Cruise Holidays Irish Cruise Blog

40% of Young People Would Consider Cruising

Young people, aged between 15 and 24, are turning on to the idea of cruising because of the variety of entertainment options on board.

In a recent study carried out by Mintel, 2,000 people were quizzed about their views on cruise holidays abroad.

The findings revealed that while only four per cent of those youngsters quizzed had been on a cruise, an impressive 40 per cent admit they would consider one of these packages in the near future.

Cruise holidays offer a wealth of entertainment options for young passengers, with onshore activities and days of exploration complemented by onboard entertainment such as cinemas, arcades, swimming facilities and sports areas.

Have you ever been on a cruise with a young adult? Did they enjoy it?

Cunard’s World Cruises for 2014

Cunard has unveiled details for some of its major voyages for 2014, including the tenth anniversary season for the Queen Mary 2.

The famous vessel will start her 2014 schedule with a 119-night voyage around Africa and the east, ending with calls at various ports around Australia. This will mark a return to Australia for the ocean liner after its inaugural circumnavigation of the country earlier this year.

The Queen Elizabeth will be embarking on a 118-night Round World trip taking in 40 different ports of call across 23 countries - including the ship's first ever stop off in Japan. Maiden calls will also be made at Shanghai, Pusan in South Korea and Aqaba, which is close to Petra in Jordan.

Finally, the Queen Victoria will undertake a 116-nightvoyage around South America, travelling from Brazil to Chile before heading to New Zealand and returning to the UK. Eight maiden calls will be made for the vessel, including Rio, Buenos Aires, Easter Island and Moorea in French Polynesia.

Peter Shanks, president of Cunard, said that these world voyages continue to grow in demand with passengers.

"For 2014, we have Queen Victoria undertaking her first ever South American voyage around Cape Horn, while Queen Mary 2, celebrates her 10th anniversary with a full circumnavigation of Australia, building on the huge popularity of this circle sector with our guests this year," he said.

Are you tempted by these? Have you travelled with Cunard before?

Best Cruise Ship Shower Ever

Check out this amazing shower in the top suite on Celebrity Reflection!

The first drawings of the glass-enclosed space, were unveiled today and show a soaring, polygonal area that juts outward from the 14th deck of the vessel, affording sweeping vistas to the sea.

Billed as an industry first, the cantilevered shower will feature see-through glass on its floor and ceiling as well as its sides that is coated with a reflective material that Celebrity promises will keep outsiders from looking in during the day. At night, shower users can flip a switch to trigger a fogging function that further obscures the view.

"You can see out, but the important part of the story is no one can see in. We spent a lot of money making sure of that," said Celebrity senior vice president of hotel operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.

Announced in December, the 1,636-square-foot Reflection Suite will be the largest accommodations ever on a Celebrity ship, eclipsing the 1,432-square-foot Penthouse Suites found on the line's four Millennium Class vessels.

The Reflection Suite will be the first suite on a Celebrity ship with two bedrooms and come with a wrap-around balcony that at 194 square feet is larger than some basic cabins on the vessel. Designed by New York-based BG Studio International, it'll also feature a butler on call around the clock (as do all Celebrity suites) and can accommodate up to six passengers.

Lutoff-Perlo says there's growing demand from Celebrity's customers for elaborate suites, even at high prices, and the line has realized it needs more of them. The Reflection Suite is one of six large new suites that Celebrity is placing on the Celebrity Reflection.

"The type of people we are attracting is a customer that is willing to pay more and is looking for these kind of accommodations," Lutoff-Perlo says. "We spend a lot of time listening to our customers."

The Celebrity Reflection enters service on October 12th with a nine-night sailing from Amsterdam to Barcelona followed by two more Europe sailings and a trans-Atlantic voyage from Europe to the USA.

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?

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.

Young Adults considering cruise holidays

New research suggests cruise holidays are starting to appeal much more to younger people.

Although cruises are often associated with older travellers, a survey by Mintel suggests that 40 per cent of people between the ages of 15 and 24 would consider taking a cruise in the future.

The research highlights the fact that only four per cent of 15 to 24-year-olds have been on a cruise before, compared with 32 per cent of people aged 65 to 74.

Tom Rees, senior travel and tourism analyst at Mintel, said: "Young adults like the idea of an adventure at sea and the house party atmosphere of an onboard holiday can appeal to many young package holidaymakers as a change from resort-based trips.

"The key is getting the product right. Given the market trend towards shorter cruises departing from UK ports, short themed breaks or even floating music festivals, promoted through social media, can be a way to attract a younger clientele."

Interestingly, Mintel's survey shows that young people see cruises as a good way of discovering new destinations, while more than a quarter think they offer a good way to meet new people.

What do you think of this shift in attitude? Could music festivals on a cruise ship work?

UNICEF ambassador to help launch MSC Divina

MSC Cruises is set to roll out the red carpet this month, with UNICEF goodwill ambassador Maxim Vengerov featuring at the christening of their newest vessel, MSC Divina.

Vengerov, who is also a classical violinist, will feature alongside a variety of star names who will be present at the event in Marseille on May 26th. The 37-year-old Russian will then give a speech to the waiting masses before releasing hundreds of balloons to mark the festivities.

MSC Cruises chief executive Pier Francesco Vago and MSC fleet godmother Sophia Loren will also be in attendance at the event, and will join Vengerov for a special question and answer session planned for the day.

The presence of these stars at the special naming event comes as MSC Cruises and UNICEF look to promote the "Get on Board for Children" initiative.

This a fund created to deal with the poverty seen in the infamous favelas of Brazil, with the group campaigning for better educational facilities for children.

No word has yet been given on whether Vangerov will perform at the christening.

Have you ever been on a cruise holiday with MSC Cruises?

Cunard Host First Transatlantic Wedding

A couple of cruise holiday enthusiasts took the plunge on a recent trip aboard the Cunard liner the Queen Mary 2 - after tying the knot in the mid-Atlantic.

The happy new couple, Barry Maloney and Denise Holding, became the first pairing to marry aboard a Cunard cruise during a transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York.

Captain Kevin Oprey oversaw the ceremony, with the newlyweds invited up to the bridge after the main event where they were allowed to sound the ship's whistle.

According to the Seatrade Insider, the pair, who own a riding centre in the UK, had been together for nearly 30 years prior to the forming their new union on the recent cruise.

However it was the chance to wed aboard their favourite ship that ultimately proved too good an opportunity to miss.

Do you think getting married at sea is a good idea? Would you do it?