Carnival Splendor Set's Sail Again

The Carnival Splendor successfully completed repairs, U.S. Coast Guard inspection, sea trials, and has set sail from Long Beach, California the home port.

The 3006 passenger cruise ship will continue its year round 7 day Mexico Riviera cruise schedule starting February 20, 2011.

On the initial voyage from Long Beach, Splendor will visit the Pacific coast with stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

Visit www.carnival.com

7 Major Cruise Trends for 2011

Cruise ships are sailing at full capacity with the expectation of 16-million passengers - an increase of 6% compared to last year.

With many new ships on the horizon for this year, CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) reports new cruise trends for 2011 . . . 

1. Cruise passengers are looking for more choices in their cruise dining experience. These choices include local food sources, guest celebrity/top chefs - and even more onboard speciality restaurants.

2. Private or exclusive shore excursions - and onboard experiences targeting families, children, sports, and active vacationers.

3. Shorter cruise durations. Many travelers are opting for several shorter cruises rather than the longer cruises - especially transatlantic

4. Top brand onboard spas, and unique spa treatments

5. Theme cruises focused on food/wine, culture, music and art

6. Passengers are booking cruises farther in advance - average 5- 6 months

7. Biggest growth expected from familes/multigenerational groups, baby boomers, first time cruisers, along with corporate groups and organizations

12 New Ships For 2011

CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) predicts the most popular destinations this year are Europe, the Caribbean, the Pacific, South America, Asia - and also an interest in River Cruises.

Great ready cruise fans - 12 new ships will premier this year:

MAJOR CRUISE LINES

Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Magic - 3,652 passengers
Costa Cruises' Favalosa - 3,502 passengers
Celebrity Cruises' Silhouette - 2,850 passengers

Disney Dream - 2,500 passengers
Oceania Cruises' Marina (shown above) - 1,260 passengers

SMALLER CRUISE VESSELS
Seabourn Cruise Line's Quest - 450 - passengers
Pearl Seas Cruises' Pearl Mist (shown above) - 210 passengers

RIVER CRUISES:

Avalon Waterways' Panorama - 166 passengers
AMA Waterways' Amalotus - 124 passengers
Amaverde - 162 passengers
Amakaterina - 212 passengers
Uniworld Grand River Cruises' Douro Spirit - 128 passengers
SS Antoinette - 164 passengers
River Victoria - 206 passengers

Jamaica's Newest Cruise Port Welcomes RCI

Finally! Jamaica's Falmouth cruise port has welcomed it's first cruise ship - Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas.

The new cruise port city is located on the north coast of Jamaica - and is a prime gateway for popular tourist attractions Dunn's River Falls, and adventure rafting on Martha Brae River.
 
The new cruise port will eventurally offering more than 60 tours, which will be the most offered by any Caribbean cruise destination. And there are future plans for shops, restaurants and historic attractions.
 
Falmouth was constructed to handle RCI's Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas - the world's largest cruise ships. Oasis of the Seas will actually launch the grand opening on March 22, 2011.
 
Meanwhile other RCI ships plan to visit Falmouth ahead of the grand launch. Freedom of the Seas sails into the port on Feb. 23  - and Navigator of the Seas arrives on Feb. 24.
 
Allure of the Seas - the world's other largest cruise ship - will arrive on March 30 - a week after sister ship arrives for the grand opening.
 
Jamaica's newest cruise port has the distinction of being the island's largest construction project to date. After many delays, Falmouth is off to a great start! 

Royal Caribbean's First Solo Traveler Cabins Coming by June

RCI can do A lot better than "windowless" inside rooms for solo travelers - Sue 

Royal Caribbean this year will unveil cabins designed for solo travelers - a first for the line.

A Royal Caribbean representative tells USA TODAY a late spring overhaul of one of its 22 ships, the Radiance of the Seas, will see the addition of three cabins for singles -- all windowless "inside" rooms.

The 2,112-passenger Radiance is scheduled to enter dry dock for the makeover in late May and emerge (with the new single cabins) in early June. The ship will spend the coming summer sailing in Alaska.

Read full article

Cheap Caribbean Cruises as Cruise Lines Reposition

Finding some great deals on Royal Caribbean cruises and other cheap Caribbean cruises right now should be easy. 

If you have been looking to get away or are planning your vacation for this year then a cheap Caribbean cruise might just be the trip you have been looking for.

This is due to something called cruise line repositioning. As cruise ships run on a seasonal cycle where they will service the Caribbean in the fall and Alaska in the spring.

During this time, instead of allowing their ships to travel without people, the cruise lines drastically reduce prices. These discounts are made so low as to bring in a lot of customers during this repositioning.

If you really want to save a lot of money by getting one of these discounted cruises then try to stay away from the bars and casinos on board. That’s where they get you, so to speak.

Shops are also another money maker for the cruise lines during this time, so remember that while you are getting a great deal, you should not be enticed to spend too much while on board or that discount may not seem that great at the end of the cruise.
 
Source: ADI News

Carnival Splendor Cancels Upcoming Cruises for Repairs

Carnival Cruise Lines has canceled additional departures of the Carnival Splendor including the January 16, 23, 30 and February 6 and 13, 2011, voyages to allow for additional repair time following an engine room fire aboard the vessel in November.

The ship is now scheduled to re-enter service February 20, 2011.

The ship is currently in San Diego but will sail to San Francisco in mid-January where repairs will be completed at a dry dock facility. As some of the needed parts are not readily available and are being manufactured in Europe, the repairs will take longer than initially anticipated.

Guests booked on the canceled voyages will receive a refund or future cruise credit equal to the amount paid, along with reimbursement of air transportation-related change fees. Those who re-book may also receive a 25% future cruise discount and/or on board credit depending on the ship and sailing date of the new booking.

NCL To Launch Two New Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line just announced it will launch two new class of Freestyle Cruising ships.

The two new-generation cruise ships are scheduled to be launched in the spring of 2013 and 2014. Both ships will carry 4,000 passengers - 200 fewer passengers than Epic -  and will be built at the Meyer Werft plant in Germany. Meyer Werft built the Jewelclass ships: Gem, Pearl, Jewel and Jade.

Additional details about each of the new ship's features will be released as construction progresses.

New Cruise Ship For Disney

There is a new ship in the Disney Cruise Line - the Disney Dream will set sail in 2012.
Disney Dream is designed to be larger, more luxurious, and more whimsical than all others before it.

One of the main features of the new Disney Cruise line is the addition of a water coaster. This attraction will be set on the top deck, and will be aimed at entertaining scores of children.

Seabourn Value Fares

Seabourn has extended its special “Seabourn Value Fares” into the first quarter of 2012, offering savings of up to 65 percent aboard the line’s all-suite ships.

Seabourn Value Fares start from $2,399 per guest for a seven-day cruise, but vary by itinerary and apply to all worldwide voyages for fall 2011 and winter 2012.

To take advantage of these fares, guests must book by March 31, 2011, after which the prices are subject to rise.

As previously announced, due to increasing demand, the company has implemented a new pricing strategy for 2011 to increase fares to restore the advantage to those who book early.

The limited-time-only fares apply to 56 cruises departing between November 2011 and May 2012 in Asia, the South Pacific, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, with itineraries ranging from seven to 26 days.

Some examples of regions and per-person Seabourn Value Fares are:

Seabourn Pride 14-day voyages exploring Vietnam and Thailand, from $4,999. Seabourn Legend 10- to 18-day cruises in Indonesia and Arabia from $3,999.

Seabourn Odyssey 14- to 26-day South Pacific voyages, from $6,299.

Seabourn Sojourn 14- to 17-day voyages in South America from $5,499.

Seabourn Spirit 14-day Panama Canal voyages from $4,299.
Seven- to 14-day Caribbean cruises on Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest from $2,399. Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Odyssey or Seabourn Sojourn transatlantic voyages from $2,599.

Seabourn Value Fares are also available for the entire 109-day Seabourn Quest World Cruise or shorter segments.

Rates begin from $43,080 per person for the full world cruise or from $7,600 per person for a shorter segment. The promotion includes optional air add-on, with round-trip economy air starting from $600 and business class air from $1,300 from 39 North American gateways.

http://www.seabourn.com/

Source: Travel Agent Central

Cunard's First Female Captain - Inger Klein Olsen

When Inger Klein Olsen assumed command of Cunard Line's Queen Victoria on December 1, she made history by becoming the shipping line's first female captain.
Captain Olsen’s first task at the helm of Queen Victoria was to take the ship, without passengers, to drydock in Hamburg for its planned refit. Next Wednesday, December 15, she will be on the bridge as the ship sets sail with a full complement of guests.

Captain Olsen, 43, was born and raised in the Faroe Islands, which accounts for her maritime abilities. She joined Cunard in 1997 as First Officer on board Caronia. In 2001 she transferred to the Seabourn fleet, which at that time was part of Cunard. She was promoted to the rank of Staff Captain on Seabourn Pride in 2003.

Following some years with other companies within the Carnival Corporation group, Captain Olsen returned to Cunard in August this year as Deputy Captain of Queen Victoria.

Olsen will helm Queen Victoria during the ship's debut Americas season, commencing from New York to Los Angeles on January 13. During the first 17-day voyage, the ship will call on Ft. Lauderdale and Bonaire, transit the Panama Canal, and visit three ports in Mexico — Huatulco, Acapulco and Manzanillo — before arriving into Los Angeles at the end of the month.

Queen Victoria's Americas season continues until March 18 and features several transits through the Panama Canal, four calls to Los Angeles, two roundtrip voyages from Los Angeles to Hawaii, and one Getaway voyage to Mexico.

Source: Travel Agent Central

MSC Cruises Cuts Rates for Solo Passengers

MSC Cruises cutting rates for solo travelers this winter on seven-night voyages in the Caribbean.

Fares for singles occupying cabins on its one ship in the region, the 2,550-passenger MSC Poesia, have been slashed to $574.80 - not including government fees and taxes.

The rates, available for all categories of cabins on the ship except suites, represent a savings of more than 30% off the amount solo travelers normally have to pay.


The promotion is available for MSC Poesia cruises that depart between now and Feb. 12, including:

7 Night "Western Caribbean Wonders" cruises on Dec. 5, Jan. 16 and 30, and Feb. 13 out of Fort Lauderdale to Key West, Fla.; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.

7 Night "Eastern Caribbean Enchantment" cruises on Dec. 12, Jan. 9 and 23, and Feb. 6 to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas.

Source: USA Today Cruise Log

Royal Wedding Broadcast at Sea by Cunard and P&O

Cunard Guests to Witness Royal Wedding On Board

On April 29, 2011, guests on Cunard's three ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, will be able to watch the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton live from the ships' Royal Court Theatres.

On Queen Mary 2, the theater can accommodate 1,000 passengers as they sail between New York and Southampton, on a seven-night cruise from April 26 to May 2. Aboard Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, more 800 passengers will be able to watch the event.

During the nuptials, Queen Elizabeth will be on course to Southampton, while Queen Victoria will be touring the Mediterranean. On all ships, the evening's dinner will feature a commemorative menu and a champagne toast. Visit www.cunard.com

P&O Cruises to Broadcast Royal Wedding at Sea
 
P&O Cruises will broadcast the April 29 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on all seven ships.

Up to three couples can share their wedding day with the royals, and be married by the ship’s captain on Aurora as they sail across the Atlantic from the Caribbean.

The P&O Cruises Weddings at Sea program provides wedding certificates that feature the nautical coordinates of their wedding location. For more information, visit www.pocruises.com

Source: Travel Agent Central

Cruise on Carnival with Rocker Bret Michaels

Rock legend and reality TV star Bret Michaels is teaming up with Shoreline Charters to host the "Rock Your World Super Cruise," a four-day rock 'n roll vacation on the high seas taking place aboard the Carnival Destiny Fall in 2011.

Fans will have an all-access pass to exclusive performances and meet and greet opportunities during the cruise, which will operate round-trip from Miami Nov. 10-14, 2011. Ports of call include Key West, Fla., and Cozumel, Mexico.

Highlighting the cruise will be a performance by Bret Michaels and his band in the Carnival Destiny's 1,500-seat show lounge. Michaels will also be out and about to mix and mingle with fans, answer questions and sign autographs.

Rates start at $829 per person based on double occupancy. To book your rock and roll cruise of a lifetime, visit www.bretmichaelscruise.com

Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon and Save!

8 Days - Uncover the wonders of the Amazon and save 10%!

Highlights:
Explore places that have not changed for millions of years! Venture far into the Amazon rainforest wilderness in search of wildlife and adventure.

Travel far up the least inhabited river in the Amazon, the Rio Negro. Explore the Amazonian forests by boat and foot! Visit local villages and search for some of the most interesting wildlife on this planet. This truly is the trip of a lifetime.

Inclusions:
Transfers, Meals as listed in the itinerary, and Bottled Water
Priced from $2385 per person/twin share (includes taxes)

Book by December 31st, 2010 and Save 10% per person!
Departure Dates: (2011) April 16, 30; May 14, 2011

All Reservations must be made by December 31, 2010

Find out more about this cruise

Silversea Announces Seven Mid-Voyage Land Tours

Silversea Cruises has launched seven new mid-voyage land trips among the extension of dozens of lands trips avaialble for 2011.

Over one or multiple days, these inland adventures will introduce guests to the local people, history, wildlife and natural attractions outside of the port areas.

Highlights include explorations through Australia, Andorra, the Scottish Highlands and Russia, in addition to Antarctica, South Africa and Brazil.

 Visit www.silversea.com