Royal Caribbean Expands Allure of the Seas Inaugural Season

If you want to be on the real maiden Maiden Voyage of Allure of the Seas, your plans have just changed. Royal Caribbean Intl has announced that the first revenue voyage for Allure of the Seas’ inaugural season will take place one week earlier than originally planned. The ship’s first revenue voyage will be a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, sailing on Dec 5, 2010. Allure of the Seas’ new cruise for the inaugural season is now open for booking. Guests booked on the original inaugural season sail date of Dec 12, 2010, will be contacted by their travel agent or a Royal Caribbean representative, and given the opportunity to move their cruise vacation to the new sailing of Dec 5. Booked guests who wish to take the Dec 5 sailing will be re-accommodated in the same stateroom and category, and the cruise fare will be the lower of either the fare paid or current prices. Guests booked on the Dec 12, 2010 sailing will have until the end of Feb 2010 to opt to change their cruise to the Dec 5 sailing and ensure they keep the same stateroom.

On the Dec 5, 2010, inaugural season voyage of Allure of the Seas, guests will be among the first to enjoy an exceptional vacation experience on the newest Oasis-class ship, featuring an array of exclusive, industry-revolutionizing onboard amenities, and premiering new, breathtaking high-diving, light, and fountain shows in the AquaTheater and dazzling entertainment productions in the Opal Theater and Studio B ice-skating rink. Throughout, guests will enjoy the cruise line’s world-renowned friendly and engaging Royal treatment from Allure of the Seas’ staff and crew.

Allure of the Seas shares the title of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas will tout Royal Caribbean’s exclusive neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which will include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will alternate a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean 7-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Additional information is available at www.AllureoftheSeas.com.

"Fun Times" Replaces "Caper"-ing on Carnival Ships

In tune with the "Evolutions of Fun" upgrades being introduced on their older vessels, Carnival Cruise Lines has revamped its daily shipboard newsletter to include a colorful new design and a more user-friendly layout.

Formerly known as Carnival Capers, the new Fun Times newsletter offers an at-a-glance overview of the day’s events, including activity and entertainment options, dining choices, children’s programming, and more. In addition to retaining popular features, the updated Fun Times includes a contemporary look and feel and a new Today’s Top Ten column listing activity highlights for the day.

The Fun Times was introduced on the Carnival Liberty, Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Sensation this past weekend with a fleetwide roll out scheduled over the next few months.

NEW Cruise Review: Celebrity Solstice

They had to postpone a planned Transatlantic crossing aboard Celebrity Solstice, but our contributors Vincent and Mary Finelli finally sail a Caribbean cruise aboard her and share their experiences.

Of particular interest is Vincent's description of an accessible balcony stateroom.

Carnival Fascination Returns to Service from Jacksonville Following ‘Evolutions of Fun’ Upgrades

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Fascination has resumed its year-round 4- and 5-day schedule from Jacksonville, Florida following a $34 million dry dock that included the addition of an expansive new water park, exclusive adults-only retreat, redesigned main pool area and 98 balconies to existing staterooms. These renovations are part of the line’s $350 million “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program for its eight 70,000-ton Fantasy-class vessels. The Carnival Fascination is the sixth ship in the series to receive the extensive upgrades.

Carnival Fascination operates Jacksonville’s only year-round cruise schedule, carrying approximately 170,000 passengers a year. On this program, 4-day cruises departing Thursdays visit Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas; 5-day cruises departing Mondays call at Key West, Fla., and Nassau; and 5-day voyages departing Saturdays visit the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay and Nassau.

“Our Jacksonville-based cruises are a great option for those seeking a convenient, high quality vacation at a tremendous value and these new features will enhance the Carnival Fascination’s already strong appeal with consumers,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.

Exciting Top Deck Features: Carnival Fascination’s multi-million dollar refurbishment included a total transformation of its open decks, which now feature a massive new WaterWorks aqua park on Verandah Deck. This sprawling, all-ages facility includes an enclosed 300-foot-long Twister water slide full of exhilarating twists and turns, two 82-foot-long racing slides, and a splash zone for kids. The ship’s Lido Deck pool was also renovated with a colorful tropical theme featuring oversized umbrellas, vibrant tile work, thatched roofing and huge stylized palm trees, creating a relaxing resort-style ambiance.

New Balcony Accommodations: Ninety-eight balconies were also added to existing accommodations during the dry dock, creating spacious 230-square-foot balcony staterooms that provide the ideal vantage point for viewing the tropical scenery. Sixty-two of the new balcony staterooms are located aft with several of these featuring extended balconies, while 24 are located mid-ship and 12 near the stern. Several suites were also retrofitted with larger, extended balconies.

New Adults-Only Retreat: Another popular “Evolutions of Fun” element added during the dry dock was an adults-only retreat called Serenity, which is located on Promenade Deck aft, providing magnificent ocean vistas. Designed as an oceangoing oasis for relaxation, this area features a tropical design with teak-style decking, colorful umbrellas, and thatched roofing, along with two oversized whirlpools. Guests can relax in comfortable chaise lounges and chairs while enjoying frozen drinks and other icy concoctions.

Dining Enhancements:Delicious new dining options were added to the ship’s casual poolside restaurant, Coconut Grove Bar & Grill. These include a Mongolian wok venue where guests can select their favorite meat, sauce, vegetables and other ingredients and watch as a chef creates their custom-designed stir fry dish, and a rotisserie featuring roasted chicken and traditional side dishes. Additionally, the Sensation and Imagination main dining rooms were refurbished with new carpeting, upholstery and other cosmetic enhancements. The Sensation dining room, located forward, was also reconfigured for Your Time Dining providing guests the option of open seating between 5:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. nightly.

Shot during the 28-day dry dock in Freeport, The Bahamas, a new “behind-the-scenes” video on Carnival.com includes footage of workers installing the new features and renovating existing facilities, along with interviews with Andrew Mace, hotel director of the Carnival Fascination, and Dennis Dearborn, the company’s senior hotel director. Take a look at what happened during the transformation.

Cruise Diva Picks The Most Romantic Cruise Ships

Are you in the mood for love? Ask six couples what the most romantic aspect of a cruise is and you are likely to get a dozen different responses. To some, it could be the freedom to relax and enjoy one another's company. Or maybe it's the joy of getting away from home, work, and responsibility for a few cherished days.

One thing is certainly true, many couples consider a cruise the most romantic vacation imaginable. Which cruise ships are the most desirable for lovers? With Valentine's Day just around the corner, Cruise Diva shares her picks for the Most Romantic Ships.

With a little careful planning, a cruise can be anything you want it to be—a heavenly honeymoon, a renewal of your commitment to one another, or simply a quiet time together, far removed from your fast-paced everyday life. Cruise Diva shares her favorite hints to enhance Romance at Sea.

Princess Cruises to Host First-Ever Romance Summit During Valentine’s Week

In celebration of the most romantic holiday of the year, and to usher in the newest members of its Department of Romance, Princess Cruises is hosting the first-ever Romance Summit cruise. The Summit, which will be held on board Crown Princess during Valentine’s week, Feb 13-20, will feature a host of themed activities and presentations by the line’s Department of Romance members. Designed to celebrate the many aspects of cruising with Princess that can help couples reconnect, these special events will give passengers insight and inspiration on infusing romance into their everyday lives.

The entire Department of Romance will be aboard the special sailing. In addition to current members “Love Boat” captain Gavin MacLeod, “The Bachelorette’s” Trista and Ryan Sutter, and destination wedding expert Lisa Light, three new members will join the department. The new love experts are Anna Post, the great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post who will be discussing romance etiquette; “The Dating Diva” Dee Frazier of The University of Dating, an authority on finding love at any age; and Princess Cruises comedian Kevin Hughes, who keeps audiences laughing with his comedic and insightful take on relationships.

“Hosting the first-ever Romance Summit seems like the perfect way to celebrate Princess’ legacy of romance in a fun, unique way with something for everyone onboard,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises’ executive vice president. “It’s also the perfect way to introduce the newest members of our Department of Romance. We look forward to starting some lively conversations, as well as provide our passengers with great relationship tips, and a lot of fun.”

During the Romance Summit passengers will be treated to an abundance of romantic events, including an opportunity to meet all the Department of Romance members at a group panel discussion, plus attend individual presentations where each member will offer expertise on a particular aspect of love and relationships. Additionally, passengers will enjoy a variety of romance-themed activities, including a group renewal of vows for all couples on the ship and a Valentine’s Gala where passengers are invited to dress up in their best red attire for an evening of romantic dining and entertainment.

Throughout the sailing, passengers will enjoy themed food and beverage, entertainment, movies, and daytime activities. Crown Princess is sailing on a western Caribbean itinerary during the Romance Summit, with calls at Grand Cayman, Roatan, Cozumel, and Princess Cays. Further information about Princess is available through a professional travel agent, by visiting princess.com, or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS. Don't wait, though—there are still accommodations available on Crown Princess in several categories, but they may not last long. While you're sailing, enjoy Princess Cruises' sumptuous and romantic Ultimate Balcony Dinner.

Romantic Revelations - Who's the most attuned to romance, men or women? Get the "He said/She said" survey results from Princess Cruises.

Get a Romantic Valentine's Gift From Windstar Cruises

It's that time of year again, when Cupid strikes us with the urge to celebrate romance. If flowers and candy seem too passe for your significant other, Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts, wants to help you select a romantic gift by offering a Sweetheart Package to guests who book with a deposit between Feb 1 and Feb 14, 2010, for a 2010 cruise.

Windstar's Sweetheart Package includes in-room delivery of chocolate-dipped strawberries and a bottle of chilled Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label champagne. Guests also receive relaxing his and her 50-minute massages in WindSpa. Package value is $250.

Windstar's romance has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world. In fact, CruiseDiva.com has selected Wind Surf as one of The Most Romantic Ships at Sea.

Windstar recently announced the latest phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative featuring added amenities and enhancements to its luxurious ships in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions. With this latest initiative, Windstar continues to raise the bar, delivering a vacation experience that is "180 Degrees from Ordinary."

Windstar Cruises are known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. For more information including rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online.

New 2010 bookings made and deposited between Feb 1 and Feb 14, 2010, are eligible for the Windstar Sweetheart Package. The Windstar Sweetheart Package offer is not combinable with other shipboard credits, package offers and select sale offers. Guests should refer to the Windstar Sweetheart Package offer when booking their cruise with their Travel Professional.

Send Your One-And-Only The Ultimate Valentine: A Cruise

Valentine's Day is getting close and love is in the air, so whether it's a last minute impulse or carefully planned ahead, there is no better time than now to choose a romantic cruise. Member companies of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) make it easy to find the perfect voyage for two - with breakfast in bed, dining under the stars and dancing til dawn - and incredible value at the same time.

"Whether you're young or just young at heart, single, married or otherwise committed, there is no vacation more romantic than a cruise. The very nature of the experience - total comfort, personalized, pampering service, fabulous dining and entertainment, exotic destinations, the pure pleasure of being at sea - points to romance. And, the incredible variety of cruises available, in every price category and every part of the world, means that there is a romantic cruise for every taste and budget," said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA.

CLIA member lines are doing everything they can to help vacationers find romance at sea by offering incentives to book early as well as generous shipboard credits and other savings, even, in some cases, free airfare to Europe. Here is a sampling of Valentine's Day-inspired offers, programs and activities on cruise voyages around the world:

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES : Romance is always in the air on Carnival. In addition to a huge number of balcony staterooms on its ships - perfect for couples to view the beautiful passing scenery - Carnival offers tables for two in the main dining rooms and, on some ships, elegant steakhouses that are the ideal setting for an unforgettable and romantic meal. Carnival ships also offer Formalities shops where couples can purchase flowers, chocolates and other traditional Valentine's Day items.

COSTA CRUISES: Costa Cruises offers travelers numerous ways to experience "so much more amore" when they cruise with Europe's Number One Cruise Line in the romantic Mediterranean. Best of all, the line makes it as affordable as $75 per day, or up to 60 percent off regular fares. A warm, authentic Italian style of service sets the perfect backdrop for beautiful new ships and stunning locales throughout the Med including Italy, France, Spain and the Greek Isles.

CRYSTAL CRUISES: From special dinner requests to "Crystal Private Adventures" shore excursions to renewal ceremonies, couples can arrange pretty much anything they can imagine for a romance package on Crystal. In penthouse accommodations, guests can request dinner for two to be served by their personal butler on the verandah. The "All Inclusive-As You Wish" $500 per person shipboard credit can be used for virtually all purchases, including couples massage, flowers and formal portraits.

CUNARD LINE: Where better to follow in the footsteps of such starry-eyed couples as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor or Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, than aboard a Cunard ocean liner? Romance awaits on a classic transatlantic crossing aboard Queen Mary 2, with savings up to $600 per person off early booking fares on select voyages. Or make plans now for Queen Victoria's 2011 Americas season, including her first Getaway voyage to Mexico over Valentine's Day next year. Luxurious couples massages, ballroom dancing and elegant dining add to the intimate appeal.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE: Disney Cruise Line offers romantic dining experiences specifically for adults - elegant and peaceful, they are designed to suit sophisticated tastes. High atop both ships, Palo, Disney's signature restaurant at sea, treats adults to sweeping ocean views and exquisite northern Italian specialties. The Vista Spa and Salon and Spa Villas, provide exclusive accommodations and a menu of spa treatments and services such as massages, body wraps, facials, manicures/pedicures and hair styling.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE: A cruise on Holland America can be a romantic dream from dawn until well beyond dusk. Breakfast in bed, long-stemmed red roses, champagne and caviar package, cuddly stuffed bears proclaiming "I Love You," the Valentine's Red and White Ball in the Crow's Nest, moonlit nightcaps on a private verandah: these are only some of the features of a variety of special romance packages with such enticing names as "Totally Being in Love," "Would you marry me...again?" and "The Perfect Couple."

MSC CRUISES: Couples on MSC ships will find romance at every turn--from elegant Italian ambiance and white glove service, to evenings filled with dancing and live entertainment throughout the ship, seven-course gourmet cuisine and even breakfast served on the private veranda of their stateroom or suite. Relaxing couples massages and other sensual spa pleasures for love birds can be combined into spa packages, and, for the last minute romantic shopper, rates on February Caribbean cruises begin at $499.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE: Norwegian Cruise Line is offering suite deals to set romantic hearts aflutter. Guests who book a cruise in a Suite or Villa at least nine months prior to sailing from now through April 1, 2010 receive up to $300 in on-board spending credit per stateroom to be used on everything from romantic shore excursions and candlelit dinners to couples' spa treatments and more. Several "Romance" packages, intimate dinners for two, customized "dream dates" ashore and couples massages are other enticements.

PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES: Escape to romantic Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific on Paul Gauguin Cruises, which has dramatically reduced prices on four popular itineraries for cruises booked by February 15, 2010, on top of already reduced cruise-only fares. Aboard the 5+-star Paul Gauguin, the most highly awarded small ship in the region, guests will enjoy a spacious suite or stateroom, attentive service, world-class amenities, and sumptuous cuisine-all against the backdrop of the most romantic setting on Earth.

PRINCESS CRUISES: This year, one upcoming Princess voyage will be particularly filled with love as the line holds its first ever Romance Summit aboard Crown Princess during the Valentine's week cruise, Feb 13-20. Celebrating Princess' legacy of romance in a unique way, Princess' Department of Romance members will be on board as special guests to offer their insight into all things romantic, and passengers will be treated to romance-themed events and activities, including a renewal of vows ceremony and a gala Valentine's Ball, with everyone invited to wear red.

SEABOURN CRUISE LINE: A romantic Seabourn yacht cruise is all about tailoring the experience to what each guest wants, with attentive service staff who have an uncanny ability to surprise and delight. A Seabourn suite, with expansive views, is a cozy, commodious vacation home-away-from-home, with a minibar stocked with the couple's requested beverages, including French champagne. Gourmet dining designed by Charlie Palmer, whether in the ship's elegant restaurant or at a private candlelit table on the suite balcony adds to the romance.

SILVERSEA CRUISES: Silversea's intimate ultra-luxury ships provide a uniquely appealing option for sophisticated couples seeking a truly indulgent, romantic getaway. With stopovers in some of the world's most romantic cities, Silversea offers award-winning cuisine, warm hospitality and unparalleled service wrapped in an ambiance of European style and elegance. Couples are welcomed onboard with a glass of champagne, and then escorted by a private attendant to their richly appointed suite. Silversea's signature private teak ocean view veranda is the perfect venue for an intimate sunrise breakfast, twilight champagne toast or midnight stargazing.

WINDSTAR CRUISES : With its glamorous and sophisticated Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Wind Spirit sailing ships, Windstar offers unique romantic adventures in the Caribbean this winter - seven day voyages from Barbados or St. Martin and seven-day explorations of Costa Rica. There are also voyages to the most romantic locales of the French and Italian Mediterranean and Greek Islands. A variety of romance, honeymoon and wedding vow renewal packages are also available.

LGBT Cruise Community Reaches Out To Haiti

Within days of the creation of the American Red Cross LGBT Haiti Relief Fund, a Red Cross representative stated the fund has already raised more money than many of the huge corporate donors. This was accomplished by significant outreach efforts to the LGBT community via donors and activists along with a massive email campaign to the members of three LGBT cruise companies, Olivia, Atlantis, and RSVP. Within a week, the community has raised over $150,000 for the fund.

Donations of cruises, an upgrade auction and matching funds all were contributed by the cruise companies as pledges came pouring in with record dollars in a matter of a few hours. "We are reaching out to all LGBT organizations and individuals to become part of this relief fund effort and get the word out everywhere," said Judy Dlugacz, President and founder of Olivia Companies, a lesbian-oriented vacation company. "If we all work together we can provide enormous support to the Haiti relief efforts."

"We are inspired to see so many groups coming together to help earthquake survivors in Haiti," says Nan Buzard, Sr. Director of International Response and Programs for the American Red Cross. "The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender community has done an outstanding job of raising funds to support the American Red Cross's relief work in Haiti."

To contribute to the fund, visit http://american.redcross.org/LGBT-pub.

Cruise Travel: “Just be. In Holland.”

Are you planning a cruise from Amsterdam? Anyone who has been to Holland knows it is the perfect place to just be amazed, just be relaxed and just be yourself! That’s why the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC) is launching its newest marketing campaign on February 4th in North America, “Just be. In Holland.” to appeal to every type of traveler. Whether your style is classic or contemporary, Holland has something for everyone, from iconic Dutch canals and windmills to innovative design shops and cutting-edge fashion.

To mark the launch of this new year-long campaign, NBTC will test potential travelers’ knowledge of Holland through a series of contests on Holland.com. A new contest will be posted every Thursday in February. Each correct online entry will be entered into a weekly drawing for a chance to win an incredible prize that highlights a different aspect of Holland’s unique style. Each week’s prize (one winner per prize) is listed below.

· February 4 contest: Have a fresh bouquet of tulips delivered to your home each month for a year
· February 11 contest: Dazzle your darling (or yourself!) with an exclusive Gassan 121 diamond
· February 18 contest: Cycle through your hometown on a traditional Batavus Dutch bicycle
· February 25 contest: Lounge in style on the Carbon chair designed by Marcel Wanders and Bertjan Pot

In addition to the weekly prizes, one grand prize winner will be awarded the ultimate experience: a chance to just be in Holland! In order to qualify for the grand prize—two round-trip, business class tickets on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to Amsterdam and a 4-night stay at the Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand—potential travelers simply need to upload a photo showing how they would “Just be. In Holland.” between February 4 and March 4, 2010. The most creative entry will be selected.

In addition to the weekly contests running on throughout February, those who live in New York City will have a chance to be transported to Holland via themed subway cars on the S subway shuttle line, which runs between Grand Central and Times Square. Each car—wrapped inside and out—will represent Holland’s cultural, classic and contemporary aspects and include translations of fun Dutch phrases and words. In addition, street teams will be deployed at the Grand Central and Times Square stations each week to distribute Holland-themed giveaways.

Conrad van Tiggelen, Director, NBTC North America, looks forward to engaging with potential travelers for the launch of the new campaign. “The new ‘Just be. In Holland.’ campaign epitomizes what repeat visitors to Holland already know—that Holland is a place where you can truly be yourself and discover a world of authentic and modern experiences, whether you are interested in art, culture, design, fashion or architecture.”

The online promotion runs concurrent with the duration of the wrapped subway shuttle, from February 4th to March 4th, 2010. For more information, including terms and conditions, and for a chance to win, please visit Holland.com.