The Cruise Explorer

Priceline may not yet be on your list of places to check for great cruise deals, but their current sale may change that. During this Exclusive Cruise Sale, you not only get great cruise rates, you get up to 5 FREE Hotel Nights!

Do you want to be sure you’re getting the lowest price on top-brand cruises? Of course you do! Book your next sailing with Priceline Cruises and they’ll make you this promise: If you find a lower price on another website, they’ll refund 110% of the difference plus they’ll send you a $50 coupon off a Priceline Vacation Package!

Have a look at some of today’s cruise deals, and start planning your next (or your first) cruise vacation. If you’re flexible, also check out the Last-Minute Cruises – up to 75% off, from $60/ night!

Dec 6, 2011 — Norwegian Cruise Line today announced its summer deployment for the 2013/2014 season with the addition of a third ship in Alaska. Norwegian Sun, sailing seven-day open jaw itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska, will join Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl in Alaska for the summer of 2013, marking the first time the company has offered three ships in Alaska since 2009. For a more in-depth Alaskan experience, the company is also introducing land packages that can be combined with Norwegian Sun’s itinerary.

“Alaska, with its extraordinary beauty and wildlife, continues to be an extremely popular summer destination for cruisers and therefore there is a lot of demand for increased capacity and more varied and unique cruises,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “With the strides made by the state government, we felt the time was right to add a third ship in Alaska, and give our guests the once in a lifetime opportunity to see more of this incredible destination. We’ve also added the option of extending their stay with a Cruisetour that will enhance their overall experience.”

Beginning May 20, 2013, Norwegian Sun’s northbound itinerary departs Vancouver, British Columbia on Mondays, and will cruise the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and make stops in the Alaskan favorites of Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau. On her southbound itineraries from Whittier, Alaska, the ship will cruise the Inside Passage, Sawyer Glacier and Hubbard Glacier, as well as making stops in Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Icy Strait Point.

Beginning May 18, 2013, Norwegian Jewel will sail a series of 18 seven-day Sawyer Glacier itineraries from Seattle, Washington every Saturday with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska; along with Victoria, British Columbia. Norwegian Jewel not only offers a fantastic itinerary, but also brings extra fun for the kids with Nickelodeon family programming. The 2,394 passenger Norwegian Pearl begins a series of 18 seven-day Glacier Bay itineraries from Seattle, Washington every Sunday with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska; along with Victoria, British Columbia.

New for the 2013 summer season in Alaska are four Cruisetour options which provide the opportunity to combine a pre or post-cruise land package with Norwegian Sun’s cruises from Whittier, Alaska. Ranging in length from four to six days, the Cruisetours feature two nights in Denali National Park and are fully escorted by a local Alaskan tour guide for the most authentic experience possible. Highlights of the Cruisetours also include a stop at an Iditarod sled dog musher’s house (on four and five-night tours), along with a ride on the Alaskan railroad.

Below, the Norwegian Sun

2011 is the first year that the cruise lines have really gotten into the Black Friday sales. For them it’s Black Friday Plus, though, as the sales last a few days. Here are the deals:

At Princess, the deals are on Alaska cruises and cruisetours specifically. You can save up to $1,000 per stateroom on a selection of their most popular Alaska cruisetours, receive a free balcony upgrade on Alaska cruises, and receive an OBC (on board credit).

Celebrity is offering up to $150 on a selection of 84 Caribbean and Mediterranean sailings when you book a veranda stateroom or suite.

Oceania is offering 2-for-1 fares, free air and up to $5,000 in additional savings on any of over 80 sailings.

And Azamara is offering a $500 on board credit, redeemable for spa, specialty dining, gift shop items, and more, on 10 holiday voyages in 2012 booked on or before November 30th – click here to see their brochure.

To get a quote on any of these deals, call or email us today!

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Labor Day Sale • September 2–6 only!

During the first-ever Princess Labor Day Sale, you can save up to $1,000 per couple to the Caribbean, the Panama Canal or New Zealand — PLUS, you’ll receive an onboard credit of up to $100 per stateroom!

For more information or to book your cabin on a Princess ship, talk to Murray at Cruise Explorer Travel.

Prestigious Video Competition Recognizes Line’s Latest Alaska Documentary

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 29, 2011) – Go North, the newest of Princess Cruises Collector’s Edition videos, has won three prestigious Telly Awards, earning distinction in the Documentary, Travel & Tourism, and Cinematography categories.

Produced and directed by Princess Cruises, Go North tells the story of southeast Alaska, beginning with the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 and slowly transitioning to the present day. The video tells the local story by exploring the motivation that keeps both Alaskans and travelers enamored with this wild land, and was created by Princess Cruises’ award winning film-maker Scott David Martin.

“‘Go North’ is such a unique look at the history of what made southeast Alaska what it is today, particularly the fascinating legacy of gold rush era,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “We’re happy the Telly Award judges saw the same excellence we did in this production, which we believe will give passengers a unique feel for the scope and beauty of this part of the world.”

Using rare black and white images, complimented by spectacular scenic footage and interviews with local legends and experts, the film reveals the energy and passion of this area and its history. Colorful characters bring the past to life with insight and tales of early travelers to this great land in search of a better life. There is still gold – but today’s gold: the allure of a powerful wilderness that is beautiful, yet unforgiving to the unprepared.

“These unique collector videos are a wonderful way to get an in-depth perspective on some of the fascinating regions where we sail,” noted Swartz. “They represent the level to which our professional photo and video team will go to create quality productions that will become long-lasting vacation memories passengers can treasure for years after their voyage.”

Go North is one of 10 Collector’s Edition DVDs available for purchase aboard Princess ships in the photo & video galleries. For a 2-minute clip from Go North, click here. For more Alaska videos including Go North’s award-winning companion video, Heart of Alaska, visit the Princess Alaska website. And for much more information about Alaska cruises in general (ports, weather, top excursions, etc), visit AlaskaCruiseCenter.info.

The Telly Awards were founded in 1978, and are now some of the most sought-after awards in the video industry, spotlighting productions from large international firms to local production companies and agencies.

New program in Celebrity Silhouette’s Art Studio to bring out guests’ “inner artist”

Celebrity Cruises has long been recognized for its vast, exceptional collection of contemporary art. With hundreds of original works by both recognized and emerging artists exhibited on every ship in the fleet, and the recent introduction of self-guided tours on an iPadTM, Celebrity aims to offer guests who appreciate art ample opportunities to enjoy it. And now, the line is offering an opportunity for guests to create original works of their own, within one of the entirely new venues on Celebrity Silhouette, “The Art Studio.”

Located within the distinctive Lawn Club area on the top deck of Celebrity’s newest ship, The Art Studio will offer guests a wide variety of lectures, demonstrations and interactive classes ranging from jewelry creation to sketching to painting, all led by master artists, through Celebrity’s new partnership with ArtCenter/South Florida.
When Celebrity Silhouette debuts in July of this year, and throughout the ship’s European season, guests will have the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions with two master artists sourced through the brand’s new partnership with ArtCenter/South Florida: Leslie LaCombe and Armando Droulers.

• Leslie LaCombe worked in the art departments of film and television for many years. She then studied silver jewelry design with accomplished artist Billy King in Mexico, and soon found her work on display at a prominent local gallery. She has traveled extensively in Southeast Asia, India and Europe, with the various cultures inspiring many of her works. Today, LaCombe resides in Miami, teaches at ArtCenter/South Florida, and continues to produce handcrafted precious stone and metal jewelry in her studio located on Miami’s famed South Beach.

• Armando Droulers is an art historian, artist and educator who studied at Bard College, Academia de Arte Federico Brandt, New World School of the Arts, and the University of South Florida. He lectures extensively on art and culture, and also organizes art tours and cultural events across the globe. Droulers has lived in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the U.S., and speaks fluent English, Spanish and French. On Celebrity Silhouette, Droulers will teach drawing, watercolor and collage classes, offer presentations on the history and art of the destinations the ship visits, and will lead art and wine lectures in the ship’s sophisticated CellarMasters wine bar, and sketching courses in various ports of call.

Celebrity Silhouette is one of five sleek Celebrity ships offering premium vacation options in Europe this year, from six cosmopolitan departure ports. Celebrity Silhouette sets sail in July, enhancing guests’ precious vacation time with a host of industry-first venues and experiences within The Lawn Club. In addition to The Art Studio, the new venues include the interactive “Lawn Club Grill,” where guests can select and grill their own meats side-by-side with Celebrity’s expert chefs, or have them cooked to order; the relaxing, private, wi-fi-equipped cabanas called “The Alcoves,” and “The Porch,” a breezy, casual dining spot offering sandwiches, coffees and captivating views of the sea and the ship’s lush lawn. Celebrity Silhouette also will present another entirely new venue, “The Hideaway,” an intimate, quiet space reminiscent of a childhood tree house.

• 15 Night Westbound Panama Canal Cruise on Celebrity Millennium from San Juan
  Sailing Date: 4/18/2011
  $999 Verandah, 150% single supplement 

   

• 7 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Summit from San Juan
  Sailing Date: 4/9/2011
  $479 Verandah, 150% single supplement 

   

• 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Solstice from Ft. Lauderdale
  Sailing Date: 4/17/2011
  $849 Aqua Class, 125% single supplement 

   

• 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Solstice from Ft. Lauderdale
  Sailing Date: 4/17/2011
  $849 Aqua Class, 125% single supplement 

   

• 16 Night Westbound Panama Canal Cruise on Celebrity Infinity from Ft. Lauderdale
  Sailing Date: 4/24/2011
  $949 Oceanview, 150% single supplement 

For more information or to book, see Cruise Explorer Travel.

Building on the successful design of the world’s largest single-ship cruise terminal, Miami’s Port Everglades is following a similar approach to renovate four existing cruise terminals that will be used for Carnival Corporation’s newest and largest cruise ships.

The estimated $35 million cruise terminal renovations are part of an agreement finalized in April 2010 between Carnival and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, which is the governing body for Port Everglades.

The landmark agreement, one of the largest in Carnival’s history, calls for a minimum of 25.5 million Carnival-brand cruise guests sailing to and from Broward County’s Port Everglades over the next 15 years, and will potentially produce half-a-billion dollars in Port revenue.

“Flexibility will be the main feature of the redesigned terminals,” says Port Everglades Director Phil Allen. “Today’s cruise terminals have to be able to handle more people and bigger ships. In addition, we want to move these people as quickly and efficiently as possible so they can begin enjoying their vacation that much sooner.”

Since seven Carnival-brand cruise lines already sail from Port Everglades, with a fleet of 30 different cruise ships, the terminals will be able to accommodate cruise ships of various sizes and guest capacities. All will be able to process embarking and debarking passengers at the same time. All terminals will have two passenger loading bridges, separate and larger baggage halls, improved ground transportation areas and the latest energy-efficient technology.

Port Everglades currently is in the design phase of the project with architectural firm Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Inc. Construction is expected to begin in late 2012 with completion of the first terminal in Spring 2013. Broward County’s Public Works Department’s Seaport Engineering and Construction Division will oversee the terminal renovation projects.

Carnival’s agreement with Broward County and Port Everglades is expected to have an average annual economic impact on more than 6,000 local jobs with related personal income of $293.6 million over the 15-year period. According to an economic impact study by nationally recognized maritime research company Martin Associates, the agreement to homeport Carnival’s ships at Port Everglades is also expected to generate $21.7 million in state and local taxes annually.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Ibero Cruises, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia. Together, these brands operate 95 ships totaling more than 185,000 lower berths with 11 new ships scheduled to be delivered between March 2010 and May 2012.

Port Everglades is already one of the busiest cruise ports in the world with more than 3.8 million passengers expected during 2010-2011 and more homeported cruise ships than any cruise port worldwide. Thirteen cruise lines and nearly 50 cruise ships are sailing from the South Florida seaport this season including: Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Discovery Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Silversea Cruises. The Port’s ever-expanding fleet of cruise ships provides guests with an array of cruise vacation choices from the sunny Greater Fort Lauderdale area including everything from sampler-size day cruises to around-the-world cruises. Port Everglades, where the best cruise ships launch and the greatest getaways begin. Details on the latest cruise offerings are available on the Internet at www.porteverglades.net.

Norwegian Cruise Line today reminded us that it plans to raise cruise fares up to ten percent on April 1, 2011. The company also announced it will extend its “Free Upgrades For All” Sales Event through March 31, 2011. This popular Wave Season promotion provides up to a four-category upgrade on select sailings, along with e-coupons in on-board savings of up to $400. This extension will give those planning to book a cruise extra time to take advantage of this offer prior to price increases which will take effect on April 1, 2011.

“We’ve seen exceptional demand spurred by our Wave Season promotion, particularly for the popular summer destinations. In fact, we surpassed our weekly booking record three times in the last eight weeks,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Based on this demand, we will increase our fares on April 1. We wanted to give consumers and travel agents the opportunity to take advantage of these offers before the price increase.”

Norwegian’s signature Freestyle Cruising provides extraordinary value by offering premium deployments on one of the youngest fleets in the industry, and includes an unparalleled variety of dining options along with non-stop entertainment experiences.

Search and book Norwegian Cruise Line cruises now!