March 2005 Cruise News
New Cruise Ship Safety Policies have been Established by the Bureau of Customs and
Border Protection
Passengers of cruise ships that dock at a U.S.
port may find that it takes a longer time to disembark for their shore
excursions. A new policy created by the CBP requires that passengers are
searched once they reach the U.S. port rather than on the ship before they reach
the port. Business owners are worried this new policy will be detrimental
to the economies of shops and restaurants that rely on cruisers for their
income.
March 30, 2005
Seabourn Announces Exclusive
Chefs Circle Cruise Itineraries
Luxury leader Seabourn Cruise
Lines has announced the special itineraries for its third annual Chefs Circle
cruise series. These exclusive sailings will give guests the chance to
experience first-hand the culinary expertise of some of the best-known master
chefs in the world, all while enjoying an incredible cruise vacation to some of
the most magnificent and beautiful destinations on earth!
March 29, 2005
Cruise Ship Care Could Offer Retirement Alternative for Seniors
If cruise lines jump aboard this idea, aging adults with an
aversion toward facility living could be spending their golden
years on a perpetual high seas adventure! A new study from
Northwestern University School of Medicine reports that life
aboard a cruise ship for 20 years could cost seniors about the
same as a similar stint in an assisted-living facility.
March 28, 2005
Celebrity Must Cancel its Infinity Sailing to Hawaii
A 10-night cruise to Honolulu will have to be cancelled after
Celebrity discovered problems with the propulsion system of the
cruise ship Infinity. Although many customers are surely
disappointed, Celebrity is doing all in its power to stay in the
would-be passengers good graces.
March 25, 2005
Coast Guard Sets Security Zone around Cruise Ships
To protect cruise ships from terrorist attacks, the U.S. Coast
Guard has proposed a new rule and, as the cruise industry is
anxious to give its passengers the added security of these new
laws, some repercussions may arise in the tight channels and
small harbors of places like Southeast Alaska.
March 24, 2005
Presenting the Cruise Industry of the Future
From roller coasters and bungee jumping, to wave pools, expanded
spa and fitness facilities, and some of the most extravagant
stage shows ever produced, all of the above may soon be headed
to a cruise ship near you! As one of the fastest growing
vacation options in the world, cruising has not only become one
of the very best values in the travel industry, but the cruise
ships of today and the future will soon be offering their
passengers some of the most extreme onboard amenity and activity
options ever conceived!
March 23, 2005
The Yachts of Seabourn is Recognized by its
Passengers
For its Spa at Seabourn, as well as its overall value, Seabourn
has recently received several accolades. Named as having the
best spas at sea by the readers of Conde Nast, as well as the
best overall luxury cruise line by the readers of Departure
magazine, the Seabourn ships are riding high.
March 22, 2005
President of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Steps Down
Jack Williams announced today he will be stepping down as
President and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to dedicate
more time to his charity work, of which The Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation has been his main focus.
March 21, 2005
Future Uncertain for Cruise Industry Legend
She is one of the most famous ships of all time, and a true icon
in the cruise industry. The legendary Queen Mary helped to
redefine the travel industry of her time, and since her debut in
the mid 1930's, has played an immense role in shaping the cruise
industry into what know today. Now, nearly 40 years after her
final transatlantic voyage, the future if this majestic vessel
has become increasingly doubtful and uncertain.
March 18, 2005
Environmental Ship of the Year Awards Announced
Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises announced the recipients of their 2004
Environmental Ship of the Year awards. Crew and management of
both Jewel of the Seas and Constellation were honored yesterday
afternoon for their role in the environmental compliance
improvements and waste reductions.
March 17, 2005
Popular Disney Attraction is Heading out to Sea
Disney's Caribbean cruises will have even more rousing onboard
entertainment with its new feature, Pirates in the Caribbean.
Giving guests a chance to interact with the Disney characters,
this attraction will provides fun all the way from the galley to
the crow's nest.
March 16, 2005
Cruising at an All-Time High in Demand and Value
There has truly never been a better time to book a cruise
vacation. With modern cruise ships now offering their
passengers more than ever before, along with a dramatic increase
in consumer demand for the very best amenities and itineraries
that the industry has to offer, the overall value of a cruise
vacation has never been greater than it is today!
March 15, 2005
Giant Steps: Addressing the Pollution
Problem in the Cruise Industry
Over the past several years, cruise lines have overtly developed
environmentally responsible values into their corporate
principles because after all, where would they be without the
health and well-being of our world's oceans? Developments in
state and federal law as well as the progressive actions on the
part of the cruise industry are signs that a bright future is
still to come and that our precious oceans, our currently
unspoiled, vulnerable islands and ports will always be there.
March 14, 2005
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Looks towards a Bright Future
With three new ships coming out in the next three years, as well
as higher revenue than ever before, the company is excited about
where it's headed. A leader in designing pioneering ships, RCCL
isn't resting on its laurels.
March 11, 2005
Carnival Named Best Overall Cruising Value
For the 11th consecutive year, Carnival Cruise Lines has been declared the
best overall value available in the cruise industry. The
esteemed publication Ocean and Cruise News recently awarded
Carnival with the annual honor, citing its affordable pricing
options and outstanding recent product enhancements as key
assets that were considered.
March 8, 2005
Growing by Leaps and Bounds: Royal Caribbean Signs Letter of
Intent for Third Ship in Freedom Series
Royal Caribbean signs letter of intent to add a third ship to
its Freedom series. Similar to the Freedom series' first and
second ships which are still currently under construction, the
third is planned at 158,000 GRT and equipped with 1,800 cabins
that accommodate 3,600 passengers double occupancy. Enchantment
of the Seas will be refurbished this spring and re-released in
July of 2005. Improvements include suspension bridges, an
overhanging island bar and bungee trampolines.
March 7, 2005
The cruise industry wants to set the record straight.
In an attempt to put into context the cases of onboard illnesses
that the media outlets report, the cruise industry has
petitioned the CDC to change some of its language. But are the
cruise lines really being misrepresented, or are their ships
truly sailing away from good health?
March 4, 2005
Carnival Introduces New Corporate University at Sea
Carnival Cruise Lines announces an innovative new program that
will give other companies and organizations around the world the
chance to benefit from the proven business strategies that have
made Carnival so successful.
March 3, 2005
A Supreme Court ruling could affect more that just the cruise
industry.
The cruise industry is keeping a watchful eye on the Supreme
Court as it gets ready to rule on an issue that could deeply
affect the way cruise ships operate. The case, Spector v.
Norwegian Cruise Line, concerns disabled passengers who feel
they were discriminated against by Norwegian cruise ships. If NCL is found guilty, the ruling could change much more than the
way cruise lines operate.
March 2, 2005
Seabourn Introduces Exclusive New Personal Shopper Services
As part of its on-going Signature Delights series, Seabourn
Cruise Lines announces its exciting new Personal Shopping Tours.
Available in a number of beautiful cities around the globe,
these unique tours give guests access to some of the finest
merchandise these amazing cities have to offer!
March 1, 2005