Oceania Cruises' New Riviera To Feature
Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber
Oceania Cruises has teamed with Royal Theatrical Productions to feature "Now and Forever — The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber" on board its new 1,250-guest Riviera, which debuts in May 2012.
A 10-member cast of singers and dancers will perform music from many of Webber's best-known shows, including CATS, The Phantom of the Opera and its sequel Love Never Dies, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Riviera will feature three additional production shows: "Up in Flames," showcasing the music of Elton John and Billy Joel; "The Dawning of Aquarius," a 60s review; and "Rock On," a love story with a rock-and-roll vibe. Royal Theater Productions, founded by Jean Ann Ryan, is an award-winning entertainment group that has produced high-quality musical revues for many of the world's finest cruise ships and resorts.
"We are thrilled that Riviera guests will enjoy the songbook of Andrew Lloyd Webber," said Michael Day, Oceania Cruises' vice president of entertainment. "Working with Jean Ann Ryan and her team we are assured of the most talented performers and highest quality choreography, sound and lighting."
Contact your Cruise Consultant today for more information on Oceania Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line Launches
New Alaska Cruisetours
Starting today, Norwegian Cruise Line guests can book pre- or post- Cruisetours to round out their dream Alaskan cruise vacations in 2013. Ranging in length from four to six days, guests can select the perfect Alaskan adventure from four different packages. Each Cruisetour features two nights in Denali National Park, as well as a ride on the iconic Alaska Railroad.
For those with an adventurous spirit, the Authentic Alaska Cruisetour is the best option, offering diverse activities in a six-day tour. Guests can take a trip to an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher's house to learn about the "Last Great Race" and meet some of the dogs (also included in both Explorer Cruisetours). In Homer, guests can learn more about the fishing history as well as take in the scenic view of Katchermark Bay's glaciers and mountains. The tour concludes with a visit to Alaska's largest city, Anchorage, where guests can enjoy hiking trails, local restaurants and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
"We want to offer our guests a chance to have an authentic Alaskan experience before or after their cruise as this is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's chief executive officer. "Our new Cruisetours give guests an up close look at the culture, wildlife and natural beauty of this destination and are all guided by a knowledgeable Alaskan local."
On sale today, pre- or post-cruise land packages can be purchased as part of Norwegian Sun's 2013 cruises from Whittier, Alaska. Beginning May 20, 2013, Norwegian Sun's northbound itinerary departs Vancouver, British Columbia on Mondays, and will cruise the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and make stops in the Alaskan favourites of Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau. On her southbound itineraries from Whittier, Alaska, the ship will cruise the Inside Passage, Sawyer Glacier and Hubbard Glacier, as well as making stops in Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Icy Strait Point.
Contact your Cruise Consultant today for more information on Cruisetours
Pop the Question with Princess
Marriage is seen as a lifelong adventure shared by two people, and there is no better way to begin that journey than on an exciting cruise. Those looking to pop the question to their beloved can do so in a fun and memorable way by signing up for an engagement celebration package from Princess Cruises.
Preparations for your surprise proposal begin early in your trip, when you will have a secret session with the ship's videographer. This trained media professional will help you craft the perfect personalized message to your significant other. On the night of the big event, you will bring your loved one to your ship's Movies Under the Stars screen, where many of your fellow travellers will be gathering to watch a riveting film. Before the movie begins, however, your pre-taped proposal will be displayed - and hopefully your partner will say yes!
Once the surprise has been sprung, you and your new spouse-to-be will immediately be presented with a stunning red rose and two glasses of champagne. The celebration doesn't end there however, as you will find a full bottle of champagne and a plate of decadent chocolate-covered strawberries in your stateroom later that night.
In addition to the events of the big night itself, your Engagement Under the Stars package includes plenty of other romantic activities and benefits you can share with your new fiancée. You can enjoy a scrumptious breakfast in bed, served by Princess Cruises' world-class staff. For another amazing culinary experience, you will receive a dinner for two at one of your ship's alternative meal venues, which provide passengers with a sophisticated change of pace from the standard dining room.
Once your cruise is over, Princess will provide you with more than just a great story of how you got engaged. You will also receive an 8x10 photo taken at an engagement portrait session, four 8x6 candid pictures of the proposal itself and a $100 credit toward a wedding-at-sea package, in case you decide you want to celebrate your wedding with Princess as well.
Contact your Cruise Consultant today for more information on Princess Cruises packages
Celebrity Cruises' Award-winning Culinary
Team Food and Wine Extravaganza
The visual feast that comes to life in the pages of Celebrity Cruises' new lifestyle book, Excite the Senses, has inspired a new series of food-and-wine-themed cruises that will offer guests a unique, behind-the-scenes experience and a rare opportunity to get to know the Celebrity culinary team through intimate demonstrations, tastings and dinners. Developed and hosted by the talent behind the cruise line's award-winning culinary program, Celebrity's "Excite the Senses Culinary Theme Cruises" will kick off on March 24, 2012, on a seven-night sailing headlined by Celebrity's Master Chef and Vice President of Culinary Operations, the James Beard Foundation Award-nominated Jacques Van Staden.
"Every Celebrity cruise is a modern luxury vacation, and a large part of that is the culinary experience," said Van Staden. "The culinary-themed activities at the heart of Celebrity's Excite the Senses cruises are designed to appeal to everyone from the novice to the sophisticated oenophile – just like the book itself – and shine a spotlight on all the elements of Celebrity's culinary experience, from outstanding service to innovative menus to cutting-edge trends and more."
Each of the eight cruises scheduled for 2012 will showcase the various culinary disciplines featured in Excite the Senses – "Captivate" (dining), "Accentuate" (wine, spirits, coffee and tea), and "Illuminate" (entertaining). Each voyage will be led by a member of Celebrity's culinary team, along with partners from Celebrity's award-winning wine and spirits program.
Activities during Excite the Senses Culinary Theme Cruises will range from exclusive dinners in Celebrity's chic specialty restaurants, cooking demonstrations focused on the importance of using locally sourced ingredients, wine tastings, sessions on how to host elegant afternoon teas and unique cocktail parties, ways to enliven holiday traditions with modern twists, tips for creative table settings, and more.
Contact your Cruise Consultant today for more information on Celebrity Cruises
Uniworld’s S.S Antoinette Named Best
New River Cruise Ship In 2011
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is pleased to announce their beautiful new Super Ship, S.S. Antoinette, has been named “Best New River Ship” in Cruise Critic’s Fourth Annual Editors' Picks Awards.
Showcasing the best of the best in cruise travel, the 2011 awards were hand-picked by Cruise Critic's editorial staff, experts in the field, who've collectively spent thousands of days cruising. According to Cruise Critic, “S.S. Antoinette is one stylish riverboat. Its whimsical and daring interior design and lush cabin appointments were modeled after Marie Antoinette's Château de Versailles. Its amenities, unusual for ships on Europe's rivers, include a cinema with surround sound, indoor lap pool, and plush nightclub.”
"There is no doubt in my mind that S.S. Antoinette is the most spectacular river cruise ship in the world,” says Guy Young, President of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. “We are very proud to be acknowledged by the editorial staff of Cruise Critic.”
The S.S. Antoinette sails on Uniworld’s extremely popular “Castles along the Rhine” itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam for eight days.
Contact your Cruise Consultant today for more information on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
