On our last show before the holidays we start off with an important travel tip…. and then we’re off with the news.
Last week was a mess along the Gulf Coast with fog causing delays all along the Gulf of Mexico.
Crystal announces who will be joining their 2010 Presidents Cruise and also is inviting kids to sail free on two European itineraries.
NCL will be celebrating 10 years of Freestyle Cruising next year and we have some details on Queen Victoria’s maiden call to San Francisco next month.
We also have more details about Oceania’s newest ship Marina.
Veendam apparently has some issues with Hamilton Bermuda…
Oceania Cruises has commissioned Lalique, the fabled French artists of jewelry and crystal to design a grand stairway for the reception area of its new Marina, currently under construction in Italy.
The stunning Lalique Grand Staircase will feature double curved staircases and balcony with balustrades of crystal medallions and scrolled iron. Six crystal pillars rising from the landing adorn the two-story, glass elevator surround. A brass banister is complemented by a mahogany handrail.
At the base – as a dramatic centerpiece – is Lalique’s highly prestigious Cactus table surrounded by etched crystal screens and flanked by newels capped with prominent crystal finials. An exquisite and striking Lalique vase, with fresh flower display, will sit atop the table.
Lalique sculptures and crystal accessories will also be displayed throughout the ship as part of Marina’s multi-million dollar art collection.
Oceania Cruises previously announced that its palatial Owner’s Suites would be furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home. Additional design elements will be unveiled over the next month.
The 1,258-guest Marina has been purposefully designed to carry discerning travelers to the world’s most alluring ports in elegance and style. Crystal, rich woods, marble and granite, wool carpets and lustrous leathers adorn public rooms. Facilities include 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants, an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs.
This week there were quite a few long stories -
Azamara, who really needed a direction gets a new name and a new attitude. Maybe this one will work?
Costa’s newest completes technical trials, and the Seabourn triplets are getting renovations.
A new villainous show is coming to Disney and so are some family friendly shore excursions.
Princess looses a ship when Royal Princess heads to P&O while Silversea takes delivery of their newest Silver Spirit.
Oceania’s massive owner’s suites on Marina will showcase Ralph Lauren.
Carnival Dream isn’t compatible with a pier in San Juan.
A few of Holland America’s ships are getting some really cool tech…
We got a request to talk about a few other things from our Westerdam trip and there’s some new video’s up for you to check out as well!
Oceania Cruises is introducing a new online portal that will let booked guests make advance reservations for specialty restaurants from the comfort of their home.
Oceania Cruises’ three 684-guest vessels – Regatta, Insignia and Nautica – offer a choice of four different dining venues, all of which come under the watchful eye of renowned master chef, Jacques Pépin, who serves as executive culinary director for the cruise line. Guests can choose from The Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill, Toscana and Tapas on the Terrace.
The new online “Dining Reservations Calendar” conveniently includes the times the ship is in port, as well as any pre-reserved shore excursions to assist guests in selecting the ideal dining times. Reservations can be made 90 days in advance of sailing, once final payment has been received, and will remain available until 10 days prior to departure.
Guests may now access the Dining Reservations Calendar beginning with the 2009-2010 Winter Collection voyages of Regatta, Insignia and Nautica to Asia and Australia, South America and the Caribbean. To access the calendar, guests must register in the “Already Booked” section of OceaniaCruises.com.
This week we introduce a new drinking game to the podcast. We may have to add some more rules for the future though…
In the news this week:
Construction has begun on Oceana’s Marina, and Disney has named their newbuilds.
James Taylor will be onboard Queen Mary 2. Royal Caribbean is enhancing their kids programs, and Carnival will be sailing to Alaska from Seattle in 2010.
Sailings have been cancelled and Millenium is headed for some quick propulsion repairs.
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