Ruby Princess Delivered by Fincantieri Shipyard – Newest Cruise Ship

 

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Princess Cruises on Thursday took delivery of its newest ship, the Ruby Princess, in Monfalcone, Italy, at the Fincantieri shipyard. The 3,070-passenger vessel has set sail for Fort Lauderdale where it is scheduled to arrive on Nov. 4. The ship will be christened on Nov. 6 by Trista and Ryan Sutter from ABC’s reality series, “The Bachelorette.” In keeping with the launch’s “romantic milestones” theme, Princess will help the duo celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.

Ruby Princess will debut a number of new services and amenities onboard, including new dining options such as a pub lunch in the Wheelhouse Bar, unique enrichment programs and the new Ultimate Ship Tour. The vessel also includes a piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and street entertainers, the adults-only oasis called The Sanctuary, Sabatini’s Italian restaurant, Crown Grill seafood and steak house, a giant outdoor movie screen, and Hearts & Minds wedding chapel.

Ruby Princess will then set sail on its maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 8, beginning a program of Western Caribbean sailings taking passengers to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Princess Cays. Following the inaugural Caribbean season, the ship will offer Mediterranean voyages in summer 2009.

 

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Oasis of the Seas News – Royal Caribbean Floats Out Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Newset Ship Oasis of the Seas

UPDATE - See all four of the virtual VIDEO/PODCASTS of the Oasis of the Seas which features the ships interior and exterior. You can view all four video/podcasts at www.zanza.com  (Podcast Page)

Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, now under construction at STX Europe in Turku, Finland, reached an important maritime milestone when it was floated out — moved from dry dock to wet dock — to begin the final stages of interior work.

At ceremonies held at the shipyard, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and shipyard executives turned the valve that released 87 million gallons of water into the wet dock area. Among those attending the ceremony were RCCL Chairman and CEO Richard Fain; Harri Kulovaara, RCCL executive vice president-maritime; Martin Landtman, president, STX Finland Cruise Oy; and Toivo Ilvonen, project director-Oasis class.

“This is a historic day for our company. After more than three years of intense planning and collaboration and with 65 percent of the ship already complete, it’s exciting to see Oasis entering its final stages,” Fain said.

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The line announced that Oasis of the Seas will enter service under the command of Capt. William S. Wright and Capt. Tor Olsen. Wright, a 15-year veteran of Royal Caribbean International, was also the start-up captain for Freedom of the Seas, currently the largest ship in the world with sister ships Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, and 40 percent smaller than Oasis of the Seas.

Wright also is one of the few American captains in international cruising and currently serves as the senior vice president of marine operations for the cruise line. Born in Norway, Olsen has been on the high seas since the age of 16. He joined Royal Caribbean in 1987, working on Song of America and has served as captain on five Royal Caribbean ships from the Voyager class to the Vision class.

When the 220,000-ton Oasis launches in December 2009, it will span 16 decks and carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy in 2,700 staterooms. It will have a neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

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Luxury Cruise Promotions – Exceptional Savings on Caribbean Cruises

 

SeaDream Caribbean Yachting at Exceptional Savings SeaDream Fares include all meals, wine with lunch & dinner, open bar with selected premium brands, plus use of water toys, and gratuities. SeaDream I Voyages Date Itinerary Days Brochure Fare Best Available Rate Savings January 4, 2009 San Juan ~ San Juan 5 $5,400 $1,999-GTY 62% January 9, 2009 San Juan ~ St. Thomas 9 $7,400 $3,999-GTY 46% January 18, 2009 St. Thomas ~ San Juan 5 $5,400 $2,299-GTY 57% January 23, 2009 San Juan ~ St. Thomas 9 $7,400 $3,899-GTY 47% February 1, 2009 St. Thomas ~ San Juan 5 $5,400 $2,399-GTY 55% February 15, 2009 St. Thomas ~ San Juan 5 $5,400 $2,599-GTY 51% March 6, 2009 San Juan ~ St. Thomas 9 $7,400 $3,599-GTY 51% March 20, 2009 San Juan ~ St. Thomas 9 $7,400 $3,599-GTY 51% April 12, 2009 St. Thomas ~ San Juan 5 $5,400 $1,999-GTY 62% SeaDream II Voyages Date Itinerary Days Brochure Fare Best Available Rate Savings December 19, 2008 San Juan ~ San Juan Holiday Sailing 9 $8,900 $4,599-GTY 48% January 18, 2009 San Juan ~ Antigua 8 $6,400 $2,999-GTY 53% February 1, 2009 Antigua ~ Antigua 7 $6,400 $3,599-GTY 43% March 6, 2009 San Juan ~ San Juan 9 $7,400 $3,999-GTY 46% March 29, 2009 San Juan ~ San Juan 7 $6,900 $3,199-GTY 53% April 5, 2009 San Juan ~ San Juan 7 $6,400 $3,099-GTY 51% April 12, 2009 San Juan ~ Miami 7 $6,400 $2,999-GTY 53% For Reservations or Information please call your Travel Professional

All Fares are in US Dollars. Government, Port, Document Issuance, Fuel Surcharge, Handling & Service charges for all guests are additional. Fares shown are per person based double in Yacht Club Accommodations on deck 2. Valid for new bookings only made after November 24, 2008. Singles accepted at 175% to 200%. Limited space available, capacity controlled. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Certain restrictions apply. Prices subject to change without notice. Ships Registry: Bahamas. GTY (guarantee) rates – These special promotional rates include the condition that you do not select your stateroom at time of booking. We guarantee that you will be on the voyage however your actual deck 2 stateroom assignment will be confirmed at the discretion of SeaDream Yacht Club within 1 week of sailing.

On a Cruise Ship You Can Eat Peanut Butter 24/7

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Prices are per person, based on double occupancy; port charges, government fees and taxes are additional. Please note these fares do not include a potential fuel surcharge of up to $12 per person, per day, possibly more. Prices shown are minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates can be higher. Cabin prices and upgrades are capacity controlled and subject to availability at time of booking. Rates begin at the price listed and are not guaranteed until the cruise line has accepted deposit. Zanza Blue Incorporated is not responsible for misprints or changes in price prior to deposit; nor are we responsible for specials that are sold out, not available or that are withdrawn from the cruise line. Rates quoted are in U.S. Dollars.

Luxury Cruise Deals – SeaDream Mediterranean Yachting 2009 – savings up to 50% off

 

Unique Mediterranean Voyages at up to 50% off ! - SeaDream Fares include all meals, wine with lunch & dinner, open bar with selected premium brands, plus use of water toys, and gratuities SeaDream I Voyages Date To and >From Ports Days Brochure Rate Best Available Rate Savings May 3 – 14, 2009 San Juan ~ Lisbon 11 $4,900 $2,499-GTY 49% June 6 – 13, 2009 Malaga ~ Nice 7 $8,400 $4,399-GTY 47% July 25 – August 1, 2009 Istanbul ~ Piraeus 7 $8,900 $5,299-GTY 40% August 1 – 11, 2009 Istanbul ~ Piraeus 10 $11,400 $6,299-GTY 44% September 5 – 12, 2009 Monte Carlo ~ Civitavecchia 7 $8,900 $4,699-GTY 47% September 12 – 19, 2009 Civitavecchia ~ Piraeus 7 $8,900 $4,499-GTY 49% October 3 – 10, 2009 Alexandria ~ Piraeus 7 $8,400 $4,199-GTY 50% SeaDream II Voyages Date To and >From Ports Days Brochure Rate Best Available Rate Savings April 26 – May 8, 2009 Miami ~ Lisbon 12 $4,900 $2,699-GTY 45% June 20 – 27, 2009 Dubrovnik ~ Piraeus 7 $8,400 $5,599-GTY 33% June 27 – July 7, 2009 Piraeus ~ Istanbul 10 $11,400 $6,399-GTY 43% August 8 – 15, 2009 Dubrovnik ~ Venice 7 $8,900 $5,099-GTY 42% August 22 – 29, 2009 Venice ~ Piraeus 7 $8,900 $5,299-GTY 40% September 16 – 26, 2009 Venice ~ Piraeus 10 $11,900 $6,999-GTY 41% October 3 – 10, 2009 Valetta, Malta ~ Seville 7 $8,400 $5,499-GTY 34% Click on the To and From Ports above to view the detailed itinerary For Reservations or Information please call your Travel Professional

All Fares are in US Dollars. Government Fees, port fees, document issuance, fuel surcharge, service and handling fees of $67 per person per day are additional. Fares shown are per person based double in Yacht Club Accommodations on deck 2.Valid for new bookings only made after November 24, 2008. Singles accepted at 100% to 200% of tariff. Limited space available, capacity controlled. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Certain restrictions apply. Prices subject to change without notice. Ships Registry: Bahamas. GTY (guarantee) rates – These special promotional rates include the condition that you do not select your stateroom at time of booking. We guarantee that you will be on the voyage however your actual deck 2 stateroom assignment will be confirmed at the discretion of SeaDream Yacht Club within 1 week of sailing.

On a Cruise Ship You Can Eat Peanut Butter 24/7

.This post brought to you by Cruise Zanza Blue which was started by crew members for cruise travelers – For more information go to www.zanza.com

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 Prices are per person, based on double occupancy; port charges, government fees and taxes are additional. Please note these fares do not include a potential fuel surcharge of up to $12 per person, per day, possibly more. Prices shown are minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates can be higher. Cabin prices and upgrades are capacity controlled and subject to availability at time of booking. Rates begin at the price listed and are not guaranteed until the cruise line has accepted deposit. Zanza Blue Incorporated is not responsible for misprints or changes in price prior to deposit; nor are we responsible for specials that are sold out, not available or that are withdrawn from the cruise line. Rates quoted are in U.S. Dollars.

 

 

Celebrity Cruises Set to Return to Bermuda in 2010

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Cruises is returning to Bermuda in 2010. “Celebrity has a long and positive history with the beautiful island of Bermuda, and we’re thrilled to respond to demand that we return, from our long-time guests and travel agent partners alike,” said Celebrity President and CEO Dan Hanrahan.

‘Bermuda’ – whitewashed stone cottages, proper gentlemen in jackets, ties and shorts, beautiful beaches, cricket matches and afternoon tea – all of these stereotypes come true.

Bermuda is, contrary to common conception, not in the Caribbean. The western Atlantic Ocean, 580 nautical miles east of North Carolina, is where you will find Bermuda on the map!
The temperature ranges from the low 70s to the mid 80s Fahrenheit (20° to 25° Celsius) year round, with approximately 5″ of rain per month (12 cm).

Visitors from the U.S. perceive Bermuda to be quaintly British; the Brits, on the other hand, tend to consider the island highly Americanized. However, it is, of course, uniquely Bermudian – a product of nearly four centuries of British colonial history and an equally long reliance on American trade, with important cultural and social contributions from West Africa and Asia as well.

.This post brought to you by Cruise Zanza Blue which was started by crew members for cruise travelers – For more information go to www.zanza.com

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Mexico’s Cruise Port – Puerto Costa Maya Reopens After Rebuilding

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Mexico’s Puerto Costa Maya, located on the Caribbean coast about four hours south of Cancun, reopened with a festive celebration last week. The port spent $16 million to rebuild and improve the facility, which was closed in August 2007 after sustaining serious damage from Hurricane Dean.

“It’s a great pleasure to receive ships after 15 months,” said Teofilo Hamui, president of Puerto Costa Maya. “The port is functioning at 100 percent.” The ceremony was held in one of the restaurants onsite, overlooking two Holland America Lines ships docked at the port on Nov. 21.

Several cruise line executives were on hand, as were the governor of Quintana Roo and other local dignitaries. Prior to Hurricane Dean, Costa Maya was the second-busiest port in Mexico, attracting about 400 ships a year. Forty calls are scheduled for 2008 and about 200 for 2009.
Hamui said it was a monumental effort to rebuild the port in 15 months because business came to a standstill — ships cannot anchor and tender passengers in because the seas are too rough. The port hired 400 workers and 80 divers who often worked six days a week.

During the work, the pier was extended by 100 feet to accommodate the next generation of megaships, such as Royal Caribbean International’s 220,000-ton Oasis of the Seas. “We’re talking to Royal Caribbean to see if Oasis might come here, but nothing is defined yet,” Hamui said.
The newest attraction at Puerto Costa Maya is BioMaya Bacalar, a zipline excursion between iron towers ranging from 656 feet to 2,559 feet. A Hard Rock Café is under construction outside the port facility and is expected to open in winter 2009.

Hamui said the dolphin experience will be reintroduced in winter 2009 at the port’s private beach. Costa Maya was the Western Caribbean’s first port designed exclusively for the cruise industry.

Resembling an ancient Mayan city, Costa Maya can accommodate three ships at once. Costa Maya has three pavilions, more than 70 artisan and luxury shopping areas, a beach club, saltwater pools, restaurants and bars.

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Seabourn’s newest ship the Sojourn to be Christened in London in 2010

 

Onboard Seabourn Yachts

 
The Yachts of Seabourn announced that its second new vessel will be named Seabourn Sojourn in a ceremony in London (Greenwich) in June 2010, before sailing on its 14-day maiden voyage.

The new yacht is being built in Italy, and will position from Genoa to London before its inauguration. “London has always been a great destination for our Seabourn yachts,” said Seabourn president and CEO Pamela Conover.

 “We have earned a large and loyal following of repeat cruise guests from the U.K., and we are proud to debut our beautiful new vessel in London.”
Sailing from Greenwich, ports of call on its maiden voyage include the Faroe Islands, Iceland and the Norwegian Fjords. Fares and detailed itineraries will be announced in February 2009.

Like its sister Seabourn Odyssey, debuting in June 2009, Seabourn Sojourn will have 225 suites, of which 90 percent have private verandas. Top suites include Wintergarden Suites with a private solarium and veranda, and Signature Suites with verandas facing forward.

All suites feature separate living areas and bedrooms, writing desks with personalized stationery, iPod and MP3 connections and granite bathrooms with separate bath and shower and twin sinks. The two-deck Spa at Seabourn features Spa Villas that can be reserved.

The new vessels will offer four dining venues, including an open-seating restaurant capable of seating all guests. Six bars and lounges will serve a full range of beverages, including complimentary fine wines and spirits. Seabourn Sojourn is the second of three 450-guest vessels. The Seabourn Odyssey will debut at Venice in June 2009, and a third, as yet unname.

.This post brought to you by Cruise Zanza Blue which was started by crew members for cruise travelers – For more information go to www.zanza.com

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