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Kung Fu Panda noodle shop debuts aboard Quantum of the Seas

Kung Fu Panda Noodle Shop
The Kung Fu Panda Noodle Shop debut's aboard Quantum of the Seas.

World’s First Kung FU Panda Themed Restaurant on Land or at Sea Opens Aboard China’s Newest Ship

Royal Caribbean International and DreamWorks Animation recently commemorated the grand opening of the Kung Fu Panda Noodle Shop, a new family style eatery on board Quantum of the Seas and the first-ever DreamWorks Animation Kung Fu Panda themed restaurant on land or at sea. Guests will be able to give their taste buds a “Kung Fu” kick with the bold flavors of dim sum delights, savory noodle bowls and traditional Chinese desserts alongside Po and the cast of colorful characters from the DreamWorks Animation film Kung Fu Panda.

“We’re very excited to continue building on our relationship with DreamWorks Animation and offer our guests new dining experiences onboard Quantum of the Seas as she debuts in her new home in China,” said John Suley, Vice President, Food and Beverage, Royal Caribbean International. “A creative collaboration amongst our team of chefs to create the menu for our Kung Fu Panda Noodle Shop is another example of how we continue to ensure that our on board options reflect what today’s food-conscious traveler and our Chinese guests expect from their vacation.”

Following a 53-night global odyssey from New York to Shanghai, Quantum of the Seas set sail for the first time from her new homeport of Shanghai, China on June 25, 2015. She will sail three- to eight- night itineraries year-round from Shanghai to Japan and Korea. The newest addition on board, the Kung Fu Panda Noodle Shop will entice guests to indulge in four-piece dim sum, noodle bowls, such as Taiwanese spicy beef noodles, and desserts including sesame balls and custard tart. Guests also can strike a pose with Po and the Furious Five for a keepsake picture sure to reveal their inner Dragon Warrior. Menu items are priced a la carte, ranging from $2 to $5.

The DreamWorks Experience, available only on Royal Caribbean, allows guests to get up close and personal with their favorite feature-film characters such as Shrek, Fiona and Puss In Boots of Shrek; Alex the Lion and the Penguins of Madagascar; Po of Kung Fu Panda; and Hiccup of How to Train Your Dragon. Guests can engage with their favorite characters during energetic parades, character breakfasts, themed activities and more. The DreamWorks Experience is available on Quantum of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas.          

Quantum of the Seas, which debuted in November 2014, is the first of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, which include Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, as well as a fourth vessel to be delivered in 2019. Quantum-class ships feature unmatched innovations in onboard attractions, such as RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea; the North Star, an engineering marvel that transports guests more than 300 feet above the ocean; SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; as well as the Bionic Bar powered by Makr Shakr—home to the world’s first robotic bartenders.

History in photo’s from the ‘4 Bs in Bergen’ event

Fred. Olsen Fleet Event July 2015
Fred. Olsen Fleet Event July 2015

Fred. Olsen Fleet Event July 2015

Here are photo’s from the ‘4 Bs in Bergen’ event – named after the initial letter of each of the four Fred . Olsen ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch. It was the first time ever that the Fred. Olsen fleet has converged in one place, anywhere in the world. The event took place on July 28th and nearly 4,000 visitors celebrated the day in the city of Bergen, Norway.

 

 

Carnival Cruise Line and Tampa Bay Rays all-star Evan Longoria Celebrate release of new Dr. Seuss book

Tampa Bay Rays all-star Evan Longoria reads the new Dr. Suess book “What Pet Should I Get?” to children aboard Carnival Paradise

Today Carnival Cruise Line and its partner Dr. Seuss Enterprises teamed up to celebrate the release of the new Dr. Seuss book, “What Pet Should I Get?” with a special book reading by Tampa Bay Rays all-star third baseman Evan Longoria to summer camp kids aboard Carnival Paradise at the Port of Tampa earlier today.

In conjunction with the event, Carnival is matching Longoria’s donation of $100 to Pet Pal Animal Shelter for every home run he hits during the 2015 season. The cruise line is also donating $5,000 to the Tampa Bay chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

“Carnival is the number one cruise line for families and we’re delighted to team up with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to bring the joy of reading to kids with a special presentation by Rays legend Evan Longoria while supporting animal rescue organizations in the local community,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president. “The kids were absolutely thrilled to be in the presence of an all-star and our most sincere thanks to Evan and the SPCA for the valuable work they do each and every day,” she added.

Donning Dr. Seuss’ signature striped hat and surrounded by rescue dogs from the SPCA, Longoria delighted children from the SPCA’s summer camp with a spirited reading of “What Pet Should I Get?” the first new Dr. Seuss book in 25 years.  “What Pet Should I Get” is based on an original manuscript and accompanying sketches by Dr. Seuss, aka Ted Geisel, that was discovered in the La Jolla, Calif., home of the late beloved children’s author.

Following the reading, the children and their chaperones joined the The Cat in the Hat, Sam I Am, and Thing 1 and Thing 2 for Carnival’s popular Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in the Hat and Friends, part of the line’s exclusive Seuss at Sea program.

Launched in 2014, Seuss at Sea is a fleetwide program featuring exciting youth, family, dining and entertainment experiences inspired by the amazing world and words of Dr. Seuss.   The program includes such fun activities as the Seuss-a-palooza Parade and Story Time, as well as character interactions, Dr. Seuss toys and games and popular movies.

 “I was thrilled to participate in this very special event that not only provided local kids with an opportunity to be among the first to read along with the newest Dr. Seuss book but also supports a cause that I hold close to my heart,” said Longoria, a three-time all-star who is Tampa Bay’s all-time leader in home runs and runs batted in and also earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2008. “With Carnival matching my own pledge of $100 to Pet Pal Animal Shelter for every home run I hit, I’m really looking forward to a great second half with the Rays.”

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Costa Cruises to Build Two LNG Powered Next-Generation Cruise Ships

New Costa Cruises Ship

Carnival Corporation has announced that its Italian brand, Costa Cruises, will build two new cruise ships as part of an agreement with Meyer Werft to construct four next-generation cruise ships with the largest guest capacity in the world. In June, Carnival Corporation announced the other two ships included in this multi-billion dollar contract are destined for its German brand, AIDA Cruises.

The two new ships for Costa Cruises will be built by shipbuilder Meyer Werft at the company’s shipyard in Turku, Finland, with deliveries expected in 2019 and 2020. Each new cruise ship will exceed 180,000 gross tons, offering more than 2,600 passenger cabins and 5,200 lower berths to comfortably accommodate a total capacity of 6,600 guests. A major part of Carnival Corporation’s new ship design involves making more efficient use of the ship’s spaces, which includes multi-functional common areas and plans for more personal space, creating an enhanced onboard guest experience.

Carnival Corporation’s four next-generation cruise ships for Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises will be the first in the industry to be powered at sea by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, representing a major environmental breakthrough. Pioneering a new era in the use of sustainable fuels, these new ships will use LNG to generate 100 percent of the ship’s power both in port and on the open sea – an industry-first innovation that will significantly reduce exhaust emissions to help protect the environment and support the company’s aggressive sustainability goals.

The four-ship contract with Meyer Werft is part of a larger previously announced strategic memo of understanding with leading shipbuilders Meyer Werft and Fincantieri S.p.A for nine new ship orders between 2019 and 2022. As previously announced, construction of the two new ships for AIDA Cruises will take place at Meyer Werft’s shipbuilding facility in Papenburg, Germany.

“These new ships will be phenomenal additions to our fleet, and we’re looking forward to seeing our Costa and AIDA brands bring this ground-breaking new ship design to life for our guests in a way that is customized for each brand,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation

“As we continue enhancing our fleet, it is very important to us that every decision we make in the development of these new ships is about the guest experience, which supports our goal to exceed guest expectations and create great vacation memories for every person who boards one of our ships.”

Donald added: “Above all, these strategic investments are designed to exceed the vacation needs of our guests, but it is also important to note that these next-generation ships are an important part of our measured growth strategy, which includes replacing less efficient ships with newer, larger and more efficient vessels over a very specific period of time.”

The new Costa Cruises ships will prominently feature the brand’s “Italy’s finest” experience, with the new ship designs and creative uses of space serving to enhance the overall onboard immersion in Italian culture. The ships and crew will serve as ambassadors for the finest of Italian society on the seas, enabling guests to discover Italy’s unique style, hospitality, entertainment and culinary excellence.

The new contract also supports the community-focused efforts of Carnival Corporation and Costa Cruises to invest in Italy as a key market in which the company operates. According to forecasts from Costa Cruises, more than 650 crewmembers are expected to be hired to work on the two new ships.

“We are honored that Carnival Corporation has entrusted us with the implementation of this ambitious shipbuilding program,” said Bernard Meyer, CEO of Meyer Werft. “These ships represent the next generation of cruise ship innovation, featuring a revolutionary ‘green cruising’ design implemented to meet the specific needs of guests who sail with the Costa and AIDA brands.”

The new ship order will also enable the Costa Group, which includes a combined 25 ships across the AIDA and Costa brands, to continue to build on its leadership position in the European cruise market. In 2014, one out of every two cruise guests in Europe, or about 50 percent, sailed onboard a Costa or AIDA cruise ship. In total, the Costa Group has 27,000 employees working onboard its ships and in its 20 offices in 14 countries, serving a total capacity of 68,000 beds across its fleet.

Kid Rock’s Chillin’ The Most Cruise – Lucky Number 7 Sets Sail on March 2016

This year’s lucky 7th adventure promises another Bad A** floating rock and roll party at sea as it sails with a ship full of Kid Rock’s rebel souls from Miami to Jamaica March 2016!

Multiplatinum recording artist, Kid Rock and Sixthman, the industry leader in music festivals at sea, are teaming up again to bring back the baddest ship this side of Detroit for it’s 7th year! This year’s voyage of the hugely popular Kid Rock’s Chillin’ The Most Cruise, Norwegian Pearl will sail another full ship of Kid Rock’s disciples down to Jamaica for four days of bands, beers, babes, and fun in the sun March 10 – 14, 2016. The festival will feature an onboard pre-party the night before the event heads out to sea, where guests are invited to get their vacation started with a bang!

Glam metal super-group, Steel Panther and a full lineup hand picked by the honorary captain himself, Kid Rock, will keep guests rockin’ ’til sunrise.  In addition to live shows on multiple stages day and night, this party will be jam packed with activities, theme nights, contests, and more to be announced!

CHECK OUT THE RECAP OF LAST YEARS EVENT:

Cruise details including the latest news, pre-party information, and artist lineup announcements can be found at the newly updated http://www.kidrockcruise.com.  Guests wishing to sign up for the pre-sale are invited to do so now at  http://www.kidrockcruise.com/presale

The full lineup of Sixthman festivals at sea can be found at www.sixthman.net/events including brand new events Gronk’s Party Ship, Impractical Jokers Cruise and the Walker Stalker Cruise.

 

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.”