A sister ship to Disney Dream, which debuts in January, the 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will cruise from Port Canaveral, Fla., on the popular seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern and western – including a stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

The Fantasy, like its sibling, boasts features including an AquaDuck water coaster, high tech-driven attractions for kids and world-class entertainment.  Disney characters and stories are, of course, also part of the experience.

The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream join a fleet that already includes the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

“The Disney Fantasy continues our tradition of sailing beautifully-designed vessels that offer innovations, world-class guest service and memorable family vacation experiences like only Disney can do,” says Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. “We are delighted to expand our offerings to provide guests with more options and more flexibility to enjoy a Disney family cruise.”

The Disney Fantasy will spend its first season on alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries – St. Thomas and St. Maarten; or Grand Cayman and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

Fares for the Disney Fantasy cruises start at $959 per person.

]]> http://www.cruiselinesinfo.com/2010-10-disney-opens-bookings-for-new-fantasy-ship.html/feed 0 http://www.cruiselinesinfo.com/2010-10-galapagos-islands-cruise.html http://www.cruiselinesinfo.com/2010-10-galapagos-islands-cruise.html#comments Sat, 09 Oct 2010 05:22:08 +0000 admin http://www.cruiselinesinfo.com/?p=157 Continue reading →]]> The Galapagos Islands were ranked the number-one island escape, the second best outdoor adventure destination and the third best destination for family travel. A cruise to the Galapagos Islands is a once in a lifetime experience. You want to be sure you are traveling with a responsible Galapagos cruise company with high-quality vessels and top-level guides. And, these days, good value does not hurt either. Family owned since 1990, Ecoventura offers all that and more.  As a leader in sustainable travel to the Galapagos Islands, we are the first company to earn and maintain the ecological certification, SmartVoyager since 2000, the first Galapagos cruise ship company to offset carbon emissions and to install alternative energy sources. Read more here.

Enter the Reporters at Sea: Family Style Contest for a chance to win a cruise for you and your family onboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Allure of the Seas. Just submit a 45 second video showing why your family should be chosen to report live onboard the ship during her pre-inaugural sailing from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23, 2010.

Norwegian Cruise Line teamed up with kid friendly Nickelodeon, for programming onboard select ships, including: character meet-and-greets and story hours, interactive game shows, like SlimeTime LIVE!, Special Nick Live! poolside performances, activities such as arts and crafts and Nick-themed dance parties.

The multi-year agreement is for a program — dubbed Nickelodeon at Sea — that’s mostly about entertainment, though some Nick activities will be implemented within the Kid’s Crew. Also, the only upcharge (price to be determined) is for a character breakfast.

Special Nickelodeon at Sea theme cruises will also be offered annually, which will feature more of everything — more live game shows, more opportunities to chill with Nick characters — as well as show premieres and special appearances by Nick network stars.

With its headquarters in Miami, Carnival Cruise Lines was established in 1972 & since its inception it has progressed steadily to its present position of being the biggest cruise line in the world. It started off as a floating sorority party but it now occupies the leading place in cruise operations without eliminating its flashy and swashbuckling atmosphere and its beautiful discos & lounges.

The success story of Carnival Cruise Lines begins with its first ship Tropicale, that was introduced in 1981 and by late 2001, 18 ships were pressed into service. The addition of more ships is a constant process of development and evolution of the company.

Carnival Cruise Lines has a fleet of 21 fun ships, which makes it the largest cruise line in the world. Carnival Liberty is the latest addition to its ultra-modern fleet that provides its customers the delight of visiting a large spectrum of destinations. With 14 departure points in continental U.S. these Carnival ships can take you to the most exotic destinations of the world such as: the Bahamas, Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, the Canadian Maritimes, the Mediterranean and New England. The cruises last from 3 to 17 days depending upon the type and itinerary of the cruise.

Carnival Cruise Lines has many firsts to its credit as it is always endeavoring to provide something new to its customers. Carnival Destiny was the initial passenger ship to go above 120,000 tons whereas Paradise was the first cruise ship that was smoke-free. However, after it has sailed for six years without any cigarette being lit, it has now relented and allowed limited smoking in the casino and one or two lounges and bars. Smoking is still banned in cabins, most of the public spaces and most of the outside. In 2005, improvements were made in the standard cabins to comprise robes & the sleep system with “Carnival Comfort Bed” that include comfortable new soft duvets, luxurious mattresses, upgraded pillows and superior quality linens.

The other onboard amenities offered by Carnival Cruise Lines include Las Vegas-style entertainment, a 24-hour pizzeria, full casino gambling, spacious accommodations, “Nautica Spa” health and fitness facility, “Camp Carnival” children’s program, choice of pools and a wide variety of clubs and lounges.

If you wish to enjoy many hours of fast action, there is nothing like taking a cruise on a Carnival Cruise Lines ship, which can be compared, to a floating resort. There is such a large variety of entertainment and action that you can take your pick according to your mood.

Moreover, all age groups from tiny tots to 50 & more are looked after and provided with different programs and activities to suit their needs and tastes. Children receive special attention and excellent Camp Carnival programs are provided to them. For body care treatments and for fitness freaks, Spa Carnival is an added attraction.

Carnival Cruise Lines are the first ones to start regional drive-to ports, extending its embarkation points beyond Miami to other places like New Orleans, Jacksonville, Mobile, Galveston, Port Canaveral, Charleston, Norfolk and New York. A cruise port has been built in Long Beach, California for convenience of sailing to the west coast of Mexico.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ concept of “Fun Ship” incorporates colorful interiors and continuous action.

There is nothing like a Disney Cruise Line vacation if you want enjoyment, excitement and indulgence for you and your children. The fun and adventure moments offered by them will make you feel important and almost floating on Cloud Nine.

Each age group has separate set of activities and areas for having fun and for relaxing. Disney Cruise Line offers its legendary Disney service on all its cruises where adults, children and teenagers are all treated as special guests. It’s dining experience and exotic adventures can make your vacation an experience of a lifetime.

The Disney Magic and Wonder Cruise Ships of Disney Cruise Line provide a voyage that no other cruise line can ever think of offering. Irrespective of your age or vacation requirements, you will get whatever entertainment you require in their cruises.

Disney Cruise Line’s ocean liners are of the best quality and can boast of spacious staterooms, dining rooms with a theme and separate areas for each age group to enjoy and indulge themselves. Special activities for children, adults and for those who are still young at heart in spite of their age are provided so that everyone on board can enjoy to their hearts’ content. There are many types of cruises offered by them and you can choose the one that suits you best. There are 3-day and 4-day cruises and other packages consisting of either a 3-day or 4-day stay Walt Disney World Resort prior to going on your voyage. The Disney Wonder sails to Nassau in the Bahamas and there are two special 10 and 11-day voyages.

When you go on a cruise of Disney Cruise Line you can enjoy the magic of a Walt Disney resort vacation along with the romantic experience of a sea voyage. The vessels of Disney Cruise Line have two stacks and interiors with an Art Deco theme bringing back memories of classic ocean liners. Live Disney characters add to the charm of the voyage and are the favorites of the junior cruisers who are also enthralled with the whimsical accents that remind them of Mickey Mouse and his friends.

Disney Cruise Line’s ships, particularly Disney Magic and Disney Wonder represent the unique Disney style on the oceans and provide a family atmosphere with intimate lounges and elegant dining facilities for adults. Right from 9 a.m. to midnight, exhaustive and age-specific children’s programs are provided by Disney Cruise Line and children of all age groups can enjoy dancing with Snow White or try to locate Nemo or simply relax as they like. There are extensive children’s programs with age-specific activities from 9 a.m. to midnight. Families can always remain in touch with their children when they leave them at children’s facilities on Disney cruises as they are provided with pagers.

Disney Cruise Line offers interesting combinations of three-, four- or seven-day sea itineraries like combining a three- or four-day Disney cruise to the Bahamas with a few days at Walt Disney World in Florida.

The three main dining rooms offer a unique dining experience in which passengers and their waiters rotate in two-assigned seating. You would, however, need a reservation for eating at an adults-only restaurant serving Northern Italian cuisine. Disney ships of Disney Cruise Line have spacious staterooms that can accommodate families and have a unique bath-and-a-half facility and a lounge. Disney themes and characters provide on-board entertainment and late-night comedy, music and dancing activities in lounges for adults. An adults-only beach with massage cabanas is the attraction at Castaway Cay which is Disney’s private Bahamian island.

The cruises of Disney Cruise Line provide meals, entertainment, snacks and room service at no extra cost and your favorite Disney Characters keep appearing everywhere giving a special Disney touch to the cruise.

Holland America Cruise Line

Holland America Cruise Line obtained its first purpose-built passenger ship in 1973, and has since been concentrating on cruise vacation travel. Its headquarters were moved to Stamford, Connecticut in 1978 and in 1983 they were again shifted to Seattle, Washington so that its operations could be consolidated with those of an Alaska tour company, Westours. Holland America Cruise Line had acquired the controlling interest in Westours in early 70s. As a part of its expansion program, it purchased Windstar Sail Cruises, operator of four- and five-masted computer-guided sailing ships in 1988.

Holland America Cruise Line provides unmatched service and their cruises are elegant, attentive and adventuresome. Their service standards are constantly being improved. The accommodation that they offer is about one-quarter more than what others in the same category provide. Holland America Cruise Line with its white-gloved stewards provides personalized and discreet service to pamper you beyond your imagination.

Holland America Cruise Line provides a semi-formal and relaxed atmosphere giving it the distinction of being a premium, elegant and yet a classic cruise line. Its seafaring heritage is more than a hundred years old and the décor of its ships reflect this heritage through the nautical antiques and the historic artifacts that are exhibited along with the modern touch. If you are looking for a refined and relaxed vacation, your first choice should be Holland America Cruise Line, which has earned the distinction of “best premium cruise line” and “best overall cruise value” many a time.

Holland America Cruise Line offers thrilling and adventuresome voyages to some really exciting locales throughout the world. It acts as your guide to the entire world, particularly the exotic locales of the Caribbean, the mystical orient, the adventuresome areas of Australia and New Zealand, and the frozen locales of Antarctica.

All your needs are anticipated and fulfilled to your entire satisfaction by the staff of Holland America Cruise Line and the enhancements provided by them are of the best quality. These include top-quality cotton bed linens, euro-top mattresses, luxurious towels and bathrobes; massage showerheads and many other items.

There are many traditions that are present on all the ships of Holland America Cruise Line such as afternoon tea, chime ringing for announcing dinner and gentleman hosts for dancing. Each of its ships has an individual decorating theme and yet there is a pleasant consistency of the arty and colorful ambient in all its ships.

There is an excellent collection of artworks on board all its ships and they also arrange art tours for those inclined towards art. Their service is adapted to the need of the hour and the weather. In a warm climate, tall glasses of ice tea are served and in the cold climate of Alaska, mugs of delicious pea soup are served on the outside decks.

There is a Singles Partner Program that Holland America Cruise Line provides. It allows single cruisers to pay the single person double occupancy rate on some categories by sharing a stateroom with another person of the same gender. No extra charge is levied if a roommate is not found. Each ship throws mixers for single travelers and plenty of activities make meeting others easy and fun. On most cruises of 14 days or longer, onboard social hosts welcome single women guests to dinner and dancing.

Holland America Cruise Line offers Club HAL activities for children in the age group of 5 to 17. Club HAL cruise activities are designed to be kid friendly and age appropriate. Examples include storytelling, arts and crafts, ice-cream sundae or pizza parties, ship tours and Bingo for young kids ages 5 to 7. For teens, ages 8 to 12, there’s miniature golf, Ping-Pong, theme parties, on-deck sports events and scavenger hunts.

The range of activities for adults is consistent on all ships of Holland America Cruise Line and they include: wine tasting, art tours, fitness workouts, dancing, movies and revues.

An amazing cruise vacation awaits you upon one of the luxury ships of Holland America Line. Let Holland America Line’s premium comfort and gracious service satisfy all of your needs in over 280 ports of call on all 7 continents. With nearly 500 unique sailings offered, you can find one that fits your needs.

Norwegian Cruise Line started off with an 830-ton steamer in 1966 and has gradually built up a modern fleet that sails mostly in New England/Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and Bermuda although they had started their operations as low-cost Caribbean cruises.

The concept of “Freestyle Cruising” was introduced by Norwegian Cruise Line in 2001 for those cruisers who desired to have a more independent and freer style of travel. Three ships were specially built for “freestyle cruising” which featured open seated dining and an option of eating in any of the various restaurants on board. The three ships are Norwegian Sun (2001), Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn. The latter two are 2,240 –passenger sister ships and three of their ten restaurants have surcharges. The other ships such as Norwegian Wind, Norwegian Dream, Norwegian Majesty and Norwegian Crown were also provided with additional dining options and thus the balance fleet was also converted into “Freestyle Cruising”.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest cruise ship is called the Epic and is the second-largest ship at sea, that span 19 decks weighing 153,000 gross tons and carrying an amazing 4,228 cruise passengers (Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is bigger, at 220,000 tons and 5,400 passengers). Starting July 2010, the NCL Epic will sail from her home port of Miami, Florida and embark on 7-Night Eastern & Western Caribbean cruises up until April 2011. Recently just announced, the Norwegian Epic will offer 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises round-trip from Barcelona, Spain from May through October 2011. The Norwegian Epic is not just another new ship. The Norwegian Epic represents cruising re-imagined featuring world-class entertainment, a wide variety of stateroom accommodations and the most diverse collection of restaurant choices ever offered on one single cruise ship.

Norwegian Cruise Line operates cruises to all parts of the world from the Caribbean to Buenos Aires and to the other exotic locations of the world. Norwegian Cruise Line will take you to those locations where you can see the best sights of the world and have the best experience of your life.

Freestyle Cruising – Norwegian Cruise Line is the first in this field and besides deciding on the route and ports of call, the passengers can take their own decisions regarding all other matters related to the activities on board. This concept was initially introduced in 2000 and since then the cruisers have been experiencing the freedom offered by Freestyle Cruising, which no other cruise line offers. The freedom includes a wide choice of restaurants, most informal and relaxed dress code, more places to see and more things to do. This has proved to be very popular with cruisers and Norwegian Cruise Line is planning further innovative ideas.

If you are a Norwegian Cruise Line guest you will be able to travel to exotic locations on board the best and most comfortable ships. You will be able to visit locations in Europe, Alaska, Bermuda and the Caribbean. You could also visit the Hawaiian Islands or the New England and the Canadian coast.

Many refreshing activities and a variety of entertainment await you when you take a cruise on any of Norwegian Cruise Line cruises, which also offer accommodation, meals and entertainment as part of their all-inclusive and amenity-filled vacation and that too in the most casual manner. The accent is always on maintaining a friendly environment full of fun and other activities including aerobics, dance lessons, golf driving, volleyball, bridge games and many more! For relaxing and enjoying in the Norwegian way, there is nothing above a Music Theme or Sport Afloat Cruise for music & sports lovers.

The ships of Norwegian Cruise Line are comfortable, elegant and easily navigable. They provide entertainment, which include cabaret shows, Broadway type productions, karaoke sing-along and live bands.

Norwegian Cruise Line ships provide nearly one crewmember per stateroom, and pool attendants are available for looking after passengers who wish to sunbathe and get a mist of Evian.

Pre- and post-cruise excursions are the extra bonuses that Norwegian Cruise Line offers for extending your vacations in some of the most exotic locations in the U.S.

Seabourn emerged with a new cruise version in 1987 that was geared for the stringent specifications of personalized service. It caters to an exclusive clientele with intimate stylish ships bound for the most enchanting destinations on the planet.

Positioning itself as the Yachts of Seabourn, these out and out luxurious ships have an air of being a private yacht, or more precisely private clubs. The Seabourn Legend is almost a replica of Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Spirit, with 208-passenger capacity and a cozy setting for the affluent passengers to relax with fellow passengers over impeccable dining and attentive service, while heading for the world’s most enchanting ports.

Ultra-lux Seabourn Odyssey is the first new ship for Seabourn Cruise Line in over a decade. About 90% of the ship’s suites have private verandas. Some of the Seabourn Odyssey’s features include the largest spa on any luxury ship, more stylish, sophisticated decor and design with several downright spectacular public areas, a built-in marina,11 decks with two swimming pools, six outdoor whirlpools, water sports from the marina and a private diamond showroom. The Retreat features a nine-hole mini golf course, a giant chess board and shuffleboard. Seabourn Odyssey was completed in May 2009.

A sister ship, Seabourn Sojourn has a length of 198 meters and beam of 25.60 meters, a capacity of 450 passengers, who are divided into 225 staterooms, all offering luxury interior and large living area. The ship have a large, two-deck spa facility of over 11,000 square feet, two outdoor swimming pools and six outdoor whirlpool spas, four restaurants and six bars and cafes.

Acknowledged for being at the forefront for small ship luxury cruising, it’s about the expected, complimentary wines and spirits, well stocked mini bar in each suite, extra gratuities and added amenities, as well as the unexpected. Soak in a mini massage while basking at the poolside and discover a refreshing shore experience on every voyage.

Cuisine is exquisite with a la minute preparation in open seating dining rooms accompanied by the flawless service of Seabourn’s professional staff always at your disposal. It certainly is true that champagne and caviar are actually served in the water as guests take a dip in the sea.

For the traveling population and the travel industry, Seabourn Cruise Line is mainly considered the most felicitated cruise line the world over, garnering awards, ratings and honors in travel and cruise guidebooks and other industry publications without fail.

It can be said that of the world’s two billion population, two hundred of the people have the privilege of living in the perfect world. That is because every Seabourn ship has no more than 200 privileged passengers on board, even though the capacity is for twice the number. The one common factor for each and every member of the Seabourn staff is the ever-present friendly smile. A part of the crew on board has the expertise to read hi-tech navigational equipment but the entire staff has been trained to read every guest like a book. With only suites, Seabourn ships carry guests to the further corners of the globe while always offering the best service possible out on the seas.

Accustomed to the best that life has to offer, Seabourn passengers can enjoy the best of everything on these small ships. The all-suite cabins are installed with designer soaps and the most modern and sought-after amenities. Every guest is greeted with the customary bottle of complimentary champagne in the cabin. Even bar drinks are complimentary and constantly refilled. Dinner service accompanied by complimentary wine can easily rival the standards of the great European hotels. The extensive public space and limited number of fellow passengers lends the feeling of having the entire vessel to oneself with not even a hint of crowding and lines.

The adult orientation of Seabourn Cruise Line means a lack of provision for children below one year of age. Exclusive children’s facilities are absent with the parents expected to be responsible for the behavior as well as the entertainment of their kids. All passengers can avail the convenience of self-service laundry.

Every Seabourn cruise vacation is an experience that offers the perfect combination of discovery, adventure and comforts of being attended to by expert and professional staff. It is a travel experience conceived specially for the discerning elite who insists on the highest standards of quality.

The philosophy behind Seabourn was to settle for nothing less than a revolutionary concept of cruising with a complete focus on unparalleled personal service that would do the most exclusive on-shore hotels, resorts and restaurants proud. Ample space and elegance forms the essence, along with an ambience that enables esteemed guests define the pace of their chosen lifestyles.