Article posted: May 5th, 2009 by Administrator | No Comments »
IN LIGHT OF SWINE FLU CONCERNS, CARNIVAL, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have suspended all visits to Mexico until at least 04 May and as far ahead as 14 Jun, while other companies continue to review itineraries with Mexican ports of call.
Some Mexican Riveria cruises are bypassing the country completely, such as Sapphire Princess, which will instead call on Catalina Island and San Diego, and Carnival Splendor, which has only added San Francisco.
Carnival’s in-progress sailings have already skipped calls this week at Cozumel, Progresso or Ensenada, with some ships remaining at sea for the extra day or two.
RCI’s Enchantment of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Celebrity Infinity plan to substitute Mexican stops with alternative ports.
Six Princess ships, five Holland America ships, Disney Magic, Fred Olsen’s Balmoral and NCL’s Norwegian Pearl have also replaced Mexican visits.
Carnival is allowing guests to reschedule affected cruises for a later date.
Taken from Cruise Weekly 30 April 2009
Article posted: April 22nd, 2009 by Administrator | No Comments »
One of the most favourable features of cruising is that it provides a holidaymaker options. For decades the Australian market has had the ships of P&O dedicated to it waters taking multitudes of domestic cruisers to the Islands of the Pacific and the shores of New Zealand. During the summer we are graced with exciting international brands such as Cunard and Celebrity who bring us enormous ships with multi million dollar facilities, enhanced services and importantly cruising options! As an avid cruiser and lover of all things colossal and full-facility our summer usually ends with these impressive ships heading north bound for Europe or Alaska.
In 2009 the schedules are about to get exciting. Royal Caribbean has announced that Australia and New Zealand are sizzling destinations and they will be dedicating a 2,400 passenger ship -The Rhapsody of the Seas ñ to our ocean; all year round! Suddenly we now have serious international competition and more importantly- choice. Having been onboard the Rhapsody you are struck by its grandeur and amenities which includes a rock climbing wall, Egyptian inspired pool area, full size theatre , extensive kids facilities, and well appointed public areas; all that you would expect from one of the worlds most progressive cruise lines. Just a hop, skip and jump across the Indian Ocean the Legend of the Seas will now be dedicated to Asia and embarking on some of the most unusual itinerary schedules in the world. The Legend brings unprecedented class to Asia which most other lines will have a hard time rivalling.
The impressive Princess Cruise Lines is also increasing its deployment in our southern shores and, without apparent bias, I will state for the record – I am a Princess aficionado. The Sun, Dawn, Diamond and briefly the Star Princess will all make appearances down under and spoil vacation makers to a classic, high service, all amenity vacation. It will continue with its east coast of New Zealand voyages as well as mixes of Australasian itineraries. It’s great to know that some the most rousing itineraries are literally at our doorstep or at most just a quick short haul flight away. Check out the cruise icon on the Virgin web page for information on the hundreds of domestic and international cruises that are available to the savvy cruiser!
Check out our latest Australia & New Zealand Sailings
Article posted: March 18th, 2009 by Administrator | No Comments »
There is something about New York City that attracts the masses. For me it is a very sexy, energetic and cosmopolitan city that appeals to all senses. Somehow condensed into one dazzling space you have a melting pot of vibrant locals, abundance of amenities and entertainment on hand 24 hours a day.
My other passion in life is cruising, I will admit to enjoying the pampered life, sampling unique and fun destinations all the while calling a floating multi-million dollar resort home.
Sub Heading
In 2009 my two favourite travel concepts collided and are set to essentially reshape the future of cruise ship design. Royal Caribbean have taken the exciting elements of downtown NYC and created a top-notch vessel called the Oasis of The Seas. From funky New York style loft suite apartments, to Central Park foliage complete with alfresco dining, water theatres home to high divers and glamorous elevating cocktail bars– it is all about bringing the vitality of the worlds most famous city to the high seas.
The most intriguing design element is that the ship has been designed with retractable roofing, leaving your cruise experiences completely open to the skies. So while sipping on a latte on the edge of central park, surrounded by cafes, live music and a buzzing vibe – you are moving effortlessly through the Caribbean from port to port – talk about an all inclusive vacation!
Sub Heading
Having worked within the cruise industry for more than a decade - I have either been onboard or sampled what has to be close on 70 different ships – all varying in size and amenities – simply put, it takes a lot for me to get excited about a new release. Yet, without a doubt Oasis of the Seas is in a league of its own. As its itineraries are issued to the public and images of its grandeur unfold it has ignited unprecedented interest and avid cruisers are clamouring to get onboard.
Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for more specials and information on what’s happening from within the industry!
Happy Cruising,
Tania
yogesh gulati
Cruisepilot
B Mackaway
Marie
Follow Us
Stay up to date with Cruisepilot!