Tobacco Road bar escapes to a cruise ship

Miami’s oldest and most legendary bar, Tobacco Road, will find a new home aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest and largest ship, Norwegian Escape.

The bar, which was issued Miami’s very first alcohol licence, closed its original location last month after 102 years in business. Located within 678 Ocean Place, the new location of the celebrated tavern will incorporate elements of the original bar, including the iconic neon sign, memorabilia and photographs. 

Norwegian Escape will begin weekly seven-night cruises from her year-round homeport of Miami to the Eastern Caribbean on 14 November 2015. The ship will be the largest to be based year-round in Miami, carrying 4,200 guests to Caribbean destinations including St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.

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British Virgin Islands Firmly On Cruise Map

The wonderful Caribbean retreat of the British Virgin Islands will be firmly on the cruise map like never before from mid-2015 after the island government signed new long-term contracts with Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line.

The two companies have got together to guarantee a total of at least 425,000 passengers a year, a deal BVI Premier Orlando Smith says paves the way for the islands to be among the leading players of the Caribbean cruise industry.

The agreements, which grant preferential berthing to the two lines, were inked by Karl Holz, DCL president, and Colin Murphy, VP destination and strategic development for Norwegian, who will guarantee 350,000 passengers a year on top of Disney's 75,000.

The lines will pay a head tax of $15 starting in May next year that is subject to increase after five years based on a set formula that takes into account factors including inflation. The tax, much higher than the current rate, will help pay for a major upgrade and expansion of the cruise berth and landside facilities at Road Town, Tortola.

In a statement, the Premier said the Norwegian-Disney agreements mark the first time BVI has a guaranteed, year-round number of cruise passengers. He called the extension of the cruise pier and its associated landside development "the most fundamental" of decisions related to growing tourism through the cruise sector. He added: "By signing this berthing agreement, we are demonstrating, as a territory, that we are moving forward on the road of progress. The agreement is about the future sustainability of our cruise tourism sector."

Mr Smith added that the infrastructure improvements will enable BVI to accommodate the latest mega-ships such as Disney Dream and Norwegian Getaway, which is scheduled to replace St. Maarten with Tortola on its seven-day eastern Caribbean programmer starting in summer 2015.

The plans for Tortola involve dredging to expand the turning basin, navigation channels and berthing on both sides of the pier, lengthening the dock from 230 meters to 396 and widening it from 9.9 meters to 13.7. Additional mooring dolphins will be built along both sides, a new deck will be added to the widened pier, and landside development includes a visitor centre, restrooms, shopping village and a transportation staging area.

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Star Clippers Sets Sail For Cuba

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers is to sail to Cuba in 2014 for the first time, offering a spectacular series of itineraries exploring the island in depth, visiting stunning beaches and anchorages, colonial towns and villages and with a pre and post-cruise option to stay in historic Havana, famous for its cigars, nightlife, architecture and the legacy of Hemingway.

The Cuba programme will be offered on the 170-passenger Star Flyer (above), which will split the winter of 2013/14 between Costa Rica, where the ship has already operated two highly successful seasons, and the Caribbean. She will sail four itineraries taking in Cuba, as follows:

February 2, 2014: 14 nights, Costa Rica to Cuba via the Panama Canal, calling at Drake Bay and Golfito (Costa Rica); Isla Gamez, Isla Iguana and Balboa (Panama); San Andres and Providencia (Colombia); George Town and Little Cayman (Cayman Islands) and Casilda (Cuba). From £2,440, plus £245 port charges, cruise only.

February 16 and 23 and March 2, 9 and 16, 2014: Seven nights Cuba and Cayman Islands, departing Cienfuegos and calling at Cayo Blanco; Casilda (for the historic town of Trinidad, rich with colonial architecture); Little Cayman and George Town, capital of Great Cayman; Cayo Largo (Cuba), Archipelago de los Canarreos; returning to Cienfuegos. From £1,185, plus £120 port charges, cruise only.

March 23: Six nights round-trip from Cienfuegos, calling at Archipelago de los Canarreos; Punta Frances; Cayo Largo; Casilda; and Cayo Blanco, from £1,015, plus £105 port charges, cruise only.

March 29: Cuba to St Maarten, departing Cienfuegos and calling at Montego Bay and Port Antonio (Jamaica); Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic); the British Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg. From £1865pp, plus £190 port charges, cruise only.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury cruise specialists.

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Oceania's New Riviera Debuts In US

Riviera, Oceania Cruises’ newest ship in the upper-premium cruise segment, starts her winter 2012 season from her new home port of Miami on November 29 for her inaugural winter season.  

The smart new vessel will sail 11 Caribbean voyages and travellers can choose from four different itineraries over departure dates from late November to March: 

Idyllic Isles – 11-night round-trip from Miami, visiting St Maarten (a new port for Oceania),  Antigua, Barbados, Saint Lucia, St. Barts and San Juan. Departure: Nov 29. The sailing costs from £1,692.

Mayan Mystique – 10 night round-trip from Miami. Ports include George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Santo Tomas, Guatemala; Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Key West, Florida. Departures: Dec 10, Jan 13, Feb 22, Mar 18. The  sailing costs from £1,502. 

Island Holiday – 14-night round-trip from Miami, calling at Charlestown, Nevis; St. John’s, Antigua; Kingstown, St. Vincent (another new port for Oceania); Bridgetown, Barbados; St. George’s, Grenada; Gustavia, St. Barts; Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Departure: Dec 20. The sailing costs from £2,531. On this sailing, Riviera will celebrate the Christmas period with traditional décor, festive menus and themed entertainment with special guest performers. 

Caribbean Hideaways – 10-night round-trip from Miami, with visits to British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbados, Saint Lucia and St. Barts. Departures: Jan 3 & 23, Feb 2 & 12, Mar 28, prices from £1,502.

All prices include all meals, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks and return UK flights for bookings by September 30. 

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury cruise experts.

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Try The Azamara Style

Azamara Club Cruises’ boutique ship Azamara Journey recently received a number of top awards for small ships at Cruise Critic’s Cruiser’s Choice Awards, including awards for its culinary excellence and exotic ports of call. And now is the perfect time to experience this for yourself, with Journey featuring a seven-night Caribbean fly/cruise from just £1,634 per person this winter (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom).

The price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation, transfers and a five-night cruise departing San Juan (Puerto Rico) and calling at St. John (US Virgin Islands), Gustavia (St. Barts), Marigot (Saint Martin) and Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands) before returning to San Juan;. It also includes all meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the cruise; house wines with meals; speciality coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on a November 22 departure.

For more info, visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Saga's Top Choices for 2011

Saga has started 2011 - the year it promised to 'get people talking' - on the winner’s podium after Which? Magazine's annual cruise review awarded it the top cruise company in the country for the second year in a row. Saga has also selected its top cruises for the year, showing why Saga Ruby and Saga Pearl II (above) are consistently ranked as the leading cruise company.

Every cruise includes all meals, entertainment and tips. Port taxes, travel insurance and a chauffeured car service to the port or free car parking are also included in the price and customers can save up to 35% by booking early. Saga’s Price Promise automatically passes on any savings if a cruise decreases in price once a booking has been confirmed (and, for one couple, this meant a cheque in the post of over £10,000!).

Here are three of their Top Choices for 2011

Saga Pearl II - Nordic Discovery
7 nights from £860 per person, departing Dover on September 5; discovering Norway's dramatic fjords, waterfalls and quaint towns. Visit UNESCO heritage sites and, if paid in full at the time of booking, a further 5% saving can be made.

Exciting new destinations: Saga Ruby and Saga Pearl II will be visiting a number of ports that are completely new to Saga this year, including Halmstad in Sweden, Ørsta on Norway’s west coast and the historic city of Split in Croatia. Saga Pearl II also crossed the Atlantic for the first time on an in-depth voyage around the Caribbean and South America at the beginning of the year.

Saga Ruby – Australasia’s Highlights
20 nights from £4636 per person; fly from UK to Fremantle on February 22 to embark Saga Ruby; cruise along Australia’s beautiful western coast exploring four great cities and a host of unusual wildlife before crossing the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, where captivating scenery and unique Maori heritage will make this a trip to remember.

With a high number of single cabins on both ships, Saga cruises are ideal for solo travellers who don't want to pay double. Those who haven’t cruised alone before need not worry either as they will be properly looked after throughout the cruise – the ships have sociable atmospheres and welcome parties, so it is easy to meet new people, and Saga also has dance hosts for those who wish to take to the floor.

Saga Pearl II – Heart of the Caribbean
15 nights from £2324 per person; fly from Gatwick to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on March 7; there is no single supplement on this leisurely cruise which explores the crystal clear seas and soft sandy shores of the Caribbean, visiting the Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands and St Maarten.

For further details, visit http://www.sagaholidays.co.uk/

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New Brochure for Star Clippers

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Niche saling cruise specialist Star Clippers, who operate fully crewed sailings on board its four and five-masted tall ships, has launched a new brochure for 2011 and winter 2012 featuring new destinations and maiden calls in Central America and the Mediterranean.

All itineraries are also featured on Star Clippers’ new-look, re-designed website, dedicated to UK guests. Visitors to the site can take virtual tours of the ships and look at detailed maps and satellite images to see exactly where each itinerary goes. There’s extensive detail on ports of call and beautiful new imagery to depict in clear detail the pleasure of sailing on a genuine tall ship.

New itineraries an entire maiden season in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua, where the 170-passenger Star Flyer will sail six, seven, 10 and 11-night cruises out of Puerto Caldera to explore the bays and inlets of the Pacific coastline, with visits to lush rainforests and hidden lagoons. Priced from £1,065 for a six-day cruise in March 2011, including port charges and all meals on board (excluding flights).

Sister ship Star Clipper returns to the Caribbean island of St Maarten for 2011, with regular seven-night departures to either the Leeward Islands (Nevis, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes, Antigua, St Barths) or the British Virgin Islands on the Treasure Islands cruise (Anguilla, four calls in the BVI, St Kitts and St Barths). Six and eight-night sailings are also available. From £980 for six nights in December 2011, including port charges, cruise-only.

Also new for 2011 are the 228-passenger Royal Clipper’s itineraries from Barbados to the British Virgin Islands, with calls at Norman Island, Soper’s Hole, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, some of the finest sailing areas in the Caribbean. From £1,940 for 10 nights, departing December 17, 2011 (a special Christmas sailing), including port charges and all meals on board (excludes flights).

For further information, visit http://www.starclippers.co.uk/ or contact the UK cruise specialist agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

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SeaDream's Amazon Adventure

SeaDream Yacht Club has unveiled its 2012 winter and spring itineraries, featuring a FIRST for the ultra-deluxe line. Because, in February 2012, SeaDream II will sail two 20-night voyages to the mighty Amazon, with prices from $11,799 per person ($1,120pp taxes & fees).

The line's two luxury mega-yachts will spend the late aitumn season of 2011 and early 2012 cruising the Caribbean - with an emphasis on visiting the smaller yachting playgrounds and harbours that large ships cannot reach - and then offer the two signature Amazon voyages.

SeaDream’s President Bob Lepisto explained: “We are thrilled to be adding the Amazon to our programme of itineraries. While at the same time, the British Virgin Islands, such us Norman Island, Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda are true yachting destinations and continue to be a favourite with our SeaDream guests.”

Whether travellers are looking for adventure and exploration in the Amazon, or simply seeking a pampering, tropical Caribbean holiday, SeaDream’s intimate size and award-winning service are unmatched at sea. Lepisto added: “In fact, it is our size and maneuverability that allows our yachts to reach tricky spots like Anavilhanas, Brazil, and Iquitos, Peru.”

2012 Amazon Adventure Highlights:

· In February and March 2012, SeaDream II will sail the Amazon on two 20-night voyages: departing on February 13 from Barbados, sailing to Iquitos, Peru; or departing Iquitos on March 4, sailing to Barbados
· Itineraries showcase the best of the Amazon including Cuxiu Muni, Brazil, where guests have the option to take a night canoe trip in search of crocodiles, snakes and other night creatures.
· In Alter do Chao, Brazil, SeaDream hosts their Champagne and Caviar Splash™ on one of Brazil’s best beaches and guests may take a riverboat cruise on Maicá Lake to see rare pink dolphins.
· In Manaus, Brazil guest go “Flightseeing” in single or twin-engine aircraft, soaring over the Rio Negro, Rio Solimões, the Meeting of the Waters, the Amazon River and the magnificent expanse of jungle below.
· Visiting a small village located on Tupinambarana Island, guests enjoy a “Boi-Bumba” celebration. This exotic ritual of magic, mystery, passion and faith is a feast for the eyes and ears.
· A naturalist will be aboard both Amazon voyages, providing in-depth information about the great river wilderness.
· Excursions will showcase Amazonian tribes, museums, markets and the jungle’s exotic plants and animals.

Caribbean 2011/2012 Highlights:

· SeaDream II will operate two voyages round-trip from Barbados, exploring the glorious, lush Grenadines, St. Lucia and Grenada.
· SeaDream I will operate a round-trip voyage from Marigot, St. Martin, with an emphasis on the unspoiled French West Indies.
· SeaDream I & II will call on St. Barts with overnight stays, allowing guests to go ashore and enjoy the island nightlife.
· SeaDream I & II will call on the unique and less visited islands of Saba and Culebrita. Culebrita offers the rare opportunity for guests to swim in a Bioluminescent Bay.

The expression “Yachting” is not a sentiment about size; it is a statement about lifestyle aboard the small vessels. Chic and stylish, SeaDream’s 56-stateroom yachts are favoured for their elegant informality, state-of-the-art facilities, personal service provided by a crew of 95, inclusive open bar and gratuities, oceanview accommodations, luxury spa and world class cuisine.

SeaDream fares are always voyage only, and include open bar, wines with lunch and dinner, use of recreational and water sports toys (subject to local conditions) and include onboard gratuities.

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South America with Noble Caledonia

By guest blogger Steve Newman

In 2012, Noble Caledonia are repositioning MS Island Sky to South America and have just launched the new brochure which features itineraries from the tip of Patagonia up to the West Indies.

From January to April 2012 she will operate a number of cruises throughout Latin America, up as far as Central America and through the Panama Canal to little known areas of the Caribbean.

Having been involved with many small ships in South America and the West Indies, Noble Caledonia know this area to be ideally suited to expedition cruising. The wild, open spaces of Patagonia and the dramatic coastal scenery of the Chilean fjords make for an unforgettable trip particularly if you prefer the cooler temperatures.

Alternatively, Chile’s lake region and northern territory with its magnificent national parks combines well with the natural and cultural wonders of Peru. Continuing north along the Pacific coastline, there is the chance to explore Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica, including the remote Cocos Island, a mini Galapagos located some 300 miles out in the Pacific and an area much favoured by Jacques Cousteau, known for its sea turtles, rays, dolphins and hammerhead sharks.

Later in the season finds Island Sky exploring the little known but remarkably beautiful islands of the southern Caribbean Sea as well as the Caribbean Coast of Panama and Costa Rica. There will also be the opportunity to visit Cuba, the Southern Bahamas, Turks & Caicos islands and the pristine waters of the British Virgin Islands.

Why not join them for the Island Sky’s maiden visit to these endlessly fascinating waters and explore the wonders of nature and man with our accomplished expedition team and guest speakers?

For more information, visit http://www.noble-caledonia.co.uk.

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