Showing posts with label Onboard Activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Onboard Activities. Show all posts

Wednesday, 15 August 2012

Who Sent The Telegraph Announcing End of WWII

Princess Cruises passengers aboard Star Princess last week were treated to a special presentation from the soldier who sent the message ending World War II in Europe.

When he was an Army Signal Corps sergeant in 1945, 20-year-old Gregory Melikian was tasked with sending the a telegraph message from General Dwight Eisenhower announcing the end of the war in Europe. The message, originating from a schoolhouse in Reims, France – the makeshift Allied headquarters – was sent shortly after the surrender of German forces. For serving in France at this time, he is also being considered for the French Legion of Honour.

Hundreds of passengers joined Cruise Director Martyn Moss in the Princess Theater for a question and answer session, and many lined up afterward just to shake the hand that sent that historic telegraph.

Today Melikian is a philanthropist, business owner, and an honorary commander of the Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. He sailed with a large group of family members and friends, and was invited to meet Captain Edward Perrin on the ship’s bridge.

Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.

Tuesday, 14 August 2012

New Children-Friendly Cruise Push from MSC

MSC Cruises has announced a number of new children-friendly initiatives.

First, children can now order from the “kid’s menu” at dinner, and, if they finish food earlier than the rest of their family, the kids’ club staff will come and pick them up.

For kids who relish their independence and would love the freedom of eating with their friends, away from the grown-ups and their dull conversations, MSC Fun Time Dinners have been introduced.

With MSC Fun Time Dinners, children in a separate, specially decorated area of the buffet restaurant with the entertainment team, and then have fun in the Mini and Junior Club while parents enjoy a leisurely dinner alone, picking up the kids when they’ve finished.

Every single night of the week, children aged between three and 11 can eat together with the entertainment team and their new friends. Three of these nights are theme parties- a  Welcome Party, Italian Party, and Farewell and Birthday Party- while the remaining four are MSC Fun Time Dinners.

Both the MSC Happy Dinners and the MSC Fun Time Dinner services are now available free of charge on all MSC ships. Dedicated to children aged from 3 to 11, parents simply need to register their children in advance with the Mini or Junior Club and fill inthe special ‘dinner coupons’ with their details.

MSC Cruises has also introduced a second nanny-hour to its kids’ club programmes. Every morning from 09.00 to 10.00 and now also from 17.00 to 18.00, MSC offers a special programme designed for babies and toddlers aged 10 to 36 months to spend quality time with their parents with the support of MSC kids’ club staff.

Staff organize dedicated games and activities aimed specifically at MSC’s youngest guests and their parents, including playing with bricks, musical games, baby disco, puzzle games and drawing.

Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.

Thursday, 9 August 2012

Unexpected cruise offerings

Traditionally it's been the massive swimming pool surrounded by deck chairs, the fitness centre and more recently, the rock climbing wall. But these days, cruise ships' sporting facilities are becoming a whole lot more diverse as well as entertaining.

Onboard Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas, for instance, there's an entire deck dedicated to sports, with a full-sized sports court, an in-line skating track, a jogging track and a golf simulator among the facilities. And onboard the cruiseline's newest ships - Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, you'll find FlowRider surf simulators, the first zip lines at sea and a sports pool, where afternoon activities include basketball, badminton and water polo.

Costa Cruises ships also offer virtual sports facilities including golf simulators, which host 37 of the most famous greens from around the world and can be found onboard four of its ships, while a Grand Prix simulator can be found on five of its vessels. And Carnival Cruise Lines' first ship to be based year-round outside of the US - Carnival Spirit - has undergone a $7 million upgrade that includes a steep and fast waterslide called Green Thunder. The vessel will be based in Sydney from October.

These days you can even participate in water sports from the back of a vessel. Seabourn ships have their own in-built marina which can be deployed on a nice day, providing guests with access to kayaks, banana boats and waterskis.

ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS

Watching blockbuster movies on the poolside screen and catching Broadway-style shows in the theatre are two major drawcards of the modern day cruise ship, but the latest entertainment offerings go well beyond this. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 (QM2), for instance, is home to the first planetarium at sea, allowing guests to take a virtual ride into space, view the stars or take a course on celestial navigation. The Illuminations theatre that houses the planetarium also hosts 3D shows, such as the first 3D ballet - Giselle.

Dazzling ice show productions featuring a cast of professional skaters are on offer to guests onboard Voyager of the Seas - performed in the vessel's 900-seat Studio B. The ice skating rink has a full-service bar and stadium seating, and is also home to other onboard activities such as game shows and onboard parties. The ship also offers the DreamWorks Experience at sea, with characters from Kung Fu Panda and Shrek among the personalities that interact with guests.

Meanwhile, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas both feature the spectacular AquaTheater - an amphitheatre-style space with an 18 metre pool where a talented cast of champion athletes (including former Olympians) perform acrobatics, trapeze artistry and water ballet. Celebrity Solstice offers the first glassblowing studio at sea, where guests can watch master glassblowers and then try it out for themselves, while onboard P&O Cruises vessels, guests can enjoy roving entertainment from Pacific Cirque - a floating circus complete with juggling, acrobatics and clowning. »

LEISURELY PURSUITS

A cruise holiday is relaxing by nature, but cruiselines are becoming even more innovative in providing opportunities for guests to unwind. These days there are onboard areas where you can unwind in a more private setting, such as P&O Cruises' The Oasis and Princess Cruises' The Sanctuary - adults-only retreats featuring plush seating, a beverage service and a soothing atmosphere.

Fancy a bit of a stroll? The Royal Promenade, on Voyager of the Seas, offers an onboard street lined with places to eat, drink and shop. And both Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas feature Royal Caribbean's seven neighbourhoods concept

Celebrity Cruises has also come up with innovative leisure options for passengers. Onboard Celebrity Solstice is the Lawn Club - a wide expanse of freshly manicured lawn on the top deck - where passengers can participate in activities like picnics and lawn bowls in a country club-styled environment. On the modern day cruise ship it's also all about learning new things and developing your interests. Cunard's ships offer a program of activities every day from watercolour to computer lessons, wine tasting to ballroom dancing as well as bridge and board games.

CULINARY DELIGHTS

When it comes to dining, passengers are already spoilt for choice, with cruise ships generally offering at least half a dozen different venues ranging from casual to elegant. But some cruiselines have a particular focus on providing amazing gastronomic experiences, such as Silversea Cruises. Onboard Silver Spirit, gourmet menus by Relais & Chateaux (Silversea's preferred culinary partner) are used at its restaurants, and passengers also have the opportunity to attend the only Relais & Chateaux cooking school at sea. Those who take the cruiseline's Culinary Arts Voyages and Wine Series trips have the opportunity to meet contemporary guest chefs and international vintners.

P&O Cruises boasts the swanky Salt Grill by Luke Mangan - onboard the Pacific Jewel, Pacific Dawn and Pacific Pearl. The celebrity chef's signature dishes include Sydney crab omelette with miso mustard broth and liquorice parfait with lime syrup.

EXCLUSIVE TOUCHES

What is it that makes for an exclusive experience onboard a cruise ship? Perhaps it's the traditional afternoon tea onboard the QM2, served by white-gloved waiters and taking place in the Queens Room, the largest ballroom at sea. Or perhaps it's Seabourn's Caviar in the Surf, offered on cruises to exotic destinations like the Caribbean and Belize, where guests are taken ashore and treated to caviar and champagne, followed by a lavish barbecue with silver and fine china.

Providing a highly impressive spa is par for the course nowadays for any major cruiseline. Costa Cruises, for example, features the Samsara Spa - a wellness centre spanning 6000 square metres - offering personalised Ayurvedic treatments and massages with fine oils among its services. And Seabourne's three vessels are all home to the 3475 square metre Spa at Seabourn, providing the ultimate pampering experience at sea.

Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.

Sunday, 5 August 2012

New Chair Hog Program on Carnival Breeze

Cruise Lines is the latest to announce it will make every effort to put the brakes on chair hoggers (derisively known as "choggers"), who claim chaise lounges by the pool even though they're not using them, in a new pilot program.

The test effort, first revealed on John Heald's Facebook page, and later confirmed by the line, allows passengers to leave their loungers for no more than 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, chair-saving devices like towels, magazines, flip flops and articles of clothing are removed. It is taking place only on Carnival Breeze.

"Carnival Cruise Lines has recently begun testing a new system designed to ensure that all guests are able to enjoy equal access to sun loungers by preventing seat saving in outdoor deck areas," Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen commented.

In this iteration, outdoor deck area crew monitor sun lounger usage and when they see a seat that contains a towel or personal belongings that appears to be unoccupied, a notification sticker with the time of day is placed on the chair. If the seat remains empty for another 40 minutes, the contents are removed.

According to Gulliksen details of the new system are being widely broadcast to passengers "via public address announcements by the cruise director, signage in outdoor deck areas, messages displayed on the Seaside Theater poolside LED screen, as well as notices in 'Fun Times.'"

Carnival isn't the only line that's putting this method to the test. Norwegian Cruise Line has also been experimenting on its ships with a similar sticker system, allowing items to be removed from chairs after they've been unoccupied for more than 30 minutes.

Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.



Friday, 3 August 2012

New Lineup Will Rock Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced the next three "Legends" to perform as part of Legends in Concert on board Norwegian Epic beginning Saturday, November 3, 2012, when the ship returns to Miami, Florida to begin her weekly Eastern Caribbean sailings.  The tribute artists will perform as some of the world's most recognized entertainers – Michael Jackson, Donna Summer and Jimmy Buffet.   A staple on the Las Vegas center strip for over 25 years, Legends in Concert is the pioneer of live tribute shows and has assembled the greatest collection of live tribute artists and celebrity look-alikes in all of show business.

"Our guests absolutely love the Legends in Concert performances on board Norwegian Epic. The next round of tribute artists, Michael Jackson, Donna Summer and Jimmy Buffet, three extraordinary performers, are destined to be fan favorites," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer.  "With Norwegian Epic returning to its homeport in Miami, this is the perfect time to introduce these three talented performers to guests sailing to the Caribbean."

Portraying the legendary “King of Pop,” J Lucas is known for entertaining his audiences with intensity and passion. Lucas has been a beloved member of the "Legends in Concert" family for many years where he has wowed fans in Las Vegas on Harrah’s main stage. Hailing from South Carolina, Lucas has been performing as a singer/dancer since he was a teenager. As a young boy, Lucas was heavily influenced by Michael Jackson and fine-tuned his talents as a Legend by following Jackson’s career closely. Following the death of Jackson in 2009, Lucas performed at a tribute concert and from there began performing Michael Jackson tribute shows throughout the country before joining the Legends in Concert family. In addition to his Legends’ performances, Lucas is also a very talented song-writer who has written and collaborated on over 100 songs.

Portraying Donna Summer, Marva Scott has been an integral part of the Legends in Concert production for many years.  Originally from Seattle, Washington, Scott made her singing debut as a young girl in her local Baptist church choir. After performing in local theatrical productions, Scott took her talents to Los Angeles, where she started her own band, Marva Scott and the MCR. While there, she also discovered her talents for celebrity impersonation. Following her time in Los Angeles, Scott briefly lived in Paris and then returned to the United States where she began performing in the main showroom of Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City, as well as in countless productions along the Las Vegas strip. Performing as the legendary “Queen of Disco” Donna Summer, Scott will light up the stage on board Norwegian Epic.

Barrie Cunningham is a producer, entertainer, singer and musician who has spent most of his life entertaining delighted audiences in a variety of venues – from concert halls to cruise ships. Cunningham will join Norwegian Epic’s Legends in Concert lineup as the legendary Jimmy Buffet, the impersonation performance for which he is best known. A Southern California native, Cunningham started performing folk music in coffeehouses at the young age of 15. He later went on to join the popular California rock-a-billy group, Black Slacks, and was named Entertainer of the Year in San Diego. Since 1990, Cunningham has performed an impressive 300 dates per year, in front of more than three million show-goers. Although he is best known for his live performances, Cunningham also has own original material and has written songs for many other popular artists.

Legends in Concert is a live musical celebration featuring the world's greatest celebrity tribute artists.  Legends in Concert on Norwegian Epic features three celebrity tribute performers taking the stage in the Epic Theater for six 45-minute shows over three days during a seven-day cruise.  In addition, a Legends “Unplugged” show is performed on three additional nights in the Manhattan Room, the ship's New York-inspired supper club, providing an unprecedented dining and entertainment experience.  The celebrity performers change every four months, keeping the show fresh and exciting. The last performers were Steven Tyler, Lady Gaga and Elvis Presley.

Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.

Wednesday, 25 July 2012

MSC Divina Homeports in Miami for 2013-2014 Winter

MSC Cruises is deploying the 139,000-ton Divina on Caribbean cruises out of Miami from Nov. 20, 2013 to April 12, 2014 – the first time a Fantasia-class ship is sailing from a North American homeport.

According to MSC, the Divina has 1,751 staterooms and 30,000 square meters of public space which include a casino, seven restaurants, 20 bars and lounges, 4 swimming pools, a bowling alley, a gym and the Aurea spa.

The ship also features the MSC Yacht Club – “a ship-within-a-ship” – designed as a sanctuary for guests seeking peace, privacy and exclusivity but with access to all that large cruise ships offer. The MSC Yacht Club offers 69 butler serviced superior suites, 24 hour concierge service, the dedicated restaurant Le Muse, a private swimming pool featuring the One Bar, private decks, private lift access to MSC Aurea Spa, complimentary wines and spirits and sweeping sea views from its private Top Sail Lounge.

The Divina departs from Venice Nov. 2, 2013 for a 19-day trans-Atlantic crossing, calling at Valletta, Malaga, Funchal, St. Maarten, San Juan and Nassau, before arriving in Miami.

Three different seven-night Caribbean itineraries will be offered: Four cruises calling at St. Maarten, San Juan and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Ten sailings calling at Falmouth, Cayman Islands, Cozumel and Great Stirrup Cay. Six cruises to St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Great Stirrup Cay. And, one cruise to Bermuda also calling at Great Stirrup Cay.

Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.

Tuesday, 24 July 2012

Crystal Cruises New 'Magic Castle at Sea'

Crystal Cruises has pulled the ultimate rabbit out of a hat with a new, industry-first program entitled “Magic Castle at Sea.”  Thanks to an exclusive arrangement magically orchestrated by Master Magician Rich Bloch, magicians from Hollywood’s renowned private magicians’ club, the Magic Castle, will come aboard to entertain and mystify guests of all ages.

Starting today aboard Crystal Symphony and on August 6’s Crystal Serenity voyage, the incredibly intimate evening shows add yet another live entertainment option to 13 luxury European cruises this year, and every voyage in 2013.  The new affiliation also offers complimentary classes for adults to develop their own magical acts, educational enrichment on subjects like Houdini, and children’s shows on select summer and holiday sailings...plus access to the secret Castle itself when in Los Angeles.

“Considering club guests can only gain entrance if they’re in LA and invited by a member, Crystal’s Magic Castle at Sea provides rare access to a truly spellbinding entertainment experience,” says Crystal’s Vice President of Entertainment, Bret Bullock.  “We’re thrilled to offer our guests yet another unique choice in high-caliber vacation fun.”

Like at the Magic Castle itself, on-board performances are “invitation-only,” with advance, complimentary “invitations”/tickets available at the ships’ libraries.  Guests can choose from multiple, half-hour performances over the course of several nights.  Come showtime, they enter a special entrance to find the ship’s Pulse or Luxe lounge transformed into the mysterious spirit of the Victorian-era Castle, with flameless candles, lighting, music, murals, bookshelves and magic movies from the 1920’s.  With attendance limited to just 25, audience members are privy to an extremely up-close look at sleight-of-hand tricks, impossible feats, and bewitching hocus pocus.

After vacation’s end, invitations can further be used for one-time access to the real Magic Castle in Hollywood.  Show attendees must call the number on the back of their used ticket to reserve entry, then present the same ticket upon arrival at the Castle.

Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.

Thursday, 19 July 2012

Princess Cruises Unveils Royal Princess Fitness Facilities

Princess Cruises today revealed the sports and fitness features that will be aboard the new Royal Princess when the ship debuts next June. Passengers of all athletic abilities can test their mettle and keep in shape with a new outdoor jogging track and additional circuit exercises, the multi-activity Princess Sports Central and a fitness center full of the latest equipment with a private aerobics studio for special classes.

The new sports and fitness features are detailed in the company’s latest video previewing Royal Princess, available at www.princess.com/learn/ships/rp/video_tours.

“Many of our passengers are very active on vacation,” said Jan Swartz, executive vice president for Princess Cruises. “These new facilities will offer them state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge classes to keep up – or even step up – their fitness routines at sea.”

Among the fitness facilities on Royal Princess are:

Jogging Track – This new double-lane jogging track on Deck 18 features separate paths for runners and walkers. In addition, a new circuit program with unique outdoor exercise stations will be set at intervals along the track, making it the perfect place for passengers who want to burn a few extra calories or work on strength moves al fresco. This modern outdoor fitness equipment will offer a new option for those who wish to work out on deck and enjoy the sea air. The track area will be decorated with art picturing iconic global travel destinations, giving passengers the opportunity to “run around the world.”

Princess Sports Central –The multi-sport area on decks 18 and 19 is designed to offer a collection of fun options, including court games, lawn activities and even a lounge for virtual gaming. The Center Court can be used for basketball, tennis, volleyball and badminton, while baseball fans can even practice their swing at the portable batting cage. Golfers will find a driving range facility, while the simulated laser shooting range offers a new onboard activity. On the upper level, the Lawn Court offers a grassy area for putting, bocce ball, croquet and lawn bowling. The Game Lounge will offer a comfortable space to meet up for games, including table tennis and virtual gaming with Kinect systems. The cruise staff will be on hand to organize sports competitions and fun group games.

Fitness Center/Aerobics Studio – The Fitness Center on Deck 17 pairs a state-of-the-art gym with spectacular ocean views. This multi-tiered facility will offer something for all fitness levels, so everyone from beginner to expert will find challenging exercise options. Passengers will find the latest in exercise equipment like treadmills, recumbent bicycles, elliptical machines, strength equipment, as well as a selection of free weights. Most equipment will feature personal TV screens, and some will even offer an interactive, virtual experience that makes exercising a bit more fun and engaging.

New to Royal Princess at the back of the gym is a private aerobics studio that will host a selection of fitness classes, including some intriguing new workout options to keep passengers on their toes. Among the class options will be:

TRX® – Born of the U.S. Navy SEALS, TRX suspension training bodyweight exercise is a revolutionary method of functional training. Using a TRX Suspension Trainer combined with bodyweight, participants can perform hundreds of different exercises and control the intensity by adjusting body position and angle. Classes will be held in the indoor studio as well as outside on the fitness court.

MyRide – A new era in indoor cycling, MyRide offers the opportunity to ride through inspiring scenic landscapes from around the world, with varying levels of intensity controlled by the user.

Body Sculpt Boot Camp – Passengers can increase muscle tone, improve muscular strength, enhance endurance and energy levels with this workout program that burns up to 700 calories in the 40 minute class. Participants will receive a take-home poster/program which outlines all the exercises and breaks the program up into four manageable workouts so they can continue their workouts after the cruise.

Chi Ball Yoga – This relaxing new class uses an aromatherapy-scented ball infused with different mood-enhancing essential oils.

Passengers can meet with fitness instructors in consultation rooms where they can privately discuss their fitness goals and design a workout routine. The fitness center is part of the ship’s Lotus Spa, so passengers can wind down after their workout with a relaxing massage.

Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.

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.

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.

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.

Thursday, 31 May 2012

Disney Wonder Offering Special Pixar Cruises This Autumn

A new cast of characters will stroll the decks and visit with guests aboard the Disney Wonder as Mr. Incredible, Remy, Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear and other memorable characters from Pixar Animation Studios’ award-winning films make their shipboard debut during four special Pixar-inspired seven-night California Coastal cruises Sept. 16 through Oct. 14, 2012.

During these voyages, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to interact with and explore the world of Pixar and their beloved films while the Disney Wonder sails to popular port cities along the coast of California. Special entertainment and offerings designed for both children and adults include:

Pixar Presentations and Sneak Peeks: Artists and filmmakers from Pixar Animation Studios will provide guests with an inside look at the creative process used in the development of an animated feature or short. Guests will go behind the scenes and explore the making of Pixar’s newest release “Brave” and get a look at footage of future Pixar films.

The Art of Pixar: Storyboards, character sketches, environment paintings, maquettes and other inspiring concept art used to design Pixar films will be on display in a special art exhibition at sea. This collection of art has only been seen outside of Pixar Animation Studios when it has been displayed at leading art museums around the world. This time the art will truly be a “traveling” exhibition as the Disney Wonder sails up and down the California coast.

Pixar Film Fest: Guests will be able to enjoy the entire Pixar library of films while onboard, including a selection of delightful animated shorts. Viewing opportunities will take place in the Buena Vista Theatre, Walt Disney Theatre, at the jumbo LED screen on deck or on in-stateroom televisions. The voyages coincide with the theatrical premiere of “Finding Nemo 3D,” which guests can enjoy at either of the two theatres equipped with state-of-the-art Dolby 3D projection systems.

Pixar Character Encounters: More than a dozen Pixar characters will meet with and greet guests throughout the cruise. There will be a special Pixar-themed dance parties in the Atrium Lobby and a host of other opportunities for guests to reconnect with their favorite Pixar pals.

Guests sailing on the Pixar-themed voyages will also receive a commemorative lithograph created by Pixar artist and “Brave” co-director/screenwriter, Steve Purcell.

The Disney Wonder will sail out of Los Angeles and visit San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico during the four Pixar-themed voyages. Rates for the seven-night voyages start at $799 per person for a deluxe inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.

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.