New Disney Magic

CELEBRATION, FL – New enhancements are now in place on the Disney Magic as the ship returns from dry dock. The 2,700 passenger cruise ship received a series of upgrades from Sept 6 - 24, 2008.Here is a glimpse at what’s new onboard the Disney Magic:

Indulgence and Relaxation: Quiet Cove, the serene pool retreat reserved for the enjoyment of adults, received a makeover including upgrades to Cove Café, the pool and the deck area. Cove Café, the ship’s sophisticated coffee lounge, now features a new seating area with plush, comfortable chairs providing the perfect venue to relax while sipping a cup of gourmet coffee. Meanwhile, the adult pool was outfitted with soothing, cascading waterfalls from the two hot tubs. Teak deck and lounge chairs with plush cushions line the pool, creating an inviting, stylish ambiance in line with the Vista Spa and Salon.

Fun for the Little Ones: The Oceaneer Club, a Neverland-themed play space for 3-7 year olds, and the Oceaneer Lab, a whacky and interactive laboratory exclusively for 8-12 year olds, were enhanced with new registration areas that make the check-in process more efficient and hassle-free. This sets the stage for incorporating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in the youth activity areas later this year, which will further enhance and streamline the check-in process. The technology uses RFID tags embedded on wristbands, allowing children to simply tap a sensor to check in and out of the clubs.
Even the youngest cruisers now have a splashtacular time in “Mickey’s Splash Zone,” a new toddler water playground inspired by Fantasia’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice. This 385-square-foot extension to the Mickey Pool on deck 9 features star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains, a soft play surface and whimsical splash zones; creating an inviting environment for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers.

New Conveniences: The guest staterooms onboard the Disney Magic received an infusion of technology with the installation of flat-screen LCD television sets. The new 22-inch units are mounted on a swivel arm to allow easy viewing from multiple locations within the stateroom.

A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at the Walt Disney World Resort are also available. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit

www.disneycruise.com,or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.www.disneycruise.com,or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.

Carnival’s Destiny

When the 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny begins a new schedule of four- and five-day cruises from Miami on Saturday, Sept. 27, it will not only provide consumers with an exciting new “Fun Ship” vacation option but will also be the largest ship to be deployed year-round on short cruise itineraries.

The 2,642-passenger Destiny — at one time the largest cruise ship in the world — is by far the biggest and most elaborate Carnival vessel ever to sail short itineraries full time. The ship is nearly 50% larger than the largest Carnival ships now operating voyages of five or fewer days, the 2,052-passenger Fantasy Class ships.

On its new Miami-based schedule, Carnival Destiny departs Thursdays on four-day cruises to Key West, Fla., and Cozumel, Mexico; Mondays on five-day cruises to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; and Half Moon Cay, a private Bahamian island; and Saturdays on five-day voyages to George Town, Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica

 

 

Solstice Sets Sail

The most widely heralded ship to enter the cruise market this year, Celebrity Solstice, departed Meyer Werft shipyard yesterday in Papenburg, Germany, as the largest ship ever built by the longtime shipbuilder. In a milestone event known as “The Conveyance,” the 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice made its way down the River Eems, as tens of thousands of area residents lining the river banks cheered and photographed the historic event.

No New NCL Ships on the Horizon?

Rumors of a dispute between Norwegian Cruise Line and Aker Yards in France have surfaced in the last several days from Europe.  It is believed that conflict over cost increases and final delivery price of the first of two planned F3 Class ships for NCL may result in a cancellation or significant delay in delivery.  The first of these 150,000 ton vessels was due to start service in 2010.

A Duke Bows to the Queen

Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will make a farewell visit to Queen Elizabeth 2 in her homeport of Southampton on November 11, the ship’s last day in the UK before leaving on her final voyage that evening. .

QE2 will depart for Dubai where she will become a hotel and entertainment center. The QE2 had been the flagship of the Cunard fleet for 35 years.  She was launched by Her Majesty The Queen at Clydebank in 1967.

Fun Ship to Quebec

Carnival Cruise Lines will operate a trio of cruises along the St. Lawrence River next summer aboard the Carnival Triumph. The nine-day sailings, round-trip from New York, are set for June 25, July 23 and Aug. 20.

In addition to Quebec City, Baie-Comeau and Havre St. Pierre, the offers a day of scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence. The program includes a 16-hour stay in Quebec City, with an optional excursion to Montreal.

A to Z Savings from Azamara Cruises

Azamara Cruises announced booking incentives for guests to mark the first anniversary of Azamara Quest in October. The ‘Quest for Europe’ sale began September 22. 

Passengers who book 2009 Europe cruises by October 19^th will receive on-board credit of $600 per suite, $400 per veranda and $200 per ocean-view room.  Deposits will also be reduced by 50% during the promotional period.

Azamara Cruises’ 2009 Europe season will include 20 new ports, more overnight stays and a wide choice of seven- to 15-night itineraries.

 

 

 

 

Weather Alerts

Grand Turk and its cruise facilities suffered substantial damage from Hurricane Ike over the weekend.

Carnival Corp., which owns and operates the Grand Turk Cruise Center, said it is going to take some time for the island to recover. The company could not estimate a reopening date for the cruise facilities which suffered an estimated $5 to $10 million in damage. The pier, built to withstand up to a category 5 hurricane was reported to be undamaged.

Foul weather has created a multitude of itinerary changes on both coasts due to 3 tropical systems – Hanna, Ike and Lowell.  Please check with your cruise agent for the latest information. No cancellations are reported but many port calls have been changed, dropped or re-scheduled.  Operations are expected to return to normal for this weekend’s sailings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mama Mia! – Saving Dough for Costa Past Passengers

The new Costa Club past guest program in the United States gives special offers and privileges based on the number of days cruised and purchases made on board.

Members earn 100 points for every day they sail and 40 points for every $60 spent on board as registered by their cruise card. There are three membership levels: Aquamarine for up to 2,000 points, Coral for 2,001 to 5,000 points and Pearl for 5,001 points or more.

Members save 5% on early booking fares on a wide variety of select itineraries, and extra discounts on certain sailings will be advertised during the year. Other perks include access to a dedicated Costa Club information desk, a captain’s cocktail party and photo, in-room amenities and discounts on Costa merchandise, Internet use, wine packages, laundry service and select salon items.

Coral and Pearl members are entitled to privileged boarding and disembarkation.

Orient Lines Returns with New Owners

Orient Lines, recently acquired from NCL Corp. opened bookings to the general public on Monday September 8 for Marco Polo II’s 2009 Europe season..

Europe itineraries from 11 to 37 days are priced starting at $2,399 per person, double occupancy. New for 2009 are free air from 20 North American gateways, two-for-one fares and a free shore excursion in selected ports.

Orient Lines’ website (orientlines.com) is up and running, effective today.

Next Page »