Two Princess Ships to be Remodeled with Latest Features

Two Princess ships will be remodeled to incorporate a number of the most popular amenities that have become passenger favorites on the line’s newer ships. The upcoming makeovers of Star Princess and Caribbean Princess will include a transformation of the Deck 5 atrium into the inviting piazza-style street cafe currently found on Crown Princess and Emerald Princess; plus will add the company’s signature adults-only Sanctuary and showplace Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, along with a more centrally located casino and seven new suites.

Star Princess will receive these new features during her September drydock in San Francisco and Caribbean Princess will follow in January 2009.

The ships’ updated atriums will not only feature the specialty coffees, freshly baked goods, paninis and tapas of the International Cafe, but will also introduce an expanded Vines wine bar concept, which will now include rare vintage wines, a selection of artisan meats and cheeses, plus a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle. In addition, passengers will be able to relax in the tranquility of The Sanctuary, Princess’ signature adults-only retreat, featuring plush padded lounge chairs and the services of dedicated Serenity Stewards. The ships will also replace their current steakhouse with the Crown Grill restaurant featuring an open show kitchen where passengers can enjoy watching as chefs prepare chops, steaks and seafood, including live lobsters. As part of the renovation, each vessel will also receive seven new suites with ocean-view picture windows, and the casino will be relocated one deck higher to deck 7, bringing it into the ship’s central entertainment area.

“After Crown Princess and Emerald Princess debuted, we knew we had struck a chord with our passengers who loved the piazza-style atriums, new dining experiences and the peaceful environment of The Sanctuary,” said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. “And so we’re delighted to bring these hallmark features to two of the other vessels.”

To make room for the new features, passengers may find that some of their favorite areas have been relocated. In addition to the casino, the sports court, Internet Cafe and wedding chapel are also among the spaces that will be moved in the renovation process.

The new features passengers will find aboard these vessels include:

The Piazza - This piazza-style atrium has been a popular area on the new ships, with its sidewalk cafe feel and casual dining options. The ships will offer this lively area on Deck 5, designed to be the bustling hub of the ship with a street cafe atmosphere, featuring live music and entertainers throughout the day and evening. With Italian-inspired decor, this charming area serves as an inviting venue throughout the day for passengers seeking a more casual dining option. Within this space, passengers can relax over coffee and pastries at the International Cafe or a glass of wine at Vines, or keep in touch with home at the Internet Cafe.

Vines - The expanded Vines concept features a wine bar serving a selection of rare and unique new- and old-world vintage wines along with gourmet delicacies. Here passengers can enjoy an assortment of fine wines by the glass, wine flights, a wine shop and a walk-in glass artisan cheese and cured meat humidor. Designed to resemble a wine cellar, the venue hosts unique wine tasting sessions, while the chef makes special appearances to pair selections with some of the world’s most desirable artisan cheeses. Food-lovers can also sample a daily selection of sushi, sashimi, antipasti or ceviche. A signature feature in Vines, wine lovers will have the opportunity to sample a Swiss specialty, Raclette, a traditional melted cheese dish. The Vines shop offers an extensive collection of hard-to-find wines available for purchase, as well as Princess-branded favorites such as extra virgin olive oil, aged Italian balsamic vinegar and a selection of related gift items.

International Cafe - Serving up a variety of tasty options throughout the day, the International Cafe features an ever-changing array of quick bites and light meal choices. In the morning, passengers will be attracted by the aroma of freshly baked croissants, Danish pastries and beignets; while in the afternoon the Cafe serves grilled-to-order paninis, quiches and salads. At dinnertime passengers can stop by for tapas or dessert - including the popular chocolate fondue. Throughout the day, the cafe features the line’s famous fresh-baked cookies, and coffee lovers can also select from a variety of specialty coffee drinks and Revolution teas.

The Sanctuary - The adults-only “pocket of tranquility” that has been so popular on Crown Princess and Emerald Princess, will be added to the uppermost forward deck of the ship, which currently houses the ships’ sports court. The Sanctuary offers a relaxing alternative to the myriad activities available throughout the ship. Solitude seekers will be able to escape completely to this plush, outdoor spa-inspired setting with refreshing beverages and healthy fare, massages, relaxing personal entertainment and attentive service from the area’s Serenity Stewards.

Crown Grill - The ships will trade their Sterling Steakhouse restaurants for a Crown Grill premium seafood and chop house concept as found on Crown Princess and Emerald Princess. This showplace restaurant entertains passengers with an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare steamed shellfish - such as lobster, scallops, clams and mussels - and cooked-to-order steaks and chops. Passengers can choose to sit at the kitchen’s eat-up counter and watch the show as they dine.

Suites - Seven new oceanview suites will be added on deck six, offering additional options for passengers who enjoy the luxury and amenities that come with Princess’ most spacious accommodations.

Official Press release (abridged) Princess Cruises dated 30 April 2008.

P&O Cruises New Golf Programme

Official P&O Cruises press release Posted 29 Apr 08

Golfing fans on board P&O Cruises ships this season will be able to perfect their swing and fine-tune their putting. The P&O Cruises Golf Programme is now available on board, and ashore, Arcadia, Aurora, Oceana and Ventura for 2008-9.

In partnership with Elite Golf Cruises, the P&O Cruises golf pros will operate a full programme including lessons, seminars, merchandise, club rental and golfing excursions ashore on specific cruises throughout the summer and winter. On Aurora and Oceana the lessons take place in the golf simulator, and on Arcadia and Ventura they operate in the golf nets in the sports area.

P&O Cruises head of brand marketing, Philip Price said: “The new, and improved, golf programme is just one of the ways that P&O Cruises is enhancing the on board experience for passengers.

“From beginners to wannabe pros the golf programme gives golfers the opportunity to learn, practice and play some of the best courses in the world such as Royal, St.Kitts and PGA at Catalunya, Barcelona.”

Island Cruises Announce New Mediterranean Itinerary for Summer 2009

Island Cruises, the relaxed, friendly and informal cruise line, has announced a new Mediterranean itinerary for the 2009 summer season, Mediterranean Splendour.
 
Providing travellers with a fresh new holiday alternative, Mediterranean Splendour will sail from Palma, Majorca and visit the ports of Naples, Civitavecchia for Rome, Elba-Italy, Calvi-Corsica, and Mahon before returning to Palma. Regional flights will be available from 19 airports across the UK.

The new itinerary, launching with five departure dates in 2009, has been specifically designed to appeal Island Cruises’ repeat guests who have already sailed the Mediterranean many times before. Mediterranean Splendour will also provide a greater range of 14-night possibilities, as passengers will be encouraged to mix and match the back-to-back itineraries.
 
For old and new guests alike, Mediterranean Splendour will offer more choice to the Island Cruises’ portfolio as it includes two brand new ports of call Elba in Italy and Calvi in Corsica.  The beautiful and captivating island of Elba is perhaps best known as the place Napoleon was exiled to.  Explore the rugged coastline and small villages set into verdant hilltops for spectacular views over the magnificent fortress isle.  The next stop is Calvi, a little-known gem of a port with something for everyone.  Meaner through the Old Quarter, relax on the white sands or treat your taste buds at a waterfront eaterie. 

The Mediterranean Splendour itinerary will depart on the following dates in 2009: 2 May, 13 June and 11 July, 22 August and 19 September aboard the Island Star. The 7-night fly cruise, departing on 2 May 09, starts from £649 per person.

Official Press Release Island Cruises dated 28th April 2008.

Fred Olsen Begin Rome Fly/Cruise

Fred. Olsen’s latest ship Balmoral begins a short season of Mediterranean fly/cruises from Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) on 1st May, with flights direct from Stansted.    The 1,340 passenger ship will operate five cruises in the Mediterranean and Adriatic before returning to her UK home port of Dover for the remainder of the year.  

The programme begins with an eleven night eastern Mediterranean cruise from Civitavecchia visiting Valletta, Crete, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Rhodes and Piraeus before returning to Civitavecchia for the return flight to the UK from Rome.  Prices for this holiday start at £673 per person.

The second cruise in this series is a 10 night holiday starting on 12th May visiting ports in the western Med and calls as Livorno, Villefranche, Barcelona, Majorca, Tunis, Valletta and Naples before ending in Civitavecchia.  Prices for this fly/cruise start from £670 per person.

The last cruise in the programme sees Balmoral returning to the UK and will depart from Venice on 11th June.   Over the next eleven nights she will call at Dubrovnik, Sicily, Sardinia, Gibraltar, Lisbon and ends in Dover.

Official Press Release Fred Olsen dated 28th April 2008.

P&O Cruises Around Britain Cruise

Official P&O Cruises press release Posted 23 Apr 08

P&O Cruises has published its 2009 Preview Edition brochure. The brochure features cruise holidays to 235 destinations in 82 countries and the first round Britain cruise for the line.

Ventura, the largest and newest superliner built exclusively for the British market, will sail her first full year programme, with 19 departures from Southampton and 10 fly-cruise holidays from Barbados within the 2009 brochure.

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “Our 2009 programme is our biggest yet, offering a 30% increase in capacity for our brand with the first full year of Ventura. We have more ships, more UK departures and more breadth of appeal than any other cruise line.”

Departing on 5 July 2009, Artemis will offer an 11-night debut tour of the British Isles. Ports of call are Leith for Edinburgh, Invergordon, Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, Moville for Londonderry, Greenock for Glasgow, Dublin, Falmouth and St Peter Port. Prices for the cruise start from £1,099.

“For a brand that has brought the world to the door of British passengers for almost 170 years, it is perhaps long overdue and fitting for us to visit the British Isles.”

Other new ports of call a little further afield include Antwerp in Belgium, the island of Hvar in Croatia and La Spezia in Italy.

“Cruise holidays are becoming an increasingly popular choice for younger couples and families and we have two ships within the fleet dedicated to serving this market in terms of length of holiday, destination, on board entertainment, facilities and dining, and pricing.

“Shorter cruises on Ventura and Oceana are the perfect choice for people who are new to cruising and want to see if it’s for them without being away for two weeks. In 2009 we are offering 16 such itineraries of either two or seven nights – this is double the amount we offered in 2008.”

Early booking incentives are available before 30 June 2008, including up to 45 per cent Pricebreakers discount and free car parking on all Southampton roundtrip itineraries within the brochure, offering passengers up to an additional £115 saving on an average two week cruise.

Highlights of the brochure include:

· Party Cruise, Ventura (N920) two nights 30 August – 1 September 2009. Southampton, Bruges (from Zeebrugge), Southampton. Starting from £249.

· Cruise Break, Oceana (E913) seven nights 30 May – 6 June 2009. Southampton, Falmouth, Dublin, Bilbao, La Rochelle (from La Pallice), Brest, Southampton. Starting from £599.

· North America, Aurora (R911) 24 nights 30 August – 23 September 2009. Southampton, Wilmington for Philadelphia, New York (two full days in port), Newport, Boston (full day and evening in port), Portland, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Quebec (day and a half in port), St. John’s, Southampton. Starting from £2,599.

· Mediterranean, Oriana (X915) 14 nights 30 August – 13 September 2009. Southampton, Gibraltar, Palau, Rome (from Civitavecchia), La Spezia, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Palma, Southampton. Starting from £1,399.

Continuing the successful partnership started on Ventura, in 2009 Oceana will also be joined by Tate Modern and the remaining four ships in the fleet by Tate Britain, to present ‘Tate Talks’, an enriching programme of talks, interviews and creative workships which bring the world of modern art to life.
All four family friendly ships in the fleet – Ventura, Oceana, Aurora and Oriana will have re-branded children’s clubs by summer 2008. Both Noddy and Mr. Bump will also be on board popular family itineraries throughout the year, to entertain the two to four and five to seven year olds.

Royal Caribbean Revises Fuel Supplement

In its ongoing efforts to deal with record fuel prices, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced an increase in the fuel supplement it charges guests.

For first and second guests in a stateroom, the revised fuel supplement will be $8 (U.S.D.) per-person, per-day, and no more than $112 (U.S.D.) per-person, per-cruise. Additional guests in a stateroom will be charged $3 (U.S.D.) per-person, per day, and no more than $42 (U.S.D.) per-person, per-cruise.

The revised fuel supplement will apply to bookings made throughout the world on or after May 1, 2008, onboard three Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises.

Official Press release (abridged) Royal Caribbean International dated 22 April 2008.

P&O Cruises Ventura Christened in Southampton

Official P&O Cruises press release Posted 21 Apr 08

British icon and Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren has named the largest superliner designed exclusively for Britain, Ventura the latest addition to the P&O Cruises fleet. The spectacular celebrity evening naming ceremony, with Dame Helen as the ship’s Godmother, took place last night (April 16), prior to Ventura’s maiden cruise to the Mediterranean on Friday.

But in a break with tradition, instead of Dame Helen simply pressing a button to send a cradled Taittinger champagne bottle towards the ship, she commanded a crack team of Royal Marine Commandos to assist her in naming Ventura in a dramatic abseil.

Dame Helen Mirren said, “It is the first time I have ever named a ship, let alone one of the size of P&O Cruises Ventura and am really looking forward to being Godmother.”

Royal Marines display team commanding officer, Lt Colonel Steve Richards, “This is a rather unusual assignment for our lads, but well within their capabilities. They are very keen to assist Dame Helen with the launch - they will not let her down.”

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale said: “Dame Helen Mirren embodies glamour, vitality and Britishness, which are all values that will be a feature of Ventura. We are honoured that she has agreed to become Godmother. The arrival of Ventura is set to usher in a new era for the British cruise industry and will accelerate the rate of progress of an already fast growing market. We are delighted that Dame Helen is to be associated with her. At the same time, we are determined to get the bottle-smashing right, and are grateful for the military coordinated assistance of the Royal Marines.”

In keeping with Ventura’s contemporary and innovative values, her naming ceremony was a departure from tradition. As well as Dame Helen’s customary champagne naming, the celebration encompassed an exciting show with dramatic surprises.

On board, were 1,500 guests including Ventura’s consultant celebrity chef, Marco Pierre White, Hugh Bonneville, Kate Ford, Imelda Staunton and Nicholas Lyndhurst. The occasion benefited three children’s charities supported by Dame Helen and P&O Cruises - Barnardos, Kid’s Company and Naomi House.

Royal Caribbean Takes Delivery of Independence of the Seas

Continuing its legacy of creating revolutionary vacation experiences, Royal Caribbean International took delivery of its newest innovative ship - Independence of the Seas - during a ceremony at Aker Yards in Turku, Finland, today. Just days away from her debut in Europe, Independence of the Seas, is the third of the line’s Freedom class of ships and will be the largest cruise ship ever to be home-ported in Europe, when she sails out of Southampton, United Kingdom, for her inaugural season. Independence shares the title of world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship with sister-ships Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, which launched in the U.S. in May 2006 and 2007 respectively, and which offer Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida.

In the first nationwide search of its kind in the United Kingdom, Royal Caribbean is bestowing the title of Godmother of Independence of the Seas to an ordinary woman who has done extraordinary things to further the well being of youth in her community. The search was conducted with the cruise line’s charity partner and British five-time Olympic gold medalist, Sir Steve Redgrave. The four Godmother finalists - who were nominated by peers or family members - joined Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. chairman and CEO, Richard Fain at Aker Yards, to welcome Independence into service. The four finalists are Barbara Natasegra, Elizabeth Hill, Madeleine Henry and Sue Stones. The Godmother, who will be announced on April 18, will be selected by a distinguished panel of judges, including Sir Steve Redgrave; Royal Caribbean executives and guest judges. She will have the honor of participating in the inaugural celebrations and official naming ceremony in Southampton on April 30.

“We are delighted to welcome Independence of the Seas to our fleet and to introduce her to vacationers throughout the United Kingdom and Europe,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Positioning one of our largest and newest ships in Southampton reaffirms Royal Caribbean’s strong commitment to the region and will provide the opportunity for more European guests to experience the distinctive and award-winning vacation our brand has become recognized for throughout the world.” 

Following a series of preview sailings in Oslo, Norway and Southampton, Independence will embark on her maiden voyage on May 2. Through the summer of 2008, she will sail 14-night ‘Mediterranean Treasures’ and ‘Italian Mediterranean’ itineraries round-trip from Southampton. Ports of call include Gibraltar.; Barcelona, Malaga, Vigo and Seville, Spain; Nice and Cannes/Monte Carlo, France; Florence/Pisa and Sardinia, Italy; and Lisbon, Portugal.

Guests also can enjoy two, four-night getaways from Southampton to Cork, Ireland and St. Peter Port, Channel Islands. Three, 11-night Canary Islands itineraries, also roundtrip from Southampton, will close the fall season, calling on Madeira, Portugal; Tenerife, Las Palmas and Lanzarote, Canary Islands; and Vigo, Spain. Independence then heads to the United States to begin a series of warm weather Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida starting in November 2008.

At 160,000 GRT and a capacity of 3,634 guests, Independence of the Seas will feature all of the industry-first amenities which are trademarks of the Freedom-class ships: a FlowRider surf simulator; the H20 Zone water park with its interactive sculpture garden for families; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean in the adults-only Solarium; a full-size boxing ring and a 14-person family suite. Unlike her sister-ships, all pools and the water park on Independence will be heated.

Independence also will feature some of the other distinctive offerings the global cruise line is known for including, an ice-skating rink; a rock-climbing wall; an award-winning children’s program; fine to casual dining venues; Broadway-style entertainment and the Royal Promenade - an entertainment boulevard stretching the length of the ship with its shops, restaurants, bars and lounges, which provides guests with an endless variety of choices and experiences to suit their taste and preference.

Official Press release (abridged) Royal Caribbean International dated 17April 2008.

Paddington Bear to Set Sail For the First Time in 50 Years

He sailed in to British hearts in 1958 when he arrived in London on a ship from deepest Peru. Now 50 years on, Britain’s most lovable and well-travelled bear, Paddington, will set sail again when he joins Ocean Village as the casual cruise line’s fleet arrives in the Med for its summer season.

As of May 2008, Paddington Bear will become a permanent addition onboard Ocean Village and Ocean Village Two. The marmalade-munching bear will be a regular in the onboard kids club ‘Base Camp,’ and fan - both young and old - will have the chance to meet, take photos and even have tea with this iconic character. Paddington’s appeal spans not only generations but also continents with his books selling more than 30 million copies worldwide, in 30 languages, across 70 titles.

Peruvian-born Paddington will join classic children’s character Bagpuss, who became a resident crew member only last summer onboard both Ocean Village ships. Gill Haynes, Head of Marketing Communications comments: “Though a renowned traveller, Paddington will join many of our first time cruisers this summer as he embarks on his debut Mediterranean season onboard Ocean Village and Ocean Village Two.

“With this exciting new addition we can offer families memorable experiences with not just one, but two of the most popular and enduring children’s characters of all time. Mums and Dads have grown up with both Paddington and Bagpuss and children today still adore them. These cult icons will delight and entertain the young, and young at heart, and once again demonstrate our commitment to providing imaginative, high-quality and family-friendly holidays.”

Paddington Bear adds to Ocean Village’s already bulging portfolio of children’s facilities including Base Camp and the teen Hideout zone, night nursery, dedicated youth team, SEGA Village, and of course Bagpuss’ onboard show and presence.

Official Press release (abridged) Ocean Village 15 April 2008

Fred Olsen to Cruise From Portsmouth

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced plans to base the 839-passenger Boudicca in the southern port of Portsmouth in the autumn of 2009.  This is in line with the cruise line’s philosophy of using a variety of regional departure ports for its worldwide cruise programme.

The ship will operate a series of five cruises from the port to destinations in the Mediterranean and Atlantic (Cape Verde Islands).   The final departure will be a transatlantic crossing to the Caribbean in readiness for the winter season from Barbados.

The first two cruises have been announced in the 2009/2010 Preview programme.  They are a 21-night Adriatic cruise departing 5th October, and a 13-night Mediterranean cruise from 26th Oct.

Portsmouth offers many benefits as a cruise departure port; it has good access by road and rail, and Southampton airport is also close by.   Leaving from Portsmouth rather than Southampton also reduces cruising time to the first port of call by one and a half hours. 

Matt Grimes, Director of Planning, Ports and Logistics for Fred. Olsen said: “We are delighted to be adding Portsmouth to the departure ports we can offer our customers.  Its accessibility and geographical location make it extremely convenient for many southern based customers.  With more ships, we can offer more choice in terms of cruise destinations as well as departure ports and we very much look forward to working with the Portsmouth Port.”

Martin Putman, Portsmouth Port manager said: “Developing our cruise offering is a key focus for Portsmouth Port, and we are looking forward to welcoming Fred Olsen in 2009. It is an exciting development for the Port and the city.”

Official Press Release Fred Olsen dated 14th April 2008.

Next Page »