Cruise Blog
Read About Cruise Tips, Latest Cruise News from the Cruise Lines,...
Norwegian Cruise Line Offers New Shore Excusions, Private Tours For 2008 Alaska Season

Miami - Apr 14, 2008  - Take off in a high-speed jet boat, see dramatic views of glaciers aboard a floatplane and take in the awe-inspiring Yukon with Norwegian Cruise Line's new 2008 Alaska shore excursions. Guests also have the opportunity to explore Alaska's natural beauty in a more personalized setting with NCL's Freestyle Private Touring via boat, chauffer driven hummer, rugged luxury SUV, classic floatplane or Alaskan skiff - all exclusive to NCL.

Freestyle Private Touring in Alaska

With NCL exclusive private touring, guests can reserve a tour guide into Alaska's wilderness and history for an unparalleled, personalized experience:

Juneau, Alaska

  • NCL's Freestyle Private Touring: Wild Coast Exploration by Private Boat: (NCL exclusive) A private, expedition-style catamaran is the perfect vehicle for exploring this region's ice-hewn fjords and rugged coasts. The captain and expedition naturalist will assist in designing a unique cruise adventure.
  • NCL's Freestyle Private Touring: Chauffeur-Driven Hummer: (NCL exclusive) Experience Juneau on your own terms and on your own schedule. A la carte options include private Glacier View Sea Kayaking, a visit to the Shrine of St. Therese, patroness of Alaska, and an exclusive Historic Gold Mining and Panning tour to Last Chance Basin.

Ketchikan, Alaska

  • NCL's Freestyle Private Touring: Alaskan Skiff: (NCL exclusive) Get closer to the beauty of Alaska aboard a private skiff. Fish some of the world's most abundant waters, scout for wildlife, or hike the ancient rainforest.
  • NCL's Freestyle Private Touring: Rugged Luxury SUV: (NCL exclusive) This completely customizable tour allows guests to see Alaska in the comfort of a luxury SUV with a private tour guide. 
  • NCL's Freestyle Private Touring: Classic Floatplane: (NCL exclusive) Breathtaking views of southeast Alaska are seen via this floatplane tour. An expert local pilot takes guests beyond the ordinary to remote areas seldom seen by visitors. During the flight guests enjoy enlightening two-way communication with the pilot while flying over Misty Fjords National Monument, 2.3 million acres of natural, untouched landscape.
  • NCL's Freestyle Private Touring: An Alaskan Chef's Table: (NCL exclusive) Discover the unique flavors, culture and people of Alaska during this exclusive epicurean experience. A personal chef serves a five-course tasting menu, choreographed to highlight Alaska's sustainable, wild bounty. Sample hot and cold smoked salmon, spot prawns, king and dungeness crab, saffron-infused bouillabaisse, halibut, salmon and a luscious dessert.
Breathtaking Shore Excursions

NCL's new shore excursions offer perfect options for seasoned sightseers, funseeking families, and bold explorers:

Juneau, Alaska

  • Rainforest Garden & City Attractions: Drive through Juneau's historic downtown district and past the State Capitol Building. Tour the exquisite atrium at Glacier Gardens. Travel through the rainforest, enjoying views of the Mendenhall wetlands, Gastineau Channel and Admiralty Island.

Ketchikan, Alaska

  • City Highlights, Totems & Creek Street: Learn the history and culture of Ketchikan traveling on a festive trolley through its quaint downtown and past boat harbors, City Park and Ketchikan Creek. Then stop to photograph the majestic totem poles and explore Creek Street, the historical "Red Light" district.
  • The Bering Sea - Crab Fisherman's Tour: Once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience commercial fishing firsthand from the deck of a seasoned vessel while skilled fishermen share stories from the treacherous Bering Sea.
  • Back Country Jet Boat & Totem Adventure: (NCL exclusive) Cruise through the island-studded waters of Clover Pass and Naha Bay aboard a high-speed, fully enclosed jet boat. Have a glimpse of the homes of rural Alaskans practicing the pioneer lifestyle, and visit Potlach Park to see a recreated native Alaskan village and visit the Alaska Totem Trading museum and store.

Prince Rupert, British Columbia

  • Canada's Wilderness via Floatplane: Fly over lush rainforest, deep valleys, rugged mountain fjords, cascading waterfalls and spectacular glaciers for dramatic views of Canada's natural scenery. Spot wildlife such as eagles, mountain goats, seals, porpoises, and whales.
  • Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Viewing: Enter the pristine wilderness of the Khutzeymateen Valley, home to one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in North America. Enjoy a safe, pleasurable and unique wilderness experience without intruding on the bear's natural habitat.
Skagway, Alaska
  • Golden Glassblowing Experience: This unique hands-on opportunity includes a private orientation tour of the spectacular Northern Show Garden and a visit to the Hot Shop to learn the ancient art of working with molten glass and create an original keepsake.
  • Suspension Bridge, White Pass Railway and Scenic Klondike Highway: From an antique parlor car, gaze in awe at the majestic scenery and hear the stories and history of the Klondike Gold Rush.
  • White Pass Railway & Alpine Snow Shoe Hike:This trip combines a ride on the Historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway with a wilderness trek in the stunning alpine zone of the upper reaches of the Tormented Valley.
  • Garden Glassworks & White Pass Railway: At the Jewell Gardens, hear the tales of this gold rush town while viewing magnificent delphiniums, nasturtiums and begonias. At Garden City Glassworks Theater, watch as a talented glass artist demonstrates the ancient art form. Experience an unforgettable journey aboard the world-famous narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.
  • Experience the Yukon & Suspension Bridge: Climb the South Klondike Highway to the top of the White Pass 3,292 feet above sea level, take in the awe-inspiring Yukon Suspension Bridge, explore Caribou Crossing, see Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls, and visit the new Skagway Sculpture Park
  • Evening Gold Rush & Salmon Bake: Take a trip to the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp, located on the outskirts of Skagway, where meals are prepared over an open wood fire using recipes handed down by the women who cooked in the camps and goldfields of 1898. Afterwards, gather at the Liarsville Hippodrome for a performance by a cast of sourdoughs and dancehall girls.

Victoria, British Columbia

  • Gourmet Picnic & Fireworks at Butchart Gardens: Guests will travel from Odgen Point through the scenic countryside and rolling farmlands en route to Butchart Gardens, a Vancouver Island jewel, where they will feast on a gourmet picnic and explore the gardens with fireworks overhead.
  • Butchart Gardens, Wine & Chocolate: Indulge in a romantic evening of wine and chocolate truffles in a truly magical setting at the Church & State Winery.
  • Twilight Snorkeling Adventure: The diversity of marine life in Victoria's emerald waters allows for an exhilarating snorkeling experience.

All Alaska shore excursions are currently available for pre-reservation. Guests can reserve their tours by logging on to www.ncl.com. As many tours fill up quickly, guests are encouraged to make selections as early as possible.

NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line. NCL is building two new Third Generation Freestyle Cruising ("F3") ships for delivery in 2010.

NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships in the market, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.

 "We are always in search of new ways for our guests to experience all Alaska has to offer," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "In addition to our wide range of shore excursions, we are now offering NCL's exclusive Freestyle Private Tours that allow guests an up close look at the culture, wildlife and natural beauty of this destination."

 


The new tour options add to NCL's extensive shore excursion program which offers guests a total of 160 Alaska excursions in 2008. Guests can depart from Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Colombia from April through September 2008 on one of three dazzling Freestyle Cruising ships - Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Star or Norwegian Sun.
Carnival Voted Number One Cruise Line By Fresno Bee Readers

MIAMI (April 3, 2008) – Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, was named “Number One Cruise Line” in a readers poll conducted by the Fresno Bee, the major daily newspaper in Fresno, Calif.

Carnival is the West Coast’s most popular cruise line, with four ships - the Carnival Paradise, Carnival Pride, Carnival Elation and Carnival Spirit- sailing year-round or seasonally from Long Beach and San Diego.

Carnival was recognized by Fresno Bee readers for providing an outstanding shipboard experience and high quality service, along with a wide variety of itinerary choices.
“Carnival understands the importance of providing guests with relaxing and unique vacation experiences and for that reason puts forth maximum effort to ensure guests return home with a lifetime of memories,” said Lynn Torrent, Carnival senior vice president of sales and guest services. “To be recognized for those efforts by Fresno Bee readers is a wonderful honor for both our shipboard and shoreside team members,” she added.

Carnival’s “Fun Ships” offer a number of “resort-style” features, including a variety of formal and casual dining choices, lavish production revues, elaborate spa facilities, and full casino gambling. Carnival Pride and Carnival Spirit also feature elegant reservations-only supper clubs serving prime aged beef and other gourmet fare.

Carnival also offers fun-filled activities for kids of all ages through its “Camp Carnival” program for young children, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year-olds and “Club O2” for ages 15-17. Fleetwide Internet cafes, Wi-Fi access, and cell phone service are also available.

From Long Beach, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise offers three-and four-day Baja cruises year-round, and the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride offers seven-day cruises to the Mexican Riviera year-round. The line’s San Diego-based ships include the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation, which offers four- and five-day voyages to Mexico year-round, and the Carnival Spirit, which operates eight-day Exotic Mexican Riviera cruises seasonally.

Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 "Fun Ships" operating voyages ranging from three to 18 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America.


Carnival Splendor: The Ultimate Family Vacation

Carnival Cruise Ship - The Fun ShipsMIAMI (April 9, 2008) – From a 5,500-square-foot play area – the largest in the “Fun Ship” fleet – to a fun-filled water spray park and facilities and activities aimed at youngsters, ’tweens and teens, kids of all ages are sure to have a blast aboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 113,000-ton Carnival Splendor, set to debut this summer.

The largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed, the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor is slated to debut July 2, with a special eight-day Europe voyage from Genoa followed by the launch of the line’s first-ever 12-day Northern Europe program from London (Dover) July 13, 2008.

Designed as the ultimate vacation for families, Carnival Splendor will offer different programs catering to specific age groups, including “Camp Carnival” (ages 2-11), “Circle C” (ages 12-14) and “Club O2” (ages 15-17), along with children’s menus, a corkscrew water slide, a stroller rental program and numerous other family-friendly features.

“As the largest ‘Fun Ship’ ever constructed, Carnival Splendor provides a huge canvas to create some truly exciting spaces to entertain kids of all ages while further bolstering Carnival’s distinction as the family cruise leader,” said Lynn C. Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services.

Largest Play Area in the ‘Fun Ship’ Fleet
A focal point for many of the Carnival Splendor’s youth activities will be an expansive 5,500-square-foot children’s play area – roughly 30 percent bigger than the largest facility in the Carnival fleet. 

Located mid-ship on Panorama Deck, the two-level facility will be divided into separate areas with each focusing on a different activity or function. One area will be an all-ages playroom with a variety of toys, games and puzzles. Another will be a computer game room with the latest computer gaming consoles, while a third will offer a dance floor and plasma screen TV displaying music videos and popular children’s movies.

Located one deck above will be a children’s water park with various water-spray apparatus, and a wet tot lot offering hours of splashing fun. The water park will complement Carnival Splendor’s four swimming pools, including a pool on Panorama Deck featuring the line’s signature 214-foot-long “Twister Waterslide.”

In addition to activities focusing on music, art, science and physical fitness, Carnival Splendor will also offer educational programming geared toward the ship’s various European, Caribbean, South American and Mexican Riviera itineraries.

New ‘Circle C’ Program for 12- to 14-Year-Olds
Carnival Splendor will be the first “Fun Ship” to feature a purpose-built “Circle C” facility, which caters specifically to the 12- to 14-year-old set.

Located mid-ship on Atlantic Deck, the sleek, modern facility will feature a dance floor with high-tech sound and lighting system, along with 42-inch plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, and a touch-screen jukebox stocked with the latest hits.

Other features will include gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles, with 20-inch plasma-screens positioned throughout the room and used exclusively for video gaming. “Circle C” activities will include basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, water games, and late-night movies and pool parties.

‘Club O2’ for Teens
Continuing Carnival’s emphasis on providing older kids with their own spaces and activities, Carnival Splendor will offer its own version of the line’s popular “Club O2” teen program, which is aimed at kids ages 15 to 17.

The 2,365-square-foot facility, located mid-ship on Promenade Deck, will include a dance floor, DJ, and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, and a lounge where teens can relax and enjoy non-alcoholic specialty drinks. A library with popular teen-oriented books and magazines will also be available. Special shore excursions offering older kids an opportunity to visit historic European destinations together as a group, along with Carnival’s popular Y Spa teen spa treatment program, will also be offered.

Children’s Dining Options, Other Family-Friendly Amenities
Kids have their own unique dining preferences and Carnival Splendor will offer such family friendly options as children’s menus in the main dining rooms, 24-hour pizza and ice cream at the poolside restaurant, and a program where kids can enjoy a meal with the youth staff on the Lido Deck.

A children’s turn-down service providing freshly baked cookies at bedtime and Carnival’s popular “Fountain Fun Card,” which, for a one-time fee, provides unlimited soft drinks throughout the voyage, will also be available.

Nightly babysitting services, at a cost of $6 per hour for the first child and $4 per hour for each additional child in the same family, along with Carnival’s popular stroller rental program, are also available. Also featured will be “Carnival’s Seaside Theatre,” a 270-square-foot LED screen located poolside on Lido Deck and displaying movies, concerts and other programming.

Of the ship’s 1,503 staterooms, nearly 200 will be interconnecting with more than 350 accommodating up to three and four guests – perfect for families.

Exciting Inaugural Schedule
Following a special one-time eight-day western Europe voyage from Genoa July 2-10, 2008, Carnival Splendor will launch the line’s first-ever 12-day Northern Europe cruise program from London (Dover) July 13, 2008. The program will run through Aug. 30, after which the ship will sail a trans-Atlantic crossing from London (Dover) to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., from where it will launch a schedule of seven-day Caribbean voyages beginning November 29, 2008.

From January – March 2009, Carnival Splendor will sail on a series of 14- to 18-day South America voyages – the line’s first within the region – then reposition to Long Beach, Calif., for year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera voyages beginning March 29, continuing the expansion of the line’s West Coast operations.

Reservations are currently being accepted for all of the Carnival Splendor’s various European, Caribbean, South American and Mexican Riviera itineraries. Round-trip air supplements and special discounted rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom are also available.


Categories
Archives
RSS
Copyright © 2009 CruiseVacationWorld.com.   All Rights Reserved.   TICO Reg# 50013639.   Toll-free: 1.888.828.7327