http://www.blogtravel4u.com Your onestop place for Travel News Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:28:03 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 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/ Revolutionary Design Creates Boardwalk with AquaTheater, Sky-lit Royal Promenade and Unique Loft Accommodations  Miami, Steeped in a philosophy that innovation and imagination contribute to a remarkable cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean has once again raised the bar with the announcement of the latest amenities on its newest ship, Oasis of the Seas. Launching ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/19/innovation-and-imagination-are-cornerstones-of-the-neighborhood-onboard-royal-caribbeans-oasis-of-the-seas/ LOS ANGELES, - Crystal Cruises, winner of the industry's most distinguished awards, has announced its 2009 Value Collection sailings, allowing savvy luxury travelers the opportunity to plan ahead and realize extraordinary savings of up to 50% off regular cruise fares aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. With the launch of each new ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/18/crystal-2009-value-collection-%e2%80%93-broad-savings-broad-range-of-cruises/ LOS ANGELES, - Due to high demand, Crystal Cruises is increasing the number of luxurious Penthouse accommodations on its award-winning Crystal Serenity. During a two-week dry dock beginning November 12, the luxury line is converting 12 category AA Deluxe Staterooms with Verandahs on Deck 10 into eight Penthouses. While most cruise ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/18/more-posh-penthouses-planned-for-ultra-luxury-crystal-serenity/ Cruisers on all Holland America Line ships bound for Alaska in 2008 will see and hear about their surroundings from an expert - an Alaskan Travel Guide. New this year are Alaska Native Travel Guides on Glacier Bay-bound ships. Through a partnership with Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Native guides will be on ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/17/see-alaska-through-the-eyes-of-a-native-holland-america-line-ships-feature-travel-guides/   There has never been a better time to enjoy one of Trafalgar's 2008 and 2009 expertly designed European travel experiences. With hotel, food, transportation and attraction costs at an all time high due to the exchange rate, Trafalgar's significant buying power and long-standing supplier relationships has allowed us to negotiate ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/17/even-though-the-cost-of-oil-is-high-the-dollar-is-low-and-prices-are-rising-there-has-never-been-a-better-time-to-book-a-trafalgar-2008-and-2009-european-vacation-than-now/ Miami - From Italian "slow food" and Slovenian salt to the French vineyards of Sauternes and Graves, Azamara Cruises’ slate of culinary-themed shore excursions offer travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness of Europe's culture. Azamara also has begun offering packaged shore excursions on certain itineraries. This summer and fall, ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/16/azamara-cruises-invites-travelers-to-savor-the-tastes-of-europe/ A new era in expedition cruising began this morning when Silversea Cruises' eagerly anticipated Prince Albert II sailed under the landmark Tower Bridge to welcome her first guests aboard. In a display of the importance of this special event, all officers and crew stood on the bow of the vessel as ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/14/silversea-cruises-new-expedition-ship-prince-albert-ii-sails-under-tower-bridge-to-startinaugural-voyage-from-london/ LOS ANGELES - Crystal Cruises is unveiling its largest ever family and multigenerational group promotion, 'Crystal Memories,' which is valid on virtually all the line's 2009 itineraries. The promotion, which was first introduced this year as 'Mediterranean Memories' on select 2008 Mediterranean sailings, has been expanded fleet wide as Crystal ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/13/new-crystal-memories%e2%80%99-plan-available-on-2009-sailings/ Miami, FL,  – Oceania Cruises has revised the itinerary for Nautica’s November 18, 2008 “Odyssey to Asia”. Previously scheduled to spend three days in Yangon, Myanmar, the new itinerary now features added overnights in Dubai and Bombay, and has added port calls in Goa and Mangalore in India along with ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/12/oceania-cruises-removes-myanmar-from-nauticas-odyssey-to-asia/ (Chatsworth, CA) Amadeus Waterways has changed its name to AMA Waterways. The award-winning European river cruise line has taken this step to align the company’s name with its highly-rated fleet of “AMA” vessels operating on the Continent’s legendary rivers. Beginning with the 2006 launch of the MS Amadagio, the line ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/11/amadeus-waterways-becomes-ama-waterways/ Princess Adds 110 New Shore Excursion Options in Europe This Summer New Choices Feature Personalized Experiences and Self-Guided Walking Tours; Plus Fresh Adventures Such as Exploring the Rooftops of Stockholm or Going on a Treasure Hunt SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 10, 2008) - This summer Princess passengers in Europe have 110 ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/11/princess-adds-110-new-shore-excursion-options-in-europe-this-summer/ Throughout the month of June, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will be participating in the Make-A-Wish Foundation's "Destination Joy" fundraising campaign, allowing guests onboard Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises ships to make donations to the Foundation. All funds raised will be given to the Make-A-Wish Foundation so they ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/10/royal-caribbean-cruises-ltd-sets-sail-to-destination-joy-a-fundraising-partnership-with-the-make-a-wish-foundation/ (Monaco -- June 3, 2008)   In the heart of Monte Carlo's harbor this morning, the expedition ship Prince Albert II officially joined the Silversea fleet during a naming ceremony in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.  As in the time-honored tradition, the dedication included a blessing of ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/09/silverseas-new-expedition-ship-is-dedicated-by-hsh-prince-albert-ii-in-monaco/ As oil prices have continued to rise since NCL's earlier announcement of a fuel supplement, the company announced today an increase to its current fuel supplement. The new fuel supplement will be $11 per person per day for the first and second guests in a stateroom and $5 per person ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/05/ncl-makes-adjustment-to-fuel-supplement/ Carnival Cruise Lines, the world?s largest cruise operator, will launch the first year-round cruise program from the Port of Baltimore with seven-day cruises aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride beginning in fall 2009. The new program kicks off September 13, 2009, and encompasses two different weeklong itineraries departing Sundays from the historic ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/05/carnival-cruise-lines-to-introduce-baltimores-first-year-round-cruise-program-in-september-2009/ Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that Norwegian Pearl recently received the Port of San Francisco's Cruise Ship Environmental Award. In 2007, Norwegian Sun was honored with the same award. The Port's program recognizes annually those cruise ships whose on-board environmental systems help decrease air and water pollution. The three categories ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/04/norwegian-pearl-earns-environmental-award-from-port-of-san-francisco/ Los Angeles, CA, - More than two dozen jazz legends and contemporary jazz artists will dazzle music lovers aboard Crystal Cruises 2008 Jazz voyage this fall. With a complement of talent to rival the hottest shore side festivals, Crystal Symphony will depart roundtrip from Los Angeles November 30, 2008, on a ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/04/dozens-of-musicians-jazz-up-crystals-fall-mexican-riviera-cruise/ LOS ANGELES,  - Amidst the news of recent airline service cuts and fare increases, Crystal Cruises is adding comfort and value to its 2009 air program. The luxury line is offering low Business Class air supplements from selected U.S. gateways for all summer Baltic, British Isles and Mediterranean cruises. Upgraded ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/03/crystal-cruises-announces-business-class-air-promotion/ Guests luxuriate in spa-like setting Seattle, May 7, 2008 - Guests on Holland America Line's new ms Eurodam who want to enjoy the outdoors in the comfort of their own private haven will delight in the cabanas on the Observation and Lido decks of the company's first Signature-class ship. The airy, tented ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/02/private-cabanas-offered-on-holland-america-lines-ms-eurodam/ Miami   -    Jun 2, 2008     Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), in partnership with Steiner Transocean, LLC ("Steiner"), announced today that it is the first cruise line to offer BOTOX® Cosmetic, Restylane® and Perlane® facial aesthetic treatments in its Mandara-operated spas. The treatments, which are part of Mandara's medi-spa program, are ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/06/02/norwegian-cruise-line-first-to-offer-botox%c2%ae-cosmetic-and-restylane%c2%ae-treatments-at-sea/ Miami    For its next big reveal of the company’s innovative F3 ships, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will whisk five lucky consumers to an exciting event in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 17, 2008 where more details of the project will be announced. The consumers will be selected at random after having ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/30/five-lucky-cruise-enthusiasts-will-travel-to-las-vegas-for-next-f3-reveal/ Cruise enthusiasts seeking a vacation experience that pairs the delights of a "downunder" vacation with outstanding onboard service need look no further than Celebrity Cruises' third season of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific. In the winter of 2009-2010, Celebrity will offer 14 sailings in the region, visiting a total ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/29/sydney-samoa-surfing-and-scenery-celebrity-cruises-announces-third-season-in-australianew-zealand-hawaii-and-the-south-pacific/ World’s Leading Premium European Tour Operator Offers Sneak Peek of 2009 Collection RYE, NY – Insight Vacations has released their 2009 Premium Europe & Britain Preview. The “Preview” features all of Insight’s 2009 Europe and Eastern Mediterranean departures, including rates. Marc Kazlauskas, President of Insight Vacations stated “Getting a jump start ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/28/insight-vacations-releases-2009-brochure-preview/ Princess Cruises Showcases "The Heart of Alaska" with Unique Video Production Viewers Can Explore "The Great Land" through the Eyes of Diverse Group of Local Residents SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 22, 2008) - "We are so lucky that we have  Alaska... everything is different here - it is all so unique." ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/27/princess-cruises-showcases-the-heart-of-alaska/ Rail Europe is currently offering up to 50% off regular priced one-way full-fare tickets, on all routes of the high-speed Thalys trains, connecting cities in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Thalys tickets can be booked on Rail Europe now through September 17, 2008 for travel through September 30, 2008. Rail Europe’s ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/27/rail-europe-announces-a-new-online-rail-%e2%80%98n-drive-book-%e2%80%98n-win-promotion/ MIAMI, May 23, 2008 - An oasis is commonly defined as a fertile area in an arid region or a place of refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast. Today, Royal Caribbean International adds another use of the term, defining it as the official name for the cruise line's newest and most ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/26/royal-caribbean-selects-oasis-of-the-seas-and-allure-of-the-seas-as-the-names-for-its-project-genesis-ships/ Miami -  When Celebrity Cruises sails its tenth consecutive season in South America next year, the line will celebrate by offering its first-ever Antarctica sailings. The 2,050-guest Celebrity Infinity will sail a total of eight South America sailings in late 2009 and early 2010, calling at 26 ports in 13 ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/21/celebrity-cruises-to-celebrate-a-perfect-10-with-first-antarctica-sailings/ MIAMI, - Dust off those tango shoes, and head to the South American summer in winter 2009-10. Royal Caribbean International today announced nine South America cruises, ranging from 11- to 15-night itineraries, aboard Radiance of the Seas for the ship's second consecutive winter season in the region. As one of the ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/21/royal-caribbean-announces-return-to-south-america-showcasing-grand-cities-glaciers-and-carnival/ Von Trapp's "Sound of Music" Villa in Salzburg will open as a hotel in July of this year. Visitors can sleep in the original Von Trapp bedrooms or get married in the Chapel. The von Trapp family lived in the villa outside Salzburg from 1923 to 1938 before fleeing the Nazi ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/14/von-trapp-familys-salzburg-villa-to-become-hotel/ Classic Warm Weather Escapes Feature Many of Line's Newest Vessels SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 13, 2008) - Princess Cruises has announced a new season of cruises to the sun swept Caribbean and Mexican Riviera. These relaxing, seven- to 14-day voyages offer passengers the opportunity to experience these colorful ports filled with ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/14/princess-announces-schedules-for-2009-10-cruises-to-sunny-caribbean-and-mexican-riviera/ Inspiring Experiences for Women More and more women are choosing to travel with other like-minded women who share their passion for meaningful travel experiences. In response to the growing demand for this kind of travel, Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) is introducing six new journeys this year designed by and for women.     In ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/13/abercrombie-kent-offers-six-new-women%e2%80%99s-interest-themed-programs/ May 1/08  the Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of Aloha finished its Hawaii Island service and headed for its new homeport Miami/Florida. She will be renamed the Norwegian Sky and cruise the Bahamas beginning this summer. Pride of Aloha's departure leaves just one NCL ship, the Pride of America, in Hawaii's inter-island ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/12/pride-of-aloha-finishes-hawaii-sailings/ LOS ANGELES, - For summer 2008, Crystal Cruises has expanded its Jewish Heritage programs in Northern Europe. The luxury line has set five excursions, including a new tour in Berlin that transports guests on a heartrending excursion to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp in Orianenburg, which served as a prototype for all ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/12/jewish-heritage-focus-set-for-new-european-crystal-adventures/ Caribbean Cruise Adventure to Feature Live Interactive Game Shows, Nickelodeon Animation and Voiceover Workshops, Slime Time Live!, Appearances by SpongeBob SquarePants and Stars of iCarly and More NEW YORK-Nickelodeon has assembled seven days of non-stop fun and activities for its first-ever Nickelodeon Family Cruise with Royal Caribbean, which sets sail August ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/09/its-slime-time-on-the-high-seas-as-nickelodeon-announces-activity-schedule-for-nickelodeon-family-cruise-with-royal-caribbean/ New Two-Day Visit Offers Opportunity to Enjoy Both Full Canal Transit and Time to Explore Region Canal Leader Now Offers Three Ways to See Modern Marvel of Engineering SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 6, 2008) - Panama Canal passengers marvel at this dramatic transit through the Canal's locks, but often wish they could ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/08/princess-expands-canal-experience-in-2009-10-with-extra-day-in-panama/ Ship to sail three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas beginning mid-July 2008 with introductory kids sail free promotion      Miami   -    May 6, 2008   ---    NCL Corporation (NCL) announced today that it will reflag and rename Pride of Aloha and launch the ship as Norwegian Sky, offering ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/07/ncl-welcomes-return-of-norwegian-sky-to-miami/ MIAMI, May 05, 2008 - Royal Caribbean International, the industry leader in exciting cruises for families and active vacationers, today announced its 2009-10 Mexican Riviera cruise season. Vacationers can choose from 55 departures, ranging from four- to seven-night Mexico cruises, from the homeports of Los Angeles and San Diego. Guests ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/06/royal-caribbean-announces-2009-10-mexico-cruises-from-los-angeles-and-san-diego/ Loyal Princess Passengers Receive New Launch Discounts Princess Captain's Circle Members Rewarded with Extra Discount for Early Bookings SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 5, 2008) - Loyal Princess passengers who book early to reserve their favorite destination and accommodations can now receive extra savings with the line's new Princess Captain's Circle Launch Savings ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/05/loyal-princess-passengers-receive-new-launch-discounts/ The historic flocks of pigeons, immortalized in every travel photo of Venice's St Marks Square, have now been banned. According to the mayor the pigeons are doing damage to the surrounding Monuments through droppings and by pecking for food inside crevices. Repairing the damage costs every Venice citizen an estimated 250 euro per year. Patrols will fine ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/04/pigeons-banned-from-piazza-san-marco-in-venice/ April 30, 2008 - Royal Caribbean International christened Independence Of The Seas, the third in the famed Freedom Class of Ships, on April 30/08 in Southampton, England. The Independence was christended by Elizabeth Hill, who became the godmother of the ship as result of an open contest. She was chosen because of her contribution ... http://www.blogtravel4u.com/2008/05/01/independence-of-seas-christened/