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Windstar Cruises announces 2015 winter voyages

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 November 2013 04 November 2013

Windstar Cruises' 2014-2015 Winter Caribbean and Panama Canal voyages open for sale today. Windstar's three sailing yachts will explore the warm waters of the islands and Latin America with four unique voyages, including Classic Caribbean, a new seven-day round trip itinerary from St. Maarten. Windstar's 2015 Winter Collection, showcasing voyages from December 2014 – March 2015, is rounded out with the recently announced Southeast Asia & Arabia voyages on the all-suite Star Pride.

"Yacht style cruising is the perfect way to explore the pristine beaches of the Caribbean, with every voyage offering Windstar's signature beach barbecue, an exclusive party on shore in Windstar's intimate and exclusive style. Guests can also enjoy the tropical waters right from the yacht, with Windstar's Watersports Platform which offers complimentary sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water games.

The Caribbean and Panama Canal voyages include:

Classic Caribbean

From the stunning drama of the Pitons, to the captivating charm of Les Saintes, this seven-day cruise showcases the best of the Caribbean in one voyage. Wind Surf sails roundtrip from Philipsburg, St. Maarten, with visits to Barbuda, Antigua & Barbuda; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Les Saintes, Guadeloupe; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and Gustavia, St. Barthelemy. Highlights include the pink beaches of Barbuda and scenic cruising past the Pitons.

Jewels of the Windward Islands

Sail to little-known isles that are off the tourist radar such as the unspoiled Grenadines and the rugged natural beauty of St. Lucia. Wind Star offers seven-day sailings round trip from Bridgetown, Barbados with stops at Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; St. George's Grenada; Mayreau, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Mayreau, St. Vincent & the Grenadines; and Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Highlights include Grand Etang National Park on Grenada and scenic cruise past the Pitons.

Yachtsman's Caribbean

Experience a yachtsman's paradise while visiting exclusive ports like glamorous St. Barts and the enchanting British Virgin Islands. Sail on Windstar's flagship, Wind Surf on a seven day round trip from Philipsburg, St. Maarten, calling on Falmouth Harbour, Antigua (overnight); Soper's Hole, Tortola, B.V.I; Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I. (overnight); Virgin Gorda, Prickly Pear Beach, B.V.I. (overnight); and Gustavia, St. Barthelemy. Highlights include local treasure at Soper's Hole Wharf and a sail by The Baths.

Passage Through Panama

Explore the natural and man-made wonders of beautiful Costa Rica and the impressive Panama Canal on this seven-day sailing from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica or Colón, Panama. Wind Spirit will visit Bahía Drake, Costa Rica; Golfito, Costa Rica; Isla de Coiba, Panama; Panama Canal Transit; and San Blas, Panama. Highlights include Corcovado National Park and Golfito's rainforest.

Star Pride, Windstar's first all-suite power yacht, will spend its Winter season in Southeast Asia & Arabia, sailing the following voyages:

· Wonders of Arabia – From Athens, Greece to Dubai, UAE this 18-day voyage showcases the Red Sea, the Nile, and the rose-colored ruins of Petra.

· Pearls of the Indian Ocean – On this 15-day voyage from Dubai, UAE to Singapore guests enjoy everything from India's colorful cities to the tranquil beauty of Thailand's beaches.

· Singapore & the Malay Peninsula – long days in port and blissfully beautiful destinations can be found on this 10-day round trip voyage from Singapore.

· Treasures of Southeast Asia – This 14-day voyage roundtrip from Singapore explores the ancient trading city of Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary, Hue, and Halong Bay.

· Vietnam Unveiled – Guests can visit Imperial Hue, ancient Hoi An, breathtaking Halong Bay, and amazing Ho Chi Minh City on this 10-day voyage from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Hong Kong.

MSC Divina sets sail from Venice to her year-round home in Miami

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 November 2013 04 November 2013

The MSC Divina bade farewell to Venice on Saturday, November 2nd as she embarked on her much anticipated 18-night Grand Voyage to Miami, where she will become the first Fantasia class ship to sail from North America and the first MSC cruise ship to offer year-round Caribbean sailings.

An additional touch of Italian style enchanted spectators in Venice, as a fabulous Rosso Brillante (metallic red) Fiat 500, or Cinquecento as it is known in Italy, was loaded onto the ship to officially escort MSC Divina across the Atlantic Ocean. Fans can follow the iconic journey by following MSC Cruises USA (www.facebook.com/MSC.Cruises.USA) and FIAT USA (www.facebook.com/fiatusa) on Facebook and also by following #FIATATSEA on Twitter and Instagram.

Travelers on board will enjoy numerous relaxing days at sea as well as calls in the diverse destinations of Valletta, Malta, Malaga, Spain, Funchal, Portugal, the Azores Islands, Philipsburg, St Maarten, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico, before sailing into the sunshine state on November 19th to a very special welcome. (Followers should be on the lookout for MSC Divina’s eye-catching arrival and welcome into PortMiami on the morning of November 19th.)

With her sleek and sophisticated Italian design and recently launched partnerships with other legendary Italian brands Segafredo, Venchi, Nutella, Campari, Martini and Eataly, MSC Divina sets sail as a true Italian ambassador, bringing the best of the Mediterranean’s beloved country of Italy to those on board and to the diverse mix of US and international travelers who will enjoy her Caribbean journeys over the coming year.

Norwegian Getaway floated out at Meyer Werft

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 November 2013 04 November 2013

Norwegian Getaway, the second of the two 146,600 gross ton Breakaway class ships Norwegian Cruise Line is building at Meyer Werft in Germany, was floated out on 2 November.

So far, the ship’s construction has taken 12 months, and beginning at approximately 3:30pm local time, the 4,000 passenger ship with her signature hull artwork designed by Miami artist David “LEBO” Le Batard,, departed building dock II bow first. Norwegian Getaway, sister ship to Norwegian Breakaway, has an overall length of 324 metres, and is 39.70 metres wide.

The ship’s float out represents a major milestone in the vessel’s construction as it denotes that the ship has now moved into the final phase of construction with delivery taking place on 10 January 2014.

Canyon Ranch and Prestige Cruise Holdings renew SpaClub at Sea partnership

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 November 2013 01 November 2013

Canyon Ranch has announced the extension of their partnership with Prestige Cruise Holdings to operate Canyon Ranch SpaClub at Sea, which includes the spa, beauty salon, wellness and fitness amenities onboard Oceania Cruises' premium mid-sized ships and Regent Seven Seas Cruises' all-suite, ultra-luxury ships for the next five years. The state-of-the-art SpaClub facilities operating fleet-wide on Oceania Cruises' Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina and Riviera and Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Navigator offer an assortment of unique spa treatments and indulgent beauty services, rejuvenating aquathermal environments, comprehensive weight training & cardio equipment, and a full-range of wellness programming, including Canyon Ranch's signature healthy cuisine. Additionally, a new Canyon Ranch SpaClub at Sea will debut in 2016 on Regent's new Seven Seas Explorer, the luxury line's eagerly-awaited fourth all-suite, ultra-luxury ship.

"As Canyon Ranch prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary, we're thrilled to continue partnering with Prestige Cruise Holdings, whose commitment to delivering unique and highly personalized experiences mirrors our own," stated Peter Smith, Canyon Ranch chief operating officer. "We look forward to providing the discerning guests of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises with our signature blend of wellness programming for many years to come."

Canyon Ranch will be involved in Oceania Cruises' upcoming $50 million enhancement program of its R-class vessels which will include new steam and changing rooms to current SpaClub facilities aboard Regatta, Insignia and Nautica.
"Canyon Ranch shares our passion for a healthy lifestyle which is evident in the custom menu creations and commitment to offering the best spa experience at sea," states Kunal S. Kamlani, president and COO of Prestige Cruise Holdings. "We are delighted to extend our partnership with Canyon Ranch, a perfect complement to the Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas brands."

The combination of Canyon Ranch's innovative approach to healthy living and Prestige Cruise Holdings' reputation for providing exceptional personalized service has led to the Canyon Ranch SpaClub at Sea division receiving recognition as a 'Best Spa at Sea' from various industry publications' readers choice awards, including Condé Nast Traveler and SpaFinder, Inc.

Carnival introduces enhanced affinity group program based on Carnival conversations feedback

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 November 2013 01 November 2013

Carnival Cruise Lines is introducing an enhanced affinity group program offering attractive new group rates and complimentary amenities for top selling individual fares booked into groups, making it easier for travel agents to highlight the value of affinity group cruises to their clients. The enhanced program, which is effective for all sailings departing on or after February 1, 2014, is a result of travel agent feedback from recent Carnival Conversations events.

"Building strong affinity group business is one of the most lucrative earning opportunities for travel agents," said Mike Julius, Carnival's senior managing director of U.S. trade sales. "We're excited to make it easier than ever for agents to book this valuable business by introducing very attractive group rates and adding more value through the inclusion of amenities for our top selling fares."

With the new changes, Fun Select, Early Saver and Past Guest fares may be added to groups with complimentary amenity points. Additional fares such as Super Saver, resident, senior and promotional fares remain eligible to book into groups with the option to buy amenity points at the price of one dollar per point per cruise day; these fares all receive tour conductor credits if booked into a group. As part of this launch, Carnival is offering complimentary amenity points on promotional fares through the end of February 2014.

New group fares begin at $259 for three- to five-day cruises and $459 for voyages of six days or longer.