We didn’t have any big reveals this week but we did have quite a bit of news.
Crystal is the first line to bring the Kinesis Fitness system to sea, and Cruise West is expanding their 2008/2009 South America cruise season.
Norwegian Gem is plays host to TLC’s What Not to Wear, and Seabourne celebrates not one but two keel layings. Carnival has their own unique plans for the naming of Carnival Splendor.
Legend of The Seas is headed to Asia full time next year, and the Norwegian Dawn gets to do some search and rescue.
Two lines are sued over Alaska Ocean Ranger access and a federal Ocean Ranger bill has been introduced in Congress.
Finally SOLAS fire code amendments when into effect on July 1.
This week have a little norovirus chat, in specific what it’s like to make a sailing that is dealing with a norovirus outbreak.
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Filed under: Carnival Cruise Lines, Cruise West, Crystal Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Podcast Posted by Michael on 07/02/08
Norwegian Gem stars in the first ever cruise episode of TLC’s hit show “What Not to Wear,” a style makeover show that is one of the network’s top-rated programs. During the filming that took place in April 2008, “What Not to Wear” style guru Stacy London surprised Trenton, New Jersey resident Robin Kearns during the seven-day Bahamas & Florida sailing and by the end of the cruise had transformed her into a glamorous woman. The one-hour cruise special airs on TLC Friday, July 11, 2008 at 9 p.m. EST and will be shown again on Saturday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m. EST.
Kearns, 42, a data manager and single mother to son Shane, 15, was nominated to be featured in the show by her cousin Heather Kearns-Latini of Trenton, NJ and her best friend Kimberly Bomberry-Smith of Trenton, NJ. Both accompanied her on the cruise. Kearns boarded Norwegian Gem without any knowledge of being featured on the show. On embarkation day, she was enjoying time with her cousin and best friend in the ship’s atrium when a video began playing on the two-story screen which revealed Kearns’ fashion blunders. A stunned Kearns was then ambushed in the atrium by cameras from “What Not to Wear” as host Stacy London, flanked by Norwegian Gem’s officers, strolled down the grand staircase to greet Kearns with a $5,000 gift card and an offer to be made over from head-to-toe.
During the cruise, the “What Not to Wear” team followed Kearns’ transformation. While visiting Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida and Nassau, Bahamas, Kearns went shopping using style guru London’s famous wardrobe “rules.” When back on the ship, Kearns completed her make over in the ship’s spa with special help from make-up artist Carmindy Acosta and hairstylist Nick Arrojo.
The big reveal happened on the last day of the cruise in the Stardust Theater amongst a crowd of guests who cheered on Kearns as she went from drab to fab. To complete her experience, she then revealed her look to the rest of the ship at dinner that evening in NCL’s signature Le Bistro restaurant with Norwegian Gem’s captain, her cousin, best friend and London.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Norwegian Cruise Line Posted by Michael on 07/01/08
I’ve been struggling with hoarseness this week so we’re just doing another news show, amazingly enough I managed to keep some semblance of my voice throughout the entire show.
Last week Carnival had their big reveal, releasing a lot of information about Carnival Dream.
Crystal’s 2009 Experiences of Discovery (aka theme cruises) have been announced. You can find the full list of cruises here. Cunard is partnering with the Royal Astronomical Society for a variety of astronomy programs that will be offered on select sailings.
NCL is rolling out shore excursions geared to smaller groups, and Princess is rolling out the Wii Fit to all of their ships.
Fincantieri floated out two new ships for Costa which will be named together next year.
Finally, California’s “Ocean Ranger” bill dies in committee.
We’ve got three Deals of The Week, which Patricia promises to post this week - we’ll see…
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Podcast, Princess Cruises Posted by Michael on 06/26/08
Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a new class of private touring that offers more choices and convenience for guests wishing to explore ports of call however they want, whenever they want. From a private horseback riding lesson through the Tuscan countryside to chartering a catamaran to sail through the glacier-carved fjords of Alaska, these ultimate VIP tours provide options for small groups from two to 18 people. Ultimate Touring is available at all of NCL’s ports of call and can be booked pre-cruise or on board at each ship’s Shore Excursion Desk.
NCL estimates that than 60 percent of cruisers look for personalized shore excursion options* during their sailing, so this unique tour concept allows guests to discover Alaska, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Hawai’i, Mexico and South American ports at their own pace. These once-in-a-lifetime tours include:
- Helsinki, Finland - Archipelago Speed Boat Adventure: Guests jump on board a high speed boat and enjoy the sites on the way toward the narrow straight “Kustaanmiekka,” and then go full throttle. After getting a taste of the speed on water, guests will land ashore amidst the archipelago. Here, they will be treated to a Finish-style culinary experience and sample a taste of Finnish beer.
- Stockholm, Sweden - Rooftop Walk: During a guided walk conducted along the roofs of this historic city, guests will be stunned by the fantastic views and fascinating stories of a local guide. Tour locations include the Old Parliament Building, the Gamla Stan quarter and the Royal Palace.
- Livorno, Italy - 4×4 Rally Experience: From Lamborghinis to Ferraris, Italians have a passion for cars, and now NCL guests can too at the famous Rally Club of Barga. The experience begins at the pier where a 4×4 car and driver take guests for a ride of approximately one and a half hours through the Tuscan landscape. Once at the club, a professional driver gives tips on navigating the full mountain course where guests are able to drive through the obstacles.
- Valletta, Malta - Aerial View of Maltese Islands: Taking off from the spectacular Grand Harbor on a float plane, this 60-minute tour gives guests the chance to enjoy the beautiful archipelago from 1,500 feet in the air.
- Ketchikan, Alaska - NCL’s Freestyle Private Touring: An Alaskan’s Chef Table: A six-course tasting menu is planned to highlight Alaska’s sustainable, wild bounty. A personal chef serves a succulent meal while sharing secret methods of brining, roasting, smoking and grilling.
NCL also offers exclusive four- and nine-hour tours in a private vehicle-a car (up to two guests) or minivan (up to seven guests)-which allows complete freedom for guests to maximize their time by exploring only the places that interest them.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Norwegian Cruise Line 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 « Previous Page — Next Page »
