Harmony of the Seas Offers More Fun For Families

No parent wants bored children on vacation. Thankfully, Royal Caribbean International understnds and is expanding family fun onboard its newest ship Harmony of the Seas. Guests setting sail aboard Harmony will be able to enjoy more family-friendly offerings than ever before, such as Royal Caribbean’s signature DreamWorks Experience, enhanced entertainment in the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, and a new collection of family amenities—two thoughtful collections of experiences that highlight what travelers tend to enjoy most on vacation: eat, play, drink—in balcony staterooms with views of the Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods. Combined with The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, The Perfect Storm trio of water slides, and Splashaway Bay interactive aqua park for kids, Harmony of the Seas will offer adventure for the entire family aboard the world’s largest cruise ship when she arrives in May 2016.

DreamWorks Animation Characters Set Sail
When Harmony of the Seas debuts in just over 100 days, she will bring with her a familiar cast of DreamWorks Animation characters including Po of Kung Fu Panda; Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots of Shrek; and from Madagascar, Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, King Julien and the Penguins. Guests will enjoy events and activities based on DreamWorks Animation's popular feature-film characters, including a DreamWorks Character breakfast in the main dining room, ‘meet and greet’ experiences throughout the day, as well as photo opportunities that can be shared with family and friends back home thanks to VOOM, the fastest internet at sea.

Royal Caribbean's younger guests can enjoy a line-up of activities, from story time to dance parties, games and adventures rooted in the popular DreamWorks Animation films at the complimentary Adventure Ocean youth program. Only on Royal Caribbean, parents and kids alike can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they have guaranteed seats on “opening weekend” of highly anticipated feature films such as "Kung Fu Panda 3,” which premieres onboard the same day it does in theaters on land. Year-round, guests can watch the latest and long-term favorite DreamWorks Animation films in the ship’s 3D movie theater and on a dedicated DreamWorks TV channel in their stateroom.

Enhanced Adventure Ocean Programming
Royal Caribbean’s complimentary Adventure Ocean youth program will continue to offer young guests, ages three to eleven, an entertaining line-up of activities and games rooted in fun. New to be offered in Harmony’s Adventure Ocean Theater is Away We Go!, a black light puppet show. Additionally, programming by “Muffalo Potato”—the popular YouTube show, which teaches kids to draw anything in minutes using only letters and numbers—will round out Harmony’s lineup. Muffalo Potato originally debuted aboard Anthem of the Seas and will expand fleetwide just in time for summer vacations, starting with Harmony of the Seas.

New Family Amenities for Central Park & Boardwalk Staterooms
Families vacationing together on Harmony of the Seas, as well as Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, will have a new collection of added benefits to balcony staterooms overlooking the Central Park and Boardwalk outdoor neighborhoods. Starting in November 2016, the views will be enhanced with amenities that feature the best of what each neighborhood has to offer. Guests with views of Central Park—the design in which the center of the ship opens to the sky and features tropical grounds spanning the length of a football field—will enjoy lunch for two at Jamie’s Italian on Harmony of the Seas or Giovanni’s Table onboard Oasis and Allure of the Seas; a complimentary bottle of red wine upon arrival; and special perks in the Casino Royale. Guests with Boardwalk views—a neighborhood inspired by the boardwalks of yesteryear—will receive lunch or dinner for four at Johnny Rockets, a family favorite featuring old-fashioned burgers and fries; a soda beverage package for two; and private time on the cruise line’s 38-foot tall rock wall.

Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, will span 16 guest decks, encompass 227,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,497 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,747 staterooms. The Oasis-class features Royal Caribbean's exclusive seven neighborhood concept, including Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.

Harmony of the Seas Image Courtesy Royal Caribbean International

Princess Cruises Makes “The Come Back New Promise”

We vacation for a variety of reasons, but relaxation, rejuvenation, and new experiences are high on nearly every vacationers’ wish list. To help us achieve our cruise vacation goals, Princess Cruises has made “The Come Back New Promise”—a $450 million multi-year product innovation and cruise ship renovation campaign that will continue to enhance their guests’ onboard experience. These enhancements will result in more transformative moments, lifetime memories, and meaningful stories for guests to share from their cruise vacation.

“Our promise is to provide guests transformative moments designed to inspire them to discover the world and themselves, ultimately allowing us to declare that a cruise isn’t good enough unless you ‘come back new,’” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president.

The campaign demonstrates a commitment by Princess Cruises to exceed guest expectations while continuously improving upon and delivering a high value cruise vacation experience that inspires guests to return and introduce cruising to their family and friends. Recently, Princess introduced new initiatives inspired to deliver The Come Back New Promise which further elevate the line’s wellness, culinary/dining experiences and expands the partnership with Discovery Communications. They include:

• Chef Curtis Stone: a partnership with award-winning chef, author, and restaurateur Curtis Stone brings guests new culinary creations. All Princess ships will feature “Crafted by Curtis” menu items in the main dining room, while on select ships guests will enjoy “SHARE” a new specialty restaurant that will include a new Chef’s Table experience designed by Stone.
• The Princess Luxury Bed: featuring a new specially designed bed to deliver the ultimate night of sleep at sea, the Princess Luxury Bed was developed in collaboration with experts in both the science and beauty of sleep—Dr. Michael Breus, “The Sleep Doctor,” and highly acclaimed designer, Candice Olson, star of popular HGTV shows—Princess is installing more than 44,000 new beds, to every stateroom, across the fleet through 2018.
• The Salty Dog Gastropub: a new dining option which highlights a variety of small bites inspired by pub favorites, adapted for an upscale culinary experience. Developed in collaboration with Ernesto Uchimura, a founding chef of the Umami Burger, guests will also enjoy a variety of beer, whiskey, and cocktail selections. Currently available on select ships.
• Style at Sea with TLC: What to pack, what to wear and how to look stylish are just a few of the many questions guests ask when preparing for a cruise vacation. With the help of TLC’s fashion expert Stacy London, Style at Sea with TLC will provide tips and tricks to help guests feel and look their best while aboard a cruise.

Image Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Holland America Line Unveils Unique Libations

DeGroff prepares a Ritz Cocktail

My preference is a Vodka Martini shaken, but I'm always up for trying new cocktails—especially if they feature rum. Whether you like your drinks on the rocks, straight up, shaken, or stirred, Holland America Line's new partnership with 2015 James Beard Who's Who Inductee and Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff brings an innovative menu of creative cocktails to the premium cruise line. DeGroff's creations will debut aboard ms Eurodam this month and will expand fleetwide by springtime.

Continuing Holland America Line's commitment to offer an exceptional food and beverage experience, DeGroff—known as "King Cocktail," author of two best-selling cocktail books, and founding president of The Museum of the American Cocktail—has developed a drink menu to showcase artfully prepared signature classics as well as some unique originals.

"For many guests, there's nothing better than relaxing with a well-made, unique cocktail after a long day of sightseeing or before dinner, and adding a master mixologist to our team gives us the diversity we seek in creating the most robust food and beverage program at sea," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "We're excited to welcome the talents of Dale DeGroff to our family, and we know our guests are going to enjoy his innovative creations."

DeGroff's signature cocktails will be served in the Gallery Bar, introduced on ms Eurodam following a December 2015 drydock, and in other shipboard bars and lounges, including Ocean Bar, Explorer's Lounge, Crow's Nest, and Tamarind Bar, as well as more casual outlets such as the Lido pool bar. His creations will be served fleetwide by spring 2016.

DeGroff's cocktail menu includes the Gallery Gimlet, Hemingway Daiquiri, Yuzu Margarita, The Ritz Cocktail, Whiskey and Joe, Another Shade of Greyhound, and a "Slightly Less Than Perfect" Perfect Manhattan. Many of these drinks have a storied past. The Hemingway Daiquiri is a unique spin off of Hemingway's favorite drink, the Papa Doble. The Ritz Cocktail is a dazzling champagne cocktail presented with a burst of flamed orange peel and was one of the most popular drinks at the legendary Rainbow Room where DeGroff created it as a tribute to the Ritz cocktails of Paris and Madrid. In addition to creating exclusive cocktails for all Holland America Line bars, DeGroff also will oversee staff training to ensure his signature cocktails will be crafted to perfection.

Image Courtesy Holland America Line

Norwegian Cruise Line Goes Over The Edge

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed The Norwegian Edge™, an innovative program that promises to introduce a new standard of excellence that encompasses the entire guest experience, from ship hardware upgrades to culinary enhancements and exclusive private destination developments. The Norwegian Edge™ reflects a significant two-year $400 million investment by the company through 2017 and demonstrates the line’s commitment to exceptional quality and extraordinary experiences. The centerpiece of the program is an extensive ship refurbishment initiative that will elevate the experience on board the Norwegian fleet to this new standard.

“Norwegian has a long history of investing in its fleet to offer guests the latest and greatest innovations, but the investment to raise our ships to The Norwegian Edge™ standard of excellence takes it to new levels,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief operating officer.

Fleet Enhancements
The extensive ship revitalization program at the heart of The Norwegian Edge will completely transform many spaces on board nine of the fleet’s ships to reflect the premium look and feel of the line’s newest ships. As the cruise line with the youngest fleet in North America, this extensive enhancement program will offer much more than the traditional soft goods décor updates and serve to make the line’s ships into essentially new vessels.

The refurbishment program began in October 2015 with a full refresh of Norwegian Epic that included the debut of brand new venues like The Cavern Club; complete restaurant makeovers in La Cucina and a new look for Cagney’s, Le Bistro, Moderno Churrascaria, The Manhattan Room and the Garden Café, now with a sleek and crisp white palette; and refreshed décor, furniture and flooring in many public spaces, including The Haven Courtyard, Lounge and Restaurant, for a more modern and clean design.

Norwegian Gem followed in November, debuting significant enhancements including a complete makeover of Bliss Lounge; extensive interior refurbishments; refreshing of décor including new furniture and new flooring in all specialty restaurants and several complimentary outlets, as well as bars and lounges, to reflect a more contemporary look; new pool deck furniture; interactive digital signage and wayfinding technology; new teak flooring throughout outdoor spaces and corridors of upper decks; and upgrades to The Haven Courtyard and Sundeck with a new look including more shaded areas, cabanas and lounge chairs.

Throughout the course of the refurbishment program, a total of seven additional ships will go into dry dock for both guest-facing and technical enhancements: Pride of America and Norwegian Sun in spring 2016; Norwegian Dawn in summer 2016; Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sky, and Norwegian Pearl in winter 2017; and Norwegian Jade in spring 2017.

Culinary Program
As the innovator of freedom at sea with no set dining times and up to 28 dining options per vessel, Norwegian understands that dining is central to guests’ vacation experience. Therefore, the line is continuing to expand investment in the onboard culinary program, to create exceptional experiences

New for 2016, all ships in Norwegian’s fleet now offer upgraded complimentary dining room menus and the addition of optional à la carte priced items in the main dining rooms, such as grilled lobster tails and surf and turf entrees, providing guests additional choices and tastes to create their ultimate dining experience. The new complimentary dining menus offer an increased variety—featuring appetizers, soups and salads, featured entrees, and desserts—and have been carefully developed by Norwegian’s culinary team with a focus on balancing popular traditional dishes like prime rib, chateaubriand, rack of lamb, and escargot with current dining trends and heightened guest expectations. New offerings include more seafood selections such as fresh grouper, along with contemporary dishes like shrimp ceviche, seared Atlantic scallops with fennel puree, and braised beef short ribs.

Beginning Jan 31st, Norwegian will also expand the new specialty dining menus that debuted on Norwegian Escape across the fleet. The introduction of these new enhanced menus at the line’s signature specialty restaurants—Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, and La Cucina—along with new offerings at Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki, will elevate guests dining experience with more options. The menus include traditional French favorites at Le Bistro such as Bouillabaisse, pan-seared jumbo bay scallops and veal medallions with sauce morrel, and a more robust menu at La Cucina featuring antipasti, risotto, and traditional secondi courses like Osso Buco alla Milanese or pan-seared sea bass filet. These new menus will be offered on Norwegian Breakaway as of Jan 31; Norwegian Getaway on Feb 14; Norwegian Epic on March 6; Pride of America after her dry dock on March 15; Norwegian Gem on April 1; and Norwegian Dawn after her dry dock in June.

In addition to the new menus, Norwegian is also further expanding training and certification for the fleet’s culinary and dining teams. All Executive Chefs, Executive Sous Chefs, and other culinary staff are certified by American Culinary Federation, the premier professional chefs’ organization in North America. In addition to excellence in the kitchen, the line is working toward a certified service training program and three new training and development centers have opened across the globe to help train crew members prior to boarding ships, so they are immediately able to provide excellent service as soon as they step onboard. Guests should also expect to see the expansion of popular existing partnerships with culinary experts for food and beverage outlets on board. More details and specific information will be shared closer to each ship’s dry dock date.

Destination Experiences
Norwegian has further expanded plans for the line’s privately-owned destinations including the development of the Caribbean’s premier resort-style experience at Harvest Caye, Belize. This resort-style port of call will feature an expansive pool, exclusive beach, shallow lagoon for watersports, private luxury cabanas and many more exciting features, all in the richest ecosystems in the region with a diversity of flora and fauna that is core to the Harvest Caye experience.

Considerable new features are also in store for the line’s private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay. The island was recently enhanced in 2014 and will debut several new offerings and high quality amenities for guests by spring 2017. Specific details will be announced later this year, and guests should expect to find experiences on the island that complement those found on board Norwegian’s ships, including private spaces, luxury relaxation areas, multiple food and beverage outlets, and interactive activities.

Image Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruise Lines to Bypass Turkish Ports

Cruise lines are altering their itineraries and dropping Turkish ports in their Eastern Mediterranean itineraries following the recent terrorist attack in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square and other unrest in Turkey. Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises have all announced plans to call elsewhere—substituting Athens, Greece and Greek Isles seems to be the most popular alternative. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises has canceled overnight calls in Istanbul and will add other ports as replacements.

The most recent announcement comes from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings:

"At Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, our primary concern is to ensure the safety and security of our guests and crew. Due to recent events in Turkey, we are suspending all calls to the country through 2016 across all NCLH brands. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and make future itinerary adjustments as appropriate. We have begun the process of informing guests booked on the affected cruises of the itinerary changes and will update the respective brand websites with revised voyage information."

Other cruise lines are closely monitoring the events in Turkey and will make itinerary changes as necessary. Turkish ports are some of the most historically important in the world and, hopefully, the situation in the country will improve and ships will begin calling there again.

Photo © Linda Coffman, CruiseDiva.com

Winter Storm Causes Royal Caribbean Ship Arrival Delays

Is it snowing at your house? Surprisingly, here in the south we've had what the weather people term a "snow shower" and we awoke to a winter wonderland. It's not much accumulation and will no doubt all melt as the day warms up.

Up north, however, things are far worse. Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas are delaying their arrival and turnaround in northeastern homeports by a full day each.

Grandeur of the Seas will arrive in Baltimore and turn around on Monday, instead of Sunday, and Anthem of the Seas will delay its arrival and turnaround at Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ until Tuesday, instead of Monday.

What that means is that passengers now on the ships will have an extra day added on board and passengers anticipating the next cruise will have their voyages shortened by a day. Royal Caribbean is notifying booked passengers about the delayed departures and is working on revised itineraries. No doubt they will offer some compensation for the shortened sailings.

Image Courtesy Royal Caribbean International

Majesty of the Seas Not As "Majestic" As Planned

Six months ago Royal Caribbean announced that A Refurbished Majesty of the Seas is to Remain in the Royal Caribbean Fleet and that hasn't changed. However, a recent email from Royal Caribbean customer relations contained a "downgrade" of sorts in the refurbishment plans.

The following statement from customer relations is sure to upset some loyal cruisers, especially those families with children, who are planning on sailing in just a few short months from now:

"Some adjustments have been made to the initial plans for the upcoming revitalization of the Majesty of the Seas.

As of this time, there are no longer plans to add the specialty dining venues Sabor and Izumi, the DreamWorks Experience, or a waterslide. We apologize for any disappointment this may cause. However, the revitalization will include VOOM WiFi, poolside movie screen, family jacuzzis, and an update to the casino."

Unfortunately, there there has never been any way to "fix" the teeny tiny cabins on the Majesty of the Seas and the omission of some new features—especially the ones most attractive for children and foodies—will certainly be a disappointment to passengers who've already booked and were looking forward to experiencing them.

Image: Royal Caribbean International

Dutch Masterpieces Head to Sea With Holland America Line

Holland America Line's OosterdamOne of the world’s most impressive art collections is housed in the Netherlands so it's no surprise that Holland America Line is celebrating its Dutch heritage in a new partnership with Rijksmuseum, the country’s most-visited national museum. Through the collaboration, the “Rijksmuseum at Sea” created by Rijksstudio will be installed on ms Oosterdam during its scheduled dry dock in April 2016 and then move fleetwide over the next several years. The line has also become a new sponsor of the Rijksmuseum.

Reproductions of some of the museum’s most famous masterpieces will be showcased throughout the ship and a dedicated space onboard will invite guests to explore their own creativity through guided art workshops. Guests will be able to view videos about the museum and its collections on the in-stateroom television, while enrichment programs and presentations by Rijksmuseum staff will be available on select cruises. Guests also will have the opportunity to purchase special branded Rijksmuseum merchandise in the onboard shops.

“Great works of art have always been the centerpiece of our onboard décor, and we’re excited that this partnership with Rijksmuseum will add some spectacular reproductions to our collection of more than 1,300 pieces fleetwide,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Through art, like travel, we see things differently; we open our eyes to the world around us and see things we may never have experienced before.”

Rijksmuseum was founded in The Hague, the Netherlands, in 1800 and offers a representation of Dutch art and history, as well as European and Asian art from the Middle Ages to today. Rijksmuseum moved to Amsterdam in 1808 and was first located in the Royal Palace; it moved to its current location in 1885. In 2003, the main museum closed for a 10 year renovation and reopened in April 2013. Today the museum hosts nearly 2.5 million visitors. Rijksmuseum has a collection of a million objects dating back to 1200, with 8,000 works currently on display. Guests visiting the museum can see masterpieces by Dutch painters including Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, and Jan Steen.

Oosterdam Image © CruiseDiva.com

Whatever Happened to Norwegian's Harvest Caye?

It's been more than two years since Norwegian Cruise Line announced plans to develop Harvest Caye, an Eco-Friendly Destination in Belize, for their passengers' enjoyment.

Since that announcement in August 2013, the destination was added to itineraries, but very little has been revealed about Norwegian's progress, which has apparently been stalled by the Belize government. It appears that things are finally moving along as we received the following update from Norwegian:

"Norwegian Cruise Line is developing the Caribbean's premier destination experience at Harvest Caye, Belize. This spectacular resort-style port of call will feature an expansive pool, exclusive beach, shallow lagoon for watersports, private luxury cabanas and many more exciting features. We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality amenities and services to our guests in one of the richest ecosystems in the region with a diversity of flora and fauna that is core to the Harvest Caye experience. As a result, the grand opening of Harvest Caye will take place in November 2016. Guests sailing on Western Caribbean cruises now through mid-November will enjoy the beauty, adventure and rich history of this country with a call in Belize City.

Further details on the destination and the experiences will be revealed in early 2016 and we look forward to welcoming our guests to Harvest Caye this fall. A communication to booked guests will be sent later this week with revised itinerary details."

Rendering of the Development Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Carnival Inspiration Renovation To Add New Features

Carnival Cruise Line’s twenty-year-old Carnival Inspiration is set to undergo a multi-million-dollar makeover that will add a wide range of new dining and bar innovations next month. Previously seen only on newer fleetmates, the new features will be added to the 2,052-passenger Fantasy-class Inspiration during a three-week dry dock taking place in Portland, Oregon, Jan. 18 to Feb. 5, 2016. Following the renovation, the ship will resume its year-round schedule of 3- and 4-day Baja cruises from Long Beach, California.

Here’s a look at the new options that will be added to Carnival Inspiration:

• Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries enjoyed amidst a décor that celebrates the chef’s California roots and love of car culture
• BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas, as well as an elaborate toppings and salsa bar
• RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside watering hole offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Carnival’s own private label draught brew, ThirstyFrog Red
• Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed “cocktail pharmacy”-themed lounge with mixologists who “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients with creative monikers like Forty is the New Twenty and The Restorative Basil Drop
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a fun and festive outdoor bar offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers, perfect for chillin’ by the pool
• Cherry On Top, the “sweetest spot on board” which celebrates the joys of simple indulgences with bins of bulk candy, fun fanciful gifts and novelties, custom apparel and more

In addition to these new spaces, guests sailing aboard Carnival Inspiration can check out the ship’s massive WaterWorks aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long Twister slide and a kiddie splash zone, a 24-hour pizzeria, full casino gambling, a 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival health and wellness center, and the Serenity adults-only retreat.

On its year-round short cruise program from Long Beach, Carnival Inspiration departs every Friday on 3-day cruises to Ensenada and every Monday on 4-day cruises to Ensenada and Catalina Island.

Image Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line

Star Wars Day at Sea is Celebrated on Select Disney Fantasy Sailings

This year the Force is with Disney Cruise Line guests as they celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during a brand-new, day-long celebration aboard eight special sailings on the Disney Fantasy: Star Wars Day at Sea. Marking the first official appearance of the heroes and villains of Star Wars aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship. Star Wars Day at Sea combines the power of the Force, the magic of Disney and the excitement of cruising for an out-of-this-galaxy experience unlike any other.

Occurring one day during each of eight Disney Fantasy sailings, Star Wars Day at Sea transports guests to a galaxy far, far away—in the Western Caribbean. The event features a full day of Star Wars celebrations, including a deck party, meet-and-greets with favorite characters, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise. Also featured are exclusive at-sea screenings of all seven Star Wars films and the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.

Throughout the day, Star Wars Younglings, Padawans, and Jedi Masters alike can enjoy the immersive entertainment. Intergalactic highlights include:

Force-filled Fun for Everyone

• Darth Vader, Captain Phasma, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, Boba Fett, Darth Maul, Stormtroopers and other characters from across the Star Wars galaxy are onboard for meet-and-greets, photos and may be seen patrolling the decks.
• “Star Wars Saga: Tales from a Galaxy Far, Far Away” is an interactive participation show featuring guests retelling their favorite Star Wars stories, with the help of props and special effects.
• Kids and families enjoy friendly competition during Star Wars trivia games, putting their knowledge of the film and television sagas to the test.
• Guests are encouraged to bring their costumes and cosplay and participate in the costume celebration held in the ship’s atrium.

At noon, guests on deck will be treated to a very special episode—to mark the midday, the Disney Fantasy ship’s horn will resound the opening notes of the “Imperial March.” In the evening, The Tube nightclub transports adult guests to another galaxy with Star Wars-themed specialty cocktails, lively cantina music and a super fan trivia challenge.

Younglings Use Their Power

• In “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children to learn the ways of the Jedi and put their skills to the test in a final battle with the Sith Lord, Darth Vader.
• In “Padawan Mind Challenge,” Younglings participate in a fun, brain-bending battle of wits and trivia to become mind challenge masters.
• Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities are offered throughout the day in Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab youth clubs.

Star Wars Deck Party & Fireworks
The day concludes with more intergalactic fun when the “Summon the Force” deck party blasts off to an exciting evening filled with music, dancing and games. The party culminates as Star Wars characters converge for a celebration of the saga in an epic show featuring special effects and guest participation. The grand finale is a spectacular display of pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects and a medley of Star Wars music.

Merchandise, Food & Beverage
Event merchandise exclusive to Star Wars Day at Sea is available on each sailing, including a range of collectible items, customizable nametags and eight special trading pins—one for each of the Star Wars Day at Sea cruises. An epic day is not complete without a feast for the palate so the dinner menu includes creative fare such as Sand People salad, Bantha steak empanadas, Opee Sea Killer shrimp cocktail and Qui-Gon’s crisp chicken. Sweet endings complete the meal with Calrissian velvet cake, Cloud City macarons and a frozen carbonite sundae. Specialty Star Wars-themed beverages include the colorful Galaxy in a Glass made with rum, coconut, mango and strawberry and a non-alcoholic Planetoid Punch. For sipping, there are non-alcoholic beverages in collectible cups like a BB-8 sipper and Chewbacca stein and for snacking popcorn is served in containers themed to Darth Vader’s helmet or a tie fighter.

Film Screenings
Guests can watch all seven films in the Star Wars saga and follow Darth Vader, Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Rey and Finn along their epic journey. Also showing are episodes of the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels.

Star Wars Day at Sea is already underway on Disney Fantasy cruises sailing on Jan. 9, 23; Feb. 6, 20; March 5, 19; April 2 and 16, 2016. Departing from Port Canaveral, the 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Image Courtesy Disney Cruise Line

All the World's a Stage in Holland America Line's 'Countdown to Koningsdam' Video

As the launch of their newest flagship approaches, Holland America Line has debuted the third in a series of "Countdown to Koningsdam" videos that details the ship's The World Stage main theater. The short videos were created to ramp up anticipation and provide updates as ms Koningsdam nears delivery in April 2016. Hosted by Johnathan Rogers, Koningsdam's inaugural cruise director, the third video, "Countdown to Koningsdam: Episode 3," features Holland America Line's Director of Entertainment Bill Prince, who takes guests on an entertainment extravaganza (below) in the ship's main theater that surrounds the audience with a 270-degree LED projection.

"Entertainment is a huge part of the cruise experience, and with Koningsdam we're taking that experience to a whole new level and trying things that have never been seen on our ships before," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "The newest 'Countdown to Koningsdam' video provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The World Stage, and we can't wait to share all of the innovative new shows we're producing exclusively for this venue."

At two stories high and 250 feet long, the high-definition LED screens will make The World Stage a trend-setting theater at sea capable of showcasing an exciting array of performances and productions. Enhanced by state-of-the-art lighting, projection and sound systems, the screens enable the environment of The World Stage to change throughout the day to present anything designers can imagine. For example, the room can evolve effortlessly from an Italian palazzo for a concert performance to an imaginary world for innovative production numbers.

Each "Countdown to Koningsdam" video features one of the ship's officers or a Holland America Line executive who shares ongoing developments onboard the line's newest vessel, currently under construction at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard in Italy. Future videos include Deputy Director of Interior Operations My Nguyen chatting about the ship's staterooms, including the new family and single options; Senior Vice President of Guest Experience Product Development Michael Smith, who will reveal details about The Dining Room; and Director Mariner Society Gerald Bernhoft speaking about the perks of Holland America Line's loyalty program.

Koningsdam represents a new Pinnacle Class of ship for Holland America Line. The vessel will debut several innovative concepts and new public spaces and venues, while still featuring popular amenities guests associate with Holland America Line. Guests will enjoy fine dining in several alternative restaurants including Sel de Mer, a new French seafood brasserie; an immersive farm-to-table concept dinner experience in the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine; a redesigned Lido Market with themed serving stations; a stunning main dining room; and favorites such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto Italian restaurant and pan-Asian Tamarind. The ship also will feature Holland America Line's first purpose-built staterooms for families and single staterooms among its accommodations for 2,650 guests.

Onboard entertainment will be taken to a new level with the energetic Music Walk area featuring all genres of music showcased in venues including Lincoln Center Stage, offering chamber music nightly; Billboard Onboard, where live musicians rock the crowd with chart-topping hits; and the popular B.B. King's Blues Club in the Queen's Lounge, bringing the best of Memphis music to sea. With the 270-degree LED projection at World Stage, new concepts for show-time performances will immerse the audience in panoramic visual and sound effects.

Video Courtesy Holland America Line

Gourmet Explorer Tours Offered Exclusively for Seven Seas Explorer Voyages

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled a collection of exclusive culinary-inspired shore excursions for Seven Seas Explorer’s inaugural Mediterranean season set to launch on July 20, 2016.

Part of the Regent Choice Shore Excursion program, these new Gourmet Explorer Tours are designed for guests seeking unique, one-of-a-kind epicurean adventures ashore to complement the unrivaled culinary experiences found  on board, which are highlighted by an array of exquisite gourmet restaurants and the hands-on Culinary Arts Kitchen.

This new collection of Gourmet Explorer Tours will enhance and expand upon the curriculum offered at the Culinary Arts Kitchen aboard the ship by providing adventures that allow guests to explore the destination and local culture through its epicurean offerings. To mirror the superb guest service found aboard the ship, each Gourmet Explorer Tour will be accompanied by the chef instructor from the Culinary Arts Kitchen and a local guide, often a chef, with intimate knowledge of the region’s agriculture, wine and cuisine, to add an extra layer of authenticity to this immersive culinary experience.

“Our Gourmet Explorer Tours were specifically designed to match the unrivaled level of guest experience found on board Seven Seas Explorer,” said Jason Montague, president and chief operating officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “We have created an unbelievable collection of culinary-inspired tours where our guests can partake in true once-in-a-lifetime epicurean experiences. Our tours were expertly crafted to provide our guests with unique opportunities to dine at a highly coveted and world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, visit iconic markets and palatial vineyard estate homes, and learn from some of Europe’s premier chefs with personalized, hands-on instruction.”

Each Gourmet Explorer Tour was handcrafted by the line’s Executive Director of Culinary Enrichment, Chef Kathryn Kelly. In preparing the tours, Kelly partnered with a vast network of Michelin-starred chefs and local culinary experts to bring Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ guests the finest array of culinary experiences available for each destination. The resulting tours are both luxurious in nature and distinctly authentic to the region’s culinary heritage.

In total, 22 Gourmet Explorer Tours have been developed for Seven Seas Explorer’s upcoming Mediterranean season, with several ultra-premium experiences that are simply unavailable to anyone except guests sailing on Seven Seas Explorer. A few these ultra-exclusive Gourmet Explorer Tours include:

· Sorrento, Italy – Become immersed in the unique cuisine of Campagnia by making cheese at the artisanal fromagerie, watching a culinary demonstration by a master chef, and wining and dining amid the luxury gardens of the stunning Don Alfonso.
· Monte Carlo, Monaco – Wine tasting at Cave Bianchi in Nice followed by dinner at the famed La Chèvre d’Or restaurant highlight a special night out with fellow foodies. Guests gain an appreciation for local and traditionally-inspired dishes hand-selected for the evening affair.
· Saint Tropez, France – Bask in an evening of ultimate gourmand indulgence on the luxurious French Riviera. Taste three Provence varietals at the famed La Croix winery, and then enjoy a gourmet dining experience at the renowned La Vague d’Or, a Michelin 3-star restaurant in the heart of Saint Tropez.
· Barcelona, Spain – Enjoy the gloriously rich Catalan culinary scene with guided strolls through the famed Boqueria and Santa Caterina markets, followed by an unforgettable lunch and kitchen tour from Chef Jordi Cruz at ABaC, a famed 2-star Michelin restaurant.
· Corfu, Greece – Guests receive a shopping assignment and gather produce, cheeses and specialties at Old Town’s Corfiot Market. Sample gelato, local wine, fresh-baked bread and the traditional “bourdetto” stew before returning to the Culinary Arts Kitchen for a Greek cooking class.
· Palamos, Spain – For an intimate look at this beguiling region, guests enjoy a tasting at an artisanal olive oil producer before enjoying a cooking demonstration and 7-course tasting menu luncheon in the magical, stone-walled village of Madremanya.
· Taormina, Sicily – Guests visit the renowned fish and produce market in Catania, learn to make delicious cannolis from a pastry master, and enjoy lunch and a cooking demonstration at a famed Taormina restaurant specializing in slow food.
· Livorno, Italy – Enjoy a truly authentic food and wine experience in the Tuscan countryside, with a cooking demonstration and sumptuous lunch–with wines–at Villa Dianella. Guests have time to wander through the stalls at Il Mercato Centrale and marvel at artisanal cheeses and meats, fresh fish, seasonal produce, and breads.

“We are creating something truly special and sure to be enjoyed by both die-hard foodies and peripheral fans of the culinary arts,” said Kelly. “With our Gourmet Explorer Tours we have an incredibly diverse array of options for our guests, ranging from the crème-de-la-crème of luxury with our day in Saint Tropez to a more casual farm-to-table experience in Greece. I cannot wait to begin!”

Whether shopping for preserved lemons in the Central Market of Casablanca or immersed in an artisanal olive oil tasting in Catalonia, Spain, each tour provides an intimate behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world’s most captivating cuisines. Many of the tours include personalized instruction back on board at one of the 18 individual cooking stations in the Culinary Arts Kitchen.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the only line to offer free unlimited shore excursions in every port-of-call in every destination. For intrepid guests who wish to delve deeper into a region’s culture and history, Gourmet Explorer Tours are offered at as part of Regent Choice Shore Excursion packages. Gourmet Explorer Tours are available starting at a nominal $79 per person and ranging up to $799 per person.

Images Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

New Cruise Ships For 2016

It's 2016 and the beginning of "Wave Season"—the time of year when winter doldrums set in and it's time to think of warm sea breezes and booking a cruise.

2016 will see the introduction of ships that are first in their "classes" as well as some that follow a familiar profile.

Starting with the launch of Holland America Line's Koningsdam (pictured above) in April and wrapping up with the introduction in December of Seabourn Encore, Cruise Diva is happy to introduce you to the New Ships For 2016.

Image Courtesy Holland America Line