Celebrity Cruises unveils Luminae restaurant for suite guests

The new Luminae restaurant exclusively for Suite Class guests

Celebrity Cruises will soon be adding a new restaurant on-board its cruise ships exclusively for Suite Class guests. The new dining venue will be rolled out across the fleet starting in April 2015.

The new restaurant will be called Luminae and will have modern and contemporary décor. The restaurant will offer a unique menu and will be open for suite guests for complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Highlights from the sample menu include “Black And White“ caviar with crème fraîche, creamy truffle risotto with a fricassé of wild mushrooms and Parmesan Reggiano, Maine lobster tagliatelle with roasted artichokes, tomato and lemon confit, and Chocolate Palet served with caramel ice cream and fleur de sel.

The menus will feature locally sourced regional and seasonal ingredients inspired by the destinations Celebrity Cruises sails to around the world.

"Everything about Luminae embodies an inspirational culinary journey for our guests. We want them to savour soulful, technique-driven cuisine, while enjoying warm and personalised service in a relaxed, stylish setting," said John Suley, James Beard-featured Executive Chef for Celebrity Cruises.

Special touches such as table-side preparation of signature dishes and the daily presentation of a new gourmet chocolates and desserts cart will add to the ambience. The menus will offer wine pairing suggestions made by the restaurant’s dedicated head sommelier. The wine list, specially designed for Luminae guests, will feature more than 400 selections.

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A round-up of the cruise line January offers

The month of January is synonymous with sales and discounts, and the cruise industry is no different. Here is a round-up of the best cruise line offers.

Royal Caribbean is offering an all-inclusive drinks package on selected itineraries during 2015. They are also offering a buy-one-get-one-half-price offer on selected Caribbean itineraries whereby the rate for the second passenger is half that of the first. On top of this, they have reduced their deposit to £50 per person. These offers expire on 31 January.

Princess Cruises are celebrating their 50th anniversary with their Golden Deals offer. They too are offering a reduced deposit of £50 per person. They are also offering up to $50 per stateroom per day in on-board credit and up to 50% discount on third and fourth passengers sharing a cabin. These offers expire on 28 February.

Celebrity Cruises are running their 123Go! promotion. Book a concierge stateroom or above on selected 2015/16 itineraries and receive a free all-inclusive drinks package, free gratuities and up to $300 in on-board credit per cabin. Third and fourth guests booked into the same cabin will also receive a free soft drinks package and a 40 minute internet package  Book an ocean-view or balcony cabin on selected worldwide itineraries and choose from either the drinks package, free gratuities or on-board credit. Book an ocean-view or balcony cabin on selected European itineraries and choose two of these extras. These offers expire on 28 February and they require a specific promo code which can be found on their website.

Cunard Line is celebrating its 175th anniversary and is offering $500 per person in on-board credit on selected May to November 2015 sailings when you book the Cunard Fare. This offer expires on 28 February.

P&O Cruises are offering up to £1,580 per cabin in on-board credit on Select Price bookings to coincide with their ‘This is the Life’ promotion. This offer expires on 28 February.

Norwegian Cruise Line is offering up to $1,000 in on-board credit per stateroom in a short running offer. The amount offered depends on the duration of the cruise and the grade of cabin booked. This offer expires on 7 January.

MSC Cruises are offering up to £600 discount per cabin based on the brochure price together with free British Airways return flights from London on selected 2015 voyages. They are also offering a free drinks package on-board selected MSC Fantasia & MSC Magnifica sailings too. These offers expire on 5 March.

Carnival Cruise Line is running its “The Real Deal” promotion which offers up to two-category cabin upgrades and up to $100 in on-board credit per cabin based on the duration of the cruise on selected itineraries. These offers expire on 31 January.

Terms and conditions apply to all of these offers and these can be found on the respective cruise line websites. Offers may be subject to availability, apply to selected travel dates or itineraries and may not be combinable.

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The best of the cruise offers this Christmas

Regal Princess at sea

Princess Cruises is running a “Christmas Cracker” promotion which offers both reduced fares and complimentary speciality dining on selected voyages. The offer is available on nearly 50 cruises, sailing between February and August 2015 to destinations including the Mediterranean, Alaska and Asia. The offer is applicable to qualifying itineraries booked between before 17 December . One speciality dining meal, up to the equivalent of up to $50 per couple, is available per stateroom in this promotion.

Meanwhile P&O Cruises is running a “Christmas has come early” promotion offering savings of up to £400 per cabin on selected itineraries. The savings apply to new P&O Cruises Select Price, Early Saver and Saver bookings made between 1 December - 14 December 2014 on selected departures between 6 February and 22 July 2015.

Celebrity Cruises is offering £100 of House of Fraser e-vouchers on new bookings made before 31 December 2014 for selected Caribbean sailings between January and April 2015. Alternatively, their “123 Go” offer runs until 28 February 2015 and offers guests staying in a Concierge grade stateroom or above on selected itineraries a choice of benefits including free drinks, free gratuities or free on-board credit. Book a Concierge Stateroom or above on selected cruise sailings between April 2015 and November 2016 and receive all three benefits. Alternatively book an Ocean-view cabin or above on selected cruise sailings and choose two of these benefits for selected European itineraries or one benefit for selected worldwide itineraries. Voucher codes are required for the 123 Go offer and can be found here and here.

Sister cruise line Royal Caribbean is offering all-inclusive drinks packages on selected sailings during 2015. Alternatively, their “Buy on get one half price” offer on selected Caribbean itineraries might be more tempting. Applicable to new bookings for 2015 Caribbean sailings of six or more nights, the second guest sharing a cabin pays half the cruise-only fare when the first guest pays full price. Both offers run until 31 January 2015.

Terms and conditions apply to all of these offers, and exclusions may also apply. A copy of the applicable terms and conditions for each offer is available on each of the websites linked above.

(Photo credit to Princess Cruises)

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Celebrity Cruises to base a ship in Abu Dhabi for winter 2016

Celebrity Cruises have demonstrated their commitment to the Emirates by basing one of their cruise ships out of Abu Dhabi for winter 2016/17. The cruise line has also announced its new sailings from India, Asia and South Pacific for 2016 and 2017, perfect for those that like to plan ahead!

An aerial photograph of Celebrity Celebrity Constellatio

Celebrity Constellation will be based in Abu Dhabi during the winter of 2016-17, offering a choice of sailings ranging from nine to 15 nights.

The highlights of the new schedule are the 12-night Arabian Sea and India itinerary or the 15 night Suez Canal itinerary.

The 12-night Arabian Sea and India itinerary, sailing from Abu Dhabi (UAE) on 28 November 2016 will call into Dubai (UAE) for an overnight stay before sailing to New Mangalore (India), Goa (India), Mumbai (India) and Khasab (Oman) before returning back to Abu Dhabi.

The 15-night epic departs on 17 April 2017 and calls into ports at Muscat (Oman), Aqaba (Jordan), Athens and Katakolon in Greece and Rome (Italy). It transits the Suez Canal passage which is an incredible experience.

Meanwhile, Celebrity Millennium will be sailing throughout Asia with a variety of itineraries on offer between 11 and 16-nights in length. The 12-night Southeast Asia Immersion cruise, departing on the 12 January 2017 on-board Celebrity Millennium starts with an overnight stop in Singapore. From here the ship calls into Bangkok (Laemchabang), Thailand (two overnight stays); Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam; Hue/Danang (Chan May), Vietnam and finally Hong Kong, China for another overnight stay. Cruise passengers have long been calling for more overnight stops to be made available and this itinerary crams as many in as is possible.

A new itinerary for 2016/7 will be one that encompasses China and Japan. Departing on 8 April 2017 the 14-night cruise begins with an overnight stay in Hong Kong (China) before sailing onto Taipei (Keelung), an overnight stay in Taiwan (China), Okinawa (Japan), Shanghai (China), Nagasaki (Japan), Kobe (Japan) and Mount Fuji (Japan) before arriving into at Tokyo (Japan).

These new 2016/7 itineraries for Abu Dhabi, India, Asia and South Pacific will go on sale on 12 December 2014.

(Photo credit to Celebrity Cruises)

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On the EDGE: Celebrity orders two new cruise ships

Celebrity Cruises has ordered two new ships to be built by the STX yard in France and scheduled for delivery in autumn 2018 and spring 2020.

According to last night’s announcement, the vessels, designated Project EDGE, will provide “small ship itineraries with large ship amenities” – although how this feat will be achieved remains to be seen.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, said: “Our new class of ship will set the standard  for premium world travel and deliver the next generation of modern luxury experiences that our guests know and love.”

STX France is currently building Royal Caribbean’s Oasis 3 and has been contracted to build a new class of cruise ship for MSC Cruises. It built Norwegian Epic and Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. Bayley added: “STX designs and builds some of the most innovative and stylish cruise ships in the world. Project EDGE offers them the opportunity to set a new standard for modern iconic architecture.”

Celebrity said the vessels also represent a step forward in eco-friendly ship design, with improved fuel efficiency and extensive use of sustainable materials.

At 117,000 tons and carrying 2,900 passengers the new design is slightly smaller than the recent Solstice class. Four of the five Solstice ships are around 122,000 tons each and carry about 2,880 passengers. The most recent, Reflection (above), is 125,000 tons and can carry 3,050 passengers.

Celebrity, a division of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, also operates four Millennium-class ships built between 2000 and 2002, and carrying about 1,950 passengers each, plus a much smaller vessel, Celebrity Xpedition, carrying 90 passengers on cruises in the Galapagos islands.

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All change as cruise ships move between fleets

Last month was busy in terms of cruise ship transitions as Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises all sold off a cruise ship each.

A couple of weeks ago Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd announced it was selling Royal Caribbean International’s Majesty of the Seas to its Pullmantur brand in 2016. This was the final Sovereign class that Royal Caribbean International was operating, having previously sold-off Sovereign of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas to the Pullmantur brand in 2008 and 2013 respectively.

Pullmantur's Sovereign cruise ship

"Majesty of the Seas has created wonderful memories for millions of guests, and we expect this record of success to continue as she transitions to Pullmantur," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

This sale shows how much confidence Royal Caribbean International have in its larger vessels, such as the world’s biggest cruise ship, Allure of the Seas, and technologically advanced Quantum of the Seas, fulfilling and sustaining demand for the cruise line.

Majesty of the Seas will bid farewell to the Royal Caribbean International fleet in April 2016.

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd also announced that they are to form a strategic partnership through SkySea Cruises with Ctrip.com designed to serve the Chinese cruise market.

Speaking of Ctrip, Exquisite Marine Ltd., a subsidiary of Ctrip International Ltd, has entered into an agreement to acquire Celebrity Century from Celebrity Cruises.

Cruising demand is booming in China right now and this move is designed to supply extra capacity to the market where it is needed.

Celebrity Century will bid farewell to the Celebrity Cruises fleet on 5th April 2015. She will be redeployed to Asia via a sailing from Dubai to Singapore.

Lastly, as John Honeywell reported last week, Princess Cruises has sold Ocean Princess to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which will be joining the Oceania Cruises fleet. The ship will undergo a 35-day refurbishment at a cost of $40 million (£25 million) transforming the vessel ready for fare-paying passengers in late April 2016.

This announcement from Oceania Cruises has fuelled speculation that Azamara Club Cruises is likely to make an announcement shortly about its fleet. Rumour has it that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd may opt for a new build rather than buying a second-hand vessel.

(Photo credit to Pullmantur)

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Celebrity Cruises announces 2016-2017 deployment

New destinations, more overnight stays for richer experiences, and an effortless way to visit multiple countries in one vacation, are just some of the reasons to sail with Celebrity Cruises in modern luxury-style. Forget the travel wish list that’s sitting idle and simply Go!

Begin an adventure in Celebrity's new port of and then sail to India and discover the vibrancy of Mumbai. Run with the bulls in Pamplona, one of many new “Signature Event Sailings,” or samba down the streets of Rio de Janeiro to celebrate Carnival. With twice as many “double overnights” as the 2015-16 season and 17 new overnight ports, including in the Caribbean, a wealth of destination-rich experiences await. 

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Start the New Year in style and head to the Caribbean with Celebrity Cruises

Beat the January blues and soak up the sunshine in Mexico, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Grand Cayman and sip local rum in Jamaica with Celebrity Cruises. Join Celebrity Silhouette on a nine-night Western Caribbean fly/cruise from £1,529 per person (based on two people sharing a balcony stateroom). 

Price includes return flights from London Heathrow, transfers, one night pre-cruise hotel accommodation and a seven-night cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale  and calling at Cozumel, George Town, Falmouth and Labadee (Haiti) before returning to Fort Lauderdale for the flight home; meals and entertainment onboard the ship and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price based on 10 January UK departure. 

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Learn to sail with Celebrity Eclipse godmother and raise money for breast cancer research

Holidaymakers can take to the seas with Celebrity Cruises and learn to sail with ocean yachtswoman, Emma Pontin. The Royal Yachting Association Essential Navigation and Seamanship course will be offered as part of Celebrity Eclipse’s eight-night transatlantic sailing from Southampton to Miami, Florida departing on 9 November 2014.

                                                                                                          

Emma, who was godmother at Eclipse's christening in 2010, will teach three two-hour sailing courses each day. Ideal for those who are new to boating as well as being useful for experienced dinghy and keelboat sailors and inshore racers, this course aims to improve guests’ safety, navigation and understanding on the water. All guests that complete the course will be RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship certified.

The 15-night Broadway and Beaches cruise departs from Southampton on 9 November and features overnight stays in New York, Kings Wharf and Port Canaveral, before arriving into Miami. The 15-night fly/cruise costs from £1,200 per person (based on two sharing an interior stateroom), the course costs £95 per person with 100 per cent of the profits being donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. The courses can be pre-booked or booked onboard.

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Swap chunky knits and overcoats for swimsuits and sunscreen with Celebrity Cruises

Relax on sandy beaches, marvel at island waterfalls or even get a head start on some Christmas shopping in the tax-free retail haven of St. Thomas with Celebrity Cruises. Join Celebrity Equinox on a 12-night Caribbean fly/cruise from £1,545 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom). 

Price includes return flights from London Heathrow, transfers, one night pre-cruise hotel accommodation and a 10-night cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale and calling at Charlotte Amalie, Basseterre, Bridgetown, Roseau and Philipsburg (St. Maarten) before returning to Fort Lauderdale for the flight home; meals and entertainment onboard the ship and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price based on 20 November UK departure. 

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Escape grey skies and bask in the Caribbean sunshine with Celebrity Cruises

With autumn setting in and months of colder weather ahead, there’s no better time to head off to sunnier climes. Embark on an island hopping cruise in the Caribbean and soak up the sun with Celebrity Cruises. Join Celebrity Summit on a nine-night Southern Caribbean fly/cruise from £1,275 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom).

Price includes return flights from London Heathrow, transfers, one night pre-cruise hotel accommodation and a seven-night cruise departing from San Juan and calling at St. Croix, Basseterre, Roseau, St. George’s and Charlotte Amalie  before returning to San Juan for the flight home; meals and entertainment onboard the ship and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price based on 7 November UK departure.
 

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Bask on beaches this December with Celebrity Cruises

Head to the sun-soaked Caribbean this winter and explore the island of Dominica, taking in the waterfalls and hot springs, or wander around Barbados (above) with Celebrity Cruises. You can Join Celebrity Equinox on a 12-night Caribbean fly/cruise from £1,339 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom).

Price includes return flights from London Heathrow, transfers, one night pre-cruise hotel accommodation and a 10-night cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale and calling at Charlotte Amalie, Bridgetown, Roseau (Dominica) and Philipsburg before returning to Fort Lauderdale for the flight home; meals and entertainment onboard the ship and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price based on 11 December 2014 UK departure.

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Guernsey sees 45 per cent increase in cruise traffic - and still hasn't built a berth

The Channel island of Guernsey has seen a 45 per cent increase in cruise ship arrivals in the past two years and is predicting even better numbers next year.

There were 90 visiting ships this year, bringing 96,134 passengers between January and August. Full-year figures are expected to beat last year’s total of 110,040.

Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, P&O’s Britannia, and Celebrity Silhouette will help to boost 2015 figures.

And all this without a quay for the ships to berth – passengers come ashore by tender, which can be a problem in high winds.

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Cruise to the Holy Land this autumn on Celebrity Constellation

Embark on a cruise into history with a tour of Istanbul, Israel, Malta and Italy this October with Celebrity Cruises. Join Celebrity Constellation on a 12 night Holy Land cruise from £999 per person (based on two people sharing a balcony stateroom).

Price includes return flights from London Heathrow, transfers, one night pre-cruise hotel accommodation and a 11-night cruise departing from Istanbul and calling at Kusadasi (Turkey), Haifa, Ashdod, Valletta, and Naples before arriving in Rome for the return flight home; meals and entertainment onboard the ship and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Price based on 25 October departure.

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Caribbean sunshine with a Celebrity Cruises back to back sailing

Pack your bags for a Caribbean adventure this winter and enjoy warm sunshine and golden sands with Celebrity Cruises. Take advantage of Celebrity Cruises’ back-to-back offer and make the most of the Caribbean this November. Join Celebrity Summit on a 16-night fly/cruise from £1,535 per person (based on two people sharing an interior stateroom).

Price includes return flights from Heathrow, transfers, one night pre-cruise hotel accommodation and a 14-night cruise departing from San Juan and calling at St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands), Basseterre (St.Kitts), Roseau (Dominica), St. George’s, Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas), San Juan, Bridgetown  Castries (St. Lucia), St John’s , Philipsburg and a return to Charlotte Amalie  before sailing back to San Juan for the flight home; meals and entertainment onboard the ship and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.   Price based on 7 November departure.

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Head east for late Mediterranean sun, advises Bolsover Cruise Club

It’s not too late to sail away on a Mediterranean cruise, says Bolsover Cruise Club. who have confirmed that there is good availability this autumn for tours of the warmer Eastern Mediterranean.

Here are three deals for October still available to book through Bolsover Cruise Club:

Celebrity Reflection

Departs: 6 October 2014 for 11 nights. Flights: Return from Manchester to Rome.

Route: Rome, Santorini, Istanbul, Ephesus, Athens, Mykonos and Naples.

Prices: Inside £999; Ocean view £1,299; Balcony £1,879.

Celebrity Silhouette (Above )

Departs: 18 October 2014 for 14 nights. Flights: Return from Birmingham to Rome.

Route: Rome, Valletta, Argostoli, Jerusalem (Ashdod, overnight in port), Haifa, Ephesus, Athens, Catania  and Naples.

Prices: Inside £1,125; Ocean view £1,425; Balcony £1,535.

Cunard, Queen Elizabeth

Departs: 31 October 2014 for 7 nights. Flights: Return from London to Venice.

Route: Venice, Korcula, Heraklion, Rhodes, Ephesus and Athens.

Prices: Inside £799; Outside £849; Balcony £999.

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