Dec 07
Celebrity Cruises Significantly Expands Modern Luxury Suite Selections on Celebrity Reflection
‘Reflection Suites’ and ‘Signature Suites’ blend innovative design, novel technology and stunning sea views
MIAMI, Dec. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — While celebrating the highly anticipated stateside debut of its stylish Celebrity Silhouette – the fourth and newest member of Celebrity Cruises’ widely heralded Solstice Class fleet – Celebrity Cruises also is intensely focused on the fifth member of the class, Celebrity Reflection, which sets sail in the Fall of 2012. And when she does, she’ll boast all the attributes that have netted Celebrity’s Solstice Class the broadest array of honors in the brand’s 20-year history – including Celebrity’s #1 ranking in the large-ship category of the prestigious annual Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards – and a host of entirely new features, including a significantly expanded array of luxury suites.
In designing Celebrity Reflection, the line focused on what could make the best even better, and already announced plans to add a new deck to allow for additional staterooms and the line’s first AquaClass Suites, inspired by guest demand. And today, the line announced plans to also introduce Celebrity’s first “Signature Suites,” and the jaw-dropping new “Reflection Suite.”
“Everything we introduced on Celebrity Silhouette illustrated our devotion to offering new and differentiated experiences for our guests, and the feedback we’re receiving is rewarding validation that our guests love it – from The Lawn Club Grill, to The Porch, to The Alcoves, to The Hideaway, not to mention they continually tell us how much they love the first three Solstice Class ships,” said Celebrity’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “On Celebrity Reflection, we’ve taken the opportunity to further elevate our onboard offerings, with entirely new ‘Signature Suites’ and our first ‘Reflection Suite,’ in addition to our first-ever AquaClass Suites, collectively creating the most vivid examples yet of the modern luxury that defines Celebrity.”
CELEBRITY’S ‘SIGNATURE SUITES’ MAKE THEIR MARK
Located in a private area of the ship’s 14th deck, Celebrity Reflection’s five Signature Suites each offer a 441-square-foot stateroom area and 118-square foot veranda, with floor-to-ceiling windows and veranda doors, all designed to maximize the stunning views of the sea. Celebrity’s Signature Suites each can accommodate up to four guests, and will offer the luxurious 24/7 butler service that is a hallmark of every suite across the Celebrity fleet.
The entire area – including the stunning new Reflection Suite – features cardkey access exclusively for guests booked in the elite group of suites, such that a family or group of up to 26 guests traveling together can enjoy a private, six-suite modern luxury vacation experience.
REFLECTING ON THE NEW ‘REFLECTION SUITE’
Nestled in the highly desirable corner location near Celebrity’s new Signature Suites, the Reflection Suite will be the brand’s first two-bedroom suite, complete with a truly distinctive sea-view bathroom extending out over the edge of the ship, a veranda tub with soothing rain shower, and panoramic views courtesy of the wraparound veranda. The 1,636-square-foot Reflection Suite with 194-square-foot veranda – complete with Celebrity’s luxurious 24/7 butler service – can accommodate up to six guests.
From today through December 11, 2011, Celebrity is offering its most loyal guests – Captain’s Club members – an exclusive opportunity to be the first to book the new Reflection Suite and Signature Suites, before they open for booking among the general public December 12. Captain’s Club members interested in booking during this private event are invited to call 1.800.760.0654 or contact their travel agent.
HIGH-TOUCH, HIGH-TECH NEW SUITE BEDDING
To provide an entirely new, breakthrough bedding experience for guests booked in Celebrity’s Reflection Suite, Signature Suites and Penthouse Suite, Celebrity has partnered with Reverie®, a leading innovator in luxury bedding, to deliver the Reverie® Dream Sleep Systemâ„¢. The patented sleep system features a premium Reverie mattress that allows guests, with the assistance of their butler, to customize the softness of their bed.
Additionally, Reverie’s exclusive technology enables the iPod Touch (third and fourth generation), iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPad 2, iPad and Reverie Remote app to act as a remote control for the Reverie Sleep System, allowing guests to easily operate massage features and adjust the elevation of the mattress. Pressing “zero gravity” on the remote will take guests to a position in which the feet and head are raised slightly to improve circulation and relieve lower back pressure, creating the ultimate sensation of “weightlessness,” similar to the sensation felt in a zero-gravity chamber.
Reverie also has integrated remote control technology into the Sleep System so guests can turn appliances around the room that are connected to the power outlet off or on with the touch of the screen on the iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. Guests can enjoy this innovative technology through an iPad provided in each of the new suites.
To complete the innovative sleep experience, Celebrity’s suite guests also will enjoy the custom-embroidered, 100% Egyptian cotton linens featured in Celebrity’s new “eXhale” bedding program, which was introduced on the newly-Solsticized Celebrity Infinity December 3.
BY POPULAR DEMAND: CELEBRITY’S FIRST AQUACLASS SUITES
Driven by high demand for Celebrity’s industry-first AquaClass category of spa-inspired accommodations, and by way of an additional deck being added to Celebrity Reflection, as previously announced, Celebrity will introduce on Celebrity Reflection the line’s first AquaClass Suites. Each will offer 300 square feet of luxurious interior space and spacious 79-square-foot verandas, paired with all the amenities associated with Celebrity’s AquaClass accommodations, including exclusive and complimentary access to the highly-rated specialty restaurant, “Blu,” noted for its inviting, modern design and flavorful, healthy cuisine. The new suites also will offer the luxurious 24/7 butler service that is a hallmark of every suite across the Celebrity fleet.
In addition to the 34 new AquaClass Suites, Celebrity Reflection also will present an additional eight luxurious new Sky Suites, 19 additional plush ConciergeClass staterooms, and 11 additional inside staterooms, bringing the stateroom/suite total to 1,515.
“We gave a great deal of thought to how to ideally accommodate everything we’re adding,” said Hanrahan. “We’re widening the ship slightly, enabling us to introduce each of these exceptional new venues without compromising an inch of Celebrity’s premium space ratio and traffic flow.”
Celebrity Reflection will offer 245 more loungers on its expanded pool deck to suit the increased overall guest capacity, as well as 45 additional seats in the Celebrity Theater, 118 in Oceanview Cafe, 24 additional seats each in Blu and in Tuscan Grille, four more in Qsine, and 40 additional seats in the main dining room, where Celebrity offers Celebrity Select Dining(SM), the industry’s first flexible dining option allowing guests to choose when they wish to dine on a flexible, day-by-day basis.
Celebrity Reflection will enter service October 12, 2012, on a nine-night European cruise from Amsterdam to Barcelona.
Dec 06
Norwegian Announces Summer 2013/14 Deployment
Increased capacity and new Cruisetours in Alaska, four ships in Europe and continued commitment to Bermuda. Line also continues Hawaii and Bahamas year-round cruises
Miami – Dec 6, 2011 —
Norwegian Cruise Line today announced its summer deployment for the 2013/2014 season with the addition of a third ship in Alaska. Norwegian Sun, sailing seven-day open jaw itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska, will join Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl in Alaska for the summer of 2013, marking the first time the company has offered three ships in Alaska since 2009. For a more in-depth Alaskan experience, the company is also introducing land packages that can be combined with Norwegian Sun’s itinerary. The line’s summer deployment also features four ships sailing in Europe, including the continuation of two year-round, along with two ships cruising to Bermuda.
These cruises* go on sale to Norwegian’s top travel partners and Latitudes Rewards members (past guests) today, December 6, 2011, and to the general public on Thursday, December 8.
“Alaska, with its extraordinary beauty and wildlife, continues to be an extremely popular summer destination for cruisers and therefore there is a lot of demand for increased capacity and more varied and unique cruises,†said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “With the strides made by the state government, we felt the time was right to add a third ship in Alaska, and give our guests the once in a lifetime opportunity to see more of this incredible destination. We’ve also added the option of extending their stay with a Cruisetour that will enhance their overall experience.â€
Alaska Deployment
In Alaska, beginning May 20, 2013, Norwegian Sun’s northbound itinerary departs Vancouver, British Columbia on Mondays, and will cruise the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and make stops in the Alaskan favorites of Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau. On her southbound itineraries from Whittier, Alaska, the ship will cruise the Inside Passage, Sawyer Glacier and Hubbard Glacier, as well as making stops in Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Icy Strait Point.
Beginning May 18, 2013, Norwegian Jewel will sail a series of 18 seven-day Sawyer Glacier itineraries from Seattle, Washington every Saturday with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska; along with Victoria, British Columbia. Norwegian Jewel not only offers a fantastic itinerary, but also brings extra fun for the kids with Nickelodeon family programming. The 2,394 passenger Norwegian Pearl begins a series of 18 seven-day Glacier Bay itineraries from Seattle, Washington every Sunday with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska; along with Victoria, British Columbia.
New for the 2013 summer season in Alaska are four Cruisetour options which provide the opportunity to combine a pre or post-cruise land package with Norwegian Sun’s cruises from Whittier, Alaska. Ranging in length from four to six days, the Cruisetours feature two nights in Denali National Park and are fully escorted by a local Alaskan tour guide for the most authentic experience possible. Highlights of the Cruisetours also include a stop at an Iditarod sled dog musher’s house (on four and five-night tours), along with a ride on the Alaskan railroad. More details on the Alaska Cruisetours will be available in early 2012.
Europe Deployment
In Europe, Norwegian Epic will return for her third season, sailing seven-day Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona beginning May 5, 2013 through October 14, 2013. The new Western Mediterranean itinerary features five ports of call in three countries — Spain, Italy and France — and a call to Palma, Majorca, Spain. Guests will also have the opportunity to sail round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy or Marseille, France giving them the flexibility to choose the homeport that is more convenient for them. There is also a four-day Western Mediterranean sailing on May 1, 2013.
Norwegian Star will make her debut in the Baltic replacing Norwegian Sun and will offer a series of 15 nine-day Baltic Capital cruises from Copenhagen, Denmark. Some highlights of this popular itinerary include two full days in St. Petersburg, Russia and an afternoon cruise of the Stockholm Archipelago upon the ship’s departure from Stockholm, Sweden. Rounding out the season, Norwegian Star will offer a unique 14-day Norway, Iceland and Faroe Island cruise from Copenhagen on September 19, 2013.
Norwegian Jade returns to Venice on May 4, 2013 for the summer season and will offer alternating seven-day Greek Isles and seven-day Adriatic, Greece and Turkey itineraries. In the fall/winter, Norwegian Jade will reposition to Rome (Civitavecchia) and offer a series of eight 10-day Eastern Mediterranean and nine 11-day Mediterranean & the Holy Land beginning on October 26, 2013 through April 12, 2014.
Beginning on April 17, 2013, Norwegian Spirit will once again sail the waters of the Mediterranean offering 12-day Grand Mediterranean open jaw itineraries from Barcelona, Spain and Venice, Italy through October 14, 2013. The comprehensive itinerary highlights the best of the Mediterranean with nine ports of call in five different countries including an overnight in Venice. On October 26, 2013, Norwegian Spirit begins a series of 20 nine-day Canary Island cruises. Guests will have the option to sail round-trip from Malaga, Spain giving them the flexibility to choose the homeport that is more convenient for them.
Bermuda Deployment
In the summer of 2013, Norwegian Cruise Line will significantly increase its capacity in Bermuda with the arrival of its newest ship, the 4,000-pasenger Norwegian Breakaway, sailing a series of 22 seven-day cruises from New York, New York, beginning May 12, 2013. Departing on Sundays, the ship will spend three full days in Bermuda, along with three days at sea.
The newly refurbished Norwegian Dawn will return to Boston, Massachusetts for the summer on May 3, 2013 and will sail a series of 22 seven-day Bermuda cruises departing every Friday.
Hawaii Deployment
Pride of America will continue as the only US-flagged vessel sailing among all four of Hawai`i’s main islands. Because of popular demand for this itinerary, the company is opening Pride of America’s seven-day Hawai`i inter-island cruises departing Honolulu, Hawaii every Saturday through April 18, 2015**. Ports of call include: an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise of the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.
Bahamas “Getaway†Cruises
For a shorter cruise option, Norwegian Sky will continue sailing three- and four-day cruises to the Bahamas year-round from Miami through April 25, 2014. The three-day Bahamas cruise departs on Fridays and includes stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, which has recently received $25 million in enhancements, including a new dining facility, marina and expanded beachfront. On Mondays, the ship departs Miami on a four-day Bahamas cruise with stops in Grand Bahama Island, Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island; and Nassau, Bahamas.
To book these new sailings, contact a travel professional, call 866-234-7350 or visit www.ncl.com. Also visit Norwegian’s Facebook page at www.ncl.com/facebook to become a fan and be the first to boast about booking one of these exciting cruises.
*Please note all summer cruises go on sale this week. Europe fall/winter cruises will go on sale December 13 for top travel partners and Latitudes Rewards members and December 15 for the general public. Alaska Cruisetours will go on sale in early 2012.
**Pride of America’s cruises in 2015 will go on sale in January 2012.
Dec 06
Norwegian Cruise Line Enhances Latitudes Rewards Loyalty Program
Miami – Dec 5, 2011 —
Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian) today announced exciting enhancements to its guest loyalty program. Renamed Latitudes Rewards, the new program better recognizes Norwegian’s valued loyal guests. Key program changes include new ways for members to earn points, additional onboard recognition and benefits and access to online account tracking.
Current Latitudes members will automatically be enrolled in the new Latitudes Rewards program and will remain in the same tier or will be upgraded to the appropriate higher tier, depending on the total number of cruise nights and stateroom categories sailed.
“The satisfaction and loyalty of our guests is very important to us,†said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and chief executive officer. “Our new Latitudes Rewards program demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest levels of guest satisfaction while rewarding our loyal guests with enhanced benefits. We are dedicated to making sure our guests have the best possible cruise experience and look forward to welcoming them back on board again and again.â€
Latitudes Rewards members earn rewards points in four different ways, making it faster and easier than ever before to move up to the next tier. Members now earn one point per cruise night, providing an opportunity to gain more points the longer the guests’ sail. Additional points can be earned when booking a suite or any accommodation in The Haven by Norwegian, booking nine months or more in advance, or when taking advantage of the exclusive monthly “Latitudes Rewards Insider†offers. Latitudes Rewards tiers are based on the total amount of points earned: Bronze members are classified as guests with one to 19 points; Silver members are 20 to 47 points; Gold members are 48 to75 points; and Platinum members are those with 76 or more points.
In addition to current member benefits such as priority check-in, members-only cocktail parties, access to an on-board program representative and a complimentary online magazine, new benefits have been added to the program. For cruises departing on or after December 5, 2011 the new loyalty program includes special onboard perks, based on the guest’s tier level, such as chocolate covered strawberries, ship pins, nightly treats and discounts on packages in the photo gallery.
Latitudes Rewards members will now be able to see their total rewards points, view their cruise history and tier status, including how many points are needed to advance to the next tier, at http://www.ncl.com/myncl. For more information on Norwegian’s Latitudes Rewards program or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.
Dec 05
Decorating the Disney Dream
If you think decorating your home for the holidays is a big task, imagine decorating a 1,115-foot-long ship.
For the first time ever, that was the task this year for the Holiday Services department at Walt Disney World Resort. They worked hard to prepare and install more than 300 custom designed décor pieces to adorn the Disney Dream for its very first holiday season.
Check out this video for an inside peek:
Since the first holiday season of the Disney Magic, it has been a tradition to transform Disney Cruise Line ships into a winter wonderland for the holidays. But with a ship three decks taller and more than 150 feet longer, the task this year of decorating the Disney Dream was much larger than years past. Here’s a look at some of the décor by the numbers:
•1,016 feet of garland, which is more than three football fields and nearly enough to stretch the entire length of the ship
•66 holiday sprays ranging from 15 inches to six feet
•29 wreaths ranging from 24 inches to five feet in diameter
•41 Christmas trees ranging from two feet to 30 feet
•One 20-foot-tall tree takes center stage in the atrium lobby weighing more than one ton and featuring 300 branches and more than 20,000 white LED lights
What’s more, the holiday décor is designed uniquely for specific locations around the ship, with themes and customized ornaments for certain spaces like the youth clubs and dining rooms.
Dec 01
Princess Cruises Ships Deck the Halls for a Festive Season at Sea
Snow Flurries Set the Mood for Santa, Carolers and a Gingerbread House Challenge
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (December 1, 2011) — For the fifth year in a row, Princess Cruises ships are expecting snow flurries to set the stage for a festive holiday season at sea. No matter where they are sailing, passengers won’t miss out on a white Christmas as snow magically falls in the ships’ multi-story atriums, transforming them into winter wonderlands.
The innovative snow-making process creates falling flakes that vanish on contact, letting cruise passengers enjoy the excitement of snow without the need to bundle up. Princess’ daily snowfall will occur on all ships except for the lines’ two small vessels — Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess — which do not have large atriums.
The shipboard snowfall is one of many ways Princess ships will surround passengers with a merry atmosphere. With the halls decked out in holiday décor — including a Christmas tree on the mast — and strolling carolers filling the air with the sounds of the season, Princess ships will offer a festive cruise experience from bow to stern.
The Christmas spirit will be found in activities throughout the ship. Passengers can challenge themselves with a gingerbread house-building competition to see who can construct the most creative structure. Or they can express their creativity with holiday card making, enjoy the entertaining cheer of a Christmas variety show, and even pick up tips at a turkey-carving demonstration to prepare themselves to do the honors at their next holiday feast.
Passengers can join in the sounds of the season by participating in a special holiday-themed Pop Choir, and the ships’ Piazzas will feature seasonal entertainment. Movies Under the Stars screens will show favorite holiday films, as well as a virtual Yule log that will turn the giant screens into the “world’s largest holiday fireplace.” Stateroom televisions will also add the traditional burning Yule log broadcast for a warm and cozy touch inside the room. And of course Santa is expected to make a visit, with passengers receiving their own stocking on Christmas Eve.
Religious services will be held as well, and passengers can participate in Catholic mass or a non-denominational church service performed by onboard clergy.
“The festive atmosphere onboard makes the holidays one our passengers’ favorite times to cruise,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “Our welcoming crew members take the worry out of all holiday preparations, and what better way to celebrate than with a winter snowfall — even on a tropical cruise vacation.” Swartz added that space is still available on select holiday sailings.
Holiday Feasts — Each Princess ship’s culinary team will delight the senses with spectacular holiday displays and will serve up several delicious feasts. Christmas dinner features traditional holiday fare including slow-roasted Vermont turkey with chestnut stuffing and cranberry chutney. Special desserts include English Christmas pudding and gingerbread soufflé, while freshly prepared stollen and Christmas cookies also make an appearance. Passengers can also try a taste of traditional holiday dishes from around the world as the Horizon Court serves up some favorites based on the cuisines of crew members’ home countries.
Christmas For Children — Younger cruisers can anticipate the big day with a full schedule of holiday activities. The youth centers will host holiday parties for each age group, and kids can make decorations to display on the center’s Christmas tree, or can try their hand at cookie decorating. Youngsters can get creative with other holiday-themed arts and crafts projects throughout the cruise, and they will have an opportunity to sing Christmas carols for passengers. Naturally, Santa Claus makes an appearance with his sack full of toys, and, in what has become a holiday tradition, a senior officer will read “The Night Before Christmas” on Christmas Eve.
For parents who want to stay up later to celebrate the holidays, free late-night group kid-sitting sessions will be available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Hanukkah — From December 20-28 passengers can celebrate the Festival of Lights onboard with special Hanukkah activities. Ships will organize services, and passengers will find menorahs and fresh flower arrangements in blue, silver and white on display. Kosher meals are available upon request, and kid’s centers will host activities for young cruisers, including a reading of “Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah.”
Happy New Year — Passengers will count down to a fun-filled 2012 with festive New Year’s Eve parties, complete with music, confetti, noise-makers and a balloon drop to ring in the new year. Earlier in the evening, the dinner menu will feature special treats just for New Year’s Eve. On New Year’s Day, football fans can follow the action of the day’s traditional college bowl games, as the telecasts will be shown (as available by satellite) on the giant Movies Under the Stars screens or in shipboard lounges.
Holiday Shopping — Passengers who love to shop will not miss out on the holiday sales just because they’re at sea. Princess will provide a wide array of holiday shopping and gift-giving opportunities on board including tax- and duty-free fine jewelry, watches, fragrance, cosmetics and fine art. New this year on the days after Christmas and New Year’s, the Princess boutiques will open early in the morning to offer shoppers “door-busters” and other holiday discounts and specials.
The 16-ship Princess fleet will cover the globe this holiday season, with sailings to the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Australia/New Zealand, South America, Hawaii and the South Pacific
Dec 01
Cruising: Before You Go : Cruises : Travel Channel
Everyone is selling cruises these days and that includes Wal-Mart and your local wholesale warehouse, such as Costco. It pays to comparison shop. Start by doing a few searches on various cruise web sites. Consult a travel agent who specializes in cruises (you can find one in the travel section of your Sunday newspaper). Consider what memberships might give you a discount. Do you belong to AAA or AARP? Talk to friends and find out how they booked their last cruise.
Pay attention to the amount of time you will have in each port
It’s important to consider how much time your cruise will spend visiting each island. Have you always dreamed of visiting Jamaica? Well, if your ship is only in Montego Bay from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., you might be disappointed that you don’t have time to see much. If you want to maximize your days in port, ask for the latest dinner seating (if your cruise offers timed sittings). That way, you don’t have to rush back to the ship for dinner.
Consider traveling in the Caribbean’s off-season
While the Caribbean is a popular destination year-round, there are times that are slower than others. September through mid-December is generally the slowest time for Caribbean cruises. While part of hurricane season (see below) overlaps with these months, the cruise bargains abound and the ships, beaches and island shops will all be less crowded. The first 2 weeks of January and April (except Easter break) through June also present opportunities for bargains as they are generally less popular cruising times as well.
Don’t assume you need to take the shore excursions the cruise line offers
The cruise lines really hype up their shore excursions, and for good reason: In addition to selling alcohol onboard, this is one of their main revenue streams. Many of the excursions are overpriced and can be put together on your own. If you’re just looking for a day at the beach, hire a cab and ask the driver to take you to the nicest one in the area. You don’t need the cruise line to plan this for you. You can also hire your own car or moped in many ports.
In addition, many of the same-day trips can be booked with independent operators as soon as you get off the ship. Do consider the ship’s shore excursions if they offer opportunities to see multiple sites or if you have limited time in port. Also, if you are someone who will constantly worry about getting back to the ship in time for departure, go with the ship’s group; they will definitely arrive in time.
Do some homework before shopping onboard or on land
Oh, the Caribbean, land of duty-free shopping! You could go broke in one shopping trip! Luxury items such as jewelry, perfume, china and electronics are imported from all over the world and often offered up to 50% off what you would pay for them in the United States. But this is not always the case. It pays to consider what you want to buy before leaving home and checking on the prices in the United States. That way you will know if you are really getting a deal. Remember that you can bargain and should, even in established stores.
Keep the Caribbean hurricane season in mind, but don’t let it stop you from going
Hurricane season runs from June through November in the Caribbean, but don’t let that scare you from taking a cruise during these months. Cruise ships get plenty of warning when a hurricane is forming and, when necessary (rarely), can change the itinerary or reroute the ship accordingly. The worst you will probably experience if a hurricane is forming is bumpier sailing. Ask your cruise line about its hurricane policy.
Dec 01
Celebrity Cruises’ features new ‘eXhale’ bedding program
Miami – (November 10, 2011 ) – There’s nothing sleepy about Celebrity Cruises’ “Solsticizing” program. One of the most ambitious revitalization initiatives in the history of the cruise industry, the $140-million program will add to the line’s Millennium Class ships a host of the venues and experiences guests love most on the Solstice Class ships, all within less than two years, with each ship completing the massive transformation over the course of an only three-week drydock period. And now, the line plans to complement the program further by rolling out an entirely new and ultimately fleetwide bedding program, “eXhaleSM,” beginning with Celebrity Infinity when the ship emerges from Solsticizing on December 3, 2011.
Celebrity’s eXhale bedding program will include in every stateroom on the newly-Solsticized Celebrity Infinity new mattresses designed exclusively for Celebrity in partnership with Reverie®, a leader in the field of luxury bedding. Hand-made in the U.S. with natural raw materials such as bamboo and sustainable natural rubber, the mattresses are almost entirely recyclable and biodegradable. With more than a dozen patents granted, the unique technology of the Reverie mattress features removable, hypo-allergenic, antibacterial and dust mite-resistant covers, and a breathable, plush pillow top with a patented air flow design that helps circulate air through the mattress and keep guests cool as they sleep.
Celebrity’s guests in Penthouse Suites, Royal Suites, Celebrity Suites and Sky Suites will enjoy a particularly unique sleep experience. In those spacious, luxurious accommodations, complete with 24/7 butler service, Celebrity will offer a premium Reverie mattress allowing guests to customize their sleep experience. With the expert help of their butler, guests sailing in those suites will be able to have their mattress tailored to their liking, within a range of options from extra plush to extra firm, all with the goal of precisely meeting their individual comfort preferences.
Rounding out Celebrity’s eXhale bedding program in each stateroom and suite will be custom-embroidered, 100% Egyptian cotton linens.
“We know how precious our guests’ vacation time is, so we set out to ensure that every moment of their vacation offers them the opportunity to do as much or as little as they choose – and that very well may include relaxing in bed to read a book, watch TV, or, of course, sleep,” said Celebrity’s Senior VP of Hotel Operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “We are just as committed to offering a modern luxury experience with our bedding program as we are throughout the entire ship. It’s very exciting to introduce our new, premium, Reverie bedding system on a Millennium Class ship, as just one component of our vast Solsticizing program, and an appealing prelude to what guests in select suite categories will enjoy on Celebrity Reflection when she launches in Fall 2012.”
“Reverie is thrilled to provide Celebrity Cruises with an exclusive mattress design for their staterooms, and the Reverie Dream customizable luxury mattress for their suite guests,” said Reverie CEO Martin Rawls-Meehan. “We use the finest natural materials and patented technology, which we believe will enhance guests’ sleep experience. Celebrity cares about offering their guests a customized experience, and Reverie’s unique sleep system is a way to offer just that. Reverie is proud to be a part of Celebrity’s continuous efforts to deliver modern luxury in every aspect of their guests’ vacation experience.”
Celebrity also has confirmed that guests on the Solsticized Celebrity Infinity also will offer guests access to Wi-Fi throughout the ship (fee applies).
To gain ongoing, behind-the-scenes insights into the Solsticizing process – which includes the new eXhale bedding program – on Celebrity Infinity, visit Hotel Director Ryan Kingston’s blog at http://celebritycruises.tumblr.com/
Revisiting Celebrity’s Solsticizing story:
“Solsticizing is an incredibly exciting initiative for us – and more importantly, for our guests, as indicated by their response to our already-Solsticized Celebrity Constellation, whose positive comments are consistently through the roof,” said Celebrity’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “The Millennium Class ships already have a large and loyal following, having repeatedly ranked at the top of many of the world’s most prestigious consumer surveys, and those ships’ style, design and ambience served as significant inspiration for the design of the Solstice Class, and now, we’re bringing it full circle – and in just two years’ time – incorporating on the entire Millennium Class what our guests enjoy most on the Solstice Class. It ties the whole fleet together in a very meaningful way.”
One of the many Solstice Class features resonating powerfully with vacationers – and therefore being added to Celebrity Infinity and her sister ships – is Celebrity’s trendsetting AquaClass, spectacularly designed to enhance that all-important feeling of well-being. The modern, luxurious, spa-inspired staterooms include spacious, private verandas; exclusive access to the stylish specialty restaurant, Blu; complimentary access to the Persian Garden and Relaxation Room in the AquaSpa; a personal Spa Concierge to book exotic AquaSpa treatments; use of plush Frette bathrobes and slippers; enhanced personal care products, and plentiful in-room amenities, including Hansgrohe shower heads, fog-free bathroom mirrors, aromatherapy selections, and daily deliveries of complimentary bottled water and teas.
Another Celebrity exclusive – “Qsine,” the novel restaurant introduced on Celebrity Eclipse in 2010 and Celebrity Silhouette this year – will also dazzle guests on Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Millennium following each ship’s revitalization. The first restaurant at sea to present a menu and wine list on an iPadTM, Qsine serves a blend of classic and contemporary dishes in custom-made serveware, such as spring rolls served in vertical springs, and popcorn shrimp in theater-style popcorn boxes. Described in press reviews as “the latest and most innovative restaurant,” “cutting-edge,” and “appealingly quirky,” the creator of the concept, Celebrity’s VP of Culinary Operations and Master Chef Jacques Van Staden, says the restaurant and menu were designed to take what guests expect of a specialty restaurant and “turn it upside down” in a captivating, entertaining and flavorful way.
Joining AquaClass, Blu, Qsine, the new eXhale bedding and pervasive Wi-Fi in the “Solsticizing” of Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit and Millennium will be:
•the hip Celebrity iLounge, which debuted on Celebrity Eclipse and made Celebrity Cruises the industry’s first Authorized Apple Reseller
•the “cool,” ice-topped Martini Bar and Crush
•Celebrity’s vibrant creperie, Bistro on Five
•the inviting Café al Bacio and Gelateria
•Cellarmasters wine bar, complete with the “Enomatic” state-of-the-art wine serving system – an industry-first when it debuted on Celebrity Solstice – allowing guests to select wines by the glass, at the touch of a button
•entirely new verandas added to the ship’s spacious, luxurious Celebrity Suites
•additional new oceanview and inside staterooms
•an expanded collection of original, contemporary art
Each of Celebrity’s Millennium Class ships will be Solsticized at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. As previously announced, Celebrity Infinity will emerge from Solsticizing December 3, 2011, followed by Celebrity Summit in January 2012 and Celebrity Millennium in May 2012.
Nov 30
The Muppets Debut on the Disney Fantasy
PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. (Nov. 29, 2011) – The Muppets make their debut on Disney Cruise Line in a new adventure game aboard the Disney Fantasy, the new Disney ship setting sail in March 2012.
Throughout the Disney Fantasy, guests will discover creative and whimsical technical innovations – whether it’s mealtime, playtime or bedtime. “Paintings†spring to life. Guests’ own drawings dance with Disney characters. Interior staterooms have a porthole view of the sea outside. Animated characters chat with guests. The floor beneath children comes alive to movements. Among the highlights:
Muppets Adventure Game
The Muppets are coming to the Disney Fantasy! While playing “The Case of the Stolen Show,†guests take an interactive adventure quest around the ship, uncovering clues via more than a dozen pieces of Enchanted Art and physical “evidence.â€
The adventure begins with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal and a cast of more than 20 Muppets preparing to stage a big performance. But there’s a problem: Kermit’s banjo is missing, Fozzie’s squirting flower has vanished, Gonzo’s crash helmet has gone astray, Animal’s drum sticks have disappeared and the Swedish Chef can’t find his cleaver! All of the props for the big show have been stolen by a cunning thief (or more likely, another Muppet).
Pepe the King Prawn offers to take on detective duties to help Kermit and the rest of the Muppets find their missing props. Kermit, worried about Pepe’s lack of detective skills, turns to the guests for help.
Guided by a map and holding a unique game card in front of select pieces of Enchanted Art, guests unveil clues and find missing props. Elsewhere on the ship, guests may check a Muppets message board and find a Muppet-sized stateroom door to discover clues. Their mission is to identify the culprit and solve the crime before it’s time to raise the curtain and light the lights on the Muppets’ big show.
“The Case of the Stolen Show†is a self-paced adventure game designed for guests ages nine and older. It features several possible endings and multiple randomized events – so each time a guest plays, they have a different gaming experience.
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