Cruise Blog, by American Discount Cruises

Our cruise blog provides its readers with a constantly updated source for all of the latest news, updates, and happenings in the cruise and travel industries. Feel free to comment on any of the articles, as we'd love to hear from our readers. Our editorial staff will reply as soon as possible.

Monday, May 28, 2007

NCL Announces Largest Bermuda Deployment Ever in 2008


Bermuda sailings from five East Coast cities

Miami - May 14, 2007 ---

NCL Corporation today announced the largest deployment to Bermuda in the company's history with itineraries from five East Coast cities. The Bermuda itineraries include: Norwegian Dawn sailing from New York, featuring the city's only seven-day cruise to Bermuda; Norwegian Dream replacing Norwegian Majesty sailing from Boston offering Boston's only Bermuda cruise; and Norwegian Majesty sailing to Bermuda from three cities: Philadelphia, Baltimore and Charleston. Bermuda itineraries are on sale now.

"By adding ships and more departure points, we will continue to meet the strong demand for cruising to Bermuda from the East Coast," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "And now, for the first time, we have positioned Norwegian Dawn, one of our panamax ships that is purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, on a New York to Bermuda seven-day itinerary offering three full days in Bermuda."

Cruising to Bermuda
Norwegian Dawn returns to New York from Miami in mid-April 2008 and for the first time embarks on a series of seven-day sailings to Bermuda through August 24, 2008 and then again from September 28 through October 26, 2008, replacing Norwegian Crown. Departing on Sundays, the cruises feature three full days in Bermuda at King's Wharf.

Between August 31 and September 21, 2008, Norwegian Dawn will sail a series of seven-day Canada/New England cruises* from New York. On November 2, 2008, Norwegian Dawn will sail a 13-day Circle the Caribbean repositioning cruise* to Miami, her homeport for the winter, with stops in Samana, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; St. John's, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas.

Norwegian Dream begins an inaugural season out of Boston, offering a series of seven-day sailings to Bermuda departing on Sundays from May 11 through August 24, 2008 and again from September 28 to October 26, 2008. Norwegian Dream replaces the extremely popular Norwegian Majesty, which has been sailing out of Boston to Bermuda since 1998, offering a new option to many people who have sailed to Bermuda in the past aboard Norwegian Majesty. From August 31 to September 21, 2008, the ship will sail a series of seven-day Canada/New England cruises*.

Norwegian Majesty begins sailing seven-day Bermuda cruises from Charleston on April 19, 2008, followed by a five-day Bermuda cruise on June 14, 2008. On June 21, 2008, Norwegian Majesty returns to Baltimore for the first time since 2004 and embarks on a series of nine seven-day cruises from Baltimore to Bermuda, departing on Saturdays. A six-day sailing from Baltimore to Bermuda on August 23, 2008 is scheduled before the ship repositions to Philadelphia.

On August 30, 2008, Norwegian Majesty begins a series of five seven-day sailings to Bermuda from Philadelphia with Saturday departures. In October 2008, Norwegian Majesty will sail a series of seven-day Canada/New England cruises*.

A 14-day Bahamas and Caribbean repositioning cruise* on November 1, 2008 from Philadelphia to Charleston includes stops in Nassau, Bahamas; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Samana, Dominican Republic; and Great Stirrup Cay. Upon her return to Charleston, the ship will commence sailing a seven-day Western Caribbean* itinerary from November 15, 2008 through April 25, 2009.

NCL Corporation Ltd. is an innovative cruise company headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a fleet of 14 ships in service and under construction. The corporation oversees the operations of Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, and Orient Lines. The company recently took delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Pearl, and is currently building Norwegian Gem for delivery in October of 2007. In addition, NCL plans to build up to three new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery between 2009 and 2011.

NCL is on target to have the youngest fleet in the industry by the end of 2007 with the introduction of Norwegian Gem, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

posted by The Editorial Staff @ 9:28 PM   0 Comments  

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Emerald Princess Christened on Mother's Day

Iconic Television Mothers and Daughters Serve as Godmothers of Princess Cruises' Newest Ship

ATHENS, Greece (May 13, 2007) - This morning Princess Cruises officially christened its newest ship, Emerald Princess. In celebration of Mother's Day, Princess united some of television's most famous mothers and daughters to serve as the christeners and chose Greece, the birthplace of Mother's Day, as the site for the naming festivities.

The ship's godmothers are Florence Henderson, best known as "Carol Brady" on The Brady Bunch, and her TV daughter, Susan Olsen, aka "Cindy Brady," as well as Marion Ross, the beloved "Marion Cunningham" from the international hit, Happy Days, and her TV daughter, Erin Moran, aka "Joanie Cunningham."

The christeners were joined by Gavin MacLeod, former captain of The Love Boat and Princess spokesperson, who emceed the naming ceremony, as well as Princess Cruises and Greek officials. Traditional Greek dancers performed as part of the festivities.

"What better way to celebrate Mother's Day and the launch of our beautiful new ship than to have this pair of iconic television mothers and daughters as christeners," said Alan Buckelew, president of Princess Cruises. "We're thrilled to have them as godmothers. It's also quite fitting to be hosting the naming ceremony in Athens, the birthplace of Mother's Day."

Florence Henderson is known worldwide as America's favorite mom, "Carol Brady." The Brady Bunch aired for five seasons, from 1969-1974, has never been off the air in the U.S., and currently airs in 122 countries around the world. Ms. Henderson recreated her popular role in several Brady-related shows including the recent VH1 reality show, My Fair Brady, which starred her TV son, Peter Knight. She is one of the most respected and beloved performers of our time and The Wall Street Journal rated her number five out of 10 top television endorsers, based on consumer appeal and a career built on trust and talent.

Marion Ross, the "best known matriarch on television" has played a variety of motherly roles over the years. She portrayed Mrs. Cunningham, on the classic television show Happy Days, for 11 seasons, from 1974-1984. According to TV Land, if there was a "Sitcom Hall of Fame," Happy Days would have a cherished spot. The show was a regular in the Nielsen top-10 while airing and has been called one of America's favorite family shows. Marion Ross was called "a classic mom" by About.com. In addition to her role on Happy Days, she played a mother on The Drew Carey Show, That '70s Show, The Gilmore Girls, Brooklyn Bridge, and most recently, as Sally Fields' mother on ABC's hit, Brothers & Sisters.

Susan Olsen started her acting career while still in kindergarten. She reprised her famous role in several Brady Bunch reunion movies and the short-lived series, The Bradys. Expanding her role as one of the best-known daughters and little sisters ever on television, she also created and was the executive producer for Brady Bunch Home Movies, a CBS prime-time special, and is currently working on a book, which offers a humorous look at The Brady Bunch Variety Show. She is also serving as one of the editors on an upcoming Travel Channel special, The Bradys Back in Hawaii.

Erin Moran also started her acting career at the young age of five, appearing in several television commercials and then feature films before landing her most famous role as Joanie "Shortcakes" Cunningham on Happy Days, at the age of 12. In the show's tenth season, America's then-favorite daughter left the show to star in a series spin-off, Joanie Loves Chachi.

Florence Henderson, Marion Ross and Erin Moran also share the distinction of guest-starring in episodes of The Love Boat, which was set on Princess Cruises' original Pacific Princess.

The 113,000-ton Emerald Princess, a sister ship to the Crown Princess, is currently sailing to the most sought-after ports in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, featuring the region's most popular and historic destinations. Emerald Princess was line's first ship to begin its life cruising from Rome's seaport, the town of Civitavecchia on April 11. The ship will continue cruising in Europe throughout the summer before repositioning to Ft. Lauderdale for Caribbean sailings in the fall.

The new vessel includes many of the enthusiastically received design elements and amenities that debuted last year on sister ship Crown Princess, including a dramatic piazza-style atrium, a multitude of casual dining venues and an adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary.

posted by The Editorial Staff @ 1:05 PM   0 Comments  

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Celebrity Cruises Presents New, Deluxe Cruise Line: Azamara Cruise

Miami - (May 04, 2007 ) - Exotic Destination-Driven Brand to Sail in Europe, South America, Asia and Around the World

MIAMI - May 4, 2007 - The launch of a new ship is a momentous occasion for any cruise line, but Celebrity Cruises has made the introduction of their latest liner especially significant. Today, Celebrity not only marked the launch of a 710-guest ship which sets sail tomorrow, but also introduced an entirely new, deluxe cruise brand: "Azamara Cruises."

Designed to offer exotic destination-driven travel experiences, Azamara Cruises - consisting of Azamara Journey, which sets sail May 5, and sister ship, Azamara Quest, which enters service in October-will present a more intimate onboard experience, while allowing access to the less-traveled ports of call experienced travelers want to visit.

"We created Azamara Cruises to target an area of the market that we believe is underserved, and an area this product is ideally suited to fill," said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, parent company of Azamara Cruises. "This new line falls into what we consider the deluxe category - a category between premium and luxury."

According to Azamara Cruises President Dan Hanrahan, who also is president of Celebrity Cruises, "Azamara Cruises is expressly designed for travel enthusiasts who appreciate what a cruise vacation has to offer, but are looking for something a little different, and a little more special. And what's special about Azamara Cruises is its distinctive combination of impeccable service, exceptional cuisine and off-the-beaten-path destinations, with truly immersive excursions."

Complementing the exotic Caribbean and Europe itineraries for Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, previously announced under the former "Celebrity Expeditions" banner, Hanrahan today announced that Azamara Cruises' itineraries will not only take travelers to some of the most desirable locations in the Caribbean, but will immerse them in Asia, and even transport them around the world. Itinerary details for Azamara Cruises' Asia and world cruises are yet to be announced, but once finalized, the line expects to visit more than 200 ports - most of them new to cruise travelers-in over 70 countries.

While delving deep into the history and culture of remote destinations larger ships can't reach, guests sailing with Azamara Cruises also will enjoy a more exclusive guest experience. Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest offer butler service in every stateroom and suite, as well as concierge-style amenities, including fresh-cut flowers, fresh fruit, Elemis toiletries, complimentary use of Frette cotton robes, two complimentary pairs of slippers, plasma TVs and plush European bedding.

Despite the ships' smaller size, each offers two specialty restaurants: On Azamara Journey, the Mediterranean-influenced "Aqualina" and the stylish steak and seafood restaurant, "Prime C." Guests staying in suites will receive two nights of complimentary dining in one of the two specialty restaurants, while guests in staterooms will receive one. The ships will not require formal attire for dining, and will feature open seating in the main dining room. Azamara Cruises also presents a wine bar with a spectacular wine cellar offering wine and champagne tastings, seminars, and mini-pairings of food and wine, in addition to its standard menu of fine wines by the glass or bottle.

Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest offer an enhanced emphasis on spa and relaxation, with treatments many cruise travelers have never experienced. Guests in suites can enjoy certain spa services in the privacy of their room. Both ships also will offer an outdoor spa relaxation lounge and an aesthetics suite offering acupuncture, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion.

An onboard "excursion expert" will not only help guests select shore excursions based on their personal interests, but also will serve as a destination guide, offering information about the culture and history of each port of call.

The Azamara retail experience onboard also will be enticing to most experienced travelers, with its focus on fine art, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and upscale resort wear. Just prior to setting sail on its maiden voyage May 5, Azamara Journey completed a four-week, approximately $19-million makeover, highlighted by the conversion of 48 staterooms into 32 suites, a complete refurbishment of the dining areas to create the two new specialty restaurants, an expansion of the spa area to include an aesthetics suite, a new Sunset Bar on the aft deck, a new art collection, Cova Café, entirely new carpets and flooring throughout, new exterior decking, new paint schemes, new walls, and entirely new "soft goods," ranging from plush European bedding to cushions, drapes and table linens.

The name "Azamara" is a coined term, rooted in Romance language references to blue ("aza"), the sea ("mar"), and a lesser-known word, "acamar," which, in Classical times, was the southernmost bright star that could be seen from the latitude of Greece. Hanrahan said the company views the new brand as "a bright star on the deep blue sea." Azamara Cruises unlocks the hidden corners of the world for those who desire to immerse themselves in the rich details of every voyage. The deluxe ships - Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest - offer an intimate experience, while allowing access to exotic destinations experienced travelers long to reach. For the 710 guests on each Azamara Cruises ship, every moment at sea embodies the pinnacle of luxury, and each footstep on shore accentuates the difference between visiting a place and getting a true sense of place. Azamara Cruises presents the best of Bermuda and Panama Canal/South America in 2007, elite Asia and the most captivating Caribbean, South America and Europe in 2008, and around-the-world voyages in 2010.

posted by The Editorial Staff @ 6:58 PM   0 Comments  

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

New Carnival Splendor to Launch Line's First Northern Europe Cruise Program in 2008

Here's a very exciting announcement from Carnival Cruise Lines, concerning their newest ship:

MIAMI (April 30, 2007) - Carnival Cruise Lines' new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor - representing a new class of vessel with a host of innovations including exclusive new "spa staterooms" that surround a luxurious 21,000-square-foot health and wellness center - will debut in July 2008 operating the line's first-ever Northern European cruise program.

These 12-day Northern Europe voyages, which will operate July 13 - Aug. 30, 2008, will offer guests a diversity of shoreside experiences with visits to historic, centuries-old cities in Denmark, Germany, Finland, Russia, Estonia, and The Netherlands.

Following the Northern European voyages, Carnival Splendor will operate a unique 12-day London-to-Rome cruise Sept. 11, 2008, then sail on a series of 12-day Mediterranean voyages Sept. 23 - Oct. 17, 2008.

Carnival Splendor will be the second Carnival ship deployed in Europe next year, joining the Carnival Freedom which will operate a program of 12-day Mediterranean cruises May-October 2008.

"Consumers are discovering that cruising is the best way to see Europe as it provides the opportunity to experience and explore multiple destinations while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a modern 'floating resort,'" said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. "Carnival Splendor represents a new class of 'Fun Ship' offering a number of innovative facilities and features and, for its inaugural season, we've assembled a truly diverse schedule that showcases the fascinating cultures, history and architecture that has made Europe such a sought-after cruise destination," he added.

Dickinson noted that with its all-inclusive amenities and diverse itineraries, a "Fun Ship" cruise is already the most affordable way to see Europe and the high dollar/euro ratio makes this value even greater. He added that in addition to experiencing an all-new class of "Fun Ship," Carnival Splendor's Northern Europe cruises also offer an exciting new option for those guests who have sailed on the line's Mediterranean program in the past.

Also included in Carnival Splendor's 2008 inaugural season will be a 16-day transatlantic voyage departing Rome Oct. 29, as well as a series of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale commencing Nov. 22, 2008. A special one-time four-day eastern Caribbean cruise will depart from Fort Lauderdale Nov. 17, 2008.

Inaugural 12-Day Northern Europe Program

Carnival Splendor is slated to debut July 13, 2008, with a 12-day Northern Europe cruise departing from London (Dover) - the first of five voyages within the program. Other departure dates include July 25 and August 6, 18 and 30, 2008.

Featured ports on these voyages include Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (two-day call); Tallin, Estonia; and Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Guests will have the opportunity to experience and explore a spectacular variety of historical and cultural attractions including St. Petersburg's extraordinary palaces, Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, Amsterdam's Vincent Van Gogh Museum, and Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens just to name just a few.

12-Day Mediterranean, Greek Isles Voyages

Following its Northern Europe cruises, Carnival Splendor will operate on a special one-time 12-day western Mediterranean cruise departing London (Dover) Sept. 11, 2008, and arriving Rome (Civitavecchia) Sept. 23, 2008. The voyage includes port calls to Le Havre (Paris), France; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga and Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.

Carnival Splendor will then operate one Grand Mediterranean and two Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) Sept. 23 - Oct. 17, 2008. The 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruise will depart Sept. 23, 2008, and call at Naples and Venice (two-day call), Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.

The two 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises will depart Oct. 5 and 17, 2008, calling at Naples, Italy; Marmaris, Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey, with scenic cruising of the Dardanelles; Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; and Livorno, Italy, as well as an overnight call in Rome (Civitavecchia).

16-Day Transatlantic Crossing

Following its Mediterranean/Greek Isles cruises, Carnival Splendor will sail on a 16-day transatlantic crossing that will depart Rome on Oct. 29 and arrive Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Nov. 14, 2008. Ports of call include Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Malaga, Spain; Funchal (Madeira), Portugal; and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles.

Seven-Day Caribbean Cruises from Fort Lauderdale

The 16-day transatlantic crossing that ends in Fort Lauderdale will position Carnival Splendor for a series of 10 seven-day exotic eastern Caribbean voyages from that port beginning Nov. 22, 2008. These Caribbean voyages will call at four tropical ports - Casa de Campo/La Romana, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas/St. John, U.S.V.I.; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Nassau, The Bahamas, each of which offers beautiful beaches and excellent watersports opportunities.

Variety of Modern Amenities, Innovative Features

As the first in a new class of "Fun Ships," Carnival Splendor will offer a host of innovative on-board features and facilities, highlighted by a 21,000-square-foot health and fitness center - one of the largest at sea - which will feature Carnival's first elaborate thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool covered by a glass dome. Surrounding the facility will be 68 exclusive "spa staterooms" - also a first for Carnival.

Guests in spa staterooms will have exclusive entry access to the adjacent spa facilities and will receive a wide array of special offerings including priority spa appointments, unlimited use of the thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool, complimentary fitness classes and other amenities.

Its family-friendly facilities will include a water spray park on Lido Deck, along with a two-level 5,500-square-foot children's play area - the largest in the Carnival fleet, part of the line's "Camp Carnival" program - along with a teen club featuring a dance floor, DJ and high-tech sound and lighting system, part of Carnival's "Club O2" program.

A comprehensive golf program with opportunities to play top European and Caribbean courses will also be available.

Of the ship's 1,503 spacious staterooms, more than 60 percent will offer an ocean view or private balcony - ideal for scenic European cruising.

Pricing and Reservations

Carnival will begin accepting reservations for Carnival Splendor's various European and Caribbean departures on Thursday, May 10, 2007. Prices for the 12-day Northern Europe cruises begin at $1,299 per person, based on double occupancy; rates for the 12-day Mediterranean cruises start at $1,249 per person; the 16-day transatlantic crossing starts at $849 per person and seven-day Caribbean cruises begin at $469 per person. The special one-time cruise from Fort Lauderdale begins at $239 per person.

Special discounts for third and fourth guests staying in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, are also available.

posted by The Editorial Staff @ 5:42 PM   0 Comments