Mar 01

Celebrity Cruises to take Solstice Class style to Australia. Award-winning Celebrity Solstice to make Down Under debut

Miami – (March 01, 2011 ) – Get ready for some company, Sydney Opera House. Another thing of beauty will share Sydney Harbour when premium cruise brand Celebrity Cruises sends its award-winning Celebrity Solstice to Australia and New Zealand for the winter of 2012-13.

“Celebrity Solstice has satisfied guests around the world since we introduced her in 2008, and the obvious next step is to send her to Australia,” said Dan Hanrahan, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “With this move, we are delivering another way for people to have the best vacation experience possible, in one of the most stunning geographic regions of the world.”

Australians will enjoy the return of the Celebrity Cruises brand to the region this coming winter with the deployment of the 1,814-guest Celebrity Century. Her subsequent replacement by the 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice is a symbol of the premium cruise brand’s ever-expanding global presence and the popularity of the service, activities, cuisine, and stylish design exemplified on its Solstice Class ships, which are frequently rated as the best by consumer- and travel agent-focused publications around the globe. Recent accolades include the Solstice Class being named among “Best Cruise Ships” by Frommers.com and Celebrity being named “Best Premium Cruise Line” and “Best Cruise Line in Europe” by the readers of Travel Weekly.

 
“Travelers around the world value their vacation time, and we want to give them more opportunities to enjoy Celebrity’s signature attributes, including the first Lawn Club and Hot Glass show at sea, more spacious staterooms, our AquaClass staterooms geared toward the spa enthusiast lifestyle, multiple specialty restaurants, the Celebrity iLounge and state-of-the-art entertainment, in more places. The culture and way of life in Australia and New Zealand are an ideal backdrop for our Solstice Class style and the overall onboard experience.”

Celebrity Solstice will transition from a 2012 summer in the Mediterranean Australia/New Zealand via the Suez Canal and through Southeast Asia before arriving in Sydney, Australia in early December. The repositioning sailings will include multiple overnights in ports including Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Cochin, India.

Upon arriving in Australia, Celebrity Solstice will present a series of 12- and 13-night open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand. The season also will include a circumnavigation of Australia, consisting of two open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Perth (Fremantle). Many of the itineraries include overnight stays in Sydney.

Celebrity Solstice will continue a series of destination-immersive onboard activities that will debut during Celebrity Century’s upcoming Australia/New Zealand season; activities include local vineyard and wine shore excursions, onboard talks by local cultural entertainers and speakers, and destination-focused food and drink menus. Some activities will be complimentary.

 
Celebrity will continue to offer its popular Australia/New Zealand cruisetour program geared toward guests who wish to combine a land-based vacation with a cruise. Premium concierge-style service is the hallmark of Celebrity’s four- and five-night pre- and post-cruise escorted land tour packages in Australia, which will visit destinations including Port Douglas (Great Barrier Reef), Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Sydney. A six-night pre-cruise New Zealand package will visit Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Sydney. Highlights include a full-day tour over the Great Barrier Reef and a gourmet barbecue dinner under the outback sky in Ayers Rock. All of Celebrity’s cruisetours are escorted by local tour directors, and include hotel accommodations, transportation, select activities, breakfast and some additional meals.

Full details will be available on March 23, when bookings for Celebrity’s new 2012-13 Australia/New Zealand itineraries will open for sale. Bookings for the 1,814-guest Celebrity Century’s 2011-12 Australia/New Zealand cruises are open now.
Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of the world’s top-rated premium cruise line, with spacious, stylish interiors; dining experiences elevated to an art form; personalized service, with a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1; unexpected, trendsetting onboard activities, all designed to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers’ precious time. Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. One of the fastest-growing major cruise lines, Celebrity’s fleet currently consists of nine ships, with two additional Solstice Class ships scheduled to join the fleet: Celebrity Silhouette in July 2011, and Celebrity Reflection in Fall 2012. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111.

via Press Room Details.

Feb 21

Grand Princess to Undergo Dramatic Transformation

Makeover Will Include Piazza Atrium, Tea Lounge, Pizzeria and Nightclub


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SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Feb. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The most significant transformation ever of a Princess Cruises ship will occur this spring aboard Grand Princess.  During a 24-day makeover the ship, which was the prototype for the line’s “Grand Class” vessels, will undergo a remarkable renovation to receive many of Princess’ trademark features introduced since the ship’s 1998 debut including the signature Piazza atrium.  Several new features will be also be added including a unique tea lounge and library called “Leaves”; and “Alfredo’s,” a full-service pizzeria showcasing this renowned Princess dish.

A brand new nightclub called One5, inspired by its deck location, will be created on the top deck of the ship, replacing its iconic Skywalker Nightclub, which has given the ship its distinctive profile.  Skywalkers will be removed from its 18th deck perch, with its replacement located on deck 15.  This change will significantly improve the operational performance of the ship, including greater fuel efficiency.

“This is the largest makeover we’ve ever undertaken for any of our ships,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “When Grand Princess was launched she was the most innovative ship at sea, and now we’re adding some of the later innovations we introduced on subsequent ships.”

Artist renderings of the Grand Princess changes are available in a Flickr gallery at: http://bit.ly/g0JA8I.

The changes will be made during a drydock from April 11 to May 4 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. Highlights of the dramatic makeover include:

  • New Piazza atrium – The atrium space of Grand Princess will be completely rebuilt to include this signature Princess feature — a multi-faceted social hub of the ship combining always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services.  The Piazza will feature the International Cafe for pastries, grilled panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies and a variety of coffee drinks.  Passengers will also enjoy a new Vines wine bar offering a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of tapas and sushi, and a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle.  
  • Leaves Tea Lounge and Library – A fusion of tea lounge and library, the new Leaves offers a distinctive opportunity for passengers to custom-blend a variety of base teas with herbs, fruits and spices to create a personalized tea blend.  Created in partnership with Mighty Leaf Tea Company, one of the world’s premier maker of artisan teas, Leaves will give passengers an impressive choice of up to 500 different tea blends to suit their palates.  A trained tea sommelier will assist passengers in blending a personalized tea creation, which they can enjoy in the midst of the library and a good book.
  • Alfredo’s Pizzeria – Known for serving the best pizza at sea, Princess will introduce Alfredo’s, a new sit-down pizzeria with an enticing menu of freshly prepared individual-size pizzas.  Named for the line’s master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the pizzeria will feature an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs create the pizzas they’ll enjoy with a glass of wine or other beverage.
  • One5 Lounge – The new One5 lounge will replace Skywalkers as the place to be for nighttime dancing and relaxing.  The new lounge on deck 15 (hence its name) takes its inspiration from the chicest urban nightclubs, and will offer a cool vibe, contemporary seating and lighting, and a dramatic back-lit bar.
  • Crown Grill – A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including live lobsters.

Also part of the renovation will be 10 new suites; remodeled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner’s Martini Lounge.

The newly renovated Grand Princess will debut on May 5 in Ft. Lauderdale where the ship will depart on a transatlantic crossing for her summer and fall homeport of Southampton, from which she will cruise a variety of European itineraries.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

via Grand Princess to Undergo Dramatic Transformation — SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Feb. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ —.

Feb 21

New Online Process Makes Checking In Fun, Easy and ‘Goofy’ for Disney Cruise Line Guests « Disney Parks Blog

At Disney Cruise Line, it’s our goal to make everything hassle free, and most importantly FUN, for our guests. Now, it’s even possible for you to enjoy the process of checking in online for your cruise.

We recently updated My Online Check-In at disneycruise.com, making it especially simple for you to complete the required paperwork from the comfort and convenience of your own home prior to your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Not only is this easier than filling out forms at the port, it also expedites the embarkation process. We’ve also added some extra-special elements of entertainment to this seemingly routine task to get you excited about your upcoming voyage!

You can even expect to be delighted by some classic Disney storytelling when you access the check-in page. In fact, you’ll be greeted with an original animated short starring Goofy. Whether you’re preparing for a cruise or not, you’ll love this informative and inspirational video. Check it out!

This new functionality is engaging and intuitive – what more could you ask for? We know you’ll enjoy it, and that’s only the beginning of the loads of fun you’ll have on your Disney cruise! See ya real soon…

via New Online Process Makes Checking In Fun, Easy and ‘Goofy’ for Disney Cruise Line Guests « Disney Parks Blog.

Feb 16

Royal Caribbean Signs Letter of Intent to Build New Generation Cruise Ship

MIAMI and PAPENBURG, Germany, Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. has signed a letter of intent with shipyard Meyer Werft to build the first of a new generation of Royal Caribbean International cruise ships.  Developed under the code-name “Project Sunshine,” the new vessel design incorporates new and exciting features that take advantage of the best of Royal Caribbean’s experience and imagination.  The project is a result of over a year of dedicated research and development.  

The order calls for one ship to be delivered in the Fall of 2014 with an option for a second ship for Spring 2015.  The 158,000 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) new build will carry just over 4,100 guests based on double occupancy.  The estimated all-in cost per berth is about euro 170,000.  This all-in cost includes the yard’s base contract price plus everything needed to design, operate and build the vessel, from architect fees to supervision costs and all loose inventories from computers to art and bed linens.

“Royal Caribbean has worked hard to earn a reputation of offering the most innovative ships in the cruise industry and this next generation will not disappoint,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.  “While we continue our policy of keeping our newest ideas and features under wraps during the early stages of construction, I can say that I am very excited about the passion and imagination that our teams have devoted to the project.  Project Sunshine builds on the best ideas of our existing ships and adds exciting new activities and entertainment concepts.  It will offer features for everyone: from grand, spectacular spaces to small intimate settings; from active, invigorating activities to the serenity of more personal space; and from a plethora of dining alternatives to a cornucopia of opportunities for families.  I am also excited about the energy efficiency and environmental technologies which have been incorporated.  Our existing ships are some of the most energy efficient in the world and Project Sunshine takes this one further step.  Based on our over 20 years of experience with Meyer Werft, along with their compelling proposal, we know they will deliver on all of the innovations Royal Caribbean’s guests have come to expect.”

“Meyer Werft is pleased to be working with Royal Caribbean especially in light of their reputation for building such innovative ships.  I am very happy we are continuing our long time partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and its brand Royal Caribbean International. Their projects always present incredible opportunities for Meyer Werft to create the latest cutting edge hardware in the cruise industry,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft shipyard.

The letter of intent is subject to customary conditions being satisfactorily met.  

About MEYER WERFT GmbH:

Founded in 1795, Papenburg-based MEYER WERFT GmbH is currently owned by the sixth generation of the Meyer family. This well-established company has some 2,500 employees. MEYER WERFT‘s extensive production program covers a wide range of ship types, from cruise ships and gas tankers, to car and passenger ferries. In order to stay successful in worldwide competition, production technology has been continuously extended. Today, MEYER WERFT has the most modern production premises in the shipbuilding industry. For more information go to www.meyerwerft.de.

About Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.:

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France.  The company has a combined total of 40 ships in service and two under construction.  It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America.  Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, www.azamaraclubcruises.com, www.cdfcroisieresdefrance.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

via Royal Caribbean Signs Letter of Intent to Build New Generation… — MIAMI and PAPENBURG, Germany, Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ —.

Feb 16

Keel Laying Ceremony Marks a Milestone for the Disney Fantasy Today

This morning in Papenburg, Germany, I watched the Disney Fantasy move a step closer to reality as Disney Cruise Line celebrated the keel laying during a special ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard.

President of Disney Cruise Line, Karl Holz, Minnie Mouse and Meyer Werft Shipyard Managing Partner, Bernard Meyer celebrate at the Disney Fantasy keel laying ceremony.

I felt honored to witness such a monumental moment. The keel laying marks a significant milestone in the ship building process – it’s when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock and a coin is placed under the keel for good fortune.

The coin placed under the keel of the Disney Fantasy for good fortune.

Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line, placed the coin in the keel today with assistance from Minnie Mouse. And, we captured the event for you to see!

Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line and Minnie Mouse get ready to place the coin in the keel for the Disney Fantasy.

With assistance from Minnie Mouse, Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line, places the coin in the keel for the Disney Fantasy.

Part of the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy is the second of two newly designed ships that take the family cruise experience to all new heights.

The Disney Fantasy will join her sister ship, the Disney Dream, in Port Canaveral, Florida, to sail 7-night Caribbean cruises, with the maiden voyage scheduled for March 31, 2012. It will be here before we know it!

The Disney Fantasy will offer many of the innovations that the Disney Dream features and brought to the cruise industry for the very first time, including AquaDuck – the world’s first shipboard water coaster. However, the Disney Fantasy will include a few new design elements and guest experiences that will give the ship her own unique identity. Stay tuned over the next several months as we reveal more details.

Rendering of the Disney Fantasy.

Do you want to be one of the first to sail on the Disney Fantasy? Well, I have good news. You can actually book a Disney Cruise Line vacation on the Disney Fantasy now – just visit disneycruise.com or call 888-DCL-2500. We hope to see you aboard next year!

Keel Laying Ceremony Marks a Milestone for the Disney Fantasy Today « Disney Parks Blog.

Jan 30

Maiden Voyage Guests Enjoy Innovation and Pixie Dust Aboard the Disney Dream « Disney Parks Blog

After visiting Nassau in the Bahamas yesterday, the Disney Dream is spending today at sea during her four-night maiden voyage.

On Thursday, Disney Cruise Line guests spent the day enjoying everything from the thrills of AquaDuck, the world’s only water coaster aboard a cruise ship…

Maiden voyage guests enjoy an exhilarating ride on AquaDuck, the only shipboard water coaster

…to the chic sophistication of exclusively adult venues like Skyline lounge, where the ever-changing penthouse view features famous metropolitan skylines that transform from day to night and showcase a variety of stunning cities.

Adult guests sip on signature cocktails in Skyline, aboard the Disney Dream

On Thursday morning, two local marching bands met the ship upon her arrival in Nassau for a lively welcome filled with sound, color and rhythm. For guests who chose to explore the city through Port Adventures, it was a chance to soak up the rich history and culture of the Bahamas.

A Bahamian marching band greets the Disney Dream upon the ship’s arrival in Nassau

For those who stayed aboard the Disney Dream, it was an opportunity to enjoy all the magical innovations throughout the ship, including fun spaces for children in Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, and the grownup entertainment offerings in the five interconnected venues of The District.

A Bahamian marching band welcomes the Disney Dream to Nassau Another Bahamian band performs for Disney Cruise Line guests in Nassau Children experience exciting twists and turns during a wild ride on AquaDuck Guests of all ages enjoy the thrills and crystal-clear views aboard the AquaDuck water coaster
Crush, the totally cool turtle dude from the Disney•Pixar animated motion picture “Finding Nemo,” chats with children in Disney’s Oceaneer Club Young guest, Albert, samples the fun in Andy’s Room, one of five areas within Disney’s Oceaneer Club Reece, 6, plays inside Monster’s Academy within Disney’s Oceaneer Club “Anyone Can Cook” is the motto of a fun activity for kids in Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab

After the sun went down, it was time for a ship-wide pirate party, including a special themed menu in the onboard family restaurants, Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden and Royal Palace. Up on the pool deck, the fun continued with Mickey’s Pirates IN the Caribbean, an all-ages deck party.

Many families embraced the ship’s pirate-themed festivities with elaborate costumes

Afterward, a rollicking pirate ship battle broke out under the stars during a brand-new fireworks spectacular called Buccaneer Blast! DJ Randy kept guests rocking during Club Pirate, the hottest dance club at sea, which was followed by a late-night screening of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” on the ship’s giant Funnel Vision display.

Guests filled the ship’s upper decks to see the fireworks spectacular, Buccaneer Blast!

Here arrrrr some highlights from another magical day aboard the Disney Dream:

During Friday’s day at sea, Captain Tom Forberg treated guests with a “drive-by” visit to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, which was hosting our flagship vessel, the Disney Magic. To guests’ delight, a mini Disney concert echoed across the island as the ships tooted their horns back and forth, including many familiar Disney melodies played by the Disney Dream.

Follow Disney Cruise Line on Twitter at twitter.com/disneycruise for real-time tweets and photos during the maiden voyage. Then come back to the Disney Parks Blog on Monday for another exclusive report from the ship – and from the sands of Castaway Cay!

Maiden Voyage Guests Enjoy Innovation and Pixie Dust Aboard the Disney Dream « Disney Parks Blog.

Jan 30

Disney Dream Sets Sail on Maiden Voyage Full of Fun and Excitement « Disney Parks Blog

Ahoy from the Disney Dream! Our newest ship visited Nassau today as part of her four-night maiden voyage to the Bahamas and we’ve got an exclusive report directly from onboard.

For all the Disney Cruise Line guests who departed from Florida’s Port Canaveral on Wednesday, it was a day full of fanfare, festivities and many happy reunions between veteran Disney cruisers and familiar crew members.

A Plane Tows a Banner Overhead Saluting the Ship’s Maiden Voyage

We haven’t forgotten all our fans back on land, however!

Several correspondents are on the Disney Dream to send reports for the Disney Parks Blog, starting with this one. You can also follow our real-time tweets throughout the maiden voyage at twitter.com/disneycruise.

The Smolsky Family Explores the Disney Dream

The fun began Wednesday when the Smolsky family of Leesburg, Virginia became the first guests to step aboard. Matt, Alison and their three children — Jake, 11, and 8-year-old twins Jordan and Julie — soon met Cruise Director Rachel Quinn then set out to explore the ship’s activities for every member of the family, including the water coaster AquaDuck.

Sailing Away Deck Party During the Maiden Voyage of the Disney Dream

A little bit later the Sailing Away deck party kicked things off up on the pool deck and Captain Tom Forberg made a special salutation from the bridge.

Mickey Mouse Hands Were Waving From on the Ship and on Land as the Disney Dream Departed

As the ship departed Port Canaveral, loud cheers erupted from guests onboard her decks and the many spectators who came to see a magical milestone years in the making.

The Disney Dream Sets Out for the Bahamas on the Ship’s Maiden Voyage

On Wednesday night, Disney Dream guests were treated to a special evening of entertainment in the Walt Disney Theatre, including the illusions of magician Mike Super and the beautiful voice of 8-year-old signing sensation Rhema Marvanne, who was thrilled to meet some of her favorite Disney characters on the ship.

Here are some highlights from a busy day of celebration:

Come back Friday for another exclusive report from the ship and add a comment below to let us know what you want to see from the ship’s maiden voyage!

The Disney Dream Passes Jetty Park at Florida’s Port Canaveral Disney Dream Guests Wave to Spectators at Port Canaveral Flutes of Taittinger Champagne are prepared for a special sail-away toast Rhema Marvanne delights Disney Dream guests with a magical performance
Guests wave farewell to Florida as they depart from Port Canaveral on the Disney Dream

via Disney Dream Sets Sail on Maiden Voyage Full of Fun and Excitement « Disney Parks Blog.

Jan 22

Royal Caribbean Upgrades Crown & Anchor Society

 
Cruise Line’s Loyalty Program Enhances Recognition of Member Guests Every Time They Sail MIAMI, Jan. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —

 

Along the cruise line’s commitment to continuously elevate the vacation experience for guests, Royal Caribbean International today announced new enhancements to its Crown & Anchor Society guest loyalty program. The updated program better recognizes the cruise line’s valued loyal guests and includes a migration from cruise credits to Cruise Points, creating a new way to earn membership status; two new member tiers, which include additional benefits; and a more personalized member section on the website. The enhancements to the Crown & Anchor Society take effect for sailings on or after January 21, 2011, and are the second part to the program’s evolution, which first introduced additional benefits in June 2010.

“These latest enhancements to the Crown & Anchor Society will further help recognize our loyal guests when they sail with us,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “We continuously listen and respond to our members’ feedback and have updated our loyalty program to provide a more equitable way for our members to advance to the next level. This program evolution is part of the Royal Advantage, our dedication to innovate our amazing ships and unprecedented programs to offer guests the best cruise vacation. It’s important to understand that Crown & Anchor Society members will continue to enjoy all of their current program benefits and status, plus having the opportunity now to advance to the next tier even faster than before. For this one-time conversion, we have grandfathered everyone’s status in the program.”

The program’s first enhancement is the transition from ‘cruise credits’ to ‘Cruise Points.’ The new system to earn tier status when sailing with Royal Caribbean International is based on one cruise point for every night spent aboard one of the cruise line’s ships. The more nights members spend onboard, the more points they can earn. Additionally, Crown & Anchor Society members can earn double points when they pay for suite accommodations.

Furthermore, two new status levels are being introduced as part of the enhancements to the program: Emerald tier, between the current Platinum and Diamond status levels, and Pinnacle Club, the new top tier. The new progression of Crown & Anchor Society member status is Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club. The newly introduced Emerald status level will provide all the Platinum level benefits, in addition to some new benefits on their way to Diamond status, such as higher member savings for balcony and suite category staterooms and a personalized welcome gift on every cruise. Pinnacle Club members will be honored for their incredible loyalty to Royal Caribbean International and will be further recognized with all the benefits of the entire program and complimentary cruises at certain cruise-points milestones. Guests who have a minimum of 100 cruise credits before January 21, 2011 will be the first to be invited to join the new top Crown & Anchor Society member tier. Moving forward, Pinnacle Club status can be achieved with 700 Cruise Points, equivalent to 100 seven-night cruises – or less cruises if members choose to sail in suite category staterooms or on longer itineraries.

Additionally, the Crown & Anchor Society website (www.RoyalCaribbean.com/CrownandAnchor) is being re-launched to engage members and offer greater personalization. Each member will now enjoy a website experience that provides information that is relevant to them as soon as they log into their account. Members can now easily keep abreast of the latest news and offers that are available to them according to their status level and messages that are exclusively for them. Additionally, members can establish custom settings for items such as automatic upgrades for when a higher category stateroom becomes available. Emerald- and higher-level members with a booked sailing also can use the new member site to select new program benefits, such as a choice of beverages as part of their new Welcome Aboard gift basket.

Member guests will continue to enjoy the many Crown & Anchor Society benefits, such as the exclusive privilege to book their next Royal Caribbean cruise onboard and enjoy an Onboard Booking Bonus of up to $200 onboard credit. For further value, members can use their Onboard Booking Bonus with their Crown & Anchor Society Savings Certificate or, for Platinum members and above, their Balcony and Suite savings benefit. Members who have registered their email address also will receive priority notification of special offers, news and itinerary updates.

To celebrate the incredible loyalty of program members, Royal Caribbean is introducing a limited time offer: ‘Bring a Friend’ and receive $25 to spend onboard. Members will be rewarded for introducing new guests to Royal Caribbean International for new bookings made between January 12 and April 30, 2011. The promotion will offer a $25 onboard credit per stateroom to Crown & Anchor Society members when sailing with their ‘first to Royal’ friends or family, for up to five staterooms per sailing, depending on the length of their cruise. Full details, terms and conditions and registration for promotion can be found online at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/BringaFriend.

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

Jan 19

Disney Cruise Line Welcomes Newest Ship During Christening Celebration Filled with… — PORT CANAVERAL, Fla., Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ —

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla., Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — With a dash of Disney magic and a surprising twist, a helicopter hoisted a 16-foot “champagne bottle” across the bow of the Disney Dream during a christening ceremony this morning officially welcoming the newest ship to the Disney Cruise Line family.

Serving the traditional role of godmother for the Disney Dream christening was Jennifer Hudson, the Academy Award and Grammy Award winner whose own dreams of stardom began when she was a performer on the Disney Wonder ship in 2003.

Hudson was joined onstage by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs, as the enormous “champagne bottle” filled with dreams of adventure, romance and fun was lifted into the air and broken across the bow of the 130,000-ton ship.  

Some 3,000 people were gathered at the Disney Dream for the christening ceremony including celebrities, media and members of the public.

The spectacle befit a ship brimming with innovative “wows” – including gallery art that comes alive, the first water coaster aboard a cruise ship, Magical Portholes that provide inside staterooms with a real-time ocean view, a full-blown shipboard fireworks show, personal interaction with animated characters, play floors like gigantic video games, and original Broadway-style stage spectaculars.

“For over a decade, Disney Cruise Line has been making vacation dreams come true for millions of families and we continue that tradition today with the launch of the Disney Dream,” Iger said.  “The mix of imagination and innovation found on the Disney Dream is unparalleled and elevates the family cruise experience to new heights.”

The 4,000-passenger Disney Dream sails its maiden voyage out of Port Canaveral, Fla., on Jan. 26.  It joins the 2,700-passenger Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, with the Disney Fantasy scheduled to join the fleet in 2012.    

“The addition of the Disney Dream provides an opportunity to extend our horizons and open up Disney cruising to more families,” Staggs said.  “From the majestic beauty of Alaska, to the culture and history of Europe, to the fun and sun of the Caribbean, families looking to take a Disney cruise have more options than ever before.”    

In 2011, the Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.  The Disney Magic will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries and seven-, 10- and 11-night European cruises out of Barcelona during the summer months.  The Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles beginning Jan. 23 and seven-night Alaska itineraries from Vancouver, B.C., during the summer months.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

via Disney Cruise Line Welcomes Newest Ship During Christening Celebration Filled with… — PORT CANAVERAL, Fla., Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ —.

Jan 19

Royal Rejuvenation: Vitality and Wellness at Sea