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Honeymooners can combine MSC Cruises'Mediterranean Experience with Land Stay
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (May 8, 2007) – Couples can enjoy the Mediterranean honeymoon of their dreams with MSC Cruises' two-week cruise and land packages.
The packages combine MSC Cruises'“Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.” cruise experience with a mid-cruise hotel stay in one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful cities.
During the 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise on one of the line's vessels, couples can disembark mid-cruise for a 7-night hotel stay at one of the ship's ports of call, returning to the ship for the remainder of their 7-night cruise. Mid-cruise hotel packages vary by ship and include the contemporary vessels MSC Musica in Palma, Spain; MSC Armonia in Corfu, Greece, and MSC Sinfonia in La Valetta, Malta; or the classic MSC Melody in Ibiza, Spain.
Rates for a 7-night hotel stay and 7-night cruise package begin at $1,571 per person, double occupancy and are available through November on select sailings. In addition to onboard meals and entertainment and the line's Italian ambiance and fine service, the price includes breakfast and evening buffets in the hotel (excluding drinks) and transfers to and from the hotel; government fees and taxes are additional.
While enjoying MSC Cruises'“Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.” experience, honeymooners can choose to indulge in one of the line's special honeymoon spa packages.
| Seabourn's Next Yacht will be an Odyssey Past Guest Wins a Maiden Year Cruise for Guessing Correct Name
MIAMI, June 26, 2007----Seabourn Cruise Line has announced the name that will be given to its new, ultra luxury cruising vessel, presently under construction in Italy. The all-suite, 450-guest ship will be christened Seabourn Odyssey when she debuts in Venice in mid-2009.
“There were literally hundreds of names that we considered,” said Seabourn president Pamela C. Conover, “and we pursued dozens of different directions. But in the end, we wanted her name to reflect her primary purpose, which is to wander the globe, carrying our guests to the world’s most exciting and fascinating destinations, in signature Seabourn luxury and style.”
Seabourn invited its Seabourn Club, an exceptionally loyal coterie of repeat guests, to participate in the fun by guessing the name before it was announced. With the incentive of a free cruise for two during the new ship’s maiden year for the winner, the contest drew thousands of entries from around the world by mail and email. Over fifty of those entries divined the correct name, and the winners, John and Hazel Coleman of Monaco, were drawn at random from among those who answered correctly.
Beginning last May, more than 8,500 tons of steel is being cut and welded to form the sleek hull and graceful superstructure of the line’s new, $250 million flagship, which, when she is launched, will be the first addition to any fleet in the ultra luxury segment of the cruise industry in six years.
Although three times the size of her smaller 10,000-ton sister ships, Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, Seabourn Odyssey will carry just over twice as many guests, and boast the same gracious ratio of hospitality staff to guests and among the highest space-per-guest ratios in the cruise industry. In addition, the new vessel will offer more dining options than her sisters, as well as more types of suites, more verandas, more entertainment venues and enhanced spa and recreational facilities.
Plans for maiden year itineraries are still being finalized, but the initial level of interest and excitement prompted Seabourn to devise a system for accepting reservations that will be at once equitable to its loyal guests and supporters, and manageable for the company’s internal staff.
Guests who wish to sail on voyages during the maiden year can secure a spot on a waitlist by making a standard Seabourn deposit of $1,000 per person, or $2,000 per person for the actual maiden voyage. These deposits are being accepted now. Seabourn expects to publish the details of Odyssey’s maiden year schedules by the end of 2007. At that time, waitlisted persons will be notified in advance and given priority booking access, which will allow them to select the specific voyage and accommodation they prefer. These reservations will be accepted according to the following criteria:
Guests who sail with Seabourn in 2007 or 2008 will have first priority. They will be notified in advance and given a two week priority booking window. This will include anyone who books and sails on a cruise departing by the end of 2008.
Past guests of Seabourn who do not sail in 2007 or 2008 will be granted the second priority notification and a second two-week booking access.
A third priority booking period will be available to first-time Seabourn guests who have deposited for the waitlist.
After that, reservations will be accepted from anyone for remaining space on maiden year voyages, based on Seabourn’s standard deposit and booking policies.
Travelers can experience Seabourn’s award-winning style on cruises of seven to 28 days or more in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, India and Arabia. Cruise itineraries explore landmark ports and lesser-known gems where larger ships cannot go.
| SILVERSEA 2007-2008 VOYAGE ATLAS NOW AVAILABLE Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- June 19, 2007 Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has released its 2007-2008 Voyage Atlas. The 172-page, full-color guide showcases nearly 200 imaginative itineraries visiting all corners of the world during the period of July 2007 through December 2008.
The new brochure opens with Silversea ambassador Isabella Rossellini and her daughter Elettra Wiedemann lounging on Silver Whisper's aft deck, savoring the last rays of an evening sunset -- an image evoking the luxurious freedom and convivial ambiance of the Silversea lifestyle that unfolds throughout the following pages.
"Our ships and itineraries cater to the discerning traveler's love of fascinating locales and authentic experiences," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "We think this new brochure does an excellent job of communicating Silversea's easygoing luxury and the rewards of traveling by small ship to explore the world's most desirable destinations."
In addition to an easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary of cruise itineraries, the brochure features comprehensive information on Silversea's signature amenities, special programs, deck plans and pricing. The balance of the brochure is dedicated to enrichment programs, optional shore excursions and land programs.
A sampling of the line's complimentary shoreside experiences, available on select voyages, offers the chance to enjoy a classical concert at ancient Ephesus, delight in an evening of fine dining and African music in the Namib desert, or take in the spectacle of the Blue Wall glacier aboard a catamaran in Laguna San Rafael, Chile.
From July 2007 through December 2008, Silversea is also offering a rich variety of pre- and post-cruise land packages and safaris ranging in length from two to six nights and priced from $585 per person. Guests may choose to retreat to the Huka Lodge on New Zealand's North Island to soak in a natural hot pool, or immerse themselves in the old-world romance of rail travel as they leisurely explore the Scottish Highlands aboard the luxurious Royal Scotsman. Those who prefer to live life in the fast lane may decide to test drive the latest Ferraris on the winding roads of the Tuscan wine country, while other adventure seekers may enjoy an African game drive on Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Silversea offers land options to suit every taste with creativity and style.
In 2008, the company's four all-suite ships are set to visit nearly 340 different ports in 116 countries on a diverse schedule of over 140 itineraries ranging from six to 110 days. Silver Shadow kicks off the year with its second World Cruise, departing Fort Lauderdale in January. Other highlights include return visits to Alaska and Hawaii, plus 27 new destinations, including first-ever visits to Taiwan, Okinawa, Guam, the Marshall Islands, Pohnpei, the Marquesas and Northern Mariana Islands in the Pacific; The Gambia and Mozambique in Africa; and Saudi Arabia.
| QE2's Farewell Voyages: On Sale June 27 Valencia, CA (June 25, 2007) Cunard Line has announced a series of special 'Farewell Voyages' for the most famous ship in the world, QE2, prior to her completing service in November 2008. QE2 will begin a new life as a first-class hotel, retail and entertainment destination at The Palm Jumeirah. Two voyages already programmed for 2008 have been replaced by a British Isles voyage and two Transatlantic Crossings, while her final voyage to Dubai has also been added. These special voyages offer the perfect opportunity for guests to share in QE2's farewell to her country, where she has long been regarded as the flagship, and also to experience a farewell tandem crossing of the Atlantic, where she will bid farewell to New York, her second home. These voyages also offer a final opportunity for those who have always wanted to experience a voyage on this iconic Grand Dame of the Seas. "These voyages will signal the eminent completion of QE2's service in the Cunard fleet and offer the opportunity to celebrate her widely heralded and illustrious career. She will make final calls to ports that are home to many of her most loyal fans, beginning with the British Isles, followed by two tandem Transatlantic Crossings," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line. "Guests who sail these voyages will take their place in history on the longest-serving, most famous Cunarder and will no doubt be greeted by groups of well-wishers who will salute her one last time," added Marlow.
Farewell to the British Isles
QE2's Farewell to the British Isles voyage will depart Southampton on September 30, 2008 and replaces the previously announced Canary Islands Splendour voyage. The 10-night voyage will include maiden calls to Dublin and Belfast and an emotional call to the Clyde (Greenock) where QE2 was built, as well as calls to Cork (Cobh), Liverpool (Cunard's ancestral home), Edinburgh (South Queensferry) and Newcastle. Fares start from $2,455 for an M6 grade stateroom, up to $5,695 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.
Final Transatlantic Crossings
On October 10, QE2 will leave Southampton with Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 and both vessels will depart on a final tandem crossing to New York. The six-night Final New York Arrival Crossing will arrive in New York on October 16 where QE2 will say farewell to what was her North American home, when she was Queen of the Atlantic for 34 years. Fares start from $1,175 for an M6 grade stateroom, up to $4,395 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.
Later that day both liners will leave New York as QE2 begins her Farewell to America Crossing. This will be QE2's 806th and final Atlantic crossing and both ships will arrive in Southampton on October 22. Fares start from $1,065 for an M6 grade stateroom, up to $4,295 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.
These two Atlantic voyages have replaced a Mediterranean voyage scheduled to depart on October 12, 2008.
QE2's Final Voyage
In addition, Cunard has also announced QE2's Final Voyage which will leave Southampton for Dubai on November 11 and will call at Lisbon, Gibraltar, Civitavecchia, Naples, Malta, Alexandria and transit the Suez Canal before arriving on November 27. Fares start from $4,615 for a M6 grade stateroom, up to $11,995 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.
QE2 is likely to attract huge crowds at each port on each of these voyages and special onboard programming will be incorporated into these voyages to honor the completion of QE2's service in the Cunard Fleet.
Guests booked on voyages that are impacted by these changes will be given the opportunity to rebook on one of the new voyages. If they book one of the new voyages replacing their cancelled voyage in the same grade, their original fare will be protected. If the fare on the same grade is lower, then the lower fare will be honored. If a guest decides to book any other 2008 voyage, the applicable fare for that voyage will be charged. Rebooked guests will be offered a $300 onboard credit and those who wish to cancel will be refunded.
The new voyages will be open for booking Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at 9:00am (ET) / 6:00am (PT).
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Royal Caribbean Announces 2008-09 Seasonal Caribbean Itineraries for Grandeur of the Seas And Vision of the Seas MIAMI, June 11, 2007 - Cruisers looking for a quick winter escape to the Caribbean will continue to have diverse Royal Caribbean cruise offerings during the 2008-09 winter season. The cruise line recently announced 42 Caribbean sailings aboard Grandeur of the Seas and Vision of the Seas. Ranging from four- to 10-night Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean voyages from Tampa or Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Grandeur and Vision sailings are currently open for bookings.
"Royal Caribbean offers travelers many choices for an exhilarating cruise vacation during the winter months," said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "Tampa is a convenient port for travelers from the eastern Gulf Coast to enjoy a rejuvenating weekend getaway aboard Grandeur of the Seas. And for a truly authentic Caribbean experience, Vision of the Seas will sail from Santo Domingo to the lesser-trodden island-gems in the Southern Caribbean."
Travelers may choose from 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruises or four- and five-night Western Caribbean roundtrip voyages starting November 10, 2009, aboard Grandeur of the Seas. Eastern Caribbean ports-of-call include San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts; St. Johns, Antigua; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Travelers have two itinerary choices on the five-night Western Caribbean sailings, calling at Yucatan (Progreso) and Cozumel, Mexico; or Costa Maya, Mexico, and Belize City, Belize. The four-night voyage will include calls at Key West, Florida, and Cozumel.
At the beginning of 2009, Vision of the Seas will take guests on two fascinating seven-night itineraries to the Southern Caribbean. Sailing roundtrip from Santo Domingo, she will call at Pointe A Pitre, Guadeloupe; Fort De France, Martinique; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Castries, St. Lucia. The alternate itinerary takes guests to ports-of-calls at Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roseau, Dominica; Margarita Island, Venezuela; and Oranjestad, Aruba. Travelers also can choose a 14-night eastbound Panama Canal repositioning cruise, sailing on January 4, 2009, with calls at Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, and Huatulco, Mexico; Puntarenas and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Cristobal Pier, Panama; and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Both Vision-class ships, Grandeur of the Seas and Vision of the Seas feature a solarium covered by a crystal canopy, a glass roof that retracts to take advantage of the tropical Caribbean weather. Guests can enjoy a total of 10 restaurants and lounges, 24-hour room service, Royal Caribbean's award-winning Broadway-style productions, and Vegas-paced gaming in Casino Royale. Grandeur and Vision's extensive fitness programs and world-class spa menu, coupled with intriguing ports-of-call, offer guests additional choices for an exhilarating and rejuvenating vacation experience. The line's award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, with five age-tiered curricula, also entertains and enlightens younger guests under the age of 18. Furthermore, Royal Caribbean's friendly and engaging staff and crew help make each guest's cruise vacation a unique and unforgettable experience by providing the line's signature Gold Anchor Service.
| NCL America to Feature the Hottest Off-Broadway Show of All Time - Tony n' Tina's Wedding Miami - Jun 25, 2007 --- Today, NCL America announced that off-Broadway's legendary show phenomena, Tony n' Tina's Wedding, will be featured on board its ships Pride of America, Pride of Aloha and Pride of Hawai`i. The 25-member cast of Tony n' Tina's Wedding satirizes a traditional Italian wedding with passengers as "invited guests" to the nuptials of the Vitale and Nunzio families. The wedding and reception is held in an on-board lounge, which is transformed into Vinnie's Coliseum restaurant, a classic Italian wedding hall.
"Along with great restaurants, amenities, itineraries, shore excursions and accommodations, we also want to offer our passengers the best and most creative entertainment options possible," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO for NCL Corporation. "Tony n' Tina's Wedding is the ultimate experience combining fantastic food and drinks with a fun and unique theatrical show."
At the start of the evening, passengers become part of the family, greeted by members of the wedding party and are immediately immersed into the show. Guests eat, drink, dance, as well as interact with the wedding party, eccentric friends and relatives.
A family-style dinner is provided, along with music and dancing to a live band, aptly named Donny Dulce and Fusion. Throughout the evening, a number of unexpected twists and turns provide humor and drama.
"Initial feedback from guests has been extremely positive. They come to the 'wedding' ready to have a good time and the show delivers," Veitch continued.
Tony n' Tina's Wedding, which is sold as a ship excursion, is held on the evenings when the ships are docked in Maui and is in addition to the shows currently on board the vessels. Tickets for the show are $24.95 per person and can be purchased at the shore excursion desk on board each ship. VIP seating will be available. Tickets are limited to approximately 250 to 350 guests per show, depending on the ship.
Since its original New York opening in 1987, Tony n' Tina's Wedding has garnered rave reviews and is currently playing in venues across the country. This production was supervised by Jeff Gitlin and Larry Pellegrini, the original creators and producers of the New York/Las Vegas Tony n' Tina's Wedding. NCL Corporation has the exclusive rights to produce the show at sea. A cast of twenty-five professional actors portray the many characters involved in the show.
| Eight-Day Mexican Riviera Cruises From San Diego Offered Aboard Carnival Pride Beginning In March 2009 MIAMI (June 27, 2007) – Carnival Cruise Lines' 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride will operate a series of eight-day cruises from San Diego, Calif., to the Mexican Riviera beginning in March 2009.
Featured ports on this itinerary include Acapulco, famous for its sizzling nightlife, excellent beaches, myriad shopping and dining experiences, and death-defying cliff divers; Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, offering a unique combination of a quaint fishing village and world-class resort renowned for crystal-clear waters and gorgeous white-sand beaches; and Manzanillo, offering magnificent beaches and a variety of watersports opportunities.
Carnival Pride will operate the eight-day schedule from San Diego March 22 – April 30, 2009 (the vessel will also operate a seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise from San Diego departing April 23, 2009).
“These eight-day Mexican Riviera voyages from San Diego provide a convenient and affordable option for sailing one of the world’s most beautiful cruising regions aboard a truly magnificent and innovative ‘Fun Ship,’” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
The 88,500-ton Carnival Pride offers a highly memorable vacation experience, with amenities that include a reservations-only supper club located at the top of a soaring nine-deck-high atrium, indoor and outdoor promenades, and 16 lounges and bars, including an elaborate multi-level theater showcasing lavish revues.
Also featured is a wedding chapel, 13,300-square-foot health and fitness center, a full gambling casino, and extensive areas for children's and teens, part of the line's top-rated “Camp Carnival” and “Club O2” programs, respectively. In addition to an Internet café, Carnival Pride offers Wi-Fi access and cell phone service.
Carnival Pride also offers a wide range of accommodation categories, including several levels of private balcony staterooms and suites. All of the Pride's 1,062 staterooms feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.
Prior to the start-up of its San Diego-based cruises, Carnival Pride will continue its current schedule of seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, Calif., through the departure of March 15, 2009. The new 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor will assume the Carnival Pride's year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera itinerary beginning March 29, 2009.
Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Pride's Mexican Riviera cruises from San Diego. Prices for the eight-day cruises start at $ 579 per person; the seven-day cruise starts at $479, based on double occupancy. Special discounts for third and fourth guests and round-trip air supplements from dozens of North American gateways are also available.
| Celebrity Cruises Partners with Blau & Associates as Culinary Consultant MIAMI - June 21, 2007 - Known for its fresh, gourmet cuisine, top-rated Celebrity Cruises is adding a new ingredient to its dining offerings. The line has partnered with Las Vegas-based Blau & Associates, a strategic restaurant planning and development firm, to serve as the line's new culinary consultancy across the fleet.
Widely credited with transforming Las Vegas' dining from ordinary 24-hour buffets to a top-tier culinary destination rich with Michelin-starred chefs, Blau & Associates was founded by the Cornell- and Georgetown-educated Elizabeth Blau, who has worked in the food service business for more than 23 years.
Among the noted dining establishments that have flourished due in large part to what many food critics call "the Blau factor," are Osteria del Circo, Le Cirque 2000, restaurants within the MGM/Mirage and the Bellagio, and restaurants in partnership with Kerry Simon, including Simon kitchen + bar in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, named one of the best new restaurants in America in 2003 by Esquire magazine. More recently, Blau also partnered with Steve Wynn for the lauded opening of Wynn Las Vegas. In May 2006, she received the Gold Plate Award from the International Food Service Manufacturers, considered one of the most prestigious awards in the food industry.
"Celebrity has long been known for providing outstanding cuisine, as has Blau & Associates, so we're confident our guests will be delighted with the results of our partnership," said Celebrity's President Dan Hanrahan. "The Blau team brings incredible expertise, and clearly shares our passion for food and genuine dedication to exceptional guest service, which will translate beautifully to the dining experience on every Celebrity ship."
Blau and her business partner and husband, the president of Blau & Associates, Kim Canteenwalla, a former executive chef at the MGM Grand, are working closely with Celebrity's culinary staff across the fleet and in the line's headquarters - including Celebrity's new Vice President of Food & Beverage Operations, Jacques van Staden, formerly a partner in Blau & Associates - to maintain the line's most popular items, complemented with fresh, contemporary and creative concepts that will continue to deliver an exceptional dining experience onboard. Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal and South America, and will begin sailing in Australia and New Zealand in November. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and Australia through its cruisetour affiliate. Noted for "The World's Best Large Ships," as voted by the readers of Conde' Nast Traveler (February 2007 Cruise Poll), Celebrity's current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011.
| Regent Seven Seas Cruises Adds Four New Antarctica Departures Fort Lauderdale - June 13, 2007 - Regent Seven Seas CruisesSM, the world's largest luxury cruise line, has added four new Antarctica cruises in late 2007 and early 2008 due to overwhelming demand. These new cruise dates offer guests a rare opportunity to experience the stark beauty and abundant wildlife of the White Continent amid the comfort of the world's top-rated expedition cruise ship, Explorer II.
"We have seen such a strong demand for Antarctica as a destination that our initial two charters quickly sold out," said Mark Conroy, Regent's president. "So we are pleased to have secured some group space to be able to offer our guests additional opportunities to visit this rarely seen part of the world."
Guests yearning to explore the largely unknown continent of Antarctica can choose from four new departure dates - November 8 and 24, December 20, 2007; and February 25, 2008. Each of these 10- or 16-night cruises will depart from the world's southernmost city and capital of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Argentina, also known as "the end of the world." (These dates will be offered in addition to the already sold-out departures on January 21, 2008 and February 1, 2008.)
Explorer II will then cross the Atlantic to the wildlife-rich shores of the Falkland Islands, where guests can explore the photogenic British outpost of Port Stanley, followed by the dramatic glacial coastline of the South Shetland Islands and the mountainous peaks of the Antarctic Peninsula. Guests can be among the very few to step foot on Antarctica and explore, weather permitting. Explorer II then sails along Cape Horn, located at the confluence of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, before moving onward through Drake Passage and returning to Ushuaia. The extended 16-night cruises also include a call at South Georgia, featuring large colonies of king penguins, fur and elephant seals.
These four new cruises will take place during Antarctica's spring and summer seasons, which bring milder temperatures, longer days and unrivaled wildlife viewing including the famous shoreline gatherings of thousands of penguins. Guests may also see seal pups and parents, whales, blooming snow algae, albatross and other seabirds, and spectacular glaciers and icebergs. Explorer II's team of naturalists, historians, marine biologists, geologists, and ornithologists will add immeasurably to guests' adventures in these pristine realms. An onboard enrichment program hosted by a professional photographer will include group discussions and tips on how best to capture these wildlife sightings on camera.
Though a range of shore excursions can accommodate more adventurous travelers, the state-of-the-art Explorer II provide guests a way to experience the beauty of Antarctica in stylish comfort, and its small size and maneuverability brings guests face-to-face with each of the sites. Recently rated among the world's top small cruise ships by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, Explorer II features a polished brass and wood interior with all ocean-view suites and staterooms, two open-seating restaurants, a full-service health club and a salon. Although the ship is designed to accommodate up to 394 passengers, space is limited aboard these cruises to 198 guests for maximum comfort. The vessel's expedition team of highly trained naturalists and biologists, along with the high crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 1.5, ensures the ultimate relaxing and enriching voyage.
Per person prices for Regent's Antarctica cruises start from $9,795 for the 10-night voyages, including a one-night pre-cruise stay in Santiago (Chile); complimentary roundtrip economy air from one of Regent's 86 North American gateways, round-trip charter flights from Santiago to Ushuaia; a city tour and Patagonian lunch on day of embarkation in Ushuaia; and a complimentary backpack and parka. As with all Regent Seven Seas cruises, fares include all shipboard gratuities; complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits served throughout the ship; and a refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, beer and bottled water replenished daily in higher stateroom categories.
Through The Regent Travel ConciergeSM, guests may select from a variety of exciting pre- and post-cruise land adventures, from horseback riding in Ushuaia to a guided walking tour of the city's Tierra del Fuego National Park, including a trek across the border to Chile.
| The countdown begins for the debut of the New Oceania Class June 18, 2007, Miami, FL – Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri have finalized the agreement for two new 1,260-guest mid-size cruise ships for delivery on September 30, 2010 and July 30, 2011, with an option for a third vessel to be delivered on May 30, 2012. The total value of the contract, including the option for the third ship, is $1.6 billion dollars. The ships will be constructed at Fincantieri’s Sestre Ponente facility in Genoa, Italy. “I am delighted to have finalized the contracts for these magnificent ships and I am confident that Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri will set new standards with the new Oceania Class when they debut in just a few short years,” stated Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of Oceania Cruises. Now that all technical specifications have been finalized, Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri will now move forward with detailed design work for the interiors. The world-renowned architectural firm of Yran & Storbratten has been retained to design the ships’ luxurious accommodations and dramatic public areas.“Fincantieri and Oceania Cruises share a legacy of innovation and superior product delivery, and I am certain that our guests and travel agent partners will find that the new Oceania Class will elevate our upper premium experience to new heights,” stated Del Rio.
Steve Martinez of Apollo Management commented, “We are extremely pleased with the expedient manner in which Frank and the entire team at Oceania Cruises have finalized the agreement with Fincantieri. Oceania Cruises has enjoyed tremendous success and we are confident that these spectacular new ships will further solidify their leadership position within the hospitality industry.”
The design specifications for the Oceania Class call for the vessels to be 782 feet long, 105 feet wide, with a draft of 24 feet, and will accommodate 1,260 guests on 11 guest decks. The ships will feature 630 staterooms and suites that are on average, 50% larger than the Regatta Class; 98% of all guest accommodations will feature sweeping ocean views and 95% will boast oversized, private teak verandas. The ships will be powered by diesel-electric engines and operate with twin screw propellers, with a speed of 20 knots. They will be equipped with two bow thrusters to enhance maneuverability, and will also be “green ships” employing the most advanced environmental systems and technology.
"We are very happy and enthusiastic to start work on this new project. Fincantieri is a well-established leader in the cruise sector and is in a strong position to take up this challenge given the company's wealth of expertise and experience in this field. Moreover, these vessels will further extend our product range which spans from mega yachts of over 70 metres to cruise ships of more than 113,000 gross tons," stated Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri.
About the New Oceania Class
Designed by Fincantieri and the world renowned architectural firm of Yran & Storbratten, the Oceania Class vessels will usher in new generation of luxurious, mid size cruise ships. Under the direction of Y&S Executive Architect, Gunnar Aaserud, the Oceania Class represents an evolution of the line’s extremely popular Regatta Class ships. This new class of mid size cruise vessels will retain all of the warmth, popular design elements and signature amenities of the Regatta Class while affording guests an additional level of comfort, convenience and many new luxury amenities. Designed to cruise to all corners of the globe, the new ships will boast a cruising speed 20% faster than the Regatta Class. In addition to their greater speed, the Oceania Class will have a greater range that enables them to undertake itineraries to virtually any destination worldwide.
The new Oceania Class vessels will set a new standard in culinary excellence, featuring six open-seating gourmet restaurants which boast the capacity to seat 150% of the ship’s guests in a single seating. The Grand Dining Room will be an opulent space crowned with a magnificent frescoed domed ceiling. The four specialty restaurants will feature the line’s signature Polo Grill and Toscana along with two new specialty dining venues, an elegant French bistro and a Pan-Asian restaurant. hese new ships have been designed with all the signature elements that guests and travel agents cherish, and the décor will be imbued with the same warmth and charm that the Regatta Class is renowned for. Signature public spaces will include the Martinis, Horizons, The Patio, and a Grand Staircase that sweeps up both sides of the lobby. Public areas and accommodations will include rich wood paneling and granite accents, opulent furnishings and a museum quality art collection that will include many rare nautical antiques.
| Philadelphia Becomes New Fall Port for Crystal Cruises -- First Time in 10 Years LOS ANGELES, June 28, 2007 - The world's most celebrated luxury cruise line is set to return to Philadelphia this fall for the first time in 10 years. The award-winning Crystal Symphony will visit The City of Brotherly Love on October 31, 2007 - a special treat for guests on an 11-day journey from Montréal to Miami.
The full-day visit to Philadelphia is featured on a new itinerary showcasing classic East Coast ports of call including Québec City, Québec; Boston, Massachusetts; an overnight in New York, New York; and Charleston, South Carolina. Departing Montréal on October 24, this is the only colonial coast cruise to be offered by Crystal in 2007.
The cruise features a rich line-up of shoreside exploration and onboard enrichment including the line's renowned Wine & Food Festival. Award-winning Iron Chef America Beau MacMillan of Arizona's Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort returns to the East Coast (he was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts) to host cooking demonstrations and gala dinners spotlighting his innovative cuisine. He is joined by Eric Hemer, Educational Director for Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and one of only 72 Americans to hold the title of Master Sommelier.
During the cruise, cultural historian Dr. Donald Friary, a native of Boston and a graduate of the Boston Latin School (America's oldest public school), Brown University, and the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received a Ph.D. in American civilization, will host discussions on the region's art, architecture and history.
"Philadelphia is one of the greatest cities in America, a destination of true historical importance, distinctive architecture and cultural enrichment - and one that our well-traveled guests are eager to explore. We're thrilled to return to Philly on an itinerary that pays tribute to our American heritage," says Bill Smith, Crystal's senior vice president, sales and marketing.
Long regarded for its engaging Crystal Adventures ashore, Crystal Cruises has arranged a choice of 9 tours to explore Philadelphia, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum, The Barnes Foundation, Valley Forge, and naturally, all of the city's significant historical points of interest. Guests can also explore Philadelphia independently or arrange a custom excursion through the luxury line's Crystal Private Adventures shore excursion program.
Fares for Crystal Symphony's East Coast Classics itinerary begin at $3,395 per person, double occupancy.
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