Cruise Holidays Irish Cruise Blog

Silversea Launches New Fares and Business Class Flights Offer

Leading cruise operator Silversea, renowned for its ultra-luxurious ships and exotic destinations, has announced new fares on select voyages sailing from March to November 2012.

The new fares, which start from UK£2,299, will be available on voyages spanning the globe from Africa, Alaska and the Americas to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe and include generous onboard spending credits.

The credits can be used towards a wide range of onboard purchases, including shore excursions, spa treatments and dining.

Also new for 2012 is the offer of complimentary Business Class return flights on a selection of Silversea’s Mediterranean and Northern European voyages throughout 2012.

The offer will ensure that guests feel rested, relaxed and completely pampered before even boarding their Silversea ship. Having arrived at the departure destination in true style, guests will step on board for an elite and intimate Silversea experience with fewer passengers and superior levels of personalised service.

Award-winning all-suite accommodation, butler service and all-inclusive indulgences, such as gourmet cuisine inspired by Relais & Châteaux, combine with itineraries to the most vibrant and intriguing of destinations. Silversea’s smaller ships allow access to rarely seen harbours off the beaten track and can also dock right in the heart of a city rather than anchoring offshore, allowing guests more time to explore.

Silversea’s complimentary Business Class flight offer is available with select voyages from various U.K. gateways for a limited time only and subject to availability.

 

MSC Cruises introduces Guadeloupe and Martinique to their Caribbean itinerary

MSC Cruises is delighted to announce the introduction of the French Antilles as a new destination for the 2012-2013 winter season.

The inaugural voyage begins on 30 November 2012 when MSC Lirica departs from Genoa, Italy for a 16-day/15-night cruise, arriving at her new homeport in Martinique just over two weeks later.

MSC Lirica's course will take her from the Mediterranean through the Atlantic and on to the Caribbean, with scheduled stops in Marseilles, Barcelona, Funchal and, after five full days at sea, Bridgetown in Barbados. Scheduled stops then follow in Saint George in Grenada, Basseterre in Saint Kitts & Nevis and Castries in Saint Lucia, with MSC Lirica arriving in Fort-de-France in Martinique on 15 December 2012.

From 15 December 2012 through to 16 February 2013, MSC Lirica has a full schedule of ten 7-day/8-night cruises, departing every Saturday from Fort-de-France, Martinique, and every Sunday from Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

During these Caribbean experiences, guests will discover not only the breathtaking beauty but also the rich history of the islands, with scheduled stops in St John’s in Antigua & Barbuda; Road Town on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; Santo Domingo and La Romana in the Dominican Republic and Philipsburg in St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles.

The French Antilles will bid farewell to MSC Lirica on 23 February 2013, when she starts her 16-day/15-night return cruise from Fort-de-France to Genoa. Scheduled stops are Pointe-à-Pitre, Castries, Funchal, Malaga, Barcelona and Marseille.

Excursions meanwhile will range from gentle tours around botanical gardens and plantations through to canopy zip lines high above the rainforest. Those with a thirst for knowledge may prefer a visit to the fishing village where Christopher Columbus landed in 1502 or a Chocolate Tour to the Caribbean’s largest organic cocoa processing plants.

Royal Caribbean promoting Ukraine as a cruise destination

Royal Caribbean is looking to attract more cruise holiday passengers to eastern Europe, after reaching a deal with the government of Ukraine to develop ports in the country.

According to the cruise operator's blog, an agreement has been made for it to invest in the development of Sevastopol and Yalta.

Ukranian official Sergey Savenko was quoted as saying: "This company is willing to invest $250 million in the infrastructure to handle the large cruise liners, in the construction of hotels, restaurants, in the reconstruction of quay walls, such as [those] passenger ships require."

He also noted that alternative plans were considered – including building a new wharf at Cape Crystal, something that was ultimately deemed too expensive.

Both cities are situated on the Crimean peninsula, which offers some amazing sites for cruise voyages exploring eastern Europe.

Sevastopol, in particular, has a rich maritime history and is becoming one of the main trade and shipbuilding centres in the region.

Is the Ukraine somewhere you would be keen to explore?

Sex is top in Royal Caribbean’s survey

According to a recent survey carried out in the U.S. by Royal Caribbean, 90% of respondent’s ranked sex as the top activity on their cruise itinerary.

The 1,000 people polled in the online survey also consider cruises to be the most romantic type of holiday while offering a better value for their dollar (84%).

More than four of five respondents said a cruise with their partner is more romantic than a land-based holiday, with a 98% opting for an exotic cruise as a way to celebrate a special occasion, such as Valentine’s Day or an anniversary.

Most of the survey respondents said they left their last cruise feeling more ‘connected’ with their partner (80%), being more in love with their partner (67%) and feeling more attracted to their partner (65%). Nearly three-quarters of respondents said that spending time with their significant other on their most recent cruise improved their relationship.

Respondents indicated they are more likely to enjoy a number of romantic activities on a cruise than on a land-based holiday, including watching the sunset (72%), strolling in the moonlight (58%), stargazing (56%) and sharing a romantic dinner for two (55%).

Half of the respondents said they are more likely to be intimate on a cruise than on a land-based vacation. And not only is sex more frequent on a cruise, but many (62%) report that the sex on their last cruise was better than normal. Other than their stateroom, 24% cited their balcony as the place on board where they would most like to be intimate.

For 90%, sex ranks as the top activity on their cruise itinerary, ahead of sitting by the pool (84%), enjoying nightlife options (83%) and shopping (70%).

Royal Caribbean said the survey, conducted between January 27th and February 1st, included a national sample of 1,000 adults who live in the continental U.S. Half the respondents have previously cruised, and the rest expressed interest in cruising. All respondents indicated they are currently in a relationship.

To celebrate the results, the company is offering couples who book a cruise to Bermuda or Europe by February 29th a free ‘Romance Package’ including roses, chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling wine.

Sapphire Princess Makeover

Sapphire Princess emerged from an extensive three-week makeover to add a host of Princess Cruises' signature features to the cruise holiday ship.

The ship's passengers can now enjoy a brand-new Piazza atrium with the International Café and Vines wine bar, plus the new Alfredo's Pizzeria. On the top deck, the cruise ship now features a giant Movies Under the Stars screen, and passengers can also relax in the ship's "pocket of tranquility," the adults-only Sanctuary.

"Making these changes to Sapphire Princess was an important step to ensure that our signature shipboard features can be found wherever our passengers want to sail," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president.

The many changes to Sapphire Princess include:

New Piazza Atrium -- The ship's atrium space has been redesigned to include this signature Princess feature -- a European-inspired social hub of the ship combining always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. The Piazza features the International Café for pastries, fresh panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies and a variety of coffee drinks. Passengers can also enjoy a new Vines wine bar offering a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of tapas and sushi, and a wine shop where they can purchase their favorite bottle.

Alfredo's Pizzeria -- Introduced last year aboard Grand Princess, Alfredo's has now expanded to its second location on Sapphire Princess. The sit-down pizzeria serves up an enticing menu of freshly prepared, hand-stretched, individual-size pizzas. Named for the line's master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the pizzeria features an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs create their custom-made pies.

Movies Under the Stars -- Sapphire Princess has become the final ship in the current Princess fleet to introduce Movies Under the Stars on board. The giant poolside movie screen now showcases feature films, concerts, awards shows and sports events, and passengers can enjoy their viewing on padded loungers under warm, fleece blankets. Complimentary popcorn and other treats enhance the al fresco entertainment experience.

The Sanctuary -- Sapphire Princess was also the final ship to receive The Sanctuary, a tranquil retreat exclusively for adults. Added prior to drydock, the new Sanctuary space has already received an enthusiastic welcome from passengers enjoying the enhanced comforts of this peaceful oasis, as Serenity Stewards attend to their every need, offering refreshing beverages, light snacks, pre-loaded MP3 players, and the cooling mist of an Evian atomiser.

Also part of the ship's renovation were several relocated and upgraded venues, including the Art Gallery, Internet Café and Library, and the Photo-Video Gallery. New carpet, upholstery and tile work was added throughout the ship, and staterooms now feature new flat-screen televisions.

 

Sri Lanka - Cruise Holiday Hotspot

The arrival of the P&O Cruises vessel the Arcadia in Sri Lanka could be the first of many in the region, according to tourism officials.

The Southern Asian nation is the latest region to be hit by the cruise holiday bug, following the emergence of the industry in regions like the United Arab Emirates.

Arcadia’s arrival represents a major coup for Sri Lankan tourist officials too, with an estimated 2,100 visitors on board, according to news360lk.

This influx of holidaymakers is likely to provide a major boost to the Sri Lankan economy, with passengers set to disembark at the Colombo Port.

The Arcadia is arguably one of the most luxurious cruise ships of its type, with a total of 11 decks offering restaurants, a gym, an auditorium and a state-of-the-art swimming pool.

According to a statement from the Sri Lanka Tourism:“Having set sail from the UK on the 3rd of January this year, the vessel was berthed at Cochin, India, just before resuming its journey to Colombo.”

The arrival could be the first of many to the country though, with 20 luxury ships already confirmed for the coming year and a record figure of 950,000 tourists expected.

Is Sri Lanka somewhere you would like to visit?

Fred. Olsen launches new Canaries, North Africa and Cape Verde fly-cruises

Fred. Olsen Cruise Line is introducing a new programme of exotic fly-cruises to the Canary Islands, West Africa and the Cape Verde Islands aboard Braemar.

The exciting new fly-cruise itineraries – including ‘Sun and Souks’, ‘African Beaches and Tropical Islands’ and ‘Morocco, Madeira and the Canaries’ – will depart from London Gatwick and Manchester airports and are available between 6th January 2013 and 17th March 2013.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“This is a really exciting, innovative development for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. While we know that many of our regular cruise guests relish several days at sea, there are many would-be cruisers who are slightly younger and cannot take time for a leisurely voyage, or simply prefer to start enjoying their sun-seeking as soon as possible.

The short and easy flight to Tenerife means that guests can start to enjoy their cruise holiday in the sun within hours. This is a great new product to help agents sell cruises to those who might otherwise take a traditional package holiday.”

The new fly-cruises will be between seven and 14 nights’ duration, with exclusive charter flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Santa Cruz, Tenerife. The fly-cruises are available as a ‘cruise only’ option, so that guests have even more choice when booking their Fred. Olsen cruise holiday.

Fred. Olsen Cruises to operate sailings from Belfast

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have announced plans to operate cruise holiday sailings from Belfast next year.

Boudicca will be making two turnaround visits in October 2013 - a 12-night Iberia sailing, and two-night mini-cruise to Liverpool.

‘This is great news for all our guests living in the local area, as previously they have had to endure an expensive flight or long ferry crossing to reach our ships,’ said Matt Grimes, director of planning for the line.

The addition of this new regional departure port means that Fred. Olsen is able to operate a vessel within a radius of 100 miles from 90% of the UK population, ‘further enhancing our reputation as the UK’s local cruise line with a global choice of itineraries,’ Grimes added.

Belfast Harbour previously worked with Fred. Olsen in 2007 when 500 passengers embarked Black Prince to begin their cruise.