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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OPRY COUNTRY CLASSICS CRUISE TO SAIL ON RCL’S FREEDOM OF THE SEAS JAN. 30

Opry Country Classics Cruise sails Jan. 30 – Feb. 6, 2011 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas to the Eastern Caribbean © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Fans of the most treasured songs in country music history are in for a treat when the Opry Country Classics Cruise sails Jan. 30 – Feb. 6, 2011 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas to the Eastern Caribbean.

The music-filled, seven-night adventure features Grand Ole Opry stars Charley Pride, Jim Ed Brown and Jeannie Seely. Additionally, newcomer Chris Young, nominated for the Top New Solo Vocalist award by the Academy of Country Music, will be part of the line-up along with special guest Helen Cornelius. This marks the Opry’s 14th annual cruise and its first on Royal Caribbean International.

A full casino, deck activities including a FlowRider surf simulator, nine-hole miniature golf course, dancing, first-run movies, and gourmet dining also are included. All meals in Freedom of the Seas’ main dining room and Windjammer Café, including a special “Welcome Aboard” party with the Captain and a gala Bon Voyage Dinner are included.

Departing from Port Canaveral, the cruise visits three ports of call: St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

“We always have the time of our lives meeting the fans and enjoying our fellow artists’ music on board the Opry Cruise,” Pride said. “It looks like the 2011 cruise is going to be better than ever.”

“Royal Caribbean International looks forward to welcoming the stars of the Grand Ole Opry and guests aboard Freedom of the Seas,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president of Sales, Trade Support and Services, Royal Caribbean International. “In addition to the exciting Opry Country Classics line-up, guests will enjoy a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean aboard one of the world’s most innovative cruise ships.”

At 160,000 gross registered tons, Freedom of the Seas has a capacity of 3,634 guests at double occupancy. In addition to the exclusive Freedom-class amenities, the ship also features the cruise line’s exclusive amenities such as the Studio B ice-skating rink; full-size basketball and sports court; iconic rock-climbing wall; and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and bars and lounges.

Prices for the Opry Country Classics Cruise start at $1,158 per person, government taxes and fees are additional. To book this cruise and participate in all the private Opry functions, contact Corporate Travel Service Inc. at 866-653-OPRY (6779). For more information on each artist on the cruise, details about ports of call, on board activities, visit oprycruise.com.

For full coverage of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, see:

RCL’S DAZZLING FREEDOM OF THE SEAS:
Biggest, Most Innovative Cruise Ship Afloat Offers Everything & More