Cruise Holidays Irish Cruise Blog

It's here! The Cruise Holidays & Tour America Red Cow Annual Holiday Sale Day.

Tour America & Cruise Holidays, Ireland's leading tour operator to the USA and Cruise Holidays, are this week launching our Annual Sale Day at The Red Cow Moran Hotel to take place on Sunday 7th October.

 

This is the 12th year Tour America & Cruise Holidays have run this holiday show, and we have organised for suppliers from all over the USA to join us on the day. From cruise companies such as Norwegian Cruise Line with a host of special offers and top tips for our cruise clients. Some of the key tourist boards from the USA will also be there including Florida Beaches, Las Vegas, Massachusetts, California, Deep South and much more.

There will be at least 30 exhibitors, with lots of gifts for you and your family; there will be a children's area, and all the Tour America experts there to bring you all the exclusive offers of the day. In addition, we will have key guest speakers to keep you up to date with all that is travel, and to provide you with additional information on all the destinations available to book in the USA wih tips, advice and special offers on the day.

And if you're a technology savvy person, you'll be able to connect with us on the day through Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Foresquare. We'll be taking pictures and videos so you can tag yourself, we'll be tweeting event information (Q times, deals on the day etc.) and much more. And we'll have a competition on the day to give one lucky person a €100 One4All gift voucher just for checking in on their mobile phone either through Facebook or Foresquare. If you have been before, you will know how busy it is, so arrive early. If you have not been before, now is your chance to take advantage of the best holiday prices for the USA and cruising. Doors open at 10am (admission is free) and the fun continues till 6pm.

Kid Rock Cruise Scheduled for 2013

Rocker Kid Rock will be heading to sea again with fans in 2013.

Music cruise organizer Sixthman says its fourth annual Kid Rock sailing, dubbed the "Chillin' The Most" cruise, will kick off on March 6 in Miami on Norwegian Cruise Line's 2,394-passenger Norwegian Pearl.

The four-night voyage to Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas will include performances by Kid Rock as well as other musicians on multiple stages around the ship, including a Kid Rock sailaway performance on the pool deck. Kid Rock also will take the stage at Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, as part of a full day of music planned for the visit. Fans can sign up to board the Norwegian Pearl a day ahead of schedule on March 5 for an overnight "pre-party" sailing with supporting bands.

Get an idea of what to expect on this cruise right

 

Celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian set for Norwegian Breakway

Passengers sailing aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line vessel could be set for an exquisite taste of the high seas next summer, with celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian opening a seafood concept restaurant on board.

Zakarian is a popular figure among the US public, starring on the Food Network television channel with epic cooking contest Iron Chef among his onscreen engagements.

From May 2013 though, the American will set sail aboard the Norwegian Breakaway, with his new luxury seafood dining experience the Ocean Blue set to open onboard.

The US celebrity is keen to take an active role in all areas of the establishment, from the menus to the dining areas, staff uniforms and glassware. Zakarian will also be available for meet-and-greets on certain cruises, with in-person demonstrations and cooking experiences available for groups of guests.

Commenting on the latest addition to the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, chief executive officer Kevin Sheehan described his arrivals "like hitting the culinary lottery".

"Not only do we win big, but so do our guests on Norwegian Breakaway who will get to experience his world-class cuisine in three dining outlets on the ship," he said.

The Norwegian Breakaway is set to begin sailing from New York in May next year.

Is food an important factor for you when considering your cruise holiday options?

Broadway's "Rock of Ages" To Headline Norwegian Breakaway's Entertainment

Norwegian Cruise Line continued its legacy of innovating cruise ship entertainment as it announced that the five-time Tony Award nominated musical ROCK OF AGES will be featured on Norwegian Breakaway, along with two additional Broadway shows: the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY.

"As a lifelong New Yorker, it's critically important to me that Norwegian Breakaway becomes New York's ship, the only way to cruise from New York when she arrives next May. Our goal is to bring elements of New York on board so that guests will feel a real connection to the ship as New York's true flagship," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer.

"With ROCK OF AGES performing in the Breakaway Theater, along with BURN THE FLOOR, CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY in the Spiegel Tent, and all the other entertainment offerings, we are truly bringing Broadway to the high seas and delivering the high caliber entertainment that New Yorkers have come to expect."

ROCK OF AGES is one of the longest running shows in Broadway history and offers Broadway's best party. The New York Times has called the show, "Absurdly enjoyable! About as guilty as pleasures get!"

The classic rock love story of the decade features such feel-good, sing-out-loud songs such as "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," "I Wanna Know What Love Is," "Here I Go Again," "Don't Stop Believin," and more. The Broadway show is now also Hollywood's biggest party as the film of the musical by New Line Cinema was released on June 15, 2012.

Norwegian Breakaway will feature multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues throughout the ship so that guests can choose from a wide variety of entertainment each evening of their cruise with choices to appeal to a broad audience.

 

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.

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces New Innovation

Norwegian Cruise Line have announced an exciting new innovation on their latest cruise holiday ship Norwegian Breakaway launching in April next year.

The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place is a new concept and includes an oceanfront boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and bars, combined with three expansive, flowing decks of dining, bars, entertainment, gaming and more.

 “With our newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, we are continuing our tradition of innovation with a brand new ship design that will provide our guests with a unique experience unlike anything else at sea,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. 

“The heart of Norwegian Breakaway and the elements that truly set it apart are The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place.  Guests will enjoy al fresco dining while admiring the beauty of the ocean, along with the excitement and exhilaration of three expansive action-packed decks, as everything is designed to flow seamlessly."

Located on Deck 8, The Waterfront is a revolutionary outdoor experience that adds a whole new dimension to the line’s signature Freestyle Cruising, by offering a number of seaside venues that feature breathtaking views and a sense of connection with the ocean. 

The hub of the ship is 678 Ocean Place, a space that uniquely flows, intertwines and connects three decks of daytime and nighttime amusements. There will be a total of 17 dining venues combined on both 678 Ocean Place and The Waterfront, along with 12 bars and lounges. 

Norwegian will also introduce a new dining concept on Norwegian Breakaway, Ocean Blu, the line’s first ever all-seafood restaurant, which will include a premium raw bar, along with a separate sushi bar.

NCL Launch New Youth Program

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced it is to revitalise its current youth program. The re-branded program will be introduced on Norwegian Gem in mid-February and will be rolled out to all of the line’s cruise ships subsequently.

“More and more families are choosing a cruise for their vacation since it represents such a good value and offers so much for the entire family. In fact, close to 150,000 children sailed on our ships in 2010 and that number continues to rise,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We’ve already taken family programming to the next level by offering Nickelodeon experiences on some ships. Now, we want to make sure that we are continuing to offer the best possible experience for families. To do this, we are investing millions of dollars in revamping our youth and family programming.”

The current program, Norwegian’s Kid’s Crew in place since 1999, will be renamed and the age groups are being redefined to better address the skills and interests of children. The new age groups will be: three to five years; six to eight years; nine to 12 years; along with two teen groups: 13 to 14 and 15 to 17 years. There will also be programming for babies and toddlers ages six months to two years.

The new fully developed and enhanced curriculum tailored to each age group is being produced in conjunction with The King’s Foundation and Camps, a United Kingdom-based organisation that provides high quality sport and activity programs designed to make a positive impact on children. More focus will be placed on sporting activities, arts and crafts, theater and technology. Activities will change every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the age group and will be set within blocks of programming time in the morning, afternoon and evening.

The new curriculum will also include creative themes, such as circus day, theater/technology/sports and port of call day. The company has engaged Cirque Du Jour, a New York-based company that specializes in teaching children real circus skills such as scarf juggling, ball juggling, plate spinning, clowning and acrobatics. Circus workshops and shows will also be offered for the entire family.

In addition, the youth programs will be expanded to utilise other areas of the ships, including the sports courts, rock walls, theaters, lounges and public spaces and will feature more family events such as parades and scavenger hunts.

“We want to ensure our youth and teens are engaged in the programs we offer and that they are having fun,” said Richard Ambrose, Norwegian Cruise Line’s vice president of entertainment. “We have designed this new youth program to cater to the specific interests and skill sets of children and teens to ensure that they are having the vacation of a lifetime.”

The company is also investing in its youth staff, by increasing the ratio of staff to children and establishing new criteria for the hiring of counselors, including the requirement of a college degree in recreation or child care (or the equivalent experience).

The line currently offers exclusive Nickelodeon family events, shows and activities on three ships: Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Gem (beginning mid-February). Activities include pool games, breakfast with the characters, where kids – and adults – can eat, sing and play with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Patrick, Diego and more; Dora’s Dance Party, where kids can join Dora and the Nickelodeon cast to dance and sing along; meet and greets with popular Nickelodeon characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and many more. In addition, there are also other family activities offered, including Nick Jr. story time, family trivia and special arts and crafts sessions.

Norwegian Breakaway Deployment Announced

Norwegian Cruise Line’s new state-of-the-art 4,000-passenger ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will sail from her year-round homeport of New York City to the Bahamas & Florida and the Caribbean during her inaugural winter season.

Following an inaugural summer season sailing seven-day cruises from New York to Bermuda, Norwegian Breakaway will embark on a series of 25 seven-day cruises to the Bahamas & Florida beginning on Sunday, October 13th, 2013.

The ship will also sail two 12-day Southern Caribbean itineraries on January 5th and 19th, 2014, along with two Weekend Escape cruises on January 17th and 31st, 2014.

These cruises go on sale to travel partners and Latitudes Rewards members (past guests) today and to the general public on Friday, January 6th.

“Norwegian Breakaway is one of the most highly anticipated new ships and has seen great demand for her summer sailings to Bermuda,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. 

“For her winter inaugural season, Norwegian Breakaway will offer guests a chance to escape from the cold of the Northeast and be transported in grand style to the tropics of the Caribbean and the Bahamas & Florida. 

“We are also excited to announce the ship will stop at our newly enhanced private island, Great Stirrup Cay, offering an exclusive beach experience.”

In October of 2011, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Norwegian Cruise Line announced that beginning in May 2013, Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest ship to homeport year-round in New York City, bringing 140,000 additional embarking passengers into New York City over two years, resulting in an estimated $35 million in additional direct spending.

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Breakaway will be 144,017 gross tons and is scheduled for delivery in April 2013.

Norwegian Cruise Line is viewed as Europe’s Leading Cruise Line by the prestigious World Travel Awards.

 

Halloween Special with Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet of 11 Freestyle Cruising ships will offer guests a spooktacular cruise experience for Halloween. Festive decorations will be adorned throughout the ship and guests can participate in special activities to celebrate the light-hearted holiday, from masquerade balls and costume contests to spooky scavenger hunts and scary movie trivia.

Those looking to experience the mystery and thrills of the season can attend Murder Mystery lunches performed by The Second City Comedy Troupe on board Norwegian Dawn; Epic; Gem; Pearl; Spirit; Star and Pride of America.

As guests set sail to the Bahamas & Florida, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe and Hawaii, the celebration continues with themed desserts in the ship’s action-station restaurants. Decadent treats may include Pecan Caramel Spiders made with dark chocolate, caramel and pecans or Halloween cupcakes decorated with bewitching confections and made with chocolate, cream cheese and topped with a peanut butter frosting. To add to the festivities of the evening, adults can enjoy themed cocktail specialties such as a Blackbeard’s Ghost.

 

NCL commissions famous artist to paint next ship

 
NCL has commissioned New York based artist Peter Max to paint their next cruise ship.

It's the first time the line has asked a popular artist to paint the hull artwork on one of its ships, and it’ll be Peter Max’s first effort at painting a ship.

Although the New York artist is no stranger to painting large objects, his achievements include a Boeing 777 jumbo jet as well as a 600ft stage for Woodstock. He's also well-known for his paintings of various heads of states, including six American presidents and his artwork is on exhibition in hundreds of galleries and museums worldwide.

Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer had the following to say “Since Norwegian Breakaway will be making her home in New York, we felt it was fitting to ask the artist best associated with New York, Mr. Peter Max, to paint the ship’s hull. I am a huge fan of his work and know that the art he creates for Norwegian Breakaway will make the ship instantly recognizable.”

Peter Max is simply thrilled at the opportunity “I’ve painted a plane and a stage for Woodstock, but never a ship. I love ships and have travelled on them many times in my life. To see my artwork floating on Norwegian Breakaway out at sea will be a dream come true.”

The Norwegian Breakaway is scheduled for delivery in April 2013. She will weigh in at an impressive 144,017 gross tons and has been reported to have berths for 4,000 passengers. Breakaway’s sister ship Norwegian Getaway is scheduled for a April 2014 delivery.