Cruise News 2008-07-04T19:12:57Z http://starwardvacations.com/atom.aspx Quick Blog Scrapblog Partners with Carnival Cruise Lines to Create and Share Vacation Memories in a Digital Way tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-06-30:cef83973-6f30-4265-9a1f-4425fd40a2c7 Randall Burkhardt 2008-06-30T16:15:33Z 2008-06-30T16:15:00Z MIAMI, FL, June 24 – Scrapblog, Inc, the first web-based service for creating and sharing multimedia scrapbooks, announced today a partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines to provide its guests with a unique and easy way to share memories from their “Fun Ship” cruises. Carnival is the only cruise line to offer this on-line feature to its guests. Scrapblog is the latest addition to the line’s popular social networking site, CarnivalConnections.com, and offers cruisers an entirely new way to interact and connect though shared vacation experiences. Cruisers can add digital pictures, videos and audio to a customizable Carnival theme to create a personalized, one-of-a-kind multimedia scrapbook of their “Fun Ship” vacation.

Five different “Fun Ship”-themed scrapblogs are available, each patterned after the line’s most popular destinations: the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska and Europe.
Scrapblogs can be shared with fellow cruisers through the Scrapblog Gallery on CarnivalConnections.com or through direct publishing on popular blogging and social networking platforms including Facebook, Blogger, Typepad, Wordpress, Flickr and MySpace.

“Carnival is all about creating a lifetime of wonderful vacation memories and Scrapblog’s easy-to-use, highly interactive platform enables our guests to relive their ‘Fun Ship’ vacation experience through these on-line digital scrapbooks,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience.

]]> NCL’S Ultimate Touring Takes Freestyle Shore Excursions to the Next Level tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-06-30:d24885a7-1470-41a4-a1d7-2e79e0cc91ff Randall Burkhardt 2008-06-30T16:14:37Z 2008-06-30T16:14:00Z MIAMI, June 26 – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has launched a new class of private touring that offers more choices and convenience for guests wishing to explore ports of call however they want, whenever they want. From a private horseback riding lesson through the Tuscan countryside to chartering a catamaran to sail through the glacier-carved fjords of Alaska, these ultimate VIP tours provide options for small groups from two to 18 people. Ultimate Touring is available at all of NCL’s ports of call and can be booked pre-cruise or on board at each ship’s Shore Excursion Desk.

“These once-in-a-lifetime tours embody NCL’s Freestyle Cruising by offering guests a completely customized experience to fit their individual needs, interests and schedule,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. “Now, guests sailing on any of our ships around the world have the option of choosing Ultimate Touring in all of our ports of call for a more personalized experience.”

More than 60 percent of cruisers look for personalized shore excursion options during their sailing, so this unique tour concept allows guests to discover Alaska, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Hawai`i, Mexico and South American ports at their own pace. These once-in-a-lifetime tours include:

·Helsinki, Finland – Archipelago Speed Boat Adventure: Guests jump on board a high speed boat and enjoy the sites on the way toward the narrow straight “Kustaanmiekka,” and then go full throttle. After getting a taste of the speed on water, guests will land ashore amidst the archipelago. Here, they will be treated to a Finish-style culinary experience and sample a taste of Finnish beer.

·Stockholm, Sweden – Rooftop Walk: During a guided walk conducted along the roofs of this historic city, guests will be stunned by the fantastic views and fascinating stories of a local guide. Tour locations include the Old Parliament Building, the Gamla Stan quarter and the Royal Palace.

·Livorno, Italy – 4x4 Rally Experience: From Lamborghinis to Ferraris, Italians have a passion for cars, and now NCL guests can too at the famous Rally Club of Barga. The experience begins at the pier where a 4x4 car and driver take guests for a ride of approximately one and a half hours through the Tuscan landscape. Once at the club, a professional driver gives tips on navigating the full mountain course where guests are able to drive through the obstacles.

·Valletta, Malta – Aerial View of Maltese Islands: Taking off from the spectacular Grand Harbor on a float plane, this 60-minute tour gives guests the chance to enjoy the beautiful archipelago from 1,500 feet in the air.

·Ketchikan, Alaska – NCL’s Freestyle Private Touring: An Alaskan’s Chef Table: A six-course tasting menu is planned to highlight Alaska’s sustainable, wild bounty. A personal chef serves a succulent meal while sharing secret methods of brining, roasting, smoking and grilling.

NCL also offers exclusive 4- and 9-hour tours in a private vehicle—a car (up to two guests) or minivan (up to seven guests)—which allows complete freedom for guests to maximize their time by exploring only the places that interest them.

]]> Carnival Launches New ‘Endless Summer Celebration’ Sale tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-06-30:87f423d8-024c-4fd4-abe8-f860e920b2da Randall Burkhardt 2008-06-30T16:13:28Z 2008-06-30T16:12:00Z  MIAMI, June 26 – Carnival Cruise Lines will launch a new sales promotion – “Endless Summer Celebration” – offering different weekly specials on “Fun Ship” cruises booked during the month of July. The new “Endless Summer Celebration” offers sales promotions on a wide range of three- to 12-day “Fun Ship” cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and Europe in 2008-09, with a different promotion featured each week. Upcoming offers for the “Endless Summer Celebration” sales event include shipboard credits; stateroom upgrades; special rates for third and fourth guests in a stateroom; holiday offers and regional savings; and discounts on a variety of fall, winter and spring departures.

“Summer is the perfect time to start planning that special family get-together for the holidays, an unforgettable weekend getaway in the fall or that much-needed break from midwinter doldrums,” said Lynn C. Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services. “Carnival’s ‘Endless Summer Celebration’ is a unique way to extend the summer while providing an excellent incentive for consumers to book their fall and winter getaways now, with attractive discounts and special offers available on a wide range of ‘Fun Ship’ departures,” she added.

The promotion is capacity controlled and not combinable with any other discount offer. Applies to new individual bookings only. Certain other restrictions apply.

]]> British Celebrity Myleene Klass Chosen as Godmother of Carnival Splendor tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-06-16:3d114534-ad8d-46f0-9c34-55a1f5d7e52c Randall Burkhardt 2008-06-16T20:35:02Z 2008-06-16T20:34:00Z MIAMI, June 9 -- British celebrity Myleene Klass, a chart-topping musican, singer and television personality, is to be godmother of the new Carnival Splendor and officially name the newest “Fun Ship” of the world’s largest cruise line in Dover, England on July 10, 2008. At 113,300 tons and carrying up to 4,914 passengers, the Carnival Splendor will be the largest passenger ship ever to sail from the Kent port chosen for this summer’s UK inaugural voyage departures. The naming ceremony will also mark another first with Carnival emphasizing its choice of Britain to launch the Carnival Splendor by dispensing with, for the first time ever, the traditional champagne and using the highly acclaimed Nyetimber English Sparkling wine to smash against the hull.

Myleene Klass is a classically trained musician and singer who has achieved enormous success on both the pop and classical charts in the U.K. She is also a tremendously popular TV presenter who has hosted numerous high profile British TV shows and currently hosts “The Screening Room” on CNN International, as well as the British radio program Classic FM Breakfast Show. Additionally, in 2007 she became the face of renowned British retailer Marks & Spencer and is currently featured in billboards, retail displays and television advertising throughout Britain.

Carnival Cruise Lines President and CEO Gerry Cahill said, “Myleene is the perfect godmother to name Carnival Splendor, with her many talents complementing the many features of the ship, which is already attracting a broad passenger base -- from families to couples to groups of friends – all with a common desire to enjoy a fun, casual and memorable vacation. The British cruising market is growing fast, with over 1.3 million taking cruises from the UK last year, and this is why we have chosen Britain for our inaugural summer season for Carnival Splendor.”

Carnival Splendor offers a comprehensive selection of restaurants, show-stopping entertainment, four swimming pools, a 5,500-square-foot children’s play area and Carnival’s largest-ever floating spa featuring a thalassotherapy pool, thermal suite and 17 treatment rooms.

Following the naming ceremony, the Carnival Splendor sets sail for a three-day mini preview cruise to Amsterdam, returning to Dover on July 13, when it will depart the same day for its official inaugural 12-day cruise to the Baltic countries, visiting Copenhagen, Warnemunde (for Berlin), Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn and Amsterdam. At the conclusion of its European program, which also includes a series of Mediterranean voyages, the Carnival Splendor will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for seven-day Caribbean departures. Following a series of 14- to 18-day South America voyages, Carnival Splendor begins year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, Calif., March 29, 2009.

]]> NCL Gets Physical With Wii Fit tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-06-16:5a8ad114-b991-4e62-8ac0-c7efb94031bc Randall Burkhardt 2008-06-16T20:33:36Z 2008-06-16T20:32:00Z Norwegian Cruise Line continues its successful partnership with Nintendo of America Inc. by getting physical at sea with the highly anticipated Wii Fit™, a revolutionary new fitness game on Wii™ designed to make fitness fun.

Wii Fit will be available fleet-wide on NCL’s 12 Freestyle Cruising ships for play in the atrium on two-story high video screens, on most ships, as well as other areas on board. Instruction will be led by NCL crew, trained by Nintendo, who will also facilitate contests and tournaments to encourage active participation.

Wii Fit utilizes the Wii Balance Board™, a new accessory that connects wirelessly to the Wii console, which serves as the centerpiece for more than 40 fun activities across four fitness categories: Yoga, Aerobics, Strength Training and Balance Games. Helpful virtual trainers coach users through the different activities and make suggestions for improvement.

Back to the top of the news list

Holland America Line Launches New Premium Shore Excursions

Seattle, June 9 -- The Collections of Holland America Line, debuting this summer on Alaska, Canada/New England and European itineraries, provide guests with nearly 500 specially selected shore excursions. Included in the Collections series are the Signature, Medallion, Encore and World Wonders Collections, each with its own individual focus and its own descriptive logo.

"The Collections of Holland America Line is just one more example of how we enrich the cruise experience for each guest," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "By offering private tours, exotic discoveries and 'off the beaten path' opportunities in ports around the world, our guests can be assured of receiving rich, lifetime memories every time they cruise with us."

Medallion Collection
Medallion Collection tours provide in-depth perspective and access to events and sights not normally or readily available. They feature first-class style, smaller groups and multi-day overland journeys. Examples include an unforgettable meal in Ketchikan on the Alaska Chef's Table; the opportunity to become a dolphin trainer for a day in Puerto Vallarta; or the chance to experience the timeless Spirit of Lake Titicaca on an overland adventure in South America.

Encore Collection
Designed especially for guests who have previously visited the destination, The Encore Collection provides tours beyond well-known attractions; each showcasing hidden gems, unique perspectives and insider's stories. For example, guests who have seen the Coliseum in Rome can instead select an Encore tour that will take them to Etruscan treasures of Tarquinia and Tuscania. For those who are tired of shopping in Cozumel, an Encore Mexican cuisine demonstration and tasting tour is an alternate choice for their consideration. Other Encore Collection excursions: a guided exploration of the most prominent and important places of Eva Peron's life in Buenos Aires; visits to the best tapas restaurants and bars in Barcelona; or a private boat tour of the islands of Istanbul.

World Wonders Collection
The World Wonders Collection features the many wonders of the world such as natural treasures, architectural marvels, and astounding technical achievements. Included in this collection is an overland adventure to the Galapagos Islands and the landmarks of Quito, a flight over the spectacular sights of Antarctica or a hike to the summit of Mauna Kea volcano in Hawaii.

Signature Collection
Designed for independent-minded travelers, Signature Collection tours allow guests to customize their excursions and to reserve private transportation (cars, minivans, Hummers, limousines or planes) for transport. This exclusive touring option comes with driver or pilot and an English-speaking guide in all ports where English is not the mother tongue. Samplings of Signature Collection tours include an exploration of Juneau's untamed coastline in a private boat or a private plane over Alaska's glaciers and forested terrain. In Europe, Asia and South America, guests can visit out-of-the-way villages or travel through ancient landscapes in a private car or van.
 
In addition to excursions in The Collections of Holland America Line, hundreds of exciting and interesting tours are available in 320 ports of call worldwide.

]]> NCL Makes Fuel Supplement Adjustment tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-06-08:2a062651-bb0f-4d80-bfaf-c1b8b45c625c Randall Burkhardt 2008-06-08T20:24:44Z 2008-06-08T20:24:00Z MIAMI, June 5 – As oil prices have continued to rise since NCL's earlier announcement of a fuel supplement, the company announced today an increase to its current fuel supplement. The new fuel supplement will be $11 per person per day for the first and second guests in a stateroom and $5 per person per day for any additional guests in the same stateroom, based on the guidelines below.

Individual reservations: The increased fuel supplement applies only to new individual reservations made on or after June 20, 2008.

Group reservations: The increased fuel supplement applies to any group reservation booked on or after June 20, 2008. The increased fuel supplement will also apply to group space held prior to June 20, 2008 without specific names and full confirming deposit by June 19, 2008.

]]> Fuel Supplement Increases: Carnival Corp Brands tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-06-08:6bd5f39b-a239-4a4c-9bab-c368393c2d41 Randall Burkhardt 2008-06-08T20:23:42Z 2008-06-08T20:23:00Z June 4 -- Carnival Cruise Lines: Effective for all new bookings on June 12, 2008, the fuel supplement will increase from $7 to $9 per guest, per day (based on double occupancy); and from $2 to $4 per guest per day for third/fourth/fifth guests.

The fuel supplement was necessitated by significant rises in fuel prices which have dramatically increased Carnival's operating costs. Unfortunately, we could not continue to shoulder this huge cost burden and it was necessary to implement a supplement to partially offset a portion of soaring fuel costs. Implementing this fuel supplement was a difficult decision and we hope that our guests will understand that this is a necessary step in today's challenging economic environment.

Voluntary Refund
Carnival announced a voluntary refund of the company's fuel supplement on March 31, 2008 for applicable U.S. bookings that were made prior to Nov 7, 2007 under an agreement with the Florida Attorney General's Office. The fuel supplement, announced Nov 7, 2007, was applied to all U.S. bookings for voyages departing on or after Feb 1, 2008.

The company will now refund the fuel supplement for those guests who were already booked at the time the supplement was announced. Refunds for affected guests will be implemented based on cruise departure date according to the following schedule:

- For cruises departing on or prior to April 4, 2008, guests will receive a refund in the same form they used to purchase their cruise;
- For cruises departing from April 5, 2008 through June 23, 2008, guests will receive an on-board credit;
- For cruises departing on or after June 24, 2008, guest bookings will be adjusted to eliminate the fuel supplement.

June 4 -- Princess Cruises & Cunard Line: Because of the continued rapid escalation of fuel prices, six of Carnival Corporation & plc’s brands, including Princess Cruises and Cunard Line, will increase their current fuel supplement from $7 to $9 (USD) per person per day. The fuel supplement for third and fourth passengers will increase from $2 to $4 (USD) per person per day.

The new fuel supplement will apply to all new bookings effective June 12, 2008. The fuel supplement will not exceed $126 per person per voyage for the first and second passengers, and $56 per person per voyage for the third and fourth passengers in a stateroom.

For bookings made from April 21, 2008 to June 11, 2008, the current fuel supplement of $7 (USD) per person for the first two passengers, and $2 (USD) per person per day for the third and fourth passengers will apply.

We regret having to take this action, but fuel price increases have continued, and we now find it necessary to implement a modest increase in the supplement. Please remember that all of your bookings made on or before June 11, 2008 will not be subject to the supplement increase. Most importantly, we want to thank you for your business and continuing support.

June 4 -- Holland America Line: Because of the continuing rapid escalation of fuel prices, the North American brands of Carnival Corporation, including Holland America Line, have announced an increase to the current fuel supplement from $7.00 to $9.00 (USD) per passenger per day. The fuel supplement on third, fourth and fifth passengers will increase from $2 to $4 (USD) per person per day. The new fuel supplements will apply to all new bookings effective June 12, 2008.

The fuel supplements will not exceed $126 (USD) per person per voyage for the first and second guests and $56 (USD) per person per voyage for the third, fourth and fifth guests in a stateroom.

For bookings made from Nov 7, 2007 to April, 20, 2008, the initial fuel supplement of $5 (USD) per person per day will apply. For bookings made from April 21, 2008 to June 11, 2008, the fuel supplement of $7 (USD) per person per day will apply, with $2 (USD) per person per day for third, fourth and fifth guests.

The fuel supplement is necessitated by significant rises in fuel prices which have dramatically increased Carnival Corporation's operating costs. We regret having to take this action, but fuel prices continue to increase, and we find it necessary to implement a modest increase in the supplement.

]]> Carnival Freedom to Operate Year-Round 6- and 8-Day Caribbean Cruises From Ft. Lauderdale Beginning Nov 2008 tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-06-08:87d9f022-8166-4957-ac68-01bfbbad4442 Randall Burkhardt 2008-06-08T20:22:07Z 2008-06-08T20:20:00Z  MIAMI, June 6 – Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,974-passenger Carnival Freedom, which was originally scheduled to operate 6- and 8-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, FL, on a seasonal basis, will now operate the program year-round, following the conclusion of its 2008 Mediterranean program in October. Carnival Freedom’s year-round schedule from Fort Lauderdale begins Nov 22, 2008, with 6-day cruises departing Sundays and visiting Key West, Fla., George Town, Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica, while 8-day voyages departing Saturdays alternate to the eastern and western Caribbean. Eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages visit five ports: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas/St. John, U.S.V.I.; Antigua, Lesser Antilles; Tortola/Virgin Gorda, B.V.I.; and Nassau, The Bahamas. Western Caribbean cruises include Cozumel, Mexico; Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama.

According to Lynn C. Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services, “The Caribbean is, by far, the most popular cruising region for North Americans. It is easily accessible and affordable, and when combined with attractive, destination-rich itineraries such as these, a Caribbean cruise represents the ideal vacation choice for consumers.” Torrent noted that while the plan had been for Carnival Freedom to return to Europe in 2009, the strong performance of the line’s entire Caribbean fleet made the new 6- and 8-day deployment a compelling choice.

Exciting Six- and Eight-Day Cruises
On Carnival Freedom’s 6-day cruises, guests can enjoy three distinctly different island experiences – Key West, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios – each of which offers excellent shopping and dining opportunities, along with a variety of “fun in the sun” activities, including magnificent beaches and watersports.

Carnival Freedom’s 8-day eastern Caribbean cruises feature five ports – San Juan, St. Thomas (optional shore excursion to St. John), Antigua, Tortola (optional shore excursion to Virgin Gorda) and Nassau – providing consumers a diversity of landside experiences, along with a variety of restaurants, shops and boutiques. A wide range of shore excursions are also offered, including horseback riding, scuba diving, hiking and kayaking. During an extended evening stay in San Juan, guests can also sample that city’s legendary nightlife.

In addition to historical sites and attractions, including centuries-old ruins, the 8-day western Caribbean cruises to Cozumel, Limon and Colon offer a multitude of dining, shopping and watersports experiences. A number of “adventure-type” tours, including canoeing, and white-water rafting, are featured, as well. From Colon, guests can experience all the wonders of the Panama Canal and even a unique bi-coastal railroad adventure. Both of these 8-day cruises offer visits to ports that are usually available only on cruises of 10 days or longer. In addition, these cruises depart on Saturdays and return on Sundays, which allow them to fit into the consumer’s traditional one-week vacation pattern.

‘Fun Ship’ Amenities
Spanning a length of 952 feet, Carnival Freedom offers a variety of on-board amenities and facilities: a 14,500-square-foot health and wellness facility, a jogging track, a duty-free shopping mall, full casino gambling, and 22 lounges and bars, including a multi-level theater showcasing lavish revues. Dining options include two two-level main dining rooms offering extensive menus and wine lists, a 1,200-seat poolside eatery with full breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and a 24-hour pizzeria, and an elegant reservations-only supper club.

Family friendly amenities include children’s programs for three different age groups – “Camp Carnival” for kids ages 2-11, “Circle C” for ’tweens, and “Club O2” for older teens – with facilities and activities for each. Carnival Freedom also offers a variety of accommodations including a wide selection of balcony staterooms and suites – perfect for scenic cruising. All Carnival Freedom accommodations feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows. Carnival Freedom also houses an Internet Café, along with ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Freedom’s year-round 6- and 8-day voyages from Fort Lauderdale, FL Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways and pre- and post-cruise South Florida land stays, are also available.

]]> Carnival Expands Alaska Shore Excursions With New Tours tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-05-19:faf2d2db-87f1-49f3-b183-bcdb6ab5dae5 Randall Burkhardt 2008-05-19T09:00:35Z 2008-05-19T08:59:00Z MIAMI, May 16 — Alaska is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations and Carnival Cruise Lines has expanded its shore excursion offerings in the “Last Frontier” with 10 exciting new tours that cater to adventure lovers and history buffs alike. Carnival’s summer 2008 lineup of new shore excursions includes everything from fascinating historical and cultural tours to glass-blowing demonstrations and a trip on one of the Bering Sea fishing boats from the reality program, “Deadliest Catch.” Carnival will offer more than 120 different shore excursion choices in total on its seven-day itineraries aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit. Voyages depart northbound from Vancouver or southbound from Whittier/Anchorage, with each itinerary introducing guests to Alaska’s stunning beauty through scenic cruising opportunities.

“Alaska is an incredibly diverse and naturally beautiful region where we can offer a wide variety of excursions that are unique to only that part of the world, “ said Mico Cascais, Carnival’s vice president of tour operations. “Today’s cruisers want more hands-on, eco-friendly shore excursions, and our tour program is continuously evolving to meet the demands of our guests.”

Guests have the option of sailing one of three seven-day itineraries: Southbound, Northbound or Glacier Bay. Each itinerary provides incredible views with scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, Lynn Canal, Prince William Sound, College Fjord and Glacier Bay as Carnival Spirit makes its way to Alaska’s most popular port towns including Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.

In Skagway, the Gateway to the Klondike, cruisers can now take part in the new “Golden Glassblowing Experience.” This hands-on outing allows guests to sculpt their own work of art complete with 24-karat gold and have the finished product packed and shipped home as the ultimate souvenir. Also making a debut this season is the “Takshanuk Mountain Trail by 4x4.” This journey begins with a scenic cruise aboard a high-speed catamaran down North America’s longest and deepest fjord. A four-wheel drive “mule,” or heavy-duty golf cart, continues the journey, taking guests to beautiful waterfalls and crystal clear creeks before reaching sub-alpine meadows, followed by a gourmet lunch and fast-ferry return to the ship.

Skagway, located in the upper Lynn Canal, is considered the northernmost point in Southeast Alaska and features wooden sidewalks, old-fashioned saloons and horse-drawn carriages serving as reminders of the Alaska gold rush days. Those seeking a golden treasure can opt for the “Gold Fever Adventure,” which allows guests to pan for gold on an active claim.

Joining Ketichkan’s array of excursions are four new experiences, including the “Bear Creek Zip Line and Challenge Course.” This eco-rainforest adventure begins with an all-terrain vehicle ride, suitable for beginners and experts, and features zip lines, tree platforms, a skywalk, a rainforest swing, rope-bridge and a spruce slide. Those seeking a more relaxing day can explore Revillagigedo Island, which boasts the world’s largest collection of totem poles, or opt for the “Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, Eagles & Totems,” an eco-exploration with a guided nature hike, bald eagle viewing and interaction with reindeer.

Foodies also are in for a treat with Carnival’s latest culinary offering in Ketchikan — “The Alaskan Chef’s Table, A Cultural Affair.” This culinary tour allows guests to see how local produce is caught and then crafted into a sumptuous Alaskan dinner party. This excursion keeps on giving once guests return home, as they receive a unique keepsake box featuring recipes for the dishes served so they, too, can re-create the fun for friends and family.

Those wanting to get a little more up-close and personal with their Alaskan fare may want to board the Aleutian Ballard for the “Bering Sea Crab Fisherman” experience. The Aleutian Ballard, the king crab fishing vessel made famous by the Discovery Channel’s original series “Deadliest Catch,” invites guests calling at Ketchikan to sail and learn how these boats operate and to hear first-hand accounts of the crews’ Bering Sea exploits.

Juneau, America’s largest capital city geographically, also presents an incredible opportunity for cruisers. Here guests can board their own private custom-built catamaran, complete with captain and naturalist, to explore the region’s ice-carved fjords and rugged coast. This “Wild Coast Exploration by Private Boat” accommodates up to six guests and lets them set a course for watching whales, bears and eagles, or hauling in their own catch of the day.

While calling at Sitka, history enthusiasts who take “Sitka's Cultural & Colonial Russian Tour” will gain an appreciation for the island community. Participants will delve into the region’s history at the Sheldon Jackson museum, the oldest exhibit of Indian and Eskimo artifacts in Alaska; view a former World War II PBY Aircraft Base, and visit St. Michael’s Cathedral — home to priceless religious artwork dating back to the late 15th century.

Back on board, Carnival Spirit’s activities cater to the whole family with relaxing spa experiences or dining options such as the elegant reservations-only Nouveau Supper Club, and children’s programs for three different age groups — Camp Carnival for kids, Circle C for ’tweens and Club O2 for teens.

Carnival Spirit also offers indoor and outdoor promenades, a variety of entertainment options and a diversity of nightclubs, lounges and live music venues. Additionally, 80 percent of the staterooms aboard the Carnival Spirit offer either an ocean view or balcony – ideal for scenic Alaska cruising.

]]> Royal Caribbean Intl Announces 2009-10 Caribbean Cruise Season, Offering Most Innovative Ships Afloat tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-04-22:0763efda-b500-464d-947e-12738b438e87 Randall Burkhardt 2008-04-22T11:14:26Z 2008-04-22T11:12:00Z  MIAMI, April 22 – Consistently pleasant weather, beautiful beaches and rich cultures make the Caribbean a rejuvenating and enriching region for a tropical getaway or a family cruise vacation. For the 2009-10 cruise season, Royal Caribbean Intl will offer 31 distinct itineraries on 264 sailings, ranging from six to 14 nights. Vacationers can choose departures aboard nine of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships from the ports of Miami, Port Everglades, and Port Canaveral, FL; Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ; Galveston, TX; San Juan, PR; and Colon, Panama.

“Royal Caribbean offers vacationers a wide range of Caribbean cruises departing from seven convenient homeports,” said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “We continue our legacy of delivering exhilarating Caribbean experiences in one of the world’s most spectacular destinations with some of the best ships in the industry geared for family and active vacations.”

Vacationers can choose year-round departures to the Caribbean from the ports of Miami, Port Canaveral, Cape Liberty, and San Juan. Freedom of the Seas debuts at Port Canaveral in May 2009 as the largest and most innovative cruise ship in the port’s history. The Freedom-class cruise ship will sail alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, replacing Voyager-class Mariner of the Seas, which will depart for its new homeport of Los Angeles in January 2009.

Unlike any other vacation experience, Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-class of ships exclusively feature amenities that have revolutionized the industry, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, the H20 Zone water park, a boxing ring, cantilevered whirlpools, and the four-bedroom/four-bath Presidential Family Suite. With eight restaurants and more than 15 bars and lounges, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas offer guests more ways to enjoy a memorable Caribbean cruise vacation.

From Miami, Liberty will sail alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries in the summer 2009 season, but changes to two alternating Western Caribbean itineraries in the winter. Liberty’s traditional Western Caribbean itinerary will alternate with a new Western Caribbean itinerary in November, which includes ports of call at Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

Adventure of the Seas will homeport year-round at San Juan, offering two new alternating seven-night Southern Caribbean itineraries with Sunday departures, while Serenade of the Seas will join Adventure in the winter and offer a Saturday departure. New ports of call at Grenada, Dominica and St. Croix for both ships, and additionally Tortola and St. Kitts for Serenade, create two back-to-back voyages with no repeat calls. The distinct alternating itineraries of either ship will give vacationers the opportunity to combine two sailings into an extended 14-night Southern Caribbean odyssey.

Additional winter season highlights include the following itineraries:
--Independence of the Seas will sail six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades, giving vacationers a choice of six Caribbean itineraries aboard one of three Freedom-class ships.
--Explorer of the Seas will continue its third consecutive year-round deployment at Cape Liberty sailing Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries, ranging from eight to 12 nights. A special 14-night holiday cruise departs December 20, 2009.
--Voyager of the Seas will return to Galveston, TX in December 2009 to offer two alternating Western Caribbean itineraries, one new, featuring calls at Roatán, Honduras, and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.
--Jewel of the Seas will sail 10- and 11-night Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises from Miami. On a very special holiday sailing, Jewel will make a maiden call on Christmas Eve at the new Jamaican cruise port of Falmouth.
--Enchantment of the Seas will return to Colon, Panama to offer seven-night Southern Caribbean cruises to Colombia and the ABC Islands. Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line to homeport in Colon.

Onboard every Royal Caribbean ship, guests enjoy complimentary 24-hour room service, award-winning Broadway-style musical revues from Royal Caribbean Productions, top-rated Adventure Ocean kids programming with teen-only spaces fleetwide, and Royal Caribbean’s Gold Service Standard of friendly and engaging service from staff and crew.

On many Western Caribbean itineraries, guests also enjoy a call at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination along the northwestern coast of Haiti. Labadee’s features a wide variety of watersports and excursions, a craft market, Labadee Luc’s Splash Bash pirate water park, and the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the world’s longest zip line over water at 2,600 ft.

]]> Princess Cruises Builds on Tradition of Worldwide Itineraries, Combining Long-Time Favorites with New, Emerging Destinations tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-04-08:5d82eddb-35a2-4951-a6b9-ae4591d429ef Randall Burkhardt 2008-04-08T12:17:39Z 2008-04-08T12:16:00Z SANTA CLARITA, CA, April 3 - Continuing its long tradition of bringing passengers to some of the world's most intriguing places, Princess Cruises has released its 2009-10 schedule of exotic itineraries which include long-time passenger favorites along with some new, emerging destinations. With the new program, passengers will be able to explore the splendors of Asia, the spectacular scenery of South America and Antarctica, the popular "Down Under" attractions of Australia & New Zealand, the South Pacific idylls of Hawaii and Tahiti, fall foliage journeys to Canada & New England, and a new world cruise adventure.

The new lineup of global cruises includes more than 110 sailings on 10 ships to all seven continents with six new itineraries and calls at more than 180 destinations including 11 new ports. Destinations include Africa, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Hawaii, Tahiti, India, South America, Canada & New England, and a world cruise.

New for this season, the line has increased capacity in Asia with two ships and three new 14- to 16-day itineraries offered on the newly named Ocean Princess (formerly Tahitian Princess), which will also venture into India and Africa. Other new itineraries include a 31-day West Africa Adventure and a special 13-day holiday sailing in Australia/New Zealand on Diamond Princess. In addition, Pacific Princess will set off on an extensive 107-day world cruise visiting 40 destinations. The 2010 worldwide sailing will feature maiden calls to a number of fascinating new ports, including Topolobampo for Mexico's Copper Canyon, Vietnam's "City of Peace" Halong Bay, and Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.

The program's 10 ships offer a full range in size from the line's three intimate, 680-passenger small ships to the largest 3,100-passenger amenity-filled vessels. Ocean Princess will sail on a variety of new sailings in Asia, India and Africa. Pacific Princess will take over the line's popular Tahiti & Polynesia sailings before setting out on a new world cruise itinerary. Golden Princess will return to the lush Hawaiian Islands, now with Sunday departures from Los Angeles. Royal Princess will once again venture up the world's largest river - the mighty Amazon, while Star Princess returns to cruising around South America's Cape Horn and Antarctica, plus offering two South Pacific crossings between the West Coast and Sydney. Diamond Princess will again cruise through Asia and "Down Under" to Australia & New Zealand. The line will also continue to offer year-round cruising from Australia aboard Sun Princess, which is joined by Dawn Princess for Aussie-style voyages to New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific, departing from Sydney or Melbourne. And in fall, Crown Princess joins Caribbean Princess to sail the Eastern seaboard to Canada & New England.

Eleven new ports debut - Muscat, the capital of Oman; Yangon in Myanmar; Qingdao, a beautiful seaside city in China; Fukuoka, western Japan's major cultural center; Phillip Island in southern Australia, where visitors can watch the local penguins on their daily parade; Newcastle, Australia; the Caribbean island of Nevis; and on the world cruise Topolobampo, the gateway to the majestic Copper Canyon in Mexico; Picton, New Zealand at the head of the South Island's lovely Queen Charlotte Sound; Halong Bay/Hanoi (Cai Lan) in Vietnam; and Sharm el-Sheik, a resort city on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

"We know our passengers are explorers who revel in the opportunity to see some of the world's exotic locales," said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "So we've designed a full slate of itineraries to take them to all seven continents in the comfort of our wonderful ships."

New Tahitian/Ocean Princess Sailings to Asia, India and Africa - Tahitian Princess will sail on one last Africa, India and Southeast Asia itinerary from Cape Town to Singapore before being transformed into the new Ocean Princess. The newly renamed ship will then set off on a series of cruises through Asia, including new itineraries such as the Treasures of Southeast Asia between Singapore and Shanghai, South China Sea Explorer between Shanghai and Bangkok, and China & Japan Explorer between Shanghai and Tokyo. The ship will end the season with an Africa, India and Southeast Asia voyage from Singapore to Cape Town and a West Africa Adventure from Cape Town to London (Dover). Sailings depart between September 17, 2009 and May 7, 2010.

Golden Princess to Hawaii - Golden Princess returns to Princess' popular Hawaii route, offering convenient 14-day roundtrip sailings from the port of Los Angeles. The itinerary features visits to the Big Island (Hilo), Honolulu, Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Maui (Lahaina). Golden Princess will sail on 16 Sunday departures between September 27, 2009 and April 25, 2010.

Diamond Princess in Asia and Australia/New Zealand - Diamond Princess returns to the Far East with a series of voyages throughout Southeast Asia and China as well as Australia & New Zealand sailings. Choices include six cruises on a 16-day Beijing/Bangkok itinerary, five sailings on the favorite 12-day run between Sydney and Auckland, plus a new 13-day Australia/New Zealand holiday sailing that adds the new port of Phillip Island. Other itinerary options are an 18-day Eastern Australia and Asia cruise from Bangkok to Sydney, and a 20-day Western Australia and Asia sailing from Sydney back to Bangkok. Two Alaska & the Far East cruises begin and end the season, which runs from September 12, 2009 through April 30, 2010.

Royal Princess through the Amazon - Royal Princess will sail on nine sailings of an enhanced 14-day Amazon River adventure between Ft. Lauderdale and Manaus, Brazil. The 710-passenger ship will visit St. Barthelemy (or the new port of Nevis on two sailings), St. Lucia, Trinidad, Devil's Island, and the Amazon ports of Santarém, Boca da Valéria, and Parintins plus an overnight visit to Manaus. Royal Princess sails between December 19, 2009 and April 10, 2010.

Star Princess - South Pacific, South America and Antarctica - Star Princess will start the season with two South Pacific crossings, sailing between San Francisco or Los Angeles and Sydney. The ship then heads down to South America for sailings around Cape Horn (between Santiago and Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires) and two Antarctic adventures. The ship also will begin and end the South America season with an Andes & South America route between Santiago and Los Angeles or San Francisco. Star Princess' season runs from September 23, 2009 through March 30, 2010.

Pacific Princess to Tahiti and Hawaii - Pacific Princess takes over the popular 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia cruises, sailing roundtrip from Papeete and calling at Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea (overnight), Tahaa Scenic Cruising, Bora Bora (overnight), and Moorea. The ship offers seven departures between October 9 and December 8, 2009. In addition, the ship will sail on one Hawaiian Islands cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu, a Hawaii & Tahiti sailing, and a 26-day South Pacific & Andes Explorer adventure from Tahiti (Papeete) to Ft. Lauderdale which features an optional overland tour to Machu Picchu as well as a full transit of the Panama Canal.

Sun Princess and Dawn Princess Australia Departures - Both Sun Princess and Dawn Princess will offer a selection of sailings departing from Sydney and Melbourne, featuring Australian-style cruising. Itineraries include voyages to New Zealand, Tasmania, New Caledonia & Vanuatu, and Round Australia sailings that circumnavigate the continent. Sun Princess will also sail on a journey to China & Japan roundtrip from Sydney and Dawn Princess offers a Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific voyage. The season's sailings depart between October 17, 2009 and April 3, 2010.

World Cruise - Pacific Princess - Pacific Princess spans the globe with a 107-day journey of a lifetime from Ft. Lauderdale to Rome, visiting some of the most dramatic locations on the globe, including Aruba, San Blas Islands, Panama Canal transit, Costa Rica (Puntarenas), Guatemala (Puerto Quetzal), Acapulco, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Topolobampo (for Copper Canyon), Los Angeles, Honolulu, Fiji (Suva), Vanuatu (Vila), New Caledonia (Nouméa), Bay of Islands, Auckland, Picton (for Marlborough Sounds), Sydney (overnight), Cairns (for the Great Barrier Reef), Rabaul (Papau New Guniea), Micronesia (Chuuk), Guam (Northern Mariana Islands), Nagasaki, Pusan (South Korea), Beijing (Xingang - overnight), Hong Kong, Halong Bay/Hanoi (Cai Lam), Kota Kinabalu, Brunei (Muara), Singapore, Phuket, Maldives Islands (Male), Mumbai, Dubai, Muscat (Mina Qaboos), Safaga (for Luxor/Karnak), Sharm el-Sheik, Aqaba (for Petra), Suez Canal transit, Athens (Piraeus), and Sorrento/Capri. This world cruise departs on January 27, 2010 with segments ranging from 18 to 89 days available for explorers who'd like a shorter voyage.

Caribbean Princess and Crown Princess to Canada & New England - Along with the previously announced 7-day Caribbean Princess Canada & New England program, Crown Princess will sail on Princess' classic 10-day route between New York and Québec City. Ports of call include Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John (New Brunswick), Halifax, Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Ville Saguenay (Québec), plus an overnight stay in charming Québec City. The ship will offer three departures on this route between September 23 and October 13, 2009. In addition, Crown Princess will sail on a 15-day Canada & Colonial America itinerary from Québec City to Ft. Lauderdale on October 23, with an overnight in Québec City and calls at Corner Brook (Newfoundland), Sydney (Nova Scotia), Halifax, Saint John (New Brunswick), Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, New York City, Norfolk, and Charleston. Caribbean Princess seven-day itineraries sail roundtrip from New York from August 22 to October 17, 2009 visiting Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John (New Brunswick) and Halifax.

A variety of cruisetour packages are available in Australia, Asia, South America and Canada/New England, offering cruise passengers the opportunity to add to their vacation with such wonders as the Angkor Wat, Ayers Rock, and Machu Picchu. Exotic cruises are available for booking on April 23, 2008. Past Princess passengers are eligible for up to $100 in Captain's Circle Launch Savings on bookings made by December 31, 2008 (excluding the world cruise). Past passengers booking the full world cruise by this date are also eligible for special offers, including air-inclusive travel or a $300 Captain's Circle Launch Savings discount (depending on cabin category booked).

]]> Carnival Offering All-Inclusive Cruise/Air Packages to Europe tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-03-31:69c7eae8-ca59-4ab5-a3f0-fecf9dca9ae8 Randall Burkhardt 2008-03-31T14:42:33Z 2008-03-31T14:41:00Z MIAMI, March 25 -- For those seeking a more affordable way to see Europe this summer, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering special cruise/air packages for its 12-day "Grand Mediterranean" and "Mediterranean, Greece & Turkey" cruises aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Freedom. The special rates are available in conjunction with nearly 40 different North American gateway cities and eight different "Grand Mediterranean" and "Mediterranean, Greece & Turkey" voyages departing June through August. Both itineraries operate round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia).

"With today's high euro/dollar exchange rates, a 'Fun Ship' cruise is already one of the most affordable ways to experience and explore Europe's fascinating history, culture and architecture, and these new cruise/air packages make the value greater than ever," said Lynn C. Torrent, Carnival's senior vice president of sales and guest services.

The special cruise/air packages are available in conjunction with Carnival Freedom's 12-day "Grand Mediterranean" cruises departing June 3 and 27, July 9 and 21 and Aug. 2 and 26, 2008. These voyages visit seven ports: Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice (two-day call), Italy; Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy. On these cruises, guests can visit Capri, Taormina, Monte Carlo, Florence and Pisa, home to centuries-old landmarks and celebrated museums. The two-day Venice call offers myriad opportunities to view that city's stunning architecture and visit magnificent museums and cathedrals.

Cruise/air packages are also available in conjunction with Carnival Freedom's 12-day "Mediterranean, Greece & Turkey" voyages departing June 15 and Aug. 14. These voyages feature eight ports: Naples, Italy; Marmaris, Turkey; Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey; scenic cruising of the Dardanelles; Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; and Livorno, Italy; and an overnight call in Rome (Civitavecchia). Highlights include Greece's legendary Acropolis and the ancient settlements of Olympia, Priere, Didyma, and Miletus. Guests can also visit Istanbul's fabled Blue Mosque, and tour the Coliseum or Vatican City during the overnight call in Civitavecchia.

A "floating resort" in every sense of the word, Carnival Freedom features 22 lounges and bars, four swimming pools, a 13,300-square-foot spa, 100 percent "bow-to-stern" wireless Internet access, cell phone service, and "Carnival's Seaside Theatre," a 270-square-foot LED screen displaying movies, concerts and other programming.

A wide variety of formal and casual dining options - including twin two- level main dining rooms, a reservations-only supper club and a 1,400-seat casual eatery with 24-hour pizza and ice cream - are also available. Organized activities for kids in three age groups, including "Camp Carnival" for kids 2- 11, "Circle C" for 12- to 14-year olds, and "Club O2" for older teens - are among the ship's numerous family-friendly amenities.

Also featured is a wide selection of spacious staterooms, including hundreds with private balconies - ideal for scenic European cruising. All Carnival Freedom staterooms include the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

Carnival is currently accepting reservations on all of the Carnival Freedom's various 2008 European departures. Rates are based on interior accommodations for select departure dates and subject to change without notice. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, as well as pre- and post-cruise land stays in Rome are also available.

]]> Royal Caribbean Announces Summer & Fall 2009 Cruises tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-03-31:9b34e356-a6fd-48c8-b953-d050bfa38016 Randall Burkhardt 2008-03-31T14:39:04Z 2008-03-31T14:37:00Z MIAMI, March 27 - Royal Caribbean Intl announced the line´s summer and fall 2009 itineraries sailing from the Northeast, offering more convenient homeports from which to embark on a memorable cruise. Vacationers can choose from one of 17 distinct and exhilarating itineraries to Canada and New England, Bermuda, and the Caribbean on 66 Royal Caribbean sailings from the New York, Boston, Baltimore, and Norfolk metropolitan areas. Bookings for these summer and fall 2009 cruises are open.

"Royal Caribbean continues to offer close and convenient homeports for vacationers in the Northeast United States," said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "Explorer of the Seas will begin its third consecutive year of year-round service from the New York metropolitan area, and Grandeur will be the only ship to offer Bermuda and Caribbean getaways for Mid-Atlantic vacationers from Norfolk´s new cruise port, Half Moone Center. With three ships sailing from four Northeast ports, including Boston and Baltimore, vacationers have a wide array of options for an invigorating Royal Caribbean cruise."

Guests on Royal Caribbean's cruises from the Northeast will sail aboard one of three of the world´s most innovative ships, Explorer of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas.

As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Voyager-class Explorer offers guests still-uncommon, industry-revolutionizing amenities, such as an onboard ice-skating rink, full-size basketball court, inline skating track, iconic rock-climbing wall, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of shops, restaurants, bars and lounges that runs nearly the length of the ship. Jewel of the Seas' highlights include a 10-story, glass-constructed Centrum, glass elevators facing the sea, and the highest percentage of outside cabins in the Royal Caribbean fleet, offering spectacular vistas of the autumn foliage. Grandeur of the Seas´ design offers a more intimate guest experience with all the amenities that come with a larger ship.

Onboard every Royal Caribbean ship, guests enjoy complimentary 24-hour room service, award-winning Broadway-style musical revues from Royal Caribbean Productions, top-rated Adventure Ocean kids programming with teen-only spaces fleetwide, and Royal Caribbean´s Gold Service Standard of friendly and engaging service from staff and crew.

Vibrant Kaleidoscope of Canada & New England Colors and Cultures
Explorer of the Seas will offer nine-night round-trip itineraries from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, NJ, with calls at Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and Quebec City, Quebec, a guest favorite and the line´s highest rated port of call. Guests also cruise the Saguenay River, the line´s second-highest rated Canadian port. Jewel of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas will make maiden calls at Rockland, ME, as the largest cruise ships to call at the port. In addition to the wide variety of restaurants, galleries and museums, Rockland will turn the city´s main street into a pedestrian mall to welcome guests.

From Boston, Jewel of the Seas will take guests on five- and seven-night round-trip itineraries, while Grandeur of the Seas will offer eight- and nine-night round-trip sailings from the port of Baltimore. Jewel and Grandeur will call at Canadian ports of St. John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well as the Maine ports of Portland, Bar Harbor and Rockland.

Great Bermudian & Caribbean Escapes
Royal Caribbean will sail to Bermuda and the Caribbean in 2009 with two ships, Explorer of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas.

From Cape Liberty, Explorer of the Seas will continue to offer alternating five-night Bermuda and nine-night Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries. The nine-night voyage includes a day-visit at Kings Wharf, while the five-night itinerary overnights there, giving guests an opportunity to take in the island´s nightlife.

During April through mid-June, Grandeur of the Seas will offer alternating five-night Bermuda and nine-night Eastern Caribbean round-trip itineraries from Norfolk. The five-night itinerary also features an overnight call at Kings Wharf, and the nine-night sailing makes a call at Labadee, Haiti, Royal Caribbean´s private beach destination.

In June, Grandeur repositions to Baltimore, also to offer similar and alternating itineraries through November.

]]> MSC Cruises' Newest Ship MSC Orchestra to Join MSC Lirica for 2008-09 Caribbean Season tag:starwardvacations.com,2008-01-30:e54384ec-e11d-41f0-993d-e662530dadb8 Randall Burkhardt 2008-01-30T20:48:03Z 2008-01-30T20:47:00Z  

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Jan 24 – MSC Cruises will be bringing two state-of-the-art ships, including its newest, to Fort Lauderdale for an exciting 2008-09 Caribbean season that features seven itineraries, 16 enchanting ports, the line’s first call in Bermuda and several special theme cruises. Guests can select itineraries that feature the tropical Deep Caribbean, the wonders of the Western Caribbean, the jewels of the Eastern Caribbean, the exotic Caribbean featuring Panama and the pink sand beaches of Bermuda as well as transatlantic voyages between Fort Lauderdale and some of Europe’s most intriguing ports of call. Most of the itineraries include visits to Cayo Levantado, the line’s private island experience in the Dominican Republic, where guests have the option to explore the waters around the island and view humpback whales as they arrive in the warmer Caribbean waters off the coast of the Dominican Republic to mate and enjoy their newborns.

MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC Orchestra, which debuted in 2007, will sail her inaugural Caribbean season, joining MSC Lirica, which has sailed Caribbean waters for several seasons. At 92,400 gross tons, 196 feet high and 961 feet long, with 16 decks (13 of which are passenger decks), MSC Orchestra is the largest member of the line’s fleet to sail the Caribbean. It can carry 2,550 passengers (double occupancy) in 1,275 staterooms (80% outside staterooms, most with a private balcony).

“MSC Orchestra is ideally suited for the preferences of our American and Canadian guests,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA). “It is an elegant ship that epitomizes the line’s ‘Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.’ approach to cruising.”

With more than 236,800 square feet of public areas and 5 restaurants (L’Ibiscus, Villa Borghese, La Piazzetta, Four Seasons, the Shanghai Chinese Restaurant – the only dedicated Chinese restaurant at sea), 10 bars (two of which are open air), 3 meeting and conference rooms, a 21-foot by 12-foot outdoor LED screen that airs movies on the pool deck, and the 16,146 square feet for the Body and Mind Spa, MSC Orchestra represents the perfect combination of grace and style.

MSC Orchestra will arrive in Fort Lauderdale Jan. 2, 2009. The following day she will begin sailing alternating 7-night roundtrip itineraries through April 25, 2009:

--Eastern Caribbean, calling at Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John, Antigua; and Nassau, Bahamas, as well as two days at sea.
--Western Caribbean, calling at Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic, and two days at sea.
--A special 7-night roundtrip Bermuda sailing departs Fort Lauderdale April 25, 2009. This itinerary includes three days in King’s Wharf, Bermuda and a day in Nassau, Bahamas, as well as two sea days.

MSC Orchestra is scheduled to depart Fort Lauderdale May 2, 2009 on an 18-night voyage that will include a two-day visit to New York before heading eastbound to Copenhagen. The itinerary includes calls at Ponta Delgado, Azores; Lisbon, Portugal; Vigo, Spain; La Coruna, Spain; and Dover, England before arriving in Copenhagen.

MSC LIRICA’S ITINERARIES
MSC Lirica will arrive in Fort Lauderdale Dec. 3, 2008 to begin a Caribbean season that includes the following itineraries:

--10-night Deep Caribbean, calling at San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Port Castries, St. Lucia; St. John’s, Antigua; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Cayo Levantado, as well as three days at sea.
--10-night Caribbean featuring Panama, calling at Costa Maya, Mexico; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Cristobal, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; and Cayo Levantado, and four days at sea;
--7-night Western Caribbean, calling at Key West, Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cayo Levantado and two sea days. One of the Western Caribbean sailings is the New Year’s cruise.
--7-night Eastern Caribbean, calling at Cayo Levantado, Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Nassau, Bahamas, and two days at sea. This is the line’s Christmas cruise.

MSC Lirica begins its eastbound transatlantic crossing on April 23, 2009. The 16-night cruise calls at San Juan, Puerto Rico; Fort de France, Martinique; Funchal, Portugal; Lisbon, Portugal; Vigo, Spain and Le Havre, France, before arriving in Dover, England on May 9, 2009.

Theme Cruises
The 2008-09 Caribbean season will also feature several special theme cruises:
--Baseball Theme Cruises: Because MSC Cruises has received such strong response from previous seasons to guests who have had the opportunity to mingle and learn from some of the greats of the game, five baseball theme cruises are slated for the 2008-09 Caribbean season, including MSC Lirica’s Dec. 13 sailing and MSC Orchestra’s Jan. 24, Feb. 28, March 28 and April 11 departures.
--Big Band Cruise: MSC Lirica’s Dec. 3 Deep Caribbean itinerary will featuring the 15-piece Les DeMerle Big Band with vocalist Bonnie Eisele. Featuring the sounds of Ellington, Basie, James and Miller, plus Broadway hits, rock ‘n’ roll classics, hot Latin grooves and show-stoppers from the ‘40s through today. The band will also perform a Big Band Jazz Concert and conduct a lecture on the Big Band era.

“Kids Sail Free” with MSC Cruises on all sailings all the time. Children ages 17 and younger sail free when they accompany two full-fare-paying adults in a stateroom (government fees and taxes are additional

]]> Cruise Vacations with Children tag:starwardvacations.com,2006-12-13:c1665173-0d07-4a6d-bdf8-cd97a3cd4044 Randall Burkhardt 2006-12-13T15:08:00Z 2006-12-13T15:08:00Z  

Cruise ships are an excellent location to have your vacation. Many people, including parents, think that cruise ships are not designed for children. This is simply not true.

If you are the parent of kids under the age of 12, you may be asking yourself if they should accompany you on your cruise. If you can financially afford additional tickets, you should bring your children along.

Not only will a cruise be memorable to your kids, but it will be exciting. A large number of cruise lines have tailored their cruise ships to children of all ages, including those under the age of 12.

The activities for children, under the age of 12, will vary from ship to ship. For this reason, it is critical that you study each ship before making a final decision. However, there are lots of activities geared towards children that can be found on almost all cruise ships.

One of the popular activities is gaming. Arcade rooms are common on most cruise ships. They offer children a safe place to have fun. Many arcade rooms are staffed with employees.

Another fun activity for children is swimming. All cruise ships have a swimming pool. In addition to an adult sized swimming pool, wading pools can often be found aboard a number of popular family themed cruises.

The majority of cruise ships have movie theater or a performance stage. A large number of cruise lines offer family friendly movies, plays, and other performances.

Cruise ship restaurants offer children’s menus. These menus are likely to include tasty, but kid sized meals. Many cruise ships offer discounts on meals for children under the age of 12.

There are also cruise ship childcare centers. For free or a small fee, you can leave your children in the care of a trained and experienced childcare worker.

]]> How to Pack For a Cruise tag:starwardvacations.com,2006-12-13:d72a2575-48d4-45e5-b4ee-ef19e70e75ff Randall Burkhardt 2006-12-13T15:05:00Z 2006-12-13T15:05:00Z

 

What to Pack For a Cruise?

Regardless of where you are going, keep in mind that cabins are small and have little closets and drawers. This is the vital information to know when you are packing. So, what to pack for a cruise?

- You favorite wardrobe.

- In you go to colder climates, you should bring a jacket and some long sleeve shirts. Pack sturdy hiking boots if we you go to Alaska.

- Put all of your clothes in dry cleaners plastic bags to keep your clothes from wrinkling.

- Wall mount power outlet with 3 outlets.

- An international power converter and a currency converter.

- Bring all of your toiletries, lotions, medications and dental care products. You should also pack Alka Seltzer, constipation relief products, cough drops, aspirin and band aids.

- Cell phone and the charger.

- A sunscreen if you are going to the Caribbean. Even in Alaska you will need a sunscreen.

- Your camera. If you plan to use a digital camera take extra memory cards.

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