Dress rehearsals are almost over for the Disney Fantasy, the fourth ship of the Disney Cruise Line, which greets its first paying customers this week.
Company executives and industry experts expect the ship to be a star performer like its sister ship, the Disney Dream, which debuted just over a year ago.
The Fantasy has been in practice mode since its star-studded christening in New York City on March 1. Trial-run cruises have been filled with Disney employees and their families, plus travel-industry associates. Members of the news media got a first look at the ship's interior Monday. Fantasy's official maiden voyage begins Saturday, with a sold-out, seven-night cruise to the Caribbean.
The Fantasy and Dream are similar vessels, carrying 4,000 passengers each, and they both are based out of Port Canaveral for trips to the western and eastern Caribbean. They have identical floor plans, but there are differences in décor and themes, particularly with the adults-only nightclubs and original stage shows.
Fantasy's clubs are collectively called Europa, with each sector dedicated to different countries.
Exclusive to the Fantasy are an interactive game that explores the ship and features the Muppets, a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique that transforms little girls into princesses, and an eating experience in the 700-seat Animator's Palate restaurant, where passengers draw figures that are incorporated into animation with Mickey Mouse by the end of the meal.
Analysts expect the addition of the Fantasy and the Dream, which cost $900 million each, to enable Disney's cruise revenue to reach $1 billion a year. Fantasy brings Disney's fleet up to four vessels. The Magic and the Wonder were introduced in the 1990s.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Wednesday 28 March 2012
Tuesday 27 March 2012
Cruise Ship Holidays and Costa Concordia
Why choose a cruise holiday?
Following the Costa Concordia disaster, new safety procedures have been introduced to cruise ships. But what does this mean for the cruise industry?
On the 13th January the Italian cruise ship, Costa Concordia, partially sank after hitting a reef off the Tuscan coast. More than 4,200 people had to be evacuated and since then, the ship has lain submerged as experts attempt to remove the 500,000 gallons of fuel on board.
The sunken vessel can only begin to be removed when all the fuel has been taken off, but this could take up to a month.
The ship will then be removed either by floating it in one piece or cutting it up and towing it away as a wreck - an operation that could take up to ten months.
So, in the wake of this disaster, how has the cruise industry reacted?
Following a review of safety procedures the Cruise Lines International Association, European Cruise Council and Passenger Shipping Association announced that cruise holidaymakers will now need to take part in pre-departure safety drills.
This should help ensure that all passengers know what to do and where to go in the event of an incident while on board.
So as peak booking time approaches and in light of these new safety regulations, why choose a cruise holiday?
Value for money: You pay one price and your accommodation, food, drink and entertainment is all included.
Variety: With hundreds of ships and thousands of ports to choose from, there's a cruise to suit everyone.
Destinations: If you've only got limited time for a holiday, a cruise is the best way to see several destinations in one go.
Great for families: Many cruise ships are geared up for families with kid's clubs and activities to keep your little ones entertained.
Activities: These days cruise ships have every activity you can think of and more - from sports, lectures and dancing to music, gaming and of course, sunbathing.
Protecting your holiday:
If you do decide to embark on a cruise holiday, it's important to make sure you have the right travel insurance in place to protect you.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Following the Costa Concordia disaster, new safety procedures have been introduced to cruise ships. But what does this mean for the cruise industry?
On the 13th January the Italian cruise ship, Costa Concordia, partially sank after hitting a reef off the Tuscan coast. More than 4,200 people had to be evacuated and since then, the ship has lain submerged as experts attempt to remove the 500,000 gallons of fuel on board.
The sunken vessel can only begin to be removed when all the fuel has been taken off, but this could take up to a month.
The ship will then be removed either by floating it in one piece or cutting it up and towing it away as a wreck - an operation that could take up to ten months.
So, in the wake of this disaster, how has the cruise industry reacted?
Following a review of safety procedures the Cruise Lines International Association, European Cruise Council and Passenger Shipping Association announced that cruise holidaymakers will now need to take part in pre-departure safety drills.
This should help ensure that all passengers know what to do and where to go in the event of an incident while on board.
So as peak booking time approaches and in light of these new safety regulations, why choose a cruise holiday?
Value for money: You pay one price and your accommodation, food, drink and entertainment is all included.
Variety: With hundreds of ships and thousands of ports to choose from, there's a cruise to suit everyone.
Destinations: If you've only got limited time for a holiday, a cruise is the best way to see several destinations in one go.
Great for families: Many cruise ships are geared up for families with kid's clubs and activities to keep your little ones entertained.
Activities: These days cruise ships have every activity you can think of and more - from sports, lectures and dancing to music, gaming and of course, sunbathing.
Protecting your holiday:
If you do decide to embark on a cruise holiday, it's important to make sure you have the right travel insurance in place to protect you.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Monday 26 March 2012
Delayed Launch for Refurbished Saga Sapphire
Multi-million-pound refurbishments are complicated affairs, and they become even more complex when your workforce goes on strike. To that end, Saga Cruises announced today that the arrival of its newest ship, Saga Sapphire, will be delayed, as will the ship's departure on its inaugural cruise to Venice.
Sapphire, which is en route to Southampton now, faced interruptions during a nearly four-month refurbishment in the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Italy, when workers participated in a national strike action.
The ship is expected to arrive in Southampton on Monday (26/03/2012), when it was originally scheduled to depart for Venice and will leave on a shortened cruise a week later (Monday, 2 April). During the weeklong stay in the U.K., the ship “will need to be loaded with provisions, and items such as furniture need to be loaded and installed,” said a company spokesman.
A 23-night inaugural cruise, which was scheduled to visit Mediterranean ports in Spain, Italy, Malta, Croatia, Greece, Gibraltar and Portugal, has now been shortened to 16 nights. The line has not made clear what stops the revised itinerary includes, saying only, “We have tried to keep as much of the original cruise as possible and minimise the disruption.”
The spokesperson commented that all passengers on the disrupted cruise have been contacted, and offered either a pro-rated refund for the missed portion of the cruise, alternative accommodation on another cruise, or the option to cancel and receive a full refund.
The makeover included the addition of 46 balconies to cabins on Deck 8, new restaurants and a "View From the Top" outdoor cinema. Also, cabins have been updated, several public areas have been redesigned, and the line is introducing iPads and onboard Wi-Fi connectivity.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Sapphire, which is en route to Southampton now, faced interruptions during a nearly four-month refurbishment in the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Italy, when workers participated in a national strike action.
The ship is expected to arrive in Southampton on Monday (26/03/2012), when it was originally scheduled to depart for Venice and will leave on a shortened cruise a week later (Monday, 2 April). During the weeklong stay in the U.K., the ship “will need to be loaded with provisions, and items such as furniture need to be loaded and installed,” said a company spokesman.
A 23-night inaugural cruise, which was scheduled to visit Mediterranean ports in Spain, Italy, Malta, Croatia, Greece, Gibraltar and Portugal, has now been shortened to 16 nights. The line has not made clear what stops the revised itinerary includes, saying only, “We have tried to keep as much of the original cruise as possible and minimise the disruption.”
The spokesperson commented that all passengers on the disrupted cruise have been contacted, and offered either a pro-rated refund for the missed portion of the cruise, alternative accommodation on another cruise, or the option to cancel and receive a full refund.
The makeover included the addition of 46 balconies to cabins on Deck 8, new restaurants and a "View From the Top" outdoor cinema. Also, cabins have been updated, several public areas have been redesigned, and the line is introducing iPads and onboard Wi-Fi connectivity.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Saturday 24 March 2012
Four Godmothers Name Four Ships
Garlands of red and white balloons, what seemed like acres of red carpet, and special effects including a pirouetting fireboat spraying water jets and a tenor belting out "Nessun Dorma" created a lavish spectacle in Amsterdam today.
The occasion? Viking River Cruises launch of four ships during a single ceremony. The line claims to have smashed the previous record for multiple and simultaneous christenings (three), which it also held.
The lavish festivities marked the debut of Viking's new series of riverboats, the Longship-class. Four of these sleek, 190-passenger sister-boats have been built together in Germany, although a delay at the shipyard meant that two, Viking Odin and Viking Idun, were named in Amsterdam and two, Viking Freya and Viking Njord, by live video link at the yard in Rostock, where they're being finished off for a mid-April debut. Four godmothers cut scarlet ribbons and four bottles of Veuve Cliquot, two in Amsterdam and two in Rostock, smashed to cheers of a 600-strong crowd gathered in Amsterdam under dazzling sunshine.
The godmothers were an eclectic group.
Joanna Lumley, star of "Absolutely Fabulous," christened Viking Odin, a ship named after the chief god of Norse mythology. "I've never been godmother to a god before," she told the delighted crowd.
Gail Wiswedel, who named Viking Njord, was chosen because she's Viking's most travelled customer, having notched up 11 cruises (which goes to show how young river cruising really is, given that plenty of ocean-going passengers would consider nothing less than 30 as an impressive total).
Dr Lisa Randall, Viking Idun's godmother, is a respected theoretical physicist, a subject close to the heart of Viking's Norwegian founder, Torstein Hagen, who himself holds a degree in nuclear physics.
Award-winning TV producer Rebecca Eaton, who served as godmother for Viking Freya, heads up "Masterpiece Theatre," a company sponsored by Viking.
Champagne flowed throughout the ceremony and on into the evening, when Viking Odin and Idun set sail for a celebratory dinner on Amsterdam's Ij Bay. The line has good reason to congratulate itself. The four ships, which Hagen describes as a "quantum leap" in riverboat design, with their full balconies, indoor-outdoor dining and chic interiors, are pretty well sold out for the rest of the year. And there are eight more sisters coming. Two Longships, Viking Embla and Viking Aegir, will debut this summer, and six more are scheduled to hit the rivers in 2013.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
The occasion? Viking River Cruises launch of four ships during a single ceremony. The line claims to have smashed the previous record for multiple and simultaneous christenings (three), which it also held.
The lavish festivities marked the debut of Viking's new series of riverboats, the Longship-class. Four of these sleek, 190-passenger sister-boats have been built together in Germany, although a delay at the shipyard meant that two, Viking Odin and Viking Idun, were named in Amsterdam and two, Viking Freya and Viking Njord, by live video link at the yard in Rostock, where they're being finished off for a mid-April debut. Four godmothers cut scarlet ribbons and four bottles of Veuve Cliquot, two in Amsterdam and two in Rostock, smashed to cheers of a 600-strong crowd gathered in Amsterdam under dazzling sunshine.
The godmothers were an eclectic group.
Joanna Lumley, star of "Absolutely Fabulous," christened Viking Odin, a ship named after the chief god of Norse mythology. "I've never been godmother to a god before," she told the delighted crowd.
Gail Wiswedel, who named Viking Njord, was chosen because she's Viking's most travelled customer, having notched up 11 cruises (which goes to show how young river cruising really is, given that plenty of ocean-going passengers would consider nothing less than 30 as an impressive total).
Dr Lisa Randall, Viking Idun's godmother, is a respected theoretical physicist, a subject close to the heart of Viking's Norwegian founder, Torstein Hagen, who himself holds a degree in nuclear physics.
Award-winning TV producer Rebecca Eaton, who served as godmother for Viking Freya, heads up "Masterpiece Theatre," a company sponsored by Viking.
Champagne flowed throughout the ceremony and on into the evening, when Viking Odin and Idun set sail for a celebratory dinner on Amsterdam's Ij Bay. The line has good reason to congratulate itself. The four ships, which Hagen describes as a "quantum leap" in riverboat design, with their full balconies, indoor-outdoor dining and chic interiors, are pretty well sold out for the rest of the year. And there are eight more sisters coming. Two Longships, Viking Embla and Viking Aegir, will debut this summer, and six more are scheduled to hit the rivers in 2013.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Friday 23 March 2012
Royal Caribbean to Send Monarch of the Seas to Pullmantur
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has announced the transfer of Monarch of the Seas from its Royal Caribbean International cruise brand to its Pullmantur brand, a cruise and tour operator based in Madrid. Monarch of the Seas will transfer to Pullmantur on April 1, 2013, following its last sailing for Royal Caribbean International, which departs on March 29, 2013.
"We are very proud of Monarch of the Seas for delivering great service and outstanding destinations to vacationers since her maiden voyage," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. "She will go on creating wonderful travel memories through her final sailings for our brand through next March and then continue doing the same for Pullmantur's guests."
With the incorporation of Monarch of the Seas, Pullmantur will increase its total guest capacity by nearly 25 percent and meet a rising demand for the brand's distinctive All Inclusive-style cruise holidays. "The transfer of Monarch of the Seas will reinforce Pullmantur in our Latin American growth strategy, and help us become one of the most widely recognized brands," said Pullmantur's President and CEO, Gonzalo Chico Barbier.
Monarch of the Seas was built at Chantiers de L'Atlantique (now STX France) in St. Nazaire, France and sailed its maiden voyage on November 17, 1991. The ship is part of the Sovereign class of cruise ships, which were the world's largest and most innovative of their time. Pullmantur is the leading Spanish Tour Operator and Cruise Company, founded in 1971, and famous for introducing the 'All Inclusive' concept to cruising. Pullmantur is leader of the cruise market in Spain and Portugal, currently operating a modern fleet of four vessels, with a daily passenger capacity of 9,000, cruising worldwide, and calling on approximately 100 destinations.
The company offers a unique door-to-door flight service, operated by its in-house air travel division with a fleet of four Boeing 747-400. Pullmantur Air provides charter flights to the European Cruise Port Embarkations and long-haul flights between Spain and the Caribbean Sea for the company's tour-operation division. Spain based Pullmantur, operates through satellite offices in Brasil, Mexico, Portugal and France.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand currently with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.
Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean has been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for nine consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers' Choice Awards.
Royal Caribbean International and Pullmantur are part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL), a global cruise vacation company that also operates Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, CDF Croisieres de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture with TUI AG. The company owns a combined total of 40 ships and has one under construction and two under agreement.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
"We are very proud of Monarch of the Seas for delivering great service and outstanding destinations to vacationers since her maiden voyage," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. "She will go on creating wonderful travel memories through her final sailings for our brand through next March and then continue doing the same for Pullmantur's guests."
With the incorporation of Monarch of the Seas, Pullmantur will increase its total guest capacity by nearly 25 percent and meet a rising demand for the brand's distinctive All Inclusive-style cruise holidays. "The transfer of Monarch of the Seas will reinforce Pullmantur in our Latin American growth strategy, and help us become one of the most widely recognized brands," said Pullmantur's President and CEO, Gonzalo Chico Barbier.
Monarch of the Seas was built at Chantiers de L'Atlantique (now STX France) in St. Nazaire, France and sailed its maiden voyage on November 17, 1991. The ship is part of the Sovereign class of cruise ships, which were the world's largest and most innovative of their time. Pullmantur is the leading Spanish Tour Operator and Cruise Company, founded in 1971, and famous for introducing the 'All Inclusive' concept to cruising. Pullmantur is leader of the cruise market in Spain and Portugal, currently operating a modern fleet of four vessels, with a daily passenger capacity of 9,000, cruising worldwide, and calling on approximately 100 destinations.
The company offers a unique door-to-door flight service, operated by its in-house air travel division with a fleet of four Boeing 747-400. Pullmantur Air provides charter flights to the European Cruise Port Embarkations and long-haul flights between Spain and the Caribbean Sea for the company's tour-operation division. Spain based Pullmantur, operates through satellite offices in Brasil, Mexico, Portugal and France.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand currently with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.
Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean has been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for nine consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers' Choice Awards.
Royal Caribbean International and Pullmantur are part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL), a global cruise vacation company that also operates Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, CDF Croisieres de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture with TUI AG. The company owns a combined total of 40 ships and has one under construction and two under agreement.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Wednesday 21 March 2012
Carnival Destiny to undergo dramatic transformation
Ship to be Renamed Carnival Sunshine and Operate Mediterranean Itineraries from April to October 2013 Followed by Launch of Year-Round Service from New Orleans.
Representing Carnival Cruise Lines’ most ambitious refit and transformation project ever, Carnival Destiny will undergo a $155 million makeover next year that will incorporate all of the line’s “Fun Ship 2.0” dining, bar and entertainment features, as well as a variety of exciting innovations unique to this vessel.
The refit will also include a reconfigured layout, the addition of a partial deck and the expansion of two other decks within the forward section of the ship, providing the opportunity to incorporate a number of new and exciting on-board spaces. One-hundred and eighty-two cabins will be added, as well.
The redesign will be so extensive and wide-ranging that the ship will be renamed Carnival Sunshine following the 49-day dry dock, which will take place from February to April 2013. The refit work will be completed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.
Following the dry dock, Carnival Sunshine will embark on a schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice from April to October 2013 then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean departures from New Orleans beginning November 2013.
“This is our most ambitious ship conversion project to date and it will radically transform the Carnival Destiny into essentially an entirely new ship offering a variety of exciting dining and beverage choices, spectacular outdoor spaces and entertainment options, and on-board innovations not available anywhere else,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.
Here’s a look at some of Carnival Sunshine’s many features:
Wide-Ranging On-Board Dining Choices
• Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries in an atmosphere that celebrates the chef’s California roots and love of car culture
• BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas that can be personalized with a variety of salsas and toppings
• Fahrenheit 555, a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks and gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts, all enhanced by understated ambiance and impeccable service (venue will carry a surcharge consistent with other steakhouses in the Carnival fleet)
• Cucina del Capitano – or “The Captain’s Kitchen” – with Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in a fun and engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home (during the day, the venue will serve as a free casual lunch-time pasta bar with a nominal charge for dinner)
• A stunning new full-service Asian restaurant inspired by the line’s popular Mongolian wok casual eateries that will feature an extensive menu of delicious favorites from the Far East, along with a striking Asian-themed décor (no charge for lunch with a nominal fee for dinner)
• An expansive casual poolside eatery, Lido Marketplace, offering a seemingly endless array of delectable favorites from around the world, from paninis and pizza to a deli offering piled-high sandwiches and just about everything in between
• A new casual dining option, “The Comfort Kitchen,” located within the Lido Marketplace and offering a tempting array of American-style “comfort food” entrees and side dishes
• Completely renovated main dining rooms that will offer extensive menus and wine lists, with a tantalizing selection of salads, appetizers, entrees and desserts nightly, including Carnival’s legendary chocolate melting cake
• A newly designed coffee bar, serving a wide range of sweet and frothy concoctions such as cappuccinos, lattes, espressos and other caffeinated favorites, along with delicious pastries and other decadent confections
Innovative Bar and Beverage Concepts
• RedFrog Pub where guests can enjoy the Caribbean’s best rums and beers – along with Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red private label draft brew – and island-inspired pub fare while soaking up the distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West ambiance
• RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside adaptation of the RedFrog Pub offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a fun and festive outdoor watering hole offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers, perfect for chillin’ by the pool
• EA SPORTS Bar, a sports and video game lovers’ paradise where guests can catch live sporting events, check out scores on the real-time 24/7 sports ticker, and play the latest EA SPORTS games on a 16-screen video wall
• Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” that’s the go-to spot for guests seeking a unique experience with mixologists who “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients or guests’ own custom-created cocktails
• The Library Bar, a warm and cozy venue offering full bar service for those seeking a more intimate spot for before- or after-dinner drinks
• An exciting new lounge, Havana Bar, a tropical-inspired nightspot located aft within Lido Marketplace featuring a panoramic ocean view from its floor to ceiling windows and offering a unique and memorable venue for cocktails, live Latin music and dancing
• The new Sunshine Bar, an elegant lounge with sun-splashed interiors located at the lobby level of the ship’s towering atrium where guests can enjoy a cocktail, dance and listen to live music
• A new cigar bar concept, with plush, comfortable surroundings, along with fine cigars and a variety of brandies, cognacs and liqueurs, ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks and conversation
Outdoor Fun and Relaxation
• Carnival’s first three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, an oasis of tranquility offering plush chaise lounges and chairs, a whirlpool, a cascading waterfall, teak-planked decks, a pool, a complimentary dining area with freshly made salads that can be customized by guests, and, of course, magnificent sea views
• SportSquare, Carnival Sunshine’s new open-air recreation complex that includes such attractions as a ropes course, mini-golf course, a lighted half court for basketball and volleyball, jogging track, ping pong, pool, and foosball tables, and bar with a large flat-screen for those who want to check out the action on TV
• WaterWorks, a “splash-tastic” top-deck attraction that’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages with wet ‘n wild thrills such as the line’s iconic “Twister” water slide, a Splash Zone kids water play area, an all-new thrill slide and other fun features
• Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, a poolside 270-square-foot high-tech LED screen offering nightly “Dive In Movies,” along with a variety of concerts, sporting events and other programming, all of which are enjoyed in the fresh sea air
That’s Entertainment!
• Playlist Productions, which builds upon Carnival’s reputation for high quality entertainment by combining captivating live performances and spectacular staging and special effects to create enthralling music revues produced by the top directors and choreographers in the industry
• Hasbro, The Game Show, where guests are part of the show through a series of larger-than-life productions and entertainment activities based on the company’s iconic and popular games and presented in the ship’s remodeled main show lounge
• Piano Bar 88, a new twist on Carnival’s popular piano bar concept that will amp up the excitement with themed nights, an engaging new décor and opportunities for spontaneous sing-along fun
• The Punchliner Comedy Club Presented by George Lopez, featuring a hilarious line-up of both established and up-and-coming talent evaluated and vetted by the popular TV personality who serves as Carnival’s “curator of comedy”
• The Punchliner Comedy Brunch, for those who want a little merriment in the morning, serving up laughter along with delicious cuisine
Staterooms, Shopping and More
• All staterooms will be fully revamped and feature a new tropical décor that pays homage to the ship’s Caribbean itineraries with a combination of bright colors and soothing pastels, with 182 new staterooms to be added across a broad range of accommodations from interior to balconies, including 96 new spa staterooms
• Newly designed play areas catering to kids in three age groups, part of the line’s top-rated children’s programs – Camp Carnival (2-11), Circle “C” (12-14) and Club O2 (15-17), with enthusiastic counselors and fun supervised activities for each group, along with popular elements of Carnival’s new partnership with Hasbro
• The FunHub, featuring dozens of flat-panel stations for keeping up with the latest Carnival Sunshine happenings, surfing the Web, and staying in touch with friends and family back home
• Cloud 9 Spa – Designed as the ultimate refuge for rest and relaxation, this newly constructed facility will set a new standard in oceangoing wellness with a sophisticated menu of exotic therapies, an elaborate thermal suite with varying degrees of soothing warmth, private treatment rooms, and the latest exercise equipment
• Cherry On Top, which celebrates the joys of simple indulgences with bins of bulk candy, fun fanciful gifts and novelties, custom apparel and more
• Ocean Plaza, a stunning café and entertainment venue where guests can meet new friends, listen to music, enjoy drinks and light snacks, participate in a wide range of activities and people watch
Exciting European and Caribbean Itineraries
Carnival Sunshine will launch a series of Mediterranean cruises beginning with a 14-day voyage departing from Venice April 12 and arriving in Barcelona April 26, 2013. The ship will then operate a series of 18 nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises either round-trip from Barcelona or sailing between Barcelona and Venice. These departures will visit a wide variety of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular ports, including Marseilles, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno (Pisa/Florence) and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Carnival Sunshine will then sail on a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing departing Barcelona Nov. 1 and arriving New Orleans Nov. 17, 2013, positioning the vessel for its year-round deployment from the Big Easy.
Following a special six-day cruise from New Orleans Nov. 18-24, 2013, Carnival Sunshine will launch its year-round seven-day cruise schedule from that port Nov. 24, 2013. Three different week-long itineraries will be offered – an exotic western Caribbean route to Belize City, Belize; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, and Cozumel, Mexico; a Bahamas/Florida schedule to Key West, Fla., and Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas; and western Caribbean departures to Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel.
Carnival Sunshine will replace Carnival Conquest, which is currently based in New Orleans. Additional details on the Carnival Conquest deployment will be announced in the near future.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Representing Carnival Cruise Lines’ most ambitious refit and transformation project ever, Carnival Destiny will undergo a $155 million makeover next year that will incorporate all of the line’s “Fun Ship 2.0” dining, bar and entertainment features, as well as a variety of exciting innovations unique to this vessel.
The refit will also include a reconfigured layout, the addition of a partial deck and the expansion of two other decks within the forward section of the ship, providing the opportunity to incorporate a number of new and exciting on-board spaces. One-hundred and eighty-two cabins will be added, as well.
The redesign will be so extensive and wide-ranging that the ship will be renamed Carnival Sunshine following the 49-day dry dock, which will take place from February to April 2013. The refit work will be completed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.
Following the dry dock, Carnival Sunshine will embark on a schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice from April to October 2013 then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean departures from New Orleans beginning November 2013.
“This is our most ambitious ship conversion project to date and it will radically transform the Carnival Destiny into essentially an entirely new ship offering a variety of exciting dining and beverage choices, spectacular outdoor spaces and entertainment options, and on-board innovations not available anywhere else,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.
Here’s a look at some of Carnival Sunshine’s many features:
Wide-Ranging On-Board Dining Choices
• Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries in an atmosphere that celebrates the chef’s California roots and love of car culture
• BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas that can be personalized with a variety of salsas and toppings
• Fahrenheit 555, a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks and gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts, all enhanced by understated ambiance and impeccable service (venue will carry a surcharge consistent with other steakhouses in the Carnival fleet)
• Cucina del Capitano – or “The Captain’s Kitchen” – with Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in a fun and engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home (during the day, the venue will serve as a free casual lunch-time pasta bar with a nominal charge for dinner)
• A stunning new full-service Asian restaurant inspired by the line’s popular Mongolian wok casual eateries that will feature an extensive menu of delicious favorites from the Far East, along with a striking Asian-themed décor (no charge for lunch with a nominal fee for dinner)
• An expansive casual poolside eatery, Lido Marketplace, offering a seemingly endless array of delectable favorites from around the world, from paninis and pizza to a deli offering piled-high sandwiches and just about everything in between
• A new casual dining option, “The Comfort Kitchen,” located within the Lido Marketplace and offering a tempting array of American-style “comfort food” entrees and side dishes
• Completely renovated main dining rooms that will offer extensive menus and wine lists, with a tantalizing selection of salads, appetizers, entrees and desserts nightly, including Carnival’s legendary chocolate melting cake
• A newly designed coffee bar, serving a wide range of sweet and frothy concoctions such as cappuccinos, lattes, espressos and other caffeinated favorites, along with delicious pastries and other decadent confections
Innovative Bar and Beverage Concepts
• RedFrog Pub where guests can enjoy the Caribbean’s best rums and beers – along with Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red private label draft brew – and island-inspired pub fare while soaking up the distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West ambiance
• RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside adaptation of the RedFrog Pub offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a fun and festive outdoor watering hole offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers, perfect for chillin’ by the pool
• EA SPORTS Bar, a sports and video game lovers’ paradise where guests can catch live sporting events, check out scores on the real-time 24/7 sports ticker, and play the latest EA SPORTS games on a 16-screen video wall
• Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” that’s the go-to spot for guests seeking a unique experience with mixologists who “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients or guests’ own custom-created cocktails
• The Library Bar, a warm and cozy venue offering full bar service for those seeking a more intimate spot for before- or after-dinner drinks
• An exciting new lounge, Havana Bar, a tropical-inspired nightspot located aft within Lido Marketplace featuring a panoramic ocean view from its floor to ceiling windows and offering a unique and memorable venue for cocktails, live Latin music and dancing
• The new Sunshine Bar, an elegant lounge with sun-splashed interiors located at the lobby level of the ship’s towering atrium where guests can enjoy a cocktail, dance and listen to live music
• A new cigar bar concept, with plush, comfortable surroundings, along with fine cigars and a variety of brandies, cognacs and liqueurs, ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks and conversation
Outdoor Fun and Relaxation
• Carnival’s first three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, an oasis of tranquility offering plush chaise lounges and chairs, a whirlpool, a cascading waterfall, teak-planked decks, a pool, a complimentary dining area with freshly made salads that can be customized by guests, and, of course, magnificent sea views
• SportSquare, Carnival Sunshine’s new open-air recreation complex that includes such attractions as a ropes course, mini-golf course, a lighted half court for basketball and volleyball, jogging track, ping pong, pool, and foosball tables, and bar with a large flat-screen for those who want to check out the action on TV
• WaterWorks, a “splash-tastic” top-deck attraction that’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages with wet ‘n wild thrills such as the line’s iconic “Twister” water slide, a Splash Zone kids water play area, an all-new thrill slide and other fun features
• Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, a poolside 270-square-foot high-tech LED screen offering nightly “Dive In Movies,” along with a variety of concerts, sporting events and other programming, all of which are enjoyed in the fresh sea air
That’s Entertainment!
• Playlist Productions, which builds upon Carnival’s reputation for high quality entertainment by combining captivating live performances and spectacular staging and special effects to create enthralling music revues produced by the top directors and choreographers in the industry
• Hasbro, The Game Show, where guests are part of the show through a series of larger-than-life productions and entertainment activities based on the company’s iconic and popular games and presented in the ship’s remodeled main show lounge
• Piano Bar 88, a new twist on Carnival’s popular piano bar concept that will amp up the excitement with themed nights, an engaging new décor and opportunities for spontaneous sing-along fun
• The Punchliner Comedy Club Presented by George Lopez, featuring a hilarious line-up of both established and up-and-coming talent evaluated and vetted by the popular TV personality who serves as Carnival’s “curator of comedy”
• The Punchliner Comedy Brunch, for those who want a little merriment in the morning, serving up laughter along with delicious cuisine
Staterooms, Shopping and More
• All staterooms will be fully revamped and feature a new tropical décor that pays homage to the ship’s Caribbean itineraries with a combination of bright colors and soothing pastels, with 182 new staterooms to be added across a broad range of accommodations from interior to balconies, including 96 new spa staterooms
• Newly designed play areas catering to kids in three age groups, part of the line’s top-rated children’s programs – Camp Carnival (2-11), Circle “C” (12-14) and Club O2 (15-17), with enthusiastic counselors and fun supervised activities for each group, along with popular elements of Carnival’s new partnership with Hasbro
• The FunHub, featuring dozens of flat-panel stations for keeping up with the latest Carnival Sunshine happenings, surfing the Web, and staying in touch with friends and family back home
• Cloud 9 Spa – Designed as the ultimate refuge for rest and relaxation, this newly constructed facility will set a new standard in oceangoing wellness with a sophisticated menu of exotic therapies, an elaborate thermal suite with varying degrees of soothing warmth, private treatment rooms, and the latest exercise equipment
• Cherry On Top, which celebrates the joys of simple indulgences with bins of bulk candy, fun fanciful gifts and novelties, custom apparel and more
• Ocean Plaza, a stunning café and entertainment venue where guests can meet new friends, listen to music, enjoy drinks and light snacks, participate in a wide range of activities and people watch
Exciting European and Caribbean Itineraries
Carnival Sunshine will launch a series of Mediterranean cruises beginning with a 14-day voyage departing from Venice April 12 and arriving in Barcelona April 26, 2013. The ship will then operate a series of 18 nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises either round-trip from Barcelona or sailing between Barcelona and Venice. These departures will visit a wide variety of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular ports, including Marseilles, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno (Pisa/Florence) and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Carnival Sunshine will then sail on a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing departing Barcelona Nov. 1 and arriving New Orleans Nov. 17, 2013, positioning the vessel for its year-round deployment from the Big Easy.
Following a special six-day cruise from New Orleans Nov. 18-24, 2013, Carnival Sunshine will launch its year-round seven-day cruise schedule from that port Nov. 24, 2013. Three different week-long itineraries will be offered – an exotic western Caribbean route to Belize City, Belize; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, and Cozumel, Mexico; a Bahamas/Florida schedule to Key West, Fla., and Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas; and western Caribbean departures to Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel.
Carnival Sunshine will replace Carnival Conquest, which is currently based in New Orleans. Additional details on the Carnival Conquest deployment will be announced in the near future.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Tuesday 20 March 2012
Silversea confirms collision of luxury cruise ship
Luxury cruise ship Silver Shadow, which ran into a local vessel in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, on March 16, sustained only "limited minor dents," according to Silversea Cruises. The line reports that the incident is under investigation
Silversea Cruises has launched an investigation after one of its luxury vessels collided with a cargo ship off the coast of Vietnam.
The company confirmed in a statement that the 382-passenger Silver Shadow collided with a local container ship on Friday morning as it was approaching Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.
It dismissed the collision as a "minor incident" but said it was carrying out a full investigation.
No passengers were injured and the ship, which suffered only "minor dents", according to Silversea, continued to Ha Long Bay and then on to Hong Kong, as per the itinerary.
Silversea, which acknowledges in a statement that "there was contact between Silver Shadow and a local commercial vessel," says "guests' safety was never compromised." The ship, which was on a nine-night cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong, reached the port of Ha Long Bay, where tours took place as scheduled. A Silversea spokesman commented that the ship remains fully operational and is embarking on its next itinerary from Hong Kong today. No itineraries will be impacted.
Although the spokesperson did not address the reasons behind the incident, A client who was onboard reported, "Today, in Gulf of Tonkin in dense fog the ship had a mild collision with a small freighter. No great damage and only a 90-minute delay reaching destination."
Silversea Cruises has launched an investigation after one of its luxury vessels collided with a cargo ship off the coast of Vietnam.
The company confirmed in a statement that the 382-passenger Silver Shadow collided with a local container ship on Friday morning as it was approaching Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.
It dismissed the collision as a "minor incident" but said it was carrying out a full investigation.
No passengers were injured and the ship, which suffered only "minor dents", according to Silversea, continued to Ha Long Bay and then on to Hong Kong, as per the itinerary.
Silversea, which acknowledges in a statement that "there was contact between Silver Shadow and a local commercial vessel," says "guests' safety was never compromised." The ship, which was on a nine-night cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong, reached the port of Ha Long Bay, where tours took place as scheduled. A Silversea spokesman commented that the ship remains fully operational and is embarking on its next itinerary from Hong Kong today. No itineraries will be impacted.
Although the spokesperson did not address the reasons behind the incident, A client who was onboard reported, "Today, in Gulf of Tonkin in dense fog the ship had a mild collision with a small freighter. No great damage and only a 90-minute delay reaching destination."
Monday 19 March 2012
Last-minute deals and incentives on offer
Cruise lines are offering last-minute deals and incentives to jump-start business as they cope with a string of bad news. After the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska are the most popular destinations.
Cruise lines are using two-for-one deals, onboard ship credits, discounted airfares, "free" gratuities, even chocolate-dipped strawberries to jump-start business as they cope with a tsunami of bad news this year.
First came safety fears raised by the January shipwreck of the Costa Concordia in Italy, then a fire aboard a sister ship, the Costa Allegra, in the Indian Ocean in late February.
An outbreak of the norovirus forced a Princess Cruises ship to return to port. A group of cruise-ship passengers were robbed while on a nature hike near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Meanwhile, summer airfares to Europe are soaring and riots in Greece are giving travelers the jitters — cutting into European cruise sales.
After the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska are this year's most popular destinations, according to Cruise Holiday's 2012 Cruise Trends survey. Prices on Alaskan cruises are higher than they were last year, but travel agents say that could change in the coming months.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Cruise lines are using two-for-one deals, onboard ship credits, discounted airfares, "free" gratuities, even chocolate-dipped strawberries to jump-start business as they cope with a tsunami of bad news this year.
First came safety fears raised by the January shipwreck of the Costa Concordia in Italy, then a fire aboard a sister ship, the Costa Allegra, in the Indian Ocean in late February.
An outbreak of the norovirus forced a Princess Cruises ship to return to port. A group of cruise-ship passengers were robbed while on a nature hike near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Meanwhile, summer airfares to Europe are soaring and riots in Greece are giving travelers the jitters — cutting into European cruise sales.
After the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska are this year's most popular destinations, according to Cruise Holiday's 2012 Cruise Trends survey. Prices on Alaskan cruises are higher than they were last year, but travel agents say that could change in the coming months.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Sunday 18 March 2012
Swan Hellenic's ship Minerva returns to service
Minerva, Swan Hellenic’s solitary cruise ship, which was saved from extinction by a campaign supported by Telegraph Travel readers, has returned to service after a three-month overhaul.
Passengers on board the 350-berth vessel can now expect refurbished en-suite bathrooms, a newly installed promenade deck, a lounge bar with 360 degree views, and an improved internet area.
The ship will be sailing in Europe this spring, offering cruises to the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
In 2006, Telegraph Travel launched a “Save our Swan” campaign, after Swan Hellenic’s parent company, P & O, was sold to the Carnival Corporation, putting Minerva’s future at risk. Carnival planned to do away with the brand and redeploy Minerva elsewhere. The plans prompted hundreds of readers to write in, registering their opposition.
Inspired by the campaign, Lord Sterling, a former chairman of P&O, bought the Swan Hellenic name and, with the help of All Leisure Holidays Group, secured the use of Minerva, ensuring that Swan devotees could continue enjoying its cultural cruises.
“Minerva’s renovations mark a new chapter in the long history of Swan Hellenic and underline All Leisure Group PLC’s commitment to the future of this popular ship, enabling it to remain at the forefront of cultural discovery cruising for years to come,” said Colin Stone, managing director of Swan Hellenic.
"We took onboard feedback from our passengers to ensure the major refurbishments allow the ship to continue to appeal to our loyal customers but also hopefully appeal to those who are keen to try their first discovery cruise on an intimate ship.”
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Passengers on board the 350-berth vessel can now expect refurbished en-suite bathrooms, a newly installed promenade deck, a lounge bar with 360 degree views, and an improved internet area.
The ship will be sailing in Europe this spring, offering cruises to the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
In 2006, Telegraph Travel launched a “Save our Swan” campaign, after Swan Hellenic’s parent company, P & O, was sold to the Carnival Corporation, putting Minerva’s future at risk. Carnival planned to do away with the brand and redeploy Minerva elsewhere. The plans prompted hundreds of readers to write in, registering their opposition.
Inspired by the campaign, Lord Sterling, a former chairman of P&O, bought the Swan Hellenic name and, with the help of All Leisure Holidays Group, secured the use of Minerva, ensuring that Swan devotees could continue enjoying its cultural cruises.
“Minerva’s renovations mark a new chapter in the long history of Swan Hellenic and underline All Leisure Group PLC’s commitment to the future of this popular ship, enabling it to remain at the forefront of cultural discovery cruising for years to come,” said Colin Stone, managing director of Swan Hellenic.
"We took onboard feedback from our passengers to ensure the major refurbishments allow the ship to continue to appeal to our loyal customers but also hopefully appeal to those who are keen to try their first discovery cruise on an intimate ship.”
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Friday 16 March 2012
Princess Cancels Two Cruises Due to Propulsion Issue
An issue with the propulsion motor on Caribbean Princess caused the ship to cut its most recent sailing short, and according to a statement from Princess Cruises, it has also prompted the line to cancel two subsequent sailings scheduled for March 18 and March 25.
The ship, which arrived back in its homeport of San Juan for repairs on Wednesday, is currently serving as a floating hotel for passengers aboard the March 11 sailing, who will be allowed to stay onboard until Sunday, when the voyage was due to end. The ship overnighted in St. Maarten -- the itinerary's first port of call -- on Monday after arriving more than four hours late.
Those on the shortened sailing and those on the March 18 and March 25 sailings will each be issued a full-fare refund and a 25 percent future cruise credit. Those on the March 18 and March 25 sailings will have their airfare either refunded or credited if booked through Princess. If not booked through Princess, those affected can submit any airfare change fees to the line for reimbursement. Princess' statement also says the line will refund any transfers, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, and government fees and taxes.
The necessary repairs will tentatively be completed in time for the ship's April 1 sailing from San Juan.
The ship, which arrived back in its homeport of San Juan for repairs on Wednesday, is currently serving as a floating hotel for passengers aboard the March 11 sailing, who will be allowed to stay onboard until Sunday, when the voyage was due to end. The ship overnighted in St. Maarten -- the itinerary's first port of call -- on Monday after arriving more than four hours late.
Those on the shortened sailing and those on the March 18 and March 25 sailings will each be issued a full-fare refund and a 25 percent future cruise credit. Those on the March 18 and March 25 sailings will have their airfare either refunded or credited if booked through Princess. If not booked through Princess, those affected can submit any airfare change fees to the line for reimbursement. Princess' statement also says the line will refund any transfers, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, and government fees and taxes.
The necessary repairs will tentatively be completed in time for the ship's April 1 sailing from San Juan.
Thursday 15 March 2012
Free Cabin Upgrades in March with P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises is offering free cabin upgrades in March on a selection of 67 cruise holidays on all seven ships in the fleet, departing between June and December 2012.
All cruises in the promotion depart from Southampton and are between two and 35 nights in duration, to a choice of destinations such as the Mediterranean, Baltic, Canary Islands, Caribbean, USA and Canada, Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, and Around Britain.
The Ultimate Upgrade promotion is valid on bookings made throughout March, and entitles customers to a higher grade cabin at a lower grade price.
A nine night Atlantic Coast cruise on board Oceana, departing from Southampton on May 25, 2012, and calling in Gibraltar, Casablanca, Cadiz, Lisbon and Vigo, now has the following pricing*:
Inside cabin - Was: £949 - Now: £949
Outside cabin - Was: £1,259 - Now: £949
Balcony cabin - Was: £1,429 - Now: £1,259
Mini-suite - Was:£2,339 - Now: £1,429
Suite - Was: £2,869 - Now: £2,499
P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “Customers booking in March will receive a fantastic value cruise holiday, offering the kind of cabin that may normally not be affordable for an even better cruise experience. This summer or autumn you could be enjoying a stunning view of the fjords from your balcony or toasting the Caribbean sunset from a suite; all for less than expected, thus highlighting the unbeatable value for money offered by a cruise holiday.”
*For more information visit http://www.pocruises.co.uk or call 0845 3 554 444.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
All cruises in the promotion depart from Southampton and are between two and 35 nights in duration, to a choice of destinations such as the Mediterranean, Baltic, Canary Islands, Caribbean, USA and Canada, Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, and Around Britain.
The Ultimate Upgrade promotion is valid on bookings made throughout March, and entitles customers to a higher grade cabin at a lower grade price.
A nine night Atlantic Coast cruise on board Oceana, departing from Southampton on May 25, 2012, and calling in Gibraltar, Casablanca, Cadiz, Lisbon and Vigo, now has the following pricing*:
Inside cabin - Was: £949 - Now: £949
Outside cabin - Was: £1,259 - Now: £949
Balcony cabin - Was: £1,429 - Now: £1,259
Mini-suite - Was:£2,339 - Now: £1,429
Suite - Was: £2,869 - Now: £2,499
P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “Customers booking in March will receive a fantastic value cruise holiday, offering the kind of cabin that may normally not be affordable for an even better cruise experience. This summer or autumn you could be enjoying a stunning view of the fjords from your balcony or toasting the Caribbean sunset from a suite; all for less than expected, thus highlighting the unbeatable value for money offered by a cruise holiday.”
*For more information visit http://www.pocruises.co.uk or call 0845 3 554 444.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Wednesday 14 March 2012
Cruise to mark 100 Years of RMS Titanic
April 2012 will mark the 100th anniversary of the fateful voyage of RMS Titanic, world’s largest ship that sank into the North Atlantic Ocean after hitting the iceberg on April 15, 1912.
A cruise to tour the same route and auction several unseen artifacts on anniversary of the incident will take place this year.
The tragic incident is still etched in people's memories 100 years after and always will be. After almost a century, Bonhams will sell significant items recovered from the sunken ship in The Marine Sale on April 3, 2012, the British auction house reported.
The exhibition will feature the biggest collection of over 300 artifacts that have been raised from the seabed over the century, Reuters reported.
The artifacts, some of which have never been seen before, will be sold off as a single lot in the auction in April, timed for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the famed ocean liner, the report said.
A cruise run by Fred Olsen Cruises, whose parent company Harland and Wolf built the Titanic, will tour the same route as that of the Titanic, carrying the same number of passengers to mark the anniversary of the unforgettable tragedy.
The "Balmoral" will carry 1,309 passengers and will cruise exactly the same route as Titanic, leaving Southampton before docking at the Irish port of Cobh, where the Titanic had made its final call on 11 April 1912
The ship will arrive at the same location where it hit the iceberg and a special memorial ceremony will be held at 11:40 p.m and 2:20 a.m on April 15, the day the vessel sank in 1912.
A cruise to tour the same route and auction several unseen artifacts on anniversary of the incident will take place this year.
The tragic incident is still etched in people's memories 100 years after and always will be. After almost a century, Bonhams will sell significant items recovered from the sunken ship in The Marine Sale on April 3, 2012, the British auction house reported.
The exhibition will feature the biggest collection of over 300 artifacts that have been raised from the seabed over the century, Reuters reported.
The artifacts, some of which have never been seen before, will be sold off as a single lot in the auction in April, timed for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the famed ocean liner, the report said.
A cruise run by Fred Olsen Cruises, whose parent company Harland and Wolf built the Titanic, will tour the same route as that of the Titanic, carrying the same number of passengers to mark the anniversary of the unforgettable tragedy.
The "Balmoral" will carry 1,309 passengers and will cruise exactly the same route as Titanic, leaving Southampton before docking at the Irish port of Cobh, where the Titanic had made its final call on 11 April 1912
The ship will arrive at the same location where it hit the iceberg and a special memorial ceremony will be held at 11:40 p.m and 2:20 a.m on April 15, the day the vessel sank in 1912.
2013 Alaskan Itineraries with Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International will visit Alaskan waters in summer 2013 with the cruise line’s recently revitalized ships.
Soon to be revitalized Rhapsody of the Seas will offer guests refreshed staterooms, expanded technological conveniences, and nearly quadrupled dining options on seven-night round-trip cruises from Seattle, Wash. Radiance of the Seas, revitalized in 2011, will alternate seven-night north- and southbound itineraries from Vancouver and Seward, Alaska.
Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruisetours combine a Radiance of the Seas’ sailing with a pre- or post-cruise land tour that totals to a 10- to 13-night land and sea adventure that ranges as far north as Fairbanks. For the land tour portion, guests are escorted by a Royal Caribbean Tour Director. Royal Caribbean Cruisetours include premium hotel accommodations, motorcoach transportation and admission into select attractions. Almost all 2013 Alaska Cruisetours also include a leg aboard the Wilderness Express.
Vacationers also can choose a 13-night Canadian Rockies Cruisetour, which features independent travel aboard Canada’s VIA Rail to Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Vancouver and Victoria. Furthermore, vacationers can choose an 18-night Cruisetour that combines Alaska and the Canadian Rockies for a Pacific Northwest expedition.
Every Friday from May 17 through Aug. 30, 2013, Radiance of the Seas will alternate seven-night north- and southbound itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. Alaskan ports of call include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway. Additionally, guests will cruise the Inside Passage as well as get an up-close view of Hubbard Glacier.
Rhapsody of the Seas also will sail every Friday on seven-night, round-trip Alaska cruises from Seattle, calling at Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, and Victoria, B.C. Guests also will transit Alaska’s Inside Passage, as well as venture up Tracy Arm Fjord to see Sawyer Glacier.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Soon to be revitalized Rhapsody of the Seas will offer guests refreshed staterooms, expanded technological conveniences, and nearly quadrupled dining options on seven-night round-trip cruises from Seattle, Wash. Radiance of the Seas, revitalized in 2011, will alternate seven-night north- and southbound itineraries from Vancouver and Seward, Alaska.
Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruisetours combine a Radiance of the Seas’ sailing with a pre- or post-cruise land tour that totals to a 10- to 13-night land and sea adventure that ranges as far north as Fairbanks. For the land tour portion, guests are escorted by a Royal Caribbean Tour Director. Royal Caribbean Cruisetours include premium hotel accommodations, motorcoach transportation and admission into select attractions. Almost all 2013 Alaska Cruisetours also include a leg aboard the Wilderness Express.
Vacationers also can choose a 13-night Canadian Rockies Cruisetour, which features independent travel aboard Canada’s VIA Rail to Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Vancouver and Victoria. Furthermore, vacationers can choose an 18-night Cruisetour that combines Alaska and the Canadian Rockies for a Pacific Northwest expedition.
Every Friday from May 17 through Aug. 30, 2013, Radiance of the Seas will alternate seven-night north- and southbound itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. Alaskan ports of call include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway. Additionally, guests will cruise the Inside Passage as well as get an up-close view of Hubbard Glacier.
Rhapsody of the Seas also will sail every Friday on seven-night, round-trip Alaska cruises from Seattle, calling at Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, and Victoria, B.C. Guests also will transit Alaska’s Inside Passage, as well as venture up Tracy Arm Fjord to see Sawyer Glacier.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Monday 12 March 2012
Fall in number of Nile holidays
Political unrest in Egypt saw a big fall in the number of Britons taking River Nile cruises last year.
UK holidaymakers took 58,000 Nile cruises in 2010 but only 25,200 in 2011, the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) said.
As the Nile accounts for the vast majority of non-European river cruise holidays, the total number of trips taken by Britons on cruises outside Europe fell from 67,300 in 2010 to 33,500 last year.
European river cruise numbers, however, rose last year - going up 7% to 80,300.
The French rivers of the Rhone and the Seine saw a big increase, while the number of Britons choosing a combined cruise along the Rhine and the Danube doubled.
The Rhine, the Moselle and their tributaries attracted the most trips by Britons - totalling 20,000.
The average price paid for a river cruise rose from £1,367 in 2010 to £1,574 in 2011, with the total value of the UK river cruise market being approximately £179 million.
UK holidaymakers took 58,000 Nile cruises in 2010 but only 25,200 in 2011, the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) said.
As the Nile accounts for the vast majority of non-European river cruise holidays, the total number of trips taken by Britons on cruises outside Europe fell from 67,300 in 2010 to 33,500 last year.
European river cruise numbers, however, rose last year - going up 7% to 80,300.
The French rivers of the Rhone and the Seine saw a big increase, while the number of Britons choosing a combined cruise along the Rhine and the Danube doubled.
The Rhine, the Moselle and their tributaries attracted the most trips by Britons - totalling 20,000.
The average price paid for a river cruise rose from £1,367 in 2010 to £1,574 in 2011, with the total value of the UK river cruise market being approximately £179 million.
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