Pacific Sun Rescues Four Yachtsmen

Two men with New Zealand passports, a woman from France and a man from New Caledonia were pulled onto Pacific Sun about 4pm after a rescue operation which took just over an hour.

The sailors appeared to be in good medical condition but are being checked by the ship’s doctor as a precautionary measure.

Pacific Sun, which is carrying almost 2000 passengers and crew, was on its return voyage from Vanuatu to Brisbane, Australia, when it changed course about 4.30am today to rescue the men.

The New Zealand-registered yacht had struck a reef about 500 nautical miles east of Mackay, Queensland.

Pacific Sun launched a lifeboat with crew including a doctor to reach the sailors on the shallow reef system.

With the sailors safely onboard and being cared for, Pacific Sun is now enroute to Brisbane and will arrive at about 5.30am on Sunday (Brisbane time), which is 24 hours later than scheduled.

P&O Cruises came to their rescue as part of an effort coordinated between the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and agencies in New Zealand and Noumea.

P&O Cruises has been making every attempt to contact embarking passengers either directly or through their travel agents to advise them of the rescue effort and the delay.

The next cruise will now be six days instead of seven and will visit the ports of Poum and Noumea in New Caledonia. She had been scheduled to Noumea, Lifou in the Loyalty Islands and Vila, Vanuatu.

Ann Sherry, Chief Executive of Carnival Australia which owns P&O Cruises, thanked passengers for their compassion and understanding.

“I would like to thank our passengers – both those who are currently on the ship and those who are travelling on the next voyage – for their understanding and compassion. We are sorry the next voyage has been affected but are very pleased the men are both safe and well.”

Official Press release (abridged) P&O Australia dated 21 November 2008.

Costa Two China Awards

Costa Cruises has gained high-level market recognition in China after receiving two awards in quick succession. World Traveller Media’s ‘Top Cruise Lines of Popularity’ Award 2008 came shortly after Costa was awarded ‘Best Brand Campaign’ at Travel Weekly’s China Industry Awards 2008. These two awards demonstrate Costa Cruises’ strong leadership in the Chinese market. As the first international cruise company to enter the Chinese market three years ago, Costa has gained the approval and recognition of both the market and its consumers.

At China International Travel Mart 2008, Costa Cruises was presented with the ‘Top Cruise Lines of Popularity’ award by World Traveller Media for the second time. This is the only cruise industry recognition award in the 2008 World Traveller Awards and it reaffirms Costa’s commitment to bring new and innovative cruise products that meet the special demands of the Chinese market. A holiday experience onboard the Costa Cruises fleet, which is characterised by its Italian influences, has increasingly become the epitome of the cruise holiday option in China. More importantly, through the company’s tireless pursuit for high quality services, Costa continues to enjoy a soaring consumer satisfaction rate in the Chinese market.

As the leading international brand in the Chinese cruise market, Costa truly understands the needs and preferences of Chinese holidaymakers and has continuously introduced bold and eye-catching marketing campaigns to educate, foster and grow the company profile. With this spirit of innovation and dedication to leverage on new media and new channels to reach out to a wider target audience group, Costa Cruises was awarded the ‘Best Brand Campaign’ in Travel Weekly’s China Industry Awards 2008. Costa won the votes of almost 600,000 readers of Travel Weekly China, in a category which included all travel providers, including hotels, airlines and tourism boards. This award recognises the achievements and devotion of Costa to the China market.
Costa Cruises, the leading cruise line in Italy and Europe, was the first international company to schedule regular cruises in China and Asia. Its operations began on 3 July 2006 with the positioning of the Costa Allegra. Now Costa is the only international cruise company to operate 12 months a year in Asia. The cruise itineraries, developed in line with market demands, are based in the ports of Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong. The cruises stop at several attractive destinations for Chinese visitors including Sanya, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Okinama, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Fukuoka and Jeju. Almost 60,000 Chinese visitors have embarked on a Costa cruise to enjoy the Italian holiday experience over the past three years.

“The two awards we received recognise our commitment and long-term contribution to the Chinese cruise market,” said Leo Liu, China General Manager of Costa Cruises. “Over the past year, we have launched numerous new marketing programmes, such as the sponsorship of Feng Xiao Gang’s latest New Year blockbuster ‘If you are the One’ which saw a production crew filming onboard Costa Allegra for almost a week. Costa remains optimistic about growth in China and the great support we have recieved from our customers, partners and Government authorities. We will continue to drive our passion to pioneer even more innovative and unique programmes in the market.”

After more than two years of developing and fostering the market in a sustainable way, China’s cruise market has now entered a new stage of development.  Costa remains optimistic about the Chinese cruise economy and will be increasing its investment in China to meet the growing demands of the local marketplace. From April 2009, Costa Classica will be joining the Costa Allegra in the Chinese market. As one of the most popular ships amongst Costa’s fleet, the elegance sophistication of Costa Classica will add a new dimension to Costa’s world-famous Italian cruise style in China. More importantly, it will allow even more passengers to enjoy a wonderful and memorable cruise holiday in the Far East.

Official Press release (abridged) Costa cruises dated 26 November 2008.

Carnival Guinness World Record

Carnival Cruise Lines successfully set a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest beach ball during a “Fun Crowd” event hosted by the cruise line in downtown Dallas on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008.  Two of the giant beach balls, officially measuring 36 feet in diameter as determined by a professional surveyor, were dropped from the tops of buildings and into a crowd of more than 2,500 people.  At approximately 1 p.m., Guinness adjudicator Danny Girton, Jr. officially announced that the record had been set.

The event, which was emceed by Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director John Heald, also featured live music, free food, street performers and a variety of giveaway items including a drawing for five free cruises on the Carnival Ecstasy, which operates year-round Mexico voyages from Galveston.

The Fun Crowd event in Dallas is to be followed next weekend by another one in Philadelphia during which the cruise line will attempt to break the Guinness record for the world’s largest piñata.  Both events are serving as a kick-off to the cruise line’s new branding campaign designed to capture the truly unique essence of the Carnival vacation experience, which embodies spirited and spontaneous fun.  As part of the new campaign, the line has introduced a new tag line – ‘Fun For All. All For Fun.’

Official Press release (abridged) Carnival Cruise Lines dated 27 October 2008.

Celebrity Eclipse Southampton

During one of its preview cruises for travel partners, press and other dignitaries on its new Celebrity Solstice this week, Celebrity Cruises announced that sister ship Celebrity Eclipse - the third in the five-ship Solstice class series - will be based in Southampton, England, in summer 2010, offering cruises to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The ship also will also hold its launch celebrations in Southampton, where the trend-setting new vessel will be showcased extensively to UK and Ireland consumers and trade partners during a week-long event.

“Celebrity Cruises has enjoyed a strong relationship with the UK and Ireland market and experienced steadily increasing guest numbers in recent years,” said Celebrity’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “Investing in the future of that relationship with Celebrity Eclipse homeporting in Southampton is an exciting development for our business. In 2009, we have an enormous opportunity with our two newest ships - Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox - both based in Europe. Our presence will significantly increase in 2010, as Celebrity Eclipse leads the charge to further maximize the potential of the UK and Ireland market.”

Among the ground-breaking features guests can anticipate onboard each 2,850-guest Solstice-class ship include:

• The Lawn Club, a half-acre recreation area featuring real, growing grass.
• A Hot Glass Show in partnership with The Corning Museum of Glass, offering live glassblowing demonstrations.
• Ten widely varied restaurants, including the main “Grand Epernay” dining room, inspired by old Hollywood glamour, and several specialty venues whose unique ambience is expressly designed to complement the first-class cuisine.
• A new category of accommodations, AquaClass, presenting a range of spa-inspired amenities, including dream-enhancing TV programming, a welcome kit with teeth whitening sample, exclusive access to the Mediterranean-influenced specialty restaurant, Blu, and complimentary access to the Persian Garden within the extensive AquaSpa facilities onboard.
• Veranda-category staterooms whose design was inspired by five women selected for their unique travel and hospitality insights.
• Veranda-category staterooms whose design was inspired by five women selected for their unique travel and hospitality insights.

A wide variety of boutiques and shops, such as the by-appointment-only “Boutique C,” featuring the 86-facet Solstice Diamond, available only on Celebrity’s Solstice-class ships.

“The UK and Ireland remain one of the fastest growing cruise markets in the world,” said Robin Shaw, vice president and managing director of Celebrity Cruises’ UK and Ireland operations. “Having the newest Celebrity ship based out of Southampton in 2010, and dedicated to the UK and Ireland, offers a fresh and contemporary alternative to traditional players. Celebrity Eclipse will set new standards in the large ship luxury market and clearly show the ongoing and industry leading commitment of Celebrity Cruises to the UK and Ireland travel industry.”

Bookings for Celebrity Eclipse will open in March 2009. Itineraries for the new ship are expected to offer traditional Mediterranean favorite destinations, popular northern European cities, and shorter cruise options.

Official Press release (abridged) Celebrity Cruises dated 21 November 2008.

HAL World Savers Award

Condé Nast Traveler has named Holland America Line a finalist in the magazine’s 2008 World Savers Awards. Holland America Line is one of 38 companies selected worldwide as a leader in social responsibility in the September issue.

Holland America Line won an honorable mention in the health category based on its ongoing donations to organizations in need. The company recently donated $90,000 worth of dental equipment after dismantling its shipboard dental offices. Donated equipment included dental chairs, digital x-rays, and dental supplies.

“As one of the world’s major cruise lines, we recognize our important role in protecting and contributing to the well-being of the communities we visit, both environmentally and socially,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “This is one piece of our larger corporate social responsibility initiative, and we are grateful to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler.”

Equipment from five ships went to Indian Health Services, responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska natives. Four ships donated supplies to Loma Linda for its worldwide dental programs for children. One ship donated supplies to an orphanage in Pichilingue, Mexico. Equipment also was donated in Indonesia and Manila.

Previous donations from the medical department benefited two dental programs in Vietnam that specialize in children with cleft palettes, as well as programs in South America, and Mexico.

Another successful initiative addressing health issues is the line’s On Deck for the Cure program. Holland America Line recently announced it has surpassed the million-dollar mark in contributions raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® via its On Deck for the Cure program, earning it a place on Komen’s prestigious Million Dollar Council. Holland America estimates that more than 80,000 guests have participated in more than 1,000 walks on Holland America Line cruises worldwide since the program began in 2006.

The line also donates supplies through Ship to Shelter, an innovative new community-giving program that is the first of its kind in the nation. Reusable goods are collected from Holland America Line ships sailing from Seattle and donated to local charities serving people in need. Donated items include individual-sized toiletries, towels, linens, dishes, cookware, silverware, televisions and mattresses. Ships sailing around the world also donate valuable and reusable items to communities in need and the ship’s crew also donate their own money, time, and often toys, to organizations of need in ports of call.

Seventeen judges reviewed 142 applications and rated how applicants exercise social responsibility in five key areas: poverty alleviation, cultural and/or environmental preservation, education, wildlife conservation, and health.

Official Press release (abridged) Holland America Line dated 18 August 2008.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Launch 2009 Atlas

Ultra luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises announces the early launch of their 2009 Cruise Atlas, due to a steady increase in demand for the 2009 season. Featuring all cruise information, itineraries and prices for the complete 2009 cruise calendar, the Cruise Atlas showcases the entire Regent deployment including previews of the 2009 World Collections and Masterpiece Series.
 
Highlights include:

Due to demand Seven Seas Voyager (350 suites) will be taking over the Discovery Collection in 2009, previously hosted by Seven Seas Navigator (245 suites).
 
Seven Seas Mariner will be taking a voyage along the Pacific Rim with stunning and intricate itineraries for the new Ring of Fire World Collection.

In 2009 we are offering even more 10 and 11 night cruises in the Mediterranean.
The Captain’s Homecoming cruise offers a truly diverse and cultured Baltic adventure in June 2009.
 
As befits this discerning traveller’s brand, Regent Ships will still be visiting the most popular and some of the smaller, lesser known ports across all seven continents to give guests the best possible cruise experience from the moment they step on board through to the destinations they visit.

01 August 2008 – abridged press release from Regent Seven Seas Cruises official Website.

Regent Launches Its Masterpiece Series for 2009

Regent Seven Seas Cruises launches its Masterpiece Series for 2009, a collection of 27 individual and outstanding cruises, all combinable within 4 longer Voyages. With such variety and no repetition of port calls, guests can truly tailor-make their own adventures in Asia, Africa, South America and Polynesia aboard the two most luxurious ships in the world, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner.

Building on the success of Regent’s first-ever Masterpiece Series in 2008, the offering is even more splendid in 2009. Not one but two World Cruises early 2009, plus two mouth-watering Voyages later in the year: Asia-Pacific and Discovery. With ports of call such as Robinson Crusoe Island, Petropavlovsk, El Nido and La Digue and itineraries ranging from 7 to 121 nights, guests are truly spoilt for choice!

Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner are the world’s only two all-suite, all-balcony ships and with the best service, the best accommodation and the best cuisine at sea there is no other way to see the world. Notwithstanding Regent’s given luxuries of vast personal space, fine décor and dining worthy of the best high street restaurants, we pride ourselves on service beyond one’s expectations. As Captain Dag Dvergastein (Master of SS Voyager) puts it: “We receive you as a Passenger, We treat you as a Guest and We farewell you as a Friend”.

What’s more, with Regent’s all-inclusive fares, guests invariably experience the utmost in relaxation and indulgence on board: no bills to sign, no surprise charges, no gratuities to ponder on. Proof that tailor-made and carefree go hand in hand.

Masterpiece cruises are modular: guests can craft their own adventure by combining anything from two to seven individual cruises together (and save on combination fares!) for up to 121 nights.

01 August 2008 – abridged press release from Regent Seven Seas Cruises official Website.

Seabourn Odyssey’s Maiden Voyage Guests to Become Godparents

One extraordinary yacht, one incredible voyage, and 450 godparents. Those are the numbers behind the highly anticipated launch of Seabourn Odyssey, the newest member of the Seabourn fleet, in June 2009. Those fortunate enough to secure one of the few remaining spots aboard Odyssey’s maiden voyage will share the unprecedented honor of being named a “godparent” of the new vessel - a distinction usually reserved for a celebrity or otherwise noteworthy personality. It’s an honor that will be recognized for the duration of the luxury yacht’s seagoing life.
 
“Everything we do at Seabourn is focused on our guests who, in a very real sense, are the reason this superb vessel is being built,” said Pamela C. Conover, president and CEO of The Yachts of Seabourn. “Those joining Odyssey’s maiden voyage will not only be treated like a celebrity, but will become a part of the vessel’s history, representing the many guests who have sailed with us in the past and those who will sail on her in the years to come.”
 
Each passenger aboard Odyssey’s maiden voyage, scheduled to depart Venice, Italy, on June 24, 2009, will have his or her name engraved on a plaque to be displayed on board the sleek yacht. An early-evening ceremony to christen the new yacht is planned to coincide with the summer sunset over the domes and steeples of Venice’s skyline - with all 450 godparents taking part in the momentous event.  Seabourn Odyssey will then make its stately way from the canals to the lagoon and beyond - a gala, 14-day voyage exploring the Dalmatian coast, the Greek Isles, and Turkey.
 
Highlights of the cruise will include sailing into the dramatic fjord of Kotor in Montenegro, a day of water sports from the yacht’s marina while anchored off the Greek Isle of Mylos, and a signature Exclusively Seabourn evening reception and concert in the torch-lit ruins of Ephesus in Turkey.
 
The cruise industry’s first ultra-luxury vessel to be launched in six years, Seabourn Odyssey is first of three “new builds” to be introduced by Seabourn. The 32,000-ton yacht will accommodate 450 guests in luxurious all-suite accommodations measuring from 290 to over 1,600 square feet, more than 90 percent of them outfitted with private verandas. The cruising yacht will offer guests five dining alternatives, five lounges and bars, an expansive pool and sunbathing area, and a spectacular two-deck, indoor/outdoor spa facility of more than 11,400 square-feet. Seabourn Odyssey’s maiden season will include voyages from the grand cities and romantic isles of the Mediterranean to the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, before embarking on Seabourn’s first-ever World Cruise in January 2010.

Official Press Release (abridged) The Yachts of Seabourn dated 17 July 2008.

Silversea Cruises Named World’s Best

Silversea Cruises, known for its exotic worldwide itineraries, luxurious all-suite accommodations and gracious service, has been named the winner of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best Award” for 2008.  This is the seventh time the ultra-luxury cruise operator has been honored with the highly coveted award.  Achieving an overall score of 88, Silversea topped the “Small-Ship Cruise Line” category, standing out on a list of companies operating the most elite and intimate ships, those accommodating no more than 400 guests.

Earlier this year the line was named the Number-One overall luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index survey from the independent New York-based Luxury Institute, topping 19 other well-known cruise companies, including traditional, expedition and river cruise lines.

“It is an honor for us to receive this recognition from the readers of Travel + Leisure and our valued guests,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea president and CEO.  “Discerning travelers are seeking unique experiences and adventures without sacrificing the luxuries of life and this is the type of travel lifestyle we make it our mission to deliver.”

Added Perasso, “Although this is the seventh time Silversea has taken first place in this poll, it’s been a few years since our last win, so this achievement is especially significant for us.  Clearly, it is a sign that the company is headed in the right direction and deserves to be recognized as the undisputed leader in our market segment.”

Each year Travel + Leisure asks its subscribers to determine the “World’s Best Awards” by rating travel companies and properties based on certain characteristics.  Cruise lines are evaluated in the six categories of cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities and value.  The complete results of this year’s survey appear in the magazine’s August issue.

Travel + Leisure boasts a readership in the millions and is considered one of the top travel publications in the world.  Since 1996, working in association with independent research firms, the magazine has made available to its subscribers a questionnaire that asks respondents to rate travel providers based on their recent travel experiences. 

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.  With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.

In the U.S., Silversea has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index.  International awards include “World’s Leading Luxury Cruise Line” from World Travel Awards (2007); “Five Star Diamond Award” from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); “Number One” small-ship line in the Readers’ Choice” survey conducted by Britain’s Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Spain’s Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); “Best Small Cruise Line” by Australia’s Luxury Travel Magazine (2007); and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” according to Asia’s Travel Weekly (2007).

Official Press release (abridged) Silversea Cruises dated 11 July 2008.

Shoreside Spectaculars Set for Seabourn Odyssey’s Inaugural World Cruise

The Yachts of Seabourn has announced an exciting selection of special shoreside experiences planned to entertain and enlighten the privileged guests aboard Seabourn Odyssey’s inaugural world cruise. The ultra luxury, 450-guest Seabourn Odyssey will launch in June 2009, with its maiden world cruise visiting 42 ports between Ft. Lauderdale and Athens in a voyage of 108 days from January 5 to April 24, 2010.

Full World Odyssey guests are invited to stay overnight and attend a gala Bon Voyage Ball at the St. Regis hotel in Fort Lauderdale the night before departure. Then there will be five complimentary events reserved solely for guests who book the full world cruise. Those guests embarking in Los Angeles for 92 days will enjoy four of them. An additional seven ports will feature complimentary Exclusively Seabourn shoreside experiences to which all guests on board will be invited, regardless of the length of their voyages.

Where will Odyssey’s world cruise shoreside experiences take you? Read on:

• The full world cruise events begin on January 18, 2010, with a spectacular catamaran cruise from tiny Cabo San Lucas, at the tip of Baja California, to seek some of the six species of whales which gather each year in the Sea of Cortez. Sailing on a comfortable catamaran, guests will pass the famed natural formation of Los Arcos, the secluded golden sands of Lover’s Beach, the resident colony of sea lions, and beyond. A naturalist guide will impart details of sea and land life, and answer questions as guests toast the starkly beautiful and biologically rich environment of the Baja Peninsula.

• On February 6, full world cruise guests will be greeted by the haunting tones of a conch-shell salute and fragrant tiare flower leis as they stroll a candlelit path into a tropical garden at Papeete, Tahiti. There, under a canopy of South Pacific stars, they will enjoy an evening of cocktails, lilting Tahitian music and a sumptuous feast capped by a rousing performance of traditional Polynesian song and dance.

• In Sydney, Australia on February 24, a private sunset dinner cruise of scenic Sydney Harbor will end alongside the city’s iconic Opera House, where guests will be escorted inside to enjoy the featured performance, before returning by the same boat to Seabourn Odyssey.

• Hong Kong will be the site of the next world cruise event on March 15. The waterside Aberdeen Marina Club will be transformed into a colorful Chinese bazaar with craftsmen’s booths, traditional fortune-tellers and calligraphers, a Chinese musical ensemble and a spectacular Lion Dance. In addition to a buffet of delectable Chinese specialties fit for an emperor, the kaleidoscopic evening will include exhibitions of Chinese Opera “face-changing,” kung fu martial arts and acrobatics.

• The dramatic climax of the world cruise exclusive events will unfold in a colorful setting on the island of Phuket on March 29. Greeted by a Thai long drum troupe, Seabourn guests will enter a Phuket Thai cultural village to be regaled by women in traditional Thai costumes, gaily decorated elephants, and exhibitions of classical Thai dance, traditional boxing, floral decorations and elaborate fruit and vegetable carving. There will be demonstrations of Thai cooking, puppet carving, rubber tapping, and even chances to ride in an ox-cart or atop a decorated elephant.

The Exclusively Seabourn experiences for all guests on board will include an afternoon tour of Cultural Cartagena in Colombia’s venerable Caribbean port city, A UNESCO World Heritage Site; a rousing re-creation of the classic “Aloha Boat Days” at Honolulu’s Royal Hawaiian Hotel; a Maori cultural discovery experience at Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand; an introduction to the arts and cultures of Borneo’s 32 diverse ethnic groups at Kota Kinabalu; a visit to the spectacular Sanctuary of Truth at Pattaya, Thailand from Bangkok; a spellbinding evening at an oasis near Dubai; and a sortie from Sharm el Sheikh into a sheltered valley in the mountainous Sinai desert, for tea and traditional folkloric music and dance at a Bedouin encampment.

The complimentary shoreside events are part of a generous menu of benefits included for full world cruise guests, along with a complimentary pre-cruise Bon Voyage event and luxury overnight before departing, door-to-door private car transfers, roundtrip first-class airfare or air credit, Personal Valet luggage shipping service and shipboard credits of $2,000 per suite. There will also be special gala celebrations and gifts for guests on board during the voyage.

For those not wishing to take the entire World Odyssey, segments from 16 to 69 days are available, several of which also offer value-added benefits.

Official Press release (abridged) The Yachts of Seabourn dated 09 July 9 2008.

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