Who's Afraid of Norovirus? Celebrity Mercury Delays Next Cruise

While waiting for my flight connection in Detroit last Saturday, I chatted with two nice ladies who were on their way to warm weather vacation destinations. Asked if they'd ever considered a cruise, they looked dubious. One said she'd love to cruise, but was afraid of getting sick. Of course she was referring to the recent news about the outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on Celebrity Mercury. My assurances that you could get sick anywhere didn't seem to allay her concern. When I got home and was able to catch the news, I discovered why.

Celebrity Mercury has had an unusually bad run of gastrointestinal illness on board. So bad, in fact, that The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has made a no-sail recommendation for at least four full days for the ship to investigate recurring outbreaks.

The latest bout of illness is the third on the ship since the middle of last month. The source of the first two outbreaks was identified as norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea. Members of the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which works with the cruise industry to prevent and control illnesses on cruise ships, boarded Celebrity Mercury Monday to look for the source of the current outbreak. CNN reports that CDC spokesman Ricardo Beato stated, "The CDC and the cruise line corporate staff have not yet determined why the controls that they were following have not been effective."

After the first February outbreak, in which more than 20% of passengers became ill, a VSP team inspected the ship and made preventative recommendations. Celebrity Mercury's next sailing was delayed for a day while a full cleaning was undertaken. Nevertheless, about 10% of passengers on that subsequent cruise were felled by norovirus. On the latest sailing, approximately 19% of passengers became ill. As a cautionary measure, Celebrity Mercury has skipped a scheduled port call in Tortola this week, cutting the current cruise short by a day, and the ship will return to Charleston, SC, on Thursday morning.

Passengers have been compensated for the abbreviated itinerary, according to Celebrity Cruises spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez. "Guests currently on board Celebrity Mercury received an onboard credit in the amount of one day of the cruise fare paid for their sailing, as well as a future cruise certificate for 25 percent of the cruise fare paid," she said in an email to CNN.

According to a statement issued Monday, Celebrity Cruises has delayed the cruise scheduled to depart from Charleston on Friday, March 19, for two days so Celebrity Mercury can undergo enhanced cleaning and disinfecting:

Itinerary Change Celebrity Mercury: During Celebrity Mercury's last sailing, a number of guests on board experienced a gastrointestinal illness, thought to be a norovirus. In an abundance of caution, we are conducting extensive and thorough sanitizing on board the ship and within the cruise terminal, as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, to help prevent any illness from affecting the next sailing.

Regrettably, in order to conduct the extensive sanitizing, it is necessary to delay the departure of Celebrity Mercury March 19 sailing by two days. Boarding is now anticipated to take place on Sunday, March 21 between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Seating in the cruise terminal at the Port of Charleston is very limited. Therefore, we ask that guests scheduled to depart on this sailing not arrive at the pier on Sunday before 4:00 p.m. We apologize for this delay and any inconvenience it may cause our guests.

Due to the delayed departure, it was necessary to make some adjustments to the planned itinerary. Celebrity Mercury will now departed Charleston on Sunday, March 21, be at sea Monday; visit Key West, Florida, Tuesday; Cozumel, Mexico, Wednesday; Costa Maya, Mexico, Thursday; at sea Friday; Nassau, Bahamas, Saturday; and at sea Sunday.

It is our understanding that passengers who choose not to sail on March 21 will be issued a refund; those who do sail will receive a pro-rated refund for the shortened cruise in the form of an on board credit.

New York Themes Highlight Holland America Line's New Nieuw Amsterdam

An extensive array of upscale public areas aboard the new Holland America Line Signature-class ship ms Nieuw Amsterdam reflects the brand's enhanced premium-class facilities and amenities, highlighted by decor honoring the historic glamour of New York City, known as Nieuw Amsterdam by its Dutch founders. Art, craftwork, and historical artifacts documenting New York's Native American history and Dutch influences, along with the history and glamour of Holland America Line's 138-year association with the world's greatest city, are displayed throughout the ship's expertly finished public areas.

Located adjacent to the Crow's Nest, Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, is very NYC. The comfortable, seagoing coffee bistro features an extensive library, Internet terminals, international newspapers, plush chairs and sofas, and a comfortable, upscale environment for reading and conversation. The Crow's Nest lounge itself, which completes Observation Deck's public areas, overlooks Nieuw Amsterdam's bow and features a collection of Nieuw Amsterdam memorabilia dating back to the original ship's 1906 launch and the heyday of Nieuw Amsterdam II, which carried the cream of international society between New York and Rotterdam in the post World War II era. A plush and quiet vantage point by day, the room transforms into a stylish dance club in the evening.

Kids are in control on Panorama Deck (deck 10), which features Club HAL®, the dedicated youth facilities and activities center offering supervised, age-appropriate programming for kids 3 to 12. And, because teens desire their own space, Holland America created The Loft, a hip lounge where teen-age cruisers can meet, have fun and hang out. The Loft is equipped with comfortable chairs and sofas, games and a new video editing facility, and is decorated as a typical New York street design of large murals featuring creations by top New York City graffiti artists, crosswalk, street signs, a real New York yellow cab and old-fashioned hot dog stand.

Lower Promenade's Explorer's Lounge continues Nieuw Amsterdam's New York theme with a stunning wall-to-wall mixed media collage of the 17th Century New York City skyline by Dutch artist Harald Vlugt. The room also features sculpture and decorative accessories from New York's early Native American and European inhabitants. Lower Promenade also includes a fully equipped Casino, offering 116 slots, blackjack, roulette, craps and a variety of poker games. Located adjacent is the Casino Bar, highlighted by a display of large-format contemporary and classic photographs of New York City (NYC) street scenes, sports icons, and American and Dutch celebrities. The NYC-centric decor is continued in the nearby Piano Bar, which also features live keyboard music.

Nieuw Amsterdam's soaring Atrium (pictured above in an artist's rendering) is highlighted by a majestic telescoping chandelier designed to honor New York City's iconic skyline. The LED-equipped chandelier is lit in an ever-varying spectrum of rich colors.

Built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near Venice, Italy, the 2,106-guest Nieuw Amsterdam will sail its maiden voyage July 4, 2010. After several 12-day Mediterranean sailings, Nieuw Amsterdam embarks on a fall crossing of the Atlantic for the warmth of the Caribbean with 7-day eastern and western island itineraries from Nov 2010 through March of the next year. For more information on Nieuw Amsterdam, visit HollandAmerica.com.

Cunard Line Announces 2011 Program

Combining 170 years of experience with the youngest, luxury fleet at sea—flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and the soon-to-be-launched Queen Elizabeth—Cunard has announced its most extensive range of voyages to date, with a greater choice of itineraries, departure dates, and overnight stays. Guests will have more opportunities to experience the new golden age of ocean travel with the classic traditions and legendary White Star Service for which Cunard is renowned.

The line’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, will continue to offer extended Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton, as well as to Hamburg; Queen Victoria will journey across the Atlantic for a second Americas season in early 2012; and new to the voyage schedule will be visits to the Holy Land aboard both Queen Victoria and the new Queen Elizabeth.

“Three new ocean liners in just six years demonstrates the deep resonance of the Cunard brand to guests looking for the best in luxury cruising and the ability to experience a unique sense of heritage and tradition,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “With the addition of Queen Elizabeth, we can now offer guests even more legendary voyage options, featuring the signature Cunard ocean travel experience.”

Queen Mary 2: The grandest ocean liner at sea, Queen Mary 2 will continue to offer her legendary Transatlantic Crossings in 2011, sailing 21 in total, with most voyages now seven days between New York and Southampton. Eight- and nine-day extended Crossings between New York and Hamburg also will be available. In addition, “Grand” voyage options are available, roundtrip from New York, combining classic European itineraries with a Crossing on either side.

Guests on the elongated Crossings will enjoy additional time to explore the extensive onboard offerings, including lectures through the award-winning Cunard Insights programme; stargazing in the only planetarium at sea; afternoon tea served in the Queens Room or a spin around the dance floor during a Royal Nights themed ball; taking in a performance or workshop by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art; or perusing the 8,000 volumes in the largest library at sea.

Queen Mary 2 also will offer two voyages to the Atlantic Isles and Iberia, seven voyages in Northern Europe with trips to Norway from Southampton and Hamburg, and an 8-day Around the British Isles voyage. After her annual Getaway for the Fourth of July holiday, she returns to New York in the fall for an enhanced 10-day Canada & New England voyage, which now features an overnight stay in Quebec, and in December, a holiday-timed Caribbean Celebration.

Queen Victoria: Queen Victoria once again begins her 2011 season with a series of voyages to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, roundtrip from Southampton. Additionally, she will offer five voyages to Northern Europe, including two 12-day St. Petersburg & Baltic Capitals itineraries which feature overnight stays in St. Petersburg, and a new Gallic Overture voyage, taking in Ireland, France and Spain. After repositioning to Venice at the end of the summer, she will once again be based in the Mediterranean for a series of 12-day sailings between Venice, Rome and Athens. These popular itineraries cover the very best of the region, including one voyage to the Black Sea, three voyages to Turkey and the Greek Isles, and two voyages to Egypt and the Greek Isles, with most featuring an overnight in either Istanbul or Venice.

New for 2011 is a Holy Land Explorer voyage, offering calls in Egypt and Israel. The 12-day voyage, roundtrip from Rome, provides the opportunity to visit historic Cairo, Jerusalem and Galilee. Queen Victoria then journeys across the Atlantic to start her second Americas season in 2012. In addition to a return of the 17-day voyage from Los Angeles to New York, she will offer three 15-day Panama Canal transits between Los Angeles and Ft. Lauderdale, two 14-day voyages to Hawaii, and an 11-day partial Canal voyage roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale. She will then head back across the Atlantic on an eight-day Transatlantic Crossing.

Queen Elizabeth: The eagerly anticipated 2011 maiden voyages for Queen Elizabeth will offer a wide-ranging series of itineraries in Europe and beyond from her home port of Southampton, with a total of 52 maiden calls in her first full season. Included in next year’s line-up are four sailings to the Mediterranean and one Voyage to the Holy Land, which includes calls in Jerusalem, Galilee and Cairo. Also available will be a series of 14-day Baltic voyages that include a full day and overnight call in St. Petersburg, two 7-day Fjord departures, an 11-day voyage to the North Cape, a maiden Around the British Isles voyage, plus a number of voyages to the Atlantic Isles and Canary Islands. Rounding out her 2011 season will be a series of 5-day Getaway voyages and two visits to the United States on roundtrip voyages from Southampton. Growing interest in overnight calls will see the newest Cunarder also stay overnight in Amsterdam, Venice, New York, and Quebec.

See Cunard’s 2011-2012 voyage schedule online for complete details. Reservations for Cunard’s 2011 and 2012 voyages will open for booking on Apri 26l for Cunard World Club Members and April 27 for non-members. For more information and to book a voyage, consult your Travel Professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD, or visit Cunard.com.

Celebrity Silhouette Takes Shape

Before boarding Celebrity Eclipse on Wednesday evening, our group was invited in side Meyer Werft shipyard to witness the next all-important step in the progress of Celebrity Cruises' Solstice Class. As the first steel was cut for Celebrity Silhouette, building of the fourth vessel in the series has begun.

It may only look like a slab of steel right now, but it won't be long before Celebrity Silhouette takes the place of Celebrity Eclipse as the tallest building in Papenburg.

Celebrity Eclipse, The “Conveyance”

The village of Papenburg, Germany has one less “high rise” at the edge of town today.

Celebrity Eclipse sailed from the Meyer Werft shipyard on schedule Thursday morning at 9:00am for its “conveyance”—backwards—up the River Ems. The tugs were in place and, from our viewing area on the outside deck aft of the Oceanview Café on Deck 14, we could hear the sounds of “Time to Say Goodbye” as the Eclipse’s horn signaled our departure.

It was an exciting event and one that was actually moved forward a day due to the weather forecast. We boarded Celebrity Eclipse on Wednesday night and, while Thursday was a somewhat overcast morning, the crisp air was perfectly still, as it has to be for a successful conveyance. Ships the size of Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice-class, of which the Celebrity Eclipse is the third, move at a sedate 4 knots up the river to dock in Eemshaven, The Netherlands to prepare for sea trials. Winds and tide levels are crucial to a successful 22 kilometer conveyance.

Asked how wide and how deep the river must be, Mr. Bernard Meyer, the managing partner of Meyer Werft smiles and responds, “Wide enough and deep enough.” He notes that the absence of wind is critical because a ship the size of Celebrity Eclipse acts like a giant sail in heavy winds on the river. When you see how truly narrow the locks and bridges are—with mere feet on either side of the ship’s hull—it’s easy to admire the skill of the tugboat captains and Celebrity Eclipse’s captain.

And so, with thousands of spectators lining the riverbanks, and bicyclists actually “passing” us on the roadway, we reached our destination on time and with the paint on Celebrity Eclipse’s hull intact.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you can tell from the images below. Who’d have ever guessed my first river “cruise” would be on an ocean-going cruise ship?

On the river, with a tug guiding Celebrity Eclipse stern first:

Below: Celebrity Eclipse passes through Meyer Werft lock


Below: Passage of the bridge in Weener, where a section has been removed temporarily

Below: Passage of Jann Berghaus Bridge (drawbridge), Leer

Cruising in South America

The recent devasating earthquake in Chile has brought that country, and much of South America under closer scrutiny lately. To most North Americans, the continent is quite exotic and fairly unknown.

While most South America cruises tend to be lengthy—if you have trouble adjusting to travel due to the negative effects of jet lag, South America voyages are ideal—you often travel in the same time zone as your hometown when visiting countries there. Not having to overcome jet lag means you can hit the ground running and get the most out of your vacation from the moment your plane lands.

Research is high on my list of things to do when preparing for a cruise to foreign ports. Guidebooks are naturally a good place to start, as is the Internet. However, one of the best sources of information is someone who's already been there. In my case, I began my research for a cruise to South America in my own kitchen by interviewing my husband. Mel, who traveled extensively throughout South America for over a decade. To give me a start, Mel compiled some Tips for South America Cruise Travel.

Whether you choose to discover South America on a cruise along the Atlantic, Pacific, or both coasts, plan to spend some time before or after your cruise meeting the locals and sampling the beach, cuisine, and nightlife of South America's treasures. BrazilMax, an award-winning online travel guide to South America's largest country focuses on what they call roots tourism–eco, cultural, historical, rural, adventure, business, etc. Their aim is to help travelers plan their trips and better understand Brazilian society and culture.

Easily one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, Christo Redentor (pictured above) is an icon to the warmth of Brazil.

What's Cruise Diva Doing In Germany?

For a change of pace, I’m not at sea. Not exactly, that is.

I’ve gone to Germany, Papenburg to be exact, to the Meyer Werft shipyard to board Celebrity Eclipse for the “Conveyance.” This milestone event marks the first time this sophisticated, new Solstice Class ship sets sail from Meyer Werft shipyard and cruises—backward!—down the River Ems, with tens of thousands of area residents lining the riverbanks to watch and cheer her on.

Not your typical “river cruise,” the conveyance promises to be quite an experience. While Celebrity Eclipse hasn't been completely fitted out, and still has sea trials ahead of her after reaching Emshaven, Netherlands, I'll be reporting my impressions.

Also on board will be the ten winners of Celebrity’s “Eclipse of a Lifetime” sweepstakes, which drew more than 200,000 entrants. Our Celebrity Cruises hosts scheduled to be on hand include President & CEO Dan Hanrahan and VP of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden, who is sure to talk about Qsine, the new dining venue on Celebrity Eclipse.

I have my camera in hand, so check back for updates. Depending on the weather, we'll either stay onboard Celebrity Eclipse tomorrow or disembark and head to Amsterdam.

Where's Cruise Diva?

Every year, about 300,000 tourists come to Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany to see first hand how state-of-the-art shipbuilding works and I'm about to join their ranks. Tourists are particularly captivated by the huge luxury cruise ships and the complex production line at the shipyard and so, in cooperation with the Papenburg Tourism Ltd, a Visitors Center is operated to provide a detailed insight into the production process at the yard by means of exhibits, videos, a mock-up cabin, etc. And every time a ship is conveyed down the river Ems, large crowds are attracted to witness this spectacular event.

Are you interested in visiting Meyer Werft? If the web cam on their Internet site has whetted your appetite, simply book your tour, check out the Visitors Center, and get a close look at the cruise ships under construction in the building docks of the yard.

From 1995 to the present, Meyer Werft has delivered five Century- and Solstice-class cruise ships to Celebrity Cruises. Until 1996 the Mercury and Galaxy were the biggest cruise ships built in Germany, which was a great success for Meyer Werft and the country's ship building industry. This weekend will see Celebrity Eclipse, the fourth of Celebrity's Solstice-class ships, leave Meyer Werft for a conveyance and Cruise Diva will be on board.

10 New & Exciting Theme Cruises

An exciting slate of new theme cruises is awaiting just over the horizon. No matter where your interests lie, there is most likely a theme cruise out there just waiting for you. Sail with luminaries and other guests who share your passions.

These cruises, and many more, can be found at ThemeCruiseFinder.com, which is designed to provide a comprehensive search portal for travelers interested in taking part in one of the many theme cruises currently available:

1. Sail with Pat Conroy: Pat Conroy uses stories to explore the great themes of life. His honesty and his remarkable command of the language of the heart have won him devoted readers around the world. (April 17, 2010; Crystal Cruises)
2. Michelin-Star Chefs: Tom Aikens - Youngest British chef ever awarded two Michelin Stars; owner of Tom Aikens Restaurant in the U.K., named eighth best restaurant in the world. (Sept 17, 2010; Crystal Cruises); Michael Mina - Founder of the Mina Group, with 11 concept restaurants including two-Michelin-Starred Michael Mina in San Francisco. (Sept 5, 2010; Crystal Cruises)
3. Guiding Light Cruise: So Long Springfield: The "So Long Springfield at Sea" cruise will bid farewell to the soap opera "Guiding Light" (July 31, 2010; Carnival Cruise Line)
4. Air Supply: Featuring Christopher Cross and John Waite, for fans of these '70's iconic performers, this is a can't miss event. (Oct 31, 2010; Royal Caribbean)
5. Great Alaska Marathon Cruise: Run the world's only staged maritime marathon! Every day brings a new distance, new terrain and new racing experiences. By the end of the week you'll have run the marathon distance (26.2 miles) and have seen some of the world's most beautiful landscapes. Finally, a running vacation. (July 11, 2010; Holland America Line)
6. "little people - BIG SHIP": Celebrity Fan Cruise with Amy Roloff - Amy has become well known from her show on the Discovery Channel: "little people - BIG WORLD." (June 26, 2010; Royal Caribbean)
7. Bon Appétit Travel Series: Kurt Gutenbrunner -This hosted sailing will provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy private events with the celebrated guest chef on board exclusively for this group. Mix and mingle with Chef Gutenbrunner during exclusive epicurean experiences and interactive demonstrations that will reflect the taste and style of the region, as well as his own culinary character. (Oct 9, 2010; Regent Seven Seas Cruises); Shaun Hergatt - Executive Chef and Partner of SHO, Chef Hergatt, brings his passion for hospitality and his stellar culinary background to this unique Bon Appétit Travel Series cruise. His distinctive style of boldly flavored, innovative dishes based on the flavors of Australia has won praise in the US and abroad. (Sept 22, 2010; Regent Seven Seas Cruises)
8. Malt Shop Memories Cruise: A 4-night cruise highlighting music from the 1950s and '60s. Appearances include Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Lesley Gore, The Original Drifters, The Platters and Lou Christie. DJ Jerry Blavat, also known as the "Geator with the Heater," serves as host of the cruise and emcee of special events. (May 13, 2010; Carnival Cruise Line)
9. The Swingers Cruise: We're not talking about dancing! (Jan 23, 2011; Windstar Cruises)
10. Dr. Ruth Westheimer: Dr. Ruth is a psychosexual therapist who pioneered speaking frankly about sexual matters on radio with her program, Sexually Speaking. (July 6, 2010; Cunard Line)

And last, but certainly not least... a somewhat controversial theme cruise returns to sea:

• 3rd International Cougar Cruise: Come join the 3rd International Cougar Cruise, for younger men/older women! (Dec 3, 2010; Norwegian Cruise Line)

Exceptional Booking Volumes Spurs Fare Increases For NCL

This may be a trend in the making, so you might want to start making your cruise vacations a bit sooner than later.

Only a little over a week after Carnival Cruise Lines announced upcoming fare increases spurred by strong booking numbers, Norwegian Cruise Line reports they too experienced an unprecedented year-to-date increase in booking volume during their “Year of the Freestyle Vacation” wave season promotion in January and February. In addition, group business was up close to twofold. The company also saw a strong interest in its new ship debuting in June, Norwegian Epic, and for its Hawaii-based ship, Pride of America. Because of this demand, prices are set to increase fleet wide up to seven percent as of Thursday, April 2, 2010. That’s 2 percent higher than the “up to 5 percent” announced by competitor Carnival.

“Our first quarter wave season promotion definitely persuaded consumers to book a Norwegian cruise vacation as we saw heavy call volumes translating to exceptional bookings,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line chief executive officer. “As we move out of wave season, consumers and travel partners can expect to see our prices rise across the fleet, especially for our new, highly anticipated ship Norwegian Epic.”

About Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 43-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian has the youngest fleet in the industry with 10 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.Norwegian is presently building Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, for delivery in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic. For more information on Norwegian or to book a cruise, call 866-234-7350, visit NCL.com ,or phone a travel professional.

Silver Spirit: Scheduled Departure From Valparison, Chile on March 8

SPECIAL NOTE FROM SILVERSEA CRUISES:

We have been closely monitoring the situation in Chile and are pleased with the current progress. Based on the information we have received from our local ground operators, things are rapidly returning to normal in Santiago and the Silver Spirit is expected to depart Valparaiso as scheduled.

However, guests who have made independent flight arrangements to Santiago are urged to contact their travel agent or airline directly to reconfirm their schedule as flights are operating, but sometimes to an altered timetable. If you are a Silversea air/sea guest and have questions regarding the status of your flight to Chile, please contact our offices at 1-800-722-9955

Also, as a courtesy to embarking guests who may have difficulty with a transfer to Valparaiso, there will be limited transportation available from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel to the pier departing sharply a t 2:00PM on Monday, March 8. The ship will sail at 10:00pm as per our published schedule unless we know there are a large number of guests who are delayed and we have been provided this information.