Posts from — June 2009

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

From fans of jazz and the Beatles to opera enthusiasts, virtually all music lovers will find Silversea is offering the perfect blend of culture and travel with its lineup of music theme sailings this year. During seven voyages exploring the British Isles and the Mediterranean, guests will have the chance to enjoy a vibrant onboard enrichment programme that brings to life a sampling of the world’s finest musical genres.

Silversea director of entertainment Cliff Perry said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer such a diverse array of music-focused enrichment programmes. These voyages are a great opportunity for guests to indulge both their love of music and passion for travel, and in the process discover the uniquely enriching lifestyle experience of Silversea.”

MEDITERRANEAN

The London Festival Opera brings together some of the most established artists from major British opera companies and exceptional new singers. Its gifted soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone and pianist have performed worldwide at leading venues such as Hampton Court Palace and the Gran Teatro La Fenice in Venice. Audiences have included the Queen of England and other members of the British royal family. Silversea guests will enjoy Italian and other opera favourites in performances and events that include a gala opera evening, a show entitled “A Night at the Opera,” and a gourmet Italian dinner presented with serenading opera singers in the ship’s main dining venue, The Restaurant, and La Terrazza, a specialty restaurant. The London Festival Opera will be on board:

– VOYAGE 2923: Silver Wind, July 28 – August 7, Monte Carlo to Rome, 10 days. Destinations include Portofino, Livorno, Barcelona, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca and Corsica.

Fans of Cole Porter and Noel Coward will be transported back to the early 20th century when singer/pianist Bobby Nesbitt and lecturer/social historian David Garrard Lowe team up to present original musical theatre programmes exploring the works of these music masters. Written and narrated by Lowe and featuring songs performed by Nesbitt, the special enrichment programmes will be featured as follows:

“Cole Porter — He’s the Top” Musical Theatre

– VOYAGE 4922: Silver Whisper, August 1- 8, Venice to Rome, 7 days. Destinations include Zadar, Kotor, Sicily and Lipari.

“An Evening with Noel Coward” Musical Theatre

– VOYAGE 4923: Silver Whisper, August 8 – 15, Rome to Monte Carlo, 7 days. Destinations include Sorrento, Livorno, Menton and Cassis.

A rising star on the American music scene, Loston Harris blends traditional jazz riffs, gospel and blues with his own unique stylings. He performed as a member of the Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra, led by multiple-Grammy winner Wynton Marsalis. Harris also appeared on public television in the U.S. on the PBS special “Portraits in Blue” with fellow pianist and bandleader Marcus Roberts. The exceptional talents of this gifted singer/pianist will be showcased aboard:

– VOYAGE 4925: Silver Whisper, August 22 – 29, Barcelona to Rome, 7 days. Destinations include Alicante, Malaga, Monte Carlo and Portofino.

Place a flower in your hair and journey back to the Southern California pop music scene and carefree spirit of the 1960s with an original member of the legendary singing group the Mamas and the Papas as your host. Singer, songwriter and actress Michelle Phillips will tell the story of the Mamas and the Papas musical saga with film and music clips and her intimate knowledge of the group when she presents a special enrichment programme aboard:

– VOYAGE 2934: Silver Wind, October 30 – November 9, Rome to Athens, 10 days. Destinations include Naples, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Crete, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Mykonos.

BRITISH ISLES

An exciting “Tribute to the Beatles” programme will be presented by Joe Johnson, host of the popular “Beatles Brunch” radio show, broadcast in over 100 markets across the U.S. and Canada. The Bootleg Beatles, one of the world’s most acclaimed Beatles tribute bands, is slated to perform a full-length Beatles show as part of the festivities. And Tony Bramwell, author of “Magical Mystery Tours: My Life with the Beatles,” will also join the programme to share tales from his days as the Beatles’ personal assistant. Other highlights will include a name-that-tune contest, a trivia game, a “Hard Day’s Night” dance party, and Beatle Brunch Feast, a gala breakfast/luncheon featuring the music of the Fab Four and prizes. Johnson will also interview guests for a special edition of his radio programme set to air later in the year. The Tribute to the Beatles will take place on:

– VOYAGE 1921: Silver Cloud, August 26 – September 5, London to London, 10 days. Destinations include Edinburgh, Invergordon, Oban, Dublin, Cork and Fowey.

By Jennifer Crivelli, Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

READY, GET SET, GO!  The race is on to see which cruise line can launch the biggest ship with the most attractions at sea.  It all began with White Star Line in 1912, who at the time decided to build the “Grandest” passenger ship at sea.  Ship building has come a long way in 97 years….

In the modern era of “BIG” ships, Royal Caribbean has led the way.  Each ship designed is bigger and better than the last, and traditionally, the largest ship in the industry.  Royal Caribbean was the first to offer rock-climbing walls on all of their ships.  In early 2005, Royal Caribbean took the “BIG” ship idea to the extreme, when they stretched the Enchantment of the Seas, adding a 70 foot section into the middle of the vessel. [Read more →]

Courtesy of NCL

Norwegian Cruise Line today unveiled the contemporary hull design which will adorn Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, scheduled for delivery in May 2010.

Norwegian Epic’s hull artwork, designed by the company’s internal marketing team, is painted on both sides with free form rolling waves of varying sizes that run through a modern color spectrum of lime, aqua, red, and purple and are dotted by silver circles.

Norwegian Epic’s hull design is a departure from the rest of the line’s signature hull artwork which typically is inspired by the ship’s name or the destination the ship sails from. Instead, the hull artwork on Norwegian Epic takes on the characteristics of the ship’s interior features – a sophisticated, modern and sleek design and color palette that is seen in everything from the innovative curved design of the New Wave staterooms to the more contemporary design of the ship’s public areas.

“A Norwegian Cruise Line ship is instantly recognizable with its distinctive hull art that conveys each ship’s personality and the freedom and flexibility that is found on board,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “With Norwegian Epic, we are taking Freestyle Cruising to the next level, so it is fitting that her hull artwork conveys more of the modern, sleek design guests will find once they are on board the ship.”

The 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of staterooms – the curved New Wave staterooms; the biggest ship-within-a-ship suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; a new category of inside staterooms for the budget-conscious traveler – The Studios; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea — The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas and the first squash court at sea. In addition, Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 14 restaurant choices – the most at sea – and 18 bars and lounges.

Norwegian Epic is scheduled to sail year-round to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Miami, beginning in summer 2010. The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. These cruises go on sale to the public on May 21, 2009.

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The Enrichment philosophy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises is to provide not only an ultra-luxury experience, but one that offers guests fresh perspective and insights into visited destinations.

Featured Luminaries

Regent will often feature special guests and events on our sailings that include lectures by world-renowned experts and award-winning luminaries in their field. For the discerning traveler and worldly adventurer, these sailings are sure to be memorable.

Featured Luminaries: Gwen Ifill, David Fanning and Charlie Cook
This Public Television at Sea cruise features Washington insiders and journalists Gwen Ifill, David Fanning and Charlie Cook.

Featured Luminary: Jean-Michel Cousteau
World-renowned oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau will join us for this sailing. He will offer a series of lectures with videos of his work in the oceans of the world, as well as accompany dives from the ship.

Food, Wine & Spirits

Watch celebrated chefs prepare signature dishes and learn their secret cooking techniques. Sip and savor your way through some of the world’s greatest wine regions and explore fine spirits. Sail the Spice Islands and pleasure all your senses as Regent Seven Seas Cruises delves into the world of the palate.

Le Cordon Bleu Workshop
Since its inception in Paris in 1895, Le Cordon Bleu has been dedicated to preserving and passing on the mastery and appreciation of the culinary arts.

Spotlight on Chocolate
It’s truffles and flourishes of chocolate when our chocolate cruises set sail to fulfill a chocolate lover’s dreams.

Spotlight on Food
As we navigate through exotic regions, one can’t help but dive into the wonders of the food of the area.

Spotlight on Spirits
As we navigate through exotic regions, one can’t help but dive into the wonders of the spirits of the area.

Spotlight on the Senses
As we navigate through exotic regions, we look at how regional spices can flavor our foods, wine, spirits and perfumes, all for the pleasures of the palate.

Spotlight on Wine
As we navigate through exotic regions, one can’t help but dive into the wonders of the wine of the area.

Fine Arts

What better way to truly immerse yourself in a destination and enrich oneself than to learn about culture through an exploration of the arts? These enrichment programs include special guest stars giving lectures on art and photography, top Cabaret and Opera performances, or accomplished local musicians playing for you while you learn their style of dance.

Spotlight on Art
Explore with the expertise of art specialists throughout the voyage and learn about the fantastic art collections of the region.

Spotlight on Cabaret
The artistry of song comes alive on the stages of Regent Seven Seas Cruises when great vocal performers take the spotlight.

Spotlight on Dance
The curtain goes up on another spotlight series cruise as Regent explores the world of dance.

Spotlight on Music
As we navigate through exotic regions, one can’t help but dive into the wonders of the music of the area.

Discovery & Exploration

This special series of cruises focuses on learning and exploring the world around us – all around us. Gain perspective on our environment, rare locations on our planet, and even destinations beyond Earth. Respected scientists and explorers will share their unique perspectives on where we came from and where we are going next.

Spotlight on Discovery
As we navigate through exotic regions, one can’t help but yearn to discover more about the region – both above and below the surface. It’s all yours to discover as Regent Seven Seas turns the spotlight on Discovery.

Spotlight on Public Television at Sea
Join hosts of public broadcasting on a journey of Politics & Current Affairs as well as Art, Theater and Television.

Spotlight on Golf
After practicing your swing onboard, tee off at some of the finest golf courses in the world.

Family Programs

For guests traveling with children or young adults, Regent offers the opportunity for everyone to experience the excitement of exploring the world in a meaningful, enriching way. If you would like to have a reunion on board, Regent can plan special dinners, celebrations and events to bring everyone together and create a lifetime of memories.

Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program
The Ambassadors of the Environment (AOTE) Youth Program is a unique, ground-breaking program that introduces young travelers (ages 9 – 17) and their families to extraordinary natural wonders while demonstrating imaginative ways to build environmental sustainability into their lives back home.

Club Mariner Youth Program
For guests who want to travel with their children or grandchildren, Regent’s Club Mariner youth program offers the opportunity for everyone to experience the excitement of exploring the world in a meaningful, enriching way.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced it is changing the face of cruise line entertainment on its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic. The company will welcome Blue Man Group, performing in the 685-seat Epic Theater. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience and beginning in the summer of 2010 will be seen for the first time ever at sea only on Norwegian Epic.

“Norwegian Cruise Line has spent 42 years breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising and redefining what it means to be innovative. Now, with Norwegian Epic, we are re-inventing cruise ship entertainment by offering multiple entertainment options for every taste and age,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Having a world-class creative organization like Blue Man Group headline the entertainment on Norwegian Epic will provide our guests with a sensory experience unlike any other at sea.”

More Entertainment Venues

Norwegian Epic will have multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues throughout the ship so that guests can choose from a wide variety of entertainment each evening of their cruise. No longer will entertainment be focused on two nightly shows in one large main theater. Norwegian Epic takes Freestyle Cruising to the next level by offering a number of entertainment options in specially-designed venues, some offered for the first time ever at sea, with choices to appeal to a broad audience.

Spiegel Tent: On Norwegian Epic, guests will find the only “big top” at sea. In this intimate 265-seat theater-in-the-round, famed producer/director Neil Goldberg will present Cirque Dreams® and Dinner. This one of a kind interactive theatrical dining experience will be performed in the air, while juggling dinner courses, with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. During this two-hour show, guests will marvel in amazement and become part of a celebration of spectacle and fantasy. The entire experience will be unlike anything else at sea.

Headliners Comedy Club: This 280-seat comedy club will feature the hilarious improvisational comedy of The Second City, as Norwegian continues its exclusive partnership with the famed troupe. For nearly 50 years, The Second City has honed the skills of comedic legends such as Bill Murray, Chris Farley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Gilda Radner and John Belushi. The ensemble will perform a special customized comedy revue of satirical skits, hilarious songs and inventive improvisation. The venue’s design centers on a show lounge format with a small raised stage, concrete floors and brick walls with a full bar.

Fat Cats: Guests on board Norwegian Epic can sit back and relax listening to the cool vibes of jazz and blues in this 200-seat jazz club. Fat Cats will feature nightly live blues and jazz performances by world-class talent. The urban setting creates a hipster vibe complete with full bar and comfortable leather sofas and chairs.

Epic Casino: This appropriately named casino is Norwegian’s largest casino at sea, spanning more than 13,000 square feet. It features an elegant Monte Carlo inspired design theme and is open to Taste, the Atrium restaurant below, and to the excitement of Bar Central above. Here, guests will find many opportunities to try their luck including 340 of the latest slot machines; along with gaming tables featuring poker, black jack, roulette and craps. And, with the most rewarding Players Club Program at sea there will be something for everyone, from the novice to the high roller. Cascades Bar, with a grand central crystal chandelier, serves as the casino’s centerpiece.

Epic Theater: In addition, the theater will be home to another featured show which will be announced later this year.

As of May 21, 2009, Norwegian Epic’s 2010 inaugural sailings are open for sale, with cruise fares starting at $699 per person. The first Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami is scheduled for July 17, 2010 and the ship’s alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are available through April 2011. Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

From meditative relaxation to sensory heaven treatments, the AquaSpa® delivers a one-of-a-kind spa experience. In addition to deluxe manicures, facials and aromatherapy massage, pamper yourself with the following spa treatments:

Meditative Relaxation
Relax on an airbed under the soft sunlight of our glass dome and enjoy light, fresh cuisine. Or recline on a teak lounge chair and watch the water cascade over glass-sculpted rocks.

Hydrotherapy Spa Bath
Experience hundreds of tiny water jets massaging your body with fresh water blended with seaweed, minerals or oils.

The Etruscan Chamber
After a cleansing seaweed-soap shower, relax as medicinal muds are gently applied to your body. Complete your experience with an herbal steam bath.

Elemis Synergistic Therapy
Experience the ultimate combination of reflexology, Shiatsu and pressure-point massage

Rasul
Soothe your body and soul with this Oriental ceremony featuring a cleansing seaweed-soap shower, medicinal muds and an herbal steam bath.

Ionothermie
Through the use of kelp, ivy and seaweed body treatments enjoy a firmer, smoother-looking appearance.

Sensory Heaven

AquaSpa is the only place you can experience sensory heaven treatments: a state of bliss conceived to help melt away stress and tension. These include:

Egyptian Ceremony of Milk & Ginger
» Exotic Enriching Milk Bath
» Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow
» Exotic Coconut Rub & Milk Ritual Wrap or Float
» Chakra Balancing Massage
» Japanese Silk Booster Facial
» Time: Approx. 5 hours

Asian Ceremony of Stone
» Etruscan Chamber
» Aroma Stone Therapy
» Exotic Hand Ritual
» Sole Delight Foot Treatment
» Frangipani Conditioning Hair & Scalp Ritual (Hair & Scalp Treatment includes Style Dry)
» Time: Approx. 5 hours

Tahitian Ceremony of Flowers
» Exotic Jasmine Flower Bath
» Exotic Frangipani Body Nourish Wrap or Float
» Japanese Silk Booster Facial
» Hawaiian 4 Hands Therapy*
» Time: Approx. 4 hours

Daily Fitness Ritual
» Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap or Float
» Well-Being Massage
» Ionithermie-Algae Detox
» Personal Training
» Body Compositions Analysis
» Time: Approx. 5 hours

Algae-Detox Cruise Ritual
» Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap or Float (course of 3)
» Ionithermie-Algae Detox (course of 3)
» Personal Training (course of 3)
» Body Composition Analysis
» To be enjoyed throughout the cruise
» Time: Approx. 12 hours

Daily Well-Being Ritual
» Chakra Balancing Massage
» Stress-A-Way
» Muscle Melt
» Spirit Reviver
» Hawaiian 4 Hands Massage*
» Time: Approx. 5 hours

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

New Hip Hop Dance Program Offers Guests Of All Ages The Opportunity To Live The Dream
 
A new Hip Hop dance adventure that transcends all ages, languages, and skill levels is taking Royal Caribbean ships by storm. Royal Caribbean International’s new Gotta Dance program is offering guests the opportunity to let loose, chase a dream, and ‘wow’ their cruisemates with cool new dance moves. Based on the documentary film by Dori Berinstein, awardwinning director and producer of film, theater and television, the guest-participatory Gotta Dance experience is being exclusively offered by Royal Caribbean International and will be offered fleetwide in summer 2009.

“Gotta Dance is the newest Royal Caribbean International program that offers guests an opportunity to try something different on their vacation regardless of age and experience,” said Peter Compton, vice president, Entertainment, Royal Caribbean International.  ”Every age is welcome and no experience is necessary.  As with many of our onboard programs, Gotta Dance helps bring families closer together and build lasting relationships among guests for an unforgettable cruise vacation.”

Royal Caribbean’s Gotta Dance is inspired by the award-winning documentary film of the same name, which will hit the big screen across the United States beginning in July 2009. Gotta Dance (www.GottaDanceTheMovie.com) chronicles the first-ever senior-citizen, hip-hop dance troupe for the New Jersey Nets Basketball Team. Just like the film, Royal Caribbean’s Gotta Dance program will offer guests, from the young to the young-at-heart, a chance to grab their moment in the spotlight.

Kicking off each cruise will be a special screening of the film. Guests sailing on select ships before the nationwide roll-out of the movie will be treated to an advanced viewing of Gotta Dance. Participants will then be divided into teams and, over the course of their vacation, will learn choreographed routines with a member of the Royal Caribbean dance team in rehearsals during sea days. The program will culminate with the main event – a farewell show on the last evening of the cruise, whereby each of the teams will perform their routines in the ship’s main theater.

Each of the groups will perform a different routine, all of which were choreographed by New Jersey Nets Dance Coach Kimberlee Garris, who also appears in the Gotta Dance film. For each song an easy and more complex choreography has been designed, and Royal Caribbean’s Gotta Dance instructors will have the option of tweaking these versions further based on group skill level. Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.