Cunard Take to New York
January 14, 2008 by Paula ·
New York’s iconic Statue of Liberty stood tall as a fitting backdrop for a Royal Rendezvous of Cunard Line’s three luxury liners -Queen Mary 2, QE2 and the new Queen Victoria, which made her maiden call to New York today. Thousands of maritime buffs lined the shores to see the regal fleet gather for the first and only time in New York. During a celebration that began with a whistle salute by each liner, the nautical royalty made a majestic procession through New York harbor illuminated by a fireworks-filled sky as they departed on their respective voyages. It is the first time that three Cunard Queens have been in service simultaneously in the company’s 168-year history. Queen Victoria was launched on December 10, 2007, by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall in Southampton. Following her celebratory maiden call to New York, she embarks on her Maiden World Cruise, a 105-day journey stopping in 37 ports in 23 countries, while Cunard’s grand dame QE2 departs on her 26th and final World Cruise.
Official Press Release Cunard Cruises dated 14th January 2008.
Crystal Cruises Ban Smoking on Balconies
January 11, 2008 by admin ·
Following on the heels of many other cruise lines, Crystal Cruises are to ban smoking on cabin balconies. They already have a policy of no smoking in restaurants and Galaxy show lounge.
Most other parts of the ship will be uneffected.
Azamara’s South American Journey Ends
January 10, 2008 by admin ·
Although other cruise lines are moving stock to South America as it becomes the new area to cruise, Azamara are moving Azamara Journey from South America to the Caribbean and Panama Canal.
Azamara Cruises have also announced they are to no longer run a world cruise after their first and probably only one, proved to be not as good a seller as they had hoped for.
Princess Cruises Extend Chef’s Table
January 10, 2008 by admin ·
Following on from the recent tests on-board Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Caribbean Princess, Princess Cruises has announced that they are to expand the “Chef’s Table” to most of the fleet.
The cost to experience the “Chef’s Table” is $75pp, for that you get to watch the staff prepare your food, before serving it to you in a private function with wine. There is a limit to just 10 passengers per function.
Princess Cruises have stated that due to size, the Royal Princess, Tahitian Princess and Pacific Princess will not operate the “Chef’s Table”. These three ships are the previously Renaissance owned R class of ship and at just 30,277 tons, they do not have the space of the larger newer builds.
Oceania Cruises’ Nautica Debuts Down Under
January 9, 2008 by Steve ·
Oceania Cruises’ Nautica debuted in glorious Sydney, Australia today, kicking off her inaugural season of sailings to Australia and New Zealand. Nautica arrived from Europe after a 45-day journey from Rome via Singapore and during her two-day inaugural stay in Sydney, she will host hundreds of top-producing Australian travel agents and media as the ship and the line’s award-winning product are showcased Down Under for the very first time.
“Australia and New Zealand are extremely important destinations and source markets for us and I am delighted that so many agents will be our guests aboard Nautica over the next few days and in the coming weeks,” stated Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises.
Glistening like new, Nautica recently completed a $5 million refit at the Union Naval shipyard in Marseille, France. During the refit, all soft furnishing were replaced or renewed, all new carpeting was laid throughout the public rooms and accommodations and more than $1 million was spent installing new bathrooms in the ship’s 52 Penthouse Suites.
Each of the Penthouse Suites is now resplendent with a new granite and marble bathroom which boasts all new flooring, countertops and vanities, bathtubs and fixtures. In addition, new 20” and 26” flat-screen LCD televisions with DVD players were installed in all of the Penthouse Suites, Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms and Stateroom accommodations.
Nautica will sail a total of four voyages in Australia and New Zealand during her inaugural season and return again in 2009 and 2010. “Australasia was the most requested new destination in our company’s history and subsequently became the fastest-selling voyages we currently offer. We’re eagerly anticipating the day we can dedicate one of our ships for a full-season of voyages Down Under,” added Binder.
Highlights of Nautica’s 2008-2009 Voyages Down Under
Southern Cross Holiday
18-Day Voyage from Singapore to Sydney, departs December 20, 2008
Singapore • Semarang • Padang Bay • Komodo • Darwin • Thursday Island • Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) • Townsville • Whitsunday Island • Brisbane • Sydney
Splendors of Down Under
15-Day Voyage from Sydney to Auckland,
departs January 7, 2009 and January 22, 2009 (Reverse)
Sydney (Overnight) • Melbourne • Hobart • Milford Sound • Dunedin • Christchurch • Wellington • Napier • White Island • Great Mercury Island •Tauranga • Auckland
Coral Seas and Asian Jewels
21-Day Voyage from Sydney to Bangkok, departs February 6, 2009
Sydney • Brisbane • Whitsunday Island • Townsville • Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) • Thursday Island • Darwin • Komodo • Padang Bay • Semarang • Singapore • Ko Samui • Bangkok (Overnight)
Free Airfare and 2 for 1 Cruise Fares
With Free Airfare from 20 North American gateways and 2 for 1 cruise fares, these extraordinary voyages are the pinnacle of value. 2 for 1 cruise fares that include free airfare start at just $4,599 per guest. As space is limited, guests should make their reservations as early as possible to ensure that they take advantage of the free airfare and receive the accommodations of choice on their preferred voyage.
Official Press Release Oceania Cruises dated 09 January 2008.
Hercules Falls to Toy Story
January 8, 2008 by admin ·
News is comming through that Disney Wonder are replacing Hercules A Muse-ical, with Toy Story The Musical. The swap over will take place in April 2008.
NCL: Apollo has Landed!
January 8, 2008 by admin ·
Private equity group Apollo Management agreed in September 2007, to become a major shareholder in NCL. This has now been finalised and Apollo have spent $1 billion for a 50 percent share of NCL. Star Cruises, NCL’s previous sole shareholder, still holds the other 50 percent.
A cruise line statement said “the money and backing will enable the line to implement Freestyle 2.0, a series of fleet-wide enhancements announced aboard Norwegian Gem just after its naming ceremony in New York last month”.
NCL has spent massively over the last few years with many new builds as they try and see off the threat of the Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean International. With two F3 prototypes on order at over $1.1 billion per ship, (first one due in 2009) it is no surprise to see some form of outside investment.
So what does this do for Apollo, well in a short period of time they now own 50% of NCL, Oceania Cruises and have agreed to purchase Regent Seven Seas. Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas are to be run independently under the banner of Prestige Cruise Holdings.
Not sure about reaching for the stars but in the cruising world Apollo has landed!
Welcome
January 5, 2008 by admin ·
Welcome to The Cruise an online news resource for cruise fans the world over. The Cruise is part of a series of Cruise websites created in order to sell cruises for Cruise Holidays specialists Cruise VIP a new UK based online Cruise Travel Agent.
Travelscopes MS Van Gogh Starts World Cruise
January 4, 2008 by admin ·
Travelscopes MS Van Gogh Started her world cruise today even though some 40,000 potential passengers will not enjoy their cruises this year. The Travelscope world cruise was sold through a Dutch based cruise club and is not affected by the troubles that Travelscope find themselves in following by the December announcement that they are in receivership.
Bungee trampoline and flying trapeze on board P&O Cruises Ventura
January 3, 2008 by admin ·
Passengers on Britain’s largest & newest superliner Ventura will be able to fly high above sea level at Cirque Ventura – the first circus school at sea.
Located high up on deck 19, highly skilled performers will run workshops with a host of exciting activities on offer including tight wire, acro balance, clowning, break-dancing, juggling and stilt walking. In addition, the area will be equipped with two thrilling centrepieces – four bungee trampolines, which will enable passengers to soar 60 metres above sea level, and a flying trapeze.
P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale said: “Cirque Ventura is set to be a firm favourite and is just one of a host of innovations onboard Ventura. Any guest aged eight and over will have the chance to ‘run away with the circus’ and learn some innovative skills.
“We are delighted to be working with the Generating Company and look forward to seeing Ventura’s circus school come alive with all the excitement and colour of a contemporary circus.”
Cirque Ventura, onboard Ventura in April 2008, will be operated in partnership with leading UK circus skills powerhouse the Generating Company.
Activities include:
Static trapeze
Flying trapeze
Aerial hoop
Clowning and slapstick
Break dancing
Juggling and hoola hoop
Acro balancing
Tight wire
Chinese pole
Stilts
Bungee trampoline
Cirque Ventura presentation
Official P&O Cruises press release Posted 3 Jan 08
