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Thursday, July 31, 2014

Carnival Cruise Lines and Dallas Cowboys announce multi-year partnership

Official Cruise Line Of ‘America’s Team’ To Bring More Fun To Home Games

Miami, July 24, 2014 – Carnival Cruise Lines, Texas’ largest cruise operator, today announced an exclusive, multi-year partnership with the Dallas Cowboys, making Carnival the Official Cruise Line of the legendary NFL franchise and expanding the cruise operator’s already wide-ranging commitment to the Texas market.

Carnival, which will homeport a third year-round ship in Galveston next year, will enjoy extensive branding and visibility through Dallas Cowboys-owned properties and bring its signature brand of fun to fans.
In its new role as the Official Cruise Line of the Dallas Cowboys, Carnival will add fun and memorable fan experiences to tailgaters at home games with its new “Fun Crew,” which tours the lots at AT&T Stadium on branded golf carts, offering exciting prizes to Cowboys fans, including the chance to win one of many cruise vacation giveaways.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

The trek of Queen Mary 2 began with George Takei documentary


“To Be Takei” makes Transatlantic premiere
at special Cunard Line screening with renowned “Star Trek®" actor 
Before Queen Mary 2 sailed her 28 July Transatlantic Crossing, select Cunard Line guests took an enlightening journey through the life of actor, activist and social media superstar George Takei. 

The actor participated in an exclusive on board screening of his biographical documentary, “To Be Takei” (Starz Digital Media), and joined as the ship’s distinguished guest on the eight-night voyage from New York to Southampton, during which the film is being screened.

Directed by Jennifer M. Kroot, “To Be Takei” is an entertaining and moving look at the many roles played by eclectic 77-year-old actor/activist George Takei whose wit, humor and grace have allowed him to become an internationally beloved figure who may be more relevant today than ever.
 George Takei, "Kikaru Sulu" in the original "Star Trek" television series,
enjoying lively conversation with a “Trekkie”
The film balances unprecedented access to the day-to-day life of George Takei and his husband and business partner, Brad Takei, starting with Takei's fascinating personal journey from his childhood in U.S. internment camps for Japanese Americans during WWII, through his iconic and groundbreaking role as Sulu on "Star Trek" to his rise as an internet phenomenon with over seven million Facebook fans. 

Windstar Cruises launches new Cruisetours including a four-day Myanmar experience

Small luxury cruise offers collection of land and sea experiences
SEATTLE, July 30, 2014 – Windstar is launching its first-ever series of Cruisetours, premiering in Asia and Arabia.

For those wanting to extend their cruise vacation with a land experience, the Cruisetour collection allows guests to experience the wonders of the Far East without the stress of planning the travel. Starting at $5,299 Cruisetours include: the cost of the cruise, flights to the Cruisetour city, accommodations in a luxury hotel, excursions with an expert guide in each new city, select meals, and transfers.

Guests who book by August 29, 2014 will receive up to a $1,000 airfare credit per person, free hotel and transfers on arrival, a complimentary exclusive Private Event on the voyage crafted solely for Windstar guests, and savings of up to 50% of the cruise fare.


Pacific Northwest: Un-Cruise Adventures explore Coastal Washington and British Columbia


Save up to $200 per couple on fall 2014 and all 2015 departures

Seattle, WA, July 29, 2014 – Sailing from Seattle, Washington, Un-Cruise Adventures explores the scenic islands, shorelines and glacial fjords of coastal Washington’s and British Columbia’s Salish Sea on two adventure cruise itineraries offered in fall and spring.  An adventure savings of up to $200 per couple is offered on fall 2014 and all 2015 sailings.

The 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer expedition vessel sails a weeklong Explore! Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands itinerary exploring south Hood Canal, Olympic Peninsula and the San Juan Islands. The 22-guest Safari Quest yacht sails a weeklong British Columbia Yachters’ Paradise itinerary exploring the San Juan Islands, Canada’s Harmony and Gulf Islands and Princess Louisa Inlet.

Both itineraries sail roundtrip Seattle, WA from September – November and April – May.  Travelers booking a cruise departing fall 2014 through fall 2015 by September 30, 2014, save $100 per couple on the Wilderness Adventurer and $200 per couple on the Safari Quest.

Princess Cruises to add new ship to fleet



Line’s Third “Royal Princess” Class Vessel to be Delivered in 2017

Santa Clarita, Calif. (July 30, 2014) – Today Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK), announced that it has reached an agreement with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build a new ship, which will  enter service in 2017.

The as-yet unnamed 143,000-ton vessel, which will be built at an all-in cost of approximately 600 million euros, will carry 3,560 passengers, and feature the successful design platform introduced by sister ships Royal Princess in 2013 and Regal Princess which entered service this past May.

The new ship will include the signature elements that have become synonymous with the Princess Cruises guest experience such as a soaring central atrium hub with multiple dining, entertainment and retail venues; the adults-only Sanctuary; Movies Under the Stars cinema experience, and 80 percent of all staterooms with balconies. The ship will also include some new innovations to enhance the guest experience even further.

Norwegian Cruise Line introduces all-inclusive package


Limited time offer takes Freestyle Cruising to a new level, providing more than $2,400 in value
 
MIAMI – July 30, 2014 – Norwegian Cruise Line is debuting a new All-Inclusive package that takes the line’s signature Freestyle Cruising to a new level, providing guests yet another way to customize their cruise vacation.

Representing more than $2,400 in value per stateroom,  Norwegian’s All-Inclusive package is a first for major cruise lines, and is available for a limited time for all 2015 sailings* fleetwide**, for new reservations made from August 4, 2014 through August 29, 2014. The comprehensive package includes signature dining, alcoholic beverages, unlimited soda, shore excursions, internet access, service charges and more.
 
“Based on the popularity of our Fly, Cruise and Stay vacations, along with our onboard dining and beverage packages, we are now offering the first All-Inclusive package for our guests who want to experience all that the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Cruising has to offer,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Always an innovator, we are making it easy for those that want everything included in their cruise vacation with the option of our All-Inclusive package.”

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Exploring the Great Lakes on the Pearl Mist

   Out to Sea column for July 26/14

   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox

   There’s a new luxury cruise ship plying the cool waters of the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay this summer.
   Cruises on the Pearl Mist set sail from Toronto and Chicago and go where the bigger cruise ships can’t reach.
   It follows a route through four of the Great Lakes – Ontario, Erie, Huron and Michigan – and adds Georgian Bay to the mix.
The new Pearl Mist is sailing on the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay this summer.
   The 10-and 11-day cruises feature “luxurious” staterooms with private balconies, “exquisite” cuisine, lectures from onboard historians and a free cocktail hour before dinner.
   Sailings are from this month through September with limited space available but bookings are open for next summer, said cruise line publicist Britt Rabinovici.
   “With just 210 passengers, Pearl Mist falls into the small-ship category, with cabins ranging from 28.05 square metres (302 square feet) to suites at 53.88 square metres (580 square feet),” she said. 
   Pearl Mist is the first ship from Pearl Seas Cruises of Guilford, Conn. and offers “unusual and interesting itineraries” in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, the Maritimes, New England and the Caribbean.
The spacious master suite on the Pearl Mist.
   Bon voyage
   The Great Lakes and Georgian Bay cruise includes distinctive “shore excursions,” many of which are at no extra charge.
   “Our passengers’ experience on shore is equally important as their experience aboard our ships,” said Timothy Beebe, cruise line vice-president.
   Departing from Toronto, the ship arrives in Niagara Falls on Day 2 and heads into Lake Erie, arriving in Windsor on Day 3.
The ship calls on Niagara Falls for a day of fun
   Cruising in Lake Huron, the ship ties up in Midland at the southern end of Georgian Bay’s 30,000 islands and then on Day 5 is in Parry Sound.
   Scenic cruising continues into Day 6, arriving in Little Current on Manitoulin Island, and then on to Sault Ste. Marie.
   Crossing into Michigan, it calls on Mackinac Island, a Victorian-inspired place where personal motorized vehicles are prohibited in favour of travel by bicycles, horse-drawn carriages and walking.
   Cruisers can explore the European flavour of Holland, Mich. on Day 9 and then arrive in Chicago to conclude their voyage.
   Featured tours include the Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls, sailing up close to the Horseshoe Falls, and the Henry Ford museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Mich.
Mackinac Island, a Victorian-inspired place, is a popular destination
   On Manitoulin Island, there’s a pow-wow excursion and tour while in Fort Mackinac, a carriage tour and lunch at the Grand Hotel are offered.
   Cycling and kayaking are available at various ports throughout each cruise.
   “It is our goal to offer our guests a complete discovery of the charm and history of each port and to bring it to life with our shore tour program,” Beebe said.
   Life onboard
   The Pearl Mist was designed with innovative, state-of-the-art technologies and amenities, Rabinovici said.
   Each cabin has a private balcony and two twin beds that combine to form a king-size bed.
   There are full-sized bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, safes, phones, individual climate controls and minibars.
   Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the ship while accessible cabins and singles are available.
   There’s a spacious dining salon that seats all passengers at one time with surrounding windows for panoramic views and complimentary room service is available.
Pearl Mist at sea
   Chefs create regionally authentic dinners that are prepared fresh and accommodate special requests.
   As well as complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before dinner, wine is included with lunch and dinner as well as coffee, espresso and snacks throughout the day.
   The six-deck ship has six lounges, a lecture room, library with books and board games, a fitness centre, computer workstations, onboard medical services and a putting green.
While in Chicago, explore the Navy Pier
   There is a sundeck atop the ship, nightly musical entertainment and an elevator serving all decks.

   If you cruise
   Pearl Seas’ Great Lakes and Georgian Bay cruises from Toronto depart on Aug. 9 and 30 and from Chicago on July 30 and Aug. 20. Fares are from $5,885 and $6,475 US a person.
  Other options include 14 nights, Chicago to Montreal, Sept. 10, and Montreal to Portland, Maine, Sept. 24; Portland to Quebec City, 10 days, Oct. 8, and the reverse, Oct. 18; and Portland to Nassau, Bahamas, 14 days, leaving Oct. 29.
   For more information: pearlseascruises.com; 1-800-983-7462
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Saturday, July 26, 2014

Cunard Line readies for James Taylor's performance on Queen Mary 2 for August 2014 Transatlantic crossing

Photo credit: James O’Mara
The stage is set and final voyage tickets are selling as Cunard Line prepares for the return of Grammy® Award-winning singer-songwriter James Taylor and his band during the 27 August 2014 Transatlantic Crossing.

The legendary American artist will appear aboard Queen Mary 2 on the heels of his successful summer tour, earning accolades from the Orange County Register, The Seattle Times and other press. Iconic songs such as “Fire and Rain” and “Carolina In My Mind” continue to enchant audiences around the country and will heighten the 10th anniversary celebration for Queen Mary 2.

Recent music reviews have praised Taylor’s relaxed demeanor that transforms large venues into intimate, warm experiences for audiences. His smooth voice and authentic energy can transport fans back in time to when they first heard “You’ve Got a Friend” and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You).”

Un-Cruise Adventures releases 2015 brochure of adventure cruises


 First look at new upcoming destinations – Galápagos Islands and Costa Rica/Panama

Seattle, WA, July 22, 2014—Small ship cruise line operator Un-Cruise Adventures has released a new printed brochure detailing adventures through April 2016 in Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Hawaiian Islands, Columbia & Snake Rivers, coastal Washington and British Columbia.   New on the horizon are cruise adventures in the Galápagos Islands and Costa Rica/Panama.

The 72-page brochure may be ordered online and is currently being mailed out to requestors and travel agent partners.  The line’s fleet of seven adventure vessels carries 22-84 guests on adventure cruises in remote and scenic destinations and one replica coastal steamer carries 88 guests on a Northwest river cruise with an eye on history. The brochure offers a first peek at upcoming destinations—Galápagos in 2016 and Costa Rica/Panama in late 2015.

Norwegian Cruise Line raises the bar on beverage offerings


Norwegian strengthens partnership with Miami-based Bar Lab to enhance beverage menus fleetwide with regional ingredients and expanded offerings
 MIAMI – July 24 2014 – Norwegian Cruise Line is once again raising the bar when it comes to the guest experience onboard, announcing today that they have expanded their partnership with award-winning mixologist Gabriel Orta of Miami-based Bar Lab Cocktails to offer exciting and creative new cocktails onboard all of Norwegian’s ships year-round.

This new beverage program, exclusive to Norwegian Cruise Line, is another aspect of the Norwegian NEXT program, bringing “new enhancements, experiences and transformations” to Norwegian’s fleet, with the goal of elevating the guest experience and building on the success of the line’s two newest ships: Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway.  

            As part of the previously-announced partnership, Bar Lab has created five specialty destination-based summer cocktail menus, with specialty cocktails focusing on regional ingredients and spirits based on Norwegian’s itineraries.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Holland America Line’s 2015 Grand World Voyage aboard ms Amsterdam visits 45 ports in 25 countries on six continents

  Highlights of 114-day cruise include 11 overnight calls, Panama and Suez canal transits

Seattle, Wash. – When ms Amsterdam departs Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jan. 5, 2015, the cruise will span 114 days and call at 45 ports in 25 countries on six continents. Offering a refined and elegant “home away from home,” Amsterdam guests will enjoy gracious service, superior amenities and many special Grand Voyage experiences.

For guests who have less time on their hands, eight segments ranging in length from 22 to 57 days are available from departure ports along the route.

Highlights of the roundtrip Fort Lauderdale journey include 11 overnight calls in some of the world’s most exciting cities, transits of the Panama and Suez canals, crossing the equator and International Date Line, visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, evening theme balls, local entertainment and a host of other activities.

New off-the-beaten-path tours highlight Silversea's 2015 voyages

(News Release)
 

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- July 22, 2014) Eleven new overland adventures in some of the world's most exotic locales are among more than 60 extended mid-voyage excursions ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises will be offering in 2015. Unlike a partial-day shore tour, single- or multiple-day inland adventures offer a more intimate, in-depth and personal encounter with the local people, history, wildlife, and natural attractions that lie just beyond the ports of call.  

"We always strive to offer fresh, innovative programs that provide a variety of authentic onshore options," said Darius Mehta, Silversea's vice president of air and land programs. "These new mid-voyage adventures are carefully designed for travelers seeking one-of-a-kind experiences that will take them further into a region, giving them plenty of time to actively engage in its scenery, activities, and cultural heritage."
                                                        
From the soaring Andes to the glistening lakes of Patagonia, from the beaches of Polynesia to the glaciers of New Zealand, from the grasslands of Kenya to the monuments of India, Silversea's new overland adventures offer rare access to transformational places and experiences. On these exciting overland tours, participants may come face-to-face with a giant tortoise in the Galapagos, track mountain gorillas in Africa, or marvel at unique marine life from the balcony of an overwater bungalow in Polynesia.

New series of 10 to 12 day cruises from Galveston and San Juan for Carnival Triumph

FEATURING EXOTIC CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICAN PORTS TO BE OFFERED IN WINTER 2015

Carnival Magic to Operate Series of Four- to Six-Day Cruises in Winter 2015, First-Ever Short Cruise Program for 130,000-ton Ship

MIAMI (July 22, 2014) -- Following strong consumer response to Carnival Triumph’s first-ever longer length voyages from Galveston and San Juan, the cruise line has added three new 10- to 12-day cruises departing in winter 2015 and visiting beautiful and exotic destinations throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America. 
Additionally, Carnival Magic will offer a series of four- to six-day voyages from Galveston in winter 2015, marking the first time that the 130,000-ton ship has offered a short cruise program from Texas. 
“Based on feedback we’ve received from our guests and valued travel agent partners, we are pleased to be able to provide even more itinerary choices from Galveston,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.
“These new longer cruises on Carnival Triumph visit a variety of beautiful destinations while offering more time to enjoy the ship’s many fantastic and exciting features. At the same time, the four- to six-day sailings on Carnival Magic are the perfect choice for those looking for a shorter cruise featuring all the wonderful innovations aboard our newest class of ships,” he added.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Windstar Cruises to debut exclusive private events on all 2015 voyages



Small luxury cruise line expands 2015 Voyage Collection
to offer new complimentary Private Events

Seattle – Starting in 2015, all Windstar Cruises’ itineraries will feature a spectacular onshore Private Event, created exclusively for Windstar guests.

These complimentary events are crafted to give guests an in depth and authentic local experience that compliments their voyage. Private Events include activities such as an after-hours tour and dinner under the stars in the magnificent Celsus Library of Ephesus or a private ballet performance in the famed Odessa National Opera and Ballet Theatre.


“We curated these Private Events with the local experience in mind. Our product managers toured the regions sampling cuisines, talking to locals, visiting the UNESCO sites to create the best experience possible,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer. “Our guests gain an even deeper involvement into the local culture.”

Windstar débuted its first exclusive Private Event on its Dreams of Tahiti voyage in May. The event, included on all 2014 sailings through the South Pacific, features an evening of entertainment with music and a dazzling performance by local fire dancers on a secluded island or “motu.” The evening also includes a dinner of local Tahitian cuisine with tender suckling pig slowly steamed in a traditional ”ahima’a” earth oven.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Travel + Leisure readers name Cunard among Top 5 mega-ship cruise lines


Readers’ survey also places Cunard Line in Top 10 of Large-Ship category

 
July 2014 – Its trio of majestic, iconic ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth – earned Cunard Line new accolades and a pair of top spots on the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award 2014 lists.

The influential travel publication asked readers to evaluate individual ships on the facilities, dining, destinations, activities and value.  Cunard Line ranked No. 3 on the list of Top Mega-Ship Cruise Lines (capacity of 2,200 passengers or more) and No. 6 on the list of Top Large-Ship Cruise Lines (capacity between 600 to 2,199 passengers).

Although Cunard’s three ships draw on a prestigious heritage of nearly 175 years, the fleet is one of the youngest at sea.  They continue to define sophisticated ocean travel with some of the best facilities and the widest range of entertainment and leisure options available on the ocean today.

Silversea Cruises debuts haute couture uniforms

Several hundred shipboard employees will soon
be outfitted in uniforms from Milan fashion school

Monaco -- Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises' newly designed uniforms were previewed in a fashion show held aboard Silver Wind in Venice recently. They were created by Italy's prestigious Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) of Milan, a specialized fashion school for designers destined for the fashion brands globally.

The project was launched in September 2012, when the IED team spent several days aboard Silver Spirit, drawing creative inspiration from the elegant ship's Art Deco interior, and gaining insight into the functions and needs of the ship's officers and staff working in a diversity of settings, including reception, restaurants, lounges, and housekeeping.

The IED designers have created an elegant and distinguished look in several variations that complements the luxury line's brand image. The collection features natural fabrics, including cotton and wool, in a black, white, blue, and gray color palette.

Carnival Cruise Lines signs exclusive agreement with Cigar City Brewing

Cigar City Brewing's National Sales Manager Joe Burns and Carnival Vice President of Beverage Operations Eddie Allen

OFFERING THE COMPANY’S CRAFT BEERS ON ALL FLORIDA-BASED ‘FUN SHIPS’

            MIAMI (July 14, 2014) — Capitalizing on the growing popularity of craft beer in the U.S., Carnival Cruise Lines has entered into an exclusive agreement to offer Tampa-based Cigar City Brewing’s craft beers on all of its Florida-based ships.
Cigar City’s Florida Cracker Belgian-Style White Ale and Invasion Pale Ale will be available on 13 Carnival ships sailing from five Florida ports beginning this week.  Combined, those ships carry more than two million guests each year.
            The agreement — the first partnership of this magnitude between a craft brewery and a major cruise line — was announced Sunday, July 13, at an event aboard Carnival Legend at the Port of Tampa.         

A frightfully good time awaits Disney Cruise Line guests this Halloween‏

7 Reasons Halloween is Better on the High Seas | Disney Cruise Line | Disney Parks
Beginning this September, we are celebrating Halloween on the High Seas aboard all four Disney ships! If you love spooktacular fun as much as we do, you're sure to agree with our seven reasons why…
00:01:03

 
Disney Cruise Line will treat guests sailing this fall to a wickedly good time as the Disney ships transform into a ghoulish wonderland during Halloween on the High Seas cruises. This extra-spooky celebration features Halloween-themed parties, lively entertainment and elaborate décor, including The Pumpkin Tree, which magically transforms throughout the cruise.


In 2014, Disney Cruise Line will celebrate Halloween on the High Seas aboard all four ships for the first time. These cruises will take place on most voyages from September through October.

Pumpkin Tree.jpg

Today on the Disney Parks Blog, Disney Cruise Line unveiled a first look at the brand-new Pumpkin Trees for this year’s Halloween sailings. See them here: First Look at the New Disney Cruise Line Halloween Trees

Last week, Disney Cruise Line released 7 Reasons Halloween is Better on the High Seas, a dynamic infographic video that provides a brief overview of the event.

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Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and Disney Cruise Line Facebook page, and follow @DisneyCruise on Twitter for updates about exciting new experiences with Disney Cruise Line!

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Small-ship sailing experiences to Tahiti & Polynesia, Ireland, Scotland & Wales and the Hawaiian Islands

For Immediate Release from CruiseCompete

5 Reasons You Will Love Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess Ships & Destinations

DETROIT (July 16, 2014) – Small-ship and niche cruising lines are currently in vogue due to all the wonderfully unique experiences they provide. If you love Princess Cruises, as many cruisers do, they also offer a small-ship experience on two of their ships, the Pacific Princess and the Ocean Princess.

Unlike Princess’s other ships, which have passenger capacites in the thousands, these two ships carry around 680 mostly adult passengers and feature a casual elegance and wonderful sense of camaraderie that is the hallmark of small ship cruising.

The Ocean Princess and Pacific Princess joined the Princess Cruises’ fleet in 2002 and 2003, respectively, and have both had recent refurbishments. As such, the offerings onboard are virtually identical. While the ships are small, they certainly don’t skip on amenities; both ships feature a variety of well-equipped cabins and suites (that range from 158 to 932 square feet, depending on your choice), a spa and an abundance of dining and entertainment venues.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Silversea expands "Silver Select" offer to the Caribbean

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has expanded its Silver Select promotion beyond Alaska and the Mediterranean to include select voyages in the Caribbean.
 
The Silver Select promotion enables guests to personalize their voyage with a choice of three enticing offers: a two-category suite upgrade, a $500 per person credit towards the purchase of the Silver Sky® air program, or a $500 per person onboard credit that can be used for shore excursions, spa treatments, specialty restaurants and more. Silver Select is available on new bookings made by August 31, 2014 for select voyages sailing in the Caribbean, Alaska and the Mediterranean.

"Silver Select's three generous savings options have proven hugely popular, and we're delighted to be offering them now on voyages to the beautiful, sunny islands of the Caribbean," said Kristian Anderson, Silversea's senior vice president and general manager for the Americas.

Below is a small sampling of the 2014-2015 Caribbean voyages offering the Silver Select promotion:

Royal Caribbean International becomes first cruise line to use Google Street View technology

Sample your vacation by exploring one of the world’s most impressive ships from dry land

MIAMI – Royal Caribbean International announces it is changing the way how people plan their vacations by working with Google to be the first cruise line to launch Google Maps Business View using Google’s Street View technology onboard the world’s largest and innovative cruise ship Allure of the Seas.


By using Street View technology, Royal Caribbean International will provide consumers with an immersive and interactive experience when they are searching for a vacation.


"Business View allows people all over the world to explore a range of businesses and organizations in great detail in just a few clicks” said Deborah Schenker - Program Manager at Google UK.
 “You can check out anything from restaurants to aircraft in Google Maps, and now for the first time you can sail the seas too with the first ever cruise ship coming on board."

Norwegian Cruise Line uncovers Alaska

For a limited time, receive free balcony upgrades, up to $200 to spend on board Alaska cruises and kids* sail free
 Norwegian Cruise Line is launching limited time savings on board the youngest fleet sailing through Alaska. Guests who book a new Alaska cruise reservation from Sunday, July 20 through Saturday, July 26, 2014, can take advantage of the line’s Kids* Sail Free offer, receive up to $200 to spend on board, plus free balcony upgrades. Military, Latitudes Rewards and AARP discounts may also apply to select sailings.
Thrill-seekers can pack up their sense of adventure and explore the stunning coastline; head deep into the frozen wilderness on an Alaska Cruisetour; take an exhilarating dog sledding tour and so much more while cruising through the majestic state of Alaska on board one of Norwegian’s three modern ships: Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Jewel or Norwegian Pearl.

Performing artists to bring "magic" to Queen Mary 2

Graduates from London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and
students and faculty from The Juilliard School sail through November

Faculty and students from The Julliard School, which will delight guests with a jazz music series
aboard Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2. (Individual musicians will vary.)
      
17 July 2014 Enchanting stories and music will light up Queen Mary 2 with special shows from London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and performances featuring students and faculty from The Juilliard School.

The separate events continue through November on Transatlantic Crossings, sailing from New York to Southampton, England, via Halifax, Nova Scotia.  These returning additions to Cunard Line’s entertainment and award-winning enrichment programme further enhance the 10th anniversary celebration for Queen Mary 2 in 2014.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Silversea unveils World Cruise 2016


Silver Whisper
From Machu Picchu and the mysterious moai of Easter Island
to the biblical treasures of the Holy Land, an array of wonders awaits

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- July 1, 2014) Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises opened the books today on its World Cruise 2016, an extraordinary 115-day sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Venice, departing January 5, 2016.
 This far-reaching cultural exploration will be hosted aboard the elegant, all-suite Silver Whisper, enabling travelers to journey in unsurpassed luxury across six continents as they visit 51 destinations in 31 countries, enjoying 13 multi-day port calls along the way, plus many late-night departures. 

Named "Venetian World Odyssey 2016," the epic voyage will follow a westward path from Fort Lauderdale through the Panama Canal to South America and the Pacific.

Guests will explore the island paradises of the South Seas, including Easter Island, Pitcairn Island, Tahiti, and Bora Bora before sailing to the most desirable destinations of New Zealand, Australia, and Asia, including vibrant Hong Kong and Singapore, the enticing resorts of Bali and Phuket, and mysterious Myanmar. The odyssey will continue to exotic India, Arabia, and timeless Mediterranean hideaways before concluding with two nights in magnificent Venice.