Dining—and Imbibing--on Queen Elizabeth

Art On HAL's ms Nieuw Amsterdam Celebrates New York's Dutch Heritage

The art and antiques on the 2,160-guest ms Nieuw Amsterdam — Holland America Line's

newest Signature-class ship — celebrate the unique heritage of the Dutch in New York, or New Amsterdam, as it was named by explorer Henry Hudson in the 17th century. Continuing the tradition of the rest of the fleet, Nieuw Amsterdam features art and antiques from traditional Dutch masters and works by contemporary artists. Holland America Line worked with VFD Architects of the Netherlands and Yran & Storbraaten architects of Norway to create a collection to complement the ship's interior design. “At a cost of more than $3 million, we've installed an array of works ranging from glass creations and oil paintings to detailed collages and unique hanging sculptures,” said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs.  “Some pieces celebrate the Dutch Golden Age, while others, such as the spectacular centerpiece in the Atrium, express a contemporary curiosity.”

For guests who wish to view the entire collection, a complimentary self-guided iPod art tour is available at the information desk. The iPod art tour will also be available to download at no charge on Holland America Line's website and on iTunes in early July.

Included in the new collection is a variation on a fleet favorite — the Lido Pool sculpture. Designed by Bjorn Storbraaten, the piece is made of lightweight stone and functions as both a sculpture and an eight-foot-high waterfall that guests can walk through as they enter or leave the pool. Like its sister-sculpture aboard ms Eurodam, the word water is subtly engraved in the stone in 100 languages.

Nieuw Amsterdam showcases its Dutch connection to New York throughout the ship. A focal point on every Holland America Line vessel is the Atrium chandelier. Adorning the ceiling of Nieuw Amsterdam is a piece by husband and wife Italian artists Gilbert LeBigre and Corinne Roger. Famed for their theatrical stage sets and sculptural works, they created an eye-catching abstract sculpture of the New York skyline made from clear translucent blocks that hangs upside-down.

As he has done for the entire Holland America Line fleet, Stephen J. Card, a British artist regarded as one of the finest marine painters working today, created paintings of ships that bear the Nieuw Amsterdam name, both past and present.

Displayed in the mid-ship staircase are four paintings by Dutch artist Vincent Jansen that include symbols and elements related to the history and founding of New York by the Dutch. Just outside the Pinnacle Grill is a contemporary sculpture by Dutch ceramic artist Paula Bastiaansen.  Known throughout the world for its technical excellence and exquisite beauty, her art features porcelain worked into paper-thin, transparent shapes that seem to defy gravity. In the aft staircase and lower Dining Room are a series of paintings by Wessel Huisman, who draws inspiration from old photographs of New York.

In the forward staircase are works by Peruvian artist Marcelo Wong, whose whimsical figures draw their inspiration from the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Although he usually works in stone, the pieces were created in resin to reduce their weight.

The wall opposite the Explorer's Lounge is decorated with a mural by Dutchman Harold Vlugt. This nearly 20-foot-long painting on aluminum depicts the modern skyline of New York with elements from past centuries. All of the buildings are made from small cardboard pictures.

On display in the Piano Bar is the work of famed photographer Ron Galella who worked in New York during the 1960s and ‘70s and captured a series of iconic memories of that cultural period. Also in the area of the Piano Bar is a contemporary ceramic sculpture by Belgian artist Daisy Boman titled “We Will Find a Way,” as well as a wooden camera made by Italian artist Livio De Marchi.

In Club HAL, Nieuw Amsterdam's teens-only area, the New York theme continues with elements reflecting street life — complete with a hotdog stand and an actual New York Checker Cab.

More New York–themed art can be found in the Lido Restaurant and Crow's Nest. Artists Birgitta Ahlin and Sirkka Lehtonen — who created glass panels for Eurodam — also produced work for Nieuw Amsterdam, and sculptor Rick van Rijswick created a piece out of stylized computer keys. There also are some large glass sculptures by Scandinavian artists Ole Lislerud and Lars Widenfalk.

Elsewhere on the ship are contemporary works by celebrated artists such as Andy Warhol, Richard Estes and Roy Lichtenstein, whose pieces symbolizes the artistic vibrancy of New York in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

Built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near Venice, Italy, Nieuw Amsterdam will sail its maiden voyage July 4, 2010. Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands will serve as the ship's godmother. After several 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean where it will sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.

Cunard To Offer Array Of Dining Experiences On Queen Elizabeth

7 June 2010 – Having satisfied the palates of distinguished travelers for the past 170 years, Cunard Line continues this tradition as it announces the fine restaurants and bars aboard the Line's newest ship, Queen Elizabeth, debuting this fall. Guests will be treated to an array of experiences, some of which pay homage to fondly remembered venues on the fleet's predecessors and others that expand upon the successful restaurants and bars currently aboard sister ships, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.

The venues will exhibit art deco flourishes, rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics, gleaming chandeliers and cool marbles, each having a distinct design that enhances the room's purpose and recalls the much loved traditions of Cunard Line. “In planning for the dining and bar options to be offered on board Queen Elizabeth, we looked for inspiration in all the venues that Cunard has created during its history and built upon the best of its offerings,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “With the debut of Queen Elizabeth, Cunard will become one of the oldest names in ocean travel, sailing the industry's youngest fleet, so it is natural for us to recognize our past while always innovating for the future needs of today's discerning traveler.”

Whether guests look to participate in traditional British tea service, meet up with friends for a cocktail, indulge in a sumptuous meal or find a quiet table to enjoy a nightcap, they will find themselves surrounded by elegant décor, treated to Cunard's signature White Star ServiceTM and the finest in food and beverage offerings. Heading the multi-layered culinary programmed is Cunard's renowned Global Culinary Ambassador Jean-Marie Zimmermann, who continues to define the culinary standards for excellence aboard flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and now Queen Elizabeth.

In their day, The Verandah Grills on Queen Mary and the original Queen Elizabeth were perhaps the most exclusive dining rooms at sea, on a par with exclusive private clubs in London, New York and Paris. On the former Queens, The Verandah Grills were available to first-class passengers who wanted a truly exclusive experience. The rooms would be frequented by royalty, film stars, the rich and the famous. With menus created by Chef Zimmermann, The Verandah, located on Deck 2, will be a celebration of fine French cuisine, paying homage to the chef's homeland. A light and elegant room, views of the ocean and the Grand Lobby will set the tone for a distinguished dining experience. The art is inspired by the playful and whimsical murals on the first two Queens and the vintage menus tell a story of the dining experience on board the original Queen Elizabeth.

The dishes served will take guests on a culinary journey through France, evoking the special personality and flavor of regions such as Périgord, Pyrenees, Alsace, Bresse and Burgundy. Sourcing products from the finest purveyors, including many in France, Chef Zimmermann will combine these with the best methods to achieve the quintessential taste experience. Guests can look forward to enjoying culinary masterpieces, such as Monkfish and Rascas Fish Bouillabaisse, Magret Duck, Baked Brie de Meaux Brioche, and Hot Vanilla Soufflé infused with Edmond Briottet Peach Liqueur. The anticipated alternative restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner for a small surcharge.

The restaurants will follow a similar pattern to the award-winning Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, with the Line's celebrated Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants being offered to those guests in Grills suites. Both the Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will be located on top of the ship (Deck 11), enclosed by graceful and gently curving panoramic glass walls on the seaboard sides, and cantilevered out over the side of the vessel above Deck 10. The Grills restaurants will offer a single seating, allowing for guests to enter at a time of their choosing. A la carte menus will be featured in both restaurants, featuring classic dishes Cunarders have come to know well and some new specialties.

The restaurants, although architecturally similar, will be decorated distinctly in an Art Deco fashion to create an individual feel in each dining room. Grills guests also will have exclusive use of their own private bar and lounge, conveniently located next to the Grills restaurants, complete with resident Concierge.

French-style doors will open from each Grills restaurant onto the Courtyard, an exclusive patio area, where al fresco dining will be offered. Steps will lead up to the Grills Terrace, a secluded retreat that is on the ship's uppermost deck, where Grills guests can enjoy luxurious sun beds and dedicated waiter service.

The main dining room, the Britannia Restaurant, is destined to be one of the most remarkable dining rooms at sea, spanning Decks 2 and 3 at the stern of the vessel. Art Deco decorative flourishes create a dramatic backdrop for this two-tiered dining room that is sure to evoke memories of classic ocean liner restaurants. A sweeping staircase, ideal for making a grand entrance, and a backlit decorative ceiling are among the focal points. Breakfast and lunch will be served by open seating and guests have the option of either early or late sitting for dinner.

Like Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth also will offer the Britannia Club, where guests travelling in AA category staterooms will enjoy single-seating dining at a time of their choosing. New for Queen Elizabeth is that this is a separate dining room. The exclusive dining room will be rich with art deco flourishes, a beautiful ceiling with backlit decorative glass panels, a sandblasted decorative glass wall and panoramic windows for sea views.

Open 24 hours a day, The Lido Restaurants on Deck 9 will be light, spacious, casual areas with wonderful sea views. Taking note of the cuisines from the exotic destinations that the Line visits during its legendary World Voyages, the Cunard culinary team presents a range of global dishes. During the day, breakfast and lunch will be served buffet-style. In the evenings, the dining experience is elevated when one of three regional cuisines is highlighted and waiter table service becomes available. Each is offered for a three-day period and include:

-- Asado – The true essence of South American cuisine, Asado will feature the traditional style of cooking meats on a grill. Guests may choose from a selection of dishes from the Rotisserie and Grill, such as Roasted Chimmichuri Chicken and Argentinean Lamb Chops with Pistachio.

-- Aztec – A cut above the rest, featuring fine and authentic regional Mexican cuisine. Aztec will explore the variety of spices and ingredients, which are native to the country. Guests can look forward to appetizing dishes such as Chile Relleno de Espinaca and Banana-Wrapped Snapper Veracruzana.

-- Jasmine – Pan-Asian cuisine, drawing on influences from Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and China. Tantalizing dishes are inspired by the many flavors of the region, producing dishes that range from Aromatic Crispy Duck to Char Siew Pau.

These are available to all guests for a small surcharge of $10 per person. For those seeking a more informal dining option for dinner, a buffet station will remain open.

Nods to Past Queens Provide Familiar Venues for Cocktails and Light Bites

Named after a room on the first Queen Elizabeth and inspired by the glass houses at Kew Gardens, The Garden Lounge will be a palm-filled conservatory with a magnificent vaulted glass ceiling, making it a truly light and airy place to sit by day. Murals of garden parties gracing the walls will lend to the open and whimsical feeling of the room. On select days at sea, the venue, located on Deck 9, will serve Champagne afternoon tea service, featuring Veuve Clicquot Champagne, for a surcharge of $25 per person. Occasional evening “Supper Clubs” will present guests with the opportunity to mix dining with dancing under the stars. Small plates of savories and sweets will be served while live musical entertainment is presented.

As a successor to Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship also will reflect this great liner via artwork and memorabilia and will have its very own Yacht Club, named after the lively aft lounge on QE2. Located on Deck 10, the nautically themed room will offer guests 270-degree views and the perfect setting for activities and gatherings during the day. It also will double as a dramatic evening venue for cocktails and dancing. The Yacht Club will re-create the much-loved ambience and experience that was so appreciated on board QE2 for many years.

The original Queen Elizabeth will be celebrated in the Midships Bar on Deck 3 in a space named after one of the more popular spaces on the original ship. Cabinets will house memorabilia from that liner with artwork reminiscent of the 1930s and 1940s. A piano will provide the perfect opportunity for lively musical evenings in the intimate lounge and – as they did on the original Queen Elizabeth – guests will meet at the end of the day to share the news and happenings of the day.

On Deck 10, guests will find the Commodore Club, a nautically themed observation lounge, similar to that on Queen Victoria. Rich leathers and wood paneling give the feel of a classic private club. Maritime buffs will be treated to models of the entire current fleet, as well as murals depicting the liner and the historic moment when Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria met in Southampton. Providing extensive views over the ship's bow and a host of intimate seating areas, the space is the perfect venue to enjoy a martini, cozy up with a novel or just watch the world float by.

Due to the popularity of Café Carinthia on Queen Victoria, this inviting lounge will return to Queen Elizabeth and offer guests even more space to enjoy conversation and libations. Touting a leaded-glass ceiling, marbles and Art Deco touches, the space will be a beautiful retreat where guests will be able to choose from a selection of sweet pastries, fine teas and coffees. Located in a central position on Deck 2, overlooking the Grand Lobby, the Café is an ideal place for people watching.

The Golden Lion Pub, another Cunard signature, will offer English pub food for lunch in a traditional British pub setting. From fish and chips to shepherd's pie, guests will be able to enjoy a taste of the United Kingdom, no matter where in the world the ship is sailing. They also can select from a variety of ales and catch a sporting event on the plasma screen televisions in Cunard's popular pub, located on Deck 2.

Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room

Queen Elizabeth's two-deck Queens Room ballroom, another Cunard signature feature, is designed for traditional English afternoon tea service, complete with finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones with jam and cream, served by white-gloved waiters. Musicians will play soft melodies, creating a soothing background for this civilized custom that has become a Cunard hallmark. This grand room on Decks 2 and 3 highlights Cunard's royal links and traditions and will have murals inspired by views from royal palaces and a photographic collection of Cunard's Royal ship namings.

Queen Elizabeth will be the second largest Cunarder ever built. The first Queen Elizabeth was one of Cunard's greatest ships, and the new Queen Elizabeth will reflect her predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist.

Queen Elizabeth will depart on her Maiden Voyage on October 12, 2010. This 13-night celebration will leave from the company's homeport, Southampton, and will call at Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (overnight call) and Funchal. She will then embark on five celebratory maiden voyages to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Caribbean. Website: www.cunard.com

 

April, 2010

More on Norwegian Epic

New Magical Experiences Await Guests Aboard the Disney Dream

Newbuild Disney Dream™ is the third ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Boasting 14

decks, a ship length of 1,115 feet and a maximum width of 125 feet, the 128,000-ton vessel will include 1,250 staterooms and has the capacity to comfortably accommodate 4,000 passengers—along with more than 1,458 crew. The imaginative new ship will debut in January 2011.

Disney Cruise Line began construction on the Disney Dream in March 2009 with a steel-cutting ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Constructed as a thematic extension of the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Dream is designed to reflect the glamour of the golden age of cruising during the 1930's.

Its lavish interior design incorporates decorative murals mingle with sparkling fixtures and furnishings. Original paintings, statues and woodwork will be displayed throughout the public areas. In the ships's atrium, guests will see a bronze statue of Admiral Donald—an installment designed by Walt Disney Imagineers to evoke the feeling of fun, adventure and sophistication throughout the ship.

Adding to its impressive list of cruise industry firsts, Disney Cruise Line will combine technology-infused innovations and imagination to create a whole new level of magical experiences. Guests will encounter unexpected magic – such as a restaurant that transports guests under the sea, artwork that magically comes to life and youth clubs filled with immersive gaming environments and personalized character encounters.

Disney Cruise Line partnered with Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative force responsible for designing Disney theme parks and resorts world-wide, to develop new forms of family entertainment for the Disney Dream.  New experiences planned for the Disney Dream include:

French-styled Remy's Restaurant

In an exquisite, top-deck restaurant with incredible ocean views, Disney Cruise Line debuts Remy – its first-ever premier dining option (photo). With French-inspired, gourmet cuisine by two award-winning chefs, Remy melds classic and contemporary styles in a sophisticated new dining concept exclusively for adults on the Disney Dream.

Chef Arnaud Lallement from l'Assiette Champenoise, a Michelin two-star restaurant just outside Reims, France, and Chef Scott Hunnel from award-winning Victoria & Albert's at Walt Disney World Resort, are collaborating to create a French-inspired menu featuring superior products and seasonal ingredients sourced from around the world.

Animator's Palate

For the Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line is re-imagining a fan favorite from the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder – Animator's Palate restaurant. The restaurant design is that of a classic animation studio filled with character sketches, maquettes (three-dimensional character models), paint brushes, colored pencils and other tools of the animation trade.

Scenes and characters from popular Disney•Pixar films will adorn the walls.

Once the dinner service begins, however, the dining room begins a magical transformation as scores of wall-mounted LCD screens switch to scenes of a vivid undersea environment. It's as if the restaurant was transported to the ocean floor and the LCD screens are windows, providing incredible views of a colorful coral reef and creatures that reside on the reef.

While dining, Crush, the surfer-dude sea turtle from Disney•Pixar's “Finding Nemo,” makes a special appearance, swimming around the restaurant and engaging in live impromptu interactions with guests. Crush will ask guests about the experience onboard the ship and in turn answer questions about life under the sea. While Crush is moving throughout the restaurant, other characters from “Finding Nemo,” such as Nemo, Dory, Squirt and Bruce the shark, swim by and visit with guests.

The dining experience culminates with a surfing lesson led by Crush as the EAC (East Australian Current) swirls around the room. As Crush swims away, other characters from “Finding Nemo” make a final appearance before magically turning into pencil sketches.

Interactive Play-floor

For young cruisers, Disney's Oceaneer Club and Disney's Oceaneer Lab will feature an

interactive play-floor, where children can engage in team play exercises where their movements control the action on the interactive floor. In the interactive play-floor, children will be able to explore a wide variety of gaming options with varying levels of difficulty. Disney Cruise Line youth counselors will use the interactive play-floor during storytelling activities where children will be able to fly over the streets of London with Peter Pan or ride the ocean waves with Crush.

Living Characters

Also in Disney's Oceaneer Club and Disney's Oceaneer Lab youth areas, Disney characters come to life and interact with children in one-of-a-kind experiences.  On a 103-inch screen, Crush, the animated sea turtle from the Disney•Pixar motion picture “Finding Nemo,” or the mischievous animated alien Stitch make scheduled appearances to chat, play and joke with kids in live, unrehearsed conversations.

Sometimes using silly props from their digital environments, Crush and Stitch amaze and entertain children during real-time, personalized appearances.

Enchanted Art

Throughout the Disney Dream, guests will encounter Enchanted Art that immerses guests in Disney storytelling in a completely new way. Appearing as traditional framed art, Enchanted Art magically comes alive when guests pause to admire the artwork. Enchanted Art will carry the appearance of popular art mediums – photography, oil paintings, paper sculpture, travel posters and animation cells. In reality though, they are framed LCD screens made to look like artwork through special effects and recognizes when a guest is present…which triggers the animated sequence. Guests may see new and different animations each time they come back and visit the Enchanted Art pieces.

In addition, the Enchanted Art is used as part of a one-of-a-kind detective themed adventure where guests of all ages join a ship-wide quest to find either stolen artwork or missing puppies. By using a simple card that serves as a high-tech detective device, guests can peer behind virtual canvases and discover clues that will lead them to solve the mystery and capture the villain responsible. A self-paced adventure, the game offers six potential villains and features randomized events so each time a guest plays they will encounter a different and unique gaming experience.

Virtual Porthole

The Disney Dream carries on the spirit of innovation with a cruise industry first for all

inside staterooms. Virtual Portholes offer a “window” to the world with a real-time view outside the ship. High-definition cameras placed on the exterior of the ship feed live video to each Virtual Porthole. The live video feed corresponds to the stateroom location – with a view to port, starboard, forward or aft.

As guests are observing the outside views, they may glimpse a magical surprise: animated characters may pop by the Virtual Porthole. Characters may include Peach the starfish from the Disney•Pixar film “Finding Nemo,” the flying balloon house from “UP” or even Mickey Mouse.

What Else Is On The Planning Board?

An elaborately themed interactive sports deck, whimsical water play area, and relaxing poolside oasis for adults join the first-ever shipboard water coaster – AquaDuck – to provide fun in the sun.

Goofy's Sports Deck

On Goofy's Sports Deck, the magic tees off on deck 13 with Goofy's Golf – a miniature golf course where “lessons” featuring Goofy and his son, Max, lead guests through nine themed holes of wacky fun. Each hole offers special golf instructions – with a goofy twist. Lessons include:

• “Handling a dog leg” – Guests avoid a fire hydrant and use Pluto's dog bone to guide them to the hole.

• “Stuck in the rough” – Goofy shows golfers how to avoid the tall turf and steer clear of a lawn mower.

• “Reading the green” – Stacks of books and a large magnifying glass are obstacles to circumvent on this undulating green.

• “Attacking the green” – Yo ho, yo ho! Golfers and landlubbers take a swashbuckling approach to sinking their putt on this pirate-themed hole.

Guests can choose to use the Goofy or Max tee on each hole, offering twice the fun. Family-friendly competitions and tournaments will keep the excitement on par while quirky golf clubs, some crooked and bent, will challenge golfers to stay on course. Goofy and Max may even swing by to interact with guests and offer some tips on club selection, stance or just goofing around.

Also on Goofy's Sports Deck, two digital sports simulators provide a variety of virtual game experiences such as soccer, tennis, basketball, golf and more. With the simulators, guests can kick, swing and throw, participating in favorite high-action sports without the hassle of chasing the ball.

Max's Courts

Max's Courts are two mini-sized sports courts for little ones to enjoy soccer, basketball or group play. There's full-court basketball that may also be transformed into a mini soccer pitch or volleyball court, plus table tennis and foosball tables. A walking track rings Goofy's Sports Deck.

Nemo's Reef

Little ones discover oceans of fun at this fanciful water-play area overflowing with pop jets, bubblers and lovable underwater friends like Nemo, Dory, Marlin and other favorites from the Disney•Pixar film, “Finding Nemo.”

Shaded for protection from the sun and featuring a soft wet-deck surface, the 1,500-square-foot Nemo's Reef is a place for children to cool off and play among colorful, interactive figures that move and spray water. Children will delight as they splash alongside Nemo swimming in a sea anemone, glide down a pint-sized water slide shaped like Mr. Ray and frolic near Pearl the octopus who “inks” herself with a mist of water. Kids can even get soaked in a water curtain that undulates back and forth like the EAC (East Australian Current). Nemo's Reef is surrounded by a glass enclosure, with a main guest entrance and a wheelchair-accessible entrance.

Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar

Reserved exclusively for guests 18 and older, the Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar is a retreat for adults to sunbathe and swim, indulge in a cool drink or enjoy a relaxing dip in a nearby hot tub overlooking the ocean.

One of three fresh-water pools on the Disney Dream, Quiet Cove Pool features varying depths for taking a dip, sunbathing in comfort and enjoying a poolside cocktail. A series of connected circular pools includes a four-foot-deep plunge pool and a 6-inch-deep sunbathing pool with built-in loungers and a mister. Guests also can splash up to Cove Bar, which is part of the pool, and sip a refreshing beverage.

Nearby, on the sides of deck 11, guests can soak in a whirlpool hot tub while overlooking the ocean. Four “infinity” whirlpool hot tubs – two for families and two just for adults – provide spectacular views of the ocean beyond.

AquaDuck and More!

The Disney Dream will feature the world's first shipboard water coaster – AquaDuck – which will sweep guests away on an exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids – all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.

Donald Pool is the place for families to gather and enjoy all of the activities up on deck. Overlooking Donald Pool is the giant Funnel Vision LED screen – more than 30 feet wide and 18 feet high – showing Disney films and other live broadcast events. A retractable floor extends over the pool, providing an ideal dance floor for deck parties.

Continuing a favorite feature of the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream will also have a Mickey Pool for children. The shape of Mickey Pool resembles the beloved Disney character, and an oversized version of Mickey's hand supports a yellow winding slide that splashes down near the pool.

As an added convenience for parents with children of different ages, Donald Pool, Mickey Pool and Nemo's Reef are all located within the same vicinity, on deck 11 between the forward and aft funnel.

The Disney Dream is scheduled to depart on its maiden voyage Jan. 26, 2011, and will sail alternating three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. During summer months, the ship will alternate four- and five-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay.

Note: All photos are renderings courtesy of the Disney Cruise Line

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Norwegian Epic To Set Sail With Madonna, Elvis And Tina Turner

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that the first three "legends" to perform as part of the Legends in Concert show on Norwegian Epic will be three of the world's best-known entertainers - Madonna, Elvis and Tina Turner. A staple on the Las Vegas' center strip for over 25 years, Legends in Concert is known as the pioneer of live tribute shows and has assembled the greatest collection of live tribute artists and celebrity look-alikes in show business. "We're thrilled to be partnering with Norwegian Cruise Line to bring Legends in Concert to Norwegian Epic," said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer for "Legends" producer, On Stage Entertainment. "The entertainers who will be performing on board as Madonna, Elvis and Tina Turner are among the most talented tribute artists to appear anywhere. They'll be joined by the Legends singers and dancers and a rockin' live band. Guests on board Norwegian Epic are in for a tremendous show!"

Paying tribute to and interpreting the world's most eclectic performer, Madonna, is no small feat. For the past 12 years, Coty Alexander has portrayed the "Material Girl" on the biggest impersonator stages in the world. Her "immaculate portrayal" has been heralded by print and broadcast media including MTV, E! Entertainment, Good Morning America and the New York Times, among many others. She has accomplished the diversity of the star's career and spans Madonna from the "Like a Virgin" days to her current, disco-infused album, "Hung Up." While Madonna is her most celebrated performance, Alexander also portrays other notable "Legends," including Gwen Stefani, Marilyn Monroe and Britney Spears.

As one of the top finalists in the 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, Leo Days is one of the few Elvis tribute artists who perform all three eras of Elvis, including the rock  n' roll '50s, the movies and the comeback special of the '60s, and the Vegas and concert years of the '70s. Days grew up listening to Elvis and won his first tribute artist contest when he was 15 years old. Over the past 12 years, Days has performed in casinos, theaters, corporate events and festivals throughout the U.S. An international artist, he tours often in France as well as Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Days is a versatile performer. In addition to his singing, he plays guitar and piano. He has worked with Legends in Concert in several of their permanent locations and most recently in their national Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Tour.

Lori Mitchell-Gay will portray Tina Turner, "the Queen of Rock and Roll," for Legends in Concert on Norwegian Epic. Mitchell-Gay began performing in the church choir as a child. Her first professional singing job was with a top-40 group called "High Energy." This helped her develop her stage presence and a style, which she applies to her tribute performances. In addition to Tina Turner, her tribute performances include Whitney Houston and Diana Ross.

Legends in Concert on Norwegian Epic will feature three celebrity tribute performers taking the stage in the Epic Theater for six 45-minute shows over three days during a seven-day cruise. In addition, a cabaret-style show will be performed on three additional nights in the Manhattan Room, the ship's New York-inspired supper club, providing an unprecedented dining and entertainment experience on Norwegian Epic. The celebrity performers will change every four months, keeping the show fresh and exciting.

 

 

March, 2010

Ms Nieuw Amsterdam

Norwegian Epic

P&O's Adonia

Celebrity Eclipse

Oceania's Marina & Riviera

 

HAL's ms Nieuw Amsterdam Dedicates Public Areas To New York City

The extensive array of upscale public areas aboard the new Holland America Line

Signature-class ship ms Nieuw Amsterdam reflects the brand's enhanced premium-class facilities and amenities, highlighted by décor honoring the historic glamour of New York City, known as Nieuw Amsterdam by its Dutch founders. Art, craftwork and historical artifacts documenting New York's Native American history and Dutch influences, along with the history and glamour of Holland America Line's 138-year association with the world's greatest city, are displayed throughout the ship's expertly finished public areas.

The new facilities are highlighted by Silk Den, a serene 52-seat lounge on Observation Deck (deck 11), featuring sweeping views of the ocean. Immediately adjacent is Tamarind, Nieuw Amsterdam's Pan Asian restaurant, which also features pan-optic sea views and, like Silk Den, is decorated with fine Asian handicrafts, including framed leather carvings set against gold leaf.

Guests in search of their own private outdoor haven need only visit the Observation Deck Cabana Club, a private, outdoor oasis located high above the lower decks. Guests can reserve the airy, tented Cabanas by the day or for an entire voyage. Nieuw Amsterdam also offers a second collection of Cabanas lining Nieuw Amsterdam's mid-ship Lido pool area.  Equipped with luxurious chaises, ottomans and upholstered settees, the Cabanas feature bathrobes and plush towels, refreshments ranging from iced fruit skewers and frozen grapes to chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne, and iPods™ uploaded with a choice of music.

Additional premium facilities found on Deck 11 include the Explorations Café powered by The New York Times. This comfortable, seagoing coffee bistro features an extensive library, Internet terminals, international newspapers, plush chairs and sofas, and a comfortable, upscale environment for reading and conversation. The Crow's Nest lounge, which completes Observation Deck's public areas, overlooks Nieuw Amsterdam's bow and features a collection of Nieuw Amsterdam memorabilia dating back to the original ship's 1906 launch and the heyday of Nieuw Amsterdam II, which carried the cream of international society between New York and Rotterdam in the post World War II era. A plush and quiet vantage point by day, the room transforms into a stylish dance club in the evening.  

Kids are in control on Panorama Deck (deck 10), which features Club HAL®, the dedicated youth facilities and activities center offering supervised, age-appropriate programming for kids 3 to 12. And, because teens desire their own space, Holland America created The Loft, a hip lounge where teen-age cruisers can meet, have fun and hang out. The Loft is equipped with comfortable chairs and sofas, games and a new video editing facility, and is decorated as a typical New York street design of large murals featuring creations by top New York City graffiti artists, crosswalk, street signs, a real New York yellow cab and old-fashioned hot dog stand.

In addition to a fully equipped Fitness Center offering the largest gymnasium ever on a Holland America Line ship, Lido Deck (deck 9) features the inspiring Greenhouse Spa and Salon, providing premium beauty and wellness rituals from facials to bamboo and Thai poultice massages. The Greenhouse Spa's Thermal Suites offer premium private settings for detoxifying and relaxing therapy. Ladies can have their hair and nails done in the Salon. A relaxing Hydrotherapy Pool and Sauna complete the Greenhouse Spa facilities.

Lido Deck is also home to the ship's largest pool, the Lido Pool, which also features three Jacuzzis, and is flanked by the Cabanas. The entire area is covered by a retractable magradome, offering year-around opportunities for relaxing on deck. Guests can stop by the nearby Lido Bar and Terrace Grill for burgers, fries and grilled fare. Continuing on Lido Deck, the nearby Lido Restaurant features a wide variety of casual “comfort” cuisine with individual stations offering specialized ethnic and regional dishes.

The Sea View Pool on Deck 9 aft offers a sunny retreat with inspiring views of the ocean and ship's wake. Guests can break for refreshments at the Sea View Bar, which completes deck 9.

Promenade Deck (deck 3) begins with the Half Moon, Hudson and Stuyvesant meeting rooms, which offer flexible and functional meeting facilities including full audio/visual capabilities. The rooms provide the ideal private settings for group meetings and other gatherings. Nearby is the Screening Room, an ultra-plush 36-seat movie theater screening first-run films and special presentations.

Promenade also features The Signature Shops, an upscale shopping area headlined by Merabella, a luxury boutique offering high-end designer jewelry collections.  Promenade also features Fine Jewelry, which specializes in diamonds and exotic gemstones; Fine Watches, offering top global brands; and Destination & Apparel, which features classic nautical wear and designs tailored to specific cruise regions. The Ocean Bar, centrally located on Promenade in the ship's atrium, provides a stylish vantage point from which to enjoy pre- or after-dinner drinks.

The Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen featuring gourmet cooking lessons from Holland America Line Master Chefs and celebrity guest chefs on many voyages, highlights the Lower Promenade (deck 2) public areas.  The Culinary Arts Center is an interactive demonstration center providing guests with up-close access to the newest food preparation techniques and practices taught by the masters. When not providing cooking demonstrations, the room becomes the Queen's Lounge, an upscale performance venue and presentation room.

Meanwhile, night club Northern Lights offers guests a magical venue for late evening dancing.

Lower Promenade's Explorer's Lounge continues Nieuw Amsterdam's New York theme with a stunning wall-to-wall mixed media collage of the 17th Century New York City skyline by Dutch artist Harald Vlugt. The room also features sculpture and decorative accessories from New York's early Native American and European inhabitants. Nearby is the Digital Workshop powered by Microsoft Windows, an interactive design studio featuring free workshops led by Microsoft-trained “techsperts” who show guests how to take better pictures, make movies, edit images and create scrapbooks using Microsoft Windows and Windows Live. Here, cruise image-makers can also learn to share images via email, blogs and social networks, creating instant vacation updates.

Lower Promenade also includes a fully equipped Casino, offering 116 slots,  blackjack, roulette, craps and a variety of poker games.  Located adjacent is the Casino Bar, highlighted by a display of large-format contemporary and classic photographs of New York City (NYC) street scenes, sports icons, and American and Dutch celebrities. The NYC-centric décor is continued in the nearby Piano Bar, which also features live keyboard music.

Nieuw Amsterdam's soaring Atrium is highlighted by a majestic telescoping chandelier designed to honor New York City's iconic skyline. The LED-equipped chandelier is lit in an ever-varying spectrum of rich colors.

The Deck 2 Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar offers an exclusive, reservations-only dining experience and exclusive wine lounge in a glamorous setting. The grand, three-level Showroom at Sea spans decks 2 and 3, and offers impeccable sightlines for feature.

This is HAL's fourth ship to be named Nieuw Amsterdam. The first Nieuw Amsterdam was launched in 1906 and used both a full set of sails and steam engines. She was 17,149 tons and carried 2,886 passengers, 2,200 of them in third class. She sailed in regular service through World War I and then through to 1932.

The famed Nieuw Amsterdam II joined the fleet in 1938 as the company's flagship. The silhouette of this ship can still be seen today behind Henry Hudson's Half Moon in the company's logo. At 36,287 tons, "the Darling of the Dutch," as she was known, was decorated in great style and was launched by Her Majesty Queen Wilhemina of the Netherlands. Nieuw Amsterdam II served proudly in World War II completing 44 war time voyages carrying nearly 400,000 passengers (mostly troops). Following the war, she was rebuilt and, as the queen of Holland America Line's "spotless fleet," hosted countless well-known figures among her guests, including Katherine Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Spencer Tracey and Albert Schweitzer.

The 33,000-ton Nieuw Amsterdam III was launched in 1983 as one of the most elegant ships of her time. She currently sails for Thompson Cruises.

More News About NCL's Newbuild Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Cruise Line continues to announce new and innovative programs onboard its new ship Norwegian Epic that will be delivered this spring.

Eleven Complimentary Dining Options for Guests

Norwegian Epic will feature an extensive number of complimentary Freestyle dining options – 11 out of 21 total – that are included in the cruise fare. The additional ten dining options will have a nominal cover charge.

Those that will be free of charge are:

--Taste, the atrium restaurant serving traditional and contemporary cuisine

--Manhattan Room, reminiscent of an elegant supper club complete with music, dancing and entertainment

--O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill, serving American favorites and comfort food, 24 hours

--Garden Café, NCL's signature action station casual restaurant

--Great Outdoors, the pool-side grill;

--Spice H20, serving Latin and Asian-influenced cuisine in the adults-only complex;

--Atrium Cafe and Wine Bar

--Studio Lounge, serving snacks and light fare

--Epic Club, the elegant, exclusive eatery available to Norwegian Epic's Suite and Villa guests

--Courtyard Grill, the more casual, outdoor area of the Epic Grill, open for breakfast and lunch

--24-hour room service

Cover charges for specialty dining/entertainment venues onboard, are:

--La Cucina, Tuscan-style eatery serving regional Italian specialties, $10 per person;

--Cirque Dreams & Dinner, two shows nightly including a three-course meal, $15 for general seating/$20 per person for preferred seating

--Shanghai's, Norwegian Epic's new Chinese restaurant serving a delicious mix of --Chinese dishes and noodle bar specialties, $15 per person

--Shanghai's Noodle Bar, a la carte pricing

--Wasabi, expansive sushi and sake bar, a la carte pricing

--Le Bistro, Norwegian's elegant bistro serving classic French cuisine with an American flair, $20 per person

--Moderno Churrascaria, expansive salad bar and choice of a variety of meats served by tableside passadors, $18 per person

--Cagney's Steakhouse, the line's signature American steakhouse, $25 per person;

--Teppanyaki, the largest signature Japanese experiential restaurant at sea, $25 per person

--Pizza delivery, $5, available 24 hours around the ship

Largest Spa at Sea

Norwegian Epic will feature largest spa at sea with innovative spa treatments, suites and expansive fitness center totaling 2.883 square meters. The Mandara Spa will feature 24 treatment rooms, two private couple's villas, two exotic steam Rasul rooms, Hydrotherapy Courtyard & Thermal Suite, full-service salon, fitness center and barber shop. The spa features more than 50 treatments for both men and women including Elemis facials, massages, body therapies, and acupuncture along with cosmetic medical treatments performed by a licensed doctor. The salon features hair, nail and waxing services. In addition, kids and teens can choose from a selection of kid-friendly spa services

Among the two dozen treatment rooms are two new couple's villas for the ultimate in togetherness massages with the opportunity to soak in a private, outdoor whirlpool. Two solo villas also have outdoor whirlpools, and six treatment rooms have balconies with chaise lounges where guests can relax privately outdoors before or after their treatment.

In another first for the line, Norwegian Epic features 39 spa suites, deluxe balcony and balcony staterooms, which are accessed via private key-card and offer complimentary access to the enclave surrounding Norwegian Epic's luxurious Hydrotherapy Courtyard & Thermal Suite and state-of-the-art fitness center. For an added indulgence, eight spa suites each feature an in-room whirlpool.

Expanding on the popular Thermal Suite on board the line's Jewel class ships, Norwegian Epic's adults-only Hydrotherapy Courtyard & Thermal Suite features separate men's and women's areas equipped with sauna, aromatherapy steam, experience showers and heated ceramic loungers. In addition, the Hydrotherapy Courtyard & Thermal Suite features a tropical garden communal setting, chaise lounge seating, a pool with massaging jets and waterfalls, a whirlpool and an outdoor relaxation deck.

Guests looking for a unique body renewing experience should indulge in one of the two Rasul rooms. This is a purpose-built steam room that soothes and detoxifies the body, while guests are provided with organic muds, exfoliants and oils to purify and nourish the body.  To complete the ritual, a warm tropical rain pours down from the dome of the rasul to wash away tension.

Fitness enthusiasts won't need to put their workout routines on hold while vacationing on Norwegian Epic. The fitness center features an unprecedented 37 treadmills and 18 cross trainers, extensive weight equipment and free weight areas, stretching areas and four distinct aerobic studios. For those who enjoy group settings, Norwegian Epic has more diverse fitness classes than any other ship at sea, including TRX and kettlebell training; yoga; pilates; Activio® group cycling; Gravity® reformer; and body sculpting boot camp classes. Personal training sessions will also be available, along with nutritional consultation and metabolism testing.

World-class entertainment

 or the first time at sea, Blue Man Group will perform their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams and Dinner, written and directed by Neil Goldberg, will present a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world's greatest live tribute show, will be featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City improvisational comedy and Howl at the Moon, the world's greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation.

 In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4.200-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon at Sea offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.

 The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 10-metre high, 20-metre wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever abseiling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids' and teen activity areas. 

Celebrity Cruises Presents An Eclipse That's Easy On The Eyes

The third of five in Celebrity Cruises' stylish, $3.7-billion Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity

Eclipse made her first departure from the innovative Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany in early March, to embark on what is very likely to be the most challenging ride of her life: an event known as the “conveyance.”

At the tightest points along the way, there are as few as two feet between each side of the 1,040-foot-long, 121-foot-wide Celebrity Eclipse and the locks. The depth of the river and the draft of the ship allow for mere inches – or less – beneath the ship. These factors and others led Celebrity Cruises and Meyer Werft to essentially create a science all their own, carefully monitoring the position of the moon and tidal conditions to identify the precise moment when the depth of the river is ideal for the ship to set sail from the shipyard. “Cruise ship captains generally do not expect to encounter the challenges the conveyance presents,” said Celebrity Eclipse Captain Panagiotis Skylogiannis. “Although I am accustomed to docking in tight ports, I prefer to be chasing sunshine in the open sea. Celebrity Eclipse is only a few feet slimmer than the narrowest lock we have to navigate, which isn't much room, particularly when the president of the company is onboard, keeping a close watch! But we've done this twice before, and I am entirely confident of another smooth and successful passage.”

During her inaugural season, Celebrity Eclipse will offer cruises in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Scandinavia and Russia, as well as short cruise options to Le Havre (for Paris), France, and Cork, Ireland, all roundtrip from Southampton. The ship will present Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami, Florida after crossing the Atlantic in November.

Celebrity Eclipse will be the industry's first to offer the “Celebrity iLounge,” complete with a retail area offering the latest products through Celebrity's Authorized Apple Reseller status, and the first to present Qsine, a “uniquely unordinary,” interactive dining venue complete with wine menus on a personal touchscreen.

The new restaurant, “Qsine,” is the brainchild of Celebrity's Vice President of Culinary Operations, Chef Jacques Van Staden, Qsine's menu design alone – a large, backlit square filled with words and phrases designed to engage guests in the experience – implies that Qsine is an unusual place. Libations to accompany the cuisine range from approximately 100 varieties of primarily organic, contemporary wines, to a vast array of creative cocktails. And, for the first time on a Celebrity ship, the line has designed a means for guests to capitalize on technology to easily review and order wines via the latest touch-screen devices.

Even the uniforms of the wait staff illustrate the venue's unique nature. Designed by Van Staden and custom-made exclusively for Celebrity, the jackets are decidedly asymmetrical and sport square buttons, and are intended to illustrate that the wait staff also are considered chefs, offering guests a highly interactive and personalized dining experience.

 “Qsine is designed to surprise our guests with uniquely unordinary dishes, innovative presentations and engaging experiences,” said Van Staden. “It's designed to allow them to share with each other, sample several different selections, and simply experience both new and favorite foods in an entirely fun and unexpected way.”

Qsine will be open nightly on Celebrity Eclipse from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., for a cover charge of $30 per person. There are no age restrictions for dining in Qsine, and the dress code is smart casual and above. And guests booked to sail on Celebrity Eclipse can plan their unique evening in Qsine right now, by making dining reservations on the Celebrity website.

Like her sister ships – Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox – Celebrity Eclipse will present The Lawn Club, with real, growing grass; The Hot Glass Show, a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass; ten dining venues, including Qsine; and widely varied entertainment, including shows with breathtaking aerial acts.

Oceania Cruises Holds Dual-Ship Celebration At Fincantieri Shipyard

Oceania Cruises celebrated two milestones on Friday, February 26, at the Fincantieri shipyard near Genoa. The building dock for its new 1,258-guest, flagship Marina began filling with water and the first steel was cut for Riviera, a sister ship. Marina is scheduled to sail her maiden voyage on January 22, 2011; plans call for Riviera to debut in April 2012.

Oceania Cruises' Marina and Riviera will offer 629 elegantly appointed and custom-crafted accommodations that are among the largest at sea, ranging from 174 to a palatial 2,000+ square feet. Their top suites, destined to set new industry standards, will feature furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home and designs by Dakota Jackson and Tocar New York.

 The sister ships will also feature a Lalique-designed grand lobby, 10 dining venues and several elegant bars and lounges. Facilities will include a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, innovative Bon Appetit Culinary Center, swimming pool and hot tubs.

 During the festivities, a bottle of prosecco wine was smashed on the hull of Marina by the shipyard “madrina” in a nod to Italian maritime tradition. The official naming ceremony for Marina will take place in Miami; her godmother has not yet been announced.

In her inaugural year, Marina will cross the Atlantic, transit the Panama Canal twice, visit ports in Mexico, as well as Los Angeles and San Francisco, and call at a host of Caribbean island gems, sailing round-trip from Miami. Marina will sail along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and call at Bermuda before repositioning to Europe for summer 2011.

P&O Introduces Adonia

P&O Cruises newbuild Adonia will join the fleet in May 2011. the introduction of 710 passenger ship Adonia, joining the fleet in May 2011. Full details of Adonia will be released in the P&O Cruises 2011/12 brochure, and her cruises can be booked from April 27, 2010.

What's New

Adonia's main restaurant will be the Pacific dining room and there will be two further Select dining venues*, Italian ‘Sorrento' and a steakhouse named the Ocean Grill. There will also be a buffet restaurant, with some al fresco dining and a barbecue area out on the Lido deck. For entertainment, Adonia will have eight bars, including P&O Cruises signature ‘Crow's Nest' observation lounge; Andersons, the familiar club-style lounge bar; and Raffles, which will also offer a coffee shop menu throughout the day with pastries, chocolates, hot drinks and afternoon tea.

Adonia will also feature The Curzon Lounge, where passengers can enjoy a drink with a sea view during the day, and by night enjoy a performance by the Headliners theatre company, concerts, dancing, or after dinner speakers. There will be the signature Oasis Spa, offering a range of treatments and therapies including Aromasoul massages and body scrubs, Aromatherapy, and reflexology. There is also a well-equipped gym with panoramic sea views.

Adonia's well-appointed cabins will feature Egyptian cotton linen, tea and coffee-making facilities so popular with British passengers, and more than 75 percent of the cabins will have a private balcony.

Adonia's cruises will feature Spotlight–a new program of events for passengers wanting to learn a skill, develop their knowledge or find hobbies. Talks and interactive workshops will be offered on subjects as such as history, current affairs, the natural world, dance, art and gastronomy. All are delivered by experts in their field, some including familiar TV personalities.

The ship will be based in Southampton between May and October 2011, offering cruises from seven to 26 nights in duration to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The itineraries will feature overnight calls in Athens and St. Petersburg, as well as an Around Britain cruise.

 

 

February, 2010

Two Carnival Ships Refurbished

AIDAblu Gets Festive Naming in Hamburg

February marked the official start of the 2010 cruise season with the christening of the AIDAblu at Hamburg's Fischmarkt on February 8, 2010.  The wintery temperatures and the ice-covered River Elbe provided the appropriate setting for the christening's motto “When fire meets ice”.

In keeping with tradition Harbourmaster Hans-Jörg Pollmann of the Hamburg Port Authority presented an admiralty plaque to the captain of the AIDAblu, Captain Dr. Friedhold Hoppert. The ship's godmother jewelry designer Jette Joop, smashed a bottle on the ship's bows and wished the new vessel ‘God speed and bon voyage'. Joop will also continue to maintain a close relationship with the AIDA fleet, as she will be designing uniforms for the shipping company.

Following the christening the “AIDAblu” set sail for her maiden voyage to Mallorca. She will return to Hamburg on March 6 and will offer a total of nine cruises from/to Hamburg along the Atlantic west coast.

The ship is the first to take up the concept of the Atlantic Alliance's concept of Europe's Prime Cruise Destinations.” The “Atlantic Alliance” is a marketing organization dedicated to promoting the cruise region between Lisbon and Hamburg. For more details visit www.atlanticalliance.eu.

In 2010 Hamburg will be the homeport to three AIDA ships – the AIDAblu, the AIDAluna and the AIDAaura. In total the ships will be calling at the Port of Hamburg 43 times this season. In addition to this the AIDAcara will also be visiting Hamburg twice.

Two Carnival Ships Return To Service After Extensive Renovations

In February two of Carnival Cruises ships—Carnival Fascination and Carnival Glory, returned to service after undergoing extensive upgrades. The renovations are part of the line's $350 million “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program for its eight 70,000-ton Fantasy-class vessels. The Carnival Fascination is the sixth ship in the Fantasy-class series to receive the extensive upgrades.

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Fascination has resumed its year-round four- and five-day schedule from Jacksonville, Florida, following a $34 million dry dock that included the addition of an expansive new water park, exclusive adults-only retreat, redesigned main pool area and 98 balconies to existing staterooms.

Carnival Fascination operates Jacksonville's only year-round cruise schedule, carrying approximately 170,000 passengers a year. On this program, four-day cruises departing Thursdays visit Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas; five-day cruises departing Mondays call at Key West, Fla., and Nassau; and five-day voyages departing Saturdays visit the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay and Nassau. “Our Jacksonville-based cruises are a great option for those seeking a convenient, high quality vacation at a tremendous value and these new features will enhance the Carnival Fascination's already strong appeal with consumers,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival's president and CEO.

Carnival Fascination's multi-million dollar refurbishment included a total transformation of its open decks, which now feature a massive new WaterWorks aqua park on Verandah Deck. This sprawling, all-ages facility includes an enclosed 300-foot-long Twister water slide full of exhilarating twists and turns, two 82-foot-long racing slides, and a splash zone for kids. The ship's Lido Deck pool was also renovated with a colorful tropical theme featuring oversized umbrellas, vibrant tile work, thatched roofing and huge stylized palm trees, creating a relaxing resort-style ambiance.

Ninety-eight balconies were also added to existing accommodations during the dry dock, creating spacious 230-square-foot balcony staterooms that provide the ideal vantage point for viewing the tropical scenery. Sixty-two of the new balcony staterooms are located aft with several of these featuring extended balconies, while 24 are located mid-ship and 12 near the stern. Several suites were also retrofitted with larger, extended balconies.

Another popular “Evolutions of Fun” element added during the dry dock was an adults-only retreat called Serenity, which is located on Promenade Deck aft, providing magnificent ocean vistas. Designed as an oceangoing oasis for relaxation, this area features a tropical design with teak-style decking, colorful umbrellas, and thatched roofing, along with two oversized whirlpools. Guests can relax in comfortable chaise lounges and chairs while enjoying frozen drinks and other icy concoctions.

New dining options were added to the ship's casual poolside restaurant, Coconut Grove Bar & Grill. These include a Mongolian wok venue where guests can select their favorite meat, sauce, vegetables and other ingredients and watch as a chef creates their custom-designed stir fry dish, and a rotisserie featuring roasted chicken and traditional side dishes.

Additionally, the Sensation and Imagination main dining rooms were refurbished with new carpeting, upholstery and other cosmetic enhancements. The Sensation dining room, located forward, was also reconfigured for Your Time Dining providing guests the option of open seating between 5:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. nightly.

Carnival Glory

The Conquest Class 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory has resumed Caribbean service from Miami following a multi-million-dollar renovation that added a host of new facilities and features, including a Serenity adults-only retreat, a 270-square-foot Seaside Theatre poolside LED screen, and a Circle “C” facility for 12- to 14- year olds.

Eighteen new balconies were also incorporated onto existing ocean view staterooms and a new Mongolian wok venue was added to the casual poolside restaurant. Bow-to-stern Wi-Fi access was added, as well.

The ship will then be deployed to New York where it will offer a series of four- and five-day Atlantic Canada voyages from June 6 to September 6, 2010, followed by a series of seven-day Canada/New England cruises, from September 11 to October 9.

Located poolside on Lido Deck is the Carnival Glory's new Seaside Theatre, a massive 270-square-foot LED screen displaying movies, concerts, sporting events, and other programming, including the popular “Morning Show” hosted by the ship's cruise director. Utilizing the same technology featured in large stadiums and New York's Times Square, the state-of-the-art entertainment system includes a 70,000-watt sound system, providing concert quality sound, even outdoors.

During dry dock, 18 new balconies were added to existing Spa Deck accommodations, creating spacious 220-square-foot verandah staterooms. They are conveniently located next to the ship's 14,500-square-foot Spa Carnival facility offering sophisticated exercise equipment, expansive workout facilities and a variety of soothing European-style treatments. With the addition of these newly reconfigured staterooms, nearly 40 percent of the Carnival Glory's 1,487 cabins now feature private balconies.

Another popular feature added during the dry dock is Serenity, a two-level adults-only retreat located forward on Sun Deck and Sky Deck. Designed as an oceangoing oasis for relaxation, with decorative latticework and teak-style decking, this area features different styles of seating, including shaded sun loungers and hammocks, a full bar, and two oversized whirlpools.

A new Circle “C” facility catering to 12- to 14-year-olds has been added as part of the line's unique offerings for kids. The center features a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox, and gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles.

A new Mongolian wok option was added to the Carnival Glory's Red Sail casual restaurant located poolside on Lido Deck. At the new venue, guests can select their favorite meat, sauce, vegetables and other ingredients and watch as a chef creates their custom-designed stir fry dish right before their eyes. Additionally, the Golden dining room, located forward, was reconfigured for Your Time Dining providing guests the option of open seating between 5:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. nightly.

From February to May, Carnival Glory operates seasonal seven-day cruises from Miami, alternating weekly to the eastern and western Caribbean. Seven-day eastern Caribbean cruises visit Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk, while the western route features Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan, Belize and Cozumel.

 

 

January, 2010

16 Ships Debut In 2010

New Ships Directory

A Quick Preview Of NCL's New 'Norwegian Epic'

Late this month, the Norwegian Epic, the first of NCL's new Epic Class of ship, begins her series of sea trials in Europe. After completion of the trials to assess the 153,000-ton ship's sea worthiness, the final finishes will be added to the vessel, before her delivery from the STYX Europe shipyard in France to NCL this June.

First a new concept for solo travelers is being introduced with Solo studios

The 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic will incorporate many innovations including several new types of accommodations such as the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. The New Wave staterooms feature walls with a contemporary curve while concealed contour lighting and domed ceilings give the open feel of a skylight. Bathroom areas are separate including the shower and modern vanity top sink. Just announced is a new concept for single travelers—the Solo Studios—inside cabins in a special space, that will allow solo travelers to enjoy a cruise without the usual single supplement tacked on to the cruise rate. The Studios on Norwegian Epic are a private key-card access complex on two upper decks  (Decks 10 and 11) consisting of 128 staterooms. Each Studio stateroom, at approximately 100 square feet of living space, features a contemporary design with a full-size bed and separate areas for the bathroom, sink and shower. A heavy drape separates the separate bath facilities from the sleeping area. In addition, a studio lounge—The Living Room--in the two-deck complex with a connecting stairway allows solo guests to a cup of coffee in the morning, meet up with other solo cruisers or relax with a drink in the evening.  Since many of the Studio staterooms are interconnecting, there is also the opportunity for friends to travel together while giving each their own private space.

Recreation wise, there is plenty to do onboard. The expansive Aqua Park features the Epic Plunge, the only tube slide at sea that puts the blast of inner-tubing into the core of a bowl slide, with a thrilling drop through a 200-foot long tube. The area also includes two main pools with arching water effects that illuminate at night, five hot tubs, a wading pool and a kid's pool that features whimsical sculptures, water sprays and a slide.

Other sports activities include a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids' and teen activity areas, and the first squash court at sea. 

In addition, in keeping with NCL's free-style dining, there will be 20 dining choices on board. The traditional large dining rooms found on most mainstream ships will be altered in size as the emphasis, says Executive VP Andy Steward, will be on dining at one of the 20 venues on board. The two reduced-size dining rooms will offer an array of dishes

inspired by some of the world's top culinary cities. In addition, there are 18 other dining venues onboard: an upscale steakhouse that incorporates dishes inspired by the Argentinian Churrascaria along with more traditional steaks and chops fare; French, Italian and diverse Asian cuisine dining spots and poolside eateries.

As for Villa guests desiring a more private dining experience, there is the Epic Club and the Courtyard Grill.

On this ship, guests will find the only “big top" at sea a dining venue. In this intimate 265-seat theater-in-the-round, producer/director Neil Goldberg will present Cirque Dreams® and Dinner.--a two-hour, interactive theatrical dining experience with a mix of acrobatics, singing, comedy and specialty acts. It's the Big Top meets the Moulin Rouge as performers climb to the ceiling only to suspend upside down in order to ring a dinner bell, announce the next course, or perhaps pour a cocktail.

Throughout the ship are 20 bars and lounges, some of them new and different such as a full Ice Bar, one of only 14 in the world, and in which the bar, the walls, the tables, the stools, and life-size sculptures are made out of ice. Another is Spice H2O that transforms into an adults-only, Ibiza-inspired beach club. Located in aft, the pool by day is transformed into a dance floor while an outdoor screen projects hypnotic visuals for the dancers. For villa guests, there's the private Epic Club Lounge where premium liquors are served and LED screens, framed like art masterpieces display video montages of the world's best artwork, music videos, films, celebrities, and fashion.

There are some firsts at sea in the entertainment category. Legends in Concert, the original and world's greatest live tribute show, will be featured, along with The Second City improvisational comedy, and Howl at the Moon, the world-famous rock 'n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation. The Blue Man Group will perform in the ship's 685-seat Epic Theater. Known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts, which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics, the group will offer a totally unique form of entertainment.

As for the younger passenger, Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming will be presented all year long. Nickelodeon experiences for the entire family will include: character meet and greets by the likes of Sponge Bob, Dora the Explorer and other popular Nickelodeon stars; interactive game shows; and more.

Norwegian Epic will make her inaugural transatlantic seven-day cruise on June 24, 2010, departing from London (Southampton) to New York before deploying to Miami for her alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, available as seven-day individual sailings or 14-day combined sailings, through April 2011.

Guests can make a reservation on Norwegian Epic by contacting their travel professional or Norwegian Cruise Line at 866-234-7350. More information about the ship, her itineraries and offerings can be found at http://epic.ncl.com.

The Queen Elizabeth Gets Floated Out

Early this month, special ceremonies at Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste, Italy, were held to mark the float out of Cunard's newest liner, Queen Elizabeth. The first ceremony involved the welding of significant coins beneath the mast of Queen Elizabeth for good luck. Three coins were chosen – a half crown dated 1938 (the year the first Queen Elizabeth was launched), a sovereign dated 1967 (the year Queen Elizabeth 2 was launched) and a sovereign dated 2010 (to acknowledge the new Queen Elizabeth being floated out in 2010). After the coin ceremony, the focus moved to the dockside, where the liner was blessed and a bottle of Italian prosecco was smashed against the hull by the Madrina. The valves of the dry dock were then opened and the liner met the water for the first time.

The new Queen Elizabeth will reflect her predecessor Queen Elizabeth 2-- in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist. From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at an experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from a modern-day cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions, with elegant double- and triple-height public rooms on a grand scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics, hand-woven carpets, gleaming chandeliers and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth and will allow the new ship to reflect a more civilized era of travel.

Queen Elizabeth's Maiden Voyage, now sold out, will depart on Tuesday October 12, 2010 from the company's homeport in Southampton (UK), The remainder of her maiden season will extend through the end of 2010 and, include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean. On January 5, 2011, the Queen will embark on her 103-night maiden World Voyage with 35 maiden calls. This tour will feature 35 maiden calls, including Cunard's first call ever at Port Denarau (Fiji). In total, Queen Elizabeth will call at 38 ports in 23 countries as she makes her way west around the globe, with maiden transits of both the Panama and Suez Canals and calls at Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Lisbon.