Norwegian Cruise Line announced five finalists in its Search for the Latitudes “It” Girl contest, the winner of which will be named Godmother of its new ship, Norwegian Gem. Finalists were selected from more than 500 online video entries submitted by Latitudes members (past NCL guests) showcasing why they should be named the ship’s Godmother and how they embody the qualities of an “It” Girl.
The five finalists will be whisked away to Norwegian Gem’s christening ceremony on December 18, 2007 in New York City where the winner will be announced and will christen the ship. Additionally, she will receive the ultimate “It” Girl treatment on a fabulous seven-day cruise in Norwegian Gem’s posh Garden Villa for her and five members of her entourage.
“We want to thank all of our Latitudes members who participated. We were impressed with the number of creative, funny and heartwarming videos we received from “It” Girls of all ages,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. “These five finalists—in their own unique way—embody the free-spirited, sophisticated and confident qualities of our new ‘It’ Girl, Norwegian Gem. And in keeping with the spirit of NCL’s Freestyle Cruising, we’re asking the public to vote for their favorite finalist, so they can help us determine who should be Norwegian Gem’s Godmother.”
The contest finalists are:
- Lauren Kampf, 22, from Oakland, N.J.; her video takes a comedic look at all of the activities and adventures offered on an NCL cruise. Lauren is a recent Music and Theater graduate of Washington and Lee University and has sailed on four NCL cruises.
- Shannon Maxey, 29, from Virginia Beach, Va.; her video shows her versatility and exotic talents. Shannon is an artist and has a Master of Fine Arts from Old Dominion University. She recently sailed on Pride of Hawai`i.
- Cindy Cardella, 31, from Fairfield, N.J.; her video chronicles her NCL cruise experiences from childhood onwards, and highlights all of the places she has visited. Cindy has sailed with NCL on more than 30 cruises and is a stay at home mom with three boys, ages five, three and five months.
- Louise Strong, 44, from South Hero, Vt.; her video discusses and demonstrates her ebullient love for NCL. Louise is a high school administrator at Essex High School in Essex Junction, Vt. and has been married to her husband Ed for 22 years. Louise has sailed on 16 NCL cruises.
-Mary O’Dea, 75, from Milford, Pa.; her video illustrates how NCL, and NCL crew members, are a part of her life. Mary has four children and has sailed on eight NCL cruises.
In a video entry, entrants were encouraged to include how they embody the attributes of NCL’s hottest, hippest new ship, Norwegian Gem, as well as the free spirit of NCL’s Freestyle Cruising. These characteristics include sophistication, independence and confidence, eagerness to explore new destinations and learn new things, glamour, style and culture, along with a youthful and adventurous spirit regardless of age. The five finalists were selected on creativity and originality of their submission. Contest details, terms and conditions can be found online at www.gemitgirl.com.
In addition to the five finalists, NCL is recognizing the following five entrants as honorable mentions:
- Leah Goodman, 23, of Radford, Va.
- Meghan Hasselberg, 28, of Arlington Heights, Ill.
- Kristin Mueller, 30, of Minneapolis, Minn.
- Alane Aihara, 44, of Makawao, Hawai`i
- Marlene Ebeo, 69, of Pearl City, Hawai`i
November 17, 2007
November 10, 2007
Carnival Cruise Lines' Veteran's Day Promotion Provides Discounted Rates to Military Personnel and Their Families
In honor of Veteran’s Day, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering a promotion throughout the month of November that allows active and retired military personnel to book up to three “Fun Ship” staterooms for themselves and their friends and family members at special discounted rates, starting at low as $189 per person.
Reservations must be made between Nov. 1-30, 2007, to qualify for this promotion, which is available in conjunction with a wide range of three- to 12-day “Fun Ship” departures through Dec. 31, 2008.
Rates start at $189 per person for three-day cruises from Miami, Fla., and four-day cruises from Long Beach, Calif.; $249 per person for five-day cruises from Mobile, Ala., and Jacksonville, Fla.; $279 per person for four and five day cruises from San Diego, Calif.; and $399 per person for seven-day cruises from Miami.
“Veteran’s Day is a time that our country honors the sacrifice and service of our military personnel and Carnival is doing its part by providing exceptionally attractive rates to our men and women in uniform,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president sales and guest services.
The promotion is valid for individual bookings only, capacity controlled and not applicable with any other discount offer. Fare code CPM1 must be requested during the reservations process and military personnel must provide proof of service. Certain other restrictions apply.
Carnival is the world’s most popular cruise line, with a fleet of 22 “Fun Ships” operating three- to 16-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, the Greek Isles and South America. The line currently has three new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011.
Reservations must be made between Nov. 1-30, 2007, to qualify for this promotion, which is available in conjunction with a wide range of three- to 12-day “Fun Ship” departures through Dec. 31, 2008.
Rates start at $189 per person for three-day cruises from Miami, Fla., and four-day cruises from Long Beach, Calif.; $249 per person for five-day cruises from Mobile, Ala., and Jacksonville, Fla.; $279 per person for four and five day cruises from San Diego, Calif.; and $399 per person for seven-day cruises from Miami.
“Veteran’s Day is a time that our country honors the sacrifice and service of our military personnel and Carnival is doing its part by providing exceptionally attractive rates to our men and women in uniform,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president sales and guest services.
The promotion is valid for individual bookings only, capacity controlled and not applicable with any other discount offer. Fare code CPM1 must be requested during the reservations process and military personnel must provide proof of service. Certain other restrictions apply.
Carnival is the world’s most popular cruise line, with a fleet of 22 “Fun Ships” operating three- to 16-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, the Greek Isles and South America. The line currently has three new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011.
July 29, 2007
A Glass to the Fine Art of Wine Tasting
Celebrity Cruises is pairing with Riedel, the crystal manufacturer known worldwide for designing the most finely tuned drinking instruments for every level of wine sophistication. By mid-August, guests on seven Celebrity Cruises vessels will have the opportunity to experience official Riedel comparative wine workshops while at sea. Celebrity is the first company that Riedel has sanctioned to conduct its seminars.
"We constantly strive to deliver a comfortably sophisticated vacation to our guests, and becoming the first cruise line to offer the unforgettable Riedel tastings onboard is a tremendous opportunity for us," said Celebrity Cruises' Vice President of Entertainment Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. "Wine appreciation seminars have become increasingly popular among our guests, and the Riedel comparative wine workshops give us the ability to offer them a new level of our extraordinary Celebrity style."
Maximilian Riedel, CEO of Riedel Crystal of America, concurs. "What could be more pleasurable than learning about wine on one of the world's premier cruise ships? Vacation is the perfect time to experience something new-to stretch your senses and your mind. Interest in wine is at an all-time high as more consumers are drinking better wines. By partnering with Celebrity Cruises, we are able to share our knowledge with an audience interested in enhancing their wine knowledge while having a singular onboard experience," explained Maximilian. "Our tastings are interactive and led by Celebrity's highly trained sommeliers utilizing the world's most popular grape varieties (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon) in Riedel stemware made expressly for these varieties."
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"We constantly strive to deliver a comfortably sophisticated vacation to our guests, and becoming the first cruise line to offer the unforgettable Riedel tastings onboard is a tremendous opportunity for us," said Celebrity Cruises' Vice President of Entertainment Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. "Wine appreciation seminars have become increasingly popular among our guests, and the Riedel comparative wine workshops give us the ability to offer them a new level of our extraordinary Celebrity style."
Maximilian Riedel, CEO of Riedel Crystal of America, concurs. "What could be more pleasurable than learning about wine on one of the world's premier cruise ships? Vacation is the perfect time to experience something new-to stretch your senses and your mind. Interest in wine is at an all-time high as more consumers are drinking better wines. By partnering with Celebrity Cruises, we are able to share our knowledge with an audience interested in enhancing their wine knowledge while having a singular onboard experience," explained Maximilian. "Our tastings are interactive and led by Celebrity's highly trained sommeliers utilizing the world's most popular grape varieties (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon) in Riedel stemware made expressly for these varieties."
>>More Cruise Topics
July 24, 2007
Crystal Cruises Adds Third Berths In Time For Summer And Fall Holidays
To accommodate increased demand, Crystal Cruises has added to Crystal Serenity 20 third berth accommodations, representing a 15% increase. In time for the busy summer season and the rise in family travel, Crystal is introducing new in-room sofas that fold out to single beds in the sitting areas of several categories of staterooms. The changes reflect current trends and expand flexible travel options for future sailings, including Crystal Serenity's upcoming Thanksgiving voyage in which kids sail free.
Effective on its July 14 Mediterranean cruise, Crystal Serenity now features 157 flexible third-berth travel options in every category and on every passenger deck, including all Penthouse Suites and many Deluxe Staterooms with private verandas and picture windows. Every passenger deck also offers a variety of staterooms and suites with connecting capabilities, including a number with third berth capacity, expanding the options for extended groups of families and friends traveling together.
"The popularity of family and multi-generational travel is one of the year's top travel trends," says Bill Smith, Crystal's senior vice president, sales and marketing. "Families seeking great style and service, especially in overseas travel, appreciate our spacious ships and destination-rich itineraries. In the luxury sector, Crystal offers an attractive mix of activities, amenities, and shoreside adventures for every age, with the chance to introduce children and grandchildren to the world's great cities and sites while sharing valuable time together."
>>More Cruise Topics
Effective on its July 14 Mediterranean cruise, Crystal Serenity now features 157 flexible third-berth travel options in every category and on every passenger deck, including all Penthouse Suites and many Deluxe Staterooms with private verandas and picture windows. Every passenger deck also offers a variety of staterooms and suites with connecting capabilities, including a number with third berth capacity, expanding the options for extended groups of families and friends traveling together.
"The popularity of family and multi-generational travel is one of the year's top travel trends," says Bill Smith, Crystal's senior vice president, sales and marketing. "Families seeking great style and service, especially in overseas travel, appreciate our spacious ships and destination-rich itineraries. In the luxury sector, Crystal offers an attractive mix of activities, amenities, and shoreside adventures for every age, with the chance to introduce children and grandchildren to the world's great cities and sites while sharing valuable time together."
>>More Cruise Topics
July 21, 2007
Crystal Cruises Wins 12 Consecutive Years of Travel + Leisure's Readers’ Poll
For a record 12th consecutive year, Crystal Cruises has been voted the "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. While there are several new winners in the various travel categories, Crystal Cruises is the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have won the prestigious award each year since the awards' inception.
Based on a first quarter 2007 survey to thousands of world travelers, the World's Best Awards are featured in the magazine's August 2007 issue. Subscribers, who were allowed only one vote each, were asked to rate cruise lines on cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities and value. Crystal's 2007 World's Best score topped its winning rating for 2006.
"We are honored and gratified that Crystal's attention to detail and extraordinary staff is consistently recognized by the discerning, experienced Travel + Leisure readers," says Crystal Cruises' President Gregg Michel. "This is a tremendous validation of the investment we've made in our ships, the meaningful personalized programs we've introduced and Crystal's winning formula of superior service, choices, space and quality."
Crystal Cruises' luxurious, award-winning fleet consists of the 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity, which cruise worldwide on itineraries of seven to 108 days. In the past year, the luxury line completed a stylish and sophisticated redesign of Crystal Symphony and expanded the opportunities to personalize one's experiences ashore with an increased collection of boutique Crystal Adventures® and thoroughly customized Crystal Private Adventures throughout the world. Earlier this year, Crystal's spas were singled out for their service, facilities and treatments, while its Creative Learning Institute earned accolades for inspiring programs. The line's glamorous casinos, array of evening entertainment and creative culinary venues and menus - such as the cuisine of master chef, Nobu Matsuhisa - rate high among those seeking quality choices on their floating luxury resort.
>>More Cruise Topics
Based on a first quarter 2007 survey to thousands of world travelers, the World's Best Awards are featured in the magazine's August 2007 issue. Subscribers, who were allowed only one vote each, were asked to rate cruise lines on cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities and value. Crystal's 2007 World's Best score topped its winning rating for 2006.
"We are honored and gratified that Crystal's attention to detail and extraordinary staff is consistently recognized by the discerning, experienced Travel + Leisure readers," says Crystal Cruises' President Gregg Michel. "This is a tremendous validation of the investment we've made in our ships, the meaningful personalized programs we've introduced and Crystal's winning formula of superior service, choices, space and quality."
Crystal Cruises' luxurious, award-winning fleet consists of the 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity, which cruise worldwide on itineraries of seven to 108 days. In the past year, the luxury line completed a stylish and sophisticated redesign of Crystal Symphony and expanded the opportunities to personalize one's experiences ashore with an increased collection of boutique Crystal Adventures® and thoroughly customized Crystal Private Adventures throughout the world. Earlier this year, Crystal's spas were singled out for their service, facilities and treatments, while its Creative Learning Institute earned accolades for inspiring programs. The line's glamorous casinos, array of evening entertainment and creative culinary venues and menus - such as the cuisine of master chef, Nobu Matsuhisa - rate high among those seeking quality choices on their floating luxury resort.
>>More Cruise Topics
Carnival Cruises to the Seven Wonders of the Caribbean
The recent announcement of the selection of the new Seven Wonders of the World has generated much controversy and commentary. But there’s little doubt that Carnival Cruise Lines’ “Seven Wonders of the Caribbean” capture the very best of the region’s unique historical, natural and cultural offerings.
Carnival is the industry leader in Caribbean cruising carrying approximately 3 million guests annually to this spectacular region of the world. Carnival’s commitment to the Caribbean includes the deployment of 18 ships, including 16 vessels that offer year-round Caribbean departures. Carnival offers the widest variety of Caribbean itineraries and features more visits to the Seven Wonders of the Caribbean than any other cruise line.
“While seeing the Seven Wonders of the World may be out of reach for many vacationers, Carnival provides fantastic and affordable journeys to the Seven Wonders of the Caribbean, which is the world’s most popular cruise destination,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s vice president of marketing planning.
The Seven Wonders of the Caribbean featured on Carnival's shore excursions include Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, El Morro Castle in San Juan, the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Trunk Bay Beach in St. John, the Panama Canal and The Baths in Virgin Gorda.
>>More Cruise Topics
Carnival is the industry leader in Caribbean cruising carrying approximately 3 million guests annually to this spectacular region of the world. Carnival’s commitment to the Caribbean includes the deployment of 18 ships, including 16 vessels that offer year-round Caribbean departures. Carnival offers the widest variety of Caribbean itineraries and features more visits to the Seven Wonders of the Caribbean than any other cruise line.
“While seeing the Seven Wonders of the World may be out of reach for many vacationers, Carnival provides fantastic and affordable journeys to the Seven Wonders of the Caribbean, which is the world’s most popular cruise destination,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s vice president of marketing planning.
The Seven Wonders of the Caribbean featured on Carnival's shore excursions include Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, El Morro Castle in San Juan, the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Trunk Bay Beach in St. John, the Panama Canal and The Baths in Virgin Gorda.
>>More Cruise Topics
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