June 30, 2009
SEABOURN ODYSSEY DEBUTS TODAY: FIRST NEW ULTRA-LUXURY VESSEL IN SIX YEARS
New yacht leads 216% expansion for The Yachts of Seabourn with largest spa on any luxury vessel, Charlie Palmer cuisine and Seabourn’s first world cruise
June 24, 2009 (Miami) - The Yachts of Seabourn embarks today upon an expansive future as Seabourn Odyssey launches from Venice as the first ultra-luxury vessel to debut in six years. The 32,000-ton vessel built by T. Mariotti of Genoa, Italy, accommodates 450 guests in 225 luxury suites, ninety percent with verandas, offering one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry with highly personalized service. Odyssey features the largest spa on any luxury yacht, four restaurants and a host of luxury amenities. Guests of the maiden voyage will also share the unprecedented honor of acting as godparents.
Odyssey is the first of three new vessels Seabourn is building, a 216% increase in capacity for the line, with Seabourn Sojournlaunching in June 2010 and a third new-build in 2011.
"It is with great pleasure that I welcome Seabourn Odyssey to our distinguished fleet of yachts," said Pamela Conover, President and CEO of The Yachts of Seabourn. "The launch of Odyssey allows us to serve more travelers but still offer the intimate and exclusive experience which has made us a leader in the luxury cruising market."
Enticements are everywhere aboard Odyssey. The Spa at Seabourn is the largest spa on any luxury vessel at 11,400 square feet and is the only cruise vessel to offer SkinCeuticals, the award-winning skincare line, products and treatments at sea. Passengers can enjoy a hydropool, Kinesis wall, two herbal steam rooms as well as two Spa Villas complete with a whirlpool big enough for two, a private balcony for sunbathing, a double daybed and a full living room.
Passengers on Odyssey will savor five-star, all-inclusive dining in four restaurants from the fine-dining Restaurant with menus crafted by Charlie Palmer to the casual, open-air Patio Grill or choose course-by-course dining from the comfort of their suite.
With an intimate yacht-like atmosphere, passengers can choose from other highlights including 11 decks harboring two outdoor swimming pools, six outdoor whirlpools, water sports from the unique marina, and a private diamond showroom. The Retreat features a contoured nine-hole mini golf course, a giant chess board, shuffleboard and stargazing in the evening. Additional amenities include Seabourn-branded netbooks and iPods for loan as well as complimentary pool-side massages and signature 'Caviar in the Surf' service.
The Grand Wintergarden Suite, the largest of any Seabourn suite, offers 1,182 square feet of indoor space plus two verandas. The two bedroom, two bathroom suite features a glass-enclosed solarium with tub and daybed, as well as a whirlpool, dining for six, two bars and three flat-screen televisions.
All guests on Odyssey receive exceptional personalized service with nearly one staff member per guest and top-of-the-line amenities including the new Molton Brown Therapies skincare line, available for the first time at sea.
A new feature of Odyssey, Seabourn Square, is an innovative "concierge lounge" with a library, upscale shops, outdoor terrace and coffee bar, as well as concierges in a relaxed, club-like atmosphere.
Odyssey will spend her maiden year exploring the Mediterranean throughout the summer and early fall, then sailing the Caribbean before embarking on Seabourn's first world cruise, a 108-day voyage departing January 5, 2010, visiting 42 ports in 26 countries on six continents from Ft. Lauderdale to Athens.
For more information or to make a reservation, please contact a travel professional at 1-800-738-8837. Become a fan of The Yachts of Seabourn on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!
OCEANIA CRUISES’ NEW MARINA TO FEATURE CANYON RANCH’S RENOWNED SPACLUB
MIAMI - June 26, 2009 - The world famous Canyon Ranch, leading operator of destination health resorts, will design and operate the spa, beauty salon, wellness and fitness facilities on board Marina, which is set to debut in late 2010, announced Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises.
"We are delighted with our new partnership with Canyon Ranch as their unique approach to lifestyle perfectly complements the Oceania Cruises brand," stated Binder.
According to Binder, the facility will be a Canyon Ranch SpaClub, from the Canyon Ranch at Sea division. Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard Marina will feature a visually stunning state-of-the-art spa, wellness and fitness facility, plus a luxurious full-service beauty salon. SpaClub will offer the most desirable spa amenities available: there will be 16 massage, body and skin-care treatment rooms, a gym and weight room with more than 50 pieces of cardio and weight training equipment, a juice bar, men's and women's locker rooms, thalassotherapy pool, two whirlpools and Thermal Suite.
Canyon Ranch SpaClub will debut fleet-wide on Marina’s sister ships Regatta, Insignia and Nautica by September 1st of this year. "We wanted to bring this world-renowned experience to the guests on our existing ships as soon as possible as it presented us with the perfect opportunity to enhance our acclaimed product and further the evolution of our brand," added Binder.
Oceania Cruises will also feature a full range of culinary offerings from Canyon Ranch’s incomparable Spa Cuisine which is both nutritious and created with the highest gourmet standards. This array of healthy cuisine will be available at breakfast, lunch and dinner in both the Grand Dining Room and Terrace Cafe. Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine will debut aboard Regatta, Insignia and Nautica in April and May, 2010 and aboard Marina in late 2010.
"Canyon Ranch shares our passion for fine cuisine and our Executive Chefs will be working with their culinary team to create a unique and diverse array of healthy, gourmet meals," added Binder.
More Than a Spa, A Lifestyle
Canyon Ranch certified fitness instructors will conduct daily group and private fitness, yoga and tai chi classes for guests. In addition, on select voyages Canyon Ranch healthy living experts will offer on-board presentations and workshops addressing lifestyle change, healthy living, stress management and a variety of other topics.
The Canyon Ranch SpaClub Beauty Salon will offer complete beauty services for women and men. The extensive Salon menu will feature hair design and nail care treatments, including luxurious spa manicures and pedicures, makeup consultations and makeovers.
Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard Marina will incorporate unique water features throughout, emphasizing the healing and therapeutic benefits of water and heat. A Thalassotherapy Pool will feature airbed recliner lounges, neck fountains, deluge waterfall, air tub and body massage jet benches. The pool area also will have a whirlpool.
Adjacent to the pool will be an extensive co-ed Thermal Suite featuring an herbal sauna, Finnish sauna, reflexology basins and an aromatic steam room. Also on board will be the exotic Rasul Ceremony, a Canyon Ranch SpaClub Signature treatment. This medicinal mud and steam treatment, which takes place in an ornately tiled steam chamber, is derived from an ancient cleansing ritual.
SpaClub's array of rejuvenating spa treatments also will include massages and therapeutic bodywork, mud, aromatherapy, ayuvedic and seaweed treatments, facials and masks, conditioning body scrubs and therapeutic body cocoons.
"Canyon Ranch is thrilled to be expanding its 'at Sea' division aboard Oceania Cruises' Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and Marina," stated Chief Operating Officer Peter Smith. "We share Oceania Cruises' passion for unparalleled service and look forward to bringing our highly acclaimed amenities to our mutual guests in a state-of-the-art facility."
A Ship for Food Lovers
Oceania Cruises' new Marina has been purposefully designed for epicureans with 10 dining venues, including six open-seating, gourmet restaurants. Public spaces awash in rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leather retain the intimacy and signature design elements of the line's three sister ships while affording an increased level of space, comfort, convenience and luxury amenities. Guest accommodations are comprised of 629 staterooms and suites, 96 percent of which have private verandas. Facilities include an array of elegant bars and lounges, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs.
About Canyon Ranch
Canyon Ranch pioneered the evolution of wellness lifestyle and has been an industry leader for nearly 30 years. Operating the world’s most celebrated collection of life-enhancement properties, Canyon Ranch has destination health resorts in Tucson, Arizona and Lenox, Massachusetts, and SpaClubs (spa, wellness and fitness facilities designed to give guests a taste of the more intensive resort experiences) at The Venetian/The Palazzo hotel in Las Vegas, Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, and onboard cruise ships. In addition, the company recently opened Canyon Ranch Miami Beach, the nation’s first luxury wellness hotel and residential community. Canyon Ranch has been named the "Healthiest Spa in America" by Health magazine as well as the "Best Spa for Food" by Gourmet magazine.
About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises is the world’s only upper-premium cruise line and offers an unrivaled combination of the finest cuisine at sea, elegant accommodations, exceptional personalized service and extraordinary value. Award-winning itineraries visit more than 180 ports in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Americas aboard three luxurious, 684-guest ships: Insignia, Nautica and Regatta. The 1,258-guest Marina joins the fleet in winter 2010.
About Prestige Cruise Holdings
Prestige Cruise Holdings is the parent corporation of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Formed in 2007 to manage select assets in Apollo Management’s cruise investment portfolio, PCH is led by Chairman and CEO Frank Del Rio, the founder of Oceania Cruises. PCH is the market leader in the upper-premium and luxury segments of the cruise industry with more than 4,450 berths between the Oceania and Regent brands, a number the company expects will grow to more than 6,700 berths by 2011.
June 18, 2009
Rare Original Declaration of Independence Copy to Tour Princess Alaska Ships July 4th Week
Exclusive Opportunity for Passengers to View Historic Document During Juneau Visits
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 17, 2009) - A rare, original copy of the United States of America's founding document will make an exclusive appearance aboard Princess Cruises' Alaska-based ships the July 4th week, giving passengers the unique opportunity to see the only traveling copy of the Declaration of Independence - just as the country celebrates Independence Day. The historic exhibit will be showcased aboard all Princess ships calling in Juneau between July 1-8, 2009.
Hosted in partnership with Declare Yourself, a non-profit organization founded by legendary television producer Norman Lear, this unique opportunity marks the first time a copy of the Declaration has visited Alaska, and the first time a cruise line has shown the famous document.
The Declaration will be on display aboard the vessels for about two hours while each ship is docked in Juneau. The document will be shown aboard Diamond Princess and Star Princess on July 1; Coral Princess on July 2; Island Princess on July 3; Pacific Princess and Golden Princess on July 6, and Sapphire Princess and Sea Princess on July 8.
"This is an amazing opportunity for our passengers to get a first-hand look at history, which is especially poignant at a time of year when our country celebrates its independence," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "It’s a rare occasion when we can bring such a unique attraction right on board - this document has never been shown on a cruise ship before. It will be a memorable way to mark the week of Independence Day as well as Alaska's 50th anniversary of statehood.”
The only touring copy of the Declaration of Independence, Declare Yourself's historic document is one of an estimated 200 original broadside copies (about the size of a sheet of newspaper) printed by John Dunlap in Philadelphia in 1776 after it was drafted by Thomas Jefferson, to distribute across the colonies and to King George in England. This copy's current journey began in 1989 when a Pennsylvania shopper bought a frame at a flea market for $4.00. Later, while inspecting a tear in the back of the painting, he discovered a piece of paper wedged between the frame and painting. He pulled it out and uncovered what would soon be authenticated as the 25th remaining copy of the Declaration of Independence. The document changed hands several times and was purchased in 2000 by Lyn and Norman Lear for $8.14 million, with the goal of bringing the document directly to the American people.
Declare Yourself is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit campaign that was founded in 2003 to empower and encourage every eligible 18-year-old in America to register to vote. For more information about Declare Yourself, visit www.DeclareYourself.com.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent by calling 1-800-738-8837.
June 05, 2009
Princess Celebrates 40th Anniversary Sailing Out of San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (June 5, 2009) - To commemorate Princess Cruises' 40th anniversary sailing from the "City by the Bay," Rodney Fong (left), president of the San Francisco Port Commission presents a proclamation from Mayor Gavin Newsom declaring "Princess Cruises Day" in San Francisco on June 3 to Steve Nielsen (right), vice president of shore operations, Princess Cruises. Fitting to the celebration, Nielsen also celebrates his 40th anniversary with Princess Cruises this year.
Princess Italia first sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge on June 3, 1969, for her first voyage to Alaska. Since that inaugural voyage, Princess has made approximately 1,000 port calls at the Port of San Francisco and carried well over 1 million passengers.
Sea Princess is currently sailing on 10-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco through September. Additional information about Princess is available by calling 1-800-738-8847 or by visiting the Princess Cruises Alaska Cruises webpage. Alaska Cruisetours with Princess Cruises are also available.
May 26, 2009
Blue Man Group To Headlines Norwegian Epic's Entertainment Offerings
Company continues legacy of innovation by revolutionizing cruise ship entertainment with world-class brands and acts in specially designed venues only on Norwegian Epic
Miami - May 20, 2009 - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced it is changing the face of cruise line entertainment on its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic. In another industry first, the company will welcome Blue Man Group, performing in the 685-seat Epic Theater. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience and beginning in the summer of 2010 will be seen for the first time ever at sea only on Norwegian Epic.
"Norwegian Cruise Line has spent 42 years breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising and redefining what it means to be innovative. Now, with Norwegian Epic, we are re-inventing cruise ship entertainment by offering multiple entertainment options for every taste and age," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "Having a world-class creative organization like Blue Man Group headline the entertainment on Norwegian Epic will provide our guests with a sensory experience unlike any other at sea."
More Entertainment Venues, Offerings
Norwegian Epic will have multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues throughout the ship so that guests can choose from a wide variety of entertainment each evening of their cruise. No longer will entertainment be focused on two nightly shows in one large main theater. Norwegian Epic takes Freestyle Cruising to the next level by offering a number of entertainment options in specially-designed venues, some offered for the first time ever at sea, with choices to appeal to a broad audience.
Spiegel Tent: On Norwegian Epic, guests will find the only "big top" at sea. In this intimate 265-seat theater-in-the-round, famed producer/director Neil Goldberg will present Cirque Dreams® and Dinner. This one of a kind interactive theatrical dining experience will be performed in the air, while juggling dinner courses, with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. During this two-hour show, guests will marvel in amazement and become part of a celebration of spectacle and fantasy. The entire experience will be unlike anything else at sea.
Headliners Comedy Club: This 280-seat comedy club will feature the hilarious improvisational comedy of The Second City, as Norwegian continues its exclusive partnership with the famed troupe. For nearly 50 years, The Second City has honed the skills of comedic legends such as Bill Murray, Chris Farley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Gilda Radner and John Belushi. The ensemble will perform a special customized comedy revue of satirical skits, hilarious songs and inventive improvisation. The venue's design centers on a show lounge format with a small raised stage, concrete floors and brick walls with a full bar.
Fat Cats: Guests on board Norwegian Epic can sit back and relax listening to the cool vibes of jazz and blues in this 200-seat jazz club. Fat Cats will feature nightly live blues and jazz performances by world-class talent. The urban setting creates a hipster vibe complete with full bar and comfortable leather sofas and chairs.
Epic Casino: This appropriately named casino is Norwegian's largest casino at sea, spanning more than 13,000 square feet. It features an elegant Monte Carlo inspired design theme and is open to Taste, the Atrium restaurant below, and to the excitement of Bar Central above. Here, guests will find many opportunities to try their luck including 340 of the latest slot machines; along with gaming tables featuring poker, black jack, roulette and craps. And, with the most rewarding Players Club Program at sea there will be something for everyone, from the novice to the high roller. Cascades Bar, with a grand central crystal chandelier, serves as the casino's centerpiece.
Epic Theater: In addition, the theater will be home to another featured show which will be announced later this year.
A special online video presentation of all Norwegian Epic's entertainment offerings is available for viewing on demand at http://epic.ncl.com/the-latest/webcasts and features renderings and video clips of the world-class entertainment.
Epic Goes On Sale
Starting May 21, 2009, Norwegian Epic's 2010 inaugural sailings are open for sale, with cruise fares starting at $699 per person. The first Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami is scheduled for July 17, 2010 and the ship's alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are available through April 2011. Norwegian Epic's Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship's Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. Guests can make a reservation a travel professional at 1-800-738-8837. More information about the ship, her itineraries and offerings can be found at epic.ncl.com.
The 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations - the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest ship-within-a-ship suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; a new category of inside staterooms for the value-conscious traveler - The Studios and Living Room; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea - The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids' and teen activity areas and the first squash court at sea. In addition, Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 14 restaurant choices the most at sea and 18 bars and lounges.
About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is the innovator in cruise travel with a 42-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.
Today, NCL has the youngest fleet in the industry with 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.
NCL is presently building Norwegian Epic, a third generation Freestyle Cruising ship, for delivery in 2010.
About Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience. Currently, their theatrical shows can be seen in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Berlin, and Tokyo.
Blue Man Group's satirical rock concert Megastar World Tour has toured arenas across the United States, and has played extensively in Canada, France, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Korea. In fall and winter, Blue Man Group MegaStar World Tour continued its international travels in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Portugal, and is currently headed to England and Israel.
The company has applied its unique creative process to a wide variety of projects, including the recording of five albums: the Grammy-nominated Audio, The Complex, Live At The Venetian® - Las Vegas, How To Be A MegaStar Live!, and Canta Conmigo.
Blue Man Group has ventured into toy development (with their Keyboard Experience and Percussion Tubes, produced by ToyQuest), film and TV scoring (The Jury, Robots, and Space Chimps), commercial campaigns, television programs (including Scrubs and Arrested Development), and a children's museum exhibit, Making Waves, which is currently touring the U.S.A.
As the company grows, it remains true to its vision of providing exciting experiences in a variety of media, which appeal to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds.
May 21, 2009
Guests Have 'Gotta Dance' On A Royal Caribbean Vacation
New Hip Hop Dance Program Offers Guests Of All Ages The Opportunity To Live The Dream
Miami - May 21, 2009 - A new Hip Hop dance adventure that transcends all ages, languages, and skill levels is taking Royal Caribbean ships by storm. Royal Caribbean International's new Gotta Dance program is offering guests the opportunity to let loose, chase a dream, and 'wow' their cruisemates with cool new dance moves. Based on the documentary film by Dori Berinstein, awardwinning director and producer of film, theater and television, the guest-participatory Gotta Dance experience is being exclusively offered by Royal Caribbean International and will be offered fleetwide in summer 2009.
"Gotta Dance is the newest Royal Caribbean International program that offers guests an opportunity to try something different on their vacation regardless of age and experience," said Peter Compton, vice president, Entertainment, Royal Caribbean International. "Every age is welcome and no experience is necessary. As with many of our onboard programs, Gotta Dance helps bring families closer together and build lasting relationships among guests for an unforgettable cruise vacation."
Royal Caribbean's Gotta Dance is inspired by the award-winning documentary film of the same name, which will hit the big screen across the United States beginning in July 2009. Gotta Dance (www.GottaDanceTheMovie.com) chronicles the first-ever senior-citizen, hip-hop dance troupe for the New Jersey Nets Basketball Team. Just like the film, Royal Caribbean's Gotta Dance program will offer guests, from the young to the young-at-heart, a chance to grab their moment in the spotlight.
Kicking off each cruise will be a special screening of the film. Guests sailing on select ships before the nationwide roll-out of the movie will be treated to an advanced viewing of Gotta Dance. Participants will then be divided into teams and, over the course of their vacation, will learn choreographed routines with a member of the Royal Caribbean dance team in rehearsals during sea days. The program will culminate with the main event - a farewell show on the last evening of the cruise, whereby each of the teams will perform their routines in the ship's main theater.
Each of the groups will perform a different routine, all of which were choreographed by New Jersey Nets Dance Coach Kimberlee Garris, who also appears in the Gotta Dance film. For each song an easy and more complex choreography has been designed, and Royal Caribbean's Gotta Dance instructors will have the option of tweaking these versions further based on group skill level. Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.
May 20, 2009
CELEBRITY CRUISES’ CELEBRITY MILLENNIUM TO RECEIVE $10-MILLION “REFRESHMENT” - Victoria, BC, Canada
Victoria, British Columbia - May 20, 2009 - Known for its exceptional style and design, Celebrity Cruises is rolling out a series of new design schemes on Celebrity Millennium during a $10-million refresh this year, beginning during its scheduled drydock period this week.
Consistently ranked among the top 10 large ships in the world since its launch in 2000 - and so beloved by cruise enthusiasts that she’s been affectionately dubbed “Millie” in social networking venues - Celebrity Millennium will emerge May 22 from a 12-day drydock in Victoria, B.C., with new carpeting throughout the entire ship, and new upholstery embellishing every stylish stateroom, the Lido deck, the Celebrity Theatre, and the dramatic, sweeping main dining room.
All marble and stone floors and counter areas will be renewed with a gleaming finish, and all wood hand rails on the ship’s verandas and pool deck areas will be newly varnished.
Celebrity Millennium’s sun worshipers are likely to take notice of the work completed in exterior areas, too, as new bolidt - an alternative to traditional teak decking - is being installed across the pool deck, outdoor stage, dance floor and jogging track.
Every suite will be equipped with 32-inch LED flat-panel TVs, while every plush Concierge Class stateroom will boast 26-inch versions of the high-tech product. Additionally, new drapes, bed skirts and bed throws in warm, natural hues will further enhance every suite and stateroom.
By October of this year, new upholstery also will adorn furnishings in the ship’s retail areas, the sweeping Grand Foyer, and every lounge, including Celebrity’s chic, signature Martini Bar, and all staterooms will boast 26-inch LED flat-panel TVs.
The newly-refreshed Celebrity Millennium embarks on this year’s Alaska season May 22, on a seven-night cruise roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., prior to a series of seven-night Southbound Alaska sailings to and from Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, through September.
Travelers eager to experience the refreshed Celebrity Millennium have no better opportunity than now, with select staterooms on several Alaska sailings starting at $57 per person per day, when booked by May 31, through “The Celebrity Starring You Promise.”
Celebrity Millennium also presents the opportunity to delve deeper into Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness on unique Celebrity Cruisetour vacations. These in-depth packages pair a spectacular Celebrity cruise with a fully escorted pre- or post-cruise land-based experience, and offer unsurpassed values this spring and summer.
Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale vacation experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, 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, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 "Top Cruise Ships in the World" in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler (February 2009 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s fleet - including the new Celebrity Solstice - will be joined by Celebrity Equinox this year, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012. For more information, call a travel agent at #1-800-738-8837.
May 08, 2009
Princess Ships Spotlight Alaska Culture This Summer for State’s 50th Anniversary Year
Passengers Will Experience Local Flavor Right Onboard with Alaska Cuisine, Guest Experts, Cultural Presentations and Special Children’s Programs
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 8, 2009) - When Princess Cruises ships begin their Alaska season this weekend, the line will offer passengers more local tastes and culture onboard than ever before, giving them a rich “Great Land” experience not only on land, but also while at sea.
“Alaska’s 50th anniversary year is the perfect time to celebrate the wonders of this magnificent state,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “And this summer, especially, our passengers will enjoy a multi-faceted shipboard program to immerse them in the flavors, culture, history and natural wonders of Alaska throughout their cruise.”
Princess’ extensive onboard Alaska program includes:
Sanctuary Glacier Viewing Experience - Aboard Golden Princess, Star Princess and Island Princess, The Sanctuary will become a prime location for glacier viewing of the unforgettable Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm. The exclusive Sanctuary experience will offer passengers a variety of amenities to make their glacier experience comfortable, with deluxe padded lounge chairs, plush fleece blankets, ear muffs and binoculars. Park rangers and naturalists will also provide private commentary for guests in The Sanctuary, and will be available for one-on-one meetings to answer questions. A variety of special food and beverage offerings will be available exclusively in The Sanctuary, including Mimosas and Bloody Marys, specialties such as Alaska Rockfish Chowder and freshly fried "Beaver Tail” pastries.
Tastes of Alaska - Passengers can experience the flavors of Alaska with a number of special opportunities to enjoy Princess’ Signature Alaska Cuisine. Throughout the Alaska fleet, chefs will create a bounty of flavorful dishes that reflect the state’s culinary delights, featuring fresh local fish, savory meats, and an assortment of seafood specialties. Passengers will find ample opportunity to sample these treats, with a number of special culinary events throughout the cruise.
Local Experts - Passengers can learn about many aspects of life in Alaska and the state’s natural wonders from a variety of special guests onboard:
Award-winning video presentations - Passengers can learn more about the wonders of Alaska from the comfort of their own stateroom, with these specially produced videos, including a series of Telly Award-winning port videos.
Alaska Youth Program - Special programs especially for younger cruisers will give them an appreciation for the wonders of the state’s wildlife, people and natural beauty.
Alaska Mementos - Princess ships offer a number of opportunities for souvenirs and unique Alaska gifts.
Princess’ 2009 Alaska season begins May 9 and runs through September 14, featuring a total of 130 sailings aboard Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess traveling on the line’s signature Gulf of Alaska sailings; Golden Princess, Star Princess and Sea Princess sailing the Inside Passage routes from Seattle and San Francisco and Pacific Princess offering the line’s small ship experience on 14-day Connoisseur voyages to some of the state’s less-visited ports.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent by calling #1-800-738-8837.
April 29, 2009
Travel Advisory By NCL
Travel Advisory
Miami - Apr 28, 2009 - The health and well-being of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance to Norwegian Cruise Line. Accordingly, the company is closely monitoring the health advisories regarding the current Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) situation.
Norwegian Cruise Line's scheduled deployment does not include regular calls to Mexico until the end of September. Norwegian Pearl's current repositioning cruise includes ports of call in Mexico; the company is aware of the recent travel advisory relating to Mexico and is very closely monitoring the situation. Norwegian Cruise Line has stringent protocols for cleaning and sanitation on all of its vessels to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In addition, the company is taking proactive precautionary measures to protect its valued guests, including, but not limited to, fleet-wide guest screening via a health questionnaire prior to embarkation and on-board education regarding Swine Flu symptoms and preventative actions. As a result, the company does not anticipate that its guests' cruise experience will be impacted.
Furthermore, Norwegian Cruise Line's on-board medical centers are stocking an appropriate amount of the anti-viral medication used to treat the illness, in the unlikely event the need for its use becomes necessary.
Any further updates will be posted to ncl.com. For information on swine influenza, visit the CDC's web site at www.cdc.gov
Travel Advisory: Updated 7pm 04/28/09
Miami - Apr 28, 2009 - The health and well-being of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance to Norwegian Cruise Line. Accordingly, the company is closely monitoring the health advisories regarding the current Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) situation.
As a precautionary measure due to the recent travel advisory relating to Mexico, the company is cancelling Norwegian Pearl's final two calls in Mexico on its current repositioning cruise. The stops were scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29 and Friday, May 1, 2009. Instead, the ship will call on San Diego, Calif., on Saturday, May 2. Apart from this sailing, Norwegian Cruise Line's scheduled deployment does not include any other ports of call in Mexico until the end of September 2009.
Norwegian Cruise Line has stringent protocols for cleaning and sanitation on all of its vessels to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In addition, the company is taking proactive precautionary measures to protect its valued guests, including, but not limited to, fleet-wide guest screening via a health questionnaire prior to embarkation and on-board education regarding Swine Flu symptoms and preventative actions. As a result, the company does not anticipate that its guests' cruise experience will be impacted.
Furthermore, Norwegian Cruise Line's on-board medical centers are stocking an appropriate amount of the anti-viral medication used to treat the illness, in the unlikely event the need for its use becomes necessary.
Any further updates will be posted to ncl.com. For information on swine influenza, visit the CDC's web site at www.cdc.gov
Statement on Swine Flu by Princess Cruises
In light of the travel warning issued yesterday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico because of concern over swine flu, Princess Cruises has modified its itineraries to suspend calls to Mexican ports through the few remaining voyages of the spring season, which concludes next month.
Six Princess ships are currently scheduled for calls in Mexican ports through May, as they reposition to Alaska for the summer season. In total, eight itineraries and 22 calls in Mexico are affected, and passengers who are booked on these cruises will either visit alternative ports or spend an additional day at sea. Affected passengers will be advised of the itinerary changes once the new berthing arrangements have been confirmed.
We are sorry that circumstances beyond our control have caused these itinerary changes, and we recognize that these modifications may cause some disappointment among our passengers. However we hope our passengers will also agree that adhering to the recommendations of the CDC is the best course of action for the safety of our passengers and crew.
Our ships and medical staff are already well equipped to prevent and contain the spread of contagious diseases, including swine flu. Even though the risk of contracting this illness is very low, we will be taking extra precautions, and will be guided by advice from the CDC and other health authorities.
In an abundance of caution, some of the measures we are taking onboard all our ships worldwide include:
We are enhancing our screening practices for passengers and crew embarking our ships. We are adhering to CDC guidelines for reporting and treatment of persons with suspect swine flu. We will isolate and treat passengers and crew with suspect swine flu. Anti-viral medications that effectively treat the swine flu are currently available onboard all Princess ships. We will continue our rigorous cleaning and sanitization of our ships to minimize the spread of any contagious disease. Our ships are routinely cleaned with a disinfectant proven to be highly effective against the flu.
We are communicating to our passengers and crew that they should take extra care to practice healthy habits such as washing their hands often.
We are asking passengers and crew to report to the medical center immediately if they exhibit any symptoms of flu.
As always, we will continue to do everything possible to protect the health of our passengers and crew.
