 Debuting in April 2017, Majestic Princess sets sail on maiden European sailings in the Mediterranean. (PRNewsFoto/Princess Cruises) |
| Season Features Longer Stays and Overnights in Mediterranean and Northern Europe
SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Nov. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Princess Cruises announced today its 2017 cruise vacations to Europe, including the inaugural sailings of the line’s newest ship Majestic Princess. The season features six ships sailing to 119 destinations from the corners of the Mediterranean to the northernmost tip of Europe. Guests can choose from 64 unique itineraries on 153 cruise departures, visiting 27 countries. Debuting in April 2017, Majestic Princess first sets sail on maiden European sailings with five- to 28-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona, Athens and Rome. “Princess is known for offering the best cruise itineraries around the globe and our 2017 Europe season is sure to inspire our guests with our newest and largest ships in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We’re especially excited to debut Majestic Princess in the Mediterranean before she officially sails to Asia for her maiden China cruise season.” Princess now offers the More Ashore program, crafting the line’s newest itineraries to give guests more opportunities to experience the color, culture and flavors of the region in 2017. With port calls offering more time ashore with either late night departures (9pm or later), an overnight, or a two-day experience, travelers can see the sights during the day and then experience the nightlife of select destinations in the evening. Highlights of the More Ashore program in Europe include overnights in Dublin and St. Petersburg on select sailings, as well as late evening stays in more than 15 countries. All 2017 Europe sailings open for bookings on Thursday, December 3, 2015. Highlights of the Princess Cruises 2017 Europe program include: Majestic Princess Cruises to the Mediterranean Scandinavia & Russia Cruises British Isles Cruises New Ports of Call Iceland & Norway Cruises Pacific Princess will also offer 14-day Iceland & Norway itineraries visiting off-the-beaten path ports in Iceland and the Shetland Islands. She will also cross to the land of fire and ice on a Transatlantic passage featuring Iceland. European Land & Sea Vacations Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel consultant, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com. |
Dec 30
Princess Cruises Announces 2017 Inaugural European Sailings of Majestic Princess
Nov 12
Disney Cruise Line Unveils Ports and Itineraries for Early 2017
Returning to popular destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas
CELEBRATION, Fla. (Oct. 6, 2015) – In early 2017, Disney Cruise Line returns to favorite destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas on a variety of itineraries, most from popular Florida ports. Limited-time engagements in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Galveston, Texas, complete the line-up for the first part of the year.
During these sailings, Disney Cruise Line guests will visit timeless tropical locales, dive into charming island cultures, sunbathe on golden beaches and revel in local marketplaces. Most cruises feature a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests.
Bookings open to the public on Oct. 8, 2015. More details on 2017 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2017 page of disneycruise.com.
Port Canaveral
With three Disney ships in port and cruise lengths spanning three, four and seven nights, vacationers looking for a Disney Cruise Line getaway in early 2017 have a full menu of options from Port Canaveral. Every sailing includes a day at Castaway Cay.
The Disney Fantasy continues to sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages, while the Disney Dream embarks on three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay. Beginning Jan. 29, the Disney Wonder will alternate similar three- and four-night itineraries.
Miami
To kick off 2017, the Disney Magic continues sailing from Miami with three-, four- and five-night voyages to the Bahamas, plus select five-night Western Caribbean cruises, through March 31.
Castaway Cay awaits guests aboard every one of these Disney Magic sailings. Other Bahamian ports of call include Nassau and Key West, while a stop in Grand Cayman or Cozumel headlines the Western Caribbean itineraries.
San Juan and Galveston
From San Juan, the Disney Magic sets sail on four seven-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean. Departing April 9, 16, 23 and 30, this limited-time engagement includes calls on Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and St. Kitts.
The Disney Wonder completes a season in Galveston with two seven-night Bahamian voyages to Key West, Castaway Cay and Nassau on Jan. 6 and 13. From there, the ship embarks on a six-night journey to San Juan on Jan. 20 with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica.
On Jan. 26, a three-night cruise aboard the Disney Wonder takes guests from San Juan to Port Canaveral, just an hour away from Walt Disney World Resort—the perfect stop for a fairytale land and sea adventure.
– See more at: http://dclnews.com/2015/10/06/disney-cruise-line-unveils-ports-and-itineraries-for-early-2017/#sthash.1Cy7Rt4L.dpuf
Nov 12
ROYAL CARIBBEAN ORDERS FIFTH QUANTUM-CLASS VESSEL
MIAMI, November 3, 2015 – Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Meyer Werft in Germany to order a fifth Quantum-class ship for delivery in the Fall of 2020.
“It is such a pleasure to announce the order of another Quantum-class ship as we are welcoming Anthem of the Seas to North America,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “These ships have been received with excitement, and performed exceptionally well, across the globe. We fully expect that momentum to continue as we add to this innovative class of ships.”
“At Royal Caribbean we are focused on continuously improving efficiency and sustainability, and the fifth Quantum class vessel will be clear evidence of this,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Of equal importance is our ability to consistently surpass guest expectations, and we are harnessing the power of the latest technology to do so on this ship.”
Based upon current ship orders, projected capital expenditures for full year 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 are $1.6 billion, $2.4 billion, $0.5 billion, $2.5 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively.
Capacity increases for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 are expected to be 5.4%, 6.4%, 3.4%, 3.7% and 6.6%, respectively. These figures do not include potential ship sales or additions that we may elect to make in the future.
Nov 12
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL LAYS KEEL FOR FOURTH OASIS-CLASS SHIP
MIAMI, October 29, 2015 – The keel for Royal Caribbean Internationals’ fourth Oasis class ship was officially laid today at the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire, France. This marks an important milestone in the development of the ship, signifying the beginning of its physical construction. During the ceremony, a 1,000-ton block measuring 32-ft by 154-ft (10 x 47 meters) was lifted by crane into the building dock. Newly minted coins were placed under the keel and will stay in place there until the end of the ship’s construction. Once the ship is near to completion, the coins are retrieved and presented to the ship’s Captain and crew to be placed onboard the ship. According to maritime tradition, the coins are said to bring luck to the ship during its construction process and then to its Captain and crew when she is sailing out at sea. Still to be named, the fourth Oasis-class ship will be delivered in spring 2018.
Nov 12
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE TAKES DELIVERY OF NORWEGIAN ESCAPE
Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery today of the line’s largest ship to date, the 164,600 gross ton Norwegian Escape, from MEYER WERFT during a ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany, after a building period of only 17 months. Norwegian Escape is the first ship in the company’s new Breakaway Plus Class, signifying an evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line and bringing to life the brand’s promise of freedom and flexibility with a premium experience from bow to stern. Following delivery today, the ship sets sail for Hamburg for the start of her European inaugural festivities. After a two-night stop in Southampton, Norwegian Escape will make the crossing to her year-round homeport of Miami on October 29. The ship will be christened in Miami on November 9.
“Norwegian Escape’s arrival marks a true evolution for our brand—we’ve capitalized on the best of our Breakaway Class ships and taken freedom and flexibility to the next level with this incredible new ship,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and chief operating officer. “Once again, the team at MEYER WERFT, along with our new build and operations teams, and all of the ship’s officers and crew have done a remarkable job and we cannot wait to welcome guests on board this spectacular new vessel.”
“We are thrilled to deliver the first in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus class,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner with MEYER WERFT. “Norwegian Escape is the newest and most advanced cruise vessel on the seas and we are proud of the team that worked diligently to design and build her.”
Norwegian Escape, the largest in Norwegian’s fleet of 14 vessels, features an elevated design that makes for a decidedly upscale experience. Quality finishes, curated artwork and the most luxurious The Haven by Norwegian™ exclusive ship–within-a-ship suite complex are just a few of the standout features that put Norwegian Escape in a class of her own.
Norwegian Escape’s Haven is the largest in the fleet and the most luxurious. At the heart of the private enclave on the top of the ship lies a three-story covered courtyard. An expanded forward sundeck with a cantilevered whirlpool, along with a new outdoor dining space in the Haven’s private restaurant make Norwegian Escape’s Haven the ultimate small ship experience, while still providing the freedom to enjoy large ship dining, entertainment and amenities.
Norwegian Escape’s dining options offer guests a mix of complimentary options, signature favorites and new premium specialty outlets. Showcasing all-new upgraded menus across all restaurants, the ship’s 11 complimentary dining offerings and signature specialty restaurants Le Bistro, Cagney’s and La Cucina rival those of luxury lines, with menu highlights including Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Fresh Maine Lobsters and Steak au Poivre with cognac sauce. Two new specialty restaurants from James Beard Award-Winning Iron Chef Jose Garces include Bayamo, a Latin seafood specialty restaurant, and Pincho Tapas Bar. Also new onboard is the Food Republic, a sophisticated food hall developed by Miami-based The Pubbelly Restaurant Group. The combination of choice and quality in dining options onboard and her upmarket design sets Norwegian Escape apart in the contemporary cruise market.
Continuing with Norwegian’s commitment to excellence in entertainment, Norwegian Escape features two truly spectacular Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals that headline the Escape Theater: After Midnight, the smash-hit musical that combines the big-band songs of Duke Ellington and the best dancing from Broadway; and Million Dollar Quartet, the smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. In a new concept exclusive to Norwegian Escape, the Supper Club has been re-imagined for an unforgettable dinner and show. For The Record: The Brat Pack™ is a critically acclaimed Hollywood night that celebrates classic soundtracks of motion picture masters in a one-of-a kind 360° post-modern cabaret.
Nightlife onboard includes outposts of several popular land-based outlets, including the first-ever Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant and 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar at sea, a music venue and outdoor bar on The Waterfront that features live nightly performances. The District Brew House, a hip, urban craft beer hall featuring an exclusive partnership with Miami’s own Wynwood Brewing Company, will serve up more than 24 draft beers while The Cellars, A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar, features an array of immersive wine experiences, focusing on tasting, education, and the enjoyment of wine. Norwegian Escape will also feature Miami’s oldest and most legendary bar, Tobacco Road.
Norwegian Escape’s recreation spaces are unrivaled, with the largest ropes course at sea leading a wide array of activities. This three-story multiplex of heart-pounding challenges complete with two planks and five Sky Rails, zip tracks that allow guests to soar through the air. On the top of the ship, guests will find a redesigned pool deck area that features an open area for sunbathing, a double-deck bar and two new large format LED screens. Norwegian Escape’s Aqua Park is the largest at sea and includes a new tandem Aqua Racer slide, complete with a clear acrylic section to further enhance the thrill of this adventure ride. Adding to the family fun, Norwegian Escape features an expanded Kids’ Aqua Park with an enclosed slide, rope climb fun zone and spray cannons for kids to splash and play in their own designated space. Along with an expanded Splash Academy youth center that includes dedicated play spaces for specific age groups, Norwegian Escape also offers the line’s first nursery for cruisers two and under.
In addition to family oceanview staterooms that accommodate up to five guests, Norwegian Escape’s accommodations include Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; and many options for families, multi-generational groups, spa enthusiasts and more.
Nov 12
Princess Cruises Presents New Web Video Series to Guide First-Time Cruisers
| Emmy® Award-Winning TV Host, Wife and Mother Cat Greenleaf Brings You Aboard Regal Princess for “Cat’s First Cruise” SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (November 10, 2015) – Princess Cruises brings the joys of cruising to first-time cruisers with the debut of “Cat’s First Cruise”, a new web video series featuring Cat Greenleaf, three-time Emmy award winner and host of Talk Stoop with Cat Greenleaf. The video series serves as a useful resource for vacationers interested in taking their first cruise, by following Greenleaf, a busy professional, wife and mother of two young boys, as they plan and embark on their first cruise aboard Regal Princess. Viewers can follow the on-the-go Greenleaf and her family in this engaging 20-part short video series highlighting their Princess cruise experience onboard and ashore from start to finish, including:
The family also experiences the local culture of the Caribbean. The series is available to view online here: www.princess.com/come-back-new/cat-greenleaf-first-cruise/. “We’re thrilled to introduce this new web video series as an entertaining resource for those interested in cruising for the first time and who are looking for more information about what a cruise vacation is all about,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “Cat and her family share their own personal experiences both aboard and ashore resulting in a newfound love of cruising, ultimately creating lifelong memories.” “My cruise was relaxing, renewing and, most of all, fun for everyone involved – kids and grownups alike,” said Greenleaf. “I’m excited to share my experience with people considering their first cruise who may not know what to expect.” Greenleaf began her career in broadcast as an airborne traffic reporter for KGO radio in San Francisco, followed by reporting features on New York’s NBC affiliate, WNBC. She went on to create her own series, Talk Stoop with Cat Greenleaf, interviewing celebrities on the stoop of her Brooklyn brownstone. The show now airs in the top nine markets, and between broadcast, digital, and platforms like taxi cabs and gas station pumps, Talk Stoop is viewed nearly 12 million times a week. “Cat’s First Cruise” web video series was created and executive produced by Lisa Blake and Sensible Shoes productions in association with Peter Greenberg and Check Six Productions. |
Oct 09
Disney Cruise Line Returning to popular destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas
CELEBRATION, Fla. (Oct. 6, 2015) – In early 2017, Disney Cruise Line returns to favorite destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas on a variety of itineraries, most from popular Florida ports. Limited-time engagements in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Galveston, Texas, complete the line-up for the first part of the year.
During these sailings, Disney Cruise Line guests will visit timeless tropical locales, dive into charming island cultures, sunbathe on golden beaches and revel in local marketplaces. Most cruises feature a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests.
Bookings open to the public on Oct. 8, 2015. More details on 2017 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2017 page of disneycruise.com.
Port Canaveral
With three Disney ships in port and cruise lengths spanning three, four and seven nights, vacationers looking for a Disney Cruise Line getaway in early 2017 have a full menu of options from Port Canaveral. Every sailing includes a day at Castaway Cay.
The Disney Fantasy continues to sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages, while the Disney Dream embarks on three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay. Beginning Jan. 29, the Disney Wonder will alternate similar three- and four-night itineraries.
Miami
To kick off 2017, the Disney Magic continues sailing from Miami with three-, four- and five-night voyages to the Bahamas, plus select five-night Western Caribbean cruises, through March 31.
Castaway Cay awaits guests aboard every one of these Disney Magic sailings. Other Bahamian ports of call include Nassau and Key West, while a stop in Grand Cayman or Cozumel headlines the Western Caribbean itineraries.
San Juan and Galveston
From San Juan, the Disney Magic sets sail on four seven-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean. Departing April 9, 16, 23 and 30, this limited-time engagement includes calls on Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and St. Kitts.
The Disney Wonder completes a season in Galveston with two seven-night Bahamian voyages to Key West, Castaway Cay and Nassau on Jan. 6 and 13. From there, the ship embarks on a six-night journey to San Juan on Jan. 20 with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica.
On Jan. 26, a three-night cruise aboard the Disney Wonder takes guests from San Juan to Port Canaveral, just an hour away from Walt Disney World Resort—the perfect stop for a fairytale land and sea adventure.
– See more at: http://dclnews.com/2015/10/06/disney-cruise-line-unveils-ports-and-itineraries-for-early-2017/#sthash.TZ4fyJ12.dpuf
Oct 09
ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S LIBERTY OF THE SEAS GETS A TEXAS-SIZED MAKEOVER
New Features to Include Luxury Staterooms, Dining and Thrilling Boomerang Slide
MIAMI, Oct. 9, 2015 – Royal Caribbean International is taking vacation adventures to the next level and giving Texans more to look forward to when the 3,634-guest Liberty of the Seas emerges from an extensive month-long dry dock in February 2016. The extensive bow-to-stern makeover will introduce a slew of Royal Caribbean firsts as well as guest favorites. As the most innovative ship in Texas, Liberty will offer guests unexpected adventures visiting Mexico and the Caribbean from the Port of Galveston.
During the dry dock Liberty will receive a Texas-like makeover and bring even more adventure onboard with the addition of the a collection of waterslides called the Perfect Storm including the first ever boomerang style slide at sea, Tidal Wave. The new hair-raising slide features a steep drop that propels riders up a near vertical wall for a moment of weightlessness and into free fall. The Perfect Storm also features two new racer slides called Cyclone and Typhoon which will be located at the aft of the ship alongside the Flowrider surf simulator that was initially introduced on the Freedom class of ships. In addition, kids will have an adult-free zone with the introduction of Splashaway Bay, an aqua park featuring an interactive kid’s play area with water cannons, geysers and much more.
Liberty of the Seas guests also can look forward to an expanded lineup of tantalizing food options, including modern Mexican cuisine at Sabor featuring a mouthwatering menu of authentic, modern and unexpected Mexican dishes, such as Oaxacan Ceviche of Red Snapper or Spicy Chicken Flautas – to name a few. Sabor diners also can delight in customized guacamole and salsas, made tableside right in front of their eyes, as well as an assortment of tacos, quesadillas and burritos, all made with the freshest ingredients.
Guests also can enjoy Giovanni’s Table, an Italian trattoria featuring Italian classics served family style as well as sip on classic cocktails in the R Bar, featuring a sophisticated 1960s vibe, complete with iconic decor and signature cocktails mixed by a savvy and personable mixologist.
Guests can choose from an array of new stateroom options including 26 new Panoramic Ocean View staterooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls, providing guests with breathtaking, unobstructed views as well as an additional 53 staterooms throughout the ship.
Liberty of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries every Sunday from Galveston starting from November 2015 , visiting exciting warm weather getaways in the Caribbean including: Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras.
Oct 09
MARINER OF THE SEAS TO HOST ASIA’S FIRST COSPLAY FESTIVAL AT SEA NEXT JANUARY
SINGAPORE, September 28, 2015 – A world of fantasy, creativity and entertainment is coming onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas next January, when it plays host to Asia’s first cosplay festival at sea. Organised by The Singapore Cosplay Club to celebrate its 15th birthday, “COSFEST SEA: The Rising Tide” is a special 3-night weekend cruise from January 8 to 11 from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang). It features the region’s top cosplayers for the championship and exciting cosplay entertainment and activities, which is expected to draw hundreds of cosplay fans from around the region.
Stephanie Loh, President of The Singapore Cosplay Club said, “COSFEST SEA: The Rising Tide is the start of a brave new adventure for us at the Singapore Cosplay Club and COSFEST! We aim to be the most fun and exciting cosplay-themed cruise in the world!”
The biggest highlight of this theme cruise is the Asia Cosplay Meet Championship which will feature three contestants from eight countries and territories namely China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand vying for the top spot. This will be open for public viewing for all the guests onboard to catch the action. There is also a special preview before the competition begins. More details on the contestants will be unveiled at a later stage.
Onboard, the cosplayers will also have chances to mingle with one another and discover about different cosplay cultures. As for the guests, they are welcome to join in the mood in their own cosplay outfits. Moreover, they can even get up close and personal encounters with celebrity cosplayers such as Neneko from Taiwan who will be onboard to offer photo opportunities and autograph sessions.
Other activity highlights open to public include:
- Cosplay Parade
The cosplayers will be dressed up as popular Anime characters parading down the Royal Promenade.
- Cosplay Café
The guests can enjoy drinks there where many characters will appear to serve them delectable cafe treats.
- Costume Dressing Session
Popular character costumes will be available for guests to dress up their children for photo taking.
- Photo Opportunities
The contestants will be spontaneously appearing throughout the ship dressed in different costumes.
The theme cruise packages are now on sale at the Singapore Cosplay Club’s website. The Interior Stateroom package goes for SGD 460 (including taxes of SGD 131) and the Balcony Stateroom package is at SGD 633 (including taxes of SGD 131). Customers who purchase these packages will be entitled to a specially designed COSFEST SEA souvenir and specially allocated seating at the Cosplay Café. They will also be granted special access to events such as the Private Cosplay Photoshoot and Sounds of Cosfest Singing Party. Interested parties can visit www.sgcosplayclub.org to book.
Oct 09
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES PITBULL AS NORWEGIAN ESCAPE’S GODFATHER
Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that international music sensation Pitbull will serve as GODFATHER for its newest ship, Norwegian Escape.
On Monday, November 9, Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull, will be the honorary Godfather and headline performer at Norwegian Escape’s christening ceremony at PortMiami. Norwegian Escape will be the largest ship to homeport year-round in Miami and features a multitude of innovative dining venues and entertainment offerings.
It is a longstanding tradition in the maritime world to name a Godparent of a new sea-going vessel. This honor, dating back to the 1800s, is bestowed upon an individual who officially names and christens a new ship, and remains in their role for the life of the vessel. Pitbull will serve as the honorary Godfather for Norwegian Escape, becoming one of the naming ceremony’s central figures along with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s CEO Frank Del Rio and Norwegian President Andy Stuart. This exciting event will take place while the ship is docked in PortMiami on Monday, November 9, where Pitbull will officially christen the ship during a high-energy pier side ceremony. The selection of Pitbull as the ship’s Godfather reinforces Norwegian’s non-traditional cruising that focuses on freedom and flexibility for guests.
“Pitbull has been an excellent partner and great friend to Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president. “A Miami native, he epitomizes and contributes to the energy, excitement and local flavor that our ships so proudly embody and we’re excited to build upon our relationship and have him serve in this special role as Godfather to Norwegian Escape.”
This new role builds on the superstar’s previous relationship with Norwegian, as the international recording artist thrilled the crowd at last February’s christening ceremony for Norwegian Getaway, which also featured the introduction of his signature Voli vodka brand to cruise goers. Voli is available across the Norwegian fleet and featured in several signature cocktails including the Mr. Worldwide and Dale.
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