New Cruise Ship Review: Welcome Aboard Carnival Breeze

Pierside in Miami, Carnival Breeze may look like just another Carnival Cruise Lines ship, but that appearance is deceiving. The third and final Dream-class ship is substantially different than her earlier fleetmates and even her other Dream-class sister-ships for that matter.

She may not appear larger, although at 130,000 tons the Carnival Breeze is the third of the the largest "Fun Ships" constructed by Carnival Cruise Lines to date.

However, while there is no doubt that she is Carnival ship, Carnival Breeze is truly an evolution in design and function. While her decor is toned down considerably, within her Caribbean inspired interiors you'll still find all the fun you expect 0n a Carnival ship and more.

Join Cruise Diva on board to explore Carnival Breeze,the newest and most feature-filled Carnival Cruise Lines ship, which is now sailing 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises from Miami.

Image (c) CruiseDiva.com

NEW Cruise Review: Caribbean Princess

Join our frequent cruise contributors Mary and Vincent Finelli for a Caribbean Princess Encore cruise to the Southern Caribbean as they return to sail for a third time aboard Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess.

The Finellis sum up their voyage, "This was our 18th cruise with Princess, thus we enjoyed the Elite benefits which, among other things, are incentives for us to return to Princess. In addition, we know the ship plans so well, since the newer ships have similar deck plans, so when we book a cruise we know exactly where and what are our choices in regard to cabin location, dining times and places. Also we always book future cruises while aboard, so we take the advantage of a lower booking deposit and the added benefit of on board credit. We have learned so much from the early days of cruising, that now we are enjoying ourselves more and more each cruise; we know what to expect from different ships and cruise lines, thus every cruise meets our expectation and sometimes exceeds it. The results are that we have never had a bad cruise yet, but only good ones and some better than others. This one was definitely better than many others."

Image Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises New Ship the m/v Tere Moana Christened in St. Martin

Paul Gauguin Cruises, best known as the operator of the m/s Paul Gauguin, the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, christened its new luxurious ship, the m/v Tere Moana, in an official ceremony held dockside on Dec 29, 2012, in Marigot, St. Martin. Cruise guests, local dignitaries, and media were in attendance.

Mireille Bailey, The Moana's godmother and wife of Richard Bailey, Chairman of Paul Gauguin Cruises and President and CEO of Pacific Beachcomber S.C., presided over the festivities, delivering a moving speech before christening Tere Moana with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Champagne. Mr. Bailey along with Diane Moore, President of Paul Gauguin Cruises, and Captain Rajko Zupan, the ship's Master, spoke during the ceremony, which included plaque presentations by St. Martin's Vice President of the Collectivite, Port Chairman, Port Director, and Tourist Board. Father Samson Dorival of St. Martin delivered the ship's blessing, and ceremony attendees were serenaded by the festive music of a Caribbean steel drum band.

After the ceremony, a Champagne reception followed by a gala dinner was held aboard before Tere Moana set sail on its inaugural 7-night Caribbean voyage to visit islands in the French West Indies, British Virgin Islands, and St. Kitts & Nevis. In January and February, Tere Moana embarks on 13- and 14-night Panama Canal cruises. From April through November, the ship operates a variety of 7-night European voyages. During spring and fall, 14-night transatlantic crossings are available between Europe and the Caribbean.

Like Paul Gauguin, Tere Moana offers an elegant yet casual ambiance, luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, trademark Polynesian hospitality, and extraordinary all-inclusive value. At 330 feet long and 46 feet wide, The Moana has a draft of 11.5 feet, and accommodates 90 guests with a staff of 60. The ship's 45 oceanview staterooms, 8 of which offer private balconies, feature a king-size bed dressed with fine linens and feather-down duvet; a flatscreen TV; DVD/CD player; iPod® docking station; in-stateroom refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water; robes and slippers; spacious closets; and a bathroom with sumptuous bath products.

Tere Moana offers two elegant dining venues and incorporates regionally infused cuisine of destinations visited featuring fresh ingredients from local markets. Evenings feature live piano music in Le Salon, the perfect place to enjoy cocktails and unwind after a day of adventure. The ship's Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm delivers signature spa treatments, and a fitness center is equipped with the latest cardio and weightlifting equipment. The ship's outdoor decks feature a swimming pool, hot tub, chaise lounges, and Balinese beds. In select ports,kayaking and paddleboarding are available from the ship's watersports marina. And the ship's La Boutique features jewelry, apparel, sundries, and souvenirs.

For more information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, visit PGCruises.com.

Image Courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Seabourn Launches 2013 Signature Savings Event

Our latest Wave Season promotion is sure to capture the attention of travelers with top drawer tastes, but who also like a bargain. Seabourn has announced a Signature Savings Event offering travelers substantial savings and a host of value-added extras on a selection of 100 ultra-luxury voyages on its award-winning fleet of intimate, all-suite ships throughout 2013 and 2014.

The Signature Savings selection includes cruises of seven to 21 days on all six Seabourn ships in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Atlantic Crossings, Arabia & India, Southeast Asia, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, and Australia & New Zealand. Cruise departure dates range from April, 2013 into March, 2014. Complete listings of the cruises and savings can be viewed on the Seabourn website.

"This Signature Savings Event offers tremendous value for anyone thinking about a luxury cruise vacation," said John Delaney, Seabourn's senior vice president, marketing and sales. "No matter where or when you want to travel," he continued, "book now for the widest choice of ships, suites and departures, and take advantage of these significant savings on the World's Best Small-Ship Cruise Line."

Signature Savings Fares are up to 50 percent or more below published brochure fares. In addition, there are a number of Combination Cruises offering an additional savings up to 15 percent for combining two or more cruises, and some combinations even offer complimentary Veranda Suite upgrades. Bookings made in Penthouse or premium category suites will earn an additional $1,000 per suite shipboard credit. It is recommended guests book by February 28th for best selection.

Seabourn's ships carry between 208 and 450 guests, exclusively in ocean-view suites. Complimentary open bars throughout the voyage and open-seating dining add to a relaxed, club-like ambience that encourages an easy sociability among the guests. Well-crafted itineraries attract travelers interested in authentic experiences, and any gathering of people with those sorts of shared enthusiasms is bound to provide entertaining and enriching interaction. Award-winning cuisine is graciously served in a variety of venues, and the onboard entertainment options are varied as well. Along with beautiful, understated elegance in design and thoughtful, quality furnishings and materials, the Seabourn ships provide one of the world's finest vacation options and represent an exceptional value to travelers.

Image Courtesy of Seabourn

Oceania Cruises Rolls Out Two Wave Season Promotions

Not to be outdone by the competition, Oceania Cruises launches not one, but two high-value Wave Season promotions, including Business Class air upgrades from $799 per person, one-way, on select 2013 Europe sailings. Additionally, guests can take advantage of the two-for-one Unlimited Shore Excursion packages now available on select 2013 Alaska sailings; a value of up to $999 per stateroom. All offers are good on new cruise reservations booked now through March 31, 2013.

The Business Class air upgrade is available for those guests who select a Veranda stateroom or above. The Unlimited Shore Excursion package in Alaska provides guests the opportunity to truly explore all of the ports of call on their voyage at a substantial savings.

"Our goal is always to provide exceptional value,” said Kunal Kamlani, the line's president. “The Business Class upgrade and our two-for-one Unlimited Shore Excursion package offers are a way for us to deliver even greater value for our guests who want to explore Europe and Alaska this year. Business Class seats as well as shore excursion capacity are limited, so we encourage guests to make their reservations early."

Take advantage of the Business Class air upgrades from $799 per person, one-way, on the following 2013 European sailings:

Marina

June 11: Scandinavian Serenade, Southampton to Stockholm, 14 Days
July 15: Nordic Explorer, Stockholm to Southampton, 14 Days
Oct 29: Glorious Shores, Venice to Barcelona, 12 Days

Riviera

May 5: Aegean Gems, Venice to Athens, 10 Days
May 25: Treasures & Monuments, Istanbul to Rome, 12 Days
July 3: Italian Escapade, Rome to Venice, 10 Days
July 13: Paths of the Byzantines, Venice to Istanbul, 12 Days
Aug 6: Sacred Sanctuaries, Athens to Istanbul, 10 Days
Aug 16: Treasures & Monuments, Istanbul to Rome, 12 Days
Aug 28: Italian Escapade, Rome to Venice, 10 Days
Sept 7: Venetian Vignettes, Venice to Barcelona, 12 Days
Sept 29: Romance & Rivieras, Lisbon to Monte Carlo, 12 Days

Nautica

Aug 27: Continental Shores, London to Barcelona, 10 Days
Sept 6: Roman Legends, Barcelona to Athens, 10 Days
Sept 28: Accent on Antiquities, Istanbul to Athens, 10 Days
Nov 4: Classic Mediterranean, Barcelona to Barcelona, 10 Days

Enjoy two-for-one Unlimited Shore Excursion packages, a value of up to $999, on the following 2013 Alaskan sailings:

Regatta

May 9: Gateway to Alaska, San Francisco to Vancouver, 9 Days
May 18: Fjords & Frontiers, Vancouver to Vancouver, 7 Days
June 4: Pacific Exploration, Seattle to Seattle, 14 Days
June 28: Coastal Alaska, Seattle to Seattle, 7 Days
July 5: Coastal Alaska, Seattle to Seattle, 7 Days
July 22: Glacial Passage, Seattle to Vancouver, 7 Days
July 29: Glacial Passage, Vancouver to Seattle, 7 Days
Aug 5: Glacial Passage, Seattle to Vancouver, 7 Days

To make reservations or for more information, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658 or contact your travel agent.

Photo: (c) CruiseDiva.com

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Announces Wave Season Promotion

It's that time of year again—Wave Season, when cruise lines begin rolling out the best deals of the year and they've already started. Today, Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced two Wave Season promotions on select 2013 sailings, including free Internet access for guests for the entirety of their voyage. Additionally, travel agents will receive a $100 gift card for every booking made. The two Wave Season promotions are good on new cruise reservations booked now through March 31, 2013.

“Regent Seven Seas Cruises has always offered the most all-inclusive luxury cruising experience available,” said Randall Soy, CTC, the line’s executive vice president. “Free Internet access further enhances the convenience and value of the all-inclusive experience for our guests, and the gift card rewards our valued travel agent partners. We encourage guests to make their reservations early, as capacity is limited."

The Wave Season promotions are valid on the following 2013 sailings:

Seven Seas Navigator

March 22: Tropical Discoveries, Miami to Miami, 10 Nights
May 22: Alaskan Adventure, Vancouver to Vancouver, 7 Nights
June 12: Alaskan Discovery, Vancouver to Anchorage, 7 Nights

Seven Seas Mariner

April 24: Mediterranean Odyssey, Istanbul to Barcelona, 10 Nights
June 1: Italian Interlude, Venice to Rome, 10 Nights
June 28: Aegean Sojourn, Venice to Athens, 10 Nights
July 8: Aegean Allure, Athens to Istanbul, 10 Nights
Aug 29: Venetian Dreams, Rome to Venice, 10 Nights
Sept 18: Mediterranean Overture, Monte Carlo to Athens, 7 Nights

Seven Seas Voyager

July 1: Baroque Elegance, Stockholm to Copenhagen, 10 Nights
July 11: Summer Night, Winter Palace, Copenhagen to Stockholm, 7 Nights
July 28: Royal Baltic, Copenhagen to Stockholm, 7 Nights
Aug 14: Imperial Visions, Copenhagen to Stockholm, 7 Nights
Oct 6: Mediterranean Melody, Rome to Monte Carlo, 7 Nights

To make reservations or for more information, visit RSSC.com, call Regent Seven Seas Cruises at 877-505-5370 or contact your travel agent.

Photo: (c) CruiseDiva.com

Dancing Behind People on a Cruise Ship

I happened to run across this video and hope you enjoy it as much as I did... the dancing guy is a riot and the reactions of the people who "catch" him are hilarious, especially the man with the camera.

Happy New Year!

We won't be at sea this year, but we're celebrating with a water view nonetheless. Our party spot is the elegant Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center alongside the Savannah River.

Included in our festive New Year's Eve package is dinner, drinks, dancing, a toast at midnight, accommodations (so we don't have to drive home), and New Year's Day breakfast.

Party hats, leis, noisemakers, and champagne. The Marriott had those as well. And, as was routine more then two decades ago (illustrated in the photo here of Cruise Diva and Mel), so did cruise ships. In fact, that twenty-something-year old picture was not taken during a New Year's Eve celebration. Back then, there was a festive party atmosphere on the second formal night of every 7-day cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's SS Norway.

Here's wishing you a very happy and prosperous 2013 and smooth sailing no matter where your cruises take you!

Princess Cruises Shares Final Reason on “Inspired to Cruise” Blog

In 2011, Princess Cruises rolled out their first blog, “50 Essential Experiences, The Travel Bucket List” in which Princess destination experts and readers shared their Essential Travel Experience of the Week (Cruise Diva's is here, The Hidden Value of Travel: Amsterdam, The Netherlands).

Inspired by the success of that year-long themed blog, Princess launched a new one for 2012 entitled “Inspired to Cruise: A Year of Reasons to Get Away From the Everyday.”

Princess Cruises has now shared the final passenger story on its 2012 blog, which personifies their promise to help passemgers “escape completely.” In the story “My Yearly Retreat to Escape Completely,” Patricia Mengel of Brighton, Michigan shares how each day of her cruise she is able to let go a bit more from her busy job as a cardiac medical assistant. Even her patients know about her yearly cruise to let go of work stress and come home feeling refreshed and renewed.

Throughout 2012, the blog chronicled 52 diverse reasons why passengers are compelled to take a cruise vacation, including a mix of celebrations, accomplishments, family milestones and other deeply personal reasons to cruise. Among the many reasons were romantic stories: to get married, to honeymoon, to pop the question, to renew vows and even to save a marriage. Others conquered fears, quit smoking, chased an eclipse, ran a marathon and made peace with wartime memories. Family also featured prominently as passengers reconnected with parents, visited relatives in far-flung locales and honored those who had passed.

The blog, one of the most popular in the travel industry, generated 2.7 million page views and more than 4,000 comments from readers who have been inspired to find their own reasons to cruise. In addition, the blog also featured a series of short “Escape Inspiration” videos. These 30-second cruise moments were introduced by a Princess crew member who explained why the scene has meaning for them.

As the year draws to a close, take a look back at all the reasons your fellow shipmates are inspired to cruise and you may find you have a lot in common. I certainly did.

Royal Caribbean Orders Third Oasis-Class Vessel

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has ended months of speculation by announcing that it has executed a contract with shipbuilder STX France to construct a third Oasis-class vessel for delivery in mid-2016. The order is consistent with the plan announced by the company in October to build a sister-ship to Royal Caribbean Intl's very successful Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.

"The Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas have fundamentally transformed the cruise experience for our guests," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "These ships have consistently generated outstanding guest satisfaction ratings and continue to produce superior financial results. We are thrilled to be adding a sister to this extraordinary class of vessels at a compelling price. Being back building in France just adds to the pleasure."

The newbuild contract includes the transfer of Pullmantur's Atlantic Star to STX France as part of the consideration. Additionally, the contract is subject to satisfaction of financing and other conditions. STX France has also provided the company with a one-year option for the mid-year 2018 delivery of a fourth Oasis-class vessel at similar pricing.

Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are the largest and most revolutionary cruise ships in the world. Architectural marvels at sea, they span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carrying 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. The ships sail weekly from their home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas debuted in November 2009 and November 2010 respectively, introducing a range of unique industry "firsts" and engineering marvels including a neighborhood concept—seven themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood. Within these seven neighborhoods—Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone—are extraordinary elements such as the first park at sea, a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium, an original handcrafted carousel, 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, an aquatic amphitheater—called the AquaTheater that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling ocean front theater by night; and an array of epicurean innovations that allow for new culinary experiences each day of a guest's cruise vacation.

"As the cruise line that revolutionized the industry with the FlowRider surf simulator, ice-skating rinks, cantilevered whirlpools and rock climbing walls, we are eager to add this third award winning Oasis-class ship to our brand portfolio. This addition will allow us to showcase our legacy of innovation and imagination to even more guests around the world," said Adam Goldstein, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International.

With the success of the Oasis-class ships, Royal Caribbean Intl is currently undergoing a fleetwide revitalization program to bring the latest innovations and the highest guest-rated programs from Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas to the cruise line's ships across the fleet. For additional information, visit RoyalCaribbean.com.

Photo Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Culinary Masters Warm Up Crystal Cruises' Arctic Voyage In 2013

Cruise Diva has always said that the food alone is a good enough reason to sail on a Crystal cruise and when the luxury line schedules a culinary adventure, that's an added bonus. Next summer a Norwegian Culinary Olympics Team member, Cordon Bleu Master Chef, and Domaine Laroche Brand Ambassador will bring spice to the ice during Crystal Cruises' 2013 voyage through the Arctic Circle. The special guests will be aboard as part of a "Wine and Food" theme enhancing the line's annual North Cape cruise. The Crystal Serenity voyage begins July 5, 2013, sailing from Copenhagen to Stockholm, visiting 10 ports over 15 days filled with sipping Europe's finest local beverages, learning about local dishes from gourmands, and seeing the breathtaking scenery of Lapland.

The culinary experts currently scheduled are:

-- Sven Erik Renaa: Proprietor of Norway's renowned Renaa Restaurants, winner of numerous Chef of the Year awards, and manager of the champion Norwegian National Culinary Team.
-- Gwenael Laroche: Brand Ambasadress for (and family member of) Burgundy's Domaine Laroche winery, a name that is virtually synonymous with Chablis and has won "The Best White Wine in the World" from Wine Spectator.
-- Mark Cummings: A certified Cordon Bleu Master Chef, restaurateur, and star of TV's The Very Best of Everything.

They will offer hands-on instruction in preparing chef specialties, live cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and specially-designed menus for select Crystal Dining Room dinners.

Foodie fun also segues to shore, with Crystal Adventures that take travelers on a "Quest for King Crab" in the waters of Sarnesfjorden (followed by eating the day's catch); to Tromso's oldest pub and Mack's Brewery to learn (and taste!) the art of crafting arctic beer; and to three different ice bars (in Leknes, Stockholm, Honningsvag) for perfectly-chilled vodka sipping. The voyage includes overnights in Copenhagen and Stockholm at the cruise's beginning and end; calls in Geiranger, Honningsvag, Tromso, Lofoten, Alesund, Loen, and Bergen, Norway; Crystal's first return to Murmansk, Russia in 18 years; and cruising the Norwegian Fjords, North Cape/Arctic Circle, and North, Barents, and Baltic Seas. All-inclusive "Book Now" fares offer special savings.

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity's extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include the ultra-luxury line's coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); and gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea, or in Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio's specialty restaurants. Get more information and get on board by visiting CrystalCruises.com.

Costa Cruises Names Newbuild Costa Diadema

The first block of the hull was laid earlier this month at Fincantieri's Marghera, Italy, shipyard forming the central part of Costa Diadema, the future flagship of Costa Cruises. Diadema in Italian means "tiara" and the name was selected for the new ship that will serve as the crown jewel and flagship of the Costa Cruises fleet.

During the ceremony on Dec 10th, the block—weighing approximately 496 tons, measuring 51.5 feet wide by 95 feet long—was lifted by a crane and laid in the dry dock where the ship will be built.

Construction and fitting out will continue until Oct 30, 2014, the scheduled date of delivery. Construction of Costa Diadema will employ approximately 1,000 shipyard workers plus another 2,500 employees of allied industries. About 400 contracted suppliers, most of which are Italian firms, will be involved in the project, especially regarding fitting out the ship's interiors.

"The construction of the Costa Diadema is a tangible commitment to the future growth of our company," said Michael Thamm, CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A. "It is significant not only for us but also for Italy in general and Venice in particular. The Costa Diadema consolidates our alliance with Fincantieri, which has already resulted in the building of 10 new ships for us since 2000, worth a total of almost 5 billion euros."

Costa will invest around 550 million euros in the new flagship. Costa Diadema will be the largest cruise ship flying the Italian flag, at 132,500 gross tons, 1,004 feet long, 122 feet in the beam, carrying 4,947 total guests and 1,253 crewmembers, with 1,854 guest cabins.

Image (c) CruiseDiva.com

Un-Cruise Adventures Adds Themes To Select Hawaii & Sea of Cortés Sailings in 2013

You want adventure and have a passion for marine biology or photography? Or you have young kids in tow, but have never considered a cruise vacation? Now you can find a theme cruise catering to your interest this winter. Un-Cruise Adventures adds themes to ten sailings in the Hawaiian Islands and Mexico’s Sea of Cortés.

Photography and marine biology theme cruises include an expert guest host on board for the week. Special presentations will be held in the lounge and guests are free to interact with the guest host throughout the week aboard the boat or on excursions. One-on-one time allows for questions to be answered and hands-on help with photography.

Kids in Nature departures cater to families traveling with kids 12 and younger. The expedition team gears the program to a variety of ages and activity levels with a focus on educating kids of all ages. Hiking excursions, kayaking trips, skiff explorations and snorkeling all provide hands-on learning in a fun environment. Active explorations in nature and wildlife sightings engage all ages.

“Themes bring together people with common interests and adds one more benefit for booking these dates,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing.

2013 Theme Cruises in Hawaii
-- Jan 5: Photography and Whales with Flip Nicklin, regarded as the premier whale photographer in the world
-- March 9 & 30: Kids in Nature; spring break departures for the whole family
-- April 6: Photography with Peter West Carey, a professional photographer whose love for travel has taken him around the world

2013 Theme Cruises in the Sea of Cortés
-- Jan 12: Marine Biology with Rodrigo Rocha Gosselin, a La Paz resident passionate about conservation and nature
-- Feb 16: Photography with David Julian, a professional photographer with 30 years’ experience capturing the essence of places, people and light with creative vision
-- March 16: Photography with Ellen Barone, an intrepid traveler, freelance writer and photographer
-- March 30: Marine Biology with Giovanni Malagrino, an oceanologist and professor of marine biology
-- March 9 and 23: Kids in Nature; spring break departures for the whole family

For Luxury Adventures in the Hawaiian Islands, the line’s 36-guest Safari Explorer (pictured above) sails 7-night cruises between Hawaii, the Big Island and Lana’i (or reverse) with two days of activities on Moloka’i. Flexible yacht itineraries focus on the leeward side of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands with explorations of four islands—Lana’i, Moloka’i, Maui and Hawaii, the Big Island.

In the Sea of Cortés, the 86-guest Safari Endeavour sails Luxury Adventures roundtrip La Paz, Baja, Mexico. An unstructured itinerary explores hideaways such as Isla Espíritu Santo, Isla San Francisco, Bahia Agua Verde, Los Islotes and Loreto.

In the Hawaiian Islands and the Sea of Cortés, guests can be as active as they like and activities include trekking, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and skiff excursions. Expert naturalists provide interpretation on guided excursions ashore and at sea. The unstructured itinerary allows time for viewing wildlife such as whales and dolphins. For additional information, visit the Un-Cruise experts at American Safari Cruises.

Image Courtesy of American Safari Cruises

New Cruise Ship Review: Celebrity Reflection

Celebrity Reflection isn't a mirror image, but it's no surprise that the final "sister" ship in Celebrity Cruises' Solstice class series is just as impressive as the first.

As expected, each of the five ships is similar in layout, with a few innovations added as the series evolved. Cruisers who have sailed on previous Solstice class ships will find unique additions on Celebrity Reflection as well as favorite signature features. The aft-facing Sunset Bar and the adjacent Lawn Club have been expanded, and an additional deck offers more space for lounging and relaxation. The spa has been redesigned with new treatments added to the menu, and the Persian Garden relaxation suite has been expanded to include a cold room and a Turkish-style Hammam. A conference facility/banquet space ideal for wedding receptions and meetings replaces the dance club found on previous ships.

Join the Cruise Diva crew on board in Miami for an inside look at Celebrity Reflection.

Photo © Cruise Diva

Kids To Sail Free In Baltic & Mediterranean On Crystal In Summer 2013

It isn't often that you see young children and teens on luxury cruise ships and there's a reason for that. Crystal Cruises' dedicated on-board kids and teens areas are a rarity among the luxury lines.

Taking advantage of those youth spaces, Crystal Cruises is expanding the opportunity for luxury minded travelers to enjoy an upscale family-friendly summer cruise with their new "Kids Sail Free" offers in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. On four June and July voyages, junior cruisers age 17 and under can travel for free when sharing a third berth stateroom with two adults. This is the first time ever the popular program has been offered in the Baltic, with three Crystal Serenity sailings of 10 days each on June 25, July 20 and 30, through Stockholm (overnight), Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia (two overnights); Helsinki, Finland; Berlin/Warnemunde, Germany; and Copenhagen, Denmark. A 7-day sailing through the Mediterranean departs July 6 on Crystal Symphony, visiting Istanbul and Kusadasi, Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; and Sicily/Taormina, Sorrento, and Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy.

"With attractive savings for bringing the kids along, combined with incredible opportunities to see and learn about Europe's history firsthand, these cruises offer not only great value, but also invaluable experiences in terms of family bonding, world education, and memories," explains Jack Anderson, Crystal's senior vice-president of sales and marketing.

During summers and holidays, junior activities directors host complimentary supervised activities on board, ranging from behind-the scenes tours to cooking classes and scavenger hunts. The Crystal Visions Enrichment Program also offers entertaining education, including Magic Castle at Sea shows and classes, iPad Digital Filmmaking classes in association with USC's School of Cinematic Arts, and presentations from expert speakers. Every cruise also has babysitting services, "finicky eater" foods, movies, library books, family-friendly excursions, and more available.

With sophisticated tours worldwide, enriching learning opportunities, international cuisine, complimentary voluntourism excursions, and a host of other activities for all ages, the Crystal experience gives families exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime access to creating intimate bonds, gleaning a global education, and building lifelong memories while sailing in elegance, making Crystal Cruises the leader in family-friendly luxury cruising. As an added bonus, the Crystal Family Memories program also offers additional free berths and perks for groups of six or more.

For more information, visit CrystalCruises.com.

New Pre-Cruise Hotel Review: Hyatt Regency Pier 66

Since we live within a day's drive of south Florida embarkation ports, Mel and I often begin our cruise travel with a road trip rather than flying to port. We always spend a night in the area before departing on our cruises.

We've stayed at many hotels in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas over the years and recently spent the night at one of our favorites, the Hyatt Regency Pier 66. Pictured here is our spacious Junior Suite in the hotel's high-rise tower.

Who could have imagined that the 22 acres of swamp land purchased by Phillips Petroleum over a half century ago would grow from a simple watercraft gas station to one of Fort Lauderdale's premier landmarks? Take a fresh look at Hyatt Regency Pier 66.

Image: Hyatt Regency Pier 66 (c) CruiseDiva.com

Norwegian Cruise Line, Katie Couric & Carnival Corp Honor NY Victims of Hurricane Sandy With Cruises & Donations

Wow, is Katie Couric the “new” Oprah? She certainly is a nice woman—Mel and I met her when she served as Godmother for Carnival Valor some years ago. She graciously posed for photos with us and chatted like we were old friends. And now she has proven she is as giving as the former Queen of Television Talk.

In the Dec 19th “Katie Gives Back: Holiday Extravaganza,” the Katie talk show’s audience included 150 New York-area mothers who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. During the grand prize giveaway, Norwegian Breakaway’s godmothers, the legendary Rockettes®, presented the audience with the cruise giveaway provided by Norwegian Cruise Line, which invited all audience members and their families onboard the exclusive inaugural sailing of the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, over Mother’s Day weekend, May 10–12, 2013. The weekend will include spectacular dining, entertainment, and fun, as the best of New York sails to sea aboard the brand new ship.

“As a New Yorker, I know firsthand the kind of damage Hurricane Sandy inflicted on this area,” said Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are so pleased to offer these deserving families a chance to relax and reconnect during our exclusive inaugural sailing of Norwegian Breakaway, to experience the luxury, incredible amenities and wonderful service that New York’s ship has to offer.”

Not to be overlooked for their generosity, Carnival Corporation—the world’s largest cruise company, with a portfolio of cruise brands comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Ibero Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK)— is donating $2 million to aid the victims of Hurricane Sandy that struck the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, and devastated New Jersey and New York. The funds are earmarked for four charities providing an array of relief and rebuilding services and support. The Robin Hood Relief Fund will receive $1 million, Habitat for Humanity International will receive $500,000, and Save the Children and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City—Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts each will receive $250,000.

“Super Storm Sandy was one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history and on behalf of the 90,000 global employees of Carnival Corporation & plc we are pleased to provide this financial support to those who were affected by the storm,” said Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc. “We also have a special relationship with the region, with several ships either homeported or visiting the area as a port of call, as well as hundreds of thousands of residents who sail on the fleets of our various cruise brands.”

Photo Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Junior Cruisers Have A Lot To Look Forward To In New Royal Princess Youth and Teen Centers

Royal Princess youth centers will include new outdoor
lounge and play spaces

Adults will have the Sanctuary and numerous lounges and restaurants, but even the youngest passengers will enjoy the many special features aboard Princess Cruises’ new Royal Princess when the ship debuts in June next year.

Just revealed are the amenities designed especially for kids and teens that will wow younger cruisers aboard the new ship. Royal Princess will offer expanded space for youth centers that adds a new level to the onboard experience for young passengers. All age groups will find more space with dedicated outdoor areas, including a new teen lounge. Toddlers can also join the fun with a special fun area just for kids under age three.

Some of the fun that young passengers will find on Royal Princess includes:

Princess Pelicans (ages 3-7): The youngest age group will enjoy a great space for group activities like movie nights, a new mini air hockey table, a special area for arts and crafts programs, and a new indoor play structure. In addition, they’ll have a new outdoor play area, which includes toys, games, tricycles, and a new playground. These features add to the lineup of popular activities that kids love on Princess ships, including the Jr. Chef@Sea program, educational workshops, pajama and ice cream parties, and a Kid's Fun Fair. 

Shockwaves (ages 8-12): Junior passengers in the middle group will now have their own dedicated outside area complete with lounge chairs and a variety of fun games. Shockwaves kids will really get into activities geared for their age – like air hockey, skeeball, and exciting game stations. They’ll also find their own lounge with a giant TV, a DJ Booth, and arts and crafts tables with activities led by Princess’ youth counselors. Plus they can hang out and enjoy their own pizza and ice cream parties or kids-only dinners. 

Remix (ages 13-17): The Remix area for teens will feature a Princess DJ booth loaded with cutting-edge tracks where music lovers can create their own playlist, kick back, relax, or dance to the latest club mix. In addition, there’s a new lounge area, perfect for meeting new friends, with games like foosball, skeeball and the latest video games. A brand new outdoor lounge fulfills a request from teens, and offers cool club lighting, contemporary seating, a great new wading pool, and of course music perfect for parties under the stars. Teens will also enjoy activities specially designed for their age group, including sports competitions, late-night movies, hip hop dance classes, teens-only “mocktail” parties, formal dinners, and the always-popular video game tournaments.

For more insight into the features, the new areas for kids and teens are detailed in the company’s latest Royal Princess preview video below.

“It's always important to us that passengers of all ages have a great time onboard,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Naturally we’ve included features on Royal Princess to make every moment of the cruise memorable for our youngest passengers. We love hearing them tell their parents that they can’t wait to come back.”

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship currently under construction for Princess Cruises. Among the special features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms. The ship’s 2013 maiden season will include cruises on the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean itinerary throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the fall.

Find more Royal Princess details, images, and videos on Cruise Diva's blog at:

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

Photo and Video Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces 2014/2015 Itineraries From U.S. Homeports

For the ultimate in sun and fun, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its deployment plans for the fall and winter 2014/2015 season with eight ships sailing to the Caribbean and Bahamas & Florida from five homeports: Miami, New York, Tampa, Houston, and New Orleans.

Perhaps the most surprising part of the announcement is that the line will also increase its 7-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Los Angeles and offer a series of Panama Canal voyages between Los Angeles and Miami. There's no doubt that Mexico's tourism representatives will be pleased with that news as so many cruise lines have cut back calls to their ports in recent years.

Details on the west coast deployment, including the increasingly popular Pacific Coastal cruises, follow below. You'll find complete deployment information for other homeports (including Transatlantic crossings) available in CruiseDiva.com's Cruise News.

Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coastal

Norwegian will increase the number of Mexican Riviera sailings in 2014, offering a series of 7-day cruises from Los Angeles, California on Norwegian Star from Nov 30, 2014 through Dec 28, 2014. Norwegian Star will then return to the Mexican Riviera in 2015 between March 1 and April 12, 2015. Ports of call include: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, along with three days at sea. Norwegian Star will also sail seven Panama Canal cruises between Miami and Los Angeles or from Los Angeles to Miami in 2014 and three additional Panama Canal sailings in 2015.

On April 20, 2014, Norwegian Jewel will sail a 15-day Panama Canal cruise from New Orleans to Los Angeles, followed by a 5-day Pacific Coastal voyage from Los Angeles to Vancouver, British Columbia on May 5, 2014.

On Sept 20, 2014, Norwegian Jewel will sail a 5-day Pacific Coastal voyage from Vancouver, British Columbia to Los Angeles, followed by a 16-day Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles to Houston departing on Sept 25, 2014. 

Norwegian Pearl will sail a 15-day Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Los Angeles on April 18, 2014, followed by a 7-day British Colombia and US West Coast cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver on May 3, 2014. The ship will depart Vancouver on Sept 28, 2014 on a 5-day Pacific Coastal cruise to Los Angeles, followed by a 14-day Panama Canal sailing to Miami on Oct 3, 2014.

Norwegian Sun will depart Miami on April 28, 2014 on a 15-day Panama Canal voyage to Los Angeles, followed by a 6-day Pacific Coastal cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver on May 13, 2014. The ship will depart Vancouver on Sept 29 as it embarks on a 5-day Pacific Coastal cruise to Los Angeles. On Oct 4, 2014, Norwegian Sun departs Los Angeles on a 15-day Panama Canal cruise ending in Tampa.

To book any of the new sailings in conjunction with Norwegian’s “The Upgrade Wave” sales event, contact a travel professional, call 866-234-7350 or visit www.ncl.com.

Photo (c) CruiseDiva.com

New "Adult" Beverage Packages For Royal Caribbean Cruisers

Considering their popularity on other cruise lines, it was only a matter of time until Royal Caribbean expanded their own onboard beverage program to include packages that add a selection of adult drinks in addition to wine. Wine packages, along with soft drink, water, or juice packages, have been offered by Royal Caribbean for some time now. The two new beverage packages, called the Classic Beverage Package and the Premium Beverage Package, make it possible for passengers to pay a flat price for a selection of alcoholic, as well as non-alcoholic, beverages for the entire cruise.

The charge for a Classic Beverage Package is $45 per passenger, per day. The Premium Beverage Package charge is $55 per passenger, per day. Charges for both packages include the service charge and packages must be purchased on the first day of the sailing.

Currently available on thirteen ships, the packages will be available fleetwide on ships with 7-night or longer itineraries early in 2013. The catch is that they are only available on cruises of seven or more nights and packages must be purchased by all guests 21 years old or older who are sharing the same stateroom.

What's included...

Classic Beverage Package:

• beer
• house wines by the glass
• all non-alcoholic cocktails
• fountain soft drinks
• juices

Premium Beverage Package:

• beer
• frozen drinks
• all alcoholic cocktails, including premium brands
• house wines by the glass
• all non-alcoholic cocktails
• fountain soft drinks
• juices