Toddlers to teens will find plenty to keep them entertained on one of these Caribbean cruises.
Variety is an essential element of a successful family vacation. But entertaining the entire troop -- from the youngest child, hungry for some summer fun, to Mom and Dad, trying to make the most of their time off from work - can be easy, thanks to amenities offered by a number of Caribbean-bound cruise ships.
Modern cruise ships add to the appeal, as these "floating resorts" provide nearly every amenity you'll need to enjoy your holiday.
Cruises also provide a budget-friendly option for summer fun, because cruise fares include accommodations, food nearly 24 hours a day, and a bevy of shipboard activities in one price that's paid up front. You can even pay for shore excursions before boarding your ship, ensuring fewer out-of-pocket expenses during your vacation.
Below, we've profiled children's programs on four cruise lines and five ships bound for the Caribbean this summer. Though individual and group babysitting for small children costs a nominal fee, all other activities are included in your cruise fare. Age-appropriate activities are organized by the following categories: tots, tykes, tweens and teens.
We've provided a fifth category, troop, to highlight specific ships and cruises that the entire family will enjoy. They sail to various ports in the Caribbean, departing from the New York City area, Miami and Galveston, TX, about an hour from Houston. For more information on these oceangoing getaways, email me at jod@zanza.com.
Carnival Cruise Lines.
With supervised activities for kids 2 and older, Carnival is a popular choice for seafaring families. "Family fun ships," as Carnival calls its vessels, are often outfitted with private clubhouses and lounge areas to suit different age groups - teens looking to escape small siblings, for instance, will find refuge at Club O2, while bored younger children will find a high-energy summer camp built just for them. The minimum age for most Carnival sailings is 6 months, but trans-Atlantic, Hawaiian and South American cruises require a minimum age of 1 year.
Tots: Though specific programs aren't available for children under 2, Carnival does offer a low-cost babysitting service. Prices start at $6 an hour for one child, plus $4 an hour for each additional sibling.
Tykes: The Camp Carnival program provides the bulk of children's services. Kids from 2 to 5 are treated to finger painting, puppet shows and sing-alongs, and parents can borrow beepers and cell phones for regular updates on their little ones. Kids from 6 to 8, meanwhile, enjoy dance classes, talent shows and portable video game systems. Special lunch menus are provided for picky eaters, with childhood favorites like chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese.
Tweens: Camp Carnival covers the youngest members of this group, with kids 9 to 11 taking part in art classes, scavenger hunts, PlayStation battles and a series of educational activities, cleverly disguised as contests and games, hosted by Carnival staff.
Teens: Circle "C," a brand-new program for kids 12 to 14 years old, prefers "mix and mingle" activities that resemble popular television shows - "Musical Jeopardy," "Survivor Challenge" and "Teen Idol" are just a few of the options available. Meanwhile, the discerning (and difficult to please) passenger between 15 and 17 will find a home at Club O2, where card games, karaoke, pool parties and video games are offered.
Troop: Families aboard the 4.5-star Carnival Conquest, which sails seven-day Caribbean cruises from Galveston, TX, year-round, have four swimming pools to splash in. They also can choose from a variety of shore excursions, including camel rides in Montego Bay, Jamaica; a swim in Stingray City in Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands; and a submarine trip along the coral reefs of Cozumel, Mexico. Meanwhile, the 4.5-star Carnival Valor alternates weekly seven-day Caribbean sailings from Miami. Choose engaging port calls in the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Netherland Antilles, or alluring destinations in the Caymans, Honduras, Belize and Mexico.
Norwegian Cruise Line.
Services for children with Norwegian are covered by two programs: Kid's Crew and Teen's Crew. Age-appropriate activities and trained staff, certified to perform CPR as well as minor first aid, are just two of the benefits available. Kids can peruse a longer list each morning in their copy of "Cruise News," a personalized newsletter delivered to the cabin each morning. Children must be at least 6 months old to sail aboard Norwegian.
Tots: Children under 2 can take part in a group babysitting program, with rates from $5 per hour per child and $3 an hour for each additional sibling.
Tykes: Kids from 2 to 5 are welcomed to the Junior Sailors program, where storytelling, face painting and magic shows entertain young cruisers. First Mates, for kids 6 to 8, offers wacky cooking classes and root beer float parties by the pool. A jungle gym complete with ball pits, climbing nets and exploratory tunnels awaits aboard several Norwegian ships.
Tweens: Navigators, a club for kids 9 to 12, brings groups together for video games, movies and slumber parties. Some ships boast kids-only swimming pools - on the Norwegian Spirit, for instance, Buccaneer's Wet and Wild offers waterslides, climbing areas and spray guns, best used to soak a rival sibling.
Teens: Pool parties, basketball and volleyball games, trivia contests and evening theme parties are just a few Teen's Crew diversions. In addition to an onboard video arcade, NCL offers the hottest gaming system around, the Nintendo Wii, aboard every ship in its fleet.
Troop: The four-star Norwegian Spirit explores the Caribbean on eight-day cruises departing New York City through Aug. 23. Families can meet at the ship's Stardust Theater for a show, gather around one of two swimming pools or make plans for shore leave in Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic.
Princess Cruises
Junior cruisers are treated to a variety of programs with Princess Cruises, with the bulk of services geared toward children from 3 to 17. Dedicated youth and teen centers are packed with arts and crafts tables, video game systems and special snacks, and most are equipped with kids-only splash pools. Select Princess cruises also include "edutainment" features, with interactive experiments, biology lessons and lectures by park rangers, marine scientists and other experts. The minimum age for most Princess cruises is 6 months, although more exotic sailings such as in South America, Hawaii, the South Pacific and Asia require that children be at least 1 year old.
Tots: Group babysitting, with rates starting at $5 per hour, caters to children under the age of 3.
Tykes: Princess Pelicans, as passengers from 3 to 7 are known, enjoy pizza, age-appropriate movies and theme parties. Plush animals -- including pint-size versions of Pelican Pete, the youth center's mascot - are handed out as children learn about animals they might encounter on their vacation.
Tweens: Shockwaves, a club for kids 8 to 12, offers scavenger hunts, sports and evening dance parties. The Junior Chef at Sea program provides cooking classes and easy recipes. Tours of the ship's bridge and meetings with the captain are available on select cruises.Teens: Remix, the teen club, gives passengers 13 to 17 a choice: Kick back in front of a big-screen television or mingle with peers in a number of group activities. Dance classes, "mocktail" parties, talent shows, sports tournaments and casino nights are often on tap.
Troop: Passengers aboard the five-star Caribbean Princess, offering nine-day cruises from Brooklyn, NY, through Aug. 15, will sample ports in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos and Bermuda. Families can see live entertainment in the Princess Theatre, catch a selection of the Movies Under the Stars program on the giant outdoor screen by the pool, or hit the ship's miniature golf course. Family-friendly fare is available at many restaurants, though an outdoor grill serves burgers, pizza and ice cream for the kids.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean ships are well-suited for families with young children, thanks to the lines' offerings for passengers as young as 6 months. Still, older kids will find plenty of distractions, too, while parents can join group activities or sneak off for some "me time" in another part of the ship. There is no minimum age requirement for Royal Caribbean trips.
Tots: Hands-on activities with roots in social, emotional and physical development are the cornerstone of Aqua Babies, a playgroup for kids between 6 and 18 months. Singing, dancing and the chance to play pirate are just a few of the daily activities at Aqua Tots, for toddlers between 18 months and 3 years old. Parents must be present while their children participate in either program. Babysitting is available in a group setting or in your cabin, for about $10 an hour for one or two children and $15 an hour for three kids.
Tykes: Kids between 3 and 5 are welcome at Aquanauts, a playgroup filled with crayon art, storytelling and theme parties. An "adventure theater" program introduces young ones to the fun of live performance, with workshops and playacting led by Royal Caribbean staff. Meanwhile, children from 6 to 8 can join the Explorers, where science experiments and scavenger hunts make learning fun.
Tweens: Royal Caribbean's Voyagers, for ages 9 to 11, enjoy many of the perks of their younger siblings -- arts and crafts, science programs and theater workshops - as well as sports tournaments and dance parties.
Teens: Navigators, a group for ages 12 to 14, can enjoy less structured activities and are able to come and go as they please without a staff member's permission. Younger teens can tour the ship, take part in club activities or simply enjoy their own lounge area. Some ships offer a teens-only casino and a snowball fight in the middle of the Caribbean. Even more freedom awaits passengers 15 to 17, who enjoy pool parties, movie nights and earn "adventure credits" to spend on prizes at the end of the cruise.
Troop: The five-star Freedom of the Seas, which offers two alternating seven-day Caribbean cruises from Miami throughout the year, boasts a climbing wall, miniature golf course and an ice-skating rink. Port calls bring a variety of family-friendly activities, too, including nature hikes and historical tours. Sail to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands or St. Maarten, or to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island in Haiti.
For more information on booking a family cruise please email me at jod@zanza.com.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Cunard's Queen Mary 2 - Putting Fun into Glamour and Elegance
With the Queen Mary 2, Cunard Line has put fun into glamour and elegance. The QM2 is able to maintain that romantic sense of classic Trans-Atlantic travel from the past, but in a modern setting. The formal dinners are there along with white-gloved tea service and ballroom dancing, but so are also informal dining options, a pulsating disco and jazz – even karaoke, along with many other entertainment venues.
An impressive line-up of day-time lectures also attracted record attendance on topics ranging from military strategy to current events, nature, healthy living and art history. Our recent Eastbound crossing was shared with some 2,800 other passengers, including 300 children, all of whom seemed remarkably well behaved. The passenger mix was made up mostly of Americans as well as Brits and Germans, as well as from many other countries.
The QM2 sailed peacefully from New York to Southampton in calm seas in early August. Following the Gulf Stream for the better part at a speed in the range of 26 to 26.5 knots, the weather ranged from bright sunshine to fog, where the Gulf Stream hit colder water, back to sunshine. So even in the middle of the Atlantic there were plenty of opportunities for the sunbathers to work on their tans. At 151,400 tons, the QM2 is a very large ship, and because she is built to cross the Atlantic even in winter, while keeping her passengers comfortable, the interior layout is different from cruise ships. And with some 2,800 passengers onboard, she was never crowded the way sea-days can be on cruises, especially if the weather is bad.
An impressive line-up of day-time lectures also attracted record attendance on topics ranging from military strategy to current events, nature, healthy living and art history. Our recent Eastbound crossing was shared with some 2,800 other passengers, including 300 children, all of whom seemed remarkably well behaved. The passenger mix was made up mostly of Americans as well as Brits and Germans, as well as from many other countries.
The QM2 sailed peacefully from New York to Southampton in calm seas in early August. Following the Gulf Stream for the better part at a speed in the range of 26 to 26.5 knots, the weather ranged from bright sunshine to fog, where the Gulf Stream hit colder water, back to sunshine. So even in the middle of the Atlantic there were plenty of opportunities for the sunbathers to work on their tans. At 151,400 tons, the QM2 is a very large ship, and because she is built to cross the Atlantic even in winter, while keeping her passengers comfortable, the interior layout is different from cruise ships. And with some 2,800 passengers onboard, she was never crowded the way sea-days can be on cruises, especially if the weather is bad.
Big Changes Ahead for Cruise Ships.
If the continuously increasing ship sizes and ever increasing number of special features are excluded, there have not been too many major changes in ship design and technology for several decades, according to Markus Aarnio, managing director of Foreship, a ship engineering and design firm. However, due to recently introduced new rules and regulations, together with the question of future fuels, significant changes are taking place today, he said.
Safe Return to Port
The safe return to port requirement that comes into force by July 1, 2010 is largely being complied with already, according to Karl Morten Wiklund, director of passenger ships at Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Wiklund made a point of distancing himself from what he called an academic debate around the new mandatory requirement. “Cruise-ship design and construction represent state-of-the-art shipbuilding and compliance,” said Wiklund. “And, contrary to some,” he said, “there are no uncertainties or mysteries surrounding the IMO requirement of a safe and habitable return. However, some yards, owners and manufacturers seem confused,” he added, “and some like to make this more complicated than it has to be. “Let’s look at the basic concept and not get lost in academic discussions.
We are looking at four main criteria:
1. The safe return to port.
2. Safe areas onboard for passengers and crew.
3. Habitable conditions.
4. A safety center.
New Standards
The cruise industry faces a number of challenges, including achieving better fuel economies and environmental protection, as well as meeting future IMO requirements for recycling and new safety standards, according to Andreas Ullrich, naval architect and ship type manager passenger ships at Germanischer Lloyd (GL).
Get It Right from the Start
At Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, Richard Goodwin, manager of passenger ships, also noted the safe return to port concept, recycling, environmental regulations, including ballast water treatment, and the evolution of ships driven by market development. Longer seasons in Northern Europe and year-round operations in the Mediterranean require different ship designs. Meanwhile, Goodwin also pointed to the passenger ship safety work of the IMO over the past five years which he described as a “major effort and just about completed.”
The major component of the new standards is the requirement for ships to be able to return safely to port with passengers and crew protected in safe areas in case of any damage to the vessel. “This represents a significant increase in safety,” Goodwin added. “Passengers and crew will remain onboard; a cruise ship will be its own best lifeboat. I consider this real progress compared to some of the efforts in the past which have been more on the cosmetic side.”
For more information or to book a cruise email me at jod@zanza.com.
Safe Return to Port
The safe return to port requirement that comes into force by July 1, 2010 is largely being complied with already, according to Karl Morten Wiklund, director of passenger ships at Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Wiklund made a point of distancing himself from what he called an academic debate around the new mandatory requirement. “Cruise-ship design and construction represent state-of-the-art shipbuilding and compliance,” said Wiklund. “And, contrary to some,” he said, “there are no uncertainties or mysteries surrounding the IMO requirement of a safe and habitable return. However, some yards, owners and manufacturers seem confused,” he added, “and some like to make this more complicated than it has to be. “Let’s look at the basic concept and not get lost in academic discussions.
We are looking at four main criteria:
1. The safe return to port.
2. Safe areas onboard for passengers and crew.
3. Habitable conditions.
4. A safety center.
New Standards
The cruise industry faces a number of challenges, including achieving better fuel economies and environmental protection, as well as meeting future IMO requirements for recycling and new safety standards, according to Andreas Ullrich, naval architect and ship type manager passenger ships at Germanischer Lloyd (GL).
Get It Right from the Start
At Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, Richard Goodwin, manager of passenger ships, also noted the safe return to port concept, recycling, environmental regulations, including ballast water treatment, and the evolution of ships driven by market development. Longer seasons in Northern Europe and year-round operations in the Mediterranean require different ship designs. Meanwhile, Goodwin also pointed to the passenger ship safety work of the IMO over the past five years which he described as a “major effort and just about completed.”
The major component of the new standards is the requirement for ships to be able to return safely to port with passengers and crew protected in safe areas in case of any damage to the vessel. “This represents a significant increase in safety,” Goodwin added. “Passengers and crew will remain onboard; a cruise ship will be its own best lifeboat. I consider this real progress compared to some of the efforts in the past which have been more on the cosmetic side.”
For more information or to book a cruise email me at jod@zanza.com.
Destination Focus: North America - The Northwest.
Northwest Pacific ports offer unique attractions on cruises to Alaska and British Columbia and are also setting new standards with a clean air strategy.
Vancouver - How to Grow the Market.
“To grow Alaska further, the industry needs better utilization on other days (than the popular days),” said Greg Wirtz, manager of trade development at the Vancouver Port Authority. “We also need new ports of call, and remember there are only two homeports – Vancouver and Seattle – compared to all the ports that serve the Caribbean, for instance. And there are only three main ports of call,” he added, “Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. “What we need to grow the business in Alaska is a more diversified product. New ports such as Icy Strait, Prince Rupert, Campbell River and Nanaimo help.”
Meanwhile, Vancouver’s Alaska business is solid with some 900,000 passengers projected for 2008, “within 10 percent of 2007 – down a little with one less ship from Celebrity,” according to Wirtz. Last year’s passenger count was approximately 960,000.
Seattle: Clean Air Strategy.
Seattle is projecting 208 calls and 828,000 passengers for 2008, up six percent from 2007, which Mike McLaughlin, cruise services manager, described as a very successful year with 190 calls and 781,143 passengers. That was a 4 percent increase over 2006.
Seattle expects to start construction on its new terminal 91 this year and Holland America and Princess will move to the new terminal. They are presently using Terminal 30 which will be converted back to container traffic.
The new terminal will be 143,000 square feet with two levels and able to accommodate up to Voyager- and Grand Princess-class ships, McLaughlin said. Ships calling in Seattle are required to plug into shoreside power or burn low sulfur fuel while in port to minimize emissions. "We are working with all the sectors of the maritime industry to minimize emissions," said McLaughlin, "and the cruise ships are the forefront of the effort."
Having joined forces with Tacoma and Vancouver, the three ports aim to reduce particulate matter from ships at berth by 70 percent and 30 percent from cargo handling equipment by 2010.
The key to success is to focus on the passenger experience. "We model our operating procedures around the passenger experience," said McLaughlin.
Prince Rupert: Record Year.
“We had a record year in 2007,” said Shaun Stevenson, vice president of marketing and business development at Prince Rupert.
With more than 100,000 passengers last year, Prince Rupert has seen steady growth over the past four years.
Stevenson pointed out that Prince Rupert is only 65 miles south of Ketchikan.
But while Ketchikan can be crowded with ships and passengers, a ship calling in Prince Rupert are usually the only one in town, thus providing a better experience, Stevenson added. “We are surrounded by wilderness, and there is a grizzle bear reserve just north of us. Prince Rupert also has a rich aboriginal history, according to Stevenson, who said that 40 percent of the area population is of aboriginal origins. And, that there is a variety of archeological sites. “We can compete with Alaska and offer a comparable and even better experience,” he added. “We are a one-ship-at-a-time port.”
For more information on cruises in North America please email me at jod@zanza.com.
Vancouver - How to Grow the Market.
“To grow Alaska further, the industry needs better utilization on other days (than the popular days),” said Greg Wirtz, manager of trade development at the Vancouver Port Authority. “We also need new ports of call, and remember there are only two homeports – Vancouver and Seattle – compared to all the ports that serve the Caribbean, for instance. And there are only three main ports of call,” he added, “Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. “What we need to grow the business in Alaska is a more diversified product. New ports such as Icy Strait, Prince Rupert, Campbell River and Nanaimo help.”
Meanwhile, Vancouver’s Alaska business is solid with some 900,000 passengers projected for 2008, “within 10 percent of 2007 – down a little with one less ship from Celebrity,” according to Wirtz. Last year’s passenger count was approximately 960,000.
Seattle: Clean Air Strategy.
Seattle is projecting 208 calls and 828,000 passengers for 2008, up six percent from 2007, which Mike McLaughlin, cruise services manager, described as a very successful year with 190 calls and 781,143 passengers. That was a 4 percent increase over 2006.
Seattle expects to start construction on its new terminal 91 this year and Holland America and Princess will move to the new terminal. They are presently using Terminal 30 which will be converted back to container traffic.
The new terminal will be 143,000 square feet with two levels and able to accommodate up to Voyager- and Grand Princess-class ships, McLaughlin said. Ships calling in Seattle are required to plug into shoreside power or burn low sulfur fuel while in port to minimize emissions. "We are working with all the sectors of the maritime industry to minimize emissions," said McLaughlin, "and the cruise ships are the forefront of the effort."
Having joined forces with Tacoma and Vancouver, the three ports aim to reduce particulate matter from ships at berth by 70 percent and 30 percent from cargo handling equipment by 2010.
The key to success is to focus on the passenger experience. "We model our operating procedures around the passenger experience," said McLaughlin.
Prince Rupert: Record Year.
“We had a record year in 2007,” said Shaun Stevenson, vice president of marketing and business development at Prince Rupert.
With more than 100,000 passengers last year, Prince Rupert has seen steady growth over the past four years.
Stevenson pointed out that Prince Rupert is only 65 miles south of Ketchikan.
But while Ketchikan can be crowded with ships and passengers, a ship calling in Prince Rupert are usually the only one in town, thus providing a better experience, Stevenson added. “We are surrounded by wilderness, and there is a grizzle bear reserve just north of us. Prince Rupert also has a rich aboriginal history, according to Stevenson, who said that 40 percent of the area population is of aboriginal origins. And, that there is a variety of archeological sites. “We can compete with Alaska and offer a comparable and even better experience,” he added. “We are a one-ship-at-a-time port.”
For more information on cruises in North America please email me at jod@zanza.com.
Destination Focus: Mexico - Building Up Their Cruise Future.
Mexico is highly regarded and critically important to the cruise industry, despite a recent passenger tax passed by the country’s congress. At the October meeting of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) in Cozumel, port and tourism officials of this northernmost Latin American nation earned kudos for their professionalism, their awareness of what is needed in the marketplace and their collaborative spirit. "They’re all here to do business. They’re not here to play, they’re not here to enjoy themselves or pat themselves on the back. They’re here to promote their destination and why it’s a much better place to visit,” said Tim Littley, manager of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line.
As Mexico’s ports lobby for more business, the country’s legislators are trying to give municipalities a direct piece of the cruise pie. At press time, congress had just put through a 56 peso (about $5) head tax on disembarking cruise passengers. Beginning in June 2008, the tax, which the Mexico tourism ministry estimates will generate about $30 million annually, will be invested mostly in infrastructure projects and maintenance in cruise-ship communities, according to news reports. Not all the ports agree with this tax. Although they are struggling to get cruise tourism accepted in their communities - Mazatlan, for instance, saw some of its expansion plans scuttled in a recent state election – they are loathe to take outside money for improvements. At the same time, they feel that the tax crimps their efforts to attract cruise tourism, which today has many more options than in the past as ports around the world open up.
But aside from this, cruise line executives who spoke to Cruise Industry News at the FCCA meeting on this island just south of Cancun were very impressed not only with Mexico’s level of service but also with its agility in bouncing back from disasters, most notably Hurricane Wilma, which leveled much of Cozumel’s facilities in 2005.
Mexico’s Pacific ports, although far from the Caribbean, were also represented. The Sea of Cortes ports are lobbying heavily for ships, and cruise executives took notice. These ports add a splash of diversity to itineraries, playing into a major theme of the conference: the need to differentiate each destination lest they start to merge in tourists’ minds. Carnival Corporation Chairman and CEO Micky Arison, also chairman of the FCCA, was enthusiastic, saying, “We had representatives from virtually every region in Mexico today. We met for two-and-a-half hours. We really had a very, very good meeting, and I’m very encouraged that there’s a real desire to partner with the industry to build their business, which is great.”
As Mexico’s ports lobby for more business, the country’s legislators are trying to give municipalities a direct piece of the cruise pie. At press time, congress had just put through a 56 peso (about $5) head tax on disembarking cruise passengers. Beginning in June 2008, the tax, which the Mexico tourism ministry estimates will generate about $30 million annually, will be invested mostly in infrastructure projects and maintenance in cruise-ship communities, according to news reports. Not all the ports agree with this tax. Although they are struggling to get cruise tourism accepted in their communities - Mazatlan, for instance, saw some of its expansion plans scuttled in a recent state election – they are loathe to take outside money for improvements. At the same time, they feel that the tax crimps their efforts to attract cruise tourism, which today has many more options than in the past as ports around the world open up.
But aside from this, cruise line executives who spoke to Cruise Industry News at the FCCA meeting on this island just south of Cancun were very impressed not only with Mexico’s level of service but also with its agility in bouncing back from disasters, most notably Hurricane Wilma, which leveled much of Cozumel’s facilities in 2005.
Mexico’s Pacific ports, although far from the Caribbean, were also represented. The Sea of Cortes ports are lobbying heavily for ships, and cruise executives took notice. These ports add a splash of diversity to itineraries, playing into a major theme of the conference: the need to differentiate each destination lest they start to merge in tourists’ minds. Carnival Corporation Chairman and CEO Micky Arison, also chairman of the FCCA, was enthusiastic, saying, “We had representatives from virtually every region in Mexico today. We met for two-and-a-half hours. We really had a very, very good meeting, and I’m very encouraged that there’s a real desire to partner with the industry to build their business, which is great.”
A year in cruising - 2008 Starting Strong...
2008 is going to be a good year for the industry, was the consensus among financial analysts that follow the industry as this issue was going to press. “It will be a good year, with bookings and pricing up year-over-year,” said Felicia Hendrix, managing director at Lehman Brothers. “But it will not be spectacular,” she added. Her concern is for 2009, which so far has little or no visibility.
Much of the business for 2008 is already booked, she explained, but how many may not cruise next year, because of the economy, is the big question.
At William Blair & Company, Leisure Analyst Bob Simonson said: “I think we are in a recession, and the consumer will be much tighter with his money this year than last year.” He admitted taking a somewhat contrarian position, but believes that what he called the “budding recession” will start having an impact on middle income households. Simonson expects Caribbean pricing to go down during the year and that European cruises will start to become affected, too. It is the aspirational buyer that will be impacted, he said, the customer who needs to borrow and buys a European cruise on credit.
Those who travel first class will go anyway, he said. At Wachovia Capital Markets, Senior Analyst Tim Conder did not see much that can derail the cruise industry, which he said “has proven that it can do well in hard times if necessary.”
It is important to note that pricing is up for 2008, said Robin Farley, leisure and gaming analyst at UBS Investment Research. She said that yield and pricing are driven by deployment – such as moving more ships to Europe, by introducing new ships, and by reducing capacity in the Caribbean. “While business could slow down,” she said, “I believe that is already factored into the forecasts.”
Earnings forecasts (per share) for the year are from $3.10 to $3.30 by Carnival Corporation, compared to actual earnings of $2.95 in 2007, and from $3.20 to $3.40 by Royal Caribbean Cruises, compared to actual earnings of $2.82 for 2007.
For more information or to book a cruise email me at jod@zanza.com.
Much of the business for 2008 is already booked, she explained, but how many may not cruise next year, because of the economy, is the big question.
At William Blair & Company, Leisure Analyst Bob Simonson said: “I think we are in a recession, and the consumer will be much tighter with his money this year than last year.” He admitted taking a somewhat contrarian position, but believes that what he called the “budding recession” will start having an impact on middle income households. Simonson expects Caribbean pricing to go down during the year and that European cruises will start to become affected, too. It is the aspirational buyer that will be impacted, he said, the customer who needs to borrow and buys a European cruise on credit.
Those who travel first class will go anyway, he said. At Wachovia Capital Markets, Senior Analyst Tim Conder did not see much that can derail the cruise industry, which he said “has proven that it can do well in hard times if necessary.”
It is important to note that pricing is up for 2008, said Robin Farley, leisure and gaming analyst at UBS Investment Research. She said that yield and pricing are driven by deployment – such as moving more ships to Europe, by introducing new ships, and by reducing capacity in the Caribbean. “While business could slow down,” she said, “I believe that is already factored into the forecasts.”
Earnings forecasts (per share) for the year are from $3.10 to $3.30 by Carnival Corporation, compared to actual earnings of $2.95 in 2007, and from $3.20 to $3.40 by Royal Caribbean Cruises, compared to actual earnings of $2.82 for 2007.
For more information or to book a cruise email me at jod@zanza.com.
Food & Beverage’s Evolution onboard.
The job of managing dining operations aboard cruise ships has changed enormously in the last decade. F&B directors who used to govern the one main dining room of cruise ships past, now find themselves in charge of a dozen restaurants on each ship, each with different menus, ambience and even clientele.
Here’s how Frank Weber, vice president of food and beverage operations for Royal Caribbean International, describes the operation: “We operate 21 ships, so this means 13,000 employees, 170 restaurants, about 350 bars and financial responsibility of about $500 million.”
On top of that, Royal Caribbean plans to roll out a flexible dining program, called My Time Dining, on its entire fleet.
Testing New Menus
Carnival Cruise Lines’ Corporate Chef, Peter Leypold, said new menu items are tried out aboard one ship, and if they catch on, implemented aboard the whole fleet. “Eight or nine years ago we tried sushi on one ship, and it was so successful, we now have it on every ship,” Leypold said. Carnival’s Mongolian grills are another idea that took off, helping open the line’s menu to all sorts of Asian dishes.
Offsetting lobster and prime rib with noodles and salads saves money, but training kitchen staff to prepare menu items from around the globe can be a chore.
Carnival gives new galley staff three-week courses – half hands on, half theoretical, Leypold said. And there is constant in-house training. New equipment can save time and reduce waste, said Frank Meissner, manager of food and beverage services at AIDA Cruises. “But well trained staff is absolutely required in order to use the whole features of these technologies. We are constantly training our staff to enable the best possible use of this modern equipment.”
At the luxury end of the market, Seabourn Cruise Line has introduced a tasting menu that offers a sample of 15 or so different dishes in one sitting, said Tony Egger, director of culinary and beverage operations at Seabourn.
Recruitment and Prices
Recruiting staff is on everyone’s mind, said Celebrity Crusies’ Jacques Van Staden, vice president of food and beverage. “It’s very difficult to find people. You find out that the Philippines has 5,000 people wanting work and, boom, they’re gone. Everybody is recruiting,” he said.
There is also the issue of the rising price of ingredients, how long they will last and their long-term supply. All this adds up to careful planning. “Cost is really a valuable part of planning,” said Weber. “We really have to be careful in selecting what products to use and how to use them and in what quantities, and of course we have to consider the cost.”
AIDA is also cost conscious, but Meissner said guest satisfaction has to come first. “Of course we are meeting the challenge of increasing prices for foodstuffs worldwide. But cooking is like fashion that’s permanently changing – so there is always a need for trendsetting,” he said. “Each and every product within the menu must be carefully checked and questioned. But guests’ satisfaction must always be the focus.”
Visual
There is much more to dining than taste and smell. Seeing good food can be just as important. Van Staden said the new Celebrity Solstice will add square and oval plates, not just circles, to better display the new menu to be rolled out on the ship. “You need a different type of canvas to do a different type of painting on,” he said. “With this plate perception, I can also cut that 12-ounce steak down to 9 ounces by slicing it, fanning it out, and making it look bigger. This helps cut costs while improving aesthetic charm.”
For more information or to book a cruise email me at jod@zanza.com.
Here’s how Frank Weber, vice president of food and beverage operations for Royal Caribbean International, describes the operation: “We operate 21 ships, so this means 13,000 employees, 170 restaurants, about 350 bars and financial responsibility of about $500 million.”
On top of that, Royal Caribbean plans to roll out a flexible dining program, called My Time Dining, on its entire fleet.
Testing New Menus
Carnival Cruise Lines’ Corporate Chef, Peter Leypold, said new menu items are tried out aboard one ship, and if they catch on, implemented aboard the whole fleet. “Eight or nine years ago we tried sushi on one ship, and it was so successful, we now have it on every ship,” Leypold said. Carnival’s Mongolian grills are another idea that took off, helping open the line’s menu to all sorts of Asian dishes.
Offsetting lobster and prime rib with noodles and salads saves money, but training kitchen staff to prepare menu items from around the globe can be a chore.
Carnival gives new galley staff three-week courses – half hands on, half theoretical, Leypold said. And there is constant in-house training. New equipment can save time and reduce waste, said Frank Meissner, manager of food and beverage services at AIDA Cruises. “But well trained staff is absolutely required in order to use the whole features of these technologies. We are constantly training our staff to enable the best possible use of this modern equipment.”
At the luxury end of the market, Seabourn Cruise Line has introduced a tasting menu that offers a sample of 15 or so different dishes in one sitting, said Tony Egger, director of culinary and beverage operations at Seabourn.
Recruitment and Prices
Recruiting staff is on everyone’s mind, said Celebrity Crusies’ Jacques Van Staden, vice president of food and beverage. “It’s very difficult to find people. You find out that the Philippines has 5,000 people wanting work and, boom, they’re gone. Everybody is recruiting,” he said.
There is also the issue of the rising price of ingredients, how long they will last and their long-term supply. All this adds up to careful planning. “Cost is really a valuable part of planning,” said Weber. “We really have to be careful in selecting what products to use and how to use them and in what quantities, and of course we have to consider the cost.”
AIDA is also cost conscious, but Meissner said guest satisfaction has to come first. “Of course we are meeting the challenge of increasing prices for foodstuffs worldwide. But cooking is like fashion that’s permanently changing – so there is always a need for trendsetting,” he said. “Each and every product within the menu must be carefully checked and questioned. But guests’ satisfaction must always be the focus.”
Visual
There is much more to dining than taste and smell. Seeing good food can be just as important. Van Staden said the new Celebrity Solstice will add square and oval plates, not just circles, to better display the new menu to be rolled out on the ship. “You need a different type of canvas to do a different type of painting on,” he said. “With this plate perception, I can also cut that 12-ounce steak down to 9 ounces by slicing it, fanning it out, and making it look bigger. This helps cut costs while improving aesthetic charm.”
For more information or to book a cruise email me at jod@zanza.com.
The Cruise Experience - Praise or Criticism?
Cruise passengers’ glowing reviews at the end of a cruise might be legitimate and heartfelt, but that same passenger may give quite a different report a few days later in an online chat room. It’s sad but true: We remember the negative more than the positive.
The travel agents that spoke with Cruise Industry News for this article said, overall, former passengers universally praised cruising, however …
Word of Mouth
Some travel agents said they heard complaints about crew onboard NCL America’s Hawaii cruises. The passengers said some crew members were unaccommodating and failed to wow them. In some cases, this caused those passengers to lose confidence in Norwegian’s products – even those with more international crew.
The service complaints flew directly in the face of the industry’s biggest strong point: excellent customer service. “They have really taken a bad rap for the entire product, whereas it was really only a Hawaii-product problem,” said Dick Knorpp. “Unfortunately, a lot of the comment on the Hawaii product carried over to their Caribbean product, which wasn’t getting the same negative feedback.”
Carolyn Harper said West Coast customers were very excited about Hawaiian cruising, but were ultimately disappointed by lackluster service.
That said, many passengers love Freestyle-inspired cruising. Open dining has been a big hit for NCL.
Joan McCarty said some people aren’t happy unless they have something to complain about. McCarty said cruise chat rooms were full of concern when Royal Caribbean International purchased Celebrity Cruises. The worry was that under Royal Caribbean, Celebrity’s food quality would degrade. “The food is much better than it was 24 years ago when I started doing this,” McCarty said. Some people just can’t be pleased. “They’ve got to have something to whine about. If they don’t have something to whine about, they’re not happy.”
Embarkation/Disembarkation
The biggest gripe from passengers is the most obvious: there is only one way on and off the ship, which means queuing up in a line. "More, it’s getting on than getting off because people are eager to start their vacation, and they’re in that zigzag line all day,” said Bye. “The getting on is where we hear people say they have to wait forever.”
It’s easy to complain about the embarkations process, but doing something about the seemingly unavoidable bottleneck is much harder.
Attempts to put entertainment in the lines don’t really work, said Pickett. “It just creates more noise, really.”
Staggered and open disembarkation has helped, said Rudicil. Rather than waiting with everyone else to rush off the ship at once, passengers can leave at their leisure, or at least in smaller groups. “It’s getting better on a lot of cruise lines, but not all,” she said. Rich Skinner said: “It really is the chink in the armor. They look like refugees … their little bag in their arm, trying to get their color coded tag.” Skinner said he hoped innovative technology can someday improve the process.
Surprise Bills
What both travel agents and passengers don’t appreciate is the move toward more onboard revenue. Low ticket prices deprive agents of their commissions, while billing for ice cream and specialty coffee often pad an unwelcome bill at the end of a cruise.
More and more, Knorpp said, customers “feel they are being nickel and dimed onboard.” The bar drinks are more expensive and the reason ticket prices are low is clear, the push is for onboard spending. Accumulated gratuities, spa bills and other onboard add-ons are something agents should warn passengers about, Rudicil said. "The big bill at the end of the cruise always knocks a hole in the sail. There are so many more venues on these ships,” she said. “We used to say: ‘It’s all inclusive except for the alcohol; go have a ball;’ now, not so much.” Pickett and others pointed out that: “If a customer starts to complain about additional charges, it’s time to move them up to the luxury lines where it is all inclusive.”
Agents Matter
So are agents still important in the age of internet booking? It seems so, because many would-be passengers are still in the dark about cruising.
Despite all the lines’ branding, many people still think cruises are homogenous – that all lines are the same, said Evan Eggers. “The biggest complaint we hear is that they were advised by somebody to go on a line not right for their vacation personality,” Eggers said, stressing that the worst thing that can happen is for a couple seeking an intimate 100-passenger-type cruise to get on a 3,000-passenger ship.
Furthermore, many people think cruises only go to the Caribbean. Bye said almost every day someone calls and is shocked to learn cruise ships go to South America, Asia, the South Pacific, Africa and Antarctica.
To find the perfect cruise vacation for your personality and style email me at jod@zanza.com.
The travel agents that spoke with Cruise Industry News for this article said, overall, former passengers universally praised cruising, however …
Word of Mouth
Some travel agents said they heard complaints about crew onboard NCL America’s Hawaii cruises. The passengers said some crew members were unaccommodating and failed to wow them. In some cases, this caused those passengers to lose confidence in Norwegian’s products – even those with more international crew.
The service complaints flew directly in the face of the industry’s biggest strong point: excellent customer service. “They have really taken a bad rap for the entire product, whereas it was really only a Hawaii-product problem,” said Dick Knorpp. “Unfortunately, a lot of the comment on the Hawaii product carried over to their Caribbean product, which wasn’t getting the same negative feedback.”
Carolyn Harper said West Coast customers were very excited about Hawaiian cruising, but were ultimately disappointed by lackluster service.
That said, many passengers love Freestyle-inspired cruising. Open dining has been a big hit for NCL.
Joan McCarty said some people aren’t happy unless they have something to complain about. McCarty said cruise chat rooms were full of concern when Royal Caribbean International purchased Celebrity Cruises. The worry was that under Royal Caribbean, Celebrity’s food quality would degrade. “The food is much better than it was 24 years ago when I started doing this,” McCarty said. Some people just can’t be pleased. “They’ve got to have something to whine about. If they don’t have something to whine about, they’re not happy.”
Embarkation/Disembarkation
The biggest gripe from passengers is the most obvious: there is only one way on and off the ship, which means queuing up in a line. "More, it’s getting on than getting off because people are eager to start their vacation, and they’re in that zigzag line all day,” said Bye. “The getting on is where we hear people say they have to wait forever.”
It’s easy to complain about the embarkations process, but doing something about the seemingly unavoidable bottleneck is much harder.
Attempts to put entertainment in the lines don’t really work, said Pickett. “It just creates more noise, really.”
Staggered and open disembarkation has helped, said Rudicil. Rather than waiting with everyone else to rush off the ship at once, passengers can leave at their leisure, or at least in smaller groups. “It’s getting better on a lot of cruise lines, but not all,” she said. Rich Skinner said: “It really is the chink in the armor. They look like refugees … their little bag in their arm, trying to get their color coded tag.” Skinner said he hoped innovative technology can someday improve the process.
Surprise Bills
What both travel agents and passengers don’t appreciate is the move toward more onboard revenue. Low ticket prices deprive agents of their commissions, while billing for ice cream and specialty coffee often pad an unwelcome bill at the end of a cruise.
More and more, Knorpp said, customers “feel they are being nickel and dimed onboard.” The bar drinks are more expensive and the reason ticket prices are low is clear, the push is for onboard spending. Accumulated gratuities, spa bills and other onboard add-ons are something agents should warn passengers about, Rudicil said. "The big bill at the end of the cruise always knocks a hole in the sail. There are so many more venues on these ships,” she said. “We used to say: ‘It’s all inclusive except for the alcohol; go have a ball;’ now, not so much.” Pickett and others pointed out that: “If a customer starts to complain about additional charges, it’s time to move them up to the luxury lines where it is all inclusive.”
Agents Matter
So are agents still important in the age of internet booking? It seems so, because many would-be passengers are still in the dark about cruising.
Despite all the lines’ branding, many people still think cruises are homogenous – that all lines are the same, said Evan Eggers. “The biggest complaint we hear is that they were advised by somebody to go on a line not right for their vacation personality,” Eggers said, stressing that the worst thing that can happen is for a couple seeking an intimate 100-passenger-type cruise to get on a 3,000-passenger ship.
Furthermore, many people think cruises only go to the Caribbean. Bye said almost every day someone calls and is shocked to learn cruise ships go to South America, Asia, the South Pacific, Africa and Antarctica.
To find the perfect cruise vacation for your personality and style email me at jod@zanza.com.
Europe is Heating Up!
Europe is on a growth course. Of 51 new ships on the orderbook, 21 are for European brands. In addition, ships ordered for American-based cruise lines may be also dedicated to European markets, year-round or seasonally, as is the case with the Independence of the Seas.
The European growth is driven by the markets in the UK, Italy, Germany and Spain primarily, but also by France and other countries.
Leading Brands
The largest brands in the European markets are Costa Crociere with a 20 percent market share, followed by MSC Cruises, with 16 percent; AIDA, with 7 percent; Louis, 7 percent; P&O, 7 percent; and Pullmantur, 6 percent.
By 2012, the picture will change slightly, with Costa boosting its market share to 25 percent; MSC maintaining its 16 percent share; AIDA nearly doubling to 13 percent; P&O Cruises at 7.5 percent; Pullmantur 6.5 percent; and Louis at 6 percent.
Although Louis recently announced the purchase of two ships from the Star Group (NCL), the Norwegian Dream and the Norwegian Majesty, other Louis ships will be retired, so the line's passenger capacity and market share will not change much.
A new player in the market will be TUI Cruises, a joint venture between Royal Caribbean and TUI, which will start service with one ship in 2009, transferred from Royal Caribbean, while plans call for newbuildings to be introduced starting in 2011.
Main MarketsThe main European markets are the UK, dominated by P&O Cruises; Italy, dominated by Costa and MSC; Germany, dominated by AIDA; Spain dominated by Costa, Iberocruceros and Pullmantur; and France, dominated by Costa.
Being the largest market, the UK also supports the largest variety of brands, most of which are delivering a British product.
The German and Spanish brands are also tailored to their national markets, while Costa and MSC, based in Italy, offer a combination of pan-European, Italian and national products designed for other markets, including France, Germany and Spain.
In addition, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises and more recently NCL, also have ships sailing in Europe and the Caribbean, dedicated to European markets.
Moreover, Royal Caribbean and NCL will have ships in the Mediterranean during the winter, starting this year. PotentialEurope still has huge potential for the cruise industry, if the American model is valid. So far the market penetration is far behind the U.S. And there are more people living in Europe; they have a tradition of taking more vacations; and they have disposable income.
Cruise ports can be reached on the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Baltic coastlines, without necessarily adding flight costs.
For more information or to book a cruise in Europe please email me at jod@zanza.com.
The European growth is driven by the markets in the UK, Italy, Germany and Spain primarily, but also by France and other countries.
Leading Brands
The largest brands in the European markets are Costa Crociere with a 20 percent market share, followed by MSC Cruises, with 16 percent; AIDA, with 7 percent; Louis, 7 percent; P&O, 7 percent; and Pullmantur, 6 percent.
By 2012, the picture will change slightly, with Costa boosting its market share to 25 percent; MSC maintaining its 16 percent share; AIDA nearly doubling to 13 percent; P&O Cruises at 7.5 percent; Pullmantur 6.5 percent; and Louis at 6 percent.
Although Louis recently announced the purchase of two ships from the Star Group (NCL), the Norwegian Dream and the Norwegian Majesty, other Louis ships will be retired, so the line's passenger capacity and market share will not change much.
A new player in the market will be TUI Cruises, a joint venture between Royal Caribbean and TUI, which will start service with one ship in 2009, transferred from Royal Caribbean, while plans call for newbuildings to be introduced starting in 2011.
Main MarketsThe main European markets are the UK, dominated by P&O Cruises; Italy, dominated by Costa and MSC; Germany, dominated by AIDA; Spain dominated by Costa, Iberocruceros and Pullmantur; and France, dominated by Costa.
Being the largest market, the UK also supports the largest variety of brands, most of which are delivering a British product.
The German and Spanish brands are also tailored to their national markets, while Costa and MSC, based in Italy, offer a combination of pan-European, Italian and national products designed for other markets, including France, Germany and Spain.
In addition, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises and more recently NCL, also have ships sailing in Europe and the Caribbean, dedicated to European markets.
Moreover, Royal Caribbean and NCL will have ships in the Mediterranean during the winter, starting this year. PotentialEurope still has huge potential for the cruise industry, if the American model is valid. So far the market penetration is far behind the U.S. And there are more people living in Europe; they have a tradition of taking more vacations; and they have disposable income.
Cruise ports can be reached on the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Baltic coastlines, without necessarily adding flight costs.
For more information or to book a cruise in Europe please email me at jod@zanza.com.
Designing Tomorrow’s Interior Innovations
Cruise-ship interior designers perform an interesting juggling act. Each generation of ships must take design a step beyond, but not run too far ahead and lose its passengers.
Shipowners and design teams work together to keep a step ahead while remaining true to the brand.
“Generally the industry is developing organically, with very few significant leaps in the evolution. Every new invention pushes the boundary a small step forward,” said Fredrik Johansson, a senior architect with Tillberg Design. “Space is luxury,” Johansson said. Maximizing the “perceived space” has become a major part of basic master planning.
Big Spaces Without Herding
A. Scott Butler, director at Wilson Butler Architects, said he wanted to take advantage of the scale of the newest ships by creating the same variety of venues that a small city might provide.
Both the Oasis and Solstice ships feature deliberate “neighborhoods” accentuated by similar design traits that distinguish them from other areas on the ship, Butler said.
Arnold Bos, managing director at VFD Architects, likened designing large ships to making “a path through the forest.” It’s good for passengers to find private places, “places for people to hide.”
Helena Ahokas, an architect with Arkitektbyrån, said it is important to have points where passengers can look down and have an overview of the whole ship. “The most important thing is that it must be easy to find your way around the ship without getting confused,” Ahokas said. “This can be done by making the plan layout simple and clear.”
The Great Wide Open
Outdoor areas like Royal Caribbean’s Promenade and Central Park concepts are in demand, said Andy Yuill, managing director of SMC Design. “Passengers now expect outdoor areas and features comparable to or even better than they find in similar land-based resorts. The fact that these exterior elements are onboard a cruise vessel sometimes offers an extra dimension that would not exist on land,” Yuill said.
Cruise architect and designer Joe Farcus said spa space is also in high demand, with private spa-bound elevators on Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships growing in popularity.
Light Emitting Diode (LED) systems allow an amazing versatility in lighting options, said Cecilia Kinnison, founder of Kinnison Design. “It’s not just on and off. It can be color changing and fading,” Kinnison said. The LED technology is also more energy efficient and produces far less heat than traditional light bulbs, thus requiring less air conditioning. Kinnison said there is also an “unwritten consensus” to not use rainforest woods, the logging of which leads to deforestation. Instead, she and other designers are looking into composites that offer interesting natural-looking grains. “We have to be extremely open-minded with regards to design concepts and themes. Even if we do not love everything we design, we have to do it perfectly,” said Tillberg’s Johanson. “One of the most important aspects of our job is thereby the ability to step outside our own personal taste, and provide something that is spot-on right for that particular client – or rather the client's customers – the passenger segment that the shipowner wants to attract.”
Not Fashion Victims
Farcus said technological advances will always be part of design innovations, but shouldn’t be at the whim of fashion. “Technology changes, as well as facilities, onboard activities, food and entertainment. The challenge has always been to stay ahead of the curve, but in an innovative way, which is not derived from fashion, but rather from experience, creativity, and innovation,” Farcus said. “Technology always progresses and we keep this moving on our ships to give the best state-of-the-art lighting and entertainment systems possible.” In the end, Farcus said, interior ship designing is like story telling: “It’s like writing a story, and its success is like a real page turner. I see the mixture of designs as one composition actually, even though the design is an eclectic mix of styles. The results are not unlike an ideal holiday city, where there are always interesting places to visit and enjoy.”
For more information or to book a cruise email me at jod@zanza.com.
Shipowners and design teams work together to keep a step ahead while remaining true to the brand.
“Generally the industry is developing organically, with very few significant leaps in the evolution. Every new invention pushes the boundary a small step forward,” said Fredrik Johansson, a senior architect with Tillberg Design. “Space is luxury,” Johansson said. Maximizing the “perceived space” has become a major part of basic master planning.
Big Spaces Without Herding
A. Scott Butler, director at Wilson Butler Architects, said he wanted to take advantage of the scale of the newest ships by creating the same variety of venues that a small city might provide.
Both the Oasis and Solstice ships feature deliberate “neighborhoods” accentuated by similar design traits that distinguish them from other areas on the ship, Butler said.
Arnold Bos, managing director at VFD Architects, likened designing large ships to making “a path through the forest.” It’s good for passengers to find private places, “places for people to hide.”
Helena Ahokas, an architect with Arkitektbyrån, said it is important to have points where passengers can look down and have an overview of the whole ship. “The most important thing is that it must be easy to find your way around the ship without getting confused,” Ahokas said. “This can be done by making the plan layout simple and clear.”
The Great Wide Open
Outdoor areas like Royal Caribbean’s Promenade and Central Park concepts are in demand, said Andy Yuill, managing director of SMC Design. “Passengers now expect outdoor areas and features comparable to or even better than they find in similar land-based resorts. The fact that these exterior elements are onboard a cruise vessel sometimes offers an extra dimension that would not exist on land,” Yuill said.
Cruise architect and designer Joe Farcus said spa space is also in high demand, with private spa-bound elevators on Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships growing in popularity.
Light Emitting Diode (LED) systems allow an amazing versatility in lighting options, said Cecilia Kinnison, founder of Kinnison Design. “It’s not just on and off. It can be color changing and fading,” Kinnison said. The LED technology is also more energy efficient and produces far less heat than traditional light bulbs, thus requiring less air conditioning. Kinnison said there is also an “unwritten consensus” to not use rainforest woods, the logging of which leads to deforestation. Instead, she and other designers are looking into composites that offer interesting natural-looking grains. “We have to be extremely open-minded with regards to design concepts and themes. Even if we do not love everything we design, we have to do it perfectly,” said Tillberg’s Johanson. “One of the most important aspects of our job is thereby the ability to step outside our own personal taste, and provide something that is spot-on right for that particular client – or rather the client's customers – the passenger segment that the shipowner wants to attract.”
Not Fashion Victims
Farcus said technological advances will always be part of design innovations, but shouldn’t be at the whim of fashion. “Technology changes, as well as facilities, onboard activities, food and entertainment. The challenge has always been to stay ahead of the curve, but in an innovative way, which is not derived from fashion, but rather from experience, creativity, and innovation,” Farcus said. “Technology always progresses and we keep this moving on our ships to give the best state-of-the-art lighting and entertainment systems possible.” In the end, Farcus said, interior ship designing is like story telling: “It’s like writing a story, and its success is like a real page turner. I see the mixture of designs as one composition actually, even though the design is an eclectic mix of styles. The results are not unlike an ideal holiday city, where there are always interesting places to visit and enjoy.”
For more information or to book a cruise email me at jod@zanza.com.
What goes into planning an itinerary?
Itinerary planning requires a combination of talent, including knowledge of revenue management, logistics and geography at the very least.
An itinerary must be attractive enough so that people want to go there and pay for it – and simply put, the more they are willing to pay, the more successful that itinerary will be. The logistics part ensures that an itinerary fits within a defined cruise length, for instance, seven days, from a given port; that there is airlift; destination infrastructure to handle the ship, the crew and the passengers.
And geography is important as the industry explores new itineraries and new parts of the world.
Itinerary planning is an ongoing process where the parameters keep changing – impacted by market preferences - where passengers want to go, congestion, fuel prices, port costs and taxes, world events and more.
Market forces have contributed to the growth of the cruise industry in Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean, but also in South America, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, Down Under and the Far East. In this issue, we have talked to itinerary planners at the leading cruise lines who explain some of the reasoning going into ship deployments and new programs.
The Caribbean is the single largest sailing region in the world, “the heart and soul of the industry,” despite the focus on Europe and more exotic destinations. And the Caribbean island nations are working to maintain their share of the business. The trend driving more growth elsewhere can be attributed partially to experienced cruisers, who have been to the Caribbean and now want to go somewhere else, and to growing foreign markets, whether in Europe, South America or Down Under, with passengers who prefer to cruise closer to home.
It is up to the cruise lines and the Caribbean to attract more new passengers and to convince experienced cruisers to return whether with new ships or new shoreside experiences.
The luxury and expedition lines, meanwhile, tend to sail different seas. To have bragging rights or offer authentic experiences, the luxury lines go to "famous" places, and the adventure and expedition ships tend to go to more remote locations or offer unique experiences in popular ports. The chief executives of the leading companies have shared their thinking with us, and we hope you will find their comments as interesting as we did. The good news is that every market segment is in a growth mode, which bodes well for ports, tour operators and other companies servicing the industry worldwide. But that does not mean that the business will simply come. It is not automatic. Cruise ships will sail where passengers want to go and to destinations that can be reached without excessive costs and also help drive shore excursion revenues.
Therein lies the challenge for ports and destinations, and opportunities for cruise lines, to work together to develop their products. The objective is the same: a happy passenger who will want to cruise again.
For more information email me at jod@zanza.com.
An itinerary must be attractive enough so that people want to go there and pay for it – and simply put, the more they are willing to pay, the more successful that itinerary will be. The logistics part ensures that an itinerary fits within a defined cruise length, for instance, seven days, from a given port; that there is airlift; destination infrastructure to handle the ship, the crew and the passengers.
And geography is important as the industry explores new itineraries and new parts of the world.
Itinerary planning is an ongoing process where the parameters keep changing – impacted by market preferences - where passengers want to go, congestion, fuel prices, port costs and taxes, world events and more.
Market forces have contributed to the growth of the cruise industry in Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean, but also in South America, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, Down Under and the Far East. In this issue, we have talked to itinerary planners at the leading cruise lines who explain some of the reasoning going into ship deployments and new programs.
The Caribbean is the single largest sailing region in the world, “the heart and soul of the industry,” despite the focus on Europe and more exotic destinations. And the Caribbean island nations are working to maintain their share of the business. The trend driving more growth elsewhere can be attributed partially to experienced cruisers, who have been to the Caribbean and now want to go somewhere else, and to growing foreign markets, whether in Europe, South America or Down Under, with passengers who prefer to cruise closer to home.
It is up to the cruise lines and the Caribbean to attract more new passengers and to convince experienced cruisers to return whether with new ships or new shoreside experiences.
The luxury and expedition lines, meanwhile, tend to sail different seas. To have bragging rights or offer authentic experiences, the luxury lines go to "famous" places, and the adventure and expedition ships tend to go to more remote locations or offer unique experiences in popular ports. The chief executives of the leading companies have shared their thinking with us, and we hope you will find their comments as interesting as we did. The good news is that every market segment is in a growth mode, which bodes well for ports, tour operators and other companies servicing the industry worldwide. But that does not mean that the business will simply come. It is not automatic. Cruise ships will sail where passengers want to go and to destinations that can be reached without excessive costs and also help drive shore excursion revenues.
Therein lies the challenge for ports and destinations, and opportunities for cruise lines, to work together to develop their products. The objective is the same: a happy passenger who will want to cruise again.
For more information email me at jod@zanza.com.
Itineraries - new markets and destinations are emerging.
With the globalization of the cruise industry, more ships are spanning the globe. While the cruise companies are tapping into new markets worldwide, their existing customer base is also looking for new experiences. In addition, passengers are willing to spend more for a cruise that is perceived to be more exotic. The combination is driving new deployments and itineraries.
The big benefactor is the Mediterranean, where more ships are sailing a longer season – from April and May through November and into December – and some are staying through the winter as well.
More ships are also sailing seasonally in South America, sourcing both South American and North American passengers, and Down Under, in Australia and New Zealand, sourcing passengers locally and from international markets.
Western-owned ships are also experimenting with Asian passenger sourcing mixed with international passengers and Asian deployment.
“Heart and Soul”
Still, the Caribbean remains “the heart and soul” of the industry as one itinerary planner put it. The Caribbean benefits from being close to the single largest cruise market, North America; the European heritage of its island nations; and by being the only true year-round sailing region.
But because of industry trends, the Caribbean's share of the total worldwide cruise market has been declining in recent years, from more than 50 percent five years ago, to less than 40 percent in 2008. By comparison, the Mediterranean has grown from 15 percent to nearly 22 percent over the same five years.
The shift can partially be attributed to too many ships being introduced in short order in the Caribbean, putting a downward pressure on pricing, while pricing in Europe remained strong. Thus, the North American ships have followed the money, so to speak, and sailed to Europe where the European-based cruise lines have also been growing and putting more ships into service. New hardware, however, promises to drive Caribbean growth and market share up again with the arrival of new, bigger classes of ships from the leading cruise operators. In addition, as the European fleet grows, more European ships will also be destined for winter service in the Caribbean.
Growth Markets
The third largest market, which is seeing strong growth year-over-year, is the Mexican Riviera, building traffic with more ships sailing from Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, and more ports being developed on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Alaska is also maintaining its share, despite the infamous $50 head tax, and capacity is up over last year.
New England and Canada will also be seeing growth, driven partially by the traditional fall foliage season, but also by more ships being deployed on the East Coast. The trans-Atlantic trade is also up, with more ships going to Europe and from Europe to the Caribbean.
The big loser is Hawaii, where cruise capacity will be down almost 50 percent after NCL America’s two ships are pulled out, leaving only one ship year-round in the market.
Perspective
Despite the headlines touting China and other exotic destinations, 75 percent of the cruise capacity will sail in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Mexican Riviera and Alaska in 2008.
That is not to say that other regions are not important, and that they do not have potential.
With a growing base of experienced passengers wanting to see new destinations, and with new markets being developed in Europe, South America and elsewhere, more ships are expected to sail to new or previously underdeveloped destinations. Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International, contemporary brands appealing to a mass market, are good examples. Carnival, which has traditionally focused on the Caribbean, will have two ships in Europe this year and will also sail around South America.
Royal Caribbean will be the single largest North American brand in Europe and will also have four ships dedicated to foreign markets, sailing out of Southampton in the summer, and from Santo Domingo and Colon and in Asia during the winter.
In addition, Costa Crociere will have two ships year-round in Asia and sails seasonally from Dubai and Mauritius.
And AIDA Cruises will sail from New York to New England and Canada this fall with German passengers.Who could have foreseen this development only a few years ago? Tomorrow is full of possibilities.
For more information or to book a cruise anywhere in the World email me at jod@zanza.com.
The big benefactor is the Mediterranean, where more ships are sailing a longer season – from April and May through November and into December – and some are staying through the winter as well.
More ships are also sailing seasonally in South America, sourcing both South American and North American passengers, and Down Under, in Australia and New Zealand, sourcing passengers locally and from international markets.
Western-owned ships are also experimenting with Asian passenger sourcing mixed with international passengers and Asian deployment.
“Heart and Soul”
Still, the Caribbean remains “the heart and soul” of the industry as one itinerary planner put it. The Caribbean benefits from being close to the single largest cruise market, North America; the European heritage of its island nations; and by being the only true year-round sailing region.
But because of industry trends, the Caribbean's share of the total worldwide cruise market has been declining in recent years, from more than 50 percent five years ago, to less than 40 percent in 2008. By comparison, the Mediterranean has grown from 15 percent to nearly 22 percent over the same five years.
The shift can partially be attributed to too many ships being introduced in short order in the Caribbean, putting a downward pressure on pricing, while pricing in Europe remained strong. Thus, the North American ships have followed the money, so to speak, and sailed to Europe where the European-based cruise lines have also been growing and putting more ships into service. New hardware, however, promises to drive Caribbean growth and market share up again with the arrival of new, bigger classes of ships from the leading cruise operators. In addition, as the European fleet grows, more European ships will also be destined for winter service in the Caribbean.
Growth Markets
The third largest market, which is seeing strong growth year-over-year, is the Mexican Riviera, building traffic with more ships sailing from Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, and more ports being developed on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Alaska is also maintaining its share, despite the infamous $50 head tax, and capacity is up over last year.
New England and Canada will also be seeing growth, driven partially by the traditional fall foliage season, but also by more ships being deployed on the East Coast. The trans-Atlantic trade is also up, with more ships going to Europe and from Europe to the Caribbean.
The big loser is Hawaii, where cruise capacity will be down almost 50 percent after NCL America’s two ships are pulled out, leaving only one ship year-round in the market.
Perspective
Despite the headlines touting China and other exotic destinations, 75 percent of the cruise capacity will sail in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Mexican Riviera and Alaska in 2008.
That is not to say that other regions are not important, and that they do not have potential.
With a growing base of experienced passengers wanting to see new destinations, and with new markets being developed in Europe, South America and elsewhere, more ships are expected to sail to new or previously underdeveloped destinations. Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International, contemporary brands appealing to a mass market, are good examples. Carnival, which has traditionally focused on the Caribbean, will have two ships in Europe this year and will also sail around South America.
Royal Caribbean will be the single largest North American brand in Europe and will also have four ships dedicated to foreign markets, sailing out of Southampton in the summer, and from Santo Domingo and Colon and in Asia during the winter.
In addition, Costa Crociere will have two ships year-round in Asia and sails seasonally from Dubai and Mauritius.
And AIDA Cruises will sail from New York to New England and Canada this fall with German passengers.Who could have foreseen this development only a few years ago? Tomorrow is full of possibilities.
For more information or to book a cruise anywhere in the World email me at jod@zanza.com.
Luxury and Adventure oriented cruises are growing quickly.
The luxury and adventure markets are two separate niche markets. While luxury passengers may seek enrichment on their cruise, some may want to sip a martini in Monaco or have lunch in Portofino. But the true adventure passenger wants to experience enrichment whether that includes paddling up an African river or jumping ashore on the Polar ice cap.
While luxury cruises all command high per diems, the adventure lines offer a range of per diems, but at the top end, command pricing comparable to the luxury lines.The luxury market has an annual passenger capacity of approximately 250,000 on a worldwide basis concentrated on a handful of brands, while the core adventure lines carry about half that or more, depending on the definition of an adventure cruise.
Both niches, however, are in a growth mode, with new and refurbished ships entering service over the next few years.
Luxury
The luxury brands have recovered nicely after being hit by a combination of 9/11 and the introduction of new capacity at the same time. Executives interviewed by Cruise Industry News (CIN) said that 2007 was a great year, and in one case producing the highest net rates in the company’s history.
This upswing has in turn led to new ship-orders from Seabourn Cruise Line, which first ordered two ships and then later added a third, and one by Silversea Cruises, plus an option. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has said that it will also order a new ship in 2008. The new ships, which are all larger than their companies’ present generations, will be entering service in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Crystal Cruises told CIN that it is discussing a new ship with its parent company, but an order did not seem imminent.
Regent Seven Seas is the largest brand in the luxury market based on passenger capacity and will remain so even after the introduction of newbuildings by Seabourn and Silversea, because its ships are larger. Crystal is the second largest brand in terms of capacity.
In addition to these four North American-based brands, Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd is also in the luxury market segment with one ship, the Europa.
Adventure
The adventure and expedition market covers a variety of companies, from tour operators to long-established shipowners and charterers such as Hapag-Lloyd, Lindblad and Travel Dynamics, and newcomers such as Orion Expedition Cruises and Pearl Seas Cruises, offering different levels of adventure. Hurtigruten has, since a few years ago, also entered into this market with cruises in Antarctica, Greenland and Spitsbergen.
In addition is a variety of smaller operators in the Galapagos, out of South America to Antarctica, and elsewhere. So, adventure cruising is a bit comparable to an iceberg, as there is much more to it than meets the eye.
The products covered in this issue range from relatively basic to luxurious and hardcore adventure cruising. Prices range from around $150 a day to more than $800 a day.The common denominator is learning: The passengers are well-educated, well-traveled, often affluent, and interested in learning. Most have cruised before.
This market can only grow. Hence, among the established operators, Grand Circle is introducing another new ship this March; Lindblad is introducing a new ship later this year, and Travel Dynamics is introducing two more ships in 2009. Market PotentialAs the baby-boomer generation grows older and more affluent and as the cruise industry generates more experienced passengers, the markets for luxury and adventure cruises are also expected to grow.
In 2008, the luxury market represents less than 2 percent of the total worldwide cruise capacity, and the adventure and expedition segment, 1 percent to 2 percent (depending on how broadly the market is defined).
For more information or to book a luxury or adventure cruise email me at jod@zanza.com.
While luxury cruises all command high per diems, the adventure lines offer a range of per diems, but at the top end, command pricing comparable to the luxury lines.The luxury market has an annual passenger capacity of approximately 250,000 on a worldwide basis concentrated on a handful of brands, while the core adventure lines carry about half that or more, depending on the definition of an adventure cruise.
Both niches, however, are in a growth mode, with new and refurbished ships entering service over the next few years.
Luxury
The luxury brands have recovered nicely after being hit by a combination of 9/11 and the introduction of new capacity at the same time. Executives interviewed by Cruise Industry News (CIN) said that 2007 was a great year, and in one case producing the highest net rates in the company’s history.
This upswing has in turn led to new ship-orders from Seabourn Cruise Line, which first ordered two ships and then later added a third, and one by Silversea Cruises, plus an option. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has said that it will also order a new ship in 2008. The new ships, which are all larger than their companies’ present generations, will be entering service in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Crystal Cruises told CIN that it is discussing a new ship with its parent company, but an order did not seem imminent.
Regent Seven Seas is the largest brand in the luxury market based on passenger capacity and will remain so even after the introduction of newbuildings by Seabourn and Silversea, because its ships are larger. Crystal is the second largest brand in terms of capacity.
In addition to these four North American-based brands, Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd is also in the luxury market segment with one ship, the Europa.
Adventure
The adventure and expedition market covers a variety of companies, from tour operators to long-established shipowners and charterers such as Hapag-Lloyd, Lindblad and Travel Dynamics, and newcomers such as Orion Expedition Cruises and Pearl Seas Cruises, offering different levels of adventure. Hurtigruten has, since a few years ago, also entered into this market with cruises in Antarctica, Greenland and Spitsbergen.
In addition is a variety of smaller operators in the Galapagos, out of South America to Antarctica, and elsewhere. So, adventure cruising is a bit comparable to an iceberg, as there is much more to it than meets the eye.
The products covered in this issue range from relatively basic to luxurious and hardcore adventure cruising. Prices range from around $150 a day to more than $800 a day.The common denominator is learning: The passengers are well-educated, well-traveled, often affluent, and interested in learning. Most have cruised before.
This market can only grow. Hence, among the established operators, Grand Circle is introducing another new ship this March; Lindblad is introducing a new ship later this year, and Travel Dynamics is introducing two more ships in 2009. Market PotentialAs the baby-boomer generation grows older and more affluent and as the cruise industry generates more experienced passengers, the markets for luxury and adventure cruises are also expected to grow.
In 2008, the luxury market represents less than 2 percent of the total worldwide cruise capacity, and the adventure and expedition segment, 1 percent to 2 percent (depending on how broadly the market is defined).
For more information or to book a luxury or adventure cruise email me at jod@zanza.com.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Play Golf on Your Next Cruise!
You Don't Have to Leave the Clubs on the Dock!
Many dual career couples have a quandary when it comes to vacation planning. HE is a golf enthusiast ("nut") and spends all of his free time on the course. SHE wants to see the sights, shop, and relax on the beach or by the pool. They both only have limited vacation time each year. One of the best things about cruising is that it has something for everyone of all ages. Couples or traveling companions can vacation together without spending ALL of their time together.
For the golf nuts, you don't have to worry about losing your edge when going off on a cruise for a week or more. Most cruise ships offer driving cages and putting "greens" to help keep your skills sharp. Some even have elaborate miniature golf courses that are fun for everyone, young and old. All of the major cruise lines offer you a chance to play golf ashore as part of an organized shore excursion, if there is a course nearby. You can bring your own clubs or rent them.
Golf is played world-wide, and cruising has become a world-wide vacation opportunity. You can play ashore on almost every continent. (NOT Antarctica!) If you are traveling to the Caribbean, Mexico, the British Isles, Bahamas, or Bermuda, golf is usually a shore excursion option at least one day on the cruise. New Zealand, Australia, and the South Seas' itineraries also sometimes include a golf package. Some cruises porting in Spain offer an opportunity to play at Valderrama, one of the world's top 50 golf courses. Silversea Cruises even offers the opportunity to play courses in Africa as a part of its Silver Links Golf Cruise program!
Carnival Cruises has expanded its golf program to include some marvelous golf courses world wide. In addition, the cruise line has an arrangement with Calloway Golf to use their clubs in their equipment rental packages. Carnival also offers onboard instruction for passengers.
Barge cruises also sometimes offer golf-theme trips. European Waterways has "golf barging" on 8 ships carrying 4-12 passengers in 4 countries. You can cruise the rivers and canals (and golf) of England, Scotland, Ireland, and France. On one of the barge cruises, you can even play at Royal St. Georges in England, one of the courses used by the British Open on a rotating basis.
Golf courses around the world are now open for play to the golf/cruise enthusiast.
Zanza Travel Services concierge Jo Dyson offers exclusive golf cruises for him and her on most major cruise lines. In addition, why not "kill two birds with one stone" and combine his love for golf with her love for getting pampered and shopping?
Contact Jo at jod@zanza.com for additional information on golf cruises for couples and groups alike.
Many dual career couples have a quandary when it comes to vacation planning. HE is a golf enthusiast ("nut") and spends all of his free time on the course. SHE wants to see the sights, shop, and relax on the beach or by the pool. They both only have limited vacation time each year. One of the best things about cruising is that it has something for everyone of all ages. Couples or traveling companions can vacation together without spending ALL of their time together.
For the golf nuts, you don't have to worry about losing your edge when going off on a cruise for a week or more. Most cruise ships offer driving cages and putting "greens" to help keep your skills sharp. Some even have elaborate miniature golf courses that are fun for everyone, young and old. All of the major cruise lines offer you a chance to play golf ashore as part of an organized shore excursion, if there is a course nearby. You can bring your own clubs or rent them.
Golf is played world-wide, and cruising has become a world-wide vacation opportunity. You can play ashore on almost every continent. (NOT Antarctica!) If you are traveling to the Caribbean, Mexico, the British Isles, Bahamas, or Bermuda, golf is usually a shore excursion option at least one day on the cruise. New Zealand, Australia, and the South Seas' itineraries also sometimes include a golf package. Some cruises porting in Spain offer an opportunity to play at Valderrama, one of the world's top 50 golf courses. Silversea Cruises even offers the opportunity to play courses in Africa as a part of its Silver Links Golf Cruise program!
Carnival Cruises has expanded its golf program to include some marvelous golf courses world wide. In addition, the cruise line has an arrangement with Calloway Golf to use their clubs in their equipment rental packages. Carnival also offers onboard instruction for passengers.
Barge cruises also sometimes offer golf-theme trips. European Waterways has "golf barging" on 8 ships carrying 4-12 passengers in 4 countries. You can cruise the rivers and canals (and golf) of England, Scotland, Ireland, and France. On one of the barge cruises, you can even play at Royal St. Georges in England, one of the courses used by the British Open on a rotating basis.
Golf courses around the world are now open for play to the golf/cruise enthusiast.
Zanza Travel Services concierge Jo Dyson offers exclusive golf cruises for him and her on most major cruise lines. In addition, why not "kill two birds with one stone" and combine his love for golf with her love for getting pampered and shopping?
Contact Jo at jod@zanza.com for additional information on golf cruises for couples and groups alike.
Beat the Euro exchange rate and book a cruise.
British holiday makers wanting to get away to Europe this summer are looking to cruise holidays to avoid being caught out by the euro exchange rate.
British cruise lines are offering a wide range of holidays to Europe this summer, where holiday makers can pay for the inclusive trip and their onboard spend in sterling, thereby avoiding wasting valuable spending money on the unfavourable exchange rate. American cruise lines like Princess Cruises have a dollar currency onboard, therefore offering passengers additional savings with half priced drinks, shore excursions and shopping.
Carnival UK chief executive officer, David Dingle, said “Travelling toEurope is currently seen as an expensive holiday option due to the weak Sterling against the Euro, but British holiday makers do not need to miss out.
“Cruise holidays have always offered excellent value for money but with the current exchange rate relationships, cruises are now one of the most costeffective ways to visit Europe.“Real savings can be made by families this summer as all the little extras which turn out to be not so little, in hotels and resorts, like supervised children's clubs, night nursery and children's entertainment are all included in the cost of a cruise.”There are still some good cruise deals to be had for this summer and early booking is suggested for 2009.
For additional information on cruises to Europe contact me at jod@zanza.com
British cruise lines are offering a wide range of holidays to Europe this summer, where holiday makers can pay for the inclusive trip and their onboard spend in sterling, thereby avoiding wasting valuable spending money on the unfavourable exchange rate. American cruise lines like Princess Cruises have a dollar currency onboard, therefore offering passengers additional savings with half priced drinks, shore excursions and shopping.
Carnival UK chief executive officer, David Dingle, said “Travelling toEurope is currently seen as an expensive holiday option due to the weak Sterling against the Euro, but British holiday makers do not need to miss out.
“Cruise holidays have always offered excellent value for money but with the current exchange rate relationships, cruises are now one of the most costeffective ways to visit Europe.“Real savings can be made by families this summer as all the little extras which turn out to be not so little, in hotels and resorts, like supervised children's clubs, night nursery and children's entertainment are all included in the cost of a cruise.”There are still some good cruise deals to be had for this summer and early booking is suggested for 2009.
For additional information on cruises to Europe contact me at jod@zanza.com
Spa Chef Jacky Oberti to Host Wellness Culinary Program for Silversea Guests.
Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises, through its partnership with Monte Carlo's Societe des Bains de Mer, has lined up renowned spa chef Jacky Oberti to host a wellness culinary program aboard Silver Whisper's July 5, Athens-to-Venice cruise.
Chef Oberti presides over the kitchens of L'Hirondelle, the gourmet restaurant at Les Thermes Marins, the celebrated spa and fitness center that serves the well-heeled guests of both the Hotel Hermitage and the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo. At L'Hirondelle, Oberti, a trained nutritionist and native of southern France, uses only the freshest local ingredients to serve up a healthy, low-calorie cuisine with a delicious Mediterranean flair.
"We're delighted to be able to welcome Chef Oberti aboard Silver Whisper," said Salah Chetbi, Silversea's director of food and beverage operations. "This will be a wonderful opportunity for our guests to enjoy his inspired spa menu selections and also learn how they, too, can prepare healthy meals at home without sacrificing taste."
Frederic Darnet, director of Les Thermes Marins, commented, "It's a pleasure to team up with Silversea to create this type of unique enrichment program. We're very excited to introduce Chef Oberti to Silversea's guests, giving them a chance to discover and sample some of the light and flavorful menu options that complement the wellness program at Les Thermes Marins."Oberti will present his unique gastronomic style and cooking methods in the ship's demonstration culinary theater. Custom-designed by Viking Range Corporation, the theater is equipped with state-of-the-art induction stove, sophisticated convection-microwave oven and Viking professional-caliber cookware, cutlery and countertop appliances -- plus a large rear projection screen so guests can easily view different cooking techniques and utensils. A selection of Oberti's signature dishes will be featured nightly in The Restaurant, the ship's main dining venue, and he will also prepare a special "wellness" risotto to be served every evening in the specialty restaurant La Terrazza.Another health-themed highlight of this voyage will be a water-tasting event that (like a wine tasting) will give guests a chance to sniff and sample some of the world's finest still and sparkling waters. And the nightly turn-down service will be enhanced with a selection of wellness-themed amenities.
Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents. In the U.S., Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler nine times and six times by the readers of Travel & Leisure. International awards include "World's Leading Luxury Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2007); "Five Star Diamond Award" from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); "Number One" small-ship line in the Readers' Choice" survey conducted by Britain's Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Spain's Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); "Best Small Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel Magazine (2007); and "Best Luxury Cruise Operator" according to Asia's Travel Weekly (2007).
For more information or to book a cruise on Silversea contact me at jod@zanza.com.
Chef Oberti presides over the kitchens of L'Hirondelle, the gourmet restaurant at Les Thermes Marins, the celebrated spa and fitness center that serves the well-heeled guests of both the Hotel Hermitage and the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo. At L'Hirondelle, Oberti, a trained nutritionist and native of southern France, uses only the freshest local ingredients to serve up a healthy, low-calorie cuisine with a delicious Mediterranean flair.
"We're delighted to be able to welcome Chef Oberti aboard Silver Whisper," said Salah Chetbi, Silversea's director of food and beverage operations. "This will be a wonderful opportunity for our guests to enjoy his inspired spa menu selections and also learn how they, too, can prepare healthy meals at home without sacrificing taste."
Frederic Darnet, director of Les Thermes Marins, commented, "It's a pleasure to team up with Silversea to create this type of unique enrichment program. We're very excited to introduce Chef Oberti to Silversea's guests, giving them a chance to discover and sample some of the light and flavorful menu options that complement the wellness program at Les Thermes Marins."Oberti will present his unique gastronomic style and cooking methods in the ship's demonstration culinary theater. Custom-designed by Viking Range Corporation, the theater is equipped with state-of-the-art induction stove, sophisticated convection-microwave oven and Viking professional-caliber cookware, cutlery and countertop appliances -- plus a large rear projection screen so guests can easily view different cooking techniques and utensils. A selection of Oberti's signature dishes will be featured nightly in The Restaurant, the ship's main dining venue, and he will also prepare a special "wellness" risotto to be served every evening in the specialty restaurant La Terrazza.Another health-themed highlight of this voyage will be a water-tasting event that (like a wine tasting) will give guests a chance to sniff and sample some of the world's finest still and sparkling waters. And the nightly turn-down service will be enhanced with a selection of wellness-themed amenities.
Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents. In the U.S., Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler nine times and six times by the readers of Travel & Leisure. International awards include "World's Leading Luxury Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2007); "Five Star Diamond Award" from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); "Number One" small-ship line in the Readers' Choice" survey conducted by Britain's Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Spain's Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); "Best Small Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel Magazine (2007); and "Best Luxury Cruise Operator" according to Asia's Travel Weekly (2007).
For more information or to book a cruise on Silversea contact me at jod@zanza.com.
NCL Redefines Nightlife at Sea.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has revealed its vision for the future of nighttime experiences at sea designed specifically for its two next generation of Freestyle Cruising ships, F3, set to debut in 2010. From Riviera chic and Ibiza style to Miami trendy and Vegas flair, the nightclubs on NCL’s new F3 ships will create never-before-seen experiences at sea and feature multiple uses for day or night, along with exclusive, adult-only venues.
Five of the ships’ distinct hotspots were revealed at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas at the hotel’s private Venus Pool to press, NCL’s Partnership 2.0 Advisory Board, local travel partners and consumers flown in for the event. The five venues include the industry’s first true Ice Bar; POSH Beach Club, a first of its kind beach club at sea that offers an exclusive, adults-only setting at the top of the ship; Halo, the Über Bar, a private bar and lounge in the ship-within-a-ship villa complex; Bliss Ultra Lounge, NCL’s all-day entertainment and nightclub complex with four-lane bowling alley; and Spice H20, an adults-only aft pool deck experience. With these signature outlets, NCL’s nightclub experience will rival even Vegas’ energy and passion for nightlife. “There is nothing ordinary about these ships. The F3s are unconventionally extraordinary,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. “Every experience on board will be unique and like no other. F3 won’t have massive void spaces and rooms only used for one thing.
What’s particularly unique about these spaces is they will have multiple uses – sunning, bowling, dining and, of course, party playgrounds. But this is just the beginning. We have a lot more to reveal in the upcoming months so stay tuned.”NCL’s Ice Bar – chill out and chat up. Inspired by the original ice bars and ice hotels in Scandinavia and one of only 14 ice bars in the world, the cruise industry’s first true ice bar is the ultimate chill. This frozen chamber of iced vodka is set in changing hues of blue, green and purple LED lighting that simulates the Northern Lights and creates a distinctive arctic atmosphere. The centerpiece is a giant ice cube that glows and changes colors as the hottest techno beats add to the energy of this unique nightlife attraction. In addition, NCL’s Ice Bar features a bar, walls, tables, stools, glasses and life-size sculptures all made from ice. Located on deck seven, Ice Bar will accommodate 25 guests who will be given fur coats, gloves and hats to keep them warm, since the room’s temperature will not rise above 17 degrees Fahrenheit – creating the ultimate chill. To enter, guests will pay a cover charge with a drink or drinks included.
POSH Beach Club – the best nightlife day or night. Adult guests who purchase a POSH pass for the day or the week will take a private glass elevator to enter this luxurious and exclusive outdoor entertainment complex styled with Mediterranean flare and combined with the sizzle of South Beach and the Riviera. During the day, guests can lounge on white-cushioned day beds and in private cabanas in a sun-kissed setting and cool off in the 35-foot long cascading waterfall while the POSH VIP Host and crew cater to every whim. At night, things heat up as POSH Beach Club becomes an open air night club, complete with VIP bottle service, while the DJ sets the vibe for the non-stop party. Four POSH experiences a day are delivered:
Early Morning (6 to 9 am)– POSH Vive
Guests awake to yoga classes and body-and-soul treatments in private cabanas as the sun rises and the day starts anew.
Morning (9 to Noon am) – POSH Rehab
Guests can relax and recover from a night out with Salty Dogs, Bloody Mary’s, and mimosas combined with chill out tunes.
Afternoon (Noon to 6 pm) – POSH Solo
The best nightlife in the daytime with guests lounging on day beds, enjoying funky beach music and spiked POSH snow cones while chilling under a lit waterfall.
Evening (8 pm to whenever) – Pure POSH
A pure, sizzling, sexy, nightlife experience where guests enjoy sparkling drinks and bottle service served on silver trays. Look out Vegas, the vibe here is hot…guests can dance all night under the stars or lounge on a POSH bed…truly Riviera style. Halo, the Über Bar – heavenly and very exclusive. Garden and Courtyard villa guests have exclusive VIP access to this Über Bar located at the top of the ship on the private deck 16. This Über Bar showcases the best of the best, from the best liquors around the world to the best art featured and available for purchase with jewelry-clad servers displaying the best jewelry onboard for purchase. LED screens, framed like masterpieces and placed strategically around the room, set the mood with video montages showing the best artwork, music videos, films, iconic images of celebrities, places, fashion and more. Private gaming tables, including baccarat and blackjack, add to the sexy style in this adult-only club.
Bliss Ultra Lounge and Nightclub – back by popular demand. NCL takes its popular Bliss Ultra Lounge and Nightclub, featured on Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Pearl, to the F3 ships. Bliss features NCL’s signature bowling alley at sea as part of this all-day entertainment and nightclub complex with the feel of a decadent Las Vegas nightclub. Located on deck seven, this hotspot is perfect for all-day bowling, dancing or just hanging out. In the evening, Bliss transforms into a hip, high-energy ultra lounge with plasma screens displaying music videos, shadow dancers entertaining the crowd and non-stop music. A dance floor, private VIP areas and mood-lit bowling complete this totally unique seagoing experience. Bliss features NCL’s popular White Hot Night, the ultimate dance party set in a wonderland of white. Guests are encouraged to wear white to the party and they can purchase specially designed "white hot" shirts and feather boas. Bliss on the F3 ships feature the addition of gaming tables with dealers.Spice H20 – what an aft-pool never dared to be. Infused with Latin and Asian influences, colors and vibes, this adults-only complex located at the back of the ship on decks 15 and 16 features a huge LED screen displaying vibrant video images from charging bulls to flamenco dancers, and synchronized swimmers to tap dancing Geishas all combined with dynamic music to create a truly unique and sensory experience. During the day, guests can soak up the sun in lounge beds around the pool while enjoying chill-out Asian tunes and Asian-inspired cuisine in Chinese to-go containers. As the sun sets, Spice H20 is transformed to an Ibiza-inspired beach club with live entertainment and dinner served tableside or directly on beds. At night, the mood is red-hot with Latin mash-up vibes, dancing and unique entertainment atop the covered pool. Spice H20 will serve up four spicy vibes per day:
Morning (8 to 11 am)– Sunny Spice
Spicy Bloody Mary’s and Spicitinis combine with breakfast and relaxing tunes.
Afternoon (11 am to 4 pm) – Aqua Spice
Guests enjoy the energy of the in-crowd as they sun the day away with Asian margaritas, bottle service and beers from around the world. Asian-inspired food is served in Chinese to-go containers.
Late afternoon/early evening (4 to 9 pm) – Sunset Spice
A perfect sunset every day – either live or via the big screen. Live entertainment, flowing champagne and an eclectic menu that isn’t available anywhere else on the ship. As the sun sets, it becomes a more intimate environment with Spanish guitars and red-hot dancers setting the vibe.
Evening (9 pm to whenever) – All Spice
The entertainment is non-stop throughout the evening in this outdoor amphitheater. A visually captivating aerial ballet video comes to life as the pool floor rises and aerial performers mix dance moves with acrobatic choreography inside a metallic sphere to create a mesmerizing experience. Then guests can dance the night away on the covered pool. Guests will be able to purchase a Beyond the Velvet Rope package to gain access to the exclusive clubs.
NCL’s F3 ships will incorporate a world of new features. They represent the company’s third generation of Freestyle Cruising ships; a further evolution of NCL’s progressive dismantling of the structure, regimentation, and constraints of the traditional cruise experience. The 150,000-ton ships will each total 4,200 passenger berths, representing the largest ships in NCL’s fleet. NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.
For additional information or to book a cruise on NCL contact me at jod@zanza.com.
Five of the ships’ distinct hotspots were revealed at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas at the hotel’s private Venus Pool to press, NCL’s Partnership 2.0 Advisory Board, local travel partners and consumers flown in for the event. The five venues include the industry’s first true Ice Bar; POSH Beach Club, a first of its kind beach club at sea that offers an exclusive, adults-only setting at the top of the ship; Halo, the Über Bar, a private bar and lounge in the ship-within-a-ship villa complex; Bliss Ultra Lounge, NCL’s all-day entertainment and nightclub complex with four-lane bowling alley; and Spice H20, an adults-only aft pool deck experience. With these signature outlets, NCL’s nightclub experience will rival even Vegas’ energy and passion for nightlife. “There is nothing ordinary about these ships. The F3s are unconventionally extraordinary,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. “Every experience on board will be unique and like no other. F3 won’t have massive void spaces and rooms only used for one thing.
What’s particularly unique about these spaces is they will have multiple uses – sunning, bowling, dining and, of course, party playgrounds. But this is just the beginning. We have a lot more to reveal in the upcoming months so stay tuned.”NCL’s Ice Bar – chill out and chat up. Inspired by the original ice bars and ice hotels in Scandinavia and one of only 14 ice bars in the world, the cruise industry’s first true ice bar is the ultimate chill. This frozen chamber of iced vodka is set in changing hues of blue, green and purple LED lighting that simulates the Northern Lights and creates a distinctive arctic atmosphere. The centerpiece is a giant ice cube that glows and changes colors as the hottest techno beats add to the energy of this unique nightlife attraction. In addition, NCL’s Ice Bar features a bar, walls, tables, stools, glasses and life-size sculptures all made from ice. Located on deck seven, Ice Bar will accommodate 25 guests who will be given fur coats, gloves and hats to keep them warm, since the room’s temperature will not rise above 17 degrees Fahrenheit – creating the ultimate chill. To enter, guests will pay a cover charge with a drink or drinks included.
POSH Beach Club – the best nightlife day or night. Adult guests who purchase a POSH pass for the day or the week will take a private glass elevator to enter this luxurious and exclusive outdoor entertainment complex styled with Mediterranean flare and combined with the sizzle of South Beach and the Riviera. During the day, guests can lounge on white-cushioned day beds and in private cabanas in a sun-kissed setting and cool off in the 35-foot long cascading waterfall while the POSH VIP Host and crew cater to every whim. At night, things heat up as POSH Beach Club becomes an open air night club, complete with VIP bottle service, while the DJ sets the vibe for the non-stop party. Four POSH experiences a day are delivered:
Early Morning (6 to 9 am)– POSH Vive
Guests awake to yoga classes and body-and-soul treatments in private cabanas as the sun rises and the day starts anew.
Morning (9 to Noon am) – POSH Rehab
Guests can relax and recover from a night out with Salty Dogs, Bloody Mary’s, and mimosas combined with chill out tunes.
Afternoon (Noon to 6 pm) – POSH Solo
The best nightlife in the daytime with guests lounging on day beds, enjoying funky beach music and spiked POSH snow cones while chilling under a lit waterfall.
Evening (8 pm to whenever) – Pure POSH
A pure, sizzling, sexy, nightlife experience where guests enjoy sparkling drinks and bottle service served on silver trays. Look out Vegas, the vibe here is hot…guests can dance all night under the stars or lounge on a POSH bed…truly Riviera style. Halo, the Über Bar – heavenly and very exclusive. Garden and Courtyard villa guests have exclusive VIP access to this Über Bar located at the top of the ship on the private deck 16. This Über Bar showcases the best of the best, from the best liquors around the world to the best art featured and available for purchase with jewelry-clad servers displaying the best jewelry onboard for purchase. LED screens, framed like masterpieces and placed strategically around the room, set the mood with video montages showing the best artwork, music videos, films, iconic images of celebrities, places, fashion and more. Private gaming tables, including baccarat and blackjack, add to the sexy style in this adult-only club.
Bliss Ultra Lounge and Nightclub – back by popular demand. NCL takes its popular Bliss Ultra Lounge and Nightclub, featured on Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Pearl, to the F3 ships. Bliss features NCL’s signature bowling alley at sea as part of this all-day entertainment and nightclub complex with the feel of a decadent Las Vegas nightclub. Located on deck seven, this hotspot is perfect for all-day bowling, dancing or just hanging out. In the evening, Bliss transforms into a hip, high-energy ultra lounge with plasma screens displaying music videos, shadow dancers entertaining the crowd and non-stop music. A dance floor, private VIP areas and mood-lit bowling complete this totally unique seagoing experience. Bliss features NCL’s popular White Hot Night, the ultimate dance party set in a wonderland of white. Guests are encouraged to wear white to the party and they can purchase specially designed "white hot" shirts and feather boas. Bliss on the F3 ships feature the addition of gaming tables with dealers.Spice H20 – what an aft-pool never dared to be. Infused with Latin and Asian influences, colors and vibes, this adults-only complex located at the back of the ship on decks 15 and 16 features a huge LED screen displaying vibrant video images from charging bulls to flamenco dancers, and synchronized swimmers to tap dancing Geishas all combined with dynamic music to create a truly unique and sensory experience. During the day, guests can soak up the sun in lounge beds around the pool while enjoying chill-out Asian tunes and Asian-inspired cuisine in Chinese to-go containers. As the sun sets, Spice H20 is transformed to an Ibiza-inspired beach club with live entertainment and dinner served tableside or directly on beds. At night, the mood is red-hot with Latin mash-up vibes, dancing and unique entertainment atop the covered pool. Spice H20 will serve up four spicy vibes per day:
Morning (8 to 11 am)– Sunny Spice
Spicy Bloody Mary’s and Spicitinis combine with breakfast and relaxing tunes.
Afternoon (11 am to 4 pm) – Aqua Spice
Guests enjoy the energy of the in-crowd as they sun the day away with Asian margaritas, bottle service and beers from around the world. Asian-inspired food is served in Chinese to-go containers.
Late afternoon/early evening (4 to 9 pm) – Sunset Spice
A perfect sunset every day – either live or via the big screen. Live entertainment, flowing champagne and an eclectic menu that isn’t available anywhere else on the ship. As the sun sets, it becomes a more intimate environment with Spanish guitars and red-hot dancers setting the vibe.
Evening (9 pm to whenever) – All Spice
The entertainment is non-stop throughout the evening in this outdoor amphitheater. A visually captivating aerial ballet video comes to life as the pool floor rises and aerial performers mix dance moves with acrobatic choreography inside a metallic sphere to create a mesmerizing experience. Then guests can dance the night away on the covered pool. Guests will be able to purchase a Beyond the Velvet Rope package to gain access to the exclusive clubs.
NCL’s F3 ships will incorporate a world of new features. They represent the company’s third generation of Freestyle Cruising ships; a further evolution of NCL’s progressive dismantling of the structure, regimentation, and constraints of the traditional cruise experience. The 150,000-ton ships will each total 4,200 passenger berths, representing the largest ships in NCL’s fleet. NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.
For additional information or to book a cruise on NCL contact me at jod@zanza.com.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES OASIS OF THE SEAS ITINERARIES
Ship Opens For Sale September 3, 2008: Maiden Voyage Set for December 12, 2009
MIAMI, June 20, 2008 – With the astounding array of choices and amenities being introduced on Royal Caribbean International’s next generation of cruise ships, vacationers will be hard-pressed to find another experience as spectacular as what they will enjoy on Oasis of the Seas. Today, the cruise line renowned for its innovations announced seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries for the new ship’s inaugural year, with the inaugural voyage planned for December 12, 2009. Bookings for Oasis of the Seas will open September 3, 2008. The ship’s homeport is Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Oasis of the Seas will begin her inaugural season with 19 consecutive seven-night sailings to the Eastern Caribbean, with ports of call at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas. Starting May 1, 2010, Oasis of the Seas will alternate its Eastern Caribbean itinerary with the Western Caribbean itinerary, which will call at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination in Haiti; the new port of Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico.
"Royal Caribbean is fortunate to have taken millions of satisfied guests over 40 years to these highly regarded destinations," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "We thank the government of Haiti, Port Authority of Jamaica, State Government of Quintana Roo, Island of Cozumel, SSA Mexico, Ministry of Public Works and Port Authority of the Bahamas, Virgin Islands Port Authority, West Indian Company, and Port of St. Maarten for their support and cooperation in working with us to provide such compelling itineraries for our guests."
Royal Caribbean has been working closely with the ports on the Oasis of the Seas itineraries to ensure the guest experience is seamless when the ship visits. The cruise line and St. Maarten will enhance the guest welcome facilities, while Cozumel’s pier will be widened. Approaches to the docks at St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau also will be dredged.
Royal Caribbean is working in partnership with the Port Authority of Jamaica to complete the new Falmouth Cruise Pier by March 2010, as well as establish the associated infrastructure necessary to welcome cruise ship guests. A historically important 18th-century settlement, Falmouth was a colonial center of Jamaica’s sugar and fine rums industry. The town’s rich history and Georgian architecture has most recently drawn the attention of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who has been a long time supporter of restoring historic buildings of Great Britain.
Royal Caribbean also is working with the government of Haiti to construct a pier at Labadee, the cruise line’s private beach destination. Additional plans are underway to expand guest offerings with an alpine coaster and fast-boat tours, among others, to complement Labadee’s stunning Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, which has proven to be one of the destination’s most popular attractions.
Oasis of the Seas will be the world’s largest and most revolutionary ship introducing the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept, which will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences in seven themed areas based on their personal styles, preferences or moods. Boardwalk will be a breathtaking space for families. Inspired by the nostalgic seaside piers of yesteryear, Boardwalk will dynamically engage the entire family in classic fun – whether young or just young at heart – with eateries, retail outlets, and carnival games. An original, handcrafted carousel – the first at sea – will be the centerpiece of this vibrant neighborhood. Off the Boardwalk, the first amphitheater at sea, AquaTheater, will celebrate water with the largest freshwater pool found on a ship offering a full spectrum of activities and performances for guests. Created to offer two unique experiences, AquaTheater will allow guests to swim in the theater’s magnificent kidney-shaped pool, relax on sun loungers located on tiered platforms surrounding the pool, and even take SCUBA lessons in the afternoon. At night, it will deliver a complete sensory experience playing on the element of surprise as audience members witness the venue come alive with heart-pounding theatrical performances featuring dramatic acrobatics, synchronized swimming, water ballet, and professional high-diving, as well as elaborate fountain shows synchronized to music and lights. Other surprises include two 43-foot rock-climbing walls on either side of the AquaTheater and the first zip-line at sea suspended nine decks above Boardwalk.
Enhancements to the cruise line’s signature Royal Promenade, the heart of the ship, will include a mezzanine level that overlooks the main promenade below. The Crystal Canopy sculptured-glass domes will allow natural light to cascade down from the sky. There will be a vast array of shopping, dining and entertainment options including, the Rising Tide bar, the first moving bar at sea, which will traverse three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park, the neighborhood above. Central Park, a revolutionary design in which the center of the ship opens to the sky, features lush, tropical grounds spanning the length of a football field. With its serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees, Central Park will evolve from a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere during the day to a gathering space for alfresco dining and entertainment in the evening, where guests will enjoy concerts and street performances.
With the introduction of the neighborhood concept, Oasis of the Seas will debut a new portfolio of 37 categories of accommodation options, many with views unique to the ship. Park View and Boardwalk View balcony staterooms offer inward facing accommodations overlooking the two open-air neighborhoods. Another industry-first, the introduction of 28 contemporary two-level loft suites will redefine cruise ship accommodations with vibrant, ocean-inspired colors in a sophisticated and spacious setting. The lofts will be the highest accommodations at sea, offering spectacular views of the ocean, and floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows to ensure the view will be enjoyed from every vantage point. Other features among these coveted 28 lofts will be a unique modern design dotted with abstract, modern art pieces; spacious living areas on the lower level with contemporary detailing; and a private balcony with sun chairs and stunning views to help guests unwind. Each loft, which will measure 545 square feet (51 square meters) or larger when combined, and will be fitted in contemporary décor with a Caribbean influence. The impressive design will include an upper-level bedroom that overlooks the living area and extended ocean views. Beds will be outfitted with white, luxurious duvets complemented by tropical blue and green accents that tie into the loft’s natural surroundings. The lofts will feature LCD televisions, separate vanity areas, a guest bathroom downstairs and an upstairs master bathroom featuring his and hers shower heads, fog-free mirrors, and limestone mosaic tile accents.
When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska and Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and South America. For additional information or to make reservations email me at jod@zanza.com.
MIAMI, June 20, 2008 – With the astounding array of choices and amenities being introduced on Royal Caribbean International’s next generation of cruise ships, vacationers will be hard-pressed to find another experience as spectacular as what they will enjoy on Oasis of the Seas. Today, the cruise line renowned for its innovations announced seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries for the new ship’s inaugural year, with the inaugural voyage planned for December 12, 2009. Bookings for Oasis of the Seas will open September 3, 2008. The ship’s homeport is Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Oasis of the Seas will begin her inaugural season with 19 consecutive seven-night sailings to the Eastern Caribbean, with ports of call at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas. Starting May 1, 2010, Oasis of the Seas will alternate its Eastern Caribbean itinerary with the Western Caribbean itinerary, which will call at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination in Haiti; the new port of Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico.
"Royal Caribbean is fortunate to have taken millions of satisfied guests over 40 years to these highly regarded destinations," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "We thank the government of Haiti, Port Authority of Jamaica, State Government of Quintana Roo, Island of Cozumel, SSA Mexico, Ministry of Public Works and Port Authority of the Bahamas, Virgin Islands Port Authority, West Indian Company, and Port of St. Maarten for their support and cooperation in working with us to provide such compelling itineraries for our guests."
Royal Caribbean has been working closely with the ports on the Oasis of the Seas itineraries to ensure the guest experience is seamless when the ship visits. The cruise line and St. Maarten will enhance the guest welcome facilities, while Cozumel’s pier will be widened. Approaches to the docks at St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau also will be dredged.
Royal Caribbean is working in partnership with the Port Authority of Jamaica to complete the new Falmouth Cruise Pier by March 2010, as well as establish the associated infrastructure necessary to welcome cruise ship guests. A historically important 18th-century settlement, Falmouth was a colonial center of Jamaica’s sugar and fine rums industry. The town’s rich history and Georgian architecture has most recently drawn the attention of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who has been a long time supporter of restoring historic buildings of Great Britain.
Royal Caribbean also is working with the government of Haiti to construct a pier at Labadee, the cruise line’s private beach destination. Additional plans are underway to expand guest offerings with an alpine coaster and fast-boat tours, among others, to complement Labadee’s stunning Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, which has proven to be one of the destination’s most popular attractions.
Oasis of the Seas will be the world’s largest and most revolutionary ship introducing the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept, which will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences in seven themed areas based on their personal styles, preferences or moods. Boardwalk will be a breathtaking space for families. Inspired by the nostalgic seaside piers of yesteryear, Boardwalk will dynamically engage the entire family in classic fun – whether young or just young at heart – with eateries, retail outlets, and carnival games. An original, handcrafted carousel – the first at sea – will be the centerpiece of this vibrant neighborhood. Off the Boardwalk, the first amphitheater at sea, AquaTheater, will celebrate water with the largest freshwater pool found on a ship offering a full spectrum of activities and performances for guests. Created to offer two unique experiences, AquaTheater will allow guests to swim in the theater’s magnificent kidney-shaped pool, relax on sun loungers located on tiered platforms surrounding the pool, and even take SCUBA lessons in the afternoon. At night, it will deliver a complete sensory experience playing on the element of surprise as audience members witness the venue come alive with heart-pounding theatrical performances featuring dramatic acrobatics, synchronized swimming, water ballet, and professional high-diving, as well as elaborate fountain shows synchronized to music and lights. Other surprises include two 43-foot rock-climbing walls on either side of the AquaTheater and the first zip-line at sea suspended nine decks above Boardwalk.
Enhancements to the cruise line’s signature Royal Promenade, the heart of the ship, will include a mezzanine level that overlooks the main promenade below. The Crystal Canopy sculptured-glass domes will allow natural light to cascade down from the sky. There will be a vast array of shopping, dining and entertainment options including, the Rising Tide bar, the first moving bar at sea, which will traverse three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park, the neighborhood above. Central Park, a revolutionary design in which the center of the ship opens to the sky, features lush, tropical grounds spanning the length of a football field. With its serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees, Central Park will evolve from a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere during the day to a gathering space for alfresco dining and entertainment in the evening, where guests will enjoy concerts and street performances.
With the introduction of the neighborhood concept, Oasis of the Seas will debut a new portfolio of 37 categories of accommodation options, many with views unique to the ship. Park View and Boardwalk View balcony staterooms offer inward facing accommodations overlooking the two open-air neighborhoods. Another industry-first, the introduction of 28 contemporary two-level loft suites will redefine cruise ship accommodations with vibrant, ocean-inspired colors in a sophisticated and spacious setting. The lofts will be the highest accommodations at sea, offering spectacular views of the ocean, and floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows to ensure the view will be enjoyed from every vantage point. Other features among these coveted 28 lofts will be a unique modern design dotted with abstract, modern art pieces; spacious living areas on the lower level with contemporary detailing; and a private balcony with sun chairs and stunning views to help guests unwind. Each loft, which will measure 545 square feet (51 square meters) or larger when combined, and will be fitted in contemporary décor with a Caribbean influence. The impressive design will include an upper-level bedroom that overlooks the living area and extended ocean views. Beds will be outfitted with white, luxurious duvets complemented by tropical blue and green accents that tie into the loft’s natural surroundings. The lofts will feature LCD televisions, separate vanity areas, a guest bathroom downstairs and an upstairs master bathroom featuring his and hers shower heads, fog-free mirrors, and limestone mosaic tile accents.
When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska and Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and South America. For additional information or to make reservations email me at jod@zanza.com.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
More Oasis of the Seas Details Released to Ooohs and Aaahs.
Introducing two more “neighborhoods” of the Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International continues to raise the bar for the industry with the first of its two new 220,000-ton ships slated to enter service in December 2009. The second ship, the Allure of the Seas, follows in 2010.
Said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of the parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises: “We have listened to our guests. They love the many choices of activities that bigger ships offer. So when we look to expand the market, people tell us they want choices. Nothing will have as much as this one ship. “We are satisfying the demand for what people want. As we do that, the satisfaction ratings go up and our prices rise as people are willing to pay more.” Fain said it was no longer true that only small ships can command premium pricing. He expects the Oasis to command a significant premium.
At the same time, the Oasis will be the most fuel efficient ship that Royal Caribbean has ever built, Fain said. “We expect at least 25 percent improved fuel efficiency over our previous ships. That ameliorates both the cost and the environmental impact.” Fain added that the ship’s advanced waste water purification system ensures that the only discharge is essentially potable water “that the engineers will drink.”
To audible ohs and ahs from an audience consisting of media and travel agents gathered in New York City, Royal Caribbean presented the Boardwalk, an area for families to enjoy together, with the first ever carousel-at-sea as the center piece, a psychic and tattoo parlor, novelty photo shop, candy store, teen and children’s retail stores – features associated with boardwalks, plus five restaurants and bars. Starting inside the ship, the open boardwalk area at the stern leads out to the 750-seat AquaTheater. The amphitheater-style space will feature a full range of day-time and night-time activities, according to Royal Caribbean, including professional diving and theatrical performances. A zip line will be suspended nine floors above the boardwalk, with riders speeding diagonally across 82-feet of open air atrium. There will also be six AquaTheater suites, 221 boardwalk-view staterooms with balconies, and eight boardwalk-view window staterooms.
The next evolution of the trademark of the Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, the Royal Promenade, was also presented with a mezzanine level and featuring eight retail outlets and nine restaurants and bars, including the unique Rising Tide bar, spanning three decks, and allowing passengers to enjoy their beverages as they slowly descend from the Central Park neighborhood into the Royal Promenade. There will also be 18 promenade-view staterooms. Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean presented the first of its neighborhoods, Central Park, in which the center of the ship opens up to the sky, with tropical grounds with grass, flowers and the trees the length of a football field.
Also presented were a variety of staterooms, including two-level loft suites ranging from the 1,524-square-foot Royal Loft Suite, 722- and 770-square-foot Sky Loft suites; and the 737-square-foot Crown Accessible Loft suite. In addition are a variety of other suites and staterooms.
Royal Caribbean also announced the architects and designers that have been involved with the elements of the Oasis that have been announced thus far: ATKINS GLOBAL, CAROUSEL WORKS, NB&D (Royal Caribbean’s in-house newbuilding and fleet design), RTKL, Waterfield Design Group and Wilson Butler Architects. “We are not only about neighborhoods,” added Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “We also bring our guests to several destinations, and they do not have to pack and unpack. It’s the totality of it all that makes this so successful.”
The inaugural voyage is scheduled for Dec. 12, 2009 from Ft. Lauderdale. The Oasis of the Seas will begin her inaugural season with 19 consecutive seven-night sailings to the Eastern Caribbean, calling at St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Nassau. Starting May 1, 2010, the Oasis will sail alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, also calling at Labadee, Falmouth (Jamaica) and Cozumel. To accommodate the ship, work is underway to enhance the guest welcome facilities in St. Maarten, according to the cruise line, while Cozumel’s pier will be widened. Approaches to the docks in St. Thomas and Nassau will be dredged. Royal Caribbean is also working the Port Authority of Jamaica to complete the new Falmouth Cruise Pier by March 2010 and is working with the government of Haiti to construct a pier at Labadee. Fain also said that embarkation and disembarkation procedures were being “scaled up so it will be as good or better than the norm.”
The Oasis and the Allure of the Seas will have 16 decks and 2,700 staterooms, carrying 5,400 passengers each, double occupancy, or 6,300 at maximum occupancy.
For more information or to book a cruise on Royal Caribbean contact me at jod@zanza.com.
Said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of the parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises: “We have listened to our guests. They love the many choices of activities that bigger ships offer. So when we look to expand the market, people tell us they want choices. Nothing will have as much as this one ship. “We are satisfying the demand for what people want. As we do that, the satisfaction ratings go up and our prices rise as people are willing to pay more.” Fain said it was no longer true that only small ships can command premium pricing. He expects the Oasis to command a significant premium.
At the same time, the Oasis will be the most fuel efficient ship that Royal Caribbean has ever built, Fain said. “We expect at least 25 percent improved fuel efficiency over our previous ships. That ameliorates both the cost and the environmental impact.” Fain added that the ship’s advanced waste water purification system ensures that the only discharge is essentially potable water “that the engineers will drink.”
To audible ohs and ahs from an audience consisting of media and travel agents gathered in New York City, Royal Caribbean presented the Boardwalk, an area for families to enjoy together, with the first ever carousel-at-sea as the center piece, a psychic and tattoo parlor, novelty photo shop, candy store, teen and children’s retail stores – features associated with boardwalks, plus five restaurants and bars. Starting inside the ship, the open boardwalk area at the stern leads out to the 750-seat AquaTheater. The amphitheater-style space will feature a full range of day-time and night-time activities, according to Royal Caribbean, including professional diving and theatrical performances. A zip line will be suspended nine floors above the boardwalk, with riders speeding diagonally across 82-feet of open air atrium. There will also be six AquaTheater suites, 221 boardwalk-view staterooms with balconies, and eight boardwalk-view window staterooms.
The next evolution of the trademark of the Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, the Royal Promenade, was also presented with a mezzanine level and featuring eight retail outlets and nine restaurants and bars, including the unique Rising Tide bar, spanning three decks, and allowing passengers to enjoy their beverages as they slowly descend from the Central Park neighborhood into the Royal Promenade. There will also be 18 promenade-view staterooms. Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean presented the first of its neighborhoods, Central Park, in which the center of the ship opens up to the sky, with tropical grounds with grass, flowers and the trees the length of a football field.
Also presented were a variety of staterooms, including two-level loft suites ranging from the 1,524-square-foot Royal Loft Suite, 722- and 770-square-foot Sky Loft suites; and the 737-square-foot Crown Accessible Loft suite. In addition are a variety of other suites and staterooms.
Royal Caribbean also announced the architects and designers that have been involved with the elements of the Oasis that have been announced thus far: ATKINS GLOBAL, CAROUSEL WORKS, NB&D (Royal Caribbean’s in-house newbuilding and fleet design), RTKL, Waterfield Design Group and Wilson Butler Architects. “We are not only about neighborhoods,” added Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “We also bring our guests to several destinations, and they do not have to pack and unpack. It’s the totality of it all that makes this so successful.”
The inaugural voyage is scheduled for Dec. 12, 2009 from Ft. Lauderdale. The Oasis of the Seas will begin her inaugural season with 19 consecutive seven-night sailings to the Eastern Caribbean, calling at St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Nassau. Starting May 1, 2010, the Oasis will sail alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, also calling at Labadee, Falmouth (Jamaica) and Cozumel. To accommodate the ship, work is underway to enhance the guest welcome facilities in St. Maarten, according to the cruise line, while Cozumel’s pier will be widened. Approaches to the docks in St. Thomas and Nassau will be dredged. Royal Caribbean is also working the Port Authority of Jamaica to complete the new Falmouth Cruise Pier by March 2010 and is working with the government of Haiti to construct a pier at Labadee. Fain also said that embarkation and disembarkation procedures were being “scaled up so it will be as good or better than the norm.”
The Oasis and the Allure of the Seas will have 16 decks and 2,700 staterooms, carrying 5,400 passengers each, double occupancy, or 6,300 at maximum occupancy.
For more information or to book a cruise on Royal Caribbean contact me at jod@zanza.com.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Spring 2008: Caribbean – Destination Evolution.
Pull into port, get off the ship. Sun on the beach. Do a little shopping. Ogle the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, the architecture, the quaint town. Swim with dolphins. Then get back on the ship, sail overnight, and do it all again the next day.
This may sound like the typical to-do list of a cruise passenger in the Caribbean, but after a while it all starts to look and taste the same. The globalization of the cruise industry, with destinations as diverse as Australia, South Korea and cities on the Black Sea beckoning, has cruise executives warning of increased competition and port officials from Puerto Rico to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula seeking ways to stand out. Gone are the days when the Caribbean attracted passengers just by being there.
Although the region is still the biggest cruise destination in the world, dozens of other regions are lobbying to be the next big thing in ship calls, and Caribbean port and tourism officials are acknowledging that cruising’s success may have come back to haunt them. Over the past few years “the industry has been transformed with globalization,” said Carnival Corporation president and CEO Micky Arison at a press conference last fall. “Ten years ago the industry was very North American-Caribbean-centric. But as economies around the world have grown and travel and tourism have increased, the industry has grown dramatically outside this region.”
With Europe “exploding with growth,” cruise lines are looking for new opportunities in other ports,” he said. “For instance, three ships are based in Dubai and 14 ships are committed to Brazil this winter.”In contrast, Caribbean calls are flat at best and will in fact drop 3 percent in 2008, Arison predicted.“Caribbean capacity will be down for the first time in my memory. And that is a direct result of more financially attractive destinations,” he said. “That’s not to say it isn’t still the biggest draw and can’t stay that way.” As pluses Arison pointed out that the Caribbean has the best weather year-round, the best beaches and at least one of the Seven Wonders of the World (the Mayan archaeological site Chichen-Itzá, which earned the title last July). So there’s “no reason that working together we can’t turn this around and get the growth rate back up,” he said.
Tourism leaders across the Caribbean are adjusting, revamping and expanding their product. Common concerns about passport regulations and the weak dollar have destinations worried that Americans will stay home. On the other hand, the Caribbean is suddenly much cheaper than Europe.Cruise Industry News interviewed industry leaders from several islands to get a region-wide look at the state of Caribbean cruise tourism, including the effort to create a Caribbean Cruise Association.
For more information feel free to contact me at jod@zanza.com.
This may sound like the typical to-do list of a cruise passenger in the Caribbean, but after a while it all starts to look and taste the same. The globalization of the cruise industry, with destinations as diverse as Australia, South Korea and cities on the Black Sea beckoning, has cruise executives warning of increased competition and port officials from Puerto Rico to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula seeking ways to stand out. Gone are the days when the Caribbean attracted passengers just by being there.
Although the region is still the biggest cruise destination in the world, dozens of other regions are lobbying to be the next big thing in ship calls, and Caribbean port and tourism officials are acknowledging that cruising’s success may have come back to haunt them. Over the past few years “the industry has been transformed with globalization,” said Carnival Corporation president and CEO Micky Arison at a press conference last fall. “Ten years ago the industry was very North American-Caribbean-centric. But as economies around the world have grown and travel and tourism have increased, the industry has grown dramatically outside this region.”
With Europe “exploding with growth,” cruise lines are looking for new opportunities in other ports,” he said. “For instance, three ships are based in Dubai and 14 ships are committed to Brazil this winter.”In contrast, Caribbean calls are flat at best and will in fact drop 3 percent in 2008, Arison predicted.“Caribbean capacity will be down for the first time in my memory. And that is a direct result of more financially attractive destinations,” he said. “That’s not to say it isn’t still the biggest draw and can’t stay that way.” As pluses Arison pointed out that the Caribbean has the best weather year-round, the best beaches and at least one of the Seven Wonders of the World (the Mayan archaeological site Chichen-Itzá, which earned the title last July). So there’s “no reason that working together we can’t turn this around and get the growth rate back up,” he said.
Tourism leaders across the Caribbean are adjusting, revamping and expanding their product. Common concerns about passport regulations and the weak dollar have destinations worried that Americans will stay home. On the other hand, the Caribbean is suddenly much cheaper than Europe.Cruise Industry News interviewed industry leaders from several islands to get a region-wide look at the state of Caribbean cruise tourism, including the effort to create a Caribbean Cruise Association.
For more information feel free to contact me at jod@zanza.com.
M/S Eurodam Officially Delivered to Holland America Line.
Holland America Line and its parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc, officially accepted delivery of its newest ship, ms Eurodam, in a formal handover ceremony near Venice, Italy, on June 16. The 2,104-guest ship, built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard, is the 14th ship in the premium line’s distinguished fleet and the first in its Signature-class series.
“The Eurodam is a gorgeous ship,” said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, Holland America Line. “We are proud to be the industry’s leading premium experience and the addition of this new ship allows us to offer our Signature of Excellence to even more cruisers.”
The Eurodam will arrive in Southampton, England, on June 27 to begin a series of introductory events for past guests, travel sellers, media and local officials. She then sails to her homeport, Rotterdam, arriving June 29 for three days of festivities including a naming ceremony with Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands officially dedicating the ship on July 1. The 10-day round-trip maiden sailing departs July 5th from Copenhagen, Denmark, and calls at Oslo, Ålesund, Vik, Flam and Stavanger, Norway; Newcastle Upon Tyne, England; and Edinburgh and Invergordon, Scotland.
Following her inaugural season in the Baltic region, Eurodam will offer its first transatlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean sailings for the remainder of 2008.
Eurodam Advances Premium OfferingsWith an additional deck, Eurodam has 63 new staterooms more than the latest Vista-class ship. Forty-seven are verandah cabins and ten are a new style with ceiling-to-floor and wall-to-wall panoramic windows. Eurodam also features 56 Spa Staterooms, so named because of their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities.
In total, Eurodam carries 1,052 double occupancy staterooms. Staterooms provide the Signature of Excellence premium amenities of plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat panel TVs, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads and professional grade hair dryers. Eurodam also includes a new pan-Asian restaurant and bar, Tamarind and Silk Den; casual Italian eatery, Canaletto; and Pizzeria Slice. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating and a new photographic and imaging center.
For more information contact me at jod@zanza.com..
“The Eurodam is a gorgeous ship,” said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, Holland America Line. “We are proud to be the industry’s leading premium experience and the addition of this new ship allows us to offer our Signature of Excellence to even more cruisers.”
The Eurodam will arrive in Southampton, England, on June 27 to begin a series of introductory events for past guests, travel sellers, media and local officials. She then sails to her homeport, Rotterdam, arriving June 29 for three days of festivities including a naming ceremony with Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands officially dedicating the ship on July 1. The 10-day round-trip maiden sailing departs July 5th from Copenhagen, Denmark, and calls at Oslo, Ålesund, Vik, Flam and Stavanger, Norway; Newcastle Upon Tyne, England; and Edinburgh and Invergordon, Scotland.
Following her inaugural season in the Baltic region, Eurodam will offer its first transatlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean sailings for the remainder of 2008.
Eurodam Advances Premium OfferingsWith an additional deck, Eurodam has 63 new staterooms more than the latest Vista-class ship. Forty-seven are verandah cabins and ten are a new style with ceiling-to-floor and wall-to-wall panoramic windows. Eurodam also features 56 Spa Staterooms, so named because of their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities.
In total, Eurodam carries 1,052 double occupancy staterooms. Staterooms provide the Signature of Excellence premium amenities of plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat panel TVs, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads and professional grade hair dryers. Eurodam also includes a new pan-Asian restaurant and bar, Tamarind and Silk Den; casual Italian eatery, Canaletto; and Pizzeria Slice. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating and a new photographic and imaging center.
For more information contact me at jod@zanza.com..
Royal Caribbean Ups Fuel Surcharge.
Royal Caribbean Cruises has revised the fuel supplement charged to guests sailing onboard its North American brands. The revised fuel supplements will apply to bookings made on or after June 30, 2008..Onboard Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, for first and second guests in a stateroom, the revised fuel supplement will be $10 per person, per day, and total no more than $140 per person, per cruise. Additional guests in a stateroom will be charged $5 per person, per day, and total no more than $70 per person, per cruise.First and second guests in a stateroom aboard Azamara Crusies will pay a revised fuel supplement of $15 per person, per day. Additional guests in a stateroom will not be charged a fuel supplement.
For additional information feel free to contact me at jod@zanza.com.
For additional information feel free to contact me at jod@zanza.com.
More Posh Penthouses Planned for Ultra-Luxury Crystal Serenity.
Due to high demand, Crystal Cruises is increasing the number of luxurious Penthouse accommodations on its award-winning Crystal Serenity. During a two-week dry dock beginning November 12, the luxury line is converting 12 category AA Deluxe Staterooms with Verandahs on Deck 10 into eight Penthouses.
While most cruise lines have been increasing the size of their cruise ships, Crystal is actually decreasing Crystal Serenity's guest capacity.Crystal Serenity's richly appointed 403-square-foot Penthouses boast personal butler service, large private verandah, sizeable living area, bar stocked with complimentary wine and choice of liquor, Jacuzzi® tub and separate shower, walk-in closet, flat screen television, DVD and CD player, Riedel glassware, and complimentary pressing.
In addition to 24-hour in-stateroom dining from the Crystal Dining Room, Penthouse guests can order from the specialty restaurants, including signature dishes from Nobu and Piero Selvaggio, during dinner hours."Penthouses are among the most coveted accommodations on our ships," says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, hotel operations.Following the conversion, Crystal Serenity will feature 72 Penthouses (category PH), as well as 32 Penthouse Suites (PS) and four lavish 1,345-square-foot Crystal Penthouses (CP). Four of the new Penthouses can connect with Penthouse Suites.Effective immediately, the new PH's can be reserved on a guarantee basis.
The actual room numbers will be incorporated into Crystal's online travel agent booking engine, Cruisebuilder, beginning August 1.On both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, all guest rooms are appointed with such lavish amenities as 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, down pillows (and a pillow menu), plush duvets, feather beds, two hair dryers, fresh fruit and flowers. Large closets house padded and wooden hangers, Frette bathrobes, kimonos, slippers, umbrella, and English mohair lap blankets. Double sinks, make up mirrors, shower and bathtub are standard with every bathroom. Other amenities include laundry and dry-cleaning service twice-daily housekeeping, and complimentary 24-hour in-stateroom dining.
In February 2008, Crystal Serenity was voted the #1 mid-sized cruise ship by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine. For more information contact me at jod@zanza.com.
While most cruise lines have been increasing the size of their cruise ships, Crystal is actually decreasing Crystal Serenity's guest capacity.Crystal Serenity's richly appointed 403-square-foot Penthouses boast personal butler service, large private verandah, sizeable living area, bar stocked with complimentary wine and choice of liquor, Jacuzzi® tub and separate shower, walk-in closet, flat screen television, DVD and CD player, Riedel glassware, and complimentary pressing.
In addition to 24-hour in-stateroom dining from the Crystal Dining Room, Penthouse guests can order from the specialty restaurants, including signature dishes from Nobu and Piero Selvaggio, during dinner hours."Penthouses are among the most coveted accommodations on our ships," says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, hotel operations.Following the conversion, Crystal Serenity will feature 72 Penthouses (category PH), as well as 32 Penthouse Suites (PS) and four lavish 1,345-square-foot Crystal Penthouses (CP). Four of the new Penthouses can connect with Penthouse Suites.Effective immediately, the new PH's can be reserved on a guarantee basis.
The actual room numbers will be incorporated into Crystal's online travel agent booking engine, Cruisebuilder, beginning August 1.On both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, all guest rooms are appointed with such lavish amenities as 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, down pillows (and a pillow menu), plush duvets, feather beds, two hair dryers, fresh fruit and flowers. Large closets house padded and wooden hangers, Frette bathrobes, kimonos, slippers, umbrella, and English mohair lap blankets. Double sinks, make up mirrors, shower and bathtub are standard with every bathroom. Other amenities include laundry and dry-cleaning service twice-daily housekeeping, and complimentary 24-hour in-stateroom dining.
In February 2008, Crystal Serenity was voted the #1 mid-sized cruise ship by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine. For more information contact me at jod@zanza.com.
Disney World for Generations
The diversity that makes Walt Disney World ideal for the rapidly growing multi-generational market also means that consumers need to look to a travel agent to get the best vacation from this very complex product. The sheer extent of Disney World, which is twice the size of Manhattan, is mind-boggling. When you factor in the different kinds of experience that can be crafted and combined, the commissionable add-ons that give your clients good value and the tips that allow the visitor to enjoy the least crowded and most comfortable schedules, your roll in advising your clients becomes crucial.
The benefits of selling Disney World include very strong client satisfaction and a straight 10 percent commission on all aspects of the trip, including air and dining. But that means you need to be well-versed through continuing education – such as the Disney College of Knowledge - on the changes that constantly happen at the resort. Even park veterans will find plenty of new features in 2008, with Disney-MGM Studios now renamed Disney Hollywood Studios to better reflect today’s movies, theater and television.
For example, the new Toy Story Mania attraction at Disney Hollywood Studios coming this summer brings a high-tech experience to a nostalgic carnival midway. Guests wearing 3-D glasses ride in cars with revolving seats, pausing at each game booth where they aim for animated targets using a special spring-action shooter.
Also at Disney Hollywood Studios, the spirited new Block Party Bash replaces the Disney Stars and Motorcars parade this spring. With retro songs and dancing, flying acrobats and more than 20 Disney-Pixar film pals, the rolling spectacle features favorite characters from “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “A Bug’s Life.”
At Disney’s Wide World of Sports, the 220 -acre Jostens Center opens this summer. With 45,000 square feet of competition space that can accommodate six basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts or two roller hockey rinks plus lockers and meeting rooms, the new center effectively doubles the number of indoor sports Disney can offer.
In addition, four themed restaurants are opening in the park during 2008. Landry's Restaurants, which just introduced a taste of Asia to Disney’s Animal Kingdom with the opening of Yak & Yeti Restaurant, will bring T-Rex to Downtown Disney, the resort’s entertainment zone. The new venue combines table-service dining and retail in an interactive prehistoric environment built around water, fire and ice. At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, The Wave, opening in the spring, will serve up a suitable melting pot of American cooking. Meanwhile, this fall at Epcot, China’s Nine Dragons table-service restaurant makes way for a new dining room featuring five cooking stations where guests can interact with chefs from China. In Italy, Tutto Italia Ristorante will be expanded in late 2008 as the newest restaurant for California-based Patina Group, which has a portfolio of nearly 30 restaurants.
Your clients also can benefit from being in the right place at the right time, as part of Disney’s second “Year of a Million Dreams” giveaway. As part of this promotion, Disney World guests are awarded prizes at random, including a private day at Castaway Cay, a New Year’s Eve night stay inside the Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World Resort, and a trip to the “High School Musical 3” film premiere. Disney also will award hundreds of thousands of “Dream” FastPass badges, gourmet dining packages, Disney shopping sprees and more.
There are a number of compelling reasons to book your multi-generational family clients into Disney World’s resorts, which range from rustic cabins to luxury suites. Advantages start at the airport, where the complimentary Magical Express bus transfers guests to and from the resort. Better still, luggage is checked at the home airport and arrives in guests’ rooms. At departure, a check-in counter in every resort property provides airline boarding passes and luggage checks, so your clients can walk directly to security at the airport.
Once inside Disney World, there is complimentary transportation everywhere by bus, train or ferry, and any purchases made are sent to the guests’ accommodations – no lugging them around or going back to drop them off. For multi-generational travel this is particularly useful, allowing various members of a family group to pursue their own interests and rendezvous for time together as well.
Rita Lewis, CTC, a former travel agent and now a training, development and facilitation manager for Disney World’s travel industry marketing, emphasizes the scope of the experience multi-generational groups can get at the resort. “Family members can use facilities everywhere,” she says. “They can golf or fish, visit the attractions, use the spa, shop, go boating, bicycle or ride horses, independently using the free transportation, and then get together for a group meal or a swim.”
Lewis says families with children can easily take a breather and catch a rest or a swim or have a meal in their accommodations, then return to the attractions when they are ready. Each resort also has coin laundries and both individual babysitting and kids’ clubs are available for a very reasonable fee. Resorts also are pet-friendly, with expanding kennel service; pets can stay right with their owners in parts of Fort Wilderness.
Yet another feature that is great for multi-generational family groups is the expanded park hours exclusively for resort guests. On select days guests can enter a theme park an hour early and up to three hours after regular closing time when lines are usually shorter and the weather can be more comfortable in the summer.
In terms of value for larger family groups, roughly a third of all Disney hotel rooms are priced at only $82 per night for much of the year. Packaged with theme park tickets through Magic Your Way, a family of four can book six nights in a Disney hotel and seven days in the theme parks for less than $1,600, or just $58 a day per person. For more information on value vacations, visit www.disneyworld.com/affordable.
Among the value choices are the 2,880 rooms in the Pop Century Resort in the Wide World of Sports area near Animal Kingdom. The resort’s “time capsules” pay homage to 20th century pop culture and there is a food court area, lounge and pool bar, not to mention an enormous pool. In addition, more than 400 guestrooms at the value-priced All-Star Music Resort have been transformed into 215 family suites, a new concept offered along with the remaining 1,489 rooms. The suites can accommodate a family of six with two full bathrooms, a kitchenette, two flat screen TVs, a sleep sofa for two, a sleep chair for one, an ottoman that turns into a rollaway bed and a separate bedroom for two. The resort also features a food court, retail store, game room and pizza delivery.
Another resort that can accommodate multi-generational groups is moderately priced Port Orleans French Quarter resort offers a charming alternative filled with lacy ironwork and the scent of beignets. The resort’s 1,008 rooms are located on a 325-acre woodland site between Epcot and Downtown Disney and Disney Marketplace. Besides the food court and pizza takeout, there is a themed pool, boat rentals, lounges, game room and retail shops.
Disney’s BoardWalk, another good option for multi-generational groups, resembles a 1930s Atlantic seafront town, with some unusual touches like the bicycling piano players, strolling sword swallowers and fire-eaters. The moderately priced 372-room BoardWalk Inn is located beside Crescent Lake, with a children’s activity center, health club, tennis courts and themed pool. Along the waterfront street there are two specialty restaurants, a sports bar and a brewpub, the Atlantic Dance nightclub, a dueling piano bar, a sweet shop and a bakery. Rentals also are available at 383 luxury Disney Vacation Club accommodations at the BoardWalk, which features studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas offering kitchens, living areas and a variety of amenities.
The same is true in the luxury Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, the newest addition to the Disney Vacation Club family featuring 828 vacation homes that recall the late 1800s heyday of one of America's first vacation destinations – Saratoga Springs, N.Y. There’s an impressive heated central pool and smaller pools for each room unit within the resort. The resort offers a full-service spa, a central health club, a dining room and The Artist's Palette, a counter-service restaurant and market.
Finally, in a category all its own, with pricing starting at $255 per night for one of the 409 individual cabins each sleeping six, Fort Wilderness is like very well appointed 700-acre national park. There are 784 campsites (tents are available if needed) and services for RVs. Cabins have full kitchens, full bath, TV, VCR, outdoor grills, picnic tables and private patio decks. Groceries and camping supplies are at area trading posts, and guests can bring a car if they wish.
Groups of eight or more staying at a park resort can book Grand Gatherings experiences that include a Safari Celebration Dinner, a Magical Fireworks Voyage or a Good Morning Character Breakfast.
Your multi-generational clients also can take advantage of four different commissionable dining packages at Disney resorts. “The amount for the Dining Plus package is less than we know people actually spend a la carte,” says Lewis. “And they can double up their points for dinner shows or gourmet signature restaurants or use them for character breakfasts. They can be arranged up to 180 days before arrival now.”
For more information email me at jod@zanza.com.
The benefits of selling Disney World include very strong client satisfaction and a straight 10 percent commission on all aspects of the trip, including air and dining. But that means you need to be well-versed through continuing education – such as the Disney College of Knowledge - on the changes that constantly happen at the resort. Even park veterans will find plenty of new features in 2008, with Disney-MGM Studios now renamed Disney Hollywood Studios to better reflect today’s movies, theater and television.
For example, the new Toy Story Mania attraction at Disney Hollywood Studios coming this summer brings a high-tech experience to a nostalgic carnival midway. Guests wearing 3-D glasses ride in cars with revolving seats, pausing at each game booth where they aim for animated targets using a special spring-action shooter.
Also at Disney Hollywood Studios, the spirited new Block Party Bash replaces the Disney Stars and Motorcars parade this spring. With retro songs and dancing, flying acrobats and more than 20 Disney-Pixar film pals, the rolling spectacle features favorite characters from “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “A Bug’s Life.”
At Disney’s Wide World of Sports, the 220 -acre Jostens Center opens this summer. With 45,000 square feet of competition space that can accommodate six basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts or two roller hockey rinks plus lockers and meeting rooms, the new center effectively doubles the number of indoor sports Disney can offer.
In addition, four themed restaurants are opening in the park during 2008. Landry's Restaurants, which just introduced a taste of Asia to Disney’s Animal Kingdom with the opening of Yak & Yeti Restaurant, will bring T-Rex to Downtown Disney, the resort’s entertainment zone. The new venue combines table-service dining and retail in an interactive prehistoric environment built around water, fire and ice. At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, The Wave, opening in the spring, will serve up a suitable melting pot of American cooking. Meanwhile, this fall at Epcot, China’s Nine Dragons table-service restaurant makes way for a new dining room featuring five cooking stations where guests can interact with chefs from China. In Italy, Tutto Italia Ristorante will be expanded in late 2008 as the newest restaurant for California-based Patina Group, which has a portfolio of nearly 30 restaurants.
Your clients also can benefit from being in the right place at the right time, as part of Disney’s second “Year of a Million Dreams” giveaway. As part of this promotion, Disney World guests are awarded prizes at random, including a private day at Castaway Cay, a New Year’s Eve night stay inside the Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World Resort, and a trip to the “High School Musical 3” film premiere. Disney also will award hundreds of thousands of “Dream” FastPass badges, gourmet dining packages, Disney shopping sprees and more.
There are a number of compelling reasons to book your multi-generational family clients into Disney World’s resorts, which range from rustic cabins to luxury suites. Advantages start at the airport, where the complimentary Magical Express bus transfers guests to and from the resort. Better still, luggage is checked at the home airport and arrives in guests’ rooms. At departure, a check-in counter in every resort property provides airline boarding passes and luggage checks, so your clients can walk directly to security at the airport.
Once inside Disney World, there is complimentary transportation everywhere by bus, train or ferry, and any purchases made are sent to the guests’ accommodations – no lugging them around or going back to drop them off. For multi-generational travel this is particularly useful, allowing various members of a family group to pursue their own interests and rendezvous for time together as well.
Rita Lewis, CTC, a former travel agent and now a training, development and facilitation manager for Disney World’s travel industry marketing, emphasizes the scope of the experience multi-generational groups can get at the resort. “Family members can use facilities everywhere,” she says. “They can golf or fish, visit the attractions, use the spa, shop, go boating, bicycle or ride horses, independently using the free transportation, and then get together for a group meal or a swim.”
Lewis says families with children can easily take a breather and catch a rest or a swim or have a meal in their accommodations, then return to the attractions when they are ready. Each resort also has coin laundries and both individual babysitting and kids’ clubs are available for a very reasonable fee. Resorts also are pet-friendly, with expanding kennel service; pets can stay right with their owners in parts of Fort Wilderness.
Yet another feature that is great for multi-generational family groups is the expanded park hours exclusively for resort guests. On select days guests can enter a theme park an hour early and up to three hours after regular closing time when lines are usually shorter and the weather can be more comfortable in the summer.
In terms of value for larger family groups, roughly a third of all Disney hotel rooms are priced at only $82 per night for much of the year. Packaged with theme park tickets through Magic Your Way, a family of four can book six nights in a Disney hotel and seven days in the theme parks for less than $1,600, or just $58 a day per person. For more information on value vacations, visit www.disneyworld.com/affordable.
Among the value choices are the 2,880 rooms in the Pop Century Resort in the Wide World of Sports area near Animal Kingdom. The resort’s “time capsules” pay homage to 20th century pop culture and there is a food court area, lounge and pool bar, not to mention an enormous pool. In addition, more than 400 guestrooms at the value-priced All-Star Music Resort have been transformed into 215 family suites, a new concept offered along with the remaining 1,489 rooms. The suites can accommodate a family of six with two full bathrooms, a kitchenette, two flat screen TVs, a sleep sofa for two, a sleep chair for one, an ottoman that turns into a rollaway bed and a separate bedroom for two. The resort also features a food court, retail store, game room and pizza delivery.
Another resort that can accommodate multi-generational groups is moderately priced Port Orleans French Quarter resort offers a charming alternative filled with lacy ironwork and the scent of beignets. The resort’s 1,008 rooms are located on a 325-acre woodland site between Epcot and Downtown Disney and Disney Marketplace. Besides the food court and pizza takeout, there is a themed pool, boat rentals, lounges, game room and retail shops.
Disney’s BoardWalk, another good option for multi-generational groups, resembles a 1930s Atlantic seafront town, with some unusual touches like the bicycling piano players, strolling sword swallowers and fire-eaters. The moderately priced 372-room BoardWalk Inn is located beside Crescent Lake, with a children’s activity center, health club, tennis courts and themed pool. Along the waterfront street there are two specialty restaurants, a sports bar and a brewpub, the Atlantic Dance nightclub, a dueling piano bar, a sweet shop and a bakery. Rentals also are available at 383 luxury Disney Vacation Club accommodations at the BoardWalk, which features studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas offering kitchens, living areas and a variety of amenities.
The same is true in the luxury Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, the newest addition to the Disney Vacation Club family featuring 828 vacation homes that recall the late 1800s heyday of one of America's first vacation destinations – Saratoga Springs, N.Y. There’s an impressive heated central pool and smaller pools for each room unit within the resort. The resort offers a full-service spa, a central health club, a dining room and The Artist's Palette, a counter-service restaurant and market.
Finally, in a category all its own, with pricing starting at $255 per night for one of the 409 individual cabins each sleeping six, Fort Wilderness is like very well appointed 700-acre national park. There are 784 campsites (tents are available if needed) and services for RVs. Cabins have full kitchens, full bath, TV, VCR, outdoor grills, picnic tables and private patio decks. Groceries and camping supplies are at area trading posts, and guests can bring a car if they wish.
Groups of eight or more staying at a park resort can book Grand Gatherings experiences that include a Safari Celebration Dinner, a Magical Fireworks Voyage or a Good Morning Character Breakfast.
Your multi-generational clients also can take advantage of four different commissionable dining packages at Disney resorts. “The amount for the Dining Plus package is less than we know people actually spend a la carte,” says Lewis. “And they can double up their points for dinner shows or gourmet signature restaurants or use them for character breakfasts. They can be arranged up to 180 days before arrival now.”
For more information email me at jod@zanza.com.
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