Holland America Line’s Half Moon Cay Celebrates 15th Anniversary With New Features

Beach Villas under construction

When evaluating the “best” Caribbean ports of call, many repeat cruise passengers often cite the cruise lines’ own private islands as their favorite. Award-winning Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private Bahamian island, celebrated its 15th anniversary this Caribbean cruise season, and to commemorate the milestone the island offerings and features have been enhanced.

When we called there last fall during the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, we noticed the structures under construction that are pictured here and learned that they would eventually become five new, colorful, two-story Beach Villas available for rent during each call. The two level luxurious hideaways boast exclusive hot tubs on the second floor and provide private accommodations for guests while they relax and experience the island’s highlights. Other beach cabanas were refreshed, and the Grand Cabana received new décor and a slide from the cabana deck straight into the ocean.

“For 15 years, Half Moon Cay has continuously been recognized as the most popular private island in the Caribbean, and to celebrate this milestone we have added several new features,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Our guests already rate Half Moon Cay as their favorite Caribbean port call, and these new enhancements will make the island even more enjoyable.”

A new glass-bottom boat that carries 290 guests also was introduced for tours and features underwater viewing of the island’s colorful reefs and sea life. The horseback riding tour is one of the island’s most popular, and six horses were recently added to the herd so more can enjoy the ride.

The enrichment of the island’s features extended to the Bahamian Church, which has been repainted and outfitted with new pews and interior artwork. The island’s private chapel is nestled in a garden overlooking the sea and provides the perfect setting for cruise guests to enjoy a unique, romantic wedding ceremony or vow renewal.

Over the past 15 years, Half Moon Cay—with its breathtakingly beautiful, crescent-shaped white-sand beach and warm, blue-green waters—has evolved into an idyllic playground for cruise guests while retaining the scenic natural beauty of the 1,700-acre uninhabited Little San Salvador Island.

On the island guests can find solitude just a short walk down the beach or rollicking fun at Captain Morgan’s Bar. Half Moon Cay offers shore excursions ranging from a swim with stingrays to a horseback ride and swim. The 700-acre lagoon offers water sports on its protected waters. New amenities and shore excursions have been gradually added to Half Moon Cay over the years, always with an eye to protecting the island’s natural beauty and preserving its status as an important migratory-bird sanctuary.

In addition to the five new Beach Villas, there are fifteen Beach Cabanas and one Private Oasis on Half Moon Cay with these features:

Beach Villas completed

Beach Villa Package
Board the first tender ashore, or have priority tender use, to maximize your time by being the first guests to arrive. For your comfort, you will find your two-story villa outfitted with air-conditioning, a 5 person capacity hot tub, refrigerator, ceiling fan, air conditioner, dining area with table and chairs inside, misting shower, and private sun deck. You will be provided with fresh fruit, vegetables with dip, and chips and salsa to snack on as well as an assortment of soft drinks and bottled water to quench your thirst. Floating mats and snorkel gear are also included for your use throughout the day. Note: The Beach Villa Package is applicable for up to 8 guests. Parties larger than 8 must book a "Beach Villa Package-Extra Person Surcharge" tour for each additional guest.

Private Cabana Package
Board the first tender ashore, or have priority tender use, to maximize your time by being the first guests to arrive. For your comfort, you will find your cabana outfitted with a refrigerator, ceiling fan, air conditioner, table and chairs inside, and deck chairs and a misting shower on the private terrace. You will be provided with fresh fruit, vegetables with dip, and chips and salsa to snack on as well as an assortment of soft drinks and bottled water to quench your thirst. Floating mats and snorkel gear are also included for your use throughout the day. Note: The Private Cabana Package is applicable for up to 4 guests. Parties larger than 4 must book a "Private Cabana Package-Extra Person Surcharge" tour for each additional guest.

Butler Service Upgrade Package: Villas & Cabanas
This special service upgrade is available to those guests who have purchased a Half Moon Cay Beach Villa or Cabana Package. The Butler Service Upgrade Package includes:

-- Unlimited beverages available from the various bars on Half Moon Cay. Drinks made from house brand liquor, all beers, soft drinks, bottled water and wine.
-- A picnic lunch consisting of appetizer, entree, and dessert.
-- Butler escort from your cabin to assist you ashore carrying all belongings to and from the ship.
-- Your Butler will see to whatever needs you have on the island including shopping from the island shops and any Shore Excursions bookings you may like to make on Half Moon Cay.

The Butler Service Upgrade Package price is applicable for up to 8 guests. For groups of more than 8 guests, each additional guest must purchase an Extra Person Surcharge for the Butler Service Upgrade.

Private Oasis Palm Package
The Private Oasis perches on a point, partially over water, so you can enjoy your private gathering in a luxurious setting, highlighted by an easy walkway into the warm turquoise waters. The Private Oasis offers a total of 1,620 square feet and includes a large covered deck and comfortable sun deck with eight-person hot tub. Features include an indoor teak dining table seating six people, outdoor teak lounges and bar stools accommodating 12, barbecue area, full wet bar and refrigerator, massage table, iPod music system, multi-colored Bahamian tapestries, men's and women's changing rooms, indoor and outdoor showers with heated fresh water, 100-foot walkway with misting stations and privacy gate. Your Palm Package menu throughout the day will include the services of a butler, personal chef, and lifeguard along with the following:

-- Fresh Fruit, Danish, Chips & Salsa from 10:00am - 2:00pm
-- Beverage Package with Soft Drinks, Bottled Water, Juices, Domestic and Imported Beers, House Pouring Wine by the Glass, Island Cocktails, Frozen Tropical Classics, and Mocktails from 10:00am-3:00pm
-- BBQ lunch buffet with Assorted Salads, Fruit Salad, Grilled Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Fresh Teriyaki glazed Mahi Mahi, Barbequed Pork Spare Ribs and Barbequed Chicken, Brownies & Cookies from 11:30am -1:00pm

Note: The base rate is applicable for up to 12 guests. Only one guest need purchase the reservation for up to 12 guests. For groups with more than 12 guests, an Extra Person Surcharge for the Private Oasis at Half Moon Cay must be purchased for each additional person from 13-25 guests.

If You Go
Book your Villa, Cabana, or Oasis Package online as early as possible to avoid disappointment as they almost always sell out before sailing. After you log in and complete your online check-in, you will find pricing in the shore excursion section of the Holland America Line website.

Images (c) CruiseDiva.com  & Courtesy of Holland America Line

Superbowl Sunday Cocktails From Carnival Cruise Lines

It’s Superbowl Sunday, the day when football fans across America will gather in front of their high-def screens to catch all the gridiron acton—not to mention the advertisements and the half-time show with Beyoncé.

While some of us are more interested in the Budweiser ads than the beer itself and will be paying close attention to see if the pop singer lip-syncs her songs, we can all appreciate a refreshing beverage to go along with our game-watching snacks. For that, two custom libations were created by Carnival Cruise Lines’ Senior Beverage Operations Manager Cem Erdogan and will be served today aboard all of the line’s 24 “Fun Ships.”

In addition to sampling these terrific cocktails, guests sailing aboard the “Fun Ships” can watch the Ravens and 49ers battle it out while enjoying game day fare such as spicy chicken fingers, Philly sandwiches, tempura shrimp, southwestern spring rolls, and those all-American favorites—hot dogs and buckets of beer (at discounted prices!).

If you would like to create these concoctions at home, just follow these easy, step-by-step instructions and you’ll be enjoying these drinks by kickoff:

Ravens Purple Crush

• ½ ounce Beefeater gin
• ¾ ounce Bacardi rum
• ¾ Skyy vodka
• ¼ ounce Blue Curacao liqueur
• ¼ ounce cranberry juice
• ½ ounce passion fruit juice
• ¾ ounce lemonade
• Lime wedge
• Orange wedge
• Splash of Sprite

Directions: Fill pint glass with ice, add all ingredients, squeeze juice of the lime wedge, shake vigorously, top with Sprite, garnish with orange wedge and enjoy!

49’ers Red Rush

• ½ ounce Beefeater gin
• ¾ ounce Bacardi rum
• ¾ ounce Skyy vodka
• ¼ ounce Cointreau
• ¼ ounce Sauza Hornitos tequila
• 1 ounce lemonade
• ¼ ounce guava juice
• ¼ ounce Grenadine
• Lime wedge
• Orange wedge
• Splash of Sprite

Directions: Fill pint glass with ice, add all ingredients, squeeze juice of the lime wedge, shake vigorously, top with Sprite, garnish with orange wedge and enjoy!

That’s the Ravens drink pictured above and it's not exactly purple, but maybe it’s due to the lighting and the blue sea visible through the window. No matter—get ready for some football. Happy Superbowl Sunday and enjoy the game!

Image Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Warmer Weather Awaits New Yorkers on a ‘Fun Ship’ Caribbean Cruise

After living in a northern state myself, I know how brutal the winter months can feel and remember the longing to escape to a warmer climate. Cabin fever sets in easily during these cold winter months, so Carnival Cruise Lines is reminding New Yorkers that the Caribbean is simply a cruise away with a series of ads and billboards throughout the Big Apple and the surrounding area.

Designed to promote the convenience and value of “Fun Ship” cruising from New York, the multi-channel campaign includes billboards along high-traffic thoroughfares, display ads in popular shopping malls and subway cars, and even electronic banners in Times Square, each featuring thought-provoking, engaging and often-humorous content.

The ads coincide with the arrival in March of the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor which replaces the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle on year-round eight-day Caribbean/Bahamas cruises from New York–representing a capacity increase on this route of 41 percent. Carnival also offers a summer schedule of 4- to 7-day Canada/New England cruises from New York aboard the 2,794-passenger Carnival Glory for those who want a cooler clime in the sweltering summer season.

Image Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Windstar Cruises to Return to Tahiti

When Windstar Cruises' guests spoke, the small ship cruise line listened. The recently renovated Wind Spirit plans to say, "ia ora na" (Hello) to Tahiti in 2014 when Windstar Cruises returns to the islands for the first time since 2002. With an "inaugural" voyage on May 2, 2014, Wind Spirit will sail 7-day cruises from Papeete, Tahiti. A total of 28 voyages through the islands are on her schedule, with the last voyage departing on Nov 7, 2014, before returning to Panama and Costa Rica for the winter season.

The week-long Wind Spirit sailings begin in Papeete, Tahiti, the world's definition of paradise, after which they will visit the following islands:

• Moorea (overnight) - the beauty of this unforgettable island of love lies in drama and adventure.
• Taha'a - this fragrant island is known for its abundance of vanilla and offers a glimpse of the traditional tranquil life of the Tahitians.
• Raiatea (overnight) - recognized throughout Tahiti as the 'Sacred Island,' it also serves as the cultural heart of French Polynesia.
• Huahine (overnight) - known as the Garden of Eden, with lush forests, untamed landscape and quaint villages.
• Bora Bora (overnight) - an island paradise in the South Pacific and known worldwide for its natural beauty.

This will be the first time the recently renovated Wind Spirit will sail the South Pacific. With six sails that cover 21,500 square feet, the French-built sailing yacht was made to cruise the French Polynesia Islands under the power of warm breezes and tall billowing sails. The aqua blue water of the South Pacific can be enjoyed at the back of the yacht with Wind Spirit's Watersports Platform, which offers paddle boards, kayaks, hobie cats, wind surfing, snorkeling equipment, and more when the ship is at anchor.

Onboard and ashore, South Pacific culture will be brought to life in Windstar style. Local entertainment, such as traditional Tahitian dancers, will come on board for a magical evening to remember. Regional dishes will be incorporated into Windstar's signature deck barbecue, held under the sails and stars one night per cruise. Shore excursions will be tailored to give guests experiential and romantic options delivered in true French Polynesian style.

"Windstar's return to Tahiti has always been the number one request from our guests and travel partners, even more than a decade later," said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises' chief executive officer. "We've listened and made the decision that now is the perfect time to come back to the beautiful islands of French Polynesia. Birkholz added, "We've looked at what was popular with our guests in the past and we blended it with our luxury small-ship experience today to deliver the best product possible. We couldn't be more thrilled to return to Tahiti."

Windstar's voyages from Tahiti will go on sale to the public in mid-March 2013. To read more, visit Current, the Windstar Cruises blog.

Image Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Princess Cruises Launches Five-Day Super Sale

Cruise vacations to Alaska, the California coast, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal are on sale during the Princess Cruises “5-Day Super Sale,” running from today, Jan 31 through Monday, Feb 4. With more than 150 West Coast cruises on sale, the event offers savings of up to $1,100 per person, plus the opportunity to get up to $100 in free spending money per stateroom.

Passengers can choose from a variety of cruise itineraries where they can enjoy the magnificent scenery and wildlife of Alaska, the tropical warmth of the Hawaiian Islands, the wonder of engineering that is the Panama Canal, the best of the Golden State on a California Coastal, or the colorful culture of Mexico.

In addition to special fares, passengers booking balcony staterooms or above will receive an onboard credit of $50 (cruises up to nine days) or $100 (for sailings 10 days or longer), and those booking interior or oceanview staterooms can get credits of $25 (cruises up to nine days) to $50 (cruises 10 days or longer).

More information about the cruise sale and pricing can be found at Princess.com/sale.

Examples of special Super Sale fares include:

California Coastal cruise – 7 days: $684 interior (was $834); $1,084 balcony (was $1,184)
Inside Passage Alaska cruise – 7 days: $749 interior (was $899); $1,149 balcony (was $1,399)
Gulf of Alaska cruise – 7 days: $854 interior (was $1,004); $1,304 balcony (was $1,454)
Hawaiian Islands cruise – 14 days: $1,090 interior (was $1,790); $1,690 balcony (was $2,690)
Panama Canal – 14 days: $1,499 interior (was $2,399); $2,049 balcony (was $3,149)

All cruise prices are per person, based on double occupancy and include government fees and taxes. The Super Sale runs from 12:01 a.m. PST on January 31 through 11:59 p.m. PST on February 4, 2013 and is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available by visiting Princess.com.

Virtual Tour of Carnival Sunshine & “Grab Your Destiny” Contest Unveiled

Carnival Cruise Lines has unveiled a new inside/outside virtual tour of Carnival Sunshine, the line’s most comprehensive ship transformation project ever. Encompassing an unprecedented $155 million renovation, it will add a host of dining, bar, and entertainment innovations and spectacular outdoor spaces to the ship that is currently sailing as Carnival Destiny. The ship will emerge as Carnival Sunshine following a 49-day dry dock this spring, then launch a schedule of European voyages April 12, 2013, before repositioning to New Orleans for year-round Caribbean departures beginning Nov. 18, 2013.

The virtual tour below takes you on a flyover of Carnival Sunshine’s many new on-board features and innovations—all part of the line’s groundbreaking Fun Ship 2.0 enhancement initiative. From the glittering new Sunshine atrium and poolside watering holes RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar to soon-to-be-added spaces such as a three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, Havana Bar, ShakeSpot, and JavaBlue Café, you get a sneak peek at these venues while graphics illustrate the dramatic transformation from Carnival Destiny to Carnival Sunshine.

For more videos and images documenting Carnival Sunshine’s ongoing construction progress, “before and after” pictures of Carnival Destiny and Carnival Sunshine spaces, and interviews with some of the people who are bringing the groundbreaking refurbishment project to life, visit Carnival.com/sunshine. There’s also a clock that counts down the number of days until Carnival Sunshine’s inaugural April 12, 2013, voyage from Venice.

Own a Piece of History & Win a Free Cruise!
Hosted at Carnival.com/grabyourdestiny, the four-week-long “Grab Your Destiny” contest opened this week and runs through Feb. 25, 2013. It utilizes a unique system to award prizes, with winners earning points for accomplishing designated on-line tasks—32 points for watching the contest promotional video, 25 points for taking the virtual tour, etc. In addition to prizes for the top 13 point-earners, including the grand prize of a European cruise for two on Carnival Sunshine for the most total points, random weekly drawings will be held for 100 Carnival Destiny mementos.

These include table tops from the All-Star Bar with signatures from Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Mickey Mantle, and other sports legends; the entrance sign from the Millionaire’s Casino and a classic car model from one of its slot machines; decorative treasure chests and an anchor from the miniature golf course; the entrance sign to the Palladium main show lounge; a clock from Spa Carnival; copies of the ship’s final Fun Times daily shipboard newsletter signed by the captain and senior officers; and illustrative “you are here” deck maps, among others. Complete contest rules and regulations are available at the link above.

European & Caribbean Itineraries
Carnival Sunshine debuts with a series of Mediterranean cruises beginning with a 14-day voyage from Venice to Barcelona April 12-26, 2013. The ship will then operate a series of 18 nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises either round-trip from Barcelona or sailing between Barcelona and Venice. Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing departing Barcelona Nov. 1 and arriving New Orleans Nov. 17, Carnival Sunshine will operate a special six-day Caribbean cruise departing Nov. 18 before launching year-round 7-day Caribbean service from the Big Easy Nov. 24, 2013. Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Sunshine’s various European and Caribbean itineraries.

Celebrity Cruises Stars In "Top Chef" Episode

Celebrity Cruises, the cruise vacation brand known for award-winning, fresh-from-scratch cuisine and innovative onboard culinary experiences, has provided the unique setting for an episode of Bravo Media's Emmy® Award-winning Top Chef culinary competition series, now in its 10th season. Tonight's episode (January 30), airing at 10 pm Eastern/9 pm Central, was filmed onboard the 2,158-guest Celebrity Millennium and the 2,170-guest Celebrity Infinity while sailing in Alaska. During the episode, chef'testants were challenged to navigate the intricacies of Celebrity's top-quality culinary operation—with multiple galleys and diverse dining options—and prepare dishes served to guests onboard the vessels. Three Top Chef judges also were aboard to join in the action and assess the chef'testants' results.

In other foodie news, Celebrity is taking its own cuisine to the heart of Manhattan this week with "A Taste of Modern Luxury," an exclusive pop-up restaurant at The Kitchen NYC. Celebrity's own James Beard-featured chef, John Suley, will serve items from a three-course menu that includes several shipboard favorites as well as dishes inspired by the culinary flavors of Manhattan. Libations from Master Mixologist Junior Merino, aka "The Liquid Chef," will be served from his concept, The Molecular Bar, featured on Solstice-class ships. Thoughtfully paired beverages—from superior wines to local brews—and artful desserts round out the dining experience.

On Wednesday, Celebrity Cruises is hosting a private screening of the Top Chef episode at their pop-up location, with five talented former Top Chef chef'testants in attendance: Hung Huynh, Mike Isabella, Spike Mendelsohn, Hosea Rosenberg and Casey Thompson. Tickets to all other lunches and dinners at Celebrity's Manhattan pop-up restaurant are available at celebritycruisespopupnyc.eventbrite.com. Proceeds from ticket sales go to the Celebrity Cruises Scholarship at The Culinary Institute of America.

Celebrity Cruises has been known since its founding in 1990 for providing the best dining experience in premium cruising. In 2012, Celebrity became the first cruise line to cook dinner at the legendary James Beard House in New York City, and the first cruise line to open a land-based pop-up restaurant, which debuted in San Francisco.

Image (c) CruiseDiva.com

Oceania Cruises Introduces New Grand Dining Room Menu

Already noted for devoting extraordinary resources to its cuisine, Oceania Cruises is stepping up to the plate to enhance its menu options. The line has just announced the successful completion of an extensive new menu rollout featuring 85 new dishes for its Grand Dining Room on the line’s newest ship, Riviera. The new menus will be introduced fleetwide over the next three months.

While most cruise lines employ a single corporate chef, Oceania Cruises has an entire team at the helm of its culinary program, including its executive culinary director, renowned master chef Jacques Pépin. Fleet Corporate Chef Franck Garanger, who travels the world sampling international cuisines to inspire his creation of dishes, led the team in conceiving the new menus. The Oceania Cruises culinary team has spent the past eight months designing and rigorously testing the new menu items. As the menus in the Grand Dining Room change daily, the rollout features a total of 85 new dishes, including three new lobster dishes and 10 new pastas and risottos.

New creations include dishes such as Pancetta-Wrapped Jumbo Shrimp with Kalamata Olive Sauce and Vegetable Julienne (pictured above), Roast Segovian Suckling Pig with Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes, and Diver Scallops over Orange-Braised Endive with Vanilla Vinaigrette Salad. The new dishes also feature unique, high-end ingredients such as Castilla–La Mancha saffron, Lessatini olive oil from Nice and Ibérico de Bellota pork. There is also a selection of new Canyon Ranch® dishes, including Dover Sole Meunière in Lemon Butter Sauce with Sweet Leek Puff Pastry and Steamed Potatoes, as well as Pulpo a la Gallega: Octopus on Warm Potato Salad with Sweet Spanish Paprika de la Vera. The rollout also includes an array of new wines by the bottle as well as an extended list of wines by the glass.

“Since the founding of Oceania Cruises 10 years ago, we have held a reputation for serving cuisine that is the finest at sea and even rivals the best restaurants ashore,” said Kunal S. Kamlani, the line’s president. “Our latest innovations in the Grand Dining Room are inspired by classic European fare, with a contemporary, creative touch. They reflect our ongoing commitment to provide an exceptional dining experience that starts with a thoughtful and meticulously researched menu concept, the highest-quality ingredients and the perfect execution of traditional culinary techniques.”

Oceania Cruises’ flagship restaurant, the Grand Dining Room, is a tribute to the five-star restaurants in Europe's grandest hotels, which inspired its dignified and elegant ambiance. Tuxedo-clad wait staff graciously serve course after course featuring classic European fare or delectable alternatives such as healthy, savory Canyon Ranch® selections or Jacques Pépin’s signature dishes. The Grand Dining Room features open-seating and accommodates parties from two to 10.

Image Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Complimentary Premium Beverage Packages On Tap Aboard Select Royal Caribbean Sailings in April 2013

Get on board for the romance and serenity of a classic ocean crossing with Royal Caribbean and, for a limited time, enjoy a complimentary Premium Beverage Package for two when booking a balcony- or higher-category stateroom aboard the following four trans-Atlantic cruises, sailing throughout April 2013:

• Navigator of the Seas’ 15-night sailing from New Orleans to Rome (Civitavecchia), Rome on Apr 6
• Independence of the Seas’ 13-night sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to Southampton, U.K. on Apr 7
• Brilliance of the Seas’ 11-night sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Lisbon, Portugal on Apr 13
• Adventure of the Seas’ 14-night sailing from San Juan to Southampton on Apr 21

The Complimentary Premium Beverage Package offer is applicable only for new U.S. and Canadian individual bookings made from now through Feb 15, 2013, in balcony and higher category staterooms. Complimentary Premium Beverage Package is only available for first two guests in a booking. The Premium Beverage Package, valued at $55 per person, per day, includes house wines, beers under $6.25 each, fountain sodas, and well, call and premium brands of liquors and frozen drinks at restaurants, bars and lounges when open. Offer not applicable for group bookings. For additional information, visit RoyalCaribbean.com.

Get the details about Royal Caribbean beverage packages here on Cruise Diva’s blog at "Adult" Beverage Packages For Royal Caribbean Cruisers.

Carnival Cruise Lines Launches First-Ever Vacation Awesome-ation Promotion

Are you feeling lucky? If you book a Carnival cruise vacation this week, you could be a winner. Carnival Cruise Lines is launching a seven-day Vacation Awesome-ation promotion featuring $100,000 in cruise prize giveaways to create the ultimate, awesome vacation, beginning today (Sunday, Jan 27, 2013).

Consumers who book during the one-week promotional period can take advantage of 50 percent reduced deposits on the line’s most popular fares, including Past Guest rates and, for the first time, Early Saver rates. They are also entered to win a variety of spectacular prizes and upgrades on their Carnival cruise vacation.

Through Feb 2, 2013, consumers who book a cruise in any stateroom category will automatically be entered to win a prize package worth up to $1,000 that includes stateroom upgrades and an array of fantastic prizes including spa treatments, shore excursions and specialty dining, as well as drink and photo packages.

Sample stateroom upgrades include interior to ocean view, ocean view to balcony or balcony to suite accommodations, based on availability. Onboard credits include $280 worth of relaxing spa treatments; $160 worth of exciting shore excursions; along with additional credits for dinner in specialty restaurants, and drink and photo packages.

Prize packages will be awarded daily with 100 total winners during the week-long promotion. Guests are encouraged to book early as they will be re-entered into the prize drawing each day during the promotional period once they’ve made their reservation.

“The Vacation Awesome-ation event provides a great opportunity for consumers not only to get a terrific deal on a Carnival cruise but also a chance to win a variety of fantastic prizes to make a great vacation experience truly extraordinary,” said Jim Berra, chief marketing officer for Carnival Cruise Lines.

The Vacation Awesome-ation event runs from Jan 27 through Feb 2, 2013. For additional information regarding the promotion, including full promotion rules and alternative entry methods, please visit this link at Carnival.com.

Image Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Get On Board for a Silversea 'Grand Voyages' in 2013

Serious cruise travel aficionados dream of a world cruise, but let's face it—few of us have the time or disposable income to experience one. However, for travelers with the resources, Silversea Cruises has rolled out 10 exquisitely tailored "Grand Voyages" for 2013. Designed for the traveler who relishes a more leisurely pace, this special collection offers extended voyages from 34 to 54 days. These unique odysseys combine the luxury of sailing aboard intimate, elegant ships with expanded journeys to diverse regions of the world, featuring visits to must-see traditional ports, as well as exotic destinations that are off the beaten path.

Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas, tells us, "Our Grand Voyages are the perfect option for true travel enthusiasts who can spare the time and prefer a more immersive on-shore experience. You can circle South America, sail around Europe or sweep across hemispheres between Asia and the Americas, all while enjoying the personalized luxury of our intimate ships and all-inclusive shipboard lifestyle."

Below is a small sampling of Silversea's Grand Voyages for 2013:

-- MEDITERRANEAN: Silver Cloud departs Sept 16 on a 54-day "Three Continents Transatlantic" voyage from Istanbul to Barbados with calls in Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Egypt, Malta, Italy, France, Monaco, Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Highlights include overnight stays in Valletta and Barcelona.
-- MEDITERRANEAN: Silver Spirit departs Oct 15 on a 41-day "Mediterranean Passage" from Athens to Fort Lauderdale with calls in Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia Malta, Monaco, France, Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal and Bermuda. Highlights include an overnight stay in Barcelona and a two-night stopover in Venice.
-- FAR EAST & OCEANIA: Silver Shadow departs Nov 25 on a 40-day "Dragons, Kangaroos & Kiwis" voyage from Hong Kong to Auckland, with calls in Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. Highlights include overnight stays in Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Bali, and Melbourne.
-- SOUTH AMERICA: Silver Cloud departs Nov 26 on an exciting 40-day "South America Serenade" voyage from Barbados to Santiago, with calls in Grenada, Tobago, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Falkland Islands and Chile. Highlights include a two-night stopover in Rio de Janeiro and overnight stays in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.

Aboard Silversea's intimate, all-suite ships, all guests enjoy spacious ocean-view accommodations, sumptuous gourmet cuisine, the personalized service of a butler, and a generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet, and all gratuities. For a full list of itineraries, visit Silversea.com/destinations/grand-voyages.

Image Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Country Music Superstars to Set Sail on the Inaugural Country Music Cruise

When it comes to a music-themed cruise, there's no better way to enjoy the experience than on a full-ship charter such as the one just announced—the Inaugural Country Music Cruise hosted by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

The very first Country Music Cruise will launch on January 19, 2014 and sail through the Caribbean for an entire week with an incredible group of superstars and much-loved fan favorites onboard including Vince Gill, Kenny Rogers, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Patty Loveless, Jo Dee Messina, Ronnie Milsap, and Restless Heart with television personality Lorraine Crook hosting the entire journey.

The vacation of a lifetime for country music fans, the cruise will hold intimate concerts every day, exclusive events not available anywhere else, activities, comedians, world class dining, deluxe accommodations, and much more for seven luxurious days aboard Holland America's MS Eurodam. All concert tickets, activities and meals are included, with further information available at CountryMusicCruise.com.

The stars scheduled to perform on the 2014 Country Music Cruise have an astounding 350 hit singles between them, with nearly 90 #1 hits. In addition to the headlining concerts, clubs on the ship will host performances by even more artists such as Andy Griggs, Wade Hayes, Ty Herndon, Jamie O'Neal, The Warren Brothers, Bryan White and others. Chuck Mead from BR549 will be playing daily poolside. Amidst the music, guests will be invited to a beach party on their very own private island, line dancing events, cooking exhibitions, wine tasting, songwriter workshops, spirited trivia contests, exclusive screenings of country music films and documentaries, games and more. The ship will also dock in several ports, where guests can explore the majestic beauty and vibrant culture of Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Philipsburg (Saint Maarten), and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). Not only will the voyage give fans the rare opportunity to see so many of their favorite singers all in one location, it all takes place among breathtaking ocean and island vistas on one of the most magnificent ships at sea.

"Country music fans are in for something really special," says Vince Gill. "Not only will they get to experience a luxurious ocean cruise, but they can enjoy exclusive concerts by country music's iconic superstars. The cruise is destined to become a vacation destination in the years to come." "I couldn't be more excited about performing on the Country Music Cruise and being a part of a vacation that my fans will never forget," adds Kenny Rogers.

"We have produced over 35 full ship charter music cruises and 'Country Music' is a perfect genre for an exciting and overall cruise experience," said Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of Entertainment Cruise Productions. The programming and entertainment opportunities for the Country Music Cruise are unparalleled. It will be so much fun."

Cabins are available now at CountryMusicCruise.com or by calling (toll free) 1 855 332 6868.

Kenny Rogers Image Courtesy of PR Newswire

Let the Norwegian Breakaway Celebrations Begin

Norwegian Cruise Line is anxiously counting down the days in anticipation of the upcoming launch of Norwegian Breakaway, one of 2013’s hottest new ships.

Also known as “New York’s Ship” for its New York-inspired amenities and features, Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, on April 26 for the start of her European inaugural events when she will be showcased to Continental European travel partners on a two day cruise. On April 29, travel partners in the UK will be invited onboard for a one-night preview. The ship will depart Southampton on April 30 and embark on her maiden voyage, a 7-day transatlantic crossing to New York City. Vacationers looking to set sail on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise and to be the first to experience the ship first-hand, can still book a stateroom on the transatlantic sailing.

Inaugural events will culminate with the ship’s spectacular christening in New York City – Norwegian Breakaway’s year-round homeport – on May 8 followed by a two-night exclusive inaugural cruise. One of New York’s most illustrious and beloved icons, The Rockettes, are set to serve as the ship’s Godmothers. During a second preview sailing over Mother’s Day weekend, May 10 through 12, the ship will host New York-area mothers affected by Hurricane Sandy as part of the line’s participation in the special holiday giveaway episode of Katie Couric’s talk show, Katie.

Norwegian Breakaway will begin her weekly summer 7-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12 with a special guest onboard, the line’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sheehan. As part of their role as Godmothers, two Rockettes will sail aboard the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, beginning May 12, and the first sailing of each month thereafter, taking part in special events for guests to enjoy. Beginning in October, New York’s ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the Southern Caribbean.

For more information on the incredible features and accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway micro-site and these links on the Cruise Diva Blog:

· Norwegian Cruise Line Begins “Project Breakaway” Reveal
· Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces “The Haven”
· “The Haven” by Norwegian: Posh Accommodations For Project Breakaway
· Norwegian Breaks Out More Project Breakaway Accommodations
· Innovative Spaces Planned For Norwegian’s Norwegian Breakaway
· Norwegian Breakaway Is Set To Be A Teen-Pleaser
· Dining and Entertainment Options for Norwegian Breakaway
· Norwegian Breakaway’s Hull Artwork Unveiled
· NYC’s Iconic Rockettes Named As Norwegian Breakaway Godmothers
· Norwegian Breakaway to Feature Cutting-Edge Spa & Fitness Experiences
· Norwegian Breakaway to Put NYC on Ice
· Norwegian Breakaway will Light Up the Night with Fireworks Shows
· Norwegian Breakaway Gets A New “Boss”

Image Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Getting Ready to Sail: The Cruise Planning Timeline

Things To Do Before Your Cruise

You’ve booked the cruise of your dreams and the sailing date is drawing near.

Anticipation builds... but you'll need to come down off Cloud Nine for some practical considerations. I've tried to capture the really important things—and some of the merely convenient stuff—that you should keep in mind to prepare. These may not all apply to your cruise; however, you may be surprised by what you hadn't thought of doing.

Take a moment to check out The Cruise Planning Timeline.

Image (c) CruiseDiva.com

Royal Princess Preview Sailings To Open For Booking

With the introduction of the newest addition to the fleet only months away, Princess Cruises has scheduled two preview cruises aboard Royal Princess, giving passengers a unique opportunity to get a taste of the new ship before its official inaugural voyage. The June 9 and June 14 cruises will sail roundtrip from Southampton on a two-night itinerary featuring a call in St. Peter Port, on the island of Guernsey. Passengers on the short sailings will be able to sample Royal Princess’ many ground-breaking features, including the dramatic over-water SeaWalk, Princess Live! television studio, and plush new poolside cabanas before the ship’s inaugural sailing on June 16, 2013. Both voyages will go on sale on Jan 29, with limited availability. Per person cruise fares start at $530 for an obstructed-view balcony stateroom.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship for Princess Cruises. Among the special features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.

The ship’s 2013 maiden season will include cruises on the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean itinerary throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the fall. More information and video previews of the ship are available at Princess.com/RoyalPrincess. Find more Royal Princess details, images, and videos on Cruise Diva's blog at:

• Princess Cruises Newest Ship Will Be A Royal
• Royal Princess: Expanded Atrium, New Features
• Royal Princess Introduces Updated Amenities and A New Balcony Stateroom Category
• Royal Princess: Expanded Atrium, New Features
• Princess Cruises Raises the Curtain on New Royal Princess Entertainment Venue
• The Ultimate In Relaxation Coming Aboard Royal Princess
• Princess Cruises Shares A Look At New Royal Princess Fitness Facilities
• Princess Cruises Takes Dining To The Next Level With New Royal Princess
• Princess Cruises Unveils Posh Royal Princess Sanctuary & Retreat Pool With New Features
• Junior Cruisers Have A Lot to Look forward to In New Royal Princess Youth & Teen Centers

Photo Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Two Luxury Cruise Lines Expand Short-Cruise Options

When vacation time is short, or you want to combine a cruise with a land trip to Europe, your choices have just expanded.

Silversea Cruises

In its continuing mission to provide guests with more choices, ultra-luxurious Silversea Cruises has just announced a new collection of eight shorter cruises for spring and summer 2013. These convenient 4- to 7-day voyages to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean aboard Silver Wind, Silver Cloud, and Silver Spirit are designed for time-strapped working professionals, travelers who like to combine a cruise with a land program or back-to-back with a longer voyage, and individuals who may be new to luxury cruising and would like a taste of Silversea's award-winning, all-inclusive experience.

"Many travelers today have busy schedules that make it difficult to fit in time for an extended luxury cruise vacation," said Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas. "It's important for us to offer options that cater to these consumers as well as those who have time for longer voyages."

Visit Silversea.com for a complete schedule of itineraries.

Crystal Cruises

Due to the overwhelming success of Crystal Cruises' new shorter "Getaways" cruises, the large-ship luxury line has added 26 voyage options throughout Europe from April to November this year. The new 5- to 8-day cruise segments provide more opportunities for time-strapped travelers to enjoy Crystal's all-inclusive, luxury vacation experience.

Twelve Mediterranean, ten Baltic, and four Western Europe cruise "Getaways" offer numerous choices for compact, port-packed cruises aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony in 2013. In addition to time on board for relaxing rejuvenation and pampering, one or more local overnights are featured on most sailings.

"Our 'Getaways' have proven to be very attractive to travelers from all over the world who are younger, busy professionals, first-time Crystal cruisers, and/or want to combine cruising with longer stays on land," explains Jack Anderson, senior vice president of marketing and sales. "With great destinations, plus the luxury and service for which Crystal is known—including complimentary beverages and gratuities, a world-class spa, stylish accommodations, and even Nobu's cuisine—our 'Getaways' are a great way to tour Europe while simultaneously indulging in our 'World's Best' vacation experience."

The new European options join other 5- to 11-day Getaways already offered in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and North America in early 2013. Pre- and Post-cruise Hotel Programs further expand vacation options in many popular European cities. For more information, visit CrystalCruises.com.

Size Matters: Two of the World's Largest LGBT Cruises Launching from Port Everglades in February

Greater Fort Lauderdale has solidified its status as a top Gay and Lesbian travel destination in the U.S., with two of the world’s largest gay cruises berthing in the destination in February. Atlantis Events, the world’s largest LGBT travel company, and RSVP Vacations, another big player in that market, will attract a combined 5,800 passengers for the two cruises throughout the Caribbean.

“Fort Lauderdale has become one of the largest and fastest growing gayborhoods in the country,” says Billy Kolber, founder of ManAboutWorld Magazine.

The year’s biggest gay cruise will navigate the Caribbean onboard Atlantis Events’ 3,700-guest Independence of the Seas from Feb. 2–10, visiting four islands including St. Maarten, St. Kitts, San Juan, and the beaches of Royal Caribbean’s private sanctuary in Haiti, Labadee. The 2,100 gay and lesbian guests onboard RSVP Vacations’ Eurodam will sail to the Caribbean islands for Carnival in Curacao, as well as calls at Aruba and Holland America Line’s private island Half Moon Cay, from Feb. 9-16.

“With the largest resident LGBT community in Florida, and as one of the largest gay destinations in the U.S., the size of the market certainly does matter,” said Richard Gray, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (CVB) newly-appointed managing director for the LGBT Market. “Through initiatives like this we’re both attracting new visitors and supporting the visitors that come back to the destination every year.”

The LGBT cruises come on the (9-inch) heels of the CVB’s 2013 “Hello Sunny” marketing campaign that capitalizes on the annual $1 billion economic impact of more 1 million LGBT travelers visiting in the region each year. Apart from the sun, sand and surf, LGBT visitors are attracted to the cosmopolitan destination the region has become, with more than 150 gay owned and operated businesses.

The CVB recently launched the 2013 Hello Sunny Marketing Campaign with a focus on the LGBT community, including Mild to Wild, the LGBT Mobile Site which doubles as a digital stylist generating morning, afternoon, evening and late-night activities and events and serving up Foursquare deals from participating businesses.

Independence of the Seas Image © CruiseDiva.com

Silversea Unveils 'Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs' Cooking School Series For 2013

Chef David Bilsland

Acclaimed culinary trainer David Bilsland, a former instructor at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in London, is again set to host Silversea's exclusive "Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs" interactive cooking school in 2013. On 14 ultra-luxury voyages across the globe, Chef Bilsland will present a program developed in collaboration with Jacques Thorel, a consulting Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux. Silversea enjoys the privilege of featuring the only "Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs" cooking school at sea. The program—which is offered completely free of charge—provides guests with a special culinary curriculum, including hands-on instruction, and entertaining events.

With the curriculum for each of these cruises carefully designed to celebrate the cultural flavor of the ship's itinerary, participating guests may prepare Cajun-spiced shrimp, vegetable fritto misto, or spanakopita, as well as other international delicacies. Highlights include specialized workshops covering an array of topics from basic knife skills and kitchen terminology to sauces and baking; cooking demonstrations with wine pairings and interactive Q&A sessions; lively cooking competitions between Chef Bilsland and the ship's own culinary team; a "Lunch and Learn" event offering small groups of guests a chance to sample a delicious meal of specially prepared dishes; and inspired "Take It Home" recipes that will give guests an edge when entertaining at home. Also offered on certain voyages, when the itinerary permits, is a "Market to Plate" experience that provides an escorted tour of a local market followed by a cooking class, and a "Culinary Outing," an instructor-escorted excursion to a local restaurant, hotel or other venue where guests can enjoy a unique culinary exploration.

Following is a small selection of the L'École des Chefs voyages for 2013:

AFRICA
Silver Wind departs Las Palmas Dec 3 on an 18-day sailing to Cape Town with calls in Porto Novo, Praia, Dakar, Takoradi, Walvis Bay, and Lüderitz.

ASIA
• Silver Shadow departs Tokyo Sept 29 on a 10-day sailing to Shanghai with calls in Hiroshima, Busan, Jeju, and Tianjin (Beijing).

• Silver Shadow departs Tokyo Oct 19 on a 12-day sailing to Hong Kong with calls in Osaka, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Shanghai, and Xiamen.

MEDITERRANEAN
• Silver Wind departs Rome Nov 19 on a 7-day sailing to Málaga with calls in Sorrento, Trapani, Valletta, La Goulette, and Cartagena.

• Silver Wind departs Málaga Nov 26 on a 7-day sailing to Las Palmas with calls in Cádiz, Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Santa Cruz de la Palma.

NORTHERN EUROPE
• Silver Explorer departs Lisbon April 29 on a 14-day "Flavors of Europe" voyage to Portsmouth with calls in Oporto (Leixoes), Vigo, Santander, St. Jean de Luz, Bordeaux, Quiberon, Saint-Malo, Guernsey, and Honfleur.

• Silver Cloud departs Southampton June 9 on a 10-day sailing to Copenhagen with calls in Honfleur, Oostende, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Warnemünde (Rostock), and Helsingborg.

SOUTH PACIFIC
• Silver Spirit departs Los Angeles Feb 1 on a 31-day roundtrip odyssey exploring the enchanting isles of the South Pacific with calls in the Marquesas Islands, Rangiroa, Society Islands, Kiribati, and Hawaii.

TRANSOCEANIC
• Silver Shadow departs Vancouver Sept 12 on a 16-day transpacific voyage to Tokyo with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Kodiak, Petropavlovsk (Kamchatka), and Hakodate.

"What's really great about our L'École des Chefs cooking school is that it's free, fun and entertaining," said Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas. "And it lets our guests get hands-on training, working side by side with an accomplished chef to learn new cooking techniques and sample delectable dishes."

For a complete list of L'École des Chefs voyages, visit Silversea online.

Image Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

‘Move Up in the World’ with Free Balcony Upgrades on MSC Cruises

The wave just keeps rolling along as MSC Cruises kicks off the 2013 “Wave Season” with complimentary balcony upgrades across the MSC fleet, featuring an exciting array of itineraries and destinations.

For as low as $82/day per person (including dining and entertainment), MSC guests will enjoy in the best vistas available of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Caribbean from the lavish comfort of their very own balcony. Through March 31, 2013, cruise aficionados can take advantage of MSC’s “Move Up in the World” promotion and enjoy a balcony stateroom for the price of an oceanview. Available as part of the cruise industry’s traditional “Wave Season”, examples of sailings include:

3-night Caribbean cruises, starting at $369 per person
5-night Mediterranean cruises, starting at $499 per person
7-night Caribbean cruises, start at $679 per person
7-night Mediterranean cruises, start at $599 per person
7-night Northern European cruises, starting at $849 per person

Travelers taking advantage of this special offer will enjoy MSC’s renowned Mediterranean style, elegant and pristine décor, cosmopolitan flare, delicious Mediterranean cuisine and highly acclaimed world-class entertainment.

The “Move Up in the World” promotion is available on 11 of MSC’s 12-ship fleet with more than 200 different departure dates for European, Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises and a vast selection of itineraries and departure ports.

Samples of just some of the available sailings include:

Caribbean:

Travelers can choose from several alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, visiting ports, such as Cozumel, Mexico, Roatan Island, Honduras, Saint Maarten, St. John’s, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Georgetown, Cayman Islands and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

MSC Poesia sails 7 nights from Fort Lauderdale on Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 9, 30 and April 6, 2013. Rates start at $679. The newly launched MSC Divina sails for the first time from Miami, beginning Fall 2013 through April 2014. 7-night sailings start at $749 and 3-night sailings start at $369.

Mediterranean:

Fall in love with the Mediterranean on board the MSC Divina, sailing 7 nights from Venice with ports of call in Bari, Italy, Katakolon (Olympia), Greece, Izmir (Ephesus), Istanbul, Turkey and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Sailing March through October with rates starting at $669. For a late Fall and Winter Mediterranean experience, the MSC Fantasia sails 11 nights from Genoa, calling on Katakolon, Greece, Alexandria, Egypt, Haifa, Israel, Piraeus, Athens and Civitavecchia, Rome. Nov. 25, Dec. 6, 2013 and Jan. 8, 19, 30, 2014 sailings start at $899. Western Mediterranean cruises onboard the MSC Splendida. Sail 7 nights from Barcelona, Spain with calls on La Goulette, Tunisia, Palermo, Sicily, Civitavecchia, Rome, Genoa, Italy and Marseille, France. Nov.18, 25, Dec.2, 9, 16, 2013 sailings start at $649.

Scheduled to debut in March 2013, MSC’s newest ship, the MSC Preziosa sails from Barcelona, Spain, calling on Marseilles, France, Genoa, Naples, Messina, Italy and La Goulette, Tunisia. Sailing March through November with fares from $599 for 7 nights.

Northern Europe:

Sail through Scandinavia for 7-nights on MSC Opera from Southhampton, calling at Ijmuiden, Amsterdam, Flaam, Stavanger and Oslo, Norway. May through September fares start at $849.

Fares quoted are per person and vary by sail date. Government fees and taxes are additional and vary by ships and sailing dates. Consumers can book by phone by contacting their preferred travel advisor or MSC Cruises at 1.877.665.4655 and asking for the special “Wave Season 2013” promotion. For those interested in booking online, visit MSCCruisesUSA.com, pick a sailing date, and select “Wave Season 2013” from the “choose your promotion” drop-down menu.

Image © CruiseDiva.com

Cruising With Mickey From Miami

Travel journalist Georgina Cruz has just returned from a Disney Wonder cruise from Miami and shares the experience on board and the ports of call. You didn’t know you could take a cruise on a Disney Cruise Line ship from the Port of Miami?

As Georgina says, “We were enjoying the sail away festivities with Mickey, Minnie, and other Disney characters out on deck and taking time to enjoy our ship’s departure from the Port of Miami with the views of the city’s skyscrapers. But wait! Mickey and Miami? Yep! Since late December Disney Cruise Line has deployed for the first time ever its Disney Wonder to South Florida to offer a variety of voyages to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean from Miami.”

Join her aboard Disney Wonder for a fun-filled cruise with Mickey and the gang.