Uniworld Debuts Two New European Itineraries

Uniworld Debuts Two New European Itineraries
Published on: June 6, 2007

Uniworld Grand River Cruises is offering 10-day “Rhine Rhapsody” cruise from Amsterdam to Speyer on the River Queen. The company also is promoting its “Delightful Danube and Main” program, which operates as an eight-day sailing from Vienna to Wurzburg (Frankfurt) or nine days from Wurzburg (Frankfurt) to Vienna, on the River Countess. The Rhine cruise explores such ports as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Cologne, Luxembourg and Speyer. The “Delightful Danube and Main” cruise sails from Vienna to Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Bamberg and Wurzburg (Frankfurt). The “Rhine Rhapsody” is priced from $1,599 per person, cruise only. The “Delightful Danube and Main,” is priced from $1,399 per person, cruise only. Uniworld cruises include river-view staterooms, all meals and entertainment onboard, the services of a Uniworld cruise manager, and shore excursions lead by English-speaking guides.

For more information or to make your reservation, contact Amy at A Room With A View.

Carnival Splendor to Launch Northern Europe Program

Carnival Splendor to Launch Northern Europe Program
Published on: May 1, 2007

Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor — representing a new class of vessel with innovations such as new spa staterooms — will debut in July 2008 operating the line’s first-ever Northern European cruise program. These 12-day Northern Europe voyages, which will operate July 13 through Aug. 30, 2008, will visit Denmark, Germany, Finland, Russia, Estonia and The Netherlands. Following the Northern European voyages, Carnival Splendor will feature a 12-day London-to-Rome cruise Sept. 11, 2008, and then sail a series of 12-day Mediterranean voyages Sept. 23 through Oct. 17, 2008.

Carnival Splendor will be the second Carnival ship deployed in Europe next year, joining the Carnival Freedom which will operate a program of 12-day Mediterranean cruises May-to-October 2008. Also included in Carnival Splendor’s 2008 inaugural season will be a 16-day transatlantic voyage departing Rome Oct. 29, as well as a series of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale commencing Nov. 22, 2008. A one-time four-day eastern Caribbean cruise will depart from Fort Lauderdale Nov. 17, 2008. The 12-night Northern Europe debuts July 13, 2008, departing from London (Dover). Other departure dates include July 25, Aug. 6, Aug. 18 and Aug. 30, 2008. Ports include Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (two-day call); Tallin, Estonia; and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Following the Northern Europe cruises, Carnival Splendor will operate a one-time 12-day Western Mediterranean cruise departing London (Dover) Sept. 11, 2008, and calling at Le Havre (Paris), France; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga and Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy. Carnival Splendor will then operate one “Grand Mediterranean” and two “Mediterranean & Greek Isles” cruises round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) Sept. 23 to Oct. 17, 2008. The 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruise will depart Sept. 23, 2008, and call at Naples and Venice (two-day call), Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy. The two 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises will depart Oct. 5 and Oct. 17, 2008, calling at Naples, Italy; Marmaris, Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey, with scenic cruising of the Dardanelles; Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; and Livorno, Italy, as well as an overnight call in Rome (Civitavecchia).
As the first in a new class of “Fun Ships,” Carnival Splendor will offer a 21,000-square-foot health and fitness center, which will feature Carnival’s first elaborate thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool covered by a glass dome.

Surrounding the facility will be 68 spa staterooms, also a first for Carnival. Guests in spa staterooms will have exclusive entry access to the adjacent spa facilities and will receive a wide array of special offerings including priority spa appointments, unlimited use of the thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool, complimentary fitness classes and other amenities. Carnival will begin accepting reservations for Carnival Splendor’s European and Caribbean departures on May 10, 2007. Prices for the 12-day Northern Europe cruises begin at $1,299 per person, based on double occupancy; rates for the 12-day Mediterranean cruises start at $1,249; a 16-day transatlantic crossing starts at $849 per person and seven-day Caribbean cruises begin at $469 per person.

Royal Princess Departs on Inaugural Voyage

Royal Princess Departs on Inaugural Voyage
Published on: April 20, 2007

Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess welcomed its first passengers Thursday, as it set sail on its maiden voyage from Barcelona under the command of the line’s senior master, the recently appointed Commodore Michael Fatchen. The 710-passenger vessel, which takes the name of a former Princess ship, debuts with a series of “Elite Mediterranean” cruises that feature a variety of new itineraries and ports. Royal Princess’ first “Mediterranean Interlude” voyage features calls in Marseille, Florence/Pisa, Elba, Palermo, and Mallorca. Upcoming voyages include a number of interesting new “explorer” destinations, including four ports appearing for the first time in Princess routes: Ravenna, Italy; Split, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; and Canakkale (for Troy), Turkey — all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Royal Princess itineraries will also take travelers to the Crimean coast, Egypt and the Holy Land.

A former Renaissance Cruises vessel and sister ship to the Tahitian Princess and Pacific Princess, the 30,200-ton Royal Princess offers passengers a boutique version of Princess’ acclaimed onboard options, including dining and entertainment choices and a large number of cabins with private balconies. The Royal Princess will feature the line’s new culinary enhancements, including the Chef’s Table dinner experience, new dining room menus, enhanced buffet service, and a number of special treats such as an afternoon cookies and milk and in-cabin delivery of pizza. The ship also features Sabatini’s Trattoria, Sterling Steakhouse, the Lotus Spa and 24-hour room service, including private balcony dining. Suites were renovated with new décor and furnishings. The ship also has an upgraded show lounge, new carpet and upholstery, and premium mattresses and bedding.

Deilmann Offers Free Air, Shore Excursions

Deilmann Offers Free Air, Shore Excursions
Published on: April 16, 2007

Peter Deilmann Cruises is again offering U.S. travelers free air and free shore excursions on September and October ocean voyages aboard the 513-passenger Deutschland to the British Isles, Western Europe and the Mediterranean. Two sailings are from Hamburg and the other two are from Lisbon and Monte Carlo. Destinations and dates of the four sailings are: England and Scotland, Sept. 3-17; Western Europe, Sept. 17-Oct. 1; Lisbon to the Spanish Balearic Islands, Barcelona and Monte Carlo, Oct. 1-10; and Monte Carlo to major Italian cities, the Amalfi Coast and Corsica, Oct. 10-17. Free roundtrip air transportation for these cruises is available from New York and 16 other U.S. gateways and air supplements of $110 and $150 are available from an additional 34 cities. The sailings also provide free shore excursions, valued up to $600 per person, and free airport-ship transfers.

Deilmann also offers an expanded program of pre-arranged Wellness packages on the ship that start at $150 for women’s facial beauty treatment, body bath with rose petals, milk and oil, and a back massage. Gentlemen’s grooming and relaxation packages start at $155 for a two-hour treatment. There are also daily classes in Pilates, Nordic walking and aqua jogging, make-up and fitness consulting sessions. The Deutschland offers 36 single cabins for solo travelers and charges less for single supplements than other cruise lines. Free airport-to-ship transfers are included in any air arranged by Deilmann. For those who would prefer to use frequent-flyer miles, Deilmann will deduct $750 per person from cruise rates. Canadians receive a $1,000 air allowance deduction from cruise rates through Exclusive Tours, Deilmann’s general sales agent in Canada (www.exclusivetours.ca). Prices start at $3,355 per person for a twin-bedded cabin. Single cabin rates start at $3,701.

For more information, or to make your reservation, contact Amy at A Room With A View.

Celebrity Cruises Opens 2008 Bookings

Celebrity Cruises Opens 2008 Bookings
Published on: April 16, 2007

Celebrity Cruises has opened 2008 bookings for its Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Northwest and Panama Canal seasons as well as for some 2009 sailings. The Celebrity Infinity will bookend her Alaska season with “Ultimate Alaska” itineraries. The first is an 11-night itinerary northbound from San Francisco on April 28, 2008, arriving in Vancouver on May 9. The second is southbound out of Vancouver on Sept. 19, 2008, with a 14-night itinerary that arrives in San Francisco on Oct. 3. Both sailings feature ports of call in Alaska and British Columbia; the southbound trip includes stops in Washington and Oregon.

The Celebrity Millennium will kick off its 2008 Alaska season with a 14-night “Ultimate Alaska” itinerary, sailing roundtrip from San Francisco on May 5. On May 19, Celebrity Millennium will sail an 11-night West Coast and Alaska cruise from San Francisco to Vancouver. The Millennium offers another 14-night “Ultimate Alaska” sailing on Sept. 22 from Vancouver to San Diego. The Celebrity Mercury will sail a 14-night “Golden Gate to Alaska” cruise from San Francisco to Vancouver on April 27. Between May and September, Celebrity Infinity will sail seven-night Hubbard Glacier itineraries roundtrip from Seattle. Celebrity Millennium will alternate between seven-night northbound and southbound sailings between Seward and Vancouver. During the same months, Celebrity Mercury will sail seven-night Hubbard Glacier itineraries roundtrip from Vancouver before an eight-night trip from Vancouver to Seattle on Sept. 14. Before the Alaska season, Celebrity Mercury will sail three seven-night and one eight-night Pacific Coastal cruises roundtrip from San Francisco beginning March 29, 2008, with stops in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. The eight-night itinerary also visits Monterey, Calif.

At the end of the 2008 Alaska season, Celebrity Mercury will offer three- and four-night Pacific Northwest sailings roundtrip out of Seattle. On Oct. 13, Celebrity Mercury will sail a nine-night wine cruise from Vancouver to San Diego, featuring stops in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California, including an overnight stay in San Francisco. On Sept. 19, the Millennium will present a three-night British Columbia cruise roundtrip from Vancouver. On March 16, 2008, Celebrity Mercury will sail a 12-night Hawaii cruise from Honolulu to Ensenada, featuring overnight stays in both Honolulu and Kailua Kona, Hawaii. On Oct. 6, 2008, the Millennium will sail an 11-night Hawaii cruise from Ensenada to Honolulu, featuring overnight stays in Lahaina and Honolulu. On Oct. 22, Nov. 6, and Dec. 19, 2008, and on Feb. 28 and March 15, 2009, Celebrity Mercury will sail 15-night Hawaii itineraries roundtrip out of San Diego. The November sailing features an evening sail around Mount Kilauea, and the October and December sailings include an overnight in Lahaina, Maui. On April 13, 2008, Celebrity Infinity will sail a 15-night Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco, with stops in Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico. On April 20, 2008, Celebrity Millennium will sail a 15-night Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco. Celebrity Infinity will sail a 16-night Panama Canal cruise from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 3, 2008. Celebrity Infinity will also sail two 14-night Panama Canal cruises from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego on Oct. 19, 2008, and March 29, 2009, and a 13-night Panama Canal cruise from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 2. Celebrity Mercury will sail a 14-night Panama Canal itinerary from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 21, 2008, and return west on another 14-night sailing between the same cities on Dec. 5. In 2009, Celebrity Mercury will sail transcanal sailings between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego on Jan. 3, Jan. 17, Jan. 31, Feb. 14 and March 30.

To be treated like a Celebrity on your next cruise, give Amy at A Room With A View a call!”

Holland America Celebrates Keel-Laying of Eurodam

Holland America Celebrates Keel-Laying of Eurodam
Published on: March 28, 2007

Holland America Line’s construction of its new Signature-class ship Eurodam reached a milestone with the recent keel-laying ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Italy. The 2,044-passenger ship is scheduled for delivery in June 2008. The ceremonial keel-laying involves lowering the first modular section of the ship onto the construction dock. Subsequently, other modules are put into place, much like fitting together a giant, multi-layered jigsaw puzzle. The $450-million Eurodam, with 11 passenger decks, features a new class of staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows on the top two decks, as well as many traditional Holland America amenities. A priest offered a blessing for the ship during the event, part of the traditional Italian keel-laying ceremony.

RCCL to Transfer Empress to Pullmantur

Royal Caribbean to Transfer Empress to Pullmantur
Published on: March 27, 2007

Royal Caribbean International plans to transfer Empress of the Seas to Pullmantur, the Madrid-based cruise and tour operator that parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. purchased in November. “Empress of the Seas is a wonderful ship that has served our brand well,” said Adam Goldstein, president of Royal Caribbean International. “This transfer will help to increase Pullmantur’s capacity and meet demand for its distinctive style of cruise holidays in the European market.”

The last voyage of Empress as part of the Royal Caribbean International fleet will be March 7, 2008. Guests booked on all sailings after this date will be contacted by Royal Caribbean representatives to transfer existing reservations to similar accommodations onboard other Royal Caribbean ships. The line has established a toll-free number for travel agents and guests with questions regarding the re-accommodated sailings. The toll-free number is 888-281-9344. Empress of the Seas was built by Chantiers de L’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France, and joined the Royal Caribbean fleet in June 1990. It was refurbished in May 2004. The 48,563 gross-registered-ton ship has a double-occupancy guest capacity of 2,020.

Princess Cruisetours Explore Five Continents

Princess Cruise-Tours Explore Five Continents
Published on: March 15, 2007

Princess Cruises now offers a collection of cruise-tours on five continents. By combining a cruise with a land journey, Princess passengers can create a seamless land and sea adventure. There are 14 cruise-tour itineraries in such diverse locations as Asia, Australia, Canada/New England, Europe and South America. In addition, the line now features more than 20 cruise-tour choices in Alaska. Cruise-tours now can be booked on Princess’ Searchlight online tool. The function can search simultaneously by a variety of criteria — including destination, date, ship, travel sequence and duration — and instantly displays the results.

Princess worldwide cruise-tour choices include four tour options in Australia that can be combined with a 12-day Australia and New Zealand cruise or a 31-day Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific Voyage. Angkor Wat is once again open to travelers and forms the highlight of Princess’ new “Bangkok and Angkor Wat” cruise-tour. The six-night tour features stays in Bangkok, the northern city of Chiang Mai, and Cambodia’s Siem Reap. This tour combines with a 16-day Bangkok/Beijing cruise for a full 23-day adventure. Other land tours are offered in China, South America, Ireland, Tuscany, the Danube region and Canada/New England. In Alaska, Princess features 10- to 16-night land/sea vacations.

All Princess Alaska tours offer at least two nights at either of the two Denali-area Princess wilderness lodges. Passengers can travel directly to their Princess lodge from the ship with “Direct to the Wilderness” rail service. The Alaska cruise-tours include accommodation at five wilderness lodges.

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

Regent Seven Seas Expands Food and Wine Circles

Regent Seven Seas Expands Food and Wine Circles
Published on: March 15, 2007

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering eight new Food and Wine Circles of Interest in 2007. Developed to emphasize the culinary delights of Regent’s itineraries, the 2007 Food and Wine Circles of Interest offer guests an epicurean discovery of Italy, Scandinavia and France, with private tastings of local delicacies, hands-on cooking workshops and private tours with special guest hosts. Also new for 2007, many of the Le Cordon Bleu culinary workshops have been expanded to become Circles of Interest. The 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager will offer following Food and Wine Circles of Interest on select voyages in the Mediterranean, Western Europe and Asia beginning May 26 and continuing through Dec. 3. Each Circle includes several exclusive components, both on board and on shore; full descriptions can be found on the company’s website.

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

Oceania Plans Two 1260 Passenger Newbuilds

Oceania Plans Two 1,260-Passenger Newbuilds
Published on: March 15, 2007

Oceania Cruises signed a memorandum of agreement to build two 1,260-passenger, 65,000-ton ships for delivery in fall 2010 and summer 2011. The ships — each valued at $500 million — would be built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa, Italy. The agreement includes an option for a third vessel for delivery in the second quarter of 2012. The deadline for firming up the orders is mid-May while the option would have to be exercised by September 2009. The agreement was announced Wednesday at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami Beach.

“This is one of the Top 10 days of my life and one of the top two or three days in the history of Oceania Cruises,” said Frank Del Rio, chairman and CEO of Oceania. “We started this company in 2003 with $14 million in capital.”
Two weeks ago, equity firm Apollo Management invested $850 million to become the majority shareholder of Oceania, giving the line the capital it needs to expand. Oceania now operates three 684-passenger ships that were originally built by Del Rio’s former company, the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises. The new ships will be more than twice the size of the current 30,277-ton ships, but Del Rio said the newbuilds will maintain the “country club atmosphere similar to a high-end European boutique hotel.”

Staterooms will be about 50 percent larger, he said, with 96 percent having ocean views and 93 having private balconies. The 438 Concierge-level staterooms will measure about 300 square feet while the 125 Penthouse Suites will be about 500 square feet. Each ship will have two 2,500-square-foot, two-level Owner’s Suites with private elevators and outdoor hot tubs. Other accommodations will include six Vista Suites at the front of the ship and 14 new 1,000-square-foot Oceania Suites on the top deck midships. There will be 26 inside cabins. The ships will boast food and wine enrichment centers for “culinary theater,” Del Rio said, as well as movies at night.

Despite the size and cost of the ships, Del Rio maintains Oceania will be able to maintain its relatively affordable pricing for what will remain an upper-premium product. The line regularly offers two-for-one pricing and free economy air. “We want to maintain the price point of about $350 per day,” Del Rio said. “It’s a sweet spot in the industry.…We don’t want to be in the luxury category.” The new ships will also have six open-seating restaurants — including a new Pan-Asian eatery and a French bistro — that will carry no surcharges. Seating in all restaurants will equal 150 percent of the ship’s capacity in a single sitting.