Archive for the ‘cruises’ Category

Royal Caribbean One Day Sale: $100 Onboard Credit for Bookings Made on Saturday May 18

May 17, 2013
Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas anchored at its private island. RCL is offering $100 onboard credit for bookings made on May 18, 2013 © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas anchored at its private island. RCL is offering $100 onboard credit for bookings made on May 18, 2013 © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Book a cruise with Royal Caribbean International on Saturday, May 18, 2013 and receive up to $100 onboard credit on summer 2013 sailings. Guests can apply their onboard credit toward a Royal Caribbean signature cocktail at the Sail-away Party, a specialty dining experience to celebrate a family milestone, or a shore excursion for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in some of the world’s most exciting destinations, among others. The offer applies for all new U.S. and Canadian individual bookings for any Royal Caribbean International ship departing June 1 through Aug. 31, 2013. For more information, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/SuperSaturday.

Vacationers have a world of summer cruise options with Royal Caribbean’s fleet of 21 of the industry’s most innovative cruise ships sailing to Bermuda and the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and the Far East. For sailings departing from June through August 2013, vacationers will receive $25 onboard credit per inside or oceanview stateroom and $50 onboard credit per suite or stateroom with balcony. Vacationers who act quickly and sail in June will receive double onboard credit of $50 per inside or oceanview stateroom and $100 per suite or stateroom with balcony. The offer is subject to availability and additional restrictions may apply.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 40-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry firsts never-before-seen at sea. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 10 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards.

For more information, contact your travel agent or visit www.royalcaribbean.com

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Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas Emerges from $30 Million Revitalization With Signature Amenities

May 16, 2013

Royal Caribbean International’s Brilliance of the Seas has reemerged from a $30 million drydock ready to WOW guests. The 2,100 guest ship will now offer vacationers signature Royal Caribbean amenities first introduced aboard Oasis-class ships including five new dining concepts, an exhilarating aerial entertainment experience and technology advancements allowing guests to stay more connected than ever before. Brilliance of the Seas will debut her newest innovations this summer as she sails from Harwich, England, offering Northern European itineraries that visit some of the Baltics’s most sought after destinations such as Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden and Helsinki, Finland.

Doubling her dining options, Brilliance of the Seas now offers guests a wide variety of culinary experiences from family-style festivity at the Italian trattoria, Giovanni’s Table, to the intimate and exclusive multi-course Chef’s Table. Guests can expand their palettes at a multitude of other dining venues including Royal Caribbean’s signature Izumi Asian Cuisine, Park Café and Rita’s Cantina.

In addition, the five-story Centrum – which is the focal point of the ship – has been transformed into a spectacular new space featuring the Centrum experience, which includes the addition of the 60’s-inspired R Bar as well as a multitude of entertainment experiences including enriching daytime activities, dazzling nighttime entertainment and a new high-flying entertainment experience where aerialists glide through the vertical space of the atrium.

The ship also features a new location for the Concierge Club for suite guests, a Diamond Club for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members, a new English pub and the popular Royal Babies and Tots Nursery giving parents more opportunities to enjoy the ship’s amenities with peace of mind that their babies are being tended to by qualified care givers. Guests also will find that staying connected at sea will be easier with Wi-Fi access throughout the ship and enjoy a host of technology enhancements that include flat-panel televisions in all staterooms, an outdoor LED movie screen on the pool deck, as well as an interactive digital way-finding system. Old favorites such as the self-leveling pool tables, the adults-only Solarium and the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center can still be found onboard and are sure to delight guests of all ages.

Brilliance of the Seas’ Northern Europe season includes eight sailings that offer the best of the North and Baltic seas, calling at Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; Talinn, Estonia; Gothenburg, Sweden; and offering an overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia. An 11-night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland itinerary, sailing July 27, will call at Bergen and Geiranger, Norway; Lerwick/Shetland, Scotland; Klaksvik, Faroe Islands; with an overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland. Brilliance of the Seas departs for Boston, Mass. on August 31 on a 15-night itinerary, calling at Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France; Portland, Dorset, UK; Cork (Cobh) and Dublin, Ireland; Klaksvik; with an overnight at Reykjavik.

For more information, contact your travel agent or visit www.royalcaribbean.com.

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Royal Caribbean offers Families up to 50% Savings for 3rd, 4th guests for bookings through May 10

April 10, 2013
The Flowrider, one of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines' signature onboard activities. Royal Caribbean is offering families up to 50% savings for third and fourth guests for bookings through May 10 © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Flowrider, one of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines’ signature onboard activities. Royal Caribbean is offering families up to 50% savings for third and fourth guests for bookings through May 10 © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Bringing the whole family on an adventurous Royal Caribbean International cruise vacation is easier than ever before, with the cruise line’s new significantly reduced third- and fourth-guest fare offer. For new U.S. and Canadian bookings made from Apr. 10 through May 10, 2013 aboard select Royal Caribbean ships, the reduced third- and fourth-guest fares offer vacationers up to 50 percent savings for sailings departing on Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, 2013. The additional savings on already significantly lower fares for third and fourth guests offer families even more reason to share in a vacation only found on Royal Caribbean’s innovative ships. Reduced third- and fourth-guest fares start at $99 per guest for three-night Bahamas cruises and $199 per guest on four- to seven-night Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean and Europe cruises. For more information, please visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/April34Guest.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean International is offering its valued travel agents more tools as part of the cruise line’s ongoing Loyal to You Always commitment to supporting them in growing their business and increasing profits. For all new U.S. and Canadian groups created from Apr. 8 through 21, 2013, aboard any Royal Caribbean sailing departing from Jan. 1 through Apr. 30, 2014, travel agents will earn two bonus Group Amenities Plus (GAP) points to add more value to their clients’ vacation. Travel agents can apply the GAP points toward additional stateroom amenities, such a bottle of sparkling wine, a welcome aboard fruit basket, robes to use on their cruise and more, to help secure a booking; recognize loyal clients; or acquire repeat business. Additional restrictions may apply. For more information about the Bonus GAP offer, travel agents should visit www.CruisingPower.com, the online portal dedicated to providing the most comprehensive tools and information for travel professionals selling Royal Caribbean International.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 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, 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 more than 40 years of history of delivering 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. Travel professionals should visit Vicki Freed’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/VickiLovesTravelAgents; go to www.cruisingpower.com; or call (800) 327-2056.

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Princess Cruises’ Sale through April 19 Offers “Sky High Savings” on Alaska and Europe Cruise Vacations

April 7, 2013

Princess Cruises is offering a way for passengers to ease the cost of getting to their dream Europe or Alaska cruise with a special “Sky High Savings” sale that offers airfare savings of up to $1,000 for two. Running through April 19, the promotion also offers up to $2,000 off the cruise fare per stateroom, as well as up to $100 in free onboard spending money per stateroom.

The “Sky High Savings” sale offers deals on cruises throughout Europe, including sailings to the Greek Isles, British Isles and Scandinavia & Russia. Travelers will also save on cruises and cruisetours to the natural wonders of Alaska, where they can explore the best of the state by land and sea.

In addition to special fares, passengers booking balcony staterooms or above will receive an onboard credit of $100 (for sailings 10 days or longer) or $50 (cruises up to nine days), and those booking interior or oceanview staterooms can get credits of $50 (cruises 10 days or longer) to $25 (cruises up to nine days).

More information about the cruise sale and pricing can be found at www.princess.com/sale.

Samples of the available Sky High Savings cruise deals include:

  • Greek Isles cruise – 12 days: $1,779 interior (was $2,379); $2,379 balcony (was $3,379). Air savings: $500
  • British Isles cruise – 12 days: $1,839 interior (was $2,439); $2,539 balcony (was $3,439). Air savings: $400
  • Scandinavia & Russia cruise – 11 days: $1.869 interior (was $2,369); $2,669 balcony (was $3,369). Air savings: $400
  • Gulf of Alaska cruise – 7 days: $899 interior (was $1,259); $1,559 balcony (was $2,159). Air savings: $250
  • Alaska cruisetour – Denali Explorer – 10 nights: $1,476 interior (was $1,730); $1,976 balcony (was $2,340). Air savings: $150

Air savings available to passengers booking Princess eZAir flights in conjunction with the cruise. Princess eZAir gives passengers easy and full control of their flights and the ability to seamlessly coordinate them with their cruise itinerary. Featuring real-time pricing and flight availability, immediate flight confirmation, competitive airfares, and next port protection in the event of flight delays, the innovative program provides passengers and their travel agents the ease of a single booking source for both air and cruise reservations. Travelers using Princess eZAir can choose air carriers and flights, as well as select their preferred cabin level and seating, all with no extra customization fee.

All cruise and air prices are per person, based on double occupancy and include government fees and taxes. The “Sky High Savings” sale runs through April 19, 2013, and is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

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.

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Small Ships Cruise Company Variety Cruises Offers 25% Discount on Summer Cruises Booked by March 31

March 13, 2013

Small ships cruise company Variety Cruises is offering a 25% discount on Summer 2013 cruises booked by March 31, 2013, for both cruise fares and single occupancy supplements.

The special offers are available on the following select Variety Cruises sailings:

The Seychelles: Cruises in the Garden of Eden on board M/Y Pegasus

March through October 2013 sailings

Classical Greece on board M/Y Harmony V

April 26, 2013; May 3 and 10, 2013; June 7, 2013; Oct 11 and 25, 2013 sailings

Jewels of the Cyclades on board S/M Galileo

April 26; May 3, 17 and 24; June 21 and 28; Oct 11 and 18 sailings

Adriatic Odyssey on board S/C Panorama June to September 2013

From Corfu: July 7 and 21; August 11 and 18 sailings

From Dubrovnik: July 10 and 24; August 14 and 21 sailings

Dodecanese Mosaic on board S/C Panorama II

From Crete: June 1; July 6 and 20; August 3 and 24 sailings

From Rhodes : June 4; July 9 and 23; August 27 sailings

Antiquity to Byzantium on board S/C Panorama II

March 29; April 5 sailings

The Romantic Rivieras on board M/Y Variety Voyager

July 21; Aug 4 and 18 sailings

Treasures of South Italy & Malta 2013 on board M/Y Variety Voyager

June 16 and 23; Oct 13 and 20 sailings

Offers do not apply to existing bookings and cannot be combined with any existing or future offers. Travelers should mention “Special Offer 2013 A” when booking.

Variety Cruises 2013 brochures and flyers are now available by calling 1-800-319-7776. For more information, visit http://www.varietycruises.com.

Variety Cruises, one of the world’s largest small ships cruise companies, has been offering passengers worldwide a total yachting experience since 1949. Their fleet of 11 fully-owned vessels range in size from 4 to 36 cabins. Their yachts and staff provide an intimate and relaxed environment; a comfort filled starting point for the discerning travelers as they visit well known and unique ports of call. Fine locally-flavored cuisine, exciting itineraries and personalized service are just a few of the things that have made Variety Cruises the choice for the ever growing number of travelers looking for distinctive small ship cruise experiences.

Kids Sail Free on 17 Additional Crystal Cruises in Europe this Year

March 13, 2013
Crystal Cruises had added 17 European cruises where kids 17 and under can sail for free sharing parents' stateroom.

Crystal Cruises had added 17 European cruises where kids 17 and under can sail for free sharing parents’ stateroom.

Due to popular demand, Crystal Cruises is adding17 voyages to the ultra-luxe line’s “Kids Sail Free” program. With the promotion, kids age 17 and under can sail for free when sharing a third berth stateroom with two adults.

Previously offered on just four luxury European cruises during June and July, families can now choose from seven- to 15-day voyages in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, North Cape, Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands, and across the Atlantic from May-December aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

New Magic Castle at Sea “junior cruisers” shows and classes will be offered on board during summer cruises, in addition to all-ages shows on every cruise.

“While summer break is a key time for a ‘whole family’ vacation, many families enjoy sharing the history, beauty, and educational journey of Europe at non-break times like autumn, when airfares may be more attractive,” says Jack Anderson, Crystal’s senior vice-president of marketing and sales. “With visits to some of Europe’s most storied and breathtaking locales, such as Monte Carlo, Casablanca, Venice, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Stockholm, and Edinburgh, the additional savings make these voyages an incredible value, sure to create lifelong memories.”

In addition to the new Magic Castle at Sea enrichment, every Crystal cruise offers family-friendly learning and entertainment, from iPad Digital Filmmaking classes (in association with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts) to dedicated on-board kids and teens spaces — a rarity among luxury cruise lines. During school vacation times, junior activities directors host complimentary supervised activities on board, ranging from behind-the scenes tours to cooking classes and scavenger hunts. Every cruise also has babysitting services, “finicky eater” foods, movies, library books, family-friendly excursions, and more available.

All-inclusive, “Book Now” fares for “Kids Sail Free” applicable voyages begin at $2,495/person if booked by April 30. The “Crystal Family Memories” program also offers additional free berths and perks for groups of six or more.

With sophisticated tours worldwide, enriching learning opportunities, international gourmet cuisine, complimentary voluntourism excursions, and a host of other activities for all ages, the Crystal experience gives families exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime access to creating intimate bonds, gleaning a global education, and building lifelong memories while sailing in elegance, making Crystal Cruises the leader in family-friendly luxury cruising.

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

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Victoria Cruises Offers Complimentary One-Night A La Carte Dining Upgrade on Yangtze River China Cruises

March 13, 2013
Victoria Cruises operates a variety of itineraries on the Yangtze River in China ranging from four to nine days.

Victoria Cruises operates a variety of itineraries on the Yangtze River in China ranging from four to nine days.

As it prepares its newly renovated fleet for the 2013 cruise season on China’s Yangtze River, Victoria Cruises (http://www.victoriacruises.com/) is launching a complimentary one-night à la carte dining upgrade offer. Passengers will enjoy one dinner in the Dynasty Dining room with à la carte dining menu service – an amenity normally reserved for guests enrolled in the cruise line’s VIP Executive Program.

Victoria Cruises works with Philadelphia-based Concepts By Staib, Ltd. to continually improve its culinary program. Internationally-acclaimed chef Walter Staib and his team routinely travel to China to equip the ships and train the culinary staff with the necessary skills and recipes to prepare high-quality Western dishes.

Travelers who book passage on applicable Victoria Cruises’ vessels as part of a packaged vacation from leading U.S.-based tour operators will also have access to the one-night à la carte dining upgrade. For a complete list of operators featuring the cruise line’s Yangtze River sailings, contact Victoria Cruises at 212-818-1680. Visit www.victoriacruises.com to learn more about river cruising on China’s mist-shrouded Yangtze.

New York-based Victoria Cruises established new standards of excellence for sailing China’s Yangtze River when its first ship edged out of port in 1994. Victoria Cruises remains the service leader and the only American-managed luxury cruise line on the Yangtze River with the coveted five-star rating from the China National Tourism Administration. Victoria Cruises has earned numerous awards and recognitions over the years including the 2011 TravelAge West WAVE Award Editor’s Pick for Best River Cruise Line as well as Best New River Cruise Ship in 2010 with the launch of the luxurious Victoria Jenna. Travel Weekly also recently selected the Victoria Jenna as a Silver Award Winner for the Magellan Awards’ River Cruise Ship category. The cruise line operates a variety of itineraries on the Yangtze ranging from four to nine days.

For more information and a free color brochure or promotional DVD, contact Victoria Cruises at 57-08 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377; phone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com or visit http://www.victoriacruises.com.

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Royal Caribbean Announces 2014 Northeast America, Northern Europe Sailings

March 6, 2013
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 © 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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Royal Caribbean’s March Europe Extravaganza Offers up to $400 Onboard Credit Aboard 9 Ships

March 6, 2013
Take advantage of Royal Caribbean's March sale to book a cruise that immerses you in the splendor of Venice © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s March sale to book a cruise that immerses you in the splendor of Venice © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

From the Venetian canals to the Norwegian fjords, Royal Caribbean International is inviting vacationers to re-discover Europe this summer, offering up to $400 onboard spending credit in March with its Europe Extravaganza.

Through March 31, 2013, vacationers who make a new booking, six nights or longer, on one of nine ships plying European waters in 2013, also can enjoy an onboard credit to make their Europe cruise even more appealing. There’s no easier way to see the sites of the Old World, delve into its history, culture and cuisine than on a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. Guests can share their favorite destinations with the whole family or explore a new region together, all while enjoying innovations such as Broadway entertainment, FlowRider surf simulators and rock climbing walls for an experience found only on Royal Caribbean. (For more information about the Europe Extravaganza visit, http://www.RoyalCaribbean.com/EuropeExtravaganza).

During the month-long sale, new individual bookings made with deposit will receive $50 onboard credit per inside stateroom; $100 per outside stateroom; $200 per balcony stateroom; and $400 per suite. 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. Offer codes may be found by visiting http://www.RoyalCaribbean.com/EuropeExtravaganza.

The onboard credit is applicable to all 2013 Royal Caribbean International Europe cruises six-nights or longer, including cruisetours. Offer is available only in the U.S. and Canada and applies to all categories available. All bookings must be made and the required deposit must be paid by March 31, 2013, by 11:59 p.m. local time to qualify for the promotion. Onboard credit is in U.S. dollars, has no cash value, is not redeemable for cash, is not transferable and will expire if not used by 10:00 pm on the last evening of the cruise. 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. Travel professionals should visit www.CruisingPower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

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Aranui III Celebrates 10 Years Sailing Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia; 14-Day Journey Starts at $2346

February 1, 2013
Aranui III celebrates 10 years sailing through remote Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia (photo credit - Danee Hazama & Julien Avrial)

Aranui III celebrates 10 years sailing through remote Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia (photo credit – Danee Hazama & Julien Avrial)

The new year marks the 10th anniversary of the Aranui III (www.Aranui.com) plying the waters of exotic French Polynesia with an itinerary that includes Tahiti and the remote Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands. The Aranui III is a well-appointed passenger-cargo vessel that offers 17 departures of the two-week cruise with rates starting at $2,346 per person, based on double occupancy.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary, the Aranui III will change the itinerary of its March 16 sailing by combining visits to Puamau and Atuona on Hiva-Oa to one day on March 21 and adding a stop in Bora Bora on March 28. In Puamau, travelers will visit an archeological site followed by lunch and a visit of Paul Gauguin’s grave and the village in Atuona. The visit to Bora Bora includes a picnic on the white sand beach of Motu, a private island, highlighted by roasted pig, shellfish curry and pumpkin pie, snorkeling and swimming with the sting rays.

The Aranui III departs from the Tahitian city of Papeete on a regularly scheduled 14-day journey.

Travelers can take advantage of a special 10% discount offered on select sailings throughout the year including a “Spring Discount” for the Feb. 23 sailing, a “Promotional Discount” for the April 6 itinerary, a “Pre-Summer Discount” for the June 8 sailing and a “Senior Special” for the Aug. 31 itinerary.

Travelers will board the Aranui III for a “Freighter to Paradise” complete vacation experience through 800 miles of the most spectacular and remote islands in exotic French Polynesia including Tahiti, the Tuamotu Islands and Marquesas Islands.

Travelers booking a stay aboard the Aranui III can choose from four different cabin categories – Suite, Deluxe, Standard and Class C – each providing different room configurations.

The Suites are large outside cabins (some with a balcony) featuring a queen-size bed, refrigerator and private bathroom facilities with a bathtub. Rates for a suite start at $5,331 per person.

The Deluxe rooms are large outside cabins designed with a queen-size bed, refrigerator and private bathroom facilities with a bathtub. Rates for the deluxe option start at $4,879 per person.

The Standard rooms are outside cabins with two lower berths and private bathroom facilities. Prices for the standard room start $4,018 per person.

The Class C option is described as a dormitory style room with upper and lower berths, air conditioning but without private bathroom facilities. Prices start at $2,346 per person.

All rates quoted are per person and do not include port tax, cruise tax and tourism tax, which may total up to $350 depending on stateroom category, as well as a fuel surcharge of $100 per person.

The cruise includes three meals with complimentary wine daily, guided excursions outlined in the itinerary, picnic and meals on shore. Optional excursions such as scuba diving and fishing are additional.

For more information or to book an Aranui III vacation, call 800-972-7268 or visit http://www.aranui.com.

 

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www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

 

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