New Features on refurbished Carnival Sensation

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Sensation has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation and emerged with a host of new facilities and features, including a sprawling water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, and redesigned tropical themed main pool. Ninety-eight balconies were also incorporated onto existing ocean view staterooms and a new Circle C facility for 12- to 14-year olds was added, as well.

The extensive renovation, which took place during a 35-day dry dock, is part of Carnival’s “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program for the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels. Carnival Sensation is the fourth “Fun Ship” to receive the upgrades, joining the Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, and Carnival Fantasy which have already been renovated. The four remaining Fantasy-class ships will be refurbished over the next few years.

Carnival Sensation resumed its year-round three- and four-day Bahamas cruise program from Port Canaveral, Fla., last week. On this route, three-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Nassau while four-day voyages depart Sundays and call at Freeport and Nassau.

“With its wide variety of on-board facilities and convenient three- and four-day schedule from Port Canaveral – located in close proximity to Central Florida’s many attractions and theme parks – Carnival Sensation has been a popular choice for ‘Fun Ship’ guests, particularly families,” said Roberta Jacoby, Carnival’s senior vice president of hotel operations. “And with the new water park, updated pool area, and other guest-pleasing features, we’re making a terrific, value-packed vacation choice even more attractive to consumers,” she added.

Exciting Open Deck Upgrades
A highlight of the “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, a sprawling aqua park that is designed to appeal to guests of all ages. Towering over Verandah Deck, the expansive open-air facility includes a 300-foot-long water slide – the longest at sea – along with twin 82-foot-long racing slides and various water spray apparatus.

Another signature element of “Evolutions of Fun” is the redesigned main pool area. Located mid-ship on Lido Deck, the area has a distinctive resort-style ambiance, with colorful, oversized umbrellas, thatched roofing, vibrant tile work and other tropical-themed design elements.

Serenity Adults-Only Retreat
Also new on the Carnival Sensation is Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat located aft on Promenade Deck. Designed as an ocean-going oasis for comfort and relaxation, Serenity offers plush chaise lounges and chairs, and two large whirlpools. Shade is provided by oversized umbrellas, along with an area covered by thatched roofing. Within Serenity, guests can enjoy a wide range of icy cocktails and frozen drinks or partake in various dining options at the nearby, casual Seaview restaurant.

Ninety-Eight New Balcony Staterooms
Ninety-eight existing ocean view staterooms on the Carnival Sensation have been retrofitted with balconies, creating expansive new cabins measuring approximately 230 square feet. Twenty-four of the new balcony cabins are located mid-ship, 12 are located near the stern, and the other 62 are located aft, with several of these accommodations featuring extended balconies. Additionally, a number of the Carnival Sensation’s suites have been modified to feature larger, extended balconies to create a more spacious environment for guests.

New Circle C Facility, Other Enhancements
Carnival Sensation’s refurbishment also included the creation of a new Circle C facility on Atlantic Deck 8. Catering to the 12- to 14-old age group, Circle C includes a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma screen televisions displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox and gaming pods with the latest games and consoles.

All of the Carnival Sensation’s 1,026 staterooms have been completely remodeled with new wall coverings, tile work, carpeting and light fixtures. Additionally, virtually all dining, dancing and entertainment venues, as well as all guest corridors, have been renovated with a host of cosmetic enhancements.

Celebrity Cruises' Equinox to Soft-Launch in Norwegian Fjords

Amidst ongoing rave reviews of its new Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Cruises today announced that the pace of construction of sister ship Celebrity Equinox is proceeding so well, the cruise line will offer a soft launch prior to the ship's maiden voyage of August 8.

The eagerly anticipated Celebrity Equinox will now present a cruise departing July 31 through the majestic Norwegian Fjords, roundtrip from Southampton, England.

The 8-night cruise through the Norwegian Fjords features visits to Stavanger, Flam, Geiranger, and Oslo, Norway.

Guests on every sailing of Celebrity Equinox will experience the series of brand-defining, industry-first attributes that guests, travel agents and press have praised about Celebrity Solstice, including a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass, a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass, unrivaled dining venues offering trendsetting cuisine and design, and widely varied entertainment, including spectacular new shows in partnership with Poet Theatricals. The 2,850-guest vessel also will have spacious staterooms and bathrooms, and several categories of accommodations, including Celebrity's new, spa-inspired AquaClass staterooms.

Cruising with Little Ones is Child’s Play Onboard Disney Cruise Line

Traveling with infants and toddlers on Disney Cruise Line will soon be easier than ever thanks to a cruise industry-first service that delivers baby supplies directly to guest staterooms and a host of child-friendly offerings onboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.

Beginning March 15, families preparing to sail on Disney Cruise Line with little ones will have access to an online service that allows them to order baby supplies in advance of their cruise and have them delivered to their stateroom. The new service is exclusive for Disney Cruise Line guests and provided by Babies Travel Lite, an online retailer offering more than 1,000 brand-name baby products including diapers, baby food, infant formula and specialty travel items.

By visiting disneycruise.com, guests will be able to access a special section of the Babies Travel Lite Web site where they can create orders for familiar brands in quantities customized to the duration of their cruise.

“Disney Cruise Line prides itself on delivering a vacation experience that caters to every member of the family including our youngest cruisers,” said Tom Wolber, senior vice president of operations for Disney Cruise Line. “The new delivery service eliminates the challenges of packing for infant travel, while onboard conveniences simplify family travel for parents looking to relax during their cruise vacation.”

The new delivery service is just one of the many products and services available to families traveling with children under 3. Guests also have access to a host of onboard services to facilitate traveling with toddlers in tow:

• Diaper Genie units, cribs and playpens are available complimentary upon request from the stateroom host/hostess for use during the cruise.
• Bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers and strollers are available complimentary at Guest Services for use during the cruise.
• At Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, wagons are available to facilitate navigating the island’s sandy beaches.
• Baby supplies are available for purchase on the ships.

These amenities are the perfect complement to Disney’s infant-care center at sea, Flounder’s Reef Nursery. The nursery features an “under the sea” soft play area themed to Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” where children 12 weeks to 36 months can enjoy themselves under the watchful eyes of trained Disney caregivers. Even Mickey Mouse or another Disney pal might swing by for a surprise visit involving fun and games.

Also for infants and toddlers is Mickey’s Splash Zone, a water playground inspired by The Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Disney’s “Fantasia.” This extension to the Mickey Pool features star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains, a soft play surface and whimsical splash zones, creating an inviting environment for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers.

Guests sailing on seven-night cruises can enjoy some ‘together’ time with their little ones during Family Time Sessions at Flounder’s Reef Nursery. Families have the opportunity to explore the nursery and meet the team of counselors who supervise the children.

Also on seven-night cruises, guests can enjoy Toddler Time at the Oceaneer Club and at Mickey’s Splash Zone. Families can join their little ones and explore the world together as they participate in musical games and fine motor skills exercises led by Disney’s youth activities counselors.

A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line delivers a cruise experience that every member of the family feels was created for their own individual vacation wants and needs.

Departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at Walt Disney World Resort are also available.

Royal Caribbean to sail from Dubai

Dubai is also emerging as new the cruise destination.

Following Costa Cruises, the Royal Caribbean will become the second major cruise line to base a ship in Dubai. Between January and April 2010, the ship will run seven-night sailings from Dubai, with details yet to be confirmed.

Carnival to drop fuel surcharges

From 31st October, the Carnival Corp cruise operator will eradicate fuel surcharges on new bookings for 2010 at Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and the Yachts of Seabourn and raise fares instead.

Holland America Line’s MS Veendam is setting for South America

South America is becoming more and more popular cruise destination. In answer to this demand Holland America Line’s MS Veendam is set to cruise South America for the fall 2009 and the winter and spring 2010 season.

Newly-refurbished MS Veendam will offer its guests some of the most scenic cruising in the world in10 sailings ranging from 16 to 20 days. Concentrating on port-intensive itineraries MS Veendam will spend more time in ports than most major cruise lines and is the only premium cruise line offering overnights in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires on select cruises.

For those who want to extend their vacation, Holland America Line offers several pre- and post-cruise land tours. Guests can opt to spend an extra night or two in Rio de Janeiro and Santiago de Chile, take overland 2 to 5 days tours to the famed ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, Iguacu Falls, located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, and Chile's wine country.

Crystal Cruises' exclusive land tours on spring 2009 China and Japan itineraries

It seems quite a few cruise updates we have today.

Crystal Cruises are adding exclusive land tours to their spring 2009 China and Japan itineraries.

Crystal Cruises' five-night pre- and post-cruise land program includes a to journey to mystical, magical Tibet and a visit to meet the rare and nearly extinct Giant Pandas at the Chengdu Breeding and Research Centre in Sichuan province.

"Bridging the best of land and sea, the China and Tibet extended land program offers excursions to regions of the world that few travellers will ever have the chance to see," said John Stoll, director, land programs. "A Crystal vacation isn't confined to the port cities and surrounding areas. With great attention to detail and Crystal care, we transport guests thousands of miles inland to expand their experience."

Acupuncture Added To Crystal's Wellness Options

Enriching its portfolio of wellness opportunities, Crystal Cruises is introducing onboard acupuncture, along with a menu of Chinese herbs revered for restoring and enhancing health, beauty and longevity. A menu of optional acupuncture treatments, launching this month on Crystal Serenity, focuses on weight loss, pain management, stress reduction, detoxification, smoking cessation, facial rejuvenation and even sea sickness.

"For many, a vacation offers the freedom to try something new," says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, hotel operations. "Whether one is just curious or one wants to pursue new treatments, acupuncture complements Crystal's myriad of onboard wellness activities, which have transformed guests into devotees of disciplines like yoga or reflexology or Spinning®."

Crystal also offers complimentary yoga, Pilates and newly introduced "Tour de Spin" cycling classes, and an exclusive Walk on Water® program utilizing weighted vests to increase resistance.

In December 2008, and in 2009 both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity host Mind, Body & Spirit theme cruises, focusing on general wellness through classes and discussions with guest instructors in Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates and general fitness.

Crystal Cruises has been voted the "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line"

Crystal Cruises has been voted the "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine for a 13th consecutive year. Subscribers, who were allowed only one vote each, were asked to rate cruise lines on cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities and value.

"We are extremely honored and gratified that the authentic warmth of Crystal's extraordinary staff, our seamless luxury and unparalleled attention to detail make for such a treasured experience for so many discerning Travel + Leisure readers," says Crystal Cruises' President Gregg Michel. "This is a tremendous validation of the continual investments we make in our ships, the meaningful personalized programs we've introduced, and Crystal's winning formula of superior service, choices, space and quality."

Celebrity ' yummy' cruises

Celebrity Cruises carried out a series of enhancements to its award-winning dining experience; making changes to menu offerings, a significantly upgrading casual dining area, and an entirely new brunch offering.

Celebrity’s new evening menus are so widely varied that guests on even 14-night itineraries will never be presented with the same menu twice. Each menu contains expanded selections in all categories, from appetizers to desserts.

Celebrity Cruises has made significant enhancements to its lido café/casual dining area on every ship, expanding its culinary selections, modernizing the ambience, and upgrading signage and equipment, which includes replacement of ice with chilled river rocks throughout the buffet area.

Celebrity Cruises also has upgraded its complimentary coffee to the European brand, "Seventh," a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, which guests can sip from new, full-sized coffee mugs.

Celebrity Cruises has replaced its former once-per-cruise midnight gala buffet with a sumptuous brunch – complete with the line's lauded ice, fruit and vegetable carvings - in the main dining room.

For guests interested in late-night desserts, sandwiches, specialty coffees or other libations, Celebrity Cruises has introduced an “after-theater" menu in its Cova Café venues, to replace the former "Gourmet Bites". The new options in Cova Café allow guests who are interested in late-night dining a light, varied menu, featuring sandwiches, savories, tartlets, hot brochettes, canapés, artisan cheeses, fresh fruit, crackers, petit fours and napoleons. Celebrity's Cova Café presents the new late-night menu from 11 pm to closing.

Project Genesis

Royal Caribbean is building its biggest ship yet – the 1,180ft long and 220,000-tonne luxury liner with the working name Project Genesis.
The cruise liner is to have a New York style "Central Park" open air space onboard the ship. The park will be located on Deck 8 of the 16 deck ship and open to the sky, with dimensions of 62ft (19m) wide and 328ft (100m) long. Trees in the park will tower more than two-and-a-half decks tall and the area is to have micro-climate control techniques to make sure the plants thrive.

Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of Royal Caribbean, said: "This ship is a quantum leap in architecture and design and will deliver an unparalleled vacation experience to all who sail with us."

It is spectacular… but one has to wonder; when big is too big…

Metropolitan Opera to transmit La Boheme to Princess ships at sea

In an industry exclusive event, Princess ships will become the first cruise vessels ever to broadcast a live performance from the Metropolitan Opera in New York. The special The Met: Live on the High Seas presentation of Puccini's La Boheme will be held on Saturday, April 5 as part of the Met's series of eight opera performances that are transmitted live via satellite to movie theaters around the world.

This unique experience will be offered across Princess' 16-ship fleet. On vessels equipped with Movies Under the Stars, passengers can enjoy a unique "Opera Under the Stars" event, as they take in the production on the giant poolside LED screens. Other vessels will show the broadcast in the Princess Theater. Opera lovers and newcomers alike can enjoy this famous love story while sailing in locations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, or Hawaii, as well as exotic locations such as Cape Horn and Egypt.

"It's quite unusual to be able to sit by a pool in the Caribbean and watch a world-class opera live from New York," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president. "We're very excited to be breaking new ground with this first-ever live Metropolitan Opera broadcast at sea. It's a rare opportunity to present our passengers with such an enriching cultural experience included in their cruise."

Celebrity Cruises expand in Europe

Celebrity Cruises are expanding their European cruise programme with new departure ports in Southampton and Harwich, beside Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome and Venice.

Five ships, including the yet to be delivered Celebrity Equinox and Solstice, will visit 76 ports in 29 countries, including overnight stays in eight cities. The new ports of call will include a trip up the River Scheldt to Antwerp, Ashdod and Haifa in Israel, La Spezia and Portofino in Italy.

Atlantic Alliance to promote west coast of Europe

Fifteen ports from seven countries on Europe’s West Coast have joint their forces in Atlantic Alliance to launch a campaign to promote themselves as the new cruise destinations.

“Europe’s West Coast is a treasure trove for travellers seeking exclusive experiences beyond what has become conventional luxury,” said Dirk Moldenhauer Managing Director, Hamburg Cruise Center and Managing Director of the Atlantic Alliance, at Seatrade 2008.

The Atlantic Alliance expects more ports and tourism boars to join existing members; Hamburg and Bremerhaven - Germany; Ijmuiden, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam - The Netherlands, Antwerp – Belgium, Cherbourg, St. Malo, Brest, Nantes, La Rochelle, and Bordeaux - France, Santander and Vigo - Spain and Lisbon – Portugal.

Royal rendezvous Down Under

Yet another royal appointment took places lately. On 24th February QE2 and Queen Victoria Cunard cruise liners met up in Sydney Harbour.

For QE2 this is last voyage, before becoming a floating hotel in Dubai.

Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises to offer weddings at sea

Weddings at sea are becoming more popular. P&O Cruises has 246 weddings planned for 2008-09, compared with 184 in the first year the service became available.

In complying with this trend, Celebrity and Azamara Cruises are extending their vow renewals and weddings in port or on cruise excursions and will offer on board wedding packages from later this year.

Marrying couples will be spoilt for choice with a variety of packages, that include private receptions in speciality restaurants, wedding cakes and Champagne. The basic wedding package will start at $2500.

Top of the cruises

The cruisers’ favourites are announced.

The twelve-day Mediterranean, seven-day Alaska and five-day Western Caribbean cruises emerged as the top long, mid and short itineraries this year in Cruise Holidays Travel Trends Survey.

Rome, Venice, Barcelona, Santorini, Athens and Istanbul are said to be the most popular Mediterranean ports, while St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, St. Maarten/St. Martin, Cozumel, and Aruba and Jamaica are most popular Caribbean locations.

The most popular non-Mediterranean Europe ports are St. Petersburg, London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Dublin and Lisbon.

U.S. Customs helps to sink Hawaii cruises ?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has proposed a rule change which would force foreign-flagged cruise ships calling at more than one U.S. port to extend their usual visits in foreign ports from four- to 12-hour to 48 hours. It also recommends that the ships should spend more than half their port time in foreign ports and passengers have to be given the opportunity to go ashore.

The impact of the new rule could prove a downfall for cruises from US ports to Alaska, Canada, New England and some to the Caribbean.

James P. Walsh, an attorney representing the Holland America Line, Princess Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Lines, said cruise lines would have to change all itineraries to meet the proposed rule.

"For example, cruises that call temporarily at Alaska ports will have to move to Vancouver, British Columbia, and away from Seattle," said Walsh, who estimated Holland America's economic impact on Seattle at $400 million in 2006.

source USA Today

$1 million for cruises domain

The web domain name cruises.co.uk has been sold for record $1 million (£560,000). The owner claims the price has smashed British record previously set by recycle.co.uk purchased for £150,000 in last October.

When one looks at the prices of the world’s most expensive domains;
- sex.com sold for $12 million,
- porn.com - $9,5 million,
- business.com – $7,5 million
- diamond.com - $7,5 million
- beer.com - $7 million

the true nature of mankind appears.

Dame Helen Mirren to name a new P & O cruise ship

Dame Helen Mirren, the Oscar winning Hollywood actress, will name new P&O Cruises' ship Ventura. The naming ceremony will take place in Southampton on April 16 prior to the 3,076-passenger ship's maiden voyage to the Mediterranean.

Partnering up with some of Britain’s favourite names, Ventura’s holidays will offer something quite special for all ages. Tate Modern, will be bringing their expertise on board selected cruises, presenting ‘Tate Talks’. Noddy will be livening up playtime through themed activities. A giant 14.5 metre Scalextric track will provide fast pace fun for all ages. And Michelin star chef Marco Pierre White, is creating, Ventura’s unique fine dining venue, The White Room, plus a number of her other menus.

Betty Boop cruise

Betty Boop's 1st Annual Official Fan Cruise is to set sail 9th October 2008 with Carnival Cruises.

This 4-night weekend cruise from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico on board of Elation will offer variety of Betty Boop related activities. Fans will be able to join Betty Boop in open bar during Betty-land Cocktail Party, test their knowledge in Story of Betty Boop discussion, take part in Betty Boop Look-a-Like Contest, just to name a few.

“This cruise offers a fantastic opportunity for Betty Boop fans to come together and experience an outstanding vacation they will never forget, and to celebrate a character that has brought decades of joy, entertainment, and smiles to fans around the world,” said Vicki Freed, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services.

For further inquiries please contact Cruise Harbor on 0191 222 97 06.

Learn fencing and glass blowing on your cruise.

As unbelievable as it sounds, that is an offer of new cruise amenities in 2008.

Cunard Line's Queen Victoria is to offer fencing. Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice will feature a glass-blowing studio at sea in cooperation with the Corning Glass Museum of New York State. While P&O ship Tamarind will include Cirque Ventura - a circus school.

Three Cunard’s Queens meeting in New York

This historic meeting took place on 13th January, when three maritime queens; the Queen Elizabeth 2, the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Victoria met for the first time in New York.

As the Queen Elizabeth 2 will retire later this year, eventually to be converted to luxurious hotel in Dubai, this was most certainly the only time these Cunard’s Queens will ever meet.

The next ‘royal appointment’ will take place in Australia on 24th February, when Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Queen Victoria cruise liners will meet again in Sydney.