Princess Cruises New 'A la Carte' Excursion Opportunities

This summer Princess Cruises have four new 'A la Carte' cruise tour options which focuses on those who wish to 'do their own thing' during their cruise holiday.

The new concept enables flexibility by spending an extra three nights at one of the Denali area Princess lodges without excursions, allowing passengers to make their own individualised schedules. Departing from Vancouver the 'A la Carte' cruises feature northbound 'Voyage of the Glaciers – Gulf of Alaska cruise sailing on either Coral Princess or Island Princess. Both cruises visit top attractions in the Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park.

President of Princess Tour, Charlie Ball, has said 'These new A la Carte cruise-tours are designed specifically with the value-conscious, independent traveller in mind. With fewer ‘extras' included, we can offer a more affordable tour option with greater flexibility for travellers who prefer to discover the wonders of Alaska at their own pace. Passengers can truly customize their vacation to suit their own interests, whether they want to spend extra time viewing Denali's fascinating wildlife, hike through the spectacular wilderness or try an exhilarating pursuit such as river rafting."

These new cruises are available from May to September Alaska season. Princess Cruises also offer a wide variety of Alaska land/sea experiences within their itineraries to accommodate the most discerning of cruisers.

The new concept will be a welcome change for many passengers who prefer to have a more relaxed cruise holiday which includes experiences they wish to participate in rather than tag along with a group of others on organised tours.

Reviving Old Traditions: 'Bon Voyage' Experiences

Princess Cruises return to a by gone era of reviving the tradition of family and friends boarding cruise ships to say 'Bon Voyage'. This practice was stopped over two decades agao as the need for tighter security measures where needed.

However, the innovative programme 'Bon Voyage ExperienceSM' has a modern twist allowing passengers to invite guests on board to join them during the sailing day for a four course lunch, a tour of the ship as well as a souvenir photograph. Guests will have the opportunity to spend four hours with passengers prior to departure.
The programme is a proactive approach to introduce and tempt those who have never been on a cruise to savour the experience with the cost redeemable towards a future Princess cruise deals.

Bon Voyage ExperienceSM débuts this March in the ports of Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles, with the experience being available in New York from May, San Francisco from June and during the Alaska season, Sapphire Princess, Golden Princess and Royal Princess will offer the program in Seattle, beginning in May.

Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president said 'Long-time cruisers will recall the fun of the bon voyage send-off with their family and friends, and we’re excited to re-introduce a new, modern version of this experience'.

The Bon Voyage ExperienceSM will be available to approximately 50 guests on any given depature day.

'Weather Cruise Ship Of The Year' – Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises has been named 'Weather Cruise Ship Of The Year'. Unbeknown to passengers sailing aboard Princess Cruises ships that their cruise holiday is also helping the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, to track global weather patterns.

Last year the Princess Cruise's fleet made in excess of 20,000 weather observations, more than any other cruise line, which has won them this prestigious award. The 4 star luxurious Coral Princess, which carries over 2,500 passengers, led the fleet with over 5,000 weather observations.

The weather reporting system is voluntary and assists NOAA to track weather patterns in parts of the world where the organisation has no direct contact to local weather information. The ships measure, humidity, air pressure, wind speeds and directions, sea waves and swells. The information is sent a minimum of every six hours during their voyages to a database which is subsequently forwarded to NOAA.

Executive Vice President of Princess Cruises Jan Swartz said 'As long-time participants in this important program, we’re happy that our fleet was able to provide so much data this year to help with worldwide weather forecasting. With Princess ships sailing around the globe to all seven continents, we’re in the unique position to be able to take weather readings in a multitude of destinations where NOAA might not otherwise be able to get information.'

Weather data is also gathered from all types of ships worldwide to help NOAA to track and forecast weather patterns globally.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Provides Humanitarian Help To Haiti

Royal Caribbean Cruises has been one of Haiti's largest foreign investors for nearly thirty years, as such they have announced plans to provide much needed humanitarian help to the people of Haiti in response to the devastating earthquake.

Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, Richard D. Fain has said 'The effect of the earthquake on Haiti has been catastrophic, leaving the country in need of not only immediate support, but assistance in their long-term recovery, Royal Caribbean wants to do its part to help out not only the general response, but also our hundreds of Haitian employees and their families through this disaster.'

Partnering charitable organisations which include Food for the Poor, Pan American Development Foundation, as well as the company's foundation, Solano Foundation, Royal Caribbean will delivering supplies to Haiti via their cruise ships.

Fain added 'In addition to our financial contribution, Royal Caribbean will continue to provide economic support through the continuous business we bring to Labadee.'
The aid began with Royal Caribbean International's Independence of the Seas arriving at Labadee with supplies which included powered milk, dried beans, water and rice which were loaded onto the ship during its stop at San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Over the next two weeks Royal Caribbean's ships which were scheduled to call at Labadee will also take extra supplies beginning with Navigator of the Seas on 18th January and Liberty of the Seas the following day, 19th January, and Celebrity Soltice on 22nd January.

Passengers on board Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises will be able to make donations Food for the Poor's Haiti Relief Fund, via a charge to their on board account. Royal Caribbean has more than 200 Haitian crew members, as such a portion of the $1 million donation will placed in the company's Crew Relief Fund which will enable the crew members to draw from in these desperate times.

Source information: Royal Caribbean Cruises

'Designed for You' - Celebrity Cruises Celebrate Their 20th Anniversary

2010 is the 20th anniversary for Celebrity Cruises, as such they have announced the launch of a brand new platform 'Designed for You'. This new platform has cost in the region of $200 million investment and includes the enhancement of the Millennium Class ships along with the new Celebrity Life on board experience.

Celebrity Cruise's President and CEO Dan Hanrahan has said that the new concept revolves around the existing ethos that everything Celebrity does is designed with guests foremost in their minds.

Hanrahan said 'Everything we’ve offered over the course of 20 years, and everything we’ll offer in the future, is designed for discerning cruisers, from our contemporary, new Celebrity Life on-board experiences, to the world-class cuisine of Chef Jacques Van Staden, to our enhanced Captain’s Club loyalty program. So, we’ve summed up our long-time commitment to understanding them and delivering what they want with a new brand platform: ‘Designed for You.’'

After six months of exploring the needs of cruisers, which includes a market survey of 10,000 international cruise passengers, focus group sessions along with a host of in-home interviews, Celebrity Cruises believe they have revitalised the cruise industry with further plans to 'Solsticize' their four Millennium Class ships. Celebrity Constellation will be the first of the ships to receive the new enhancements and rejuvenation during its scheduled dry-dock in April.

Celebrity sail to over 170 worldwide destinations and boasts an impressive 5 out of 10 of Condé Nast’s ‘Best Cruise Ships in the World’. Their ethos of designing cruises which offer top class facilities for the most discerning of cruise passengers goes hand in hand with their reputation of offering the best of everything, including the award-winning Elemis AquaSpa, extensive dining to tantalise the taste buds and a whole host of on-board luxury facilities to meet the needs of seasoned and novice cruisers. The age of refinement and elegance is apparent whichever of the Celebrity ships you select to sail on, which will be further enhanced with their latest 'Designed for You' concept.

Floating Out Ceremony For Cunard's Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth, Cunard's new ship met the sea for the first time this week with a floating out ceremony at the shipbuilder's yard in Italy. The floating out ceremony is the name given when the dry dock in which the ship's exterior is completed is filled with water and then the ship is moved to a wet dock where interior building work will carry on.

Floating out is an auspicious occasion as it is the first time any ship takes to the water. Shipyard workers, along with the media and invited dignitaries watched a traditional coin ceremony to bring the ship good luck. The coins, a 1938 half crown, representing the year the first Queen Elizabeth was launched, a 1967 sovereign, the launch of the QE2 and a 2010 sovereign to commemorate the new ship's launch were welded under the ship's mast.

"Of our 170 years of history there has been an 'Elizabeth' in the fleet for over 70," Peter Shanks, Cunard's president and managing director, informed all who attended "and this ship -- the second largest Cunarder ever built -- will take the name far into the 21st century."

In Italian shipyard tradition, a madrina has already been named for Queen Elizabeth. Florence (Dennie) Farmer, a loyal Cunard cruises passenger and widow of the late Willie Farmer who served as chief engineer on both Queen Elizabeth and QE2, has been named as Queen Elizabeth's 'madrina' – godmother. Florence smashed a bottle of Italian sparkling wine against the party pained ship's hull prior to the values being opened as is the custom at floating out ceremonies.

Many are wondering whether Queen Elizabeth II herself will be asked to officially name the ship, however Cunard Cruises are keeping this close to their chest at present. The Queen Elizabeth is due to be completed in the autumn.

New Year – New Name For Azamara Cruises

Part of Royal Caribbean/Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Cruises is being given a new name. The two ships will now be called Azamara Club Cruises which will call at one hundred and forty ports this year in fifty different countries.

A new name is not the only new 'good news' from Azamara Club Cruises as from spring this year they will be introducing a whole host of new and exciting amenities and special offers for their passengers, including complementary soda, bottled water and coffee throughout the ships along with complementary house wines being poured at both lunch and diner.

Further money saving aspects for passengers include gratuities for housekeeping and dining staff as well as a free shuttle service when in port. All of these money saving aspects will help to ease the minds of novice cruisers who historically are known to forget to include gratuities within their spending budget.

Other aspects of Azamara Club Cruises will remain the same with passengers being spoilt for choice with the wide and varied on board amities, exceptional customer service, sumptuous dining options, with two nights of speciality dining, which go hand in hand with the warm welcome that smaller and more intimate cruise ships offer.

The two ships have been newly redecorated to the highest of standards and those that have previously booked cruise deals will be more than delighted with the all important finishing touches such as fresh flowers and fruit baskets daily, a 'sweet' surprise on passenger's pillows each night, new European style bedding, afternoon canapés, use of binoculars and plush robes all being complementary. For those who really enjoy the finer things in life but prefer to share with other passengers there is the opportunity to book spa treatments in-suite and private portrait sittings.

A Review Of Maiden Voyages In 2009

Despite the recession and the downturn in the economic climate 2009 saw the launch of a number of new cruise ships, each bringing unique levels of luxury for passengers.

Costa Cruises:
The maiden voyage of 1,130 cabin Luminosa set sail on 5th May during the summer touring Northern Europe, along with touring the Canary Islands, Spain and Morocco in the autumn. The Luminosa has the latest high-tech 4D cinema which uses scent as well as sound and vision to treat passenger's senses with new and exciting experiences!

Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Equinox had its maiden voyage through the Mediterranean and then headed off to the Caribbean. The Equinox holds 2,850 passengers and is part of Celebrity's new Solstice Class. Along with a whole host of on-board activities the Equinox has a lawn Club deck which has genuine grass, should passenger's have the need to step on terra-ferma! Glass blowing demonstrations is another of Equinox's new entertainment highlights.

Royal Caribbean Cruises:
The world's largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, set sail from Fort Lauderdale to Haiti on its maiden voyage in December. The ship has the capacity to carry 6,360 passengers on its sixteen decks. Oasis of the Seas has a wide and varied entertainment and activities itinerary, including rock-climbing, zip-lining and surfing for passengers who like the adventure of new challenges. The ship also has an Aqua-theatre which is used as a swimming pool during the day before transforming into a aqua-theatre at night to host synchronized swimming, water baller and spectacular fountain shows by night.

P&O Cruises:
P&O Cruises launched their latest ship the Pacific Jewel with an extravaganza ceremony in Sydney which showcased their on board circus, 3 storey atrium foyer and a 1,330 square meter spa. The Pacific Jewel's maiden voyage set sail on 13th December and will be operating cruises from Sydney all year round.

'Signature of Excellence' Innovative Enhancements And Design Features

It was nearly five years ago when Holland America Line first told the world about its innovative Signature of Excellence, as the budget exceeds 525 million pounds passengers will find luxury at every turn as they walk their way around ms Holland, from the latest designs being used to update and enhance many aspects of this luxury cruise ship.

Ms Rotterdam's new look included the received the stylish Mix lounge, forward-looking Retreat Pool, chic Showroom at Sea, plus of the industry’s only Lanai staterooms. All staterooms have completely overhauled new cabins as well as new bathrooms designs.

The Signature of Excellence also features a pool named The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea, Canaletto Italian restaurant along with the new Mix lounge midship. Twenty three of the staterooms near the spa on the Veranda deck will become 'spa staterooms' which include a host of enhanced spa facilities.

Thirty nine new Lanai staterooms are to be created on the Lower Promenade Deck by existing window with Lanai doors which open directly onto the promenade with further rooms of this category being added.

The Holland America Line have scheduled three more of their luxury cruise ships, ms Ryndam, ms Maasdam and ms Statendam, to have the Signature of Excellence makeover and enhancements which will be carried out in two phases beginning in early 2010 and 2011 with the second phases taking place 2012 -2013.

Passengers who are looking for 5 star facilities, along with value for money cruise deals, will not be disappointed with the innovations Holland America Line cruise ships have incorporated to bring their cruise fleet into the 21st century with unadulterated chic styling and a host of new features to meet passenger demands.

New Cruise Itinerary Announced For Royal Caribbean's 'Brilliance Of The Seas'

The cruise line Royal Caribbean International have announced a joint product to further boost Royal Caribbean's cruise itinerary from Dubai by using a joint venture with Dubailand, a member of Dubai Properties Group. Packages for on-shore excursions with Dubailand will be available to passengers sailing Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas From January until April 2010.

The cruise will enthral passengers with a seven-night sailing around the Arabian Gulf commencing and end in Dubai, with stops in the Untied Arab Emirates at Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, Mina Sulman in Bahrain as well as the capital of Muscat in Oman. Passengers who adore all things associated with sports will be able to experience Dubailand, which includes Dubai's main tourist attractions including Dubai Autodrome, the Ernie Els Golf Club, the Cricket Stadium and the Butch Harmon School of Golf, which sit very nicely with Royal Caribbean's signature of providing active holidays for their passengers. 18th January 2010 through to April 2010.

Considered one of the most refined and elegant cruise ships, Brilliance of the Seas already have their iconic rock wall, nine hole mini-golf, the Adventure Beach water-slide and self-levelling pool tables to keep all ages fully occupied during their cruise holiday.

'Two strong brands have come together to deliver a compelling series of attractions that will add value to the emirate’s economy and increase visitor numbers to the region. Combining some of DUBAILAND’s exciting destinations with the excellent Royal Caribbean product will provide a wealth of entertainment options that will attract repeat visits from tourists and residents alike. We look forward to welcoming this world-class vessel to the shores of the UAE and we are confident that this exciting development will contribute to the growth of regional and international tourism' has been said by Khalid Al Malik, CEO, Dubai Properties Group.

Smellology - By Default Or Design?

People are becoming more enlightened into the science related smells and the affects they can have on well-being. 'Scratch and sniff' has been around for many years, along with the associations that specific smells can induce hunger or in the extreme some smells can make them feel physically sick!

Mediterranean Shipping Company, MSC, have plans to infuse their ships with a variety of different fragrances, which include figs and almonds, to make up a signature fragrance for their cruise ships.

The signature fragrance is being used to enhance passenger's well-being by having fragranced air which reminds them of the Mediterranean, using the same methodology and in-trend ideas of fragranced hotels which are being seen in many major cities to enhance guests senses and memories of pleasurable experiences.

It has been reported that the fragrance will be dispersed via the air conditioning as well as being infused into toiletries, table linen, bedding and towels. This announcement by MSC Cruises arrives just two months after the luxury line Silversea have reported that their next ship, the Silver Spirit, would have a 'menu of scents' which can be diffused through passenger's cabin on request.

The Italian perfumer Laura Tonatto has designed three different fragrances for Silversea's passengers; Oltre which has been designed to evoke the boundless seas; Albi made for de-stressing with the familiar scent of lavender and Fiori d'Arancio an orange-infused fragrance which is claimed to have a calming affect.

Passenger's may find these scents more pleasurable than the usual overpowering smell of suntan lotion or the ship's engine rooms, however maybe it's these smells which people have come to recognise which evoke memories of their cruising holidays?

Turning The Tide - Less Is Definitely More

The world of luxury cruises will be turned on its head in 2011 when P&O Cruise Lines introduce their latest ship, which will not be bigger and have the capabilities of holding more passengers than their competitors, quite the reverse!

P&O Cruise Line's new ship the Adonia will hold only 710 passengers and due to its size is to go to the places the larger cruise ships cannot reach! Maybe more importantly the Adonis will be an adult only ship, which is a real advantage to those who love cruising but are becoming disillusioned with the 'family fun' anecdote which other cruise ships are using to encourage a 'new wave' of cruising passengers.

Although the Adonia was originally built in 2001 over three-quarters of her 355 cabins have balconies, public rooms which will have a traditional cruising ambience created by wood panelling, sumptuous leather armchairs as well as fine artwork. Adonia's library will have over 4,000 titles, catering for all book lovers needs.

The grand lounge will play host to an extensive range of entertainment, including after diner speakers and shows by P&O Cruises Headliners Theatre Company. Adonia will also boast a Crow's Nest lounge bringing a real nautical feel and excellent observation vantage points for her passengers.

Disney Cruise Line To Double Their Fleet By 2012

Disney Cruise Line have their newest ship in 12 years scheduled to be shown in 2011. The Disney Dream is being built as a pre-fabricated unit. With the hull sections being joined together in units and then bought together to form the ship, the Disney Dream will comprise of 80 units or blocks and carry 2500 passengers.

Disney Cruise Line's second ship the 2,500 passenger Disney Fantasy is scheduled to be built in 2012, doubling Disney Cruise Line's current capacity.

The Disney cruise liners will be based at Port Canaveral and will sail the Mediterranean and Northern Europe next summer, while the Disney Magic will also be sailing to Russia, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean next summer.

Disney Cruise Lines has scheduled two month mid-summer, 12 day sailings to European Capitals calling at Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Berlin's port as well as St. Petersburg as a round trip from London.

A long with these schedules there will also be a series of 11 day round trip Mediterranean cruises in April, May, August and September departing from Barcelona. So there is still time to book a place on one of the existing Disney cruises for those who love all things Disney!

There are numerous short duration cruises which have proven extremely popular over the last few years which are the ideal solution for 'tasters' for those who have never experienced cruising before! Visiting destinations including Alaska, departing from America.

Departures from Dover are also included with the transatlantic Eastbound continuing to be extremely popular for both novice and experienced cruisers alike.

The magic of Disney Cruise Lines emulates the whole ethos of Disney with fun packed entertainment for all the family, offering excellent value for money. Of course Disney is not only for children, adults without children make up a high percentage of the passenger lists, those who are young at heart can enjoy the relaxing, yet exhilarating experience of Disney combined with the creature comforts of crusing!