Cruise Addicts tired of admiring the beauty of Cuba from aboard a passing ship, may not have to wait much longer. Pearl Seas Cruises is exploring possible itinerary options for Cuba. The Cuba cruises would offer guests a genuine experience to a variety of different ports, particularly those which larger ships cannot visit.
“Cuba has been on our radar for quite some time,” said a spokesperson for Pearl Seas Cruises. “Our small ships are perfect for exploring the most beautiful areas by docking in small towns or in the heart of historic cities in addition to Havana. Many ports require infrastructural changes to accommodate larger ships, but we can visit easily.”
Rich in history and culture, Cuba is a great fit from a passenger-interest perspective. “Our clientele is well-traveled and enjoys visiting exotic destinations where they can find enriching experiences.”
Cruise Terminal 4 officially opened today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that also celebrated Broward 100, the County’s centennial year and commitment to the arts.
Cruise Terminal 4 officially opened today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that also celebrated Broward 100, the County’s centennial year and commitment to the arts.
The Redesigned and Updated Cruise Terminal 4
The Redesigned and Updated Cruise Terminal 4
The Redesigned and Updated Cruise Terminal 4
Port Everglades has completely remodeled its sixth cruise terminal in five years with $24 million worth of renovations and upgrades designed for greater efficiency and guest convenience. Cruise Terminal 4 officially opened today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that also celebrated Broward 100, the County’s centennial year and commitment to the arts. The ceremony was attended by travel agents, elected officials and cruise line executives who toured the modernized cruise terminal and were entertained by grant recipients from Broward’s Cultural Division.
[pullquote]“We continuously re-invest in our facilities to keep pace with the today’s customer-service driven cruise industry, to provide our guests with a seamless boarding experience,” said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Steven Cernak. [/pullquote]
“We continuously re-invest in our facilities to keep pace with the today’s customer-service driven cruise industry, to provide our guests with a seamless boarding experience,” said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Steven Cernak. “Our goal when we reconfigured Cruise Terminal 4’s traffic pattern and updated the interior, was to make it easier for the cruise lines to process passengers while providing guests with a bright, comfortable experience.”
Port Everglades is one of the world’s leading cruise ports, this year exceeding 4 million passengers and ranking as the second busiest multi-day cruise port in the world.
“In total, Broward County’s cruise industry generates more than $1.68 billion in total economic activity annually,” said Broward County Vice Mayor Martin David Kiar. “Not only do cruise ships bring jobs and revenue to our Port, but they also bring guests who visit our hotels and resorts, and support the small businesses and attractions that are the lifeblood of our economy. The combination of a world-class seaport and an international airport in a popular vacation destination make Broward County a terrific choice for travelers.”
Improvements to the 140,000-square-foot Cruise Terminal 4, located in Fort Lauderdale, include:
Moving passenger drop-off from the east side of the terminal to the west side to separate the traffic from neighboring Cruise Terminal 2 and reduce traffic congestion in that area
Providing covered loading/drop-off areas as part of the ground transportation area
Adding 172 surface parking spaces at ground level adjacent to the ground transportation area
Replacing the single escalator and older elevators with two new escalators and two new elevators for improved passenger flow
Improving lighting and acoustics, and a high-efficiency air conditioning system
Installing 50 check-in counters to meet the demands of larger capacity cruise vessels
Updating with new restrooms
Adding an additional new loading bridge to expedite embark and debark processes
Installing a prominent art piece by South Florida artist Xavier Cortada. Cortada’s work, entitled “Pelican Path” is a 4-foot by 40-foot ceramic mural that will be used to guide cruise guests from the arrival area and onto their ship.
In addition, the terminal’s many energy-efficient improvements will qualify the facility to become certified through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – a first for Port Everglades. LEED, a U.S. Green Building Council program, is a green building certification that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. To receive LEED certification, building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification.
Port Everglades’ next project for this terminal will be to lengthen the adjacent slip by 250 feet, for a total 1,150 feet of berth length to accommodate larger cruise ships. The $18 million slip extension is slated to be completed by the end of 2016.
Located in the second largest county in Florida, Broward County’s Port Everglades is consistently ranked as one of the three busiest cruise ports in the world with more than 4 million passengers 2014. Eight cruise lines, one ferry and more than 40 cruise ships sail from the South Florida seaport including: Balearia’s Bahamas Express, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises. The Port’s wide-ranging fleet of cruise ships provides guests with an array of cruise vacation choices from the sunny Greater Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach area. View details on the latest cruise offerings at porteverglades.net
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This spring Carnival Miracle will undergo an extensive refurbishment that will add an array of new and exciting on-board innovations, from unique bar concepts like RedFrog Pub and Alchemy Bar. Entertainment choices will be further enhanced with the additions of Playlist Productions and Hasbro, The Game Show, and the family-friendly Seuss at Sea program.
The new features – part of the line’s ongoing Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement initiative – will be added during a two-week-long dry dock that will take place March 7-21, 2015.
The enhancements include:
RedFrog Pub – a Caribbean-inspired watering hole featuring the region’s best rums and beers – including Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red – enjoyed in a distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West atmosphere
Alchemy Bar
Alchemy Bar – at this vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy,” mixologists “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients with creative names like “Forty is the New Twenty” and “Restorative Basil Drop”
Playlist Productions – these four spectacular shows – 88 Keys, 80’s Pop To the Max, Getaway Island and Heart Of Soul – combine captivating live performances of recognizable pop and rock songs with dazzling special effects to create unforgettable evenings of entertainment
Seuss At Sea – part an exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Seuss at Sea brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life with fun activities like the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with the Cat in the Hat and Friends, Seuss-a-Palooza Story Time, and more
Seuss At Sea
Hasbro, The Game Show – this audience-participation favorite features larger-than-life adaptations of the company’s iconic and popular games with titles like Connect4 Basketball, Sorry Sliders, and Yahtzee Bowling
Cherry On Top – this “candy and more store” celebrates the joys of simple indulgences with bins of bulk candy, fun fanciful gifts and novelties, custom apparel and more
New SPORTS Bar – at this sports lovers’ paradise, guests can catch live sporting events and check out scores on the real-time 24/7 sports ticker
Spin U – developed in partnership with legendary DJ IRIE – Carnival’s official DJ who has entertained crowds from South Beach to Las Vegas – this fun DJ academy provides aspiring spin-masters ages 15-17 all they need to know to “hit the decks” and rock the club!
These innovations complement a wide range of existing onboard features such as the Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez, a Serenity adults-only retreat with magnificent ocean vistas, a classic American-style steakhouse serving prime cuts of beef and other gourmet cuisine, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a 14,500-square-foot health and wellness center, and The Taste Bar offering bite-size samples from popular Fun Ship 2.0 dining venues.
[pullquote]“The fantastic renovations on Carnival Miracle will also provide our valued travel agent partners with an exciting new cruise experience for their clients.”, said Mark Tamis[/pullquote]“We’re really excited that the Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement program that began rolling out three years ago continues to bring innovative, fun and memorable dining, bar and entertainment options to the entire Carnival Cruise Line fleet and to the millions of guests who sail with us annually,” said Mark Tamis, Carnival’s senior vice president of guest operations. “The fantastic renovations on Carnival Miracle will also provide our valued travel agent partners with an exciting new cruise experience for their clients.”
Carnival Miracle operates year-round departures from Long Beach, Calif., encompassing three different week-long Mexican Riviera cruise options: a three-port itinerary featuring Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas; a two-port option that includes a stop in Cabo San Lucas, along with a two-day overnight stay in Puerto Vallarta; and a third choice featuring a day-long visit to Puerto Vallarta, along with a two-day call at Cabo San Lucas.
Carnival Miracle will also offer 15-day Hawaii cruises round-trip from Long Beach departing Oct. 17 and Nov. 28, 2015, and Jan. 16, 2016, along with a special one-time 13-day Mexican Riviera cruise departing Jan. 31, 2016.
Reservations are currently being accepted for all of Carnival Miracle’s seven- to 15-day departures from Long Beach. For more information on the Carnival Miracle visit www.Carnival.com
Cruise Addicts boarding Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Escape may need to bring a heavy jacket. Why you ask? The ship will feature the line’s most innovative Mandara Spa to date, a tranquil hideaway that at its epicenter will feature the largest Thermal Suite at sea, outfitted with the line’s first Snow Room. Yes, I said Snow Room. In addition to the luxurious spa, adults will have two private lounge spaces to enjoy onboard at Vibe Beach Club and Spice H2O, which will feature an all-new grotto area for guests to cool off after a day of sunbathing.
Norwegian Escape’s Mandara Spa experience, spanning two decks, will transport guests to a deep state of relaxation, with unobstructed views of the ocean, the opportunity to melt away on one of the 17 heated loungers, or find instant stress relief in the spa’s hydro-therapy pool, whirlpools, steam room, dry sauna, sanarium and salt room.
Mandara Spa
Once guests have heated up, they can step into the rejuvenating cold Snow Room, a first for the line, and enter into arctic refreshment. The Snow Room, which ranges from a frosty 21 degrees to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, sends out a flurry of powdery snow throughout the day. Norwegian Escape’s Snow Room offers guests a multitude of health benefits, including stimulating blood circulation in the body and strengthening the immune system.
In addition to the spectacular Thermal Suite, Norwegian Escape’s Mandara Spa will be equipped with 24 contemporary furnished treatment rooms offering more than 50 signature services for both men and women including massages such as the Elemis Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage; Elemis signature facials such as the luxurious Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial; and signature body enhancing treatments like the Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow.
Vibe Beach Club
Norwegian Escape’s full service salon will have guests looking their very best with a wide-array of hair, nails, waxing and kid-friendly services, along with acupuncture, teeth whitening and cosmetic medical treatments, performed by a licensed medi-spa doctor, such as Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport™, Restylane® and Perlane®. In addition, guests can go home tightened and toned by opting for a Thermage® CPT treatment, a premier non-invasive skin rejuvenating therapy that uses radiofrequency to improve the appearance of skin on the face and body in just one contour treatment. The salon area will also feature a Barber Shop, offering exclusive men’s signature services such as the Elemis Pro-Collagen Grooming Treatment with Shave and more.
Guests looking to stay fit while sailing, or who wish to try an exciting new exercise experience, can do so in Norwegian Escape’s state-of-the-art fitness center furnished with the latest Technogym® weight training and cardio equipment. All cardio equipment will synch to Apple music devices and feature a large, HD screen from which guests can watch television, follow a set training program or navigate the playlist. Norwegian group fitness favorites will be offered on board including Pilates, body sculpting boot camp, yoga, Zumba and TRX. Boxing buffs can enjoy Norwegian Fight Klub™, a high-intensity cardio boxing class. Personal training sessions will also be available, along with nutritional consultations and metabolic testing.
Spice H20 aboard Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Escape will also feature Spice H2O and Vibe Beach Club, two adult-only outdoor favorites perfect for lounging away the day. Spice H2O, located at the back of the ship on deck 17, is an adult-only enclave offering day-time complimentary leisure. A bevy of sun loungers surround a huge video screen, while two hot tubs await for those looking to de-stress. An all-new soothing grotto area, complete with waterfalls and perfect for cooling off from the warm Caribbean sun, will enchant guests upon entering the venue, offering an exotic escape. At night, all guests can dance under the stars in this open-air dance club or enjoy a cocktail at the bar with accompanying lounge area, featuring comfortable seating while admiring the ocean views.
Guests ages 18 and over will also have the opportunity to enjoy another private retreat – Vibe Beach Club – by purchasing an access pass. Complete with ocean views, a large hot tub, luxurious chaise loungers and a soothing water feature, Vibe Beach Club will be the ideal spot for adults to escape, offering a serene, comfortable setting while soaking up the sun. A full-service bar, water spritzers and chilled towels complete the exclusive experience.
Norwegian Escape
Currently being built at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Escape will sail weekly seven-day cruises from her year-round homeport of Miami to the Eastern Caribbean beginning on November 14, 2015. The 164,600 gross ton ship will be the largest ever to home port year-round in Miami, carrying 4,200 guests to tropical Caribbean destinations including St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. Norwegian Escape’s signature hull artwork is designed by marine wildlife artist and champion of ocean conservation, Guy Harvey.
Accommodations include the company’s signature luxury ship–within-a-ship complex: The Haven by Norwegian; along with Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; and many options for families, multi-generational groups, spa enthusiasts and more.
Norwegian Escape’s dining and entertainment will include outposts of several popular land-based outlets, including the first-ever floating Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant and Miami’s oldest and most legendary bar, Tobacco Road. Norwegian Escape will also feature the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar, a music venue and outdoor bar on The Waterfront that will feature live nightly performances where guests can enjoy the sounds of the tropics.
The ship will feature the largest ropes course at sea, a three-story multiplex of heart-pounding challenges complete with two planks and five Sky Rails, zip tracks that allow guests to soar through the air. Norwegian Escape’s Aqua Park will be the largest at sea and includes a new Aqua Racer slide, while the expansive sports complex boasts a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle miniature golf course. Adding to the family fun, Norwegian Escape will also feature an expanded Kids’ Aqua Park; entertainment from Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids; along with the line’s first dedicated nursery for young cruisers two and under.
To learn more about the Norwegian Escape or to book a cruise contact call NCL at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.escape.ncl.com.
This year will mark American Cruise Lines fifth season on the Columbia and Snake Rivers with Queen of the West. To kick-off the anniversary it has a special celebration planned on the very first cruise of the year, which departs on March 28th. This includes a complimentary pre-cruise package, which features a bonus night onboard the riverboat with added events and tours, including: [pullquote]“We have some exciting festivities planned and look forward to celebrating this important milestone with them.” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. [/pullquote]
Pittock Mansion – A private tour of the historic estate which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. Afterwards, guests will enjoy a special reception hosted by the Executive Director.
Portland Saturday Market – A special visit to the one of the largest open air markets in the United States, which offers a celebration of spring and the artistic culture for which Portland is known.
Welcome Performance – Guests are invited to an evening show the night before departure, featuring the musical duo Dave & Bo as they perform music from the Great American Songbook.
“Our guests are in for a treat,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “We have some exciting festivities planned and look forward to celebrating this important milestone with them.”
“Now offering more than double the number of cruises since its first season in 2010, Queen of the West has proved to be a great success,” added Beebe. “Increasingly more people are finding the comfort and convenience of modern riverboats appealing.”
American Cruise Lines acquired Queen of the West in 2009, and since has completed various multi-million dollar renovations on the riverboat. While maintaining its historic look and feel, Queen of the West was updated with all modern conveniences, including oversized staterooms and private balconies. Sailing on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, guests learn about the Lewis and Clark expedition while enjoying the Pacific Northwest’s breathtaking views. Throughout their eight-day journey, guests also enjoy complimentary shore tours in each port and a personalized experience onboard.
American Cruise Lines is currently building a new Columbia riverboat, which has a planned capacity of 175 passengers. The new riverboat will allow American Cruise Lines to offer expanded itineraries on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, adding new cruise options for those looking to experience this unique region.
Travel Health Alerts for Cruise Travelers for 2015
In light of the Ebola outbreak in 2014, the Department of State has issued level 3 travel warnings for Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone for 2015. They have also advised against non-essential travel. There is also a Level 2 travel alert for Mali as an extended precaution measure against Ebola.
Similarly, the WHO and the CDC have issued guidelines to public health authorities and airlines to evaluate the risk of exposure in travelers coming back in 2015 from countries affected by the Ebola virus. All such travelers are advised to consult the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for screening procedures.
Travelers are also being advised to contact the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so that they are able to receive important safety and security updates with respect to travel alerts, travel warnings and worldwide caution.
There is also a travel alert in place for Burkina Faso recommending all U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to this region. The alert is expected to expire in January 29, 2015. The alert is in place for security reasons.
Travelers planning to travel to South Africa in June 2015 or after should be aware that with effect from 1 June, 2015, parents traveling with children into or out of South Africa may be required to show their child’s full birth certificate as well as proof of parental or legal authority if the child is accompanied with one parent. In addition, due to Ebola virus in West Africa, the South African government has also announced travel restrictions and warnings. Travelers will be required to complete a Travel Health questionnaire upon arrival in South Africa. Those travelling from or through Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone will be required to go through additional screening.
There is another travel alert in place from the Department of State for U.S citizens traveling to the South Pacific region due to the ongoing threat of tropical cyclones. The cyclone season in this region begins in November and ends in April. The travel alert is thus in place till April 30, 2015 and advises all citizens to monitor local weather reports before traveling. Travelers should be aware that in the event of a cyclone, they will not be able to depart the area for 24 to 48 hours if not longer. There is also a risk of high tides, flooding, landslides, mudslides and damage to infrastructure in case of weather deterioration.
Finally, the usual travel alerts are in place for Cholera, Chikungunya, Measles, Dengue, Ebola, MERS, and Polio for travelers planning to visit the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Samoa, Haiti, Cuba, Mexico, Philippines, American Samoa, Vietnam, French Polynesia, China, Central America, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Arabian Peninsula, South America, Caribbean, Somalia, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Syria, Ethiopia and Iraq.
For more information on premier internation travel care and precautions, please visit Dr. Marina Gafanovich’s website at www.travelclinicnyc.org.
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Join CruiseFever.net as they take you through a complete video tour and review of Regal Princess. Launched in May 2014 in Europe and is now spending the winter and spring in the Caribbean. We join her as she sails from Port Everglades on her inaugural voyage from the Florida port.
Regal Princess is registered at 142,714 tons, is 1,082 feet long and 126 feet in breadth. She can carry over 3,500 passengers and 1,378 crew members and features The SeaWalk® a dramatic glass-bottom walkway which USA TODAY calls one of the “Top Gee-Whiz Features at Sea”.
This week we are broadcasting aboard Princess Cruises latest ship, Regal Princess. She was first launched May 2014 in Europe and is now spending the winter and spring in the Caribbean. Hear us give a full review.
The 3,560-guest Regal Princess now begins her maiden season of Caribbean cruise vacations out of Ft. Lauderdale. Among the special features found onboard the ship are a dramatic multi-story atrium serving as the social hub of the ship, offering a host of dining and entertainment options; an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship; the Princess Live! Television studio; the largest pastry shop at sea; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; Princess Watercolor Fantasy, a fountain and music show; the Night Sky Lounge, a new nighttime experience that enables guests to enjoy a chic and contemporary poolside nightclub under the stars, and balconies on all outside staterooms.
