MIAMI (May 21, 2019) – Carnival Cruise Line announced today an exclusive partnership with the world-famous basketball team, the Harlem Globetrotters, serving as the group’s official cruise line sponsor worldwide.

Combining the Harlem Globetrotters’ high-flying athleticism, theatrical stunts and comedic acts with Carnival’s role as the family cruise leader, the two ambassadors of fun will bring a new level of excitement to more than 150 of the team’s shows across the country.

The Harlem Globetrotters’ always entertaining exhibition games will be enhanced by Carnival’s signature brand of fun through in-game integrations, giveaways and joint marketing efforts such as a designated Choose Fun Zone seating area with branded signage, playful décor, special player interactions and more. This partnership will also provide Carnival with traditional marketing assets to support their charitable partners’ initiatives.

A video shot on board Carnival Horizon featuring Harlem Globetrotters stars Hammer Harrison and Dragon Taylor showcases the dynamic duo’s impressive skills as they make shots from high above Carnival’s SkyRide aerial attraction and Lido Deck. The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Ke36j-QUMto.

“For more than nine decades, we’ve used basketball as a means to bring laughter, joy and fun to our fans worldwide,” said Howard Smith, Harlem Globetrotters president. “When we heard about the opportunity to partner with cruise industry leader Carnival, we couldn’t wait to use our combined love of entertaining audiences to make our games more fun and memorable than ever.”

“The Harlem Globetrotters are synonymous with fun, helping families create wonderful memories – and our brands align so well together,” said Scott Becher, vice president, head of partnerships for Carnival Cruise Line. “We look forward to seeing how everyone will ‘Choose Fun’ Globetrotters-style.”

Inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and known for their incredible dribbling, shooting and dunking skills as well as their crowd interaction, the Harlem Globetrotters have performed for more than 148 million fans in 124 countries since their inception in 1926. Now performing 400 shows each year, the team has become a worldwide icon and pioneer in the sports industry showcasing some of the best basketball players in the world.

Article and photos released by Carnival Cruise Line, Miami.

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My friend from high school puts me to shame. Although I’m the travel writer, she’s the one who has gone on more exotic journeys than I’ll probably ever experience in my lifetime. Her reasons for traveling are the same as most travel buffs – she’s got an inquisitive nature and the desire to see the world. And although she prefers traveling in style and is willing to pay to do so, it wasn’t always that way. 

Kerri’s love for travel started off simple. She visited the Grand Canyon with her family and camped; shared a cramped room with friends to a beach location for spring break; and even slept in her van a few times on various trips in her twenties to save money.

Then she took an ultra-luxury cruise, and she was hooked.

Fortunately at the age of 46, Kerri, who is an independent contractor specializing in educational services these days, can now afford the finer things in the travel space that she knows she has come to deserve – and there will be no turning back.

Kerri is heading to Antarctica at the end of the month. She is beyond excited about exploring this part of the world. Oh, and did I mention, she is going alone? Yes, Kerri is a true adventurer. While she sometimes travels alongside her mom or fiancée, she also has no apprehension about going solo, namely because when she travels on ultra-luxury cruises, she knows she won’t need a travel buddy to have her back, because the cruise line will take care of everything.

As more travelers like Kerri seek to explore exotic and remote destinations like the Seventh Continent, what is it about ultra-luxury cruises that draws them in and keeps them coming back?

One could say the answer is luxury, and they would be right – but luxury means different things to different people (caviar by the fireside to some and cross-country skiing in the company of penguins to others). So, what truly is the unifying factor that ties these travelers together?

In talking with experts on the subject and listening to my friend Kerri, it seems to come down to one thing: well-being. The definition of “well-being” is to be comfortable, healthy or happy. While we all strive for these things in our daily lives, we can only hope they will follow us when we set out on a lifetime adventure for which we have set aside savings and precious time.

For some, that assumption could be a gamble. But for those who choose to use a travel advisor who partners with select ultra-luxury cruise providers, the decision is without chance.

That is because securing your client on an ultra-luxury cruise is knowing they are not only in good hands, but the best of hands.

Any travel advisor will tell you that selling the experience is key to closing the sale, but promising the experience will be everything they imagined and then some is the true dealmaker. When it comes to ultra-luxury cruising, travelers can experience a destination as remote and spectacular as Antarctica with all of the luxurious comforts they come to expect and more from a high-end cruise.

From all suite ocean-front accommodations, first-class entertainment, premier service, and world-class cuisine to spas and highly skilled expedition teams to lead daily Zodiac excursions, there is nothing unaccounted for on an ultra-luxury cruise.

When experiencing these new adventures, travelers are provided with comforts, familiarity and security – all of which enhance the discovery process. An expedition is about discovery with a group of like-minded travelers and, as one advisor said, “The amenities and facilities of an ultra-luxury expedition ship allow you to concentrate on the ‘here,’ namely the moments and the experience.”

Add in special touches, like digital photography workshops, Caviar on the Ice parties, and warm beverages on deck during scenic cruising, and it’s no wonder these cruises take travelers beyond their imaginations.

Luxury Cruise Lines to Check Out:

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Seabourn

Silversea Cruises

Crystal Cruises

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Perfect for families
Time spent together is no doubt memorable regardless of where you are, but the perfect location can make these moments that much more special. From warm climates and sandy beaches to beautiful sunsets and shared activities like swimming with stingrays, snorkeling, diving and ziplining, the Caribbean almost seems like it was hand-picked for families. With so many diverse islands and activities to choose from, you would be hard-pressed to not find something for everyone in every age group.

And that’s just on shore. Factor in the activities onboard the ship geared towards both adults and children, and everyone wins. While your spouse hits the casino, you can hit the spa, all while the kids are occupied in the waterpark. Consider booking a Caribbean cruise for multigenerational vacations or celebrations, and your clients won’t be disappointed.

The best kind of sampling
Sometimes it’s hard to know what we want, which is why when choosing to cruise to the Caribbean, travel advisors are giving their clients a taste of it all. Unlike locking in one location for travel, a Caribbean cruise provides the perfect sampling of multiple islands and adventures all rolled up into one. If your client can’t decide where to go, tell them they don’t have to — they can just pick the itinerary that includes all the islands on their wish list.

Jami Turner, owner of The Travel Fanatic in Odessa, Texas, draws a comparison to sailing Europe. “The fact that you can get on a cruise ship and sample each one of these islands is ideal because it allows you to see a lot in a short amount of time. Many people don’t know where they want to go in Europe, so they choose to cruise there rather than take a land tour — it’s the same idea with the Caribbean. And sometimes if you’re unsure about a location and you don’t want to commit for a full week, it allows you to get what I call ‘an appetizer experience.’”

Convenience and value
With accommodations at every price point, fine dining, first-rate entertainment, transportation, activities and on-shore experiences, cruising is just plain easy. And the all-inclusivity of it makes it affordable. One price translates to more time for fun and less time reaching for your wallet — not to mention the hidden value that comes from a bundled fare. But a bundled fare doesn’t necessarily mean each cruise experience is the same. Options to upgrade are readily available, taking accommodations and service to a whole other level.

Unpacking once is yet another reason why people love traveling from one exotic location to the next via these floating hotels. No suitcases to carry once onboard and the opportunity to wake up in a new location each day means taking a cruise is by far the easiest and best way to explore this region.

Forging new friendships
Do you like new people from around the world? Between the friends you encounter in the lounge, at the pool or at dinner, and the locals you encounter on the islands, a cruise is a virtual melting pot of nationalities. Many long-term friendships have been forged at sea — and what could be better than finding a pen pal who will open your eyes to a whole different perspective of the world?

Sylma Brown, director of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) USA, Inc., summed up the reasons why cruising to the Caribbean outpaces all other destinations: “On the surface, the Caribbean’s status as the preferred cruise destination for many North American vacationers is a factor of its proximity and convenient port locations as well as the variety of cultures and experiences afforded on a single itinerary. But cruising is a lifestyle, not a mode of transport, and these types of travel decisions are rarely dictated by logic alone. Our success should also be attributed to the emotional response conjured by the Caribbean brand. Our image as a vacation region combines the spirit of adventure with the laid-back, stress-free attitude that is the cornerstone of our brand — a recipe that embodies everything the cruising lifestyle aspires to be.”

Article was released in Travel Market Report, 21 January 2019.

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Happy New Year, here is your update on Cruise News from recent times:

Oceania Cruises announced two new vessels for 2022 and 2025

The new Allura Class mid-size vessels will continue to provide the warmth, popular design and comforting elements and amenities of Oceania’s Marina and Riviera. At 1200 guests guests will receive an additional level of comfort, convenience and a host of new luxury amenities.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Increases Prices of Three Drink Packages

Royal Caribbean’s  Deluxe package will cost, depending on the sailing, between US$63 to US$70 (up from US$57 to US$63) per person, per day. The package includes cocktails, beer, wine, coffee, tea, bottled water, and a 40 percent discount on bottles of wine under $100, along with a 20 percent discount of bottles over $100.

The Refreshment package (with teas, coffee, bottled water, sodas, juices) will cost US$29 (up from a range of US$26 to US$29); and its Classic Soda package (with unlimited sodas) will cost US$12.99 (up from between $US8.50 and US$9.50). Prices do not include the automatic 18 percent gratuity.

Other lines made similar moves in recent year.

Late last year, Carnival Cruise Line raised prices of its Cheers! Package to US$51.95 per person, per day if purchased pre cruise and US$56.95 per person, per day if purchased onboard. Carnival also charges an automatic 15 percent gratuity.

Norwegian Cruise Line increased the price of its Ultimate Beverage Package late last year from US$89 per person, per day to US$99. That price does not include an automatic 20 percent gratuity.

Royal Caribbean Changes Main Dining Room Dress Code

Guests on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line sailings will no longer be able to wear shorts or tank tops when they go to dine in main dining rooms, even during casual nights.

Royal Caribbean updated the dress policy to clear up any confusion after their blog said it had added shorts to its dress code for casual nights last week.

The new rules are:

• For formal nights, the cruise line recommends “suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns.”
• For smart casual nights, “think of this as a step up from your typical dinner wear” and wear “collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits.”
• For casual nights, Royal suggests “jeans, polos, sundresses and blouses” but asks guests to “keep swimwear to the Pool Deck.” Shorts and tanks will be accepted for breakfast and lunch, but not in the main dining room at dinner.

Princess Cruises Expands Ocean Medallion to 3 More Ships

Princess Cruises will be adding the Ocean Medallion technology to 3 more ships this month – Royal Princess, Crown Princess & Sky Princess.

The OceanMedallion, is a piece of wearable technology that holds a guest’s information so that crew members can identify them during the sailing. The technology allows guests to open their cabin, make payments, embark and disembark all through the a small pendant that can be worn on a wristband, a necklace, or kept in a pocket.

The post Catch Up on Cruising: Latest News in bite size! appeared first on Online Cruise Advisor.

Venice, Italy

I am pretty sure most of us think of Venice when we think of Romance… floating through the canals on a warm evening in a gondola with a bottle of wine, just perfect. Or stroll around the streets before stopping to sip on a glass of wine in a local cafe and enjoying some magical pasta and listening to the beautiful Italian language from the locals. Then watch the sun set over the canals.

Maldives

This is definitely on my to do list.. It looks like you are in your own private paradise, those overwater bungalows sitting along the crystal-clear sea. White sand beaches for a romantic private dinners or seaside walks – perfect.

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is often referred to as Hawaii’s least-developed island. Kauai is a favorite for couples seeking outdoor adventure on the “Garden Island”.  Enjoy less crowds and secluded, natural beaches. Get your heart pumping on a hike through the Kalalau Trail lush mountains or with a private dip in the waterfalls.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

The “champagne climate” of this beautiful swiss resort puts St. Mortiz on our list.  Alpine adventure couples can sky amongst the snow capped peaks or relax in a horse drawn carriage, snuggled together of an evening ride along the frozen lakes.

Quebec City, Quebec

Cozy up for a winter getaway up in the French-Canadian city of Quebec. Wander the snow-covered streets, enjoy romantic restaurants and all before warming up with a soak, sauna and relaxing massage at a Nordic spa. For a special night out dress up and play at the Grand Théâtre.

Paris

The city of love cannot be left off our list. So many places to see from the picture postcards we all grew up looking at.  Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower as the sun sets and the lights come on. Vist the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dam, Arc de Triomphe. WOW !

Santorini, Greece

My colleague got engaged in Santorini, so this has to be included. Her romantic proposal:  Docked in Santorini from a cruise ship, climbed the donkey trail, 600 steps, to reach cliffs adorned with whitewashed houses atop the Aegean Sea and cobbled stoned paths. A restaurant with amazing views and a man on bended with knee and a ring in the top pocket. It doesn’t get more romantic than that.

Grand Canyon, USA

A helicopter flight into the Grand Canyon, mesmerizing.  Take a walk if you are the adventurous time and see the amazing colours throughout the formations, just remember to take plenty of water. If yo are really keen for a romantic getaway, camping at the bottom on the canyon, stunning.

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Royal Caribbean’s today launched its all-new bid-based stateroom upgrade programme, RoyalUp℠.

RoyalUp℠ invites clients to bid for an upgrade to a higher category stateroom with just a few simple clicks.

1 – Upgrade Notice

If your sailing is selected to take part in teh RoyalUP programme, you will be notified via email.

2 – Review Upgrade Options

You can browse the selection of stateroom and suite options available, along wit their associated minimum bids

3 – Make A Bid

You will be instructed to select the dollar amount you are willing to spend to upgrade and put a credit card on file. Bids are priced per person and are based on two guests per stateroom

4 – Bid Acceptance

Then keep an eye on your inbox, if your bid is successful you will be notified via email at least two days prior to sailing.

For more details, please feel free to contact us info@cruisefactor.co.nz

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This is your fortnightly Catch up on Cruising and the latest news in bite size pieces!

Hurtigruten cruises set to cruise Alaska

2020/21 will see Hurtigruten cruises offering an Alaskan season for the first time having announced a series of new itineraries onboard the new hybrid-powered vessel, MS Roald Amundsen.

The voyages will range between 8 and 18 days, covering the Inside Passage as well as remove locations not usually visited by other lines.  “Alaska is a perfect fit for Hurtigruten and our expedition
cruise concept,” said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam. “We will go where the big ships can’t, taking you far beyond the ordinary while exploring the true beauty of Alaska.”

Hurtigruten’s MS Fram is to receive upgrades to its suites, cabins, and public areas. The polar exploration ship will also undergo major technical upgrades during a drydock in 2020, including having her engines brought up to a higher environmental standard. “The original Fram was the most famous ship of its time and kept pushing the frontiers in the golden age of polar expeditions,”
said Hurtigruten Chief Executive Officer Daniel Skjeldam. “With the upgrade she will keep setting the standard for expedition cruises, and deliver unparalleled, premium expedition experiences,” he added. The main restaurant is also being transformed into the Restaurant Aune – which will provide food based on the Scandinavian palate, while a premium fine dining eatery called Lindstrom will also be installed. All cabins and suites will be refreshed using natural Scandinavian materials such as granite, oak, birch and wool.

Nieuw Statendam is launched

Holland America Line officially took delivery of the Nieuw Statendam in a special ceremony at Ficantieri’s shipyard in Italy.  The 2,650 passenger vessel brings the cruise line’s total fleet size to 15 and will head to its homeport of Amsterdam in May where it will begin its Northern Europe, Baltic & Iceland cruises.

Michelin Star & International Chefs join MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises named nine international chefs who will provide an on-board dining experience for guests on MSC Magnifica’s upcoming 2019 World Cruise, departing Genoa on 05 Jan.
They include Michelin starred Spanish chef Ramon Freixa, Indian-American Vikas Khanna and French-Canadian Serge Dansereau of Sydney’s Bathers Pavilion.

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji offer 3 Nights for FREE*

Book any seven-night Fiji cruise by 28 Feb and receive 3 Nights for Free saving you up to over $2200 per person and is valid on all all room categories including A Tabua Suites, B and C Ocean
Staterooms, and D Porthole Cabins.  Available cruises include the seven-night Yasawa Islands and Mamanucas featuring a visit to Monuriki – the island where the movie Castaway was shot. Offer valid for travel until 31 Mar 2020.

Free Drinks Package available on Pride of America in Hawaii

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Programme has until now excluded the Pride of America from some of the offers, however from 05 January 2019 onwards, guests will be able to to choose from the Free Beverage and Wi-Fi packages on the Hawaii sailings.  Norwegian’s unique Free at Sea program provides guests with a fantastic selection of up-to five free offers including a beverage package, shore excursion credit, specialty dining package, Wi-Fi package and the Friends & Family Sail at a reduced rate initiative – with the program offering now consistent across Norwegian’s 16-strong fleet. For full terms and conditions please contact Cruise Factor.

MSC – Drinks On Us Promotion

Book an inside, oceanview or balcony cabin and enjoy included beverages in your cruise! With a dedicated selection of wines, draught beer, spirits and cocktails, soft drinks, water, coffees and chocolate delights, you can enjoy DRINKS ON US in all onboard bars,restaurants and buffet*

Book an Aurea Suite or Yacht Club & Receive $150 Onboard Credit Per Person* *Conditions apply. Prices based on Drinks on us promotion, ends 31 January 2019.

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Travelmarket just released this helpful rundown of what every major ocean cruise line offers. All prices quoted are in US$

Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara offers a number of different packages. Its Premium Package costs $15.95 per person per day and includes standard brands. The Ultimate Package costs $21.95 per person per day and includes everything in the Premium Package plus all wine and higher-end brands.

Azamara also offers two wine packages. The Wine-Lover Package allows guests to purchase bottles of wine below $50; there is a 5-bottle package for $180, a 7-bottle package for $235, a 10-bottle package for $315, and a 12-bottle package for $350. The Wine Connoisseur Package, which includes all bottles of wine between $51 and $75, offers guests a 5-bottle package for $315, a 7-bottle package for $415, a 10-bottle package for $560, and a 12-bottle package for $630.

Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival offers its Cheers! Pre-Paid Beverage Package for $56.95 per person per day when purchased onboard and $51.95 per person per day when purchased online prior to the cruise. Neither of those prices include an automatic 15 percent gratuity charge. The package includes a variety of cocktails, beer, wine, and bottled water. It is not available in Australia.

Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity’s Standard Package ($49 per person per night) includes beer, wine, bottled water, fountain soda, cocktails, and more. Its Classic Package ($59 per person per night) includes beer, spirits, cocktails, frozen drinks and wines by the glass up to $9 per serving plus a 15 percent discount on wines purchased by the bottle.

Celebrity’s Premium Package ($69 per person per night) adds specialty coffee and teas, craft beers, spirits and cocktails, Coca Cola products, premium bottled water, and wine up to $15 per serving, plus a 20 percent discount on bottles of wine.

The line also offers Wine Packages (starting at $109) that include a 10-15 percent discount on wines and is available for three, five or seven bottles.

Finally, Celebrity’s Premium Non-Alcoholic Drink Package ($22 per person per night) includes premium bottled waters, frozen drinks and smoothies, specialty coffees and teas, Red Bull, coconut water, and Vitamin Water.

An 18 percent service charge is added to each check.

Crystal Cruises 
Crystal Cruises is all-inclusive. All beverages are complimentary, with the exception of top-shelf liquors and some pre-selected wines. Because of its all-inclusive price, travel agents make commission on the pricing.

Cunard
Cunard’s Soft Drink Package, which includes sodas and juices, can be purchased for $8.50 per person per day plus a 15 percent service charge. Wine and other alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately while onboard.

Holland America Line
Holland America’s Signature Beverage Package costs $51.69 per person per day when purchased in advance or $57.44 per person per day when purchased onboard. It includes a variety of wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, sodas and coffee, for drinks costing $9 or less.

Holland America also offers its Elite Beverage Package for $63.19 per person per day. It includes premium spirits, cocktails, wine, beer, coffees, nonalcoholic beverages, bottled water and sodas, up to a per glass value of $15. The package includes the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines on Koningsdam, which offer more than 100 flavors.

Then there is the Cellar Master Package, which starts at $273.74 per person per day. The packages include a choice of five wine bottles, a standard and a premium wine-tasting, one Pinnacle Grill dinner, a wine accessory gift set, and a Holland America Line commemorative bottle of wine.

MSC Cruises
MSC’s Cruises offers a number of different packages depending on sailing and guest.

• All-Inclusive Premium Plus Package costs $79 per person per day and offers unlimited drinks by the glass, including drinks and food from the minibar and the room service menu, and drinks from the theme bar menus, plus a 30 percent discount on bottles of wine and champagne. The package can be used at all bars, the self-service buffet and restaurants, including specialty restaurants.
• MSC’s All-Inclusive Premium Package costs $62 per person per day. That package includes all drinks priced up to $12, including beers wines by the glass, premium spirits and cocktails (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic), mineral water, energy drinks, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Includes drinks from the minibar, room service and specialty restaurants.
• All-Inclusive Deluxe Drink Package (available on cruises in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and UAE only) costs $55 per person per day on cruises lasting eight nights or less; and $44 on those nine-nights or longer. It includes premium liqueurs, aperitifs, cocktails, wines, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, juices, mineral water, energy drinks, espresso and cappuccino, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Includes drinks from the minibar, room service and specialty restaurants. Includes a 30 percent discount on bottled wine.
• All-Inclusive Easy Package costs $35 per person per day and includes a selection of wines by the glass, beer, spirits and cocktails (including nonalcoholic cocktails), soft drinks from self-service restaurants and buffets.
• All-Inclusive Non-Alcoholic Package costs $29 per adult or $17 per child aged 3-11, per day. That package offers unlimited alcohol-free cocktails, soda, energy drinks, mineral and flavored water, a wide range of coffee drinks, hot chocolates, organic tea and soft ice cream.
• Mealtime Restaurant Package costs $18.50 per person per day on cruises in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and UAE lasting 8 nights or less; and $14.50 on nine-nights or longer. It includes unlimited wine by the glass, all beer, soft drinks, mineral water in the main restaurants and self-service buffet. Specialty restaurants are not included.
• All-Inclusive Deluxe Drink Package for Children (ages 3-17) (available on cruises in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and UAE only) costs $23 per child per day on cruises lasting eight nights or less; and $18.50 on nine-plus sailings. Includes unlimited alcohol-free cocktails, smoothies, soda, juice, energy drinks, mineral and flavored water, coffee and chocolate drinks from the bars, minibar, room service, buffet and all restaurants, including specialty restaurants.
• All-Inclusive Restaurants and Bar Drink Package for children (ages 3-17) (available on cruises in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and UAE only) costs $13.50 per child per day on cruises lasting eight nights or less; and $10.50 on nine-night sailings or longer. It includes unlimited alcohol-free cocktails, smoothies, soda, juice, mineral water, milk shakes and ice cream from the bars, buffet and all restaurants, including specialty restaurants.
• Mealtime Restaurants Drink Package for Children (ages 3-17) costs $10 per child per day on cruises lasting eight nights or less; and $8 on sailings of nine nights or longer. It includes soft drinks and mineral water at lunch and dinner from the buffet and main restaurants, not including specialty restaurants.

Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL’s Corks and Caps Package costs $65 per person per day, plus a 20 percent gratuity. It includes select fountain soda and juices, beer (draft and bottles) and wines by the glass ($15 or less).

NCL also offers an Ultimate Beverage Package that costs $99 per person per day plus a 20 percent gratuity. That package includes liquor and cocktails that cost $15 or less.

The Soda Program runs $7.95 per person per day for adults and $5.95 for children.

Oceania Cruises
Oceania’s Prestige Select package costs $59.95 per person per day and includes unlimited premium spirits, champagne, wine and beer.

Its House Select package, which costs $39.95 per person per day, includes unlimited champagne, wine and beer with lunch and dinner (not available on Alaska and New England sailings).

Oceania also offers Wine by the Bottle packages; a seven-bottle package goes for $47.50 each, gratuity included.

Paul Gauguin Cruises
All cruises include complimentary select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Royal’s Deluxe Package costs $63-$70 per person per day, depending on the sailing, plus an 18 percent gratuity. It includes cocktails, beer, wine, coffee, tea, and bottled water; and a 40 percent discount on bottles of wine under $100, and a 20 percent discount on bottles over $100.

Royal’s Refreshment Package costs $26-$29 per person per day, plus an 18 percent gratuity. It includes teas, coffee, bottled water, sodas, and juices.

The Classic Soda package, which $12.99 per person per day, plus an 18 percent gratuity, offers unlimited soda.

Seabourn
Seabourn cruises include beer, wine, champagne and spirits. Rare or ultra-premium bottles of wine are available for an extra fee.

Silversea Cruises
Silversea cruises include beer, wine, champagne and spirits. Rare or ultra-premium bottles of wine are available for an extra fee.

Viking Ocean Cruises
Costs for the Viking’s Silver Spirits Package vary depending on itinerary length, but start at $139 per person for seven nights. The package covers drinks up to $15 each, anywhere on the ship or in the minibar (or 15 percent off those costing more), and premium wines at The Chef’s Table wine pairing.

Windstar
Windstar offers three packages. The Voyager’s Adventure Wine Package ($32 per person per day) includes 20 fine wines priced up to $8.50 per glass. Its Topmast Discoveries Wine Package, which  $42 per person per day, offers a choice of 33 premium wines priced at up to $11.50 per glass.

And its Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package, which costs $52 per person per day, includes unlimited cocktails, spirits, beer and wines, priced up to $11.50 per glass including minibar; a 30 percent discount off the cost of wine bottles up to a retail value of $100; and free corkage for all wine guests carry onboard.

Information c/- Travelmarket report 21 November 2018.

The post Drinks Package Comparison appeared first on Online Cruise Advisor.

I cruised on Regal Princess with my husband in 2014 from Venice to Barcelona and it was fantastic, the ship was stunning, staff were so friendly and we made some amazing friends who we are still in touch with now.  I am very excited to see the ship head down our way and can’t wait to see what the itineraries will be.  Keep watching and we will release more information on the itinearies as they come to hand.

Here are some of my holiday snaps of the Regal Princess.

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This is your fortnightly Catch up on Cruising and the latest news in bite size pieces!

American Queen Steamboat Company acquires Victory Cruises

It has been announced that Victoria I and Victory II, identical 202 passenger ships will join the American Steamboat fleet under the Victory Cruise name. This will enable the line to offer guests with more diverse cruising options particularly in the Great Lakes CEO John Waggoner has advised.

Scenic Eclipse delayed again!

Unfortunately another 7 departures are cancelled due to issues which have delayed the construction of the highly anticipated groundbreaking Scenic Eclipse.

13 April 2019 is now the first sailing date for the vessel due to continuing financial issues at the Uljanik shipyard and strikes by specialist engine and system commissioning workers. Affected guests will receive a full refund of the cost of their cruise, those who rebook a voyage by 31 March 2019 will also receive a future cruise credit to the value of 25% of the cost of the rebooked cruise.  These new issues mean the ship is anticipated to set sail nine months later than expected.

Celebrity Glamping in Galapagos

Celebrity Cruises new luxury camping experience located on the top deck of its Galapagos Islands vessel Celebrity Flora allows passengers to dine and sleep in a luxurious Cabana fitted with double beds.  Celebrity Flora begins her inaugural season on 26 May 2019 offering alternating 10 & 11 night tours of the Galapagos.

Windstar 2019/2020 Caribbean and Latin America Programme Released

New port visits to Mexico, Honduras, Grand Cayman, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica are part of the latest programme for Windstar Cruises.  Boasting 52 departure dates ranging from 7 to 56 days and a new focus on less visited tropical ports and unusual holiday experiences. A highlight is the 2 month Grand Caribbean Adventure cruise exploring the Caribbean’s Greatest and Lesser Antilles and Latin America destinations.

Seadream Yacht Club Returns to Cuba

2019 has proven to be a good year for Seadream Yacht Club’s Cuba sales, so a second set of sailings to the Caribbean nation in 2020 have been announced.  7 new trips between February and March from US$ 5689.00 per person twin share, highlights include the city of the Cienfuegos, the town of Trinidad in Central Cuba, the resort island of Cayo Largo and Isla de Juventud which is home to historic caves that are lined with Indian Paintings.

Why is SeaDream Called a Yacht Club?
As the Chairman says “We are not a cruise line. We are a yacht company and we provide a yachting experience.” Yachting features an open and unstructured ambience that provides guests the ability to fulfill their own dreams – call them “seadreams” if you will – at their own pace and in their own style. We like to express this as “No clocks, no crowds, no lines, no stress.” The key word for the SeaDream yachting experience is “unstructured. It’s all about personal choice. Think of it as a free form holiday in which guests fall into a “seadream” and believe that they are aboard their own yacht. That’s why we say SeaDream is a yacht company; not a cruise line.

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