Dec 30 2011 Cruise Notes from Mary

Cruise Notes from Mary
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
December 9, 2011

Happy Friday Everyone

Latest Cruise Ship Trends from CLIA Focus on Shipboard Dining
Cruise lines are redefining shipboard dining, shattering myths along the way, and the 16 million vacationers who are expected to have cruised in 2011 would not have it any other way. Research by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) suggests that the latest trends in shipboard restaurants and menus, the expanding choice in dining venues, exciting brand partnerships, healthy options, food-related enrichment programs and culinary themed voyages are exactly what the public craves.

In short, cruise ship dining can be credited in large measure in explaining why 94 percent of all cruisers are satisfied with their vacation, 45 percent of them are “extremely satisfied,” and why cruising enjoys a 60 percent repeat rate, with much higher percentages as the luxury factor increases.

Alaskan Dream Cruises Adds New Itineraries
Alaskan Dream Cruises, one of the newest small-ship cruise lines sailing in Southeast Alaska, is announcing three new itineraries, additional ports of call and ship renovations. Alaskan Dream Cruises is owned and operated by an Alaska Native family in Sitka, Alaska. The company will operate its second season from May through September 2012.

Complimentary shore excursions that range from adventure activities to cultural experiences are included in all of the company’s cruises. In addition, local naturalists and Alaska Native guides conduct onboard presentations on the rich culture, flora and fauna of the region.

Louis Cruises Offers 15 Percent Savings on Pre-Purchased Beverage Packages
Louis Cruises is now offering a variety of beverage packages that can be pre-booked prior to departure featuring savings of 15 percent off the on-board beverage package pricing including the All-inclusive Drinks Package and the Non-alcoholic Beverages Package. In addition,

Cruisers can choose the beverage package that suits them best. Whether looking for the best package for adults or children, travelers can enjoy the fantastic savings for many toasts on board. The two beverage options that can be pre-booked at a 15 percent discount are: the All-inclusive Drinks Package at $31.00 per day, the Non-alcoholic Beverages Package at $16.90 per day. Prices detailed reflect the 15 percent savings for pre-purchasing each of the aforementioned packages. In addition, Louis Cruises offers a Soda Package for children for only $12.70 per day.

Carnival Launches Year-Round Three and Five Day Cruises to Catalina Island and Mexico from Long Beach
The 2,052-passenger Carnival Inspiration recently launched year-round short cruises from Long Beach on a sold-out four-day voyage to Catalina Island and Ensenada. Carnival Inspiration provides an exciting new choice on this popular itinerary which encompasses three-day cruises departing Fridays to Ensenada and four-day cruises departing Mondays to Ensenada and Catalina Island. Previously, this itinerary was operated by the Carnival Paradise, which has been redeployed to Tampa.

Carnival Inspiration joins the Carnival Splendor which operates seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach. Carnival is the West Coast cruise leader and is the only company to operate two ships from California on a year-round basis. Together the Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Splendor are expected to carry 400,000 guests on an annual basis – more than any other cruise operator.

Limited Space and Savings on Regent Seven Seas Caribbean Sailings
Luxury cruises to the Caribbean this winter are nearly sold out says Regent Seven Seas Cruises because airfare, gourmet meals, wine, premium spirits, sightseeing tours in every port and a Fort Lauderdale hotel stay before departure are included in the in the price.

Rates include gourmet dining, open bar throughout the ship, free sightseeing in all ports, all onboard gratuities, roundtrip air from more than 25 North American cities and a luxury hotel stay in Fort Lauderdale before the cruise. Depending on the itinerary, guests can choose from as many as 51 complimentary shore excursions, which include learning to scuba dive in Cozumel and rappelling through caves in Belize.

Windstar Cruises Wind Surf Completes First Phase of Refurbishment
Windstar Cruises, which operates a fleet of three luxury sailing yachts has announced the completion of the first phase of Wind Surf’s refurbishment encompassing the yacht’s staterooms, suites, bridge suites and corridors. Wind Surf welcomed guests December 10 in Philipsburg, St. Maarten and set sail for the start of its Caribbean season with a new luxurious look.

Wind Surf’s staterooms now feature leather headboards, stately arm chairs, linen wall coverings, new lighting features, elegant window coverings, plush wool carpeting, art work and stylish bed cushions. Suites were additionally outfitted with new furniture that converts easily to lounging, dining, or accommodating a third occupant. Corridors were completely renovated from floor to ceiling with new wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, lighting and art work

Tahiti: Sail The South Seas With Goway and Paul Gauguin Cruises
Vacation package are being offered aboard the intimate and luxurious m/s Paul Gauguin. Go cruising through the Tahitian Islands or French Polynesia on board a ship that has five-star service, comfort and luxury. The m/s Paul Gauguin was specifically designed to sail the shallow seas and reach small ports that bigger ships can’t get to. It features many luxurious attributes such as spacious suites and staterooms (most with private balcony), a water sports marina, three open dining venues and an extensive spa. A local Tahitian group called the Gauguines serves you as part of the cruise staff, entertainers and story tellers to give you a real unique Tahitian experience.

The vacation package includes a 7 night cruise, all meals, complimentary beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, complimentary in-room dining and all on board gratuities.

Oceania Cruises Garners High Marks from 2012 Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships
Oceania Cruises’ Marina has been named one of the top 10 mid-size ships in the world in the 2012 Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships. With a total score of more than 1,700 points, which translates to a 5-star rating, Marina has joined an elite group of vessels that belong to the Berlitz “Five-Star Club,” representing the highest rated ships in the world.

Marina set cruise industry standards with elegantly appointed lounges and restaurants and veranda staterooms that are the largest at sea. Designed for epicureans, the ship features a total of 10 dining venues, six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants; all at no additional charge. Riviera, a sister ship, will debut in April 2012.

SeaDream Yacht Club Reveals Details of a Spiritual, Educational and Historical Voyage Visting Greece and Turkey in June 2012
SeaDream Yacht Club, operating the top ‘Boutique Ships’ in the world as rated by the 2012 Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships, has revealed details of a newly created 2012 itinerary featuring unique Turkish and Greek ports. The voyage The voyage was specially designed to follow in the footsteps of Paul the Apostle, one of the most famous citizens of the Roman Empire .

Voyage # 21220b sails June 30 – July 8, 2012 from Istanbul , Turkey to Pireaus ( Athens ), Greece. The intermediary ports include Dikili, Turkey; Izmir , Turkey; Kusadasi, Turkey; Demre ( Myra ), Turkey; Rhodes , Greece and Hydra , Greece and highlights include:

Dikili, Turkey: A short, scenic drive from the port is one of the Seven Churches of Asia referred to by St. John in the Book of Revelation; the city of Pergamum.

Izmir, Turkey: Visit the ancient city of Sardis, named as one of the Seven Churches of Asia in the Book of Revelation. From Sardis, travel to Thyatira, home to one of the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation visited by the apostle Paul during his missionary travels. Guests will also view the Saint Polycarp Church, the oldest church in Izmir and represents ancient Smyrna ’s role as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2:8-11.

Kusadasi, Turkey: Tour the magnificent archaeological site of Ephesus including the recently excavated Terrace Houses, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Library of Celsus. A short walk away is the amphitheater where the Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians.

Demre ( Myra ), Turkey: Visit the ancient city of Myra , home to the earliest church of St. Nicholas (the original Santa Claus), built in the 6th century.

Rhodes, Greece: Take part in a guided walking tour of this medieval city where St Paul lived.
Thought for the Month
Wishing you all a happy and blessed New Year


Wishing you a great weekend
Mary Engram, Your Personal Travel Consultant