Jun 10

Musical Salute Welcomes Royal Princess to Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON, UK (June 7, 2013) – A musical salute provided a spectacular welcome for Royal Princess to Southampton today as the new cruise ship arrived to begin a week-long series of special inaugural events. British actor, director and writer Simon Callow orchestrated the Southampton University Brass Band to serenade the new Princess Cruises ship with a rendition of “God Save The Queen” as the vessel sailed into the harbor. Royal Princess will be officially named in Southampton on Thursday, June 13 by The Duchess of Cambridge.

The unprecedented musical welcome, conducted by Callow, was answered back by Royal Princess with its own special horn that plays the first notes of the theme song from the TV show “The Love Boat.”

“What an extraordinary welcome Royal Princess received for her arrival in Southampton,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Starting the week off with this amazing musical orchestra offered the perfect way to tune up for a naming ceremony that will celebrate with many special musical performances.”

The June 13 naming event will feature not only the christening by The Duchess, but also star-studded musical entertainment including British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield singing her hit “Unwritten,” as well as a performance by British actress and “the first lady of London’s West End,” Kerry Ellis. The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and The Pipe Band of 1st Battalion Irish Guards will open the event with the pomp and ceremony of British ship-naming traditions.

Jun 10

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES TRANSATLANTIC SAILING FROM SOUTHAMPTON ON NEWEST SHIP, QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

MIAMI, June 7, 2013 – Hot on the heels of the recent Oasis of the Seas announcement, Royal Caribbean International has announced that Quantum of the Seas will be making its inaugural 8-night westbound transatlantic voyage from Southampton on November 2, 2014, arriving in the New York area at Cape Liberty Port, New Jersey, on November 10. Bookings for Quantum of the Seas opened to loyalty program members on May 28, 2013 and to the general public on June 4.

This is another exciting first for the port of Southampton, which will also play host in 2014 to the world’s largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on its first ever European season and transatlantic sailing out of a UK port of call, which generated the highest ever volume of pre-booking registrations ever seen by Royal Caribbean International.

Quantum of the Seas will offer even more game-changing “firsts at sea” and guests will be thrilled by the unprecedented “WOWs” on-board, including a skydiving experience, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air; cutting-edge venues such as the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars and roller skating and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever. For an overview about new innovative at-sea “firsts” that will be aboard Quantum of the Seas, please see http://tinyurl.com/avdzrws.

Building on a legacy of more than 40 years of innovation and creative design, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class of ships will introduce more innovative on-board features, such as RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea, which allows everyone from first-time flyers to seasoned skydivers to enjoy the sheer thrill and exhilaration of skydiving in a safe, controlled and simulated environment. North Star, an engineering marvel, will take guests to new heights – literally – with a jewel-shaped, glass capsule, transporting them on a spectacular journey more than 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship to deliver awe-inspiring 360-degree views.

The new Quantum class ships will also introduce new venues, including Two70°, a multi-level great room named for its incredible 270-degree sea views through three-deck high, floor-to-ceiling glass walls at the stern of the ship; SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and a circus school with trapeze; and Music Hall, a two-story live music venue

Jun 01

Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers | News / PR

There was a time when it was difficult for solo travelers to board a cruise ship without paying a hefty premium. Single travelers were asked to pay a supplement—often as high as 200%—in order to book a cabin for themselves. While that’s still the case on some cruise lines, the industry has made great strides in making cruise travel more solo traveler friendly.

These days, you’ll often find reduced supplements for solo travelers. Some cruise ships, like Norwegian Epic, are experimenting with a limited number of one-person “studio” cabins and other lines run frequent promotions in which they eliminate the single supplement on select voyages.

Don’t run screaming from all single supplements though. Determine which cruise you want to book and then run the numbers. If the per diem rate is a good one, the additional single supplement may not make that much of a difference.

If you’re interested in solo sailings, let us know and we can tell you which sailings offer the best value.

In the meantime, here’s a look at the type of supplement charges some cruise lines are levying. This will give you a good baseline for cruise fare comparison’s sake.

Azamara Club Cruises—solo travelers pay 125% of the double occupancy fares on select voyages

Norwegian Cruise Line—The cruise line’s mega ship, Epic, offers “studio” cabins that were designed, and priced, for single occupancy. Alternatively, you can pay a single supplement to book any other cabin on the ship (or fleet). The percentage of the supplement varies.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises—this cruise line normally charges a 75–100% single supplement but they do reduce this rate on certain suite categories for specific sailings (May 4 Luxor to Rome, June 28 Venice to Athens, July 8 Athens to Istanbul, August 2 Istanbul to Venice, August 29 Rome to Venice, and October 6 Rome to Monte Carlo).

Royal Caribbean—the single supplement varies between 0–185%, depending on the cruise you select

Silversea—solo travelers pay 110% on select “Low Single Supplement Cruises” (May 20 Anchorage to Vancouver, May 30 Rome to Venice, May 30 Vancouver to Seward, June 4 Stockholm to Copenhagen, June 6, Seward to Vancouver, June 9 Southampton to Hamburg, June 15 Hamburg to Copenhagen, June 21 Stockholm to Copenhagen, and June 22 Rome to Barcelona

via Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers | News / PR.

Jun 01

3rd Quantum Ship for Royal Caribbean – Analyst Blog

Miami-based leading cruise company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., is set to add a new ship to its Quantum cruise line. In this regard, the company has inked a construction agreement with the German shipbuilding company, Meyer Werft GmbH. Quantum is an upcoming new series of passenger cruise ships which is slated to debut in 2014 with its first ship, Quantum of the Seas, followed by the launch of another vessel, Anthem of the Sea in 2015. Meyer Werft will also be responsible for the construction of these two ships. The new vessel, which is scheduled to be delivered in mid-2016, will be the third Quantum class ship.

Royal Caribbean did not disclose the exact price of the new ship, but it has hinted that the price will be nearly same as the other two Quantum class cruise ships. The company’s contract with Meyer Werft is subject to the fulfillment of certain terms and conditions.

Post launch, Quantum will be one of the leading cruise lines with the second biggest cruise ships in the world. All of these ships will feature 16 decks and 2,090 staterooms with a capacity to accommodate 4,180 passengers. With the addition of this vessel under the Quantum line, the company will be able to further enhance its cruise services and attract more customers. Royal Caribbean now expects its capital expenditures (all contracts are included) to be $700 million, $1.2 billion, $1.2 billion and $2.1 billion for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Following the launch of the third Quantum ship, the company’s capacity will grow 4% annually over the next five years.

Royal Caribbean currently retains a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold)

via 3rd Quantum Ship for Royal Caribbean – Analyst Blog.

May 30

Royal Caribbean Signs Contract For Third Quantum-Class Cruise Ship

MIAMIMay 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL) announced today that it has signed a contract with the Meyer Werft shipyard to construct a third Quantum-class cruise ship for delivery in mid-2016.  The price and terms of the new ship are similar to the price and terms of the first two Quantum-class ships and the contract is subject to financing conditions.

The company recently unveiled details of this new class of ship and was gratified by the public response to the design innovations.  It also said that the new design included an advantageous configuration which includes a greater proportion of higher priced staterooms and that it achieves some of the greatest energy efficiencies at sea.

“We are creating a compelling experience for vacationers with innovative design, winning service, and appealing destinations around the world,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.  Brian J. Rice, vice chairman added, “This order follows our stated goals of moderate growth, driving improved returns and leading to an investment grade rating.”

“We are encouraged by the very positive response we received from travel agents and consumers when we first announced some of the unprecedented offerings on Quantum Class last month,” said Adam Goldstein, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International. “The Quantum class will offer vacationers more unexpected activities in the most extraordinary spaces, and a third ship will offer even more opportunities for vacationers to experience Quantum cruising.”

The yet-unnamed Quantum-class vessel will join the Royal Caribbean International fleet, alongside Quantum of the Seas, which will make its maiden voyage in 2014, and Anthem of the Seas, scheduled to debut in 2015.

Quantum ships span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms.  Quantum cruising will dazzle guests with never-before onboard features, such as a skydiving experience, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms. These new, larger staterooms enable innovation in design, storage and comfort, including the industry’s first interior staterooms with Virtual Balconies, ensuring that every stateroom on Quantum of the Seas will have a view.  To see the reveal film that introduces at-sea “firsts” to debut on the Quantum Class, please go tohttp://tinyurl.com/pyhh6ff.

“We are excited to construct these tremendous ships to meet guests’ demand for an exceptional cruise experience,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner Meyer Werft.  Meyer continued, “And we are honored by our long partnership with Royal Caribbean, a true innovator in modern ship design.”

Including today’s contract and existing ship orders, projected capital expenditures for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 are $700 million$1.2 billion$1.2 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively.  Including Quantum III, the company’s capacity growth rate from 2012 to 2017 will be approximately 4% per annum.

May 26

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL SEASON ITINERARIES FOR QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Groundbreaking New Ship Opens for Sale on May 28, 2013 and Inaugural Voyage Set for November 23, 2014

MIAMI, May 22, 2013 – With more game-changing “firsts at sea” being introduced on Royal Caribbean International’s new Quantum class of ships, vacationers will be hard pressed to find another experience that delivers the “WOWs” like Quantum of the Seas. The cruise line known for introducing incredible signature onboard offerings, such as the rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, FlowRider surf simulator, zip-lining and a park with more than 12,000 plants and trees, today unveiled Quantum of the Seas’ first 18 Caribbean sailings, ranging from seven to twelve nights, with the official inaugural voyage set for November 23, 2014. Bookings will be available to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members beginning May 28, 2013 before opening to the general public on June 4.

            Vacationers in the New York-metropolitan area and around the world can choose among seven- and eight-night Bahamas, eight- to 11-night Eastern Caribbean, and 11- and 12-night Southern Caribbean itinerariesaboard Quantum of the Seas. The groundbreaking new ship will sail roundtrip from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J. to the most popular Caribbean destinations through April 2015, and debut new unprecedented features, such as a skydiving experience; a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever. To see the reveal film which introduces Quantum of the Seas’ innovative at-sea “firsts,” please see http://tinyurl.com/pyhh6ff.

            “Royal Caribbean is proud to partner with some of the Caribbean’s premier destinations for the inaugural season of Quantum of the Seas,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The Quantum class of ships will combine a new set of truly exciting and first-at-sea innovations that can only be found on Royal Caribbean, with some of the most incredible destinations in the region. We can’t wait to WOW vacationers with Quantum cruising.”

On the Bahamas cruises, guests call at Port Canaveral, Fla., Nassau and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private tropical island paradise. The Eastern Caribbean cruises will include ports of call among San Juan, Puerto Rico; Samana, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas; St. Kitts; and St. Maarten. Guests on the Southern Caribbean cruises will call at San Juan, St. Maarten, Martinique, Barbados and St. Kitts. On most Caribbean sailings, Quantum of the Seas also will visit Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s very own highly-rated private beach paradise on the north coast of Haiti.

Building on a legacy of more than 40 years of innovation and creative design, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class of ships will take a dramatic leap forward, introducing more game-changing “firsts at sea,” such as RipCord by iFly (http://tinyurl.com/af3o2qf), the first skydiving experience at sea, which allows everyone from first-time flyers to seasoned skydivers to enjoy the sheer thrill and exhilaration of skydiving in a safe, controlled and simulated environment. North Star (http://tinyurl.com/bp22mwy), an engineering marvel, will take guests to new heights – literally – with a jewel-shaped, glass capsule, transporting them on a spectacular journey more than 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship to deliver awe-inspiring 360-degree views.

The new Quantum class also will introduce new cutting-edge, transformative venues, including Two70° (http://tinyurl.com/b99ob8n), a multi-level great room aptly named for its magnificent 270-degree panoramic sea views through three-deck high, floor-to-ceiling glass walls at the stern of the ship; SeaPlex (http://tinyurl.com/cwpmlvg), the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and circus school with trapeze; and Music Hall (http://tinyurl.com/bdw3myd), a two-story performance hall, inspired by the spirit of rock and roll, and the hottest live music venue on Quantum class.

Quantum class also will offer Royal Caribbean’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever, including the industry’s first interior staterooms with Virtual Balconies, ensuring that every stateroom on Quantum of the Seas will have a view. For multi-generational families, Family-Connected staterooms deliver more flexibility, using three different stateroom categories that connect to form a special layout that provides separate bedrooms and bathrooms for all. Royal Caribbean also will introduce new Studio staterooms – some featuring balconies – for single travelers, three new Junior Suite categories, and larger Loft Suites. For an informative overview of Quantum of the Seas’ new stateroom concepts, please see http://tinyurl.com/a2obdob.

Quantum class will debut in fall 2014 with Quantum of the Seas, followed by her sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in spring 2015.  Quantum ships span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms.  More information on Quantum of the Seas is available at RoyalCaribbean.com/Quantum.

Video

Twice the Fun: Cruising Back to Back on Royal Caribbean

May 17

Princess Cruises Announces 2014-15 Americas Program

Caribbean, Panama Canal, Canada & New England, and West Coast Cruises Including Hawaii, Mexico, Coastals and Getaways Open for Sale Today *** New Regal Princess Debuts in the Caribbean; Royal Princess to Sail Canada & New England Route for First Time

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 14, 2013) – Today Princess Cruises opened the books on its Americas program – including Caribbean, Panama Canal, Canada & New England and West Coast cruises. The new sailings include Regal Princess’ debut in the Caribbean as well as Royal Princess first cruises to Canada & New England roundtrip from New York. On the West Coast, new roundtrip sailings from Vancouver add another departure port for Hawaii and California Coastal cruises, and Crown Princess, the line’s newest ship on the West Coast, will offer its first full season sailing from Los Angeles.

In total, 11 ships will sail on 355 departures of 46 itineraries to more than 70 destinations. In the Caribbean, passengers can choose idyllic vacations from three to 20 days, with roundtrips from Ft. Lauderdale and Houston. West Coast cruises sail from Los Angeles, San Francisco and now Vancouver to Hawaii, Mexico, the South Pacific, and along the California coast. For the first time Royal Princess will take passengers to Canada & New England, becoming the line’s largest ship sailing on these fall foliage cruises, joining Ruby Princess, also new to cruising the Eastern Seaboard. And Princess will continue to lead the way in Panama Canal cruising aboard favorite ships Coral Princess and Island Princess.

“Whether travelers have just three days or are ready for a 28-day adventure, they can enjoy the Princess cruise experience from a variety of close-to-home departure ports,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “These North America cruises offer great opportunities to enjoy our newest ships along with some amazing destinations.”

Princess Cruises’ 2014-15 Americas program includes:

Caribbean – Five ships will be sailing the balmy waters of the Caribbean including, for the first time, the new Regal Princess offering the line’s popular seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises. Sister ship Royal Princess will sail on 10-day Caribbean itineraries for the first time, on both Eastern Caribbean Voyager and Southern Caribbean Medley routes, which can be combined for a 20-day sojourn among the islands. In addition, Ruby Princess will offer a season of seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean departures that can be combined into a 14-day vacation. Emerald Princess will sail on seven-day Western Caribbean voyages from Houston. Those looking for a shorter vacation option can choose from four- and five-day getaway voyages on Caribbean Princess to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. In total, passengers can choose from 204 departures on 16 itineraries to 24 tropical destinations.

West Coast Sailings – Four ships will take passengers along the West Coast and to destinations such as Hawaii and Mexico from three homeports – Los Angeles, San Francisco and now Vancouver. Grand Princess will debut two new roundtrip Vancouver itineraries offered both in the fall and spring, sailing to either the tropical paradise of the Hawaiian Islands, or along the California Coast – including an overnight stay in San Francisco. For the remainder of the season, Grand Princess will be based in Los Angeles sailing on 15-day Hawaii cruises. Crown Princess, Princess’ newest and most innovative ship on the West Coast, will also sail from Los Angeles for a season of voyages along the California coast, to Mexico, and on Princess’ popular 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa adventure. In addition, the ship will offer a series of three- and four-day Getaway sailings. Golden Princess will also offer the shorter Getaway sailings from Los Angeles during the fall. Star Princess will be based in San Francisco, sailing to Hawaii, Mexico and the California coast. In total, Princess will offer a total of 104 cruise options from West Coast ports.

Canada & New EnglandRoyal Princess becomes Princess’ largest ship ever to sail Canada & New England when it offers these cruises for the first time in fall 2014. With four departures from New York in September and October, the ship will take passengers on a seven-day itinerary to the New England ports of Boston, Bar Harbor and Newport and the Atlantic Canadian ports of Halifax and Saint John. For more time enjoying the fall foliage, Ruby Princess also sails for the first time to Canada & New England on the line’s popular 10-day Classic Canada & England itinerary featuring an overnight in spectacular Quebec City, and a new port of Gaspé, Quebec – an off-the-beaten path destination featuring a charming seaside village known for the picturesque Percé Rock. The ship will also offer a 12-day Colonial America & Canada itinerary between Quebec and Ft. Lauderdale. Passengers can choose to enhance their cruise vacation with cruisetour options featuring Colonial America sites or fascinating Canadian cities like Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa.

Panama CanalCoral Princess and Island Princess will once again lead the way in Panama Canal cruising with full seasons sailing through this wonder of engineering. Passengers can choose either a 11-day roundtrip itinerary from Ft. Lauderdale or a longer journey between Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles or Vancouver for the full-transit Panama Canal experience. Between them the two ships will feature 36 departures, to 21 destinations in the Caribbean, Central America and along the Pacific Coast.

May 11

Broadway’s “Legally Blonde” to headline Norwegian Getaway’s Entertainment

 

Norwegian Cruise Line continued its legacy of innovating cruise ship entertainment as it announced that the seven-time Tony Award nominated musical LEGALLY BLONDE will be featured on Norwegian Getaway, along with an additional Broadway show: the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR and an all-new stand-up comedy program in partnership with Levity Entertainment Group, the largest producer of comedians in the world. The line also introduced all of the varied and exciting entertainment acts and venues that will debut on the ship, including Howl at the Moon at Headliners Comedy Club. These exciting entertainment experiences are in addition to Norwegian Getaway’s Illusionarium and Grammy Experience, as previously announced.

“Norwegian has truly raised the bar when it comes to entertainment at sea and that is why it was extremely important to me that Norwegian Getaway feature high caliber entertainment that will continue to exceed our guest’s expectations,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “With LEGALLY BLONDE performing in the Getaway Theater, along with BURN THE FLOOR, world-class comedy by THE LEVITY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, magic in the previously announced ILLUSIONARIUM, THE GRAMMY EXPERIENCE, and all of the other entertainment offerings, we continue our commitment on Norwegian Getaway to offer guests the best entertainment experience possible.”

Headlining the 787-seat Getaway Theater is the seven-time Tony Award nominated Broadway musical, LEGALLY BLONDE. Liverpool Confidential has called the show, “Kind-hearted, comical and camp, Legally Blonde ? The Musical is right up there with Mamma Mia! and Hairspray.”

LEGALLY BLONDE tells the story of Elle Woods who, after being dumped by her boyfriend, follows him to Harvard Law School to win him back. With the help of some new-found friends, she learns that it’s so much better to be smart.

The show opened on Broadway at the Palace Theater on April 29, 2007 and closed in 2008 after playing 595 performances. The show was also one of London’s most popular West End shows, where it played at the Savoy Theatre and won three Laurence Olivier Awards, including one for “Best New Musical.”

In addition to being a bona fide Broadway hit musical, LEGALLY BLONDE is a global success and is currently touring in Australia.

BURN THE FLOOR
Offering shows in both the Getaway Theater and more intimate performances, dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR will dazzle guests with their re-invented ballroom dancing.

Beginning with, and maintaining all the wonderful traditions and the social history of the Ballroom dance art form, BURN THE FLOOR is a groundbreaking show, serving as a melting pot of styles, energy and excitement for today’s generation of dancers. It is Ballroom “supercharged.”

During the course of the show, the dancers perform all the Ballroom and Latin styles, including The Waltz, Cha Cha, Samba, Salsa, Rumba, Foxtrot, Quickstep,

Mambo, Tango, Swing, Jive, Lindy Hop, Viennese Waltz, and Paso Doble. The music is eclectic, from Swing and Waltz classics to J-Lo and Credence Clearwater. Two vocalists perform in many languages during the show, including English, Spanish and Portuguese.

The show premiered in London in 1999 and toured the US for the first time in 2000, including performances at Radio City Music Hall. After touring around the world, in a variety of countries, including Japan, Singapore and Australia, BURN THE FLOOR premiered on Broadway in 2009. Originally intended to be a limited run, the show opened to rave reviews in New York and extended its original run into January 2010, performing 193 shows. Already staged in more than 300 cities globally, BURN THE FLOOR is currently in the midst of its World Tour of the Broadway Production with dates in Holland, Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan, and will return to the US later this year before joining Norwegian Getaway in 2014.

Norwegian Getaway will feature multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues throughout the ship so that guests can choose from a wide variety of entertainment each evening of their cruise with choices to appeal to a broad audience.

LEVITY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP COMEDY AND HOWL AT THE MOON IN HEADLINERS
Headliners Comedy Club on Norwegian Getaway will feature top-tier comedians presented through the line’s new partnership with Levity Entertainment Group, the world’s largest producer of live comedy. Levity employs over 300 artists nationwide each week, creating special events, original tours, and television specials with some of the biggest names in comedy, including Daniel Tosh, Amy Shumer, B ill Cosby, Gabriel Iglesias and Jeff Dunham, who is currently the most successful touring comedian worldwide. Levity packages and produces best-in-class talent for all live experiences, including premium comedy clubs, international comedy festivals, corporate events and large-scale arena and stadium shows. Levity will bring a new level of comedy entertainment on board Norwegian Getaway, offering 12 shows per week.

The world’s greatest rock n’ roll dueling piano show, Howl at the Moon, which received rave reviews on Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Breakaway, will also be featured in Headliners on board Norwegian Getaway. This total entertainment experience features talented piano players who not only entertain the guests; they make the guests part of the show. The fun is centered around two baby grand pianos and a full out rock show with Howl’s entertainers playing the best music from 70′s rock to hip-hop for four hours per show. Howl at the Moon, with multiple locations across the United States, encourages people to channel their inner rock star, so guests should get ready to clap, sing, dance and howl.

Currently being built at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Getaway will be 146,600 gross tons and offer a wide range of accommodations. The ship represents an opportunity for the Norwegian guest to “get away” from the routine of work, school, and daily stress, and find a true respite at sea that reflects the energy and culture that Miami is known for worldwide.

To date, the company has revealed the ship’s groundbreaking design, including The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that create a whole new complex at sea and enhances guests’ connection with the ocean. Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also open three dining concepts on Norwegian Getaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian; Ocean Blue on the Waterfront and The Raw Bar, that were recently launched on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway’s New York -based sister ship. Norwegian Getaway will also be the first to have the GRAMMY® Experience at sea which will feature artifacts chosen and curated by the GRAMMY Museum® along with live performances by past GRAMMY winners and nominees, among others. The ship will also feature an all-new dining and entertainment experience, The Illusionarium. A first of its kind at sea, The Illusionarium will envelop guests in the fascinating world of magic, inviting them to experience the astonishing illusions of world-class magicians and supernatural special effects. In addition, every Norwegian Getaway sailing will feature a dazzling fireworks show in Spice H20.

The 4,000 passenger ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options, including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship in an exclusive, private key-card enclave and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; a wide range of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa. Norwegian Getaway’s sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will begin sailing from her year-round home port of New York City in May 2013.

Norwegian Getaway will sail seven-day cruises from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean beginning on February 1, 2014, with ports of call including Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. Information on Norwegian Getaway’s accommodations and itinerary can be found at www.getaway.ncl.com. To book a cruise on Norwegian Getaway, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 800-327-7030 or visit www.ncl.com. Comment on today’s announcement on Norwegian’s Facebook page at www.ncl.com/facebook.

May 11

Celebrity Cruises Unveils Innovative Alliance With Ultimate Entertainment Brand Xbox

One of the industry’s largest Xbox experiences at sea to be featured onboard Celebrity’s sleek, luxurious ships

MIAMIMay 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – Revealing an addition to its series of premium collaborations, Celebrity Cruises has joined forces with Microsoft’s Xbox to integrate the leading destination of video game entertainment into guests’ modern luxury vacations. Slated to introduce one of the industry’s largest Xbox experiences at sea, Celebrity’s alliance boasts entertaining Xbox-themed spaces across its fleet, offering families interactive Xbox Games experiences for children, teens and even the kid in every adult.

Guests can anticipate enhancements to existing venues and onboard programming as soon as this summer, with the inclusion of Xbox-featured activities and gaming areas in the youth program’s Fun Factory and X-Club facilities. For youth who have been registered to participate by their parents, the Celebrity Xbox experience will offer exciting age-appropriate games and themed nights ranging from sports and dance to adventure and racing on Xbox 360 and Kinect for Xbox 360.

Adults also have the opportunity to connect and enjoy the Xbox experience through free play and at scheduled themed events, including Zumba® parties and sports tournaments, available on traveling Kinect for Xbox 360 consoles in different venues throughout the ships.

“As a premium vacation brand, Celebrity is dedicated to providing guests with what they want while on vacation, whether relaxation, entertainment or staying connected – it’s readily available,” said Greg Purdy, Celebrity Cruises’ SVP of Operations. “Joining existing offerings like the Celebrity iLounge, a hip approach to the standard Internet lounge and the first Authorized Apple® Specialist at sea, the Celebrity Xbox experience expands our technology offering with even more engaging ways for the whole family to enjoy a modern luxury vacation.”

To celebrate the launch, one lucky family of four will win a seven-night cruise onboard the Celebrity ship of their choice, with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, and an Xbox 360 prize pack as the grand prize of the Celebrity & Xbox Experience Sweepstakes. For a chance to win, guests enter online through June 18, 2013 atwww.celebritycruises.com/xboxsweeps. Participants also can win four Xbox 360 prize packs, each including an Xbox 360 with Kinect and a month of Xbox Live Gold membership.

“The Celebrity Xbox voyage is unlike any journey Xbox has embarked on,” said Grover Holtzclaw, US Xbox Director. “With Xbox’s first exclusive experience at sea, two great brands have come together to develop the ultimate family vacation: the best gaming entertainment combined with the modern luxury Celebrity provides its guests.”

The newly “Solsticized” Celebrity Constellation is the first of Celebrity’s ten ships to introduce the complete onboard Xbox experience when it re-entered service on May 5, 2013, after completing its scheduled drydock – just in time for families planning their summer vacations. The remaining Celebrity ships will offer Xbox 360 and Kinect for Xbox 360 this summer, and will unfold the full Xbox experience by the end of 2013.

via Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : RSS Content.

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