Crystal Cruises – “All Inclusive” by Spring 2012

The luxury cruise market has traditionally  distinguished  itself  from premium and deluxe cruise lines by offering  intimate, smaller ships, more all inclusive features and extra amenities.  With the economic  challenges that have occurred over the past few years, luxury cruise lines have had to find more ways to differentiate themselves.  Where cruise lines have “stepped up” efforts?  They’ve found ways  to provide new inclusive features.  When it comes to Crystal Cruises, they are actually moving to becoming “all inclusive” by spring of 2012.

More Details

Starting with their spring 2012 transatlantic cruises, the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are going to be including  complimentary premium spirits and fine wines throughout the ship, as well as open bar service in all the lounges. In addition,  gratuities will also be covered for the dining, housekeeping and bar staff. And with these transatlantic cruises, Crystal Cruises is also including roundtrip airfare and transfers in the fares.

Award Winning Ships

Over the years, Crystal Cruises has won several prestigious awards. For an unprecedented  17^th year, Crystal Cruises was named “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler in 2010 as well as “World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine for the 15^th consecutive year. Other included onboard amenities that have been a hallmark of the Crystal Cruises experience for their guests range from  specialty restaurants and  fitness classes to Berlitz language classes.

More about Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises’  debut back in 1990 brought a new standard to luxury  travel, which included spacious ships, high levels of service, and sophisticated cuisine as well as onboard enrichment programs. Their Creative Learning Institute, for instance, includes complimentary progress courses offered by the Society of Wine Educators,  Berlitz, and Cleveland Clinic, as well as more.

The fleet includes two ships –  Crystal Symphony which debuted in 1995  accommodates 922  guests and  the Crystal Serenity, which launched in 2003, accommodates 1,070 guests. As far as the passengers, approximately 75% of the guests sailing on Crystal Cruises are from the United States and Canada. The remaining 20% are international, sophisticated travelers.

These new all-inclusive features  continue to enhance  the guest experience. When comparing options for your group,  it might be good to look into the additional value that Crystal Cruises is now providing without compromising their already well known luxury onboard product.

 

“Baseball Greats” Cruises Continue on MSC Cruises

Theme cruises continue to be a popular option,  centering around cuisine, wine and chefs  as well as  entertainment , artists and musicians.  One of the best ongoing success stories are the “Baseball Greats” cruises, now in their eighth year  onboard MSC Cruises. Stan Bahnsen, former star pitcher for the New York Yankees, is the host and emcee for all the special onboard activities onboard, which feature well known former Major League Baseball player stars who played on a variety of baseball teams. The line-up of Major Leaguers changes with each cruise.

Stan Bahnsen, Host and Emcee

 Stan Bahnsen mentions he’s worked in promotional areas for years with ballplayers in different venues along with sports related activities. He notes, “I have been exclusively with MSC Cruises since 2004, when they came to Florida for their Caribbean sailings in the winter.”  As far as the success of the “Baseball Greats” cruises that has followed? Bahnsen explains, “The cruises are successful mainly because of the quality of the individuals we select. The stars that we have on our cruises all genuinely like people, and are able to transmit that quality to passengers. It creates a nice atmosphere.”

Special Activities Onboard

 The “Baseball Greats” cruises offer a wide range of free guest/player activities that provides a high level of interaction and fun.  Bahnsen mentions, “Our activities are all as a group.  We have Instructional Clinics on the specifics of a player’s job at his position on a team, we have a very funny Story Telling Session, a Question & Answer Session, a Passenger Team Trivia Game Show to answer questions from the players for prizes, a Passenger Pitching Contest and, of course the ever-popular Free Autograph Session at the end of the cruise.”   Bahnsen also notes that they have developed a strong following of baseball fans, “…and  it is not unusual to see some of the same passengers on more than one cruise in a winter Caribbean Season on an MSC ‘Baseball Greats’ cruise.”

 

Upcoming “Baseball Greats” MSC Poesia

 Coming up later this fall and into spring 2012 are five  different “Baseball Greats” cruises onboard the MSC Poesia. Ranging from 7 to 10 nights, these Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises are roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale. Departure dates are November 19 for a 7 night Western Caribbean cruise, while December 6 is a 10-night Western Caribbean cruise.  Another 7-night Western Caribbean cruise sails on January 14, 2012 and the fourth cruise, which is a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, departs on February 18, 2012. Finally the fifth cruise, departing on March 3, 2012 is another 7 night Eastern Caribbean sailing.

Who’s Onboard –  a Starter List of  Former Major League Baseball Stars 

Each features different former Major League Baseball stars. The  upcoming November 19, 2011 Western Caribbean cruise for instance, features  Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers’ Hall-of-Fame pitcher Ferguson Jenkins, Glenn Beckert, Chicago Cubs All-Star and Gold Glove second-baseman, and  Frank Howard, who was a two-time, American League home run king. Rounding out the “Baseball Greats” players onboard are Bill Russell, Los Angeles Dodgers’ star shortstop and manager, as well as Stan Bahnsen, a star pitcher for the Yankees, who also serves as host and emcee.

A Terrific Option to Combine a Bit of Baseball at Sea

The MSC Poesia provides genuine Italian hospitality, warmth and refined ambiance, combined with a wide range of entertainment and dining options featuring Asian, European and American cuisine. The upcoming “Baseball Greats” cruises onboard the MSC Poesia offer an ideal opportunity for fans who want to extend the baseball season,  enjoy some additional free activities provided  along with the ambiance of a cruise, and also experience some incredible ports of call.

It could be another option to consider for your group.

Holland America Line Debuts New Signature Dishes

Holland America Line is well known for their sophisticated cuisine featuring classic favorites as well as ones that provide more regional flavors, thanks to Master Chef Rudi Sodamin.  In his role as Master Chef and culinary consultant, Sodamin has directed the evolution of fine dining onboard Holland America Line’s ships over the past few years, and is internationally recognized as food authority.

This summer Holland America Line has begun featuring new dishes included in their main dining room menus for their 15 ships. These signature dishes and desserts have been developed by the Holland America Line Culinary Council, which includes Master Chef Sodamin (Council Chairman) as well as six renowned international chefs.

About The Culinary Council

 Created late fall 2010, members of  the Holland America Line Culinary Council include six celebrated chefs from around the world – Jonnie Boer,  David Burke, Marcus Samuelsson, Jacques Torres and Charlie Trotter.  The Culinary Council meets regularly with Holland America Line executives, and they have also been working on ways to enrich the line’s culinary initiatives as well as presenting signature recipes that are being featured within the  different dining venues onboard the ships.

 Selection of Dishes Featured by Culinary Council Chefs

 A few of these new signature dishes now being featured on the main dining room menu include Master Chef Rudi Sodamin’s seared Cajun tuna steak with horseradish rosti potatoes and plum tomato confit. One of the dishes David Burke has created is a spice-crusted prime rib with whipped potatoes, baby carrots and sautéed asparagus.

Jacques Torres, well known chocolatier and pastry chef, has created a chocolate platter featuring creamy white mousse with a  bittersweet chocolate slice, and chocolate cornflakes.  Marcus Samuelsson has created a rich chocolate cake with bourbon and blueberry-infused whipped cream.

Rounding out some other new culinary dishes are ones created by Charlie Trotter and Jonnie Boer.  Trotter has created a grilled venison loin with dates that is served with salsify puree, broccoli rabe, and seasoned quinoa. Jonnie Boer’s dessert contribution is a brioche toast with caramelized apricot, served warm with clove ice cream. And these are just a few of the selections.

More About the Culinary Experiences Available Onboard

Master Chef Sodamin’s ideas were also included in the development of the Culinary Arts Center and programs onboard Holland America Line’s ships. Launched in 2003 as part of their “Signature of Excellence” program at an initial investment of $225 million, this was a groundbreaking first in the cruise industry.

The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, includes an innovative show kitchen complete with multiple large plasma video screens where cooking demonstrations and hands on cooking classes take place.  On selected sailings, some of America’s top leading chefs are onboard to lead the cooking classes and demonstrations.

Taking this a step further, the Culinary Council is also providing their expertise and consulting on the Culinary Arts Center enrichment programs. They will help in the creation of new, as well as more innovative learning experiences for Holland America Line guests.

The Culinary Experience at Its Best

 The debut of new signature dishes created by these top chefs, members of the Holland America Line Culinary Council, as well as by Master Chef Sodamin further compliments the already top dining experience guests can now enjoy while sailing. And more additions to the culinary learning experiences are  now being created.

If you have a love for food and entertaining blended together in an interactive experience, along with enjoying fine cuisine?  Holland America Line is definitely a cruise line to consider for your next group.

 

Celebrity Silhouette – New Dimensions in Cruising

The recent christening of Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Silhouette in Hamburg, Germany on July 21 marked some new features onboard their latest Solstice class ship as well as including some of their best loved ones. Just when you thought Celebrity couldn’t improve on an already remarkable product? They do.

Taking the Lawn Club to New Dimensions

 Some of the key changes involve the Lawn Club area. This already unique experience  is now been taken to new levels of dining, socializing and relaxing surrounded by the lush lawn of fresh green grass and views of the sea.

 Lawn Club Grill – Yes, You Can Grill at Sea

 One of the most exciting features and a cruise industry first is the Lawn Club Grill. This interactive, open-air grilling intimate 58 seat restaurant lets guests select their own meats and have them cooked to order. Another part of the experience includes an opportunity for guests to serve as a “Grill Master” for their party. They are then paired with a Celebrity Cruises chef and assist in preparing the menu for their particular table, using the ventilated, custom-build grills. Part of the fun of being a “Grill Master” is also the opportunity to get a firsthand lesson in proper grilling techniques as well as learning more “tricks of the trade.”  By the way, “Grill Masters” receive a complimentary apron as a memento.

The Lawn Club Grill can be reserved online and booked prior to the cruise for ticketed guests. As far as the hours? The Lawn Club Grill is open from 5 pm to 10 pm in the evenings, and also from 12 noon to 2pm on one “sea day” during each of the Celebrity Silhouette’s cruises. There is a $30 per person fee to dine there.

 

The Alcoves

 Offering views of the ocean and grassy lawn, The Alcoves is best described as a private haven, complete with eight cabanas that are Wi-Fi equipped, and accommodating up to four guests. An extra charge is involved to reserve one of the cabanas. For a full day of use, the cost is $149 on days at sea, while on port days, the fee is $99. Complimentary amenities are also included in the full day rental – all day use of an iPad with a variety of music, magazines, movies and games, four bottles of water, a fresh fruit plate, chilled towels, and hand-held fans.  A la carte beverages as well as fresh, themed picnic baskets are available at an additional charge, and these can be ordered through the Alcove Attendant.

Other Features

The Hideaway is another new area exclusive to the Celebrity Silhouette. This quiet, intimate space features “hanging nests” that have a tree house like effect and appear to be hanging from the ceiling, along with “relaxation pods.” It’s almost reminiscient of a childhood tree house, but for adults.  A new casual dining spot, “The Porch,” offers sandwiches and coffees and is open for breakfast and lunch.

A Special Note about the Christening

 Celebrity Cruises selected Michelle Morgan, president and CEO of Signature Travel Network as godmother of the Celebrity Silhouette. Michelle Morgan, who is a 33 year travel marketing executive, was also honored in her efforts to overcome breast cancer.

Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, parent company of Celebrity Cruises, noted that Michelle Morgan has “not let the disease define her life.”

 Also present at the naming ceremony were three godmothers of other Solstice-class ships. Sharon Smith, who christened Celebrity Solstice, Nina Barough, who christened Celebrity Equinox, and Emma Pontin, who christened Celebrity Eclipse, are all breast cancer survivors. Fain also mentioned, “We’re fortunate to support a wide range of causes, and we are passionate about supporting this cause.”

With the new experiential touches of actually being able to become a “Grill Master” at sea as well as the new dimensions the Lawn Club area offers, the Celebrity Silhouette brings even more reasons to select her for your next group.

 

Costa Favolosa Debut – Italian with “fairy tale” Touch

Costa Cruises’ newest ship, the Costa Favolosa,  recently christened on July 2  and then departing on  July 7 for an 11 day inaugural cruise from Venice, brings  some new  features and qualities, as well as innovations Costa’s ships are well known for. Yes, the Italian touches  are there and as far as the name?  In Italian, “favola” means “fairy tale.”

Interiors by Joe Farcus, Miami based Architect

Costa Cruises is known for their use of high end  luxurious materials including Italian marble and granite, crystal and onyx in the decor onboard their ships;  the Costa Favolosa has a castle quality.  Joe Farcus, the Miami based architect who’s been handling  the design work for Costa’s ships over the past several years, designed the Costa Favolosa to have “…the  theme of the majestic palaces and museums around Europe and the world,” according to Maurice Zarmati, President  and CEO, North America.

The Grand Bar Palatino

 Located  on Costa Favolosa’s main deck is the Grand Bar Palatino. Complete with  extensive café-like seating, this  expansive lounge area provides the feel and ambiance of a square, or main piazza, found in an Italian city.  Another feature of the Grand Bar is a large dance floor.

Samsara Spa

When Costa Cruises first debuted their Samsara Spa on Costa Concordia in 2006, it was the first in the Costa fleet to have designated spa accommodations with direct access to their expansive  spa. Another unique feature was the  Samsara Restaurant,  providing complimentary lunch and dinner  for guests in those accommodations. This continues onboard the Costa Favolosa.

New Innovations onboard

In addition to the Grand Prix  race car driving simulator (a Costa exclusive) and  golf simulator  offering  more than 37 courses to choose from, Costa Favolosa also features a 4D cinema, which pulls together sound, sight, touch and scent together for a unique cinematic experience. There is a newly designed aft pool area that features raised whirlpool tubs. The  lido area extending over two decks has  a giant movie screen and sliding glass roof.  Younger passengers can enjoy a new entertainment center for teenagers, the PlayStation World, and a water park playground, complete with its own pirate galleon.

 Where Costa Favolosa sails

 Yes, you’ll have to venture overseas to enjoy the Costa Favolosa. During the remainder of the summer season this year, Costa Favolosa  is sailing on seven day cruises from Venice and Bari to Olympia, Greece; Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.  She’ll then be repositioning for  a series of “Jewels of the Emirates” winter cruises.

A quick note – Costa Cruises’ ships do attract about 80% of their guests from Europe; their Europe sailings tend to have about 10% – 12% of Americans onboard.  But the fairy  tale palace ambiance combined with the Italian touches  might make it an interesting adventure for your group.

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