Jul 21
NEW YORK COUNTS DOWN TO ARRIVAL OF NEW SMARTSHIP, ANTHEM OF THE SEAS
High-Tech Adventures are Just 100 Days Away
MIAMI – Royal Caribbean International’s newest and most technologically advanced ship, Anthem of the Seas is set to arrive in the New York area on November 4, 2015, bringing with her a lineup of thrilling adventures for guests of all ages. From the RipCord by iFLY sky diving experience and the North Star, a glass observation capsule that takes guests more than 300 feet above the ocean, to futuristic entertainment, a robust culinary experience and game-changing technology that encompasses everything from robotic bartenders to the fastest wireless connectivity at sea, Anthem of the Seas allows guests to vacation like never before.
Anthem of the Seas will make Cape Liberty Cruise Port in New York Harbor her permanent home, sailing to the Caribbean and The Bahamas, and treating guests to an incomparable vacation experience that can only be found on Royal Caribbean. Highlights ofAnthem of the Seas include:
Unexpected at Sea Adventures
Endless experiences await guests onboard Anthem of the Seas, with unexpected thrills. From North Star,providing guests breathtaking, panoramic views from 300 feet above sea level, to RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea, andSeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea complete with bumper cars, a circus school, roller skating, and more, there is no end to the fun that can be found onboard.
Multi-Dimensional Entertainment
Be it day or night, Anthem of the Seas keeps guests inspired and entertained. An extraordinary lineup of multidimensional entertainment onboard Anthem of the Seas delights guests of all ages in a variety of state-of-the-art venues, including Two70, where a combination of live performers and technology come together to deliver spectacular, multidimensional shows and events that have never before been seen on land, let alone at sea. The Royal Theater is home to the ship’s two main shows, “We Will Rock You” and “The Gift,” while Music Hall, the hottest live music venue at sea, keeps guests rocking and dancing the night away.
A Delectable Menu of Choice and Flexibility
Anthem of the Seas features a revolutionary approach to cruise ship dining, thanks to a robust culinary experience that allows guests to customize their onboard dining experience to best meet their varying palates and preferences. An all-new Dynamic Dining experience gives guests a selection of 18 restaurant concepts, including five complimentary main dining restaurants, as well as a lineup of specialty dining venues. Partnerships with world-renowned chefs such as Jamie Oliver, Michael Schwartz, and Devin Alexander round out the options. Guests have the flexibility to choose between Dynamic Dining Choice, which allows them to decide when, where, and with whom to dine each evening, and Dynamic Dining Classic, which is designed for those who prefer a more traditional experience.
The Ultimate Hi-Tech Vacation
From ultrafast Wi-Fi – the fastest at sea – and RFID technology, to virtual balconies in every interior stateroom, and robots that can mix up a mean cocktail, Anthem of the Seas, is packed with a bold lineup of technological advancements that will impress even the most tech-savvy modern traveler. Designed to seamlessly deliver unprecedented guest vacation experiences at sea, technology is prevalent throughout the ship, substantially increasing guest convenience and efficiency and ensuring a cruise onboard Anthem of the Seas is nothing but smooth sailing.
The world’s most revolutionary cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas is setting sail on the next great adventure. Unprecedented innovations in ship design, thrilling activities, game-changing technology, multidimensional entertainment and robust, flexible dining opportunities come together onboard Anthem to create the ultimate, contemporary cruising experience found only on Royal Caribbean. She spans 18 decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms. Anthem of the Seas will sail out of her new homeport of Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J. beginning Nov. 10. More information on Quantum class is available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/AnthemoftheSeas. Media can find more details, images and videos at www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com/Anthem.
Jul 21
Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces á La Carte Specialty Dining
Norwegian Cruise Line announced today the introduction of à la carte specialty dining at the line’s signature specialty restaurants, providing guests the freedom to savor an array of tastes and gourmet dishes and the flexibility to choose how many courses they wish to enjoy during their meal.
Guests will experience the ultimate in Freestyle Cruising beginning this October on the all-new Norwegian Escape, where they can choose to dine at any of 11 complimentary dining options or experience new flavors at Norwegian’s signature specialty restaurants La Cucina, Le Bistro, Cagney’s Steakhouse and the new Bayamo by James Beard Award winning chef Jose Garces, on an à la carte basis.
Norwegian’s signature specialty restaurants on Norwegian Escape will feature enhanced menus that include favorite dishes and new tastes alike, offering guests the freedom to select how many courses they’d like to enjoy during their dinner, with per-item pricing. Whether guests wish to have a light meal of a favorite appetizer and soup or salad, or indulge in a multi-course dinner featuring Maine lobster, with Norwegian’s new à la carte options, guests will now have the opportunity to create their desired dining experience, just as they would at any land-based restaurant.
At Cagney’s Steakhouse, starters on the new à la carte menu range from $4.99 to $7.95 and main courses from $17.99 to $29.99, featuring Certified Angus Beef® brand steaks, the world’s leading Angus brand and consumers’ top choice for premium beef. At Le Bistro, guests will find delicious new main courses in addition to traditional French favorites, including Bouillabaisse, Pan-Seared Jumbo Bay Scallops and Veal Medallions with Sauce Morrel, starting at $15.99. And guests looking to find a taste of “la dolce vita” will be transported to the Mediterranean when they choose from an expanded menu at La Cucina, featuring antipasti, pasta, risotto and traditional secondi courses starting at $12.99 including Osso Buco alla Milanese, Free-Range Chicken with Prosciutto or Pan-Seared Sea Bass Filet.
Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki will remain at a cover charge of $19.95 and $29.95 respectively, as will entertainment dining including Wine Lovers The Musical and For The Record™: The Brat Pack.
Guests who purchase a Norwegian Specialty Dining Package have the freedom to indulge as they wish, as Specialty Dining Packages will allow guests to enjoy La Cucina, Le Bistro and Cagney’s Steakhouse at no additional charge. Guests with a Specialty Dining Package can dine in Bayamo by Jose Garces for an additional fee of $15.
In addition to Norwegian Escape’s specialty restaurants, Ocean Blue on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway will also begin offering à la carte options on October 3, 2015, and the new à la carte dining will be available fleetwide beginning January 1, 2016. Other entertainment dining across the fleet, including Cirque Dreams & Dinner and The Illusionarium, will remain at a cover charge. For those guests who wish to reserve their dining times ahead of time, they can continue to do so via MyNCL; there is no charge to make a reservation and guests will have any à la carte selections added to their onboard account at the time of dining.
For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line’s specialty dining, visit http://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-dining#specialty. To book a cruise on Norwegian, guests can contact their travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.
Jul 17
ROYAL CARIBBEAN DELIVERS NEW ADVENTURES AND EXCLUSIVE SHORE EXCURSIONS PROGRAM
Cruise Line Offers New Tours Designed For Action Lovers, Families, Culture Seekers and Foodies in Mind
MIAMI – Designed to meet every travel passion, Royal Caribbean International is tapping into what guests really want to do on their next vacation with an enhanced shore excursion program featuring exclusive new options. From playing five-on-five soccer in Spain to exploring Buddhist temples in Bangkok, these new excursions allow guests to discover a destination through activities which appeal to their sense of adventure. The cruise line’s more than 2,800 shore excursions worldwide also have been grouped into seven special interest categories designed based on guest’s interest and vacation needs: Active Adventures, Family Connections, Royal Tour Challenge, Culture and Sights, Culinary Delights, Caring Discoveries and the Royal Premium Tour Collection.
Active Adventures
Guests can get their hearts pumping with activities at every level, from riding a dune buggy and boat rides to high-energy excursions that will take their vacation’s adrenaline factor to the next level. From tackling six exhilarating zip lines and two skybridges in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, to rappelling through small waterfalls, sliding toboggan-style down boulders and jumping off cliffs into natural pools at a thrilling watercourse in Madeira, Portugal, adventure seekers can test their metal on any one of these excursions.
Family Connections
Creating lifelong memories are what family vacations are all about. What better way to ensure that than with shore excursions that kids, parents and even grandparents can enjoy together. Families can share exciting experiences while attending gladiator school in Rome, Italy, where families will learn Roman gladiator combat skills with a hands-on fighting lesson and earn a certificate of Roman citizenship. Or join a wilderness kayak experience at Chilkoot Lake in Skagway, Alaska, where adventure seekers might spot bald eagles, brown bears, seals, sea lions or even whales.
Royal Tour Challenge
In the spirit of good fun and some friendly competition, guests can spend their days in port with challenge-based activities designed especially for families and groups. Families and friends can spend some quality time together with a half-day laser tag adventure in Cozumel, Mexico, where participants will hit targets to gather points by following a jungle path filled with Mayan ruin replicas. Or better yet, guests can enjoy a five-on-five soccer game in Gijon, Spain, followed by a game of paddle tennis, a raquet sport played extensively in Spain.
Culture and Sights
For travelers looking to explore history and culture with local experts and enrich their understanding of the world they can select classic sightseeing tours, guided visits to archaeological sites and museums, live performances, and more. Guests can enjoy asprawling Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand, which was built in honor of two famous kings, or exploring Rome, Italy, in an Ape Calessino, the little vehicle eponymous to Italian style which launched in 1948 to help with post-WWII reconstruction.
Culinary Delights
Want to know what’s on the menu, in the fields or on tap? Discover a destination’s authentic, essential flavors through excursions that introduce guests to local chefs, specialties and purveyors. Visit Graycliff Chocolatier in Nassau, Bahamas, and delight in making truffles, bonbons and bars with a tropical flair, or learn pizza-making from the experts in Naples, Italy, where the Italian favorite was invented in 1830.
Caring Discoveries
Guests wanting to make a difference in the places they visit can select tours that help wildlife, the environment and local communities. Save a sea turtle in Cozumel, Mexico, where approximately 20 percent of turtles aren’t quite ready to head for the seas or meet an Iditarod musher and their racing dogs at a dog sled camp in Skagway, Alaska.
For full details about Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions program visit www.royalcaribbean.com/shoreexcursions.
Jul 14
MSC CRUISES TO INAUGURATE CUBA AS A DESTINATION IN DECEMBER 2015
Geneva, Switzerland, 3 July 2015 – MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned global cruise line and the market leader in the Mediterranean and South America, announced today that, starting in December 2015, its 2,120-guestMSC Opera will homeport in Havana for the winter 2015-16 season to offer guests 16 Caribbean cruises of relaxation and discovery.
MSC Cruises will give cruise travellers from around the world a unique chance to get aboard the completely renovated 65,542 GRT MSC Opera, part of the Company’s €200 million Renaissance programme, and cruise to Jamaica, theCayman Islands and Mexico with two nights and two and a half days in the Cuban capital.
Gianni Onorato, Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises, commented: “We are particularly proud to make this exciting new destination available to our guests. For this, I wish to personally thank all those who worked with us over these past several months to make it possible for MSC Cruises to launch Cuba as a destination to its guests. In particular, I wish to thank the Ministers of Transportation and Tourism of the Cuban Government and their representatives for their continued highly professional contribution.”
Mr. Onorato added: “The move to Cuba attests to our steadfast commitment to offer our experienced guests and holiday-makers the best and most sought-after destinations as they become accessible – thus further enhancing our global offering while providing travellers best-in-class experiences and service.”
“The inaugural cruise will take place in less than six months from now,” concluded Mr. Onorato, “but we can definitely attest of the strong demand for the product, due to the combination of the attractiveness of Cuba as a culture-rich destination, coupled with the fact that it is offered through our distinctive MSC Cruises experience.”
The seven-night cruises will be available to MSC Cruises travellers with a combination of packages. In particular, from Spain, Italy, France and Germany, as well as Canada, Brazil and Argentina these will include of fly and cruise combinations. The Company is also pleased to announce that the opening of the sales across all channels for cruises on MSC Opera will be on Thursday 9 July.
To offer local ground services and shore excursions MSC Cruises will partner with Cubanacan, the Cuba-based group created more than 20 years ago known for its experienced professionals and high quality of service.
The first cruise will start from Havana on 22 December 2015, following MSC Opera’s Grand Voyage to Cuba from Genoa, departing on 2 December 2015. To ensure that guests can enjoy and discover the capital city, the Grand Voyage will include a call in Havana on 18 December, and resume its itinerary in the region before heading back to Cuba for its final call of the journey on 22 December. On 12 April 2016, the ship will leave Havana for a Grand Voyage back to Europe, with Warnemünde (Germany) as its final destination, arriving on 7 May 2016.
Explore and unwind
During their two-and-a-half-day stay in Havana, MSC Opera’s guests can explore the city’s stunning old centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its history, culture and architecture. No visit to Havana is complete without a stroll along the famous Malecón seafront promenade, where the island’s renowned laid-back lifestyle is in full effect.
The island of Cozumel, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, offers some truly spectacular Mayan ruins, at Tulum. Travellers can snorkel with sea turtles and bathe in refreshing cavern waters, explore ancient Mayan caves or bask in the natural beauty of this island, which lies just off the coast of Quintana Roo.
In Montego Bay, on the north-western coast of Jamaica, guests can go white-water rafting in the Martha Brae River, tour an old plantation at the Good Hope Estate or learn about the mysteries of Rose Hall Great House – a fascinating colonial relic imbued with rumour and intrigue.
In Georgetown, the Cayman Islands, guests can snorkel in Stingray City, take a catamaran cruise to the coral reefs or just unwind on the pristine white Seven Mile Beach, on Grand Cayman’s western shore, famed for its gorgeous cobalt waters and coral sands.
Jul 14
Princess Cruises’ New Ship Begins Countdown to Summer 2017 Debut China Year Round Cruising
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (July 10, 2015) – Carnival plc marked the beginning of construction of Princess Cruises’ third new generation of ships with the official keel laying ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. As the keel – the bottommost part of the ship – was ceremoniously lowered into position, and shipyard officials celebrated the occasion with a traditional Chinese lion dance. This, yet to be named ship, will be customized to appeal to the China market when it debuts in summer 2017.
Following the lion dance and a traditional blessing by a priest, the ship’s keel – which weighs approximately 500 tons – was moved into position by crane onto the keel blocks. The computer-guided maneuver took only minutes, belying the more than two million man-hours that will ultimately go into building the vessel. The 3,600-passenger, 141,000-ton ship will remain in the building dock until float out next summer.
“We’re incredibly excited to mark this step in the ship’s construction,” said Anthony Kaufman, Princess Cruises senior vice president of Asia operations, who traveled to Italy for the ceremony. “We’re very pleased to be working with our long-term partner, Fincantieri, on our newest ship and we appreciate their partnership and collaboration to customize and tailor the ship for the Chinese market.”
“The lion dance has been part of the Chinese culture for thousands of years and is performed on various auspicious occasions and celebrations. According to traditional Chinese belief, the lion signifies courage, wisdom, and good fortune and brings happiness, longevity, and good luck. We believe this special ceremony will bring prosperity and good fortune to Princess Cruises and our guests in China,” said Cherry Wang, country director of Carnival China, who also traveled to Italy for the ceremony.
The new Royal Class ship will offer many of the same special features as Royal Princess and Regal Princess,which have been so well-received by the industry. These include a dramatic multi-story atrium serving as the social hub of the ship; an over-the-ocean SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship; the Princess Live! interactive studio; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light.
Guests will enjoy the international flavor of cruising with Princess, including experiencing cuisines from China, Japan, South-East Asia, Italy, France, and North America among other regions; as well as an array of international festivals re-created to celebrate cultures around the world; Princess Watercolor Fantasy, a fountain and music show; Movies Under the Stars featuring the largest outdoor screen at sea; and balconies on all outside staterooms. Accommodations will be configured to appeal to families and multi-generational travelers.
In addition, the new ship will showcase the exclusive Princess Class experience designed specifically for the Chinese market. Delivered by the ship’s dedicated and caring crew, Princess Class enriches the travel experience of each cruise guest, enabling them to participate in unique cultural, culinary, entertaining and inspiring programs including the World Leaders Dinner, traditional English afternoon tea, a Lobster Grill, Ultimate Balcony Dining, an ocean-view hot pot dinner option, ballroom dancing, and an unparalleled duty-free shopping experience.
Jul 14
FAST, FREE INTERNET AND EXCITING NEW FEATURES FOR ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S MAJESTY OF THE SEAS
New Itineraries From Port Canaveral and Tampa to Take Guests On An Ultimate Adventure
MIAMI, July 6, 2015 – By popular demand, Majesty of the Seas will continue to offer short cruises sailing with Royal Caribbean International. The largest and most award-winning global cruise line announced today that the ship will homeport in Port Canaveral, along Florida’s Space Coast, starting in summer 2016. Before her season in Port Canaveral where she will sail to the Bahamas,Majesty of the Seas will go into drydock for upgrades and receive transformational new onboard amenities.
Voom, the fastest internet at sea, will be available free and unlimited exclusively for guests on Majesty of the Seas to stay connected, brag about their vacation to friends and family, stream their favorite movies and music, and enjoy popular online video gaming.
New features to be introduced on Majesty of the Seas include thrilling waterslides for guests of all ages; family-friendly Jacuzzis; a poolside movie screen; and award-winning entertainment including the Dreamworks Experience featuring activities and entertainment with Shrek, Fiona and other favorite characters from the powerhouse animation studio’s popular movies. An enhanced casino will offer gamers a variety of the latest popular slot machines and table games and suite guests will enjoy exclusive amenities and services as part of a newly enhanced suite program. Some of the new delectable culinary options includeIzumi Japanese cuisine with fresh and flavorful sushi rolls and sashimi; the Sabor Taqueria featuring a mouthwatering menu of authentic, modern and unexpected Mexican dishes, including hand-made table-side guacamole – all which can be enjoyed alfresco; and the Chef’s Table, an exclusive experience hosted by the Executive Chef and Sommelier for an intimate wine pairing dinner.
“Our short itineraries have been very popular offering vacationers the perfect opportunity to sample the unmatched experience of a Royal Caribbean cruise, as well as providing a quick adventurous getaway,” said Michael Bayley, president & CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “With these exciting new features as well as unprecedented fast and free unlimited internet for guests onMajesty of the Seas, we are stepping up our game and offering a phenomenal short cruise adventure for our guests.”
Majesty of the Seas will sail 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas with visits to the cruise line’s private island destination, CocoCay. Highly rated among guests, this tropical paradise offers white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters set in 140 acres of lush vegetation. The secluded Bahamian island – reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests – features an aquatic park and water slide, beach volleyball and soccer, snorkeling and other water-based recreation.
With Majesty of the Seas’ move, the cruise line is now able to deploy Rhapsody of the Seas – which was announced to sail short Bahamas itineraries from Port Canaveral – to Tampa offering seven-night Western Caribbean cruises in winter 2016. The new itineraries will further expand the choices for guests in Central Florida and help Royal Caribbean increase the total number of U.S. destinations, from where vacationers can find conveniently accessible ports to embark on the ultimate Caribbean cruise adventure. Reservations for the Majesty of the Seas’ inaugural Port Canaveral season are now available for sailings beginning May 27, 2016.Rhapsody of the Seas’ Tampa sailings are also open for sale for sailings beginning December 3, 2016.
Jul 14
Celebrity Cruises Partners with Lifetime’s Emmy®-Nominated Series Project Runway®
A first for Project Runway® and the cruise industry, Celebrity Cruises has become the Emmy®-nominated competition series’ first-ever cruise line partner. An episode of Project Runway, airing Aug. 20, 2015, will feature special guest and Celebrity President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, alongside co-host, mentor and Emmy Award-winner Tim Gunn. Viewers can watch the ambitious fashion design contestants compete in a special challenge on the journey to becoming the next prestigious winner of Project Runway.
Celebrity also is providing one of the prizes for this season’s winning designer. The winner and their guest will be able to vacation almost anywhere in the world on a Celebrity cruise in the brand’s popular and rejuvenating spa-inspired AquaClass accommodations.
“Our partnership with Project Runway is the perfect fit – at the core of both of our brands are innovative, big and bold ideas that never have been seen before in our industries,” explained Lutoff-Perlo. “It is incredibly exciting to finally share the news, even more so as the first cruise company to ever collaborate with the popular series. We hope everyone will join us in watching the highly anticipated episode, in which the Project Runway team continues the search for the next big fashion designer.”
Lutoff-Perlo added, “We would love to welcome Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and Tim Gunn onboard our ships in the future!”
Season 14 opens with sixteen ambitious designers competing through grueling design-focused tasks and challenges, and only the best will stay on top. The season’s winning designer will receive many prizes in addition to a Celebrity Cruises modern luxury vacation. Season 14 of Project Runway premieres Aug. 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.
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