Cruise
Kwan verses Louganis in ‘Royal Deck-athlon’ at sea
It's "game on"this summer when world-class figure skating champion Michelle Kwan and world-champion diver Greg Louganis go head-to-head in the first-ever "Royal Deck-athlon"at sea onboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. The skating and diving legends are facing off in two commercial spots that will air on NBC-owned stations throughout the US. Viewers will be directed to visit the cruise line's Facebook page to see the legends compete in a series of 10 events aboard the Oasis, including: surfing the FlowRider; climbing the rock wall; skating in the ice rink; diving at the AquaTheatre; zip...
HAL increases Alaska departures for 2013
For the 2013 Alaska cruise season, Holland America Line (HAL) is increasing its presence in the region with more departures and more guests than in previous years. Although the number of Holland America ships deployed in Alaska will remain at seven -- the same as this year -- Amsterdam will double its departures on new seven-day roundtrip sailings from Vancouver. As a result, Alaska-season departures will increase 8.5% and guest capacity will increase 6% over 2012. HAL's Early Advantage savings feature complimentary upgrades and free and reduced fares for third or fourth guests who share the...
Crystal says ‘abracadabra’
Crystal Cruises has pulled the ultimate rabbit out of a hat with a new, industry-first program entitled "Magic Castle at Sea."Thanks to an exclusive arrangement magically orchestrated by Master Magician Rich Bloch, magicians from Hollywood's renowned private magicians' club, the Magic Castle, will come aboard to entertain and mystify guests of all ages. Starting this week aboard Crystal Symphony and on Aug. 6's Crystal Serenity voyage, the intimate evening shows add yet another live entertainment option to 13 luxury European cruises this year, and every voyage in 2013. The new affiliation...
Windstar sets sail in 2013
Windstar Cruises released its new 120-page Voyage Collection Brochure showcasing 2013 sailings and featuring detailed information on itinerary schedules, destination information and news on the cruise line's renovations. Windstar Cruises 2013 deployment features luxury sailings in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Northern Europe, Italy, Mediterranean, Greek Isles and transatlantic crossings. The brochure showcases the voyages day-by-day, such as the signature Greek Isles and Turkish Delights, or the new Idyllic British Islands, giving an in-depth look at adventures off the yacht, culinary dining...
Celebrity adds even more class to ‘ConciergeClass’
Celebrity Cruises has added to its plush "ConciergeClass"accommodations. Guests booked in Celebrity's ConciergeClass staterooms still will be treated to the full slate of services and amenities associated with the category, including a bottle of chilled Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine with a commemorative label featuring exclusive artwork from the ArtCenter/South Florida artists upon arrival; fresh fruits and flowers; daily delivery of afternoon savories; pillow menu and the Celebrity eXhale bedding program, with premium mattresses, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, and plush duvets and pillows;...
Viking River orders two more ships for 2013
Viking River Cruises has placed an order for two additional Viking Longships in 2013. This brings the number of new ships launching next year to eight - an industry first - and a total of 14 new Viking Longships over a two-year period. Features of the Viking Longships include: !!! Two Explorer Suites, at 40 square metres, each featuring a separate living room, bedroom and private wraparound veranda, offering 270-degree views; !!! Seven two-room Veranda Suites with a full-size veranda in the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom; !!! Thirty-nine Veranda Staterooms with full-size...
Silversea appointment
Silversea Cruises has appointed Keith Spondike as its new vice-president of marketing for the Americas, effective Aug. 6. Based in the company's Fort Lauderdale office, Spondike will report to Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas. He will oversee day-to-day marketing activities, including the development, implementation and management of advertising, collateral, direct marketing and e-marketing programs. Prior to joining Silversea, Spondike was chief marketing officer for Avantair, a leading private air travel services company. His past experience also includes 18 years with...
Princess unveils Royal Princess fitness facilities
Princess Cruises has revealed the sports and fitness features that will be aboard the new Royal Princess when the ship debuts next June. Passengers of all athletic abilities can test their mettle and keep in shape with a new outdoor jogging track and additional circuit exercises, the multi-activity Princess Sports Central and a fitness centre full of the latest equipment with a private aerobics studio for special classes. The new sports and fitness features are detailed in the company's latest video previewing Royal Princess, available at http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/rp/video_tours ....