Passport Requests Backlogged Up to 10 Weeks

Passport Requests Backlogged Up to 10 Weeks
Published on: March 20, 2007

The U.S. State Department reportedly has been inundated with requests for passports. It could take 10 weeks instead of the usual six to process routine applications, according to the department. Expedited requests, which cost an extra $60 on top of the normal $97 fee, reportedly now take four weeks instead of two. About 12 million passport applications were processed in 2006, and as many as 17 million are expected this year, according to the U.S. State Department. Some 74 million Americans have valid passports. For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov.

RCCL Creates Onboard Vitality Program

Royal Caribbean Creates Onboard Vitality Program
Published on: March 20, 2007

Royal Caribbean International created a new Vitality Program designed to help vacationers find better balance in their lives. Launching in April on the new Liberty of the Seas, the program provides an integrated approach to wellness, offering guests more choices to foster a healthier lifestyle. The program includes new fitness and spa offerings, healthful culinary options and active onboard and shoreside activities. The Vitality Program provides opportunities to incorporate sports and fitness of every activity level into their cruise vacation. In addition, a variety of spa treatments are aimed at helping guests find their individual lifestyle balance. Tai Chi and meditation classes, therapeutic Chinese herbal medicinal offerings and acupuncture at sea round out the roster.

Guests are encouraged to participate in the revamped “New Look & New You” program, which offers mini-makeovers. The “Eat More to Weigh Less” program includes a personal tour of Windjammer Café, the cruise line’s buffet restaurant, with an instructor who provides tips on healthier food choices and information on developing eating habits for lifelong health. A lecture series offers advice on stress and relaxation, weight management, and health and fitness.

Brand partner New Balance is installing a virtual personal-trainer kiosk on the line’s Freedom-class ships to help create a customized cruise fitness regimen as well as a post-vacation exercise plan. Land-based Vitality fitness offerings will be available in various ports of call as well as New Balance self-guided running maps and an extensive running course on Labadee, Haiti, the cruise line’s private island destination. The Vitality program will offer energy bars, protein and green tea drinks, and Tazo iced- and hot-teas. Healthier menu options, including trans-fat-free meals, all-natural ingredients and freshly prepared breads and meals, will be offered.

For more information or to make your reservation, call Amy at A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel.

Princess Service Ships Luggage to Ship

Princess Service Ships Luggage to Ship
Published on: March 20, 2007

Princess Cruises introduced a new Luggage Valet service, which ships passenger baggage directly to the vessel. The service picks up luggage from a passenger’s home and delivers it to their stateroom. The new service will first be available for travelers on European voyages, beginning aboard Grand Princess on May 14, Emerald Princess on May 17, Star Princess on May 22, and Royal Princess on June 1. The program will subsequently be expanded to other destinations later in the year. Shipping will be provided by DHL Worldwide Express.

Reservations for the new Luggage Valet service will be available up to 30 days prior to the cruise sailing date. Princess Luggage Valet pick-up is available from residential addresses in the continental United States and Canada, and bags can be delivered to both domestic and international cruise ports. Another service, Princess Package Valet, will begin later in the season, offering to ship home items purchased at the ship’s onboard boutiques. Prices for Princess Luggage Valet start at $90 per bag each way for domestic shipments, and vary depending on baggage weight and destination. All baggage is insured up to $2,000 with additional insurance available for purchase.

For more information or to book your reservation, contact Amy at A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel.