Windstar Cruises partners with SAVEUR

Windstar Cruises, a leader in yacht-style cruising, partners with SAVEUR, a leading epicurean brand for culinary travel content, to offer food and wine enthusiasts its first culinary focused voyage exploring the local wine, culture, and regional cuisine of Spain. This eight-day Culinary & Wine Delights of Spain sailing will take place onboard Wind Surf departing from Lisbon, Spain on April 19, 2014, visiting Cádiz, Málaga, Almería, Cartagena, Valencia, Sóller and culminating in Barcelona.

Guests who book by August 31, 2013 can take advantage of an introductory offer of $2,999 per stateroom (based on double occupancy), plus receive a complimentary one-year subscription to SAVEUR magazine.

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Blount Small Ship Adventures announces new itineraries for 2014

Blount Small Ship Adventures, which offers the best value in small ship cruising, is expanding its presence by offering two new one-of-a-kind itineraries in 2014. Beginning in March of 2014, the Grande Caribe will sail along the Caribbean Sea allowing guests to experience the best of the Bahamas, while in May the Grande Mariner will navigate the narrow waterways of the Mississippi, Ohio and Illinois Rivers for a cruise to the Big Easy, New Orleans, by way of Chicago.

The 11-night

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Choosing a cruise line can be as important as choosing your cruise destination

As the summer cruise season approaches, Adelman Vacations recommends that cruise customers take a closer look at not just cruise routes and destinations, but the cruise lines themselves.

“Most cruise customers are looking for not just a cruise, but an experience,” said Deana Crouch, director of vacation sales for Adelman Vacations. “Some customers are young and single, some are retired couples, and many are families with children. Many of the cruise ships are massive in size, but still, they can’t be all things to all people.”

Crouch said that pictures of large, sleek cruise ships tend to give the impression that all cruise ships are the same. “Not at all true. Ships come in all sizes, shapes and designs

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Boom time for Central American cruising

Cruising is on the up in Central America and is expected to continue to grow this year. 

A total of 2,394,000 cruise passengers arrived during last season (October 2012 to May 2013); an increase of 15 per cent compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Secretariat of Central America Tourism Integration.

The figures were releases at the FCCA Central America Cruise Conference, held recently in La Antigua, Guatemala.

Honduras registered the biggest increase in cruise arrivals to the ports of Roatan and Mahogany Bay, with a total of 787,000 cruise passengers on board 315 cruise ships, accounting for 33 per cent of the total number of cruise passengers in the region. 

According to Business Research & Economic Advisors, Belize is also one of the main cruise destinations in the region because of its strategic position in the Caribbean and its lush and exotic countryside. 

Belize received 728,000 cruise passengers on 315 cruise ships last season.

Panamá is the third largest cruise destination in the region with a total of 277 cruise ships docking at its ports last season, bringing around 429,000 passengers. 

Costa Rica is also a traditional cruise destination with ports on both its Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

A total of 269 cruise ships stopped there during the 2012-13 season, carrying 334,000 passengers. 

Puerto Limon was the most popular cruise port. 

Guatemala is investing in improving its ports, roads and airports infrastructure and is committed to developing its cruise sector.

According to SITCA, 75,000 cruise passengers visited Guatemala last season, of which 70 per cent were repeat visitors. 

While the cruise market is not as big at the moment in Nicaragua, the Nicaragua Tourist Board is hoping to change that and has signed an agreement with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association to bring more cruise ships to its ports.

The Tourist Board of El Salvador is also working hard to position the country as a cruise destination and bring more cruise passenger. 

To that effect, it has signed new agreements in the past few weeks with several cruise companies including Holland America Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Saga, Princess Cruises and Pullmantur.

The cruise industry has continued to grow despite the economic crisis and the Central American region aims to position itself as one of the top cruise destinations in the world.

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CLIA CELEBRATES DAY OF THE SEAFARER

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Washington, DC

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today, in recognition of today’s Day of the Seafarer, underscored its commitment to seafarers worldwide for their instrumental role in delivering memorable vacation experiences to over 20 million cruise passengers annually. 

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Princess Cruises announces benefit cruise to support American Heart Association

Princess Cruises is celebrating CPR awareness during the month of June by announcing a special cruise to benefit the American Heart Association (AHA). Expected to raise $1 million for the Association’s heart health programs and educational outreach, the cruise is the second in Princess’ new “Cruising for a Cause” series that devotes an entire sailing to support a charitable cause.

Sailing from February 10-15, 2014, aboard Ruby Princess on a Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, the five-day voyage will offer passengers a heart-themed experience, focused not only on “affairs of the heart,” but also a variety of onboard features themed around heart health awareness

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Sunsail announces new yacht charter base in St. Lucia.

Sunsail has opened a brand new Yacht Charter and Flotilla base on the island of St. Lucia, for this summer.

Unspoilt, romantic and welcoming; St Lucia offers the perfect escape. Charterers can explore the quaint towns, dine at beachside restaurants, snorkel the reefs or admire the views from the top of Gros Piton.  For those feeling a little more adventurous, St Lucia offers tram rides through the rainforest, zip lines against the backdrop of the Pitons, mud baths beneath the sulphur springs or rum tours through the valleys.

The new base in Margiot Bay provides the ideal gateway for guests to sail to and discover world-famous destinations in the Windward Islands, including Martinique and Guadeloupe to the north and St. Vincent and The Grenadines to the south. From lush volcanic islands with golden sands to underwater playgrounds, this new destination offers unrivalled opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

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Viking Cruises cuts steel for Viking Star

Viking Cruises today announced it has cut steel in the construction of its first ocean cruise vessel, Viking Star, marking a major development toward the company’s ocean product. The steel cutting took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard outside Venice, Italy. Viking Star is scheduled to be delivered in early 2015, with maiden voyages beginning in April 2015.

“This is a big step towards realizing our ocean cruising plans,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “With our new ocean cruises, we are applying the same principles behind our award-winning river cruises

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Holland America Line to feature diverse Caribbean cruises in 2013-14

Itineraries up to 25 days, diverse ports of call and a rare mid-size ship experience highlight Holland America Line’s 2013-14 Caribbean season that features eight of the line’s premium vessels sailing round-trip from either Fort Lauderdale or Tampa, Fla. All Fort Lauderdale itineraries feature a call at Half Moon Cay, the line’s award-winning private Bahamian island known for its pristine beaches, exciting shore excursions, exclusive beach cabanas and kid-friendly activities.

From October 2013 through April 2014, ms Eurodam, ms Maasdam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Noordam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam, ms Westerdam and ms Zuiderdam sail a total of 109 seven-, 10-, 11- and 14-day cruises that can be combined into longer Collectors’ Voyages ranging from 14 to 25 days. The itineraries span the Caribbean on eastern, western and southern routes, as well as a partial transit of the Panama Canal.

“With eight ships and a diverse range of itineraries, our Caribbean cruises are the ideal tropical vacation for guests looking to take a weeklong holiday or a longer, more comprehensive voyage,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “The Caribbean islands are warm, inviting and pristine, and our mid-sized ships offer an upscale, easy way to experience this beautiful region.”

New to the region, Veendam sails one roundtrip Fort Lauderdale seven-day eastern Caribbean cruise departing April 24, 2014, that calls at Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Half Moon Cay.

Eurodam returns to the Caribbean on alternating roundtrip Fort Lauderdale seven-day eastern and western itineraries, as well as one four-day cruise just before the holidays departing Dec. 18, 2013, that calls at Key West, Fla.; Nassau, Bahamas, and Half Moon Cay. The eastern Caribbean itinerary features Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay, while the western route calls at Half Moon Cay, Grand Cayman, Key West and Falmouth or Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Offering seven-, 10-, 11- and 14-day roundtrip Fort Lauderdale itineraries, Maasdam features the most varied itineraries of the season. The seven-day eastern Caribbean cruise calls at Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk, and the 10-day eastern route visits San Juan, St. Thomas, Dominica, St. John’s, Tortola and Half Moon Cay. Guests looking to explore the southern Caribbean can take an 11-day cruise to St. Maarten, St. Kitts, St. Vincent, Barbados, Martinique, St. Croix and Half Moon Cay or a 14-day sailing that calls at St. Thomas, St. Bart’s, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Curacao, Bonaire and Half Moon Cay.

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Also departing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Nieuw Amsterdam sails alternating eastern and western routes. The eastern route calls at Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay. The western itinerary calls at Cozumel, Mexico, as well as Half Moon Cay, Grand Cayman and Key West.

Featuring seven-, 10- and 11-day roundtrip Fort Lauderdale cruises, Noordam highlights several of the region’s ports. The seven-day eastern route calls at Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay; the 10-day southern cruise highlights the Dutch “ABC” islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, and also visits Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk and Santa Barbara de Samana, Dominican Republic, while the 11-day southern sailing calls at St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, Dominica, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay.

The only ship sailing roundtrip Tampa, Ryndam offers seven-day western Caribbean cruises and two different 14-day southern Caribbean itineraries. The seven-day sailing calls at Key West; Mahogany Bay, Honduras; Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala, and Costa Maya, Mexico, while the 14-day itineraries call at Key West, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. John’s, St. Lucia, Aruba, Grand Cayman and Curacao or Bonaire.

Maintaining a weekly schedule, Westerdam sails a repeating roundtrip Fort Lauderdale seven-day eastern Caribbean itinerary that calls at Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay.
Rounding out the Caribbean offerings, Zuiderdam features 10- and 11-day Panama Canal Sunfarer itineraries that sail roundtrip Fort Lauderdale and explore the southern Caribbean with a partial transit of the canal. The 10-day route highlights the partial transit and calls at Half Moon Cay; Aruba; Curacao; Colon, Panama, and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, while the 11-day cruise features Half Moon Cay; Aruba; Curacao; Cartagena, Colombia; a partial Panama Canal transit, Colon and Puerto Limon.

Guests seeking a longer Caribbean exploration can take one of Holland America Line’s extended Collectors’ Voyages that combines back-to-back cruises to form an in-depth Caribbean itinerary. Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam combine seven-day voyages to feature 14-day Collectors’ Voyages, and Ryndam, Maasdam and Noordam offer 21-day adventures. At 25 days, Maasdam also sails the longest Collectors’ Voyage of the season.

On each cruise, experiences such as the Island Magic Steel Drum Band, learning to weave and craft with palm leaves and the Reggae Movement Film Festival are part of Holland America Line’s new On Location program. The itinerary sets the scene for guests to indulge in localized experiences that make time on board as enriching as visiting the ports of call through lectures, demonstrations and performances.

Tags:holland america line Share this articleModerate Comments CommentsRelated ArticlesHolland America Line goes ‘on location’ with new activity program19th May 2013 Holland America Line and Seabourn celebrate partnership renewal27th Apr 2013 Holland America Line commemorates its 140th anniversary26th Apr 2013 Holland America Line’s ms Amsterdam on 113-day exploration for 2014 world tour19th Apr 2013 Holland America Line’s Ms Oosterdam/Ms Volendam return to Australia/New Zealand4th Apr 2013 Holland America increases capacity in Asia11th Mar 2013 Holland America Line and Seabourn continue to cruise with Discover the World Marketing10th Feb 2013 Holland America Line selects ServiceNow for Enterprise IT Service Automation9th Feb 2013 Follow Breaking Travel News

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Royal Caribbean exercises option for second Genesis

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. exercised its option to build a second ship in its “Genesis Project” today. Destined to become the 24th ship in the Royal Caribbean International fleet, the 5,400-guest, 220,000-gross-registered-ton ship would be built at Aker Yards in Finland, with delivery projected for August, 2010.

Like the prototype ship due out in Fall, 2009, the second Project Genesis ship will be a trailblazer in cruise-ship and vacation innovation.

New icons and amenities will continue to challenge and expand guests’ expectations of cruising, and the latest technology and design will continue to increase efficiencies.

The company estimates the all-in cost of the ship will be approximately $260,000 per berth. The contract is contingent on the completion of customary financing.

Tags:royal caribbean Share this articleModerate Comments CommentsRelated ArticlesRoyal Caribbean announces Quantum of the Seas transatlantic route11th Jun 2013 Royal Caribbean announces new 2014-2015 worldwide brochure10th Jun 2013 Quantum of the Seas cruises go on sale9th Jun 2013 Royal Caribbean signs contract for third Quantum-Class cruise ship2nd Jun 2013 Royal Caribbean quantifies financial impact of the Grandeur of the Seas fire1st Jun 2013 Grandeur of the Seas sailing cancelled following fire29th May 2013 Quantum Of The Seas inaugural season itineraries24th May 2013 Jason Liberty named chief financial officer at Royal Caribbean22nd May 2013 Follow Breaking Travel News

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Silversea announces World Cruise 2015

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has opened the books on its World Cruise 2015.

This grandest of travel adventures will commence on January 5th, 2015, when the elegant, all-suite Silver Whisper is set to embark on a 115-day epic voyage, encircling the world and embracing the cultures of five continents, 30 countries and 50 unique destinations.

Departing Los Angeles with no more than 382 guests on board, Silver Whisper will sail the warm waters of the South Pacific to explore the idyllic isles of French Polynesia, then head west to the scenic wonders of Australia, and north to the marvels of the South China Sea.

From there, the journey continues to Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and across the Indian Ocean to the glistening sands of the Seychelles.

Silver Whisper then traces a course to some of Africa’s most intriguing destinations, including Mombasa, Zanzibar, Cape Town, Walvis Bay and Dakar.

The voyage concludes with a leisurely Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale, highlighted by stopovers in the sunny Caribbean islands of St. Lucia, St. Bart’s and Puerto Rico.

World Cruise 2015 offers travellers the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in local culture with late-night departures in eight ports, plus overnight calls in Papeete, Sydney, Fremantle, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore, Mombasa, and Cape Town.

“This exceptional voyage has been crafted to appeal to luxury travel’s most discerning clientele,” said Ellen Bettridge, Silversea’s president, Americas.

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Amadeus Cruise Shop launched to meet growing demand

New figures released today by Amadeus show there are great opportunities ahead for travel agents to capitalise on UK travellers’ appetites for cruise holidays, with many being tempted by far-flung destinations and the thought of exploring the world.

The representative survey of over 2,000 UK adults was conducted in May by YouGov on behalf of Amadeus UK and Ireland.

Opportunities for agents look significant in 2013 and beyond, with eight per cent of UK adults reporting that that they may book a cruise holiday in the next 12 months.

The Caribbean is at the top of the list of dream destinations: asked where they would most like to go on a cruise holiday from a given list, if money were no object, just over a fifth (21 per cent) chose the Caribbean; 15 per cent the South Pacific and Australia; and 11% the Mediterranean.

However, there are further indications that travellers could be tempted to swap their land-based holiday for one at sea. A third of people (32 per cent) would be tempted to go on a cruise holiday if they were of lower or comparable cost to an all-inclusive holiday.

The survey indicates a clear desire amongst UK adults to wake up in a new place almost every day, with 29 per cent selecting this as something that would tempt them to choose a cruise. Something agents can capitalise on as almost uniquely the domain of cruise holidays.

Heartening for agents should be the fact that media coverage of recent incidents involving cruise liners, such as the partial sinking of the Costa Concordia in 2012 and sporadic yet well publicised outbreaks of noro-virus, has had little impact on the majority of holidaymakers. Just over two fifths (41 per cent) of people who hadn’t ruled out a cruise holiday beforehand said the media coverage hasn’t put them off and they would still consider this a holiday option.

Eight per cent of all UK respondents said they weren’t aware of any media coverage of issues on cruise holiday.

However, price is a key issue: four in ten people surveyed said that they perceive cruises are too expensive, and this puts them going off going on a cruise holiday. Additional costs, such as drinks and tips for staff, were of concern to some.

Rob Sinclair-Barnes, director, marketing, Amadeus UK & Ireland, said:

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Royal Princess Christening ceremony will stream live online

When Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge christens Royal Princess on June 13, the nearly 2,000 invited guests in Southampton will not be the only ones to enjoy the festivities. Viewers around the world can also watch the celebrations as Princess Cruises will be streaming the ceremony live online at www.princess.com, so everyone can share in the spectacular event, which will formally welcome the new ship into the company’s fleet.

The live streaming will begin at 11:15 am local time in Southampton, which will be 6:15 am EDT/3:15 am PDT in the U.S., and 8:15 pm AEST in Australia. Viewers can also choose to play back a recording of the ceremony soon after the event for viewing at their leisure. Social conversation on Twitter will also be featured with a direct feed on the naming page, and viewers can join in as they watch by using the #RoyalPrincess hashtag.

In addition to the official breaking of the bottle of champagne against the ship by The Duchess, viewers will also be able to follow all the quay-side festivities

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Duchess of Cambridge christens Royal Princess

In a spectacular ceremony in Southampton, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has named the new ship Royal Princess with the release of a bottle of champagne which smashed against its hull.

Standing on the naming platform with the ship’s captain Tony Draper, The Duchess pronounced:

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Royal Caribbean announces new 2014-2015 worldwide brochure

A fully refurbished European fleet, three ships sailing from UK ports of call and new itineraries from Southampton on both the world’s largest and newest cruise ships, are among the many highlights of the new 2014 - 2015 Worldwide brochure from Royal Caribbean International.

With an impressive eight ships in Europe for summer 2014, along with Oasis of the Seas’ highly anticipated first ever European micro-season, there’s plenty for agents to shout about.

To mark the launch of the new brochure and encourage early bookings for the 2014

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Royal Princess arrives in Southampton ahead of launch

A musical salute provided a spectacular welcome for Royal Princess to Southampton earlier as the new cruise ship arrived to begin a week-long series of special inaugural events.

British actor, director and writer Simon Callow orchestrated the Southampton University Brass Band to serenade the new Princess Cruises ship with a rendition of

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Royal Caribbean announces Quantum of the Seas transatlantic route

Hot on the heels of the recent Oasis of the Seas announcement, Royal Caribbean International has announced that Quantum of the Seas will be making its inaugural 8-night westbound transatlantic voyage from Southampton on 2 November 2014, arriving in the New York area at Cape Liberty Port, New Jersey, on 10 November 2014.  Bookings for Quantum of the Seas opened to loyalty programme members on 28 May 2013 and opened to the general public on 4 June.

This is another exciting first for the port of Southampton, which will also play host in 2014 to the world’s largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on its first ever European season and transatlantic sailing out of a UK port of call, generating the highest ever volume of pre-booking registrations ever seen by Royal Caribbean International.

Quantum of the Seas will offer even more game-changing

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Costa Cruises reveals early details of Diadema flagship

550 million in what will be the largest cruise ship flying the Italian flag - Costa Diadema.

At 132,500 gross tonnage, 306 metres long and 37.2 metres wide, and with a total passenger capacity of 4,947, 1,253 crewmembers and 1,854 cabins, the ship will become the flagship of the Costa fleet.

The Costa Diadema project involves around 1,000 shipyard workers and another 2,500 from linked industries.

The employment benefits not only affect the Fincantieri, Marghera shipyard, where the vessel is being built, but also about 400 outside companies, the majority of which are Italian.

Costa Diadema will be bigger, more spacious and more modern in terms of the services offered.

The layout of public areas have been redesigned to incorporate large environments over multiple levels facing the sea, that recreate the atmosphere of a lively beachside resort, connected by pathways that allow guests to move freely from one area to the other.

Costa Diadema will offer a variety of experiences and activities for guests to enjoy, from new and enticing gastronomic and tasting opportunities, in places like the Vinoteca and the Proseccheria, the Bavarian-style Birreria, the Japanese Teppanyaki, the Piazza Pizza pizzeria and the Gelateria, to fun-filled innovations such as the Country Rock Club or the Lazer Maze, a multifunctional room with interactive games.

Shopaholics will enjoy the Portobello Market Square at the heart of a 1,100m

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Voyages to Antiquity announces expanded 2014 Mediterranean program

Voyages to Antiquity, the cruise industry’s premier specialty enrichment provider, is delighted to announce the release of its 2014 Mediterranean brochure, featuring an expanded Black Sea program, a unique chance at in-depth exploration of Istanbul and Athens, and an all-new Spring Grand Voyage to start the season.

“Voyages to Antiquity aims to connect today’s traveler with the history, art and cultures of the ancient world, and our 2014 Mediterranean program delivers on that promise, highlighting over 20 UNESCO World Heritage sites throughout the Mediterranean,” says James J. Applebaum , Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Voyages to Antiquity.

“Building upon the success of our 2013 Mediterranean program, we’ve enhanced our repertoire to meet increased demand to key destinations including the Black Sea region and Greek islands, while staying true to our core philosophy.”

Special highlights of the 2014 Mediterranean season include:


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Cruisetransfer.com launches new site

UK Central Chauffeur in London England have launched a updated website for their www.cruisetransfer.com brand.

Steve Garelick of Central Chauffeur commented that the site would be expanding over the coming months to offer transfers in Europe and eventually worldwide.

Traditionally cruisetransfer.com has offered Airprort transfers from Heathrow, Gatwick and Londons Airports to Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Portsmouth, Tilbury and Londons Cruise Ports and ferry docks.

Additionally they have offered hotel pickups and touring en-route.

The new Quote’N'Book (tm) system will aid agents and travellers in making faster Bookings.

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With a range of Sedans and Charter Buses for groups the company aim to make it easier for those servicing and enjoying the growing cruise segment easier for those needing private transfers greater flexibility.

Central Chauffeur group have the added cachet of being Gold Members of London and Partners London’s official promotion organization.

A company spokesman advised that Central Chauffeur are passionate about promoting the Capital but are equally keen to share the wonders and rich history of the United Kingdom with its Palaces, Castles and amazing towns and cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Oxford.

Offering both driver guide and lecture guides clients can enjoy touring independently or with airport transfers as well as cruise port transfers.

Operating 24/7 with North American, Australian and UK toll free numbers makes it easy to reach Central Chauffeur for those with more complicated itineraries and plans.

Choosing a fully licensed service makes total sense when spending substantial sums on for what many would consider a holiday of a lifetime says Steve Garelick.

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Quantum of the Seas cruises go on sale

Royal Caribbean newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas can now be booked online with special bonus offers.

Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas has sailings available from November 2014, when the ship debuts, through April 2015, said Thomas DeSimone, Co-Founder & CEO of CruiseDealership.com

On the Bahamas cruises, Quantum of the Seas will cruise Port Canaveral, Fla., Nassau and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. The Eastern Caribbean cruises will include San Juan, Puerto Rico; Samana, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas; St. Kitts; and St. Maarten. The Southern Caribbean cruises will port at San Juan, St. Maarten, Martinique, Barbados and St. Kitts. On most sailings, the ship also will visit Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach on the north coast of Haiti.

CruiseDealership is part of CLIA’s certified cruise counselors programs which are the cruise industry’s premier professionals, providing the best service and value for travelers’ vacation dollar

CruiseDealership is recognized by National Geographic Passport to the Best - The 10 Best of EVERYTHING - An Ultimate Guide for Travelers written by Nathaniel Lande.  National Geographic says CruiseDealership is one of the Ten Best companies that give value and quality.

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Tags:royal caribbean Share this articleModerate Comments CommentsRelated ArticlesRoyal Caribbean signs contract for third Quantum-Class cruise ship2nd Jun 2013 Royal Caribbean quantifies financial impact of the Grandeur of the Seas fire1st Jun 2013 Grandeur of the Seas sailing cancelled following fire29th May 2013 Quantum Of The Seas inaugural season itineraries24th May 2013 Jason Liberty named chief financial officer at Royal Caribbean22nd May 2013 Royal Caribbean makes changes to finance team18th May 2013 Enchantment of the Seas begins year round service from Florida30th Apr 2013 Royal Caribbean contributes to South Florida community29th Apr 2013 Follow Breaking Travel News

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Norwegian Getaway floated for first time

Norwegian Getaway has floated for the first time as it continues to be prepared for launch in 2014.

The float-up took place on Friday May 24th in Papenburg, Germany where the ship is being constructed.

On Saturday, the ship was successfully moved forward and by Sunday morning, Norwegian Getaway was set in her new position.

The ship structure is now complete with all steel-blocks erected

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Championship Golf & PGA pros with Crystal in New England & Canada

For the first time in three years, Crystal Cruises’ popular Golf themed cruise is revisiting New England/Canada, with a new itinerary and new courses along the way. From Boston to Montréal, golf enthusiasts can relish the New England Indian Summer while playing at premier clubs and gleaning tips from golf legend Billy Casper and PGA coach John Clark. The 10-day cruise aboard Crystal Symphony departs September 16, 2013 and features maiden visits to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia and Baie-Comeau, Québec, plus overnight stays in Boston and Montréal.

Guests can practice their swing at:

NEW: The Algonquin at St. Andrews-by-the-Sea (New Brunswick)

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Paul Gauguin Cruises presents 2014 brochure

Paul Gauguin Cruises (www.pgcruises.com), operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, and the newly launched m/v Tere Moana, releases its new Voyages by Gauguin 2014 Collection brochure.

The brochure features 26 itineraries and 62 voyages by the cruise line’s two deluxe small ships, which both offer an elegant yet casual ambiance, luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, trademark Polynesian hospitality, and extraordinary all-inclusive value. Fleet distinctions, dining venues, entertainment, activities, destination guides, deck plans, and sailing schedules are also highlighted.

For 2014, seven- to 14-night voyages are offered on both ships, with The Gauguin sailing in French Polynesia, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia, and The Moana offering voyages in Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

New itineraries on The Gauguin include an 11-night Fiji to Australia voyage, a 12-night Australia to Fiji voyage, and two 14-night voyages between Australia and Southeast Asia. Maiden ports include: Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; Kieta, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea; Rabaul, Papua New Guinea; Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea; Thursday Island, Australia; Darwin, Australia; Komodo Island, Indonesia; Benoa, Bali, Indonesia; Semarang, Indonesia; Singapore; and Maupiti, Society Islands.

Returning favorites on The Gauguin include: 12- and 13-night Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands; 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands; 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus; 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands; and 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands.

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In 2014, The Moana offers a variety of new 7-night itineraries: Roundtrip Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, to Nice, France; Roundtrip Nice, France; Nice, France, to Barcelona, Spain; Colón, Panama to St. Martin, F.W.I.; and Roundtrip Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. New ports include: Mahón, Menorca, Spain; Palamós, Spain; Villefranche, France; Sanary-sur-Mer, France; Antibes, France; Ponza, Italy; San Remo, Italy; San Blas, Panama; Isla Gamez, Panama; Golfito, Costa Rica; Drake Bay, Costa Rica; Quepos, Costa Rica; and Isla Tortuga/Curú Wildlife Reserve, Costa Rica.

Next year, The Moana will again offer a seven-night Colón, Panama, to Philipsburg, St. Maarten, voyage; a seven-night Roundtrip St. Maarten itinerary; 14-night Transatlantic cruises; and 7-night European sailings in the Greek isles, the Spanish isles, the Dalmatian coast, and coastal France, Italy, and Spain.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is extending savings of 50% off standard cruise fares on all voyages of both ships, plus included airfare from Los Angeles on m/s Paul Gauguin itineraries. Past guests of Paul Gauguin Cruises will enjoy additional savings of 5% off final cruise fares on any sailing of either ship or 10% on select sailings, when booked by September 30, 2013.

Tags:paul gauguin cruises Share this articleModerate Comments CommentsRelated ArticlesPaul Gauguin Cruises announces 2014 itineraries and ports17th Feb 2013 Paul Gauguin Cruises offers two holiday cruises29th Jul 2012 Paul Gauguin Cruises presents 2013 preview brochure22nd Jun 2012 Paul Gauguin Cruises offers ambassadors of The Environment Youth Program on summer voyages3rd Apr 2012 Paul Gauguin Cruises unveils m/v Tere Moana’s 2013 itineraries28th Mar 2012 Paul Gauguin Cruises announces 2013 sailing schedule23rd Feb 2012 Paul Gauguin Cruises completes $7 million renovation21st Feb 2012 Paul Gauguin Cruises expands onboard guest appearances29th Apr 2011 Follow Breaking Travel News

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Veterans History Project to sail aboard Princess Cruises veterans cruise

Representatives from the Veterans History Project will be sailing aboard Princess Cruises’ first veterans cruise in November to facilitate the recording of first-hand interviews with passengers who served during times of conflict. These stories will be added to the Project’s ongoing collection of wartime memories that are preserved and made accessible by the Library of Congress.

Princess Cruises president and CEO Alan Buckelew kicked off the initiative yesterday in Washington DC by recording his own story as a soldier in Vietnam. Buckelew was in the nation’s capital to speak at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Throughout this special voyage departing November 5, veterans will be offered the opportunity to be recorded on video to capture as many first-hand accounts as possible. In addition, the professionals from the Library of Congress will be onboard to train passengers to record the histories of their family and friends who have served. Passengers will get tips on how to record the histories and learn to preserve these important stories for posterity.

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Caribbean Cruise Line scam watch highlights spring break travel safety needs

According to Caribbean Cruise Line scam prevention is one of its highest priorities as a vacation package provider. As many Americans embrace travel plans for annual spring breaks, Caribbean Cruise Line encourages tourists to use cause—especially when traveling abroad. In a recent press statement, the company comments, “Through the Caribbean Cruise Line Scam Watch program, we hope to decrease the amount of scams travelers face so that they can enjoy their time away with confidence and in an affordable manner.”

However, as a recent article from U.S. News and World Report indicates, many of those embracing the spring break travel season, are also looking for ways to enjoy vacation time without going over budget. It reveals, “Spring break is around the corner, and if you’re not careful, costs can easily turn a fun family vacation into a financial catastrophe. It’s understandable if you’re considering skipping this year’s vacation, but if you’re willing to do some research and get a little creative, you can find that there are plenty of ways to enjoy

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Royal Caribbean quantifies financial impact of the Grandeur of the Seas fire

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.‘s vessel Grandeur of the Seas experienced a fire in an industrial area on the aft of the ship.  The company has taken the vessel out of service and expects that it will take approximately six weeks to complete the repair efforts.  The company estimates that the direct financial impact of this event, net of insurance, is a reduction of $0.10 per share.  “The extent of the financial impact was relatively high because the affected sailings were during the premium summer season,” said Jason Liberty, senior vice president and chief financial officer. The ship is expected to return to service for its July 12, 2013 sailing date.

“We are gratified that no one was hurt and that the safety and comfort systems performed exactly as designed,” said Adam Goldstein, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International.  “I extend my appreciation to our crew who performed so well, as well as to our guests who have been cooperative, understanding and highly complimentary of the shipboard team throughout,” Goldstein continued.

Tags:royal caribbean Share this articleModerate Comments CommentsRelated ArticlesRoyal Caribbean signs contract for third Quantum-Class cruise ship3 days ago Grandeur of the Seas sailing cancelled following fire29th May 2013 Quantum Of The Seas inaugural season itineraries24th May 2013 Jason Liberty named chief financial officer at Royal Caribbean22nd May 2013 Royal Caribbean makes changes to finance team18th May 2013 Enchantment of the Seas begins year round service from Florida30th Apr 2013 Royal Caribbean contributes to South Florida community29th Apr 2013 Royal Caribbean announces 2014-15 short Caribbean and Bahamas cruises28th Apr 2013 Follow Breaking Travel News

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Royal Caribbean signs contract for third Quantum-Class cruise ship

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced today that it has signed a contract with the Meyer Werft shipyard to construct a third Quantum-class cruise ship for delivery in mid-2016.  The price and terms of the new ship are similar to the price and terms of the first two Quantum-class ships and the contract is subject to financing conditions.

The company recently unveiled details of this new class of ship and was overwhelmed by the public response to the design innovations.  It also revealed that the new design includes an advantageous configuration with a greater proportion of higher priced staterooms, which achieves some of the greatest energy efficiencies at sea.

“We are creating a compelling experience for holidaymakers with innovative design, winning service, and appealing destinations around the world,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.  Brian J. Rice, vice chairman added, “This order follows our stated goals of moderate growth, driving improved returns and leading to an investment grade rating.”

“We are encouraged by the very positive response we received from travel agents and consumers when we first announced some of the unprecedented offerings on Quantum Class last month,” said Adam Goldstein, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International. “The Quantum class will offer holidaymakers more unexpected activities in the most extraordinary spaces, and a third ship will offer even more opportunities for holidaymakers to experience Quantum cruising.”

The yet-unnamed Quantum-class vessel will join the Royal Caribbean International fleet, alongside Quantum of the Seas, which will make its maiden voyage in 2014, and Anthem of the Seas, scheduled to debut in 2015.

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Quantum ships will span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms.  Quantum cruising will thrill guests with never-before onboard features, such as a skydiving experience, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms. These new, larger staterooms enable innovation in design, storage and comfort, including the industry’s first interior staterooms with Virtual Balconies, ensuring that every stateroom on Quantum of the Seas will have a view.  To see the reveal film that introduces at-sea “firsts” to debut on the Quantum Class, please go to http://tinyurl.com/pyhh6ff.

“We are excited to construct these tremendous ships to meet guests’ demand for an exceptional cruise experience,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner Meyer Werft.  Meyer continued, “And we are honoured by our long partnership with Royal Caribbean, a true innovator in modern ship design.”

Including today’s contract and existing ship orders, projected capital expenditures for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 are $700 million, $1.2 billion, $1.2 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively.  Including Quantum III, the company’s capacity growth rate from 2012 to 2017 will be approximately 4% per annum.

Tags:royal caribbean Share this articleModerate Comments CommentsRelated ArticlesRoyal Caribbean quantifies financial impact of the Grandeur of the Seas fire4 days ago Grandeur of the Seas sailing cancelled following fire29th May 2013 Quantum Of The Seas inaugural season itineraries24th May 2013 Jason Liberty named chief financial officer at Royal Caribbean22nd May 2013 Royal Caribbean makes changes to finance team18th May 2013 Enchantment of the Seas begins year round service from Florida30th Apr 2013 Royal Caribbean contributes to South Florida community29th Apr 2013 Royal Caribbean announces 2014-15 short Caribbean and Bahamas cruises28th Apr 2013 Follow Breaking Travel News

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Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2013-14 Winter Cruises brochure

Norwegian Cruise Line has launched its Winter Cruises brochure, showcasing some of the line’s best cruises across Europe and the Caribbean.

For the 2013-2014 winter season, Norwegian will continue to have two ships sailing in Europe and seven ships sailing a variety of itineraries in the Caribbean. Itineraries featured in the new winter brochure include Norwegian Spirit’s revised nine-night Canary Islands & Morocco voyage, Norwegian Jade’s new 10- and 11-night cruises from/to Civitavecchia, as well as a selection of Caribbean itineraries including Norwegian Getaway’s maiden nine-night Eastern Caribbean fly-cruise departing from Miami and brand new ship Norwegian Breakaway’s nine-night Bahamas & Florida fly-cruise departing from New York.

Five time winners of

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Princess Cruises exotics sailings cover six continents

Just open for sale today, Princess Cruises’ 2014-15 Exotics program offers a world of options for globetrotting travelers. The line’s global itineraries will take passengers to the colorful ports of Asia & Africa, Australia & New Zealand, Tahiti & the South Pacific, and South America

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Queen Mary 2 recalls maiden arrival of original Queen Mary into New York

Queen Mary 2 sailed into New York on Saturday 1 June 2013, she arrived on the 77th anniversary of the maiden call of the original Queen Mary in New York in 1936.

Queen Mary’s Maiden Voyage began in Southampton on 27 May 1936 and she left to the sounds of bands and ecstatic crowds. On board were the famous bandleader, Henry Hall , scheduled to give a series of live radio broadcasts during the crossing; the virtuoso harmonica player, Larry Adler ; and a well-known singer of the time, Frances Day , who performed a song written specially for Queen Mary by Henry Hall , ‘Somewhere at Sea’. And, much as she may have liked being at sea, Miss Day did not trust the ship’s eggs to be fresh by the end of the voyage so she took along her own chickens. Queen Mary received a rapturous welcome in New York.

Peter Shanks , Cunard President and Managing Director, said:
“Since her launch to great acclaim in 2004, Queen Mary 2 has proudly continued the Transatlantic legacy of elegance and glamour that Queen Mary personified during her long reign of service - the legend lives on.

“On this special anniversary, we are also pleased to continue to call New York our homeport in the USA, a city which has embraced our ships through the centuries and played a prominent role in many of Cunard’s historical milestones.”

77 years on, Queen Mary 2 left Southampton last Saturday (25 May) for New York. Onboard to speak is Jeffrey Weinberg , adviser to seven US Presidents, and passengers are enjoying our legendary entertainment including presentations from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA). Today the eggs - all 45,000 of them - are fresh and plentiful and our legendary experiences live on.

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Queen Mary would cross the Atlantic another 1,000 times during her 31-year career before being retired in 1967. Queen Mary 2 will make her 200th crossing on 6 July during this, her ninth year on the Atlantic.

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