Unique Itinerary of the Week - 9/19

So you've done the Caribbean.  And the Mexican Riviera.  You could go back to the Med, but you've been warned they'll make you an official tour guide if you set foot on Santorini again.  What's a sun-worshipper to do?  Royal Caribbean might have the answer.

Departing on various dates in January and February of 2010 and 2011, Brilliance of the Seas whisks cruisers to a part of the world still relatively unknown to most North Americans: the United Arab Emirates.

Illustration courtesy Royal Caribbean 

Departing from, and overnighting in Dubai, Brilliance of the Seas calls at the ports of Muscat, Oman; Fujairah;  Abu Dhabi; and Mina Sulman, Bahrain before overnighting once more in Dubai.  This 7-day cruise is also very reasonably priced.

So what is the United Arab Emirates, exactly?  Well, the UAE is made up of seven emirates situated on the Persian Gulf and bordered by Oman and Saudi Arabia.  It is one of the richest countries in the world by GDP, and is quickly becoming one of the worlds hottest tourist destinations, particularly in the case of Dubai.  Indeed, Dubai boasts an incredible transportation infrastructure that would make most North American cities blush.  In addition to the sprawling Dubai International Airport (DXB), major investments have been made in hotels, metro lines, and ports.  It is a destination like no other.

So if another winter cruise to the Caribbean docked in Cozumel with eighteen other ships doesn't sound like a party to you, hop on over to Royal Caribbean's site and check out their Dubai cruises.  You won't be sorry you did.

For flights, interested cruisers shouldn't hesitate to have a look at Emirates website.  The UAE's main airline, Emirates is consistently ranked as one of the top airlines in the world, and also one that flies the mammoth Airbus A380.

Weekend News Update

Bart de Boer has updated his fantastic ShipParade website with a brand-new photo tour of the equally brand-new MSC Splendida.  Be sure to check it out to discover why MSC is quickly becoming a major player in both Europe and in North America.

An Epic Crossing

Photo-illustration Courtesy NCL

NCL officially began accepting bookings yesterday for Norwegian Epic's first revenue cruise: a 7-day voyage from Southampton to New York, departing June 24, 2010.  In addition, NCL also announced a new seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise set to depart Miami on July 10, 2010 - one week earlier than originally scheduled.

The 4,200 passenger ship - the largest newbuild for NCL to date - represents the latest iteration of the company's wildly successful Freestyle Cruising program.  The ship will offer passengers more of everything: up to 20 dining venues and 20 bars, a 33-foot high rock climbing wall, performances by the Blue Man Group, and a 265-seat, "big top" style theatre. 

One of the most talked-about features on the Epic are the staterooms: the modern New Wave staterooms feature curved walls and accents, and the new "Studio" category inside staterooms feature their own private lounge called the Living Room. 

More details about the Norwegian Epic can be found on the Norwegian Epic site. 

A Peek Inside the Sea

 

Photo Courtesy Princess Cruises

 First they did it with the Golden Princess.  Then, they turned their attention to the Dawn Princess.  Now, Princess returns with a blog detailing the current drydock refurbishment of Sea Princess in San Francisco, California. 

Updated daily, the blog provides an inside look at the work that goes on during these refits - designed to retrofit all Princess ships with the Sanctuary and Movies Under the Stars, in addition to scheduled maintenance.

Their first blog, detailing the extensive refit of Golden Princess in Victoria, BC this past April was a surprise hit for Princess and proved so successful that they offered their guests and readers a look at the refit of Dawn Princess little more than a month later in Australia. 

We hope to see more of these fascinating blogs from Princess!

Just a Pretty Picture

Today's update is a reminder just why cruising is one of the most spectacular vacation choices you can take.

What land vacation lets you wake up and see this?

  

Photo Courtesy Princess Cruises

Taken as the Coral Princess cruised the College Fjord in Alaska.  In a few short weeks, the 2009 Alaska cruise season will come to a close. 

Mariner Rewards 2.0

 

Photo Courtesy Holland America Line

Holland America Line announced today a revamp of its Mariner Society Rewards Program for past guests.

Starting September 18th for guests sailing on the MS Zaandam, and finishing with the MS Prinsendam on October 18th, the new Mariner Society Rewards Program is still based on number of days sailed, but with new 'tiers' similar to those found in programs offered by Cunard and Princess.

For all tiers, one cruise credit is given for each day sailed, and passengers staying in suites will receive double credits (ie - 14 credits for a weeklong voyage).  In addition, for every $300 passengers spend on their onboard account, they will receive one additional credit. 

Past passengers will receive appropriate credits for days sailed, but will only earn credits for suites and onboard spending for voyages departing on or after September 18, 2009.

The tiers are:

Star Mariner - First Cruise to 29 days.

2-Star Mariner - 30 days to 74 days.

3-Star Mariner - 75 days to 199 days.

4-Star Mariner - 200 days and over.

While the requirements for 4-Star Mariner status may seem unattainable to most cruisers, this is Holland America - the line has an enormous following of loyal passengers who have been with the line for years - many of whom are already at least 3-Star Mariners under the new program. 

For additional details about the specific perks of each tier, plus a full fleet rollout schedule, visit Holland America's Mariner Society Page.  For past HAL guests, have a look at the FAQ section to see what tier you are covered under in this new program, and for any additional queries. 

Canada & New England...In April?

Have you wanted to see the beauty of Canada & New England, but couldn't get time off during September and October when most cruises operate?  Costa might have just what you're looking for.

Beginning in April and continuing through May 2010, Costa will operate a series of Canada/New England cruises onboard Costa Atlantica to bookend that ships Caribbean season. 

• On April 10, 2010, Costa Atlantica will sail a 14 night voyage from Ft. Lauderdale to Quebec City, calling at Port Canaveral, Charleston, Baltimore, Norfolk, overnight in New York, Boston, Sydney NS, Charlottetown PEI, and overnighting in Quebec City.

• On April 24, 2010, the ship operates an 11-night voyage between Quebec City and New York, calling at Saguenay, Charlottetown, Sydney NS, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, and overnight in New York.

• Finally, on May 5, 2010, Costa Atlantica sails from New York to Copenhagen for 17 nights.  On this voyage, the ship overnights in New York for three days, followed by calls at Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney NS, Le Havre, Dover, and Bremerhaven.

Details about all three voyages can be found on Costa's Website.