Carnival Carnival Splendor on 04/05/09 · $529
Carnival Carnival Imagination on 12/12/08 · $179
Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas on 02/10/09 · $3,100
Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas on 04/02/09 · $2,500
Crystal Symphony on 02/16/09 · $3,595
CRUISE PLANNERS CELEBRATES ‘WORLD’S LARGEST CRUISE EVENT’
Posted 09/30/08
“The World’s Largest Cruise Event is a celebration where lucky agents like me get to give the gift of great savings on cruises, and our clients are the guests of honor,” said Michael Given. “Best of all, Cruise Planners is extending what is traditionally one special night into an entire week of offers and incentives, so the gifts will keep coming from October 4th to the 10th.”
MSC Cruises Places Two Ship Orders for the Most Modern Fleet in the World
Posted 09/30/08
MSC Cruises has announced the extraordinary expansion of its fleet with the order of two additional ships from the Aker Yards France at St. Nazaire.
The announcement was made today in Milan by Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises worldwide, and Domenico Pellegrino, MSC Cruises General Manager, and Jacques Hardelay, General Manager of Aker Yards France.
The new ships -- due for delivery in 2011 and 2012 -- will be named MSC Meraviglia ("marvelous/amazing") and MSC Favolosa ("fabulous") and will be the fifth and sixth ships in the "Musica" class, at 93,000 tons, 1,275 staterooms and capacity of 2,550 passengers, double occupancy.
"I can say with pride that MSC Cruises has the most modern fleet in the world," declared Vago. "MSC Meraviglia and MSC Favolosa carry us forward to 2012, with more than 1.4 million guests to whom we can offer a product that has been designed, engineered and presented as only MSC Cruises knows how. We now play a key role on the global market, successfully acting as an ambassador for Italian style worldwide.
"The new orders are the result of a careful evaluation of trends in the cruise industry in recent years," declared Pellegrino. "Over the first months of 2008, the cruise market grew by 13% while, in the same period, the company recorded an increase equal to 32% in terms of passengers. This result was achieved also thanks to the confidence the sales channel has been showing us year after year. Based on these figures, we foresee a rosy future for both the cruise sector and MSC Cruises."
Construction will start on MSC Meraviglia and MSC Favolosa under the guidance of the Korean STX Shipbuilding at the Aker Yards France.
"The strong relationship which already exists between MSC Cruises and Aker Yards has been reinforced by this contract. We look forward to continuing our innovative cooperation with MSC Cruises in order to offer unique cruise experiences to MSC Cruises' passengers. We are ready and happy to take up this new challenge," said Hardelay.
OCEANIA CRUISES COMMENCES CONSTRUCTION OF FIRST OCEANIA CLASS NEWBUILD “MARINA”
Posted 09/30/08
The most widely heralded ship to enter the cruise market this year, Celebrity Solstice, departed Meyer Werft shipyard yesterday in Papenburg, Germany, as the largest ship ever built by the longtime shipbuilder. In a milestone event known as "The Conveyance," the 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice made its way down the River Eems, as tens of thousands of area residents lining the river banks cheered and photographed the historic event.
"This is a very momentous occasion for Celebrity Cruises," said the brand's President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. "Celebrity Solstice is the perfect manifestation of what the Celebrity brand is all about: extraordinary service, spectacular dining, and fabulous style and design. And as the first in a series of five Solstice-class ships, it’s a vivid example of the growth and momentum of the Celebrity brand, and our commitment to meet our guests' and travel agent partners’ demands for more vacation options with Celebrity."
Among the wealth of attributes guests will find only on Celebrity Solstice are:
"There also is the intangible attribute which is consistent across the Celebrity fleet, and that's the extraordinary, anticipatory service our phenomenal staff offer our guests every day," said Hanrahan.
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The industry’s first Lawn Club, a lush, half-acre recreation area with real, growing grass.
•
The industry’s first Hot Glass Show, with live glassblowing demonstrations presented in association with The Corning Museum of Glass.
•
Larger staterooms, with design inspirations offered by a panel of five women, hand-picked for their unique travel and hospitality insights.
•
10 varied restaurants, ranging from the dramatic, two-level “Grand Epernay” main dining room with a sweeping wine tower, to four exquisite specialty restaurants, to several stylish, casual venues.
•
An entirely new category of accommodations, “AquaClass,” designed to offer a spa vacation experience at sea rivaling the best of those on land.
•
A state-of-the-art theater and stage design, with three new leading-edge shows custom-designed for Celebrity with Poet Theatricals, in their first cruise line partnership.
Celebrity Solstice will be berthed in Eemshaven, Netherlands, from September 29 to October 24, with two separate sea trials planned during that period, in addition to crew arrivals, training, provisioning and finishing work onboard. The ship will depart Eemshaven October 24 on a transatlantic voyage, with arrival in Fort Lauderdale planned for early November, followed by a series of promotional cruises for invited travel agents, press and other dignitaries. The ship will be named in formal ceremonies on November 14, and will begin its maiden season November 23, with a series of alternating 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, calling on San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and Tortola during this Fall and Winter. Celebrity Solstice presents a series of romantic 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises from Rome beginning in Spring 2009.
Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top ten "Top Cruise Ships in the World" in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers' poll), Celebrity's current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012.
Celebrity Solstice Sets Sail for First Time, attracting tens of thousands
Posted 09/30/08
The most widely heralded ship to enter the cruise market this year, Celebrity Solstice, departed Meyer Werft shipyard yesterday in Papenburg, Germany, as the largest ship ever built by the longtime shipbuilder. In a milestone event known as "The Conveyance," the 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice made its way down the River Eems, as tens of thousands of area residents lining the river banks cheered and photographed the historic event.
"This is a very momentous occasion for Celebrity Cruises," said the brand's President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. "Celebrity Solstice is the perfect manifestation of what the Celebrity brand is all about: extraordinary service, spectacular dining, and fabulous style and design. And as the first in a series of five Solstice-class ships, it’s a vivid example of the growth and momentum of the Celebrity brand, and our commitment to meet our guests' and travel agent partners’ demands for more vacation options with Celebrity."
Among the wealth of attributes guests will find only on Celebrity Solstice are:
"There also is the intangible attribute which is consistent across the Celebrity fleet, and that's the extraordinary, anticipatory service our phenomenal staff offer our guests every day," said Hanrahan.
•
The industry’s first Lawn Club, a lush, half-acre recreation area with real, growing grass.
•
The industry’s first Hot Glass Show, with live glassblowing demonstrations presented in association with The Corning Museum of Glass.
•
Larger staterooms, with design inspirations offered by a panel of five women, hand-picked for their unique travel and hospitality insights.
•
10 varied restaurants, ranging from the dramatic, two-level “Grand Epernay” main dining room with a sweeping wine tower, to four exquisite specialty restaurants, to several stylish, casual venues.
•
An entirely new category of accommodations, “AquaClass,” designed to offer a spa vacation experience at sea rivaling the best of those on land.
•
A state-of-the-art theater and stage design, with three new leading-edge shows custom-designed for Celebrity with Poet Theatricals, in their first cruise line partnership.
Celebrity Solstice will be berthed in Eemshaven, Netherlands, from September 29 to October 24, with two separate sea trials planned during that period, in addition to crew arrivals, training, provisioning and finishing work onboard. The ship will depart Eemshaven October 24 on a transatlantic voyage, with arrival in Fort Lauderdale planned for early November, followed by a series of promotional cruises for invited travel agents, press and other dignitaries. The ship will be named in formal ceremonies on November 14, and will begin its maiden season November 23, with a series of alternating 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, calling on San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and Tortola during this Fall and Winter. Celebrity Solstice presents a series of romantic 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises from Rome beginning in Spring 2009.
Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top ten "Top Cruise Ships in the World" in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers' poll), Celebrity's current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012.
Princess Cruises Debuts New "Ultimate Ship Tour" with Launch of Ruby Princess
Posted 09/30/08
Rare Behind-the-Scenes Access Will Give Passengers Exclusive Insider's View of Ship Operations
Most cruise ship passengers are aware that behind the scenes of their relaxing cruise vacation there's a bustle of activity to deliver an excellent experience, but few have gotten an up-close look at these inner workings. This will change in November with the debut of Ruby Princess as Princess Cruises introduces an industry first, The Ultimate Ship Tour, an exclusive opportunity to experience an array of "back of house" areas that are key to a ship's daily operations.
This pioneering concept will give passengers the unique opportunity to explore beyond the public areas with visits to the ship's engine control room, medical center, print shop, laundry, photo lab, bridge and other spaces for a rare insider's view of many areas typically seen only by the ship's crew. Participants will also receive a variety of themed mementos at many of the stops along the route.
"This tour is really the ultimate opportunity for some of our passengers to get a very unique view of the new Ruby Princess, and meet some of the ship's senior officers in their working environment," said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "I'm sure people will be amazed at what goes into running a city at sea, particularly since our onboard staff makes it appear so easy."
The Ultimate Ship Tour lasts approximately three hours, and will be offered once or twice per cruise on a sea day. Space is limited for the tour, which will be available for $150 per person, and can be reserved onboard at the Passenger Services Desk. Following its debut aboard Ruby Princess, the program will be introduced aboard all Princess ships.
The innovative tour will feature:
Back Stage Area -- Passengers start the tour with a glimpse behind the glitz in the Princess Theater, home to Princess' sparkling stage productions. They'll meet the cast and production staff, who will show them all that goes into making sure the show goes on night after night -- including costumes and dressing areas, scenery and technical operations such as lighting and sound.
Galley and Food Production Areas -- In the galley, guests will meet the executive chef, learn about the process of providing thousands of passengers meals each day, and see the inner workings of the ship's kitchen areas while enjoying a glass of French champagne, caviar and canapes. In addition, passengers will get a peek into some of Ruby Princess' vast food storage and production areas, each specially equipped and temperature-controlled for a specific type of food. Each guest will also be presented with an official chef's jacket.
Engine Control Room -- At the center of the vessel's mechanical and electrical systems, the engine control room is where the ship's technical team monitors everything from the operation of the ship's propellers to the water supply in each stateroom. Participants will meet the chief technical offer and his staff who will explain the numerous functions overseen by the control room, including the vast amount of power generated to operate Ruby Princess.
Print Shop -- Passengers will see where their daily Princess Patter, among other things, is produced. The ship's printer will meet the group and demonstrate the printing equipment and explain which materials passengers see each day are printed right onboard Ruby Princess. To mark their visit, each passenger will receive their own set of personalized stationery printed on board.
Photo Laboratory -- Princess was the first cruise line to go completely digital, and each ship operates a full photo lab with the latest in digital printing equipment. The group will meet the Ruby Princess photo staff and learn how they manage the thousands of pictures taken and printed each day. Participants might even see their own smiling faces print out during their visit.
Medical Center -- The ship's doctor will meet the group to show them the state-of-the-art medical facilities, including treatment rooms, laboratory facilities, intensive care unit, and digital x-ray system. Participants will learn how the ship's doctors and nurses -- all full-time maritime medicine specialists -- keep both passengers and crew healthy and handle medical emergencies. They'll also learn about the most common reasons passengers visit the medical center.
Main Laundry -- Ruby Princess' onboard laundries operate 24 hours a day to wash tons of passenger and crew linens, towels, and clothing -- including more than 20,000 towels a day alone. Here visitors will meet the laundry master and will see this impressive operation in action. Participants will also receive a luxurious bath robe usually reserved for suite passengers.
Funnel -- The group will then travel to the upper most deck of the ship to join the staff captain for the opportunity to peek inside the ship's funnel area high atop Ruby Princess, where they will be treated to spectacular views of the ship and the surrounding ocean.
Bridge -- The tour concludes at the ship's command center, where passengers will meet the captain and his bridge team and learn about the state-of-the-art navigational equipment and safety systems aboard Ruby Princess. Passengers will also take in the dramatic front-of-ship views from the bridge's wraparound windows, while they enjoy special refreshments and pose with the captain at the ship's wheel for a complimentary photo. The framed photo and a tour completion certificate signed by the captain will later be delivered to each participant's stateroom.
Ruby Princess, a sister ship to Emerald Princess and Crown Princess, will debut on November 8. Ship features include a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers, Princess' signature adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary, an Italian restaurant, a seafood and steak house, and "Movies Under the Stars," a giant outdoor movie screen. The 113,000-ton vessel will feature an inaugural season of Western Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, followed by a program of Mediterranean voyages in summer 2009.
New Stateroom Décor, Verandahs, Lanai Staterooms and More on Five Holland America Line Ships
Posted 09/30/08
Five Holland America Line ships will soon undergo individual month-long dry docks at a total cost of approximately $200 million. The most dramatic alterations during the latest Signature of Excellence enhancements will result in an additional 32 verandah staterooms added to the aft portion of each ship. In addition, 46 new innovative lanai staterooms will allow guests direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck and on four ships verandahs will be installed on 12 staterooms on Deck 9 forward.
On the five ships, ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam, forty-six staterooms on the Lower Promenade deck will become a new lanai category stateroom with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. Décor in the lanai staterooms will reflect elements of nature with soothing earth-tones.
Fifteen new Spa Staterooms will be created from existing staterooms, except on the Rotterdam where 23 staterooms on Verandah deck will be transformed into spa staterooms. The rooms, so named because of their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities, offer their own ambiance, providing unmatched relaxation, privacy and serenity. Décor reflects the natural elements of the earth with soft earth-tone hues and light, fresh accent colors echoing nature's own. Soothing patterns adorn the bed runner and pillows and graphite-colored carpeting tie together all the elements. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments are offered only in these staterooms.
"By adding or enhancing staterooms with verandahs and lanais, we're able to better meet the guests" demand for balcony accommodations," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. "The latest Signature of Excellence installment enhances our premium product and the stateroom modifications update the layout and décor of the rooms while remaining elegant."
Ship capacities will change as a result of the additional staterooms. All five ships also will add a varying number of inside staterooms. Guest capacity on Rotterdam will be 1,404 and capacity on Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam Veendam will be 1,350.
As part of this next phase of Signature of Excellence, all staterooms and their bathrooms will be enhanced. All staterooms will receive new soft goods including carpet, and desks and vanities will be resurfaced. Decorative wall sconces, drapery and accent pillows will add a touch of modern elegance to the new décor.
Outside and inside staterooms will be redecorated in rich earth hues complimented by accents of sienna and gold. New soft goods include a rich, olive-colored sofa with decorative pillows, chairs reupholstered in gold chenille, and a bed runner with a design inspired by nature.
Suites will have a contemporary color scheme with a traditional twist. A rich, dark carpet and chocolate-colored leather sofa contrast with light golden tones of soft goods and maple casework. Accent colors of reddish-orange punctuate sofa pillows, chairs and the bed runner. Sheer cream-colored draperies are light and airy with imprints of gold leaves.
This $200-million phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line"s Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. The first of the extensive dry dock periods begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and the last will be completed on the Maasdam in late 2010. While in dry dock, ships will expand the aft deck to create a new resort pool concept, The Retreat, and create a new bar concept called Mix that features separate areas - Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.
Royal Caribbean Redefines Cruising Favorites with Oasis of the Seas
Posted 08/31/08
Royal Caribbean International unveiled two more neighborhoods for the highly anticipated Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship when she launches in November 2009. The Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center were announced at the consumer Internet event, revealing additional examples of innovation and amenities for which Royal Caribbean has been renowned throughout the cruise line's history.
"This latest unveiling of two more neighborhoods to be found on Oasis of the Seas continues to prove our legacy of revolutionary cruise ship design. We have developed the Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center to give our guests even more choices on a unique and memorable Royal Caribbean cruise" said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
The Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center - coupled with the previously announced neighborhoods of Central Park, Boardwalk and Royal Promenade - will provide guests with the widest array of experiences from which to satisfy their personal styles, preferences or moods on a cruise. Stretching the length of the ship, the Pool and Sports Zone is an ample playground for guests of all ages, featuring private cabanas, four unique types of pools, and two FlowRider surf simulators - each larger than the single FlowRider found on the line's Freedom-class ships. Building on the Royal Caribbean's popular Vitality wellness program, guests will be able to soothe mind, body and soul in the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center. New to the spa services menu and fitness line-up are unique spa treatments and Kinesis group classes, a full-body, no-impact workout utilizing fluid, natural movement to engage several muscle groups simultaneously.
The Pool and Sports Zone will showcase new additions to traditional amenities, including an intimate adults-only Solarium and sports deck that will awe even the most seasoned cruiser. The first Beach Pool at sea will have a sloped entry where guests will be able to wade into the water or relax in colorful beach chairs under an umbrella as the water rolls gently beneath. Two whirlpools will flank either side of the "beach" for guests who prefer warmer waters. Located on the opposite side of the ship from the Beach Pool and separated by Central Park six decks below, is the Main Pool with two side-by-side whirlpools, ideal for rest and relaxation in the sun. Overlooking both pools will be private cabanas, complete with a dedicated attendant. Families looking for fun in the sun will easily spot Royal Caribbean's signature H2O Zone, marked by a giant octopus with its slides and water-spraying tentacles and surrounded by fellow water-spouting ocean creatures. Separate wading and current pools, as well as a dedicated infant and toddler pool, will be set in the interactive aquatic playground and surrounded by adult and child-sized lounge chairs. The more competitive set will find haven in the Sports Pool, where afternoon water team sports will include basketball, badminton and water polo, while morning hours will be dedicated to lap swimming.
Adults looking for a retreat from the bustle of every day life will find solace in the grandest Solarium yet. Boasting a redefined layout, guests will have the sensation of floating on air from the two-deck high, glass-paneled enclave designed with seating on various "islands" surrounded by water. The open-air Solarium will offer a tranquil swimming pool, two serene whirlpools, and four cantilevered whirlpools suspended 136 feet above the ocean. The mezzanine level of the adult-dedicated area will overlook the pool deck below, offering additional chaise lounges and seating. The new Solarium Bistro will offer casual fare from the Vitality spa menu during the day, and in the evenings, transform into a romantic and intimate setting for specialty dining and dancing under the stars. It is also the perfect venue for a unique late night dance club experience - Club 20 - made popular on the line's Freedom- class ships.
The Sports Deck in the Pool and Sports Zone also will boast new innovations, including the first zip-line at sea, and two of the popular FlowRider surf simulators, flanking either side of the elevated back deck. Royal Caribbean favorites such as the nine-hole miniature golf course, Oasis Dunes, will challenge golfers of different abilities, and the Sports Court, will allow for friendly games of basketball and volleyball. Spectators will be able to cheer flowboarding guests from the Wipe Out Bar or enjoying casual dining at the Wipe Out Cafe.
Created as the crown jewel of the cruise line's Vitality program, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center will encompass various amenities that cater to complete body wellness. As a precursor to any treatment, guests are encouraged to begin the spa experience by unwinding in the calming relaxation rooms. The new Vitality at Sea Spa will include a Thermal Suite, featuring heated tile loungers, saunas and steam rooms; three couples massage suites and seven individual treatment rooms - the largest collection at sea. Kids and teen guests also will find their own dedicated Spa in which to enjoy specially catered services. The Fitness Center will offer vacationers a plentiful and varied selection of the latest cardio and resistance equipment for working out alone or for joining one of the several classes, including spinning, kickboxing, Pilates and yoga. Whether after a satisfying workout or a soothing spa session, the Vitality Cafe will be a convenient stop for healthy snacks, light meals and refreshing juices.
Two of MSC Cruises' Newest Ships to Sail 2009 Caribbean Season
Posted 08/31/08
North American guests will be able to experience the Caribbean on two of MSC Cruises' newest and largest ships when MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica arrive in Fort Lauderdale for their inaugural 2009-10 Caribbean seasons.
In addition to sailing on the two newest of the line's popular "Musica" class ships, guests can select from a variety of roundtrip itineraries that includes 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings and four different 10-night itineraries. Itineraries feature many of the most popular ports of call as well as several exciting not-so-often visited ports, such as Playa del Carmen, Curacao and Aruba, on select itineraries.
Cruise-only rates begin at $499 per person, double occupancy for 7-night cruises and $749 per person, double occupancy for 10-night itineraries. Government fees and taxes are additional, as is a fuel surcharge. As with all MSC Cruises' sailings, kids ages 17 and under sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.
Shipboard Features
Both MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia feature 1,275 staterooms, of which 80% are outside staterooms and 65% have a balcony. There will be 236,000 square feet of public spaces, 2 pools and 4 hot tubs, plus a 13,000-square-foot spa. On each ship, guests can select from four restaurants, including a Sushi Bar alternative dining restaurant.
In addition, MSC Magnifica features a Magrodome that allows guests to enjoy the pool area no matter what the elements.
Like their sister ships (MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra), both MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia feature sophisticated and elegant decor and the finest in international entertainment and Italian hospitality that ensures guests enjoy a 'Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.' experience.
MSC Cruises, the fastest growing cruise line with the youngest fleet, has nine ships: MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, MSC Rhapsody, cruising in the Mediterranean year round and seasonally in Northern Europe, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, South America, Indian Ocean and South Africa. In the fall of 2008 and spring of 2009, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida will be launched. In fall of 2009, MSC Magnifica, the 12th ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, will enter service
Carnival to Expand Capacity in New Orleans by 34 Percent With Deployment of Carnival Triumph
Posted 08/31/08
Carnival Cruise Lines which operates the only year-round cruise program from New Orleans – will increase capacity by 34 percent when the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph replaces the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy from the Big Easy in November 2009.
The Carnival Triumph’s seven-day cruises will depart on Saturdays, with exotic western Caribbean voyages visiting Belize City; Isla Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel; and eastern Caribbean cruises calling at Key West, Freeport and Nassau. Four-day cruises will depart Thursdays to Cozumel, while five-day cruises will depart Mondays and Saturdays to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.
“We’re very pleased to bring a newer, larger ship to New Orleans as well as expand our operations with new seven-day western Caribbean itineraries that will provide exciting new ‘Fun Ship’ vacation options,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of marketing planning. “In addition to serving as an excellent homeport for Carnival for nearly 15 years, New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination and we’re delighted to continue our relationship with this wonderful city,” he added.
“The Port and the entire New Orleans tourism community is thrilled by Carnival’s decision to homeport the Carnival Triumph here,” said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange. “This community has demonstrated its resilience and proven once again it is an international tourist destination. This business decision by a valued partner such as Carnival only reiterates the bright future of cruising in New Orleans.”
A Truly Magnificent ‘Fun Ship’
Celebrity Solstice Unveiled
Posted 08/31/08
Celebrity Cruises has floated out the new Celebrity Solstace at Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard and will complete the ship by September 27th and the official debut will be on November 23rd. Celebrity also unveiled a website dedicated to this remarkable and highly anticipated new ship.
Check her out here: http://www.celebritysolstice.com/
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