We didn’t have any big reveals this week but we did have quite a bit of news.
Crystal is the first line to bring the Kinesis Fitness system to sea, and Cruise West is expanding their 2008/2009 South America cruise season.
Norwegian Gem is plays host to TLC’s What Not to Wear, and Seabourne celebrates not one but two keel layings. Carnival has their own unique plans for the naming of Carnival Splendor.
Legend of The Seas is headed to Asia full time next year, and the Norwegian Dawn gets to do some search and rescue.
Two lines are sued over Alaska Ocean Ranger access and a federal Ocean Ranger bill has been introduced in Congress.
Finally SOLAS fire code amendments when into effect on July 1.
This week have a little norovirus chat, in specific what it’s like to make a sailing that is dealing with a norovirus outbreak.
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Filed under: Carnival Cruise Lines, Cruise West, Crystal Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Podcast Posted by Michael on 07/02/08
We’ve just added a new feature to the site - Carnival’s FunShip Island.
FunShip Island is a first-of-its-kind online destination where you can explore, play and experience a “Fun Ship” cruise from the convenience of your computer. FunShip Island provides a comprehensive, visual overview of the various aspects of the Carnival cruise experience, offering an immersive world where you can play in a virtual casino, experience the line’s iconic Twister waterslide, embark on a Rhino 4×4 Jeep ride, and tour the “Camp Carnival” play area, among other experiences. In addition you can also tour Carnival’s various stateroom categories to preview their desired accommodations.
While it’s not quite the same as going on a Carnival Cruise the site is a way for you to get an idea of what to expect when you’re on a Carnival Cruise. When you’re done exploring the site and decide that you’re ready to book, you can search the various itineraries Carnival offers and then contact us through FunShip Island to book your cruise.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Carnival Cruise Lines, Site Information Posted by Michael on 07/02/08
Twin blue-white flames in the noonday sun signaled the simultaneous welding of coins Tuesday onto two steel keel blocks that will become the sleek hulls of two new, ultra luxury cruising yachts in 2010 and 2011.
The ceremony, which was officiated by Seabourn’s president & CEO Pamela C. Conover and Marco Bisagno, president of T. Mariotti S.p.A., marks the beginning of the next stage in a three-vessel expansion project that will increase Seabourn’s capacity of luxury cruising accommodations by over 217 percent in the next three years.
The first of the three hulls, which will become Seabourn Odyssey, was delivered to Mariotti’s shipyard in Genoa, Italy at the end of May, where it will be finished and fitted out over the next year, prior to delivery in June of 2009. It will represent the first newly built capacity in the ultra luxury end of the cruise industry in over six years. Carrying just 450 guests, it will be especially notable for its intimate size, which embodies Seabourn’s commitment to yacht-style vessels at a time when most other brands are engaged in building ever-larger ships. The new yacht promises to further embellish Seabourn’s peerless reputation for superb onboard experiences with an unmatched ratio of space per guest, encompassing a wide range of sumptuous ocean-view suites measuring from 295 to over 1,600 square feet, 90 percent of which will boast private verandas. Additional features include five inviting dining alternatives, an innovative concierge lounge called Seabourn Square and an indoor/outdoor spa facility of over 11,400 square feet, spread over two decks.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: The Yachts of Seabourn Posted by Michael on 07/02/08
Norwegian Gem stars in the first ever cruise episode of TLC’s hit show “What Not to Wear,” a style makeover show that is one of the network’s top-rated programs. During the filming that took place in April 2008, “What Not to Wear” style guru Stacy London surprised Trenton, New Jersey resident Robin Kearns during the seven-day Bahamas & Florida sailing and by the end of the cruise had transformed her into a glamorous woman. The one-hour cruise special airs on TLC Friday, July 11, 2008 at 9 p.m. EST and will be shown again on Saturday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m. EST.
Kearns, 42, a data manager and single mother to son Shane, 15, was nominated to be featured in the show by her cousin Heather Kearns-Latini of Trenton, NJ and her best friend Kimberly Bomberry-Smith of Trenton, NJ. Both accompanied her on the cruise. Kearns boarded Norwegian Gem without any knowledge of being featured on the show. On embarkation day, she was enjoying time with her cousin and best friend in the ship’s atrium when a video began playing on the two-story screen which revealed Kearns’ fashion blunders. A stunned Kearns was then ambushed in the atrium by cameras from “What Not to Wear” as host Stacy London, flanked by Norwegian Gem’s officers, strolled down the grand staircase to greet Kearns with a $5,000 gift card and an offer to be made over from head-to-toe.
During the cruise, the “What Not to Wear” team followed Kearns’ transformation. While visiting Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida and Nassau, Bahamas, Kearns went shopping using style guru London’s famous wardrobe “rules.” When back on the ship, Kearns completed her make over in the ship’s spa with special help from make-up artist Carmindy Acosta and hairstylist Nick Arrojo.
The big reveal happened on the last day of the cruise in the Stardust Theater amongst a crowd of guests who cheered on Kearns as she went from drab to fab. To complete her experience, she then revealed her look to the rest of the ship at dinner that evening in NCL’s signature Le Bistro restaurant with Norwegian Gem’s captain, her cousin, best friend and London.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Norwegian Cruise Line Posted by Michael on 07/02/08
As a result of demand, Cruise West has announced two additional spring departures and six themed cruises of its 2008 and 2009 Between Two Seas itinerary. Additionally, one enhanced and two new land tours are offered as add-ons. Choose from two holiday cruises, two PENTAX photography cruises or traveling in the company of a Panama Canal expert on two departures.
The 10-day, 9-night Between Two Seas voyages sail onboard the 100-guest Pacific Explorer and take in the sights of the San Blas Islands and a Kuna Indian Village, Portobelo and traversing the entire Panama Canal. Guests continue to the remote Emberá Village in the Darién Jungle, Coiba National Park, Golfo Dulce, Caletas Beach and Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its prolific wildlife and bird viewing.
Festive Costa Rican and Panamanian holiday activities and traditional cuisine complement a fun, relaxing Christmas on the December 20, 2008 departure. Ring in Feliz Año Nuevo on the December 29 New Year’s sailing amid the comforts and amenities of the Pacific Explorer with a New Year’s bash including a midnight toast and late night buffet.
Guests on the two PENTAX photography cruises offered December 2, 2008 and March 2, 2009, will benefit from onboard workshops with hands-on instruction by professional PENTAX photographer, Kerrick James. A Panama Canal guru will share knowledge about the history and future expansion of the canal on the December 11, 2008, and April 7, 2009 departures.
Highlighting the stunning flora and fauna native to Panama and Costa Rica, the two new land tours include a 2-night, 3-day visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest or a 4-night, 5-day stay in the Tortuguero National Park. Guests will immerse themselves in the serenity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest with a guided walk through its butterfly and hummingbird gardens. Alternatively, they can observe turtles nesting via a boat or canoe excursions to Tortuguero National Park.
The enhanced tour includes six days and five nights of accommodations and adventures in Sarapiqui and Arenal, Costa Rica. Guests visit the world-class Gold Museum, the majestic La Paz Waterfall Gardens and an Eco-Center tour in the company of local school children. At the Hacienda Pozo Azul, guests have the option to participate on the thrilling canopy zip line tour, a float or river rafting trip or a chocolate and pineapple plantations tour.
Prices start at $3,799 per person based on double occupancy. Guests can take advantage of early booking incentives of up to $175 per person when paying the full amount by September 5, 2008 for departures January 2009 through May 2009 or receive savings of $350 per person when booking the cruise and paying in full by March 27, 2009 for departures October through December 2009.
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