October 2012

AVALON WATERWAYS PARTNERS WITH THE AMERICAN QUEEN TO OFFER U.S. RIVER CRUISES

Published Thursday, October 4th 2012


 


On the heels of unveiling more Suite Ships and itineraries in Europe, a new ship in Southeast Asia and the new Avalon Choice program, Avalon Waterways is announcing even more new experiences for travelers in 2013 … This time, in the U.S. onboard the Mississippi’s luxurious Victorian-style paddlewheel steamboat – the American Queen.

 

Next year Avalon travelers can experience two U.S. itineraries on the American Queen: 12-day America’s Heartland: From Music City to the Big Easy and 11-day Fall Foliage Spectacular: From the Windy City to the Twin Cities.  For these cruises, up to 40 Avalon guests will be invited aboard the steamboat. 

 

Onboard and off, they will be accompanied by their own Avalon Tour Director who will assist with unique land experiences, including visiting Chef Regina Charboneau’s home to enjoy southern drinks and light fare in Natchez, Mississippi.  In addition, Avalon guests will have the opportunity to book pre- and post-cruise land packages, providing them the chance to spend more time in Nashville, New Orleans or Chicago.   

 

Mirroring the inclusive nature of the popular European river cruise experience, the American Queen offers travelers non-smoking interiors, outside staterooms, complimentary shore excursions, wine and beer with dinner, onboard entertainment, Culture & Cruise experiences and so much more. 

 

Avalon is the first major European river cruise operator to partner with the American Queen to afford travelers the chance to experience the Mississippi via a beautiful paddlewheel steamboat. 

 

“We have had great success partnering with top-of-the-line cruise ship companies on the Yangtze, the Nile and in the Galápagos Islands and look forward to our first-ever U.S. partnership,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways.  “We’re excited to provide our travelers from around the world the chance to see and explore the cities and towns along the Mississippi – the fourth largest river of the world – on the American Queen.”

 

Ship Overview

The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity. Although filled with today's modern amenities, her rooms and accommodations display all the opulence of the American Victorian era. Glistening woodwork, fresh flowers and antiques adorn her interior spaces. Outside, lacy filigree evokes memories of the many stately river steamers that preceded her and so inspired her designers. While on board, you can select a volume from the vast collection in the Mark Twain Gallery, the boat's library. Or enjoy a sing-along in the Main Deck Lounge, and then tap your toes to a lavish show in the two-deck-tall Grand Saloon, the most elegant showplace on the river. Combining the best of the old and the new, this beautiful lady of the river epitomizes the grace and grandeur that has made Steamboating a cherished American tradition for more than two centuries. One voyage and you'll see why.

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Celebrity Cruises Honors Its Own, Naming Four Employees Godmothers Of Celebrity Reflection

Published Friday, October 5th 2012


Celebrity Cruises is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a particularly unique and meaningful way: Richard D. Fain, Chairman of Celebrity Cruises and Chairman & CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL), and Celebrity's President & CEO Michael Bayley today revealed plans to honor four employees – two who work aboard its ships, and two in its corporate offices – as Godmothers of Celebrity Reflection, the fifth in its five-ship Solstice Class series.


Like the Godmothers of every prior Solstice Class ship – all with remarkable life achievements, including overcoming breast cancer – the cause is of great personal interest to the selected employees. The Godmothers of Celebrity Reflection are:


  • Jovanka Goronjic – Jovanka joined Celebrity Cruises' AquaSpa staff in 2009, after previously working with Celebrity's sister brand, Royal Caribbean International. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, and endured several rounds of treatment. In tribute to her mother and the cause, Jovanka donated her hair for the creation of wigs for cancer patients. With support from Celebrity, she arranged time off to be with her mother at critical times during her treatment. Her mother has since defeated the illness, and Jovanka now is AquaSpa Manager on Celebrity Constellation.
  • Megan Mathie – Megan is a glassblowing artist in the Hot Glass Show aboard Celebrity Solstice, and previously performed the same role aboard Celebrity Eclipse. Earlier this year, she was informed that both her sister and mother were diagnosed with breast cancer, and flew home to spend time with them. However, both convinced her to return to the ship to continue her work. Determined to support the cause, Megan and her team now host a "Hot Pink Glass Show" on every cruise. There, she shares her story with her audience and through her art, in honor of her sister and mother. At each cruise's end, she auctions a one-of-a-kind pink glass creation to raise funds for Celebrity's charitable partner, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.
  • Helen O'Connell – An eight-year employee of the company, Helen manages Community Relations, and has a clear and contagious passion for serving her community. She is widely lauded internally and externally for leading the corporation's annual "G.I.V.E. (Get Involved, Volunteer Everywhere) Day," and events leading to it in South Florida and in many of the company's offices and ports of call around the world. Helen also serves as the corporation's primary liaison with Make-A-Wish Foundation and supports Celebrity's fundraising activities for BCRF. Before being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, she traveled to New York every weekend for three months to help care for her father, who was battling bone cancer. Helen is known for always putting others' needs ahead of her own, such as volunteering with numerous organizations in South Florida and caring for her sick aunt in Ireland, while also making her work a top priority.
  • Rosey Rodriguez – A 17-year employee of RCCL, Rosey is manager of the company's Special Events team and recognized at Celebrity for being a key contributor to planning and implementing the events surrounding every Solstice Class ship launch. She is a devoted single mother of two children, Joey, 21, and Alexis, 15. On June 8 of this year, she was diagnosed with stage-3 breast cancer, and has since been resolute in her commitment to beat it. While many women would legitimately take short-term disability at this stage, Rosey instead takes her laptop to treatments to allow her to work remotely. Her colleagues say this is entirely in character, as she puts everyone and everything – including her work – ahead of her own desires. She is considered a dedicated leader of her team, admired employee of the company, loving mother and selfless individual.


"The breast cancer cause is one we've adopted across the Celebrity brand, and one with deep meaning for each of these women and their four predecessors," said Fain. "These ladies are not only inspiring in their professional lives, but in their personal lives, as well, with each of them devoted to their own and our company's interest in doing all we can to find a cure for breast cancer."


"These impressive women personify the qualities we admire among our Solstice Class Godmothers: remarkable strength and courage, along with optimism, warmth and genuine care for others," said Bayley. "They beautifully represent countless other women within our company and around the world who have battled the disease or supported the cause in honor of friends or family who have done so."


Celebrity Cruises' support of the cause began in 2008 with an event on Celebrity Solstice to raise funds for breast cancer screenings for low-income women. Next, the brand sponsored the first "Celebrity Sunwalk" in association with Walk the Walk, a breast cancer charity founded by the Godmother of Celebrity Equinox, Nina Barough. And last year, Celebrity became an official corporate partner of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), offering Celebrity's guests the opportunity to make a difference while enjoying their vacation through a unique lineup of onboard experiences that help raise awareness and funds for BCRF.


Celebrity is showing its support of the cause even further this month through multiple initiatives, including an integration and cruise auction featured in Bloomingdale's "Big Pink Book," with a percentage of sales benefiting BCRF; a sweepstakes to win a cruise with a $1,000 donation to BCRF in the winner's name; a "pink" home page takeover of Celebrity's web site, www.celebritycruises.com, and relevant content on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/celebritycruises, throughout the month; a donation to BCRF of $2 for every "Excite the Senses" lifestyle book sold onboard and online; pink-hued emails to customers; "Starring Crew Week" honoring Celebrity's crew across the fleet with special events to raise funds for BCRF, and events engaging and educating employees at Celebrity's headquarters. All of this complements the continuation of the year-around activities supporting BCRF: "Celebrity Freedance" and the auction of works of art created by glassblowing artists from The Corning Museum of Glass at the Hot Glass Show on Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Eclipse.


The four Godmothers of Celebrity Reflection will preside over the naming of the ship in Miami on December 1, and consistent with Celebrity's Solstice Class tradition, will be joined by the Godmothers of each of Celebrity Reflection's sister ships.


About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation:
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, is an independent not-for-profit organization committed to funding scientific research to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime. In October 2012, BCRF will award $40-million to 197 scientists across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and China. With 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF directed toward breast cancer research and awareness programs, BCRF remains one of the most fiscally responsible charities in the country. For the 10th consecutive time since 2002, it has earned 4 stars from Charity Navigator. Additionally, BCRF is the only cancer organization rated an "A+" by CharityWatch. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.


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Disney Cruise Line Arrives in Galveston with Texas-sized Fanfare

Published Friday, October 5th 2012


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A few days ago, the Disney Magic arrived in Galveston, kicking off the Disney Cruise Line inaugural season sailing from the Port of Galveston. To salute its arrival to the Lone Star State, the Disney Magic donned a Texas-sized cowboy hat on the ship's funnel as crew members and Disney characters waved from the upper decks of the ship. In 2012 and 2013, Disney Cruise Line will sail from Galveston on a variety of itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas, with some cruises taking guests to Walt Disney World Resort and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

(Kent Phillips, photographer)

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P&O begins construction on Britain’s largest cruise ship

Published Monday, October 8th 2012

P&O begins construction on Britain’s largest cruise ship P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow

A ceremony marking the steel-cutting for the newest ship for P&O Cruises has been held at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy.


The largest ship ever built for P&O Cruises and for the British cruise market, the new 141,000 ton ship will be launched in spring 2015.


P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow said: “The cutting of the steel marks the moment the ship goes into production so for us it is a very exciting time as we go from the drawing board to reality.”


The 3,611 passenger ship will offer a stylish and innovative new design and an unprecedented number of passenger facilities, along with many of the brand’s classic and iconic features.


Specifications and new product innovations will be announced at a later date.


For the first time a British design company, Richmond, is overseeing the whole ship’s interiors to incorporate the classic and iconic history of P&O Cruises with modern design and features to appeal to both existing and a new generation of passengers.


Richmond, leading designers in the hospitality industry, have a remarkable portfolio of iconic British hotels, notably The Langham London (flagship of the Hong Kong based Langham Hotels); Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park; and the Intercontinental London.


Marlow continued, “Richmond’s design will make a stunning statement across the entire ship’s interiors.


“Through their ideas they will imbue the ship with a cohesive personality which works across all the public areas including the cabins, cafes, bars, restaurants and lounges.


“Richmond’s designs will add an elegant and timeless Britishness to appeal to everyone who steps on board and will facilitate an excellent evolution of the P&Oness our passengers know and love.”


The keel-laying, which involves the placement in the dry dock of one large section of the ship’s hull and the beginning of the actual ship build, will take place in May 2013.


The ship, yet to be named, will take to the water for the first time at her float out in summer 2014, before her delivery to P&O Cruises in spring 2015.

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Bulgari Ginza Chef Added to Crystal’s Winter Wine & Food Cruise through Australia/New Zealand

Published Tuesday, October 9th 2012



Tokyo star chef Luca Fantin, of the 5-Star Bulgari Ginza Tower restaurant, Il Ristorante, has been added as a guest expert to Crystal Cruises’ January 17 Wine & Food-themed voyage.  The Crystal Symphony “Koalas & Kiwis” cruise sails through some of Australia and New Zealand’s hottest destinations, such as Lonely Planet “Top 10” travel cities Newcastle and Wellington.  Fantin joins fellow esteemed culinary master Chef Damien Pignolet, wine expert Eugenio Jardim, and Master Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim in presenting complimentary, on-board culinary enrichment about the area.  

Fantin’s contemporary Italian fare and Japanese pedagogy, combined with Pignolet’s Australian-French fusion, mirror the international influences found in Aussie-Kiwi food.  Combined with Crystal’s own creative cuisine and Japanese-Peruvian dishes from Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, guests are in for a truly eclectic, yet incredibly sophisticated, mix of global tastes.  The two chefs will treat guests to hands-on instruction in preparing some of their specialties, live cooking demonstrations, and specially-designed menus for select Crystal Dining Room dinners.  Wine expert Jardim will lead pairing and tasting sessions and mixologist Abou-Ganim will teach perfect cocktail-making for home entertaining.


More than 65 Crystal Adventures, many brand new, in destinations both classic and up-and-coming spice up the gastronomic theme.  Delectable onshore experiences include:

  • Gourmet dining and wine, olive, vodka and traditional cheese tasting in Newcastle’s Morpeth and Hunter Valleys
  • Cooking lessons using Christchurch’s local fare, including the catch of the day from fisherman just steps away
  • Three-course vineyard lunch, wine and olive oil tasting in Wellington’s Greytown & Martinborough


 “Australia and New Zealand are fantastic destinations for foodies,” says Crystal’s Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations,Toni Neumeister.  “We’re thrilled to welcome such a high caliber of food and beverage experts aboard to underscore the tremendous flavor of the itinerary.”


The 12-day itinerary calls in Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney (overnight), Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland.  All-inclusive fares start at $3,520/person, with $3,000/person in “Book Now” savings until October 31, making this the most value-priced of Crystal’s 2013 New Zealand cruises.


Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation.  Crystal’s extensive, innovative choices for dining include the ultra-luxury line’s coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); fresh, chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; and gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea, or in Nobu and Piero Selvaggio’s specialty restaurants.


For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent.

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Exploring St. Maarten's lush beaches and exotic wildlife

Published Wednesday, October 10th 2012

St. Maarten, Caribbean

Those looking to relax on island time should consider a Caribbean cruise vacation. Princess Cruises has numerous itineraries to choose from that can take you to some of the region's most exotic, exciting ports.


One area you may want to visit on your trip to the Caribbean is St. Maarten. Infused with Dutch and French culture, this is one of the most unique locations you can stop while traveling through the region. St. Maarten is home to many beaches and bays where you can relax and under the warm, Caribbean sun or snorkel alongside the tropical marine life.


St. Maarten's split culture
The island is split between Dutch and French culture. On one side of St. Maarten, you'll find French cuisine and traditions that might make you feel as if you're in France. On the other, you'll experience Dutch culture and natives who still refer back to their Dutch heritage. Regardless of which side of the island you're on, the locals are always friendly and welcoming to travelers interested in new adventures.


St. Maarten Zoo
Perhaps one of the most intriguing venues you'll come across while one your Caribbean cruise to St. Maarten is the St. Maarten Zoo. This facility is home to hundreds of different mammals and reptiles, making it an educational location worth visiting if you're traveling with children. The St. Maarten Zoo has been a staple in Philipsburg and continues to be popular among locals and tourists alike.


The Butterfly Farm
What's more unique than a farm with hundreds of delicate insects that would otherwise be difficult to catch and view in the wild? St. Maarten's Butterfly Farm has large mesh-enclosed areas where visitors can walk around with these beautiful flying insects and feel as if they're in a fantasy world. While here, you can also learn more about butterflies and their lifecycle while at the farm.


St. Maarten beaches
While you're in St. Maarten, you'll likely want to catch some rays under the warm Caribbean sun. You'll have your choice of more than a dozen beaches along the coast of the island, each with crystal clear water and white sands. Orient Beach is perhaps the most popular in the area. There are also numerous snorkeling opportunities that put you up close to St. Maarten's marine life along the island’s shores.

Sourse Princess Cruise Line

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Mayan ruins and more in Cozumel

Published Wednesday, October 10th 2012

Caribbean Cruise Destinations

The beautiful Mexican island of Cozumel provides plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun, but history buffs will also appreciate the numerous Mayan ruins that can be visited on shore excursions.


There's almost too much to do in Cozumel, but one of the more popular attractions are the various Mayan ruins located around the island. Explore the ancient walled city of Tulum, where you'll receive a guided tour in addition to free time to explore the massive site on your own. Or travel further away from the port to Coba, which was once home to more than 500,000 people.


Yet the ruins are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Cozumel. You'll have the opportunity to tour the island by Jeep, ATV, sailboat, and even submarine on various excursions. Optional adventures include certified scuba diving, snorkeling, ziplining through the jungle, swimming with dolphins and even learning how to cook some Cozumel cuisine.


Best of all, many of the excursions end with a trip to the beach, so you won't have to miss out on the island's white sands and clear blue waters.


It might not technically be located in the Caribbean, but the island of Cozumel is still one of the best stops for a Caribbean cruise.

Source Princess Cruse Line

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Immersing yourself in Central American culture on a Panama Canal cruise

Published Wednesday, October 10th 2012

Panama, Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is full of history and exotic traditions that can't be found anywhere else in the world. To see the area in all of its splendor, there's no better way to do so than on a Panama Canal cruise vacation. Here is a taste of what you can expect to see as you escape completely® between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts on the 2-Day Canal Experience from Princess Cruises. This option will give you the chance to sail through the Panama Canal locks, explore the wonders of Panama City and visit Fuerte Amador.


Panama Canal Railway
Visitors who choose to travel the Panama Canal Railway will get a unique look at the rainforest from the inside out as they make their way toward the canal locks. The railway, which has been in existence since 1855, once served as a route for individuals looking to head north to California to cash in on the gold rush. Today, there are excursions offered to tourists who want to get a better understanding of how the canal works, the purpose it serves and how it will continue to influence history.


Soberania National Park
Another site you might want to visit while on your Panama Canal cruise is the Soberania National Park, which is a short drive from Panama City. The park is thought to be one of the easiest conservations to access in Central America for bird viewing. Travelers who stop by will also have the opportunity to visit the Rainforest Discovery Center where they can view the unique lush, green landscape from above.


More than 400 different species of tropical birds are thought to live at Soberania National Park, making it a natural treasure to locals, visitors and bird enthusiasts alike.


Lake Arenal
As your cruise takes you to Costa Rica, you'll find just as many majestic rainforests and tropical landscapes as you did in the Panama Area, with one exception - Costa Rica is also home to some of the most popular volcanoes in the world.


Lake Arenal is a must-visit location for travelers who are interested in scenic views and the chance to get up close to a real volcano. Here, travelers can kayak along the lake to the base of the Arenal Volcano, which dominates the skyline. While in the area, visitors are also permitted to engage in a series of watersports, including windsurfing and sailboarding, with the volcano serving as a backdrop.


For the Panama Canal cruise of a lifetime, choose an itinerary from Snyder Travel.

Source Princess Cruise Line

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Serenade of the Seas next in line for Royal Caribbean upgrade

Published Friday, October 26th 2012

As part of Royal Caribbean International’s extensive ship investment programme – which will see $300 million spent on enhancing the facilities and guest experiences onboard ships across the fleet – Serenade of the Seas is the next ship scheduled for a refurbishment in November this year.

Serenade of the Seas next in line for Royal Caribbean upgrade


More speciality restaurants, new bars, a new baby and toddler nursery, flat-screen TVs in every room, plus a giant outdoor cinema screen are just a few of the new features awaiting guests when it emerges from dry dock at the end of November.


Serenade of the Seas is just one of many ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet that is receiving a major upgrade as part of the extensive investment programme.


Serenade of the Seas will be refurbished during dry dock in November 2012 in Cadiz, Spain and will then sail from Barcelona, Spain on an 11-night Western Mediterranean cruise departing on December 3rd 2012.


Serenade is the ninth ship within Royal Caribbean International’s 22 strong fleet to benefit from the investment programme.


Further refurbishments will continue throughout 2013 and 2014.

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Royal Caribbean Plans Third Oasis-Class Cruise Ship

Published Friday, October 26th 2012

Royal Caribbean has confirmed its plans to develop a third Oasis-class ship that could potentially carry more than 5,000 passengers.


Included in today's third quarter financial results, Royal Caribbean confirmed that it is in negotiations for the possible construction of a third Oasis class cruise ship that would delivered in middle to late 2016.


Royal Caribbean has not entered into any sort of agreement at this time, it does hope to place an order by the end of the year.  The new ship is expected to cost less on a per berth basis than either of the first two Oasis-class vessels.


Royal Caribbean chairman Richard Fain confirmed the news during his talks, "The Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas have proven themselves to be exceptionally attractive ships by generating the highest guest satisfaction ratings in the fleet coupled with very compelling financial returns. Ordering another such ship for delivery in 2016, at a lower cost, with better energy efficiency is very consistent with our balanced goals of prudent growth, return improvement and debt reduction."


This third Oasis class ship would be in addition to the other two Sunshine Class ships Royal Caribbean has already ordered and is in the process of being built.

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