Listen up cruisers… this is something worth taking note of! Scientists are getting closer to producing a vaccine against norovirus- a traveler’s worst nightmare! And although cruise ship outbreaks get most of the publicity, in actuality, most cases (around 60 percent) occur in long-term care facilities, such as homes for the elderly.
Because norovirus evolves rapidly, a vaccine may need to be administered every year, similar to the flu vaccine. Lab tests show it might be most effective when given as a nasal spray. The first available vaccines, although still years away, would likely be targeted toward at-risk populations, including children in daycare, the elderly, and thankfully, travelers.
According to the CDC, until the time when the vaccine becomes readily available, the best way to prevent norovirus infection is to wash your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Radio City Rockettes to Christen the Norwegian Breakaway
This week at a press conference held on the Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Cruise Line named the Rockettes as the godmothers of its newest cruise ship, the Norwegian Breakaway. The christening ceremony will take place May 8 in New York City. In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line will be the official cruise line of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall, and an official partner of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. There will be an 11-foot model of the Breakaway on display at Radio City.
But the Rockettes involvement in the Breakaway does not end there. Two dancers from the celebrated ensemble will sail aboard each of the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, and the first sailing of each month thereafter. Onboard, the two Rockettes will lead exclusive Rockette-themed fitness classes and will participate in photo ops, as well as meet and greets with passengers. An historical retrospective of the Rockettes can be viewed in the ship's library.
""I strongly believe that the Rockettes, one of the most beloved and recognizable New York icons, are the perfect choice to serve as the ship's godmothers,"" Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's CEO, said in a prepared statement.
Norwegian Breakaway will home port in New York City, sailing to Bermuda in the summer and the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean in the winter.
But the Rockettes involvement in the Breakaway does not end there. Two dancers from the celebrated ensemble will sail aboard each of the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, and the first sailing of each month thereafter. Onboard, the two Rockettes will lead exclusive Rockette-themed fitness classes and will participate in photo ops, as well as meet and greets with passengers. An historical retrospective of the Rockettes can be viewed in the ship's library.
""I strongly believe that the Rockettes, one of the most beloved and recognizable New York icons, are the perfect choice to serve as the ship's godmothers,"" Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's CEO, said in a prepared statement.
Norwegian Breakaway will home port in New York City, sailing to Bermuda in the summer and the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean in the winter.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Azamara Club Cruises Gets Ready For A Fleet Wide Renovation
Azamara Club Cruises, announced plans for the renovation of its two European boutique hotel-style ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. Both ships are scheduled separately to enter drydock. Azamara Quest will spend eight nights in drydock at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, starting Nov. 7, 2012. Azamara Journey will enter Singapore’s Sembawang Shipyard on Jan. 6, 2013, for a 7-night renovation drydock.
The renovations of the 694-guest ships will include new carpets, upholstery, and a new color palette in public spaces. Suites and staterooms will receive new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture. A resurfaced pool, new sun loungers and new pool towels are part of the plans for the outer decks. The Casino Bar will be expanded and enhanced with new furniture, while the Spa and fitness center will be refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment. Furthermore, a range of enhancements will be made behind the scenes in the staff and crew area to add to their comfort. In addition, each ship will receive a newly painted dark-blue hull.![]()
On the culinary front, guests onboard will soon enjoy a new caviar and champagne bar within Aqualina, one of the ships’ two specialty dining venues, as well as a new Chef’s Table concept featuring three wine degustation (tasting) menus – Italian, French, and Californian. At Mosaic Café, the ships’ central gathering spot, guests will be able to purchase a freshly brewed cup of bespoke coffee.
“Azamara Club Cruises is offering up-market travelers more of what they love about our brand,” said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “Our distinctive destination-immersion proposition and the warm and authentic personal service from every staff and crew member have really resonated with up-market travelers. Guest satisfaction has consistently pushed 100 percent, and we are going to continue to deliver travel in a way that will surmount all guest expectations – on land and on board.”"
The renovations of the 694-guest ships will include new carpets, upholstery, and a new color palette in public spaces. Suites and staterooms will receive new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture. A resurfaced pool, new sun loungers and new pool towels are part of the plans for the outer decks. The Casino Bar will be expanded and enhanced with new furniture, while the Spa and fitness center will be refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment. Furthermore, a range of enhancements will be made behind the scenes in the staff and crew area to add to their comfort. In addition, each ship will receive a newly painted dark-blue hull.
On the culinary front, guests onboard will soon enjoy a new caviar and champagne bar within Aqualina, one of the ships’ two specialty dining venues, as well as a new Chef’s Table concept featuring three wine degustation (tasting) menus – Italian, French, and Californian. At Mosaic Café, the ships’ central gathering spot, guests will be able to purchase a freshly brewed cup of bespoke coffee.
“Azamara Club Cruises is offering up-market travelers more of what they love about our brand,” said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “Our distinctive destination-immersion proposition and the warm and authentic personal service from every staff and crew member have really resonated with up-market travelers. Guest satisfaction has consistently pushed 100 percent, and we are going to continue to deliver travel in a way that will surmount all guest expectations – on land and on board.”"
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
NCL Pride of America Slated For Refurbishment
Next March 23rd, NCL’s Pride of America will undergo a 14-day refurbishment in dry dock that will bring its features and amenities more in line with NCL’s more recent vessels.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer, Kevin Sheehan stated, ""We want to ensure that we are continuing to enhance the guest experience on this one-of-a-kind vessel. Therefore, we are making a major investment — over $30 million — in enhancing this ship with beautiful new suites, studios for solo travelers, new restaurants and more.""
The new accommodations being added include two 566-square-foot Deluxe Owners Suites and 22 Family Suites ranging from 363 to 416 square feet, most sleeping up to six guests. The four new Studio Staterooms designed (and priced) for solo travelers will certainly be appreciated by those that prefer a cabin to themselves! In addition, four new inside staterooms have been added in underused space on Deck 13.
Upgraded flat screen TVs are being installed in all guest and crew staterooms. Broadcast on a digital signal Pervasive WiFi throughout the ship, including crew areas will be appreciated by everyone that needs to stay “connected” to the mainland. They will also be replacing the carpet in all guest staterooms and public areas. Video, sound, and light enhancements will be made throughout the ship.
Upgrades to fitness center equipment will bring it up to par with the newer NCL ships. Decor updates in the Aloha Cafe, the ship’s buffet restaurant and the transformation of Lazy J’s Steakhouse into NCL’s signature Cagney’s steakhouse are long overdue and welcome. There will also be renovations to photo and art gallery. Updated signage throughout the ship will also be added.
As the only large U.S.-flagged cruise ship, Pride of America offers a unique and extraordinary vacation to four of Hawaii's most popular islands. Ports of call include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo and Kona (on the Big Island); an overnight in Nawiliwili, Kauai; and an afternoon cruise past Kauai’s Napali Coast.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer, Kevin Sheehan stated, ""We want to ensure that we are continuing to enhance the guest experience on this one-of-a-kind vessel. Therefore, we are making a major investment — over $30 million — in enhancing this ship with beautiful new suites, studios for solo travelers, new restaurants and more.""
The new accommodations being added include two 566-square-foot Deluxe Owners Suites and 22 Family Suites ranging from 363 to 416 square feet, most sleeping up to six guests. The four new Studio Staterooms designed (and priced) for solo travelers will certainly be appreciated by those that prefer a cabin to themselves! In addition, four new inside staterooms have been added in underused space on Deck 13.
Upgraded flat screen TVs are being installed in all guest and crew staterooms. Broadcast on a digital signal Pervasive WiFi throughout the ship, including crew areas will be appreciated by everyone that needs to stay “connected” to the mainland. They will also be replacing the carpet in all guest staterooms and public areas. Video, sound, and light enhancements will be made throughout the ship.
Upgrades to fitness center equipment will bring it up to par with the newer NCL ships. Decor updates in the Aloha Cafe, the ship’s buffet restaurant and the transformation of Lazy J’s Steakhouse into NCL’s signature Cagney’s steakhouse are long overdue and welcome. There will also be renovations to photo and art gallery. Updated signage throughout the ship will also be added.
As the only large U.S.-flagged cruise ship, Pride of America offers a unique and extraordinary vacation to four of Hawaii's most popular islands. Ports of call include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo and Kona (on the Big Island); an overnight in Nawiliwili, Kauai; and an afternoon cruise past Kauai’s Napali Coast.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Royal Caribbean Gives Little Girls “The Barbie Experience”
Next March 23rd, NCL’s Pride of America will undergo a 14-day refurbishment in dry dock that will bring its features and amenities more in line with NCL’s more recent vessels.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer, Kevin Sheehan stated, ""We want to ensure that we are continuing to enhance the guest experience on this one-of-a-kind vessel. Therefore, we are making a major investment — over $30 million — in enhancing this ship with beautiful new suites, studios for solo travelers, new restaurants and more.""
The new accommodations being added include two 566-square-foot Deluxe Owners Suites and 22 Family Suites ranging from 363 to 416 square feet, most sleeping up to six guests. The four new Studio Staterooms designed (and priced) for solo travelers will certainly be appreciated by those that prefer a cabin to themselves! In addition, four new inside staterooms have been added in underused space on Deck 13.
Upgraded flat screen TVs are being installed in all guest and crew staterooms. Broadcast on a digital signal Pervasive WiFi throughout the ship, including crew areas will be appreciated by everyone that needs to stay “connected” to the mainland. They will also be replacing the carpet in all guest staterooms and public areas. Video, sound, and light enhancements will be made throughout the ship.
Upgrades to fitness center equipment will bring it up to par with the newer NCL ships. Decor updates in the Aloha Cafe, the ship’s buffet restaurant and the transformation of Lazy J’s Steakhouse into NCL’s signature Cagney’s steakhouse are long overdue and welcome. There will also be renovations to photo and art gallery. Updated signage throughout the ship will also be added.
As the only large U.S.-flagged cruise ship, Pride of America offers a unique and extraordinary vacation to four of Hawaii's most popular islands. Ports of call include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo and Kona (on the Big Island); an overnight in Nawiliwili, Kauai; and an afternoon cruise past Kauai’s Napali Coast."
Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer, Kevin Sheehan stated, ""We want to ensure that we are continuing to enhance the guest experience on this one-of-a-kind vessel. Therefore, we are making a major investment — over $30 million — in enhancing this ship with beautiful new suites, studios for solo travelers, new restaurants and more.""
The new accommodations being added include two 566-square-foot Deluxe Owners Suites and 22 Family Suites ranging from 363 to 416 square feet, most sleeping up to six guests. The four new Studio Staterooms designed (and priced) for solo travelers will certainly be appreciated by those that prefer a cabin to themselves! In addition, four new inside staterooms have been added in underused space on Deck 13.
Upgraded flat screen TVs are being installed in all guest and crew staterooms. Broadcast on a digital signal Pervasive WiFi throughout the ship, including crew areas will be appreciated by everyone that needs to stay “connected” to the mainland. They will also be replacing the carpet in all guest staterooms and public areas. Video, sound, and light enhancements will be made throughout the ship.
Upgrades to fitness center equipment will bring it up to par with the newer NCL ships. Decor updates in the Aloha Cafe, the ship’s buffet restaurant and the transformation of Lazy J’s Steakhouse into NCL’s signature Cagney’s steakhouse are long overdue and welcome. There will also be renovations to photo and art gallery. Updated signage throughout the ship will also be added.
As the only large U.S.-flagged cruise ship, Pride of America offers a unique and extraordinary vacation to four of Hawaii's most popular islands. Ports of call include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo and Kona (on the Big Island); an overnight in Nawiliwili, Kauai; and an afternoon cruise past Kauai’s Napali Coast."
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
Norwegian Breakaway's Hull Artwork Revealed
Norwegian Cruise Line has distinguished its ships by colorful artwork in the past, but never before has the line commissioned a famous artist to create it. However, when the Norwegian Breakaway launches in April of 2013, pop artist Peter Max’s artwork will cover the approximately 40,000 square feet of the Norwegian Breakaway’s hull.
The Norwegian Breakaway will homeport in New York City, and the vibrant hull design depicts cartoonish images of the city. “The artwork is a composite of New York City and cosmic imagery— the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, a giant sunburst, planets, stars, and musical notes. That’s my New York! And now Norwegian Breakaway is my New York cruise ship canvas”, said Peter Max of his work.
Norwegian Breakaway is New York’s ship and this colorful artwork by Peter Max will make the ship an instant icon,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “The Big Apple is known for its love of art and its many galleries – and now, Norwegian Breakaway becomes a floating piece of art that will cruise in and dock every Saturday on New York’s West Side. With this distinctive design, unlike anything else on the water, the ship will be recognizable to the millions of New Yorkers who will see her as she journeys up and down the Hudson River each week.”
The Breakaway will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013. From October 2013 through April 2014, New York’s ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the Southern Caribbean.
The Norwegian Breakaway will homeport in New York City, and the vibrant hull design depicts cartoonish images of the city. “The artwork is a composite of New York City and cosmic imagery— the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, a giant sunburst, planets, stars, and musical notes. That’s my New York! And now Norwegian Breakaway is my New York cruise ship canvas”, said Peter Max of his work.
Norwegian Breakaway is New York’s ship and this colorful artwork by Peter Max will make the ship an instant icon,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “The Big Apple is known for its love of art and its many galleries – and now, Norwegian Breakaway becomes a floating piece of art that will cruise in and dock every Saturday on New York’s West Side. With this distinctive design, unlike anything else on the water, the ship will be recognizable to the millions of New Yorkers who will see her as she journeys up and down the Hudson River each week.”
The Breakaway will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013. From October 2013 through April 2014, New York’s ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the Southern Caribbean.
The Cabanas on Labadee
Royal Caribbean is adding more of their fabulous cabanas on their private island, Labadee. As if the island wasn’t already a perfect haven for rest and relaxation, the cabanas let you unwind and take in the beauty of the island in style!
“The Labadee cabanas have been a huge hit and so we have increased the number,” Adam Goldstein, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean, wrote in his blog. “Our initial offering at Barefoot Beach Club was 20 cabanas, and we are in the process of completing four more over-the-water cabanas there. In addition to regular and over-the-water cabanas, we now offer three cabanas that are wheelchair accessible, using our beach wheelchairs. In addition, there are 16 new cabanas at Nellie’s Beach. So there are now 40 cabanas available for rental at Labadee.![]()
Each cabana can accommodate four to five guests. While each cabana is the same in size, amenities and services offered, there are four types with prices depending on location. The daily rental fee includes a dedicated cabana attendant, complimentary bottled water, complimentary floating mats and snorkeling equipment, a beverage menu (prices charged accordingly), and an upgraded lunch menu at the private BBQ facility.
The cabanas are available for reservation onboard through the concierge or guest services manager on a first-come, first-serve basis. The daily rental fee for cabanas on Nellie’s Beach is $175-200, depending on location. On Barefoot Beach, the daily fee is $150-200. Labadee is a popular port of call on most Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean cruise itineraries.
“The Labadee cabanas have been a huge hit and so we have increased the number,” Adam Goldstein, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean, wrote in his blog. “Our initial offering at Barefoot Beach Club was 20 cabanas, and we are in the process of completing four more over-the-water cabanas there. In addition to regular and over-the-water cabanas, we now offer three cabanas that are wheelchair accessible, using our beach wheelchairs. In addition, there are 16 new cabanas at Nellie’s Beach. So there are now 40 cabanas available for rental at Labadee.
Each cabana can accommodate four to five guests. While each cabana is the same in size, amenities and services offered, there are four types with prices depending on location. The daily rental fee includes a dedicated cabana attendant, complimentary bottled water, complimentary floating mats and snorkeling equipment, a beverage menu (prices charged accordingly), and an upgraded lunch menu at the private BBQ facility.
The cabanas are available for reservation onboard through the concierge or guest services manager on a first-come, first-serve basis. The daily rental fee for cabanas on Nellie’s Beach is $175-200, depending on location. On Barefoot Beach, the daily fee is $150-200. Labadee is a popular port of call on most Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean cruise itineraries.
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