The two newest additions to the New Orleans-based cruise ship lineup helped set a new passenger record for the port. In a two-day span, 24,705 passengers either boarded or disembarked four cruise ships and two sternwheelers. On Nov. 10, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's "Navigator of the Seas"replaced the Voyager of the Seas. The ship has a capacity of 3,114-passengers and is the largest cruise ship ever to call at the port. On Nov. 11, Norwegian Cruise Line's 2,348-passenger "Norwegian Star"replaced the 2,018-passenger Norwegian Spirit as the cruise line's New Orleans-ported ship. Port officials...
Encore Cruises is promoting family travel through a special "family friendly"offer - book a 2013 sailing with any of Encore's 14 cruise line partners and receive a complimentary Zoobie Pets plush toy, a kid's ideal travelling companion. Applicable on all new individual bookings made from today (Nov. 21) onwards, customers will receive one complimentary Zoobie Pet per booking when at least two adults with one child book a minimum seven-night cruise in an oceanview category or higher, to any destination, for any 2013 sailing with any of Encore's cruise line partners. Part plush toy, part soft...
When Princess Cruises' new Royal Princess debuts next June, passengers will find that two of the line's signature features have been enhanced to provide passengers with the ultimate in relaxation. Both The Sanctuary and the line's popular adults-only pool also will offer private cabanas for the first time. Located near the forward end of the top deck, these two areas together provide a peaceful haven for passengers looking to recharge. With a new look and feel, the larger Sanctuary will feature fresh décor plus two new private cabana options along with its plush loungers and Serenity...
Azamara Quest, the first of Azamara Club Cruises' twin boutique ships to undergo refurbishment, has emerged from an eight-day drydock - complete with a refresh of all public spaces and staterooms and a new "Azamara Blue"hull. Named for the cruise line by Navantia Shipyard, the unique navy-blue colour tone of Azamara Quest's hull adds to the elegance of the ship's silhouette. Ship-wide renovations included new carpets, upholstery, and a new colour palette in public spaces reflecting; new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture for suites and staterooms; and a resurfaced pool, and new sun...
Laissez les bons temps rouler or "let the good times roll"will be a common greeting onboard the American Queen as the American Queen Steamboat Company makes its Mardi Gras debut this February to begin the 2013 Lower Mississippi River season. The steamboat will dock in the heart of the French Quarter, just steps away from famed Café Du Monde and a short walk from the revelry of Bourbon Street. Voyages during February will also showcase the best in Big Band entertainment, including the legendary Harry James Orchestra and destination favourites such as Natchez, Miss. and Vicksburg, Miss....
Holland America Line (HAL) will introduce a new "Dancing with the Stars"experience onboard its ships next year. Six theme cruises in 2013 and early 2014 will feature "Dancing with the Stars"events including dance lessons; a chance to meet the dancers, ask questions and take photos; and a dazzling production starring celebrities and the famed dance pros, complete with glamorous costumes and routines from the TV show. Currently scheduled to appear on select sailings are two-time champion pro dancers Mark Ballas and Kym Johnson; pros Tristan MacManus and Lacey Schwimmer; and some of the show's...
Princess Cruises will launch new service from the Port of Houston beginning in 2013 when it starts sailing from the state-of-the-art Bayport Cruise Terminal. Princess and the Port of Houston Authority confirmed an agreement Nov. 15 for the line to make passenger cruise calls during the 2013-2014 cruise season at the port's cruise facility. The new service is scheduled to begin in November of 2013. A total of 26 departures are planned for the season. The inaugural cruise is an unprecedented sailing aboard the Caribbean Princess to support US veterans. The historic cruise, which will sail...
Starting tomorrow (Nov. 17) and running for just one week, Encore Cruises will give agents 18% commission as part of its "One-week Blow-out Sale."Running from Nov. 17-24, this limited time offer applies to all 2013 Norwegian Cruise Line sailings, in all categories, and is combinable with Encore's Book Now, Pay Later promotion. The offer is applicable to bookings made via the Encore Cruises call centre only; it does not apply to groups and is not combinable with any other promotions or offers (beyond one noted above). For more information call 1-800-661-6361 or visit...
The Carnival Glory has returned to service following an extensive, multi-million dollar renovation that added an array of on-board spaces, from a new burger venue developed by Food Network personality Guy Fieri and a pair of tropics-inspired poolside watering holes to a "cocktail pharmacy"-themed lounge called the Alchemy Bar. Carnival Glory's new dining, bar and entertainment options are part of Fun Ship 2.0, a US$500 million product enhancement initiative that is being rolled out across the Carnival fleet. Following a special three-day cruise from Miami to Nassau, Glory will launch a winter...
Port Everglades will reopen four fully reconstructed, expanded and modernized cruise terminals in time for the first eight-ship cruise day this season, Saturday, Nov. 17. Cruise Terminals 2, 19, 21 and 26 are part of a US$54 million renovation project that transformed existing facilities into "modern, world-class, guest-friendly cruise terminals, capable of processing both debarking and embarking cruise passengers simultaneously.""Our goal in the design and reconstruction of these terminals was to deliver a seamless curbside to ship guest experience,"said Steven Cernak, Port Everglades chief...