| Five Ships to Sail Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific
Offerings Include First-Ever Circle South America Itinerary SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 15, 2015) – Princess Cruises has announced it will home port five ships in Australia to sail the cruise line’s largest-ever program offering in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific for the 2016-2017 season. Princess Cruises will introduce the 3,082-guest Emerald Princess to the market, with Golden Princess returning to sail from Melbourne and Sun Princess, Sea Princess and Dawn Princess rounding out the fleet and expanding the cruise line’s in-market capacity by 20 percent. On sale beginning April 22, 2015, the new Princess Cruises’ Australia season runs from October 2016 to April 2017. More details can be found at princess.com. “Australia and the entire South Pacific region has always had an allure as a magical place for travellers, and cruising is one of the best ways to explore this part of the world,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “As demand for the region grows, we’re responding with more voyages, more destinations and more creative itinerary options.” Cruise-goers can choose from 120 cruise options, in total visiting 113 destinations in 39 countries. Some of the choices include:
To further enhance the cruise vacation experience, Princess Cruises will offer two Land and Sea Vacation packages. The Australian Outback package immerses guests in Aboriginal culture and includes visits to the Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock in Uluru National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The more extensive Ultimate Australia package highlights include a Sydney city tour, the Great Barrier Reef, the northern tropical city of Darwin, the Outback and more. |
Apr 15
Princess Cruises Announces Largest-Ever Australia Deployment for 2016-2017
Apr 15
FIRST STEEL CUT FOR SEABOURN’S NEWEST ULTRA-LUXURY VESSEL, SEABOURN ENCORE, DUE FOR DELIVERY IN LATE 2016
Seattle, WA, Apr. 13, 2015 —
Seattle, April 13, 2015 – Today, the award-winning ultra-luxury, small ship cruise line Seabourn is now one step closer to the launch of its newest vessel, Seabourn Encore, with the commemorative cutting of the first steel. Taking place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, the ceremony was presided over by Seabourn President Richard Meadows and Antonio Quintano, director of Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard.
“The cutting of steel for Seabourn Encore is an important milestone in the evolution of both our beautiful fleet and the ultra-luxury cruise segment overall,” said Meadows. “We’re looking forward to seeing the ship come together and are excited to continue to add to our fleet. With Adam D. Tihany’s innovative design vision and Fincantieri’s excellent craftsmanship, Seabourn Encore will be the most beautiful ultra-luxury ship ever built.”
“For us shipbuilders, this ceremony is always a special time, and today it is even more. Not only because it represents the tangible beginning of the cooperation with Seabourn, with whom we have a recent, but already solid relationship, but also because it is the latest event in a long line shared with the Carnival group,” said Gabriele Cocco, Fincantieri’s senior executive vice president of merchant ships.
In a special nod to the line’s departing original fleet, joining the ceremony were two crew members from Seabourn Legend, the last of the three original Seabourn ships currently on its final sailing under the Seabourn banner. Their presence signified the closing of a chapter in the line’s history, while marking the start of a new era with the beginning of the construction of Seabourn Encore.
Seabourn Encore will expand and build on the line’s award-winning and highly acclaimed Odyssey-class ships, which revolutionized ultra-luxury cruising with enhanced accommodations and innovative amenities when they were introduced between 2009 and 2011. Seabourn Encore will maintain the line’s high ratio of space per guest, enabling a highly personalized level of Seabourn service. A sister ship, Seabourn Ovation, will join the fleet in 2018, and, with the addition of the two new ships, Seabourn will have the youngest and most modern ultra-luxury fleet in the industry.
Designed by hospitality design icon Adam D. Tihany, Seabourn Encore will feature modern design elements and innovations consistent with the line’s reputation for understated elegance. The 40,350-GRT ship will be configured with one additional deck and new expanded public areas, and is expected to carry just 600 guests, based on double occupancy. In addition, every suite will feature a private veranda.
Apr 15
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE ADDS COMPLIMENTARY RESTAURANTS ACROSS FLEET
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Guests now have the freedom to enjoy a multitude of complimentary Asian dining venues fleetwide Miami – Apr 13, 2015 Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that many of the line’s popular Asian dining venues can now be enjoyed on a complimentary basis across the fleet. Guest favorites like Shanghai’s Noodle Bar aboard Norwegian’s Breakaway Class ships and Norwegian Epic, Jasmine Garden aboard Norwegian Jade, Chin Chin aboard Norwegian Jewel and more will join the extensive list of complimentary dining venues available to Freestyle cruising guests. As a part of the Norwegian NEXT program, Norwegian Cruise Line is investing significantly into enhancing guests’ dining experience onboard and offering even more culinary options to provide the best cruise vacation experience. As a part of these new initiatives, the cover charge and à la carte pricing for many Asian dining concepts across the fleet has been eliminated to further enhance guest satisfaction and provide guests more freedom to create their ideal cruise vacation. “Norwegian’s Freestyle Dining is the most fun and flexible way for guests to enjoy some of the best dining experiences at sea, when they want and how they want,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief operating officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are thrilled to continue that legacy by providing guests with more of the food they have come to love and enjoy with the introduction of fleetwide complimentary Asian cuisine.” Guests cruising aboard Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising ships can indulge in favorites like fried rice, spicy seafood udon noodles, steamed pork dumplings and more free of charge at the following venues:
Norwegian’s popular Teppanyaki restaurants will continue to provide guests with the showmanship and culinary delights of Japanese iron-griddle cooking for a per guest cover charge, and Sushi venues across the fleet will retain nominal à la carte pricing |
Apr 15
OVATION OF THE SEAS TO SAIL AUSTRALIA IN WINTER 2016-17
MIAMI, April 14, 2015 – Royal Caribbean International, the world’s largest cruise brand, announced today that Australia will welcome its very own brand new cruise ship for the first time when Ovation of the Seas homeports in Sydney for winter 2016-17. Currently under construction in Germany, Ovation of the Seas will not only claim the title of the largest cruise ship to ever call Australia home but also the most technologically advanced in the region.
“Royal Caribbean has been breaking the boundaries in Australian cruising since we arrived in 2007 but today, we have completely changed the face of the cruise industry, making the single largest investment in Australia by any cruise line,” said Gavin Smith, regional vice president, Royal Caribbean, Asia Pacific. “Ovation of the Seas will completely redefine the idea of cruising in Australia, taking the industry to the next level by offering a host of incredible never-before-seen features and technologies. This demonstrates our belief in, and long term commitment to, the Australian cruising market.”
Ovation of the Seas will be the fifth ship in the Royal Caribbean Australian fleet for winter 2016-17, joining four other Royal Caribbean ships – Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas in Sydney and Legend of the Seas in Brisbane – offering an expansive range of the newest, most modern and exciting style of cruising Australians have ever experienced. Additional details for the Royal Caribbean’s winter 2016-17 season will be revealed at the end of April.
When Ovation of the Seas arrives, Australians will experience the first Ripcord by iFLY at sea down under, where the thrill and excitement of skydiving comes to life from onboard a cruise ship. The North Star aerial observatory offers breathtaking 360 degree views more than 90 meters above the sea. In a jewel-like capsule, a robotic arm elevates guests high into the sky, taking in the sights from a bird’s eye view wherever in the world the ship happens to be. In Sydney Harbour, the North Star will reach higher than the pylons of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Bionic Bar lets guests place an order for their favorite cocktail via a tablet, before two incredible bionic arms create the perfect mix in tune to the resident DJ, shaking and stirring great cocktails without any human assistance.
Two70⁰ is a multipurpose, transformative space; an expansive lounge boasting 270-degree ocean views by day, and an immersive, multimedia entertainment spectacular at night, fusing technology with entertainment using robotic video-screens, dramatic digital projection and high-flying aerialists and performers. Meanwhile, SeaPlex will be the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea, offering bumper cars, a basketball court, roller skating, circus school and more.
Guests onboard the SmartShip will be more connected than on any other cruise ship in the region, with high speed wi-fi allowing them to stay in touch and share more of their experiences with friends and family onshore.
Ovation of the Seas alsofeatures cuisine as vast and varied as the world itself. These dining destinations range from fun to formal settings, including partnerships with world renowned chefs, such as the much-loved “Jamie’s Italian” from Jamie Oliver at sea.
Jamie Oliver said, “I’m super-excited that Ovation of the Seas will be sailing out of Australia, and with a Jamie’s Italian on board! This will be our third restaurant with Royal Caribbean, and it’s been a real honor to work with their team. The response we’ve had to Quantum of the Seas – our first restaurant at sea – has been brilliant, so it just makes me even more excited for this one to open.”
Apr 15
ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE HAS ARRIVED WITH THE DEBUT OF ANTHEM OF THE SEAS
MIAMI, April 15, 2015 – Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Anthem of the Seas, sailed into Southampton Cruise Port today with a lineup of unexpected experiences at sea bringing thrilling adventures to 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 superfast wireless connectivity, Anthem of the Seas will allow guests to vacation like never before.
Anthem of the Seas will sail her inaugural spring and summer season from her homeport of Southampton, U.K., offering Europe and Mediterranean itineraries. In fall 2015 she will cross the Atlantic to make Cape Liberty Cruise Port in New York Harbor her permanent home, sailing to the Caribbean. No matter where she is or what water she’s plying, Anthem will treat guests to an incomparable vacation experience that can only be found on Royal Caribbean. Highlights of Anthem of the Seas include:
Unexpected at Sea Adventures
Endless experiences await guests onboard Anthem of the Seas, with thrills that can only be found on Royal Caribbean. From North Star,providing guests breathtaking, panoramic views from 300 feet above sea level, to RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea, and SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea that is 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 will keep guests inspired and entertained. An extraordinary lineup of multidimensional entertainment onboard Anthem of the Seas will delight 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 fresh 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, along with the opportunity to choose between Dynamic Dining Choice, which allows guests 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. In addition, Anthem of the Seas features a lineup of specialty dining restaurants, as well as partnerships with world-renowned chefs such as Jamie Oliver, Michael Schwartz, and Devin Alexander.
The Ultimate Hi-Tech Vacation
From ultrafast Wi-Fi and RFID technology, to virtual views from interior staterooms 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 Southampton, U.K. for her inaugural season before departing for New York Harbor and her new homeport of Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J. More information on Quantum class is available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/AnthemoftheSeas. Media can find more details, images and videos atwww.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com/Anthem.
Apr 13
ROYAL CARIBBEAN TAKES DELIVERY OF ANTHEM OF THE SEAS
MIAMI, April 10, 2015 – There’s a new tune in the air today as global cruise line Royal Caribbean International officially took delivery of its 23rd ship, Anthem of the Seas. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s Chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain officially received the new ship from Meyer Werft Yard’s Managing Partner Bernard Meyer in a signing ceremony held in Bremerhaven, Germany.Anthem of the Seas is the world’s most advanced cruise ship and reflects the best of Royal Caribbean’s history of innovating cruise ship design and cruise vacations.
“I am very happy to receive Anthem of the Seas from Meyer Werft Yards,” said Richard. “We’ve always broken the mold with each successive ship we build, and Anthem of the Seas is no different. I would like to thank Bernard and the Meyer Werft team for their ongoing partnership in designing and building awe-inspiring ships with us.”
“It’s wonderful to welcome Anthem of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family of ships,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Just like every Royal Caribbean ship, Anthem of the Seas will deliver to guests its own distinctive set of amazing adventures, whether sailing in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean.”
Anthem of the Seas will now sail to Southampton, U.K., where the ship will homeport through October and sail to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands. The ship will be inaugurated in Southampton on April 20, when travel agent Godmother Emma Wilby will christen the ship to impart good luck and divine protection over the ship and all that sail on board, and perform a song to more than 1,300 invited guests. In November, New York Harbor will be Anthem of the Seas’ permanent home, where the ship will sail regularly from Cape Liberty Cruise Port on adventures to Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada and New England.
Guests will enjoy a wide range of Royal Caribbean’s unmatched onboard innovations, such as the North Star aerial observatory, a glass capsule that takes guests more than 300 feet above the ocean for incomparable panoramic views, and the RipCord by iFLY skydiving and FlowRider surfing simulators. Guests will be dazzled with the ships’ transformative venues, such as the Two70 lounge, a great room by day and an immersive, multimedia entertainment spectacle at night. SeaPlex changes throughout the day to offer bumper cars, disco roller skating, circus school, and basketball and other sports. Guests also will delight at the expansive array of delicious fare in 18 distinctive onboard restaurants and enjoy Royal Caribbean Productions’ industry-renowned entertainment in Music Hall, the Royal Theater, and the Royal Esplanade.
Anthem of the Seas spans 16 guest decks; encompasses 167,800 gross registered tons; carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy; and features 2,090 staterooms. For more information, please visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/AnthemoftheSeas.
Apr 13
Passion for destinations at heart of Celebrity Cruises’ New Shore Excursion Program
From immersive sightseeing tours and wellness experiences to fully customizable “Private Journeys” and premium “Celebrity Exclusives,” the new shore excursions lineup presents vacationers with unique introductions to the sights, sounds and flavors of the world. Celebrity is offering four new types of experiences for guests to choose from:
“Uniquely Celebrity”: Exclusive, upscale adventures in far-off destinations only available on Celebrity Cruises, which include:
- A luxurious day spent as a Sultan in Istanbul, Turkey
- The opportunity to row across the deep blue glaciers in Ketchikan, Alaska
- A zero to sixty Ferrari adventure in Cannes, France
“Culture and Locale”: Culturally focused experiences for vacationers who are inspired to go beyond the shores and straight to the heart of each locale:
- An enchanting evening experience of classical music, champagne, rare works of art at the world-famous Faberge Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Live concert event in the 14th-century, secret Basilica del Pi in Barcelona, Spain
“Lifestyle and Wellness”: Guests can set their pace and choose to focus on creativity, rejuvenation, lifestyle and wellness to nurture mind, body and soul:
- A scenic, guided nature walk in spectacular Melbourne, Australia
- An interactive and enriching wellness experience in Skagway, Alaska
“Family”: Enriching experiences, sightseeing journeys and competitive adventures for the whole family that uncover rich history and culture:
- A family Flamenco dance-off in Barcelona, Spain
- Exhilarating sailing plus a mini regatta in Kings Wharf, Bermuda
- A castle and treasure hunt adventure in Copenhagen, Denmark
“Our guests’ passions are rooted in interests as diverse as the world itself, and our new shore excursion program will give vacationers the chance to fulfill their love of food, art, relaxation, adventure and more in must-see, global destinations,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “We’ve closely collaborated with local experts to shape a program that will further enrich a vacationer’s experience and connect them more closely to the exciting places that we sail to.”
Celebrity also has launched more than 70 new excursions including exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences at globally recognized landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, as well as enriching, interactive wellness experiences such as a tour of the lush Jewell Gardens in Alaska – and with more to come.
To celebrate the newly revealed program and for a limited time, guests can enjoy savings and special benefits when they pre-book shore excursion packages on select 2015 Europe modern luxury vacations.
For full details about Celebrity’s shore excursions program and special offer, visitcelebritycruises.com/shoreexcursions , dial 1-888-305-9153 or contact a travel agent.
Apr 02
The Magic of “Tangled” Shines Onstage in Brand-New “Tangled: The Musical” Stage Show Aboard Disney Cruise Line
Original music by Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken headlines new stage show adaptation of Disney animated film
CELEBRATION, Fla. (April 2, 2015) – In November 2015, the endearing characters and captivating music of the animated film “Tangled” will enchant audiences once again, this time as an original stage show spectacular at sea aboard the Disney Magic—the first time the beloved Disney tale has been adapted for the stage.
“Tangled: The Musical” will immerse audiences in Rapunzel’s fairytale world through lavish production numbers and spellbinding music. Three new songs created exclusively for this show by Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken and Grammy Award-winning lyricist Glenn Slater will bring the story to life onstage.
The show will stay true to the storyline from the hit feature film—with a few special twists to create a live staged production—featuring favorite characters like Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, the villainous Mother Gothel and Maximus the police horse.
The story follows the thrilling adventure of Rapunzel as she escapes the confines of her tower and the clutches of Mother Gothel, who wishes to shield the secret of Rapunzel’s magical golden tresses and royal roots. Rapunzel strikes up an unlikely friendship with the suave, crown-stealing bandit Flynn Rider, and together they face ruffians, thugs and a budding romance on a hair-raising journey filled with classic Disney playfulness and whimsy that will delight audiences of all ages.
New Songs Debuting with Film Favorites
Acclaimed composer Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast”) and lyricist Glenn Slater, the prolific pair behind the original soundtrack for “Tangled,” teamed up again to adapt the score and story for the stage. Complementing the score from the film, three new songs weave a delightful combination of narrative, humor and theatrics into the performance.
In addition to new melodies, audiences will enjoy live performances of favorite songs from the movie, including “When Will My Life Begin,” “Mother Knows Best,” “I Have a Dream” and the Grammy Award-winning ballad, “I See the Light.”
Adapting “Tangled” from Screen to Stage
Elaborate costumes, groundbreaking puppetry and stunning set designs transform the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre into a fanciful Bavarian kingdom, immersing audiences in Rapunzel’s world and making them feel a part of her story. Disney assembled an all-star creative team to develop this extravagant production, with director Gordon Greenberg and choreographer Connor Gallagher joining Menken, Slater and a bevy of top-notch theatrical talent.
Master puppet designer Michael Curry, whose extraordinary creations are featured in Disney’s Tony Award-winning musical “The Lion King” on Broadway, is breeding a brand-new pedigree of puppetry in Maximus, the rambunctious police horse whose exaggerated demeanor becomes even more hilarious with the addition of the whinnying puppet performer within. This cleverly constructed character is sure to be the “mane” attraction of every scene he steals.
Dazzling costumes created by Tony Award-winning designer Paloma Young will bring the flair and vibrancy of the animated world to life onstage in “Tangled: The Musical.” The townspeople’s bright hues and Rapunzel’s feminine florals are perfectly balanced by the bristly browns of the rugged thugs and royal regalia of the kingdom officials, creating a sensational fusion of colors, patterns and textures.
Remarkable set designs by scenic designer Bradley Kaye (Disney’s “Aladdin—A Musical Spectacular”) will transport audiences to storybook locales that include Rapunzel’s tower home, the outlandish Snuggly Duckling tavern, a brightly adorned kingdom town and the resplendent lakeside setting of the iconic floating lanterns scene from the film.
– See more at: http://dclnews.com/2015/04/02/the-magic-of-tangled-shines-onstage-in-brand-new-tangled-the-musical-stage-show-aboard-disney-cruise-line/#sthash.K4SLCC4z.dpuf
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