It was a very slow week this week so we have a pretty short show.
Celebrity gave us a sneak peak at the shopping options on Celebrity Solstice and has made some improvements to the cuisine fleetwide.
There’s been more progress on the newbuilds for Costa.
Carnival is testing out open seating and we talk a little about last week’s naming of Carnival Splendor which has gotten a lot of media attention in the UK.
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Filed under: Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Podcast Posted by Michael on 07/12/08
Celebrity Cruises is shining the spotlight on a series of enhancements to its award-winning dining experience. A core component of “Celebrity’s Star TreatmentSM” array of fleetwide features and amenities, Celebrity’s culinary program now includes more than 200 new menu offerings, a significantly upgraded casual dining area, and an entirely new brunch offering.
According to Celebrity’s Vice President of Food & Beverage Operations Jacques Van Staden, a highly accomplished chef and restaurateur who joined Celebrity just one year ago, the enhancements were inspired by a combination of extensive studies of guest surveys, constant monitoring of trends in the food and beverage industry, and an unwavering eye on innovation.
Celebrity’s new evening menus are so widely varied that guests on even 14-night itineraries will never be presented with the same menu twice. Each menu contains expanded selections in all categories, from appetizers to desserts.
Casual dining “on the rocks” Celebrity has made significant enhancements to its lido café/casual dining area on every ship, expanding its culinary selections, modernizing the ambience, and upgrading signage and equipment.
One of the most innovative aesthetic enhancements in the lido/casual dining area is the replacement of ice with chilled river rocks throughout the buffet area. Resting on the rocks are literally hundreds of new menu items, new service ware and presentation styles, new action stations and made-to-order areas, and more destination-influenced and ethnic cuisine, including Asian, Italian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and English.
Celebrity also has upgraded its complimentary coffee to the European brand, “Seventh,” a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, which guests can sip from new, full-sized coffee mugs.
Let’s do brunch Celebrity has replaced its former once-per-cruise midnight gala buffet with a sumptuous brunch – complete with the line’s lauded ice, fruit and vegetable carvings - in the main dining room. “Our guests loved viewing the elaborate creations we presented at the midnight gala buffet, but very few wanted to actually eat that late,” said Van Staden. “Now, we still proudly present our culinary team’s great artistry, but at a time when our guests can thoroughly enjoy it.”
Once per cruise, guests can indulge in a lavish brunch with an enormous selection of fresh fruits; made-to-order smoothies; gourmet cheeses; cold cuts; a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, meats and seafood; pizzas, paninis and wraps; sushi and stir-fry selections; eggs of nearly every style, and delectable desserts ranging from individual, bite-sized selections to sorbet and ice cream. New options for late-night noshing For guests interested in late-night desserts, sandwiches, specialty coffees or other libations, Celebrity has introduced an “after-theater” menu in its Cova Café venues, to replace the former “Gourmet Bites” served throughout the ships on alternating evenings. “Our guests enjoyed the service and presentation of ‘Gourmet Bites,’ but very few actually indulged in them,” said Van Staden. “The new options in Cova Café allow guests who are interested in late-night dining a light, varied menu, featuring sandwiches, savories, tartlets, hot brochettes, canapés, artisan cheeses, fresh fruit, crackers, petit fours and napoleons.”
Celebrity’s Cova Café presents the new late-night menu from 11 pm to closing.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Celebrity Cruises Posted by Michael on 07/09/08
Celebrity Solstice – just added another first to its series of exceptional offerings: a 10-sided diamond cut for the first time, and available exclusively on Celebrity Solstice. Aptly named the Solstice Diamond, the patented gem’s 86 facets create a visible, distinguishing star pattern even more sparkling than the familiar 58-facet brilliant-cut diamond.
Sourced from conflict-free stones mined in Canada, the Solstice Diamond was created by UK-based Harding Brothers, who will manage the retail shops onboard. Mounted in hand-created settings and in varying sizes for rings, pendants and earrings, no two pieces will be alike.
The diamonds will be available in Celebrity Solstice’s luxurious “Boutique C,” one of 18 shops spanning three decks and 6,500 square feet onboard the ship.
We’ve got more details about the shopping options on Celebrity Solstice when you click on “more” below.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Celebrity Cruises Posted by Michael on 06/25/08
A little late this week - but we make up for it with a long show…
It was the news that held our attention this week-
Crystal announced that Serenity is getting more Penthouse Suites, they also announced their 2009 Value Collection sailings.
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara are raising their fuel subsidies
Holland America has taken delivery of ms Eurodam.
However the stories that really had us talking were the “big” reveals from NCL on their entertainment options for the F3 Ships (summary- we’re not big fans) and Royal Caribbean on the new Neighborhoods and accomodations on Oasis of The Seas (summary- we’re cautiously optimistic).
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Podcast, Royal Caribbean International Posted by Michael on 06/17/08
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is raising the fuel supplement for its brands.
For bookings made on or after June 30 for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, the amount is going to $10 per person, per day for the first and second person in a stateroom, to a maximum of $140 per person.
Additional passengers in a stateroom will pay $5 per person, per day, to a maximum of $70 each.
For Azamara Cruises, the amount is going to $15 per person, per day, applicable to the first two passengers in a stateroom only.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International « Previous Page — Next Page »
