NEWS ABOUT CRUISES STRAIGHT FROM THE WORLD OF CRUISING
The crew aboard Prow's Edge sift through the press releases from and about the cruise lines and cruise ports and find the latest news about cruises.
For the very latest in news and quips, visit our Blog at http://prows-edge-cruise-magazine.blogspot.com/
March 08, 2010:
MSC Magnifica Joins MSC Cruises as 11th Ship in Fleet
MSC Magnifica – the fourth Panamax cruise ship in the MSC Cruises Musica class—joins MSC Cruises as the 11th ship in the fleet after being christened in Hamburg, Germany on March 6.
Renowned Italian singer Eros Ramazzotti, adult contemporary/soft rock/pop artist, performed on stage during the christening while Italian screen legend and icon Sophia Loren, participated in the ribbon cutting as the godmother of her eighth MSC ship.
MSC Magnifica combines the intimacy of her three Musica Class sister vessels—MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, and MSC Poesia—with the state-of-the-art facilities and comfort of the company’s larger flagships, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia.
March 05, 2010: Windstar Cruises Offers New Shore Excursions on Mediterranean Voyages –
A Variety of Experiences Designed To Explore Destinations Intimately
Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, offers new Mediterranean shore excursions for 2010. From April through November, Windstar ships sail 7-day Mediterranean voyages departing Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; Rome, Italy; Athens, Greece; Nice, France; Venice, Italy; and Istanbul, Turkey.
March 03, 2010: CRYSTAL CRUISES SETS WELLNESS PROGRAMMMING FOR SEPTEMBER CRYSTAL VOYAGE
Comprehensive wellness programming, dozens of special interest classes, plus visits to Dublin, Iceland, and Greenland are among the highlights of Crystal Symphony’s September 5 voyage from London to New York. Leading experts and instructors from The Mayo Clinic, Tai Chi Cultural Center, and even the world of professional baseball are on the roster.
Also a tremendous value, the voyage offers two-for-one fares, $1,000 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits and free air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways. In fact, the 2010 fares are up to 15% less than 2009 prices.
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March 01, 2010: Passengers with Uniworld Can Now Upgrade to Business Class Air to Europe – Starting as low as $199 per person from New York
Fly to Europe in style with upgrades to Business Class starting as low as $199 per person from New York, Philadelphia and Orlando.
Uniworld's Business Class Air Upgrade promotion is offered on July and August 2010 departures on six European boutique river cruise itinerarie.
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February 23, 2010: CLIA Member Lines Offer Dozens of Ways To Sail from Home to Europe and Beyond
Today’s world of cruising is global, with many members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) offering voyages in Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, Asia, the South Pacific and beyond. As cruise ships large and small are seasonally repositioned from one cruising destination to another, vacationers have dozens of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s most memorable and unique experiences – a voyage by ship from one continent to another.
With the large majority offered in spring and fall as transatlantic crossings – as CLIA lines reposition vessels between the Americas and Europe – these trans-ocean voyages often also represent exceptional value for money spent.
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February 17, 2010: Canada's leading cruise retailer, Cruise Connections Canada, offers refunds to guests affected by NewWest's Special Projects cancelations
Cruise Connections Canada made travel arrangements for clients on the Norwegian Star for two northbound/southbound Pacific Coastal sailings between Los Angeles and Vancouver on February 6 and March 2, 2010. This charter, by NewWest Special Projects, was also to act as a floating hotel during the Olympic Games. On February 2, 2010, NewWest abruptly cancelled the charter, only four days before the first sailing..
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February 15, 2010: Variety Cruises offers the Rivers of West Africa
Variety Cruises will set sail on its new cruise adventure to West Africa in December 2010. The Rivers of West Africa cruise explores a land of lush vegetation and cultural beauty by way of the winding Saloun and Gambia rivers. Embarking from Dakar, Senegal, the eight-day program sails December 17, 2010 through March 18, 2011, with fares beginning at $2,490 per person, per week.
Passengers will sail aboard the mega yacht Pegasus, which hosts just 46 guests with 23 cabins in a relaxed, congenial atmosphere. The vessel will be fully refurbished in March 2010.
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February 11, 2010: Princess Revives Nostalgic Cruising Tradition with New Bon Voyage Experience
Passengers Can Once Again Invite Friends and Family Aboard Ship
On Embarkation Day
Reviving a signature tradition from the early days of cruising, Princess Cruises is debuting an innovative, new program giving passengers the opportunity to invite their friends and family aboard their ship on embarkation day to wish them “bon voyage” and get a taste of the onboard experience.
Called the “Bon Voyage ExperienceSM,” the program is a new twist on the departure celebration of bygone days, when friends and family would routinely come aboard to see off passengers. Because of increasingly tighter security procedures, this practice disappeared more than two decades ago, but it’s now back – complete with lunch in the dining room and tour of the ship.
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February 09, 2010: Voyages of Discovery is perfectly positioned for increasingly adventurous over 65s
Age Concern Enterprises has reported a big surge in sales of its annual worldwide travel insurance during 2009. Despite the recession there was record take-up of both annual European and worldwide multi-trip policies, with the fastest year-on-year growth in the 65 to 74 and 75 to 87 age groups.
Roger Allard, Chairman of All Leisure Group is not surprised by the findings: “The over 65s market is becoming increasingly adventurous in its taste. Voyages of Discovery has responded to customer demand by launching cruises and grand voyages to Latin America and the Caribbean visiting destinations such as the Amazon, the Orinoco, Falklands, Cuba with opportunities to visit the extraordinary Galapagos Islands during Winter 10/11. As a result of listening to our customers, we have been rewarded by impressive sales figures in 2010.”
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February 04, 2010: THE WORLD’S 2010 ITINERARY OFFERS A YEAR OF UNFORGETTABLE VOYAGES
The World, the first and only private residential community at sea, first set sail in 2002 and has since visited over 250 countries. The vessel’s 2010 itinerary will offer Residents and Guests a year of thrilling journeys and excursions, including ports such as Bali, Egypt, Croatia, Portugal, Greenland, Argentina and the U.S. The World will cap off 2010 with a voyage in Antarctica, the coldest, driest, highest and windiest of the seven continents. Captains and Residents collectively determine the yearly itinerary based on personal interests and the best sea routes. Continuous worldwide journeys with a focus on extended stays, averaging 2.5 days in port, ensure that Residents and Guests have sufficient time to explore their favorite destinations.
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February 02, 2010: CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER'S TOP CRUISE SHIPS READERS' POLL
RANKS UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES TO TOP SMALL CRUISE SHIPS
niworld Boutique River Cruises earned high honors from the readers of Condé Nast Traveler who named seven of Uniworld's cruise ships to the Top 50 Small Cruise Ships Readers' Poll, with Uniworld's River Duchess ranked at number three.
Condé Nast Traveler readers rated 471 ships on a 100-point scale. Each ship was judged on seven criteria including: Activities/Facilities, Cabins, Crew/Service, Design/Layout, Food/Dining, Itineraries/Schedule, and Shore Excursions.
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February 01, 2010: Amazing Offers on Romantic Cruises from 23 CLIA members
Whether it's a last minute impulse or careful planning ahead, there is no better time than now - while love is in the air this Valentine's Day - to choose a romantic cruise. Member companies of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) are making it easy to find the perfect voyage for two - with breakfast in bed, dining under the stars and dancing til dawn - and incredible value at the same time.
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January 28, 2010: HURTIGRUTEN PUMPS UP ITS ROSTER OF THEME CRUISE VACATIONS WITH MUSIC,
CELEBRATIONS, CUISINE, HISTORY, SCENIC VISTAS AND BIRDS LEADING THE CHARGE
As a growing number of travelers seek to return home with lifetime memories, built from experiential vacations, Hurtigruten has responded to their passengers’ interests with an expanded roster of even more fascinating Theme Voyages possibilities for 2010. All of which take place aboard the company's fleet of modern vessels as they make their way along Norway’s spectacular fjord-filled, 1,250-mile west coast, on 6- to 12-day sailings between the cosmopolitan city of Bergen and the Arctic town of Kirkenes -- a route named the “world’s most beautiful voyage” by Lonely Planet’s “Bluelist.” Theme Voyages fares range from $1,205 to $8,042 per person, double.
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January 27, 2010: CRYSTAL SHIPS VOTED BEST IN FEBRUARY 2010 CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER
The ships of Crystal Cruises have once again earned top honors from the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, who named the ultra-luxury vessels the best large ships in the world. Of 90 worldwide ships, Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony were voted #1 and #2 with overall scores of 93.0 and 92.4, respectively. Crystal also earned the top scores for Service, Food and Design/Layout. In its February 2010 issue, Condé Nast Traveler calls its polled readers, “the savviest travelers in the world.”
The honor comes a few months after Crystal Cruises was voted “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by readers of the same magazine, as well as earning the “World’s Best Large-Ship Line” by the readers of Travel + Leisure.
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2010, we are so honored that discerning, experienced travelers have found Crystal Cruises to be such a consistently perfect choice,” says Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises.
January 26, 2010: HOLLAND AMERICA LINE LAUNCHES A
NEW LOOK FOR MARINER MAGAZINE
- Exclusive Benefit of Rewards Program for Past Guests
Holland America Line debuts a new look and format for its loyalty magazine directed at members of its Mariner Society, guests who have sailed one or more times with the premium cruise line. Titled Mariner, the newly redesigned 64-page magazine presents a sophisticated, eye-catching design and offers fascinating editorial features by celebrated writers, superb photography and informative regular sections.
“Holland America Line is proud to launch this exciting new lifestyle look for our magazine as one more benefit to our Mariner Society members,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We consistently strive to reward loyal guests with great benefits. As a result, Holland America has one of the highest repeat guest ratios in the cruise industr.”.
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January 25, 2010: Princess Cruises Named “Weather Cruise Ship Company of the Year” by NOAA
Ships Assist National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with Global Weather Readings
While passengers are relaxing and exploring the world aboard Princess Cruises’ ships, little do they know that throughout their vacation the vessels are also helping the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) track global weather patterns. In 2009, Princess ships made 20,139 weather observations – more than any other cruise line – earning the company the distinction of NOAA’s “Weather Cruise Ship Company of the Year.” Coral Princess led the fleet with 5,142 observations.
The voluntary reporting system helps NOAA track weather patterns in many areas of the world where the organization doesn’t have direct access to local information. The ships measure air temperature, humidity, wind direction and strength, sea waves and swells. Ships send information at a minimum of every six hours when at sea to a database which is forwarded to NOAA.
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January 21, 2010: Fly the Drake Passage, Cruise Antarctica
Quark Expeditions takes the shake out of the Drake!
Travelers to Antarctica can skip the Drake Passage when traveling to Antarctica with Quark Expeditions. This time saving addition to the polar specialist’s extensive selection of Antarctic cruises reduces the Drake Passage crossing from over 2 days to less than 2 hours!
A flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Antarctica is the key. The BAE 146 jet aircraft carries 62 passengers and is built to land on short runways, essential in Antarctica. The Antarctic fly and cruise program saves travelers approximately 100 hours of sailing time when compared to traditional expeditions!
A quick crossing does not mean reduced time in Antarctica. Travelers spend the same amount of time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands as they would on traditional Antarctic expeditions – 5 days – they just get there more quickly! They board the expedition vessel, Ocean Nova, in Antarctica, off the Chilean Research Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva, on King George Island.
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January 20, 2010: Celebrating 35 Years of History, Cruise Lines International Association and its Members Forecast 2010 Growth and Continued Success
Having weathered perhaps the most challenging 18 months in its history, the cruise industry as represented by Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) member lines, is looking ahead with optimism and a proud sense of accomplishment. CLIA, its member lines and travel agents, have adapted quickly and effectively to the global economic downturn in order to keep ships sailing at full capacity throughout 2009 and expect continued growth in 2010.
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January 19, 2010: SILVERSEA'S NEW FLAGSHIP, SILVER SPIRIT, ARRIVES IN AMERICA
Silversea Cruises' brand new flagship, Silver Spirit, arrived this morning at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, completing her maiden crossing of the Atlantic, a 16-day voyage which began in Lisbon on January 3.
As the first new cruise ship in 2010 to arrive in Port Everglades, Silver Spirit's arrival was celebrated in grand style with escorting fireboats providing a glistening water salute, while a plane circled overhead towing a large banner that read "WELCOME SILVER SPIRIT."
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January 18, 2010: UNIWORLD OFFERS FREE COMPANION AIR ON A VARIETY OF 2010 EUROPE RIVER CRUISES
Traveling to Europe with someone special just became more affordable with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises' incredible Free Companion Air offer on eight of their Europe River Cruises. Uniworld will offer each travel companion a free air ticket for international economy travel to Europe from New York when the first traveler pays Uniworld's 2010 published brochure rates. The only item that the companion traveler is required to pay is government taxes and fees of up to $159 per person. Low air add on prices from other US and Canadian gateways are available, such as $80 per person from Chicago; $160 per person from Los Angeles; and $200 per person from Toronto. To take advantage of Uniworld's great air offer, simply pay in full by February 26, 2010.
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January 13, 2010:More Zodiac excursions, more time in Glacier Bay National Park and more included shore excursions with Cruise West
Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the world’s leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, has enhanced its first in class Alaska experience for 2010 with more Zodiac excursions, more time in Glacier Bay National Park and more included shore excursions.
The line offers four outstanding Alaska itinerary options. Getaway cruises --The 4-night Glacier Bay Highlights aboard the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery (19 departures, round trip Juneau), and the 4-night Glaciers of Prince William Sound aboard the 78-guest Spirit of Columbia (19 departures, round trip Whittier); and two inside passage cruises – the new 7-night Alaska’s Inside Passage aboard the 102-guest Spirit of Endeavour and 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown (25 departures, round trip Juneau), and the 10-night Gold Rush Inside Passage aboard all four ships (12 departures, one-way between Seattle and Juneau).
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January 12, 2010:New Grand Voyages Brochure Features More Exceptional Value
For those who like variety, experiencing new exciting sights and appreciate value, the new Grand Voyages brochure represents a tempting alternative to Swan Hellenic’s individual itineraries. Among some of the spectacular Grand Voyage options are combining the Black Sea with ports in North Africa, sailing from Arabia to Sri Lanka, or as far east as Hong Kong and back again!
January 11, 2010: PAUL GAUGUIN BEGINS A NEW LIFE AS PART OF PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES
Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the M/S Paul Gauguin, has set sail on its inaugural voyage under the Pacific Beachcomber umbrella.
Until January 16, the exclusive 10-day President’s Cruise, hosted by Richard Bailey, President of Pacific Beachcomber, S.C., will visit the islands of Tahiti, Huahine, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Taha’a, and Moorea.
January 08, 2010: SILVERSEA EXPANDS CULINARY ENRICHMENT PROGRAM WITH
NEW COOKING SCHOOL: RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX L'ÉCOLE DES CHEFS
Through its exclusive partnership with Relais & Châteaux, ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is introducing L'École des Chefs, a new interactive cooking school that will be featured on 11 voyages in 2010.
The Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs program offers guests a special culinary curriculum and entertaining events hosted by Silversea executive chef David Bilsland. Educated in classic French cooking, Bilsland's career includes several years as a chef instructor at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in London. He will present a program developed in collaboration with Jacques Thorel, the owner of L'Auberge Bretonne and a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.
January 06, 2010: Ceremonies Mark the Float Out of the World’s Newest Queen -
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Reaches Major Milestone
Special ceremonies at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste, Italy, were held yesterday to mark the float out of Cunard’s newest liner, Queen Elizabeth.
Cunard’s President and Managing Director, Peter Shanks, was joined by 79-year-old Florence (Dennie) Farmer, who served as guest of honour at the event.
Dennie’s husband, Willie Farmer, joined Cunard in September 1938 and served as Chief Engineer on both the first Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth 2 until retirement in October 1979. Since her husband’s passing, Dennie has sailed with Cunard many times and her link with the two previous Queen Elizabeth ships is unparalleled. In recognition of this, Cunard has bestowed Dennie with the honour, in Italian tradition, of being “Madrina” to the third Queen Elizabeth.
January 04, 2010: Seabourn offers Free Air On Europe Cruises In 2010
Special promotional fares, which save up to 50 percent off brochure fares, start from $3,799 per person, based on double occupancy and, during this promotion, include economy or business class air, depending on the suite category booked, plus airport transfers. Guests booking Odyssey and Sojourn voyages will receive free economy class air for suite categories A through V6, and free business class air for PH through GR. On Spirit and Legend, bookings in categories A through B3 include economy class air, and bookings in Classic or Owners Suite categories include business class air.
“This inclusive air promotion makes this the best time ever to book a Seabourn yachting vacation in Europe,” said Pamela Conover, Seabourn’s president & CEO. “It’s also the perfect opportunity to experience the beautiful new Seabourn Sojourn in her maiden season.”
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January 04, 2010: CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES LAUNCHES NEW TV ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN
Brand to be Exclusive Cruise Line Advertiser During 2010 Winter Olympic Games
Carnival Cruise Lines debuts a new television advertising campaign today featuring three new spots that speak to the unique kind of genuine, participatory fun unleashed on a Carnival cruise. The new commercials, produced by Arnold Worldwide, retain the brand’s existing “Fun For All. All For Fun” tagline. Each spot features the song “Bang the Drum” by Todd Rundgren.
Additionally, Carnival will be the exclusive cruise line advertiser during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games with the new spots running throughout 17 days of the Olympic broadcast period on the NBC, MSNBC, CNBC and USA networks. Carnival will also be the exclusive sponsor of the athletes’ section on NBCOlympics.com, featuring custom videos of the Olympic competitors.
The first TV spot (http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid59232924001)
showcases the fun of a Carnival cruise through the eyes of a teenager who watches as her father leaves his email, computer and cell phone behind, getting lost in the joys of dancing, poolside shenanigans and family fun, Carnival-style.