Aida
Cruises/Germany
AIDA Cruises has published February 2010 to April 2011
cruise brochure. The line is considerably expanding its range of tours. AIDA
ships will be calling at a total of 154 dream destinations on 75 routes. New
items in the program include voyages to the Amazonas and Brazil, as well as
city tours in Northern Europe. All cruises on the seventh ship of the AIDA
fleet - AIDAblu - can now also be
booked for the first time.
New destinations
The AIDAvita conquers the greatest river on Earth on two routes each to the Amazonas and
Trans-Amazonas. The route through the tropical rain forest takes visitors as
far as the jungle metropolis of Manaus.
The AIDAcara is
setting course for the Brazilian Atlantic coast for the first time, calling at
such fascinating cities as Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Recife. Between
November 2010 and March 2011, the AIDAcara will operate on five different South
American routes and two trans-Brazilian cruises. Advance bookings for these
voyages can be made from 29 April 2009.
In addition to the AIDAvita, AIDA Cruises will also be
deploying a ship of the new generation in the Caribbean: apart from the classic
14-day cruises, the AIDAluna will
also offer three varied one-week routes in winter 2010/2011.
Also new are the 20-day Trans-Arabian and Trans-Asian
cruises, which will be offered in addition to the two-week voyages.
AIDA has a new base port in the Eastern Mediterranean: from
April to October 2010, the AIDAdiva will
set out on two different seven-day routes from the Port of Antalya.
For those that like strolling around cities, AIDA now has
another highlight in its program, with the AIDAblu setting course for the five
exciting European cities of Hamburg, Paris, London, Antwerp and Amsterdam in
March and April 2010. The AIDAblu will depart from Hamburg a total of eight
times on this one-week city cruise.
The latest new addition to the AIDA fleet will celebrate its
premiere when it is christened in Hamburg on February 9, 2010. The dazzling ceremony will also signal the
prelude to AIDAblu’s
maiden voyage to Western Europe prior to the ship spending the summer in the
Baltic Sea. Comfortable spa cabins with direct access to the wellness area will
be available on the ship with a GRT of 71,100 tons for the first time. The
Japanese style Body & Soul Spa offers even more space for relaxation on
three decks. The new restaurant concept has something for every palate from the
Italian Restaurant to the California Grill for American specialties, as well as
the East Restaurant offering Asian cuisine. Those that like things a bit more
rustic can sample home-brewed beers and enjoy hearty specialties in the world’s first
floating brewery.
Rail&Fly inclusive
Taking the train to the airport: when booking an AIDA cruise
with the international arrival and departure package, the AIDA Rail&Fly
ticket is already included in the 2010/2011 catalogue. This means that guests
can travel to their departure airport in comfort with Deutsche Bahn without any
additional costs and then home again after the voyage. At an additional cost of € 30 per person each way, guests can also enjoy travelling on the train in a 1st
class compartment.
Those booking their AIDA cruise early will benefit twice:
when booking 5 months before the start of the voyage, guests will receive an attractive
Early Booker Discount for the first and second person in the cabin. The Early
Booker Plus campaign will also be valid for the first time and for cruises
chosen from the AIDAtime 2010/11 catalogue only: when booking up to October 31,
2009, the first and second person in the cabin will receive a credit of an
additional 50% of the regular Early Booker Discount. Up to € 600
can be saved using the Early Booker Plus offer.
Excursions can be booked even before the voyage by taking
advantage of the online trip planner at www.aida.de/myaida with discounts of at least 3%. Bookings
for AIDA cruises from the AIDAtime 2010/2011 catalogue can be made by travel
agents, at the AIDA Service Center by phoning +49-(0)381-202 707 22 or at www.aida.de.
Azamara Cruises
Azamara Cruises Opens
Excursion Package Offerings For 2009 Europe Season
In addition to making it easy for guests to experience all
the amenities of a deluxe cruise vacation by offering extraordinary service
onboard while sailing to unique destinations, Azamara Cruises also offers its
guests the convenience of pre-packaged shore excursions on select sailings in
Europe and Asia. The packages aim to give guests an easy way to capture the
essence of a destination, and offer guests a 5% savings over Azamara’s retail
value of the tours in each package. As both 694-guest Azamara ships make their
way to Europe for the 2009 season, Azamara has opened its 2009 Europe shore
excursion packages for sale, including a new two-day port package option.
Nineteen sailings throughout Azamara’s slate of 2009 Baltic,
Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea cruises will offer
excursion packages. Each of these sailings offers two variations on the
packages: an “Omega Collection” and an “Alpha Collection.” The “Omega
Collection” is designed for a more experienced traveler who has been to the
destination before or is looking for a more specialized excursion experience.
The “Alpha Collection” is ideal for first-time visitors to the destination or
for those who seek a variety of highlights in the destination. The packages do
not include a tour in every port, which gives guests the option to purchase
other, individual tours in those locations.
Azamara’s 2009 Europe shore excursion packages give guests
the opportunity to enjoy a carefully planned immersive experience in the
regions that they will visit. For example, Azamara
Journey’s October 11, October 25 and November 8 sailings each offer a “History
and Culture of the Eastern Mediterranean” Omega Collection package that
includes overland tours in Egypt and Israel. In Cairo, guests will visit the
Pyramids of Giza and the Mighty Sphinx and an overnight hotel stay. In Israel,
guests will visit Galilee, Jerusalem and Bethlehem and stay overnight in a
hotel in Jerusalem. This collection also includes an up-close look at Italy’s
excavations of Pompeii, lunch overlooking the Gulf of Naples, and a drive along
the scenic Amalfi Coast.
Azamara Quest’s July
12 and August 23 sailings offer a “Highlights of the Black Sea” Alpha
Collection package. During the tours in this line-up, guests will see the best
the Gulf of Naples has to offer by exploring the famous island of Capri and
visiting the ruins of Pompeii on a guided walking tour when the ship visits
Sorrento, Italy. In Ephesus, Turkey, guests will visit the House of the Virgin
Mary, where the Virgin Mary is reputed to have spent the last years of her
life, as well as the ancient city of Ephesus, known for its magnificent
excavations. In Yalta, Ukraine, the tour package includes visits to Livadia
Palace, site of the 1945 Yalta Convention, and Alupka Castle.
This year, Azamara has introduced a new option: multiple-day
tour packages available on select sailings in certain cities where the ship is
overnighting in port. Azamara aims to offer guests a way to experience the
highlights in these cities without any duplication of venues visited. The
packages are available in Sorrento, Ravenna and Rome, Italy; London (Greenwich),
England; Stockholm, Sweden; Edinburgh (Leith), Scotland, Alexandria/Port Said,
Egypt; and St. Petersburg, Russia (two- and three-day packages available).
The two-day
package offered in Edinburgh takes guests into the hub of the world’s woolen
industry as well as on a tour of Dalmeny House, a Tudor Gothic house and the
family home of the Earls of Rosebury. The tours are scheduled in a way that
also allows guests to experience the world-famous Military Tattoo performance
in the evening.
In St. Petersburg, two- and three-day packages are
available. A two-day package, which actually spans three days, gives guests the
flexibility to take packaged tours on days one and three, and purchase
additional components such as “Moscow and the Mysterious Kremlin” tour or
private car/van tours on day two. In the three-day St. Petersburg package,
tours are included on all three days.
Packages are available for purchase online, and must be
purchased before four days prior to the date of sailing. Tours within the
package cannot be exchanged or cancelled by the guest. If Azamara Cruises
cancels a tour, the guest will receive a refund for the full retail value of
the tour.
Visit www.azamaracruises.com for more information.
Azamara Cruises/UK
Azamara Unveils
2010-2011 Itineraries For Asia And Caribbean
The 2010-2011 season from Azamara Cruises is now on sale
offering the chance to visit a sanctuary for endangered scarlet macaws in
Puntarenas, Costa Rica; go snorkeling with sea lions in La Paz, Mexico; or go
behind the scenes at the Tsingdao Brewery in Qingdao, China.
The 694-guest Azamara
Quest returns to the Far East for the third consecutive year in 2010, and
sister ship Azamara Journey offers a
series of both favorite and new winter Caribbean itineraries. This includes the
first time a ship in the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line family has sailed in the
Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) when Azamara Journey calls in ports such as
Mazatlan, Guaymas and La Paz in Mexico.
In Asia, Azamara Cruises’ ship Azamara Quest will visit 21
ports of call in ten different countries including India, Singapore, Thailand,
Vietnam, China and Japan. Plus, Azamara Quest will also offer a 24-night
repositioning cruise from Athens to Singapore departing on 27 November 2010.
All the Southeast Asia cruises include at least four overnight stays in a port
of call. Guests can enjoy such extended stays in Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok,
Hanoi (Halong Bay), and Ho Chi Minh City.
Highlights of the Azamara Journey 2010-2011 Caribbean
cruises include:
--23 ports of call across 13 different countries from Miami
and San Diego with the winter Caribbean season starting earlier than in
previous years
---12-night round trip cruises from Miami featuring ports of
call such as St John and St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, Marigot in Saint
Martin, Basseterre in St Kitts, Pointe A Pitre in Guadeloupe, Gustavia in St
Barts, Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, Castries in St Lucia and
Roseau in Dominica. Itineraries available in November 2010, and between
February and April 2011.
--Two 16-night Panama Canal cruises sailing from Miami to San
Diego in December 2010 and January 2011 including central America ports of call
such as Cartagena in Columbia, Puntarenas in Costa Rica, San Juan Del Sur in
Nicaragua and Huatulco, Acapulco, and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico
-- In January
2010, two 11-night brand new Sea of Cortex cruises from San Diego featuring
five ports of call new for Azamara Cruises, and the entire Royal Caribbean
Cruise Line family. Ports of call include Mazatlan for the Sierra Madre
mountains; Topolobampo known for its close proximity to Copper Canyon; Loreto
– the first Spanish settlement in the California peninsular; Guaymas
which had its first ever cruise ship visit in 2008 and is newly accessible to
cruising; and La Paz close to Los Islotes which is renowned for its large sea
lion population
Prices for the Azamara Cruises winter Caribbean 2010-2011
season start from £1,685 pp for a 12-night Caribbean cruise onboard Azamara
Journey.
In Asia, cruises available onboard Azamara Quest in the
2010-2011 winter season include:
--24-night repositioning cruise from Athens to Singapore on
27 November 2010 including overnight stays in Dubai and Mumbai and a transit
through the Suez Canal
--Chinese New Year 14-night cruise departing Singapore for
Hong Kong on 22 January 2011 with overnight stays in all ports of call bar one
including Bangkok, Hanoi (Halong Bay) and Ho Chi Minh City
--Two 12-night Northeast Asia sailings between Hong Kong and
Shanghai in March 2011 each offering different itineraries allowing for guests
to enjoy a 24-night back-to-back sailing. The northbound option features
Kagoshima, Nagasaki and Kyoto (Osaka) in Japan, Xiamen in China and Busan in
South Korea; and the southbound cruise includes an overnight stay in Beijing
(Tianjin), Seoul (Incheon) and two new ports of call for Azamara Cruises
– Qingdao in China and Jeju Island in South Korea
Prices for the Asia 2010-11 season start from £2,531 pp for
an 14-night Southeast Asia fly/cruise onboard Azamara Quest.
Prices for all itineraries are also offered in US currency.
For more information visit www.azamaracruises.co.uk or www.azamaracruises.com
Carnival Cruise
Lines
‘Carnival Splendor’ Launches
Mexican Riviera Service From Long Beach (CA)
Carnival Cruise Lines’ 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor – the line’s newest and largest ship offering a host of innovations will
operate seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, California. On its
new schedule, Carnival Splendor departs the Long Beach Cruise Terminal every
Sunday on weeklong voyages to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.
Including Carnival Splendor, the company operates four ships
from the West Coast which collectively will carry a record 620,000 guests annually
from California ports – more than any other cruise line.
In anticipation of the Carnival Splendor’s arrival,
the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, owned and operated by Carnival’s parent
company Carnival Corporation & plc since 2003, has undergone an $8 million
upgrade. Website: www.carnival.com
Seven-Day Caribbean
Cruises From Mobile (AL) Now Open For Reservations
Carnival Cruise Lines is accepting reservations for a new
series of seven-day western Caribbean voyages from Mobile, Alabama taking place
next year. The new weeklong cruises will depart the Alabama Cruise Terminal May
8 and 15, July 3 and 10, and October 23 and 30, 2010, and feature three
tropical Caribbean ports of call: Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand
Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.
Designed to complement the line’s popular four- and five-day
schedule from Mobile, the new seven-day cruises will be offered aboard the Carnival Fantasy, which late last year
underwent an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation which included an
expansive Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, new Serenity adults-only retreat and
redesigned tropical-themed main pool area.
Celebrity Cruises
trobb@celebritycruises.com
Celebrity Cruises
Announces Itineraries For Eleventh Season In South America
In December of 2010, when Celebrity Infinity makes its way
from the Panama Canal to South America, the voyage will mark the line’s 11th
year of sailing guests through the spectacular scenery of the region. The
season will include visits to 13 countries via stops at a total of 30 ports.
Rounding out the cruise offerings are a variety of available in-port shore
excursions and in-depth, fully escorted land tour programs that can be combined
with a cruise to create a cruisetour vacation for even richer exploration of
this region. Celebrity opened its winter 2010-11 Panama Canal and South America
cruises and cruisetours for sale today.
On September 24, Celebrity
Infinity will begin her Canal/South America season with a 16-night repositioning
cruise from Seattle, Washington to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by way of the
Panama Canal. She will then sail four 14-night Panama Canal cruises between
Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles, creating easy access ports for residents of
both US coasts. The Panama Canal cruises in the 2010-11 season also include two
14-night “South America and Canal” voyages, two 14-night Canal cruises between
Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, and a 16-night repositioning cruise back to
Seattle on April 24.
Between the
Panama Canal portions of the season, Celebrity Infinity will sail six 14-night
cruises throughout South America. These voyages, taking place from mid-December
2010 through February 2011, include sailings “around the Horn” through the
Straits of Magellan, between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Valparaiso, Chile,
most of which feature an in-port overnight stay in Buenos Aires. For the second
consecutive year, there will also be two roundtrip-from-Buenos Aires
“Antarctica” cruises, named for the fact that they sail through the region,
past several Antarctica islands. Each of these cruises feature a visit to Port
Stanley, Falkland Islands, as well as panoramic cruising by Elephant Island,
Paradise Bay, and Gerlache Strait in Antarctica.
While onboard,
guests may choose to purchase in-port excursions that can give them a richer
sense of the region. In Puerto Montt, Chile, the “Petrohue Falls and the
Chilean Lake District” excursion is a city tour that includes views of Puerto
Varas and Lake Llanquihue, as well as a drive to Todos Los Santos Lake for
views of the Osorno Volcano, and a walk along the Petrohue River to view the
falls. Chile’s Punta Arenas is the site of the “Magdalena Island Natural
Penguin Reserve” excursion, where guests can visit one of the largest Magellan
penguin colonies in southern Chile. In Buenos Aires, “Tango Show and Dinner”
allows guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of Argentine Tango, with a
visit to a tango house for dinner followed by a live tango show on the main
stage. In Montevideo, Uruguay, “Day at the Estancia” takes participating guests
to Estancia La Rábida, where they can experience the daily chores of the
Uruguayan gaucho and learn about the agriculture, horse breeding, cattle
raising and other activities at the ranch. A barbeque lunch, or “asado,” is
included, complete with Uruguayan wines and traditional songs and dance. Select
voyages offer a “Cuzco and Machu Picchu Adventure,” a three-day, two-night
overland tour encompassing the city of Cuzco, Peru, and its famed
archaeological relics as well as a day at Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of
the Incas." The package includes overnight stays in Cuzco and train travel
to Machu Picchu.
Travelers wishing to extend their time in South America can
choose from several fully escorted land tours offered in combination with
cruises departing from or arriving in Buenos Aires and Valparaiso. Celebrity
offers two land tour packages in South America, each as a pre- or post-cruise
option. Premium hotel accommodations, ground transfers, some meals, and ample
time for independent shopping, dining and sightseeing are included in the
cruisetour packages.
--The five-day, four-night “Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls”
land tour package includes visits to a gaucho “estancia,” Buenos Aires’
old-city San Telmo region, and the city’s trendy Puerto Madero neighborhood.
The package also includes a short inland flight to Iguazu Falls, one of the
continent’s most stunning natural wonders, where guests spend two days
exploring the massive waterfalls during included tours encompassing Devil’s
Throat, the lower and upper circuits of the Argentinean side of the falls, and
a Zodiak ride along the lower Iguazu River.
--The six-day, five-night “Machu Picchu Adventure” land tour
package gives guests the opportunity to experience the Sacred Valley of the
Incas in and around the Cuzco region, as well as the capital city of Lima. The
package is highlighted by train travel to and from Machu Picchu, and over four
hours of exploration time at the famed archaeological site. The tour also includes
a tour of Cuzco and its walled Sacsayhuaman Inca area and the Cuzco Cathedral,
as well as a city tour of Lima and several other activities that will enhance
guests’ South America vacation experience. Several inland flights are included.
All shore excursions, tours and packages are available for an additional
charge.
Website: www.celebritycruises.com
Celebrity Cruises
Unveils New 2010-11 Caribbean Itineraries
Celebrity Cruises’ stylish new Celebrity Solstice made such a resounding splash in the Caribbean
in her inaugural season that the brand today announced the ship will sail there
year-round in 2010.
The Celebrity Solstice will sail alternating seven-night
Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in
summer months, and seven-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries from the same port
in the winter, marking the first time since 2004 that Celebrity has offered a
year-round seven-night sailing in the Caribbean. Celebrity Solstice will be one
of two Celebrity vessels sailing continuously in the region; Celebrity Century,
as previously announced, will present short getaways, with its popular four-
and five-night sailings from the Port of Miami.
The shift of Celebrity Solstice to the Caribbean year-round
led to a corresponding transition in Celebrity’s European itinerary lineup for
2010-11: The new Celebrity Equinox will
present the 10- and 11-night Mediterranean sailings from Rome, previously
planned for Celebrity Solstice. The 12-night voyages previously announced for
Celebrity Equinox between Barcelona and Venice in 2010 have been discontinued.
The European sailings previously announced for Celebrity Eclipse – which
debuts in 2010 – and Celebrity Constellation remain unchanged.
Celebrity representatives are personally contacting all
guests with bookings affected by the European deployment transition with
Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox in 2010-11. Guests or travel agents in
the U.S. with questions about pertinent bookings may call Celebrity Cruises’
Reservations agents toll-free at 1-888-281-9343.
Celebrity’s Seasonal Caribbean Deployment – 2010-11
Six Celebrity ships – in addition to the year-round
Celebrity Solstice – will ply the azure waters of the Caribbean on a
seasonal basis in 2010-11, on a total of 155 sailings with visits to 43 ports.
Celebrity
Constellation will present 14-night Exotic Southern Caribbean cruises
roundtrip on Saturdays from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Celebrity Eclipse – the third in Celebrity’s stellar Solstice Class series, making her
debut in April 2010 – will present alternating seven-night Eastern and
Western Caribbean cruises roundtrip from the Port of Miami.
Celebrity Equinox – the second sleek Solstice Class ship, launching this July – will
present 10- and 11-night Ultimate Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort
Lauderdale.
Celebrity Mercury will present a second season of nine-night Bahamas and 12-night Eastern
Caribbean sailings departing Mondays and Saturdays from Baltimore, Maryland
from October 2010 through February 2011, followed by 10- and 11-night Western
and Eastern Caribbean cruises departing Mondays and Fridays from Charleston
from March through April 2011.
Celebrity Millennium will reprise her series of 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean cruises
departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico on Mondays and Fridays from October 11,
2010 through April 8, 2011.
Celebrity Summit will continue to offer seven-night Southern Caribbean cruises departing
roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Saturdays.
Bookings open Wednesday, May 6, for the new year-round
Caribbean cruises on Celebrity Solstice, as well as for the brand’s full
seasonal Caribbean itinerary lineup.
Among the myriad of captivating shore excursion options for
guests sailing with Celebrity in the Caribbean in 2010 are the following
highlights:
In Barbados: “A Taste of Barbados” features a scenic ride
around the exotic island, with visits to The Rum Factory, Heritage Park, the
mahogany carving factory, Medford Mahogany Creations, and lunch at the Sunbury
Plantation House.
In Grand Cayman: The “Turtle and Stingray Land & Sea
Adventure” transports guests to Boatswain’s Bay Turtle Farm to visit the turtle
breeding facility, followed by a rum cake factory, before continuing on to
Stingray City Sandbar for a rare opportunity to swim with one of the
Caribbean’s most graceful creatures, the Southern Stingray.
In Costa Maya, Mexico: The “Kohunlich Mayan Ruins,” situated
in a secluded jungle, encompasses a broad scope of architectural styles, from
the wide lawns of its public centers and ball courts, to high temples with
sculpted masks of the city’s rulers paralleling each side of the entry.
From St. Thomas: The “St. John Island Island Tour” includes
ferry transport to St. John, known as “the emerald of the Caribbean,” and a
scenic drive around the lush, tropical island, enhanced with stops at several
panoramic viewing platforms and insights into the location’s history and
culture.
For more information, call your travel agent, dial
1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.
Costa Cruises
Costa Cruises Unveils
New 2010 Voyages To More Than 250 Destinations
In 2010, travelers may enjoy a taste of “La Dolce Vita” in
more than 250 destinations around the world on 15 ships when sailing with
Costa. New brochures highlighting Costa’s worldwide sailings are now available
in the North American market, bringing “Cruising Italian Style” to travelers at
incredible early booking values of up to 40% off.
2010 features a capacity increase of 16% from 2009. This
includes the addition of the new Costa
Deliziosa, which will sail on a maiden voyage from Savona to Dubai, and a
second voyage with stops in India and the Maldives. The ship will sail her
first season in Dubai thereafter. Her sister ship, the Costa Luminosa, will
also visit exclusive locales, with a special sailing to Greenland in the
summer. Additionally, Costa will offer 240 eco-excursions with specially guided
tours complete with a focus on parks, natural reserves and insight into host
countries, highlighting the importance of conservation.
Costa’s 2010 North America brochure features worldwide
sailings to Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. Voyages to the Caribbean,
Transatlantic and Canada/New England will be released in separate brochures.
Shorter Europe, Far East, South America and Repositioning cruises are not
included in the brochure, but may be accessed on Costa’s web site,
www.costacruises.com.
--Europe: 14 Ships, the Most 7-Night Sailings
In 2010, Costa’s Eastern Mediterranean routes will feature
the new Costa Pacifica sailing from
Civitavecchia on 11-night cruises to Greece, Egypt and Israel in the winter.
This return to Israel will also feature routes aboard the Costa Mediterranea, which
will sail 11-night cruises from Savona to Italy, Greece, Egypt and Israel from
June through November and the Costa Europa from Venice on 11-night routes to
the same locales from April through October. The new Costa Deliziosa will depart on 10-night voyages from
Savona with stops in Egypt, Cyprus and Greece in the fall while popular 7-night
sailings from Venice will resume aboard the Costa Serena and Costa Fortuna to
Greece, Croatia and Turkey and the Costa Victoria to the Greek Isles and
Croatia, all from April through November. New in 2010—a return to Europe for the Costa Allegra with 7-night
sailings departing from Civitavecchia with stops in Italy and Greece from May
through November. The Costa Mediterranea will sail various 11- to 13-night
routes from Savona to Egypt, Turkey, Greece and the Black Sea in the summer.
In the Western Mediterranean, the Costa Pacifica and Costa Concordia will set sail from
Civitavecchia on popular 7-night routes to Tunisia, Spain, Malta and France
from March through November. Exclusive routes from April through November with
stops in intimate ports including Monte Carlo, Livorno (Florence),
Villefranche, Sardinia and Minorca will be featured on the Costa Marina, with
7- to 8-night departures from Barcelona. 11-night routes from Savona to the Canary Islands will be featured
aboard the Costa Luminosa (fall), Costa Serena (winter and spring), Costa
Mediterranea (summer and fall), and Costa Marina (14 nights; winter and spring). The Costa Magica will
once again feature popular 9-night sailings from Savona to Spain and Portugal
in the fall.
Four ships with over 2,700 veranda cabins will sail Northern
Europe, providing the perfect vantage point from which travelers may gaze upon
the beauty of the Baltics. This includes a new, exclusive 20-night sailing to
Greenland aboard the Costa Luminosa,
departing from Amsterdam on August 1. The ship will also sail 11- to 13-night
routes to the Baltic & Russia and North Cape/Iceland routes from May
through August. The Costa Deliziosa and Costa Atlantica will sail on
alternating seven-night Baltic & Russia and Fjords itineraries from May
through September, allowing travelers to combine the two itineraries on each
ship for a spectacular 14-night cruise on top of the world. Rounding out Costa’s
Northern Europe routes is the Costa
Magica, which will sail 11-night cruises to the Baltic & Russia and
North Cape as well as 14- and 17-night routes to Spitsbergen and the North Cape
from Kiel.
Costa will also once again offer convenient pre-cruise hotel
stays in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Rome and Venice as well as 5- and
6-day guided land tours in Italy from Venice and Rome and 5-day tours from
Paris to the French Riviera.
-- Dubai, Indian Ocean, Far East and South America
Costa was the first cruise line to home port from Dubai
beginning in 2006 and in 2010 it will feature its best season yet with three ships sailing the
region—the new Costa Deliziosa and Costa Luminosa—as well as the
Costa Europa. The Costa Deliziosa will sail to Dubai on her inaugural 20-night
voyage from Savona on February 5. Her second cruise, a 17-night sailing, will
set sail on February 25 from Dubai to India and the Maldives before returning
for her 7-night Sunday departures from Dubai to the UAE through May. The Costa
Luminosa will offer the same 7-night route from Dubai, with departures on
Saturdays from December 2009 through April 2010. The Costa Europa will offer
new 18-night routes from Savona to Dubai with stops in the Mediterranean, Suez
Canal and Red Sea, beginning in November 2009 through March 2010.
2010 will also mark a return to the Indian Ocean, where
Costa is the only cruise line to home port from Mauritius. The Costa Romantica
will be positioned from there for the first time, offering 14-night sailings to
the Seychelles, Kenya and Madagascar from December 2009 through March 2010. The
ship will then offer an incredible 21-night positioning cruise to Singapore
with stops in the Maldives, India, Thailand and Malaysia.
In the Far East, Costa will feature the Costa Romantica for
the first time as well as the Costa Allegra and Costa Classica. The Costa
Romantica will sail the region beginning in spring 2010 on 14-night cruises
from Singapore visiting Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand and separate routes to
Vietnam and Hong Kong. The Costa Allegra will offer similar routes in winter
and spring 2010 before positioning to Savona from Bombay on April 18. The Costa
Classica will sail from Hong Kong on 14-night routes during the winter to the
Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam and in the spring and summer from
Shanghai to Korea, Japan (including a new stop Yokohama/Tokyo) and Taiwan.
In winter 2010, the Costa Concordia will be positioned in
South America for the first time, sailing six- and seven-night routes to Brazil
from Santos. The Costa Victoria will sail seven-, eight- and nine-night
sailings from Buenos Aires to Argentina and Brazil while the Costa Victoria
will sail similar nine-night routes from Buenos Aires.
In 2010, Costa will offer over 1,100 different excursions,
including 240 eco-tourism excursions. These eco-excursions will be offered in
every region visited by Costa with scenic trips to parks, oases, nature
reserves and more. All programs minimize their impact on ecosystems and create
economic opportunities for local communities. Some excursions featured include
a journey to the Mekong Delta in Ho Chi Minh City that will take guests up the
river and to a coconut candy workshop to see how the local specialty is made
while a visit to Honningsvåg in Finland will allow guests to have a special
glimpse at the famous bird colony of Gjesvoer, situated just west of the North
Cape. During a trek in Komodo National Park, guests will have the opportunity
to see the world famous Komodo dragon in its natural habitat. Shore excursions
may be conveniently reserved in advance online after guests purchase their
cruise at www.costacruises.com.
Costa Doubles Cruises
In The Far East With The Debut Of The Costa Classica
Costa has doubled its presence in the Far East with the
arrival of the Costa Classica (53,000-tons, 1,308 dbl occ), which joins the Costa Allegra (28,400-tons, 820 dbl occ) in the region. The Costa
Classica is the second ship to operate on a permanent basis in the Far East and
recently departed on her first cruise from Singapore.
For all of 2009, the Costa Classica will set sail from
Singapore and from the Chinese ports of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tianjin, with
alternating extended and short cruises. The longer 14- and 15-night
itineraries, preferred by international guests, will include calls to Japan,
Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, China and Vietnam. The shorter 4- to 6-night
cruises, more popular with local guests, will call on some of the most coveted
destinations in those markets, such as Okinawa (Japan), Kagoshima (Japan),
Nagasaki (Japan), Fukuoka (Japan) and Cheju (South Korea). Various cruises
offered by the Costa Classica in China will include three between China and
Taiwan in the months of April and May, the first cruises of their kind to link
between the two countries. Passengers will include the employees of Amway
(China) Co., Limited, one of the leading manufacturing and distributors
operating in China.
Beginning in March 2010, the Costa Allegra will be replaced
by an even larger ship, the Costa Romantica (53,000-tons and 1,356 dbl occ), to
operate alongside her sister ship, the Costa Classica.
For complete information regarding Costa, visit www.costacruises.com.
Crystal Cruises
Carville And Matalin
To Spar On Crystal Mediterranean Cruise
Provocative Democrat and Republican political insiders
– and husband and wife – James Carville and Mary Matalin will give
candid opinions of current newsmakers, debate hot topics and analyze top
headlines with their famous fervor on Crystal
Serenity’s July 28 Mediterranean sailing. The dynamic duo will also present
their observations of and predictions for the new Obama Administration, as well
as both political parties.
The 12-day itinerary sails from Venice to San Marino, Italy;
Corfu, Rhodes and Mykonos, Greece; Bodrum and Istanbul, Turkey, and ends in
Athens, Greece. Cruise fares begin at $6,055 per person, double occupancy, plus
a $1,000 per person All Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard credit to
customize one’s vacation.
Also aboard this sailing, Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will
share his talents, techniques and will create a week of special Omakase –
or chef’s choice – menus in Silk Road, Crystal’s onboard specialty
restaurant featuring his signature dishes.
Website: www.crystalcruises.com
New Northern Europe
Adventures Highlight Crystal Symphony’s Summer Cruises
Capitalizing on Northern Europe’s robust cultural assets and
spectacular options for nature lovers, Crystal Cruises is introducing 50 brand
new Crystal Adventures to its roster of nearly 300 in the region this summer.
Options to glacier trek, cycle, flight-see and snowmobile complement
sightseeing of historic treasures and ballet theatre. In 2009, Crystal will offer Northern Europe and Baltic
itineraries of seven to 14 days aboard Crystal
Symphony from June through August.
In ports
throughout Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Finland, Norway, Poland, Germany, Iceland
and the British Isles, experiences ashore run the gamut, including:
* *NEW* Spelunking cave expedition through Trollkirka Caves,
1,600 feet above sea level (Norway);
* *NEW* Private car and helicopter exploration of Helsinki’s
Neo-Classical architecture, Olympic Stadium, opera house and other highlights
(Finland);
* Special opera or ballet performance at the famed Mariinsky
Theatre (Russia);
* High-speed sailing on an adrenaline-filled adventure in a
state-of-the-art V.O.60 Volvo professional ocean racer
Most 2009 Baltic and Northern Europe cruises feature
overnight stays and many boast three days docked in St. Petersburg, offering
dozens of choices ashore.
Crystal's
Europe Celebration Fares offer up to $1,500 per person savings on most cruises.
Cruise fares for the voyages start at $3,535 per person, double occupancy, and
with most European itineraries, an All Inclusive - As You Wish promotion
provides an up to $2,000 per couple shipboard credit to fully customize one's
cruise experience. Additionally,
the much-appreciated Crystal Assurance Plan offers reduced deposits and
cancellation periods, as well as the assurance that guests will be protected at
the reduced fare if a stateroom category is later reduced.
For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a
travel agent or visit www.crystalcruises.com.
Cunard Line
Cunard Line Announces
2010-2011 Itineraries Now On Sale
Building on the exciting announcement of Cunard Line's
inaugural season for the new Queen
Elizabeth, Cunard is pleased to announce the newly published Europe,
Transatlantics and Americas 2010-2011 program for Queen Mary 2 and Queen
Victoria. The year 2010 will herald another important milestone for Cunard:
once again the company will have three Queens sail under the line's flag.
Queen Mary 2--The
grandest ocean liner in the world, Queen Mary 2 will continue her reign on the
Atlantic in 2010 with 21 Transatlantic Crossings including between New York and
Southampton, Cherbourg or Hamburg, providing guests time to experience the
multitude of onboard activities such as enjoying a lecture through the Cunard
Insights programme, discovering one of the 8,000 volumes in the Library, dancing
nightly to an live orchestra in the Queens Room, viewing all of the cosmic
journey offerings in the only planetarium at sea and honing their dramatic arts
skills in a RADA workshop, to name a few.
There will also be more "Grand" voyages roundtrip
from New York whereby guests can combine two Transatlantic Crossings with a
Mediterranean, Northern Europe and for the first time, a short Getaway voyage
in Europe. In the summer of 2010, Queen Mary 2 will also offer five voyages to
Northern Europe from Southampton and Hamburg, including maiden calls to the
North Cape and Tromso in Norway. After her short Getaway for the July 4th
holiday, she returns to New York in fall 2010 for a season of voyages in the
Americas, including two explorations of Canada and New England and five
Caribbean voyages departing roundtrip from New York. Fares for the following
itineraries start from:
Transatlantic Crossings - $1,295 (6 days)
"Grand" Voyages (roundtrip from NY) - $3,585 (17
days)
Northern Europe - $1,895 (7 days)
Fourth of July Getaway voyage - $1,295 (5 days)
Canada/New England - $1,395 (7 days)
Caribbean - $1,695 (10 days)
--Queen Victoria--Queen Victoria begins her 2010 season in
Southampton for a series of voyages to Iberia, Northern Europe, Norwegian
Fjords, the Baltic and the Mediterranean, in addition to her first sailing
around the British Isles. After repositioning to Venice, she will begin a
series of "open jaw" sailings between this jewel of the Adriatic and
Rome or Barcelona. Many of these sailings will feature overnight stays in
popular destinations like Venice, Istanbul and Barcelona.
The ship then returns to Southampton and across the Atlantic
to start a new Americas season in 2011. Queen Victoria's American journey
begins with a 17-day voyage from New York to Los Angeles through the
magnificent Panama Canal. From the City of Angels, she will embark on two
14-day voyages to Hawaii, including a maiden call at Nawiliwili (Kauai), and
her first west coast 4-day Getaway voyage to Mexico. After another full transit
of the Canal from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, Queen Victoria will offer an
11-day Panama Canal voyage roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale before heading back
across the Atlantic on a 16-day voyage that will take in the US east coast,
Lisbon and Cobh. Fares for the following itineraries start from:
Mediterranean - $1,195 (7 days)
Northern Europe - $1,895 (7 days)
Atlantic Isles & Canary Islands - $1,295 (7days)
Hawaii - $2,495 (14 days)
Panama Canal - $1,995 (11 days)
Mexico Getaway voyage - $995 (4 days)
All referenced fares are per person, based on double
occupancy.
Website: www.cunard.com For full schedule visit http://content.cunard.com/announce/images/320/2010_2011_sailing_schedule.pdf
‘Queen Elizabeth’
Voyages In 2010 Sells Out
Queen Elizabeth’s maiden 2010 season will consist of six voyages, calling on 32 distinct ports in
18 countries. Her Maiden Voyage, now sold out, will depart from Cunard’s
homeport of Southampton on October 12, 2010, en route to the Atlantic Isles.
The ship will
then embark on five celebratory inaugural voyages, for which space is still
available but selling fast:
--Mediterranean Premiere – A 14-day voyage departing
Southampton on 25 October 2010 with maiden calls to Barcelona, Monte Carlo,
Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii),
Cartagena and Gibraltar. Fares start from $2,795 per person.
--Aegean Introduction – An 18-day voyage departing
Southampton on 8 November 2010 calling on Malaga (for Granada), Malta
(Valletta), Venice, Dubrovnik, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Athens (Piraeus) and
Alicante. Fares from $3,295 per person.
--Gallic Debut – A five-day voyage departing
Southampton on 26 November 2010 with maiden calls to Rotterdam (for Amsterdam),
Brussels/Bruges (for Zeebrugge) and Cherbourg. Fares start from $1,195 per
person.
--Iberian Discovery – A 13-day voyage departing
Southampton on 1 December 2010 with calls to Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela),
Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de
Tenerife), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira. Fares start from
$2,395 per person.
--Festive Debut – A 22-day holiday voyage departing
Southampton on 14 December 2010 with calls in the Caribbean, including Madeira
(Funchal), Tortola, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and Azores Islands
(Ponta Delgada). Fares start from $4,795 per person.
For more
information and to book a voyage, go to www.cunard.com.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line to
Homeport ‘Disney Wonder’ In Los Angeles In 2011
Disney Cruise Line announced today that it plans to
reposition the Disney Wonder from its
Florida base in Port Canaveral to the West Coast in 2011. The company is working with the Port of
Los Angeles to finalize a two-year agreement with a three-year extension option.
Disney Cruise Line has successfully tested the West Coast
market with two summer seasons of Mexican Riviera itineraries from the Port of
Los Angeles. The Disney Magic
cruise ship first called on the West Coast during the summer of 2005 as part of
Disneyland’s 50th anniversary and returned again during the summer of
2008. Disney Cruise Line has not
yet announced the details of its itineraries for 2011.
The Port of Los Angeles continues to be one of the busiest
cruise ports on the West Coast. Known for its proximity to area attractions,
including Disneyland Resort, and ease of convenience for transportation and
nearby airports, the Port of Los Angeles provides cruisers with a great
experience. Website: www.disneycruiseline.com
Holland America
Line
Holland America
Debuts New 14-Day Alaskan Adventurer Cruises In 2010
Holland America Line is introducing new 14-day Alaskan
Adventurer cruises on its flagship ms Amsterdam in 2010, which will sail roundtrip from Seattle and include a call at Anchorage
for the first time. The 1,380-guest Amsterdam will be the first cruise ship of
a major cruise line to call regularly in Anchorage, providing guests with a
full day and evening in Alaska’s major city. The Amsterdam will also call at
Homer and Kodiak, two new and less frequented ports for guests to discover.
The new itinerary reduces the cruise line’s overall 2010
Alaska deployment by 10 sailings or about 11,000 guests. The ten new 14-day sailings replace 20
7-day sailings between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska.
The 14-day Alaskan Adventurer cruises depart roundtrip from
Seattle May 17 through September 6, 2010. The Amsterdam sails the scenic Inside
Passage, highlighted by cruising Tracy Arm fjord with its magnificent twin
Sawyer Glaciers. The ship also cruises by Alaska’s mighty Hubbard Glacier in
Yakutat Bay – the largest glacier in North America. Historic ports of
call include Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, Anchorage, Homer, Kodiak, Juneau and
Victoria, BC.
In Anchorage, guests can take a comprehensive city tour
including the 25-acre Alaska Native Heritage Center, plus have time to enjoy
the city’s museums, shopping and fine dining. In Homer, they experience its
breathtaking location at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula, the Alaska Islands
& Ocean Visitor Center and the famous Homer Spit in Kachemak Bay. Kodiak is
truly off the beaten path, reflecting both 7,500 years of native Alutiiq
heritage and Russian fur trading influence since 1792 as the first capital of
Russian America.
Shore excursion options out of Anchorage include day trips
to Talkeetna for views of Mt. McKinley, flightseeing of the mountain, rafting,
sportfishing and more. There will be opportunities for bear viewing, a Turnagin
Pass float trip or a day tour to Girdwood for a tram ride to the top of Mt.
Alyeska and lunch.
Cruise-only fares start at US$1,899 per person, double
occupancy for the Amsterdam’s 14-day Alaskan Adventurer sailings. Alaska
cruises will be open for booking beginning April 10. For more information and to book a cruise, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Holland America Line
Features Eight Ships Sailing Four Alaska Itineraries In 2010
Holland America Line is introducing a new 14-day Alaskan
Adventurer cruise itinerary in 2010 to complement its extensive selection of
seven-day itineraries and departures. The Alaskan Adventurer increases the
choice of Holland America itineraries to a total of four, joining the popular
Alaskan Explorer, Glacier Discovery and Glacier Bay Inside Passage itineraries.
Holland America’s schedule features eight ships offering 149
total departures from May 3 through September 24, 2010. The Alaskan Adventurer
cruises will sail roundtrip from Seattle on flagship ms Amsterdam and call at
Anchorage, Homer and Kodiak for the first time. Seven-day cruises will sail
from Seattle, Vancouver and Seward.
Holland America is featuring a wide range of seven-day
cruises, both roundtrip from Seattle and Vancouver and one-way between
Vancouver and Seward. As a longtime tour operator, Holland America continues to
be awarded the most permit entries of any major cruise line to Glacier Bay, a
65-mile long fjord with spectacular tidewater glaciers.
Many roundtrip Seattle cruises feature Alaska’s immense
Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay, the largest tidewater glacier in North America.
Some cruises visit College Fjord with 10 large tidewater and valley glaciers
named after Ivy League colleges. Others sail by the twin Sawyer Glaciers in the
narrow, 26-mile Tracy Arm fjord.
Alaska Travel
Guides sail on board every Holland America ship in Alaska and share their
knowledge of local culture, history, art and flora and fauna with guests. In
addition to the Alaska Travel Guides, Native interpreters board the ships in
Glacier Bay and by Hubbard Glacier to explain the origins of the Huna and
Yakutat people.
In addition to the Alaskan Adventurer cruises in previous
article, four ships will be home-ported in Seattle in 2010, sailing a total of
63 seven-day Alaskan Explorer cruises roundtrip. The Amsterdam opens the season
with two seven-day Alaskan Explorer cruises departing May 3 and 10 before
shifting to the new 14-day itinerary.
--From May 9 through September 24, the 1,432-guest ms
Zaandam departs Fridays, 1,316-guest ms Rotterdam departs Saturdays and the
1,918-guest, Vista-class ms Oosterdam departs Sundays. The Zaandam and
Rotterdam highlight the Hubbard Glacier and the Oosterdam showcases Glacier
Bay. All Alaskan Explorer cruises call at the historic ports of Juneau, Sitka
and Ketchikan, plus Victoria, BC, and feature scenic cruising of the Inside
Passage and Vancouver Island.
--Four ships will be home-ported in Vancouver, two of them
sailing seven-day Glacier Bay Inside Passage cruises roundtrip. The 1,432-guest Volendam (Wednesday departures) and
1,916-guest Zuiderdam (Saturday
departures) sail 39 voyages from May 8 through September 18. They visit Juneau,
Skagway and Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm fjord.
The 1,270-guest ms
Ryndam and the 1,258-guest ms
Statendam will offer two more sailings of the Inside Passage—with
port and glacier variations—September 12 and 19 to conclude the season.
The Ryndam and Statendam also sail 36 seven-day Glacier
Discovery cruises between Vancouver and Seward and reverse with Sunday
departures May 9 through September 12. From Vancouver, the northbound itinerary
features Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park and College
Fjord in Prince William Sound. The southbound route from Seward calls at Haines
in place of Skagway.
The Glacier Discovery and Glacier Bay Inside Passage cruises
are often combined with a land tour to create a comprehensive CruiseTour. A diverse selection of 31 CruiseTours
from 11 to 20 days may include visits to Denali National Park, Fairbanks, the
Kenai Peninsula, the Arctic and the Yukon Territory. Many CruiseTours offer
two-days at Denali—“Double Denali”—to maximize wildlife and Mt.
McKinley viewing.
Cruise-only fares start at US $849, per person, double
occupancy for a seven-day cruise and $2,099 for a 14-day sailing. For a copy of the 2010 Alaska Cruises
& CruiseTours brochure, contact a professional travel agent, or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
MSC Cruises
MSC Poesia’s Short
Caribbean Escapes Begin at $239 Per Person
Don’t have a lot of time but still yearning for a Caribbean
escape? Don’t worry – MSC Cruises has the solution. MSC Cruises features
several short (three- and five-night) cruises scheduled on the luxurious MSC Poesia as she sails her inaugural season in North American
waters (sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale) during the 2009-10 Caribbean
season:
--“Five-night “Caribbean Escape”: calling at Ocho Rios,
Jamaica and Georgetown, Grand Cayman, with two days at sea; departing Nov. 10
and Nov. 15, 2009; rates begin at $399;
5-night “Mayan Discovery”: calling at Belize City, Belize
and Costa Maya, Mexico, with two sea days; departing Jan. 3, 2010; rates begin
at $399; and
--Three-night “Tropical Getaway”: calling at Nassau, Bahamas
and Key West, Florida; departing April 24, 2010; rates begin at $239
All rates are cruise-only, per person, double occupancy;
government fees and taxes are additional. As on all MSC Cruises’ sailings,
children ages 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two
full-fare-paying adults.
MSC Poesia’s season will also include a variety of 7- and
10-night itineraries, as well as special Christmas and New Year’s sailings.
MSC Poesia
features 1,275 staterooms, of which 80 percent are outside staterooms and 65
percent have a balcony. The ship has a generous 236,000 square feet of public
spaces, 2 pools and 4 hot tubs, plus a 13,000-square-foot spa. Guests can
select from four restaurants, including a Sushi Bar alternative dining
restaurant.
For more information about MSC Cruises and MSC Poesia’s
2009-10 Caribbean season, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or your local travel professional.
Norwegian Cruise
Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Withdraws Norwegian Sun From Alaska In 2010
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced that it has
redeployed Norwegian Sun for the
summer of 2010, moving the ship from Alaska to Europe. The 1,936-passenger Norwegian Sun is
assuming the summer 2010 itinerary previously announced for Norwegian Jewel and
will sail a 12-day Baltic Capitals itinerary from London (Dover) beginning May
11, 2010 through September 8, 2010. In addition, the 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel will move from Europe
to New York, sailing a combination of seven-day Bahamas & Florida, 10-day
Canada & New England and 10-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from April 24,
2010 through April 24, 2011.
Norwegian Sun had been scheduled to sail a seven-day itinerary
between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska. The ship’s new European deployment now
includes a 15-day Panama Canal sailing from Santiago (Valparaiso), Chile, to
Miami, Florida on April 11, 2010. Norwegian Sun will then reposition to Europe on a 15-day transatlantic
voyage from Miami to London (Dover) on April 26, 2010, and begins her series of
eleven 12-day Baltic Capitals cruises with stops in Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin
(Warnemünde), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia;
Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm (Nynäshamn), Sweden.
Following her winter season in Miami, Norwegian Jewel
repositions to New York on a 13-day Circle the Caribbean voyage on April 11,
2010. Once in New York, the ship will sail a series of 20 seven-day Bahamas
& Florida cruises with stops in Orlando (Port Canaveral), Great Stirrup Cay
and Nassau, Bahamas.
Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star will continue their
deployment in Alaska next summer, sailing seven-day Sawyer Glacier and Glacier
Bay cruises from Seattle.
Website: www.ncl.com
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises’ 2010
European Collection Opens For Reservations
In 2010, Oceania Cruises’ three ships will sail on 34 unique
itineraries to more than 130 ports throughout Europe. With more ports, more
itineraries and a more inclusive onboard product offering unlimited
complimentary soft drinks and bottled water, the Oceania Cruises Experience
offers the greatest value of any premium or deluxe brand.
The line is
launching the 2010 European Collection with a $2,000 price reduction off
two-for-one cruise fares with free airfare from North American air gateways
across the U.S. and Canada. With fares beginning at just $2,699 per guest, the
Oceania Cruises experience has never been more affordable.
Highlights of
the 2010 European Collection
34 unique itineraries for 2010 – more than any other
premium or deluxe brand
Nearly 3/4 of the itineraries are brand new
The 2010 European Collection sails to a total of 137 ports,
30 of which are brand new ports for Oceania Cruises.
2010 deployments stretch from the Polar Ice Barrier to the
desert sands of Egypt and Israel
A unique selection of western European itineraries that
focus on the extraordinary wine producing regions and local cuisines of Italy,
Spain, Portugal and France
A wider array of off the beaten path boutique ports such as
Zakinthos, Greece; Sanary Sur Mer, France; Murmansk, Russia; Kas, Turkey; &
Tartous, Syria - just to name a few
$2,000 Price Reduction off of 2 for 1 Cruise Fares with Free
Airfare
With Free Airfare from 20 North American gateways and $2,000
price reductions off of 2 for 1 cruise fares, these extraordinary voyages are
the pinnacle of value and start at just $2,699 per guest.
Guests are urged
to make their reservations as early as possible to ensure that they take
advantage of the free airfare and receive the accommodations of choice on their
preferred voyage.
For additional information, to make a reservation, or to
order a brochure, please contact your Travel Agent or Oceania Cruises at
800-531-5658 or visit www.OceaniaCruises.com.
P&O Cruises/UK
One New Ship, Two New
Itineraries And Six New Ports In 2010
A new superliner for the British market, free child places
and two new round Britain cruises featuring several destination ‘firsts’, are
just a few highlights of the new 2010 program from P&O Cruises. Details are
contained within the 2010 preview brochure, which features a total of 153
cruise holidays between March 2010 and March 2011, visiting 210 destinations.
Highlights of the program include:
Cruise holidays on Azura – the newest superliner to be
built for the British market
Two new round Britain cruises
Six new ports of call
Expanded Caribbean and Panama Canal season with six ships
sailing to these destinations and three ships offering a fly cruise program
Increase in Canada and New England voyages with two
September sailings and the inaugural visit for Arcadia
Early Bird savings, on board credit, free car parking and
free adult and child places throughout the season
Lead in prices from £599 for a seven night cruise or just
£75 per person per day for a 14 night cruise*
Charter flights from 15 regional airports
-- New ports of call in the brochure are Newcastle,
Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides, Milford Haven and Belfast – featuring on
one of the two roundtrip Britain cruises; Oriana departing June 30. 2010 and Artemis on August 16,
2010. Also visited for the first time by P&O Cruises in 2010 is Trabzon in
Turkey and Greencastle in Ireland.
Early Bird savings of up to £500 per person are available,
along with free car parking on all departures from Southampton and on board
credit of up to £200 per cabin, on bookings made by June 30, 009.
For more information or to request a copy of the brochure
call P&O Cruises
visit www.pocruises.co.uk or see your travel agent.
All prices given are
per person and based on two adults sharing on a full
board basis.
*Based on Ventura’s
N009 cruise departing 10 April 2010
Princess Cruises
Princess to Offer New
Three-Day Sampler Sailings Aboard ‘Ruby Princess’
Princess has added two new sampler sailings aboard the new Ruby Princess, offering passengers an
opportunity to escape from the holiday hustle and bustle with three-day cruises
from Fort Lauderdale.
Departing on Monday, December 14 and Thursday, December 17,
2009, the new getaways each offer a call at the line’s private island, Princess
Cays – an exclusive beach resort offering a day of relaxation and water
sports. The sailings replace a
previously scheduled wetdock.
Launched in November 2008, the 3,080-passenger Ruby Princess
features the line’s most popular new features including a dramatic piazza-style
atrium with small-bite eateries and an ever-changing line-up of street
performers. Passengers will also
enjoy an array of dining venues including the signature Sabatini's Italian restaurant
and the Crown Grill steak house, plus the new Wheelhouse Bar pub lunch. The ship offers many other Princess
innovations including the relaxing adults-only oasis called The Sanctuary, the
poolside Movies Under the Stars experience, and a unique behind-the-scenes
option called the Ultimate Ship Tour.
Escape fares
for the new sailings begin at $249 for the December 14 departure, and $299 for
the December 17 cruise.
Additional
information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel
agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.
Princess Announces
2010 Alaska Cruise and Cruisetour Program
Princess Cruises’ 2010 Alaska
program will offer the most diverse array of opportunities to experience the
“Great Land,” with a simplified lineup of cruisetour options, more sailings
that include the “must see” destination – Glacier Bay National Park
– and a new “Seattle Air Advantage” package that turns every cruisetour
into a convenient roundtrip Next summer the Princess fleet will offer a total
of 112 Alaska sailings aboard seven ships offering four itinerary options during
the May to September season. The lineup includes Diamond Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess traveling on the line’s popular Voyage of the
Glaciers”route through the scenic Gulf of Alaska; Golden Princess, Sapphire
Princess and Sea Princess sailing the Inside Passage from Seattle and San
Francisco, and Royal Princess offering the line’s small ship experience on an
extended 14-day Connoisseur voyage to some of the state’s less-visited ports.
Princess cruisetours will offer passengers the opportunity to
enjoy an immersive Alaska experience, combining a seven-day Voyage of the
Glaciers cruise with three to eight additional nights on land exploring
Alaska’s interior. All Princess cruisetours include the company’s exclusive
wilderness lodges, rail travel, plus the two top attractions in the state
– Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park, where visitors
spend at least two nights exploring the wonders of this area.
--Voyage of the Glaciers – The
line’s famed Gulf of Alaska route between Vancouver and Whittier features calls
at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway with daylight cruising in Glacier Bay and the
16 glaciers of College Fjord (or Hubbard Glacier on southbound sailings). Three ships, Diamond Princess, Coral
Princess and Island Princess, will sail on 54 sailings throughout the season.
--Inside Passage from Seattle
– Golden Princess and Sapphire Princess offer convenient
seven-day roundtrip itineraries from Seattle with calls at Ketchikan, Juneau,
Skagway and Victoria, B.C. In addition, passengers will enjoy dramatic glacier
viewing in Tracy Arm or Glacier Bay National Park. The two ships will sail on
37 departures.
--Inside Passage from San Francisco – Sea Princess
returns to the City by the Bay to offer 13 voyages from San Francisco on 10-day
roundtrip cruises to Victoria, Juneau, Ketchikan, and either Skagway, Haines or
Icy Strait Point, plus Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm.
--Connoisseur Voyage – The
intimate Royal Princess takes over this extended Alaska route featuring a small
ship cruising experience on a 14-day voyage from Seattle, featuring the less
visited ports of Kodiak, Icy Strait Point and Seward, plus Ketchikan, Juneau,
Skagway and Victoria, B.C., with daylight cruising of Tracy Arm and Glacier
Bay. Royal Princess will sail on eight Connoisseur voyages.
Cruisetours – Princess introduces a new simplified
cruisetour lineup, making it easy for passengers to choose the perfect land/sea
Alaska experience with itineraries ranging from three to eight nights. All tour
options feature at least two nights in the Denali National Park area, stays at
Princess’ own riverside wilderness lodges, and a seven-day Voyage of the
Glaciers sailing including Glacier Bay National Park.
Direct to the Wilderness – Princess’ exclusive direct
rail service between the Whittier cruise terminal and the dramatic Denali
wilderness features seven itinerary options offering multiple nights at Denali
Princess Wilderness Lodge and/or Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.
Explorer – These itineraries enable travelers to
explore both Denali and other scenic areas, including the Kenai Peninsula at
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park with stays
at Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge. Passengers can even choose to
venture to the state’s far north into the Arctic Circle and Prudhoe Bay.
Deluxe Escorted – Three cruisetour options offer the
services of a professional tour director and additional time for passengers to
experience the Great Land. Most meals are also included in these extended
vacations.
New Seattle Air Advantage– With this new package, any
Princess cruisetour can become a convenient roundtrip vacation from Seattle.
This package includes motorcoach transportation between Seattle and Vancouver,
airfare between Alaska and Seattle, and an overnight stay in a Seattle-area
hotel. All passengers will need to
do is make arrangements to get themselves to and from Seattle.
Launch Fares begin at $749 for
seven-day voyages, and$1,649 for cruisetours. Website:
www.princess.com
Princess
Increases Caribbean Capacity in Summer 2010
Two Princess ships will sail to the
Caribbean during summer 2010, more than doubling the line’s capacity for the
season. Passengers will have the option of five itinerary choices, as well as
sailing from New York and Florida.
Caribbean
Princess sails to Bermuda and the Caribbean, while Emerald Princess will sail on seven-day roundtrip cruises from Fort
Lauderdale to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. Together, the two ships will
offer 30 departures to the sun-filled islands of the Caribbean.
--Caribbean Princess from New York
– Caribbean Princess’ summer season from New York will feature 10
departures between May 2 and July 29, 2010. Eight of the nine-day voyages sail
roundtrip on an itinerary that includes Bermuda (West End), St. Thomas, Grand
Turk and San Juan. Caribbean Princess will also offer two sailings to St.
Maarten, St. Thomas, Grand Turk and San Juan. In addition, the ship sails on a
special seven-day Eastern Caribbean & Bermuda sailing from San Juan to New
York featuring calls in Bermuda, St. Thomas and Antigua.
--Emerald Princess from Fort
Lauderdale – Emerald Princess will sail on week-long Eastern and Western
Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, departing from May 9 to September 12,
2010. The ship will offer nine
Eastern Caribbean departures calling at Princess Cays, St. Maarten, St. Thomas,
and Grand Turk, alternating with 10 Western Caribbean sailings to Princess
Cays, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.
Launch Fares for nine-day Caribbean Princess summer Bermuda
& Eastern Caribbean cruises begin at $1,099 per person, and seven-day
sailings on Emerald Princess begin at $699, based on double occupancy. A $50
per person Captain’s Circle Launch Savings discount is available to Princess
past passengers on bookings made by December 31, 2009. Sailings open for
booking on May 14, 2009. Website: www.princess.com
Princess
Takes Passengers Around the Globe with 2010-11 Itineraries
Princess Cruises once again spans
the globe in 2010-11 with a new season of worldwide cruising to all seven
continents. In total, eight ships will sail to Africa, Asia, Australia &
New Zealand, Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific, India and South America.
Diamond
Princess returns to Australia and Asia and features a new Australia &
China itinerary sailing from Sydney to Beijing. The intimate Ocean Princess also sails throughout Asia with
some intriguing longer routes, including a new holiday sailing from Singapore
to Bangkok, and the opportunity to travel to India and Africa. Star
Princess explores South America featuring a new holiday voyage to
Antarctica sailing from Rio de Janeiro, while the intimate Pacific Princess explores the vastness of the Amazon River. Royal
Princess offers more Tahiti and Hawaii sailings while Golden Princess
explores the Hawaiian Islands from Los Angeles. For world travelers, Pacific
Princess offers a new 107-day world cruise route featuring Western Australia
and Cape Town via West Africa. Dawn Princess and Sun Princess continue year-round Australia-based cruising
throughout the region.
Travelers will also have six new
ports to explore, including Maputo, the capital of Mozambique; Toulon in the
south of France providing access to charming Provence; Jeddah in Saudi Arabia; Abu Dhabi, the
capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE); Manila, the heart of the
Philippines; and Xiamen, a charming Chinese seaport.
Princess’ 2010-11 worldwide cruise program includes:
--Royal Princess to Tahiti and
Hawaii – Royal Princess will offer an extended seven-month season sailing
among the islands of the South Pacific tropical paradise. The ship will sail on 13 cruises on a
10-day Tahiti & Polynesia itinerary featuring Princess’ two-day experience
in Bora Bora, an overnight stay in Tahiti (Papeete) and calls at Huahine,
Rangiroa, Raiatea, and Moorea. The
ship also sails on eight 12-day Hawaii & Tahiti voyages between Honolulu
and Tahiti (Papeete), calling at Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Hilo, Maui
(Lahaina), and Kauai (Nawiliwili). In addition, passengers can enjoy sailing
the Pacific between Vancouver and Honolulu (or extend to Tahiti) on two 10-day
journeys to Hilo, Kona, Maui (Lahaina), and Kauai (Nawiliwili). Royal Princess will sail in the region
from September 14, 2010 to May 8, 2011.
--Diamond Princess in Asia and
Australia/New Zealand – Diamond Princess sails to Asia as well as
Australia & New Zealand, with a variety of itineraries including a new
23-day Australia & China route from Sydney to Beijing. Other options include seven cruises on
a 16-day Southeast Asia & China itinerary between Beijing and Bangkok (or
Singapore), four departures on the favorite 12-day Australia & New Zealand
cruise between Sydney and Auckland, a 17-day Eastern Australia & Asia
cruise from Bangkok to Sydney, and two Alaska & Far East cruises between
Anchorage and Beijing to begin and end the season. Diamond Princess sails from September 11, 2010 through May
6, 2011.
--Ocean Princess Sailings to Asia,
India and Africa – Ocean Princess offers the small-ship experience on a
series of voyages throughout Asia, including new itineraries such as a 16-day
South China Sea holiday sailing, a series of four 12-day China & Japan
Explorer sailings now between Shanghai and Osaka, and a 39-day Indian Ocean and
Middle East journey from Singapore to London (Dover). The ship will also offer a 31-day Africa, India and
Southeast Asia voyage from Cape Town to Singapore with additional cruise
options with up to 56 days to explore this destination. Sailings depart between October 27,
2010 and April 29, 2011.
--Star Princess to South America and
Antarctica – Star Princess offers a variety of South America journeys,
including sailings around Cape Horn (between Santiago and Rio de Janeiro or
Buenos Aires) and two Antarctica adventures. Among the options are a new 20-day Antarctica & South
America Adventure from Rio to Buenos Aires, as well as a 16-day Antarctica journey
roundtrip from Buenos Aires. The
ship also sails on four 14-day Route to Rio sailings between Santiago and Rio
de Janeiro, one 12-day Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan sailing from Buenos
Aires to Santiago and a 16-day Andes & South America sailing from Santiago
to San Francisco. Star Princess’
South America season runs from December 20, 2010 to April 3, 2011.
--Pacific Princess through the
Amazon – Pacific Princess will offer two sailings on a 14-day Amazon
River adventure between Ft. Lauderdale and Manaus, Brazil. The ship will visit St. Thomas (or St.
Maarten), St. Lucia, Tobago, Devil's Island (Île Royale), and the Amazon ports
of Santarém, Boca da Valéria, and Parintins plus an overnight visit to
Manaus. Pacific Princess
sails on December 22, 2010 and January 5, 2011.
--Golden Princess to Hawaii – Golden Princess again
sails on Princess’ popular Hawaii route, offering convenient 14-day roundtrip
sailings from the port of Los Angeles. The itinerary features visits to the Big Island (Hilo), Honolulu, Kauai
(Nawiliwili), and Maui (Lahaina). Golden Princess will sail on 16 departures between September 29, 2010
through April 27, 2011.
--Pacific Princess World Cruise
– Pacific Princess spans the globe with a new 107-day journey that
features travel through Western Australia and around the southernmost tip of
Africa, visiting some of the most dramatic locations on the globe as it sails
between Fort Lauderdale and Rome. Calls include Grand Cayman, Panama Canal Transit, Quito (Manta), Lima
(Callao - for Machu Picchu Overland Excursion), Easter Island, Pitcairn Island
scenic cruising, Tahiti (Papeete), Moorea, Auckland, the two-day Sydney
Experience (includes two full days & overnight), Burnie (Tasmania),
Adelaide (for Ayres Rock Overland Excursion), Bunbury, Perth (Fremantle), Bali
(Padang Bay), Bangkok (Laem Chabang – for Angkor Wat Overland Excursion),
Ko Samui, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang), Andaman Islands (Port Blair),
Cochin (for Taj Mahal Overland Excursion), Mumbai, Muscat (Mina Qaboos), Dubai,
Seychelles (Port Victoria), Maputo (Mozambique), Durban, East London, two-day
Cape Town Experience (includes two full days & overnight), Lüdertiz
(Namibia), Walvis Bay (Namibia), Lomé (Togo), Tema (Ghana - for Accra), Dakar
(Senegal), Madeira (Funchal), Casablanca (for Marrakech), Gibraltar, Barcelona,
Toulon (for Provence), Monte Carlo and Portofino. This world cruise departs on January 19, 2011 with segments
of 19 to 33 days available for explorers who’d like a shorter voyage.
--Sun Princess and Dawn Princess
Australia Departures – Both Sun Princess and Dawn Princess will offer a
selection of sailings departing from Sydney and Melbourne, featuring
Australian-style cruising. Itineraries include voyages to New Zealand, Tasmania, New Caledonia
& Vanuatu, and Round Australia sailings that circumnavigate the
continent. Sun Princess will also
sail on a 42-day journey to China & Japan roundtrip from Sydney and Dawn
Princess offers a 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific voyage. The season’s sailings depart between
September 3, 2010 and April 3, 2011.
A variety of cruisetour packages are available in Australia,
Asia and South America, offering cruise passengers the opportunity to add to
their vacation with such wonders as the Great Wall of China, the Terra Cotta
Warriors, Angkor Wat, Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s Kakadu
National Park, Iguazu Falls and Machu Picchu.
Exotic cruises are available for
booking on May 21, 2009. Launch
Fares for seven-day sailings start at $945 per person, based on double
occupancy. Past Princess passengers
are eligible for up to $100 in Captain’s Circle Launch Savings on bookings made
by December 31, 2009.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available
through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting
the company's website at www.princess.com.
Royal
Caribbean International
Royal
Caribbean Unveils 2011 Dubai Vacations
Royal Caribbean International will
return Brilliance of the Seas’ to
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in 20100 following the cruise line’s 2010
inaugural season. The second consecutive seasonal sailings will comprise nine
roundtrip sailings from January through March 2011, visiting some of the
Arabian coast’s most intriguing destinations on a seven-night itinerary, with
an overnight in Dubai at the beginning and end of each cruise. Vacationers also
can choose a four-night cruisetour extension for an unforgettable 11-night
Arabian adventure. Bookings for Royal Caribbean’s 2011 Dubai cruises and
cruisetours are now open.
Available for both the 2010 and 2011 itineraries, the new
four-night Arabian Explorer cruisetour vacation extension will offer guests a
more thorough exploration of Dubai and the emirates of Raps Al Khaimah and
Fujairah, the latter being the only emirate on the Gulf of Oman. Cruisetour
guests will be escorted by a tour director and will experience the destinations
via four-wheel drive, traveling to sand dunes, majestic mountainsides, mosques
and tranquil, picturesque villages. Other highlights include camel racing and a
sunset dinner at a Bedouin camp – all sandwiched in between an overnight
stay in Dubai, for its superlative shopping opportunities, and a luxurious
desert resort stay just outside the city.
The seven-night itinerary aboard
Brilliance of the Seas will include calls at Fujairah and Abu Dhabi in the
United Arab Emirates; Mina Sulman, Bahrain; and Oman’s capital city of Muscat.
New for the 2011 season are two 12-night Dubai & India roundtrip sailings,
departing on March 28 and April 9, which will include the ship’s maiden port
calls at India’s Mumbai (Bombay), Goa (Mormugao) and Cochin.
Shore excursions for 2010 and 2011
itineraries, meanwhile, will provide equal doses of adventure and culture. In
Dubai, guests can opt for four-wheel drive excursions that will transport them
deep into the heart of the emirate’s deserts, and through the shifting sands of
Abu Dhabi’s Al Khatim desert. Guests also can choose to ride Royal Arabian
horses at Bahrain’s Royal Endurance village; snorkel under the crystal-clear
Indian Ocean waters in Fujairah; revel in high tea at an Abu Dhabi palace; and
discover Muscat’s souk, sultan’s palace and Portuguese forts.
Vacationers also can choose the 14-
or 16-night repositioning itineraries between Barcelona and Dubai. The 14-night
cruise, departing January 10, 2011, from Barcelona, will include a Suez Canal
transit and calls at Egypt’s Alexandria and Safaga, and Jordan’s Aqaba. The
16-night voyage, leaving Dubai on April 21, will visit three Egyptian ports –
Safaga, Sharm El Sheikh and Alexandria -- as well as Muscat and Aqaba.
Those vacationers interested in exploring the Middle East
sooner rather than later can choose among 13 seven-night sailings available
during Brilliance of the Seas’ inaugural Dubai season, offering the same
itinerary from January through April 2010. Also on the 2010 season roster are
14-night repositioning cruises between Barcelona and Dubai via the Suez Canal,
departing January 4 and April 19.
More information at www.royalcaribbean.com. Travel
professionals should go to www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.
Royal
Caribbean Announces Limited Pacific Coast Cruises
Vacationers can take advantage of
recent itinerary changes to enjoy a unique vacation that combines the
captivating Pacific Coast with Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas, the largest and
most innovative cruise ship in the Pacific Ocean. Six new sailings, departing
May 3, 10, 24, and 31, and June 7 and 14, 2009, will take guests on seven-night
roundtrip itineraries from Los Angeles and feature ports of call in San
Francisco, Seattle, and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Cruise fares start
as low as $399 per person, double occupancy, and booking is available
immediately.
Royal Caribbean also offers a wide array of shore excursion add-ons
available for purchase to complement days in port. In San Francisco, for
example, guests can choose Sausalito & Muir Woods, which will take them
across the Golden Gate Bridge to visit Muir Woods and witness giant redwood
trees rising more than 250 feet; or explore the surround waters in Victoria for
whales, seals, porpoises and other wildlife on Whale Watching; or opt for an insiders’
tour of the famed Pike Place Market in Seattle on Taste Pike Place. Website: www.royalcaribbean.com
2010-11
Caribbean Season To Feature Five Ships From Four Homeports
Royal Caribbean International today
unveiled its 2010-11 year-round Caribbean season, comprising of 243 sailings
aboard five of the world’s most innovative cruise ships. Twenty-four distinct
itineraries, ranging from five to nine nights, will include visits to 25
captivating ports of call and offer virtually unlimited choices–onboard
and on-shore–for family and adventurous vacationers. Serenade of the Seas will expand from seasonal to year-round
service at San Juan, Puerto Rico, while Freedom
of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will
continue regular sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami, respectively.
Together, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will offer vacationers a
choice of a Saturday or Sunday departure for an unparalleled cruise experience
from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. General bookings for Royal Caribbean’s
2010-11 year-round Caribbean cruises are now open. Additional seasonal
Caribbean deployments will be announced in the near future.
--From May 2010, Freedom of the Seas
and Liberty of the Seas will continue alternating seven-night Eastern and
Western Caribbean itineraries departing respectively on Saturdays and Sundays.
On January 30, 2011, Liberty of the Seas will begin alternating a six-night
Western Caribbean, departing every other Sunday, and an eight-night Eastern
Caribbean itinerary, departing every other Saturday. The two ships feature the
cruise line’s exclusive onboard amenities, including the FlowRider surf
simulator, the H2O Zone water park, a boxing ring, cantilevered whirlpools, an
ice-skating rink, and the four-bedroom, four-bath Presidential Family Suite.
With eight restaurants and more than 15 bars and lounges, these Freedom-class
shipsoffer guests more ways to enjoy a memorable Caribbean cruise vacation.
--From Port Everglades, vacationers can choose a Saturday or
Sunday departure aboard one of the world’s largest and most revolutionary
cruise ships in the industry, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. In 2010, Allure of the Seas will cruise
its inaugural season, mirroring Oasis of the Seas’ alternating seven-night
Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries. Oasis of the Seas also
will sail two special holiday cruises, a five-night voyage departing December
18, calling at Labadee and Falmouth, Jamaica; and a nine-night voyage departing
December 30, calling at Labadee, Falmouth, St. Maarten and St. Thomas.
Travel professionals can visit the
deployment microsite to view announced itineraries and download the latest
deployment flyers at www.cruisingpower.com/royalcaribbeandeployment.
Agents can use drop-down menus based on product or ship, or click on a region
on a world map for more information about Royal Caribbean’s cruises and
itineraries. Website: www.royalcaribbean.com
101 Seasonal
Caribbean Sailings Scheduled For 2010/2011 Winter Season
Royal Caribbean International announced 101 seasonal
Caribbean sailings for the 2010-11 winter and spring seasons. Seven ships
– Adventure of the Seas,
Enchantment of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas Jewel of
the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas – will offer
31 distinct itineraries, ranging from seven to 14 nights, and call at 28 unique
ports. Vacationers can choose convenient departures from Cape Liberty in
Bayonne, N.J.; Baltimore, Md.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Galveston, Texas; San
Juan, Puerto Rico; and Colón, Panama. Bookings for Royal Caribbean’s 2010-11
seasonal Caribbean cruise vacations are now open.
--With the year-round deployment of Enchantment of the Seas
to Baltimore, Royal Caribbean will resume seasonal service in Colón, Panama
with Grandeur of the Seas, alternating seven-night Western and Southern
Caribbean itineraries between November 2010 and April 2011. The season will
begin with a special six-night Western Caribbean repositioning sailing from
Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on November 1, 2010.
--Grandeur of the Seas will then alternate a new Western
Caribbean itinerary – featuring calls at Cartagena, Colombia; Montego
Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman; and Honduras – with a Southern Caribbean
itinerary visiting two ports in Colombia and the ABC Islands, made highly
successful by Enchantment of the Seas in preceding seasons. Enchantment of the
Seas, meanwhile, will alternate two new itineraries from Baltimore: nine-night
Bahamas and 12-night Southern Caribbean voyage.
--Departing on October 30, 2010, Jewel of the Seas will
reposition from Boston on a 13-night Special Caribbean itinerary to Port Everglades,
its new homeport. It will then alternate a 10- and an 11-night Ultimate
Caribbean & Panama itinerary, which are similar to those offered during the
2009-10 season.
--Adventure of
the Seas willreturn to San Juan in December 2010, after its inaugural European
season. The ship will alternate two seven-night Southern Caribbean roundtrip
itineraries – departing on Sundays – and mirror the ship’s current
year-round itineraries from San Juan. Two special holiday sailings will feature
maiden calls by Adventure of the Seas: Grenada and Tortola on the December 19,
2010 sailing; and St. Kitts on the December 26 itinerary. Simultaneously,
Serenade of the Seas will continue its year-round service from San Juan,
alternating two seven-night Southern Caribbean itineraries, but will depart on
Saturdays rather than its summer Sunday departures.
--Voyager of the Seas will return to Galveston on November
21, 2010, and alternate two seven-night Western Caribbean roundtrip
itineraries. For 2011 sailings, the ship will call at the new port of Falmouth
instead of Montego Bay on itineraries that include Jamaica.
--Explorer of the Seas will continue to offer five- to
14-night sailings year-round from Cape Liberty, a convenient port in the New
York City metropolitan area. Beginning with the December 19, 2010 sailing, the
ship will debut a new 12-night Southern Caribbean itinerary and offer two
special 14-night Southern Caribbean itineraries, departing on December 19, 2010
– for the year-end holidays – and January 2, 2011.
Travel professionals can visit the deployment microsite to
view announced itineraries and download the latest deployment flyers at www.cruisingpower.com/royalcaribbeandeployment.
Agents can use drop-down menus based on product or ship, or click on a region
on a world map for more information about Royal Caribbean’s cruises and
itineraries. Website: www.royalcaribbean.com
Royal
Caribbean International/UK
Royal
Caribbean International Announces Allure Of The Seas’ Inaugural Season
Royal Caribbean International has
announced the inaugural season of Allure
of the Seas – 42 sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean on
seven-night sailings every Sunday beginning on December 12, 2010.
Allure of the Seas and sister-ship Oasis of the Seas will be the world’s
two largest and most revolutionary cruise ships when they launch in November
2010 and 2009, respectively. With the arrival of Allure of the Seas, guests
will have a choice of a Saturday and Sunday departure for an Oasis-class cruise
holiday.
Allure of the Seas will depart from
her homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and alternate between a
seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerary. On the Eastern Caribbean
itinerary, Allure of the Seas will call at St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie), St.
Maarten (Philipsburg) and Nassau (Bahamas). The ship will call at Falmouth
(Jamaica), Cozumel (Mexico) and Labadee, Royal Caribbean International’s
private beach paradise on the northern coast of Haiti, for the Western
Caribbean itinerary.
Architectural marvels at sea, Oasis
of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross
registered tons (GRT), and host 5,400 guests at double occupancy with 2,700
staterooms.
For more information and to book
call 0845 165 8330 or see www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.
First RCI Ship To Be
Based Year-Round In Southampton, UK
With the Independence
of the Seas returning to the UK for its second season based out of
Southampton, owners Royal Caribbean International have announced that the ship
will be based year round from the port in 2010. The development will see Royal
Caribbean International generate a massive £50 million in terms of knock-on
economic impact on the Southampton area (1).
Independence of the Seas will be the first ever Royal
Caribbean International ship to be based year-round from the UK and will remain
the largest and most innovative ship sailing in Europe.
The winter 2010 season of Royal Caribbean International’s
Independence of the Seas will go on sale on 1 June 2009.
-- Winter cruises in 2010 and 2011 will include romantic
destinations along the Italian Riviera, amazing island visits in the Sorrentine
Peninsula on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, as well as the Balearic
Islands, these cruises range from 11-to 18-nights in duration. Prices for an 11-night
Winter Sun cruise to the Canary Islands start from £799 per person based on two
sharing an inside stateroom or an 18-night Mediterranean Cities cruise visiting
historic coastal towns from £999 per person based on two sharing an inside
stateroom.
Suez Canal Fly/Cruise
On Sale
Join Royal Caribbean International
(www.royalcaribbean.co.uk, 0844 493 2061) for a 14-night Suez Canal fly/cruise
sailing from the tropical waters of the Mediterranean down to the exotic
Middle-East onboard Brilliance of the Seas from just £1,317 per person (based
on two sharing an inside cabin).
Price includes flights from London Heathrow to Barcelona;
transfers and a 14-night cruise calling at Alexandria (Egypt), Aqabe (Jordan)
and Safaga (Egypt) before arriving into Dubai (United Arab Emirates); return
flights from Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to London Heathrow; meals and
entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.
Price is based on January 4, 2010 departure.
For more information or to book visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.
Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourn Unveils
New European Ports Of Call For 2010-2011
Step off the dock and into the relaxed, rewarding yachting lifestyle
with affordable, hassle-free luxury cruising from The Yachts of Seabourn. The
award-winning small luxury cruise line recently unveiled its European schedule
for 2010-2011, with plenty of opportunities for friends and family to create
lasting memories in every corner of the continent. From new ports of call such
as Ponza, Italy, and Trondheim, Norway, to classic itineraries through the
historic heart of Europe, guests can expect award-winning service at
value-focused rates starting at just $2,499 per person.
With the launch of Seabourn Odyssey in June and Seabourn Sojourn in 2010,
the Seabourn fleet has set itself up as the hottest ticket to Europe, able to
access hard-to-reach ports on small yacht-style vessels. What’s more, a
Seabourn cruise comprises one of the most all-inclusive vacations in the world,
with fares including all-suite accommodations, gourmet dining, all beverages
including wines and spirits, entertainment, water sports and even gratuities
for its renowned service staff.
Additionally, Seabourn encourages travelers to make memories with their
“Between Friends” promotion offered on select European itineraries. The
promotion encourages groups of three or more couples to travel together with an
onboard credit of $1500 per couple. This added incentive invites guests to
reconnect on private custom activities, such as a picnic in the gardens of
Rome's Villa Borghese or a breathtaking helicopter ride to lunch at Alain
Ducasse's Moulin de Mougins restaurant in the Alpes de Provence.
New Ports of Call
Step aboard one of Seabourn’s exceptional European itineraries with the
opportunity to experience the following new ports of call:
• Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greek Isles – Visit Melissani Lake,
formerly a cavern until an earthquake reshaped it, with water so blue that
boats appear to be floating on light. Take in stalactite and stalagmite-filled
caves, and discover Fiskardho, the last preserve of distinctive Venetian
buildings on this Ionian island.
•Heraklion, Crete, Greek Isles – Explore Knossos, the great
capital of Minoan civilization, whose Palace dates from the second millennium
B.C., as well as the renowned Heraklion Archeological Museum, with artifacts
and fresco murals dating from the Minoan age.
• Ponza, Italy – Set on an island in the Tyrhennian Sea, Ponza is
as Italian as it gets and yet remains off the tourist trail. Reminisce upon
your return with beautiful photos of the pretty pastel-colored cube houses
arrayed in tiers like an amphitheatre rising from the sea.
• Szczecin, Poland –Poland’s largest seaport is situated along the
southwestern shore of Dabie Lake and is in close proximity to Berlin, one of
Europe’s most vibrant cities.
• Torshavn, Faroe Islands – Hailed in a National Geographic
Traveler survey as the world’s most appealing islands, the Faroes are the
perfect example of how Seabourn takes travelers “off the tourist radar.” The
whole group can marvel at the tilted “wedding-cake” isles of basalt that rise
from the sea in verdant terraces midway between Scotland and Iceland, each home
to abundant avian life and grass-roofed “longhouses.”
• Trondheim, Norway –Medieval architecture abounds in Norway, and
the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim is the largest of them all. Enjoy the
favored port of Viking King Olav, who on one departure in 1014 pulled down the
London Bridge. Make sure that everyone catches the other sites, including a
wide assortment of perfectly tuned ancient instruments at the Ringve Museum of
Music, and the wooden bridge collection at the Trondelag Folk Museum.
• Zadar, Croatia – No longer the capital of Dalmatia, today Zadar
presents a feast for everyone with medieval architecture, a kinetic sculpture,
and an active “sea organ” with pipes played by the waves. An intimate
ferry-rowboat ride to the 9th-century St. Donat’s Church is not to be missed.
There is Still Time in 2009
For those looking to book a cruise to Europe in 2009, Seabourn is
offering 50 to 65 percent off the published brochure fares of certain voyages.
The new fares start from only $2,499 per person for a seven-day Mediterranean
voyage and apply to 50 voyages of seven to 16 days, departing between June 13
and October 24, 2009.
For more information or to make a reservation, contact a travel agent or
visit www.seabourn.com .
Silversea Cruises
Popular $1,000
"Onboard Spending Credit" Offer Expanded
For sophisticated globe trekkers looking for the perfect travel deal,
now is the time to book! Due to
the success and popularity of Silversea Cruises' $1,000 per suite "Onboard
Spending Credit" promotion, the ultra-luxury line has added 37 additional
voyages, including fall sailings, that offer the special booking
incentive. In all, savvy travelers
can now take advantage of this extra perk on 70 select voyages calling not only
in Alaska, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, but also the Caribbean, South
America, Africa, Seychelles, Far East and South Pacific.
The new voyages offering the special promotion are:
SILVER CLOUD: Voyages 1924,
1926 - 1931.
SILVER WIND: Voyages 2927,
2929 - 2931, 2934 - 2938.
SILVER SHADOW: Voyages 3924 - 3931, 3933.
SILVER WHISPER: Voyages 4920 - 4923, 4925, 4927, 4928, 4933, 4934, 4936 - 4938.
In addition, the booking deadline has been extended to July 31, 2009 to
qualify for the $500 per person (or maximum $1,000 per suite) Onboard Spending
Credit. To take advantage of the
offer, which is applicable to new bookings only, the guest or travel agent must
request promotional code WWSBC500 at the time of booking.
A small sampling of new sailings offering the Onboard Spending Credit
include:
-- Mediterranean: Silver
Whisper's September 12, 7-day cruise (#4928) from Istanbul to Athens with calls
in Marmaris, Symi, Volos and Nafplion. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,497 per person -- a savings of 50% --
plus free or reduced roundtrip economy air transportation is also available
from select U.S. and Canadian gateway cities.
-- Caribbean: Silver
Shadow's November 13, 9-day cruise (#3929) from Barbados to Fort Lauderdale
with calls in Bequia, Martinique, Dominica, St. Bart's, St. Kitts and Tortola. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,047
per person -- a savings of 50%.
-- Far East & South Pacific: Silver Whisper's December 3, 16-day cruise (#4937) from Singapore to
Sydney with calls in Semarang, Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Whitsunday Islands
and Brisbane. Silver Sailing fares
start at $6,347 per person -- a savings of 50%.
-- South America: Silver
Cloud's December 4, 16-day cruise (#1930) from Buenos Aires to Santiago with
calls in Montevideo, Punta del Este, Puerto Madryn, Falkland Islands, Punta
Arenas, Laguna San Rafael, Puerto Chacabuco and Puerto Montt. Silver Sailing fares start at $6,697
per person -- a savings of 50%.
-- Seychelles: Silver
Wind's December 13, 7-day cruise (#2938) sailing roundtrip from Mahe with calls
in La Digue, Curieuse Island, Silhouette Island and Praslin. Silver Sailing fares start at $2,497
per person -- a savings of 50%.
All fares listed above are per person based on double occupancy for a
Vista Suite and do not include port charges and handling fees that can range
from $150 to $500 per person on these sailings, depending on the itinerary.
Silversea Offers Series
Of Music Theme Cruises
From fans of jazz and the Beatles to opera enthusiasts, virtually all
music lovers will find Silversea is offering the perfect blend of culture and
travel with its lineup of music theme sailings this year. During seven voyages exploring the
British Isles and the Mediterranean, guests will have the chance to enjoy a
vibrant onboard enrichment program that brings to life a sampling of the
world's finest musical genres.
Following below is a list of the music theme cruises by region:
--Mediterranean
The London Festival Opera brings together some of the most established
artists from major British opera companies and exceptional new singers. Its gifted soprano, mezzo-soprano,
tenor, baritone and pianist have performed worldwide at leading venues such as
Hampton Court Palace and the Gran Teatro La Fenice in Venice. Audiences have included the Queen of England
and other members of the British royal family. Silversea guests will enjoy Italian and other opera
favorites in performances and events that include a gala opera evening, a show
entitled "A Night at the Opera," and a gourmet Italian dinner
presented with serenading opera singers in the ship's main dining venue, The
Restaurant, and La Terrazza, a specialty restaurant. The London Festival Opera will be on board:
-- VOYAGE 2917: Silver
Wind, May 28 - June 6, Monte Carlo to Athens, 9 days. Destinations include Livorno, Sorrento, Crete, Rhodes, Marmaris,
Kusadasi and Santorini. Early
Booking Incentive fares start at $7,305.
-- VOYAGE 2923: Silver
Wind, July 28 - August 7, Monte Carlo to Rome, 10 days.
Destinations include Portofino, Livorno, Barcelona, Ibiza, Palma de
Mallorca and Corsica. Silver
Sailing fares start at $5,147.
--Fans of Cole Porter and Noel Coward will be transported back to the
early 20th century when singer/pianist Bobby Nesbitt and lecturer/social
historian David Garrard Lowe team up to present original musical theater
programs exploring the works of these music masters. Written and narrated by Lowe and featuring songs performed
by Nesbitt, the special enrichment programs will be featured as follows:
Cole Porter -- He's the Top" Musical Theater
-- VOYAGE 4922: Silver
Whisper, August 1- 8, Venice to Rome, 7 days. Destinations include Zadar, Kotor, Sicily and Lipari. Silver Sailing fares start at
$4,197.
An Evening with Noel Coward" Musical Theater
-- VOYAGE 4923: Silver
Whisper, August 8 - 15, Rome to Monte Carlo, 7 days. Destinations include Sorrento, Livorno, Menton and Cassis. Silver Sailing fares start at
$3,497.
A rising star on the American music scene, Loston Harris blends
traditional jazz riffs, gospel and blues with his own unique stylings. He performed as a member of the Lincoln
Center Jazz Orchestra, led by multiple-Grammy winner Wynton Marsalis. Harris also appeared on public
television in the U.S. on the PBS special "Portraits in Blue" with
fellow pianist and bandleader Marcus Roberts. The exceptional talents of this gifted singer/pianist will
be showcased aboard:
-- VOYAGE 4925: Silver
Whisper, August 22 - 29, Barcelona to Rome, 7 days.
Destinations include Alicante, Malaga, Monte Carlo and Portofino. Silver Sailing fares start at
$4,197.
Place a flower in your hair and journey back to the Southern California
pop music scene and carefree spirit of the 1960s with an original member of the
legendary singing group the Mamas and the Papas as your host. Singer, songwriter and actress Michelle
Phillips will tell the story of the Mamas and the Papas musical saga with film
and music clips and her intimate knowledge of the group when she presents a
special enrichment program aboard:
-- VOYAGE 2934: Silver
Wind, October 30 - November 9, Rome to Athens, 10 days. Destinations include Naples, Corfu,
Dubrovnik, Crete, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Mykonos. Silver Sailing fares start at $4,897.
British Isles
An exciting "Tribute to the Beatles" program will be presented
by Joe Johnson, host of the popular "Beatles Brunch" radio show,
broadcast in over 100 markets across the U.S. and Canada. The Bootleg Beatles, one of the world's
most acclaimed Beatles tribute bands, is slated to perform a full-length
Beatles show as part of the festivities. And Tony Bramwell, author of "Magical Mystery Tours: My Life with the Beatles," will
also join the program to share tales from his days as the Beatles' personal
assistant. Other highlights will
include a name-that-tune contest, a trivia game, a "Hard Day's Night"
dance party, and Beatle Brunch Feast, a gala breakfast/luncheon featuring the
music of the Fab Four and prizes. Johnson will also interview guests for a special edition of his radio
program set to air later in the year. The Tribute to the Beatles will take place on:
-- VOYAGE 1921: Silver
Cloud, August 26 - September 5, London to London, 10 days.
Destinations include Edinburgh, Invergordon, Oban, Dublin, Cork and
Fowey. Silver Sailing fares start
at $7,486.
All fares listed above are per person based on double occupancy for a
Vista Suite and do not include port charges and handling fees that can range
from $175 to $275 per person on these sailings, depending on the itinerary. Website: www.silverseacruises.com
