Cruise Holidays Irish Cruise Blog

MSC Cruises to Broadcast Olympics

MSC Cruises has announced that the Summer Olympic Games will be broadcasted live across the firm’s fleet of ships this summer.

There is just over a month to go until the Games begin in London on July 27th and with sports fans across the country eager to tune in to catch some of our medal hopefuls in action.

While some holidaymakers may have feared they would miss out on events, given that the competition runs through the height of summer until August 12th, fortunately for those on a voyage with MSC Cruises over that period they need not.

That is because the firm is set to broadcast all 2,000 hours of live Olympics coverage, via satellite, in all public areas and passenger accommodations on their vessels.

This means holidaymakers can look forward to their cruise and still enjoy one of the 29 different sports on offer at the event.

The on board entertainment will also be sport-themed, with a special parade and various pool-based races and football juggling competitions planned.

In addition to these, viewers will be able to bet on the outcome of events and enjoy a range of sporting activities like ping-pong and football, which will offer actual medals to the winners.

To cap it all off, these cruises will also offer passengers the chance to enjoy a slice of Olympic cake, which is styled to depict the iconic rings of the Olympics symbol.

Australian Billionaire to Build New Titanic

An Australian billionaire is to build a high-tech replica of the Titanic at a Chinese shipyard and its maiden voyage in late 2016 will be from England to New York, just like its namesake planned.

Weeks after the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the original Titanic, Clive Palmer announced he has signed a memorandum of understanding with state-owned Chinese company CSC Jinling Shipyard to build the Titanic II.

"It will be every bit as luxurious as the original Titanic, but … will have state-of-the-art 21st-century technology and the latest navigation and safety systems," Palmer said in a statement. He called the project "a tribute to the spirit of the men and women who worked on the original Titanic."

More than 1,500 people died after the Titanic hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic on its first voyage. It was the world's largest and most luxurious ocean liner at the time.

Palmer built a fortune on real estate on Australia's Gold Coast tourist strip before becoming a coal mining magnate. BRW magazine reported he was Australia's fifth-richest person last year with more than $5.2 billion.

 

Inside Look at Carnival Breeze

Planning a cruise holiday? Read this USA TODAY article on Carnival Cruise's latest vessel - Carnival Breeze.

 

 

Queen Mary 2 to show Madame Butterfly

Cruise holiday passengers aboard Cunard Line's flagship vessel the Queen Mary 2 will be treated to an operatic extravaganza this summer with plans taking place to screen Madame Bufferfly 3D onboard.

The screenings are being organised in association with the London Royal Opera House and RealD – the most widely used digital 3D projection technology in the world.

Recorded during live performances last year, the film will be screened from July 6th and with the Cunard vessel currently the only cruise ship planning to present the film.

The screening is the latest joint venture between Cunard and RealD. Last year, Carmen in 3D was screened to guests aboard the cruise vessels, with Madame Butterfly 3D expected to draw similar crowds to the Queen Mary 2's 450-seat theatre, Illuminations.

"There are few British institutions more respected and admired in the world than the Royal Opera and Cunard," says Joseph Peixoto, president of worldwide cinema at RealD.

"To bring this world-class production to Queen Mary 2 ensures it will be seen on cruises throughout the world."

Norwegian Cruise Line to offer Cabanas on the Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that ‘Cabanas on the Cay’, exclusive private cabanas with VIP service and amenities, are now available on Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s 250-acre private island in the Bahamas.

The launch of ‘Cabanas on the Cay’ marks another significant addition to the island as part of a $25 million dollar enhancement project.

Located to the west of the island’s main beach, these perfectly-appointed private Cabanas boast exclusive service and amenities to provide guests with the ultimate island escape and total relaxation.

Available for $249 per day, each Cabana accommodates up to six guests and is fully furnished with lounge chairs, tables, cooler, beach towels and a shower.

Cabana rental also includes a $50 food and beverage credit; up to six all-day passes to the Hippo Waterslide, a $120 value; and one large float, a $25 value; for guests to enjoy during their time on the island.

Cruise holiday guests who reserve one of the ten ‘Cabanas on the Cay’ will enjoy priority tender service to the island and, upon arrival to their private cabana, will receive six complimentary bottles of water and a refreshing fruit basket.

Norwegian has prepared an exclusive menu for Cabana guests consisting of delicious seafood, charcuterie, sushi and fruit platters.

Guests who choose to dine at the Island’s BBQ can use their credit towards one of the many beverage packages available exclusively for Cabana guests, or towards other beverage purchases on the island.

Nude Carnival cruise proves popular

Carnival Cruises recently announced they will be hosting a nude cruise trip again next year.

The itinerary, organised by nude tourism company Bare Necessities, has already proven popular with 70 per cent of places already booked up. It will take place aboard the aptly named Carnival Freedom.

The concept of nude tourism is nothing new, with the American Association for Nude Recreation approaching its 80th anniversary later this year.

If it's a sell-out, 2,794 passengers will enjoy the on board facilities including three pools, a jogging track and a range of impressive bar and restaurants in the buff.

Bare Necessities owner Nancy Tiemann is keen to stress that the trip was not simply about "getting on a cruise ship and taking your clothes off".

"I think when we vacation, we would rather travel with like-minded people, whether nudists or jazz music lovers," she said.

Would you go on a nude cruise holiday?

Cruise ships showing Euro 2012 finals

 

It all kicks off tonight and luckily the cruise holidaymakers aboard Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises ships won't miss the action as both companies have secured rights to screen the European Football Championships.

The games will be shown on all their ships cruising in Europe.

Royal Caribbean will show all 31 games between today and the final on July 1st.

Celebrity Cruises will show games from the quarter finals onwards.

The live games will be shown in selected bars around each ship or on TV in their cabins.

Royal Caribbean vice president and EMEA managing director Dominic Paul said: “Being able to show the games live is brilliant news for our guests, many of whom we know are passionate football fans.

“Often, holidaymakers are put off from going away when the big tournaments are on as they don’t want to miss the action – this way they can enjoy a fantastic cruise holiday and, hopefully, cheer their team to victory.”

Royal Caribbean International’s ships showing all the games:

Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas and Vision of the Seas

Celebrity Cruises ships showing quarter finals onwards:
Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Solstice.

My First Cruise, the First of Many

Standing in front of this huge floating vessel was just amazing anticipating my exciting cruise starting at Dover Uk, then At Sea, Kiel in Germany and finally the majestic Copenhagen!

It was my first time to ever see a cruise ship and I was completely in awe. On May 3rd I was lucky enough to partake on my first cruise which was onboard the fabulous MSC Poesia.

I checked in online so embarkation was quick and easy. I loved that my bags were taken from me and I was free to board the ship. Once onboard we were greeted by dozens of smiling faces and I was wow’d by the interior and decor of the ship. The atrium was elegant with fairy lights sprinkled across it and we greeted by soft music lulling us into our awaiting relaxed state.

The Poesia was at full capacity while I was onboard and although there were 3,000 of us on the ship I never once felt it was over crowded. Ship facilities included the usuals such as gorgeous swimming pool areas, casinos, a gorgeous theater, bars and restaurants. But it had the extras to, an outdoor cinema, an Italian ice cream bar (where I spent my days!) and an amazing spa.

 

 

I would also really recommend the €23 a day drinks package which can be pre-booked. Having such a package at such good value meant I had my money to enjoy onboard in the numerous shops, the amazing spa and shopping in the ports of call.

Onboard, I had a balcony cabin and I loved it. It was spacious, comfortable and modern. My favorite part was being able to sit out on the balcony and watch as sailed into the various ports in the morning time, the sun was shining and hearing the water lapping against the side of the ship was so peaceful. I could have sat there forever and it was in those moments on my private balcony that I realised I was about to become a regular cruiser.

Following my incredible first time cruise experience, I would definitely recommend an MSC cruise. The staff were amazing, the food onboard was amazing, the ships are stunning and they are such amazing value.

 

To conclude, as a (very young) first time cruiser who had all the same misconceptions as many would now confidently book another cruise. They are an incredible way to holiday and waking up somewhere new every day is brilliant. This was definitely my favorite part. Oh, and being treated like a princess...

Kathleen

Royal Caribbean to boost China presence

Royal Caribbean has confirmed it will boost its capacity in China in June 2013, when it deploys the 3,114-passenger Mariner of the Seas to replace the 1,800-passenger Legend of the Seas.

Legend of the Seas has operated from Singapore and Shanghai for the past three years and will reposition to Europe.

The Mariner will join the 3,114-passenger Voyager of the Seas, which is launching service in China this month.

“We have made it clear we see Asia in general, and China in particular, as a strategic objective,” said Richard Fain, chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises.

“We have been so pleased by the market’s response to bringing Voyager of the Seas to Asia that it made strategic sense to send a second ship of equal size.”

Would you be interested in cruising around China?