Mark Your Calendar For Disney Cruise Line's New Itineraries

Disney Cruise Line is introducing two new eastern Caribbean itineraries for 2009 and special offerings for 2008. "Expanding our offerings in the eastern Caribbean provides our first-time cruisers an array of popular destinations to choose from, while also providing seasoned Disney cruisers new destinations to visit and explore with Disney," said Tom McAlpin, president of Disney Cruise Line.

McAlpin noted that there are also special offerings during 2008, including a summer season of sailings to the Mexican Riviera. As an added summer treat, Disney Cruise Line has redesigned their four-night itinerary from May 11 through Aug 24, 2008 to feature two stops at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas. Castaway Cay continues to be one of the highlights of a Disney Cruise vacation, and this new itinerary affords twice as much time--two full days!--to enjoy all the amenities and activities of the tropical oasis.

On select sailings in 2009, Disney guests will be able to explore either St. Croix or Tortola. The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix offers a wonderful mix of colonial-style architecture, natural wonders, quaint shops, and spectacular marine habitats. Tortola, part of the British Virgin Islands, features centuries-old ruins, botanical gardens, sugar mills, sensational bays, and beaches. The new eastern Caribbean itineraries will stop at St. Croix or Tortola, St. Thomas, and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

Additionally, Disney Cruise Line will continue to offer its current version of the eastern Caribbean cruise. Scheduled in-between the new special sailings, it includes calls at St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Castaway Cay.

Check out Cruise Diva's Cruise News for specific itinerary dates and more details. Call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500, or contact your travel agent for reservations.

Photo: Copyright CruiseDiva.com

A Sad Cruise Ending

Hattiesburg, MS: The Hattiesburg American reports that the search for a local 77-year-old man who went missing from Carnival Cruise Lines' Fantasy has ended. After investigators discovered a suicide note in the man's cabin, the Coast Guard suspended its search for him at 10:15 am, Sunday, Dec. 2nd. Apparently the note indicated the man, who took the cruise alone, had health problems. The emergency contact person listed on the man's cruise forms indicated he was divorced and, "he did not have any family."

While the victim's identity has not been released, he was reportedly last seen at 7 pm Friday. The Coast Guard searched 400 square miles in the Gulf of Mexico and part of the Mississippi River from the Southwest Pass at the mouth of the river, north to the Port of New Orleans, and even sifted through the ship's dock area in hopes that the missing passenger would be located.

Carnival Cruise Lines has released this statement, "During the debarkation process for the Carnival Fantasy, which had docked in New Orleans (Saturday) morning at the end of a five-day cruise, it was determined that one passenger was unaccounted for. The 77-year-old male was traveling by himself in a balcony suite. The cabin door was double-locked from the inside but the guest was not in the cabin. All proper authorities, including the FBI and US Coast Guard were notified. Based on a variety of factors, foul play is not suspected."

Cruises: Port Everglades Snaps Up New Royal Caribbean Ships

Have you tried to get a decent rate in a Fort Lauderdale hotel recently? The sky-high prices appear to reflect the popularity of Port Everglades as a cruise embarkation port and it's about to get even more crowded.

The Sun Sentinel reports that Royal Caribbean has agreed to homeport both of its two new mega-size Genesis-class cruise ships at Port Everglades year-round, ending months of competition for the business between the Broward County port and the Port of Miami.

Royal Caribbean's base of operations in South Florida has long been the Port of Miami--the line is even heaquartered there--but the new agreement creates a major, long-term partnership with Port Everglades by guaranteeing 17 million passengers over the next decade. While Miami and Port Canaveral currently out-rank it, Fort Lauderdale officials say the Royal Caribbean deal will make Port Everglades the largest cruise port in the world. Each Genesis-class ship will carry up to 6,400 passengers and 2,000 crews members on weekly Caribbean cruises, which are expected to begin sailing from Port Everglades in mid-2009.

One of Port Everglade's aging terminals will be renovated at a cost of $37.4 million to accommodate the new ships. Local taxpayers won't be footing the bill, though. According to the Sun-Sentinel, cruisers will bear the cost through a $5.70 surcharge imposed by Royal Caribbean on passengers. That's in addition to the $9.95 user charge each passenger pays. It appears that Floridians have taken a page from the state of Alaska's playbook on charging cruisers to "use" their state.

A Royal Caribbean spokesman said the cruise line chose Port Everglades over Miami because it offered "a little bit more in terms of servicing passengers and the development of the port." Cruise Diva has an opinion on that and will share it shortly.

Photo Above: Port Everglades on a Late Saturday Afternoon

Celebrity Cruises: Turning Up The Heat

No, it's not a new threat about global warming, although it's sure to be a "hot spot" at sea.

In collaboration with the renowned Corning Museum of Glass, Celebrity Cruises will bring the captivating art of glassblowing to sea when the Museum's "Hot Glass Show" debuts on Celebrity Solstice in December 2008. Located on the ship's upper deck within a custom-designed, outdoor glassmaking studio, the Hot Glass Show will present the history and craft of glassblowing, from its ancient origins to its current countless uses. Three resident "gaffers"--highly skilled glassblowing artists--will educate and entertain cruisers with live glassmaking shows, lectures and workshops.

"We're confident our guests will be awestruck by what we're offering with The Corning Museum of Glass," said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan.

Celebrity Cruises' microsite, www.cruisecelebritysolstice.com, offers a sneak peek at The Corning Museum of Glass Hot Glass Show on Celebrity Solstice.

Have you been to FunShip Island?

The Internet continues to amaze me with all the cool stuff that continuously pops up. One site that I've visited in the past was brought to my attention again recently and it's almost as much fun as a real cruise.

I'm talking about FunShip Island, Carnival Cruise Lines' playful behind-the-scenes look at a cruise. It's said that cruise ships are destinations themselves these days and I agree. While aboard FunShip Island I visited the Piano Bar, played craps in the Casino (I won!), and relaxed in the sauna while listening to music I downloaded to my iPod. I also took a wild ride down the ship's twisting waterslide. Woo hoo!

Then I went ashore and relaxed at the beach before interacting with a playful dolphin. Filppy let me feed him, danced for me, and then we swam together.

To bring a ray of sunshine into a dreary winter day, take a virtual visit to FunShip Island!

How About Some Cheese With Your Wine?

Where can connoisseurs savor the perfect pairing of 'vin et fromage' from a 25,000-bottle cellar of more than 350 labels and 40 types of cheeses while traveling the globe? Where can the intrepid traveler learn first-hand that the first cheese was made in the Middle East or that an aged Dutch Gouda is the perfect complement to a California Chardonnay? Why, only aboard Crystal Cruises' 2008 voyages, when all of the onboard wine sommeliers will be certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers and certified Cheese Sommeliers will be introduced on the line's 60+ voyages in destinations around the world.

The training and knowledge of the wine sommeliers allows guests to turn enjoyable samplings into edifying experiences with in-depth information about the history, horticulture, vineyards, and subtle flavors of the wines being tasted, including rare and extraordinary wines. To complement fine wines, the cheese sommeliers will be expanding Crystal's selection of regional and artisanal cheeses, and can offer insights on sampling suggestions, the harmony with wines and spirits, and information on the history, manufacturing and fine distinctions of each cheese. Extensive hands-on training provides the cheese sommeliers with in-depth knowledge of unique blends from numerous countries worldwide with a special emphasis on France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal and England.

"Great travel experiences include sights, sounds, and also tastes," says Toni Neumeister, Crystal's vice president of food and beverages. "Our new certified experts will offer an added dimension to the culinary experience by educating and encouraging both novices and connoisseurs to discover new wines and cheeses that enhance their dining and travel encounters."

While I'm no connoisseur (I didn't know there is such a thing as a Cheese Sommelier), I am glad to know it's no accident that I prefer Gouda Cheese with my Chardonnay. Maybe I'm not such a novice after all!

Victoria, Now Formally A Cunard Queen

The hand-over ceremony of Cunard Line's Queen Victoria took place at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice to mark the completion of the ship. With Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi and corporate dignitaries on board, the celebration included performances throughout the day by the Band of the Scots Guards.

On the bridge and now in command of the new 90,000-ton vessel is Captain Paul Wright, pictured here. Queen Victoria is due to leave the shipyard on November 30, and sail to Southampton, where she will berth at the City Cruise Terminal at 9:30 am on Friday December 7. Following her Naming Ceremony on December 10, Queen Victoria will depart on her Maiden Voyage, to a splendid firework display, at 5:00 pm on Tuesday December 11.

While I won't be sailing on her sold-out inaugural cruise, I will be on hand to share details of the Naming Ceremony with you... and other little details, such as her Godmother HRH The Duchess of Cornwall's christening wardrobe and, of course, a signature Cruise Diva photo tour.

Take a peek at our preview info about Queen Victoria and watch for reports on the festivities next month.

Two Ships, Two Profiles: Carnival Freedom & Costa Fortuna

It isn't often that I have the opportunity to experience two ships in one week and I'm delighted to share them with you on CruiseDiva.com.

First, I sailed on the 4-night maiden Caribbean cruise on Carnival Freedom from Miami to Key West and Cozumel on Nov 12-16. Then, I spent the night aboard Costa Fortuna in Fort Lauderdale on Nov 17 as she prepared for her inaugural Caribbean season.

The ships are similar in layout, yet oh-so-different. Take a look...

Carnival Freedom Profile & Photo Tour

Costa Fortuna Preview & Photo Tour

Time To Choose: Which Girl Has "IT"?

Wow! More than 500 online video entries were submitted by Latitudes members (past NCL guests) in the Search for the Latitudes “It” Girl contest. Based on creativity and the originality of their submissions, including how they embody the attributes of NCL’s hottest, hippest new ship, Norwegian Gem, as well as the free spirit of NCL’s Freestyle Cruising, NCL has whittled the entrants down to five finalists.

Now that finalists have been chosen, NCL needs your help. They only have one chance to get this right because the winner will be named Godmother of its new ship, Norwegian Gem and receive the ultimate bling, a fab 7-day cruise in Norwegian Gem’s posh Garden Villa for her and five members of her entourage. So, listen up. This is important. And keep in mind that BFFs come and go, but a godmother is forever.

Finalist videos are now posted on http://www.gemitgirl.com/ and YOU are invited to help pick the winner by voting for your favorite “It” Girl now through December 7, 2007. The five finalists will be whisked away to Norwegian Gem’s christening ceremony on December 18, 2007 in New York City where the winner will be revealed and will christen the ship.

So, which one will it be? Which has the qualities of an “It” Girl--sophistication, independence and confidence, eagerness to explore new destinations and learn new things, glamour, style and culture, along with a youthful and adventurous spirit? Cruise Diva has a fave, but isn't telling. Watch the videos and you decide.

Shades of Titanic: Rescue at Sea

The Associated Press reports that 154 passengers and crew aboard the expedition ship Explorer took to lifeboats in frigid Antarctic waters early Friday morning. All were safely transferred to Nordnorge, a Norwegian cruise ship. No injuries have been reported at this time.

A fist-sized hole was punched in the hull of Explorer when it struck an iceberg or other submerged object before dawn near the South Shetland Islands, south of Argentina.

Seas were calm during the rescue, according to Susan Hayes, a representative of GAP Adventures, the Canadian-based operator of the tour aboard the Explorer. It is unclear whether the abandoned vessel will sink, although it is listing heavily and sinking seems likely.

UPDATE: Although pumps were used earlier in an effort to save Explorer, subsequent photos have shown it lying on one side with its hull exposed. Britain's Sky News reports that according to a Chilean Navy spokeman, "Our units in the area aren't seeing anything. The Explorer is not visible any longer." The ship has apparently succumbed to its injuries and sunk.

Aloha, Hawaii

The Associated Press reports that by the end of 2007, 469 cruise ship calls to the Big Island of Hawaii are expected to generate upward of $94 million in visitor expenditures. That's the good news. However, the bad news is that cruise ship calls to the island are expected to drop by nearly a third next year, eliminating hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in tourist revenue. The average passenger spends about $100 per day during a day in port, buying souvenirs, going on tours, and dining ashore. Their future absence will be painful to the local economy. The pain doesn't stop there, though. While ship visits are expected to fall to 310 in 2008, the numbers are expected to decline further through 2011.

Norwegian Cruise Lines is withdrawing NCL America's Pride of Hawaii from island service altogether in Feb 2008 and a revised schedule for Pride of Aloha that began this year in Sept has reduced that vessel's Big Island calls from once a week to only twice every three weeks to accommodate its longer, 10- to 11-day itineraries that include Fanning Island. According to NCL, an increase in foreign-flagged competition entering the Hawaii market from the mainland has caused an excess of capacity and accounts for its poor yields in the state that they were expected to "own" with its US-flagged ships.

Costa Fortuna: Love, Laughter, La Dolce Vita in the Caribbean

Where has Cruise Diva been the past few days?

To celebrate Costa Cruises' 60-year Diamond Anniversary and the debut of Costa Fortuna in the Caribbean, we spent last Saturday night on board in Fort Lauderdale.

After checking in and touring the ship, we enjoyed a fantastic celebratory dinner followed by a special presentation featuring Costa Fortuna's entertainers in the main show lounge. Other highlights were a pizza tossing demonstration, bocce ball games, a comedy show, and dancing in the main lounges. Costa really knows how to throw a party!

Costa Fortuna has now begun her season of Eastern, Western, and Southeastern Caribbean sailings that continue through April 2008. Unfortunately, she set sail yesterday without us, but now that we've sampled "Cruising Italian Style," we look forward to the opportunity to experience a real cruise soon.

Here's the link to our photo tour of Costa Fortuna. You won't want to miss the images of this magnificent ship.

Carnival Freedom: A Fun Day at Sea

Someone should thank Mother Nature for the absolutely gorgeous weather during this cruise--sunny days, with cooling tropical breezes. Our day at sea was absolutely ideal for lounging in the sun and watching the synchronized swimming contest, video concerts on the big-screen Seaside Theater, or enjoying the live music by Caribbean Breeze. For kids in Camp Carnival, there was a build-your-own Teddy Bear Workshop. Naturally, the last day of our cruise offered an opportunity to try our luck in the casino and then do some last minute shopping.

But dinner in the Sun King Supper Club was the highlight of the day. I started with a New England crab cake and then tried what turned out to be fantastic lobster bisque. With choices like prime rib, Dover sole meuniere, porterhouse steak, lamb chops, free range chicken, and veal chops, it could have been difficult to make a selection. However, I had my eye on the surf 'n turf from the moment I opened the menu. How could I pass up a lobster tail, grilled filet over cardamom carrots, and pumpkin ravioli? To top off dinner, the citrus cheesecake was a light and refreshing dessert. The restaurant itself is an absolutely stunning room with lovely tapestries and marble accents. We particularly enjoyed the live music and opportunity to dance between courses. The supper club is a don't miss evening of fine dining.

Then it was time for a final "Big Easy" production show in the Victoriana Lounge and last minute packing. It seemed like we'd just boarded, but we were able to pack a lot of fun into four nights!

Carnival Freedom: A Day in Cozumel

"Double the Carnival Fun"--Carnival Freedom and Carnival Fascination

After an early start to the day in Key West and a late night evening last night, we looked forward to sleeping in today. While we weren't scheduled to arrive in Cozumel until 1pm, Capt. D'Aita surprised us with an early arrival and Carnival Freedom docked at the International Pier shortly after 11am, just as we were finishing up a late breakfast. With five ships in port, we feel fortunate to be docked as not all the pier facilities here have undergone repair. Carnival Fascination is tied up beside us, Carnival Legend and Grand Princess are docked downtown, and passengers from Norwegian Sun are tendering ashore.

It was a busy day in San Miguel, but we did a bit of shopping and relaxed with light refreshments at Las Palmeras and spent a festive hour or so at Senor Frog before heading back to the pier and reboarding Carnival Freedom. With our ship fairly empty, we snapped some pictures and will have a photo tour to share when we get back home.

At dinner last night it was difficult to select from such a varied menu. I passed up the Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail in favor of Pumpkin Soup and a Broiled Lobster Tail with a glass of Georges Blanc Chardonnay won over Prime Rib. Tonight was easy--we decided to have early dinner and I headed for Carnival Freedom's really excellent pizza and a Caesar salad. It may seem a bit backward, but now I'm ready for a shower and an evening of fun. That's the beauty of a cruise vacation these days--there's something for everyone and choices abound.

We'll end the night at the Mexican Buffet poolside. By then I'm sure to be hungry again!

Carnival Freedom: A Day in Key West

Even though Key West isn't a "big" town--Duval Street is a mere 14 blocks long from sea to sea--we maximized our short time in port by taking a tour on the Old Town Trolley to see some of the landmarks we've missed during our past explorations around town.

One of Key West's newest attractions, and bound to be the highlight of anyone's day, is the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center where exhibits include an interactive map of the Florida Keys, a replica of the Aquarius underwater laboratory, a "living reef" and replicas of South Florida habitats such as mangroves, complete with sound effects. A beautifully filmed orientation movie emphasizes the importance of the reefs, the hammock, and the interaction of the species that inhabit the delicate eco-system. For families, it's a wonderful opportunity to learn together and it's just a short distance from Truman Dock. We were told it offers a triple benefit to visitors--there's air conditioning, no admission charge, and plentiful parking. Eventually a promenade along the waterfront will make it easier to reach on foot, although it's certainly within walking distance even today.

Leaving Key West behind at 2pm, we're looking forward to formal night, which means a splendid dinner followed by one of Carnival's lavish production shows--Ticket to Ride. Then, perhaps a bit of jazz and a nightcap in the Habana Bar or late-night fun around the piano in... where else? the Piano Bar. The night is young, but we're not, so we'll save some energy for Cozumel tomorrow.

Carnival Freedom: Embarkation Day

Some embarkations are easier than others. Here in Miami, Carnival's new terminal is the picture of efficiency. Three of four security scanners were open today and the process was swift. Be prepared with your identification and ticket and to send your laptop through the x-ray machine just as if you were in an airport. After reaching the second level, there are 50 check-in stations and little or no waiting, depending on how busy it is when you arrive. Up one more set of escalators, smile for your embarkation photo and you're almost on board.

Something that surprised--and delighted--us was assistance to our stateroom. We had several carry-on bags and a steward with a luggage cart relieved us of our stuff in the lobby and took it all right to our cabin. All-in-all, this has been the most carefree embarkation we can recall. We've had lunch in the casual buffet Freedom Restaurant, our luggage is unpacked, and the fun has begun.

At sailaway, a first from Miami for Carnival Freedom, we traded repeated salutes with Carnival Fascination. We're on our way!

On the Road to Freedom

That's Carnival Freedom and we're Miami-bound to embark on Monday for a 4-night cruise.

Follow along daily on the Cruise Diva Blog as we sail on Carnival Cruise Lines' newest "Fun Ship" to Key West and Cozumel.

We'll be leaving from the new terminal in the Port of Miami and look forward to sharing info about that as well.

Here's hoping for clear skies, calm sea, and fast Internet connections!

Titanic Survivors: Now There Is One

Barbara West Dainton, one of the last two survivors from the tragic sinking of the Titanic in April of 1912, has died at the age of 96. Dainton spent her last years at a nursing home in England and, according to a relative, her funeral was held last Monday. Too young to remember the night the ocean liner hit an iceberg and sank, throughout her lifetime she avoided publicity associated with Titanic and left instructions that her funeral take place before any public announcement of her death.

The sole living survivor of the disaster is Elizabeth "Millvina" Dean of Southampton, England, who was only 2 months old at the time the Titanic went down.

Spirit of Nantucket Grounded

Spirit of Nantucket, one of the small ships in Cruise West's fleet, was heading south on a 10-day cruise from Alexandria, VA., to Charleston, SC with 66 passenger aboard when it hit something in the Intracoastal Waterway around 5:30 am and began taking on water. The captain ran the vessel aground to prevent its sinking.

The Coast Guard evacuated everyone in the Intracoastal Waterway near an isolated area of Virginia Beach and took them to a ferry landing about two miles away. Cruise West made arrangements to take the passengers to a hotel. No injuries have been reported.

For its 2008 Alaska season, Cruise West plans to rename the 102-passenger ship Spirit of Glacier Bay.

Pain at the Pump: Fuel Prices Force Fare Increases

With the price of fuel rapidly approaching $100 per barrel, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced a fuel surcharge of $7.50 per person, per day will be added to fares for 2008 voyages. The surcharge applies to existing bookings that are not paid in full by Dec 1 and new bookings made after that date.

It's not just luxury lines that are being squeezed by fuel prices. The North American brands of Carnival Corp & plc have announced they will implement a fuel supplement of $5 per person per day. The supplement, which only applies to the first and second guests in a stateroom and will not exceed $70 per person per voyage, is effective on all bookings for voyages departing on or after Feb. 1, 2008 on the following Carnival Corporation & plc brands: Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn.

Other cruise lines that have already announced fuel surcharges are Crystal Cruises ($5 per person, per day on 2007 cruises), Hurtigruten ($6 per person, per day), and AIDA Cruises.

Podcasting: The New Wave of Vacation Planning for Disney Cruise Line

In a cruise industry first, Disney Cruise Line is reaching out to potential passengers through podcasts that offer a new way to get customized information about family-friendly Disney cruise vacations. Hosted by family travel expert Emily Kaufman (also known as The Travel Mom), the fifteen podcast episodes of Magic & Wonder: Cruising with Disney showcase the unique experiences Disney offers on a cruise vacation. Providing in-depth, portable information on specific areas of Disney Cruise Line, each episode offers tips for parents considering a family cruise vacation.

Interested? You can find all the videos on the Disney Cruise Line web site. In addition to watching episodes on the website or downloading them directly to your computer or video iPod, you can also share episodes with friends and family via email.

What a great way to get your friends and family interested in a cruise!

Cruise Ships: Build It & They Will Book It

Only a year after The Yachts of Seabourn announced that it would build two new, ultra luxury ships, advance booking activity for the first--to be christened Seabourn Odyssey--has led to the line's decision to exercise the option for a third sister-ship.

"Our decision to order a third new ship is based partly on the enthusiasm we have already seen for our new ship design," explained Seabourn's president & CEO, Pamela Conover. "That enthusiasm, combined with research indicating a continuing robust expansion in demand for ultra luxury cruising in general, convinces us that we have the right formula at the right time," she continued.

Seabourn Odyssey will debut in June of 2009. Bookings for its maiden season are being accepted from the general public starting today, after a successful advance booking period reserved for past guests of the line. The second ship in the series is scheduled to enter service in the summer of 2010.

The 32,000-GRT ships, with hulls 650 ft long and 84 ft wide, will accommodate just 450 guests in 225 luxury suites, ninety percent of which will offer private verandas. The ships are specifically designed to achieve a balance between Seabourn's small-ship signatures, such as its highly personalized service, truly fine dining, and exceptional delivery of destinations, with the added spaciousness, features and amenities that a larger ship will allow. Seabourn's guests will continue to enjoy an unmatched level of personalized service from a skilled and dedicated staff, and one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry.

Photo: Odyssey, The Marina– Offering complimentary watersports including kayaking, windsurfing and snorkeling (courtesy of Seabourn)

What's happened to CruiseDiva.com?

If you've visited--or should I say tried to visit--CruiseDiva.com in the past day, you have been disappointed to receive an error message instead of the web site. The hosting service we have used without a problem during the last seven years is undergoing a "server migration" that was supposed to take a few hours in the dead of night. Apparently nothing ran smoothly and ALL the web sites hosted by my service, as well as many others, are still unavailable.

I apologize for the inconvenience. It's a headache for me too. I'm thinking of alternatives if the problems aren't solved very soon.

Linda

Princess Cruises Wants to Know Our Preferences

We all get requests to take surveys now and then and I mostly ignore them. However, I received an email inviting me, as a past passenger, to participate in a Princess Cruises "to better understand what European ports and cruise itineraries are most appealing." It further explained, "As a valued captains circle member and because of your unique experience with Princess Cruises, you have been selected to share your thoughts and help us plan exciting new itineraries for the European theater." How could I resist?

Plus, there was this incentive: "Your opinion will assist us in shaping the future of Princess Cruises and enable us to tailor memorable experiences specifically designed for you—our customer." Well, when a cruise line needs me, I'm there for them!

What did they want to know? First off, the usual demographics stuff--my sex and date of birth, country of residence, the number of cruises I've taken in total and the number I've been on in last three years. They also asked how likely I am to take one soon (one week until I sail again!), and asked me indicate where I've been on a list of 56 destinations. I'd been to 34 of them and have to admit that I've never heard of some on the list.

Then I rated my interest on a scale of from 1-10 in each port from a lengthy list. I generally ranked them 10 for those I'd like to return to, 6 for those that I've been to and consider ho-hum, and 8 for a few that were unfamiliar, but sound interesting--like Bulgaria (just one of several dozen choices). There were also three regions to rank from 1-10--the Med, Baltic, Holy Land. All rate a 10 from me.

Questions asked to help Princess Cruises analyze my responses were what state do I live in, my zip code, marital status, the number of adults in our household, and income category.

After participating to the survey, I got to thinking about my preferences in terms of well-known vs. less familiar ports and realized I like a mix. And my preference in ship size is generally under 1,500 passengers.

It's nice to know that Princess Cruises takes the opinion of Captain's Circle members to heart.

Cruises: Better in The Bahamas?

They used to say, “It's Better In The Bahamas.” Whether that old tourism slogan is true or not, cruising is about to get better than ever with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) returning to Grand Bahama Island beginning next month. The line is increasing calls to The Bahamas, adding a total of 32 cruises between 2007 and 2009. Twenty-eight of these calls will be made by NCL’s new “It” Girl, Norwegian Gem, which entered service on October 1, 2007. Norwegian Jewel will make the first stop in Grand Bahama, along with a stop in Nassau, during a three-day Bahamas Getaway cruise on November 15, 2007, sailing roundtrip from Miami.

“This deployment reaffirms NCL’s long standing commitment to its relationship with The Bahamas which began some forty years ago. NCL was the first of the major cruise lines to call at The Bahamas and was the first in the industry to own and include a private island experience in our itineraries, at Great Stirrup Cay in the Berry Islands,” said Andy Stuart, NCL’s executive vice president of marketing, sales and passenger services. “We also have a long history of pioneering the development of new cruise destinations and we are pleased to be a part of establishing Grand Bahama Island as a major cruise destination.”

NCL decided to return to Grand Bahama Island after being invited by the Ministry of Tourism to experience all the island had to offer. NCL’s development team toured the area for the new cruise port facility, visited with the dolphins at UNEXSO, enjoyed a rugged Safari Jeep Tour exploring the nature trails of Grand Bahama and took an air boat tour through the mangroves. NCL estimates that these calls will contribute approximately $9 million directly to the economy of the Bahamas, with $4 million going directly to Grand Bahama Island

Get the itinerary details in Cruise Diva's Cruise News and read about Ports of Call in the Bahamas to discover what to see and do.

When is a cruise not a cruise?

Why, when it's a "repositioning cruise" or a transatlantic crossing! It's that time of year when major North American cruise lines are repositioning their ships from Europe to the Caribbean.

There was a time when repositioning cruises weren't widely advertised and were heavily discounted. No more. While they can still be a relative bargain, if you don't count airfare, they've become very popular and are now proudly listed in cruise lines' brochures along with all the usual sailings. Some unique ports of call are often added to the mix when departing Europe in the fall and possibly a port call or two might be made before reaching Florida (or vice versa in the spring). But for die-hard cruisers the allure is five, six, or even seven or more glorious sea days with nothing to do but enjoy the ship.

Crossing the Atlantic by ship is so popular that Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 offers a regularly-scheduled series of crossings that are chock full of things to do. What's a crossing like? Take a look at Cruise Diva's Crossing on the Queen Mary 2.

If you love to spend your time at sea, consider a repositioning cruise or a crossing. Find out more in "Cruising or "Crossing"?

Tropical Storm Noel: Caribbean & Bahamas Cruise Ship Itinerary Alterations

Update 3:45 pm: Tropical storm warnings remains in effect for the central and northwestern Bahamas. A tropical storm watch may be required for southeast Florida later today or tonight. To follow Tropical Storm Noel's path, the National Hurricane Center has maps and coordinates.

Due to the effects of Tropical Storm Noel, Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Lines have announced itinerary changes for cruise ships presently sailing on Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. For details and the latest schedule updates, see the listing at CruiseBlogger.com.

There are no changes at present in upcoming cruise ship embarkations or debarkations from Florida ports.

Tropical Storm Noel: A Rainmaker

Tropical Storm Noel's top winds weakened this morning, but the heavy rain it dumped on Haiti and the Dominican Republic caused flooding as the storm moved westward across the Caribbean. Noel is tracking slowly toward the north-northwest and is expected to move in a general northwesterly sweep for the next 24 hours. Top winds, which were up to 60 mph, dropped to 50 mph in the latest advisory from the Natl Hurricane Center in Miami. Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 115 miles from the eye. Heavy rain will hit Puerto Rico through Tuesday and intense downpours are expected for Jamaica and southeast Cuba.

Forecasters project Noel will cross the eastern end of Cuba before turning northward toward the Bahamas. The government of the Bahamas has issued tropical storm watches for the southeastern Bahamas, including the Turks and Caicos Islands. Noel is presently not expected to become a hurricane, or become a threat to the United States.

At this point, Noel has not seriously impacted cruise travel in the Caribbean.

Captain Stubing Speaks

It's been 30 years since The Love Boat sailed onto our televisions and actor Gavin McLeod, who we know as Capt Stubing, remains Princess Cruises' most recognizable spokesman. Did you know there were two failed pilots for the show before McLeod took the helm of the smash hit?

I have to wonder if cruise vacations would have such broad appeal if The Love Boat had never aired. Take a walk down memory lane as Capt Stubing, oops--make that Gavin McLeod--reflects on his career and his favorite travel destinations, and the changes he's seen in cruising over the past three decades. Read the interview, "Love Boat Captain Gavin MacLeod: The Past, The Future and His Favorite Cruise Destinations" in the American Chronicle.

(Photo: Capt Stubing poses with Cruise Diva on board Crown Princess)

CruiseDiva.com on Good Morning America

Just in case you overslept or were driving to work and missed it, the Good Morning America segment featuring Linda Coffman is now online.

This link will take you to the Video.

Azamara Quest Photo Tour

Not so long ago it seemed that the former-Renaissance Cruises introduced new "R" ships every few months. And they did. When Renaissance was hard hit by financial difficulties in 2001, R7 eventually landed in the Pullmantur Cruises fleet and sailed as Blue Moon. You may know that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, parent company of Royal Caribbean Intl, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, and the newly-founded Azamara Cruises has done some ship-swapping this year and R7/Blue Moon has been formally launched as Azamara Quest.

As a former Renaissance passenger, I can only say WOW! Gone are the rock-hard mattresses, Laura Ashley style fabrics, and bland hunting lodge prints. After a 20-million dollar rejuvenation, in their place are elegant furniture coverings and carpets in soft jewel tones, contemporary artwork, simulated teak decking, and the cushiest outdoor areas to relax at sea. Added are Mosaic Cafe in the upper lobby where specialty coffee drinks, pastries, and light snacks are available during the day and an assortment of tapas are served at night and Breeza, an aft-facing bar and dining area aft of the Windows Cafe casual dining buffet restaurant. With the conversion of 48 staterooms to 32 suites, the passenger count is a cozy 694.

Don't take my word for it that Azamara Quest is stunning. Browse through Cruise Diva's Photo Tour with more than 50 images and see for yourself what a deluxe cruise line looks like.

CruiseDiva.com on GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Linda demonstrates how to navigate CruiseDiva.com for ABC's GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Tune in to ABC television on FRIDAY, OCT 26, 2007

Azamara Quest Blasts Off on Maiden Cruise

You may not be familiar with Azamara Cruises--the recently-launched cruise line's name is a coined term. Rooted in Romance language, "aza" references blue and "mar" the sea. Additionally, a lesser-known term, "acamar," in Classical times, was the southernmost bright star that could be seen from the latitude of Greece.

On a quest to conquer the deluxe cruise market, Azamara Cruises introduced their second 694-passenger ship, Azamara Quest to the fleet on October 22nd. As we sailed north from Miami on the first of two introductory 2-night cruises, we knew we were in for a treat, but we didn't know just how special.

Tuesday morning, Capt Bouzakis announced that Cape Canaveral was within view from Azamara Quest's port side and we were in count-down mode for the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery. While the company views the new cruise brand as "a bright star on the deep blue sea," passengers on Azamara Quest's maiden cruise were thrilled with another once-in-a-lifetime experience--to see a brilliant shuttle launch from a cruise ship at sea.

While upon the "blue sea" we had the best view of an extraordinary man-made "bright star." It was certainly quite a show!

For more information, see Azmara Cruises web site.

Photo Courtesy of Azmara Cruises

Where's Cruise Diva?

Here's a hint--I'm even further south than my home in Georgia, the weather is warm, and the city is known as the World's Cruise Capital. Have you located me yet?

Yes! I'm in Miami and settling into my stateroom on Azamara Quest. It's time for an exciting preview sailing! We won't be calling on any ports, which means I hope to get to know the ship quite well.

Watch for my reports. To learn more, visit the Azamara Cruises web site.

It's Going to be Snowing on Princess Ships this Holiday Season

What does a white Christmas mean to you? To me, it evokes the memory of Currier & Ives prints and sleigh rides. You won't have to pass up that nostalgia if you are cruising on a Princess ship in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, or even Brazil this year. As unlikely as it seems, holiday season passengers on most Princess ships will find themselves in a winter wonderland as snow magically falls in the ships' atriums during December cruises. The falling flakes will vanish on contact, offering wintery bliss without the need to shovel. The snowfall will occur on all Princess ships except for the line' three small vessels: Pacific Princess, Tahitian Princess, and Royal Princess, which do not have large, multi-story atriums.

The daily snow flurry is one of several new onboard activities added to celebrate the spirit of the season. Also new are a gingerbread housebuilding competition, sessions to create personalized photo ornaments, and a crackling "Yule log" on stateroom televisions (the perfect setting for snuggling). For those who yearn to release their untapped American Idol, the ships' Princess Pop Star talent show will feature a holiday edition where competitors can croon their favorite seasonal songs.

Even when the snow isn't coming down, Princess ships will feature a festive atmosphere. Trimmed from stem to stern in holiday décor, even the masts will sport a Christmas tree. Special events will include a reading of "The Night Before Christmas" by either the captain or cruise director, and strolling carolers. Passengers will receive a holiday card from the captain, a stocking turndown gift, and watch classic holiday films. A spectacular display from the ship's culinary team is sure to please palates, and a holiday variety show adds a seasonal element to the ship's entertainment offerings. Passengers can also attend midnight mass or an inter-denominational church service performed by onboard clergy.

Assure your junior cruisers that Santa Claus will find them onboard with his sack full of toys. Youngsters can try their hand at Christmas cookie decorating, balloon making, face painting, games, and other contests during a holiday fair. Each age group will have holiday parties in the Youth Centers where the kids can make decorations to display on the center's Christmas tree. Children can get creative with other holiday-themed arts and crafts projects throughout the cruise and they will hold their own show to perform Christmas carols for passengers. For parents who want to stay up later to celebrate the holidays, free late-night group kid sitting sessions will be available on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

You'll know whether you've been naughty or nice when Santa makes an early delivery of cruise documents. To get in on the action, see a professional travel agent, call 1-800-PRINCESS, or visit the Princess Cruises web site.

Ladies, reassure the family football fans that they won't miss the New Years Day's college bowl games while at sea. The telecasts will be shown (as available by satellite) in a shipboard lounge or on some vessels' giant Movies Under the Stars screen.

Carnival Cruise Lines Provides Discounted Cruise Fares to Military Members & Families

To honor those who serve us in the military and their families, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering a Veteran's Day promotion throughout the month of Nov. Active and retired military personnel are able to book up to three "Fun Ship" staterooms for themselves and their friends and family members at special discounted rates.

Reservations must be made between Nov 1-30, 2007, to qualify for this promotion, which is available in conjunction with a wide range of 3- to 12-day departures through Dec 31, 2008. Per person rates start at $189 for 3-day cruises from Miami, FL, and 4-day cruises from Long Beach, CA; $249 for 5-day cruises from Mobile, AL, and Jacksonville, FL; $279 for 4- and 5-day cruises from San Diego, CA; and $399 for 7-day cruises from Miami.

"Veteran's Day is a time that our country honors the sacrifice and service of our military personnel and Carnival is doing its part by providing exceptionally attractive rates to our men and women in uniform," said Vicki Freed, senior vice president sales and guest services.

The promotion is valid for individual bookings only, is capacity controlled, and not applicable with any other discount offer. Fare code CPM1 must be requested during the reservations process and military personnel must provide proof of service. Certain other restrictions apply. For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com.

Hopes Dashed for Windjammer Barefoot Cruise Passengers

While their web site is once again operational, is anything else afloat at Windjammer Barefoot Cruises?

Unfortunately, booked passengers have received more bad news in their email boxes:

Dear Shipmates,

We are contacting you about an important change to your upcoming cruise. We are sorry to inform you that S/V “Legacy”, S/V “Yankee Clipper” and S/V “Mandalay” will not sail the week of October 27th/28th, 2007 due to matters that cannot be ignored. Unfortunately we will be unable to correct the situation with enough time for the cruise to sail. We truly apologize for the extreme short notice and for the inconvenience.

We will gladly re-accommodate you on a future sail date if you choose to reschedule your cruise. If you are unable to re-schedule your cruise for a later date and decide to request a refund, please know we will issue you a complete refund of your paid cruisefare. If you choose to reschedule your cruise, please call our reservation message line at 1 (800) 327-2600. Regrettably, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises will not be able to cover any air costs incurred and associated with another sail date or ship. We are also unable to cover any air costs if you request a cruise refund.

Once again we are truly sorry for any inconvenience this matter has caused you. We hope you will be able to re-schedule your cruise.

Respectfully,
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises

"Inconvenenience" barely covers it...

Photo: SV Mandalay, Windjammer Barefoot Cruise

Find Holiday ‘Magic’ and ‘Wonder’ at Sea on Disney Cruise Line Ships

Is that snow or pixie dust? Aboard Disney Cruise Line ships, the holiday celebrations start with Halloween and last through the final toast of the new year. From traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts to "snowflake" sightings and caroling, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will sparkle with the joy of the holiday season.

Set to begin with the Oct 27th and 28th sailings, guests can participate in some Halloween fun with a trail of candy stations for kids that culminates in a dance party on the top deck and special costume parties in each of the youth activity areas. Adults aren't overlooked--bring your costume because there's a dance party and costume contest with prizes. We wonder if the Mickeys will outnumber the Minnies.

Disney characters decked out in their finest holiday attire will welcome passengers to the lavishly decorated private at Port Canaveral, FL cruise terminal beginning in late-Nov. Once aboard, you'll find special themed activities, decorations, and even a transformed winter wonderland on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. On Thanksgiving Day, you'll enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast complete with all the trimmings.

After Thanksgiving, guests will partake in holiday cheer, including:

• A nearly three-deck-tall tree festooned with decorations in the atrium lobby, where "snow" flurries fall and a tree-lighting ceremony occurs
  
• A Christmas Day visit from Santa Goofy, with surprises for all the kids
  
• International holiday caroling by crew members from around the globe (exclusively on the Christmas cruises)
  
• Special family time for designing and decorating gingerbread houses
  
• Mrs. Claus will read "The Night Before Christmas"
  
• Traditional holiday feasts in Disney's three themed dining rooms (Christmas cruises only)
  
• Multiple faith and interdenominational holiday services (Christmas and Hanukkah cruises only)
  
• A ship-wide party to ring in 2008 and a New Year's Day tailgate party

The fun even extends to Disney's private hideaway on Castaway Cay. When Disney Magic and Disney Wonder arrive just after Thanksgiving, you'll find the island transformed into a "snowy" holiday paradise. "Snow" flurries will fall like magic and Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, in their finest tropical attire will greet you with a sleigh full of presents. Even the tram that transports you across the island will be transformed into a reindeer-drawn "sleigh," complete with antlers and tail.

To learn more about these and other fabulous Disney Cruise Line voyages, visit www.disneycruise.com and read the reviews on CruiseDiva.com.

Sweet SeaDreams

I have good news and bad news. First, the good stuff. SeaDream Yacht Club just might make you so comfy at night on their new Sweet Dreams Signature Beds that (here comes the bad news) you just might oversleep.

The new Sweet Dreams Signature Bedding Collection may be set up to your preference as either a queen-size or single bed. The snooze-inducing mattresses and pillow tops are fitted with silky Belgian linens, as well as your choice of woolen blankets or duvets and foam or down pillows. All SeaDream guests receive personally monogrammed blue and white, two-piece cotton pajamas to perfectly complement sweet dreams.

Interviewed for this announcement while reclining on one of the new beds--just before he nodded off--Larry Pimentel, SeaDream’s President & CEO, said “The addition of our new Sweet Dreams Signature Bedding collection is an example of how SeaDream’s attention to detail benefits our guests."

By the way, don't confuse the new in-stateroom beds with SeaDream’s Balinese SunBeds--the double beds up on deck where you can lounge by day in the sun or shade, and even spend the night sleeping under the stars if you wish. Don't forget your jammies!

For more info, take a photo tour and catch a video introduction to SeaDream Yacht Club. Or, read all about it in first-hand reviews of SeaDream cruises on CruiseDiva.com.

You'll have to excuse me, though. Zzzzz...

Take Something Home From Your Cruise That You DIDN'T Pay For

Some passengers gloat over winning big in the ship's casino. That’s only money.

I’d rather have something that cash can’t buy. You know, the cool logo stuff you see other passengers have, but it's not available in the gift shop.

Where did they get it, and--more importantly--HOW? It's likely to be what I call loot. You know, the prizes that are awarded for being clever at Quest or a member of the smartest team during Trivia. Or, possibly, it was awarded after one of the other games where you might feel like you're making a fool of yourself until you get the prize.

What kind of treasures can you look forward to winning? Take a peek at Cruise Diva's Stash. It's full of souvenirs that no amount of money can buy.

Norwegian Gem's Got "IT"

Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a search for the ideal godmother of its new ship, Norwegian Gem. If you're a Latitudes member (the club for NCL past passengers), you're invited to reveal your “It” Girl attributes and submit a video at gemitgirl.com explaining why you should receive the honor of christening Norwegian Gem.

NCL suggests the Latitudes “It” Girl should embody the spirit of their hot, hip new ship, Norwegian Gem, as well as the free spirit of NCL’s Freestyle Cruising. The "It" Girl should be sophisticated, independent and confident, with an eagerness to explore new destinations and learn new things. She should be glamorous, stylish and cultured, and possess a youthful and adventurous spirit regardless of age. Entrants are invited to include their own unique talent (if they have one) that exemplifies the freestyle spirit of NCL cruising. Entries will be judged on creativity and originality. Cruise Diva has previewed the submissions to date and hasn't seen any unique talent on display, but at least no one has tried to do a Rosie O'Donnell impersonation.

In case you need a little help in bringing out your inner actress, NCL has enlisted the help of Second City, the famed improv group featured on NCL ships, to provide some tips. Several Second City cast members have created videos that are posted on gemitgirl.com showing what’s “it” and what isn’t “it.”

Video entries should be submitted by Nov 12, 2007. Five finalists will be revealed on Nov 15the and the Norwegian Gem's godmother will be introduced during ship's christening ceremony on Dec 18th in New York City. You've never sailed on NCL and aren't a Latitudes Member? Don't worry, you can still enter your video for a chance to become the Latitudes "It" Girl's BFF and win a 7-day cruise for two.

I'm already one of Norwegian Gem's BFFs. So, you go for it, girl!

Boston Bids Norwegian Majesty Adieu

A familiar summer sight since 1994, Norwegian Majesty has sailed into the sunset. The ship has departed on her final seasonal Bermuda cruise from Boston's Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. After a drydock session, she leaves for her winter homeport in Charleston, SC (pictured here).

While Norwegian Majesty won't be returning to Boston, a larger Norwegian Cruise Line fleetmate will replace her. Norwegian Dream is taking over the traditional Boston to Bermuda sailings in 2008.

You can still sail on Norwegian Majesty to Bermuda, although you'll have to embark either in Charleston, Baltimore, or Philadelphia. For more information, see the Norwegian Cruise Line web site.

Cruise Ports: Shop 'Til You Drop

Tomorrow is Sunday, a day when many Americans flock to the malls to get in a little shopping. Some of us in southern states remember when that wasn't possible--when "blue laws" dictated that merchants not do business on Sunday.

According to the Cape Breton Post, many stores in Sydney, Nova Scotia adhere to a similar day-of-rest tradition and don't normally open their doors on Sunday. However, the allure of 2,600 passengers and 1,100 crewmembers arriving at 8am tomorrow is just too seductive. Cruise ship passengers have a penchant for shopping and business people in Sydney are willing to forego a day off to satisfy their craving to spend. When Grand Princess docks for a full Sunday in port, cruisers and crew alike will find a hearty welcome in the open downtown shops.

Grand Princess will make another Sydney call on Oct 22nd and Norwegian Dawn, the season's final cruise ship full of leaf peepers (and shoppers), is expected on Oct 24th. It will be business as usual on those dates--both are weekdays.

A Fond Farewell: Sovereign of the Seas

As if Americans needed another indication that they are no longer the prime passenger market for cruise travel, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced today that Royal Caribbean Intl's Sovereign of the Seas will be reassigned to the company's Pullmantur fleet. In changes scheduled to take place in October and November 2008, the Los Angeles-based Monarch of the Seas will assume Sovereign of the Seas' sailings out of Port Canaveral.

Sovereign of the Seas was once the largest cruise ship sailing from Miami. RCI's first really big ship, she introduced innovative wide-open, spacious atriums to ship interior design.

For complete details, particularly if your cruise is impacted by these changes, see Cruise Diva's Cruise News.

Crystal Cruises "Takes You Out To The Ball Game"

Well, not exactly, but you'll feel like it if you get on board when Hall of Fame baseball legend Hank Aaron kicks off Crystal Serenity's first cruise of 2008. On Crystal Cruises' January 4th Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Los Angeles, Mr. Aaron--one of Major League Baseball's greatest players--will share his inspiring achievements, professional milestones and life experiences. During the cruise, passengers will have the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session with the homerun champion of 33 years, as well as receive an autographed photo taken with him.

"The legend of Hank Aaron extends beyond the baseball field," says Bret Bullock, Crystal's vice president, entertainment. "Mr. Aaron is a gentleman who continues to be a role model for athletes and non-athletes of all ages. Crystal Cruises is honored to feature such an important figure in U.S. history."

For more information about the sailing and the luxury cruise line's Crystal Visions® Enrichment Program, see Cruise Diva's Cruise News.

A New "Queen Elizabeth" on Tap

Although the venerable Queen Elizabeth 2 is leaving the Cunard fleet in just a little over a year, the line won't be without a "Queen Elizabeth" for long. Cunard Line announced today that it has ordered a new 92,000-ton liner, to be named "Queen Elizabeth," scheduled to enter service in the autumn of 2010.

"Cunard already owns and operates the two most famous ocean liners in the world, Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2, and a third, Queen Victoria, is due to be named by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales, in December of this year," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "The decision to order another ship for Cunard Line has been taken as a result of the strong booking response to the new Queen Victoria, and we are extremely pleased that Cunard will once again become a three-ship fleet so soon after the departure of the much-celebrated Queen Elizabeth 2 in November next year. Furthermore, we are delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has given her blessing to our calling this new Cunarder 'Queen Elizabeth', after our first vessel of that name."

While it's a bit early to expect design details and itineraries, the new 2092-passenger ocean liner will be the second largest Cunarder the company has ever built. It is known that Queen Elizabeth will fly the Red Ensign with Southampton as her homeport.

In the meantime, interiors are beginning to take their final shape on Cunard Line's soon-to-launch Queen Victoria. Get a glimpse of the progress made in the magnificent two-story, wood paneled Library, Queen's Room, and Grand Lobby on CruiseDiva.com.

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises: Sinking in a Sea of Red Ink?

In the wake of recent cruise cancellations, the Miami Herald reports that Windjammer Barefoot Cruises is cancelling its cruises for the weeks of Oct 14 and Oct 21.

The financially strapped cruise line has issued a statement that it anticipates restarting cruise operations in the Caribbean and Costa Rica "shortly.'' According to the Miami newspaper's Business Section, Windjammer Operations Manager Danny Walsh said he and the entities that control the company are working with ''several investor groups on a viable plan to continue the Windjammer tradition.''

A recent deal to keep the sinking cruise line afloat fell through and the ships, with their hapless crew members aboard, have been stranded for weeks at various ports.

On a positive note, loyal 'Jammers should be heartened that the cruise line's web site has reappeared, albeit with one page... an open letter from the Miami office titled, "Windjammer’s Heart is Still Beating–Better Sailing Ahead."

Cruise Travel: Take the LUG out of Luggage

Two cruise lines recently unveiled enhancements to luggage handling service that eliminate some of the stresses associated with travel.

This fall, select guests on Disney Cruise Line sailings will find a more hassle-free vacation experience with the availability of Onboard Airline Check-In. This service allows qualified passengers to check in for post-cruise flights while still on board the Disney vessels. Boarding passes are delivered to their staterooms the day prior to debarkation and when their Disney ships return to Port Canaveral, participating passengers can proceed directly to Customs and then to Orlando Intl Airport where they breeze by check-in lines and go straight to airport security and on to departure gates. Meanwhile, their checked luggage is transported directly from the ship to their flights. In order to take advantage of this service, passengers need to meet certain requirements and be booked on a domestic flight on one of seven participating airlines.

Even more convenient, upscale Crystal Cruises has entered into an exclusive alliance with Luggage Concierge. For easy door-to-door baggage service between their homes and Crystal's world-wide ports of call, Luggage Concierge has established a dedicated phone line for Crystal guests, available 24/7. Arrangements for luggage shipment can be made by calling 877-231-6408 or registering at luggageconcierge.com/crystal. An added bonus for Crystal's repeat passengers (Crystal Society members) is a 20% discount on luggage shipments to and from their Crystal cruise, as well as a 10% discount on luggage shipments for other non-cruise related travel if they book directly through Luggage Concierge. Included in the round-trip service is automatic insurance coverage of $1,500 for all luggage shipments within the U.S., and $2,000 coverage for international luggage shipments. In addition, Crystal guests utilizing the new Luggage Concierge service receive personalized tracking and delivery notification of their baggage through their choice of phone, fax or e-mail.

If you've suffered the long waits in airport lines this past summer, you can appreciate the convenience of having someone else take care of the heavy lifting. More details are available in Cruise Diva's Cruise News.

Cruise Lines: Find One to Suit Your Lifestyle

A question I'm often asked is, “What is your favorite cruise line?” I've sailed on most of them and It's a question that I simply can't answer. You see, I like them all—for different reasons. Cruise lines, and even ships in the same fleet, have their plusses and minuses. What appeals to me might seem mildly quirky or even distasteful to you. That's why I've updated and revamped our Cruise Line Profiles on CruiseDiva.com.

No longer divided into the “classes” of old, modern cruise ships are more akin to sea-going democracies these days. Every passenger can expect the same amenities and choices. So, are all cruise lines alike? No, most certainly not. Some of the differences are subtle, but today’s cruise lines fall into three broad categories—Mainstream, Premium, and Luxury. Pick one to suit your Cruising Lifestyle.

When it comes time to decide on your next cruise, take a look at what the cruise lines have to offer and how their features vary. You may be surprised.

Windjammer Ships Becalmed

Set to cruise in a few days, disappointed Windjammer passengers forwarded Cruise Diva a copy of an email received today from the troubled cruise line.

Dear Shipmates,

We are contacting you about an important change to your upcoming cruise. We are sorry to inform you that S/V "Legacy" and S/V "Yankee Clipper" will not sail the week of October 6/7th, 2007 due to matters that cannot be ignored. Unfortunately we will be unable to correct the situation with enough time for the cruise to sail. We truly apologize for the extreme short notice and for the inconvenience.

We will gladly re-accommodate you on a future sail date if you choose to reschedule your cruise. Passengers who choose to be re-accommodated will be given a free 7-day Windjammer Barefoot Cruise to use within two years (Expiration date October 2009). The free cruise is valid for travel within the next two years in the same cabin type originally booked with immediate confirmation.

If you are unable to re-schedule your cruise for a later date and decide to request a refund, please know we will issue you a complete refund of your paid cruise fare. Regrettably, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises will not be able to cover any air costs incurred and associated with another sail date or ship. We are also unable to cover any air costs if you request a cruise refund.

Please contact our Reservations message line at 1 (800) 327-2600 to discuss options. Once again we are truly sorry for any inconvenience this matter has caused you. We hope you will be able to re-schedule your cruise.

Respectfully,
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises

Will the passengers receive a refund? Fortunately, it appears that their credit card company will dispute the fare charges for the couple who emailed Cruise Diva. What about the alternative of taking a future cruise credit... and the reality of whether Windjammer Barefoot Cruises could ever actually re-accommodate them in the future? We might mention that it would hardly be "free" since they've already paid for it.

No judgments being offered here. We report, you decide.

Cruise Lines: It's So EASY

easyCruise’s successful inaugural summer season in Greece has prompted the unorthodox cruise line to more than triple its capacity for summer 2008. The line’s new flagship, to be christened easyCruise Life after a multi-million dollar refit is scheduled to enter service in April 2008. With accommodattions for 540 passengers, and at 12,711 tons, easyCruise Life is three times the size of her yacht-sized, sister ship easyCruise One (4,011 tons).

Launched in 2005 by serial entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, easyCruise is noted for inexpensive cruises to chic resorts and islands off the beaten track. The ships sail for just a few hours each morning and arrive in port around lunchtime so guests can enjoy the rest of the day and evening (until the wee morning hours) ashore. easyCruise Life will offer a seven-night itinerary that includes Turkey, calling at Bodrum, one of the country’s most popular resorts with a nightlife known throughout the Aegean. New itineraries also showcase six different Greek Islands from laidback Syros and Samos to lively Kalymnos, Kos, Paros and Mykonos, the legendary jet-set mecca. Guests can choose to join the cruise in Piraeus (Athens) on Saturdays or in Bodrum on Mondays.

“Since easyCruise launched two years ago we have offered an affordable way to see intriguing places that are difficult to reach, except by sea,” said Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, chairman of easyCruise. “It is clear that staying in port until the early morning hours has broad appeal because many travelers also want to experience the local nightlife.”

Cruise fares, starting from as low as $143 per person (double occupancy) for seven nights aboard easyCruise Life, include port taxes. Cabins are equipped with ensuite bathrooms with shower. Fresh linens and towels are provided upon arrival, however, little else is included. Meals, drinks, spa treatments, sightseeing tours, and even housekeeping services are all reasonably priced extras that can be purchased in advance or on board. Facilities on the newly-acquired ship will include enhanced versions of the Aptiva Spa and fusionon6 combination restaurant/discotheque that are found on easyCruise One, plus broad teak sundecks, an outdoor swimming pool, and hot tub. Accommodations include 23 Panoramic Suites and 14 superior doubles, all with picture windows; 76 oceanview standard twin cabins, 45 oceanview standard quad cabins, and 112 interior standard twins.

This fall and next spring, the line’s easyCruise One will be deployed on a new seven-night itinerary that showcases Classical Greece, including Mycenae, Nemea, Olympia and Delphi. Timings have been planned so that guests can experience the Acropolis by night and witness a Sounion sunset. In summer 2008, the ship will again offer popular long-weekend cruises to Poros, Mykonos, Paros and Sifnos. A new 10-night itinerary will transit the Corinth Canal to the islands of the Ionian Sea, including Ithaki, Paxos, Corfu, Kefallonia, Zakynothos, Itea (for Delphi), Corinth, Preveza and Agioi Saranta, Albania, which serves as a gateway to Butrint, a UNEXCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately easyCruise One is not repeating its Caribbean cruises this winter.

To learn more about the new easyCruise Life, easyCruise One, and the line’s Greece and Turkey itineraries visit www.easycruise.com or contact a professional travel agent. If you don't mind making your own bed, easyCruise is an easy way to island-hop.

Carnival Cruise Lines: It Pays to be Loyal

Once known for their lack of regard for past passengers, Carnival Cruise Lines now embraces them. The "Concierge Club," which was created exclusively for "Platinum" cardholders who have sailed with Carnival 10 or more times, recognizes longtime guests for their loyalty and support by providing them with a variety of amenities and privileges.

Carnival has moved to the next phase of past passenger appreciation by expanding its "Concierge Club" program to provide shipboard credits when members achieve a "milestone" cruise with them. "Concierge Club" members who sail on their 25th, 50th and 75th "Fun Ship" cruise will receive a shipboard credit representing 25, 50 or 75 percent of their cruise fare, respectively, for that particular voyage. When they sail on their 100th "Fun Ship" cruise, they earn a complimentary Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, or Alaska voyage of up to eight days in length. Wow! This new milestone cruise benefit is in addition to the wide range of amenities and privileges that "Platinum" cardholders already receive.

"The 'Concierge Club' has been met with incredible response since being launched last year and this new shipboard credit benefit is just another way of Carnival recognizing and thanking our loyal and valued guests," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Prior to their "milestone" cruise, guests will receive a personalized letter from Cahill informing them of the shipboard credit or free cruise they will earn in conjunction with their next milestone cruise. Carnival has also established a special toll-free line, 1-877-CCL-VIPS (1-877-225-8477) that is staffed on a 24/7 basis and designated specifically for questions regarding the new shipboard credit/free cruise benefit for "Concierge Club" members.

All Platinum cardholders are entitled to numerous shipboard benefits and features that are detailed in Cruise Diva's Cruise News. Additionally, an exclusive concierge desk for Platinum cardholders has been established at the pursers information desk aboard every Carnival ship. A dedicated phone line is available fleetwide, as well.

NCL Cuts Steel for New Ships

NCL took delivery of its new “It” Girl, Norwegian Gem yesterday in Eemshaven, Netherlands, just one day before officials gathered in in Saint Nazaire, France to celebrate the steel cutting for the first of NCL’s third generation of new Freestyle Cruising ships, project name “F3.”

Norwegian Gem is the fourth and final ship in the company's Jewel-class series and solidifies NCL's status as the youngest, most modern fleet in the cruise industry. Cruise Diva is Norwegian Gem's latest BFF--check it out on Norwegian Gem’s “HerSpace” page at www.gemitgirl.com. I'm looking forward to our first face-2-face on Dec 12th when she makes her U.S. debut in Boston. Will we have tea together, or maybe bowl a few frames? Watch for it here!

But back to the latest... NCL has always been a forward-looking cruise line and the upcoming “F3” ships are the next phase in their unique Freestyle Cruising experience, which is characterized by no fixed dining times and no formal dress codes. Think of it as a less structured, more relaxed, more resort-style vacation-at-sea than traditional cruising. The 150,000-ton “F3” ships will each feature 4,200 passenger berths--the largest ships in NCL’s fleet. The ships’ cabin mix will be extra special, with 100 percent of outside staterooms featuring private balconies. Each ship will have 1,415 balcony staterooms!

NCL plans to build up to three new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships--the first is scheduled for delivery in January 2010, followed by the other two between 2010 and 2011.

Towel Animals: The Ultimate Bedtime Pals

You've never met a towel animal? Well, then you're in for a treat if you are planning your next cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines. While you may find a fanciful towel critter waiting in your cabin after dinner on other lines, only Carnival publishes books with step-by-step illustrated instructions for creating them at home.

Carnival's first instruction guidebook (Towel Creations) has a sequel--Carnival Towel Creations with Freddy, which features the line’s mascot “Fun Ship” Freddy. The new book offers easy-to-follow directions and diagrams for creating more than 80 different creatures, including new variations such as a snail, bat, cow, stingray and goat.

While towel animals are a relatively recent tradition, stewards have been surprising passengers with their creativity at turn-down for a long time. For a through-the-years peek at the evolution of Cabin Critters (including towel animals), read Ultimate Bedtime Pals at CruiseDiva.com.

There's no need to liberate towel animals from your ship in order to establish your own towel animal zoo at home. If you're not crafty enough to create your own, you can order miniature “towel pal” plush toys at Towel Pal.