CruiseNews

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it has completed the first phase of enhancements at Great Stirrup Cay, the line's 250-acre private island in the Bahamas. On Thursday, February 3, the company opened the new marina and dining facility on the island, representing a significant milestone in the more than $20 million enhancement project currently underway. Norwegian Sky's 2,000 guests were the first to experience the opening of the marina basin with four docks for the island's tenders and the new 8,500 square foot dining facility, complete with two bars and four picnic pavilions. "Both the new marina and the dining facility greatly enhance the guest experience on Great Stirrup Cay which is our second busiest port of call this year," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's president and CEO. "By moving the tenders' arrival to the marina and away from the beach, we have now opened up a great expanse of beachfront for our guests to enjoy and relax. We've also built a new large dining facility that is similar to the action station restaurants we have on board our Freestyle Cruising ships." The marina is approximately 12 feet deep at low water and is home to the island's four tenders. It took more than eight months to excavate the basin and the entrance channel. The dining facility includes a central pizza making station, two grills, hot and cold food stations, as well as fresh fruits and breads. There are two full bars on either side of the facility for added convenience. The four pavilions, each more than 1800 square feet, offer picnic tables with a total seating capacity for more than 500 guests. Enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay have been underway since January of 2010 and will continue through the end of this year. Several new island activities have been added since the project began including more than 16 wave runners, kayak rentals and an eco-adventure boat tour around the island. These are in addition to the existing snorkeling; floats; inflatable hippo slide; and parasailing. The second phase of enhancements includes an arrival/departure pavilion, additional bar facilities; several comfort stations; a band stand; cruise program activity area; private beachfront cabanas; a kid's play area; straw market; and beach volleyball courts. The beachfront will continue to be expanded on the island's west end. Norwegian has owned the island since 1977 when it became the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its guests. Great Stirrup Cay offers magnificent white sand beaches, majestic palms and calm, pristine waters where an abundance of colorful marine life inhabits the surrounding coral reefs. Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Pearl regularly call on Great Stirrup Cay throughout the year. About Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. The Company contracted for two 4,000-berth vessels for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014. Norwegian's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, Second City® Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, Gibson Guitar, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams" & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top. Click here to view the article

Holland America Line debuted the novel new bar experience, Captain Morgan® on the Rocks Island Bar, with an official grand opening held on Jan. 29 at Half Moon Cay, Holland America's renowned private island in the Bahamas. Guests on cruises featuring Half Moon Cay now can experience the heritage of Captain Henry Morgan, legendary swashbuckler and scourge of the Spanish Main, at the unique bar. It is designed as a 101-foot-long, twin-decked, three-masted schooner "washed up" on Half Moon Cay's white sand beach. Seating a total 326 guests, the bar decor features nautical artifacts and historic references to Captain Morgan's exploits in these waters more than 350 years ago. "Half Moon Cay is consistently our top-rated destination in the Caribbean, and Holland America Line is always seeking innovative ways to further enhance this guest experience," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Captain Morgan on the Rocks adds a fun and charming bar that complements the relaxing beach experience of Half Moon Cay." Matthew Sams, vice president, Caribbean relations, is responsible for the operations of Half Moon Cay and oversaw the concept, design and construction of the new bar. The construction was performed by island staff. Holland America Line collaborated with Diageo Global Travel & Middle East (GTME), the world's leading premium drinks business that created Captain Morgan® Original Spiced Rum in 1983. Located near the island's Food Pavilion, Captain Morgan on the Rocks features outdoor seating on two awning-covered, themed decks. The open upper deck offers sweeping vistas of the beach, turquoise ocean and the island interior and lagoon. "Cannons" release gentle mists of water to keep guests cool in the Bahamian sun. The lower deck features rum casks for seats, palm leaf-styled ceiling fans and images "burnt" into the crafted wood telling the story of the legendary Captain Morgan – who plundered a unique spiced rum along with gold and silver in 1668 and then lost everything when his ship went aground on rocks. The ship's band, HAL Cats, performs for guests on a built-in band stand in the aft section of the bar. Half Moon Cay has been named "Best Private Island" by Porthole Cruise Magazine based on readers' choice for the past 10 years. Holland America Line developed a small area of Half Moon Cay to provide a quintessential and exclusive Caribbean island experience for cruise guests. The 2,400-acre island features 15 beach-front, air-conditioned cabanas, a natural 700-acre lagoon and fun-filled excursions for nature lovers and adventurous travelers alike. Guests can enjoy activities on the island including horseback riding by land and sea, snorkeling and swimming with stingrays in a secluded cove, biking tours, the AquaTrax watercraft adventure tour and parasailing. About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 354 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds. World's Leading Cruise Lines Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, 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

Music-themed cruise experts Sixthman and Carnival Cruise Lines celebrated the completion of their 25th full ship charter with the line — Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Simple Man cruise aboard the Carnival Inspiration – with a special celebration in their Atlanta headquarters earlier this month. Since 2001, the Sixthman team has brought top musical acts onboard Carnival’s “Fun Ships,” including Kid Rock, John Mayer, Zac Brown Band, VH1’s Best Cruise Ever and many others. “We are so proud to reach this milestone with Carnival,” said Andy Levine, president and founder of Sixthman. “They have been a great partner and we continue to find new ways to make the guest experience better. We respect the fact that even though we are only a small percentage of their total business, they treat us as though we are an important partner shoreside and onboard.” During the celebration, Carnival sales executives Joni Rein, vice president of worldwide sales; Vicky Rey, vice president of guest services; John Diulus, managing director of strategic partnerships and Tom Dougher, director of strategic partnerships, presented the Sixthman team with a special Carnival ship model and shared a congratulatory champagne toast. “Everyone on the Sixthman team is an absolute expert at what they do and it shows in the sold out fun-filled cruises they create on our ships,” said Rein. We look forward to working with them on more full ship charters in the years to come.” Sixthman’s 26th Carnival charter – The 311 Caribbean Cruise aboard the Carnival Destiny – sets sail in March 2011. Click here to view the article

Cruisetour Travelers Can Now Pre-Reserve Their Land Tours Princess Cruises just made it easier to reserve Alaska land excursions from its wilderness lodges this summer. Passengers can now pre-reserve land tours with a new system similar to that used to reserve shipboard shore excursions. Princess is also offering several new tour options in Alaska for 2011, both from the lodges and cruise ships, including active adventures and special family and connoisseur excursions. With the new system, cruisetour travelers can now pre-reserve land excursions through Princess' Cruise Personalizer along with their shore excursions from the ships. Previously, land excursions were pre-purchased separately or booked at the lodge, and now the new system enables travelers to pre-reserve all their tours together in one place. "This new capability makes the cruisetour experience even easier for passengers, as they can now reserve all their Alaska tours in one convenient place at the same time," said Jan Swartz, executive vice president of Princess Cruises. "So now the toughest part of planning excursions will be whether to choose between dog sledding, flight seeing, rafting, or the many other exciting options presented by the local tour operators." Introduced this year for Princess passengers are new opportunities to try glacier hiking or gold panning, meet sled dogs, or even experience life at 40 degrees below zero. Several new tours have been selected especially for families, including a treasure hunt around the Denali area. These new tours include: Land Excursions from Princess Wilderness Lodges: Worthington Glacier Hike Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge This tour offers travelers an opportunity to hike on the dramatic Worthington Glacier. Hikers don crampons, metal spikes fastened to the sole of a shoe to provide better traction on ice and snow, and then they're off on a hike up the glacier to explore the crevasses and sculptured blue ice. Participants will learn the difference between blue and white ice, listen for the creaking sound of calving, and enjoy a lunch break and hot drink. Travelers will also take in the glacier's intricate ice formations and enjoy expansive views of the Chugach Mountains. Explore Cooper Landing & Gold Panning Adventure Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge Passengers can fully explore the Cooper Landing area, known as "the gem of the Kenai Peninsula," with this comprehensive tour. Participants will learn about the area's history and try their own hand at gold panning. Visits include the Cooper Landing Historical Society featuring historic buildings, an actual sled dog kennel housing dogs that run the famous Iditarod race, K'beq Archaeological Site where native people share their culture and traditions, and a local homestead. If the salmon are running in the Kenai River, participants can also watch the action as fishermen ''combat fish'' trying to land a salmon. Black Diamond Treasure Hunt Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge (Family) This family-friendly tour offers a geo-caching adventure through rugged backcountry trails on a zippy ATV. Participants set the pace, fast and furious or leisurely and relaxing, as they follow a list of scavenger hunt-style objectives. Kids of all ages will have a blast as they locate "treasures" that epitomize the Alaskan outdoors. Using the provided GPS, participants can unearth a treasure trove of mineral samples, Athabascan Indian artifacts, gold-rush era cabins, spectacular vistas and wildlife. Eventually, everyone finds the final missing piece of the puzzle: a hearty, mouth-watering meal of salmon, chicken, ribs and potato salad along with complimentary wine and beer. Shore Excursions from the ships: Potlatch Totem Park, Hatchery, Bird Show & Meal Ketchikan (Connoisseur) This enchanting overview of the sights, sounds and Native culture of Ketchikan offers passengers an intimate look at this part of Alaska. Passengers will enjoy a raptor show at the Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery & Eagle Center and get a private, up-close showing of two birds of prey. At a visit to Potlatch Park, a recreated 19th-century Native village, travelers can examine beautifully carved totem poles, see how Natives lived in the 1800s, and even check out some antique cars. A delicious gourmet seafood meal rounds out this connoisseur experience. Gold Panning, Sled Dogs & 40 Degrees Below Zero Experience Skagway (Family) A journey to the Klondike Gold Fields that offers a fun-filled time of gold panning, a sled dog demonstration and a chilly experience to delight the entire family. This kid-friendly tour offers the opportunity to meet and interact with Iditarod sled dogs and their puppies, and then feel the frosty temperatures of an Iditarod race personally in a cold chamber where temperatures drop to 40 degrees below zero. After this chilling experience, families can warm up with a little gold fever and try their luck at panning for gold. Click here to view the article

Five years ago the Grand Turk Cruise Center (GTCC) was dubbed the “Caribbean’s newest cruise port facility,” destined to become a favorite of vacationers from around the world. With its state-of-the-art facilities and convenient access to the island’s breathtaking white-sand beaches, the Grand Turk Cruise Center has far exceeded those expectations. The 2010 cruise season was a record for the GTCC with a total of 248 calls from 40 cruise ships representing 14 different cruise brands. The Grand Turk Cruise Center hosted a record 622,720 passengers, representing a 19 percent increase over the previous year and a whopping 113 percent increase over 2006, the center’s first year of operation. The Grand Turk Cruise Center continues to evolve with more retail outlets and attractions than ever before. New stores within the GTCC’s 45,000-square-foot shopping district include Colombian Emeralds, Effy Jewelers, Diamonds International and Silver Sun. These retailers joined an array of popular merchants, including Dufry, Milano Diamond Gallery, Ron Jon Surf Shop©, Piranha Joes, Dizzy Donkey, Del Sol, Rasta Pasta, Royal Jewels, Indigo Pearls, Goldsmith and The Trading Post, as well as a variety of local craft stands and souvenir kiosks. The GTCC has also joined forces with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in developing a new attraction that commemorates the National Aeronautics & Space Administration’s (NASA) Mercury space program and the historic 1962 splashdown of the Friendship 7 capsule off the coast of Grand Turk. Opened late last month, Splashdown Grand Turk is a 3,500-square-foot attraction that celebrates the unique relationship of the American spaceflight mission and its importance to Grand Turk’s history with interactive exhibits and authentic spacecraft replicas. In addition to these new features, the GTCC enhanced the 1.25 square acres of beach located on the south side of the facility, making it even more appealing to visitors. The area now features upgraded beach furniture, coconut palms and other landscaping, and a new Turquoise Beach Bar serving drinks and light refreshments. A “cool zone” with various misting machines is scheduled to open soon. “In just five years in operation, Grand Turk Cruise Center has become one of the most popular cruise facilities in the Caribbean, more than doubling its passenger counts and adding a host of new amenities and attractions, while serving as a gateway to one of the world’s most breathtaking and beautiful destinations,” said Giora Israel, senior vice president of port and destination development for Carnival Corporation & plc, which operates the facility. Covering more than 14 acres, the Grand Turk Cruise Center can accommodate up to 7,000 passengers per day and features a private beach, swimming pool, and an expansive recreation area that includes a FlowRider® surfing adventure and the Caribbean’s largest “Margaritaville”-themed bar and restaurant. Click here to view the article

Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas, the sister ship of the third and final Freedom class ship, is calling the port of Livorno, Italy home for the second time during the 2011 cruise season. Independence will alternate eastern and western Mediterranean cruises, sailing from Southampton in the UK. In the 2011 season, there are 12 ships calling at Livorno. After Independence of the Seas, will support in the Tuscan port the other ships of the fleet, the first stop will be to Liberty of the Seas April 27, will then be the turn of Brilliance of the Seas May 9, Voyager of the Seas 17 May, Adventure of the Seas May 18, Grandeur of the Seas July 27, and Navigator of the Seas November 7 and Navigator of the Seas November 7. "Always the port of Livorno, the company has for a role of primary importance - says Lina Mazzucco, general manager of Royal Caribbean Italy. "We were able to significantly increase the scale of the fleet which become 91 against 79 last year. Similarly, increases the flow of passengers, who went from 227,000 in 2010 to over 323,000 in 2011. " Click here to view the article

Fox 2000 Pictures began production on ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED!, the third installment of the blockbuster movie franchise, on January 22 during a Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Dream, the newest and largest ship in Carnival Cruise Lines' fleet. Filming took place primarily on the ship's upper, open decks with scenes featuring actor Jason Lee (reprising his role as Dave Seville) and the antics of the beloved chipmunks in the Carnival Dream's expansive outdoor recreation areas. Stops on the itinerary included Cozumel, Roatan, Belize and Costa Maya, which provided a stunning tropical backdrop for many of the movie's shipboard scenes. Twentieth Century Fox releases ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED! in theaters everywhere on December 16, 2011. The first two films grossed over $804 million worldwide. Alvin and the Chipmunks was the number-one grossing family live-action DVD of 2008, while Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel has been the best-selling family DVD since its release in March 2010. The 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream operates year-round, alternating seven-day eastern and western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Fla. Click here to view the article

Disney Cruise Line has announced a kids-sail-free offer on seven-night cruises to Alaska starting in May. Guests 17 and under can sail free on aboard the Disney Wonder when traveling with two full-fare paying guests in the same Verandah or ocean-view stateroom (government taxes and fees not included). This offer is valid for most sailings departing May 3 to June 7 and covers categories 4A to 9D. The cruises -- the first time Disney Cruise Line will sail to Alaska -- call on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Rates start at $1,249 per person for an ocean-view stateroom, based on double occupancy. Agents should mention or input booking code KFO when making the reservation. This offer is only available to U.S. and Canada residents and cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Click here to view the article

Celebrity Cruises is offering a booking promotion focused on free and $49-per-person stateroom upgrades. The “Upgrade Your View” promotion has expanded to include select Mediterranean cruises. The promotion, which kicked off Feb. 1 and runs through Feb. 28 on new bookings only, will continue to offer stateroom upgrade opportunities on select Caribbean cruises. Guests who book select 10-, 11- and 12-night Mediterranean cruises sailing between May and September are eligible for a free upgrade from an ocean-view to a veranda stateroom. One eligible cruise is a “Savor Your Destination” theme cruise, featuring a guest chef, on the Celebrity Solstice’s Oct. 11 departure. The upgrade offer applies to select Caribbean sailings departing in March, April, October and November as well as January and February 2012. Guests get free upgrades from an ocean-view to veranda stateroom on seven-night cruises on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Eclipse, or $49-per-person upgrades from an inside to ocean-view stateroom on seven-night cruises on Celebrity Summit or four- and five-night cruises on Celebrity Century or Celebrity Millennium. In the Caribbean, several theme cruises are included in this promotion. On Celebrity Eclipse’s April 4 departure and Celebrity Solstice’s Dec. 11 cruise, guest glass artists will demonstrate their expertise at the Hot Glass Show at The Lawn Club. On the March 26 and Dec. 10 voyages, the Celebrity Eclipse will host “Savor Your Destination” guest chef theme cruises. Celebrity’s Mediterranean vacation rates begin at $1,499 per person. Celebrity’s Caribbean sailings start at $349 per person. Prices are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom, and subject to availability. Itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. During the month of February, Celebrity also is running a promotion on select cruises sailing in Australia and New Zealand from November through March 2012. Celebrity will pre-pay the standard recommended daily gratuities for stateroom service and main dining room waiter for guests who book eligible cruises during the booking window. Click here to view the article

A unique exhibit commemorating the National Aeronautics & Space Administration’s (NASA) Mercury space program and the historic 1962 splashdown of the Friendship 7 capsule off the coast of Grand Turk is now open at the Grand Turk Cruise Center. Grand opening festivities were held this past weekend, with representatives from the Turks and Caicos Islands’ government, Carnival Corporation & plc and the Grand Turk Cruise Center in attendance. Special guest speakers included Janet E. Petro, deputy director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center and former NASA astronaut Winston Scott. “Splashdown Grand Turk” is a 3,500-square-foot attraction celebrating the unique relationship of the American human spaceflight mission and its importance to Grand Turk’s history. Located on the south side of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, the free exhibit features amazing replicas unique to the Mercury space program, including a scaled 20-foot-tall Atlas rocket and a full-size, three-dimensional replica of astronaut John Glenn in spacesuit, and, of course, a detailed replica of the Friendship 7 capsule, which splashed into the Atlantic in 1962, a few short miles from the island of Grand Turk. Storyboards at the exhibit depict the accomplishments of the NASA space program and detail the differences in space equipment of yesterday and today while offering an overview of the current space program and future plans. “This exhibit together with the replica of the Friendship capsule at the entrance of the Grand Turk Airport will serve to educate and inform cruise guests, the citizens of Turks & Caicos and other visitors to the islands about this fascinating connection between Grand Turk and the early days of the Mercury space program,” said H.E. Governor Gordon Wetherell, governor of the Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI. “We believe that having this great exhibit at the Grand Turk Cruise Center not only pays homage to the remarkable history of the NASA space program, but also shows the historical richness of the island,” said David Candib, director of business development for Carnival Corporation & plc, which operates the Grand Turk Cruise Center. Opened by Carnival Corporation & plc in 2006, the Grand Turk Cruise Center serves as a gateway to this unique destination and encompasses a state-of-the-art pier and a 14-acre complex offering a variety of shops and restaurants. The 2011 cruise season will bring 285 ship calls to the Grand Turk Cruise Center carrying approximately 625,000 visitors who will have an opportunity to learn more about Grand Turk’s involvement with the NASA space program. Click here to view the article

New India itinerary and an overnight stay in Muscat attract guests worldwide. Royal Caribbean International’s ship Brilliance of the Seas, one of the world’s most elegant cruise ships started her second consecutive season from her homeport Dubai last week. From January through April 2011, Brilliance of the Seas will be offering seven-night cruises in the region, which will start in Dubai, sail to Fujairah and dock in Muscat - where guests can enjoy an overnight stay in Oman’s popular capital city. She will then continue, spending the day at sea and sail, via Abu Dhabi, back to Dubai. Royal Caribbean International is also introducing two new 12-night itineraries which, for the first time, will include ports in India. Sailing from Dubai to Muscat, Brilliance of the Seas will then call into Cochin, Goa and Mumbai – where there will be an overnight stay – and sail back to Dubai. “It is a real pleasure for Brilliance of the Seas to return to her winter home in Dubai and the Gulf region and we're very much looking forward to building on the success of our 2010 inaugural season. We're particularly excited that, in addition to our overnight stay in Dubai, we're also including one night in Muscat, which will give our guests a wonderful opportunity to explore this ancient and historical country and experience true Arabian hospitality,” said Helen Beck, Royal Caribbean International’s Regional Sales Director, International Representatives, EMEA. “The Brilliance of the Seas’ crew of 860 is ready to perform the duties and render the services that will once again provide a unique sailing experience for the vessel’s 2,100 adventure-seeking passengers. It is very important for us to support luxury cruise ships not only as sources of income but also as ambassadors to the beauty of Dubai, the UAE and the entire Gulf. Through constant improvements to our cruise liner facilities and services we intend to continue providing world-class support to luxury vessels such as the Brilliance of the Seas and reinforce our emerging status as a global cruise tourism hub within the next few years,” said Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, Director of Overseas Promotions & Inward Missions. The largest global cruise line reports that this year’s itineraries are proving to be very popular; nearly all sailings are fully booked at the season’s outset. “We're in the happy position that the majority of our seven-night sailings are close to being sold out, with some limited availability on the late March and April sailings. We’re equally pleased with the performance of our new 12-night itineraries to India and they are on track to sail at full capacity also,” continued Beck. Due to the high demand, Royal Caribbean International will extend the third consecutive season which will comprise 18 roundtrip 7-night sailings and two Dubai and India 12-nights sailings from November 2011 through April 2012. The number of ships dramatically increased in 2008 to reach 82, carrying 182,023 passengers and to 87 ships carrying 262,740 passengers in 2009. The number of ships in 2010 broke the 100 barrier and touched 103, bringing in 390,255 passengers. It is expected that the number of cruise ships in 2011 will increase to 120, with 425,000 passengers. In the coming years DTCM expects the following in terms of cruise ship and passenger arrivals: 135 ships carrying 475,000 passengers in 2012; 150 ships carrying 525,000 passengers in 2013; 165 ships with 575,000 passengers in 2014; and 180 ships carrying 625,000 passengers in 2015. It may be recalled that in February last year, the department opened its new cruise terminal in Dubai, which is regarded as the most advanced in the Middle East. “We are happy to have Brilliance of the Seas back in Dubai and look forward to an extended third season starting in November 2011. The interest of regional guests increases from season to season as well as the awareness of cruising as a holiday option. There is still huge potential in the region,” explained Lakshmi Durai, Executive Director Royal Caribbean International in the Middle East. As with previous cruises, Brilliance of the Seas welcomes guests from all over the world including the UK, the US, Germany, Russia and Asia, providing them with an introduction to the Gulf’s beautiful and fascinating destinations. Royal Caribbean International offers numerous shore excursions to explore the sights of Dubai; the Dubai city tour takes guests to the World Trade Centre, which was once one of the tallest buildings in the region, the journey will then continue to the Burj Khalifa, which is now the tallest building in the world, the tour ends at the Bastakiya area, the city's oldest quarter built by wealthy merchants. Other highlights are the high tea at the Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah Souq, a boat trip around the Jumeirah Palm Island, a Dhow cruise with dinner or a round of Golf at the Els club. Brilliance of the Seas, characterised by her innovative super-yacht design, features indoor and outdoor pools, Fitness Centre and Day Spa, an indoor and outdoor sports deck with golf simulator, sports courts, a rock-climbing wall and a jogging track. It also boasts a wide range of dining options, shopping arcades and a movie theatre. “Brilliance of the Seas” guests also will enjoy the cruise line’s award-winning Broadway-style musical revues from Royal Caribbean Productions in the Pacifica Theater, complimentary Adventure Ocean kids and teen programming, and Royal Caribbean International’s Gold Anchor Service of friendly and engaging service from every staff and crew. Click here to view the article

Celebrity Silhouette, the newest addition to Celebrity Cruises Solstice class family, will make history this summer when it is officially named in Hamburg, Germany. When it comes to automobiles and cruise ships, "made in Germany" is often the mark of high quality, innovative design and precision. Celebrity Cruises' award-winning Solstice Class ships are no exception, and their German heritage is coming full circle with the German locale of Celebrity Silhouette's official naming festivities, with all their pomp and circumstance. Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, the 2,886-guest Celebrity Silhouette will be introduced to the world on July 21, 2011, with formal naming ceremonies that will kick off a two-night preview cruise for invited travel agents, press and other dignitaries. Celebrity Silhouette is the fourth Solstice Class ship in a series of five built at the sixth-generation, family-owned German yard renowned for its commitment to excellence, and the first in its class to be officially named in Germany. "We are so honored that Germany will be the first country outside of the United States or the United Kingdom to host the naming of a Solstice Class ship," said Tom Fecke, General Manager, RCL Cruises Ltd., Germany. "This is a clear commitment not only to the German cruise market, but also to the growing interest in the Celebrity Cruises brand, which continues to evolve and attract affluent vacationers. Hamburg, with its strong cruising tradition and appeal, provides an ideal setting, and we are very much looking forward to the celebration of the launch of this stunningly beautiful new ship." Vacationers eager to experience Celebrity Silhouette can book its inaugural cruise of July 23, a seven-night cruise to Rome. Following a Rome-focused two-night preview cruise for invited members of the travel industry and the media, the ship will introduce a series of 12- and 13-night Holy Land sailings roundtrip from Rome. Beginning this November, Celebrity Silhouette will be the first Solstice Class ship to present cruises from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, bringing the Solstice Class's award-winning style and design to the greater New York City area. Celebrity Silhouette will offer significantly expanded onboard opportunities for vacationers to enjoy their precious vacation time. New venues that will debut on Celebrity Silhouette will highlight some of the premium brand's most compelling characteristics, offering unique experiences focused on the culinary arts, ways to relax and enjoy stylish surroundings at sea, and engaging, enriching onboard activities. These venues include: The Lawn Club Grill, the industry's first outdoor, interactive grill restaurant The Porch, offering quick, simple, casual and complimentary breakfasts and lunches against a backdrop of views of the lawn and sea The Art Studio, a space within The Lawn Club where guests can participate in intimate, hands-on instruction from experts in drawing, painting and beading, as well as the art of food, with plating, tastings, mixology and other culinary-themed classes The Alcoves, a private retreat overlooking the lawn, ocean and coastlines, featuring eight exclusive, cabana-style settings, each designed for two to four guests The Hideaway, a high-tech, avant-garde treehouse-like spot for vacationers relaxing with their Apple iPads or perhaps reading a good book within cozy, intimate lounging "nests" In addition to the innovative new venues and experiences, Celebrity Silhouette will offer iconic Solstice Class attributes, including: The hip "Celebrity iLounge" that made Celebrity Cruises the industry's first Authorized Apple Reseller Uniquely unordinary "Qsine," the first seagoing restaurant to feature a menu and wine list on an iPad®, and an engaging food-as-theater dining experience Ten unrivaled restaurants - in addition to "The Lawn Club Grill" and "The Porch" Modern, stylish interiors designed by some of the world's best architects and designers, including Adam Tihany Cool nightclubs and lounges, including CellarMasters, complete with the industry's first installation of the innovative Enomatic wine serving system One of the broadest and best wine offerings in the industry, served by one of the world's largest staffs of certified sommeliers One of the world's largest permanent collections of original contemporary art, and the industry's first self-guided art tours to be presented on an iPad® Top-tier entertainment, including custom aerial production shows and live music 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