Norwegian announces additional dining venues for Escape

Bayamo by Jose Garces

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced more dining venues to be added to Norwegian Escape, which is due for delivery in November 2015.

Jose Garces, the James Beard Award-winning Iron Chef, will launch two speciality restaurants. The venues will offer Latin-inspired culinary dishes from classic Mexican dishes to Cuban specialities.

Bayamo by Jose Garces will showcase Latin dishes with a heavy Cuban-influence set within a chic dining room. Al fresco dining will also be available on The Waterfront. Dishes will feature the flavours of Latin America with Spanish influences.

Pincho Tapas Bar by Jose Garces will offer traditional Spanish tapas à la carte within a lively casual setting. Plates will be prepared on an authentic La Plancha grill right at the bar in front of guests.

Sugarcane Mojito Bar will complete the space and serve as an entry to Bayamo. Guests who wish to have a cocktail before dinner can enjoy live Latin music whilst selecting from more than ten different mojitos and rum-based cocktails.

Open for lunch through dinner Food Republic will be a modern, up-scale food emporium from The Pubbelly Restaurant Group. Guests will experience a culinary journey via small plates, with flavours ranging from Asia to Central Europe and the Mediterranean, all available à la carte. The Food Republic will offer guests the freedom to choose what they want and when they want it thanks to the venue's iPad ordering system.

As a first-at-sea concept, the District Brew House will be an urban craft beer hall featuring an exclusive partnership with Miami’s Wynwood Brewing Company. This venue will have its own keg room, 24 draft beers on tap and more than 50 different bottled beers on offer. The District Brew House will also offer a menu of gastropub-style plates for snacking.

The Cellars, A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar will offer wine experiences, with a focus on tasting, education, and the enjoyment of wine, all accompanied by small plates and tapas, available à la carte.

Carlo’s Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of American television shows “Cake Boss” and “Next Great Baker”, will offer confections including cannoli’s, lobster tails, tiramisu, plus a variety of other unique cakes, cupcakes and Italian cookies, all available à la carte.

Norwegian Cruise Line also announced several entertainment additions.

The Escape Theatre will be home to two Broadway musicals – “Million Dollar Quartet” and “After Midnight”.

The Supper Club will offer a dinner show concept. The first show offered will be “For The Record”, a show that celebrates classic soundtracks of motion picture masters in a one-of-a kind 360° post-modern cabaret.

Headliners Comedy Club will also be added to the vessel following its success on Norwegian Getaway. The venue will showcase  comedians chosen through its partnership with Levity Entertainment Group, the world’s largest producer of live comedy.

Escape will visit Southampton in October en route to Miami from the shipyard where it is being built in Germany. Passengers can book a two-night cruise from Hamburg or one night on board on October 27. The ship will host an invitation-only event on October 28.

(Photo credit to Norwegian Cruise Lines)

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

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.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Cruise Critic 2015 predictions

Cruise Critic, a TripAdvisor brand, has revealed its predictions for the cruise industry for the forthcoming year, both globally and for the UK market.

CC is expecting a rise in supplementary offers, particularly for dining, spa and educational experiences. While full-board cruise tickets will still remain the industry standard, a greater emphasis will likely be placed on passengers spending more money on optional extras to upgrade their cruise holiday experience.

Cruise Critic also predicts an increase in special offers on new bookings, with value-added extras like free parking, on-board credit and cabin upgrades likely to be offered in key promotions throughout the year.

On-board entertainment is likely to go from strength to strength with cruise lines trying to offer the very best possible, such as award-winning artist performances, Broadway and Cirque-style shows, and comedy options geared toward more mature audiences.

As more cruise lines try to attract an increasing number of tech-savvy millennials Cruise Critic look forward to faster and more reliable internet services to be offered on-board. Expect more cruise ship related smartphone apps too.

Solo travellers are being targeted by cruise lines too, which should lead to more solo-specific cabins being offered or other improvements to reduce or eliminate the “single supplement” according to Cruise Critic. Expect more cruise lines to offer specific cruise entertainment programming for solo travellers too.

In terms of the British cruise market, Cruise Critic UK forecasts more choice when it comes to sailing from the UK thanks to P&O Cruises’ Britannia, Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas and Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess all being home-ported in Southampton for the summer season next year.

They are also predicting a strong emphasis being placed on celebrity chefs, with Royal Caribbean showcasing Jamie Oliver’s restaurant on-board Anthem of the Seas and P&O Cruises presenting Marco Pierre White, Atul Kochar, Olly Smith, Eric Lanlard and James Martin on-board Britannia.

Family Vacation Critic, another TripAdvisor brand, predicts more child-friendly programs on cruise ships. It believes more children’s facilities will be upgraded during the year, together with the strengthening of branded partnerships including Carnival Cruise Line and Dr. Seuss, Princess Cruises and Discovery Channel, Norwegian Cruise Line and Nickelodeon, MSC Cruises and LEGO, as well as Royal Caribbean and DreamWorks. Family Vacation Critic also believes family suites will become more prevalent and travel in general will become more family-friendly over the course of the year.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Take a look at the new cruise ships arriving in 2015

The forthcoming year looks very promising for the cruise industry as five new vessels are scheduled to launch within the next twelve months.

The first to launch is P&O Cruises’ Britannia. At 142,000 gross tons the vessel will be the largest the cruise line has ever ordered. The line has opted for a contemporary interior décor design for this family-friendly ship. She boasts 1,837 cabins (including 27 single occupancy cabins), 26 bars, restaurants and cafés and four swimming pools. In a first for the cruise line every outside cabin will have its own private balcony. Britannia’s maiden voyage sets out on 14 March from Southampton.



Viking Star is the first ocean cruise ship from Viking Ocean Cruises, sister line to Viking River Cruises. The inaugural cruise commences on 11 April from Istanbul, Turkey on an epic 50-day voyage around the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. At 47,800 gross tons with a capacity of 928 guests, the luxury Viking Star is very much an intimate vessel. Highlights of the vessel include the aft infinity pool, alfresco dining options and the luxurious staterooms, each one with a private balcony.



On 22 April Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas will embark on her maiden voyage from Southampton. This Quantum-class vessel is expected to be almost identical to Quantum of the Seas which was launched in October of this year. The 168,666 gross ton vessel promises to be one of the most technologically-advanced cruise ships afloat. The ship will benefit from a modern contemporary décor and boasts 2,090 cabins (including 28 studio cabins). The Quantum-class ship will offer Dynamic Dining offering five complimentary main restaurants with a further eight additional-fee venues available.



Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions are looking forward to welcoming Le Lyrial to the fleet. The inaugural sailing will see the yacht sailing from Venice on 9 May cruising along the Adriatic and Dalmatian Coast. At a mere 10,944 gross tons, this luxury intimate yacht will offer just 122 staterooms and suites, each with private balconies, and will feature contemporary Mediterranean-inspired interior décor.

Ponant Le Lyrial

Lastly, on 25 October Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape will depart on her maiden voyage from Hamburg, Germany bound for Miami, USA via Southampton. The cruise ship is the first in the “Breakaway Plus”-class and it builds upon the success of the Breakway-class vessels. At 164,600 gross tons she will accommodate up to 4,200 passengers. She will boast the largest ropes course and aqua parks at sea, together with an expanded “The Haven” area and a range of dining venues at “678 Ocean Place”.



(Photo credit to Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions; ©Philip Plisson)

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Escape to offer largest ropes course and water park

Norwegian Escape's Sports Complex

Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ship ever, Norwegian Escape, will offer the largest ropes course at sea when she launches in November 2015.

The three-storey course is designed to set hearts racing, with two planks (six-inch wide beams that extend eight feet from the side of the ship) and five Sky Rails (zip tracks) that allow guests to soar through the air. The longest Sky Rail takes guests out over the side of the ship for the ultimate bird’s eye view over the vessel. Three Sky Rails will be installed within the main Ropes Course whilst two more will be added to the Kids’ Ropes Course, which offers child-friendly fun, challenges and feats. 

Norwegian Escape's Aqua Park

Norwegian has have also unveiled the Aqua Park which also will be the largest at sea. It will boast four multi-storey water slides. In addition there will be a dedicated Kids’ Aqua Park, two swimming pools and four hot tubs on offer. The Kid’s Aqua Park will feature a two-storey climbing structure for children to explore along with interactive wet elements such as water cannons and elevated buckets.

In terms of family entertainment, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle miniature golf course is to be added along with ship-wide entertainment from Nickelodeon as well as Norwegian Cruise Line’s first dedicated nursery for children aged two and under.

Norwegian Escape will be the largest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet at 164,600 gross tons and will build upon the features and facilities of their Breakaway-class ships. The ship is currently being constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. Norwegian Escape is due to be home-ported in Miami and will offer seven-night itineraries to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Other features previously announced include an expansion of the Haven area on-board, the dining venues to be added and most recently was the addition of Miami’s Tobacco Road bar to the vessel.



(Photo credit to Norwegian Cruise Line)

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

More cruise ship visits as St Kitts welcomes more than a million passengers

St. Kitts continues to grow its cruise tourism, with a projected rise in passenger arrivals for the 2014/2015 season to more than one million for the first time in the island’s history.  

Next season’s growth is partly because the island will receive six calls from Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas, in its inaugural 2014/2015 season. St. Kitts will also see the return of Disney Cruise Line for the first time since 2009, with Disney Magic scheduled to make a total of four port calls to the island in 2014/2015. 

Inaugural calls are also being made in 2014/2015 by Oceania Cruises’ Insignia and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Pearl, which together will make 17 visits. 

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Mouth-watering selection of restaurant venues set to return on Norwegian Escape

The publicity machine for the next Norwegian Cruise Line ship is getting into gear. Between now and its launch in just over 12 months’ time, there will be no escape from announcements about … Norwegian Escape.

But truth be told, there’s little new in this week’s  news about some of the restaurants on the new ship – which adds one more deck than little sisters Breakaway and Getaway, to provide more cabins.

The venues and the layout will be very much the same as before, with many of them opening out onto al fresco dining areas on The Waterfront, and others gathered around the three-deck atrium known as 678 Ocean Place (because it occupies space on Decks 6, 7 and 8).

It’s almost inconceivable that there would not be another O’Sheehan’s Bar on this ship – as long as the likeable Kevin Sheehan is chief executive of the company at least – and Escape will also feature Norwegian regulars such as Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro.

One innovation is a “private” group dining area carved out of part of the Taste restaurant – if a space seating 100 people can be described as private.

For now, at least, there’s no word on whether Geoffrey Zakarian’s upscale restaurant Ocean Blue – a feature of both Breakaway and Getaway – will return on Escape. We’ll have to see whether he or another chef will create dishes for the most expensive extra-cost dinner venue on the ship.

The Waterfront (above), a wide promenade deck running three-quarters the length of the ship, provides outdoor tables for  the Moderno Churrascarie, Cagney’s, and La Cucina.

The concept is in complete contrast to the design of Royal and Regal Princess – and P&O’s soon-to-be-launched Britannia  - all of which have limited open deck space apart from the higher sundecks.

Outdoor space on Deck 7 of these ships is provided only outside the bar area and shops of the central piazza, and alongside the Vista Lounge – but not extending around the stern.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Cruise line's captain's favourite ports around the world

From the Northern Lights reflected in the Norwegian Sea to the breath-taking sight of the Opera House when entering Sydney Harbour, seeing a city or famous landmark from the water can be a magical experience, offering a completely different perspective on a destination.

To identify some of the most impressive views from the ocean, CLIA (the Cruise Lines International Association) has surveyed a selection of captains to find out their favourite port approaches or cities best seen by sea. 

Every day this week we'll be looking at some of them. 

Tromso, Norway – Captain Arnfinn Kaasbøll, Hurtigruten

"I never tire of sailing into the beautiful city of Tromso, with its wonderful blend of traditional wooden buildings and more modern structures such as the beautiful Arctic Cathedral, all surrounded by mountains to finish off the picturesque scene. 

"However, when you approach 'The Gateway to the Arctic' with the Northern Lights twinkling overhead, it is truly spectacular. Tromso is directly beneath the Aurora Oval (the epicentre of Northern Lights activity) so we regularly have an opportunity to watch this fantastic show as it changes from light green to dark purple flickering across the sky above the city."

  

New York, USA – Captain Hakan Svedung, Norwegian Cruise Line

“My favourite city to approach by water has to be New York. The Manhattan skyline is one of the best in the world. When approaching New York early in the morning the light casts a special glow over the city-scape and with the buildings still lit you can even see an almost perfect reflection in the Hudson River – it’s just stunning.”

  

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

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.

Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine here          Follow us on Facebook 

Adventure Cruising blog

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

First steps for new cruise ships Ovation of the Seas and Norwegian Escape

It’s been an exceptionally busy week at the German shipyard of Meyer-Werft. No sooner had they completed a ceremony to mark the first steel-cutting on the third Quantum-class cruise ship for Royal Caribbean, than they were laying the first block in dry-dock for Norwegian Cruise Line's newest vessel.

The name of the Royal Caribbean ship was announced as Ovation of the Seas; it is scheduled for delivery in autumn 2016. Sister ship Quantum is in the final stages of construction and, weather permitting, will travel down the River Ems to the sea within the next few days. It will visit Southampton for three days at the end of October before crossing to the United States to spend the winter cruising from New York to the Caribbean. In the spring it will relocate to Shanghai, China.

Next in line will be Anthem of the Seas, still being assembled in Meyer-Werft’s giant construction shed; it will arrive in Southampton in the spring for a season of European cruises. Each vessel measures 167,800 tons and will carry almost 4,200 passengers.

Norwegian Escape (above) will have about the same passenger capacity but is marginally smaller at 164,600 gross tons (a measure of volume, not weight). Based on the design of Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, it has an extra deck to provide more cabins and room for extra public spaces.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO, Kevin Sheehan was on hand as a crane lifted block 35/41 - the first of 86 in total - into the dock. When it enters service in November next year, Escape will operate seven-day cruises from Miami to the eastern Caribbean.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

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.

The new edition of World of Cruising is out this week, while you can still see the Feb/Mar issue online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

New Issue Out Next Week!

There's a real river cruising extravaganza in store for the second edition of World of Cruising magazine for 2014, which is due out next week. 

There is an unprecedented array of new ships, itineraries and even a brand new cruise line, Emerald Waterways, on the rivers of Europe this spring, and we are reflecting all of that in our extensive News and feature coverage, as well as something a bit further afield.

Our Cover Story is a look at the growing range and style of UK tour specialists Titan Travel in conjunction with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, while we also look at life in the slow lane with the deluxe manner of European Waterways in Burgundy.

To complete our triumvirate of river-going opulence, Contributing Editor Gary Buchanan heads to Kerala in India to sample the sumptuous style of Oberoi Resorts aboard their five-star Oberoi Vrinda river vessel.

But that is only the start of our latest journey in the wide World of Cruising. We have some big-ship offerings, too, with the likes of Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Getaway and the forthcoming Regal Princess of Princess Cruises plus a look at the varied luxury realm of Silversea Cruises on their 20th anniversary and the tempting cuisine of Azamara Club Cruises.

For destinations, we visit Turkey, St Maarten, Costa Rica and, by way of complete contrast, the Arctic, for a preview of this summer’s Polar cruising season.

All our regular features are back, of course, with a look at Life On Board, the CLIA View, Sea Social Media and columnists like Captain Greybeard, The Cruise Guy, Cruise Radio and Silver Travel Advisor.

And there’s our essential World of Spas section, with news of a wonderful tie-up between Celebrity Cruises and the Canyon Ranch spa group, as well as our fab Beauty File.

Once again, it all adds up to a thoroughly memorable voyage, both sea-going and river-borne, so step up the gangway and prepare to set sail… 

To subscribe to World of Cruising magazine, with six issues a year plus an annual Cruise Directory in December, see this link.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Norwegian Plan A Bigger Haven

Norwegian Cruise Line have revealed the first real details of their forthcoming Breakaway-plus ship, the Norwegian Escape, which will make its debut in late 2015, and the headline item is an eye-catching expansion of their exclusive Haven concierge area, which provides a more deluxe cruise experience within the ship.

The 163,000-ton new-build - currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany - will be larger than current flagship Norwegian Epic but also have key features of the recently introduced Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway duo, plus all-new spaces and interactive experiences. Where the Escape will be based, and her itineraries, will be announced in mid-March, when it will also be open for booking.

Although it boasts a full 4,200 berths, The Haven will offer 95 of its upmarket suites, an increase of 31 from Breakaway and Getaway, which in turn had added to the Epic's 60. They include four Haven Deluxe Owner's Suites (pictured, above), at more than 1,300sq ft each, even larger than the 932sq ft versions on Getaway and Breakaway.

There are also The Haven Two-Bedroom Family Villa, The Haven Courtyard Penthouse and The Haven Deluxe Spa Suite. Like its sister examples, the Escape's Haven will also be by keycard-access only and also includes a private restaurant with outdoor terrace, lounge and an enhanced courtyard area with retractable roof enclosing a pool, two whirlpools, sauna, spa treatment rooms and sun deck. 

The Haven’s other benefits include priority embarkation and disembarkation, platinum keycard, butler and concierge service, in-suite espresso/cappuccino machines, gourmet treats delivered each evening and plush bathrobes, slippers and oversized towels. All suites will feature pillow-top mattresses and fine linens from The Bliss Collection by Norwegian.

The ship also continues Norwegian's unique Studio staterooms for solo cruisers, with 82 located within another keycard-access complex. Each Studio has a full-size bed, window to the corridor and separate areas for toilet, sink and shower, plus access to the private Studio Lounge.

More info: call 0845 201 8900 or visit www.ncl.co.uk.

 

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

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.

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Jetline's Boost For Valentine's Singles

If you're single and ready to mingle, Jetline Cruise just might have a holiday idea for you.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, Jetline believe there’s no need for ayone to be sitting home alone, hence they have drawn up an array of intriguing cruise options. But, they say, if you’re single, you had better be ready to mingle!

Solo cruising has grown in popularity over recent years as more lines cater for single passengers, so his represents an opportunity to do something unusual this February, with Jetline's Valentine’s Day Getaways for One.

10-Night Canaries & Madeira Cruise from £539

Fly to Barcelona on February 10 to embark on the Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Spirit for a romantic Canary Islands cruise. This package costs from £539 based on single occupancy in an inside cabin and includes flights and full board.

Cruise itinerary: Barcelona – at sea – Casablanca – at sea – Funchal – Arrecife – at sea – Malaga – at sea – Barcelona.

14-Night Tenerife All-Inclusive Stay & Cruise from £1,399

Fly to Tenerife on February 21 and transfer to the 4-star Playa Real Resort for a seven-night all-inclusive stay. Then embark on the MSC Cruises Armonia for a seven-night cruise around the Canary Islands. This package costs from £1,399 based on single occupancy in an inside cabin and includes flights, all-inclusive hotel stay and full board cruise.

Cruise itinerary: Playa Real Resort, Tenerife (7 nights) – at sea – Las Palmas – La Gomera – at sea – Funchal, Madeira (2 nights) – Tenerife.

More info: visit www.jetlinecruise.com or call 0800 082 2186.

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate of 50% off for 2014, see this link.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Norwegian Add 'Flash Sale' To 'Sunshine Saturday'

Do you remember our message last week that this is 'Wave Season' and to be ready for all manner of special sales, deals and one-off opportunities? Well, Norwegian Cruise Line have lined up a double helping of 'Sale! Sale! Sale!' events for this weekend.

First off, they have dubbed tomorrow (Saturday, January 12) as 'Sunshine Saturday,' as it has been predicted this will be the busiest holiday booking day of the year, with millions of customers expected to visit stores and websites. 

Then, on top of this bumper day, Norwegian has added a ‘48 Hour Flash Sale’ for the whole weekend, with travel agents able to offer customers $100 on-board spend per stateroom on Norwegian Epic's Western Mediterranean summer cruises.
 

Valid on Epic’s popular Med itineraries throughout the summer season, from May to October, the ‘Flash Sale’ extends to all stateroom categories, from the solo traveller Studios to The Haven luxury accommodation.

Itineraries included in the ’48 Hour Flash Sale’ for Norwegian Epic include:

Seven-night Barcelona fly-cruise, departing various dates from May 11 to October 19, sailing from Barcelona and visiting Naples, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Livorno (for Florence/Pisa), Cannes and Palma before returning to  Barcelona for the flight back to the UK. Inside stateroom priced from £873pp departing Sep 28, from London Heathrow.

Seven-night Civitavecchia fly-cruise, departing between May 14 and October 15, visiting Livorno, Cannes, Palma, Barcelona and Naples before returning to Civitavecchia (for Rome and the flight back to the UK). Inside stateroom priced from £944pp departing Sep 24, from London Heathrow.

More info: call 0845 201 8900 or visit www.ncl.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a very special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a full year's subscription, which includes six issues PLUS our new year-end Cruise Directory. That means a year's worth of Europe's leading cruise publication will be only £15. Check out the special rate on this link!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Alaska's Booming In 2014

We knew we chose Alaska as our Cover Story in this month's edition of World of Cruising magazine (publishing on January 20) for a good reason - it is promising to be THE boom cruise region of the world this year.

Their latest press release details record cruise traffic, new itineraries and new shore excursions for 2014, with some truly wonderful additions to the already feature-packed experience of an Alaskan cruise.

Here's what they say:

Perched on the Arctic Circle, high above the ‘lower 48’ - the spectacular 49th state of the United States of America hogs all the top ten highest mountains in the union and is one to watch in 2014 as more and more travellers seek crowd-free, wilderness destinations. Not only is Alaska the largest US state – making up an area the the size of California, Texas and Montana combined – but it is also the least densely populated and boasts the largest area of national parklands.

Yet Alaska is very accessible and easy to travel around. It appeals to a wide range of demographics, whether adventurous or laid back and, new for 2014, the Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) is providing information and services to visitors with limited mobility or physical, visual, or hearing impairments in the Juneau area (sailinc.org). Visitor numbers to Alaska in summer 2013 grew by 7 per cent (1,693,800) compared to summer 2012, and more are expected this year.

Alaska By Sea

Taking a cruise is really the perfect way to see the vast tracts of south-east Alaska and a total of 30 large cruise ships are scheduled to call here in 2014, while there will be an increase in itineraries for small-ship cruise lines (as highlighted in this month's World of Cruising).

Icy Straight Point: both Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruises will add Icy Strait Point, a small-ship cruise port located 30 miles west of Juneau, as a port of call for two ships, the Celebrity Solstice and Norwegian Pearl.

Alaska - it's a whale of a time!

Wrangell’s Alaska Charters & Adventures is now offering full-day whale-watching tours on the calm, pristine waters of the Inside Passage. A custom-built 35-foot aluminum cabin-style boat, enough to fit six passengers, provides wildlife viewing potential from both the inside seats and the deck areas (www.alaskaupclose.com).

Alaska Sea Adventures is offering visitors the unique experience of viewing wildlife in Alaska during spring herring trips in the 2014 season. The small luxury cruise operator will point out views of bald eagles, whales, seals, sea lions and various seabirds (yachtalaska.com).

Featuring stunning views by catamaran, Kenai Fjords Tours will add a new 150-passenger catamaran to its 12-vessel fleet, offering more visitors the chance to travel through Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park to view wildlife and glaciers (www.kenaifjords.com).

And that's just a small taste of what's on offer in the big state of Alaska - you'll just have to make sure you are subscribed to our new issue this month for more!

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a very special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a full year's subscription, which includes six issues PLUS our new year-end Cruise Directory. That means a year's worth of Europe's leading cruise publication will be only £15. Check out the special rate on this link!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.