CruiseNews

Celebrity Cruises celebrates new year by offering new ways to save Destination-focused booking promotion aims to help consumers enjoy precious vacation time Premium vacation brand Celebrity Cruises has kicked off a "New Year, New Cruise" booking promotion aimed at helping vacationers to make the most of their time off. Each week this month, Celebrity is offering up to $150 in stateroom credit, for select cruises in particular destinations. The savings will be issued in the form of a shipboard credit. Offered to help vacationers make the most of their time onboard, the credit can be used for spa treatments, specialty dining, shopping, shore excursions and more. The promotion is intended to offer guests an added opportunity to enjoy Celebrity's line-up of onboard experiences as well as to get to know the destinations on the itinerary through shore excursions. Exotic experiences in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii This week (through January 9), guests booking 2011 Australia/New Zealand, Panama Canal and Hawaii sailings are eligible to take advantage of the promotion. Not only do Celebrity's cruises in these regions introduce numerous new ports of call, but sailings in Australia and New Zealand also will feature a line-up of onboard activities such as local speakers/entertainers and destination-focused food and beverage menus, all geared toward immersing guests in the region. While in port, Celebrity offers shore excursions that give guests the opportunity to observe local wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils and kiwis, learn more about the Aboriginal and Maori cultures, climb the Sydney Bridge, explore the New Zealand countryside by train, and more. Seven ships in the Caribbean From January 10 through January 16, 2011, guests who book Caribbean cruises sailing from March through December 2011 are eligible. Seven Celebrity Cruises ships will present Caribbean cruises in 2011, including Celebrity Constellation, which was "Solsticized" last year, and four Solstice Class ships. Among these is the forthcoming Celebrity Silhouette, which will debut this summer in Europe before transitioning to Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey for a fall and winter Caribbean season offering Northeast travelers an easy way to escape the cold weather in style. With multiple specialty restaurants, hip, stylish bars and coffee lounges, a variety of fun activities in its Celebrity Life program and more, Celebrity's Solstice Class is a popular choice for upscale travelers seeking a Caribbean getaway. While ashore, travelers can opt to zipline through the trees in St. Maarten, enjoy a sailing trip by catamaran in St. Thomas, visit a rainforest in Puerto Rico, explore Mayan ruins in Mexico, or snorkel with stingrays in Grand Cayman. Cultural exploration in Europe Europe and transatlantic cruises departing from April through November of 2011 are the focus of the offer for those guests booking cruises from January 17 through January 23, 2011. The five ships that Celebrity will sail throughout Europe in the summer of 2011 will offer travelers the Solstice Class experience; one of these is Celebrity Constellation. Visiting a total of 63 ports in 23 countries, Celebrity's Europe lineup in 2011 will feature seven new ports: Leknes (Lofoten) and Longyearbyen, Norway; La Spezia, Italy; Bodrum and Marmaris, Turkey; Chania (Souda Bay), Greece; and Kotor, Montenegro. Shore excursion options in Europe include Celebrity's private car/van arrangements available in over 20 ports, a visit to the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, a trip to explore the ruins of Pompeii in Naples, a rare opportunity to visit the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, and more. Scenic views in Alaska From January 24 through January 30, guests who book Alaska sailings taking place from May through September of 2011, will be eligible for the onboard credit offer. Highly appealing to families and first-time cruisers, Celebrity's Alaska itineraries include seven-night Tracy Arm Fjord and 10-night "Ultimate Alaska" voyages, among others. Guests seeking the opportunity to view Alaska's Inside Passage and other points of interest from the privacy of their stateroom veranda will have more opportunities to do so in 2011, with the introduction of Celebrity Century to the region; the ship was refurbished in 2006 to include 314 new veranda staterooms. Guests who book during the January promotion and earn onboard credit can opt to use it toward popular shore excursions such as whale watching, The Great Alaska Lumberjack show, a trip on the White Pass Scenic Railway, salmon bakes and more. The shipboard credit earned during the promotion is valid only during the cruise booked during the promotion. The offer is valid only for new, individual bookings, and bookings within a group that are named and deposited within the booking window, paid partially or in full. Incentive contracted groups and charters are not eligible. The amount of onboard credit offered is based on stateroom category and sailing length; for example, select sailings of seven nights, such as those on Celebrity's award-winning Solstice Class ships, will offer vacationers onboard credit in the amount of $50 per stateroom for inside and oceanview staterooms; $100 per stateroom for standard verandas; and $150 per stateroom for Concierge Class, AquaClass and suites. Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning vacationers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programs, and award-winning cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising, Celebrity sails in 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. Celebrity's mega-series of honors include being named the top mega-ship line in Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards (November 2009). Celebrity's fleet currently consists of 10 ships. Its $3.7-billion investment in building five stylish Solstice Class ships between 2008-2012 represents the largest five-year investment in premium cruising. Click here to view the article

World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS) members named Holland America Line the Best Overall Cruise Value for the 18th consecutive year for its premium cruise experience. "To again be lauded by the members of the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society is an honor and we're grateful that our commitment to continuously invest in our product is recognized by such an esteemed group of travelers," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Unique programs such as Signature of Excellence and exclusive partnerships with renowned names like Le Cirque, Microsoft and Food & Wine Magazine enable us continually to add value to our product and brand, and our guests appreciate that." WOCLS is composed of thousands of experienced cruisers who take, on average, two cruises a year. The society reviews all cruise lines annually, and in its monthly publication, Ocean and Cruise News, noted that "One of the main reasons why Holland America Line continues to capture our yearly honor for the best overall value in cruises is that it puts forth an extra effort to offer a number of features that other cruise lines believe are not necessary or are too costly." Thomas Cassidy, editor of Ocean and Cruise News, wrote, "Some of the elements that combine to make Holland America Line the best overall cruise value include its ongoing fleetwide investment, called 'Signature of Excellence' enhancements, the impeccable appearance of its ships with their friendly Indonesian and Filipino crews, the extra effort to properly train and supervise staff, the more extensive choice of dinner menus in its restaurants, a variety of alternate restaurants and Lido and then all the little extras, such as canvas tote bags, hot hors d'oeuvres at cocktail time, chilled beer glasses, a no-charge ice cream bar and later lunch hours when in port. As a result, its passengers receive extraordinary value for the money they spend." Holland America Line also received top marks from the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society in the High-Deluxe, 5-Star, Large Ships Category during the annual Best Cruise Value Awards. 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

Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Sun to sail from Miami, offering more variety and new ports of call Norwegian Cruise Line announced its Caribbean deployment for the 2012/2013 season with itineraries from Miami, Tampa and New Orleans along with Repositioning, Panama Canal and Quick Getaway cruises. These cruises go on sale to Norwegian's top travel partners and Latitudes members (past guests) today, January 4, 2011 and to the general public on Wednesday, January 5. "Our 2012/2013 Caribbean cruise deployment offers an abundance of choice in departure ports, ships and itineraries for those looking to relax in the sun," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's chief executive officer. "We are excited to bring our newest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic, back to Miami along with offering the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Cruising to the Caribbean from our homeports in Tampa and New Orleans." In Miami, the 4,100 passenger Norwegian Epic will continue her alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing on Saturdays from November 3, 2012 to April 13, 2013. The Eastern Caribbean cruises call on Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands with an optional tour to St. John; and Nassau, Bahamas. The Western Caribbean cruises stop in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras. Norwegian Jewel, featuring Nickelodeon at Sea family programming along with Norwegian Epic, will also sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing from Miami on Sundays from October 14, 2012 to April 14, 2013. The Eastern Caribbean cruises call on Samaná, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands with an optional tour to St. John; Tortola, British Virgin Islands with an optional tour to Virgin Gorda; and Nassau, Bahamas. The Western Caribbean cruises visit Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. In addition, Norwegian Sun will sail 10- and 11-day Southern Caribbean cruises from Miami from October 14, 2012 to April 10, 2013. The 10-day cruise calls on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands with an optional tour to St. John; Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The 11-day cruise calls on Cartagena, Colombia; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands with an optional tour to St. John. Norwegian Sun will also sail one seven-day Western Caribbean cruise from Orlando and the Beaches (Port Canaveral) on April 14, 2012 with stops in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas. In Tampa, the 2,224-passenger Norwegian Dawn will replace Norwegian Star sailing 23 seven-day Western Caribbean cruises departing on Sundays from November 11, 2012 to April 14, 2013. The ship will call on Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. Norwegian Star will homeport in New Orleans during the winter and spring offering seven-day Western Caribbean cruises every Sunday with ports of call including Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras. Norwegian will also offer 11 repositioning cruises ranging from a four-day Pacific Coastal to a 17-day Panama Canal from April 15 to October 26, 2012 departing from Miami, Tampa, New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Quebec. For the first time, the cruise line will offer a 16-day Colonial America cruise on Norwegian Dawn sailing from Quebec City, Quebec to Tampa, Florida on October 26, 2012 calling on Portland, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; New York, New York; Baltimore, Maryland; Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston, South Carolina; Miami and Key West, Florida. In addition, two-day Quick Getaways will be offered from Miami on board Norwegian Jewel on October 12, 2012 and from New York on board Norwegian Gem on September 28, 2012 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 has reached an agreement for two 143,000-gross ton vessels for delivery in 2013 and 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

Carnival Cruise Lines has completed the fleetwide rollout of its exquisite and exclusive fine dining experience, The Chef's Table, which is now available on all 22 of the line's ships. Launched as a pilot program last year, this one-of-a-kind culinary experience includes a sumptuous multi-course dinner hosted by one of the line's master chefs along with a private cocktail reception and a personalized tour of the galley. With The Chef's Table, a select group of 12 guests enjoy cocktails and hors d'ouevres hosted by the ship's chef de cuisine. The chef then takes the group on a tour to see the galley in operation, providing participants with a unique perspective on Carnival's extensive food and beverage operations. The evening concludes with a sumptuous full-service dinner with delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts created by the line's master chefs. Depending on the vessel, the meal takes place in non-traditional dining venues throughout the ship – the galley, library, conference center, etc. The program can be booked on board through the ships' guest information desk. The cost is $75 per person. Click here to view the article

Carnival Cruise Lines awarded a free "Fun Ship" cruise to a Mobile, Ala., school teacher whose class collected the most canned food over the holidays. Cindy Griffin, a teacher at the Belsaw/Mt. Vernon School in Mt. Vernon, Ala., was presented with a free four- or five-day cruise from Mobile on the Carnival Elation as her fourth-grade class collected 549 pounds for the Bay Area Food Bank. All told, Mobile area schools collected more than 14,000 pounds of food which will be used to feed those less fortunate in the Mobile community. Griffin's fourth grade students also received a replica of a Carnival "Fun Ship" to display in their classroom which was presented during a special ceremony attended by officials from Carnival and the Bay Area Food Bank. The food drive continues Carnival's community service efforts in Mobile, home to the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation which carries 170,000 passengers annually from that port. Click here to view the article

Disney's brand new cruise ship will sail into Central Florida for the first time this week. The Disney Dream is set to arrive along the Space Coast early Tuesday morning after making a trip across the Atlantic Ocean following construction. The ship is one of two new ships being built by Disney, but these are much larger than the original ships. The dream can hold about 4,000 passengers. It also features a few firsts at sea including a water coaster and 'virtual portholes' inside cabins that show live video from outside. The arrival also means one Disney ship that's called Port Canaveral home for more than a decade, will be leaving. The Disney Wonder will head to California at the end of the week and will run cruises from Los Angeles later this month through at least 2012. The Disney Dream™ is the majestic third ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Boasting 14 towering decks, a ship length of 1,115 feet and a maximum width of 125 feet, the 130,000-ton vessel includes 1,250 staterooms and has the capacity to comfortably accommodate 4,000 passengers—along with the over 1,458 Crew Members who tend to the needs of every cruise Guest each and every day. Building on the classic style of the previous 2 ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream is a valiant vessel distinguished for its classic early 20th-century design—which harkens back to the golden age of cruising—and state-of-the-art technology. As can be expected from Disney, the cruise liner was specially designed with families in mind, combining sleek style and convenient facilities with splashes of magic and cruise-industry firsts—like the splashtacular AquaDuck, the very first water coaster at sea. Aboard the Disney Dream Discover what awaits you and your family onboard the ship: Staterooms Staterooms on board the Disney Dream feature contemporary amenities, ample space and elegant yacht-style decor. Most boast split bathrooms—a feature perfect for families and a cruise line industry first. Youth Clubs Youth Clubs fulfill the recreational needs of younger Guests. Kids clubs, activity centers for tweens and teens, and a plethora of unique interactive programs and wondrously themed immersive spaces can be found throughout the ship. Dining Dining options aboard the Disney Dream include elegant adults-only dining, gourmet Main Dining delights and mouthwatering made-to-order casual fare—in magically themed restaurants. Entertainment Entertainment aboard the Disney Dream, including musical live shows, first-run films, Digital 3-D movies and fun-filled family deck parties, is available at lavish onboard venues each cruise day—and is unlike anything else offered on the high seas. Pools Pools aboard the Disney Dream are terrific places to cool down and relax on sun-kissed afternoons. On Deck 11, you'll find 3 sparkling pools—one for kids, one for families, and one just for adults. Nightclubs & Lounges Nightclubs & Lounges on the Disney Dream fill the nights at sea with live music, dancing and socializing. Explore The District—the ship's adults-only entertainment area, home to 5 distinct lounges and nightclubs. Construction of the Disney Dream Disney Cruise Line began construction on the Disney Dream in March 2009 with a steel-cutting ceremony at the world-renowned Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Constructed as a thematic extension of the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Dream was designed to reflect the glamour of the golden age of cruising during the 1930's. Scheduled for completion in early 2011, the new ocean liner will feature the same attention to detail Disney is known for, while introducing new and immersive, one-of-a-kind venues and experiences for everyone in the family—be they young or simply young-at-heart. Interior Design of the Disney Dream To step aboard the Disney Dream is to be instantly transported to an age of adventure and wonder, where elegance and sophistication mingle with Disney storytelling and whimsy. Inside is an attention to detail one would only expect from Disney. Lavish decorative murals mingle with sparkling fixtures and furnishings. Original paintings, statues and woodwork envelop Guests in a radiant Art Deco ambiance that is both rich and distinctive. And wondrously themed venues—including charming youth activity clubs, resplendent restaurants, intimate lounges and stunning theatre spaces—transport Guests of all ages to faraway places where memory and magic come together. Stroll through the radiant lobby atrium and behold a bronze statue of Admiral Donald—an installment designed by Walt Disney Imagineers to evoke the feeling of fun, adventure and sophistication that can be found throughout the ship. Click here to view the article

Following on the heels of 2010's successful tennis cruises, Tennis Cruise is launching another voyage, toting tennis enthusiasts to the Sony Ericsson Open, followed by a seven-day cruise to the Caribbean aboard NCL's new Norwegian Epic. Participants will play aboard the new ship as well as luxury tennis courts in the Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Bob Lovinger, founder of Tennis Cruise, explains that his own family served as the inspiration for the tennis-inspired cruises, as he and his daughter love to watch and play the sport, while his wife and son have little interest—Tennis Cruise allows for significant "down-time," offering families or friends other activities apart from the competitie courts. "It's certainly not a tennis boot-camp, but hopefully they will get enough to quench their tennis thirst," said Lovinger. Based on the early returns, Tennis Cruise has reached a very broad audience both in terms of age and skill level. According to Lovinger, he has players that range in age from 16 to 85 and skill levels from beginners to advanced. The concept to this business, he adds, is that like golfers, tennis players want to play tennis whenever given the chance. The Tennis Cruise to the Sony Ericsson Open begins on March 24 with two days at the Sony Ericsson Open followed by a seven day luxury cruise to St. Maartan, St. Thomas, and Nassau, Bahamas and will feature a soon-to-be-announced tennis legend. Click here to view the article

The 2011 passenger ship schedule for Kaua‘i’s Nawiliwili Harbor shows the number of cruise ships visiting the island next year will increase by 26 percent. The increase is in international cruise vessels, from 46 visiting days in 2010 to 58 planned for 2011. There are 18 different ships that will visit Nawiliwili, representing 10 different cruise lines. Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Pride of America” will continue its twice-weekly visits, arriving on Thursdays and departing on Fridays, and representing a total of 104 visitor days. Princess Cruise Line’s “Golden Princess” is scheduled to visit 16 times, and its “Sapphire Princess” is listed for seven visits. In all, Princess Line will have three cruise ships visiting a total of 29 days, followed by Holland America, which will have three ships visiting a total of 10 days. The two lines comprise 67 percent of total international vessel visits. The new schedule represents a gradual increase in visits by international cruise ships since NCL discontinued “Pride of Hawai‘i” in February 2008 and “Pride of Aloha” in May 2008, said Harbor District manager Robert Crowell on Tuesday. “NCL used to run six days a week, three different ships,” he said. “They had it locked up. Only on Wednesdays were we open for international ships. Now, other ships can fit in.” The harbor, which has capacity for only one cruise ship at a time, had a total of 32 international ships visiting in 2008. Visitor industry leaders at the time said the departure of two of NCL’s ships from Hawai‘i to sail in foreign waters accounted for almost 80 percent of Kaua‘i’s visitor-arrivals decline during the summer of 2008. Crowell said the new schedule is tentative. “These are the scheduled stops,” he said. “There are no guarantees. But who knows, maybe in 2012 we’ll have even more international ships.” He also said he would like to remind folks that due to increased security at the port, “people cannot come here and just meet friends coming off the boat. They have to stay behind the gate. It would be better to choose in advance a meeting place somewhere away from the harbor.” Click here to view the article

"Didja Ever" zip line across a rain forest? Catch air on a wave runner? Jump into an impromptu performance of Thriller between courses at dinner? Well, mark your new calendar for more fun and firsts! Carnival Cruise Lines unveiled its "Hey America, Didja Ever" campaign that inspires people to try new things to add more fun – and ultimately, happiness and satisfaction – to their lives. Carnival will help consumers share, fulfill and celebrate first-time experiences throughout the year and promoted through exciting and interactive broadcast, online, social media and local marketing efforts. Carnival is collecting the Top 100 Firsts from its more than 420,000 (and growing) Facebook fans and all of America. The company is encouraging people to check things off their lists, share experiences through photos and video, and create once-in-a-lifetime events and memories. Of course, the Fun Ship company will also help to fulfill many firsts for participants that will include everything from giving away monthly cruise vacations for four to offering once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like appearing on-stage as the opening act for a favorite band, and many other fun activities online and in major markets. "As a company that is built upon fun and memorable vacation experiences, we thought that it was time to help Americans put fun on the front burner," said Jim Berra, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Carnival Cruise Lines. "The 'Didja Ever' campaign reminds people it's time to make their list and start living that list to the fullest. And we'll provide a little help along the way to fulfill some of these wishes in surprising and unexpected ways throughout the year." According to a consumer survey commissioned by Carnival earlier this month, nine out of 10 adults have a list of things they wish to accomplish in their lifetime. Robert Mack, author of the bestselling book, "Happiness From the Inside Out: The Art and Science of Fulfillment," and celebrity life coach explains, "If you want to live your best life, start by setting a goal that deeply inspires and excites you on a personal level so you'll stick to it. If you can stay engaged and keep it fun, you'll be more committed." Mack added that another important element of success is sharing your goal with other people who will support you and cheer you on. Studies have shown people are up to 10 times more likely to accomplish a goal when they write it down. "The 'Didja Ever' campaign is all about sharing and fulfilling firsts," said Roger Baldacci, EVP, executive creative director of Arnold Worldwide, the advertising agency that developed the campaign with Carnival. "We're bringing elements of the participatory fun experienced by guests on Carnival's vessels to anyone who wants to build a list of things they've always wished to do and maybe get a little help to make it happen." On The Air Waves and Online To promote the new "Didja Ever" campaign, Carnival today debuted the first of its newest television spots that continue the popular "Fun For All. All For Fun." theme. The ads utilize stunning slow-motion to capture Carnival cruise fans enthralled in first-time moments. The first in the series features a mom who awes her young boys when she catches air on a wave runner. The spots feature the familiar voice of actor John Krasinski who notes "Now, there's a first," and the rock anthem "Bang the Drum" by Todd Rundgren. The new TV spots will air on major networks and top-rated daytime and primetime shows including NBC's Today Show, Parenthood and The Office, ABC's Good Morning America, Grey's Anatomy and Extreme Home Makeover, and CBS's How I Met Your Mother, Mike and Molly and Undercover Boss. The full creative team at Arnold Worldwide that developed the campaign includes: Chief Creative Officer – Pete Favat; Executive Creative Director – Roger Baldacci; Creative Directors – Will Chambliss, Rob Kottkamp and Tom Morhous; Director – Christian Loubek, and Production Company – Anonymous Content. In addition to new TV spots, Carnival is helping to ring in the New Year as the official confetti sponsorship of the Times Square New Year's Eve 2011 celebration, and also promoting the "Didja Ever" campaign through online advertising and video which will appear on leading sites such as YouTube, Yahoo!, Hulu and ABC.com. Click here to view the article

The $53 million renovation of sites in the historic town of Falmouth, Jamaica, are on track for the first port call, scheduled for Jan. 7, 2011, said Earl Patrick, executive director the Tourism Project Development Company (TPDCo). Jamaica’s port authority is building the port in partnership with Royal Caribbean International. Construction is 80 percent complete, said Patrick in an interview in the Jamaica Observer. The work includes renovation of the 200-year-old Falmouth Court House, refurbishment of the town’s cenotaph, erection of 12 story boards, refurbishment of the fountain in Water Square, creation sanitary conveniences and establishment of a car park. TPDCo has embarked on a training program designed to prepare of Falmouth residents for the influx of thousands of visitors beginning in 2011, Patrick said. To date, 300 residents have been trained and an additional 400 “sensitized” in Trelawny. Other development projects sponsored by Jamaica’s National Works Agency, Urban Development Corporation and Trelawny Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also underway. The $7.5 billion Falmouth cruise ship pier development is expected to be fully complete by March 2011. Click here to view the article

If you Enjoyed Florence Henderson and Corky on "Dancing with the Stars," Join Them for Their Inaugural Ballroom Dance Celebration at Sea 2012 For those who love the idea of ballroom dancing, and The Brady Bunch, this will be the ultimate experience. This very special Inaugural Ballroom Dance Celebration will include Florence Henderson of The Brady Bunch fame and 'friends,' who will headline a ballroom dance cruise – The Ballroom Dance Celebration at Sea 2012. The dancing will feature Celebrity Dance Pro-Star Corky Ballas, a competitive ballroom dancer who holds several Latin dance championship titles. This voyage will also feature Barry Williams ("Greg Brady") and Susan Olsen ("Cindy Brady") as special guests. The Caribbean cruise will take place aboard the gorgeous new Celebrity Eclipse from January 7-14, 2012, on a roundtrip sailing from Miami. Ports include San Juan (Puerto Rico), Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas), Philipsburg (St. Maarten), along with three days at sea. Other special private group events for those who book quickly will include: A cocktail party hosted by Florence Henderson A question-and-answer session with Florence and Brady Bunch Friends Barry Williams, also known as Greg Brady, and Susan Olsen, also known as Cindy Brady, plus more Private performances Dance exhibitions Group dance lessons The comedy of famous stand-up comic Mrs. Hughes Luxury and spectacular design are mainstays aboard the Celebrity Eclipse, a floating masterpiece, as well as exceptional service. Whether you're being pampered in the AquaSpa Relaxation Room, indulging at the main dining room, beneath a two-story glass wine tower and dazzling chandeliers, or inside the Eclipse Theatre, you will enjoy the show, the personal aspects, and the chance to meet and take part up close and personal. Cabin prices start at $1,154 per person for double occupancy. Click here to view the article

Norwegian CEO first to be discovered while on the job Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Kevin Sheehan has his cover blown while working on the frontlines during the company's episode of the Emmy-nominated hit reality series "Undercover Boss" airing on Sunday, January 2, 2011 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. In the Jan. 2 Norwegian Cruise Line episode, Sheehan is recognized by Silvia, a waitress in the Manhattan Room restaurant on Norwegian Epic. During his undercover journey, Sheehan also hosts the line's signature White Hot Party where he's forced to step out of his comfort zone to lead a crowd of more than 1,000 guests in a line dance. Sheehan also spent time on Pride of America in Hawaii, where he worked alongside a deck repairman, John, a fellow New Yorker, who was quite critical of Sheehan's performance. "Going undercover gave me a much deeper appreciation for our crew and how hard they work everyday creating memorable cruise vacations for our guests," said Sheehan. "I can now better relate to our crew members. I was humbled by the experience and have an even greater respect for our crew since I've walked in their shoes." Each week, "Undercover Boss" follows a different executive as he or she leaves the comfort of the corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their companies. While working alongside their employees, they see the effects that their decisions have on others, where the problems lie within their organizations and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering the unsung heroes who make their companies run. About Kevin Sheehan Since taking the helm of Norwegian Cruise Line in 2008, Kevin Sheehan has overseen major company initiatives including vastly improving on-board service and amenities across the fleet; expanding the line's European presence; repositioning two of the line's Hawai'i-based ships creating a profitable business model; revitalizing top management with a mixture of cruise industry and outside expertise; and using his extensive 30-year background in the business world to help Norwegian post a sharp turnaround in profitability in the midst of a tough economic climate. Sheehan comes from a diverse professional background that includes helping to found Spanish-language television network Telemundo; taking several companies public including rental car giant Avis; aiding in the inception and launch of the Sega Channel, the first interactive game platform over cable; teaching full-time at Adelphi University in New York and consulting for a variety of private equity firms, including Apollo Management, a Norwegian shareholder. Sheehan's tell-it-like-it-is persona and personal philosophy of leading by example has allowed him to reinvigorate the organization by opening lines of communication and creating a positive corporate culture. Before joining Norwegian in 2007, Sheehan was Chairman and CEO of Cendant Corp Vehicle Services Division where he was responsible for Avis Rent A Car, Budget Rent A Car, Budget Trucks, PHH Vehicle Management, First Fleet and Wright Express. While there, he integrated the Avis and Budget rental car brands into one network and also successfully completed a 100 percent initial public offering of Wright Express. Prior to joining Cendant Corp, Sheehan served in leadership positions at STT Video Partners LLP and Telemundo Group, Inc. He also spent two and a half years consulting to private equity firms and lecturing full-time at Adelphi University in New York as a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Accounting, Finance, and Economics. Sheehan, a native New Yorker and avid basketball fan, is married with two children. About Undercover Boss CBS's reality series UNDERCOVER BOSS is an Emmy-nominated series in its second season and has featured such companies such as Choice Hotels International, DIRECTV, Frontier Airlines, NASCAR, The Chicago Cubs, and SUBWAY® Restaurants. 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 has reached an agreement for two 143,000-gross ton vessels for delivery in 2013 and 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