Get ready for some company, Sydney Opera House. Another thing of beauty will share Sydney Harbour when premium cruise brand Celebrity Cruises sends its award-winning Celebrity Solstice to Australia and New Zealand for the winter of 2012-13. "Celebrity Solstice has satisfied guests around the world since we introduced her in 2008, and the obvious next step is to send her to Australia," said Dan Hanrahan, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "With this move, we are delivering another way for people to have the best vacation experience possible, in one of the most stunning geographic regions of the world." Australians will enjoy the return of the Celebrity Cruises brand to the region this coming winter with the deployment of the 1,814-guest Celebrity Century. Her subsequent replacement by the 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice is a symbol of the premium cruise brand's ever-expanding global presence and the popularity of the service, activities, cuisine, and stylish design exemplified on its Solstice Class ships, which are frequently rated as the best by consumer- and travel agent-focused publications around the globe. Recent accolades include the Solstice Class being named among "Best Cruise Ships" by Frommers.com and Celebrity being named "Best Premium Cruise Line" and "Best Cruise Line in Europe" by the readers of Travel Weekly. "Travelers around the world value their vacation time, and we want to give them more opportunities to enjoy Celebrity's signature attributes, including the first Lawn Club and Hot Glass show at sea, more spacious staterooms, our AquaClass staterooms geared toward the spa enthusiast lifestyle, multiple specialty restaurants, the Celebrity iLounge and state-of-the-art entertainment, in more places. The culture and way of life in Australia and New Zealand are an ideal backdrop for our Solstice Class style and the overall onboard experience." Celebrity Solstice will transition from a 2012 summer in the Mediterranean to Australia/New Zealand via the Suez Canal and through Southeast Asia before arriving in Sydney, Australia in early December. The repositioning sailings will include multiple overnights in ports including Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Cochin, India. Upon arriving in Australia, Celebrity Solstice will present a series of 12- and 13-night open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand. The season also will include a circumnavigation of Australia, consisting of two open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Perth (Fremantle). Many of the itineraries include overnight stays in Sydney. Celebrity Solstice will continue a series of destination-immersive onboard activities that will debut during Celebrity Century's upcoming Australia/New Zealand season; activities include local vineyard and wine shore excursions, onboard talks by local cultural entertainers and speakers, and destination-focused food and drink menus. Some activities will be complimentary. Celebrity will continue to offer its popular Australia/New Zealand cruisetour program geared toward guests who wish to combine a land-based vacation with a cruise. Premium concierge-style service is the hallmark of Celebrity's four- and five-night pre- and post-cruise escorted land tour packages in Australia, which will visit destinations including Port Douglas (Great Barrier Reef), Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Sydney. A six-night pre-cruise New Zealand package will visit Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Sydney. Highlights include a full-day tour over the Great Barrier Reef and a gourmet barbecue dinner under the outback sky in Ayers Rock. All of Celebrity's cruisetours are escorted by local tour directors, and include hotel accommodations, transportation, select activities, breakfast and some additional meals. Full details will be available on March 23, when bookings for Celebrity's new 2012-13 Australia/New Zealand itineraries will open for sale. Bookings for the 1,814-guest Celebrity Century's 2011-12 Australia/New Zealand cruises are open now.

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Frommer's Names Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas among Best Cruise Ships of 2011

Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas have been named on Frommer's Best Cruise Ships of 2011 list.

Miami, FL (Vocus/PRWEB) January 18, 2011

Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas have been named on Frommer's Best Cruise Ships of 2011 list. In particular, the market leader in travel guides and a branded imprint of Wiley Publishing, Inc. cited Allure of the Seas as the newest and most groundbreaking ship with “undoubtedly the best entertainment ship at sea, with truly exceptional programming for both adults and kids.” Judges praised the 225,282 gross-registered-ton, 5,400-guest cruise ship and her sister-ship Oasis of the Seas, for "letting light and air into the center of the ships" via a radical new superstructure design.

“We are delighted that Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are named among Frommer's Best Cruise Ships of 2011,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Royal Caribbean offers the widest range of exclusive onboard amenities aboard some of the world's most innovative cruise ships that cater to vacationers of all ages. It is an honor to be recognized by such a respected brand such as Frommer's.”

Recently released on frommers.com, the annual Best Cruise Ships list has been compiled by Frommer's resident cruise experts, Matt Hannafin and Heidi Sarna, and reflects the best-reviewed vessels in their new, 7th edition of Frommer's Cruises & Ports of Call. In total, 20 ships representing nine design classes made it to the 2011 list.

Allure of the Seas shares the title of the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. With a cache of distinct onboard activities and amenities, Allure of the Seas offers one-of-a-kind entertainment performances, culinary concepts, retail venues and technology innovations. An architectural marvel at sea, Allure's neighborhoods are divided into seven distinct themed areas, which include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. She spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas alternates a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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Grand Princess to Undergo Dramatic Transformation During Spring Drydock 

A brand new nightclub called One5, inspired by its deck location, will be created on the top deck of the ship, replacing its iconic Skywalker Nightclub, which has given the ship its distinctive profile. Skywalkers will be removed from its 18th deck perch, with its replacement located on deck 15. This change will significantly improve the operational performance of the ship, including greater fuel efficiency.

"This is the largest makeover we've ever undertaken for any of our ships," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "When Grand Princess was launched she was the most innovative ship at sea, and now we're adding some of the later innovations we introduced on subsequent ships."

Artist renderings of the Grand Princess changes are available in a Flickr gallery at:http://bit.ly/g0JA8I.

The changes will be made during a drydock from April 11 to May 4 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. Highlights of the dramatic makeover include:

New Piazza atrium -- The atrium space of Grand Princess will be completely rebuilt to include this signature Princess feature -- a multi-faceted social hub of the ship combining always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. The Piazza will feature the International Café for pastries, grilled panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies and a variety of coffee drinks. Passengers will also enjoy a new Vines wine bar offering a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of tapas and sushi, and a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle.

 

Leaves Tea Lounge and Library -- A fusion of tea lounge and library, the new Leaves offers a distinctive opportunity for passengers to custom-blend a variety of base teas with herbs, fruits and spices to create a personalized tea blend. Created in partnership with Mighty Leaf Tea Company, one of the world's premier maker of artisan teas, Leaves will give passengers an impressive choice of up to 500 different tea blends to suit their palates. A trained tea sommelier will assist passengers in blending a personalized tea creation, which they can enjoy in the midst of the library and a good book.

 

Alfredo's Pizzeria -- Known for serving the best pizza at sea, Princess will introduce Alfredo's, a new sit-down pizzeria with an enticing menu of freshly prepared individual-size pizzas. Named for the line's master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the pizzeria will feature an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs create the pizzas they'll enjoy with a glass of wine or other beverage.

 

One5 Lounge -- The new One5 lounge will replace Skywalkers as the place to be for nighttime dancing and relaxing. The new lounge on deck 15 (hence its name) takes its inspiration from the chicest urban nightclubs, and will offer a cool vibe, contemporary seating and lighting, and a dramatic back-lit bar.

 

Crown Grill -- A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including lobster.

 

Also part of the renovation will be 10 new suites; remodeled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner's Martini Lounge.

The newly renovated Grand Princess will debut on May 5 in Ft. Lauderdale where the ship will depart on a transatlantic crossing for her summer and fall homeport of Southampton, from which she will cruise a variety of European itinerari

Makeover Will Include Piazza Atrium, Tea Lounge, Pizzeria and Nightclub 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 10, 2011) -- The most significant transformation ever of aPrincess Cruises ship will occur this spring aboard Grand Princess. During a 24-day makeover the ship, which was the prototype for the line's "Grand Class" vessels, will undergo a remarkable renovation to receive many of Princess' trademark features introduced since the ship's 1998 debut including the signature Piazza atrium. Several new features will be also be added including a unique tea lounge and library called "Leaves"; and "Alfredo's," a full-service pizzeria showcasing this renowned Princess dish.

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Disney’s New Dream Christened by Dreamgirl

Jennifer Hudson, actor and singer, christened Disney Cruise Line's new 4,000-passenger Disney Dream in Port Canaveral, FL, on Wednesday morning, January 19. The ceremony included a helicopter that lifted a huge champagne bottle emblazoned with a Mickey Mouse logo off a barge that flew alongside the bow of the ship. All the classic Disney characters were on hand as Walt Disney Company chairman Bob Iger and Mickey Mouse entertained a crowd of nearly 3,000. The new Disney Dream starts sailing Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral on January 26, 2011.

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CRUISE PLANNERS Honored with home-based partner of the year award by Royal Caribbean international

RCI award is fourth consecutive for the home-based travel agent franchise company

 

Coral Springs, Fla. – January 21, 2011 – Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, was once again recognized by Royal Caribbean International as its Home-Based Partner of the Year for 2010 for the fourth consecutive year.

 

“Cruise Planners is always striving to create top-notch training and marketing programs for its home-based agents by dedicating time and energy to help them succeed in today’s competitive travel market,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales for Royal Caribbean International. “The company’s professional and personal corporate culture, mixed with the smart and energetic qualities of the home office team, is the reason why Cruise Planners continues to be recognized as our top home-based travel partner.”

 

“Cruise Planners’ home office team works very hard to come up with new programs to support our home-based agents so we can contribute to the growth and success of Royal Caribbean International,” said Michelle Fee, co-founder and CEO of Cruise Planners/American Express. “The respect and camaraderie we share as partners is one that I appreciate and value. It truly is an overwhelming honor to attain this achievement four times in a row and to be the only travel agent partner with Royal Caribbean International to ever receive it.”   

 

Every year Royal Caribbean International recognizes its preferred travel agent partners with awards honoring the unique business models and significant contributions that assist with the overall success of Royal Caribbean International.

 

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Princess Cruises Launches Facebook Contest for Best Travel Bucket List Story;
Winner Picks Their Dream Cruise Destination

Most Inspiring Video or Essay Submissions Determined by Popular Vote

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (January 17, 2011) – Princess Cruises is today launching a Facebook contest inviting its fans to share their most essential travel experience for a chance to check another place off  their travel bucket list.  The contest winner, to be determined by popular vote, will receive their choice of eight remarkable cruise destinations -- Europe, Asia, Tahiti, Australia/New Zealand, the Holy Land, Panama Canal, Alaska or South America.

The cruise vacation choices range from 10 to 16 days in length in a balcony stateroom, and include roundtrip airfare for two people.

Travelers can submit their compelling tales through the special contest tab on the line’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PrincessCruises) either as a written story or video.  The public will then have the opportunity to vote on the experience that inspires them the most, and the eligible entrant with the highest number of votes will win their dream cruise vacation.

There are two ways to enter the Princess Cruises Travel Bucket List Contest – with a written story up to 300 words and up to five photos, or with a video up to two minutes in length.  Entries can be submitted any time until February 7, 2011.  Fans can vote for the story that inspires them most between February 11-25, 2011 and the winner will be announced on or around March 11, 2011.

The contest is inspired by Princess’ popular blog, 50 Essential Experiences, which chronicles bucket list travel experiences from the company’s most-traveled employees.  The blog, which has attracted over half a million page views since it launched in October, has motivated many travelers to think about their own travel bucket lists and plan essential travel experiences.

“We know our passengers are passionate about travel, so we’re looking forward to reading some wonderful stories,” said Swartz.

The eligible top vote-getter will receive his or her choice of one of the following eight cruise itineraries:

• 13-day New Zealand
  Sydney, Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch (Lyttelton), Dunedin (Port Chalmers), Fiordland National Park Scenic Cruising, Sydney
• 12-day Holy Land
  Rome (Civitavecchia), Sorrento (for Capri & Pompeii), Patmos, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Galilee/Nazareth (Haifa), Jerusalem (Ashdod), Port Said (for Giza/Cairo), Alexandria, Santorini, Athens (Piraeus)
• 16-day Southeast Asia & China
  Beijing (Tianjin), Busan, Nagasaki, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Singapore
• 12-day Grand Mediterranean
  Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples (for Capri & Pompeii), Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Athens (Piraeus), Venice (Overnight)
• 14-day Panama Canal
  Ft. Lauderdale, Aruba, Cartagena, Full transit of the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador, Costa Rica (Puntarenas), Los Angeles
• 12-night Alaska Connoisseur Deluxe Escorted Cruisetour
  Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, Whittier/Denali, Denali, Denali/Mt. McKinley, Mt. McKinley, Anchorage/Mt. McKinley, Anchorage
• 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia
  Tahiti (Papeete), Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora (Overnight), Moorea, Tahiti (Papeete)
• 14-day Cape Horn Route to Rio
  Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Falkland Islands (Stanley), Cape Horn scenic cruising, Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego), Punta Arenas (Strait of Magellan), Chilean Fjords scenic cruising, Santiago (Valparaiso)

The Princess Travel Bucket List contest is open to all residents of the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada (excluding Quebec), the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, aged 21 years or older.  Official rules can be found at http://tinyurl.com/4ap4mdz.

 

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Active Personnel and Veterans Eligible for Shipboard Credit

In recognition of our Veterans,  Princess Cruises is promoting the line’s military onboard credit program for active and retired military personnel. The credit, which ranges from $50 to $250 per stateroom depending on the length of the cruise, is available to members of the United States and Canadian armed forces with appropriate service identification.
The line’s military personnel onboard credit program is available to active military personnel plus retired and disabled military veterans with proper verification as follows:
Active personnel currently serving in the following service divisions:  Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, Canadian National Defense (military verification certificate)
Retired personnel defined as:  Enlisted personnel or officers with a minimum of 20 years of service, medically retired or 100% disabled (blue or tan uniformed ID card/Canadian white N.D. 21 ID card)
Veterans with an Honorable Discharge serving a minimum of 2 years or 6 months in an active war zone in any of the United States service divisions listed above or Canadian National Defense (DD 214 plus current photo ID)
The onboard credit amount is $50 for cruises 6 days or less, $100 for cruises of 7-13 days, or $250 for cruises of 14 days or longer, offered on a per stateroom basis.

To request the military personnel onboard credit, eligible persons should apply no later than one week prior to the cruise departure date. Passenger and sailing information should be accompanied by proof of eligibility and provided to either the passenger’s travel agent.

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Princess Cruises Introduces Two New Europe Cruisetour Options for 2011

Passengers Can Experience the Ancient Wonders of Petra or Cruise by Castles on the Rhine

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (November 4, 2010) – Princess Cruises has unveiled two new cruisetour options for passengers on Europe cruises next year, providing them the opportunity to explore the mysteries of ancient Petra in Jordan or to enjoy a cruise up the dramatic Rhine River. The new itineraries join the line’s previously announced cruisetours giving passengers a total of five land/sea vacation choices in the 2011 season. The 16-night Ancient Petra and the Dead Sea cruisetour steeps travelers in the history of the ancient world with visits to Jerash, Petra and the Dead Sea in Jordan in addition to the wonders of a Holy Land cruise to Israel and Egypt. The new 20-night Timeless Cities of the Rhine River cruisetour offers passengers a week-long cruise up the scenic Rhine River by riverboat combined with a Princess sailing to Scandinavia and Russia. In addition, Princess has added a new Rome and Venice tour combination that enables passengers on itineraries traveling between the two Italian cities to simplify their air travel with roundtrip flights. “These new cruisetours add two significant new destinations to our Europe lineup,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “The Petra and Dead Sea tour makes a fascinating addition to the wonders already included on our Holy Land sailings such as Jerusalem and the pyramids of Egypt, while the Rhine offers outstanding scenery and history around every bend. Ancient Petra and the Dead Sea – This four-night tour combines with 12-night Holy Land cruises on Pacific Princess for a 16-night vacation through some of the most marveled at wonders of the ancient world. The fully escorted tour takes travelers to the ancient city of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world; Petra, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site with a vast city carved into a sheer rock face that became a vital trade route junction; Mount Nebo, home to a number of remarkable mosaics; and the extraordinary Dead Sea. The tour features two nights in Amman, one night in Petra and one night at the Dead Sea. Cruisetour departures include May 15, June 20, July 26, September 24, October 18, and November 11, 2011. Timeless Cities of the Rhine River – This 20-night cruisetour adds a nine-night tour, including a Rhine River cruise, to an 11-night Scandinavia and Russia cruise on Emerald Princess. The seven-night riverboat cruise from Basel to Amsterdam aboard Avalon Felicity, sails by the castles and vineyards of one of Europe’s greatest rivers, and includes guided excursions in Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Mainz, Rüdesheim, Koblenz and Cologne. Passengers will also sail through the captivating Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered the river’s most beautiful stretch. After the river cruise passengers will enjoy overnights in Amsterdam and Copenhagen. The cruisetour departs on July 31, 2011. Rome and Venice – Because of popular demand, Princess will now offer the opportunity to include extra time in Venice and Rome to cruises that begin in one city and end in the other. These packages give passengers the advantage of booking roundtrip flights from either city for more convenient air travel. Combinable with a variety of Greek Isles and Mediterranean Collection itineraries, the tours offer two nights in storied Rome as well as two nights among the magical canals of Venice, plus first-class rail travel between the cities. These tours join the line’s three other European cruisetour options: Europe’s Imperial Treasures which visits the enchanting cities of Budapest, Vienna and Prague; Classic Italy, exploring the Eternal City of Rome, the Renaissance masterpiece of Florence and the stunning Tuscan countryside; and Ring of Kerry, a chance to discover the beautiful landscapes and charming villages of Ireland.

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Cruise Ship to Host 5k Run for Passengers

Calling all runners. Royal Caribbean will host a "Royal 5k" for cruise passengers in St. Maarten on December 16.The run -- basically an unusual version of a shore excursion -- is open to guests on the December 12, eastern Caribbean sailing of the brand new, 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas, which debuts next month as the world's largest ship.

Passengers are invited to jog, sprint or walk the five-kilometer course on the island, the cruise line says.There is a registration fee of $50 for adults, $35 for children. Guests can sign up onboard the ship or in advance. Run participants will receive a commemorative race t-shirt, as well as exclusive access to a post-race shipboard reception.

On the 225,282-ton ship that week there will also be "exclusive, vitality-themed activities, including port explorations through group fun runs, onboard seminars and lectures with high-profile athletes," the cruise line says.

Among the experts will be Bart Yasso, the chief running officer of "Runner's World" magazine; Frank Shorter, the Olympic Marathon Gold and Silver Medalist; Sonja Friend-Uhl, currently ranked in the top 24 women in the U.S. for distances from the 5k to the Half-Marathon; and Sean Jefferson, an NCAA All American and 1600m National Champion.

Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, for Royal Caribbean International, says the race is part of the line's commitment to providing guests with "healthier vacation options."

The ship will also offer a chance for guests to set the "first Royal Caribbean onboard jogging track record" on December 14. The ship's 0.46-mile-long jogging track is the longest at sea, Royal Caribbean says.

As usual, carbs will be available aplenty in the ship's restaurants and buffet.

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Princess to Host Film Critic Leonard Maltin on Holiday Cruise

Princess Cruises announced that film critic Leonard Maltin will sail aboard Coral Princess' Dec. 15 holiday sailing and will present his favorite films of 2010. During the 15-day Panama Canal cruise, movie fans will be able to view the four films Maltin has dubbed "Leonard's Unsung Favorites of 2010," which he will introduce to the audience. Maltin will also lead a discussion of some of the films, will challenge passengers to a film trivia contest and will offer a talk focusing on Hollywood of yesteryear. Passengers will be able to view the films on Coral Princess' giant poolside movie screen or in the Princess Theater.

Maltin's appearance is an extension of Princess' Leonard Maltin Movie Club. This fleetwide club invites passengers to view a selected film onboard. Each month, a new movie is featured, with a special video introduction from Maltin. Later, cruise staff members host a gathering for passengers featuring a group discussion of the film, guided by questions and trivia from Maltin. The one-hour club meeting is open to all passengers.

The Leonard Maltin Movie Channel on the ship's television system will feature a selection of contemporary, classic and animated movies selected by Maltin. Maltin is perhaps best known as the resident film critic on "Entertainment Tonight," where he has appeared since 1982. He also writes "Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide" and teaches at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. For more information, call 800-PRINCESS or visit www.princess.com.

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