Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces All-Inclusive Packages On 2015 Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line UK now has a “Norwegians Get It All and a Whole Lot More” promotion, an All-Inclusive Package for guests sailing in 2015 and booking between now and 30 October 2014. Including speciality drinks, speciality dining, service charges, internet, and more. This new package will add a value of more than £1,238  per stateroom on a 7-night cruise. 

The package will be available on cruises of three to 14 nights taking guests to  the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada & New England, the Panama Canal and South America between 4 January and 27 December 2015. The package is also bookable with Norwegian’s European programme which includes Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic and Northern Europe and Canary Island itineraries.

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Norwegian Plan A Miami Escape

Here at World of Cruising we've heard that  Norwegian Cruise Line's brand new ship for 2015, Norwegian Escape, will make its home in Miami, sailing year-round to the eastern Caribbean.

As well as revealing the ship's new hull artwork (above), NCL declated that, like this year's newcomer Norwegian Getaway, the Escape will homeport in the South Florida port and take on the Getaway's Caribbean itinerary, calling at St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and Nassau in the Bahamas, as well as offering three days at sea.

The Getaway will herself move to a new 7-day Caribbean itinerary - Norwegian's private island of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas; Ocho Rios in Jamaica; George Town in Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.

With these two ships sailing year-round from Miami, this will allow their previous flagship, Norwegian Epic, to be part of a 2015/16 deployment (as already announced) sailing from Barcelona year-round.

The line’s full deployment for winter next year also includes its return to South America cruises, a larger Jewel-class ship sailing to the Mexican Riviera, as well as the addition of Port Canaveral, Florida as a seasonal home-port.

The 20156/16 opens for booking on March 26.

More Info: call 0785 201 8900 or visit www.ncl.co.uk.

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Holland America's Caribbean Christmas

Christmas has come early at Holland America Line, with Caribbean cruises now starting from just £249 for a 'taster' cruise and £499 for a full week’s holiday, cruise-only - the perfect antidote to the hectic festive season.

Take your pick from this delightful selection:

Four night pre-Christmas Bahamas taster cruise
Departing Fort Lauderdale on December 18, this four-night voyage on board the MS Eurodam calls at Key West, Nassau and Half Moon Cay (Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas). The trip is ideal for combining with a Christmas break in Florida and costs from just £249 per person cruise-only, based on two sharing an inside cabin. A verandah cabin starts from £349 per person.

Seven night Western Caribbean cruise
This week-long sailing onboard the MS Nieuw Amsterdam departs from Fort Lauderdale on January 26. The ship then calls at Half Moon Cay, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Key West before returning to Fort Lauderdale. The cruise also features special performances from the professional dancers of ‘Dancing with the Stars’. The trip costs from just £499 per person, cruise only, based on two sharing an inside cabin. A verandah cabin starts from £699pp.

14 night Southern Caribbean cruise
Start the New Year in style with a two-week cruise of the southern Caribbean. Departing from Tampa, on January 5, the MS Ryndam calls at Key West, San Juan, St Thomas, St John’s, Castries, Soufriere, Willemstad, Oranjestad and Grand Cayman. This leisurely cruise to some of the Caribbean’s less well-known islands starts from just £1,109 per person cruise only, based on two sharing an inside cabin. Ocean view starts from £1,229pp.

More info: visit www.hollandamerica.co.uk or call 0843 374 2300.

 

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Fred. Olsen's British Bonanza

Fred. Olsen’s 2014/15 cruise programme will see it sailing from an amazing variety of UK ports, with all of Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth (for Edinburgh), Greenock (for Glasgow), Belfast and the newly-added ports of Tilbury and Avonmouth now on their Brit-list, further enhancing the line's reputation as the ‘local, global cruise line.'

In 2014/15, they will also be making even more overnight stops in spectacular cities worldwide, in response to guests’ desire to spend more time ashore in the ports they visit. Fred. Olsen will also be working with destination ports to create an even greater link between its cruises and local events, such as the Baltic Festivals of Kieler Woche in Kiel, Germany, and the world-renowned Jazz Festival in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Highlights of the new cruise season include:

• The Undiscovered Adriatic from Avonmouth, a 28-night cruise departing on May 17, taking in Sicily, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar and Koper (Slovenia), as well as Venice and Athens.

• A 32-night Canada & New York cruise, departing from Southampton on September 1, visiting Canada’s eastern seaboard when the Fall foliage will be at its best, with overnight stays in Quebec, Boston and New York.

• A very different Caribbean cruise, of 34 nights, with an overnight stay in Havana, Cuba, as well as stopovers in Bermuda, the Bahamas and Grand Turk, plus plenty of other favourites.

• Two fabulous 28-night Black Sea cruises, one from Liverpool in October and the other from Southampton in June, both with visits to Athens, overnight stays in Istanbul, and cruising deep into the Black Sea and the Crimea.

• Five ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruises to Norway in February and March, and Fred. Olsen’s first winter season in its historic homeland, in November and December, to give guests the chance to marvel at one of Nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena, the Northern Lights.

Fred. Olsen will be offering many new destinations in 2014/15, which promise a wealth of unforgettable holiday experiences. For instance, there will be an impressive 13 maiden calls on Balmoral’s Asia Grand Voyage in 2015: Galle (Sri Lanka), Ujang Pandang (Indonesia), Naha (Okinawa, Japan), Tokyo, Nagasaki, Jeju City (South Korea), Dalian (China), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Nathon (Thailand), Malacca (Malaysia), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Utheemu (North Thiladhunmathee Atoll, Maldives) and Uligamu (Ihavandhippolhu Atoll, Maldives).

More info: www.fredolsencruises.com for full terms and conditions.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Holland America's Caribbean Bliss

Holland America Line have the perfect cure for any early-winter blues with a special Caribbean cruise offer, sailing to Puerto Rico, St Maarten and Grand Turk in November.

Guests will get the chance to stroll around the old town walls and narrow streets of San Juan, with its buildings covered by blue stone brought over as ballast on Spanish ships; enjoy a full day at the stunning, award-winning private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay; and take advantage of the superb snorkelling, parasailing and horse-riding excursions on offer throughout.

The MS Westerdam calls at Grand Turk, San Juan and St Maarten as well as Half Moon Cay, before returning to Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

On board, Westerdam’s Crows Nest lounge offers amazing views and, at night, becomes a fashionable nightclub whilst The Pinnacle Grill is reservations-only, offering a superb and intimate alternative dining experience.

This 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise costs from £1,239pp, including return scheduled flights, a one-night shore stay either side of the cruise, transfers and full-board accommodation in an inside stateroom. It departs November 2.

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

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Holland America's Caribbean Bargain

Holland America Line is offering a five-star seven-night Caribbean cruise from just £1,299 per person this December. This price includes seven nights’ full board accommodation on HAL's 2,104-guest Eurodam, sailing on December 8.

Departing from Fort Lauderdale, the cruise heads straight for the white sands of Grand Turk, perfect for relaxation and a scuba-diving paradise. Next port of call is Puerto Rico’s atmospheric capital, San Juan, before sailing to St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. The Eurodam then makes a final call at HAL's private island, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, before sailing back to Fort Lauderdale.

While at sea, be pampered in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, enjoy cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Arts Theatre; and experience Eurodam’s fantastic choice of elegant restaurants and lounges.

This offer is based on two sharing an inside cabin on the 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise,  including flights from London Heathrow on December 7, transfers, seven nights’ full-board accommodation and a pre-cruise hotel night in Fort Lauderdale. 

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

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Norwegian Offer New Stingray Encounter

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced details of a new Stingray Encounter and ‘Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure,’ now available on Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s 250-acre private island in the Bahamas. In addition, coming soon is a brand new Lighthouse Beach Bar presented by spirits brand Patron. 

The launch of these three brand new experiences mark more exciting additions to the island as part of the ongoing $30million enhancement project.

Located inside Bertram’s Cove, on the right hand side of the main beach, the Stingray Encounter invites guests to interact with 18 specially-trained stingrays in an enclosed area. Each of the stingrays has a name and its own unique personality, and guests will enjoy feeding, watching and holding them, for the perfect photo opportunity. Also included in the experience is use of a mask, snorkel and snorkel vest so guests can peer below the surface to examine the rays up close. 

The hour-long excursion includes 45 minutes of interaction with the rays and is $29 per adult and $19 per child. 

Norwegian is also launching a new snorkel trail experience called Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure, for guests to enjoy during their time on the island. Snorkelling is one of the most popular activities on the island and Norwegian has now enhanced that experience with the snorkel trail.

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

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Norwegian Breakaway Rocks!

Norwegian Cruise Line continued its legacy of innovating cruise ship entertainment as it announced that the five-time Tony Award nominated musical ROCK OF AGES will be featured on the new Norwegian Breakaway, along with two additional Broadway shows. 

The 4,000 passenger Breakaway will arrive in New York in early May 2013 for year-round sailings. The ship, the largest ever to home port in the Big Apple, will begin weekly summer seven-night cruises from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal to Bermuda on May 12. From October to April 2014, the ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas, Florida and the Southern Caribbean.  

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options, including The Haven by Norwegian, consisting of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travellers; the re-introduction of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa. 

For more on ROCK OF AGES, see this link to their Broadway show page.

To book a cruise on Norwegian Breakaway, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK’s leading cruise-agent specialists.

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Norwegian's 2013-2014 Brochure

Norwegian Cruise Line's big new 2013-2014 brochure includes details of all their worldwide sailings to Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, Bahamas and Florida, Bermuda, Panama Canal, Hawaii and Atlantic crossings.

The 2013/14 season will also see the inauguration of ground-breaking new ship Norwegian Breakaway, which will debut with sailings to Bermuda, Florida and the Bahamas as well as to the Southern Caribbean from her year-round home port of New York, whilst Norwegian’s four-ship European deployment is set to return again, with two of the ships being deployed year-round in the Mediterranean.

Itineraries included in the 2013/2014 brochure include:

• Seven-night Western Mediterranean fly-cruise on board Norwegian Epic. Departing various dates between May and October 2013. Travelling: Fly UK-Barcelona, then a day at sea followed by Naples (for Pompeii), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), Marseille (for Provence), Palma (Majorca) and back to Barcelona. Prices from £854pp based on an October 6, 2013, departure.
• Nine-night Bermuda from New York fly-cruise on board Norwegian Breakaway. Departing various dates between May and October 2013. Travelling: Fly UK-New York, then two days at sea followed by King’s Wharf, Bermuda (with three days to enjoy the island), then another day at sea and back to New York. Prices from £1,710pp based on a September 7, 2013, departure.

NB: Norwegian have a brochure launch offer of up to £500pp off on sailings worldwide.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK’s leading cruise-agent specialists.

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Norwegian's Private Island Cabanas

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that “Cabanas on the Cay,” exclusive private cabanas with VIP service and amenities, are now available on Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s 250-acre private island in the Bahamas.  

Available for $249 per day, each Cabana accommodates up to six guests and is fully furnished with lounge chairs, tables, cooler, beach towels and a shower. Cabana rental also includes a $50 food and beverage credit; up to six all-day passes to the Hippo Waterslide (a $120 value); and one large float, a $25 value. 

Each of the 10 Cabanas on the Cay are available on a first-come-first-serve basis and can be pre-booked as a shore excursion

Norwegian Sky makes year-round stops at Great Stirrup Cay on her three and four-night cruises from Miami. Norwegian Gem visits during her seven-night Bahamas & Florida itinerary from New York. Beginning in October, Norwegian Jewel will also call in on her seven-night Bahamas & Florida cruises from New York while Norwegian Pearl will visit this winter on her seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami. Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian’s newest ship launching next spring, will visit Great Stirrup Cay on seven-night cruises from New York beginning in mid-October 2013.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK’s leading cruise-agent specialists.

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An Epic Adventure Pt 9

Final Day

Continuing our day-by-day look at a typical voyage in the life of Norwegian Cruise Line’s wonderful Norwegian Epic, by World of Cruising editor Simon Veness

Our last full day aboard Norwegian Epic is slightly unusual in that it is a port day, but we don’t arrive in the Bahamian capital of Nassau until mid-day, which is fairly late in the day for a typical port arrival.

That means we can have a leisurely morning, soak up some sun on our balcony and catch up with a bit of email (albeit the internet connection on board is pretty slow – in keeping with just about every cruise ship).

But, almost before we know it, the island of New Providence is in sight and we are maneuvering slowly into the port of Nassau – with the Disney Dream, MSC Poesia and a Royal Caribbean ship already in dock and two Carnival vessels following us in. It’s going to be a busy day in a busy port.

True to form, the hustle and bustle around the cruise terminal is fairly intense, with several thousand people looking to get out, a myriad of taxis, horse-and-carriage buggies and tour vehicles all looking to do business. But, once we managed to work our way clear of the immediate harbour area, it is easy to wander around under our own steam unimpeded and unaccosted.

This is a friendly and open city, easy to navigate on foot, and we have sorted out our own walking tour, taking in the main sights and vantage points, including the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle. We stop for a welcome cold libation at Hotel Greycliffe – a former Colonial mansion – and visit the Colonial Hilton Hotel, which has provided the backdrop for several James Bond films, notably Live And Let Die.

A walk along Junkanoo Beach allows us to dip our toes in the sea and spy some fish and lobsters – extremely large lobsters – in the crystal clear waters. The Fish Fry is a famous area of Nassau, a collection of local seafood restaurants boasting plenty of the local delicacy, Conch – conch salad, conch fritters, fried conch and conch chowder. Perfect for a lazy lunch and a true taste of the Bahamas.

The 20-minute walk back into the heart of town is an opportunity for some more retail therapy. In all honesty, there isn’t anything we haven’t already seen in St Thomas or St Maarten, save for the new Straw Market, a huge indoor market of local arts and crafts – rows and rows of them – but it is ideal window shopping territory as we slowly wind our way back to the ship.

Once again, there isn’t anything we can’t live without, so our credit cards remain safe, but we do pick up a chocolate cake for our cabin steward, Winzyl, as a little ‘thank you’ for his non-stop efficiency and cheery demeanour.

Back on board, we enjoy some more balcony time as the other ships depart and get ourselves ready for our final dinner, at the Epic Club, courtesy of Hotel Director Richard Janicki, giving us another chance to check out the extra amenities of The Haven area.

Our waitress is Jo-Anne from Luzon in the Phillipines, and she is the epitome of gracious service as we enjoy tempura mushroom, roasted beets with arugula, salmon in lobster sauce, wild mushroom ravioli, pear and ginger crumble and a mango and raspberry soufflé, all washed down with a bottle of Ruffino pinot grigio. Simply sublime.

To complete our round-up of the ship’s vast range of entertainment options, we have a 9.15pm appointment with the Second City comedy group in Headliners, a chance to sample their improv act, which provides an hour of fairly knockabout humour in best ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ style.

It just leaves the final night ritual of suitcase packing to be completed, with both suitcases duly loaded and left outside our cabin door with the appropriate labels on by 11pm. With a 7.30am wake-up call booked, we’re not looking for a late night, but we do manage a final quick visit to Fat Cats Jazz Club and a fond farewell to Charlie Love & The Silky Smooth Band.

It leaves us with an inedible memory of this amazing ship and its vast entertainment array; one that not just breaks the mould of traditional cruising but takes it and completely re-shapes it into something new, contemporary and exciting. And just a little exhausting!

Next – final thoughts on our Epic cruise.

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An Epic Adventure Pt 8

More On The Ship
Continuing our day-by-day look at a typical voyage in the life of Norwegian Cruise Line’s wonderful Norwegian Epic, by World of Cruising editor Simon Veness

It just goes to show how much time you need to explore a big ship. Here we are on Day Six and we have only just discovered the perfect sea-day sanctuary, tucked away forward on Deck 18 (there is also a Deck 19 for those who don’t suffer from vertigo, as the sea seems about half a mile away from up there).

Our third sea day is another perfect day in the Caribbean; calm seas, unbroken sun and no breeze, with temperatures again in the low 80sF. Easy to burn on deck, hence we don’t spend long there (although the balcony is a whole ‘nother story). We also have Nassau tomorrow, so staying out of the sun is the percentage decision.

There is also a lot going on around the ship and it is easy to drift from activity to activity. The indolent rhythm of a sea day is hard to escape, hence we don’t try.

The one thing we do discover, though, is the open space on Deck 18; an area hitherto unknown to us (and, we suspect, the majority of our fellow passengers). It is hard to pinpoint on the ship deck plans and is accessible only by the one-off lift next to the Great Outdoors grill/buffet on the pool deck (15).

The neat glass-fronted lift goes directly to 18 and a surprisingly open expanse of deck space, complete with the requisite loungers and two shower units in which to cool down when the sun becomes just TOO powerful (which, for us, is usually within 15 minutes!).

Our other big discovery for the day is The Haven, the ship-within-a-ship on the topmost three decks that essentially forms its own Concierge Class of accommodations, amenities and style. Thanks to our own personal tour by Etienne from the Hotel Manager’s staff (and we also had a great meeting with Hotel Manager Richard Janicki, a long-time Norwegian veteran), we were given a full tour of this part of the ship which, due, to its clever self-contained design, many passengers may not even know exists (a bit like Deck 18).

Complete with its own pool, expansive sun decks, gym, sauna, steam room, lounge, restaurant (both inside and out), deck bar and two Spa treatment rooms, The Haven is exactly what it sounds – a 75-cabin sanctuary that effectively reintroduces first-class cruise travel in an unobtrusive and contemporary way.

All the cabins are suites, and the décor is notably fresh and modern without being overly bright or glitzy. The Epic Lounge is like a snap-shot of a smart, modish nightclub, the restaurant is quiet and graceful and the whole concierge-equipped area has an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.

Having completed (finally!) our full tour of the ship, there is still time for lunch in Taste (definitely our favourite of the two main dining rooms), trying to keep things simple in advance of dinner at the Teppanyaki Room tonight. Soup, salad, Vietnamese spring rolls and a wild mushroom omelette were the sum total of our gustatory exertions, leaving us perfectly positioned to take in a stroll of the jogging track on Deck 7 and then our afternoon highlight, a talk from the members of the Blue Man Group.

We had hoped for a genuine behind-the-blue-paint revealing of the hows and whys of their innovatory show and we weren’t disappointed, with the three ‘Blue Men’ and one of the musicians all taking turns to answer questions and detail their background in music, comedy and theatre – which explains the unique mix of artistry that goes into the on-stage antics.

By late afternoon it was time to show a little more purpose and direction, hence we returned to our cabin to shower and change ready for the evening.

In keeping with the ultimate egalitarianism of Freestyle cruising, there is no dress code, hence we can dress up or down as much as we prefer for the evening. Shirt and shorts? Fine. Long trousers and T-shirt? That’s OK here. Shirt and tie? Go right ahead, sir. Full suit or cocktail dress? Yes, that’s perfectly permissible, too. There is no wrong attire, hence you will find the full mixture aboard at any one time.

Our first destination for the evening is the Legends In Concert show (again pre-booked in advance), with the chance to enjoy Steven Tyler (of Aerosmith) and Lady Gaga. Sadly, ‘Elvis’ was off sick for the evening, but the one-hour show still rattled along nicely, backed by a four-piece band who really knew their rock ‘n roll stuff.

Tyler as both a lookalike and soundalike was simply superb; Lady Gaga perhaps sang a bit TOO well to complete the sound comparison, while the looks were good without capturing the true bizarre persona of the real Gaga (and, in all honesty, if she is genuinely deemed a ‘legend,’ then so are a million other pop singers of both past and present). She probably appealed to the younger element of the audience but I think the majority were left a little underwhelmed by the sheer non-legendary status (when considering we might have had Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Madonna or, frankly, any one of another 100 pop and rock performers of the past 30 years we could name during the course of the show).

Dinner this evening was the aforementioned Teppanyaki, one of our most anticipated pre-cruise highlights, and it absolutely didn’t disappoint. The show-style nature of the Teppan grill cuisine is always great to see and our chef pulled off the usual combination of cooking and showmanship with great aplomb. The jumbo shrimp was superbly succulent; the scallops intensely satisfying; and the melt-in-the-mouth filet absolutely to die for.

Topped and tailed with edamame, miso soup, a Japanese-dressed salad, fruit sashimi and green tea ice cream, it was, again, too much food to comfortably ingest at one sitting – and a truly memorably dining experience. Yet another big plus mark for the Epic’s immense culinary capabilities.

Finally, to complete an evening of rock-themed entertainment, we headed for the Headliners show-lounge and a chance to sample the dueling pianos of Howl At The Moon Saloon. With alternating twin pianists, and a small drum kit, with each of four performers taking turns at both, we rocked the night away to a wonderfully raucous selection of 70s, 80s and 90s standards, all given the singalong treatment in best bar fashion.

It was neither overdone nor under-performed, and we were left in awe of the performers’ sheer range and catalogue of material, as well as no small amount of musical ability at the ivories, and some great vocal talents to boot.

Without time appearing to pass, it was suddenly midnight and gone, and we wended a weary but extremely happy way back to cabin 10308 for more guaranteed solid slumbers, another day of varied and quality-conscious cruising safely tucked under our belts.

And tomorrow it’s time for Nassau….

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Celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Tour In Royal Style

With members of the Royal family set to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by touring the globe in 2012, why not follow in their footsteps and embark on a majestic adventure of your own with Royal Caribbean? 

Follow in Prince Harry's footsteps and visit The Bahamas on board the world’s biggest cruise ship Allure of the Seas, on a nine-night Eastern Caribbean fly/cruise from £1,516 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). The price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation, transfers and a seven-night cruise departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and calling at Nassau (Bahamas), Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas) and Philipsburg (St. Maarten) before returning to Fort Lauderdale; all meals and entertainment on board; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, based on a March 4 departure. 

Or follow the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall Down Under on Radiance of the Seas on a 20-night Australia & New Zealand fly/cruise from £2,585.00 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin). This price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation, transfers, and an 18-night cruise departing Perth (Australia) and calling at Albany, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart (all Australia), and Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington (all New Zealand) before arriving in Sydney; all meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on an October 28 departure.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading specialist cruise agents, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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NCL's Big Changes For 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its summer deployment for 2013/2014, with a four-ship deployment in Europe – continuing with two ships based in the region year-round.

New to the European fleet is Norwegian Star, which replaces the Sun in the Baltic, further increasing the capacity in this popular cruise destination. Further highlights include the addition of a third ship in Alaska, sailing seven-night ‘open jaw’ itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Whittier, Alaska.

In Europe, Norwegian Epic (above) returns for her third season, sailing seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona from May 5, 2013, to October 13. A new itinerary features five ports of call in three countries - Spain, Italy and France - and a call to Palma in Majorca.

Norwegian Jade returns to Venice in May for the summer season and will offer alternating seven-night Greek Isles and seven-night Adriatic, Greece and Turkey itineraries. In the Autumn/Winter, Jade repositions to Rome (Civitavecchia) for a series of eight 10-night Eastern Med and nine 11-night Mediterranean & The Holy Land itineraries from October 26, 2013, to April 12, 2014.

In Alaska, beginning May 20, 2013, Norwegian Sun’s northbound itinerary to Whittier departs Vancouver on Mondays and will cruise the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and make stops in the Alaskan favourites of Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau.

Beginning May 18, 2013, Norwegian Jewel will sail a series of 18 seven-night Sawyer Glacier itineraries from Seattle every Saturday, with stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Victoria (British Columbia).

Pride of America will continue as the only US-flagged vessel sailing among all four of Hawaii’s main islands, offering seven-night inter-island cruises that depart Honolulu every Saturday. Ports of call include: an overnight in Kahului (Maui); Hilo and Kona (on the Big Island); an overnight in Nãwiliwili, (Kauai); and an afternoon cruise along the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

For a shorter cruise option, Norwegian Sky will continue sailing three and four-night cruises to the Bahamas year-round from Miami through April 25, 2014.

For booking options, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading cruise agent specialsts, the Cruise Line Ltd.

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NCL's Great Bahamas Upgrade

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that it has completed the first phase of enhancements at Great Stirrup Cay (above), the line’s 250-acre private island in the Bahamas.

The company has opened a new marina and dining facility on the island, representing a significant milestone in the more than $20 million enhancement project currently under way.

Norwegian Sky’s 2,000 guests were the first to experience the opening of the marina basin with four docks for the island’s tenders and the new 8,500sq ft dining facility, complete with two bars and four picnic pavilions.

NCL president and CEO Kevin Sheehan explained: “Both the new marina and the dining facility greatly enhance the guest experience on Great Stirrup Cay, which is our second busiest port of call this year. By moving the tenders’ arrival to the marina and away from the beach, we have now opened up a great expanse of beachfront for our guests to enjoy and relax. We’ve also built a new, large dining facility that is similar to the action station restaurants we have on board our Freestyle Cruising ships.”

The marina is approximately 12ft deep at low water and is home to the island’s four tenders. It took more than eight months to excavate the basin and the entrance channel. The dining facility includes a central pizza-making station, two grills, hot and cold food stations, as well as fresh fruits and breads. There are two full bars on either side of the facility for added convenience.

The four pavilions, each more than 1,800sq ft, offer picnic tables with a total seating capacity for more than 500 guests. Enhancements have been under way since January 2010 and will continue until the end of this year.

Several new activities have been added since the project began, including more than 16 wave runners, kayak rentals and an eco-adventure boat tour around the island. These are in addition to the existing snorkelling, floats, inflatable hippo slide and parasailing.

The second phase of enhancements includes an arrival/departure pavilion; additional bar facilities; several comfort stations; a band stand; cruise programme activity area; private beachfront cabanas; a kids' play area; straw market; and beach volleyball courts. The beachfront will continue to be expanded on the island’s west end.

NCL has owned the island since 1977 when it became the first to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its guests. Great Stirrup Cay offers magnificent white sand beaches, majestic palms and calm, pristine waters where an abundance of colourful marine life inhabits the surrounding coral reefs.

Norwegian Gem, Jewel, Sky and Pearl regularly call there throughout the year. For more information, call 0845 201 8900 or visit www.ncl.co.uk.

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The Disney Difference

So, having evaluated the new Disney Dream from it's first-glance appeal, accommodation, dining and entertainment quotients, how should we sum up this glitzy new offering from Disney Cruise Line?

Well, it certainly remains a great proposition for families AND for couples without children, as the adults-only facilities remain some of the best at sea. And, should you so wish, you wouldn't need to even see a child aboard, let alone know you are at sea with several hundred of them at any one time!

There are, of course, the overtly Disney touches that could only come from the House of Mouse, notably the three themed restaurants, the superb (but distinctly Mickey-fied) big show productions, the many character meet-and-greet opportunities, and the outrageously outfitted kids activity centres, which only Royal Caribbean's biggest ships can touch for space, range and style.

The introduction of their 'magical portholes,' the virtual window onto the outside world which all inside cabins now boast, the Enchanted Art throughout the ship (special pieces of art which literally come alive when activated by a pssing guest) and the special fireworks-at-sea deck party also all point to the kind of imagination and invention which exists primarily with Disney's 'Imagineers.'

But the designers have continued to keep a handle on cruising's luxury and tradition-orientated heritage, with many touches which look and feel totally five-star. The Cove Cafe, glamorous Concierge Lounge and associated cabins, Palo restaurant (and new bar area), District nightlife complex and, especially, the gourmet dining of Remy all highlight a tendency which Disney began with the Magic and Wonder and have firmly continued with their latest vessel.

Their staff remains keen and eager to please and even the standard level cabins are wonderfully comfortable, practical and well-fitted, with the split bathroom arrangement putting them well ahead of most of the competition.

And, as befits a ship produced by the Meyer-Werft shipyard in Papenburg, it displays a superlative level of finish and build quality. While the yards of Finland and Italy are not short on style and quality, I have never failed to be impressed by the end product out of this German marine production centre, and feel they go the extra yard to making sure everything is completed to the nth degree.

Take time to stroll along the classic internal promenade on Deck 3 (above), take time out at the Bon Voyage bar, walk the 'red carpet' into the Walt Disney Theatre and take a ride on the unique AquaDuck 'water-coaster' and you will have sampled four highly contrasting but all representative facets of this extraordinary ship.

Unlike the vast Oasis and Allure of the Seas, it is not a destination in itself; and it is not an out-and-out resort at sea, with all mod cons and little connection with the maritime world. It does have plenty to keep guests occupied without ever setting foot ashore (and, to be honest, it's 3 and 4-day cruising to the Bahamas is not guaranteed to have people flocking off anyway, with the exception of Disney's private island of Castaway Cay), but the onboard style still has more in keeping with cruise tradition than the all-mod-cons approach of others.

Are there elements that don't work especially well? Almost certainly. The deck space in the adults-only Cove Pool area is less than capacious; there are sure to be quite long queues to try the AquaDuck; and the main atrium area seems like a huge, empty void at times, as it is geared up for the many Disney character photo opportunities and is otherwise a pretty pointless space.

Their rotational dining system may not suit those who prefer to dine in one main location, especially for a 7-day (or longer) voyage, but it is hard to fault the novelty and attraction that it represents over just 3 or 4 days.

We absolutely love Castaway Cay, where we were able to cycle at our leisure, enjoy the adults-only Serenity Beach area, grab a quick lunch with ease and stroll along the main beach back to the ship, which is docked by the purpose-built pier. Brilliant thinking all round, and the family facilities here are the equal of any beach resort in the world.

Does it all add up to the premium price that Disney charges for such a short cruise? It can cost $1350/person for a 4-night cruise in a balcony cabin, which could get you a 7-night cruise (or even longer) on a few other lines. But you will certainly feel like you are in high-quality territory here, and the X-factor that comes with all Disney ventures is most firmly to the fore here.

All in all, it is a superb experience, a real one-off in the cruise world today, and one that is well worth considering. The rest, as they say, is up to you...!

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A Jewel For Alaska

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced it will position Norwegian Jewel in Alaska for the first time in 2012/13. Jewel will replace Norwegian Star, which will offer sailings to Bermuda from her new home port of New York.

Jewel will cruise from Seattle on a seven-day Sawyer Glacier itinerary. The weekly Sawyer Glacier cruises will depart from May 26-September 8, 2012, and will call at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia.

Families onboard can enjoy Jewel’s Nickelodeon at Sea entertainment, offering live Nickelodeon-themed interactive shows, Nick Live! Poolside entertainment; character breakfasts and meet and greets and Nick-themed dance parties.

NCL will sail two ships to Bermuda weekly from April until October calling at King’s Wharf. Star will sail from New York on Sundays, staying for three full days, and Dawn will sail her Bermuda itinerary departing on Fridays from Boston, also with three days at the island.

Kevin Sheehan, NCL's chief executive officer, insists: “The 2012/2013 season is filled with new and exciting Freestyle Cruising choices. Whether it’s our ships cruising different destinations, disembarking from new homeports or sailing new itineraries, we offer the most freedom and flexibility when it comes to cruise travel. We are pleased to bring Norwegian Jewel to Alaska and Star to Bermuda, along with continuing our popular Hawaii inter-island cruises and short cruises to the Bahamas through early 2013.”

Additional itinerary announcements for 2012/13:

Norwegian Jewel will sail a seven-day Sawyer Glacier cruise from Vancouver to Seattle on May 19, 2012, and a seven-day Sawyer Glacier from Seattle to Vancouver on September 15.

Norwegian Pearl (above) will return to Seattle sailing her weekly seven-day Glacier Bay cruises departing on Sundays from May 13 to September 9, 2012, calling at, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria.

Norwegian Pearl will also sail a seven-day Glacier Bay cruise from Vancouver to Seattle on May 6, 2012, and a Seattle-to-Vancouver cruise on September 16.

Pride of America will continue as the only US-flagged vessel sailing among all four of Hawaii’s main islands. Her seven-day cruises from Honolulu are available now until April 7, 2013. Ports of call include: an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; an evening sail by the Kilauea Volcano (weather permitting); Kona, Hawaii; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kauai; and an afternoon cruise of the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

Norwegian Sky will continue sailing three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas year-round from Miami until April 15, 2013. The three-day Bahamas cruise departs on Fridays and includes stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas. On Mondays, the ship departs on a four-day cruise with stops in Grand Bahama Island, Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau.

For more information, call 0845 201 8900 or visit http://www.ncl.co.uk/, or check out the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Disney Fantasy

By guest blogger Steve Newman

The Disney Fantasy, the second ship in Disney Cruise Line's new-build series, will sail her maiden voyage on April 7, 2012, bringing even more innovation, unique guest experiences and personalised service for which DCL is renowned. The sister to Disney Dream, Fantasy will also feature the amazing AquaDuck 'water coaster', magical children’s areas, world-class entertainment, delightful dining, retreats for adults and immersive experiences for guests of all ages, with Disney stories and characters.

Guests can now book for the initial part of the 2012 season. The Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral, Florida, on the popular seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern and western – including a stop at Disney’s wonderful private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

The Dream will continue to sail three, four and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Castaway Cay, while the Wonder will remain on the west coast, sailing Mexican Riviera itineraries from the Port of Los Angeles. To start the 2012 season, the Magic will sail alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz explained: “The Disney Fantasy continues our tradition of sailing beautifully-designed vessels that offer innovations, world-class guest service and memorable family vacation experiences like only Disney can do. We are delighted to expand our offerings to provide guests with more options and more flexibility to enjoy a Disney family cruise.”

For more information, check out http://www.disneycruise.com/

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