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Construction of three new American Cruise Lines' ships progresses in Maryland

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 November 2016 13 November 2016

American Cruise Lines, the largest U.S. cruise company, has announced that three new cruise ships now under construction for its fleet. The new ships, which are being built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD, will continue to raise the standard for cruising in the United States. American Cruise Lines has always chosen to build new ships, as it considers refurbished boats unable to meet guest expectations for comfort, spacious staterooms, and modern amenities.

American Constellation, the first one to be delivered, has a capacity of 170 passengers and is scheduled to begin cruising in May of 2017. Construction is currently 9 weeks ahead of schedule and the ship is now being outfitted with passenger details including marbled tile bathrooms and large sliding glass doors in each stateroom. Recently the signature red, white, and blue stack was lifted into place on the top deck. Uniquely designed to navigate the coastal waters of the U.S., this new ship features active wing stabilizers, the latest green propulsion technology, and many modern amenities. It will also feature the largest staterooms in the industry with private balconies and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Much of American Constellations’ inaugural summer season will be spent on a new 10-night round-trip itinerary from Boston, MA to many popular destinations, including Bar Harbor, Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.

The sister ship to American Constellation is also well underway, is scheduled to be completed in 2018, and will carry 170 passengers. Steel is now being fabricated for a third ship which will be the lead in a series of new riverboats destined for the American rivers. This new, modern riverboat will carry approximately 195 passengers. American Cruise Lines will be relaying the details and renderings of this new riverboat in the near future.

“American Cruise Lines ships are the newest and most environmentally friendly in America,” says Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “By continually designing and building brand new ships, we are able to exceed the expectations of seasoned European river travelers right here in the U.S.”

Carnival Fantasy kicks off short cruises from Alabama

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 November 2016 11 November 2016

Carnival Fantasy arrived at its new homeport of Mobile, Ala., Wednesday to launch a schedule of year-round 4- and 5-night cruises to Mexico.

The ship’s arrival was marked with a special invitation-only event that included a competition for charity featuring Carnival President Christine Duffy, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, President of the Mobile City Council Gina Gregory, and Carnival Fantasy Captain Bruno Palomba, as well as a traditional maritime plaque exchange between cruise line and port officials. The competition, part of Carnival’s popular Hasbro, The Game Show activities, included a $20,000 donation each to the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Alabama and Feeding the Gulf Coast.

Following the event, the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy departed Mobile on a sold-out 5-night cruise to Cozumel and Progreso, kicking off a year-long schedule of 4- and 5-night cruises to these Mexican ports.

“With its Southern charm, excellent terminal facilities and easy-to-reach location, Mobile is a terrific new addition to Carnival’s homeport lineup and we’re delighted to offer these convenient and affordable cruises to Mexico’s most popular ports of call,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “From Mayor Sandy Stimpson and everyone at the City of Mobile to the Alabama Cruise Terminal team and the entire Mobile community, we are greatly appreciative for their partnership and the very warm welcome,” she added.

“We are pleased and excited to welcome Carnival Cruise Lines back to the City of Mobile,” said Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “This is a moment we’ve been working toward since the day we took office. It represents a win for our city, a win for Carnival and most of all a win for the thousands of people who can once again enjoy a great cruise out of one of America’s greatest cities.”

Carnival Vista's U.S. arrival celebrated with shipboard concert for military families

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 November 2016 07 November 2016

To celebrate the U.S. arrival of its newest, largest and most innovative ship, Carnival Cruise Line held an overnight gala event on November 4 in New York featuring a concert for Operation Homefront military families by the Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year and seven-time GRAMMY award-winning country music super star Carrie Underwood.

The event also included the ship’s official naming ceremony with Miss USA Deshauna Barber – the first woman serving in the U.S. military to hold the title – presiding over the ceremonies as godmother and releasing the ceremonial bottle of champagne that smashed over the hull of the 133,500 gross ton ship. In addition to the concert, the festivities included overnight accommodations, meals, activities and entertainment for hundreds of military families.

The festivities represented the culmination of Honor.Family.Fun., Carnival’s year-long celebration to support Operation Homefront and help the organization fulfill its mission of building strong, stable, and secure military families.

”Carnival Cruise Line carries more active and retired military personnel and I couldn’t think of a better way to introduce this spectacular vessel than by honoring and celebrating the sacrifices of our Armed Forces personnel,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Deshauna is the ideal candidate to serve as Carnival Vista’s godmother, embodying the spirit of commitment and sacrifice of those who protect our freedoms each and every day.”

Underwood performed an hour-long set for hundreds of military personnel and their families, many of whom were given the chance of a lifetime to meet the artist during various meet and greet opportunities during stops along her Storyteller Tour, and were invited to attend the festivities aboard Carnival Vista.

“It was truly an honor to perform aboard Carnival Vista today and celebrate the incredible sacrifices of the brave men and women of the Armed Forces,” said Underwood. “Throughout my partnership with Carnival Cruise Line we have recognized the efforts of our dedicated military personnel while raising funds for Operation Homefront. It is something I am very proud to be a part of.”

The daughter of a retired Army master sergeant who was a member of the Special Forces, Barber joined the Army Reserve as a quartermaster officer in 2011. After earning her bachelors in business management from Virginia State University, Barber went on to complete her masters in computer information systems from the University of Maryland University College. She currently serves as logistics commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment Unit in Rockville, Md.

“I’m honored to serve as godmother of the brand new Carnival Vista and join a long line of strong, successful women who have fulfilled this time-honored role,” said Barber. “In addition to serving as godmother, today was extra special as I had the opportunity to meet several Operation Homefront families and hear their stories. It is a day I’ll never forget.”

"We're thrilled Carnival Cruise Line has honored those that do so much for the freedoms we enjoy daily – our service members and their families – with a truly memorable day onboard their newest ship,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront. "Like-minded partners, like Carnival and Carrie Underwood, clearly demonstrate, through their actions, their steadfast commitment to our men and women in uniform."

As the line’s newest ship, Carnival Vista introduced a number of groundbreaking innovations including the first brewery on a North American-based cruise ship, the first IMAX Theatre at sea, the most elaborate water park in the fleet highlighted by the 455-foot-long Kaleid-o-slide, a groundbreaking bike-ride-in-the-sky aerial attraction called SkyRide, and the new Family Harbor with specially designed staterooms for families, a family concierge and more.

Carnival Vista will operate a pair of 11-night sailings from New York before launching year-round 6- and 8-night Caribbean service from Miami beginning Nov. 27.

World's three largest cruise ships meet for the first time at sea

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 November 2016 05 November 2016

Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class ships, Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and the new Harmony of the Seas, struck a chord on November 4, greeting each other at sea for the first and possibly only time. In a meeting of unprecedented proportions, the three record-breaking sisters came together to celebrate the U.S. arrival of Harmony of the Seas on the eve of the ship’s debut in her new permanent homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The Oasis-class ships are architectural and engineering marvels, boasting industry-changing and unexpected onboard experiences. Each ship features seven themed neighborhoods – a distinctive feature of the Oasis-class ships – and a number of spectacular features, adventures and thrills, including the lush and tranquil Central Park with nearly 12,000 plants and trees, FlowRider surf simulators; a thrilling zip line 82 foot long that races guests nine-decks in the air, luxurious multi-level loft suites with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the outdoor AquaTheater that hosts dazzling high-diving, aquatic and acrobatic performances, a Boardwalk with a hand-carved carousel, and The Rising Tide Bar, the first moving bar at sea.

The newest and youngest of the three ships, Harmony of the Seas, officially claimed the title of world’s largest cruise ship, beating her sisters by a mere foot in length and nearly 1,700 gross tons. The ship features a bold lineup of new experiences, imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology, including VOOM, the fastest internet at sea. Harmony combines the seven neighborhood concept with some of the most modern and groundbreaking amenities and offerings that will appeal to guests of all ages. From The Ultimate Abyss, a dramatic 10-story tall slide, to unparalleled entertainment including Broadway’s hit musical Grease, sophisticated dining in venues ranging from Jamie’s Italian Cuisine by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to Royal Caribbean’s whimsical restaurant Wonderland, which is a unique culinary adventure for the senses, and robot bartenders, there is an adventure for everyone onboard Harmony of the Seas.

Carnival enhances leadership position in Tampa and Long Beach

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 November 2016 04 November 2016

Carnival Cruise Line will expand capacity in two key markets with Carnival Miracle operating 7-night Caribbean cruises from Tampa and Carnival Splendor offering week-long Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, Calif., beginning in 2018.

Prior to launching service from their new homeports, both ships will offer extended Panama Canal cruises in January 2018 that will feature a variety of spectacular ports throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. Carnival Splendor will also operate unique 14-night Hawaii cruises round trip from Long Beach.

With these capacity increases, Carnival is further bolstering its leadership position in two popular homeports, adding a second year-round ship in Tampa with Carnival Miracle and a newer, larger vessel on the West Coast with Carnival Splendor.

“Tampa and Long Beach are both highly convenient and popular homeports and we’re delighted to provide our guests with exciting new year-round cruise vacation choices in these two markets,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

7-night cruises from Tampa aboard Carnival Miracle

Carnival Miracle will launch a year-round schedule of 7-night Caribbean sailings from Tampa Jan. 27, 2018, becoming the second ship based at the popular southwestern Florida port. The week-long adventures depart on Saturdays and Sundays and feature four of the Caribbean’s most popular ports of call: George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; and Belize City, Belize, each of which offer world-class beaches, water sports and a variety of shore excursion opportunities.

The 7-night voyages from Tampa are part of Carnival’s exclusive Cozumel Plus program, which feature extended stays that provide guests even more opportunities to experience and explore one of the Caribbean’s most diverse vacation destinations. On Cozumel Plus itineraries, guests have access to a variety of new excursions, many taking place on Mexico’s mainland – with unforgettable tours like swimming with whale sharks, visiting centuries-old ruins and swimming in hidden caverns, complementing nearly 50 existing tours already available.

The 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle joins the 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise which operates year-round four- and five-day Caribbean cruises from Tampa. Carnival is the only year-round cruise operator from Tampa. The two ships will offer the widest variety of four-, five- and seven-day itineraries from Tampa and carry 320,000 guests annually.

Week-long Mexican Riviera cruises aboard Carnival Splendor

The 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor will launch a year-round schedule of 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, beginning Jan. 27, 2018, replacing Carnival Miracle and representing a 41 percent capacity increase on the line’s week-long cruises from the West Coast.

Three different itineraries will be offered, each featuring stunning destinations along the Mexican Riviera. One itinerary visits Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, another spends two days at Cabo San Lucas and a full day in Puerto Vallarta, and a third overnights in Puerto Vallarta with a day-long call in Cabo San Lucas, as well. On these cruises, guests can relax on beautiful beaches, visit centuries-old historical sites and enjoy unforgettable dining and shopping experiences.

Carnival Splendor will join Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination which both offer three- and four-day Baja cruises from Long Beach. With the addition of Carnival Splendor, the line will carry upwards of 700,000 guests annually from Southern California, operating nearly 250 three- to 14-day cruises a year.

Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises

Carnival Splendor will also offer a special 13-night Panama Canal cruise departing Miami Jan. 14, and arriving in Long Beach Jan. 27, 2018, becoming the first Carnival ship to transit the newly opened Panama Canal locks and providing guests the opportunity to experience this engineering marvel firsthand. The cruise will visit Cartagena prior to the Panama Canal transit, then call at Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Additionally, Carnival Splendor will operate two 14-day Carnival Journeys cruises to Hawaii round-trip from Long Beach – one departing Oct. 13, 2018, and the other Dec. 1, 2018 and visiting four breathtaking Hawaiian destinations – Maui, Honolulu, Kona and Hilo, as well as a call at Ensenada, Mexico.

Carnival Miracle will offer a 14-night Panama Canal cruise departing Long Beach, Calif., Jan. 13, and arriving in Tampa Jan. 27, 2018. Ports of call include Cabo San Lucas; Puerto Quetzal; and Puntarenas; followed by a transit of the Panama Canal, then stops at Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman. Carnival Miracle will also offer a unique eight-day Panama Canal cruise round-trip from Tampa April 14-22, 2018, with stops at Limon, Costa Rica; prior to a partial transit of the Panama Canal, then a call at Grand Cayman.

A special 14-day Carnival Journeys cruise featuring a partial transit of the Panama Canal along with visits to Cozumel, Limon, Cartagena, Aruba, Curacao and Ocho Rios, will also be offered by Carnival Miracle round-trip from Tampa Dec. 2-16, 2018.

Guests sailing on Carnival Journeys cruises enjoy unique local dining and entertainment experiences and a number of shipboard enrichment activities.