Cruise news

[LuckiePuris]

They used to, last year... their first significant and last season. They were scheduled to come down again this year but pulled out due to low bookings - although they may return if things pick up.

 

They had also had a ship through the previous year, but not for a full season and it had done well, so they have a somewhat open mind.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Pricewise, do you know how Celebrity compare to P&O / Princess / Royal Caribbean?

[thied]

Princess Cruises extends onboard credit for world cruise

Wednesday, 22 July 2009

 

Princess Cruises is celebrating the huge amount of bookings it received in June with an extended onboard credit offer for Dawn Princess’ 2010 world cruise until September 30.

 

The cruise line said the number of bookings for its annual world cruise from Australia in June was more than double the bookings made in any other 2009 month.

 

“It is encouraging to see that some Australian travellers are becoming more comfortable in booking a long holiday, although value is still important” said Carnival Australia Senior Vice President Jenny Lourey.

 

“Australians have been choosing to cruise in record numbers since 2002, and these bookings show demand for cruise holidays in Australia has not softened.”

[The_Big_M]

Thanks for the info!

 

Pricewise, do you know how Celebrity compare to P&O / Princess / Royal Caribbean?

 

Their positioning (and therefore pricing intent) in the market is to be mass market, but above Princess and RCL. Onboard, they have the highest service ratio (staff/passenger) of those. If you were to look at distant prices or if things improve their full price is higher.

 

However, with things the way they are, their discounted prices are similar to the others, sometimes higher and sometimes lower, based on needing to fill their ships.

[Gold Coast Cruisers]

Thanks for the feedback Jillybean!

 

We had a look at pricing for Christmas / New Year and found the pricing cheaper for RCI 17 night cruise compared to P&O 12 night cruise.

 

And from what I've read on these forums, RCI does seem to be of a higher standard and include many extras that P&O doesnt.

 

Like you said, pricing is in US dollars, but not a big deal. The AUS Dollar is getting stronger too which is better.

 

Does Celebrity do cruises departing from Australia?

 

 

Celebrity have only been here twice. The first ever was Mercury in 2007/08 season and last season 2008/2009 Millenium. Sadly they are not sending any more Celebrity ships down here. Maybe that's because we will have Rhapsody here, and Celebrity and RCCL are sister companies. They must have decided they only need one ship in our waters.

 

Jillybean:)

[kaseyoz]

Thanks for the info!

 

Pricewise, do you know how Celebrity compare to P&O / Princess / Royal Caribbean?

 

 

For an example i checked Thied's cruise for August and the cheapest inside was over $2000 pp plus about the same or a bit more for airfares and I suppose a night before and after the cruise.

It soon mounts up.

 

A lot of the med cruises though are very port intensive and not for the relaxing type of cruise we have in the islands. So add onto that lots of shore tours too.

 

Another cruise site had an airfare all inclusive for over $76oo inside cabin.PP

Not cheap

[Gold Coast Cruisers]

For an example i checked Thied's cruise for August and the cheapest inside was over $2000 pp plus about the same or a bit more for airfares and I suppose a night before and after the cruise.

It soon mounts up.

 

A lot of the med cruises though are very port intensive and not for the relaxing type of cruise we have in the islands. So add onto that lots of shore tours too.

 

 

Our 11 day Rhapsody cruise is already sold out. We paid A$1649.00 p.p. including Gratuities for a balcony which I think is a pretty good deal.

 

Jillybean:)

[thied]

A New Chapter for P&O Cruises

Date: 21 Jul 2009

 

 

Holiday-makers now have even more reason to lose themselves in a book while onboard a P&O Cruise with the cruise line launching Australia’s first book club at sea.

 

Chapters Book Club gives passengers the opportunity to turn pages with like-minded cruisers with guest authors sailing onboard selected cruises to lead book club discussions and showcase their books.

 

gives passengers the opportunity to turn pages with like-minded cruisers with guest authors sailing onboard selected cruises to lead book club discussions and showcase their books.

Sture Myrmell, Vice President, Hotel Operations at Carnival Australia which operates P&O Cruises, said a book club is perfectly suited to the pace of a cruising holiday.

 

"When people go on holidays they want to relax and do things they don’t normally have time for, which often means reading a book and lounging in the sun," Mr Myrmell said.

 

"We trialled the book club concept with our passengers in June and it proved very popular and generated great feedback so we have made it a regular activity in our entertainment line up."

 

P&O Cruises recently hosted guest authors on both Pacific Dawn and Pacific Sun. Tony Park sailed onboard Pacific Dawn with his latest novel, Silent Predator, while Graeme Lay, author of The Miss Tutti Frutti Contest: Travel Tales of the South Pacific was onboard Pacific Sun.

 

Chapters Book Club will run on every cruise across the P&O Cruises fleet and the selected books are available to purchase onboard.

 

will run on every cruise across the P&O Cruises fleet and the selected books are available to purchase onboard.

Sydney-based superliner Pacific Dawn features 11 decks with two swimming pools, a choice of five evening dining areas, nine bars and lounges, "The Dome" entertainment area, a two-storey show lounge and fitness centre.

 

Meanwhile, Australia’s favourite ship, Pacific Sun, now features a new child-free Oasis spa retreat, ocean-view gym and coffee bar, as well as five restaurants and cafes, multiple bars and lounges and two pools for the adults.

 

Photo Caption: Silent Predator author, Tony Park, onboard Pacific Dawn to host the first Chapters Book Club.

 

Photo Caption: Graeme Lay, author of The Miss Tutti Frutti Contest: Travel Tales of the South Pacific sailing onboard Pacific Sun.

 

For more information and bookings contact a licensed travel agent, P&O Cruises on 13 24 69 or visit http://www.pocruises.com.au For regular P&O Cruises updates visit us at http://twitter.com/POCruises

[LuckiePuris]

Our 11 day Rhapsody cruise is already sold out. We paid A$1649.00 p.p. including Gratuities for a balcony which I think is a pretty good deal.

 

Jillybean:)

 

That is a fantastic deal Jillybean! When is your cruise? Is it the 1 December departure as I know that one was going very cheap a few weeks back :)

[kaseyoz]

A New Chapter for P&O Cruises

Date: 21 Jul 2009

 

 

Holiday-makers now have even more reason to lose themselves in a book while onboard a P&O Cruise with the cruise line launching Australia’s first book club at sea.

 

Chapters Book Club gives passengers the opportunity to turn pages with like-minded cruisers with guest authors sailing onboard selected cruises to lead book club discussions and showcase their books.

 

gives passengers the opportunity to turn pages with like-minded cruisers with guest authors sailing onboard selected cruises to lead book club discussions and showcase their books.

Sture Myrmell, Vice President, Hotel Operations at Carnival Australia which operates P&O Cruises, said a book club is perfectly suited to the pace of a cruising holiday.

 

"When people go on holidays they want to relax and do things they don’t normally have time for, which often means reading a book and lounging in the sun," Mr Myrmell said.

 

"We trialled the book club concept with our passengers in June and it proved very popular and generated great feedback so we have made it a regular activity in our entertainment line up."

 

P&O Cruises recently hosted guest authors on both Pacific Dawn and Pacific Sun. Tony Park sailed onboard Pacific Dawn with his latest novel, Silent Predator, while Graeme Lay, author of The Miss Tutti Frutti Contest: Travel Tales of the South Pacific was onboard Pacific Sun.

 

Chapters Book Club will run on every cruise across the P&O Cruises fleet and the selected books are available to purchase onboard.

 

will run on every cruise across the P&O Cruises fleet and the selected books are available to purchase onboard.

Sydney-based superliner Pacific Dawn features 11 decks with two swimming pools, a choice of five evening dining areas, nine bars and lounges, "The Dome" entertainment area, a two-storey show lounge and fitness centre.

 

Meanwhile, Australia’s favourite ship, Pacific Sun, now features a new child-free Oasis spa retreat, ocean-view gym and coffee bar, as well as five restaurants and cafes, multiple bars and lounges and two pools for the adults.

 

Photo Caption: Silent Predator author, Tony Park, onboard Pacific Dawn to host the first Chapters Book Club.

 

Photo Caption: Graeme Lay, author of The Miss Tutti Frutti Contest: Travel Tales of the South Pacific sailing onboard Pacific Sun.

 

For more information and bookings contact a licensed travel agent, P&O Cruises on 13 24 69 or visit www.pocruises.com.au For regular P&O Cruises updates visit us at http://twitter.com/POCruises

 

 

 

Thanks for that Thied.

 

Finally some news that DOES affect us.

[thied]

7/23/09 - Celebrity Launches "Celebrity Life"

Life has always been good on a Celebrity Cruises vacation, and today, the brand announced a new program that will make it even better.

 

Celebrity Cruises today announced “Celebrity Life,” a new series of palate-pleasing, intellectually-enriching and life-enhancing programs designed to deliver the most unique and sophisticated onboard experience in premium cruising.

 

Built on long-established pillars of the Celebrity brand – dining, enrichment, and wellness – Celebrity Life encompasses three distinct program categories: “Savor,” “Discover,” and “Renew.”

 

“Celebrity Cruises has always been committed to offering the best vacation experience for discerning travelers,” said Celebrity Cruises Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “Celebrity Life will provide our guests with an array of experiences they will remember long after they sail with us, thanks to the delivery and dedication of our spectacular crew across the fleet.”

 

“Savor” takes an already stellar culinary experience to new heights, with eight new wine enrichment events, six spirits and mixology tastings, and more than seven different interactive programs for guests, hosted by the ship’s Executive Chef and team.

 

“Discover” presents an opportunity for guests to do or learn what they have always wanted to try, but never had time to accomplish. Whether it’s ordering a bottle of Chianti in Italian, or exploring the universe in 40 minutes, guests can delve into a wide variety of interests.

 

“Renew” offers an improved, more goal-oriented approach to classes, seminars, and treatments designed to help guests on their journey to looking younger, feeling better and living longer.

 

SAVOR THE MOMENT

 

Shaped by the line’s award-winning chef, restaurateur and Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden, the Savor series will encompass three programs centered around Celebrity Cruises’ industry-leading food and beverage programming: “Celebrity Vineyards,” “Signature Spirits” and “Food as Art.”

 

The “Celebrity Vineyards” wine enrichment program, developed in partnership with the United States Sommelier Association, will feature a host of immersive wine events providing guests the opportunity to expand their understanding and appreciation of the fascinating world of wine. Among the varied activities are the comparative wine workshops Celebrity introduced in 2007, sanctioned by the renowned Riedel Crystal.

 

Celebrity’s “Signature Spirits” events will help unleash guests’ “inner mixologist” as they explore the modern world of spirits and cocktails during exclusive “Mixology 101” workshops developed in partnership with Bacardi. The Signature Spirits events also will offer the opportunity to experience the industry’s first “Molecular Mixology” workshop developed by “The Liquid Chef,” world-renowned Master Mixologist Junior Merino.

 

Celebrity’s immersive “Food as Art” culinary arts program also includes highly interactive and participatory cooking shows. Led by a variety of Celebrity’s shipboard chefs, the program allows guests to serve as sous chefs in “Star Chef Cooking Competitions,” and to participate in exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to watch the teams in Celebrity’s galleys actively preparing delectable desserts, fresh-baked breads and a seemingly endless array of entrees. The Food as Art program also will surprise and delight vacationers with a special lineup of guest chefs who will set sail with Celebrity over the course of the year.

 

DANCE...DISCUSS…DISCOVER

 

A highlight of Celebrity Life’s “Discover” series is the opportunity to learn a new language through Celebrity’s industry-first alliance with Rosetta Stone®. Through this new partnership, over the course of just one sailing, either self-taught or hosted, guests can gain a working knowledge of their choice from among 13 languages.

 

Celebrity’s “Beyond the Podium” enrichment series, as its name implies, will offer guests far more than the typical enrichment lecture. The series will be highlighted by the brand’s new association with Smithsonian Journeys, the educational travel program of the renowned Smithsonian Institution, which is the world’s largest museum complex and research organization. Guests on select sailings will have the opportunity to gain deep, new insight from Smithsonian Journeys’ globally recognized experts as they speak with Celebrity guests about a vast array of topics, including history, culture, art and architecture, and the natural environment.

 

Meanwhile, iPod addicts can learn new iTunes tips and tricks while onboard, and novice and experienced computer users alike can boost their technological prowess through Celebrity’s “digITal” series, with courses ranging from Photoshop and Windows XP primers, to BlackBerry tips and blog creation.

 

Stargazers will be inspired to stare skyward as they learn about astronomy, telescope tips, and even celestial navigation through Celebrity’s new alliance with Stargeezer, a program devoted to educating consumers about astronomy in user-friendly fashion. Celebrity guests also will be invited to gaze at the night skies out on deck during special stargazers’ parties and “star hunts” designed to identify the evening’s brightest constellations and planets.

 

Dance enthusiasts can share the stage with Celebrity’s own professional dancers during itinerary-influenced, interactive productions whose themes include “Sizzle,” “Groove,” “Decco,” and “Flava.” Additionally, in partnership with Skyy Vodka, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox will present “Live @ Sky” in the two ships’ Sky Observation Lounge.

 

In addition to participating in cultural, world and ballroom dance classes, guests also will have the opportunity to compete in the “Everybody Dance” competition, culminating in a vote for “star” dance champions on every sailing.

 

To learn how to creatively preserve photos of their impressive new dance moves, or the picturesque places they visited during their cruise, guests can participate in Celebrity’s new courses offered through the line’s unique partnership with the StoryTellersClub, designed to guide guests through the process of creating valuable keepsakes of their cruise vacation memories.

 

TO RENEW YOU

 

Celebrity Life’s new health and wellness program called “Renew” offers an expansion of spa and wellness services designed to help guests feel better, live longer, and look younger. Redefining the spa experience with an innovative range of beauty and wellness options for Celebrity guests, Renew offers three areas of enrichment within the program: “Ageless,” “Energy,” and “Longevity,” each with its own slate of treatment selections, seminars and workshops.

 

Guests can participate in motivating classes, a variety of seminars, and also experience results-driven spa or fitness treatments created for each series within the program.

 

Within the Ageless series are informative seminars focused on skin renewal and youth-enhancing lifestyle tips, in addition to medi-spa cosmetic services such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Restylane® and Perlane®, and a selection of anti-aging facials, including a 24-karat gold facial available on the fleet’s latest ship, Celebrity Equinox, to target fine lines and wrinkles.

 

To help promote self-awareness and healthier living long-term, the Energy series entails nutritional information, wellness assessments and realistic “Life” prescriptions that guests can incorporate into their lifestyle, plus body sculpting and strengthening options, including a “boot camp” course, indoor cycling, personal training, and gravity training classes.

 

Among the highlights of the Longevity series are seminars focused on stress management, lifestyle enhancements, and alternative healing systems such as Chinese medicine. The Longevity series also features complimentary consultations with the onboard acupuncturist, an array of acupuncture treatments to rebalance the mind and body, in addition to yoga, tai-chi and “fab abs” courses.

[thied]

Dead whale stuck on cruise ship

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,,25837203-1702,00.html

[thied]

Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCC) has reported a loss of $35.1 million, or $0.16 per share, on revenues of $1.3 billion for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009, compared to net income of $84.7 million, or $0.40 per share, on revenues of $1.6 billion for the same quarter last year.

 

http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/3021-72909-royal-caribbean-posts-q2-loss.html

[thied]

In some earlier postings, I’ve talked about some of the new systems and processes our people have been developing to improve the OASIS experience. In this posting, I thought I’d describe another one.

 

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/chairmans-blog/?p=411

[thied]

8/3/09 - Cruise Planners Donates $11,000 Franchise, Partners with Royal Caribbean

 

http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/3035-8309-cruise-planners-donates-11000-franchise-partners-with-royal-caribbean.html

[thied]

This September, following a $25+ million makeover, luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises is unveiling dramatic new interiors and deck spaces for its sophisticated and stylish Crystal Symphony. The 922-guest, 50,000-ton ultra-luxury ship will boast redesigned Penthouses (including its uber-plush Crystal Penthouses), pool areas, Prego Italian restaurant, Lido Café as well as guest elevators and numerous behind-the-scenes upgrades.

 

http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/3042-8409-crystal-symphony-to-enjoy-a-major-makeover.html

[thied]

A year on from an ill-fated Pacific Sun cruise, a Thames woman is still leading a group of about 100 passengers seeking a refund for their ordeal.

 

 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/2718056/Thames-passenger-wants-stormy-cruise-refund

[thied]

P&O Cruises has extended its New Zealand cruise season following a sell-out response this year.

 

 

http://www.pocruises.com.au/html/pacific-sun-to-rise-in-auckland-in-2010.cfm

[thied]

Date: 07 Aug 2009

P&O Cruises has announced another three gourmet mini-cruises sailing from Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle in 2010 following the sell-out of its first food and wine cruise onboard superliner Pacific Dawn.

 

Two of the 2010 cruises will again showcase the food delights of the Hunter Valley region, with Australia’s newest superliner, Pacific Jewel, offering a weekend cruise from Sydney on January 29 and Pacific Dawn sailing from Brisbane on May 12.

 

 

 

http://www.pocruises.com.au/html/p-o-cruises-serves-up-more-food-and-wine-cruises.cfm

[sidneycruiser]

There certainly is a lot of news to catch up. I will leave this thread until later tonight when I have more time to read.

I can feel my excitement rising already.

 

You certainly know a lot Theid about the cruising news.

Do you work in the cruise industry?

 

Thank you for all your time in putting this site together.

[thied]

There certainly is a lot of news to catch up. I will leave this thread until later tonight when I have more time to read.

I can feel my excitement rising already.

 

You certainly know a lot Theid about the cruising news.

Do you work in the cruise industry?

 

Thank you for all your time in putting this site together.

sorry to say not im not in the cruise ndustry, i just read alot , but thank you very much for saying that :D

[thied]

Australia’s largest cruising company, Carnival Australia, today welcomed a decision by the Federal Government to invest $3.5 million in improving mooring facilities on Christmas Island – a move that will see the first ever cruise ship visit the island at the end of this year.

 

 

http://www.pocruises.com.au/html/cruising-boom-brings-early-gift-for-christmas-island.cfm

[LuckiePuris]

Australia’s largest cruising company, Carnival Australia, today welcomed a decision by the Federal Government to invest $3.5 million in improving mooring facilities on Christmas Island – a move that will see the first ever cruise ship visit the island at the end of this year.

 

 

http://www.pocruises.com.au/html/cruising-boom-brings-early-gift-for-christmas-island.cfm

 

Thanks for posting the link Thied. It's a shame that they are not visiting Christmas Island on Christmas Day :)

[thied]

Thanks for posting the link Thied. It's a shame that they are not visiting Christmas Island on Christmas Day :)

yes but will call at Christmas Island on December 23 wich is close:D

[The_Big_M]

Australia’s largest cruising company, Carnival Australia, today welcomed a decision by the Federal Government to invest $3.5 million in improving mooring facilities on Christmas Island – a move that will see the first ever cruise ship visit the island at the end of this year.

 

http://www.pocruises.com.au/html/cruising-boom-brings-early-gift-for-christmas-island.cfm

 

As nice as this sounds to cruisers, I hope there's more economic benefit than announced and currently published. At a cost of $3.5 million, it's only catering for 4 cruises in 1.5 years/2 seasons, for an estimated 7600 passengers. That's a taxpayer subsidy of $460 for every passenger onboard!

[thied]

As nice as this sounds to cruisers, I hope there's more economic benefit than announced and currently published. At a cost of $3.5 million, it's only catering for 4 cruises in 1.5 years/2 seasons, for an estimated 7600 passengers. That's a taxpayer subsidy of $460 for every passenger onboard!

one would hope that more cruise lines then just P&o will use it may be :D