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Independence of the Seas to undergo $7 million refurbishment in April

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 January 2013 23 January 2013

Royal Caribbean International says it continues to bring the cruise line’s most innovative features and popular venues, first introduced on Oasis-class ships, to its fleet with the recently announced revitalisation of Independence of the Seas scheduled to take place in April 2013.

"A new baby and toddler nursery, an enhanced digital way finding system and a giant outdoor cinema screen are just a few of the new features awaiting guests on Independence of the Seas when it emerges in May as part of the cruise line’s extensive revitalisation programme. For guests with a sweet tooth, the refreshed ship will also see the introduction of The Cupcake Cupboard. Featuring freshly-baked gourmet cupcakes and bespoke culinary parties and design classes, the new addition will be a hit with foodies. The ship also will enjoy the addition of Giovanni’s Table, an Italian trattoria featuring Italian classics served family-style," the company said in a statement

Based in Southampton since 2008 and one of the most popular ships amongst UK holidaymakers, the 3,634-guestIndependence of the Seas is just one of many ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet that is receiving a major upgrade as part of a $300 million investment programme. Beginning in May 2011 with the revitalisation ofRadiance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s revitalisation programme is being undertaken with an aim to bring features from the redefining Oasis-class ships to the remainder of the fleet. In 2012 five ships underwent a complete transformation including Rhapsody of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas

Following a two-week long, US$7 million refurbishment, Independence of the Seas will arrive in Southampton on 2 May 2013 to begin its summer season, offering a series of new itineraries including more shorter sailings such as two-night cruises to Le Havre for Paris and three night cruises to Le Havre for Paris and Zeebrugge for Bruges.Independence of the Seas will also offer eight night cruises to Norway, 14-night Norway and Cork cruises, various 14-night Mediterranean cruises, and 12-night Canary Islands cruises as part of its 2013 season. Independence of the Seas will also include a new call to Ibiza on a 14-night Spanish Mediterranean cruise.

Prices for a two night taster cruise to Le Havre for Paris on-board Independence of the Seas departing Southampton cost £249 per person for accommodation with its own private balcony based on 2 May 2013 departure. A six-night Norway cruise from Southampton featuring ports of call in Oslo, Kristiansand and Stavanger costs from £599 per person based on two sharing an inside stateroom and departing on 26 May 2013.

Princess Cruises passengers inspire new Celebrations campaign

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 January 2013 22 January 2013

Princess Cruises has debuted a new look at how and why passengers cruise – as told through videos from Princess passengers themselves. Focusing on celebrations, these passenger accounts unveil many reasons for escaping completely on a cruise vacation.

Princess put video cameras in the hands of passengers who then show us what inspired their cruise. These storytellers, who were sailing in diverse worldwide destinations, including the Panama Canal, Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Australia, describe different occasions that celebrate love, change and life itself.

With these videos, passengers take the viewer along as a companion on their vacation, documenting their favorite onboard experiences as well as the memorable places they visited.

"Usually people think of 'celebrations' as birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. But as we listened to these passenger stories, we recognized a great opportunity to expand the definition. From a newly adopted child to overcoming adversity such as cancer, there are many occasions in life to celebrate. And we aim to offer the best cruise experience for life's most important celebrations.

The videos form the centerpiece of a new Celebrations campaign. Stories can be viewed at www.princess.com/celebrations, and Princess passengers who have recently celebrated a special occasion on board can submit their own stories at princess.com/sharestory before March 31, 2013 for a chance to win a 7-day Caribbean cruise for two aboard the new Royal Princess.

Princess Cruises unveils two shakedown cruises from Southampton on new Royal Princess in June

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 January 2013 21 January 2013

Princess Cruises has announced two preview cruises aboard Royal Princess, giving passengers a unique opportunity to get a taste of the new 141,000 gross ton ship before its official inaugural voyage The June 9 and June 14 cruises will sail roundtrip from Southampton on a two-night itinerary featuring a call in St. Peter Port, on the island of Guernsey, the company said in a statement.

"Passengers on the short sailings will be able to sample Royal Princess many ground-breaking features, including the dramatic over-water SeaWalk, Princess Live! television studio, and plush new poolside cabanas before the ships inaugural sailing on June 16, 2013," the company said.

Both voyages will go on sale on January 29, with limited availability.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship for Princess Cruises. Among the special features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chefs Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.

The ships 2013 maiden season will include cruises on the lines signature Grand Mediterranean itinerary throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the fall. A sister ship will be delivered in 2014, while in the following year a third unit of the class will be delivered to P&O Cruises, a sister company of Princess. However, this vessel has different interior designers and it will have different identity to the Princess ships.

Vaasanlaivat unveils theme cruises for winter and spring seasons

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 January 2013 21 January 2013

Vaasanlaivat, the new ferry company that took over the crossing between Vasa in Finland and Umea in Sweden, has unveiled a list of theme cruises for the spring season, the company said in a statement.

A total of 17 theme cruises will be operated between 26 January and 25 May on the Wasa Express ferry that serves on the four hour crossing. The themes range from the 1960s to dancing, beauty and fashion plus after ski.

Like most ferry companies in the Baltic Sea region, Vaaasanlaivat – or Vasabatarna as the company is known in Swedish – also sells its product as mini cruises for passengers who want to book a round trip; nowhere else but in the Baltic Sea region does the ferry industry have this dimension.

Princess Cruises adds new South America and Tahiti sailings in 2014

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 18 January 2013 18 January 2013

Princess Cruises has added several new Exotics cruise options in spring 2014, giving passengers additional vacation choices in the popular destinations of South America and the South Pacific. Options include a new South America grand adventure aboard Crown Princess – the first such voyage for the vessel. In addition, Pacific Princess will add new departures of the line's signature Tahiti & French Polynesia cruises plus additional Hawaii and South Pacific voyages.

During Crown Princess' South America debut, passengers can enjoy highlights such as an overnight call in vibrant Rio de Janeiro during the city's famous Carnaval celebrations, sailing around legendary Cape Horn, an optional overland tour to the dramatic Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and Princess' first call to Ilhabela (beautiful island) an island that lives up to its name with lovely beaches and natural beauty. The new 49-day voyage travels from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles, sailing first to Brazil, then around Cape Horn along the Chilean Fjords and up the Pacific coast. Shorter segments of 16- to 33-days are also available.

To add more of the line's signature Tahiti & French Polynesia voyages, Pacific Princess will move to the South Pacific to offer three additional departures of this popular 10-day itinerary. The ship will also offer new departures of a 16-day New Zealand & South Pacific sailing from Sydney to Tahiti; a 12-day Hawaii & Tahiti sailing from Tahiti to Honolulu, and a 10-day Hawaiian Islands crossing from Honolulu ending in Vancouver, British Columbia. Many voyages can be linked for a Grand Adventure of 22 to 26 days.

South America and the South Pacific have been among our most popular cruises recently, so these new voyages offer wonderful additional opportunities for passengers to explore the natural beauty and colorful cultures of these destinations, said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. Whether passengers want to meet a penguin or learn to hula, these cruises offers a great way to find the experience of a lifetime.

The new Exotics sailings include:

49-day South America Grand Adventure – Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles
Featuring an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval and Princess' maiden call to Brazils Ilhabela, this adventure also starts off with calls in St Thomas, St Kitts, Barbados, Trinidad, and Recife.
After an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the cruise then sails around the famed Cape Horn at the tip of South America and features scenic cruising of the Chilean Fjords, plus calls in Montevideo, the Falkland Islands (Port Stanley), Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego), Punta Arenas (Chile) and Puerto Montt. While traversing South Americas Pacific coast, this voyage offers the opportunity to take an overland tour to the famed Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, plus port calls including La Serena (Coquimbo), Pisco (San Martin), Lima (Callao), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), San Juan Del Sur (Nicaragua), and Puerto Vallarta.
Departs February 15, 2014 on Crown Princess

10-day Tahiti & Polynesia – Roundtrip Papeete
One of Princess classic voyages, featuring an overnight in Papeete, Tahiti, plus visits to the idyllic isles of Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora (for a two-day call), and Moorea.
Departures on March 12, March 24, April 1, 2014 aboard Pacific Princess

16-day New Zealand & South Pacific – Sydney to Papeete
From Sydney, the ship heads for three calls in New Zealand Tauranga, Auckland, and Bay Of Islands. After crossing the International Date Line, passengers can relax in paradise with visits to Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea, before arriving in Tahiti.
Departs February 25, 2014 on Pacific Princess

12-day Hawaii and Tahiti – Papeete to Honolulu
The Polynesian paradises of Tahiti and Hawaii will enchant passengers on this cruise featuring calls in Moorea, Bora Bora, Hilo, Kona, Maui (Lahaina), and Kauai (Nawiliwili)
Departs April 11, 2014 on Pacific Princess

10-day Hawaiian Islands – Honolulu to Vancouver
Passengers can revel in visits to Kauai (Nawiliwili), Kona, and Hilo before heading across the Pacific for relaxing time at sea on the way to British Columbia.
Departs April 23, 2014 on Pacific Princess

Pacific Princess' 2014 World Cruise will be cancelled to allow for these new sailings; however the first segment of the cruise departing January 20, 2014 will remain available for purchase. The 35-day sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to Sydney will feature a transit of the Panama Canal, calls to Ecuador, Peru, Easter Island, French Polynesia and New Zealand before arriving in Sydney on February 25, 2014.

Crown Princess' previously scheduled Caribbean cruises from February 15 to April 26, 2014 have been cancelled to allow for the new South America voyage. Passengers on the rescheduled sailings are being notified and assisted with finding alternate cruise options.