Princess Cruises’ Next New Ship to be Based in China

May 6, 2015

Princess Cruises newest ship currently under construction, 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.

The as-yet-unnamed ship is being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, and will carry approximately 3,600 guests on a variety of itineraries, to be announced at a later date. Based on the design of its highly-acclaimed ships Royal Princess and Regal Princess, the new vessel will feature a number of new innovations customized for the growing number of Chinese cruise vacationers.

“Deploying our next new ship in China underscores our strong commitment to growing the China cruise market and providing discerning travelers with amazing vacation experiences at sea,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises.

Princess ships began homeport cruising in China just last year, with a successful inaugural season of Shanghai-based cruises aboard Sapphire Princess. This ship returns for a second China season which begins on June 4 and runs through October 2015.

The ship will be based on the design of the company’s new Royal Princess and Regal Princess which have been enthusiastically received by guests from all over the world for their luxurious and beautifully-designed spaces, array of entertainment and activity options, and multiple culinary venues.

The new ship will share many of these special features which 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; 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; 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 that the company introduced during its first season. 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.

Additionally guests will enjoy the international flavor of cruising with Princess, including experiencing cuisines from China, Japan, Italy, France, and North and South America among other regions; as well as an array of international festivals re-created to celebrate cultures around the world.

“And as this ship is still in the design phase we are looking forward to creating other new and exciting venues and experiences catering to the Chinese vacationer, which we will reveal in the coming months,” Swartz added.

Further information about Princess Cruises is available by visiting www.princess.com.

Princess Cruises Unveils 2016-2017 Americas Season

John Shallo

May 2, 2015

Offerings Include Brand-New Itineraries and Longer Visits in Select Ports

Princess Cruises has announced its 2016-2017 Americas cruise itineraries including sailings to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii, the West Coast and Canada & New England, as well as land and sea vacations. The array of cruise vacations departing from U.S. ports range from three to 28 days and go on sale May 21.

In total, 10 ships with 255 departures on 62 itineraries visiting more than 80 destinations will be sailing between September 2016 and April 2017. Cruises will offer guests the opportunity for a quick getaway or a longer cruise vacation on the line given the “Best Itineraries” award by readers of Recommend magazine for a record-setting nine consecutive years and “Best Itineraries” in the Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards for 2013 and 2014.

Highlights include brand-new six- and eight-day Caribbean itineraries, evening and overnight stays in certain destinations to allow guests to see even more of these special locations, the first roundtrip Panama Canal voyage for Princess Cruises departing from Los Angeles since 2009, shorter five-day fall Canada & New England getaways, a more expansive 14-day Canada & New England itinerary and new land and sea vacations to explore the East Coast.

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“This season we’re thrilled to sail to so many inspiring destinations with close-to-home departures and offer new longer and overnight stays in some spectacular ports, giving our guests more time to explore and discover new places,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. [/pullquote]

Full details of Princess Cruises’ 2016-2017 Americas cruise season include:

Caribbean

With more than 21 distinct Caribbean itineraries ranging from six to 21 days on four ships, including the lines newest ships Royal Princess and Regal Princess and joined by Caribbean Princess with new itineraries, there will be a variety of offerings sure to suit every Caribbean explorer. A new port of call in the Dominican Republic – Amber Cove – will be included on every seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary aboard Regal Princess.

Caribbean Princess will have a brand-new deployment this season with six- and eight-day voyages departing from Ft. Lauderdale, which can be combined for a longer 14-day Caribbean Adventurer voyage spanning both the Western and Southern Caribbean. Caribbean Princess’ eight-day Southern Caribbean sailings will visit Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba and as a new offering for the 2016-2017 season will include an evening stay in Aruba – home to Eagle Beach, which has been named one of the Travel Channel’s Top 10 Caribbean Beaches. Caribbean Princess’ six-day itinerary will feature visits to the Western Caribbean destinations of Cozumel, Belize and either Roatan, Honduras or Costa Maya, Mexico.

Regal Princess will return to alternating the line’s popular seven-day Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean voyages departing from Ft. Lauderdale, which can also be combined for 14 days onboard Princess’ newest vessel in the Caribbean. The seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary offers a new port of call – Amber Cove – in the Dominican Republic and choices between stops in St. Kitts, Antigua or St. Maarten with every sailing featuring St. Thomas, including a new evening stay at this port – which is home to Magens Bay, one of the most highly rated beaches in the Caribbean. Seven-day Western Caribbean voyages will visit Princess Cays, Jamaica and Grand Cayman and include a full day and evening stay in Cozumel – rated by US News & World Report as having one of the best beaches in Mexico.

Royal Princess returns on the line’s most popular Caribbean itineraries – a 10-day Southern Medley and 10-day Eastern Voyager which can be combined for a 20-day cruise vacation. These sailings offer the best of the Caribbean, including St. Kitts, Barbados and St. Lucia as well as off-the-beaten-path ports such as Dominica, Grenada and Bonaire.

For a shorter weekend getaway, Princess will offer two voyages. Royal Princess will sail a four-day Eastern Caribbean Getaway, visiting Grand Turk and Princess Cays, while Crown Princess will depart on a five-day cruise with stops in Princess Cays and new port Amber Cove.

Guests will also be able to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and ring in the New Year with Princess as all three ships will offer a variety of holiday sailings ranging from seven to 21 days. All holiday voyages of seven days and 10 days offer a choice of Eastern, Western or Southern regions, while the longer voyages from 14 to 21 days include two of these regions spanning the Caribbean.

Pacific Princess will sail on a special two-week Caribbean Connoisseur voyage over the holidays that visits remote islands that are perfect for Pacific Princess’ intimate size including the Grenadines, Tobago, the British Virgin Islands, as well as a maiden call to Cruz Bay, on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John.

Hawaiian Islands, Mexican Riviera and the West Coast

On the West Coast, four ships will be deployed from three homeports – Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver – to the tropical waters of Hawaii and Mexico, as well as the beautiful Pacific Coast with voyages ranging from three to 28 days.

Guests can escape the everyday on a quick West Coast cruise getaway on three-, four- and five-day departures from Los Angeles offered throughout the season on Crown Princess, Ruby Princess and Star Princess, with visits to Santa Barbara, Catalina, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico. Ruby Princess will depart on a five-day Baja Getaway featuring an overnight in Cabo San Lucas – one of the premier resort destinations in the Western Hemisphere.

Crown Princess will offer a fall departure of the increasingly popular 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa itinerary which allows guests departing from Los Angeles to visit the idyllic South Pacific islands of French Polynesia and Samoa without the need to take a flight.

Grand Princess continues year-round cruising from San Francisco to Hawaii, Mexico and the California Coast after the Alaska season.

Panama Canal

Coral Princess and Island Princess return to the Panama Canal to offer either 10-day partial transit or 15-day full transit Panama Canal voyages through the famed locks.

Island Princess will also offer 15-day voyages with two-day Canal experiences that combine the thrill of a Canal transit with a day at Fuerte Amador, where guests can either tour Old Panama City and visit the surrounding rainforests, or tour the Gatun Locks to learn the history of the world’s 8th wonder and visit the Expansion Observatory Platform overlooking the waterway.

On November 20, 2016, Island Princess will embark on the line’s first roundtrip Canal voyage from Los Angeles since 2009. This 19-day cruise offers guests various adventures including Mayan ruins, Mexico’s largest ecological preserve, the rainforests of Costa Rica, the volcanoes of San Juan Del Sur, the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture of Antigua, Guatemala – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and an overnight stay in Panama.

Pacific Princess will also join the Panama Canal line-up on several 17-day itineraries offering guests a choice of ship size to see the impressive man-mad marvel.

Canada & New England
Guests will be able to enjoy the fall foliage on sailings from the East Coast with both Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess returning to the destination, but with even more itinerary options to choose from.

Regal Princess will continue on her popular seven-day Canada & New England itinerary departing on Saturdays from New York, visiting cities rich in colonial history including Newport, Boston and Bar Harbor as well as the North Atlantic Canadian port cities of Saint John and Halifax. Regal Princess will also sail on a brand-new shorter five-day fall getaway itinerary sailing from New York to Saint John, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Caribbean Princess will sail between Quebec City and New York on the line’s popular 10-day Classic Canada & New England itinerary, featuring an overnight stay in Quebec and calls to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as Boston, Massachusetts and Newport, Rhode Island. Caribbean Princess will also offer a more expansive 14-day Canada & Colonial America itinerary from Quebec City to Ft. Lauderdale including visits to Bar Harbor, Maine; Norfolk, Virginia as well as more off-the-beaten-path destinations including Port Saguenay and Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Land and Sea Vacations

Princess offers a choice of two options to combine a land tour with an East Coast cruise to allow guests to enhance their vacations, and see the sites of colonial America or Niagara Falls and the best of Eastern Canada.

The Historic America Land and Sea Vacation brings guests to iconic sites such as Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, Colonial Williamsburg, Independence Hall in Philadelphia and Gettysburg Battlefield. The Maple Explorer Land and Sea Vacation take guests to exciting destinations like the capital of Ottawa and Montreal and includes guided tours of the Canadian Museum of Civilization, dazzling cathedrals and the historic 19^th century Rideau Canal – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tour guests are also treated to a cruise through the picturesque Thousand Island during the land portion of their vacation.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel consultant, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com.

‘Maurice’ the Bear Returns to Lusitania 100 Years After the Ship’s Sinking

By
John Shallo
-

May 2, 2015

‘Maurice’ the Bear Returns to Lusitania 100 Years After the Ship’s Sinking

‘Maurice’ the Bear Returns to Lusitania
100 Years After the Ship’s Sinking

Maurice the Bear became a ‘passenger’ on Cunard’s Lusitania’s on her fateful crossing (1 – 7 May 1915) after being purchased by an Englishman who had been working in New York and who was about to return home. He wanted to buy a gift for his young daughter before leaving and decided on a Teddy Bear. He packed the Teddy in his trunk which he delivered to the dock and which was put on Lusitania.

The man was also booked on the same voyage but at the last moment, something happened which forced him to catch the next ship to England, but his trunk was already packed and so went ahead of him.

On 7 May 1915 Lusitania was struck by a torpedo and sank within 18 minutes with the loss of 1,195 lives. The luggage which carried the little bear was later pulled out of the water after Lusitania had sunk and Maurice was finally given to his daughter. Maurice’s current owner, Lorraine Hitchings, will bring him on Queen Victoria which travels to the site of the wreck and to Cobh, Ireland, for the centenary commemorations on 7 May.

Lorraine Hitchings:

“When I first saw him – before I knew anything about his history – I was strangely attracted to him. He kind of oozed history and he makes me feel very humble when I hold him. Taking him back to where it all happened will, I hope, dispel any ghosts that maybe still haunt him. He really is a very special old Teddy Bear.”

For more information about Queen Victoria and to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard toll-free at 1-800-728-6273, or go to www.cunard.com.

Carnival Corporation & plc Meets Growing Demand for Alaska Cruises with 103 Roundtrip Offerings on Six Ships from Port of Seattle

By
John Shallo
-

May 2, 2015

Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises – three of the nine global brands from Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest travel and leisure company – will begin the highly anticipated Seattle-to-Alaska summertime cruising season with the first ship departing Saturday, May 2. Cruise passengers in Seattle are expected to increase by 11 percent this year to 895,055 passengers, and the Carnival Corporation brands are positioned to meet the surge in demand.

Together, the three brands will offer a total of 103 roundtrip cruises on six ships sailing between Seattle and Alaska, providing plenty of options for enjoying a vacation in one of the world’s most breath-taking regions. More than 208,200 guests are expected to sail with Carnival Corporation brands from Seattle to Alaska in 2015. According to the Port of Seattle, the cruise industry overall will bring more than $400 million in economic activity to Seattle this cruise season based on a combination of supplying the vessels, money that travelers spend in the city and nearby region, and the fact that 80 percent of guests arrive through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

In response to increasing demand, Holland America Line added a third ship for the 2015 summer season, ms Statendam, which arrives on Monday, May 18. The line’s ms Westerdam will officially begin the season on Saturday, May 2, as the first cruise ship to arrive in Seattle. ms Amsterdam arrives on Sunday, May 31. Holland America Line offers 47 roundtrip cruises from Seattle this season.

Additionally, Princess Cruises is increasing its capacity by introducing two larger ships – Crown Princess arrives on Saturday, May 16, and Ruby Princess arrives on Sunday, May 3. They replace the Grand Princess and Golden Princess. Each of the new ships provides room for 500 additional guests. Princess Cruises offers 40 roundtrip cruises from Seattle this season.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Legend will arrive at the Seattle port on Tuesday, June 2. This season Carnival Cruises Line offers 16 roundtrip cruises.

“We are excited to begin another great cruise season in Alaska, taking our guests on an unforgettable vacation to the Great Land where they can experience lush forests, ice-blue glaciers, whales, puffins, orcas, and frontier towns filled with Gold Rush history, native culture, wildlife and thrilling adventures – all while only having to unpack once,” said Arnold Donald, CEO and president of Carnival Corporation.

“The goal for all 120,000 of our employees is to consistently exceed our guests’ expectations, and these cruises to such an awe-inspiring part of the world are sure to do just that.”

Carnival Corporation’s roundtrip vacation options for the Seattle cruise season to Alaska are:

Holland America Line offers 7-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on ms Westerdam. Ports include Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, all in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia in Canada. Sailings depart Saturdays from Pier 91. Cruises start at $499 per person.

Holland America Line offers 7-day cruises on ms Amsterdam. Ports include Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and scenic cruising Tracy Arm, all in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Sailings depart Sundays from Pier 91. Cruises start at $549 per person.

Holland America Line also offers 14-day Alaska itineraries on the ms Statendam departing every other Monday from Pier 91. Ports include Ketchikan, scenic cruising Tracy Arm, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Anchorage, Homer, Kodiak, scenic cruising Hubbard Glacier, and Sitka, all in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Cruises start at $1199 per person.

Princess Cruises offers 7-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on the Crown Princess. Ports include Juneau, Skagway, scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, and Ketchikan, all in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Sailings depart Saturdays and Sundays from Pier 91. Cruises start at $699 per person.

Princess Cruises offers 7-day cruises from Seattle to Alaska on the Ruby Princess. Ports include Juneau, scenic cruising Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, and Ketchikan, all in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Sailings depart Saturdays and Sundays from Pier 91. Cruises start at $549 per person.

Carnival Cruise Line offers 7-day Alaska cruises on the Carnival Legend departing Tuesdays from Pier 91. Ports include Juneau, Skagway, scenic cruising Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan, all in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Cruises start at $729 per person.

Additional Carnival Corporation Sailings to Alaska
Carnival Corporation brands also offer additional roundtrip cruises to Alaska from Vancouver, British Columbia. Holland America Line offers 7-day cruises on the ms Noordam, ms Oosterdam and ms Volendam, as well as 14-day cruises on ms Oosterdam and ms Zaandam. Princess Cruises offers a 7-day cruise on the Crown Princess and Star Princess in 2016. The following Holland America Line ships offer one-way 7-day cruises departing from Anchorage, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia: ms Oosterdam and ms Zaandam. Carnival Cruise Line will offer a special one-way 7-day cruise from Seattle to Vancouver Sept. 8-15.

ms Westerdam Kicks Off Alaska Cruise Season Today

By
John Shallo
-

May 2, 2015

Holland America Line’s ms Westerdam arrives at the Port of Seattle today, marking the start of the city’s summertime Alaska homeport cruise season. The line added capacity to its roundtrip Seattle routes with an additional ship in 2015: ms Statendam arrives Monday, May 18 and ms Amsterdam arrives Sunday, May 31 to begin their Alaska sailings from Seattle.

In addition to the 47 roundtrip Seattle cruises to Alaska this season, four cruises sailing the Panama Canal or Hawaii/South Pacific will either begin or end at Seattle, including a departure aboard ms Volendam. A three-day Pacific Northwest cruise aboard makes a visit to Seattle in September. All of the options combined make a total of 52 calls by five ships that welcome 82,996 guests to Seattle.

“As a Seattle-based company, we always get excited to welcome our ships back to Seattle to begin the Alaska cruise season,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “We live and work in the Puget Sound area, so we’re extremely proud of the significant contribution we make to the region and to the local and state economies.”

In the coming year, Holland America Line expects to contribute $422 million to the Seattle economy and $577 million across Washington State. The cruise line employs 1,263 people at its Elliott Avenue headquarters in Seattle.

Provisioning costs each time a ship calls in Seattle average about $275,000 per visit. Holland America Line works with 600 Washington vendors, from food and beverage suppliers to piano tuners, office supply stores and marine suppliers, among many more.

Holland America Line provisions each ship on “turnaround” dates. Provisioning a ship means bringing aboard all of the supplies and food products needed during a cruise. For example, Westerdam requires over 23,000 eggs and 1,375 gallons of milk each week — all coming from local farmers. In addition, local growers supply 147,550 pounds a week of fresh produce.

Also contributing to Holland America Line’s economic impact is spending by passengers and crew in local shops, restaurants, hotels, museums, attractions and taxis. Other expenditures include maintaining its ships, plus port fees, charges and taxes.

Commitment to the Community

Holland America Line has an extensive Corporate Social Responsibility program benefiting the local community and Washington State, including providing cash and in-kind sponsorships to local non-profit organizations. In the Seattle area, it supports dozens of such organizations such as American Cancer Society, Auction of Washington Wines, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club, Catholic Seafarers’ Center, Center for Wooden Boats, Northwest Harvest, Pike Place Market Foundation, Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Men’s & Women’s Chorus, Seattle Theatre Group, United Way and the University of Washington. Eighteen of the company’s executives currently serve on 24 boards of directors of local non-profit organizations.

Holland America Line was recently named to the list of top Corporate Philanthropists by the Puget Sound Business Journal. In March 2015, Holland America Line was presented with a Sparkie Award by the United Way of King County, Washington, for its enthusiastic and innovative community work related to the annual United Way fundraising campaign. Holland America Line also was named the 2015 Business of the Year by the Greater Seattle Business Association. In 2014 the company won the “Global Giving” award, one of eight Healthy Community Corporate Champion Awards presented by the Puget Sound Business Journal in partnership with The Seattle Foundation.

Additional Awards & Accolades

In 2014, the company accepted the Marine Environmental Business of the Year by the Port of Seattle. The cruise line was recognized for its efforts to reduce its global environmental footprint through a series of objectives that greatly reduce consumption of fuel and water, engine emissions and generation of solid waste, along with increasing recycling across its fleet of 15 ships.

Holland America Line also received the 2014 “Innovator if the Year” Award from the Tourism Association of the Yukon. The awards allow the industry to recognize people, places, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer superior tourism experiences to travelers in Yukon. Holland America Line features the region on its exciting Land+Sea Journeys that combine an Alaska cruise with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon. The company has been operating land tours in Alaska for more than 68 years, longer than any other company.

For the fourth consecutive year, Holland America Line was recognized as one of 2015 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute, the leading business ethics think-tank for promoting the highest of ethical standards. The company secured its spot on the list again by implementing and promoting the highest ethical business standards and practices both internally and in the community.

Holland America Line also has a partnership with Marine Conservation Institute – a globally focused nonprofit organization based in Washington State dedicated to maintaining healthy, living oceans. The program includes guest and staff education, funding for marine conservation biology research, and a sustainable seafood program with environmentally responsible purchasing practice.

For more information about Holland America Line, contact a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Cunard’s Three Queens Celebrate the Royal Birth with Ships’ Whistles (Foghorns) Sounded at Noon

By
John Shallo
-

May 2, 2015

Cunard's Three Queens Celebrate

Cunard’s fleet of Three Queens – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth – welcomed the new Royal Baby with a simultaneous sounding the ships’ whistles (foghorns) at noon today.

Following the time-honoured Magpie rhyme beginning ‘One for sorrow, Two for joy’, the fleet sounded their whistles three times in unison, ‘Three for a girl (Four for a boy)’.

The three ships arrive into Southampton on Sunday 3 May, inaugurating the start of Cunard’s 175th anniversary year.

Commodore of the Fleet and Master of Queen Victoria, Christopher Rynd said:

“Cunard’s Three Queens are gathering in Southampton on Sunday to inaugurate the company’s 175 anniversary year in the UK. How wonderful to have the opportunity, at the same time, to celebrate the arrival of the new Royal baby girl, the fourth in line to the throne. On behalf of everyone at Cunard we would like to wish their Royal Highnesses all the happiness that a new arrival brings.”

That same afternoon, the Three Queens sailed, for the first time ever, together in daylight from Southampton led by Queen Mary 2. The three ships will be setting off on their Summer season of Transatlantic Crossings, Mediterranean fly-cruises, Scandinavian and southern European sailings, with Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth heading for New York, St Peter Port (Guernsey) and Hamburg respectively.

For more information about Cunard and to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard toll-free at 1-800-728-6273, or go to www.cunard.com.

Norwegian Epic Begins Mediterranean Season

By
John Shallo
-

May 2, 2015

Norwegian Epic

Norwegian’s largest ship will cruise the Western Mediterranean this summer, debuting new entertainment highlights, and sail Canary Islands & Morocco itineraries during the winter

Norwegian Epic recently arrived in Spain to begin her summer season of seven-night Mediterranean sailings. The award-winning Norwegian Epic features a new entertainment line-up for her new homeport, debuting throughout 2015. Two new Broadway shows will take the stage as headliners: Burn the Floor and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical, coming in October. The ship will also feature an all-new British pop music entertainment experience, The Cavern Club, bringing the legendary Liverpool venue where the Beatles performed to life at sea.

“We are very excited to bring Norwegian Epic back to Europe. With her innovative accommodations and wide array of dining, spa and leisure amenities, she truly is the best ship to sail the Med and beyond”, said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and chief operating officer. “The new world-class entertainment offerings that guests can enjoy will even further elevate the guest experience, giving them more options to create their perfect cruise holiday.”

Broadway sensation Burn the Floor, which has received rave reviews on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, will bring the sizzle and passion of ballroom dancing to Norwegian Epic with “Ballroom Blitz”, an all new and exciting show specifically designed for European guests. Based on the Oscar-winning movie, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical is the heart-warming, uplifting comedy adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and features a hit parade of dance floor favourites, including “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” The show will open on the ship’s October 18, 2015 voyage along with a whole new entertainment venue created through an exclusive partnership with the owners of Liverpool’s The Cavern Club, which will rock guests each evening to the sounds of The Beatles and other international musicians.

Until November 22, 2015, Norwegian Epic will offer 7-night cruises from Barcelona or Civitavecchia (Rome) to the Western Mediterranean, including stops in Naples (Pompeii), Italy; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; Cannes, France and Palma, Mallorca, Spain between May 3 and November 22. During the winter season between November 29, 2015 and April 7, 2016, Norwegian Epic will sail alternate 10-night cruises to Morocco, the Canaries, Madeira and Málaga (Granada), and 10-, or 11-, 12-night cruises to the Western Mediterranean including stops in Sardinia, Sicily and Mallorca.

In addition Norwegian Epic will sail two cruises to and from Southampton, England in 2015, marking the first time that the ship has visited the port since the inaugural celebration in June 2010. The ship’s 6-night sailing will depart Barcelona on September 20, 2015 and arrive in Southampton on September 26, 2015, with ports of call including Cartagena, Spain; Málaga (Granada), Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal. Following a 22-day dry dock in France, Norwegian Epic will embark on a 7-night Iberian Peninsula cruise from Southampton to Barcelona on October 18, 2015. The ship will visit ports of call including Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Málaga (Granada) and Cartagena, Spain.

Guests looking to celebrate Christmas 2015 on board Norwegian Epic can do so on a 9-night Canary Islands & Morocco itinerary which will be offered on December 19, 2015 and those planning to cruise through the New Year can set sail on December 28, 2015, from Barcelona on a 6-night cruise.

For more information on Norwegian Epic, or to book a cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.

Five Must Eats Aboard Carnival Liberty

By
John Shallo
-

May 2, 2015

During my recent trip aboard Carnival Liberty, I found some amazing dishes and dining destinations I wanted to share with you. Not surprisingly cruise travelers are often distracted by the multitude of dining choices and activities. They often miss some of the best options, simply by having too good of a time or just not being aware. It is my hope that with my keen sense of “food goodness” and tireless research that I can help set you on the right path during your next cruise aboard Carnival Liberty.

Guy’s Burger Joint Burger from aboard Carnival Liberty

Guy’s Burger Joint – For one of the best burger’s at sea, you will need to try Guy’s Burger Joint. Carnival Liberty was the first ship to get a Guy Fieri created Guy’s Burger Joint back in 2011. It offers Cruise Addicts some amazing hot off the grill burgers and hand-cut fries. Located on Deck Nine right off the pool and opened from Noon-6pm most days. You’ll also find a large selection of toppings at the toppings bar. To get ready for your cruise, be sure to read the menu (Guys Burger Joint Menu pdf) before boarding. If your wondering, what a pig patty is? Its a patty made out of bacon slices layered together on top of a regular burger. Before this cruise I kept hearing how great these burgers’s were and it sounded very hyped. Well, It’s not and this may become your favorite place. Just be aware of the hours as you don’t want to miss out. Located on Lido Deck, 9 Fwd. Open from Noon till 6pm.

Tip: Don’t forget to visit the toppings bar to make your burger extra special, it has so many choices you may order a plain burger and build your own masterpiece.

A video posted by John Shallo (@cruiseaddicts) on Mar 18, 2015 at 10:44am PDT

Mongolian Wok – While onboard Carnival Liberty, the Mongolian Wok became one of my favorite places. Try visiting on port days or other non-peak times as its very popular. How does it work? First, select your noodles and veggies. Then tell the chef which sauce and meat you want in the wok. Will it be mussels and Szechuan? Beef and Thai barbecue? Chicken and black bean? The choices and combinations are endless. Some guests even combine the sauces or ask just for Soy Sauce. If you love Asian food and like fresh hot off the grill food, it doesn’t get much better than this. – Located on Deck 9 Aft at the Mongolian Grill. Open Noon till 2:30pm.

Tip: Pick any combinations of meat and even sauces. One sauce suggestion, ask for the Thai Barbecue with a touch of the Szechuan sauce for a great combination of flavors.

Taco’s from the BlueIguana Cantina aboard Carnival Liberty

BlueIguana Cantina – Not only is the Blue Iguana Cantina food good, but it may become your new go to place for Breakfast and Lunch when onboard your next Carnival cruise. With fresh made tortilla’s they offer Arepa’s, Huevo Ranchero’s and Breakfast Burrito’s for breakfast. For Lunch, you can have made to order Taco’s with Chicken, Beef and Fish or Burrito’s with Chicken, Shrimp or Pork. You then have a wide assortment of toppings, sauces and even fresh sliced watermelon to cool you off. I loved trying the Habenero Salsa, it was so flavorful and packs a real punch. Be sure to study the (BlueIguana Cantina Menu pdf) menu before your cruise. You’ll love all the fresh and flavorful offerings. I found myself not visiting the buffet for Lunch or Breakfast like in the past but, coming here. We even visited before getting off the ship before debarkation. It’s that good. Located on Lido Deck 9 Fwd. Times may vary but, normally open from 7:30am till 10:30am for Breakfast and Noon till 2:30pm for Lunch.

Tip: Build your Burrito’s or Taco’s your way because you may want to have lighter options or not as spicy. You can go all vegetables on a whole wheat burrito or any other combination you desire. Your in control, look at the menu link above to pick your favorite combo’s before you sail way.

Prosciutto Pizza aboard Carnival Liberty

Pizza Pirate – Carnival Cruise Line’s has improved their pizza so much in recent years, I wanted to be sure to list it here. I noticed the change last year aboard Carnival Sunshine and it was equally good aboard the Carnival Liberty. You’ll also notice your fellow cruisers love the pizza as well, because it can get really busy at peak times. The crew who work’s here always had a smile and work consistently to put out a great pizza as fast as possible. If they don’t have what you want ready for a quick takeaway, simply order it and they will call you over when its ready.

Here is the Pizza Pirate Menu:

Margherita
Pomodoro | Basil | Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella

Funghi
Pomodoro | Mushroom | Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella

Pepperoni
Pomodoro | Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella

Quattro Formaggi
Roasted Garlic | Gorgonzola | Provolone | Parmesan |
Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella

Prosciutto
Roasted Garlic | Rucola | Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella

Caesar salad is also available with your Pizza. They are located in Emile’s on Deck 9 Aft, Open 24 hours a day.

Diamonds Steak House aboard Carnival Liberty

Diamonds Steak House – If your looking for a wonderfully delicious experience, I highly recommend you visit Diamonds Steak House. It will be the culinary highlight of your cruise. Diamond’s is a specialty restaurant that features premium cuts of beef cooked to your exact specifications, as well as a fantastic selection of seafood, gourmet appetizers and an extensive wine list. The appetizers and gourmet side dishes amazing all by themselves. The extensive menu will make your mouth water, so take a look at it today to and reserve your table before boarding – Diamonds Steakhouse Menu (PDF). Leave room for desert, because they are truly the grand finale of an amazing culinary experience.

I recommend this for adult couples looking for a romantic dinner together or culinary adventurous families who want to get dressed up and have a night to remember. A meal like this would cost you easily double for more at a comparable big city restaurant. So make your cruise extra special and experience fine dining at it’s best. The menu choices have been updated and really excited the foodies at our table. Bon appétit!

Diamonds Steak House is located on Deck 10, Midship. Reservations are required and costs $35 each for Adults and Kids.

Tip: You can often get a complimentary bottle of wine for booking this specialty restaurant your first night of the cruise. Be sure to check once onboard.

Carnival Cruise Line Unveils A Virtual Tour Of The New Carnival Vista

By
John Shallo
-

April 29, 2015

Step aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Vista. See all of her exciting new staterooms, restaurants and waterpark rides. Did i forget to mention she has her own IMAX theatre or was it her onboard micro-brewery! You get the picture, now go watch this exciting video and look at the furure of cruise travel.

Carnival Vista is scheduled to enter service from Europe May 1, 2016, then reposition to New York for a series of voyages in November 2016 followed by the launch of year-round Caribbean service from Miami later that month.

To learn more, visit www.carnival.com/carnivalvista and follow @CarnivalVista for regular Twitter updates.

Sting Performs Songs from ‘The Last Ship’ on Tyneside Where 23 Cunard Ships Were Built

By
John Shallo
-

April 28, 2015

Sting with band at Sage Gateshead

Sting with band at Sage Gateshead

Sting delighted audiences in his hometown with songs from his latest album and Broadway musical ‘The Last Ship’ on 24th and 25th April 2015 to benefit the Sage Gateshead 10th Birthday Appeal. These were the only UK performances of their kind and were supported by Cunard in the company’s 175th anniversary year.

Cunard has historic links to the shipyards of the Tyne and a proud heritage with the North East. This great partnership saw 23 Cunard ships being built on Tyneside, 15 of them at Swan Hunter including ones that became the stuff of legend like the four-funnelled Mauretania and Carpathia, which rescued all the survivors from Titanic.

Sting said:

“‘The Last Ship’ stories are based on the community I was brought up in, the shipbuilding community of Wallsend, and so to bring it back here like this is a wonderful honour and very emotional. I’m thrilled to be here.

Sting and Anthony Sargent, general director Sage

“I was born and raised as close to the river as you can possibly get. I lived in Gerald Street, which is one of the streets that lead down to the shipyard, and I could walk out of my house and see giant ships at the end of my street, which was a massive symbol for me. I watched them launched, which is a kind of apocalyptic event for a child. I watched thousands of men walk down to the yard every day and watched them walk back home every night and wondered with some trepidation whether that wouldn’t be my destiny too. I didn’t want it to be – I had other dreams.

“But like everyone in the town we were immensely proud of the ships that were built there, some of the largest, most important ships ever built, right there at the end of my street – some of them by Cunard. And that was something that the town got a lot of pride from.”

Last October, Sting performed songs from ‘The Last Ship’ on board Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, in New York.

He continues, “I played on the Queen Mary 2 last year – she was berthed in New York City. What a beautiful ship – I had a great time entertaining the crew and some of the passengers. It was something I’d like to do again.”

David Dingle, Chairman of Cunard, said:

“We’re delighted that in Cunard’s 175th anniversary year, we have been able to give back, through Sting’s ‘The Last Ship’ shows at the Sage Theatre, to the Tyneside community whose shipyards built no fewer than 23 Cunard ships, including legendary liners like Mauretania and Carpathia. ‘The Last Ship’ has songs that go to the heart of this country’s shipbuilding industries and reflect Cunard’s own proud heritage with the North East.”

In benefitting the Sage Gateshead’s 10th Birthday Appeal, proceeds raised from the performances will ensure that its vital work in the region will continue.

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