* * * * * * * * * * * Royal Caribbean Sets 2011-2012 Southern Caribbean, South America Sailings

Published on: April 30, 2010 by travelpulse.com

Royal Caribbean International unveiled its 2011-12 Southern Caribbean deployment as well as Mariner of the Seas’ South America circumnavigation cruises. Serenade of the Seas will sail its eighth consecutive season in the Southern Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Adventure of the Seas also will return for winter 2011-12. In total, the three ships will offer 73 sailings on 19 distinct itineraries that include 25 unique ports of call. Bookings for these 2011-12 sailings opened April 29.
Vacationers also can choose from two sailings in January 2011 aboard Mariner of the Seas, which when combined will circumnavigate the South American continent. They can book the Royal Caribbean Machu Picchu adventure cruise-tour, which combines a sailing aboard Mariner of the Seas with a five-night escorted land tour itinerary.
Royal Caribbean’s Machu Picchu adventure cruise-tour will offer guests South America land and sea vacation. Guests can choose the Jan. 16, 2010, sailing aboard Mariner of the Seas followed with the five-night land tour itinerary from Valparaiso, Chile, to cultural centers and major Incan archeological sites of Chile and Peru. The highlight of the land tour features a full day to explore Machu Picchu. Guests also can choose the pre-cruise land tour itinerary, followed by a grand South America odyssey to Brazil aboard Mariner of the Seas, sailing February 1. All Royal Caribbean cruise-tours are escorted by a tour director, who specializes in the region and includes guests’ transportation, hotel accommodations, certain activities and some meals.
Mariner of the Seas’ guests also can book a wide array of shore excursion options at an additional charge. In Peru, guests can rediscover the mysterious Lost City of the Incas on “Cuzco & Machu Picchu Adventure.” In Ushuaia, Argentina, guests can cruise Lapataia Bay and the Beagle Channel in the Tierra del Fuego National Park by catamaran to view a colony of Magellanic penguins on “Penguin Rookery Navigation.” On one of the two days in Montevideo, Uruguay, guests can chose a visit to a Uruguayan gaucho ranch and enjoy a barbeque lunch on “Day at the Estancia.”
Guests have a variety of exciting Royal Caribbean shore excursion options to enhance their Southern Caribbean cruise, such as relaxing like a Rockefeller on the 150-acre, eco-friendly Carambola Resort at St. Croix on “Carambola Beach Break,” or enjoying Aruba’s countryside from a four-seat SUV as guests make their way to De Palm Island for lunch, swimming and snorkeling on “Jeep Off-Road Adventure.” Guests also can take on the “Antigua Canopy & Challenge,” an eco-tour through the island’s lush rainforest.
Serenade of the Seas will offer a third consecutive year of seven-night roundtrip cruises to the Southern Caribbean from San Juan, beginning in April 2011. The ship will depart weekly on Sundays in the summer 2011 season and on Saturdays during the winter season. The two alternating summer itineraries will offer guests no repeating ports when booking two consecutive sailings, whereas the two alternating winter itineraries have St. Kitts in common. Guests also have the choice of a one-time eight-night and a six-night itinerary that will sail on May 7 and Nov. 13, 2011, respectively.
Adventure of the Seas will begin its winter 2011-12 season in November, alternating two seven-night itineraries that also will offer guests, booked on two consecutive sailings, no repeat calls at any port for a more comprehensive Southern Caribbean adventure. Two special holiday itineraries, an eight-night and a seven-night cruise, departing on Dec. 18 and Dec. 26, 2011, respectively, will feature onboard holiday celebrations and a shipwide New Year’s countdown party. Vacationers also can choose a one-time, six-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, sailing on Jan. 2, 2012.
For its part, Mariner of the Seas will depart Los Angeles on Jan. 16, 2011, on a 16-night repositioning itinerary to Valparaiso, Chile, followed by a 14-night itinerary to Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil, via Cape Horn and the southern tip of South America. The 14-night sailing features an overnight in the embarkation port of Valparaiso and then at Montevideo, Uruguay, before arriving in Santos, Brazil on Feb. 15.
Guests on all three ships will enjoy Broadway-caliber entertainment by Royal Caribbean Productions, complimentary and award-winning Adventure Ocean kids and teen-only programs, an extensive menu of rejuvenating spa treatments to choose from in the Day Spa, and spectacular views from the top of Royal Caribbean’s iconic rock-climbing wall. Voyager-class Adventure of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas are two of the world’s 10 largest and most innovative cruise ships, offering guests Royal Caribbean’s exclusive onboard amenities, including an ice-skating rink, inline-skating track, nine-hole mini-golf course, and the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard flanked by boutiques, restaurants and lounges, where street dance parties and magical parades occur. Radiance-class Serenade of the Seas features a nine-deck atrium with a glass wall and glass elevators for unobstructed views of the sea and unfolding shoreline.

U.S. State Department Updates Thai Alert Due to Rising Violence

Published on: April 30, 2010 credited by travelpulse.com

The U.S. State Department updated its Travel Alert to U.S. citizens traveling to Thailand because of the ongoing demonstrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Due to escalating violence in central Bangkok, demonstrations in Chiang Mai, and other incidents throughout Thailand, the department recommends that all U.S. citizens should avoid nonessential travel to Thailand. The Alert replaces the Travel Alert dated April 22, 2010, to update information on security concerns and to recommend against nonessential travel to Thailand at this time. This Travel Alert will expire on July 28, 2010.
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (also known as UDD or “red-shirts”) continues to demonstrate in central Bangkok, according to the Alert. The UDD may change or expand its demonstration locations at any time. Various other groups are engaging in pro-government or counter-demonstrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. There have been several minor clashes between the UDD and other demonstrators. These clashes may escalate with no warning. Political demonstrations by the UDD are expected to continue in Bangkok indefinitely. As a result, traffic congestion and difficulty of movement is possible throughout Bangkok, and traffic patterns may change unexpectedly as demonstrators block roads. Other forms of transportation, such as the BTS Skytrain, may close unexpectedly in response to threats or incidents, such as occurred on April 27, when protesters jumped onto the tracks and tried to block the tracks with tires.
The Alert goes on to say that there have been numerous incidents of explosive attacks, including several isolated grenade attacks, in and around Bangkok and Chiang Mai over the past two months. Additional explosive devices have been discovered before detonation. Some of these incidents occurred at or near areas frequented by U.S. citizens. These incidents appear to be motivated by domestic politics and do not appear to be acts of international terrorism. The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out.
Supporters of a pro-government movement known as “mixed shirts,” “no color,” or “multi-color” have begun nightly demonstrations in the Nimmanhemin area of Chiang Mai city, near Chiang Mai University, an area frequented by U.S. citizens. Media report that these supporters intend to repeat these nightly demonstrations indefinitely. Supporters of the UDD may confront these demonstrations. In the past, similar confrontations have turned violent.
On Saturday, April 10, UDD and Royal Thai Government security forces clashed in the Phanfa Bridge area, resulting in a number of fatalities. On April 27, UDD protesters clashed with police near the Thai Air Force headquarters at Don Muang. The UDD stopped and entered vehicles looking for military and police personnel. Media report that UDD leaders plan to block the movement of security forces from the provinces to Bangkok.
On the evening of April 22, 2010, several explosions occurred in the Silonm/Sala Daeng area at the Sala Daeng BTS Skytrain station causing a number of injuries, including at least one fatality. The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to and lodging in this area.
The Royal Thai Government, under the order of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, is still operating under a State of Emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas, that grants special powers to the Royal Thai Police and Army. It is unclear what additional steps the Royal Thai Government may take under the State of Emergency. For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov.

Cunard Begins Construction of Queen Elizabeth in Italy

Published on: July 6, 2009 credited and written by travelpulse.com

Construction of Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth began in Italy last week, as the keel was laid at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy. The second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Elizabeth’s keel is the third Cunard has lain in the space of seven years. It is expected to enter service in October 2010. The keel laying involves the placement in the dry dock of the first section of the ship’s hull. This section consists of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 364 tons and is fitted with 104 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment. Fifty-three sections will be used in the construction of the ship, and it will take to the water for the first time its float-out in December.


The Queen Elizabeth will reflect its predecessor in interior décor and style, but with a modern twist. The ship will adhere to liner traditions, with double- and triple-height public rooms with wood paneling, mosaics, chandeliers and marble. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth. In addition to the Cunard entertainment program onboard, the Queen Elizabeth will offer some options inspired by the era of the first Queen Elizabeth, such as country house parties at sea, evening piano sing-a-longs and period dancing, including traditional ballroom, the jitterbug and the jive. As successor to the Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship will also reflect that liner through artwork and memorabilia and its Yacht Club. The Queen Elizabeth will also pay homage to the links that Cunard has enjoyed with royalty and the maritime world over the years with photography, memorabilia and exhibits.


The Queen Elizabeth will depart on its Maiden Voyage Oct. 12, 2010. The 13-night cruise will depart Southampton and will call at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, an overnight call), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira (Funchal). The maiden season will run through January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Fares start at $1,195 per person, double, for the five-night Gallic Debut voyage, departing Nov. 26, with port calls at Amsterdam, Zeebrugge and Le Havre. The 13-night Iberian Discovery voyage departs Dec. 1, 2010, with fares from $2,395 and port calls at Vigo, Lisbon, Seville, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and Madeira. The ship departs Southampton on Jan. 5, 2011, on its 103-night Maiden World Voyage, which has just been released for sale. It will make 35 maiden calls, including Cunard’s first call at Port Denarau (Fiji). In total, the Queen Elizabeth will call at 38 ports in 24 countries as it makes its way west around the globe, with maiden transits of the Panama and Suez Canals and calls at Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Lisbon. Full World Voyage fares aboard the Queen Elizabeth start at $19,995. Segments start at $2,545.  

 

Carnival Dream Successfully Completes Sea Trials in the Adriatic Sea

The 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, Carnival Cruise Lines’ largest ship, is shown here conducting sea trials in the Adriatic Sea in preparation for its Sept. 21 debut from Europe.

 

Currently under construction by the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, near Trieste, the 3,646-passenger vessel had a full contingent of officers, technicians and engineers on board who thoroughly tested the Carnival Dream’s sophisticated navigation and mechanical systems. Following sea trials, Carnival Dream returned to Monfalcone, where it will undergo final interior outfitting.

Carnival Dream will usher in an exciting new era of “Fun Ship” cruising and offer a host of innovations, including Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor café and entertainment venue, cantilevered whirlpools that extend out over the ship’s sides, and a variety of accommodation categories, including cove balconies that are closer to the water line and five-berth, two-bathroom staterooms that will be ideal for families.

Carnival Dream is scheduled to enter service in Europe Sept. 21 operating a series of Mediterranean cruises before repositioning to New York for eight-day cruises Nov. 15 and 23. The ship will operate a special nine-day cruise from Port Canaveral Dec. 3 then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises from that port Dec. 12.

Royal Caribbean’s 2010-11 Caribbean Season to Feature 5 Ships from 4 Homeports

Written and credited by cruiseindustrynews.com

Royal Caribbean International today unveiled its 2010-11 year-round Caribbean season, comprising of 243 sailings aboard five of the world’s most innovative cruise ships. Twenty-four distinct itineraries, ranging from five to nine nights, will include visits to 25 captivating ports of call and offer virtually unlimited choices–onboard and on-shore–for family and adventurous vacationers. Serenade of the Seas will expand from seasonal to year-round service at San Juan, Puerto Rico, while Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will continue regular sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami, respectively. Together, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will offer vacationers a choice of a Saturday or Sunday departure for an unparalleled cruise experience from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. General bookings for Royal Caribbean’s 2010-11 year-round Caribbean cruises are now open. Additional seasonal Caribbean deployments will be announced in the near future.

Royal Caribbean shore excursions also will offer guests an expansive variety of optional diversions to complement their days in port. Guests can snorkel in Barbados on Tiami Five Star Catamaran & Turtles; visit ancient Mayan ruins from Cozumel on Tulum Mayan Ruins Express; zip-line through the trees of Jamaica’s Laughland River Gorge on the Chukka Canopy Experience; delve into the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungles and beaches at Costa Maya on ATV Jungle & Beach Adventure; or simply take in the sun on balmy, breezy Orient Beach during a call at St. Maarten on St. Martin Beach Rendezvous. On itineraries featuring a call at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach paradise on Haiti’s northern coast, guests will be able to race each other on the Dragon’s Tail Coaster, an alpine coaster to open in summer 2009 that winds down the adjoining mountainside.

Having sailed seasonally from San Juan since 2003, Serenade of the Seas will begin year-round service in April 2010 from the Puerto Rican city-port with two alternating seven-night Southern Caribbean itineraries through December 2010. No port of call is repeated on the two itineraries, presenting vacationers the option to combine two consecutive cruises into a grand 14-night Southern Caribbean odyssey. One itinerary will call at Curacao, Aruba, Dominica and St. Thomas, while the other at Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Croix.

From May 2010, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will continue alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries departing respectively on Saturdays and Sundays. On January 30, 2011, Liberty of the Seas will begin alternating a six-night Western Caribbean, departing every other Sunday, and an eight-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, departing every other Saturday. The two ships feature the cruise line’s exclusive onboard amenities, including the FlowRider surf simulator, the H2O Zone water park, a boxing ring, cantilevered whirlpools, an ice-skating rink, and the four-bedroom, four-bath Presidential Family Suite. With eight restaurants and more than 15 bars and lounges, these Freedom-class shipsoffer guests more ways to enjoy a memorable Caribbean cruise vacation.

From Port Everglades, vacationers can choose a Saturday or Sunday departure aboard one of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ships in the industry, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.  In 2010, Allure of the Seas will cruise its inaugural season, mirroring Oasis of the Seas’ alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries. Oasis of the Seas also will sail two special holiday cruises, a five-night voyage departing December 18, calling at Labadee and Falmouth, Jamaica; and a nine-night voyage departing December 30, calling at Labadee, Falmouth, St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, debuting in November 2009 and 2010 respectively, will feature Royal Caribbean’s new neighborhood concept, seven themed areas throughout the ship that offer different experiences for guests to choose, based on their personal styles, preferences or moods. Inspired by seaside entertainment esplanades, Boardwalk will engage the entire family – whether young or young at heart – with eateries, retail outlets, carnival games, and an original, handcrafted carousel – a first at sea. Nine decks above, the first zip-line at sea will whisk guests from end to end on a thrilling aerial adventure. Boardwalk will lead to the AquaTheater at the stern of the ship, where the amphitheater – another first at sea – will offer a guest pool area by day and a performance venue at night, featuring dramatic acrobatics, synchronized swimming, water ballet, professional high-diving, and elaborate fountain shows synchronized to music and lights.

Onboard every Royal Caribbean ship, guests enjoy the cruise line’s award-winning Broadway-style musical revues from Royal Caribbean Productions, acclaimed Adventure Ocean kids and teen programming, world-class gaming in the Casino Royale, and Royal Caribbean’s renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from every staff and crew member.

Royal Caribbean Finalizes Oasis of the Seas Financing

Published on: April 16, 2009 by travelpulse.com

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said it has arranged commitments for unsecured financing in the amount of $1.05 billion, or 80 percent of the contract price of Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas. The facility will be 95 percent guaranteed by Finnvera, the official export credit agency of Finland, and amortizes over 12 years. BNP Paribas, Nordea Bank and SEB have each committed to provide 20 percent of the financing and each may elect to opt-out after six years. Finnish Export Credit Ltd. will provide funding for the remaining 40 percent. The company has an option of a floating or fixed rate of interest, and overall terms will fall within the company’s financial projections. The commitments are subject only to customary closing conditions.

Princess Offers Three-Day Samplers on Ruby Princess

Published on: April 6, 2009 and credited by travelpulse.com
Princess Cruises has added two three-day sampler sailings aboard the Ruby Princess from Fort Lauderdale. Departing on Dec. 14 and Dec. 17, the getaways each offer a call at the line’s private island, Princess Cays. The sailings replace a previously scheduled wetdock. “We were able to cancel an unnecessary maintenance period scheduled for Ruby Princess and turn it into a great opportunity for passengers to try our newest ship,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “These sampler sailings are a rare opportunity to experience the Princess product on a quick getaway. We think our passengers will appreciate the great value of these mini cruises, plus the chance to escape just before the busy holiday period.”

Launched in November 2008, the 3,080-passenger Ruby Princess features a piazza-style atrium, Sabatini’s Italian restaurant, the Crown Grill steak house and the new Wheelhouse Bar pub lunch. The ship offers the relaxing adults-only Sanctuary, poolside movies on a jumbo screen, and a behind-the-scenes option called the Ultimate Ship Tour. Fares for the new sailings begin at $249 for the Dec. 14 departure and $299 for the Dec. 17 cruise. For more information, call your Princess Certified Commodore specialist.
 

How Low Can They Go?

Ask anyone who has been around the cruise business for several years about the low prices being promoted right now. They will all probably agree that we are seeing some of the lowest prices ever for some destinations that previously commanded premium pricing. Take Alaska for example. This week NCL is offered cruises during a one day sale to Alaska for as low as $379. And Celebrity followed suit with Alaska voyages starting from $429. Perhaps the most enticing deal is a Celebrity CruiseTour – cruise plus land at only $989.

Europe has also been on “blue light special” recently with $699 lead rates from Celebrity and Royal Caribbean promoting a 12 night cruise for $1149 during high season. The general softness in the economy has affected land travel to Europe this summer meaning there are more air seats available at reasonable prices than last year. People are even reporting that they have been able to use their air miles for almost peak period travel.

The pundits also know that in the cruise business, the law of supply and demand is king. So as the deals begin to get snapped up, the rates will slowly ratchet upward. The easiest way to find the best deals is to ask a cruise agent to monitor prices on your favorite itineraries and let you know when they find a great price on the cruise or itinerary you want. It’s sort of like playing the stock market, without the pain.

Carnival Launches “Your Choice Dining” Program

Published on: April 2, 2009 and credited by travelpulse.com
Carnival Cruise Lines has launched Your Choice Dining, which provides a selection of three dinner seating options for guests aboard the line’s 22-ship fleet. In addition to early or late assigned seating, the cruise line is rolling out Your Time open seating to accommodate individual guest preferences. Also, under the new Your Choice Dining program, dining assignments will be confirmed at the time of booking. Your Time open seating, currently available on five ships, will be implemented one vessel at a time over the next several months as modifications in dining room table configurations are completed on each ship. An additional eight ships are scheduled to be converted by the end of year, and the balance of the fleet will be converted by summer 2010. The program is now available on the Carnival Legend, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Miracle. By the end of this month, it will be available on the Carnival Conquest, Carnival Elation and Carnival Pride. It will be available on the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Spirit by mid-June; the Carnival Dream by late September; the Carnival Ecstasy by mid-October; the Carnival Glory by mid-December; the Carnival Fascination by February 2010; and the Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Victory by summer 2010.

Confirmed dining assignments are now available fleet-wide. At the time of booking, guests are asked to choose from among early dining at 6 p.m., late dining at 8:15 p.m. or Your Time dining, which allows guests to dine at any time between 5:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., if applicable, depending on the ship and sailing date. Dining assignments will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis, according to when guests made their reservations. If the preferred dining choice is not available, guests may confirm an alternate choice and be placed on a waitlist for their first preferences. Waitlists will be cleared prior to the sailing, and guests will be notified via email of their confirmed seating assignments. Your Time guests also can request any table size or waiter and are typically seated immediately when arriving at the dining room. If a modest wait time is required, guests are given a pager so they are free to relax elsewhere on the ship until their table is ready. Additional options available under Your Choice Dining include poolside eateries and, on a number of ships, reservations-only, fine-dining restaurants. For more information, please call your local travel agent.

Holland America Opens New Culinary Training Program in Manila

Credited and published by cruiseindustrynews.com on March 16, 2009

Holland America Line has opened a new Culinary Training Program, designed in cooperation with the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), at its training center in Manila, the Philippines, to train shipboard culinary staff for its expanding fleet of premium cruise ships. Trainees will live at the facility while completing a three-week immersion culinary course.  

“Holland America Line is renowned for its culinary expertise and extraordinary food presentations in the dining rooms and many specialty restaurants,” said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs.  “Our new culinary training program in Manila will ensure that our culinary and beverage staff continues to raise the bar as we provide outstanding meals and service to our guests.”

The curriculum was designed by the CIA under the direction of a Holland America Line Culinary Operations team lead by Steve Kirsch, director of culinary operations, and Rudi Sodamin, master chef.  CIA Master Chef Almir Da Fonseca launched the initial training course in Manila this past fall.
“Those attending the school will receive culinary training as well as specific coursework that covers our upscale Pinnacle Grill restaurants, main dining rooms, renowned Lido Restaurants, specialty lounges and the Tamarind and Canaletto restaurants found currently on our new Signature-class ship, ms Eurodam,” said Meadows.  “The CIA curriculum is thorough and means that graduates will arrive on the ships with even greater culinary skills.”

The residential training center located on a hill overlooking Manila also functions as a school for front desk personnel and beverage staff, and has space to conduct leadership and other training classes for crew and officers.  A former hotel manager aboard the line’s ships, Brian McNeil serves as director of training at the facility and manages all training programs.  Holland America Line corporate trainers facilitate the three-week culinary classes comprised of 20 candidates.

“The residential facility gives us the ability to fully immerse students in their coursework,” Meadows continued. “We were able to design the training areas to give the students a realistic experience that replicates many of the conditions they will encounter when they are assigned to our ships.”

Holland America Line operates a similar residential program in Indonesia at the ms Nieuw Jakarta facility where dining room waiters, housekeeping stewards, clerks and other staff receive training.