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Queen Mary 2 in round-Australia first - 10 Mar 2010
Cunard's Queen Mary 2 will be based in Australia in 2012 for a historic circumnavigation which will see the ship visit five states and the Northern Territory.

Queen Mary 2's "Royal Circumnavigation of Australia" is a first for Cunard Line.

The largest ship ever to visit Australia, Queen Mary 2 will call at eight Australian ports during its time Down Under including Sydney, Fremantle, Adelaide and the Whitsundays as well as maiden visits to Cairns (Yorkey's Knob), Darwin, Melbourne and Brisbane.

The circumnavigation will also include a call at Bali.

There will be three circumnavigation options: a 22-night voyage departing Sydney on February 14, 2012, a 20-night voyage departing Fremantle on February 8, 2012 and a 21-night voyage departing Adelaide on February 11, 2012.

In all, Queen Mary 2 will spend 28 nights in Australian waters, as it sails from Cape Town to Sydney via Fremantle and Adelaide, and then circumnavigates the country.

The Australian deployment will be the longest Queen Mary 2 has been based in one country outside of its northern hemisphere homeports of Southampton and New York.

Ann Sherry, chief executive of Carnival Australia which represents Cunard Line in Australia, said the decision was a sign of confidence in the Australian cruise market.

"This one decision will generate at least $10 million for the Australian economy as the local cruise industry remains on track to contribute more than $3 billion and carry one million Australians annually by 2020," she said.

The Royal Circumnavigation will not go on sale until the middle of this year to allow the final itinerary details to be finalised with the various port authorities around the country.

MSC signs up for 12th ship - 2 Mar 2010
MSC Cruises has confirmed plans to take delivery of a 12th ship just a day after showcasing newly delivered MSC Magnifica to the trade in Southampton.

The Italian company has signed a letter of intent for the delivery of new Fantasia class ship MSC Favolosa which will enter service in June 2012.

The new 3,274-passenger vessel will feature an expanded and redesigned MSC Yacht Club "ship within a ship" concept, as well as the aft lounge, the adults-only area surrounding the aft infinity pool, casino and disco.

There will be two additional lifts to improve passenger flow and a total redesign of decks and restaurants to offer a higher space ratio per passenger.

MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago said: "We are immensely proud to announce the signature of a letter of intent for the building of a new ship, MSC Favolosa.

"At a time when many companies are cautious about investing, with this announcement MSC Cruises once again signals the record-breaking extent of its ambition.

"The new ship will bring our capacity to 1,400,000 passengers in 2013, confirming both the success of our strategy and our confidence in further growth.

"This letter of intent is also a demonstration of our faith in the STX Europe shipyard, which we are delighted to be able to support in these challenging times. We would like to thank all parties involved in making this initiative possible.

"Jacques Hardelay, general manager of STX Europe, said: "This letter of intent demonstrates the excellent and exceptional collaboration between teams of STX at Saint-Nazaire and those of MSC Cruises.

"We look forward to implementing our expertise to again fulfill the promise of exceptional quality, deliverability, and design for MSC Cruises".

Measuring 333.3m in length and 38m in beam, MSC Favolosa will have 1,751 cabins and be able to travel at speeds of up 23.7 knots.

Celebrity Eclipse to make first public appearance - 2 Mar 2010
To witness the next solar eclipse, you have to wait until July 11, 2010. But if you're in the area of Papenburg, Germany, you can see Celebrity Eclipse right now.

The third in Celebrity Cruises' stylish, $3.7-billion Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Eclipse showed off her sleek profile on Sunday as she emerged for the first time from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

Celebrity Eclipse will enter service April 26 and, following two "short break" cruises, will offer a series of Canary Islands, Scandinavia/Russia and Spanish Mediterranean sailings roundtrip from Southampton, England. The new vessel will present Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami beginning in November.

Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programs, and world-class cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising, Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, Europe, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity's mega-series of honours include being named the top mega-ship line in Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards (November 2009).

Celebrity's fleet currently consists of nine ships. Its $3.7-billion investment in building five stylish Solstice Class ships between 2008-2012 represents the largest five-year investment in premium cruising.

Click here to see all available Celebrity Eclipse cruises

Fish and chips part of new ship restaurant menu - 25 Feb 2010
Sushi lollipops will mix with Boddington's beer-battered fish and chips in a new speciality restaurant on board new ship Celebrity Eclipse.

The Celebrity Cruises vessel, the first new build by the company to operate out of Southampton from April, will have a new dining venue on board.

A cover charge of $30 per person will apply to eat at Qsine, which will not carry any age restrictions. The dress code will be "smart casual".

Osine claims to provide an "unexpected, modern approach to familiar dishes from around the world" and is the brainchild of the line's culinary operations vice president, Chef Jacques Van Staden.

Items on the menu include sushi lollipops, a meatball trilogy using Kobe beef, Chinese selections served in martini glasses), tiger shrimp and bay scallops and Boddington's beer-battered cod and chips served with malt vinegar or aioli.

Celebrity has designed a means for guests to capitalise on technology to review and order wines via the latest touch-screen devices.

Drinks will cover 100 varieties of primarily organic wines, to an array of cocktails.

"Qsine is designed to surprise our guests with uniquely unordinary dishes, innovative presentations and engaging experiences," said Van Staden.

"It's designed to allow them to share with each other, sample several different selections, and simply experience both new and favourite foods in an entirely fun and unexpected way."

The 2,852-passenger ship is to be launched in Southampton on April 24 and will run a summer season of cruises from the port.

Trio of NCL ships in Europe for 2011 - 10 Feb 2010
Giant 5,400-passenger Norwegian Epic will sail from Barcelona in summer 2011 as one of three ships deployed in Europe by Norwegian Cruise Line.

The vessel – being launched this summer - will sail on a seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona.

The fly-cruise includes calls at Florence/Pisa from Livorno, Rome from Civitavecchia, Pompeii from Naples and Palma in Majorca.

Norwegian Sun will sail nine-night Baltic Capitals fly-cruises from Copenhagen, while Norwegian Jade will run seven-night Venice and Greek Isles sailings and and Adriatic option.

The Baltic Capitals itinerary on Norwegian Sun from Copenhagen covers Berlin from Warnemünde, Tallinn, overnight in St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm.

The seven-night Venice and the Greek Isles cruise on board Norwegian Jade from Venice includes calls at Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos and Olympia from Katakolon.

A seven-night Adriatic,Greece and Turkey itinerary from Dubrovnik covers Athens, Ephesus from Izmir in Turkey and Split in Croatia.

Both itineraries can be combined for a 14-night cruise with no port repetition, sailing to Greece, Italy, Croatia and Turkey.

A new seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary on Norwegian Spirit flying from the UK to New Orleans covers Costa Maya and Cozumel, Roatán Bay Islands in Honduras and Belize City.

Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star will sail seven-day Glacier Bay and Sawyer Glacier cruises respectively in Alaska, both from Seattle.

Norwegian Sky will continue running three-and four-day cruises to the Bahamas year-round from Miami through until April 20, 2012.

Norwegian Jewel will maintain year-round deployment in New York sailing seven-night Bahamas and Florida itineraries through to April 2012.

Continuing a commitment to Bermuda, the company is also deploying Norwegian Gem from New York for the first time and Norwegian Dawn from Boston.

Red Sea and round the world for Costa - 9 Feb 2010
Two Costa Cruises ships are to run Red Sea cruises next winter.

Costa Allegra and Costa Marina will be based in Sharm El Sheikh for winter 2010/11.

Costa Allegra will depart on Mondays and Costa Marina on Thursdays on seven-day sailings.

The itinerary includes three days in Sharm El Sheikh and calls at Adabiyah and Safaga in Egypt, Aqaba in Jordan and Eilat before returning to Sharm El Sheikh.

Newly launched Costa Deliziosa will depart on a 100-night world cruise from Savona in Italy on December 28, 2011.

The voyage can be broken down into three segments - from Savona to Los Angeles via the Caribbean and the Panama Canal; from Los Angeles to Singapore with stops in Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia; and from Singapore to Savona via Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, the Red Sea and Egypt.

Costa Cruises is also introducing new options in the Mediterranean, in both winter and summer. Valencia is added to the seven-night itinerary on Costa Magica, with the chance to visit Madrid thanks to a high speed train linking the two Spanish cities.

Costa Magica will also be offering seven-night winter cruises calling at Savona, Civitavecchia, Palermo, Tunis, Palma, Barcelona and Marseilles.

New 3,780-passenger flagship Costa Favolosa will debut in summer 2011, claiming to be a be a contemporary "fairy tale castle" at sea.

The first of two sister ships will feature six new veranda suites with their own whirlpool baths and a new entertainment area called Club Cavallo Bianco comprising of a 4D Cinema, PlayStation World, a bar, children's dance floor, games room and an aqua park water playground, complete with its own galleon.

Costa Favolosa is scheduled leave from Venice on its maiden cruise on July 7, 2011 – a ten-night voyage to Israel, Greece and Turkey, with stopovers at Bari, Corfu, Haifa, Izmir and Dubrovnik.

Costa Favolosa will operate seven-night cruises from Venice and Bari to Turkey, Greece and Croatia throughout the summer of 2011.

The second new vessel, Costa Fascinosa, will join the fleet in spring 2012.

Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa, Costa's top of the range ships, will be back in the Arabian Gulf next winter on seven-night cruises departing from Dubai and calling at Muscat (Oman) Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

In January 2011, Costa Luminosa will run a special 21-night cruise from Dubai to India and the Maldives.

Costa Romantica will sail from Mauritius on 14-night Indian Ocean cruises between December this year and April 2011 with calls in the Seychelles, Madagascar and Reunion.

Costa Classica and Costa Romantica will be back in the Far East again in 2011. Costa Classica will depart from Hong Kong and Singapore on 14- to 16-night cruises to Thailand, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan and Taiwan as well as mini-cruises with departures from China.

Costa Classica will offer a new 14-night itinerary, which can be broken down into two seven-night segments, sailing from Singapore to Thailand and Malaysia in March and April 2011.

From April 2011, Costa Romantica will offer mini-cruises and longer holidays from Singapore and Shanghai.

Four Costa ships deployed in Northern Europe in summer 2011: Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa, Costa Pacifica and Costa Atlantica.

Costa Deliziosa will sail from Amsterdam to the North Cape, Baltic cities and Greenland. Costa Luminosa will operate on seven-night cruises out of Copenhagen to the Norwegian fjords and Baltic cities.

Costa Pacifica will be deployed on Northern European cruises for the first time from Kiel running 11- to 17-night itineraries to the fjords, North Cape, Iceland, Spitsbergen and Baltic cities.

Costa Atlantica will be based in Copenhagen on seven-night voyages to the Norwegian fjords and Baltic cities.

There will be two Costa ships in the Caribbean in the 2010/11 winter season - Costa Mediterranea from Guadeloupe and Costa Atlantica from Miami.

Both will offer seven-night cruises calling at a different Caribbean island each day. Barbados has been permanently added to the itinerary.

Costa Atlantica in the spring and Costa Mediterranea in the autumn will be deployed on cruises along the Atlantic coast of the US and Canada.

Three ships will operate from South America in winter 2010/11 - Costa Serena, Costa Fortuna and Costa Victoria. These will offer departures from Santos, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires on cruises to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.

First ever Royal Caribbean ship to be based in Palma - 9 Feb 2010
With the continued rise in the popularity of cruising in the UK and Ireland, Royal Caribbean International has announced the first ship in their fleet to be based from Palma de Mallorca, Grandeur of the Seas. The decision is in direct response to the UK and Ireland's travel industry's demands for greater variety and destinations and as a result will be dedicated to those markets.

Jo Rzymowska, associate vice president and general manager, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland said:

"Our research has found that Royal Caribbean International is now the brand of choice for families choosing to cruise. Growing our itinerary options to offer popular family sunshine destinations as the embarkation point for a cruise will further increase our market share in this sector. The introduction of Grandeur of the Seas; home-porting in Palma de Mallorca and dedicated to the UK and Irish market; will offer guests 7 night or back-to-back 14 night cruise combinations with greater access to smaller ports along the French Riviera, Italian coastline and Balearic Islands which we know are particularly favourable to this market".

The first summer 2011 season of Royal Caribbean International's Grandeur of the Seas will go on sale in March 2010. Royal Caribbean International will be supporting the push with a trade and consumer marketing campaign, including dedicated point of sale materials for agents whilst continuing to raise the awareness of the brand through the ongoing 'Nation of Why Not' television and press campaign.

Summer cruises from Palma de Mallorca start in May 2011 and will include two 7-night itineraries to the Italian Mediterranean and the Spanish Mediterranean which can be taken consecutively extending a holiday into a 14-night cruise. In combining the two 7-night cruises, guests leave on a Sunday and take in the Balearic Islands, Italian Coastline where some of the most beautiful art and architecture can be found and the glamorous French Riviera. The cruises will be competitively priced and revealed in March.

Operating at maximum capacity, Grandeur of the Seas can carry up to 2,446 guests and maintains a number of popular Royal Caribbean International programmes including the award winning youth programme, Adventure Ocean, for children between 3 to 11 years old and teenagers from 12 to 17 years old. A variety of activities from movies for children and speciality dining for children to a number of outdoor and indoor activities, including Karaoke, dancing and science programmes. This together with Royal Caribbean International's signature features of a rock wall, mini-golf, themed bars and lounges, spa and fitness centre offers great variety to UK and Irish guests.

First Allure of the Seas sailing brought forward - 9 Feb 2010
Royal Caribbean International has brought forward the first cruise to be operated by new mega ship Allure of the Seas.

The first voyage on sale to the general public will be a seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary from Fort Lauderdale, sailing on December 5.

Passengers booked on the original inaugural sailing of December 12 will be given the opportunity to move their cruise to the earlier date.

They will be re-accommodated in the same cabin and category. The cruise price will be the lower of either the price paid or current prices, Royal Caribbean said.

Those booked on the December 12 sailing will have until the end of February to opt to change to the earlier departure to ensure they keep the same cabin.

Allure, the sister ship to the world's largest, Oasis of the Seas, will carry 5,400 passengers in 2,700 cabins.

The ship will alternate between seven-night Western Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean itineraries from its home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

Celebrity line-up unveiled for Azura maiden cruise - 9 Feb 2010
Opera singer Russell Watson is among celebrities lined up to perform on the maiden voyage of P&O Cruises' new ship Azura.

Also appearing on the 3,100-passenger ship will be musical theatre performers Gary Wilmot and Mike Alexander.

TV personality and cruise ship favourite Claire Sweeney will be also joining the cruise.

Further acts are still to be confirmed for the 16-night sailing which departs from Southampton on April 12, two days after its naming ceremony by ballet star Darcey Bussell.

P&O Cruises' managing director Carol Marlow said: "Azura will offer the classic service, quality and entertainment associated with cruising at its best.

"Those of us travelling on her maiden cruise will be treated to an array of excellent British entertainment to start Azura's inaugural season in style."

The 16-night maiden voyage calls at Malaga, Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Venice, Korcula and Gibraltar.

MSC to sail to Europe from Southampton in 2011 - 27 Jan 2010
MSC Cruises has recently announced Southampton Port as its new base for all 2011 Ex UK sailings, which will operate from May to September and sail passengers on MSC Opera to Northern and Western Europe.

Giulio Libutti, MSC Cruises' UK and Ireland Managing Director comments, "Ex UK cruising is becoming ever more desirable and popular and we are delighted to be working with Southampton Port in 2011.

"Southampton Port is well suited to our new planned itineraries cruising to the north of France, Spain and Portugal. The infrastructure and amenities at the port and in the city make Southampton a desirable and attractive port for us, with great transport links offered by road, rail and air, which will better service our passengers."

"The move also allows us to better penetrate Southampton's local markets, as well as the whole of the South West, which is saturated with established cruisers and an increasing number of first time cruisers."

Doug Morrison, ABP Port of Southampton Director said, "We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming MSC Cruises to the port in February to show case their new vessel MSC Magnifica. This, together with the exciting announcement of their decision to sail from Southampton in 2011, is wonderful news for the city and the surrounding area.

"In recent years we have invested over £41 million in our cruise terminals to ensure all passengers using the Port experience a high quality and efficient service. MSC passengers will benefit from our bespoke facilities, and we hope will enjoy the plethora of attractions in the region."

More intimate in size than some of her larger sister ships in the MSC Cruises' fleet, MSC Opera boasts a range of amenities and services onboard which will keep the whole family entertained throughout its cruise. MSC Opera can accommodate 2,000 passengers, has 856 cabins and weighs 60,000 tons. Facilities include 2 pools and 2 SPA baths, a theatre, discotheque, casino, library, beauty salon, gymnasium, restaurants and bars, boutiques, a jogging track, shuffleboard, solarium and an MSC Aurea SPA.

Families are well catered for with children cruising for free with MSC Cruises (paying flights, transfers and port taxes where applicable) and there is plenty for kids - both big and small to do from children's clubs, a video games room, children's play areas and mini golf. There is even a children's menu for 'fussy' eaters.

Ex UK cruising makes for a hassle-free getaway; UK passengers can take as much luggage as they can carry and buy gifts while holidaying, without the worry of strict baggage allowances, often associated with flying.

MSC Opera will call at Southampton Port for a total of 13 cruises with a choice of 8 and 10 night itineraries. Passengers can follow the routes taken by Vikings, discover the unique atmosphere of Scandinavia's finest cities or sail through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean.

From the Baltic beauty of St Petersburg to the Fjords and glaciers of Norway, every destination is an invigorating treat.

Click here to search all available MSC Cruises

Premium line to deploy three ships from UK - 26 Jan 2010
Departures from London Tilbury are being introduced next year by Holland America Line.

The premium cruise line's 2011 Europe season includes 11 ex-UK sailings from Dover and Tilbury on board three ships.

The pocket-size 835-passenger Prinsendam will sail two 14-night round Britain cruises from Tilbury, departing July 11 and August 29 on different itineraries. The ship will make two maiden ports of call in Ilfracombe and Bristol.

Prinsendam will also offer 14 and 21-night sailings from Amsterdam and Tilbury including the cities of the Baltic, the Kiel Canal and the Arctic Circle.

The ex-UK programme starts with a 20 night "Mediterranean Medley" cruise on board the 1,260-passenger mid-size Ryndam; departing from Dover on May 1 visiting Rotterdam, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Cartagena, Palma, Barcelona, Sète, Nice, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Sardinia, Ibiza, Almeria, Cadiz and Portimao.

The Ryndam will then offer three seven-night itineraries from Dover. Two Norwegian Fjords cruises departing July 24 and August 7 will visit Bergen, Alesund, Flam and Stavanger; while a seven-night Baltic cruise departing July 31 will visit Helsingborg, Copenhagen (overnight), Skagen in Denmark and Oslo.

The 2,104-passenger ms Eurodam will run five 12-night sailings from Dover. Four "Baltic Adventure" cruises, departing May 22, June 15 and 27 and August 12 will visit Copenhagen, Warnemünde (for Berlin), Tallinn, St Petersburg (overnight), Helsinki and Stockholm. A 12-night "Fjords and Highlands" cruise departs Dover on June 3, calling Copenhagen, Oslo (overnight), Kristiansand, Bergen, Invergordon, South Queensferry (for Edinburgh) and Newcastle on Tyne.

Managing director UK & Ireland Lynn Narraway said: "We are delighted to have ms Eurodam, ms Ryndam and ms Prinsendam sailing ex-UK between May and August 2011 on a choice of seven-20 night itineraries.

"Following on from our three full round trip Dover cruises operating onboard the Eurodam this summer, this announcement demonstrates Holland America Line's increasing and long term commitment to the UK market.

"The seven night cruises are ideal for guests who may be new to Holland America Line, and can be combined to form Collectors' Voyages, which range from 14 to 45 days and are perfect for true explorers who seek an in-depth experience at an exceptional value.

"The Europe 2011 product is on sale from today, January 25, offering early booking opportunities for guests looking ahead to summer 2011."

Narraway added: "The 2011 Europe season really has something for everyone. Featuring 15 maiden calls and offering overnight visits at 16 diverse ports, it marks the debut of several new European itineraries including two commemorative nine-day historical transatlantic crossings aboard flagship ms Rotterdam in July, one featuring a call into Southampton".

Seven ships, including the two latest "Signature class" vessels - Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam; plus the Noordam, Rotterdam, Prinsendam, Maasdam and Ryndam — will be based in Europe next summer. The first voyage departs on April 3, 2011 on Nieuw Amsterdam and the final transatlantic sailing departs on November 7 on Prinsendam.

HAL executive vice-president marketing, sales and guest programmes Rick Meadows said: "In 2011, we are catering to a broader range of interests as the appeal of cruising Europe continues to grow.

"By expanding our cruise opportunities — both in new ports and varied itineraries - we expect to entice both first-time and seasoned cruisers."

HAL In the Mediterranean will offer itineraries from April until November, with departures from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Venice and Piraeus (Athens).

More unusual itineraries include the Black Sea ports of Sochi and Novorossiysk (Russia), and Sevastopol and Odessa (Ukraine); while 14-night Holy Land itineraries include Ashdod & Haifa (Israel), Port Said and Alexandria (Egypt).

Additionally, the line will offer a 35-night "Voyage to the Midnight Sun" onboard Maasdam in July, with 17-night sectors available Boston to Dover or Dover to Boston; each include ports in Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland.

An early booking bonus of a choice of dinner for two in the Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind, or a welcome bottle of champagne on embarkation day applies for reservations made before June 1.

Norwegian Epic to target singles with studio cabins - 14 Jan 2010
At a promotion event today aboard Norwegian Gem in New York City, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that its soon to be launched Norwegian Epic will feature an unprecedented number of cabins designated for single passengers.

All 128 of its studio cabins will be priced for single occupancy with no supplement whatsoever.

These are small cabins, measuring just 100 square feet with a full-size bed and separate areas for the bathroom, sink and shower. NCL have decided to market them to single passengers, even though they can sleep two. The idea at the time was to provide chic accommodations for about the same price as a standard inside stateroom.

Now the focus has been shifted to serving solos after all, though the overall concept hasn't really changed. Studio passengers still get an exclusive, shared social space called the Studios Lounge, featuring a bar, two large TV screens, a concierge for booking dinner reservations and shore excursions, and comfy seating for hanging out, ordering room service or sipping pre-dinner drinks. The studios are all insides, with windows facing a corridor; 90 of the studios offer inter-connecting cabins for friends travelling together (minimum age 21 years old).

Single travellers have long struggled to cruise affordably, as most lines have moved away from offering solo cabins and charge a surcharge of up to twice the double occupancy rate on single cruisers occupying a two passenger cabin.

Maria Miller, Senior Vice President of Marketing for NCL, told the assembled group of press and travel agents, "Finally, someone is paying attention to single travellers. For single passengers, cruising is great because you can travel alone without being alone."

The specially designed and priced studios go on sale January 18, 2010.

Celebrity's Millennium-class ships to receive Solstice upgrades - 12 Jan 2010
Celebrity Cruises will begin a four-year refurbishment plan to "Solsticize" its Millennium-class ships.

The renovations are part of an extensive new brand platform that includes a new tagline and marketing campaign.

During an event here to kick off the campaign and unveil the slogan "Designed for You", Celebrity CEO Dan Hanrahan said the Solstice would be "front and centre" in the effort.

The campaign includes agent marketing materials and print and online advertising.

The line's four Millennium-class ships will be drydocked, one a year, in order to receive various Solstice-class upgrades.

Hanrahan said upgrades would include adding the ice-topped Martini Bar and Crush to the lobby area on deck 4; replacing the Cova Cafe with the Cafe al Bacio and Gelateria; and building a Tuscan Grille in place of the ships' unique, but less-trafficked, Conservatory on the top deck. A Bistro on Five will replace the current martini bar.

Also, cabins and other public areas will be refurbished.

The first ship, the Constellation, will receive what Hanrahan called the "Solsticize" treatment in April.

Celebrity said the "Designed for You" platform, including the line's Celebrity Life onboard programs and changes to its Captain's Club loyalty program, represented a nearly $200 million investment.

New Cunard Queen makes a splash - 6 Jan 2010
Cunard's newest ship Queen Elizabeth has been floated out of its construction dock in Italy.

The ceremony involved the welding of significant coins beneath the mast of the ship for good luck.

The ship was blessed and the valves of the dry dock opened to allow the ship to meet the water for the first time.

The ceremonies took place at the Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste.

The 2,092-passenger ship is due to depart on its sold out maiden voyage on October 12 from Southampton.

The maiden season will run until January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

The world's newest ocean liner will depart Southampton on January 5, 2011 on her 103-night maiden world voyage.

There will be 35 maiden calls, including Cunard's first call at Port Denarau in Fiji.

The ship will sail in tandem to New York with Queen Victoria before all three Cunard Queens meet in New York on January 13, 2011.

Queen Elizabeth will also meet with Queen Mary 2 in Sydney February 22 and Civitavecchia on April 13 and Queen Victoria again in Aruba on January 19.

Cunard president and managing director Peter Shanks was joined by 79-year old Florence (Dennie) Farmer as guest of honour at the event.

Her husband, Willie Farmer, joined Cunard in September 1938 and served as chief engineer on both the previous Queen Elizabeth and QE2 until retirement in 1979.

Shanks said: "It is only a little over six months since the keel for this great ship was laid.

"In that short time a solitary block at the bottom of the dry-dock has, as a result of the skill and discipline of the workforce here at Fincantieri, grown into this awe-inspiring vessel.

"Even in her present unfinished state, devoid of the carpets and curtains, furnishings and facilities, paintings and porcelain that we associate with a Cunard luxury liner, she is awesome.

"Of our 170 years of history there has been an 'Elizabeth' in the fleet for over 70 and this ship – the second largest Cunarder ever built – will take the name far into the 21st Century".

FREE Spending Money on EVERY Costa Sailing! - 31 Dec 2009
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Book an Inside and get £100 per couple, book an Outside and get £150 per couple, or book a Balcony and get £200 per couple.

This amazing offer ends on 31 Jan 10, so don't delay - call Our Cruise Experts and book your Costa Cruise TODAY!

New Silversea ship sets sail - 30 Dec 2009
Silversea Cruises' new ultra-luxury ship Silver Spirit has embarked on its maiden voyage in Europe.

The 540-passenger vessel left on an 11-day cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon before Christmas.

"Although Silver Spirit is larger than her sister ships, she has the same intimate feel, relaxed ambiance, and sense of camaraderie so treasured by our international clientele," said company president and CEO Amerigo Perasso.

He added that the delivery of the 36,000 ton ship represented a commitment to the development of the Silversea brand.

"With her Art Deco touches lending a timeless elegance, this new flagship of our fleet represents an important evolution in the design of our vessels."

Perasso added: "We have heavily invested over the past few years in expanding and upgrading the fleet, a strategic decision that has helped us achieve record bookings this year.

"Silversea will close 2009 with more than 70% of next year's revenue plan already in the books."

Silver Spirit has the largest suites in the Silversea fleet - with 95% featuring a private balcony - and one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry.

Highlights include an indoor/outdoor spa measuring over 8,300 square feet, a resort-style pool, four whirlpools, and six dining venues including Seishin, showcasing Asian-fusion cuisine, and the Stars Supper Club offering all-night entertainment.

P&O Cruises announces new ship - Adonia - 9 Dec 2009
P&O Cruises is bucking the industry trend towards ever larger vessels by introducing a ship to its fleet that will accommodate just 710 passengers and will be able to visit the "off the beaten track" destinations that are inaccessible to some of the bigger ships of today.

The new ship will be named Adonia and will join the fleet in May 2011, to become the smallest of P&O Cruises seven ships. Along with Arcadia she will be an adult only ship.

Built in 2001, more than three-quarters of her 355 well-appointed cabins have balconies. Adonia's public rooms will have a traditional feel and feature wood panelling, leather armchairs and fine artwork. She will have an extensive library with over 4,000 titles and a grand lounge with an intricately inlaid wooden dance floor and stage to host a range of entertainment, from after dinner speakers to shows by P&O Cruises Headliners Theatre Company.

Adonia will also have the signature P&O Cruises features of a forward Crow's Nest observation lounge with a nautical feel, and Anderson's, a centrally located traditional club style lounge bar.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow said:

"I am delighted to announce this great news in response to our passengers' comments to me that some prefer smaller ships. The addition of Adonia will deliver an elegant and welcoming ship with real small ship charm. She will offer a truly intimate and traditional cruise experience, yet with all the comforts you would expect from a modern vessel. With this size of ship our passengers will be able to get to know their fellow cruisers and crew easily as they travel to some of the most intriguing destinations on the map.

"Whilst larger ships have their own appeal, with the spectrum of bars, dining and entertainment choices they can offer, others really enjoy a smaller ship, with its more intimate ambience. No other cruise line offers this breadth of choice specifically for the British cruiser."

Adonia's itineraries and fares will be announced in Spring 2010.

See the seven Oasis godmothers - 3 Dec 2009
Royal Caribbean International has released a video of the elaborate official naming of the world's largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas.

Seven godmothers – reflecting the vast vessel's seven dedicated 'neighbourhoods' – were involved in the naming.

The seven celebrity godmothers were Gloria Estefan, Jane Seymour, Daisy Fuentes, Shawn Johnson, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Michelle Kwan and Dara Torres.

The celebration took place throughout the seven areas, culminating with a traditional Champagne bottle breaking ceremony followed by a fireworks display in the AquaTheater, the ship's open air theatre.

The event marked the end of 10 days of ship preview activity before the 6,000-passenger ship enters service from Fort Lauderdale this week.

Video of the event can be seen here.

Stampede for ship's final cruise - 3 Dec 2009
The last cruise of P&O Cruises' ship Artemis sold out in just 17 minutes after going on sale on Tuesday 1 December.

The Artemis farewell voyage departs from Southampton on April 12, 2011 before the line's oldest and smallest ship leaves the fleet.

The cruise to the Mediterranean includes a special jazz and classical music festival at sea, commemorative memorabilia, surprise guest entertainers and Champagne sailaways.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow said: "This is the fastest selling farewell voyage I have ever known.

"It is fantastic to see how much Artemis is loved by our passengers, and to know that her final send-off will be a truly memorable experience.

"I hope to join our passengers on board for what will be a very special cruise, giving passengers and crew the chance to bid farewell to a dear friend and remember happy times on board."

Although the final voyage is sold out, there is still availability on Artemis' other last sailings - click here for details.

Second mega ship floated out - 27 Nov 2009
The sister vessel to the world's largest cruise ship has been floated out at the shipyard where it is under construction in Finland.

Allure of the Seas, the second in Royal Caribbean International's Oasis-class of 5,400-passenger mega ships, has been moved from dry dock to wet dock on Friday at the STX Europe shipyard in Turku.

When the ship launches in December 2010, Allure of the Seas will offer the many features and amenities being introduced by Oasis of the Seas, the company said.

Oasis of the Seas is being prepared for its formal naming on Monday (November 30) before entering service out of Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean on December 5.

The cruise line's president and CEO Adam Goldstein said: "This is simply a thrilling time for Royal Caribbean.

"Oasis of the Seas has been welcoming her first guests these past few days, and to think that Allure of the Seas will follow suit in just one short year is just extraordinary."

Third Cunard 'Elizabeth' receives name - 24 Nov 2009
Cunard Line's new 90,400-ton ship Queen Elizabeth is taking shape in an Italian shipyard prior to entering service next autumn.

The vessel received its name when the letters were welded on to the bow at the Fincantieri shipyard near Trieste.

There has been a Queen Elizabeth in the Cunard fleet for more than 70 years, with this being the company's third ship to carry the name.

The vessel is due to leave on its maiden voyage from Southampton on October 12, 2010.

Cunard president and managing director Peter Shanks said: "It is an honour for any ship to bear the name Queen Elizabeth, and as I saw the famous name being welded to the bow, I was overcome by the historical significance.

"A milestone such as this only continues to build on the already wide anticipation of the introduction of our new Cunarder."

P&O Cruises announces Azura Godmother - 23 Nov 2009
One of the world's best loved ballerinas, Darcey Bussell, will be Godmother to the latest and most sophisticated addition to the P&O Cruises fleet, the 115,000 ton ship, Azura.

Former Royal Ballet principal dancer Darcey, now resident in Sydney, Australia, will fly back to Britain next Spring with her family for Azura's glittering naming ceremony, but exact details of the occasion are being kept a closely guarded secret until the day.

"I am so excited, honoured and, at the same time, somewhat filled with trepidation to be Godmother to Azura, as I know how significant the ceremony is viewed by the ship's captain and crew", said Darcey Bussell.

"Darcey Bussell epitomises glamour, sophistication and elegance, all qualities we have strived to achieve in Azura" said P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow. "Azura will offer the service, quality and entertainment associated with cruising at its very best and as dance will play a key part in this, it is entirely fitting for Darcey to give Azura the best possible start in life."

Over 1,200 invited guests will witness the naming ceremony on Azura's top deck in Southampton Docks on Saturday, April 10, prior to the vessel's maiden voyage, a 16 night cruise to the Central Mediterranean, which includes calls to Malaga, Corfu, Dubrovnik and Venice.

The stylish superliner will carry up to 3,100 passengers and 1,226 crew, and boasts a dance floor in the centre of the spectacular atrium, 10 restaurants, including Sindhu, created by the first Indian chef to be awarded a coveted Michelin star, Atul Kochhar. A state of the art health and beauty spa with an open-air spa terrace; a giant cinema SeaScreen showing British film classics; a 750 seat live show theatre and separate nightclubs, plus a full range of daytime activities including sports courts, whirlpool spas and fully equipped gym, dance and art classes all offer non-stop entertainment.

The naming ceremony will benefit three international charities personally chosen by Darcey Bussell - Sydney Dance Company, the Royal Ballet School and the Prince's Rainforest Project.

Biggest ship gets not one, but seven godmothers - 19 Nov 2009
Olympic medallists, a singer and actresses are among the seven godmothers chosen to help launch the world's largest cruise ship.

Instead of the traditional single godmother, Oasis of the Seas is involving multiple personalities to reflect the 5,400-passenger ship's seven different 'neighbourhoods' on board.

The godmothers include singer Gloria Estefan, actress Jane Seymour, Olympic figure skater Michele Kwan, Olympic swimmer Dara Torres and Olympic medal winner Shawn Johnson.

They will be involved in the formal naming ceremony of the Royal Caribbean International ship on November 30 before it enters service on December 5 running seven-night Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

The seven women will take their posts to officially name the ship during a one-night inaugural celebration-fundraiser to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which supports children with life-threatening medical conditions.

The cruise line's chairman and CEO Richard Fain said: "It is a humbling and equally exciting privilege to have these seven exemplary women take on the responsibility of being godmothers of Oasis of the Seas.

"We felt it only fitting that our most revolutionary ship be named by an outstanding group of women who embody the same excellence in their respective fields."

Oasis arrives in US - 16 Nov 2009
The world's largest cruise ship has completed a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Finland to arrive at its home port in Fort Lauderdale.

The 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas ship will undergo the final touches in preparation for pre-inaugural events.

These start with a private performance by singer Rihanna on Thursday followed by an appearance on US TV's Good Morning America the following morning.

The official naming ceremony will take place on November 30 during a one night inaugural celebration fundraiser for the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation in aid of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

The first cruise by Oasis of the Seas is on December 1 for four nights to ship owner Royal Caribbean International's private island of Labadee in Haiti.

Costa names new sister ships - 4 Nov 2009
Costa Cruises has named two new sister ships Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa.

The 16th and 17th ships in the fleet are due for delivery in summer 2011 and spring 2012 respectively.

They are part of major fleet expansion programme involving five new ships set for delivery between 2009 and 2012 costing around 2.4 billion euros.

The 3,780-passenger vessels will complete the expansion programme, which saw Costa Luminosa enter service in May, Costa Pacifica in June and Costa Deliziosa at the end of January 2010.

More than 40,000 travel agents in more than 40 countries submitted a total of 16,000 different pairs of names, as part of a "Send us a sea of names" project.

The initiative saw travel agents, customers and web users all over the world taking part in a search for the names of the two new Costa Cruises flagships.

The names chosen reflect the way that those who took part see Costa's ships as "magical" and "glamorous" places.

Costa Favolosa is intended to be the epitome of ship interior design, interpreting the excitement and emotion of people who view the cruise as a magical voyage in a "contemporary enchanted castle", according to the Italian company.

Costa Fascinosa is designed to express "that unique glamour of a cruise ship" and its "capacity to evoke strong emotion and passion".

Suite benefits added by Fred Olsen - 2 Nov 2009
A range of special benefits for passengers choosing to travel in suites has been introduced by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

The 'Suite Dreams' extras will further enhance the luxury of having one of the more spacious cabins, with a balcony and separate seating area.

The benefits available to those booking suites include:
· A welcome bottle of sparkling wine
· Fruit basket (topped up on request)
· Flowers or plant in the cabin
· Bathrobe and slippers
· Binoculars, world atlas and country guide for passenger reference
· Afternoon canapé service
· Daily newsletter
· Complimentary shuttle coach vouchers
· Free pressing service for formal wear
· Laundry service discount vouchers
· Pair of compact umbrellas for use ashore

These innovations will be available from January 2010 and apply to selected grades of suites – Owner's Suite (OW) Premier (PS), Marquee (MS), Superior (SS) Balcony (BS) and Single (JB).

General sales manager for Fred. Olsen, Lol Nichols, said: "Once someone has booked a suite and appreciated the pleasure of the extra space, private balcony - and now a whole host of attractive little extras - they will be reluctant to trade down."

Royal Caribbean welcomes Oasis of the Seas to fleet - 29 Oct 2009
Royal Caribbean took delivery of its 16-deck, 5,400-capacity cruise liner Oasis of the Seas today - complete with a park-at-sea, zipline, handcrafted carousel and multilevel urban-style loft suites.

The super ship has seven themed areas to suit the leisure interests of guests and an aquatic amphitheatre that is a pool by day and a theatre by night. The ship is the largest cruise ship on the seas, weighing in at 220,000 tons and offering 2,700 staterooms.

The ship will sail from Turku in Finland on Friday for its home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it will make its debut on November 11.

Royal Caribbean has innovated hugely within the sector in the last five years, introducing the formerly sedate world of cruise to the onboard FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing walls, ice-skating rinks and cantilevered whirlpools.

'Strictly' inspires P&O dance contest - 26 Oct 2009
A search has started for a couple to dance as part of the naming ceremony for P&O Cruises' new ship Azura.

The line is using the TV show Strictly Come Dancing as its inspiration for a dancing at seas competition to find the UK's top dancers.

The move follows Thomson Cruises running dancing contests on board its ships.

The P&O Cruises' competition will be held on 12 winter cruises as ballroom dancing becomes one of Britain's most popular pastimes.

The winning couple from each cruise will be invited to a semi final in Southampton on April 9, 2010. Six couples will then get an exclusive tour of the ship and stay on board for the final the following day.

The ultimate winning couple will stay on for the VIP naming ceremony on April 10.

P&O Cruises' managing director Carol Marlow said: "Ballroom dancing has entered the national consciousness through Strictly and has become a popular hobby for everyone. Youngsters are learning to jive and tango whilst those who prefer a more leisurely pace can waltz and do the American Smooth.

"Our competition will be open to all ages and we look forward to some stiff and lively competition.

"Dancing has a key role to play in this and Azura will be the first of our ships to have a large dance floor at the heart of the ship in the atrium."

The dance competition will be held on the following cruises:

Ventura - 19 Dec 09 (15nts)
Oceana - 30 Oct 09 (15nts); 11 Dec 09 (29nts)
Arcadia - 2 Nov 09 (23nts); 18 Dec 09 (23nts)
Aurora - 17 Nov 09 (18nts); 19 Dec 09 (17nts)
Oriana - 26 Nov 09 (22nts)
Artemis - 31 Oct 09 (15nts); 12 Dec 09 (14nts)

Cruise line to maintain use of private island - 23 Oct 2009
Costa Cruises has been granted a five year extension for the use of Catalina Island off the Dominican Republic as a private beach resort.

The Italian line's ships have made regular stopovers since 1993, bringing around 60,000 passengers to the Dominican Republic in the winter 2008/09 season.

Costa has invested million of dollars in tourism infrastructure on Catalina Island over 16 years.

The ten km2 island is home to a barrier reef and nature reserve and is part of Costa Mediterranea's itinerary on 2009/10 winter Caribbean cruises.

The ship will be in Catalina, originally discovered by Christopher Columbus, every Tuesday between December 22 and April 13.

With the vessel anchored a few hundred meters from the shore, there is a shuttle service by tender to and from the island. The beach resort is equipped with deckchairs, sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as barbecue and bar facilities.

Costa Mediterranea will be offering seven-night cruises from Guadeloupe to St. Maarten, La Romana, Catalina Island, Tortola, Antigua, and St. Lucia.

The cruise company said the renewal of the concession for Catalina Island was also made possible due its commitment to the promotion of responsible tourism, playing an active part in cleaning and preserving the beach where waste streams are collected separately for recycling.

Shore excursions are organised in accordance with the principles of environmental compliance and sustainable tourism, with the company's 2010 brochure including around 240 eco-tourism excursions comprising visits to parks, oases and nature reserves.

Celebrity chefs hit the high seas - 15 Oct 2009
The three Michelin starred chefs with restaurants on board P&O Cruises' ships will all be travelling on board in 2010.

Gary Rhodes, Marco Pierre White and Atul Kochhar are due to visit their restaurants on a number of departures next year.

They will participate in cooking demonstrations, lessons, Q&A sessions and book signings in addition to spending time with their teams in the galley and in the restaurant with passengers.

Gary Rhodes will be on board during the following itineraries:

Arcadia - 15 night cruise departing 19 June 2010. Ports of call include Zeebrugge, Amsterdam, Oslo, Stavanger, Flaam, cruise in Sognefjord, Olden, cruise in Nordfjord, Trondheim, Akureyri and Reykjavik.

Arcadia - 13 night cruise departing 2 November 2010. Ports of call include Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Alicante and Gibraltar.

Oriana - 12 night cruise departing 11 July 2010. Ports of call include Copenhagen, Nynashamn, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn and Zeebrugge.

Oriana - 7 night cruise departing 27 August 2010. Ports of call include Corunna, Bilbao, Le Verdon, Brest and St. Peter Port.

Marco Pierre White will be on board during the following itineraries:

Aurora - 12 night cruise departing 19 April 2010. Ports of call include Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Cadiz, Lisbon and Vigo.

Oceana - 14 night cruise departing 15 May 2010. Ports of call include Gibraltar, Cartagena, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Cadiz.

Ventura - 7 night cruise departing 5 June 2010. Ports of call include Corunna, Bilbao, La Pallice, Brest and St. Peter Port.

Ventura - 14 night cruise departing 3 July 2010. Ports of call include Barcelona, Cannes, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Palma, Valencia and Gibraltar.

Oceana - 14 night cruise departing 2 October 2010. Ports of call include Gibraltar, Cartagena, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Cadiz.

Ventura - 14 night cruise departing 22 October 2010. Ports of call include Tenerife, Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Barbados.

Atul Kochhar will be on board during the following itineraries:

Azura - 16 night cruise departing 12 April 2010. Ports of call include Malaga, Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Venice, Korcula and Gibraltar.

Azura - 16 night cruise departing 23 July 2010. Ports of call include Malaga, Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Venice, Korcula and Gibraltar.

Azura - 12 night cruise departing 8 August 2010. Ports of call include Madeira, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lisbon and Vigo.

Azura - 7 night cruise departing 21 September 2010. Ports of call include Dublin, Cobh, Bilbao and Brest.

Azura - 15 night cruise departing 4 February 2011. Ports of call include Barbados, Curacao, Aruba, Catalina Island, Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and Grenada.

Fred Olsen ship to be revamped - 12 Oct 2009
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' ship Black Watch is going into dry-dock in December for an extensive revamp.

The work at a Germany shipyard is due to start on December 2 as the ship returns from a Canary Islands cruise.

The vessel will return to service on December 14 with a five-day European Christmas Markets mini cruise from Southampton.

The work will include a major refurbishment of the ship's public areas, including a new casual dining area.

This will become the Braemar Garden, a casual dining area with seating for more than 120 passengers, replacing the Garden Cafe which currently seats 80.

One section of the newly created dining area will be screened off to create a 40-seat room which can be used for private dining.

Other areas of the ship will also have new soft furnishings as part of the revamp, including the Neptune Lounge, Piper's Bar, Glentanar Restaurant, and the Observatory Lounge. Many bathrooms will also be refitted.

Marketing director Nigel Lingard said: "This is a major refurbishment for the very elegant Black Watch, and will improve and enhance the facilities on board.

"The new casual dining area will be fresher and more contemporary, and will offer a more spacious option for those choosing this dining option."

Thomson to start Cuba cruises - 8 Oct 2009
Cuba is one of three gateways being offered by Thomson Cruises as part of a new programme of sailings for winter 2010-11.

The company is to deploy new ship Thomson Dream in the Caribbean with flights offered from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester.

The 1,500-passenger ship, being acquired from Costa Cruises, will operate from Havana, Barbados and Montego Bay in Jamaica.

New destinations include Santa Marta in Columbia and Roatan in Honduras.

Selected itineraries allow for three days in the Cuban capital - where US cruise lines are prevented from docking due to US regulations on travel to the country.

The cruise arm of the UK's biggest tour operator is to run three different 14-night itineraries between December 2010 and April 2011.

Other ports of call include Aruba, Curacao, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Thomson Cruises director of cruising David Selby said three days in Cuba would be available on cruises between Montego Bay and Barbados.

The ship will run 21-night circuits broken down into 14-night itineraries, with each cruise offering at least one night in Havana.

The fly-cruises go on sale on November 5.

New regional flights for MSC Cruises - 2 Oct 2009
MSC Cruises will launch regional flights to serve Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh airports between April and September 2010.

The Italian cruise line said it would reveal full details at the ABTA Travel Convention in Barcelona next week.

MAC says the flights have been launched to serve the growing popularity of cruising in the UK.

They will be serviced by Monarch Airlines, Thomas Cook, Flybe and Jet2 and will coincide with Mediterranean departures from Barcelona, Venice and Mallorca.

They will also include transfers to and from the port.

"As a result of the 50% growth in sales activity between 2008 and 2009 and continued predicted year-on-year growth in the UK, MSC Cruises has expanded its service offering with a range of regional flights," said MSC managing director Giulio Libutti.

"These flights will ultimately open up MSC fly/cruise holidays to a wider UK audience."

Holland America revamps rewards programme - 25 Sep 2009
Holland America Line has revamped its rewards programme for regular passengers.

The new Mariner Society Rewards programme provides past passengers with new benefits including onboard discounts, special rates on selected cruises and reduced or free third and fourth rates when booking future cruises.

Benefits are across four tiers and vary based on a passenger's cruise history, HAL said.

It will be introduced across the entire fleet by October 18.

The line's marketing, sales and guest programmes vice-president Richard Meadows said: "We wanted to create a programme that gives our loyal Mariner members fantastic perks, cruise values and enhances that sense of pride they feel after having sailed on several cruises with Holland America Line.

"We have one of the highest repeat guest ratios in the cruise industry and our loyal guests deserve the valuable benefits in our new Mariner Society Rewards Programme."

Passengers automatically collect additional "cruise days" or cruise day credits based on their onboard spending or through the purchase of one of the premium line's suite options.

The four tiers:

Star Mariner
Passengers who complete their initial cruise are automatically enrolled in the Mariner Society's first level, earning cruise days towards future cruises and an exclusive collectable gift. Among the features of Star Mariner status: special offers on select sailings, 50 percent discount for third and fourth guests on select sailings, hosted sailings with Holland America Line Ambassadors, a relaxing Welcome Back Embarkation Brunch on future cruises, a subscription to the Mariner Magazine and a Mariner Champagne Brunch on future cruises.

Two-Star Mariner
After 30 cruise day credits earned, Two-Star guests receive all the amenities of a Star Mariner plus shopping discounts, featuring 15% off merchandise purchased from ShopHollandAmerica.com and 10% off logo apparel items onboard in the gift shops. Two-Star Mariners also will receive a complimentary ship photo and be sent an exclusive annual cruise planner and special recognition pin.

Three-Star Mariner
With 75 cruise days earned, Three-Star guests automatically are given all Two-Star amenities plus generous new discounts including 10% off on select spa treatments; a 25% discount on all wine packages, mini-bar purchases, Explorations Cafe drinks and alternative restaurant surcharges and special advanced notice of new itineraries.

Four-Star Mariner
At the top of the tiers, with 200 cruise days earned, Four-Star guests enjoy the benefits of all Star levels below and the bonus of free fare for third and fourth guests on select sailings; complimentary wine tasting and laundry/pressing; a 50% discount on all wine packages, mini-bar purchases, Explorations Cafe drinks and alternative restaurant surcharges; a 15% discount on logo apparel items onboard in the gift shops; priority tender service and check-in; priority shore excursion pre-booking; and a free subscription to Food and Wine magazine or Travel and Leisure magazine.

P&O confirms ship sale - 23 Sep 2009
P&O Cruises has confirmed the sale of its smallest and oldest ship, Artemis.

The new owner is to charter the ship to German travel company Phoenix Reisen.

The UK line had admitted receiving an approach for the 1,200-passenger, child-free vessel earlier this month.

The sale of the 25-year-old ship is to be completed next month for an undisclosed sum.

But P&O Cruises will continue to operate all published cruises by Artemis until April 12, 2011.

A company statement said: "P&O Cruises can confirm that it has signed contracts for the sale of its 45,000 ton ship Artemis to MS Artania Shipping, for an undisclosed sum.

"The sale will be completed on 6 October 2009 but P&O Cruises will continue to operate Artemis and her series of cruises as published until 12 April 2011."

The P&O Cruises' fleet consists of six ships, rising to seven next April with the arrival of new-build Azura.

Capacity will then reduce the following year when Artemis departs.

Carnival Dream sets sail - 23 Sep 2009
Carnival Dream has set sail on its inaugural cruise from Rome after a traditional maritime handover ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone.

Carnival Cruise Lines' newest and largest ship will embark on a year-round programme of seven-day Caribbean cruises, incorporating Orlando's theme parks.

"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.

The 3,646-passenger 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.

Sister ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, is scheduled for delivery in June 2011. It is also being built in Italy by Fincantieri.

Venice tops cruise destination poll - 22 Sep 2009
Venice has been voted as the favourite port in the world by British cruise passengers.

The Italian city was voted top port by 5% of all those who have cruised, narrowly beating Barcelona (4%) into second place.

A total of 15% of those that have cruised cited Mediterranean ports as their favourites, according to a YouGov poll published to mark the start of National Cruise Week.

Caribbean ports were next on the list among those who have taken a cruise (4%), with the port of Road Town on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands mentioned ahead of ports like St John's, Antigua, and Bridgetown, Barbados.

Miami is the top cruise port in the US with Vancouver taking the top spot in Canada.

Liverpool and Southampton vied for top spot when it came to British sea ports, with the same number of votes as for Sydney and Stockholm.

Luxor on the Nile is the top river port followed by the Port of London. The favourite rivers were the Yangtze in China and the Douro in Portugal.

Stunning port scenery and local port excursions were equally cited as the most important feature of a cruise port (53%), closely followed by its natural location.

Nearly four out of ten (39%) thought that local culture was most important, with the ports' regional food and drink offering next at 25%.

One in five (20%) said that meeting the local people was the top attraction - although this figure rose to 29% among male respondents.

Shopping in ports (16%) was seen as the least important listed feature, although this rose to 19% among women, and was more important to them than meeting the local people.

Oceania unveils plans for new ship - 11 Sep 2009
Oceania Cruises' new 1,252-passenger ship Marina is due to debut in late 2010.

The company's first custom built cruise liner, Marina will provide luxurious accommodation, with leather, wood and marble interiors in 626 staterooms and suites, to be served by more than 780 staff members.

Nearly all (96%) of the accommodations will feature private teak verandas and guests can choose from six open seating restaurants.

Oceania Cruises' new 2010 European collection has gone on sale. It has added 30 more ports to its list of European destinations, a total of 137 in all.

Dubai set for opening of new cruise terminal - 11 Sep 2009
Dubai's new cruise terminal is expected to open in January to support the destination's plans for growing its cruise industry.

Royal Caribbean's first ship based in the Middle East, Brilliance of the Seas, will start sailing from Dubai in January, stopping at Muscat, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

Italy's Costa Cruises has also increased its presence in Dubai, having made the emirate its regional hub in 2007.

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) predicts that the overall number of cruise liner passengers in the emirate will top 260,000 this year.

Next year, Dubai expects an additional 99 ships carrying more than 383,000 passengers.

The official announcement of the new terminal's opening will be made at the Seatrade exhibition in Hamburg next week.

'Strictly' dancers swap ships - 9 Sep 2009
Strictly Come Dancing stars Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova are moving their cruise ship-based dance competition.

The duo will be switching after two years from Thomson Cruises to sister brand Island Cruises.

Darren & Lilia's Get Up and Dance competition will run on the Island Escape on fly-cruises from Tenerife.

The dance 'heats' will take place during sailings in January and February 2010 following the same format as previous years.

The winners of each weekly heat will be invited back for a free grand final cruise in April, where they will dance for celebrity judges Darren & Lilia.

The dance itinerary visits Las Palmas, Gran Canaria; Santa Cruz de la Palma, La Palma; Funchal, Madeira; Agadir, Morocco and Arrecife, Lanzarote.

TUI cruise director David Selby said: "Last year's competition was a roaring success, with entrants from all over the UK.

"We are hoping the change of ship will attract a whole new group of dancers.

"The Get Up and Dance competition allows us to continue with something we enjoy putting on and our customers seem to enjoy taking part in."

MSC Cruises issues 2010 Europe programme - 28 Aug 2009
The 11th ship to be added to the MSC Cruises fleet is to run Mediterranean cruises from Venice next summer.

MSC Magnifica will enter service in March as the newest in the Italian company’s Musica class of vessels.

The new ship will offer seven-night Eastern Mediterranean itineraries calling at Bari, Katakolon (for Olympia), Izmir, Istanbul and Dubrovnik.

MSC Magnifica will then offer the line's first Canada/New England autumn foliage cruises.

MSC's 2010 Europe programme includes 16 Mediterranean and 11 Northern European itineraries covering more than 60 ports of call.

Departure ports include Dover, Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Venice, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Naples, Genoa, Bari, Marseille and Kiel.

MSC Opera will sail from Dover offering three different 11-night itineraries between May and August.

A new 11-night sailing to Iceland and the Shetland Islands will see MSC Poesia depart from Kiel on June 4 calling at Bergen, Torshavn, Faroe Islands; Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Hafnarfjordur in Iceland; and Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.

The company's ships sailing the Mediterranean will include the two newest, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida. The sister-ships with their MSC Yacht Club areas will sail a range of seven-night cruises.

Change of plan for Celebrity Century - 27 Aug 2009
Celebrity Cruises will redeploy Celebrity Century to the Mediterranean next summer.

The new sailings replace the previously announced series of four and five-night cruises from Miami between May and October 2010.

"Celebrity Century's four and five-night Caribbean cruises are very popular, but discussions with our travel partners and guests in North America and Europe indicated even stronger demand for the ship in Europe next summer," said Celebrity Cruises president Dan Hanrahan.

Celebrity Century will continue to sail four and five-night Caribbean cruises from November 2009 until early May 2010.

As a prelude to its European season, the ship will depart Miami on 20 May 2010, on a 14-night transatlantic cruise calling at Ponta Delgada (Azores), Lisbon, Seville, and Malaga, before porting in Barcelona.

Arriving on 3 June 2010 Celebrity Century will begin a series of 12-night, roundtrip Mediterranean cruises.

Ports of call on the new sailings include Cannes, Nice, Provence, Sicily, Rome, Venice, Ephesus, Athens and Dubrovnik.

Guests with confirmed bookings on the cancelled Caribbean sailings are being contacted with the option to switch to a seven-night sailing on Celebrity Solstice, subject to availability, in a similar category at the same price paid.

Full details of the new itineraries will appear on 1st4cruising.com as we get them.

Changes to P&O Cruises smoking policy - 12 Aug 2009
For all of us at P&O Cruises the safety, comfort and enjoyment of our passengers has always been our priority. Since the introduction of UK legislation regarding smoking inside public spaces, we have been monitoring the reaction of our passengers to smoking in our ships and had introduced a non-smoking policy on board Artemis, Oceana and Ventura which has proved to be very successful.

Since this policy was introduced and as a direct result of feedback from our passengers, it has become increasingly apparent that the acceptance of smoking inside our ships has now declined to such an extent that we have decided to implement a complete non-smoking policy in inside public spaces on board all P&O Cruises ships.


Smoking will no longer be permitted inside any areas of the ship including passenger staterooms. Smoking will still, however, be allowed on stateroom balconies and on certain areas of the open deck.

Crystal ship in $25m revamp - 6 Aug 2009
Penthouses, pool areas, an Italian restaurant and cafe on Crystal Symphony are being revamped at a cost of more than $25 million.

The 922-passenger, 50,000-ton ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises ship will emerge from two weeks of work in dry dock in Boston on October 1.

The luxury ship's two 982-square-foot Crystal Penthouses will be stripped and transformed into the feel of residential apartments. Internal space will be extended to enlarge the living spaces and bedroom.

The master bathrooms will have sunken Philippe Stark Duravit Jacuzzi bathtub with 90-degree ocean views, glass mosaics and recessed televisions.

Crystal Symphony's 61 butler-serviced Penthouses and Penthouse Suites will also be redesigned.

The ship's Lido Cafe will become an upscale dining spot and the Prego Italian specialty restaurant is being redesigned.

Celebrity introduces new life experiences - 27 Jul 2009
Celebrity Cruises is introducing a new series of onboard programmes and experiences on Celebrity Equinox, entering service on July 31.

The new programme will also be introduced across the rest of the fleet by the end of November.

Under the title Celebrity Life, the range of experiences are split into three categories – Savor, Discover and Renew.

Savor options include wine tasting, cocktail making workshops and learning to be a sous chef.

Discover options include learning a new language, how to use iTunes and Photoshop, creating a blog, astronomy, and dancing.

Renew options include boot camps, fab abs and acupuncture.

QE2 on move to Cape Town - 21 Jul 2009
Former Cunard flagship QE2 is to be a floating hotel in Cape Town in time for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

The vessel, which was sold for £50 million to Dubai-based developer Nakheel, was originally to be refurbished as a floating hotel in the Gulf state.

But instead the QE2 is to be moved to the South African city for 18 months.

The ship will be positioned in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront to help ease a shortage of hotel rooms.

A spokesman for Nakheel said: "It has been our intention for some time to provide a short term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.

"It is clear that Cape Town provides the best opportunity for us to open QE2 to visitors as quickly as possible."

Thomson Cruises is adding the current 1,500-passenger Costa Europa to its fleet next year. - 9 Jul 2009
The addition will bring the company's fleet back up to four vessels for summer 2010.

The 54,000 tonne ship will become Thomson's biggest vessel and will be named Thomson Dream.

The ship, built in 1986, has been in service with Costa Cruises since 2002 and previously operated for Holland America Line.

The vessel will offer fly-cruises from Palma on three different seven-night itineraries, joining Thomson Destiny in operating from the Majorcan port. Destinations will include the ports of Rome and Florence as well as Barcelona and La Goulette in Tunisia, a new destination for Thomson Cruises.

Cruise prices lead-in at £729 per person in a dedicated brochure which goes on sale on July 16.

Thomson Dream will have five restaurants, a Broadway show lounge and other areas for cabaret and entertainment.

The ship will have two swimming pools, one under a retractable roof.

Cruise director David Selby said: "This latest addition to the fleet reinforces the importance of the cruise market to Thomson and our commitment to its growth."

Winter itineraries for 2010-11 have yet to be revealed.

Keel laying for new Cunard ship - 2 Jul 2009
The formal keel laying ceremony for Cunard Line's new ship Queen Elizabeth is due to take place in Italy today (Thursday).

The event will be held at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste

It involves the placement in the dry dock of the first section of the ship's hull. This section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 364 tons and is fitted with 104 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment.

More than 50 sections will be used in the construction of Queen Elizabeth prior to the vessel taking to the water for the first time at its float out in December before her delivery to Cunard.

The second largest Cunard ship ever built is to enter service in October 2010, joining sister vessel Queen Victoria and flagship Queen Mary 2.

As successor to QE2, the ship will also reflect the great liner through artworks and memorabilia, and its very own 'Yacht Club'.

Queen Elizabeth will depart on its maiden voyage on October 12, 2010 - a cruise which sold out in a record-breaking 29 minutes 14 seconds in April. The 13-night itinerary from Southampton calls at Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (overnight call) and Funchal.

The ship's maiden season will run until January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Float out ceremony for P&O Cruises Azura - 29 Jun 2009
P&O Cruises' latest ship, Azura, was floated out today ready for launch next April.

The 3,100-passenger superliner will be named in Southampton in April 2010 and depart on her maiden voyage on April 12.

The 115,000-ton ship is being built at Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste.

Amanda Dowds, wife of Azura's Captain, Keith Dowds acted as 'godmother' for a symbolic ceremony in which a newly-minted two pound coin and a new euro are welded at the foot of the ship's mast for good luck.

Azura was then blessed by a priest as a bottle of Italian Prosecco smashed against the hull.

P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale, said: "The float out ceremony is a significant event in the build of a new ship. Azura is designed with traditional cruise values of service and quality combined with the flexibility and choice that today's contemporary customer expects and the high level of early bookings proves this demand."

The ship will have an open-air cinema-at-sea, an open air spa terrace and single cabins.

First sea trials for world's largest cruise ship - 15 Jun 2009
Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, has undergone its first sea trials.

The trials took place over a week near the Finnish shipyard where construction of the vessel is being completed.

The 5,400-passenger Royal Caribbean International vessel, which enters service in December running cruises from Florida, has been undergoing tests to see how it performs in the ocean.

The $1.4 billion ship will dwarf all cruise ships that have come before it when it begins cruising in the Caribbean.

Oasis of the Seas is 1,187 feet long, making it 75 feet longer than the company's Freedom-class ships, such as Independence of the Seas which is now sailing year-round from Southampton.

The ship will have 16 passenger decks, 24 elevators and have 7,000 works of art on board.

Of the 2,706 cabins and suites, almost 2,000 will have balconies.

Royal Caribbean president and CEO Richard Fain said in a regular blog about the ship: "Sea trials for a ship are just what they sound like... taking the ship out to sea to make sure she operates properly in the ocean.

"The ship has been afloat for six months, but this is the first time that we will get to test out all the systems in a fully operating environment.

"The trial lasts about four days and the ship is tested for many key operating performance factors."

Costa in dual ship christening - 8 Jun 2009
Costa Cruises jointly christening new ships Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica at a Guinness World Record breaking event in Genoa.

The 13th and 14th additions to the fleet represent an investment worth more than 900 million euros.

The 2,826-passenger, 92,600-ton Costa Luminosa, 'the ship of light', is described as the most exclusive and innovative member of the Italian line's fleet.

Costa Pacifica, 'the ship of music', has a gross tonnage of 114,500 and a total capacity for 3,780 passengers and is the sister ship of Costa Concordia and Costa Serena, Costa Pacifica.

Costa chairman Pier Luigi Foschi said: "The double christening of Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica is a momentous occasion for Costa Cruises, for our country and for global shipping as a whole.

"For the first time ever, two new ships are being inaugurated together, thus setting a new Guinness World Record, and we are thrilled to be celebrating this event in the city where we've been based since 1854.

"It's an achievement that reflects the strength of our company and its outstanding contribution to Italian-made excellence worldwide and to the domestic economy."

Costa's expansion includes three further new vessels due for delivery by 2012.

Blue Man Group to perform on new NCL ship - 4 Jun 2009
The headline act on Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship Norwegian Epic has been confirmed as Blue Man Group.

The group, which has theatrical shows on in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Berlin, and Tokyo, will perform in the 685-seat Epic Theatre giving a show combining music, comedy and multimedia theatrics.

Details of another featured show will be announced later this year.

But entertainment on the ship, which makes its debut on Caribbean itineraries from Miami in July 2010, will not be focused on two nightly shows in the main theatre.

Other options will include what is claimed as the only 'big top' at sea - Epic's Spiegel Tent.

The 265-seat theatre-in-the-round will show Cirque Dreams and Dinner – described as an interactive theatrical dining experience performed in the air while juggling dinner courses with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination.

The 280-seat Headliners Comedy Club will feature sketch and improvisation troupe The Second City.

Fat Cats is a 200-seat jazz club offering nightly live blues and jazz performances.

The Epic Casino will be NCL's largest at sea, spanning more than 13,000 square feet featuring a Monte Carlo-inspired design.

NCL chief executive officer Kevin Sheehan said: "With Norwegian Epic, we are re-inventing cruise ship entertainment by offering multiple entertainment options for every taste and any age.

"Having a world class creative organisation like Blue Man Group headline the entertainment on Norwegian Epic will provide our guests with a sensory experience unlike any other at sea."

Celebrity Millenium to receive $10 million refreshment - 3 Jun 2009
Known for its exceptional style and design, Celebrity Cruises is rolling out a series of new design schemes on Celebrity Millennium during a $10-million refresh this year, beginning during its scheduled drydock period this week.

Consistently ranked among the top 10 large ships in the world since its launch in 2000 – and so beloved by cruise enthusiasts that she's been affectionately dubbed "Millie" in social networking venues – Celebrity Millennium will emerge May 22 from a 12-day drydock in Victoria, B.C., with new carpeting throughout the entire ship, and new upholstery embellishing every stylish stateroom, the Lido deck, the Celebrity Theatre, and the dramatic, sweeping main dining room.

All marble and stone floors and counter areas will be renewed with a gleaming finish, and all wood hand rails on the ship's verandas and pool deck areas will be newly varnished.

Celebrity Millennium's sun worshipers are likely to take notice of the work completed in exterior areas, too, as new bolidt – an alternative to traditional teak decking – is being installed across the pool deck, outdoor stage, dance floor and jogging track.

Every suite will be equipped with 32-inch LED flat-panel TVs, while every plush ConciergeClass stateroom will boast 26-inch versions of the high-tech product. Additionally, new drapes, bed skirts and bed throws in warm, natural hues will further enhance every suite and stateroom.

By October of this year, new upholstery also will adorn furnishings in the ship's retail areas, the sweeping Grand Foyer, and every lounge, including Celebrity's chic, signature Martini Bar, and all staterooms will boast 26-inch LED flat-panel TVs.

The newly-refreshed Celebrity Millennium embarks on this year's Alaska season May 22, on a seven-night cruise roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., prior to a series of seven-night Southbound Alaska sailings to and from Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, through September.

Celebrity Millennium also presents the opportunity to delve deeper into Alaska's breathtaking wilderness on unique Celebrity Cruisetour vacations. These in-depth packages pair a spectacular Celebrity cruise with a fully escorted pre- or post-cruise land-based experience, and offer unsurpassed values this spring and summer.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale vacation experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 "Top Cruise Ships in the World" in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (February 2009 readers' poll), Celebrity's fleet – including the new Celebrity Solstice – will be joined by Celebrity Equinox this year, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012.

Holland America to sail from UK again in 2010 - 2 Jun 2009
Holland America Line's newest ship Eurodam is to operate three departures from the UK next year.

The Baltic cruises will run from Dover in May and June 2010 and will feature in the premium line's brochure for next year due out in July.

Two longer 12 and 11-night sailings depart from Dover on May 29 and June 9, 2010, calling at Copenhagen, Warnemunde (Berlin), Tallinn, Helsinki, Stockholm and two days in St Petersburg.

An eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise departs from Dover on June 21 and visits Alesund , Hellesylt and Bergen in Norway, then Invergordon and South Queensferry in Scotland, ending in Dover on June 29.

HAL's managing director UK business Lynn Narraway said: "We 'tested the water' in 2009, and following the great response to our ms Eurodam short break cruises, are now committed to expanding our ex-UK programme and offering a series of longer sailings from Dover for guests who wish to sail from the UK.

Fred Olsen reveals 2011 extended cruises - 1 Jun 2009
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has released details of two extended voyages for 2011.

Two of the company's ships are to leave on the same day on long voyages in two years' time.

Balmoral and Black Watch will both sail from Southampton on January 5, 2011.

A 108-night world cruise by Balmoral travels via the Canary Islands, the Caribbean and South America to the Pacific. Other highlights include the New Zealand fjords and Suez Canal.

Black Watch's 77-night round South America cruise includes Buenos Aires, Cape Horn and excursions to Machu Picchu.

Each of the cruises can be broken down into a number of sectors.

'Hairspray' takes to the high seas - 30 May 2009
The hit musical 'Hairspray' is to debut on Royal Caribbean International's biggest ship Oasis of the Seas.

The show will be one of two productions to be held in the vast vessel's main theatre when it enters service from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December.

Hairspray is licensed to Royal Caribbean International for three years on board 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas with an option for a fourth year.

The show will be offered three or four times on each seven-night cruise.

It will be trimmed "just slightly" to fit within the average 90-minute run time of shows run on cruise ships.

Hairspray, currently playing in London's West End, is set in 1962 and follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, who wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show" and finds herself transformed into an overnight teen sensation.

The cruise line has also promised an "innovative aerial show" - yet to be formally announced - which will also be performed in the ship's Opal Theater.

The ship will also feature Entertainment Place, one of seven on board neighbourhoods, which will offer Jazz on 4, an intimate lounge filled with live jazz and blues; Comedy Live; and Studio B with an ice show called 'Frozen in Time' featuring the writings of Hans Christian Anderson.

A two-floor dance lounge called Dazzles will feature musically-themed evenings.

The Boardwalk with AquaTheater will play host to two aqua shows, 'Splish Splash,' a comedy dive show and 'Oasis of Dreams,' featuring aquatic acrobatics synchronized to music and lights.

Your questions on P&O Cruises Azura answered - 25 May 2009
Azura background
Why is the ship called Azura?
The name has no definitive meaning, but is derived from the word 'azure', meaning blue. We think that it is very appropriate as it evokes images of the sea, the horizon and the blue sky - capturing the romance of travelling by sea. Also Azura sounds sophisticated, stylish and serene, all qualities that the ship will exemplify.

When will she be launched?
She is due to be delivered to Southampton in April 2010 for a series of inaugural celebrations, followed by her maiden voyage on the 12th April.

What stage is the build at?
She is being built at Monfalcone shipyard by shipbuilders Fincantieri. This is just outside of Trieste in Italy. The design and development process has been going on for almost 2 years, and the first piece of steel was laid on 27th October 2008. Her bow will very shortly be fitted along with the first of her passenger cabins. Her float out ceremony is likely to be in June although an official date has not been set. The float out is when the dry dock is filled with water for the very first time. It is likely she will go out on sea trials in November/December.

How would you describe the new ship?
Azura will be stylish, sophisticated and serene. Her scale means that she will offer a huge amount of choice and flexibility. She will be the epitome of all that is best about P&O Cruises - so you can expect the same excellent quality and service, fantastic facilities and innovative design. Key elements of the P&O Cruises experience - gala nights, silver service dining, afternoon tea, exemplary service - will remain. With Azura we are trying to create the ultimate P&O Cruises experience, albeit in a modern and large ship environment. We are going 'back to the future', that is, taking the best of traditional cruising and combining it with modern innovations.

Isn't it just another Ventura?
Although similar in size and build to Ventura, she will have a completely unique personality and style - as all P&O Cruises ships do. All of her public spaces are being designed from scratch so the atmosphere and on board offering will be completely different from that of Ventura.

Is it a child-free ship?
Azura will be family friendly, but the emphasis will be on catering a relaxing and serene environment for adults. Ventura and Oceana will remain the most family friendly ships in the fleet, but Azura will welcome families just as Aurora and Oriana does.

Aren't all of Azura's innovations imitations of other ships?
We don't claim Single Staterooms, SeaScreen and The Retreat to be 'new' but they are new to us and firsts for a British cruise line. And we have given these innovations our own unique interpretation to ensure they are not like other ships.

The facts
116,000 tons
290m long
36m wide
67.4m high (from the keel) 59m high (from the waterline) 3,100 passengers (3,617 max) 15 passenger decks
1,200 crew approx
1,557 staterooms

Entertainment
Does Azura have a dedicated card room?
No, although organised card games will take place in one of Azura's lounges/bars, depending on the demand on a particular cruise.

What size is the dance floor in the atrium?
The dance floor is 46 square metres, which is the equivalent to just over 55 square yards.

What shows will I see on Azura?
Our dedicated entertainment team is still in the process of putting the shows together, and we hope to publish some exciting news on shows later this year. But passengers can expect classic P&O Cruises entertainment - a mix of cabaret, West-End style shows, singers, bands. Comedians, daytime events, plus there is SeaScreen, brand new to P&O Cruises.

Dress Code
What is the dress code?
Azura will carry on the fine tradition of Formal and Semi Formal evenings that passengers would expect from a classic P&O Cruises ship. There will be a mix of Formal, Semi-Formal and Smart Casual evenings. As a guide, on Azura's 16-night Mediterranean itinerary there will be 4 Formal evenings and 4 Semi-Formal evenings. On her 15-night Caribbean itineraries, due to the hot temperatures, there will be 4 Formal and 11 Smart Casual evenings.

Smoking
What is the smoking policy?
We have adopted a no-smoking policy in all of Azura's inside public rooms and staterooms. Smoking will only be permitted on private balconies and designated areas of the public deck.

Children and families
Is there a child-free pool?
The Oasis Pool will be child-free. The 3 main pools will be open to all, but as there is a choice of 3, passengers will naturally find a spot that is right for them.

Will I be able to leave my child in the under 2's area?
During the day, there is a soft play area and adults must supervise their under 2's. In the evening passengers can leave them in the care of the Reef Rangers in the night nursery.

Will Noddy and Mr Bump be on board?
Yes.

Are there as many children as Ventura on board?
Azura is a family friendly ship and has very similar accommodation to Ventura, so yes, there will be children on board.

Facilities
Is there a library?
Yes, in Azura's atrium there is an library and reading room, The Alcove.

Is there a cyb@ centre?
No, but all of Azura's public areas and staterooms will be wi-fi enabled. Passengers can bring their own personal laptop along and there will also be laptops available to hire.

Will there be a lack of sun beds on a large ship such as Azura, like on Ventura?
Azura does not feature Cirque Ventura as Ventura does, so deck 19 is filled with extra sun beds, so we do not anticipate this to be a problem. Also, balcony furniture will be reclining, so passengers will have the option to sunbathe on their own balcony.

How much do I have to pay to use The Retreat?
Once on board, passengers can purchase half-day passes to The Retreat, which will also allow access to the Oasis Pool. The charge for these half-day passes is yet to be confirmed.

Staterooms
Spa Stateroom Package
What is a Spa Stateroom Package?
When booking either an OD or JD cabin on Deck 15, passengers will have the option of booking the Spa Stateroom Package.

Can I book the Spa Stateroom Package in any other cabin?
No, the package is only available in OD or JD staterooms. These staterooms have been selected as they are nearby to the spa.

Why are single staterooms not the same price as one person would pay as a double occupancy stateroom?
The fare for a single stateroom is less than the supplement applied to a twin occupancy stateroom, but as these staterooms will be popular, fares are subject to market conditions.

Single staterooms
How big are the single staterooms?
They are approximately 2/3 the size of a standard twin cabin, around 130 square feet. The beds are slightly larger than a standard single bed.

Do they have all the same amenities?
They have exactly the same amenities as other staterooms, including a bathroom with shower, vanity/writing desk and chair, wardrobe and drawer space and interactive TV.

Do I have a choice of an inside, outside or balcony?
There are inside and outside single staterooms, but no single balcony staterooms.

Do they have supplementary berths?
Yes, they all feature pullman berths, but we are reserving these cabins for single passengers. They may be suitable for single adults travelling with one child, however.

Why are the Single Staterooms located where they are?
The Single Staterooms were allocated a centrally located position for the ease and convenience of passengers. They are separated from the main public rooms by a corridor, so we do not anticipate any noise pollution.

Dining
Will there be both Club and Freedom Dining?
Both Club and Freedom Dining will be available on Azura and you must state which option your passengers would like at the time of booking. Azura's Jade and Topaz restaurants will offer Club Dining and the Amber restaurant will offer Freedom Dining.

Will all three main restaurants offer silver-service?
Yes.

What are the Select Dining venues? Can I book my table before I sail?
Azura has 3 Select Dining venues - Sindhu, The Glass House and Seventeen. Passengers will be able to book a table once on board, just as they would do a restaurant at home. The cover charges for each venue have yet to be confirmed.

Services
Will weddings at sea be available?
We regret that for Azura's maiden season we are unable to offer weddings at sea.

Will the Renewal of Vows package be available?
Yes.

The Retreat
Can I use The Retreat if I don't book the Spa Stateroom Package?
Yes, passengers can purchase a half day pass for The Retreat once on board.

How much is a pass to The Retreat?
This has yet to be confirmed.

Why is there not open access to The Retreat?
The numbers are capped to ensure that we can offer the most serene and relaxed atmosphere to passengers.

Why do I have to pay for using The Retreat, Oasis Pool and the Thermal Suite?
This is to ensure we can maintain an exclusive atmosphere in these areas and they do not become overcrowded.

What types of treatments can I have in The Retreat?
The full spa menu for The Retreat is still being developed, but passengers will be able to enjoy a range of massages and beauty treatments, for both men and women.

SeaScreen
Will SeaScreen have 3D capability?
No, SeaScreen is a giant plasma screen.

How will passengers listen to the films during the day, will they be given headsets?
There will not be headphones, but the films will not be constant, so there will be quieter times. However, with three pools to choose from, people can easily avoid it if they find it too noisy.

Atul Kochhar and Olly Smith
When will Atul/Olly be travelling on board Azura?
They definitely will be travelling on selected cruises, although these have yet to be confirmed. The dates will be published in due course.

Will they be travelling together?
Possibly although this is yet to be confirmed. Dates will be published in due course.

Inaugural events
When will the naming ceremony be?
The date has yet to be decided, but it will be in April 2010.

Has the ship's godmother been decided?
No, not yet, but an announcement will be made towards the end of the year.