Costa Cruises commission Fernando Botero sculpture

Costa Cruises newest ship, Costa Luminosa, will feature a specially commissioned sculpture by Fernando Botero (pictured left).

The bronze sculpture is currently being crafted at the Mariano foundry in Italy and will be installed in the Luminosa next year, taking centre stage in the ship’s atrium.

Commenting on the commission, Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and chief executive of Costa Crociere, said: "This particular sculpture by Botero has such expressive force and energy that it will interact with and influence the setting and interior design in the spectacular atrium of the ship where it is to be permanently exhibited."

The totally unique sculpture will depict a lone woman and once finished will weigh 910 kgs and measure over 340 cm in length.

Soap stars to sail on Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Century

Celebrity Cruises will be living up to their name next year with Celebrity’s Soap Cruise, a cruise which will enable guests to mix with the stars of their favourite US soap operas onboard Celebrity Century.

The Soap Cruise package on board Celebrity Century is a 22 day cruise from Miami, with the ship calling at a number of popular ports including Key West and Cozumel, Mexico.

There will be 16 of the ‘hottest’ actors on TV and guests will get the opportunity to attend a cocktail party with the stars. Guests will also be asked to write their own script and act out a scene with one of the soap stars.

Actors who will be appearing on the Soap Cruise include Brandon Beemer from the Bold and the Beautiful, Jay Johnson of Days of Our Lives and Christian LeBlanc of the Young and the Restless.

The newest addition to the Celebrity Cruises fleet, Celebrity Equinox will be making her debut in August 2009.

Regent Seven Seas new ship in development

Regent Seven Seas, the luxurious 6 star cruise line, has recently announced that they have a new ship under development. Currently Regent Seven Seas fleet of sumptuous ships includes The Seven Seas voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, Paul Gauguin and expedition ship Minerva.

The newest addition to the Regent Seven Seas fleet will be approximately 60,000 tons and will accommodate between 750-800 guests creating an intimate and exclusive cruise experience that is Regent Seven Seas trademark.

To provide even more luxury for guests, all suites on the new ship will have balconies. The ship which is yet to be named will be unveiled in 2012.

MSC Cruises launch express check in service

In an effort to reduce the time is takes to embark on their ships, MSC Cruises have launched an on-line check in service for guests to use in order to make their cruise experience with MSC Cruises as stress free as possible.

The new service named MSC Express is currently available at most major ports in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, it is currently available for passengers departing from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo, Bari, Venice, Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Kiel, Copenhagen and Amsterdam.

MSC Cruises innovative new fast track system enables passengers to log on to www.mscexpress.net, enter their booking details, reservation number, passenger name, together with the ship name and departure date. Once all the details are entered a printout will then produced for the passenger which allows them to be fast-tracked through check in.

Guilio Libutti, MD, MSC Cruises UK and Ireland says “MSC Cruises has a commitment to providing innovative solutions that help our passengers have the most enjoyable trip possible. The addition of online check-in and dedicated MSC Express desks is an extra convenience that cuts queues and waiting times at the port, meeting the growing demands of busy clients. We hope that this new service will help our passengers to start their trip sooner and ultimately get their holiday off to the most relaxing start possible.”

Oasis of the Seas set to be "coolest" ship ever with kids

Royal Caribbean Cruises newest ship currently under construction, Oasis of the Seas, looks set to be a definite success with the kids.

Cruises Mates teen reporter Alex Gaynor has been checking out the amenities on offer on board Oasis of the Seas and reports that Royal Caribbean Cruises new ship will be “the coolest thing ever” and will appeal to teenagers on a number of levels.

Alex Gaynor has also noted that even areas of Oasis of the Seas that are as yet inaccessible to children still hold much intrigue.

"One of the cool features, which as teens we can't use yet, is the rising tide bar. Over time, it ascends and descends between the Promenade and Central Park above it. Even though we're underage, it still seems like a cool thing to watch," she notes.

It seems though the main centre of interest is Boardwalk, one of seven neighbourhood concepts that have been developed by Royal Caribbean Cruises as yet another unique feature of Oasis of the Seas.

There are fabulous child-friendly amenities in the Boardwalk area including eateries such as Johnny Rockets, Seafood Shack, the Boardwalk Donut Shop and Ice Cream Parlour and entertainment in the form of Madame Zahara's psychic and tattoo parlour, a carousel and two "huge" rock-climbing walls.

Captain's to perform wedding ceremonies at sea

Azamara and Celebrity Cruises now offer weddings with a difference in that you can be married by the ship’s captain in the new captain-led ceremonies. Currently offering a vow renewal and in-port wedding service, this new service will lead the way in cruise weddings with ships such as Celebrity Millennium able to offer on board weddings.

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Azamara Cruises and Celebrity Cruises Vice President of Hotel Operations believes "While many of our guests come onboard seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wedding or vow renewal location, and we've been happy to provide them with in-port weddings led by a local official, their number-one request is for captains to perform the ceremony," this request has now been granted and it offers the wedding guests a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Celebrity Cruises have recently re-registers most of their ships in Malta where government regulations have changed, allowing ship’s Captains to perform weddings at sea. Azamara Cruise ships were already registered at Malta and so there is now a wider choice of cruise weddings available.

MSC Cruises MSC Splendida float out ceremony

A momentous floating out ceremony took place yesterday at the Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France. MSC Splendida, the newest addition to the MSC Cruises fleet, was accompanied by a fleet of 8 tugboats at 06:45 when she was floated out. The ceremony lasted about 1 hour and resulted in MSC Cruises MSC Splendida docked half a mile away where she will remain until her construction has been finished.

MSC Splendida and her sister ship MSC Fantasia will be the largest ships ever built by a European ship company. The two ships will begin a new era for MSC Cruises. Both ships will be 133,500 tonnes and able to accommodate 3,274 guests.

The introduction of MSC Yacht Club will be an exciting feature, a VIP area with 99 elegant suites, dedicated butlers and communal spaces furnished to the highest standards. MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia will also feature the Aurea Spa, four pools, 12 hydro massage pools, jazz bar, 4D interactive cinema and a children and teenagers area of 400 square metres with a pool, waterslide and disco.

The countdown to MSC Cruises MSC Fantasia launch has begun with the christening due to be held in Naples on 18 December 2008, MSC Splendida will be christened in Barcelona during summer 2009.

MSC Cruises are showing a commitment to environmental protection with the introduction of these two new ships as both will use an innovative water treatment process and energy efficient technology.

P&O Cruises change smoking policy

P&O Cruises have announced that they have changed their smoking policy on board their fleet of ships. Following the introduction of a new law in 2007 in England that made all enclosed public spaces and workplaces smoke free, P&O Cruises have monitored the smoking on board and the reaction of passengers.

There is an overall lack of acceptance towards smoking inside the public areas and therefore P&O Cruises have decided to update their policy on where smoking is allowed. P&O Cruises now do not allow smoking anywhere inside the ships, including the passenger staterooms. Smoking will be allowed on cabin balconies and on certain areas on the deck.

P&O Cruises will provide all passengers with a letter informing them of the change to the smoking policy.

Crystal Cruises adds Acupuncture to its wellness services

Crystal Cruises is expanding its collection of wellness services by the introduction of on board acupuncture. In addition, Crystal Cruises will also be offering a menu of Chinese herbs believed to aid the restoration of health and wellbeing.

The new acupuncture services will be launched this month on Crystal Serenity, along with a whole menu of treatments focusing on weight loss, pain management, and stress reduction, detoxification, smoking cessation, facial rejuvenation and even sea sickness.

"For many, a vacation offers the freedom to try something new," says Thomas Mazloum,
senior vice president, hotel operations. "Whether one is just curious or one wants to pursue new treatments, acupuncture complements Crystal's myriad of onboard wellness activities, which have transformed guests into devotees of disciplines like yoga or reflexology or Spinning®."

Acupuncture involves the insertion and manipulation of fine needles into specific points on the body to ease pain and for other therapeutic purposes. It is has been confirmed by the World Health Organization that acupuncture can help relieve aches and pains; stimulate weight loss; alleviate stress; detoxify the body; help cease smoking; ease seasickness and anti-aging.

The Crystal Cruises program includes an onboard acupuncturist, menus of Chinese herbs and shipboard seminars discussing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Feng Shui practices and benefits.

In keeping with Crystal Cruises wellness amenities, guests can also enjoy complimentary yoga, Pilates and newly introduced ‘Tour de Spin’ cycling classes and an exclusive ‘Walk on Water®’ program which uses weighted vests to increase resistance.

Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will be hosting Mind, Body & Spirit themed cruises in December 2008 and 2009. The themed cruises will focus on general wellbeing through classes and discussions with guest instructors trained in Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates and general fitness.

Celebrity Cruises sumptuous enhancements to culinary dining

Celebrity Cruises has made an array of enhancements to its award-winning dining experience. Celebrity Cruises culinary program is a central element of “Celebrity’s Star Treatment” and now has more than 200 new menu offerings, upgraded casual dining area and a whole new brunch selection.

Celebrity Cruises Vice President of Food & Beverage Operations is Jacques Van Staden, a hugely respected and successful chef and restaurateur who joined Celebrity Cruises a year old. According to Jacques Van Staden, the enhancements were initiated by results from extensive guest surveys and monitoring of trends in the food and beverage industry and a keen finger on the pulse of innovation.

"Our objective is to set the trend, not follow it," said Van Staden. "That's what makes a great dining experience. You have to shake things up now and then, and regularly introduce new and different offerings, along with the items our guests tell us they can't live without."

Evening menus are so extensive now that even guests traveling on one of Celebrity Cruises 14 night itineraries will not be presented with the same menu twice.

Dining on the rocks

A number of enhancements have been made to Celebrity Cruises café/casual dining area on every ship. These include modernising the atmosphere, upgrading signage and equipment and increasing the menu selection.

One interesting and imaginative enhancement in the lido/casual dining area is the replacement of ice with chilled river rocks throughout the self serve buffet area. Presented on the rocks of hundreds of new meal options and there are also made to order areas and more destination influenced cuisines including Asian, Italian, Mediterranean and Middle East.

Late night feast

For guests travelling on one of Celebrity Cruises ships who enjoy a late night feast, an ‘after-theatre’ menu has been introduced in Cova Café offering guests late-night desserts, sandwiches and specialty coffees.

"Our guests enjoyed the service and presentation of 'Gourmet Bites,' but very few actually indulged in them," said Van Staden. "The new options in Cova Cafe allow guests who are interested in late-night dining a light, varied menu, featuring sandwiches, savories, tartlets, hot brochettes, canapés, artisan cheeses, fresh fruit, crackers, petit fours and napoleons."

Celebrity's Cova Cafe presents the new late-night menu from 11 pm to closing.

Gala brunch

The once-per-cruise gala midnight buffet has been replaced with a sumptuous brunch in the main dining room, with highlights such as Celebrity Cruises famous ice, ffruit and vegetable carvings.

"Our guests loved viewing the elaborate creations we presented at the midnight gala buffet, but very few wanted to actually eat that late," said Van Staden. "Now, we still proudly present our culinary team's great artistry, but at a time when our guests can thoroughly enjoy it."

Guests can enjoy the lavish brunch which will have a huge variety of fresh fruits; made to order smoothies; gourmet cheeses; cold cuts; salads; sandwiches; meats and seafood; pizzas, paninis and wraps; sushi and stir fry selections; eggs of every style and delicious desserts ranging from individual, bite sized to sorbet and ice cream.

Celebrity Cruises new ship Celebrity Equinox is due to set sail in 2009.

Keel laid for new Costa Cruises ship

Costa Cruises new ship Costa Deliziosa is currently under construction in Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera, a province of Venice. Costa Deliziosa will be the 15^th ship in the fleet following its introduction in spring 2010.

The keel of Costa Cruises new ship has been laid in the last couple of days. This procedure includes the first section that is 100 metres in length, which was built in the Ancona shipyard and towed to Marghera.

The Costa Deliziosa will have a gross tonnage of 92,700 and will carry 2828 guests. At the same time as Costa Deliziosa is being constructed, three other new Costa Cruises ships are being constructed in Fincantieri’s yards.

In addition to the Costa Deliziosa, the Italian ship builder is finishing the Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica (total guest capacity 3780 and 114,500 gross tonnage), the 13^th and 14^th members of the fleet, which are being fitted out in Marghera and Genova-Sestri P. and will be delivered to Costa Cruises in spring 2009.

It is an exciting time for Costa Cruises with a fleet expansion program that includes the introduction of 5 new ships by 2012, all built in Italy by Fincantieri. The total investment from Costa Cruises is around 2.4 billion Euros.

There will be a two further ships entering service in spring 2011 and 2012, in addition to Costa Pacifica, Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa. By 2012 the Costa Cruises fleet will be 17 strong and able to carry some 46,400 guests, a 50% increase on current capacity.

Lose pounds whilst cruising

We have all been there – struggling to lose a few extra pounds before the start of your holiday and the inevitable bathing costume ceremony. Now whilst the concept of a cruise holiday on board a super-liner with a whole host of tantalising restaurants and bars to tempt you and weight loss do not go hand in hand, it has been found that cruise holidays can actually be a great holiday for losing some pounds.

Many dining rooms on board cruise ships often have a healthy eating option. Royal Caribbean Cruises newest addition to the fleet, Independence of the Seas, offers guests the opportunity to take part in ‘An Eat More to Weigh Less’ scheme. The programme on Independence of the Seas includes a tour of the buffet restaurant by an instructor who can provide tops on the healthier food options available.

Most cruise ships also feature comprehensive and up-to-the-minute gym facilities and with jogging tracks and surf pools on Royal Caribbean Cruises, calorie conscious cruisers will be in heaven.

Carnival Cruises also boast a deck jogging track, a golf course and a multi-faceted swimming pool.

The latest innovative addition to Princess Cruises is Wii Fit, where guests can take part in fitness tournaments.

Myleene Klass to be Godmother to Carnival Splendor

Myleene Klass is set to be the celebrity Godmother for Carnival Cruises newest ship Splendor, due to be named at a glamorous ceremony in Dover next month.

The 4,914 guest ship is the first Carnival Cruises ship to have a naming ceremony in the UK. The multi talented musician, singer and TV presenter will christen Carnival Splendor, following which the ship will then sail on a three-day mini preview cruise to Amsterdam, returning to Dover on July 13.

Carnival Cruises Carnival Spendor will depart on July 13 for its official inaugural 12 day cruise to the Baltic, making ports of call at Copenhagen, Warnemunde, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallin and Amsterdam.

Carnival Cruise Lines president and CEO Gerry Cahill said: “Myleene is the perfect Godmother to name Carnival Splendor, with her many talents complementing the many features on the ship, which is already attracting a broad passenger base - from families to couples to groups of friends – all with a common desire to enjoy a fun, casual and memorable vacation.

“The British cruising market is growing fast, with over 1.3 million taking cruises from the UK last year, and this is why we have chosen Britain for our inaugural summer season for Carnival Splendor.

“For UK customers, the Carnival Splendor has just about everything on board except, we appreciate, a ‘u’.”

Oasis of the Seas to visit the Virgin Islands

Royal Caribbean Cruises newest addition Oasis of the Seas, currently under construction, is to make ports of call at the Virgin Islands as part of its 2009 cruise schedule.

The Virgin Islands Daily News reported that the region’s tourism department made the announcement on Monday 30 June.

Oasis of the Seas will visit Charlotte Amalie when it makes its debut Caribbean cruise in 2009. The cruise liner is reported to be the world’s largest cruise liner and can hold 5,400 guests. Oasis of the Seas will also visit St Thomas, St Maarten and the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean Cruises magnificent addition to its fleet features a host of innovative features, among which is the AquaTheater. It is an outdoor venue located at the stern of the ship, the amphitheatre will offer a selection of activities during the day and many performances by night.

The AquaTheater pool will be the largest and deepest freshwater pool at sea measuring 6.6 meters by 15.7 metres wide and has a depth of 5.4 metres.

Dramatic rescue of two sailors by NCL

It was an exciting days for guests on board NCL’s Norwegian Dawn last Monday 30 June, following a dramatic rescue of two stricken sailors. The sailors issued two separate distress calls 12 hours apart and luckily each man was rescued within a day.

The first rescue occurred just over 210 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. A sailing boat called ‘Patriot’ was making its way back from Bermuda where it had taken part in a competition race but unfortunately one its team members, Andrew Paul Giglia, was suffering from shock and required immediate rescuing. The US Coast Guard contacted NCL’s Norwegian Dawn which was cruising only 52 miles away. Norwegian Dawn immediately changed course and made radio contact with Patriot.

Norwegian Dawn Captain Trygve Vorren performed a skillful manoeuvre, flanking the 40 foot sailboat and deploying the life boat. There was a high wind and waves of up to 15 feet but thankfully a three person rescue team from Norwegian Dawn were able to get the sick sailor aboard and whisked off for treatment by the ship’s doctor.

Amazingly, within 12 hours off rescuing the first man, Captain Vorren was contacted about another potentially more serious injury on the sailboat Misty approximately 260 miles south of Montauk, New York. A male crew member, Hillary Bercovici, aboard Misty had a head injury and was losing consciousness. By a stroke of coincidence, Norwegian Dawn was the closest ship again, only 32 miles away.

Weather conditions were reported as very rough, with rain and high winds of up to 33 knots and 20 foot swells. Despite this, Norwegian Dawn found the vessel, lowered a life boat and with the same three crew members from the first rescue, transferred the injured sailor to the cruise ship where he received immediate medical attention, which included five stitches to the forehead.

Norwegian Cruise Line are a dab hand at ship rescues. It is actually the third time in as many months that NCL has been involved in a sea rescue.

Oasis of the Seas Caribbean Itineraries

Royal Caribbean Cruises have released the details of itineraries for their newest ship Oasis of the Seas inaugural year, with sailings planned in the east and west Caribbean.

Oasis of the Seas maiden voyage will not take place until December 2009, but customers will be able to make bookings on the much anticipated ship from September of this year.

Ports of call for the magnificent new super liner Oasis of the Seas will include Haiti, Jamaica, Nassau, Phillipsburg and Cozumel, Mexico.

Royal Caribbean Cruises have said that they are working closely with the new ports to feature on Oasis of the Seas itineraries to ensure that guests will enjoy a faultless cruise experience.

"Royal Caribbean is working in partnership with the Port Authority of Jamaica to complete the new Falmouth Cruise Pier by March 2010, as well as establish the associated infrastructure necessary to welcome cruise ship guests," the company said earlier this week.

The Royal Caribbean Cruises fleet, including Independence of the Seas, also has itineraries in Alaska, Asia, New Zealand and the Panama Canal.

Holland America's Eurodam Christened in Rotterdam

In a traditional ceremony yesterday in Rotterdam, Holland America’s newest ship Eurodam was christened by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The christening also marked Holland America’s 135^th year anniversary and was reminiscent of 1873 when the cruise line was founded in exactly the same location, same pier.

"What a day, what an incredibly, marvelous beautiful day," said HAL president Stein Kruse, and he wasn't just referring to the gorgeous blue skies overhead. Kruse paid homage to Holland America’s deep roots in Rotterdam and Holland and the long time seafaring tradition that exists there. Holland America’s offices were in fact situated in what is now the historic Hotel New York nearby for a long period of time.

Eurodam is Holland America’s 80^th ship, the 14^th in Holland America’s existing fleet and the largest to ever sail for the cruise line. Whilst other ships godmothers have been hindered with problems when smashing the champagne bottle against the hull of the ship, Queen Beatrix had no such problem and the magnum smashed with a satisfying soundness.

Eurodam begins sailing regular cruises today and after the taster cruise will celebrate its maiden voyage in the Baltic. Later this summer, Eurodam will venture across the Atlantic, with cruising itineraries in Canada and New England.