Wednesday, July 30, 2014

PRINCESS ANNOUNCES NEW SHIP FOR 2017

Cruise lines are keeping the shipyards busy. Today Princess Cruises announced "it has reached an agreement with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build a new ship, which will enter service in 2017. The as-yet unnamed 143,000-ton vessel, which will be built at an all-in cost of approximately 600 million euros, will carry 3,560 passengers, and feature the successful design platform introduced by sister ships Royal Princess in 2013 and Regal Princess which entered service this past May. Specific features and amenities for the ship, along with deployment details, will be revealed in the coming months."

NCL DEBUTS NEW ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE

There's all-inclusive and then there's ALL-inclusive. Norwegian has debuted a new All-Inclusive package they call a major first and available for new 2015 reservations made from Aug. 4, 2014 through August 29, 2014. The comprehensive package includes signature dining, alcoholic beverages, unlimited soda, shore excursions, internet access, service charges and more. From the press release:

"The All-Inclusive package is available for 2015 sailings from three to 14 days in length, is priced by the number of days, and is available for all stateroom categories, including the Haven by Norwegian. When adding the All-Inclusive to a selected cruise, guests receive 10 percent off the cruise fare. For a seven-day cruise, the $899 package includes the Ultimate Dining package; the Ultimate Beverage package; shore excursion credit of $200 per person, pre-paid daily service charges; a 250-minute Internet package per person; 20 photos of any size; chocolate-covered strawberries; a bottle of wine; one bingo session and six bottles of water.

"For cruises from three to five days, the shore excursion credit is $100 per person; and for sailings from 9-14 days, the package includes 12 bottles of water.

"As part of the All-Inclusive offer, Norwegian’s Ultimate Dining package provides complimentary access to one of the line’s specialty restaurants every night of the cruise. The Ultimate Beverage package includes a variety of spirits, cocktails, draft beer, bottled beer and glasses of wine up to $10 and unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants and on Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay."

Friday, July 25, 2014

COCKTAIL CREATIVITY ON NORWEGIAN

Norwegian Cruise Line has expanded their partnership with mixologist Gabriel Orta of Miami-based Bar Lab Cocktails to offer creative new cocktails on all their ships year-round. Along with consulting on the menus, Orta and his team will conduct onboard training sessions with Norwegian’s bartenders and create new cocktails in Norwegian’s Test Bar. Shaken, stirred ... doesn't matter. Let the testing start. -- Gerry

'BOYS, CARNIVAL CRUISES PARTNER

We normally don't cover sports here, but when our favorite football team and cruising get together, that's news! This week, Carnival announced an exclusive, multi-year partnership with the Dallas Cowboys, making Carnival "the Official Cruise Line " of America's Team.

Carnival, which will homeport a third year-round ship in Galveston next year, will have branding at Dallas Cowboys-owned properties. As the Official Cruise Line of the Dallas Cowboys, Carnival's “Fun Crew" will cruise home games at AT&T Stadium on branded golf carts, offering prizes and the chance to win cruise vacations.

It kicks off this week with the exclusive sponsorship of the Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Daily News Show, airing regionally on Fox Sports Network. Their new “Carnival 1st & Fun” segments will also be available at Carnival’s YouTube page (www.youtube.com/carnival).

Wonder how big the ship would be to host the first Super Bowl at sea? It's probably on some drawing board right now. -- Gerry

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

STATE OF THE ART STATEROOMS

One of the most important first impressions on a cruise is your stateroom. After all, it's your home-away-from-home. And while you may spend more time out and about, it's still your base of operations. Here's a fascinating look behind the scenes, courtesy of Royal Caribbean, on how the staterooms on Quantum of the Seas go from the assembly line to you lounging on a bed ordering room service. Let's roll the tape:

Friday, July 18, 2014

CUNARD HISTORY: WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Cunard Introduces the Helen Gormley

This article, written by Michael Gallagher, public relations executive and historian for Cunard Line, is part of an ongoing series of key moments in Cunard Line's history

Credit: Cunard
When Her Majesty The Queen (then Princess Elizabeth) accompanied her Mother to the launch of Queen Elizabeth in 1938 the world knew that the new ship was to be called Queen Elizabeth (great secrecy had surrounded the name of Queen Mary until the very moment of her launch in 1934). When Her Majesty named Queen Elizabeth in Southampton in 2010 the world knew what name she was to give that ship. And when Her Majesty named the new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth recently once again the name was known beforehand.

But when Her Majesty traveled to Clydebank on Sept. 20, 1967 to name the new Cunarder it was a different story…

LOUNGE ON A PRIVATE BEACH

Credit: TripAdvisor

What better way to end the week than picking out a lounge chair on a private beach at a posh resort? If you need some help finding one, check out TripAdvisor's list of "10 hotels with private beaches." We'll meet you there! -- Gerry and Pam

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

CRUISE SHIP NEWSBRIEFS


  •  CARNIVAL: Carnival Cruise Lines has entered into an exclusive agreement to offer Tampa-based Cigar City Brewing’s craft beers on all of its Florida-based ships. Cigar City’s Florida Cracker Belgian-Style White Ale and Invasion Pale Ale will be available on 13 Carnival ships sailing from five Florida ports beginning this week. More from their release: "Combined, those ships carry more than two million guests each year. The agreement — the first partnership of this magnitude between a craft brewery and a major cruise line — was announced Sunday, July 13, at an event aboard Carnival Legend at the Port of Tampa."
  • NEW SHIPS: Norwegian Cruise Line announced it has reached an agreement with MEYER WERFT of Germany to build two new Breakaway-Plus class cruise ships for delivery in the second quarter 2018 and the fourth quarter 2019. Each ship will be 164,600 gross tons and include 4,200 passenger berths. “Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have proven themselves as industry game-changers and are extremely popular with our guests,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer in a press release. “It was only natural that we build on their success with this new ship order that further solidifies our long-term growth strategy.”

Friday, July 11, 2014

'VIKING STAR' GODMOTHER NAMED

Viking Cruises has released a new video showing the float-out ceremony for their ocean-going vessel, Viking Star, set to debut in 2015. It features Trude Drevland, the mayor of Bergen, Norway, who will be the ship's godmother. She helped weld coins to the ship – said to be a good luck practice that dates back to Roman times. Here's the video:

Thursday, July 10, 2014

'QUANTUM'S' BEACH BOOT CAMP WORKOUT

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, will make its debut later this year with lots of "wow" factors. And they haven't forgotten their passengers who like to hit the gym on their cruise. Or should we say, hit the beach. Royal's Sports and Fitness Advisor, Dhani Jones, is developing a unique Boot Camp beach workout in partnership with Byron Blackwood for Quantum guests. This video will tell you more:

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

TAKE A GOOGLE STREET VIEW TOUR OF 'ALLURE'

When it comes to maps and directions, we have known, used and loved Google Street Views for years. On occasion, we've even spied those Google, camera-equipped cars roaming the streets around here, keeping their maps up to date.

We just never thought Street Views would ever extend to a cruise ship. But Royal Caribbean did.

Through the magic of technology, you can get a Google Street View of the largest cruise ship in the world, Allure of the Seas. It's pretty cool. Check it out here. -- Gerry


BOGOS FANATICS HAVE A NEW WEBSITE

In the past we've written about CruiseCrazies, the social sharing website for cruise enthusiasts created by entrepreneur Jason Taub. Now comes word Jason has a new venture -- a shopping website centered around BOGOS (Buy One, Get One Free). It's called justBOGOS.com.

The site monitors local BOGO sales and "alerts users when their preferred BOGO items become available at their favorite local retailers." In his press release, Taub explains, "We're starting with groceries and will be expanding to much more."

Here are more details from the release:

"Here's how it works in four simple steps:

"1. Users select their location and preferred retailers.
"2. Users create their Cart of products and/or brands to look out for.
"3. When items in the users' Cart become part of a BOGO sale, an alert is delivered.
"4. With that money saving alert, users can then purchase in store and save."

From Jason: "We live in a world full of alerts. Yet, until now, it has not been possible to receive BOGO alerts specific to the products we consumers actually want to purchase. If I'm interested in purchasing something when it's BOGO, why shouldn't I receive an alert when a BOGO promotion become available for that item?"

"The service is currently available to users in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, South Carolina, and North Carolina, and with a focus on these regional grocery retailers: Publix, Winn-Dixie, Sedanos, and BI-LO. When asked about the future, Jason explains, "BOGO sales are everywhere, not just in grocery stores and certainly not just in the Southeast. What you see now is just the beginning. An app is in the works and the service will be aggressively expanding to cover more regions, retailers, and industries."

Here's hoping he'll be adding BOGO cruise alerts in the near future! -- Gerry

Thursday, July 3, 2014

OLIVIA WOWS THEM IN CARNIVAL CONCERT

Olivia gives the fans what they want
 (Photo: Cruising Squared)
ABOARD CARNIVAL ECSTASY -- It's Saturday and we are docked in Nassau, Bahamas. After a day of fun, food and shopping, it's getting closer to the event many passengers on this cruise have waited for: Olivia Newton-John in concert.

Prior to that evening's show, the group that opted for "VIP" tickets waited for Ms. Newton-John to arrive, sipping champagne in the Stripes disco. Besides admittance to a private reception, VIP ticket holders had the chance to have a personal photo made with the singer-songwriter-actress who has sold over 100 million records worldwide during her career.

For us, it marked something of a reunion.

During most of the 1970s, I was the rock music writer for The Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram, and it was my duty (because someone has to do it!) to review all the new albums as well as the concerts that came through town. And the Metroplex being what it is, Dallas-Fort Worth played host to the biggest names in the business.

During that time, Ms. Newton-John made a concert appearance at the Six Flags Over Texas Music Mill Theater, and I had the pleasure, along with Pam, to go backstage and interview her. So having the opportunity to meet her again was a special treat for us. Even better, she is as beautiful and gracious now as she was then.

After the photos were all done, we made our way to the VIP section of the Blue Sapphire Lounge, where the crowd was amped up and ready to party, including the women in the front row sporting the "Pink Ladies" jackets made famous in "Grease."

Backed by a band and backup singers, Ms. Newton-John  took the stage and launched into a series of hits and musical styles that spanned every phase of her career, from her country-western beginnings, to her mega-hit "Grease," "Xanadu" and beyond.

The songs included hits like "If Not for You," "Let Me Be There," "If You Love Me, Let Me Know" and "Have You Never Been Mellow," from her early years. She also did her own version of "Take Me Home, Country Roads," another audience favorite.

But the biggest reaction came when she performed the music from "Grease," where she teamed on-screen with John Travolta to create one of the biggest hit musicals to ever come out of Hollywood. While Mr. Travolta couldn't make the scene, he was ably represented in the high-energy duet, "You're the One That I Want." The vibe continued on "Summer Nights," and it was clear her gyrating fans are, as the song goes, "Hopelessly Devoted to You." Another highlight was "Magic," from the musical, "Xanadu," where her co-star was Gene Kelly.

One of our favorites was another Newton-John mega-hit, "Physical," which, along with her spandex attire in "Grease," helped shift her Sandy, girl-next-door image.

She finished her set with a heart-felt version of "I Honestly Love You." I think the fans that crowded up to the stage were saying, "back at ya."

Entertainer, cancer survivor, businesswoman ... what may be most impressive is she is still out there, doing what she loves and what she does best -- a baby boomer doing us other baby boomers proud and amassing a new fanbase at the same time.

Clearly, when it comes to measuring the success of the Live Concert series, Carnival has a hit on their hands. -- Gerry and Pam
Pam, Olivia and Gerry

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

CRUISE REVIEW: 'CARNIVAL ECSTASY'

Carnival Ecstasy, docked in Nassau
ABOARD CARNIVAL ECSTASY -- The dictionary defines "ecstasy" as "an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyous excitement." That's a perfect description for the many fans of Olivia Newton-John, who have been eagerly anticipating this 3-day voyage to the Bahamas that departed June 27 from Miami. The highlight of this cruise is an in-person appearance by Ms. Newton-John as part of the "Live Concert" series Carnival is hosting throughout the year.

It's our first time aboard Ecstasy, one of the longest-tenured ships in the Carnival fleet, having debuted in 1991. With several upgrades over the years, she is wearing her age well.

Before we get to the main event -- the concert -- let's take a quick tour and highlight some of the ship's features:

OUR STATEROOM: Ours was an ocean-view stateroom on Deck 5. It was plenty roomy; lots of storage space. The bathroom was nicely appointed and functional. Jose, our steward, was excellent in all regards. Our one complaint -- and it's a common one -- not enough electrical outlets (maybe all rooms should come equipped with 6-power strips).

THE SERVICE: 4 stars here. We found everyone we encountered uniformly friendly, smiling and helpful. 

THE FUN: Carnival is all about family and fun. There was plenty of both on this trip. We saw family reunions, family celebrations -- a big quinceanera included -- and lots of kids and parents gathering material for "here's what I did on my summer vacation." The pools were jammed and anyone not swimming was jammin' to the music from the poolside DJ.


Serenity (All Photos: Cruising Squared)
If you're looking for something more relaxing, go to the aptly-named Serenity on Deck 9, adjacent to the Starlight Lounge. It's the adults, 21 and over retreat where you can grab a lounger, soak in a hot tub or just chill with your favorite beverage. Nice!




THE SHOWS: Setting aside the Olivia Newton-John concert for now, the productions in the Blue Sapphire Lounge were very entertaining, especially if, like us, you're a big fan of British or Motown music. "The Brits" (featured in the clip above from YouTube)  is a fast-paced homage to the British Invasion groups of the 60s, like Herman's Hermits, The Kinks and of course The Beatles, with clever costuming and imaginative set changes (we loved the "Magic Bus" sequence). "Motor City" did much the same for the great era of the Detroit Motown sound, from Aretha Franklin to Michael Jackson. Fans of comedy could go to the Starlight for either the PG or R-rated versions of stand-up.


Cherry prepares the martini flight
THE BARS: As our readers know, Cruising Squared is always on a mission to find and report on the best martinis. We hit the jackpot on this trip at the out-of-the-mainstream Society Bar on Deck 9. Bartender Cherry introduced us to the Stoli vodka "mini-martini flight," where you pick four cocktails from eight choices. You can opt for the Classic Cosmo or get crazy with the Spicy Chipotle. There are no wrong answers for this one, and Cherry is there to help you every sip of the way. As a bonus, you'll also get a martini charm. We call that a win-win!

THE FOOD: Overall, we would rate the food good to average. The buffet at the Lido deck's Panaroma Bar and Grill offered good selections. You can choose anytime dining at the Wind Star, or set seating at the Wind Song dining rooms. And if you stroll down the City Lights promenade on deck 9 you may encounter The Taste Bar, where you can get food samples. In our case, it was two choices from Carnival's new eatery, the Blue Iguana Cantina. Yum-o.

There is one category that no one does better than Carnival -- those inventive towel animals. Here was one we found camped out on our bed, and wearing my sunshades:





Well, enough of the preliminaries. Time to get to the main event: Olivia! That's coming next ... -- Gerry and Pam