Rotterdam’s nine-day trans-Atlantic sailing departs Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on July 3, 2011, and calls at the traditional crossing departure port of Southampton, England, before heading to New York. The July 12 trans-Atlantic departure returns to Rotterdam from New York over nine leisurely days with a call at Cobh (Cork), Ireland, another time-honored stop on crossings of the past.

“Trans-Atlantic cruises were the foundation of Holland America Line for several decades, and there’s still a strong desire from today’s travelers who want to step back in time and relive the celebrated days of an elegant crossing or follow in the footsteps of their ancestors,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We’re proud to honor our heritage with these two special itineraries, replete with nostalgia-themed menus, entertainment and a host of surprises and keepsakes.”

The trans-Atlantic journeys will offer enriching activities, guest lecturers and chefs, complimentary mementos and opportunities to celebrate the line’s 138-year heritage. In addition, a bon voyage sail away party, captain’s gala party, special entertainers and events ensure that both itineraries will create recollections to last a lifetime. For novices and enthusiasts, Bridge and dance instructors as well as hosts will be onboard.

The celebrated Pasadena Roof Orchestra is scheduled to provide the authentic, big-band dancing sounds of yesteryear for both itineraries. Popular Dutch singing sensation “Frank in Person” plans to dazzle guests with his Frank Sinatra looks, singing style and repertoire from Rotterdam to New York.

Guests seeking to discover more about the company’s history can visit the Crow’s Nest, which will be set up as a “Museum at Sea” during both crossings, or attend a lecture by a renowned maritime historian.

Bill Miller, considered an international authority on the subject of ocean liners and cruise ships, will be on board both sailings as a guest lecturer. Called “Mr. Ocean Liner,” he has written more than 65 books on the subject — from early steamers and immigrant ships to liners at war.

Maritime artist Captain Stephen J. Card also will be on both crossings to discuss his work and his knowledge of Holland America Line vessels. Card is the official chronicler of the Holland America fleet and his paintings, which are showcased on every ship in the fleet — have achieved wide acclaim for their technical accuracy as well as their artistic expression.

Royal Designer of Industry Stephen Payne, OBE, vice president chief naval architect for Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding, will share his nautical knowledge on the July 12 voyage. The immediate past president of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, Payne was lead designer of Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2. He has been involved with Carnival Corporation ships since January 1985, and in July 2010 he was awarded the title of “Amazing Person 2010” by Solent Education Business Partnership for his work in promoting engineering careers to young people.

Guests looking to sharpen their skills in the line’s Culinary Arts Center will have the opportunity to learn from master chefs on both cruises. Dutch Chef Cas Spijkers is scheduled to sail on the July 3 crossing. The author of 10 cookbooks and culinary educator has prepared lavish dinners for the Dutch Royal Family, starred in his own television series, “Cooking with the Stars,” and was named as the Netherlands’ “Masterchef of the Century” in 1991.

Daniel Orr, chef and owner of FARMbloomington, is scheduled to sail on the July 12 departure. Orr draws from a lifelong curiosity about individual ingredients combined with extensive training in the art of finding food’s true essence and flavor. He calls his cuisine “real food for real people.”

Merritt’s big payoff came after playing MegaCash, a bank of slot machines that are connected to all 22 Carnival Cruise Lines ships, as well as vessels from sister companies Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Cunard Line.

Following his huge win, Merritt was the talk of the casino as dozens of people gathered around once they heard the commotion. Merritt was also presented with an oversized check representing his winnings.

Passengers on the canceled cruises will be getting a full refund of their cruise fare and air costs, along with a 25% discount on a future sailing.

The ship remains in San Diego, where it was towed after last week’s fire in the aft engine room. Carnival has stated that a crankcase split in No. 5 of the ship’s six diesel generators, sparking the blaze.

The accident investigation is being led by Panama as the ship’s flag state, with the involvement of the US Coast Guard and technicians from the National Transportation Safety Board.

Carnival said its technicians, shipyard representatives and engine room component manufacturers are on site to help assess the damage and necessary repairs.

The line is currently estimating that the incident will cost the line as much as $50 million.

Police say the passengers from Celebrity Mercury were traveling to the Brimstone Hill Fortress, a park popular with visitors.

Park manager Joseph Woodley told local radio that the thieves blockaded the road with fallen tree. When the bus driver got out to clear the way, they emerged from bushes and robbed the tourists before disappearing back into the woods.

A police statement calls Sunday’s robbery “an unprecedented incident in St. Kitts.” It calls visitors’ safety a “highest priority.”

Maxtone-Graham is well-known to cruise enthusiasts as he has chronicled the full history of ocean travel from the early days of passenger shipping to today’s modern cruise vacation. Among his many books are The Only Way to Cross, a bible for ship buffs that has been in print for more than 35 years; and Titanic Survivor. His most recent book is about the famed SS Normandie.

Among his presentations on board, passengers can enjoy stories of famous ocean liners, a dramatic recreation of the Titanic’s fateful final night, and tales from the historic explorations of the North and South Poles.

Princess passengers can enjoy Maxtone-Graham’s appearances on the following 2011 sailings:

Jan. 26-March 9 — Star Princess: 14-day Cape Horn Route to Rio (three cruises) — These sailings travel between Santiago and Rio de Janeiro around the fabled Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego.

March 9-24 — Star Princess: 15-day Brazilian Adventure — Cruising from Rio de Janeiro to Fort Lauderdale this adventure includes calls in two other Brazilian ports plus visits to several Caribbean islands.

May 7-22 — Crown Princess: 15-day Western Europe Passage — Sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton this Atlantic crossing includes calls in Portugal, France, Belgium and Holland.

July 2-20 — Ocean Princess: 18-day Land of the Midnight Sun — A roundtrip Dover sailing visiting the remote northern coast of Norway and Russia.

July 20-Aug. 7 — Ocean Princess: 18-day Top of the World — A Dover to New York sailing by way of Iceland and Greenland, featuring passage close to the site of the Titanic’s sinking.

Aug. 7-25 — Ocean Princess: 18-day Fire and Ice Explorer — This New York to Dover sailing features Iceland, Greenland and Scotland, plus the Titanic sinking site.

Oct. 19-Nov. 6 — Ruby Princess: 18-day Venetian Passage — A Venice to Fort Lauderdale Atlantic crossing including Italy, France, Spain and Portugal.

Departing November 20 and December 4, 2011, the voyages both offer $500 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits, in addition to free air transportation from a host of North American gateways and Two-for-One cruise fares.  With a new promotion, children under 17 can sail free with two adults in the same stateroom on the November 20 Thanksgiving cruise. With a Two-for-One promotion (including air and credits), per person fares for the new fall Pacific Coast cruises start at $­­­2,650, double occupancy.

• the tantalizing Tuscan Grille steakhouse
• the vibrant creperie, Bistro on Five
• a “cool” new ice-topped Martini Bar
• the inviting Café al Bacio and Gelateria
• Cellarmasters wine bar, complete with the “Enomatic” state-of-the-art wine serving system allowing guests to select wines by the glass, at the touch of a button
• more sumptuous suites, with all new furniture, flat-screen TVs, upholstery, bedding and carpeting
• restyled staterooms, with entirely new carpeting, flat-screen TVs, upholstery and bedding
• new color schemes, carpeting and upholstery reflective of the Solstice Class’ stylish, modern design in every public venue

Celebrity announced plans to add all these features on Celebrity Infinity, in addition to its industry-first, spa-inspired “AquaClass” accommodations and the Mediterranean-themed “Blu” specialty restaurant, when the ship becomes the second in the Millennium Class fleet to be “Solsticized.”

After emerging from scheduled drydock December 3, 2011, in addition to all the new venues and features introduced this year on Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity also will present:

• AquaClass accommodations – marking a Millennium-Class ‘first’ – allowing guests on Celebrity Infinity to experience the brand’s popular spa-inspired accommodations and amenities
• the intimate, Mediterranean-themed specialty restaurant, “Blu,” offered exclusively for AquaClass guests
• more private luxury havens with entirely new verandas added to the ship’s spacious, sumptuous Celebrity Suites
• the hip Celebrity iLounge, which debuted on Celebrity Eclipse and made Celebrity Cruises the industry’s first Authorized Apple Reseller
• additional new oceanview and inside staterooms

Celebrity currently plans to similarly refurbish Celebrity Summit in January 2012, followed by Celebrity Millennium in April 2012. Bookings for the newly refurbished Celebrity Infinity open Monday, November 22, 2010.

Oceania rolls out Phase 2 of their Pillars of Distinction improvements

Cruise lines discuss what the trends are at this year’s Cruise Planners convention.

More old ammunition is found around the Seattle piers.

More members of Disney Dream’s crew are arriving at the shipyard.

Royal Caribbean announces that 5 ships will be getting upgrades next year.  Allure of The Seas arrives at her homeport.

Celebrity Eclipse arrives in her new home of Miami.

Princess will offer onboard credits to members of the US and Canadian militaries.

Finally we wrap with what we know about Carnival Splendor and our thoughts on the situation, in particular how Carnival handled it.

Though most media attention was focused this morning on the US West Coast, Allure captured its share of coverage in South Florida, with the mainstream media now seizing on Capt. Zini’s contention that his cruise ship is the world’s largest.

Hundreds of onlookers, including Royal Caribbean executives and employees, community organizations and South Florida residents turned out to see the ship sail into Port Everglades for the first time. With the United States observing Veterans Day, thousands of flags were flying.

Allure will meet sister Oasis of the Seas for the first time on Saturday as the newer ship heads out to make way for Oasis’s weekly turn-around operations at Terminal 18.

The two world’s largest cruise ships will meet at 5:30 p.m. ET off the coast in what is expected to be a huge photo/video opportunity, with thousands of people from both vessels expected to line the rails.

US Coast Guard inspections, training, provisioning and the loading of 12,000 live plants and trees for Allure’s Central Park are set for coming days, prior to the first in a string of inaugural visits.

On the morning of Nov. 19, NBC’s ‘Today’ will broadcast the fourth hour (10 a.m. to 11 a.m.) of its show live from Allure, as co-anchors Kathie Lee Giffod and Hoda Kotb show off areas of the ship.

The line’s military personnel onboard credit program is available to active military personnel plus retired and disabled military veterans with proper verification as follows:

–Active personnel currently serving in the following service divisions: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, Canadian National Defense (military verification certificate)

–Retired personnel defined as: Enlisted personnel or officers with a minimum of 20 years of service, medically retired or 100% disabled (blue or tan uniformed ID card/Canadian white N.D. 21 ID card)

–Veterans with an Honorable Discharge serving a minimum of 2 years or 6 months in an active war zone in any of the United States service divisions listed above or Canadian National Defense (DD 214 plus current photo ID)

The onboard credit amount is $50 for cruises 6 days or less, $100 for cruises of 7-13 days, or $250 for cruises of 14 days or longer, offered on a per stateroom basis.

To request the military personnel onboard credit, eligible persons should apply no later than one week prior to the cruise departure date. Passenger and sailing information should be accompanied by proof of eligibility and provided to the passenger’s travel agent.

From John’s blog, posted on November 10:

I don’t smell of roses at the best of times but as the laundry is not working and I only have two pairs of underpants I smell like Paris on a hot summer’s day………that’s Paris the city not Paris the …….person.

So here I am with a very quick hello. I am so sorry that I have not been blogging or Facebooking but we have had no internet and only now just got limited e-mail which an I/S beard has let me borrow for a few moments to say hello. Obviously it has been a challenge but let me tell you the most important facts and those are that the ship is safe, the guests are safe and that nobody was injured in what was a very difficult situation. I also want to tell you that the guests have been magnificent and have risen to the obvious challenges and difficult conditions onboard.

I am making continuous announcements from the bridge to keep them informed and sometimes when there is nothing new to tell them I just use the PA system to say hello and hope everyone is OK and try to keep some humour (spelt correctly) alive as well, which to be honest, I have no idea how that’s going over.

I have to say that the crew has been absolutely epic and I am so very proud of each and every one of them. There have been high points and low points throughout the last few days and I will tell you all about those in the days ahead. But for now the most important thing for you and the world’s press to remember is that everyone is safe and well and we will all be home soon.

There will be those who will say this has been “the cruise from hell.” However, when you see the local news reporter with the huge hair talking to Mr. Angry remember that there are many many many many more who will tell you what they have been telling me and the crew and that is that Carnival as a company have done everything they can and continue to do so to help them through this difficult situation.

One thing is for certain though……I doubt anyone onboard will ever ever want to eat a sandwich ever again.

The ship arrived today in San Diego at approximately 8.30am local time.  Carnival has made arrangements for all guests to either travel home today or overnight in area hotels and has a large team of employees in San Diego to assist with these arrangements.

Guests will be receiving a full refund along with reimbursement for transportation costs. Additionally, they will receive a complimentary future cruise equal to the amount paid for this voyage.

Six tugs were used to bring the ship safely into San Diego Bay and eventually to moor the ship.  With the ship powerless and unable to assist with the transit and mooring the process was significantly more complicated than a traditional cruise ship mooring.  The first passengers disembarked the ship an hour after it had tied up, and it took about 4 hours for all of the passengers to disembark the ship.

As the lead federal agency for the response, the Coast Guard reviewed and approved transit and tow plans and facilitated local, state, and federal efforts to ensure the safe arrival of the passengers and crew.

The Coast Guard responded with a number of assets on scene to enforce a 500-yard safety zone during the Carnival Splendor’s transit into the Port of San Diego. Leading the formation of vessels, the crew of the 41 year-old cutter Morgenthau, which provided a safety and security escort throughout the 200-mile transit, and completed its mission after ensuring the cruise ship safely moored to the pier. In addition to the Morgenthau in further supporting today’s mission, the Coast Guard dedicated the cutters Edisto and Petrel, two 33-foot patrol boats, and one MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter.

Carnival says some shipboard programming, including children’s programs and entertainment, have been provided since the fire. Engineers had been able to restore toilet service in most cabins and all public bathrooms, but not all cabins had working toilets.  With no power and no propulsion system to help steady itself, passengers who called shore on Wednesday reported that the ship was rolling with the waves more than usual, leading some passengers to get sick.

Food provisions quickly became unusable because of the lack of refrigeration, prompting the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy to launch a relief effort. As we previously reported on Tuesday, the USS Ronald Reagan arrived with 60,000 pounds of supplies it has been ferrying to the Splendor by helicopter.

According to the Navy, the supplies were purchased by Carnival Cruise Lines.  The aircraft carrier, which has a crew of 5,000 to 6,000 people, has an operational cost of $1 million a day, it’s unknown if the Navy will seek reimbursement from Carnival.

Carnival president and CEO Gerry Cahill said that the fire began in No. 5 of the ship’s six generators, and the cause of the fire was a crankcase split.  According to Mr. Cahill the fire was isolated to the aft generator room.  Technicians from the ship’s builder, Carnival, the Lloyd’s insurance firm and others will inspect the ship’s damage, and that the vessel will be repaired in San Diego.

At this time it’s unclear if all of the damage can be repaired pierside or if the ship will need to be placed into drydock in order for repairs to be carried out.  It’s also unclear how long the ship will be out of service while repairs are completed.

As the ship gets closer to coastal areas, guests are now beginning to receive intermittent cellular service. Additionally, the ship’s phone system is working on a limited basis and guests are able to make complimentary calls home.

The ship has been operating on auxiliary generators and engineers have been unable to restore additional power to the vessel. Guests continue to be provided food and beverage service and a limited schedule of activities. Toilets continue to function in most staterooms and all public restrooms.

A large Carnival team continues to work on hotel, flight and transportation arrangements for the guests and will be on the ground in San Diego when the ship arrives. Guests on the current voyage will be receiving a full refund along with reimbursement for transportation costs. Additionally, they will receive a complimentary future cruise equal to the amount paid for this voyage.

Carnival has also cancelled the Nov. 14 seven-day cruise from Long Beach. Guests scheduled to sail on this voyage will receive a full refund of their cruise fare and air transportation costs, along with a 25 percent discount on a future cruise.

Guests on the current voyage will be receiving a full refund along with reimbursement for transportation costs. Additionally, they will receive a complimentary future cruise equal to the amount paid for this voyage.

The Coast Guard continues to monitor and work with Carnival Cruise Lines to ensure the safety of the ship crew and passengers. The U.S. Navy is helping with efforts to provide supplies to the stranded cruise ship.

The Coast Guard requested the USS Ronald Reagan to help deliver supplies, such as non-perishable food.

The Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau, a high endurance cutter based out of Alameda, Calif., is currently monitoring the situation. A boarding team concluded that the cruise ship crew and passengers are safe. No injuries are reported at this time.

A preliminary investigation is being conducted to find out the cause of the fire.

The ship has been operating on auxiliary generators and engineers have been unable to restore additional power to the vessel.  As a result, the current voyage is being terminated.  Tugboats are currently en route to the ship which is located off the coast of Mexico, approximately 200 miles south of San Diego.  The tugs are expected to reach the ship around midday local time today and will tow the vessel to Ensenada, Mexico in an effort to get the guests home as quickly as possible.

The Splendor lost the use of generators after a fire was reported in the generator’s compartment Nov. 8

Currently several key hotel systems, including air conditioning, hot food service, and telephones are not available.  Last night, the ship’s engineers were able to restore toilet service to all cabins and public bathrooms, as well as cold running water.  The ship’s crew continues to actively work to restore other services.

The Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau, a high endurance cutter based out of Alameda, Calif.,  will remain with the cruise ship to ensure the health and safety of passengers and crew until it safely reaches Long Beach.

Currently on scene with the Carnival Splendor are the Coast Guard Cutters Morgenthau and Aspen, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan which according to MSNBC was diverted from training exercises off Southern California, and a Mexican 140-foot patrol boat, and the tug boat Chihuahua.

The 28-member cast for Disney’s three production shows—including the all-new ‘Disney’s Believe’—has been rehearsing at the company’s Toronto studios for eight weeks and will join the ship Dec. 1 in Eemshaven. Then they’ll have another seven weeks of rehearsals on board prior to the Jan. 26 maiden voyage from Port Canaveral.

Recruiting the 1,458 crew for the new Disney Dream is perhaps less of a challenge than one might think given the line has just two ships currently sailing, newbuild on-site hotel director Mike Mahendran told Seatrade Insider.

For Disney Dream, 20% of the crew will come from Disney Magic and 20% from Disney Wonder, with the balance sourced from the wider cruise industry, hotels and Disney parks and resorts, as well as hotel schools in the US and abroad.

Mahendran cited the Walt Disney organization’s vast resources and the Disney College program that combines education and paid work experience as supporting the crewing effort.

The planned enhancements of the five ships will add Oasis-class features during Royal Caribbean’s 40th anniversary year.

In mid-2011, prior to its Australasia deployment, Radiance of the Seas will begin its revitalization with the addition of new specialty restaurants, a Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society members, a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery and other features.

Splendour of the Seas will receive two new specialty restaurants, and the Park Café, the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, a Diamond and Concierge Lounge, flat-panel televisions, and WiFi shipwide.

Additionally, there will be new balcony staterooms, select stateroom enhancements and upgrades to public areas including a refreshed Windjammer Marketplace.

Oasis of the Seas will gain new on-board programs starting in the first quarter with the DreamWorks Experience, 3-D movies in the Opal Theater and a Starbucks coffee shop to eventually replace Mondo Café on the Royal Promenade. These features bring it in line with the new Allure of the Seas.

And, in early 2011, as earlier reported, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will emerge from drydocks at Grand Bahama Shipyard with new dining, entertainment, children’s programming and other enhancements including the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, The Cupcake Cupboard, the Wayfinding navigation system and an oversized poolside video screen.

In addition, the DreamWorks experience, 3-D movies and free guest service kiosks will be implemented on Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, and Liberty will stage a new Broadway show, ‘Saturday Night Fever: The Musical.’

Royal Caribbean marks its 40th anniversary on Nov. 7, 2011.

Currently the ship is operating on emergency generators and the ship’s crew is working to restore power to the vessel.  The decision has been made to terminate the voyage. If power is restored, the ship will return to its homeport of Long Beach, Calif. under its own power.  However, arrangements for tugboats have been made so that, in the event power is not restored, the ship will be returned to a port with tugboat assistance.

Regular announcements apprising guests of the situation began at approximately 6.30 am. Guests were initially asked to move from their cabins to the ship’s upper open deck areas.  At this time, guests have access to their cabins, as well. Guests are being provided with bottled water and food items.

Currently, the vessel is located approximately 55 miles west of Punta San Jacinto, Mexico or 150 miles south of San Diego and sea conditions are calm.  The  U.S. Coast Guard was notified of the incident around 8:30 AM PST.  The 965ft container ship  Dresden Express responding to an Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) system alert was the first ship on scene with the Carnival Splendor.  In addition a 140ft Mexican Navy vessel and the US Coast Guard Cutters Morgenthau, Edisto, and Aspen are enroute.  A US Coast Guard C-130 aircraft should also be on scene as this is being published.

Carnival Splendor was on the first leg of a seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise that departed yesterday, Nov. 7, from Long Beach, Calif.   Today was a scheduled day at sea.  The ship’s normal itinerary includes stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  The ship, which measures 113,000 gross registered tons and first entered service in July 2008, is carrying 3,299 guests and 1167 crew.

CUISINE

* An expanded menu of “Jacques Pepin Signature Items” 

in the Grand Dining Rooms, which include Cotes d’Agneau Grillees – grilled lamb chop served with ratatouille and lamb gravy with thyme, and Gambas Sauté Provençal – sautéed shrimp in olive oil from Nice with garlic, parsley and tomatoes * Evening menus in the Terrace Café will focus on regional specialties from the area the ship is sailings in addition to each evening’s ever changing range of traditional favorites * Gourmet VIP canapé service for all suite guests now includes a wider array of specialty, gourmand-inspired delicacies which are presented on new, custom designed china * Espresso and Cappuccino from the famed Illy Coffee of Italy

SERVICE

* Free shuttle service in more than 90 ports worldwide where the ship is 

docked away from the city center * Introduction of production shows created by the legendary Gary J. Musik company that feature a full ensemble, original choreography, lavish costuming and rousing musical numbers * Dramatically faster internet speeds as a result of new partnership with MTN * Complimentary in-suite newspaper delivery for Owner’s, Vista and Oceania suites

COMFORT

* Upgraded bath amenities and toiletries in all accommodations, including Bulgari for 

Concierge-level and suite guests * Laptops, currently featured in all Owner’s and Vista suites on Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, will be added to all Penthouse Suites * iPads for all Owner’s, Vista and Oceania suites

Pillars of Distinction amenities will be featured on Oceania Cruises’ new Marina, scheduled for delivery in January 2011, and sister ship Riviera, which joins the fleet in April 2012 and be introduced aboard Regatta, Insignia and Nautica in the spring of 2011.

The line’s Pillars of Distinction is an ongoing initiative, with more enhancements and updates to be announced.