For a holiday week there was a lot of things going on, although we talk some about the ongoing situation in the Gulf of Mexico. Who knew that oil naturally seeps into the Gulf? BTW the fake BP Twitter account that we’ve been mentioning is “BP Global PR“
This week Disney Dream celebrated a major construction milestone as the last block of the hull was put in place.
Norwegian introduces a unique new opportunity – for the privacy of your stateroom, plus they’ve installed the largest chandelier at sea AND have announced that lifeboat drills will soon not require lifejackets on all ships except Pride of America.
The keel is laid on Oceania’s newest ship Riviera and Azamara Club Cruises wants us to remember that their butlers are not just cabin attendants.
Royal Caribbean has tweaked the Crown & Anchor Society benefits (although we’re not sure that any substantial changes have been made) and they’ve announced an exciting partnership with Dreamworks Animation.
A keel-laying ceremony to mark the start of construction for Oceania Cruises’ 1,258-guest m/s Riviera was held today at the Fincantieri shipyard near Genoa.
At the ceremony Frank Del Rio, the line’s founder and chairman and CEO of its parent company, Prestige Cruise Holdings, and Oceania Cruises President Bob Binder, welded four U.S. silver coins onto the keel. The welding of coins into a ship’s keel is an age-old maritime tradition believed to solicit good fortune for the ship, its crew and its passengers.
The four coins – dated 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2009 – represent the years keels were laid for the four other vessels in Oceania Cruises’ upper-premium fleet: Insignia, Regatta, Nautica and Marina, respectively.
If you’re a fan of our rants – well good news for you this week – we’ve got a good one!
If you’re not a fan of our rants – well good news for you this week – there was some cruise news!
See EVERYBODY WINS!
We start off though with a quick mention of our trip to the Corning Museum of Glass. Overall, we had a good time, and it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area or will be passing through the area.
There was a bit of news this week as Celebrity took delivery of Celebrity Eclipse which along with Celebrity Summit will be going Mac and even have a small Apple Store onboard. Celebrity has also announced that all 4 Solstice Class ships will be headed to Europe for the 2011 season.
Norwegian Epic will be the host venue for this year’s Macy’s 4th of July fireworks.
In the luxury market – Oceania will introduce a Wine Tasting Center onboard the new Marina, and Crystal will be offering new enrichment programs just for teens.
Disney has also announced a new upscale dining venue for the Disney Dream.
Finally, we weigh in on new fees one airline has decided to introduce….
When she debuts in January 2011, Oceania Cruises’ new Marina will feature La Reserve by Wine Spectator, where guests can learn about and sample fine wines selected by the connoisseurs at Wine Spectator magazine.
This new wine-tasting center will be home to a series of educational seminars and tastings so guests can better appreciate the nuances of the varietals in the regions where Marina sails. Select evenings during each voyage, seven-course, gourmet tasting menus paired with fine wines will also be offered. Although there is no charge for the food and service, wines are additional.
Situated high atop the ship on Deck 12, La Reserve sports a sophisticated, yacht club décor with seating for 24 guests as well as an al fresco patio boasting panoramic views. As part of the pioneering partnership, the wine list in the ship’s Grand Dining Room will also feature daily red and white wine recommendations from magazine editors which are perfectly paired with the evening’s menu offerings.
After an almost two month absence WE’RE BACK!!!!!! Sadly we may also be a little rusty too – sorry…
Cunard announced that QM2 will spend almost a month in Australia next year…
A passenger is accused of doing something stupid on Carnival Paradise…
Celebrity Eclipse makes the River Ems transit…
Crystal offers Cosmonaut training…
Oceania, Princess and Royal Caribbean announce their 2011 European deployments, and Royal Caribbean announces that year round cruising will continue in 2011 from Baltimore and New York.
We also took a look at the idox Traveler iPod case. For some reason I kept calling this a dock – it’s not, it’s a case. Bottom line, we were impressed with it for what it is. To purchase one or for more information visit the idox website. Sorry Zune fans, this one is only available for iPods…
We also had a quick review of Brian David Bruns’ book Cruise Confidential: A Hit Below the Waterline. Mr. Bruns was and may still be the only American to successfully complete a contract in the dining rooms of Carnival without quiting or transferring to a different department.
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