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Passengers in inside staterooms aboard Navigator of the Seas cruising from Galveston, Texas, have something new to crow about – virtual balcony views courtesy of high-tech wizardry. On the recently revamped ship, the first of five Voyager-class ships scheduled for rehab, Royal Caribbean International has introduced “virtual balconies.” Streaming ocean video makes it possible for …
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Yes, that’s a giant mermaid brightening the Miami waterfront. Fresh from a starring role at the Super Bowl (as a floating Bud Light hotel), Norwegian Getaway has arrived at PortMiami, mermaid design – created by Miami artist LEBO– and all. A flashy debut for the Miami-centric ship – the largest ever to homeport in Miami year-round – takes …
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I am an unabashed fan of Bravo TV’s Top Chef – so much so that I once more or less stalked show judge (and noted chef) Tom Colicchio at a casino opening. So I think Celebrity Cruises is really smart for its new partnership “Top Chef at Sea.” You’ll remember last year Celebrity hosted a “Top Chef: …
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Oo, la, la! Fast-growing French cruise line Compagnie Du Ponant has revealed some details about its newest ship, the fourth in its Boreal class. The ship will be named Le Lyrial, in tribute to the Lyra constellation. Bragging rights will include roomier suites than on its sister ships. Set to debut in spring 2015, the expedition-style yacht …
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Much to the delight of local officials, Carnival Cruise Lines has announced a return of its ships to Baltimore, Maryland, and Norfolk, Virginia, in 2015. The line had earlier said it would drop the ports, due in part to increased costs of operating under new federal emissions standards. Carnival has since developed new scrubber technology to …
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A Norwegian Deal Norwegian’s “Spectacular Bonus Days” promotion, now through February 12, brings upgrades and other savings on Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, and Norwegian Epic. Norwegian Getaway officially debuts next month on year-round cruises from Miami, but this week is serving as the floating Bud Light Hotel for the Super Bowl. With the promotion, book an outside stateroom …
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As top luxury lines make tweaks and plan for the future, some interesting trends are emerging. Free Wi-Fi All-inclusive line Crystal Cruises recently announced that members of its Crystal Society (repeat guests) would get the perk of 60 minutes of complimentary Wi-Fi each day of their cruise, beginning in the fall of 2014. That’s seven …
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Jennifer Hudson, Lady Antebellum, Daughtry, and even such classic rock groups as Foreigner and Chicago, will soon be performing live on Carnival Cruise Lines ships, as part of a first-of-its-kind shipboard concert series. For a fee, passengers will be able to see the popular acts perform in the ships’ main show lounges. At a press conference in New …
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Entertainment Aboard MSC Divina from MSC CRUISES on Vimeo. This week I’m cruising aboard MSC Divina, the newest ship to sail year-round cruises out of Miami. The big attraction of the 3,600-passenger, 1-year-old MSC Divina is that it’s not your typical American-style cruise ship. It’s Italian. That means a pasta course at dinner, perfect espresso, a surprisingly elegant …
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One of the most anticipated ship redos this year is the transformation of Seabourn Pride into Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride. Operator of three upscale sailing ships, Windstar bought the 212-passenger motorized yacht, along with sister ships Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend, last year. Star Pride will be the first to debut under the new ownership; an inaugural cruise is set for May in …
