Jun 11

Princess Cruises Debuts 2011-12 Americas Program

Santa Clarita, Calif. (Vocus/PRWEB ) June 10, 2010 — Sun-swept destinations, engineering marvels and a variety cruise options mark Princess Cruises’ just-announced “Americas” program to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera and West Coast for the 2011-12 season.

Season highlights include two new week-long itineraries in the Caribbean, two new 14-day day itineraries through the Panama Canal, and a new seven-day California Coastal route featuring the best of the Golden State’s ports.

The line’s Americas season runs from September 2011 through May 2012 and includes:

Caribbean – Five ships sail the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, offering 14 itineraries to more than 20 sun-kissed ports. Passengers can choose from sailings of seven to 14 days, including two new itineraries – seven-day Southern Caribbean (with Aruba, Curacao and Princess Cays) and Western Caribbean (featuring Belize, Roatan, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) routes on Crown Princess, both roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale.

Panama Canal – Princess continues to lead the way in Panama Canal cruising with five itinerary options including 10-day partial transits and 14-day itineraries between Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles, featuring Coral Princess and Island Princess, ships specifically designed for Canal cruising. On select 14-day departures, Princess offers the Two-Day Experience with a full transit of the Panama Canal and a full-day in Fuerte Amador. In total, passengers can choose from 38 departures, sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, or between Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles, San Francisco or Vancouver.

Mexican Riviera – Sapphire Princess sails on seven-day Mexican Riviera itineraries roundtrip from the convenient Port of Los Angeles. The ship offers 11 sailings of the popular seven-day roundtrip itinerary from Los Angeles, featuring calls at the festive posts of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan.

West Coast Cruising – A new 7-day California Coastal itinerary debuts aboard Sapphire Princess, with three departures sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles with calls at San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Ensenada. In addition passengers can enjoy a popular seven-day Wine Country sailing between Los Angeles and Vancouver, plus a selection of coastal voyages ranging from quick overnights to five-day getaways.

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 Princess Cruises Debuts 2011-12 Americas Program.

Jun 11

Royal Caribbean’s New Voluntourism Excursions

Voluntourism is a new and growing segment of travel and at Royal Caribbean International it manifests itself in several ways highlighting our commitment to the local communities we visit. We are just starting a program of voluntourism opportunities for our guests on Oasis of the Seas and if successful, will be expanded to other areas of need within the regions of our global deployment.

Guests of Oasis of the Seas have the opportunity to contribute to the local community of Cozumel, Mexico . We have partnered with select tour operators and the Mexican Chapter of the Red Cross to offer guests the chance to contribute their time with several projects. The local chapter in Cozumel provides vital services for the island’s residents and visitors. The Red Cross services the community with emergency response, medical services, lifeguard, first aid and other training, health education, and disaster preparation and relief. As part of a beautification project, guests will assist with the planting of trees and shrubs at the local chapter’s new facility. The 4-hour Voluntourism: The Mexican Red Cross Landscaping Project is available for sale online as well as onboard through this summer. The $50 price of the tour covers the materials needed for the landscaping and transportation to the facility with the remaining proceeds donated to the Cozumel chapter of the Mexican Red Cross.

In the near future, Oasis of the Seas guests also will have the opportunity to contribute to the communities of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands (from the port of St. Thomas, USVI) and in Labadee, Haiti .

In addition to the active participation of our guests in various programs, we also support a number of worthwhile charities in destinations we serve. Here are a few examples. In Europe guests sailing on Brilliance of the Seas who purchase a shuttle bus pass in Venice also will receive a Chorus Pass ticket, a $13 per person value, which provides entrance to 16 of the most important churches in Venice. The Chorus Association, a non-profit, will reinvest the funds from Royal Caribbean’s purchase of the Chorus Pass tickets in the restoration and maintenance of the priceless churches and the cultural heritage represented in the more than 1,000 pieces of art. The aim of the Chorus Association is to contribute to the safeguarding, conservation, and restoration of the architectural and artistic heritage of churches in the city of Venice.

Guests sailing on Splendour of the Seas , Navigator of the Seas , Brilliance of the Seas and Vision of the Seas who visit Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey and participate in select full day tours will have a tree planted near the House of Mary in their honor and will receive a certificate to this effect. This project is focused on the re-forestation of this critical historical site.

In Juneau, Alaska , guests sailing on Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas can purchase the Whales & Glaciers: Citizen Science Adventure tour . Guests will play a significant role in a monitored citizen science program while viewing the likes of whales, seals, porpoises, sea lions and sea birds in their natural habitat. This tour provides guests with hands-on experience collecting water samples, trawling for plankton, and recording animal behaviors. All observational data-logging will improve scientists’ understanding of the local food chain and other environmental variables that effect marine populations.

via Guest Post: Craig Milan Introduces Royal Caribbean’s New Voluntourism Excursions « Why Not?.

Jun 08

The Newest Captain Aboard Disney Cruise Line

 

 

 

 

 

It’s my pleasure to introduce the newest Captain aboard Disney Cruise Line – Marco Nogara!

As we continue to grow the Disney Cruise Line business, more ships, mean more Captains and Marco joins an elite line-up at Disney Cruise Line, as our sixth Captain.

A native of Venice, Italy, Marco fell in love with the sea early on and now enjoys an extensive 24-year career in the maritime industry commanding cruise ships worldwide from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. His most recent post was aboard Carnival cruise ships, where he served as Captain for 12 years. Marco also has experience in the ship-building process, which is certain to come in handy for Disney’s two new ships that are currently under construction, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

Over the next few months, Marco will become familiar with the shipboard and shoreside operations at Disney and will eventually find his new home aboard one of the Disney ships as Master in December. Be sure to say hello to Captain Marco when you see him out on the high seas!

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Jun 07

Largest Chandelier at Sea Installed on Norwegian Epic

MIAMI – June 4, 2010 – In another “first” for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic, the largest LED chandelier at sea is now installed in the ship’s Epic Casino, which is also the largest at sea. The chandelier, which will change colors to all in the spectrum – up to 255 possible variations – has a height of 21 feet, diameter of nearly 11 feet and weighs two metric tons. Built in Vienna, Austria by Kalmar, a leading glass crystal maker who has designed some of the largest chandeliers for hotels and palaces around the world, and designed by UK-based SMC Architects and Lighting Design, it is fitted with approximately 40,000 crystal glass pieces of various shapes and sizes – and spans vertically to three decks, with vantage points from the casino, Teppanyanki restaurant, Wasabi Sushi Bar, Malting’s Whiskey Bar, Shaker’s Martini Bar, and the Atrium. The design is of spiraling oval discs, each up to 30 feet in circumference, and 112 suspended crystal encrusted balls of up to one foot in diameter, which orbit the main structure at varying heights.via Norwegian Epic.

Epic Casino ChandelierThe chandelier is the most energy efficient at sea. It is completely illuminated by LED technology, using over 10,000 diodes. It is fully dimmable to most effectively enhance the lead crystals and is currently being programmed by UK-based Project International. The impressive structure, which will be the focal point of the ship’s Atrium, took a team of people three weeks to install it.

For more information on Norwegian Epic and to book a cruise, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit http://epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.
*Photo courtesy of B. Biger / STX France Cruise SA.

Jun 07

Cruise Ships from Papenburg / Germany – June 2010 – Disney Dream

 

 

 

 

Cruise Ships from Papenburg / Germany – June 2010 – Disney Dream

More ship yard pictures from Andreas Depping

Jun 07

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Jun 07

Royal Caribbean and DreamWorks Animation Unveil Strategic Alliance

 
Stars of ‘Shrek,’ ‘Madagascar,’ ‘Kung Fu Panda’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ to Delight Guests with Exclusive Entertainment and 3D Movies, Starting Onboard new Allure of the Seas in December 2010
  
 MIAMI and GLENDALE, Calif., June 4, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –Furthering Royal Caribbean International’s commitment to providing guests with unparalleled vacation experiences, the global cruise line today announced that it has formed a strategic alliance with DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA), the world-class animated film studio powerhouse, to bring the next generation of family programming and quality entertainment to the high seas. Vacationers of all ages will soon delight in interacting with some of DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved characters when a variety of new shows, activities and offerings are introduced on ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. The alliance will first come to life for guests to enjoy onboard Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship that will debut in December 2010 and will share the title of world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with its sister ship, Oasis of the Seas.”Royal Caribbean and DreamWorks Animation share many of the same philosophies when it comes to high-quality family entertainment, so there is quite a lot of synergy going into this strategic alliance,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We are constantly striving to offer dynamic and engaging programming onboard our ships and couldn’t think of a better brand than DreamWorks Animation to help take it to the next level.””Royal Caribbean is a world-class leader in the cruise ship industry who excels at continually finding innovative ways to raise the bar in providing family entertainment at sea,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO, DreamWorks Animation. “We look forward to working with them to incorporate DreamWorks Animation characters and storytelling throughout the entire cruise experience.”

 

After launching on Allure of the Seas, the DreamWorks Animation-themed activities and amenities will be incorporated into Royal Caribbean’s renowned entertainment programs on Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, with some of the studio’s most popular feature films – “Shrek,” “Madagascar,” “Kung Fu Panda” and “How to Train Your Dragon” – anchoring the integrations. 

Year round, “celebrity” characters including Shrek, Fiona and Puss In Boots of “Shrek;” Alex, Mort, and the Penguins of “Madagascar;” Po of “Kung Fu Panda” and Hiccup of “How to Train Your Dragon” will engage guests of all ages, day and night, with unique experiences, including exclusive special events and energetic parades, as well as through interactive character meals in the main dining room, and of course plenty of photo opportunities. Royal Caribbean’s younger guests who choose to participate in the complimentary award-winning Adventure Ocean children’s program will relish in an exhilarating new lineup of activities, games and adventures rooted in the popular DreamWorks Animation movies. 

What’s more, the phenomenon of 3D movies will be introduced to the open ocean when Royal Caribbean installs the 3D screens in the ships’ theaters. The new addition will give guests the opportunity to experience both new and longtime favorite DreamWorks Animation movies on the big screen. 

Taking the strategic alliance even further, Royal Caribbean will celebrate the addition of Allure of the Seas to the cruise line’s 21-ship fleet by inviting the DreamWorks Animation cast of characters to take the stage in the AquaTheater, the impressive outdoor venue located at the stern of the ship, to perform a one-of-a-kind aquatic based show full of acrobatics and high-diving stunts. In addition, Royal Caribbean’s popular ice-skating venue on Allure will feature the characters from the recent hit film, “How to Train Your Dragon” in a spectacular ice show for guests. The DreamWorks experience on the Royal Caribbean ships is included in the world-class entertainment programming at no additional costs to guests. To learn more about the DreamWorks experience visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com. 

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

Jun 07

Royal Caribbean Teams With The Culinary Institute of America to Find Chef for Signature Restaurant Onboard Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Teams With The Culinary Institute of America to Find Chef for Signature Restaurant Onboard Allure of the Seas
“Allure of the Seas Culinary Challenge” Invites Grads of Prestigious Culinary College to Vie for Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity at Sea MIAMI, June 7, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –Things are heating up at Royal Caribbean International. After wowing the world with the debut of Oasis of the Seas last fall, the cruise line is preparing to do it once again this December with the launch of their newest ship, Allure of the Seas. The sister-ship to Oasis, Allure will share the title of world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship and will boast many of the same ground breaking features and amenities, including the highly acclaimed signature restaurant 150 Central Park. Continuing the tradition that was set onboard Oasis, Royal Caribbean will once again select an up-and-coming culinary superstar to lead the kitchen of 150 Central Park on Allure, and this time has the distinct privilege of partnering with The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the world’s premier culinary college, to find the perfect candidate.

Today through June 20, 2010, graduates of The Culinary Institute of America with either a bachelor’s or associate degree, can show off their culinary prowess and creativity by entering the “Allure of the Seas Culinary Challenge” for a shot at the job of a lifetime – a one-year paid contract to be the Chef de Cuisine of 150 Central Park onboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Allure of the Seas. Entrants are required to create an original, signature recipe that could potentially be featured on the menu of 150 Central Park as well as submit a video entry to www.allureoftheseas.com/culinarychallenge demonstrating the preparation of the dish and explaining why they should be chosen as Chef de Cuisine.

At the conclusion of the entry period, judges will select 10 semi-finalists, whose videos will be posted to the contest website and open to consumers to vote for their favorite chef between June 28 and July 11. Consumers who register to vote will have the opportunity to win a trip for two onboard an Allure of the Seas preview sailing this November, including a dinner prepared by the winning chef. The five chefs with the highest number of votes, along with one “judges choice” entrant, will become finalists and will be invited to participate in a final culinary challenge held at The Culinary Institute of America’s Hyde Park campus in New York on August 5 and 6. During the final challenge the finalists will be required to conduct an interview with, as well prepare a three-course meal for, an esteemed panel of judges from Royal Caribbean and The Culinary Institute of America, who will ultimately select the Chef de Cuisine for 150 Central Park on Allure of the Seas. The culinary challenge will be documented in a series of webisodes on www.AllureOfTheSeas.com.

“We are extraordinarily honored to have support from, and access to the incomparable talent and resources of, The Culinary Institute of America,” says Frank Weber, vice president, Food and Beverage Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Similar to Oasis, rather than partner with a celebrity chef whose schedule would not allow for full time involvement onboard the ship, our objective was to give the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to an extremely talented rising star who would become the face and personality of our signature restaurant. There is no doubt we will find this among the CIA’s alumni.”

“The CIA is excited to work with Royal Caribbean and offer this unique opportunity to the CIA’s 40,000 alumni. This pool of talent will provide Royal Caribbean with a chef who will delight the culinary senses of the ship’s guests,” says Ron DeSantis, Director of CIA Consulting.

Located in the lush and tropical grounds of the ship’s Central Park neighborhood, 150 Central Park will feature decor that will embrace the mellow earth tones, unique textiles and fixtures inspired by nature’s four seasons. Inspired by the simple elegance concept of trend-setting restaurants in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, each detail of 150 Central Park will be dedicated to enhancing the dining ambiance, from the tabletops to the service team uniforms. The restaurant menu and certain design aspects will be developed and determined by the winning chef of the Allure of the Seas Culinary Challenge.

Allure of the Seas shares the title of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas will tout Royal Caribbean’s exclusive neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which will include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will alternate a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.AllureoftheSeas.com.

via Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : Press Releases.

Jun 03

Discover Your Inner Rock Star On Board Norwegian Epic

 

 

Exclusive program with Gibson Guitar lets guests “Check in and Rock out” on Norwegian’s most innovative cruise ship

MIAMI – June 3, 2010 – In addition to offering guests world-class entertainment options on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a partnership with Gibson Guitar to let guests discover and explore their inner rock star – in the privacy of their stateroom. The “Check-In-Rock-Out” program gives guests the opportunity to borrow a Gibson guitar, companion pod, and a private amplifier with headphones to take to their staterooms and rock out without disturbing other guests.

Guitars, pods and accessories will be available to guests at a cost of $10 per day rental every day except on embarkation/disembarkation. The Check-In-Rock-Out program will be available in Norwegian Epic’s Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club. Each pod includes controls and special effects so that guests can select the type of sound they want to create, from classic rock to heavy metal, blues, classic and country – and then choose their own song to play. The pods are supplied by Line 6 and the headphones and cables are supplied by Monster Cable.

“We are so excited about this program,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We’ve brought world class performers to our guests on Norwegian Epic. Now, we’re letting our guests be the superstars and play on world class Gibson guitars. Whether you’re an expert guitarist or an air guitar fan like me, the ‘Check-In-Rock-Out’ program will let you play like a rock star, in the privacy of your stateroom.”

“Our partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line will offer fans from around the world the opportunity to experience music like never before on the high seas,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. “We are delighted to be part of the global excitement surrounding the launch of Norwegian Epic and share in our mutual goals for world class entertainment.”

For more information about Norwegian Epic, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit http://epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

via Norwegian Epic.

Jun 01

Disney Dream Final Building Block in Place

 

 

 

 

 

Disney Dream « Disney Parks Blog

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