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St. Croix Cruise Ship Schedule 2009
ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, September 22, 2009 - St. Croix will welcome a total of 24 cruise ship calls between October and December, according to the most recent schedule provided to the Department of Tourism and confirmed by the VI Port Authority and partner cruise lines. The Adventure of the Seas will continue its current schedule visiting every other Saturday through December 12 and resuming this schedule in January. The Disney Magic will make two more visits to St. Croix on October 13 and November 10 before the year's end. Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas will resume regular calls beginning on November 16, and Celebrity Cruise Line's Millennium, Mercury and Summit will begin regular calls in October, November and December respectively. Holland America's Maasdam will make two calls while Oceania's Regatta and Crystal Cruise Line's Serenity will each make one call.
On all cruise ship days, passengers will be greeted on the pier by live musical entertainment and Department of Tourism greeters distributing island information, Cruzan Rum samples and USVI-branded souvenir gifts.
The current cruise ship schedule is as follows (subject to change):
October 3, 2009 Adventure of the Seas (RCI)
October 13, 2009 Disney Magic
October 17, 2009 Adventure of the Seas (RCI)
October 27, 2009 Millennium (Celebrity)
October 31, 2009 Adventure of the Seas (RCI)
November 1, 2009 Jewel of the Seas (RCI)
November 9, 2009 Maasdam (Holland America)
November 10, 2009 Disney Magic
November 14, 2009 Adventure of the Seas (RCI)
November 14, 2009 Mercury (Celebrity)
November 16, 2009 Serenade of the Seas (RCI)
November 17, 2009 Millennium (Celebrity)
November 28, 2009 Adventure of the Seas (RCI)
December 1, 2009 Regatta (Oceania)
December 2, 2009 Serenity (Crystal)
December 5, 2009 Mercury (Celebrity)
December 7, 2009 Maasdam (Holland America)
December 8, 2009 Millennium (Celebrity)
December 12, 2009 Adventure of the Seas (RCI)
December 14, 2009 Serenade of the Seas (RCI)
December 19, 2009 Millennium (Celebrity)
December 21, 2009 Summit (Celebrity)
December 26, 2009 Mercury (Celebrity)
December 28, 2009 Serenade of the Seas (RCI)
The 3,646 passenger Carnival Dream launched!
This mega-ship while eventually make its way to the Caribbean for the winter 2009/2010 season:
MIAMI, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a traditional maritime handover ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, earlier today, Carnival Cruise Lines officially took delivery of its newest and largest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream.
Following the ceremony, Carnival Dream departed for Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, for its inaugural cruise, a 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyage departing Sept. 21 - the first of three voyages within the region.
The ship will then sail a trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome to New York followed by a special two-day cruise and two eight-day Caribbean voyages from the Big Apple. Carnival Dream will then reposition to Port Canaveral, Fla., for a special one-time nine-day voyage Dec. 3 before launching year-round seven-day Caribbean service Dec. 12.
"With some truly unique spaces and amazing entertainment options, Carnival Dream is dramatically different from any other ship we've introduced and ushers in an exciting new era in 'Fun Ship' cruising," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival's president and CEO. "Value is more important than ever and the Carnival Dream - with its unique public spaces and exciting on-board innovations - provides the type of quality, affordable vacation experiences that today's consumers are seeking," he added.
Representing a new class of vessel for the line, the 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream offers a host of innovations, including Ocean Plaza, a stunning indoor/outdoor cafe and live music venue; The Lanai, an outdoor area featuring a wrap-around promenade and cantilevered whirlpools that are suspended over the ship's side; a host of new accommodation categories, including two-bath, five-berth staterooms that appeal to families and cove balcony cabins located closer to the water line; a sprawling Carnival WaterWorks aqua park featuring the longest water slide at sea; and a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, the largest in the fleet.
Exciting new entertainment choices, including a comedy club offering 24 performances per voyage and outdoor laser shows on Lido Deck, are also featured. Also new is the "Fun Hub," a comprehensive intranet portal and the first shipboard social network that provides a variety of helpful information on the vessel and allows guests to interact and connect with their fellow passengers on board.
Dining options include two formal restaurants with extensive menus and wine lists nightly, an expansive Lido-area eatery featuring a 24-hour pizzeria, Indian tandoori and new Italian pasta bar, an elegant steakhouse serving USDA prime dry-aged beef, a sushi bar, a patisserie and complimentary 24-hour stateroom service.
A host of bars, lounges, nightspots and live music venues - all bearing the unmistakable design stamp of Carnival's renowned interior architect Joe Farcus - are also featured.
Carnival Dream is the 23rd vessel in Carnival Cruise Lines' fleet, which operates three- to 16-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda and Europe.
A sister ship to the Carnival Dream, the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, is scheduled for delivery in June 2011. It is also being built in Italy by Fincantieri.
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CRUISES ARE THIS YEAR'S HOT GIFTS FOR WINTER
Detroit, MI- August 11, 2009- For families and friends looking to have a memorable holiday with prices never seen before this may be the year to cruise for the holidays. Cruises offer something for everyone and the holidays provide an unforgettable festive atmosphere for guests of all ages.
"We all know the holidays can be especially stressful, so why not truly enjoy yourself with family and friends with the gift of a year-end vacation aboard a cruise ship," said Bob Levinstein, CEO, CruiseCompete. "Holiday cruises feature virtually all of the festive amenities one would expect this time of year at all-inclusive prices that offer incredible values."
Continue reading "CRUISES ARE THIS YEAR'S HOT GIFTS FOR WINTER" »
Carnival: Cruises from $149 + FREE 2-category cabin upgrade!
Here is a special from Expedia:
Carnival: Cruises from $149 + FREE 2- category cabin upgrade. Expires 7/10/09
Deep Discounts on the High Seas
NY Times has a run down on cruise discounts:
"Holland America Line is running a vacation stimulus plan with rates as low as $499 a person for 7-day Alaska cruises, $549 for 7-day Caribbean sailings and $999 for 12-day Europe and Panama Canal voyages. MSC Cruises, which already allows children ages 17 and under to sail free, has savings of up to 50 percent for baby boomers at least 50 years old and seniors on Caribbean sailings with rates from $499 a person for seven nights, and 60 percent off European cruises for seniors. And Norwegian Cruise Line has just introduced rates for kids, or any third guest or more sharing a cabin, as low as $99, down from $499 normally, and will offer up to $250 in on-board credit good toward shore excursions, specialty dinners, spa treatments or other extras on bookings made by March 15."
ST. CROIX TO RECEIVE THREE SHIP CALLS NEXT WEEK
~ Ships include the Disney Magic, Holland America Eurodam, and Azamara Journey ~
ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, January 30, 2009 - St. Croix welcomes three cruise ships to the island next week, with the arrival of the Disney Magic on Tuesday, February 3 at 7:00 a.m., Holland America's Eurodam on Wednesday, February 4 at 8:00 a.m. and the Azamara Cruise Line Journey on Sunday, February 8 at 8:00 a.m.
Continue reading "ST. CROIX TO RECEIVE THREE SHIP CALLS NEXT WEEK" »
ST. CROIX SHIP SCHEDULE CONFIRMS TWO REMAINING SHIP CALLS IN JANUARY
ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, January 16, 2009 - Two ships are scheduled to call on St. Croix before the month's end bringing the total number of visitors to the island in the month of January to over 9,000. On Tuesday, January 20, Holland America Line's Maasdam will arrive at 7:00 am carrying approximately 1600 passengers and 618 crew. The ship will depart St. Croix at 4:00 pm. Known for its award-winning service, elegant ships, and exotic itineraries, Holland America Line is recognized as a leader in the cruise industry's premium segment.
Continue reading "ST. CROIX SHIP SCHEDULE CONFIRMS TWO REMAINING SHIP CALLS IN JANUARY" »
Disney Cruise Line brings christmas Gifts to AMERICA'S CARIBBEAN
~ Holiday spirit arrives early for children in need~
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, December 8, 2008 - The gift-giving spirit will arrive early in St. Thomas this year when the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and the Disney Cruise Line, hosts the Disney Holiday Gift Project on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at the Palms Court Harbor View Hotel from 11:00am to 2:30pm.
Continue reading "Disney Cruise Line brings christmas Gifts to AMERICA'S CARIBBEAN" »
Antigua cruise guide: introduction and basics
The Telegraph UK has a great series on cruising - including the newest article for Antigua:
Antigua's cruise dock is right in the middle of St John's and can cater for up to four ships at a time. Passengers step ashore and straight into the refurbished Heritage Quay area with its modern shops and walkways. There is also a bandstand where musicians often play, plus public phones and lavatories.
Shops range from jewellers and perfumeries to boutiques and beachwear outlets. Passengers are invariably greeted by a crowd of taxi drivers offering island tours as they walk through Heritage Quay. Some ships also moor up at the adjacent Redcliffe Quay, which is more atmospheric with its old Georgian buildings housing cafes and boutiques.
This is from the introduction - there are also informative sections on things to do, and where to shop and eat.
St. Croix to Welcome First Ship of the Season
Big news for the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Croix as cruise ships return:
~ Ship visit this Friday marks the return of cruise ships to St. Croix~
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands, November 26, 2008 - St. Croix will welcome the first cruise ship of the season this Friday when the Oceania Regatta docks at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in Frederiksted, marking the return of regularly scheduled cruise calls to St. Croix after a long hiatus.
Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty said, "Over the past year and a half the Government of the Virgin Islands under the leadership of Governor John de Jongh has worked very diligently to persuade the cruise lines to add St. Croix to their itineraries and we are extremely pleased to now welcome the first cruise passengers of the season to the island." She added, "We must all take the opportunity to make our guests feel welcome and show the world that St. Croix is a destination rich in history, culture, natural beauty and warm hospitality."
Welcome festivities planned by the Department of Tourism begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until the ship's departure at 6:00 p.m. Entertainment includes performances by the Rising Stars Steel Pan Orchestra, The Guardians of Culture Mocko Jumbies, the St. Croix Educational Complex Quelbe Band and the St. Croix Heritage Dancers. As the 684 cruise passengers disembark, they will be greeted by mocko jumbies dancing to the sounds of steel pan music as well as greeters from the Department of Tourism offering recommendations on the day's activities, souvenirs and Cruzan rum samples. Crew members will receive USVI-branded phone cards and information about the island. A private "Plaque and Keys" ceremony is also planned aboard the ship where Nicholson-Doty will present a plaque to the ship's captain commemorating the ship's inaugural visit to St. Croix.
After passengers have enjoyed a day of shopping, sightseeing tours and other adventures, they will be bid farewell by Department of Tourism greeters, more local entertainment and a St. Croix t-shirt gift.
At the direction of Governor John P. de John, Jr., The Department of Tourism and other agencies have been working for months to ready the destination for the return of cruise ships. In
August, the Department of Tourism and the Economic Development Authority hosted the Preparing the Path conference on St. Croix aimed at preparing the community for the return of the cruise industry. The free conference, attended by nearly 200 participants, covered topics from customer service and tour operations to marketing native arts and crafts and starting a business. In November, the agencies sponsored two days of free customer service training designed to prepare local business leaders and their front-line employees for the arrival of cruise passengers.
To create greater awareness within the St. Croix community about the return of cruise ships, the Department of Tourism also launched a local advertising campaign themed, "St. Croix - It's our Time to Shine." The campaign includes ads counting down the days to the arrival of the first cruise ship, as well as print and radio ads featuring members of the St. Croix community. The campaign emphasizes community pride and the importance of a good first impression.
The Department of Tourism worked closely with other government agencies including the VI Police Department, Housing Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Licensing and Consumer Affairs and the VI Port Authority to ensure readiness. Nicholson-Doty noted, "Our sister agencies deserve much credit for their efforts in preparing for the influx of cruise visitors. From improving roads, repairing public restrooms, organizing clean-ups and securing a police presence, the collaborative efforts of the various government agencies underscore the fact that it takes the entire community to make tourism a success."
The next scheduled cruise call is on January 5, 2009. More than 60 calls are scheduled for St. Croix in 2009.
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Grand Turk Cruise Center Scheduled to Re-Open in Early October
MarketWatch is reporting the following:
MIAMI, Sept 11, 2008 -- The Grand Turk Cruise Center, which is operated by Miami-based Carnival Corporation & plc , and located on the island of Grand Turk, has scheduled an Oct. 8, 2008 re-opening date, following the passage of Hurricane Ike.
An engineering survey has confirmed that no damage was sustained to the cruise ship pier, which can accommodate up to two ships at one time. Minimal damage occurred to the facility's retail and restaurant complex.
"We believe we can complete repairs to the cruise center within a 30-day period and bring cruise ships back to Grand Turk," said Giora Israel, Carnival's vice president of strategic planning and port development. "We will be able to provide many of the wonderful, beach, snorkeling and watersports experiences that Grand Turk is famous for, along with the oversized pool and food and shopping opportunities at the cruise center, including the extremely popular Margaritaville restaurant."
Cruisecompete Celebrates Its Fifth Anniversary
DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 15, 2008 - CruiseCompete.com, celebrating its fifth anniversary this month, today reported ultra-luxury cruises costing up to $100,000 (I would like to get a commission on that sale!) are growing rapidly in popularity among the website's members. CruiseCompete allows consumers to select a cruise, then receive multiple, competing quotes from different travel agents. These cruise specialists have provided more than four million cruise quotes to consumers looking for the best deals on cruise vacations.
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