Archive for the ‘Asia’ Category

New Passenger Freighter Voyages for Up to 80 Year Olds

Asia, Caribbean, News, Panama Canal, Passenger Freighters, World | Posted by cruisepeople
Jul 30 2010

Columbus Loop – Short World Voyage – From Seattle or Vancouver to the
east coast or from the east coast to Seattle or Vancouver.
Weekly sailings – 15 vessels in the service – 16 ports on a full round
voyage of 105 days.
Proposed port list (subject to change) – Seattle, Vancouver, Yokohama,
Shanghai, Ningbo, Hong Kong, Yantian, Tanjung Pelepas, Mediterranean Sea
and Suez Canal passage, New York, Norfolk, Savannah, Mediterranean Sea
and Suez Canal passage, Tanjung Pelepas, Hong Kong, Yantian, Shanghai,
Pusan, Seattle.

India America Express – Weekly liner service between the east coast and
India, Pakistan and the Suez Canal area. Eight vessels sailing 56 days
for a complete round voyage of 10 ports. Port List (subject to change) –
New York, Norfolk, Savannah, Charleston, Mediterranean Sea passage, Port
Said, Suez Canad Passage, Jeddah, Muhammad Bin Qasim Karachi, Nhava
Sheva Jawaharlal Nehru, Mundra, Damietta, New York.

Pacific East Coast 2 – From Ensenada (Mexico) through the Panama Canal
and the Caribbean, the Far East and back to Ensenada. Weekly service
with 11 ships in the service and 15 ports of call with a complete round
voyage length of 77 days. Port List (subject to change) – Ensenada,
Manzanillo (Mexico), Punta Manzanillo (Panama), Panama Canal transit,
Cartagena, Kingston, Caucedo, Puerto Cabello, Port of Spain, Chiwan,
Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Ningbo, Shanghai, Qingdao, Pusan, Ensenada.

Pacific Express 3 – Around the World in 77 days including passages of
the Panama Canal, Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea. Weekly service
with 11 ships and 15 ports.
Port List (subject to change) – Houston, Mobile, Miami, Jacksonville,
Savannah, Charleston, Tanger Med, Jebel Ali, Singapore, Hong Kong,
Chiwan, Shanghai, Pusan, Balboa, Punta Manzanillo (Panama), Houston.

The French-flag passenger freighter M.V. CMA-CGM ROSSINI will sail
a 21-day itinerary every 47 days, starting 22 October, 2010. The
itinerary is Charleston, Savannah, Freeport(Bahamas), Veracruz (Mexico),
Altamira (Mexico), Houston, New Orleans, Freeport, Savannah and back to Charleston.
The ship has five cabins, each with a double bed or twin beds. All
cabins have two wide windows in front, private bathroom with shower, wash
basin and toilet, private lounge, refrigerator (handy for your
duty-free beverages available on board), desk and locker.
Dining is in the officers’ mess with the senior officers. Other
amenities include a small gym with ping pong, and rowing machine. There
is also a small outdoor pool, and you will find deck chairs on the sun deck.
The passenger lounge on E deck includes sofa, easy chairs, tea table,
game table, small library, TV and DVD player, Hi Fi set and a refrigerator.
Also on E deck is the laundry with washer and dryer. This ship is
equipped with an elevator. Please note that passengers must be mobile
as elevators do not work in rough seas or emergencies.

REQUIRED – Valid passport which expires a minimum of 6 months after the
conclusion of the voyage. Passengers carrying passports, other than
American or Canadian, must obtain a US visa.

The fares for these voyages including port taxes/bank transfer fees,
and deviation insurance are:
Doubles – each of two – Euro 2170
Single use of a double cabin – Euro 2380

All passengers are required to carry emergency hospital/medical
insurance including emergency evacuation (sometimes called air
ambulance) coverage. Not required but strongly recommended is
cancellation insurance to protect your fare in the event of illness,
accident or bereavement of yourself, your travelling companion or
immediate family members. We are happy to quote on this insurance for
Canadian residents. We will supply a source for American residents if
they so wish. There will be a medical form for your doctor to
complete indicating you are in satisfactory health to sail in a ship
with no medical facilities or doctor on board. Age limit is 75 (now 80
with 2 good medical reports from your doctor – one with deposit and one
within a month of sailing)!

Booking requirements:
Cabins are held for one week at no obligation. At the end of that time,
completed booking form is required and a 25% deposit is due. Balance is
due 10 weeks prior to scheduled sailing. Payments are in EUROS and may
be sent to us by bank draft, money order or wire transfer. Please note that banks
charge both you and us service charges for wire transfers. Bookings
closer in than 10 weeks require full payment with acceptance of the
option. Medical certificate and proof of insurance should be submitted
closer to sailing date (see top of medical form).

Please note that this is a working cargo vessel and the cargo takes
priority. There is always the possibility of a night port call or a short
stay in port if cargo requirements are light.

Shipboard Credit with Viking River Cruises

Asia, European River, Northern Europe, Viking River | Posted by cruisepeople
Jul 21 2010

From now until 31 August The Cruise People, Ltd. has available a $50 shipboard credit for most river sailings in Russia, Europe and China for the this year and 2011.

 

This credit is combinable with many other offers.

Christmas in 2011

Asia, Caribbean, Holland America Line, New Brochure, Uncategorized | Posted by cruisepeople
Jul 16 2010

We all know how hard it is to get a family get together planned.

We are pleased that Holland America Line has delivered its Holiday Sailings brochure for Christmas 2011.

Just contact us at 1-800-961-5536 or cruise@thecruisepeople.ca to receive yours.

New or Returning Passenger Freighter Programmes

Asia, Caribbean, Mediterranean, News, Passenger Freighters | Posted by cruisepeople
Jul 09 2010

As you may be aware, the financial situation combined with vastly increased security has decimated the passenger freighter availability to/from Canada and the USA over the last few years.

I have just learned about four new or returning products headed our way. I thought you’d like a peek at what’s coming, especially since they will accommodate passengers up to age 80!

Eagerly awaiting more details such as rates and sailing dates.

Drop us an e-mail fcherney@thecruisepeople.ca or a 1-888759-2990  if you’d like more information or to request availability. Don’t forget full names and birth dates of passengers as in passports, Nationality of passports, desired month of sailing and desired ports of embarkation and disembarkation.

 

Columbus Loop – Short World Voyage – From Seattle or Vancouver to the east coast or from the east coast to Seattle or Vancouver.

Weekly sailings – 15 vessels in the service – 16 ports on a full round voyage of 105 days.
Proposed port list (subject to change) – Seattle, Vancouver, Yokohama, Shanghai, Ningbo, Hong Kong, Yantian, Tanjung Pelepas, Mediterranean Sea and Suez Canal passage, New York, Norfolk, Savannah, Mediterranean Sea and Suez Canal passage, Tanjung Pelepas, Hong Kong, Yantian, Shanghai, Pusan, Seattle.

India America Express – Weekly liner service between the east coast and India, Pakistan and the Suez Canal area.

Eight vessels sailing 56 days for a complete round voyage of 10 ports. Port List (subject to change) – New York, Norfolk, Savannah, Charleston, Mediterranean Sea passage, Port Said, Suez Canad Passage, Jeddah, Muhammad Bin Qasim Karachi, Nhava Sheva Jawaharlal Nehru, Mundra, Damietta, New York.
Pacific East Coast 2 – From Ensenada (Mexico) through the Panama Canal and the Caribbean, the Far East and back to Ensenada. Weekly service with 11 ships in the service and 15 ports of call with a complete round voyage length of 77 days. Port List (subject to change) – Ensenada, Manzanillo (Mexico), Punta Manzanillo (Panama), Panama Canal transit, Cartagena, Kingston, Caucedo, Puerto Cabello, Port of Spain, Chiwan, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Ningbo, Shanghai, Qingdao, Pusan, Ensenada.

 

Pacific Express 3 – Around the World in 77 days including passages of the Panama Canal, Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea.

Weekly service with 11 ships and 15 ports.
Port List (subject to change) – Houston, Mobile, Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston, Tanger Med, Jebel Ali, Singapore, Hong Kong, Chiwan, Shanghai, Pusan, Balboa, Punta Manzanillo (Panama), Houston.

Slow Boat to China

Asia, Passenger Freighters | Posted by cruisepeople
Jun 25 2010

NSB’s PSX Service includes five ships – MS/MV HANJIN BOSTON, MS/MV HANJIN BALTIMORE, MS/MV HANJIN DALLAS, MS/MV HANJIN MIAMI, and MS/MV HANJIN YANTIAN.
This service is now sailing slower to try to conserve fuel and the round trip is now approximately 42 days.
Itinerary and approximately schedule follows:

Port                   Days

Long Beach    -    0
Oakland         -    3
Seattle           -    5
Pusan            -  19
Yantian          -  23
Kaohsiung      -  25
Shanghai        -  27
Kwangyang    -  29
Pusan            -  31
Long Beach   -  42

These voyages are quite reasonably priced starting from EURO 85 per day plus port charges/fees and deviation insurance.

Warning to Canadians – Immigration in Seattle has been known to demand a visa as well as a passport from Canadians even though it is not really required so don’t be surprised if you are asked to obtain a visa if sailing to/from west coast US ports.

Some Cruise People, Ltd. Exclusive Offers

Asia, Azamara Cruises, Canadian Cruises, East Coast Cruises, Holland America Line, Silversea | Posted by cruisepeople
Jun 16 2010

Brought to you by
The Cruise People, Ltd.
cruise@thecruisepeople.ca

12 Night Western Mediterranean Cruise in Azamara Quest

Starting At: $ 2949.00
Ship: Azamara Quest
Kotor is a true gem that can be found nestled on the sparkling Adriatic. There is something for everyone: museums, history, monuments, restaurants, medieval architecture, and ancient churches galore. Take in the sights at La Spezia, such as the historical gardens with their dazzling array of colours. It also boasts outstanding works in the Museo Amedeo Lia, featuring medieval and Renaissance art.

Singapore to Sydney

Sumptuous ocean-view suites and the luxurious freedom of an all-inclusive lifestyle. Exotic destinations, exclusive explorations, and uniquely enriching cultural connections. This is the secret allure of ocean travel. This is Silversea. $200 Shipboard Credit

13-Day Atlantic Coast Cruise

New this year: the wild beauty of Gaspé Peninsula, the traditions of the Innu nation at Sept-Îles, and a manmade glacier in Baie-Comeau, all in Quebec. $50 Shipboard Credit/Champagne/Strawberry/Photo/$50 Beverage Card

7-Day Eastern Caribbean Round-trip Miami

Sway to the rhythm of the tropics in lush surroundings among a colourfully diverse combo of cultural influences in the Eastern Caribbean. Prepaid gratuities & Dinner on us

Viva L’España: Pullmantur Advances on the World – Azamara’s Overnight Stays – A Second Cruise Ship for South Africa

Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Azamara Cruises, Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Hapag LLoyd, MSC, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, News, Positioning Voyages, Royal Caribbean | Posted by cruisepeople
Apr 13 2010

by Mark Tre’ – "The Cruise Examiner"
In the past few years, the Spanish cruise market has been one of the fastest-growing in the world and the big two, Carnival and Royal Caribbean have both now joined the play. Spanish-speaking cruises now operate not only from Spanish ports but also from Venice, Piraeus, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Lisbon, Santo Domingo, Cartagena, Acapulco and many ports in Brazil. This week the news is about where Azamara is going and the announcement of a second ship for the South African cruise market.

Viva L’España – Pullmantur Advances on the World
With the publication of an English-language brochure Pullmantur is now making available to a wider audience its worldwide cruise itineraries on its fleet of second generation cruise ships built in the 1980s and 1990s – two by Royal Caribbean, two by Celebrity and one each by Carnival and Hapag-Lloyd.

Pullmantur’s big attraction is its "AI" all inclusive programme that includes not only the usual full board but also "unlimited [bottled] water, fruit juices, coffee, soft drinks, beer, wine and drinks in the bars and restaurants, disco and theatre."

The fleet is a modern one, but composed of more traditional cruise ships than the mammoth 100,000-tonners that have become popular to-day. Two-thirds of it has been acquired from parent company Royal Caribbean. The oldest fleet member is  Ocean Dream, built in 1982 as Tropicale, Carnival’s first newbuilding, and the others are of more recent vintage. Sovereign was built in 1988 as Royal Caribbean’s Sovereign of the Seas, at the time the world’s largest cruise ship;  Empress in 1990 as Royal Caribbean’s Nordic Empress, the first newbuilding for 3- and 4-day cruises, Pacific Dream as Celebrity Cruises’ Horizon in 1990, and her sister ship Zenith, also for Celebrity in 1992. The line’s sixth ship, Bleu de France, was built as Hapag-Lloyd’s last Europa in 1982 and like the present Europa, was once the top-rated cruise ship in the world. Although operated by its French subsidiary Croisiéres de France, she is also featured in Pullmantur’s English-language brochure.

Since the early days of operating cruises from Barcelona with ships like Oceanic, Pullmantur has advanced to the stage where it now operates cruises between Copenhagen and Helsinki with Empress, from Athens with  Zenith, and from Lisbon and Malaga with both  Zenith and Empress, at different times of the year. Bleu de France also sails from Marseilles for the French market. In the Caribbean, it operates Pacific Dream from Santo Domingo and Ocean Dream from Cartagena. In Mexico, Pacific Dream sails from Cozumel and  Ocean Dream from Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. Its flagship, meanwhile, the 2,324-berth Sovereign, runs on the line’s traditional routes from Barcelona.
In conjunction with the longer-haul cruises, Pullmantur also operates a fleet of 747s that offer a business class service on the upper deck. But here is the fleet:

Pullmantur’s seventh ship, the steam turbine-powered Atlantic Star, originally Sitmar’s Fairsky, remains laid up for the moment. But there has been talk that she may be placed into a new service in Europe, serving ports such as Dover, Amsterdam, Le Havre and Bilbao, with passengers able to board at any one of them for a 7-day cruise. On such a relatively short circuit, this heavy fuel burner would be much more economic and would also be able to remain in some ports overnight.

All in all, Royal Caribbean, who acquired Pullmantur as the major player in the rapidly-expanding Spanish-speaking market in 2006, has stolen a march on Carnival Corp & PLC, who quickly followed them into that market with Ibero Cruceros in 2007. Ibero Cruceros presently has a fleet of three ships, but these are about to be joined by a fourth in  Grand Holiday, formerly Carnival’s Holiday, now undergoing refurbishment in Genoa.

Ibero’s ship are newer on average, but can only carry about 58% of the fleet capacity of those Pullmantur ships that are in service, which will come down to about half if the Atlantic Star is reactivated.

Nevertheless, like Pullmantur, Ibero Cruceros now bases ships in several of the same main markets, i.e. the Western Med from Spain (primarily Grand Holiday, but also Grand Mistral and Grand Voyager), the Eastern Med from Venice and Piraeus (Grand Celebration), the Atlantic and Canary Islands from Vigo and Lisbon (Grand Voyager), the Baltic and North Atlantic (Grand Mistral) and Brazil (Grand Celebration). Unlike Pullmantur, it is not in the Caribbean or on the Mexican Riviera, but this is still a much better showing for a Carnival Hispanic product after the failed Fiesta Marina project in 1993-94, which used the former Carnivale. Meanwhile, one further Spanish line, operating mainly out of Valencia and Barcelona, as well as Venice and Athens, is a company called Happy Cruises. Formerly know as Quail Cruises, its present fleet numbers two smaller ships:

Gemini‘s claim to fame is that she was actually built in Spain, by Union Naval de Levante in Valencia, while Ocean Pearl is a first generation cruise ship, built as Song of Norway for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Both ships are owned by the Clipper Group of Denmark and managed by International Shipping Partners of Miami.

Azamara’s Overnight Stays
When Azamara Club Cruises announced that it would be adding more overnight stays so that passengers could get to explore not only the nightlife, theatres and restaurants but also the general environs of where they were, it turns out that it was quite serious. The line announced that there would be overnight stays in no fewer than 38 different ports, and, on top of that, late night (10 pm or later) departures for 63 more ports in 2011-12.

Its spring Mediterranean itineraries have been designed as a series of 7-night cruises where ports generally do not repeat, so that they can be combined into a 14- or 21-night cruise for those who want a longer stay on board. Then heading for the Baltic, Azamara Journey will set sail from the Paris port of Rouen, whose cathedral was the world’s tallest building between 1876 and 1880 and was painted more than thirty times by Monet. Other destinations for this ship will include the West Indies, the Amazon, South America and the Antarctic.

Azamara Quest, meanwhile, will be back in the Far East, with overnight stays featured in Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. After a Far East season, and heading back to the Med, she will feature an overnight stay in Alexandria, then visits to the Greek Isles and the Black Sea. Both ships will be offering 7-night itineraries that can be combined, as well as a number of 11-night voyages. Back to the Red Sea, overnight stays will be offered at Sharm el Sheik and Safaga, as well as Aqaba, and other overnight stays are planned in ports such as Mumbai and Bali.

Azamara also began its programme of complimentary vintage red and white wines chosen from boutique vineyards, bottled waters, soft drinks and specialty coffees and teas, and complimentary shuttle buses at ports where it is felt they are needed.

A Second Cruise Ship for South Africa
For many years now, Starlight Cruises of Johannesburg has been offering Italian cruise ships in the seasonal South African summer market. Ships as varied as  Achille Lauro, Rhapsody, Melody, MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia have served this market, usually offering a southbound liner voyage from Italy in November and a northbound voyage back to the Mediterranean in the spring.

For the 2010-11 season, however, two ships will head south, when the 1,544-berth MSC Sinfonia, which is just completing her maiden season in South Africa, will be joined by the return of the 1,064-berth MSC Melody, as she is called now. Most sailings have been from Durban and popular destinations include Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and the Seychelles, as well as Mozambique.

Two ships will give MSC an annual equivalent capacity for over 100,000 cruisers from both Durban, where MSC has long had an important office, and Cape Town. Starlight Cruises began with Greek and other chartered ships but now acts as general sales agent in South Africa for MSC Crociere. What is interesting about MSC in South Africa, however, is that the review sites there give the line the same mixed reports that it gets from other nationalities such as Americans and Britons.

Ultra-Luxury ships – Alaska In Retreat – Hapag-Lloyd’s Air Cruises and a Non-Stop Sailing – Cunard Joins The Overnight Stay Lines

Asia, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Lines, Hapag LLoyd, News, Positioning Voyages, Ship Reviews | Posted by cruisepeople
Mar 29 2010

by Mark Tre’ – “The Cruise Examiner”

This week, we look at initial reviews for Seabourn Odyssey while we await those for Silver Spirit, delivered more recently. As well, we have news of a retreat on Alaska’s head tax, air cruises and a one-time voyage from Singapore to Nice from Hapag-Lloyd and overnight stays for Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth.

STORY OF THE WEEK
Feedback for Seabourn Odyssey and Silver Spirit
So far, the Cruise Critic has accumulated a dozen reviews for Seabourn Odyssey, which has been in service since last summer, but just one so far for Silver Spirit, which has only been in service for three months.

Of the dozen for Seabourn Odyssey, five, or just under half, award the latest Seabourn ship five stars plus and three award five stars, accounting for three-quarters of the feedback so far. What is surprising, however, is that she has earned three scores of only four stars and one of just three. Review sites are notorious of course for producing complainers, but these account for a quarter of the reviewers. As the ship’s best reviews came from her initial Mediterranean cruises and the poorer reviews once she had moved over to the Caribbean, one must wonder about that as well.

The majority of the initial reviews were full of praise for Seabourn, something one would expect from a line whose followers are so steadfast in their praise and their loyalty. A number of reviewers, even critical ones, aid that they would return to Seabourn or bought future cruise reduction certificates on board, but it’s also worth looking at some of the disappointments.

One comment is that Seabourn Odyssey‘s standard suites have become quite narrow, at 9.5 feet, one reviewer describing them as “tunnel-like,” as the ship is much wider than the traditional Seabourn ship. Some complained that the service had suffered, something that hopefully Seabourn will overcome once the new ship is bedded in. This may take some time however as the second and third in the series are delivered. One peculiar observation made by a couple of reviewers was that the movement of Seabourn Odyssey made them feel seasick, but both these comments came in the Caribbean.
Overall, there is no question that the three new Seabourn ships will totally change the product. Instead of a trio of 212-berth yacht-like vessels that suffer from a genuine shortage of verandas, the new ships are each more than twice the size of the traditional Seabourn ships, and it is interesting to see the number of Regent clients who seem to be trying her out now that Seabourn has more or less joined the big ship league.

If Seabourn decides to keep the traditional ships as well as the new trio, it will have more than tripled its berth inventory in a very short period.

Silver Spirit has only received a single review so far at Cruise Critic. Although it only awarded four stars, such a sample is too small to be representative even if it was written by a travel professional. Further review will have to wait but one interesting observation is that this ship has television screens that appear and disappear into a mirror.
Meanwhile, there is no question that the new ships have brought Seabourn, and to some extent, arch-competitor Silversea into the next rung up in terms of size. Others have compared the new ships to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa, which has now been sailing for ten years with the world’s top cruise ship rating. The new ships also remind one of Royal Viking Line, whose initial trio of ships was limited to 550 passengers. Ironically, however, if one compares the new ships with Silversea’s last generation, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper of 2000/01, the new ships actually have lower Passenger Space Ratios:

Ships of 610 to 650 feet were normal-size ocean liners in the past and the upmarket lines are trying to bring the exclusivity of the small ship experience into a larger platform. They will in all likelihood succeed, as they are now back to ship sizes that were common with the likes of Norwegian America Line and Swedish American Line in the past, as well as the newly-born Royal Viking Line of 1972. None of the latter survive to-day, but as the cruise market has now grown enough to support the four larger 40- to 60,000-ton ships of Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas as well, this will now mean a fleet of a dozen large ultra-luxury ships sailing under five brands.

Whether all those brands will survive may be the next big question, but with lines such as Oceania and Azamara Club Cruises following close behind the trend is good that consumers will not be stuck with just mammoth ships carrying 5,000 and more people, as have been developing recently in the mass market. The likes of Seabourn, Silversea, Regent, Crystal and Ocean and Azamara will give people plenty of opportunities to trade up if they wish to escape the madding crowd.

THIS WEEK IN CRUISING
Alaska In Retreat
At Seatrade last week, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell and the cruise lines that are suing the state came to an agreement whereby the cruise lines will drop their suit if Alaska cuts back its head tax by 25%, from $46 to $37.50. Alaska will lose 140,000 passengers in 2010 because of this levy, which after another $4 to cover “ocean rangers” riding cruise ships, comes to $50 a head.

Governor Parnell was quoted as telling a luncheon meeting last Friday that “In an audience of thousands, I heard our state singled out for its costly fiscal and regulatory environment. No other jurisdiction has a head tax as high as ours.”

The present session of the Alaska state legislature ends April 18 and whether the new law can be passed by then is not yet known. Whenever it is passed, it will take immediate effect so the tax cuts would be felt right away.

In the last few months, it has been announced that more expensive ships such as  Crystal Symphony, Disney Wonder and Oceania‘s Regatta will be sailing into Alaska in 2011. But it will take some time before Alaska can see the sort of volumes it did in the past from the main market lines, who are now committing to their 2012 itineraries.

Meanwhile, while Alaska has been busy trying to extract more money from cruisers, Celebrity Cruises, who has been big there for some years, has committed to putting three “Solstice” class ships in Europe in 2011 and has recently confirmed that 40% of the line’s business now comes from outside the US. And Royal Caribbean is planning to deploy ten ships to Europe in 2011.

Hapag-Lloyd’s Air Cruises and a Non-Stop Sailing Singapore to Nice
In an innovative move for its German-speaking clients, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises have outfitted an Airbus 319 with 42 Club Class seats for a series of air cruises to points of interest. The plane, which has been named “Albert Ballin” after the inventor of cruising, will offer a variety of 3-, 12- and 21-day air cruises, with 3-day air cruises to Luxor and Marrakech, a 12-day itinerary to Hong Kong, a 21-day itinerary to the Silk Road. Other departures will take discerning travellers to South America and Australia. The first air cruise left Hamburg on January 27, 2010, using a Boeing 737 with 52 seats under command of Capt Erik Olsen and First Officer Sebastian Franz. In future, Hapag-Lloyd may consider using the aircraft to offer a special option to connect with cruises by its ships as well.

Hapag-Lloyd has meanwhile turned a problem into an opportunity, for some travellers at least. Their 420-guest five-star Europa has developed a problem in one of her four engines and three cruises that were part of her world cruise have had to be cancelled. Instead, she will be offering a real rarity, a non-stop liner voyage from Singapore to Nice, between May 4 and 21. The 17-night voyage with no stops is being offered from Euros 7,990 per person, with flight out to Singapore from Frankfurt, and there will be no single supplements. The voyage is to bring the ship back to Europe so that her defective engine can be replaced.

Cunard Joins The Overnight Stay Lines
With the delivery of the new Queen Elizabeth later this year, Cunard Line will join the ranks of cruises lines such as Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises and Voyages to Antiquity who now include overnight stays to their cruise itineraries. With the fleet returning to three ships since the sale of  QE2, Cunard is taking the opportunity to add overnight stays at ports such as Venice, St Petersburg, New York and Amsterdam.

It is becoming an increasing mark of the quality lines that they are willing to allow their guests time in port overnight at interesting destinations so that they can enjoy the local cuisine and entertainment options rather than sailing at 6 PM and opening their casinos to all takers. Generally, the upmarket lines tend not to rely as much on board spend, which for more main market lines is now approaching 30% of their overall revenues.

Princess Cruises Ship Receives New Name – and First-Ever Virtual Christening

Asia, News, Princess Cruises | Posted by cruisepeople
Dec 03 2009

Line Seeks Honorary Godparents for Ocean Princess’ Unique Online Ceremony


With Each Participant Donation Made to Renowned New England Aquarium

Princess Cruises is celebrating the new name of its ship Ocean Princess (formerly Tahitian Princess) by extending an open invitation to anyone wishing to become an honorary godparent for the vessel, with the first-ever virtual christening.

In a new twist on the time-honoured tradition, the naming ceremony will occur completely online, at

 http://www.princess.com/oceanvirtualchristening.

Each new godparent will trigger a $1 donation from Princess to the New England Aquarium, a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation, up to $25,000.

One of the small ships of Princess, Ocean Princess – fresh out of a two-week drydock – departed Singapore  on the first voyage with her new name. The virtual christening will run throughout the ship’s 16-day Southeast Asia cruise, ending on Dec. 18.

“At the end of her current cruise, we hope to have a huge group of honorary godparents for Ocean Princess,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “In this digital age, we wanted to design a way that all our fans worldwide could be part of the celebration. But not only do we want to entertain people with this fun approach, we also want people to think about our oceans, and in doing so support the important work of the New England Aquarium.”

In addition to virtually christening the ship and becoming an honorary godparent, participants will be able explore the following areas online:

• Honorary Godparents – Real-time collection of the names of Ocean Princess’ honorary godparents

Ocean Princess Webcam – Live web cam from the ship

Ocean Princess Itineraries – Link to Ocean Princess’ extensive list of itineraries

• About the New England Aquarium – Information about this renowned non-profit conservation and research organization

Ocean Princess Drydock Photo Journal – Pictorial of the ship’s drydock in Singapore

• About Ocean Princess – Details about Ocean Princess and her offerings

• The Small Ships of Princess – Information about the small ships of Princess

In addition, people will be able to share their virtual Ocean Princess experience with friends and family, and encourage them to participate through send-to-friend and Facebook functions.

“We are delighted to be honoured by Princess Cruises in this innovative and exciting programme. Like Princess Cruises, the New England Aquarium strives to inspire and entertain people of all ages to the beauty and wonder of our world’s oceans,” said Bud Ris, president and CEO, New England Aquarium. “We hope this online event will introduce new audiences not only to the spectacular beauty of our oceans but also inspire new ocean stewards.”

During the ship’s recent drydock at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore, the Ocean Princess name was placed on her bow and throughout the vessel. The ship also received new fuel-efficient silicone paint on her hull, and interior enhancements including new upholstery, carpet and flooring. The ship was renamed Ocean Princess to more accurately represent her global range of itineraries.

Ms Swartz added, “As this ship begins her life with its new moniker, we would also like to congratulate Ocean Princess Captain Stefano Ravera and his crew, as the re-naming celebration is the cornerstone of our contribution to the important work of the New England Aquarium.”

Following her inaugural Treasures of the Southeast Asia cruise from Singapore to Shanghai, Ocean Princess will offer a season of unique Asia, India and Africa sailings, followed by a summer of European voyages.

Ocean Princess is a part of Princess’ fleet of small ships, which also includes Royal Princess and Pacific Princess. All these vessels were originally built for Rennaisance Cruises.  Offering a classic and intimate cruise experience, each small ship carries around 680 passengers and travels to more remote destinations around the world.

Further information about Princess is available through The Cruise People at 1 800 268 6523. . .

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Princess Promotions as of 23 Aug 09

Africa, Alaska Cruises, Asia, Hawii, Mediterranean, Mexico, Northern Europe, Panama Canal, South America, South Pacific | Posted by cruisepeople
Aug 24 2009


These promotions are for the Toronto area.

Contact The Cruise People on 1-800-268-6523 for specials in your area

SOUTH AMERICA

Star Princess – January 5 – S. Amer. Horn 12 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,380 Inside Standard
Other dates*: February 18
RDB

Star Princess – March 16 – GIG/FLL 18 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,840 Inside Standard
RDB

Star Princess – March 2 – S. Amer. Horn 14 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $1,874 Inside Standard
RDB

Star Princess – January 17 – South America/Antarctica 16 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $2,299 Inside Standard
Other dates*: February 2
RDB

Star Princess – March 2 – S. Amer. Horn 14 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $2,582 Inside Standard
RDA

Royal Princess – January 2 – S. Amer. Amazon 14 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $2,989 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 16; February 27; March 13
RDB

Star Princess – March 2 – S. Amer. Horn 32 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $3,713 Inside Standard
RDB

Star Princess – March 2 – S. Amer. Horn 32 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $4,015 Inside Standard
RDA

Royal Princess – February 27 – S. Amer. Amazon 28 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $5,749 Outside Standard
RDB

SOUTH AMERICA CRUISETOURS

Star Princess – February 24 – 20 Nts Machu Picchu Explorer Day #GB4 – “Best Available”
From: $4,944 Inside Standard
RT1

EUROPE

Ocean Princess – October 20 – Mediterranean Collection 7 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,210 Outside Standard
RGA

Ruby Princess – April 19 – Trans-Atlantic 16 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,315 Inside Standard
RGA

Ocean Princess – August 14 – Baltic 7 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,320 Inside Standard
RGA

Star Princess – May 22 – Baltic 10 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,420 Inside Standard – $2,025 Outside Standard
Other dates*: May 12; June 1 & 21
RGA

Ocean Princess – August 7 – British Isles 7 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,430 Outside Standard
RGA

Ocean Princess – September 1 – Greek Isles 7 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,430 Outside Standard
Other dates*: September 8
RGA

Ocean Princess – July 31 – North Cape 7 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,430 Outside Standard
RGA

Star Princess – November 22 – Eastern Med 12 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,475 Inside Standard
RGA

Ruby Princess – May 5 – Western Med 12 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,805 Inside Standard
RGA

Star Princess – November 10 – Mosaic 12 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $2,135 Outside Standard
RGA

Star Princess – June 11 – Baltic 10 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $2,190 Outside Standard
RGA

Ruby Princess – June 22 – Greek Isles 12 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $2,190 Inside Standard
RGA

Ocean Princess – August 21 – Med/Atlantic 11 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $2,740 Outside Standard
RGA

Ruby Princess – April 19 – Trans-Atlantic 28 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $2,899 Inside Standard
Other dates*: April 24
RGA

Star Princess – September 9 – Med/Atlantic 14 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $3,015 Outside Standard
RGA

Ocean Princess – August 21 – Greek Isles 18 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $3,729 Inside Standard
RGA

Ocean Princess – June 7 – North Cape 18 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $5,050 Inside Standard – $5,215 Outside Standard
RGA

Ocean Princess – June 25 – Iceland 18 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $5,215 Outside Standard
Other dates*: July 13
RGA

EUROPE CRUISETOURS

Star Princess – August 12 – 18 Nights Oberammergau Day #04B – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $5,797 Inside Standard
RT1

Star Princess – August 2 – 18 Nights Oberammergau Day #04A – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $5,852 Inside Standard
RT1

ALASKA

Island Princess – May 17 – Gulf 7 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $549 Inside Standard
Other dates*: May 15, 22, 24, 29 & 31; June 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 & 28; July 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 & 31; August 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 & 30; September 4, 6, 11 & 13
RGA

Sapphire Princess – May 16 – Inside Passage 7 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $715 Inside Standard
Other dates*: May 15, 22 & 29; June 5, 12, 19 & 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; August 7, 14, 21 & 28; September 4, 11 & 18
RGA

Sea Princess – May 22 – Inside Passage 10 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,210 Inside Standard – $2,200 Outside Standard
Other dates*: June 1, 11 & 21; July 1, 11, 21 & 31; August 10, 20 & 30; September 9 & 19
RGA

Royal Princess – May 24 – Connoisseur 14 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $2,200 Inside Standard – $2,640 Outside Standard
Other dates*: June 7 & 21; July 5 & 19; August 2, 16 & 30
RGA

CARIBBEAN

Sea Princess – May 1 – Southern Classic 6 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $517 Inside Standard – $770 Outside Standard
RDA

Caribbean Princess – January 31 – Southern 7 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $574 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 3, 10, 17 & 24; February 7, 14, 21 & 28; March 7, 14, 21 & 28; April 4, 11, 18 & 25
RDC

Crown Princess – January 30 – Western 7 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $574 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 2, 9, 16 & 23; February 6, 13, 20 & 27; March 6, 13, 20 & 27; April 3, 10, 17 & 24
RDC

Emerald Princess – January 3 – Eastern 7 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $632 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 10, 17, 24 & 31; February 7, 14, 21 & 28; March 7, 14, 21 & 28; April 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 & 25; May 2
RDC

Royal Princess – April 24 – Eastern 6 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $689 Inside Standard – $977 Outside Standard
RDB

Grand Princess – January 4 – Southern Classic 11 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,035 Inside Standard
RGC

Caribbean Princess – January 3 – Southern Logical 14 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,092 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 10, 17, 24 & 31; February 7, 14, 21 & 28; March 7, 14, 21 & 28; April 4, 11 & 18
RDC

Ruby Princess – January 29 – Eastern Voyager 10 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,149 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 9; February 18; March 10 & 30
RDB

Ruby Princess – April 9 – Southern Medley 10 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,149 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 19; February 8 & 28; March 20
RDB

Grand Princess – January 15 – Collection 14 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,379 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 29; February 12 & 26; March 12 & 26
RDC

Grand Princess – January 29 – Collection 14 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $1,380 Inside Standard
RDC

Sea Princess – April 3 – Southern Adventurer 14 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $1,495 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 9; February 6; March 6
RDC

Sea Princess – April 3 – Southern Adventurer 14 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,495 Inside Standard
RGC

Sea Princess – February 20 – Eastern Islander 14 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $1,495 Inside Standard
Other dates*: March 20; April 17
RDC

Sea Princess – February 20 – Eastern Islander 14 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,495 Inside Standard
Other dates*: April 17
RGC

Royal Princess – April 10 – Calypso 14 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,512 Inside Standard – $2,184 Outside Standard
Other dates*: March 27
RDC

Sea Princess – January 23 – Eastern Islander 14 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,609 Inside Standard
Other dates*: February 20; March 20; April 17
RDB

Sea Princess – April 3 – Southern Adventurer 14 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,667 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 9; February 6; March 6
RDB

HAWAII

Golden Princess – January 3 – Hawaii/Roundtrip 14 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $1,379 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 17 & 31; March 14; April 11 & 25
RDC

Golden Princess – January 3 – Hawaii/Roundtrip 14 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,379 Inside Standard – $2,300 Outside Standard
Other dates*: January 17 & 31; February 14 & 28; March 14 & 28; April 11 & 25
RGC

MEXICO

Sapphire Princess – January 2 – Mexico 7 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $574 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 9, 16, 23 & 30; February 6, 13, 20 & 27; March 6, 13, 20 & 27; April 3, 10, 17 & 24; May 1
RDC

Sapphire Princess – February 13 – Mexico 7 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $747 Inside Standard
RDC

ORIENT/ASIA/AFRICA

Diamond Princess – April 30 – Alaska/Far East 16 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,495 Inside Standard
RDC

Diamond Princess – March 13 – Southeast Asia 16 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,955 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 3 & 19; February 4; March 29
RDC

Diamond Princess – March 13 – Southeast Asia 16 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,955 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 3; March 29; April 14
RGC

Diamond Princess – February 21 – Orient/Asia/Australia 20 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,955 Inside Standard
RDE

Diamond Princess – March 13 – Southeast Asia 16 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $2,295 Inside Standard
Other dates*: March 29
RDB

Diamond Princess – April 30 – Alaska/Far East 23 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $2,300 Inside Standard
RDB

Diamond Princess – April 30 – Alaska/Far East 23 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $2,357 Inside Standard
RGB

Diamond Princess – March 29 – Southeast Asia 16 Day – “Free Upgrade!”
From: $2,985 Outside Fully Obstructed – $2,985 Inside Standard
RDA

Diamond Princess – February 21 – Orient/Asia/Australia 36 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $4,250 Inside Standard
RDB

Diamond Princess – February 21 – Orient/Asia/Australia 36 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $4,250 Inside Standard
RGB

Ocean Princess – March 6 – Orient/China 14 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $4,301 Mini-suite
RDA

Diamond Princess – April 14 – Alaska/Far East 32 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $4,480 Inside Standard
RDC

Diamond Princess – April 14 – Alaska/Far East 32 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $4,480 Inside Standard
RGB

Diamond Princess – April 14 – Alaska/Far East 32 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $5,452 Inside Standard
RDB

Diamond Princess – February 21 – Orient/Asia/Australia 36 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $5,509 Inside Standard
RDA

Sun Princess – March 3 – Orient/Asia/Australia 42 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $8,050 Outside Standard
RGA

ORIENT/ASIA/AFRICA CRUISETOURS

Diamond Princess – April 25 – 28 Nights Best Of China Day #AB3 – “Free Upgrade!”
From: $5,037 Inside Standard
RT2

SOUTH PACIFIC

Diamond Princess – January 28 – Aus/N. Zealand 12 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $1,265 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 4 & 16; February 9
RDF

Diamond Princess – January 16 – Aus/N. Zealand 12 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,265 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 28; February 9
RGB

Diamond Princess – February 9 – Aus/N. Zealand 12 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,610 Inside Standard – $1,724 Outside Fully Obstructed
RGB

Dawn Princess – January 24 – New Zealand 13 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,720 Inside Standard – $2,295 Outside Standard
Other dates*: January 23; February 5, 6, 18 & 19
RDB

Diamond Princess – January 16 – Aus/N. Zealand 12 Day – “Free Upgrade!”
From: $2,065 Inside Standard
Other dates*: February 9
RDB

PANAMA CANAL

Island Princess – January 19 – FLL/FLL 10 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $1,264 Inside Standard – $1,379 Outside Fully Obstructed
Other dates*: January 29; February 8; March 30; April 9 & 19
RDC

Island Princess – January 19 – FLL/FLL 10 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,264 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 29; February 8; March 30; April 9 & 19
RGC

Island Princess – January 9 – ACA/FLL 10 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $1,264 Inside Standard – $1,379 Outside Fully Obstructed
Other dates*: February 18 & 28; March 10 & 20
RDC

Island Princess – January 9 – ACA/FLL 10 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $1,264 Inside Standard
Other dates*: February 18 & 28; March 10 & 20
RGC

Island Princess – January 19 – FLL/FLL 10 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,609 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 29; February 8; March 30; April 9 & 19
RGB

Island Princess – January 19 – FLL/FLL 10 Day – “Free Upgrade!”
From: $1,609 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 29; February 8; March 30; April 9 & 19
RDB

Island Princess – January 9 – ACA/FLL 10 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,609 Inside Standard
Other dates*: February 18 & 28; March 10 & 20
RGB

Island Princess – January 9 – ACA/FLL 10 Day – “Free Upgrade!”
From: $1,609 Inside Standard
Other dates*: February 18 & 28; March 10 & 20
RDB

Sea Princess – May 7 – FLL/SFO 15 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $1,610 Inside Standard – $1,725 Outside Fully Obstructed
RDC

Sea Princess – May 7 – FLL/SFO 15 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,610 Inside Standard
RGC

Coral Princess – January 6 – LAX/FLL 15 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,839 Inside Standard
Other dates*: February 5; March 7; April 6
RGC

Coral Princess – January 6 – LAX/FLL 15 Day – “Free Upgrade!”
From: $1,839 Inside Standard
Other dates*: March 7; April 6
RDC

Coral Princess – February 5 – LAX/FLL 15 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $1,954 Inside Standard – $2,185 Outside Fully Obstructed
RDC

Coral Princess – April 21 – FLL/LAX 15 Day – “$$ Off Escape Fares”
From: $1,954 Inside Standard – $2,185 Outside Fully Obstructed
Other dates*: January 21
RDC

Coral Princess – February 20 – FLL/LAX 15 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $1,954 Inside Standard
Other dates*: January 21; March 22; April 21 & 29
RGC

Coral Princess – February 20 – FLL/LAX 15 Day – “Free Upgrade!”
From: $1,954 Inside Standard
Other dates*: March 22; April 21 & 29
RDC

Island Princess – April 29 – FLL/YVR 18 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $2,184 Inside Standard
RGC

Island Princess – April 29 – FLL/YVR 18 Day – “Free Upgrade!”
From: $2,184 Inside Standard
RDC

Coral Princess – April 21 – FLL/YVR 19 Day – “Free Upgrade!”
From: $2,323 Inside Standard
RDD

Island Princess – April 29 – FLL/YVR 18 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $2,759 Inside Standard
RGB

Royal Princess – April 30 – FLL/SEA 20 Day – “Guaranteed”
From: $2,874 Inside Standard – $3,220 Outside Standard
RGC

Royal Princess – April 30 – FLL/SEA 20 Day – “Free Upgrade!”
From: $2,874 Inside Standard – $3,220 Outside Standard
RDC

Coral Princess – April 21 – FLL/YVR 19 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $2,988 Inside Standard
RDA

Royal Princess – April 30 – FLL/SEA 20 Day – “Balcony Bonanza!”
From: $3,449 Inside Standard – $3,450 Outside Standard
RGB

*Calculation is the same, but fares may be higher and ship may be different. All fares are non-air unless otherwise stated. All promotions are capacity controlled and based on space availability. Fares quoted in Canadian dollars.

RESERVATIONS: 1-800-268-6523