Ink or Swim: Tattoo-Themed Cruise Sails April 2015 on RCL’s Liberty of the Seas

RCL’s Liberty of the Seas is the venue for Ink or Swim, a tattoo-themed cruise in April 2015 © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

What may be the first-ever tattoo-themed North American cruise, Ink or Swim, will sail April 16 – 20, 2015 from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel, Mexico on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas®. Produced by REBEL INK, the popular magazine highlighting tattoo lifestyle and ink culture, and award-winning photographer Dan Howell, the first annual cruise will offer guests the exclusive opportunity to sail the high seas while getting ‘fresh ink’ from some of the most in-demand artists in the country, as well attend exclusive Ink or Swim events including onboard Burlesque shows, tattoo contests, complimentary photo shoots and a private beach party in Cozumel.

An impressive roster of tattoo artists will anchor the cruise at Tattoo Alley, an onboard body art showcase and inking experience. Artists already confirmed include: Tatu Baby, voted as one of the world’s sexiest and talented artists and a fan favorite of Spike TV’s “Ink Master”; Sarah Miller, the award-winning owner of famed Wyld Child Tattoo Shop in Pittsburgh, PA and known for her realism style body art; Mark Longenecker, an avid surfer and philanthropist and owner of Endless Summer Tattoo in Cocoa Beach, FL; Amy Nicoletto, the gothic princess of the tattoo world and overnight sensation opposite Kat Von D on “LA Ink”; and Chris Torres, the bad boy of the tattoo industry known for his renowned old-school style and recently opened tat shop, Red Legged Devils in Brooklyn, NY.

“From new reality shows to a growing celebrity status amongst tattoo artists, the ink culture in this country has grown significantly, with recent polls suggesting nearly 20 percent of Americans have a least one tattoo,” says Paul Gambino, Editor-in-Chief of REBEL INK magazine. “With Ink or Swim, we’re creating a brand new concept for an evolving audience, merging the popularity of a classic tattoo conference with an exclusive vacation experience. And in many cases, Ink or Swim guests will be able to jump ahead months or even years in the waiting line to get ink from their favorite artist.”

Bookable online via the Ink or Swim website, rates begin at $970 per person, based on double occupancy and include all Ink or Swim activities, amenities and exclusive events, as well a $100 credit toward an onboard tattoo for the 1^st and 2^nd guests in each room. In addition to the Ink or Swim experience, rates will also offer guests four nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s recently renovated Liberty of the Seas and access to its 10 restaurants, cafes and lounges, 10 pools and whirlpools including FlowRider® surf simulator, Broadway-style musicals, a Vegas-style casino and complimentary ice shows throughout the cruise. For more information, visit www.inkorswimtattoocruise.com.

 

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Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Unveils New ‘Poison, Murder & Mystery Cruise’ for Summer 2015

Oporto, Portugal, will be one of the stops on the Boudicca’s 16-night “Poison, Murder & Mystery Cruise” presented by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Secrecy and suspense will be aboard 880-guest ship Boudicca for a 16-night “Poison, Murder & Mystery Cruise,” departing Rosyth (Edinburgh) July 10, 2015. The cruise, presented by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines links the Duchess of Northumberland’s ‘Poison Gardens’ at Alnwick Castle – which starred as ‘Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry’ in the Harry Potter films – and that of Mr. Fred. Olsen Senior in Guimar, Tenerife.

Fred. Olsen unveiled this participative ‘murder mystery’ cruise at an exclusive VIP launch at The Tower of London, hosted by The Duchess of Northumberland and Fred. Olsen Senior, on July 24, 2014.

Guests will get to take part in this great adventure as it unfolds on board, whilst Boudicca takes a leisurely cruise to Leixoes (for Oporto, Portugal), Funchal (Madeira), Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Lisbon (Portugal) and Newcastle (UK) – famous as the ‘Agatha Christie Route’.

This intriguing ‘Poison, Murder & Mystery Cruise’ is a first for any cruise line, and is the result of a creative collaboration between Mr. Fred. Olsen Senior and Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland. Fred. Olsen is delighted that, as well as hosting the largest participative ‘murder mystery’ event ever held on a cruise ship – which will be officially witnessed on board by ‘Guinness World Records’ – the Duchess will be joining the ship for part of the voyage, along with Mr. Fred. Olsen Senior, it is hoped.

“In Fred. Olsen, I was excited to meet someone with a fellow passion for poison plants, and together we have sown a seed that has flourished into this fascinating cruise experience for Fred. Olsen’s guests next year, linking our two unique gardens,” Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland, said.

“I wanted to create a ‘theatre of poisons and poisoning’, and working with Fred. has allowed me to bring this desire to life aboard a cruise ship, where guests can sample something new, something different and something very special indeed!”

“It seemed to me the most natural thing to undertake such a cruise, with so few ‘Poison Gardens’ in Europe,” said Fred. Olsen Senior, Chairman of the Fred. Olsen group of companies. “For me, it is very special to be able to link these gardens with a unique cruise itinerary, and we know that many of our guests share an enthusiasm for gardening. We also know, from previous experiences such as our Titanic Centenary cruise in April 2012, that they enjoy dressing up and taking part in murder mystery-themed events.”

Highlights of this cruise include:

– Visit to The Alnwick Garden and Alnwick Castle – the grand and magnificent home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. Here, guests will not only see the Gardens – which have been transformed by Her Grace with an investment of over £40 million – but also visit the only ‘Poison Garden’ in Britain.

– In Tenerife, discover the mythical ‘Pyramids of Guimar’ and their own ‘Poison Garden’.

– Throughout the cruise, the subject of poison and mystery will be everywhere, with plays, talks and special tours – and a murder mystery starting as soon as guests get on board, which will run through to a ‘Grand Finale’ at Alnwick Castle.

– Felix Francis, younger son of thriller-writing legend, Dick Francis, will be penning a short crime story on board as the intrigue around this cruise unravels.

Guest speakers on this cruise include:

– Peter Dean, Her Majesty’s Coroner for Essex and a former Forensic Medical Examiner with the Metropolitan Police, with some fascinating and gruesome insights into his varied and often ‘dark’ career.

– Doctor Dan Jones, eminent poison Historian and Archaeologist, who gives a closer look into Rasputin and the Borgias family’s darkest secrets!

– Doctor Mark Siddall, curator of ‘The Power of Poison’ exhibition at The American Museum of Natural History, will be cooking up all manner of potions and poisons in a hands-on, interactive demonstration.

The Duchess of Northumberland is the visionary behind The Alnwick Garden, the largest visitor attraction in the North East. It is a registered charity, which aims to raise aspirations and run charitable programmes for the education and well-being of the local community. It offers local people access to projects, events, services and opportunities and it aims to promote a healthy, fulfilled quality of life. Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden welcome over 800,000 visitors each year. She has travelled worldwide and around the UK, giving over 400 lectures about The Alnwick Garden and its charitable ethos.

She is particularly interested in natural poisons and aphrodisiacs and has built one of the only ‘Poison Gardens’ in the world, in which every plant is a killer. She had a trilogy of books published called ‘The Poison Diaries’ and recently a ‘Little Book of Poisons, Potions and Aphrodisiacs’ and one of ‘Jams, Jellies and Preserves’, with her own range of marmalades being commercially made from the oldest known recipe in the world.  The latest book, ‘The Little Book of Cocktails, Cordials and Elixirs’ – just recently launched – features some of the oldest recipes for cocktails and cordials ever recorded.

The cruise returns to Edinburgh on the morning of July 26, 2015, after two weeks of mystery, poison and murder at sea.

Prices start from $4125 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded, Inside cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment, plus port fees. If guests book by August 31 2014, they can take advantage of free door-to-door travel for guests who live within 250 mainland miles of Rosyth or up to $250 per person free onboard spending credit.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.bortonoverseas.com.

 

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‘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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Meet Public Broadcasting Personalities on Crown Cruise Vacations’ PTV at Sea Barcelona-to-Lisbon Cruise aboard Regent Seven Seas Mariner

Crown Cruise Vacations and Artful Travelers, producers of PTV at Sea, offer inquisitive and knowledgeable minds great opportunities to meet and interact with top PBS personalities on an August 2012 PTV at Sea Regent Seven Seas Barcelona-to-Lisbon cruise.

Some of the foremost PBS personalities and their featured guests will feature panel discussions and presentations in the areas of politics, culture and the arts, personal finance, health and wellness and more. Cruisers will be invited to private dinners and cocktail receptions that allow for one-on-one conversations with the guest hosts during the unforgettable voyage.

The 10-night Mediterranean voyage on the Seven Seas Mariner departs Barcelona on Aug. 13, 2012, and arrives in Lisbon on Aug. 23, 2012, with stops in Spain at Cartagena, Malaga (Granada), Seville (Cadiz) and LasPalmas; stops also include Casablanca and Portugal ports of Funchal, Madeira, Cascais and Lisbon, plus relaxing and rejuvenating days at sea.

The all-inclusive six-star Regent Seven Seas Mariner is a luxury vessel, designed for guests numbering in the hundreds rather than the thousands. The ambiance on board is personal, individual and accommodating. Regent Seven Seas Cruises provides discerning guests with the most inclusive luxury cruise experience by offering an incomparable array of complimentary features and services.

Crown Cruise Vacations and Artful Travelers offer this exciting and educational PTV at Sea adventure, allowing passengers exclusive access to world-renowned and extremely enthralling people.

Guest on this sailing are:

Robert Siegel (Senior Host of All Things Considered, NPR’s award-winning evening newsmagazine, broadcast daily. With 40 years of experience in radio news, Siegel hosts the country’s most-listened-to news radio program and reports on stories and happenings all over the globe. )

Charlie Cook (Publisher The Cook Political Report and political analyst for National Journal Group and NBC News, among other writings and publications. The New York Times has labeled him “one of the best political handicappers in the nation” and The Wall Street Journal called him “the Picasso of election analysis.”)

David Fanning (Executive Producer of FRONTLINE, America’s longest-running investigative documentary series on television. Frontline tackles national and global issues at the forefront of the news, such as healthcare reform, the economic crisis, the U.S. deficit, international relations, sex slavery and biographies.)§

Michael Childers (Acclaimed photographer of over 200 magazine covers, including GQ, Esquire, Life, and both English and Italian Vogue and the only American invited to photograph productions at the National Theatre in London; his work is in the national Portrait Gallery in London, the Las Vegas Art Museum, and the Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts.)

PTV at Sea enriches, inspires and entertains with informative programming, presented by some of public broadcasting’s most acclaimed personalities. Travelers can pose questions of specific interest at in-depth question-and-answer sessions and then mix and mingle with the esteemed guests at private dinners and cocktail receptions and during memorable shore excursions. Artful Travelers is a unique travel organization that combines culture and current events to present celebrations in art, education, and travel, intended for those who value extraordinary life experiences.

Fares start at $7,799 per person, double occupancy (plus government taxes and fees of $170), and include:

• Free roundtrip airfare with free upgrade to Business Class air in penthouse suites and higher
• Free unlimited shore excursions
• Free luxury hotel package
• Free beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits
• Free prepaid gratuities
• Free ground transfers
• Free in-suite mini-bar, replenished daily
• Free 24-hour room service, and much more.
• Free travel insurance on all reservations booked directly with Crown Cruise Vacations.

Reservations can be made directly with Crown Cruise Vacations by calling toll-free 1-855-788-7880 or email ptvinfo@crowncruisevacations.com.

Crown Cruise Vacations was recently named North America’s Leading Cruise Travel Agent 2011 by the World Travel Awards. 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

Crown Cruise Vacations, 103 Main St, Suite 300, Princeton, NJ 08540, 877-283-1114 (toll-free USA / Canada), 609-945-9801,www.crowncruisevacations.com.

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Interact With Top Public Broadcasting Personalities and Guests on Australia-to-New Zealand Cruise

Crown Cruise Vacations (exclusive provider for this experience) and PTV at Sea Cruises are offering great opportunities for inquisitive and knowledgeable minds on Regent Seven Seas Voyager from Australia to New Zealand, Jan. 23 to Feb. 7, 2012.

Meet and interact with top PBS personalities and their featured guests at panel discussions and presentations in the areas of politics, culture, personal finance, health and wellness and more. Additionally, private dinners and cocktail receptions allow for one-to-one conversations during the unforgettable voyage.

Crown Cruise Vacations offers this unrivalled 2012 adventure, traveling from Sydney to ports in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand, allowing passengers exclusive access to extremely enthralling people – those with their fingers on the pulse of politics, history, current events, finance and the arts.

Regent Seven Seas guests will be invited to private dinners and cocktail receptions that allow for one-on-one conversations during the cruise with the following guest hosts.

David Fanning – executive producer and founder of “FRONTLINE,” America’s longest-running investigative documentary series on television. The PBS series has won all of the major awards for broadcast journalism, including 30 Emmys.

David Folkenflik – media correspondent for NPR. He offers insight into the operation of the media and on figures that help shape the way the news business works. David is a three-time winner of the Arthur Rowse Award for Press Criticism from the National Press Club.

Michael Childers – photographer of over 200 magazine covers, including GQ, Esquire, Life and both English and Italian Vogue. He has worked on dozens of films, including “Grease,” “Marathon Man,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “The Terminator” and “Oceans 12.”

Peter Bart – over 20 years in senior executive roles at major Hollywood studios, playing key roles in such films as “Rosemary’s Baby,” “True Grit,” “Harold and Maude,” Paper Moon” and “Being There.” He left to become the respected editor of the industry publication Variety.

Ken Levine – Emmy-winning writer, director, producer, blogger and major league baseball announcer. In a career that has spanned over 30 years, Ken has worked on “Mash,” “Cheers,” “Frasier,” “The Simpsons,” “Everybody Loves Raymond” and more.

PTV at Sea enriches, inspires and entertains with informative programming, presented by some of public broadcasting’s most acclaimed personalities. Meet and interact with top public broadcasting personalities and their featured guests at panel discussions and presentations in the areas of politics, culture, personal finance, health & wellness and more. Travelers can pose questions of specific interest at in-depth Q & A sessions and then mix and mingle with these esteemed guests at private dinners and cocktail receptions and during memorable shore excursions.

Fares include:

• 2-for-1 fares
• Additional bonus savings of $4,000 per suite
• Roundtrip airfare
• Unlimited shore excursions
• Luxury hotel package
• Beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits
• Pre-paid gratuities
• Ground transfers
• In-suite mini-bar replenished daily
• 24-hour room service
• Complimentary travel insurance and $600 onboard credit through Crown Cruise Vacations

For more information about this exclusive PTV at Sea event see video link or contact Crown Cruise Vacations, exclusive provider. Reservations can be made directly with Crown Cruise Vacations by calling toll-free 1-855-788-7880 or send an email to ptvinfo@crowncruisevacations.com. Programming for an August 2012 Barcelona to Lisbon PTV at Sea voyage is currently in development. Crown Cruise Vacations is in partnership with Artful Travelers, promoters of PTV at Sea.

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Crystal offers $1000 Savings on 2012 Film & Theatre Cruise with Stage and Screen Legends

With Crystal Cruises’ 2011 “Film & Theatre Festival” recently wrapping to rave reviews, the ultra-luxe cruise line announces a rousing program for 2012’s theme sailing. Tippi Hedren, Kate Burton, members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, and “Edith Head” are among the talented “cast” scheduled for perform, present, and mingle with guests during Crystal Serenity’s April 21 LA-NY voyage.

Highlights of the 20+ special events include a Tippi-themed cocktail party with photo ops, an intimate Vintage Room dinner hosted by Tippi and “Edith,” celebrity Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes presentations, hosted cinema screenings, theme trivia games, and special in-stateroom TV programming. Performance/presentations include:

 

• · Tippi Hedren: A directors’ favorite, from Alfred Hitchcock to David O. Russell and Alexander Payne, the screen legend will speak about her work as both an actress and animal rights activist.
• · Susan Claassen as Edith Head: Costume designer-to-the-stars Edith Head comes back to life in Susan’s stunning biographical performance and off-stage appearances.
• · Kate Burton: Emmy-nominated for playing Ellis Grey on “Grey’s Anatomy,” the distinguished Broadway and TV actress will host a Q&A session.
• · Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles: Members of this 220-person choir will perform musical hits in matinee shows designed exclusively for Crystal Cruises.

Additional speakers include Michael Ritchie, artistic director for LA’s renowned Center Theatre Group; USC film historian Drew Casper; prolific TV producer Chuck Fries; and Greg Schreiner, owner of one of the world’s largest private Hollywood costume collections, many of which will be worn during “Hollywood Revisited—A Tribute in Costume and Song.”

Crystal Serenity will sail through the Panama Canal via Cabo San Lucas; Caldera, Costa Rica; Cartagena; Grand Cayman; Ft. Lauderdale; and Charleston.

Fares, with $900/person “Book Now Savings,” start at just $5,645/person (double occupancy), if reserved by October 31. Fares also include complimentary air from 24 North American gateways (or air credit), transfers to/from airports, and $500/person “All Inclusive—As You Wish” on-board spending credit.

Crystal Cruise’s award-winning entertainment offerings include a range of venues and performances, from cabaret nightclub to piano bar saloon; acclaimed productions to headline entertainers; and sophisticated enrichment activities to in-room Blu-ray™-viewing, for all world travelers.

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

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