Bermuda on Tropical Storm Watch; Gaston Forms in the Atlantic

September 2nd, 2010

As Hurricane Earl continues to hurtle towards the East Coast, there is plenty of other activity in the Atlantic. Tropical Storm Fiona is heading close to Bermuda, and Tropical Storm Gaston, the seventh named storm of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season, has now formed behind Fiona. (cruisecritic.com)

Oceania reveals recreation facilities for its new Marina

September 2nd, 2010

When she debuts in January 2011, Oceania Cruises 1,250-guest Marina will feature state-of-the-art recreational offerings designed to appeal to today’s baby boomers and active seniors. (cruisebusiness.com)

Celebrity Drives Business to Travel Partners with New Ad Campaign

September 2nd, 2010

The line has launched a new campaign designed to drive consumers to travel agents through ads featuring the headline: “Go ahead. Ask your travel agent.” (cruiseindustrynews.com)

P&O Cruises Offers Romance with Ceremonies at Sea

September 2nd, 2010

P&O Cruises has made cruising even more romantic with the launch of its new Ceremonies at Sea program for passengers wanting to tie the knot onboard their favourite ship. (etravelblackboard.com)

Nasdaq Grants Ambassadors International, Inc.’s Request For Continued Listing

September 2nd, 2010

Ambassadors International, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMIED) announced that it has been notified by the Nasdaq Stock Market that the Nasdaq Hearings Panel has granted the Company’s request for continued listing of its Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

CLIA Announces Early Enrollment For Travel Agent Members Beginning September 1

September 2nd, 2010

Beginning yesterday, September 1, travel agents seeking to gain from all the benefits of CLIA membership and realize great value can enroll for Individual Membership through 2011 for the yearly rate of $99 – potentially enjoying four months free by acting now.

A year needed from contract signing to construction start – STX Finland’s Heikinheimo

September 2nd, 2010

Completion in time of the 226,000 gross ton Allure of the Seas has only been possible thanks to a close cooperation between the shipyard and its network of suppliers and contractors, says Juha Heikinheimo, President and CEO of STX Finland. (cruisebusiness.com)

Win a Miami Stay & Caribbean Cruise with Marriott Rewards and CruisesOnly

September 2nd, 2010

The sweepstakes, which begins September 1 and runs through October 31, 2010, is open to all Marriott Rewards members in the U.S. The winner will be chosen in a random drawing.

Great Way to See Australia – Circle the Continent on a Luxury Cruise Ship!

September 2nd, 2010

Early next year, passengers sailing aboard Silversea Cruises first-ever voyage to completely circumnavigate Australia will have an opportunity to experience much of this fascinating country/continent and to meet the friendly Australians who revel in showing their magnificent country to travelers. (cruises.about.com)

Woman claims cruise company promising free cruise lied, stole

September 2nd, 2010

A mother of three who has been working hard to earn some R&R was sold on what was billed as a free cruise. (whas11.com)

Blue Lagoon releases final 2010 ‘Historical & Cultural Dateline Cruise’ early bird rate

September 2nd, 2010

Fiji’s iconic Blue Lagoon Cruises is again offering a rare – and very affordable – opportunity to visit Fiji’s remote north-eastern reaches with the release of a 30 per cent ‘early bird’ discount applicable to its final 2010 ‘Historical & Cultural Dateline Cruise’ scheduled to sail on 22 November. (Expedition Cruising | Adventure Cruising)

6 and 6+ star ship ratings awarded in the new edition of Stern’s Guide to the Cruise Vacation

September 1st, 2010

In the 2011 (21st edition) of “Stern’s Guide to the Cruise Vacation”, the author has awarded its highest rating of 6+ stars to the following ships, all in the luxury cruise category.

Cruise recipes from chefs around the world

September 1st, 2010

Ever wanted to know the recipes behind the great dishes served on cruise ships? Now you can have access to them. Just go to the new website cruiserecipes.net. The site is edited by best-selling author Shirley Linde, of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Cruise Quotes Travel Joins Cruise Brothers

September 1st, 2010

Cruise Quotes Travel, Inc., Billerica Mass., and its owners, Robert DiPietro and William Henderson, have joined CruiseBrothers.com, said Steven Gelfuso, president and CEO of CruiseBrothers.com. (travelpulse.com)

Pacific Delight Debuts 15-Day Luxury Yangtze Program

September 1st, 2010

Pacific Delight Tours is offering a 15-day Grand Yangtze River and Huangshan Mountain Gold Experience starting at $3,299 per person, including a six-night luxury cruise along the full navigable length of the Yangtze River with Victoria Cruises. (travelpulse.com)

NCL’s Jillian Michaels Wellness Cruise Announces Trainers

September 1st, 2010

The Jillian Michaels Ultimate Wellness Cruise, sailing Oct. 21 to 25 on the Norwegian Star, has announced the line-up of new trainers. (travelpulse.com)

Seabourn Introduces New Overland Journeys for World Cruise

September 1st, 2010

The Yachts of Seabourn has announced seven new optional Seabourn Journeys to guests aboard the Seabourn Sojourn during its 111-day maiden world cruise in 2011. (travelpulse.com)

Azamara Club Cruises to Deliver the Splendor of the British Isles and Norwegian Coast in 2011

September 1st, 2010

Up-market travelers can choose among two remarkable voyages, departing from Copenhagen on August 17 or from Dublin on August 29, 2011, which sail to compelling destinations and enjoy extraordinary service aboard the European boutique hotel-style ship, Azamara Journey.

Top cruise executives to attend Seatrade Med Cruise Convention 30 November – 2 December 2010 in Cannes, France

September 1st, 2010

The event is organised in association with the French Riviera Cruise Club, supported by MedCruise, and the Seatrade Med Cruise Convention is the largest gathering of the industry in the region. It includes a major exhibition, Cruise Agent Day by Top Cruise and a social activities will include an evening of music at the spectacular City of Nice Opera House, during which the Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards will be presented. (gotimeshare.org)

Sabre Red Announces Enhancements Geared for Leisure Agents

September 1st, 2010

Sabre Cruise has enhanced search functionality; agents can select multiple regions, cruise lines, or even ships in a single search. (travelpulse.com)

Cruising industry mourns Anastasios Stylianopoulos

September 1st, 2010

Anastasios ‘Tassos’ Stylianopoulos, the founder of Greek-based Navigator Travel and Tourism Services, died last week after a long illness. (traveldailynews.com)

Tropical Storm Fiona Following Similar Path to Hurricane Earl

September 1st, 2010

Tropical Storm Fiona, the sixth named storm of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season, formed on Monday afternoon on the heels of Hurricane Earl, the East Coast-bound Category Three storm that battered the Caribbean over the past two days. (cruisecritic.com)

Allure Goal: “Zero Remarks”

September 1st, 2010

Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, commented that the goal for the delivery of the Allure of the Seas was to have zero remarks, according to a recent post on his blog following a visit to the STX Europe yard in Finland. (cruiseindustrynews.com)

Queen to name new Cunard ship

September 1st, 2010

The Queen will name Cunard’s new ship, Queen Elizabeth, the cruise line has revealed. The naming will take place at a ceremony in Southampton on October 11, before the ship sets sail on her maiden voyage the following day. (ttglive.com)

Pacific Sun Passenger Cleared of Meningococcal

September 1st, 2010

P&O Cruises said health authorities have advised that a passenger who was evacuated from Pacific Sun last night (August 29) has been cleared of meningococcal disease.

Genting Hong Kong back to profit in first half of 2010

September 1st, 2010

Genting Hong Kong, which was previously known as Star Cruises, has reported a net profit of US$11.3 million for the first six months of the year, an improvement from a loss of US$35.2 million in the same period in 2009. (cruisebusiness.com)

Delta to offer more flights from London Heathrow – introduces new flights to Boston and Miami

September 1st, 2010

Delta Air Lines has filed applications with the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Transportation requesting permission to operate twice-daily year-round service between London’s Heathrow Airport and Boston, and daily year-round service between Heathrow and Miami. (cruisebusiness.com)

NCLC swings to loss in first half of 2010

September 1st, 2010

NCL Corporation (NCLC) has made a loss of US$35.0 million in the first half of this year, compared to a profit of US$10.4 million in the same period in 2009, according to information given by Genting Hong Kong, which owns a 50% stake in the company. (cruisebusiness.com)

TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd in joint wellness road show

August 31st, 2010

Two German cruise brands to tour 20 cities through the country in order to give travel agents an opportunity to familiarise with the wellnness concept of TUI Cruises and the expedition cruise product of Hapag-Lloyd Kreutzfahrten. (cruisebusiness.com)

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity in UK travel agent business drive

August 31st, 2010

Travel agents in the UK have the chance to be entered into not just one, but two, separate prize draws with cruise bookings made in September. (cruisebusiness.com)

CruiseOne & Cruises Inc. Revamp Program for National Conference

August 31st, 2010

CruiseOne & Cruises Inc. said that in an effort to continue taking continuing education to new levels they have revamped the curriculum for their joint annual National Conference. (travelpulse.com)

Paul Gauguin Scores Record High Guest Survey Ranking

August 31st, 2010

The Paul Gauguin recently achieved the highest guest survey ranking in its 14-year sailing history, scoring 98.9 percent in excellence by guests of the Aug. 7 sailing to Tahiti and the Society Islands.

American Safari Offers Special Wine & Culinary Cruise

August 31st, 2010

American Safari Cruises is offering a Wine & Culinary cruise on the Oct. 2 departure of its Columbia River itinerary. (travelpulse.com)

Photography competition – winner announced

August 31st, 2010

We were overwhelmed with the response we received following the recent photography competition in the Journal Issue 5 and are delighted to announce Ms Elspeth Wells as the winner of an iPod featuring podcasts by Cruise Director, Paul Carter.

Aurelius acquires controlling interest in Reederei Peter Deilmann

August 31st, 2010

Aurelius, the Munch based industrial holding company, has acquired a controlling interest in Reederei Peter Deilmann, the German company that owns and operates the 22,496 gross ton luxury market cruise ship Deutschland. (cruisebusiness.com)

Orion 2010 limited offer – No single supplement for sole occupancy

August 31st, 2010

In response to enquiries from potential solo travellers, Orion Expedition Cruises has announced that they will waive the single supplement surcharge applied on all Orion sailings from 16th September to 21st December 2010 inclusive. (Expedition Cruising | Adventure Cruising)

Legal Battle Looms for Pandaw over Ganges Cruises

August 31st, 2010

Pandaw River Cruises is heading to the Indian courts claiming an Indian company, Pandaw India, has stolen its river ship. (cruises.com.au)

Royal Caribbean Announces Sales Executive Promotions

August 31st, 2010

Royal Caribbean International announced two executive promotions within the cruise line’s Sales, Trade Support and Services department. (cruiseindustrynews.com)

Crystal Cruises Decks the Halls – and Everything Else – for Holiday Voyages

August 31st, 2010

In its traditional six-star style, Crystal Cruises is introducing extravagantly redesigned decor aboard its two award-winning ships this holiday season.

Windstar Cruises Announces 2-For-1 Fares on Select Fall European Sailings

August 31st, 2010

Windstar Cruises offers exceptional values to some of the most remarkable places in the world with 2-for-1 fares on select fall European voyages plus up to $750 per person bonus savings for new bookings made now through September 5, 2010.

Carnival Magic’s Major Construction Milestone Marked with Traditional Coin Ceremony

August 31st, 2010

The magic continues! In a time-honored maritime tradition, a ceremony recently was held aboard Carnival Magic at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, during which a commemorative coin was welded to the ship’s mast to mark a significant construction milestone.

Captain Giovanni Cutugno to Serve as Master of New Carnival Magic

August 31st, 2010

Captain Giovanni Cutugno, whose maritime career has spanned more than three decades, has been named master of Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic.

Hurricane Earl Gains Strength in Caribbean; Moving North

August 31st, 2010

Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean and NCL have announced storm-related itinerary changes. (cruisecritic.com)

Over-Worked Americans Give Up an Average of 459 Million Vacation Days Each Year

August 31st, 2010

Over-worked, over-tired and stressed-out workers have one more thing to worry about this coming Labor Day – how many vacation days they could potentially be losing this year. And if The President of the United States, who just returned from a respite on Martha’s Vineyard, can still find time, then shouldn’t everyone?

Discover The Opulence And Majesty Of A Bygone Era On Uniworld’s New Treasures Of Prague, The Rhine & Main Boutique River Cruise

August 30th, 2010

Journey from the heartland of Germany along the Rhine and Main rivers to the fairytale “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague, on Uniworld’s new “Treasures of Prague, the Rhine and Main” itinerary starting in April of 2011 onboard completely remodelled beautiful boutique cruise ship, River Ambassador.

UK Birder, Dick Filby, Joins Three Antarctic Voyages With One Ocean Expeditions

August 30th, 2010

Birdwatchers worldwide will be interested to hear the news that One Ocean Expeditions will have specialist field birder, Dick Filby onboard the Marina Svetaeva, One Ocean Expeditions’ ice-strengthened expedition cruise ship, for three early 2011 polar cruises.

What annoys you most about Cruising?

August 30th, 2010

This week the Off Radar Cruise News team investigates the success of the Cruise Industry in balance with what annoys people most about Cruising. (Off Radar)

Fred. Olsen Offers Themes, New Ports of Call for 2011-12

August 30th, 2010

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is offering cruises focusing on 60 topics or themes throughout the upcoming season. (travelpulse.com)

Ponant Offers Special Fares for Inaugural Season in Asia

August 30th, 2010

Compagnie du Ponant is offering lower fares on select sailings in Asia to celebrate its expedition ship’s inaugural season in the region. (travelpulse.com)

Earl Threatens Northern Leeward Islands, Forces Cruise Changes

August 30th, 2010

As Hurricane Danielle moved northeast and away from Bermuda, posing no threat to that island, Hurricane Earl was strengthening to a Category 1 storm on Sunday, Aug. 29. (travelpulse.com)

Stranded Arctic cruise passengers head home

August 30th, 2010

Passengers who were stuck aboard a cruise ship that ran aground on an uncharted rock off the Nunavut coast on Friday are on their way home. (cbc.ca)

New Service at the Hamburg Cruise Center

August 30th, 2010

At the Information Counter at the Cruise Centre in HafenCity, the arriving and departing passengers can purchase admission tickets for the “Miniature Wonderland” in the Speicherstadt.

Clipper Adventurer Runs Aground in Arctic

August 30th, 2010

At approximately 1910 local time (GMT-7) on August 27th, 2010 MV Clipper Adventurer, en-route from Port Epworth to Kugluktuk NU, was grounded on an uncharted rock at 67 58 N 112 40 W.

The Thames are changing: Enjoy the delights of the river from a Dutch barge

August 30th, 2010

The boat can take 12 ­passengers in en-suite cabins and offers tranquil cruises past some of the most attractive spots on the River Thames. (mirror.co.uk)

Chile Looks to Relax Casino Laws to Cater Cruise Ship Tourism

August 30th, 2010

The Ministry of the Economy is planning to send a bill to Chile’s Congress that would allow cruise ships to operate their casinos while in Chilean waters. (ftnnews.com)

Neighbours set scenes on board P&O cruise ship

August 30th, 2010

THE Ten Network and production house Fremantle have done their first product placement deal forTV soap Neighbours in its 25-year history. They have set scenes for two episodes on P&O’s Pacific Jewel cruise ship. (theaustralian.com.au)

The Perfect Cruise – Second Edition. Now Available for Amazon Kindle

August 30th, 2010

This popular cruise information guide has been updated with the latest information and tips on how to find, plan and enjoy a cruise vacation. The second edition includes a very handy cruise line reference guide for 28 of the most popular cruise lines in North America.

Cruise Weekly: Piscos and Piranhas

August 29th, 2010

Piranha fishing is just one of the activities offered aboard MV Aqua, a high-end river river cruiser with just 12 cabins catering to 24 well-healed adventurers wanting to sample the amazingly complex and wild lands of Amazonia. (Expedition Cruising | Adventure Cruising)

Disney Dream Sets Sail on Maiden Voyage Jan 26th 2011 Read more: Disney Dream Sets Sail on Maiden Voyage Jan 26th 2011

August 29th, 2010

The newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Disney Dream, will set sail on her maiden voyage Jan. 26, 2011, from Port Canaveral, Fla. (chipandco.com)

Hurricane Earl Closing in on Caribbean Ports, Impacting Cruises

August 29th, 2010

Hurricane Earl, the fifth named storm of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season, continues to surge toward the islands of the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. (cruisecritic.com)

How to save money on your cruise

August 28th, 2010

That’s the advice from cruise guru Douglas Ward, in the 26th edition of the annual Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, to be published in October. (blogs.mirror.co.uk)

Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Spa Features Soothing and Revitalizing Treatments

August 28th, 2010

Cunard Line’s tradition of providing luxury experiences at sea continues with Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Spa. (discovercruises.co.uk)

Travel Picks: 10 top cruise ships

August 28th, 2010

Cruise booking specialists Cruise1st (www.cruise1st.com.au) has navigated the high seas to find its top 10 unique offers. This list is not endorsed by Reuters. (reuters.com)

Belize tourist area to cruise ships: Stay away

August 28th, 2010

The arrival of cruise ships in a tourist town can result in an economic windfall for local businesses. And yet not every waterside destination is pursuing them. (usatoday.com)

Cruisers sanctioned for frivolous legal action against Princess

August 28th, 2010

An appeals court in California on Tuesday sanctioned a family who had sailed on a Princess Cruises ship for what it said was frivolous legal action against the line, ordering the family to pay Princess $6,750 to cover the line’s costs in defending itself. (usatoday.com)

Fincantieri Monfalcone: Launches Carnival Magic (photos)

August 28th, 2010

At Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard, there was the launch of the “Carnival Magic”, the new flagship of Carnival Cruise Lines, a brand in Carnival Group, the world’s leading cruise operator. Delivery is due in Spring 2011. (cruiseindustrynews.com)

Travelocity Features Dubai Cruises

August 27th, 2010

Travelzoo has announced that Travelocity is offering $250 off the price of a seven-night Dubai and Abu Dhabi cruise exclusively for New York and New Jersey residents. (cruiseindustrynews.com)

Cruise.com Named Travel Agency of the Year by Vacation.com

August 27th, 2010

Last month at Vacation.com’s 12th International Conference & Trade Show, Cruise.com was presented with the Chairman’s Award for “Travel Agency of the Year,” which recognizes the highest overall sales performance by any Vacation.com member agency. (travelpulse.com)

World Luxury Vacations Plans Wine and Food Packages

August 27th, 2010

Small-ship specialist World Luxury Cruise Vacations — which includes France Cruises and WLCVacations — is offering a series of specialty wine and gastronomic cruise packages. (travelpulse.com)

MSC Cruises Adds Dance to Theme Cruise Roster

August 27th, 2010

MSC Cruises added dance to its roster of theme cruises, which also include card games, chess, food and wine, wellness, cultural, hobby, baseball and big band. (travelpulse.com)

UK – Silversea rolls out 24/7 booking for agents

August 27th, 2010

All Silversea travel partners in the UK and Ireland now have access to the line’s reservation system, without paying the membership fees or extra service costs of outside providers. (ttglive.com)

Embark on a royal oceanic affair with Cunard

August 27th, 2010

Not one, but two Queens will make their way to Australia next February as Cunard Line announces new coastal fares between Sydney and Fremantle aboard its luxury cruise liners, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2. (etravelblackboard.com)

Australian economy continues to benefit from visiting international cruise ships

August 27th, 2010

The release of the 2009-10 economic impact of cruise shipping in Australia shows the national Cruise industry continues to perform with strong growth, increasing by 11.9% over the previous year. (cruisebusiness.com)

Mein Schiff 2 to be Named in Hamburg

August 26th, 2010

TUI Cruises has announced that it will christen its second ship, Mein Schiff 2, in Hamburg on Saturday, May 14, 2011. (cruiseindustrynews.com)

Gerard Petrelluzzi: Cruise Supporter Honored

August 26th, 2010

Gerard Petrelluzzi (59) of Guadeloupe was honored by the French government earlier this year with the Maritime Merit Medal, a high distinction in the French maritime industry. (cruiseindustrynews.com)

CLIA Statement on Proposed EPA Rule to Establish a No Discharge Zone in California

August 26th, 2010

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to establish a No Discharge Zone covering all California coastal waters. (cruiseindustrynews.com)

Variety Cruises Offers Up to 20 Percent Off in Eastern Med

August 26th, 2010

Variety Cruises is offering saving of up to 20 percent on seven-night cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean when booked by Feb. 1. (travelpulse.com)

Huge New Penthouse & Verandah Savings for 2011 Crystal Voyages

August 26th, 2010

Crystal Cruises is offering substantial new savings — up to $3,000 per couple on luxurious, butler-serviced Penthouse accommodations and up to $2,000 per couple on plush Verandah staterooms — on ten exotic 2011 voyages.

Carnival Unveils Carnival Magic’s Online Home and Invites Fans to Offer Personal Touches to ‘Make The Magic Yours’

August 26th, 2010

Let the magic begin! As Carnival Cruise Lines unveils new details about its newest “Fun Ship,” Carnival Magic, fans and fun-seekers can now learn more and join in the fun, well before the ship sets sail next year.

Norwegian Epic’s Image Technology Streamlines Photo Process

August 25th, 2010

Cruise photo concessionaire Image has implemented two state-of-the-art technologies on Norwegian Epic that streamline the gallery sales process and enable guests to more easily find, manage, share and store their cruise memories. (travelpulse.com)

Celebrity Events Group to Host Soap Opera Cruise

August 25th, 2010

Celebrity Events Group announced the line-up of soap stars that will sail on the Soap Cruise Fourth Voyage aboard the Celebrity Century, Jan. 27 to 31. (travelpulse.com)

Ambassadors Successful in Maintaining NASDAQ Listing

August 25th, 2010

Ambassadors International Inc., parent of Windstar Cruises, reported that a reverse stock split was successful in maintaining its listing on NASDAQ stock exchange. (travelpulse.com)

New Carnival Magic to Feature Italian Trattoria and Pub

August 25th, 2010

Among them are Carnival’s first-ever pub, the Red Frog, with its own private label beer, an authentic trattoria, and an expansive outdoor sports complex featuring a ropes course, outdoor weight-lifting area and a huge water dump bucket. (travelpulse.com)

Cruise Down Under Conference opens in Brisbane

August 25th, 2010

Australia’s leading peak cruise industry body – Cruise Down Under – opens its 14th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting in Brisbane on Wednesday. (cruisebusiness.com)

Carnival Unveils Carnival Magic’s Online Home and Invites Fans to Offer Personal Touches to ‘Make The Magic Yours’

August 25th, 2010

Let the magic begin! As Carnival Cruise Lines unveils new details about its newest “Fun Ship,” Carnival Magic, fans and fun-seekers can now learn more and join in the fun, well before the ship sets sail next year.