Princess Cruises Adding "The Sanctuary" to All Ships

Prompted by enthusiastic response from its passengers, Princess Cruises' ground-breaking "pocket of tranquility"--The Sanctuary--has become such a popular haven for passengers who want to escape to a serene hideaway, that it will be added to the entire fleet of Princess ships. Beginning this summer, the line's trademark retreat will be added to Island Princess, followed by Grand Princess and Star Princess by the end of the year. Additional ships will have The Sanctuary added through 2010. Depending on the ship, The Sanctuaries will be created in different areas onboard, such as the sports courts atop the "Grand-class" vessels, which will be relocated.

The Sanctuary, which debuted in 2006 aboard Crown Princess, was an instant success as it gave passengers the perfect place to take a break and indulge in a private getaway with a plush, outdoor spa-inspired setting, complete with massage cabanas, signature beverages, light meals, attentive service and relaxing personal entertainment. The exclusive adults-only retreat enjoyed continued popularity on sister ship Emerald Princess, and will also be available on Ruby Princess, debuting in November.

Sanctuary guests lounge amidst lush greenery, with the presence of gentle breezes, ocean waves, and softly piped-in spa music combining to further insulate the area with relaxation sounds. Guests can relax on plush outdoor furniture including double loungers for couples, as well as deluxe chaise lounges and chairs. Passengers also enjoy the personal attention of Serenity Stewards in The Sanctuary, who are on hand to provide everything from a chilled face towel and Evian water atomizers, to a menu of healthy beverages and fare. Serenity Stewards also have personal MP3 players with noise canceling headphones available loaded with themed playlists focused on relaxation for those who want to escape with music.

Guests can also refresh with a variety of special drinks and snacks created exclusively for The Sanctuary. Each day Serenity Stewards will be on hand to offer guests an array of drinks and snacks. Signature Sanctuary beverages include healthy smoothies, energy drinks, iced flavored waters and freshly made lemonade. A menu featuring a selection of light bites such as refreshing fruit skewers, lettuce wrapped spring rolls, and spicy tuna pâté with baked pita wedges will also be available through the Serenity Stewards.

In addition, The Sanctuary features two outdoor private cabanas where guests can also take advantage of the exclusive Lotus Spa Services at The Sanctuary, including sybaritic favorites such as a Deep Tissue Muscle Massage, a relaxing Swedish Massage or a Full Body Lotus Massage especially for couples. Half-day passes for The Sanctuary are available for $10 per person, for 8 am to 12:30 pm or 1 pm to 5 pm. Passengers choosing to indulge with an outdoor massage may also enjoy an hour's use of The Sanctuary area after their treatment.
For a first-hand look at the original Sanctuary, check out CruiseDiva's Crown Princess Review.

Photo: The Sanctuary aboard Crown Princess, copyright CruiseDiva.com

French Ship Seized by Pirates

Thankfully there were no passengers on board when pirates seized control of Le Ponant on Friday, April 4th. However, its 30 crew members were taken hostage when the 288-ft, French luxury sailing yacht was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia's coast. After completing a cruise of the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, the ship was returning to the Mediterranean where it was scheduled to embark passengers for a cruise on April 19th.

Violence-torn Somalia doesn't have its own navy and has been assisted in the area by international patrols in an effort to deter piracy. According the the Associated Press, "The International Maritime Bureau, which tracks piracy, said in its annual report earlier this year that global pirate attacks rose 10 percent in 2007, marking the first increase in three years." Pirates off the coast of Somalia are reported to have seized more than two dozen ships last year, most of them commercial vessels.

The three-masted Le Ponant, owned by Compagnie des Iles du Ponant, features four decks, two restaurants, indoor and outdoor lounges, and can carry up to 64 passengers.

Snorkeling in ALASKA? Yes, Alaska Cruises Are Full of Surprises

Whale watching and dog sledding in Alaska, yes; but rainforests and snorkeling? Aren't these activities for the tropics? Have the experts who plan innovative shore excursions in Alaska for member lines of Cruise Lines Intl Assn (CLIA) misread the map? It turns out that North America's most majestic northern wilderness is only one great reason to cruise to Alaska. For thousands of vacationers, the biggest surprise may be how many different ways there are to experience that magnificent landscape, including underwater in a wetsuit. If you're looking for a terrific guidebook, with cruising chapters by yours truly, I'd like to suggest Fodor's Alaska Ports of Call 2008.

In 2008, CLIA member lines will offer a wide variety of Alaska cruises, from small ships carrying nearly 200 passengers to the newest mega liners. There are 7-day roundtrips and 14-day one-way voyages with ports of embarkation all along the Pacific, from Los Angeles to Seward, with many from Vancouver, Seattle and Juneau. Each line offers its own distinctive character and all feature the immense natural treasures, such as Glacier Bay, that attract visitors from around the world. These sites are also highlighted through an amazing variety of shore excursions and land tours ranging from crab fishing and zip-lining to private whaling adventures and multi-day journeys throughout British Columbia.

Here is a sampling of 2008 Alaska cruises:

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES: Carnival's 2008 Alaska offerings consist of 16 seven-day Glacier Route cruises aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit. The series of voyages, which begin on May 21, are one-way between Vancouver and Whittier/Anchorage and call on Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka and cruise the College Fjord, the Island Passage and Prince William Sound. Three departures will be roundtrip from Vancouver, visiting Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
CELEBRITY CRUISES: Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Infinity will be in Alaska this summer and passengers will have the option of a "Frasier Discovery" tour featuring Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Quesnell, Whistler and Vancouver. Other Celebrity highlights in Alaska include an "Alpine Zipline and Rainforest Eco-tour and a "Golden Glassblowing Experience."
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE: Holland America will have eight ships in Alaska, offering more than 250 varied shore excursions. In Haines, a new tour called "Guides Choice Photo Discovery" focuses on photographing the wildlife and stunning scenery of the Chilkat Valley. And, in Sitka and Ketchikan guests will be able to don a wetsuit and explore the usually unseen underwater wilderness with snorkeling gear. Another new excursion is the "Exclusive Mountaintop Flightseeing and Crab Feast."
MAJESTIC AMERICA LINE: Majestic America Line, which offers coastal and river cruises in North America, features seven-night Juneau roundtrip sailings and 12-night one-way voyages between Seattle to Juneau. With just 112 staterooms and suites, most with private verandahs, Empress of the North's intimate, small ship experience provides unique access to the vast wilderness and waterways of Alaska's Inside Passage. Guests enjoy five-star comfort, luxurious amenities, enrichment programs, award-winning service and included shore excursions in selected ports.
PRINCESS CRUISES: Princess Cruises' 2008 Alaska season features eight ships, including five sailing the Gulf of Alaska. New for this year is the Tahitian Princess' 14-day Connoisseur itinerary featuring less visited ports such as Kodiak, Valdez and Seward. The line is also introducing 37 new tour options in its Adventures Ashore program, including private whale watching, zip-lining, a Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's tour, and an "Alaskan Chef's Table." Princess will carry more passengers to Glacier Bay than any other line this year.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE: Three NCL Freestyle Cruising vessels will return to Alaska for the 2008 season. Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star will sail seven-day roundtrip cruises from Seattle while Norwegian Sun departs from Vancouver. Itineraries include the Inside Passage and feature either Glacier Bay or Sawyer Glacier, with calls in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Victoria and Prince Rupert Island. NCL offers more than 130 adventurous shore excursions, including gold mining, river rafting and whale watching. And as of June 1, Freestyle 2.0, NCL's enhanced guest experience initiative-will be implemented fleet-wide. Enhancements include a major investment in the total dining experience; upgraded stateroom amenities; and new, wide-ranging on-board activities for guests of all ages.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES: Regent will feature numerous new tour programs on its Seven Seas Mariner cruises in Alaska this year. In Juneau, there is a "Wild Coast Exploration" by catamaran along glacier-carved fjords and rugged stretches of coast. Guests may also opt for salmon fishing by traditional 14-foot rowboat on the Campbell River in British Columbia, a Ketchikan biking and zip-line combo and, in Sitka, an "Advanced Volcano Hike" on the remote Kruzof Island. Along the way, whales, sea lions, sea otters and eagles provide outstanding photo opportunities.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTL: Royal Caribbean will have three ships in Alaska in 2008, including Rhapsody of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas. The 7- to 14-night voyages feature more than 140 tours in the five southeast Alaska ports of Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka and Icy Strait Point. The tours include dog sledding, crab feeds and salmon bakes, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, semi-submersibles and snorkeling, whale watching and more.
SILVERSEA CRUISES: Silversea's all-suite, 382-guest Silver Shadow will be the only ultra-luxury ship sailing Alaskan waters this year, offering ten itineraries ranging from nine to 12 days. Several sailings feature convenient roundtrip departures from Vancouver, with open-jaw voyages also available from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seward. The Alaska voyages feature a diverse enrichment program, with such noted authorities as marine biologist John Palmisano, chef Anne Desjardins, wine expert John Shafer and author Sabin Robbins.

For more information about Alaska, check out the sights to see and things to do when Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in ALASKA.

Princess Cruises Circle The Globe

Continuing its long tradition of bringing passengers to some of the world's most intriguing places, Princess Cruises has released its 2009-10 schedule of exotic itineraries which include long-time passenger favorites along with some new, emerging destinations.

Also announced today is that Tahitian Princess, one of the small ships in the Princess fleet, will be renamed in 2009, becoming Ocean Princess. The new name is intended to reflect the ship's new deployment on worldwide itineraries. The renaming will take place while the ship is out of service during a routine maintenance period in Singapore in Nov 2009. The 670-passenger Tahitian Princess joined the Princess fleet in 2002, and has been primarily deployed on sailings in the South Pacific, particularly French Polynesia and Hawaii. Beginning this summer, the ship sets off on new worldwide deployments, featuring a Connoisseur's cruise in Alaska, a world cruise in early 2009 and a season of unique Northern Europe sailings next summer. Following the 2009 renaming, Ocean Princess will sail on a series of Asia voyages to be announced separately.

"Tahitian Princess, along with our other two small ships, has developed a loyal following of passengers who enjoy a more intimate cruise experience, and also the opportunity to visit some off-the-beaten-path destinations. As this ship is now sailing on itineraries around the world, we felt its name should reflect a more global theme," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales.

During next year's fall season, Pacific Princess, another of the line's small vessels, will provide cruises from Papeete, Tahiti, where the Tahitian Princess has been based. For full details on Princess Cruises' 2009 itineraries, see CruiseDiva.com's Cruise News.

The Grand Princess Non-Fire Story

Reports from Jamaica yesterday sounded dire. As Grand Princess sailed from Ochos Rios, residents reported seeing the ship engulfed in smoke and the local media ran with it. It should come as no surprise that Internet message boards were all a-buzz as well. In reality, what was reported as an unverified and mysterious fire, was an engine problem. Smoke was being vented through the funnel, which caused alarm ashore and online.

Grand Princess sailed to her next scheduled port of call at reduced speed. While they arrived the next day a bit late in Grand Cayman, neither the vessel nor passengers and crewmembers were in danger.

Full repairs will be completed between cruises when the ship returns to Fort Lauderdale.

Ship of (April) Fools

Every cruise line tries very hard to fulfill their passengers' expectations, so when "oh ship" happens, there can be frustration all around. Bad weather, mechanical problems, political unrest, and a timing glitch can set the most well-made arrangements adrift. That timing thing appears to be what happened during a recent Silversea Panama Canal crossing. At least one passenger couple was so upset with the inability of the ship to transit the length of the Canal in daylight that they alerted Britain's Telegraph to share their displeasure.

While the cruise line expressed their regret and offered the couple a sincere apology and discount on a future cruise, it appears there were circumstances in play beyond their control. Ships cannot enter the Panama Canal without a pilot and there's nothing a ship's captain can do except wait until one arrives on board. The Canal is a marvel of engineering, but it's also operated by humans and sometimes even the most precise schedules can be thrown out of whack.

Take this advise from Cruise Diva to heart: when you decide to take a cruise, any cruise, remember... occasionally, Ship Happens.

Carnival Corp Announces Fuel Supplement Refund

Carnival Corp has announced a voluntary refund of the company’s fuel supplement for applicable U.S. bookings that were made prior to Nov 7, 2007, under an agreement with the Florida Attorney General’s Office. The fuel supplement, announced Nov 7, 2007, was applied to all U.S. bookings for voyages departing on or after Feb 1, 2008, regardless of when the booking was made, for cruises on the Carnival Corp brands Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. However, this effective date allowed guests already booked at the time of the announcement the opportunity to cancel and receive a full refund.

The company will now refund the fuel supplement for those guests who were already booked at the time the supplement was announced. Refunds for affected guests will be implemented based on cruise departure date according to the following schedule:

• For cruises departing on or prior to April 4, 2008, guests will receive a refund in the same form they used to purchase their cruise.
• For cruises departing from April 5, 2008 through June 23, 2008, guests will receive an on-board credit.
• For cruises departing on or after June 24, 2008, guests’ bookings will be adjusted to remove the supplement.

The fuel supplement remains in effect for all bookings made on or after Nov 7, 2007. The $5 per person per day fuel supplement applies only to the first and second guests in a stateroom and will not exceed $70 per person per voyage.

This announcement will have no impact on the company’s previously reported 2008 first quarter financial results or its March 20, 2008, guidance for the second quarter and full year 2008 since the company did not recognize fuel supplement revenues associated with bookings made prior to Nov 7, 2007, while the Florida Attorney General’s Office was conducting its review.

Carnival Corp is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Ibero Cruises, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia. Together, these brands operate 85 ships totaling more than 160,000 lower berths with 21 new ships scheduled to enter service between April 2008 and June 2012.

Days Ashore in Alaska Could Become Shorter

Oops. Somebody goofed. As the Anchorage Daily News has reported, "Starting this year, large cruise ships transiting Alaska waters will be the first in the country required to obtain a permit to discharge their waste in state waters."

The problem? Cruise lines can't apply for the permit because there isn't a shipboard technology available that would enable their ships to comply with the new rule. Thus, as the newspaper says, "An easier solution for the cruise lines is simply not to apply for a permit. The ships could instead discharge their treated wastewater in federal waters. One cruise line, Royal Caribbean, already does that to avoid any possible concerns with its dumping in state waters."

However, not all ships have enough capacity in their tanks to store treated wastewater for their entire itinerary and might need to detour out to the open ocean mid-voyage to dump it. Thus, their passengers may end up spending less time in ports. Despite the fact that cruise lines "have installed new sewage treatment systems on the ships traveling to Alaska to meet state and federal requirements" that's not good enough for Alaska. Those systems treat sewage and the new rules concentrate on trace metals, such as zinc, nickel, and copper, or ammonia. Allowable levels of those contaminants are the ones that cruise ships will have difficulty meeting under the new regulations. "Though the ships have a two-year grace period before they must meet stringent new requirements, it might not be sufficient," said John Binkley, the head of the Alaska Cruise Association.

"State regulators say the stricter standards are required by the cruise ship ballot initiative passed in 2006." We wonder, did the voters of Alaska really understand the initiative? If the goal of Alaska's state environmental regulators is to kill cruise tourism in their state, they are certainly headed in the right direction.

Want to Cruise? Get a Passport Before the Rush

It's official. The Dept of Homeland Security has stopped dithering with dates and announced that travelers will be required to present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and SEA travel into the United States effective June 1, 2009. The final rule for the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), announced March 27, applies to previously exempt travelers, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda.

Dept of Homeland Security offers the details on their website, but the bottom line is that if you have a cruise planned for next year, get in line now to apply for a passport. Processing times at present are within four weeks from the time of application; however, that could all change.

Remember last year? As applications flooded in, passport processing centers were "overwhelmed" by the "unprecedented" demand. Previously announced passport requirements resulted in millions of applications and the State Department was unprepared to process them in a timely fashion. From personal experience, the anxiety isn't worth waiting to apply. You could find yourself in Passport Purgatory if you do.

Can You Guess “Whodunit” On Your Mystery Cruise?

If you've ever wanted to play the part of a Crime Scene Investigator, here's your chance...

Carnival Cruise Lines and Whodunit Productions, the leading organizer of mystery cruises at sea, are partners in crime for a series of “Whodunit Cruises” aboard the 2,052-passenger “Fun Ship” Carnival Paradise from Long Beach, Calif., in 2008 and 2009. Eight different 3-day “Mystery Cruises” will be offered, the first of which will depart, appropriately enough, on Halloween, Oct. 31, 2008. Other departure dates include Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, May 1, July 17, Oct. 30, and Dec. 4, 2009.

“Whodunit Cruises” on board Carnival Paradise will encompass a variety of puzzling activities set to take place throughout the public rooms and areas aboard the 70,000-ton ship, all with the objective of solving the mystery at the end of the voyage. Upon embarkation, participants are given their own role to play and are encouraged to utilize the traits of their character to find out “whodunit.” “Mystery Cruise” participants will also interact with professional actors hired specifically to set the tone for the mystery by creating an unforgettable atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. A variety of top-secret clues, everything from notes slipped discreetly under stateroom doors to instructions for various clandestine missions, are provided throughout the cruise. As the clues unravel, participants have to solve the mystery – before it’s too late! In addition to the opportunity to put their crime-solving skills to the test, “Mystery Cruise” participants can enjoy a special Super Sleuth cocktail party at the end of the cruise to announce the Whodunit winner.

While aboard Carnival Paradise, “Mystery Cruise” participants can enjoy the ship’s wide range of “resort-style” facilities and features – 12 lounges and bars with dramatic interiors that celebrate the great ships of yesteryear, three swimming pools – one with a 115-foot-long water slide – along with a 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival facility, full casino gambling and on-board duty-free shopping. Dining options include two formal restaurants with extensive menus and wine lists, a casual poolside eatery featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and a 24-hour pizzeria, a patisserie offering specialty coffees and sweets, and complimentary 24-hour stateroom service. Wi-Fi access and cellular phone service are also available. Additionally, each of the Carnival Paradise’s 1,026 staterooms features the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

Sign up now for the Carnival Paradise “Whodunit Cruises” by contacting Carnival’s special “Mystery Cruise” toll-free reservations number at 1-866-857-7080. Fare code CPMM/FPMM must be requested for individual bookings or CPMG/FPMG for group bookings. Participants must visit http://www.whodunitmystery.com/ after making their booking to register for the various on-board activities. Information on the Carnival “Fun Ship” vacation experience is also available by contacting any travel agent, calling 1-800-CARNIVAL or visiting http://www.carnival.com/.

MSC Cruises: As American as Apple Pie & BASEBALL

MSC Cruises will kick off a new series of baseball greats theme cruises on the Dec. 13 sailing of MSC Lirica. The seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale provides unique insight into the world of Major League Baseball as seen through the eyes of some of the greats of the game. Special guests on this itinerary will be Hall-of-Famer Bob Feller, Dave Campbell, Tommy Davis, Jeff Torborg, and Stan Bahnsen.

The baseball theme cruise features complimentary interactive guest/player activities, including a player-hosted trivia game in which guests can test their baseball knowledge, question-and-answer sessions with the players, a passenger pitching contest, and a lively story-telling session during which the players share some candid revelations about some of the “characters” of the game. Players will also host pitching, hitting, fielding and base running clinics. Perhaps the most popular activity is the autograph session at the end of the cruise.

“Guests have repeatedly told us how much they enjoyed meeting and interacting with the players during past seasons’ baseball theme cruises so it was a natural for us to continue this program for our guests,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises USA.

While in port, guests can take a “seventh-inning stretch” from talking baseball to explore ports of call – Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic. In addition to experiencing the different cultures and shore excursions, guests can visit the line’s private paradise on Cayo Levantado, where they will have the option to explore the waters around the island and view humpback whales as they arrive in the warmer Caribbean waters off the coast of the Dominican Republic to mate and enjoy their newborns.

MSC Cruises also has a full slate of baseball theme cruises scheduled for winter 2009 Caribbean season. MSC Orchestra, one of the line’s newest ships, will host baseball greats on its Jan. 24 Western Caribbean itinerary, and its Feb. 28, March 28 and April 11 Eastern Caribbean itineraries.For more information about MSC Cruises and its Baseball Greats theme cruises, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or your local travel professional.

Carnival Offers All-Inclusive Cruise/Air Packages to Europe

Are you looking for a more affordable way to see Europe this summer? Carnival Cruise Lines is offering special cruise/air packages for its 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” and “Mediterranean, Greece & Turkey” cruises aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Freedom, with special rates available in conjunction with nearly 40 different North American gateway cities and eight different “Grand Mediterranean” and “Mediterranean, Greece & Turkey” voyages departing June through August. Both itineraries operate round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia).

• The special cruise/air packages are available when booking Carnival Freedom’s 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” cruises departing June 3 and 27, July 9 and 21 and Aug. 2 and 26, 2008. These voyages visit seven ports: Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice (two-day call), Italy; Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy. On those cruises, guests can visit Capri, Taormina, Monte Carlo, Florence and Pisa, home to centuries-old landmarks and celebrated museums. The two-day Venice call offers myriad opportunities to view that city’s stunning architecture and visit magnificent museums and cathedrals.
• Cruise/air packages are also available in conjunction with Carnival Freedom’s 12-day “Mediterranean, Greece & Turkey” voyages departing June 15 and Aug. 14. These voyages feature eight ports: Naples, Italy; Marmaris, Turkey; Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey; scenic cruising of the Dardanelles; Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; and Livorno, Italy; and an overnight call in Rome (Civitavecchia). Highlights include Greece’s legendary Acropolis and the ancient settlements of Olympia, Priere, Didyma, and Miletus. Guests can also visit Istanbul’s fabled Blue Mosque, and tour the Coliseum or Vatican City during the overnight call in Civitavecchia.

A “floating resort” in every sense, Carnival Freedom features 22 lounges and bars, four swimming pools, a 13,300-square-foot spa, 100 percent “bow-to-stern” wireless Internet access, cell phone service, and “Carnival’s Seaside Theatre,” a 270-square-foot LED screen displaying movies, concerts and other programming. A wide variety of formal and casual dining options – including twin two-level main dining rooms, a reservations-only supper club and a 1,400-seat casual eatery with 24-hour pizza and ice cream – are also available. Organized activities for kids in three age groups, including “Camp Carnival” for kids 2-11, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year olds, and “Club O2” for older teens – are among the ship’s numerous family-friendly amenities. Also featured is a wide selection of spacious staterooms, including hundreds with private balconies – ideal for scenic European cruising. All Carnival Freedom staterooms include the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

Carnival is accepting reservations on all of the Carnival Freedom’s various 2008 European departures. Cruise/air packages are for select departure dates and subject to change without notice. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, as well as pre- and post-cruise land stays in Rome are also available. For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com.

To get a closer glimpse of Carnival Freedom, check out CruiseDiva.com's report from the Inaugural Caribbean Cruise.

Royal Caribbean Hunts for First-Ever British Godmother for 'Independence of the Seas'

Royal Caribbean Intl has launched a nationwide search for a British Godmother to reign over the cruise line's newest and largest ship, Independence of the Seas, when she launches in Southampton, next month (April 2008). Sir Steve Redgrave, five-time Olympic gold medallist and figure head of the Steve Redgrave Fund, will front the cruise line's search for Independence of the Seas' Godmother. Royal Caribbean Intl began its nationwide call for Godmother nominations on Monday, March 24, 2008, working in conjunction with ITV, the UK's biggest commercial television station.

The role of a Godmother is typically reserved for dignitaries or celebrities. Past Royal Caribbean Godmothers have included Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway, Lauren Bacall, Whoopi Goldberg, Gloria Estefan, Steffi Graff and champion wheelchair marathoner Jean Driscoll. Unusually, Royal Caribbean Intl is calling for an ordinary British woman who has done extraordinary things to become Godmother to the new Independence of the Seas this April. This special Godmother will demonstrate how she has gone above and beyond the call of duty and dedicated incredible time and effort to improve the well-being and future of young people under 18 years old in her community.

"Independence of the Seas is part of a family of the largest and most innovative ships in the industry, enjoyed by families and young people on holiday around the world. As our commitment to the UK and Europe grows in line with demand for our cruises, and to mark the arrival of Independence of the Seas into Southampton, we wanted to create an extra-ordinary inaugural celebration to showcase our commitment to the UK market. Our search for a British Godmother who demonstrates an extraordinary passion for young people is just that," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Intl.

All potential Godmothers must be nominated via a dedicated SearchForGodmother website. To enter, applicants must explain in 250 words or less why they, or someone they know, would be the ideal Godmother for Independence of the Seas. A special panel of judges including Royal Caribbean Intl executives, guest judges and Sir Steve Redgrave, will select the ships' Godmother. In addition to being godmother to Independence of the Seas, where she will have a formal portrait of herself displayed onboard the new ship, the woman selected will receive an honorary role in the official ship naming ceremonies, including participation in the ribbon-cutting and a VIP experience onboard Independence of the Seas' inaugural voyage. She also will receive a decade of cruising for two with Royal Caribbean Intl.

Independence of the Seas will launch in Southampton April 2008 weighing in at 160,000 GRT, with a capacity of 3,634 guests. The third in Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class of ships, and part of the family of the largest cruise ships in the world, Independence of the Seas feature some of the distinctive features the global cruise line is known for including: a FlowRider surf simulator; an ice-skating rink; an interactive H20 Zone water park for families; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean; a rock-climbing wall; and the Royal Promenade, an entertainment boulevard stretching across the length of the ship.

Exploration Cruising Silversea-style on Prince Albert II

Mention "Monaco" and most people probably remember American-born Princess Grace or envision a yacht-strewn harbor, the legendary Monte Carlo Casino, or well-dressed spectators sipping champagne while Grand Prix race cars whiz past. What they might not think of is its superb Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I.

Aside from being a world hub of wealth and indulgence, the Principality of Monaco has long been recognized as a leader in marine environment research. In addition to founding the museum, Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanographic science and exploration, first explored the Arctic's Svalbard archipelago in the early part of the last century. In an effort to add to the scientific body of work started by his ancestor, the principality's current ruler, Prince Albert II plotted a similar course during part of his 2006 journey to the North Pole. As a result, the Prince is the first incumbent head of state to have reached the northern most point on Earth.

It comes as no surprise that Silversea Cruises chose to name their latest vessel—an exploration ship—for Prince Albert II of Monaco. Known worldwide for ultra luxurious cruises, Silversea's Prince Albert II will set an adventurous course on June 12, following a naming ceremony in Monte Carlo. Launching at the same time is the introduction of a new mode in exploration cruising—where a luxurious ambiance is just as important as the eye-opening educational experiences it will provide.

Take a preview tour of the 6,072-ton Prince Albert II with CruiseDiva.com.

Get More Europe in 2009 Aboard Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International

Offering travelers more choices to experience multiple destinations throughout Europe, Royal Caribbean has announced the planned deployment of a record eight ships to the region for the 2009 summer and fall seasons. Itineraries ranging from four to 14 nights are available aboard Independence of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Freedom-class ship; two Voyager-class ships, Navigator of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas; as well as Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas. Totaling 70 distinct itineraries and 87 ports of call in 32 countries, Royal Caribbean will offer vacationers unprecedented choices throughout the Mediterranean Sea, Northern and Western Europe and a variety of transatlantic sailings in 2009.

With its largest European deployment ever slated for 2009, Celebrity Cruises is offering guests the opportunity to chart their idea of the perfect cruise vacation. Five Celebrity Cruises ships will sail in Europe in 2009, including two ships currently under construction, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox. Joining them are Celebrity Century, which underwent a $55-million makeover in 2006, Celebrity Constellation, built in 2002, and Celebrity Summit, which launched in 2001. The line will visit 76 ports in 29 countries, five of which are brand-new to Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity's 2009 Europe season includes six homeports, overnight stays in eight different ports, and five unique cruisetour options. Celebrity also will offer nine transatlantic sailings in 2009.

Bookings are available immediately for Celebrity Cruises' and Royal Caribbean's 2009 Europe cruises and cruisetours aboard all ships except for Vision of the Seas, which will be opened in April 2008. For more details, see CruiseDiva.com's Cruise News.

Disney Cruise Line Extend Its Agreement with Port Canaveral

Disney Cruise Line announced it has finalized an agreement with Port Canaveral to extend the company’s current contract 15 years through 2022. In addition, as part of its continuing commitment to the Central Florida area, the company will home port its two new ships in Port Canaveral. The new agreement between Disney Cruise Line and Port Canaveral was ratified by Port Authority Commissioners.

As part of the new agreement, the Canaveral Port Authority will expand and modify the Disney Cruise Line port facility including an extension of the dock and enlargements and enhancements to the terminal building to allow for additional luggage and passenger capacity. A multi-level parking structure, scheduled to be completed by 2011, will also be built for Disney Cruise Line.

“We are very excited to call Port Canaveral our home and look forward to bringing our new ships here,” said Tom McAlpin, President of Disney Cruise Line. “The new enhancements being made to our terminal will provide guests an even more seamless transition from land to sea.”

Once completed, the enhancements to the already unique Disney terminal will provide for improved passenger flow and additional guest conveniences that together will contribute to the overall boarding experience. Disney Cruise Line will work with Port Canaveral to create a state of the art facility, which will contain several Disney touches that are certain to delight guests.
The terminal and dock enlargements are necessary to accommodate the new and larger Disney Cruise Line ships. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, they will be significantly larger than the existing Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

Port Canaveral continues to be one of the world’s busiest cruise ports. More than 3.5 million Disney Cruise Line guests have sailed from Port Canaveral since the line’s beginning in 1998, adding to the economic and tourism growth of Brevard County. Future itinerary information for Disney Cruise Line ships beyond 2009 will be released at a later date.

Personalize Your Holland America Dining Experience

We hadn't intended to do it, but during a recent cruise aboard Holland America Line's Westerdam, we never ate in the dining room. To foodies—indeed to most cruise passengers—the thought is, well, unthinkable. For us, though, it made a lot of sense to have meals our way.

What we discovered was that between dinners in the Pinnacle Grill and the Lido Restaurant's evening table service, we were on our own schedule and more relaxed all week. We enjoyed our cruise even more than usual and are looking forward to sailing again when Holland America Line's As You Wish™ dining program, which affords passengers the selection of either a traditional seating and dining time or a flexible/open seating dining schedule, is in place across the fleet.

Come along for A Taste of Excellence with CruiseDiva.com.

Don't Stop the Music! Celebrate the MSC Orchestra's Introduction

MSC Cruises, the world's fastest growing cruise line, invites you to join in their year-long celebration leading to the arrival of one of MSC Cruises' newest ships, MSC Orchestra, in America.

"We're excited to welcome this beautiful ship, one of the newest in our fleet, to Fort Lauderdale," says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA). "To share our excitement and introduce American and Canadian travelers to this magnificent ship, we have launched www.theorchestraiscomingtotown.com."

The new website features:

• Win Instantly--site visitors can register and enter daily for the chance to win a free 7-night Caribbean cruise on MSC Orchestra
• Ship information--including an extensive slide show and flash presentation complete with factoids
• Fun & Free Stuff--including free downloadable wallpaper, e-cards, shuffle picture puzzles and memory games
• Offers--special promotions on MSC Orchestra itineraries, including the line's "Kids Sail Free" offer (youngsters under age 17 sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults)

With more than 236,800 square feet of public areas, 5 restaurants (including the only dedicated Chinese restaurant at sea), 10 bars, a 21-foot by 12-foot outdoor LED screen, and a 16,146 square-foot spa, MSC Orchestra represents the perfect combination of grace, style, and Italian ambiance.

Following MSC Orchestra's Jan. 2, 2009 arrival in Fort Lauderdale, the ship will sail alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries through April 25, 2009. A special 7-night roundtrip Bermuda sailing departs Fort Lauderdale April 25, 2009 and includes three days in King's Wharf, Bermuda and a day in Nassau, Bahamas.

The new web site will change frequently until the ship's Jan. 2, 2009 arrival in Fort Lauderdale, so you'll want to visit the site often. For more information on how you can celebrate MSC Orchestra's arrival and enter to win a free cruise, visit www.theorchestraiscomingtotown.com.

Seatrade Summary, The State of the Industry

In many ways, my colleagues and I agree that Seatrade marks the beginning of the cruise year, even though it's held in March. If I were forced to describe this year's 24th annual Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in two words or less, they would be international and ambitious.

The convention brings together cruise industry leaders, suppliers, and naturally the press. To get a full perspective about what's new and what's hot in the cruise industry, read Seatrade 2008, The State of the Industry on CruiseDiva.com.

Second Annual 'Elvis Cruise' to Set Sail on Carnival Fantasy From New Orleans

Following the tremendous success of the inaugural "Elvis Cruise" last year, Carnival Cruise Lines and The Elvis Cruise, LLC, have announced the second "Elvis Cruise," a 4-day voyage aboard the Carnival Fantasy to sail in August 2008. Dedicated to the life, times and music of Elvis Presley, the inaugural sailing of The Elvis Cruise was in August 2007 from Jacksonville, FL and the Cruise Diva was on board. Our lasting memories and details about the cruise are shared on CruiseDiva.com. If you're an Elvis fan and missed it last year, you will want to be aboard this year!

The only authentic, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc-licensed specialty cruise that celebrates the music and life of the legendary Elvis Presley, "The Elvis Cruise" will sail round-trip New Orleans and visit Cozumel, Mexico, departing Thursday, August 28, and returning Monday, September 1, 2008. The one-of-a-kind voyage will be hosted by Jerry Schilling, longtime friend and confidante of the late Elvis Presley, and author of the book, Me and a Guy Named Elvis. Entertainment during the cruise will include live shows from artists who performed with Elvis and have been recognized for continuing his musical legacy, including the TCB Band, the Imperials, the Dempseys, Ronnie McDowell, Terry Mike Jeffrey & Band, Andy Childs, Ruby Wilson, and others. Famed conductor Joe Guercio will serve as musical director. Best known and admired for his work with Elvis Presley, Guercio has had a prolific career. He was musical director and conductor for Elvis' concert shows from the summer of 1970 to the summer of 1977, when Elvis made his last concert appearance.

The Elvis Cruise is unique in that the nightly Vegas-style shows celebrate the various phases of Elvis' musical life and career. "And with the voyage departing from the historic Port of New Orleans, we are introducing a new show featuring the sights and sounds from Elvis' most dramatic role in his memorable film, King Creole," said Guercio. A number of themed events also will be featured, including an on-board Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, which will award $12,500 in prize money. Other activities will range from autograph and Q&A sessions with the musicians and hosts, to the Elvis Cruise T-shirt Party, Elvis-themed bingo, an afternoon at the movies with host Jerry Schilling, and more.

"Having the opportunity to participate in the only licensed Elvis cruise is particularly special and the fact that the voyage sails from New Orleans only adds to the excitement," said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival's executive vice president of marketing and guest experience. "This cruise provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Elvis fans to come together and enjoy the exceptional music and memories of one of the world's most celebrated performing artists, all combined with a truly outstanding 'Fun Ship' vacation experience," he added.

The "Fun Ship" Carnival Fantasy features a diverse selection of lounges, bars and nightspots, along with a health and fitness center, Wi-Fi Internet access, cellular phone service, and three pools, one of which features the line's signature "Twister Waterslide." The 2,056-passenger vessel also has three restaurants, including two main dining rooms with extensive menus and wine lists, and a poolside eatery offering a wide variety of cuisine and 24-hour pizza and self-serve ice cream/frozen yogurt. A sushi bar and complimentary 24-hour stateroom service are also available. Reservations are currently being accepted for the upcoming "Elvis Cruise" aboard Carnival Fantasy. Fares include all "Elvis Cruise" activities. Pre- and post-cruise New Orleans land stays are also available. For additional information or to book, call The Elvis Cruise, LLC at 1-800-704-3034 or visit www.theelviscruise.com.

Cruise Travel: It's International

News from Seatrade...

Miami Beach -- Well, actually, I'm home now. However, if there's one thing I learned at Seatrade 2008 it's the importance of international cruising. The main entrance to the convention floor is quite different than it was just eight years ago. The exhibits at the entrance then were focused on US embarkation ports and Caribbean ports of call; now they are mainly International ports. Just to the right of the main entrance was Dubai, just to the left were Sweden, China, Korea, and Taiwan.

Yesterday's highlights for me were a late-afternoon performance by Korean dancers and a reception at the Taiwan booth featuring "bubble tea"--a cool concoction of tea and tapioca.

There's a lot more to share, which I will on CruiseDiva.com in the coming days. For now, it's good to be home.

NCL Offers A Peek at Freestyle 2.0 and "F3" Ships

News from Seatrade…

Miami, March 12 -- This morning members of the media got a glimpse of Norwegian Cruise Line’s next step in the evolution of Freestyle Cruising when we arrived for a briefing and breakfast. Flutes of champagne were handed out at the door, just like the “bubbly welcome” embarking passengers will receive when they step aboard NCL’s ships, and we faced a choice of lobster selections and a chocolate fountain. Yes, that was a unique breakfast, but it served to introduce us to NCL's upgrades that will feature lobster every night in at least one restaurant and a chocolate fountain in the Action Station buffets. For the complete list of Freestyle 2.0 upgrades, see Cruise Diva’s Cruise News.

We also were given a peek at Freestyle 3.0 and the upcoming “F3” ships that NCL will launch in March and October 2010. Adding a total of 8,400 lower berths to the youngest fleet at sea, the new vessels will offer even more flexibility and further the deconstruction of a cruise vacation as we know it. “F3” ships will feature non-traditional accommodations that promise to be like nothing we’ve seen on a cruise ship before, as well as an expansion of the courtyard villa concept. While NCL’s president and CEO Colin Veitch wouldn’t elaborate on what other features the ships will have, he did tease us with what will be missing... they will be ships with NO main dining rooms, theaters, and lido cafes. We’re intrigued and can’t wait to hear more.

Holland America Line Plans a Royal Christening

News from Seatrade...

Miami, March 11 -- It was announced at Seatrade today that Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands will name Holland America Line's new 2,104-passenger Signature-class ship ms Eurodam. The ceremony will take place in Rotterdam on July 1, 2008 before a prelude cruise departs for Copenhagen the following day.

"The upcoming naming ceremony of ms Eurodam will be a very special moment in our company's proud 135-year history," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer of Holland America Line.

Holland America Line has a long and proud relationship with the Dutch Royal Family--nine vessels have been launched by members of the Royal Family.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Voluntarily Revises Fuel Supplement

News from Seatrade...

MIAMI, March 10 -- After working closely with the Florida Attorney General's office, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced it has voluntarily agreed to eliminate its fuel supplement on any bookings made prior to the announcement of the fuel supplement on Nov 16, 2007.

Royal Caribbean will eliminate the fuel supplement for any guests who had a booking made prior to November 16. Guests booked before November 16 who paid the fuel supplement and have taken their cruise will receive a refund through the form of payment used to purchase their sailing. Guests booked before November 16 who paid the fuel supplement and have not taken their cruise will receive their refund as an onboard credit during their sailing.

As originally announced, the company did not charge the fuel supplement to guests with bookings made and paid in full before Nov 16. It will now eliminate the fuel supplement for guests with bookings made but not paid in full before that date. These latter guests were also provided with a three- week period in which to cancel their sailing without penalty.
The company has been in discussions with the Florida Attorney General's office to ensure the fuel supplement was implemented in a fair and reasonable manner.

The fuel supplement, which remains in place for North American bookings made on or after Nov 16, 2007, involves three Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. brands: Royal Caribbean Intl, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises. The fuel supplement consists of a $5 per-guest, per-day charge for sailings that depart on or after Feb 1, 2008. The fuel supplement applies only to the first and second guests in each stateroom and does not exceed $70 per person per sailing.

Today's announcement will have no impact on the company's revenue projections and the company reaffirms its previous yield guidance.

The Florida Attorney General's office is expected to issue a press release regarding this matter Tuesday morning.

How long before other cruise lines with similar fuel supplement policies follow Royal Caribbean's lead? We'll be watching closely.

Time Marches On

It's time to wish Carnival Cruise Lines a happy 36th birthday. The world's largest cruise line was born when Carnival’s first ship the Mardi Gras sailed on her maiden voyage in March 1972.

Cruise Diva is on her way to Miami Beach for the annual Seatrade convention and will be reporting in from there this week. I hope the weather warms up!

The Love Boat Sails Again

Did you first yearn to take a cruise after seeing The Love Boat on television? Then the big news for you is that THE LOVE BOAT™ Season One, Volume One set sail on DVD for the first time ever this week.

For fans, the iconic television show is like a cruise travel time capsule. Each Love Boat episode began at embarkation and was a fashion show of late-'70s style without a rollaboard in sight. Personally, I was interested in the evening wear when the passenger guest stars wore the latest in gowns and tuxedoes. I don't know when I've ever seen so many ruffles. And that was just the men! Cruise Director Julie was a woman after my own heart—the wardrobe budget for her character must have been rather slim and she wore the same gowns week after week. Just like me today. Some things are timeless.

If you're old enough to have watched the program with your friends, or young enough to have watched it with your parents, you'll want to sail back to when it never rained on the Pacific Princess, no one aboard except Charo got seasick, and love conquered all. Join CruiseDiva for a nostalgic look back at her favorite Love Boat memories and highlights from the 10-hour, three-disc set.

Released by CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment, The Love Boat™ Season One, Volume One includes the first 12 episodes from the inaugural season and is available from Amazon.com.

Cruise Travel: Elderly Man Put Ashore For His Own Good

You'd think by reading news accounts that big, bad Carnival Cruise Lines carelessly dumped 89-year old Jack Clevenger of Ruskin, Florida ashore for almost no reason. Okay, they did make him disembark their cruise ship on the Caribbean island of Roatan, but they had his health in mind, not cruelty.

It was during his birthday cruise that the elderly Clevenger reported to the ship's infirmary complaining of blood in his mouth and in his stool. The ship's doctor concluded he might be suffering from internal bleeding--a condition for which the medical facility onboard was not equipped. Rather than have him remain aboard and at risk of getting worse during two subequent sea days after the ship called at Roatan, the cruise ship doctor felt he would be better off seeking treatment at a facility ashore. Once in port, and without even examining Roatan's medical center for its suitability, the man and his son made arrangements to return to Florida.

Was he better off doing so or should he have been allowed to stay on the cruise ship with only a slim possibility of being evacuated quickly if his bleeding condition worsened? Clevenger apparently doesn't see his situation that way and is pretty mad about being sent elsewhere for medical treatment. He told the media, "It's a dirty, lousy trick to put us off like that." However, his life could have depended on the decision made by the ship's doctor.

Clevenger says he's feeling fine, and claims he was improving before leaving the ship, but a photo accompanying the Tampa Bay Online story shows him with an IV line and several ominous wrist tags after three days in a Bradenton, Florida hospital. We think it's a worse trick to take a cruise at age 89 without travel insurance. Clevenger might not be nearly so angry had he purchased it.

Cruising South America & Antarctica on Azamara Journey

Patrick and Harriette Regan wanted to see penguins and cruise through Antarctica and around Cape Horn. They did all that and more on this 6,000 mile, 18-day, Azamara Journey voyage.

Don't miss their cruise review. It's one of the best you'll ever read. That's a promise!

Photo Copyright © 2008 by Patrick & Harriette Regan

Cruise Travel: Spring Break at Sea

Spring Break trips are a long-standing tradition in colleges across America. Even Cruise Diva escaped a frigid university campus in the 60s and headed for Daytona Beach during her youth. It's a rite of passage for most and there was a time when spring breakers were looked upon as simply fun-loving college kids out to have a good time. News stories, and even a movie Where the Boys Are, have chronicled the antics of students indulging in Spring Break rituals for decades. Unfortunately, news of sudent escapades has become increasingly outrageous in recent years. Girls Gone Wild, anyone?

While it's uncertain exactly when students discovered cruises as an alternative to beach resorts, it didn't take long to wear out their welcome. Some took the good times a bit too far and cruise lines responded by rolling up the red carpet. Not unlike car rental agencies that won't lease vehicles to "younger" drivers, cruise lines simply won't take the risk of damage to their ships, not to mention their reputations, by booking passage to underage travelers without adult supervision.

Before you consider booking a spring break cruise, there's more to think about than how you'll look in a new bikini. Take the time to investigate whether you and your companions meet the minimum age requirements set out by the cruise lines. Get the facts in For Cruise Travel, Age Matters.

Here's a thought ... you could invite your parents to sail with you. Or maybe not.

Photo Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Book A Carnival "Funtennial Celebration" Cruise

It's March and Carnival's “Funtennial Celebration” has begun. Each week this month,
one lucky guest -- who books any Carnival cruise -- will automatically be entered to win the Grand Prize of a cruise for two in the Owner’s Suite aboard either the Carnival Inspiration or Carnival Imagination. Ten second place winners will receive Fuji digital cameras to capture the wonderful memories of their cruises.

To view official contest rules, visit www.carnival.com/funtennial. You don't have to book a cruise to enter, so go ahead and have some fun.

Marshals Capture Murder Suspect at Sea

When you're being sought for allegedly murdering someone with your car, who are you going to call? Apparently one Atlanta, Georgia man thought it was a good idea to call a travel agent and attempt a getaway by cruise ship.

Last Thursday, Feb 28th, U.S. Marshals and the U.S. Coast Guard nabbed Derron Williams as he attempted to flee to the Bahamas aboard Carnival Celebration. Earlier in the week, the Atlanta Police Dept. and U.S. Marshals Service began working together to hunt down Williams, who was wanted for intentionally using his vehicle as a weapon to assault a man in Atlanta on Feb 9th. The victim died and Williams was on the run.

The investigators tracked their man to to Jacksonville, Florida and that's where the fun began. Williams and a girlfriend had just embarked on Carnival Celebration, bound for Freeport, Grand Bahama. Quick work by the Marshals and the Coast Guard halted the ship about five miles offshore before it entered international waters. Williams' cruise ended about 7pm when he was taken into custody and transferred to the Coast Guard cutter.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution quotes James Ergas, a Supervisory Inspector for the U.S. Marshals Service in Atlanta as saying, "We were a step behind him all day. We missed him at the Atlanta airport. We missed him at his hotel in Jacksonville. By the time we found out where he was, he was already on the cruise ship. We do not know if he was planning to return to the country. But we do know it's a lot easier to leave the country by cruise ship than airplane."

So, the first question that comes to mind is how a fugitive wanted for murder was allowed to board an airplane, let alone a cruise ship. Williams was traveling under an alias, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution report.

There's no word on whether Williams' girlfriend is enjoying her cruise.

Norwegian Jade To Call Europe "Home"

With the popularity of cruise travel growing across the Atlantic, we've seen this coming. For the first time in their 41-year history, Norwegian Cruise Line will homeport a ship year-round in Europe. The 2,400 passenger Norwegian Jade will sail a variety of itineraries in Europe year-round, extending its inaugural season in Europe that begins March 30, 2008. The ship will homeport in Europe full time through to the spring of 2010 instead of the current seasonal deployment that was to end in Nov 2008. As part of the year-round deployment, NCL is introducing three new European itineraries: 12-day Eastern Mediterranean sailings and 9-day Canary Islands and Morocco sailings, along with a 14-day Eastern Mediterranean holiday cruise, all roundtrip from Barcelona.

“We’ve seen strong growth in Europe and Freestyle Cruising has been a big success with our European guests,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. “Norwegian Jade has been very well received in her first season, and our full three-ship fleet in Europe is doing so well that we are now confident in committing a ship year-round to this strongly growing market.”

London-based Travel Trade Gazette reports that NCL expects Norwegian Jade’s two winter itineraries from Barcelona to appeal particularly to the UK market, although healthy interest from other European source markets and North America is anticipated as well. TTG quotes NCL's UK general manager Stephen Park as saying, “This is a massively positive move for the NCL business. Europe is the centre of growth in cruising at the moment and NCL has endorsed that by its commitment to Europe.”

Yes, my fellow Americans, that means more choice for Europe and less for the Caribbean. Norwegian Jade was originally slated to sail from NYC on 10- and 11-night Caribbean cruises beginning in Dec 2008. NCL is offering booked passengers the opportunity to move their reservations to comparable sailings on Norwegian Gem, the cruise line's newest vessel.

Norwegian Jade’s new European sailings from Nov 2008 through April 2009 go on sale March 3, 2008. The balance of the new deployment through to spring 2010 will be opened for sale shortly thereafter. NCL reps are available at 877-474-2960 Mon through Fri from 9 am to 5 pm ET to assist anyone with existing reservations on Norwegian Jade’s transatlantic and New York sailings. Get the full story in CruiseDiva.com's Cruise News.

Oceania Cruises Unveils a New Class in Deluxe Cruising

Oceania Cruises, which launched with a single vessel designed for the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises, is poised to add a new class to their current three-ship fleet of “Regatta-Class” vessels. CruiseDiva.com is pleased to share the first design details of the line's new Oceania-Class Ships.

Scheduled for delivery in 2010 and 2011, the new ships will feature rich, dark woods, Italian marble, lustrous granite, fine wool carpets, and sumptuous leather. The new Oceania-Class has been designed with all the signature elements that guests favor, and the décor will be imbued with the same warmth and charm for which the Regatta-Class is renowned. Signature public spaces will include Martinis, Horizons, The Patio, and a Grand Staircase that sweeps up both sides of the lobby. A whopping 96% of all accommodations will feature private teak verandas and passengers will have six open seating restaurants in which to dine.

“These new ships are a very personal expression of this brand as many members of our team are personally involved in the selection of furnishings, fabrics, artwork and the thousands of minute details that make the difference between an ordinary ship and a masterpiece,” stated Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings.

Your Cruise: Embarkation Time

A question that appears frequently in my email, as well as on Internet message boards, is "What time should I get to the pier on embarkation day?" While I've seen message board posts advising passengers to arrive at the cruise terminal as early as possible, that's not always the wisest approach.

Why isn't it a good idea to be first in line at, say, 10:30am on embarkation day? Well, for one thing, you may not be able to enter the terminal that early and it could be raining.

For smooth sailing, CruiseDiva.com explains why Timing Is Everything on embarkation day.

Cops on Cruise Ships

Is it really necessary to hire cops to police cruise ships? Apparently one California state senator thinks so and has introduced a bill that, if passed, would require cruise ships sailing from that state's ports to have one aboard.

State Senator Joe Simitian (D), author of the bill, reasons, "We've got air marshals on planes with a couple hundred passengers, but we've got no one on board the cruise ships with 10 times the number of passengers." Has the senator ever been on a cruise ship? He apparently doesn't realize that cruise lines have security personnel in place aboard every ship afloat. In any case, state residents will be pleased that the senator won't require them to pony up tax dollars to pay for state law enforcement at sea. Police officers' salaries would be funded by a $1 per day passenger fee. In addition to being peace-keepers, the senator also proposes that officers would serve as "licensed marine engineers to monitor compliance with environmental laws." He's been a big supporter of such environmental laws in the past.

Excuse me, but how dumb is it to expect a policeman to be qualified to handle the duties of a licensed marine engineer? And, what's the jurisdiction here? The senator's California bill is modeled after Alaska's ocean ranger program. Has anyone in Calfornia taken notice of how "successful" the Alaska program has been since that state's voters passed a 2006 initiative to place Coast Guard-licensed environmental engineers aboard cruise ships? Take a look at where it stood last month.

We have one word for this proposal... DUH. Check the LA Times for the details behind this ill-conceived plan and its supporters.

Down Under: Another Cunard Royal Rendevous

Cunard could bring Sydney to a standstill this weekend when its ocean liners Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth 2 call at the city. The Royal Rendezvous follows just one year after a meeeting of QE2 and Queen Mary 2 enthralled the city in February 2007. Queen Victoria will make her maiden call at the city on Saturday, Feb 23. Her famous sister, QE2, arrives the next day. Currently on her farewell World Cruise, QE2 will be making her 29th and final call at the port exactly 30 years after she made her first call there on February 24, 1978.

The highlight of these historic visits will occur at 6:00pm (local time) on Sunday, Feb 24 when both ships will leave their berths (Queen Victoria from Circular Quay and QE2 from Garden Island) and head for a historic sail past at approximately 6:30pm. Each will pass on either side of Fort Denison and will greet each other with a "Whistle Salute," which will be heard over 10 miles away. This sail past will acknowledge the first and last time these two Cunard Queens will meet in Australian waters. QE2 will then make her way to Circular Quay where she will remain until her final departure from Sydney on Monday, Feb 25.

Cruise Travel: Life On Board

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to be a cruise ship crew member? They work hard and are on duty for long hours. Yet, over the years I've read accounts of after-hours hard partying that often clouds what it's like to actually live below the public decks.

For a totally refreshing look into a young American crew member's life aboard NCL America's Pride of America, I'd like you to meet James, who is currently blogging from the ship. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, James has been a world traveler--and cruiser--since childhood. While he's only 20, he exhibits a maturity well beyond his years. James shares life on board, including what he and his crewmates do during their on- and off-duty time, as well as his future aspirations to grow with the cruise industry. In addition to writing the blog, which also includes photos, he also creates video blog entries and responds to readers' questions. I'd always wondered where they took the luggage that is collected on the last night of a cruise. Thanks to James, now I know.

Visit James' blog Life of a Cruise Ship Crew Member and get to know this engaging young crew member. Aloha!

Cruise Travel: What's New on Holland America Line's Website

Holland America Line's cruise experience is just a mouse click away with the line's redesigned website. The expansive video gallery is filled with snapshots, video clips, virtual tours, ebrochures and podcasts that detail nearly all aspects of a Holland America sailing, from accommodations to dining to activities on and off the ships.

"Increasingly we find our guests turn to the Internet to view and plan their Holland America Line cruise," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs. "We redesigned our site to offer a virtual experience that offers a true flavor of the cruise that awaits our guests, from what their stateroom looks like to activities in port."

A combination of updated graphics, re-organized information, and search tools underscore the details and diversity of the line's worldwide itineraries. An interactive map lets you click on a continent and zoom in on a destination with access to port details, shore excursions, and itineraries. After booking a cruise, you can visit the My Reservations page and reserve shore excursions, check-in online, and even purchase onboard gifts. Take a tour of the Holland America Line web site and, by the time you embark, you can be totally familiar with your ship and ports of call.

For an advance look at Holland America's latest newbuilding, visit the Eurodam Blog.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Launches Black History Month Celebration

A longtime supporter of early childhood development initiatives, Miami-based cruise company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is expanding its efforts to include a support program for teens aging out of local foster care systems. As part of its Black History Month activities, the corporation will launch a program designed to provide foster care children ages 16 and older with critical support services such as education, life skills and employment training, affordable housing, transportation, physical and mental health care, and more. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is partnering with several non-profits in the effort.

"In most cases, children who grow up in foster care turn 18 and suddenly find themselves with no one to turn to for support, which often leads to them becoming homeless, unemployed, and in some cases, mentally ill," said Horace Hord, Associate Vice President of Global Community Relations, RCCL. "We recognize that South Florida communities have a dire need for support for these teens, and we aim to help make their transition from foster care to becoming productive, happy and healthy adults an easier one."

The program is launching in tandem with the corporation's Black History Month extravaganza this year. On Wed, Feb 20th, 60 Miami-area foster care students ages 16 and older will attend a day of training on life skills, financial literacy, and career opportunities. Barrington Irving, the local youth who recently became the youngest pilot to complete a solo flight around the world, will speak to the teens mid-day, bringing several flight simulators with which the participating teens can experiment. The U.S. Coast Guard also will be on hand to talk with teens about potential career opportunities with the agency.

The evening will feature an extravaganza celebration that kicks off with activities for the teens at Jungle Island in Miami. Open to the public are a light dinner and reception at Jungle Island, where well-known television actress and former foster child Victoria Rowell will sign copies of her book about her life experiences and deliver a keynote address. The reception begins at 6 pm and Rowell's remarks begin at 7 pm.

Cruise Travel: Skipping School

Attendance was a very serious matter when I was a school girl. Not that I ever had perfect attendance. Although others did, I was occasionally kept home with things like measles and mumps.

Had you asked my parents if they would take their children on a vacation during the school year, their response would have been an emphatic, NO!" How about if there was an educational nature to the trip? Like, for instance, a cruise to other countries? The answer would still have been no. To my parents, and their peers, nothing was more important than school for their offspring. To take us out of school for a pleasure trip was unthinkable.

While most of the children aboard my most recent late-January cruises were younger than school-age, there were others who'd obviously been taken out of class to accompany their families on cruise vacations. I can understand their parents' desire to take advantage of off-season fares, but that's as far as my understanding goes.

Travel can be uplifting, inspiring, and even educational. However, what kind of lessons do children learn when their parents take them out of school for a leisurely Caribbean cruise? That saving money on a vacation is more important than the children's education? That it's okay to be selfish?

To my way of thinking, their parents' behavior sends the wrong message to kids. No wonder we're facing the "me" generation.

(Not Quite) Barred From Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor, Maine doesn't have the mansions of Newport or historic vibe of Boston, but during "fall foliage" season it can be one of the most beautiful stops on a New England/Canada itinerary. It can also be one of the most crowded.

Despite the fact that the town currently allows only two cruise ships to anchor in the harbor on any given day (or three ships if one is small enough to dock at the Town Pier), Bar Harbor residents and merchants have complained that ships have gotten so big that, even with the current limits in place, there are days when the downtown area is overcrowded and roads are congested by tour buses. What's a small town to do when the ships that are scheduled to visit can each carry more than 3,000 passengers? For example, two ships scheduled to call at Bar Harbor this season are huge; Explorer of the Seas has a capacity of 3,114 passengers and 1,185 crew and Caribbean Princess can carry 3,110 passengers and 1,142 crew.

In a move to solve the problem, the Bar Harbor Town Council recently voted to impose a daily limit on the number of passengers (not including crewmembers) that cruise ships may bring to town. Set to begin in 2010, from May 1st to June 30th and from Sept 1st to Oct 31st, passenger counts will be limited to 5,500. In July and August, the passenger limit will be 3,500 a day or, up to 3,700 at the discretion of the Harbor Master. The reasoning for the limits is sound. According to one Council member, visitors will have a more positive experience if the town is less crowded.

Bar Harbor's Cruise Ship Task Force proposal suggested that ships be allowed to visit Bar Harbor as late in the year as Nov 10th, but the Harbor Committee recommended the Oct. 31st cut-off date. They cite the need for lobster fishermen to have the harbor all to themselves during the productive fall season. That also makes sense. What would a day in Bar Harbor be like without a lobster lunch?

Photo: Golden Princess at anchor from atop Cadillac Mountain

Love Sets Sail: Captains Can Help Guests Tie the Knot

Hey, lover boy! Give that girl a diamond for Valentines Day and prepare to set sail on a sea of love.

The sailor's knot is known for being easy to tie but hard to break. Couples who wish to be married at sea by the captain will soon be able to do just that aboard Azamara Cruises' and Celebrity Cruises' ships. The lines plan to launch legal, captain-led wedding ceremonies later this year to complement their existing vow renewal and in-port wedding offerings.

"While many of our guests come onboard seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wedding or vow renewal location, and we've been happy to provide them with in-port weddings led by a local official, their number-one request is for captains to perform the ceremony," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Azamara Cruises and Celebrity Cruises Vice President of Hotel Operations. "Now, we're able to fulfill that wish, while sailing the open waters of the world."

With the recent re-registration of seven of Celebrity's eight ships in Malta, where Azamara's two ships also are registered, government regulations have changed to allow for captains to perform legal marriages while the ships sail the seas of the world. Guests planning to be married at sea by Azamara and Celebrity captains will have a variety of packages available to them and should book their weddings well in advance of their sailing dates to allow time for the processing of licenses and other legal documents. Lovebirds are encouraged to visit Azamara Cruises and Celebrity Cruises web sites for details.

NCL America: Is One Ship A "Fleet"?

It's only been a week since I reported that NCL America's Hawaii fleet had officially shrunk to two ships. So, imagine my surprise when a late-in-the-day press release arrived in my email box yesterday announcing that one of the two remaining fleetmates--Pride of Aloha--is also withdrawing from the line's Hawaiian island service on May 11, 2008.

Yesterday's press release emphasizes NCL's major fleet-wide Freestyle 2.0 initiative, featuring significant product and hardware upgrades to its modern fleet, including Pride of America--the only NCL America ship set to remain in Hawaii service. The release also calls the transfer of Pride of Hawaii to NCL’s European deployment a "temporary" move. While I have no insight into how temporary it will be, it took an act of Congress to flag the three foreign-built vessels under the US flag in order to offer Hawaii inter-island cruises. Any attempt to return the newly re-named Norwegian Jade under the stars and stripes could encounter some pretty steep obstacles.

For passengers booked on Pride of Aloha from May 11, 2008 and beyond, NCL is holding space and will offer the same cruise fare as they currently have paid on their Pride of Aloha cruise if they would like to transfer to the same week on Pride of America, departing one day earlier. For additional details, read the entire press release at Cruise Diva's Cruise News.

Carnival Cruise Lines' "Circle C" is Fun for "Tweens"

Family cruise leader, Carnival Cruise Lines has introduced a new on-board program called “Circle C” aimed specifically at the 12- to 14-year-old age group, with expansive new clubs, trained staff, and a full schedule of activities--including everything from sports such as basketball, volleyball, ping-pong and various water games to late night movies and “swimming under the stars” pool parties.

Designed to complements the line’s other youth-oriented programming, including “Camp Carnival” for younger kids and “Club O2” for 15- to 17-year-olds, the focal point of “Circle C” activities are custom-designed clubs, providing the "tweens" a place to truly call their own. With a sleek modern design created especially to appeal to younger teens who want to hang out with new friends, the areas are decorated in a vibrant motif, with oversized picture windows and plush comfortable seating. Facilities feature a dance floor with high-tech sound and lighting system, along with 42-inch plasma-screen TVs to display movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox stocked with the latest hits, and gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles, with 20-inch plasma-screens positioned throughout the room.

“Circle C” is just the latest enhancement to kid-centric amenities aboard the “Fun Ships.” Children ages 2-11 can enjoy diverse activities and dedicated facilities of “Camp Carnival,” which continues to evolve with new 1,600-square-foot play areas on “Fantasy-class” ships and new programming fleetwide. For older kids, there’s the “Club O2” teen program featuring teen dance clubs, just for teens shore excursions, and more. Also new is Carnival WaterWorks, an aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long twister water slide, dual-lane racing slides and water spray apparatus, currently rolled out as part of the “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program on select ships. Carnival Splendor, set to debut in July, will boast Carnival’s largest play area to date and a water spray park.

Carnival Cruise Lines expects to host 600,000 kids this year– the most in cruising. Other family-friendly features include babysitting services, stroller rentals, children’s menus, and a variety of spacious accommodation categories, with dozens of inter-connecting cabins ideal for large families or family gatherings.

Pictured above is an artist's rendering of "Circle C"--Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Celebrity Cruises Rolls Out A New Way to Count to TEN

Ten of 2008’s hottest new restaurants will open this fall, but you won’t need special connections to book a table. In fact, you won't even need directions, since the GPS coordinates will change daily. That's because the 10 restaurants are all on one of the world’s most eagerly awaited new cruise ships: Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Solstice.

"The dining experience has always been central to our guests’ cruise experience, and on Celebrity Solstice, we’ll present the extraordinary service the brand is known for, in venues designed to perfectly complement the spectacular cuisine," said Celebrity’s President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. "The larger size of Celebrity Solstice allows us to offer more options for our guests, with menus created by some of the best talent in the business

Celebrity has partnered with some of the world’s best designers in the hospitality business to create the restaurants onboard Celebrity Solstice; among them, preeminent restaurant and hotel designer Adam Tihany, who created such lauded restaurants as Per Se, Jean Georges, Le Cirque, The Sea Grill and Osteria del Circo in New York; Aureole, Bouchon and Seablue in Las Vegas; and Monte’s and the chic Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London.

Get a behind-the-scenes peek at the interiors of Celebrity Solstice’s Dining Venues on CruiseDiva.com.

Princess Cruises Wants to Know, "Are You the Greatest Romantic?"

The leader of love at sea, Princess Cruises is launching a nationwide search asking, "Are You the Greatest Romantic?" All "romantics at heart" can nominate themselves or someone they believe deserves this highest honor of amorous aptitude. "The Greatest Romantic" will be chosen from a field of entries narrowed down to five finalists determined by the line's Department of Romance experts. After a public vote, he or she will become an "ambassador of love" for the department for one full year, in addition to receiving a romantic cruise for two.

The contest launches on Valentine's Day and Princess invites all romantics to submit a video telling why they deserve this honor. Videos can be entered until March 20, and then from April 1-14 the five finalists will be posted and the general public will have the chance to vote for their favorite "Greatest Romantic." The winner will be announced on April 15 and receive a romantic, 7-day cruise for two to Mexico or the Caribbean, including airfare. While onboard they will receive a special couple's package from Lotus Spa. "The Greatest Romantic" will also enjoy a year-long title of Princess' "ambassador of love" as a member of its Department of Romance.

"From a personal love story to an original poem or creative stunt, we're seeking compelling video entries expressing romance from many perspectives," said Jan Swartz, senior vice president for Princess Cruises. "Be it in small or dramatic ways, we're looking for someone who can channel their inner romantic and espouse the meaning of romance for others, plus share how they make romance a part of their daily lives."

Three-minute video entries should compellingly convey why the person is the ultimate romantic. For a complete list of rules and video requirements, as well as sample video entries for romantic inspiration, visit greatestromantic.princess.com.

As Valentines Day approaches, we know you are in the mood for love. Cruise Diva shares her picks for the Most Romantic Ships. Get hints to enhance Romance at Sea and enjoy Princess Cruises' sumptuous Ultimate Balcony Dinner.

Cruise Travel: Mutiny Over Fuel Supplement Fees?

When we hit the road to embark on a cruise last month we knew filling the tank of our super-size SUV was going to cost more than the last time we made the trip south to Florida. Sure, we could drive a more fuel efficient vehicle, but we like our comfy Ford Expedition and where would I put the luggage in a Prius?

Like other SUV, truck, RV, and van owners, we've made a lifestyle choice and the cost goes into our budget. If we couldn't afford it, we wouldn't drive it. Similarly, when going on a cruise, we factor in not only the fare, but all the add-ons into the bottom line when making decisions. Which is why I believe so many booked passengers were upset when fuel surcharges were levied a few months ago by the majority of cruise lines. I can't say that I blame fellow passengers on one level--the charges were retroactive for the most part and unexpected. On the other hand, anyone who hasn't noticed the soaring cost of fuel during the past year probably hasn't been paying attention to much of anything.

Cruise lines held out longer than other segments of the travel and hospitality industries, which have routinely added such surcharges for some time. Think airlines, automobile rentals, and even hotels and restaurants. Most consumers don't like it, but seldom do they 'mutiny' the way booked cruise passengers have. The Miami Herald and other media outlets report that the Florida Attorney General's Office is following up on over 150 consumer complaints to determine whether the fuel supplement fees imposed by cruise lines were "appropriate and properly disclosed to passengers."

It would be easy to say, "just cancel," to those who object to the fuel surcharges, but there's a lot of emotion involved in this situation. Although there have always been minor fluctuations in port charges and government taxes over the years, passengers have long considered their fare contracts with cruise lines to be a sacred assurance that they won't pay a dime more than agreed upon at booking. While they could have cancelled upcoming sailings without penalty and made other plans, some avid cruisers simply won't consider anything but a cruise vacation. Others have purchased non-refundable airline tickets or pre-paid for shore excursions. There's a huge hassle factor in turning travel plans upside down and starting from scratch.

The outcome of the Florida Attorney General's investigation won't be known for a while; however, no matter what happens on that front, don't expect cruise lines to give consumers a free ride in the face of rising costs to operate. If the fuel surcharges are deemed unfair, cruise lines aren't going to operate at a loss. While we wait to see how this plays out, following are a couple comments from Miami Herald readers for your enjoyment.

• "Look at the other companies that have had to add a fuel surcharge. Doesn't surprise me. I love all the whining that has been going on at the Cruise Critic board. Those Carnival people know how to yell about five dollars. Carnival had better be careful as it will on board lose sales on Pabst Blue Ribbon, Schiltz malt liquor and Winston cigarettes with that surcharge."
• "My favorite comments on the fuel surcharge come from the Cruise Critic people, who keep whining that 'it's about honoring the contract.' Funny, when the money or shipboard credit flows their way, you don't hear them screaming bloody murder about the cruiseline going outside the bounds of the sacred contract."

Aloha, Pride of Hawaii

The newest of NCL America's Hawaii-based ships sailed yesterday from her Honolulu home port for the last time as Pride of Hawaii. Christened in May 2006, the cruise line announced last year that it would pull the ship from Hawaii service due to financial losses caused by weakness in its Hawaii operations fare pricing.

Presently on a "farewell" 5-day cruise to Los Angeles, Pride of Hawaii will enter wet dock upon arrival on Saturday. After the colorful Hawaiian-themed hull artwork is painted over she will be reflagged and renamed. Emerging as Norwegian Jade she is scheduled to leave Los Angeles Feb 16 on a 13-day Panama Canal cruise bound for Miami. From there, she sails to Barcelona, Spain, where a casino will be added before the ship enters service in Europe.

Pride of Aloha and Pride of America, NCL America's two other U.S.-flagged ships, will continue to operate inter-Hawaii cruises.

Cruising Back-To-Back

Even though I've sailed on nearly a hundred cruises and write the cruise travel material for eight Fodor's guidebooks, I continue to find new experiences at sea. Just this month I joined in the fun on a full-ship music charter and sailed on back-to-back cruises for the first time.

First of all, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, a full-ship charter on Holland America Line's Westerdam, was an incredible opportunity to indulge in my passion for cruising while exploring the smooth jazz scene with a ship full of ardent fans. Each night's two-hour concerts in the main show lounge were certainly entertaining, as were the music sessions in more intimate settings, but one highlight for me was meeting so many nice people. One morning I found myself having coffee on deck with a delightful gentleman who turned out to be Grammy nominee Kirk Whalum's father. Like all Holland America Line ships, the atmosphere on Westerdam is gracious and refined. That doesn't mean the passengers were stuffy, though. A late-night poolside Pa-JAM-A Party was well attended by passengers clad in PJs and robes and dancing went on well into the night in the Crow's Nest.

The week-long Smooth Jazz Cruise went by all too swiftly and it was time to disembark in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday and get ready for our next cruise--a five-night sailing on Carnival Imagination from Miami on Monday. At times the logistics of packing for back-to-back cruises seemed almost as daunting as storming the beaches of Normandy. Fortunately, I had two things going for me... we drove to Florida and I have a dear friend in Fort Lauderdale who happened to be sailing with us on the second cruise. Marcia kindly offered the use of her washing machine to solve my dilemma of how to pack enough unmentionables for two weeks and we were able to leave our excess luggage in her garage. That made room for her luggage and we were all able to drive to the Port of Miami together, thus also saving on the high cost of parking there ($20 a night!).

While I could have done laundry aboard the Carnival Imagination, having a day between cruises meant the luxury of not having to waste my time hassling with it during what turned out to be an exceptionally fun cruise. The "Evolutions of Fun" enhancements are all in place on Carnival Imagination and have transformed the aging Fantasy-class vessel into a bright and shining modern cruise ship. It should come as no surprise that when the world's largest cruise line sets about to do something that they do it right, but the level to which Carnival Cruise Lines went in the transformation astonished even me. I wasn't expecting an "all new" look and feel and it was hard to believe Carnival Imagination was launched in 1995.

There is a lot more to share on CruiseDiva.com and here on the blog in the coming days. For now, I hear the distinctive DING of my clothes dryer! So much for the glamorous life of a travel writer.

Carnival Imagination In Port: Nassau

The last day of our cruise vacation promises to be full of activity and we’re looking forward to fun ashore in Nassau as well as on board Carnival Imagination. Throughout the cruise there’s been a lot of keep everyone as busy as they want to be. There are children cruising with us but they’ve been nearly invisible—they’re having a great time in Camp Carnival and in the Water Works pool. Disney Wonder is berthed beside us today in Nassau and I can’t help but wonder if they are just a tinge envious… our water slide is bigger than their water slide.

With so many passengers ashore we’re taking the opportunity to chill out at the Lido Pool. The entire area has been re-built with new tile in the pool; thatched roofs that shade one of the two hot tubs, the pool bars and snack bar; and a covered stage where games have taken place this week. Stylized palm trees offer a tropical vibe that’s fresh and, frankly, fun.

Later there will be plenty of time to pack. We’re going to “self assist” in the morning so we don’t have to rush to put luggage in the passageway tonight. That means we won’t have to miss any of this evening’s show—Carnival Legends starring our fellow passengers. We’ve heard that some real talent has been tapped and it promises to be quite an event.

Watch CruiseDiva.com for an in-depth “Evolutions of Fun” report and many more photos next week.