Mar 26

Celebrity Cruises Pulls Back the Curtain on 18 Shows in 18 Months

 

MARCH 24, 2015Inspired by the latest trends in entertainment and the hottest global tickets, Celebrity Cruises is redefining the way it will deliver premium, unexpected experiences to its guests. Celebrity is unveiling an impressive array of 18 shows in 18 months – all produced in partnership with masterminds behind some of today’s biggest recording artists and awarding-winning theatrical and television productions.

The 18 leading-edge shows, created exclusively for Celebrity, feature elements of drama, dance, comedy, musical theater and concert-style performances – blended in a way that has never been seen before at sea. Shows will include Elyria, an energetic, late-night production, where guests are transported to a witty, mischievous, dreamlike world. The new production will launch onboard Celebrity Constellation in April. iMagic, available onboard Celebrity Summit, is a modern luxury interpretation of the wonder of illusions, innovative, groundbreaking and uses incredible technology such as holograms, lasers and iPads, to tell the story.

Celebrity has attracted and collaborated with some of the best names in entertainment to produce the 18 shows. These include William Baker, who has created and directed global tours and music videos for some of the biggest names in popular music; and Steve Anderson, a musical director, producer and writer for world-renowned artists.

“Our discerning and well-traveled guests want modern luxury in all aspects of their Celebrity cruise vacation, including their entertainment,” said Becky Thomson-Foley, director of entertainment at Celebrity Cruises. “We are continuing to raise the bar by unveiling an array of shows that vary from groundbreaking and contemporary to magnificent and beautiful – all with lighthearted and humorous storylines, popular music and unique choreography. It is exciting to partner with incredible talent within the entertainment industry to create these fresh, unique experiences for vacationers.”

On Celebrity, entertainment does not just happen in the main theater, it happens all around guests in the many luxurious venues onboard. In addition to the 18 shows, Celebrity will offer up to 10 engaging entertainment experiences on every ship. Side Show is an interactive and vintage circus theme party. Reigning Rocks will blend the elegance of royalty with the glam of Brit Pop, and Night of the Dragon will feature the delicate beauty of Asian culture mixed with pop music, resulting in a high-energy celebration of culture.

All entertainment is created and perfected at “The Studio,” Celebrity’s production headquarters inside a newly built, 130,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility – a unique partnership between Florida International University (FIU) and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL), Celebrity’s parent company. Located on the FIU Biscayne Bay campus, the production and rehearsal facility, which can accommodate more than 460 cast members at one time, was officially opened Friday, March 20.

Mar 15

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES 2016 EUROPE AND ALASKA ADVENTURES

New BOGO50 offers 50 percent off second, third and fourth guests on 2016-17 itineraries

MIAMI, March 12, 2015 – Whether climbing La Sagrada Familia’s Nativity Towers for an unbelievable view of Barcelona, or dog-sledding atop Mendenhall Glacier for a once-in-a lifetime perspective of the Alaskan wilderness, vacationers will find unforgettable adventures with Royal Caribbean International. The award-winning cruise line today announced new 2016 Europe vacations, totaling eight of the region’s most innovative cruise ships that will sail from six European homeports and call at 80 intriguing destinations in 27 countries throughout the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Scandinavia and the Baltic. Four of the Europe ships will be new to the region, and Royal Caribbean’s most-anticipated, third Oasis-class ship, Harmony of the Seas, will sail its inaugural season from Barcelona, while Independence of the Seas returns to Southampton as the U.K.’s largest and most favorite cruise ship. Perfect for family travel in Alaska, Explorer of the Seas will make history as the largest cruise ship to ever sail the region, and join Radiance of the Seas for the cruise line’s 27th consecutive season in the Great Frontier. Royal Caribbean’s 2016 Europe itineraries will open for booking starting March 19, 2015, and 2016 Alaska will open on March 26.

As part of all the new deployment openings, Royal Caribbean is announcing a new early booking BOGO50 offer. Vacationers can save 50 percent on the cruise fare of a second guest in the same stateroom with a full-fare guest, when making a new booking aboard sailings departing on or after May 15, 2015. Vacationers also can enjoy additional 50 percent savings on the fare of a third and fourth guest on nearly all 2016-17 itineraries, including the recently opened 2016-17 Caribbean itineraries. Additionally, guests can take advantage of the offer’s buy-one-get-one-half-off the second Premium Beverage Package by noting promo code ‘BOGOBEV,’ and complete their new booking with 50 percent reduced deposits. For more information about BOGO50, please visit www.Royalcaribbean.com/BOGO50.

BOGO50 is valid for new bookings, made between March 11 and April 30, 2015, in Oceanview and higher-category staterooms on five-night or longer itineraries. The offer does not include bookings on Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific, and China sailings.

 

New Oasis-class Vacations from Barcelona

  • After its delivery in April 2016, the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, will homeport at Barcelona and sail a round-trip, seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary. Vacationers also can embark Harmony of the Seas at Rome (Civitavecchia), but guests must sail round-trip for seven nights.
  • Brilliance of the Seas also will alternate 12-night Italian Mediterranean and Greek & Italian Mediterranean cruises.

 

British and Scandinavian Cruises

  • The U.K. welcomes back Independence of the Seasin summer 2016. The ship will sail mostly 10- to 14-night Mediterranean or Canary Island cruises from Southampton, while Navigator of the Seas will offer British vacationers a wide range of new six- to 14-night Norwegian Fjords, Baltic, Mediterranean or Canary Island itineraries.
  • Serenade of the Seas will sail seven-night Norwegian Fjords and seven- to 13-night Scandinavia and Russia itineraries, round-trip from Copenhagen, Denmark, in early summer and August, and from Stockholm, Sweden, in June and July.

 

Italy and Greece Adventures from Venice and Rome

  • Jewel of the Seas will alternate brand new 10-night Greece & Adriatic and 11-night Greece, Turkey & Croatia itineraries from Venice, while Vision of the Seas will alternate seven-night Greek Isles and Greek Isles & Turkey cruises. Jewel of the Seas will double the cruise line’s capacity at this unique, iconic and most desirable world-class city.
  • Rhapsody of the Seas will homeport at Rome (Civitavecchia) and sail nine-night Greek Isles cruises in early summer and autumn months. From late June through August, the ship will alternate seven-night Greek Isles and Greek & Turkey cruises.

Royal Caribbean’s 27th Alaska Season

  • Explorer of the Seas will be unmatched in onboard amenities when the ship debuts in Alaskan waters. Guests on the ship’s seven-night round-trip itineraries from Seattle, Wash., will sail up Tracy Arm Fjords for an incomparable view of Sawyer Glacier. In September, the ship will sail three Pacific Coastal cruises, seven nights in duration, which feature an overnight in San Francisco, Calif.
  • For its part, Radiance of the Seaswill alternate seven-night northbound and southbound Alaska cruises between Vancouver, B.C., and Seward. On these itineraries, guests will venture into Disenchantment Bay for a close-up view of Hubbard Glacier.

Vacationers also can choose a wide range of trans-Atlantic cruises, which bookend each ship’s 2016 Europe season and combine Europe and the Caribbean on 13- to 16-night itineraries aboard the aforementioned ships. For their part, Explorer of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas will reposition to Australia, via Hawaii.

Mar 07

Anthem of the Seas Docking Out

Mar 06

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES UNMATCHED 2016-17 CARIBBEAN ADVENTURES ABOARD THE INDUSTRY’S BEST CRUISE SHIPS

MIAMI, March 5, 2015 – Voted the best cruise line in the Caribbean for 12 consecutive years and the top large-ship cruise line for families, Royal Caribbean International today announced the upcoming Caribbean openings for the cruise line’s new 2016-17 Adventure Collection. Vacationers can book an unforgettable Caribbean cruise aboard 15 of the world’s most innovative and award-winning cruise ships, sailing from nine convenient U.S. homeports to 39 spectacular ports of call in 18 Caribbean countries, and Bermuda and Canada. The new Caribbean adventures will mark the Quantum class’ maiden call and season in Bermuda withAnthem of the Seas, and offers a choice of three industry-acclaimed Oasis-class ships, including the new record-setting Harmony of the Seas. Royal Caribbean’s new 2016-17 Caribbean Adventures Collection will open for booking starting March 2015.

Royal Caribbean’s new Adventure Collection encompasses the cruise line’s 2016-17 cruise vacations aboard unrivaled ships, which will sail exciting itineraries across six continents. Vacationers can choose between the industry’s newest, biggest, and best ships, which sail in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska and beyond. On most Caribbean cruises, guests will enjoy more than 400 total acres of pristine beaches, exhilarating thrill rides and activities, and plenty of opportunities to relax under the Caribbean sun during a call at Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay or its exclusive beach destination Labadee.

 

Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada & New England Adventures from Northeast U.S.

  • Quantum-class Anthem of the Seas will continue year-round sailings from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J., and make its maiden season at Bermuda. Vacationers have a choice of five-night Bermuda or nine-night Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries throughout the summer, and eight- to 12-night Bahamas, Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean cruises during the winter.
  • Throughout September and October, Anthem of the Seas will sail nine-night Canada and New England cruisesfrom Cape Liberty, and Serenade of the Seas will offer seven-night Canada and New England cruises from Boston, Mass.
  • Grandeur of the Seas will sail five-night Bermuda, nine-night Bermuda and Bahamas, and nine-night Canada and New England cruises throughout the summer. In the winter, the ship will sail nine-night Southeast Coast & Bahamas and 12-night Southern Caribbean cruises.

Everywhere in the Caribbean, conveniently from South Florida

  • From Miami, Enchantment of the Seas will sail three- and four-night short Bahamas getaways year-round, while Navigator of the Seaswill alternate five-night Bahamas and Mexico with nine-night Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and Labadee cruises in the winter.
  • Oasis of the Seasand Allure of the Seas will sail a Western Caribbean and two new Eastern Caribbean itineraries in summer 2016, all seven nights in length and departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Allure of the Seas will then be joined by the next groundbreaking, Oasis-class cruise ship Harmony of the Seasto offer a seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerary for winter 2016-17. Oasis of the Seas, meanwhile, willreposition to its new winter home of Port Canaveral along Florida’s Coast.
  • In the winter, Independence of the Seaswill follow a sequence of four- and five-night short Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades, while sister-ship Freedom of the Seaswill alternate a six-night Western Caribbean with an eight-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary. For a longer vacation, Serenade of the Seas alternates a 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean itinerary.

 

‘Out-of-this-world’ Caribbean Vacations from Florida’s Space Coast

  • Freedom of the Seaswill continue alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries during the summer 2016, and then reposition to Port Everglades for its new winter season.
  • For the winter 2016-17, Oasis of the Seaswill inaugurate Oasis-class adventures from Port Canaveral, alternating a seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerary. Rhapsody of the Seas will take over three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from Enchantment of the Seas.
  • Vacationers also can choose quick four- and five-night Western Caribbean cruises throughout winter aboard Brilliance of the Seasfrom Tampa, Fla.

Mexico and Southern Caribbean from Galveston and Puerto Rico

  • Liberty of the Seaswill continue its year-round deployment sailing from Galveston, Texas, offering vacationers a wide selection of seven-night Mexico and Western Caribbean cruises.
  • Vacationers also can choose seven-night, Southern Caribbean itineraries, sailing year-round from San Juan, Puerto Rico, aboard Adventure of the Seas. In the winter, Jewel of the Seas also will homeport at San Juan and sail to the Southern Caribbean.

Feb 23

Norwegian Fjords – Frozen themed Port Adventures

CELEBRATION, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2015)  – Disney Cruise Line invites families to explore culturally rich and exotic locales, with Port Adventures like only Disney can do, during its 2015 Norwegian Fjords sailings.

From June to August 2015, the Disney Magic returns to Europe, visiting the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland for the first time. Guests exploring these new ports, steeped in Viking history, will be treated to richly diverse destinations that showcase iconic locations, enchanting cultures, tantalizing cuisine and unrivaled experiences.

To elevate guests’ experiences in Norway, Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures are designed to entertain and inspire both children and adults—in true Disney fashion—with an extra dash of pixie dust.

“Frozen” Festivities and Viking Ventures in Ålesund

For the first time in forever, Anna, Elsa and Kristoff from the animated hit “Frozen” join Disney Cruise Line guests in Ålesund, marking their very first appearance in the land that inspired their story. Only Disney guests are invited to a Norwegian summer celebration at the Sunnmøre Open Air Museum where the festivities culminate with the grand arrival of the beloved sisters and their ice-loving companion, Kristoff, who join in the lively revelry. After being personally greeted by their “Frozen” friends, and surrounded by the idyllic beauty of Norway, guests dance to local musicians and sample tasty Norwegian specialties, including svele, a traditional sweet pancake from the region.

Another Ålesund adventure exclusive to Disney Cruise Line includes a quest to a Viking village on the island of Giske, where guests head back in history to meet the village chieftain and experience the Viking world. Adventurers find themselves in the middle of daily Viking life and mingle with members of the Norse families, experiencing first-hand the traditions, authentic food and games that come with being a Viking. Guests also learn traditional Viking handiwork and put it to practice by crafting their own leather bags.

Iconic Fjord Horses in Olden

Guests travel from the quaint village of Olden on a Port Adventure exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, visiting a Norwegian Fjord Horse Center to experience one of the world’s oldest breeds and one of the country’s national symbols, the Norwegian Fjord Horse. The adventure includes an up-close look at the stallions, mares and foals in a tour of the stables. Guests also have an opportunity to interact with the horses and see these magnificent animals in action. This includes watching a dynamic riding performance and taking in the picturesque scenery during a carriage ride around the grounds.

A Taste of Norway in Kristiansand

For those with a culinary passion, a Port Adventure exclusive to Disney Cruise Line in centuries-old Kristiansand provides the perfect hands-on cooking experience. Guests don their aprons and create Nordic specialties first-hand, such as succulent wild game filets and krumkaker, a heavenly waffle cookie typically served around Christmastime. The experience culminates with guests enjoying their sumptuous meal paired with a glass of wine.

The Great Outdoors of Geiranger

From the port of Geiranger, crowning jewel of the Norwegian fjords, comes an experience just for Disney Cruise Line guests – a visit to the Gjaera Mountain Farm where the local family provides an up-close look at daily life. Children join Disney Cruise Line youth counselors to create one-of-a-kind stamped pillows in the farm’s printing studio using handmade wooden stamps that have been passed down through the family’s many generations. Meanwhile, adults explore the farm and its microbrewery, sampling fresh brews. After building up an appetite, everyone reunites for a taste of traditional Norwegian foods produced at the farm including juices, breads, creams and cured meats.

Another journey brings Disney Cruise Line guests to the Herdalsetra Mountain Farm, where on the way to a nearby scenic valley they will enjoy a spectacular view of the Geirangerfjord and the Seven Sisters waterfall made famous in Norwegian folklore. Guests tour the enchanting farm brimming with 30 farmhouses and more than 450 sprightly goats scampering around the property. They also sample the farm’s fresh cheeses including Norway’s famous brown cheese – similar to sweet fudge.

Those looking for even more adventure will find it kayaking through the Geirangerfjord. Gliding over dazzling turquoise waters, guests will get an up-close look at stunning waterfalls roaring down into the fjord and the majestic mountains along the water’s edge.

Folk Dancing and Discovery in Molde

Outside of Molde, the “town of roses,” Disney Cruise Line guests arrive for an afternoon at one of the largest folk museums in Norway, the Romsdal Open Air Museum, which encompasses more than 50 buildings. Guests explore the century-old property, including lush gardens, farmhouses, smokehouses and a chapel, and experience a spirited performance of Norwegian folk dancing featuring local children in traditional regional outfits.

“The Land of Fire and Ice”—Reykjavik, Iceland

Only Disney Cruise Line families can get “fired up” during an exhilarating trip to the edge of a local lava field that gives adventurers an up-close look at volcanic craters and lava fields that make up the country of Iceland. Families take part in an art workshop on the edge of the hardened lava field, using real lava to create their very own framed lava art.

Classic “can’t miss” Icelandic landmarks take center stage on the tour of The Golden Circle. On this visit to some of Iceland’s most iconic attractions, guests will explore a national park, a glittering waterfall, popping hot springs and a high-tech geothermal energy exhibition. Over a barbecue lunch in the woods offered exclusively to Disney Cruise Line guests, troll wife Gryla and her helpers tell the legend of troll giant Bergthor of Bláfell, whose exceptionally large grave, headstone and ring from his walking stick can be found in a nearby churchyard.

Details on all Disney Cruise Line shore excursions can be found on the Port Adventures section of disneycruise.com.

– See more at: http://dclnews.com/2015/02/18/port-adventures-immerse-disney-cruise-line-guests-in-adventure-and-culture-on-2015-norwegian-fjords-sailings/#sthash.kRLCyBUm.dpuf

Feb 23

Star Wars at Sea

CELEBRATION, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2015) – In 2016, Disney Cruise Line guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during a brand-new, day-long celebration aboard eight special sailings on the Disney Fantasy: Star Wars Day at Sea.

Marking the first official appearance of the heroes and villains of Star Wars aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, Star Wars Day at Sea combines the power of the Force, the magic of Disney and the excitement of cruising for an out-of-this-galaxy experience unlike any other.

Occurring one day during each of eight Disney Fantasy sailings, Star Wars Day at Sea will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away — in the Western Caribbean. The event features a full day of Star Wars celebrations, including a deck party, meet-and-greets with favorite characters, Star Wars-themed youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise.

Also featured will be exclusive at-sea screenings of the Star Wars films and the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.

Throughout the day, Star Wars Younglings, Padawans and Jedi Masters alike will enjoy the immersive entertainment. Intergalactic highlights include:

Force-filled Fun for Everyone

  • Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Boba Fett, Stormtroopers and other characters from across the Star Wars galaxy will be onboard for scheduled meet and greets, as well as roaming on deck and elsewhere around the ship. Guests also are encouraged to dress up in their own stellar costumes.
  • A shipboard version of the popular Jedi Training Academy experience invites young Jedi hopefuls – known as “Padawans” – to learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master. They can then use the Force and face off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader.
  • Kids and families enjoy friendly competition during Star Wars trivia games, covering fun facts from the film and television sagas.
  • For Younglings, Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities will be offered throughout the day in Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab youth clubs.
  • In the evening, adults entering the night club will feel like they stepped into the Mos Eisley cantina scene. Characters and cantina music set the mood as Star Wars-themed specialty cocktails are served.

Film Screenings and Celebrities

  • Guests can watch the first six Star Wars films and follow Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke and Leia along their epic journey.
  • Also showing will be episodes of the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.
  • On each of the special sailings, celebrities and insiders from the Star Wars galaxy will share their experiences, meet fans and sign autographs.

Star Wars Deck Party and Fireworks

  • There’s intergalactic fun when the Star Wars deck party blasts off to an exciting evening filled with music, dancing and games.
  • Star Wars characters converge on the deck stage for a celebration of the Star Wars saga in a show featuring special effects and guest participation.
  • The deck party culminates in a spectacular display of themed pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects, lasers and Star Wars

Star Wars Day at Sea will be on Disney Fantasy cruises sailing on Jan. 9, 23; Feb. 6, 20; March 5, 19; April 2 and 16, 2016. Departing from Port Canaveral, the seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

– See more at: http://dclnews.com/2015/02/11/disney-cruise-line-introduces-star-wars-day-at-sea-on-select-disney-fantasy-sailings/#sthash.K4PsxTmD.dpuf

Feb 23

Princess Cruises Unveils New 2016 Europe Cruise Offerings

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 23, 2015) –  Princess Cruisesannounced today its 2016 cruise vacations to Europe featuring five ships sailing to over 130 destinations from the corners of the Mediterranean to the northernmost tip of Europe.  Guests can choose from itineraries ranging from three to 48 days and on ships ranging from the cruise line’s newest and largest Royal Princess and Regal Princess; to its deluxeCaribbean Princess and Emerald Princess; and its small ship, Pacific Princess, which will visit off-the-beaten path destinations never before visited by the line.

The 2016 season includes the cruise line’s return to the Canary Islands and many maiden ports of call for Princess in Croatia, Ireland, Norway and Scotland.  All 2016 Europe cruises open for bookings on March 19, 2015.

“Princess has long been hailed as offering the best cruise itineraries and we’re not resting on our laurels,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We have many unique and first-time offerings for the 2016 Europe cruise season to appeal to both novice and avid cruisers.  We’ve combined the best destinations with our signature onboard innovations like Movies Under the Stars, The Sanctuary and our new Discovery at Sea program to create the most rejuvenating retreats at sea possible for vacation-goers who want to explore this fascinating region.”

Highlights of the Princess Cruises 2016 Europe program include:

Cruises to the Mediterranean

Royal Princess will sail on a variety of unique seven-, 14-, 21- and 28-day cruises from Barcelona, Rome and Athens. Mediterranean Medley 14-day sailings include destinations rich with ancient history including Rome, Athens and Naples.  Collection voyages will sail the entire Mediterranean region visiting Spain, France, Italy, Tunisia, Malta, Greece and Turkey during 21-day immersive adventures.  For the ultimate Mediterranean experience, 28-day Circle Mediterranean voyages will visit 20 destinations in seven countries with all cruises visiting Rome, Athens, Istanbul and the French Riviera.

Pacific Princess will offer a variety of 12-day voyages from Rome, Venice and Barcelona and feature a mix of marquee ports with off-the-beaten-path ports unreachable by larger ships.

For guests sailing from Britain, Emerald Princess will be based in London (Southampton) to offer two-week Mediterranean Adventurer sailings featuring such marquee ports as Florence, Rome and Dubrovnik.  Emerald Princess will also sail to the Canary Islands on 11-day voyages, visiting four island destinations in the Canaries and Madeira and Vigo, Spain.

Scandinavia & Russia Cruises

Regal Princess returns to Northern Europe, for popular 11-day cruise vacations to Scandinavia & Russia featuring two full days in St. Petersburg, Russia. Joining her in the region, Emerald Princess will sail select 14-day cruises through the Baltic Sea.

British Isles Cruises

Caribbean Princess, the only cruise ship dedicated to the region for the entire summer season, will visit must-see destinations in the U.K., Ireland and Scotland, including two opportunities to see Scotland’s famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle.

Small ship Pacific Princess will offer an all-new way to explore the British Isles on 14-day Irish Counties & Scottish Highlands voyages from London (Dover).  The itinerary includes maiden port calls in Ullapool, Scotland and Galway, along the western coast of Ireland.

Iceland & Norway Cruises

Both Emerald Princess and Pacific Princess will offer North Cape voyages to the Arctic Circle during the peak midnight sun period around the summer solstice. Emerald Princess will also visit the spectacular Norwegian fjords, while Pacific Princess will feature a maiden call in Haugesund, Norway.

Pacific Princess will also offer 14-day Iceland & Norway itineraries visiting off-the-beaten path ports in Iceland and the Shetland Islands.  She will also cross to the land of fire and ice on a Transatlantic crossing featuring Iceland.

European Cruisetours

Guests can enhance their European travel with four land and sea vacation options, which combine certain sailings with a fully-escorted land tour. Choices include Paris and the French Countryside; Ireland’s Ring of Kerry; Classic Italy, visiting popular sites in Venice, Florence and Rome; and the Imperial Treasures of Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin.

More information about Princess’ 2016 Mediterranean cruise program can be found here and for Northern Europe cruises, here.

Feb 23

GROUNDBREAKING ENTERTAINMENT HEADLINES ANTHEM OF THE SEAS

Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Anthem of the Seas, will wow audiences with a show-stopping lineup of entertainment offerings that push the envelope far beyond imagination. From stage shows to multidimensional entertainment that seamlessly fuses technology with highly trained live performers, stunning visuals and special effects, Anthem of the Seasdelivers an array of productions and performances that will leave audiences spellbound.

Seating 1,300 guests, the Royal Theater is home to Royal Caribbean’s two main shows:

  • We Will Rock You – the smash hit musical featuring the greatest hits of legendary British rock group, Queen.  Written by British comedian Ben Elton, the hilarious award-winning, record-breaking phenomenon is built around 24 of Queen’s greatest hits and tells the story of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion and live music in a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and does the same.  Musical instruments and composers are forbidden, and rock music is all but unknown.
  • The Gift – an original Royal Caribbean production created exclusively for Anthem, The Gift is a musical journey of fantasy and illusion that begins one stormy night with the arrival of a “Magical Gift”.  A beautiful production that is sure to delight, inspire and touch the hearts of all who come to see it.

Two70, which is named for its magnificent 270-degree panoramic sea views provided by vast, floor-to-ceiling glass walls that span almost three decks high at the stern of the ship, is a multi-level great room that seamlessly fuses entertainment and technology to create a transformative journey for guests from morning to night. With the integration of Vistarama and Roboscreens, highly trained live performers, music and special effects, Two70 provides an endless landscape for Royal Caribbean to create stunningly visual, first-of-their-kind shows that can only be seen on Anthem of the Seas.  Main shows include:

  • Spectra’s Cabaret – an original Royal Caribbean production created by Moment Factory, exclusively for Two70 onAnthem of the Seas, features the Maestro and his Agents of Rhythm as they invite you to an electric multi-dimensional cabaret where you will be transported into invisible realms. Each night, the portal opens for a limited period of time and the audience immerses themselves in a multi-media show brimming with kaleidoscopic sounds, effervescent colors and dazzling movement. Spectra’s Cabaret blends live performance and experiential cinema along with music from popular culture. It creates a world seen through the lens of music and technology, all the while exploring the deepest recesses of the heart.

Feb 23

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON FOURTH OASIS-CLASS SHIP

MIAMI, February 3, 2015 – Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and the third Oasis-class ship will soon have a new sister to welcome to the Oasis class family. Today marked the steel cutting for a fourth Oasis ship, scheduled to be delivered in 2018. The steel cutting, marking the official start of construction, took place at the STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, where the third Oasis-class ship also is being built.

The Oasis class took the cruise industry by storm with the introduction of Oasis of the Seas in 2009, featuring a revolutionary design with a split superstructure and the cruise line’s neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas.  At 225,282 GRT and spanning 16 decks with 2,700 staterooms, the Oasis-class ships also introduced extraordinary “firsts” at sea such as an 82 foot-long zip line, a handcrafted carousel, the Rising Tide bar, the AquaTheater high-diving performance venue, and the Central Park with more than 12,000 live trees and plants.  The Oasis class also OFFERS amenities that can only be found on Royal Caribbean, such as twin FlowRider surf simulators, cantilevered whirlpools, an ice-skating rink, the H2O Zone kids aquapark, and the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard that stretches nearly the length of the ship and flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques, among many others.

Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas sail alternating seven-night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries every Saturday and Sunday, respectively from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., visiting exciting warm-weather GETAWAYS in the Caribbean. During the 2015 Europe season, Allure of the Seas will be homeported at Barcelona, Spain, for the first full Oasis-class Europe season.

Details of the two Oasis-class ships currently under construction will be revealed in the coming months.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 45-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed PROGRAMMING that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike.

Feb 23

First Look Into New Suite Class Restaurant – “Luminae”

Inspired by the essence of light, exceptional food, wine and luxury – Celebrity Cruises has revealed the first look into newly named “Suite Class” restaurant, “Luminae.” Vacationers who indulge in the premium brand’s Suite Class now can discover more details about the exclusive dining experience. Luminae will be introduced onboard Celebrity’s modern luxury ships beginning in April.

Guests dining at the brand’s first suite restaurant will enjoy warm hospitality, impeccable Celebrity service, and eclectic, one-of-a-kind menus that are only available in Luminae.

Celebrity’s dedicated team of chefs has created the new elegant menus for the venue’s complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner – each menu item will only be featured once during a two-week cruise vacation. With handcrafted dishes that are made from scratch, the unique menus will also feature locally sourced regional and seasonal ingredients inspired by the destinations Celebrity sails to among the world’s seven continents.

“Everything about Luminae embodies an inspirational culinary journey for our guests. We want them to savor soulful, technique-driven cuisine, while enjoying warm and personalized service in a relaxed, stylish setting,” said John Suley, James Beard-featured Executive Chef, Celebrity Cruises. “The menus will be exquisite and guests can choose from dishes such as caviar and crème fraîche, a creamy black truffle risotto with fricassee of wild mushrooms and Parmigiano-Reggiano and a côte de bœuf with roasted root vegetables and béarnaise sauce. The handcrafted desserts will provide the sweetest ending, and a favorite of mine is the mascarpone cheesecake and pistachio nougatine with yuzu brown butter and apricot sorbet. Every menu has been precisely designed with our guests’ varied palates in mind, and we hope they will love our informal, luxury dining experience.”

With special touches like tableside preparation of signature dishes and the daily presentation of a new delectable gourmet chocolates and desserts cart, the menus are complete with pairings made by the restaurant’s dedicated head sommelier. The wine list, specially designed for Luminae guests, will feature more than 400 selections, each from the most notable wine-producing countries in the world.

Realizing Celebrity’s Suite Class experience – the culmination of warm intuitive service, award-winning dining and upscale benefits – Luminae is a culinary experience of modern, diverse cuisine that will scintillate the tastebuds.