Carnival Cruise Line to Celebrate Texas Arrival of Carnival Freedom With Special Event

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January 13, 2015

Event Welcomes Third Ship to Galveston with Day of Celebration for Military Families Including First Carnival LIVE Concert on Deck

Carnival Cruise Line will welcome Carnival Freedom to its new year-round homeport of Galveston, Texas, on Saturday, February 14, by hosting a celebration to honor U.S. military families. Through a partnership with Operation Homefront, a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial and other assistance to military families, Carnival will provide a day of onboard fun and exciting activities for service members and their families. Among the day’s festivities will be a special outdoor Carnival LIVE performance by country superstar Martina McBride.

[pullquote]“I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to perform again on a Carnival ship and am thrilled that I was chosen to be part of this wonderful event that honors U.S. service members and their families,” said Martina McBride[/pullquote]“The arrival of Carnival Freedom to its new Galveston homeport is historic as it marks the first time a cruise line has based three year-round ships in Texas,” said Jim Berra, chief marketing officer for Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this occasion by giving back to the great state of Texas and welcoming aboard military families who make our freedom possible.”

As part of the festivities, 14-time GRAMMY® nominee Martina McBride will perform that afternoon outdoors on one of the ship’s top decks. The country singer has previously performed as part of the line’s breakthrough onboard concert series, Carnival LIVE, which offers guests the best live music at sea from some of the most popular and highly requested music acts.

“I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to perform again on a Carnival ship and am thrilled that I was chosen to be part of this wonderful event that honors U.S. service members and their families,” said Martina McBride. “I’ve played for many audiences in my career, but it will truly be a privilege to salute these incredible families and partner with Carnival to bring them an extra special Valentine’s Day.”

Military families who have registered through Operation Homefront will enjoy a full day and evening of fun aboard the 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom while it is in port, including overnight accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities, all compliments of Carnival Cruise Line.

Prior to the concert, Carnival will conduct a special check presentation to Operation Homefront providing $100,000 to the organization.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Carnival to honor military families and celebrate the cruise line’s expansion in Texas,” said Tim Farrell, chief operating officer of Operation Homefront. “While we serve military families across the nation, we’re grateful for a partner like Carnival who wants to give back right here in our home state of Texas where we have the second largest active duty and veteran population in the country.”

Carnival Freedom recently underwent a $70 million makeover which added an array of Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancements. Event attendees will have access to the ship’s new family entertainment programming including Seuss at Sea, as well as the new Camp Ocean kids facilities. The latest updates also incorporated a number of bar, dining and entertainment innovations including complimentary eateries such as BlueIguana Cantina and Guy’s Burger Joint, developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri, poolside bars serving up delicious frozen drinks and cocktails including BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar, as well as the pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar and the line’s Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub.

Carnival Freedom kicks off year-round sailings from Galveston February 15, 2015, with a special six-day voyage to Mexico followed by the launch of four- to seven-day cruises that visit beautiful ports throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida. Together with Carnival Triumph and Carnival Magic, the line will carry more than 600,000 passengers annually from Texas – more than any other cruise line.

Windstar Cruises Launches New Island Experience

By

John Shallo

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January 13, 2015

Windstar Cruises has annouonced their new Island Experiences in the Caribbean, part of the complimentary Private Event program launching around the world in 2015. The new Island Experience is designed to treat guests to the feeling of having their “own private island” for the day, and is offered on every Windstar Caribbean itinerary.

Olympian Mark Spitz to Host the Inaugural Island Experience in the Caribbean

Windstar’s inaugural Island Experience debuts on the January 31^st voyage of the Yachtsman’s Caribbean with special celebrity guest Olympic legend Mark Spitz. Best known for his astonishing win of seven gold medals at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Spitz will serve as host at the Island Experience on Prickly Pear Beach, a secluded and uninhabited nature refuge in the British Virgin Islands. Spitz will conduct a series of swimming master classes for guests who want to enhance their swimming abilities, or for those who simply want to get to know the Olympian. Spitz is also slated to give an onboard lecture and to join guests for dinner.

[pullquote]“We are thrilled to have a renowned athlete like Mark Spitz join us for the launch of our new Island Experience,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive office[/pullquote]All Island Experience Private Events will offer beach and sport activities such as volleyball, snorkeling, and bocce ball, as well as a full beach barbeque with dishes including lobster and shrimp mac and cheese, “surfs up” tequila lobster tacos, Cajun jambalaya, a full burger bar, and more. The events will also include a Selfie Station, where guests are encouraged to pose for selfies and tag pictures with the hashtag #WindstarCruises.

“We are thrilled to have a renowned athlete like Mark Spitz join us for the launch of our new Island Experience,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer. “Our Private Events were designed for our guests to really experience the local culture in an exclusive way. The new Island Experience will allow them to feel like they are on their own slice of paradise for the day.”

Other notable Private Events debuting around the world in 2015 include private dining under the stars at the Celsus Library of Ephesus; wine tasting and tour in Italy with traditional Sicilian lunch; tapas and folk dance lessons; and an equestrian ballet and sherry tasting in Spain. Additional celebrity hosts will be announced in the coming months.

For more information including rates and itineraries, contact a travel professional or call Windstar at 800.258.7245, or visit www.windstarcruises.com.

Cunard Commences 175th Anniversary Year with Spectacular Start

By

John Shallo

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January 13, 2015

Fireworks and marching bands marked the departure of Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth on their World Voyages this weekend. This would signifie the beginning of Cunard’s 175^th anniversary year. A magnificent year of celebrations is planned, with special features on board, a top-flight line-up of celebrity speakers and a series of World Class events and commemorative sailings in place for 2015.

Flagship Queen Mary 2 and sister ship Queen Elizabeth took centre stage in Southampton on Saturday as the two Queens embarked on their 2015 World Voyages. Joining guests on board were acclaimed British actress, Celia Imrie (aboard Queen Mary 2), and former chief news correspondent for the BBC, Kate Adie (aboard Queen Elizabeth), as part of Cunard’s acclaimed Insights speaker programme, featuring high-calibre presenters throughout the year. Further leading lights, including statesmen, authors, actresses, poets and politicians, will share their knowledge,

Cunard Commences 175th Anniversary Year with Spectacular Start

stories and experiences with passengers on board Cunard’s ships during this anniversary year. These include:

FW De Klerk (Queen Mary 2, Port Elizabeth to Durban, 15-17 April 2015),
Sir Max Hastings (Queen Mary 2, Dubai to Hong Kong, 29 January-21 February 2015)
John McCarthy (Queen Elizabeth, Dubai to Southampton, 13 April-3 May 2015)
Sir Jackie Stewart (Queen Mary 2, Dubai to Hong Kong, 29 January-21 February 2015)
Actress Kim Novak (Queen Elizabeth, Honolulu to Auckland, 13-27 February 2015)
Lord Michael Howard (Queen Victoria, Istanbul to Rome cruise, 10-24 October 2015)
Anne Widdecombe (Queen Victoria, Canaries, 10-22 May 2015)
Simon Weston (Queen Victoria, Caribbean, 20 January-2 February 2015)
Pam Ayres (Queen Elizabeth, Mediterranean, 21 Ocrober-7 November 2015)
David Blunkett (Queen Victoria, Mediterranean cruise, 12-19 September 2015)

The 175th anniversary will be celebrated across all three Cunard ships during the year, with

Gala dinners with souvenir menus on cruises of more than four nights
“Black, Red and Gold” themed Balls in the Queens Room aboard each ship
175^th themed commemorative drinks, from special blends of wine to craft beers, plus 175^th themed cakes and deserts at afternoon tea and formal dinners.
Themed entertainment, including 175^th anniversary quizzes and the quirky side of Cunard’s history presented by the RADA theatre group travelling aboard Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic crossings
Specially created 175^th merchandise, from collectible posters to teddy bears and polo shirts to cufflinks and 18 carat Clogue gold jewellery
Mail posted on board with be over-stamped with the 175^th anniversary logo
In cabin stationery – postcards, writing paper and envelopes – will display the 175^th anniversary logo

Richard Meadows, President, Cunard Line, North America said:

“2015 is going to be an amazing year for Cunard. We’ll be celebrating our 175th anniversary throughout the year with an exciting programme of commemorative sailings and special events. Celebrity speakers will add an extra touch of sparkle and insight to the celebrations on board while the sheer spectacle of bringing the fleet together in Southampton and Liverpool and marking key dates in Cunard’s history will make compelling viewing for both passengers and spectators ashore. We want everyone across the globe to be able to share in these historic celebrations. “

Highlights of Cunard’s 175th year will include the gathering of Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria in their home port of Southampton on 3 May for a spectacular sailaway of the three Queens. And up to one million spectators are expected to gather in the company’s spiritual home of Liverpool for the “Three Queens, One Magnificent City” three day event 24-26 May. This will culminate on 25 May when the Cunard fleet, made up of the three largest ships ever to appear in formation on the Mersey, will perform a series of carefully choreographed maneuvers within sight of the Three Graces on Pier Head waterfront, including the iconic Cunard Building which was the company’s headquarters for nearly 50 years.

Cunard will also re-create the transatlantic voyage that marked the start of the company’s 175 years of operation. Queen Mary 2’s “175th Anniversary Crossing” (Southampton to New York 2-14 July 2015 M511D) will sail into Liverpool on 4 July and depart the same day – exactly 175 years since Cunard’s ship Britannia made her maiden crossing from the port, heading for Halifax and Boston.

One of Cunard’s most famous ships, Lusitania, will also be respectfully saluted by Queen Victoria during a special Lusitania remembered sailing (3-10 May 2015, V510) as the ship sails into Cobh, exactly 100 years since Lusitania was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland on 7 May 1915. A series of commemorative events have been organised in the town which passengers are invited to attend, while on board, expert historian Eric Sauder will display on board a special collection of Lusitania memorabilia including china, silver, brochures, postcards and souvenirs that will help tell the story of Cunard’s former flagship. A few places remain on this historic sailing, with Cunard fares from $1,559 per person for inside accommodation.

Further details on 175th anniversary sailings will be announced shortly.

For more information about Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, and to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard toll-free at 1-800-728-6273, or go to www.cunard.com.

Princess Cruises Launches 2015 “Come Back New” Advertising Campaign

By

John Shallo

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January 12, 2015

Princess Cruises just launched a fresh advertising campaign to remind travelers of the memorable moments they can experience while aboard a Princess Cruises vacation. The multi-million-dollar program comes on the heels of last year’s successful “come back new” marketing campaign that marked the return of the line’s advertising on television in more than a decade and reminded viewers that cruising can transform and enrich their lives.

[pullquote]“This new campaign is an exciting opportunity for us to continue the successful momentum of our first ‘come back new’ campaign with fresh content for our 50^th anniversary year,” said Gordon Ho[/pullquote]The new travel advertising campaign debuts at the beginning of “wave season” when many guests book their cruise vacations for the upcoming year, and promotes Princess Cruises’ 50^th anniversary milestone with national broadcast, print and digital advertising.

Created by San Francisco-based, award-winning agency Goodby, Silverstein and Partners, the broadcast creative evolves the storytelling approach of the “come back new” theme to showcase Princess guests experiencing unforgettable events as they happen on Alaska cruises and cruises to the Caribbean, two of the line’s most popular destinations. Print ads explore a variety of cruise destinations, cultures and culinary experiences that can lead guests to discover new things while on a cruise vacation. The ads and other campaign materials will roll out through the month of January.

“This new campaign is an exciting opportunity for us to continue the successful momentum of our first ‘come back new’ campaign with fresh content for our 50th anniversary year,” said Gordon Ho, senior vice president of marketing, Princess Cruises. “These new spots showcase the juxtaposition between the reality of daily life and the experience our guests have when they cruise with us to amazing destinations.”

Many of the ads also promote the cruise line’s recently announced partnership with the Discovery Channel and the “Discovery at Sea” program, including stargazing, interactive onboard activities and shore excursions based on top-rated Discovery network shows and designed to entertain and delight families aboard Princess ships.

“Princess Cruises passengers are passionate about exploring and experiencing the world around them and the new Discovery partnership takes this to a whole new level,” added Ho.

Take a look at the new TV spots below:

ALASKA

Reconnect with loved ones and nature, experiencing the great frontier in a way you’ve never imagined. Sail in awe of its vastness as you pass pristine glaciers and take in breathtaking views from your stateroom.

Learn more about Alaska

STARS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhbSVzkzvTE

What will be your greatest discovery in 2015? Travel the world with Princess, where awe-inspiring views of starry skies are the perfect accompaniment to exquisite cuisine. With new Discovery At Sea experiences, including stargazing, you’ll forever look up at the night sky in a whole new way.

Learn more about Discovery At Sea

TURTLES

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbIMvgqTDKE

Somewhere at the edge of the ocean there’s a whole other world to explore of white sand beaches and crystal clear Caribbean waters. Join us for new Discovery At Sea experiences.

Learn more about Discovery & Animal Planet Shore Excursions

Kathie Lee Gifford Boards Carnival Breeze to Announce ‘GIFFT’ Wine Partnership to Surprised Cruisers

By

John Shallo

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January 12, 2015

It’s not every day you’re welcomed aboard your Carnival Cruise by none other than Kathie Lee Gifford. The former spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line, returned to “The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line®” Sunday to introduce her GIFFT Collection of wines at a tasting event for cruise guests on Carnival Breeze at PortMiami. The wines are now available for sale fleetwide on Carnival’s 24 ships.

Gifford became closely associated with the Fun Ship brand in the 1980s when Carnival launched the first national television ad campaigns in the cruise industry, becoming the line’s first spokesperson and appearing in such memorable campaigns as: “If You Could See Me Now” and “Ain’t We Got Fun?” The “Today” show host yesterday surprised guests embarking on a six-day western Caribbean cruise to officially introduce GIFFT wines at an onboard tasting event.

[pullquote]“I can’t tell you how exciting it is for me to be back on board with Carnival!” said Gifford.[/pullquote]Created in consultation with California-based Scheid Family Wines—one of the largest vineyard owners in Monterey County—the GIFFT Collection consists of a Red Blend and a Chardonnay, both estate-grown. In September 2014, Wine Enthusiast magazine gave the red 91 of a possible 100 points and the Chardonnay 88 points in its tasting rating.

Captain Massimo Marino and Kathie Lee Gifford share GIFFT Wine aboard Carnival Breeze

The GIFFT Red Blend combines Merlot (42 percent), Petite Sirah (25%), Syrah (12%) and Petit Verdot (10%); while the Chardonnay is a flavorful estate-grown Coastal California dry white. Carnival is the only cruise line to feature GIFFT wines, and both varietals are now available at a wide array of bars and in the main dining rooms on all Carnival ships.

“I can’t tell you how exciting it is for me to be back on board with Carnival!” said Gifford. “It’s like coming home again—this time bearing great wines!”

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome back Kathie Lee, whose upbeat and spirited personality to this day reflects the essence of the Carnival brand,” said Eddie Allen, Carnival Cruise Line Vice President, Beverage Operations. “For many people, wine is an integral part of a truly exceptional vacation experience, and the GIFFT Collection is a great addition to our onboard wine offerings.”

Be sure to sample the GIFFT wines on your next Carnival Cruise. Can’t wait until your next cruise? Learn more about the GIFFT wines by visiting http://www.gifftwines.com

Princess Cruises Announces Seattle Seahawks Fan Cruise

By

John Shallo

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January 9, 2015

Princess Cruises, the Official Cruise Line of the Seattle Seahawks, has announced “Sail with the 12s – A Seahawks Fan Cruise,” featuring a seven-night Alaska cruise over Father’s Day, departing from Seattle, Wash., on Crown Princess on June 20, 2015.

Guests will enjoy the ultimate in player interactions and onboard fan activities including:

Meet and greet autograph signings and photo opportunities with Seattle Seahawks players in featured ports
Q&A “Chalk Talks” with alumni players
Seahawks “Rally at Sea”
Appearances by Blitz the Mascot and the Sea Gals
On-deck Tailgate Party with game-day inspired food
Football inspired movie nights on the giant Movies Under the Stars poolside LED screen
“Spirit of the 12s” contests
Seahawks trivia contests
Chances to win signed merchandise and tickets to regular season home games
And many more surprises to be announced!

The cruise to Alaska will feature spectacular glaciers, abundant wildlife and the area’s incredible natural beauty with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord, Ketchikan, and Victoria, B.C.

Guests who book by Feb. 26, 2015, can take advantage of Princess Cruises’ 50^th Anniversary Sale which includes free dining for two at one of the cruise ship’s specialty restaurants; up to $100 per stateroom of free onboard credit to be spent as they wish, including spa treatments and shore excursions; and booking with a reduced, refundable deposit of only $100 per person. Fares for this cruise start at $999 for interior cabins. All cruise prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.

Additional information about the “Sail with the 12s” cruise can be found at princess.com/Seahawks.

“Princess Cruises is very excited to be the Official Cruise Line of the Seattle Seahawks and we are thrilled to host the 12s, some of the most passionate fans in sports, on the ultimate fan cruise vacation,” said Gordon Ho, Senior Vice President of Marketing and North America Sales for Princess Cruises. “Sailing with the Seahawks is the perfect Father’s Day gift for the whole family. Add in Princess’ long-standing recognition as the best Alaska cruise vacation, and this will be one unforgettable voyage.”

The fan cruise builds on the partnership Princess Cruises and the Seattle Seahawks established last fall, offering fans special cruise deals on Princess cruise vacations and opportunities to win a cruise. Princess Cruises also now shows games on its giant “Movies Under the Stars” poolside LED screen and throws tailgate parties at sea on Caribbean cruises and West Coast cruises, allowing football fans to watch the playoffs and catch more of the action than ever before during the season.

Princess Cruises operates two cruise ships out of Seattle, sailing to Alaska from May to September. In total, seven Princess ships offer more than 120 Alaska cruise departures during the summer season, originating from San Francisco, Calif., Seattle, Wash., Vancouver B.C. and Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska.

Princess Cruises also celebrates its 50th anniversary throughout 2015 with an incredible lineup of new dining, shopping and entertainment aboard all of its ships.

Cruise Addicts can learn more about Princess Cruises through a professional travel consultant, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com

Pearl Seas Cruises Exploring Cuba for Itineraries

By

John Shallo

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January 9, 2015

Pearl Seas Cruises Exploring Cuba for Itineraries

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.”

Cuba, Cayo Santa Maria, Pueblo La Estrella

Pearl Seas Cruises is considering cruises which will operate on both the Southern and Northern coasts of Cuba. Cruises could begin and conclude in South Florida or at one of many island nations near Cuba. Various length cruises are being considered, all which will offer a unique perspective of Cuban culture – its heritage, education, economy, history and more.

Further details on the line’s consideration of Cuba as a cruising destination will be released in the coming months and Cruise Addicts will be sure to bring you the news as it happens.

Learn more about Pearl Seas Cruises:

Port Everglades Opens Redesigned and Updated Cruise Terminal 4

By

John Shallo

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January 9, 2015

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.

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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.”

““Florida is far and away the largest cruise market in the world. Over 14 million revenue passengers a year cruise from Florida ports. Through partnered investments with federal and local government, and cruise industry commitments, FDOT and the state’s seaports will continue to support and grow Florida’s cruise business,” said Richard Biter, Assistant Secretary for Intermodal Systems Development for the Florida Department of Transportation. “Port Everglades’ Terminal 4 renovation is the latest manifestation of this partnership. These public infrastructure investments create the foundation to support the private sector investments, and individual expenditures that create economic activity and prosperity for the citizens of Florida.”

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

Cruise Addicts Daily Travel and Hotel Deals 1-6-15

By

John Shallo

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January 7, 2015

Disney Cruise Line Deals — Disney Cruise Line

$155+: Air & 3-Nts Luxor Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

$409+: Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island, Bahamas

$111+: Ameritania at Times Square, New York City

$132+: East Bay Inn, Savannah Bed & Breakfast

$149+: Up to 40% off Bahamas Cruise w/ Promo Code

$549+: 7-Nt Cruise to PR, USVI & St. Maarten

$447+: 3-Day Bahamas Cruise on Disney Dream

$750+: 7-Day Western Caribbean on Disney Magic

Save BIG with our Daily Travel and Hotel Deals featuring deals on cruise, all-inclusive resorts and much more. Check back for more daily deals and sign-up for our weekly Deals Issue and Newsletter Issues sent via email. – Click Here!

Carnival Miracle to Receive Funship 2.0 Enhancements In Spring 2015

By

John Shallo

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January 7, 2015

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

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ALASKA

STARS

TURTLES