Savvyseafarer

Carnival Cruise Lines suspends advertising

Patti Pietschmann — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:11:26 +0000

Waiting for official word, but in developing news following in the wake of the Costa Concorida disaster/travesty/tragedy on Friday the 13th of January when the now illustrious Italian captain steer the mega ship too close to shore off Italy, Carnival Cruise lines decided to suspend advertising its cruises.

Also check out http://www.examiner.com/cruise-88-in-national/patti-pietschmann for all the latest on Costa Concordia happenings.

Stay tuned for more.

Is Carnival Corporation’s latest missive more a pacifier?

Patti Pietschmann — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:16:22 +0000

Getty Images

The latest statement from Costa Cruises, owners of the ill-fated Concordia that ran aground off the coast of Italy on Friday the 13th of January–a disaster that started a maelstrom of travesties–and Carnival Corporation, owners of Costa–what do you think?

Costa Cruises and Carnival Corporation & plc Reiterate Commitment to Support

Costa Concordia Passengers and Crew

Genoa, Italy and MIAMI – January 18, 2012 – Costa Cruise Lines and its parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc, today confirmed their commitment to provide full support to those passengers, crew and families of the victims of the Costa Concordia grounding.

“I give my personal assurance that we will take care of each and every one of our guests, crew and their families affected by this tragic event. Our company was founded on this principle and it will remain our focus,” said Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.

In this spirit, Costa has been arranging lodging and transportation for affected passengers and crew members to return home. Every passenger and crew member or their family is being contacted and the company has offered its assistance and counseling as needed, and will be addressing personal possessions lost on board. Costa has also begun the process of refunding all voyage costs including both passenger cruise fares and all costs incurred while on board. Our senior management teams are working together to determine additional support.

“During this time of tragedy, we are doing our very best to provide the needed support to the Costa Concordia passengers, crew and their families,” said Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Costa Cruises.

Notes:

1. Micky Arison is calling it a “grounding,” which is fascinating parsing of the incident, which began with colliding with a reef and coming perilously close to sinking and only ended with a fortuitous grounding.

2. They are refunding “cruise fares” and onboard purchases, with no mention of airfares or any other costs associated with passengers getting to/from Italy, or for the costs they will now incur after evacuation.

For full coverage of this event go to: http://www.examiner.com/cruise-88-in-national/patti-pietschmann

Stay on top of Costa Concordia collapse here….

Patti Pietschmann — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:24:23 +0000

Your Savvy Seafarer has been reporting on the capsizing of the Costa Concordia, the mega, luxury liner that went aground off the coast of Italy on Friday the 13th of Janauary–obviously a bad omen for the Italian cruise line owned by Carnival Cruises.

I’ve got lots of coverage here: http://www.examiner.com/cruise-88-in-national/patti-pietschmann

Including insights from a prominent Miami attorney, Brett Revkind, who speaks his mind about the horrorific event…http://www.examiner.com/cruise-in-national/prominent-maritime-attorney-speaks-out-about-costa-concordia

A win Windstar proposition, half fare for your mate

Patti Pietschmann — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:56:29 +0000

: Glenn Bozarth captures Windstar in Costa Rica

Ahoy sailing buffs here’s you chance to sail the Caribbean at half-fare

Windstar Cruises, operator of three ultimate sailing machines, that went their way into tiny coves and harbors around the world, is offering two-for-one fares starting from $1,399 per person, based on double occupancy, on select 2012 Caribbean voyages when booked by February 24, 2012. Let me tell you maties, this is a deal!

The offer’s good on three Caribbean itineraries that include departures from Dutch St. Maarten to French-influenced Martinique on the Flavors of the Caribbean voyages.

Seven-day sailings on Wind Surf roundtrip from Philipsburg, St. Maarten visit Le Marin, Martinique; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Falmouth Harbour, Antigua; and Gustavia, St. Barthelemy. Departures: January 14, 28; February 25; and March 10, 24, 2012. Two-for-one fares starting from $1,399 per person, double occupancy on select sailings.

You can also sail from fabulously French St. Barts and the enchanting British Virgin Islands on Windstar’s Yachtsman’s Caribbean voyages. Seven-day sailings on Wind Surf roundtrip from Philipsburg, St. Maarten visit Soper’s Hole – Tortola, BVI; Jost van Dyke, BVI (overnight); Virgin Gorda, BVI (overnight); Basseterre, St. Kitts; Les Saintes, Guadeloupe; and Gustavia, St. Barthelemy.

Departures: February 18; and March 3, 17, 2012. Two-for-one fares starting from $1,399 per person, double occupancy on select sailings.

Or head to the unspoiled Grenadines and discover the rugged natural beauty of St. Lucia and beyond on Windstar’s Jewels of the Windward Islands voyages. Seven-day sailings on Wind Spirit roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados visit Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Bequia, St. Vincent Grenadines; Tobago Keys, St. Vincent Grenadines (overnight); Mayreau, St. Vincent Grenadines; and St. George’s, Grenada.

Departures: January 21, 28; February 4, 11, 18, 25; March 10, 17, 2012. Two-for-one fares starting from $1,399 per person, double occupancy on select sailings.

Rates listed are per person, US dollars, cruise only, and include non-discountable amounts. Government fees and taxes are additional ($70-$325 per person). Two-for-one cruise fares listed are per person, double occupancy, and based on 50 percent of published full cruise fares. Special two-for-one cruise fares are subject to availability, are not combinable with any other promotions or pricing offers, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at Windstar’s discretion at any time. Offer is valid on new bookings only for select departures. Certain restrictions apply. Cancellation penalties may apply, please see brochure for details. Offer expires February 24, 2012.

Breaking news: http://www.examiner.com/cruise-in-national/the-capsized-costa-concordia-was-fleet-s-newest-ship-launched-2006

The big balcony blow-out sale away on Princess Cruises

Patti Pietschmann — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:20:04 +0000

We’re talkinga blow-out sale, but you can also get a Brazilian Blow-out in Princess’ Elemis Spa…..

But for now, here’s the deal….

Balconies or verandahs have become the most sought after amenity on cruise ships, often booking up first even earlier than lower-priced spreads. Once you sail in a stateroom or suite with a balcony, it’s hard to settle for less. There’s nothing like the fresh sea air wafting into your cabin, or the enjoyment of having breakfast or cocktails on the privacy of your own deck. Not to mention other personal joys.

And now Santa Clarita, California-based Princess Cruises is making the coveted balcony more affordable on cruises to Europe and Alaska – with a Balcony Bonus Sale good through January 31. Passengers who book during the event can save up to $1,000 per couple off Launch Fares, plus receive a free balcony upgrade.

The fares are actually as low as an unobstructed ocean view stateroom and includes Europe and Alaska cruisetours, with savings on these land and sea cruise vacations that travel to the heart of the Alaska wilderness to see the majesty of Denali or that take in some of Europe’s most spectacular inland destinations, including Classic Italy, Ancient Petra or the Swiss Alps.

“Europe and Alaska are our signature summertime cruise destinations,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “And both are places where a balcony stateroom is a huge advantage – watching glaciers calve or the scenery of Venice go by right from your own balcony is a priceless experience.”

Balcony bonuses:
12-day Mediterranean/Greek Isles cruises from $1,490 ($2,540 balcony)

11-day Scandinavia and Russia cruises from $1,049 ($2,540 balcony)
12-day Holy Land cruises from $1,990 ($2,590 balcony)
7-day Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers from $799 ($1,399 balcony)
10-day Denali Explorer cruisetours from $1,273 ($1,823 balcony)
17-day Classic Italy cruisetours from $3,849 ($4,699 balcony)

All cruise prices are per person. The Balcony Bonus Sale runs through January 31, 2012, and is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Additional sale information and pricing is available at http://www.princess.com/balconybonus.page.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

Jump on board a Windstar and bring you mate for half fare

Patti Pietschmann — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:44:15 +0000

Glenn Bozarth captures Windstar in Costa Rica

Here’s your chance to sail the Caribbean at half-fare, when you bring a “mate” on one of a few select Windstar Cruises this year.

The operators of a trio of sailing ships is offering two-for-one fares starting from $1,399 per person, based on double occupancy, on select 2012 Caribbean voyages when booked by February 24, 2012.

Let me tell you maties, this is a deal!

The offer’s good on three Caribbean itineraries that include departures from Dutch St. Maarten to French-influenced Martinique on the Flavors of the Caribbean voyages. Seven-day sailings on Wind Surf roundtrip from Philipsburg, St. Maarten visit Le Marin, Martinique; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Falmouth Harbour, Antigua; and Gustavia, St. Barthelemy. Departures: January 14, 28; February 25; and March 10, 24, 2012.

Two-for-one fares starting from $1,399 per person, double occupancy on select sailings. For more on this please click on my National Cruise Travel Examiner page: http://www.examiner.com/cruise-in-national/ahoy-sailing-buffs-here-s-you-chance-to-cruise-the-caribbean-at-half-fare

Silversea Cruises puts passengers in the driver’s seats at Monaco Grand Prix

Patti Pietschmann — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:04:34 +0000

Anybody saling on the Silver Spirit on May 24, 2012 is in for a special treat. The small, luxury, all-inclusive cruise line has a special package planned.

It’s front row seats at the “70th Grand Prix de Monaco” land package. If you haven’t experienced the thrill of a Formula One race–here’s your chance. The Spirit will overnight on May 26 and passengers can watch the trials on Saturday, (practice runs for the drivers and their cars) from Tribune K reserved seats.

From this section of the grandstand, guests will see cars racing towards them at tremendous speed, slow down, and then accelerate, before making the next turn. In the evening, guests attend an invitation-only cocktail reception hosted by the ship’s captain and a former Grand Prix driver, followed by a themed dinner of Mediterranean and Monegasque cuisine served in La Terrazza.

For more information and a slew of slide, please go to: http://www.examiner.com/cruise-in-national/silversea-offering-passengers-special-grand-prix-de-monaco-package

Celebrity Cruises’ Reflection mirrors the future

Patti Pietschmann — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:33:56 +0000

The new Celebrity Reflection doesn’t debut until next fall, but the buzz has already begun over this dazzling, innovative member to be on the luxury line’s Solstice Class fleet.

Decked out with super sized suites and a host of innovations, the luxury liner can carry upwards of 3,000 passengers in style-forward comfort with a focus on the best selling Aqua Class suites, Signature Suites and a new jaw-dropping “Reflection Suite.” “Everything we introduced on Celebrity Silhouette illustrated our devotion to offering new and differentiated experiences for our guests, and the feedback we’re receiving is rewarding validation that our guests love it – from The Lawn Club Grill, to The Porch, to The Alcoves, to The Hideaway, not to mention they continually tell us how much they love the first three Solstice Class ships,” said Celebrity’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “On Celebrity Reflection, we’ve taken the opportunity to further elevate our onboard offerings, with entirely new ‘Signature Suites’ and our first ‘Reflection Suite,’ in addition to our first-ever AquaClass Suites, collectively creating the most vivid examples yet of the modern luxury that defines Celebrity.” The suite life Sequestered on the 14th deck, Celebrity Reflection’s five Signature Suites span 441-square-feet with a 118-square foot veranda, floor-to-ceiling windows and veranda doors, designed for maximum views of the sea. The Signature Suites can accommodate up to four guests, and will offer the luxurious 24/7 butler service that is a hallmark of every suite across the Celebrity fleet. The entire area features cardkey access exclusively for guests booked in the elite group of suites, such that a family or group of up to 26 guests traveling together can enjoy a private, six-suite modern luxury vacation experience. A mirror to what’s in store The Reflection Suite will be the brand’s first two-bedroom suite, complete with a distinctive sea-view bathroom extending out over the edge of the ship, a veranda tub with soothing rain shower, and panoramic views courtesy of the wraparound veranda. The 1,636-square-foot Reflection Suite with 194-square-foot veranda – complete with Celebrity’s luxurious 24/7 butler service – can accommodate up to six guests. Early booking deals Now through December 11, 2011, Celebrity is offering its Captain’s Club members an exclusive opportunity to be the first to book the new Reflection Suite and Signature Suites, before they open for booking among the general public December 12. Captain’s Club members interested in booking during this private event are invited to call 1.800.760.0654 or contact their travel agent. Hi tech touches Reverie®, special mattress from the leading innovator in luxury bedding, the Reverie® Dream Sleep System™ is a patented sleep system that allows guests, with the assistance of their butler, to customize the softness of their bed. Additionally, Reverie’s exclusive technology enables the iPod Touch (third and fourth generation), iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPad 2, iPad and Reverie Remote app to act as a remote control for the Reverie Sleep System, allowing guests to easily operate massage features and adjust the elevation of the mattress. Pressing “zero gravity” on the remote will take guests to a position in which the feet and head are raised slightly to improve circulation and relieve lower back pressure, creating the ultimate sensation of “weightlessness,” similar to the sensation felt in a zero-gravity chamber. Reverie also has integrated remote control technology into the Sleep System so guests can turn appliances around the room that are connected to the power outlet off or on with the touch of the screen on the iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. Guests can enjoy this innovative technology through an iPad provided in each of the new suites. To complete the innovative sleep experience, Celebrity’s suite guests also will enjoy the custom-embroidered, 100% Egyptian cotton linens featured in Celebrity’s new “eXhale” bedding program, which was introduced on the newly-Solsticized Celebrity Infinity December 3. The AquaClass category of spa-inspired accommodations provie 300 square feet of luxurious interior space and spacious 79-square-foot verandas, paired with all the amenities associated with Celebrity’s AquaClass accommodations, including exclusive and complimentary access to the highly-rated specialty restaurant, “Blu,” noted for its inviting, modern design and flavorful, healthy cuisine. The new suites also will offer the luxurious 24/7 butler service that is a hallmark of every suite across the Celebrity fleet. The ship will also feature 245 more loungers on its expanded pool deck to suit the increased overall guest capacity, as well as 45 additional seats in the Celebrity Theater, 118 in Oceanview Cafe, 24 additional seats each in Blu and in Tuscan Grille, four more in Qsine, and 40 additional seats in the main dining room, where Celebrity offers Celebrity Select Dining(SM), the industry’s first flexible dining option allowing guests to choose when they wish to dine on a flexible, day-by-day basis. Celebrity Reflection will enter service October 12, 2012, on a nine-night European cruise from Amsterdam to Barcelona. For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com, call your travel agent. Follow the brand socially at www.facebook.com/celebritycruises. SOURCE Celebrity Cruises

Oceania Cruises’ debuts drink options in 2012

Patti Pietschmann — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:17:19 +0000

Check out the new open bar, and options for buying drinks on board Oceania Cruises’ ships…

From the Martini Bar on the Marina

http://www.examiner.com/cruise-in-national/new-open-bar-and-drink-packages-offered-on-oceania-cruises-2012 http://www.examiner.com/cruise-in-national/new-open-bar-and-drink-packages-offered-on-oceania-cruises-2012

Cruise memories

Patti Pietschmann — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:30:36 +0000

Patti and Richard on cat from Silver Spirit (www.silversea.com)

: Formal night on the Crystal Symphony (www.crystalcruises.com)

: On theCrown Princess from Brooklyn

Crystal symphony in MauiPatti and Richard on cat from Silver Spirit (www.silversea.com)