Neil Palomba Gains New Far-Reaching Responsibilities with Costa

Costa Crociere Names Neil Palomba Vice President, Hotel Operations and Guest Experience

Genoa, Italy -- Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group has appointed Neil Palomba to the newly created position of senior vice president, hotel operations and guest experience, effective Jan. 1, 2014. Palomba will report directly to Michael Thamm, chief executive officer of Genoa, Italy-based Costa Crociere S.p.A..

Palomba will oversee hotel operations and guest service across the Costa fleet.

"With his ability and his extensive international experience in the industry, Neil will contribute substantially to our executive team," said Thamm. "Neil's main responsibilities will be to take Costa forward, to strive for continuous improvement through operational excellence and to make our guests' experience on board an unforgettable holiday."

Palomba started in the cruise industry in 1996 with MSC Cruises, advancing through several onboard positions and becoming project manager of the newbuilds department in 2001, charged with coordinating all departments involved in new shipbuilding projects. In 2006 he was appointed chief operating officer of the MSC sales and marketing office based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., overseeing the U.S., Canada, Caribbean and Mexico. In 2010 he was appointed corporate operating officer based in Geneva, Switzerland, responsible for optimizing profit by establishing performance parameters and developing new destinations including supervision of MSC's South Africa operation.

Source: Costa Crociere

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 30, 2013

* Passenger Overboard from Adventure of the Seas
A passenger was witnessed going overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas on Saturday night as it was nearing the end of its cruise at San Juan.
   The Coast Guard quickly joined the search, but this afternoon (Monday) they suspended the search without finding the man’s body.

* Your Port Taxes at Work
December 31 is the deadline for Juneau citizens to request a portion of the funds collected from port taxes collected by the city from cruise passengers this year. These, of course, have to be used for capital improvements in Juneau related to the cruise ships and passengers visiting Juneau, or to fund extra services that result from the influx of people from the ships.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 27, 2013

* Drama in the Spa - Celebrity Ready for a Change
Steiner Leisure issued a statement earlier this week saying that Celebrity Cruises has decided not to renew the contract for Steiner to provide spa services aboard Celebrity ships when their current contract ends.

* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about a new Costa commercial that most of our readers will never see (more) and Santa Claus arriving on Carnival Breeze (more)

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Costa Debuts New European Advertising Campaign

Costa Crociere has a new media campaign that will debut on television in Italy on December 29, and within a couple weeks roll out to media in France and Germany. The rest of Europe will follow.  These are some images from it, and the complete story appeared in the December 27 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Photos courtesy of Costa Crociere. May not be used or copied without permission. All rights reserved.

Santa Claus Arrives on Carnival Breeze

Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines. May not be copied or used without permission. All rights reserved.

Princess Cruises Decorates for the Holidays

Photos courtesy of Princess Cruises. May not be copied or reused without permission. All rights reserved.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 23, 2013

* Passenger Overboard from Rhapsody of the Seas
A passenger died going overboard from Rhapsody of the Seas in the early hours of Saturday morning (2:00 am on the east coast of Australia, 10am Friday morning, eastern time in the US), and died as a result.

* Quantum Bermuda Calls May Not Happen
A couple of weeks ago we told you that it appeared Royal Caribbean International was considering taking Quantum of the Seas to Bermuda during its summer 2015 season sailing from New York, but now that may not happen after if authorities in Bermuda aren’t willing to move quickly and spend some major money.

* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about Carnival Valor rescuing five people ... the tax man cometh ... and a year of links.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 20, 2013

* MSC Confirms Stretch of Four Lirica-class Ships
A couple of weeks ago we told you about plans MSC had to stretch their four Lirica-class ships, but the line didn’t want to confirm them yet at that time.
   MSC confirmed the (nearly) E200 million project today, and the rumor was pretty close to reality.

* Moving to Miami
Carnival said today that Carnival Splendor will be homeported in Miami seasonally beginning with the winter season 2014-2015 for seven-day cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean.
   It will be the seventh ship Carnival has based in South Florida.

* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about how the plot thickens at Celebrity, and what's going up at Holland America.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Carnival Brands Win Award for Clean Tech Marine Solutions

Carnival Corporation named Clean Tech award winner for best marine solutions by the New Economy

MIAMI (Dec. 20, 2013) – Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company, has been named the Best Marine Solutions Company in this year’s Clean Tech Awards by The New Economy.

The Clean Tech Awards are given out by The New Economy, a quarterly publication whose goal is to engender financial investment and encourage discussion and debate of appropriate strategies for the promotion of global economic growth. The award winners demonstrated a commitment to producing clean technology to improve the environment in 2013.

Carnival has a long tradition of making environmental sustainability and clean technology a corporate priority. This includes initiatives such as developing ground-breaking exhaust gas cleaning technology – known as “scrubbers” -- on a number of ships to reduce the amount of air emissions from using high-sulfur fuel. The scrubbers, which will be on 17 Carnival Cruise Line ships, nine Holland America Line ships, seven Princess Cruises ships and Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 by 2016, will meet and exceed the new regulations. AIDA Cruises has also announced a 100 million euro investment to protect the environment, particularly to install the scrubber technology.

“This technology is an accomplishment as well as an important milestone for our company,” said Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald. “Working together with the EPA, U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada, we have developed a breakthrough solution for cleaner air that will set a new course in environmental protection for years to come.”

Other initiatives include Carnival’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20 percent in 2015 from its baseline 2005 level. From 2005 to 2012, Carnival has reduced its emission rate by 16.7 percent, including a three percent decrease between 2011 and 2012. Carnival has installed water treatment plants on nearly half of its entire fleet of ships, and plans to install advanced versions of the treatment plants on new ship builds and will continually upgrade existing ones. It is Carnival’s corporate policy to never discharge untreated sewage, despite maritime law allowing it in specific instances.

“In the cruise industry, and truly for all industries, environmental responsibility is essential to running a successful business in the 21st century,” said Carnival Corporation VP of Management Systems James Van Langen. “We are very proud of this award and we will continue to maintain our focus on achieving environmental excellence and promoting clean technology.”

The New Economy has been giving out awards since 2011. The New Economy Awards section of the magazine seeks to recognize those industry leaders who have set out to establish progress – rather than rely on the status quo. The research body investigates firms across the world in order to garner an understanding of the texture and thread of commercial markets.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise company in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Ibero Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK).

Together, these brands operate 101 ships totaling 208,000 lower berths with eight new ships scheduled to be delivered between spring 2014 and fall 2016. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

Source: Carnival Corp

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 19, 2013

* Fincantieri Lays First Viking Keel
Fincantieri laid the keel for Viking Star this morning at their Marghera yard. Viking Star is the first of four ships on order by Viking Ocean Cruises.

* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about Carnival's comments regarding the suit by Carnival Triumph passengers ... and Norwegian Getaway guests will enjoy top entertainers during the ship's stint as the Bud Light Hotel prior to the Super Bowl.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Fincantieri Lays First Viking Keel

Fincantieri laid the keel for Viking Star at their Marghera yard this morning. Viking Star is the first of four 47,800-ton oceangoing vessels Viking Ocean Cruises has on order with Fincantieri.

Shown at left is Viking chairman Torstein Hagen just before the first block was lowered into place in the dry dock.





Photo courtesy of Viking Ocean Cruises. May not be copied or used without permission. All rights reserved.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 18, 2013

* Next NCL Ship Also Reported to Be Based at Miami
And the highest bidder, for the Norwegian ship to be delivered in 2015, is apparently Miami, with a bid of $3 million plus.
   Aspiring ports need to take note of a practice which is becoming more prevalent in securing cruise ships. They need to open their checkbooks wide.

* MSC Schedules Grand Voyage and Raises Grand QuestionMSC said today they have scheduled MSC Orchestra on a Grand Voyage in early 2015 that will take the line to parts of the world in which MSC cruise ships have never been seen.
   MSC Orchestra will depart from Dubai on February 21, 2015 on a voyage that will take it to India, southeast Asia, and around Australia in 33 days.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Holland America and Seabourn Employees Fighting Hunger

Holland America Line and Seabourn employees help Northwest Harvest Fight Hunger


Seattle, Wash., Dec. 16, 2013 — Nearly 400 Holland America Line and Seabourn employees were joined by Holland America Line President and CEO and Seabourn Chairman Stein Kruse and other company executives this week as they helped process and prepare more than 111,000 pounds of food at Northwest Harvest, an organization dedicated to feeding the hungry in Washington State. The cruise companies’ sixth annual community giving week ran from Dec. 9 through 13, with employees volunteering for morning and afternoon shifts at the organization’s Kent, Wash., distribution center.

Northwest Harvest organizes and distributes food for area food banks, shelters and meal programs. Aside from providing volunteers, Kruse also presented Northwest Harvest with a monetary and grocery card donation totaling nearly $6,000 on behalf of the cruise lines and their employees.

“Every year, this volunteer experience becomes more rewarding for our employees because we’re directly impacting our community,” said Kruse. “Northwest Harvest is an incredible organization that supports so many in our area and we are honored to be able to work with them during the holiday season.”

Since 2008, more than 3,000 Holland America Line and Seabourn employees have volunteered at the Kent location, in addition to giving food and monetary donations. Northwest Harvest executives estimate that company employees have helped sort well over 150 tons (300,000 pounds) of food over the years.

Northwest Harvest is Washington’s only statewide hunger relief agency. The organization supplies free food to a network of nearly 360 independent food banks and meal programs throughout the state. Relying on contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations and other organizations, 93 percent of Northwest Harvest’s total budget goes to food distribution. For more information contact www.northwestharvest.org

Source: Holland America Line

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 17, 2013

* Jacksonville Decides to Proceed with the Status Quo
Longtime readers (or at least those who have been following the industry since 2008) know there’s been something of a panic in Jacksonville to settle on a site for a new cruise terminal, because the port’s cargo terminal was going to expand onto the location of the cruise terminal. The way things were progressing, the wrecking balls were en route to the port to knock it down (figuratively). At several times the port had even gone so far as to option other parcels of land for the cruise terminal that would actually be in better locations than the current one.
   So it comes as a stunning change that the port has decided to just let the cruise terminal stay where it is - for now.

* CNN Looks at the Carnival Triumph Fire
Last night CNN aired a report on Anderson Cooper 360 based on a lawsuit filed by a small number of passengers who were aboard Carnival Triumph when it experienced an engine room fire. The ship subsequently drifted in the Gulf of Mexico under very unpleasant conditions.
   The report seemed to accept that the plaintiffs were right, which isn’t surprising, but what was surprising was that Carnival actually participated in the story, granting interviews and giving statements.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

December Update on Project to Remove Costa Concordia

CND reported on the meeting last Saturday to update the residents of the Isle of Giglio on the progress to remove Costa Concordia. While we reported on the details of the timeline, the bottom line is that the ship is now expected to be refloated and removed at the end of June 2014.

In a side note, Costa reported they have now emptied the safes in 405 now dry cabins. The contents will be inventoried and returned to the owners.

The portion of Costa Concordia now righted and above the water is shown on the starboard side looking aft. This is the side which was under the water and upon which the ship was resting until it was righted. The damaged areas on this side need to be repaired (so the ship will float) before the sponsons are attached in April.

A longer view of the ship's port side. 

Photos courtesy of the Parbuckling Project. May not be used or copied without permission. All rights reserved.

Composto Joins Silversea as VP of Marketing for the Americas

Silversea appoints new vice president of marketing for the America

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- December 17, 2013) Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has appointed Angela Composto as its new vice president of marketing for the Americas, reporting to Kristian Anderson, senior vice president of sales and general manager for North America. She will be based in the Fort Lauderdale office.

With 20 years of experience in marketing management and promotion, Composto will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day marketing activities for the Americas, including the development, implementation and management of advertising, collateral, direct marketing and e-marketing programs.

"I'm pleased that Angela is joining us at such an important time when our expedition fleet is growing and the company is about to celebrate 20 years of leadership and innovation in the luxury segment," said Anderson. "Her extensive marketing experience and proven track record in leading teams to success will be invaluable to the company."

Prior to joining Silversea, Composto was senior marketing communications director for Ryder System, Inc. Her past experience also includes positions with JM Family Enterprises, Costa Cruise Lines, and Renaissance Cruises.

"I'm very excited and pleased to be joining such a distinguished luxury travel company. I look forward to being a part of this highly successful team and helping the company further shape and strengthen its brand image," said Composto.

Composto holds a bachelor of business administration degree in international business from Hofstra University in New York.


Source: Silversea Cruises

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 16, 2013

* Viking Ocean Orders More
It’s still a year and a half before the first of the Viking Ocean ships is delivered to the line, but today Fincantieri announced Viking has ordered two additional vessels bringing their order for an oceangoing fleet to four.
   The oceangoing fleet will operate separately from the river cruises, but is targeting much the same clientele.

* Meeting on Giglio
Over the weekend (Saturday) there was a meeting on the Isle of Giglio for residents to update them on the status of Costa Concordia.
   What they heard should have reassured them that things are moving forward, but it also would have been upsetting to those who were holding out hope the ship would be quickly removed in the spring. It seems that the best estimate now is that the ship will be towed away at the end of June.

* Your photos are ready
In the last few days, it seems everyone has something they want to show us, so we have been busy posting those to our blog.
   We have the latest construction photos from Meyer Werft of Quantum of the Seas.
   Would you like to see the Christmas decorations on Queen Elizabeth?
   If Mickey Mouse is more your taste, we have the Christmas tree on Disney Magic.
   And we have a first look at the new Bacardi Bar on Great Stirrup Cay (NCL’s private island).

Quantum of the Seas Construction Update

These photos show Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas under construction at Meyer Werft in Papenburg (Germany).

The top photo was taken at the end of last week.

The photo below was taken this morning (December 16, 2013). Quantum can be seen at the rear of Meyer's covered building dock. The ship in the foreground is believed to be Anthem of the Seas.

Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean International and Meyer Werft. May not be used or copied without permission. All rights reserved. 

Disney Magic Ready for the Holidays

Disney Cruise Line has completed decorating Disney Magic for its first holiday season since it was "re-imagined" this fall. In these photos you can see the ship's magnificent two-deck-tall Christmas tree in the atrium. (Note the gingerbread house just behind the tree.)

Photos courtesy of Disney Cruise Line. May not be copied or used without permission. All rights reserved.

Christmas Comes to Queen Elizabeth

The Christmas decorations went up on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth this week.

Queen Elizabeth's atrium is all decked out

The decorations extend into the Queen's Room as well as many other places on the ship.

Photos courtesy of Cunard Line. May not be used or copied without permission. All rights reserved.

Bacardi Bar Opens on NCL's Great Stirrup Cay

The Bacardi Bar opened on Norwegian Cruise Line's private Bahamian Island, Great Stirrup Cay, this week. The bar serves a full range of the Bacardi products, and the patio in front of it is used for various types of musical entertainment and events. As you can see in some of the photos below, it sits just above the beach and is only steps off the sand. The Great Stirrup Cay location is Bacardi's first permanent location in the Caribbean.

Photos courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line - may not be used or copied without permission. All rights reserved.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 13, 2013

* There’s No Murder or Mystery, but There Is Wine
We’ve always been able to count on Norwegian Cruise Line for imagination, especially in the way of “secondary” shows that other cruise lines don’t offer.
   On some ships you can see a cabaret show with “circus style” performers balancing over your dinner table. On others you can enjoy a murder mystery with lunch. And we’ll always remember when you could attend Tony N’ Tina’s wedding with dinner in Hawaii. What clever ideas do the Norwegians have for their newest ship, Norwegian Getaway?

* Getting to the Port Made Easy
This will only be of direct interest to our readers in the UK, but the rest of us can only wait until US-based cruise lines get the idea and claim they did it first.
   Fred Olsen Cruises is offering passengers free door-to-door transfers for passengers on their longer cruises who live within 250 miles of the port.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 12, 2013

* For Extra Dirty Passengers
On most lines, if you ask your stateroom attendant to draw you a bath, due to some difficulties with the language, they will probably dutifully return with a pad of paper and a pencil (or charcoal if you have premium accommodations). But thanks to a new luxury service on Norwegian Cruise Line, your butler will know just what to do.

* They Will Be Seeing Stars
Nothing but the best for passengers aboard Seabourn Sojourn’s world cruise (beginning January 4). Seabourn is bringing aboard four Michelin-starred chefs to not only demonstrate their expertise for passengers, but they will also be lending their signature touches to the menus.
   As a special bonus, they will also be joining passengers socially on many occasions.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

First Look at Dr Seuss Program aboard Carnival Cruise Lines

Dr Seuss-themed activities and characters will be added to most Carnival cruises by the end of 2014. The program will be introduced to kids and their parents at a themed breakfast on the first sea day. The themed activities will be available on all ships, but the Dr Seuss Bookville lounge will be added only to selected ships.

Rendering of the Dr. Seuss Bookville lounge which will be installed on several Carnival ships.

The video below, shot at the press launch, will give you an idea of the Green Eggs and Ham breakfast that will be presented the first sea day. (The cost will $5 per person, but it is the only activity for which there will be a charge.) It will feature whimsical Dr Seuss-themed food and a chance to meet the characters one-on-one.

Reading activities will also be part of the Dr Seuss-themed activities on all ships.

Top Carnival executives discuss the Dr Seuss program with The Cat in the Hat

Photos and video courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines. May not be copied or used without permission. All rights reserved.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 11, 2013

* Look at Me Way Up High I Can ...
As the entertainment spaces get bigger on Royal Caribbean ships, the entertainment gets more complex and elaborate. As more and more specialty entertainers are needed, Royal Caribbean has been looking for somewhere for them to train. Today they announced what they think is the perfect solution.
   Through a partnership with Florida International University, Royal Caribbean will be building their own training/rehearsal facility on FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus.

Artist's conception of Royal Caribbean facility at FIU.

 * Green Eggs on Carnival Will No Longer Relate to Freshness (or lack thereof)
Move over, Fun Ship Freddy! You will soon have company in the character locker room on the ship. Carnival Cruise Lines has tapped into one of the most iconic series of children’s stories for their kids’ programming. The lovable characters from the imagination of Dr. Seuss will soon be aboard Carnival ships, and the onboard programming for kids will include elements from many of the stories.

* Are You Missing Something?
Mondays seem to be bad days for lifeboats on Royal Caribbean ships, because in the last two weeks, on Mondays two different RCI ships have experienced malfunctions that resulted in a lifeboat being left behind.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 10, 2013

* It’s Not All about the Ocean at Meyer
When you think of Meyer Werft, you probably think of large cruise ships, sailing down the river Ems, away from the inland yard toward the sea.

But there’s another part of the Meyer Group that also builds passenger ships, although on a smaller scale, and the two, in a way, came together last week at Meyer’s Papenburg yard. More

* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about the winners (more) ... and new Bacardi Bar opens on Norweigan's private island.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

A-ROSA Flora arrives at Meyer Werft

A-ROSA Flora arrived at Meyer Weft on December 4 (2013) where it will spend the winter awaiting delivery to the line in April. It joins three Viking ships also awaiting spring delivery.

A-ROSA Flora on the Ems River

A-ROSA Flora arriving at Meyer Werft in Papenburg

Photos courtesy of Meyer Werft. May not be copied or used without permission. All rights reserved.

Winners of the Princess Shore Excursion Awards

Princess Cruises Announces Winners of 2012-13 Caribbean and Panama Canal Shore Excursion Awards

CRUISE Service Awards Honor Top Local Tour Operators for 14th Year


SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (December 10, 2013) – Princess Cruises is honoring passengers’ favorite Caribbean and Panama Canal tours with its 14th annual CRUISE service awards. Recognizing the most popular shore excursion experiences and tour guides from the 2012-13 season, the awards are based largely on passenger feedback.

Chosen from the extensive line-up of shore excursions offered on Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises, the awards highlight the important role local tour operators play in each destination as part of a passenger’s overall cruise experience. Winners are determined largely by tour scores and comments made on passenger surveys.

A number of tours have topped the list for several years, and five of them have been passenger favorites for five or more years in a row. One excursion -- the Americas Cup 12-Metre Yacht Regatta tour in St. Maarten -- has now been voted ‘Shore Excursion of the Season’ for that port for the 14th year in a row.

“Local tour operators play an important part wherever our ships sail,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “So each year we honor the best shore excursion providers who contribute so much to our passengers’ Princess experience in port.”

The CRUISE program is the longest running customer service program in the cruise industry. The Caribbean and Panama Canal awards began in 1999 and cap off a season-long effort to recognize the role that local Caribbean and Panama Canal tour partners play in passengers' cruise experiences. Tour Guide of the Season award winners receive $100, a letter of commendation, a ship tour and lunch onboard with their family. Operators of the Shore Excursion of the Season receive a plaque and a letter of commendation, a tour of the ship, and lunch onboard for company officials.

The 2012-2013 shore excursion winners are:

ANTIGUA
Stingray, Snorkel, Swim & Scenic Country Drive, Stingray City Antigua Ltd
Catamaran and Lobster Lunch, Scenic Cruise & Swim, Tropical Adventures

ARUBA
4WD Island Tour, Baby Natural Bridge & Arashi Beach, DePalm Tours
Mi Dushi Sail, Snorkel, Antilla Shipwreck & Lunch, Windfeather Charters

BARADOS
Harrison's Cave & Scenic Drive, Goddards Shipping & Tours
George Washington House, Garrison & Change of Guards, Goddards Shipping & Tours

BELIZE
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, Marimba Music & Lunch, Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Horseback Safari Ride, Bacab Eco-Park & Lunch, Bacab Eco Park

BONAIRE
Glass-Bottom Boat Eco-Cruise & Bonaire Marine Park, Bonaire Destination Services
Mangrove Eco-Cruise by Kayak & Lac Bay, Bonaire Tours

CARTAGENA
Emerald Jewelry Making Class & Diploma, SEICO Limitada

COZUMEL
Passion Island Beach Break, Lunch & Scenic Cruise, Isla Pasión, Cozumel, México
Interactive Dolphin & Manatee Swim & Sea Lion Show, Dolphin Discovery Cozumel

CURACAO
Ostrich Farm, Art Workshop & Scenic Drive, Funbini B.V.

DOMINICA
Wacky Rollers 4WD Safari, Gardens & Titou Gorge, WRAVE Ltd.
Certified Scuba Diving (Two Sites), Dive Dominica Ltd

FUERTE AMADOR
Panama Canal: Today’s Locks System and the Future, Aventuras 2000
Authentic Embera Indian Village, Elite Shore Excursions Foundation

GRAND CAYMAN
Stingray Encounter, Reef, Snorkel, Beach & Lunch, Native Way Watersports
Atlantis Submarine Scenic Adventure, Atlantis Submarines Grand Cayman

GRAND TURK
Horseshoe Reef & Round Cay Snorkel Adventure, Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Dune Buggy Island Adventure Tour, Chukka Caribbean Adventures

GRENADA
Harbor Cruise, Grand Anse & Morne Rouge Beaches, Best of Grenada Ltd.

LIMÓN
Original Canopy Zipline Tour at Veragua Rainforest, OCT Enterprises
Hacienda Tour, Fruit Cultivation, Lunch & Shopping, Swiss Travel Service

OCHO RIOS
Aerial Chairlift, Bobsled, & Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain
River Tubing Eco-Adventure, Chukka Caribbean Adventures

PANAMA CANAL
Panama Canal: Today’s Locks System and the Future, Aventuras 2000
Authentic Embera Indian Village, Elite Shore Excursions Foundation

PUERTO QUETZAL
Filadelphia Coffee Estate & Colonial Antigua with Lunch, Elite Guatemala/Ventura Máxima

PUNTARENAS
Rainforest Aerial Tram, Tarcoles River & Lunch, Elite Shore Excursions Foundation
Coffee Plantation, Botanical Garden & Lunch, Gray Line Costa Rica

ROATAN
Dolphin Encounter & Museum, Anthony's Key Resort
Certified Scuba Diving (Two Sites), Anthony's Key Resort

ST. KITTS
Scenic Railway Ride & Circle Island Drive, St. Kitts Scenic Railway, Ltd.
Fairview Great House and Gardens & Panoramic Drive, Kantours

ST. LUCIA
Sulphur Springs, the Pitons, Scenic Cruise & Lunch, Cox & Company Ltd.
Rainforest Aerial Tram & Canopy Zipline Adventure, Elite Shore Excursions Foundation/ DBA Rain Forest Sky Rides St. Lucia

ST. MAARTEN
"America's Cup 12-Metre" Yacht Race, St. Maarten 12 Metre Enterprises N.V.
Helmet Diving at Sea Trek Underwater Park, Seatrek St. Maarten NV

ST. THOMAS
BOSS Underwater Adventure & Scenic Cruise, Aqua Adventures
Coral World, Sea Lion Swim & Scenic Drive, Coral World Ocean Park

Tour Guides of the Season Winners:

ARUBA – Maria Geerman of DePalm Tours
CARTAGENA – Jose Alonso Villa Olivo of Avia Caribbean Ltda
COZUMEL – Juan Trejo of Caribbean Fun Sun Ltd
CURACAO – Helene Desiree Maas of Funbini B.V.
DOMINICA – Steline Joseph of Wrave
GRAND TURK – Austin Dickenson of Caribbean Tours International
LIMÓN – Ivan Aguilar of Swiss Travel Service
PANAMA CANAL – Arthur Wagner of Elite Shore Excursions Foundation
PUNTARENAS – Olman Vargas Pizarro of Asuaire Travel Service
ST. THOMAS – Captain Tom of Fun Water Tours

More information about Princess Cruises’ land tours and shore excursions is available at princess.com/excursions.

Source: Princess Cruises

Holland America and Seabourn Promote Gregory Crick

Holland America and Seabourn promote Gregory Crick to Director, Planning and Administration in the Guest Programs Department

Seattle, Wash., Dec. 10, 2013 — Holland America Line and Seabourn have promoted Gregory Crick to director of planning and administration in the Guest Programs Department. In this role, he will be responsible for leading the Group and Account Services Department, Access and Compliance, Ship Services, Reservations Accounting and the Family Assistance Program that includes the company’s Care Team.

Crick will report to Timothy Murphy, vice president of guest programs and operations administration.

“Since joining the company, Gregory has played a significant role in transforming guest relations into a well-organized group,” said Murphy. “Gregory’s approach to building and maintaining relationships with many key accounts, travel associates and internal departments within the company will ensure his success in this new leadership role.”

Crick joined Holland America Line in 2007 in the guest relations department. Prior to joining the company, he was in customer service management with Nordstrom and worked as director of operations at the boutique Four Sisters Inns properties. He holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications from Eastern Washington University.

Source: Holland America Line
 

Kristian Anderson to Manage Silversea

Silversea announces new general manager of the Ft. Lauderdale Office

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- December 10, 2013) Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises today announced the promotion of Kristian Anderson to general manager of the Fort Lauderdale office and senior vice president of sales for North America, effective December 16, 2013.

Anderson, who joined Silversea in June 2012 as vice president of sales for North America, is a travel industry veteran with over 25 years of sales and management experience. In his new position, Anderson will continue to develop and accelerate revenue growth throughout the Americas. He will report to Enzo Visone, Silversea's chief executive officer.

Ellen Bettridge, president of the Americas, will leave on December 16.

Source: Silversea Cruises

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 9, 2013

* Underneath the Ship (there’s money to be made)
Most cruisers really don’t think about their cruise ship being a collection of parts, each made by very specialized manufacturers. About the only time they hear about those manufacturers is in news stories when a piece of the equipment breaks and is causing problems for the ship.
   But ABB is reporting a record year of their Azipod sales. More

* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about it being warm inside (more) ... and the pool party being delayed (more).

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.
 

ABB Records Record Year of Azipod Sales

ABB has had a record year of sales of their Azipod propulsion systems for cruise ships. The company is closing the 2013 year with sales of Azipod systems for six cruise ships to be delivered through 2016 totaling $180 million.

The Azipod propulsion system is an electric propulsion unit, which is housed in a submerged pod underneath the ship's hull. The pod contains a variable-speed electric motor which drives a fixed-pitch propeller, and can be rotated to provide propulsion thrust freely in any direction. The Azipod propulsion system eliminates the need for rudders, stern thrusters or a long shaft lines inside the ship’s hull.

The two Azipod units shown here in a dry dock are affixed to the underside of a ship's hull and would normally be under the water.

 

Photos courtesy of ABB. May not be copied or used without permission. All rights reserved.

The Pool Party Will Be Delayed

Carnival Pride turned around at Baltimore yesterday (December 8, 2013) and passengers had a somewhat unusual sight on a Carnival ship - several inches of snow on the deck. Needless to say, the sailaway party moved indoors.

Photos courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines. May not be copied or used without permission. All rights reserved.

Construction Progress Continues on Quantum of the Seas

Meyer Werft's covered building dock allows construction to continue on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas throughout the German winter. This photo was taken of the ship's hull this morning (December 9, 2013) showing the continued progress.

Photo courtesy of Meyer Werft. All rights reserved.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 6, 2013

* Mondavi Expands Partnerships to Norwegian
Napa Valley winemaker Michael Mondavi and family have expanded their cruise line partnerships to Norwegian Cruise Line. The programs will be visible first on Norwegian Getaway in January and then expand to the rest of the fleet throughout 2014.

* That’s a Stretch
MSC tells us they aren’t ready to confirm the story yet, but European trade papers have been carrying rumors that MSC will stretch several of their smaller ships, beginning with MSC Lirica next year.

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Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 5, 2013

* Have They Considered Lowering the Channel?
There’s been a lot of talk lately about the Port of Tampa creating a new cruise ship port on the Gulf of Mexico to the west of the Sunshine Skyway bridge in Pinellas or Manatee County (near St. Petersburg or Bradenton, respectively) so the Tampa metro area could accommodate cruise ships which are too tall to fit under the bridge - which means most of the newest ships, and virtually all the mass market ships on the drawing board. Lately, there’s been a lot of local excitement about that sort of project.

Now the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is considering another option.

* Stepping Back into the Past aboard MSC Divina
MSC Divina is the most modern of Italian ships, and in many ways represents Italian life and culture today. During her Caribbean season this year, passengers on that modern ship have the unique opportunity to also enjoy something of Italy’s past. More

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Stepping Back to the '50's in Italy aboard MSC Divina

A ticket aboard MSC Divina currently gets you not only a Caribbean cruise, but also a ticket to the 1950's in Italy. The ship is currently home to a photo exhibition of 84 photos, entitled "La Dolce Vita. 1950-1960. Stars and Celebrities in the Italian Fifties." Below is a sample of some of them. Enjoy!

Pictured: Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale and Alain Delon. Paolo Stoppa can be seen behind them.

Pictured: Joan Collins

Pictured: Sophia Loren (who is also the godmother of MSC Divina)

Pictured: Ava Gardner and Walter Chiari

Pictured: Gina Lollobrigida

Pictured: Anna Magnani

Photos courtesy of MSC Crociere. May not be used or copied without the express permission of MSC.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 4, 2013

* That’s Entertainment
That time of the year is coming again in a few months. That time is when Princess customers get to select the line’s Entertainer of the year. That means if you enjoy live entertainment, it’s a fantastic opportunity to sail aboard the Caribbean Princess sailing where the finals will be held, featuring performances by all four finalists.

* Keep on Dancing
Coming on the heels of the announcement that Dancing with the Stars will continue on Holland America cruises through 2014, the line announced this week that Emmy-Award-winning dancer Derek Hough will perform aboard the January 12 “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam.

* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about Carnival's new Chief Maritime Officer (more) ... more relief ... and sharing the wealth. 

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Carnival Corp Appoints First Chief Maritime Officer

Carnival Corporation Names Vice Admiral William Burke as Its First-Ever Chief Maritime Officer

MIAMI (December 4, 2013) - Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company, announced today that Vice Admiral William Burke has been appointed to the newly created position of Chief Maritime Officer, effective December 9, 2013.

Burke will report directly to Chief Operations Officer Alan Buckelew and will have oversight of the company’s maritime operations around the world. He will be responsible for maritime quality assurance and policy, shipbuilding, ship refits, and research and development.

“Bill had a distinguished career with the U.S. Navy, and we are excited about him joining our leadership team, especially in a key position new to Carnival,” said Buckelew. “In addition, Bill has deep experience in overseeing large maritime operations, both at sea and in shipyards, and his knowledge and expertise will be a major asset. But just as importantly, he is highly respected as a dynamic leader with a strong record of building high-performing teams.”

Burke had a career in the Navy spanning 35 years with extensive experience in safety, engineering, strategic planning and operational readiness. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978 with a degree in systems engineering, he served various active duty positions around the world for the Navy.

Carnival Corporation & plc CEO Arnold Donald added, “We are excited that Vice Admiral Burke is joining the Carnival family. His leadership and deep experience will serve us well in managing our fleet of over 100 ships carrying more than 10 million guests a year."

In recent positions, Burke served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems directing the team that planned, programmed, budgeted and executed a large annual budget for Navy personnel, training, readiness, maintenance, platforms, and ordinance for all ships, submarines, aircraft and aircraft carriers, and as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics for Navy readiness and maintenance of all ships, submarines, aircraft and aircraft carriers, along with shore readiness and maintenance, logistics, and environmental and energy programs.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise company in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Ibero Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK).

Together, these brands operate 101 ships totaling 208,000 lower berths with eight new ships scheduled to be delivered between spring 2014 and fall 2016. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 3, 2013

* Carnival Passengers to Dine at the American Table
Carnival Cruise Lines revealed today they will be starting a test of a new dinner product in the main dining room beginning with the next sailing (December 8) of Carnival Glory. The goal is to roll out the finished product fleetwide late in 2014 or in 2015.

Under the brand of “American Table,” the product will take Carnival’s dining closer to, in their words, a “modern restaurant experience.” We find that very interesting since their chief competitor is land-based resorts which only offer a restaurant experience. Carnival, on the other hand, has years of experience creating the cruise ship experience, which land-based resorts can’t easily reproduce.

* Hospitality Advisory Council Gets First Cruise Line Member - more

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Hospitality Advisory Council Gets First Cruise Line Member

Silversea's Keven Regan Elected to FICP Hospitality Partner Advisory Council

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- December 3, 2013) Kevin Regan, director of corporate and incentive sales for Silversea Cruises, has been elected to a three-year term as a member of the Hospitality Partner Advisory Council (HPAC), effective January 2014. He is the first member of the cruise industry to be appointed to the council.

HPAC is a group that represents suppliers who partner with Financial and Insurance Conference Planners (FICP). FICP is an association that provides access to education, experience and resources targeting the needs of financial services and insurance meeting planners from across North America. HPAC provides advice and guidance to FICP's board of directors on issues related to the hospitality industry.

"I'm truly honored to be a member of HPAC," said Regan. "I look forward to playing a role in encouraging the association's growth and further strengthening the relationship between the hospitality partners and the FICP board of directors."


Source: Silversea Cruises

Cruise News Daily Headlines for December 2, 2013

* Mamma Mia! It’s Quantum of the Seas
Back in the ‘70's Broadway-style musicals were a trademark feature of NCL ships. (Yes, that’s what they wanted to be called then.) Along the way those shows were pushed aside in favor of more “modern” music in flashier production shows. But now it’s the twenty-first century and Royal Caribbean International has revived Broadway-style musicals and E-X-P-A-N-D-E-D them in a way they only could on their newest big, wide ships, and now the announcement of each ship’s show is eagerly anticipated.

Over the weekend, Royal Caribbean announced their plans for Quantum of the Seas.

* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about Ocean Countess being on fire ... and snow spreading across the oceans.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for November 27, 2013

* Silver Wind Returns
Silversea’s Silver Wind has returned to service following a two-week dry dock in Palermo partially remodeled, but everywhere freshened up.

* Did You Miss Something?
In case you hadn’t realized it, this is hurricane season, and it wraps up on Saturday.

Contrary to all the predictions of above-average storm activity this year, the Atlantic hurricane season was easy to miss because it had the fewest hurricanes in three decades.

* Engines Sold Separately
If you buy a car, it comes with an engine. You might have a couple of options to upgrade it, but it’s a given that some engine comes with the car. Most cruisers never think about it, but when a cruise line builds a ship, the engines are ordered separately and are chosen in conjunction with engineers from the shipyard.

What brings this up is that Carnival has just chosen the engines that will power Carnival Vista, the 135,500-ton ship that Fincantieri will deliver in the spring of 2016. More

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Quick Look at Engines Carnival Chose for Carnival Vista

To power the 135,500-ton Carnival Vista, which will be the largest ship in their fleet, Carnival has chosen five 48/60CR engines from MAN Diesel & Turbo. An almost-identical version is shown below. Carnival Vista, which is the first of a new class, is expected to be delivered by Fincantieri in the spring of 2016.

Photo courtesy of MAN Diesel & Turbo. May not be used or reproduced without permission.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for November 26, 2013

* Going Virtual
MSC has added a new virtual dimension to cruising aboard MSC Divina in the Caribbean. Passengers can download an app which they can use for free aboard the ship, and it will give them all sorts of information and services while aboard.

* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about moaning in Nassau ... "floating" through NYC (more) ... all talk (more) ... and now arriving in Bremerhaven (more)

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Sneak Peek Behind the Scenes Building Royal Caribbean's Float for Macy's Parade

What you didn’t know about this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade



November 26, 2013 - It all started in 1924 with a small group of energetic Macy’s employees and live animals from the Central Park Zoo. Now, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a world-renowned holiday event, featuring huge, high-flying balloons and floats, performances by some of today’s most popular artists and over 8,000 volunteers.

Whether you brave the cold to attend the parade in person or catch it on TV while whipping up mashed potatoes and stuffing, you probably recognize that hours of creativity and planning go into it. Did you know that all 26 of the Macy’s Parade Studio staff work on any given float, or that each float must be dismantled pre-parade to fit through a toll booth?

John Piper, Vice President of Macy’s Parade Studio, is gearing up for his 33rd parade this Thanksgiving. The event will feature 30 custom-made and custom-designed floats, which means everyone on staff has had to wear multiple hats to get everything ready.

“Carpenters are also welders and the welders are also sculptors and the painters are sculptors or illustrators and the designers work on the production as well,” he said. “Everyone collaborates together.”

One of the biggest challenges for the Studio staff is ensuring the floats are built to be dismantled for their trip through the Lincoln Tunnel the night before the parade.

“Even though they are three bus lanes wide and three or three and half stories tall, they all have to be engineered so that they’re no more than twelve and a half feet tall, eight and half feet wide in their dismantled aspect,” Piper said.

Once the floats make it through the tunnel, the Studio staff and a team of volunteers work through the night reassembling all the floats to full size so they are ready for their debut on Thanksgiving morning.

In the video above, Piper talks specifically about the making of Royal Caribbean’s “A World at Sea” float, which is debuting this year. Crafted with 50 gallons of paint, three pallet loads of plywood, thirty-six inverted casters and more, the float features a giant turntable with three scenes from the cruise line’s newest ship, Quantum of the Seas: the zip-line, rock wall and FlowRider surf simulator.

Riding on “A World at Sea” and singing Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York during the parade will be Quantum’s godmother, Kristin Chenoweth. According to Piper, Chenoweth already provided some help with the float – and kept his team organized in the process.

“She came to the studio and was here directing my team and making sure everything was shipshape and just the way she wanted it to be for this brand new float,” he said. “And the end of the day, I was like ‘Do you really have to go? We got an awful lot done today with you kind of cracking the whip…’”

To see Chenoweth and the Studio staff’s float handiwork WOW the crowd, tune into watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC-TV on Thursday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to noon, or head to Manhattan’s 6th Avenue for some in-person viewing. You’ll be the most float-savvy person there.

Source: Royal Caribbean International

Cunard Sets "Insight" Speakers for Early 2014

Cunard Speaker Programme Celebrates 40 Years With Exciting Line-up for Early 2014

26 November 2013 - Cunard was the first cruise company to introduce speakers as a key part of its entertainment schedule on board and in the four decades since 1974, its award-winning speaker programme has featured eminent names with expertise ranging from gardening to astronomy. Such diverse personalities as Nelson Mandela, John Cleese, Baz Luhrmann and President Jimmy Carter have been just a few among the many luminaries featured in Question and Answer sessions on board. Captains of Concorde have discussed the marvels of supersonic flight while Captains of Industry have offered tips on how to make your first million.

The first four months in the 40th anniversary year of Cunard’s speaker programme – Cunard Insights - will see a number of leading lights join Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria as the Cunard fleet tours the world: celebrated authors Bill Bryson and Sir Max Hastings, award-winning TV writers Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais, eminent Professor of Science and Society Lord Winston, broadcaster and Royal commentator Jennie Bond, and Falklands and Counter-Terrorism expert Admiral Lord West.

“The quality of our ‘Insights’ speaker programme on board our ships is something which sets Cunard apart and we are delighted to welcome such pre-eminent and internationally respected figures to our 2014 world cruise speaker line-up,” said David Dingle, CEO, Cunard Line. “They will bring an extra dimension of interest and engagement to our passenger experience on board,” Dingle added.

Bill Bryson: Queen Elizabeth: 18 January – 5 February
New York – Fort Lauderdale – Aruba – Limon (Costa Rica) – Panama Canal – Puntarenas (Costa Rica) – San Francisco
Internationally renowned as a writer and broadcaster, Bill Bryson is the best-selling author of books such as “Notes from a Small Island” and “A Short History of Nearly Everything,” a science volume that won the Descartes prize. His latest work is “One Summer – America 1927.” His books have sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Although American, Bryson is an honorary OBE and a noted anglophile who is President of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Chancellor of Durham University and a former commissioner of English Heritage.

Sir Max Hastings: Queen Mary 2: 28 January – 19 February
Cape Town – Durban – Mauritius – Fremantle – Melbourne – Sydney
Sir Max Hastings is an author, journalist and broadcaster whose work has appeared in every British national newspaper. He now writes regularly for the Daily Mail and Financial Times, of which he is a contributing editor, and reviews for the Sunday Times and New York Review of Books.

He has written twenty-two books and his latest, “Catastrophe 1914: Europe Goes to War,” has just been published to wide acclaim. He has received awards both for his books and journalism.

He was editor, then editor-in-chief, of The Daily Telegraph from 1986-1995, and of the Evening Standard 1996-2002.

Lord Robert Winston: Queen Mary 2: 2 – 29 March
Bali – Fremantle – Adelaide - Melbourne – Sydney – Brisbane – Cairns – Kota Kinabalu – Shanghai
Robert Winston first achieved prominence as an expert in human fertility. Now the first Professor of Science and Society at Imperial College London and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies there, he runs a research programme with a long-term aim of improving human transplantation. He is also Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, Chairman of the Royal College of Music and was voted “Peer of the Year” in 2008 by his fellow Parliamentarians for his expertise and work on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.

Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais: Queen Mary 2: 10 – 27 January
Southampton – Madeira –Tenerife – Walvis Bay, Namibia – Cape Town
Together, this comedy-writing duo have enjoyed a unique creative partnership spanning more than four decades. From “The Likely Lads” in the 1960’s, to the award-winning follow-up series, “Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?”, the team went on to create “Porridge,” starring Ronnie Barker. They wrote “The Prisoner of Zenda,” with Peter Sellers playing twin roles and worked extensively on “Never Say Never Again,” with Sean Connery in the role of James Bond. They scored another hit in the eighties with “Auf Wiedersehen, Pet,” and Ian also created the long-running series “Lovejoy,” starring Ian McShane.

In recent few years they have been as busy as ever, including adapting “The Rotters’ Club” and “Archangel,” starring Daniel Craig, for the BBC.

Jennie Bond: Queen Victoria: 12 – 28 January
Fort Lauderdale – Barbados – Fortaleza (Brazil) – Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) – Montevideo (Uruguay) – Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Jennie Bond has been broadcasting about Britain’s Royal Family for 25 years, through some of the most turbulent times the monarchy has known. For 14 years she was the BBC’s Royal Correspondent. She’s also well-known on British television as a presenter of the antiques show “Cash in the Attic” – along with a rich variety of other programmes such as “Rip Off Britain,” “Great British Menu” and numerous game shows. But it was probably her time in “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here,” when she was buried in a coffin full of rats in the Australian jungle, that made her a household name

Admiral Lord West: Queen Victoria: 28 January – 9 February
Buenos Aires – Puerto Madryn (Argentina)– Cape Horn – Ushuaia (Agentina)– Punta Arenas (Chile) – cruise by Amalia Glacier – cruise by PIO X Glacier – Puerto Montt (Chile) – Valparaiso (Chile)
Admiral The Right Honourable Baron West of Spithead, GCB, DSC, PC, ADC, DUniv, is a former First Sea Lord and Minister for Security and Counter-Terrorism. He spent the majority of his naval career at sea. He took command of the frigate HMS Ardent, taking her south to the Falkland Islands in 1982. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his part in the action and led the Victory Parade through the City of London.

He became First Sea Lord in 2002. He led the Navy during its successful role in the initial invasion of Iraq. He has advised both Conservatives and Labour on defense and foreign policy and joined the government team responsible for national security and counter-terrorism as well as cyber and Olympic security.

He is currently Chancellor of Southampton Solent University, Naval Trustee of the Imperial War Museum plus a number of other appointments.

Source: Cunard Line

Norwegian Getaway Arrives at Bremerhaven

This isn't a major step in the process, but Meyer Werft has brought Norwegian Getaway to the Columbus Quay in Bremerhaven (Germany) for several days during its sea trials. The ship will remain here for several days before going to the North Sea.

Photos courtesy of Meyer Werft. May not be used or reproduced without permission.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for November 25, 2013

* More Tiers of Joy
Celebrity Cruises will expand the rewards in their Captain’s Club loyalty program with sailings beginning tomorrow.

The line has added two more reward levels to their program, meaning they have 50% more, and they’ve added some ways to achieve them faster.

* GT Government to Deal with Beach Vendors
Apparently there’s trouble in paradise. Beach vendors on Grand Turk have discovered they can just keep walking and selling - or offering to sell - their wares right across an invisible line that takes them from the public beach right into the private resort area owned by Carnival Corp at the Grand Turk Cruise Center - and there’s no one in authority there to shoo them away. Carnival had an interesting way of dealing with it, however.

* Let the Dancing Continue!
Holland America Line said today that they would continue their “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” program throughout 2014.  More

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"Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" to Continue on Holland America Cruises through 2014

Holland America Line Extends "Dancing with the Stars: At Sea" throughout 2014 Sailing Season

Six theme cruises with dance pros and celebrities from the hit ABC show, plus special “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” programming and guest dance competition on every sailing


Seattle, Wash., Nov. 25, 2013 — Holland America Line has extended its highly successful “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” program for another year. The hugely popular onboard experience brings the excitement of ABC’s hit show “Dancing with the Stars” to all 15 premium ships of Holland America Line throughout 2014. Once again the program will culminate with a Champions Cruise guest dance-off competition on the Dec. 6, 2014, Caribbean sailing of ms Westerdam.

Like 2013, the 2014 schedule will continue to feature “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” programming on all sailings throughout the year, in addition to six special “Dancing with the Stars” theme cruises featuring the show’s professional dancers and celebrities. Currently scheduled to sail on all six theme cruises in 2014 are professional dancers Tristan MacManus and Kym Johnson and television personality Carson Kressley and actress Sabrina Bryan.

“Our collaboration with ‘Dancing with the Stars’ has been one of our most successful partnerships ever and we’re excited to be able to continue the experience through 2014,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president, sales, marketing and guest programs. “Dancing in all forms is among our most popular shipboard activities so it’s no wonder that the ‘Dancing with the Stars: At Sea’ experience is getting rave reviews from guests.”

Six Theme Cruises Present the Chance to Sail with Dance Pros and Celebrities from the Hit ABC Show
The “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” 2014 theme cruises are: June 14 and June 21 aboard ms Zuiderdam, 7-day Alaska roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia; July 26 and Aug. 2 aboard Westerdam, 7-day Alaska roundtrip from Seattle, Wash.; and Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 aboard Westerdam, 7-day eastern Caribbean roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Each theme cruise features guest performances from the dance pros and celebrities who will dazzle the audience with routines from the television series. Additional events on theme cruises include dance lessons with the ship’s professional dancers, a special fashion show featuring glamorous show costumes and a chance to meet the dance pros and celebrities, ask questions and take photos with them.

“Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” Dance Competition for Guests
Beginning with cruises that depart on or after Nov. 26, 2013, every sailing on all 15 ships in the Holland America Line fleet including the theme cruises will feature an exclusive “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” program. Included are complimentary dance lessons with the ship’s dance professionals and a dance-off competition for participating guests to compete for a chance to represent their ship on the 2014 Champions Cruise on Dec. 6, 2014. There will be a total of 15 winners on the Champions Cruise. Competitions held on sailings departing on or after Nov. 26, 2013 and ending no later than Oct. 22, 2014 are eligible.

Following preliminary rounds on each cruise, finalists will be paired with a Holland America Line dance professional to perform one of the show’s routines and compete against their fellow guests center stage in the ship’s main show lounge. A judging panel — senior ship officers, shipboard professional dancers and other cruise staff — will score participants’ performances and combine those scores with audience appreciation scores for a total tally to determine the winning guest Cruise Champion for each cruise. Judges onboard the six theme cruises may also include some of the “Dancing with the Stars” dance pros or celebrities onboard.

Beginning Sept. 21, 2014, winners of the guest competitions with the highest scores from each of Holland America Line’s 15 ships will be notified they have won a free ocean view stateroom on the Dec. 6, 2014, Champions Cruise to compete for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy and title of Holland America Line’s “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” Champion.

Source: Holland America Line