2013

MSC Cruises reaffirms focus on cutting-edge technology, high standards and innovative products

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1.  Málaga, Spain – The lesser-known neighbor to Madrid and Barcelona that serves up classic Andalusian cuisine with a heaping side of architecture and history, named by Departures magazine one of the world’s most “under the radar” destinations;

2.  New England/Canada – A rare spring voyage through the region, trading more familiar fall foliage for spectacular spring blooms and landscapes;

3.  Yalta, Ukraine – The rugged, mountainous Crimean peninsula and lush forest by 4x4 or horseback, a picturesque contrast to the historic urban landscape for which the city is known;

4.  Hong Kong, China —  An invigorating hike through the lush Dragon’s Back Trail for an escape from the city’s bustling Central District;

5. Oslo, Norway – An Olympian’s view from the wheel bob track in Lillehammer;

6. Sainte Agnès, France – For one’s French Riviera bucket list, a jaunt to the highest coastal village in Europe offers breathtaking views and medieval charm;

7. Edinburgh, Scotland – A quest for the Holy Grail, tracing the steps of the centuries-old tale connecting the Knights Templar to the Grail and visiting sites featured in The Da Vinci Code ; 

8. St. Petersburg, Russia –An interactive look at Russia’s modern art —  an alternative to the city’s famous palaces and classical museums – concludes with a master class in giclee painting technique;

9. Padua, Italy – A bird’s eye view of Italy’s second most ancient city from hot air balloon;

10. Reykjávic, Iceland – Trekking across Icelandic lava fields atop one of the country’s characteristic small horses;

Crystal Cruises’ passion for creating unique luxury experiences both on land and at sea have helped earn the company top ratings from international travelers for two decades, including a recent World’s Best win from the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent

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Royal Caribbean is offering up to $400 in on-board credit in a new promotion.

The Wave Season offer is available for new bookings on the line's 2013 voyages of six nights or longer in Europe, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Bermuda, as well as on trans-Atlantic sailings.

Under the terms of the offer, passengers who book an ocean-view cabin on a voyage to the Bahamas, Bermuda or the Caribbean, or on a trans-Atlantic cruise, will receive a $50 credit (request booking code SKY1). Passengers booking a balcony cabin on the same voyages will receive a $100 credit (request booking code SKY2). Passengers booking a suite will get a $200 credit (request booking code SKY3).

With Europe sailings, the credit on the offer is double the above amounts. Passengers booking ocean-view cabins, balcony cabins and suites will receive $100, $200 and $400 in on-board credits, respectively (request booking codes SKY4, SKY5 and SKY6).

The offer will be available through Feb. 15. It cannot be combined with other Royal Caribbean promotions and additional restrictions apply.

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A total of 31 large cruise ships are scheduled to call 396 times in Alaska in 2013, a gain of one ship and 19 trips for a projected total passenger gain of 65,647.

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Floridians will be happy to hear that all four ships from Disney Cruise Line will homeport in their state in the early part of 2014. Port Canaveral will welcome Disney Magic, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy while Disney Wonder will homeport in Miami.

Each ship sailing from Port Canaveral will head to the Bahamas and Caribbean and every itinerary includes a visit to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

Itineraries from Port Canaveral

Three-night Bahamian sailing with calls on Nassau and Castaway Cay. Disney Dream sails this itinerary between January and August 2014 while Disney Magic runs the same voyages from January through May 2014. Rates start at $420/person.

Four-night Bahamian sailing that adds a sea day to the mix along with Nassau and Castaway Cay. Disney Dream sails this itinerary between January and August 2014 while Disney Magic sails the same voyage from January through May 2014. Rates start at $480/person.

Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages aboard Disney Fantasy with calls on St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Castaway Cay. Guests will also enjoy three sea days. Rates begin at $1,555/person and this itinerary is available between January and August 2014.

Seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries aboard Disney Fantasy with stops at Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Castaway Cay. Two days at sea are also included. Rates begin at $1,120/person. Departures take place January through April 2014.

Seven-night Western Caribbean route aboard Disney Fantasy with a call on Jamaica. This cruise stops at the new port in Falmouth, Jamaica, as well as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Castaway Cay. Sail from May through August 2014. Per person rates start at $1,120/person.

Itineraries from Miami

Four-night Bahamian getaway with calls on Castaway Cay, Nassau, and Key West. Cruise between January and April 2014. Rates start at $352/person.

Five-night Caribbean itinerary stopping at Grand Cayman and Cozumel. This cruise is offered from January through April 2014. Rates begin at

$440/person.

Five-night Caribbean vacation, including visits to Castaway Cay and Cozumel from January through April 2014.

*All fares are based on double occupancy.All Rates are subject to change.

Disney Cruise Line will release itineraries shortly for September through December 2014.

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Twelve Mediterranean, 10 Baltic, and four Western Europe cruise “Getaways” offer a plethora of choice for compact, port-packed visits to the Greek Isles, Eastern Europe, Russia, Italian and French Rivieras, the Iberian Peninsula, French wine country, Scandinavia, Germany, North Cape, and the UK – in addition to 37 seven- to 15-day Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony itineraries already offered in the continent in 2013.  “Getaways” fares start as low as $1,895 per guest if booked by February 28, with one or more local overnights on most sailings, as well as time on board for relaxing rejuvenation and pampering.

“Our ‘Getaways’ have proven to be very attractive to travelers from all over the world who are younger, busy professionals, first-time Crystal cruisers, and/or want to combine cruising with longer stays on land,” explains Jack Anderson, senior vice president of marketing and sales.  “With great destinations, plus the luxury and service for which Crystal is known — including complimentary beverages and gratuities, a world-class spa, stylish accommodations, and even Nobu’s cuisine – our ‘Getaways’ are a great way to tour Europe while simultaneously indulging in our ‘World’s Best’ vacation experience.”

New European “Getaways” set for 2013:

5-day: from $1,895
April 21: Barcelona (overnight)-Monte Carlo-Florence-Rome
June 3: Lisbon-Bordeaux (overnight)-London
June 25: Stockholm (overnight)-Helsinki-Tallinn-St. Petersburg (overnight)
June 30: St. Petersburg (overnight)-Berlin-Copenhagen (overnight)
July 20: Stockholm (overnight)-Tallinn-Helsinki-St. Petersburg (overnight)
July 25: St. Petersburg (overnight)-Berlin-Copenhagen (overnight)
July 30: Copenhagen (overnight)-Berlin-Helsinki-St. Petersburg
Aug. 4: St. Petersburg (two overnights)-Tallinn-Stockholm (overnight)
Aug. 9: Stockholm (overnight)-Tallinn-Helsinki-St. Petersburg (overnight)
Aug. 14: St. Petersburg (overnight)-Visby-Copenhagen-London
Aug. 17: Mallorca-Cartagena-Gibraltar-Seville-Lisbon (overnight)
Aug. 22: Lisbon (overnight)-Bilbao-Bordeaux (overnight)
Sept. 2: London-Guernsey-Bordeaux (overnight)-Lisbon

6-day: from $1,950
April 26: Rome-Sorrento-Sicily-Trogir-Venice (overnight)
May 9: Rome-Sorrento (overnight)-Sicily-Santorini- KuÅŸadasi (overnight)
June 27: Rome-Sorrento-Sicily-Mykonos-Santorini-KuÅŸadasi
July 13: Rome-Sorrento-Sicily-Constanţa-Odessa
July 19: Odessa (overnight)-Yalta-Sochi-Istanbul (overnight)
July 28: KuÅŸadasi-Malta-Sicily-Sorrento (overnight)-Rome
Aug. 27: Bordeaux-Lorient-St. Malo-Guernsey-Honfleur (overnight)-London
Oct. 20: Athens-Navplion-Katakolon-Kotor-Trieste-Venice (overnight)
Nov. 9: Barcelona-Castellon de la Plana (maiden call)-Cartagena-Gibraltar-Seville-Lisbon (overnight)

7-day: from $2,280
July 13: Tromsø-Lofoten-Ålesand-Olden-Bergen-Stockholm (overnight)
Aug. 10: Barcelona (overnight)-Palamós-Monte Carlo (overnight)-St. Tropez-Mallorca
Nov. 2: Rome-Florence-Porto Venere-Monte Carlo (overnight)- Palamós-Barcelona (overnight)

8-day: from 4,920
July 5: Copenhagen (overnight)-Geiranger-Murmansk-Honningsvåg-Tromsø

The new European options join other five- to 11-day Getaways already offered in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and North America in early 2013.  Pre- and Post-cruise Hotel Programs further expand vacation options in many coveted European cities.

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. 

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent

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Holland America Line recently completed the addition of the line's casual Italian restaurant Canaletto and transformed the Lido Terrace into an enclosed Wintergarden aboard ms Prinsendam. Named for the famous 18th-century Venetian artist, the award-winning Canaletto is located in the Wintergarden, which is adjacent to the Lido dining area. The restaurant serves classic Italian fare with tableside service for dinner only, and reservations are encouraged. With the addition of the eatery to Prinsendam, Canaletto is now on all 15 ships in the Holland America Line fleet.

“We continue to invest in our fleet and the onboard experience to offer the best premium cruise experience,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Prinsendam has one of our most loyal followings, so the new Wintergarden and popular Canaletto will certainly be appreciated by our guests.”

In addition to Canaletto, the 835-guest Prinsendam’s aft Lido terrace was enclosed and remodeled into a covered Wintergarden. The new area increased the dining capacity of the Lido and provides the venue for Canaletto. The ship also received other cosmetic enhancements during its dry-dock in Freeport, Bahamas, including new balcony decking and balcony dividers.

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January 17-21 Sale Features Savings up to 35 Percent and up to $100 Free Spending Money

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The internationally renowned MSC Aurea Spa, a 1,700-square metre oriental paradise with superb sea views and exotic modern décor combining natural stones, wood and rich mosaics, will be taken to exclusive new heights on board MSC Cruises’ latest flagship MSC Preziosa.

Inspired by the name MSC Preziosa, the theme of preciousness infuses every detail of the ship’s design, from her 18 decks named after precious stones right down to the exclusive new wellness and beauty treatments available in the MSC Aurea Spa.

When MSC Preziosa sets sail on 23 March 2013 after her star-studded christening ceremony in Genoa, Italy, travellers on board can enjoy an entirely original range of signature treatments inspired by precious minerals, the first of many exciting new spa features exclusive to MSC’s new flagship to be unveiled. 

Precious facial treatments

The first sophisticated facial treatment on offer is a hematite-based Preziosa anti-age facial, which includes cleansing, exfoliation, a facial mask and the use of hematite cream to stimulate the production of collagen, known to have a plumping, wrinkle-filling effect.

Also available is the rodochrosite-based Preziosa purifying and anti-stress facial, a treatment created for its purification capacities and for relieving anxiety, which involves cleansing, exfoliation, a facial mask and the use of rodochrosite cream.

Precious body treatments

MSC Preziosa’s mineral-based body treatments are perfect for combatting cellulite and leaving the skin soft and bright. Treatments available include 30-minute Aroma Balneo "cell & relax”,  a salt clay whirlpool bath made from sea salt grains, vegetable extracts, active ingredients and essential oils, and 60-minute Ultimate "dry & wet" aroma cell, a firming, moisturizing and protective clay body mask.

MSC travellers can also counteract the adverse effects of sun, sand and sea with Preziosa body protection and anti-aging, based on the mineral malachite.  Known for its protective and anti-aging capacities, this malachite based treatment includes a body scrub, body mask, and malachite cream massage. The 60-minute treatment provides the skin with wonderful protection against pollution and is particularly recommended in cases of exposure to sun and salt.

This fabulous precious mineral menu is only one of a whole range of exciting new wellness and beauty features exclusive to MSC Preziosa. Stay tuned to www.mscpressarea.com to learn more about the precious moments of pure relaxation to be enjoyed on the latest addition to the MSC Cruises’ fleet.

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Voted by Readers in the Magazine’s Annual Poll of Top Cruise Ships of the World

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Line also wins the ‘High-Deluxe, 5-Star-Plus, Large Ships’ category

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Mike Inman has been promoted to vice president, safety, environment and management systems at Holland America Line, replacing Bill Morani who has retired. In other fleet department moves, Michiel Versteeg is promoted to senior director, safety and environmental compliance and Ed Ramaekers is promoted to director, technical operations.

Inman will report to Dan Grausz, executive vice president, fleet operations. In this role, he is responsible for providing overall management of the company’s safety, environmental and ship management systems; emergency response; and fleet training programs.

“With his background as a captain in the U.S. Coast Guard and based on the excellent work he has done since joining Holland America Line a few years ago, Mike is well suited to assume this new role,” said Grausz. “His promotion will enable the department to have a continuity of leadership.”

Versteeg will take on the role of senior director, safety and environmental compliance, reporting to Inman. He also serves as the Designated Person for Holland America Line and is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the fleet. Ramaekers is promoted to the position of director, technical operations, reporting to Rob Boksem, vice president, technical operations. In this role he will supervise Holland America Line’s technical operations department and coordinate all technical operations for the line’s 15 ships.

“Michiel has excelled at every challenge he has been given, with the result being safer ships and large improvements to our training programs,” said Grausz. “And Ed has continued to show his leadership in the technical department, and this promotion is in recognition of his efforts to improve and guide the many engineers on board and within our shore side operation.”

For more information about Holland America Line, contact a travel professional

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Crystal Cruises’ ultra-luxe Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity have been voted the #1 and 2 cruise ships, respectively, in the world (medium size category) by the refined readership of Condé Nast Traveler magazine.  With overall scores of 94.5 and 94 for Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, respectively, the 2013 ratings mark the ships’  highest scores in five years, and are several points ahead of most every ship in the world. 

In addition to impressive Food scores, Crystal won the top category honors in the majority of the six voting criteria, including Service, Activities, and Excursions—with Service garnering its highest score, at 98.2 for Crystal Symphony.   The Crystal fleet further earned the #1 and 2 rankings for Design among all small, medium, and large-size ships in the “Top 100 Cruise Ships in the World” readers’ poll.  

 “We are so honored to once again be recognized for having the best ships in the mid-size ship category.  We feel our ships are of  such a perfect size to offer stellar Six-Star service, spacious chic spaces, abundant choices, and overall exquisite quality that is evident  to the most discerning travelers,” says Crystal President Gregg Michel.  “Additionally, this is a huge affirmation of the tremendous investment and refinements we continue to make in our product.  From the $100 million Extreme Makeover of our ships to becoming All Inclusive, it’s clear that our attention to detail, product execution, and contemporary design continue to be superb in every way.”  

Final tabulations were based on 28,876 responders voting on Service, Design, Cuisine, Itineraries, Activities, Staterooms, and Shore Excursions.  The full list appears in the magazine’s February 2013 issue and on its website.  Conde Nast Traveler readers also recently voted Crystal #1 in its size category for the magazine’s 2013 Gold List and 2012 U.K. and U.S. Readers Choice Awards, joining the line’s 2012 win (17^th time) as Travel + Leisure readers’ “World’s Best” cruise line (large-ship).

The 922-guest Crystal Symphony and the 1,070-guest Crystal Serenity sail on luxury cruises to all seven continents.  Voyages of 5-108 days are available in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, British Isles, Scandinavia/Baltic & Russia, North Cape & Arctic Circle, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, South America, Antarctica, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, and a sumptuous annual World Cruise.  Until February 28, all-inclusive, value-priced “Book Now” fares start at just $1,470/person.

The renowned Crystal Experience has been rated “World’s Best” more than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent

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Carnival Cruise Lines has canceled voyages through April aboard the Triumph, a ship that has been plagued by mechanical problems in recent weeks and was finally left powerless in the Gulf of Mexico after an engine-room fire.

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Carnival Cruise Lines has announced further compensation for the passengers aboard the Carnival Triumph, currently being towed via tug boats to Mobile, Alabama after an engine room fire early Sunday caused a loss of propulsion.

All guests on the current voyage will receive further compensation of $500.00 per person.

Gerry Cahill, President & CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines said: We know it has been a longer journey back than we anticipated at the beginning of the week under very challenging circumstances. We are very sorry for what our guests have had to endure. Therefore, in addition to the full refund and future cruise credit already offered, we have decided to provide this additional compensation. I look forward to welcoming everyone to Mobile tomorrow and have mobilized our full resources to assist and support them as they travel home.
 
As previously announced, all 3,143 guests on board will receive a full refund of the cruise along with transportation expenses and reimbursement of all shipboard purchases during the voyage, with the exception of gift shop, art purchases and casino charges. All passengers will also receive a future cruise credit equal to the amount paid for this voyage.

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The summer is filled with romance on Crystal Cruises, with seven ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive Mediterranean cruises that visit some of the most romantic places in the world.  From June 27 to September 2, via the award-winning Crystal Symphony, Crystal’s seven most romantic destinations for couples and singles seeking amour (with someone or someplace!) include:

1. Mykonos: Feed the flames of love while watching a classic Greek Island sunset over a seaside dinner with flaming saganaki. (June 27, 9-day cruise from Rome to Istanbul)

2. Taormina: Chic meets antique in this perfectly preserved medieval town, where breathtaking views and romantic alleyways help travelers understand why Sicilians are  among the world’s most passionate people. (July 6, 7-day cruise from Istanbul to Rome)    

3. The Turkish Straits: From the Dardanelles through the Bosporus, view exotic minarets and mansions float by from Crystal’s wide Promenade or from the comfort of your own verandah, with Europe on one side, Asia on the other. (July 13, 12-day cruise from Rome to Istanbul)

4. Sorrento: Outdoor cafés, cobblestone streets, fragrant flowers, and a seafront promenade that begs for arm-in-arm strolling — with a local shipboard overnight, the magic of the Amalfi coast’s most mythical city can be savored well into the wee hours. (July 25, 9-day cruise from Istanbul to Rome)

5. Barcelona: Fall under a Spanish spell with sangria, tapas, Catalan heat and the undulating architecture of Antonio Gaudí, during a full two days in this gem of the Western Mediterranean. (August 3, 7-day cruise from Rome to Barcelona)

6. St-Tropez: With superyachts berthed just steps from the town center, a lively evening waterfront, and a profuse selection of Provence’s most delicious local rosés, this French Riviera jetset resort town can be enjoyed until late at night as Crystal Symphony evening does not depart until 2 am. (August 10, 12-day cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon)

7. Lisbon: Whether exploring the storybook St. George’s Castle in the pure Atlantic light of day or the capital’s lantern-lit lanes at night, this “City of the Seven Hills” is one of Europe’s most visually striking – and most sultry. (August 22, 11-day cruise from Lisbon to London)

BONUS Destination: Crystal Symphony itself!: A sanctuary of spacious design, Crystal Symphony invites romance with a 360-degree outdoor promenade for strolling, private verandahs from which to enjoy sea and village views, a soothing Feng-Shui spa that offers indulgent individual and couples massages, sumptuous beds, acclaimed cuisine from Nobu Matsuhisa, exquisitely attentive service, and much more.

Crystal Symphony’s 7- to 12-day Southern sailings begin in Rome’s port of Civitavecchia, Istanbul, Barcelona and Lisbon, and feature multiple local overnights and back-to-back combinability for longer cruising vacations.

“Whether with a loved one or traveling solo, sailing into and out of gorgeous destinations can be one of the most romantic experiences at sea,” says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, operations.  “Crystal also sets the stage for a romance with an all-inclusive atmosphere of ultra-pampering and carefully crafted romantic itineraries that inspire new love stories with every voyage.”

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New Two-Story Beach Villas, Glass-Bottom Boat Added to a Robust Slate

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Divine features with a precious twist

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