Posts from — July 2010

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean International is offering guests the opportunity to transform their next cruise vacation into a gourmet getaway, thanks to 12 specialty voyages onboard Freedom of the Seas that are part of the cruise line’s “Epicurean Discovery” series. Designed to provide culinary enthusiasts with an experience of a lifetime, this mouth watering package features a variety of special events throughout the week devoted to cuisine and fine dining, with each sailing hosted by a different renowned celebrity chef, such as “Iron Chef” contender Johnny Vinczencz; 2010 James Beard winner for “Best Chef in the South” Michael Schwartz; and “Top Chef” Chicago contender Spike Mandelsohn.

Available exclusively to guests booking suite accommodations or higher, the seven-night “Epicurean Discovery” package offers foodies a unique educational endeavor led by gastronomic mavericks, including private dinners, a wine tasting, experiential lecture and private tour, as well as a tapas sampling reception, signed photo and cookbook.

Guests participating in the new onboard experience will still have ample time to enjoy Freedom of the Seas‘ signature amenities, from the FlowRider surf-simulator, H20 Zone interactive water park, signature rock climbing Wall and only full-size boxing rink at sea to Broadway-caliber production shows, one-of-a-kind ice shows, and fully equipped Freedom DaySpa and Fitness Center, as well as enjoy the various ports of call. Sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla., Freedom of the Seas sails seven-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean, calling on Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten and Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay, Bahamas; and to the Western Caribbean, calling on Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Mexico; and Royal Caribbean’s private destination Labadee, Haiti.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

Like the iconic boomerang believed to have originated in Australia, Celebrity Cruises recently announced plans to return to the region in 2011-12, with an enticing new series of vacations on Celebrity Century.

“This marks a significant expansion of Celebrity’s diverse array of global vacation options,” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. “We’re thrilled to return to Australia and New Zealand. It’s a region our guests and trade partners around the world have said they wanted to experience again with Celebrity, pairing our award-winning dining, exceptional service and high style with the beauty, charm and diversity of the area. This move further exemplifies our ‘Designed for you’ platform, and how we fulfill what cruisers’ desire.” [Read more →]

Courtesy of Holland America Line.

Holland America Line has topped the $2 million mark in contributions raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, a global leader in the fight against breast cancer, underscoring the line’s place on Komen’s prestigious Million Dollar Council Elite.

On July 6, Holland America Line’s President and CEO Stein Kruse celebrated the fundraising milestone aboard the line’s newest ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, with Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. While on board, Kruse and Brinker led the 5K walk around the gleaming new teak decks with more than 500 shipboard guests and crew, raising nearly $40,000. Following was a special pink lemonade and champagne reception. Special celebrations were also held that week across the line’s fleet of ships. [Read more →]

A compilation from the Cruise Web employees.

For this month’s newsletter, The Cruise Web’s employees pulled out their personal bucket lists and provided a few of their own items. The result is a comprehensive bucket list compiled of our favorite items. Some have recently been completed while others remain on the list… for now. Continue below to see what made it onto our employees’ bucket lists!

Jen C.
An Alaska Cruise Tour was on my bucket list until I had the chance to cross it off this month – And it was absolutely amazing.  We were able to see Mt. McKinley and the “Big 5″ in Denali (bear, moose, dall sheep, wolves, and caribou).  The glaciers were gorgeous and I would go back in a heart beat. [Read more →]

By Brandon Biss, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

Last year I turned the Big 3-0.  I instantly became “old” to my 16 year-old sister.  I celebrated with my family and friends.  After absorbing a few “you’re so old” jokes, I took some time to evaluate my life.  I realized how fortunate I am.  I have wonderful friends and family, a great career, and a very fulfilling life outside of work.  At this time, I made some goals for myself.  Some are very attainable, and some a little more far-reaching.  I guess you could call it my own bucket list.  I always thought that term was designated for my grandparents.  The term was for those who are fulfilling their dreams during the twilight of their lives.  However, everyone has goals, ambitions, and dreams regardless of age.  Some of mine include learning another language, catching a foul ball at a baseball game, and raising a family.

From a young age, I have always enjoyed the adventure of travel.  When I was 10 years-old, my grandparents and I drove across the US, stopping everywhere imaginable.  A few stops were made at various points of the Lewis and Clark trail through Montana and Idaho.  Thinking back, this was a very symbolic moment for me.  I was a young boy; anything I wanted to do was right in front of me.  All I had to do was blaze my own trail. [Read more →]

We’ve told you our bucket lists, but now it’s time for you to share your personal bucket lists. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to  snorkel in the Caribbean. Or maybe you’re more interested in conquering a mountain. Either way, we can’t wait to see your responses!

The Cruise Web recently had the opportunity to send several employees onboard the Norwegian Epic to take part in the ship’s inaugural activities. We jumped on the opportunity as inaugural sailings are an exciting way for our employees to gain valuable first-hand experience with a new ship — Experience that we then have the opportunity to pass on to clients.

The first inaugural sailing took place on July 2 and left out of New York City. Comedian Jeff Garlin kicked off the commencement ceremony by introducing the ship and guiding attendees on a virtual tour of the ship’s various entertainment options, including Blue Man Group, Legends in Concert and The Second City improv group. Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, took the stage next and welcomed guests with a warming commencement speech. Mr. Sheehan then introduced country music star Reba McEntire as Norwegian Epic’s godmother. Ms. McEntire shared her enjoyable experiences with the cruise line before offering the traditional blessing of the ship. Guests concluded the ship’s commencement ceremony by raising their glasses and toasting to a successful inaugural. [Read more →]

The Cruise Web is excited to announce the newest addition to our list of world-class preferred cruise line partners — Oceania Cruises.  The Cruise Web’s preferred partnerships mean that The Cruise Web can offer you, our client, the best values with Oceania Cruises, as well as all of the industry’s other leading cruise lines.

Oceania’s intimate and luxurious ships will allow you to explore the world in style and comfort. Sophisticated, stylish and distinctly mid-size, you’ll find the onboard atmosphere is extremely relaxing with an unrivaled level of personalized service. [Read more →]

On Wednesday, July 7, The Cruise Web gathered for a celebratory lunch in honor of Beth King’s 10 year employment anniversary with the company. The lunch was extra special in that it provided many employees with their first chance to meet Beth, who usually works from home.

Beth King grew up in Maryland and entered the travel industry early on while performing corporate and leisure sales in the DC-metro area. She quickly developed a love for the industry and moved on to manage the customer service department for a large cruise line in Miami. A desire to be closer to family brought her back to Maryland where she found The Cruise Web, thus beginning our now 10-year relationship.

Beth had the following kind words to say about The Cruise Web, “I am so proud to be with such a fantastic company and to have had the opportunity to be part of their enormous growth over the past 10 years!” Thanks Beth! The Cruise Web is proud to have you and we look forward to even more growth in the future.

Courtesy of Crystal Cruises.

In its dedication to protecting marine environments and preserving their habitats, Crystal Cruises has committed to serving only sustainable seafood aboard its award-winning vessels.  Renowned for the sophisticated fare served in the Crystal Dining Room and specialty restaurants Silk Road and The Sushi Bar and Prego, Crystal is the first cruise line to publicly commit to such a policy.

Since 1990, Crystal has served fresh fish and live lobster in the Crystal Dining Room and specialty restaurants, and with this new commitment, will offer guests a wide variety of sea fare raised in a sustainable manner, protecting the species for future generations.   With guidance from both governmental and non-governmental conservation organizations and fisheries, the line favors suppliers that share the same ideals and boast documented reputations for methods that minimize the impact on local wildlife and ecosystems.   [Read more →]