Posts from — March 2011

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines.

The 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, recently completed its sea trials in the Adriatic Sea in preparation for its May 1 debut from Europe.

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 3,690-passenger vessel had a full contingent of officers, technicians and engineers on board who thoroughly tested the Carnival Magic’s sophisticated navigation and mechanical systems.

Following sea trials, Carnival Magic> returned to Monfalcone, where it is undergoing final interior outfitting prior to its delivery late next month. [Read more →]

Courtesy of MSC Cruises.

MSC Cruises’ newest Fantasia-class ship, MSC Divina – currently being built in the STX Europe shipyards in France with her scheduled launch in May 2012 – received accolades for her energy efficiency ratings from a new shipping efficiency website.

This announcement comes via Shippingefficiency.org – a new website created to enable businesses and members of the public to consult independent energy efficiency ratings of ocean-going vessels so they can make an informed green choice.

Founded by the entrepreneurs behind the charity Carbon War Room – including Virgin Group Chairman Sir Richard Branson – Shipping Efficiency uses a straightforward “A” to “G” rating system that is based on the methodology the International Maritime Organization developed for the United Nations Energy Efficiency Design Index. The ratings are presented on an intuitive graphical scale similar to those used to show the energy efficiency of houses, making them effortless to understand and compare. [Read more →]

By: The Cruise Web, Inc.

On Friday, March 11th The Cruise Web celebrated its first ever “Sticky Finger Friday.” Rather than going on a “sticky finger” burglary spree, however, we got sticky digging into cinnamon buns and other breakfast treats. And how exactly did “Sticky Finger Friday” get started? Like everything great that happens at The Cruise Web, it was a team effort. First came the idea to get cinnamon buns on a Friday because, well, we wanted them – eating cinnamon buns should never have to be justified. Next thing we knew the plan was being referred to as “Sticky Finger Friday” – for the unavoidable mess that comes with cinnamon buns – and we’d located the nearest Cinnabon. The idea only snowballed from there.

Upon realizing that we needed something to wash down the sticky goodness, someone proposed mimosas. Professionals that we are, we modified the recipe a bit and agreed that virgin mimosas made with Sprite and orange juice would create an adequate substitute. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International.

What does a modern day romantic cruise adventure look like?  In her directorial debut, Jenny McCarthy stars in a sexy romantic comedy set onboard Royal Caribbean International’s newest cruise ship, Allure of the Seas.  McCarthy, along with Hollywood veteran James Brolin, recently wrapped the “Ocean Views” film series project commissioned by Royal Caribbean, whereby the actors not only directed, but also star in, original short films designed to share great cinematic stories, while highlighting the variety of cruising experiences one can enjoy with Royal Caribbean.  Created and produced by Mindshare Entertainment in association with GenerateLA, the films are expected to attract a variety of audiences, including those who may not have otherwise shown interest in taking a cruise vacation.

“In today’s ever-changing digital landscape, it’s important to recognize that consumers are getting their information from a variety of channels,” stated Betsy O’Rourke, SVP Marketing, Royal Caribbean International.  “Royal Caribbean has always been known for its innovation, and the creation of these short films allows us to share our story with a wider audience that may not have considered a cruise vacation.” [Read more →]

By Ken Cho, Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

As a consumer and inhabitant of this planet, I’m always interested in the conservation movement and alternative/renewable sources of energy. That includes when I go on vacation and travel abroad. Practices in countries like Japan where conservation and “green” methods/products are part of everyday life have always impressed me. Ever since I began my career as a cruise consultant with The Cruise Web, I’ve wanted to know what the cruise lines do to help foster such practices. [Read more →]

By: The Cruise Web, Inc.

Ten Cruise Web trainees, led by two Sales Managers, recently returned from a 3-night Bahamas cruise aboard the Norwegian Sky. The cruise, which was designed to be as much educational as rewarding, took employees from Miami to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay. Throughout the trip, the trainees were perfect ambassadors for The Cruise Web, representing the company well while soaking in everything the experience had to offer, including the warm Caribbean sun. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

Get ready for some company, Sydney Opera House. Another thing of beauty will share Sydney Harbour when premium cruise brand Celebrity Cruises sends its award-winning Celebrity Solstice to Australia and New Zealand for the winter of 2012-13.

“Celebrity Solstice has satisfied guests around the world since we introduced her in 2008, and the obvious next step is to send her to Australia,” said Dan Hanrahan, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “With this move, we are delivering another way for people to have the best vacation experience possible, in one of the most stunning geographic regions of the world.” [Read more →]

By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Appropriately I am writing about green on St Patrick’s Day and everyone around me is sporting their finest green ware.  When they asked me to write about the color green, I am not sure they knew it was my favorite color, but, really, what’s not to love?  Green is the color of spring, of the Super Bowl champions, the Green Bay Packers, and of the wonderful band Green Day.  It is the name of one of the best REM albums.  Green is the color jacket for which every golfer aspires.   A green flag starts car races, even my 2 year old son knows that green means Go!  Green is renewable and fresh.  And, of course, it is the color of money.  Who doesn’t want more green! [Read more →]

Question: What environmentally-friendly measures have you adopted? [Read more →]