Royal Caribbean Announces 2014 Northeast America, Northern Europe Sailings

Royal Caribbean International has just unveiled its 2014 Northeast America and Northern Europe cruises aboard six ships to New England and Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, and the Baltic, North, Norwegian and Mediterranean seas © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Royal Caribbean International has just unveiled its 2014 Northeast America and Northern Europe cruises aboard six ships to New England and Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, and the Baltic, North, Norwegian and Mediterranean seas, respectively. In total, Independence of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas will embark on 87 sailings with a total of 85 unique ports of call on two continents. Royal Caribbean’s 2014 Canada and New England cruises open for sale today while the cruise line’s Northern Europe cruises will open for sale on March 20, 2013.

“We are delighted to unveil these 2014 Royal Caribbean itineraries that cater to family and multigenerational vacationers,” said Lisa Bauer, executive vice president of Global Sales and Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “These six Royal Caribbean ships exemplify the innovative designs for which we are known, and most of them have undergone revitalization to feature some of the most contemporary and popular amenities that were introduced with the world-acclaimed Oasis of the Seas. Combined with these new compelling itineraries to breathtaking destinations, and our signature friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, guests will share in an unforgettable vacation that can only be found on Royal Caribbean.”

Vacationers looking to experience Europe sooner this year can still take advantage of an incredible offer aboard one of nine ships plying European waters in 2013. During the current month-long Europe Extravaganza sale, vacationers who make a new individual booking with deposit through March 31, 2013, will receive $400 onboard credit per suite-category stateroom; $200 per balcony stateroom; $100 per outside stateroom; and $50 onboard credit per inside stateroom. Guests can apply their onboard credit toward an exciting shore excursion or rejuvenating spa session, or celebrate a special occasion during their cruise with a specialty dining experience. Guests taking advantage of this offer must mention appropriate offer code when booking. For more details, please visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/EuropeExtravaganza.

As the U.K.’s largest and most innovative cruise ship, Independence of the Seas will sail roundtrip in 2014 from Southampton on 12- and 14-night itineraries to the Spanish, French and Italian rivieras and offer vacationers exclusive onboard amenities acclaimed for Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-class ships. Guests can enjoy surfing on the FlowRider or relax in the ship’s cantilevered whirlpools, among other exclusive onboard amenities offered at sea by the cruise line, as they pass the Rock of Gibraltar and call at some of the most compelling destinations of Southern Europe. Two sailings, an 11- and a 12-night roundtrip sailing will bring guests to the paradisiacal Canary Islands and Madeira (Funchal), Portugal, departing Oct. 2 and 13.

Independence of the Seas also will sail an eight-night itinerary to the southern fjordlands of Norway on May 17, followed by a shorter six-night cruise to Paris (Le Havre), France, and Bilbao and Gijon, Spain, departing on May 25. Vacationers also can choose a three- and four-night sampler, sailing October 25 and 28 respectively, with calls at Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium, and Paris. Furthermore, Independence of the Seas’ 2014 Europe season is bookended with a 13-night eastbound trans-Atlantic voyage from winter-homeport Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and a 15-night westbound return crossing departing May 4 and Nov. 1, 2014, respectively.

Also to homeport at Southampton, Adventure of the Seas will offer vacationers a panoply of roundtrip Baltic, Iceland and Norway, and Mediterranean sailings, ranging from 12- to 16-nights. On the Baltic Sea sailings, guests will call at St. Petersburg for two days, enough time to explore the ‘Window to the West’ and a take an excursion to inland Moscow. On the Iceland-bound sailings, guests also enjoy a two-day call at Reykjavik to join in the vibrant ‘nightlife capital of the North.’

For a week-long cruise option, vacationers can chose a seven-night Southern Norway cruise, departing May 23, or a seven-night North Sea cruise to France and Spain, departing Oct. 26. Two short cruises, a four-night Belgium and France itinerary, departing May 4, and a two-night Paris (Le Havre) sailing, departing Aug. 29, will offer vacationers a taste of the Voyager-class ships, the first to introduce the cruise line’s iconic rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of restaurants, lounges and boutiques that stretches nearly the ship’s length. Vacationers also can span two continents on 14-night trans-Atlantic crossings, sailing eastbound from Miami on Apr. 20 and westbound to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Nov. 2.

In addition to Southampton, vacationers can choose 12- and 13-night Scandinavia and Russia cruises, sailing roundtrip from Harwich, England, aboard Brilliance of the Seas that also features two-day calls at St. Petersburg. A 12-night Fjords & Iceland itinerary, departing July 26, brings guests to southern Norway, Scotland, and the Faroe Islands, as well as calls for two days at Reykjavik. Fourteen-night, Trans-Atlantic crossings also bookend the ship’s Northern Europe season, with the eastbound voyage departing on Apr. 30 from Tampa, Fla., and a westbound voyage departing on Aug. 31 that follows a northerly route to Boston, Mass.

Legend of the Seas heads for the Baltic Sea on April 16 on a 16-night trans-Atlantic crossing from Port Everglades to Copenhagen. Nordic and Baltic enthusiasts then have a choice of Copenhagen or Stockholm, from where they can embark on a seven- or eight-night Norwegian Fjords or Baltic cruise. From Copenhagen, an 11-night Arctic Circle itinerary, departing June 7, calls as far north as Tromsø and Honningsvåg to bring guests into the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun.’ An 11-night Ultimate Scandinavia Russia itinerary, departing Copenhagen on June 18 features a three-day call at St. Petersburg and an overnight at Stockholm for an extensive Baltic adventure.

Autumn Canada, New England, Bermuda and Caribbean from the Northeast America

In autumn 2014, vacationers have a choice of four ships, aboard which to catch the infinite range of colors in the grand Northeast U.S. and Canada’s Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. From Quebec City, four cruises aboard Legend of the Seas will sail 10- and 11-night itineraries, calling throughout the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A 12-night Canada and Bermuda cruise, departing Nov. 3, will include an overnight in Bermuda as the ship repositions to its winter homeport of Port Everglades. Brilliance of the Seas alternatively, will offer six autumn sailings to Canada and New England, sailing roundtrip from Boston to Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on seven-night itineraries.

Explorer of the Seas will offer two nine-night fall-foliage cruises, departing Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J. on Aug. 28 and Sept. 11. The ship also will alternate a five-night Bermuda and a nine-night Bermuda & Caribbean itinerary for the convenience of vacationers from the New York metropolitan area.

From Baltimore, Md., Grandeur of the Seas will offer mid-Atlantic vacationers four convenient sailings to catch the fall foliage on an eight-night Canada & New England itinerary. These eight-night sailings will alternate with a six-night Bermuda itinerary that uniquely features a three-day call at the British overseas territory.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming.

The cruise line has a 40-year history of delivery to guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 10 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow Royal Caribbean on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean or on Twitter, @RoyalCaribbean.

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5 Reasons to Choose a Royal Caribbean Cruise that Visits the Private Island of Labadee

The thrilling Dragons Breath Zipline on Royal Caribbean’s private island of Labadee © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Private Islands are the most popular port of call, according to CLIA, the Cruise Line Industry Association. Crown Cruise Vacations travel experts give five reasons to choose a Royal Caribbean cruise that features a visit to its private island of Labadee,  so you can live like a millionaire for the day.

Here are five things to look forward to on your cruise private island visit.

1. Beaches and beach clubs — there are seven, each with a distinct style:

• Buccaneers’ Bay – enjoy a barbecue lunch buffet
• Dragon’s Plaza – the start of the longest beach on Labadee
• Labadee Town Square – boasts popular artisan market and festive atmosphere
• Adrenaline Beach – roller coaster, soccer, basketball and beach volley
• Columbus Cove – family friendly with trees and sandy beach
• Nellie’s Beach – home to the Kayak Adventure
• Barefoot Beach Club – exclusively for suite guests

2. Water sports at the beaches — kayaking, snorkeling and parasailing are just some to choose from.

• Paddle along the gorgeous coastline of Labadee on a relaxing kayaking tour. Your guide will lead you through beautiful coral reefs, where you’ll witness an abundance of exotic marine life. You’ll also pass various fishing villages that have been unchanged for decades.
• Become a pirate for a day at Labadee Luc’s Splash Bash. Get drenched by ground geysers and water archways, battle other buccaneers with water cannons aboard the pirate ship, or explore the treasure map trail.
• Soak up the sun while you float on the waves on a beach mat.
• Enjoy the fun-filled floating Aqua Park as you bounce on trampolines and climb and slide on inflatables.
• Grab a bird’s-eye view as you soar 400 feet above the beautiful peninsula of Labadee on a thrilling parasailing ride.
• Take an exhilarating ride aboard a waverunner down the scenic coast of Labadee. See your ship from a perspective rarely enjoyed by other guests.

3. Shopping — go shopping for beautiful handmade local artwork, woodwork and crafts and mementos of your day in private paradise (bring cash)

4. Experience the local flavors – and relax at the same time. A “Labaduzee” is a signature frozen drink that is out of this world. Order yours from a shady hammock to capture the true spirit of Labadee.

5. Shore and Land Excursions

• Adrenaline Coastal Tour – Adventure-seekers will love this exciting ride and narrated sightseeing tour aboard a RIB, a small but powerful vessel that zips out from Labadee to cruise along the scenic shoreline of the island of Hispaniola.
• Arawak Aqua Park — Come climb the only icebergs in the Caribbean at the Arawak Aqua Park. Enjoy bouncing on the giant floating trampolines, water slides, rolling logs and many other water toys that will keep you cool while having fun. Space is limited, so sign up early. Fun for adults and children.
• Discover Haiti Coastal Cruise — Take a journey back in time and discover the jewel of the Caribbean, Haiti, the land of mountains and one of a kind coves and picturesque views. Your guide will take you on a journey of discovery onboard the “Discovery,” a specially designed motorized catamaran. Throughout your voyage you will view by sea breathtaking landscapes, beautiful reefs, a shipwreck, Amiga Island, coastal villages, handmade wooden fishing boats and the landmarks of the Arawak Indians and the early discoverers such as Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. Also, during your tour you will be able to see the Citadel, a fort nestled on a 3,000 ft. mountain which is considered to be one of the wonders of the world. Your discovery of the beautiful scenery, the rich culture and the history will be a memorable experience never to be forgotten.

Here are a just a few of the many cruises with private island visits to choose from:

Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas 8-Night Eastern Caribbean cruise, departs Feb. 16, 2013, round trip from Fort Lauderdale and includes ports of private island Labadee (Haiti); St. Maarten; St. Kitts; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and three days cruising at sea. Prices start at $799 per person, double occupancy.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas 7-Night Western Caribbean cruise, departs Feb. 24, 2013, round trip from Fort Lauderdale and includes ports of private island Labadee (Haiti); Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico; and three days cruising at sea. Prices start at $849 per person, double occupancy.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas 7-Night Western Caribbean cruise, departs March 2, 2013, round trip from Fort Lauderdale and includes ports of private island Labadee (Haiti); Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico; and three days cruising at sea. Prices start at $799 per person, double occupancy.

Crown Cruise Vacations is the preferred provider of PTV at Sea cruises, which enrich, inspire and entertain with informative programming presented by some of public broadcasting’s most acclaimed personalities. Crown Cruise Vacations was recently named North America’s Leading Cruise Travel Agent 2011 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, which acknowledges excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

To work with a Crown Cruise Vacations cruise specialist for your next cruise vacation, call toll-free (USA/Canada) 877-283-1114, direct-dial 1+609-945-9801, or visit Crown Cruise Vacations at http://www.crowncruisevacations.com.

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Pacific Princess will Sail Eastern Caribbean on Special 10-day Itinerary in January

Princess Cruises has just announced a new Caribbean cruise opportunity for travelers looking to get away from the cold January weather. Featuring the intimate cruise experience of its small ship Pacific Princess, this 10-day sailing features the line’s only calls at the boutique ports of Tortola and St. Barthelemy in 2013.

Sailing from January 17-27, this Eastern Caribbean voyage also offers full-day calls in Antigua, St. Lucia and St. Kitts, which features a late evening departure for more time on the island.

“Because Pacific Princess travels the globe, we rarely have the opportunity to offer a Caribbean cruise on this popular small ship,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “But because we’re rescheduling the ship’s drydock, we now have a wonderful chance to offer this unique one-time itinerary option before she takes off on her yearly world cruise.”

Among the in-port opportunities for passengers on this sailing are tours to Virgin Gorda from Tortola to see the famous geologic formation “The Baths,” as well as the chance to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites of Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park on St. Kitts and the dramatic Pitons in St. Lucia.

Passengers will enjoy an intimate cruise experience aboard small ship Pacific Princess. Carrying just 680 passengers, the ship offers a rich selection of amenities, including specialty restaurants Sabatini’s and Sterling Steakhouse.

Fares for the Pacific Princess Eastern Caribbean cruise begin at $899 per person, based on double occupancy.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

‘Oak Ridge Boys Rally at Sea’ Cruise Sets Sail February 28-March 4

Set sail with The Oak Ridge Boys for a four-night voyage onboard the Celebrity Constellation sailing from Miami to the Caribbean from February 28 – March 4, 2013.

Set sail with The Oak Ridge Boys for a four-night voyage onboard the Celebrity Constellation sailing from Miami to the Caribbean from February 28 – March 4, 2013.

The cruise is packed with exclusive activities and special events, including two concerts featuring some of the group’s biggest hits, a welcome reception hosted by the Oak Ridge Boys, meet & greet session, 40th anniversary celebration and much more. Plus, there’ll be plenty of time for poolside relaxation along with other onboard happenings and entertainment. You’ll be able to take breathtaking tours, adventurous excursions and stroll along sun-soaked beaches in Key West and Cozumel.

“Sail away with us during the Oaks’ Rally at Sea. Request and hear the songs you want to hear, ask the question you never got to ask, attend the exclusive “fans only” show where you pick the songs and learn things you never knew about the group and each individual member,” says lead singer Duane Allen. “Hear some of the inside secrets on how to make it in the music business from our legendary manager, Jim Halsey. Also, have your photo made with the Oaks on the cruise ship. There’ll even be a very special show featuring the Mighty Oaks Band,” he adds.

Member Joe Bonsall says the voyage will offer fans an experience of a lifetime. “I really believe this cruise will be the coolest thing we have ever done! We are coming up with new ideas every day on how to make this the greatest Oak Ridge Boys experience EVER for those who sail with us and, of course, there IS the Caribbean!”

The Celebrity Constellation cruise featuring the Oak Ridge Boys will depart from Miami, dock in Key West and Cozumel while navigating the deep blue sea. Celebrity Cruises line offers impeccable service and amenities, including spa treatments, shops and casinos. It is among the top-rated in the travel industry.

For more information or to book online, visit www.oakridgeboys.com or call: (888-711-7447.

Oak Ridge Boys Rally at Sea Itinerary

Day 1 – Thursday, February 28th

4:30 p.m. Sail from Miami

4:30-6:00 p.m. “Rally at Sea” Welcome Reception

Day 2 – Friday, March 1st

7:00 a.m. Dock in Key West

1:30 p.m. Sail from Key West

4:00-5:30 p.m. Meet & Greet with The Oak Ridge Boys
Guests will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Oaks.

6:30 p.m. Dinner for all “Rally at Sea” guests

9:00 p.m. A Very Special Concert: By Request Only
There’ll be 90 minutes of entertainment as you’ve never experienced it! Guests will have the opportunity to request songs in advance.

Day 3 – Saturday, March 2nd

11:30 a.m. Dock in Cozumel

8:30 p.m. Sail from Cozumel

10:30 p.m. Late Night Jam with The Mighty Oaks Band in the ship lounge.
Casual fun for everyone over 21!

Day 4 – Sunday, March 3rd

A day at sea!

10:00 a.m.-12:00p.m. 40th Anniversary Celebration
Nostalgic video reels, games and a special presentation by ORB Manager and Impresario Jim Halsey.

1:00-3:00 p.m. ORB University: Q & A Session
Lighthearted fun and storytelling!

3:20-4:00 p.m. Oak Ridge Boys Gospel & Country
A mini-concert of The Oak Ridge Boys’ personal gospel and
country favorites.

5:30-6:30 p.m. “Sail Away” Farewell Reception

Day 5 – Monday, March 4th

7 a.m. Dock in Miami

‘Larry’s Country Diner’ and ‘Country’s Family Reunion’ TV Shows Host 5-Day Caribbean Cruise

Larry chats it up with Nadine during the Larry’s Country Diner/Country’s Family Reunion cruise. The painted set and the duck shaped floatation device are just part of the fun as the diner adjusts to the high seas. Photo Credit: Phil Johnson ©2012 All Rights Reserved

Gabriel Communications’ highly successful television shows, “Larry’s Country Diner” and “Country’s Family Reunion” will once again take to the high-seas for a five-day “down-home” Caribbean Cruise.

Fans can climb aboard the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas cruise liner January 19-24, 2013 and enjoy entertainment featuring Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius, Gene Watson, Moe Bandy, T. Graham Brown, Ronny Robbins, with more artists to be announced. Of course, there will be a special onboard Larry’s Country Diner show, featuring the entire cast, and very special stand-up performances by the ever-popular Nadine. The Liberty of the Seas, which will dock at ports of call including Cozumel and Belize, boasts amenities such as a 9-hole golf course, waterpark, full-sized sports courts, fitness center, day spa and unlimited onboard activites.

Book by calling: 1-800-820-5405 or by logging on to www.cfrcruise.com.

In just two years, “Larry’s Country Diner,” has become one of country music consumers’ favorite “eateries.” One of the top-rated shows on the RFD-TV network, this “down home” variety show serves up a heapin’ helpin’ of spontaneous country music performances by the stars of yesterday and today, with a generous portion of laughs. Set in a rural, small-town diner, the show’s spontaneity and impromptu nature only add to its charm and unique appeal, pulling an estimated audience 1.4 million people each month to the upstart network.

During the cruise, fans will get to be a part of the “Larry’s Country Diner” studio audience, get up close and personal with their favorite diner cast members and enjoy stellar performance by iconic country artists. Passengers will also enjoy special shows from “Country’s Family Reunion.”

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Crystal Cruises Sets New Standard of Voluntourism Excursions for Fall New England, Canada, and Caribbean Sailings

This September/October, Crystal Cruises’ guests and staff will help international refugees resettle in Canada, Massachusetts children-in-need survive winter, feed the hungry in Halifax, and care for stray/rescued donkeys in Antigua—all as part of the ultra-luxe cruise line’s “You Care, We Care” program in New England, Canada, and the Caribbean this fall.

This September/October, Crystal Cruises’ guests and staff will help international refugees resettle in Canada, Massachusetts children-in-need survive winter, feed the hungry in Halifax, and care for stray/rescued donkeys in Antigua—all as part of the ultra-luxe cruise line’s “You Care, We Care” program in New England, Canada, and the Caribbean this fall.

Volunteer opportunities are offered gratis on every 2011 sailing, giving guests and crew an easy, hands-on way to “give back” to local communities, while simultaneously providing an alternative cultural perspective to traditional shore excursions.

Participants may assist four aid organizations on five east coast Crystal Symphony voyages:

• Cradles to Crayons (9/16 and 10/8—Boston): Prepare vital winter items for homeless/low-income children, from schoolbags to warm coats and shoes.
• Romero House (9/30—St. John, New Brunswick): Provide kitchen aid for a housing community that assists less-fortunate locals and resettling refugees.
• Feed Nova Scotia (10/20—Halifax): Help food bank preparation/distribution.
• Donkey Sanctuary at the Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society (10/31—Antigua): Feed, clean, or walk the shelter’s stray donkeys, dogs and cats. Launched in January, 2011,

Launched in January, 2011, Crystal’s “You Care, We Care” program has been widely recognized as a trailblazing effort for socially responsible tourism.

“While we always seek unique adventures for our guests, we created this program as a very personal way for Crystal travelers to give back to the many destinations that have given us so much through the years,” says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president operations. “We’ve already seen incredibly positive ripple effects in peoples’ lives, and we can’t wait to continue our efforts through the year.”

Crystal’s voluntourism efforts thus far in 2011 have helped orphans, animals and the environment. June/July projects include caretaking cats and birds at the oldest independent animal protection organization in Norway and a summer-long project of rehab-ing an eco-friendly salmon hatchery and education facility in Alaska.

A cornerstone of Crystal Cruises’ culture is its genuine hospitality and service that has been internationally-celebrated for two decades. This spirit of generosity extends to its respectful treatment of the environment, oceans and communities in which it travels.

For more information/Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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Crystal Cruises Slashes Fares on ‘Symphony’ Oct. 25 NY-Caribbean Cruise

The ultraluxe cruise line Crystal Cruises has marked down its October 25 New York-Miami Caribbean cruise even further, with savings of up to 67% off brochure fares. Fares for the 12-day sailing on Crystal Symphony now start at $2,995 per person, including $1000/couple “As You Wish” shipboard spending credits.

Crystal’s “Pink Sands and White Beaches” voyage begins with a scenic sail-away from New York followed by visits to Bermuda; St. Maarten, Antigua, Aruba, and the Cayman Islands.

Throughout, guests will be stimulated and enriched with an array of complimentary workshops and classes:

• · A “Digital Filmmaking” theme offers camera buffs hands-on tutelage in travel video production from Travel Channel Academy founders throughout the sailing.
• · News junkies will relish insights from Shelby Coffey, formerly editor of the L.A. Times, president of CNN Business News and executive vice president of ABC News.
• · Veteran U.S. State Dept Senior Foreign Service Officer, Robert Warne will enthrall world affairs enthusiasts with his vast experience in international economics
• · Animal lovers can help care for stray donkeys via Crystal’s gratis “You Care, We Care” voluntourism excursion in Antigua.

“This unique Crystal departure from New York was designed with an appealing balance of sea and port days – the perfect resort from which to enjoy inspiring enrichment, complimentary classes, a spacious spa, exquisite dining, and non-stop fitness opportunities, says Nitsa Lewis, vice president, marketing. “One’s vacation can be as stimulating or relaxing as one prefers, while newly reduced fares make this an extraordinary value.”

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history. With a host of complimentary amenities, from enlightening speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio, a Crystal cruise always offers tremendous value in luxury resort vacationing.

Availability is limited; special fares are capacity controlled and subject to change.

For more information/Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent. Call 888-799-4625 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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CRYSTAL’S CRUISE SALE OFFERS NEW REDUCTIONS ON ALL FALL DEPARTURES

The Crystal Serenity at Sea. Crystal Cruises’ fall voyages are now on sale with newly reduced fares from as low as $2,400 per person (photo supplied by Crystal Cruises).

Crystal Cruises’ fall voyages are now on sale with newly reduced fares from as low as $2,400 per person and new Penthouse and Verandah savings up to $8,000 per couple.  Beginning with its August 26 Mediterranean cruise on Crystal Serenity and its first 2011 Canada/New England cruise on Crystal Symphony, Crystal is offering new savings on every one of its 22 fall cruises, including both Christmas/New Year departures.

Guests will still receive up to $2,000 per couple “All Inclusive–As You Wish” shipboard credits and free air from 20+ North American gateways, now including Honolulu.

Crystal’s fall cruise collection includes a first-class array of prime overseas and domestic vacations, including the romantic Mediterranean; culturally-rich Black Sea; exotic Canary Islands including Morocco; historic Holy Land; swinging Big Band Transatlantic sailing; fascinating Panama Canal; tropical Mexican Riviera and Caribbean; crisp, colorful New England and Canada; new luxury Pacific Coast escapes; and end-of-year holiday cruises to Hawaii and the Caribbean, with Panama Canal highlights.

The Crystal Experience offers a plethora of all-inclusive fine dining options, now incorporating new, flexible “Perfect Choice Dining” for choose-your-own-time dinner reservations.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

 

MSC Celebrates Holidays with Buy One, Get One Offers

MSC is celebrating this season with savings as guests can ring in the holidays on buy one, get one offers on 7-night Caribbean cruises during Thanksgiving and Christmas starting at $529 per person plus government fees and taxes (GFTs).

Get the second week free with the purchase of a 7-night Caribbean cruise for a 14-night, back-to-back, Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean cruise experience on bookings made by Nov. 30, which includes the Thanksgiving cruise on Nov. 21.

During this buy one, get one free offer, rates are as low as $40 per day on select 14-night, back-to-back Eastern Caribbean cruises and Western Caribbean cruises onboard MSC Poesia and departing from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Cruise itineraries include:

 

• Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, call in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands;

Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau Bahamas; Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios, Jamaica;

Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico departs Nov. 14, 28, and Dec. 12,   2010; rates from $529 (originally started from $1,058) for a $529 savings or more than 50 percent plus government fees and taxes (GFTs) of $117.07;

 

• Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises, call in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands;

Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Nassau Bahamas; Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios, Jamaica;

Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico; departs Nov. 12 and Dec. 5, 2010;  rates from $529 (originally started from $1,058) for a $529 savings or more than 50 percent plus GFTs of $117.07.

A Christmas cruise is another holiday sailing option with “The More the Merrier” offer where guests obtain a second stateroom at 50 percent off when they purchase one at the regular price. Rates for the Dec. 19 cruise begin at $649 per person for the first stateroom and $324.50 per person for the second stateroom plus GFTs. Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. Offer expires Dec. 15.

Cruise-only rates are per person  based on double occupancy for U.S. and Canadian residents.

All cruises offer just a $100 deposit, and kids 17 and younger sail for just $99 as the third/fourth guest in a stateroom.

For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional.

Tis The Season to Book a Royal Caribbean Cruise for a Stress-Free Holiday

Families enjoy RCL's Freedom of the Seas signature attraction, the Flowrider. Royal Caribbean is offering special deals on holiday cruises © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

This winter, Royal Caribbean International is inviting families to start a new tradition and spending the holidays at sea, with special deals and festivities from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. After all, “Why Not?” as the line’s slogan goes.

“There is really no better holiday value than spending yours aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise with family and friends,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International.  “All too often, people get stressed out with holiday preparation and entertaining. Royal Caribbean takes care of all this work, providing guests the opportunity to relax and truly enjoy the holiday season with their loved ones. Additionally, the Diamond Celebration in December will offer exclusive benefits and programs to our Diamond-status Crown & Anchor Society members to recognize our most loyal guests.”

To kick off the holiday season, Royal Caribbean is pulling out all the stops for guests to enjoy a bountiful and memorable Thanksgiving.  Not only will the chefs in the cruise line’s main dining room feature a gourmet turkey dinner (and take care of the grocery shopping, cooking and dishes too), but the award-winning Adventure Ocean program will provide kids with themed activities including Thanksgiving story time and arts and crafts.

What better way to alleviate the stress that typically comes along with the holiday season than indulging in the Royal treatment?  Guests this winter can enjoy a wide range of exclusive and innovative onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming, while observing the season’s traditional festivities.  Most travelers won’t even have to wander much further than their own backyards to find a holiday cruise vacation to suit their interests.  Royal Caribbean’s fleet offers a diverse number of holiday itineraries departing from nine easy-to-reach domestic home ports, including Bayonne, NJ, Baltimore, MD, Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Miami, Port Canaveral, and Tampa, Fla., Galveston, TX, Los Angeles, Calif. and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A seven-night Eastern Caribbean Thanksgiving sailing is available aboard Freedom of the Seas, departing November 21, 2010, from Port Canaveral, Fla..  Freedom of the Seas offers innovative onboard amenities and entertainment options, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, an ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall, and street parties and parades in the Royal Promenade, a boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship, lined with boutiques where guests can get a head start on their holiday shopping.

Royal Caribbean will deck its ships with seasonal decorations to embrace the holiday spirit at sea throughout the month of December.  Royal Caribbean offers Hanukkah-themed festivities lasting all eight days of the holiday, including a Rabbi aboard every ship to conduct a nightly menorah lighting ceremony and services.  For those celebrating Christmas, a Catholic priest also will be aboard to lead the holiday’s observances including a midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

Other Christmas festivities sure to get families bonding and into the spirit include: classic movie screenings, guest and crew caroling, cookie decorating, special Christmas-themed Adventure Ocean programming, and holiday ice skating aboard select ships.  Families may still book staterooms aboard the new Allure of the Seas for the seven-night roundtrip Western Caribbean Holiday itinerary departing from Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. sailing on December 18, 2010.

In November, Allure of the Seas will join sister-ship Oasis of the Seas, as one of the two world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships.  Allure of the Seas featuring seven themed neighborhoods and unrivaled entertainment options, featuring the DreamWorks Experience, which include characters from hit movies such as Shrek and Madagascar, as well as the Tony Award-winning Broadway production “Chicago: The Musical.”

Ring in the New Year at sea with the Cruise Director and Captain’s Countdown and themed parties in every onboard lounge.  Young cruisers will enjoy the extended late night party zone where kids and teens will be celebrating at their own New Year’s festivities. West Coast vacationers can celebrate the New Year aboard Mariner of the Seas’ December 26, 2010, sailing on a seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary from Los Angeles, Calif. Mariner of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary ship to ever sail from the west coast.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour land packages in Alaska, Dubai, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and South America. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call 800-ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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