Judge Holding Carnival Triumph In Galveston

Legal Motion

Filed in Galveston

Carnival Triumph

Departure Held

In a bizarre turn of events, a Federal Judge issued an order  holding the Carnival Triumph in the port of Galveston.

UPDATE:  Carnival Triumph to Sail on Schedule after Carnival Corp. reaches an agreement with the Federal Court

Result of Costa Concordia Litigation

The litigation in question relates to a $10M lawsuit brought about by a passenger who sailed on the Costa Concordia in Italy this past January. The Costa Concordia is a vessel operated by Costa Cruises. Carnival Cruise Lines and Costa Cruises are both part of a global organization called Carnival Corporation & plc, however, the two cruise lines operate completely independently.

Port of Galveston Director Mike Mierzwa recommended passengers continue on with plans to sail today in the event Carnival can resolve legal issues.

A federal judge Friday ordered the cruise ship held in Galveston as part a $10 million lawsuit filed by the family of a German tourist who died aboard the Costa Concordia shipwreck off the Italian coast, according to Bloomberg news service.

The Triumph apparently was ordered held because it is home-ported in Galveston, which is in the U.S. District Court system's Southern District of Texas. It was not clear why the litigation was filed in Texas rather than in some other federal district. 

“The court finds that the conditions for an attachment of defendants’ joint and collective property within this district, mainly the MS Carnival Triumph, appear to exist upon an admiralty and maritime claim,” U.S. Magistrate Judge John Froeschner of Galveston said in the warrant, Bloomberg reports.

The Carnival Triumph would be allowed to unload passengers and cargo and move between berths within the port until a “prompt hearing” can be scheduled, at which “the plaintiff shall be required to show why the attachment and garnishment should not be vacated,” according to the order, Bloomberg reports.

Source: Galveston Daily News: Carnival 'optimistic' Triumph will sail on time today

Senior Carnival Cruise Director, John Heald writes on his blog:

"We want to assure you that we are working diligently through the appropriate legal channels to get this matter resolved as soon as possible. We are optimistic the issues regarding the Carnival Triumph will be resolved and the ship will depart on its scheduled voyage later today.

In the meantime, we are proceeding with our normal embarkation process."

Carnival Triumph is scheduled to depart at  6 PM local time on a five-day cruise to Yucatan and Cozumel.

According to John Heald,  the safety briefing has been held and the U.S. Marshall's should be clearing the ship for an on-time departure.   2012 continues to be an abnormal year for the cruise industry.

We will do our best to bring you the latest news, so we do hope you bookmark this blog and also become fans on our Facebook Page.

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Royal Caribbean to Retire Monarch OTS

Final Year 3&4-Night Bahamas Cruises Sailing Now Thru March 31 2013
	Royal Caribbean International Monarch of the Seas®
Monarch of the Seas, will be leaving the Royal Caribbean fleet to sail for sister line Pullmantur. Tue ship is the oldest in the fleet, having sailed its maiden voyage in November, 1991. It will continue sailing 3 & 4-night Bahamas cruises thru it's final 3-night voyage March 29, 2013. The ship currently sails from Port Canaveral in Florida. The 2,390-passenger, 73,941-ton ship will enter service for Pullmantur after a significant refurbishment. It will join its sister ship Sovereign (formerly Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas), which transferred over in 2008. Gonzalo Chico Barbier, president and CEO of Pullmantur said "The transfer of Monarch of the Seas will reinforce Pullmantur in our Latin American growth strategy, and help us become one of the most widely recognized brands."  Cruisers on the West Coast will remember Monarch as a main-stay serving San Diego with short weekend cruises to Ensenada, Mexico and Baja California. Many Crown & Anchor members frequently the ship which served as a training ground for crew members. Often the Monarch was the first ship to try something new, so it was a favorite ship of those travelers. It will certainly be missed by those that have fond memories of cruises gone by.
Ship Profile | Itineraries & Pricing | Deck Plans | Dining Menus | Wine Lists | Kids Programs | Ship Reviews | 360 Tours | Photos Ship Profile & Stats Maiden Voyage 1991 (Refurbished: 2003) Passengers (dbl) 2,766 Tonnage 73,937 Tons Normal Crew Size 858 Length 880 feet Crew Nationality International Beam 106 feet Nationality of Officers Norwegian Draft 25 feet Nationality of Dining Staff International Speed 19 knots Registration Country Norway

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Azamara Quest Engine Room Fire

Azamara Quest Engine Fire

No Guest Injuries Reported 

Five Crew Members Injured

Click for Updates (Below)

Azamara Club Cruises is reporting an engine fire broke out on March 30, at approximately 8:19 PM (8:19 AM EST) ship time. The fire was contained to the engine room and was quickly extinguished. There were no injuries of guests reported and the atmosphere aboard is calm. However, in an abundance of caution, the Captain initially mustered all guests at their assembly stations.

Power Restored

Engineers onboard Azamara Quest have restored power to one of the ship’s engines. This additional power has permitted the ship to reestablish air conditioning, running water, plumbing, refrigeration and food preparation onboard for the comfort of our guests and crew. While the ship does not have propulsion capabilities at this time, it is in the process of being repaired.

Ship's Location

Azamara Quest is still located 200 miles off the coast of Balikpapan (Borneo), Indonesia, in calm seas.

Azamara Quest is currently on a 17-night sailing that departed Hong Kong, China, on Monday, March 26, and includes port calls to Manila, Philippines; Balikpapan (Borneo), Palapo (Sulawesi), Benoa Bali, Semarang and Komodo, Indonesia and concludes in Singapore on Thursday, April 12.

Updates

Azamara Quest - April 24, 2012 sailing


April 17, 2012, 5:00 pm E.S.T.


Azamara Quest engine damage has been repaired and the ship is heading for Mubai, India for the next scheduled sailing, April 24th.  Read more ...  Azamara Quest Resuming Cruises


Guests who have any additional questions regarding Azamara Quest may call toll free 1.888.829.4050 from the United States and Canada. Guests outside the United States may call direct or collect to 1.408.916.9001.


Crew Member Recovering

 Azamara Club Cruises reports:  "We are pleased to report that the condition of the Azamara Quest crew member that was more severely injured continues to improve. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our crew member and his family. Azamara Club Cruises would like to thank everyone for their thoughtfulness and concern regarding our injured crew member."

April 11, 2012, 10:30 a.m. E.S.T.

Azamara Quest arrived in Singapore ahead of schedule, and the repairs to the damage caused by the engine room fire are proceeding as planned. We continue to be pleased with the progress that has been made on the ship, and are on schedule to complete the necessary work before Azamara Quest’s next scheduled sailing from Mumbai (Bombay), India on Tuesday, April 24.
 
Current Cruise to Terminate 

in Sandakan (Sabah), Malaysia

April 12th Sailing Also Cancelled

Azamara Club Cruises will continue to closely monitor the situation onboard Azamara Quest and provide updates on their Facebook Page and Website.  The following Alert Page has been established as well:

Azamara Quest - March 26, 2012 sailing 

April 4, 2012, 2:00 p.m. E.S.T.

Since Sunday, April 1, Azamara Quest has remained in Sandakan while teams onboard assessed the damage caused by the engine fire, and gather the necessary information in order to make a decision regarding the next voyage.  Assessment such as these can be complicated, and all facts must be gathered before a decision can be reached.

Unfortunately, due to the time needed to repair the damage caused by the fire, it is necessary to cancel Azamara Quest’s next voyage, which was scheduled to depart Singapore on April 12.  "We do not take any decision that impacts our guests’ vacations lightly, and are deeply sorry that this unexpected development has affected those guests’ upcoming vacation." said Azamara's statement.

They will be notifying impacted guests directly or through their travel agents. 

April 3, 2012, 5:30 p.m. E.S.T.

A team of engineers continues to assess the situation onboard Azamara Quest and gather the necessary information in order to make a decision regarding the next voyage. The official statement indicates that they don't take a decision that impacts guests vacation plans lightly.

Meanwhile, all passengers have left for Singapore onboard five chartered planes.  They will continue their vacation in hotels arranged by the cruise line. 

April 2, 2012, 5:00 p.m. E.S.T.

Teams onboard Azamara Quest continue to assess the damage caused by the engine fire. Azamara officials  anticipate receiving a full assessment late this evening that will provide them with sufficient information to make a decision regarding the next voyage. 

April 1, 2012, 10:30 a.m. E.S.T.

Azamara Quest arrived at Sandakan (Sabah), Malaysia, on April 1, 2012, at approximately 9:23 p.m. local time.The seriously injured crew member was transferred to the hospital.

Guests have the option of staying on the vessel, which has no air conditioning at present, or be transferred to Singapore where they can continue their vacation in hotels that are being set up.

"I would like to sincerely thank our amazing Azamara Quest guests for their patience and understanding,” said Larry Pimentel, president and chief executive officer of Azamara Club Cruises. “We understand that this was a difficult journey, and we appreciate their upbeat and positive attitude. We look forward to welcoming them back soon.”

 

“I would also like to commend the crew onboard Azamara Quest, not just for their valiant and courageous efforts during the fire, but for the way they have worked tirelessly to make our guests as happy and comfortable as possible until the ship arrived in port. The entire crew has been absolutely brilliant, and I couldn’t be prouder of the exemplary way each and every one of them responded to this incident.” 

Cruise Critic members who were onboard, have posted about their experiences.   They indicate that it was a serious situation and that there was some confusion, especially with smoke filling parts of the ship forcing them to muster in other areas.  

One member writes that the food was basic due to the limited power.  While at the muster station, they had asked the Chef what they would be eating the rest of the cruise.  The chef replied  " smoked fish, smoked chicken and smoked beef".   They commented that the comic sense of humor was appreciated by the passengers.

March 31, 2012, 9:30 a.m. E.S.T.

Engineers onboard Azamara Quest have been able to restore propulsion to the ship.

Azamara Quest is currently sailing directly to Sandakan (Sabah), Malaysia at between three to six knots. Based on this speed, the ship is expected to arrive in Sandakan within 24 to 48 hours.

March 30, 2012, 11:30 p.m. E.S.T.

Engineers onboard Azamara Quest continue to work on restoring propulsion to the ship. Once they have restored the ship’s propulsion, Azamara Quest will sail directly to Sandakan (Sabah), Malaysia.

When propulsion has been restored to the ship, Azamara will be able to provide an estimated time of arrival. Until then, they will be working with our guests to determine how to best assist them with next steps and travel arrangements.

Larry Pimentel, president and chief executive officer, will be flying to Sandakan in order to meet with Azamara Quest guests personally. Mr. Pimentel is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia on Monday morning, local time.

5 Crew Suffer Smoke Inhalation Injuries

Unfortunately, five crew members onboard the ship suffered smoke inhalation during the fire. The crew members are being treated in our medical facility. However, one crew member is more seriously injured and requires additional and urgent medical attention that can only be provided in a hospital. Once the ship arrives in Sandakan, the crew member will be immediately transported to a local area hospital.

Cancellation of Rest of Cruise
Update for Next Sailing (Apr 12) on Monday

The damage caused by the fire will require the cancellation of the rest of Azamara Quest’s voyage once the ship arrives in Sandakan.  Guests on the April 12, 2012, sailing of Azamara Quest are encouraged  to monitor Azamara Club Cruises' Facebook Page or website on Monday, April 2 for an update on their voyage. 

Azamara is offering guests on the stricken ship a full refund for the cruise and a certificate for a future cruise worth 100% of the cruise fare paid for their March 26, 2012, Azamara Quest sailing. 

Contact Info
If you have specific questions regarding Azamara Quest, you may call toll free 1.888.829.4050 from the United States and Canada. Guest outside the United States may call direct or collect to 1.408.916.9001.
 

We will continue to monitor this developing story.

About Azamara Quest 

Azamara Quest is one of the R-Ships,^TM of the fleet from Renaissance Cruises^®

Ship Profile | Itineraries & Pricing | Deck Plans | Ship Reviews | Photos

Ship Profile & Stats
Maiden Voyage	2000 (Refurbished: 2007)		Passengers (dbl)	684
Tonnage	30,277 Tons		Normal Crew Size	350
Length	593 feet		Crew Nationality	N/A
Beam	95 feet		Nationality of Officers	N/A
Draft	18 feet		Nationality of Dining Staff	N/A
Speed	22 knots		Registration Country	Malta

  

We are happy to hear no guests were injured in this accident, and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured crew members. Safety of guests and crew are of utmost concern to cruise lines. Fire is the biggest danger on a ship and crews train on a regular basis. It would appear that the training paid off here, as the fire was contained to the engine room and quickly extinguished.

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Celebrity Cruises Sisters Meet in Europe for 2013 Season

Where Europe vacation dreams
become a reality.
2013 Europe Deployment

Celebrity Silhouette^SM

Celebrity Silhouette – honored with a Gold award for "Best Premium Ship" in Travel Weekly's annual Magellan Awards, and the first to enhance Celebrity's industry-first Lawn Club with The Lawn Club Grill, The Porch, The Alcoves and the Art Studio – will offer a blend of 10- to 13-night roundtrip sailings from romantic Venice, as well as voyages to and from Venice and/or Rome. With one to two days at sea on each sailing, the itineraries were expressly designed to offer a destination-rich vacation, including towns along the Adriatic coast, as well as multiple locations in Greece and Turkey.

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S) 2013	ITINERARY
15-Night Transatlantic Cruise	Apr 14	Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Cococay, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; Madeira (Funchal), Portugal; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
12-Night Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Isles Cruise	Apr 29; Jun 03; Aug 12; Sep 26	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Chania (Souda), Crete, Greece; Venice, Italy (overnight)
11-Night Italy & Croatia Cruis	May 11; Jun 15	Venice, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Catania, Sicily, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Kotor, Montenegro; Split, Croatia; Venice, Italy (overnight)
12-Night Adriatic Cruise	Jul 31	Venice, Italy (overnight); Koper, Slovenia; Ravenna, Italy; Split, Croatia; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Bari, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Catania, Sicily, Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
13-Night Adriatic Cruise	Jun 26	Venice, Italy (overnight); Koper, Slovenia; Ravenna, Italy; Split, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Bari, Italy; Corfu, Greece; Valletta, Malta; Catania, Sicily, Italy; Naples (Salerno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
10-Night Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Isles Cruise	Jul 09	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Santorini, Greece; Venice, Italy (overnight)
12-Night Italy & Croatia Cruise	Jul 19	Venice, Italy; Ravenna, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Catania, Sicily, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Kotor, Montenegro; Split, Croatia; Venice, Italy
12-Night Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Isles Cruise	Sep 03	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Chania (Souda), Crete, Greece; Venice, Italy (overnight)
11-Night Adriatic Cruise	Sep 15	Venice, Italy (overnight), Koper, Slovenia; Ravenna, Italy; Split, Croatia; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Valletta, Malta; Catania, Sicily, Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
11-Night Adriatic Cruise	Oct 08	Venice, Italy (overnight), Koper, Slovenia; Ravenna, Italy; Split, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Valletta, Malta; Catania, Sicily, Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
12-Night Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Isles Cruise	Oct 19	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Mykonos, Greece; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Chania (Souda), Crete, Greece; Venice, Italy (overnight)
13-Night Adriatic Cruise	Oct 31	Venice, Italy (overnight); Koper, Slovenia; Ravenna, Italy; Split, Croatia; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Bari, Italy; Corfu, Greece; Valletta, Malta; Catania, Sicily, Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
13-Night Italy & Adriatic Cruise	Nov 18	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Corfu, Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Ravenna, Italy; Venice, Italy (overnight); Catania, Sicily, Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
14-Night Transatlantic Cruise	Dec 01	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Provence (Toulon), France; Barcelona, Spain; Tenerife, Canary Islands; Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Celebrity Equinox^SM

Celebrity Equinox – named "Best Overall" in the discerning Cruise Critic's Cruisers' Choice Awards (North America), and one of three Solstice Class ships to mesmerize guests with The Hot Glass Show offered in association with The Corning Museum of Glass – will present a full season of 12-night sailings roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain, with the majority of the cruises featuring visits to Florence (Livorno), Naples and Adriatic ports, in addition to an overnight stay in Venice. The ship's alternating itineraries include visits to Naples, Athens, Ephesus (Kusadasi), the Greek Isles and Valletta, Malta.

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S) 2013	ITINERARY
15-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise	Apr 15	Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; Tenerife, Canary Islands; Lanzarote, Canary Islands; Lisbon, Portugal; Gibraltar, United Kingdom; Barcelona, Spain
12-Night Venice Overnight Cruise	Apr 30; Oct 08, 20	Barcelona, Spain; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Venice, Italy (overnight); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Barcelona, Spain
12-Night Venice Overnight Cruise	May 17	Barcelona, Spain; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy (overnight); Kotor, Montenegro; Barcelona, Spain
12-Night Venice Overnight Cruise	May 29	Barcelona, Spain; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy (overnight); Kotor, Montenegro; Naples/Capri, Italy; Barcelona, Spain
12-Night Italy & Greek Isles Cruise	Jun 10; Jul 28; Sep 14	Barcelona, Spain; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Santorini, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Valletta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain
12-Night Venice Overnight Cruise	Jun 22	Barcelona, Spain; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy (overnight); Kotor, Montenegro; Naples (Salerno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Nice (Villefranche), France; Barcelona, Spain
12-Night Venice Overnight Cruise	Jul 4,  16; Sep 26	Barcelona, Spain; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy (overnight); Kotor, Montenegro; Naples/Capri, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Nice (Villefranche), France; Barcelona, Spain
12-Night Venice Overnight Cruise	Aug 09	Barcelona, Spain; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Venice, Italy (overnight); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Barcelona, Spain
12-Night Venice Overnight Cruise	Aug 21	Barcelona, Spain; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Dubrovnik, Crotia; Venice, Italy (overnight); Kotor, Montenegro; Barcelona, Spain
12-Night Venice Overnight Cruise	Sep 02	Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; La Spezia, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Venice, Italy (overnight); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Barcelona, Spain
12-Night Italy & Greek Isles Cruise	Nov 01	Barcelona, Spain; Valletta, Malta; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Santorini, Greece; Naples/Capri, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Barcelona, Spain
12-Night Venice Overnight Cruise	Nov 13	Barcelona, Spain; Nice (Villefranche), France; La Spezia, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples/Capri, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Venice, Italy (overnight); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Barcelona, Spain
14-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise	Nov 25	Barcelona, Spain; Cartagena, Spain; Malaga, Spain; Seville (Cadiz), Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Tenerife, Canary Islands; Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Celebrity Reflection and Constellation Europe 2013

Where Europe vacation dreams
become a reality.
2013 Europe Deployment

Celebrity Reflection^SM

Celebrity Reflection – which sets sail in October of this year, complete with the brand's first "Signature Suites" and jaw-dropping, two-bedroom "Reflection Suite," complete with a sea-view bathroom extending out over the edge of the ship, a veranda tub with soothing rain shower, and panoramic views courtesy of the wraparound veranda – will present a full season of 10- and 11-night sailings roundtrip from Rome. The 10-night itinerary features visits to Sicily, Italy; Athens, Greece and the Greek Isles, and Kusadasi, Turkey, while the 11-night sailing also features an overnight stay in Istanbul.

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S) 2013	ITINERARY
16-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise	Apr 20	Miami, Florida; Tenerife, Canary, Islands; Lanzarote, Canary, Islands; Barcelona, Spain; Provence (Toulon), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
10-Night Eastern Mediterranean Cruise	May 17; Jun 07, 28; Jul 19: Aug 09, 30;Sep 20; Oct 11	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Sicily (Messina), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Naples/Capri, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
11-Night Eastern Mediterranean Cruise	May 06	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Santorini, Greece; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Istanbul, Turkey (overnight); Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Naples/Capri, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
11-Night Eastern Mediterranean Cruise	May 27; Jun 17; Jul 08, 29; Aug 19; Sep 30; Oct 21	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Santorini, Greece; Istanbul, Turkey (overnight); Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Naples/Capri, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
15-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise	Nov 01	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Tenerife, Canary Islands; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Miami, Florida

Celebrity Constellation®

Celebrity Constellation – featuring guest-favorite enhancements incorporated in the line's Solsticizing initiative, including the Tuscan Grille specialty restaurant, Cellar Masters wine bar and Café al Bacio and Gelateria, among other venues and, by Spring of 2013, new AquaClass accommodations with exclusive access to the Mediterranean specialty restaurant, Blu – from May through August 2013 will present seven Scandinavia/Russia cruises, an Arctic Circle voyage and a Norwegian Fjords sailing, all roundtrip from Amsterdam. Then, from Istanbul, the ship will set sail on two new 12-night Black Sea & Greek Isles sailings, highlighted by an overnight stay in Odessa, Ukraine; visits to Sevastopol and Yalta, Ukraine, and Celebrity's first visit to Varna, Bulgaria. Celebrity Constellation will round out her summer season with four 12-night Greek Isles & Turkey voyages, all roundtrip from Istanbul.

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S) 2013	ITINERARY
15-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise	May 05	Miami, Florida; Madeira (Funchal), Portugal; Lisbon, Portugal; Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France; Dover, England; Amsterdam, Netherlands
12-Night Scandinavia & Russia Cruise	May 20; Jun 01; Aug 24	Amsterdam, Netherlands; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (overnight); Tallinn, Estonia; Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, Netherlands
10-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise	May 24; Jun 14; Jul 05	Harwich, England; Oslo, Norway; Stavanger, Norway; Olden, Norway; Alesund, Norway; Geiranger, Norway; Flam, Norway; Bergen, Norway; Harwich, England
12-Night Scandinavia & Russia Cruise	Aug 12	Amsterdam, Netherlands; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Tallinnn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia (overnight); Helsinki, Finalnd; Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, Netherlands
12-Arctic Circle Cruise	Jun 13	Amsterdam, Netherlands; Arctic Circle (Crossing); Leknes (Lofoten), Norway; Arctic Circle; Longyearbyen, Norway; Arctic Circle; Honningsvag, Norway; Arctic Circle (Crossing); Molde, Norway; Bergen, Norway; Amsterdam, Netherlands
12-Night Norwegian Fjord Cruise	Jun 25	Amsterdam, Netherlands; Bergen, Norway; Olden, Norway; Molde, Norway; Geiranger, Norway; Alesund, Norway; Skjolden, Norway; Flam, Norway; Oslo, Norway; Amsterdam, Netherlands
12-Night Scandinavia & Russia Cruise	Jul 07, 19, 31	Amsterdan, Netherlands; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (overnight); Tallinn, Estonia; Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, Netherlands

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The Sea is Calling You to Independence

INDEPENDENCE of the SEAS®

2013 Summer Europe Deployment

Independence is seasonally dedicated to Europe giving you more options for a summer vacation abroad. This Freedom class ship provides you with some of our most exciting signature features like the FlowRider® surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, cantilevered whirlpools, Royal Promenade, mini golf course, and much more!

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S) 2013	ITINERARY
14-Night Transatlantic Eastbound	Apr 07	Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Cruising • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruising • Cruising • Cruising • Cruising Cruising • Cruising • Cruising Cruising • Southampton, England
2-Night Sampler	May 02	Southampton, England • Paris / Normandy (Le Havre), France Southampton, England
14-Night Canaries & Spain	May 04	Southampton, England • Cruising Vigo, Spain • Lisbon, Portugal Cruising • Lanzarote, Canary Islands Gran Canaria, Canary Islands • Tenerife, Canary Islands • La Palma, Canary Islands • Cruising • Madeira (Funchal), Portugal • Cruising • La Coruna, Spain Cruising • Southampton, England
18-Night Norway	May 18	Southampton, England • Cruising Flam, Norway • Skjolden, Norway Olden, Norway • Alesund, Norway Stavanger, Norway • Cruising Southampton, England
6-Night Norway	May 26	Southampton, England • Cruising Oslo, Norway • Kristiansand, Norway Stavanger, Norway • Cruising Southampton, England
14-Night Norway-Cork	Jun 01; Sep 07	Southampton, England • Cruising Cork (Cobh), Ireland • Cruising Cruising • Olden, Norway • Alesund, Norway • Flam, Norway • Stavanger, Norway • Kristiansand, Norway Oslo, Norway • Cruising • Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium • Cruising Southampton, England
14-Night Italian Mediterranean	Jun 25; Jul 13; Aug 10	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Gibraltar, United Kingdom Cruising • Provence (Toulon), France Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Ajaccio, Corsica • Cruising • Seville (Cadiz), Spain • Lisbon, Portugal • Vigo, Spain Cruising • Southampton, England
14-Night Spanish Mediterranean	Jun 29; Jul 27; Aug 24	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Vigo, Spain • Lisbon, Portugal • Cruising • Valencia, Spain Barcelona, Spain • Palma De Mallorca, Spain • Ibiza, Spain • Cruising • Seville (Cadiz), Spain • Cruising • Cruising Southampton, England
12-Night Mediterranean	Sep 21	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Gibraltar, United Kingdom Cartagena, Spain • Barcelona, Spain Palma De Mallorca, Spain • Cruising Seville (Cadiz), Spain • Lisbon, Portugal Vigo, Spain • Cruising • Southampton, England
11-Night Canaries	Oct 03	Southampton, England • Cruising Vigo, Spain • Lisbon, Portugal • Cruising Gran Canaria, Canary Islands • Tenerife, Canary Islands • Madeira (Funchal), Portugal • Cruising • La Coruna, Spain Cruising • Southampton, England
12-Night Canaries	Oct 14	Southampton, England • Cruising Vigo, Spain • Lisbon, Portugal Cruising • Lanzarote, Canary Islands Gran Canaria, Canary Islands • Tenerife, Canary Islands • Madeira (Funchal), Portugal • Cruising • La Coruna, Spain Cruising • Southampton, England
3-Night Sampler	Oct 26	Southampton, England • Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium • Paris / Normandy (Le Havre), France • Southampton, England
4-Night Sampler	Oct 29	Southampton, England • Paris / Normandy (Le Havre), France Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium • Cruising Southampton, England
13-Night Transatlantic	Nov 02	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Cruising • Cruising • Cruising Cruising • Cruising • Cruising Philipsburg, St. Maarten • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Cruising • Cococay, Bahamas • Fort Lauderdale, Florida

All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. ©2012 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd Ships registry: The Bahamas. 12028

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The Sea is Calling You To Adventure in Europe

ADVENTURE of the SEAS®
2013 Summer Europe Deployment

Adventure is seasonally dedicated to Europe giving you more options for a summer vacation abroad. This Voyager class ship is packed with all the action of our signature innovations—and plenty of time for relaxation, fine dining, and beautiful ocean views. Guests can climb a rock wall that overlooks the sea, or challenge themselves on the basketball court, ice-skating rink or mini-golf course.

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S) 2013	ITINERARY
14-Night Transatlantic	Apr 21	San Juan, Puerto Rico • Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas • Philipsburg, St. Maarten • Castries, St. Lucia • Basseterre, St. Kitts • Cruising • Cruising • Cruising Cruising • Cruising • Ponta Delgada, Azores • Cruising • Cruising • Cruising Southampton, England
2-Night Sampler	May 05	Southampton, England • Cruising Southampton, England
2-Night Sampler	May 07	Southampton, England Paris / Normandy (Le Havre), France Southampton, England
15-Night Central Mediterranean	May 09	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Gibraltar, United Kingdom Cruising • Barcelona, Spain Nice (Villefranche), France Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy • Cruising Seville (Cadiz), Spain • Lisbon, Portugal Cruising • Cruising • Southampton, England
7-Night France & Spain	May 24	Southampton, England • Cruising Vigo, Spain • Gijon, Spain • Bilbao, Spain • Cruising • Paris / Normandy (Le Havre), France • Southampton, England
13-Night Iceland & Norway	May 31	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Reykjavik, Iceland (Overnight) • Akureyri, Iceland • Cruising Trondheim, Norway • Alesund, Norway Molde, Norway • Olden, Norway Stavanger, Norway • Cruising Southampton, England
12-Night Baltic	Jun 13, 25	Southampton, England • Cruising Oslo, Norway • Copenhagen, Denmark Cruising • Tallinn, Estonia • St. Petersburg, Russia (Overnight) • Helsinki, Finland • Cruising • Cruising • Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium • Southampton, England
14-Night Mediterranean Cities	Jul 07	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Malaga, Spain • Cruising Cannes, France • Barcelona, Spain Palma De Mallorca, Spain • Valencia, Spain • Cartagena, Spain • Cruising Lisbon, Portugal • Vigo, Spain • Cruising Southampton, England
14-Night Italian Mediterranean	Jul 21	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Malaga, Spain • Cruising Cannes, France • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy Genoa, Italy • Cruising • Gibraltar, United Kingdom • Lisbon, Portugal Cruising • Cruising • Southampton, England
14-Night Italian Mediterranean	Aug 04	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Malaga, Spain • Cruising Nice (Villefranche), France • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • La Spezia, Italy Genoa, Italy • Cruising • Gibraltar, United Kingdom • Lisbon, Portugal Cruising • Cruising • Southampton, England
7-Night Norway	Aug 18, 25	Southampton, England • Cruising Alesund, Norway • Skjolden, Norway Flam, Norway •Stavanger, Norway Cruising • Southampton, England
12-Night Iceland & Norway	Sep 01	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Reykjavik, Iceland (Overnight) • Akureyri, Iceland • Cruising Trondheim, Norway • Alesund, Norway Olden, Norway • Stavanger, Norway Cruising • Southampton, England
16-Night Central Mediterranean	Sep 13	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Gibraltar, United Kingdom Cruising • Barcelona, Spain • Nice (Villefranche), France • Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy • Cruising Malaga, Spain • Seville (Cadiz), Spain Lisbon, Portugal • Cruising • Cruising Southampton, England
14-Night Spain & Canaries	Sep 29	Southampton, England • Cruising Gijon, Spain • Vigo, Spain • Cruising Madeira (Funchal), Portugal • Tenerife, Canary Islands • Gran Canaria, Canary Islands • Cruising • Lanzarote, Canary Islands • Cruising • Lisbon, Portugal • Cruising • Cruising • Southampton, England
14-Night Western Mediterranean	Oct 13	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Malaga, Spain • Cruising Cannes, France • Barcelona, Spain Palma De Mallorca, Spain • Valencia, Spain • Cartagena, Spain • Cruising Lisbon, Portugal • Vigo, Spain Cruising • Southampton, England
8-Night France & Spain	Oct 27	Southampton, England • Cherbourg, France • Cruising • Vigo, Spain Gijon, Spain • Bilbao, Spain • Cruising Paris / Normandy (Le Havre), France Southampton, England
13-Night Transatlantic	Nov 04	Southampton, England • Cruising Cruising • Madeira (Funchal), Portugal Cruising • Cruising • Cruising Cruising • Cruising • Cruising Philipsburg, St. Maarten • Basseterre, St. Kitts • Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Viking Longboats Christened

Garlands of red & white balloons, what seemed like acres of red carpet, 
some fireworks, a pirouetting fireboat spraying water jets
 & a tenor belting out "Nessun Dorma" before a crowd of 600...
 the Viking Longships are here!

Viking River Christens 4 New Longboats in Amsterdam  (Courtesy Viking River)

Historic Christening 

Four Viking River Longships

In One Day

As we reported in our Viking River Cruises Longships Update, two of the ships are still under construction and will debut mid-April.

Amsterdam Ceremony

(March 21, 2012) Garlands of red & white balloons, what seemed like acres of red carpet, some fireworks, a pirouetting fireboat spraying water jets & a tenor belting out "Nessun Dorma" before a crowd of 600... the Viking Longships are here!

The Viking River Cruises launch of four ships during a single ceremony, breaks the previous  record for multiple and simultaneous christenings (three), which it also held.

Viking Odin and Viking Idun, were named in Amsterdam and two, Viking Freya and Viking Njord, by live video link at the yard in Rostock, where they're being finished off for a mid-April debut. Four godmothers cut scarlet ribbons and four bottles of Veuve Cliquot, two in Amsterdam and two in Rostock, smashed to cheers of a 600-strong crowd gathered in Amsterdam under dazzling sunshine.

The Godmothers
 
Joanna Lumley (left), star of "Absolutely Fabulous," christened Viking Odin, a ship named after the chief god of Norse mythology. "I've never been godmother to a god before," she told the delighted crowd.

Gail Wiswedel (second from left), who named Viking Njord, was chosen because she's Viking's most travelled customer, having notched up 11 cruises (which goes to show how young river cruising really is, given that plenty of ocean-going passengers would consider nothing less than 30 as an impressive total).

Dr Lisa Randall (third from left), Viking Idun's godmother, is a respected theoretical physicist, a subject close to the heart of Viking's Norwegian founder, Torstein Hagen, who himself holds a degree in nuclear physics.

Award-winning TV producer Rebecca Eaton, who served as godmother for Viking Freya, heads up "Masterpiece Theatre," a company sponsored by Viking.

Christening Tradition

Shipbuilding is filled with tradition.  Wine poured upon the deck before a long voyage represents a libation to the gods which will bring good luck. "Christening" a ship by breaking a bottle of champagne across her bow at the time of launching arose from this practice.  Read more about Nautical Superstitions & Legends.

About the Longships

 

The four ships  which feature full balconies, indoor-outdoor dining and chic interiors, are pretty well sold out for the rest of the year. These are only the first in a series with eight more sisters coming. Two Longships, Viking Embla and Viking Aegir, will debut this summer, and six more are scheduled to hit the rivers in 2013.    (Also see:  Viking River Cruises 2012 Fleet Upgrades)

More Pictures:  Introducing the Viking Longships!

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Celebrity Europe 2013 Deployment

Where Northern Europe vacation dreams become a reality.
2013 Europe Deployment

Celebrity Infinity – the second of four Millennium Class ships to complete Celebrity's ambitious, $140-million 'Solsticizing' initiative, incorporating a host of guest-favorite venues and experiences from the Solstice Class, such as the hip Celebrity iLounge, the eclectic Qsine specialty restaurant, and AquaClass accommodations with exclusive access to the Mediterranean specialty restaurant, Blu – will make her European debut in 2013, offering new 10- and 11-night British Isles, Norwegian Fjords and Iceland & Fjords itineraries roundtrip from Harwich, England.

Celebrity Infinity^®

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S) 2013	ITINERARY
12-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise	May 01	Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Ponta Delgada, Azores; Cherbourg, France; Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium; Harwich, England
11-Night British Isles Cruise	May 13	Harwich, England; Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France; St. Peter Port, Channel Islands; Cork (Cobh), Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Liverpool, England; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland; Inverness/Loch Ness, Scotland; Harwich, England
10-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise	May 24; Jun 14; Jul 05	Harwich, England; Oslo, Norway; Stavanger, Norway; Olden, Norway; Alesund, Norway; Geiranger, Norway; Flam, Norway; Bergen, Norway; Harwich, England
11-Night British Isles Cruise	Jun 03	Harwich, England; Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France; St. Peter Port, Channel Islands; Cork (Cobh), Ireland; Waterford (Dunmore East), Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Liverpool, England; Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland; Inverness/Loch Ness, Scotland; Harwich, England
11-Night Iceland & Fjord Cruise	Jun 24; Jul 15	Harwich, England; Torshavn, Faroe Islands; Reykjavik, Iceland (overnight); Akureyri, Iceland; Geiranger, Norway; Bergen, Norway; Harwich, England
10-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise	Jul 26	Harwich, England; Oslo, Norway; Kristiansand, Norway; Stavanger, Norway; Alesund, Norway; Geiranger, Norway; Flam, Norway; Bergen, Norway; Harwich, England
11-Night British Isles Cruise	Aug 05	Harwich, England; Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France; St. Peter Port, Channel Islands; Cork (Cobh), Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Liverpool, England; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland (overnight); Iverness/Loch Ness, Scotland; Harwich, England
10-Night Norwegian Fjord Cruise	Aug 16	Harwich, England; Oslo, Norway; Stavanger, Norway; Flam, Norway; Alesund, Norway; Geiranger, Norway; Olden, Norway; Bergen, Norway; Harwich, England
11-Night British Isles Cruise	Aug 26	Harwich, England; Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France; St. Peter Port, Channel Islands, Waterfront (Dunmore East), Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Liverpool, England; Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland; Iverness/Loch Ness, Scotland; Harwich, England
12-Immersive Wine Cruise	Sep 06, 18, 30; Oct 12	Harwich, England; Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France (overnight); Bordeaux (Le Verdon), France (overnight); Bilbao, Spain (overnight); Vigo, Spain; Porto, Portugal; Harwich, England
14-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise	Oct 24	Harwich, England; La Rochelle, France; Gijon, Spain; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Nassau, Bahamas; Miami, Florida

Celebrity Eclipse – named "Best from the UK" in Cruise Critic's Cruisers' Choice Awards (UK), and the first ship to debut the hip Celebrity iLounge and the eclectic Qsine specialty restaurant – will continue to offer a mix of distinct 14-night Mediterranean, Scandinavia/Russia, Iceland/Norwegian Fjords and Canary Islands/Azores holidays roundtrip from Southampton.

Celebrity Eclipse^®

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S) 2013	ITINERARY
13-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise	Apr 20	Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Southampton, England
8-Night Norwegian Fjord Cruise	May 03	Southampton, England; Molde, Norway; Alesund, Norway; Flam, Norway; Bergen, Norway; Stavanger, Norway; Southampton, England
14-Night Mediterranean Cruise	May 11	Southampton, England; Malaga, Spain; Provence (Toulon), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Nice (Villefranche), France; Gibraltar, United Kingdom; Lisbon, Portugal; Southampton, England
14-Night Scandinavia & Russia Cruise	May 25; Jun 08,22; Jul 20; Aug 17	Southampton, England; Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (overnight); Tallinn, Estonia; Copenhagen, Denmark; Southampton, England
14-Night Iceland & Fjord Cruise	Jul 06	Southampton, England; Reykjavik, Iceland (overnight); Akureyri, Iceland; Klaksvik, Faroe Islands; Geiranger, Norway; Flam, Norway; Stavanger, Norway; Kristiansand, Norway; Southampton, England
14-Night Iceland & Fjord Cruise	Aug 03	Southampton, England; Reykjavik, Iceland (overnight); Akureyri, Iceland; Klaksvik, Faroe Islands; Geiranger, Norway; Alesund, Norway; Olden, Norway; Stavanger, Norway; Southampton, England
8-Night Norwegian Fjord Cruise	Aug 31	Southampton, England; Bergen, Norway; Flam, Norway; Geiranger, Norway; Alesund, Norway; Stavanger, Norway; Southampton, England
14-Night Mediterranean Cruise	Sep 08, 22	Southampton, England; Malaga, Spain; Nice (Villefranche), France; Rome, (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Genoa, Italy; Gibraltar, United Kingdom; Lisbon, Portugal; Southampton, England
14-Night Canaries & Azores Cruise	Oct 06, 20	Southampton, England; Ponta Delgada, Azores; Madeira (Funchal), Portugal; Tenerife, Canary Islands; Gran Canaria, Canary Islands; Fuerteventura, Canary Islands; Lanzarote, Canary Islands; Lisbon, P ortugal; Southampton, England
13-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise	Nov 03	Southampton, England; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Nassau, Bahamas; Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Celebrity Cruises 2013 Alaska Deployment

Being supremely spoiled
in an unspoiled land
2013 Alaska Deployment

The sleek, 2,850-guest flagship of the Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Solstice – named "Best Premium Ship" in Travel Weekly's annual Readers' Choice Awards (US) – will become the first of its class to offer vacations in Alaska in the summer of 2013, joining Celebrity Century and Celebrity Millennium in pairing Celebrity's chic style and design, signature cuisine, exciting activities and extraordinary service with the region's breathtaking, inspiring scenery.  

Celebrity Century® 
 

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S)2014	ITINERARY
7-Night Alaska Hubbard Glacier Cruise	May 19,26; Jun 02,09,16,23,30; Jul 07,14,21,28; Aug 04,11,18,25; Sep 01,08	Vancouver, British Columbia; Inside Passage (Cruising); Icy Strait Point, Alaska; Hubbard Glacier (Cruising); Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Inside Passage (Cruising); Vancouver, British Columbia
11-Night Ultimate Alaska Cruise	Sep 15	Vancouver, British Columbia; Inside Passage (Cruising); Sitka, Alaska; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Tracy Arm Fjord (Sawyer Glacier), Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Prince Rupert, British Columbia; Inside Passage (Cruising); Victoria, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia

Celebrity Millennium® 

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S)2014	ITINERARY
7-Night Alaska Roundtrip Cruise	May 17	Vancouver, British Columbia; Inside Passage (Cruising); Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Hubbard Glacier (Cruising); Ketchikan, Alaska; Inside Passage (Cruising); Vancouver, British Columbia
7-Night Northbound Alaska Cruise	May 24; Jun 07,21; Jul 05,19; Aug 02,16,30	Vancouver, British Columbia; Inside Passage (Cruising); Ketchikan, Alaska; Icy Str ait Point, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Hubbard Glacier (Cruising); Seward, Alaska
7-Night Southbound Alaska Cruise	May 10,31; Jun 14,28; Jul 12,26; Aug 09,23; Sep 06	Seward, Alaska; Hubbard, Glacier (Cruising); Juneau, Alask a; Skagway, Alaska; Icy Str ait Point, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Inside Passage (Cruising); Vancouver, British Columbia

Celebrity Solstice® 

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S)2014	ITINERARY
9-Night West Coast Wine Cruise	May 06	Ensenada, Mexico; San Diego, California; Los Angeles, California; Santa Barbara, California; San Francisco, California; Astoria, Oregon; Victoria, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington
7-Night Alaska Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise	May 24,31; Jun 07.14,21,28; Jul 05,12,19,26; Aug 02,09,16,23,30; Sep 06	Seattle, Washington; Ketchikan, Alaska; Tracy Arm Fjord (Sawyer Glacier), Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Inside Passage, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington
10-Night Wine & Americas Cup Cruise	Sep 13	Seattle, Washington; Nanaimo, British Columbia; Victoria, British Columbia; Astoria, Oregon; San Francisco, California (overnight); Catalina Island, California; San Diego, California; Ensenada, Mexico

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Experience Galapagos in 2014 on Celebrity Xpedition

Exploring the legendary Galapagos Islands aboard Celebrity Xpedition®

2014 Galapagos Islands Deployment

Many destinations promise visitors the chance to "step back into history." The Galapagos Islands perhaps best exemplifies that promise, as Celebrity Cruises take you to a destination that helped shape one of the world's leading scientific doctrines, Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S)2014	ITINERARY
7-Night Galapagos Islands - A	Jan 12,29; Feb 09,23; Mar 09,23; Apr 06, 20; May 04,18; Jun 01,15,29; Jul 13,27; Aug 10,24; Sep 08,21; Oct 05,19; Nov 02,16,20; Dec 14,28	Baltra, Galapagos; Daphne Island, Galapagos; Gardner Bay, Espanola; Punta Suarez, Espanola; Cormorant Point, Floreana; Bahia Post Office, Floreana; Punta Moreno, Isabela; Urvina Bay, Isabela; Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela; Punta Espinoza, Fernandina; South Plaza, Santa Cruz; Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz; Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz; Baltra, Galapagos
7-Night Galapagos Islands - B	Jan 04,19; Feb 02,16; Mar 02,16,30; Apr 13,27; May 11,25; Jun 08,22; Jul 06,20; Aug 03,17,31; Sep 14,28; Oct 12, 26; Nov 09,23; Dec 07,21	Baltra, Galapagos; Daphne Island, Galapagos; Puerto Egas, Santiago; Rabida, Galapagos; Elizabeth Bay, Isabela; Caleta Tagus, Isabela; Sullivan  Bay, Santiago; Bartalome Island, Santiago; Las Bachas, Santa Cruz; North Seymour, Galapagos; P. Baquerizo, San Cristobal; Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal; Kicker Rock, San Cristobal; Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz; Baltra, Galapagos

TRULY ALL-INCLUSIVE CRUISE VACATIONS

Your Galapagos Islands cruise onboard Celebrity Xpedition includes nearly everything you need to relax and enjoy one of the world’s most pristine environments.
• All beverages, including bottled water, wine, beer and spirits, as well as coffee and tea service,
including espresso and cappuccino.
• All shore excursions, with choices of activity levels and locations.
• All gratuities.
• Pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations and tours on 10 or more night packages.
• Air to/from Quito and Baltra on 10 or more night packages.
• All transfers on 10 or more night packages.
• Park entrance fees and Galapagos Tourist Card fees.
• All meals, including room service and in-stateroom dining during meal hours.
• All snorkeling equipment, including masks, snorkels, fins, wet-suits and snorkeling vests.
• All onboard briefings and lectures led by Xpedition expert naturalists.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS AND SERVICES
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ONBOARD

• Massage services.
• Scuba diving (where available).
• Internet access.
• Select high-end liquors, apéritifs and wines.
• Laundry services.

There is no place on Earth quite like the Galapagos Islands, and no better way to experience all that this incredible archipelago has to offer than with Celebrity Cruises. In fact, they are the only major cruise line to travel to these enchanting islands. They combine up-close glimpses of some of the world’s rarest wildlife with generous amounts of the good life onboard.

These cruises take place year-round so you can choose the time of year that feels just perfect for escaping to a tropical hideaway.  Celebrity Cruises offers an environmentally conscious vacation that will leave you feeling connected with the incredible creatures we share the world with.  


Photos on our Facebook Fan Page:  Galapagos Critters      Enjoying Galapagos

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The Sea is Calling You to Alaska in 2013-14

Royal Caribbean 2013-14 Alaska Deployment

RADIANCE of the SEAS®

A newly renovated ship, Radiance of the Seas offers 8 new dining options. From fabulous margaritas at Rita’s Cantina to family-style Italian at Giovanni’s to the Boardwalk Doghouse, there’s something for every craving.

Enhance your adventure with a Cruisetour excursion, which can vary from three to six nights, and include an expert Adventure Specialist to guide you for the entire land portion of your vacation.

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S)	ITINERARY
7-NIGHT ALASKA NORTHBOUND	May 17, 31; June 14, 28; July 12, 26; August 9, 23, 2013	Vancouver, British Columbia • Inside Passage (Cruising) • Ketchikan, Alaska Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska Skagway, Alaska • Hubbard Glacier (Cruising) • Seward, Alaska
7-NIGHT ALASKA SOUTHBOUND	May 24; June 7, 21; July 5, 19; August 2, 16, 30, 2013	Seward, Alaska • Hubbard Glacier (Cruising) • Juneau, Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska Ketchikan, Alaska • Inside Passage (Cruising) • Vancouver, British Columbia
7-NIGHT ALASKA ROUNDTRIP	September 6, 2013	Vancouver, British Columbia • Cruising Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Hubbard Glacier (Cruising) • Juneau, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • Cruising • Vancouver, British Columbia

RHAPSODY of the SEAS®

A newly renovated ship, Rhapsody of the Seas offers new dining options, like Royal Caribbean's signature steakhouse, Chops Grille or the intimate dining experience, Chef’s Table. Crown and Anchor® Society guests can take advantage of a new Concierge Club and Diamond Club.

You will have access to signature Royal Caribbean features like a rock climbing wall and a glass-canopied Solarium adults-only pool as well as new enhancements like the Royal Babies and Tots® Nursery program. Guests will also enjoy technology upgrades like Digital Wayfinders and Wi-fi throughout the entire ship, including staterooms!

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S)	ITINERARY
7-NIGHT SAWYER GLACIER	May 24, 2013	Vancouver, British Columbia • Inside Passage (Cruising) • Juneau, Alaska • Skagway, Alaska Tracy Arm Fjord (Sawyer Glacier), Alaska Ketchikan, Alaska • Cruising • Seattle, Washington
7-NIGHT SAWYER GLACIER	May 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23, 2013	Seattle, Washington • Cruising • Alaska Inside Passage • Juneau, Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Tracy Arm Fjord (Sawyer Glacier), Alaska • Cruising • Victoria, British Columbia • Seattle, Washington
7-NIGHT SAWYER GLACIER	August 30, 2013	Seattle, Washington • Cruising • Alaska Inside Passage • Juneau, Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Tracy Arm Fjord (Sawyer Glacier), Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • Inside Passage (Cruising) • Vancouver, British Columbia

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Caribbean Princess Cuts Cruise Short

Propulsion Problems

Cause Cancellation

More Troubles for Carnival Corporation

Princess Cruises, who's parent company, Carnival Corporation, has been in the news all year, has issued a statement that Caribbean Princess has experienced a problem with her port propulsion motor during its current sailing.  It has been determined that the ship's current sailing must be canceled to allow for repairs.

The ship has returned to San Juan where the repairs will take place. All passengers will be able to stay onboard through Sunday, to enjoy an extended visit to San Juan, until their previously scheduled flights home.

Caribbean Princess was sailing on a seven-day Southern Caribbean voyage from San Juan, which departed March 11. The ship was scheduled to call in St. Maarten,  St. Lucia, Grenada, Bonaire, and Aruba before returning to San Juan on Sunday, March 18.

More Lost Revenue / Refunds

Passengers will receive a full refund of the cruise fare plus a future cruise credit equal to 25% of the cruise fare paid on this voyage. Further information will be communicated to passengers onboard.

If you read the cruise contract, you'll notice that skipping a port doesn't entitle passengers to any compensation, but Princess Cruises has announced the compensation plan above.   An extended stay in San Juan isn't what the passengers had signed up for, so the refunds seem to be the right thing to do.

What About Next Sailing

At this time it is unknown how the repair process may impact the ship's next sailing, departing March 18. Princess Cruises will communicate any impact to the next voyage as soon as information is available and impacted passengers and their agents will be notified.

UPDATE:  After further review by technical experts, Princess Cruises has confirmed the full extent of the damage to the motor. They now know the time and work required to make the repairs and have had to cancel the next two voyages, departing March 18 and March 25. 

Passengers booked on these sailings will receive a full refund as well as a 25% credit towards a future cruise. Those who booked their flights through Princess will receive a full refund or a future air credit based on the type of air purchased. Passengers who booked their air independently can submit their air change fees to Princess for a refund.  Princess  will also refund any transfers, pre- and post-hotel packages and government fees and taxes.

Source: Caribbean Princess Update 
 

 

Bad Timing

There never is a good time to have mechanical problems, but this is probably one of the worst times for this to occur.   This is Spring Break time, where the ships are full of passengers who have longed for the time off from school to take to the oceans and other warm destinations.

It will be interesting to see how the non-cruise media spins this story.   Reality is that ships are full of all kinds of mechanical parts, and everyone knows that they can break, and usually they break at the wrong time.   Just ask a "road warrior" how many times they were delayed due to mechanical problems with an airplane.   The difference is, odds are there's a spare plane or spare parts not far away, and usually you can be on your way after a short delay.  That's not the case with a cruise ship - there aren't any spare ships waiting around to come to the rescue of their sister-ship.

Let's hope that the repairs can be done quickly so that there isn't any further impact on the cruise schedule for Caribbean Princess.

Ship Profile | Itineraries & Pricing | Deck Plans | Dining Menus   Wine Lists | Kids Programs | Ship Reviews | 360 Tours | Photos

Maiden Voyage	2004 (Refurbished: 2009)		Passengers (dbl)	3,100
Tonnage	113,000 Tons		Normal Crew Size	1200
Length	950 feet		Crew Nationality	N/A
Beam	193 feet		Nationality of Officers	British/Italian
Draft	27 feet		Nationality of Dining Staff	N/A
Speed	24 knots		Registration Country	Bermudan

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