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.
Friday, 8 June 2012
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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