Thursday, March 31, 2016

Pride of America Receives Bow to Stern Enhancements

Norwegian Cruise Line’s US-flagged Pride of America returned to her homeport of Honolulu last Saturday, March 26, as a nearly new ship following a three and half week dry dock where she received ship-wide enhancements, including newly designed public spaces, brand new venues and refreshed décor in all staterooms. Pride of America’s extensive renovation is a part of The Norwegian Edge™ program, a $400 million investment that sets a new standard of excellence for the Norwegian brand encompassing the entire guest experience.

“When guests step aboard the all new Pride of America they will be amazed by the breadth of this renovation,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief operating officer. “This is much more than just a fresh coat of paint and new drapes. Pride of America is now essentially a new ship, and the only one to offer this incredibly unique way to experience the Hawaiian Islands with 100 hours of time in port.”

Many of Pride of America’s public spaces, along with several of the ships’ restaurants as well as bars and lounges, were refreshed from top to bottom to receive a modern updated look with new contemporary décor and furniture as well as new lighting and flooring. Every stateroom aboard Pride of America was touched by this renovation, receiving new bedding, new furniture, new flat screen televisions and updated flooring.

Pride of America guests will now be able to enjoy not only refreshed spaces but also new modern venues including the Soho Art Gallery, an expansive venue that features original works of art available for purchase; the new Perspectives Photo Studio, an area for couples, families and friends to have professional photo memories of their vacation; and Dolce Gelato, Norwegian’s signature gelateria. Those looking to tie-the-knot while in any of the ship’s enchanting ports-of-call can do so in the ship’s wedding chapel, now in a new location on deck six with new flooring, furniture and wall fixtures. The ship’s pool deck underwent a complete refurbishment to create an upscale feel onboard with a refinished pool, new loungers and Jacuzzis.

Guests looking to enjoy some quiet time can now do so in the completely transformed Conservatory; complete with new furniture, flooring and modern décor; and the library and card rooms, which were outfitted with new flooring, furniture and six computer stations for Internet access, for those who prefer to leave their personal devices at home. Relaxation will take center stage at The Mandara Spa, which is being expanded and revitalized to feature more treatment rooms so guests can enjoy massages, facials and more. The spa will feature New Mexican décor including soft, neutral colors and natural elements like stone and wood to provide a tranquil atmosphere.

Dining enhancements for Pride of America include extensive renovations to all of the existing complimentary dining venues, most notably the ship’s Skyline Main Dining Room, which received a refreshed look with new décor including a new entrance, new carpet design, new furniture upholstery, new window drapes and new columns throughout the restaurant. La Cucina, Norwegian’s signature Italian restaurant, aboard Pride of America has been transformed into an elegant and intimate venue where guests can enjoy fine Italian fare. The ship’s specialty restaurants East Meets West, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Jefferson’s Bistro also received enhancements to upgrade the venues to a modern look with new flooring, reupholstered furniture, new artwork, lighting fixtures, new window treatments and more.

Beyond hardware upgrades, guests sailing aboard Pride of America can now enjoy new menus in all dining outlets offering more freedom and flexibility to guests with additional choices and à la carte priced items in complimentary dining rooms and specialty restaurants. Building on the success of the enhanced menus aboard Norwegian’s newest ship Norwegian Escape, Pride of America’s new menus now feature increased variety 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.

Pride of America is the only ship that sails year-round from Honolulu on seven-day intra-Hawaii cruises. This one-of-a-kind itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of port time and visits Hawaii’s main islands, including an overnight in Kahului, Maui; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; stops in Hilo, Hawaii and Kona, Hawaii; as well as an afternoon cruise by the spectacular Nãpali Coast.

Images Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

The New Carnival Vista Launches A Craft Brewery

RedFrog Pub & Brewery
Beer lovers are known to try local brews while traveling and soon they will be able to do so at sea. When guests on Carnival Cruise Line’s newest, largest ship, Carnival Vista, raise a pint in the RedFrog Pub & Brewery, they will have a choice of three distinctly flavored hand-crafted beers brewed right on board in the first brewery at sea in North America. Carnival Vista’s RedFrog Pub & Brewery is the result of a unique collaboration between Carnival and Miami-based Concrete Beach Brewery.

Concrete Beach is an Alchemy & Science brand, an independently operating subsidiary of The Boston Beer Company. Alchemy & Science is home to other such popular breweries around the country, including Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles and Coney Island Brewing Co. in Brooklyn, N.Y. Each of these breweries produces beers specifically inspired by and brewed to be representative of their respective locales. The resulting examples include such beers as Tropic of Passion, a passion fruit wheat beer from Miami, Angel City IPA from L.A., and Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner from New York. Similarly, Concrete Beach is working closely with Carnival to create original recipes and source and select the finest ingredients to produce three distinctive craft beers that will be brewed and served on board Carnival Vista. Those beers will include ThirstyFrog Port Hoppin’ IPA, ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat and FriskyFrog Java Stout.

“We’ve been working for months with these talented partners who have helped us create three exciting and unique craft beers for Carnival Vista and we anticipate our guests are going to absolutely love them,” said Eddie Allen, Carnival’s vice president of beverage operations. Allen noted that the brews were specifically designed with Carnival Vista guests in mind. ThirstyFrog Port Hoppin’ IPA offers aromatic, floral and hoppy notes with passion fruit and citrus overtones while ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat is an unfiltered lager with aromas of bananas and spices. The third beer, FriskyFrog Java Stout, is a take on a traditional stout, rich and creamy with hints of coffee.

The beers to be featured on Carnival Vista further build upon a greatly expanded selection of craft beers across the entire Carnival fleet. U.S.-based Carnival ships already serve Concrete Beach Brewery’s Rica Wheat IPA, Angel City Brewery’s Pilsner, Coney Island’s Hard Root Beer and 1609 Amber. On a regional basis, Carnival ships sailing from Miami feature Concrete Beach Stiltsville Miami-style Pilsner, while Long Beach, California–based ships offer Angel City Brewery IPA and cruises departing from New York City are stocked with Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner. The line also offers beers brewed either locally in homeports or within the homeport state on ships sailing from New Orleans, Galveston, Baltimore and Tampa, as well as ships that sail to Alaska and Hawaii.

Image Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

What To Do At Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye

Private Islands are more than a beach and volleyball these days and, while it won't welcome its first visitors until November, Norwegian Cruise Line is getting ready to wow guests at its new highly-anticipated Western Caribbean destination experience, Harvest Caye, Belize.

Norwegian is developing Harvest Caye to feature an authentic Belizean environment that provides easy access to beautiful Southern Belize, coupled with luxurious amenities; a variety of eco-activities; the opportunity for guests to easily depart to mainland Belize for the adventure excursion or cultural immersion of their choice; and more. This resort-style port of call will be the only port in Belize that features a cruise ship pier. Rather than having to spend time tendering to shore, guests will be able to walk off the ship and immediately step into paradise. Harvest Caye will offer guests the beauty and nature of Belize along with all that guests could desire from a tropical destination experience, and also serve as a gateway to the many eco and cultural adventures that lie in mainland Belize. Harvest Caye offers a large marina, where guests can depart for a wide variety of shore excursions to explore this rich destination, including spectacular Mayan ruins, river rafting, nature tours, and more.

"Belize is one of the most ecologically and culturally rich gems in the Caribbean, and Harvest Caye will be the perfect destination for guests to experience all that the country has to offer in authentic, unique ways," said Andy Stuart, president and chief operating officer for Norwegian Cruise Line. "There is so much to do on the island from the spectacular seven acre beach and watersports to interactive wildlife programs. Beyond Harvest Caye, we will strongly encourage our guests to explore Belize through the spectacular eco-adventure and cultural tours this incredible destination has to offer visitors."

Harvest Caye's seven acre pristine beach will be the heart of the destination, with white sand and crystal clear waters as the star. Guests who wish to enjoy the day in privacy can opt to rent one of the island's 11 luxurious beach villas. These indulgent enclosed villas can accommodate up to 10 guests and are the ultimate beach escape, equipped with every comfort including air conditioning, dedicated lounge and dining areas, a private restroom, indoor and outdoor showers, hammocks, and exclusive dining and beverage options with dedicated concierge service so guests never have to leave the beach.

For those who prefer a resort-style experience, Harvest Caye will offer a tranquil, lushly landscaped pool area as the perfect retreat. The sprawling 15,000 square foot pool features a swim-up bar with stools and lounge tables right in the water, surrounded by elegant lounge chairs and umbrellas, along with 15 canopy pool cabanas. The plush pool cabanas, available for rent, feature upscale lounge furniture, privacy drapes, and beverage service. A footbridge spans the center of the pool, with a soothing waterfall feature below.

Adventure will be in no short supply for guests who opt to spend their day on Harvest Caye, with the island featuring a 130 foot tall Flighthouse as the central area for a variety of aerial activities including zip lining, suspension bridges, free fall jumps, a tandem "superman" style zip line and stunning views of the verdant hills of the mainland. Harvest Caye's zip line course will have more than 3,000 feet of zip line, allowing guests to soar through the air with a bird's eye view of the island and the sea, with stops at three different platforms. To top off the adventure, the Flighthouse will include a challenging but fun ropes course located on a platform in the saltwater lagoon. For a lower adrenaline adventure, guests can also enjoy watersports such as kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing in Harvest Caye's shallow lagoon area.

No port-of-call would be complete without superior shopping options, and Harvest Caye will offer a shopping village, which will feature popular name-brand retailers as well as items from local Belizean craftsmen. In Norwegian fashion, Harvest Caye will feature a myriad of dining and bar options, available à la carte. Guests will enjoy five dining and bar outlets that feature a variety of cuisines, including a two-story indoor/outdoor Landshark Bar & Grill. An expansion of Norwegian's partnership with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, the Landshark Bar & Grill is sure to be an island favorite, with a scenic upper deck and a swim-up pool bar for the ultimate way to enjoy a "boat drink". Those who want to indulge in authentic Belizean cuisine will be able to enjoy casual street style dining in the shopping village. Additional dining options will include the Laughing Bird Bar & Grill serving the beach, the Manatee Marina Bar & Grill in the marina, the Horse-Eye Jack Bar & Grill servicing the island's cabanas as well as food and drink delivery throughout the pool area.

Guests with an affinity for wildlife will marvel at Harvest Caye's many opportunities for an up close encounter with this rich eco-destination's local plants and animals. To learn about the native flora and fauna, guests can participate in manatee observation tours at the lagoon to learn about the gentle giants; get up close and personal with endangered Scarlet Macaws and Toucans, Belize's national bird, in the island's Aviary; wonder at the striking beauty of insects at the Butterfly Garden; and learn more about and view Belize's indigenous reptiles such as boa constrictors at the educational center. Harvest Caye's conservation programs and education efforts were developed by award winning author and wildlife expert Tony Garel, the destination's Chief Naturalist. He will lead many of the island's educational tours and be available to chat with guests about the incredible array of wildlife in Belize. The island's aviary will also house a breed and release program for Scarlet Macaws, in an effort to increase the population of the native birds. Harvest Caye features a cornucopia of native plants and trees that all play a part in the destination's eco-system. To help further the island's conservation efforts, more than 10,000 new mangroves have been planted throughout the island, serving to increase the natural estuary system that serves as a critical habitat for birds, young fish and other marine species.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy Harvest Caye beginning November 2016 on Norwegian's Western Caribbean itineraries, and on Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' sister brands Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, which will also offer calls at Harvest Caye on select Caribbean sailings.

Rendering Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Monday, March 28, 2016

Viking Sea Joins Viking Ocean Cruises Fleet

Viking Ocean Cruises has taken delivery of the line's second ship, Viking Sea. The delivery ceremony took place on March 24th when the ship was presented at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy. On April 3, Viking Sea will set sail from Istanbul and will make her way through the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic on her way to be officially christened on May 5 on London's Thames River in Greenwich. Following the christening, Viking Sea will spend her maiden season sailing itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltic, as well as the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.

"What a remarkable 12 months this has been, launching our first ocean ship, taking delivery of our second ship and preparing for the final outfitting of our third ship. I am proud of everyone at Viking and Fincantieri for their contributions," said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises. "As we take delivery of Viking Sea we now double Viking's ocean capacity, which demonstrates how enthusiastic our guests are for destination-focused cruises. We look forward to further increasing our presence next year and the years after that."

The all-veranda Viking Sea is a sister ship to Viking Star, which launched in April 2015. Viking's ocean ships have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, boast 465 cabins and accommodate 930 passengers. Viking Sea is the second of six ocean cruise ships on order. The third ship, Viking Sky, will be delivered in early 2017; the three remaining yet-to-be-named ships will be delivered in late 2017, 2018 and 2020, respectively.

Viking offers guests "the thinking person's cruise" as an alternative to mainstream cruises. The Viking Difference is providing guests with well-designed cruises that bring them closer to the cultures of the world. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port, more overnights and fewer days at sea. Onboard, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. All-veranda ships mean that guests experience every day with a new, expansive vista. With the most al fresco dining at sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American classics, Viking's guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences onshore and onboard. And only The Viking Way brings guests itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.

In addition, Viking Inclusive Cruising provides a small ship experience at a big ship value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service—a value of more than $2,400 per couple for an average cruise.

Image Courtesy Viking Ocean Cruises

Friday, March 25, 2016

Viking Ocean Cruises Celebrates Float Out Of Viking Sky & Orders Three Sister Ships

We haven't seen an ocean-going cruise line launch ships so quickly since the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises. Growing by leaps and bounds, Viking Ocean Cruises has announced its third ship—the 930-passenger Viking Sky—was "floated out," marking a major construction milestone and the first time that the new ship touches water. The traditional ceremony took place this week at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard just one day before the company took delivery of its second ship, Viking Sea, which will officially debut to guests next month. Viking Sky is scheduled for delivery in early 2017.

Viking Ocean Cruises also announced that it has placed an order with Fincantieri for three additional sister ships, which will bring Viking's total number of ocean ships to six by 2020.

"It is a special day when a new ship meets water for the first time. This is our third ship to be floated out in three years, so it is indeed a proud moment for our entire Viking family," said Torstein Hagen, founder and chairman of Viking Cruises. "Our first ship, Viking Star, has enjoyed great success in her maiden season. I look forward to her five sister ships experiencing the same respective success as they debut over the coming years."

A float out ceremony is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. Viking Sky's float out began at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time, and in keeping with maritime tradition, a madrina—a special woman of honor—assisted with the ceremony. Marit Barstad, sister of Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen, served as Viking Sky's madrina and welded commemorative coins under the ship's mast that represented three family birth years: 1911 (mother Ragnhild "Mamsen" Hagen, after whom the onboard Norwegian deli Mamsen's is named; 1943 (Ms. Barstad's own birth year) and 1948 (brother and Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen's birth year). Ms. Barstad also cut a cord to allow water to begin flowing into the ship's building dock pictured above. Following a two-day process that will set Viking Sky afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

Image Courtesy Viking Ocean Cruises

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Fathom Granted Approval by Cuba to Cruise from U.S. to Cuba

It's official. Ordinary Americans (not just the Obamas and their huge entourage) can now visit Cuba on a cruise. Carnival Corporation announced this week that Cuba has granted approval for the company to begin travel to Cuba starting on May 1, 2016. Following U.S. authorization granted in July 2015, Carnival Corporation is now cleared to operate the 704-passenger MV Adonia to Cuba through its newest impact travel brand Fathom. This marks the first time in over 50 years a cruise ship is approved to sail from the United States to Cuba. Cuban authorities and Carnival Corporation signed agreements enabling cruising by Carnival Corporation to Cuba.

“Our Carnival Corporation and Fathom brand teams have worked closely with Cuba throughout this process and we are thrilled to begin regular sailings to Cuba from Miami starting on May 1, 2016,” said Tara Russell, president of Carnival Corporation's new Fathom brand. “We have been told that we will be the first cruise line to sail from the U.S. to Cuba with our historic inaugural sailing. We are humbled and honored to offer a one-of-a-kind Cuban experience to our travelers.”

As part of this historic sailing in this inaugural year, travelers will enjoy an exciting Cuban experience and will sail aboard the 704-passenger MV Adonia, where they can choose to partake in onboard experiences, including Cuban- and Caribbean-inspired music and film options, as well as Cuban-inspired menu selections. Special onboard programming will include a wide variety of activities covering an array of interests, ranging from an orientation to Cuba's history, customs, and culture to geographic-inspired entertainment, from casual and fun personal enrichment activities to conversational Spanish lessons and guided sessions with the Fathom team.

“We are excited about Cuban approval and are ready to take travelers there through an extraordinary guest experience on the beautiful MV Adonia,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “This is a historic opportunity, and we know there is pent-up demand among Americans who want to experience Cuba. We believe there is no better way to experience so much of Cuba in seven days. Everyone who sails with us with Fathom to Cuba will have a very special, rewarding and enriching experience with our Fathom brand.”

Fathom Cuban itineraries feature three ports of call. During each sailing, Carnival Corporation through its Fathom brand initially will visit Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba, three ports of call for which Carnival Corporation has obtained berthing approval. Seven-day itineraries on Carnival Corporation's Fathom brand depart from PortMiami on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The ship will arrive at its first destination, Havana, the following morning (Monday) at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The MV Adonia returns to its homeport, PortMiami, at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time Sunday.

Prices for 7-day itineraries to Cuba start at $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees, and port expenses and include all meals on the ship, onboard experiences, and several on-the ground activities. Prices will vary by season. To secure a spot on future sailings, a $600 per person deposit is required for all cabin categories and occupancy levels. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Learn more at fathom.org.

MV Adonia Image Courtesy Carnival Corporation

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

New Dining & Drink Options Aboard Seabourn Ships

The Grill by Thomas Keller, aboard Seabourn Quest (left) and Seabourn Encore (right)
Signature Dining
Luxury cruise line Seabourn has shared the renderings above for its new signature fine-dining restaurant, The Grill by Thomas Keller, which will debut in May 2016 onboard Seabourn Quest. With a menu and ambiance inspired by the classic American chophouse, The Grill is a collaboration between three-star Michelin chef Thomas Keller and designer Adam D. Tihany, exclusively for Seabourn.

"We are delighted Chef Keller has partnered with us to produce such a standout dining experience for guests to enjoy as they travel the world with Seabourn," said Seabourn President Richard Meadows. "Wrapped in a fresh design from Adam D. Tihany, The Grill by Thomas Keller will take our already award-winning cuisine to new heights."

The new signature restaurant will be on each Seabourn vessel, including the newest, Seabourn Encore, scheduled to launch this December. The Grill by Thomas Keller will move into newly renovated spaces formerly occupied by Restaurant 2 onboard the current fleet, beginning with Seabourn Quest in April and followed by Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Odyssey during regularly scheduled dry dock periods. Seabourn Ovation will offer The Grill by Thomas Keller right from its launch in spring 2018.

Mixology Magic
In addition, Seabourn has entered into an agreement with world-renowned mixologist Brian Van Flandern to transform the onboard spirits across its entire fleet with upgraded bar offerings, new cocktail menus, and more. This new agreement comes as the latest food and beverage development that is transforming the way guests wine and dine on the luxury cruise line. Van Flandern has been elevating the bar ingredients available on board, handcrafting classic cocktails, educating and training the bar staff across the Seabourn fleet on both new and classic mixology techniques. He will also create a menu of cocktails exclusive to the line.

"We are honored to bring Brian's creative talents onboard our ships," said John Delaney, senior vice president, global marketing and sales for Seabourn. "Upgrading our complimentary bar and cocktail offerings is another enhancement to our product, and we are confident that these unique touches will continue to elevate our award-winning culinary experience. Guests will enjoy an expanded spirits list, which will include more premium and ultra-premium whiskeys, tequilas, and other spirits."

Van Flandern will use fresh produce, botanicals, and flavor profiling to create a unique list of hand crafted cocktails that takes advantage of the local markets that Seabourn ships visit. Guests will enjoy a number of fresh balanced, remarkably tasty food-friendly cocktails with flavors from around the world. Additionally, he will work with Seabourn's bar team to standardize the classics to provide guests with the same perfectly balanced and served cocktail throughout their cruise.

Images Courtesy Seabourn

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Honeymoon Wishes go to Sea with Norwegian Cruise Line

Engaged couples planning to tie-the-knot or honeymoon aboard one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships can now have their friends and family contribute to making their dreams come true on board, as Norwegian announced a partnership with Honeymoon Wishes, a gift registry website. HoneymoonWishes.com is a full service honeymoon registry for couples and the only gift registry website that allows friends and family to contribute to gifts to be delivered on board the couple’s honeymoon sailing. In addition to online services, guests and their loved ones can call the Honeymoon Wishes dedicated toll-free number, 877-699-5884, for assistance with purchasing registry items.

Instead of a traditional wedding registry for household items, couples can register with Honeymoon Wishes for memorable experiences to enhance their cruise such as a couples’ massage at the Mandara Spa, a romantic dinner at one of Norwegian’s signature specialty restaurants, or an adventurous shore excursion. Engaged couples can even have friends and family contribute to their cruise fare, to help send them on the honeymoon of a lifetime.

Newlyweds can customize requested gift amounts to ensure that everyone can find a gift that fits their budget. When a wedding present is purchased using Honeymoon Wishes, the couple will receive an online gift announcement with a personalized message from the sender. Customized deluxe gift cards can also be mailed, either directly to the happy couple or to the guest, so that they can be presented at the wedding or shower.

Couples have the option to withdraw cruise fare contributions** anytime and as often as they desire with no additional fees, so they can plan their honeymoon on their schedule. All funds received through a Norwegian Cruise Line honeymoon registry for onboard items and activities are applied to the couples’ stateroom account* as a credit five days prior to their embarkation.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers the most freedom and flexibility at sea for couples looking to experience their dream wedding at sea or in port. Norwegian offers legally recognized weddings at sea performed by the ship’s captain aboard Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Epic, with the couple’s marriage license issued by the Bahamas. In addition to weddings at sea, Norwegian also offers customizable destination wedding experiences in one of the line’s spectacular ports of call. Whether they choose to tie the knot overlooking the sparkling ocean, atop a majestic glacier in Alaska, or under a canopy of palm trees on an exotic Caribbean beach, couples planning their dream destination wedding with Norwegian can select a Harborside Ceremony, performed on board while the ship is docked in select ports of call, or Destination Ceremony, performed on shore in select ports of call.

With a wide range of packages available, Norwegian offers everything that couples need for their perfect celebration. All packages include an officiant or ship officer to perform the ceremony, on-site wedding coordinator, private ceremony location, ceremony vows, bouquet and matching boutonniere, prerecorded ceremony music, a bottle of sparkling wine, keepsake wedding certificate and wedding cake. Norwegian is also pleased to offer legal same-sex ceremonies, available in all US ports.
* Cruise credit is valid for a single voyage and cannot be transferred to future bookings. Cruise credit is non-refundable. Couples must have a booking number to apply credits to their stateroom account.
** All gifts purchased within five days of embarkation will be sent to guest directly according to guest’s payment preference.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Seabourn Reveals "The Retreat" Aboard Seabourn Encore

Luxury cruise line Seabourn has unveiled design details of The Retreat, the new sanctuary that will make its debut on the line's newest vessel, Seabourn Encore, this December. Located on Deck 12, The Retreat will be outfitted with custom details and modern elements to create the ultimate luxurious serene space.

A tranquil setting housed in a distinctive flower-shaped canopy that shields guests from sun and wind, The Retreat is ringed with 15 private cabanas designed as individual luxury living rooms that each feature a large HD flat screen television and a refrigerator stocked with a personalized selection of beverages. An additional Spa Treatment Cabana is also available for guests to enjoy personalized spa services.

"The Retreat is the perfect environment for guests to experience pure relaxation and rejuvenation, from your own private cabana or shared spaces," said Chris Prelog, Seabourn's vice president of marine hotel operations. "As a perfect rooftop getaway, The Retreat is sure to be among the most popular destinations onboard our vessels."

The Retreat is located around a central whirlpool with step-up access to water maintained at an inviting temperature. Up to 28 guests can stretch out on comfortable sun loungers; pull up a bar stool or take a table seat for champagne and cocktails custom created by Seabourn mixologists; or enjoy a selection of bites from a healthy spa menu. A selection of amenities include fresh fruit baskets, premium sun lotions, Evian mist spray, plush towels and personalized bathrobes, while a dedicated Retreat Concierge will be available to satisfy guest requests. Cabanas at The Retreat will be available daily and may be reserved for a full day via the Guest Service Specialists at Seabourn Square. Rates for cabanas will begin at $350 per couple per day.

Seabourn Encore will expand and build on the line's award-winning and highly acclaimed Odyssey-class ships, which were introduced between 2009 and 2011. Additionally, Seabourn Encore will maintain the line's high ratio of space per guest, enabling highly personalized service. Designed by hospitality design icon Adam D. Tihany, Seabourn Encore will feature modern design elements and innovations consistent with the line's reputation for understated elegance. The 40,350-GRT ship will be configured with one additional deck and new expanded public areas, and is expected to carry just 600 guests, based on double occupancy. In addition, every suite will feature a private veranda. A sister ship, Seabourn Ovation, will join the fleet in 2018.

Image Courtesy of Seabourn

Friday, March 18, 2016

Carnival Magic to Feature Guy Fieri-Designed Barbecue Eatery

We all like his burgers served in Guy’s Burger Joints on Carnival ships, so what is the next logical step afloat for Guy Fieri? Chef and restaurateur Fieri has now expanded his seagoing culinary offerings with a new authentic smokehouse and barbecue venue aboard Carnival Magic.

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse is a casual open-air eatery located on Carnival Magic’s Lanai on Promenade Deck featuring a wide variety of BBQ favorites smoked right on board over hickory and cherry wood using Guy’s signature recipes, rubs, and spices. Fieri is cooking up real-deal smokehouse favorites like bone-in, dry-rubbed, slow-smoked and pulled Championship Pork Butt, dry-rubbed and grilled Blue Ribbon Chicken, smoked Andouille sausage, and Sliced Smoked Round of Beef cooked “low and slow” and thinly sliced. A rarity on cruise ships, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse features a traditional wood smoker which was installed on board as part of a recent dry dock.

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse also features Fieri’s own unique take on traditional side dishes with deliciously creative offerings like Mac Daddy Mac n Cheese, Old Skool Potato Salad, Scratch-Made Slaw, Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey, and Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon and Burnt Ends. All items at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse will be available free of charge. Diners can spice up their dishes with Fieri’s signature BBQ sauces, including Award-Winning Brown Sugar (sweet and sticky), Kansas City (smoky and sweet), and Sriracha BBQ (spicy and tangy) and Carolina #6 (tangy with sweet heat). A hot sauce bar, as well as a wide range of ice-cold beers and sodas, will be available, as well.

Commented Fieri, “Everyone knows that it takes the finest meats cooked ‘low and slow’ to create truly righteous mouth-watering barbecue. My new ‘Pig & Anchor’ eatery on Carnival Magic is gonna be off the hook! Be sure to grab lots of napkins—it’s gonna get messy!”

Open sea days from noon to 2:30 p.m., Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse is part of Carnival Magic’s extensive multi-million-dollar renovation that spanned three weeks and added a variety of exciting new dining and bar concepts, including a Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue serving hand-crafted burgers and fries with recipes created by the Food Network star. Including Carnival Magic, Guy’s Burger Joints are available on 11 Carnival ships and serve more than 1,000 burgers per ship per day. Guy’s Burger Joint will also be featured aboard the new Carnival Vista when it debuts in May.

Other newly added spaces on Carnival Magic include two poolside bars—the RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar—along with the BlueIguana Cantina serving authentic Mexican tacos and burritos, Pizzeria del Capitano offering hand-tossed artisanal pies, the cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, and a “candy and more store” called Cherry on Top.

Carnival Magic will continue its 7-day schedule from Galveston through April 10, 2016 then reposition to Port Canaveral to launch year-round 7-day Caribbean cruises April 23, 2016. Carnival Magic will offer two distinctly different week-long itineraries from the Space Coast—a western Caribbean route featuring Cozumel, Belize, Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan) and Costa Maya; and an eastern Caribbean option calling at St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk, and Nassau or Amber Cove. Prior to launching its new 7-day schedule from Port Canaveral, Carnival Magic will operate a special 3-day cruise to Nassau April 20-23, 2016.

Image Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Cunard Announces Details on Remastering Queen Mary 2

There comes a time in every lady's life when a bit of a touch-up is due to keep her looking fresh and the same goes for ships. With that in mind, Cunard has announced new enhancements planned for Queen Mary 2's remastering, the most significant refit ever undertaken by Carnival UK.

Queen Mary 2, which will be in dry dock from May 27 to June 21, will see 30 additional Britannia Club Staterooms, 15 new single staterooms, and an expansion of the ship's dedicated kennel for cats and dogs. All staterooms will be remastered by the start of the ship's 2017 World Cruise.

"Cunard was the innovator of the luxury suite category, and this remastering will further showcase the richness of ship's stateroom design, intimate dining experiences, and White Star Service," commented Richard Meadows, President, Cunard North America.

In the newly debuted video below, Queen Mary 2's interior decorators delve into what it took to stay true to Cunard's heritage. As the original Queen Mary celebrates her 80th anniversary this year, Queen Mary 2’s remastering has taken inspiration from the iconic legend.


Cunard, which found inspiration not only in Queen Mary, but also in its guests, announced that in conjuncture with the remastering of all of its staterooms and suites, it will also introduce tea and coffee makers in each cabin.

"Guest feedback was especially important as we explored the redesign of the staterooms," said Angus Struthers, Vice President of Marketing. "We believe the new designs on board provide a more distinctive Cunard character and will elevate the guest experience."

"During our 175-year history, Cunard earned a reputation for being the arbiter of style and taste. The remastering of Queen Mary 2 continues this tradition by the thoughtful contemporizing of the product, while maintaining the refined design aesthetics and service standards that are deeply based in British style and refinement," said David Noyes, Cunard CEO. "The combination of our keen attention to detail, and incorporating inspirations from our past will continue to propel the powerful Cunard story, which we think will strongly resonate with today's discerning travelers."

Video Courtesy Cunard Line

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Crystal Cruises to Build the World's Largest Megayacht "Crystal Endeavor"

It hasn't been that long since the successful launch of Crystal Yacht Cruises 62-guest Crystal Esprit, and luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises is already upping the ante with the world's first purpose-built polar class megayacht—Crystal Endeavor. Measuring 600 feet (183 meters) long, the 25,000 gross ton new build with 100 guest suites will be the largest and most spacious megayacht afloat. Named after Captain James Cooks' research ship "HMS Endeavour," which discovered Australia and New Zealand nearly 250 years ago—the newly built vessel will be designed for global expedition in Arctic, Antarctic, and tropical conditions.

"With Crystal Esprit, we discovered there are many guests, young and young at heart, who enjoy sports at sea and discovering remote islands, and as the interests and age of luxury travelers increasingly vary, we will continue to expand our collection of luxury travel options," says Crystal president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez. "Luxury means something different to virtually everyone, and we strive to meet and exceed the wishes of the discerning modern luxury traveler. Crystal Endeavor will cater to a particularly daring audience, one who values luxurious comfort and amenities as much as life-changing adventures."

The megayacht will be the first purpose-built Polar Code compliant yacht in the world with a PC6 Polar Class designation. As such, Crystal Endeavor will be able to cruise in Polar Regions during the summer and autumn in medium "first year" ice which may include old ice inclusions. She will also be fitted with the state-of-the-art offshore dynamic positioning technology, with computer-controlled systems to automatically maintain the ship's position with its own propellers and thrusters. This will enable the megayacht to float atop coral reefs and other underwater wonders without utilizing anchors, which can damage the terrain or other underwater wonders in waters too deep for anchors.

With the state-of-the-art offshore dynamic positioning technology, Crystal Endeavor will cruise in the Arctic; then follow the route of migrating whales along the coast of the Americas and Europe to Antarctica during the winter. Along the way, she will visit remote islands in the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, which cruise ships seldom call or cannot access. With a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV, used extensively in the offshore industry), expedition cruises will also be organized to see sunken galleons, warships and passenger ships, such as the Titanic at 12,500 feet, and with dynamic positioning, she will just hover over deep sunken attractions without using anchors.

The 200-guest capacity Crystal Endeavor will offer extreme adventures by air, sea and land with a complete range of "toys" which are not commonly found on today's megayachts, including two helicopters and two landing pads for flightseeing expeditions, as well as two, 7-person submarines, eight electric amphibious zodiacs, jet skis, wave runners, kayaks, fishing facilities, paddle boards, snorkeling and scuba equipment, recompression chamber, dive support tender and a multi-person ATV. To further deliver guest experiences distinct from any other expedition vessels, Crystal Endeavor will be equipped with SEABOBs—the world's most technically advanced and powerful underwater scooter—that allows you to move gracefully underwater.

The standard guest suites will measure a minimum 400 square feet (including balcony), larger than all current expedition and luxury cruise ships, while the yacht's two Owner Suites' will each boast a whopping 3,122 square feet (1,615 sq ft interior and 1,507 sq ft balcony), making them the largest guest suites of any megayacht afloat. Owner Suites' guests will enjoy a master bedroom and two guest bedrooms, indoor and outdoor living areas, private conservatory, garden and outdoor Jacuzzi, private spa and gym outfitted with sauna, steam room and treatment room. The Owners Suite can be connected to a penthouse suite (806 sq ft) for a combined square footage of 3,928 feet (2,227 sq ft interior and 1,654 sq ft balcony)—surpassing any current and future build accommodations at sea.

Crowning the megayacht will be Crystal's signature Palm Court, which will offer 270-degree panoramic views for whale-watching and viewing other wildlife. Crystal Endeavor will boast a combined Spa and Conservatory space of a 10,000 square feet, featuring a full-service Spa, Yoga, Pilates, Salon, and Wellness Center; Jacuzzis; and an infinity pool whose base can be lifted to be a dance floor or an alfresco dining area. The megayacht will also feature six dining options, as well several guest amenities including a 200-seat theatre; numerous lecture rooms; cinema; card room; and a computer center.

True to the Crystal trend of spacious public areas, the vessel will offer numerous indoor and outdoor areas for guests' independent leisure and relaxation. Additionally, Crystal Endeavor will be all-inclusive and will offer the service for which Crystal has been celebrated for more than 25 years. The line's butler service will be available for all guests, as the megayacht will boast a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, with 200 crew members serving the 200 guests on board.

Crystal Endeavor will be built by the Lloyd Werft Group, a collection of four shipyards in Bremerhaven, Germany, which has built over a thousand vessels, including cruise ships, ice-breakers, and megayachts. Crystal Endeavor voyages will open for booking in late 2016. Steel cutting for the ship will begin May 2016 and Crystal will take delivery in August 2018.

Image Courtesy Crystal Cruises

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Port Everglades Breaks World Record—Over 54,700 Guests in Single Day

With recent record numbers of guests embarking on cruises from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades, the port is certainly a leading candidate for the title "Cruise Capital of the World."

Officials for Port Everglades believe that Sunday, March 13, 2016, marks the second time this cruise season that the port broke its own world record with a preliminary count of more than 54,700 cruise guests sailing in and out in a single day. The last world record was set just three months earlier on Dec 20, 2015, when 53,485 passengers sailed in and out of the South Florida cruise port in a single day. In addition, these record days did not include passengers aboard Balearia's Bahamas Express ferry, which departed for a day trip to the Bahamas with almost 400 passengers.

The Port hosted eight cruise ships Sunday including Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Conquest, Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Silhouette, Holland America Line's Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam, Princess Cruises' Regal Princess and Royal Princess, and Royal Caribbean International's Allure of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas. These are the same cruise ships that called at Port Everglades for the Dec 20, 2015 record, but because of varying spring break vacations in March the ships came in and left full of families.

If lined up bow to stern, the eight cruise ships docked at Port Everglades on March 13 would stretch 8,245 feet or the equivalent of nearly 27 football fields and extend the length of the new runway at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). That is enough cruise passengers to fill between 108 and 130 747-jumbo jets or all the seats at the BB&T Center about three times for a concert or a Florida Panthers hockey game.

Located in the second largest county in Florida, Broward County's Port Everglades is consistently ranked as one of the three busiest cruise ports in the world. The Port's wide-ranging fleet of cruise ships provides guests with an array of cruise vacation choices from the sunny cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach. View details on the latest cruise offerings in their online Cruise Guide at PortEverglades.net.

Image Courtesy Port Everglades

Monday, March 14, 2016

Ovation of the Seas Has Left the (Shipyard) Building

Pictured here, Royal Caribbean International’s newest cruise ship, Ovation of the Seas, which is being constructed at Meyer Werft, a Papenburg, Germany-based shipyard, began its conveyance last Friday. The conveyance is a unique process for ships built at Meyer Werft as the shipyard is situated inland along the banks of the River Ems and the ship must make the trip from Papenburg down the river backwards to get to the North Sea. The journey will be completed in 12 hours.

At 346 meters long (1,138 feet long) and 41 meters wide (136 feet wide), this 167,800 gross ton ship is one of the largest ever to go through conveyance. Thousands of revelers from the surrounding local villages typically line the 26 mile route along the river bank to watch and celebrate the ship’s journey.

Ovation of the Seas will be officially launched in April 2016, when she departs Southampton, England for Tianjin, China on a 52-day Global Odyssey. She will begin her first homeport sailing season in China from Tianjin on June 24, 2016. Ovation of the Seas, together with Quantum of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas, will make up the largest fleet of any cruise line sailing in China.

Ovation of the Seas features a new set of first-at-sea onboard experiences, such as Ripcord by iFLY, a heart-pounding skydiving experience; North Star, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever. Guests also will enjoy a landscape of 18 restaurant concepts as vast and varied as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Ovation spans 18 decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms.

What is a "conveyance" all about? Join Cruise Diva on board for the conveyance of Celebrity Eclipse to find out.

Image Courtesy Royal Caribbean International

Friday, March 11, 2016

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Names First Female Captain

Some pundits claim that there is a “War on Women,” but it’s not raging at sea. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced the promotion of Serena Melani to Captain of Seven Seas Mariner, the world's first all-suite, all-balcony ship. The first female Captain in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet and the first in the brands of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Captain Melani—age 42—is one of just a handful of women to ascend to the rank of captain in the history of the cruise industry. Overseeing 700 passengers and a crew of 450, she embarked Feb. 21 on her maiden voyage as captain—a 12-night South American sojourn, from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro.

A native of the Tuscany region of Italy, Captain Melani became enamored with the sea at a young age and prepared for her career by attending nautical school. She attained her first shipboard position in 1998, serving on a roll-on/roll-off ship carrying cars and general cargo. Later, after four years working on oil tankers and gas carriers, she made a career switch to the cruise ship industry.

“On cruise ships, you travel to more exotic places and get to meet so many interesting people,” said Captain Melani, whose favorite cruise destination is West Africa. “The ship is like a small village, and I take pride in ensuring that all of our guests experience a unique and enjoyable journey.”

While excited to be commanding a ship for the first time, Captain Melani downplayed the significance of her gender. “Yes, I am a female in a traditional male environment. But when you are on board, you are part of a team. Regardless of your gender, you have a job to do. And you must do it well.”

After seven years with another cruise line, Captain Melani joined Regent Seven Seas in 2010. She has served in several increasingly-responsible officer-level roles, including 2nd officer and safety officer. She most recently served a two-year stint as Staff Captain aboard Seven Seas Mariner, which she now captains. When not at sea, Captain Melani lives with her husband in Croatia and her native Italy.

Thursday, March 10, 2016

New Acts Round Out Carnival LIVE's Fall 2016 Lineup

Carnival Cruise Line has announced its fall 2016 Carnival LIVE lineup featuring country music star Sam Hunt and comedians Chris Tucker and Jim Gaffigan. Bringing the best in live music and comedy to the seas, Carnival LIVE is a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience that provides guests an opportunity to enjoy performances by major artists at a tremendous value. Performances are held in the ships’ main theaters—ranging in guest capacity from 900 to 1,300—meaning there’s never a bad seat in the house. Carnival LIVE performances are held while vessels are docked in Cozumel, Nassau and, for the first time, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay.

Known for his innovative and boundary-breaking artistry, Sam Hunt will have audiences singing along and dancing in the aisles as he performs two shows while Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Splendor are docked in Cozumel on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20, respectively. Hunt—who was recently nominated for a Grammy Award and has been honored with an American Music Award, a CMT Award and an Academy of Country Music Award—is the first country artist to chart all singles from his debut album in the Billboard Hot 100.

Grammy award-winner Jim Gaffigan brings his unique brand of humor with performances in Nassau aboard Carnival Valor Sept. 6 and Carnival Fantasy Sept. 7. Gaffigan is a New York Times best-selling author, top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling father of five. He recently wrapped the first season of his critically acclaimed television show, The Jim Gaffigan Show, which, like his brand of humor, revolves around one man’s struggle to balance fatherhood, stand-up comedy and an insatiable appetite.

Famous for his starring role in the Rush Hour movie series, Tucker will keep guests laughing with his hilarious outlook on life with two shows—one aboard Carnival Freedom in Grand Cayman Oct. 25 and another on Carnival Dream in Montego Bay Oct. 26. After moving to Los Angeles to pursue his dream, Tucker was a staple on the Def Comedy Jam series before breaking into movies and continuing his popular stand-up comedy career. Most recently, he starred in a self-titled comedy show, Chris Tucker–Live, on Netflix.

These performances complement an array of shows by a variety of musical artists taking place aboard eight Carnival ships over the coming months. Carnival LIVE tickets for Sam Hunt, Chris Tucker, and Jim Gaffigan range from $30 to $75 for general admission, significantly less than land-based venues. VIP tickets are available for $100 to $250 and offer seating in the first five rows, a photo opportunity with the artist and a commemorative concert pass. A full listing of the 2016 Carnival LIVE concert series is available by visiting carnival.com/CarnivalLIVE.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Pre- and Post-Cruise In Fort Lauderdale

Hilton Garden Inn
Traditionally a favorite homeport due to its proximity to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), a recent study identifies Broward County's Port Everglades as an evolving tourism magnet for the Greater Fort Lauderdale area.

Sixty-two percent of the cruise passengers surveyed for the study stayed at least one night prior to their cruise vacation, staying an average of 3.4 nights, and 21 percent planned to stay an average of 2.6 nights after their cruise.

"This study validates what we have long known—that our local economy benefits from the cruise industry. But, we are seeing that hoteliers are taking advantage of the opportunities that having a cruise port in their backyard offers," said Chief Executive & Port Director Steven Cernak. "Just look at the number of new hotels that have opened around Port Everglades in recent years and the creative pre- and post-cruise vacation packages offered on Sunny.org in the Cruise & Play section."

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau encourages pre- and post-cruise vacation stays through its "Cruise & Play" section on the sunny.org website. The "Cruise & Play" section features as list of hotels offering shuttle service to and from the cruise port and airport, as well as deals on hotels, attractions and special discounts available just by showing your cruise card or cruise documents.

The Cruise Diva crew has sailed many time from Port Everglades and we nearly always spend a day or two pre-cruise in the area. While we've stayed at a number of properties, our favorite is the Hilton Garden Inn at 180 SW 18th Avenue, Dania, Florida, 33004 (just off I-95 at Exit 22 Stirling Road). Pictured above, the hotel has a great little restaurant and there are numerous places to eat within walking distance if you don't have a car. Some hotel amenities include:
• Complimentary shuttle to/from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport
• Charter service to Cruise Ship Terminals at Port Everglades and Port of Miami
• Complimentary fitness center, outdoor pool, and whirlpool
• Cooked-to-order breakfast, dinner and room service at the Great American Grill®
• Complimentary WiFi internet access
• Complimentary parking
In addition, complimentary coffee, lemonade, and cookies are offered in the lobby during the day and evening. We have taken advantage of their stay-and-cruise option and parked our car at the Hilton Garden Inn for a nominal fee on several occasions.

Another benefit to cruising from Port Everglades includes the Port's location in relation to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). More than 21 percent of the cruise guests surveyed said that they came directly from FLL, and an overwhelming majority (66 percent) said they selected FLL based on its close proximity to the Port. FLL is located within two miles of Port Everglades and is accessible by taxi, shuttle, or bus transfer from the cruise line. The Port is also within 30 miles of Miami International Airport (MIA), which is an approximate 40-minute drive.

Located in the second largest county in Florida, Broward County's Port Everglades is consistently ranked as one of the three busiest cruise ports in the world, with more than 3.7 million passengers in 2015. Nine cruise lines and more than 40 cruise ships sail from the South Florida seaport including: Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises. The Port's wide-ranging fleet of cruise ships provides guests with an array of cruise vacation choices from the sunny Greater Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach area.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Disney Cruise Line Announces Two New Ships

Disney Cruise Line is growing again. Last week the Walt Disney Company announced plans to build two additional cruise ships, each of them showcasing the immersive family entertainment, enchanting storytelling, and unparalleled service that only Disney delivers. The company has entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany and the schedule calls for the new ships to be completed in 2021 and 2023.

"We pride ourselves on the unforgettable vacation experiences we deliver to our guests each and every day, and the expansion of our Disney fleet will allow us to create even more magical memories for families at sea and in incredible cruise destinations around the world," said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

Each new ship will be approximately 135,000 gross tons—slightly larger than the newest Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy—and each is currently planned to include about 1,250 guest staterooms. While design plans, ship names and itineraries are still in development, the Walt Disney Imagineering team is already dreaming up exciting new ways to create the world's most magical oceangoing adventures.

Since first setting sail in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has provided a quintessential family cruise vacation experience that combines the magic of Disney with the thrill of exploring different parts of the world. Guests step aboard majestic and beautiful ocean liners to enjoy legendary Disney entertainment, exquisite dining, spacious and well-appointed staterooms, and magnificent public spaces. The company also has been an industry leader in innovation and creativity. With the launch of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy in 2011 and 2012, the company introduced several firsts for the industry, including a water coaster at sea (AquaDuck) and virtual portholes in interior staterooms (Magical Portholes) that provide real-time views of the sea as well as sightings of animated Disney characters.

More details about the Disney Cruise Line fleet expansion and onboard offerings will be announced at a later date.

Image Courtesy Disney Cruise Line

Monday, March 7, 2016

Seabourn Celebrates Float Out Of Seabourn Encore

A bottle breaks on the ship's bow to mark the occasion
Another new cruise vessel under construction has touched water for the first time. Last Friday luxury cruise line Seabourn celebrated another milestone in the construction of its new Seabourn Encore, with the ship "floating out." Following a traditional ceremony to commemorate this significant occasion, the ship will "float" from its dry dock to its outfitting dock at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard in Italy, where it will undergo final construction until the ship is delivered at the end of 2016.

During the ceremony, the ship's "madrina" cut the cord to begin the water flow to the ship's building dock. Marnie Tihany, the director of business development for Tihany Design and wife of hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany, served as the madrina of Seabourn Encore. Adam Tihany is the visionary who will bring Seabourn's bespoke aesthetic to life aboard Encore.

"Seeing Seabourn Encore in the water is a very special moment and represents another important step toward the completion of our highly-anticipated ship," said Richard Meadows, Seabourn President. "We continue to hear from our guests and travel industry partners about their excitement for this incredible ship, and they are just as eager as we are to welcome her to the Seabourn family later this year."

Seabourn Encore is being fashioned by hospitality design icon Adam D. Tihany, with contemporary interiors and modern design elements and innovations consistent with the line's reputation for understated elegance. The ship will expand and build on the line's award-winning and highly acclaimed Odyssey-class ships, which revolutionized ultra-luxury cruising with enhanced accommodations and innovative amenities when they were introduced between 2009 and 2011. Seabourn Encore will maintain the line's high ratio of space per guest, enabling highly personalized service by close to one staff member for each guest on board. The 40,350-GRT ship will be configured with one additional deck and new expanded public areas, and is expected to carry just 600 guests, based on double occupancy. In addition, every suite will feature a private veranda.

Image Courtesy of Seabourn

Friday, March 4, 2016

Ovation of the Seas "Floats Out"

Watch as Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas nears completion as she floats out from the building dock at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany.



Video Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Join the Captain for Sea Trials in “Countdown to Koningsdam” Video Series

Holland America Line has debuted the sixth “Countdown to Koningsdam” video, which takes viewers to the shipyard and shows aerials of the ship’s recent sea trials. The short videos in the series were created to provide updates and share the excitement as ms Koningsdam nears delivery in April 2016.

Hosted by Johnathan Rogers, Koningsdam’s cruise director, the video, “Countdown to Koningsdam: Episode 6,” features Captain Emiel de Vries, inaugural master of the ship, talking about sea trials and his future “office”—the bridge.



“The ship’s sea trials were a huge milestone in construction, and we’re excited to share video footage of the beautiful Koningsdam sailing,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Watching the ship move so gracefully across the water really brings Koningsdam to life. The delivery is not far away now, and we’re looking forward to officially welcoming Koningsdam to the fleet.”

In the video, viewers set sail with Koningsdam as it takes to the open ocean for the first time. The two sets of sea trials occurred in January off the coast of Italy with Captain de Vries participating and observing as the ship made its way from Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard to dry dock at Trieste. The ship then returned to Marghera where finishing touches will be completed before its April delivery.

Captain de Vries also provides a glimpse of the bridge, which is still under construction, sharing that it has “the latest and the greatest” technology. “It was a thrill to take the ship to sea and give her a test run,” added de Vries. “The maneuvering trials were particularly exciting for me, and the ship behaved very well.”

Video Courtesy Holland America Line

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Disney Cruise Line Debuts New Menu Items at Palo Specialty Restaurant

In Palo, the signature adult-exclusive restaurant aboard every Disney Cruise Line ship, the enticing flavors and rich culinary traditions of Italy take center-stage with new menu items. The restaurant’s Italian roots are revisited with the addition of regional recipes, authentic ingredients and time-honored techniques. Paired with sweeping ocean views and an intimate, romantic atmosphere—and perhaps a glass of wine from the restaurant’s extensive reserve wine list—the new offerings expand upon the superlative dining experience and delectable cuisine at Palo.

New Wine Pairing Menu
Culinary connoisseurs seeking an epicurean journey at sea will delight in the Esperienza del Vino wine pairing menu. Featuring six courses, each expertly paired with a glass of wine or spirit, the pairing menu boasts all-new dishes for a fresh take on a guest-favorite experience.

The evening begins with savory coppa (thinly sliced cured pork neck) on dressed fava beans, garnished with sharp pecorino cheese and micro celery. A refreshing Venetian Bellini made with sparkling Prosecco, ripe white peaches and a hint of raspberry is a fitting aperitif. With appetites whet and palates prepped, four courses follow: gnocchi with nutty cep mushroom sauce; poached white asparagus with smoked anchovies, quail egg and truffle oil; sea bass with spinach and buckwheat. The finale of the savory dishes is beef striploin—aged for 25 days, seared and roasted with rosemary—thinly sliced and served with dressed arugula.

Samples from Italy’s renowned vineyards highlight each course, aptly selected to amplify the senses. In order: Bellavista Franciacorta Cuvee Brut, a rich blend of 30 distinctive wines; dry, flowery Elena Walch Gewurztraminer from the northern province of South Tyrol; La Scolca Gavi dei Gavi Black Label, crisp and acidic with undertones of almond and lime; and full-bodied Antinori Tignanello Marchesi, a potent Tuscan red with notes of spice, fruit, oak, licorice and rosemary.

A decadent denouement comes in the form of creamy mascarpone mousse, enclosed in a delicate white chocolate dome and served atop fluffy rhubarb and grappa sponge cake in a bed of sweet consommé jelly. The dish is elegantly garnished with a floral and fruity flourish, and a soft Alexander Platinum Grappa leaves only satisfied sighs in its wake.

New Dinner Selections
The newest iteration of the Palo menu celebrates the world-renowned cuisine of Italy, the birthplace of international necessities like Parmesan cheese.

A stand-out addition to the dinner selection is a whole roasted chicken, marinated for 24 hours in lemon, sea salt and rosemary. Beautifully presented in a copper serving dish with roasted baby vegetables, asparagus and potatoes, the entree is topped with a Barolo wine reduction typical to the mountainous region of Piedmont in the northwest. Intended for sharing, this dish serves two.

From the seafood selection, a piquant Dover sole is fileted tableside and served with regional staples like capers, anchovies, sundried tomatoes and thyme potatoes. An exquisite Prosecco and black truffle reduction gives new life to classic sea scallops. And, returning to the menu with a new twist, seared ahi tuna steak is prepared with blanched green beans, roasted new potatoes, and peppered quail eggs.

Sweet endings are a Palo specialty, and the enhanced dessert menu includes a variety of warm, cold, sweet and tangy offerings. These include light, creamy tiramisu—a coffee-infused classic—and a limoncello tart for a refreshing pop of citrus. One thing that hasn’t changed is the signature Palo chocolate soufflé, prepared fresh to-order and served piping hot with luscious vanilla bean and chocolate sauces, plus a scoop of ice cream for good measure.

Reservations are required for all Palo dining experiences and can be booked online or onboard. There is a $30 per person charge for dinner, plus the cost of alcoholic beverages, and the Esperienza del Vino wine pairing experience is an additional $59 per person.

Image Courtesy Disney Cruise Line

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

NCL Names First Purpose-Built Ship For Chinese Market

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has revealed the English and Chinese names for the world's first purpose-built cruise liner for the China market. The most innovative ship ever styled exclusively for Chinese guests has been named 'Norwegian Joy'—translating into Chinese as 喜悦号 (Xǐ Yuè Hào). The name Norwegian Joy emphasizes the experience that the ship will offer—尽享喜悦 海上乐园, a promise that guests will 'Experience Paradise on the Sea'.

"After closely studying the Chinese cruise market for several years, we wanted to be clear about what we will deliver to our guests on this spectacular vessel," said Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Chief Executive Officer Frank Del Rio. "Norwegian Joy will provide the same sense of freedom and flexibility found on all Norwegian Cruise Line ships, but with resort-style vacation experiences and amenities designed specifically with the Chinese guest in mind."

Norwegian Joy
With a capacity of 3,900 guests, the new Breakaway Plus-class vessel will debut in China in Summer 2017. Norwegian Joy is designed specifically for the Chinese traveler, with cuisine and onboard experiences that cater to the unique vacation preferences of Chinese guests. This unrivaled customization for the China market has involved detailed consultation with Chinese partners and local experts on the subtleties of Chinese culture and preferences. The upscale cruise experience especially tailored for modern Chinese travelers extends from world-class entertainment to a wide range of specially curated fine international dining, unrivalled duty-free luxury shopping at sea and a new range of incredible first-at-sea activities onboard.

"Chinese guests will discover an unmatched quality of service, cuisine, entertainment and retail experience onboard Norwegian Joy that is simply not available in the China market today," said Senior Vice President and Managing Director of China, David Herrera. "With Norwegian Joy, we will unquestionably offer our Chinese guests a superior product and introduce a new standard of innovation and excellence into what will soon be the world's second largest cruise market."

Additional details, including the ship's homeport, accommodations, dining, and entertainment will be shared in the coming months.

Nuò Wéi Zhēn
In addition to the ship name, NCL has also revealed a new Chinese name and logo exclusively for the mainland China market. The company's name will be represented by characters 诺唯真 (Nuò Wéi Zhēn), translating as a 'Promising, Exclusive and Authentic' cruise line, which perfectly reflects the company's dedication to offering the premier cruise product in China. Along with outstanding entertainment, dining and upscale accommodations, Norwegian Cruise Line is recognized for a unique style of cruising known as Freestyle Cruising that offers guests the freedom and flexibility to dine, shop and enjoy entertainment on their own time schedule in a fun, relaxed, and energetic atmosphere. Only on Norwegian can guests enjoy their vacation at their leisure, with no set dining times, a wide array of dining experiences and a variety of award-winning entertainment. Norwegian's international marketing campaign 'Feel Free' has also been adapted and reinterpreted for the China market as 自由,就在这海天之间—which translates as 'freedom is on the horizon.'

"Not only will Norwegian Joy be a ship unlike any other in the market today, but the freedom and flexibility that guests will experience on board will also be unrivaled in Chinese cruising," said Harry Sommer, NCL's Executive Vice President of International Business Development.

To support NCL's expansion in China, the company has opened offices in Beijing (Guomao CBD) and Shanghai (Xintiandi), supporting all three brands in the company's portfolio—Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Image Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line