CruiseGuide

Of Valor & Vintages ...

2006-10-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

Drink to thee only, with thine ...: Carnival Valor’s forthcoming wine-themed cruise provides prime opportunity to sample fine selections from Italy, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and New York, while soaking up knowledge via seminars and tastings. The week-long extravaganza, hosted by Carnival President and CEO Bob Dickinson, a noted connoisseur, sails r/t from Miami Dec. 3-10, calling in

CCL Reels In Another Kathy ...

2006-10-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

This One Perhaps Less Chatty?: Carnival’s logbook embraces many a year with Kathy Lee (“If they Could See Me Now”) Gifford as official singing spokeswoman. Now the Fun Ship line has landed another Kathy. This time, Kathy Ireland, whose career morphed from modeling to her own billion-dollar biz. She'll be godmother for Carnival Freedom, launching in March 2007. In her g-role, this Kathy will break

Seabourn President Dies at 53 ...

2006-10-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

Heart Attack Claims Trailblazer: Deborah L. Natansohn, president and COO of Seabourn Cruise Line, and a highly respected pioneer for women aspiring to cruise industry leadership roles, died on Oct. 24 at Fort Lauderdale's Holy Cross Hospital, with family at her side. Natansohn, 53, had suffered a heart attack on Sunday, Oct. 22, after becoming Seabourn president in July, 2004, and guiding the

Oceania Scratches Libya ...

2006-10-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

On Second Thought: Oceania Cruises has revamped its April 17, 2007 itinerary for Regatta, scheduled to stop in Libya. But no more. Because of that nation's unpredictable visa requirements for U.S. passport holders, the line decided not to risk disappointing passengers, instead re-theming the 10-day adventure as "Greco-Roman Revelations." The 684-passenger country club casual Regatta sails from

Seabourn Stretching Wings ...

2006-10-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

Boomer Lures: Seabourn Cruise Line , division of Miami-based Carnival Corp. & plc, plans two more, ultra luxury ships, for delivery in spring 2009 and 2010, having signed a letter of intent with Genoa shipbuilder T. Mariotti S.p.A. The 32,000 GRT, 225-suite sisters (90% with private verandas) will cost $250 million each. Combined, they'll more than double Seabourn's current 634-berth fleet

Carnival Hikes Dividend ...

2006-10-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

Fun Up By 10%: Cruise juggernaut Carnival Corp. on 10/18 announced hiking the company's regular quarterly dividend by 10 percent to 27.5 cents per share. CCL will pay the dividend on Dec. 8 to shareholders of record Nov. 17.

Celebrity Touts Vow Renewals ...

2006-10-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

With This Cruise, I Thee … : With stars like Celine Dion and Robert DeNiro among celebrities renewing wedding vows of late, Celebrity Cruises keeps pace by upgrading renewal options. “Vow renewals are the perfect romantic gift for spouses to give ...,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Fleet Operations VP. Celebrity, partnering with The Wedding Experience, now has two such packages: True Love Knot Renewal

CCL Freedom Yin & Yang ...

2006-10-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

Women Warriors Head to Sea: Prior to Carnival Freedom's March debut in Venice, watercolors and pencil studies of nine murals commissioned for the spectacular 110,000-ton SuperLiner go on display at Manhattan's Flomenhaft Gallery. Works are part of a six-week exhibit of figurative oils and sculptures entitled “Women Warriors: The Yin and Yang” by Joan Barber, among talents creating the diverse

RCI Heads Down Under ...

2006-10-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

Of Crocs, Kangaroos & Kaolas: Royal Caribbean combines its signature active cruising experience with crocodiles, kangaroos and koala bears as Rhapsody of the Seas sails new itineraries to the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand along with her fresh, innovative Far East adventure. Three of the five new itineraries, sailing Sept. 28, Oct. 15, and Nov. 24, 2007, are charters by Cruiseco, a

MSC: Oops! No Cuba After All ...

2006-10-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

No, no, no, definitely not Cuba: First came a press release that had MSC Cruises calling in Cuba. That, of course, was all wrong, as evidenced by the quick clarification to erase whatever internal confusion precipitated that political hot-potato no-no. What’s right: Countdown continues for Nov. 15 arrival of MSC Lirica in Fort Lauderdale, signifying launch of MSC's Caribbean season. Time's also

Celebrity Launching New Class ...

2006-10-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

Solstice First of Three: Celebrity Cruises took its first step today (10/11) toward physically launching Celebrity Solstice in Fall 2008, with line President Dan Hanrahan ceremoniously pressing the start button for the plasma cutter creating the vessel's first steel plate at German shipyard Meyer Werft. "While it's too soon to reveal any details, I'm convinced our travel agent partners and guests

MSC Sweet on Suites ...

2006-10-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

Baseball Greats, Too: MSC Cruises dishes out 60 percent savings and up on MSC Lirica balcony suites during select Caribbean sailings on new bookings made by Oct. 30, 2006. Cruise-only fares begin at $1,195 per person, double, excluding guv fees/tax. Each Category 11 suite boasts a balcony, king-sized bed, sofa bed, and tub in bath. Lirica sails Deep Caribbean and Panama 11-nighters r/t from Fort

Crescent City Fun ...

2006-09-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

NOLA OLE' from $279:To celebrate return of "Fun Ship" cruising from New Orleans, Carnival touts four and five-day Mexico voyages on Fantasy from $279 per person. Fantasy sailings from New Orleans begin Oct. 26, with four-day cruises to Cozumel departing Thursdays and five-day cruises to Cozumel and Costa Maya leaving Mondays and Saturdays. Pre-post options provide opportunity to experience New

Uniworld's Europe & Russia ...

2006-09-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

Book Soon for River Discounts: Enhanced Early Booking and Pay-in-Full Discounts allow savings of up to $700 per couple on all 2007 Uniworld Europe and Russia Grand River Cruises. But hurry ... fares must be paid in full by October, 2006. Past passengers rate an additional perk of a $100 discount per person. Uniworld's 2007 line-up -- March through December -- includes 9- to 30-day cruise tours in

CCL Plays Switcharoo ...

2006-09-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

Redeployment for Miracle, Legend: Long operating under an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" policy, Carnival Cruise Lines can't help but tweak on monumental success now and then. Hence, it'll switch homeports of 2,124-passenger SuperLiners Carnival Legend and Carnival Miracle in spring 2007. Legend, now sailing from New York and Fort Lauderdale, will reposition to Tampa for year-round seven-day

Seabourn Expands Dining Choice ...

2006-09-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

Adds 'Sky Grill' Venue: If choice is the ultimate luxury, then Seabourn Cruise Line lives up to its ultra luxury reputation, offering yet another casual alternative dining option aboard all three, all-suite Yachts of Seabourn. The line has begun occasional service of freshly grilled seafood and sizzling steaks in the open air at the Sky Bar, atop the intimate ships. “When the weather and the mood

MSC Does Deep Discounts ...

2006-09-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

Amazza!, Caramba!, Wow!: Baby Boomers and seniors can save up to 60 percent off MSC Cruises' retail rates on selected 2007 Caribbean and Panama sailings of MSC Lirica and MSC Opera. Senior Saver prices for 11-night roundtrips from Fort Lauderdale begin at $695 per person, double, excluding guv fees, taxes, etc. At least one guest per cabin must have hit the big five oh, on departure. The 50 and

RCI's Asia Calling ...

2006-09-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

RCI Ups Asian Ante with Rhapsody: Choice for exotic adventure expands as Royal Caribbean International returns to Asia, deploying Rhapsody of the Seas, starting Dec. 10, 2007. The Vision-class ship, featuring the line’s signature rock-climbing wall, will sail out of Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai, calling in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. The ship’s Asia tour continues

Celebrity Alters Alaska Route ...

2006-09-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Seattle Swapped Out for Vancouver: For more time in select ports and a better arrival time for viewing Alaska’s Hubbard Glacier on Mercury’s 2007 seven-night Alaska sailings, Celebrity Cruises has changed the port of arrival/departure to Vancouver, B.C. Guests with reservations with deposits made for Mercury cruises from Seattle between May 4 and Sept. 14, 2007, will receive a $100 per stateroom

Environmental CYA ...

2006-09-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Not to Muddy Waters With Too Much Claptrap, But: Operating companies for Carnival Corp. & plc have wrapped implementation and certification of their respective environmental management systems to ISO 14001 standard, landing certifications by four internationally recognized maritime regulatory agencies in recognition -- according to Carnival -- of “Carnival’s commitment to systematic management of

Cruise for Fun ...

2006-09-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

'Cast Your Own' Contest: Carnival and AMC, basic cable’s destination dedicated to movie culture , tantalize with “You Cast Your Crew,” where contest entrants compete to win a Caribbean “Fun Ship” cruise for the winner and up to 19 pals. Through Sept. 30, log onto CCL's new social networking website, CarnivalConnections.com to enter the contest promoted via television spots on AMC, plus ads in

Cruise for Life ...

2006-09-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

Support TRIO & Maybe Win A Cruise: Carnival and TRIO are pushing for life yet again, presenting the fifth annual "Cruising for Organs" raffle. Proceeds benefit TRIO (Transplant Recipient International Organization) , a global force devoted to promotion of organ donation, with money going to the group's Medications for the Needy Fund and Scholarship Fund, the latter for transplant patients, their

RCCL Scooping Up Pullmantur ...

2006-08-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

Global Expansion: To further expand European and Latin American operations, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has cut a deal to purchase Pullmantur S.A., a Madrid-based cruise/tour operator. Once regulatory tape is wrapped, RCCL expects to close by year’s end. Pullmantur, formed in 1971, is Spain’s largest cruise operator, with five ships and tour operations in Europe and Latin America. It sells

MSC Touts Fall in Europe ...

2006-08-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Autumn Tantalizers: Fall is a prime time to experience Europe, with the summer tourist crush over, shop prices lower, restaurants less crowded, and breezes delightful. MSC Cruises' 11-night itineraries help regenerate, rediscover and savor subtle pleasures of European life, history and culture while visiting magnificent destinations. From September to December, MSC sails ancient routes, from the

CCL's Arison on Alaskan Tax ...

2006-08-24T07:38:00.000-07:00

Cold Shoulder: As expected, Carnival Corporation & plc takes a dark, chilly view of Alaska’s Ballot Initiative 2 potential impact, approved by state voters for 2007 implementation. Here's Carnival chairman Micky Arison's take: “We are disappointed that the Ballot Initiative 2 has passed as we believe this will inhibit the future growth and expansion of Alaska’s tourism business ... The estimates

'Welcome to Alaska ... Now Pay Us $50' ...

2006-08-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Still Counting: The Anchorage Daily News reports voters have narrowly approved a measure slapping a $50-per-passenger tax on cruise ships. It would raise $50 million in head taxes alone. The proposal had a slight lead in polls, despite a $1 million campaign to defeat. Besides the head tax, the cruise-ship measure would tighten environmental standards, levy a corporate income tax and a

Joe's Take on Fun Ships ...

2006-08-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

Ship Architect Does Videos: Carnival decor often generates wonderment over rooms such as Carnival Glory's Amber Palace show lounge or Carnival Pride's Starry Night Jazz Club (homage to Vincent Van Gogh's painting). Fun Ship guests can soon get the skinny on dozens of eye-popper public spaces through in-stateroom videos narrated by Joe Farcus, Carnival interior architect. They'll eventually roll

Brrr... Alaskan Tax Looms

2006-08-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

Proposal Nets Chill: Each spring, ships reposition from Florida to west coast ports for Alaskan itineraries starring glaciers and whales. Now Alaskan interests want more action, proposing a $50 head tax. The NorthWest CruiseShip Assoc. (with Florida-based powerhouses onboard) has forked out $1 million-plus to scuttle, noting that vendors and merchants as well as lines stand to lose. Soft

Freedom from Miami ...

2006-08-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

How long Before Launching 'Around Cuba Cruises'?: Carnival Freedom, shaping up at Italy’s Fincantieri yard, sails year-round 7-day Caribbean cruises from Miami, starting Nov. 17, 2007, alternating eastern/western routes. Before that, Freedom sails a one-time 4-day cruise to Key West and Cozumel, Nov. 12-16. Freedom replaces Carnival Triumph, repositioning to New Orleans in September 2007. Freedom

Crescent City Triumph ...

2006-08-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

NOLA Lands Another Ship: Carnival deploys a second year-round ship to New Orleans in August, 2007 -- the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph -- making CCL the only line sailing year-round from the Crescent City. Deployment of the 2,056-passenger Fantasy in October means CCL now offers four-, five-, and seven-day cruises from NOLA. Triumph begins seven-day Caribbean cruises Sept. 2, 2007. Fantasy

Port Everglades Staffs Up ...

2006-08-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

New Gig: Glenn Wiltshire, recently captain of the Port New York/New Jersey, landed the Port Everglades deputy director job. Phil Allen, director, said he starts this month, as the Port begins work on its 5-year Master Plan and 10/20-year Vision Plans. In New York, Wiltshire helped oversee the $2 billion harbor deepening, and supervised maritime security for the 2004 GOP convention. He graduated

Oops, Not Again ...

2006-08-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

Nothing to Celebrate: While no Exxon Valdez, Carnival Celebration's engine prop struck the sea floor while docking in the Bahamas, spilling oil, and damaging the vessel, the Miami-based line said. The ship scrapped its call in Nassau and returned to its Jacksonville, Fla. homeport, long-time CCL spokeswoman Jennifer de la Cruz said, noting the environmental snafu involved an estimated 53 gallons

Celebrity Infinity Pod Problems ...

2006-08-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

Alaska Sailing Scratched: Celebrity Cruises is calling off Infinity's Sept. 13 sailing to replace one of two propulsion pods. Booked guests get a full refund and a certificate good toward another cruise. Agent commissions are protected, with a $50 rebooking bonus per stateroom when clients reschedule. Analysts estimate the cancellation will knock off a nickel per share on earnings of Royal

CCL Gets Serious on Fun ...

2006-08-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

Targets Meetings Market: Keeping pace with fast-growing corporate meetings and incentive travel, Carnival Cruise Lines has dramatically expanded its “Preferred Awards” program, allowing purchase of the line’s all-inclusive cruise certificates to reward top producers and encourage customer sales. Carnival also has created www.carnivalmeetings.com, tailored for corporate meeting planners, with a "

Uniworld Tantalizes ...

2006-08-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

Viva La France: Uniworld Grand River Cruises whets river cruise appetites with new itineraries, land extensions, and early booking incentives. L.A.-based Uniworld's Europe-Russia season, March through December, has nine-to 30-day cruises and tours in 20 countries. “With success of Uniworld's brand new Grand River Cruise ship, River Royale, and our well-received nine-day Provence and Burgundy

MSC Stokes Virtual Passion ...

2006-08-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

Mama Mia: MSC Cruises has re-launched msccruises.com with fresh design reflecting its signature – “Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.” Travel agents get a portal to “TruePartnerships.” Consumers get info on amenities, ships, departures, itineraries; and theme cruises. MSC Cruises has eight ships: MSC Musica, the newest, plus MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, MSC Rhapsody

Added Wrinkle: RCI Gift Certificates ...

2006-08-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

New Tack Bolsters the Tacky: Etiquette mavens cringe at invitations for weddings, vow renewals, anniversaries, and such that broadly hint (or outright ask!) for cash instead of tangible gifts, yet that hasn’t stemmed the flow. To that end, you now can fork out for cruises via Royal Caribbean International’s gift certificate program, available by mail or e-mail. Just think of the savings on ribbon

Counsel Promoted & Another Overboard ...

2006-07-31T12:59:00.000-07:00

Death Confirmed: Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. named company attorney Bradley Stein vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary. Stein, a 14-year company veteran, assumes broad legal strategy responsibilities. On heels of his promotion comes news of yet another tragedy aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, this one off the Italian coast as authorities recovered a body believed that of a

RCI 2nd Quarter Better Than Expected ...

2006-07-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

Cheers to Onboard Profit Centers: Despite angst over a soft Caribbean summer season forcing deeper discounting, combined with other cruise industry woes, along comes Royal Caribbean International with a better than expected second quarter (net income of $122.4 million, or $0.57 per share), plus second quarter net yield growth of 6%, versus forecast of 5%. With delivery of Freedom of the Seas,

Cheaper than the Movies? ...

2006-07-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

MSC Kids Sail Free: Skyrocketing land-based entertainment costs -- not to mention electricity and water bills -- have left some parents figuring it could be cheaper to cruise than stay home. Covering seafaring adventure, meals, movies, and more, MSC Cruises’ “Kids Sail Free” holiday offer has proven so popular that the line is extending it to nearly all of its winter 2006-07 Caribbean sailings,

To Err Was Human ...

2006-07-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

Autopilot Off Hook: Last week’s Crown Princess lurch was caused by a mistake on the bridge, Princess Cruises now reports. In an open letter posted on the line's web site, Princess President Alan Buckelew cites human error. With the ship's captain still in command of the $500 million vessel, Princess blames another officer no longer on active duty and says "personnel changes" have been made,

CCL Still Bullish on Mobile ...

2006-07-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

Not broken? Don't Fix: Carnival Cruise Lines has extended with the City of Mobile for another year, with the 1,452-passenger Holiday sailing popular four- and five-day Mexico cruises from the Alabama Cruise Terminal. Carnival launched the first and only year-round cruise program from Mobile in October 2004, accounting for 125,000 passengers annually from that port. “Consumer response to ‘Fun Ship

Miami Vice Mojito ...

2006-07-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Bottoms Up: With South Beach style and fast action, the new “Miami Vice” likely will be a smash. At least that’s what Carnival Cruise Lines is banking on, teaming with Bacardi Rum to create “Miami Vice Mojito” promos aboard Fun Ships. Adults forking out for a Bacardi Mojito aboard any Carnival cruise through Aug. 31, will be in a sweepstakes for a trip to Miami Beach where “Miami Vice” was filmed

Scribes at Sea ...

2006-07-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

Apartment Porn & Kissing Up: Ultra-luxe, all-suite Seabourn Pride hosts two “Writers’ Circle” Caribbean cruises from Barbados, with opportunity to mix with authors. “Seabourn is all about sharing voyages with interesting shipmates and celebrating the good things in life, and that includes good writing,” notes president Deborah L. Natansohn, former wire service newswoman and veteran travel

Princess Crown Askew ...

2006-07-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

Oddity at Sea: Princess Cruises' Crown Princess snailed her way back to Florida's Port Canaveral after a sudden lurch-and-list left passengers and crew scrambling amid flying debris and gushing water. Medics treated the injured as officials tackled logistics of a massive impromptu disembarkation, and launched a probe into what went wrong. The month-old ship carrying more than 2,500 passengers and

Celebrity Orders Third 'Solstice' ...

2006-07-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Cruises has ordered a third 118,000 GRT Solstice-class ship, underscoring the company’s commitment to growing the Celebrity brand. German shipbuilder Meyer Werft will build the new tonnage, with delivery of Celebrity Solstice planned for Fall 2008, Celebrity Equinox in Summer 2009, and the third in June 2010. Each will carry up to 2,850 guests, and measure 1,033 long by 121 feet wide,

Mastering Port Everglades ...

2006-07-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

Another Study: Broward's Port Everglades has retained DMJM Harris, a consultant in engineering/planning/economic analysis, to whip up a five-year Master Plan, and 10- and 20-year Vision Plans. Port Director Phillip C. Allen says those will address changes since 2001, when Port Everglades presented its original 2020 Vision Master Plan. The firm will incorporate post-9/11 aspects with potential

'Malpractice' at Sea ...

2006-07-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

Cruise Lines Liable?: A 2003 civil lawsuit against Celebrity Cruises by a Deerfield Beach, Florida couple, Hilda and Sam Rosenfeld, over a cut from a bathroom spill leading to bone infection now grabs headlines. The woman, 82, walks with a cane, has heart problems, and kidney disease, and her attorney has motioned twice to expedite, both denied. She got antiobotics aboard, but not enough, her

Seabourn Rules ...

2006-07-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Kudos from T&L: The Yachts of Seabourn rule the waves in hearts and minds of upscale Travel + Leisure readers. For the second consecutive year, Seabourn snagged a higher score for yacht-like ships -- large or small – than any other in the mag’s 11th annual survey of the “World’s Best” luxury vacation options. Thrilled, Seabourn president Deborah Natansohn credits “Seabourn’s wonderful staff and

Celebrity Down Under ...

2006-07-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

Like A Boomerang: Celebrity Cruises again heads Down Under, this time with enticing new cruisetours starting in November 2007. Cruisetours pair a Celebrity cruise aboard Mercury through New Zealand and Australia with land-based pre/post vacations. Two packages feature locations not on cruises, including the Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock. From Sydney, three-night cruisetours feature a night in

CCL Freedom from Rome to Miami ...

2006-07-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

Transatlantic Value Fun: For affordable vacationing aboard a spanking new “floating resort,” Carnival Freedom's 14-day transatlantic sails in fall 2007, from $799 per person. Freedom departs Rome on Oct. 28, arriving in Miami Nov. 11. A Civitavecchia overnight allows for exploring Rome, followed by calls at Livorno, Malaga, and Funchal (Madeira). “Carnival Freedom epitomizes ‘Today’s Carnival’,”

European River Cruising Heats Up ...

2006-07-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

Scratch Mega-Prices & Sizes: L.A.-based Uniworld beckons with a 9-day Danube sailing, Budapest to Passau, on River Baroness for $1,598, with $199 roundtrip air from select cities. Included: Dining and shore excursions at no extra charge. Wander Passau's cobblestone streets, stroll Dürnstein, and visit Vienna and Budapest. Bratislava Castle provides Hungary, Slovakia and Austria views. The

RCI 'Disappearance' Heads to Court ...

2006-06-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

Now Comes The Family: The bride settled, but wrangling between Royal Caribbean International and the family of missing Connecticut honeymooner George Smith, 26, is sailing toward court. Smith, partying hearty while aboard, vanished during a Mediteranean cruise on Brilliance of the Seas last July. The Miami-Dade Circuit Court filing accuses RCI of thwarting investigation into his disappearance by

RCI Settles in Mystery Disappearance ...

2006-06-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

Bride-Cum-Widow's Ship Comes In: After enduring waves of accusations from the surviving spouse over how the bloody mess was handled, Royal Caribbean International and Jennifer Hagel Smith have settled any potential claims regarding the presumed death of her husband George Smith IV. The boozing bridegroom, 26, disappeared from Brilliance of the Seas during a Mediterranean cruise on July 5, 2005,

CCL Fun Ships Go Way, Way Wireless ...

2006-06-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hot Spots Gone Wild: Carnival is going all out on wireless Internet, covering all public rooms and suites aboard its 21 “Fun Ships” before year's end. Wi-Fi hot spots allow surfing and sending e-mails via any wireless laptop from virtually anywhere aboard -- bars, pool decks, dining venues, too. Wi-Fi expands Carnival’s existing shipboard wireless capabilities as guests use wireless laptops in

NBA Trophy Goes to Sea ...

2006-06-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Heat Prize On Whirlwind Tour: The Miami Heat’s NBA Larry O’Brien Championship trophy embarks on a big hoop-big whoop cruise-ship tour this weekend, chaperoned by Heat owner Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation chairman and CEO. The three-continent, 18,000-mile marathon kicks off Sunday, June 25, when Arison displays the trophy aboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,794-passenger Carnival Valor in Miami.

Paul Gauguin Stokes Up Fares ...

2006-06-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

Oh, Oh, South Pacific Gets Pricier: Hotels employed surcharges to offset higher power costs in the '80s, and some cruise lines have done it of late on fuel. Now comes Regent Seven Seas Cruises (formerly Radisson), with a "Dear ..." e-mail communique under the heading of "Important Information Regarding Paul Gauguin 2007 Pricing." It goes on: "As you are no doubt aware, the price of fuel has

MSC Musica & Sophia Loren ...

2006-06-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

It’s official: MSC Cruises took delivery of MSC Musica in St. Nazaire, in the presence of assorted VIPs from the cruise line and ship yard. But the glamour of it all escalates on June 29th when godmother Sophia Loren officially launches the vessel in Venice. MSC Musica, the latest ship custom-designed for MSC Cruises, carries advanced technology and security developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique

Seabourn's Got Style ...

2006-06-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

China, Turkey & More: Ultra luxury small ship specialist Seabourn Cruise Line’s new 104-page catalogue features cruises aboard its three yacht-like, all-suite ships through the first quarter of 2008. The 15-month schedule includes 125 cruises aboard Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, calling at more than 225 ports in 64 countries between January 2007 and April 2008. New for '07 are “Sail & Stay”

Carnival's Got Heat ...

2006-06-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

Scratch Disney ... Win & Cruise: Higher fuel costs and a sluggish Caribbean cruise market cut second-quarter profit at Carnival Corp., prompting Mickey Arison, top honcho at the world's largest cruise company and owner of the Miami Heat to seize the moment. (For the record, net income for the quarter ended May 31 was $380 million, 46 cents per share, compared with last year's $388 million, or 47

A Socko Celebrity-Style Wedding ...

2006-06-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

For Romantic Foodies: Partnering with Food Network, Celebrity Cruises is cooking up a contest to ensure one lucky couple enjoys a wedding of "infinite" possibilities. Celebrity's Infinity serves as a platform for "Food Network Caters Your Hawaiian Wedding," a two-hour special during the network's "Wedding Weekend" in June 2007. Giada de Laurentiis, star of Everyday Italian, hosts. Food Network’s

With Regent, Three's a Charm ...

2006-06-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Paul Gauguin Welcomes Tahiti Trios: Go ahead ... prove three’s not a crowd in Tahiti this fall ... for less with a free third person berth in select double cabins on 12 sailings, Sept. 2 to Dec. 13. With its “third guest free” program, Regent Seven Seas turns South Seas romance into an affordable family destination or relaxing girlfriend getaway – on the 330-guest Paul Gauguin, sailing these

RCI's Majesty Gets Extreme Facelift ...

2006-06-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

New Routes for Legend: On heels of Freedom of the Seas’ spectacular debut, Royal Caribbean International reveals more revitalization for 2007, from extreme revamp of Miami-favorite Majesty of the Seas to new Mediterranean adventure for Legend of the Seas. Beginning Jan. 12, 2007, the 2,356-passenger Majesty undergoes a shipwide spiff, including new bedding with duvets. Johnny Rockets and Sorrento

European River Cruising Perks Up ...

2006-05-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

Viking River's Danube for $777: Now's time to cruise the Danube, the celebrated river immortalized by Strauss in his Blue Danube waltz. Seven-night cruises show off hilltop castles and quaint towns of the pristine Wachau and Altmühl Valleys. Viking River's modern river ships -- more like cigar-shaped yachts -- call on the grand cities and quaint villages in Austria and Germany, allowing ample

Martha Stewart as Godmother ...

2006-05-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

Domestic Goddess Reigns: Out of jail and sailing onward, Martha Stewart has been tapped by Princess Cruises as godmother for the line's newest ship, Crown Princess. She'll preside over official hoopla in New York on June 14, 2006, when she breaks the traditional bottle of champagne. The ceremony, the first at the city's new Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, will honor the Domestic Diva's ascent to become

MSC Coming on Strong ...

2006-05-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

Targeting Northern Europe: MSC Cruises plans big-time Northern Europe expansion. Pierfrancesco Vago, top dog at MSC, detailed his Northern Europe strategy at a press confab in Copenhagen. Key to success: Strong ties between MSC Cruises and SAS (Scandinavian Air). MSC doubled capacity in the region this summer, with

Carnival Goes Platinum-Grade ...

2006-05-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

Fun Ships Getting Exclusive: To stoke up repeat bookings, Carnival Cruise Lines' new loyalty program provides boatloads of alumni benefits, including priority em/de-barkation, guaranteed supper club rez and dining times, personalized stationery, and custom logo stuff. “Platinum” cardholders sailing aboard Fun Ships 10 or more times get new “Carnival Concierge Club” perks, including petit fours/

Cruise Shares Sink, But Hey ...

2006-05-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

Now's Time for Fun Ship Bargains: Gas prices and interest rates are rising, but cruises remain a top vacation value, according to Bob Dickinson, Carnival Cruise Lines President & CEO. Moreover, as shareholders gnash teeth over today's $4-plus share plunge after news on revision of earnings estimates, prospective cruisers can be even more optimistic. Lines now have more incentive to fill cabins on

Regent Circles South America ...

2006-05-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

All balconies, all suites: From spectacular Amazon rainforest to Chilean fjords and beauty of the Argentine Lake District, Regent Seven Seas' all-balcony suite Seven Seas Mariner offers the chance to live the luxury on a 59-night, 15-country, 36-port “Circle South America” itinerary. Sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 9, 2007. The two-month voyage – featuring six onboard overnights

Celebrity Scraps Alaskan Sailing ...

2006-05-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

Starboard Thruster Ailing: Celebrity Cruises is canceling one sailing on Summit to replace the starboard thrust bearing in the ship’s propulsion system. Summit must enter drydock for the fix, resulting in cancellation of its May 20 sailing. The ship is expected to return to scheduled service May 27. The cancelled sailing is a seven-nighter from Vancouver to Seward. Summit is now sailing a 13-

RCI Debuts World's Largest ...

2006-05-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

Now Here's Freedom: With it’s FlowRider® surf park, cantilevered whirlpools and colorful H20 Zone silhouetted against the Statue of Liberty backdrop, Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas today made her U.S. premiere, with tons of never-before-seen features. Carrying up to 3,634 passengers, Freedom sails seven-nighters from Miami calling in Cozumel, George Town, Montego Bay, and Royal Caribbean’s

CCL Helps Pump NOLA Tourism ...

2006-05-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

BACK ON TRACK: Amtrak and Carnival Cruise Lines are resuming their “Rail and Cruise” program out of New Orleans, with four- and five-day cruises from the Port of New Orleans on the ship Fantasy, starting in October. Amtrak offers discounts up to 25 percent for passengers traveling by rail to and from Carnival cruises through Dec. 13, 2007. Passengers may combine their voyage on the Fantasy with

Carnival's Version of Freedom ...

2006-05-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

From Ancient China to Art Nouveau: Carnival Freedom, debuting next March, features interiors from ancient Babylonia onward. Shaping up at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, the 2,974-passenger Freedom enters service in 2007 with 12-day Med cruises —including the line’s first-ever visit to the Greek Isles and Turkey — starting March 14. As usual, Joe Farcus, CCL's ship architect, has outdone himself on

CCL Tantalizes from San Juan ...

2006-05-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Destiny Calls in Southern Caribbean: The 2,642-passenger "Fun Ship" Carnival Destiny launches seven-day southern Caribbean adventure from San Juan calling at five tropical gems starting Jan. 7, 2007. The island-intensive itinerary features extended day-long visits to St. Lucia, Antigua, Dominica, Barbados, and St. Thomas/St. John, plus a fun-filled day at sea. Bob Dickinson, president and CEO,

Celebrity Century Goes Ultra, Icy Cool ...

2006-05-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

Bring on the Olives: The Martini Bar onboard Celebrity’s “new” Century boasts the first “ice bar” concept at sea when emerging May 30 from its $55-million, five-week revamp. Features include a liquid wall freezing to form a sparkling crystalline appearance, and a bar counter freezing into ice-cold stone, while a block of ice displays liquor bottles behind the bar. There's more. To highlight such

Freedom Weighs About 32,000 Elephants ...

2006-05-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

World's Largest Ship ... For Now: Royal Caribbean International has taken delivery of Freedom of the Seas, this hot second the world's largest ship, eclipsing Cunard's Queen Mary 2. RCI's 3,634-passenger Freedom of the Seas -- not to be confused with CCL's new Carnival Freedom, was delivered amid hoopla in Hamburg, Germany, with U.S. debut in New York on May 10. RCI, revolutionizing cruises with

Celebrity Redux for Alaska ...

2006-04-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

2007 Adventures Now Bookable: The land of 5,000 glaciers, four mountain ranges, and three million lakes greets vacationers onboard Celebrity’s Summit, Infinity and Mercury next year, when the trio returns for another season of Alaskan cruises and cruisetours. Bookings are now open for Celebrity’s 2007 Alaska season, May through September. Following a 13-night West Coast and Alaska voyage

RSSC & Le Cordon Bleu Re-Tie Knot ...

2006-04-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

Tastes Of Ocean Bleu: Since 2001, guests of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 700-guest all-balcony suite sister ships, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, have been free to immerse themselves in cuisine of the legendary Le Cordon Bleu – enjoying dinners at “Signatures,” the only permanent Le Cordon Bleu restaurants-at-sea, and in hands-on Le Cordon Bleu “Classe Culinaire des Croísières”

Ahoy: Win a Free Caribbean Cruise ...

2006-04-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

Breezy Opportunity: This Mother’s Day season, now through May 14, Bahama Breeze — the restaurant giving you the feeling of a Caribbean escape — offers a chance to give mom or anyone else an escape with a free Royal Caribbean seven night cruise for two. To enter, log onto http://www.bahamabreeze.com/, click the “Win a 7 Day Cruise” link and complete the online entry. The Royal Caribbean cruise

Celebrity Steps Up European Romance ...

2006-04-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

"X" Logo Marks The Spot: From Casablanca to Cornwall, from the Bosporus Strait to the best of ancient Greece, Celebrity Cruises’ European itineraries in 2007 and 2008 provide the broadest array of romantic, historic and exotic ports since the line began sailing there in 1999. Bookings are open for Celebrity’s new, expanded European season on Century, Constellation, Galaxy and Millennium, and for

Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me ...

2006-04-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

FORT LAUDERDALE SNAGS LIBERTY FULL-TIME: Well, there's no point in going to extremes, but odes to Patrick Henry aside, Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Liberty will depart year-round from Port Everglades on six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises, starting in November. Chalk it up as another Carnival first, and the only program of its kind from Fort Lauderdale. Now in Europe, Carnival Liberty

Seabourn Bookings Far Out ...

2006-04-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

LUXURY DEMAND HEATS UP: Ultra luxury small ship specialist Seabourn is booking now for its three yacht-like, all-suite ships through first quarter of 2008. The 15-month schedule includes125 cruises aboard Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, calling at more than 225 ports in 64 countries between January 2007 and April 2008. Schedules and fares for the first quarter 2007 were published a year ago,

RSSC's Paul Gauguin Back in Tahiti ...

2006-03-29T06:57:00.000-08:00

REGENT PROVIDES MAJOR FACELIFT: The legendary Paul Gauguin has returned to Tahiti after a $6 million refurbishment in Brisbane, Australia. Word has it the luxury cruise ship looks ravishing, with a new piano bar and casino, plus five more staterooms with aft-facing private balconies. The six-star Paul Gauguin,

MSC Signs Sophia, Retools Game Plan ...

2006-03-27T06:22:00.000-08:00

SCRATCH BERMUDA FOR NOW: MSC Cruises , which has signed film legend Sophia Loren as a spokesperson to reflect its "Beautiful, Passionate, Italian" essence, has revised itineraries and vessel deployments, given recent ship orders and expanding presence in Europe and elsewhere. The moves help position MSC for more growth, according to Rick Sasso, president and CEO.“Our original plans to bring the

CCL's Princess Cruises Also Suffers Fatality

2006-03-23T10:47:00.000-08:00

Blackened Star Princess Sails into Mo Bay: At least one passenger has died in a fire aboard Princess Cruises' Star Princess in the Caribbean, parent Carnival Corporation reports. News of a fire aboard ship had spread early Thursday morning, but word of the fatality came during Carnival's corporate earnings conference call. The fire, according to CFO Gerald Cahill, was contained to a single area

Celebrity Moving Quickly in Tragedy ...

2006-03-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

Aid Dispatched, Facts Gathered: Dan Hanrahan, Celebrity Cruises president, on Thursday at a Miami press conference, reported on a fatal bus crash involving guests from Celebrity Cruises' Millennium that occurred Wednesday afternoon in a remote area northeast of Arica, Chile. Offering assurances that everything possible is being done for victims, survivors, and families, Hanrahan said, “Here's

At last: Carnival Heads to Greece & Turkey ...

2006-03-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

FREEDOM FARE A 'FUN SHIP' FIRST: Starting March, 2007, Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Freedom sails an inaugural schedule encompassing 12-day cruises marking the line's first-ever calls in the Greek Isles and Turkey, plus calls at magnificent Mediterranean ports. Freedom's inaugural season kicks off March 14, 2007, with seven 12-day Med & Greek Isles cruises and a dozen 12-day "Grand

RCI's New Beds & Threads ...

2006-03-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

Mattress Gap Thwarted: Royal Caribbean plans to sack existing beds with a fleet-wide bedding enhancement. What's described as an extreme makeover includes new frames designed to prevent sagging, nine-inch-thick spring mattresses with separate two-inch-thick micro-fiber pillow tops; 220-thread-count cotton-blend sheets; A pair of micro-fiber pillows, plus a decorative pillow; Duvet with

Now It's Really "Where The Bags Are" ...

2006-03-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

Port Everglades Doubles Luggage Area: To make way for bigger ships carrying more cruise passengers and their luggage, the one-time "Where The Boys Are" capital of Greater Fort Lauderdale has doubled Passenger Terminal 2 at Port Everglades to create the seaport’s largest baggage hall -- and one of the industry's largest. Passenger Terminal 2 's baggage hall has gotten a stretch from 25,000 square

Port Everglades Passengers in a Single Day: 40,952

2006-03-01T07:37:00.000-08:00

Close, If Not Quite A Cigar: Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades came within what it likes to call “a handful of passengers” of breaking its own world record for hosting more passengers on a single day than any other port in history when 40,952 cruise passengers traveled through on Sunday, Feb. 26. Port Everglades originally grabbed the world record title for hosting the most passengers in

RCI Ups "Largest Ship" Ante ...

2006-02-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

Does that come with a football stadium?: Just ordering the world's largest, most expensive cruise ship is Royal Caribbean International, acccording to Europe's largest shipbuilder, Aker Yards ASA. Contract price for the new ship, designated Project Genesis, is 900 million euros -- or about $1 billion -- making it the "most valuable ship ever ordered in the history of commercial shipbuilding,"

MSC Hot, Hot, Hot In the Caribbean

2006-02-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

PORT EVERGLADES TO HOST MSC MUSICA: MSC Cruises beckons with a hot lineup of 2006-07 Caribbean itineraries along with repositioning sailings to New York and debut of the MSC Musica in the North American market. "It's going to be a memorable season, from beginning to end," says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises USA. For the Italian-owned MSC Cruises, the season begins with the Nov

RCI Disputes Smith Cover-Up Innuendo ...

2006-01-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

MYSTERY AT SEA?!?!?: Last July, an American honeymooner vanished from a Royal Caribbean International ship in the Mediterranean amid circumstances that seemed strange from the get-go. For one thing, complaints had been filed about partying noise from the honeymoon cabin on the night the groom disappeared. Oddly, the bride was discovered "sleeping" on a corridor floor some distance from her cabin

Port Everglades Hopping

2006-01-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

Waterborne Commerce At All-Time High: Total waterborne commerce at Greater Flort Lauderdale's Port Everglades reached an all-time high of 26.6 million tons of cargo passing through Greater Fort Lauderdale's seaport during fiscal year 2005 (Oct. 1, 2004 through Sept. 30, 2005). Multi-day cruise ship passenger counts increased by 0.5 percent from 2,675,296 passengers in FY04 to 2,688,363 passengers

CCL Still Very Much in the Black

2005-12-21T09:54:00.000-08:00

DAMN THE FUEL COSTS, FULL SPEED AHEAD: Despite whopping fuel cost hikes nearing 50 percent and the worst hurricane season in company history, Carnival Corporation's Chairman and CEO Micky Arison calls record fourth quarter performance a "testament to the resilience of our cruise business" noting 20 percent earnings growth for record fourth quarter results. For the full year, Arison credits

MSC Adding Two More ...

2005-11-29T08:54:00.000-08:00

Fantasia & Serenata Now Official: Italy-based MSC Cruises is adding two 133,500-ton vessels to its fleet, slated for delivery in 2008 and 2009, making the company the world's largest European cruise line. Announcement from Paris came as Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises, and Patrick Boisser, president of Alstom Marine, signed off on a nearly $1.2 billion construction contract. The newbuilds

RCI Dives in Big-Time With PADI ...

2005-11-21T06:33:00.000-08:00

JUST IN FROM THE DEEP: Royal Caribbean International -- known for its "Here Comes Johnny" television spots urging cruise prospects to "Get Out There" while touting onboard amenities from surfing simulators and rock-climbing walls to ice skating rinks and bungee trampolines -- reports more than 7,050 guests have received Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Scuba Diver

Radisson Out To Seduce Palates ...

2005-11-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

RSSC & LE CORDON BLEU: From romantic Tuscan dining to a burst of exotic Asian flavors and expanded Le Cordon Bleu feasts, food connoisseurs have a lot to look forward to as menus at Latitudes, Portofino, and La Veranda on Radisson Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, and Paul Gauguin have been further refined and diversified to seduce even the most

Vintage Seabourn Silver Sure Beats Centrum ...

2005-10-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

WORTHY OF PREMIUM TOASTS: Sommeliers on board Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend are offering guests a Vintage Seabourn pre-purchase option granting access to a varied selection of premium wines from the ships' well-stocked, diversified cellars, at special privileged prices. "We pour complimentary wines, and quite a nice selection of very good ones, on board all our Seabourn yachts," notes

From the Pepsi Generation ...

2005-09-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

CELEBRITY BOLSTERS BRANDING: As per the norm since Celebrity Cruises was scooped up by Royal Caribbean International, headhunters have gone outside the cruise industry for marketing expertise. Ellen Taaffe has been named senior v.p. of marketing effective Sept. 20, responsible for all of the premium brand’s marketing, consumer/trade ads, web and loyalty marketing, research, and brand development.