Seaview Cruise News http://www.seaview.co.uk/cruises.asp Cheap cruises from Seaview, the cruise and ferry specialist en-gb Thu, 11 Mar 10 03:44:53 GMT Copyright: (c) Seaview <![CDATA[ QM2 to make history Down Under ]]> March 9, 2010 - Queen Mary 2 is to be based in Australia as part of her World Voyage in 2012 for a history-making circumnavigation which will see her visit five states and the Northern Territory.

She will be the largest ship ever to to visit Australia, and will call at eight Australian ports including Sydney, Fremantle, Adelaide and the Whitsundays as well as maiden visits to Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne and Brisbane. The voyage will also include a call at Bali. In all, Queen Mary 2 will spend 28 nights in Australian waters as she sails from Cape Town to Sydney via Fremantle and Adelaide, and then circumnavigates the country. As a result, Fremantle, Adelaide and Sydney will each enjoy two visits.

More about the QM2 in Australia

]]> March 9, 2010 - Queen Mary 2 is to be based in Australia as part of her World Voyage in 2012 for a history-making circumnavigation which will see her visit five states and the Northern Territory.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3423 <![CDATA[ Demand for Ocean Village farewell cruises crashes system ]]> March 8, 2010 - Demand for the Ocean Village Farewell Voyages was so great when they went on sale this morning that it crashed the booking systems.

Despite drafting in additional staff, the Ocean Village Reservations Centre was swamped, and the company was forced to pause bookings on the farewell sailings. It is hoped sales will resume at 9am on Friday once any problems with the reservations systems have been resolved.

]]> March 8, 2010 - Demand for the Ocean Village Farewell Voyages was so great when they went on sale this morning that it crashed the booking systems.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3422 <![CDATA[ So far so good for Windstar ]]> March 8, 2010 - Windstar Cruises has announced an encouraging start to 2010 with UK bookings up more than 60 per cent year on year with no sign of sales beginning to wane.

Although Windstar has seen increased interest in all of its itineraries, demand has been particularly strong for the Caribbean, Costa Rica and summer in the Mediterranean. Andy Harmer, Windstar's UK sales director, said: "Last year was tough for the entire industry so it's really encouraging to have such a great start to the year. I'm confident this positive start will continues."

Windstar Cruises: 020 7292 2369, www.windstarcruises.co.uk

]]> March 8, 2010 - Windstar Cruises has announced an encouraging start to 2010 with UK bookings up more than 60 per cent year on year with no sign of sales beginning to wane.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3421 <![CDATA[ Queen Sophia christens Magnifica ]]> March 7, 2010- MSC Cruises' new flagship, MSC Magnifica, was christened last night in a sparkling celebration in Hamburg.

Screen goddess Sophia Loren carried out her customary role as godmother as dignitaries and guests celebrated the 90,000-ton ship's arrival in style. The entire event was screened on-line and can be watched in full by clicking here.

]]> March 7, 2010- MSC Cruises' new flagship, MSC Magnifica, was christened last night in a sparkling celebration in Hamburg.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3420 <![CDATA[ A tasty tour of Syke ]]> March 4, 2010 - Hebridean Island Cruises has launched a tasty new itinerary for 2010 - a gastronomic tour of Skye.

Hebridean Princess will visit two of Scotland's most renowned restaurants and offer a cookery demonstration by a best selling writer. The voyage departs May 15. Fares start at £2,330 per person.

More about the Skye itinerary

]]> March 4, 2010 - Hebridean Island Cruises has launched a tasty new itinerary for 2010 - a gastronomic tour of Skye.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3418 <![CDATA[ Bigger savings from Crystal ]]> March 3, 2010 - Now there are even more reasons to set sail with Crystal Cruises in 2010 as bigger and better offerings are announced for the months ahead.

Free flights are now available on a selection of itineraries and back-to-back voyages; there are 2 for 1 flights on a number of Crystal Serenity cruises, as well as a Penthouse sale on the May 11 and 18 sailings; and a new transatlantic cruise from Dublin to New York has just been finalised. All cruises include All Inclusive - As You Wish shipboard credit, in some instances up to $1,000 per person, which can be spent on shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, purchases in the onboard boutiques, gratuities or Vintage Room experiences.

More on these special Crystal offers

]]> March 3, 2010 - Now there are even more reasons to set sail with Crystal Cruises in 2010 as bigger and better offerings are announced for the months ahead.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3417 <![CDATA[ Hebridean Princess returns from winter makeover ]]> March 2, 2010 - Hebridean Island Cruises' 5 star Hebridean Princess returned to service for the 2010 season on March 1 following a major overhaul and renovation over the winter.

The work, carried out at the Middlesbrough yard of A&P Tees, completed a four-year programme to ensure she complies fully with new design and construction regulations which come into force later this year. In addition, many of the public rooms have been totally renovated with renewed carpets and soft furnishings. The lighting in the main public rooms has also been upgraded.

More about the Hebridean Princess makeover

]]> March 2, 2010 - Hebridean Island Cruises' 5 star Hebridean Princess returned to service for the 2010 season on March 1 following a major overhaul and renovation over the winter.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3415 <![CDATA[ MSC Favolosa to set sail in 2012 ]]> March 1, 2010 - Just one day after the UK showcase party of MSC Magnifica in Southampton, MSC Cruises today signed a letter of intent for the delivery of a new ship, MSC Favolosa.

This new Fantasia Class ship, weighing in at 133,500 tons, will join the existing 11 vessels of the fleet in June 2012. She will herald a state-of-the-art concept in space management, which will include two additional lifts to improve passenger flow and a total redesign of decks and restaurants to offer guests on board unprecedented comfort and the highest space ratio per passenger.

More on MSC Favolosa

]]> March 1, 2010 - Just one day after the UK showcase party of MSC Magnifica in Southampton, MSC Cruises today signed a letter of intent for the delivery of a new ship, MSC Favolosa.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3413 <![CDATA[ New dining experience on Eclipse ]]> February 26, 2010 - Celebrity Cruises has revealed details about Qsine, the new restaurant to feature onboard Celebrity Eclipse.

Created by Celebrity chef Jacques Van Staden, Qsine will offer guests contemporary favourites and a modern take on familiar dishes from around the world. Qsine will be open each night onboardCelebrity Eclipse between 6pm. and 11pm. There is a cover charge of $30 per person and the dress code is smart casual or better.

More about Qsine

]]> February 26, 2010 - Celebrity Cruises has revealed details about Qsine, the new restaurant to feature onboard Celebrity Eclipse.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3411 <![CDATA[ New heights and depths from Crystal ]]> February 25, 2010 - This spring, summer and autumn, Crystal Cruises is rolling out nearly 800 boutique shore excursions across Europe, dozens of which are brand new.

From soaring above Stockholm in a hot air balloon to scuba diving off the coast of Turkey, Crystal Adventures enhance Crystal's 32 destination-rich itineraries exploring the Mediterranean, Baltic and Black Seas, North Cape, Canary Islands, Middle East and British Isles. Says UK marketing director Andy Harmer: "Each year we strive to offer meaningful experiences ashore that satisfy our guests' appetite for diverse adventures."

More Crystal Adventures in Europe

]]> February 25, 2010 - This spring, summer and autumn, Crystal Cruises is rolling out nearly 800 boutique shore excursions across Europe, dozens of which are brand new.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3410 <![CDATA[ Seabourn throws in flights ]]> February 24, 2010 - Until 30th April 2010, The Yachts of Seabourn is offering inclusive flights and private car transfers in resort on a selection of Summer and Autumn Mediterranean and Norwegian Fjords cruises.

This all-inclusive offer includes cruises on all Seabourn yachts, including the new Sojourn, with prices starting from £1,699 per person. From the authentic whitewash villages of Greece, to the golden archipelagos of Dalmatia and the crystal waters of the Mediterranean Sea, there are a host of unique itineraries combining Europe's most stunning sights and ports, on offer at unprecedented rates.

More about these Seabourn special offers

]]> February 24, 2010 - Until 30th April 2010, The Yachts of Seabourn is offering inclusive flights and private car transfers in resort on a selection of Summer and Autumn Mediterranean and Norwegian Fjords cruises.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3409 <![CDATA[ Carnival ups prices as bookings soar ]]> February 24, 2010 - Carnival Cruise Lines is reporting record bookings, with strong activity for 2010 departures. So much so that from March 22 all summer sailings in June, July and August are going up in price.

For January 1 to February 21, 2010, bookings were at unprecedented levels for the line's 22 ships which operate three to 15-day voyages from a variety of North American home ports. Carnival president said: “We’re seeing significantly increased volume as consumers are taking advantage of the incredible value that a Carnival cruise provides. And while pricing hasn’t fully recovered to 2008 levels, we are increasing prices and will implement an across-the-board increase effective March 22.” He said that the price increases will vary by departure date but will be up to five percent.

]]> February 24, 2010 - Carnival Cruise Lines is reporting record bookings, with strong activity for 2010 departures. So much so that from March 22 all summer sailings in June, July and August are going up in price.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3408 <![CDATA[ AIDAsol to be named in Kiel ]]> February 24, 2010 - The Port of Kiel will host a spectacular naming ceremony for AIDA Cruises new ship, AIDAsol, next year.

It will take place at the Kiel Ostseekai Terminal on April 9, 2011. The city’s Lord Mayor Torsten Albig said: "This ship naming will confirm that we in Kiel, Germany’s number one cruise shipping port, are on the right track. It will also mean that many people will be able to actually experience the fascination of the ‘white giants’.” AIDAsol will be the fourth AIDA Cruises Sphinx-class newbuild to show its colours on the Kiel fiord. AIDAdiva opened the Ostseekai Cruise Terminal in 2007 and was followed by AIDAbella and AIDAluna. The 252 m long, 71,100-ton Meyer Werft newbuild will arrive in Kiel for the first time on April 3 next year, at the same time inaugurating the 2011 cruise shipping season.

  • www.port-of-kiel.com

    ]]> February 24, 2010 - The Port of Kiel will host a spectacular naming ceremony for AIDA Cruises new ship, AIDAsol, next year.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3407 <![CDATA[ Costa Deliziosa named in Dubai ]]> February 23, 2010 - Costa Deliziosa, the latest addition to the Costa Cruises fleet, was officially named today in a sparkling inauguration ceremony in Dubai during her Grand Inaugural Cruise.

    The ceremony involved not only the ship but also the new cruise terminal at Port Rashid and part of the quay where a stage and grandstand were set up especially for the celebrations. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crownprince of Dubai, and his brother Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum attended ceremony in Dubai which followed maiden calls at Muscat and Abu Dhabi.

    More on the naming ceremony and Arabian Gulf cruises

    ]]>     February 23, 2010 - Costa Deliziosa, the latest addition to the Costa Cruises fleet, was officially named today in a sparkling inauguration ceremony in Dubai during her Grand Inaugural Cruise.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3406     <![CDATA[ Queen Victoria so pretty in pink ]]> February 21, 2010 - History was made in Sydney on Friday when, in a world first, Cunard's Queen Victoria was illuminated in pink while berthed at Sydney's Circular Quay.

    Queen Victoria was bathed in vibrant pink light from dusk to support Australia's National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) who officially launched their 2010 fundraising target of $17 million at an event on board. As you can see from the picture, pink lights illuminated the entire ship, providing the ideal setting for the event. Cunard President Peter Shank said: "Pink has become synonymous with the fight against breast cancer so we are delighted to offer NBCF the opportunity to boost awareness of research and claim a world first by being the first to illuminate a liner in pink."

    More about cruising with Cunard

    ]]>     February 21, 2010 - History was made in Sydney on Friday when, in a world first, Cunard's Queen Victoria was illuminated in pink while berthed at Sydney's Circular Quay.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3404     <![CDATA[ 60% saver cruises from SeaDream ]]> February 19, 2010 - SeaDream has just announced a series of Spring Caribbean and Summer Mediterranean holiday specials, with savings of up to 60 per cent, bookable exclusively through White Star Cruises.

    In the Caribbean there are three voyages - one 18-night special offer and two 9-night voyages - while In the Mediterranean there are five one-week departures in June, July and August. These cruises are bookable exclusively through White Star Cruises.

    More about these holiday specials

    ]]>     February 19, 2010 - SeaDream has just announced a series of Spring Caribbean and Summer Mediterranean holiday specials, with savings of up to 60 per cent, bookable exclusively through White Star Cruises.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3403     <![CDATA[ Fred Olsen releases 2011 preview ]]> February 19, 2010 - Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' 2011 Preview brochure details itineraries and prices for 63 cruises from April through to November.

    All four ships - Black Watch, Braemar, Balmoral and Budicca - are included, and destination areas are the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Baltic, the Canary Islands, Iberia, UK and Ireland. There is also a selection of mini cruises lasting from between two to four nights' duration. Cruises depart from six different regional ports: Dover, Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle, Greenock (for Glasgow), and Rosyth (for Edinburgh).

    More about the 2011 preview brochure

    ]]>     February 19, 2010 - Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' 2011 Preview brochure details itineraries and prices for 63 cruises from April through to November.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3402     <![CDATA[ Seabourn launches Click & Sail ]]> February 18, 2010 - The Yachts of Seabourn has introduced a convenient, eco-friendly alternative for guests who do not wish to receive printed preliminary and/or final cruise documents by mail.

    Click & Sail provides a single e-pass document via the company's website, which can be printed and presented at check-in for embarkation. Complete cruise document information is available for review online at any time, and guests can select any pages to download and store on their own computers or print. Click & Sail is completely optional, but it clearly does have a receptive audience, since more 250 bookings used the options within the first five days of its becoming available.

    More about Click & Sail

    ]]>     February 18, 2010 - The Yachts of Seabourn has introduced a convenient, eco-friendly alternative for guests who do not wish to receive printed preliminary and/or final cruise documents by mail.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3401     <![CDATA[ Magnifica is magnificent at sea ]]> February 18, 2010 - MSC Cruises is gearing up for the arrival of its stunning new build MSC Magnifica, which successfully completed her sea trials after 72 hours on open water last week.

    The 11th ship to join the most modern fleet in the world will make her debut to more than 2,000 guests in Southampton for two days and nights from February 26 before cruising to Hamburg for her official naming ceremony on March 6. Guests will participate in a specific programme of events, including an official ceremony on the 27th to mark MSC Magnifica's maiden port of call to Southampton.

    More on MSC Magnifica's arrival

    ]]>     February 18, 2010 - MSC Cruises is gearing up for the arrival of its stunning new build MSC Magnifica, which successfully completed her sea trials after 72 hours on open water last week.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3399     <![CDATA[ Newsflash: Biggest ships ever for Princess ]]> February 17, 2010 - Carnival Corporation has ordered two 3,600-passenger cruise ships for its Princess Cruises brand.

    It has signed a memorandum of agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri which is subject to execution of a definitive contract, financing and other customary closing conditions. The new ships, with an all-in cost of approximately 155,000 euros per lower berth, are scheduled to enter service in spring 2013 and spring 2014. At 139,000 tons each, the as-yet-unnamed ships will be the largest in the Princess Cruises fleet.

    ]]>     February 17, 2010 - Carnival Corporation has ordered two 3,600-passenger cruise ships for its Princess Cruises brand.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3398     <![CDATA[ Paradise found with Paul Gauguin ]]> February 17, 2010 - Paul Gauguin Cruises' 2010 South Pacific programme features an alluring collection of seven and ten-night itineraries.

    Showcasing the vibrant culture and natural wonders of Tahiti, the Society Islands and Tuamotus, Paul Gauguin will embark on just 22 of these ever-popular dream itineraries, designed to bring guests closer than ever before to some of the world's most exotic locations at a truly affordable price. Seven-night cruises highlighting Tahiti and the Society Islands start from £1,551 per person cruise only.

    More about 2010 in the South Pacific

    ]]>     February 17, 2010 - Paul Gauguin Cruises' 2010 South Pacific programme features an alluring collection of seven and ten-night itineraries.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3397     <![CDATA[ First picture of Epic at sea ]]> February 16, 2010 - Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and most innovative ship to date, returned from her first successful sea trials on Sunday after four days of sailing the Atlantic Ocean for the first time.

    NCL president Roberto Martinoli was on board during the sea trials and said: "Norwegian Epic performed above expectations. She is a beautiful ship with outstanding performance. Now that sea trials are completed, we can concentrate on finishing the ship and showing her to the world in June." A second round of sea trials is scheduled for mid-April to finalise all tests, including final speed measurement. The 153,000-ton, 4,200-passenger ship is scheduled for delivery on June 15, 2010.

    More about Epic's sea trials

    ]]>     February 16, 2010 - Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and most innovative ship to date, returned from her first successful sea trials on Sunday after four days of sailing the Atlantic Ocean for the first time.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3396     <![CDATA[ Mums the word with Costa treats ]]> February 16, 2010 - Forget breakfast in bed on Mother's Day - treat your Mum to a whole week or more of unadulterated pampering.

    Allow her to sit back, relax and enjoy being waited on hand and foot, only exerting energy to take a dip in the pool or to go ashore and explore an exotic city or palm-fringed beach. Costa has three Mother's Day special cruises, all departing on March 13.

    More on the Mother's Day specials

    ]]>     February 16, 2010 - Forget breakfast in bed on Mother's Day - treat your Mum to a whole week or more of unadulterated pampering.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3395     <![CDATA[ Liberty heads for home in Spain ]]> February 16, 2010 - Royal Caribbean is to base the 158,000-ton Liberty of the Seas in Barcelona in 2011, making her the largest ship to be cruising in the Mediterranean.

    The cruise market in Spain has been growing at an annual rate of between eight and ten per cent thanks to huge investment by cruise ship operators. And Royal Caribbean's Spanish office predicts a 60 per cent growth in guest volume in 2010. Itineraries for the seven-night cruise will be announced in March 2010 when bookings are opened to the public.

    More about Liberty in Spain

    ]]>     February 16, 2010 - Royal Caribbean is to base the 158,000-ton Liberty of the Seas in Barcelona in 2011, making her the largest ship to be cruising in the Mediterranean.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3394     <![CDATA[ Crystal VIP access to the Open golf at St Andrews ]]> February 15, 2010 - This July, golf enthusiasts onboard Crystal Serenity can enjoy an ultra-exclusive, limited-availability opportunity to be part of the ultimate competition in the birthplace of the game.

    With its new three-night Extended Land Programme, Crystal guests will be treated to VIP access and the highest level of service at the 150th Open Championship at the world-famous St Andrews Golf Club. The Programme ensures Crystal guests are in the midst of the championship's final two days before joining Crystal Serenity's Black Sea voyage to Istanbul on July 19.

    More on the VIP golf at St Andrews

    ]]>     February 15, 2010 - This July, golf enthusiasts onboard Crystal Serenity can enjoy an ultra-exclusive, limited-availability opportunity to be part of the ultimate competition in the birthplace of the game.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3393     <![CDATA[ Back from makeover in all her Glory ]]> February 15, 2010 - The 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory has resumed Caribbean service from Miami following a multi-million-pound renovation that added a host of new facilities and features.

    These included a Serenity adults-only retreat, a 270sq-ft Seaside Theatre poolside LED screen, and a Circle 'C' facility for 12 to 14-year-olds. Eighteen new balconies were also incorporated onto existing ocean view staterooms and a new Mongolian wok venue was added to the casual poolside restaurant. Bow-to-stern Wi-Fi access was added as well.

    More on Carnival Glory's makeover

    ]]>     February 15, 2010 - The 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory has resumed Caribbean service from Miami following a multi-million-pound renovation that added a host of new facilities and features.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3392     <![CDATA[ Princess revives guest visits ]]> February 12, 2010 - Reviving a signature tradition from the early days of cruising, Princess Cruises is giving passengers the opportunity to invite friends and family onto their ship on embarkation day to wish them "bon voyage" and get a taste of the onboard experience.

    The "Bon Voyage Experience" is a new twist on the departure celebration of bygone days when friends and family would routinely come aboard to see off passengers. Because of increasingly tighter security procedures, this practice disappeared more than two decades ago, but it's now back - complete with lunch in the dining room and tour of the ship.

    More about the guest visits

    ]]>     February 12, 2010 - Reviving a signature tradition from the early days of cruising, Princess Cruises is giving passengers the opportunity to invite friends and family onto their ship on embarkation day to wish them "bon voyage" and get a taste of the onboard experience.

    ]]>     Thu, 11 Mar 10 00:00:00 GMT http://www.seaview.co.uk/article.asp?id=3391