Celebrity Solstice Heads to Alaska & other new X Deployment News.

I realize this was announced on Wednesday and it's Friday already.  I apologize for not being on the ball posting this as I know many of us have been waiting on Celebrities 2013 Deployment News and especially wondering if the Solstice was going to be sailing Alaska next summer as after all, she already was spending our winter Down Under..

I so adored sailing on this ship in Europe last year that the Solstice Class is my new personal favorite among mainstream big ship Cruise experiences.  Especially for adults but there is plenty for the family as well.  Kids I spoke with on board were really enjoy the ship and the youth programs.

The British Isles Sailings on the Infinity will also be a treat and grabbed up fast.

Here is the news straight from *Cruise Industry News*....  Bookings will open in early March.  I will post the dates for each.  I also have lists going as on the Royal Princess for those that want to book the early bird rates or want particular staterooms and suites.  We will have group space on these for extra onboard credit so just ask!

Please call or send me your info so we can plan ahead.

Celebrity Cruises today shared a sneak preview of its itinerary plans for the summer of 2013. Speaking to an audience of travel partners and press in London, Celebrity’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan revealed that, for the first time, joining Celebrity Eclipse in offering modern luxury vacation experiences from the UK will be the newly ‘Solsticized’ Celebrity Infinity. “Like the reaction to every stunning Solstice Class ship, the response to Celebrity Eclipse from our guests and travel partners has been extremely rewarding, ever since it debuted in Southampton in 2010,” said Celebrity’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “Our decision to expand our European vacation options from the UK on our newly Solsticized Celebrity Infinity is in direct response to increased demand for more of the modern luxury holidays that only Celebrity can provide, as validated by the expanding host of honors our brand continues to receive.” Celebrity Eclipse  will continue to offer sailings from Southampton in the spring and summer of 2013, while Celebrity Infinity – which emerged in December 2011 from Celebrity’s ambitious, four-ship, $140-million Solsticizing investment – will present enticing new British Isles and Fjords sailings from Harwich, England. Bigger and better, with the most and newest ships in Europe The summer of 2013 will mark Celebrity’s biggest season ever in Europe, with Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette, and Celebrity Reflection – which debuts in October of this year – all joining Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Infinity in offering the broadest array of modern luxury cruises and cruisetours on the newest fleet of ships in the region. Celebrity Solstice to ‘heat things up’ in Alaska Celebrity Solstice  will become the first of its class to offer vacations in Alaska in the summer of 2013, joining Celebrity Century and Celebrity Millennium in pairing Celebrity’s chic style and design, signature cuisine, exciting activities and extraordinary service with the region’s breathtaking, inspiring scenery. “Celebrity Solstice is the ideal platform for a genuine modern luxury vacation in the gorgeous state of Alaska,” said Hanrahan. “The ship’s sheer beauty will perfectly complement the region’s incredible scenery. And with 85 percent veranda accommodations, our guests will have that many more opportunities to take in the endlessly appealing views, combined with our unparalleled onboard experience and service provided by the best group of hospitality professionals in the world.” Rounding out Celebrity’s 2013 summer season Celebrity Summit, which just this month became the third in Celebrity’s Millennium Class fleet to complete the brand’s noted Solsticizing initiative – incorporating a host of guest-favorite venues and experiences from the Solstice Class onto the Millennium Class – will once again offer Celebrity’s popular Bermuda vacation experiences from the Northeast. The intimate, 96-guest Celebrity Xpedition will continue to offer the once-in-a-lifetime vacation experiences the brand has offered year-round since 2004 in the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Complete details of Celebrity’s summer 2013 itineraries – including the full slate of featured destinations, cruisetours and dates of departure – will be announced when the first of the series opens for booking in early March. The line will continue to present special booking options exclusively for the valued members of its Captain’s Club loyalty program.

Celebrity Cruises today shared a sneak preview of its itinerary plans for the summer of 2013. Speaking to an audience of travel partners and press in London, Celebrity’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan revealed that, for the first time, joining Celebrity Eclipse in offering modern luxury vacation experiences from the UK will be the newly ‘Solsticized’ Celebrity Infinity.

“Like the reaction to every stunning Solstice Class ship, the response to Celebrity Eclipse from our guests and travel partners has been extremely rewarding, ever since it debuted in Southampton in 2010,” said Celebrity’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “Our decision to expand our European vacation options from the UK on our newly Solsticized Celebrity Infinity is in direct response to increased demand for more of the modern luxury holidays that only Celebrity can provide, as validated by the expanding host of honors our brand continues to receive.”

Bigger and better, with the most and newest ships in Europe

Celebrity Eclipse  will continue to offer sailings from Southampton in the spring and summer of 2013, while Celebrity Infinity – which emerged in December 2011 from Celebrity’s ambitious, four-ship, $140-million Solsticizing investment – will present enticing new British Isles and Fjords sailings from Harwich, England.

The summer of 2013 will mark Celebrity’s biggest season ever in Europe, with Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette, and Celebrity Reflection – which debuts in October of this year – all joining Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Infinity in offering the broadest array of modern luxury cruises and cruisetours on the newest fleet of ships in the region.

Celebrity Solstice to ‘heat things up’ in Alaska



Observation Lounge perfect for Glacier Viewing by Sutanto



Celebrity Solstice  will become the first of its class to offer vacations in Alaska in the summer of 2013, joining Celebrity Century and Celebrity Millennium in pairing Celebrity’s chic style and design, signature cuisine, exciting activities and extraordinary service with the region’s breathtaking, inspiring scenery.

“Celebrity Solstice is the ideal platform for a genuine modern luxury vacation in the gorgeous state of Alaska,” said Hanrahan. “The ship’s sheer beauty will perfectly complement the region’s incredible scenery. And with 85 percent veranda accommodations, our guests will have that many more opportunities to take in the endlessly appealing views, combined with our unparalleled onboard experience and service provided by the best group of hospitality professionals in the world.” 

Rounding out Celebrity’s 2013 summer season

Celebrity Summit, which just this month became the third in Celebrity’s Millennium Class fleet to complete the brand’s noted Solsticizing initiative – incorporating a host of guest-favorite venues and experiences from the Solstice Class onto the Millennium Class – will once again offer Celebrity’s popular Bermuda vacation experiences from the Northeast.

The intimate, 96-guest Celebrity Xpedition will continue to offer the once-in-a-lifetime vacation experiences the brand has offered year-round since 2004 in the enchanting Galapagos Islands.

Complete details of Celebrity’s summer 2013 itineraries – including the full slate of featured destinations, cruisetours and dates of departure – will be announced when the first of the series opens for booking in early March. The line will continue to present special booking options exclusively for the valued members of its Captain’s Club loyalty program

ACT Fast offers for Carnival Exotic itineraries.. Past Guests

I want to make just a quick note here for those that may be wanting to do a more exotic itinerary at a lower cost..  If you are a Carnival Past Guest they are making these offers as they move the Splendor away from the West Coast... *BooHoo* , Through South America, around the Horn and onto other homeports as well as Transatlantic and the Baltics. 

3 South American Itineraries

• 17 Day South America Explorer In this cruise you will be able to see unbelievable natural sights as they cross the equator that only South America has to offer. You will have the option to visit the Galapagos, a natural wonder of isolated islands which is also a sanctuary of wildlife. You will also have the option to see Machu Picchu, the capital of the ancient Incan empire. Other amazing things you will see in this cruise includes Cabo San Lucas, the picturesque Hautulco, coffee plantations in Guatemala and two Chilean gems, Arica and Santiago.

• 13 Day Fjords, Glaciers, & Patagonia In this cruise you will see the breathtaking natural sights of the Chilean Fjords and the Darwin Channel as they cruise the most Southern point of our planet through Cape Horn. In addition to this wonderful contact with nature, you will also experience the European flavor of Montevideo and Buenos Aires, two beautiful cities which will offer you an unforgettable culinary experience.

• 18 Day Brazilian & Caribbean Splendor

Or combine all three for a total South American Experience of a lifetime!

In this cruise your guest will enjoy the best Brazil has to offer. You will experience Rio de Janeiro, with all its vibrant activity, music, beautiful beaches and delicious foods and drinks. They will have a chance to visit other Brazilian gems such as Salvador, Recife and Fortaleza, which will offer you beautiful sites and contact with nature. Also on this cruise you will experience two beautiful Caribbean islands, Grand Turk and Barbados. You will have the chance to visit these beautiful beaches and engage in fun activities with the Caribbean as the back drop. This amazing trip will end in New York, a legendary city that offers plenty of excitement for all

• Carnival Past Guest offer...  Now through February 20, 2012 Carnival is offering exclusive past guest savings of up to 20% PLUS a two category upgrade on South America, Europe AND Transatlantic sailings!

OFFER DETAILS:
Early Saver rates (save up to 20%) + 2 category upgrade available to past guests
BOOKING WINDOW:
2/9/12 - 2/20/12
VALID SAILING:
Splendor and Miracle South America and Panama Canal: available on 2/9/12
Legend Europe: available on 2/14/12
Destiny Transatlantic: available on 2/16/12

There are reduced deposits and

Please call us for Onboard Credit as well as any other goodies we can score for you!

Let us Pay your Deposit !!!

Good for cruises sailing between June 8, 2012 and February 28, 2013.
Cruises that are booked by February 29, 2012 are eligible.

Up to $500.00

Please visit our WebSite for complete details or call 866.566.6677

This is combinable will all other offers including an extra $100 OBC if you are sailing to Europe this year on select CruiseLines.

Paul Gauguin Cruise Completes $7 Million Ship Renovation



m/s Paul Gauguin

Who wouldn't want to sail around the beautiful South Seas Polynesian Islands visiting Tahiti, Bora Bora and all the small ports of the lovely islands surrounding them on a small luxury ship?

The m/s Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow seas of Tahiti and French Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can't reach and effortlessly blending into the stunning natural beauty of the South Seas.

She offers an extension of the informal, relaxing environment of the islands, coupled with five-star service, comfort, and luxury. Spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, a choice of three open-seating dining venues, and an extensive spa are among her luxurious attributes. The atmosphere aboard the ship radiates warmth, informality, and Polynesian flair. And our beloved troupe of Gauguines—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers—add the unique personality of Tahiti to every cruise.

Well, she has just undergone a $7,000,000 renovations, the most extensive in the ship's 14 year history and it took place during a 10 night crossing from Tahiti to Brisbane, Australia as well as the 11 night drydock that followed.

Renovations throughout the ship include new flooring and carpeting, new furniture, new window treatments and decorative wall panels, and new signage.

All suites and staterooms have new teak balcony railings and new bathroom flooring. Restaurants also were refreshed. La Veranda has a redesigned entrance, refinished indoor and outdoor furniture, and solar shades. Le Grill boasts new decorative partitions and divider walls, as well as a new buffet area and new lighting. L’Etoile also features a redesigned entrance in addition to video equipment for conferences.

On Promenade Deck 5, the casino was slightly expanded. Deck 6 received a new integrated display case for books and art. La Palette features a decorative stone band along the front of the bar and an updated lighting system, as well as new outdoor furniture. Le Grand Salon and La Palette offer refurbished dance floors. Paul Gauguin Cruises also recently acquired a second ship and plans to expand its itineraries.

SPECIAL OFFERS:

Save 50% plus FREE Airfare From Los Angeles

Enjoy 50% off standard cruise fares PLUS free roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles! Take advantage of these great savings on all of our Tahiti and French Polynesia cruises. Click on the itinerary you want: Tahiti & the Society Islands (7 nights), Society Islands & Tuamotus (10 nights), Cook Islands & Society Islands (11 nights), and Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands (14 nights), Fiji (12 or 13 nights), and Australs & Society Islands (11 nights).

If you would like a brochure, the photos are lovely!, or more information please contact us or leave us a message.

Portions By Theresa Norton Masek
February 17, 2012 3:09 PM

Royal Caribbean Heads Underground in New York's Subway

I just had my car wrapped so this I thought this was super fun!  Can you imagine your just going to work one day and you catch your ride in this?

This is from Travel Agent Central
February 6, 2012 By: Susan Young


Royal Caribbean International is targeting New York-area commuters in a brand campaign that involves imagery and messaging both inside and outside the 42^nd Street S line in Manhattan this February.

As commuters are transported between Times Square and Grand Central Station, the cruise line will give them a taste of the Royal Caribbean cruising experience with fully-branded shuttle cars supporting the cruise line’s new messaging.
First rolled out in December 2011, the campaign is focused on reawakening consumers to the sights and sounds of the sea by communicating the decree, “The Sea is Calling. Answer it Royally.”

The subway cars, which are wrapped both inside and out, reflect actual Royal Caribbean cruise ships. The cars’ interiors are each separately wrapped as an onboard theater featuring marquees of some of the Broadway shows guests can see onboard select Royal Caribbean ships such as Hairspray, Chicago and Saturday Night Fever; an onboard spa with bamboo showers and masseuse; as well as an open deck area complete with a surf simulator and surfer.

Each car conveys the options for entertainment, relaxation and adventure that can be enjoyed on a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. Commuters, who will be treated to special surprises during the month, are encouraged to take photographs and videos to share with friends through their social media channels, tagging Royal Caribbean by using the specified hashtag #RoyalShuttle.
Royal Caribbean also challenges fans to find “hidden treasures” in the shuttle artwork, including characters such as Shrek and Po from the cruise line’s exclusive partnership with film studio powerhouse DreamWorks Animation.

Royal Caribbean offers cruising options to Bermuda and the Caribbean out of Bayonne, N.J., and Baltimore, Md., onboard Explorer of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas.

COMING SOON: Royal Princess Itineraries are Announced !

Finally !!!  Since Princess Cruises first started sending out tidbits regarding it's new ship build the Royal Princess, not only have I been intrigued but the Cruise Ship public has been giddy with anticipation. 

Now, personally I *like* princess ships....  I don't LOVE princess.  That being said,  I know there are a lot of Princess Fans out there who wouldn't sail anything else.  The ships familiarity from one ship to another is like coming home for repeat guests.  Princess always has boasted wonderful itineraries.  Not only are they port filled with interesting ports, you can do longer voyages, grand voyages and even world cruises on her smaller vessels.  This new ship has me wiping the drool from my chin..................   

I also love their port talks and guides by experts when you are sailing into ports unknown to you.  They do bring on experts in that area and really go in depth into what to see in that port, the history, helpful tips to get around and what to do and most importantly what NOT to do.  These are not done by crew members telling you where the closest diamond international or cruiseline approved shops are....  :-)

Princess really hit it out of the ballpark with the first European Itineraries and the Transatlantic before she homeports in Fort Lauderdale.

I will be taking out group space on these for the best deals and amenities so if you are thinking about sailing her please contact me and also I will be personally hosting one of them so if one of them catches your eye more than the others.....  I would love to know about it.

I am thinking for me, one of the last Med Cruises in September or the 18 day Transatlantic.

The ship's official maiden voyage will be a seven-night cruise from Southampton to Barcelona departing June 16. The sailing will visit Vigo, Lisbon, Gibraltar and Malaga. On June 23, Royal will kick off its season of 12-day Mediterranean cruises between Barcelona and Venice. The cruises will run through September 27 and visit Toulon, France; Livorno, Civitavecchia and Naples, Italy; Mykonos and Athens, Greece; and Istanbul and Kusadasi, Turkey. Cruises from Barcelona will end with an overnight stay in Venice.

The cruise-ship-turned-snowbird will then transit the Atlantic on October 9 en route to its Fort Lauderdale homeport. The 18-night transatlantic cruise will visit Messina (Sicily), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Cannes (for Monte Carlo), Barcelona and Funchal (Madeira Island). Princess has yet to announce the ex-Florida Caribbean deployment.

Here is the full press release from Princess:

News Article

2/14/2012

Princess Cruises Unveils Inaugural Itineraries of New Royal Princess
Ship Will Debut with Season of Mediterranean Cruises; Features in the Signature Atrium Also Revealed

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 14, 2012) -- Princess Cruises today marked Valentine's Day by unveiling the maiden season itineraries of its highly anticipated Royal Princess debuting in June 2013, as well as some additional features of the ship's signature, and greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship.
Preceding the ship's inaugural program of 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises between Barcelona and Venice beginning on June 23, Royal Princess will sail on her inaugural voyage, a seven-day Iberia cruise from Southampton to Barcelona departing June 16.
The Royal Princess maiden season cruises will open for sale on March 15, 2012. There will also be two three-day preview cruises sailing roundtrip from Southampton on June 10 and 13 that will be available for booking at a later date.
"It's fitting that our new ship will cruise on our most popular Europe itinerary, the Grand Mediterranean," said Jan Swartz, executive vice president for Princess Cruises. "And the shorter preview cruises prior to the Mediterranean season certainly offer a unique opportunity to sample the new Royal Princess experience our passengers are eagerly awaiting."
Also revealed today were more details about the ship's atrium and its vibrant collection of always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. This signature space will be 50 percent larger than on the newest class of Princess ships and will debut a number of brand new features, including Bellini's Italian cocktail bar, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, a gelateria, and Celebrations, a new gift shop for those marking special occasions onboard.
Favorite passenger spaces also return, many with a new twist, including the International Café, Sabatini's Trattoria, and Crooners martini bar which will now feature dueling piano entertainment and a dramatic ocean vista. And the stunning Bar Piazza will feature an exclusive twin tea tower with over 300 tea and infusion combinations.
The line also released a preview video with Princess Cruises President and CEO Alan Buckelew and Executive Vice President Rai Caluori offering a glimpse of the new atrium that can be viewed at www.princess.com/royalprincess.
"Many features aboard the new Royal Princess will be exciting evolutions of the popular and successful features found throughout our fleet, and the atrium is no exception," added Swartz. "The expansion in size of this space provided us an opportunity to add some brand new venues to what is already a favorite passenger area."
Inaugural Season Cruises
3-day Advance Preview Sailings departing June 10 and 13, 2013
These cruises will sail roundtrip from Southampton with a call at St. Peter Port on the Island of Guernsey in the English Channel. The preview sailings will open for booking at a later date when the inaugural celebrations for the ship are in place. Interested passengers are advised to follow www.princess.com for the availability of these cruises.
7-day Maiden Iberia Voyage departing June 16, 2013
The ship's maiden voyage sails from Southampton to Barcelona with calls at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Gibraltar and Malaga.
12-day Grand Mediterranean Sailings departing June 23 through September 27, 2013
The nine Grand Mediterranean sailings will cruise between Barcelona and Venice, with calls at Toulon (for Provence), Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Athens and finally an overnight stay in the beautiful Italian city of Venice. Passengers on the seven-day voyage can combine their sailing with the first Grand Mediterranean cruise for a 19-day Grand Adventure.
18-day Maiden Venetian Passage departing October 9, 2013
This cruise begins in Venice with an overnight in this iconic city, and sets sail to Fort Lauderdale with calls at Messina (Sicily), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Cannes (for Monte Carlo), Barcelona and Funchal (Madeira Island).
Atrium Features
Royal Princess' expanded atrium is designed to enhance the lively street-café atmosphere passengers have become accustomed to on current Princess ships. With more open space for viewing live entertainment in the Piazza from decks 6 and 7, as well as new venues that appear to float mid-air, this new atrium represents a prototype design that builds on the line's classic style. Atrium features include:
Deck 5:
International Café
As on most Princess ships, the International Café will be serving fresh-baked pastries, panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies specialty coffees, and sweet desserts, but aboard Royal Princess this favorite venue will have an expanded seating area and an eye-catching new lighting feature, making it the perfect area to grab a light meal, meet friends for coffee or enjoy an a snack while watching the array of Piazza entertainers.
Celebrations Gift Shop
A new shopping stop, Celebrations will offer gifts especially for passengers celebrating a special occasion, or those looking for a well-deserved indulgence. Passengers will find premium chocolates, colorful flower arrangements, and other gift items perfect for someone enjoying a special day.
Gelato
For a delicious desert or afternoon delight, Royal Princess' gelateria will serve up a variety of tempting treats such as designer sundaes, sweet crespelle (Italian crepes), creamy fruit smoothies, frosty shakes, and delightful homemade waffle ice cream cones.
Vines
A Princess passenger favorite, Vines wine bar will be pouring as many as 30 different wines by the glass, plus serving up an selection of tapas or sushi to accompany the many vintages. Passengers can also find favorite bottles for purchase or a gift for their favorite wine lover at Vines shop.
Bar Piazza and Tea Tower
This classic cocktail bar complements the Piazza vibe by offering an endless array of "anything you can think of" libations, complemented by a twin tea tower of artisan-crafted varieties and infusions for custom creations with over 300 possibilities.
Mini-Piazza with Water Feature
Just adjacent to the Piazza, a sparkling water feature will set off an extension area featuring the Passenger Services Desk and Shore Excursion Desk. This dazzling Mini-Piazza will provide a special atmosphere for passengers making a visit to ask questions of Princess' gracious crew members.
Sabatini's
Also located in the Mini-Piazza will be Princess' signature Tuscan-inspired specialty restaurant, Sabatini's. Known for its celebrated pastas, seafood and Italian specialties, Sabatini's will feature a fresh menu of sophisticated Italian favorites with an a la carte experience. With a refined yet casual Italian ambiance, Sabatini's offers attentive personal service and the feeling of having just stepped into a ristorante in the heart of Tuscany.
Deck 6:
Bellini's
This brand new Italian-inspired cocktail venue is a perfect place to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the atrium's activities, while indulging in a Bellini-inspired drink. Passengers will also enjoy views of the Piazza below in this "floating" space.
Alfredo's
After quickly becoming a passenger favorite since its debut aboard Grand Princess, Alfredo's Pizzeria has kept up Princess' reputation for serving the best pizza at sea. Aboard Royal Princess the sit-down restaurant will feature an expanded menu and more spacious seating, perfect for enjoying the fresh toppings and crisp crusts of a personal pizza right from the eatery's stone oven.
Photo and Video Gallery
Now conveniently located in the atrium, the Photo and Video Gallery will offer new high-tech digital photo stations to help passengers easily find their images.
Deck 7:
Ocean Terrace
The new Ocean Terrace seafood bar will offer pearls of the ocean, fresh from the sea. Seafood lovers can indulge in an array of treats, including sushi, sashimi, ceviche and caviar in a space that seems to be floating over the atrium levels below.
Crooners
An expanded Crooners Bar will not only offer the venue's famous menu of 75 different martinis and classic 1960s-style "Rat Pack" atmosphere, but also a new entertainment option with dueling glass pianos for a lively show to go with the breathtaking views.
Additional information about other ship features will be released in the coming months.
The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is the first of two new-generation ships for Princess which are being built by Fincantieri at their Monfalcone, Italy shipyard. Some additional new features found aboard will be an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship's starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel, and the similarly-unique cantilevered SeaView bar, featuring cocktails with unbeatable vistas. Also on her top decks, Royal Princess will feature a new adults-only pool surrounded by seven plush private cabanas that appear to be floating on the water, two additional pools, a dazzling water and light show, an expanded version of Princess' signature adults-only haven, The Sanctuary, and the popular poolside theater, Movies Under the Stars.

Amping up the Blog

I have recently become frustrated with just using facebook to talk to fellow travelers and clients so have decided to amp up the blog and also use twitter for blasts out.  It will allow me to share more with you, more content, more photos, more videos and more of my ideas, opinions and thoughts on what makes smart, interesting travel.  I hope you will share it with your friends...  Here we go!