Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Balmoral Undergoes Refit

Balmoral, is the latest ship to join the Fred. Olsen fleet, she arrived in Hamburg at the Blohm + Voss Repair shipyard in November 2007, where a newly constructed mid-section will be inserted and a major refit undertaken before she begins her cruise programme from Dover in January 2008.

The Balmoral – formerly the Norwegian Crown - will be extended by 30.20 metres and the extra capacity will allow for an additional 186 passenger 53 new crew cabins. In addition, 60 new balconies will be added while public areas will be modified and new areas constructed.

Balmoral is scheduled to leave the shipyard on 18th January 2008 for sea trials and will be handed over to Fred. Olsen in Dover on 22nd January. She departs on her inaugural cruise to the Canary Islands on 30th January 2008.

Balmoral – named after the Queen’s summer residence in Aberdeenshire – was delivered to Royal Cruise Lines in 1988 by the shipyard Meyer Werft in Papenburg under the name Crown Odyssey. After the takeover of Royal Cruise Lines by Norwegian Cruise Lines 1989, the ship was renamed Norwegian Crown. In 2006, she was sold to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Subsequently, the cruise ship was chartered by Star Cruises/ Norwegian Cruise Lines until November 2007.

After the reconstruction at Blohm + Voss Repair, the cruise ship will resume its voyages under the name Balmoral.

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Independence of the Seas enter's service early

Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas will enter service two weeks earlier than planned after work on the ship completed ahead of schedule.

This now means Independence of the Seas will undertake two extra sailings from the beginning of May 2008.

- A 4-night Cork cruise departing 2 May
- An 11-night Canary Island cruise departing 6 May.

But, don't worry if you have already booked on the ship’s original 17 May maiden voyage - you will be offered first refusal to switch to the new inaugural sailing, which operates the same itinerary (Southampton-Cork-Southampton).

Constructed at Aker’s Turku shipyard, the 3,634-passenger Independence of the Seas will be the world’s biggest cruiseship and here at Hays Travel Cruise we look forwarrd to welcoming her to the UK port of Southampton in the spring of 2008.

Check out the latest offers on the Independence of the Seas with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

Costa Cruises bases Costa Classica in Asia in 2009

Costa Cruises is to more than double capacity in Asia by basing a larger second ship in the region from 2009.

The Costa Classica carries 1600 passengers and is set to join Costa Allegra in Asia for a combined total of 60 cruises and 85,000 berths from March 2009.

Before being positioned in Asia, Costa Classica will complete its Mediterranean season on November 30, 2008, setting sail from Savona, Italy, for the United Arab Emirates, where the ship will operate 11 seven-day cruises from Dubai. It will then depart for Singapore on a 19-day positioning cruise.

You will be able to sail on Costa Classica from March 27 through to November 7, 2009 on 33 cruises lasting between four and 14 days, with departures out of Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong.

The 1,000-passenger Costa Allegra will offer 30 cruises from November 2008 through November 2009, some of which will be 14-day cruises, with departures from Hong Kong and Singapore.

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Carnival Announce new cruise terminal in Southampton

A fourth cruise terminal is to be constructed at the Port of Southampton after ABP and Carnival UK signed a major, 20-year contract.

The new terminal, which will be built at Ocean Dock opposite the site of the old Ocean Terminal. As Ocean Terminal was once home to many of the great transatlantic liners of the last century, when the port was first known as the ‘Gateway to the World,’ the new terminal will stand both as testimony to Southampton’s ocean-liner history and as a symbol of the modern cruising age.

The agreement will also give Carnival UK – the world’s leading cruise company, whose cruise brands include Cunard, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises – priority use of the port’s Queen Elizabeth II and Mayflower Terminals, further strengthening the group’s relationship with the port.

This announcement comes at a historic time for Southampton’s cruise business. Cunard’s Queen Victoria has, this Month (Dec 07), sailed into the port for the first time, and next year (2008) will see the arrival of P&O’s Ventura, the largest cruise ship ever to be built for the UK market. Both of these vessels will then be based at the port.

Check out the Latest offers on Cruises departing from Southhampton with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

New Cunard liner to enter service in 2010

Cunard Line announces that it has ordered a new 92,000-ton liner, to be named ‘Queen Elizabeth’, scheduled to enter service in the autumn of 2010.


Cunard signed an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of the new 2092–passenger ocean liner, which will be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard at an all-in cost of approximately €500 million. The vessel will be the second largest Cunarder ever built.

The new ship follows a long line of famous Cunard liners stretching back to the company's inception as the first operator of a timetabled transatlantic service 167 years ago.

Queen Elizabeth will offer the very best of Cunard’s values and traditions, blended with every conceivable modern luxury that today's discerning travellers expect. Through her opulent public rooms and impeccable service, the new ship will reflect the grandeur which has been associated with Cunard ships since the introduction of the Mauretania in 1907; and from the outside, her black hull, gleaming white superstructure and distinctive red funnel will echo the classic characteristics of the company's distinctive liner heritage.

Queen Elizabeth will fly the Red Ensign with her home-port Southampton, as is the case with the other ships in the Cunard fleet.

Be Part of Cunard's History

Queen Victoria will spend her first summer based in the sunny Mediterranean, with an array of exciting itineraries to some of the most enchanting ports of call in the region.

Many of Queen Victoria's voyages begin and end in different classic Mediterranean destinations, such as the Ancient Wonders of the Mediterranean voyage which embarks in Rome and concludes in Athens. Or Greek Isles & Aegean Shores which sails from Venice to Istanbul. Several voyages include overnight stays in some of the world's most charming cities, including Barcelona, Venice, and Istanbul.

Be a part of the newest chapter in Cunard's history. check out the latest offers with Hays Travel Cruise.

World-class master chef teams up with Crystal Cruises

World-class master chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa is partnering with Crystal Cruises for two new restaurants aboard the award-winning luxury ship, Crystal Symphony.



Silk Road and The Sushi Bar will debut during Crystal Symphony’s 03 March 2008 Trans-Pacific cruise from Los Angeles to Hong Kong.


Occupying the former Jade Garden space, the restaurants will accommodate a total of 68 guests and will be open most evenings. While there is no additional charge for enjoying Nobu’s extraordinary cuisine, reservations are recommended for Silk Road; dining at The Sushi Bar will be on a first come, first served basis.


The new restaurants represent an expansion of Nobu’s culinary alliance with Crystal Cruises. Since 2003, his cuisine has enjoyed tremendous success onboard Crystal Symphony’s fleetmate, Crystal Serenity.

Check out the latest offers on Crystal Cruises with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts

P&O Cruises give Artemis a makeover

Artemis has taken a mini break this December to get a make over in preparation for her 84-night South American Odyssey departing on 17 December 2007.
A 15-day face-lift in Bremerhaven saw the public areas and cabins of the 46,000 ton ship transformed with soft furnishings and brand new carpets.


Areas, such as the Horizon lounge and the Coral dining room, have been re-designed with a completely new look for passengers to enjoy whilst keeping the traditional feel of the ship.

This will be the first re-fit on Artemis since her arrival into the P&O Cruises fleet in June 2005.

“New ships are joining the fleet and P&O are committed to ensuring that all thier ships are of the same high quality that passengers expect.

“Cabins have also been ‘elevated’ to include brand new 8” slumber land mattresses, Egyptian cotton linen, new bed presentation with stylish bed runners and scatter cushions.

“Small is beautiful and Artemis is set to wow passengers stepping on board in the future.”

Artemis re-fit included:

· Horizon lounge has received a completely new look including new British made furniture, dance floor, carpets and artwork

· The Coral dining room, the Conservatory and the Trumps card room have had a complete new colour scheme with changes including carpets, soft furnishings, curtains and blinds.

· Starlight’s has received an entire overhaul with replacement of carpets, upholstery, curtains, blinds and furniture.

· Cabins have been ‘elevated’ with brand new 8” slumber land mattresses, bedding, bed runners and scatter cushions

· All cabin bathrooms have been upgraded

Check out the latest offers on the Artemis with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

Royal Caribbean newest ship Genesis class

Project Genesis, the largest cruise ship to ever make it from drawing board to production made a significant step in its journey towards the sea at Aker Yards ship yard in Turku, Finland.


At the milestone keel-laying ceremony, the first blocks constructing the 220,000 GRT Project Genesis were laid into the bottom of the dry dock. From here the ship will begin to take its form for the first time.


At 40% larger than any other cruise ship in the world, Project Genesis – the working title applied by cruise line Royal Caribbean International, the company behind its development – is scheduled to enter service in Autumn 2009. Project Genesis will be homeported year-round from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale in Florida.


Project Genesis is 1,180 feet long, 154 feet wide, and 240 feet high and will accommodate over 5,400 guests, Ships already in the Royal Caribbean International fleet feature surfing wave pools, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, children’s water parks and shopping centre-style complexes. Project Genesis is projected to carry on this tradition and include new facilities never before seen at sea.

Find out more information on Royal Caribbean Cruises with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts

Ventura Successfully Completes Sea Trials

The largest superliner being built exclusively for the British market has successfully completed her official sea trials.



Ventura’s trials took place over a period of two weeks and included testing of the navigation system and propulsion motors. Her maximum speed was tested and confirmed as 22.9 knots.

The completion of her sea trials signify that Ventura is well on the way to completion, and will soon be sailing for UK waters prior to her launch in Southampton in April 2008.

The next few months will be a busy time at the shipyard, as the innovative concepts and designs for Ventura come to life in the final stages of her development.

Hays Travel Cruise are very much looking forward to Ventura joining the P&O fleet and embarking on her maiden season as the most family friendly superliner built for the British market.”

The build of Ventura started with the laying of the keel in August 2006. Since then more than 3,000 workers at the Italian Fincantieri shipyard have worked to complete the project, and the final few months will be dedicated to creating and outfitting her contemporary, innovative and family friendly public spaces and cabins.

Check out the latest offers on the Ventura whith Hays Travel Cruise

P&O Cruises Worldwide Exotic Holidays Brochure

P&O Cruises has published its 2009 Worldwide Exotic Holidays brochure, featuring 37 individual sectors of three world voyages, to a choice of 34 countries.


Holidays in the brochure range from 15 to 45 nights and can be enhanced with pre or post cruise city stays in Auckland, Brisbane, Cape Town, Dubai, Fremantle, Hong Kong, Mumbai, San Francisco, Singapore and Sydney.

Highlights of the brochure are:

Singapore to Southampton on Oriana, 24 nights, 8 March – 1 April 2009, from £2,719pp. Calling in Kuala Lumpur, Cochin, Mumbai, Sharm el Sheikh, Suez, transit Suez Canal, Port Siad (for Cairo and the Pyramids), Athens and Barcelona.

Sydney to Hong Kong on Arcadia, 23 nights, 19 February – 14 March 2009, from £2,949pp. Calling in Brisbane, Whitsunday Islands, Guam (Mariana Islands), Nagasaki, Xingang (for Beijing) and Shanghai.

San Francisco to Sydney on Oriana, 20 nights, 27 January – 17 February 2009, from £3,099pp. Calling in Honolulu, Pago Pago, Lautoka, Tauranga and Auckland.

Southampton to Singapore on Aurora, 35 nights, 11 January – 15 February 2009, from £3,799pp. Calling in Tenerife, St. Vincent (Cape Verde Islands), St. Helena, Cape Town (two days in port), East London, Durban, Reunion, Mauritius, Phuket, Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

Holidays in the 2009 Worldwide Exotic Holidays brochure are available to book now, with Hays Travel Cruise.

Hell's Kitchen star teams up with P&O Cruises

Great British Chef to delight diners across the P&O Cruises fleet

Hell’s Kitchen star Marco Pierre White and P&O Cruises have announced that in addition to a fine dining restaurant on board Ventura, the world-renowned chef will also be creating two new exciting dining experiences on board P&O Cruises superliners Aurora and Oceana.

Aurora’s Café Bordeaux will have a unique French bistro style menu created by the triple Michelin-starred chef. Classic French dishes will be given the Marco treatment especially for passengers on board.

Oceana’s Café Jardin will be offering a Frankie’s Bar & Grill style menu serving Italian inspired dishes such as antipasti, gnocci sorrentina, glazed belly pork marco polo and ribeye alla rosmarino. Café Jardin’s galley and restaurant will be upgraded during Oceana’s refit in March 2008.

“The two new restaurants on Aurora and Oceana will offer passengers completely different dining experiences and both will encompass the best possible ingredients cooked in my unique way.”

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Queen Victoria - Cunard's New Ocean Liner

A butler to unpack luggage, champagne served in Waterford glasses, fresh orchids and personalized stationery – these are among the hallmarks of the Cunard Grills. An exclusive world, the Cunard Grills represent the pinnacle of seagoing service, luxurious accommodation and comfort. Now, in the grand Cunard tradition, Queen Victoria is poised to put her own stamp on the Cunard Grills, affording travellers the opportunity to experience a golden age of travel in the same memorable way that royalty, heads of state and celebrities have done for generations.

When she enters service in December 2007, Queen Victoria will offer innovation in tandem with the traditions that make a Cunard vessel the world standard-bearer.

Check out the latest offers on the Queen Victoria with Hays Travel Cruise.

New Spa comapny for the Ventura

P&O Cruises announces new on board spa company

P&O Cruises has formed a new partnership with The On Board Spa Company (TOSC) to operate the Oasis Spa on its new superliner, Ventura.

The Oasis Spa has also introduced a new product range, to replace current product houses, Thalgo and Guinot. The extensive treatment menu and product range will provide a tailor made solution for all contemporary skin conditions and types.

Passengers can also continue the treatments in their own cabins, or at home, with the advanced home care range.

The Oasis spa on board offers numerous ways to revitalise and invigorate the body and soul, including an endless pool and a thermal suite.

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