CruiseNews

The dining experience has always been central to a Celebrity Cruises vacation, and the line has proven it once again with its latest culinary introductions: an authentic, world-class high tea experience called “Champagne High Tea,” and industry-first premium kosher meals. “We know how precious consumers’ vacation time is, and we’re committed to offering an exceptional dining experience to make those rare vacations even more special,” said Celebrity’s Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden. “Our Champagne High Tea is designed in the tradition of the most highly regarded afternoon tea experiences in the world.” Celebrity’s Champagne High Tea takes place once on every seven-night sailing, and at least twice on an eight-night or longer cruise. Held in Celebrity’s highly acclaimed, elegant specialty restaurants, amidst live music performed by a string quartet, the event’s delectable selections include premium Forte’ teas; Lavazza coffees, including espressos, lattes and cappuccino; savory sandwiches and desserts – including pastries, scones, truffles and pate de fruit – all served on Wedgewood china and in Riedel Crystal. Celebrity’s Champagne High Tea cover charge of $25 per person – an exceptional value when compared with land-based high tea experiences – includes all culinary selections and a glass of champagne. Reservations for Celebrity’s Champagne High Tea can be made onboard by dialing the ship’s “dining reservation” number. The experience – in addition to the line’s longtime, complimentary tea service in the main dining room – is offered across the Celebrity fleet, with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, the line’s megayacht sailing year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Meanwhile, for guests interested in kosher meals, Celebrity has introduced another industry first: premium kosher meals, offered as an option amidst the brand’s vast array of other dining selections. Among Celebrity’s premium kosher entrees are herb-roasted salmon, BBQ quartered chicken, beef brisket, citrus-glazed chicken breast, and citrus-glazed tilapia, while breakfast items include traditional lox and bagels, Belgian waffles, wild mushroom omelettes, or pancakes. Kosher wines and champagne also are available, with Celebrity’s highly skilled sommeliers poised to offer recommendations. All selections are Glatt Kosher certified and made from scratch in kosher kitchens under the strict supervision of the O.U. and USDA. Celebrity’s premium kosher meals are available for a fee, and the line’s more limited, complimentary kosher selections will continue to be offered. Vacationers interested in kosher meals are asked to notify Celebrity of their interest 60 days in advance of departure. Guests participating in the premium kosher program then can make their specific menu selections for each day onboard, 24 hours in advance of dining. Click here to view the article

The 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend resumed Caribbean service from Tampa this weekend, following a 14-day dry dock during which a variety of enhancements were made, including a renovated children’s pool area, and the addition of Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat. Carnival Legend became the 13th Carnival ship to feature a Serenity area. Designed as an oasis for tranquility and relaxation, Serenity offers colorful, oversized umbrellas, comfortable chaise lounges and chairs, whirlpools, a full bar and breathtaking sea views. The ship’s children’s pool area now features colorful new tiles in vibrant sea-animal designs, while the casino has been reconfigured with additional slot machines and poker tables. Other enhancements include new upholstery and chairs in the Lido restaurant, dining room and dance club. Carnival Legend sails to the Caribbean on year-round seven-day sailings from Tampa. Click here to view the article

Norwegian Cruise Line will add 58 new staterooms and suites to the Norwegian Dawn when it enters dry dock in May. The 28 new suites include two categories of family suites that can sleep up to six, executives announced during a Feb. 23 conference call with travel agents and press. There will be 14 Family Suites (category SJ) measuring 408 to 452 square feet, while 10 Family Suites with Balcony (category SD) will measure 409 to 495 square feet. The family suites will be located on a high deck, near the pool, and feature a larger bathroom and more storage space. There will be four Deluxe Owner’s Suites (category SA) added right below the bridge. They will measure 667 to 732 square feet. Also added will be 30 inside staterooms measuring 142 to 174 square feet. The new accommodations will take the current location of the Spinnaker Lounge and cinema, which will be upgraded and moved to a spot that executives said improve the flow of the ship. Though the dry-dock project is in May, finishing work on the new accommodations will continue until Sept. 16. They are on sale now, however, for departures after Sept. 16. In other news, NCL said a new built-in air purifying system was installed last week in Norwegian Epic, near the casino area, which some guests complain is too smoky. The built-in system replaces floor models. Also, Executive Vice President Andy Stuart said the company is working to install an online system that will allow passengers to pre-book restaurant reservations. He said he expects the roll-out of the new system to start in April. In other fleetwide additions, executives said the company now offers Welcome Back Stations near the gangways on port days with cool face towels (warm ones in Alaska), complimentary water and a place to relax. The company also now offers a Dear Hotel Director suggestion box at the front desk for guests with complaints or comments. A sign also lists the phone extension for the hotel director’s office. The company promises feedback or a response within 24 hours. Click here to view the article

PokerTek, Inc. and Carnival Cruise Lines have announced that qualifying tournaments are underway for the fourth annual Carnival PokerPro Challenge. Players who qualify will win a seat in the final event held on Carnival’s newest ship, the 130,000 ton Carnival Dream, December 3-10, 2011 where they will compete for a $50,000 first place prize. Chris Moneymaker, renowned poker expert and winner of the 2003 WSOP Main Event, will play in the tournament for the second year in a row. Players can qualify to play in the Carnival PokerPro Challenge Grand Final event by winning a $150 buy-in satellite tournament that are already being offered aboard any of Carnival’s 22 “Fun Ships.” Qualifying rounds will also be played at participating land-based properties featuring PokerPro and other select venues. To see a list of participating locations, please visit: www.PokerTek.com/Carnival. Players who win in a qualifying tournament will win a $750 entry in the Grand Final event aboard the Carnival Dream sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla., December 3-10, 2011. In addition, players who win on Carnival ships will receive a cash prize or a cruise certificate. During the week, a variety of cash games and additional tournaments will be scheduled, including the popular “Beat the Moneymaker” tournament, where players compete to be the first to knock out Moneymaker for a cash bounty. Cash games and tournaments will be played on state-of-the-art PokerPro tables, the only poker tables available across Carnival’s fleet. The tables clearly and quickly display players’ commitments and table stakes, pot amount and community cards. PokerPro tables offer mistake-free play, identify the winners at the end of each hand and immediately add the winnings to the player’s table stakes. Click here to view the article

Royal Caribbean International is celebrating the British royal wedding in its own special way by offering an exclusive Royal Wedding Experience, ideal for anyone looking for majestic treatment on their special day, the company said in a statement.. The Royal Wedding Experience offers an engaged couple the opportunity to have a truly regal wedding experience whilst onboard any of Royal Caribbean International’s 22 ships around the world. The experience is available for booking from now until the end of April 2011, and can be used on any itinerary through the end of 2012. Royal Caribbean’s Royal Wedding Experience allows the happy couple to enjoy a wide range of royal wedding treats including a tiara for the bride, 12 rose hand tied bouquets, special commemorative china with the couple’s chosen photos, strawberries and champagne, crown toasting flute with crown keepsake server set and, of course, dinner at the captain’s table. And all of this comes with a dedicated wedding planner, photographer, boutonniere, save-the-date announcements and wedding cake. Additionally, the first couple to book the Royal Wedding Experience on the Independence of the Seas on the same day as William and Catherine – 29th April 2011 – will also take a celebratory walk through the ship with guests and crew waving union jacks, and receive a commemorative photo and Royal Wedding themed commemorative china featuring their own images. The Royal Wedding Experience is priced at $2,904 to commemorate the date of William and Catherine’s wedding. Click here to view the article

New year, new look. That's what's in store for Celebrity Summit in January 2012, when the award-winning ship becomes the third in Celebrity Cruises' much-loved Millennium Class quartet to complete a significant "Solsticizing," the term the line coined for its initiative to complement its Milllennium Class ships' style and design with some of the most popular attributes found on its widely heralded Solstice Class ships. Among the multiple highlights: the coveted AquaClass, Celebrity's soothing, spa-inspired veranda-category accommodations, paired with the chic, Mediterranean-themed specialty restaurant, "Blu," offered exclusively for AquaClass guests; the virtually indescribable 'Qsine' specialty restaurant, and the hip 'Celebrity iLounge.' "Based on the phenomenal response we've had from guests who have sailed on the 'Solsticized' Celebrity Constellation, we're eager to introduce the same new features - ranging from the 'Cellarmasters' wine bar to our signature 'icy' Martini Bar to our cool Café al Bacio and Gelateria - and even more on Celebrity Summit," said Celebrity's President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. "We recognize that consumers' vacation time is precious, which inspires us to do everything we can to make their vacation with Celebrity Cruises something that is truly different and better than anything they've experienced before." A Celebrity exclusive - "Qsine," the novel restaurant introduced on Celebrity Eclipse last year, and set to debut on Celebrity Infinity following the ship's revitalization in December 2011 - will be presented on Celebrity Summit, too. The first restaurant at sea to present a menu and wine list on an iPadTM, Qsine has been described in press reviews as "the latest and most innovative restaurant," "cutting-edge," "appealingly quirky," "menu-tainment," "entertainment and dining rolled into one," "like a rollercoaster with a tablecloth" and simply, "defying description." Qsine features playful, delectable options including a vertical selection of savory tapas and mezze served individually in custom-made frames, a trio of chilled soups delivered shot-style, and spring rolls served in springs. All are described in detail on the iPad-housed menu and wine list, which offers a full scan of wine labels, an interactive cocktail menu, and the ability for guests to enter tasting notes and e-mail their favorite wine selections. Joining AquaClass, Blu and Qsine in the "Solsticizing" of Celebrity Summit will be: the hip iLounge, which debuted on Celebrity Eclipse and made Celebrity Cruises the industry's first Authorized Apple Reseller, and where guests can participate in Celebrity's "iLearn" enrichment series a "cool" new ice-topped Martini Bar and Crush the vibrant creperie, Bistro on Five the inviting Café al Bacio and Gelateria Cellarmasters wine bar, complete with the "Enomatic" state-of-the-art wine serving system - an industry-first when it debuted on Celebrity Solstice - allowing guests to select wines by the glass, at the touch of a button entirely new verandas added to the ship's spacious, luxurious Celebrity Suites even more sumptuous suites, courtesy of all new furniture, flat-screen TVs, upholstery, bedding and carpeting - and, as offered with every suite with Celebrity Cruises, 24/7 butler service restyled staterooms, with entirely new carpeting, flat-screen TVs, upholstery and bedding new color schemes, carpeting and upholstery reflective of the Solstice Class' stylish,modern design in every public venue additional new oceanview and inside staterooms an expanded collection of original, contemporary art As previously announced, sister ship Celebrity Infinity will emerge from a scheduled drydock period December 3, 2011, with all the Solstice-inspired enhancements planned for Celebrity Summit. Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of the world's top-rated premium cruise line, with spacious, stylish interiors; dining experiences elevated to an art form; personalized service, with a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1; unexpected, trendsetting onboard activities, all designed to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. One of the fastest-growing major cruise lines, Celebrity's fleet currently consists of 10 ships, with two additional Solstice Class ships scheduled to join the fleet: Celebrity Silhouette in July 2011, and Celebrity Reflection in Fall 2012. Click here to view the article

Celebrity Cruises' guest chef theme cruise program, "Savor Your Destination," is serving up a roster filled with gifted culinarians who will participate this year, among them renowned television personality Chef Sara Moulton. Recognizing that vacation time is precious, Celebrity created "Savor Your Destination" to give food and wine enthusiasts more ways to experience a memorable and enjoyable trip. In 2011, Celebrity will present a total of 12 guest chef theme cruises on its award-winning Solstice Class ships. Each cruise will offer food-and-wine themed activities that complement Celebrity's overall premium experience, emphasizing the love of fine food and wine. Activities may include a meet-and-greet cocktail reception, guest chef-led cooking demonstrations highlighting techniques and ingredients, book signings, and a "Star Chefs" cook-off featuring an interactive cooking competition, complete with a special recipe booklet featuring the guest chef's creations. For a fee, guests also can participate in hands-on cooking classes led by the guest chef in the ship's galley, or enjoy an exclusive food-and-wine-pairing dinner designed and presented by the guest chef in either Murano or Tuscan Grille, two of the five specialty restaurants onboard. Moulton will sail on Celebrity's newest ship, Celebrity Eclipse, on March 26, 2011, on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise sailing roundtrip from Miami, Florida. One of television's Food Network's founding personalities, Moulton has hosted numerous cooking programs, including "Cooking Live," "Cooking Live Primetime," and "Sara's Secrets." Moulton also has served as the food editor of ABC-TV's "Good Morning America" since 1997, and hosted "Sara's Weeknight Meals" on public television in 2008. She has authored several cookbooks; most recently, Sara Moulton's Everyday Family Dinners, as well as Sara Moulton Cooks at Home and Sara's Secrets for Weeknight Meals. She also was the executive chef of Gourmet magazine from 1987 until the magazine folded in late 2009. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Moulton worked and taught at numerous restaurants before working for Julia Child on public television's "Julia Child and More Company." Moulton founded the New York Women's Culinary Alliance in 1982. A line-up of highly regarded chefs with unique approaches to their craft is in place for 2011. Additional Savor Your Destination guest chef theme cruises will be led by: Chef Dean James Max of 3030 Ocean in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and five other restaurants, sailing on Celebrity Eclipse on March 12, 2011 Chef Timon Balloo of Sugarcane in Miami, saliing on Celebrity Equinox on April 1, 2011 Chef Govind Armstrong of 8 Oz. Burger Bar in Louisiana, Los Angeles, and Miami's South Beach, saliing on Celebrity Equinox on April 11, 2011 Chef John Suley of Gotham Steak at Miami's Fontainebleau Resort, saliing on Celebrity Equinox on April 22, 2011 Chef Angel Palacios of La Broche in Madrid, Spain, saliing on Celebrity Solstice on June 7, 2011 Chef Jordi Valles of The Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, Mexico, saliing on Celebrity Solstice on October 11, 2011 The guest chefs for three additional Savor Your Destination theme cruises in 2011 - one on Celebrity Solstice on May 14, Celebrity Eclipse on December 10, and Celebrity Equinox on December 12 - wlil be announced at a later date. Two Savor Your Destination guest chef theme cruises have already taken place this year, featuring South Beach-based chefs Sean Brasel and Dena Marino. Rates for the remaining 2011 Savor Your Destination guest chef theme cruises start at $699 per person. This year, Celebrity is also offering five Savor Your Destination guest winemaker theme cruises as well as five "Guest Glass Artist" cruises highlighting The Hot Glass Show at The Lawn Club, an area featuring a lawn of real, growing grass on the top deck of its Solstice Class ships. Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of the world's top-rated premium cruise line, with spacious, stylish interiors; dining experiences elevated to an art form; personalized service, with a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1; unexpected, trendsetting onboard activities, all designed to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity salis to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. One of the fastest-growing major cruise lines, Celebrity's fleet currently consists of 10 ships, with two additional Solstice Class ships scheduled to join the fleet: Celebrity Slihouette in July 2011, and Celebrity Reflection in Fall 2012. Click here to view the article

Royal Caribbean International's Voyager of the Seas became the first ship to call at Historic Falmouth port. Situated between the popular cruise ports of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, Historic Falmouth is the first-ever thematic cruise port and is also a convenient gateway for guests to embark on more than 60 exhilarating land experiences along the north coast of Jamaica. Additionally, restoration throughout the town of Falmouth offer guests a wide selection of cultural and historic experiences. "We are delighted to see Voyager of the Seas make the first-ever ship call at Historic Falmouth," said Craig Milan, senior vice president of Land Operations, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "By partnering with the Port Authority of Jamaica, we are working to deliver our shared vision of Falmouth's rebirth. Together, we are bringing the town's historic sites to life and integrating the culture and authenticity of this destination into a superior guest experience." The grand opening celebrations of Historic Falmouth port will take place on March 22, 2011 when Oasis of the Seas makes her maiden call into the port. Other Royal Caribbean ships that will be calling at Historic Falmouth include Freedom of the Seas on Feb. 23; Navigator of the Seas on Feb. 24; and Allure of the Seas debuting on March 30. Guests can experience a diverse variety of shore excursions at an additional cost while at Historic Falmouth, including: Good Hope Great House: located fifteen minutes from Falmouth, guests can choose from the new horse & carriage ride, river-tubing, ATV exploring, among others, on this former 18th century Jamaican plantation. Dolphin Cove & Dunn's River Falls: adventure seekers can climb Dunn's River Falls; zip-line through the lush rainforest canopy or wind down the mountainside on a Jamaican bobsled at Mystic Mountain; or swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove. Appleton Estate: after a scenic drive through the Cockpit Country and Bamboo Avenue, guests can indulge in one of Falmouth's old-world delicacies by learning to make rum and sampling different aged rums. Rafting on Martha Brae: located five minutes from Falmouth, guests can enjoy a tranquil ride on a 30-foot bamboo raft. "Falmouth has an important place in the cultural history of Jamaica. It is especially rewarding for us to use that history as an entree for a new generation of guests," said Hon Mike Henry, Jamaica's Minister of Transport and Works, who has portfolio responsibility for cruise shipping. "Our sights have always been set on being the preeminent cruise destination, and with the best-in-class berthing facilities at the Historic Falmouth port, we'll now easily welcome the world's largest ships." The revitalization of Historic Falmouth is a multi-phased development project with the first phase near completion offering a two-berth pier, retail and restaurant services as well as a transportation center. Subsequent phases will include onsite attractions and experiences, hotel and residential developments, as well as additional retail and restaurant options. The town also has many prominent houses, shops and public buildings built in the 18th and 19th centuries that are still standing, but are in need of refurbishment. The restoration and preservation of several historic buildings in Falmouth is currently underway. Falmouth was founded in 1790 from land owned by Edward Barrett. His granddaughter Elizabeth Barrett Browning would later be celebrated as one of the greatest poets in the English language. At that time Jamaica was the world's leading sugar producer, and this was most evident in Falmouth with more than 80 sugar estates nearby. The town was meticulously mapped out in the Colonial tradition, with streets named after British royalty and heroes--King Street, Queen Street, Rodney Street (after 18th century naval leader Admiral Lord George Rodney) and Wellington Street (after Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington). The remarkable density of historic Georgian architectural buildings, which residents have lived in and maintained, is reflective of the town's rich heritage. Its public amenities included the first piped water supply system in the Western Hemisphere, established in 1799. The town prospered throughout the first half of the 19th century and was the birthplace of the abolition slavery movement. Falmouth was the site of many revolts, and many of the buildings in the town served as safe houses for those who had escaped. In fact, a prominent Falmouth reverend, William Knibb, whose house still stands in the town, was granted Jamaica's highest civil honor, the Order of Merit, in 1988, 150 years after the abolition of slavery. About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 ships currently in service. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. About the Port Authority of Jamaica The Port Authority of Jamaica is a statutory corporation established as the principal maritime agency responsible for the regulation and development of Jamaica's port and shipping industry. Under its brand Cruise Jamaica, the Authority is responsible for the development, management and marketing of Jamaica's four cruise ports: Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Port Antonio and now Historic Falmouth. Click here to view the article

Pacific Princess and Coral Princess Passengers Can Taste Winning Creations Thanks to creative use of red snapper and deep-fried sushi, two Princess Cruises chefs have taken first place in two culinary categories at the Sixth Annual Bacardi Bartender & Chef Cruise Competition. Pacific Princess Executive Chef Antonio Cortese received top honors in the "Heart Healthy" category for his Red Snapper Mojito, while Coral Princess Sous Chef Abelardo Alvarez won the "Vegetarian" category with his Deep Fried Sushi with Bacardi Wasabi Emulsion and Spicy Kimchi. The award-winning recipes were selected from more than 1,600 entries submitted for the prestigious beverage and culinary competition. Using criteria such as presentation, taste, creativity, appeal and ease of preparation, a judging panel of culinary experts winnowed down the field and chose the best recipe in each of five categories. Passengers aboard Pacific Princess during her just-launched world cruise will have an opportunity to sample Executive Chef Cortese's Red Snapper Mojito when it is served as a special heart-healthy appetizer. Chef Alvarez's winning entry, Deep Fried Sushi with Bacardi Wasabi Emulsion and Spicy Kimchi will also be served to passengers on a regular basis on board Coral Princess. "We're tremendously proud of both chefs for demonstrating such culinary excellence," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "It's always a great honor to be singled out from one's peers and receive industry acknowledgement of the creativity that enhances our passengers' experience. We congratulate them on this achievement." The Bacardi Bartender & Chef Cruise Competition, an international event open to all bartenders and chefs in the cruise and ferry industry, requires bartenders and chefs to create original recipes using Bacardi products. The goals of the competition are to "support the cruise industry and its talented artisans, recognize innovation onboard the world's best cruise and ferry lines, and foster a path for staff to further their trade expertise". Click here to view the article

Passengers Can Watch the Future Princess Walk Down the Aisle with BBC World Coverage on "Movies Under the Stars" Screens The highly anticipated Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton will be televised live on Princess ships on April 29. Passengers will be able to follow along with full coverage of the pomp and majesty of the historic wedding through BBC World's broadcast of the event. Not only can passengers follow along as the future princess walks down the aisle, but they'll enjoy viewing parties on board as they watch the most extensive coverage of this royal event. BBC is the official wedding broadcaster and has exclusive access inside Westminster Abbey during the ceremony. The onboard viewing parties will add a celebratory flair to the event with British-style refreshments and special royal-themed cocktails. Passengers can also test their knowledge with royal wedding trivia competitions and participate in a William and Kate look-alike contest. "As this is the first British royal wedding in years we know there will be wide interest among our passengers," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "We at Princess also feel a connection with Prince William because his mother, Princess Diana, christened our original Royal Princess back in 1984." Royal Wedding broadcasts are planned for all ships in the Princess fleet, subject to satellite availability. In some time zones the broadcast may be delayed for viewing at a convenient hour. The Royal Wedding is one of several special events shown on the Movies Under the Stars screens, including the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards. The giant LED screens are more than 300 square feet in size with a 69,000-watt sound system and have sufficient lighting power to be seen clearly at mid-day and heard even while the ship is moving at full speed -- offering cruise passengers a movie experience comparable to the best shoreside movie theater. Click here to view the article

Disney Cruise Line celebrated the keel laying of the Disney Fantasy at the Meyer Werft shipyard. This is the second of two newly-designed ships that take the family cruise experience to all new heights. Sister ship to the Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, entered service on Jan. 26, 2011. The keel laying ceremony is a significant milestone in the ship building process when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock and a coin is placed under the keel for good fortune. Placing the coin was Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line, assisted by Minnie Mouse. The Disney Fantasy will offer many of the innovations that the Disney Dream features and brought to the cruise industry for the very first time, including AquaDuck -- the world's first shipboard water coaster. However, the Disney Fantasy will feature a few new design elements and guest experiences that will give the ship a unique identity all her own. The 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will sail week-long Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla. with its maiden voyage scheduled for March 31, 2012. Click here to view the article

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. has signed a letter of intent with shipyard Meyer Werft to build the first of a new generation of Royal Caribbean International cruise ships. Developed under the code-name "Project Sunshine," the new vessel design incorporates new and exciting features that take advantage of the best of Royal Caribbean's experience and imagination. The project is a result of over a year of dedicated research and development. The order calls for one ship to be delivered in the Fall of 2014 with an option for a second ship for Spring 2015. The 158,000 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) new build will carry just over 4,100 guests based on double occupancy. The estimated all-in cost per berth is about euro 170,000. This all-in cost includes the yard's base contract price plus everything needed to design, operate and build the vessel, from architect fees to supervision costs and all loose inventories from computers to art and bed linens. "Royal Caribbean has worked hard to earn a reputation of offering the most innovative ships in the cruise industry and this next generation will not disappoint," said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. "While we continue our policy of keeping our newest ideas and features under wraps during the early stages of construction, I can say that I am very excited about the passion and imagination that our teams have devoted to the project. Project Sunshine builds on the best ideas of our existing ships and adds exciting new activities and entertainment concepts. It will offer features for everyone: from grand, spectacular spaces to small intimate settings; from active, invigorating activities to the serenity of more personal space; and from a plethora of dining alternatives to a cornucopia of opportunities for families. I am also excited about the energy efficiency and environmental technologies which have been incorporated. Our existing ships are some of the most energy efficient in the world and Project Sunshine takes this one further step. Based on our over 20 years of experience with Meyer Werft, along with their compelling proposal, we know they will deliver on all of the innovations Royal Caribbean's guests have come to expect." "Meyer Werft is pleased to be working with Royal Caribbean especially in light of their reputation for building such innovative ships. I am very happy we are continuing our long time partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and its brand Royal Caribbean International. Their projects always present incredible opportunities for Meyer Werft to create the latest cutting edge hardware in the cruise industry," said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft shipyard. The letter of intent is subject to customary conditions being satisfactorily met. About MEYER WERFT GmbH: Founded in 1795, Papenburg-based MEYER WERFT GmbH is currently owned by the sixth generation of the Meyer family. This well-established company has some 2,500 employees. MEYER WERFT's extensive production program covers a wide range of ship types, from cruise ships and gas tankers, to car and passenger ferries. In order to stay successful in worldwide competition, production technology has been continuously extended. Today, MEYER WERFT has the most modern production premises in the shipbuilding industry. For more information go to www.meyerwerft.de. About Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.: Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France. The company has a combined total of 40 ships in service and two under construction. It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America. Click here to view the article

Makeover Will Include Piazza Atrium, Tea Lounge, Pizzeria and Nightclub The most significant transformation ever of a Princess Cruises ship will occur this spring aboard Grand Princess. During a 24-day makeover the ship, which was the prototype for the line's "Grand Class" vessels, will undergo a remarkable renovation to receive many of Princess' trademark features introduced since the ship's 1998 debut including the signature Piazza atrium. Several new features will be also be added including a unique tea lounge and library called "Leaves"; and "Alfredo's," a full-service pizzeria showcasing this renowned Princess dish. A brand new nightclub called One5, inspired by its deck location, will be created on the top deck of the ship, replacing its iconic Skywalker Nightclub, which has given the ship its distinctive profile. Skywalkers will be removed from its 18th deck perch, with its replacement located on deck 15. This change will significantly improve the operational performance of the ship, including greater fuel efficiency. "This is the largest makeover we've ever undertaken for any of our ships," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "When Grand Princess was launched she was the most innovative ship at sea, and now we're adding some of the later innovations we introduced on subsequent ships." The changes will be made during a drydock from April 11 to May 4 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. Highlights of the dramatic makeover include: New Piazza atrium – The atrium space of Grand Princess will be completely rebuilt to include this signature Princess feature -- a multi-faceted social hub of the ship combining always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. The Piazza will feature the International Cafe for pastries, grilled panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies and a variety of coffee drinks. Passenger will also enjoy a new Vines wine bar offering a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of tapas and sushi, and a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle. Leaves Tea Lounge and Library – A fusion of tea lounge and library, the new Leaves offers a distinctive opportunity for passengers to custom-blend a variety of base teas with herbs, fruits and spices to create a personalized tea blend. Created in partnership with Mighty Leaf Tea Company, one of the world's premier maker of artisan teas, Leaves will give passengers an impressive choice of up to 500 different tea blends to suit their palates. A trained tea sommelier will assist passengers in blending a personalized tea creation, which they can enjoy in the midst of the library and a good book. Alfredo's Pizzeria – Known for serving the best pizza at sea, Princess will introduce Alfredo's, a new sit-down pizzeria with an enticing menu of freshly prepared individual-size pizzas. Named for the line's master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the pizzeria will feature an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs create the pizzas they'll enjoy with a glass of wine or other beverage. One5 Lounge – The new One5 lounge will replace Skywalkers as the place to be for nighttime dancing and relaxing. The new lounge on deck 15 (hence its name) takes its inspiration from the chicest urban nightclubs, and will offer a cool vibe, contemporary seating and lighting, and a dramatic back-lit bar. Crown Grill – A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including live lobsters. Also part of the renovation will be 10 new suites; remodeled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner's Martini Lounge. The newly renovated Grand Princess will debut on May 5 in Ft. Lauderdale where the ship will depart on a transatlantic crossing for her summer and fall homeport of Southampton, from which she will cruise a variety of European itineraries. About Princess Cruises: One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.3 million passengers each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from seven to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK). Princess Cruises is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Click here to view the article