January 28, 2009
The much-beloved river ship Delta Queen is coming out of her early retirement to take on a new job -- that of a boutique hotel.
The 82-year-old ship was forced to stop sailing when parent company Ambassadors International ceased operations of the entire Majestic America fleet while looking to sell the river cruise line. Now, the vessel has been chartered by entrepreneur Harry Phillips. Phillips will bring the ship to Chattanooga's Coolidge Park Landing, where it will moor and operate as a historic hotel.
Delta Queen will depart New Orleans in February and cruise to Chattanooga. The ship will be preserved as is -- Phillips is experienced in preserving historic properties, including the StoneFort Inn, whose current owner, Syndey Slome, will become Delta Queen's hotel manager. The ship will be accessible to both overnight guests and daytime visitors. Although the ship will be moored, its river boat atmosphere will remain intact with Dixieland jazz and cabaret shows in its entertainment venues, and group tours with an educational focus on steamboat technology.
According to Slome, the hotel is scheduled to open on April 1 (subject to change). Nightly rates will range from $79 per couple for the smallest, bunk-style cabins to $125 for regular cabins and $175 for suites. Midweek rates (Sunday through Thursday) will be lower. Prices include a full hot breakfast. Times for the daily tours and reservation information are not yet available, but updates will be posted on the hotel's Web site (which will launch shortly).
Parent company Ambassadors International is still looking for a permanent buyer for Delta Queen, preferably one who can continue offering overnight river cruises until more stringent SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) restrictions prevent the ship from operating in 2010. The company is also asking Congress to exempt the beloved river ship from the rules, allowing it to continue sailing once the SOLAS restrictions take effect.
--by Erica Silverstein, Associate Editor
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Disney Cruise Line Ranked As No. 1 Cruise Experience
Disney Cruise Line Ranked As No. 1 Cruise Experience
By Disney Cruise Line
Jan 22, 2009, 03:48
Disney Cruise Line Ranked As No. 1 Cruise Experience
CELEBRATION, Fla. (January 21, 2009) – Disney Cruise Line was recently named the top large cruise ship experience by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the 9th annual “Reader’s Cruise Poll.”
The Cruise Poll recognizes the best cruise ships as voted on by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Winners were determined by a survey of more than 11,000 participants who rated 400 ships. Participants were asked to rate ships based on specific criteria including: staterooms, activities, service, design and layout, dining, itineraries and shore excursions.
“We are pleased to receive this honor from the readers of such an esteemed travel publication,” said Tom McAlpin, President of Disney Cruise Line. “Winning the No. 1 spot is a testament to the beauty of our ships and the dedication our cast and crew members have in creating an unparalleled vacation for every member of the family.”
This year, Disney Cruise Line ranked No. 1 in the “Large Ship” category with its ship, the Disney Wonder, which sails three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas. The Disney Magic was also ranked in the top five cruise experiences overall. The Disney Magic primarily sails seven-night cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean and, beginning in the spring of 2010, will embark on a season of limited itineraries exploring Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
In addition to the accolades in the Large Ship category, the Condé Nast Traveler “Cruise Spa Reader’s Poll” ranked the spas aboard Disney Cruise Line in the top 5 best spas at sea.
Disney Cruise Line has received more than 50 distinguished awards and honors since first setting sail in 1998. These awards have included all aspects of the operation from dining and entertainment to youth activities and spa facilities.
Known for bringing family travel to the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line continues to raise the bar on the cruise experience, with specifically designed areas and activities for each member of the family allowing for both quality time together and wonderful individual experiences. The focus is to allow families to reconnect, adults to recharge their batteries and kids to immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent
By Disney Cruise Line
Jan 22, 2009, 03:48
Disney Cruise Line Ranked As No. 1 Cruise Experience
CELEBRATION, Fla. (January 21, 2009) – Disney Cruise Line was recently named the top large cruise ship experience by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the 9th annual “Reader’s Cruise Poll.”
The Cruise Poll recognizes the best cruise ships as voted on by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Winners were determined by a survey of more than 11,000 participants who rated 400 ships. Participants were asked to rate ships based on specific criteria including: staterooms, activities, service, design and layout, dining, itineraries and shore excursions.
“We are pleased to receive this honor from the readers of such an esteemed travel publication,” said Tom McAlpin, President of Disney Cruise Line. “Winning the No. 1 spot is a testament to the beauty of our ships and the dedication our cast and crew members have in creating an unparalleled vacation for every member of the family.”
This year, Disney Cruise Line ranked No. 1 in the “Large Ship” category with its ship, the Disney Wonder, which sails three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas. The Disney Magic was also ranked in the top five cruise experiences overall. The Disney Magic primarily sails seven-night cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean and, beginning in the spring of 2010, will embark on a season of limited itineraries exploring Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
In addition to the accolades in the Large Ship category, the Condé Nast Traveler “Cruise Spa Reader’s Poll” ranked the spas aboard Disney Cruise Line in the top 5 best spas at sea.
Disney Cruise Line has received more than 50 distinguished awards and honors since first setting sail in 1998. These awards have included all aspects of the operation from dining and entertainment to youth activities and spa facilities.
Known for bringing family travel to the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line continues to raise the bar on the cruise experience, with specifically designed areas and activities for each member of the family allowing for both quality time together and wonderful individual experiences. The focus is to allow families to reconnect, adults to recharge their batteries and kids to immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent
Friday, January 23, 2009
Costa Cruises, MSC Take Video Games to Next Level
January 22, 2009
Costa Cruises, MSC Take Video Games to Next Level
If you or your kids can't bear the thought of a week away from the Nintendo Wii or PlayStation 3, pause the game, put down the controller, and listen up: An increasing number of cruise lines are outfitting their newest ships with gamer-friendly offerings, such as video game tournaments, hosted on huge public screens; state-of-the-art onboard racecar simulators; and, most recently, in-cabin gaming systems.
Onboard Italy-based MSC Cruises' just-launched MSC Fantasia, each of 99 Yacht Club Suites -- luxury accommodations, found in the otherwise mainstream ship's exclusive Yacht Club area -- features a Wii console with the Wii Sports package (which includes games like tennis, golf, baseball and bowling).
Meanwhile, Italian Costa Cruises -- MSC's closest competitor -- has advanced to the next level. Costa has announced that it has inked a deal with Sony and that every cabin onboard its two upcoming new-builds, Costa Luminosa (May 2009) and Costa Pacifica (June 2009), will feature a PlayStation 3 console with an on-demand game service. The choice of games has yet to be revealed, but a Costa spokeswoman tells Cruise Critic the "service" will be free. The program will gradually be rolled out, fleetwide.
Also, as part of Costa's new agreement with Sony, the poolside movie screens on Costa Pacifica and Costa Luminosa will be used for PlayStation Nights, where you can split eardrums with "SingStar," a competitive karaoke game, or participate in the interactive quiz game, "Buzz!"
Though older gaming systems like PlayStation and PlayStation 2 have long been found in children's facilities and kid-centric onboard video arcades, what's interesting about these latest additions is that they are geared to a wider range of ages. Plus, Wii and PS3 are among the hottest, newest options out there, which means these cruise lines are making a significant investment to deliver a gaming product to their guests.
Norwegian Cruise Line was the first to introduce Wii tournaments on its big screens. The offering debuted on Norwegian Pearl in 2007 and was rolled out, fleetwide, the same year. In addition, several NCL ships, including Norwegian Jade, feature VIP rooms for over-18's that are equipped with Wii consoles.
MSC and Costa also feature full-size racecar simulators on their newest ships -- and these aren't your traditional arcade racecar games. Get strapped in, put on headphones (to keep in touch with your "pit crew"), and zip through one of several courses pictured in front of you on wraparound video screens. The car wrenches as you drive, and you can almost feel the G-force.
by Dan Askin, Assistant Editor
Costa Cruises, MSC Take Video Games to Next Level
If you or your kids can't bear the thought of a week away from the Nintendo Wii or PlayStation 3, pause the game, put down the controller, and listen up: An increasing number of cruise lines are outfitting their newest ships with gamer-friendly offerings, such as video game tournaments, hosted on huge public screens; state-of-the-art onboard racecar simulators; and, most recently, in-cabin gaming systems.
Onboard Italy-based MSC Cruises' just-launched MSC Fantasia, each of 99 Yacht Club Suites -- luxury accommodations, found in the otherwise mainstream ship's exclusive Yacht Club area -- features a Wii console with the Wii Sports package (which includes games like tennis, golf, baseball and bowling).
Meanwhile, Italian Costa Cruises -- MSC's closest competitor -- has advanced to the next level. Costa has announced that it has inked a deal with Sony and that every cabin onboard its two upcoming new-builds, Costa Luminosa (May 2009) and Costa Pacifica (June 2009), will feature a PlayStation 3 console with an on-demand game service. The choice of games has yet to be revealed, but a Costa spokeswoman tells Cruise Critic the "service" will be free. The program will gradually be rolled out, fleetwide.
Also, as part of Costa's new agreement with Sony, the poolside movie screens on Costa Pacifica and Costa Luminosa will be used for PlayStation Nights, where you can split eardrums with "SingStar," a competitive karaoke game, or participate in the interactive quiz game, "Buzz!"
Though older gaming systems like PlayStation and PlayStation 2 have long been found in children's facilities and kid-centric onboard video arcades, what's interesting about these latest additions is that they are geared to a wider range of ages. Plus, Wii and PS3 are among the hottest, newest options out there, which means these cruise lines are making a significant investment to deliver a gaming product to their guests.
Norwegian Cruise Line was the first to introduce Wii tournaments on its big screens. The offering debuted on Norwegian Pearl in 2007 and was rolled out, fleetwide, the same year. In addition, several NCL ships, including Norwegian Jade, feature VIP rooms for over-18's that are equipped with Wii consoles.
MSC and Costa also feature full-size racecar simulators on their newest ships -- and these aren't your traditional arcade racecar games. Get strapped in, put on headphones (to keep in touch with your "pit crew"), and zip through one of several courses pictured in front of you on wraparound video screens. The car wrenches as you drive, and you can almost feel the G-force.
by Dan Askin, Assistant Editor
Monday, January 19, 2009
Disney Cruise Line pulls Alaska plans for now
From Staff Reports
January 19, 2009
Disney Cruise Line withdrew an application for a permit to sail in Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park.
The news was included in a release from the park last week announcing awards to multiple cruise lines that had been competing for the limited number sailing slots. The permits cover sailing in Glacier Bay between 2010 and 2019.
Disney Cruise Line spokeswoman Rena Langley said the company pulled its application because "for now, Glacier Bay doesn't fit in our future itinerary plans."
But Langley said that doesn't necessarily rule Alaska out as a future cruise destination for Disney. "We're continuing to explore many future itinerary options and, certainly, Alaska remains on our radar."
January 19, 2009
Disney Cruise Line withdrew an application for a permit to sail in Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park.
The news was included in a release from the park last week announcing awards to multiple cruise lines that had been competing for the limited number sailing slots. The permits cover sailing in Glacier Bay between 2010 and 2019.
Disney Cruise Line spokeswoman Rena Langley said the company pulled its application because "for now, Glacier Bay doesn't fit in our future itinerary plans."
But Langley said that doesn't necessarily rule Alaska out as a future cruise destination for Disney. "We're continuing to explore many future itinerary options and, certainly, Alaska remains on our radar."
Saturday, January 10, 2009
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES UNVEILS UNPRECEDENTED NEW EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS PROGRAM OFFERING A RATE PROTECTION ASSURANCE
MIAMI (January 9, 2009) – Carnival Cruise Lines is launching an exciting new cruise pricing option called Early Saver which offers fares as much as 25 percent lower than the best generally available rates and provides rate protection if rates later drop below what the consumer originally paid. Early Saver further enhances the exceptional value of a Carnival cruise vacation.
Early Saver rates will be available beginning January 12, 2009 and offered up to three months prior to sailing date for cruises of five days or less and up to five months prior to sailing date for longer length voyages, subject to availability. Early Saver fares include all stateroom types, including suites.
The Early Saver rate protection feature provides that if a lower Carnival advertised rate becomes available after the booking is made, a rate adjustment can be requested and the cruise line will issue the difference in the form of a non-refundable shipboard credit. The lower fare must be for the same ship, sailing date, stateroom category and number of guests.
“Early Saver is a fantastic savings opportunity for those who are able to plan ahead and book early,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience. “It is designed to provide consumers with complete confidence that the fare they are booking is the lowest Carnival rate available and that in the event they find a lower fare later, they need simply submit a rate protection request and we will provide a shipboard credit equal to the difference.”
When booking an Early Saver fare, consumers are able to choose a specific stateroom. The standard required deposit is immediately non-refundable at time of booking. Any changes in ship or sailing date outside of Carnival’s standard penalty period require a $50 change fee. For changes inside the penalty period, normal penalties apply.
To request a price adjustment, a rate protection form must be completed and emailed to Carnival. Consumers can access the form via the cruise line’s web site at carnival.com or their travel agent may complete the form via the cruise line’s travel agent web portal. The lower rate must be available at the time the form is submitted and rate adjustments will be processed within two business days. Rate adjustment requests can be submitted up to two business days prior to the cruise departure date.
Early Saver fares are available for both individual and group reservations.
The Early Saver fare program will be available on virtually all Carnival ships and itineraries, which include voyages ranging from three to 18 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Europe, Bermuda and South America. The fares are subject to availability and certain restrictions apply.
To book an Early Saver rate, consumers may contact a travel agent, call 800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
Early Saver rates will be available beginning January 12, 2009 and offered up to three months prior to sailing date for cruises of five days or less and up to five months prior to sailing date for longer length voyages, subject to availability. Early Saver fares include all stateroom types, including suites.
The Early Saver rate protection feature provides that if a lower Carnival advertised rate becomes available after the booking is made, a rate adjustment can be requested and the cruise line will issue the difference in the form of a non-refundable shipboard credit. The lower fare must be for the same ship, sailing date, stateroom category and number of guests.
“Early Saver is a fantastic savings opportunity for those who are able to plan ahead and book early,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience. “It is designed to provide consumers with complete confidence that the fare they are booking is the lowest Carnival rate available and that in the event they find a lower fare later, they need simply submit a rate protection request and we will provide a shipboard credit equal to the difference.”
When booking an Early Saver fare, consumers are able to choose a specific stateroom. The standard required deposit is immediately non-refundable at time of booking. Any changes in ship or sailing date outside of Carnival’s standard penalty period require a $50 change fee. For changes inside the penalty period, normal penalties apply.
To request a price adjustment, a rate protection form must be completed and emailed to Carnival. Consumers can access the form via the cruise line’s web site at carnival.com or their travel agent may complete the form via the cruise line’s travel agent web portal. The lower rate must be available at the time the form is submitted and rate adjustments will be processed within two business days. Rate adjustment requests can be submitted up to two business days prior to the cruise departure date.
Early Saver fares are available for both individual and group reservations.
The Early Saver fare program will be available on virtually all Carnival ships and itineraries, which include voyages ranging from three to 18 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Europe, Bermuda and South America. The fares are subject to availability and certain restrictions apply.
To book an Early Saver rate, consumers may contact a travel agent, call 800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Royal Caribbean add a room service charge
As reported by curies critic Royal Caribbean is now charging a late night service charge for their room service. The current rate is going to be $3.95 per room and will go into effect January 1, 2009 fleet wide. It's important to point out that the charges will only be charged to the room between midnight and 5 AM.Except for these times the room service will be free for guests to use aboard the Royal Caribbean fleet.Even with a little extra charge at night for our party crack to have freeing room search from 5 AM till midnight during the daytime is an extremely amazing offers to have food at your beck and call and to be free. And in most cases most people give a tip of four dollars or more so to charge $3.95 per room is not a big concern my big concern would be to just order as much as you want in one order than ordering several small and make it simple.
Thank you for reading this article and if you would like more help on your vacation please check out our main website www.bellecruises.com
Thank you for reading this article and if you would like more help on your vacation please check out our main website www.bellecruises.com
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