NCL's Big Changes For 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its summer deployment for 2013/2014, with a four-ship deployment in Europe – continuing with two ships based in the region year-round.

New to the European fleet is Norwegian Star, which replaces the Sun in the Baltic, further increasing the capacity in this popular cruise destination. Further highlights include the addition of a third ship in Alaska, sailing seven-night ‘open jaw’ itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Whittier, Alaska.

In Europe, Norwegian Epic (above) returns for her third season, sailing seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona from May 5, 2013, to October 13. A new itinerary features five ports of call in three countries - Spain, Italy and France - and a call to Palma in Majorca.

Norwegian Jade returns to Venice in May for the summer season and will offer alternating seven-night Greek Isles and seven-night Adriatic, Greece and Turkey itineraries. In the Autumn/Winter, Jade repositions to Rome (Civitavecchia) for a series of eight 10-night Eastern Med and nine 11-night Mediterranean & The Holy Land itineraries from October 26, 2013, to April 12, 2014.

In Alaska, beginning May 20, 2013, Norwegian Sun’s northbound itinerary to Whittier departs Vancouver on Mondays and will cruise the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and make stops in the Alaskan favourites of Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau.

Beginning May 18, 2013, Norwegian Jewel will sail a series of 18 seven-night Sawyer Glacier itineraries from Seattle every Saturday, with stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Victoria (British Columbia).

Pride of America will continue as the only US-flagged vessel sailing among all four of Hawaii’s main islands, offering seven-night inter-island cruises that depart Honolulu every Saturday. Ports of call include: an overnight in Kahului (Maui); Hilo and Kona (on the Big Island); an overnight in Nãwiliwili, (Kauai); and an afternoon cruise along the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

For a shorter cruise option, Norwegian Sky will continue sailing three and four-night cruises to the Bahamas year-round from Miami through April 25, 2014.

For booking options, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading cruise agent specialsts, the Cruise Line Ltd.

InnerSea Discoveries Ready For Inaugural Alaska Season

Taking delivery of their two inaugural cruise ships, Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Adventurer, new adventuring cruise line InnerSea Discoveries are now ready for their inaugural season in South-East Alaska.

A SeaAn underwater bow camera, high-tech kayak launchers and iPod docks are just a few of the new features installed on the two expedition ships, which begin sailing later this month (May 7).

Kayaking adventures will be a popular activity, with each ship carrying 28 assorted styles of Necky kayaks—stable, roomy and good for pros and novices. With multiple guided trips throughout each cruise, the ease of launching and return of kayaks is a priority. Both ships have been outfitted with custom made EZ Dock kayak launching systems, able to quickly and safely launch four kayaks at a time. Kayakers can also easily guide themselves back onto the ship using the system.

“Though our focus is on activities outside the ship such as hiking and kayaking, we have put a lot of thought into new features to make the experience on board even more enriching and comfortable,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Guests will return to a relaxing and inviting atmosphere after a day spent outside exploring nature.”

An underwater camera mounted on the ships’ bow will stream video from the underwater world to flatscreen televisions in all guest rooms and the lounge. A close-up view of life underwater will amaze with a large variety of sea life and at times, views of dolphins playing in the bow’s wake. An underwater hydrophone pipes in the otherworldly sound of whales communicating with each other.

All guest cabins are above deck with large windows and feature upscale amenities to ensure a warm, inviting home-away-from-home for active adventurers. Eco-friendly memory foam mattresses are included in all cabins as either a twin, double or queen bed. Flatscreen televisions with DVD players, iPod docking stations and eco-friendly bath amenities take these expedition ships to a new level of creature comfort.

Hot tubs situated outside on deck provide a spectacular setting for guests to relax and take in the scenery. Each ship also has a sauna, exercise equipment, complimentary on-deck yoga classes, a large resource library, well-stocked DVD library and board games. A professional masseuse is part of the crew and massages are available for a fee.

The interior of the newly-refurbished ships feature contemporary colours that complement the wilderness outside. The main lounge, a prime gathering spot for guests to meet and share tales of adventure, has been designed to feel like a cross between a National Park lodge and a quaint neighbourhood pub, with a bar-top made from salvaged Alaskan yellow cedar. Guests can enjoy wine, spirits and a large variety of microbrews on tap.

The company’s “un-cruise” adventures sail between Juneau and Ketchikan (and reverse) from May through September on a Western Coves and Eastern Coves itinerary. When combined, it becomes the two-week Ultimate Adventure. Setting it apart from other cruise line itineraries, InnerSea Discoveries’ ships spend less time in port and instead spend time tucking into hidden bays and coves for adventure activities in Alaska’s wilderness.

Prices for the 7-night cruises start at $1,795 per person, double occupancy, and include transfers and all activities, except optional excursions. Port charges of $167 per person per week, massages, wine, spirits, beer and gratuities are extra.

Select 2011 dates are designated as Family Discoveries with a focus on activities tailored for all ages. Kids 12 years and younger receive a 25% savings on all departures and 30% on Family Discoveries voyages. To book the ‘un-cruise’ or to request additional information, contact www.innerseadiscoveries.com or call the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Junior Rangers To Inspire Kids on Crystal's Alaska Cruises

With multi-generational family bookings on the rise, Crystal Cruises is putting a special focus on family-friendliness for its Alaska summer series, with all-ages excursions, an extended Junior Activities programme and an alliance with the National Park Service for a Junior Rangers programme.

When Crystal Symphony (above) sails through Glacier Bay this May to August, park rangers will come on board to lead kid-friendly activities and presentations about the area’s natural history. Through interactive projects and activity books, children and teens can become park Junior Rangers, earning official badges and certificates.

“The adult rangers ask children to pledge to ‘help take care of special places’,” explains Vice President International Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever. “Such innovative and collaborative education ensures that kids take a greater interest in the beautiful destinations they’re visiting.”

Complementing this programme will be extended hours of stimulating, tiered, on-board activities for children aged 3-17, led by Crystal-staffed Junior Activities Directors. Kids can meet for board games or arts and crafts in Crystal’s Fantasia playroom, for Sony PlayStation® 3, Nintendo Wii™ or Xbox 360TM video games in the Waves arcade, or participate in behind-the-scenes happenings like galley tours, scavenger hunts, sushi-making classes, and backstage costume “dress-up”.

Families can also take advantage of Hollywood Theatre movies, Library DVD and book check-outs, piano lessons, babysitting services or favourite “finicky eater” foods throughout the ship. On land, there are dozens of shore excursions designated as “family friendly”.

Nine 12-night San Francisco round-trips visit Victoria, Vancouver, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway/Haines, Ketchikan and either Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay. Departure dates are May 9 and 21; June 2, 14, 26; July 8 and 20; and August 1 and 13. Fly-cruise prices are from £3,998 per person, including return economy class flights, 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.

In addition, Crystal is offerings its guests a choice of two fabulous options – they can choose either a free upgrade to World Traveller Plus or a complimentary three-night pre- or post-cruise land package in San Francisco that includes three nights accommodation at the five-star The Clift, a half-day city tour followed by a trip to Alcatraz Island, a full day wine-tasting tour to Sonoma and Napa Valley, a romantic Champagne dinner and use of an exclusive concierge service.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or luxury cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

Royal Caribbean's 2012 Alaska Programme

Royal Caribbean’s 2012 Alaska cruises on board Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will mark the brand’s 23rd consecutive year sailing in the region.

Radiance will sail seven-night north and south-bound itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska, while Rhapsody will sail a series of seven-night cruises round-trip from Seattle. Royal Caribbean is also introducing a brand-new series of 20 cruise-tours, ranging from 10 to 18 nights.

For 2012, there will be three new Alaska cruise-tours on Radiance, creating 10 to 13-night cruise and land holidays.

All Royal Caribbean tours are escorted by dedicated Adventure Specialists. Included is a 12-night programme geared toward families, featuring a Resurrection Bay & Wildlife cruise, where participants can take in the region’s dramatic cliffs, alpine glaciers, marine life and seabirds, with a trip to scenic Fox Island (a nature lover’s delight); and excursions to the Anchorage Museum & Imaginarium, where families learn and explore art, history and science through play. The cruise-tour also includes an excursion to Denali National Park, complete with experiences designed specifically with families in mind.

A Canadian Rockies six-night cruise-tour will combine the destinations of Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Vancouver and Victoria with an overnight train journey aboard VIA Rail and accommodation at world-renowned Fairmont hotels. An 18-night Ultimate Cruise-Tour couples the Canadian Rockies pre-cruise with a five-night post-cruise Alaska land tour.

Radiance's seven-night northbound cruise schedule, from Vancouver to Seward, will cruise the Inside Passage and call at Alaska’s Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Hubbard Glacier (cruising). The southbound journey will reverse the itinerary. Sailing from Seattle, Rhapsody's seven-night cruises will sail the Inside Passage, calling at Juneau and Skagway, sailing past Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier.

For additional info, visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or contact the UK's leading specialist cruise agents, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal Showcases Emerging Artists on Alaska Voyages

Whether you’re addicted to X Factor or a patron of the arts, it’s always exciting to discover new talent. For this reason, Crystal Cruises is treating guests to its own performance series of high-calibre “Emerging Artists” during its new Alaska season, which kicks off in May.

Through its partnership with The Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County, seven “Experiences of Discovery” theme cruises from May to August will feature a total of 22 gifted young artists, including members of the San Francisco Ballet, accomplished composers and songwriters, students from Juilliard School and the Berklee College of Music and an “America’s Most Talented Kid” TV show contestant.

The 17-25-year-old participants are all alumni of the Center's renowned Spotlight Awards programme, which nurtures the audition and performance skills of senior school-aged artists from Southern California. The year-long intensive course of study culminates in the Spotlight Awards presentation, with many award-winners invited on Crystal Symphony to showcase their talents in ballet, classical piano, Broadway-style vocals, international dance, opera, jazz and blues.

While sailing amongst ice-blue glaciers and serene wildlife of the Last Frontier, guests will be able to enjoy performances as well as observe a Master Class between artists and Music Centre Master Class teachers/ambassadors. These exclusive seminars will give an insider’s peek at the intensive training professional performers undergo to perfect their art.

Round-trip from San Francisco, the 12-night voyages are set for May 21; June 2, 14 and 26; July 8 and 20; and August 1, calling at Sitka, Juneau, Skagway/Haines, Ketchikan, Victoria, Vancouver and either Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier.

Prices start from £4,188 per person (based on May 21 and June 2 departures) including free return economy class flights, 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks and port taxes. In addition, as part of Crystal's "All Inclusive - As You Wish" promotion, guests on this voyage will also receive onboard spending money of $500 per person, which can be spent on shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, purchases in the onboard boutiques, gratuities or Vintage Room experiences.

For reservations, visit http://www.crystalcruises.co.uk/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

High Cuisine and Totem Poles

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Author, lecturer and naturalist Terry Breen will lecture on board Oceania Cruises' summer Alaska cruises on the elegant 684-passenger Regatta when the new itineraries debut in May. Breen will give enrichment lectures and share personal insights with guests as they explore the Inside Passage and lesser-known Alaskan ports.

With 19 years of expedition experience, Terry Breen has honed her love for cultural anthropology and exploration and has become an acclaimed area specialist. Author of The Cruiser Friendly Onboard Guide series, the first and only guides that explore the world as seen from the decks of a cruise ship, Breen will share her invaluable insight and understanding of Alaska's celebrated sights and uncultivated wilderness with guests.

- 12-day Alaskan Grandeur starting at £1406 per person -

Oceania's Alaskan Grandeur itinerary operates between San Francisco and Vancouver on May 26 and again August 14. Fares start from £1406 per person, based on two sharing. Ports include: Astoria, Wrangell, Juneau, Hoona, Sitka (called "Shee Atika" by the Tlingit Indians, then "New Archangel" by the Russians who moved in next) ousted and Ketchikan. Totem poles are one of Ketchikan's main attractions and the best places to view them are the Saxman Native Village (above) and Totem Bight State Park. Guests can also learn about the local cultures and ecosystems at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Centre.

As a special highlight, Pacific Northwest specialties will be featured during lunch in the casual Terrace Café and in the ship's elegant Grand Dining Room. Regional specialities will also be showcased in all four of the ship's open-seating restaurants, all of which are available with no surcharge.

Provisions are bought locally whenever possible and the ship's executive chef seeks the freshest catch and shellfish, making on-the-spot decisions. Consequently, not all selections will always be available and there may be surprise menu additions. Depending on the voyage and venue, appetisers might include Fresh Halibut Velouté - a creamy fish soup with saffron rice and julienne leeks - or Alaskan King Crab Legs, sure to be a guest favourite.

Whale watching in Alaska with Royal Caribbean

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Here's a 'cool' offer to highlight the start of the 2011 Alaska cruise season - a nine-night Alaska Southbound voyage on Royal Caribbean’s chic Radiance of the Seas from just £1,895 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

During the cruise, guests will also get to join Royal Caribbean's Alaska's Whales & Rainforest Trails shore excursion in Juneau, an unforgettable experience into south-east Alaska's whales and wilderness on this exclusive eco-tour.

Juneau is a place of diverse natural habitats, from valley glaciers to temperate forests and natural fjords. There is the chance to take in the superb vistas of the Mendenhall Glacier and hopefully spot Humpback Whales.

Price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one night’s hotel accommodation pre-cruise, and a seven-night Alaska Southbound cruise on Radiance of the Seas, departing Vancouver and calling at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Hubbard Glacier, before arriving in Seward for the flight home; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

For more information, visit Royal Caribbean or contact the UK's leading cruise specialist travel agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

A Jewel For Alaska

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced it will position Norwegian Jewel in Alaska for the first time in 2012/13. Jewel will replace Norwegian Star, which will offer sailings to Bermuda from her new home port of New York.

Jewel will cruise from Seattle on a seven-day Sawyer Glacier itinerary. The weekly Sawyer Glacier cruises will depart from May 26-September 8, 2012, and will call at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia.

Families onboard can enjoy Jewel’s Nickelodeon at Sea entertainment, offering live Nickelodeon-themed interactive shows, Nick Live! Poolside entertainment; character breakfasts and meet and greets and Nick-themed dance parties.

NCL will sail two ships to Bermuda weekly from April until October calling at King’s Wharf. Star will sail from New York on Sundays, staying for three full days, and Dawn will sail her Bermuda itinerary departing on Fridays from Boston, also with three days at the island.

Kevin Sheehan, NCL's chief executive officer, insists: “The 2012/2013 season is filled with new and exciting Freestyle Cruising choices. Whether it’s our ships cruising different destinations, disembarking from new homeports or sailing new itineraries, we offer the most freedom and flexibility when it comes to cruise travel. We are pleased to bring Norwegian Jewel to Alaska and Star to Bermuda, along with continuing our popular Hawaii inter-island cruises and short cruises to the Bahamas through early 2013.”

Additional itinerary announcements for 2012/13:

Norwegian Jewel will sail a seven-day Sawyer Glacier cruise from Vancouver to Seattle on May 19, 2012, and a seven-day Sawyer Glacier from Seattle to Vancouver on September 15.

Norwegian Pearl (above) will return to Seattle sailing her weekly seven-day Glacier Bay cruises departing on Sundays from May 13 to September 9, 2012, calling at, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria.

Norwegian Pearl will also sail a seven-day Glacier Bay cruise from Vancouver to Seattle on May 6, 2012, and a Seattle-to-Vancouver cruise on September 16.

Pride of America will continue as the only US-flagged vessel sailing among all four of Hawaii’s main islands. Her seven-day cruises from Honolulu are available now until April 7, 2013. Ports of call include: an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; an evening sail by the Kilauea Volcano (weather permitting); Kona, Hawaii; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kauai; and an afternoon cruise of the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

Norwegian Sky will continue sailing three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas year-round from Miami until April 15, 2013. The three-day Bahamas cruise departs on Fridays and includes stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas. On Mondays, the ship departs on a four-day cruise with stops in Grand Bahama Island, Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau.

For more information, call 0845 201 8900 or visit http://www.ncl.co.uk/, or check out the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Adventure option for Alaska's Inside Passage

By guest blogger Steve Newman

InnerSea Discoveries, the newly launched sister brand to high-end American Safari Cruises, will begin plying Alaska's waters in May 2011. Week-long adventures between Ketchikan and Juneau and two-week itineraries between Seattle and Juneau will be offered aboard two newly refurbished ships holding just 49 guests for a more close-up, nature-rich experience.

Travellers can also choose a 15-day round-trip adventure from Juneau, receiving a distinctive experience on each leg of the journey. Itineraries will feature excursions including kayaking among icebergs, stand-up paddle-boarding, wilderness hiking, snorkelling, cave exploration, fishing, whale-watching and more.

For more details, visit http://www.innerseadiscoveries.com/ or contact the adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

New Small Ship Line offers Adventure Cruises

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Small-ship line InnerSea Discoveries, sister company to American Safari Cruises, offers exhilarating cruises in Alaska in 2011 that go beyond the norm. Each of the four itineraries ranging from 7 to 14 nights is designed to take advantage of the wonder and wildlife that are hallmarks of the Alaskan wilderness. Rather than just being an observer, guests are invited to participate in daily included activities such as kayaking, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, exploration by small water craft and more.

The numerous activities offered cater to all levels of abilities. Guests choose the pace that appeals to them, such as a tranquil paddle along the shoreline, a robust guided six-hour paddle and hike at Deep Cove or quietly exploring pristine waters such as Yes Bay by stand-up paddle board.

There are options galore, including just relaxing on board to watch for sea and wildlife with a favourite beverage in hand from the on-deck hot tub!

All itineraries feature a port call at the authentic town/communities of Wrangell or Klawock to mingle with the locals who look forward to sharing stories about their rugged history and native heritage.

Choose from four adventure itineraries:

• The 7-night South-east Alaska’s Inner Reaches Western Coves, Ketchikan to Juneau
• 7-night Alaska’s Inner Reaches Eastern Coves, Juneau to Ketchikan
• 14-night Alaska’s Inside Passage Ultimate Adventure (combined Western and Eastern Coves itineraries), from Juneau round-trip
• And the 14-night Wilderness Passages of Discovery, Seattle to Juneau or reverse.

The itineraries are purposely flexible as nature sets the schedule and the floor-show. If a pod of Humpback whales are frolicking in Frederick Sound, the ship makes time to stop and linger.

Travelling with a maximum of 49 like-minded guests aboard the expedition ships Wilderness Adventurer and Wilderness Discoverer, guests can expect exemplary service, delicious cuisine with an emphasis on local foods served family style or buffet depending on the day’s activities, a 1:3 crew to guest ratio and access to top notch gear. The on and off-ship experiences are accentuated by experienced naturalists who present topical information and serve as guides on excursions.

Prices for the 7-night cruises start at $1,795 per person, double occupancy, and include transfers and all activities, except the optional excursions available at a few select wilderness stops. Port charges of $167 per person per week, massages and spirits are extra.

For more information, log on to http://www.innerseadiscoveries.com/

Mickey in Alaska?

It seemed to be the worst-kept secret in cruising, but Disney Cruise Line has finally announced they will be taking one of their ships to Alaska for the first time in 2011.

The House of Mouse has dabbled with the US West Coast a couple of times (in summer 2005 and '08) but a move to an Alaskan programme had been conspicuous by its absence, despite persistent rumours DCL was considering the idea.

Now Mickey and Co have finally charted a course for America's 49th state, with a summer series on Disney Wonder out of Vancouver from May 3 to Sept 6, 2011.

The 7-night cruises will visit the Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, with stops at the latter trio and fares starting at $939/person

The Wonder will sail a total of 18 seven-night cruises in Alaska, and also be equipped with a brand new venue called Outlook Café during a dry dock in October. Located high atop deck 10, the 2,500sq ft, 65-seat Café is a stylish retreat for a beverage or cocktail, with curved glass windows and panoramic views. The design uses contemporary Art Deco inspiration and an elegant spiral staircase will connect it with the existing Cove Café one deck below.

The Alaska programme will be sandwiched by two separate series based in Los Angeles, from Jan 23 to April 27 and Sept 25 to Dec 18, to the Mexican Riviera, starting at $639/person (substantially different to Alaska!).

Disney Magic returns to the Mediterranean for the summer 2011, sailing 10 and 11-night itineraries out of Barcelona, which means the new Disney Dream will be left to run their typical Caribbean and Bahamas cruises that summer.

It is great news for the region of Alaska, which will see a slight downturn in business in 2010 but it will be interesting to see how well positioned Disney can make their cruises in the first season in an area that is notoriously difficult to predict for weather and shore excursions.

With almost two years to prepare, they should provide a neat alternative to the traditional Alaska cruise, as offered by the likes of Princess, Holland America and others, but I remember NCL having a number of teething problems when they started in 1994. Watch this space, as they say!