MSC Cruises Confirms Construction of It’s 12th Ship, the MSC Fantastica
Written by: Cruise News
July 23, 2010.
MSC Cruises announced the conclusion of the legal process that finalizes the order and confirms construction of a new ‘Fantasia’ class cruise ship, MSC Fantastica, U32, by STX France making it the 12th ship in its fleet.
An important factor in the success of the project was the financial backing provided by French financial institutions, and especially by Coface, the French Export Credit Agency, making it possible for the vessel to be delivered as required by MSC Cruises by the end of spring 2012.
According to Jacques Hardelay, General Manager of STX France, he’s pleased with the contract being confirmed “We look forward to continuing the long-standing relationship between the teams of MSC Cruises and STX France for the successful delivery of this magnificent vessel,” said Hardelay.
MSC Fantastica will build upon the success of the ‘Fantasia’ prototype, offering a unique experience for guests in its class thanks to innovative features such as the MSC Yacht Club, exclusive ship-within-a-ship area onboard, for unprecedented levels of privacy and personalized service.
Pierfrancesco Vago, worldwide chief-executive-officer for MSC Cruises, said, “We are delighted at the confirmation of this important investment-a sign of the success of our ambitious growth strategy. Together with STX France, we are focused on further enhancing MSC Cruises’ leading positioning within the world’s cruise industry.
Princess Details 2011-12 South America Cruise and Cruisetour Season
Written by: Cruise News
July 21, 2010.
With a rhythmic samba beat and colorful cultures, South America appeals to all the senses.Detailing its fall 2011-spring 2012 cruise season, Princess Cruises will offer travelers an alluring selection of South American cruises and cruisetours, taking passengers down the Amazon River, around Cape Horn, on a Brazilian Adventure, or up to the fabled Machu Picchu.
Whether they want to tango in Buenos Aires or watch for wildlife at the end of the Earth, passengers can choose from 10 Latin-flavored departures aboard Star Princess and Pacific Princess, encompassing 31 destinations.Passengers can also extend their South American cruise vacation with a cruisetour itinerary to two of the continent’s most famed attractions, Peru’s Machu Picchu or Brazil’s Iguazu Falls.
“South America offers some of the most magnificent travel experiences in the world, and many of its attractions are best navigated by ship,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president.“We make it easy and convenient to travel between countries, and offer the perfect venue for viewing the scenery around Cape Horn, the dramatic fjords of Chile, and the amazing Amazon River.”
Rio de Janeiro figures prominently on several cruise and tour itineraries.Pulsing with life, Rio offers an experience like no other.A dazzling amalgam of Latin and African cultures, the city offers an array of attractions, including the dramatic peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, the landmark Christ the Redeemer statue who embraces the city below, dazzling white sand beaches and famous beachfronts of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Cruises rounding Cape Horn take in one of sailing’s most legendary passages that has drawn explorers throughout the ages.Today Princess passengers enjoy sailing in comfort around this once-difficult but fabled point where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet.On this route travelers can explore Tierra del Fuego at the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.
Scenic cruising through the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel leads to the towering Chilean Fjords where Southern Patagonia’s ice fields rival those of Alaska’s Inside Passage.Passengers have a front-row view of the spectacular glaciers and can watch out for the area’s myriad marine birds.
Passengers choosing to travel up the mighty Amazon will enjoy an adventure into the Brazilian jungle, where they can visit colorful villages and learn about the unique cultures along the river’s route.
Cruisetour passengers can visit the mysterious land of the Incas, Machu Picchu.This unforgettable journey high into the Peruvian Andes defies description as visitors travel from Lima to the ruins of this terraced “City in the Clouds.”
One of the continent’s most dramatic natural wonders, Iguazu Falls is both taller and wider than Niagara Falls and spreads along nearly a two-mile stretch of the Iguazú River.Cruisetour passengers can spend several days viewing the magnificent scene from multiple vantage points.
Throughout their South America voyages passengers can visit a variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including not only Iguazu National Park, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon River basin, but also Olinda Historic Center (near Recife), Salvador Historic Center, and the Historic Quarter of Valparaiso, Chile.
South America Cruises
Princess offers travelers an array of South American ports and activities on a variety of itinerary options. Ships large and small travel around the continent, giving passengers the opportunity to encounter many colorful South American cultures.
Royal Caribbean Debuts “Epicurean Discovery” Package On Freedom Of The Seas
Written by: Cruise News
July 21, 2010.
Royal Caribbean has announced a new “foodie” program for guests in suites aboard selected Freedom of the Seas cruises.The exclusive “Epicurean Discovery” package includes private dinners, wine tastings, and lectures with a celebrity chefs.
The 12 specialty voyages onboard Freedom of the Seas are part of the cruise line’s “Epicurean Discovery” series. Designed to provide culinary enthusiasts with an experience of a lifetime, this mouth watering package features a variety of special events throughout the week devoted to cuisine and fine dining, with each sailing hosted by a different renowned celebrity chef, such as “Iron Chef” contender Johnny Vinczencz; 2010 James Beard winner for “Best Chef in the South” Michael Schwartz; and “Top Chef” Chicago contender Spike Mandelsohn.
Available exclusively to guests booking suite accommodations or higher, the seven-night “Epicurean Discovery” package offers foodies a unique educational endeavor led by gastronomic mavericks, including private dinners, a wine tasting, experiential lecture and private tour, as well as a tapas sampling reception, signed photo and cookbook.
Guests participating in the new onboard experience will still have ample time to enjoy Freedom of the Seas’ signature amenities, from the FlowRider surf-simulator, H20 Zone interactive water park, signature rock climbing Wall and only full-size boxing rink at sea to Broadway-caliber production shows, one-of-a-kind ice shows, and fully equipped Freedom DaySpa and Fitness Center, as well as enjoy the various ports of call. Sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla., Freedom of the Seas sails seven-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean, calling on Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten and Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay, Bahamas; and to the Western Caribbean, calling on Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Mexico; and Royal Caribbean’s private destination Labadee, Haiti.
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