Celebrity Cruises said its new Celebrity Solstice, set to sail on its first revenue cruise on Dec. 14, 2008, will feature 10 restaurants. The line unveiled its dining plans at an event at New York's Per Se restaurant. "The dining experience has always been central to our guests' cruise experience, and on Celebrity Solstice we'll present the extraordinary service the brand is know for in venues designed to perfectly complement the spectacular cuisine," said Dan Hanrahan, Celebrity's President and CEO. "The larger size of Celebrity Solstice allows us to offer more options for our guests, with menus created by some of the best talent in the business." Celebrity Solstice will carry approximately 2,850 guests.
Celebrity said it has partnered with some of the best restaurant designers in the business to create the new restaurants onboard Celebrity Solstice, among them Adam Tihany, who has created such restaurants as Per Se, Jean Georges, Le Cirque, The Sea Grill and Osteria del Circo in New York; Aureole, Bouchon and Seablue in Las Vegas; and Monte's and the Mandarin Bar in the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London. Tihany, in his first restaurant aboard a cruise ship, has designed the two-level Grand Epernay dining room; the classic steakhouse Tuscan Grille, and the Oceanview Cafe on the ship's lido deck. Grand Epernay features a two-story wine tower, similar to what Tihany created in Aureole in Vegas.
The new menus are being created by Jacques Van Staden, Celebrity's vice president of food and beverage, in conjunction with Celebrity's culinary consultant Blau & Associates. Van Staden was previously one of the top chefs and restaurateurs in Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas. Blau is credited with shaping the dining experience at Bellagio and Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, and is also developing the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's Simon Kitchen and Bar.
Dining venues aboard Celebrity Solstice will include Grand Epernay, the main dining room open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring French cuisine and the two-story wine tower; Tuscan Grille, a combination of Mediterranean and California Napa cuisine; Silk Harvest, a casual specialty restaurant featuring Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and Indian selections; Blu, which offers "clean cuisine" exclusively for guests booked on the new AquaClass category of accommodations, with healthy food options; Murano, a twist on the restaurant of the same name on Celebrity Century, blending classic and modern Continental cuisine in an elegant setting; Bistro on Five, a casual dining area where guests can eat or take out sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts and other entrees; Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria, an upscale coffee house serving European cafe fare as well as gelato, signature coffees, teas, fresh-baked pastries and more; AquaSpa Cafe, a dining option for guests seeking lighter fare; Mast Grill & Bar, featuring comfort food in a poolside venue; Oceanview Cafe & Grill, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with food stations reflecting where the ship is sailing.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Seabourn's First World Cruise Opens for Sale
Seabourn Cruise Line has opened reservations for the 2010 inaugural World Cruise of the new Seabourn Odyssey. The 108-day voyage departs from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 5, 2010. A 92-day, west coast alternative departs Los Angeles on Jan. 21. The voyage ends in Piraeus (Athens), Greece, on April 24, 2010, by which time guests will have visited 42 ports in 26 countries on five continents. It also represents the first time that any of The Yachts of Seabourn have undertaken a world cruise. "A world cruise is an exciting prospect for travelers at any time," said Seabourn President and CEO Pamela Conover. "And for any ship, there is only ever one first time. So when Seabourn Odyssey makes her maiden call at each port, it will be a special occasion that will never be repeated."
The full world cruise qualifies for Seabourn's Grand Voyage Savings of 50 percent, creating a range of per-person, double occupancy fares from $53,745 for a 295-square-foot Category A accommodations to $254,745 for a Grand Suite measuring 1,135 square feet with three private verandas adding another 301 square feet of outdoor space.
Seabourn has packed the voyage with value-added benefits and features for full World Cruise passengers. For those embarking in Fort Lauderdale, the voyage begins with a complimentary private-car transfer from their homes to any gateway airport within 100 miles. Upon arrival in Fort Lauderdale, full cruisers can attend a pre-cruise celebration and receive luxury accommodations the night before embarkation. Private car transfers at both ends of the voyage are included for all full-world cruise guests. Other complimentary ammenities include first-class roundtrip airfare, luggage shipping by Seabourn's Personal Valet and a $1,000-per-person shipboard credit. The voyage includes five shoreside events for full-cruise passengers in addition to six Exclusively Seabourn experiences to which all guests are invited. Commemorative gifts, gala balls and a full program of added enrichment programs and celebrity entertainment are also planned.
Three shorter "World Voyages" are also available -- a 69-day voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Hong Kong, a 53-day segment from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, and a 39-day cruise from Hong Kong to Piraeus. The Seabourn Odyssey will carry a maximum of 450 guests. Ninety percent of the 225 ocean-view suites have private verandas, and all feature full granite baths with separate tub and shower, Molton Brown products, a complimentary in-suite bar stocked to the guests' request, and a flat-screen entertainment system with movies, television and music. The Spa at Seabourn will feature a two-deck-high waterfall entry, gym with a Kinesis Wall, indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, a thalassotherapy pool and salon facilities. The ship will boast two outdoor swimming pools and six outdoor whirlpool spas.
The full world cruise qualifies for Seabourn's Grand Voyage Savings of 50 percent, creating a range of per-person, double occupancy fares from $53,745 for a 295-square-foot Category A accommodations to $254,745 for a Grand Suite measuring 1,135 square feet with three private verandas adding another 301 square feet of outdoor space.
Seabourn has packed the voyage with value-added benefits and features for full World Cruise passengers. For those embarking in Fort Lauderdale, the voyage begins with a complimentary private-car transfer from their homes to any gateway airport within 100 miles. Upon arrival in Fort Lauderdale, full cruisers can attend a pre-cruise celebration and receive luxury accommodations the night before embarkation. Private car transfers at both ends of the voyage are included for all full-world cruise guests. Other complimentary ammenities include first-class roundtrip airfare, luggage shipping by Seabourn's Personal Valet and a $1,000-per-person shipboard credit. The voyage includes five shoreside events for full-cruise passengers in addition to six Exclusively Seabourn experiences to which all guests are invited. Commemorative gifts, gala balls and a full program of added enrichment programs and celebrity entertainment are also planned.
Three shorter "World Voyages" are also available -- a 69-day voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Hong Kong, a 53-day segment from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, and a 39-day cruise from Hong Kong to Piraeus. The Seabourn Odyssey will carry a maximum of 450 guests. Ninety percent of the 225 ocean-view suites have private verandas, and all feature full granite baths with separate tub and shower, Molton Brown products, a complimentary in-suite bar stocked to the guests' request, and a flat-screen entertainment system with movies, television and music. The Spa at Seabourn will feature a two-deck-high waterfall entry, gym with a Kinesis Wall, indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, a thalassotherapy pool and salon facilities. The ship will boast two outdoor swimming pools and six outdoor whirlpool spas.
Monday, January 14, 2008
RCCL, CELEBRITY AND AZAMARA CRUISE INFO!
Royal Caribbean International has released the following press release. Please review the information below to stay up to date with the latest Royal Caribbean news and updates.
Royal Caribbean International® New APIS Regulations Announcement Due to new government regulations requiring cruise lines to submit final departure manifests at least 60 minutes prior to sailing, guests are requested to complete Online Check-in at the appropriate website NO later than 3 days prior to their cruise. Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or they will not be permitted to sail.
Royal Caribbean International® New APIS Regulations Announcement Due to new government regulations requiring cruise lines to submit final departure manifests at least 60 minutes prior to sailing, guests are requested to complete Online Check-in at the appropriate website NO later than 3 days prior to their cruise. Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or they will not be permitted to sail.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
NCL new check in policy!
This new policy comes as a result of a new rule mandated by the US Customs and Border Protection. Beginning February 19, 2008, they are requiring all cruise lines to send an electronic transmission of their passenger and crew manifests no later than 60 minutes prior to departure. NCL is implementing the policy a little early, but all cruise lines will need to comply by February 19...so I wouldn't be surprised if all of the other cruise lines come out with revised policies shortly.
If we are scheduled to sail at 5:00 pm, then all guests who are sailing need to be checked in by 4:00 pm so we can send the manifest. At that point check-in would close. In order for us to get everyone checked in by the 60-minute mark, we are asking guests to arrive two hours before departure so that they have time to deal with luggage, go through security and check-in. It's like the airlines telling you to arrive two hours before a flight so you have enough time to go through the entire process before boarding the plane. If everyone shows up at an hour and 10 minutes before hand, it will be impossible to get everyone processed in 10 minutes and meet the 60-minute deadline.
If we are scheduled to sail at 5:00 pm, then all guests who are sailing need to be checked in by 4:00 pm so we can send the manifest. At that point check-in would close. In order for us to get everyone checked in by the 60-minute mark, we are asking guests to arrive two hours before departure so that they have time to deal with luggage, go through security and check-in. It's like the airlines telling you to arrive two hours before a flight so you have enough time to go through the entire process before boarding the plane. If everyone shows up at an hour and 10 minutes before hand, it will be impossible to get everyone processed in 10 minutes and meet the 60-minute deadline.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Last minute deals?
Have you ever heard about someone who booked a last minute cruise deal and saved lots of money? Believe me there are some fantastic last minute deals out there but for those of us who do not live close to a major cruise port there is a disadvantage to the last minute cruise deal. Last minute airfare! Booking airfare on a minutes notice can cost big money and often will quickly make the savings of a last minute cruise deal disappear. So what can those of us do who do not live within driving distance to a major cruise port? Check airfare prices first and do the math. Consider doing a pre and/or post stay that will allow you to fly during a time when airfare may cost less. But if you are like me and don't live anywhere close then book your cruise early. Booking early allows you time to find a good deal on airfare while still getting a fantastic price on your cruise. Often the best prices on airfare are around 6 to 7 months prior to the departure date. Booking early means you get more cabins to choose from, a dinning time that you want and time to pay off your cruise before you go. Nothing like taking a vacation knowing that the only thing you have left to pay for is the fun stuff and even then you can pay much of that upfront if you want to. We get last minute email offers daily so if your looking for a last minute cruise deal and would like us to help please contact one of our cruise specialist and tell them what interest you. Catch The Wave, book a cruise today!
What is onboard credit???
So you are searching through the internet or have contact several agencies for a great cruise deal and you’ve stumbled upon a cruise agency’s making what appears to be an unusual offer. These cruise agencies are offering shipboard or onboard credit for you cruise package. I can’t tell you how many friends, family and clients have asked me what is shipboard or onboard credit. First let me state that there is no difference between these two, they are exactly the same thing. Now that I have cleared that up, for the rest of my article I will be commonly be referring to it as shipboard credit.
So let me start with the check in process to help you understand what shipboard credit can do for you. When you check in for your cruise the cruise line representative will ask you for a major credit card so the cruise line can set up a cabin charge account. Each passenger in your party receives an access key for your cabin during check in and these keys are also to be used to charge items to your cabins charge account and is also your identification during you cruise for debarkation and embarkation during your cruise. Does everyone in your cabin get charging privilege? That’s up to you! During the check in process you will decide who will have charging privileges. Sorry kids, it’s all up to the adults. If you don’t like the idea of using a major credit card with potentially unlimited charging power, don’t worry you can usually set up your account using cash or you may be able to set charging limits. Be sure to ask the cruise line representative to explain all of the options available to you during check in but you can also request changes before and during your cruise at the Pursers Desk. Once your cabin charge account has been set up and you have your cabin key this is, for the most part, the only card you will need while on the ship so I recommend you put all other personal item’s such as credit cards, other personal identification including passport, money and traveler checks in the room safe until a need arises for them, such as excursions or when visiting the casino. I personally use cash or traveler checks for my visits to the casino. It sets a limit to my gambling that I can live with and I avoid any cash advance fees or ATM fees that may be charged by the cruise line and/or my credit card that I used to setup the cabin charge account. When purchasing items on the ship from the gift shops, bar and night lounges, excursion deck and specialty restaurants, as well as anything that may not be covered in the price of your cruise, you will present your cabin key and your cabin charge account will be billed accordingly. At the end of the cruise you can see an itemized list of all your charges. If there is any dispute you must take care of it before you depart the ship at the pursers desk, departing the ship constitutes that you have agreed to the charges as listed by the cruise line and all charges will be charged to your credit card.
So now that I have covered a little bit about the check in process and what some of the things you will need your cabin key for you are probably still wondering what is shipboard credit? Shipboard credit is like having a gift card on your cruise. The cruise line representative may confirm your shipboard credit during your boarding process or you may receive a card in your cabin stating you have shipboard credit and the amount. The shipboard credit is applied to your cabins charge account as a credit therefore reducing you bill at the end of your cruise by that amount. Shipboard credit is offered for a variety of reasons with your cruise package, often it is being offered as part of a promotion either by the travel agency or the cruise line. Shipboard credit can be used to cover a wide variety of things including paying for you gratuities that if not pre paid will be automatically billed to your cabins charge account, for any excursions booked through the ships excursion desk, your bar tab, pop card for unlimited soft drinks, purchases at the gift shops, and any other purchases made while on the ship. Ask your cruise specialist that you booked your cruise through for other creative ways your shipboard credit will work for you during your cruise experience.
Even if shipboard credit is not being offered with your cruise package you can ask your travel agent to purchase it on your behalf before your cruise sails, that is if pre paying for some of your expected expenses makes your cruise vacation a more enjoyable experience.
Catch the wave and book your next cruise vacation today!
So let me start with the check in process to help you understand what shipboard credit can do for you. When you check in for your cruise the cruise line representative will ask you for a major credit card so the cruise line can set up a cabin charge account. Each passenger in your party receives an access key for your cabin during check in and these keys are also to be used to charge items to your cabins charge account and is also your identification during you cruise for debarkation and embarkation during your cruise. Does everyone in your cabin get charging privilege? That’s up to you! During the check in process you will decide who will have charging privileges. Sorry kids, it’s all up to the adults. If you don’t like the idea of using a major credit card with potentially unlimited charging power, don’t worry you can usually set up your account using cash or you may be able to set charging limits. Be sure to ask the cruise line representative to explain all of the options available to you during check in but you can also request changes before and during your cruise at the Pursers Desk. Once your cabin charge account has been set up and you have your cabin key this is, for the most part, the only card you will need while on the ship so I recommend you put all other personal item’s such as credit cards, other personal identification including passport, money and traveler checks in the room safe until a need arises for them, such as excursions or when visiting the casino. I personally use cash or traveler checks for my visits to the casino. It sets a limit to my gambling that I can live with and I avoid any cash advance fees or ATM fees that may be charged by the cruise line and/or my credit card that I used to setup the cabin charge account. When purchasing items on the ship from the gift shops, bar and night lounges, excursion deck and specialty restaurants, as well as anything that may not be covered in the price of your cruise, you will present your cabin key and your cabin charge account will be billed accordingly. At the end of the cruise you can see an itemized list of all your charges. If there is any dispute you must take care of it before you depart the ship at the pursers desk, departing the ship constitutes that you have agreed to the charges as listed by the cruise line and all charges will be charged to your credit card.
So now that I have covered a little bit about the check in process and what some of the things you will need your cabin key for you are probably still wondering what is shipboard credit? Shipboard credit is like having a gift card on your cruise. The cruise line representative may confirm your shipboard credit during your boarding process or you may receive a card in your cabin stating you have shipboard credit and the amount. The shipboard credit is applied to your cabins charge account as a credit therefore reducing you bill at the end of your cruise by that amount. Shipboard credit is offered for a variety of reasons with your cruise package, often it is being offered as part of a promotion either by the travel agency or the cruise line. Shipboard credit can be used to cover a wide variety of things including paying for you gratuities that if not pre paid will be automatically billed to your cabins charge account, for any excursions booked through the ships excursion desk, your bar tab, pop card for unlimited soft drinks, purchases at the gift shops, and any other purchases made while on the ship. Ask your cruise specialist that you booked your cruise through for other creative ways your shipboard credit will work for you during your cruise experience.
Even if shipboard credit is not being offered with your cruise package you can ask your travel agent to purchase it on your behalf before your cruise sails, that is if pre paying for some of your expected expenses makes your cruise vacation a more enjoyable experience.
Catch the wave and book your next cruise vacation today!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Please submit your reviews!
Reviews Wanted Cruise recently? We would like a written review of your shipboard experience for our ship reviews section. Everyone benefits by hearing other first person accounts of their cruise experience. Tell us about your cruise!
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