Showing posts with label cruising. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cruising. Show all posts

Sunday, 5 August 2012

2013 Edition Of Cruise 'Bible' All Set

Despite choppy waters hitting the cruise industry in recent months, it is estimated that more than 20 million people will still be thinking of booking a cruise in 2013 - the majority of them overwhelmed by the number of ships and voyages on offer. 

The 28th edition of Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships (£17.99) is the only ‘tool’ to provide cruise-goers with all possible criteria with which to help them make their selection. Although the paper edition of this ‘bible’ of cruising will be published on October 1, the digital edition, Berlitz Cruise Ships 2013 App (£6.99), will be arriving in good time for the start of National Cruise Week (September 15-23). In the light of the Costa Concordia disaster, the newly expanded chapter on how safe cruise ships actually are will be of particular interest to readers concerned about safety measures.

This annual best-seller helps many thousands of readers to identify the cruise that best suits them, so their hard-earned holiday represents money well-spent. Completely independent and accepting no sponsorship, this annually updated Guide is the result of painstaking investigation carried out each year by its legendary author, Douglas Ward, the world’s most highly regarded cruise authority.

The 2013 edition of both the book and app will also be more fact-packed than ever before, with 284 candid reviews – that’s virtually every ocean-going ship in the world. So highly regarded is Ward’s work, the Guide sets the internationally recognised ratings system for cruise ships worldwide. Its frank and forthright opinions tell readers everything they could ever want to know about the cruise experience, warts and all.

The beauty of the Berlitz Cruise Ships 2013 App for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch is that with, just a couple of taps, would-be cruise-goers can quickly search through all 284 ocean-going cruise ships according to their needs, whether for family travel, quality of cuisine or accommodation, size of ship and many other criteria, making this the perfect cruise-planning tool. Featured are fully updated ship reviews, an easy-to-use filter for choosing the right ship by preference, plenty of insider knowledge on cruising and cruise lines and lots of new photos. 

WHAT’S NEW IN THE ‘COMPLETE GUIDE’

The new paper edition looks ahead to 2013, rating 11 brand new ships, previewing seven new-builds and identifying nine renamed ships, as well as focusing on the new facilities on board existing ships.

More emphasis has been placed on the following chapters: what the brochures don’t tell you, where to cruise, onboard cuisine, expeditions and nature cruises, around the world cruises, how to choose the right cabin and smaller operators. The majority of images are new and, as experienced cruisers become more adventurous, there is a greater focus on expedition ships, reflecting this expanding area of the industry.

For cruise bookings, be sure to follow this link to our sponsors, The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's leading cruise experts.






Monday, 23 May 2011

Time To Repeal The Jones Act

World of Cruising editor Simon Veness writes:

A story on loss of business at the port of Los Angeles today started me thinking - if this huge sea-going destination on the US West Coast is struggling to stay busy, isn't it time to look at the root cause why?

Because it seems increasingly clear that the archaic Jones Act of 1920 is now a serious millstone around the necks of the US cruise industry, and something urgently needs to be done about, for the sake of the cruise lines AND their passengers.

The Jones Act was originally designed to prevent unfair foreign-flagged competition for ships carrying the stars and stripes by insisting that only US-flagged vessels can operate solely in US waters (i.e. without having to visit a foreign port).

This was vital for the 1920s and 30s when American vessels were commonplace, and even has relevance today in the sections of the Act that relate to accident and disability benefits for America seamen.

But what it is also doing is squeezing business away from US ports; making it hard for cruise lines to put together some really meaningful itineraries; and making passengers pay more in various places. It is so anti-competitive to the cruise business it beggars belief.

And, at a time when the cruise liens are shying away from Mexican ports over safety concerns, it means places like Los Angeles will find themselves increasingly out in the cold.

Put simply, the Jones Act forbids foreign-flagged cruise lines (i.e. all of them these days!) from having itineraries that visit just US ports, hence it stops round-Hawaii cruises (requiring ships make a long haul to add Mexico or a South Pacific port to their route), West Coast voyaging, and trips that take in purely the eastern seaboard.

These are areas all rich in cruise possibility, yet they are denied to the cruise lines and their passengers by an Act that could never possibly foresee a situation where American lines (i.e. nearly all of them!) have foreign-flagged ships that are prevented from offering all-American cruises.

It is so patently daft in this day and age - and so dangerous for US interests and jobs, as evidenced by Los Angeles - that you have to wonder why something isn't being done about it. Does the industry not have an effective polotical lobby? Are there other interests working against them (hard to imagine, but possible)? Are people asleep at the wheel over the possibilities?

It is an issue that demands attention in the cruise world of today - and I'll be very keen to see if anyone picks up the cry on cruising's behalf. Because there are great possibilities going begging here.

I'd love to see a cruise that takes in purely the Carolinas and Florida; New England; California; or Hawaii (apart from the one exception of NCL's lone American-flagged ship).

And it's about time others did, too.

Thursday, 21 April 2011

Enjoy Free Taste of Holland America

A complimentary three-course lunch and free reign to explore one of Holland America Line’s luxury cruise ships is being offered by silvertraveladvisor.com, the new `over 50s’ travel review and advice website.

Regular cruisers and first timers alike can choose from nine dates and visit one of three of the line’s ships, Eurodam (May 22, June 3, July 9 and August 12), Ryndam (May 21, July 24 and August 7) and Rotterdam (May 31 and September 20).

The day also includes free parking at the port of Dover, with embarkation at 9.30am, a morning spent exploring the ship and a special three-course lunch on board, followed by a presentation before disembarkation at 2pm.

The offer is open to all Silver Travel Advisor members. To join this growing travel forum for over 50s, simply visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com and register, then e-mail service@silvertraveladvisor.com, stating which date and ship visit you are interested in, and the number of places required.

For more info, www.silvertraveladvisor.com or, for Holland America cruises, check with specialist cruise agents the Cruise Line Ltd.

Wednesday, 15 September 2010

Work Begins On Costa Fascinosa

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Work is underway at Fincantieri’s Marghera (Venice) yard on the construction of the Costa Fascinosa. This continues Costa Cruises’ fleet expansion programme with the laying of the keel on the newest addition. The ship is the 16th fleet member for Costa, the largest Italian travel group and one of Europe’s most popular cruise companies, and is due to enter service in spring 2012.

The keel-laying took place on September 3 and the first full section of the hull, a block 12 metres long and 295 tonnes in weight, was also laid. The Fascinosa, sister ship of the Costa Favolosa, will be able to accommodate up to 3,780 guests and will be 114,500 gross tonnage.

Fascinosa is actually one of two new Costa ships currently under construction in the Fincantieri shipyard. In addition, work is also proceeding on the Favolosa, which underwent a technical launch on August 6 and is set for a debut in July 2011. The construction of each new ship involves the labour of around 3,000 people, comprising both Fincantieri’s own employees and about 500 contracted suppliers, most of which are Italian firms.

Costa has a total of 14 ships, which offer the chance to visit some 250 separate destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates, the Far East and the Indian Ocean.

For further information, look up http://www.costacruises.co.uk/

Monday, 12 July 2010

Check in for The Cruise Show

We think this is really worth highlighting as the March show in London was an absolute belter (and VERY well attended).

This is the latest step for The Cruise Show organisers and is well worth noting for anyone living in the Midlands (or the north), for whom London is too long a trek. It is a great showcase for the UK cruise business and a lot of fun, whether you're a cruise regular or considering your first voyage.

And don't forget, World of Cruising readers can receive TWO tickets for the price of one to both the Birmingham show in October and the next edition back at London's Olympia in March 2011, when booked in advance. You can receive two £6 tickets for just £3 each (under 16s are free; add £1.50 postage and packing per order). Order online at www.cruisingshow.co.uk or call 0871 620 4024 and quote “WOC”.

The Daily Telegraph presents CRUISE October 16-17 2010, NEC, Birmingham

What’s your idea of a perfect cruise?

A fun-in-the-sun holiday in the Caribbean? A tranquil river cruise through forested valleys? An expedition to Antarctica? Sailing in the South Pacific? Being pampered at sea in a luxurious spa?

Whatever appeals, be sure to make a date with The CRUISE Show, the UK’s only travel exhibition dedicated to cruising, which comes to Birmingham’s NEC in October.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser looking to plan your next voyage, or want to find out more about holidays at sea, this is the place to discover a world of cruising.

All the major and specialist cruise lines will be there, exhibiting under one roof so you can get around and talk to the experts, seeking inspiration, information and practical advice to help you book your next holiday at sea.

They’ll have news about everything from Mediterranean mini-breaks to four-month voyages around the world, and about cruise ships that promise a fun-filled vacation for all the family and small vessels that offer an ultra-luxury holiday at sea or expedition cruises around the Polar regions.

You can also discover more about the fabulous A to Z of destinations you can visit in a cruise – everything from exotic Amazon to Zanzibar, with the magical Mediterranean and colourful Caribbean in between.

There’ll also be a packed programme of free talks, lectures and Q&A sessions led by industry experts and journalists, and exclusive show offers, discounts and competitions not available on the high street.

It’s a great day out for the family – and bring your non-cruising friends as well so they can discover why so many Brits are now turning on to holidays at sea.

You can’t afford not to be there!

Sunday, 28 March 2010

The Best Free Dining at Sea? It's An Epic Choice

It's fascinating to watch the details continue to roll out ahead of this summer's launch of the new Norwegian Epic, the largest and most feature-packed vessel in the history of NCL.

So far, we've seen a revolutionary take on cabin design, an amazing line-up of entertainment, the largest-ever Spa complex at sea and some superb children's programmes, all of which we have detailed in recent months here on our Time Spent At Sea blog. Now comes the full array of Dining choice - with no less that 11 complimentary experiences (out of 21 in total), arguably the most comprehensive and eye-catching of any ship to date.

The free-to-dine restaurants include many that are new to NCL, such as the Manhattan Room, reminiscent of an elegant supper club and complete with music, dancing and entertainment; O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, serving American favourites; Spice H20, serving Latin and Asian-influenced cuisine; the Studio Lounge, serving snacks and light fare to solo travellers; and the Epic Club, the exclusive dining venue for Norwegian Epic's Suites and Villa passengers. Other regular options include the Garden Cafe buffet, the Great Outdoors al fresco pool grill and even a Kids Cafe.

The additional 10 dining options will all have a nominal cover charge (ranging from $5-$25 per person), with a la carte pricing in Shanghai’s noodle bar and Wasabi sushi bar.

I especially like the sound of Taste (picture above), a dramatic-looking and high-energy style of restaurant that promises an array of traditional and contemporary cuisine, and Cagney's Steakhouse & Churrascaria, as NCL have always done this style of dining extremely well.
NCL also insist that there is one more upscale dining option still to be revealed in May. Get your tastebuds ready!

Meanwhile, the luxurious Mandara Spa will be the largest at sea, housing 24 treatment rooms, two private couple’s villas, two exotic steam Rasul rooms, a DIY Scrub Experience, Hydrotherapy Courtyard & Thermal Suite, full-service salon, fitness centre with TRX training and a barber shop. The Spa features more than 50 treatments for both men and women, including Elemis facials, massages, body therapies, bliss® face and body treatments, and acupuncture, along with cosmetic medical treatments performed by a licensed doctor. The salon features hair, nail and waxing services. In addition, kids and teens can choose from a selection of child-friendly spa services.

Once again, it all serves to highlight the astonishing array of facilities that are being packed into this ship - and the mind-boggling choice that cruising represents in the 21st century.

Monday, 22 March 2010

Enter Adonia

Hot on the heels of our recent Blog about the amazing amount of tonnage on offer in the Med in 2011 comes the full news from P&O Cruises of their first deployment of new ship Adonia (currently the Royal Princess of Princess Cruises) next year.

Their 'new' 710-passenger vessel (which will actually sail under its fourth different guise since its launch in 2000 as Renaissance 8 and then Minerva II) will also be something of a trail-blazer for P&O with a full season of ex-UK and Mediterranean fly-cruising, exclusively for adults as a replacement for the Artemis, which leaves the fleet next year.

And it looks like there will be some innovative itineraries and clever onboard programming to go with this latest offering to the big, big Med season in 2011.

Her cruises can be booked from April 27, and P&O managing director Carol Marlow said: “Adonia is an exciting introduction to our fleet and one that enables us to diversify the range of cruise destinations that we offer. She is a small ship and her size enables her to visit off the beaten track destinations and lesser known ports of call. Adonia will be our pathfinder ship, but she will, of course offer our tried and tested P&O Cruises experience,

“We know many of our passengers prefer a cruise experience exclusively for adults and also the intimate atmosphere and sense of camaraderie that comes with a smaller ship. Adonia will fit the bill perfectly and we are confident that she is going to be a much-loved addition to the P&O Cruises fleet.”

Main restaurant will be the Pacific dining room and there will be two further Select dining venues (with a cover charge), Italian ‘Sorrento’ and a steakhouse named the Ocean Grill. There will also be a buffet restaurant, with some al fresco dining and a barbecue area out on the Lido deck.

For entertainment, there will be 8 bars, including P&O Cruises signature Crow’s Nest observation lounge; Anderson's, the familiar club-style lounge bar; and Raffles, which will also offer a coffee shop menu throughout the day with pastries, chocolates, hot drinks and afternoon tea.

Adonia will also feature The Curzon Lounge, where passengers can enjoy a drink with a sea view during the day, and by night enjoy a performance by the Headliners theatre company, concerts, dancing, or after dinner speakers.

There will be the signature Oasis Spa, offering a range of treatments and therapies including Aromasoul massages and body scrubs, Aromatherapy, and reflexology. There is also a well equipped gym with panoramic sea views.

Cabins will feature Egyptian cotton linen, tea and coffee-making facilities and over 75% will have a private balcony.

“She will celebrate all those things our regular passengers love about cruising with us – a classic dance floor, Crow’s Nest observation lounge, formal nights, classical music recitals, guest speakers, silver service dining and a dedicated card room. Loyal cruisers and those new to cruising alike will be charmed by the refined P&O Cruises experience Adonia will offer,” Marlow added.

Adonia’s cruises will also feature ‘Spotlight’ – a new programme of events for passengers wanting to learn a skill, develop their knowledge or find hobbies. Talks and interactive workshops will be offered on subjects as such as history, current affairs, the natural world, dance, art and gastronomy. All are delivered by experts in their field, some including familiar TV personalities.

The ship will be based in Southampton between May and October 2011, offering cruises from seven to 26 nights in duration to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The itineraries will feature overnight calls in Athens and St. Petersburg, as well as a round-Britain cruise.

In October, Adonia will reposition to the Mediterranean and offer six open-jaw Central and Eastern Mediterranean fly-cruises, departing from Savona, Athens, Trieste and Naples. Itinerary highlights include a Christmas and New Year cruise to the Holy Land.

Prices start from £1,924 for the 16-night Western Mediterranean maiden cruise from Southampton in May 2011; £899 for a 7-night ex-Southampton Norwegian Fjords cruise; and £1,399 cruise only, for a 14-night Central Mediterranean holiday from Trieste to Athens in December. A holiday package add-on with flights is available for £99.

There are also a range of completely new ports of call:
  • Bourgas, Bulgaria
  • Flekkefjord, Norway
  • Foynes, Ireland
  • Jersey, UK
  • Koper, Slovenia
  • Liverpool, UK
  • Sassnitz, Germany
  • Savona, Italy
  • Zadar, Croatia
And then ports of call that are being reintroduced – in some instances after more than 30 years, and not visited since the days of the classic old-timer Victoria - are:
    • Alta, Norway
    • Antalya, Turkey
    • Ashdod, Israel
    • Bodo, Norway
    • Bodrum, Turkey
    • Catania, Italy
    • Gythion, Greece
    • Haifa, Israel
    • Huelva, Spain
    • Izmir, Turkey
    • Patmos, Greece
    • Port Mahon, Spain
    • Salerno, Italy
    • Samos, Greece
    • Tangiers, Morocco
    • Trieste, Italy
    • Volos, Greece
    • Waterford, Ireland
Early bird savings are available for bookings made by 30 June 2010. Double savings are offered on balcony cabins, with savings up to £800 per couple for a 14 night cruise, and also on all cabin grades on two of Adonia’s fly-cruise holidays in October 2011 and January 2012.

Free car parking is available on all of Adonia’s cruises from Southampton, and on board spending money of between £50 and £250 per cabin is also available (amount depending on duration).

Thursday, 11 March 2010

Sizzling Seabourn

Call me biased, but when it comes to truly distinctive, ultra-deluxe cruising, Seabourn have pretty much set the standard since their inception in 1988. Their original trio of chic, classy small-scale vessels introduced a whole new way of enjoying life at sea, and they maintained that style and reputation right through the 1990s and early 2000s.

Then, when their crown was in danger of being stolen by several high-quality rivals, they set out to restore their class-leading advantage and raise the bar still further. The result was the stunning Seabourn Odyssey in June 2009, a new vessel of such breathtaking vision and clarity the usual caveats of waiting to see how a ship's first 2 months panned out went completely by the wayside.

Here was a newcomer that immediately demonstrated that it knew exactly what it was supposed to be, how best to appeal to regulars and first-timers alike, and how to launch with everything perfectly in sync service-wise (the usual bane of new vessels). Odyssey maintained the same handsome, sleek profile but also looked the part of sharp 21st century technology (as opposed to yet another floating tower block).

More importantly, Odyssey wasn't just a larger-scale version of the original trio. Although she was three times the size of her stablemates, she both refined the highly successful formula and expanded on it in a totally delightful way, making the suites more sumptuous, the public rooms more glamorous, the service more personable and the whole experience more memorable.

Now, just a few months before the launch of sister Seabourn Sojourn and with third vessel Seabourn Quest set for 2011, the company has announced a visionary range of new itineraries and options for 2011 and 12.

From March 23 (the day the new programme goes on sale) to June 30, the full Europe and Asia schedule of voyages will be available at special promotional fares from £2,300 per person. These incredible fares will also include round-trip airfare for the first time, making it the most inclusive launch campaign Seabourn have ever done.

From January 2011 to April 2012, the line will offer its most extensive and diverse menu of itineraries ever, calling at a record 266 ports in 78 countries during 252 scheduled voyages visiting a wide variety of popular destinations and exotic locations across the world. Fares and details will be available on Seabourn’s website on March 23rd, and a lavishly illustrated catalogue will be published in April.

It will feature:

New Itineraries
In 2011/12, Seabourn returns to Canada and New England with a series of 9-day Autumn Maritime cruises on Sojourn, which will include the yacht’s maiden call to New York. Sojourn will also operate six 14-day Patagonian Passage voyages to the picturesque Chilean Fjords, Cape Horn and the Falkland Islands between Valparaiso, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Seabourn Pride remains in Asia for a second season of year-round exotic cruises to major destinations such as Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan. New for 2011, Pride will operate a series of 12-day cruises from Singapore-Bali with calls to exotic ports in Borneo, Sulawesi and Java.

(Big cheers for that Patagonia series, by the way - the ultimate combination of great destination and perfect vehicle)

In early 2012, Seabourn Legend will be based in the Arabian Sea and offer Indian Ocean Delights, with stops to Oman’s capital city of Muscat, also known as “Arabia’s jewel,” and the vibrant city of Mumbai, India. Other new itineraries include a 60-day Stars of the Southern Cross cruise round-trip from Los Angeles to French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii aboard Odyssey; new seven-day St Petersburg & the Baltic cruises between Copenhagen and Stockholm aboard Sojourn; week-long Gems of the Adriatic and Dalmatian Discoveries cruises round trip from Venice aboard Spirit; an 18-day Path of the Vikings transatlantic voyage from Dover to Quebec, and a 12-day Canada & Colonial Autumn voyage from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale aboard Sojourn.

New, Exotic Ports of Call
Seabourn’s record number of port visits will include more than 50 destinations that are either maiden calls or ports the line has not visited in years. New stops include Bangaram (Laccadive Islands), and Porbandar, India; Matarani, Peru; Brindisi, Italy; Burnie, Tasmania; Cape Town, South Africa; Chan May, Vietnam; Constantza, Romania; Pointe des Galets, Reunion; Doha, Qatar; Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Port Louis, Mauritius; Fanning Island, Republic of Kiribati; Port Stanley, Falkland Islands; Gili Sudak Island and Waikelo, Sumba, Indonesia; Qaqortoq, Greenland; Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; the island of St Helena; Sur and Khasab, Oman; Manama, Bahrain; Maputo, Mozambique; and Walvis Bay, Namibia.

New Seabourn Journeys
In 2011/12, Seabourn will offer two new Seabourn Journeys, fully-escorted packages for guests wishing to extend their stays on land. A new 3-night pre- or post-cruise Journey from Sydney, provides an in-depth exploration of the Australian Outback, including a sunset camel safari to a bush barbecue and visits to the breathtaking scenic wonders, the Olgas and Uluru, and the largest monolith on earth, also known as Ayers Rock. Also new is a 5-night Safari Journey from Cape Town, South Africa, to the Singita Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.

To my mind, it all adds up to a stunning array of luxury cruising and superb destination planning. So, if March 23 (when Seabourn's 2011 programme goes on sale) isn't already in your diary, is should be pretty soon!

Saturday, 9 January 2010

Designed For Us?

Celebrity Cruises have launched their latest branding exercise worldwide, promising a $200million makeover for their Millennium-class vessels in the style of their highly-successful Solstice-class, and allying it with a new marketing message.

'Designed for you' is the slogan, which "pairs Celebrity's commitment to stunningly-designed ships and innovative onboard experiences with its commitment to impeccable guest service," and it apparently concludes a six-month search "to more deeply understand the needs of discerning cruisers."

Now, putting aside the probable likelihood that discerning cruisers are really only looking for a six-star experience at four-star prices, it is a bold step by Royal Caribbean's supposedly more upmarket brand (one which the Chandris family were creating in a happily unique style before selling out to the big boys).

First of all, in real terms it involves a significant outlay in upgrading the four older ships (Celebrity Millennium, Infinity, Summit and Constellation), which were hardly what anyone would call 'tatty' in the first place, being barely 10 years old. The commitment to 'Solstice-ise' the quartet includes adding:

Tuscan Grille, the Napa-Valley-meets-Italian-steakhouse venue

Bistro on Five, the highly-successful creperie

The signature ice-topped Martini Bar, with its top-tier vodka selection

A replacement for the former Cova Cafe, the Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria

A new Wine Bar that allows guests to select and serve the wines of their choice by the glass

More luxurious suites, designed to compare with modern European hotels, featuring all-new furniture, flatscreen TVs, upholstery, bedding and carpeting

Restyled standard cabins, again including the new carpeting, TVs, upholstery and bedding.

And new decor, carpeting and upholstery in every public venue, from the Celebrity Theater to Seaside Grill.

It is an abitious plan of upgrading, on top of the already near-$4billion investment in the five Solstice-class vessels, and it suggests - on top of the recent rebranding of boutique premium line Azamara Club Cruises - that Royal Caribbean intend to go aggressively after the big-ship premium market in 2010.

The Millennium-class upgrades will begin in April this year and continue through 2012. Meanwhile, the message to the general public will come across in a new Advertising campaign, with dramatic, distinctive images, a modern, contemporary graphic treatment, a copy voice promoting the brand's differentiating elements, and the 'Designed for You' tagline.

Marking a first for Celebrity, a hip new video shot on Celebrity Solstice to capture the essence of the Celebrity cruise experience will run on multiple travel, video, social, lifestyle and news sites. Print ads will appear in trade and consumer magazines and major daily newspapers across North America.

It all adds up to a fairly serious mainstream campaign to make the brand better recognised. And it's all designed for us!

Friday, 6 November 2009

It's An Oasis-Fest!

The UK media has gone overboard (ho, ho) it seems for Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's new record-breaker which is due to set sail with passengers for the first time in just a month.

The "world's largest cruise ship" is currently en route across the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale and several weeks of hoopla around her arrival before her maiden voyage, with Port Everglades officially dedicating their new Oasis-specific terminal today.

But the newspapers, radio and TV have already decided this is one of the most news-worthy ship launches in modern history, with a positive avalanche of advance material, stories and reports being generated.

Just check this little lot!