Norway saw two of Cunard's liners together in the country for the first time this week as both Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria took their respective guests on luxury cruise vacations through the breathtaking Fjords. The ships are pictured here at Flaam, near Sognefjord, where they called for a day on 25 June.
In true Cunard style, the sister Queens saluted each other several times, with the echoes of their whistles reverberating through the lush mountains for long periods after the initial blasts.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Friday 29 June 2012
Wednesday 27 June 2012
MSC to Broadcast London Olympic Games
As the end of Euro 2012 approaches, MSC Cruises’ guests will be delighted to learn that they can now combine their fabulous holiday with all of the excitement of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. From July 72 to August 12 2012, guests across the entire MSC Cruises’ fleet can tune in live to London for the high drama, emotion and tension that the Olympics never fails to provide.
Over 2,000 hours of the games will be broadcast via satellite in public areas as well as in guests’ cabins.
Coverage will include 29 Olympic sports as well as the opening and closing ceremony, and guests can cheer on their favourite sportsmen and women from the over 10,000 athletes competing in diverse events from archery to triathlon, athletics to volleyball.
Onboard entertainment during this period will also be Olympic themed. A colourful parade celebrating different nationalities will take place on every cruise, and lesser known national anthems will be sung around the pool in a fun-filled ceremony.
Guests can place bets on the games, the finals and on the number of medals each nation will take home. Video quizzes on the history of the Olympic Games will also allow sports buffs to show off their knowledge.
For the most competitive guests, five-aside football, ping pong, darts and shuffleboard tournaments will be organized, with medals awarded to the champions of each event.
For something a bit more light-hearted, many amusing events have been dreamed up, including fully-clothed relays in the pool, football juggling, and exciting scavenger hunts.
MSC chefs have also taken inspiration from the games, and impressive cakes decorated with the famous symbol of the Olympics, the six interlocked rings, will tempt even the most serious athletes to break their strict regimes. Cocktails have also been renamed and matched with different events, so guests can enjoy the “Muhammad Ali” Strawberry Daiquiri during the boxing, the “Kung Fu Panda” Negroni during the wrestling, or the “Tour de France” Aperol Spritz during the cycling, amongst many more.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Over 2,000 hours of the games will be broadcast via satellite in public areas as well as in guests’ cabins.
Coverage will include 29 Olympic sports as well as the opening and closing ceremony, and guests can cheer on their favourite sportsmen and women from the over 10,000 athletes competing in diverse events from archery to triathlon, athletics to volleyball.
Onboard entertainment during this period will also be Olympic themed. A colourful parade celebrating different nationalities will take place on every cruise, and lesser known national anthems will be sung around the pool in a fun-filled ceremony.
Guests can place bets on the games, the finals and on the number of medals each nation will take home. Video quizzes on the history of the Olympic Games will also allow sports buffs to show off their knowledge.
For the most competitive guests, five-aside football, ping pong, darts and shuffleboard tournaments will be organized, with medals awarded to the champions of each event.
For something a bit more light-hearted, many amusing events have been dreamed up, including fully-clothed relays in the pool, football juggling, and exciting scavenger hunts.
MSC chefs have also taken inspiration from the games, and impressive cakes decorated with the famous symbol of the Olympics, the six interlocked rings, will tempt even the most serious athletes to break their strict regimes. Cocktails have also been renamed and matched with different events, so guests can enjoy the “Muhammad Ali” Strawberry Daiquiri during the boxing, the “Kung Fu Panda” Negroni during the wrestling, or the “Tour de France” Aperol Spritz during the cycling, amongst many more.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Tuesday 26 June 2012
How to take a mini-cruise
Small and perfectly formed: From sail ships to luxury yachts
In an age in which every new cruise liner seems bigger than the last, it's reassuring to find there are some ships that still resemble ocean-going vessels rather than floating hotels.
Perhaps the most romantic are masted sailing yachts, which offer the charms of a relaxed, intimate atmosphere and the ability to moor in small harbours or drop anchor in secluded coves.
And what could be more thrilling than standing on deck looking up at billowing white sails... knowing you are never going to have to climb the rigging yourself? If you prefer - and if you have the budget - you can even experience the luxury of a super-yacht worthy of an oligarch in the Mediterranean.
Here is a variety of suggestions for those who want to sail away from the crowds...
Budding sea dogs might want to sail the Med on Star Clippers' five-masted Royal Clipper, where you can volunteer to help hoist the sails or climb a mast. A four-night cruise from Civitavecchia, the port that serves Rome, takes you to Corsica to moor overnight, Sardinia's Costa Smeralda and finally to Elba, where Napoleon was briefly held captive.
Travel is by Eurostar and sleeper train via Paris. The cost for departure on June 5 is from £1,319 per person (0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk).
On the three yachts of Windstar Cruises, there's no need for anyone - crew or passengers - to climb the rigging: the sails are fully automated. The sleek part-yacht, part-cruise ships have a casual dress code and the mood is laid-back luxury.
Wind Star - one of the two smaller vessels, with just 74 cabins - has a six-night cruise from Rome to Barcelona departing on July 15, costing from £2,859pp, including flights. You'll call at Elba, Porto Vecchio in Corsica, Alghero in Sardinia and Palma de Mallorca.
Alternatively, you can head to the Baltic Sea on the magnificent, five-masted Wind Surf, one of the two largest sail cruise ships in the world, on a week's cruise from Oslo to Stockholm leaving July 27.
It stays overnight at Copenhagen and calls at Rugen in Germany - where you can see spectacular white chalk cliffs that flank one of the two national parks, and also the Danish island of Bornholm, with its dramatic landscapes and historic buildings. The cost is from £2,294pp including flights (020 7292 2369, www.windstarcruises.co.uk).
Built as the identical twin to Wind Surf, Club Med 2 sails on a variety of itineraries around the Eastern Mediterranean for the French holiday company. A seven-night cruise from Bodrum to Athens costs from £2,959pp, including flights (0845 367 0670, www.clubmed.co.uk).
A French option for lovers of Gallic chic is the Compagnie de Ponant fleet. Le Ponant is a three-masted sailing yacht for 64 passengers. The company also operates L'Austral, a new ultra-smart super-yacht launched last year. It has 132 cabins and suites.
A week aboard Le Ponant sailing from Nice on July 7 to St Tropez and western Corsica costs from £2,460pp, and a ten-night cruise on L'Austral from Venice to Croatia and Montenegro sailing on August 10 is from £2,780pp.
The price includes €150 (£122) per person onboard credit, but not flights (020 7399 7670, www.mundycruising.co.uk).
On glamorous twin mega-yachts SeaDream I and II, there are plenty of attractions to lure you out of your luxury cabins. In the evening you can go to sleep on deck in a 'Balinese dream bed'.
SeaDream say their itineraries visit the intimate ports, harbours and yachting playgrounds larger ships cannot reach.
A week sailing from Dubrovnik to Venice on SeaDream I, departing August 4, is from £4,070pp including tips, open bar and flights when booked with Azure Collection (01244 322770, www.azurecollection.com).
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
In an age in which every new cruise liner seems bigger than the last, it's reassuring to find there are some ships that still resemble ocean-going vessels rather than floating hotels.
Perhaps the most romantic are masted sailing yachts, which offer the charms of a relaxed, intimate atmosphere and the ability to moor in small harbours or drop anchor in secluded coves.
And what could be more thrilling than standing on deck looking up at billowing white sails... knowing you are never going to have to climb the rigging yourself? If you prefer - and if you have the budget - you can even experience the luxury of a super-yacht worthy of an oligarch in the Mediterranean.
Here is a variety of suggestions for those who want to sail away from the crowds...
Budding sea dogs might want to sail the Med on Star Clippers' five-masted Royal Clipper, where you can volunteer to help hoist the sails or climb a mast. A four-night cruise from Civitavecchia, the port that serves Rome, takes you to Corsica to moor overnight, Sardinia's Costa Smeralda and finally to Elba, where Napoleon was briefly held captive.
Travel is by Eurostar and sleeper train via Paris. The cost for departure on June 5 is from £1,319 per person (0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk).
On the three yachts of Windstar Cruises, there's no need for anyone - crew or passengers - to climb the rigging: the sails are fully automated. The sleek part-yacht, part-cruise ships have a casual dress code and the mood is laid-back luxury.
Wind Star - one of the two smaller vessels, with just 74 cabins - has a six-night cruise from Rome to Barcelona departing on July 15, costing from £2,859pp, including flights. You'll call at Elba, Porto Vecchio in Corsica, Alghero in Sardinia and Palma de Mallorca.
Alternatively, you can head to the Baltic Sea on the magnificent, five-masted Wind Surf, one of the two largest sail cruise ships in the world, on a week's cruise from Oslo to Stockholm leaving July 27.
It stays overnight at Copenhagen and calls at Rugen in Germany - where you can see spectacular white chalk cliffs that flank one of the two national parks, and also the Danish island of Bornholm, with its dramatic landscapes and historic buildings. The cost is from £2,294pp including flights (020 7292 2369, www.windstarcruises.co.uk).
Built as the identical twin to Wind Surf, Club Med 2 sails on a variety of itineraries around the Eastern Mediterranean for the French holiday company. A seven-night cruise from Bodrum to Athens costs from £2,959pp, including flights (0845 367 0670, www.clubmed.co.uk).
A French option for lovers of Gallic chic is the Compagnie de Ponant fleet. Le Ponant is a three-masted sailing yacht for 64 passengers. The company also operates L'Austral, a new ultra-smart super-yacht launched last year. It has 132 cabins and suites.
A week aboard Le Ponant sailing from Nice on July 7 to St Tropez and western Corsica costs from £2,460pp, and a ten-night cruise on L'Austral from Venice to Croatia and Montenegro sailing on August 10 is from £2,780pp.
The price includes €150 (£122) per person onboard credit, but not flights (020 7399 7670, www.mundycruising.co.uk).
On glamorous twin mega-yachts SeaDream I and II, there are plenty of attractions to lure you out of your luxury cabins. In the evening you can go to sleep on deck in a 'Balinese dream bed'.
SeaDream say their itineraries visit the intimate ports, harbours and yachting playgrounds larger ships cannot reach.
A week sailing from Dubrovnik to Venice on SeaDream I, departing August 4, is from £4,070pp including tips, open bar and flights when booked with Azure Collection (01244 322770, www.azurecollection.com).
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Monday 25 June 2012
Europe A Sea of Challenges: Summer 2012
Some countries in Europe continue to be strong despite the economic and political challenges that much of Europe is facing. Other countries, especially in Southern Europe, may be on the verge of economic collapse, as a sea of challenges keeps coming.
Meanwhile, the cruise passenger capacity for 2012 for ships sailing in Europe is approximately 5.7 million, up 5 percent from 5.4 million in 2011, compared to a 9 percent increase from 2010 to 2011.
While deployed cruise capacity is an indication of market health, the true diagnosis will come when the publicly held companies report their third quarter earnings. There is a difference between filling ships and filling ships at profitable rates.
Have contingency plans become the rule rather than the exception? The big upset this year was, of course, the grounding of the Costa Concordia, and if that did not hit Costa and the industry hard enough, only weeks later the Costa Allegra suffered a crippling engine room fire for yet another round of negative press coverage.
The cruise industry has subsequently stepped up its offensive both in North America and Europe and announced a number of proactive safety measures, and the European Cruise Council (ECC) has been working hard with European institutions to make sure they understand that the recent incidents are not commonplace, according to Robert Ashdown, director of technical affairs, environment and operations for the ECC.
“We need to make sure that when governments look at the need for further regulations, they have the full picture,” he said.
Currently, the whole gamut of environmental issues is alsol on the table.
“We would like to see that any regulation that comes through is practical and achievable,” Ashdown said, “including labor affairs, and health and hygiene issues, which affect all global operators.”
Financial analysts are taking a cautious approach for the near term. According to Goldman Sachs, following a massive surge in European capacity, cruise lines may have to wait for customers and pricing to catch up.
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the situation in Greece and by implication in Spain, Portugal, Ireland and, perhaps most important, Italy, according to David Leibowitz, research analyst at Horizon Kinetics in New York. While new ship launches and special events help create publicity, the issue that consumers are struggling with, he said, is what their situation will be like six to eight months from now.
In the UK, David Selby, managing director of Travelyields, a travel consulting firm, said that people are concerned about their jobs and are careful about how they spend their money. He said he has never seen such low prices on cruises, which he attributed to late bookings, and “if the market was better, the deals would not be there.”
But there is light at the end of the infamous tunnel. Based on historical models, Leibowitz said the next few years will see European markets turn around – helped by a slower newbuild pace and the retirement of older tonnage.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Meanwhile, the cruise passenger capacity for 2012 for ships sailing in Europe is approximately 5.7 million, up 5 percent from 5.4 million in 2011, compared to a 9 percent increase from 2010 to 2011.
While deployed cruise capacity is an indication of market health, the true diagnosis will come when the publicly held companies report their third quarter earnings. There is a difference between filling ships and filling ships at profitable rates.
Have contingency plans become the rule rather than the exception? The big upset this year was, of course, the grounding of the Costa Concordia, and if that did not hit Costa and the industry hard enough, only weeks later the Costa Allegra suffered a crippling engine room fire for yet another round of negative press coverage.
The cruise industry has subsequently stepped up its offensive both in North America and Europe and announced a number of proactive safety measures, and the European Cruise Council (ECC) has been working hard with European institutions to make sure they understand that the recent incidents are not commonplace, according to Robert Ashdown, director of technical affairs, environment and operations for the ECC.
“We need to make sure that when governments look at the need for further regulations, they have the full picture,” he said.
Currently, the whole gamut of environmental issues is alsol on the table.
“We would like to see that any regulation that comes through is practical and achievable,” Ashdown said, “including labor affairs, and health and hygiene issues, which affect all global operators.”
Financial analysts are taking a cautious approach for the near term. According to Goldman Sachs, following a massive surge in European capacity, cruise lines may have to wait for customers and pricing to catch up.
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the situation in Greece and by implication in Spain, Portugal, Ireland and, perhaps most important, Italy, according to David Leibowitz, research analyst at Horizon Kinetics in New York. While new ship launches and special events help create publicity, the issue that consumers are struggling with, he said, is what their situation will be like six to eight months from now.
In the UK, David Selby, managing director of Travelyields, a travel consulting firm, said that people are concerned about their jobs and are careful about how they spend their money. He said he has never seen such low prices on cruises, which he attributed to late bookings, and “if the market was better, the deals would not be there.”
But there is light at the end of the infamous tunnel. Based on historical models, Leibowitz said the next few years will see European markets turn around – helped by a slower newbuild pace and the retirement of older tonnage.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Friday 22 June 2012
Silversea Acquires New Ship
Silversea has acquired a new expedition cruise ship and a Galapagos-based Ecuadorian tourism company.
The ultra-luxury line has bought the 100-passenger, 4,077-ton expedition ship Galapagos Explorer II and upmarket Ecuadorian tourism company Canodros.
The ship will continue to operate as Galapagos Explorer II until September 2013, when it will be refurbished to Silversea standards and renamed.
The ship will fall under the Silversea Expeditions brand, and will complement its other expedition ship, Silver Explorer. The purchase is part of Silversea's long-running desire to expand further into the expedition market. It will also mean the line can offer Galapagos itineraries for the first time.
Steve Odell, Silversea's Senior Vice President, UK, Europe and Asia Pacific, told Cruise Critic: “This has been in the making for several months and this is one of the areas that we have been keen to expand into. No one is offering a luxury cruise experience to the Galapagos Islands of the standards of Silversea.”
Galapagos Explorer II is a former Renaissance ship and already has 50 suites, all of which have ocean views, and 24 of which will have private balconies. Public spaces include a restaurant, piano bar, library and internet station, main lounge, outdoor bar, two outdoor whirlpools and a marine observation deck.
Odell said the ship would be refurbished to Silversea standards and would include butler service for all the suites, but that structurally it would stay the same:
“We will have to take it out [next September] to do some technical work and soft furnishings. But it's a lovely ship, an old Renaissance one, so we won't change the size of the suites.”
The ship sails under an Ecuadorian flag and has an all-Ecuadorian crew. It's not clear how long the ship will be out of service, nor what its new name will be at this stage.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
The ultra-luxury line has bought the 100-passenger, 4,077-ton expedition ship Galapagos Explorer II and upmarket Ecuadorian tourism company Canodros.
The ship will continue to operate as Galapagos Explorer II until September 2013, when it will be refurbished to Silversea standards and renamed.
The ship will fall under the Silversea Expeditions brand, and will complement its other expedition ship, Silver Explorer. The purchase is part of Silversea's long-running desire to expand further into the expedition market. It will also mean the line can offer Galapagos itineraries for the first time.
Steve Odell, Silversea's Senior Vice President, UK, Europe and Asia Pacific, told Cruise Critic: “This has been in the making for several months and this is one of the areas that we have been keen to expand into. No one is offering a luxury cruise experience to the Galapagos Islands of the standards of Silversea.”
Galapagos Explorer II is a former Renaissance ship and already has 50 suites, all of which have ocean views, and 24 of which will have private balconies. Public spaces include a restaurant, piano bar, library and internet station, main lounge, outdoor bar, two outdoor whirlpools and a marine observation deck.
Odell said the ship would be refurbished to Silversea standards and would include butler service for all the suites, but that structurally it would stay the same:
“We will have to take it out [next September] to do some technical work and soft furnishings. But it's a lovely ship, an old Renaissance one, so we won't change the size of the suites.”
The ship sails under an Ecuadorian flag and has an all-Ecuadorian crew. It's not clear how long the ship will be out of service, nor what its new name will be at this stage.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Wednesday 20 June 2012
Master Chef's International Dinner Introduced by Holland America
Holland America Line has unveiled a new Master Chef’s International Dinner in the main dining room, a unique experience showcasing signature dishes from around the world. The exotic menu is offered once a cruise and features cuisine from six continents crafted by Holland America Line’s award-winning Master Chef Rudi Sodamin in collaboration with several of the line’s expert chefs.
Guests can design their international three- or four-course meal by choosing each course from selections that represent a variety of cultures. The exclusive 20-dish menu includes appetizers, entrees and desserts from Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, as well as wine pairings from each region. Guests also can choose Chef Rudi’s Tour Around the World, a pre-selected three-course meal by the master chef.
“The Master Chef’s International Dinner is a special culinary celebration of cultures around the world,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Each dish captures the essence of the region’s cuisine with each course complementing the next, making for a truly exquisite dining experience for our guests.”
The international menu includes Scandinavian-style Seafood and Potato Chowder, Lebanese Lamb Shank, Argentinean Guiso Soup, Bourbon Glazed Beef with Grilled Portabella Mushrooms and Tofu and Vegetable Korma. Desserts include New York-style Cheesecake, Viennese Mohr im Hemd and Kiwi and Passion Fruit Pavlova, a traditional meringue-based Russian dessert.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Guests can design their international three- or four-course meal by choosing each course from selections that represent a variety of cultures. The exclusive 20-dish menu includes appetizers, entrees and desserts from Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, as well as wine pairings from each region. Guests also can choose Chef Rudi’s Tour Around the World, a pre-selected three-course meal by the master chef.
“The Master Chef’s International Dinner is a special culinary celebration of cultures around the world,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Each dish captures the essence of the region’s cuisine with each course complementing the next, making for a truly exquisite dining experience for our guests.”
The international menu includes Scandinavian-style Seafood and Potato Chowder, Lebanese Lamb Shank, Argentinean Guiso Soup, Bourbon Glazed Beef with Grilled Portabella Mushrooms and Tofu and Vegetable Korma. Desserts include New York-style Cheesecake, Viennese Mohr im Hemd and Kiwi and Passion Fruit Pavlova, a traditional meringue-based Russian dessert.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Tuesday 19 June 2012
Unlimited Drinks Package with MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises has announced an all-inclusive beverage package, ‘Allegrissimo’, allowing guests to enjoy unlimited wines, cocktails and beverages throughout their entire cruise.
Adults can enjoy unlimited wines by the glass, cocktails, draught beer, soft drinks and juices, mineral water, smoothies, and take away ice creams.
Children can enjoy soft drinks and juices, mineral water, hot drinks, smoothies and milkshakes, and take away ice creams.
The package can be used at every venue throughout the ship during the entire cruise, with the exception of the à-la-carte restaurants and mini-bars.
The ‘Allegrissimo Premium’ packages offer even more choice, and include all premium brands, a large range of DOC/DOCG wines by the glass, the best selection of premium and signature cocktails, drinks from the minibar as well as items from the 'Gelateria' menu, Pastry Shop and food from the room service menu.
The package can be used at every venue throughout the ship during the entire cruise, with the exception of the à-la-carte restaurants.
Guests can book their ‘Allegrissimo’ package by contacting their travel agent. In order to complement the services provided by travel agents and offer greater convenience to guests who wish to continue planning their holiday outside of travel agent hours, it is now also possible to book this service online through the company’s global website, as well as the local consumer websites in Italy, France, Austria, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Japan, Lebanon, USA and Mexico.
An ‘On Board Services Reservation Tool’ is available under the ‘On Board Services’ section of the websites and gives guests with a confirmed cruise booking reference number the opportunity to reserve special services, including ‘Allegrissimo’ packages, before their holiday departure. Once guests have confirmed the reservation of the particular service they have booked, the amount will be debited from their account on board ship through our post-paid service.
‘Allegrissimo’ packages booked through the ‘On Board Services Reservation Tool’ can be made or modified up to 3 days before departure.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Adults can enjoy unlimited wines by the glass, cocktails, draught beer, soft drinks and juices, mineral water, smoothies, and take away ice creams.
Children can enjoy soft drinks and juices, mineral water, hot drinks, smoothies and milkshakes, and take away ice creams.
The package can be used at every venue throughout the ship during the entire cruise, with the exception of the à-la-carte restaurants and mini-bars.
The ‘Allegrissimo Premium’ packages offer even more choice, and include all premium brands, a large range of DOC/DOCG wines by the glass, the best selection of premium and signature cocktails, drinks from the minibar as well as items from the 'Gelateria' menu, Pastry Shop and food from the room service menu.
The package can be used at every venue throughout the ship during the entire cruise, with the exception of the à-la-carte restaurants.
Guests can book their ‘Allegrissimo’ package by contacting their travel agent. In order to complement the services provided by travel agents and offer greater convenience to guests who wish to continue planning their holiday outside of travel agent hours, it is now also possible to book this service online through the company’s global website, as well as the local consumer websites in Italy, France, Austria, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Japan, Lebanon, USA and Mexico.
An ‘On Board Services Reservation Tool’ is available under the ‘On Board Services’ section of the websites and gives guests with a confirmed cruise booking reference number the opportunity to reserve special services, including ‘Allegrissimo’ packages, before their holiday departure. Once guests have confirmed the reservation of the particular service they have booked, the amount will be debited from their account on board ship through our post-paid service.
‘Allegrissimo’ packages booked through the ‘On Board Services Reservation Tool’ can be made or modified up to 3 days before departure.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Monday 18 June 2012
Madam Butterfly 3D aboard QM2
As part of its worldwide release schedule, Cunard Line has announced the first shipboard screenings of the 3D feature film, Madame Butterfly 3D, in association with the Royal Opera House and RealD, the world’s most widely used digital 3D projection technology. Captured during live performances at London’s internationally renowned Royal Opera House, Madam Butterfly 3D will be shown aboard the Queen Mary 2, beginning July 6, 2012, the only ship currently scheduled to present the film. The film opened earlier this year in the UK and is being released worldwide in almost 40 other countries through the fall of 2012.
Cunard began its partnership with RealD in 2011 with the installation of RealD 3D projection technology, furthering the relationship later that year with screenings of the RealD and Royal Opera House co-production, Carmen in 3D. Madam Butterfly 3D is expected to draw equally large and appreciative audiences, when it is presented in the ship’s grand 450-seat theatre, Illuminations.
This second co-production between RealD and the Royal Opera House gives viewers the best seat in the house at one of the world’s most prestigious venues for one of the world’s best loved operas.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Cunard began its partnership with RealD in 2011 with the installation of RealD 3D projection technology, furthering the relationship later that year with screenings of the RealD and Royal Opera House co-production, Carmen in 3D. Madam Butterfly 3D is expected to draw equally large and appreciative audiences, when it is presented in the ship’s grand 450-seat theatre, Illuminations.
This second co-production between RealD and the Royal Opera House gives viewers the best seat in the house at one of the world’s most prestigious venues for one of the world’s best loved operas.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Thursday 14 June 2012
Cruise lines under fire for high internet fees
Ocean-going cruise lines are facing growing criticism over the high charges they impose on passengers for internet access.
Despite the fact that many cruise companies pride themselves on offering an all-inclusive holiday experience, and with free internet becoming increasingly common in hotels, bars and even fast-food restaurants, research by Telegraph Travel has revealed that every major cruise line is still charging for internet and Wi-Fi access – with rates as high as £37.85 for a single hour's browsing.
More than 20 cruise lines were analysed in the study. Regent Seven Seas had the highest fees. The company charges a "pay as you go" rate of $0.95 (59p) per minute, or $57 (£35.40) an hour, in addition to a one-off "activation fee" of $3.95 (£2.45). Alternatively, passengers can opt for a $600 (£373) bill for 20 hours of browsing.
Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, NCL and P & O were also found to impose some of the highest fees. Celebrity charges passengers $24.95 (£15.50) for 38 minutes' access, or 41p per minute; Cunard charges $0.75 (47p) per minute, or $47.95 (£29.80) for two hours' access; NCL charges $0.75 (47p) per minute, or $55 (£34.20) for 100 minutes' usage. P & O charges 50p per minute or £35 for 100 minutes' access; its charge to send a single email is £2.50.
Four hours of internet browsing on an Azamara Cruises ship will cost holidaymakers $99.95 (£62) – marginally more expensive than on Carnival Cruise Lines, which charges $89 (£55) for the same amount of web time.
The cheapest pay-as-you-go access was 20p per minute, offered by Fred Olsen, while Paul Gauguin Cruises offers some of the best-value packages, with 250 minutes' access costing $0.25 (16p) per minute – although the line does charge an activation fee of £2.45.
Several Cruise clients commented on the issue via Telegraph Travel who undertook the research into internet charges onboard cruise ships to express frustration at the charges, with some criticising the speed and reliability of the internet access they have paid handsomely for.
"The cost of accessing the internet was so overpriced it wasn't worth it," said Geoff Hebden, 58, from Ipswich, who took a P & O cruise last year. "And yet small businesses, bars and cafés across the world offer it free – it's ridiculous."
Cruise lines defend their charges by citing the high cost of providing the service – internet access at sea is delivered using satellite communication, making it dearer than the same service on land.
"The cost of providing internet access from the middle of the ocean is expensive," said Graham Sadler, managing director of Regent Seven Seas. "As a luxury cruise brand we choose a fast speed, which may be reflected in the charges – but the quicker download speed means it may eventually become cheaper."
In contrast to ocean-going cruise lines, several river cruise companies – including Scenic Tours, Viking and AmaWaterways – do not charge for internet access.
Irish Ferries, which operates services between Ireland and the United Kingdom and France, does not charge, either, even though it uses satellite communication to provide the service.
A spokesman for the company said that it could not say how much it spent on providing passengers with the service, as it could not "separate out the cost of providing free Wi-Fi from [the cost of maintaining its existing] satellite equipment".
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Despite the fact that many cruise companies pride themselves on offering an all-inclusive holiday experience, and with free internet becoming increasingly common in hotels, bars and even fast-food restaurants, research by Telegraph Travel has revealed that every major cruise line is still charging for internet and Wi-Fi access – with rates as high as £37.85 for a single hour's browsing.
More than 20 cruise lines were analysed in the study. Regent Seven Seas had the highest fees. The company charges a "pay as you go" rate of $0.95 (59p) per minute, or $57 (£35.40) an hour, in addition to a one-off "activation fee" of $3.95 (£2.45). Alternatively, passengers can opt for a $600 (£373) bill for 20 hours of browsing.
Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, NCL and P & O were also found to impose some of the highest fees. Celebrity charges passengers $24.95 (£15.50) for 38 minutes' access, or 41p per minute; Cunard charges $0.75 (47p) per minute, or $47.95 (£29.80) for two hours' access; NCL charges $0.75 (47p) per minute, or $55 (£34.20) for 100 minutes' usage. P & O charges 50p per minute or £35 for 100 minutes' access; its charge to send a single email is £2.50.
Four hours of internet browsing on an Azamara Cruises ship will cost holidaymakers $99.95 (£62) – marginally more expensive than on Carnival Cruise Lines, which charges $89 (£55) for the same amount of web time.
The cheapest pay-as-you-go access was 20p per minute, offered by Fred Olsen, while Paul Gauguin Cruises offers some of the best-value packages, with 250 minutes' access costing $0.25 (16p) per minute – although the line does charge an activation fee of £2.45.
Several Cruise clients commented on the issue via Telegraph Travel who undertook the research into internet charges onboard cruise ships to express frustration at the charges, with some criticising the speed and reliability of the internet access they have paid handsomely for.
"The cost of accessing the internet was so overpriced it wasn't worth it," said Geoff Hebden, 58, from Ipswich, who took a P & O cruise last year. "And yet small businesses, bars and cafés across the world offer it free – it's ridiculous."
Cruise lines defend their charges by citing the high cost of providing the service – internet access at sea is delivered using satellite communication, making it dearer than the same service on land.
"The cost of providing internet access from the middle of the ocean is expensive," said Graham Sadler, managing director of Regent Seven Seas. "As a luxury cruise brand we choose a fast speed, which may be reflected in the charges – but the quicker download speed means it may eventually become cheaper."
In contrast to ocean-going cruise lines, several river cruise companies – including Scenic Tours, Viking and AmaWaterways – do not charge for internet access.
Irish Ferries, which operates services between Ireland and the United Kingdom and France, does not charge, either, even though it uses satellite communication to provide the service.
A spokesman for the company said that it could not say how much it spent on providing passengers with the service, as it could not "separate out the cost of providing free Wi-Fi from [the cost of maintaining its existing] satellite equipment".
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Wednesday 13 June 2012
Father’s Day Deals Up to 60% Off With Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is celebrating Father’s Day with a special five-day cruise sale from June 14-18. Passengers will find cruise deals to destinations such as Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Europe, the Caribbean and Hawaii. The sale offers savings up to 60 percent off of launch fares per stateroom, plus up to $100 onboard credit. The sale includes more than 80 cruise options in 2012, departing between August and December.
In addition to fare savings, passengers booking interior or oceanview staterooms can receive an onboard credit of $25 (cruises up to 9 days) to $50 (cruises 10 days or longer), and in balcony staterooms or above can get credits of $50 (cruises up to 9 days) or $100 (for sailings 10 days or longer). All onboard credits are offered per stateroom.
Examples of cruise deals include: Caribbean cruise – 7 days: $799 balcony (was $949); $549 interior (was $599) ; Grand Mediterranean cruise – 12 days: $1,299 balcony (was $3,290); $799 interior (was $2,190); Greek Isles cruise – 12 days: $1,299 balcony (was $3,240); $799 interior (was $2,140); Hawaii cruise – 14 days: $1,899 balcony (was $2,345); $1,199 interior (was $1,445); and Southeast Asia cruise – 16 days: $2,199 balcony (was $3,185); $1,499 interior (was $1,995).
All cruise prices are per person, based on double occupancy. The Father’s Day Sale begins at 12:01 a.m. PDT on June 14 through 11:59 p.m. PDT on June 18, 2012 and is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Reservations made during the sale require a non-refundable deposit.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
In addition to fare savings, passengers booking interior or oceanview staterooms can receive an onboard credit of $25 (cruises up to 9 days) to $50 (cruises 10 days or longer), and in balcony staterooms or above can get credits of $50 (cruises up to 9 days) or $100 (for sailings 10 days or longer). All onboard credits are offered per stateroom.
Examples of cruise deals include: Caribbean cruise – 7 days: $799 balcony (was $949); $549 interior (was $599) ; Grand Mediterranean cruise – 12 days: $1,299 balcony (was $3,290); $799 interior (was $2,190); Greek Isles cruise – 12 days: $1,299 balcony (was $3,240); $799 interior (was $2,140); Hawaii cruise – 14 days: $1,899 balcony (was $2,345); $1,199 interior (was $1,445); and Southeast Asia cruise – 16 days: $2,199 balcony (was $3,185); $1,499 interior (was $1,995).
All cruise prices are per person, based on double occupancy. The Father’s Day Sale begins at 12:01 a.m. PDT on June 14 through 11:59 p.m. PDT on June 18, 2012 and is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Reservations made during the sale require a non-refundable deposit.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Tuesday 12 June 2012
Cuban Refugees Picked up by Allure of the Seas
On Saturday (09/06/12) Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas picked up Cuban refugees floating on a raft in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship also stopped to check out a second raft that turned out to be empty.
The pick up, of five refugees, was initially reported by WSVN News 7 in Miami. According to the TV station, the group was given food and water and then transferred to a U.S. Coast Guard ship.
Members of Cruise Critic posted comments in relation to a 2nd raft of refugees also being assisted by the Cruise Ship.
"It actually happened twice on the same day," wrote one member of the Cruise Forum.
Another Member also said they "did get to see the action from our balcony on the second raft they found."
Passengers on the Cruise also watched the refugees depart from Allure of the Seas to board the Coast Guard ship.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
The pick up, of five refugees, was initially reported by WSVN News 7 in Miami. According to the TV station, the group was given food and water and then transferred to a U.S. Coast Guard ship.
Members of Cruise Critic posted comments in relation to a 2nd raft of refugees also being assisted by the Cruise Ship.
"It actually happened twice on the same day," wrote one member of the Cruise Forum.
Another Member also said they "did get to see the action from our balcony on the second raft they found."
Passengers on the Cruise also watched the refugees depart from Allure of the Seas to board the Coast Guard ship.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Monday 11 June 2012
2012 Food Cruises from Crystal Cruises
Renowned for providing intimate access to the cream of the international culinary crop, ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises is bringing aboard esteemed chefs, wine experts, and mixologists to enlighten guests on Europe’s culinary arts and host a $1,000/person rare wine experience, with mentors including:
• Norway’s upcoming Bocuse d’Or contender, Ørjan Johannessen, and his coach, past Bronze winner Odd Ivar Solvold, giving an insider’s peak into, and taste of, training to become the best chef in the world.
• Christian Moueix, scion of the French winemaking family behind Chateau Petrus (one of the most expensive wines in the world) and a dozen other wineries in Bordeaux and Napa.
• Hans Peter Fink, an award-winning master chef and winner of Lyon’s Bocuse d’Or.
• Doug Frost, wine author and one of only three people in the world to achieve both Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certifications.
• Andre Rochat, Las Vegas’s original celebrity chef (the Palms’ Alizé, Monte Carlo Hotel’s André’s, and more) and owner of one of the most extensive collections of wine, armagnacs, cognacs, vintage ports, and spirits in the world.
• Robin Kelley O’Connor, a 30-year wine expert and former Head of Wine for Christie’s Americas’.
• Dr. Patrick Farrell, a Master of Wine who has helped create instant decanters that decrease bitterness in wine and whiskey.
Complimentary cooking lessons, hands-on classes, wine tasting, cocktail-mixing instruction, and special dinner menus for all will be offered:
• September 18: 12-day Mediterranean cruise from Istanbul to Venice on Crystal Serenity
• November 17: 11-day Canary Island voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon on Crystal Serenity
• August 14: 11-day Baltic/North Sea sailing from Stockholm to Dover/London on Crystal Symphony.
Moueix and Solvold will also serve as chef/wine expert hosts for this cruise’s pièce de résistance: a 7-course, $1,000 “Ultimate Vintage Room” fete, with Moueix sharing uber-rare wine pairings from his private collection.
Until June 30, “Book Now” fares for the Wine and Food-themed series begin at $3,615/person, double occupancy, with $1,000/person in additional savings for Penthouse bookings. Attractive airfares are available from more than 200 North American gateways.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
• Norway’s upcoming Bocuse d’Or contender, Ørjan Johannessen, and his coach, past Bronze winner Odd Ivar Solvold, giving an insider’s peak into, and taste of, training to become the best chef in the world.
• Christian Moueix, scion of the French winemaking family behind Chateau Petrus (one of the most expensive wines in the world) and a dozen other wineries in Bordeaux and Napa.
• Hans Peter Fink, an award-winning master chef and winner of Lyon’s Bocuse d’Or.
• Doug Frost, wine author and one of only three people in the world to achieve both Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certifications.
• Andre Rochat, Las Vegas’s original celebrity chef (the Palms’ Alizé, Monte Carlo Hotel’s André’s, and more) and owner of one of the most extensive collections of wine, armagnacs, cognacs, vintage ports, and spirits in the world.
• Robin Kelley O’Connor, a 30-year wine expert and former Head of Wine for Christie’s Americas’.
• Dr. Patrick Farrell, a Master of Wine who has helped create instant decanters that decrease bitterness in wine and whiskey.
Complimentary cooking lessons, hands-on classes, wine tasting, cocktail-mixing instruction, and special dinner menus for all will be offered:
• September 18: 12-day Mediterranean cruise from Istanbul to Venice on Crystal Serenity
• November 17: 11-day Canary Island voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon on Crystal Serenity
• August 14: 11-day Baltic/North Sea sailing from Stockholm to Dover/London on Crystal Symphony.
Moueix and Solvold will also serve as chef/wine expert hosts for this cruise’s pièce de résistance: a 7-course, $1,000 “Ultimate Vintage Room” fete, with Moueix sharing uber-rare wine pairings from his private collection.
Until June 30, “Book Now” fares for the Wine and Food-themed series begin at $3,615/person, double occupancy, with $1,000/person in additional savings for Penthouse bookings. Attractive airfares are available from more than 200 North American gateways.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Sunday 10 June 2012
Delays and Itinerary Changes for U.K.-Bound Cruise Ships
With gale-force winds battering much of the United Kingdom over the last few days, at least two cruise ships have faced delay or diversion due to high wind and rough seas.
MSC Opera, which was scheduled to dock Friday (8/6/12) morning local time (GMT) in Southampton, made it into port at 4 p.m. GMT on Friday, according to a port spokesperson. A statement from MSC Cruises cited the adverse weather conditions and focus on passenger safety as the cause for the delay. From Southampton, MSC Opera is scheduled to depart on an 8-night Baltic & Northern Europe cruise. It is not yet known whether the ship, which is supposed to depart Southampton at 10 p.m. GMT on Friday, will face further delays.
A second ship that faced weather-related difficulties was Costa NeoRomantica, which was unable to dock in Dover, the ship's turn-around port, Friday as scheduled. A Costa spokesperson commented that the ship was redirected to Amsterdam to offload passengers from the current cruise and pick up those scheduled to sail on the next, an 8-night Baltic & Northern Europe cruise.
Upon disembarkation in Amsterdam, passengers will be flown back to the U.K. as required, and guests who had been due to embark in Dover will be flown to Amsterdam to meet the ship. The line is covering the cost of all flights, and no further itinerary changes are expected.
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MSC Opera, which was scheduled to dock Friday (8/6/12) morning local time (GMT) in Southampton, made it into port at 4 p.m. GMT on Friday, according to a port spokesperson. A statement from MSC Cruises cited the adverse weather conditions and focus on passenger safety as the cause for the delay. From Southampton, MSC Opera is scheduled to depart on an 8-night Baltic & Northern Europe cruise. It is not yet known whether the ship, which is supposed to depart Southampton at 10 p.m. GMT on Friday, will face further delays.
A second ship that faced weather-related difficulties was Costa NeoRomantica, which was unable to dock in Dover, the ship's turn-around port, Friday as scheduled. A Costa spokesperson commented that the ship was redirected to Amsterdam to offload passengers from the current cruise and pick up those scheduled to sail on the next, an 8-night Baltic & Northern Europe cruise.
Upon disembarkation in Amsterdam, passengers will be flown back to the U.K. as required, and guests who had been due to embark in Dover will be flown to Amsterdam to meet the ship. The line is covering the cost of all flights, and no further itinerary changes are expected.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Saturday 9 June 2012
Royal Caribbean 'Wow' Sale
Cruise vacationers who saw summer creeping-up on them without a firm plan in place still have a chance to book a cruise hrough Royal Caribbean International’s three-day WOW Sale. With a world of options ranging in Europe, Caribbean, the Far East and Australia and New Zealand, vacationers can receive up to $200 onboard credit per stateroom to enjoy during their cruise when they book a Royal Caribbean cruise, sailing on or after August 15, 2012.
Additionally, all guests will enjoy Royal Caribbean’s ships, exciting destinations, and friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from every staff and crew member, also known as the Royal Advantage.
“There’s no time better than now for vacationers to book their summer vacation or a future cruise with Royal Caribbean,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing for Royal Caribbean International. “Vacationers may choose among any of our worldwide locations aboard any of our recently revitalized ships.
Guests will enjoy our fleet’s new range of delectable onboard dining experiences, cutting-edge entertainment and innovative amenities such as zip lines, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks and FlowRider surf simulators, as well as Royal Caribbean’s world-renowned, friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. ”
For all new individual bookings made with deposit on June 11, 12 or 13, 2012, vacationers can enjoy $50 onboard credit per stateroom for three- to five-night itineraries; $100 per stateroom for six- to nine-night itineraries; and $200 per stateroom for 10-night or longer itineraries. Additionally, vacationers enjoy 50 percent reduced deposit as part of the offer, and can reserve a stateroom for as low as $50. The offer is valid for all Royal Caribbean International sailings departing on or after August 15, 2012, including aboard the world’s largest and most innovative sister-ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Offer is not combinable with any other offers or promotions and is not valid in Australia, New Zealand or China.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Additionally, all guests will enjoy Royal Caribbean’s ships, exciting destinations, and friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from every staff and crew member, also known as the Royal Advantage.
“There’s no time better than now for vacationers to book their summer vacation or a future cruise with Royal Caribbean,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing for Royal Caribbean International. “Vacationers may choose among any of our worldwide locations aboard any of our recently revitalized ships.
Guests will enjoy our fleet’s new range of delectable onboard dining experiences, cutting-edge entertainment and innovative amenities such as zip lines, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks and FlowRider surf simulators, as well as Royal Caribbean’s world-renowned, friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. ”
For all new individual bookings made with deposit on June 11, 12 or 13, 2012, vacationers can enjoy $50 onboard credit per stateroom for three- to five-night itineraries; $100 per stateroom for six- to nine-night itineraries; and $200 per stateroom for 10-night or longer itineraries. Additionally, vacationers enjoy 50 percent reduced deposit as part of the offer, and can reserve a stateroom for as low as $50. The offer is valid for all Royal Caribbean International sailings departing on or after August 15, 2012, including aboard the world’s largest and most innovative sister-ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Offer is not combinable with any other offers or promotions and is not valid in Australia, New Zealand or China.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Friday 8 June 2012
Carnival Breeze’s Offers More than 180 Shore Excursions
For the Carnival Breeze’s inaugural season in Europe, Carnival Cruise Lines has assembled a diverse array of shore excursions with more than 180 different choices, including several “select experiences” that allow guests to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in a more personalized setting.
Carnival Breeze’s inaugural European season kicked off June 3 and runs through October 25, 2012, providing guests with myriad opportunities to experience and explore stunning and beautiful ports in Italy, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, France, Spain, and Monte Carlo.
The wide-ranging excursions provide Carnival Breeze guests with a seemingly endless variety of unforgettable landside experiences, from guided tours of famous museums and centuries-old architectural marvels to touring the lush European countryside and savoring local cuisine and wine. Guests can also enjoy more active pursuits such as exploring dormant volcanoes, cycling or kayaking along a beautiful coastline.
Here’s a sampling of some of the many exciting tours available:
Three Island Yacht Cruise (Dubrovnik, Croatia) -- Island hopping has never been so much fun! On this five-hour excursion, guests can explore the stunning Elaphati Islands – Lokrum, Kolocep, and Lopud – while sipping chilled wine aboard a luxury yacht. The islands have a rich history – legend has it that Richard the Lion Heart was cast ashore here in 1192 after surviving a shipwreck while returning from the Crusades. The day begins with a visit to Lokrum Island, where guests can tour a 12th century monastery built by Benedictine monks, while Kolocep, the smallest of the Elaphiti islands, is distinguished by 15th century mansions, vineyards and olive groves. Concluding the tour is a stop at Lopud where guests can swim, stroll along the promenade, or savor local Croatian delicacies.
Essence of Tuscany (Livorno, Italy) - Guests can create their own “Under the Tuscan Sun” experience visiting the magnificent town of San Gimignano, the stunning backdrop for the popular book and movie about the fabled city which is distinguished by the "Manhattan of Tuscany," a skyline dotted with towers dating back to the 11th to 13th centuries. After enjoying a traditional Italian meal in a nearby farmhouse, guests explore Siena, amazingly rich in masterpieces of art and nestled atop three hills with ancient structures such as the Torre del Mangia bell tower rising more than 300 feet high and Duomo of Siena and the Battistero, both adorned with a variety of frescoes, sculptures and painting masterpieces created by some of the country’s most famous artists.
Mt. Etna at 2,900 Feet (Messina, Italy) - On this seven-and-a-half-hour excursion, guests are taken to Europe's largest active volcano where they can tour Mt. Etna's famous Silvestri Crater located 2,000 feet above sea level. From there, guests board a six-person cable car for the journey down into the crater before embarking on a 4 x 4 Mercedes ride to reach the ultimate peak at an awe-inspiring 2,900 feet above sea level. Following an exhilarating off-road adventure, guests are taken on a guided tour where they are provided a detailed overview of Mt. Etna’s history followed by a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Secrets of Naples (Naples, Italy) – During this five-hour journey, guests can stroll along the narrow streets of the Spacca-Napoli quarter, full of life with boutiques specializing in antiques and books, tiny grocery stores and fruit stands. The day continues with a visit to San Domenico Square and its namesake church, and an exploration of the underground caves of Naples, home to the ancient Roman Aqueducts. No visit to Naples is complete without a sampling of the city’s famous pizza and guests will learn how to prepare the delicious pies using traditional wood-burning ovens.
Vatican Gardens, St. Peter’s & Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy) -- The amazing Vatican Gardens and the beauty of Rome are on full display during this private 10-hour tour, which also includes a typical Italian lunch. After arriving in breathtaking St. Peter’s Square, guests enter Vatican City through the gate of St. Uffizio Square where they enjoy panoramic views of its magnificent gardens and enchanting fountains before touring St. Peter’s Basilica. The day concludes with a tour of Roman highlights such as the Spanish Steps, Navona Square, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Carnival Breeze’s inaugural European season kicked off June 3 and runs through October 25, 2012, providing guests with myriad opportunities to experience and explore stunning and beautiful ports in Italy, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, France, Spain, and Monte Carlo.
The wide-ranging excursions provide Carnival Breeze guests with a seemingly endless variety of unforgettable landside experiences, from guided tours of famous museums and centuries-old architectural marvels to touring the lush European countryside and savoring local cuisine and wine. Guests can also enjoy more active pursuits such as exploring dormant volcanoes, cycling or kayaking along a beautiful coastline.
Here’s a sampling of some of the many exciting tours available:
Three Island Yacht Cruise (Dubrovnik, Croatia) -- Island hopping has never been so much fun! On this five-hour excursion, guests can explore the stunning Elaphati Islands – Lokrum, Kolocep, and Lopud – while sipping chilled wine aboard a luxury yacht. The islands have a rich history – legend has it that Richard the Lion Heart was cast ashore here in 1192 after surviving a shipwreck while returning from the Crusades. The day begins with a visit to Lokrum Island, where guests can tour a 12th century monastery built by Benedictine monks, while Kolocep, the smallest of the Elaphiti islands, is distinguished by 15th century mansions, vineyards and olive groves. Concluding the tour is a stop at Lopud where guests can swim, stroll along the promenade, or savor local Croatian delicacies.
Essence of Tuscany (Livorno, Italy) - Guests can create their own “Under the Tuscan Sun” experience visiting the magnificent town of San Gimignano, the stunning backdrop for the popular book and movie about the fabled city which is distinguished by the "Manhattan of Tuscany," a skyline dotted with towers dating back to the 11th to 13th centuries. After enjoying a traditional Italian meal in a nearby farmhouse, guests explore Siena, amazingly rich in masterpieces of art and nestled atop three hills with ancient structures such as the Torre del Mangia bell tower rising more than 300 feet high and Duomo of Siena and the Battistero, both adorned with a variety of frescoes, sculptures and painting masterpieces created by some of the country’s most famous artists.
Mt. Etna at 2,900 Feet (Messina, Italy) - On this seven-and-a-half-hour excursion, guests are taken to Europe's largest active volcano where they can tour Mt. Etna's famous Silvestri Crater located 2,000 feet above sea level. From there, guests board a six-person cable car for the journey down into the crater before embarking on a 4 x 4 Mercedes ride to reach the ultimate peak at an awe-inspiring 2,900 feet above sea level. Following an exhilarating off-road adventure, guests are taken on a guided tour where they are provided a detailed overview of Mt. Etna’s history followed by a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Secrets of Naples (Naples, Italy) – During this five-hour journey, guests can stroll along the narrow streets of the Spacca-Napoli quarter, full of life with boutiques specializing in antiques and books, tiny grocery stores and fruit stands. The day continues with a visit to San Domenico Square and its namesake church, and an exploration of the underground caves of Naples, home to the ancient Roman Aqueducts. No visit to Naples is complete without a sampling of the city’s famous pizza and guests will learn how to prepare the delicious pies using traditional wood-burning ovens.
Vatican Gardens, St. Peter’s & Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy) -- The amazing Vatican Gardens and the beauty of Rome are on full display during this private 10-hour tour, which also includes a typical Italian lunch. After arriving in breathtaking St. Peter’s Square, guests enter Vatican City through the gate of St. Uffizio Square where they enjoy panoramic views of its magnificent gardens and enchanting fountains before touring St. Peter’s Basilica. The day concludes with a tour of Roman highlights such as the Spanish Steps, Navona Square, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Thursday 7 June 2012
Classic International to Sail from UK to Australia
Classic International Cruises has confirmed its tenth annual season in Australia for 2013-14 by announcing its first ever line voyage from England to Australia in September, 2013, with new combo fares also introduced to enable Australians to cruise from Australia to England and back for a European summer holiday next year.
The new cruise - a 44-night traditional line voyage aboard the classic-styled Athena from Tilbury in England on September 29, 2013, to Perth – will provide the earliest start ever for a summer season in Australia for Classic International Cruises and will be the line’s first-ever voyage to Australia from England rather than Italy or France.
The early line voyage to Australia and the departure from the UK means Australian cruise fans who dislike flying- or winter - can sail from Perth on April 15, 2013, to England aboard Athena via the Suez Canal at the end of her 2012/13 season in Australia and after arriving in the UK on May 25, 2013, spend the summer in England or Europe sightseeing or staying with friends and relatives before sailing on September 29, 2013, back to Perth, via South Africa, arriving on November 12, 2013, in time for an Aussie summer!
And unlike tightening airline luggage rules, passengers on the two line voyages can also bring three bags each instead of two, ensuring lots of space for gifts and souvenirs.
And to enable more Australians to experience the traditional, pre-jet age, no-flying option to the UK and back, Classic International Cruise is offering a minimum $1860 per person discount to passengers who combine the two line voyages from Perth to England and back in 2013, with the 40-night northbound voyage next April and the 44-night southbound voyage in September, 2013, available from $10,995 per person, instead of $12,855. The combo fare includes a total of 84 nights aboard Athena as well as all onboard meals and entertainment.
Classic International Cruises Managing Director Grant Hunter said that Athena’s earlier-than-normal Australian season in WA in 2013-14 would include an 18-day annual maintenance drydock for Athena in Asia in November, 2013, with full details of the ship’s 2013-14 Australian program to be released later this year.
“We’re very excited Athena will be back in Australia in 2013-14 for our tenth annual summer season here and I’m sure many Australians will be excited at the opportunity to sail from Perth to England and back next year for a summer in Europe,” Mr Hunter said. “Our loyal passengers love being at sea on a real ocean liner and our voyages between Australia and Europe are always popular so we’re expecting strong demand for our new no-flight option to England can back next year.”
Destinations on Athena’s voyage from Perth on April 15, 2013, to England include Sri Lanka, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Malta, Italy, Morocco and Athena’s home country of Portugal. Her return to Australia from England on September 29, 2013, will see her visit France, Spain, Portugal, the Atlantic islands of St Vincent, Ascension and St Helena, South Africa, Reunion Island and Mauritius.
Carrying only 580 passengers, the 16,000-ton Athena features traditional wooden deck chairs, pool, fitness centre, five bars and lounges, casino, library, cinema and two restaurants. Athena has 277 spacious cabins and each boasts a bath – a luxury only found in suites on the latest superliners.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
The new cruise - a 44-night traditional line voyage aboard the classic-styled Athena from Tilbury in England on September 29, 2013, to Perth – will provide the earliest start ever for a summer season in Australia for Classic International Cruises and will be the line’s first-ever voyage to Australia from England rather than Italy or France.
The early line voyage to Australia and the departure from the UK means Australian cruise fans who dislike flying- or winter - can sail from Perth on April 15, 2013, to England aboard Athena via the Suez Canal at the end of her 2012/13 season in Australia and after arriving in the UK on May 25, 2013, spend the summer in England or Europe sightseeing or staying with friends and relatives before sailing on September 29, 2013, back to Perth, via South Africa, arriving on November 12, 2013, in time for an Aussie summer!
And unlike tightening airline luggage rules, passengers on the two line voyages can also bring three bags each instead of two, ensuring lots of space for gifts and souvenirs.
And to enable more Australians to experience the traditional, pre-jet age, no-flying option to the UK and back, Classic International Cruise is offering a minimum $1860 per person discount to passengers who combine the two line voyages from Perth to England and back in 2013, with the 40-night northbound voyage next April and the 44-night southbound voyage in September, 2013, available from $10,995 per person, instead of $12,855. The combo fare includes a total of 84 nights aboard Athena as well as all onboard meals and entertainment.
Classic International Cruises Managing Director Grant Hunter said that Athena’s earlier-than-normal Australian season in WA in 2013-14 would include an 18-day annual maintenance drydock for Athena in Asia in November, 2013, with full details of the ship’s 2013-14 Australian program to be released later this year.
“We’re very excited Athena will be back in Australia in 2013-14 for our tenth annual summer season here and I’m sure many Australians will be excited at the opportunity to sail from Perth to England and back next year for a summer in Europe,” Mr Hunter said. “Our loyal passengers love being at sea on a real ocean liner and our voyages between Australia and Europe are always popular so we’re expecting strong demand for our new no-flight option to England can back next year.”
Destinations on Athena’s voyage from Perth on April 15, 2013, to England include Sri Lanka, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Malta, Italy, Morocco and Athena’s home country of Portugal. Her return to Australia from England on September 29, 2013, will see her visit France, Spain, Portugal, the Atlantic islands of St Vincent, Ascension and St Helena, South Africa, Reunion Island and Mauritius.
Carrying only 580 passengers, the 16,000-ton Athena features traditional wooden deck chairs, pool, fitness centre, five bars and lounges, casino, library, cinema and two restaurants. Athena has 277 spacious cabins and each boasts a bath – a luxury only found in suites on the latest superliners.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Wednesday 6 June 2012
Cruising From UK On The Rise
Cruising from UK Ports has never been so popular – more than 650 cruises are due to depart from ports in these fair isles this year -- and small ports are playing an increasing role in this growth.
The growing popularity of regional ports such as Liverpool, which has just been granted turnaround status and welcomed its first cruise ship departure on Thursday 31/5/12, Portsmouth and tiny Kirkwall have helped to fuel a nearly-20 percent increase in ex-U.K. cruising this year.
Cruise & Maritime Voyages, for example, made history on Thursday as the first cruise ship in 40 years to use Liverpool to embark passengers. Unfortunately, however, it soon ran into difficulties when an engine lost power in the Irish Sea, according to the Daily Mirror's cruise blogger Capt. Greybeard.
The ship was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Anglesey where engineers restored power, and it has now resumed its eight-night Jubilee Voyage to Scotland.
Seabourn Sojourn made its inaugural call to the Port of Tyne last week. Passengers were taken to see Hadrian's Wall, and Alnwick Castle and Garden (aka Hogwarts, for Harry Potter fans).
The call was a first not only for Sojourn, but for Seabourn as a line. Other firsts this season have been the inaugural calls to Dover two weeks ago of both Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas and Azamara Club Cruises' Azamara Journey.
“The main departure ports continue to be Southampton and Dover,” said Kate O'Hara, chair of CruiseBritain, which champions ex-UK cruising.
“But it is good to see the growth of the profile of ports such as Harwich, Tyne and Portsmouth. Passengers have more choice than ever before and this reflects the diversity of British attractions and the options that the country offers to cruise lines.”
The number of ex-UK cruises represents an increase of 17 percent over 2011, while there are more than 100 actual round-Britain cruises scheduled for 2012, an increase of a third over last year.
The growth can be put down to a number of factors. More and bigger ships sailing from the U.K. to the Mediterranean, the Baltic and beyond; a desire on the part of British cruisers to avoid the misery and cost of flying; and a genuine effort by a range of cruise lines, including Silversea, Noble Caledonia, Seabourn and Crystal Cruises, to bring more passengers to explore ports around Britain and Ireland on voyages that circumnavigate both countries.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
The growing popularity of regional ports such as Liverpool, which has just been granted turnaround status and welcomed its first cruise ship departure on Thursday 31/5/12, Portsmouth and tiny Kirkwall have helped to fuel a nearly-20 percent increase in ex-U.K. cruising this year.
Cruise & Maritime Voyages, for example, made history on Thursday as the first cruise ship in 40 years to use Liverpool to embark passengers. Unfortunately, however, it soon ran into difficulties when an engine lost power in the Irish Sea, according to the Daily Mirror's cruise blogger Capt. Greybeard.
The ship was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Anglesey where engineers restored power, and it has now resumed its eight-night Jubilee Voyage to Scotland.
Seabourn Sojourn made its inaugural call to the Port of Tyne last week. Passengers were taken to see Hadrian's Wall, and Alnwick Castle and Garden (aka Hogwarts, for Harry Potter fans).
The call was a first not only for Sojourn, but for Seabourn as a line. Other firsts this season have been the inaugural calls to Dover two weeks ago of both Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas and Azamara Club Cruises' Azamara Journey.
“The main departure ports continue to be Southampton and Dover,” said Kate O'Hara, chair of CruiseBritain, which champions ex-UK cruising.
“But it is good to see the growth of the profile of ports such as Harwich, Tyne and Portsmouth. Passengers have more choice than ever before and this reflects the diversity of British attractions and the options that the country offers to cruise lines.”
The number of ex-UK cruises represents an increase of 17 percent over 2011, while there are more than 100 actual round-Britain cruises scheduled for 2012, an increase of a third over last year.
The growth can be put down to a number of factors. More and bigger ships sailing from the U.K. to the Mediterranean, the Baltic and beyond; a desire on the part of British cruisers to avoid the misery and cost of flying; and a genuine effort by a range of cruise lines, including Silversea, Noble Caledonia, Seabourn and Crystal Cruises, to bring more passengers to explore ports around Britain and Ireland on voyages that circumnavigate both countries.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Monday 4 June 2012
Grandeur of the Seas Completes Revitalization
Royal Caribbean International's Grandeur of the Seas completed its $48 million revitalization today at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain.
The bow-to-stern revitalization of Grandeur of the Seas included the addition of five new dining venues, technological upgrades, a pool side LED screen, a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms as well as new entertainment offering including a spectacular aerial entertainment in its six deck Centrum.
In addition, the ship received a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests, a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, as well as a transformed Viking Crown Lounge that will features a stunning new design, as well as a new menu featuring bite-size delectables.
Grandeur of the Seas will spend the summer offering a variety of Mediterranean itineraries from Venice, Italy and Provence, France.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
The bow-to-stern revitalization of Grandeur of the Seas included the addition of five new dining venues, technological upgrades, a pool side LED screen, a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms as well as new entertainment offering including a spectacular aerial entertainment in its six deck Centrum.
In addition, the ship received a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests, a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, as well as a transformed Viking Crown Lounge that will features a stunning new design, as well as a new menu featuring bite-size delectables.
Grandeur of the Seas will spend the summer offering a variety of Mediterranean itineraries from Venice, Italy and Provence, France.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Friday 1 June 2012
Carnival Cruise Lines Takes Delivery of Carnival Breeze
Carnival Cruise Lines Takes Delivery of New 130,000-Ton Carnival Breeze.
At a traditional maritime handover ceremony held earlier today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, Carnival Cruise Lines took delivery of the new 130,000-ton Carnival Breeze, the 24th vessel in the line’s fleet.
Carnival Breeze will depart on its inaugural cruise from Venice this Sunday, June 3, operating a special 12-day Mediterranean cruise that ends in Barcelona June 15. Following a summer schedule of 12-day Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona that runs through October 25, Carnival Breeze will reposition to Miami for year-round six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises beginning November 24, becoming Carnival Cruise Lines’ largest South Florida-based ship.
“Carnival Breeze represents the continued evolution of our product, offering a huge array of branded experiences for our guests and inviting public spaces each with its own personality and character, all enhanced by the spirited fun that makes a Carnival cruise so memorable,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.
Carnival Breeze is the line's first ship to feature the Thrill Theater, an immersive multi-dimensional special effects experience that makes viewers feel as if they’re part of the movie. Other highlights sure to provide fun for the whole family include WaterWorks offering splash-tastic water slides and a 300-gallon drenching bucket, and SportSquare, an expansive recreation area with a suspended ropes course, a miniature golf course, an outdoor fitness area and more.
New dining options on Carnival Breeze include Bonsai Sushi, the line’s first full-service sushi restaurant, a free open-air barbecue venue called Fat Jimmy's C-Side BBQ, and The Comfort Kitchen, a casual poolside spot for American-style comfort food. Other choices range from Guy’s Burger Joint, developed in tandem with Food Network personality Guy Fieri, to the Mexican-themed BlueIguana Cantina and Cucina del Capitano, a family-style Italian restaurant that brings the heritage of Carnival’s captains to the table.
Carnival Breeze is also the first ship in the fleet to feature all of the entertainment elements of the line’s groundbreaking “Fun Ship 2.0” enhancement initiative, including Hasbro, The Game Show, with larger than life adaptations of the brand’s iconic games, and Playlist Productions, which combine captivating live performances with high-tech LED staging and special effects to set a new standard in seagoing entertainment.
With a nod to its upcoming Caribbean itineraries, the tropics-inspired Carnival Breeze also features vibrant interiors and inviting public spaces, from the poolside RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar to the sun-splashed Lido Marketplace restaurant and a palm tree-lined indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza. Even the staterooms incorporate a palette of pastel hues and a striking new design inspired by the Caribbean’s cool island breezes and warm sunsets.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
At a traditional maritime handover ceremony held earlier today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, Carnival Cruise Lines took delivery of the new 130,000-ton Carnival Breeze, the 24th vessel in the line’s fleet.
Carnival Breeze will depart on its inaugural cruise from Venice this Sunday, June 3, operating a special 12-day Mediterranean cruise that ends in Barcelona June 15. Following a summer schedule of 12-day Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona that runs through October 25, Carnival Breeze will reposition to Miami for year-round six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises beginning November 24, becoming Carnival Cruise Lines’ largest South Florida-based ship.
“Carnival Breeze represents the continued evolution of our product, offering a huge array of branded experiences for our guests and inviting public spaces each with its own personality and character, all enhanced by the spirited fun that makes a Carnival cruise so memorable,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.
Carnival Breeze is the line's first ship to feature the Thrill Theater, an immersive multi-dimensional special effects experience that makes viewers feel as if they’re part of the movie. Other highlights sure to provide fun for the whole family include WaterWorks offering splash-tastic water slides and a 300-gallon drenching bucket, and SportSquare, an expansive recreation area with a suspended ropes course, a miniature golf course, an outdoor fitness area and more.
New dining options on Carnival Breeze include Bonsai Sushi, the line’s first full-service sushi restaurant, a free open-air barbecue venue called Fat Jimmy's C-Side BBQ, and The Comfort Kitchen, a casual poolside spot for American-style comfort food. Other choices range from Guy’s Burger Joint, developed in tandem with Food Network personality Guy Fieri, to the Mexican-themed BlueIguana Cantina and Cucina del Capitano, a family-style Italian restaurant that brings the heritage of Carnival’s captains to the table.
Carnival Breeze is also the first ship in the fleet to feature all of the entertainment elements of the line’s groundbreaking “Fun Ship 2.0” enhancement initiative, including Hasbro, The Game Show, with larger than life adaptations of the brand’s iconic games, and Playlist Productions, which combine captivating live performances with high-tech LED staging and special effects to set a new standard in seagoing entertainment.
With a nod to its upcoming Caribbean itineraries, the tropics-inspired Carnival Breeze also features vibrant interiors and inviting public spaces, from the poolside RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar to the sun-splashed Lido Marketplace restaurant and a palm tree-lined indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza. Even the staterooms incorporate a palette of pastel hues and a striking new design inspired by the Caribbean’s cool island breezes and warm sunsets.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
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