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

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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

American Queen Arrives in Memphis for Christening

The Great American Steamboat Company’s American Queen arrived in its home port of Memphis after her first voyage up the Mississippi River since 2008.

Originally built in 1995 by the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, the American Queen can accomodate 436-guests.

The U.S.-flagged steamboat was welcomed to the revitalized Beale Street Landing marking the return of overnight cruises on the rivers of America’s heartland and the continuation of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company legacy.

As the American Queen approached downtown Memphis, it was met by the city’s residents and family members of the crew. The Great American Steamboat Company hired over 300 employees from the area, including the steamboat crew, and an economic impact of $89 million is anticipated for the region.

After the christening, the American Queen will depart for her inaugural voyage up the Mississippi River to the Ohio River with stops in Henderson, Ky., Louisville, Ky., and Madison, Ind., before arriving in her disembarkation city of Cincinnati, Ohio.

On May 2 in Louisville, she  will take part in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Great Steamboat Race with the Belle of Louisville and Belle of Cincinnati.

A variety of voyage lengths, ranging from three nights to ten nights, and fares beginning at $995 per guest, are available with little or no flying required.

For more information, visit www.GreatAmericanSteamboatCompany.com

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

Hurtigruten Northern Lights Cruises

Natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis is the most fascinating display of colors nature can offer 




Watch the video and visit the SPECIAL NORTHERN LIGHTS SECTION via Hurtigruten's Site. 


Find out how to make your next winter one never to be forgotten. Through video, stunning imagery and fascinating stories you'll see how a winter expedition along the coast of Norway is one of the most unique travel experiences the natural world has to offer.





Visit the site: http://www.hurtigruten.us/norway/NorthernLights/

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

Holland American South American Fall 2012 Lineup

Holland America Line is offering exciting cruises to South America on ms Veendam, ms Maasdam and ms Prinsendam for the Fall Cruise Season of 2012.

Itineraries range from 13 - 68 days, plus cruisers can include a new 49-day extended, port-intensive Amazon and Carnival Voyage aboard Maasdam in early 2013.

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A 23-day Amazon Explorer Cruise in Nov. 2012 and a 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage in Jan. 2013 aboard Prinsendam are additional highlights of the line’s 2012-13 South America cruise schedule.

From Nov. 2012 to March 2013, the 1,350-guest Veendam will sail a series of six 13-day and one 17-day itinerary between Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sailings include multiple days cruising the fjords of Chile, calls at locations such as Ushuaia, sailing around Cape Horn and a visit to the Magellan Strait, gateway to Antarctica.

Cruise fares begin at $1,399 per person, double occupancy, for the 13-day sailings, and $1,699 for the 17-day voyages.

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In addition to Veendam’s series of cruises, two non-repeating itineraries also are available throughout the season:

14- or 18-day South America cruise departing Boston, Mass.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile, Oct. 20 and 24, 2012, respectively
18- or 21-day South America cruise departing Valparaiso to Fort Lauderdale or Boston, April 13, 2013

These itineraries include a full transit of the Panama Canal in addition to extended port calls at Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama, and Callao (Lima), Peru.

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Veendam also sails a 21-day South America and Antarctica Explorer Holiday cruise departing Rio de Janeiro to Valparaiso Dec. 20, 2012, and a 20-day South America and Antarctica Explorer cruise departing Valparaiso to Buenos Aires, Jan.10, 2013. A 21-day South America and Antarctica Explorer cruise returns from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso on Jan.30, 2013. All voyages include scenic cruising throughout the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula and an overnight call at Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires.

Cruise fares begin at $1,699 per person, double occupancy, for the 14- and 18-day sailings; $2,099 for the 18- and 21-day sailings departing Valparaiso; and $3,799 for the 20-day Antarctica sailing.

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Aboard Maasdam, guests will sail one unique 49-day Amazon and Carnival Explorer Voyage sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 18, 2013.

Guests will spend 49 days exploring 25 ports throughout all three of the “ABC Islands” — Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao — Barbados, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Dominica, French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago, crossing the equator twice during the voyage.  Extended calls at seven ports  — Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Buenos Aires, Callao (Lima), Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Manaus and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil allow extra time ashore.

Shorter segments of Maasdam’s Amazon and Carnival Explorer Voyage are available for guests with less time. The 23-day segment departs Fort Lauderdale for Rio de Janeiro Jan. 18, 2013, and a 26-day segment departs Rio de Janeiro for Fort Lauderdale Feb. 10, 2013 that includes cruising down the Amazon River and crossing the equator. The 26-day itinerary also includes a two-night call at Rio de Janeiro where guests can experience exciting Carnival.

Cruise fares begin at $7,999 per person, double occupancy, for the full 49-day Amazon and Carnival Explorer Voyage; $2,999 per person for the 23-day Amazon and Carnival Explorer Voyage and $5,199 for the 26-day segment.

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Departing Jan. 5, 2013, Prinsendam sails south once again on a 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. During the voyage, Prinsendam will circumnavigate the continent and spend seven full days cruising the Amazon River and four days of scenic cruising in Antarctica. Overnight calls include Callao, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Manaus. Shorter segments are available.

Cruise fares begin at $12,999 per person, double occupancy, for the 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage.

Selection of Featured Tours Include:

Iguazu Falls: Natural Wonder of the World
This tour enables guests to see the Iguazu Falls, located at the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Guests will ride a train to Devil's Throat (a cliff at Iguazu Falls) and take a guided walk to view the falls.

Cuzco & Machu Picchu Overland Adventure
Fascinating excursion includes a sightseeing drive through colonial Cuzco to see the main square and cathedral, followed by a Vistadome train ride along the Urubamba River and a coach ride to Machu Picchu — the Lost City of the Incas — at an elevation of 7,874 feet.

Patagonian Experience
Otway Sound & Penguin Reserve — During this adventure, guests will take a motor coach ride across unpaved roads and farms bordering Otway Bay for views of the Pinto Range. The tour also allows guests to get up close and personal with thousands of Magellan penguins near their caves and nesting areas.

Drive to Tierra del Fuego National Park
Tierra del Fuego encompasses the city of Ushuaia, Cape Horn, the Magellan Strait and is a gateway to Antarctica. This national park was created to protect the southern portion of the sub-Antarctic forest. Today it provides visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Andes and the region’s forests, rivers, lakes and is home to a wide variety of birds. A short stop at Lapataia Bay, the southernmost place that can be reached by road, also is included in this tour.

For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com