Quantum of the Seas Adjusts Protocols

Photo Credit:  Travel Weekly

According to a Reuters news story, Singapore's health ministry on Thursday reported 24 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number since mid-September, with 17 of the fresh cases linked to a cluster at Changi Airport. This has prompted changes onboard Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas which is sailing short cruises to nowhere out of Singapore.

Singapore Raises Alert Level

Further Restrictions Under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) 

"Over the past two weeks several clusters of infections have emerged, coupled with a pattern of local unlinked community cases. These developments have demonstrated higher attack rates and secondary transmission occurs in “mask-off” settings, households, and at eateries. Given this, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced additional measures and restrictions under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) to minimize transmission of the virus in a swift and decisive manner. These measures are additional measures to what was announced on 4 May 2021. 

To reduce risks of community transmission, indoor “mask-off” activities such as dine-in F&B establishments will cease. Other activities which will also not be allowed during this period include strenuous indoor exercise class or strenuous individual and group indoor sports and exercise activities. In addition, personalized services which require masks to be removed (e.g. facials and saunas), singing, and the playing of instruments that require intentional expulsion of air (e.g. wind or brass instruments) will also not be allowed. The following measures will take effect from Sunday, 16 May 2021 through to Sunday, 13 June 2021."

Royal Caribbean Adjust Protocols

Royal Caribbean quickly responded to the change in the alert level by notifying guests booked on Quantum of the Seas from May 17 - June 13 of the following changes:

• Guest capacity is reduced to 25 percent occupancy. 
• Groups are limited to two guests. This means that at most, the ship will have 1,025 passengers aboard. 
• All restaurants are closed and guests will get room service options or "grab and go" from select restaurants aboard. 
• Capacity for live entertainment shows will be reduced to a maximum of 50 guests and live singing will not be available. 
• Permitted onboard activities, like those in Seaplex, Activity Zone and Pool Zone, will continue to operate at reduced capacity and with enhanced social distancing measures. 
• Masks will be required in the indoor pool.

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May the Force be With You

Star Wars™ Weekends returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at the Walt Disney World® Resort every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 15-June 14, 2015.

During this galactic event, you can encounter out-of-this-universe entertainment, favorite attractions and more!

James Arnold Taylor, the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” will return to host the Stars of the Saga talk show – including everyone’s favorite stormtrooper preshow – at a new larger location in the Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard.

Darth’s Mall is moving to a new and expanded complex near Streets of America where you can find Star Wars-themed and exclusive event merchandise just for Star Wars Weekends 2015.

Plus, Star Wars characters assemble and “Summon the Force” each night for a grand celebration, including a look back at greatest moments throughout the day on social media.

And, at the end of the day, the night sky will erupt in an interstellar frenzy of fireworks as “Symphony in the Stars” salutes the saga’s most dramatic stories and brings you as close to the Force as you can get.

Plan a Trip to Florida Today

If you are Star Wars fans, you'll also want to ask us about Disney Cruises with your favorite Star Wars characters.

A Cruise Line is Born

Welcome to the new Viking Cruises

Just Announced May 17, 2013

Torstein Hagen, the visionary founder of Viking River Cruises, the world's largest and fastest growing river line, told the assembled travel agents, journalists and past passengers the company would launch its ocean-oriented cruise line in May 2015.  The announcement came at a gala banquet in Beverly Hills, California.

Click on this interactive image to start exploring the new cruise line and the first of its ships, Viking Star.



Viking Cruises, the new name of Viking River Cruises, announced the launch of its ocean product line, Viking Ocean Cruises, marking the introduction of the travel industry’s first new cruise line in nearly a decade.

Destination is Key Focus

Developed from the ground up to return the focus of cruising to the destination, Viking Ocean Cruises will begin sailing in May 2015 with its first vessel—Viking Star—embarking on maiden voyages in Scandinavia and the Baltic; and the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.

Leveraging extensive feedback and input from Viking River Cruises passengers, Viking Ocean Cruises was developed with experienced travelers in mind. Itineraries are curated for maximum time in port, often with late evenings or overnights, so guests can experience local nightlife or evening performances. Ports include both cosmopolitan cities and “collector ports,” and appeal to those with an interest in history, art and culture.

Small Ship Sailing with Unparalleled Value

All-inclusive pricing provides unparalleled value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Passengers also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; wi-fi; self-service laundry and 24-hour room service—a value of more than $2,400 per couple for an average cruise. 

Continued Fleet Expansion

Viking Cruises has aggressive expansion plans in both the ocean and river cruise categories, with a second ocean ship on order for delivery in 2016 and conditional orders and options for four more additional ocean vessels. The ocean ship order follows the company’s continued rapid fleet expansion in the river cruise sector, with 10 new river ships recently christened in March of this year and 12 new river ships planned to launch in 2014.

Earlier this year Viking set the World Record for the most ships launched on a single day: World Record Ship Launching

Working Closely With Viking to Launch New Cruise Line

Bookings Now Open for Viking Star 

Introducing Viking Star

“It is our view that in the race to build bigger ships, many cruise lines have lost sight of the destinations to which they sail,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “With our new ocean cruises, we are applying the same principles behind our award-winning river cruises to our itinerary and ship design; privileged-access excursions; and onboard experiences to make destinations the true focus.” 

Come Explore The New Viking Star - Sailing May 2015 

Viking Star

Classified as a “small ship,” the new 928-passenger all-veranda Viking Star is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports, so guests have easy and efficient embarkation and debarkation. The ship’s understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design is crafted for maximum guest comfort. Highlighted features include:

• All Veranda Staterooms: Guests can choose from five stateroom categories, starting from a 270 sq. ft. veranda stateroom, all with private verandas, king-size beds, large showers, and LCD TVs.
  
• Explorer Suites: Viking Star’s 14 Explorer Suites are two-room suites ranging from 757 to 1,448 sq. ft. and offer sweeping views from wrap-around private verandas as well as the most amenities and privileges of any category onboard.
  
• Two Pool Choices: In addition to the Main Pool with a retractable dome permitting any-season swimming, Viking Star features one of the only infinity pools at sea, allowing passengers to swim surrounded by their destination in a glass-backed pool cantilevered off the stern.
  
• The Spa: In keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, The Spa onboard Viking Star is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind—from the centuries-old tradition of the sauna to a “snow grotto” where snowflakes gently descend from the ceiling through chilled air.
  
• Explorers’ Lounge and Wintergarden: Spaces designed to facilitate mingling and storytelling, the two-deck Explorers’ Lounge at the bow of the ship is the perfect spot for taking in scenery through double-height windows over a glass of aquavit or pint of local craft beer; and the Wintergarden is a serene environment in which to relax and enjoy afternoon tea service complete with a curated tea selection.
  
• Dining Choices: Viking Star offers multiple restaurant locations and food choices—from The Restaurant and the World Café, serving a variety of global cuisines and regional specialties—to intimate dining experiences at The Chef’s Table, Italian Grill and The Kitchen Table, all serving meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Furthermore, with multiple choices for outdoor seating during meals, Viking Star offers more al fresco dining than any other ship.
  
• Enriching Entertainment:, Connecting passengers to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking Cruises, and Viking Star’s onboard venues include a dramatic three-deck atrium where passengers can enjoy musicians playing regional and classical music; the Star Theater, home of enrichment lectures from scholars and experts; an onboard cooking school where guests can learn local specialties; and the Viking Piano Lounge, where guests can relax, mingle, and exchange stories after a day of exploring.
  
• Sustainable Features: Designed with the environment in mind, Viking Star features energy-efficient hybrid engines, a hydro-dynamically optimized streamlined hull and bow for maximum fuel efficiency, onboard solar panels, and equipment that minimizes exhaust pollution and meets the strictest environmental regulations.
  

The ship has been designed by experienced nautical architects and engineers, including an interior design team of London-based SMC Design, and Los Angeles-based Rottet Studios. The first of two ocean ships on order, Viking Star will be built by Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard.

Norwegian Breakaway Christening Live

Watch the Christening Live

Norwegian Breakaway To Set Sail

It seems like yesterday that Norwegian Cruise Line announced that they were building a new cruise ship which would be make its home in New York City.

Today is the day that the final milestone in the construction takes place.   The traditional naming / christening of the new ship will take place in New York City.   Norwegian Cruise Line will be broadcasting live during this event which will undoubtedly be as spectacular as the new features on this ship.

Built for Family Fun

Start with an exciting Aqua Park and a spectacular three-story Sports Complex. Then add in the all-new youth programs with dedicated areas for kids and teens and you’ve got a recipe for the perfect family vacation.
We've written several articles about Norwegian Breakaway already and also have a microsite devoted to all the information you'll want about the new ship, so we won't repeat ourselves here.

Our suggestion is to watch the christening live today, visit our site to learn more, and plan your family getaway to Bermuda on this brand new ship.   Don't you love the new ship smell?    There are still cabins available for the rest of the year.   Note that we will be on the ship for our national conference, so you could take advantage of special pricing for that voyage if you are interested.   See our website for complete details.

EXPLORE NORWEGIAN BREAKAWAY BEFORE YOU GO

Godmothers Named for Norwegian Breakaway

Rockettes - courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Rocketttes Named Godmother

Norwegian Breakaway

There is a lot of tradition that is followed even today when a new ship is placed into service.  One of the most important milestones is the christening, where the Godmother breaks a bottle of champagne against the hull of the ship.

When Norwegian Breakaway is christened next May,  she will have not one, not two, but several Godmothers.   The world famous Rockettes, iconic dancers of New York, will do the honors.  MSG Entertainment, owner of the Rockettes, announced Norwegian Cruise Line will be the official cruise line of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall and an official partner of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. 

"I strongly believe that the Rockettes, one of the most beloved and recognizable New York icons, are the perfect choice to serve as the ship's godmothers," Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's CEO, said in a prepared statement. 

Most ships have one Godmother, but some ships have had more than one.   

Rockettes Will be Onboard

The Rockettes role won't end with the breaking of the bottle against the hull.Two dancers from the famed troupe will sail aboard each of the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, and the first sailing of each month thereafter. While onboard, the two Rockettes will lead exclusive Rockette-themed fitness classes and will participate in photo ops, as well as meet and greets with passengers. The Rockettes also will be showcased via a historical retrospective in the ship's library.

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for their entertainment, with acts like Second City, Blue Man Group and others gracing the stages onboard.   The Rockettes is the perfect addition to the lineup for a ship that makes New York its home.

 

Kids Sail Free to Alaska on Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder begins sailing in Alaska in May, 2011.   This is the first time that Disney has entered the Alaskan market and should prove to be a big success.   Begin with the wonder and magic onboard a Disney ship,  add in the splendor and beauty of Alaska and your family is in for a real adventure they won't forget for years to come.    To start the season, Disney Cruise line has the special offer:

Kids Sail Free on Select Alaska Cruises

Kids age 17 and under sail free when traveling with 2 full-fare Guests in the same Oceanview or Verandah stateroom on most Alaska cruises from May 3, 2011 to May 24, 2011. Government Taxes and Fees not included.

One of the following staterooms must be booked to be eligible for this offer:

• Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah
• Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator's Verandah
• Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah
• Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

Important Details
Offer is only available to U.S. and Canada residents and is valid on most sailings from May 3, 2011 to May 24, 2011 in Verandah and Oceanview staterooms only. Suite, concierge and inside staterooms are excluded. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Eligible kids will be required to provide proof of age. Offer applies to cruise fare only. Government Taxes and Fees and Port Adventures are not included. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Additional Terms and Conditions apply.

Subject to Limited Availability - So Book Now Before It's Too Late

Denali on Sale - Princess Cruisetours

Now up to 50% off Alaska vacations!

Savings on select 2010 Alaska cruisetours

If you could only go on one cruise in your lifetime, where would you go?

For many people, the answer to that question would be Alaska. They would also want to spend as much time there as possible, so they'd tell you they actually wanted to do a cruisetour so that they could explore the interior of Alaska.

Why Alaska?

The Last Frontier: Alaska, admitted as the 49th state to the union is thought of as "America's Last Frontier" because of its distance from the lower 48 states and because of its rugged landscape and climate. Only 33% of the state has been organized into political units called boroughs.

Land of the Midnight Sun: During the summer, the sun never completely dips below the horizon in Alaska's northern locations. The sun is visible at midnight. Parts of Alaska are bathed in 24 hours of daylight.

Wild and Free: Have you ever seen a bald eagle in flight or perched high above in a tree watching for its next meal to swim by? Have you seen a whale wave its tail fin as it dives deep into the sea? What about a mama bear and her new born cub coming down the mountain side?

Alaska has five Regions: An Alaskan cruisetour will typically take you to at least two of these regions, the Inside Passage and the Interior. During your visit to the Inside Passage you'll see cities like Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka and you'll most likely visit one of the popular glacier attractions such as Glacier Bay or Hubbard Bay. In the Interior you'll see North America's largest peak, 20,320-foot Denali (Mount McKinley) during your stay within Denali National Park. Read more about Alaska Regions.

Princess Cruises Announced Cruisetour Savings

For a limited time, select cruisetours during the months of May and June, 2010, are on sale at up to 50% savings. Princess cruisetours range from 10- to 15-nights, including roundtrip options from Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle. You’ll spend four to eight days exploring the Alaskan wilderness, seven days sailing its pristine waterways, and every itinerary includes Alaska’s top two attractions – Denali and Glacier Bay National Parks. So you get to see the best of Alaska in one vacation! Fares start as low as $999 for a 10-night vacation!

Princess Alaska Cruisetour Savings

Hurry - Offer Ends February 28th - Contact Me for Complete Details

Princess Cruises Information & Itineraries