For three days only - July 8, 9 and 10 - Crystal Cruises will offer 25% additional savings off of its already low special savings fares on five itineraries this fall and winter.

These new savings range from $885 to $2,000 per person and apply to all deluxe outside and verandah category staterooms on the September 26 Mediterranean cruise, a November itinerary from New York to Bermuda and the Caribbean, a November 12 Transatlantic voyage, a December 5 South American and the Amazon journey and a December 10 Panama Canal transit.

Crystal’s popular “All Inclusive - As You Wish” program provides an additional $500-1,000 per person of shipboard spending credits. A Crystal Family Memories program offers a host of perks for a family or friends group of six, and a free berth for a group of 10.

The 25% savings is available:

* September 26 Venice to Athens, 12 days aboard Crystal Serenity
Save $1,362-$1,890
Plus $1,000 “All Inclusive - As You Wish” spending credit
Plus Crystal Family Memories program free berth for only 10 full-fare guests

* November 10 New York to Miami, 12 days aboard Crystal Symphony
Save $1,046-$1,516
Plus $500 “All Inclusive - As You Wish” spending credit
Plus Crystal Family Memories program free berth for only 10 full-fare guests

* November 12 Lisbon to Miami, 12 days aboard Crystal Serenity
Save $885-$1,239
Plus $500 “All Inclusive - As You Wish” spending credit
Plus Crystal Family Memories program free berth for only 10 full-fare guests

* December 5 Manaus to Buenos Aires, 15 days aboard Crystal Symphony
Save $1,350-$2,085
Plus $1000 “All Inclusive - As You Wish” spending credit
Plus Crystal Family Memories program free berth for only 10 full-fare guests

* December 10 Caldera to Miami, 11 days aboard Crystal Serenity
Save $944-$1,277
Plus $500 “All Inclusive - As You Wish” spending credit
Plus Crystal Family Memories program free berth for only 10 full-fare guests

“Discerning luxury travelers appreciate great value,” says Bill Smith, Crystal’s senior vice president, sales & marketing. “These savings offer compelling reasons to sail with the World’s Best.”

New cruise fares for the voyages start at just $2,655. Fares, credits and savings are per person, based on double occupancy.

For reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the newly redesigned crystalcruises.com.

The Celebrity Equinox starts cruising this month and it will contain 130 of the wildly successful AquaClass staterooms, which were first seen on the Celebrity Solstice last year.

The AquaClass veranda staterooms are located near the “AquaSpa by Elemis.” AquaClass cabins will not hold more than two guests, which is meant to appeal to their exclusivity and the relative peace and quiet of the AquaClass area of the ship.

AquaClass passengers will enjoy many perks, including unlimited access to the Persian Garden aromatherapy steam room and the Relaxation Room, an area with comfortable lounge chairs, and mostly importantly, peace and quiet. Guests booked in AquaClass accommodations will also have unlimited complimentary access to the ship’s exclusive “Blu” restaurant. Blu features “clean-cuisine” and Mediterranean-influenced dishes. Menu items include appetizers of roasted beet salad with goat cheese, Mediterranean chopped salad with pita chips and pomegranate vinaigrette. Entrees such as blackened ahi tuna, pan-seared filet mignon, and herb-crusted rack of lamb will also be offered. Blu is also open for breakfast, exclusively for AquaClass and suite guests. Sounds delicious!

AquaClass cabins will have amenities that include a pillow menu featuring Swedish Isotonic, body and hypo-allergenic pillows, carafes of unsweetened iced tea, lavender oil in a reed diffuser, and a five-jet shower.

Celebrity Equinox features verandas in 85 percent of its 1,426 staterooms. Additionally, all staterooms will be equipped with flat-screen TVs, smarter storage and closet space, spacious bathrooms, and plush European bedding. Wireless Internet access will be available throughout the ship.

So what about “raising eyebrows”? The ship will have a “lash and brow bar” where guests can select from a variety of eyelash enhancements, brow sculpting, and brow tinting. Lash tinting will also be available.

The Celebrity Equinox is scheduled to enter service July 31 from Southampton, England, on an eight-night cruise through the majestic Norwegian Fjords, followed by a series of Mediterranean sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, beginning August 8.

As with sister ship Celebrity Solstice, the Celebrity Equinox will feature innovative offerings including a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass, a glassblowing show and studio developed in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass, 10 dining venues, and entertainment which includes shows with stunning aerial acts.

The engine room fire that took place near Alexandria, Egypt, on Royal Princess took out two engines and will require the ship to have extensive repair work done before it can resume it regularly scheduled itineraries.

The fire occured last last and although no one was injured it did require that all of the passengers offload Alexandria, Egypt and endure a 3 1/2 hour bus ride into Cairo where they were put up in hotels before they could be flown home. Obviously, while it was disconcerting to lose your vacation in sauch a manner, guests reported that they were treated very well by the cruise who has issued all of them a voucher for a free cruise. The cruise line also made all arrangements and covered all costs to get the guests home.

The ship, the former 30,000-ton 684 passenger R8 (Renaissance Cruises) is one of the eight identical ships built by Renaissance but now sailed by Oceania, Azamara and Princess under various new names. It will leave from Egypt on Wednesday and and take three days to sail to Greece (Piraeus) where the repairs will take place starting this weekend.

Unfortunately, the time for the repairs is up in the air and the June 25 cruise has already been canceled. Guests on the July 7 cruise are on standby to see if the cruise will go forward.

6-24-09
 Silversea is allowing guests to custom design their own shore experiences with the introduction of its new “Silver Shore Concierge” service.

Silversea guests, or their travel agents, can call or email to make personalized onshore arrangements.

There is a dedicated toll-free phone line, 1-800-968-9518, or email concierge@silversea.com
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (East Coast time, U.S.), Monday through Friday.

The Silver Shore Concierge arrangements can include sporting activities, behind-the-scenes or after-hours access to exclusive designer shops, museums, cathedrals and more. Other possibilities include a champagne picnic or hot air balloon ride over Tuscany, access to a designer’s atelier in Venice, or a journey through Juneau’s glacier-carved fjords by private catamaran.

Additionally, guests use the Silver Shore Concierge to plan pre- and post-cruise land adventures that include accommodations at some of the world’s best hotels, flights, ground transportation, and guided tours of historical sites and other attractions.

To take advantage of the new service, Silversea guests will need to have a deposited or fully-paid booking. Payment for confirmed arrangements is made in advance of sailing and includes a service fee.

The Silver Shore Concierge is also offered aboard ship, where the shore concierge manager and team, together with the destination specialist, are available to assist guests with suggestions, planning and coordination of all their independent touring needs.

The Concierge service is the centerpiece of an array of new Silver Shore tour and hotel offerings designed to make the destination experience more personal and authentic, including:

• Silver Shore Privato — lets guests experience the destination at their own pace on full or half-day excursions by private car or van service that can be reserved on board or in advance of sailing via Silversea.com/MyVoyage.
• Silver Shore Expedition — adventurous and educational tours for the active explorer.
• Silver Shore Collection — unique and exclusive in-depth explorations of local history and culture.
• Silver Shore Excursions — intimate and rewarding small-group touring.
• Silver Shore Land Adventures — multi-day excursions that head inland to explore the region in depth. Offered before, after or during select voyages, they include accommodations, porterage, all transfers, sightseeing and some meals.
• Silver Shore Simply Hotel — single-night programs that feature a 4.5- or 5-star hotel stay before or after the cruise at such properties as the InterContinental Athenaeum in Athens, the Park Tower in Buenos Aires or Rome’s Bernini Bristol. These flexible overnight stays offer guests the option to add transfers, additional nights or upgrades, if desired.
• Silver Shore Grande Hotel — two-night programs that enable guests to extend their vacation at Claridge’s in London, the Peninsula in Bangkok and other landmark hotel or boutique properties across the globe. Full breakfast and private transfer between the pier and hotel are included.

“The new Silver Shore Concierge desk has been created to provide our guests with one-to-one consultations and creative assistance,” said Darius Mehta, Silversea’s director of land programs. “Our team of destination experts are happy to set up arrangements to meet a guest’s specific requirements, tailored to their personal interests, or help guests design their own one-of-a-kind onshore experience.”

All Silver Shore tours are available for guests to pre-book online as early as 120 days prior to sailing. Silver Shore Land Adventures and hotel options can be booked as add-ons to the cruise vacation through Silversea reservations.

6-3-09
 
The newly refurbished Veendam has cabins not seen on any major cruise ship before. The cabins on the Promenade deck now open to the wrap-around promenade deck outside through sliding glass doors. It is rare for cabins to open up to a common area on the outside.

Holland America calls the new style for the se cabins “Lanai Staterooms,” Hawaiian for “porch.” The cabins were formerly plain “oceanview” cabins with picture windows. Ironically, in the past these cabins were ones to avoid because people walking on the deck could see into your room, especially at night.

However, the glass on these new doors have a one-way mirrored coating to ensure privacy. So we are guessing these new cabins will become very popular since they offer the advantage of allowing fresh air into the room without the expense of a verandah cabin. They will also be very useful for joggers and other people who want instant access to outdoor public areas.

They will be particularly useful in Alaska where one often needs or wants to run outside and get a better view of wildlife.

These Lanai staterooms will be added to ms Rotterdam this year and three other ships by 2013. Each lanai stateroom also features reserved deck chairs outside the sliding glass doors. The lanai staterooms on Veendam are the latest round of Signature of Excellence enhancements at Holland America Line.

Thirty-two new verandah staterooms were also built on the aft portion of the ship, along with eight new inside staterooms. All staterooms aboard Veendam received new décor, modern wall sconces, carpet, drapes, pillows, bed runners and resurfaced desks and vanities. Bathrooms receined an �extreme� makeover with new vanities and cabinetry.

A final stateroom enhancement was the creation of 15 spa staterooms � 12 outside converted to verandah in drydock and three other inside � featuring a variety of exclusive spa amenities. The rooms offer their own ambiance with a décor reflecting natural elements and soft earth-tones. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments and a spa room service menu are offered only in these staterooms.

4-2-09
Celebrity and Azamara Summer Cruises: 2 for 1 Rates Through April
Celebrity Cruises and deluxe sister Azamara Cruises says cruisers can book a limited number of berths on select Alaska and Europe sailings at a two-for-the-price-of-one rate based on published brochure rates through April 30, 2009. Any of these cruises booked during April 2009 also feature a price-protection component and a travel agent booking incentive.

Azamara offering Europe for less:
Azamara Cruises offers up to 50% off brochure rates on 21 different cruises sailing between May and November 2009 through the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, the Black Sea, Western Europe, Iceland and Scandinavia/Russia. Ranging in length from seven to 15 nights, the discounted cruises offer travelers the opportunity to experience the spectacular service, cuisine and amenities on the 694-guest Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest.

Sample discount fares offered in “The Azamara Assurance,” based on double occupancy in a veranda stateroom, include a 14-night “Best of Italy” cruise sailing on August 9, 2009, that was $3,999 per person and is $1,999 per person; and a seven-night Mediterranean cruise sailing on May 2, 2009, that was $2,099 per person and is being offered at $1,049 per person.

Celebrity offering Alaska and Europe at a discount: Celebrity Cruises’ offer is called “The Celebrity Starring You Promise,” and offers savings of up to 51% off published brochure rates on 53 different cruises sailing in Alaska and Europe between May and September 2009.

Alaska sailings in “The Celebrity Starring You Promise” range from seven to 13 nights in length and are being offered on Celebrity Mercury, Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Millennium. An example of the type of discount guests can receive by booking their Alaska cruise on one of the sailings featured in the offer is a seven-night “Southbound Alaska” cruise between Vancouver and Seward on June 5, 2009, that was $999 per person based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom and is being offered at $499 per person.

Guests who book select Celebrity Europe cruises between today and April 30, 2009, are eligible for savings such as a 12-night Mediterranean cruise on July 21, 2009, that was being offered at $2,199 per person for an inside stateroom, based on double occupancy, and is being offered today at $1,149 per person. The Europe cruises in the promotion range from 10 to 14 nights in length.

Offer’s price protection component adds security:
Price protection, a component of both the Azamara and Celebrity offers, gives guests who book during the promotion access to lower rates up to 48 hours before their sailing. If Azamara or Celebrity publish a lower price for the same stateroom category on the same sailing that the guest previously booked, the guest must call Azamara/Celebrity to verify eligibility for the lower price. A limited number of special rate programs are excluded. Guests or their travel agents must make their requests for a price adjustment no later than 48 hours prior to sailing by calling Azamara/Celebrity. Prices offered in “The Celebrity Starring You Promise” and “The Azamara Assurance” are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy, in US dollars, subject to change without notice, and capacity controlled. The price protection component does not apply to price programs, such as resident and senior rates, that the guest does not qualify for at the time the request is made and cannot be used to obtain rates offered as part of other select pricing programs. Other terms and conditions apply.

4-1-09
Seven Seas Voyager Cancels Apr. 18 and May 8 Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises says it is necessary to cancel the upcoming April 18th and May 8th cruises of the 700-guest Seven Seas Voyager in order to make necessary repairs to one of its pod propulsion units. While this engine failure does not compromise the ship’s safety or seaworthiness, the damaged propulsion unit substantially reduces the vessel’s cruising speed and its ability to reach the scheduled itineraries.

The starboard (right side) propulsion unit became entangled with a fishing net around March 18th after departure from Singapore. The subsequent mechanical failure resulted in the shutdown of the pod. Inspections in India and Dubai determined the extent of the damage is greater than originally expected. The ship must be dry-docked for the necessary repairs.

Seven Seas Voyager will be withdrawn from service upon arrival in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy on April 18. Arrangements will be made to transport all guests back to their city of origin, including the shipping of luggage, from Rome. Guests on the April 18th voyage from Istanbul and the May 8th voyage from Fort Lauderdale and are being informed of these cancellations, along with their travel agents.

All guests will be offered a variety of options which may include re-accommodation on an alternative RSSC voyage or voyages or a full refund. Travel Agent commissions are being protected for all affected sailings.

Specific re-accommodation details and refund offers for each sailing will be sent in a separate letter to guests and their travel agents and dedicated team of Regent Seven Seas cruise specialists will be contacting all affected guests and agents. A special toll-free number, 877 505 5632, has been established to answer questions and provide details to those guests and agents with reservations on these sailings.

3-31-09
Royal Caribbean Raises Loyalty Program Requirement
Starting July 1st there will be changes to the Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society benefits. The changes include:

A new Ultimate Value Booklet with coupons for various onboard amenities.

An upgraded wine tasting event at a special price

A new special event, hosted by our ship officers for Diamond and above members to meet and mingle with other fellow members. This will feature complimentary wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

Due to limited capacity, Royal Caribbean states that the Concierge Lounge has not been able to accommodate its growing loyalty program membership, challenging its ability to provide the optimum experience for their guests. Therefore the Concierge Lounge will now be accessible to only suite passengers and “Diamond Plus” Crown and Anchor guests.

Diamond Members cruising on Freedom Class ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will continue to be able to experience exclusive access to a dedicated Diamond Lounge on these ships, which feature a complimentary ‘happy hour’ from 5-8:30pm daily.

3-31-09
Royal Caribbean CEO, Richard Fain, Starts Oasis Blog
Chairman of Royal Caribbean International has started a new blog at oasisoftheseas.com, the official web site of the new “biggest cruise ship in the world” about to be introduced by Royal Caribbean in November. So far, there are only two posts, but there are also shipyard pictures from Finland. Visit Royal Caribbean’s Chairman’s Blog at Oasisoftheseas.com.

The second post, just put online, describes Fain’s shipyard visit to inspect the Oasis, now 80% complete. He notes the consideration Finland has for shipyard workers, agreeing to shut down production when the temperature for the work environment hits -20 degrees fahrenheit.

Fain notes that one change he already wishes for oasis is to have built more loft suites. These two-story suites will have two full stories of glass walls to the outside. The living space is on the ground floor with the bedrooms upstairs.

3-31-09
Disney Wonder to Relocate to Los Angeles
The Walt Disney Co. says it plans to move one of its cruise ships, Disney Wonder, to Los Angeles as its new home port starting in 2011.

The move will be made when the first of two under-construction ships, the Dream and Fantasy, arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla. The current home port for both Disney ships and scheduled to be the new port for the new Disney ships cirrently under construction.

The switch announced Monday could create some 2,600 direct and indirect jobs in the Los Angeles area. The two-year deal between the port and Disney has a three-year renewal option. The Wonder could draw an estimated 250,000 customers to the Port of Los Angeles over five years.

The port hosted the Magic in the summers of 2005 and 2008 for tours of the Mexican Riviera. The upcoming itinerary has not yet been announced but it is liley to be similar to the one the Wonder ran before.

3-31-09
Cruise Ship Worker Pleads Not Guilty
CBS News, Los Angeles, is reporting that Monday, in court, the Princess Cruises waiter who has been charged with aggravated sexual assault denies that he sexually assaulted a female passenger on a recent trip at sea. A trial date was set and if convicted, Jorge Manuel Teixeira, 38 Teixeira - a Portuguese national, faces a potential life prison sentence. At a bail hearing earlier this month, Teixeira was deemed a flight risk and ordered held until trial. The alleged assault took place before midnight March 5 during a 14-day cruise between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles while the ship was off the coast of Mexico, according to court documents. Federal law allows for the prosecution of those accused of attacking U.S. citizens on the high seas. U.S. Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien said that while the alleged attack took place in waters far from U.S. shores, federal authorities have jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes on the high seas involving American citizens. The woman, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen whose name and hometown were not released, told officials she agreed to meet Teixeira in a dimly lit corner of a deserted dining room for late-night drinks, documents show. At some point, she said the headwaiter forced her to perform a sex act and attacked her, according to an FBI agent’s 17-page affidavit. Teixeira, who has worked on cruise ships for 18 years, denied attacking the woman, but admitted that after meeting with her, he touched her leg and “another part” of her body as they left the table, the agent reported. This case is important for several reasons. It is one of the first high profile “rape” (actually aggravated sexual assault) cases ever to come to trial in the U.S. although the mechanisms to do so have been in place for years. In the past, the FBI has chosen not to prosecute cases where there were conflicting statements and insufficient evidence to prove otherwise. It is not yet known if there is evedence to support the claims of either side. Another reason it is important is because U.S. Congressional hearings on cruise ship crime and safety, redux 2009, are now being held in Washington DC, starting yesterday (the same day Texiera was indicted).

3-25-09
Carnival Elation - New Itineraries to Cabo, New Look
Just having completed several recent upgrades, Carnival Elation is now the ship to take for short cruises to Mexico from California. The ship is the only one operating year-round from San Diego, and now has all the Fantasy-class enhancements that had already been given to most of the Carnival ships leaving from the East Coast.

Built in the 1990s, the eight Fantasy-class ships are the smallest in the Carnival fleet, but a program to give them all modern upgrades has made these ships much more exciting. Now, Carnival Elation has added new four and five-day itineraries that also include stops in Cabo San Lucas. The onboard enhancements already make it a better choice for short Mexico cruises, and if you have the time, a stop in Cabo San Lucas also makes it much more interesting cruise.

The onboard enhancements include a new water-park area for the kids to enjoy, with a long, winding water slide and two side-by-side competitive water slides. An adults area called “Serenity” has been added to the back deck of Elation; a quiet teak deck with padded lounge chairs and a hot tub with no kids allowed.

Expanded food options include a New York-style Deli, a sushi bar, a Mongolian BarBQ and a new dessert station with free ice cream.

The ship now has shipwide wireless Internet access as well as an Internet café. There are also new resort-style amenities, including 12 lounges and bars, three restaurants and four swimming pools and a 12,000-square-foot health and fitness center.

On its new schedule, Carnival Elation will operate a year-round series of four- and five-day cruises for a two-week period followed by another two weeks of three- and four-day Baja departures.

Four- and Five-Day Cruises to Cabo San Lucas:
Beginning July 2, 2009, Carnival Elation’s four-day “long weekend” cruises will depart Thursdays and visit Cabo San Lucas. Two different five-day itineraries will also be offered. Five-day cruises departing Saturdays will feature the industry’s only itinerary that includes two full days in Cabo San Lucas, providing guests with a unique opportunity to enjoy one of Mexico’s most spectacular destinations. Five-day cruises departing Mondays will feature both Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.

New Departure Days for Three- and Four-Day Cruises:
The Carnival Elation’s three- and four-day cruises which currently depart on Thursdays and Sundays, respectively, will be changed to Fridays (three-day cruises) and Mondays (four-day cruises) starting with the July 20, 2009, four-day departure. These new departure dates offer guests an even more convenient option on these popular short cruise itineraries from San Diego.

Carnival Pride, leaving from Long Beach, has not received the Fantasy-class upgrades yet.

2-17-09
Carnival Sensation Leaves Drydock with Upgrades
Carnival Sensation has new facilities and features as scheduled for all Carnival Fantasy-class vessels with the “Evolutions of Fun” program. These new features include the exclusive adults-only retreat calles “Serenity,” an extensive water park, and a redecorated tropical theme for the main pool area. Ninety-eight balconies were also incorporated onto existing ocean view staterooms and a new Circle C facility for 12- to 14-year olds was added, as well.

The upgrade was accomplished during a 35-day dry dock. Sensation is the fourth Fantasy-class ship to receive the upgrades, along with the Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, and Carnival Fantasy which are already renovated. The four remaining Fantasy-class ships will be refurbished over the next few years.

Sensation resumed its Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral last week. Three-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Nassau while four-day voyages depart Sundays and call at Freeport and Nassau.

Open Deck Upgrades
A highlight of the upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, a big aqua park kids will love but will appeal to guests of all ages. The expansive open-air facility includes a 300-foot-long water slide - the longest at sea - along with twin 82-foot-long racing slides and various water sprays.

The new main pool area has a distinctive resort-style ambiance, with colorful, oversized umbrellas, thatched roofing, vibrant tile work and other tropical-themed design elements.

Serenity Adults-Only Retreat
Also new on the Carnival Sensation is Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat located aft on Promenade Deck. Designed as an ocean-going oasis for comfort and relaxation, Serenity offers plush chaise lounges and chairs, and two large whirlpools. Shade is provided by oversized umbrellas, along with an area covered by thatched roofing. Within Serenity, guests can enjoy a wide range of icy cocktails and frozen drinks or partake in various dining options at the nearby, casual Seaview restaurant.

Ninety-Eight New Balcony Staterooms
Ninety-eight existing ocean view staterooms on the Carnival Sensation have been retrofitted with balconies, creating expansive new cabins measuring approximately 230 square feet. Twenty-four of the new balcony cabins are located mid-ship, 12 are located near the stern, and the other 62 are located aft, with several of these accommodations featuring extended balconies. Additionally, a number of the Carnival Sensation’s suites have been modified to feature larger, extended balconies to create a more spacious environment for guests.

New Circle C Facility, Other Enhancements
Carnival Sensation’s refurbishment also included the creation of a new Circle C facility on Atlantic Deck 8. Catering to the 12- to 14-old age group, Circle C includes a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma screen televisions displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox and gaming pods with the latest games and consoles.

All of the Carnival Sensation’s 1,026 staterooms have been completely remodeled with new wall coverings, tile work, carpeting and light fixtures. Additionally, virtually all dining, dancing and entertainment venues, as well as all guest corridors, have been renovated with a host of cosmetic enhancements.

Back to Top

2-17-09
Silversea Announces 50% Discounts and Free Shore Excursions
Silversea is announcing brand new savings of up to 50% on brochure fares on selected Mediterranean, Northern European and Alaskan voyages departing between May and September 2009.

In addition, complimentary shore excursions worth in excess of $1,000 per suite are also available. Sample excursions include St Petersburg’s palaces with a private guide, an air adventure over the Misty Fjords or a helicopter tour of the Amalfi Coast. Plus, flight-packages offering great value start at £29.00, ($40) which includes airport-pier transfers on the day of embark/debark.

Silver Wind departs on 14 May 2009 on a seven day voyage (#2915) from Barcelona to Nice, with calls in Barcelona, Valencia, Calvi, Livorno (overnight) and Antibes. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start at £1,748 ($2482) for a 50% savings.

Silver Cloud departs on 10 June 2009 on a ten day voyage (#1912) from London to Stockholm, with calls in London (overnight), transit Kiel Canal, Warnemunde, Tallinn, St Petersburg (two nights), Helsinki and Stockholm. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start at £2,948 ($4186) for a 50% savings.

Silver Shadow departs 16 June 2009 on a ten day voyage (#3914) from Vancouver to San Francisco, with calls in Cruise Inside Passage, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Cruise Tracy Arm & Sawyer Glacier, Wrangell and Prince Rupert. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start at £2,402 ($3410) foe a 40% savings.

The special offers are valid on new bookings made before March 31. All offers and savings are subject to availability and may change at anytime without our notice. Fares quoted are cruise-only and include port charges government fees and taxes. Terms and conditions apply.

Back to Top

2-13-09
Crystal Announces $2000 Per Couple Onboard Credit in Europe
In conjunction with special European pricing, called “Celebration Fares,” this summer, Crystal Cruises is announcing the “All Inclusive � As You Wish” promotion, a $2,000 per couple � or $1,000 per person � shipboard spending credit travelers may spend as follows:

Any Crystal Adventure shore excursion,
Any spa treatment,
Any wine,
Any cocktail,
Any boutique purchase,
Any gratuities,
Any Vintage Room experience,
And anything else on board except Casino gaming.

The $2,000 per couple spending credit is available with:

Every Mediterranean cruise aboard Crystal Serenity in July through November,
All 11-day Baltic and British Isles cruises aboard Crystal Symphony between June 19 and August 23, and
Crystal Symphony’s Northern Europe Transatlantic cruise from London to Boston.

Guests on Crystal’s seven-day Baltic cruise departing August 5 will enjoy a $1,000 per couple, or $500 per person, spending credit. In all, there are 17 Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises eligible for the “All Inclusive � As You Wish” promotion.

Europe Celebration Fares

In addition to onboard credit, Crystal is offering up to $1,500 per person off most European cruises until March 31, 2009.

Travelers sailing on any 2009 Europe, Transatlantic or Crystal Symphony Asia cruise can enjoy 20 percent savings on almost every cruise in every category in 2010. The 2009 cruise must be booked by March 31, 2009, and the 2010 cruise must be booked by November 30, 2009.

Crystal Assurance Plan features Price Protection

If someone books a 2009 Crystal cruise and the fare for that stateroom category is later reduced, the guest will be protected at the reduced fare. Additionally, in 2009 Crystal reduced cruise fare deposits � as low as 5% - deadlines and cancellation periods.

Among the additional savings programs for 2009 are Low Business Class Air Upgrades with summer European cruises and the Crystal Family Memories Program, offering complimentary accommodations and other perks for family and friends group vacations.

Back to Top

2-13-09
Book Oceanview Carnival Alaska Today and Get Balcony Upgrade
Buy an Ocean View, Get a FREE Upgrade to a Balcony. This offer ends today. Carnival Spirit has always had the best balcony offers in Alaska every year, but this year is unprecedented and I see no reason for any Carnival devotee to pass this offer up.

Book any ocean view stateroom for your 7 day, Alaskan “Fun Ship” vacation and receive a FREE upgrade to a balcony stateroom Get a great outside view by taking advantage of some of the lowest rates available on balcony staterooms ever. Must book February 11 - 13, 2009.

2-5-09
Regent and Oceania to Repay $3.1 Million in Fuel Supplements
The Florida state’s attorney general had received “several hundred” complaints about concerning fuel surcharges being charged to people after they had already paid their cruise fare in full by the entire cruise line industry.

And now two of those cruise lines have agreed to refund over $3 million to consumers nationwide. Oceania Cruises agreed to pay more than $2.1 million in restitution and Classic Cruise Holdings, aka Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will pay $1 million.

Under these agreements, any consumers who were retroactively charged a fuel supplement by the companies will be refunded the full cost of the surcharge. It is important to note that many cruise lines imposed fuel surcharges after cruises had already been paid in full and entrusted travel agents to contact the guests and ask them to pay the additonal fee. In most cases, if people refused to pay the extra fee their cruises were cancelled and their money refunded.

Some returns will come be onboard credits for consumers who have not yet sailed, the state said.

2-5-09
Feb 9-16 One Week Sale - Yachts of Seabourn
The Yachts of Seabourn has a one-week sale of certain cruises in Europe with savings of 60% off for 14 voyages between March and August of 2009. Bookings must be made from Monday, February 9 until close of business on Monday February 16, 2009.

The offer is for fares from $2,840 pp, double occupancy of a 277-square foot ocean-view suite. with new bookings on these 14 voyages in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The list of included voyages is:

Seabourn Pride
March 18 Portugal Passage I - Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon 13 days
March 31 Grand Mediterranean - Lisbon to Athens (Piraeus) 14 days
April 14 Mediterranean Panorama - Athens (Piraeus) to Lisbon 14 days
May 12 Grand Harbors of Europe - Dover to Copenhagen 11 days
June 13 Norwegian Fjords - Round Trip Copenhagen 9 days
June 22 Scandinavia & Russia - Round Trip Copenhagen 12 days

Seabourn Spirit
June 20 or July 11 Italian Idyll - Venice to Rome (Civitavecchia) 7 days

Seabourn Legend
Apr 16 Iberian Spring - Lisbon to Barcelona 10 days
June 20 Cote d’ Azur & Spanish Isles - Monte Carlo to Barcelona 7 days
June 27 The Yachtsman’s Riviera - Barcelona to Monte Carlo 7 days
July 11 Sardinia, Corsica & Cote d�Azur - Rome (Civitavecchia) to Monte Carlo 7 days

Seabourn Odyssey
July 18 Aegean Odyssey- Istanbul to Athens (Piraeus) 7 days
July 25 Greece & Dalmatian Delights - Athens (Piraeus) to Venice 7 days

For details, or to take advantage of this special one-week sale, contact your travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

2-5-09
Royal Caribbean CEO Invests in Own Company
Royal Caribbean’s chairman of the board and CEO, Richard Fain, put almost 1/2 million dollars of his personal money into the cruise line “for investment purchases”. He purchased some $471,635 of the company corporate bonds according to an SEC filing.

The “junk bonds” bonds are trading at a deep discount to face value. “I already own a lot of stock in our company, and I bought these bonds because I thought they were ridiculously undervalued,” Fain said. Moody’s downgraded the bond rating from Ba1 to Ba2 on Friday, Jan 30.

Fain bought $200,000 of 8 percent bonds due May 15, 2010; $200,000 of 8.75 percent bonds due Feb. 2, 2011; $150,000 of 7 percent bonds due June 15, 2013, and $100,000 of the company’s 6.875 percent bonds due Dec. 1, 2013. This adds up to over $550,000 face value for the bonds upon maturity for which he paid $471,635.

2-4-09
James Taylor to Play on Queen Mary 2 Crossing
The Irish Herald newspaper is reporting that folk music legend James Taylor has found a novel way of getting his entourage across the Atlantic to play Ireland and Britain this summer — singing for his supper on a Queen Mary 2 Atlantic crossing.

Multi-Grammy winning James Taylor, whose hits include You Got A Friend, performed alongside Beyonce and Stevie Wonder at President Obama’s inauguration celebrations last month.

Taylor will record a DVD of his performances aboard the liner. This was also done by Taylor’s ex-wife, Carly Simon, who recorded one in 2005.

“To bring all those people over to Europe and to bring all the equipment is a big hump to get over. So we have made a deal with Cunard Line to bring everybody over on the Queen Mary,” Taylor said.

Cunard said it continues a grand tradition aboard the transatlantic liner dating back to the times of Noel Coward, when stars would make impromptu performances for their fellow seafarers.

2-3-09
Carnival Holiday to Miss Two Cruises; 2-28 and 3-4-09
Carnival Holiday is set to enter dry dock at Atlantic Marine on Feb. 28 and remain there until March 8, missing two cruises, according to Carnival. Holiday will simply undergo regular maintenance, according to a local marine business.

Guests who had booked cruises on the affected dates were given the option to move their vacations to another date, book a trip on another ship or receive a full refund, according to Carnival.

Holiday, Carnival’s oldest and smallest ship, has been Mobile Alabama’s permanent cruise ship since 2004. Its rated capacity of two people per cabin is 1,452. Carnival plans to replace Holiday in Mobile with its 2,052-passenger Fantasy next November. At that time, the Holiday is scheduled to start service at a Carnival subsidiary in Spain.

2-3-09
NCL Offers New Discounts - Kids $99, $250 Onboard Credit
Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its Freestyle Resolution promotion. Families who book a cruise from now through March 15, 2009 on many of NCL’s sailings can take their kids for as low as $99 each, and also receive up to $250 in on-board credit to be used on anything from shore excursions and specialty dinners to spa treatments, the casino or otherwise.

Says Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s president and CEO, “Family cruises on NCL have great activities for kids of all ages, from our expanded Kid’s Crew program allowing parents to take the night off for a romantic dinner, to the two-story Nintendo Wii, four-lane bowling, rock climbing wall, teen disco, and arcade.”

NCL notes its most popular summer sailings include a seven-day Sawyer Glacier cruise round-trip from Vancouver to Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, Alaska, from $599 per person. Norwegian Spirit sails a seven-day Bermuda cruise round-trip from Boston, from $599 per person; and Norwegian Gem features a seven-day Western Mediterranean sailing round-trip from Barcelona, Spain to Valletta, Malta; Naples, Rome and Florence, Italy; and Cannes, France; from $599 per person. Pride of America offers a seven-day inter-island Hawaii cruise departing from Honolulu and visiting Hilo and Kona, Hawaii; along with overnights in Kahului, Maui and Nawiliwili, Kaui from $999 per person.

Families sailing with NCL can also save with half price dinners for children three to 12 years old in its numerous specialty restaurants. Unlimited soda package for kids 12 and under are $39.50 which includes a Kid’s Crew backpack, t-shirt and baseball cap. For teens, the Teen Passport Program is just $34.50 and includes a booklet with 20 tickets for non-alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic smoothies; and admission to an afternoon dance party with DJ, pizza and unlimited soft drinks.

With NCL’s new Groups 2.0 program, families looking to host reunions onboard can save. When booking eight or more staterooms via a travel agent, amenities offered range from the ability to make advance Freestyle Dining reservations in any restaurant prior to sailing, to a group cocktail party, on-board credits which can be used throughout the ship, and Freestyle Bowling in the Bliss Ultra Lounge, amongst others.

2-2-09
Caribbean Princess Receives Signature Upgrades in Drydock
Caribbean Princess has just emerged from an extensive three-week drydock to add many of Princess Cruises’ signature features that have proven so popular on its newest ships. The vessel now offers passengers the engaging street-café atmosphere of the piazza-style atrium with its International Café and Vines, the wine, seafood and cheese bar; the adults-only Sanctuary, seven new suites, and a more centrally located casino. Work is also nearly complete on a new Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant.

These amenities became passenger favorites when they debuted aboard Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess over the last three years, and are being added to a number of ships, including Golden Princess in May. The company has already introduced many of these features on Star Princess and Grand Princess.

“We want to give passengers who sail aboard any of our large ships the opportunity to enjoy the innovative amenities that have become hallmarks of the Princess cruise experience,” said Jan Swartz, executive vice president of Princess Cruises.

Caribbean Princess’ new atrium now features the specialty coffees, fresh baked cookies and pastries, paninis and tapas of the International Café. Also new is the Vines wine bar offering a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of seafood, artisan meats and cheeses, and a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle.

Adult passengers looking to get away from it all will be able to relax in the tranquility of The Sanctuary, Princess’ signature retreat featuring plush padded lounge chairs and the services of dedicated Serenity Stewards. Visitors to this exclusive space can enjoy refreshing beverages and light snacks, or receive a massage in one of two private cabanas.

Caribbean Princess will soon debut a brand new Crown Grill restaurant featuring an open kitchen where passengers can enjoy watching as chefs prepare chops, steaks and seafood, including live lobsters.

As part of the renovation, the 3,080-passenger ship � which debuted in 2004 � also received seven new suites with ocean-view picture windows, and a relocated casino on deck 7, bringing it into the ship’s central entertainment area. Other changes include a new location for the sports court, a new Limelight boutique, new shore excursions and Captain’s Circle desks, new Internet café and library, and the addition of flat-screen televisions in all staterooms.

The dramatic makeover took place at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas, where more than 1,500 workers and contractors worked around the clock to complete the impressive project.

2-2-09
Alaska Cruising Beginning to Suffer
The Alaska cruise economy is taking a beating right with plenty of controversy about the reasons why. Royal Caribbean has already announced that it will reduce the number of sailings there in 2009 and that they are taking one ship out of the market completely in 2010.

Cruise West, a small-ship cruise line that specializes in Alaska cruising, has already taken three ships out the Alaska area for 2009, including the namesake Spirit of Alaska. While Cruise West ships only carry about 200 passengers apiece, it is an important referendum on certain government policies that Alaska tourism officials say are contributing to the downturn.

In 2006 the state imposed a $50 per head tax on all cruise passengers. This was opposed by Governor Sarah Palin but was passed by the legislature. The economic impact on the state just for the loss of the one Royal Caribbean ship, Seranade of the Seas, is estimated anywhere from 40 to $57 million dollars for the season in total revenue.

According to certain estimates, the cost of an Alaska cruise is roughly half the price what it was last year, especially on the larger cruise lines. The smaller Cruise West is relocating its small ships to the Columbia River where the decison to halt operations by Majestic America Line has left a void. Majestic America is the owner of several steamboats such as Delta Queen, Columbia Queen and Empress of the North. All of the ships have been taken out of service and the cruise line is for sale.

1-30-09
Grand Turk Cruise Center Projects 500,000 Visits in 2009
With 229 cruise ship calls scheduled for 2009, the Caribbean island-based Grand Turk Cruise Center built and basically owned by Carnival Corp. is on track to host a record 500,000 passengers in the coming year. The unprecedented half-million passenger mark is a 25% increase over 2008, during which the center was closed for 30 days following Hurricane Ike.

Most of the visits to the cruise center are made by Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess and Costa ships (all owned by Carnival Corp.) although Silversea, Oceania Cruises, Crystal and Regent Seven Seas also have stops scheduled there in 2009.

Grand Turk has successfully developed a wide array of organized excursion opportunities for visitors, from horseback riding and kayaking to world-class diving, snorkeling and fishing. A recent addition is the new Grand Turk Grace Bay Car Rentals recently opened at the Grand Turk Cruise Center. Guests can now self-drive to the island’s historical sites, gorgeous white-sand beaches, quaint Bermudian-influenced architecture and friendly locals at their own pace.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center, which can accommodate up to 6,000 passengers per day, consists of a 13-acre complex including an 800-foot-long private beach, swimming pool, expansive recreation area with a diversity of retail shops, FlowRider® surfing adventure and the Caribbean’s largest “Margaritaville”-themed bar and restaurant.

For more information about the island, the Grand Turk Cruise Center, as well as the 2009 cruise ship schedule, shore excursion offerings visit grandturkcc.com. For information on Grand Turk Grace Bay Car Rentals visit their web site at gracebaycarrentals.com.

Grand Turk Cruise Center Projects 500,000 Visits in 2009

With 229 cruise ship calls scheduled for 2009, the Caribbean island-based Grand Turk Cruise Center built predicts a record 500,000 passengers will visit in 2009. This is a 25% increase over 2008, when the center was closed for 30 days after Hurricane Ike.

Carnival Corp. owns the island’s cruise center, and Carnival ships as well as Holland America, Princess and Costa (all owned by Carnival) although Silversea, Oceania Cruises, Crystal and Regent Seven Seas also have stops scheduled there in 2009.

Grand Turk has many organized shore excursions, horseback riding, kayaking and world-class diving, snorkeling and fishing. The new Grand Turk Grace Bay Car Rentals recently opened so guests can drive to the island’s sites, beaches and architecture.

The Center can accommodate up to 6,000 passengers per day on a 13-acre complex with an 800-foot-long private beach, swimming pool and retail shops. A FlowRider® surfing adventure and the Caribbean’s largest “Margaritaville”-themed bar and restaurant.

For more information about the island, the Grand Turk Cruise Center, as well as the 2009 cruise ship schedule, shore excursion offerings visit grandturkcc.com. For information on Grand Turk Grace Bay Car Rentals visit their web site at gracebaycarrentals.com.

1-29-09
Royal Caribbean Reports Quarterly Results

Royal Caribbean International, the parent company of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara Cruises, as well as smaller European brands, announced the results of their most recent quarter Jan 29.

The company had predicted earnings between five to 10-cents per share. Actual earnings were one penny per share.

Fourth quarter 2008 net income = $1.5 million, or $0.01 per share, compared to $70.8 million or $0.33 per share in 2007. For the full year 2008, net income was $573.7 million, or $2.68 per share.

Bookings began to suffer a substantial downturn in September resulting in a Net Yield decline of 5.9% for the quarter. This is lower than the company’s previous guidance of down 4% - 5% due to foreign currency changes during the quarter.

During the quarter, substantial cost containment and other actions largely offset higher than anticipated fuel and insurance expenses.

Fuel expense was higher than the company’s last calculations mainly due to higher at-the-pump pricing than anticipated.

Looking forward, the revenue outlook for 2009 remains weak. Both ticket sales and onboard revenue have been impacted by the general economic conditions. It has required substantial discounts to generate the requisite volume and consumers are making their vacation decisions later than previously.

Increased cost containment programs are expected to result in a 5% - 7% decline in Net Cruise Costs per APCD excluding fuel in 2009.

The company expects Net Yields for 2009 will be down 9% - 13% from 2008 and that EPS will be in a range around $1.40 per share.

Early indications from the “WAVE Period” are encouraging and suggest that the booking situation may have begun to stabilize although pricing remains extremely challenging.

“The fourth quarter was an extremely difficult operating environment and we expect even more challenges in 2009,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer. “Nevertheless, I am pleased by our success in reducing costs without compromising the guest experience. Although the WAVE Period has only just started, we are encouraged by what we have seen so far; pricing is still very difficult, but booking patterns have begun to stabilize.”

It is important to note that much of this quarter, Oct. through Dec. 2008, showed erratic pricing patterns and indecision about how to react to the economic changes. It was not until December that most of the cruise lines had readjusted to the new mood of their customers and created buying incentives to appeal to the new financial mindset.

What’s Changed in the Booking Environment?

The report says that as soon as the January WAVE season arrived bookings were as robust as last year, albeit at lower prices. Royal Caribbean sees people delaying their vacation purchase decisions but choosing to cruise as their vacation date gets closer.

The company also disclosed that its core Caribbean products are seeing stronger demand than its premium seasonal products such as Europe and Alaska. Onboard revenue, which until the fourth quarter of 2008 had remained resilient, has also been reduced in the company’s guidance.

The company continues to successfully expand the proportion of its business that comes from outside the United States, which also makes currency issues more relevant to the company’s results.

Back to Top

1-27-09
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Names New F3 ship: Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced that it has selected the name for its new F3 ship: Norwegian Epic. Just as the name implies, the ship will be the largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date.

The 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic is scheduled to sail year-round to the Caribbean from Miami, beginning in summer 2010. Following a series of inaugural events in Europe and the U.S., the ship will homeport in Miami and will sail year-round to the Caribbean offering alternating seven-day Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages through April 2011. These cruises are scheduled to go on sale to the public later this spring. NCL will open Norwegian Epic�s sailings for group block bookings exclusively for travel partners in mid-March 2009.

The ship�s Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roat�n, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. Norwegian Epic�s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.

Norwegian Epic represents the next generation of Freestyle Cruising � a ship that incorporates a wide range of new features and amenities, including curved New Wave staterooms and unique nightlife options. To date, the company has revealed five unique nightlife venues that rival the experiences of Las Vegas, Ibiza, the Riviera and South Beach. The five venues include the industry’s first true Ice Bar; POSH Beach Club, a first of its kind beach club at sea that offers an exclusive, adults-only setting at the top of the ship; Halo, the �ber Bar, a private bar and lounge in the ship-within-a-ship villa complex; Bliss Ultra Lounge, NCL’s all-day entertainment and nightclub complex with four-lane bowling alley; and Spice H20, an adults-only aft pool deck experience.

In addition, the ship will feature the New Wave standard, New Wave balcony and New Wave deluxe staterooms that represent a giant leap forward in cruise ship accommodations with a completely fresh take on bathroom design, contemporary curved architecture and open living space. The New Wave stateroom�s most distinctive design element is its curved walls and lines creating a modern and chic experience. NCL has maximized the living space with a bathroom that is completely unique with a separate shower stall, separate water closet and a modern vanity top sink. The staterooms feature a sophisticated earth-tone palette accented with a splash of color and rich, dark wood. Concealed contour LED lighting and back-lit domed ceilings set a relaxing vibe.

Back to Top

1-22-09
 NCL to Sail Two Ships from New York Year ‘Round
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced the addition of Norwegian Jewel, joining Norwegian Gem, sailing from New York year ’round, giving guests a choice between two of NCL’s newest ships, purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising. They also announced continued year-round commitment to Europe with Norwegian Jade sailing from Barcelona.

NCL will continue sailings to the Caribbean from New Orleans on the newly refurbished Norwegian Spirit and to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles on Norwegian Star. In addition, NCL has also released its 2010-2011 repositioning voyages which include the Panama Canal, Pacific Coastal and Transatlantic. These cruises go on sale January 22, 2009.

“Having Norwegian Jade homeported in Barcelona for the winter gives guests another option for exploring the many different ports in Europe, during a time of the year when it is less crowded and the weather is mild,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s president and CEO. “By bringing Norwegian Jewel to New York, along with our newest ship, Norwegian Gem, we are giving guests more choice and more ways to escape the cold Northeast winters without the hassle of air travel.”

In Europe year-round, the 2,402-passenger Norwegian Jade will sail alternating 12- and nine-day cruises from its homeport of Barcelona, Spain. The 12-day Eastern Mediterranean sailings include the following ports of call: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Izmir), Turkey; an overnight in Alexandria, Egypt; and Valletta, Malta. The nine-day Canary Islands & Morocco sailings include stops in Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands: Funchal, Madeira; and Granada (M�laga), Spain. Since there is no port repetition between the two itineraries, they can be easily combined to create a port-rich 21-day European tour.

The 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel homeports for the first time in New York, along with the 2,380-passenger Norwegian Gem; both ships will sail a series of 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruises with stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Philipsburg, St. Maarten and Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and seven-day Bahamas & Florida cruises with stops in Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida; Great Stirrup Cay (NCL’s private island) and Nassau, Bahamas.

Norwegian Spirit, which underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2008, returns to New Orleans sailing a series of 24 seven-day Exotic Western Caribbean cruises. Ports of call include: Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Santo Tom�s de Castilla, Guatemala; and Belize City, Belize. Norwegian Star sails back to Los Angeles for a series of 24 seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatl�n and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Repositioning cruises in the 2010-2011 deployment include:

• On April 10 (New York to Venice) and October 30 (Venice to New York), 2010, Norwegian Gem sails a 14-day Transatlantic with stops in Ponta Delgada, Azores; Lisbon, Portugal; Seville (C�diz) and Granada (M�laga), Spain.
• On April 10, 2010, Norwegian Pearl will sail a 14-day Panama Canal from Miami to Los Angeles. Ports of call include: Cartagena, Columbia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Huatulco, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and a daylight transit through the Panama Canal.
• On April 11, 2010, Norwegian Jewel sails a 15-day Transatlantic from Miami to London (Dover), England. Ports of call include: Ponta Delgada, Azores; Lisbon Portugal; Vigo and La Coruna, Spain; Waterford, Ireland; and Guernsey, Channel Islands.
• On April 11, 2010, Norwegian Spirit embarks on a 12-day Caribbean Escape from New Orleans to Boston. Ports of call include: Costa Maya, Mexico; Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstand, Curacao; and Hamilton, Bermuda.
• On April 24, 2010, Norwegian Pearl sails from Los Angeles to Vancouver with stops in San Francisco, California; Astoria, Oregon; Victoria and Campbell River, British Columbia.
• On May 1, 2010, Norwegian Star repositions on a seven-day cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, British Columbia with stops in Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska through the Inside Passage.
• On September 8, 2010, Norwegian Jewel sails from London (Dover), England, to New York. Ports of call include: Lerwick, Shetland Islands; Thorshavn, Faroe Islands; Reykjavik, Iceland; St. John, Newfoundland; and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
• On October 2, 2010, Norwegian Star sails on a seven-day British Colombia and U.S. West Coast cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles. Ports of call include: Campbell River and Victoria, British Columbia; Astoria, Oregon; and San Francisco, California.
• On October 10, 2010, Norwegian Dawn departs from New York to Miami on a 12-day Caribbean Escape with stops in Samana, Dominican Republic; Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Belize City, Belize.
• On October 23, 2010, Norwegian Spirit sails a 15-day Caribbean Escape from Boston to New Orleans. Ports of call include: Samaná, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados; Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Roat�n, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.
• On September 19, 2010, Norwegian Pearl sails a five-day Pacific Coastal from Vancouver to Los Angeles with stops in Astoria, Oregon and San Francisco, California.

Norwegian Star will sail four 14-day Panama Canal sailings from Miami to Los Angeles and Los Angeles to Miami on November 20 and December 4, 2010 and January 1 and January 15, 2011. Ports of call include: Cartagena, Columbia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Huatulco, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and a daylight transit through the Panama Canal.

To book one of these new itineraries, guests should contact a travel professional or NCL at 866-234-0292. Further information can be found online at www.ncl.com.

Back to Top

1-20-09
NCL Launches Online Booking and Cruise Planning
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has launched online check-in via its new “My NCL” portal. The online gateway enables guests to update and track pre-cruise activity through a quick three step process.

“By checking in online with �My NCL,’” guests will speed up the boarding process allowing them to start enjoying their Freestyle Cruising vacation sooner,” said Vivian Ewart, vice president of passenger services.

Booked guests can log onto www.ncl.com, from reservation inception up until 24-hours prior to departure, and click on the online check-in icon to begin the process. Guests will be asked to enter their name, ship, sailing date and reservation number in order to create a username and password.

Once a profile is created, all guest preferences including reservation details, important required pre-cruise information including the guest check-in form, shore excursion reservations, and printable cruise ticket are stored on their “My NCL” account. The guest check-in form on “My NCL” is intuitive based on the guest’s nationality and itinerary and will automatically alert the guest of the appropriate documentation needed to sail.

Travel agents can access the “My NCL” portal through NCL’s travel partner web site, www.bookncl.com, to check the status of their client’s pre-cruise activity and to assist in the process.

Guests can also log into their “My NCL” account at any time to update their profile and cruise vacation preferences, as well as check on their Latitudes (past guest program) status.

Back to Top