Princess Cruises Named “Weather Cruise Ship Company of the Year” by NOAA
Ships Assist National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with Global Weather Readings
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (January 21, 2010) – While passengers are relaxing and exploring the world aboard Princess Cruises’ ships, little do they know that throughout their vacation the vessels are also helping the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) track global weather patterns. In 2009, Princess ships made 20,139 weather observations – more than any other cruise line – earning the company the distinction of NOAA’s “Weather Cruise Ship Company of the Year.” Coral Princess led the fleet with 5,142 observations.
The voluntary reporting system helps NOAA track weather patterns in many areas of the world where the organization doesn’t have direct access to local information. The ships measure air temperature, humidity, wind direction and strength, sea waves and swells. Ships send information at a minimum of every six hours when at sea to a database which is forwarded to NOAA.
“As long-time participants in this important program, we’re happy that our fleet was able to provide so much data this year to help with worldwide weather forecasting,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “With Princess ships sailing around the globe to all seven continents, we’re in the unique position to be able to take weather readings in a multitude of destinations where NOAA might not otherwise be able to get information.”
This data, which is gathered not only from cruise ships, but from all types of ships worldwide, is used to help NOAA track and forecast weather patterns around the world.
About NOAA:
The National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration is a U.S. government agency that enriches life through science. From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product. NOAA’s dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need when they need it. NOAA's roots date back to 1807, when the nation’s first scientific agency, the Survey of the Coast, was established. Since then, NOAA has evolved to meet the needs of a changing country. NOAA maintains a presence in every state and has emerged as an international leader on scientific and environmental matters.
About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).
Line Celebrates Announcement of Newest Members of Its “Department of Romance” With
Theme Cruise Featuring Lectures, Vow Renewal and Romance Gala
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 1, 2010) – In celebration of the most romantic holiday of the year, and to usher in the newest members of its Department of Romance, Princess Cruises is hosting the first-ever Romance Summit cruise.
The Summit, which will be held on board Crown Princess during Valentine’s week, February 13-20, will feature a host of themed activities and presentations by the line’s Department of Romance members. Designed to celebrate the many aspects of cruising with Princess that can help couples reconnect, these special events will give passengers insight and inspiration on infusing romance into their everyday lives.
The entire Department of Romance will be aboard the special sailing. In addition to current members “Love Boat” captain Gavin MacLeod, “The Bachelorette’s” Trista and Ryan Sutter, and destination wedding expert Lisa Light, three new members will join the department. The new love experts are Anna Post, the great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post who will be discussing romance etiquette; “The Dating Diva” Dee Frazier of The University of Dating, an authority on finding love at any age; and Princess Cruises comedian Kevin Hughes, who keeps audiences laughing with his comedic and insightful take on relationships.
“Hosting the first-ever Romance Summit seems like the perfect way to celebrate Princess’ legacy of romance in a fun, unique way with something for everyone onboard,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises’ executive vice president. “It’s also the perfect way to introduce the newest members of our Department of Romance. We look forward to starting some lively conversations, as well as provide our passengers with great relationship tips, and a lot of fun.”
During the Romance Summit passengers will be treated to an abundance of romantic events, including an opportunity to meet all the Department of Romance members at a group panel discussion, plus attend individual presentations where each member will offer expertise on a particular aspect of love and relationships. Additionally, passengers will enjoy a variety of romance-themed activities, including a group renewal of vows for all couples on the ship and a Valentine’s Gala where passengers are invited to dress up in their best red attire for an evening of romantic dining and entertainment.
Throughout the sailing, passengers will enjoy themed food and beverage, entertainment, movies, and daytime activities.
Crown Princess is sailing on a western Caribbean itinerary during the Romance Summit, with calls at Grand Cayman, Roatan, Cozumel and Princess Cays.
NORWEGIAN EPIC TO SET SAIL IN EUROPE IN 2011
Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship
to date will summer in the Mediterranean
NEW YORK – January 26, 2010 – Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that its largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic, debuting this July, will summer in the Mediterranean as part of her 2011/2012 deployment. The ship will sail a seven-day Western Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona, Spain from May through October 2011. Ports of call include: Florence/Pisa (Livorno); Rome (Civitavecchia); Naples, Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain, along with two full days at sea. These cruises, along with the ship’s Caribbean and transatlantic sailings for 2011/2012, go on sale to Latitudes members (Norwegian’s past guests), and the company’s top travel partners on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 and to the general public on Thursday, January 28, 2010. Fares for Norwegian Epic’s Mediterranean itinerary are from $699 per person.
“In bringing the ship to Europe during her second season, we are combining the excitement of Norwegian Epic with a very popular European itinerary,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “With her world-class entertainment, wide range of accommodations, incredible amenities and plethora of dining options, Norwegian Epic will offer the best cruise experience for a wide-range of travelers looking to enjoy Europe in a whole new way.”
Following her inaugural season, Norwegian Epic will continue sailing her alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, Florida through April 30, 2011. On May 7, 2011, the ship will depart Miami on an 11-day transatlantic crossing to Barcelona, Spain with one stop in Ponta Delgada, Azores. Upon her arrival in Barcelona on May 18, 2011, the ship will sail a four-day Western Mediterranean sailing with stops in Marseille, France and Palma, Majorca, Spain. She will then sail a series of 22 seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona through October 16, 2011. A 13-day transatlantic sailing from Barcelona to Miami, Florida is scheduled for October 23, 2011 with stops in Ponta Delgada, Azores and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Once back in Miami, Norwegian Epic will sail a series of 23 seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from November 5, 2011 through April 7, 2012. Ports of call on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary include: Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas, along with two full days at sea.
To book one of these itineraries or for more information on Norwegian Epic, call Norwegian at 866-234-7350, visit http://epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.
Norwegian Epic
World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group will perform their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams and Dinner will present a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, will be featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City improvisational comedy and Howl at the Moon, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation.
In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon at Sea offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.
The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas. In addition, Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 20 dining choices and 20 bars and lounges.
About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 43-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.
Today, Norwegian has the youngest fleet in the industry with 10 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.
Norwegian is presently building Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, for delivery in summer 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic.
CARNIVAL DESTINY TO UNDERGO DRY DOCK
NEXT MONTH TO FIX PROPULSION PROBLEM
MIAMI (January 26, 2010) - Carnival Destiny will undergo a seven-day dry dock next month to resolve a propulsion problem. The issue is only affecting the vessel’s sailing speed and all other systems are operating normally. The dry dock will take place Feb. 13-20.
Carnival is cancelling two cruises that were scheduled to take place during the dry dock period – the five-day departure of Feb. 13 and the four-day departure of Feb. 18 (the Feb. 18 cruise will now operate as a modified two-day cruise to Nassau Feb. 20-22). Effective with the February 22, 2010 departure, the Carnival Destiny will be operating its regularly scheduled itineraries.
Guests scheduled to sail on the Feb. 13 or 18 voyages will have the option of receiving a future cruise credit or full refund of their cruise fare. A $100 shipboard credit will be provided to those guests who were scheduled on the Feb. 13 voyage while those on the Feb. 18 departure will receive a $75 shipboard credit. The shipboard credit can be used on a future cruise departing prior to Dec. 15, 2011. For guests with independent air transportation, Carnival will reimburse up to $200 per person in the form of a shipboard credit for airline change fees when rebooking a future cruise. Travel agent commissions will be protected.
Additionally, three other cruises taking place prior to the dry dock will now operate modified itineraries. The five-day cruise departing Jan. 30 will now visit Cozumel and Costa Maya instead of Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman. The four-day cruise departing Feb. 4 will visit Cozumel and cancel the scheduled call in Key West; and the five-day cruise departing Feb. 8 will now replace the scheduled call in Grand Turk with a stop at Freeport, along with visits to Nassau and Half Moon Cay. Although the itineraries for these voyages were modified because of the propulsion problem, all of the Carnival Destiny’s normal dining, activity and entertainment options will be available.
Guests booked prior to Jan. 25 who sail on these three modified voyages will receive a $50 per person shipboard credit. If guests elect to cancel, they will have the option to receive a full refund or a future cruise credit equal to the amount of their cruise fare. Travel agent commission will be protected for cancellations on these cruises.
“We sincerely apologize for the impact of these changes on our guests' vacations plans and wish to thank them for their understanding,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.
Cunard to Launch Special Relationship Enrichment Programme
New speaker series aboard Queen Mary 2 to focus on close political and cultural ties between the United States and the United Kingdom
2 February 2010 – In keeping with its longstanding tradition of offering guests award-winning enrichment programmes, Cunard Line announces the Special Relationship speaker series. Guests sailing on select 2010 Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings will have the unique opportunity to attend lectures by ambassadors, statesmen, politicians, journalists, academics and broadcasters with a shared interest between the United States and United Kingdom, an association first referenced as a “special relationship” by Winston Churchill in 1946. The programme was developed in direct response to guests noting their interest in hearing about politics and contemporary issues while onboard.
“When Cunard began its Transatlantic liner service 170 years ago, it began a tradition of bridging the United Kingdom and the United States. With this programme, we will bring to life and explore the historical connection between these two countries with our guests, who have expressed great interest in the subject,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “Additionally, the Special Relationship series further underscores Cunard’s commitment to bringing its guests not only legendary voyages aboard the most famous ocean liners in the world, but also engaging and intellectual pursuits during their journey.”
Joining the 15 April Crossing will be Iwan Morgan, professor of U.S. Studies and head of U.S. Programmes at the Institute for the Study of the Americas at the University of London. The political scientist also has been published widely in various fields of modern U.S. political history and economy. His latest book, The Age of Deficits Presidents and Unbalanced Budgets from Jimmy Carter to George W. Bush, was published at the end of 2009.
Kenneth T. Walsh, chief White House correspondent for U.S. News & World Report, is scheduled to sail on the 1 June Transatlantic Crossing. He has covered the residencies of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and, currently, Barack Obama. Walsh is the author of four books focused on presidential topics and has won the two most prestigious awards for White House coverage – the Aldo Beckman Award in 1991 and the Gerald R. Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency in 1992 and 1998.
Sailing aboard the 22 April and 25 June Crossings is Jeffrey Weinberg, who has served each of the last seven U.S. presidents as a legislative attorney at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Executive Office of the President. While onboard, Weinberg will be leading discussions on the following topics: insights into the Obama Administration, strengths and weaknesses of the governments of the U.S. and the U.K., and "tools" that are available to the President to enhance his effectiveness.
Additional programme participants will be announced in the coming months. Other scheduled voyages featuring Special Relationship speakers include:
• 12 September
• 1 October
• 10 November
The Special Relationship series is part of Cunard Insights, the enrichment programme that introduces guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the Line's heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A's, social gatherings and workshops, guests connect with personalities who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, arts and literature. The Insights programme underscores Cunard’s longstanding view that onboard entertainment should afford guests a provocative and rewarding cerebral experience.
In 2010, Cunard offers guests more choices of Transatlantic Crossings, sailing classic six- and seven-day voyages between New York and Southampton, as well as new extended seven-, eight- and nine-day Crossings to Cherbourg, France, and Hamburg, Germany, between April and November. Widely considered the definitive ocean travel experience, a Transatlantic Crossing offers guests a myriad of opportunities for intellectual interaction, leisurely pursuits, health and wellness activities and gourmet dining. Unique Cunard amenities found aboard Queen Mary 2 include the famed Princess and Queens Grill accommodation, the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea and the first Todd English restaurant at sea.
Mayor Gavin Newsom Gives Cunard’s Queen Victoria a Golden Gate Welcome during Maiden Call to San Francisco
27 January 2010 – Wrapping up her Expedition of the Americas segment, a part of her current world voyage, Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria made her inaugural visit to San Francisco today. Welcoming her to this historic maritime port was the honourable Mayor Gavin Newsom, along with travel agents, media and local dignitaries – including the British Consul-General of San Francisco, Julian Evans. In addition, by official order of proclamation, Mayor Newsom declared today as “Cunard Queen Victoria Day” in San Francisco.
"The City is proud to welcome Queen Victoria to San Francisco’s waterfront as we so warmly welcomed her sister ship, Queen Mary 2, in 2007. Her arrival creates work for our longshoremen and women and business for our hotels, restaurants and shops," said Mayor Newsom. "As part of our commitment to create jobs and economic vitality, the City is working diligently to renovate San Francisco's Pier 27 into an international cruise terminal. We invite Cunard and all the lines to return often to this world-renowned cruise destination,” added Mayor Newsom.
“We are once again delighted by the warm welcome we received today, and it is with great pride that we now add San Francisco to the list of more than 150 different ports visited since Queen Victoria began service two years ago,” said Captain Paul Wright, Master, Queen Victoria. “Our maiden call today marks Queen Victoria’s third maiden call on this world voyage and our only U.S. maiden call of the eight in total on this around-the-world-journey,” he added.
Also welcoming Queen Victoria to the City by the Bay was the CEO and President of the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau, Joe D’Alessandro; President of the San Francisco Port Commission, Rodney Fong; and the President and CEO of Nautilus International Holding Corporate (parent company of Metro Cruise Services), James Callahan.
Queen Victoria continues her third World Voyage upon departing San Francisco this evening at approximately 6:00pm, crossing the Pacific en route to her next port of call: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii.
Queen Victoria will spend more time on the west coast in winter 2011, sailing her Americas voyages, when she will make two transits through the Panama Canal, two roundtrip voyages from Los Angeles to Hawaii, and her first short Getaway voyage to Mexico.
