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Middle Eastern unrest returns to haunt cruise lines

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 September 2012 17 September 2012

Renewed turmoil in the Middle East has returned to haunt the cruise industry after the Arab Spring resulted in major itinerary changes for many operators in the course of last year. However, so far major operators have not unveiled changes to their programmes in the affected regions.

The events touch the southern and eastern Mediterranean, where unrest has taken place from from Libya to Egypt following the publication of a film on Youtube that disgraced the Prophet Mohammed. These events may also have consequences on cruises in the Red Sea that mainly depart from the Egyptian port of Sharm El Sheikh.

Continued tensions between Iran and the west over the muslim country's nuclear programme that is raising worries in particular in Israel appear also to be intensifying, with potential effects on cruises operated out of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper in London reported on Sunday that a major 12 day naval exercise that includes three US aircraft carrier battle groups plus ships from the UK, France and some two dozen other countries has started the Arabian Gulf.

Meanwhile, an Anglo-French naval exercise that will include the French carrier Charles de Gaulle and the British carriers HMS Illustrious with Apache helicopter gunships, is about to start in the Eastern Mediterranean, the paper said.

UK National Cruise Week kicks off

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 September 2012 17 September 2012

National Cruise Week, a major effort of the cruise industry in the UK to fuel trade, started last weekend and will run until 23 September. Several cruise operators, big and small, have unveiled specual offers that will run for the duration of the week.

Royal Caribbean International to offer "Barbie premium experience"

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 September 2012 12 September 2012

Royal Caribbean International, in partnership with Mattel, is bringing the signature style of Barbie, the world's most popular doll, to the world's most innovative cruise line, the company said in a statement.

"The pop culture icon will hit the high seas for the very first time with the all-new Barbie™ Premium Experience, available exclusively on Royal Caribbean International ships. Making its stylish splash onboard starting in January 2013 on select ships and rolling out to the remainder of the cruise lines global fleet by March 2013."

"Barbie remains the most popular doll of all time and a powerhouse brand among girls of all ages," said Lisa Bauer, Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "She is everywhere girls are today, so it only makes sense that we can now find her at sea exclusively on board Royal Caribbean International's fleet of world-class ships."

The partnership with Barbie will encompass a host of activities in the cruise line's award-winning Adventure Ocean youth programme as well as a Barbie™ Premium Experience. Barbie fans participating in the cruise line's award-winning Adventure Ocean youth programme can also be part of the complimentary version of the Barbie programme. The experience offers Barbie Movie Night, Barbie Story Time and other complimentary themed activities, plus Barbie movies on their stateroom televisions.

The Barbie™ Premium Experience is the ultimate indulgence for Barbie enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy staterooms decorated in the iconic doll's signature style as well as exclusive, themed activities throughout the duration of their cruise – from an invitation-only tea party and mermaid dance class to a fashion design workshop and Barbie Girls fashion show. Highlights of the Barbie™ Premium Experience include:

A Barbie stateroom, adorned in the doll's signature style and featuring keepsakes such as a Barbie^® doll and fashions, blanket and pillowcase, tote bag, toothbrush and toiletries bag. From the moment they step into their staterooms, guests will be drawn into Barbie's distinct world of style
Tiaras & Teacups party, an invitation-only affair, featuring a selection of pink pastries and pink lemonade served on dainty dishes all while having fun learning tips on table etiquette
Mermaid dance class where guests can shimmy and shake while learning the latest dance moves from the hit movie Barbie™ in a Mermaid Tale 2
Fashion Designer workshop where guests can channel their inner fashion designer with Barbie inspiration boards and sketch materials including the chance to sketch and create their very own Barbie doll fashions
Fashion Show, dress up to walk a pink carpet to the admiration and applause of family and friends. Guests will also have the chance to perform their dance routine as well as display their Barbie fashion creation. It's the ultimate celebration of a truly memorable experience with Barbie and Royal Caribbean International

"Barbie is truly a lifestyle brand that is part of a girl's world from her bedroom to playroom, computer to closet," said Lori Pantel, Vice President Barbie Global Marketing. "We're excited to extend that brand experience to family cruise vacations with a fantastic partner – Royal Caribbean International."

P&O Cruises and Master Patissier Eric Lanlard team up on two 2013 cruises

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 September 2012 12 September 2012

Master Pâtissier and Cake Boy legend, Eric Lanlard, has teamed up with P&O Cruises on two Food and Wine theme cruises for 2013, to give passengers an insight into his intricate design and detail of cakes, patisserie and deserts, the company said in a statement.

Lanlard, who has previously made cakes for Her Majesty the Queen Mother, David Beckham and Claudia Schiffer, amongst others, made a bespoke cake for P&O Cruises celebrations of 175 years of heritage, which was cut by HRH The Princess Royal on July 3.

Lanlard will give passengers an insight into some of his techniques and designs in baking, patisserie, chocolate and desserts, and will travel on two cruises in 2013:

· A 14 night Western Mediterranean on board Azura (A310N), departing April 27, joining Atul Kochhar and Olly Smith on board. Vantage Fares from £1,069pp

· A 28 night Caribbean no fly cruise on board Adonia (D318), departing November, joining Marco Pierre White on board. Vantage Fares from £2,439pp

Whilst on board, Lanlard will be participating in a theatre Q&A with the cruise director, a book signing and photo session, demonstrations in the theatre and a private masterclass for 10 people (a charge will apply - on board Azura only).

Lanlard said: “My passion is for making cake that tastes as good as it looks, taking my inspiration from the many parts of the world I have travelled to. I have been on many cruises and love them, it’s a great way to travel and see different places in a short time. I am so excited to be working with the team at P&O Cruises, I love sharing my passion for my work, meeting new people and of course I love being on the ships, come and join me!”

Technical problem forces unscheduled Queen Victoria dry docking

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 September 2012 12 September 2012

Cunard Line has been forced to cancel a cruise of the 2007 built Queen Victoria after the ship suffered mechanical failure earlier this week, the BBC reports. “Part of the ship's propulsion system failed on Monday, meaning it was forced to sail at speeds 10% lower than usual,” the report said.

Cunard said there was no danger to the passengers or crew on the Southampton-based liner, currently off Portugal. It said the next voyage would go ahead on Thursday but an Adriatic cruise in October has been cancelled while the ship is repaired at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven.

A Cunard spokeswoman told the BBC there had only been "minor port timing changes" to the ship's Mediterranean current cruise schedule following the failure. Passengers due to depart on the cancelled 16-night Adriatic voyage from Southampton have been offered refunds or transfers to other cruises. Cunard said the cancellation was "regrettable but unavoidable.” The ship will re-enter service on 17 October.