Just a month and a half after the first steel was cut for the 133,500gt MSC Serenata MSC has decided to instead call the ship the MSC Splendida.
The newly named MSC Splendida is the sister ship of MSC Fantasia, and both ships will be the first post-Panamax ships for the line.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: MSC Cruises Posted by Michael on 05/30/07
After months of detailed planning, on May 9 the first steel plates were cut for The Yachts of Seabourn’s newest, largest vessel, the first addition to the ultra luxury segment of the cruise industry in six years. In all, more than 8,500 tons of steel will be cut and welded to form the sleek hull and graceful superstructure of the line’s $250 million flagship, which is scheduled to enter service in mid-June 2009.
The yet-unnamed vessel is being designed by the renowned architecture firm of Yran & Storbraaten of Norway and constructed in Italy by T. Mariotti S.p.A., leaders in the construction of mega-yachts and intimate cruising vessels. The ship’s designers have mirrored the distinctive silhouette of the existing Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend while adding additional facilities and amenities. Indeed, past guests will appreciate a familiar scheme to the general layout of public rooms and accommodations.
“We’ve been careful to incorporate Seabourn’s signature features while designing the next generation of ultra luxury ship to satisfy the desires of a new generation of luxury travelers,†said Pamela C. Conover, the line’s president and CEO.
Seabourn’s grand, new yacht will offer more dining options, more types of suites, more verandas, more entertainment venues and enhanced spa and recreational facilities. Although three times the size of her smaller 10,000-ton sister ships, the new vessel will carry just over twice as many guests (450 passengers), boasting among the highest space-per-guest ratio (71.1) in the cruise industry.
You’ll find more information about Seabourn’s newest ship when you click “more” below.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: The Yachts of Seabourn Posted by Michael on 05/30/07
Hotel Bel-Air and Crystal Cruises announce a new partnership, allowing guests to enjoy a seamless transition from one luxury experience to another.
The Crystal Cruises/Hotel Bel-Air package, available with its December 21 Christmas/New Year cruise and all of its 2008 cruises to and from Los Angeles, includes:
- Two or three nights in a Garden Suite
- Welcome bottle of champagne and strawberries
- Full American breakfast for two, daily
- Private car transfer to and from the hotel, airport and the ship
The 2007 package is available at $1,815 or $2,430 per person, double occupancy for two- or three-night programs, respectively.
Crystal Society guests can also enjoy up to 23% off future deluxe guestroom and garden suite accommodations at the hotel, based on space availability. Hotel Bel-Air guests are eligible for a $100 per person shipboard credit on any future Crystal cruise.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Crystal Cruises Posted by Michael on 05/29/07
This week’s episode started with a question. Patricia was asked about shore excursions for somebody’s upcoming European trip - they wanted to know what excursions they should choose to get the most out of their upcoming cruise.
Our first answer - slow down! Don’t try and cram as much as humanly possible into your cruise. Step back, slow down, relax - it’s a vacation not a marathon. Definately take a few excursions, but leave some time for you to relax and scout things out solo.
For those stops that you choose to take an excursion, there are plenty of options no matter where you go. The cruise lines have some fantastic excursions that they put together, and you can reserve them prior to your cruise or book them onboard your cruise. While there are some important benefits that you get when you book a cruise line excursion, you can also look at excursions offered by third parties. Our good friends over at Shore Trips have some options that are always worth looking in to.  While they offer many of the same options as the cruise lines, they also have some unique excursions that you won’t find any place else. Plus they offer smaller groups, so you won’t be joining 60 or more of your fellow passengers on your excursion.
Don’t forget to check out this week’s Deal of the Week, and the newly revised SeaSocks 2008.
Click below to download the show or to play it right in your browser window.
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Filed under: Podcast Posted by Michael on 05/28/07
It been a heck of a week for us here at Mail Buoy Headquarters - A small piece of news from Princess sent things spinning here. After a few days of scurrying for alternate plans, things are back on track again for Seasocks 2008. But more on that later.
Celebrity has decided to order a fourth Solstice class ship, and sister line (or is it subsidiary?) Azamara Cruises has announced their 2008 itineraries for their two ships Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. While I didn’t rattle off all the ports in the show, click here for more information.
On the luxury front, kid’s sail free on two upcoming Crystal sailings, and Oceania’s Regatta has become the first Western cruise ship to visit Albania.
Crown Princess hosts a college grad, and Disney Magic arrived in Barcelona to kick off Disney Cruise Lines’ inaugural European season.
Finally, Regent Seven Seas has announced a new fashion conscious Circle of Interest excursion and Empress of The North has arrived in Ketchikan for repairs.
Thanks to the reshuffle in Princess’ 2008 Alaska schedule SeaSocks 2008 has been re-tooled. We’re on a different ship, on a different itinerary and even a longer sailing. The details are all here.
Don’t forget to check out this week’s Deal of The Week.
As always you can find the show over in iTunes, or click below to download the show or play it right in your browser window.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Majestic America Line, Oceania Cruises, Podcast, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises Next Page »
