Posts from — July 2010

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity Cruises has introduced a new “Personal Concierge” program aimed at further enhancing the brand’s “Designed for you” reputation, by emphasizing the extraordinary customized onboard service that has long set Celebrity Cruises apart from its competitors. By individually communicating with guests to learn their personal preferences, tastes and needs, Celebrity’s new Personal Concierges deliver individualized attention – much like that of a personal assistant – for any guests who wish to heighten special occasions and create new ones.

“Our guests cruise for many reasons, whether they’re seeking an unforgettable vacation or celebrating life’s most precious milestones,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations. “We have designed the new Personal Concierge position in order to help guests make their vacation with us a truly personalized experience, in a way that minimizes their effort but maximizes their enjoyment.” [Read more →]

Courtesy of Cunard Line.

When Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth debuts in October 2010, the Line will introduce an original concept in theatrical entertainment at sea with the newly formed Queen Elizabeth Theatre Company. Guests will enjoy a brand new repertoire of shows premiered by the Theatre Company’s 29 singers, dancers, actors and musicians.

New shows will include the hit “Slice of Saturday Night,” a popular nostalgic pastiche of 1960s music which has been staged in London and toured extensively throughout the UK and US. Adapted especially for the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Company by its original writers, the Heather Brothers, “Slice of Saturday Night” features all of the Theatre Company members – the largest production show that Cunard has ever staged. [Read more →]

By Frans Hansen, President, The Cruise Web.

In Rob Reiner’s film The Bucket List, Jack Nicholson’s and Morgan Freeman’s characters meet in a crowded hospital room, having just been diagnosed with terminal illnesses and prognoses of less than a year to live. The two become unlikely friends, and set off together to climb the Pyramids, traverse the Great Wall of China, safari in Africa, and share all the things on their list before they “kick the bucket!”

With respects to legends Reiner, Nicholson and Freeman, and to those who have actually lived out final year bucket lists, I have to argue that this is the ‘old’ way about a Bucket List! The New Bucket List concept is quite different … and it’s ageless!  First of all, very few of us are given one year’s ‘advance notice’ on our life expectancy, and then also have the time, resources and health, to knock off a list of 20 worldly pursuits in under a year.  Additionally, beginning with the instant we are born, our time here starts ticking away.  Thus, now is the time to live our dreams.  Now, everyone, whether 25 or 85, should put together a proper Bucket List and start checking off at least one item per year! [Read more →]

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line.

In another first, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced an exclusive partnership with SVEDKA Vodka and Inniskillin ice wine to be introduced on board Norwegian Epic, its largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship ever. As part of the partnership, this unique frozen bar will be called the SVEDKA Ice Bar and will feature specialty SVEDKA and Inniskillin ice wine drinks.

Inspired by the original ice bars and ice hotels in Scandinavia, the cruise industry’s first true ice bar is the ultimate chill. This frozen chamber is set in changing hues of blue, green and purple LED lighting that simulates the Northern Lights and creates a distinctive arctic atmosphere. The SVEDKA Ice Bar features a bar, walls, tables, stools, glasses and life-size sculptures all made from ice. Guests are given hooded coats and gloves to keep them warm, since the room’s temperature does not rise above 17 degrees Fahrenheit. [Read more →]