Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Oct. 16, 2015

Porthole Cruise News Briefs

Oct. 16, 2015

• American Cruise Lines, the only non-excursion company to be granted tour vessel exclusivity in Glacier Bay, has now been granted additional prime-use days in this delicate Alaskan ecosystem. In order to protect the park’s resources, regulations allow only three tour vessels in Glacier Bay proper per day, and only from one of only four companies holding concession contracts with the National Park Service. “The increase of prime use days is a testament to the ongoing partnership between American Cruise Lines and the National Park Service. We’re delighted to be part of the ongoing preservation and conservation of Glacier Bay,” says CEO Charles A. Robertson.
  The five-year contract will go into effect January 1, 2016.

• Two live shows are taking off on the sea. After five successful years aboard Norwegian Epic, the Vegas tribute show Legends in Concert has now made its way to Norwegian Pearl. In this brand-new production, three legendary tribute artists pay homage to “Material Girl” Madonna, “Rocket Man” Elton John, and “Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll” Tina Turner.
  And this week, Princess Cruises raised the curtain on a new musical revue by Stephen Schwartz, the Oscar, Grammy, and Tony award–winning composer of Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell. The show, Magic to Do, celebrates Schwartz’s lifelong fascination with magic and includes some of his most-loved songs such as “Defying Gravity” from Wicked and “Magic to Do” from Pippin, as well as an original composition, “A Little Magic,” and mind-bending illusions. Magic to Do is now running aboard Crown Princess and debuts aboard Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess in late fall.

• Oceania Cruises is reaching out to cruisers with a new campaign touting its ability to create customized experiences aboard the line, thus exemplifying its signature tag line: “Your World. Your Way.”
  One ad captures a guest’s visit to a Buddhist monastery in Rangoon, where a monk presents a traditional and ceremonial rice offering in the spirit of friendship. In another, a guest hunts truffles in Slovenia, cooks them with a chef, and then enjoys a memorable risotto. “We’re sharing a day in the life of our guests, showcasing actual experiences they encounter while exploring the incredible destinations we visit,” says James Rodriguez, senior vice president of sales and marketing.

• During her extensive 25-day refit at the Blohm+Voss Shipyard, Cunard Line’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, will receive a wide range of upgrades, including 15 Britannia Single staterooms. Nine of the new singles will be on Deck 2 (with high, illuminated coffered ceilings) and six larger single staterooms will be built on Deck 3L (with two unique circular windows with bench seat cushions and a central dressing console table). Other refurbishments include building 30 new balcony staterooms — and sprucing up all pre-existing balcony cabins — in Britannia Club, the private enclave that offers guests luxury amenities such as satellite TV and a pillow menu to achieve the perfect night’s sleep.

^{Photo: American Cruise Lines}

[spb_column width=”1/2″ el_position=”first”] [impact_text include_button=”yes” button_style=”standard” title=”< Previous: Cruise Deal” href=”https://porthole.com/staging/cruise-deal-of-the-week-oct-16-2015/” color=”accent” target=”_self” position=”cta_align_bottom” alt_background=”alt-two” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [/impact_text] [/spb_column] [spb_column width=”1/2″ el_position=”last”] [impact_text include_button=”yes” button_style=”standard” title=”Read More Porthole >” href=”/stores/” color=”accent” target=”_self” position=”cta_align_bottom” alt_background=”alt-two” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
[/impact_text] [/spb_column]

^{Sign up for weekly cruise news, fun contests, and exclusive offers delivered right to your inbox!}