For Valentine’s Day, Norwegian Celebrates Romance at Sea

Todd O’Neil and Erin Picard of Peabody, Mass.

Fate is a funny thing and this tale of love and romance at sea illustrates it perfectly. It starts in September 2010, when Erin Picard was going through a very difficult time. As a registered nurse with three jobs, she dedicated her life to making sure others were happy and comfortable, while silently suffering through the pain of a lost love. To break free from it all, she and her best friend decided to take a cruise vacation on board Norwegian Spirit from Boston to Bermuda. Seven days after boarding Norwegian Spirit, Erin excitedly called her mother, Lee Bryant to announce that she met the man of her dreams on the cruise.

Bryant recalls the phone call, “She went on to tell me how the accommodations were spectacular, and the food was amazing. She told me that the Norwegian staff was some of the nicest people she had ever met. She had had the time of her life and met her true love. Erin sounded more excited and happy than she had been in a very long time.”

Coincidentally, it was one of Norwegian’s amazing team members that made this love connection happen. At the start of the cruise, fellow passenger Todd O’Neil jokingly asked Bar Waiter Reynaldo “Rey” Atizado from the Philippines if he knew of any nice women on board. Rey, not skipping a beat, walked directly to Erin and her friend and introduced them to Todd and his friend, and that’s where the love story began. It makes us wonder if Rey’s middle name is “Cupid”!

Two years later, Picard and O’Neil are marrying this summer and the couple couldn’t be happier. To add to their happiness and celebrate their incredible love story, Norwegian is sending Erin and Todd on a dream honeymoon to Europe on board Norwegian Spirit, the ship on which they met. They will visit Spain, Italy, France, Greece, and Turkey on Norwegian Spirit’s 12-Day Grand Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona to Venice, following their July 6, 2012 nuptials.

“We are so excited to be going back on board the ship where we met and to visit such romantic destinations in Europe,” said Picard. “We wouldn’t have been able to take a honeymoon right now, so we are so thankful and thrilled.”

For others sailing with their sweetheart, there are many ways to spoil your special someone on board. From romantic dinners in Norwegian’s signature French restaurant, Le Bistro, to a night of dancing in any of Norwegian’s many bars and lounges, to intimate couples’ massages in one of the line’s relaxing spas, there is no better place to celebrate love than on board a Norwegian cruise.

If you are sailing next week with your significant other, consider one of these romantic packages to share with your Valentine:

• The Romance Package: sparkling wine and strawberries in stateroom upon embarkation, a traditional spa pedicure and manicure for one, two 25-minute half-body Seven Seas Massages, and tea service in stateroom. $249 per stateroom.
• The Deluxe Romance Package: sparkling wine and strawberries in stateroom upon embarkation, choice of Exotic Frangipani Body Nourishing Wrap or Exotic Coconut and Milk Ritual Wrap for one, two 25-minute half-body Seven Seas Massages, tea service in stateroom, breakfast in bed, a keepsake portrait, and a romantic dinner for two with a complimentary bottle of wine in Norwegian’s signature restaurant, Le Bistro. $329 per stateroom.

For more information, visit NCL.com.

Image Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norovirus: The "Cruise Ship" Disease?

It starts with a queasy feeling in your stomach and proceeds to erupt in uncontrollable vomiting, diarrhea, or both. We used to call it stomach flu, but its more current name is norovirus or noro for brevity. While my husband Mel contracted noro once during a cruise, I've only been felled by it at home—twice in recent memory. The first time I got sick I read in the local newspaper that the entire county school system was experiencing an outbreak. The only place where I could have picked it up was at the supermarket. At that time they didn't have sanitizing wipes at the entrance to wipe down shopping cart handles. Now they do and I never fail to grab one before touching a cart.

Similarly, cruise ships are also proactive about hand sanitation and provide hand sanitizer at the entrance to restaurants. On our most recent cruise we were greeted at the gangway upon embarkation by a crewmember who spritzed our hands before we boarded. The process continued on board and we even found sanitizing dispensers inside the elevators. Since my husband's unfortunate experience with noro, he's extremely careful and only touches elevator buttons with his knuckle. I carry hand sanitizer in my bag and we use it frequently, especially after touching doorknobs and hand rails. Yes, we still wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water, but that isn't always an option. Thankfully, neither of us has contracted noro—or any other illness—while on a cruise since Mel was sickened that one time on the last night of a one-week sailing. He was treated by the ship's doctor with IVs (at no charge) and completely recovered in a day or two, but not before passing it along to me once we were home.

However, when hundreds of cruise passengers report to the infirmary with similar symptoms, does that necessarily mean their ship is SICK? Hardly. But you'd never know that from news reports about nasty "cruise ship diseases" that attack unsuspecting cruise vacationers. Yes, that's plural and there's more than one, but it's norovirus that often grabs the headlines. In all likelihood, it's an infected passenger who brought the noro aboard and spread it to others. Yes, the cruise lines require everyone to complete a pre-boarding questionnaire about their health and any symptoms they are possibly experiencing, but do you seriously think anyone who might be a bit sick to their stomach is going to admit that and be denied boarding?

In our related article we examine the question, Is Your Cruise Ship Sick? and separate the facts from fiction. We encourage you to learn more and be an informed passenger.

Cruise News: Current Crown Princess Sailing Cut Short

Princess Cruises Statement

The increased incidence of gastrointestinal illness that occurred during the previous cruise of Crown Princess has reappeared on the current voyage which departed Saturday, Feb 4, despite rigorous sanitization measures.

In consultation with the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), who has informed us that there are widespread outbreaks of Norovirus occurring in the US, it was agreed that the best course of action to stop the spread of the illness is for the ship to undergo a two-day extensive sanitization. To accomplish this, Crown Princess is now returning to Fort Lauderdale where the cruise will end on Thursday, Feb. 9. The ship was scheduled to return on Saturday, Feb. 11.

We sincerely regret having to cut short our passengers' cruise vacations because of this highly-unusual situation. We will, of course, be refunding their cruise fare, arranging flights home, including covering change fees if air was not booked through Princess, providing hotel accommodation if necessary, and offering a 25% future cruise credit.

Crown Princess departed Feb 4 on its scheduled Southern Caribbean cruise after a comprehensive disinfection of all cabins and public areas, which was overseen by the CDC together with our public health, medical and onboard departments.

On the current sailing 114 passengers (3.70% out of 3,078) and 59 crew (5.01% of 1,178) have reported gastrointestinal illness. On the previous cruise, 364 passengers (11.73% of 3,103) and 30 crew (2.57% of 1,168) were affected.

At the first sign of increased cases of gastrointestinal illness, we immediately initiated additional enhanced sanitation procedures to interrupt the spread of illness for both passengers and crew members. Our sanitation program has been developed in coordination with the CDC and includes such measures as disinfection of high-touch surfaces; encouraging correct hand washing procedures and enhancing this with the use of hand sanitizing gels placed throughout the ship; isolating ill passengers and crew in cabins until non-contagious; encouraging passengers to use their own cabin's bathroom facilities; and providing regular verbal and written communication to passengers about steps they can take to stay well while onboard.

The enhanced disinfection of the ship in Fort Lauderdale will include bringing aboard additional cleaning crew to assist with a thorough sanitization of all public spaces and surfaces including soft furnishing and carpets, railings, door handles and the like. The staterooms will be sanitized multiple times before making up the rooms with fresh linens and towels on Saturday morning, just prior to passenger embarkation.

We continue to work closely with the CDC to determine the cause of the illness, which is suspected to be the easily-transmitted Norovirus, which is so widespread that only the common cold is reported more frequently.

Following this additional sanitization of Crown Princess, we expect that the next cruise on Feb 11 will depart as scheduled.

The current 7-day Caribbean sailing of the ship was scheduled to visit Curacao and Aruba, but we regret that the early return to Fort Lauderdale has necessitated cancellation of these calls.

 What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is so widespread that only the common cold is reported more frequently. The CDC estimates that there are 23 million land-based Norovirus cases each year in the U.S., affecting one in 12 people, or 8% of the population. In contrast, the number of cruise passengers affected is .028% of the 8 million cruising population, or 1 in 3,600 of those who vacation aboard ships. Symptoms of Norovirus include mild stomach upset with vomiting and diarrhea, usually lasting between one and three days. The illness generally resolves without treatment or long-term consequences.

Health officials recommend that the best way cruise passengers can protect themselves from getting ill is to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly.

Further information about Norovirus is available on the websites of the CDC and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Image Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Royal Caribbean Goes Underground

It looks like commuters traveling between between Times Square and Grand Central Station in the Big Apple's iconic subway system are in for a surprise when they find themselves “cruising” to work.

Royal Caribbean’s new brand campaign is targeting New York-area commuters, both above and below ground, by taking over the 42nd Street S line in Manhattan this February. Commuters will get a taste of the Royal experience with fully-branded shuttle cars supporting the cruise line’s new messaging. First rolled out in December 2011, the campaign is focused on reawakening consumers to the sights and sounds of the sea by communicating the decree, “The Sea is Calling. Answer it Royally.”

The subway cars, which are wrapped both inside and out, reflect actual Royal Caribbean cruise ships. The cars’ interiors are each separately wrapped as an onboard theater featuring marquees of some of the Broadway shows guests can see onboard select Royal Caribbean ships such as Hairspray, Chicago, and Saturday Night Fever; an onboard spa with bamboo showers and masseuse; as well as an open deck area complete with a Flowrider surf simulator and surfer. Each car conveys the options for entertainment, relaxation and adventure that can be enjoyed on a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. Commuters, who will be treated to special surprises during the month, are challenged to find “hidden treasures” in the shuttle artwork, including characters such as Shrek and Po from the cruise line’s exclusive partnership with film studio powerhouse DreamWorks Animation.

For New York-area residents inspired to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, Royal Caribbean offers convenient cruising options to Bermuda and the Caribbean out of Bayonne, NJ, and Baltimore, MD, onboard Explorer of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas. Royal Caribbean’s innovative onboard amenities, upscale accommodations, dining and entertainment are all delivered with the cruise line’s signature Gold Anchor Service, all within a few-hours drive from home.

Image Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Intl

Cruise Review: Disney Dream, Not Such A Dream Cruise Vacation For One Family

It’s that time of year again when norovirus, the nasty gastrointestinal illness, rears its ugly head. More than 200 passengers on two cruise ships headed to South Florida last weekend were stricken with it, as was the family of a CruiseDiva.com reader last month.

Our reader JHM relates in his Disney Dream review that from Jan 3 through Jan 8, 2012 his extended family of nineteen children and grandchildren cruised to the Bahamas on the Disney Dream in five adjoining cabins to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

By the end of the cruise nine of them contracted the painful stomach virus while onboard, due in part they believe to inadequate cleaning measures and the negligent sanitary services they experienced aboard the ship.

I’m sure you’ll agree that the experience surrounding their treatment as related by JHM is pretty disturbing. Most shocking is that a crew member advised them not report the sickness to the medical facility because they would be quarantined and that would ‘ruin’ their vacation. However, they wisely disregarded that advice.

Image Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line Hosts the World’s Largest Super Bowl Party Afloat

Seats in O’Sheehan’s on Norwegian Epic surround
the Atrium’s big screen

Hopefully, guests sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line ships today—Super Bowl Sunday—remembered to pack their favorite team jerseys and paraphernalia because they are invited to join in on the excitement of the big game at the world’s largest Super Bowl party at sea.

This Super Bowl Sunday, guests can transition from a relaxing day at the pool to a high energy celebration to watch the New England Patriots and New York Giants battle it out to determine which team will take home the coveted title of Super Bowl Champion. Parties will erupt in multiple venues on every ship in Norwegian’s fleet (excluding Norwegian Jade in Europe). Guests can watch the game on the two-story big screens on Norwegian Pearl, Gem, Jewel, and Epic while enjoying a signature cocktail. Guests will also enjoy snacking on game time favorites such as tortilla chips with cheese and salsa, popcorn, hot dogs and chicken wings in the line’s pubs, bars, and lounges including O’Sheehan’s Bar and Grill on Norwegian Epic; Longboard on Norwegian Sky, Red Lion on Norwegian Dawn, and Henry’s Pub on Norwegian Spirit.

As if that wasn’t enough excitement, guests also have an opportunity to win. With the purchase of a bucket of Miller Lite or Coors Light, guests receive a scratch off card with a chance to win a Miller/Coors t-shirt. With the purchase of any beer bucket, guests will have chance to win a dinner for two in Cagney’s, Norwegian’s signature steakhouse.

Photo © Linda Coffman, CruiseDiva.com

Cruise News: Regent Seven Seas Cruises Launches A New Dining Option

Now celebrating 20 years as a luxury cruise innovator, Regent Seven Seas Cruises introduces Sette Mari at La Veranda, a new intimate Italian dining experience across the fleet. Beginning in June 2012, each evening, the popular daytime buffet venue La Veranda will transform into Sette Mari, where guests will choose from an extensive menu of authentic antipasti and Italian specialty items paired with distinctive fine wines, all cooked a la minute and served by a dedicated wait staff.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is widely recognized as the world’s most inclusive luxury cruise line with airfare, all-suite accommodations, award-winning cuisine, premium spirits and fine wines, live entertainment, shore excursions, gratuities and taxes, and a pre-cruise hotel stay included in cruise fares. Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager are the cruise industry's only all-balcony, all-suite ships. To receive a Voyage Collection brochure, including voyages through May 2013, or for more information on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, see a professional travel agent, visit the line's web site (for an interactive brochure), or call toll-free 800-285-1835.

Image: Regent Seven Seas Mariner at Anchor © CruiseDiva.com

Cruise News: Costa Crociere’s Removal Plan for Costa Concordia

Immediately following the Costa Concordia accident Costa Crociere started working to ensure the least possible environmental impact to the waters surrounding Isola del Giglio and to safeguard the island’s business activities and tourism. From the outset the measures drawn up by the company have been shared with and approved by the relevant Italian authorities in the spirit of full, transparent and total cooperation.

Costa has engaged leading international salvage experts Smit Salvage BV to remove the fuel contained in Costa Concordia’s tanks, and has presented a plan to remove other materials and potential pollutants to begin as soon as weather conditions permit. Costa Cruises also is working with the utmost speed on a plan to remove the ship itself — a top priority to protect the environment of Giglio and the island’s tourism industry.

The company has formed a technical committee with representatives from Costa Cruises, Carnival Corporation, Fincantieri shipyard, Italian registry RINA, and sector experts, including academics, who will collaborate with the relevant authorities to create a plan.

As articulated in a letter to Costa Concordia Emergency Commissioner Franco Gabrielli, Costa Cruises has invited 10 companies to present proposals for the removal of Costa Concordia’s hull.

The invitation to bid was sent to the world’s leading salvage companies that are capable of performing the work in the shortest time, while ensuring maximum safety and minimum environmental impact. They include:

• Donjon Marine Inc.
• Fukada Salvage & Marine Works Co. Ltd.
• Mammoet Salvage BV
• Nippon Salvage Co Ltd.
• Resolve Marine Group Inc.
• Smit Salvage BV
• Svitzer Salvage BV
• T-and-T Marine Salvage Inc.
• Titan Salvage
• Tito Neri S.r.l.

Proposals must be presented to Costa Cruises by the beginning of March 2012. The plans will be assessed jointly with the Civil Protection Scientific Committee and a selection is expected to be made by the end of March. That timeline represents the best possible outcome, although given the complexity of the operation, there could be delays.

Cruise News: Costa Concordia Update

Earlier this week the Italian Civil Protection Agency determined that it is no longer safe for divers to continue searching the submerged portion of Costa Concordia for passengers and crewmembers who are still missing and unaccounted for. Therefore, the underwater search of the ship has been discontinued. Families of the 15 people still unaccounted for were notified of the search suspension before it was made public.

However, the search of the portion of the ship above water continues and divers will reportedly begin searching the area surrounding the ship where objects have been spotted.

On another front, unfavorable weather conditions at the site are causing delays in bebunkering of the fuel from Costa Concordia. Until that task is complete, the ship cannot be raised or cut up and removed. Hopefully, at some point, the remains of the missing will be located and returned to their families.

Naturally there has been a lot of criticism of the cruise line in the aftermath of the ship's grounding and loss of life. While I agree with some of it, in my viewpoint the most important consideration at this time should be the loved ones of those missing and their feelings. There was an American couple on the cruise, Gerald and Barbara Heil of Minnesota, who are still among those missing and presumed dead. I can only imagine the overwhelming worry and sorrow experienced by their family members in the aftermath. I can also imagine the macabre curiosity of members of the press and how the family's grief has been shattered by media inquiries.

Wisely, the family has established a website at Heil Family Update that states:

This will be the ONLY outlet used by the family which provides information to the media. We ask you to respect our privacy as we continue to search for our parents with a very difficult situation for our family.

Sincerely, the Heil family

Please visit the site and read their posts. Not only is their heartbreak obvious, but their praise of the recovery effort is uplifting.

Princess Cruises Wants Your Photo Memories to be Showcased Aboard New Royal Princess

On every trip we take at least one photo that exemplifies the experience and we generally “share” them with visitors to our home in a digital photo frame. Now we can share them with a wider audience if one is chosen by Princess Cruises. The cruise line is looking for 1,000 passenger-submitted cruise vacation photos to permanently showcase aboard its new Royal Princess when the ship debuts in spring 2013. The line has launched a “1,000 Memories at Sea” contest inviting passengers to submit their best cruise vacation shots, which will be displayed on the walls of hallways between staterooms and in other locations around the ship. In addition, one lucky photographer will win a cruise for two, including airfare, on Royal Princess.

Whether they captured the perfect Caribbean sunset, caught Alaska wildlife in action, found a breathtaking rainbow over Hawaii, or snapped a meaningful moment onboard, passengers can submit their favorite cruise photos on Facebook, at Princess.com or by mail. The “1,000 Memories at Sea” contest will be judged by a panel which is looking for creativity, originality, style, and images that capture the spirit of what it means to “escape completely.” Contest judges include Rai Caluori, Princess’ executive vice president of fleet operations; Teresa Anderson, the line’s vice president of interior design, and Ian Johnson, director of photography and video for Princess.

“With the introduction of Royal Princess, we wanted to pay tribute to our passengers and their vacation memories made aboard our ships,” said Jan Swartz, executive vice president for Princess. “This contest will be a fun opportunity for 1,000 of our passengers to be permanently recognized aboard our new ship, so they should start sifting through their travel photos now, and submit a remarkable shot to be considered.”

The “1,000 Memories at Sea” contest runs through March 31, 2012 and is open to entrants 21 years of age or older, residing in the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec), the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Full entry details for the contest can be found at Princess.com.

Travel Insurance Tips for Smooth Sailing

Should you insure your cruise travel plans, or self-insure and hope for the best? That is the question that most people face when booking a cruise, or any vacation for that matter. I admit we didn't even take it into consideration at the time my husband and I planned trips when we were 30-something and believed we were infallible. The importance of travel insurance only appeared on our radar when we witnessed the Coast Guard evacuate a fellow passenger from the SS Norway during our third cruise on that ship. That's why I'm sharing the information below from InsureMyTrip. Although CruiseDiva.com has been an affiliate advertiser of InsureMyTrip since it was founded, I wouldn't publish the following if I didn't strongly believe that it's sound advice from a reputable source.

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The Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster has many today doubting the safety of a shipboard vacation, but according to the Cruise Lines International Association, the world's largest cruise line association, 16 million of us enjoyed sailing the world's oceans last year. Statistically, cruises are considered one of the safest forms of travel but you can minimize vacation risks further with these trip protection tips from InsureMyTrip.com:

1. Compare, Compare, Compare: Shop around to get the best plan for your needs at the right price. InsureMyTrip.com offers side-by-side comparisons of policies and prices to help you make smart purchasing decisions quickly and easily.
2. Plan Ahead: To receive the most benefit from your travel insurance policy and be eligible for optional benefits like Cancel for Any Reason and Pre-existing Medical Conditions, purchase the policy within 7 to 15 days of your First Trip Payment.
3. Buy From a Third Party: Typically, if you purchase travel insurance directly through a travel supplier such as an airline, cruise line, or tour operator, you're unprotected if that travel supplier goes bankrupt or becomes financially insolvent, so it's always best to purchase your travel insurance protection from a third-party source.
4.Keep Your Receipts: In the event you ever have to file a claim, keep your receipts for everything from pre-paid non-refundable trip costs insured under your policy to doctor's notes, as well as any receipts incurred from a travel delay such as meals, hotel accommodations, and transportation to/from the airport.
5. 24-hour Traveler Assistance: Providing a host of critical services from processing prescription refills to managing and monitoring itinerary changes, the 24-hour Traveler Assistance program is truly a traveler's best friend. A value-added benefit included in all travel insurance plans, insured travelers can call the company-provided phone number collect from anywhere in the world and receive special assistance with a wide-range of travel, medical, business, and concierge needs.
6. Ask the Experts: InsureMyTrip.com's licensed Customer Care representatives are standing by to help you with all of your travel insurance questions or concerns seven days a week, 365 days a year. Visit us at www.insuremytrip.com or call (800)-487-4722.

About InsureMyTrip: Established in 2000, InsureMyTrip is a leading online travel insurance aggregator worldwide. Featuring insurance comparisons from the top industry providers, InsureMyTrip is a one-stop resource designed to meet travelers' comprehensive insurance needs all in a secure environment. Enhancing the insurance buying experience, InsureMyTrip features a Customer Ratings and Reviews community forum for traveler feedback, discussion and information exchange. InsureMyTrip also specializes in providing custom retail and wholesale travel insurance solutions in the education and mission travel markets. InsureMyTrip is headquartered in Warwick, R.I., with additional offices and data centers in Connecticut and Oregon.

Cruise Industy To Conduct Operational Safety Review

In response to the Costa Concordia incident and as part of the industry’s continuous efforts to review and improve safety measures, the Cruise Lines International Association, Inc. (CLIA), speaking on behalf of the global cruise lines industry, has announced the launch of a Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review. The Review will include a comprehensive assessment of the critical human factors and operational aspects of maritime safety. As best practices are identified, they will be shared among CLIA members and any appropriate recommendations will be shared with the IMO. Recommendations will be made on an ongoing basis.

Key components of the Review include:

• An internal review by CLIA members of their own operational safety practices and procedures concerning issues of navigation, evacuation, emergency training, and related practices and procedures.
• Consultation with independent external experts.
• Identification and sharing of industry best practices and policies, as well as possible recommendations to the IMO for substantive regulatory changes to further improve the industry’s operational safety.
• Collaboration with the IMO, governments and regulatory bodies to implement any necessary regulatory changes.

While the cruise industry has an outstanding safety record, CLIA is fully committed to understanding the factors that contributed to the Costa Concordia incident and is proactively responding to all maritime safety issues. The Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review will enable the industry to do so in a meaningful and expedited manner.

About CLIA: The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 26 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research, and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members across North America. For more information about CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member lines and travel agencies, visit Cruising.org.

Crystal Cruises to Launch Evening Bistro

With almost a dozen dining choices on each ship, Crystal Cruises' most popular daytime gathering spot, The Bistro, is expanding to evening hours. Reflecting the space's European-style sidewalk cafe ambiance, the complimentary menu will offer "small bites," desserts, and "midnight" snacks, along with premium wines and flavored coffees. The new nightly cafe debuts in April on Crystal Symphony and June on Crystal Serenity, shortly after the ships go all-inclusive.

The Bistro has long been a meeting place for cruisers due to its central location and quick, easy access to continental breakfast, fresh fruits, afternoon snacks, and wide selection of teas and coffee drinks, from morning to late afternoon. Signature Guy Buffet china and Six-Star service remains at night, but gastronomic offerings greatly expand:

• 6-8 pm: Charcuterie of cured meats, prosciuttos, and pates, plus international cheeses paired with premium wines and champagne.
• 8-11 pm: Artisanal cheeses, with complementary accompaniments such as truffle honey and fig chutney, plus an assortment of fresh fruits and desserts, including a chocolate fountain and petit fours handmade by onboard pastry chefs, with fine wines, digestifs, and hot drinks.
• 11 pm-12 am: Late-night munchies such as mini-sandwiches, freshly-baked pizzas, quiche, tandoori chicken, and trendy beef "sliders."

 "In traditional Crystal luxury fashion, our evening Bistro brings aboard the elegance and international panache of a European cafe experience—a central place to meet, people-watch, and enjoy a glass of wine or espresso and a snack," says Vice President Food and Beverage Operations Toni Neumeister. "In addition, this expansion really enhances the culinary and social options for guests who spend a full day sightseeing and/or like to mix up their evening dining."

Casual dining on deck is also offered most evenings with a new Chinese "Comfort Food" menu augmenting choices on Crystal Serenity.

Outstanding culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation. The ultra-luxury line's extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); fresh, chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea, or in Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio's specialty restaurants; and, starting this spring, all-inclusive premium spirits, fine wines, and champagnes throughout the ship.

Photo Courtesy of Crystal Cruises

SeaDream Taps Into a “Life Transformation Program” With a “Raw Food” Menu Option

One of the highlights of a voyage on SeaDream Yacht Club’s luxurious SeaDream I and SeaDream II is the honest-to-goodness gourmet dining. Every dish is prepared to order and, in my opinion, the food I’ve been served is outstanding. So, I was pretty dismayed to learn they have introduced a “Raw Food” menu option, boasting that it is the first of its kind at sea. Admittedly, with my confirmed preference for meat and potatoes (I don’t even eat sushi), the once-radical form of vegetarianism called the “raw foods” or “living foods” sounded weird and personally unappetizing. However, its popularity is creeping into the mainstream and gourmet raw food is now being offered in addition to the regular menu aboard SeaDream’s mega-yachts.

Not exactly uncooked, “raw” refers to a style of preparation in which all ingredients are raw, organic and vegan (no fish, meat, eggs or dairy), and nothing is heated above 118°F in order to retain healthy micro nutrients. SeaDream’s Norwegian owners, Linn and Atle Brynestad were excited by the health benefits they personally experienced while eating “raw” during an extended stay at the Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida, and afterwards they asked the Executive Chef, Renate Waller to bring her “raw food” expertise to SeaDream’s galley. Renate worked with SeaDream’s Corporate Chef, Sudesh Kishore to create a special, optional menu of gourmet raw food dishes.

The Hippocrates Health Institute was created over a half century ago and since then has developed the Life Transformation Program into the definitive blueprint for transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. The Institute helps people radically change their health by teaching them how to trade nutrient-deficient, “dead” foods to a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based proteins. Replete with fresh sprout and vegetable juices, wheatgrass, colorful salads, nuts, seeds, and fruit, the Hippocrates plan is said to supply the oxygen, enzymes, alkalinity, and bioelectrical charges vital to cellular and general health.

Thankfully, SeaDream’s reputation for providing a stellar culinary experience remains of utmost importance to the company. “The raw food menu is an added option. If you come aboard to enjoy filet mignon and double chocolate mousse, by all means it’s on the menu” said Kishore. He added “Nobody else at sea is offering this style of raw cuisine, and because we serve at most 112 guests, we can. One might assume raw food is boring or bland, but guests who chose to try it are in for a tasty surprise.”

SeaDream’s Chef shared several of the dishes being served from this optional, new raw food menu. Beverages include Watercress Tang, a liquid mélange of watercress, Anjou pear, lime and pineapple, and the Blood Apple Blaster, a blend of apple, ginger, red beet, lime juice, and agave. Salad options include Asian style Cashew Curry Salad that is crunchy and slightly spicy. An entrée such as Vegetable Lasagna uses pasta-like noodles made from spinach leaves and coconut meat, layered between a spicy cauliflower mash topped with a sun-dried tomato marinara. Even SeaDream’s Pastry Chef is on board with raw food desserts, creating a Cashew Lemon Cheese Cake with a crust made from almonds and dates and a filling that includes cashews, lemon juice, almond milk, and coconut butter. For those who prefer sugar free, that’s also available. You really can have your cake and eat it too.

Just don’t serve me any of that lasagna—I’m allergic to spinach and will stick with the filet mignon and double chocolate mousse.

Image Courtesy of SeaDream Yacht Club

Cruise News: Costa Cruises Details Costa Concordia Guest Reimbursement Offer

Costa Crociere wishes to again express its profound condolences to the families of the victims, continued sympathy to the families of the missing and deep regret and sorrow for the damages and hardship the Costa Concordia accident caused to all its guests.

Costa Crociere announced a compensation proposal for guests who have returned home after the Jan. 13 tragic Costa Concordia accident. This proposal is the result of negotiations between Costa Crociere and consumer associations protecting guests’ interests, with the support of multiple tourism and travel industry associations. In Italy, the company has already reached an agreement with the National Council of Consumers and Users, a national organization.

The families of the deceased and guests who were injured and required medical treatment on site will be covered under a separate proposal that will take into account their individual circumstances.

The compensation package for Costa Concordia guests who have returned home includes:

• A lump sum of 11,000 euros (US$14,458.07 at today’s exchange rate) per person as indemnification, covering all patrimonial and nonpatrimonial damages, including loss of baggage and personal effects, psychological distress, and loss of enjoyment of the cruise vacation;
• Reimbursement of the value of the cruise, including harbor taxes;
• Reimbursement of air and bus transfers included in the cruise package;
• Full reimbursement of travel expenses to reach the port of embarkation and return home;
• Reimbursement of any medical expenses resulting from the cruise;
• Reimbursement of expenses incurred on board during the cruise.
This compensation package is higher than the current indemnification limits provided for in international conventions and laws currently in force. The 11,000 euro lump-sum payment is offered to all Costa Concordia passengers, including nonpaying children, regardless of their age.

Costa also has pledged not to deduct from this sum any amount paid by any insurance policy stipulated by guests. In addition, the company will return all goods stored in cabin safes, where retrieval is possible.

Costa Crociere also has pledged to provide a program for psychological assistance to any guests that request it. The company has further agreed to offer customers the ability to cancel any upcoming cruise booked before Jan. 13, on any of its routes, without penalty through Feb. 7, 2012.

Dedicated operation units will handle claims to ensure timely resolution. Payments will be credited by the company within seven days of receipt of the acceptance of the proposal. Guests should e-mail careteam@us.costa.it or call 954-266-5693 for assistance.

Ruby Princess Rescues Boaters

The good news is that earlier this week three French sailors were rescued at sea northeast of Cuba (between Berrys/Clarencetown and Samana Cay in Bahamian territory) when their trimaran lost power, leaving them stranded miles from the nearest port. Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess altered course and launched a rescue boat to pick up the distressed mariners at 11:40pm EST on Monday, Jan 23. Hundreds of the Ruby Princess' passengers and crew witnessed the operation in the video below.

The bad news... that video is probably the last look the owner will have of his very expensive sailing vessel.

Cruise News: After Concordia, Deal Or No Deal?

Conventional “wisdom” among some travel bloggers suggests that booked passengers are cancelling their cruises en masse due to the recent Costa Concordia incident and now is the time to act quickly to get a rock bottom fare for your next cruise. I even had a friend ask me yesterday if I thought his family could get a great deal on a cruise in March. He was under the impression that cruise lines would be giving away cabins at bargain basement rates due to cancellations. First off, people who are booked to sail in March are probably in the cancellation penalty phase after making their final payment and they aren’t likely to be changing their vacation plans in droves. However, while this is the cruise industry’s Wave Season when low cruise fares and upgrades are typically offered on future sailings, March is Spring Break time and pricier than usual. I advised him to call a travel agent, but not to be surprised if most ships sailing from Miami and Fort Lauderdale in March are already fully booked.

Let’s step back and evaluate the advice of those bloggers who claim there are a lot of last minute deals right now because of recent cancellations. While I don’t know what sources of information they are using—or whether they are simply speculating about mass cancellations as my friend did—the real experts offer an entirely a different perspective.

A Travel Weekly survey of travel agents found that the Costa accident has had minimal effect on agent bookings. While the agents they surveyed reported an increase in calls from their clients with questions, they “overwhelmingly said they hadn't received any cancellations following the deadly capsize of the Costa Concordia off the Italian coast…less than 7% of agents said they had cancellations as a direct result.”

Even more interesting is an article in the authoritative Seatrade Insider entitled Post-Concordia UBS survey finds cruise pricing is up—even for Costa. The article states, “UBS Investment Research has found that the impact on cruise bookings may not be as negative as feared, and pricing in general is up—even for Costa Crociere.”

On a side note, I must admit that I felt queasy when I awoke early on Saturday, Jan 14th and saw the horrifying televised images of Costa Concordia. Would that prevent me from taking a cruise? No, and in fact I boarded a cruise ship only hours later. As a whole, I sincerely believe the cruise industry has always considered safety their top priority. Truthfully, I feel safer on a cruise ship than in an airplane or driving on I-95.

Cruise News: Message From Norwegian Cruise Line's CEO

As a past passenger of Norwegian Cruise Line, I received the email below today. Last week I sailed on Norwegian Epic and can state that the safety drill referenced was conducted within hours of boarding and before the ship sailed from the Port of Miami. While we were not required to bring personal flotation devices to the drill (as is currently a common practice on many cruise lines), the demonstration of their use was quite thorough. Attendees names and cabin numbers were noted on master lists by the crewmembers in charge. In the aftermath of the tragic circumstances that took place just the night before on Costa Concordia, our fellow passengers paid particular attention during the drill.

Dear Valued Guest,

Thank you for being a loyal Norwegian Cruise Line guest. We want to take this opportunity to assure you that the safety of our guests and crew is, at all times, our number one priority.

We operate all of our vessels to meet and exceed the requirements of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention and the International Safety Management Code maritime standards, the international safety requirements which govern the cruise industry. Every crew member is well trained in the Company's stringent safety protocols, participating in weekly safety drills onboard every one of our ships.

Our Captains are experienced seafarers with an average of 33 years at sea. All of our Captains come up through the ranks progressing from Second Officer to First Officer and then Chief Officer up to Staff Captain before they can become Captains. On average, it takes at least 15 years for a Captain to be promoted into that role. We further ensure that our Captains regularly undergo rigorous simulation training on navigation and bridge operations.

To assist our Captains and Officers while at sea, we have extensive navigation protocols in place. Our bridge operations are based on a two-person team approach. Accordingly, there are always two officers in charge of bridge operations, mandating strict adherence to operating procedures. Furthermore, our bridge teams follow pre-set voyage plans which are thoroughly reviewed and discussed by the Captain and bridge team prior to port departures and arrivals. In addition, all of our ships employ the latest state-of-the-art navigational equipment and technology to ensure that our bridge teams have the most accurate data regarding the planned itinerary.

Prior to every cruise setting sail, we hold a mandatory safety drill for all guests during which important safety information is reviewed and demonstrated. We also show an extensive safety video which runs continuously on the stateroom televisions should further information be required.

We appreciate your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you aboard again.

Sincerely,

Kevin Sheehan
Chief Executive Officer

Norwegian Cruise Line Launches New Alaska Cruisetours

The Alaska Railroad

Guests sailing aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun on Alaskan cruise vacations in 2013 can now add pre- or post- Cruisetours to round out their voyage. Ranging in length from four to six days, guests can select their perfect Alaska adventure from four different packages. The Cruisetours are escorted by a local Alaskan guide and each tour features two nights in Denali National Park, as well as a ride on the iconic Alaska Railroad.

For guests who want to explore the wilderness or the history of Alaska, there are two five-day options available: Denali/Alyeska Explorer and Denali/Fairbanks Explorer. The Denali/Alyeska Explorer gives guests the opportunity to hike on Winner Creek Trail, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see animals in their natural setting or take a helicopter ride to land atop a glacier. The Denali/Fairbanks Explorer offers an up close look at the Gold Rush that swept the nation, the Alaskan Pipeline, a visit to an Athabascan Indian Village and the chance to experience the midnight sun.

The best option for those with an adventurous spirit is the Authentic Alaska Cruisetour, offering diverse activities in a six-day tour. Guests can take a trip to an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher’s house to learn about the “Last Great Race” and meet some of the dogs (also included in both Explorer Cruisetours). In Homer, guests can learn more about the fishing history as well as take in the scenic view of Katchermark Bay’s glaciers and mountains. The tour concludes with a visit to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, where guests can enjoy hiking trails, local restaurants and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Guests with limited time to explore the state can take advantage of the Denali Express package to explore Alaska in four days. Two days in Denali can be spent visiting the Denali National Park to view wildlife or go rafting, fly fishing, golfing and hiking before taking a ride on the world famous Alaska Railroad.

Now available, pre- or post-cruise land packages can be booked as part of Norwegian Sun’s 2013 cruises from Whittier, Alaska. Beginning May 20, 2013, Norwegian Sun’s northbound itinerary departs Vancouver, British Columbia on Mondays, and will cruise the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and Hubbard Glacier, as well as visiting Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau. On her southbound itineraries from Whittier, Alaska, the ship will cruise the Inside Passage, Sawyer Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier, and make stops in Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, and Icy Strait Point.

Additional information can be found by visiting NCL.com.

Photo Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Labor Strikes Delay Oceania Cruises’ New ‘Riviera’

Oceania Cruises was notified by ship builder Fincantieri late last week of construction delays and as a result, will reschedule the maiden voyage of its m/s Riviera. Construction on the 1,250-guest ship fell behind schedule when strikes at Fincantieri's shipyard near Genoa, Italy, lasted longer than expected.

The maiden voyage of Riviera has moved from April 24 to May 16, and all guests affected by the delay will be contacted by their travel agents or by Oceania Cruises directly to discuss alternative cruise dates.

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience that this may cause our guests,” stated Kunal S. Kamlani, the cruise line's president. “We are working very closely with the shipyard to ensure Riviera is completed to meet Oceania's high standards of quality and service.”

The new maiden voyage is a 10-day “Pearls of the Aegean” cruise that includes an overnight aboard ship in Venice before visiting Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Monemvasia, Crete, Santorini, Kusadasi (gateway to Ephesus), Delos, Mykonos and Athens.

Guests booked on affected sailings will have the option of rebooking another cruise and receive a future cruise credit, which ranges from $250 to $1,000 per guest, depending on category of accommodation. In the event guests do not wish to rebook, they will receive a full refund. Travel agent commissions will be protected.

For more information on Riviera or Oceania Cruises, visit OceaniaCruises.com or call toll-free at call 800-531-5658.

Photo Courtesy of Oceania Cruises