The Strictly Come Dancing cruise line-up for 2014

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Royal Caribbean International, today reveals the summer 2015 itineraries for Anthem of the Seas the most entertainment and technologically developed cruise ship ever to be based in the UK. Sailing from Southampton, the itineraries - including three day sailings - invite agents to support its bold expansion plans to attract new to cruise guests and grow market share.

Anthem of the Seas is Royal Caribbean International’s second Quantum-class ship. It will offer 20 Mediterranean sailings beginning on 22 April 2015 before heading to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the Autumn of 2015.  The new itineraries on offer range from three to 16 nights with a strong focus on ‘taster’ cruises designed attract a new breed of British holidaymaker who hasn’t previously considered a cruise holiday.

Due for delivery in Spring 2015 the ship, along with Quantum of the Seas, will be a dramatic leap forward for the cruise industry and introduce more game-changing “firsts at sea” such as a skydiving experience call RipCord by iFLY and the North Star, an engineering marvel featuring a jewel like capsule that extends 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship to deliver 360-degree views for guests. Cutting-edge transformative venues include SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever. These new, larger state rooms enable innovation in design, storage and comfort including the industry’s first virtual balconies.

Stuart Leven, managing director, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland, commented:

“The unveiling of the Anthem of the Seas itineraries is another major milestone in our exciting year. We have significant confidence in the strength of pent-up demand for the Royal Caribbean International holiday product from UK and Ireland. We will continue to work with agents to feed the demand for more of our cruise holidays, whilst developing our training, incentives and marketing programmes to generate interest from a new-to-cruise audience.
“Royal Caribbean is proud to offer incredible quality and value, rivalling all other holiday options available today.  The facilities on-board Anthem of the Seas are simply ‘wow’ and incomparable to any other land or sea resort.  All this, coupled with itineraries which appeal to guests who are new to cruise, equips agents more than ever with all the ingredients for driving interest among people who are new to cruise.  We’re confident that our partners will capitalise on this to maximum effect.”

Holiday options from Anthem of the Seas during Spring and Summer 2015 include:
·  Four 3-night taster cruises and one 4-night taster cruise calling at Bruges and Paris (Le Havre)
·  One 7 and one 8-night France and Spain cruise calling at Bilbao and Paris (Le Havre)
·  One 16-night Mediterranean Cities of Distinction cruise including Barcelona, Nice, Rome Seville and Lisbon
·  Three 13-nights, one 10-night and one 12-night Sunshine in the Canaries cruise
·  One 7-night Norwegian Fjords sailing
·  Two 14-night Italian Mediterranean sailings
·  One 14-night Spain and Mediterranean Beaches sailing including an overnight in Palma de Mallorca and a call into Ibiza, not departing until 8pm in the evening

Peak summer holiday cruises include the 14-night Italian Mediterranean cruise and the 14-nights Spain and Mediterranean beaches sailings to appeal to family travellers.  In addition, the three-night taster cruise operating over August Bank Holiday weekend is expected to be popular.

A 14-night cruise on-board the new Anthem of the Seas sailing from Southampton starts from £1599 per person based on a July 2015 departure. The taster three-night cruises start from £449 per person based on a May 2015 departure.

Leven continues, “When Quantum of the Seas – the sister ship to Anthem of the Seas – is first launched in Autumn 2014 it will offer its first cruise from Southampton, departing on 2 November 2014. We plan to use this opportunity to showcase the facilities of a never- -before-seen Quantum class of ship to as many of our trade partners as possible. We know agents are excited about selling Anthem of the Seas and we expect a strong reaction, but the opportunity to see first-hand the incredible experiences on-board will be simply unbeatable.”

Anthem of the Seas goes on sale on 3rd March 2014. The new Royal Caribbean International sales team is gearing up to blitz agents, and continue to build the hype and excitement that really only Royal Caribbean International can deliver. Agents should also look out for dedicated Anthem of the Seas agent training.

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Costa Diadema, the new Costa Cruises flagship set for delivery by Fincantieri shipyard Oct. 30, 2014, will debut with a seven-night preview cruise from Trieste, Italy, Nov. 1. The $750-million ship then will sail three inaugural seven-night cruises in the western Mediterranean featuring extended port calls before entering regular weekly service from Savona, Italy, through the winter season.

Italy takes center stage during Costa Diadema’s first weeks in service with the “Made In Italy” liner calling at Trieste, Naples, Genoa, Savona and La Spezia.

The “vernissage,” or preview cruise, will embark at Trieste Nov. 1. Costa Diadema will overnight at Trieste before departing Nov. 2 for Dubrovnik, Croatia; Corfu, Greece; Malta; Naples; and ending at Genoa.

Beginning Nov. 8, the 132,500-ton Costa Diadema will depart on three seven-night inaugural cruises to the western Mediterranean with longer stopovers at Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; Savona and La Spezia. The itinerary also includes calls at Genoa (on the first cruise only); Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands; and Naples.

From Nov. 29 through the rest of the 2014-15 winter season, Costa Diadema will depart roundtrip from Savona on seven-night western Mediterranean cruises calling at Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Naples and La Spezia.

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From Ibiza to Skagen, Crystal Cruises is expanding its repertoire of ultra-luxury European cruises with nine maiden calls.  The world’s most northern city and Ireland’s most Gaelic town join a collection of favorite romantic destinations, like Barcelona and Venice, along with less-visited ports, like Korçula, Croatia; Greenock, Scotland; and Kristiansand, Norway, for a chic collection of 39 Northern Europe, Western Europe, and Mediterranean itineraries ranging from five to 16 days.  New in 2014 are:

• Oban, Scotland – The “Gateway to the Isles” boasts the quaint, romantic charm of a small, bayside city, with locally-made Celtic jewelry, single malt Scotch whisky and tartan kilts coloring the brogue experience.
• Ferrol, Spain – Boasting a rich maritime heritage and an impressive number of beckoning beaches, Ferrol is a prime location for watersports of all kinds or just strolling along the sand hand-in-hand at sunset.
• Londonderry, Northern Ireland – 400-year-old walls serve as a unique promenade around the inner, aka “maiden,” city, which was also named the UK’s City of Culture 2013.
• Santander, Spain – Long a favorite holiday spot of Spaniards themselves, word of Santander’s clear blue shoreline, lush green mountain ranges and welcoming residents is rapidly spreading to travelers worldwide.
• Alta, Norway – The northernmost city on the planet, Alta inspires snuggling with massive fjords, one of Europe’s largest gorges, and 5,000-year-old rock carvings designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Galway, Ireland – The Bohemian heart of Ireland, here, guests can enjoy the talents of the many musicians and artists who flock to the city, or join the Gaelic-speaking locals in a pub as they sing traditional Irish songs.
• Ibiza, Spain – The island splits its storied reputation between the “Undisputed Party Capital of the World” and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, with as many fascinating historical sites as dance clubs and picturesque beaches to visit.
• Skagen, Denmark – Couples can witness the crashing waves as the Baltic and North Seas meet, and meander among the characteristic red-tiled yellow houses that dot the coastline.
• St. Helier/Jersey, Channel Islands – On a colorful island lined of flowers, St. Helier is the ideal place to dream of wedding bouquets while ambling a tranquil lane or visiting the centuries-old Elizabeth Castle.

 

“From up-and-coming hotspots to destinations that might be harder to reach on one’s own, our 2014 European season offers so many new and less-visited calls that even the most well-traveled can fall in love with Europe all over again,” says Crystal president Edie Bornstein.

All-inclusive European voyages from April to October start as low as $1,700 per person, with numerous special offers for extended back-to-back cruise vacations, groups, and kids, if booked by February 28.

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.

Contact a Cruise agent!

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Holland America Line announced the addition of Australian Chef Mark Best as the newest member of the line’s esteemed Culinary Council. Celebrated as one of the most innovative chefs in the world today, Best was welcomed to the group at an event on ms Amsterdam during the ship’s call in Sydney, Australia, while sailing on its 115-day Grand World Voyage.

Best will join Holland America Line’s Master Chef and Council Chairman Rudi Sodamin, and prominent international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner and Jacques Torres on the Culinary Council. Best will add a selection of his French-inspired signature dishes to the line’s menus and work with Sodamin and other council members to shape the culinary direction aboard Holland America Line’s fleet.

“With our increased presence in Australia, it’s exciting to welcome to the Culinary Council an accomplished chef like Mark who has made headlines locally as well as internationally,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Mark is known for his innovative Australian cuisine and we look forward to seeing his passionate influence on our menus and introducing his flair and originality to our guests.”

“The Culinary Council is a collaboration of some of the greatest international chefs, and Mark brings imaginative ideas from a part of the world that is very inventive with cuisine," said Rudi Sodamin, chairman of the Culinary Council and Holland America Line's culinary consultant. "Mark has great energy and creativity and our guests are really going to enjoy his dishes."

After an unconventional path toward a culinary career, Best found his passion for French food during an apprenticeship at the Macleay Street Bistro in Potts Point, New South Wales, Australia, in 1990. While there he was awarded the Josephine Pignolet Award for best young chef in New South Wales.

Best enjoyed stints working overseas in some of the world’s most famous French restaurants, including Alain Passard’s three-Michelin-star L’Arpége in Paris, France, and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quatre Saisons in Oxford, England. He leaned on these experiences with classic French culinary preparation and matched them with his own innovation and intelligent recipe development to become the face of new Australian cuisine as he returned to Australia in 1999 and opened Marque in Sydney’s Surry Hills.

Heralded by restaurant critics from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and around the world, Marque received the U.K. Restaurant Magazine’s World's 50 Best Restaurants “Breakthrough Award” in 2010 and ranks among the San Pellegrino World Top 100 Restaurants. Marque was named 2011 restaurant of the year by the Sydney Morning Herald’s “The Good Food Guide” and won the 2012 Australian Gourmet Traveller restaurant of the year award.

For a decade, Marque has held a prestigious Three Hats — the highest of the iconic symbols awarded by “The Good Food Guide” — as well as the maximum of three stars from Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine in its annual top 100 list. Best has published a cookbook, “Marque: A Culinary Adventure,” and also has appeared on the television show “MasterChef Australia” as a guest chef and judge.

Holland America Line introduced the Culinary Council in 2010. In addition to providing expert guidance, advice and knowledge regarding onboard menus and culinary offerings, the Council works with the line’s offerings in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, to bring new and engaging learning experiences to guests.

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

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With all four Disney Cruise Line ships sailing from Florida ports in the early part of 2015, Disney’s private island Castaway Cay takes center stage. Every cruise departing from January to April includes a stop at Castaway Cay, a lush tropical island reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests.

Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Canaveral

In 2015, Disney Cruise Line will sail from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean and Bahamas on a variety of itineraries, offering families magical days at sea to explore all of the activities aboard their Disney cruise ship and days in port to lounge on warm, golden beaches, swim in azure waters or shop to their heart’s content in local marketplaces.

Three-night Bahamas. Perfect for a quick getaway, the Disney Dream will sail to Nassau and Castaway Cay. Rates start at $450 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, Nassau, Castaway Cay

Four-night Bahamas. The Disney Dream will sail to Nassau and Castaway Cay, including a day at sea to enjoy the one-of-a-kind Disney Cruise Line shipboard experience. Rates start at $600 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, Nassau, Castaway Cay

Seven-night Western Caribbean, including Key West, aboard the Disney Magic. Rates start at $980 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Castaway Cay

Seven-night Western Caribbean, including Jamaica, aboard the Disney Magic. Rates start at $980 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Castaway Cay

Seven-night Eastern Caribbean, including St. Maarten, aboard the Disney Fantasy.  Rates start at $1,225 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, St. Maarten, San Juan, Castaway Cay

Seven-night Eastern Caribbean, including St. Thomas, aboard the Disney Fantasy.  Rates start at $1,225 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, St. Thomas, San Juan, Castaway Cay

Caribbean and Bahamas from Miami

In 2015, the Disney Wonder will sail from Miami on four-night Bahamian and five-night Western Caribbean cruises. Rates start at $352 per person for four-night cruises and $440 for five-night cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Four-night Bahamas

Ports: Miami, Castaway Cay, Nassau, Key West

Five-night Caribbean, including Grand Cayman

Ports: Miami, Grand Cayman, Castaway Cay

Five-night Caribbean, including Cozumel

Ports: Miami, Cozumel, Castaway Cay

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom. Government taxes and fees, gratuities and Port Adventures are not included.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent.

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The Up-Market Cruise Line is the Exclusive Sponsor of “An Evening Aboard the S.S. Wolfsonian”

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Princess Cruises first became famous in 1977 when one of is's ships, Pacific Princess, was cast in a starring role on a new television show called “The Love Boat.”

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