That’s right, two episodes in one week!
We know many of you were eargerly awaiting Patricia’s thoughts about Carnival Splendor and we didn’t want to make you wait another week…
Disney Cruise Line announced that it plans to reposition the Disney Wonder from its Florida base in Port Canaveral to the West Coast in 2011. The company is working with the Port of Los Angeles to finalize a two-year agreement with a three-year extension option. The contract will be considered by the Port of Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners on April 2, 2009.
If approved, the new Disney Wonder sailings could generate more than 250,000 guests passing through the Port of Los Angeles over a five-year period.
The addition of a new homeport for Disney Cruise Line is part of the overall expansion plan for The Walt Disney Company. Two new ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, will arrive in Florida’s Port Canaveral in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
The show is a little late this week, but as a bonus for you this week we have two shows!
While we were off the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Miami conference was being held. Unlike previous years there wasn’t a lot in the way of announcements – however we talked quite a bit about what was actually announced. So we ended up with two shows so that we could also bring you Patricia’s quick review of Carnival Splendor this week too.
While we were off Cunard announced a lot of details about the new Queen Elizabeth, and NCL provided more information about the accomodations coming to Norwegian Epic.
Crystal is introducing technology concierges and there was some discussion about whether or not all of the previously announced newbuilds for the luxury segment will still be built.
Fort Lauderdale shares more about their plans for Terminal 18. Celebrity released dates for Celebrity Equinox.
MSC Fantasia will host G8 leaders, and Royal Caribbean is increasing their presence in the Northeast.
Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is giving technology a big dose of individual attention. Introducing a groundbreaking service – Technology Concierges on each of Crystal’s ultra-luxury ships to train and educate guests on their latest gadgets.
From iPods® to iPhones™, from Blackberrys® to GPS devices, Technology Concierges can help guests fully understand the sometimes daunting features of popular devices they own or are considering for purchase. The complimentary service – a first in the cruise industry – begins through Crystal’s educational, user-friendly ComputerUniversity@Sea aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity in April and May, respectively.
The fully-trained Technology Concierges will enlighten guests on the newest trends and teach them finer nuances of today’s most popular devices, such as:
- Apple iPod nano®
- Apple iPhone™
- BlackBerry® Bold™
- Kindle™ 2 wireless reading device
- Palm Treo Pro™
- Garmin® Colorado 400c (GPS) navigational device
To further enhance the service, Crystal’s Bistros, the popular centrally-located cafes for complimentary cappuccinos and tasty bites, will carry the latest technology magazines for guests to peruse. Crystal’s “Gadget Committee” plans to continually add new technology and update their in-house education to ensure the Technology Concierges remain current.
At the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Miami Convention today, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) revealed the full range of accommodations to be offered on its next ship, Norwegian Epic.
Norwegian Epic, will feature the biggest ship-within-a-ship suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship. Guests staying in one of these suites will have exclusive access to the Courtyard Villa complex featuring a pool, two whirlpools, gym, saunas, sundeck, indoor/outdoor dining, bar/nightclub and concierge lounge. Always an innovator, Norwegian pioneered the ship-within-a-ship concept on its Jewel class ships.
For the budget-conscious traveler, Norwegian also unveiled a new category of inside staterooms – The Studios. A first in design for the cruise industry, these ultra-modern staterooms maximize space and feature a large, round window that looks out into the corridor, along with customizable color changing light effects that mirror different stages of the day or the guest’s mood, including a love setting for those romantic nights at sea. The Studios occupy two decks and have exclusive key-card access to the Living Room, a two-story shared private lounge. The area is a two-floor lounge which features a concierge, bar, room service, two large TV screens, and comfy seating for hanging out, reading a book or just enjoying a cocktail before dinner.
For the first time in its 43-year history, Norwegian is also introducing spa balcony, deluxe balcony staterooms and suites located within the spa with complimentary access to the ship’s ultra-relaxing thermal suite and invigorating and state-of-the-art fitness center. For families traveling on Norwegian Epic, NCL has placed the majority of its family-friendly staterooms, both deluxe balcony and balcony staterooms, many that connect, on two decks within close proximity to an expanded, biggest ever Kids Crew facility for added convenience.
These specialized accommodations complement the ship’s New Wave Inside, Balcony and Deluxe Balcony staterooms announced last year. These New Wave staterooms feature curved walls and lines creating a modern and chic experience. Norwegian has maximized the living space with a bathroom that is completely unique with a separate shower stall, separate water closet and a modern vanity top sink. Norwegian Epic is also a balcony-rich ship, with all of its outside staterooms featuring private balconies.
More details on Norwegian Epic’s accommodations are as follows:
Villas and Suites:
- A total of 60 Courtyard Villas, Penthouse Suites and Deluxe Owner’s Suites on two private decks high atop the ship on Decks 16 and 17. All have exclusive access to a private pool, two whirlpools, saunas, sun deck, fitness facility, private indoor/outdoor dining, bar and concierge lounge. There are 46 of NCL’s signature Courtyard Villas featuring two bedrooms and two bathrooms of ultimate luxury. Six Courtyard Penthouses include a bedroom with separate living and dining area. Eight Deluxe Owner’s Suites feature all-around floor to ceiling windows, bedroom and separate living and dining area. There are also seven Penthouse Suites located in other areas of the ship.
The Studios and Living Room:
- 128 ultra modern studios located on two decks, 11 and 12. Each sleeps two, has a den-like feel with a large, round window looking onto the corridor with customizable color changing light effects that mirror different stages of the day. Inside the Studios, a control panel allows guests to select their own light effect depending on their mood, including a love setting for romantic nights at sea.
- The Living Room is a shared social space exclusively for the use of Studio guests. The area is a two-floor lounge which features a bar, room service, two large TV screens, and comfy seating for hanging out, reading a book or just enjoying a cocktail before dinner. A concierge is available to book dinner reservations and shore excursions.
Spa Suites and Staterooms:
- Located on Deck 14, a total of 39 spa suites, deluxe balcony and balcony staterooms have private key-card entry to the enclave surrounding Norwegian Epic’s ultra-luxurious thermal suite and fitness center. For an added indulgence, eight spa suites each feature an in-room whirlpool.
Family Staterooms:
- 225 Family Deluxe Balcony and 146 Family Balcony staterooms, with triple and quad occupancies, are located on two decks (13 and 14) within close proximity to the expanded Kids Crew. These staterooms feature Norwegian’s signature New Wave design with contemporary curved architecture and open living space. The curved walls and ceilings maximize the living space with a bathroom that is completely unique with a separate shower stall, separate water closet and a modern vanity top sink.
- Many of the family staterooms can connect, perfect for families and multigenerational groups.
Deluxe Balcony Staterooms:
- 98 Deluxe Balcony staterooms featuring NCL’s signature New Wave design, with contemporary curved architecture and open living space. The curved walls and ceilings maximize the living space with a bathroom that is completely unique with a separate shower stall, separate water closet and a modern vanity top sink.
New Wave Balcony Staterooms:
- 851 Balcony staterooms feature Norwegian’s New Wave design and open living space; located throughout the ship on Decks 8 to 14.
Inside Staterooms:
- 560 Inside staterooms, with contemporary décor and open living space, including a bathroom that is completely unique with a separate shower stall, water closet and a modern vanity top sink; located on Decks 8 through 14.
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