal Caribbean is advising anyone on the ship to give extra time prior to embarkation.  The ship's 4:30 p.m. departure will not be delayed due to traffic. As a reminder, all guests must be checked in and onboard the ship 60 minutes prior to sail time.

Source: Royal Caribbean Blog

Carnival Cruise Lines Is Changing Its Colors

Aboard the Carnival Breeze . . . 

Carnival is moving away from the over-the-top interior designs of the past and toward a more modern decor.

And that change is most obvious in the 130,000-ton, 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze, which is now operating its second revenue cruise in the Mediterranean.

Theresa Norton Masek is sailing aboard the ship this week as a North American press group gets a first look at the $740 million ship.

While some of the new signature features have been introduced on other recently built and renovated ships, the overall new look is most evident in the Breeze, the first newbuild to be completely overseen by Gerry Cahill, who became Carnival president and CEO five years ago, and his hand-picked executive team.

Read Theresa's article at Travel Pulse

A Fresh Breeze Transforms Carnival

When Carnival Cruise Lines unveiled Fun Ship 2.0 it was the beginning of a huge transformation for the fleet and the perception of the cruise line itself. 

Fun Ship 2.0 builds on the popular features launched on Carnival Magic in 2011 from the massive waterpark to new partnerships in dining and entertainment. Since the launch of Magic, Carnival has announced breakthrough partnerships with some of today’s biggest talents and has created its own new branded experiences and onboard destinations.


Carnival Breeze is the first ship to feature all of the new entertainment offerings that are part of the Fun Ship 2.0 enhancements so let’s take a look at what’s new.

Read full article - A fresh Breeze transforms Carnival | ExpertCruiser.com

Royal Caribbean: Oasis of the Seas Photo Gallery

On the biggest cruise ship in the world (tied with Royal Caribbean's own Allure of the Seas), Caribbean Travel & Life super photographer Zach Stovall found many things to shoot -- the Oasis of the Sea's Central Park, Solarium Bistro, Sports Zone, Royal Promenade and much more. 

Check out the pics at CaribbeanTravelMag.com

Puget Sound, San Juan Islands Itineraries for 2013

American Cruise Lines specializes in a unique style of small ship cruising along the inland waterways and rivers of the United States.

American Cruise Lines is offering a new itinerary to the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands in 2013 aboard the 100-passenger American Spirit. The roundtrips from Seattle will visit Anacortes, Friday Harbor, Port Townsend and Poulsbo, Wash.

http://www.americancruiselines.com/

Straight A Tours, a top student travel agency, is the expert in cruise excursions for students, with over 20 years’ experience in giving students, teachers and high school graduates the best time on the open seas.

Straight A Tours created the Festivals at Sea programs for students to enjoy, after all. With a wide variety of cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebration Cruise, and Norwegian Cruise Line, there is a little something for everyone.

When booking a vacation or high school graduation trip through the website, travelers are able to select among amazing Ports of Call depending on which cruise line they select. For Royal Caribbean travelers, Coco Cay is a private island with gorgeous white sands, delicious food and fun activities for all students to enjoy. 

Key West is a Floridian favorite for cruising students, with great historical sites, such as Hemingway’s house, as well as unique and outrageous meals. Grads and teachers alike will be delighted by Grand Cayman’s many underwater activities, such as snorkeling and scuba diving with the beautiful marine animals. There are Ports of Embarkation all over the United States, from East to West Coast, so no student will be left behind from their vacation plans!

With diverse and attractive student travel packages, Straight A Tours makes fun in the sun on a budget entirely possible for all students looking for some rest and relaxation. Whether it is a trip to a Caribbean island or a cruise to one of the United States’ own ports, such as San Diego, students can be rewarded for their effort in school by taking a fantastic vacation with their school mates and friends.

To book a student vacation today, or for more information, please visit: http://www.straightatours.com

MSC Cruises Just $449 If Booked By June 30

MSC Cruises is offering fares starting at $449 on select seven-night cruises, including some on the new MSC Divina, this summer and fall on bookings made by June 30.

These cruise-only rates begin at $449 for select summer cruises and $499 for select fall itineraries.

Among the roundtrip itineraries available this summer and fall at limited-time rates are:

• MSC Divina’s “Divine Mediterranean” itineraries from Venice at rates beginning at $1,049 in the summer and $599 in the fall

• MSC Sinfonia’s “Sparkling Mediterranean Rivieras” departing Genoa from $449; MSC Splendida’s “Splendid Mediterranean” cruises from Genoa from $499

• MSC Magnifica’s “Baltic Castles & Russian Palaces” from $1,049; MSC Musica’s “Greek Islands in the Sun” from Venice beginning at $499

• MSC Opera’s eight-night “Majestic Medieval Europe” sailing from Southampton beginning at $799

Also check out other discounted cruises from MSC
http://www.cruises.com/promotion/cheap-cruises.do

Cruise Planned for Families with Autism

A group that specializes in cruises for families with autism, down syndrome and other related disabilities is planning a number of group cruises for 2012 and 2013. 

Sailing on ships such as Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas, the group looks to offer those families with these special needs an opportunity to enjoy a fun cruise vacation.

Continue reading article at Royal Caribbean's Blog
Cruise planned for families with autism

Steal of the Week: Cruise Western Caribbean From $51 Per Night

Everyone is looking for the deal of the century. So how do you choose the one that’s right for you? Check the Lido Deck each week to get the scoop on our favorite deals — then grab the phone and pack your bags.

THE DEAL: CruiseWise.com is offering a six-night cruise aboard Carnival Freedom, sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, on November 11, 2012. Rates start at $279 per person for an inside cabin.

Steal of the Week: Cruise the Western Caribbean From $51 Per Night : The Lido Deck

Storyteller Mobile App by Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is the first luxury cruise line to create an iPhone app to help travelers share custom postcard images of their cruise via social media, email and even “snail mail.”

Incorporating the personalized memoir look and feel of the line’s just-launched “Begin a New Story” brand campaign, “The Storyteller” photo-customization app is available for free download from iTunes.

The user-friendly app invites both tech-savvy and tech-timid travelers to snap a memorable moment, stunning view, or new friend with their iPhone, and then use the app to add professional-style effects and share the image on your own Facebook page, Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page, or via email.

The “Storyteller” even provides an option to create an actual paper postcard that can be personally signed and mailed to friends and family with the tap of a touchscreen.

Users can customize their photos with:

• Color Filters in black and white, sepia, high-contrast, or de-saturated 

• Frames, with different black and white clean, classic, or more artistic border options

• Captions, with choice of handwriting-style typeface, font color (white or black), and word positioning on the photo.

Crystal’s Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/crystalcruises) will have a “Never Ending Journal” section, compiling all photo submissions into an online group journal.  Categorized by cruise, the images will serve as emotional, peer-to-peer testimonials and rich visual depictions of the many adventures offered on a Crystal cruise.

A video with step-by-step app instructions can be viewed on Crystal’s website and Facebook page.

The application is compatible with 3GS, 4, and 4S iPhones.  Upcoming guests will receive app brochures with their cruise tickets, so they can be ready to share their travel stories as soon as their trip begins.  Crystal fans can also look forward to other extensions of the “Begin a New Story” campaign soon, including animated Aurasma videos.

Also check out savings for upcoming cruise at
http://www.crystalcruises.com/

Disney Pixar-Themed Cruises For Limited Time Only

Disney Cruise Line is offering four Pixar Animation Studios-inspired seven-night California Coastal cruises onboard the Disney Wonder from September 16 through October 14 with appearances by Mr. Incredible, Remy, Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear and other Pixar stars.

Special entertainment and offerings designed for children and adults alike include:

Pixar Presentations and Sneak Peeks: Artists and filmmakers from Pixar Animation Studios provide guests with an inside look at the creative process used in the development of an animated short or feature.  Guests can go behind the scenes and expore the making of Pixar's newest release "Brave" and get a look at footage of future Pixar films.

The Art of Pixar: Storyboards, character sketches, environment paintings, maquettes and other inspiring concept art used to design Pixar films will be on display in a special art exhibition at sea.  This collection of art has only been seen outside of Pixar Animation Studios when it has been displayed at leading art museums around the world.

Pixar Film Fest: Guests can enjoy the entire Pixar library of films while onboard, including a selection of animated shorts.  Viewing opportunities will take place in the Buena Vista Theatre, the Walt Disney Theatre, at the jumbo LED screen on deck or on in-stateroom televisions.  The voyages coincide with the theatrical premiere of "Finding Nemo 3D", which  guests can enjoy at either of the two theatres equipped with Dolby 3D projection systems.

Pixar Character Encounters: More than a dozen Pixar characters will meet with and greet guests throughout the cruise.  There will be special Pixar-themed dance parties in the Atrium Lobby.

Guests sailing on the Pixar-themed voyages will receive a commemorative lithograph created by Pixar artist and "Brave" co-director/screenwriter, Steve Purcell.

The Disney Wonder will sail out of Los Angeles and visit San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico during the four Pixar-themed voyages. Rates for the seven-night voyages start at $799 per person for a deluxe inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com or call 888-DCL-2500.

Source: Travel Agent Central

Royal Caribbean Completes Grandeur of the Seas Revitalization

Grandeur of the Seas completed its $48-million revitalization today at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain.

The bow-to-stern revitalization of Grandeur of the Seas included the addition of five new dining venues, technological upgrades, a pool side LED screen, a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms as well as new entertainment offerings including aerial entertainment in its six deck Centrum.

In addition, the ship received a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests, a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, as well as a transformed Viking Crown Lounge that will features a stunning new design, as well as a new menu featuring bite-size delectables.

Grandeur of the Seas will spend the summer offering a variety of Mediterranean itineraries from Venice, Italy and Provence, France.

For more information, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com

Norwegian Cruise Line Buys Ship It Already Operates

Really? Learn something new every day - Sue

Norwegian Cruise Line is purchasing the Norwegian Sky, which it has been operating under a charter, the cruise company said Friday.

Norwegian signed a memorandum of agreement to exercise its option to buy the 2,002-passenger ship from Ample Avenue, a subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong. Genting owns 50% of the Miami-based cruise line.

The price for the ship, which was built in 1999: about $260 million. The deal is expected to close soon, the company said.

Norwegian Sky sails short trips to the Bahamas from Miami year-round. It is the only ship in the cruise operator’s fleet with that arrangement.

Source: Miami Herald

Save 50% on Cruise Shore Excursions

The only time I take cruise sponsored excursions is for snorkeling and diving - other than that, I'm off on my own. Anyone who has cruised lately knows the cost of most excursions are very expensive - especially for families - so here's an alternative to getting the best price! Sue

CruisingExcursions.com is a British company known to have the best rates for cruise shore excursions - many excursions are at at 50% or more savings. 


The company offers excursions by cruise line/destination port and features the Caribbean, Alaska and Asia. The site lists rates in British Pounds, however if you calculate the exchange rate, you will still save. You can easily use http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html to calculate the conversion.

Melodies of the Danube

First-time river cruisers often take European cruises to cities they have dreamed about visiting for years, or to see fairytale-like destinations they’ve read about in history books. As such, Danube River cruises are among the most popular.

In the spotlight this month is “Melodies of the Danube,” an AmaWaterways (www.amawaterways.com) journey. This voyage is offered this summer and fall on AmaCerto, AmaLegro and AmaLyra.

Many other river cruise lines including Avalon Waterways (www.avalonwaterways.com), Tauck (www.tauck.com), Viking River Cruises (www.vikingrivercruises), Uniworld (www.uniworld.com) and others also offer their own variations of this Danube itinerary.

Amazing Charters - Luxury crewed and bareboat yacht charters in the British Virgin Islands

Source: amazingcharters.com via Linda on Pinterest

Carnival Breeze Captain Talks About Newest Ship