The Cruise Explorer

Carnival has just announced that by the end of the year all 22 Fun Ships will have a Punchliners Comedy Club – a dedicated comedy lounge. I expect that this will be a very popular addition!

Just two months ago, in a vivid reinforcement of its new brand platform, “Designed for you,” Celebrity Cruises announced plans to introduce on Celebrity Eclipse – the third in Celebrity Cruises’ stylish Solstice Class fleet of ships – the first “Celebrity iLounge.” The announcement met with such positive response from guests, travel agents and press that today, the brand announced plans to introduce the hip, modern lounge on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit next month.

Dubbed by members of the press as “a hipster haven,” “a nifty app for tech junkies,” and an illustration of “how much thought some cruise lines are putting into their Internet offerings, while others treat it as an afterthought,” the Celebrity iLounge on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit will – as on Celebrity Eclipse – offer what the line’s guests said they wanted most in an Internet café: easy access to the Internet, inspiring classes and new products.

The Celebrity iLounge on each ship will consist of three main areas: a series of contemporary MacBook workstations where guests can check their e-mail, retain their social media connections, or print boarding passes; a retail space offering cruisers the opportunity to check out the latest MacBooks, iPods® and accessories; and an enrichment center where certified staff will offer guests tips on Mac or iPod usage.

“Our ‘Designed for you’ brand platform is built on Celebrity’s commitment to listen to our guests and offer experiences and programs inspired by them,” said Celebrity’s President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. “The reaction we received after announcing the new venue on Celebrity Eclipse made it clear that our guests would appreciate more opportunities to experience the Celebrity iLounge, and now, they can do that while sailing year-round in the Caribbean on our stunning Celebrity Solstice, or while visiting the sophisticated island of Bermuda on Celebrity Summit.”

Cruisers themselves can become more sophisticated with new applications for creatively preserving meaningful vacation moments. Within the “Discover” component of its “Celebrity Life” series of inspiring enrichment and entertainment experiences, Celebrity will offer in each Celebrity iLounge a series of engaging new courses, including movie editing and web design, through programs including iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD and iWeb. And Celebrity’s certified staffers will be well-equipped to assist, having completed more than 125 hours of training in operating systems, applications and products.

Technophiles and collectors of cool merchandise alike will find the Celebrity iLounge an enticing venue. As an Authorized Apple Reseller, Celebrity will offer a variety of products in each Celebrity iLounge for guests to purchase, including iPods, MacBooks and essential accessories.

Located on deck six of Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Eclipse, the Celebrity iLounge will house the 26 MacBook Pro’s, classroom and retail area, in addition to display pods, a 56-inch flat-screen TV for use during classes, and an accessible workstation.

On Celebrity Summit, the Celebrity iLounge will replace the current computer classroom on deck six, with the same new products and technologies as on Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Solstice. Even the “Online@Celebrity” cybercafé on deck four of Celebrity Summit will be retrofitted with entirely new MacBook workstations.

The new Celebrity iLounge will be ‘live’ on Celebrity Summit by May 16, on Celebrity Solstice by May 30, and on April 26 on Celebrity Eclipse, when the new ship enters service. The Celebrity iLounge also will be presented on Celebrity Silhouette, which launches in 2011, and the fifth ship in the Solstice Class fleet, which sets sail in 2012.

Designer Joe Farcus talks about how he creates each Carnival ship’s “personality”.

Cruises on eastern Canada’s Saint Lawrence River are quite limited at the moment, but a new group aims to change that. Cruise the Saint Lawrence, a non profit association with 25 members representing 9 ports of call, is marketing primarily to cruise lines, travel agents and media representatives. The group’s initial efforts are focused on creating the Cruise the Saint Lawrence brand; promoting the St Lawrence River as an untouched, unmatched, unforgettable destination; and, marketing a network of ports which boast a diversity of tourist experiences. Their key marketing points include: the Saint Lawrence River as a unique waterway with a complex ecosystem, glacier-carved landscapes, numerous parks, journey into history, remarkable cities, French-language culture, First Nations presence, ecotourism, captivating excursions and a tradition of hospitality.

The ports of call included in this promotion are:

• Québec
• Montréal
• Saguenay
• Trois-Rivières
• Baie-Comeau
• Havre-Saint-Pierre
• Sept-Îles
• Gaspésie
• the Iles de la Madeleine

This year, the busy “Fall Colours” cruise season on the Saint Lawrence River begins on September 9th with the arrival of the Queen Mary 2 at Québec. The Crystal Symphony is the last ship, leaving Québec on October 24th.

When your Princess cruise stops at Princess Cays on the tiny island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, you can now add to your luxury experience by booking a Princess Cays Bungalow Package for the day, perhaps with a gourmet lunch. What a luxurious, exclusive treat!

With a Princess Cays Bungalow, you can take a nap with the smell of the ocean on the breeze and the sounds of the waves lulling you into a peaceful state of relaxation. You can have the privacy to change from swimsuits and back to regular clothing without having to minimize your time on the island to go back and board the ship. With our new Bungalow Packages, you can enjoy a fine meal in privacy with good friends, enjoying the most amazing seaside view.

Here are the options:

Princess Cays Private Bungalow Package
For just $199, you’ll have the exclusive use of a 6-person bungalow during your visit to Princess Cays. The colorful beachfront bungalows are perfect for families, friends or anyone who wants to make the most of their visit to Princess Cays. Located in the picturesque palm grove just behind the beach, each bungalow features air-conditioning and ceiling fan, a table and four chairs inside, and two sun loungers outside on the deck, as well as a private shower. You can take a dip, shower off, sun bathe and change back into their regular clothes, all from the privacy of your very own bungalow, without ever having to return to the ship!

Princess Cays Private Bungalow with Gourmet Picnic Lunch
This upgrade features the use of a regular bungalow at Princess Cays and includes our gourmet picnic lunch, with Italian Style Antipasti, Lobster & Mango Salad, an Artisan Cheese Board with Tropical Fruits and Fig Bread, Island BBQ Selection and Petite Pastry Selection. This luxurious experience is $249 per couple, with an additional $25 charge for each extra bungalow guest.

Princess Cays Sanctuary Bungalow
A relaxing Sanctuary bungalow gives you a serene island experience. These tranquil bungalows are situated in the new adults-only area – The Sanctuary at Princess Cays, an extension of the onboard experience. Up to 4 adults can share a secluded Sanctuary bungalow for just $249.

Princess Cays Sanctuary Bungalow with VIP Gourmet Lunch
Enjoy fine dining while relaxing amidst a beautiful ocean view. The VIP Gourmet Lunch includes assorted snacks (popcorn, peanuts and potato chips), Caribbean Gazpacho, a Chilled Seafood Platter with Tequila Lime Cocktail Sauce, Jerk Chicken and Pork Spareribs with Jamaican Hardo Bread and Salad, Fresh Fruit & Strawberries with Honey Yogurt Dip, Vanilla Ice Cream and Cookies/Brownies. In addition, you’ll be able to order one refreshing Signature/Island Cocktail per person, included in the price of the package. This authentic island experience is just $299 per couple, with an additional charge of $25 for each extra guest.

The 698-passenger MV Discovery is large enough to sail the world’s oceans but small enough to offer unique itineraries.

Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria Sets Sail for San Francisco Maiden Call

17 December 2009 – Cunard Line’s youngest ship, Queen Victoria, will be making her maiden call to San Francisco on 27 January 2010, marking her only U.S. inaugural call in the next year. Queen Victoria will stop in the City by the Bay as part of the first segment of her 2010 World Voyage, before continuing across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii.

“We were elated by the welcome our flagship Queen Mary 2 received from San Franciscans in 2007, and have been eagerly anticipating Queen Victoria’s arrival to this illustrious city since the ship entered service,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We look forward to a warm welcome during this historic port of call.”

Many well-wishers and maritime enthusiasts are expected to view Queen Victoria when she arrives at the famous Embarcadero at approximately 6:30 a.m. at pier P35 South, and upon her departure later that evening at 6:00pm. The ship’s arrival can be seen from several excellent viewing locations including: the Golden Gate Bridge – vista points on both north and south sides of the bridge, Pier 45 and Pier 39, Fort Mason, Aquatic Park and Crissy Field.

2010 will mark Queen Victoria’s third full year in service with a traditional 99-day westbound circumnavigation of the globe from New York to Southampton, featuring three convenient U.S. embarkation points. The ship sails from New York on 12 January, embarking guests in Ft. Lauderdale on 15 January and in San Francisco on 27 January. Highlights of Queen Victoria’s third World Voyage include three overnight calls in Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai, as well as 10 additional maiden calls. The ship will traverse the Panama and Suez Canals, visiting 41 ports including Acapulco, Melbourne, Shanghai, San Francisco, Cartagena, Phuket and Sharm El Sheikh. Guests have the option of adding a seven-day Transatlantic extension from Southampton to New York aboard Queen Mary 2 for a full 106-day circumnavigation.

Designed in grand Cunard tradition, Queen Victoria is the second largest Cunarder ever built, weighing in at 90,000 tons. Having debuted in December 2007, she captured the world stage in a way few ships ever do – becoming one of the most fêted ships to be introduced in recent years and quickly establishing herself in the Cunard fleet. Every inch of the 2,000 passenger liner is infused with a sense of luxury and tradition, from the Royal Court Theatre, which includes the first private viewing boxes at sea, to the signature two-storey library with a spiral staircase and nearly 6,000 volumes.

Queen Victoria features double- and triple-height public rooms that evoke the rich and well-recorded history of ocean liner and Victorian era design. Most distinctive of all, of course, is the line’s legendary White Star Service™ for which Cunard is renowned. Onboard, guests revel in the luxury of time, experiencing such Cunard hallmarks as traditional afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters, an engaging variety of intellectual and stimulating pursuits – including fencing – and extraordinary dining rivaling the finest restaurants in the world.

For more information about Queen Victoria or to book a voyage, consult your travel professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

Newly refined brand unveils multiple new attributes for upmarket travelers

Azamara Cruises – the two-ship brand launched in 2007 with the 694-guest Azamara Journey and sister ship Azamara Quest – today became “Azamara Club Cruises,” with a newly refined focus, and a series of new attributes designed for upmarket, experienced travelers.

“This isn’t a strategy of going ‘from good to great’,” said Azamara Club Cruises President & CEO Larry Pimentel. “This is about taking an already great product and making it exceptional.”

Tapped to take the helm of Azamara Cruises in July of this year, Pimentel spent several weeks talking with travel agents, past guests and press to determine how to make his great-to-exceptional goal a reality. He also tapped a small new team focused 100 percent on Azamara, including VP of Sales & Marketing Edie Bornstein, AVP of Hotel Operations Bert Van Middendorp, Director of Marketing Signe Bjorndal, Director of National Accounts Michelle Nevin, and an eight-member field sales team dedicated solely to Azamara.

Together, Pimentel and team shaped the new Azamara Club Cruises, whose most distinguishing new attributes will be in effect by April 2010. “Today’s cruisers have incredible new vacation options – like Celebrity’s stunning Solstice Class, and Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas,” said Pimentel. “Azamara Club Cruises will distinguish itself by delivering the destination like no other line.”

Azamara Club Cruises will visit 140 ports in 50 countries in 2010, with itineraries featuring more overnight stays to allow guests to immerse themselves in communities and cultures. Among the overnight locations are Istanbul, Turkey; Sorrento, Italy, which offers a host of tour options along the Amalfi Coast and Capri; a full three days and two nights in St. Peters burg, Russia, on Azamara’s Scandinavia and Russia itineraries; and multiple overnight stays in Azamara’s Southeast Asia region, including Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.

“We’re going to slow down the tempo, and allow our guests to not just see the destination, but to live it,” said Pimentel. “Consider destinations like St. Tropez or St. Petersburg, Russia. If you’ve experienced them only by day, you haven’t really experienced them. With Azamara, through more overnight stays and late-night stays, you can.”

The destination focus of Azamara Club Cruises inspired the brand’s new tagline – “You’ll love where we take you” – and will extend to its shore excursions, too, an essential ingredient to allow guests to truly experience a community and its culture.

Azamara has created distinctive two-day packages tailored to the overnight destinations, to make it easy for guests to immerse themselves in each location, whether it’s Dubrovnik, Croatia; Odessa, Ukraine; Livorno (Florence), Italy, Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany, or London, in addition to Sorrento and St. Petersburg.

Azamara also will offer experiences such as a two-night package from Bangkok to Laos; an overnight tour from Hiroshima to Osaka via bullet train; a three-night experience from Mumbai including a visit to the Taj Mahal; overnight tours in Israel between Ashdod and Cairo, and a Grand Egypt tour featuring the best of both Luxor and Cairo.

Among Azamara’s specialty tours include a Ferrari driving tour in Civitavecchia, Italy; a walk down memory lane in Liverpool with the “In the steps of The Beatles” tour; a private demonstration of chocolate flavors in Dubrovnik; a “Theatre A La Carte” evening in London; Croatian liqueur tasting in Zadar; an Imperial Russian Court evening at Tsarskoye Selo in St. Petersburg; an evening gondola serenade in Venice; and high tea at the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai.

Praised for its dining experience since its founding, Azamara will continue to place a heavy emphasis on fine cuisine, and will expand its focus on wine to include vintages from boutique wineries around the world. Guests will have the opportunity to taste high quality wines that may be unavailable at home, because the selected vineyards produce a strictly limited quantity each year, distributed primarily locally. The featured wines will be offered complimentary at lunches and dinners on every sailing.

Wellness and vigor will be a core component of the Azamara Club Cruises experience, too, with onboard and land-based experiences designed to help guests feel and look healthier and more youthful. Azamara’s aim in wellness and vigor is to help guests balance their physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual needs through massages, facials and other spa treatments, as well as acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, and enrichment programs.

The newly refined brand also is intensely focused on offering an intangible attribute essential to a successful upmarket product: exceptional service. “Extraordinary service is paramount with Azamara Club Cruises,” said Pimentel. “We know every travel and hospitality organization proclaims it’s committed to great service, so what will make Azamara stand out? First, our butlers will be trained to be true English butlers, to offer that fine balance of anticipatory, pampering, yet non-intrusive service to guests in every suite.” Guests in staterooms will be served by the line’s host of experienced stateroom attendants.

Azamara Club Cruises also will offer many inclusive amenities, with the following included in the cruise fare beginning with the first voyages in April 2010 on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest: a specific brand of bottled water offered at no charge throughout the voyage, whether in public venues or in staterooms; specialty coffees and teas; housekeeping and dining gratuities; shuttlebus service to/from port communities, where available; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs; most meals and room service; house wine at lunches and dinners; and self-service laundry. Specialty dining in Azamara’s intimate Prime C steakhouse and the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina will be complimentary for suite guests for the duration of their cruise.

Cruisers who can’t get enough of Azamara will be invited to join the line’s new loyalty program, “Le Club Voyage,” with specific features and benefits yet to be announced.

For more information, call your travel agent or visit www.AzamaraClubCruises.com

Royal Princess to Leave Princess Cruises Fleet and Join British Sister Line P&O Cruises

Small Ship Will Transfer in May 2011; Spring Deployment Changed

Santa Clarita, CA (December 9, 2009) — One of the small ships of Princess Cruises, the 710-passenger Royal Princess, will depart the line’s fleet in spring 2011, transferring to sister company P&O Cruises in the U.K. The ship will be renamed Adonia.

As a result, five sailings in April and May will be cancelled, and in place of these a 26-day South Pacific and Andes Explorer cruise will be offered prior to the transfer. The ship’s 2010 cruise program includes sailings to the Amazon, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii and French Polynesia.

With the transfer of Royal Princess there will be one less Princess ship in Alaska for the 2011 season, though full details are not yet available. During summer 2010, the ship will sail on a 14-day roundtrip “Connoisseur” cruises from Seattle to Alaska.

The following 2011 sailings are being cancelled:

• April 6, 2011 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia
• April 16, 2011 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia
• April 26, 2011 12-day Hawaii & Tahiti
• May 8, 2011 10-day Hawaiian Islands
• May 18, 2011 1-day coastal

The new 26-day cruise that replaces these sailings will depart April 6, 2011 and travel between Papeete, Tahiti and Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call will include Bora Bora, Moorea, Pitcairn Island (for scenic cruising), Easter Island, Pisco (San Martin), Lima (Callao for Machu Picchu overland excursion), Quito (Manta), Panama Canal Transit, San Blas, and Limón. Fares begin at $4,145 per person, double occupancy.

The ship will then go into a drydock in the Bahamas to change its livery prior to joining the P&O Cruises fleet in May 2011.

Royal Princess joined the Princess fleet in 2007, having originally been built in 2001.

Take advantage of the Alaska Wilderness Sale and enjoy an unforgettable Princess land-and-sea cruisetour in 2010 with the convenience of booking your travel in and out of Vancouver, B.C. or Seattle. And you can experience all the glaciers, wildlife, wilderness and more at an incredible value with FREE Upgrades and great fares!

Find out why Princess is consistently named “Best Cruise Line in Alaska” by readers of Travel Weekly and “Best Cruisetour Program” by TravelAge West magazine. These offers on roundtrip cruisetours are only available until December 31, 2009, so book today!

See the Princess brochure more information, and email or phone for full details and rates.