Snow Flurries Set the Mood for Santa, Carolers and a Gingerbread House Challenge

Read More

Post a first course culinary creation on-line between 30 November and 12 December and win a cruise aboard MSC Splendida with Italian celebrity chef Mauro Uliassi

Read More

Cruise Market Watch has revealed the results of its annual cruise trends forecast based on analysis of its proprietary cruise database.

Among the 2012 highlights:

• The worldwide cruise market is estimated at $34.1 billion

• Cruise passengers carried worldwide in 2012 is estimated at 20.3 million, a 5.6% increase over 2011

• The top two cruise companies Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Co account for 73% of worldwide share of revenue

• The 2012 Port PulseTM rankings place Miami Florida as the #1 cruise embarkation port in the world and Nassau Bahamas the #1 port of call

• Direct spending by passengers and crew at all cruise ports in the world is estimated at $15.5 billion

While cruise lines have grown annual passengers traveled at a compound annual growth rate of 7.4% since 1990 - all the cruise ships in the entire world filled at capacity all year long still only amount to less than ½ of the total number of annual visitors to Las Vegas.  Cruise passengers carried worldwide in 2012 is estimated at 20.3 million, an increase of 5.6% over 2011.

On the heals of the several new ships to be added to the market in 2012 (including the 3,690 passenger Carnival Breeze, the 3,013 passenger MSC Divina,  3,012-guest Costa Fascinosca and 2,500 berth Disney Fantasy) eight more new cruise ships will launch by 2015. These ships will generate another $2.3 billion in annual revenue for the cruise industry. By 2015, 22.3 million cruise passengers are expected to be carried worldwide.

This is not only good for the cruise industry (of which two cruise companies dominate - Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Co with a combined 73% of worldwide market share) but also for the local economies of ports visited by cruise passengers.  Direct spending by passengers and crew at all cruise ports around the world is estimated at $15.5 billion.  The 2012 Port PulseTM rankings place Miami, Florida as the #1 embarkation port and Nassau Bahamas the #1 port of call.  North America and Europe serve as the source markets for 85.9% of worldwide passengers, but other regions of the world such as Asia are growing significantly.

The new ships continue to bring attention to cruising, creating interest, additional pricing power, economies of scale and bookings of first time cruisers.  Average cruise revenue per passenger per day for 2012 is projected to be $240.13.

Read More

Effective Dec 1st, Ruben Perez has assumed his new position as general manager at Costa Cruises North America’s Hollywood, Fla., office, responsible for day-to-day management of all operations, reporting directly to Costa Crociere headquarters in Genoa, Italy. Scott Knutson was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing, and is responsible for marketing, sales and travel agent relations, reporting to Perez.

The new management structure comes in the wake of the retirement of Maurice Zarmati as president and CEO of the North American office. Zarmati has been retained as a consultant to Costa Cruises for its worldwide sales, marketing and passenger-traffic initiatives.

“The cruise industry is constantly changing, but we intend to maintain continuity and the same high level of service our travel partners have come to expect of Costa Cruises North America under Maurice’s leadership,” said Perez. “We are committed to ensuring that it is a pleasure to work with our office for all our travel agent partners and national accounts.”

"Relationships are an integral part of any successful sales organization and clearly were important to Maurice, which I learned working with him for 23 years,” said Knutson. “While we'll all miss his guidance, I am excited for the opportunity to lead our new sales and marketing initiatives in North America during this era of growth at Costa."

Perez has worked for Costa Cruises N.A. for 28 years, starting in the accounting department while studying for his bachelor’s of science degree in professional administration at Barry University in Miami. He held several managerial positions in the credit and collection and revenue management departments before becoming senior vice president of guest services in 2008. In that role he was responsible for the accounting, guest services, groups, special services, air/sea and guest relations departments. As general manager Perez’ responsibilities also include oversight of all sales and marketing functions.

Knutson is a 26-year veteran of the travel industry, with 23 years in the cruise industry. He spent two decades in the sales organization at Carnival Cruise Lines, starting as business development manager and rising to regional vice president of sales for the central and then southeast regions of the U.S. In 2008 Knutson was named vice president of sales for Costa Cruises N.A. As the new vice president of sales and marketing, he is responsible for all aspects of travel agency sales and distribution, including field sales, strategic alliances, sales operations, tour operators and incentive and inside sales.

Read More

Costa Cruises, Europe’s number one cruise company, has announced that the naming ceremony for new flagship, Costa Fascinosa, will take place in Savona on 6 May 2012.

The 16th member of Costa Cruises’ fleet, (114,500 gross tonnage and 3,800 total guests), is currently being fitted out at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard. Together with her sister ship, Costa Favolosa, she will be the largest cruise ship flying the Italian flag.

The announcement was made by Costa Crociere S.p.A. Chairman & CEO Pier Luigi Foschi during Costa Favolosa’s first call at Savona. Costa Fascinosa will be the first cruise ship to be inaugurated in the Ligurian port city, and the event will take place during Costa Fascinosa’s first vernissage cruise of the ship, departing from Venice on 2 May 2012. The naming event will be staged with the support of the Port Authority of Savona, the local Chamber of Commerce, the Municipality of Savona, the Savona Provincial Administration and the Liguria Regional Administration.

Costa Cruises has invested around 683 million in Costa Fascinosa.  After Costa Fascinosa, Costa Cruises plans to add another cruise ship to their fleet, to be built in the Marghera yard. The new ship (132,500 gross tonnage and 4,928 total guests), is scheduled for delivery in October 2014. Since 2000, Costa Cruises has ordered a total of 10 new ships from Fincantieri’s Italian shipyards, with a total investment worth more than €5 billion. 

To support the resulting increase of ships and guests arriving in Savona, Costa Cruises has continued to invest in the growth of the Savona Palacrociere cruise terminal, which has been managed directly by the Italian company since 2003. January 2012 will mark the start of building work on the second terminal, with an investment worth around 12 million. The new terminal building is expected to be ready by March 2013.

In 2011, Costa Cruises’ passenger movements at the Palacrociere reached a record one million people, a 35% growth compared to 2010. In 2012, 14 of Costa’s 16 ships will be calling at least once at the Savona Palacrociere. A total of around 230 calls are scheduled next year with more than one million cruise passenger movements.

The presence of Costa’s ships generates an important economic impact on the local area. According to a study carried out by MIP, the Milan Polytechnic Business School, in 2010 Costa Cruises generated a direct economic impact of more than 7.4 million in the Port of Savona and of 310 million in the Liguria region.

In addition to the naming of Costa Fascinosa, the Savona Palacrociere will be the starting point for two other major events.

On 28 December 2011, Costa Deliziosa will set sail on the historic round-the-world cruise, which has long been a highlight of Costa’s itineraries. The 100-day world voyage departs from Savona before porting at Los Angeles via the Caribbean and the Panama Canal, from Los Angeles to Singapore with stopovers in San Francisco, Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia and from Singapore to Savona via Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Red Sea and Egypt. About 2,300 guests from all over the world will embark on Costa Deliziosa’s round-the-world cruise.

On 20 February 2012, the Palacrociere will welcome Costa neoRomantica’s first cruise following the radical €90 million refurbishment of Costa Romantica, currently being carried out at the San Giorgio del Porto and T. Mariotti yards in Genoa. The 11-day itinerary includes Spain, Morocco, the Canary Islands and Madeira. In spring 2012, the Costa neoRomantica will offer 15-day cruises to the magical Atlantic capitals, while in summer 2012 the Costa neoRomantica will be operating in Northern Europe, offering 15-day cruises that will bring together the best destinations of the Fjords and Baltic Capitals for the first time, as well as two cruises to the Spietzbergen Islands. The stylish ambience of the Costa neoRomantica will also be the setting for the Grand Cruise, departing on 19 September 2012 from Savona to Australia and New Zealand, via the finest and most fascinating places in the eastern hemisphere.

     
Costa’s ships began calling at Savona in November 1996 with the arrival of Costa Riviera. The Palacrociere, which Costa co-financed with an approximately 4.8 million investment, opened on 24 November 2003. Conceived by the Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill, the Palacrociere is specially designed and built to provide hospitality and high quality services for cruise guests. Thanks to its innovative architecture, the terminal is able to reduce waiting time to a minimum, while combining the utmost comfort with maximum security. Over the years, RINA has awarded the Savona Palacrociere with various accolades from the B.E.S.T. 4 (Business Excellence Sustainable Task), an integrated voluntary scheme certifying corporate compliance with the highest international standards in the areas of Social Accountability (SA 8000, issued in 2001), Environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), Safety (OHSAS 18001, 1999) and Quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, 2000).

Read More

Crystal Cruises is putting its trademark elegant spin on cruise vacation memories by featuring award-winning Master Photographers to shoot guest portraits on eleven 2012 sailings.  “The Master Collection” line-up consists of top-tier professional portrait photographers who have the distinction of being Fellows (highest certification possible) of the British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP) and the Master Photographers Association (MPA). 

During their voyage, travelers can arrange private photography sessions aboard Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity, or at exotic destinations on land with pros renowned for their portraiture.  Individuals, couples, or families/groups can opt for different wardrobe, locations, and activities to customize their shoots. 

Reservations include pre-planning consultation, unlimited shoot time, unlimited number of pictures, and photo review.  Final, retouched photographs are printed in a handcrafted, custom-bound, 16”x12”, embossed-aluminum album.  Other framed photo and presentation product options are available to celebrate a special occasion, create a family treasure, or just give a grand gift to one’s self. All products are created at Europe’s leading professional photo laboratory and shipped anywhere in the world four weeks after the end of the cruise.

Operated by esteemed photography company Paragon Pixels, the program is an expansion of the popular “Crystal Celebrations” Private Portrait Program. 

“One’s wedding might be the only time one secures a professional photographer to record meaningful moments in one’s life,” says Paragon founder Keith Roberts.  “This program provides rare access and opportunity to have one’s personality, relationship, lifestyle, or intimate vacation memories beautifully captured by a prominent industry artist.”

Photographers include:

• David MacDonald: UK Family Portrait Photographer of the Year
• Sophocles Alexiou: Four-time BIPP Gold Medal-winner for Outstanding Photographic Art
• Richard Dutkowski: Past MPA President, UK Master Photographer of the Year
• John Parris: British Fashion, and Scottish Wedding, Photographer of the Year
• Kevin Wilson: 17-time Kodak European Gold Award-winner, three-time Kodak UK Portrait Photographer of the Year
  

One Master Photographer will be on each of the following sailings: January 18 LA-Sydney; February 6 Miami-Rio; February 7 Sydney-Singapore; March 3 Buenos Aires-Miami; March 13: Hong Kong-Osaka; March 31 Osaka-LA; May 8 NY-London; July 8 Copenhagen-Stockholm; September 5 London-NY; October 12 Athens-Venice; October 31 NY-LA;

The Master Photographer will also host an informal talk giving trade tips and insight into their life and work, as well as mentor staff photographers while aboard.

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history. 

Read More

Increased capacity and new Cruisetours in Alaska, four ships in Europe and continued commitment to Bermuda. Line also continues Hawaii and Bahamas year-round cruises

Read More

Royal Caribbean International today announced seven new dining packages for guests to enjoy the variety of speciality restaurants available onboard Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas. Guests can take advantage of the new speciality dining packages, which range from $50 to $120 per guest, and save at least 25 per cent compared to the sum of the individual restaurants’ cover charges. The packages are available immediately to book through www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.

“These packages offer our guests the chance to enjoy the unique variety of speciality dining options at a great value while onboard our globally acclaimed Oasis-class and newly revitalised ships,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “We’ve expanded some of the most successful concepts, including dining, that were introduced onboard the Oasis-class ships to the rest of our fleet. This is part of the ongoing revitalisations of Royal Caribbean International’s fleet to ensure that we are delivering guests the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to compelling destinations and friendly and engaging service.”

Onboard Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, guests have a choice of three dining packages:

Read More

The Largest, Most Opulent Steamboat In The World To Offer
The Most Extraordinary Entertainment on America’s Rivers

Read More

While celebrating the highly anticipated stateside debut of its stylish Celebrity Silhouette - the fourth and newest member of Celebrity Cruises' widely heralded Solstice Class fleet - Celebrity Cruises also is intensely focused on the fifth member of the class, Celebrity Reflection, which sets sail in the Fall of 2012. And when she does, she'll boast all the attributes that have netted Celebrity's Solstice Class the broadest array of honors in the brand's 20-year history - including Celebrity's #1 ranking in the large-ship category of the prestigious annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards - and a host of entirely new features, including a significantly expanded array of luxury suites.

In designing Celebrity Reflection, the line focused on what could make the best even better, and already announced plans to add a new deck to allow for additional staterooms and the line's first AquaClass Suites, inspired by guest demand. And today, the line announced plans to also introduce Celebrity's first "Signature Suites," and the jaw-dropping new "Reflection Suite."

"Everything we introduced on Celebrity Silhouette illustrated our devotion to offering new and differentiated experiences for our guests, and the feedback we're receiving is rewarding validation that our guests love it - from The Lawn Club Grill, to The Porch, to The Alcoves, to The Hideaway, not to mention they continually tell us how much they love the first three Solstice Class ships," said Celebrity's President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. "On Celebrity Reflection, we've taken the opportunity to further elevate our onboard offerings, with entirely new 'Signature Suites' and our first 'Reflection Suite,' in addition to our first-ever AquaClass Suites, collectively creating the most vivid examples yet of the modern luxury that defines Celebrity."

CELEBRITY'S 'SIGNATURE SUITES' MAKE THEIR MARK
Located in a private area of the ship's 14th deck, Celebrity Reflection's five Signature Suites each offer a 441-square-foot stateroom area and 118-square foot veranda, with floor-to-ceiling windows and veranda doors, all designed to maximize the stunning views of the sea. Celebrity's Signature Suites each can accommodate up to four guests, and will offer the luxurious 24/7 butler service that is a hallmark of every suite across the Celebrity fleet.

The entire area - including the stunning new Reflection Suite - features cardkey access exclusively for guests booked in the elite group of suites, such that a family or group of up to 26 guests traveling together can enjoy a private, six-suite modern luxury vacation experience. REFLECTING ON THE NEW 'REFLECTION SUITE'

Nestled in the highly desirable corner location near Celebrity's new Signature Suites, the Reflection Suite will be the brand's first two-bedroom suite, complete with a truly distinctive sea-view bathroom extending out over the edge of the ship, a veranda tub with soothing rain shower, and panoramic views courtesy of the wraparound veranda. The 1,636-square-foot Reflection Suite with 194-square-foot veranda - complete with Celebrity's luxurious 24/7 butler service - can accommodate up to six guests.

From today through December 11, 2011, Celebrity is offering its most loyal guests - Captain's Club members - an exclusive opportunity to be the first to book the new Reflection Suite and Signature Suites, before they open for booking among the general public December 12.  Captain's Club members interested in booking during this private event are invited to call 1.800.760.0654 or contact their travel agent.

HIGH-TOUCH, HIGH-TECH NEW SUITE BEDDING
To provide an entirely new, breakthrough bedding experience for guests booked in Celebrity's Reflection Suite, Signature Suites and Penthouse Suite, Celebrity has partnered with Reverie®, a leading innovator in luxury bedding, to deliver the Reverie® Dream Sleep System^TM. The patented sleep system features a premium Reverie mattress that allows guests, with the assistance of their butler, to customize the softness of their bed.

Additionally, Reverie's exclusive technology enables the iPod Touch (third and fourth generation), iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPad 2, iPad and Reverie Remote app to act as a remote control for the Reverie Sleep System, allowing guests to easily operate massage features and adjust the elevation of the mattress. Pressing "zero gravity" on the remote will take guests to a position in which the feet and head are raised slightly to improve circulation and relieve lower back pressure, creating the ultimate sensation of "weightlessness," similar to the sensation felt in a zero-gravity chamber. Reverie also has integrated remote control technology into the Sleep System so guests can turn appliances around the room that are connected to the power outlet off or on with the touch of the screen on the iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. Guests can enjoy this innovative technology through an iPad provided in each of the new suites. To complete the innovative sleep experience, Celebrity's suite guests also will enjoy the custom-embroidered, 100% Egyptian cotton linens featured in Celebrity's new "eXhale" bedding program, which was introduced on the newly-Solsticized Celebrity Infinity December 3.

BY POPULAR DEMAND: CELEBRITY'S FIRST AQUACLASS SUITES
Driven by high demand for Celebrity's industry-first AquaClass category of spa-inspired accommodations, and by way of an additional deck being added to Celebrity Reflection, as previously announced, Celebrity will introduce on Celebrity Reflection the line's first AquaClass Suites. Each will offer 300 square feet of luxurious interior space and spacious 79-square-foot verandas, paired with all the amenities associated with Celebrity's AquaClass accommodations, including exclusive and complimentary access to the highly-rated specialty restaurant, "Blu," noted for its inviting, modern design and flavorful, healthy cuisine. The new suites also will offer the luxurious 24/7 butler service that is a hallmark of every suite across the Celebrity fleet.

In addition to the 34 new AquaClass Suites, Celebrity Reflection also will present an additional eight luxurious new Sky Suites, 19 additional plush ConciergeClass staterooms, and 11 additional inside staterooms, bringing the stateroom/suite total to 1,515.
"We gave a great deal of thought to how to ideally accommodate everything we're adding," said Hanrahan. "We're widening the ship slightly, enabling us to introduce each of these exceptional new venues without compromising an inch of Celebrity's premium space ratio and traffic flow." Celebrity Reflection will offer 245 more loungers on its expanded pool deck to suit the increased overall guest capacity, as well as 45 additional seats in the Celebrity Theater, 118 in Oceanview Café, 24 additional seats each in Blu and in Tuscan Grille, four more in Qsine, and 40 additional seats in the main dining room, where Celebrity offers Celebrity Select Dining^SM, the industry's first flexible dining option allowing guests to choose when they wish to dine on a flexible, day-by-day basis.

Celebrity Reflection will enter service October 12, 2012, on a nine-night European cruise from Amsterdam to Barcelona.

Read More

Filming took place primarily on Carnival Dream’s open deck...

Read More

Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines has promoted longtime Carnival employees Captain Gaetano Gigliotti and Captain Claudio Cupisti to oversee two newly formed departments within its marine operations division.  Additionally, Captain Domenico Rognoni is taking on a new role as vice president of compliance, and environmental and occupational safety.

A 25-year Carnival veteran, Gigliotti assumes the position of vice president of nautical safety and operations, effective immediately.  In this capacity, he is responsible for nautical safety of the line’s 23-vessel fleet, including bridge procedures and port nautical operations. Additionally, the captains of the line’s three Destiny-class, six Conquest-class and two Dream-class vessels will report to him.  Gigliotti previously served as director of marine safety.

Cupisti, a 22-year Carnival veteran, will assume the role of vice president of marine safety and operations with fleetwide responsibility for all of the line’s firefighting and lifesaving systems. Additionally, the captains of the line’s eight Fantasy- and four Spirit-class vessels, as well as the current marine safety team, will report to him.  Cupisti is currently serving as a ship’s captain and will take on his new role beginning in January 2012.

The company will also enhance its internal auditing and compliance functions with Rognoni, a 31-year Carnival veteran, assuming the role of vice president of compliance, and environmental and occupational safety.  Previously, Rognoni served as vice president of safety, environmental and quality assurance.

All three positions will report to Martin Landtman, Carnival’s senior vice president of marine operations.

“We are extremely fortunate to have these highly experienced and talented professionals taking on new and expanded roles within our marine operations area and greatly look forward to their contributions as we continue to evolve these very important functions within our organization,” Landtman said.

Read More

Nine Asia cruises feature over-night calls, late departures

Read More

Lowest “Book Now” Fares for Early Booking

Read More

Like never before, Disney Cruise line takes cruise ship entertainment to new heights: Performers soar and surf over the stage in aerial maneuvers … Pirates rappel from atop the ship's funnel during a swashbuckling adventure … The evening sky lights up with a dazzling display of sound and color.

On the Disney Fantasy, entertainment is designed to charm and bedazzle the entire family. Guests delight to some of the most elaborate original musicals presented at sea, over-the-top deck parties and, bursting above it all, the largest fireworks spectacular aboard a cruise ship.

It's Show Time!

Every night is show time at Walt Disney Theatre, an elegant, 1,340-seat entertainment palace that is at once classic and ultra-modern. Spanning three decks with orchestra and balcony seating, the theater is resplendent with art deco styling recalling luxurious show places of a bygone era. At the same time, it is equipped with theatrical technology that makes it one of the most advanced venues on land or sea, bringing original productions and Disney stories to life in a whole new way.

The lineup of musicals presented at the Disney Fantasy Walt Disney Theatre includes "Wishes," "Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular," "Disney's Believe," "A Fantasy Come True" and "An Unforgettable Journey." Here's a look at what's in store:

"Wishes"

A new ship means new main stage entertainment at the Walt Disney Theatre, and "Wishes" is a spectacular production debuting on the Disney Fantasy. This signature show is a 45-minute musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child.

The story begins as long-time best friends Kayla and Nicole along with Nicole's twin brother Brandon visit Disneyland to celebrate their high school graduation. Each is unsure of what the future holds for them, so they make a wish to go on the "Ride of Our Lives" – the show's original opening number.

Their wish evokes an enchanted world where a cavalcade of Disney characters – including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Lilo, Stitch, Mulan, Hercules, Pinocchio, Timon and Pumbaa – materialize to guide the teens through their magical journey.

Full-scale production numbers and special effects bring excitement to the stage as the cast of "Wishes" performs original songs and classic Disney tunes with a contemporary twist. Notable moments include:

• In an over-the-top musical comedy production number, the song "I've Got a Dream" from "Tangled" sets the scene as the Snuggly Duckling Tavern comes alive, with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and a tavern full of hilarious thugs.
•  In the "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" from "Lilo and Stitch" scene, the stage fills with giant windsurfing sails, kites and surf boards. The infectious music inspires Kayla as she rides a surfboard, flying atop a giant blue wave silk. 
•  King Louie and the Monkeys perform a high-energy swing band version of "I Wanna Be Like You" from the Jungle Book.

In the final act, the trio celebrates their extraordinary journey at a graduation party as the pop tune "Breakthrough" from the Disney Channel original movie "Lemonade Mouth" keeps the revelry going.

"Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular"

New to Disney Cruise Line, "Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular" takes the stage on the Disney Fantasy. During this Broadway-style production, guests laugh along with the wise-cracking Genie and the characters from the classic animated Disney film "Aladdin."

In this fast-paced musical comedy, Aladdin is back as the "street rat" of Agrabah meeting a Genie who grants him three wishes, battling the evil Jafar, and falling in love with Princess Jasmine.

Classic scenes and songs from the movie are re-created on stage – and some of the action even spills out into the aisles, like Prince Ali's jubilant arrival in Agrabah on the back of a stallion. Magic lamps, wise-cracking genies, princesses and evil wizards are all part of this musical production.

And of course, an Aladdin production would not be complete without a magic carpet scene. In this spectacular, mechanical wizardry and state-of-the-art projections combine to send Jasmine and Aladdin soaring as they perform a heartfelt duet of "Whole New World."

Many of the songs from the movie are featured in the 45-minute musical production, including "Friend Like Me," which is performed as a lively, Las Vegas-style production number featuring special effects, illusions and more than a dozen dancing genies. Composer Alan Menken, who created the original soundtrack with songwriters Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, composed an original song for the stage production entitled "To Be Free."

"Disney's Believe"

"Disney's Believe" is a stage spectacular that combines a heartfelt story with a captivating musical score. The lavish production tells the story of a workaholic father who, through the power of Disney magic, reconnects with his daughter and learns a valuable lesson about what is important in life.

"Disney's Believe" takes guests to the garden of Dr. Cornelius Greenaway, a brilliant botanist obsessed with cultivating his precious plants. Dr. Greenaway is so preoccupied with his garden that he overlooks the birthday of his daughter, Sophia. Saddened, Sophia makes a special birthday wish and the impossible happens: Genie from Disney's "Aladdin" appears to make her wish come true.

Joined by a host of characters, Genie takes Dr. Greenaway on an enchanting journey into the world of Disney stories. Through spirited production numbers, Dr. Greenaway learns that magic is real and is embodied in his beloved daughter.

More than 20 of Disney's most beloved characters take the stage during "Disney's Believe," including Cinderella, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Belle ("Beauty and The Beast"), Rafiki ("The Lion King") and Princess Tiana ("The Princess and the Frog"). 

"A Fantasy Come True" Welcome Show

"A Fantasy Come True" is a 45-minute, high-energy, multimedia musical production that follows one family's journey as they discover the amazing experiences and enchanting surprises that await them aboard the Disney Fantasy. Ultimately, they learn the greatest experience the ship has to offer is the opportunity to make memories – together as a family – that will last a lifetime.

"An Unforgettable Journey" Farewell Show

"An Unforgettable Journey" is a good-bye hug in the form of a 45-minute musical production that allows guests to reflect and savor the experience they have had onboard the Disney Fantasy. This farewell show connects the guests' experiences to the man who started it all – Walt Disney – through audio and video clips that steep the memorable moments and distinctly Disney touches in Walt's words and wisdom.

Party on Deck

In addition to nightly stage productions, Disney Cruise Line brings the upper decks of the Disney Fantasy to life with incredible live entertainment.

The fun begins with "Sailing Away," a "welcome aboard" show starring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the Disney gang. The show is a celebration of the fun aboard a Disney cruise, building to the exciting sounding of the ship's horn.

On a special night each cruise, the entire Disney Fantasy transforms into a pirate ship with a night of events brimming with buccaneer fun and a fireworks spectacular.

The evening kicks off on the Donald's Pool stage with "Mickey's Pirates IN the Caribbean," a family-friendly interactive show featuring the famous Disney characters. Guests become members of Mickey's Pirate Crew as they participate in a series of pirate-themed musical numbers.

Later in the evening, Jack Sparrow from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films makes a special appearance on deck in "Hunt Fer Jack," a thrilling live-action pirate showdown which culminates in "Buccaneer Blast" – a spectacular display of piratical pyrotechnics.

As the night rolls on, a high-tech, open-air dance party on the upper decks of the ship heats up. Guests unleash their inner pirate and dance their boots off during "Club Pirate," a family-friendly bash featuring electrifying music, stunning visuals and special effects.

Fireworks at Sea

The only cruise line to feature fireworks at sea, Disney Cruise Line ups the entertainment ante and lights up the sky with a fireworks extravaganza.

As part of the pirate night celebration, the skies above the Disney Fantasy explode with brilliant colors during "Buccaneer Blast." With more "bang" than ever before, the pyrotechnic spectacular is choreographed to a dramatic score featuring songs from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies.

Read More

Oceania Cruises will introduce two new beverage packages on voyages beginning in 2012. The new wine, beer and spirits beverage packages were designed to enhance the culinary experience for guests while at the same time offering additional convenience and value.

All Oceania Cruises guests will continue to enjoy unlimited complimentary soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and teas on every sailing.

House Wine and Beer, priced at $29.95 per guest, per day, includes house wine by the glass and beer with lunch and dinner in any dining venue or via room service. House wine options are from a selection of red and white wines that change daily.

The second option, Open Bar, priced at $49.95 per guest, per day, includes beer and premium house wine by the glass and most beverages on the bar menu. Guests can also order spirits and beer through room service. Premium house wine options are from an exclusive selection of featured red and white wines that change daily.

“Our new beverage packages offer guests a convenient and affordable way to further enjoy the finest cuisine at sea,” said Kunal S. Kamlani, the line’s president. “By paying one set price, guests can enjoy a wide variety of wine, beer, spirits or even a nightcap at a terrific value.”

The new beverage package prices include gratuities and can be pre-booked online or through a reservations representative. They can also be purchased onboard at any time during the cruise, with prices prorated for the days remaining. Guests can upgrade packages during the sailing.

Read More

Government ministers from Turkey and Greece both made announcements on the opening day of Seatrade’s 2nd Winter Cruising Forum in Istanbul that will give cruising in the region a major boost.

Delegates in Tuesday’s opening session heard from George Nikitiades, Greek Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, that Greece's cabotage restrictions are to be lifted, an action long awaited by the cruise community. New reforms include an amendment to the 2010 cabotage law on non EU-flagged vessel home porting, whereby the obligation to sign a contract with the Greek state for home porting in the country is completely withdrawn. Adonis Georgiades, Greek Deputy Minister of Development, Competitiveness and Shipping reiterated Mr. Nikitiades’ announcement in this morning’s conference session, stating that the new law was with the cabinet and would likely be passed by 20 December.

Turkey’s Minister of Transport, Marine Affairs and Communications, Binali Yildirim, also addressed forum delegates yesterday, announcing reductions of up to 50% in certain port and service fees for cruise ships calling in Turkey from January 2012. He said that the reductions would equate to $10m governmental financial support to the sector.

Yildirim also spoke about the country’s tourism strategy through to 2023, “where we are planning the redevelopment and expansion of ten cities and nine cruise ports plus four new airports and new road and transport infrastructure.” He addressed the need to grow cruise tourism in Turkey, particularly in the winter months, “We have a climate that is conducive to cruising 365 days a year, especially in the Aegean, and we hope our announcements will assist this.”

Winter and year-round cruising are under the spotlight in Istanbul; where over 180 delegates and speakers are gathered for this timely event, with the region poised for a surge in cruise deployment over the coming years.

Read More

Governor Sean Parnell welcomed the news that Norwegian Cruise Line will add a ship to Alaska for the 2013 season. The Norwegian Sun will sail between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska in the summer of 2013. The Sun will be a third Norwegian Cruise Line ship to ply Alaska’s waterways.

“We are pleased that Norwegian Cruise Line will bring even more passengers to our great state,” Governor Parnell said. “This is more evidence that lowering taxes on an industry leads to increased investment that Alaskans will reap into the future.”

The Sun will embark on weekly southbound and northbound trips beginning May 20, 2013. The northbound trip leaves Vancouver and travels along the Inside Passage past Glacier Bay and Hubbard Bay, also making stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. The southbound trip leaves Whittier and travels along the Inside Passage, Sawyer Glacier and Hubbard Glacier, stopping in Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan.

Adding one large cruise ship has the potential to bring approximately 40,000 new visitors to Alaska and approximately $40 million in direct and indirect spending within Alaska. When combined with the projected increase of 60,000 cruise passengers in 2012, the health of Alaska’s visitor industry has improved considerably since losing more than 265,000 visitors and 5,000 Alaska jobs in recent years.

Reversing the decline in visitor travel has been a focus of the Parnell administration. Governor Parnell sponsored legislation that reduced the cruise passenger head tax, making Alaska a more affordable destination for cruise passengers.

Read More

MSC Divina will be the third MSC ship to offer this authentic benchmark for exclusive travel year round in the Mediterranean sea

Read More

Disney Ship Bound for New York, Galveston and Seattle

Read More