Holland America’s 2007 Canada/New England Cruises Feature Best Of Historic Seaports, Scenic Beauty
Seven-day Summer Cruises Ideal for Families
Seattle, WA (February 15, 2006) – In 2007 Holland America Line will feature 21 sailings between May and October to Canada and New England, including popular seven-day cruises on the ms Maasdam during spring, summer and fall and 10-day fall foliage cruises on ms Veendam. Recipient of Porthole Cruise Magazine’s “Best Canada/New England Itineraries” in 2005, the premium cruise line will also introduce weeklong roundtrip sailings from homeport Boston and visits to the new port of Savannah, Georgia, on two Eastern Seaboard and Canada itineraries.
“Holland America Line has offered an attractive selection of summertime cruises in Canada and New England since 2002. We are the only cruise company offering sailings roundtrip from Boston and between Boston and Montreal,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales.
“Through our Canada and New England cruises, families have discovered a vacation experience that provides a remarkable combination of history, culture and natural beauty – from fishing villages and biking Acadia National Park to tree-top canopy tours and Beluga whale-watching in the spectacular Saguenay Fjord,” added Meadows.
The New Summer Family Cruise — Seven-Day Sailings from Boston & Montreal
The Maasdam offers 12 seven-day cruises between Boston and Montreal from May 19 to September 29, calling at Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, and spending an extended day in Quebec City. Guests can opt for shore excursions such as touring Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor by bike or carriage, exploring the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse Route near Halifax and taking the popular Anne of Green Gables tour in Charlottetown. Cruise fares start at US$1,049 [CAN $1,239] per person.
The ship also features three roundtrip cruises from Boston on June 23 and 30 and August 11. These sailings offer a different itinerary, highlighting the Northeast Atlantic sea coast with visits to Newport, Rhode Island; Portland, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Bar Harbor, Maine. Cruise fares start at US$1,299 [CAN $1,529] per person.
Foliage Cruises Bring Colors to Life on 10- and 12-day Veendam Departures
The Veendam sails three 10-day cruises between New York and Montreal on September 9, 19 and 29, plus a 12-day voyage from Montreal to Tampa on October 9; all offer the opportunity to enjoy the Northeast’s famous fall colors as well as the region’s many sights and activities.
On the 10-day itinerary, the Veendam calls at Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Saguenay and Quebec City. Saguenay is a beautiful port, surrounded by three national parks and a marine preserve with opportunities for wildlife and marine viewing, kayaking, fishing and flightseeing. Cruise fares start at US$1,699 [CAN $1,999] per person.
The Veendam’s 12-day sailing October 9 from Montreal to Tampa features Quebec City, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Newport, and Charleston, South Carolina. Cruise fares start at US$1,999 [CAN $2,359] per person, double occupancy.
Canadaand Eastern Seaboard 14- and 15-day Itineraries
The Maasdam begins the 2007 season with a leisurely 15-day cruise departing May 4 from Ft. Lauderdale to Montreal. It calls at historic seaports Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; New London, Connecticut; Newport, Rhode Island; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax and Sydney in Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and two days in Quebec City. Guests also enjoy scenic cruising of the St. Lawrence River. In the fall, the Maasdam sails a similar itinerary in reverse on a 14-day cruise departing Montreal on October 6. Cruise fares start at US$1,799 [CAN $2,119] per person, double occupancy.
Holland America Line offers pre- and post-cruise hotel reservations in Boston, New York, Montreal and Fort Lauderdale for those wishing to extend their vacation in these exciting cities.
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SILVERSEA EXPLORES THE GRANDEUR OF NORTHERN EUROPE ON 16 DISTINCTIVE ITINERARIES IN 2006
Intriguing Overland Extensions, and Culinary and Wine Enrichment Programs Spice Up Select Voyages
Guests Enjoy Cruise Savings of up to 40%
(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- February 8, 2006) This summer Silversea's ultra-luxury, all-suite ships Silver Cloud and Silver Whisper will offer an exclusive collection of 16 voyages showcasing the art, history and grandeur of some of Northern Europe's most celebrated destinations.
From Rostok to Reykjavik, St. Petersburg to Stockholm, Silversea bridges the distance between dreams and the world's most luxurious travel experience, traveling to places where most mass-market ships are simply too large to venture to. For the privileged guests aboard Silversea, this year's Northern Europe collection offers the possibility to journey sixty-one miles up the Gironde River to uncork the fine wines of Bordeaux; sail under the Tower Bridge into the heart of London; travel up the Neva River to call in the center of St. Petersburg; or cruise into Norway's narrowest nooks.
"For the well-heeled world traveler, there's no better way to explore the cultural and historic treasures of Northern Europe than aboard the award-winning, intimate ships of Silversea," said David Morris, Silversea's senior vice president of sales for North America. "Our ships offer a level of spaciousness, luxury and comfort that is unrivaled, combined with more in-depth destination experiences -- like our three-day, two-night stopovers in St. Petersburg. When you factor in our all-inclusive value, Silversea is the very best option for exploring Northern Europe this summer."
In addition to savings of up to 40%, guests will enjoy spacious, all-suite, ocean-view accommodations, most with private veranda, sumptuous gourmet cuisine, personalized service, warm Italian hospitality, and Silversea's unmatched selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities. Plus, complimentary Butler Service is now available in the Grand, Royal, Rossellini and Owner's Suites.
OPTIONAL OVERLAND EXTENSIONS
Silversea guests can extend their Northern Europe voyage with optional pre- and post-cruise land programs featuring deluxe accommodations, all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals. Prices range from $2,540 to $4,305 per guest. Highlights include:
** From Copenhagen or Stockholm, the five-night "Splendors of the Romanovs" explores the cultural and historic splendors of St. Petersburg and Moscow. Enjoy the magnificent treasures of the Hermitage Museum, including visits to the Gold Room and the Hermitage Theatre. Explore Peter and Paul Fortress, last resting place of the Romanovs, imposing St. Isaac's Cathedral, lively Nevsky Prospect lined with palaces, churches and theatrical buildings and the world-renowned Mariinsky Theatre. Stroll the magnificent rooms of the Romanovs' most lavish residences, including Catherine Palace, with the beautifully restored Amber Room and Amber Workshops, and Peterhof, the Versailles of the North. Highlights of Moscow include Red Square, the Kremlin, an exclusive visit to the Kremlin Palace and a performance at the Bolshoi Theatre.
** From Lisbon, "Portugal's Royal Past" three-night program offers a journey through Portugal's rich cultural heritage. Explore the Roman ruins of Con’mbriga, an important archaeological center dating back to the second century B.C. Discover Coimbra, the first capital of Portugal, where in 1290 King Dinis founded the third oldest university in the world. Visit the university's royal chapel and its spectacular library built in the 18th century and considered a masterpiece of baroque art. Tour the Palace of Queluz, a summer residence of the Portuguese royal family. Visit Santa Maria Church, a medieval church known for its remarkable collection of tiles and paintings. Overnight in regal palaces like the Palace Hotel in the heart of the lush Bussaco forest. The hotel was built as the last summer residence of the Portuguese monarchy.
CULINARY ARTS CRUISES
Guests can taste and learn firsthand the secrets of enticing signature dishes created by award-winning chefs and authors on the following Culinary Arts Cruises:
-- Silver Cloud's "Vintage Reflections" 12-day cruise from Barcelona to London, May 21 - June 2, 2006 (Voyage 1613). Hosted by: Javier Martínez, chef du cuisine at Michelin Three Star Can Fabes, a Relais Gourmand restaurant blending modern-day Barcelona with Catalonian inspiration. Sarah Edington, author and personal caterer to members of England's royal family, prime ministers and Archbishops of Canterbury. Her books include "The Captain's Table: Life and Dining on the Great Ocean Liners." Silver Sailing fares start at $5,727 per person (40% savings).
-- Silver Cloud's "North Sea Explorer" 10-day cruise from Stockholm to London, September 13 - 23, 2006 (Voyage 1626). Hosted by: Katrina Markoff, founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat, a Chicago-based worldwide gourmet chocolate company. Having worked extensively in Southeast Asia and Australia, her chocolate creations combine exotic influences in a delicious East-meets-West theme. Silver Sailing fares start at $4,767 per person (40% savings).
-- Silver Whisper's "Through the Pillars of Hercules" 14-day cruise from Amsterdam to Barcelona, September 15 - 29, 2006 (Voyage 4633). Hosted by: Sergio Torres, head chef of El Rodat's H'Anoa restaurant in Javea, Alicante, Spain. Silver Sailing fares start at $6,657 per person (40% savings).
WINE SERIES VOYAGES
Discerning travelers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling some of the world's finest vintages and visiting world-famous wineries, cellars and vineyards on the following Wine Series Voyages, hosted by top wine experts:
-- Silver Whisper's "Vintage Europe" 12-day cruise from Monte Carlo to London, July 17 - 29, 2006 (Voyage 4626). Hosted by: Michael Green, wine educator and Gourmet magazine's wine and spirits consultant. Green is often featured on Food Network, CNN and NPR. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $7,836 per person (20% savings).
-- Silver Cloud's "From the Channel to the Bay of Biscay" 10-day cruise from London to Lisbon, September 23 - October 3, 2006 (Voyage 1627). Hosted by: Remington Norman, former Master of Wine and author of "The Great Domaines of Burgundy," Norman is a winner of the Andre Simon prize and member of the AcadŽmie Internationale du Vin. Silver Sailing fares start at $5,561 per person (30% savings).
Press Release by Silversea Cruises
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NORWEGIAN SUN RETURNS TO NEW ORLEANS IN OCTOBER 2006
NCL’s Freestyle Cruising vessel to be first cruise ship to homeport in the Big Easy since Hurricane Katrina
NEW ORLEANS - February 2, 2006 – Today in Jackson Square, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and the Port of New Orleans announced that NCL will be the first cruise line to homeport in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. NCL’s Norwegian Sun returns to the Port of New Orleans on October 15, 2006 to sail seven-day exotic Western Caribbean cruises.
“We are pleased to return Norwegian Sun back to her winter home in the Big Easy and in some small way assist in the recovery process of New Orleans,” said Andy Stuart, executive vice president of sales, marketing and passenger services for NCL. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Port of New Orleans and welcoming passengers back on board to explore the Western Caribbean from this historic city.”
"New Orleans blossomed into one of the most popular points of embarkation for cruise ship customers and was on pace to break the 1 million-passenger mark," said Gary LaGrange, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans. "The cruise industry evolved into a major economic engine for the entire city, generating $226 million in direct and indirect sales annually. NCL is a vital part of that success and I commend them for their support and commitment to the rebuilding of a greater New Orleans."
Norwegian Sun’s seven-day itinerary out of New Orleans begins October 15 through April 8 and calls on Costa Maya, Mexico; Santo Tomas De Castilla, Guatemala; Belize City, Belize and Cozumel, Mexico.
Norwegian Sun, launched in 2001, is NCL’s first purpose-built Freestyle Cruising vessel. The ship features nine distinctive restaurants accommodating 1,936 passengers with more than 400 balconies, 30 mini-suites with balconies and four Owner’s Suites.
Amenities on Norwegian Sun include dynamic public rooms, expansive kid’s center with a children’s pool, a large casino, an Internet Café with 24 computer stations and a full service health spa and salon.
NCL Corporation (NCL) is an innovative cruise company headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a fleet of 15 ships in service and under construction. The corporation oversees the operations of Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, and Orient Lines.
NCL took delivery of its newest Freestyle Cruising vessel, the 93,502-ton Norwegian Jewel on August 4, 2005.
The company is currently building three ships, including one more for the NCL America brand in Hawai`i - Pride of Hawai`i (delivery in April 2006) - and two further Norwegian Jewel class ships, which are scheduled for delivery in 2007.
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First-Ever Princess Cruises "Captain's Awards" Honor Cruise-Themed Films and Actors
Overwhelming Response from 45,000 Passengers "Crown" Winners, From Best Smooch at Sea to Favorite Movie Princess
SANTA CLARITA, CA (February 9, 2006) - As the film awards season kicks into high gear, Princess Cruises has taken the voting to the high seas with the launch of the first ever "Princess Captain's Awards." In a light-hearted survey, "Princess-themed" categories were voted on by 45,000 members of the Princess Captain's Circle, the line's guest loyalty program, and talented actors ranging from Johnny Depp, voted "Captain Most Likely to Steal Your Heart," to Audrey Hepburn, voted "Favorite Movie Princess," were saluted with honors for their performances.
Princess will pay tribute to the nominees and winning films all summer long on board the line's new ship Crown Princess, which will begin roundtrip Caribbean sailings out of the new Brooklyn, New York pier in June 2006.
The "Captain's Awards Summer Film Festival" will capitalize on the ship's dramatic film venue, its signature Movies Under the StarsSM screen. An industry first when Princess launched it in 2004, Movies Under the Stars offers passengers the opportunity to enjoy a drive-in style outdoor movie experience on the 300-square-foot LED movie screen day while relaxing in comfortable chaise lounges, the swimming pool, or the hot tub. Captain's Awards favorites will be shown on all Crown Princess sailings throughout the summer.
"The winning films reflect a mix of timeless classics and new favorites among categories that underscore signature elements of the Princess brand, like balconies and great escapes," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "The incredible 45,000 responses we received from our online survey of Princess past passengers proves they really enjoy pop culture and movies continue to be a favorite pastime."
Nominees and winning films include:
BEST "ESCAPE" MOVIE
Winner: The Shawshank Redemption 38%
The Great Escape 25%
The Fugitive 22%
Escape From Alcatraz 11%
The Truman Show 4%
BEST SMOOCH AT SEA
Winner: Leonardo DiCaprio & Kate Winslet - Titanic 51%
Deborah Kerr & Cary Grant - An Affair to Remember 30%
Audrey Hepburn & Humphrey Bogart - Sabrina 15%
Shelly Winters & Jack Albertson - The Poseidon Adventure 4%
BEST DRIVE-IN MOVIE SCENE
Winner: Grease 46%
American Graffiti 34%
Rebel Without A Cause 16%
The Outsiders 4%
FAVORITE MOVIE "PRINCESS"
Winner: Audrey Hepburn - Roman Holiday 41%
Alicia Silverstone - Clueless 22%
Reese Witherspoon - Legally Blonde 13%
Anne Hathaway - The Princess Diaries 12%
Robin Wright - The Princess Bride 12%
CAPTAIN MOST LIKELY TO STEAL YOUR HEART
Winner: Johnny Depp - Pirates of the Caribbean 35%
Sean Connery - The Hunt for Red October 30%
Mel Gibson - Mutiny on the Bounty 17%
Russell Crowe - Master and Commander 10%
Gregory Peck - Moby Dick 8%
MOST ROMANTIC "BALCONY" SCENE
Winner: Pretty Woman 45%
Romeo & Juliet 20%
Breakfast at Tiffany's 19%
West Side Story 16%
BEST KARAOKE PERFORMANCE
Winner: Cameron Diaz - My Best Friend's Wedding 34%
Matthew Broderick - Ferris Bueller's Day Off 27%
Bill Murray in Lost - Translation 14%
Ellen Dow ("Rosie") - The Wedding Singer 13%
Gwyneth Paltrow & Huey Lewis - Duets 12%
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LOBSTER
Winner: The Little Mermaid 52%
Splash 20%
Crocodile Dundee 2 13%
Love Actually 8%
Annie Hall 7%
Scheduled to launch in June 2006, the 113,000-ton Crown Princess will introduce Princess' first-ever roundtrip Caribbean sailings from New York. This inaugural sailing season will feature nine-day roundtrip voyages to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, and will mark the return of Princess' return to Bermuda, as well as its debut at the port of Grand Turk.
Crown Princess will feature a number of new service and design innovations to the Princess fleet, including a dramatic new piazza-style atrium, new casual dining venues and expansion of some favorite shipboard areas. Within the new street café environment of the atrium, passengers will find an International Café serving up fresh pastries and baked goods in the morning and other assorted offerings throughout the day, as well as the introduction of Vines, a new wine and seafood bar. Several signature Princess venues have been further enhanced, including an expanded Sabatini's Italian tratorria with a new piano lounge area and new location high on Deck 16 to offer panoramic views. The Crown Grill will also make its debut on this ship, which is a new steak and seafood restaurant that expands on the line's signature Sterling Steakhouse concept with an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs will custom-prepare steamed shellfish and cooked-to-order steaks and chops.
The ship will also feature the many hallmark features that define the Princess experience, including the dramatic Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, multiple dining and entertainment options, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, a two-story Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen's center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies.
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SILVERSEA SETS GOLFING ON A GLOBAL COURSE IN 2006 WITH ITS POPULAR "SILVER LINKS 365" GOLF PROGRAM
PGA-Classed Golf Professionals Offer Instruction 365 Days a Year Aboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper
Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- For 2006, Silversea is once again offering its popular Silver Links 365 golf program. On every day of every voyage, guests cruising aboard ultra-luxury, 382-guest Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper have the opportunity to improve their game with the help of the line's onboard PGA-classed golf professionals.
In addition to organized shipboard activities, Silver Links 365 offers optional golfing excursions, arranged and escorted by the ships' golf pros, to some of the world's most challenging and revered courses. From the gently rolling fairways at the elegant Fairmont Princess Golf Course on Acapulco's Revocadero Beach, to the natural lakes and lush terrain of Shanghai's Silport Golf Club, to the ancient dunes and pine groves at Zeebrugge's Royal Zoute Golf Club, guests will have a chance to perfect their game at acclaimed courses in all four corners of the globe.
"The popularity of golf is increasing every year, and there's a growing segment of golfers looking to score a perfect round on some of the world's more exotic courses," said David Morris, Silversea's senior vice president of sales for North America. "For those affluent world travelers looking for an extraordinary golf vacation where they can polish their game in style, our Silver Links 365 program offers privileged access to some of the most beautiful and challenging courses on six continents this year."
The program's escorted, optional golfing excursions vary in price from course to course and include all transfers to and from the select golf courses, pull or power-drive carts, green and any applicable caddy fees. Should guests choose to leave their clubs at home, the finest Nike clubs, shoes and golf essentials are available for rental, demo or purchase on board Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper. Golf clubs can be rented for as little as $45.
The ships' experienced teaching professionals offer a wide array of activities both on and off the vessels. During days at sea, they provide private instruction in the ships' 22' x 10' custom-built golf cages featuring breathtaking ocean-view backdrops. Scheduled daily events may include complimentary clinics, demonstrations and putting contests suitable for all ranges, levels and abilities.
Golfers have the option to further improve their game by experiencing the latest V1 video-teaching technology, the same digital system utilized by Tiger Woods. The Silver Links 365 golf program affords guests the opportunity to compare their swings to some of golf's greatest legends and the hottest names on tour. Priced at $55 for a half-hour session, $110 for a full-hour session, and a special package rate of $135 for three half-hour sessions, lessons also include a VHS video of the session with custom voice-over by the ship's golf pro.
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Royal Caribbean Announces Godmother Finalists
NBC's "TODAY" and Royal Caribbean International Select Three Finalists in 'Today Sets Sail' Search for Godmother of Freedom of the Seas
NEW YORK, NY (Jan. 16, 2006) - Royal Caribbean International and NBC's "TODAY" are one step closer to selecting the winner of 'Today Sets Sail,' a national search for the Godmother of the world's largest and most innovative cruise ship, Freedom of the Seas. Three finalists were selected from thousands of entries, and their inspirational stories were profiled on "TODAY" earlier this morning. The Web-based viewer vote is now officially open, and the winner will be announced live from the Torino Winter Olympics in February.
A new twist on a long-standing maritime tradition, the Godmother search seeks to honor an everyday person who has demonstrated exceptional courage, determination, inspiration and dedication, just as the following three finalists have (listed in no particular order):
Katherine Louise Calder of Portland, Oregon, has been a foster parent to over 400 children in the last twenty-seven years, acting as a "level three" special needs foster care provider and adoption advocate in her area.
Ieta Kimbrough of Indianapolis, Indiana, overcame homelessness and domestic violence as a young mother and eventually founded The House of Refuge in 2001, a support system for victims of domestic violence in Indiana.
Robyn Raphael of Roseville, California, founded the Keaton Raphael Memorial, in memory of her five year-old son who died of neuroblastoma in 1998, to assist children and their families in their fight against pediatric cancer.
Viewers are encouraged to go to www.today.msnbc.com and vote for their favorite finalist. All votes must be submitted by 9:00 P.M. EST on Friday, January 20, 2006.
The winner selected to be Freedom of the Seas' Godmother will preside over the most exciting and innovative ship at sea and will be allowed to cruise for life on any Royal Caribbean cruise once a year for free with the guest of their choice. Freedom will feature the first-ever surfing simulator at sea, an interactive water park, two cantilevered whirlpools that extend 12 feet out from the sides of the ship and a pool deck with dedicated sports pool that transforms into an open-air nightclub each night.
At 160,000 GRT and holding 3,634 guests double-occupancy, Freedom of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world when she debuts in May 2006. The first in Royal Caribbean's new Freedom class, she will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami calling in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Royal Caribbean's private destination, Labadee, Hispaniola.
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Celebrity Cruises Launches New Ad Campaign Highlighting 'The Celebrity Treatment'
MIAMI, FL - (January 17, 2006) - Celebrity Cruises has launched a major new advertising campaign built around the theme, "The Celebrity Treatment." Created by Arnold Worldwide, the TV and print campaign showcases how Celebrity Cruises' service and experience as a whole makes the line's guests feel like celebrities.
"This campaign is designed to convey the emotional connection our guests feel from the minute they step aboard until the moment they reluctantly leave," said Celebrity's Senior Vice President of Marketing, Ellen Taaffe. "It playfully conveys that special something that only we can offer, which we call 'The Celebrity Treatment'."
The broadcast campaign - consisting of two 30-second ads directed by award-winning commercial director Erich Joiner - hits the airwaves this week and marks the first time in several years that Celebrity has advertised on network TV. The new ads will appear this month on hit shows such as Desperate Housewives, Lost and According to Jim, and also will appear on select cable channels including the Travel Channel and Food Network throughout the year.
The print campaign - a portion of which features work by well-known photographer Peggy Sirota - will run in a breadth of consumer publications and newspapers throughout the year, while separate ads will appear in a variety of publications geared for travel agents.
"Arnold's new campaign for Celebrity continues our conscious creative approach of focusing on the emotional impact that comes from taking care of people during their vacation," said Arnold Worldwide Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Ron Lawner.
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Princess Cruises Makes Marriage Proposals Memorable with "Engagement Under The Stars" Package
Program Helps Suitors Offer Proposals Worthy of the "Big Screen" on Crown Princess
SANTA CLARITA, - Where else should suitors turn for help in creating a "stellar" marriage proposal than Princess Cruises, famous as the romantic setting of "The Love Boat" television series? Beginning in June 2006, with the launch of the line's newest ship, Crown Princess, a new "Engagement Under the Stars" package will offer the opportunity for a couple to enjoy movie-star status when they agree to tie the knot.
Guys can pop the question to their unsuspecting betrothed with a personal video proposal shown on the ship's giant outdoor Movies Under the Stars movie screen and, after she says "yes," Princess will continue to keep the stars in their eyes throughout the sailing with a special romantic dinner, amenities, and the creation of keepsake items to remember the occasion long after they return home.
"Engagement Under the Stars" proposals will take place just prior to one of the evening's outdoor feature films at a time prearranged with the proposer, who will bring his unsuspecting fiancé-to-be to the scene under the guise of seeing the evening's show. Priced at $695, the package includes:
A secret session for the proposer with the ship's videographer to create a personalized on-screen proposal
Two glasses of champagne and a red rose presented to the couple immediately following the proposal
A bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in the couple's stateroom the evening of the proposal
An engagement portrait session with 8x10 engagement photo
Four candid 8x6 photos of the surprise proposal
A Princess Cruises romantic, in-room breakfast
A dinner for two at one of the ship's sophisticated alternative dining venues, such as Sabatini's Trattoria or Crown Grill
A couple's massage in the Lotus Spa
A complimentary pottery class offered through the ship's signature learning program, ScholarShip@Sea, at which the couple will design a commemorative "engagement plate" souvenir
A 10 percent discount off of fine jewelry in the shipboard boutiques, just in case the groom didn't bring a ring
A $100 credit towards a wedding-at-sea package on a future voyage
The "Engagement Under the Stars" package enables any "Regular Joe" to provide his bride-to-be with a highly romantic and attention-getting proposal...without him having to do any of the planning. "All the gentleman has to bring is the ring and the question," says Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales.
"We've tapped into many of the ship's fabulous amenities - from dining, to spa, to our ScholarShip@Sea program, and of course, our signature Movies Under the Stars screen - to combine the most romantic and memorable experiences for newly engaged couples, and we're very happy to offer this package to grooms-to-be who want to create a lasting impression on their partners."
Movies Under the Stars, an industry first when Princess launched it in 2004, offers passengers the opportunity to enjoy drive-in style outdoor movies on the 300-square-foot LED movie screen day and night on the top deck of the ship while relaxing in comfortable chaise lounges, the swimming pool, or the hot tub. After debuting on Crown Princess, the "Engagement Under the Stars" package will be rolled out to all Princess ships that feature Movies Under the Stars, including Caribbean Princess, Grand Princess, and Sea Princess.
Scheduled to launch in June 2006, the 113,000 ton Crown Princess will introduce Princess' first-ever roundtrip Caribbean sailings from New York. This inaugural sailing season will feature nine-day roundtrip voyages to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, and will mark the return of Princess' return to Bermuda.
In addition to "Engagement Under The Stars," the ship will feature a number of new service and design innovations to the Princess fleet, including a dramatic new piazza-style atrium, new casual dining venues and expansion of some favorite shipboard areas. Within the new street café environment of the atrium, passengers will find an International Café serving up fresh pastries and baked goods in the morning and other assorted offerings throughout the day, as well as the introduction of Vines, a new wine and seafood bar. Several signature Princess venues have been further enhanced, including an expanded Sabatini's Trattoria with a new piano lounge area and new location high on Deck 16 to offer panoramic views. The Crown Grill will also make its debut on this ship, which is a new steak and seafood restaurant that expands on the line's signature Sterling Steakhouse concept with an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs will custom-prepare steamed shellfish and cooked-to-order steaks and chops.
The ship will also feature the many hallmark features that define the Princess experience, including the dramatic Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, multiple dining and entertainment options, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, a Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen's center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies.
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FREEDOM IS … ENJOYING A GOOD SWEAT
The World’s Largest Fitness Center at Sea and the First Full-Size Boxing Ring Are Among the Many Groundbreaking Features Associated with the Freedom of the Seas ShipShape Fitness Center
MIAMI, FL (February 8, 2006) – Once again shattering the antiquated notions of cruising being a passive vacation option, Royal Caribbean International announces the action-filled and cutting-edge amenities that will be found onboard Freedom of the Seas when she makes her debut in May 2006.
Along with features such as the FlowRider; surfing simulator and cantilevered whirlpools that have never before been seen on a cruise ship, Freedom will be outfitted with a full-size Everlast boxing ring, a group Pilates reformer studio and many other elements that are rarely seen in shoreside gyms, let alone on a cruise ship fitness center.
“We have a legacy of offering the unexpected to our guests and we knew with Freedom of the Seas we had to come out with something fabulous at every turn – our fitness center, the largest one found on any cruise ship, is no exception,” said Adam Goldstein, president. “Through partnerships with such ‘heavyweights’ as Steiner Leisure Limited, Everlast, Life Fitness and New Balance, we are confident we are providing our guests with the best and most innovative options in the marketplace.”
Royal Caribbean’s 15-year partnership with Steiner, operator of all spas and fitness centers fleet-wide, has played an integral part in helping to create the innovative and unexpected experience for which the cruise line has become so well-known. For the line’s Day Spas, Steiner recently developed and launched Generation Y Spa – spa services for teens – acupuncture and even Gentle Touch Tooth Whitening. Below is a description of the equipment, activities and classes that have been created for the Freedom ShipShape Fitness Center in conjunction with Steiner.
Fight Klub
For the first time ever, experienced boxers looking to hone their skills or novices wanting to try something new can get their fill while onboard a cruise ship. With Freedom’s “Fight Klub,” guests can test their chops with a variety of boxing-related activities, including one-on-one training sessions with an experienced instructor inside a full-size 20’ by 20’ Everlast boxing ring. Multiple Everlast speed bags, jump ropes, heavy bags and padded punching mitts are available. Additionally, groups of three people can partake in sparring sessions with freestanding body master bags, all supervised by an on-site boxing coach. Die-hard Rocky wannabes can train in three one-hour sessions with a boxing coach – the workout includes a warm up, bag work, mirror boxing, footwork and pad work.
ShipShape Class Program
Guests looking for a more serene workout will find plenty of options onboard the most innovative ship at sea. For starters, the six reformer machines in the Life Fitness Peak PilateSystem studio give Freedom of the Seas the first-ever dedicated Pilates reformer group exercise program found on a cruise ship. One-on-one training with a Pilates professional also is available and includes a complimentary postural analysis. Also offered throughout the seven-day sailing are introductory “pathway to Yoga” classes, including Friday’s class on the beach of Labadee, Hispaniola, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
Other classes in the program include:
Cutting-Edge Training Equipment
Royal Caribbean has once again teamed up with Life Fitness, the largest health club exercise equipment supplier in the world, to provide nearly all of the fitness machines onboard Freedom of the Seas. New to cruise line gyms is Life Fitness’ Cable Motion Series, which provides strength training and gives exercisers the freedom to move limbs independently of one another or to use different weights for each limb. It is user-defined paths of motion that allow for a variety of exercises.
Additional strength-training options include another industry “first”: Power-Plate North America’s Next Generation Power-Plate, a device utilizing advanced reflex technology. The central component of the machine, which resembles a large scale, vibrates subtly between 30 to 50 times per second, triggering a reflexive response that stimulates an increase in blood flow to muscles and joints and exponentially increasing the efficiency of the workout. The Power-Plate is just beginning to make its way to mainstream shoreside gyms from the fitness facilities of professional sports teams.
For the first time on a Royal Caribbean ship, all cardio equipment has personal LCD screens to keep guests entertained while they are working out.
…and For The Runners & Walkers
There are as many ways to enjoy the ports of call along Freedom of the Seas’ Western Caribbean route as there are guests on the ship. Thanks to Royal Caribbean’s partnership with New Balance, a leading manufacturer of high-performance athletic footwear and apparel, avid runners can follow mapped out routes at select ports of call and enjoy a safe run at each destination without having to worry about getting lost on their way back to the ship or measuring the distance on their own. Other components of the New Balance partnership include:
ShipShape Seminar Series
Small lifestyle changes can often greatly enhance well-being, which is why Royal Caribbean offers its ShipShape Seminar Series, created in consultation with Elemis spa-therapy innovators, a subsidiary of Steiner. These scripted seminars and multi-media presentations cover topics such as healthy eating and nutrition, body detoxification and tips for reaching the “burn fat fast” zone. In addition, a session is offered to introduce the Polar BodyAge fitness assessment system, which tests cardiovascular health, body fat, strength, flexibility and more to compare the body’s “fitness age” with its chronological age. Factors such as diet, exercise and stress can either slow down or speed up the aging process. The Polar BodyAge system helps guests determine how their lifestyle has affected their bodies.
To help familiarize guests with all of the fitness activities available in Freedom’s ShipShape Fitness Center, two 65-inch interactive plasma televisions located in the entryway will allow guests to find out more about the classes and equipment available and to check class schedules.
Of course, there are more places than the fitness center for guests looking to get their heart rates up. The FlowRider, ice-skating rink and expanded rock-climbing wall each offer guests a chance to get the heart pumping. For an interactive sneak peak at the new and expanded rock-climbing wall that will be found on Freedom of the Seas, visit www.FreedomofTheSeas.com.
Steiner Leisure Limited is a worldwide provider of spa services. The Company’s operations include spas and salons on 120 cruise ships and in 56 resort spas and two luxury day spas. Our cruise line and land-based resort customers include Carnival Cruise Line, Caesars Entertainment, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard/Seabourn Cruise Lines, Hilton Hotels, Holland America Line, Kerzner International, Marriott Hotels, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Our Elemis Limited subsidiary manufactures its Elemis brand products for use in our cruise ship and land-based spas. This top quality European line of beauty products is also distributed worldwide to exclusive hotels, salons, health clubs and destination spas. Elemis, as well as other Steiner products, including La Therapie, Ionithermie, and Steiner Hair Care.
At 160,000 GRT and holding 3,634 guests double-occupancy, Freedom of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world when she debuts in May 2006. The first in Royal Caribbean’s new Freedom class, she will be the most forward-looking and innovative ship the company has built to date. Freedom of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami calling in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Labadee, Hispaniola.
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NCL'S NEW NORWEGIAN PEARL TO OFFER CRUISE INDUSTRY FIRST: ONBOARD BOWLING ALLEY
NCL's next ship, Norwegian Pearl, will bowl over the cruise competition with a "striking" innovation - a full size, four lane, ten-pin bowling alley. The bowling alley is part of an all-new, all-day entertainment, sports bar and nightclub complex called Bliss. During the day, Bliss is a sports bar with a four lane bowling alley, multiple flat screen televisions to show sports events, and air hockey, foosball and other arcade games.
In the evening, in a complete change of mood, Bliss transforms into a hip, high-energy ultra-lounge, with the plasma screens adding video tracks to the non-stop music spun by Norwegian Pearl's own Vibe Master. A spacious dance floor, a full bar, and mood-lit bowling all add to the atmosphere of a totally unique seagoing experience.
The venue is designed in deep reds, blues and purples and appointed with modern furniture including plush seating with high back chairs, day beds with cushions and pillows and comfortable banquettes near the bowling lanes.
"Bowling is one of America's most popular recreational sports, with
more than 69 million* participants in the United States," said Colin
Veitch, president and CEO of NCL. "We are constantly pushing the
Freestyle CruisingSM theme on our ships - bringing our guests all kinds of unexpected opportunities to relax and have fun as the mood takes them. What better than to bring one of the most popular landside activities in the nation onto a ship.
"Will the ball roll perfectly true? Much of the time yes, and some of
the time no. We won't be hosting the world bowling championships; it's just fun we're shooting for! Bowling, drinking, dancing, and laughing with your friends and family. That's a strike every time in our book!" Veitch said.
The entertainment complex during the day is also the perfect venue to host bowling parties for guests of all ages. Gutter bumpers will
automatically pop up for kids' bowling parties - or for adults who might need a little help with their scores.
With its finger on the pulse of what today's more casual travelers want on vacation, NCL has debuted several novel onboard entertainment options in recent years. In 2005, NCL was the first cruise line to offer, on Pride of America, an onboard bungee trampoline, as well as a giant gyroscope, an exhilarating, open-air sphere originally designed for training astronauts in weightlessness.
In addition to the new bowling alley, Norwegian Pearl will also feature all the attributes of NCL's dynamic modern Freestyle Cruising fleet including multiple restaurants, vibrant public rooms, versatile, family-friendly accommodations and NCL's popular new style of accommodations - Courtyard Villas - which along with each ship's two Garden Villas make up the biggest, most luxurious, most innovative suite complexes at sea.
NCL Corporation ("NCL") is an innovative cruise company headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a fleet of 15 ships in service and under construction. The corporation oversees the operations of Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, and Orient Lines. The company is currently building three ships, including one more for the NCL America brand in Hawai`i - Pride of Hawai`i (delivery in April 2006), and Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem for delivery in 2007.
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Suite Life Is Sweeter For The Alaska Season as Holland America Line Boosts Verandahs By 40 Percent In 2006
Three vista-class ships offer more view staterooms
Seattle, WA — Three Holland America Line Vista-class ships will be among the eight Holland America Line ships cruising Alaska in 2006, which means 40 percent more suites and verandahs available than ever before. Each Vista-class ship features 162 suites in seven categories, plus 461 Deluxe Outside Verandah staterooms. Two Vista-class ships, Oosterdam (Saturdays) and Westerdam (Sundays – nine sailings cruise Glacier Bay National Park), will be sailing the Alaskan Explorer Cruise roundtrip Seattle. In addition, the Zuiderdam Glacier Bay Inside Passage cruises sail round trip from Vancouver (Saturdays).
“With three Vista-class ships cruising Alaska there is more opportunity for guests to book a verandah stateroom than ever before,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. “For the more discerning guest, a suite offers more spacious accommodations, private verandahs and Neptune Lounge access for Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah Suite guests.”
Available on all three Vista-class ships are two Penthouse Verandah Suites at 1,318 square feet, 60 Deluxe Verandah Suites ranging from 510-700 square feet, and 100 Superior Verandah Suites – a Vista class innovation, boasting 398 square feet, including an extra large verandah, sitting area, two desks, and a large bathroom with separate shower and Jacuzzi tub and two sinks. Guests who book the Penthouse or Deluxe Verandah Suites also have access to the private Neptune Lounge. The industry-leading Neptune Lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests and enjoy personalized service for making reservations for shore excursions, spa services, car rentals, the exclusive Pinnacle Grill restaurant and more. The fleet-wide lounges provide work tables, TV, library, sofas and chairs, and refreshments. One-Touch 24-hour Concierge Service is available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.
The spacious Deluxe Outside Verandah staterooms offer 254 square feet of space. Sixty seven percent of staterooms onboard Vista-class ships have private verandahs and more than 85 percent offer ocean views to make the most of the scenic Alaskan coastline. Guests won’t miss a magical scenic moment sitting on an intimate private verandah taking in the inspirational views.
Comfort and Ambience
As part of the Special Signature of Excellence enhancements throughout the entire Holland America Line fleet each stateroom now features Mariner’s Dream™ beds with plush, Sealy Posturepedic Premium Plush Euro-Top mattresses, 250-thread-count, white cotton bed linens, 100 percent Egyptian cotton towels and deluxe waffle and terry cloth bathrobes. Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah suites feature luxurious duvets, fully stocked no-host mini bars, DVD players and access to movie library and personalized stationary too. New amenities also include premium massage showerheads, Elemis Aromapure products, 5x magnifying make-up mirrors with halo lighting and salon-quality hair dryers. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary fresh fruit basket and an elegant stainless-steel ice bucket and serving tray.
Deluxe Verandah Suites start at $1,479 double occupancy for the Alaskan Explorer Cruise and $1,449 double occupancy for the Glacier Bay Inside Passage.
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Royal Caribbean International Orders Bold New Ship
MIAMI, FL - (February 6, 2006) - Royal Caribbean International fast-forwarded cruise-ship innovation today by ordering a new ship that will take the line's award-winning guest experience far into the future. The 5,400-guest, 220,000-gross-registered-ton ship, a prototype developed under the project name, Genesis, builds upon the trailblazing innovations of the brand's landmark Voyager and Freedom classes of ships. Finnish shipbuilder Aker Yards will build the ship for a Fall 2009 delivery, continuing a 35-year collaboration with Royal Caribbean.
At 1,180 feet long, 154 feet wide and 240 feet high, Project Genesis will give Royal Caribbean ample room to create memorable new icons and amenities to heighten guests' cruise experience. Energy efficiency also was prioritized in the new design with significant modifications made in the form of the hull and in the air conditioning and water production and treatment systems.
The company estimates the all-in cost of the ship to be approximately $230,000 per berth or roughly comparable per berth to a Freedom-class ship, despite its being a prototype with significant advancements. The contract is contingent upon the completion of certain conditions by the end of February. Royal Caribbean also has an option for a second ship.
"It is exhilarating to take such a giant step into the future," said Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO Richard Fain. "We are fortunate to have such gifted collaborators as Aker Yards, and such valued supporters and advisors as our guests and trade partners. Project Genesis truly is a remarkable ship. Its bold design, daring innovations and technological advancements will delight our existing cruisers and help us draw in new ones."
Yrjo Julin, president of Aker Yards Cruise and Ferries, is equally proud of the companies' work. "After developing so many generations of cruise ships together, we are excited about jumping so far out in front of cruise-ship design with this highly innovative and exciting ship," Julin said. "Working together, we will create an unparalleled experience for the next generation of cruisers."
Julin estimates Project Genesis will take 5,800 man years to complete. Aker Yards has delivered 11 ships to Royal Caribbean over the last four decades. Three of the brand's newbuilds are now under construction at the yard. The first out is Freedom of the Seas, which debuts in June.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise vacation company with 19 ships in service and three under construction. The company also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada and Europe.
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Freedom Is... Virtually Cruising
Royal Caribbean's Updated Sitelet Provides Freedom Of The Seas Virtual Tours And A Chance To Win A Cruise Aboard the New Ship
Miami, FL - The ever-changing FreedomoftheSeas.com sitelet is now giving guests more reasons to embark on a virtual visit of the line's newest and most innovative cruise ship, Freedom Of The Seas. Commissioned by Royal Caribbean, the successful sitelet, a joint effort by Arnold Worldwide and IQ Interactive, features full-motion video, complete with three-dimensional renderings of the ship's features folded into onboard scenes for a truly interactive, life-like experience. New content showcasing the ship's innovative features has been revealed on a rolling basis beginning in July 2005 through the launch of Freedom Of The Seas in May 2006.
Some of the newest content on the site is the interactive Art Preview. This area showcases all art onboard Freedom Of The Seas, including information on the artists and in-progress pictures of these customized works. Freedom's onboard art theme is "The Four Elements - Earth, Fire, Air and Water," each of which the site will visually explore January through April. The sitelet features the Centrum, where the art will encompass all four elements.
Guests can also virtually tour Royal Caribbean's largest stateroom ever, Freedom's Presidential Family Suite. Using advanced video compositing and animation techniques, visitors are transported into a game-like environment resembling the actual 2,000 plus square-foot suite. Visitors can also explore each of the five rooms in the suite and the balcony, interacting with the full-motion people they encounter.
The new experiences are seamlessly tied to previously launched experiences by the Guide, a live-action video composited in the scene, which greets guests upon entering the sitelet. The Guide navigates a personalized tour of the ship based on the user's vacation preferences.
Guests can immerse themselves in the ship, seeing and hearing about the onboard amenities, including the FlowRider surfing simulator, cantilevered whirlpools, and the H20 Zone water park.
If guests like what they see, they can enter to win an unforgettable vacation onboard Freedom, home of the first-ever surf park at sea. From now until February 15, 2006, registered entrants can play the new online Wax & Win Surf Game, where waxing a virtual surfboard could reveal a pair of lucky FlowRider surf simulator images - the ticket to one of many instant prizes, including iPod nanos, beach bag packages and Royal Caribbean surfing T-shirts.
The success to date of FreedomoftheSeas.com has been above expectation. Since the launch of the latest updates, the average time consumers have been spending on the high-bandwidth site is more than eight minutes, which is well beyond industry standard. This level of consumer engagement is a testament to the highly interactive and engaging content of the site, not to mention its innovative use of technology and design.
At 160,000 GRT and holding 3,634 guests double-occupancy, Freedom Of The Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world when she debuts in May 2006. The first in Royal Caribbean's new Freedom class, she will be the most forward-looking and innovative ship the company has built to date. Freedom Of The Seas will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami calling in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Royal Caribbean's private destination, Labadee, Hispaniola. Learn more about this incredible new ship by visiting FreedomoftheSeas.com.
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Carnival Names New 112,000-Ton Cruise Ship Carnival Splendor
MIAMI, FL – Carnival Splendor is the name Carnival Cruise Lines has chosen for its new 112,000-ton cruise ship scheduled to enter service in spring 2008.
Representing a new class of ship for the line, the 3,006-passenger vessel will be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and feature an innovative new design, including the largest spa and children’s facilities in the Carnival fleet.
"Carnival Splendor will introduce a host of guest-driven facilities and eatures to usher in an exciting new era of ‘Fun Ship’ cruising," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
Highlights include a 17,800-square-foot spa – the largest ever incorporated into a Carnival ship. Encompassing two forward decks, the facility features an elaborate thermal suite, a variety of health and beauty treatment rooms, and Carnival’s first thalasso therapy pool. Encircling the upper level of the spa will be a winter garden that will include a ceremonial tea house.
A 5,500-square-foot children’s playroom – the largest in the Carnival fleet – will be located mid-ship. Above the facility will be a new water play area – a first for the line.
Located aft will be a new sports deck featuring arena-style seating for games and other events, while a reservations-only supper club will be located atop the poolside Lido restaurant, providing diners with magnificent ocean vistas.
The mid-ship pool – one of four on board – will be enclosed by two full decks of glass walls. The area will be covered with a two-deck-high retractable dome that can be closed during inclement weather. A large balcony will encircle the upper deck of the pool area.
The vessel will also include 1,503 staterooms, 60 percent of which will offer an ocean view with 60 percent of those featuring private balconies.
Carnival Splendor is one of three new "Fun Ships" currently under construction or on order with Fincantieri. In addition to Carnival Splendor, Carnival’s order book includes the 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom, scheduled to enter service in February 2007, and an as-yet-unnamed 130,000-ton SuperLiner – to be the largest "Fun Ship" ever constructed – slated to debut in fall 2009.
Carnival currently operates a fleet of 21 "Fun Ships" offering voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda and Europe.
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