http://www.blogtravel4u.com Your onestop place for Travel News Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:22:02 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="138" ][/caption]Norwegian Cruise Line announced that due to increased year-to-date booking volumes it will raise fares up to 7% fleet-wide as of April 2. The 10-ship line cited strong interest in particular in its new ship, the Norwegian Epic, debuting in June and for the 'Pride of ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2010/03/05/norwegian-cruise-line-hikes-prices/ [caption id="attachment_292" align="alignleft" width="220" caption="Celebrity Cruise Lines Mercury"][/caption] Again the Celebrity Mercury cruise ship, which was  plagued by a massive outbreak of stomach illness last week, has been struck by the suspected norovirus. At least 55 of 1,880 passengers on the current voyage of the Charleston-based Celebrity Mercury have fallen ill according ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2010/03/05/celebritys-mercury-hit-by-norovirus-again/ The Cypriot-owned Louis Majesty (formerly NCL Majesty) sailing between Barcelona and Genoa with approximately 2000 passengers and crew on board was hit by 26 ft high rogue waves off the coast of Marseilles on Wednesday Mar 3/2010. The waves smashed glass windshields killing two male passengers and injuring ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2010/03/03/massive-waves-hit-cruise-ship-in-mediterranean/ [caption id="attachment_284" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Celebrity Solstice in Santorini Nov 2009"][/caption] Last Sunday the third ship in the Celebrity Solstice class left the building of the Papenburg Meyer Werft where it had been under construction for the last year.  According to Celebrity the 122,000-ton, 2,850-passenger ship will have some on-board facilities appropriate ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2010/03/03/celebrity-eclipse-out-in-the-open/ Last minute resumption of negotiations between Lufthansa and it's pilot's union has resulted in a strike being averted. The strike started as planned on Monday the 22nd of February in the morning and was to run until midnight Thursday Feb. 25/2010. However It was postponed late Monday to await the ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2010/02/23/lufthansa-pilot-strike-postponed-for-now/ Royal Caribbean International Swine Flu Statement April 27, 2009   We've been closely monitoring all developments regarding the Swine Flu, to help ensure the health and well-being of our guests and crew members.Health authorities from a variety of nations are investigating the situation and we remain keenly attuned to their progress. We maintain close ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/04/28/royal-caribbean-swine-flu/ Mexico Travel Advisory Miami   -    Apr 28, 2009   ---    The health and well-being of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance to Norwegian Cruise Line. Accordingly, the company is closely monitoring the health advisories regarding the current Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) situation. Norwegian Cruise Line's scheduled deployment ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/04/28/norwegian-cruise-line-mexico-travel-advisory/ Serenade Of The Seas To Sail Year-Round From San Juan Miami -  Royal Caribbean International today unveiled its 2010-11 year-round Caribbean season, comprising of 243 sailings aboard five of the world's most innovative cruise ships. Twenty-four distinct itineraries, ranging from five to nine nights, will include visits to 25 captivating ports ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/04/27/royal-caribbeans-2010-11-year-round-caribbean-season-to-feature-five-ships-from-four-convenient-homeports/ Norwegian Epic's Profile Revealed   Norwegian Cruise Line today unveiled the first images of its new 153,000-gross ton, 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic, the company's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date. Currently under construction at STX Europe in St. Nazaire, France, the contemporary, balcony-rich, 19-deck ship will be 1,068 feet ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/03/13/norwegian-epics-profile-revealed-2/ Effective Feb 26, 2009, guests who purchase NCL’s BookSafe Travel Protection Plan for any NCL cruise departing on or after 1st May, 2009, are eligible for reimbursement of any cancellation fees if an insured guest loses their job as long as the person has been an active employee at the ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/03/08/ncls-booksafe-plan-in-case-of-job-loss/ [caption id="" align="alignright" width="245" caption="ms La Marguerite"][/caption]AMA Waterways, long associated with luxury European river cruising, in September this year will sail the Mekong River on "La Marguerite". The seven-night cruises to Vietnam and Cambodia are packaged with pre- and post-cruise land stays for a 15-day package starting at $3,999 per ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/03/04/ama-waterways-sails-the-mekong-river-in-2009/ Miami   -    Mar 3, 2009     Norwegian Cruise Line today unveiled the first images of its new 153,000-gross ton, 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic, the company's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date. Currently under construction at STX Europe in St. Nazaire, France, the contemporary, balcony-rich, 19-deck ship will be ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/03/04/norwegian-epics-profile-revealed/ Royal Caribbean's Mariner Of The Seas Arrives In Los Angeles Cruise Line Introduces West Coast's Largest And Most Innovative Cruise Ship Miami -  The largest ship ever to offer cruise vacations from the West Coast arrived into Los Angeles today. At 1,020 feet long and 142,000 gross registered tons, Royal Caribbean International's ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/03/04/royal-caribbeans-mariner-of-the-seas-arrives-in-los-angeles/ Today, NCL – one of the most award-winning cruise lines on the planet – announces the name of our new, innovative F3 ship. Introducing Norwegian Epic. She’s the next generation of Freestyle Cruising and offers an experience at sea like never before. What a perfect opportunity to give your clients ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/01/27/norwegian-reveals-new-name-for-f3-class-ship/ Caribbean sailings from New Orleans and Mexican Riviera cruisesfrom Los Angeles add to wide range of offerings Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced its 2010-2011 winter deployment which includes a continued year-round commitment to Europe with Norwegian Jade sailing from Barcelona and the addition of Norwegian Jewel, joining Norwegian Gem, ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/01/26/ncl-continues-year-round-commitment-to-europe-and-homeports-two-ships-in-new-york-with-2010-2011-winter-deployment-2/ Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection announces an incredible 2 for 1 Air Offer for all of their Europe, Russia, and Egypt River Cruises departing in 2009. For any bookings made to these destinations between January 15 and February 27, 2009, Uniworld will offer each travel companion a FREE Air Ticket ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/01/22/incredible-2-for-1-air-offer-for-all-of-uniworld%e2%80%99s-europe-russia-and-egypt-river-cruises-departing-in-2009/ Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced its 2010-2011 winter deployment which includes a continued year-round commitment to Europe with Norwegian Jade sailing from Barcelona and the addition of Norwegian Jewel, joining Norwegian Gem, sailing from New York, giving guests the opportunity to choose from among NCL's newest ships, purpose-built for ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/01/21/ncl-continues-year-round-commitment-to-europe-and-homeports-two-ships-in-new-york-with-2010-2011-winter-deployment/ Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest and most successful cruise line in the world, carrying more passengers than any other.  But “Today’s Carnival” is a vastly different company than the one started from humble beginnings nearly four decades ago. Carnival was launched with a converted trans-Atlantic ocean liner and a dream of ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/01/14/37-years-of-fun-a-history-of-carnival-cruise-lines/   On May 2, 2009 Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will host its First Annual President’s River Cruise onboard the new, ultra-luxurious River Beatrice, sailing along the Enchanting Danube. Guy Young, President of Uniworld, will be hosting this eight day event sailing from Passau, Germany to Budapest, Hungary. “This trip is going ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/01/08/uniworld-offers-first-annual-president%e2%80%99s-river-cruise-along-the-enchanting-danube-onboard-company%e2%80%99s-newest-ultra-luxurious-cruise-ship-river-beatrice/ MIAMI, January 9, 2008 - Royal Caribbean International guests can Rumba, Samba, Cha-Cha, Waltz or Swing into the spotlight in "Invitation to Dance," the cruise line's newest production show featuring guests as stars aboard Explorer of the Seas. Created in conjunction with Louis van Amstel, Emmy-nominated choreographer for ABC-TV's "Dancing ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2009/01/07/royal-caribbean-opens-dance-floor-to-vacationers-in-new-production-show/   Shanghai - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced it is opening two new offices in China, in the cities of Beijing and Guangzhou. The new offices, which will open in the coming weeks, will be the second and third the company operates in China, joining its Shanghai facility, which opened in July ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/12/23/royal-caribbean-cruises-ltd-to-open-two-new-offices/ Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will play a key role at "Seatrade Med 2008" and will confirm its increasing commitment to Europe and the Mediterranean. With an unprecedented 22 ships sailing in Europe in 2009, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will offer cruisers more choices than ever before. "The international markets show the greatest ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/12/18/royal-caribbean-cruises-ltd-celebrates-growing-european-deployments-as-brands-gear-up-for-ongoing-international-growth/   In Europe, NCL will continue its largest ever deployment with three of its newest Freestyle Cruising ships positioned there. For the first time ever, NCL will homeport a ship, Norwegian Gem, in Venice, Italy sailing two different seven-day Adriatic, Greek Isles and Turkey cruises. Norwegian Jade will homeport in Barcelona ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/12/10/ncl-unveils-2010-2011-summer-deployment-in-europe-alaska-bermuda/ Miami - December 5, 2008 - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced the suspension of its fuel supplement for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2009, anywhere in the world. The decision reflects the recently sustained lower price of fuel. Effective Monday, ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/12/09/royal-caribbean-cruises-ltd-suspends-fuel-supplement/ ONE MONTH TO ARRIVAL OF ‘THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SHIP OF THE WORLD’   FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (NOVEMBER 24, 2008) – The final countdown for MSC Fantasia has officially started.   There are less than 30 days to go to the christening ceremony of MSC Cruises‘ flagship in Naples on December 18. The most beautiful ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/12/04/msc-fantasia-the-wonder-of-the-sea/ Snow Flurries Again Provide Holiday Magic, Along with a Gingerbread Housebuilding Challenge and Turkey Carving Training from the Experts SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (December 1, 2008) -- As the holidays draw near, Princess ships are preparing for another festive season at sea, and weather conditions are again pointing to unusual snow flurries ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/12/04/princess-ships-prepare-for-a-festive-season-at-sea/ Miami - (November 05, 2008 ) - In celebration of her Asia debut this winter, the deluxe, 694-guest Azamara Quest is offering guests a way to make the most of their experiences in the exotic destinations that she will visit. Two tour packages that each include a well-rounded selection of ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/12/03/azamara-cruises-to-offer-exotic-excursion-packages-in-asia/ Line Voted Best for Itineraries and Onboard Boutiques SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - Princess Cruises has received top honors in three categories of Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2008 Annual Readers' Choice Awards. The line won Best Central American Itineraries, Best Australia/New Zealand Itineraries, and Best Onboard Shopping. The awards represent the eighth year in a ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/11/28/princess-receives-three-top-honors-in-porthole-readers-choice-awards/ Miami - (November 24, 2008 ) - During preview cruises this month on its new Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Cruises revealed plans to resume cruises to Bermuda in 2010. "Celebrity has a long and positive history with the beautiful island of Bermuda, and we're thrilled to respond to demand that we return, ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/11/25/back-by-popular-demand-celebrity-cruises-returns-to-bermuda-in-2010/ Uniworld Boutique River Cruises waives single supplements on a variety of 2009 Europe River Cruises, which means solo travelers can cruise at no additional charge by booking on or before January 31, 2009. Plus, by booking on or before this January 31, 2009 date, solo travelers can save up to ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/11/24/uniworld-waives-single-supplement-charges-on-a-variety-of-2009-europe-river-cruises/ Royal Caribbean's Newest Freedom-Class Ship Arrives In The US Miami - November 19, 2008 - Royal Caribbean International's newest Freedom-class ship, Independence of the Seas, made her US debut today at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Sharing the title of world's largest cruise ship with her sister-ships, Freedom of the ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/11/20/independence-of-the-seas-sails-into-port-everglades/ According to a new survey conducted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Cruise Critic, “Cruising can be a great choice for multigenerational travel, with over 60% of the respondents on this survey saying they sometimes or always travel as an extended family (with grandparents and/or grandchildren).”  Uniworld understands this, ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/11/18/uniworld-offers-multigenerational-river-cruises/ Befitting the "Most Romantic Cruise Line," Reigning Reality Couple Trista and Ryan Sutter of "The Bachelorette" Christen Ship to Celebrate Their Fifth Wedding Anniversary SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (November 6, 2008) -- In a "ruby red" themed ceremony celebrating romance, Princess Cruises today named its newest ship, Ruby Princess. America's reigning reality ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/11/17/princess-cruises-christens-newest-ship-ruby-princess/ The readers of Condé Nast Traveler have named Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection in the coveted top ten ranking in the magazine‘s 21st Annual Readers' Choice Awards. The awards are based on the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Survey, the largest independent poll of consumers’ preferences.  Over 32,000 readers voted ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/11/13/uniworld-ranked-in-top-ten-world%e2%80%99s-best-small-cruise-ships-in-conde-nast-traveler%e2%80%99s-21st-annual-readers%e2%80%99-choice-awards/ Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that Norwegian Spirit is undergoing a multi-million dollar refurbishment focused on enhancing the total guest experience. The 2,376 passenger Freestyle Cruising ship is receiving a total renovation to its public areas, staterooms and suites. These refurbishments are in addition to the enhancements already made as ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/11/12/norwegian-spirit-to-receive-multi-million-dollar-renovation/ Royal Caribbean Launches New Brand Campaign Empowering Vacationers To Ask "Why Not?" Groundbreaking Television And Print Ads, A New Website And Interactive Promotions Entice Citizenship In "The Nation Of Why Not" Miami -  In an unprecedented move, Royal Caribbean International has officially seceded from land and declared itself The Nation of Why ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/11/12/royal-caribbean-cruise-line/ Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection opens a new season of voyages from the heart of Paris with three extraordinary cruises. In 2009, guests can enjoy such scenic treasures as Vienna and Budapest, in addition to the romance of Paris, aboard Uniworld’s intimate cruise ship, the River Princess. “We know Paris is, ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/09/03/new-season-of-paris-voyages-begins-at-uniworld/ Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has been named a finalist in Condé Nast Traveler magazine's 2008 World Savers Awards. The awards honor 38 travel companies from around the world for their leadership in social responsibility in five key areas: poverty alleviation, cultural and/or environmental preservation, education, wildlife conservation and health. The 2008 ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/08/21/norwegian-cruise-line-selected-by-conde-nast-traveler-as-a-leader-in-social-responsibility/ Exclusive Alliance With Master Chef Georges Blanc Continues Carnival's Fleetwide Dining Enhancements 1/08/09 MIAMI – The exclusive alliance between world-renowned French Master Chef Georges Blanc and Carnival Cruise Lines is just the latest initiative the line has undertaken to enhance the quality of its culinary offerings.Blanc, who operates six highly acclaimed restaurants ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/08/20/exclusive-alliance-with-master-chef-georges-blanc-continues-carnivals-fleetwide-dining-enhancements/ Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) received top billing in Condé Nast Traveler magazine's special August cruise issue, which hits newsstands today. The top-rated travel magazine recognizes Norwegian Gem as one of the best cruise ships for "spa lovers" and Norwegian Jade as one of the best for "foodies.""Norwegian Gem  and Norwegian ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/07/23/norwegian-cruise-line-recognized-in-conde-nast-travelers-august-cruise-issue/ From the enchanting, romantic sights of Paris to the ancient castles and colorful holiday markets of the Rhine, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection will introduce five new European itineraries in 2009. Uniworld’s brand new voyages range from nine to 32 days and showcase Europe’s most fascinating, and historically rich destinations. ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/07/15/uniworld-expands-it-europe-product-offering-in-2009/ Miami - (July 09, 2008 ) - This year's most eagerly-awaited cruise ship – Celebrity Solstice – just added another first to its series of exceptional offerings: a 10-sided diamond cut for the first time, and available exclusively on Celebrity Solstice . Aptly named the Solstice Diamond, the patented gem's 86 ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/07/10/celebrity-cruises-dangles-carats-and-dazzling-collections-boutique-on-celebrity-solstice-to-be-exclusive-source-of-first-ever-86-cut-diamond/ Star Studies" and "Star Parties" Bring the Universe and New Adventures to the High Seas Cunard Line is proud to announce a new partnership with The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) onboard its trio of famed luxury ocean liners, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and QE2. Poised to become a highlight of ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/07/04/cunard-line-partners-with-the-royal-astronomical-society/ Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises, through its partnership with Monte Carlo's Societe des Bains de Mer, has lined up renowned spa chef Jacky Oberti to host a wellness culinary program aboard Silver Whisper's July 5, Athens-to-Venice cruise. Chef Oberti presides over the kitchens of L'Hirondelle, the gourmet restaurant at Les Thermes Marins, the ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/07/03/acclaimed-spa-chef-jacky-oberti-to-host-wellness-culinary-program-for-silversea-guests/ NCL's new "It" Girl Norwegian Gem stars in the first ever cruise episode of TLC's hit show "What Not to Wear," a style makeover show that is one of the network's top-rated programs. During the filming that took place in April 2008, "What Not to Wear" style guru Stacy London ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/07/02/ncl-stars-in-tlcs-what-not-to-wear-cruise-special/ From the majesty of Vienna to the magic of Paris, the holiday season offers a special allure for European travelers. And, now, AMA Waterways is making a European river cruise even more alluring, with a special $99 airfare promotion*. The promotion is available on the Nov. 12, 2008 Amsterdam to ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/30/seasonal-savings-on-ama-waterways/ Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has launched a new class of private touring that offers more choices and convenience for guests wishing to explore ports of call however they want, whenever they want. From a private horseback riding lesson through the Tuscan countryside to chartering a catamaran to sail through the ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/26/ncls-ultimate-touring-takes-freestyle-shore-excursions-to-the-next-level/ Innovative Fitness Program Debuts This Week Fleetwide; Makes Exercise Fun for the Whole Family SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 24, 2008) -- After the much-anticipated Wii Fit system debuted across the country last month, Princess unveils this fitness innovation at sea this week after shipboard staff completed special onboard trainings with Nintendo ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/24/princess-passengers-are-first-cruisers-to-experience-nintendos-hugely-popular-wii-fit-game-system/ Ship Opens For Sale September 3, 2008: Maiden Voyage Set for December 12, 2009 MIAMI, - With the astounding array of choices and amenities being introduced on Royal Caribbean International's next generation of cruise ships, vacationers will be hard-pressed to find another experience as spectacular as what they will enjoy on Oasis ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/23/royal-caribbean-announces-oasis-of-the-seas-itineraries/ Chic, upscale and one-of-a-kind experiences inspired by the nightlife capitals of the world - South Beach, Ibiza, the Riviera, and, of course, Vegas Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has revealed its vision for the future of nighttime experiences at sea designed specifically for its two next generation of Freestyle Cruising ships, ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/20/ncl-redefines-nightlife-at-sea-reveals-hottest-clubs-on-its-new-ships-f3/