Cruise Holidays Irish Cruise Blog

Love Lost for Love Boat

The former Pacific Princess, famous to millions as the "Love Boat", is heading to the scrapyard according to Italy's La Repubblica.

The ship which is over 40 years old has been sold to a Turkish demolition company for just over €2.5 million.

The 19,903-ton, 600-passenger ship, tiny compared to today's mammoth ships, has been at one of the Genoa dock's in Italy for over a year. She last sailed for Spanish based Quail Cruises after changing hands several times since sailing for Princess Cruises from 1975 to 2002.

Built in 1971, Pacific Princess enjoyed worldwide fame for over a decade as the backdrop for ABC's The Love Boat television series, which aired from 1977 to 1986 and gave the cruise holiday industry a massive boom.

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.

 

Princess Cruises – Festive at Sea

For the fifth year in a row, Princess Cruises ships are expecting snow flurries to set the stage for a festive holiday season at sea. No matter where they are sailing, passengers won't miss out on a white Christmas as snow magically falls in the ships' multi-story atriums, transforming them into winter wonderlands.

The innovative snow-making process creates falling flakes that vanish on contact, letting cruise passengers enjoy the excitement of snow without the need to bundle up. Princess' daily snowfall will occur on all ships except for the lines' two small vessels, Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess.

The shipboard snowfall is one of many ways Princess ships will surround passengers with a merry atmosphere. With the halls decked out in holiday décor, including a Christmas tree on the mast and strolling carolers filling the air with the sounds of the season, Princess ships will offer a festive cruise experience from bow to stern.

The Christmas spirit will be found in activities throughout the ship. Passengers can challenge themselves with a gingerbread house-building competition to see who can construct the most creative structure. Or they can express their creativity with holiday card making, enjoy the entertaining cheer of a Christmas variety show, and even pick up tips at a turkey-carving demonstration to prepare themselves to do the honors at their next holiday feast.

Passengers can join in the sounds of the season by participating in a special holiday-themed Pop Choir, and the ships' Piazzas will feature seasonal entertainment. Movies Under the Stars screens will show favorite holiday films, as well as a virtual Yule log that will turn the giant screens into the "world's largest holiday fireplace." Stateroom televisions will also add the traditional burning Yule log broadcast for a warm and cozy touch inside the room. And of course Santa is expected to make a visit, with passengers receiving their own stocking on Christmas Eve.

Religious services will be held as well, and passengers can participate in Catholic mass or a non-denominational church service performed by onboard clergy.

"The festive atmosphere onboard makes the holidays one our passengers' favorite times to cruise," said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. "Our welcoming crew members take the worry out of all holiday preparations, and what better way to celebrate than with a winter snowfall -- even on a tropical cruise vacation." Swartz added that space is still available on select holiday sailings.

Holiday Feasts -- Each Princess ship's culinary team will delight the senses with spectacular holiday displays and will serve up several delicious feasts. Christmas dinner features traditional holiday fare including slow-roasted Vermont turkey with chestnut stuffing and cranberry chutney. Special desserts include English Christmas pudding and gingerbread soufflé and Christmas cookies also make an appearance. Passengers can also try a taste of traditional holiday dishes from around the world as the Horizon Court serves up some favorites based on the cuisines of crew members' home countries.

Christmas For Children -- Younger cruisers can anticipate the big day with a full schedule of holiday activities. The youth centers will host holiday parties for each age group, and kids can make decorations to display on the center's Christmas tree, or can try their hand at cookie decorating. Youngsters can get creative with other holiday-themed arts and crafts projects throughout the cruise, and they will have an opportunity to sing Christmas carols for passengers. Naturally, Santa Claus makes an appearance with his sack full of toys, and, in what has become a holiday tradition, a senior officer will read "The Night Before Christmas" on Christmas Eve.

For parents who want to stay up later to celebrate the holidays, free late-night group kid-sitting sessions will be available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

Hanukkah -- From December 20-28 passengers can celebrate the Festival of Lights onboard with special Hanukkah activities. Ships will organize services, and passengers will find menorahs and fresh flower arrangements in blue, silver and white on display. Kosher meals are available upon request, and kid's centers will host activities for young cruisers, including a reading of "Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah."

Happy New Year -- Passengers will count down to a fun-filled 2012 with festive New Year's Eve parties, complete with music, confetti, noise-makers and a balloon drop to ring in the new year. Earlier in the evening, the dinner menu will feature special treats just for New Year's Eve. On New Year's Day, football fans can follow the action of the day's traditional college bowl games, as the telecasts will be shown (as available by satellite) on the giant Movies Under the Stars screens or in shipboard lounges.

Holiday Shopping -- Passengers who love to shop will not miss out on the holiday sales just because they're at sea. Princess will provide a wide array of holiday shopping and gift-giving opportunities on board including tax- and duty-free fine jewelry, watches, fragrance, cosmetics and fine art. New this year on the days after Christmas and New Year's, the Princess boutiques will open early in the morning to offer shoppers "door-busters" and other holiday discounts and specials.

  

Princess Cruises returns to Galveston, Texas

Princess Cruises will head to Texas next autumn, operating Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston during the autumn 2012 to spring 2013 cruise season.

The line will also cruise from Fort Lauderdale and offer several ways to sail through the Panama Canal, including full and partial transits.

The Crown Princess will be based in Galveston, sailing seven-day itineraries to Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. Trips will run between December 22nd, 2012, and April 27th, 2013. Currently, Carnival and Royal Caribbean run cruises from the Gulf of Mexico port.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Ruby Princess, Caribbean Princess, Emerald Princess and Grand Princess will sail Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries.

In addition, Coral Princess and Island Princess will offer eight itinerary options on Panama Canal sailings, including both full and partial Canal transits. Several trips include two-day canal visits – a full canal transit combined with a full day at Fuerte Amador, at the Pacific entrance to the canal. These 14- and 15-day itineraries sail between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles or San Francisco.

 

Princess Cruises ban smoking from 2012

Starting next January smoking will be prohibited in cabins and on balconies on the Princess Cruise fleet.

"As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every passenger has a comfortable onboard experience, Princess Cruises will be introducing more restrictive smoking policies, and will prohibit smoking in passenger staterooms and balconies for all voyages departing after January 15, 2012.

Countries around the world from North America to Europe are moving to more restrictive smoking policies and our latest consumer studies show that smokers are a small minority of our passengers. In fact, the vast majority of cruisers value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As you know, balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises, and we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the passenger’s stateroom account. Keeping with the global trend and honoring the wishes of our passengers, we feel this change will enhance our onboard experience and do more to help our passengers escape completely.

Of course we still welcome passengers who smoke, and will continue to provide convenient smoking areas throughout each ship, including cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and casino, and a portion of the open decks."

Are you a smoker? What do you think about this new restriction, would it impact on the enjoyment of your cruise holiday?

Princess Cruises welcomes Guide Dogs for the Blind onboard

By Susan O’Driscoll

Princess Cruises recently hosted a group of 25 new graduates from Guide Dogs for the Blind and their owners for the day in San Francisco, to familiarise them with how the line can accommodate visually impaired travellers and their canine companions on a cruise holiday.

The group enjoyed a lunch and tour aboard Sea Princess which included opportunities to test out many of the special features offered for the visually impaired. For the dogs, the ships provide special life jackets, bowls of water in the dining room, and relieving boxes with favored cedar chips. Passengers also have specially translated menus and can enjoy reserved seating in the Princess Theatre with room for their dogs. During a cruise, passengers and crew are also invited to meet the dogs during a designated play time.

"These dogs are canine heroes," said Brian Rademacher, Princess Cruises district sales manager. "It's truly a labour of love for us to work with this wonderful organisation."

 

Zumba Classes rolled out on Princess Cruises

Posted by Susan O’Driscoll

Zumba Fitness, the super fast dance-fitness programme that blends international music and contagious choreography, is now going to be available on the entire Princess Cruises fleet.

Since December, cruise holiday passengers on many Princess ships have been joining in the fun with free classes taught by licensed Zumba instructors. The classes quickly became among the most popular activities on board, and now additional staff members will complete the official training to become licensed Zumba instructors as the program expands fleetwide.

"The energetic atmosphere and popularity of Zumba classes inspired us to send our staff members for official training to become licensed Zumba instructors, so that we could offer this fun new fitness option to our passengers," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "As a result, our onboard Zumba classes are always packed, and consistently receive positive feedback from passengers who are happy to have the opportunity to try something they've been hearing about, or to continue with the program they have at home."

Zumba classes were first introduced in December 2010 and are currently offered aboard Caribbean Princess, Dawn Princess, Diamond Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Golden Princess, Island Princess, Ruby Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sea Princess and Star Princess. The program is expected to be available fleetwide before the end of the year.

Princess welcomes Guide Dogs for the Blind

Posted by Susan O’Driscoll

Princess Cruises recently hosted a group of 25 new graduates from Guide Dogs for the Blind and their owners for the day in San Francisco, to familiarise them with how the line can accommodate visually impaired travellers and their canine companions.

The group enjoyed a lunch and a tour aboard Sea Princess which included opportunities to test out many of the special features offered for the visually impaired. For the dogs, the ships provide special life jackets, bowls of water in the dining room, and relieving boxes with favored cedar chips. Passengers also have specially translated menus and can enjoy reserved seating in the Princess Theatre with room for their dogs. During a cruise, passengers and crew are also invited to meet the dogs during a designated play time.

"These dogs are canine heroes," said Brian Rademacher, Princess Cruises district sales manager. "It's truly a labour of love for us to work with this wonderful organisation."

 

A Royal Transformation

Posted by Susan O’Driscoll

The most significant transformation of a Princess Cruises ship is to be undertaken this spring aboard Grand Princess.

“This is the largest makeover we’ve ever undertaken for any of our ships,” said Pieter van der Schee, head of brand marketing Princess Cruises UK. “Grand Princess was the most innovative cruise ship when she was launched and is already very popular in Britain. With the latest innovations from her recent sister ships added she will be an even greater attraction for British cruisers looking for a pampering, relaxing holiday.”

The changes will be made during a drydock from April 11 to May 4 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas ahead of Grand Princess’s return to Southampton for a programme of summer cruises. Highlights of the dramatic makeover include:

· Crown Grill – A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theatre-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including live lobsters.

· Leaves Tea Lounge and Library – A fusion of tea lounge and library, the new Leaves offers a distinctive opportunity for passengers to custom-blend a variety of base teas with herbs, fruits and spices to create a personalised tea blend. Created in partnership with Mighty Leaf Tea Company, one of the world’s premier makers of artisan teas, Leaves will give passengers an impressive choice of up to 500 different tea blends to suit their palates. A trained tea sommelier will assist passengers in blending a personalized tea creation, which they can enjoy in the midst of the library and a good book.

· Alfredo’s Pizzeria – Known for serving the best pizza at sea, Princess will introduce Alfredo’s, a new sit-down pizzeria with an enticing menu of freshly-prepared individual-size pizzas. Named for the line’s master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the pizzeria will feature an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs create the pizzas they’ll enjoy with a glass of wine or other beverage.

· One5 Lounge – The new One5 lounge will replace Skywalkers as the place to be for nighttime dancing and relaxing. The new lounge on deck 15 (hence its name) takes its inspiration from the chicest urban nightclubs, and will offer a cool vibe, contemporary seating and lighting, and a dramatic back-lit bar.

· Crown Grill – A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theatre-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including live lobsters.

Also part of the renovation will be new suites, remodelled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner’s Martini Lounge.

The newly renovated Grand Princess will debut in Southampton on 21 May with new itineraries to offer more choice to past passengers, as well as a 3-night Weekend Sampler to offer new customers an opportunity to try out the brand. In addition to her popular 14-night Mediterranean cruises and 7-night short-breaks Grand Princess will sail two 17-night cruises from the UK to the central Med, including Venice, an 11-night cruise to the Canary Islands and Madeira, and a 14-night cruise to Norway and Spitsbergen.

Royal Caribbean tops Travel Weekly awards

Posted by Susan O’Driscoll

Is Royal Caribbean the world's No. 1 cruise line? It is according to the readers of Travel Weekly.

The Reader’s Choice Awards were held last night at the Plaza Hotel in New York and the Miami-based cruise line swept half a dozen categories in the awards, including the top spot for "cruise line, overall" as well as "cruise line, domestic" and "cruise line, Caribbean."

The line’s newest addition, Oasis of the Seas, also won "cruise ship, rookie" and "cruise ship, overall."

Celebrity Cruises won in the categories of "cruise line, premium" and "cruise line, Europe" and Celebrity's groundbreaking two-year-old Celebrity Solstice took home the award for "cruise ship, premium."

Princess Cruises won the award in the "cruise line, Alaska" category while Crystal Cruises won in the luxury category. Viking River Cruises won for top river line, and Avalon Waterways' Avalon Scenery won for top river ship.

"The professionals who read and rely on Travel Weekly have the expertise to select those businesses, destinations and hotels that provide a higher level of service to their clients," editor in chief Arnie Weissmann said at the event. "Our readers can be confident that these winners represent the best this industry has to offer."

Travel Weekly also presented Lifetime Achievement Awards at the event to two cruise industry leaders: Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (the parent company of both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises); and Jimmy Murphy, chairman of river cruise line AmaWaterways.