Crystal Brazil Wine & Food Cruise

Crystal Cooks Up Special Features on Brazil Wine & Food Cruise

Crystal Cruises is offering a Wine & Food-themed voyage from Miami to Rio departing November 23, 2013. 

The cruise will feature guest lecturers, including Hans Neuner, who has earned two Michelin stars and was named Portugal’s 2012 Chef of the Year - and was a Crystal chef more than a decade ago. 

Other guest lecturers are Rob Wilson, master/executive chef at the Montage Laguna Beach; Master Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim; and wine historian Nina Wemyss.

The cruise includes seven-course Vintage Room Dinners, prepared by each of the guest chefs, with wine pairings and edification from the guest wine expert. Two Guest Chef Dinners for all guests will be held in the Crystal Dining Room, with all-inclusive wine pairings. 

Cooking demonstrations will be held outdoors on Crystal’s pool deck (weather permitting). Neuner will showcase his approach to the Portuguese flavors that have influenced traditional Brazilian cuisine, like bacalhau. Cooking classes also will be held in the ship’s galley.

Abou-Ganim will lead hands-on lessons on how to make local cocktails like the batida and caipirinha, using cachaça and local spices, with guests receiving a souvenir muddler to take with them.

All-inclusive, “Book Now” fares for the 16-day cruise begin at $3,990 per person, with $1,700-per-person in savings if booked by August 30, 2013. A 12-day version of the voyage is available from Barbados to Rio, starting at $2,995 per person - also needs to be booked by August 30. 

Get more details on this themed cruise, along with other Crystal Cruise sailings

Source: TravelPulse

Windstar Cruises Offering Cruise for 2014 Monaco Grand Prix

Small ship line Windstar Cruises is hoping to lure racing fans with a cruise revolving around the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix

The seven-night sailing on the 212-passenger Star Pride will kick off May 21 in Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome) and include visits to Portoferraio, Portofino and Portovenere, Italy; and Cannes, France.

Hosted by John Bisignano, a former Formula One pit reporter, the voyage will feature Grand Stand seating at the Grand Prix during the qualifying races on May 24 and the finals on May 25 as well as a post-race cocktail reception at the Hotel de Paris in the heart of Monte Carlo.

Windstar also is offering a Grand Prix excursion as an add-on to the May 20 sailing of its 310-passenger flagship, the Wind Surf (take the photo tour of the vessel). The excursion includes Grand Stand seats for the qualifying races and finals, and an on-board cocktail reception.

The May 20 sailing of the Wind Surf also begins in Civitavechia and includes stops in Portoferraio, Portofino and Portovenere, Italy; and Nice, France in addition to Monaco.

More information is available on Windstar's website - http://www.windstarcruises.com/

Source: USA Today

Windjammer Rum Theme Caribbean Cruise

Rum Sail Away with Island Windjammers and RumGallery.com

Holland America Dance Contest to Win Free Cruise

Holland America Line has a dance competition in which 15 guests can win a free cruise and a chance to compete for a Mirror Ball Trophy on the “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” Champions Cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam Jan. 12, 2014.

The contest began February 23, 2013, and continues through November 25, 2013.

Every sailing will feature a “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” program that includes complimentary dance lessons with the ship’s dance professionals and a competition.

On every Holland America Line cruise* guests will have the opportunity to:

• Participate in complimentary dance classes based on dance routines from the ABC smash hit show: “Dancing with the Stars.” This is your chance to learn the basics or new steps.

• Compete in the Dancing with the Stars: At Sea competition. Following an early elimination process, finalists will have the opportunity to take to the main stage with Holland America Line professional dancers. One Cruise Champion will emerge, based on the highest combined point total from a panel of three judges as well as audience participation.

• At the end of 2013, the Cruise Champion with the highest score from each ship will have an opportunity to perform as a finalist on the Champions Cruise in January 2014. 

Finalists, and a guest, will be invited on a complimentary 7-day Champions Cruise to the Caribbean, where the 15 finalists will dance for the coveted mirror ball trophy and title of Holland America Line’s Dancing with the Stars: At Sea Grand Champion.

More Dancing with the Stars info

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

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

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

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 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

Kid Rock's Chillin' the Most Cruise 2013

Kid Rock is bringing you the 4th Annual Chillin' the Most Cruise setting sail via the Norwegian Pearl, March 6th-10th, 2013.

Kid Rock will be playing two shows and spending a much needed vacation alongside his favorite fans.







CRUISE ITINERARY - (Subject to change)

Tuesday, March 5, 2013 - Pre-Party on Ship (additional purchase; departs 9PM ET) http://www.kidrockcruise.com/event/preparty/

Wednesday, March 6 - Depart Miami, FL (approx 4:00 PM ET)

Thursday, March 7 - Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday, March 8 - Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday, March 9 - Day At Sea

Sunday, March 10 - Arrive Miami, FL (approx 8:00 AM ET)

In addition to admission to all cruise concerts, the price of your room also includes:

• All meals (there's gourmet fare in the formal dining rooms, casual indoor and outdoor grills open for meals throughout the day and 24-hour room service).
• Non-carbonated beverages (i.e. tea, juices, coffee).
• Free entrance to hot spots like the ship's disco and casino.
• Use of the ship's beautiful pools and giant waterslide (all with plenty of deck space to enjoy a cocktail and some great music).
• Use of the Norwegian Pearl's health and fitness center.
• Norwegian Splash Academy and Entourage facilities and activities if you're bringing children.
• Taxes, port charges and ticketing are added at check-out and pre-paid by you ($200.00 per person).

More info at http://www.kidrockcruise.com/

Norwegian Cruise Line's Second Annual #SeaTweetup

The second annual #SeaTweetup cruise is will sail on October 12- 15, 2012.

The Norwegian Sky will depart from Miami and set sail for a weekend getaway to the Bahamas visiting Nassau, and NCL's private island Great Stirrup Cay.

The interactive cruise was coordinated by members of the South Florida social media community.

Cruisers will take part in special networking events throughout the cruise including  social media marketing panels and discussions, giveaways and cocktail parties.

Also social media experts will share their experiences with followers. Participants will have access to the ship’s Internet Café and Wi-Fi network, as well as invitations to in-port events to post, tweet, and blog throughout the weekend to the twitter hashtag #SeaTweetup.

Paula Dean Announces 2013 Cruise

Paula Deen, popular Food Network star, is set to headline her third cruise in 2013. 

The chef will host her Royal Caribbean cruise on January 27 with a seven-night Caribbean trip departing from Galveston, Texas.

The cruise will take place on Royal Caribbean's 3,114-passenger Mariner of the Seas. Stops for vacationers will occur in Roatan, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico and Belize City, Belize.





Cruise Highlights:

- Onboard Value Booklet with over $450 in savings (maximum two per cabin)
- Welcome & farewell cocktail parties
- CD & DVD of the trip shot by O’Neal Bailey & Bailey’s Photos
- Exclusive beach BBQ on Half Moon Cay, featuring the Deen Family Olympics
- Cooking demo by the ship’s executive chef with a “critique” by Paula
- Special personalized commemorative gift


For more info vist http://pauladeencruise.com/

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

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

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

Crystal Features Billy Casper, Championship Golf Courses

Crystal Cruises has lined up 10 European championship golf courses for play this summer during two limited-access 

“Experiences of Discovery” golf-themed cruises. 

Hosted by 51-time PGA tour-winner Billy Casper, travelers can play in Spain, Portugal and Monaco during the July 13 Crystal Serenity voyage or throughout the British Isles on Crystal Symphony’s Aug. 25 sailing.

Courses Include: Gleneagles King’s and Queen’s Courses from Edinburgh/Rosyth, Real Club de Golf El Prat from Barcelona, the Monte Carlo Golf Club, El Saler Golf Course from Valencia, Royal Belfast Golf Club, Penha Longa Golf Course from Lisbon, and Kildare Hotel & Country Club from Dublin.





The Golf Excursions Include:

• Warm-up refreshments
• Games
• Lunch and “19th-hole” cocktails in private clubhouses

Crystal arranges roundtrip transportation, team-pairing, carts and caddies (where available), and club and shoe cleaning and storage.

Shoreside activities are complemented by onboard offerings, including parties, awards, golf clinics with PGA pro John Clark, TaylorMade clubs, putting green, and two driving ranges for practice at sea.

Casper will also play and mingle with guests, as well as provide tips and presentations.

Until April 30, “Book Now” fares start at $5,330 for 11 days circumnavigating the U.K., roundtrip from London/Dover and $5,410 for 12 days sailing from Monte Carlo.

Source: TravelPulse

Top 8 Theme Cruises of 2012

Theme cruises aren't widely advertised and in fact, not advertised by the cruise lines at all in many instances. 


Most theme cruises are organized by travel agents, so you're not likely to find information about most theme cruises on the cruise line's web site or in the cruise section of your favorite online travel agency - No matter how much digging you do. 


Top Theme Cruises for 2012:


Saw: The Horror Cruise on the Carnival Glory
KISS (and other) Music Cruises on the Norwegian Pearl
Fitness and Running Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas
Celeb Chef Cruises on various Holland America ships
National Review Cruise on Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam
The New York Times Cruise on Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam
Mark Twain Tribute Cruise on the Queen of the Mississippi
Vampires at Sea on Holland America's Zuiderdam


But not to worry – ABC News includes a link for booking each of the cruises selected as the top eight of 2012. Top 8 Theme Cruises of 2012 - ABC News

Crystal 2013 Experiences of Discovery Theme Cruises

Crystal Cruises next year will operate 14 “Experiences of Discovery” themes on 28 voyages, expanding the program with two new themes and more theme cruises overall. New themes include photography and a VIP Monte Carlo Grand Prix experience.

Returning themes include:

Big Band and Ballroom Dance, Film and Theater, Wine and Food, Golf, Jazz, world affairs panel discussion, Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute, Emerging Artists (young performers from L.A. Music Center’s Spotlight), President’s Cruise hosted by Crystal President Gregg Michel, Crystal Society for past Crystal cruisers, and Gardens and Floral Design.

The Mind, Body, and Spirit theme has been brought back by popular demand, with three voyage options for 2013.

Until June 30, Book Now fares for 2013 theme cruises start at $2,210 per person, double occupancy.

http://www.crystalcruises.com/home.aspx

Oceania Bon Appétit Wine & Food Festival

Oceania Cruises will welcome food and wine experts on two 10-day “Bon Appétit Wine & Food Festival” European cruises this October.

Chef Stephen Lewandowski of New York’s Tribeca Grill and Chef Ken Oringer of Clio in Boston will offer demonstrations, cooking classes and market tours in select ports along with wine tastings and dinners featuring recipes from Bon Appétit.

The voyage with Lewandowski departs Oct. 14 from Athens to Rome and visits Kusadasi (Ephesus), Monemvasia, Cephalonia (Argostoli), Taormina, Sorrento/Capri, an overnight in Livorno, Marseille (Provence) and Monte Carlo, on the line’s new Riviera, which launches in May.

The Oct. 22 cruise with Oringer sails from Athens to Istanbul onboard Marina and calls at Patmos, Ashdod (an overnight stay to visit Jerusalem), Haifa, Limassol, Rhodes and Kusadasi with an overnight in Istanbul prior to disembarkation.

The Bon Appétit Culinary Centers on board both ships feature 24 fully equipped work stations.

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/

Silversea Offers Six Wine Series Programs

Silversea Cruises has tapped wine experts Lyn Farmer and Richard Nurick to host a Wine Series enrichment program on six voyages this year.

Farmer is a widely published wine and food writer and senior editor of The Wine News magazine, and has been honored with the James Beard Foundation Award for best writing on wine and spirits. He has judged international wine competitions and led tastings and tours to food and wine regions throughout the world.

Richard Nurick, a retired London wine merchant, is a distinguished wine judge and lecturer who taught wine appreciation courses at Newbury and Henley colleges in the U.K. He is currently a full judge with the International Wine Challenge, a global competition open to all wines sold in Britain.

On each wine-themed cruise, discerning travelers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling vintages and learning about the tradition and art of winemaking in special tastings and lectures. Depending on the itinerary, guests may also have the chance to explore celebrated wine regions on optional guided shore excursions.

The following Wine Series voyages will be hosted by Lyn Farmer:

Voyage 3203: Silver Shadow departs Auckland Feb. 4 on a 19-day sailing to Fremantle (Perth) with calls in Napier, Wellington, Picton, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Port Lincoln, and Albany. Silver Savings fares start at $10,599.

Voyage 4210: Silver Whisper departs Monte Carlo May 1 on a 12-day sailing to Southampton with calls in Palma de Mallorca, Cadiz, Portimao, La Coruña, Bilbao, Bordeaux and Le Verdon. Silver Savings fares start at $6,099.

Voyage 1220: Silver Cloud departs London Aug. 13 on a 14-day sailing to Monte Carlo with calls in Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, Bilbao, Lisbon, Cadiz, Malaga and Sete. Silver Savings fares start at $8,099.

Voyage 1232: Silver Cloud departs Buenos Aires Dec. 22 on a 16-day sailing to Valparaiso (Santiago) with calls in Montevideo, Punta del Este, Puerto Madryn, Stanley (Falkland Islands), Punta Arenas, Laguna San Rafael, Puerto Chacabuco and Puerto Montt. Silver Savings fares start at $9,999.

Richard Nurick will host the following:

Voyage 4220A: Silver Whisper departs Southampton July 26 on a 9-day sailing to Lisbon with calls in Bordeaux, St. Jean de Luz, Bilbao, Gijon, La Coruña and Vigo. Silver Savings fares start at $6,299.

Voyage 4220B: Silver Whisper departs Lisbon Aug. 4 on a 9-day sailing to Southampton with calls in Oporto (Leixoes), Bilbao, Bordeaux, Saint-Malo and Honfleur. Silver Savings fares start at $6,299.

Fares listed above are per person, based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite. Silver Savings is a capacity-controlled program and subject to availability.

Visit www.silversea.com

Source: TravelAgentCentral