Norwegian Epic
World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group performs their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams and Dinner presents a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, is featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City improvisational comedy and Howl at the Moon, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation.
In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon at Sea™ offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.
The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first SVEDKA Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea — The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas. In addition, Norwegian Epic offers the next generation of Freestyle Dining with more than 20 dining choices and 20 bars and lounges.
For more information on Norwegian Epic as well as to book a cruise on the ship, please call Cruisemagic.com 800-474-5678

About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.
Today, Norwegian has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea.
Norwegian’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, Second City® Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, Gibson Guitar, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.

In turn, the Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy, both of which are currently based in Galveston, will reposition to New Orleans to operate year-round departures from that port, returning the line to pre-Katrina capacity levels there.

It’s practically impossible to do anything on a small scale in Texas, and homeporting the Carnival Magic in Galveston is no exception – it will be the largest-ever capacity commitment by a cruise line to the Lone Star state!

The Carnival Magic will debut in Europe in May 2011, offering seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona May 1 to October 16, 2011; followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Galveston departing October 28, 2011.

After October, guests can choose from two different week-long itineraries from Galveston, including seven-day western Caribbean voyages to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and week-long eastern Caribbean cruises to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.

What clients do you know who are within a five-hour drive of Galveston or a quick plane flight? A Caribbean cruise is the perfect setting for a wedding party, honeymoon, anniversary, graduation, reunion, fun vacation or multi-generational trip of a lifetime!

Like its sister ship, the Carnival Dream, the Carnival Magic features exciting amenities including a spectacular water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a wrap-around promenade with whirlpools that extend out over the ship’s sides, and expansive spa and children’s facilities.

In true Carnival style, guests will have a range of stateroom choices, including family-friendly, five-berth deluxe two-bathroom ocean view accommodations; cove balcony cabins located closer to the water line; and special spa staterooms. Several innovations unique to the Carnival Magic will be announced in the near future.

The alliance, announced this morning at CLIA’s Cruise3sixty conference in Vancouver, will be DreamWorks Animation SKG’s first with a cruise line. The studio is famous for family-friendly films such as the Shrek series and, most recently, the 3D-movie “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Royal Caribbean said Dreamworks’ films and their characters would be incorporated into Royal Caribbean’s entertainment, including new shows and activities, starting in first quarter 2011. The partners have a three-year deal with an option to renew for two or more years.

“DreamWorks Animation and Royal Caribbean are both innovative companies who at the core are in the business of entertaining,” DreamWorks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg said in a statement. “Together we can raise the bar by delivering the next generation of premium entertainment at sea.”

The Allure of the Seas, set to debut in December, will be the first ship to have DreamWorks’ characters and films. Royal Caribbean will then roll out DreamWorks features to the Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean CEO Adam Goldstein said in a statement, “We are constantly striving to offer dynamic and engaging programming onboard our ships and couldn’t think of a better brand than DreamWorks Animation to help take it to the next level.”

DreamWorks movie characters will be be part of special events, parades and character meals; DreamWorks films will be shown on 3D screens in the ships’ theaters; and Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean program will offer activities rooted in DreamWorks movies.

The Allure of the Seas’ outdoor AquaTheater will introduce an aquatic show featuring the DreamWorks cast of characters doing acrobatics and high-diving stunts. The ship’s ice-skating venue will feature an icde show with characters from “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Royal Caribbean said that none of the DreamWorks experiences on its ships would cost extra.

Update, May 17, 5:10 p.m. EDT: Carnival has listened to its customers and removed the 700-watt restriction from hair dryers brought onboard. All hair dryers will be allowed on the ship unless they pose a safety hazard.

(May 14, 6:25 p.m. EDT) — What do flat irons, fans, power strips, cameras and cell phones have in common?

They’re all electronics that Carnival reserves the right to confiscate (or destroy), under a new prohibited items policy, if you bring them onboard and Carnival deems them to be a safety hazard — and the new rules have Cruise Critic members in a tizzy. In a series of threads on our Carnival Cruise Lines forum, our readers have found much to criticize, including the line’s customer service representatives (for giving inconsistent answers about what is and isn’t allowed onboard), security personnel (for making passengers feel like criminals on embarkation day by pulling them off the ship to root through their bags for contraband) and even the updated policy itself (for being overly strict — or, at the very least, vague).

The policy can be found in Carnival’s FAQ section, under the question Are there restrictions on what we can bring aboard? Some aspects are quite clear — and nothing new or unheard of. As on many ships, Carnival’s staff will confiscate alcohol or beer passengers try to smuggle onboard, as well as fire hazards such as candles or incense, and will prevent guests from bringing onboard items like firearms, explosives, marijuana and knives for safety reasons.

However, the revised instructions are distinctly unclear about daily-use items cruise travelers are used to taking onboard, such as personal grooming devices (hair dryers, straighteners and curlers), electronics (cell phones, cameras, laptops) and electrical devices (fans, power strips, extension cords). According to the new documentation, these are “allowed onboard when used with proper caution” yet if the aforementioned items “are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise.” Medically necessary devices are allowed, but specific conditions must be met.

Yet, the posted list does not outline what criteria would be used to determine whether the items in question are a safety hazard, and whether they might be taken away solely for being brought onboard or only for reported misuse. And it’s exactly that lack of clarity that has Cruise Critic members upset. Sea Born says of the vague language used in the policy, “Doesn’t seem to be any ‘clear’ guidelines, which leaves it wide open!” Comeon530 simply calls the new policy “clear as mud.”

To this end, we asked Carnival spokeswoman Jennifer de la Cruz to clarify the policy a bit more and explain the reasoning — and the timing — behind the revision.

What constitutes a hazard? According to de la Cruz, “things that would raise concern include (but are not necessarily limited to): items in poor condition or otherwise appearing to be a potential fire hazard; an excessive amount of electronic items connected to power sources/overloaded multi-plugs, extension cords, etc.”

When will my things be under scrutiny? “Confiscation is possible at any point from luggage screening through the conclusion of the voyage,” de la Cruz says. Still, her description leaves much to the discrimination of shipboard staff. While it does make sense to us for a room steward to, say, take away a hair straightener that’s left on in a cabin unattended (that’s dangerous!), there’s no way of knowing for sure whether Joe Security on the pier will deem your single blow dryer or plethora of chargeable gadgets unsafe. Cruise Critic members have recently reported opening checked luggage upon arriving in their cabins on embarkation day to find items such as curling irons removed.

Why is this happening now? Members like Irishlinny have questioned the rationale behind the policy. “This is getting ridiculous … If there had been fires and such, I can see the logic, but I’m sure we would have heard about it here if there had been incidents.” De la Cruz responds that “various folks internally had been raising concerns based on the increasing amount of electronic gadgets people are bringing and plugging into multi-plugs and the impact it is having on the ships’ electrical systems and related potential safety concerns.”

What happens if my confiscated items are lost or damaged? De la Cruz assures us that “handled case by case, [Carnival] would take responsibility if our personnel caused damage to an item.”

But that’s not enough for people who refuse to part with their belongings in the first place, especially electronics important to their daily routines. Of particular contention is the matter of curling and flat irons, staples of women the world over. The prospect of confiscation, Cruise kitty posts, is an “absolute deal breaker… cannot & will not sleep without my fan blowing on my face, or schlep about with unfinished hair… terrible terrible choice on Carnival’s part.” Also, Carnival requires these items not exceed 700 watts — which most modern (decent) hair dryers do. Newcatintown says, “Who knew that taking a vacation would become such a chore? They want you to dress up and be all beautiful for the photos to purchase and then tell you that you can’t bring on the tools to do it with?”

Cb at sea sums it up: “Women will NOT go on vacation to have bad hair!”

What do you think of Carnival’s new policy?

–by Erica Silverstein, Senior Editor

Medical Services Attain an Industry First in Healthcare Awards

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 6, 2010) – The Princess Cruises Medical Departments have once again been credited with meeting the quality health standards of an internationally recognized healthcare organization.

Following a comprehensive survey of both its shipboard and shoreside medical departments, Princess Cruises has achieved an industry first by being awarded accreditation and ISO 9001:2008 certification for quality in health care. These awards recognize the excellent standards of medical care provided on board Princess’ vessels.

CHKS accreditation was first awarded to Princess in 2006 and, following comprehensive annual external surveys of its medical facilities, staff and procedures, in 2009 was re-accredited for a further three years. CHKS also certified that the Princess medical program meets the International Organization for Standardization’s quality standards (ISO 9001:2008) and has a management system in place that consistently meets customer and regulatory requirements. Princess is shortlisted to receive the CHKS Quality Improvement Award.

“I think many people would be surprised and reassured to know that our medical centers achieve similar quality standards to medical facilities ashore,” said Dr. Grant Tarling, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Princess Cruises. “We’ve worked extremely hard to attain these outstanding achievements which demonstrate our dedication to providing the highest standards of medical care for our patients on board our ships.”

CHKS is a major UK based organization which works with public and private health care providers worldwide. They develop best practice standards and are accredited by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua), the leading international healthcare quality policy and research organization, as well as by the UK Accreditation Services (UKAS) to award certification to the standards of ISO 9001:2008.

Princess Cruises’ medical department offers one of the industry’s most advanced sea-going medical programs, featuring a staff of qualified, full-time maritime professionals who work within well equipped facilities suited to the practice of medicine in a maritime environment. In addition to the CHKS accreditation and ISO 9001:2008 certification, Princess’ medical program meets or exceeds the cruise ship medical guidelines issued by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

Princess ships are registered in Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory. Princess’ certification also applies to the medical programs of its sister lines Cunard Line, P&O Cruises UK, Ocean Village and P&O Cruises Australia, which are also operated by the Princess shoreside medical department.

Whilst many of us have a burning desire to see the world, with very limited free time and money at our disposal, we can only usually fit in one destination a year, if that. When we consider the amazing diversity of international holiday destinations, we realise just how much we`re missing out on, especially when the majority of our time away is actually spent lying on a beach with our eyes closed.

If you`ve never tried a cruise holiday, it may be time to discover for yourself why record numbers of people are doing so and having the time of their lives. Whereas a decade ago around 700,000 people took cruises, the figure has now risen to around 1.5 million. The launch of more and more new and luxurious ships is a testament to the rise in popularity of cruises while the more affordable package deals are attracting a younger clientele.

People who enjoy cruises agree they have a distinct advantage over standard package holidays, as they offer the chance to visit a variety of different and exotic destinations in one voyage. Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises are the most popular choice amongst British holidaymakers and offer a menu of itineraries to appeal to everyone. An Eastern Mediterranean cruise, for instance, may allow you to visit Italy, Turkey and several of the Greek islands. Hop on a Caribbean cruise ship and you`ll be treated to a chocolate box of exotic locations that may include Antigua, St Lucia, Barbados or Jamaica. Cruises around the Norwegian fjords are another popular choice, as are the Egyptian Nile, the Baltic region and the Far East. If the budget permits, you can even choose to embark on a round-the-world cruise, a voyage which takes on average 100 days in total and has to be the ultimate way to circumnavigate the globe. In basic terms, wherever a cruise ship has the facilities to moor, there will be a cruise available to enjoy.

The sense of freedom and exhilaration that comes from cruising the oceans and watching the sunset on deck is second to none. By booking a cruise you can ensure that no two days of your holiday will be the same and that each morning you will wake up in a different port of call with new attractions and experiences to discover. You`ll also be able to visit several places while only having to unpack your suitcases once and cross borders without having to deal with annoyances such as airport security. Luxurious facilities on board the ship often include swimming pools, fully equipped gymnasiums and spas, casinos and libraries as well as shops and restaurants, many of which offer all-inclusive meals. Passengers can rely on almost round the clock entertainment with live music and dancing until the early hours. But even if you bypass the ship`s facilities and simply relax and unwind, you can rest assured that the time you spend with your eyes closed at sea is guilt-free, as you know you`re not missing any sights. So whatever your holiday interests, don`t forget to include cruises when you search forlast minute holidays this summer.

Nearly 30 Percent Increase in Capacity for Princess’ Largest Season Ever in the Region

Next Summer also Features Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean Voyages from New York

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 23, 2010) – Princess Cruises will launch its largest Canada & New England program ever in 2011, with a new itinerary and an expanded season, offering nearly a 30 percent increase in capacity over the previous season. These summer cruises will sail between the line’s Caribbean sailings from New York, offering a selection of summer destinations from the “Big Apple.”

The expanded Canada & New England season begins May 17 and introduces a new nine-day itinerary that adds calls in Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) plus features many favorite ports in the region. Caribbean Princess will offer four sailings on this roundtrip New York route between departures on its nine-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean itinerary, giving passengers the choice of sailing north or south (or both) for their summer vacation.

In autumn, the Canada & New England program continues with 14 sailings on two different itineraries – weeklong roundtrips from New York on Caribbean Princess and the classic 10-day route between New York and Quebec City aboard Crown Princess. In addition, Crown Princess will offer a 12-day Canada and Colonial America sailing.

These sailings also feature opportunities to visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unique places that represent the planet’s cultural and natural heritage. In Canada, travelers can visit the town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia (from Halifax), and Crown Princess passengers can explore the historic old city of Quebec. In Bermuda, the historic town of St. George is designated a UNESCO site.

“The charm and natural beauty of the Canada and New England region have made these sailings so popular each fall, that we’re now expanding our season into the summer,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “It’s our largest season ever, with the widest range of departures to choose from, so passengers should be able to find the perfect cruise to explore these scenic ports.”

The 2011 Canada & New England and Summer Caribbean program includes:

Canada & New England – During the summer months, Caribbean Princess will feature four sailings of a new roundtrip New York itinerary with calls at Sydney (Nova Scotia), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport. Sailings depart May 17, June 13, June 22 and July 19. In August, the ship resumes its popular seven-day sailings featuring Halifax, Saint John, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport, with eleven departures between August 6 and October 15.

Classic Canada & New England – Crown Princess sails on three Classic Canada & New England 10-day cruises between New York and Quebec City, featuring calls in Newport, Boston, Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and an overnight in Quebec. Crown Princess departs on these sailings between September 14 and October 4. The ship also offers one 12-day Canada & Colonial America sailing from Quebec City to Ft. Lauderdale on October 14, also featuring an overnight in Quebec and calls along the Eastern seaboard in Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, New York and Charleston.

Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean – Caribbean Princess will also offer six sailings to the crystal waters of the Caribbean with a nine-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from New York that includes calls at Bermuda (West End), San Juan, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk. Sailings depart on May 8, May 26, June 4, July 1, July 10, and July 28. The ship will also feature one seven-day sailing from San Juan to New York with calls in St. Thomas, Antigua and Bermuda, departing on May 1.

Fares for seven-day Canada & New England sailings begin at $799 per person, and nine-day Caribbean sailings begin at $999 per person. Sailings open for booking May 6, 2010.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

Princess Cruises’ new Alaska A la Carte cruisetours are just the thing to get your sales moving! These 10- to 12-night options including more time at Denali so your clients can enjoy the flexibility to customize their vacation any way they please — with low fares starting at just $899!* See the comparison chart below for key differences between A la Carte and standard cruisetours.

Plus, we are excited to offer three new A la Carte and two more standard cruisetour options for your clients to choose from — giving you more opportunity to boost your sales! See the attached fare chart for details.

A la Carte land and sea vacations feature:
• More time at Denali at our two Princess wilderness lodges, offering two perspectives of the park
• Alaska’s top two attractions — Denali and Glacier Bay National Parks
• A 7-day cruise, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway
• Two unforgettable glacier-viewing experiences
• Scenic rail travel through the heart of Alaska via Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service — a Princess exclusive
• No scheduled activities, so your clients can customize their vacation with a range of optional excursions

Up to 50% savings on additional land and sea vacations
Time is running out for your clients to enjoy great fares on 10- to 15-night land and sea vacations that include some activities at savings of up to 50% on select departures through September*.

View the attached fare chart and cruisetour eFlyer for more details, and be sure to send your clients a Pass-It-On email, and a promotional eFlyer to let them know about this exciting offer!

CALL US NOW AT 800-474-5678 AND BOOK YOUR TRAVELS!

The eruption of the Icelandic Eyjafjallajoekull volcano had an immediate effect on flights over Greenland to points in Northern Europe. As the eruption continued to fill the skies over Great Britain with ash the first airports to close were Northern Ireland and Scotland, but soon flights into Heathrow were also cut back.

As of today the volume of ash output is down by about 80% and most transatlantic carriers have resumed flying. This is good news, but after six days the backlog of stranded travelers still waiting to cross the pond in both directions is incredibly high. The situation is being aided by its sheer enormity, however. Many people who had flights scheduled have decided it is better stay home now, so they have cancelled.

One of the rumors circulating the last few days was that demand for cruise ship travel across the Atlantic had skyrocketed. Well, while that may have been true in theory, the truth is that there was only one regularly scheduled cruise to cross the Atlantic this week, the Cunard Queen Mary 2, and that crossing scheduled to set sail today, had already been sold out for months.

A waitlist was opened and some 1000 people signed up, and it is possible some of them will make it since many of the people scheduled to sail on this voyage were planning to fly to London to catch the ship in Southampton. But the rub is that the voyage takes six days, landing on April 30th, and by that time it appears the backlog of stranded flyers should be mostly cleared up. The ocean liner does represent a “sure thing,” but it probably doesn’t have any other advantage in terms of transportation expediency from Britain to Europe.