We have a few automotive weekends coming up and as a result I try a very bad impression of Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear, however I’m not very good at it and as a result Patricia launches us right into the news.
We get started with several NCL stories: Norwegian Majesty is getting a new itinerary, Freestyle 2.0 launches March 30, and we’ve got a few hints as to what’s in store for NCL’s F3 ships.
The US Coast Guard was searching for a woman that reportedly jumped from the Costa Mediterranea last Monday.
Royal Caribbean will be refunding fuel surcharges for many guests as part of a settlement they reached with the Florida Attorney General - and Carnival may do the same soon. Regent is announcing a fuel surcharge as well.
Crystal’s introducing some super deluxe excursions.
Caribbean Princess is heading back to New York for the summer of 2009.
Silversea has announced the name for their newest ship and also that Silver Cloud and Silver Wind will be getting extensive refurbishments.
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Filed under: Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Podcast, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises Posted by Michael on 03/13/08
Silversea Cruises announced major dry-dock refurbishments planned for its 296-guest sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind to bring their interiors in line with the style of its newest ship, the 540-guest Silver Spirit (scheduled for delivery in December 2009). For Silver Wind, the month-long refurbishment will take place this November and Silver Cloud’s in May 2009.
Plans for both ships call for major suite upgrades, including new bathrooms, carpets, flat screen TVs and other appointments. Verandas will also be spruced up. And virtually all public spaces and corridors will see substantial enhancements of furnishings and carpets.
Most dramatic of the upgrades, however, will be the addition of a new ocean-view spa and fitness center on Deck 9, a new Observation Lounge, eight new large suites on Decks 7 and 8, reduction of Vista Suites on Deck 4, and a new guest elevator connecting Decks 8 and 9.
“These will be the most comprehensive construction and refurbishment initiatives ever undertaken for Silver Cloud and Silver Wind,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea’s president and CEO. “The projects underscore our firm commitment to keep Silversea at the forefront of ultra-luxury cruising.”
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Silversea Cruises Posted by Michael on 03/13/08
Silversea Cruises announced that its newest all-suite ship will be named Silver Spirit. Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, the 540-guest vessel is scheduled to join the fleet in late 2009. Renowned Italian architect Giacomo Mortola is overseeing the design of the 36,000-ton, ultra-luxury vessel. The company also revealed a number of architectural details.
With a total of 270 all ocean-view suites, the new ship will maintain the line’s reputation for intimate yet spacious ships and will increase the number of accommodations in the most popular suite categories. Silver Spirit will feature more of the quick-to-sell-out Silver Suites, with a total of 26, and more Veranda Suites, 222. There will also be six Grand Suites and two Owner’s Suites. All but 12 suites will have verandas.
When the newest addition to Silversea’s fleet sets sail, the ship’s privileged complement of guests will not only experience the line’s hallmark easy-going luxury, warm Italian hospitality, highly personalized service and all-inclusive amenities, but also a few innovations that will raise the bar in luxury travel. Plans call for an exciting new supper club, offering sumptuous gourmet cuisine served in an intimate, club-like ambiance, and a new Asian restaurant.
The new ship will also feature those dining venues that have become favorites of Silversea guests, such as The Restaurant, the elegant main dining room; The Wine Restaurant, where the menu celebrates the most rarefied vintages; and the Pool Grille, offering casual poolside dining.
SPACIOUS NEW SPA
The new Spa at Silversea, which premiered aboard Silver Shadow’s World Cruise last year, will be rolled out aboard the new vessel in grand style with dramatically more space available to incorporate new design elements. Guests will enjoy an aesthetically pleasing sanctuary where they can relax, de-stress and detox with an expanded menu of treatment options.
And Silver Spirit will feature many of the same public lounges found on the line’s existing ships, including an Observation Lounge, Vista Lounge (similar to Panorama Lounge on current fleet), Show Lounge, Humidor and Pool Bar, plus a new Lobby Bar styled along the lines of a European hotel, featuring Italian coffees complemented by champagne, wine and spirits — all served at no charge.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Silversea Cruises Posted by Michael on 03/03/08
This week our second show of the week is our news show, and after a few slow weeks things are starting to pick up news wise.
Silversea has announced that they are naming their newest ship HSH Prince Albert II.
Norwegian Jade will be deployed in Europe until at least 2010 - which means that Pride of Hawai’i will not be returning until at least after 2010.
Oceania has started releasing the details of the new Oceania Class.
Princess is sending 6 ships to Europe in 2009, and Regent has announced their 2009 Antarctic itineraries.
Finally Hawai’i is considering sulfur emissions limits for Kaua’i.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Podcast, Silversea Cruises Posted by Michael on 02/25/08
Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises announced today that its new expedition ship (originally acquired as World Discoverer II) will be renamed HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to Prince Albert of Monaco. (HSH stands for His Serene Highness)
The name is fitting for a ship that will be dedicated to the exploration and conservation of the planet’s oceans, wildlife and indigenous cultures. The Principality of Monaco, aside from being the world’s capital of wealth and luxury — and home to Silversea’s global headquarters — has long been recognized as a leader in marine environment research. Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanographic science and exploration, first explored the Arctic’s Svalbard archipelago in the early part of the last century, and founded the world renowned Oceanographic Institute. In 2006, Prince Albert II plotted a similar course on part of his journey to the North Pole, in an effort to add to the scientific body of work started by his ancestor — and to draw attention to the effects of global warming on the Arctic regions. As a result, the Prince is the first incumbent head of state to have reached the northern most point on Earth.
When Silversea’s adventure ship sets sail on June 12, following a naming ceremony in Monte Carlo, it will herald the beginning of a new mode in exploration cruising — where a luxurious ambiance is just as important as the eye-opening educational experiences it will deliver.
The Lloyd’s Register A1A ice-rated vessel is purpose-built for expedition cruising and is currently undergoing an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. To ensure the ship will deliver an expedition cruise experience consistent with Silversea’s award-winning luxury standards, the refurbishment will include exterior design modifications, state-of-the-art technological enhancements and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces.
The ship is also being outfitted with a new fleet of eight, latest-model Zodiac boats with Yamaha four-stroke engines (for lowest possible emissions) that will allow guests to enjoy up-close exploration and access to some of the world’s most remote landscapes.
We have the details on HSH Prince Albert II’s itineraries when you click on “more” below.
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