Posts from — July 2009

By: The Cruise Web, Inc.

Who knew? Who knew you could do so much on a floating city? Tennis… Basketball… Surfing… What!? All these sports on a ship! You’ve got to be kidding right… No joke!… You can do all of that and much, much more…

Imagine hanging ten, without being washed out to sea. On your next cruise vacation bring the bikini or Speedo and let’s get it on. This will be your opportunity to ride the big wave, have a fabulous video showcasing you riding the waves, and an absolutely incredible story to share with family, friends and co-workers who were not able to make this cruise, but will definitely go on the next one with you. [Read more →]

Courtesty of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) and Artful Travelers, a specialty travel and entertainment firm, are inviting guests to join celebrated stars of television’s Public Broadcasting System (PBS) aboard a cruise featuring insightful discussion of politics, current events and world affairs. Regent’s Public Television at Sea cruise, part of its Spotlight Series enrichment program, departs Friday, December 4, aboard the 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager.

Extraordinary public broadcasting personalities will speak on a variety of topics ranging from politics to world affairs during the 14-night sailing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil through the waters of Latin America and the Caribbean to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Gwen Ifill, the moderator and managing editor of PBS’ acclaimed political program Washington Week and a senior correspondent for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, brings her insight and experience to the stage as she discusses current events, her career in the media and her acclaimed new book The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama.

David Fanning, executive producer and founder of FRONTLINE, will discuss the hard-hitting and in-depth reporting featured on America’s longest-running investigative documentary series on television. Since debuting in 1983, FRONTLINE has won all of the major awards for broadcast journalism, including 39 Emmys.

Charlie Cook, leading political analyst and the publisher of The Cook Political Report, will provide front-line information and analysis on the American political landscape.

Regent’s PTVatSea cruise is offered in partnership with locally based PBS stations and Artful Travelers, which pairs the best of art, culture, entertainment and travel to create extraordinary experiences. PTVatSea guests will enjoy rare opportunities to meet and mingle with their favorite public broadcasting personalities at dinners, cocktail parties, shore excursions and other organized events during both voyages. The cruise will be highlighted by incisive, interactive panel discussions.

December 4 – 18, 2009, Seven Seas Voyager – Gwen Ifill, David Fanning and Charlie Cook highlight the 14-night voyage departing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that will visit Fortaleza, Brazil; Salvador de Bahia, Brazil; Bridgetown, Barbados; St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises.

Five years after revolutionizing movie-going at sea with its innovative Movies Under the Stars screens, Princess Cruises has teamed with celebrated film critic and historian Leonard Maltin to bring passengers yet another new way to experience movies onboard — an exclusive Leonard Maltin Movie Club. Debuting fleetwide, the new club gives passengers the opportunity to join fellow film buffs to discuss specially selected motion pictures during their cruise.

With this program, Princess will showcase a new film chosen by Mr. Maltin each month. Passengers will not only be able to enjoy the open-air poolside Movies Under the Stars viewing experience, but will also be able to gather for a thought-provoking discussion to gain greater perspective on the film.

In addition, passengers can catch up on many popular and classic films with a new Leonard Maltin Movie Channel available in staterooms.

The new partnership celebrates the fifth anniversary of Movies Under the Stars, which first debuted on Caribbean Princess. The giant Times Square-style movie screens are now available on eight ships, and will be added to most other ships in the Princess fleet by 2011.

“For many people in this country, there’s no more recognizable movie expert than Leonard Maltin,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Given the popularity of Movies Under the Stars, we know our passengers love watching films, so it’s a great opportunity to enhance the experience by featuring Mr. Maltin’s expertise with this new movie club and dedicated movie channel.”

The Leonard Maltin Movie Club invites passengers to view a specially selected film on Movies Under the Stars or in the Princess Theater. Each month, a new movie will be featured, with a special video introduction from Mr. Maltin. Soon, films will be announced prior to the sailing, so passengers will know what Movie Club selection will be presented on their cruise. Upcoming films include titles such as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Slumdog Millionaire” and “The Wrestler.”

Later, the cruise staff will host a gathering for passengers featuring a group discussion of the film, guided by questions and trivia from Mr. Maltin. The one-hour club meeting is open to all passengers.

For passengers who want to further enjoy films in their stateroom, the Leonard Maltin Movie Channel on the ship’s television system will feature a selection of contemporary, classic and animated movies specially selected by Mr. Maltin.

As part of this new relationship with Princess, Leonard Maltin himself will be traveling aboard a Princess ship to share his movie insights with passengers in a series of onboard presentations, and to host the Movie Club. Mr. Maltin’s sailing will be announced at a later date.

Leonard Maltin is one of the country’s most recognized and respected film critics and historians. He may be best known as the resident film buff on the popular syndicated program “Entertainment Tonight,” where he has appeared since 1982. However, long before he became a familiar face on television, his annual paperback “Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide” established his reputation; he was 18 when the first edition was published. He has also published numerous other books and articles, and teaches at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. In addition, Mr. Maltin has created television specials and DVDs on film topics, currently hosts the weekly program “Secret’s Out” on ReelzChannel, and introduces movies on DirecTV.

Movies Under the Stars poolside screens have been a signature feature on Princess ships since first debuting on Caribbean Princess in 2004. They are now featured on Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Star Princess, Golden Princess and Sea Princess. The giant LED screens are more than 300 square feet in size with 69,000-watt sound systems and sufficient lighting power to be seen clearly at mid-day and heard even while the ship is moving at full speed — offering cruise passengers a movie experience comparable to the best shoreside movie theater. Other special programs presented on the giant screens include sporting events such as the Super Bowl, the college football Bowl Championship Series, video game contests with Nintendo’s Wii, a variety of concert events with artists such as Christina Aguilera and Matchbox Twenty, and even midnight showings of cult films such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

The Yachts of Seabourn embarks upon an expansive future as Seabourn Odyssey launches from Venice as the first ultra-luxury vessel to debut in six years.

The 32,000-ton vessel built by T. Mariotti of Genoa, Italy, accommodates 450 guests in 225 luxury suites, ninety percent with verandas, offering one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry with highly personalized service. Odyssey features the largest spa on any luxury yacht, four restaurants and a host of luxury amenities. Guests of the maiden voyage will also share the unprecedented honor of acting as godparents.

Odyssey is the first of three new vessels Seabourn is building, a 216% increase in capacity for the line, with Seabourn Sojourn launching in June 2010 and a third new-build in 2011.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome Seabourn Odyssey to our distinguished fleet of yachts,” said Pamela Conover, President and CEO of The Yachts of Seabourn. “The launch of Odyssey allows us to serve more travelers but still offer the intimate and exclusive experience which has made us a leader in the luxury cruising market.”

Enticements are everywhere aboard Odyssey. The Spa at Seabourn is the largest spa on any luxury vessel at 11,400 square feet and is the only cruise vessel to offer SkinCeuticals, the award-winning skincare line, products and treatments at sea. Passengers can enjoy a hydropool, Kinesis wall, two herbal steam rooms as well as two Spa Villas complete with a whirlpool big enough for two, a private balcony for sunbathing, a double daybed and a full living room.

Passengers on Odyssey will savor five-star, all-inclusive dining in four restaurants from the fine-dining Restaurant with menus crafted by Charlie Palmer to the casual, open-air Patio Grill or choose course-by-course dining from the comfort of their suite.

With an intimate yacht-like atmosphere, passengers can choose from other highlights including 11 decks harboring two outdoor swimming pools, six outdoor whirlpools, water sports from the unique marina, and a private diamond showroom. The Retreat features a contoured nine-hole mini golf course, a giant chess board, shuffleboard and stargazing in the evening. Additional amenities include Seabourn-branded netbooks and iPods for loan as well as complimentary pool-side massages and signature ‘Caviar in the Surf’ service.

The Grand Wintergarden Suite, the largest of any Seabourn suite, offers 1,182 square feet of indoor space plus two verandas. The two bedroom, two bathroom suite features a glass-enclosed solarium with tub and daybed, as well as a whirlpool, dining for six, two bars and three flat-screen televisions.

All guests on Odyssey receive exceptional personalized service with nearly one staff member per guest and top-of-the-line amenities including the new Molton Brown Therapies skincare line, available for the first time at sea.

A new feature of Odyssey, Seabourn Square, is an innovative “concierge lounge” with a library, upscale shops, outdoor terrace and coffee bar, as well as concierges in a relaxed, club-like atmosphere.

Odyssey will spend her maiden year exploring the Mediterranean throughout the summer and early fall, then sailing the Caribbean before embarking on Seabourn’s first world cruise, a 108-day voyage departing January 5, 2010, visiting 42 ports in 26 countries on six continents from Ft. Lauderdale to Athens.

Courtesty of Celebrity Cruises.

When Celebrity Cruises’ newest Solstice-class ship, the 2,850-guest Celebrity Equinox, sets sail for the first time this summer, her sleek exterior and critically acclaimed interior design won’t be the only features raising eyebrows among cruise and travel enthusiasts. Playing off the success of the launch of her sister ship, Celebrity Solstice, the newest vessel in Celebrity’s fleet will also offer AquaClass staterooms designed to offer a soothing, spa-focused ambiance, as well as several indulgent new offerings in the onboard spa.

Celebrity’s AquaClass veranda staterooms, introduced as a Solstice-class exclusive feature last year, are located in close proximity to the ships’ two-story spa, known as “AquaSpa by Elemis.” AquaClass is the only stateroom category in Celebrity’s fleet that offers no third and fourth guest berthing, making the area quieter and more exclusive for guests wishing to relax in an utterly serene environment.

Guests in Celebrity’s AquaClass enjoy a host of spa-inspired amenities and perks. These include unlimited access to the AquaSpa’s Persian Garden aromatherapy steam room, featuring heated ceramic loungers, and the Relaxation Room, which offers stunning vistas from comfortable loungers and a peaceful ambiance. AquaClass guests also enjoy unlimited, complimentary access to the ship’s exclusive, “clean-cuisine” and Mediterranean-influenced specialty restaurant, Blu. The dinner menu features savory appetizers along the lines of roasted beet salad with goat cheese; Mediterranean chopped salad with pita chips and pomegranate vinaigrette; and entrees including blackened ahi tuna, pan-seared filet mignon, and herb-crusted rack of lamb; Blu is also open for breakfast, exclusively for AquaClass and suite guests.

AquaClass guests enjoy in-stateroom amenities that include a pillow menu featuring Swedish Isotonic, body and hypo-allergenic pillows; carafes of unsweetened iced tea; soothing, calming lavender oil in a reed diffuser; and a five-jet shower by Hansgrohe, designed to invigorate and relax. AquaClass guests on Celebrity Solstice have been enjoying the convenience of accessing free, exclusive, on-demand video programming that introduces them to wellness-themed activities such as meditation, yoga, etc., in the comfort of their stateroom. AquaClass will comprise 130 of the ship’s 1,426 staterooms. A full 85 percent of all staterooms on Celebrity Equinox will have verandas, and all staterooms will be equipped with flat-screen TVs, smarter storage and closet space, spacious bathrooms, and plush European bedding. The ship will offer wireless Internet access throughout.

All guests on Celebrity Equinox are welcome to treat themselves to indulge in the ship’s AquaSpa by Elemis, which will offer its standard line-up of revitalizing, restorative experiences for individuals and couples. Renowned for its exotic therapies focused on beauty and wellness, Celebrity’s AquaSpa – offering full service on all ships except the 92-guest mega-yacht, Celebrity Xpedition, which offers limited options – will offer new treatments on Celebrity Equinox, including an opulent, restorative new treatment: “24-Karat Gold Facial.” The treatment, which uses an alchemy of expert touch, medicinal plants, Rose Quartz and a pure 24-karat gold leaf mask, speeds up cell renewal and results in a rebalanced, nourished, brighter and more clarified skin texture and complexion. The new ship will offer “red carpet make-up” application after every facial in its line-up, featuring a natural touch of Colorscience mineral powder and lip gloss to keep skin and lips glowing. Guests who experience the 24-Karat Gold Facial on Celebrity Equinox will also be able to enjoy a special cocktail inspired by the treatment itself. The “Golden Kiss Martini” will feature Golden Supreme vodka, cucumber juice, agave syrup and lemon juice, muddled with fresh mint.

Celebrity Equinox will also offer a “lash and brow bar,” where guests can add glamour to their look by selecting from a variety of eyelash enhancements, offered in three styles: Natural Lashes, Evening Eyes or Ultra Glam, which features a sparkling touch of glitter. Brow sculpting will be offered by expert aestheticians who carefully shape and define the eyebrows to give the face an instant lift and a polished appearance. Brow tinting, which can cover gray hairs or enhance one’s natural look, will be available in various shades. Lash tinting, ideal for guests whose eyelashes are light in color, will also be available. Celebrity Equinox’s AquaSpa will offer a full slate of massages, wraps, couples treatments, rituals and facials. The ship also offers men’s barber services, including traditional barber shaves.

Celebrity also presents a comprehensive slate of “medi-spa” offerings onboard. As the first cruise line to offer onboard acupuncture, Celebrity will continue to offer this popular treatment on Celebrity Equinox, in a space located within the AquaSpa. Celebrity Equinox will also offer BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments, which soften fine lines and wrinkles to result in a more youthful appearance; Restylane and Perlane treatments, Elemis Oxydermy facials and teeth whitening.

A full-service fitness center, located in the AquaSpa area of the ship, will offer guests the option to exercise on state-of-the-art equipment at their own pace or participate in group fitness classes. An outdoor walking/jogging track gives guests the opportunity to take in the sea air while staying healthy. Celebrity also offers guests the option to purchase personal training services onboard. The 122,000-gross-registered-tons Celebrity Equinox is scheduled to enter service July 31 from Southampton, England, on an eight-night cruise through the majestic Norwegian Fjords, followed by a series of romantic Mediterranean sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, beginning August 8.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Evolves Culinary Experiences With Al-Fresco Seating, Gourmet Venues And My Time Dining

Oasis of the Seas will set the stage for Royal Caribbean International’s culinary innovations. The world’s most revolutionary cruise ship will offer guests more variety and flexibility than ever before, thanks to 24 distinct dining experiences, ranging from an exclusive signature restaurant, to neighborhood-specific themed venues and new twists on the global brand’s traditions.

“Oasis of the Seas showcases the evolution of Royal Caribbean dining,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Both the new concepts and the established Royal Caribbean offerings found throughout the neighborhoods are designed to meet contemporary dining standards, cater to individual preferences and schedules and foster epicurean curiosity. With so many options, guests could choose a new place to dine for every meal.”

Fleetwide, Royal Caribbean strives to deliver the best dining experience possible by continuously developing innovative programs and upholding the highest culinary standards. As guests expectations continue to rise, the global cruise line introduces new elements of variety and flexibility, such as My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining. In addition, Royal Caribbean trains and certifies all culinary chefs through the American Culinary Federation’s accredited education program and implements U.S. training standards of safe alcohol service.

From breakfast to late night snacks, guest’s onboard Oasis of the Seas can find an extensive variety of food and beverage offerings, available at no extra charge, that will satisfy any craving, providing more options for breakfast, lunch and dinner than Royal Caribbean guests have ever had before.

Central Park
150 Central Park – The most exclusive dining venue on Oasis of the Seas, 150 Central Park will provide an intimate dining experience that will combine leading-edge cuisine with modern design, creating a trendy upscale ambiance. Signature features will include a tasting menu with customized wine pairings. Open for dinner; $35 cover charge.

Giovanni’s Table – This Tuscan countryside influenced trattoria will be a more-accessible, casual Italian restaurant featuring both indoor and al fresco seating. Giovanni’s Table will offer rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including toasted herbal breads, pizzas, salads, pastas, Italian sandwiches, braised meat dishes and stews, all served family-style. Open for lunch and dinner; $10 lunch and $15 dinner cover charge.

Park Café – A casual dining choice providing a high level of variety and flexibility, Park Café will be an indoor/outdoor gourmet market with walk-up counters. From freshly prepared salads and madeto- order sandwiches, to paninis, crepes and hearty soups, guests will order directly from the chefs behind food stations. European pastries, sublime chocolates and decadent fudge will round out the offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.

Vintages – Always a popular hot spot for Royal Caribbean guests on Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, the Vintages wine bar will evolve into a larger space on Oasis of the Seas. Great for a pre-dinner rendezvous, Vintages will provide a selection of cheeses and a broad tapas menu to accompany a robust selection of fine wines, from a tropical white Riesling to a mocha-inflected Merlot. Open for lunch and dinner; á la carte pricing.

Chops Grille – Continuing the tradition, Royal Caribbean’s popular signature steakhouse will offer premium cut, quality meats. Guests can choose to enjoy the upscale, contemporary setting indoors with views of Central Park or al fresco. Open for dinner; $25 cover charge.

Boardwalk
Seafood Shack – The indoor/outdoor casual family restaurant will bring the surf style of beach side amusement parks to the Boardwalk, serving a variety of seafood, as well an extensive beverage menu of non-alcoholic cocktails and over-sized desserts. Open for lunch and dinner; $7.95 lunch and $9.95 dinner cover charge.

Boardwalk Bar – The main bar in the Boardwalk will offer on-the-go snacks and a variety of prepackaged sandwiches, fruit and salads. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Donut Shop – Guests can stop into the classically styled shop for a casual snack any time of day. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ice Cream Parlor – The 1950′s styled ice cream venue will display classic sundaes and a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings to choose from and then mixed-to-order on a frozen slab. Open throughout the day; á la carte pricing.

Johnny Rockets – Extending the signature “eat-ertainment” hours, a diner breakfast menu will be introduced. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; $3.95 breakfast and $4.95 lunch and dinner cover charge.

The Royal Promenade
Mondo Cafe – This new addition to the Royal Promenade will feature coffee, sandwiches and pastries native to countries such as Italy, Spain and Cuba. Steps from Boleros and open around the clock, it is sure to be popular after an evening on the dance floor. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.

Sorrento’s Pizzeria – The New York style pizzeria will feature a more extensive menu with madeto- order pizza pies and slices, in addition to the ready-made selections introduced with the Freedomclass ships. Open for lunch, dinner and late night snacks.

Café Promenade – Located on the opposite end of the Royal Promenade from the Mondo Cafe, the popular café will continue serving Seattle’s Best Coffee, fruit shakes, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day and night. Open 24 hours; á la carte pricing.

The Pool and Sports Zone
Solarium Bistro – Located in the Solarium the contemporary bistro will offer health-conscious dining for breakfast and lunch in a casual setting. In the evenings, Solarium Bistro will transform into a romantic and intimate dining setting for specialty healthy-fare dinner and dancing under the stars. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; dinner has a $20 cover charge.

The Wipe Out Café – The casual self-service buffet will offer a variety of options from pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches and fresh salads to quick snacks and desserts, for young cruisers on-the-go. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
The Vitality Café – Located at the entrance of the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, the Vitality Café will feature healthy snacks, sandwiches, wraps and fruit, in addition to refreshing juices and smoothies from the Vitality spa menu for the calorie conscious guest. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

New Twists on Fleet Fixtures
Opus Dining Room – The three-level main dining room will revive the grandeur of the 1920s and feature French art deco design. Catering to guests’ varying preferences, the newly introduced My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining, as well as the traditional main and late seating options will be offered. My Time Dining provides guests with the option to enjoy the dining room ambiance with Royal Caribbean’s renowned Gold Anchor Service whenever they wish during dining hours. Guests choosing My Time Dining will not have a pre-assigned table, but will be seated in the ships main dining room and will order from the same traditional dinner menu. My Time Dining guests can make daily reservations for specific seating times or choose to walk in. My Family Time Dining accommodates parents and children by offering an expedited 40-minute dining service for young cruisers, ages 3-11. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Windjammer Marketplace – Offering the utmost flexibility for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this next generation of the brand staple will feature multiple islands, each serving a variety casual buffet fare.
Izumi – The new Asian cuisine restaurant will feature a sushi bar and hot rock cooking, as well as other Asian fare in a more formal setting. Open for lunch and dinner; á la carte pricing.

In-Stateroom Service – Guests wanting to enjoy a meal in the comfort of their staterooms will be able to choose from the complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, as well as the recently introduced Dine in Delights menu, which offers name-brand culinary options ranging from the Original Johnny Rockets hamburger to Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookies. Open 24 hours; á la carte pricing for Dine In Delights and $3.95 service charge for in-room deliveries between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.