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Royal Caribbean International Appoints Seven Godmothers for Oasis of the Seas

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:50:01 +0000

When Royal Caribbean International officially names its newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on Monday, November 30, 2009,

the cruise line will put a new twist on one of maritime's longest standing traditions. While normally bestowing the honor of godmother on one special person, Royal Caribbean has chosen seven extraordinary godmothers to represent the seven signature neighborhoods onboard Oasis of the Seas. Each of the seven godmothers was chosen because they personify strength of character, exemplify the spirit of giving, and are role models for men, women and children alike. The godmothers include:

Royal Caribbean International Appoints Seven Godmothers for Oasis of the Seas originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 06:50:01.

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Trulli of Alberobello, Italy - Photo of the Week

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:27:33 +0000

Trulli are limestone dwellings found in Alberobello and the southern region of Puglia. They are remarkable examples of drywall (mortarless) construction, a prehistoric building technique. Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More Information on Alberobello and Trulli from the About.com Guide to Italy Travel

Alberobello (c) Linda Garrison

Trulli of Alberobello, Italy - Photo of the Week originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 05:27:33.

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Holland America Line's 2011 Grand Voyages Set to Explore Seven Continents, 65 Countries

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:34:43 +0000

Holland America Line's ms Amsterdam and ms Prinsendam, will each sail two spectacular Grand Voyages in 2011.

When combined, the four extensive itineraries feature a total of 308 cruising days, 121 ports of call and 65 countries.

Built for world cruising, Amsterdam will sail a 110-day Grand World Voyage in January and a 70-day Grand Asia & Australia Voyage in the fall. Simultaneously, ms Prinsendam will sail a 66-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage followed by a 62-day Grand Africa & Mediterranean Voyage.
Holland America Line's 2011 Grand Voyages Set to Explore Seven Continents, 65 Countries

Holland America ms Prinsendam (c) Linda Garrison

Holland America Line's 2011 Grand Voyages Set to Explore Seven Continents, 65 Countries originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 06:34:43.

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Carnival Dream Is Officially Named in New York

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:39:38 +0000

It was a "fun" night in New York City as Carnival Cruise Line launched its 22nd and newest ship the Carnival Dream.

Although the Carnival Dream has been sailing in Europe since September, she only arrived in North America yesterday morning, and Carnival had the traditional naming ceremony on the ship while she was docked at pier 88 of the Manhattan Passenger Terminal.

The 130,000-ton Carnival Dream is a new class of ship for Carnival and is the largest ship in the fleet, carrying 3,646 passengers. I was in New York for the naming party yesterday and will be staying onboard for a short weekend cruise to nowhere. I'll have photos and more on the ship posted on the site early next week. Now, back to the party.

Carnival Dream Is Officially Named in New York originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 07:39:38.

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Jet Boat Ride in Hells Canyon of the Snake River - Cruise West Shore Excursion

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:02:46 +0000

While on our Columbia and Snake River cruise on the Cruise West Spirit of Discovery, we were treated to a full-day jet boat ride excursion in Hells Canyon of the Snake River.

It was great fun to ride the snaking river almost 90 miles upstream through the steep canyon with the cliffs towering over our boats.

We stopped for a break at Cache Creek and for lunch at Kirby Lodge before heading back downstream to Clarkston. The ride downstream went much faster, and those in the back of the boat got wet! Good thing they were forewarned by our pilot. It was a fun day on the river for all.

Photos of Jet Boat Ride in Hells Canyon

Hells Canyon of the Snake River (c) Linda Garrison

Jet Boat Ride in Hells Canyon of the Snake River - Cruise West Shore Excursion originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 05:02:46.

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Variety Cruises -- Tales of the Adriatic -- Free Pre- or Post-Cruise Extensions

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:08:02 +0000

Variety Cruises will debut its new Tales of the Adriatic cruise in summer 2010 with an extra flourish - a free pre- or post-cruise land program in Venice or Split.

This includes two complimentary nights in a four-star hotel and a half-day sightseeing tour, valid for select sailings June-August 2010. Transitioning to the sea, travelers spend seven nights exploring the hidden gems of Venice and Croatia along the Adriatic Coast.

Variety Cruises' Tales of the Adriatic departs from Venice, Italy and Split, Croatia on the refurbished Pegasus mega yacht.

The Tales of the Adriatic special takes place in Venice or Split with a free two-night stay in a renowned four-star hotel (post-cruise stay in Venice) and half-day sightseeing tour of the local landscape. The offer is available for sailings June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20. Valid for all category cabins. Must be booked and paid for by February 1, 2010. Variety Cruises' specials are based on double occupancy, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any existing offer.

For more information, please visit www.varietycruises.com, or call 1-866-944-8498 (Canada) and 1-800-319-7776 (US).

Venice, Italy (c) Linda Garrison

Variety Cruises -- Tales of the Adriatic -- Free Pre- or Post-Cruise Extensions originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 14:08:02.

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Veterans Day - American Cemetery in Normandy - Photo of the Week

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:21:05 +0000

Today is Veterans Day, the day set aside to honor and celebrate all those who have served in the armed services. I thought this photo from the American Cemetery in Normandy was an appropriate reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by some of these soldiers.

American Cemetery at Normandy (c) Linda Garrison

Veterans Day - American Cemetery in Normandy - Photo of the Week originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 05:21:05.

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Viking Legend to be Christened in Amsterdam

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:40:10 +0000

This month the cruise industry is all abuzz with the naming of two large mega-ships, the Carnival Dream and Oasis of the Seas.

However, Viking River Cruises will officially launch its newest river ship, Viking Legend, with a christening event to be held in Amsterdam on November 23, 2009, making three big celebrations this month.

Viking has selected Stevi M. Tracas as Viking Legend's godmother, whose responsibility will be to break the traditional bottle of champagne across the ship's hull in a ceremony that is thought to bring good luck to the ship, its guests and crew. Stevi, a travel industry veteran, is married to Steve Tracas, President and CEO of Vacation.com, one of Viking's marketing partners.

The newest ship in the Viking River Cruises fleet, Viking Legend carries 189 guests in 97 staterooms, including two suites, 90 deluxe doubles and five singles, most with a French balcony. The ship's propulsion system is a "green" diesel-electric hybrid engine, and has innovative noise- and vibration-reduction features. For the 2010 season, Viking Legend will feature four different itineraries. Beginning the season sailing the 10-day Tulips & Windmills program through Holland and Belgium, she will then spend the majority of the season cruising Viking's popular Grand European Tour itinerary, traveling from Amsterdam to Budapest along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers.

Viking Legend to be Christened in Amsterdam

Viking Legend Photo Courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Viking Legend to be Christened in Amsterdam originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 06:40:10.

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Costa Cruises and Dubai Team Up for Inaugural Celebration of New Costa Deliziosa

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:40:13 +0000

Costa Cruises and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced today that the new Costa Deliziosa with be named in Dubai.

Costa and DTCM will team up for the event, which marks the first time a cruise ship will be named in an Arabian city. The new flagship of the Costa fleet will be inaugurated in the international locale on February 23, 2010. Today's announcement was made at World Travel Market in London.

The naming ceremony will take place during the ship's Grand Inaugural cruise, departing from Savona, Italy on February 5, 2010 and calling in Dubai from February 23-26. Costa guests sailing on the first leg of the grand maiden cruise will be able to attend the exclusive inaugural ceremony.

Costa Cruises and Dubai Team Up for Inaugural Celebration of New Costa Deliziosa originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 13:40:13.

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Hurtigruten Announces "Climate Pilgrimage" Arctic Cruise

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:49:05 +0000

It's hard to pick up a newspaper or turn on the television without hearing about climate change or global warming.

Hurtigruten, which features expedition cruising, has added a May 2010 cruise with an educational twist--the opportunity for its passengers to see climate change research first hand. Amateur meteorologists and would-be scientists will love this cruise.

Hurtigruten educates its guests on a host of subjects -- culture, geography, historical aspects, botany, wildlife - and most importantly these days, some of the reasons for and effects of climate change on these destinations and its wildlife. That topic is the primary focus on a new voyage -- "Climate Pilgrimage" -- to Northern Norway and the Arctic island of Spitsbergen. The 11-day voyage, aboard one of the world's newest, polar-ready cruise ships, MS Fram, offers guests the opportunity to visit research stations, track wildlife, participate in field studies and meet with some of the field's top research scientists - getting the story from those who are best informed. The May 29, 2010 departure is priced from $4,823 to $9,516 per person, double.

Hurtigruten Announces "Climate Pilgrimage" Arctic Cruise originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 11:49:05.

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