The 2019 CRUISE TO THE EDGE, Proggers of the Caribbean, progressive rock’s preeminent fan/artist experience recently went on sale. Cabins are available at CruiseToTheEdge.com, with prices beginning at $1,299 per person, double occupancy. Government fees, taxes, and gratuities are additional and mandatory for all passengers, regardless of age.
Anchored by prog rock icons, YES, the event features some of the world’s greatest prog-rock musical artists. This magical 5-night cruise sails from Tampa, Florida next February 4-9th aboard Royal Caribbean’saward-winningBrilliance Of The Seas, visiting two ports of call: Key West, Florida and Cozumel, Mexico.
The 2019 lineup will also feature several other iconic newcomers, including: Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater, Pendragon, Gazpacho, Brand X, Marbin, UniKuE, Magic Pie and Alan Hewitt’s One Nation.Other esteemed CTTE alumni confirmed to return include: PFM, Frost, Soft Machine, Spock’s Beard, Enchant, Airbag, Baraka, Electric Asturias, IO Earth, Dave Kerzner’s In Continuum, District 97,and theDavid Cross Band.Also, special guest and new Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, John Lodge of The Moody Blues will be making his encore appearance with his 10,000 Light Years Band, playing solo material and Moody Blues favorites.Finally, UK journalist and YES historian, Jon Kirkman, will emcee and moderate the cruise.
Beyond the sun, fun and exquisite dining, there will be Artist/Cruiser Photo Experiences,Q&A Sessions, Special Theme Nights and other events designed to optimize the Artist/Fan Experience. This year will once again feature the unparalleled CTTE Late Night Live, where fans can sign up to showcase their own musical talents in four different performance scenarios: Late Night Live Pro Jam (guests are invited to play with a headline act), Artist’s Choice (featuring fans and Prog legends performing together), The Main Event (where guests can shine with fellow Late Night Live musicians), and Overtime Jam (where guests can choose a song to be featured in a late-night jam). For more info on the CTTE Late Night Live, please visit: ctte-grid.com.
On the heels of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours’ recent announcement of a second Discovery Yacht being added to the Scenic Eclipse fleet (launching May 2020), the company has expanded its already adventure-laden list of itineraries – adding several more of the world’s most demanded bucket list opportunities. Highlights include a 21-day Northwest Passage exploration; a 13-day adventure through one of the world’s most geographically-isolated regions, Russia’s White Sea; and two opportunities to take in numerous ports along North America’s east coast, including Halifax and NYC. With its onboard helicopters, submarine, Zodiacs and kayaks, these luxurious Discovery Yachts feature many opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the best these spectacular destinations have to offer.
Limited to just 200 guests and departing August 15, 2020, Across the Northwest Passage is a once-in-a-lifetime journey and a pinnacle of polar exploration. Until this century, this route between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans was almost always impassable due to the dangers of the ice-heavy waters. With the highest ice class rating of any luxury ship (Polar Class 6), the Scenic Eclipse will make its way from Copenhagen, along the coast of Greenland and through the Canadian Arctic Islands until reaching Nome, Alaska, with the amazing scenery lit by the 24-hour sun. Guests will meet local Inuit communities, learning about the harsh environments, culture and wildlife from the onboard expert Discovery Team. There are opportunities for kayaking amongst icebergs, viewing whales, polar bears and Arctic foxes close up, and hiking across the frozen tundra.
Russia’s White Sea is another of the sought-after bucket list trips. Located on the northwest coast of Russia, it is surrounded on three sides and is a southern inlet of the Barents Sea. Its very remoteness is what appeals to so many – unspoiled and untamed. Departing Tromsø, Norway’s northernmost port, on June 21 and July 3, guests will get to visit the North Cape and Murmansk before focusing on the Russian Arctic – Archangelsk and the Solovetsky Islands – a forbidden region for decades.
For travelers wanting a closer to home voyage that still ticks the bucket list boxes, Scenic has scheduled 10- and 20-day sailings along North America’s East Coast. The 10-day exploration departs New York City on September 29, 2019 and heads south, taking Baltimore, Norfolk, Wilmington (NC) and Charleston before ending in the Bahamas. Guests interested in doing the entire coast can start earlier (September 20) in Halifax, Canada and add five Canadian ports including Prince Edward Island and Lunenburg as well as the US’s Boston and Martha’s Vineyard.
And then there is the technology… innovative zero-speed stabilizer fins, 50% larger than standard to provide even greater stability; the highest passenger ship ice class rating – Polar Class 6 (Ice Class 1A Super): redundancies in propulsion, navigation, safety systems and food refrigeration; state-of-the-art bridge systems; and GPS dynamic positioning system that allows for stationary positioning without the use of an anchor.
Seattle’s Hometown Cruise Line and Seattle’s Major League Baseball team
With the start of the 2018 baseball season, Holland America Line is announcing the continuation of its partnership with the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball team through the 2018 season. As a primary component of the partnership, Seattle’sHometown Cruise Line is the presenting sponsor of the Salute to Those Who Serve on-field recognition program honoring men and women of the United States military.
Additionally, for the fifth consecutive season each strikeout thrown by a Seattle Mariners pitcher during a home game earns a donation from the cruise line to Seattle Children’s Hospital Uncompensated Care Fund under the Holland America Line K’s for Kids program. To date, Holland America Line has donated more than $100,000 to Seattle Children’s Hospital Uncompensated Care Fund through the program.
“As Seattle’s Hometown Cruise Line we value partners who share our commitment to being a good corporate citizen and giving back, and together with the Seattle Mariners we have positively affected many different areas of the community,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “It’s been a grand slam relationship with the Mariners, and we’re excited for another season of working together on and off the field.”
For the past eight years, Holland America Line and the Mariners have maintained a partnership that in addition to a corporate sponsorship has included community-based programs. The cruise line will continue to sponsor Get Well Tours with visits to area hospitals by Mariners players as well as K’s for Kids and the Salute to Those Who Serve recognition events.
Holland America Line K’s for Kids Donation Program
Under the Holland America Line K’s for Kids program, for each strikeout recorded by a Mariners pitcher at a home game throughout the season, the cruise line will make a cash donation to Seattle Children’s Hospital Uncompensated Care Fund. In 2017, the cruise line recognized the Mariners strikeouts by presenting a check to Seattle Children’s Hospital for $25,000 on Fan Appreciation Night.
Salute to Those Who Serve Military Program At 26 Mariners home games this season, the Salute to Those Who Serve program will honor some of the men and women from various branches of the United States military. During Friday and Sunday games, a member of the military (active, reserve, veteran or retired) is recognized on-field for his or her service to our country. Each honoree will receive four tickets and one parking pass to the game. Holland America Line is the presenting sponsor of this program.
Holland America Line Get Well Tours Holland America Line is the presenting sponsor of the Seattle Mariners Get Well Tours, which includes visits to area hospitals by Mariners players and the Mariner Moose. During these visits children receive photos, autographs and a Holland America Line branded sports bag filled with Mariners- and baseball-related items such as replica baseballs and a stuffed Moose.
Holland America Line Fan Appreciation Night Holland America Line also is the presenting sponsor of the annual Fan Appreciation Night celebration at Safeco Field. Traditionally the final Friday home game of each season, Fan Appreciation Night celebrates the community support by loyal Mariners fans with prize drawings throughout the game. As part of its sponsorship, Holland America Line provides cruise giveaways at the F.A.N.
““Holland America Line has been a tremendous collaborator over the past eight years, making it possible to support a variety of outreach programs in our community,” said Joe Chard, vice president corporate business and community relations for the Seattle Mariners. “As Seattle’s Major League Baseball team, we look forward to spending another season partnering with Seattle’s Hometown Cruise Line to make a positive impact locally.”
Holland America Line also is the presenting sponsor of the seventh-inning stretch, as well as the named sponsor for the Seattle Mariners team poster giveaway and of each of the 10 home stands on radio broadcasts and stadium billboards. Attendees can look for Holland America Line signage in Power Alley and on the video board during Fan Grams.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
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Denmark is on route to set cruising-record in the coming season as more cruise lines than ever before call in the little country of happiness and “hygge”. The Danish cruise ports expect more than 1 million cruise guests this year along with a 200-million-euro turnaround.
International cruise guests are flocking to Denmark like never before, which is why 2018 will be a record-breaking year for the Danish cruise destinations. More than 1,1 million cruise passengers are expected to visit the Danish ports this year, and as a result the turnaround will reach more than 200 million Euros. The 2018 cruise season started on Good Friday when the first cruise ship of the season, Astoria, coming in from Kiel, docked in Copenhagen for the day.
“This cruise season will be Denmark’s best season so far. According to the cruise lines we will receive more than 1,1 million cruise guests, spread over our nine Danish cruise ports. This means, that we will see many positive effects coming from cruise tourism, like 2.100 full time jobs and our expected turnaround reaching 200 million Euros,” Claus Bødker, Director of Cruise Copenhagen, says.
In Copenhagen more than 875.000 cruise guests are expected to visit this year. This means that the Danish capital port too will be breaking record, as it will be the highest number of cruise guests so far calling too see Copenhagen.
Copenhagen makes a convenient base for cruises to the Baltic countries and their capitals, including Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Stockholm and St. Petersburg.
Aarhus will for the first time reach 100.000 cruise guests, while Skagen will be doubling its guest numbers this season. The Danish island Bornholm and the city of Helsingør will increase their cruise guest numbers too and in idyllic Hundested four cruise ships will be calling, introducing more guests than ever before to the picturesque area of North Zealand.
Emerald Waterways is now accepting bookings for its newest itineraries, small yacht sailings along Croatia’s dramatic Dalmatian Coast in the Adriatic Sea. The line is offering an eight-day sailing as well as 11- and 16-day land and sea packages between April and October 2019, with pricing starting at $2,995 per person, double occupancy.
The eight-day Island of Dalmatia Cruise begins or ends in Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a historic town center and medieval streets lined with classic examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The sailing includes visits to Šibenik, one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic Coast; Hvar, with its rolling lavender fields and cultivated vineyards as well as hillsides dotted with terracotta-roofed villas and Gothic palaces; Pučišća, a coastal town and a municipality on the island of Brač that is often cited as being one of the prettiest villages in Europe; Korčula, one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic Sea; Ston, considered a jewel of the Adriatic Coast, where aTweguided tour includes a wine-tasting session; and stunning Dubrovnik with its picturesque Old Town, and white limestone streets.
The 11-day Island of Dalmatia Cruise & Zagreb package includes the eight-day sailing and three nights in Croatia’s capital city Zagreb, recognized for its 18th– and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture, culture and art scene. The 16-day Discover Croatia and the Islands of Dalmatia package includes the eight-day sailing; three nights in traditional seaside resort town on Opatija on the Kvarner Gulf; two nights in Lake Bled, Slovenia, located at the foot of the Julian Alps; and three nights in Zagreb.
Guests will sail aboard the MV Adriatic Princess II, a newly-commissioned yacht set to launch in 2019 and designed to navigate the Dalmatian coast and its many small ports. With just 18 well-appointed cabins holding 36 guests, this intimate ship provides the quintessential yachting experience. The smaller size of this ship means the sailings will also sell out quickly. The sun deck, outfitted with comfortable sun beds and deck chairs, offers an ideal spot for relaxing and soaking up the Mediterranean sun while taking in Croatia’s breathtaking coastline. Specially outfitted pool ladders located at the rear offer guests easy-access to the sea for a swim or snorkel while the yacht is stationary. The open-plan restaurant allows guests flexibility with their dining choices, while the bar and lounge terrace provide a spot to get to know fellow guests. The knowledgeable, English-speaking crew is available to help guests navigate each port, ensuring they get the most out the fascinating small towns and cities.
Part of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Waterways’ seven Star-Ships offer river sailings in Europe and exclusive charters on the RV Mekong Navigator and Irrawaddy Explorer in South East Asia, the MS Rossia along the Volga River and the Adriatic Princess II in Croatia. Scenic’s 15 Space-Ships offer truly all-inclusive, five-star river cruises in the same destinations as well as the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar and the Volga River in Russia. In 2018, Scenic is introducing the world’s first Discovery Yachts,Scenic Eclipse, which will launch in August and take 228 guests on polar adventures as well as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, the Americas and Europe; and a sister ship to launch in 2020.
Additional information can be found by contacting your local travel agent; on Emerald Waterways’ website, www.emeraldwaterways.com; or by calling the US consumer/travel agent reservations line(855-222-3214). Brochure orders may be placed on the website, or a digital downloadable version is available.
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Sapphire Princess has emerged from an extensive two-week dry dock in Singapore proudly displaying Princess Cruises’ signature logo on her bow. The ship has been upgraded with enhanced onboard spaces and product innovations keeping her one of the most desired ships in the fleet.
Finishing up a season cruising throughout Asia, Sapphire Princess departs today on a 28-day voyage from Singapore to London, before beginning European voyages to sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe including Monte Carlo, Lisbon, Brussels, St. Petersburg and an opportunity to cruise the Norwegian Fjords during Summer Solstice.
Princess Luxury Bed – available in every stateroom aboard Sapphire Princess by June 2018, the Princess Luxury Bed was developed by Princess Cruises in collaboration with board-certified sleep expert, Dr. Michael Breus and renowned HGTV designer Candice Olson. The bed offers the ultimate night of sleep at sea combining the science of sleep with the pinnacle of design and recently received the highest ranking for “Best Cruise Ships Beds” by Cruise Critic.
Club Class Mini-Suites – Sapphire Princess offers Club Class Mini-Suites, the new premium stateroom category featuring VIP amenities and exclusive dining. This elevated mini-suite category features select perks including new Club Class Dining, a reserved dining area with expedited seating and expanded menu options as well as priority embarkation and disembarkation.
Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Center – for cruisers ages 3-17, Sapphire Princess now offers a reimagined youth center – Camp Discovery – created in partnership with Discovery Consumer Products, the licensing arm of Discovery™, as part of the cruise line’s Discovery at SEA program. Catering to specific age groups, kids and teens can make new friends and participate in activities specially designed to help them discover, play, create and huddle.
Entertainment LED Wall – located in the Princess Theater, this new LED wall will be used in produced production shows and various onboard guest entertainer shows. The high quality, technologically advanced wall is made up of 270 panels installed on a custom engineered and shock mounted frame for display of still images, video and live feeds.
“Bravo” – launching in May 2018, this elegant show featured on formal night is one of the highest-rated shows across the fleet. This “Popra-“inspired show features a mix of pop, opera and musical theater performed by a guest soprano in front of a live orchestra.
Enhanced Boutiques – guests enjoy aesthetic enhancements to the Shops of Princess, offering an upgraded shopping experience, such as a branded Effy Fine Jewelry boutique. There will also be new products to choose from featuring a collection of Princess branded athletic wear and logo apparel displayed in a newly designed Logo shop.
Lotus Spa & Fitness Center – a space where guests can relax and invigorate, salon and treatments rooms have been upgraded and the latest in fitness equipment is now available.
Further general refurnishing and technical updates have also been implemented aboard Sapphire Princess.
More details about Sapphire Princess sailing in Europe for the upcoming summer 2018 season can be found atwww.princess.com/europe.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.
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Carnival Cruise Line officially took delivery of the new 133,500-ton Carnival Horizon, the 26th ship in its fleet. The 3,954-passenger ship will reposition to Barcelona, Spain, where it will depart April 2 on an inaugural 13-day voyage – the first of four sailings from the European port. The ship will then operate a trans-Atlantic crossing before arriving in New York May 23, 2018, for a pierside overnight gala and naming ceremony featuring the ship’s godmother, Grammy award-winning musical artist and acclaimed actress Queen Latifah.
Following a summer schedule of four-day Bermuda and eight-day Caribbean sailings from New York, Carnival Horizon will shift to Miami for a year-round schedule of six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises beginning Sept. 22, 2018.
Carnival Horizon offers several unique and exciting features, including a new Dr. Seuss-themed WaterWorks aqua park, part of the line’s exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Bonsai Teppanyaki, the line’s first teppanyaki venue, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse|Brewhouse serving up “real deal” barbecue favorites created by Food Network star Guy Fieri, as well as four new craft beers brewed on board.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse|Brewhouse serving up “real deal” barbecue favorites created by Food Network star Guy Fieri, as well as four new craft beers brewed on board.
The second in the line’s highly successful Vista-class, Carnival Horizon also offers fun innovations like the bike-ride-in-the-sky aerial attraction SkyRide, an IMAX Theatre, the Havana section with tropics-inspired staterooms and its own pool, and Family Harbor featuring extra-roomy accommodations and the Family Harbor Lounge. Like its name implies, Carnival Horizon also includes food and beverage outlets offering amazing views with both indoor and al fresco seating options at venues such as Bonsai Sushi, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse and Library Bar.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com. Carnival also can be found on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
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It’s finally time for a long-awaited holiday – and you’re lucky enough to be taking a cruise! Cruising can be a very enjoyable experience for the whole family, but it’s worth knowing what activities you can expect on board; the last thing you need is bored children and the ever-dreaded complaining and arguments that are likely to ensue.
Choosing the MSC Seaside for your cruise means you’ve already taken the first step in ensuring happy and entertained children on holiday; the ship offers such a wide range of activities that the kids are unlikely to find anything to complain about. Trying these 5 family activities on the MSC Seaside will ensure that your family never gets bored:
Splash around in the pool or at the waterpark
On the MSC Seaside, there’s no need to look longingly at the ocean all day – take a dip in the Panorama Pool, one of several pools on board the ship! The pool gives swimmers incredible views of the sea, and a set of sun loungers surrounding the pool are available for those who prefer to indulge in a little sunshine.
If your kids need a little more stimulation, why not pay a visit to the multi-storey Forest Aquaventure and Adventure Park? Its five slides, including two of high-speed that reach over the ship’s sides, are sure to thrill any child – or child at heart.
Challenge yourselves to a game of bowling, or go to the theatre
Dust off those bowling shoes and prepare yourself for a competitive round of bowling! With two full-size bowling lanes on board, the MSC Seaside will have you engaged in a bit of healthy familial competition.
The MSC Seaside also offers visitors the chance to see spectacular shows in its 930-seat theatre – with several shows a night, there’s something for everyone.
MSC Seaside, Arcade Games & Bowling
Try an adventure activity
The MSC Seaside is perfect for young adventurers, who alongside the waterpark might like to try its ropes course the Adventure Trail, complete with spray cannons. Additionally, the MSC Seaside gives visitors the chance to wander across a skywalk, offering breathtaking views of the sea – a must-do as long as nobody in the family is afraid of heights!
MSC Seaside, Zip line
Enjoy a family meal
The MSC Seaside boasts a range of restaurants, from seafood to steak. Kids and parents alike will appreciate the range of choices – and if you’re feeling like a child-free evening, why not send the kids to the dedicated children-only restaurant and have a romantic dinner with your partner?
MSC Seaside, Ocean Cay Restaurant
Take advantage of the excursions
What better way to foster an appreciation of new cultures in children than a visit to a foreign port? Dependant on the itinerary you choose, MSC Seaside offers visits to fascinating port cities, complete with unique cultural experiences ashore.
Holidays are well-known for their ability to ruin healthy eating habits and daily routines, but if you arrive prepared you can avoid too much disruption. There are plenty of healthy food options available on the MSC Seaside, so start each day with a healthy breakfast and you’ll feel tip-top for all of the activities on offer. To help you stay fit, MSC cruises offer a range of exercise activities on board, so you can offset your sun-lounging with a bit of physical activity. There are even sports tournaments to take part in as a family if you’re feeling particularly competitive!
MSC Seaside, Junior Club Lego
Keeping kids entertained on holiday can often be an uphill battle for parents, but rest assured that the MSC Seaside offers a wide range of activities for young ones and their families to combat boredom. The kids are sure to have such endless fun that they won’t want to go home!
Cloe Matheson is a writer from New Zealand with a passion for all things travel and adventure. She enjoys experiencing different cultures, trying local food and exploring new places. You can often find her at a local café typing away while enjoying a good cup of coffee. See more of her work here.
Cruise Addicts recently spoke with Josh Leibowitz of Cunard about The Greatest Generation Cruise that will be sailing aboard Queen Mary 2 on July 20th, 2018. The cruise is a collaboration between Cunard and The Greatest Generations Foundation, paying tribute to distinguished WWII combat veterans with a unique enrichment program. To learn more visit https://bit.ly/2I43CeM.