First cruise ship calls at New Mangalore port (South India)

Seaward Travels-Royal Caribbean

Sheer brilliance: m.v. Brilliance of the Seas anchored at the New Mangalore Port.

Brilliance of the Seas anchored at the New Mangalore Port.

The first cruise vessel of 2012-13 called at New Mangalore Port on Sunday. The vessel – m.v. Brilliance of the Seas – with 1,962 passengers and 860 crewmembers was handled at the deep-draught berth no.14 of the port.


Mr S. Gopalakrishna, Traffic Manager of New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT), said this is the largest cruise vessel ever handled at the port. The length of this vessel was 196 metres, he said. Around 1,600 passengers opted for ground tour arranged by local tour operators. This vessel of Royal Caribbean International will again call at the port on April 12, he said.


J.M. Baxi & Co was the agents of the vessel in Mangalore. Dr P. Tamilvanan, Chairman of NMPT, and the Traffic Manager, interacted with the Captain of the vessel. Dr Tamilvanan said he got a good feedback on the world-class facilities available at the cruise lounge, neat and tidy berth area, and immigration facility from the ship operators. More big cruise vessels are likely to be called at the port, he added. vinayakaj@thehindu.co.in


Mangalore Port is a modern all-weather port situated at Panambur, Mangalore (Karnataka State in South India), on the West Coast of India, 170 nautical miles South of Mormugao & 191 nautical miles North of Cochin Port.

The Mangalore Harbour Projects Started in 1962, was completed in May 1974.

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Crystal Expands Ancient Lands with Haifa and Bodrum this Fall

 

Crystal Cruises

Due to political unrest and uncertainty in Egypt, Crystal Cruises has revised its October 12 “Ancient Land and Cultures” voyage to replace its call in Alexandria with a visit to Haifa, Israel and Bodrum, Turkey.  Crystal Serenity’s amended itinerary extends guests’ experience in Israel to three days – two previously scheduled days in Ashdod and one additional day in Haifa. The new destinations offer remarkable ancient history, such as Bodrum’s Mausoleum, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, in addition to legendary beauty and culture among unspoiled beaches and charming whitewashed houses.


The changes mark Crystal’s only visit to Haifa and one of just two visits to Bodrum in the Crystal Cruises’ 2012 through early 2014 calendars.  From Athens to Venice, the voyage also includes Santorini, Ashdod (overnight), Corfu, Dubrovnik, and Venice (overnight).


Among the illustrious shipboard speakers adding destination insights along the way are former Ambassador Marc Ginsburg, who was the first U.S. Ambassador of Jewish heritage to a Middle East nation, and Dr. Jean-Pierre Isbouts, an award-winning filmmaker/professor/author of numerous publications on biblical history and archeology. 


Until April 30, “Book Now” fares for the 12-day, all-inclusive cruise start at $4,395 per person/double occupancy.  Attractive air add-ons for all voyages are also available from more than 90 North American airports.  Crystal’s Family Memory Program offers additional savings for groups of family/friends on more than 20 luxurious Mediterranean cruises in 2012. 

 

 

 

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. 

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Royal Caribbean Nominates Ann S. Moore for Election to Board of Directors

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL) announced today that the Board of Directors has nominated Ann S. Moore, former chairman and chief executive officer of Time Inc., for election as a director at the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 31, 2012.  If elected, Ms. Moore will serve for a three-year term, and the Board will expand from 11 to 12 members.

 

In 1978, the same year she received her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, Ms. Moore joined Time Inc. as a corporate financial analyst.  She subsequently served in key executive positions for several of the most popular consumer magazines in publishing, such as TIME, People, InStyle, People en Espanol, and Real Simple.  While President of People magazine, Moore took what was already the most profitable weekly magazine in the U.S. to new heights of success, both domestically and internationally, spinning it off into the Australian Who Weekly, followed by InStyle, People en Espanol, Real Simple and People StyleWatch, as well as InStyle's growing international franchise. Most recently, Ms. Moore served as chairman and chief executive officer of Time Inc. from July 2002 to September 2010, retiring as chairman in January 2011. 


Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that also operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Pullmantur, CDF Croisieres de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture with TUI AG.  The company owns a combined total of 40 ships and has three ships on order.  It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America.  


SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

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Crystal Adds "Experiences of Discovery" Theme Cruises for 2013

Adrenaline junkies; shutterbugs; film, theater and jazz buffs; foodies; political opinionators; whole body lifestylists; amateur gardeners; lifelong learners; golfers; ballroom dancers; and other zealous hobbyists need only look to Crystal Cruises for luxury vacations that indulge their
passions next year.  Fourteen “Experiences of Discovery®” themes are being offered on 28 Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony voyages in 2013, expanding 2012’s program with two new themes and more theme cruises overall.  Travelers can explore their interests with complimentary, hands-on activities, rousing performances, educational presentations, and expert instruction on board, as well as optional Crystal Adventures ashore (where available).

New motifs include:

  •  Photography: Top international photographers shall lead presentations, hands-on workshops, and shooting expeditions along North America’s East Coast.
  •  Esprit du Grand Prix: VIP Monte Carlo Grand Prix experiences ashore will be accompanied by presentations on Formula One racing, royal Monaco, or other related topics.


Returning themes include Big Band and Ballroom Dance; Film and Theater; Wine and Food; Golf; Jazz; Ocean Views (world affairs expert panel discussion); Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute (enhanced enrichment curriculum); Emerging Artists (young performers from LA Music Center’s Spotlight); President’s Cruise (hosted by Crystal President Gregg Michel); Crystal Society (gathering past Crystal cruisers); and Gardens and Floral Design, which expands its theme to include gardening design and technique classes, as well as visits to stunning local gardens.  After taking 2012 off, Mind, Body, and Spirit has also been brought back by popular demand, with three voyage options for 2013.

“From exclusive expert access to just meeting other travelers with similar interests, our guests love the many sophisticated ways Crystal offers to revel in, and satisfy, one’s intellectual, artistic, and physical thirsts on an Experiences of Discovery cruise,” says Jack Anderson, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. 

Until this June 30, “Book Now” fares for 2013 theme cruises start at $2,210 per person/double occupancy (for 10 March/April days dancing across the Atlantic to Big Band music), with additional savings available for groups of six+.  Attractive air add-ons are also available from more than 90 North American airports. 

Crystal’s award-winning, luxurious offerings always include a diverse selection of thought-provoking, scholarly, and sophisticated enrichment activities that provide extensive on-board choices for cultured world travelers.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Promotes Camille Olivere To Senior Vice President, Sales

 

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Camille Olivere has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Sales, Americas. With the company since March 2009, Olivere has been instrumental in leading Partners First, the line's corporate philosophy to put its travel partners first. In addition to overseeing all North America sales, Olivere recently added responsibilities for sales in Latin America and for Charters, Meetings and Incentives.

 

"I'm thrilled to congratulate Camille on her promotion. In the last three years, she has invigorated our sales team and has created incredible relationships with all of our travel partners," said Andy Stuart, Norwegian's executive vice president, global sales and passenger services. "She has also brought new ideas and ways of doing business to the organization which have helped us become more focused, agile and customer-centric."

 

Previously, Olivere, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, held a number of senior sales positions at Travelport, a leading provider of business services to travel and travel-related businesses worldwide. Before Travelport, she held sales roles at Oracle, American Express, GE Financial and United Airlines.

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Celebrity Cruises increases opportunities to enjoy luxury ashore by expanding number of ports offering private tour arrangements

Celebrity Cruises



One of the most enjoyable aspects of Celebrity Cruises' modern luxury vacations is the authentic, personalized service onboard. Celebrity took that same individualized approach to the exploration of 13 of the world's most compelling ports of call when it introduced private shore excursions several years ago. Now, the program has expanded significantly to offer private shore excursions in over 70 ports of call around the world, offering even more ways for guests to make the most of their time ashore by enjoying the luxury and convenience of a private vehicle with a driver or a driver and a tour guide. By exploring a destination at their own pace, guests who opt for Celebrity's private shore excursion options also enjoy a more immersive port experience focused on the places that interest them most.



Now available in over 50 ports of call in Europe and over 20 ports of call throughout Alaska, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest and South America, Celebrity's private shore excursion arrangements give vacationers a way to personalize the way they experience some of the world's most compelling ports, in the comfort of a private car or van. These arrangements are available for purchase online pre-cruise, for either a half-day or full day of exploration. The day's itinerary is at the guest's discretion and is coordinated directly with the driver and/or guide on the day of the tour, so meals and visits to local attractions can be chosen on-the-spot.



Celebrity also offers customized arrangements in any destination it visits around the world. These arrangements allow guests to create their own full itinerary for the day, and, if they wish, include meals and entrance fees to local attractions. The itinerary, arranged in advance, can be highly flexible in terms of numbers of hours, and is offered in every one of Celebrity's ports and destinations worldwide.



Vehicles for both options generally include a car that seats up to three guests, a van that seats four to eight guests, or a minivan that seats eight to 10 guests; this varies in different regions, which may offer alternative transportation arrangements.



Private shore excursions can be booked online a minimum of four days before the cruise, at groupshorex@rccl.com a minimum of 30 days before the cruise.


In addition to private shore excursion arrangements, Celebrity offers an extensive range of shore excursions taken with other cruise guests, including convenient shore excursion packages in Alaska and Europe.


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Inviting space for large and small functions complete with delectable catering



Whether planning a wedding reception, private cocktail party, or business meeting for a corporate incentive trip or conference, Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Reflection will offer an inviting new series of options for hosting and entertaining large and small groups alike in modern luxury style.


When Celebrity Reflection - the fifth in Celebrity's award-winning Solstice Class fleet - sets sail in October of this year, the ship will feature an entirely new, multi-functional space that can serve as a spacious ballroom or conference area, or be divided into smaller banquet or classroom settings, depending on each individual group's needs.


The expanded 2,853-square-foot space on deck three can comfortably accommodate 220 guests in the ballroom or conference layout, 96 guests in the banquet layout, or 64 guests each in the classroom layouts. Each space can be configured as needed courtesy of movable walls, allowing for two to three concurrent events when the entire ballroom or conference center is not in use. When configured as a ballroom or within the banquet layout, tables will be festively arranged to allow for an optional dance floor and live music. When configured as a conference center or a classroom layout, tables can be removed and seating will be organized according to each group's needs. The entire area will be equipped with four 70-inch LCD TVs, installed such that each individual classroom space is equipped with one of them.


"Our corporate clients expressed interest in a uniquely flexible space, and that’s exactly what this delivers," said Celebrity's Senior VP Sales Dondra Ritzenthaler. "And, in addition to this, of course, we have several hip lounges and spacious theaters and Celebrity’s award-winning restaurants, all of which make our ships the perfect modern luxury platforms for hosting groups of all sizes."


Celebrity’s James Beard-featured culinary team offers a wide selection of traditional catering options, including artisanal cheese carving stations, fresh fruit, vegetable crudités, continental breakfast, and non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage packages, or more unique offerings, such as Celebrity’s elegant Champagne High Tea or fresh, made-from-scratch canapés and delectable petit fours.


Groups also can select from among three of Celebrity's expertly designed, pre-set appetizer, entrée, soup/salad and dessert menus, each of which can be complemented by fine wines from Celebrity's list of more than 500 globally-focused selections. Fresh-baked and custom-decorated special occasion cakes, as well as a full array of kosher, no-sugar-added, gluten-free, lactose-free, sucrose-free, macrobiotic, and vegetarian options also are among the catering selections.


Celebrity's artful culinary presentation is among the catering options, too, including ornate, handcrafted ice sculptures and vegetable sculptures. Interactive cooking demonstrations and tastings hosted by Celebrity's Executive Chefs also can be arranged.


A fee applies for most group catering menu selections, with orders requested within a specific number of days prior to embarkation.


"Corporations who book group cruises with Celebrity can save an average of 30 percent over comparable land-based packages, because exceptional meals, world-class entertainment, and the use of our meeting space and a/v equipment already is included," said Celebrity's Director of Corporate Incentive and Charter Sales Ron Gulaskey. "Meeting planners spend the majority of their time leading up to events at hotels and resorts focused on meal planning and organizing entertainment, but with Celebrity, incredible dining experiences and fantastic entertainment are all part of the package, representing an incredible value. There’s a reason Celebrity has been honored by Incentive magazine as a Platinum Partner every year since 2007. We're the obvious choice for corporate incentive trips, meetings and full-ship charters."


Corporate incentive groups and others interested in learning more are invited to call (763) 682-6734 or contact us.


Celebrity Reflection's new Conference Center is one of several modern venues and experiences that will debut when the ship enters service in October, including the line's first "AquaClass Suites," inspired by guest interest in suite accommodations offering the in-demand amenities associated with Celebrity's AquaClass staterooms. Celebrity Reflection also will present the brand's first "Signature Suites," and the jaw-dropping "Reflection Suite."


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. 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.


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 suite with 194-square-foot veranda - complete with Celebrity's luxurious 24/7 butler service - can accommodate up to six guests.


An entirely new, breakthrough bedding experience also awaits guests booked in Celebrity's Reflection Suite, Signature Suites, Royal Suites and Penthouse Suite, via Celebrity's partnership with Reverie®, a leading innovator in luxury bedding, to deliver the Reverie® Dream Sleep SystemTM. 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.v


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.                                            

                                                               

Celebrity Reflection also will present the host of industry-first venues and experiences introduced on Celebrity Silhouette in 2011, including the interactive "Lawn Club Grill," where guests can select and grill their own meats side-by-side with Celebrity's expert chefs, or have them cooked to order; the relaxing, private, wi-fi-equipped cabanas called "The Alcoves"; "The Porch," a breezy, casual dining spot offering sandwiches, coffees and captivating views of the sea and the ship’s lush lawn; "The Art Studio," where vacationers can bring out their inner artist. The ship also will present another entirely new venue, "The Hideaway," an intimate, quiet space reminiscent of a childhood tree house, not to mention the diverse array of other modern venues and attributes already associated with Celebrity's Solstice Class ships.

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Crystal Cruises Wins "Crystal Award" For Innovative Ship Design


Crystal Serenity’s $25 million redesign has not only received accolades from guests, travel agents and travel press since its debut last year, but from the design world as well.  The ship’s renovated Apropos boutique — a retail space for designer clothing and accessories — has won the prestigious Association for Retail Environments (A.R.E.) interior design “Crystal Award” for the shop’s distinctive and dramatic aluminum interlocking circle screen.  The design won the first-ever Wall Treatment Award in the new, Individual Element category for 2012.

“Due to marine requirements, we have more design restrictions than a space on land, so this is a huge honor for a cruise ship to have won,” says Alexandra Don, Crystal’s vice president hotel services and design.  “Awards like this simply validate what we and our guests already know: that our ships are the ultimate of chic, anywhere on the globe.”

 

Winners in other categories this year included such company as Louis Vuitton, Lacoste, REI, and Alexander Wang.

 

Designed by II BY IV Design Associates, the walls of highly polished, thick aluminum, interlocking circles serve as separators for flanking vignettes within the boutique.  The design was inspired by antique nautical instruments and globe stands, with the reflective piece complementing the high-gloss fascia, wood veneer, and glass-and-mirror wall treatments surrounding them.  All fixtures had to be securely bolted to fit marine building codes, yet maintain a graceful, slender appearance—a unique challenge for retail spaces at sea.

 

Crystal Serenity’s sister ship, Crystal Symphony, will be undergoing her own renovations this June, completing a five-year plan to redesign all of the ship’s public and private rooms.

 

Crystal Cruises’ ethos of warm and friendly attentiveness, proffered by top-trained service staff from around the world, has earned the line a reputation for elevating hospitality to an art form.  With no guest request left untended, Crystal Cruises has been the perfect choice for luxury travelers for over two decades, earning more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.

 

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 763 682-6734, or visit www.Snyder-Travel.com.

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