Travelore Cruise News: Ruby Princess Departs On Inaugural Voyage From Galveston, Marking Princess' First Cruise From Texas In Six Years

Ruby Princess departed Galveston this afternoon on a 11-day sailing to Mexico and the Caribbean, marking Princess Cruises' first cruise from Texas in six years.

This departure is the first of 16 sailings from Galveston on Ruby Princess' winter schedule which includes five- to 11-day voyages along with two 16-day, ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal transits between Galveston and San Francisco. It is estimated that Ruby Princess will carry upwards of 50,000 passengers from Galveston during its winter/spring 2022-23 schedule, with many guests opting for a pre- or post-cruise land stay to explore the historic seaside city.

mark the Princess' return to Galveston, Princess President John Padgett hosted a traditional maritime plaque exchange with Galveston Port Director Rodger Rees prior to departure.

"Galveston is an important port for Princess Cruises, and provides an exciting and easy-to-reach option for millions of people living in the southwestern U.S. to enjoy the ultimate in classic cruise vacations marked by our Princess MedallionClass service," said Padgett. "We appreciate the support of the Port of Galveston and the greater Galveston community for helping make this day possible."

Rees added, "Cruising from Galveston has never been better. Adding the first-class Ruby Princess to our sailing schedule, with its enticing itineraries, offers our cruise customers yet another spectacular sailing experience. These itineraries are a nice addition to our current ports of call. As the fourth most popular homeport in the U.S., we're excited to welcome this beautiful ship to Galveston."

The 113,561-ton Ruby Princess offers guests a wide range of onboard amenities including nearly 900 balcony cabins, as well as a luxurious spa, a delicious array of dining options, dazzling entertainment, four pools and acres of teak-planked decks for sunning and relaxing.

The 3,080-passenger ship has 19 passenger decks and guests are served by 1,100 crew members.

For more details, please contact your travel advisor and/or visit: https://www.princess.com/

2 Royal Caribbean Lines To Resume Caribbean Cruises In June

MIAMI (AP) — Two Royal Caribbean cruises will resume in June, ending a yearlong hiatus, but passengers 18 and older must test negative for COVID-19 before getting on a ship.

The company’s Celebrity Cruises subsidiary said Friday that its Celebrity Millennium ship will relaunch on June 5 from St. Maarten. One itinerary will stop in Aruba, Curacao and Barbados, and another will stop in Tortola, St. Lucia and Barbados.

Celebrity Cruises CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said returning to the Caribbean “marks the measured beginning of the end of what has been a uniquely challenging time for everyone.”

Royal Caribbean Group’s namesake line will start a week later with a voyage leaving from Nassau, the Bahamas on the Adventure of the Seas.

In both cases, passengers 18 and older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of boarding the ship.

With the Caribbean such a popular destination, “It’s not entirely surprising to see both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean finding a way to return to the region,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor or Cruise Critic, a website that reviews cruises. “But it is massive news for the cruise industry, and for the Caribbean itself.”

In the Dutch Caribbean country of St. Maarten, tourism accounts for nearly 80% of all jobs, and nearly 80% of tourists arrive on cruise ships.

Shares of Miami-based Royal Caribbean rose more than 2% Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has held up cruise ship operations in U.S. waters since March 2020, although it has laid out guidelines for cruises to resume with conditional sailing certificates.

The Caribbean is a popular destination for American customers. So is Alaska, but the Canadian government has banned cruise ships carrying more than 100 passengers through February 2022, which will stop many ships from visiting Alaska this summer. The ships accounted for most of Alaska’s 1.3 million visitors in 2019, before the pandemic.

Star Trek: The Cruise Moves From 2021 To 2022

STAR TREK: THE CRUISE V

ANNOUNCES NEW DATES

The Un-Conventional Voyage

Moves To February 26 – March 5, 2022

With George Takei and Walter Koenig,

Stars of Star Trek: The Original Series

And

Dozens of Actors & Treksperts

From Every Single Star Trek Television Show

Spanning Over 50 Years

Port Canaveral, Fla --- Star Trek: The Cruise announces it will move its 5^th annual cruise to February 26-March 5, 2022, with open booking beginning on July 28 via www.startrekthecruise.com or by calling 844-335-6515. The 2022 cruise will sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s luxurious Mariner of the Seas, a recently renovated ship that will be transformed into a Star Trek Universe at sea. All of the actors previously scheduled for the 2021 cruise will be onboard, including George Takei (“Sulu”) and Walter Koenig (“Chekov”) of The Original Series, along with a crew of stars who have appeared in every iteration of the Star Trek TV franchise spanning more than 50 years. The ultimate immersive experience for Star Trek fans will depart from Port Canaveral, FL (offering more recreational facilities than all other ports in Florida combined) for Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Maarten.  Special Star Trek-themed shows, events, activities and parties will take place every day and night, along with extraordinary performances by the iconic stars and opportunities to interact with them like nowhere else in the universe.

Joining Takei and Koenig will be:

• Jonathan Frakes
• Marina Sirtis
• Gates McFadden
• Denise Crosby
• John de Lancie
• Terry Farrell
• Alexander Siddig
• Nana Visitor
• Max Grodénchik
• Robert Picardo
• Ethan Phillips
• Garrett Wang
• John Billingsley
• Connor Trinneer
• Anthony Montgomery
• Anthony Rapp

And more to be added

“We are committed to helping our entire universe remain safe and have been working closely with the cruise industry to make sure the health of our guests, actors and staff come before everything else,” says Greg Laubach, Executive Director, Business Development at Entertainment Cruise Productions.  “We’re especially grateful to all of the Star Trek actors who were originally planning on joining the 2021 sailing and will all be onboard in 2022.  We can’t wait to see all of you again.”

Under license by ViacomCBS Consumer Products, Star Trek: The Cruise’s weeklong Caribbean voyage offers more ways to engage with favorite Star Trek celebrities than any other event in the universe, including the following immersive Star Trek experiences:

• One-of-a-kind nightly shows presented by Star Trek actors
• Star-studded panel discussions
• Star Trek movies and episodes at the pool deck theater
• Costume parties and cosplay competitions
• More than a dozen bars, restaurants, clubs and lounges will get a Federation Refit to create the ultimate Star Trek amusement park at sea

Mariner of the Seas’ $120 million revitalization will also have guests soaring on the new Sky Pad virtual-reality bungee trampoline, riding the waves of the FlowRider surf simulator, reveling in the action at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, as well as  offers new dining options and upgraded accommodations.

Cabin prices start at $1,600 per person, which includes admission to all performances, interviews, parties and meals. Visit www.StarTrekTheCruise.com, call (844-335-6515) or follow hashtag

#StarTrekCruise, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more information in the coming months.

Thomas Dolby To Join 2019 Star Trek™: The Cruise III, Along With Other Fan-Favorite Stars #StarTrekTheCruise

Weeklong Immersive Star Trek Experience Also Brings Aboard

Wil Wheaton, Jason Isaacs,

Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden,

John de Lancie, Nana Visitor, Robert Picardo, Rene Auberjonois, Connor Trinneer,

Denise Crosby, Ethan Phillips, Chase Masterson, Casey Biggs,

Mary Chieffo and Wilson Cruz

 Thomas Dolby, a pioneer in music and technology integration, has just been added to the 2019 Star Trek: The Cruise III as musical guest and innovation speaker. He joins a crew of fan-favorite stars from both the film and television series, including Wil Wheaton, Jason Isaacs, Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, John de Lancie, Nana Visitor, Robert Picardo, Rene Auberjonois, Connor Trinneer, Denise Crosby, Ethan Phillips, Chase Masterson, Casey Biggs, Mary Chieffo and Wilson Cruz.  The voyage marks the third annual journey for the only officially licensed Star Trek cruise in the universe, which immerses fans in the ultimate Star Trek experience.  Star Trek: The Cruise III will depart from Miami, FL on January 4, 2019, with stops on Great Stirrup Cay, Grand Cayman and Jamaica before returning on January 10, 2019.

“Star Trek is the perfect fusion of technology, science and culture,” says Dolby.  “What the franchise has done for science and curiosity is immeasurable and I’m genuinely excited to be a part of this voyage that celebrates all things Star Trek.”

Called a “music-tech icon” by Forbes magazine, Dolby has merged technology with music for over 35 years, epitomized in his hit song, “She Blinded Me with Science.”  He went on to revolutionize ringtone   technology and was Musical Director of the annual TED Conference for a decade. In 2016, Dolby published his biography, Speed of Sound: Breaking the Barriers Between Music and Technology.  He is currently a professor at Johns Hopkins University, where he is launching their first Music for New Media program this fall. 

Star Trek: The Cruise III brings fans together with their favorite actors to personally interact during innovative, original events and impromptu encounters.  Produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC, under license by CBS Consumer Products, the voyage will include dramatic performances, comedy shows and concerts by Star Trek actors.  The ship will be transformed into quintessential Star Trek locations, with back-to-back events and activities for guests that are inspired by key moments in Star Trek history. Additional crew members expected to join Star Trek: The Cruise III will be announced in the coming weeks.

To reserve a stateroom for Star Trek: The Cruise III, January 4 – 10, 2019, fans can go to the cruise website or call 844-335-6515.

The six-day voyage on the stunning Norwegian Jade will boldly go where no one has gone before, packed with special Star Trek-themed shows, events and programs including:

• A stellar crew of iconic Star Trek actors and personalities
• Incredible theme nights
• Interactive celebrity hosted events
• Actor led excursions at each port
• Vow renewals led by a Star Trek star
• Nightly shows performed by celebrity guests, including concerts and live game shows
• Autograph and photograph sessions with your favorite Star Trek crew members
• A Star Trek: The Cruise Museum exhibiting genuine pieces and classic memorabilia from the archive

Cabin prices start at $1,850 per person, and include all meals, events, parties as well as port charges, taxes and onboard gratuities.

Visit www.StarTrekTheCruise.com, follow hashtag #StarTrekTheCruise or view the video of the 2017 cruise for more information.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Announces New Ships And Private Islands

Royal Caribbean's CocoCay Private Island

The cruise line Royal Caribbean International this week announced a slate of improvements: more private island experiences, modernization of existing ships and five new ships.

The brand’s new Perfect Day Island Collection kicks off at its private CocoCay island in the Bahamas in 2019. New attractions there include overwater cabanas, zip line and water park. Other private destinations are planned for Asia, Australia and elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Symphony of the Seas debuts this month. Five more Royal Caribbean ships will launch between 2019 and 2024.

Also planned: a $900 million modernization of 10 existing ships over four years, adding experiential dining, nightlife and attractions like virtual reality.

Finally, three- and four-night trips from Miami will launch as quick getaways designed to appeal to younger cruisers.

Disney Cruise Line Introducing Even More Fun For All Ages With New Spaces and New Experiences Debuting On The Disney Magic In 2018

Exciting new spaces and new experiences designed for guests of all ages are coming to the Disney Magic in March 2018. From family dining in an enchanted kingdom, to a transformed teen club, to a sophisticated café exclusively for adults, the ship’s newest highlights include:

An Enchanting Dining Experience for Families

The Disney Magic embodies the Disney Cruise Line tradition of blending the elegant grace of early 20th century transatlantic ocean liners with contemporary design to create a stylish and spectacular cruise ship. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) (PRNewsfoto/Disney Cruise Line)

At Rapunzel’s Royal Table, families will delight in an all-new dining experience inspired by the beloved story of Disney’s “Tangled.” The first table service restaurant themed to “Tangled” that features characters and live entertainment will transport Disney Magic guests to the kingdom of Corona for an evening of music and interactive fun featuring Rapunzel and the mischievous Snuggly Duckling Thugs.

Guests will step inside a regal ballroom in the royal castle, lit by glowing wish lanterns and adorned with colorful drawings that reflect Rapunzel’s artistic talents. Here, the King and Queen of Corona invite everyone to take part in a festive celebration of Rapunzel’s birthday and the anniversary of her return to the kingdom.

Throughout dinner, guests of all ages will be treated to live entertainment, including spirited singing and dancing led by the maître d’, a merry band of musicians, the mischievous Snuggly Duckling Thugs and of course, Princess Rapunzel herself.

The family fun is complete with themed menus, special activities and a lively parade to cap off the evening in Corona. The charm and enchantment of “Tangled” in Rapunzel’s Royal Table is the perfect pairing to “Tangled: The Musical” – the spellbinding original production that delights guests during each Disney Magic sailing.

Redesigned Retreat Just for Teens

Vibe, the space on the ship reserved for teens ages 14-17, is being transformed into a trendy urban loft environment. At Vibe, teens can enjoy a new coffee and smoothie bar, play video and virtual reality games, and check out other cool activities like a DJ spin-off and movie making. Activities at Vibe are organized and hosted by trained Disney counselors who facilitate the fun and interaction among teen guests. 

Refined Escape Exclusively for Adults

Adults can relax at Cove Café, an adult-exclusive retreat that will be redesigned in a sophisticated tropical style. It’s the perfect place to sip a specialty coffee or tea throughout the day, or indulge in wine or a cocktail and light bites during the evening hours. 

In this serene setting by the Quiet Cove Pool, adult beverage tastings are also available at select times for an additional fee. Just steps away, the adjacent Signals Bar will also be transformed with a similar look.

Elsewhere around the Disney Magic, other enhancement highlights include the addition of Club Disney Junior in Disney’s Oceaneer Club for children and a redesigned Rainforest Room with steam and hydrotherapy in Senses Spa for adults.

The new enhancements debut on Disney Magic starting March 9, 2018, on sailings from Miami, Fla.The four- and five-night Disney Magic sailings from Miami visit Key West, Fla.; Nassau, Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Beginning on May 14, 2018, the Disney Magic repositions to Europe for the summer season.

These additions are part of an overall commitment by Disney Cruise Line to invest in their ships, helping to deliver incredible family vacation experiences for years to come. While making these enhancements to the Disney Magic, crews perform regularly scheduled and wide-ranging maintenance to keep the fleet in tip-top shape, further demonstrating the unwavering commitment by Disney Cruise Line to continually elevate the guest experience.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

SOURCE Disney Cruise Line

Travelore Cruise News: Royal Caribbean Starts Its Visits To Havana

Cuba Welcomes to Adventure Seekers Onboard Empress of the Seas
 



 
It was a historic day for Royal Caribbean International on April 24th when the cruise line made its inaugural visit to Cuba with the newly revitalized Empress of the Seas as part of a 5-night sailing from Miami. Adventure-seeking vacationers were among the cruise line’s first guests to explore the island country known for its legendary nightlife, iconic music and distinct culture. Guests participated in curated excursions throughout Havana, including rides in 1950s classic American cars to the city’s most famous locales, including the old quarter and the Havana Club Museum.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of Cuba’s future, ushering in Royal Caribbean’s next big adventure with Empress of the Seas’ first visit to Havana. Vacationers will now be able to experience a destination like no other, with authentic and immersive experiences that bring to life the vibrancy of Havana and its traditions,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

The vibrant Cuban culture extends beyond land to the experience onboard Empress of the Seas. From cortaditos and café con leche in Café Royal to salsa music and dancing in Boleros Latin lounge, guests will enjoy a range of onboard activities developed to bring the spirit of the island to life throughout the entire journey.

After returning to Miami, Florida, Empress of the Seas will reposition to Tampa, Fla. for the summer season – the cruise line’s first ever summer program from the destination – offering a series of four, five and six-night sailings, including day and overnight visits to Havana, along with stops in Key West, Fla. and Belize City, Belize, as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. Sailings from Tampa are available through Nov. 4, 2017 when Empress returns to Miami for the winter season, adding calls to CocoCay and Nassau in The Bahamas.               

Empress of the Seas spans 11 guest decks, encompasses 48,563 gross registered tons, carries 1,602 guests at double occupancy and features 795 staterooms.

Star Wars Day At Sea Returns To Disney Cruise Line In 2018

In 2018, the epic day at sea returns to Disney Cruise Line with 15 special Disney Fantasy sailings to the Caribbean from January through April. Star Wars Day at Sea transports guests to a galaxy far, far away to celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga with Jedi, Wookiees, droids, Stormtroopers and others during the special day-long celebration.

Star Wars Day at Sea summons the power of the Force, the magic of Disney and the excitement of cruising for an out-of-this-galaxy experience unlike any other.

“The Force is stronger than ever onboard the Disney Fantasy, and we are excited to bring back Star Wars Day at Sea in 2018,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “The popularity of the event over the past two years inspired us to continue immersing our guests in the Star Wars galaxy. Everyone, from the youngest Padawan to the most knowledgeable Jedi Master, is invited to enjoy this event of galactic proportions and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

The event features a full day of Star Wars celebrations including a deck party spectacular with an extraordinary fireworks display, encounters with the galaxy’s most formidable and heroic characters, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings and special merchandise.

Throughout the day, guests enjoy immersive entertainment and activities that are all a part of the galactic adventure…

Discover the Force

• Characters from across the Star Wars galaxy are onboard for interactions and photos.

• Guests are encouraged to bring costumes for a special gathering in the atrium lobby.

• Guests indulge in the Star Wars films and television series, including all the films in the Star Wars saga, Star Wars Rebels and the latest installment in the new standalone series “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”

• Specialty Star Wars-themed beverages, snacks, dinner menu items and desserts please the palates of everyone from Padawans to Rebel pilots to Tusken Raiders.

Learn the Ways of the Jedi

• In “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children learn the ways of the Jedi and use their new-found skills in a final face-off with Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister.

• Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities are offered throughout the day in all youth spaces for younglings to explore their powers.

• Kids and families test their knowledge during Star Wars trivia games.

“Summon the Force”

• The epic day at sea concludes with the “Summon the Force” deck celebration where guests unleash the Force during games, music and a galactic dance party.

• The grand finale features legendary Star Wars characters, pyrotechnics, stunts, special effects and a stunning fireworks display accompanied by John Williams’ iconic music.

Star Wars Day at Sea will be on 15 Disney Fantasy seven-night Caribbean cruises sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla.

Departing Jan. 6, 20; Feb. 3, 17; March 3, 17, 31; and April 14, 2018, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Departing Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 10, 24; March 10, 24; and April 7, 2018, the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.

Disney Cruise Line Unveils Ports And Itineraries For Early 2018

Disney Cruise Line announces lineup of 2018 itineraries

Disney Cruise Line introduces a popular Caribbean destination — Bonaire — into the lineup of favorite itineraries for early 2018.

Limited-time engagements in Puerto Rico and California, plus a variety of cruises from Florida, offer Disney Cruise Line guests the opportunity to visit exciting ports of call in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexican Riviera from January through May.

San Juan to Southern Caribbean, including Bonaire

Bonaire is a new port of call for Disney Cruise Line and part of a seven-night sailing that departs San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Jan. 28. Located just north of the South American coast, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire is favored for arid climate and sunny weather. Beautiful waters and a reef-lined coast lure water-sport enthusiasts for scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and kiteboarding.

From San Juan, the Disney Wonder sets sail on three seven-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean. Departing Jan. 14, 21 and 28, each voyage offers a unique itinerary with four destinations and two days at sea. This limited-time engagement includes a combination of calls on Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and St. Kitts.

San Diego

Disney Cruise Line will return to San Diego with seven Disney Wonder cruises to Baja and the Mexican Riviera, where guests can enjoy world-famous beaches and snorkeling. Five-night sailings visit Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico, while two- and three-night cruises call on Ensenada.

Friday departures for the two-night cruises offer the ultimate weekend getaway from San Diego.

Port Canaveral

With three Disney ships in port and cruise lengths spanning three, four and seven nights, vacationers looking for a Disney Cruise Line getaway in early 2018 have a full menu of options from Port Canaveral, Florida. Every sailing includes a day at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests.

The Disney Fantasy continues to sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages, while the Disney Dream embarks on three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay.  From Feb. 8 through April 8, the Disney Wonder will alternate similar three-, four- and seven-night itineraries.

Miami

To kick off 2018, the Disney Magic continues sailing from Miami with four- and five-night voyages to the Bahamas, plus five-night Western Caribbean cruises.

Castaway Cay awaits guests aboard every one of these Disney Magic sailings. Other Bahamian ports of call include Nassau and Key West, while a stop in Grand Cayman or Cozumel headlines the Western Caribbean itineraries.

Lincoln Center Stage, New Onboard Classical Music Venue, Debuts On Holland America Line’s MS Eurodam

 

Chamber music ensemble to perform daily during week-long Caribbean cruise

Lincoln Center Stage, a new onboard classical music venue created in an exclusive partnership between Holland America Line with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, made its debut on Sunday, January 24 when the ms Eurodam left Fort Lauderdale for a seven-day cruise of the Eastern Caribbean.  The new venue is an intimate recital space which takes its design cues from Lincoln Center’s venues.  A Steinway & Sons piano sits on the wood paneled stage.   The pattern of the room’s windows evokes those of some of Lincoln Center’s iconic buildings.

Lincoln Center Stage will showcase a chamber music ensemble, comprised of five musicians who are recent graduates of renowned music schools and conservancies, performing multiple programs nightly.  On those occasions when guests are enjoying a leisurely day at sea, the ensemble also will play afternoon recitals. The wide-ranging programs feature works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, and Brahms as well as by American, Eastern European, French, and Latin American composers, and arrangements of songs by such groups as The Beatles and Radiohead.

This April, a new Lincoln Center Stage will launch on two other Holland America ships. Holland America Line’s new Pinnacle Class ship, ms Koningsdam, sails on its inaugural voyage on April 8, 2016.  The venue will also be featured on ms Oosterdam when she sails in April.   Additional Lincoln Center Stage openings on more Holland America ships will be announced at a later date.