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| Get out the parka! Holland America Lines is offering three 20-day South America & Antarctica departures to showcase the largest wilderness on earth. Antarctic Explorer Holiday cruises aboard the ms Rotterdam are scheduled for departure on December 22 in both 2005 and 2006 and an Antarctic Experience itinerary is slated for January 11, 2006. [Full Story] |
| Old world charm resurfaced on the calm water of Halong Bay, Vietnam with the launch of a magnificent five star vessel Emeraude modeled in the tradition of the grand old single wheeled paddle steamer of the colonial era. [Full Story] |
| Starting in April, 2005 and continuing until November 13, Windstar Cruises is offering a special "Europe on Sale" two-for-one rate on all of their European and Tran-Atlantic sailings. The 308-passenger Wind Surf sails from Ft. Lauderdale to Lisbon on April 9, 2005 and will spend the season sailing in the western and eastern Mediterranean through November 13. [Full Story] |
| Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Jewel of the Seas, set sail for the Caribbean on November 6, beginning a season of eight-night Eastern Caribbean and six-night Western Caribbean cruises from Port Everglades, Florida. [Full Story] |
| Holland America Line has introduction a new way to relax aboard their ships with "Explorations Cafe - powered by The New York Times." The cafe is a living room-style environment where guests can sip a cup of coffee, browse through a selection of more than 2,000 books, spend time enjoying a wide selection of music and surf the Internet. [Full Story] |
| Despite a war in Iraq and a weak economy at home, the North American cruise industry continued to be a vibrant, growing business in 2003, generating a total U.S. economic impact of $25.4 billion and more than 295,000 jobs.
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| With the traditional smashing of a champagne bottle on its bow, actress Sophia Loren christened the MSC Opera signaling its official entry into the fleet of MSC Cruises. MSC Opera is the sixth cruise ship of the MSC fleet, joining MSC Melody, MSC Monterey, MSC Rhapsody, MSC Lirica and MSC Armonia. [Full Story] |
| Discovery World Cruises has the perfect spot to see a rare total solar eclipse on April 8, 2004. At 23º 42´ south latitude, 130º 40´ west longitude in the South Pacific, passengers aboard the MV Discovery will have the best vantage point to witness a rare hybrid (annular-total) solar eclipse occurring for the first time this century. [Full Story] |
| Beginning in May, and throughout the summer months, three Royal Caribbean ships will be sailing to 16 European countries. Among the ships plying European waters are its Radiance-class ships: Brilliance of the Seas and the line's newest ship, Jewel of the Seas. [Full Story] |
| Celebrity Cruises has appologized to passenger after being forced to swap the itineraries of two sister ships, Infinity and Millennium. In the exchange, Millennium will take over two Panama Canal cruises on March 28 and April 11 which were previously scheduled on Infinity. [Full Story] |
| Here are the scores of the cruise ships inspected between Janyuary 1, 2004 and February 20, 2004, sorted by the most recent insection date. The report is complied from CDC Resources. [Full Story] |
| Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will hold to the July 4th initial sailing date for their new itinerary in Hawaii. But instead of the Pride of America, passengers will find themselve aboard the Pride of Aloha. Before assuming the program of seven-day Hawaii cruises, Pride of Aloha, currently sailing as Norwegian Sky, will undergo a multi-million dollar remodeling in May and be re-flagged into the U.S. registry. [Full Story] |
| Star Cruises' SuperStar Leo will be racking up a lot of miles over the next few months. After running a full range of cruises to 15 destinations in Australian waters, the ship will replace the Norwegian Sky for the 2004 Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) Alaska season. [Full Story] |
| Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) America will give something back before the first Hawaiian cruise aboard its new U.S.-flagged ship, Pride of America with a special carity cruise on July 3rd. The new ship, which will be based year-round in Hawaii and begin cruises on July 4th, is the first new U.S.-flagged cruise ship in nearly 50 years. [Full Story] |
| A new BritRail Pass for travel in England only, the BritRail England Pass, is now available at a price 20% lower than regular BritRail Passes which cover rail travel throughout the U.K. (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). [Full Story] |
| Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is offering a unique world cruise designed especially for the Anglophile who wants a "British perspectives on global explorations." Departing on January 5, 2004, the ship Black Watch calls at many isles and continents that were explored, settled or founded by intrepid Brits with a thirst for adventure. [Full Story] |
| Royal Caribbean International's Mariner of the Seas will get its official coming out party on November 14 when Olympic athlete Jean Driscoll officially names the ship at ceremonies in Port Canaveral, Florida. [Full Story] |
| Amid swirling confetti and champagne toasts, legendary entertainer Dame Julie Andrews christened the Crystal Serenity, the newest ship in the Crystal Cruises fleet at ceremonies in Southhampton, England. [Full Story] |
| It may be summer, but for the cruise industry it's time to think of the fall. If you just can't get away for the summer, you want to avoid the crowds, or you are looking fro the best deals on a cruise, fall is a great time for cruising, according to Cruise Lines International Association, which represents the North American cruise industry. [Full Story] |
| In what amounts to a belief that SARS no longer poses a significant problem, Star Cruises, is returning SuperStar Leo and SupterStar Virgo from Australia to their original homeports of Hong Kong and Singapore. [Full Story] |
| In true, LA style, Royal Caribbean International's Monarch of the Seas was given a face-lift, new makeup and a fitness make-over to prepare it for new three- and four-night cruises out of its new home port in Los Angeles. [Full Story] |
| The Pacific Princess may soon earn the title of 'hardest working ship in the Princess Cruises fleet. Beginning this month, and continuing through September 5, the 'little ship that could' begins cruising Alaska. After that the newly refurbished vessel sails the South Pacific and then returns to the P&O Australia fleet for voyages 'down under.' [Full Story] |
| Serenade of the Seas, the newest ship in Royal Caribbean International's fleet, will offer four- and five- night Canada itineraries from its home port in the Big Apple in September and October. The elegant new ship is set for delivery on July 31 and will offer regular sailings from September 1 through Octoer 27. [Full Story] |
| Viking River Cruises, is offering a seven-night French Vineyards & Vistas river cruise, including daily shore excursions, at a price that is 65-percent off the normal brochure rate. The $599 deal expires May 31, 2003 and is valid for the June 21, 2003 embarkation sailing from Avignon to Chalone-sur-Saône. [Full Story] |
| At a meeting in London earlier this month (April 16) P&O Princess stockholders agreed to join forces with Carnival Corporation creating the world's largest cruise vacation group. The combination creates a portfolio of 13 brands that covers all sectors of the cruise vacation market. Following completion of the agreement, P&O Princess Cruises plc was renamed Carnival plc and will trade under the new ticker symbol "CUK" (formally taking under "POC") [Full Story] |
| Rail Europe is offering discounts of up to 70-percent on a limited number of advance purchase, one-way international fares on rail routes between France and Italy, Switzerland and Belgium. Bookings may be made as far in advance as 60 days and a minimum of 14 days prior to travel. [Full Story] |
| Du-u-u-u-de. In true California style, Royal Caribbean International is giving their ship, Monarch of the Seas, some major cosmetic surgery. The idea behind the facelift is to create a greater appeal for West Coast cruisers. The newly renovated ship will arrive in her new homeport of Los Angeles in June where she will sail year-round, three- and four-night Baja Mexico cruises. [Full Story] |
| Cunard Line announced today that its newest ship, all 85,000-tons of her, will be named Queen Victoria when launched in 2005. With a capacity of 1,968 passengers, the Queen Victoria, which will be dedicated to the British cruise market, will be the second largest vessel in the Cunard line. It will also mark the first time in Cunard's history that the fleet will have three Queens - the current flagship, Queen Elizabeth 2, Queen Mary 2, and, soon, the Queen Victoria. [Full Story] |
| Why travel far from home, when a great vacation may be right here in the USA? Clipper Cruise Lines has launched a "Close to Home Cruising" program designed to introduce people to the wonderful opportunities of a cruise vacation without the jet lag. [Full Story] |
| The Great Lakes Cruise Company (GLCC) has added more departures and several new ports to their 2003 cruise package. In addition to their own three charters aboard the luxurious 90-passenger yacht, Le Levant, GLCC is also representing 4 other cruise ships, with 39 total departures.
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| Travel may be what it used to be in this post 9/11 world, but travelers have not become 'stay-at-homes.' Instead of 'going the distance,' many are exploring the world around them via train. [Full Story] |
| Life is full of surprises - some good, some not so good. When it comes to something as special as a vacation, Crystal Cruises says, "why take a chance?" To insure that a cruise aboard any of their three luxury vessels is the best it can be, they are offering a new insurance upgrade that allows passengers to cancel for any reason up to three days before departure. [Full Story] |
| In the 1930's novel, 'Murder on the Orient Express' Agatha Christie breathed life into sleuth Hercule Pirot and suspense in the pages of her book about murder, revenge and betrayal. Today, would-be Sherlocks can test their crime-solving skills with a unique combination of luxury vacation and murder mystery aboard the American Orient Express. [Full Story] |
| Festival Cruises and Hilton International have joined forces to offer the first Hilton-branded product in cruising. Called, "Hilton Floating Resort on Festival Cruises," the product offers both special suites and service for the discriminating guest aboard Festival's premium ships. [Full Story] |
| VIA Rail Canada, Canada's National passenger rail network, is turning a 'snowfall' into a 'windfall' this winter with its new "Snow Train to Jasper." The service is part of a total winter vacation featuring VIA's Silver & Blue Class, which offers private sleeping compartments, great regional cuisine served in the dining car, scenic dome cars, and the Skyline car for socializing. [Full Story] |
| SeaDream Yacht Club, which operates the SeaDream I and II, is has updated and refined its 2003 schedules and itineraries in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Updates include making Monte Carlo the the primary home port for both ships in the Mediterranean along with more embarkations and disembarkations in Civitavecchia, port for the Eternal City of Rome. [Full Story] |
| Crystal Harmony is sporting a new, and even more luxurious, look for 2003. Following a multi-million dollar overhaul, the Harmony boasts expansive new Feng Shui inspired spa facilities, Connoisseur Club, a cigar and cognac lounge and remodeled public areas from stem to stern. [Full Story] |
| Travel aboard a luxury vintage train doesn't mean you have to just sit, eat, and watch the scenery go by. The American Orient Express has added a number of tours, ranging from hiking through scenic Glacier National Park to viewing the rugged Canadian Rockies by helicopter. [Full Story] |
| For the first time in 50 years, an international cruise ship will to embark passengers at Keelung, Taiwan with a destination in Shanghai before returning to Taiwan. The SuperStar Leo and the SuperStar Aries of Star Cruises will both pull into port in mainland China on the morning of November 13 for a two-night stopover. [Full Story] |
| Personal luxury just got better for travelers who will travel aboard the Crystal Serenity, Crystal Cruises' newest ship launching in July 2003. They may not all have English accents or have the same sense of humor as Mr. Beveldere, but these Duropean-trained, white-golved butlers will be on hand to pamper guests in ship's new category of accommodations, the 'Penthouse Stateroom with Verandah.' From unpacking luggage upon request to coordinating an intimate dinner for two on one's own private verandah, when it comes to making your trip the best ever, they do it all. [Full Story] |
| The new Society Expeditions 2003 brochure offers some unique voyages and destinations, including six Russian Far East and Remote Alaska Expeditions aboard the new 160-passenger World Discoverer. [Full Story] |
| Adventure Canada has organized an unusual tour through Canada's newest territory - Nunavut. The trip, which departs in July, 2002 aboard the 108-passenger vessel R/V Akademik Ioffe, will feature information on the history, culture and art of the region. Among those in attendance who woll offer guests a view of the Arctic few have seen, will be 'Group of Seven' student and artist, Doris McCarthy and renowned Inuit artist Kenojuak Ashevak. [Full Story] |
| Glistening lakes, towering mountains, and spectacular flora and wildlife are just a some of the exciting sites to found in Canada's most Eastern and Western regions. Via Rail wants visitors to and residents of Canada to know that discovering Canada's majestic beauty takes only a matter of hours. [Full Story] |
| Rail travel may not be what it was in the US, but Canada still has trains that combine the luxury and romance of the past with the efficiency and convenience of today. One of the finest examples of this blending of past elegance and modern convenience is the Royal Canadian Pacific. [Full Story] |
| Unique voyages to Tahiti and the Western Mediterranean highlight Windstar Cruises "2002 Voyage Planner Revised." The planner also offers an overview of Windstar's cruise schedule for the year including detailed itineraries and dates for 153 cruises sailing on 38 unique itineraries around the world. The brochure also showcases Windstar's four-ship fleet of deluxe sailing yachts with ship cutaways, deck plans, and images of public and private spaces. [Full Story] |
| Rocky Mountaineer Railtours has a number of unusual story possibilities for 2002, including a five day tour through Banff and Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies and a 12-day coast-to-coast trip that begins in Halifax. [Full Story] |
| Save money, get an upgrade and enjoy the majestic beauty of Alaska - what could be better? If a cruise to Alaska has been on you mind, now is the perfect time to make that dream a reality by taking advantage of a special offer from Crystal Cruises. [Full Story] |
| Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports some dramatic changes in ship deployment this year, as cruise lines have moved their vessels in response to world events and to find attractive new itineraries for their newbuilds. [Full Story] |
| Ann Arbor, MI - Are you a seasoned traveler accustomed to unique experiences seeking a new travel destination this year? One that offers a greater sense of security? The Great Lakes Cruise Company of Ann Arbor, Michigan thinks they have the perfect solution - a cruise on the Great Lakes aboard a luxurious international ship. [Full Story] |
| New York - With more ships slated to enter service in 2002 than in any other single year in the history of the cruise industry, this year will be a significant period for the North American cruise lines. [Full Story] |
| NEW YORK - With the launch of its newest ship, Olympia Explorer, and the introduction of unparalleled 2002 cruise itineraries, Royal Olympic remains committed to ensuring a vacation experience that goes deeper than a suntan to provide the perfect harmony of cruise exploration and destination edification. [Full Story] |
| The wild beauty and frozen landscapes, the amenities of a luxury cruise and a strong interest in domestic travel in the post 9/11 world, have made Alaska a prime destination for repeat Crystal Cruise Line customers. [Full Story] |
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