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Norwegian Cruise Line introduces flexible dining packages

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 June 2015 11 June 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today the introduction of new Specialty Dining Packages that allow guests the freedom to savor an array of tastes and unique experiences at the line’s signature specialty restaurants and the flexibility to choose the number of nights they’d like to dine for one set price. Norwegian guests sailing fleetwide from August 7* and beyond can enjoy a Specialty Dining Package ranging from three days to the length of their entire cruise, with pricing starting at $59 per person** for a three-day package when purchased online prior to sailing, providing cruisers with an excellent value.

Guests who purchase a Norwegian Specialty Dining Package can opt to go medium-rare at Cagney’s, Norwegian’s signature steakhouse; make it al dente at a Norwegian’s La Cucina Italian restaurant; enjoy an evening of fine Parisian dining at Le Bistro; and experience fun and fare at Teppanyaki, Norwegian’s signature Japanese Hibachi restaurant.

With Freestyle Cruising and Norwegian’s new Specialty Dining Packages, guests have the freedom to choose how, where and when they’d like to dine. Guests can tailor their taste buds to their cruising schedule and discover a different specialty restaurant each night or find a favorite and dine there a few nights during their vacation. Guests on a seven-day cruise can choose from packages ranging from three to seven nights, to make the most of their vacation experience and at a savings from the restaurant’s individual cover charges.

Specialty Dining Packages are honored in all specialty steakhouses, Brazilian churrascarias, French, Japanese Hibachi and Italian restaurants. Norwegian guests who have purchased a Specialty Dining Package additionally have the flexibility to indulge in their heart’s desire in select à la carte priced restaurants and entertainment-based restaurants for a small upcharge*** including:

– Ocean Blue (Norwegian Getaway/ Norwegian Breakaway) - $15
– Cirque Dreams (Norwegian Breakaway/Norwegian Epic)- $10 general seats/$15 premium seats/$35 VIP seating on Norwegian Breakaway
– The Illusionarium - $10 general seats/$15 premium seats
– For the Record: Dear John Hughes (Norwegian Escape)- $15
– Bayamo (Norwegian Escape)- $10
– Pincho Tapas Bar (Norwegian Escape)- $7
– The Raw Bar (Norwegian Getaway/ Norwegian Breakaway) - $7
– Sushi Bar (fleetwide)-$7

Specialty Dining Packages can be pre-purchased prior to sailing for additional savings or onboard during the first two days of the voyage; the dining packages are exclusively sold on the first day of the voyage on three-day itineraries only. Norwegian guests who pre-purchase a Specialty Dining Package prior to sailing can reserve their dining reservations online within 90 days of their sail date or go Freestyle and decide when and where to dine once onboard. Specialty Dining Packages are purchased individually and guests traveling in the same stateroom do not need to purchase packages as a group.

Seatrade Cruise Asia event in Busan, Korea cancelled

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 June 2015 10 June 2015

Seatrade Cruise Asia, due to take place in Busan, Korea June 11-12 has been postponed to a later date.

Due to increasing notifications from key stakeholders - delegate, speakers and cruise lines - of their withdrawal from the event due to the current Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) related circumstances in korea and regional travel restrictioncs being imposed by other Asian countries, the planned conference programme can no longer be delivered in its published form and Seatrade is threfore advising that the event will need to be postponed to a later date.

Andrew Williams, general manager Seatrade commented, "This decision has not been an easy one and we have looked into every possibility, however in consultation with the industry, we feel that this is the most appropriate course of action."

UBM remains fully committed to supporting the global cruise industry and the delivery of a successful Seatrade Cruise Asia event. New dates will be announced as soon as possible.

AmaWaterways announces new features on its family oriented ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 June 2015 09 June 2015

In April, Disney Corporation and AmaWaterways announced their partnership to offer family-oriented river cruises on the Danube in 2016. Today AmaWaterways unveils further details of the two ships that will be deployed for this enterprise. Alan Lam reports.

The 158-passenger sister ships AmaViola and AmaStella, set to make their official debut in 2016, will have innovative features to accommodate a new category of river cruise travellers, according to the company.

The ships will join AmaWaterways’ European fleet as the third and fourth vessels of their class. Both will be equipped with connecting cabins that offer added convenience for groups and families travelling together. Room configurations include:

– 12 staterooms that can accommodate up to three family members each
– Six sets of adjoining cabins that can be connected via an internal doorway, accommodating families of up to five
– Four suites with convertible sofa-beds that can accommodate families of up to four

Recognizing the growing demand for more cabins with twin or French balconies, as well as suites, AmaWaterways is introducing another design change. The fitness room and salon on these ships will be moved to the lower deck, allowing for the addition of balconied staterooms and suites with panoramic views.

Both vessels’ destination-inspired décor will complement the new layout and state-of-the-art amenities, including marble-appointed bathrooms, multi-jet showerheads, plush linens, luxurious salon and massage services, fitness rooms, refreshing sun decks and heated pools with swim-up bars.

Staterooms will also be equipped with AmaWaterways’ signature Entertainment on Demand system, which affords travellers complimentary access to Internet, the latest Hollywood movies, and a music library, etc.

“At AmaWaterways,” said Kristin Karst, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner of AmaWaterways, “we take great pride in the fact that we build new ships at a careful pace, taking our time to ensure we incorporate the most innovative features possible for our guests. These new ships have been developed in a way that will bring added comfort to groups and families seeking the beauty, history and culture of a European river vacation. They were designed in part with feedback from our new partners at Adventures by Disney, and we are confident that the final result will broaden the appeal of our product to new types of travellers.”

AmaStella’s maiden voyage will set sail 6 April, followed by AmaViola’s on 20 April.

Azamara Club Cruises announces new sales structure and team appointments

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 June 2015 09 June 2015

Azamara Club Cruises, the boutique cruise line known for its destination-immersive voyages, is excited to introduce a new sales structure as the company continues on its path of strong performance – currently the best in the history of the brand. As part of the restructuring, Azamara created a decentralized field sales organization. This will better allow Azamara’s Strategic Business Development Managers to support and engage travel partners while also positioning the brand for further growth. As a part of the evolution of the sales team, Azamara is pleased to announce the promotions of Nils Lindstad to Director of Sales & Service Development and Lori Goldspiel and Jon Grutzner to the positions of Director of Field Sales. Azamara plans to add additional sales positions in key markets in the coming months, all reporting to Ellen Bettridge, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Nils Lindstad, recently promoted to Director of Sales & Service Development, has played a vital role in the growth of Azamara Club Cruises, through his emphasis on world-class customer care. In his new role, Lindstad will be responsible for sales strategy implementation, reporting and leading the call centers and business development support teams.

As Directors of Field Sales, Lori Goldspiel and Jon Grutzner are now responsible for overseeing the relationships of Azamara’s top travel partners. They will lead and support the field sales team to continue to grow the brand. By having directors who reside in the regions they manage, Azamara will better support their Strategic Business Development Managers and in turn enhance their ability to consistently engage travel partners.

“We are delighted to promote Nils, Lori and Jon, who have all excelled in their positions at Azamara Club Cruises and demonstrated a passion and intimate understanding of Destination Immersion,” said Ellen Bettridge, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Azamara Club Cruises. “With the new sales structure and our outstanding leadership team, we are poised for Azamara’s continued growth.”

AIDAcara celebrates 20th anniversary

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 June 2015 07 June 2015

With the birthday of the cruise ship AIDAcara on June 7, 2015, AIDA Cruises is heralding the 20th year of its company history. On Sunday evening, more than 20,000 guests will toast together aboard the 10 AIDA ships, opening the anniversary celebrations.

"AIDA – an inspiring smile. The original turns 20" is the slogan of the anniversary campaign, which will provide inspiration until the end of 2016 with exciting insights into the history of the modern cruise along with a variety of promotions and events.

"With the commissioning of AIDAcara, we triggered a revolution in the cruise market, and for the first time we also generated a great deal of enthusiasm for this type of vacation among young and lifestyle-oriented people. Since that day, more than 5 million guests have put their trust in us. Today AIDA is synonymous with the most desirable vacation form in Germany. We built 9 out of 10 AIDA ships in Germany and invested a total of 2.5 billion euros," says AIDA President Michael Ungerer.

On June 7, 1996, the first AIDA (today AIDAcara) was christened by Christiane Herzog in Rostock. The christening captain was Volker Zausch. Back in 1999, two additional newbuildings were commissioned at Aker MTW in Wismar. In 2002 AIDAcara got her first sister ship: AIDAvita was christened by Doris Schröder-Kopf on May 4. A year later supermodel Heidi Klum assumed sponsorship for AIDAaura on April 12, 2003.

In 2004 the first new shipbuilding contract went to the Meyer shipyard in Papenburg. In a unique series, seven newbuildings of the second AIDA ship generation were put into service between 2007 and 2013.

With AIDAprima, the first of two newbuildings of the new AIDA ship generation, AIDA will again be opening a new chapter starting in October 2015.

AIDA Cruises is the first cruise line to deploy a ship from a German port year-round. Hamburg will be the departing and destination port for AIDAprima’s seven-day round trips to the metropolises of Western Europe.

On board AIDAprima, you’re not dependent on the weather. With its versatile adventure worlds, individual offers, and even more service the ship becomes the vacation destination – 365 days a year.

AIDA is opening the anniversary campaign "AIDA – an inspiring smile. The original turns 20" with a birthday deal for traveling with AIDAcara to the Canary Islands and Cape Verde between November 2015 and March 2016. Those who book a stateroom on AIDAcara between June 7 and 30, 2015, can take family or friends in the 3rd and 4th bed in the same stateroom for free, according to the principle of “two pay, up to four travel.” The trip can be booked at prices starting at 899 euros per person. Availability is limited.