Carnival Carnival Sensation on 09/18/08 · $249
Carnival Carnival Fascination on 09/01/08 · $249
Carnival Carnival Fascination on 09/08/08 · $249
Carnival Carnival Fascination on 11/20/08 · $309
Carnival Carnival Imagination on 10/20/08 · $239
Carnival Carnival Imagination on 11/17/08 · $239
Two Princess Ships to be Remodeled with Line's Latest Signature Features
Posted 04/30/08
Star Princess and Caribbean Princess to Add Popular Amenities
Including Atrium "Piazza" with International Café, Crown Grill and Adults Only Sanctuary
NCL Introduces New Entertainment On Board Norwegian Jade
Posted 04/30/08
Sailing year-round in Europe, the Freestyle Cruising vessel is the first ship to feature Freestyle 2.0 enhancements
NCL INTRODUCES NEW WAVE STATEROOMS
Posted 04/24/08
F3 ships to feature the most innovative living space at sea
Cruise Planners & Michael Consoli Named best Travel / Cruise Agency
Posted 03/24/08
Around Town Roswell & Around Town Magazine readers have named Michael Consoli and Cruise Planners Best Travel Agency 2008!
Princess Announces Ruby Inaugural Sailing
Posted 03/24/08
Line's Next Addition to Fleet to be Delivered Week Earlier
Cunard's Queen Victoria Continues a Modern Era of Style and Sophistication
Posted 06/07/07
Valencia, CA (June 7, 2007) When the designers of Cunard's newest ocean liner, Queen Victoria, began to consider the ship's interior public spaces, they drew upon the well-recorded and rich history of previous Cunard ocean liners to set the tone. From the ship's double and triple-height spaces - a design feature of grand liners of the past - to rooms imbued with an elegant yet understated British charm, the overall effect is both contemporary and historically classic.
"This will be a unique ship offering our guests a glorious taste of grand ocean liner travel from days gone by, along with every modern convenience. Even the most experienced travelers will be impressed. The ship demonstrates such extraordinary attention to detail, not only in craftsmanship but in the thought that has gone into exceeding our guests' expectations," said Carol Marlow, Cunard's president & managing director.
According to Teresa Anderson, vice president of Interior Design, "Much of Queen Victoria's interior design was inspired and carefully planned to take maximum advantage of the ship's grand spaces. Classical motifs, along with art deco and nouveau touches blend in a subtle continuity and add an element of surprise."
Dramatic architecture and design is evident throughout the ship, with the Grand Lobby serving as a majestic and powerful focal point. The centre of onboard activity, it forms the core from which the ship's other public rooms flow.
Beautifully proportioned, the Grand Lobby's architecture is in keeping with the ambiance of many of Cunard ocean liners of the past while its interior design offers the contemporary elegance of a modern day luxury hotel. The Grand Lobby's dramatic triple height ceiling, sweeping staircase and sculpted balconies create an immediate and unmistakable sense of grandeur and arrival. A signature piece of artwork anchors the staircase landing, affording a breathtaking focal point viewable from nearly every part of the Grand Lobby. An earth tone colour palette of creamy beige, chestnut brown and gold is carried throughout, from light mahogany walls and circular hand-woven area rugs to intricately designed marble floors. Here, guests will conduct shipboard business at the Purser's Desk, catch up on email at the computer centre and move easily to Decks 2 and 3.
Moving forward from the Grand Lobby, guests pass through the Cunardia museum-display, emerging into the dramatic double-height Queens Room, a loggia-style venue, reminiscent of a grand ballroom in a large country house. With ceilings featuring a pair of gleaming crystal chandeliers and the delicate use of gold leaf, the room's styling is light and elegant. Specially commissioned murals - by British artists - reinforce the line's British heritage, as do the activities which will take place here, including afternoon tea, served by white gloved waiters, formal balls with a live orchestra, the traditional Captain's cocktail parties, Cunard World Club events and even fencing classes.
Added Teresa Anderson, "This room's cantilevered balconies overlooking the ballroom are reminiscent of QE2, detailed with classically-ornate, curved railings. The dance floor is hand-crafted of inlaid wood, inviting guests to enjoy the line's grand tradition of elegant ballroom dancing. The room's ceilings, light maple paneled walls and warmly backlit stained glass create a feeling of space and elegance."
In contrast is Hemispheres, an ideal venue for daytime pursuits and a nightclub which will be open into the early hours. The most contemporary area on the ship, it is a geometrically dynamic circular shape that is referenced in design elements throughout. The room's glamorous design is evident from the moment of arrival. A backlit perforated metal sphere encapsulated in decorative glazed screens serves as both a dramatic focal point and privacy-enhancing divider wall as guests enter the room. Light mahogany wood paneling, leather-clad columns, metallic wall surfaces, executed in shades of dark blue, burgundy and gold, give the room a modern sensibility. The circular dance floor is handcrafted wood and is highlighted by a gleaming chandelier suspended above. Panoramic views through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows enhance the dramatic location of this unique venue.
The 90,000-ton Queen Victoria will offer the very best of Cunard's heritage and traditions, along with all modern day luxuries including some exciting innovations. These will include the first traditional West End-style private viewing boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre, the first Cunardia museum exhibit at sea, housing Cunard artifacts and memorabilia along with the first two-storey, library at sea featuring an elegant spiral staircase. The ship will also feature the line's celebrated Queens Grill and Princess Grill accommodations and dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with exclusive deck terraces and an al fresco dining option.
From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at the sophistication that differentiates a Cunard liner. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant public rooms, many on a grand scale, featuring rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics and gleaming chandeliers. There will also be a grand, colonial-style conservatory complete with a retractable glass roof.
As well as being the second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria's arrival is particularly noteworthy as it will mark the first time that three Cunard Queens have been in service together in the company's 167-year history (she joins the world's grandest liner, Queen Mary 2 and the world's most famous and best-loved liner, QE2).
Pearl Seas Cruises Unveils Plans for Larger Ship
Posted 05/10/07
Pearl Seas Cruises announced that its first ship will be larger than originally planned with a passenger capacity of 210 instead of 165. The ship is currently under construction and is proceeding on schedule. The first ship is scheduled to begin cruise service in August 2008. The 109 staterooms and suites will range in size from 240 to 460 square feet; all will have private balconies. Pearl Seas is a sister company to American Cruise Lines, but will operate internationally. The first ship will begin sailing in the Canadian Maritimes, St. Lawrence Seaway, Great Lakes, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New England, and followed later in the year with itineraries in the Caribbean and Mexico Riviera. The ship will feature a spa, elevators to all six decks, Internet access, and oversized suites all with private verandas and large picture windows that open. The atmosphere is designed to be like that of a fine private club, offering "Luxury Adventure." For more information, call 800-913-7245.
Celebrity Cruises® Presents New, Deluxe Cruise Line: AZAMARA
Posted 05/07/07
The launch of a new ship is a momentous occasion for any cruise line, but Celebrity Cruises hasmade the introduction of their latest liner especially significant. Today, Celebrity not only markedthe launch of a 710-guest ship which sets sail tomorrow, but also introduced an entirely new,deluxe cruise brand: “Azamara Cruises.” Designed to offer exotic destination-driven travel experiences, Azamara Cruises – consisting ofAzamara Journey, which sets sail May 5, and sister ship, Azamara Quest, which enters service in October – will present a more intimate onboard experience, while allowing access to the lesstraveled ports of call experienced travelers want to visit. “We created Azamara Cruises to target an area of the market that we believe is underserved, andan area this product is ideally suited to fill,” said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of RoyalCaribbean Cruises Limited, parent company of Azamara Cruises. “This new line falls into what weconsider the deluxe category – a category between premium and luxury.” According to Azamara Cruises President Dan Hanrahan, who also is president of Celebrity Cruises, “Azamara Cruises is expressly designed for travel enthusiasts who appreciate what acruise vacation has to offer, but are looking for something a little different, and a little more special. And what’s special about Azamara Cruises is its distinctive combination of impeccable service,exceptional cuisine and off-the-beaten-path destinations, with truly immersive excursions.” Complementing the exotic Caribbean and Europe itineraries for Azamara Journey and AzamaraQuest, previously announced under the former “Celebrity Expeditions” banner, Hanrahan todayannounced that Azamara Cruises’ itineraries will not only take travelers to some of the most desirable locations in the Caribbean, but will immerse them in Asia, and even transport themaround the world. Itinerary details for Azamara Cruises’ Asia and world cruises are yet to be announced, but once finalized, the line expects to visit more than 200 ports – most of them newto cruise travelers – in over 70 countries. While delving deep into the history and culture of remote destinations larger ships can’t reach, guests sailing with Azamara Cruises also will enjoy a more exclusive guest experience. Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest offer butler service in every stateroom and suite, as well as concierge-style amenities, including fresh-cut flowers, fresh fruit, Elemis toiletries, complimentary use of Frette cotton robes, two complimentary pairs of slippers, plasma TVs and plushEuropean bedding.
Despite the ships’ smaller size, each offers two specialty restaurants: On Azamara Journey, the Mediterranean-influenced “Aqualina” and the stylish steak and seafood restaurant, “Prime C.” Guests staying in suites will receive two nights of complimentary dining in one of the two specialty restaurants, while guests in staterooms will receive one. The ships will not require formal attire for dining, and will feature open seating in the main dining room.
An onboard “excursion expert” will not only help guests select shore excursions based on theirpersonal interests, but also will serve as a destination guide, offering information about the cultureand history of each port of call. The Azamara retail experience onboard also will be enticing to most experienced travelers, with its focus on fine art, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and upscale resort wear. Just prior to setting sail on its maiden voyage May 5, Azamara Journey completed a four-week,approximately $19-million makeover, highlighted by the conversion of 48 staterooms into 32 suites, a complete refurbishment of the dining areas to create the two new specialty restaurants, an expansion of the spa area to include an aesthetics suite, a new Sunset Bar on the aft deck, anew art collection, Cova Café, entirely new carpets and flooring throughout, new exterior decking,new paint schemes, new walls, and entirely new “soft goods,” ranging from plush Europeanbedding to cushions, drapes and table linens.
The name “Azamara” is a coined term, rooted in Romance language references to blue (“aza”), thesea (“mar”), and a lesser-known word, “acamar,” which, in Classical times, was the southernmostbright star that could be seen from the latitude of Greece. Hanrahan said the company views thenew brand as “a bright star on the deep blue sea.” Azamara Cruises unlocks the hidden corners of the world for those who desire to immerse themselves in the rich details of every voyage. The deluxe ships – Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest – offer an intimate experience, while allowing access to exotic destinations experienced travelers long to reach. For the 710 guests on each Azamara Cruises ship, every moment at seaembodies the pinnacle of luxury, and each footstep on shore accentuates the difference between visiting a place and getting a true sense of place. Azamara Cruises presents the best of Bermuda and Panama Canal/South America in 2007, elite Asia and the most captivating Caribbean, South America and Europe in 2008, and around-the-world voyages in 2010. For more information, visit www.planmycruise.com or call 800-913-7245.
Emerald Princess Sails on Inaugural Voyage
Posted 04/12/07
Princess Cruises' new Emerald Princess welcomed its first passengers on board Wednesday as it set sail on its maiden voyage from Rome's seaport, the town of Civitavecchia. The 113,000-ton ship's first cruise is a 12-day Greek Isles voyage to Venice that will take passengers to some of the most scenic spots in the Mediterranean and Aegean, including Naples/Capri, Santorini, Rhodes, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Mykonos, Athens (Piraeus), Katakolon (for Olympia), Corfu and Dubrovnik. Thereafter the ship will offer a series of Greek Isles and Grand Mediterranean cruises before crossing the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale in October. The new vessel includes many of the elements and amenities that debuted last year on sister ship Crown Princess, including a piazza-style atrium, a multitude of casual dining venues and an adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary. A number of new culinary enhancements also debuted on the ship, including a Chef's Table dinner for epicurean aficionados, all new dining room menus, enhanced buffet service, and a number of special touches such as an afternoon cookies and milk break featuring fresh-from-the-oven soft-baked cookies, and in-cabin delivery of pizza. For more information, call 800-913-7245 or visit www.planmycruise.net.
LOVE’S EXPRESSION KNOWS NO BOUNDS WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S EXPLORER WEDDINGS
Posted 04/09/07
