Deal Dates: February 22, 2010 - April 30, 2010
The Yachts of Seabourn is offering a special two-for-one, cruise-only savings on a slew of its Europe and Asia voyages aboard its fleet of five, all-suite vessels.
Guests who book before the end of April will receive reduced round trip add-on airfares from $499 economy class and $1,999 for business class from 40 North American airports.
The cruises, which range from seven to 15 days, depart between May and November. Choose the Seabourn Spirit for cruises in the Adriatic and Dalmatian Coasts or Legend in the French and Italian Rivieras.
The Seabourn Odyssey will sail the Greek Isles, Turkey and the Black Sea. Seabourn Sojourn will kick of its maiden season in June sailing Northern Europe including Scandinavia, Russia, Scotland and Norway. And Seabourn Pride will visit Asia, hitting Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and China.
Cruise-only fares start from $3,550 per person. All bookings must be made by April 30.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Alaska Cruises Can't Meet Proposed Pollution Limits
The cruise industry is not happy with the new pollution limits for ships that could go in effect in Alaska later this year.
The Juneau Empire today reports an industry representative told a public hearing that more than half of the cruise vessels operating in the state would not be able to meet new limits for the pollutant ammonia that are part of proposed wastewater rules for 2010.
The news outlet says Alaska Cruise Association consultant Mike Tibbles argued the limits are too strict in general and there's not enough time for the industry to comply before the start of the Alaska season in a few months.
Source: USA Today Cruise Log
The Juneau Empire today reports an industry representative told a public hearing that more than half of the cruise vessels operating in the state would not be able to meet new limits for the pollutant ammonia that are part of proposed wastewater rules for 2010.
The news outlet says Alaska Cruise Association consultant Mike Tibbles argued the limits are too strict in general and there's not enough time for the industry to comply before the start of the Alaska season in a few months.
Source: USA Today Cruise Log
What to Do When Ship Happens
I ran across this article at CruiseMates today by Paul Motter, and wanted to share . . . Linda
Every once in awhile the cruise industry has a tough week, and this has been one of them.
This morning we got the news that one of the nicer Costa cruise ships, the Europa, was blown by a strong wind up against the dock in Sharm al Sheik, Egypt, resulting in the death of three crewmembers. We are not sure exactly how the crewmembers died, but weather conditions were bad enough that all of the passengers were disembarked from the ship, put up in hotels and will be flown home.
Another ship, Celebrity Mercury, suffered one of the worst outbreaks of Norovirus on a cruise ships we have seen for a few years. Approximately 8% of the population of this ship was affected by the virus, about 300 people.
Even five years ago, before much more stringent practices to prevent the spread of diseases on ships were put into place, this would have been a significant outbreak. Fortunately, the recovery seems to be working out well and the line is doing a thorough cleaning that should prevent a similar outbreak from occurring on the next cruise of the same ship.
Finish reading article at CruiseMates
Every once in awhile the cruise industry has a tough week, and this has been one of them.
This morning we got the news that one of the nicer Costa cruise ships, the Europa, was blown by a strong wind up against the dock in Sharm al Sheik, Egypt, resulting in the death of three crewmembers. We are not sure exactly how the crewmembers died, but weather conditions were bad enough that all of the passengers were disembarked from the ship, put up in hotels and will be flown home.
Another ship, Celebrity Mercury, suffered one of the worst outbreaks of Norovirus on a cruise ships we have seen for a few years. Approximately 8% of the population of this ship was affected by the virus, about 300 people.
Even five years ago, before much more stringent practices to prevent the spread of diseases on ships were put into place, this would have been a significant outbreak. Fortunately, the recovery seems to be working out well and the line is doing a thorough cleaning that should prevent a similar outbreak from occurring on the next cruise of the same ship.
Finish reading article at CruiseMates
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Insider Cruise Secrets Revealed
This information will absolutely transform the way you cruise!
This guide will work with any cruise line, any ship, and any itinerary worldwide!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Celebrity Eclipse Welcomes Qsine Restaurant
Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Eclipse is unveiling the newest, and most innovative, member of its dining roster. Qsine will join the ranks alongside Tuscan Grille, Blu, Murano and Silk Harvest.
The menu, designed by Chef Jacques Van Staden, prides itself on giving unique twists to your usual fare. Staden's motto: "Make the ordinary, unordinary."
On the menu:
Sushi Lollipops - Nigiri sushi with soy center, wasabi mayonnaise and pickled ginger-radish salad.
Meatball Trilogy - Kobe beef with ceddar and marinara sauce; veal with mushrooms and marsala sauce; and turkey with cranberry and sage gravy.
Chitinis - chinese selections served in martini glasses.
Tresviche - tiger shrimp and bay scallops with lemon juice, tequila, cilantro, tomatoes and japaleno oil.
Popcorn Fish Chips - Boddington's-battered codfish and chips served with malt vinegar or aioli.
Slider Party - mini-grilled Kobe beef patties with aged Wisconsin cheddar served on brioche buns with "Qsine's original slider sauce" and garnishes.
Taco Royale - Black Angus sirloin steak, homemade taco shells, caramelized onion-poblano, and do-it-yourself fresh guacamole, with a stone mortar and pestle.
Lava Crab - Alaskan King crab, sweet yellow corn and scallions with Hataifi and Old Bay sauce, served in glasses over heated red stones.
Qsine will be open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., for a cover charge of $30 per person.
Source: Travel Agent Central
The menu, designed by Chef Jacques Van Staden, prides itself on giving unique twists to your usual fare. Staden's motto: "Make the ordinary, unordinary."
On the menu:
Sushi Lollipops - Nigiri sushi with soy center, wasabi mayonnaise and pickled ginger-radish salad.
Meatball Trilogy - Kobe beef with ceddar and marinara sauce; veal with mushrooms and marsala sauce; and turkey with cranberry and sage gravy.
Chitinis - chinese selections served in martini glasses.
Tresviche - tiger shrimp and bay scallops with lemon juice, tequila, cilantro, tomatoes and japaleno oil.
Popcorn Fish Chips - Boddington's-battered codfish and chips served with malt vinegar or aioli.
Slider Party - mini-grilled Kobe beef patties with aged Wisconsin cheddar served on brioche buns with "Qsine's original slider sauce" and garnishes.
Taco Royale - Black Angus sirloin steak, homemade taco shells, caramelized onion-poblano, and do-it-yourself fresh guacamole, with a stone mortar and pestle.
Lava Crab - Alaskan King crab, sweet yellow corn and scallions with Hataifi and Old Bay sauce, served in glasses over heated red stones.
Qsine will be open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., for a cover charge of $30 per person.
Source: Travel Agent Central
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Carnival Raising Prices March 22
After announcing record wave season bookings, Carnival also revealed it will raise prices across the board effective March 22, 2010.
Carnival President/CEO says the increase will vary by sailing date - and will top out at 5%. The price increase will vary by sailing date, and top out at 5%.
Carnival President/CEO says the increase will vary by sailing date - and will top out at 5%. The price increase will vary by sailing date, and top out at 5%.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Celebrity Cruise Passengers Sick at Sea
Nothing worst than being sick at sea . . .
Celebrity Cruises is still investigating what caused an outbreak of upset stomach and diarrhea among 450 passengers and crew members abroad the Mercury.
Unfortunately this is not the first time Celebrity's Mercury has come down with passenger illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Mercury was responsible for two of the 15 recorded outbreaks of illness on U.S. cruise ships last year, both caused by norovirus.
Actually Holland America had the worst outbreak last year with 7 outbreaks on 5 different ships. Obviously being the worst and second worst is NOT a list any cruise line would want to be mentioned on.
If the outbreak was caused by "norovirus", studies have shown that the virus is spread through dirty bathrooms on cruise ships.
I have not sailed on the Mercury, but have sailed on two other Celebrity ships. I found the rooms to be extremely clean, and the food was great. The cruise passenger cabins are cleaned everyday, but one has to wonder what goes on below in the crew cabins - who is actually cleaning those cabins?
CNN - More than 400 fall sick on Caribbean cruise
Celebrity Cruises is still investigating what caused an outbreak of upset stomach and diarrhea among 450 passengers and crew members abroad the Mercury.
Unfortunately this is not the first time Celebrity's Mercury has come down with passenger illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Mercury was responsible for two of the 15 recorded outbreaks of illness on U.S. cruise ships last year, both caused by norovirus.
Actually Holland America had the worst outbreak last year with 7 outbreaks on 5 different ships. Obviously being the worst and second worst is NOT a list any cruise line would want to be mentioned on.
If the outbreak was caused by "norovirus", studies have shown that the virus is spread through dirty bathrooms on cruise ships.
I have not sailed on the Mercury, but have sailed on two other Celebrity ships. I found the rooms to be extremely clean, and the food was great. The cruise passenger cabins are cleaned everyday, but one has to wonder what goes on below in the crew cabins - who is actually cleaning those cabins?
CNN - More than 400 fall sick on Caribbean cruise
Discovery Cruise All-Inclusive Cruise Product
Discovery Cruise Line is introducing a new All-Inclusive Cruise product.
The new product includes two all-you-can-eat buffet meals on the roundtrip cruise and all-you-can drink alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on the ships starting at $49.99 per person.
This is valid on the Fun Day cruise - Two day, one night cruises are available from $69.99 per person.
Discovery is also offering a new 10 a.m. departure from Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, music and a V-Jay, movies and more.
http://www.discoverycruiseline.com/
Monday, February 22, 2010
Celebrity's New Tech iLounge
cThe new iLounge feature will be on Celebrity Eclipse when it launches in April.
The iLounge is composed of three main areas - 26 contemporary workstations where guests can check their e-mail, retain their social media connections, or print boarding passes; a retail space offering cruisers the opportunity to see and try out the latest MacBooks, iPods and accessories; and an enrichment center where certified staff will offer guests tips on Mac or iPod usage.
Celebrity will offer in the Celebrity iLounge a series of engaging new courses designed to suit its guests' interests - including do-it-yourself photo books, movie editing and web design, through programs including iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD and iWeb.
Whether cruise guests are savvy or novice users of Mac or iPod products, Celebrity's certified staff will be well-equipped to assist, following more than 125 hours of training in operating systems, applications, and products.
They also will be poised to illustrate to guests the differences between Macs and PCs. As an Authorized Apple Reseller, Celebrity will have products available for guests to purchase, including iPods, MacBooks, and essential accessories.
Located on deck six of Celebrity Eclipse, the Celebrity iLounge will house the 26 MacBook Pro's, classroom and retail area, in addition to display pods, a 56-inch flat-screen TV for use during classes, and an accessible workstation.
The Celebrity iLounge also will be presented on Celebrity Silhouette, which launches in 2011.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Using Mind Mapping to Choose a Vacation Cruise
Ran across this interesting article today, and thought I would share . . .
A vacation cruise can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to see different parts of the world. Yet, with the myriad of options for cruise lines and packages available, choosing the ideal vacation cruise can be a challenge.
Mind Mapping is an incredibly useful tool for sorting through the various options available for vacation cruises because of its intuitive and highly visual format for organizing information.
A vacation cruise can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to see different parts of the world. Yet, with the myriad of options for cruise lines and packages available, choosing the ideal vacation cruise can be a challenge.
Mind Mapping is an incredibly useful tool for sorting through the various options available for vacation cruises because of its intuitive and highly visual format for organizing information.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Crystal Cruises New European Itineraries
Due to popular demand Crystal Cruises has added to its 2010 European cruise collection and is now offering two Black Sea voyages this summer.
The 12-day itineraries, aboard Crystal Serenity, depart from Venice on July 19 and August 24 and hit Istanbul as the final stop. Other ports of call include Katakolon and Navplion, Greece; Nesebur, Bulgaria; Yalta, Sevastopol and Odessa, Ukraine.
Two-for-one fares start at $6,470 per person and include $1,000 per person "All Inclusive-As You Wish" shipboard credits.
Visit www.crystalcruises.com
Featured Cruise Deal
Carnival Cruise Lines – Carnival Elation – 4 Night Baja Mexico from $254
Family fun with Club O2 for teens, Club Carnival for kids, and three swimming pools. Numerous dining venues from formal dining rooms, casual buffet restaurant to sushi bar and 24-hour pizzeria.
Over 9 bars & lounges, 2 pools – one with a poolside stage perfect to take in the live band. ... read more
Family fun with Club O2 for teens, Club Carnival for kids, and three swimming pools. Numerous dining venues from formal dining rooms, casual buffet restaurant to sushi bar and 24-hour pizzeria.
Over 9 bars & lounges, 2 pools – one with a poolside stage perfect to take in the live band. ... read more
Royal Caribbean Doubles 2011 Capacity in Australia
Royal Caribbean International will double its capacity in Australia in 2011, homeporting two ships in Sydney starting in October.
Rhapsody of the Seas, currently in its third Australian summer season, will be joined by Radiance of the Seas and offer cruises in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific during the summer months.
Royal Caribbean is focused on capturing a greater share of the Australian market: cruising by Australians will represent as much as 5% of the global cruise market by 2020. This according to Access Economics.
Rhapsody of the Seas is currently sailing in Australasian waters and will depart for Alaska at the end of the season on April 12, returning in October this year for summer 2010-11.
The company will release itineraries for the two-ship 2011-12 cruise calendar in late March 2010.
Source: Travel Agent Central
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Yachts of Seabourn E-Ticket Option
The Yachts of Seabourn are going environmentally friendly with the introduction of their new "Click & Sail" option.
This provides a single e-pass document over the company's website, which can be printed and presented at check-in.
Guests can log on to the "Already Booked" section of the website and will receive instructions on how to download the e-pass.Temporary pre-printed paper luggage tags will be sent by mail.
Visit www.seabourn.com
This provides a single e-pass document over the company's website, which can be printed and presented at check-in.
Guests can log on to the "Already Booked" section of the website and will receive instructions on how to download the e-pass.Temporary pre-printed paper luggage tags will be sent by mail.
Visit www.seabourn.com
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Princess Cruises New Ships on Horizon
The new ships will be able to accommodate 3,600 passengers each and are scheduled to launch in spring 2013 and spring 2014.
No names have been selected for the ships yet, but details will be announced at a later date.
Source: Travel Agent Central
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