Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Jan. 29, 2016

Porthole Cruise News Briefs – Jan. 29, 2016

• Royal Caribbean International is making its newest ship, Harmony of the Seas, more family friendly than ever, with offerings like the DreamWorks Experience, enhanced entertainment in the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, and a new collection of family amenities for those in balcony staterooms in Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods. Those in Central Park can enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and lunch for two at Jamie’s Italian; those in Boardwalk, lunch or dinner for four at Johnny Rockets, a soda beverage package for two, and private time on the rock wall. Harmony of the Seas, slated to be the world’s largest cruise ship, will sail the Western Mediterranean with 5,497 guests on 16 guest decks starting in May 2016.

• Azamara Journey, the first of Azamara Club Cruises’ two ships undergoing extensive upgrades, has emerged from dry dock. The revitalization includes two new spa suites, the transformation of the Pool Grill into The Patio (a sit-down al fresco restaurant), new tables for two at Windows Café, new décor and furniture in Discoveries Restaurant and Discoveries Bar, and casual dining and live music in the Living Room (formerly the Looking Glass Lounge). “There is no area on the ship that has been untouched,” says Larry Pimentel, president and CEO.

• Costa Deliziosa, the 2,260-passenger premium ship from Costa Cruises’ Luminosa class, made its maiden call at Port Everglades recently, repositioning to the Caribbean for the winter cruise season. Having entered service in 2010, the 92,720-ton Costa Deliziosa will now take cruisers on 9- and 10-day itineraries to Nassau, Freeport, Amber Cove, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Roatan, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. “Costa Deliziosa is the newest Costa ship to homeport in the United States,” says Scott Knutson, vice president of sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America, “and we are excited for North American guests to see firsthand what makes Costa Europe’s most popular cruise line.”

• Princess Cruises celebrated the grand opening of SHARE by Curtis Stone on Ruby Princess. The specialty dining experience is based on signature dishes designed for sharing, served in an environment meant to encourage conversing and creating memories. SHARE is now available aboard Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess, and will debut aboard Sun Princess in Stone’s native Australia in April 2016.

^{Photos: Royal Caribbean International; Porthole Cruise Magazine}

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