Cruise News: Norwegian Breakaway’s Hull Artwork by Artist Peter Max Unveiled

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed Norwegian Breakaway’s signature hull artwork designed by pop icon and America’s most popular living artist, Peter Max.

This is the first time Norwegian has commissioned a well-known artist to paint the hull artwork on one of its ships. Launching in April 2013, Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest ship to homeport in New York City year-round. Max’s signature artwork will cover approximately 40,000 square feet of Norwegian Breakaway’s hull.

“While it has been an honor to have my art exhibited in museums and galleries, I have also enjoyed creating giant ‘canvases’ for public view, including my 600 ft. Woodstock stage, a giant World’s Fair mural, the body of a Continental 777 super jet, and now, the hull of Norwegian Breakaway,” said Peter Max from his New York studio. “The artwork is a composite of New York City and cosmic imagery—the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, a giant sunburst, planets, stars, and musical notes. That’s my New York! And now Norwegian Breakaway is my New York cruise ship ‘canvas.’”

“Norwegian Breakaway is New York’s ship and this colorful artwork by Peter Max will make the ship an instant icon,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “The Big Apple is known for its love of art and its many galleries—and now, Norwegian Breakaway becomes a floating piece of art that will cruise in and dock every Saturday on New York’s West Side. With this distinctive design, unlike anything else on the water, the ship will be recognizable to the millions of New Yorkers who will see her as she journeys up and down the Hudson River each week.”

Peter Max
With paintings on exhibition in hundreds of museums and galleries worldwide, Max and his vibrant colors have become part of the fabric of contemporary culture. Max has been successively called a Pop Icon, Neo Fauvist, Abstract Expressionist and the United States’ "Painter Laureate." Max has achieved his place in history having painted for various Heads of State, including six U.S. Presidents. From art that appeared on the first U.S. 10-cent stamp bearing the title “Preserve the Environment,” to 235 U.S. Border murals greeting millions of people entering America each year, Peter Max seeks to capture themes of America at its finest in his art.

He has a long-standing career as the preeminent Pop artist in America. His art has appeared on a Continental Boeing 777 jumbo jet; a 600-foot stage for the Woodstock Music Festival; the covers of Verizon's New York City yellow and white pages; and a giant mural unveiled at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Max has also been designated Official Artist of five Super Bowls, six Grammy Awards, World Cup USA, The World Series, the United Nations Earth Summit, and numerous other events. Max was honored at the Jefferson Awards with an award for his lifetime dedication to America, and its charitable causes.

Norwegian Breakaway
The 4,000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round homeport of New York City in early May 2013. The ship will begin weekly summer 7-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013. From October 2013 through April 2014, New York’s ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida and the Southern Caribbean.

To date, the company has revealed the ship’s groundbreaking design, including The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean. Norwegian Breakaway’s entertainment will include three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS and DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY. The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York’s own Slam Allen will also perform on the vessel. Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian.

The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; the re-introduction of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.

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

· Norwegian Cruise Line Begins “Project Breakaway” Reveal
· Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces “The Haven”
· “The Haven” by Norwegian: Posh Accommodations For Project Breakaway
· Norwegian Breaks Out More Project Breakaway Accommodations
· Innovative Spaces Planned For Norwegian’s Norwegian Breakaway
· Norwegian Breakaway Is Set To Be A Teen-Pleaser
· Dining and Entertainment Options for Norwegian Breakaway

Images Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Lines’ Ships Meet Up In Nassau

Fun Photo of the Day

Ship sightings are always fun and this recent meeting of Carnival “Fun Ships,” the Carnival Sensation, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Liberty, and Carnival Fantasy docked in Nassau is quadruple the fun.

Carnival tells us that the four ships, which are easily distinguished by their red-white-and-blue winged funnels, brought more than 11,500 visitors to the Bahamian capital for the day, providing their passengers an opportunity to visit the city’s great shopping and interesting historical landmarks, as well as the beautiful beaches nearby.

Photo by: Carnival Sensation Photo Manager Ankur Sultania

Royal Caribbean Expands Features on Labadee

Cruise Line private islands are wonderful destinations and in the case of Royal Caribbean’s Labadee, it just keeps getting better.

One of the more recent additions to private islands are private beachside cabanas available for rent. In addition to privacy and a place to relax out of the sun, they might also come with amenities to make the day even more laid back. Royal Caribbean reports that the cabanas in Labadee, their private beach destination in Haiti, have been so popular that they have added more of them.

The initial offering at Barefoot Beach club was 20 cabanas and the cruise line is in the process of completing four more over the water cabanas there. In addition to regular and over the water cabanas, they also offer three cabanas that are wheelchair accessible (by using the beach wheelchairs provided). In addition, there are 16 new cabanas at Nellie’s Beach, making a total of 40 cabanas available for rental at Labadee. Included inthe rental fee are two floating beach mats, an upgraded lunch buffet, beach towels, and the service of a personal cabana attendant.

Also new at Labadee is a 300-foot custom built stainless steel salt water Dragon’s Splash Waterslide located at Columbus beach close to the Arawak Aqua Park. The slide officially opened on July 9th when Oasis of the Seas called at Labadee.

Image: Royal Caribbean International

Cruise News: New Evidence Shows Princess Cruises Did Not Fail to Rescue Adrift Fishermen

It isn't uncommon for cruise ships to deviate from their schedules routes to perform rescues at sea, so when Princess Cruises’ Star Princess was accused of failing to come to the aid of a small fishing vessel in distress earlier this year, it came as a surprise to most industry watchers. However, recently discovered video footage of a rescue at sea of a small boat adrift for nearly a month in the Pacific Ocean seems to conclusively confirm that the adrift boat, the Fifty Cent, was not the small boat spotted and photographed by three Princess passengers several weeks earlier. The story, which broke last April, received extensive press coverage with Princess and the ship’s captain widely criticized for not coming to the rescue of the men onboard, two of whom subsequently died.

Princess has been sued six times by the survivor and relatives of fishermen on the adrift boat. The lawsuits claim the cruise ship Star Princess passed within several miles of the Fifty Cent, but failed to rescue them despite three cruise ship passengers spotting them and reporting they saw a boat that might be in distress. The ship’s bridge staff did not see signs of distress and therefore did not stop or notify the ship’s captain.

The Princess passengers, a group of bird watchers with sophisticated telescopic camera equipment, photographed the small boat they had spotted. Their photos depict a small white boat similar to Panga boats used by local fishermen in Central America. In contrast, the video footage of the Fifty Cent’s rescue shows a markedly different boat.

Princess had the newly discovered video and the original bird watchers’ photos analyzed by Michael Snyder, a retired photo analyst and photogrammetry expert from NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Mr. Snyder concluded that “the small boat photographed by the passengers onboard Star Princess is clearly not the small boat called Fifty Cent that Adrian Vasquez was found adrift on.”

The graphic below compares the Fifty Cent and the boat photographed by Princess passengers.

Princess began searching for photographs or video of the Fifty Cent after hearing recorded statements by plaintiff Adrian Vasquez that were inconsistent with his allegation that Star Princess had passed him by, and which were also inconsistent with the bird watchers’ reported sighting. The captain of the fishing boat that rescued Vasquez has provided a sworn statement confirming that Vasquez gave a detailed account of his ordeal at the time he was rescued, but never mentioned any cruise ship passing him by.

Further supporting the fact that Star Princess did not cross paths with the Fifty Cent is a drift analysis which charted the movement of the two vessels taking into account ocean current, wind and wave data. Conducted by Weather Routing, Inc., a private meteorological consulting firm, the analysis concluded "that it is not likely the boat sighted by the guest passengers was the same boat rescued on March 23rd and identified as the Fifty Cent."

“While this remains a tragic story, we are gratified to have scientific confirmation that Star Princess was never in the vicinity of the adrift boat and that the boat photographed by our passengers was not the adrift Fifty Cent,” said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. “Nevertheless, we have used this as a valuable learning opportunity and have strengthened our bridge reporting procedures to ensure that all messages of concern from passengers or crew are carefully evaluated by our senior bridge officers.”

According to Princess, the ship’s captain, Edward Perrin, had been devastated by allegations his ship might have ignored a vessel in distress. Ironically, Captain Perrin was praised last month by Canadian authorities after his ship diverted to act as a wind block assisting Canadian authorities in a dramatic helicopter rescue of two sailors from a boat that was floundering in stormy conditions off the coast of British Columbia. Princess ships have come to the aid of persons or ships in distress more than 30 times in the past decade and it is fairly common for Princess ships to divert to render aid when they receive distress calls.

Princess Cruises has demanded the lawsuits be immediately dismissed and has offered to waive its right to seek recovery of legal costs,citing sympathy for the victims of the Fifty Cent’s ordeal. Video footage of Adrian Vasquez aboard the fishing boat that rescued him, and his boat Fifty Cent can be seen below.

Image and video courtesy of Princess Cruises

A Fresh Look At Puerta Maya Cruise Center

Before your next Western Caribbean cruise that includes a port call in Cozumel, Mexico, take a look at the web site for the Puerta Maya Cruise Center. Redesigned with a greater variety of videos, images, and information, it now provides cruisers with an at-a-glance look at the facility that serves as a gateway to one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations.

Web site enhancements include an updated news and events section, a media gallery, a listing of available shore excursions, a live web cam, a monthly ship schedule, and up-to-the-minute weather reports. Also detailed in the site are the wide variety of on-site shopping and dining options, which include more than 50 different retail outlets offering apparel, artwork, and other merchandise, along with stand-alone carts with locally produced crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy several waterfront restaurants and watering holes, including Tres Amigos, Pancho’s Backyard, and Fat Tuesday.

Hosting an estimated 1.2 million cruise visitors annually, the Puerta Maya Cruise Center is located on the southwestern part of Cozumel, approximately five miles south of San Miguel, the island’s largest city.

Cruise News: Port of New Orleans Opens Today

Update From Carnival Cruise Lines

CARNIVAL ELATION 08/31/12 - 3-DAY DEPARTURE:
FUNtastic news! The Port of New Orleans will reopen early this morning.

Due to the time required to transit the Mississippi River, the ship will be alongside in the afternoon. We’ll be busy saying good bye to our disembarking guests, so check in for your 3 day Fun Cruise @ Sea will now take place between 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, August 31, 2012 at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal.

So join us for three days of unforgettable fun and receive:

- 50% refund of your cruise fare (refunded within the next 2 weeks)
- 25% future cruise discount on a 3-5 day Carnival cruise (restrictions apply)
- Gratuities will be adjusted to reflect the shortened voyage
- Shore excursions purchased for Cozumel, as well as, the government fees and taxes, will be automatically refunded to your Sail and Sign account

Refunds will not be provided for flight changes, hotel accommodations, meals, transfers, or other incidental costs. However, guests who purchased Carnival’s Vacation Protection Plan should check their plan for reimbursement considerations.

Guests who purchased flights with Carnival's FlyAweigh program will automatically have their flights adjusted to the new day and time. You will be notified of your new flights by our Travel Services department. Guests with independent flight arrangements, please adjust your travel plans accordingly.

We certainly hope you’ll sail with us but if you elect to cancel, please contact 1-800-CARNIVAL to request your future cruise credit.

To stay up to date, if you have not done so already, please sign up for text updates by texting CCL1 to CRUISE (278473).

Once again, we are sorry the weather has caused a delay in getting your fun started. Rest assured, once you step on board, we'll waste no time in getting it going!

See you soon!

An Olympic Champion, Guest Musicians & More Jazz Up Crystal's South Pacific Voyage

When Crystal Cruises' Crystal Symphony sets out on her November 25th South Pacific voyage, she'll groove to the energetic beat of live jazz performances and host a diverse list of lecture topics.

From Los Angeles to Hawaii and French Polynesia, a host of prolific guest musicians will treat sea-goers to daily live music, ranging from ragtime to swing, while Louis Zamperini, Olympic champion and subject of the bestseller Unbroken; American musical theater author Herb Keyser; Clint Van Zandt, former Chief Hostage Negotiator and "Silence of the Lambs"-style profiler for the FBI; and General Nick Halley will also be aboard to rivet audiences as Crystal Visions Enrichment guest speakers. Also just added to the rich lineup is Discovery Channel and National Geographic "Storm Chaser," Tim Samaras.

Clarinetist Pieter Meijers is set to lead a jazz ensemble of percussionist Eddie Metz; trumpeter, pianist and banjo player Randy Morris; keyboardist and vocalist Tom Hook; bassist and vocalist Nicki Parrott; and vocalist Rebecca Kilgore, thanks to jazz aficionados, Jazzdagen Tours.

Crystal Symphony's recently redesigned lounges, nightclubs, and theaters will also be bustling with full stage productions like new show Diva, solo headliners like comedian Dale Gonyea, lively piano tunes in the Avenue Saloon, dance hits in Luxe, "Magic Castle at Sea" magic shows, and much more.

"While cruise insiders know that Crystal always sparkles on days at sea, this lineup of great jazz music, fascinating speakers, and breathtaking destinations is particularly stellar," says Bret Bullock, vice president of entertainment.

Departing from Los Angeles, the 13-day luxury cruise overnights in Honolulu, Hawaii and visits Moorea, Society Islands en route to another overnight in Papeete, Tahiti.

Image Courtesy of Crystal Cruises

Cruise News: Carnival Offers 8/30 Cruise Departure Options & Shifts Operations to Mobile As The Port of New Orleans Remains Closed

Carnival Cruise Line Statement

We are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Isaac and keeping in close contact with port officials.

CARNIVAL ELATION – 8/25/12 DEPARTURE
Officials at the Port of New Orleans have informed us the Mississippi River remains closed to ship traffic. Since it is uncertain when the river will reopen, the Carnival Elation will now proceed to the Port of Mobile. Weather permitting, debark will take place on Friday morning. Guests will be bused back to New Orleans.

CARNIVAL ELATION 8/30 DEPARTURE
Our scheduled 4-day cruise will be shortened to a 3-day Fun Cruise @ Sea departing on Friday, August 31, 2012. Please proceed to the Port of New Orleans and plan to arrive between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Friday. The parking garage at the port will be open. Busses will take guests and their luggage to Mobile.

We sincerely apologize for this disruption to your cruise. Here are your options. Sail with us and receive a:

- 50% refund of your cruise fare (refunded within the next 2 weeks)
- 25% future 3-5 day cruise discount (restrictions apply)
- Gratuities will be adjusted
- Refund of government fees and taxes
- Refunds will not be provided for flight changes, hotel accommodations, meals, transfers, or other incidental costs

Should you wish to cancel or reschedule, please contact 1-800-CARNIVAL to request your future cruise credit. Guests who purchased flights with Carnival’s FlyAweigh program will automatically have their flights adjusted to the new day and time. You will be notified of your new flights by our Travel Services department. Guests with independent flight arrangements, please adjust your travel plans accordingly.

To stay up to date on any changes, we encourage you to sign up for text alerts by texting CCL1 to CRUISE (278473). If you have already done so during your online check-in, you will automatically receive updates.

At the moment, there are no changes expected for any other sailings departing on or after Thursday, August 30, 2012. In the event we need to make a deviation to a future itinerary, we will update our guests. Once again, we’re very sorry that Mother Nature did not cooperate with our plans. However, we’re confident you’ll have loads of fun on board.

Carnival Cruise Lines Tests "My Awesome Bar Program"

Earlier this month Carnival Cruise Lines began testing a new all-inclusive beverage program aboard Carnival Victory that went into play on the ship's August 5th departure.

Dubbed "My Awesome Bar Program," participating guests can imbibe in a wide variety of wine, beer frozen cocktails,, and spirits, along with sodas and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails, throughout their cruise at one convenient, flat rate. All wines by the glass, beer and individual cocktails priced $10 and lower are available within the program. Full bottles of wine and champagne, as well as wines by the glass, beers, and individual cocktails priced above $10, are available at a 25 percent discount.

Guests can sign up for the "My Awesome Bar Program" at Carnival Victory's atrium and casino bars, as well as a bar within the main pool area. To preclude 'sharing' of drinks with your cabin mate, each guest aged 21 years and over booked in the same stateroom must purchase the beverage package. Guests must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol on Carnival ships.

The cost for the program is $42.95 per person per day, plus a 15 percent gratuity. There's no word on the length of the testing period, but assuming all goes well and the package is wildly popular, we could see the program offered fleetwide. Or not. For two adults sharing a cabin, the bar bill for a one-week cruise would be an awesome $700.

Cruise News: Princess Cruises' Next New Ship Will Be Named Regal Princess

Regal Princess' Keel is Laid

Princess Cruises marked the beginning of construction of the second of its new generation of ships with the official keel laying ceremony yesterday at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. At the same time the line announced that the ship’s name will be Regal Princess. The vessel, a sister ship to Royal Princess, will debut in Spring 2014. The company and shipyard officials started the countdown to the ship’s launch today as the keel, the bottommost part of the ship, was ceremoniously lowered into position in the building dock.

“Just as Royal Princess was named after one of our iconic early vessels, Regal Princess also takes a name from our past that we think is well suited for this spectacular ship,” said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. “Today’s keel laying is an exciting event as it marks a key milestone in our newbuilding program.”

Following a traditional blessing by a priest, the ship’s keel, which weighs approximately 500 tons, was moved into position by a huge crane onto the keel blocks. The computer-guided maneuver took only minutes, belying the more than 2 million man hours that will ultimately go into building the vessel. The 3,600-passenger, 141,000-ton ship will remain in the building dock until its float-out next summer.

Regal Princess will offer many of the same special features as Royal Princess, which debuts in June 2013. Among these are a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms. More information and video previews of Royal Princess are available at the Princess Cruises website. Additional details including schedules and itineraries for Regal Princess will be announced next year.

The original Regal Princess, launched in 1991 (pictured at right) was a controversial design created by one of the world’s most gifted and daring architects, Renzo Piano. Suggestive of a dolphin’s silhouette, the domed observation lounge of the 70,000-ton ship housed a unique entertainment complex that included the casino, a bar, and a dance floor. Nearly 25% of her accommodations offered what was to become a Princess Cruises hallmark—affordable balconies.

Images Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Cruise News: Hurricane Isaac & the Port of New Orleans

Carnival Cruise Line Statement

CARNIVAL ELATION - 8/30/12 DEPARTURE

We are closely monitoring the effects of Hurricane Isaac.

Hurricane Isaac is expected to make landfall off the coast of Louisiana later this evening. Local officials have informed us the Mississippi River is currently closed to ship traffic and may cause a delay in our return to New Orleans on Thursday.

To stay up to date on any changes that may affect our departure, port closures, and weather updates, we encourage you to sign up for text alerts by texting CCL1 to CRUISE (278473). If you have already done so during your online check-in, you will automatically receive updates.

We will continue monitor the situation and provide you an update on any new developments. Rest assured, the safety and comfort of our guests and crew is our number one priority. We will operate all of our ships at a safe distance from the storm at all times.

At the moment, there are no changes expected for any other sailings departing on or after Wednesday, August 29, 2012. In the event we need to make a deviation to a future itinerary, we will update our guests. We will continue monitor the situation and provide you an update on any new developments.

Cruise News: Isaac Heads For Gulf Coast & Port of New Orleans Closes

As Isaac takes aim at the U.S. Gulf Coast, there has been no evacuation ordered for the city of New Orleans, but the Port of New Orleans closed yesterday afternoon.

At this time the Port’s cruise operations have not been affected by the storm. Last weekend Carnival Conquest departed Sunday as scheduled and is due back on Sunday, Sept. 2nd. Carnival Elation is scheduled to arrive Thursday at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal.

More information will be available immediately after the storm passes when the Coast Guard evaluates all waterways to determine when the river will be reopened for safe transit.

Travel Guard North America Providing Free Assistance Services to U.S. & Canadian Travelers Affected by Tropical Storm Isaac

As Tropical Storm Isaac continues on its path through the Gulf of Mexico, Travel Guard North America® has announced that it will provide emergency travel and medical assistance services free to all U.S. and Canadian travelers and their families affected by the storm. Travel Guard’s free services offer travelers emergency travel assistance such as flight rebooking, hotel booking, emergency cash coordination and message relay, as well as emergency medical assistance including referrals, access to air ambulance and medical providers and more.

Travelers and their families seeking Travel Guard’s assistance services can reach the company directly by calling (866) 644-6811. Travel Guard has experienced a considerable increase in call volume over the past several days and has already assisted a number of its customers with rescheduling flights and other travel arrangements.

Though Tropical Storm Isaac has not yet been named a hurricane, the threat that it poses to the U.S. Gulf Coast may be imminent and being prepared is a necessity.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) recently changed its hurricane outlook for 2012, projecting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season due to El Niño. For those planning to travel during this time, purchasing a travel insurance plan can provide helpful assistance in the event of a travel disruption or emergency, as well as reimbursement for losses due to covered reasons. Travelers should keep in mind that, even if their final destination is not affected by a hurricane, they may still experience trip disruptions due to hurricane-related airline delays and cancellations.

“Tropical storm and hurricane rumblings should encourage travelers to plan carefully for their next trip. Keeping travel interruptions top of mind, such as a hurricane or tropical storm, is always a best practice before you begin your travels,” said Carol Mueller, Vice President at Travel Guard. “Tropical Storm Isaac is a reminder that inclement weather can arise and change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared.”

Travel Guard’s assistance service centers have access to the most current information regarding airline flight schedules, can act as emergency travel counselors and are prepared to help travelers with alternative travel solutions. For more information about Travel Guard, travelers can talk to their travel agent, visit TravelGuard.com or call Travel Guard’s World Service Center at 1.800.826.1300.

Port of Miami Reopens & Other Cruise Ship Departure Updates

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES STATMENT

CARNIVAL VALOR and CARNIVAL IMAGINATION – 8/27/12 DEPARTURE
Good news! The Port of Miami has reopened. Check-in is set from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. Due to limited seating, please do not proceed to the cruise terminal any earlier than 8:00 PM. We’ve secured the Doubletree Convention Center in the event you need a place to wait. 711 N.W. 72nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33126, Phone# 305-261-3800. Also, enjoy dinner on us tonight. We will post a $25 per person credit to your Sail & Sign account.

We’re sorry for the delay and are looking forward to welcoming you on board.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL STATEMENT

ALLURE OF THE SEAS
Due to Tropical Storm Isaac, Allure of the Seas’ next sailing will now begin tomorrow, Tuesday, August 28. We ask that guests who are scheduled to sail on Allure of the Season Sunday, August 26, not arrive at the port until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 28. We kindly ask that guests come to the terminal between 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28, for check-in and boarding.

Regrettably, the delayed departure will have an impact on the scheduled itinerary. Allure of the Seas will now spend Wednesday, August 29, at sea, call to Cozumel, Mexico, on Thursday, August 30, spend Friday, August 31, at sea, and Nassau, Bahamas, on Saturday, September 1.

If you are sailing on Allure of the Seas’ next sailing and you feel you will not be able to arrive on Tuesday, please call us at 888-829-4050 in the U.S., and 408-926-9002 internationally.

MAJESTY OF THE SEAS
The Port of Miami closed at 11:00 p.m. Friday evening and as of 11:00 a.m. on Monday had not yet reopened. Because of this, Majesty of the Seas' boarding today was selayed. Boarding will now start at 7:30 p.m. today. Guests can begin arriving at 7:30 p.m. and should arrive no later than 9:30 p.m.

Majesty of the Seas will call on Nassau, Bahamas, on Tuesday, August 27, as scheduled. However, the arrival time in Nassau may be impacted by the later departure. More information will be provided to guests once they board the ship.

MONARCH OF THE SEAS
Boarding for Monarch of the Seas began at 1:00 p.m. today, as scheduled. Monarch of the Seas will spend Wednesday, August 29, at sea, and call to CocoCay, Bahamas, on Thursday, August 30.

Cunard Offers Insights Into The Elusive Greta Garbo

Garbo is probably best remembered for her reclusive (I vant to be alone) persona, but she will always be hailed as Hollywood’s “First Modern Woman,” Garbo’s timeless appeal spans the eras of both silent and talking films. Regarded for her striking beauty and style, the four-time Academy Award® nominee is best known for her classic roles in “Anna Karenina,” “The Temptress,” “The Kiss” and “Grand Hotel.”

Cunard Line guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the famed actress, as well as view and purchase her rarely before seen personal items during Queen Mary 2’s November 20, 2012 Transatlantic Crossing. In addition, during the voyage, Garbo’s great nephew, Derek Reisfield, will headline Cunard's on board enrichment program, Cunard Insights, where he will provide a personal account of her life and iconic Hollywood career.

The on board auction and display will give guests an exclusive preview of Julien’s December 2012 Garbo auction event in Beverly Hills, and will feature several of her most photographed belongings, including her iconic cashmere turtleneck and vintage umbrella, used to shield herself from paparazzi. Relics from Garbo’s world travels, including her vintage Louis Vuitton suitcase, travel watch and a luggage tag bearing her travel alias, will also be displayed for guests’ viewing.

During his guest lectures for Cunard Insights, Derek Reisfield will recall personal stories from the actress’ life, which he experienced during his weekly, childhood gatherings with her. Topics will also include career highlights, Garbo’s personal relationships with dignitaries and celebrities such as President John F. Kennedy, Sir Winston Churchill and William Randolph Hearst, and will highlight her lesser-known historical contributions to American and British military intelligence during World War II.

“We are pleased to partner with Julien’s Auctions who, along with the Garbo Family, are graciously providing our guests exclusive access to some of Garbo’s prized possessions,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “A highlight of any Cunard voyage is our Insights program, and we are delighted to offer such a personal account of Garbo’s legacy to Hollywood and to the rest of the world.”

For more than 170 years, Cunard Line’s Transatlantic Crossing has appealed to a broad range of sophisticated travelers with a love of glamour, elegance and tradition. Each Crossing features a series of Royal Nights—themed balls held in the Queens Room—the largest dance floor at sea; and each evening, the Royal Court Theatre presents West End-style musical revues and guest performers. For more information about Queen Mary 2, visit Cunard.com

Image Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cruise News Update: Tropical Storm Isaac Disrupts Cruise Arrivals/Departures/Itineraries

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
UPDATED STATEMENT

ALLURE OF THE SEAS

No change from yesterday’s statement, which is here.

MAJESTY OF THE SEAS

The Port of Miami closed at 11:00 p.m. yesterday evening and plans to reopen on Monday, August 27. Because of this, Majesty of the Seas’ boarding on Monday will be delayed. Boarding will now start on Monday at 5:00 p.m. Guests can begin arriving at 5:00 p.m. and should arrive no later than 8:00 p.m.

Majesty of the Seas will call on Nassau, Bahamas, on Tuesday, August 27, as scheduled. However, the arrival time in Nassau may be impacted by the later departure. More information will be provided to guests once they board the ship.

We encourage guests sailing Majesty of the Seas continue to monitor the Royal Caribbean website for any additional updates.

MONARCH OF THE SEAS

Boarding for Monarch of the Seas will begin at 1:00 p.m., as scheduled. Monarch of the Seas will spend Wednesday, August 29, at sea, and call to CocoCay, Bahamas, on Thursday, August 30.

However, we suggest that guests sailing on Monarch of the Seas on Monday, August 27, continue to monitor the Royal Caribbean website for any additional updates.

If you have not done so already, we strongly suggest guests complete their online check-in as soon as possible, including the section on your preferred method of contact while traveling. You can access online check-in at royalcaribbean.com/onlinecheckin.

Chair Hogs Beware

Peak time on the Pool Deck

A sight you're likely to encounter on almost any ship is rows of poolside lounge chairs with towels and personal items on them, but no people. That's the scourge of the Chair Hogs, those passengers who arise before dawn and set about 'saving' loungers in prime territory. After depositing their belongings, they wander off to breakfast or even go back to bed content in the knowledge that they've beaten everyone else to the best chair by the pool.

That practice has always been frowned upon and passengers are warned not to practice chair saving. However, until now, nothing much has been done about the situation. That's changing for the better and cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Lines are taking measures to prevent it. When pool attendants notice a chair occupied only by a towel and and other stuff, they put a warning note on it with the current time. After an allotted period, usually 30 or 40 minutes, the chair is set free when the attendants remove whatever has been used to 'save' it. Those items are then put in a secure location for their owner to retrieve.

Has this policing method worked? Only time will tell, but it's made a lot of sun worshipers happy when more chairs are available. As far as the Chair Hogs go...they are just plain rude so we don't care what they think.

Image (c) CruiseDiva.com

Cruise News: Tropical Storm Isaac Disrupts Cruise Arrivals/Departures/Itineraries

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL STATEMENT

Royal Caribbean International continues to closely monitor the path and progress of Tropical Storm Isaac to ensure guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises, and to make certain our ships steer clear of the storm. The safety of our guests and crew is always our foremost concern.

ALLURE OF THE SEAS
Given Tropical Storm Isaac’s current location and projected path, and the forecasted weather for South Florida, Allure of the Seas’ next sailing will now begin on Tuesday, August 28. We ask that guests who are scheduled to sail on Allure of the Seas on Sunday, August 26, not arrive at the port until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 28. We kindly ask that guests come to the terminal between 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28, for check-in and boarding.

Regrettably, the delayed departure will have an impact on the scheduled itinerary. Allure of the Seas will now spend Wednesday, August 29, at sea, call to Cozumel, Mexico, on Thursday, August 30, spend Friday, August 31, at sea, and Nassau, Bahamas, on Saturday, September 1. If you are sailing on Allure of the Seas’ next sailing and you feel you will not be able to arrive on Tuesday, please call Royal Caribbean at 888-829-4050 in the U.S., and 408-926-9002 internationally.

MAJESTY OF THE SEAS
The Port of Miami has informed us that they will close the port at 11:00 p.m. this evening and plan to reopen on Monday, August 27. Because of this, there is a possibility that Majesty of the Seas’ boarding on Monday will be delayed. We encourage guests sailing Majesty of the Seas continue to monitor the Royal Caribbean website for any additional updates.

MONARCH OF THE SEAS
We also suggest that guests sailing on Monarch of the Seas on Monday, August 27, also continue to monitor the Royal Caribbean website for any additional updates.

If you have not done so already, we strongly suggest guests complete their online check-in as soon as possible, including the section on your preferred method of contact while traveling. You can access online check-in at royalcaribbean.com/onlinecheckin.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES STATEMENT

We are closely monitoring the forecasted path of Tropical Storm Isaac and keeping in close contact with port officials. The storm is now forecasted to affect the South Florida area on Sunday as a hurricane. Due to forecasted path of the storm, several cruises are impacted. All affected guests will be notified via email.

If you have not done so already, we strongly suggest guests complete their online check-in as soon as possible. Please ensure to provide your email, as well as sign up for text alerts for updates on any changes to your cruise.

CARNIVAL VALOR – 8/18/12 DEPARTURE
The Port of Miami is expected to close by 11:00 PM on Saturday. Weather permitting, the port will reopen on Monday at noon. The Carnival Valor will remain at sea a safe distance away from the storm until the port reopens.

CARNIVAL VALOR – 8/26/12 DEPARTURE
Our scheduled 6 day cruise will be shortened to a 5 day cruise visiting Grand Cayman and Montego Bay. Unfortunately, this means we will cancel our call in Key West. Check-in for your cruise is now scheduled on Monday August 27, 2012, from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM, and sailing is set for 8:00 PM. The times in Grand Cayman & Montego Bay remain unchanged.

We sincerely apologize for this disruption to your cruise. Here are your options.

• Sail with us and receive a:
- One-day pro-rated refund of your cruise fare (refunded within the next 2 weeks)
- $50 per person on board credit
- Refund of $13.11 for the government fees and taxes for Key West
- Gratuities will also be adjusted to reflect the shortened voyage
- Shore excursions purchased for Key West will be automatically refunded
- Refunds will not be provided for flight changes, hotel accommodations, meals, transfers or other incidental costs.

• We realize this is an unexpected change in your travel plans and we certainly hope you still cruise with us. However, should you wish to cancel or reschedule, please contact 1800 CARNIVAL to request your refund or future cruise credit.

CARNIVAL LEGEND – 8/19/12 DEPARTURE
The Port of Tampa is expected to close by 3:00 AM on Sunday. At this time, they are uncertain as to when the port will reopen. Therefore, we have made arrangements to dock at Port Canaveral instead, where we will arrive at 8:00 AM on Sunday. Buses will be available to take guests to the Port of Tampa or the Tampa airport. The parking garage at the port will be open. It will take approximately two and a half hours to the Port of Tampa from Port Canaveral.

CARNIVAL LEGEND – 8/26/12 DEPARTURE
Due to the expected port closure in Tampa, the Carnival Legend will dock in Port Canaveral on Sunday. We ask that guests proceed to the Port of Tampa and plan to arrive between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. The parking garage at the port will be open to park your vehicle. We will have buses available to take you and your luggage to Port Canaveral. Please do not proceed to Port Canaveral directly as the ship will be docking in Tampa when we return next week.

It will take approximately two and a half hours to Port Canaveral from the Port of Tampa and no adverse weather is expected. The last bus will depart from Tampa at 4:00 PM and we expect to sail at 8:00 PM.

At this time, our itinerary remains unchanged. However, there is a possibility we may have to make changes, depending on the path of the storm.

CARNIVAL IMAGINATION – 8/24/12 DEPARTURE
The Port of Miami is expected to close by 11:00 PM on Saturday. Weather permitting, the port will reopen on Monday at noon. The Carnival Imagination will remain at sea at a safe distance from the storm until the port reopens.

CARNIVAL IMAGINATION – 8/27/12 DEPARTURE
Check-in for the Carnival Imagination is set for 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM.

FOR ALL DEPARTURES ABOVE:
Guest who purchased flights with Carnival’s FlyAweigh program will automatically have their flights adjusted to the new day and time. You will be notified of your new flights by our Travel Services department. Guests with independent flight arrangements are asked not make any changes to your travel plans until our next update this evening. Most airlines have advised that they will allow you to make one change free of charge.

Since we know that storms and hurricanes can be very unpredictable, we will continue to monitor the storm and provide web updates at Carnival.com. To stay up to date on any changes that may affect your departure, further port closures, and weather updates, we encourage you to sign up for text alerts by texting the numbers below for your particular ship:

CARNIVAL LEGEND – Text CCL2 to CRUISE (278473)
CARNIVAL VALOR – Text CCL4 to CRUISE (278473)
CARNIVAL IMAGINATION – Text CCL5 to CRUISE (278473)

If you have already done so during your online check-in, you will automatically receive updates. Once again, we’re very sorry for these changes and truly regret that Mother Nature threw a wrench in our plans this week. However, we’re confident you’ll have loads of fun on board. Rest assured, the safety and comfort of our guests and crew is our number one priority. We will operate all of our ships at a safe distance from the storm at all times.

At the moment, there are no changes expected for any other sailings departing on or after Sunday, August 26, 2012. In the event we need to make a deviation to a future itinerary, we will update our guests.

Advice For Cruising Parents

So, you're considering a family cruise (or any other vacation), these are safety tips for traveling with children or teens from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation:

• Children of any age should not be allowed to wander alone, especially in unfamiliar areas or venues.
• Parents should be aware of who their children are socializing with and their activities.
• Children should not socialize with venue employees or share personal information with them.
• Children should never use public restrooms without parental supervision.
• Children should be instructed to never accept beverages or food items from strangers without parental approval.
• Parents should consider bringing their own hired babysitter.

Take this advice to heart and keep an eye on your children and teens. No one wants to read about rapes or other attacks on cruise ships or resorts.

Cruise News: Tropical Storm Isaac & Tropical Depression Joyce Alter Cruise Itineraries

Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Ecstasy will cancel its call to Half-Moon Cay on 8/26 and visit Freeport, Bahamas instead.

Norwegian Cruise Line
Statement: The safety and security of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance. Therefore, the company is closely monitoring the paths of Tropical Storm Isaac which is currently forecasted to impact the Bahamas and Florida, along with Tropical Depression Joyce which is currently forecasted to impact Bermuda.

Because of the storms, we are modifying the following itineraries:

Norwegian Sky will depart Miami today as scheduled on a three-day cruise to the Bahamas. The ship is cancelling its call to Great Stirrup Cay on Saturday. The ship will now call Nassau on Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm and spend Sunday at sea. Depending on the path of the storm, the ship may have a delayed arrival to Miami on Monday.

Norwegian Dawn will depart Boston as scheduled today to Bermuda. In order to maximize guests’ time ashore, the ship will arrive at 8 am on Sunday, three hours earlier than scheduled. Depending on the path of the storm, the ship may need to depart Bermuda earlier than scheduled.

Norwegian Gem will depart New York as scheduled on Saturday to the Bahamas and Florida. The ship will change the order of its ports, calling on Great Stirrup Cay on Tuesday, Nassau on Wednesday, and Port Canaveral on Thursday.

Guests on board the vessels will be kept up to date by the ships’ Captains. It is also important to note that Norwegian will continue to closely monitor the storms and if the paths change, they may need to modify these itineraries.

Disney Cruise Line
Statement: The safety of our Guests and Crew is always our first priority at Disney Cruise Line. We are closely monitoring the current weather conditions and path of Tropical Storm Isaac in the Caribbean and Tropical Storm Joyce in the Atlantic through the National Weather Service.

At this time, we have not made any changes to the following itineraries:

Disney Fantasy: August 25th, 7-night sailing to the Eastern Caribbean
Disney Magic August 25th, 8-night sailing to the Bahamas
Disney Dream: August 29th, 4-night sailing to the Bahamas

Should weather conditions change, our Captains can alter the ship's course or itinerary for the safety and well being of our Guests.