New York’s Central Park in
the Fall Season
2010 Fall Foliage Cruises
From New York
By
PW Mooney
Several major cruise lines are offering foliage cruises from
the greater New York area to the Canadian Maritimes and New England. Space is
still available on the cruises which range from five- to 14-day-or-longer
cruises that depart from one of three cruise areas in the New York/New Jersey
area.
In New York there are two terminals: The Manhattan Terminal
is located on the west side of Manhattan between 48th and 52
streets. The Brooklyn Terminal is situated in Red Hook, Brooklyn. And across
the Narrows, in Bayonne New Jersey, is the Cape Liberty Terminal.
No matter which terminal passengers leave from, the New
York/New Jersey metro area is easy to reach by train, bus or auto, thus
eliminating the need for air travel—unless you take a one-way cruise.
So here’s a rundown of the cruise lines and scheduled
voyages for September and October 2010--the height of the Fall foliage season
in the Northeast.
Carnival Cruise
Lines
Website: www.carnival.com
Terminal: Manhattan
Ship: Carnival Glory
Departs Sunday, September 2, 2010 (four days; roundtrip)
Itinerary: New York; Day At Sea; Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada;
At Sea; New York
Fares from $279
Ship: Carnival Glory
Departs Monday, September 6,2010 (five days; roundtrip)
Itinerary: New York; Day At Sea; Halifax, Nova Scotia,
Canada; Saint John, Newfoundland; At Sea; New York
Fares from $339
****
Celebrity Cruises
Website: www.celebritycruises.com
Terminal: Cape Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey
Ship: Celebrity Summit
Departs September 12; September 26; October 10, 2010 (14 nights)
Itinerary: Cape Liberty; Newport, Rhode Island; At Sea; Boston;
Portland, Maine; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; At Sea; Quebec City,
P.Q; At Sea; Charlottetown, P.E.I.; Two Days at Sea;
Cape Liberty.
Fares from $1099
****
Costa Cruises
Website: www.costacruise.com
Terminal: Manhattan
Ship: Costa Atlantica
Departs September 21*; October 14, 2010** (12 days—one way)
Itinerary includes the following Canadian and US ports: New
York; Quebec City; Saguenay; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney, Nova
Scotia; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston; Newport, Rhode Island
Fares from $739
*Note: There is a
return cruise departing October 2 from Quebec City to New York, revisiting the
previously listed ports.
**Note: There is a
return cruise departing October 24 from Quebec City to New York that arrives
October 31, revisiting previously listed ports. This cruise terminates in Fort
Lauderdale, visiting Bermuda and Port Canaveral along the way.
Crystal Cruises
Website: www.crystalcruises.com
Terminal: Manhattan
Ship: Crystal Symphony
Departs: September 19, 2010 (11 days; one way*)
Itinerary: New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston,
Massachusetts; Bar Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New, Brunswick; Halifax, Nova
Scotia; Québec City, P.Q.;
Montréal, P.Q.
Fares from $4,490
NOTE: This cruise can
be combined with a 25-day cruise that leaves England (Dover) on September 5
visiting Dublin, Ireland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Nuuk, Greenland; and Halifax,
Nova Scotia before arriving in New York on the 19th for an overnight
stay and then continuing on to Montreal.
* A return cruise from
Montreal, P.Q. to New York departs September 30 and visits the above ports in
reverse order before arriving in New York October 11.
Ship: Crystal Symphony
Departs: October 11, 2010 (11 days; one way*)
Fares from: $4,490
Itinerary: New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Bar
Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; Québec City,
P.Q.; Montreal, P.Q.
*A return cruise on October 22 from Montreal, P.Q. to New York visits
the ports of Halifax, Saint John, NB; Portland, Boston (overnight) and Newport
and arrives in New York November 2. Fares
from $4,275
*****
Cunard
Website: www.cunard.com
Terminal: Brooklyn
Ship: Queen Mary 2
Departs September 3, 2010 (10 days)
Itinerary: New York, Newport, R.I.; Boston; Bar Harbor,
Maine, Halifax, Sea Day; Quebec City, P.Q; two Sea Days; New York.
Fares from $1,099
Note: This cruise may
be combined with a six-day transatlantic crossing that arrives in Southampton,
England on September 17. Fares from $3,640
Ship: Queen Mary 2
Departs October 7, 2010 (six days)
Itinerary: New York; At Sea; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax,
Nova Scotia; At Sea; New York
Fares from: $695
Ship: Queen Mary 2
Departs: October 25, 2010 (eight days)
Itinerary: New York, Newport, R.I.; Boston; Bar Harbor,
Maine; St. John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; At Sea; New York
Fares from $995
Note: This cruise can
be combined with a transatlantic crossing from Southampton, England on October
19, 2010. Fares from $2,490. Or,
this cruise can be combined with a transatlantic crossing departing Southampton
on October 19 and returning to Southampton November 9. Fares from $3,685.
*****
Holland America
Website: www.hollandamerica.com
Terminal: Manhattan
Ship: ms Eurodam
Departs September 6, and September 26, 2010
Itinerary: New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Gloucester,
Massachusetts; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia;
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Saguenay, P.Q.; Saguenay Fjord, P.Q.; Quebec
City, P.Q
Note: There is a
longer one-way cruise departing Quebec City September 26 that bypasses New York
enroute to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
*****
MSC Cruises
Website: www.msccruises.com or http://www.msccruisesusa.com
Terminal: Manhattan
Ship: MSC Poesia
Departs: September 22, 2010 (11 days)
Itinerary: New York, At Sea; Sydney, New Brunswick;
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; At Sea; Quebec City, P.Q; At Sea; Halifax,
Nova Scotia; At Sea; Newport, Rhode Island; New York
Fares from $999
Ship: MSC Poesia
Departs: October 2, 2010 (eight days—one way)
Itinerary: New York; At Sea; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown,
Prince Edward Island; Corner Brook, P.Q; At Sea; Quebec City, P.Q (overnight)
Fares from $699
Note: There is a return cruise to New York
from Quebec City that visits the ports of
Sydney, New Brunswick;
Bar Harbor, Maine, Boston, Newport, Rhode Island This cruise can be combined
with the New York to Quebec City cruise for 16-day cruise.
Ship: MSC Poesia
Departs October 16, 2010 (eight days--one way)
Itinerary: New York, Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, New
Brunswick; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Quebec City, P.Q
Fares from $719
Note: There is a nine-day return cruise from
Quebec City on October 23 that visits the ports of Sydney, Boston, Newport,
Rhode Island; New York (overnight) before continuing to Port Everglades,
Florida. This cruise can be combined with the October 9 New York to Quebec City
and passengers can either book a return to New York or Port Everglades.
*****
Norwegian Cruise
Line (NCL)
Website: www.ncl.com
Terminal: Manhattan
Ship: Norwegian Dawn
Departs: September 12, September 19, September 26; October
3, 2010 (seven days)
Itinerary: New York, At Sea; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint
John (Bay of Fundy), Newfoundland; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston; Newport, Rhode
Island; New York
Fares from $ $699
Ship: Norwegian Jewel
Departs: September 17, September 24; October 1, October 8,
2010 (seven days)
Itinerary: New York, At Sea; Sydney, Cape Breton; Halifax,
Nova Scotia; Saint John (Bay of Fundy) Newfoundland; Portland, Maine; At Sea; New
York
Fares from $709
Ship: Norwegian Jewel
Departs: September 11, September 21, 2010 (ten days)
Itinerary: New York; Newport, R.I.; At Sea; Halifax, NS; At
Sea; Quebec City, P.Q.; At Sea; Corner Brook, Sydney, Cape Breton; At Sea; New
York
Fares from: $1119
Ship: Norwegian Jewel
Departs: October 1, 2010 (nine days)
Itinerary: New York; At Sea; Boston; Saint John (Bay of
Fundy), Newfoundland; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Cape Breton; Charlottetown,
Prince Edward Island: At Sea; Newport, Rhode Island; New York
Fares from $2,719 for Suites category; all other categories
sold out
*****
Princess Cruises
Website: www.princess.com
Terminal: Brooklyn
Ship: Caribbean Princess
Departs: August 28; September 4; September 11 September 18;
October 2; October 9; October 16, 2010 (seven days)
Itinerary: New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Bar
Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; At Sea; New
York
Fares from $699
Ship: Crown Princess
Departs: September 17, 2010 (11 days—one way)
Itinerary: New York; New London, Connecticut (for Mystic
Seaport); Boston; Bar Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova
Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia;
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; At Sea; Quebec City,
P.Q. (overnight)
Fares from $899
Note: There is a
return ten-day cruise to New York departing September 27 from Quebec City. Cruises
can be combined.
Ship: Crown Princess
Departs: October 7, 2010 (11 days—one way)
Itinerary: New York; Newport, Rhode Island; New London,
Connecticut; Portland, Maine; Boston; Saint Jon, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova
Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; At Sea; Quebec City, P.Q. (overnight)
Fares from $899
Note: There is a 13-day
return cruise from Quebec City departing October 17 to similar ports of call except
for a stop in Newport instead of New London and stop at Ville Saguenay, in
Quebec. The cruise ship arrives in New York October 25 and then continues on
for another five days to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with port visits at Norfolk
and Charleston and two days at sea along the way. Cruises can be combined.
*****
Royal Caribbean
International
Website: www.royalcaribbean.com
Terminal: Cape Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey
Ship: Explorer Of The
Seas
Departs: September 2, September 16, September 30, 2010 (ten days)
Itinerary: Cape Liberty, New Jersey; Portland, Maine; Bar
Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick;| Halifax, Nova Scotia; At Sea; Boston;
At Sea; Cape Liberty
Fares from $749
Ship: Explorer of the
Seas
Departs: October
14, 2010 (ten days)
Itinerary: Cape Liberty; At Sea; Portland, Maine; Bar
Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; At Sea; Boston,
At Sea; Cape Liberty
Fares from $919
*****
Silversea Cruise
Line
Website: www.silversea.com
Terminal: Manhattan
Ship: Silver Whisper
Departs: September 14; (ten days—one way)
Itinerary: New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Transit Cape Cod
Canal; Boston
Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova
Scotia;
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Cruise St. Laurence
River; Quebec City, P.Q; Montreal, P.Q.
Fares from $5,662
NOTE: A return trip
from Montreal to New York departs September 24 with a slightly modified
itinerary, and arrives in New York on October 4.
Ship: Silver Whisper
Departs: October 4, 2010 (ten days)
Itinerary: New York; Day At Sea; Halifax, Nova Scotia;
Sydney, Nova Scotia. Day At Sea; Saint John, New Brunswick; Bar Harbor, Maine;
Portland, Maine; Boston; Transit Cape Cod Canal; Newport, Rhode Island; New
York
Fares from $5,662
*****
Editor’s note: Please
check with your travel agent or the cruise line to confirm the information listed
and the latest cruise fares.
Reprise For SS United States?
Festive Naming For
The Norwegian Epic In New York
On July 2, a
picture-perfect day in the city, NCL's newest ship, the 153,000-ton Norwegian Epic was christened in New
York by the ship's godmother, country music superstar Reba McEntire. The entertainment extravaganza, hosted
by comedian and Curb Your Enthusiasm star Jeff Garlin, included in-ship televised
performances by the ship's world-class entertainers including Blue Man Group;
Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner; Legends in Concert performers Madonna, Elvis and
Tina Turner; Second City® Comedy Troupe; Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos. “I am
deeply proud of our company today," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's
chief executive officer. “To me,
this ship is truly epic in every sense of the word: she is grand, she is luxurious. And she will also carry lucky guests on the adventure of
their lives."
The hour-long event was simulcast in venues throughout the
ship to allow maximum viewing opportunities and culminated with McEntire
pushing the button (photo) that would crack the bottle against the bow to
christen the ship. “Like any proud
godmother, I could go on for a while about how wonderful Norwegian Epic is,"
said McEntire during the ceremony. “The incredible entertainment options, the fabulous
restaurants, the plush accommodations, the way it takes Freestyle Cruising to
the next level. It gives me the
biggest thrill to christen this beautiful ship."
The ship, which was docked at Pier 88 at the Manhattan
Cruise Terminal left on a two-day preview cruise. Returning on July 4, Epic was
the venue for the NBC-televised entertainment for the Macy's 4th of July
Fireworks® Spectacular on Manhattan's West Side. For more information on how
the ship sized up, click shipsandcruises' First Look
at the Norwegian Epic review.
Philadelphia Philanthropist
Donates Money To Save SS United States
The prognosis is good that the venerated SS United States
may be saved from the ship breakers. In a major development in the effort to
save the legendary American ocean
liner SS United States from destruction,
the SS United States Conservancy announced a donation by Philadelphia
philanthropist H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest of up to $5.8 million. The funds will be
used to purchase the vessel from its current owner, Norwegian Cruise
Line/Genting Hong Kong and maintain the ship in its current berth for up to 20
months, while redevelopment and refurbishment plans are solidified.
The Lenfest donation has enabled the Conservancy to enter
into an exclusive purchase option agreement with Norwegian/Genting. Funds will
be allocated at a future date to complete a title transfer of the vessel to the
Conservancy once necessary authorizations have been obtained. “We are thrilled
that the SS United States has received a new lease on life. This is a
game-changer in our work to save this irreplaceable American icon," said
Conservancy Board President Susan Gibbs, granddaughter of the vessel's
designer, William Francis Gibbs. “Mr. Lenfest's vision and generosity give us a
fighting chance to preserve the SS United States for generations to come. We
also want to recognize the support of Norwegian/Genting. They first listed the
ship for sale in early 2009 and turned down higher offers to partner with us in
this patriotic effort."
The SS United States has had a variety of owners since being
removed from service in 1969. Still the holder of the Blue Riband (the
transatlantic speed award), set 58 years ago on her maiden voyage from New York
to England, she is widely considered the greatest ocean liner ever built. She
was also a secret weapon during the Cold War, able to be converted to a troop
ship capable of carrying an army division 10,000 miles without refueling or
replenishment. The ship became an icon of her era, transporting four American
presidents and other heads of state, military and business leaders, and
countless celebrities. She also brought many immigrants to America. The ship
was purchased in 2003 by NCL/Star Cruises (now Genting) with plans to be
returned to ocean-going service. Bids from scrappers were accepted in February
2010.
“The Conservancy's exclusive purchase option with
Norwegian/Genting will expire in February 2011. Once the title transfer occurs,
the Lenfest donation provides the Conservancy with 20 months in which to begin
the process of development. The Conservancy plans to establish a public-private
partnership to own and operate the ship as a multi-purpose stationary
attraction.
There have been reports that New York may be interested in
bringing the ship to the city. Other reports have the ship being docked on the
Delaware River as part of the Philadelphia waterfront. "We are reaching
out to potential partners in Philadelphia, New York, and beyond as we begin
laying the groundwork for the SS United States' next chapter," said Gibbs. “The
ship offers some 550,000 square feet of space to develop, and her interiors can
be configured in a variety of ways. We are putting together plans for a
self-sustaining mixed-use complex with restaurant, retail, entertainment, and
museum offerings. She has the potential to be a dazzling and dynamic waterfront
attraction. The SS United States was an American original and we'll pay tribute
to the ship's extraordinary history as we redevelop her for a new era."
In conjunction with entering into the exclusive sales
option, the Conservancy will develop enhanced capabilities and resources,
including new office space in Philadelphia and New York, an expanded board of
directors and new “Blue Riband Council" of influential Americans, as well as an
Advisory Council of maritime experts and individuals with close ties to the SS
United States. “It's really a testament to the commitment of the entire
community of SS United States supporters that we've been able to gain significant
traction in our efforts, but let's be very clear, we are not out of the woods
yet," said Conservancy Executive Director Dan McSweeney. “Mr. Lenfest's
donation has allowed us to triage the SS United States. Now comes the very
challenging work of solidifying plans in New York or Philadelphia and that will
take significant capital and operating funds. This is very far from the end of
the story."
About the SS United
States Conservancy: The SS United States Conservancy is a national nonprofit
organization incorporated in Washington, DC. It works to preserve America's
national flagship, the legendary ocean liner SS United States, and to advocate
for a dignified future for this historic passenger ship while educating the
American public about her significance.
Website: http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/SSUS/Home.html
The MS Hanseatic seen docked at Pier 90 in Manhattan
Hapag-Lloyd's MS Hanseatic Pays A Visit To New York
By PW Mooney
In late May, the MS Hanseatic paid a port call on New York
City as part of her East Coast cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Halifax and
shipsandcruises was invited to visit the ship while she was in port. The
Hanseatic is considered by many as a five-star expedition ship, combining the
adventure of global expedition and study cruises in luxe comfort. The ship
categorized is ice class (E-4) for passenger ships—the highest category
for ships entering Arctic and Antarctica waters. The ship's shallow draft allows
her to sail on the Amazon and other major rivers. Trips with the ships own
Zodiacs and talks about the destinations by renowned experts are among the
highlights of the cruise program.
Lifestyle on board the Hanseatic . . .
To put it simply, a sense of well being. There's plenty of
space onboard for a ship carrying 184 passengers with a crew ratio of 1.5 crew
for each guest. The ship was designed to provide an intensive expedition experience
within highly appointed surroundings for its passengers. And because of her
size, guests on board can explore inner coves and remote areas in which zodiacs
(motorized rafts) can 
only
explore. There are 14 versatile zodiacs (motorized inflatable boats) to allow navigation
close to natural habits and to make shore landings in complete safety.
Along with access to natural areas, a team of experienced
expedition leaders, scientists and specialists accompany guests on their
excursions. The experts also offer guests films and lectures prior to visiting
an area and post-excursions recaps with seminars. Rubber boots and parkas are
available for passengers to use when walking on land, such as in the Galapagos,
and cubbyholes are provided guests to store their walking gear.
The ship's cabins are all ocean view and there are no inside
cabins. The 88 ocean-view cabins measure 237 square feet in area and four deluxe
suites are 474 square feet in area. The standard cabins come with a
living/sleeping area, shower bath, complimentary TV in-ship network with private
email at no charge, movies on demand, satellite radio and cruise information
and a minibar. Suites have full bath and 24-hour butler service. There are two
cabins that are handicapped accessible.
The ship has one formal dining room—the Marco Polo;
and the Columbus Lounge, services buffet-style breakfast and lunch and themed
dinners often with regional cuisine of the area the ship is in.
At the stern is the lovely Observation Lounge with a wall of
windows looking out to the sea. It also doubles as the Library. There is a
movie/lecture theatre where lectures are held and which can also be relayed to
the stateroom TVs.
Access to the Internet is available in the Business Center
at an additional charge. For recreational time, there is a pool, sauna,
whirlpool and a fitness center. Massages are available as well for a fee.
Since the ship is small, occasional visits to the Bridge,
usually forbidden on larger ships, are welcomed at certain times when the ship
is sailing in calm, international waters.
On first look, the Hanseatic boasts a warmth to her and a
feeling of camaraderie not found on most of the larger vessels. It is not a
vessel in which to party but one to increase one's knowledge and understanding
of the world we live in.
Overall . . .
From my brief tour and lunch on board, I found the ship to
be what she promotes to be—luxury amid intellectual pursuits with nature
and the environment, and a whole lot more. While some of the cruises are for
the German trade, a growing number of international cruises are bilingual.
Hapag-Lloyd is an active member of the International
Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, a voluntary union of Antarctic tour
operators that have agreed to promote ecologically sustainable tourism in the
Antarctic This year, the International Maritime Organization adopted a ban on
the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil for ships sailing Antarctica as of
August 2011, which means most large cruise sips will no longer be able to sail
in Antarctica. Since the Hanseatic and her sister ship MS Bremen, have always
used diesel fuel, the newest waste disposal system (rubbish incinerator and
biological sewage treatment plant on board) and underwater paints (TBT free) that
are environmentally friendly, both ships will be able to continue in this area.
“We support all changes to current regulations if they are geared towards
protecting and conserving Antarctica, says Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director
of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Our expeditions are about leaving the environment
intact."
Where the ship is sailing . . .
Currently the ship is sailing in the northern reaches of
Europe and Canada. In August the Hanseatic will operate a Northwest Passage
itinerary, departing Kangerlussaq, Greenland on August 16, 2010 for a 24-day
voyage along Greenland and near the Arctic Circle, and ending in Nome, Alaska
on September 9. It is the most famous sea route in the world, and has been both
a myth and challenge for centuries.
The Hanseatic then traverses to the Pacific (Japan, Bali,
South Pacific) for a fall season of cruises before transiting to South America
and the resumption of cruises in the Antarctic and on the Amazon River.
Website: www.hl-cruises.com
5/30/2010
**********
Photo Gallery
Ship
Statistics
Gross tonnage: 8,378
Entered service: March
1993
Shipyard Rauma
Repola (Finland)
Length 122.80
meters
Beam: 18
meters
Draught: 4.92
meters
Total performance: 2
x 2,940 kW
Speed: 16
knots
Stabilizers Yes
Highest ice class for passenger ships E4
Passenger decks: 6
Passenger capacity: 184
Cabins or suites: 88/4
((all outside))
Crew: 125
Language on board: German
(English on certain international cruises)
Zodiacs (motor-powered rigid inflatable boats) 14
Tender (200 seats) 4
Environmental protection systems: Own incinerators
Full biological sewage treatment system
Hospital: Yes
Smoking: In certain designated areas in the public lounges
and decks.
CDC Sanitary rating: 92
Registry: The Bahamas
Silversea Spirit
Makes A Port Call To New York
In late April Silversea's new vessel Silversea Spirit paid a two-day port call to New
York, seen
here docked at Manhattan's Westside Piers. The handsome ship at 36,000 tons,
and accommodating just 540 guests boasts the largest suites in the Silversea
fleet -- with 95 percent featuring a private veranda. The interior decor lends
a sophisticated 1930s Art Deco ambience to the public spaces with rich wood
paneling and richly appointed, color coordinated furnishings.
There is an indoor/outdoor spa measuring over 8,300 square
feet (770 square meters), a resort-style pool, four whirlpools, and a nicely
appointed Fitness Center.
There's a choice of six dining venues on
board. The 460-seat Restaurant, the main dining room with open seating, offers
superior fare from menus designed by Relais & Chateaux chefs. Innovative
cuisine can be found at the intimate Seishin, showcasing an Asian-fusion menu
with sake pairings and seating only 28 guests. There is a fee for dining here
ranging from $30 to $200 per person depending on the menu chosen. The larger, innovative
Stars Supper Club (photo) offers light cuisine, trend-setting menus and
all-night entertainment at no extra charge. Buffet dining is offered at La
Terrazza on Deck 7 during the day but at night the venue transforms into an
Italian restaurant.
The Pool Grill on Pool Deck offers informal dining en plein
air during the day but at night diners will enjoy their choice of meat or fish
served on hot lava rocks that retains the heat for 45 minutes or so.
Reservations are required but there is no fee. Le Champagne Wine Restaurant by
Relais & Chateaux offers sophisticated six-course dining with wine pairings
for a fee.
Unless specified, table wines and beverages are included in
the cruise rate as are gratuities.
All the public rooms are located midship to aft with the
exception of the Observation Lounge that is located forward high up on Deck 12,
equipped with a radar screen for ship positioning, binoculars, astronomical
maps, and lots of reference books. One deck above the Lounge is the Observation
Deck that affords guests panoramic views.
Other public areas onboard include a Casino, a Show Lounge,
a Library/Internet Center , and a Humidor for cigar aficionados. The ship is
100 percent Wi-Fi-ed.
There are 270 ocean-view suites ranging in size from 312 to
1,668 square feet, of which. 95 percent of the suites feature private teak
balconies. The accommodations are richly appointed with butler service, Italian
marble full bathrooms and a choice of pillows, plush robes and slippers, Wi-Fi
and cellular service. Laundrettes are located on each deck.
From my brief visit, I would say that Silversea retains its
reputation for richly appointed travel that is found on the Line's four other
smaller ships—with delicious cuisine, lovely staterooms, and a refinement
in service that is hard to beat. –PW
Mooney
*************************
NCL's Epic Host Venue
For Macy's Fourth Of July Fireworks Event
Norwegian Cruise Line and Macy's have announced that
Norwegian Epic, will be the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July
Fireworks event taking place on July 4, 2010. The event includes a national, one-hour, star-studded
entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 pm local time. and takes place
on board Norwegian Epic where invited guests will have a front row view of the
fireworks display. National coverage of the event on NBC-TV begins at 9 pm
Eastern daylight savings time.
The expansive ship – the length of more than three football
fields -- will provide multiple vantage points to view the largest and most
spectacular fireworks display in the nation. ‘We're thrilled to be partnering with Macy's to host their
34th Annual 4th of July Fireworks," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise
Line's chief executive officer. "This is the biggest and most spectacular fireworks display in the
nation. What better way to salute
Norwegian Epic than to host such an epic event on board. It will be an amazing finale to our
inaugural festivities in New York and something we're sure we'll never
forget."
In addition to hosting the Macy's Fireworks broadcast on
board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line is partnering with Macy's to offer
a Norwegian Epic Vacation Getaway Cruise for four on board the ship as part of
a national sweepstakes.
Viewing information, spectator tips and fireworks event
sweepstakes information will be available as of June 2010 at www.macys.com/fireworks
or by calling the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Hotline at (212) 494-4495.
Prestige Yacht
Charters opens 2010 Season With Corporate/Wedding Packages
Prestige Yacht Charters, a premier luxury-yacht charter
company serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, today announced its
kickoff of the 2010 season with corporate and wedding packages designed to
encourage business groups and promote special occasions. Reduced rates are
available for ships reserved in April.
Corporate packages include the latest A/V facilities and
related support for presentations, lectures and negotiations. The wedding
package offers a champagne reception, 30-minute on-board ceremony and a
three-level wedding cake. All voyagers can choose four-star, gourmet cuisine of
any style and a variety of entertainment options during a three-hour yacht
cruise.
David Hackert, President of Prestige Yacht Charters, said,
"It's always a pleasure to celebrate the spring by offering new people the
special aura of a private yacht. Going out on the water creates a relaxing and
transformative effect for almost any event, and our yachts let you travel in a
style once reserved for the rich and famous."
Hackert went on to describe other features available in his
spring packages, including an open bar, live bands, DJs, caricaturists or even
a casino. Experts assist corporate clients or wedding couples with event
planning to ensure an unforgettable occasion. The company is also accepting
reservations for New York City's July Fourth fireworks extravaganza, with
select yachts available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Prestige offers more than 20 yachts, accommodating from 2 to
1,200 occupants, departing from several different locations in New York City,
New Jersey and Connecticut. Ship profiles and interior spaces can be reviewed
at www.prestigeyachtcharters.com.
All ships are climate-controlled with both outdoor areas and enclosed decks in
case of inclement weather.
New Economic Study
Shows Clout Of Cruise Passenger Spending In New York
A new study conducted by the NYCruise Economic Impact Study
was released this month for the period August to December 2009 when passengers
and crew spent an estimated $93.8m in New York. The survey showed that an
average daily passenger spent $174.18 and average crew spent of $270, the
highest among US ports and more than twice the national average. The figures,
part of a 2009 economic impact study by Business Research & Economic
Advisors (BREA), are ‘very surprising' in many respects, according to Tom
Spina, cruise operations director for NYCruise, which represents the Manhattan
and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals..
The amount of spending in 2009, a weak cruise year, and the
considerable spending even by drive-in passengers, were eye-openers, Spina
said.
Some of the report's highlights:
--A sizable 42% of passengers spent one or more nights in
New York, a high figure considering that 35% of passengers are sourced in the
tri-state area.
-- The large number of stay-over cruisers shows New York is
a draw in and of itself, according to BREA's Andy Moody, who said that outside
of Honolulu, no other US embarkation port sees so many passengers booking
two-night stays ashore.
-- Those staying two nights averaged total spending of
$448.73 — the highest in the country and almost double the national average
for overnights in other US port cities. Of that, $245 went to lodging and $72
to food and beverages.
-- Almost half the passengers embarking ships in Manhattan
and Brooklyn are from other parts of the US and 17% are from abroad, triple the
figure of other US embarkation ports.
In 2009, New York handled 181 cruise calls and more than
866,000 passenger movements. Some 195 calls are expected in 2010 and already
220 calls are booked for 2011. Spina said 21% of passengers were visiting New
York for the first time, showing that cruise is generating tourism for the
city, which in recent years poured $250 million in terminal and berth upgrades
in Manhattan and a new terminal in Brooklyn. That investment is paying off,
according to Spina.
The study found 95% of passengers were satisfied with their
overall visit, with more 81% were happy with the terminal facilities — a
significant increase from the 1960's figure of a previous study. With terminal
upgrades now completed, Spina expects that satisfaction figure to rise. The
full report can be found at www.nycruise.com.
