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Norwegian Getaway to debut South Florida-themed restaurants, bars

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

Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship set to debut in January, will feature several restaurants and bars that evoke the tropical feel of Miami and South Florida. The Tropicana Room, Flamingo Bar & Grill, Sunset Bar and Sugarcane Bar will be new and unique additions to the largest ship to homeport in Miami year-round.

"Norwegian Getaway is Miami's ultimate ship, so her unique venues celebrate the heritage and culture of Miami and South Florida," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's CEO. With these themed venues, we want all of our guests to experience a taste of Miami with food and drinks that reflect what the city is known for.

The Tropicana Room, a complimentary restaurant on Deck 7 aft, is inspired by the glitz and glamour of the Miami Beach night life of the 1940s and 50s. Rich woods, dark purple and silver fabrics and mirrored columns, along with nostalgic photos from Miami Beach in her heyday, will make guests feel as if they are dining in a retro supper club. Featured menu items will represent the flavor of Miami with several Latin-inspired choices, including ceviche (ceviche de camarón), churrasco steak (churrasco con chimichurri) and chicken with yellow rice (arroz con pollo).

The Flamingo Bar & Grill, a complimentary restaurant on Deck 16, will serve food with a Latin flair throughout the day. An extensive menu is offered, including traditional favorites like pulled pork (pierna asada); steak chimichurri (bistec con chimichurri); fried yucca (yuca frita); spinach empanadas (empanadas de espinaca); and guava turnovers (pastelitos de guyaba). Desserts include caramel custard (flan de leche); rice pudding (arroz con leche) and three milks cake (tres leches). A variety of regional drinks and Cuban coffee will be available to complement the meal.

Sugarcane Bar will serve mojitos and rum-based cocktails from an island-themed setting on Deck 8 with both indoor and outdoor spaces. The bronze bar features banana leaves made of bronze relief which also circle the dual columns. The atmosphere is tropical and relaxed with leather and rattan furniture.

The Sunset Bar on Deck 8 takes its inspiration from Ernest Hemingway's Key West, with design elements that are eclectic, masculine and adventurous. A large Marlin mounted behind the bar serves as the space's focal point, while leather furniture and animal prints round out the décor in this eclectic lounge. Drinks include a Hemingway-inspired daiquiri, Key Largo's Secret Chest, which includes Bacardi Superior rum infused with mixed herbs, sweet vermouth, Campari and fresh orange and lemon juice, topped with sparkling wine. Just next to the Sunset Bar is the Humidor Cigar Lounge offering a range of cigars for purchase.

For those who prefer self-service, Norwegian Getaway will feature the wine dispensers first introduced on Norwegian Breakaway. Located in the Garden Café and Studio Lounge, each dispenser offers a selection of four wines. Guests can sample a taste or a full glass. Prices range from $2.75 to $13 per glass, depending on the wine.

Throughout the ship, guests will find murals and artwork inspired by her tropical homeport. On the Waterfront, there will be a collage of the flora, fauna and architecture of Key West and the Southernmost point, along with the signature Miami skyline. On Deck 18, murals will highlight the famous lifeguard houses of Miami Beach and other elements of South Beach.

For fans of hull artist David LEBO Le Batard, they can find his paintings showcased in the atrium café and reception area, with works that include several large original pieces of art. The Art Gallery will also feature a collection of his paintings for sale.

Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Getaway is Miami's ultimate ship and will embody the essence of her tropical hometown with hull artwork by Miami's own David "LEBO LeBatard, which features a whimsical mermaid holding the sun above the waves.

Featuring groundbreaking entertainment, the ship is the first to feature the GRAMMY® Experience at sea, which will include artifacts chosen and curated by the GRAMMY Museum® along with live performances by past GRAMMY winners and nominees, among others.

Another first of its kind at sea, The Illusionarium is an all-new dining and entertainment experience that will envelop guests in the fascinating world of magic, inviting them to experience the astonishing illusions of world-class magicians and supernatural special effects. In addition, Norwegian Getaway boasts sizzling Latin-inspired dance productions by Broadway sensation, Burn the Floor; performances of the seven-time Tony Award nominated musical LEGALLY BLONDE; hilarious comedy headliners produced by Levity Entertainment Group; and the sing along fun of the dueling pianos of Howl at the Moon. To cap off a spectacular cruise experience, every sailing will feature a dazzling fireworks show at sea, set to music, as part of a dance party in the ship's outdoor club, Spice H20.

Similar to sister ship Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway will dazzle guests with the excitement of 678 Ocean Place and The Waterfront, a variety of interconnected indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that creates a multiplex of dining, activities and more and enhances guests connection with the ocean. Norwegian Getaway will also feature Miami's coolest place to chill out – the ship's SVEDKA/Inniskillin Ice Bar, featuring Art Deco-style décor, reminiscent of Miami Beach's famous Ocean Drive.

Foodies setting sail from Miami on Norwegian Getaway can feast in their choice of 27 incredible dining options, including Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian's three dining concepts: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian; Ocean Blue on the Waterfront and The Raw Bar. Buddy Valastro, star of the popular TLC series Cake Boss also has an outpost of his famous Carlo's Bakery onboard, serving up delicious treats like cannolis lobster tails and specialty cakes.

For families, Nickelodeon®, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, is on board and includes a variety of exciting interactive experiences, along with the opportunity to meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer and Diego, among other favorites. Norwegian Getaway will also include an all new pirate-themed Nickelodeon Kids' Aqua Park where children can cool off with colorful, whimsical and larger than life Nickelodeon characters from Bikini Bottom.

The three-story Sports Complex will feature the Aqua Park with five thrilling water slides, two swimming pools and one of the largest multi-level elevated ropes course that will challenge guests to more than 40 different elements, including a zip track. For a thrill like no other, guests will confront The Plank, a platform that extends eight feet over the side of the ship. A nine-hole miniature golf course is located beneath the ropes course, offering family fun with friendly competition. A rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline and spider web, a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage complete with a spiral slide, round out the activities.

Norwegian Getaway offers a variety of flexible accommodations ranging from Studio staterooms specially designed for solo travelers, to balcony and family staterooms and opulent suites in The Haven, the ultimate in luxury accommodations.

Costa neoRiviera to operate seven night cruises from Dubai from November

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 October 2013 01 October 2013

Costa neoRiviera, the 47,000 gross ton ship currently known as Grand Mistral of Iberocruceros, will commence its career in the costa fleet by operating seven night cruises from Dubal with start in November, German sources say.

The cruises will offer extended stay in the ports of call – Muscat in Oman and in Abu Dhabi, in line with the slow cruise concept introduced by Costa neoRomanica, the former Costa Romantica that underwent a major upgrade before re-emerging under its new name, T-Online, the German source on the Internet says.

Costa neoRomantica was built as Mistral in 1999 in France for Festival Cruises, the Athens based operator that collapsed in the agtermath of the 9 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US. Costa Crociere and Iberocruceros are both part of Carnival Corp & plc, the Anglo-American cruise shipping group.

Ambiente Kreuzfahrten returns, charters Azores from Portuscale

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 October 2013 01 October 2013

Ambiente Kreuzfahrten, the German company whose business was suspended by the collapse of Classic International Cruises CIC) last year, will resume trading in 2014 as it has chartered the 17,000 gross ton Azores, known as Athena while in the CIC fleet, the company said in a statement.

The company has published a March-November 2014 programme that includes winter cruises to Norway in search of the Northern Lights, followed by summer cruises to Iceland and Greenland and a series of cruises in the Baltic. In the autumn, the ship will head to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

The destination focused company will offer an all inclusive product, whereby a large selection of drinks plus all tips are included in the cruise fare.

Ambiente had agreed to charter Princess Daphne from CIC to launch its business, but the collapse of the Lisbon based company last year forced it to suspend operations. Portuscale, a new Portuguese company, acquired most of the fleet of CIC and is gradually commencing its operations.

Azamara Club Cruises to sail Australia in late 2015

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 September 2013 30 September 2013

Azamara Club Cruises today unveiled its 2015 voyages program, comprising 52 voyages, ranging from five- to 18-night itineraries to some of the world's most intriguing destinations. Catering to up-market travelers, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest will visit a total of 203 ports in 62 countries, destinations that have been made famous by myths and legends, history and beauty. As part of the new 2015 program, Azamara will make 16 maiden port calls among an expansive, curated collection of culture-rich metropolises, charming colonial towns, stunning beaches and unsurpassed natural preserves in South America, the West Indies, Europe, the Far East and – for the first time – Australia. On every Azamara voyage, guests can take advantage of longer stays and more overnights in port so they can partake of night touring and join in the authentic nightlife of a destination. Guests also can delve deeper into each destination with AzAmazing Evenings, an inclusive night tour on each voyage that provides guests with an exclusive and bespoke slice of a destination's authentic culture and character, and a wide variety of exclusive Azamara Land Discoveries shore excursions (for an additional charge). Azamara Club Cruises 2015 voyages are now open for sale.

"Azamara Club Cruises is delighted to announce our new year of destination-immersive voyages that are perfectly suited for up-market travelers," said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. "As a hallmark of the Azamara experience, many voyages are timed with major events and celebrations, so guests can join in the festivities. We are particularly delighted to bring Azamara Quest to Australia in late 2015 and expand our distinctive experience to a new continent."

Throughout spring 2015, Azamara Journey will sail 11- to 18-night voyages throughout Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, the Antarctic Sound, Panama Canal, and West Indian islands to ports that larger ships cannot go. One voyage overnights at Rio De Janeiro during the city's world-famous Carnival, where Azamara can offer prime seating in the stands of the sambadrome (for an additional charge) to witness the spectacle of competing samba schools. Azamara Journey also will make maiden port calls at Aruba and Curacao.

Travelers have a choice of both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest for immersive Europe adventures throughout the summer and autumn seasons. Azamara Quest will sail the Baltic, North and Mediterranean seas on 7- to 18-night itineraries, some that coincide with major seasonal events, such as the 2015 British Open at historic St. Andrews Links, and the Sail Amsterdam Festival, a nautical celebration held once every five years. Azamara Journey will sail the Spanish, French and Italian rivieras, the Adriatic and Black seas, and Greek Isles on seven- to 16-night itineraries that take guests to the playgrounds of the jetset. On one voyage, Azamara Journey calls at Monte Carlo during the annual Monaco Grand Prix, where Azamara has obtained tickets for prime seating along the race route for guests (for an additional charge). Maiden European port calls include Argostoli and Delos, Greece; Tarragona, Almeria, Alticante and Huelva, Spain; Stornoway, Scotland; and Cobh, Ireland.

For its part, Azamara Quest will sail Asia voyages in the spring and winter seasons. Travelers will enjoy plenty of overnights to delve into the colorful and historic cultures of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. Osaka, Japan and Bali, Indonesia, also will be an Azamara embarkation port for the first time in February 2015. In late December, Azamara Quest will sail from the Bali Sea on a 14-night holiday and New Year's voyage to Australia and the Barrier Reef. On this "immersion Down Under," guests will make maiden port calls at Puerto Princesa, Philippines; and Thursday Island and Darwin, Australia, as well as at Great Barrier Reef-destinations Cooktown, Port Douglas and Cairns, Australia.

Azamara Club Cruises offers distinct destination-immersive experiences for up-market travelers. The cruise line uniquely features voyages with longer stays and more overnights at ports to provide guests the opportunity to experience night touring at some of the most compelling destinations of Europe, Asia, South America, West Indies, as well as Central and North America. On board the intimate Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, guests receive exceptional and personal service and the cruise line?s authentic, exclusive and bespoke AzAmazing Evenings events that showcase the unexpected colors and flavors of a destination. Guests also enjoy fine cuisine and boutique wines from around the world, as well as more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities; complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee, and teas, as well as complimentary boutique wines, international beers and select standard spirits in the ships' bars, lounges and restaurants when open; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle
transportation to city centers in ports, where available.

Costa Crociere appoints Hansjoerg Kunze Vice President of Communication and Sustainability

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 September 2013 30 September 2013

Costa Crociere S.p.A. has appointed Hansjoerg Kunze vice president, communication and sustainability, for the Costa Cruises, Aida and Iberocruceros brands, effective Oct. 1, 2013. He replaces Mina Piccinini.

Kunze's appointment reflects a strategy of closer cooperation between the three brands of the Costa Group. He reports directly to Michael Thamm, chief executive officer of Costa Crociere S.p.A.

Kunze, a professional journalist, has nine years of experience in the cruise industry, having joined Germany's leading cruise company AIDA Cruises in 2004 as vice president, public relations and communication.