Sunday, March 21, 2010

Splendour of the Seas 2011 Mediterranean


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Splendour of the Seas®
2011 MEDITERRANEAN DEPLOYMENT


7-Night Western Europe
Lisbon, Portugal • Gibraltar, United Kingdom • Cartagena, Spain • Barcelona, Spain • Nice (Villefranche), France • Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

8-Night Greek Isles & Turkey 
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Athens (Piraeus), Greece • Santorini, Greece • Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey • Mykonos, Greece • Naples / Capri, Italy • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

12-Night Mediterranean Holy Land
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Naples / Capri, Italy • Athens (Piraeus), Greece • Haifa, Israel • Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel • Rhodes, Greece • Santorini, Greece • Katakolon, Greece • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

12-Night Mediterranean Egypt
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Naples / Capri, Italy • Athens (Piraeus), Greece • Rhodes, Greece • Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey • Alexandria, Egypt • Sicily (Messina), Italy • Rome, Italy

7-Night Western Mediterranean
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy • Genoa, Italy • Provence (Toulon), France • Palma De Mallorca, Spain • Valencia, Spain • Barcelona, Spain

15-Night Westbound Transatlantic 
Barcelona, Spain • Seville (Cadiz), Spain • Lisbon, Portugal • Tenerife, Canary Islands • Salvador De Bahia, Brazil • Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil

Adventure of the Seas 2011 Mediterranean


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Adventure of the Seas®
2011 MEDITERRANEAN DEPLOYMENT

13-Night Transatlantic
San Juan, Puerto Rico • Philipsburg, St. Maarten • Tenerife, Canary Islands • Gran Canaria, Canary Islands •  Lanzarote, Canary Islands • Madeira (Funchal), Portugal • Malaga, Spain

7-Night Western Mediterranean
Malaga, Spain • Valencia, Spain • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy • Ajaccio, Corsica • Malaga, Spain  [Florence is replaced with La Spezia, Italy on some sailings]

5-Night Western Mediterranean

Malaga, Spain • Ajaccio, Corsica • Provence (Toulon), France • Malaga, Spain

5-Night Canary Islands 

Malaga, Spain • Tenerife, Canary Islands • Lanzarote, Canary Islands • Malaga, Spain

13-Night Transatlantic
Malaga, Spain • Madeira (Funchal), Portugal • Lanzarote, Canary Islands • Gran Canaria, Canary Islands •  Tenerife, Canary Islands • Philipsburg, St. Maarten • San Juan, Puerto Rico

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Why Not Mediterranean 2011

Royal Caribbean International
European Deployment Program

Royal Caribbean International has announced their 2011-2012 Summer Europe and Transatlantic deployment schedule.    In keeping with the trend that we are seeing, there are several options for cruising to Europe.   The demand for European cruises is strong and the cruise lines have all responded.

Royal Caribbean has announced that the following 9 ships will be deployed in Europe in 2011-12 Season.  We will take a detailed look at each ship in future posts.  This post will be updated with links to the related blog posts.

Brilliance of the Seas® 
(12-Night Mediterranean/Greek Isles, 12-Night Mediterranean Venice, 12-Night Egypt & Eastern Mediterranean)   Brilliance of the Seas 2011 Mediterranean
 
Adventure of the Seas®
(5-Night Western Mediterranean, 7-Night Western Mediterranean, 5-Night Canary Islands, 13-Night Transatlantic)   Adventure of the Seas 2011 Mediterranean

Splendour of the Seas®
(7-Night Western Europe, 8-Night Greek Isles & Turkey, 12-Night Mediterranean Holy Land, 12-Night Mediterranean Egypt, 7-Night Western Mediterranean, 15-Night Westbound Transatlantic)   Splendour of the Seas 2011 Mediterranean

Independence of the Seas®
(3-Night Paris, 4-Night Cork, 10-Night Canary Islands, 14-Night Italian Mediterranean, 14-Night Mediterranean Treasures, 11-Night Spain & Canary Islands, 18-Night Ultimate Mediterranean)   Independence of the Seas 2011 Mediterranean

Navigator of the Seas® 
(7-Night Eastern Mediterranean, 13-Night Transatlantic)   Navigator of the Seas 2011 Mediterranean

Liberty of the Seas®
(14-Night Transatlantic, 4 & 5-Night Short Western Mediterranean, 7-Night Western Mediterranean, 14-Night Transatlantic)   Liberty of the Seas 2011 Mediterranean

Vision of the Seas®
(14-Night Eastbound Transatlantic, 11-Night Lisbon to England, 4-Night Amsterdam, 5-Night Norwegian Fjords, 7-Night St. Petersburg & Baltics, 3-Night Berlin, 5-Night Amsterdam & Brugges, 9-Night British Isles & Normandy, 7-Night St. Petersburg & Tallinn, 7-Night Oslo to Stockholm)   Vision of the Seas 2011 Mediterranean

Jewel of the Seas®
(12-Night Eastbound Transatlantic, 12-Night Scandinavia & Russia, 14-Night Westbound Transatlantic)    Jewel of the Seas 2011 Mediterranean

Grandeur of the Seas®
(14-Night Transatlantic, 7-Night Western Mediterranean,   7-Night Italian Mediterranean, 14-Night Westbound Transatlantic)   Grandeur of the Seas 2011 Mediterranean

As you can see from the schedule, cruises range from 3-nights to 15-nights which should make it possible for more people to include Europe in their vacation plans for 2011-12.

Brilliance of the Seas 2011 Mediterranean



Ship Profile | Itineraries & Pricing | Deck Plans
 Dining Menus | Wine Lists | Kids Programs | Ship Reviews | 360 Tours | Photos


Brilliance of the Seas®
2011 MEDITERRANEAN DEPLOYMENT

12-Night Mediterranean/Greek Isles
Barcelona, Spain • Nice (Villefranche), France • Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Athens (Piraeus), Greece • Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey • Santorini, Greece • Naples (Salerno), Italy Barcelona, Spain [Santorini is replaced with Mykonos on some sailings]

12-Night Mediterranean Venice
Barcelona, Spain • Nice (Villefranche), France • Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Naples (Salerno), Italy • Venice, Italy * Ravenna, Italy • Dubrovnik, Croatia • Barcelona, Spain [Ravenna, Italy is replaced with Split, Croatia on some sailings]

12-Night Egypt & Eastern Mediterranean
Barcelona, Spain • Sicily (Messina), Italy • Corfu, Greece • Alexandria, Egypt • Athens (Piraeus), Greece • Sicily (Palermo), Italy • Barcelona, Spain

Friday, March 19, 2010

Carnival Ship Makeovers

Carnival Ecstasy - A Ship Out of Water

October, 2009 we were in Freeport Bahamas, on our annual conference cruise, the same time Carnival Ecstasy was getting a major makeover.  The multi-million-dollar refurbishment included the addition of an expansive new water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a Circle “C” facility for 12- to 14-year olds, and a redesigned resort-style main pool area. Additionally, 98 balconies were added to existing ocean view staterooms.   All of the ship’s 1,026 staterooms were upgraded with new plasma screen TVs as well as updated wall coverings, tile work, carpeting and light fixtures. Many additional cosmetic improvements were made in the public areas.

Carnival Ecstasy was the second ship to have additional balconies added following the success of a similar implementation on the Carnival Sensation earlier in 2009.  This continues a series of major upgrades to the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels sparking new life into those ships.

A Peaceful Retreat

My favorite improvement is Serenity SM, an adults-only retreat, located aft on Promenade Deck. With design elements that include teak decking, large umbrellas and thatched roofing, Serenity provides an ocean-going oasis for relaxation and comfort. Guests can enjoy icy cocktails and frozen drinks while relaxing in plush chaise lounges and chairs. Food service is available in the casual Panorama Bar & Grill located nearby.

Water, Water, Everywhere

A signature element of the Fantasy-class upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks SM, a fun-filled aqua park located on Verandah Deck. Designed with an all-ages appeal, WaterWorks encompasses a 300-foot-long twisting, turning water slide – the longest and most elaborate at sea – along with dual-lane 82-foot-long racing slides, and a wide variety of water spray toys.

In addition, Carnival Ecstasy’s main pool on Lido Deck – which includes a swimming pool and two large whirlpools – was totally transformed to feature a distinct resort-style ambiance. Vibrant oversized umbrellas, thatched roofing and colorful tile work creates a decidedly tropical feel.

Oh, to be a Teen Again

The addition of a new Circle “C” SM center, located on Atlantic Deck 8, is aimed at the 12- to 14-year-old set.  The facility  includes plasma screen televisions displaying movies and music videos, a high-tech sound and lighting system, gaming consoles and a touch-screen jukebox.  This is a great place to hang out with newly found friends during the cruise.

Recent Carnival Ship Enhancements

The Carnival Glory received the following enhancements upon completion of dry dock in mid February; Serenity SM adult only retreat, Carnival's Seaside Theater®, Circle “C”SM youth program for ages 12 to 14, 18 more balcony staterooms, “Your Time Dining” on the upper level of the forward dining room, a new Mongolian Wok in the Lido area and Wi-Fi from bow to stern.

After extensive refurbishments were completed February 1, 2010, the Carnival Fascination now offers these new enhancements; Carnival WaterWorks SM, Serenity SM, a resort-style pool, 98 more balcony staterooms, upgraded main dining rooms, “Your Time Dining” in the forward dining room, a Mongolian Wok and Rotisserie in the Lido area and Circle “C”SM youth program for ages 12 to 14.   Watch Video of Carnival Fascination in Dry Dock

The Carnival Freedom emerged from dry dock in December 2009 with the following updates; Serenity (a first for Carnival Conquest class,) Circle “C”SM youth program, 18 new Balcony staterooms and “Your Time Dining” in the forward dining room.

Carnival Cruise Line continues to invest in improving the product it offers to the general public.  I'm sure you'll agree that these changes greatly enhance the cruise experience.   While these ships aren't new, the changes make one feel like they are on a new ship.   Learn more about the Carnival "Fun Ships".

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Norwegian Epic Freestyle Choices





Norwegian EPIC 
Freestyle Dining


 21 Dining Options - 11 Complimentary 

Norwegian Freestyle Cruising is all about choice.  When Norwegian EPIC debuts this summer, Norwegian Cruise Line will take Freestyle Dining to a new level.   It was announced that the ship will feature an extensive number of complimentary Freestyle dining options - 11 out of 21 total - that are included in the cruise fare. The additional 10 dining options will have a nominal cover charge.

Our first introduction to Freestyle Dining was on Norwegian Sun's inaugural voyage in September, 2001.   That was the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship that was actually designed for the emerging Freestyle Dining program.     In the decade since, the line continued to evolve the program, adding choices and making the program easier for guests to decide when and what to eat.

What is Freestyle Dining?   Simply put, it's no set dining times, no assigned tables, a relaxed dress code and more restaurants than days in the week on every ship, so you can enjoy whatever you're hungry for, whenever you're hungry.

Norwegian Cruise Line expanded the restaurant choices on all ships to include everything from tapas to teppanyaki. Your selection ranged from as many as nine (now 11) fantastic dining options included in your cruise fare to a savory array of specialty restaurants created for those extra-special nights out. What are you hungry for? 

Manhattan Room
Those that will be free of charge are:
 
· Taste, the atrium restaurant serving traditional and contemporary cuisine;
· Manhattan Room, reminiscent of an elegant supper club complete with music, dancing and entertainment;
· O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, serving American favorites and comfort food, 24 hours;
· Garden Café, Norwegian's signature action station casual restaurant;
· Great Outdoors, the pool-side grill;
· Spice H20, serving Latin and Asian-influenced cuisine in the adults-only complex;
· Atrium Cafe and Wine Bar;
· Studio Lounge, serving snacks and light fare;
· Epic Club, the elegant, exclusive eatery available to Norwegian Epic's Suite and Villa guests;
· Courtyard Grill, the more casual, outdoor area of the Epic Grill, open for breakfast and lunch; and
· 24-hour room service.

“It’s important for our guests to know that Freestyle Cruising on Norwegian Epic will offer the ultimate in freedom and flexibility, especially when it comes to dining,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “With that flexibility comes a wide-range of complimentary dining venues and options.”

In addition, Norwegian also announced the cover charges for Norwegian Epic’s specialty dining and entertainment venues (the choice is up to you - the most expensive is $25 per person unless you get really hungry at one of the al a carte choices).

Cover charges for Norwegian Epic's specialty dining/entertainment venues:

· La Cucina, Tuscan-style eatery serving regional Italian specialties, $10 per person;
· Cirque Dreams & Dinner, two shows nightly including a three-course meal, $15 for general seating/$20 per person for preferred seating;
· Shanghai’s, Norwegian Epic’s new Chinese restaurant serving a delicious mix of Chinese dishes and noodle bar specialties, $15 per person;
· Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, a la carte pricing;
· Wasabi, expansive sushi and sake bar, a la carte pricing;
· Le Bistro, Norwegian’s elegant bistro serving classic French cuisine with an American flair, $20 per person;
· Moderno Churrascaria, expansive salad bar and choice of a variety of meats served by tableside passadors, $18 per person;
Teppanyaki
· Cagney’s Steakhouse, the line’s signature American steakhouse, $25 per person;
· Teppanyaki, the largest signature Japanese experiential restaurant at sea, $25 per person; and
· Pizza delivery, $5, available 24 hours around the ship.

We are happy to see some of our favorites, like Cagney's Steakhouse and Teppanyaki, and are excited with the new choices such as Cirque Dreams & Dinner.

"With our specialty restaurants, some guests may choose to dine in one of these venues just once or twice during their cruise to celebrate a special occasion," added Sheehan. "At the same time, others may want to sample a different specialty restaurant each evening to experience a new type of cuisine. That’s the great thing about Freestyle Cruising–the choice is up to our guests to decide how they want to customize their trip.”

Related Posts:

Norwegian Epic Sneak Peak

Norwegian Epic Open for Booking

Nickelodeon At Sea 

Norwegian EPIC Itineraries Unveiled 

More EPIC Itineraries Unveiled

Studios for Solo Travelers on Norwegian EPIC

NCL Dawn Bermuda - Cagney's Steakhouse

 

 

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Celebrity Cruises Delays Mercury March 19 Sailing

Celebrity Mercury Itinerary Change
March 19th Departure Delayed

Due to an outbreak of a a gastrointestinal illness, thought to be a Norovirus, during the last sailing of Celebrity Mercury, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has advised Celebrity Cruises to perform extensive and thorough sanitizing onboard the ship and within the cruise terminal at the Port of Charleston.  These measures are being taken to help prevent any illness from affecting the next sailing.

More information about Norovirus and its prevention is contained in the International Travel tab above which discusses travel documents, health and safety.  The CDC operates a Vessel Sanitation Program  for the prevention and control of the spread of gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses on cruise ships.   While Noroviruses are most often reported in a cruise ship setting, they can occur in nursing homes, restaurants, catered events, hotels, as well as any small area where a number of people are gathered - not just on cruise ships.

The sad thing is, this illness CAN BE PREVENTED.  Cruise ships have taken extensive measures, especially since the start of the H1N1 outbreak last year, to increase the number of sanitizer containers throughout the ship.   I'm always amazed at how many people walk past the sanitizers without using them, or how many people don't WASH THEIR HANDS after going to the restroom.    This is how the disease is spread.
So, because of some careless people, the passengers on the next sailing of Celebrity Mercury are now impacted.    Regrettably, due to the extensive sanitation,  the itinerary for the March 19th sailing has been delayed two days.   The new itinerary is as follows:

Sunday, March 21 - Embarkation between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m
Monday; March 22 - sea day
Tuesday, March 23 -  Key West, Florida
Wednesday, March 24 - Cozumel, Mexico
Thursday, March 25 - Costa Maya, Mexico
Friday, March 26 - sea day
Saturday, March 27 - Nassau, Bahamas
Sunday, March 28 - sea day

Seating in the cruise terminal at the Port of Charleston is very limited. Therefore, Celebrity Cruises is asking that guests scheduled to depart on this sailing not arrive at the pier on Sunday before 4:00 p.m..   Celebrity apologizes for the inconvenience.