Cruise News

What’s Happening in the Cruise Industry

July 9, 2010 Celebrity Cruises Announces Three New Istanbul Itineraries TakeUsCruising.com announces that Celebrity Cruises has planned three new, 12-night, port-intensive itineraries sailing roundtrip from Istanbul in fall 2011.

April 18, 2010 Seabourn Breaks Booking Record TakeUsCruising.com announces Seabourn Breaks Booking Record

March 23, 2010 TakeUsCruising.com’s Paul Mermelstein to Attend Cruiseworld, 2010 Fairfax, VA - (March 24, 2010) Paul Mermelstein, President of TakeUsCruising.com, will attend Cruiseworld, 2010 at the Fort Lauderdale convention center April 14 - 17. Featured speakers include Adam Goldstein, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian Cruise LInes, Larry Pimentel, President & CEO of Azamara Club Cruises, Maurice Zarmati, President of Costa Cruise Line, North America, and Richard Sasso, President & CEO of MSC Cruises (USA). Mermelstein will inspect Holland America’s Noordam, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, Celebrity’s Solstice.

March 18, 2010 Norwegian Cruise Line will invest $20 million to upgrade its private Bahamian Island Norwegian Cruise Line will invest $20 million to upgrade its private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay.

February 8, 2010 TakeUsCruising.com Announces: Azamara Club Cruises Sets April Relaunch with New Sailings, Amenities TakeUsCruising.com Announces: Azamara Club Cruises Sets April Relaunch with New Sailings, Amenities

December 3, 2009 TakeUsCruising.com announces Royal Caribbean’s Labadee Beach Renovations are Completed TakeUsCruising.com has announced that Royal Caribbean International’s private beach destination of Labadee, Haiti, has completed a multi-year renovation in time to welcome the line’s Oasis of the Seas on the ship’s Dec. 1 voyage.

December 2, 2009 Carnival Cruise Lines inks deal for third Dream-class ship Carnival Cruise Lines said it expects to welcome a third Dream-class ship to its fleet in spring 2012.

September 18, 2009 Carnival Fantasy to sail from Charleston year-round Carnival Fantasy to sail from Charleston year-round

September 17, 2009 Holland America offers more incentives to loyal cruisers Holland America offers more incentives to loyal cruisers

September 14, 2009 Disney to offer Alaska cruises Disney to offer Alaska cruises

July 15, 2009 CARNIVAL INTRODUCES SEVERE WEATHER AND JOB LOSS PROTECTION UNDER ITS CRUISE VACATION PROTECTION PLAN Carnival Cruise Lines has enhanced its Cruise Vacation Protection Plan (VPP) to include severe weather watch/warning protection, as well as job loss protection. The enhanced features apply to plan purchases made July 15, 2009 and after.

July 6, 2009 New Holland America Ship, Nieuw Amsterdam, will sail the Mediterranean The Nieuw Amsterdam, a Holland America Line ship slated for a summer 2010 delivery, will spend its maiden season in the Mediterranean. Scheduled to debut on July 4, 2010, the Nieuw Amsterdam will sail 12-day itineraries roundtrip from Venice or between Barcelona and Venice. The ship will visit ports in Greece, Croatia, Turkey and Italy. The new ship will give HAL a total of six ships in Europe in 2010. The Eurodam, Maasdam, Prinsendam, Noordam and Westerdam will offer a total of 54 cruises and call at a total of 142 ports, including 11 maiden calls. For Reservations and information call TakeUsCruising.com at 703 722 6070 or see www.takeuscruising.com.

June 29, 2009 Oceania’s new ship to offer culinary sessions with chefs Oceania’s new ship to offer culinary sessions with chefs

June 24, 2009 OASIS OF THE SEAS INTRODUCES THE NEXT GENERATION OF DINING Royal Caribbean Evolves Culinary Experiences with Al-Fresco Seating, Gourmet Venues and My Time Dining

June 9, 2009 Carnival Dream Increases adults-only Area The 3,652-passenger Carnival Dream will have the Carnival fleet’s largest adults-only quiet area when it debuts on Sept. 21.

June 2, 2009 Princess Announces 2010 New England - Cananda Cruises Princess Cruises has announced its 2010 lineup of Canada and New England cruises, all of which will be aboard either the Caribbean Princess or Crown Princess. In total, the two ships will offer 15 departures on three different itineraries. The Caribbean Princess will sail on seven-day roundtrip voyages from New York, while the Crown Princess will sail the 10-day itinerary between New York City and Quebec City. For a tour of the entire coastline, the Crown Princess also will sail on an extended 13-day Canada & Colonial America journey along the full length of the Atlantic coast.

May 19, 2009 Seabourn Intros Asian Ports of Call The Yachts of Seabourn has added “exotic” Asian ports of call, as well as expanded destination offerings, to its 2010/11 lineup of Far East cruises. The new Asian offerings complement the already announced presence of the Seabourn Odyssey — the line’s first-ever year-round ship based in Asia.

May 12, 2009 Disney Channel Cruises on Wonder This Summer The Disney Wonder this summer is introducing eight “Disney Channel Summer at Sea” cruises to the Bahamas in a partnership with Kodak.

May 4, 2009 Celebrity Century’s short cruises to run year-round Beginning in May 2010, Celebrity will offer four- and five-night western Caribbean cruises year-round aboard the Celebrity Century. The cruises went on sale Thursday. Celebrity had been offering short Caribbean cruises during the winter season only. Since 2005, the 1,814-passenger Century has sailed in Europe in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter.

April 28, 2009 Celebrity’s Century to Begin 4 and 5 Night Cruises Year Round Beginning in May 2010, Celebrity will offer four- and five-night western Caribbean cruises year-round aboard the Celebrity Century. The cruises went on sale Thursday.

April 23, 2009 OASIS OF THE SEAS TO FEATURE TONY AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY MUSICAL HAIRSPRAY Fairfax, VA April 23, 2009 – The Tony award-winning Broadway-licensed musical, ‘Hairspray,’ is set to debut on Royal Caribbean International’s highly anticipated Oasis of the Seas when the ship sets sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2009. One of two productions to take place in the ship’s grand Opal Theater, Hairspray will open with a wide array of cruise industry firsts that the cruise line will debut with the launch of Oasis of the Seas and is another addition to its diverse entertainment offerings.

April 22, 2009 Windstar Offers Free Airfare from New York to Europe Windstar Cruises is offering free airfare from New York on select Europe sailings for bookings made by May 30. The offer is good on 12 sailings in 2009, including Venice-to-Rome and Barcelona-to-Lisbon aboard the Wind Surf, Athens-to-Venice and Istanbul-to-Athens aboard the Wind Star, and a Venice roundtrip aboard the Wind Spirit, among others. Additional air add-ons are available by request and at an additional charge. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates for these sailings begin at $2,199 per person. For more information, call 703-722-6070 or visit www.TakeUsCruising.com.

April 22, 2009 Seabourn Unveils its Euopean Schedule for 2010-2011 The Yachts of Seabourn unveiled its European schedule for 2010-11 that will visit new ports of call such as Ponza, Italy, and Trondheim, Norwa

April 20, 2009 Holland America introduces Cooking Classes

March 31, 2009 Disney to Sail from California in 2011 Disney Cruise Lines has announced that the Disney Wonder will sail from Los Angeles in 2011.

March 17, 2009 ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT PARTNER TO OFFER ULTIMATE LAND AND CRUISE VACATION ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT PARTNER TO OFFER ULTIMATE LAND AND CRUISE VACATION - Guests Enjoy Savings with Way More Than a Cruise Package

March 16, 2009 Princess Cruises Expands 2009 Players Championship Tournament After Success of First-Ever Contest New Princess Cruise Tournament Features Eight Sailings with a Total of $100,000 in Cash Prizes and 24 Free Cruises to be Awarded.

March 9, 2009 Royal Caribbean Cruises Adds more Services to Family and Youth Programs Award-winning Youth Program Expands Options for Stress-free Family Vacations

February 24, 2009 Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a new “Welcome Aboard” booklet, Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a new “Welcome Aboard” booklet,

February 24, 2009 Celebrity Cruises and Bon Appetit are Teaming Up TakeUsCruising.com announces Celebrity Cruises and Bon Appetit are Teaming Up

February 20, 2009 Mariner of the Seas begins Mexican Riviera Cruises Mariner of the Seas begins Mexican Riviera Cruises

February 17, 2009 CARNIVAL SENSATION COMPLETES EXTENSIVE MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR REFURBISHMENT The 2,052-passenger Carnival Sensation has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation and emerged with a host of new facilities and features, including a sprawling water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, and redesigned tropical themed main pool. Ninety-eight balconies were also incorporated onto existing ocean view staterooms and a new Circle C facility for 12- to 14-year olds was added as well.

February 10, 2009 Prepaid Gratuities Included in Rate on Winter 2009-2010 Cruises on Oceania Paul Mermelstein, President of TakeUsCruising.com has announced that Oceania on its 2009-10 winter cruises to Asia, Australia, South America, the Caribbean and Mexico, is offering: free prepaid gratuities, $500 shipboard credit, free airfare, 2 for 1 cruise fares and up to $1,500 Bonus Savings for bookings made by March 31.

February 3, 2009 The Yachts of Seabourn Unveil 44 New Ports TakeUsCruising.com has announced that The yachts of Seabourn has unveiled new itineraries and exotic ports of call for the 2010/11 season that includes a year-round Asia program. With two new Seabourn yachts — Seabourn Odyssey in June 2009 and Seabourn Sojourn in June 2010 — the line will introduce a diverse cruise schedule.

February 2, 2009 TakeUsCruising.com Announces the Carnival Dream to Debut in September TakeUsCruising.com Announces the Carnival Dream to Debut in September

February 2, 2009 Azamara Guests Can Add 8 “Lucky” Days with China Cruisetours TakeUsCruising.com offers Azamara Cruise Passengers Amazing Land Tour Add-Ons

January 13, 2009 CRYSTAL DEBUTS TWO ‘ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS’ MEDITERRANEAN SAILINGS Crystal Cruises is introducing two Ancient Civilizations-themed Experiences of Discovery itineraries through the Middle East, Holy Land and Mediterranean. Guest historians, archeologists and a foreign correspondent will bring new and substantive perspective to Cairo, Jerusalem and Jordan’s archeological site of Petra. Referred to as the “Cradle of Civilization,” the destinations offer more than five millennia of history and cultural heritage. In addition to onboard presentations, guest experts will accompany Crystal Adventures ashore. The Ancient Civilizations voyages include Crystal Symphony’s May 17 sailing from Dubai to Athens and Crystal Serenity’s October 8, Athens to Venice cruise.

January 9, 2009 Regent Seven Seas Cruises to Offer Shore Excursions in the Cruise Price Regent Seven Seas Cruises will include free shore excursions on 35 cruises this year, as part of what it calls “ultra-inclusive” cruise pricing. Regent is similar to other cruise lines that call themselves “all-inclusive” because they normally include most alcoholic beverages, all soft drinks, alternative dining, and gratuities in the price. “While continuing to offer the ultimate in luxury cruising, Regent has offered added value here that will entice both repeat and first time Regent cruisers”, stated Paul Mermelstein, President of TakeUsCruising.com.

January 2, 2009 MSC Fantasia Christened in Naples Fairfax, VA - Cruises’ new flagship, the MSC Fantasia, has been christened in Naples, Italy. The event featured internationally acclaimed artists with Neapolitan origins — Renzo Arbore and the Orchestra Italiana, singer/songwriter Lucio Dalla, and musician Pino Daniele, who will perform in a specially created high-tech arena. In addition, Sophia Loren, an Oscar-winning actress and ambassador for Naples and Italy, cut the ceremonial ribbon that released a bottle of champagne to break across the bow of the new ship. MSC Fantasia was designed by one of the world’s leading names in naval architecture, De Jorio Design International, which combined traditional Italian elegance with technological features. TakeUsCruising.com President Paul Mermelstein will sail on the Fantasia June 19, from Barcelona with port calls at Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, Tunis, and Palma De Mallorca. For reservations and more information call TakeUsCruising.com at 703 722 6070 or see www.TakeUsCruising.com.

December 18, 2008 TakeUsCruising.com Looks Ahead to 2009 In 2009, we will see another 15 new vessels of every imaginable description introduced. Many will feature state-of-the-art technology and innovative environmental advances. As a group, they reflect the complete spectrum of cruise experiences, from small-ship river voyages to a new generation of mega-ships.

December 10, 2008 Kids Sail Free on Three-Night Disney Wonder Sailings This offer is valid for most sailings from Jan. 22 to May 28, 2009, and covers a variety of stateroom categories, ranging from deluxe family staterooms with verandahs to standard inside staterooms. However, there are a limited number of staterooms available for this special offer. While the cruise fare with this special offer is free for guests 12 and under, guests who book will be responsible for Government Taxes and Fees for all stateroom occupants, including those 12 and under.

December 8, 2008 ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL EXPANDS PRESENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH 2010 DEPLOYMENT IN DUBAI DUBAI – Royal Caribbean International announced its entry into Dubai in the United Arab Emirates with the deployment of Brilliance of the Seas in 2010. From January to April 2010, the cruise line will offer its signature style of cruising for active vacationers to an international mix of guests, on seven-night sailings from this increasingly popular destination.

December 8, 2008 Crystal Cruise Assurance Plan Offers Risk-Free Return on Investment Luxury cruise specialist, TakeUsCruising.com, announces that Crystal Cruises is introducing a collection of incentives to support its commitment to its guests’ satisfaction. In combination with its existing price guarantee, the line is reducing cruise fare deposits and cancellation periods.

November 29, 2008 Holland America Line Introduces Wedding Package and Wine Tasting Package TakeUsCruising.com states that Holland America Line is introducing two new features — the Winemakers Group Amenities Program package and the Wedding package.

November 19, 2008 China Cruises - Royal Caribbean is Voted Best Luxury Cruise Operator TakeUsCruising.com reports that Royal Caribbean International has been named “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” in Travel Weekly’s China Industry Awards 2008, after just one year of operations in Asia.

October 24, 2008 Celebrity takes Delivery of New Ship Celebrity Solstice delivered to Celebrity Cruises.

September 29, 2008 Holland America Ships to Get New Stateroom Decor TakeUsCruising.com of Fairfax, Virginia reports that Holland America will soon update staterooms on the Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Rotterdam and Veendam.

September 29, 2008 Cruising New Zealand Gains in Popularity New Zealand has seen tremendous growth in cruise visitors over the past 10 years. Experience cruisers are looking for more options away from U.S. shores.

September 23, 2008 See Quebec by Cruise Ship - Carnival Introduces the First Ever Quebec Voyage New Nine-Day ‘Quebec - After the Glaciers’ Cruises Feature Breathtaking Wildlife and Scenery, Extended Visits to Three Historic Cities Along St. Lawrence River including Quebec

September 15, 2008 Princess Cruises Debuts New “Ultimate Ship Tour” with Launch of Ruby Princess Rare Behind-the-Scenes Access on Princess Cruises Ruby Princess Will Give Passengers Exclusive Insider’s View of Ship Operation

September 4, 2008 CRUISE LINES RESPOND TO POPULAR DEMAND FOR WORLD CRUISES Ten Ships to Sail the World, One from Top to Bottom

August 18, 2008 World Cruise - Crystal Guests Hike, Bike, Dive, Kayak, Horseback Ride, Fly and Zip Line Their Way Around the World Crystal cruise guests have a world of adventure at their call as they travel around the globe on one of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines.

August 11, 2008 Driving to the Ship Adds Value, Convenience to Cruise Vacations Cruise Lines Sail to All Parts of the World from More than 30 Ports in U.S.

May 24, 2008 Princess Announces New Inaugural Sailing for Ruby Princess on November 8 The new Ruby Princess will be delivered earlier than previously expected, announced Princess Cruises.

April 28, 2008 TakeUsCruising.com’s Paul Mermelstein to attend British Columbia-Vancouver Cruiseathon 2008 Paul Mermelstein, President of TakeUsCruising.com, will attend the Vancouver-Cruiseathon 2008 May 14 - May 18.

April 23, 2008 Culinary Superstars Set For Crystal’s Fall Wine & Food Festival With today’s culinary artists becoming international celebrities, the route to the kitchen is the new red carpet.

April 22, 2008 Royal Caribbean Announces 2009-10 Caribbean Cruise Season, Offering Most Innovative Ships In The Industry Three Freedom-class Ships from Three Ports Offer More Choices for Caribbean Vacationers.

April 13, 2007 Celebrity Cruises Opens Bookings for Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Hawaii and Panama Canal From luaus to loons, Celebrity Cruises’ most recent slate of itinerary openings offers unforgettable experiences sure to please nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and cruise aficionados.