Norwegian Breakaway details – 3 Story Sports Complex & More

Never one to sit back on past innovations, Norwegian Cruise Line continues to lead the way when it comes to their new ships. The latest? When Norwegian Breakaway launches in April 2013, one of their cutting edge additions is the 3 story sports complex. This will take the Norwegian Breakaway to “new heights” both literally and figuratively.

New Recreation and Fun at the Aqua Park

Norwegian Breakaway’s Aqua Park will feature not one, but five multi-story full size water slides. In addition, there are two side by side slides – the Free Fall, where guests stand up, have the floor drop from underneath, and then get propelled into a thrilling loop. Norwegian Breakaway is the first cruise line to feature the Free Fall. Another first are two side-by-side twister slides, called The Whip, which plunges guests on a spiral race to a finish line.

The three story complex will also have the largest ropes course at sea, a rock climbing wall, basketball court, and a nine hole miniature golf course. The ropes course area also includes The Plank, a platform that literally extends eight feet over the side of the ship.Yes, guests who conquer this breathtaking “feat” will have their photo taken afterwards.

Also within Aqua Park

The Aqua Park also features the Kids’ Aqua Park, complete with more features – four hot tubs, two swimming pools,  and a semi-open aired eatery, Breezeway Bar & Grill.  The tropical Kids’ Aqua Park has a  kid-size pool and slide, with larger than life, colorful Nickelodeon characters.  For a more relaxing escape, a family friendly open-flume body slide is also within the Aqua Par

Adult Only Outdoor Enclaves – Spice H2O  and Vibe Beach Club

Located towards the back of the ship on Deck 16, SpiceH2O is best described as an adult only escape providing relaxation during the day and during evenings a chance to dance under the stars or enjoy the beautiful ocean views.  The area includes sun loungers that surround a huge video screen, along with two hot tubs that have a soothing waterfall feature, and a bar featuring a lounge area.

Vibe Beach Club is a special retreat area for guests ages 18 and older who purchase an access pass. The area has chaise loungers, and an oversized hot tub, along with water spritzers and chilled towels for guests to enjoy the ocean views in a more serene setting.

 

Largest Youth and Teen Areas

When Norwegian Breakaway debuts, she’ll also offer the largest teen and youth dedicated facilities within the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet.  Their youth area, Splash Academy, has been designed for  three specific age groups. Teens ages 13 through 17 will have their own dedicated area called Entourage.

Other Previously Announced Features for Norwegian Breakaway

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, the Norwegian Breakaway’s hull design is being done by artist Peter Max. The ship will include an exclusive suite complex, called The Haven, and she’ll be sailing out of the Port of New York, offering Bermuda cruises during the summer months, and then  Bahamas & Florida and Caribbean during the winter.

As more details unfold, Norwegian Breakaway is providing new avenues for family vacations in addition to offering adult only areas and options. Stay tuned for more updates.

Cunard Line Debuts New Weddings Programme

Getting married while taking a cruise has evolved from cruise myth into reality. For years, people thought “you could just get married by the Captain of the ship,” but this myth perhaps began because we saw it in movies. A classic example is  the 1998 remake of the original  famous family movie, “The Parent Trap.”  As far as the reality, one option people  had was to get married while in a port, with pre-arrangements done well in advance.  Then some cruise lines  began offering a special service –  weddings could take place onboard before the ship sailed out. And now a few cruise lines have added special wedding chapels onboard. In April, however, Cunard Line debuted its own Weddings Programme available on their three ocean liners with exclusive touches.

Cunard Line – Steps Taken to Offer the First Weddings Onboard  in Their 172 Year History

In order to tap into this lucrative market, Cunard Line had to go through some “red tape.”  The key component  involved changing their ships’ registries from  England to Bermuda. Why?  According to British law the actual wedding ceremony had to be held in a publicly accessible venue. By changing their ships’ registries to Bermuda, a British territory, the vessels of Cunard Line can still use and hoist flags that have the British insignia. And they can now offer weddings at sea.

Cunard Line’s Weddings Programme  – Handled Internally & Special Package

Most cruise lines outsource their wedding planning services to outside special vendors, but when developing their Weddings Programme, Cunard Line decided instead to handle all the arrangements and bookings internally.

They have created a standard package priced at $2,500  plus  a marriage license fee of $575.  This package includes priority luggage delivery and priority embarkation for the bride and groom,  press service for bridal outfits, services of a wedding coordinator onboard, two fresh floral arrangements for the ceremonial room, and traditional wedding music as well s an elegant wedding ceremony venue, including a one tier wedding cake, a bridal bouquet and bridegroom’s boutonniere. The Ceremony at sea is conducted by the Captain, and also included are  a commemorative wedding certificate, bottle of champagne, wedding invitations and Thank You cards for voyage guests.

Various Venues for the Weddings

Depending on the size of the wedding party, Cunard Line’s elegant ships have a variety of different venues where the wedding can take place. For instance, onboard the  Queen Elizabeth, The Verandah, one of their award winning restaurants can be used. Onboard the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria,  the Todd English is often used. Cunard Line’s world class culinary teams, led under the guidance of their global culinary ambassador, Chef Patron Jean-Marie Zimmermann, can prepare an  exquisite wedding dinner or  wedding luncheon, complete with wedding canapés.

A Few More Details

Cunard Line is also offering a “Finishing Touches” program, where other items are available for purchase. For instance, a few of these include a Bride and Groom’s Champagne and Caviar Breakfast in Bed,  a three-tiered fruit cake, or personalized touches, such as an accompaniment by the ship’s own harpist.

Interest and demand have been high for the new Weddings Programme.  To maintain exclusivity, only one wedding per day is arranged, either at 11 am or 3:30 pm. Also the ceremonies only take place on days when the ship is at sea.

An Elegant Twist to Getting Married at Sea

Cunard Line’s extra touches, from having  all arrangements being handled internally to exclusivity, with only one wedding per day while the ship is at sea as well as their vast itineraries, do make this something to consider, if you happen to have a possible wedding group.

And the fun thing? Now elegant weddings at sea are no longer “just in the movies.” It brings reality to what originally was a romantic twist in the 1998 remake of “The Parent Trap.” By the way, for movie trivia buffs? The wedding in the 1998 remake of  “The Parent Trap”  between Nick Parker (portrayed by Dennis Quaid) and Elizabeth James (portrayed by Natasha Richardson) occurred onboard Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth 2.

 

Carnival Destiny -Transformation into Carnival Sunshine

In addition to investing in new ships, cruise lines are also proactive when it comes to improvements on their existing ones. This is in the form of upgrades, with new services and programs to literally reconstructing areas. In 2013, one of the most extensive and ambitious refit projects will take place on the Carnival Destiny. This “extreme ship makeover” will be a cost of $155 million. After the transformation, she will then be renamed Carnival Sunshine.

Key Things Involved in the Transformation

The $155 million  makeover will take place during a 49 day drydock from February to April 2013.  Besides getting all of the Fun Ship 2.0 features from dining, entertainment and bar additions, the ship will also go through some extensive reconfigurations including her layout. Two decks within the ship’s forward section will be expanded, 182  cabins will be added as well as a new partial deck.  Work will be done by Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilder.

New Outdoor Areas Providing Relaxation and Fun

One of the new areas being created is the first three-deck-high Serenity adults only retreat. This area offers a cascading waterfall, pool, and whirlpool, as well as a complimentary dining area, where guests can customize freshly made salads. And they can enjoy spectacular sea views on the  plush chaise lounges and chairs.  Also being added is Carnival’s Seaside Theatre. This poolside high tech LED screen which is 270 feet high, will offer nightly “Dive in Movies.” In addition there will also be a variety of concerts, sporting events and programs offered.  Completing the new outdoor areas are SportsSquare,  an open-air recreation complex,  WaterWorks, which offers wet ‘n wild thrills, including the “Twister” water slide, and a Splash Zone water play area for kids.

New Entertainment Highlights Onboard

The Carnival Sunshine will have The Punchliner Comedy Club Presented by George Lopez, featuring a line up of  both up and coming talent as well as established talent.  Piano Bar 88 provides a new twist to the popular piano bar that Carnival is well known for, providing sing-along fun, and themed nights. Another new entertainment option includes Hasbro, The Game Show. Yes, guests become “part of the show” through entertainment activities and productions based on Hasbro’s popular games.  Already well known for an excellent reputation when it comes to high quality entertainment, Carnival will continue with  its live performances, complete with special effects and spectacular staging onboard the Carnival Sunshine.

Lounges and Dining Additions

There are too many to list when it comes to the additions in dining, lounges and bars.  One is BlueIguana Cantina, where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas at this complimentary poolside eatery. Another casual dining option is “The Comfort Kitchen,” which offers American-style “comfort food” side dishes and entrees.  A new Asian restaurant will be full service, and complimentary for lunch, with a small surcharge for dinner. And Cucina del Capitano, also known as “The Captain’s  Kitchen” is being added onto the Carnival Sunshine as well. This features Italian dishes and Carnival classics, served family style, and complimentary for lunch, with a small surcharge for dinner.

As far as bars and specialty beverages, yes, RedFrog Pub is also being added. This island inspired  pub features Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red private label draft brew. A vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” experience can be found at Alchemy Bar. And there are more.

Where the New Carnival Sunshine will sail

After the drydock has been completed in April 2013, the Carnival Sunshine will first offer a variety of  nine and 12 day Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Venice which will go through October 2013.  Then the Carnival Sunshine will start her year round seven day Caribbean cruises departing from New Orleans starting in November 2013.

With a refit and renovation of this size and investment, the transformation of the Carnival Destiny into the Carnival Sunshine gives new meaning to  the term, “extreme ship makeover,”  doesn’t it?

 

Great American Steamboat Company – Updates & Countdown

With the launch of the Great American Steamboat Company’s American Queen just weeks away and her April 27 christening, here are more details about upcoming special  sailings and features.  Enjoying Mississippi River cruising is just one part of the unique experience guests will have while sailing on the American Queen. Innovative touches are also a key part, including the latest – The Steamcoach.  Another involves her April 27 christening by godmother Priscilla Presley.

The Steamcoach

The  “Steamcoach” is a term that Great American Steamboat Company came up with for the colorful motorcoaches that are being used for cruise guests while going on shore excursions. What’s different about these motorcoaches?   They have been painted to resemble the exterior of the American Queen, herself, providing   a colorful, unique touch of realism. The exteriors feature the  American Queen’s architecture, including the big red paddlewheel, and cruise guests on deck.

More about the story behind the Steamcoach?   Executives from the Great American Steamboat Company created the concept of the Steamcoach  as an integral part of the overall product consistency, not just onboard the American Queen,  but extending to the land part of the cruising experience itself.   Instead of having  the  transportation vary from port to port, these Steamcoaches will be the same ones used at each stop and the guides will also be the same.  Once again, this contributes to the high quality of service and consistency that Great American Steamboat Company is bringing to their guests.

April 27, 2012 christening by godmother Priscilla Presley

Priscilla Presley will serve as godmother of the American Queen. Actress, producer, businesswoman and ex-wife of  the late Elvis Presley, Priscilla Presley is also an ambassador of the Dream Foundation, which helps fulfill dreams of adults who are battling terminal illnesses.   Following the April 27 christening in Memphis, the American Queen‘s inaugural voyage  sails on the Mississippi River up to the Ohio River. Her stops will include Henderson and Louisville, Kentucky;  Madison, Indiana and Cincinnati, where the cruise will end.

Special Cruises Coming Up

As a result of a partnership that the Great American Steamboat Company has been able to enter with the Elvis Presley Enterprises, the American Queen will be operating a special “Elvis cruise.”   This will be a December sailing from Memphis to New Orleans, with more details to be revealed later.

Also,  the American Queen’s first Mother’s Day cruise  will be  a special 7 night “Springtime on the River Voyage.” This May 8 – 15, 2012 sailing will feature performances by Paul Revere and the Raiders as well as Gary Lewis and the Playboys, best known for their pop classics in the ‘60’s.

Single Staterooms and another unique feature

In addition to offering  special single occupancy rates on some of their upcoming cruises, the American Queen does have some single staterooms available, which creates a nice touch.

The American Queen also has another nice feature – wheelchair accessible staterooms. If you’ve sailed on any of the European river cruise lines, unfortunately these aren’t available.

Bringing Back Life to the Mississippi River

Yes, with the relaunch of the American Queen, she’ll be bringing back life to Mississippi River cruising in new ways. Cruise guests will be able to embrace the culture and history in the  towns visited, which complements  the onboard experience.  With extensive planning down to the most minute details,  from the Steamcoach and  all-inclusive packaging to  regional cuisine  created by celebrated Culinary Director, Chef Regina Charboneau? This is the year to consider Mississippi River cruising.

 

Celebrity Cruises’ “Solsticizing” – Celebrity Summit

Yes, Celebrity Cruises is “Solsticizing” again.  The latest of their Millennium class ships, the Celebrity Summit just completed her new renovation and now includes key features of the other “Solstice” class ships.  The Celebrity Summit recently underwent these upgrades in January while in drydock in the Bahamas, and now is back sailing with her brand new appearance.

So what is “Solsticizing”?

“Solsticizing” is a term Celebrity Cruises created to describe enhancing their four Millennium class ships. This involves bringing “Solstice-style” venues  ranging from new dining  and restaurant options  to restyling staterooms with new touches and color schemes,  bedding and upholstery as well as flat-screen TV’s, at an investment of more than $120 million.

More Dining Options & New Restaurants

“Qsine” which first debuted on the Celebrity Eclipse has been a popular choice for cruise guests, and now has been added to the Celebrity Summit. Best described as “uniquely unordinary” Qsine serves a blend of contemporary and classic dishes. It’s also the first restaurant that has its menu and wine list on an iPad™. Some other fun touches? Custom-made serve ware is used, including theater-style popcorn boxes for popcorn shrimp, and spring rolls served in vertical springs.

“Blu” a Mediterranean-themed specialty restaurant is now also onboard. Guests who reserve AquaClass staterooms have exclusive access to “Blu.” And depending on availability, other guests can also arrange to dine in this specialty restaurant that features “clean” healthy cuisine.

Other dining experiences added to the Celebrity Summit include the Café al Bacio & Gelateria, which features an extensive menu of coffee drinks with complimentary gelatos and fresh pastries. Bistro on Five provides crepes, salads and sandwiches as an upscale casual dining experience.

AquaClass Staterooms Added

Celebrity Cruises’ AquaClass staterooms, which are spa inspired and include spacious private verandas, have also been added during the Celebrity Summit “Solsticizing.” Guests receive exclusive access to “Blu” as well as complimentary access to the relaxation room and Persian Garden in the AquaSpa.

 The “Celebrity iLounge”

Celebrity Cruises became the first cruise line to be an authorized Apple™ Reseller, and with that they created the first “Celebrity iLounge.” Now onboard the Celebrity Summit, this new Internet lounge offers guests the opportunity to participate in Celebrity Cruises’ “iLearn” enrichment series.

A  Fun, Behind the Scenes Look of the Celebrity Summit during the process

For a fun, behind the scenes look at the Solsticizing of the Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Cruises did something a bit more unique. Captain’s Club members submitted their requests in a contest to be selected as the Captain’s Club Reporter. The chosen Captain’s Club Reporter would then cover actual reconstruction in a dry dock process that was done in Freeport, Bahamas. For a look at what Captain’s Club reporter, Victoria D. shares, the video can be found by going to http://celebritycruises.tumblr.com/post/17323761360/solsticizing-the-celebrity-summit

Next Ship Undergoing “Solsticizing”

The Celebrity Millennium will be the next to undergo “Solsticizing.” This will take place April 21 – May 12, 2012 and done at the Grand Bahama shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. With “Solsticizing” it gives you another reason to cruise on the Millennium class ships, doesn’t it?

 

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