Cruise Blog

For a Record 16th Year, Crystal Cruises Voted Best Cruise Line By Condé Nast Traveler Readers

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:25:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES, October 16, 2009 – For a record 16th year, Crystal Cruises has once again been voted the "Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" for 2009 by the readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler magazine (U.S.). Crystal’s overall score of 92.7 is one of its highest in the survey’s history. The luxury line’s 16 "wins" is unprecedented by any cruise line or hotel in the world.

"With just months until we celebrate our 20th anniversary of cruising in 2010, we are especially honored to be voted the very best by the discerning readers of Condé Nast Traveler," says Gregg Michel, president, Crystal Cruises. "As the competition intensifies and our guests’ expectations increase, this award is an outstanding measure of achievement and a testament to the consistency of the Crystal experience. I am very proud of our exceptional staff and their commitment to providing so many global travelers with a dream vacation that exemplifies the highest standards of hospitality."

Considered one of the highest honors in the travel industry, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the best-of-the-best hotels, airlines, cruise lines, cities, rental car companies and islands. More than 25,000 subscribers voted in the 2009 survey. Travelers evaluated cruise lines on their Activities/Facilities, Cabins, Crew/Service, Design/Layout, Food/Dining, Itineraries and Shore Excursions to determine the overall score. The full list of travel awards are published on the magazine’s website and in its November 2009 issue.

Attesting to the consistency of its luxury travel experience, in August 2009, Crystal was voted the 2009 "World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" by the readers of Travel + Leisure (U.S.), as well as top honors internationally and from trusted travel agent consortiums.

Renowned for their service, space, quality and choices, Crystal Cruises’ two stylish ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, were voted number one and two, respectively, in Condé Nast Traveler’s February 2009 World’s Best Ships issue. The ultra-luxury line has been recognized for innovative partnerships with Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio, stimulating Creative Learning Institute and Computer University@Sea, Feng Shui-designed spa, and a myriad of culinary, cultural and fitness-oriented enrichment. Itineraries of seven to 108 days are available throughout the world.

For more information, call luxury cruise experts at Cruise Vacation World at 1-888-828-7327.

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Norwegian Introduces Norwegian Epic's Captains And Hotel Directors

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:13:42 GMT

Miami - Oct 15, 2009 -- Norwegian Cruise Line today named the two seasoned captains who will serve on Norwegian Epic, the company's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date. In a live interactive online event, Norwegian also introduced the ship's two hotel directors who will be responsible for all guest areas, including the 20 dining options, world-class entertainment, extensive nightlife venues, along with family and recreational activities. The company also unveiled Norwegian Epic's inaugural sailing dates in both Europe and the United States.

The 4,200 passenger Norwegian Epic will enter service next June under the command of Captain Trygve Vorren, a 29-year seafaring veteran who is currently captain of Norwegian Jade, and Captain Hakan Svedung, at sea for 35 years and currently captain of Norwegian Dawn. Vorren, a native of Norway, joined Norwegian in 1980 as first officer on the SS Norway, then the world's largest cruise ship. He has also served aboard Skyward, Southward, Sunward II, Dreamward, Leeward, Starward, Royal Odyssey, Norwegian Sea, Norwegian Crown, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Majesty. Svedung, who lives in Sweden, has served on Norwegian Dawn since 2006; prior to that he worked for Star Cruises, one of Norwegian's shareholders, for 12 years. Both captains are looking forward to this exciting and challenging new role.

Klaus Lugmaier and Sean Wurmhoeringer will serve as Norwegian Epic's hotel directors. Lugmaier, currently director of shipboard operations at the company's Miami headquarters, began his career at Norwegian 21 years ago aboard Seaward and held a variety of positions before becoming one of the youngest hotel directors in the cruise industry at the age of 26. As hotel director, he has launched seven of the company's new ships, including Leeward, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem. He was also part of the team that launched Norwegian Dream and Norwegian Wind. Wurmhoeringer, with Norwegian since 2002, is currently serving as hotel director on Norwegian Spirit and has also served on Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky.

"We carefully chose these seasoned veterans to lead the on board team that will launch the most important project in the company's history," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "We are confident that they have the expertise, dedication and passion to make Norwegian Epic's launch and inaugural season extremely successful."

Inaugural Sailing Dates

The company also revealed that it will showcase Norwegian Epic to travel partners and media in both Europe and the United States during five inaugural sailings, prior to the ship entering weekly service to the Caribbean in July, 2010 from Miami. Following delivery in mid-June, 2010, Norwegian Epic will sail to Rotterdam for a two-night inaugural cruise departing on June 19, followed by a one-night cruise from Rotterdam to London (Southampton) on June 21, and then a two-night inaugural cruise from London (Southampton) on June 22. Following her transatlantic crossing from London to New York on June 24, the ship will be christened in New York on July 2, followed by a three-night inaugural cruise over the Fourth of July weekend. Once in Miami, the ship will sail a two-night inaugural cruise on July 8. The ship's first seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyage is scheduled for July 10 and is currently on sale, along with the ship's alternating Western Caribbean sailings.

Norwegian Epic is currently under construction at STX Europe in France. At 153,000 gross tons, the ship is Norwegian's largest with 19 decks, spanning 1,068 feet in length and 133 feet in width with a 28.5 foot draft, staffed with approximately 1,730 crew members.

For more information on Norwegian Epic, or to book a cruise to the Eastern or Western Caribbean call Cruise Vacation World at 1-888-828-7327.

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 43-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, Norwegian has the youngest fleet in the industry with 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

Norwegian is presently building Norwegian Epic, the company's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, for delivery in summer 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic.

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Norwegian Sky Offers On-Board Saving Certificates for Weekend, Short Vacation Cruises

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:59:34 GMT

Miami - Oct 7, 2009 - Norwegian Cruise Line is now offering Savings Certificates for three-day weekend getaways and four-day short vacation cruises on Norwegian Sky, the youngest ship sailing short cruises from Miami with the most balcony staterooms. For sailings from now through December 31, 2009, guests booking a cruise on Norwegian Sky will receive special Savings Certificates that they can use once on board. These savings include casino credits, spa incentives and family portrait and shopping discounts.

The certificates are tailored to meet the needs of a variety of vacationers including those planning short break getaways, family vacations, spa retreats or those with gaming in mind. Upon booking a cruise only on Norwegian Sky, guests can log on to Norwegian's Certificate Center at www.nclsavings.com and enter their reservation number to download the Savings Certificates.

Norwegian Sky recently underwent $15 million in renovations focused on enhancing the guest experience and now offers guests a ship that features more than 200 balcony staterooms; seven Freestyle Dining options and nine bars and lounges; the hottest poolside deck party at sea with the White Hot Party; and longer, complimentary Kids Crew hours.

"Norwegian Sky offers guests the youngest and highest quality ship sailing three-day long weekend getaways and four-day short vacation cruises from Miami to the Bahamas," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's chief executive officer. "Norwegian Sky out matches the competition by offering more balcony staterooms; more dining options; and a multitude of on-board amenities including themed parties; kids and teen facilities; and a full-service spa and fitness center."

Girlfriend and Guy Getaways

Norwegian Sky is the solution to the perfect bachelorette or bachelor party; a girl's spa weekend or a short vacation with the guys. Savings Certificates range from casino credits for slot play to discounts on body treatments at the spa. The party starts from the moment everyone steps on board and is greeted with a complimentary glass of bubbly. Ladies can indulge in unique and exotic spa treatments while the men try their luck at the casino or vice versa. The party continues into the wee hours of the morning at the White Hot party.

Family Fun

Norwegian Sky offers Freestyle family fun for children of all ages, and parents can enjoy the ship with extended Kids Crew hours. The Kid's Korner features areas for arts and crafts, movies and computers. The Zone serves as a hip place for teens ages 13 to 17 to hang out, complete with video games, a jukebox, foosball table and air hockey. By night, The Zone turns into a teen disco and bar serving non-alcoholic drinks. Splashes Kid's Pool is just right for pint-size splashing and playing and features a waterfall and a children's hot tub. In addition, the popular Wii is available for play. Savings Certificates include discounted family portraits; complimentary kid's bingo; and internet minutes for the Facebooking teen in the family.

Spa and Casino Lovers

Guests looking for a relaxing vacation will find the Body Waves Spa the perfect place to unwind with unique spa treatments reflecting the beauty, spirit and traditions of rejuvenation from around the world. Guests will find everything from the traditional to the exotic in spa and salon treatments. In addition, aerobics, spinning and exercise classes are also available in the ship's fitness center.

If getting lucky is in the cards, guests can roll the dice in the Sky Club Casino which features Blackjack, Roulette, 3-Card Poker, Texas Hold Em and Craps. For slot lovers, there are more than 160 of the newest video and traditional slot machines. The ship also features less traditional games including Pai-Gow Poker, and Mini Baccarat, on request. Casino and gaming Savings Certificates include various casino credits and complimentary bingo.

Norwegian Sky's three- and four-day Bahamas sailings departing from Miami are from $159 per person, per day. Norwegian Sky departs Miami on Mondays sailing four-day short vacation Bahamas cruises with full-day stops in Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas. On Fridays, the ship sails three-day long weekend getaway Bahamas cruises, departing Miami at 5 p.m. with all-day stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, returning to Miami at 7 a.m. on Monday mornings.

For more information or to book a sailing on Norwegian Sky, call Cruise Vacation World at 1-888-828-7327.

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Disney Announces Names for New Cruise Ships

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 23:49:20 GMT

CELEBRATION, Fla. (March 10, 2009) – Today at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of The Walt Disney Company, Disney announced the names of the company’s two new cruise ships.

“Last week, steel cutting began on our next two Disney cruise ships. Today I’m pleased to announce their names,” said Robert A. Iger, Disney president and CEO. “The Disney Dream will set sail in 2011, while the Disney Fantasy will hit the high seas in 2012.”

Similar to the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the names were chosen to celebrate Disney’s unique heritage of creating enchanting places and stories where dreams really do come true.

“The names are very telling of our brand and are part of our history,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations. “Disney is known for making dreams come true, and for creating worlds of fantasy that go beyond the imagination. The names are a natural choice for our ships.”

As noted, Disney Cruise Line began construction on the new ships with a steel cutting ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The first piece of steel cut was part of the art deco inspired scrollwork that will grace the bow of the ships. Similar to the scrollwork on the existing Disney Cruise Line ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the intricate pattern is reminiscent of the classic ocean liners of the 1930s, with added touches of Disney whimsy.

Since finalizing a contract with the Meyer Werft shipyard to build the two new ships, Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering have created a truly distinctive design. Over the next few years, construction will continue, bringing the design to reality, with the Disney Dream scheduled for delivery in 2011 and the Disney Fantasy in 2012.

The new ships will be purpose built with families in mind, and specially designed areas and activities for each member of the family to allow for both quality time together and wonderful individual experiences. The focus is to provide a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in worlds only Disney can create.

The expansion will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms and will each be 128,000 tons.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact Cruise Vacation World, visit cruisevacationworld.com call (888) 828-7327.

Norwegian Epic to Debut the Only Tube and Largest Bowl Slide at Sea

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 23:41:24 GMT

Miami - Apr 3, 2009 --- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today revealed another industry first to debut on its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, which will include an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge. The line also unveiled seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids' and teen activity areas and the first squash court at sea. In addition, Norwegian revealed the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 14 restaurant choices - the most at sea - and 18 bars and lounges.

"From the Aqua Park to the expanded sports deck and largest Kid's Crew facility to the most dining outlets at sea, Norwegian Epic is truly taking Freestyle Cruising to the next level by offering our guests so many choices in dining and on-board activities," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "Our largest Freestyle Cruising vessel to date represents the culmination of our 43 years of innovation in the cruise industry. Norwegian Epic will delight and amaze our guests."

Norwegian's First Aqua Park

Norwegian Epic, set for delivery in late May 2010, takes Freestyle Family Fun to the extreme with an expansive Aqua Park that includes three water slides of varying thrill factors, including one specifically designed for children that zips straight through the rock climbing wall; a more adventurous slide twisting and turning down three stories; and The Epic Plunge, the only tube slide at sea that puts the blast of inner-tubing into the core of a bowl slide with a thrilling drop through a 200-foot long tube. Riders are then launched into the vortex of The Epic Plunge where centrifugal forces keep them high on the wall for several turns, ending in an exciting transition into a splashdown lane. The Aqua Park also includes two main pools with arching water effects which illuminate at night; five whirlpools; a wading pool and a kid's pool in the children's Splash and Play Zone which features whimsical sculptures, water sprays and effects, along with a kiddy slide.

Scaling New Heights in Freestyle Fun

In an industry first, Norwegian Epic will scale new heights with the first ever repelling wall at sea and a 33-foot high extreme rock climbing wall, accessible on two levels with varying degrees of difficulty, rated according to official U.S. climbing grades. Expanding its innovative concept of bowling at sea, Norwegian Epic will offer the most bowling lanes with a total of six located in two venues: Bliss Ultra Lounge and O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill. The multi-use sports deck will include a full size basketball court, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball, batting cage, bungee trampoline, rope adventure course and a 24-foot tall enclosed climbing cage called the spider web. Norwegian Epic will also feature the first squash court at sea, located in the fitness center.

Our Largest Kid's Crew Facility and Exclusive Teen Lounge

Recess is Norwegian Epic's Kid's Crew facility that is centrally located on Deck 14 adjacent and easily accessible to the family-friendly staterooms. Two separate areas are specifically designed for kids ages two through nine and tweens, ages 10 through 12. The Kid's area includes a space-themed play area, air hockey table, an interactive light up dance floor; Wii" gaming areas; an arts and crafts area; along with a state-of-the-art surround sound cinema. The Tween Zone has a futuristic feel that includes multiple WiiTM and PlayStation® areas; along with a private karaoke performance stage which doubles as a cinema.

Entourage is Norwegian Epic's high energy, exclusive teen zone for ages 13 through 17, located at the top of the ship on Deck 16. This funky space includes air hockey; pinball; foosball; a video jukebox; and nine large flat screen televisions, five of which are located around a central video game console featuring PlayStation® 3. In the evening, Entourage transitions into a hip nightclub with a space for dancing or just hanging out on comfy couches. Directly below is the video arcade which features number of the most challenging and interactive video games.

The Most Dining Choices at Sea

Norwegian Epic's wide range of dining choices will wow even the most discerning cruiser with 14 Freestyle Dining restaurants and 18 bars and lounges. Each restaurant features unique and sensational culinary delights from around the world.

Norwegian Epic's dining establishments will include:

Taste: Located in the ship's atrium on Deck 5, Taste's décor blends off-white, free-form plastered walls with European retro-chic mixed with brick details and floor to ceiling velvet curtains. Taste will serve a selection of traditional and contemporary cuisine.

The Manhattan Room: Reminiscent of an elegant art deco supper club, The Manhattan Room features a dance floor as its focal point and will offer live music and dancing in the evening. The two-story high restaurant on Deck 6 features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows looking aft. The cuisine reflects the elegant and romantic nature of the room.

Café Jardin & The Great Outdoors: Café Jardin's décor is modeled after a traditional English country garden conservatory. This is Norwegian's signature action station casual restaurant where chefs cook fresh, prepared-to-order food as guests watch, featuring seafood, pizza, fruit, soups, pasta, ethnic specialties, burgers and desserts; offering extensive and varied selections. The Café includes a Kid's Café with child-friendly seats and tables. At the Great Outdoors, guests can enjoy fresh air and a view of the Aqua Park with their meal.

Cagney's Steakhouse & Churrascaria: Norwegian's traditional American steakhouse takes on a new twist with the addition of Argentinean churrasco. In addition to mouth-watering steaks, guests will be able to sample a variety of skewered meats presented by tableside passadors. Another new addition is a large, centrally located salad bar.

La Cucina: This Tuscan-style eatery will serve regional Italian specialties including pizza, pasta and steak, chicken and fish dishes. The traditional Italian décor reflects two distinct areas: a Tuscan farm home and an Italian courtyard, where a large olive tree with hanging lanterns is the centerpiece, open to Café Jardin above.

Le Bistro: Norwegian's upscale bistro will serve classic French cuisine with an American flair. This elegant dining establishment surrounds guests with contemporary and traditional paintings and sculptures, making guests feel as if they were dining in an art museum.

Shanghai's: This new addition to Norwegian's specialty dining options will serve a delicious mix of Chinese dishes and noodle bar specialties. The décor reflects Old Shanghai in the 1930s and is reminiscent of the China Club in Hong Kong. There will be an open kitchen preparing traditional Chinese cuisine, noodles, wok fried dishes and dim sum.

Wasabi: This expansive sushi and sake bar will serve the freshest sushi, sashimi and Japanese Yakitori dishes. Featuring modern décor and clean lines, Wasabi is located outside the Teppanyaki restaurant.

Teppanyaki: As the largest Teppanyaki restaurant at sea with 115 seats, this expanded restaurant will feature up to 24 knife-wielding chefs cooking exhibition-style Japanese cuisine on flat top grills. Guests will be amazed by the masterful chefs who demonstrate their skills slicing and dicing while creating an appetizing meal.

O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill: This classic neighborhood sports bar and restaurant will serve American favorites and comfort food and is open 24 hours. The atrium's two-story high screen will be visible from inside the restaurant and additional flat screen televisions will show sporting events, while guests enjoy their own activities, including three lanes of bowling, dart boards, pool tables, foosball and arcade games.

The Epic Club and Courtyard Grill: Located high atop the ship in The Villas complex, this modern and elegant restaurant is reserved exclusively for Norwegian Epic's suite and villa guests. The décor reflects a private club ambiance with contemporary and modern furnishings, and a large wine display, dotted with glass sculptures and pearl drapes. The Courtyard Grill is the more casual, outdoor area of the restaurant serving Villas guests for breakfast and lunch.

To Be Announced: In addition to the above, there is also one more Norwegian Epic restaurant which will be announced at the next reveal in May.

Also, 24-hour room service will be available for all guests on board Norwegian Epic.

Throughout the ship, there will also be a total of 18 bars and lounges, which include: Atrium Bar; O'Sheehan's; Cascades, the casino bar; Bliss Ultra Lounge; Cagney's Bar; the Ice Bar; Sake Bar; Malting's Whiskey Bar; Shaker's Martini Bar; Humidor Cigar Lounge; The Living Room, exclusively for The Studios' guests; Waves Bar; Spice H20; the Epic Club; and Posh Beach Club. The final three bars will be announced in May.

The final chapter reveal of Norwegian Epic will take place in New York City on May 20 and will focus on the ship's innovative entertainment. The ship will also go on sale to the general public on that date. The first Eastern Caribbean sailing is scheduled for July 17, 2010 and its alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries will be available for booking through April 2011.

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VIKING RIVER CRUISES INTRODUCES NEW YANGTZE EXPLORER ITINERARY

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 23:36:59 GMT

Comprehensive 11-day Yangtze River Cruise – Three Gorges And Beyond – Debuts With 2-For-1 Pricing

Los Angeles, Calif. (February 12, 2009) - Due to popular demand, Viking River Cruises has added a relaxing yet comprehensive Yangtze River experience to its roster of journeys through China: the 13-day Yangtze Explorer. Participants fly into Shanghai, stay one night, then embark on an 11-day Yangtze cruise the following day; after disembarking, they enjoy one final night in Shanghai before flying home.

The Yangtze Explorer itinerary is being introduced at 2-for-1 prices. This means that Viking is charging half as much for both cruise and hotel days as it normally would. “We want everyone to enjoy a Yangtze River cruise with Viking, and this is a very affordable way for people to do that,” explained Viking River Cruises Chairman Torstein Hagen. “Guests may enjoy an 11-day Yangtze River cruise with two nights in Shanghai for as little as $1,695 per person.”

Yangtze Explorer passengers embark on the Viking Century Sun — awarded a 5-star rating by the China National Tourism office—at Chongqing and cruise all the way to Nanjing (or the other way around) before they disembark and head to Shanghai for their flight home. As they cruise, guests visit Chongqing, China’s third largest city; the Three Gorges and the Lesser Gorges; the Three Gorges Dam; the capital of Hubei Province, Wuhan; Jingdezhen, where porcelain was first developed centuries ago; Mt. Jiu Hua, one of four mountains sacred to the Buddhist faith; the lovely architectural gardens at Suzhou; and much more, including a charming visit to a Viking-sponsored elementary school along the river.

“Viking Century Sun is the best river cruise vessel sailing on the Yangtze River,” pointed out Mr. Hagen. “It is also the largest ship in Viking’s fleet, with a capacity of more than 300 guests, and the most luxurious. Every stateroom is deluxe, with hotel-style beds, and every stateroom has a full balcony. The food is topnotch, complete with made-to-order cooking stations at the breakfast buffet and special Chinese dishes designed by celebrity chef Martin Yan. Onboard staff are exemplary, and guests are accompanied by a Tour Escort throughout their journey.

“Some of our guests have already visited China’s big cities and would now like to experience the country’s heartland along the Yangtze River. Others are curious to see how the monumental Three Gorges Dam, now completed, has affected the nearby area,” said Mr. Hagen.

“Passengers enjoy the service, amenities and cuisine on Viking Century Sun while visiting some of China’s most interesting destinations,” continued Mr. Hagen. “And we hope the 2-for-1 pricing will make this China trip a very easy decision.”

About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world's largest river cruise company, offers quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along the majestic rivers of Europe, Russia and China. The company has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold List" and Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" Awards. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises in 2006 and 2007 as "Best Riverboat Cruise Line" by Travel Weekly, "Best River Cruise Line" by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, and in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as "Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising" by TravelAge West. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 21 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Cruise Vacation World at 1-888-828-7327.

Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Equinox to Make Stateside Debut with Rare "Solstice Class Sampler"

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 23:30:23 GMT

Miami - (April 02, 2009 ) - An equinox occurs twice a year, but the opportunity to experience a special four-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises' new Celebrity Equinox will occur only once.

On the heels of her eagerly awaited inaugural season in Europe this year, Celebrity Equinox will arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., November 19, to welcome guests with reservations on the special four-night sailing, which is now open for booking.

"The response Celebrity Solstice has received from the press, our guests and our travel partners since she launched in November has exceeded even our own high expectations," said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. "We're confident Celebrity Equinox will meet with equally glowing reviews, and think there's no better way to introduce her in the U.S. than with a four-night Solstice Class sampler."

With three tranquil days and nights at sea and a day in one of the most popular ports in the Caribbean – Cozumel, Mexico – the special itinerary offers ample time for guests to experience the series of brand-defining, industry-first attributes associated with Celebrity Solstice, including a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass, a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass, unrivaled dining venues offering trendsetting cuisine and design, and widely varied entertainment, including spectacular new shows in partnership with Poet Theatricals. Like Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox also will have spacious staterooms and bathrooms, and several categories of accommodations, including Celebrity's spa-inspired AquaClass staterooms.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 "Top Cruise Ships in the World" in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (February 2009 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s fleet – including the new Celebrity Solstice – will be joined by Celebrity Equinox this year, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012. For more information, call Cruise Vacation World at 1-888-828-7327.