Celebrity Silhouette Makes Her First Public Appearance

It was just a little over a year ago that Cruise Diva boarded Celebrity Eclipse for her "conveyance" journey up the River Ems from the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Before embarking, the small group of guests on hand for for the trip were invited inside the shipyard to take part in the first steel cutting of the next ship in the Solstice-class series, Celebrity Silhouette.

And now, the sleek silhouette of Celebrity Cruises' new Celebrity Silhouette has emerged from the same shipyard, where numerous area residents lined up to be among the first to see the fourth in Celebrity's stylish, five-ship Solstice-class fleet up close. And it is a tight squeeze as she makes her way up the river backwards—because the ship cannot be turned around at the shipyard.

Celebrity Silhouette sets sail in July of this year with a host of industry-first venues and experiences within The Lawn Club, including the interactive "Lawn Club Grill," where guests can select and grill their own meats side-by-side with Celebrity's expert chefs, or have them cooked to order; the relaxing, private, wi-fi-equipped cabanas called "The Alcoves"; "The Porch," a breezy, casual dining spot offering sandwiches, coffees and captivating views of the sea and the ship's lush lawn, and "The Art Studio," where vacationers can bring out their inner artist. The ship also will present another entirely new venue, "The Hideaway," an intimate, quiet space reminiscent of a childhood tree house.

That's the steel cutting of Celebrity Silhouette pictured here—pretty amazing that it's now a nearly-complete ship—but even more amazing is the trip up the River Ems. Re-live a "Conveyance" Journey by setting sail with Cruise Diva on the conveyance of Celebrity Eclipse, the third Solstice-class ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet.

Photo Above, Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Photo Left, CruiseDiva.com

Celebrity Silhouette Style: Construction Nears Completion

Go behind-the-scenes here to see the first in a series of webisodes from Celebrity Cruise: "Celebrity Silhouette Style," featuring President and CEO Dan Hanrahan taking you on a tour of Celebrity Silhouette, the fourth in the stylish, five-ship Solstice Class fleet at the innovative Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

Future webisodes will be highlighted on the Celebrity website at celebritycruises.com and at celebritycruiseschannel.com.

Seabourn Takes Delivery of Seabourn Quest

Completing the most ambitious expansion in the small-ship luxury segment of the cruise industry, Seabourn took delivery of the new 450-guest Seabourn Quest yesterday at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy. The intimate, all-suite ship is the third vessel constructed by Mariotti for Seabourn's fleet, completing a three-year expansion that increased the ultra-luxury line's capacity by more than 200 percent.

"We are very pleased and excited to take delivery of Seabourn Quest," said Richard Meadows, Seabourn's President. "She is a beautiful vessel, and I have no doubt she will earn as much praise from the experts, and as much affection from our guests as her two sister-ships. Her officers, staff and crew are ready to welcome travelers on board to experience Seabourn-style cruising on our newest ship."

Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Blythe Danner will serve as godmother and name the ship during a glittering sunset ceremony at the port of Barcelona on June 20, 2011. That evening, the ship will depart on a 14-day Maiden Voyage to Athens, stopping at the sort of beautiful seaside towns in France, Italy, Greece and Turkey that are a hallmark of the Seabourn cruise experience.

Seabourn Quest's maiden season includes 7-day Eastern Mediterranean cruises, operating alternately between Athens and Istanbul, and Venice and Athens, as well as a 7-day Black Sea voyage. In the fall, the ship will cruise across the Atlantic Ocean from Malaga, Spain, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from where it will sail on a series of round trip voyages in the Caribbean. On Jan 5, 2012, Seabourn Quest will begin a 109-day Maiden World Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Venice on a unique eastbound course via South America, South Africa, the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.

Seabourn Quest is the third iteration of the sleek and widely admired design that first appeared as Seabourn Odyssey in June 2009, and has been hailed as "a game-changer for the luxury segment." The second sister-ship, Seabourn Sojourn, entered service in June of 2010. For more information, visit Seabourn.com.

Silver Spirit: Reception at the Guggenheim

Each segment of Silver Spirit’s 119-day World Cruise included a complimentary Silversea Experience—cultural events to which each guest is invited. On our segment, from Barcelona to Southampton, the Silversea Experience was an evening at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa, Spain.

Normally closed on Monday, Silversea arranged for the museum to open for their guests for an evening showing and reception. While contemporary art isn’t my thing (my taste runs more to Impressionists) and I really didn’t “get” the exhibits, the building itself is stunning. Located on the site of what was formerly a shipyard, Frank O. Gehry’s structure is the highlight of a riverfront center of culture and community. Shaped to resemble a silvery flower, or the prow of a ship—depending on how you look at it—the structure, covered with over 35,000 titanium tiles and glass, glows in the evening light.

After a tour through some of the displays inside, we enjoyed after-dinner drinks and sweet canapés in the atrium until it was time to return to Silver Spirit. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a “Welcome Home” message and handed flutes of champagne. Truly, it was a Silversea Experience to remember.

Photo © CruiseDiva.com

Princess Welcomes Guide Dogs for the Blind Group

A group of 25 new graduates from Guide Dogs for the Blind and their owners were recently hosted for the day aboard Sea Princess in San Francisco. While on board they learned how Princess Cruises can accommodate visually impaired travelers and their canine companions.

The group enjoyed a tour of the ship and lunch in the dining room, while experiencing first-hand how Princess can provide for their needs and those of their dogs. The event was hosted in association with Dimensions in Travel, a travel agency that regularly organizes travel for Guide Dogs for the Blind clients, to give new guide dog users a feel for what to expect if they join one of the agency’s group cruises, or travel independently. Since 2004, Princess has hosted 11 Guide Dogs for the Blind groups on cruises to destinations such as Mexico and Alaska.

“Working with these clients has changed the way we travel,” said Diana Saint James, owner of Dimensions in Travel. “It’s not all about what we see when we travel anymore, it’s all of our senses. That’s what our relationship with our blind travelers has taught us. It’s a different way to see the world.”

Aboard Sea Princess the special guests were able to test out many of the features offered for visually impaired travelers and their dogs. For the dogs, the ships provide canine life jackets, bowls of water in the dining room, and relieving boxes with favored cedar chips. Passengers also have specially translated menus and can enjoy reserved seating in the Princess Theater with room for their dogs. During a cruise, passengers and crew are also invited to meet the dogs during a designated play time.

“These dogs are canine heroes,” said Brian Rademacher, Princess Cruises district sales manager. “It’s truly a labor of love for us to work with this wonderful organization.”

Following is a detailed video of the guide dog familiarization day.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available by visiting the company's website at Princess.com.

Image Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Xanterra Parks & Resorts Completes the Purchase of Windstar Cruises

As expected, Xanterra Parks and Resorts completed the purchase of Windstar Cruises on Wednesday, May 25, after approval was granted by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on May 19, 2011 for the sale of the assets of Ambassadors International, Inc. Windstar was Ambassadors’ principal operating unit. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Windstar Cruises will sail all published 2011 and 2012 voyages, maintain its customer programs and policies, and honor Windstar fares and reservations, including charter contracts.

“The first order of business for Windstar Cruises is that it is full sail ahead,” said Andrew N. Todd, President and CEO of Xanterra Parks and Resorts. “Going forward, we intend to maintain Windstar’s business and operations and invest in Windstar’s growth for the long term. We are very excited to have Windstar Cruises become part of Xanterra’s 135-year legacy in hospitality.”

Windstar Cruises operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. The company sails two ships that carry just 148 guests each (Wind Spirit and Wind Star) and a third ship that carries 312 guests (Wind Surf, pictured above). For more information, visit Windstar Cruises online at WindstarCruises.com.

Hans Birkholz, CEO of Windstar announced, “Now that the sale of Windstar Cruises has closed successfully, Windstar will be financially stronger and well-positioned for long-term profitability and success under new ownership. Windstar’s 2012 collection of luxury voyages was just announced, and we will continue to provide our guests exceptional luxury travel experiences and the highest level of service. We will also continue to strive to exceed our guests’ expectations aboard our luxury yachts for many years to come.”

So, you may be wondering just who and what is Xanterra and what qualifies them to run a cruise line? The company traces its history in the hospitality industry back to 1876 with the Fred Harvey Company, known throughout the West for its pioneering efforts to develop and operate first-class hotels and restaurants along the route of the Santa Fe Railroad, including the world-famous El Tovar on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Harvey devised a system of alerting his restaurant kitchen staff of the imminent arrival of train passengers via the telegraph wire, thus allowing his dining room and hotel staffs to anticipate the needs of countless travelers prior to their arrival. His innovations and expertise led to first-class and luxury travel service standards that were ahead of their time. In 1968, the Fred Harvey Company was purchased by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, then called Amfac Parks and Resorts.

Sounds to us like they know what they are doing.

Photo © CruiseDiva.com

Carnival Glory to Operate Series of Voyages from Boston, New York City & Norfolk

Northeasterners have some new cruise opportunities from close-to-home embarkation ports to look forward to as Carnival Cruise Lines plans to operate an extended schedule of voyages from Boston. With a series of round-trip 4- and 5-day eastern Canada cruises aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory beginning in June 2012, Carnival will be the only cruise line offering short cruises from Boston to the Canadian Maritimes. On the all-new program, Carnival Glory will sail from the recently refurbished Black Falcon Cruise Terminal on 4-day “long weekend” cruises departing Thursdays to Saint John, New Brunswick, and 5-day voyages departing Mondays and Saturdays to Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Saint John. The program will operate June 10 to July 26, 2012. A special 7-day cruise will be offered June 3-10, 2012, with visits to Portland, Maine; Saint John, Halifax; and Sydney, Nova Scotia.

“We are thrilled to offer these 4- and 5-day cruises from Boston which is not only a world-class destination but also provides a convenient and affordable drive-to homeport for millions of Northeastern U.S. residents,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO. “Carnival Glory is a fantastic ‘Fun Ship’ with so much to offer and on these cruises guests can visit charming and historic cities in eastern Canadian Maritimes while enjoying all the fun and excitement that Carnival is known for.”

Saint John is a nature lover’s paradise, highlighted by such landmarks as Reversing Falls, where the highest tides in the world intersect with the St. John River and force it to flow backwards twice daily, and the Bay of Fundy, with its gorgeous backdrop of rugged rock formations. Also popular is Saint John’s Historic District, lined with stately Victorian homes, elegant churches and quaint boutiques and eateries.

Founded in 1749 and known as the “Gateway to the Canadian Atlantic,” Halifax is a charming yet cosmopolitan city with outstanding restaurants, shops, and museums and unique cultural experiences. Here, guests can visit Peggy’s Cove, a fishing village famous for its granite coastline, tour the city’s many lighthouses, or observe the changing of the guard at The Citadel, a centuries-old fortress. Other on-shore activities such as kayaking and hiking are also available.

Passengers can also enjoy the many on-board facilities and features of the Carnival Glory, including a 270-square-foot Seaside Theatre poolside LED screen displaying movies, concerts and other programming; a 13,300-square foot spa; four swimming pools (one with the line’s signature Twister Waterslide); spacious and modern play areas for children, ’tweens and teens; and Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat. A wide range of dining venues, from twin full-service dining rooms and a two-level casual poolside eatery featuring a 24-hour pizzeria to a sushi bar and a classic American steakhouse are available as well.

Following up on its cruises from Boston, Carnival Glory will reposition to New York for a series of 4-day voyages to Saint John and 5-day voyages to Saint John and Halifax from Aug 1 through Sept 3, 2012. Carnival Glory will also offer five week-long fall foliage cruises round-trip from New York to Halifax, Saint John, Boston, and Portland, Maine. Departure dates include Sept 8, 15, 22, and 29 and Oct 6, 2012.

The ship will also operate a series of cruises round-trip from Norfolk, Va., in the spring and fall. Spring 6-day Bahamas departures will be available on May 15, 21 and 27. In the fall, there will be a 6-day Bahamas cruise on Oct 14 and 22; a 5-day Bahamas cruise on Oct 28; and a special 2-day cruise on Oct 20, 2012.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Glory’s voyages from Boston, New York, and Norfolk. For additional information, visit carnival.com.

Holland America Line's ms Maasdam Completes Upgrades

Holland America Line's ms Maasdam is better than ever after recently completing a stem-to-stern, multimillion-dollar Signature of Excellence dry dock at Freeport, Bahamas.

Canaletto, a casual Italian restaurant serving dishes such as putanesca and penne alla vodka, comes to life for dinner when a section of the Lido Restaurant is transformed with glass partitions and an Italian ambiance. Although there is no charge to dine in Canaletto, reservations are suggested.

Maasdam's piano bar and casino bar were reconfigured into Mix, a multi-themed area with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales, each serving its namesake libations. The casino was redesigned and the main show lounge was transformed into the Showroom at Sea with nightclub ambiance.

The upscale Merabella luxury jewelry shop was added to the completely renovated mid-ship shopping area with its signature jewelry and watch boutiques. Other public areas around the ship also were refurbished and received new carpeting.

To complete the enhancements, Maasdam's staterooms received new carpeting, soft goods, and completely renovated bathrooms with new vanities and cabinetry. Sixteen staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa on Verandah Deck were converted to "spa staterooms" featuring a variety of spa-style amenities such as organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, a yoga mat, a soothing water feature, special room-service menus and treatments, and more.

In addition to Maasdam, the extensive public area Signature of Excellence enhancements can also be found on Veendam, ms Statendam, ms Rotterdam, and ms Ryndam. The industry-leading Signature of Excellence initiative is an ongoing and comprehensive program that touches every aspect of the Holland America Line experience and the investment now exceeds $566 million. Signature of Excellence features and amenities offer more luxurious accommodations, enhanced dining experiences, more enriching activities, and exceptional levels of service. For more information, visit HollandAmerica.com.

Norwegian Cruise Line Proves “The Price Is Right”

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic, will be a featured prize on the longest-running game show in television history, “The Price Is Right,” hosted by Drew Carey. As part of Travel + Leisure’s Travel Week, the episode will air today (Friday, May 27, 2011 at 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television network.

Two contestants will compete for the once-in-a-lifetime cruise vacation as one of the grand prizes during the show’s closing segment the “Showcase Showdown.” The lucky winner and three guests will receive a roundtrip flight from Los Angeles, California and embark on a 13-day Transatlantic sailing on Oct 23, 2011 from Barcelona, Spain to Miami. Ports of call on the Atlantic crossing include Ponta Delgada, Azores and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Norwegian Epic offers the ultimate in Freestyle Cruising with more than 20 dining options; the largest suite complex at sea; award-winning staterooms for solo travelers; world-class entertainment featuring Blue Man Group, Legends in Concert, Nickelodeon and Cirque Dreams® and Dinner; along with the first ice bar at sea; and much more.

No word on what category of accommodations the winner will receive, but all outside staterooms on Norwegian Epic feature a balcony so we are certain they will be pleased.

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas Begins Her Drydock

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas recently entered the Victoria Shipyards in Victoria, British Colombia, Canada, to begin an intense 22-day dry dock before she begins her Alaska cruise season.

The ship will receive a variety of enhancements, including specialty restaurants—Samba Grill, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi—as well as the casual Park Café and Boardwalk Dog House. In addition, the Sports Bar will be transformed into a Pub and 15 new staterooms will be added.

For a first hand look at what is happening on board, we are happy to share the following video.

Crystal Serenity Super-Redesign Complete After Line's Longest-Ever Dry Dock

One Hamburg shipyard, two weeks, several talented designers, 500+ international staffers, 606 crew, and $25 million. Those were the ingredients for the ultra-luxurious redesign of Crystal Cruises' largest ship, Crystal Serenity. Just completed after a round-the-clock remodel at Germany's Blohm + Voss shipyard, the dry dock was the company's longest ever. All 535 staterooms, retail centers, outdoor pool deck, corridors and other spaces received a dazzling facelift, in addition to general sprucing of the entire outside and inside of the vessel.

"In the past year and a half, we have invested well over $50 million in our ships," says Crystal Cruises' President Gregg Michel. "The striking new spaces serve as a stunning backdrop to the incomparable service and choices that always characterize a Crystal vacation."

Interior designer, Keith Rushbrook, principal at the Toronto-based II BY IV Design Associates summarizes the vision, "We wanted modern classic elegance. We wanted Fifth Avenue, creme de la creme New York-inspired living and retail spaces that people love and look forward to spending time in."

Sophisticated Stateroom Remodel
All of Crystal Serenity's luxury accommodations received new appointments. While Crystal Penthouses were refreshed with new soft goods, Deluxe Staterooms, Penthouses, and Penthouse Suites (pictured here) were completely transformed with new, floor-to-ceiling tufted headboards, bedside cabinets, sofas, curtains, pillows and custom carpets in contemporary lines and classic stone, silk, velvet, leather and crisp linen textures. The new sofas also offer more third berths, a nice feature for Crystal's growing family clientele. Blu-ray players and flat-screen televisions were added, and new modern lighting features, plus an electronic "do not disturb" and doorbell system throughout the ship, allow guests greater personalization of their chic accommodations.

Remarkable Retail Space Re-Do
The Apropos boutique was redesigned into three dramatic shopping spaces, against a backdrop of rich Zebrano wood and herringbone rosewood, arresting black-plum-magenta carpeting and tufted leather seating. Massive sculptural aluminum screens graphically pop against gray smoked glass walls. A new area is dedicated to Christian Dior cosmetics. The Dior shop is exclusive to Crystal and is the largest of its kind that isn't land-based. Not be outshone, the Facets fine jewelry store also received a new, private sales area and a new, overall look mirroring a jewelry box, with mother-of-pearl feature wall and beveled chrome vitrines.

Perfectly Posh Pool Deck
Guests can now lounge poolside on bright lime green, azure and mango sofas , lounge chairs, and circular pod beds, a la those recently added to Crystal Symphony's pool area.

Mood Lighting and Retouched Passageways
Lighting played a major role in the Crystal Serenity redesign. Dramatic new mood lighting enhances the romance of spaces, showcases the drama of the headboards, and warms the ship corridors, which also received new, custom carpeting on the floors and engaging art work on newly-textured walls. Thoughtful attention was given to conservation as well as style.

"We were looking to balance the luxurious interiors of Crystal Serenity with saving energy," says Nick Hogget of DPA Lighting Consultants. "Like the Crystal product, even the lighting provides the guest with choices. We wanted to make sure the guest has a wonderful experience in all the different spaces."

Still to come...
Like all remodeling projects, not all materials arrived on schedule. By end of June, the spacious Penthouse and Penthouse Suite verandahs will sport new furnishings and the stateroom design will be augmented with decorative coverlets. Silk Road will also unveil new carpets and fabrics.

Giving to Those in Need
Furnishings, electronics, and accessories removed from Crystal Serenity were donated to needy communities around the world. Donations began during the ship's final, pre-dry dock voyage up the western coast of Africa when bedspreads were donated to Senegal during the ship's call there. An extensive donation plan was instituted in Hamburg, with hundreds of sofas and televisions loaded onto eight 40-foot containers, and shipped to the Salvation Army in New Jersey.

"We not only delivered a show-stopping new look for our guests' home-away-from-home, we delivered much-needed goods to those less fortunate," says Crystal Cruises' President, Gregg Michel.

Crystal Serenity emerged from dry dock to begin a series of Baltic, British Isles, and North Cape cruises. Come August, the ship sails to the Mediterranean for a variety of late summer and fall cruises.

Crystal Cruises' ethos of warm and friendly attentiveness, proffered by top-trained service staff from around the world, has earned the line a reputation for elevating hospitality to an art form with no guest request left untended. For more information, visit CrystalCruises.com.

Icelandic Volcanic Activity

Princess Cruises Statement

Iceland experienced a volcanic eruption over the weekend from the Grimsvotn volcano, and Princess Cruises is currently monitoring the impact of the resulting volcanic ash cloud. At this time there are no changes to their ships' itineraries in Europe. This is a fluid situation and if any itinerary changes become necessary they will be in contact with their passengers.

Because some flights have been affected by airport closures, Princess highly recommends passengers monitor their airlines website for the latest information on flight operations.

Norwegian Dawn Receives Major Enhancements

Norwegian Dawn is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar refurbishment while the ship is in dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas. The 2,224-passenger ship is receiving extensive renovations including the addition of 28 suites; Moderno Churrascaria, the popular Brazilian steakhouse restaurant introduced on Norwegian Epic; the relocation of the Spinnaker Lounge; and flat screen televisions in all guest and crew staterooms, along with many other updates. The ship will re-enter service on May 27, 2011 in Boston, her new seasonal homeport.

“Norwegian Dawn’s refurbishment is very similar to those enhancements made to Norwegian Star last year,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We have found Norwegian Star’s updates very well received and we expect our guests will appreciate the changes made to Norwegian Dawn as well.”

Norwegian Dawn’s refurbishment includes:

• 58 new suites and staterooms (available beginning on the Sept 16, 2011 sailing) including:
    o Four Deluxe Owner’s Suites ranging from 667-732 square feet;
    o 14 Family Suites from 408-452 square feet, most sleeping six;
    o 10 Family Suites with balcony from 409-495 square feet, most sleeping six;
    o 18 Inside staterooms.
• Moderno Churrascaria specialty restaurant (in the space previously occupied by Salsa, the Tex Mex restaurant) which features a large salad bar and tableside passadors serving a variety of skewered meats;
• Upgraded flat screen televisions in all guest and crew staterooms broadcast on a digital signal;
• Relocation and total renovation of the Gift Shop, Art Gallery, Photo Gallery, Conference Center, Spinnaker Lounge and Blue Lagoon Restaurant;
• Enhancements to the Dawn Club Casino including new layout, fixed furniture and carpet;
• Complete renovation of the Kid’s Crew and Teen Club to offer a more versatile layout and cater to the range of children’s ages and interests. Updates include new game systems, activities and sound and light. There will also be a room dedicated for the Under 2 Zoo where parents can accompany their children under two and enjoy age appropriate activities;
• Aesthetic improvements in the Fitness area and Garden Café;
• Atrium Lobby refresh including new furniture in Java Café and plant replacement;
• Complete refurbishment of crew dining and recreation areas.

Technical modifications include the replacement of one engine, as well as preventative maintenance, removal and replacing of both bearings on the port and starboard azipods; application of a new hull coating; and an upgrade to the hot temperature regulation which will reduce energy consumption.

Beginning on May 27, 2011, Norwegian Dawn will sail a series of 7-day Bermuda itineraries departing from Boston every Friday with three days in Bermuda through Oct 21, 2011, followed by a 2-night cruise on Oct 28, 2011. The ship will reposition to Miami and begin sailing 10 and 11-day Southern Caribbean itineraries through April 8, 2012.

Norwegian Dawn is the second of three Freestyle Cruising ships scheduled for improvements this year. Norwegian Sun completed her dry dock renovations in March and Norwegian Spirit will enter dry dock on Sept 26, 2011. For more information, visit NCL.com or contact Norwegian Cruise Line at 866-234-7350.

New Review: Cruises on Crystal Still Sparkle

Robert W. Bone's affinity for Crystal Cruises began over two decades ago and he still feels that there's a special sparkle about a Crystal cruise, almost making it seem like a multifaceted jewel sailing the high seas.

Sail along on Crystal Symphony and see why.

Author of several guidebooks, Robert W. Bone now lives near San Francisco.

Photo © Robert W. Bone

Cruise News From Cruise News Daily

While Cruise Diva was on cruises in Europe the past three weeks we kept up with the cruise industry news via Cruise News Daily's You Tube channel. This week they have news about an electrical failure on MSC Opera, the sale of Windstar Cruises, Holland America's Rotterdam, NOAA's hurricane prediction, MSC Musica, P-and-O Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line's Disney Fantasy.

Additional headlines and links mentioned in the video are on the Cruise News Daily website.

Take a Look at Carnival Breeze’s Colorful New Staterooms

One of the first things we do when embarking on a new ship is stow our carry ons and grab a camera for a few shots of our stateroom. That’s what we did when we boarded Carnival Magic a couple weeks ago and we shared a photo here on the blog at Carnival Magic: Home Away From Home. Interestingly, the immediate feedback from a reader asked the question, "Is that your actual cabin?" Yes, it was, although the decor on Carnival Magic was essentially similar to her sister-ship Carnival Dream and some earlier fleetmates.

That’s a question that won’t be asked when Carnival’s newest “Fun Ship,” Carnival Breeze, debuts in June 2012. Carnival Breeze is introducing Caribbean-inspired interiors and staterooms that take their cue from the region’s cool island breezes and warm tropical sunsets. As illustrated in these images, Carnival Breeze’s staterooms offer a distinctive island-inspired design theme offering a dramatic combination of bright colors and soothing pastel hues, with iconic images of palm trees and other tropical elements adorning hallway corridors. Contemporary furnishings and light fixtures enhance the stylish atmosphere. Illustrations here are (from top to bottom) a Balcony Stateroom, Premium Vista Balcony Stateroom, and a Grand Suite.

Aside from a colorful new interior design, Carnival Breeze will sport popular “Fun Ship” features such as the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub, the action-packed SportSquare recreation complex, Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant, a wrap-around open-air promenade called The Lanai with whirlpools that extend over the ship’s sides, the expansive WaterWorks aqua park, and Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue.

More stateroom renderings, as well as images of Carnival Breeze’s many features and facilities, are showcased on a special web page at Carnival.com/Breeze and even more features unique to Carnival Breeze will be announced in the near future. Carnival Breeze is scheduled to enter service June 3, 2012 with a special one-time voyage from Venice to Barcelona, positioning the vessel for a summer schedule of 12-day Mediterranean voyages through Oct 25, 2012. Following a 15-transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Miami, Carnival Breeze will launch year-round 6- and 8-day Caribbean cruises from Miami Nov 24, 2012.

Disney Cruise Line Unveils New Disney Fantasy Guest Experiences

Disney Fantasy, the new Disney Cruise Line ship set to debut next spring, will bring to life many of the innovative features guests love on the recently launched Disney Dream including AquaDuck, the world’s first shipboard water coaster. But new design elements and guest experiences will give the Fantasy an identity all its own. That’s an artist rendering of the stunning atrium lobby pictured here.

The Disney Fantasy is the second of two newly designed Disney Cruise Line ships that take the family cruise experience to new heights. Sister ship to the Disney Dream, which entered service in January 2011, the 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will sail week-long Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, with its maiden voyage scheduled for March 31, 2012.

“Animation Magic” at Animator’s Palate
Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy brings the magic of Disney animation into the dining room with a new show called “Animation Magic.” The dinner show celebrates the magic of Disney animation and allows families to create and participate in a whole new way. As guests are seated at their tables, they are invited to draw a character of their own using a simple template on their placemat. Then, just before dinner, house lights dim and a sprinkling of pixie dust illuminates the room. Imagery is revealed on several large monitors showing animated, black and white drawings of Mickey Mouse. Mickey then places the Sorcerer’s hat upon his head which transforms him, as well as all of the other pencil drawings shown throughout the room, from black and white to color.

Europa Nighttime Entertainment District
Aboard Disney Fantasy, adult guests step into a world that’s all their own at Europa, a nighttime entertainment district exclusively for guests 18 and older that features sophisticated bars and trendy lounges inspired by the very best in European travel.

■ La Piazza is a lounge that draws inspiration from Italian cities and their decorative outdoor plazas. The bar is modeled after a colorful vintage carousel. Venetian masks, romantic couples’ booths and a classic Vespa with a sidecar add Italian flair.
■ Skyline is a chic bar that provides ever-changing birds-eye views of stunning European city skylines that transform from day to night. Skyline’s “windows to the world” give guests a glimpse of spectacular locales in panorama such as Paris, London, Barcelona, Athens and St. Petersburg.
■ O’Gill’s Pub is a rollicking Irish bar with modern-day twists. Dark woods, brass accents and a selection of Irish beers create the perfect pub atmosphere where guests can sip a pint while watching live sporting events on one of several high-definition televisions.
■ Ooh La La is inspired by an elegant French boudoir adorned with velvet tufted walls, Victorian furniture and Louis XIV-style chaise lounges. A sensuous color palette is accented with ornate framed mirrors, gold details and a “jewel box” feature bar backed with sparkling diamond-like facets.
■ The Tube transports guests to a vibrant metropolitan club via the London Underground. Guests “mind the gap” as they walk across a Tube route map, lounge among mod furniture, pose by a red English phone booth, dance atop an illuminated Union Jack dance floor and enjoy cocktails at a bar inspired by Big Ben and London’s many train stations.

“Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular”
A new ship means new main stage entertainment at the 1,340-seat Walt Disney Theatre. New to Disney Cruise Line, “Disney’s Aladdin, A Musical Spectacular” takes the stage on Disney Fantasy. During this Broadway-style production, guests laugh along with the wise-cracking Genie and the cast from the classic animated Disney film, “Aladdin.”

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
At Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the Disney Fantasy, aspiring young princesses and pirates receive the full fairy tale treatment with pixie-dusted and piratical makeovers at this very special salon. When young princesses-to-be make their royal entrance at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, they are greeted by their very own Fairy Godmother-in-training who transform them with magical makeovers such as the Disney Diva (sounds like that one is ideal for the Cruise Diva), the Pop Princess, or the Fairy Tale Princess. A variety of royal treatment packages include combinations of hairstyle, shimmering makeup, and nails. Princess costumes, complete with crown, wand and shoes also are available. On pirate party nights aboard the Disney Fantasy, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique transforms into the Pirate’s League, where swashbuckling boys, girls and grownups can get ready for the pirate life.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit DisneyCruise.com or join Cruise Diva for a look around Disney Dream, where there's something for Mousketeers of all ages.

Image Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Where's Cruise Diva? Just Home From Silver Spirit

Six ships. Seven continents. Infinite possibilities. Come away with Silversea on a virtual voyage and discover an experience beyond the boundaries of traditional and expected. From uncompromising service to the luxurious freedom of an all-inclusive lifestyle, Silversea has perfected the art of travel. Savour multiple restaurants, the flexibility of open-seating dining, and exquisite gourmet meals with menu selections inspired by the Grands Chefs Relais & Châteaux. All accommodations are sumptuous ocean-view suites, most have private verandas, and all offer the ultimate travel luxury of professional butler service.

Silversea ships are exceptionally spacious with plenty of quiet corners and inviting lounges for socialising with like-minded fellow guests from around the globe who foster a convivial, cosmopolitan ambience. Upon arriving in each fascinating destination, Silversea truly shines with exclusive excursions and personalised touches for the most memorable of shoreside experiences.

I love this video, which includes a virtual "tour" of the Royal Suite we just enjoyed on Silver Spirit. We loved our cruise from Barcelona to Southampton and I hope you enjoy this peek into the suite life as much as we did while on board.

“Sea-lebrating” Special Occasions

Come along as Georgina Cruz and her husband Humberto mark the 40th anniversary of when they met by taking what they like to call a “sea-lebration” – a cruise instead of a big party or other way of celebrating. This time, for their “sea-lebration,” they selected two of their all-time favorite things in the world: Silversea’s Silver Spirit and a Mediterranean cruise itinerary sailing from Athens to Barcelona.

Unfortunately, when Cruise Diva and her husband Mel boarded Silver Spirit in Barcelona, our friends Georgina and Humberto had already disembarked for an early flight, but we’ve shared many of the same experiences on board and hope you will enjoy them as well.

Photo © CruiseDiva.com

Silver Spirit: Dining Delights

From the extensive room service breakfast menu to casual lunches at the pool grill and open seating dinner in The Restaurant, dining aboard Silver Spirit is an exceptional experience.

The day begins at the Coffee Corner in the Panorama Lounge and is followed by breakfast and lunch in The Restaurant and La Terrazza buffet. Afternoon tea is served in La Terrazza and canapés are offered before dinner in the Main Bar and the Panorama Lounge. In addition to dinner in The Restaurant, alternatives by reservation include regional Italian dinners in La Terrazza, Asian Degustation in Seishin, the Relais and Chateaux dining experience in Le Champagne, and “foodatainment” in Stars where bite-sized portions of dishes inspired by Silver Spirit’s ports are accompanied by cool jazz.

A final dinner option is my favorite—pictured above, The Grill Dinner is served al fresco on the pool deck where guests grill their own entrées on super heated volcanic rock, choosing from a variety of steak cuts, pork, veal, fish, or prawns. I’m not terribly talented in the kitchen, but one thing I do well is grill and this dining experience is now one of my favorites at sea.

While food is available at any time, I appreciate the portion sizes we’ve been served—none have been overwhelming—and the attention to preparation and service has been superb.

Photo © CruiseDiva.com