Category — Current Cruise News

Courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Paul Gauguin Cruises offers young passengers a chance to get hands-on experiences with the under water world of French Polynesia with their Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program. The program is spearheaded by Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of Jacques Costeau, who has carried on his father’s legacy by committing his life to educating young and old alike about the wonders of the sea.

The Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program invites ship passengers aged 9-17 to go underwater to see coral reefs and wildlife and to travel the land visiting the rainforest trails and  ancient Polynesian temples. The program also includes education on the islands’ big exports pearls and vanilla as well as explaining interesting local phenomena like how volcanoes become coral atolls.

This program is available on all Paul Gauguin Cruises from June to August. Parents are always invited and encouraged to join their children for any of the programs activities during their sailing.

The Cruise Web, Inc.
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Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Not since “The Love Boat” have cruise ships gotten so much screen time. Lifetime Network will be premiering  a new dating reality series, “Love for Sail,” which takes place on three of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships. The show will  premiere on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at 10 pm ET/PT.

In each episode of “Love for Sail,” four  women looking for love will board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, either Epic, Pearl or Star and set sail to exotic locations surrounded by a group of equally-eager single men ready to embark on what they hope to be the voyage of their lives.

“We are thrilled to work with Lifetime … on a unique series that showcases the many aspects of cruising from lavish suites and incredible dining options to innovative on board activities and exciting shore excursions,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “There is such romance in being at sea; this show will do a great job of showcasing that and sharing the stories of these guests who may find the love of their life aboard.” [Read more →]

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

For the first time ever Celebrity’s master chefs Jacques Van Staden and John Suley will cook at the The James Beard House, which is a culinary honor. James Beard was a chef who helped guide American chefs and enthusiasts to reach culinary excellence. Today, to receive an award from the James Beard Foundation is a supreme honor.

The James Beard House is known for its events, including guest chef-led dinners, which aim to educate, inspire, entertain and foster an appreciation of cuisine among members as well as the general public, while benefiting the non-profit James Beard Foundation.

“We selected Jacques and John to cook at the James Beard House because the culinary journey that they have created for guests on Celebrity Cruises’ ships truly is outstanding,” said Izabela Wojcik, Director of House Programming, The James Beard Foundation. “Their incredible creativity is the reason why Celebrity’s guests have the opportunity to delve into an extraordinary range of globally influenced flavors and presentations.”

“We want people to realize that the cuisine we’re serving on our ships is extraordinarily unique, creative, and modern, and it’s a large part of what makes the Celebrity vacation experience unique. What we offer has in many ways changed the dynamics of cruise ship dining, and there’s no better way to tell our story than by cooking at the James Beard House.” said Van Staden.

Many of the dishes for this event are served onboard  like the Wild Boar Baby Back Rib Spring Rolls with Truffle Barbecue Sauce and the Grand Marnier Soufflé. Keep reading to find out the full menu. [Read more →]

By The Cruise Web, Inc.

The Cruise Web recently honored the top Sales Consultants of 2011 in a special awards ceremony attended by the entire company. After thanking all team members for their work over the past year, The Cruise Web’s President and founder, Frans Hansen, announced the company’s top sales consultant for 2011…

Please join us in congratulating our 2011 Sales Person of the Year – Brandon Biss!

As Sales Person of the year again in 2011, Brandon produced at an incredible level and is a tremendous leader by example for The Cruise Web. Brandon has now earned this top honor for 5 years in a row.

Also receiving honors were Senior Cruise Consultants Arthur Balin and Jarren Matthews. Arthur was the official Runner-up Sales Person of the Year and turned in another extraordinary performance while at the same time putting forth significant time, energy and commitment to support the entire sales force with additional responsibilities as an Assistant Sales Manager. Jarren Matthews finished third in 2011 and has quickly become one of the most dependable cruise consultants at The Cruise Web.

Congratulations again to Brandon, Arthur and Jarren!


The Cruise Web, Inc.
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By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Last month, The Cruise Web’s very own Lynda Lynn and Rashell O’Neal had the joy of cruising aboard the MSC Poesia on a 4-night Bahamas cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In addition to enjoying a much deserved vacation, the two Cruise Consultants also received some firsthand education on the cruising experience aboard MSC Cruises. Continue reading as both Lynda and Rashell were nice enough to share their experiences:

Lynda L.
“I had a wonderful time aboard the MSC Poesia. MSC Cruises presents a nice cross between contemporary and premium cruising and the ship is elegantly appointed. The European décor was contemporary, but tasteful and classy. The public spaces were larger than can be found on most ships and made for a lot of fun dancing and hanging out. The food was great and there was plenty of variety. We also enjoyed some very, very good sushi at the ship’s a-la-carte sushi bar. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has begun accepting reservations for cruises from April 2013 to December 2013. The ultra-luxury line’s Summer Collection features more than 50 itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Alaska, plus fall cruises to New England and Canada and an Amazon River itinerary.

Highlights include new ports of call, extended voyages of up to 43-nights, two-for-one fares and bonus savings of up to $13,000 per suite and Business Class air for just $999 each way when booked by June 30, 2012. Guests in Penthouse suites or higher will enjoy free Business Class upgrades on transatlantic flights. [Read more →]

By The Cruise Web, Inc.

On Saturday, March 3^rd, The Cruise Web’s management team swung over to Arthur Murray Studios in Columbia, MD for an exclusive Managers’ Ballroom Dance group lesson and practice party. The afternoon lesson was led by three instructors and included a special in-studio break with sandwiches, drinks and snacks.

In addition to teaching some new dance moves, the lesson provided a practical metaphor for working with our clients. “It is not enough to take the right steps – you have to also take those steps in harmony with the client,” stated The Cruise Web’s President and founder, Frans Hansen. “Fast steps, slow steps, big steps, small steps, bouncy steps and smooth steps – whatever it is, we and our clients need to step together and in harmony!” [Read more →]

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways.

Cruising with Avalon Waterways is about to get even more “suite.”   The small-ship cruise company will unveil two more ships – the Avalon Expression and Avalon Artistry II to join three other “Suite Ships.” A “Suite Ship” boasts two full decks of suites – 200-square foot Panorama Suites (293 total) and 300-square foot Royal Suites (10 total). That’s right, all cabins in these ships will be suites – bringing the fleet’s “Suite Ship” total to five.

The Avalon Expression and Avalon Artistry II will be joining the Panorama, Vista and Visionary in sailing the Danube, Rhine and Main Rivers in Europe in 2013.

 “Seeing the Old World doesn’t mean you have to cruise on an old ship,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways.  “On an Avalon cruise, travelers will step aboard Europe’s youngest fleet where they’ll find themselves surrounded by the most expansive views, innovative technologies and inspired designs available.”

[Read more →]

Courtesy of Crystal Cruises.

Crystal Cruises has now officially begun its transition to including adult beverages into the price of its cruises.  The effort launched on the Crystal Symphony’s Miami to Lisbon Trans-Atlantic cruise that embarked March 19. Crystal’s  Serenity will follow suit with her spring Trans-Atlantic sailing on May 8.

This means that guests can now enjoy a generous and impressive selection of complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, as well as open bar service in all lounges, and pre-paid gratuities for all housekeeping, butler, bar and dining staff.  The complimentary drinks on board now include Grey Goose Vodka, Hennessy Cognac and Jacquart Brut Mosaique Champagne among many more.

Dinner restaurants offer recommended pairings nightly, and sommeliers certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers remain on hand to assist with wine selections.  There is no corkage fee on board if one wishes to enjoy wine purchased ashore. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, launching in April 2013, will have a whole new concept that  includes an oceanfront boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and bars, combined with three expansive, flowing decks of dining, bars, entertainment, gaming and more. The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place will take cruising to new heights and offer an unparalleled experience with a unique connection  to the ocean.

Norwegian Breakaway will sail from her year-round home port of New York City to Bermuda in the summer and The Bahamas & Florida and The Caribbean in the winter. [Read more →]