Royal Caribbean International today announced the opening of Vision of the Seas’ winter 2012-13 Caribbean season for sale. Vacationers can choose among 19 Caribbean and Panama Canal cruise vacations, ranging from 10 to 15 nights and sailing roundtrip from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Vision of the Seas’ new seasonal itineraries are destination rich and visit smaller Caribbean islands less traveled by the cruise line’s larger ships.

This winter season, the Vision of the Seas is sailing from Santos, Brazil.

Variations of a 10-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary features calls at Tortola, St. Maarten, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Croix and Martinique. Vacationers also can choose variations of an 11-night Southern Caribbean itinerary aboard Vision of the Seas, calling at Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, St. Kitts, Dominica, and St. Vincent – a maiden port for Royal Caribbean. On a very special holidays and New Year’s cruise, departing Dec. 24, 2012, guests will visit St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent, Martinique and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination in Haiti.

In response to customer demand, Royal Caribbean also is offering four Panama Canal-transit sailings aboard Vision of the Seas, sailing through one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, allowing for quicker and safer passage of ships between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Two 14-night Panama Canal itineraries will sail from Port Everglades and San Diego on Oct. 5 and 19, 2012 respectively. Two 15-night sailings on March 18 and April 2, 2013 also depart Port Everglades and San Diego, respectively.

Additionally, vacationers can experience the grand tradition of a trans-Atlantic crossing between the ‘old’ and ‘new worlds’ on two sailings aboard Vision of the Seas. A 14-night westbound itinerary sails on September 21, 2012, from Southampton, England, to Port Everglades, calling at Gijon and Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Ponta Delgada, Azores. The 13-night eastbound itinerary sails on April 17, 2013, from Port Everglades to Southampton, England, calling at Lisbon; Vigo, Spain; and Normandy (Le Havre), a French gateway to Paris.

Tags: Royal Caribbean Vision Of The Seas To Caribbean And Panama Canal

As vacations go, there’s nothing quite like a cruise. Get totally spoiled, stuff yourself with gourmet foods, and visit exotic ports of call. But, there’s a bit of bad news. Bed bugs have learned about cruises, too.

Learn how to prepare yourself before and on the cruise.

Know what bed bugs and bed bug bites look like.

Learn about preventive bed bug products available such as anti-bed bug luggage liners and anti-bedbug laundry bags

Get some tips in case you get bed bugs on the cruise

Read the full article on Bedbugs.com

Tags: Bedbugs Bed Bugs Cruise Vacation Bed Bugs Cruises

In a major boost for the tourism industry, the world’s largest cruise line – Carnival Cruise Lines – has announced that it will base one of its cruise ships fulltime in Australia.

The 88,500 tonne Carnival Spirit will be the largest cruise ship ever to sail year round from Australia when she arrives in Sydney in October 2012 to operate a schedule of 8-12 day voyages to the Pacific Islands.

The move – announced globally in Sydney today – represents the first time Carnival Cruise Lines has ever ventured into Australian waters and reflects growing confidence in cruising in the region.

Carrying 2,667 passengers, Carnival Spirit will be the first ship to be based in Sydney year round that is too tall to sail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  Rising nearly 53 metres above the waterline, Carnival Spirit is more than three metres taller than the specified clearance height for ships passing under the Bridge.  Because of its height, Carnival Spirit will be based at the only cruise facility east of the Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay’s Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Founded in 1972 and based in Miami, Carnival Cruise Lines is the best known cruise brand in North America and is expected to carry more than four million passengers this year – the most in the global cruise industry.

As the largest cruise ship sailing from Australia year round, Carnival Spirit offers a wide range of onboard facilities and features, with approximately two-thirds of its cabins featuring private balconies – the most of any Australian-based ship.

Aimed at fun-loving Australians seeking vibrant, active holidays with a broad diversity of on-board choices, Carnival Spirit offers a host of areas for outdoor fun, including a 22 metre corkscrew water slide, four swimming pools, a miniature golf course, jogging track and a sport court.  Guests have their choice of 16 lounges and bars, including a 1,170-seat three-deck-high theatre.  In addition to a two-level main dining room, Carnival Spirit features a reservations-only steakhouse and an expansive casual poolside restaurant. The ship also houses a two-level health spa with wrap-around ocean views and an Internet café.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which represents Carnival Cruise Lines’ Australian deployment locally, said the cruise line’s move into Australia was testament to both the recent growth and the ongoing potential of the local cruise industry.

“Cruising is booming in this country because it offers passengers a great value holiday that includes accommodation, top quality food and loads of entertainment that appeal to all age groups,” Ms Sherry said.

Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines’ President and CEO, said the cruise line was looking forward to introducing its unique style of cruising to the Australian market.

“Carnival has become the most popular cruise choice among North Americans by offering an experience that is casual, friendly and fun with a wide variety of activities for guests of all ages, including a huge array of options on our expansive outdoor decks,” Mr Cahill said.

Carnival Spirit will offer a year round schedule of 8 to 12-day cruises to the Pacific Islands and a selection of 13-day sailings to New Zealand beginning October 25, 2012, with the program expected to go on sale by the middle of this year.  The shipboard experience will be tailored to the Australian market with onboard spending in Australian dollars and no tipping required.

Ms Sherry said while the primary market would be Australians and New Zealanders, Carnival’s strong brand recognition in the United States would play a role in attracting more US tourists to Australia.

Carnival Spirit’s deployment meant there would be seven Carnival Corporation & plc ships cruising fulltime from Australia by the end of 2012, ensuring the industry was well on its way to reaching its target of one million passengers by 2020, if not sooner, she said. Other Carnival Corporation & plc brands operating fulltime in Australia include P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises.

“It is amazing growth considering there were just two ships based in Australia year round in 2007,” Ms Sherry said.

“This really underscores Sydney’s position on the world cruise map and our resolve to keep growing the market with multiple brands that appeal to customers.”

Tags: Carnival Spirit Australia

With the band warmed up, amps cranked, spotlight set and the adoring crowd ready to explode, Carnival  guests will take the stage, grab the mic and live out their music-star daydreams on the open seas.  Introducing Superstar Live Karaoke, Carnival Cruise Lines’  newest entertainment feature puts guests into the act, fronting a live band and performing their favorite songs to a packed house.

Superstar Live Karaoke combines two popular forms of entertainment – live music by talented musicians and karaoke by Carnival’s singing sailors – and cranks it up. It is fun for all when aspiring singers or fun-seekers have their moment in the spotlight while a few hundred of their friends, family and fellow guests cheer them on and sing along.

Following a high-energy introduction, the would-be music legend hits the stage to belt out a favorite tune accompanied by talented musicians playing the electric guitar, bass, drums and keyboards, as well as versatile backup singers to provide sweet harmonies.

“We’re thrilled to bring this new entertainment option to the Carnival vacation experience.  Superstar Live Karaoke takes Carnival’s participatory fun to a new level with our guests unleashing their vocal talents and fulfilling their musical fantasies while fronting a great live band,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.

Those interested in living their dream as a super star — for one night, at least — simply sign up with the on-site host in the designated Superstar Live Karaoke lounge on board.  Participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests can channel their inner rock star, pop idol, Motown legend and country crooner, selecting from a list of more than 100 song titles that span a wide variety of musical styles and genres from artists including ABBA to Zac Brown Band and everything in between.

For those about to rock, there are plenty of classic songs from AC/DC, The Beatles, Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett and others, as well as contemporary hits by artists such as The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga and Maroon 5.

Guests can add a twang with current and classic country songs made famous by Garth Brooks, Patsy Cline, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Shania Twain, and others, or pay their respects to soul, rap and R&B greats by performing songs by Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Wilson Pickett and Sir Mix-A-Lot, among many others.

“Super Star Live Karaoke is quickly becoming one of the most popular and exciting activities we’ve ever offered.  People love to express themselves through music — we even had a groom sing to his new bride,” said Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director John Heald. “It’s a dream of so many people to perform on a stage backed by a live band, but so few get the opportunity. We’re giving people the ability to live out their dream and just go out and have fun!”

Source: Carnival.com

Tags: Karaoke Carnival Superstar

Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce new seven-day eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries from Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla., in 2011.  The cruises will be offered on the Carnival Legend from Tampa and Carnival Fascination from Jacksonville both of which are currently based at those ports but have never before offered these itineraries.

From Jacksonville, the recently renovated 2,052-passenger Carnival Fascination will offer a series of six week-long Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises to Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau, complementing the ship’s popular four- and five-day Bahamas/Key West departures.  Departure dates include April 30, May 7, July 23 and 30, and Sept. 17 and 24, 2011.

From Tampa, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend will add five new seven-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises featuring Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Key West to its existing week-long western Caribbean cruise schedule. The new week-long Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises will be offered May 1, June 26, July 24, Aug. 7 and Oct. 16, 2011.

Half Moon Cay is a crescent-shaped island offering magnificent beaches, a children’s water park, private cabanas and a variety of shore excursion opportunities.  Grand Turk is an eight-square-mile island paradise with beautiful white-sand beaches, the Caribbean’s largest Margaritaville restaurant and centuries-old historical sites.  Known for its perpetually laid back ambiance, Key West has a character all its own, with numerous bars and lounges lining historic Duval Street and myriad watersports opportunities.  The Bahamian capital of Nassau offers gorgeous beaches and a host of shops, restaurants and boutiques.

Like other “Fun Ships,” Carnival Fascination and Carnival Legend offer a variety of on-board facilities and features: myriad formal and casual dining options, expansive facilities and programming for children in three age groups, full casino gambling, and a host of live music and entertainment venues. Both ships also offer acres of open deck space and the line’s signature Twister Water Slide. Reservations are currently being accepted for the new week-long Caribbean programs aboard the Carnival Fascination and Carnival Legend.

Tags: Carnival 7 Day Cruises Jacksonville Tamps

For consumers seeking an affordable vacation getaway this fall, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering exceptional advance purchase Early Saver rates on a wide variety of three- to eight-day “Fun Ship” departures, with prices starting at just $209 per person.

In addition to offering unprecedented value, Carnival’s Early Saver program offers the cruise industry’s most attractive rate protection feature that allows for a rate adjustment if a lower Carnival advertised rate becomes available after the booking is made.  Carnival will issue the price difference upon request in the form of a non-refundable shipboard credit.

The fall Early Saver promotional rates start at $209 per person for three- and four-day cruises; $279 per person for five-day voyages; $399 per person for six- and seven-day cruises; and $529 per person for eight-day departures.

Early Saver rates are offered up to three months prior to sailing date for cruises of five days or less and up to five months prior to sailing date for longer length voyages, subject to availability.  Early Saver fares include all stateroom types, including suites.

Early Saver fall rates listed above reflect category 4A (interior) accommodations on select sailings, are based on double occupancy and subject to change without notice.

Tags: Carnival Deals

MIAMI (May 4, 2010) -- Princess Cruises, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), today announced that contracts to build two 3,600-passenger ships have been finalized with Italy's Fincantieri shipyard.

The new ships -- which each will have an all-in cost of approximately 155,000 euros per lower berth -- are scheduled to enter service in spring 2013 and spring 2014. At an estimated 141,000 tons, the as-yet-unnamed ships will be the largest in the Princess Cruises fleet.

The ships' design will be evolutionary, in keeping with the themes of the line's newest vessels, but with some new features and innovations. For example, all outside cabins will feature balconies, bringing the percentage of balconies on the ships to 80 percent of all staterooms.

The company's signature Piazza -- the ship's central atrium featuring dining, entertainment and retail -- will be expanded, as will the popular Sanctuary, spa, and restaurants.

"We're pleased that in this challenging economic environment, the order for these new ships is a testament to the confidence in the growth potential of the Princess brand," said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. "These new ships will include the features from our newest ships that have been so well received, and take them to the next level," he added.

Giuseppe Bono, chief executive officer of Fincantieri, said, "We are grateful to the Carnival Group for this further vote of confidence in Fincantieri. We are proud to have met the requirements of Princess Cruises, one of Carnival's most prestigious brands, with an innovative design both from a technical and architectural point of view."

Bono continued, "This is a highly important order for us, especially as it comes in a period of economic crisis. We succeeded in securing these orders with assistance and support of the Italian export credit companies, in particular SACE S.p.A."

Specific amenities and design elements for the new ships will be revealed over the coming months.

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 offers its passengers the opportunity to escape completely to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Ibero Cruises, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia.

Together, these brands operate 95 ships totaling more than 186,000 lower berths with 12 new ships scheduled to be delivered between May 2010 and spring 2014. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices. 

Tags: Princess Cruises New Ships

Single travelers and those traveling alone can experience the fall foliage of Canada/New England cruises on MSC Poesia for new, reduced rates.

Guests who book an interior, oceanview, or balcony stateroom for one on MSC Cruises’ 2010 Canada/New England cruises by August 31, 2010 can save with these new rates.

This special single supplement offer is applicable for Categories 1-11 on MSC Poesia Canada/New England cruises departing from New York and Quebec. Cruise itinerary highlights include:

• 6-night “Maple Leaves & Mansions” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York. October 23; single rate was $1,078.20 and is now $718.80 [plus $81.40 pp. government fees and taxes (GFT’s)] for a savings of $359.40;

• 7-night “Scenic Splendors of Fall” cruise from New York City and calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada; Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada, and Quebec City, Quebec; Canada, October 2; single rate was $1,258.20 and is now $838.80 (plus $78.50 pp. GFT’s) for a savings of $419.40;

• 10-night “Dazzling Fall Foliage” cruise from New York City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada; Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York.  September 22; single rate was $1,798.20 and is now $1,198.80 (plus $72.90 pp. GFT’s) for a savings of $599.40;

• 14-night“Autumn Leaves and Lighthouses,” cruise from Quebec City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; New York, New York; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. October 9; single rate was $2,428.20 and is now $1,618.80 per person (plus $129.45 pp. GFT’s) for a savings of $809.40.

Rates are available for residents of the US and Canada; offer is per person, cruise only and subject to availability.

Source: Cruise Industry News

Tags: MSC Singles Cruises Reduced Price

Season Includes Most Princess Ships to Sail in Europe, 42 Unique Itineraries and 135 Ports
More Than Half of Ports Include Opportunity to Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 10, 2010) -- Princess Cruises has unveiled its most extensive Europe season ever for 2011, with more ships, departure choices and itinerary options than in previous years. In total, seven vessels will offer 42 itinerary choices, including seven new routes, with calls at more than 135 ports.

More than half of these ports feature access to notable attractions designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These remarkable places that make up the planet's cultural and natural heritage range from Italy's Amalfi Coast and the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg to the birthplace of Apollo on the island of Delos (from Mykonos) and the 16th-century Suleymaniye Mosque (in Istanbul).

In addition, Princess has enhanced overnight offerings to give passengers extra time in fascinating ports throughout Europe, such as Venice, Istanbul, St. Petersburg, Alexandria, Dublin and Edinburgh on various routes.

The line's 2011 program includes seven new itineraries, offering fresh vacation opportunities in each major cruise region. Among the new routes are an expanded 11-day Scandinavia & Russia itinerary featuring calls in ports such as Oslo, Berlin, Stockholm and a two-day stay in St. Petersburg. The season also features new seven-day Interlude voyages that can be combined for longer sailings, visiting boutique ports in the Mediterranean.

"As a leader in Europe cruises we constantly aim to design an intriguing range of vacation choices, but next year our lineup may really challenge passengers to choose among some outstanding options," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "Whether they want the amenities of a large ship or the intimate experience of a smaller vessel; a short, seven-day getaway or an extended adventure over several weeks, there's a Princess cruise to match."

The 2011 Europe program ships and routes:
# Ruby Princess returns with the line's signature 12-day Grand Mediterranean itinerary and Greek Isles routes.
# Star Princess also cruises the Mediterranean, taking over the 12-day Egypt, Greek Isles and Mediterranean itineraries.
# Emerald Princess returns to Europe with a new 11-day Scandinavia & Russia itinerary including the best of the Baltic region with Princess' signature two-day experience in St. Petersburg
# Crown Princess sails to the British Isles on two 12-day itinerary options, as well voyages to Norway and Iceland from seven to 12 days.
# Grand Princess offers three new itineraries featuring a selection of Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages, ranging from seven to 17 days.
# The intimate Ocean Princess offers new seven-day Greek Isles and Mediterranean Interlude itineraries that can be combined into 14-day or longer voyages, giving passengers the opportunity to explore boutique ports such as Cephalonia in Greece, and Koper, Slovenia.
# Small sister ship Pacific Princess sails to the Holy Land and Black Sea, and offers experiences in classic destinations such as Egypt, Israel, Ukraine, Greece and Turkey

Overnight Calls and Two-Day Experiences -- More itineraries than ever offer passengers more time to explore port highlights and enjoy a more immersive experience. All 12-day Mediterranean voyages have been enhanced to include an overnight stay in Venice, while the 12-day Black Sea & Crimean Coasts route now features an overnight stay in Istanbul. Passengers on 12-day Holy Land voyages can explore more of Egypt and Israel, with calls in two ports in each country. In Northern Europe, overnight calls in Dublin and Edinburgh are featured on select voyages, and 11-day Scandinavia & Russia sailings offer two full days in St. Petersburg on every voyage.

New ports -- Princess ships will add five new European ports this season, including the charming city of Aahus, home to the tallest cathedral in Denmark; Motril (for Grenada), on Spain's beautiful coast of Andalusia and within reach of the stunning Alhambra palace; the Mediterranean port of Sete, France; the resort city of Aghios Nikolaos on Crete (Greece), and cosmopolitan Antwerp, Belgium.

Mediterranean and Greek Isles -- Princess ships offer 21 different itineraries through the storied waters of the Mediterranean, including six new routes. Both Ruby Princess and Star Princess will offer the line's signature Grand Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, as well as Egypt & Aegean sailings, giving passengers 30 different cruises to choose from in the Mediterranean. Grand Princess offers roundtrip voyages from Southampton to the Western Mediterranean, including new Canary Isles and Mediterranean & Adriatic sailings.

Seven-Day Interlude Voyages -- Ocean Princess offers the small ship experience on a number of Mediterranean options, including new week-long Interlude voyages that are specially designed so they can be combined into longer 14- or 21-day sailings without repeating a port.

Holy Land and Black Sea -- Pacific Princess also offers an intimate cruise experience as it sails to the unforgettable ports of the Holy Land, plus Mediterranean Collection voyages and a Black Sea & Crimean Coasts itinerary.

Scandinavia & Russia -- Emerald Princess returns to the Baltic region to debut a rich new 11-day itinerary that features the best of the region with calls in Oslo, the new port of Aarhous (Denmark), Berlin, Tallinn, a two-day experience in St. Petersburg, Helsinki, and Stockholm.

Northern Europe -- A selection of 14 different itinerary options throughout Northern Europe offers passengers cruise options to the British Isles, Norwegian fjords, and even Iceland and Greenland. A new seven-day Norwegian Fjords Interlude adds to a lineup that includes sailings from Southampton aboard Crown Princess, Grand Princess and Ocean Princess; plus the opportunity to travel on top-of-the-world voyages aboard Ocean Princess to explore the beauty of Iceland and Greenland, or sail on a week-long Ireland & Scotland Interlude.

Princess also offers three European cruisetours which combine certain sailings with a fully-escorted land tour to explore the Italian destinations of Rome and Florence, Ireland's wild west and the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, or the imperial treasures in Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin.

Tags: Princess Cruises Europe