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Celebrity Chef Curtis Stone Partners With Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises has launched a new exclusive celebrity partnership with esteemed restaurateur, New York Times bestselling author and television personality Chef Curtis Stone. This collaboration will serve up new culinary offerings designed by Chef Stone, dedicated to fresh flavorful cuisine, ultimately creating memorable experiences as guests travel the world.

Learn more about Princess’ culinary options here: http://www.princess.com/ships-and-exp…

Pearl Seas Cruises Announces Spring 2016 Cultural Voyages to Cuba

Pearl Seas Cruises

Pearl Seas Cruises has announced that it plans to offer a series of 7 to 10-night cultural voyages to Cuba in the spring of 2016.

Pearl Mist
Pearl Mist

Aboard the Pearl Mist, a brand new luxury 210-passenger cruise ship, this round trip voyage from South Florida will visit several Cuban ports including Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba. Pearl Seas Cruises plans itineraries on both the Southern and Northern coasts of Cuba, featuring People to People cultural exchanges authorized under U.S. law to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

“We are delighted to play such an important role in the People-to-People program in support of the Cuban people.  The 210-passenger Pearl Mist allows access to more of Cuba’s ports and regions, while providing a relaxed means to engage directly with Cubans and explore the rich history and fabric of Cuban culture,” according to Charles A. Robertson, President of Pearl Seas Cruises.

Offering the finest accommodations and amenities, the Pearl Mist features 105 staterooms and suites, all with private verandas and large sliding glass doors or opening picture windows offering spectacular views. The ship is fully stabilized for cruising comfort and offers the latest technology in safety and environmental standards.

These voyages are pending approval by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury, the Department of Commerce and the Cuban government.

For more information or to make reservations, visit http://www.pearlseascruises.com.

Stowaway on Anthem Of The Seas: Spotting Royal Caribbean’s Most Infamous Entertainer

Royal Caribbean Productions is always looking for new ways to take entertainment to the next level. As the latest addition to entertainment onboard Anthem of the Seas, The Stowaway is sure to surprise and delight guests – if they are lucky enough to spot him!

Gronk’s party ship is hitting the high seas February 2016

Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski

Record smashing NFL star, Rob Gronkowski, hosts family, friends, and fans aboard Norwegian Pearl for a 3-day bash through the Caribbean.

You heard it on the ESPY Awards, TMZ, CBS, ESPN and it’s likely blowing up your twitter feed: Super Bowl winning New England Patriots tight end, Rob Gronkowski, and Sixthman, the industry leader in festivals at sea, are partnering up for the first ever Gronk’s Party Ship. This three-day cruise will take place from February 19-22, 2016.  The party will sail from Miami, FL aboard the beautiful Norwegian Pearl, with a stop at Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.

Join Rob Gronkowski and his family as they take over the whole ship for a three-day blow-out-bash with 2500 of his most hyped up fans, favorite bands, DJs, and comedians.
HERE’S A QUICK PLAY-BY-PLAY OF WHAT TO EXPECT:
Day 1: Miami, Florida
Step on board Norwegian Pearl for the start of this 3 day vacay. Once on board grab a drink and prepare to get Gronk’d by some of Rob’s favorite DJs, bands, comedians, and special guests including 3LAU, Waka Flocka Flame, Sammy Adams, Brooke Evers and Dante (with more exciting announcements on the way!)
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Day 2: Day at Gronk’s Island
A cruise just wouldn’t be a cruise without a stop in an exotic locale, and a party ship wouldn’t be a party ship without a stop on an island built for non-stop party action. Norwegian Pearl will cruise to the private island paradise of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, where guests can soak up some rays, sip tropical cocktails, work up a sweat dancing, and cool off in the crystal blue ocean. Of course, the Gronkowski clan will be there too, doing what they do best, and making this party one for the history books.
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Day 3: No Sleep ‘Til Miami!
In between all the music sets across the 5 stages, a photo with the Gronk himself, and the activities with the Gronkowski clan, carve out some time to catch some rays and enjoy the pool. And make sure to grab a disco nap, because the party won’t stop ‘til we’re docked back in Miami!
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Day 4: Back to the Grind
The ultimate party with the Gronk has to end eventually, but the memories and friendships created will last a lifetime…aZIkLqqByEhrq9MAUsnxkYbbTEZDRsNS_WiTm9cwJbdRK142rA23s7bpNWmijOHRUY7_pEQGHNc8SruY2ML2qkVKaVjZ2MD03pcTtGgK1n_06hXyQJ15YrVwia9GfNTGsX2svJ_s720eLRPHVYrUOrq47DQPINAnQOeVdZg=s0-d-e1-ft or at least until the next party.

Gronk fans are invited to join the party now at www.gronkspartyship.com and sign up for the Mailing List for all the latest announcements including the full entertainment lineup, contests, activities, special guests, and more.

The full lineup of Sixthman festivals at sea can be found at www.sixthman.net/events including The Outlaw Country Cruise, Train’s Sail Across the Sun, Florida Georgia Line: This is How We Cruise, and so much more!

Connected At Sea: Cruise Lines Enhance Wi-Fi Capabilities On Cruise Ships

Connected at Sea

From emails and texts to tweets and Instagram posts, travelers want to digitally share and stay connected while on vacation. While the perception may be that a cruise vacation does not offer a chance to be accessible, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reveals that cruise lines have introduced a host of Wi-Fi capabilities and offerings on cruise ships making it easier than ever before to stay connected at sea.

“In our increasingly connected world, it has become incredibly important for travelers to stay connected,” said Thomas P. Ostebo, President and CEO, CLIA. ““Cruise lines globally have made major technological strides to offer our travelers the chance to stay connected while enjoying a cruise vacation.”

Following are some of the latest examples of Internet accessibility on cruise ships:

“There are common misconceptions that Wi-Fi capabilities on cruise ships are expensive, unreliable, or nonexistent,” Ostebo continued. “We are happy to dispel this myth and prove that connectivity and cruising are not mutually exclusive.”

Carnival Corporation Expands Fleet in China to an Industry-Leading Six Ships in 2016

Regal Princess
Regal Princess

Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises brands each adding a new ship and additional capacity to meet accelerating consumer demand for cruise vacations in China

Carnival Corporation has announced it will add two ships to its China fleet in 2016, making it the first global cruise company with six total ships based in China. The move will increase Carnival Corporation’s total capacity in China by an additional 58 percent in 2016, further accelerating the company’s leadership position in the growing Chinese market, which continually delivers double-digit annual returns and is expected to eventually become the largest cruise market in the world.

Carnival Corporation’s fleet of six China-based ships will include expanded offerings from its two leading brands in the market – Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises – that are each adding one new ship to meet growing cruise demand in China. Across the two brands, Carnival Corporation will have three year-round ships and three seasonal ships in the market, representing the largest cruise presence in China in 2016.

Logo-Princess-CruisesTogether, the Costa and Princess brands will potentially offer about four million passenger cruise days in 2016, giving Chinese guests more choice and flexibility in both the contemporary and luxury segments. Based on the accelerating consumer demand for cruises in China, Carnival Corporation’s added capacity is expected to significantly increase the company’s total number of cruise passengers in China in 2016.

Included in this new deployment is today’s announcement made during a press conference in Beijing that Princess Cruises will send its Golden Princess ship to northern China in 2016, sailing out of Tianjin on a seasonal basis, with itineraries visiting a variety of desirable destinations in Costa_Logo4c_Positivnorthern Asia. Golden Princess joins the brand’s first China-based ship, Sapphire Princess, which has been homeported in Shanghai since 2014 and will start sailing year-round in China in 2016. The brand’s two-ship deployment in 2016 will more than double its total available guest capacity in China compared to 2015, putting Princess Cruises in an even stronger position to serve the luxury cruise segment with its exclusive Princess Class experience designed specifically for the Chinese market.

Costa Cruises, a leading cruise brand in China and the first global cruise brand to introduce cruising to the market in 2006, recently announced it will debut Costa Fortuna in April 2016 as its fourth ship based in China. Costa Fortuna joins Costa Serena, Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria already based in China, increasing the brand’s total available capacity in China by 43 percent in 2016.

“Our Costa and Princess brands are performing extremely well in China, and these new ship deployments will strengthen our growth position and enable us to carry nearly one million passengers in 2016, as we continue executing our plan to meet surging consumer demand for cruising in China,” said Alan Buckelew, chief operations officer for Carnival Corporation.

“As momentum accelerates in the market, we have a significant opportunity to increase cruising demand amongst China’s growing middle class and a new generation of Chinese travelers who are hungry for new vacation experiences.”

Regal PrincessBuckelew added: “Our focus is on exceeding guest expectations on every ship and really tailoring our product for Chinese tastes, which helps create new advocates and spread the joy of cruising in China. Through our brands, our expanding operations and our potential joint ventures in China, we’re excited to play a lead role in helping China become one of the world’s leading cruise markets.”

In addition to expanding its industry-leading presence in China in 2016, Carnival Corporation recently announced that the latest ship under construction for its Princess brand will be based in China year-round when introduced in summer 2017. Based in Shanghai, the ship will be the first year-round international luxury vessel designed and built specifically for Chinese guests.

Carnival Corporation is also exploring potential joint ventures in China with China Merchants Group (CMG) and China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) designed to accelerate the growth of the overall cruise industry in China, including the possibility of launching a world-class Chinese domestic cruise brand, building new ships in China, and supporting port and infrastructure development. These efforts support Carnival Corporation’s commitment to help China realize its goal to develop cruising as a key economic driver for its economy and become one of the leading cruise markets in the world.

Let The Games Begin! While You Cruise

Whether going solo, with friends, your spouse or as a family, cruise ships are a great idea for a vacation. Today more than ever, cruise ships are getting bigger and more innovative, or basically floating amusement parks and shopping malls. Their destinations are awe-inspiring and offer many exciting experiences once you arrive to them. It’s what you can do on the boat, where you’ll be spending the majority of time – on the open sea – so make sure that the games are good!

Table Games – If table games are your thing, then there won’t be a shortage of options on a cruise ship. Most ships have a great supply of the most popular table games found at casinos around the world. No matter what you’re into, you can be sure to play it throughout your cruise. What table games can you expect to see some action on?

1. Roulette – A classic game that you’re sure to know from casinos everywhere and guaranteed to find onboard all of the best cruise lines. Whether you’re an even or odd or red or black strategist, there’s plenty of down time to get your fill of roulette while cruising.

http://www.safariegypt.com/egypt_nile_cruise/sonestaMoonGoddess/moon_goddess_info.htm

2. Poker One of the more popular games to be found on a cruise will be poker and it’s many varieties.

http://www.carnival.com/onboard/poker

Those varieties include three-card poker tables and more tournament focused poker, such as Texas Holdem and Omaha where you may spot fancy tables in use that are state-of-the-art touchscreen poker machines. If Texas Holdem is your poker game of choice, make sure to beat the cruise crowds and arrive earlier or signup in advance if the cruise offers signup sheets.

3. Blackjack – Unfortunately there are no blackjack pointers in this article, but you’ll find your own tricks onboard while at the blackjack tables with your fellow cruise companions. In case you’re not familiar with this very popular game, the goal is to beat your dealer.

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Don’t worry about your neighbors; it’s the dealer you’re up against. You’re a winner if you get 21 points on your first two cards (blackjack), your final score is higher than the dealer without exceeding 21, or your dealer exceeds 21 themselves. If you find yourself with a lucky lady, the holy grail of blackjack bets, you’ll be a bigger winner.

4. Craps – Make room for the dice! Perhaps the slight shifts of the ocean will result in your favor while playing craps aboard the cruise.

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Craps is always a casino favorite. Whether you’re ready to make wagers yourself or ride the wave on someone else’s game, you’ll be able to at the craps table. Craps is usually the center of attention where exciting action with applause and cheers is not uncommon – the craps table may be how you find the cruise casino from down the hall.

 

5. LuckyCowBingo– Who doesn’t love a good game of bingo?

That feeling when you’ve hit bingo and stand up and yell “BINGO!” Bingo on a cruise is a different experience. Sure, winning a prize or some money is exhilarating as it is, but everyone is in high spirits. You’re not the only one in a great mood, but everyone is happy and adding to the experience because they’re on holiday too! Make sure to get your bingo action while you’re making your way over to your destination.

LuckyCowBingo

6. Slot Machines – No matter what level of experience you have with casino games, slot machines are always a crowd pleaser.

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Offering both variety and excitement when the orchestra of bells, whistles, sirens and the clings and clangs of coins announce a win. You’re on a cruise, have a seat and play some slots!

Princess Cruises’ New Ship Begins Countdown to Summer 2017 Debut for China Year Round Cruising

first Chinese lion dance ceremony to mark construction milestone
Anthony Kaufman, Senior Vice President, Asia Operations, Princess Cruises (left); Attilio Dapelo, Fincantieri Shipyard Director (Middle) and Cherry Wang, Country Director, Carnival China (right) attend the official keel laying ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, featuring first Chinese lion dance ceremony to mark construction milestone.
 first Chinese lion dance ceremony to mark construction milestone
Anthony Kaufman, Senior Vice President, Asia Operations, Princess Cruises (left); Attilio Dapelo,
Fincantieri Shipyard Director (Middle) and Cherry Wang, Country Director, Carnival China (right) attend the official keel laying
ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, featuring first Chinese lion dance ceremony to mark construction milestone.
Traditional Keel Laying Ceremony at Fincantieri Shipyard Features First Chinese Lion Dance Ceremony to Mark Construction Milestone

Carnival plc recently marked the beginning of construction of Princess Cruises’ third new generation of ships with the official keel laying ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. As the keel – the bottommost part of the ship – was ceremoniously lowered into position, and shipyard officials celebrated the occasion with a traditional Chinese lion dance. This, yet-to-be-named ship, will be customized to appeal to the China market when it debuts in summer 2017.

Following the lion dance and a traditional blessing by a priest, the ship’s keel – which weighs approximately 500 tons – was moved into position by crane onto the keel blocks. The computer-guided maneuver took only minutes, belying the more than two 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 float out next summer.

“We’re incredibly excited to mark this step in the ship’s construction,” said Anthony Kaufman, Princess Cruises senior vice president of Asia operations, who traveled to Italy for the ceremony. “We’re very pleased to be working with our long-term partner, Fincantieri, on our newest ship and we appreciate their partnership and collaboration to customize and tailor the ship for the Chinese market.”

“The lion dance has been part of the Chinese culture for thousands of years and is performed on various auspicious occasions and celebrations. According to traditional Chinese belief, the lion signifies courage, wisdom, and good fortune and brings happiness, longevity, and good luck. We believe this special ceremony will bring prosperity and good fortune to Princess Cruises and our guests in China,” said Cherry Wang, country director of Carnival China, who also traveled to Italy for the ceremony.

The new Royal Class ship will offer many of the same special features as Royal Princess and Regal Princess, which have been so well-received by the industry. These include a dramatic multi-story atrium serving as the social hub of the ship; an over-the-ocean SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship; the Princess Live! interactive studio; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light.

Guests will enjoy the international flavor of cruising with Princess, including experiencing cuisines from China, Japan, South-East Asia, Italy, France, and North America among other regions; as well as an array of international festivals re-created to celebrate cultures around the world; Princess Watercolor Fantasy, a fountain and music show; Movies Under the Stars featuring the largest outdoor screen at sea; and balconies on all outside staterooms. Accommodations will be configured to appeal to families and multi-generational travelers.

In addition, the new ship will showcase the exclusive Princess Class experience designed specifically for the Chinese market. Delivered by the ship’s dedicated and caring crew, Princess Class enriches the travel experience of each cruise guest, enabling them to participate in unique cultural, culinary, entertaining and inspiring programs including the World Leaders Dinner, traditional English afternoon tea, a Lobster Grill, Ultimate Balcony Dining, an ocean-view hot pot dinner option, ballroom dancing, and an unparalleled duty-free shopping experience.

Additional details about the new ship’s features and deployment schedule will be announced over the coming months. For more information about Princess Cruises visit http://www.princess.com/.

American Cruise Lines Names New Mississippi Riverboat America

America
American Cruise LinesConstruction ahead of schedule for inaugural 2016 cruise season

American Cruise Lines recently  announced the name of its brand-new Mississippi paddlewheeler – America – currently under construction at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD.   The America is American built, flagged, and crewed, which is symbolic of the true all-American experience provided by American Cruise Lines.

America is being prepared to launch into the Wicomico River early next week, and will be moved to Chesapeake Shipbuilding’s East Outfitting Basin where the upper decks and outfitting will be completed. The America will be American Cruise Lines’ eighth ship and its second brand-new vessel this year.   Scheduled to begin sailing the Mississippi River in early 2016, America will be the finest Mississippi paddlewheeler ever built, introducing features never before seen on a riverboat.

American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise company and operates the newest fleet of riverboats and small cruise ships on more than 35 itineraries. Long established and deeply experienced in cruise travel, American Cruise Lines has been honored with multiple awards, including Porthole Reader’s Choice Awards in 2014, World Travel Awards “World’s Leading River Cruise Company” in 2013, “Gold Award Winner” for Travel Weekly’s 2014 Magellan Awards and a 2014 finalist for Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards. To learn more about American Cruise Lines, visit www.americancruiselines.com or call 800-814-6880.

Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces À La Carte Specialty Dining

Norwegian Escape
image004Norwegian Escape, the line’s newest and largest ship, will be the first in the fleet to feature enhanced menus and new per-item pricing that provides even more freedom and flexibility

Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced à la carte specialty dining at the line’s signature specialty restaurants, providing guests the freedom to savor an array of tastes and gourmet dishes and the flexibility to choose how many courses they wish to enjoy during their meal.

Guests will experience the ultimate in Freestyle Cruising beginning this October on the all-new Norwegian Escape, where they can choose to dine at any of 11 complimentary dining options or experience new flavors at Norwegian’s signature specialty restaurants La Cucina, Le Bistro, Cagney’s Steakhouse and the new Bayamo by James Beard Award winning chef Jose Garces, on an à la carte basis.

Norwegian’s signature specialty restaurants on Norwegian Escape will feature enhanced menus that include favorite dishes and new tastes alike, offering guests the freedom to select how many courses they’d like to enjoy during their dinner, with per-item pricing. Whether guests wish to have a light meal of a favorite appetizer and soup or salad, or indulge in a multi-course dinner featuring Maine lobster, with Norwegian’s new à la carte options, guests will now have the opportunity to create their desired dining experience, just as they would at any land-based restaurant.

At Cagney’s Steakhouse, starters on the new à la carte menu range from $4.99 to $7.95 and main courses from $17.99 to $29.99, featuring Certified Angus Beef® brand steaks, the world’s leading Angus brand and consumers’ top choice for premium beef.  At Le Bistro, guests will find delicious new main courses in addition to traditional French favorites, including Bouillabaisse, Pan-Seared Jumbo Bay Scallops and Veal Medallions with Sauce Morrel, starting at $15.99. And guests looking to find a taste of “la dolce vita” will be transported to the Mediterranean when they choose from an expanded menu at La Cucina, featuring antipasti, pasta, risotto and traditional secondi courses starting at $12.99 including Osso Buco alla Milanese, Free-Range Chicken with Prosciutto or Pan-Seared Sea Bass Filet.

Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki will remain at a cover charge of $19.95 and $29.95 respectively, as will entertainment dining including Wine Lovers The Musical and For The Record™: The Brat Pack.

Guests who purchase a Norwegian Specialty Dining Package have the freedom to indulge as they wish, as Specialty Dining Packages will allow guests to enjoy La Cucina, Le Bistro and Cagney’s Steakhouse at no additional charge. Guests with a Specialty Dining Package can dine in Bayamo by Jose Garces for an additional fee of $15.

In addition to Norwegian Escape’s specialty restaurants, Ocean Blue on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway will also begin offering à la carte options on October 3, 2015, and the new à la carte dining will be available fleetwide beginning January 1, 2016. Other entertainment dining across the fleet, including Cirque Dreams & Dinner and The Illusionarium, will remain at a cover charge. For those guests who wish to reserve their dining times ahead of time, they can continue to do so via MyNCL; there is no charge to make a reservation and guests will have any à la carte selections added to their onboard account at the time of dining.

For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line’s specialty dining, visit http://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-dining#specialty. To book a cruise on Norwegian, guests can contact their travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.