Cruise Guide: QE2 set to bid farewell
By Michael Coleman Its a farewell fit for a Queen. Renowned maritime historians and experts will be among the onboard lecturers during QE2s final transatlantic crossings in October. The iconic vessel will be shadowed from Southampton to New York (Oct. 10, Final New York Arrival Crossing) and from New York to Southampton (Oct. 16,...
Cruise Guide: Solstice to unveil greener side
By Michael Coleman A new luxury cruise ship poised to enter service in November will feature lots of green . . . grass that is. In yet another cruise industry first, where lines outdo one another in the wow factor department with each new vessel launched, Celebrity Cruises will introduce a half-acre-sized lawn on the …...
Cruise Guide: Prince Albert II ushers in new cruise era
By Michael Coleman Cruise passengers with a taste for adventure and a penchant for luxury take note: Your ship has come in. Silversea Cruises, renowned for exceptional onboard service aboard its fleet of four ships has just unveiled its newest vessel, Prince Albert II, the worlds first ultra-luxurious expedition ship. The 132-guest...
Cruise Guide: Royal Caribbean unveils fun-in-sun itineraries
By Michael Coleman Three of the worlds largest cruise ships will be among a host of Royal Caribbean vessels set to explore Caribbean waters in 2009 and 2010. Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas are technological marvels each outfitted with amenities that have revolutionized the industry and each...
Cruise Guide: Cruise line shows captivate guests
By Michael Coleman Celebrity sightings. World class production shows. Fireworks. Thinking about Las Vegas? Think again. Entertainment offerings aboard todays modern cruise ships are rivaling those of their land-based counterparts. “Entertainment is a top (on board) priority and a new generation of cruise ships offers...
Cruise Guide: Princess onboard retreat a big hit with guests
By Michael Coleman Passengers aboard todays modern cruise ships have a host of amenities to choose from but one brand has taken the R and R concept to a whole new, comfortable level. Prompted by enthusiastic response from its passengers, Princess Cruises’ ground-breaking onboard pocket of tranquility – The Sanctuary...
Cruise Guide: Move over New York; Central Park now at sea
By Michael Coleman An unnamed vessel, soon to be the largest cruise ship in the world, will feature its own onboard park complete with serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees. Central Park, in fact, will be just one of seven neighborhoods aboard Royal Caribbeans latest architectural marvel, dubbed Project Genesis....
Cruise Guide: Ultra-luxury cruises in vogue on high seas
By Michael Coleman Bigger is not necessarily better according to a pair of expanding, high-end cruise brands. The Yachts of Seabourn and Silversea Cruises are banking that when it comes to ultra-luxurious high seas travel in the near future, less is also more. Both lines are in the process of adding new ships to their …...
Cruise Guide: Crystal, Princess offer guests distinct amenities
By Michael Coleman It will be a summer to remember for guests embarking on either a Crystal or Princess cruise. The ultra-luxurious setting aboard Crystal Symphony will be matched by a series of utra-exclusive shore excursions in St. Petersburg, Russia. Princess, meanwhile, will be expanding The Sanctuary its popular, adults-only...
Cruise Guide: Cruise lines unveil busy European season
By Michael Coleman More cruise ships than ever before will be exploring some of Europes greatest cities in 2008. “As the cruise industry continues its global expansion, nowhere are seagoing vacations growing at a faster rate than in Europe,” said Cruise Lines International Association president and CEO, Terry L. Dale....