Seabourn Yachts Names Passengers as Godparents of Cruise Ship Odyssey

Onboard Seabourn Yachts

The Yachts of Seabourn, which will launch Seabourn Odyssey in June 2009, will honor its 450 inaugural passengers as godparents of the new vessel. A few spots remain on the maiden voyage.

“Everything we do at Seabourn is focused on our guests who, in a very real sense, are the reason this superb vessel is being built,” said Pamela Conover, president and CEO of Seabourn.

“Those joining Odyssey’s maiden voyage will not only be treated like a celebrity, but will become a part of the vessel’s history, representing the many guests who have sailed with us in the past and those who will sail on her in the years to come.”

Each passenger aboard Odyssey’s maiden voyage, scheduled to depart Venice, Italy, on June 24, 2009, will have his or her name engraved on a plaque to be displayed onboard the yacht. An early-evening ceremony to christen the yacht is planned to coincide with the summer sunset over Venice’s skyline.

Seabourn Odyssey will then depart on a 14-day voyage exploring the Dalmatian coast, the Greek Isles, and Turkey. Highlights will include sailing into the fjord of Kotor in Montenegro, a day of water sports from the yacht’s marina while anchored off the Greek Isle of Mylos, and an Exclusively Seabourn evening reception and concert in Ephesus in Turkey.

The cruise industry’s first ultra-luxury vessel to be launched in six years, Seabourn Odyssey is first of three newbuilds to be introduced by Seabourn. The 32,000-ton yacht will accommodate 450 guests in all-suite accommodations measuring 290 to over 1,600 square feet; more than 90 percent will have private verandas.

The vessel will have five dining venues, five lounges and bars, a pool and sundeck, and a two-deck, indoor/outdoor spa facility of more than 11,400 square feet. Seabourn Odyssey’s maiden season will include voyages in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, before embarking on Seabourn’s first-ever World Cruise in January 2010.

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Carnival Cruise Line to Expand Seaside Theatre on five more Cruise Ships

 

Carnival Cruise Lines

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Carnival Cruise Lines is adding its Seaside Theatre-jumbo-sized LED screens poolside-to five more ships over the next year. The poolside theater is currently on five Carnival ships, including the new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor which debuted earlier this month. The 270-square-foot screens display movies, concerts, news, sporting events and the “Morning Shows” hosted by the ship’s cruise director. Additionally, during Carnival’s deck parties, music videos and live shots of the band and party guests are displayed. The first “Seaside Theatre” debuted aboard the 110,000-ton Carnival Liberty in 2005 and the concept proved so popular that it has been incorporated into all new ships, including the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream set to debut Sept. 12, 2009.

The 101,000-ton Carnival Destiny and 102,000-ton Carnival Triumph will be retrofitted with Seaside Theatres during scheduled dry-docks later this year with the 110,000-ton Carnival Conquest and Carnival Glory set to receive the screens next year.

The 12-by-22-foot screens use the same technology featured in large stadiums and New York’s Times Square and can be seen during both the day and evening hours. The entertainment system also includes a 70,000-watt sound system for concert-quality sound outdoors.

 

 

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Cunard Cruise Line Sets New Guest Speakers, Special Interest Programs

 

Cunard Line announced its Cunard Insights lineup for this summer and autumn aboard Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic voyages and the QE2’s final crossings.

A special highlight will be the ships’ October tandem crossings and the inclusion of maritime historians and experts lecturing aboard QE2 during these historic voyages. On the QE2’s Oct. 10 crossing from Southampton to New York will be author and maritime historian Bill Miller, the adjunct curator of the Ocean Liner Council at New York’s South Street Seaport Museum. He will provide a series of lectures on the great liners of the 20th Century.

Also on that crossing will be Ted Scull, an author, travel writer and lecturer specializing in maritime subjects, and Sir Michael Parker, a longtime organizer for Royal and National events including the Queen’s Silver and Golden Jubilees and the anniversaries of VE and VJ Day.

The QE2’s Oct. 16 crossing will feature BBC broadcaster Jennie Bond; Stephen Payne, the newbuild project manager and lead architect for Queen Mary 2. Among his lectures on ocean liner history, he will present an illustrated history of famous Cunarders.

The QM2 Oct. 10 crossing will feature Barry Brown, a film historian and former BBC TV producer who will lecture about some film luminaries including Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, Gene Kelly, Clint Eastwood, David Niven, Ingrid Bergman and Alfred Hitchcock. (Brown is also sailing on the ship’s Oct. 16 transatlantic crossing.) Derek Fraser, a modern British historian, will speak about key Prime Ministers in recent history.

Fraser is also lecturing aboard QM2’s July 16 and July 22 crossings. QM2’s Oct. 16 crossing will feature Lynn Truss, the best-selling author of “Eats, Shoots, Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation” and “Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today.” Also scheduled are Eric Dolin, who will lecture on the history of whaling in America, and David Whitehouse, an astronomer and Royal Astronomical Society Fellow.

Highlights of upcoming Cunard Insights programs and speakers on Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic crossings include July 15, Steve Rivellino, a theater producer and former vice president and general manager of New York’s Radio City Music Hall; Aug. 13, maritime historian John Maxtone-Graham; Aug. 13 and Nov. 15, Royal Astronomical Society for on-deck “star parties” and lectures.

Aug. 27, Margaret Atwood, author of 40 books in genres ranging from fiction and poetry to literary criticism; Sept. 4, a Tribute to Bob Hope featuring his daughter Linda Hope; Sept. 4, Boston Symphony Chamber Players; Sept. 21, Joanne Harris, author of “Chocolat”; and Oct. 4, Giancarlo Impiglia, an Italian painter, sculptor, art historian and lecturer, whose work can be found onboard Queen Mary 2.

 

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Crystal Luxury Cruises Adds Acupuncture to Its Wellness Options

Cruise Crystal Luxury

 

Crystal Cruises is introducing onboard acupuncture along with a menu of Chinese herbs revered for restoring and enhancing health, beauty and longevity. A menu of optional acupuncture treatments, launching this month on Crystal Serenity, focuses on weight loss, pain management, stress reduction, detoxification, smoking cessation, facial rejuvenation and sea sickness. “For many, a vacation offers the freedom to try something new,” said Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president-hotel operations. “Whether one is just curious or one wants to pursue new treatments, acupuncture complements Crystal’s myriad onboard wellness activities, which have transformed guests into devotees of disciplines like yoga or reflexology or Spinning.” Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points on the body to ease pain and for other therapeutic purposes.

The Crystal acupuncture program features a licensed acupuncture physician, Nancy Kerastas, who has been practicing the art since 2002. Menus of Chinese herbs include remedies said to reactivate the body’s fat-burning process, stabilize blood sugar metabolism, and relieve swollen or immobile joints. Three to five classes will be held per cruise, discussing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Feng Shui practices and benefits. Guests receive pre-session consultations to discuss their conditions and medical histories. Cost is $150 for a 60-minute session and can be booked through Crystal’s Feng Shui-designed spa. In December and in 2009, both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity host “Mind, Body & Spirit” theme cruises, focusing on general wellness through classes and discussions with guest instructors in Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates and general fitness

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Windstar Cruise Line Unveils 2009 and Winter 2010 Sailing Atlas

 

Windstar Cruises released its 2009 and Winter 2010 Sailing Atlas, which features a new Signature Collection Host Series, Venice roundtrip sailings, and new ports of call in Rovinj, Croatia; L’lle Rousse, France; and Ischia, Italy. The Signature Collection Host Series returns and offers the opportunity to cruise with wine makers Greg Lill of DeLille Cellars and Gary Eberle of Eberle Winery, Canadian artist Jody Hewgill, chef and culinary expert David Shalleck, and gold medalist Rafer Johnson of the 1960 Rome Olympics. Due to frequent requests, a new Venice roundtrip sailing will feature the Croatian destinations of Rovinj, Split and Dubrovnik as well as Koper, Slovenia. Also debuting in 2009 on Wind Surf itineraries is the port of L’lle Rousse on the island of Corisca and Ischia Island, Italy. In summer through early fall, Wind Star and Wind Spirit return to the Greek Isles.

In late fall, the ships depart Europe for the Caribbean and Central America, where they will remain until early spring. Wind Surf offers seven-day roundtrips from Barbados with on northbound and southbound itineraries. Wind Spirit offers seven-day roundtrips from St. Thomas and seven-day Costa Rican sailings from Puerto Caldera. Wind Star’s 14-day cruises feature a transit through the Panama Canal and visits to ports in Central America, South America and the Caribbean Islands. The Connoisseur Collection offers back-to-back itineraries that allow guests to take one two-week sailing that rarely repeats a port. Windstar also offers 14-day transatlantic voyages.

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Crystal Luxury Cruises Offers Upgrades, Savings on 2009 Asia Cruises

Cruise Crystal Luxury

Crystal Cruises is offering new stateroom upgrades worth more than $1,800 and Penthouse savings of $2,000 with select 2009 Asia cruises departing in March and April aboard Crystal Symphony. Additionally, Crystal is offering complimentary three-day land programs in Beijing in conjunction with its spring China/Japan cruises. The March 27 Hong Kong to Beijing vacation is 15 days long, including three-day, post-cruise Beijing program. The cruise includes an onboard “Fashion & Style” program featuring fashion shows, themed dinner and parties, and shopping lectures and excursions. Also available is Berlitz language instruction in Mandarin. The itinerary includes overnight visits to Kobe and Hiroshima, Japan, and Shanghai, plus a call in Dalian, China.

The April 5 Beijing to Hong Kong package is 15 days long, including the three-day pre-cruise Beijing program. The onboard “Mind, Body & Spirit Experience of Discovery” features lectures and instruction in yoga, Pilates, tai chi and general fitness. Also available is Berlitz language instruction in Cantonese. The cruise includes overnight stays in Hong Kong, Osaka and Shanghai. The 11-day Hong Kong to Singapore voyage departs April 20 and includes two-category upgrades to verandah suites. A Golf Experience of Discovery, hosted by a PGA pro, offers instruction and the chance to tee off at courses in Asia. Overnight stays are scheduled in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore. Cruise fares begin at $4,805 per person, double occupancy. Crystal also offers a range of optional extended land programs from Hong Kong, Singapore and Beijing

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Silversea Cruise Ship Silver Wind to Host 2009 World Leaders Symposium

Following on the success of this year’s World Leaders Symposium aboard the Silver Whisper in March, Silversea Cruises will again host the symposium March 19 through April 3, 2009 aboard the newly refurbished Silver Wind. Next year’s symposium, themed The Middle East in the 21st Century, will sail to the Persian Gulf states of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman with former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, former U.S. Secretary of Defense William Perry, and other leading scholars and historians. The symposium will be produced by High Country Passage, a luxury educational tour operator. The 2008 symposium, Rising Global Powers: China and East Asia, brought nearly 250 participants to the East Asian cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Nagasaki. Onboard guest speakers included former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, as well as Perry.

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Cunard Cruise Lines Partners with National Symphony Orchestra

 

Cunard Line has partnered with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), an artistic affiliate of Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center, to present a series of programs aboard the Queen Mary 2 as part of Cunard Insights.

 Six Kennedy Center Chamber Players and Nigel Boon, NSO director of artistic planning, will present the programs (three performances and three lectures) on the ship’s Sept. 8, 2009, Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing.

In addition, Cunard is the presenting sponsor of the NSO’s 2008-2009 Red Series, a seven-performance classical series taking place October 2008 to May 2009, featuring guest artists from around the world.

Highlights of the Red Series include concerts with Iván Fischer, the NSO’s new principal conductor, as well as programs by luminaries like Itzhak Perlman, Michael Christie, Ilan Volkov and Kurt Masur.

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Celebrity Cruises Implements Series of Culinary Upgrades

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Cruises has implemented a series of culinary enhancements as a core component of the cruise line’s Celebrity’s Star Treatment array of fleetwide features and amenities. The culinary program includes more than 200 new menu offerings, a significantly upgraded casual dining area, and a new brunch offering.

Celebrity’s new evening menus are so varied that even guests on 14-night itineraries will never be presented with the same menu twice. Each menu contains expanded selections in all categories, from appetizers to desserts. Enhancements to Celebrity’s lido café/casual dining areas include expanding its culinary selections, modernizing the ambience and upgrading signage and equipment, as well as replacing the ice on which that cold buffet items are set with chilled river rocks.

The buffet offers more destination-influenced and ethnic cuisine, including Asian, Italian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and English. Celebrity also has upgraded its complimentary coffee to the European Seventh, brand, a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, which guests can sip from new, full-sized coffee mugs.

Celebrity has replaced its once-per-cruise midnight gala buffet with a brunch in the main dining room. The brunch include a wide selection of fresh fruits, made-to-order smoothies, gourmet cheeses, cold cuts, salads, sandwiches, meats, seafood, pizzas, paninis and wraps, sushi and stir-fry selections, eggs of nearly every style and desserts.

The line also has introduced an “after-theater” menu in its Cova Café venues to replace the former Gourmet Bites served throughout the ships on alternating evenings. The Cova Café offers the new late-night menu from 11 p.m. to closing.

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Seabourn New Yacht Odyssey to Offer Special Shoreside Experiences

Onboard Seabourn Yachts

 

The Yachts of Seabourn has announced a selection of special shoreside experiences during the Seabourn Odyssey’s inaugural world cruise. Full World Odyssey guests are invited to stay overnight and attend a gala Bon Voyage Ball at the St. Regis hotel in Fort Lauderdale the night before departure. Five additional complimentary events are reserved solely for guests who book the full world cruise. Guests embarking in Los Angeles days will enjoy four of them. An additional seven ports will feature complimentary Exclusively Seabourn shoreside experiences, to which all guests onboard will be invited, regardless of the length of their voyages.

The full world cruise events begin Jan. 18, 2010, with a catamaran cruise from Cabo San Lucas to seek some of the six species of whales that gather each year in the Sea of Cortez. On Feb. 6, full world cruise guests are invited to an evening of cocktails, Tahitian music and dance, and a special feast under the stars in Papeete, Tahiti. In Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 24, guests are invited on a private sunset dinner cruise of Sydney Harbor and a performance at the Sydney Opera House. Hong Kong will be the site of the next world cruise event on March 15: a Chinese bazaar at the Aberdeen Marina Club. And on March 29, guests will participate in a Thai cultural celebration of food and entertainment in Phuket. The complimentary shoreside events are part of a menu of benefits included for full world cruise guests, along with a complimentary pre-cruise Bon Voyage event and luxury overnight before departing, door-to-door private car transfers, roundtrip first-class airfare or air credit, Personal Valet luggage shipping service and shipboard credits of $2,000 per suite. There will also be special gala celebrations and gifts for guests onboard during the voyage.

The Exclusively Seabourn experiences for all guests onboard will include an afternoon tour of Cultural Cartagena in Colombia’s Caribbean port city, A UNESCO World Heritage Site; a re-creation of “Aloha Boat Days” at Honolulu’s Royal Hawaiian Hotel; a Maori cultural discovery experience at Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand; an introduction to the arts and cultures of Borneo’s 32 diverse ethnic groups at Kota Kinabalu; a visit to the Sanctuary of Truth at Pattaya, Thailand, from Bangkok; an evening at an oasis near Dubai; and a sortie from Sharm el Sheikh into a sheltered valley in the Sinai desert for tea, traditional folkloric music and dance at a Bedouin encampment. For those not wishing to take the entire World Odyssey, segments from 16 to 69 days are available, several of which also offer value-added benefits.

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Celebrity Cruise Lines Unveils Retail Space Plans for their new ship Solstice

 

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Cruises said its new Celebrity Solstice, set to debut this November, will offer guests the chance to purchase a 10-sided diamond cut for the first time, available exclusively on the ship. Named the Solstice Diamond, the patented gem’s 86 facets create a visible, distinguishing star pattern even more sparkling than the familiar 58-facet brilliant-cut diamond.

Sourced from conflict-free stones mined in Canada, the Solstice Diamond was created by U.K.-based Harding Brothers, which will manage the retail shops onboard. Mounted in hand-created settings and in varying sizes for rings, pendants and earrings, no two pieces will be alike. The diamonds will be available in Celebrity Solstice’s “Boutique C,” one of 18 shops spanning three decks and 6,500 square feet onboard the ship.

“Celebrity Solstice’s boutique areas have been designed to reflect the stylish and authentic ambience our guests will find throughout the ship,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity’s vice president of hotel operations. “Each shop will have its own distinct look, feel and, in some cases, even aroma. It will be a phenomenal collection of sights, sounds, styles and scents.”

In addition to the high-end Boutique C, Celebrity Solstice’s retail venues include The Lawn Club Shop, offering golf-oriented merchandise, wine-related items and a casual, contemporary resort line designed by Bobby Chan, plus a “grass”-soled flip-flop sold exclusively on Celebrity Solstice.

The Showcase, where guests can purchase creations such as those found at The Corning Museum of Glass, whose alliance with Celebrity led to the industry’s first Hot Glass Show and Studio on Celebrity Solstice; The Solstice Shop, which will offer a variety of fashion-forward, private-label apparel, accessories and souvenirs.

Exquisites, which will feature a vast array of necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets from new designers, as well as recognized, world-class brands such as Bellarri and H. Stern; and The Artisan Store, a one-of-a-kind jewelry and artifacts where guests can observe and interact with resident artists as they string pearls, carve cameos, and mount gemstones to suit each shopper’s interests and preferences.

Another shopping venue will be Pieces of Time, which will feature such watch brands as Dior, Gucci, H. Stern and Tag Hauer. In The Collection, guests will find classic and contemporary purses of all styles, sizes, colors and textures, as well as belts, scarves, and other accessories.

The Men’s Store will feature casual yet sophisticated apparel for men from Newport Blue and Saltaire, as well as Celebrity’s exclusive Blue Collection, among other brands.

Moda will have offer chic women’s fashions ranging from everyday, active wear to cocktail apparel to selections from leading designers such as Joseph Ribkoff, Celebrity’s exclusive Blue Collection. Celebrity Solstice’s Jasmine will focus on perfumes, cosmeceuticals and other skin care products.

At Adagio, guests can find a range of self-tanning products, scrubs, rubs and body butters. The venue also will present many of the world’s most popular fragrances, along with new launches. Serendipity will feature an eclectic mix of merchandise that is constantly evolving, reflecting the unique character of each destination on the ship’s itinerary.

The selections will range from ethnic foods to apparel to accessories. The Sundialer will sell fashionable watches and sunglasses from a variety of designers. Glitz will feature trendy costume jewelry from established international brands as well as up-and-coming designers.

Sol Y Mar will offer a vast array of designer sunglasses, suntan lotions, pool cover-ups and other beach apparel, and paperback books. Spirits & Such will offer not only premium liquors, but also bar and kitchen accessories, and tote bags to ease the process of carrying purchases home. The venue also will host wine and whisky tastings.

Finally, Travel Made Easy is for guests who need additional luggage to take home. There, accessories, sunglasses, hats and beach blankets are sold, along with luggage, tote bags, and electronics. Celebrity Solstice’s first revenue cruise will take place over Thanksgiving.

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Norwegian Sky Returns to Miami for Bahamas Cruises – Cruise Vacation News

 

Norwegian Cruise Line

 

Norwegian Cruise Lie’s Norwegian Sky has returned to Miami and will begin sailing three- and four-day Bahamas cruises July 14. The ship recently underwent a two-month wet dock in Freeport, Bahamas and now features a casino and NCL’s Freestyle 2.0 enhancements. The ship departs Miami on Mondays, sailing four-day Bahamas cruises with full-day calls at Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island.

On Fridays, the ship sails a three-day Bahamas itinerary, departing Miami at 5 p.m. with all-day calls at Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay and returning to Miami at 7 a.m. on Mondays. Fares start at $229 per person, double, for an inside stateroom and $329 for a balcony stateroom. Sailings are currently scheduled through April 17, 2009.

Originally launched in 1999, the Norwegian Sky has more than 240 balcony staterooms, a choice of seven restaurants, nine bars and lounges, multiple entertainment venues, two pools, children’s facilities, a sports deck and a variety of public rooms. The ship had been reflagged and renamed the Pride of Aloha in 2004 and sailed Hawaii inter-island cruises until May 2008.

Its restaurants now feature new, Freestyle 2.0 menus offering expanded choices. In addition, guests will experience lobster in the main restaurant and in every specialty restaurant. Its nine signature bars and lounges include a martini bar; a sports bar; a champagne bar; two outdoor bars, and Dazzles Bar & Night Club.

The Norwegian Sky offers four Owner’s Suites, each offering a private balcony with hot tub, as well as a living room, a dining room, a bedroom, a luxury bath with a whirlpool tub and separate shower, and butler and concierge service.

In addition, each of the 10 Penthouses features a sitting area, a private balcony, a dining area, a separate bedroom with two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, a luxury bath with a whirlpool tub and separate shower, and butler and concierge service. All staterooms and suites feature televisions, hair dryers, safes, mini-bars, the new Bliss Collection by NCL bedding, Elemis luxury bathroom amenities, and a new room service menu.

With the implementation of Freestyle 2.0, guests staying in balcony staterooms or above receive a customized fruit menu, NCL insignia bathrobes and a warm chocolate chip cookie at turndown on the last night of the cruise. Those staying in an Owner’s Suite or Penthouse receive a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, a pillow menu, customized daily treats, and exclusive meals in Cagney’s.

Additional shipboard amenities include Body Waves Spa; Body Waves Fitness Center; the Sky Club Casino; Kid’s Crew (with extended hours); and two outdoor swimming pools with sun beds, deck chairs, four hot tubs and attendants offering cold towels and Evian mists when the temperature rises. The Norwegian Sky features two productions in the Stardust Theater:

“South Rockin’ Nights” and “On Broadway.” In addition, there are two new themed experiences: “White Hot Night,” dance party and “Monte Carlo Night” casino party.

 

 

 

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