Regent Seven Seas adds unlimited free internet to all-inclusive offerings

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 12 August 2014 12 August 2014

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ brand of all-inclusive luxury is expanding to include unlimited internet access.  For all Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyages setting sail after January 1, 2015, guests booked in Master, Grand, Seven Seas, Horizon, Mariner, Navigator and Voyager suites will receive unlimited complimentary internet access.  The free internet access is available for the duration of the cruise and is accessible in all public spaces and suites via the ship-wide Wi-Fi system.

“By introducing the industry’s only unlimited complimentary internet program onboard our ships, we continue to fulfill our guest promise to deliver the most inclusive experience available, at sea or on land,” shared Kunal S. Kamlani, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “The expansion of our free internet program, coupled with widespread enhancements made to the ships during recent dry docks, strengthens the luxury proposition found on Regent Seven Seas Cruises and better prepares us for the arrival of Seven Seas Explorer, which will be the most luxurious ship ever built.”

The addition of free unlimited internet access for upper suites coincides with the completion of a multimillion-dollar upgrade to internet systems on all Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships.  The upgrades entail a doubling of available bandwidth to increase internet speed and reliability, and an expansion of the Wi-Fi system to provide connectivity throughout the entire ship, including all public spaces, outdoor decks and suites.

While top tier suites will enjoy unlimited internet access, guests booked in Penthouse and Concierge suites will continue to receive complimentary internet time based on cruise length.  For example, guests sailing on a seven-night voyage receive 200-minutes free and the amount of gratis internet time extends to 500-minutes for voyages over 16-nights.  Members of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises loyalty program, Seven Seas Society, who achieved gold status or higher will continue to receive unlimited complimentary internet access onboard, regardless of suite selection.

The expansion of the unlimited internet program adds to the most comprehensive list of included amenities in the vacation industry, including round-trip air, a pre-cruise hotel night stay, fine wine and spirits, unlimited shore excursions in every port, specialty dining, ground transfers and gratuities.  

Celebrity Cruises launches signature event sailings

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 11 August 2014 11 August 2014

Celebrity Cruises, the premium market unit in Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) group, says it  has launched "Signature Event Sailings", a series of exclusive holidays which allow guests to experience iconic global events and celebrations as part of their holiday. Throughout 2015-16 holidaymakers can mingle with Hollywood royalty at the Cannes Film Festival, celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, soak up the atmosphere at the world’s biggest party, the Rio Carnival, and much more.

Providing holidaymakers with unique access to a series of the most desirable events across the globe, Celebrity Cruises’ Signature Event Sailings immerse guests in each culture-rich destination with specially designed shore excursions that place them in the middle of the action or a VIP vantage point.

To further enhance the Signature Event Sailings experience, guests will also be entertained and engaged onboard with unique shows, speakers and activities inspired by the highlighted event for that particular sailing.

Signature Event Sailings for 2015-16 include:

Anzac Day - 100th Anniversary Commemoration in Turkey: As part of a 12-night Turkey and Greece cruise departing on 22 April 2015, history buffs can step back in time with a visit to the battlefields of Gallipoli, one of the world's most historically significant military sites, during the 100th Anniversary of Anzac Day. Guests also have the chance to explore and enjoy a tour of the Gallipoli Peninsula, which showcases Turkey's rich culture and history. Onboard Celebrity Constellation, guests can learn about World War I and II from historian and author Peter Donovan, plus there will be a special viewing of the 100th Anniversary of Anzac Day service televised from the beaches of Gallipoli as well as a commemorative onboard ceremony.

Cannes Film Festival: On a 10-night Mediterranean cruise, departing on 11 May 2015, from Barcelona (Spain), Celebrity Equinox will visit Cannes (France), where the hot-ticket event of the summer will be taking place – the Cannes Film Festival. Guests can indulge in the epitome of A-list Hollywood glamour and sophistication by attending an exclusive VIP rooftop celebration ashore with live French music and cocktails while overlooking the picturesque harbour. Onboard, guests can enjoy Celebrity Cruises’ film festival – a celebration of past Cannes Film Festival winners – and watch live presentations from a film historian.

Redentore Festival in Venice: This 14-night Turkey and Black Sea cruise, departing on 5 July 5 2015 from Istanbul (Turkey), will visit Venice (Italy) during the historic Redentore Festival – a festive celebration that dates back to 1577. Onboard Celebrity Constellation, guests can watch one of the most prolific fireworks displays in the world as it illuminates decorated boats gathered in Saint Mark's basin, and enjoy a themed poolside and interactive masque event inspired by a Venetian masquerade ball.

The British Open in Edinburgh: Departing on 15 July 2015 from Amsterdam (Netherlands), golf enthusiasts can enjoy the oldest and most prestigious of the major professional golf championships – the British Open – while on the 12-night British Isle cruise aboard Celebrity Silhouette. Celebrating the championship's 144th year, guests can enjoy VIP experiences that include special onboard events hosted by a golf pro, entry to the historic championship in St. Andrews, teeing up for a round of golf on stunning courses in three different locations during the sailing, and the rare opportunity to walk the Old Course.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro: Guests can be part of the action in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) during Carnival by sailing on Celebrity Infinity's special 14-night South America and Rio Carnival cruise, departing on 31 January 2016 from Buenos Aires (Argentina). Guests can samba down the Sambadrome of Rio in an extravagant costume and experience the vibrancy of the iconic Samba Parade in grandstand or VIP seating. The party continues onboard, as professional samba dancers will grace the stage and invite guests to learn the iconic Brazilian dance and show off their new skills under the stars at a Latin-themed celebration with music from South Beach to South America.

Chinese New Year in Hong Kong: Guests can experience Chinese New Year in one of the most vibrant cities of the Far East – Hong Kong – during the 14-night Chinese New Year cruise, departing on 31 January 2016 onboard Celebrity Millennium. While in Hong Kong, guests can explore historic landmarks, from the Wong Tai Sin Temple to Kowloon Walled City Park, and participate in a local tradition by visiting the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree. While at sea, guests will have the opportunity to marvel at live performances by Shaolin Monks, take Tai Chi lessons and celebrate the "Year of the Monkey" with more onboard events.

Beginning in 2015, guests will also have the opportunity to take advantage of Celebrity Cruises’ new Suite Class offering. New luxurious additions for guests booking to stay in a suite include a dedicated, suites-only restaurant, VIP lounge, and complimentary ‘all in’ benefits such as premium beverages, dining at any speciality restaurant and unlimited internet access. Suite guests will also receive priority check-in and embarkation and will enjoy the Celebrity Cruises butler service. Personal butlers will unpack luggage, book excursions and be on hand 24 hours a day to ensure guests receive a dedicated and personalised service.

Costa features 'Stargazers' experience on neoCollection ships

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 09 August 2014 09 August 2014

The magical display of the Perseid meteor shower from August 10-13, 2014, will be an extra special event for Costa neoRiviera and Costa neoRomantica guests with an exclusive "Stargazers" neoCollection experience. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Perseid meteor shower is perhaps the most beloved one, often producing 50 to 100 fast and bright meteors per hour.

The Stargazers experience – an original neoCollection entertainment activity – allows guests to admire the skies through high-quality telescopes onboard. The project was designed in cooperation with the "Osservatorio Astronomico del Righi" of Genoa (Righi Astronomical Observatory of Genoa.) Costa neoRiviera and Costa neoRomantica, the two Costa neoCollection ships, are equipped with "Skymaster" telescopes. These modern instruments will let guests admire the sky while sailing or during the stopovers at the ports.

In addition, Costa experts who were trained by the scientists of the Genoese Observatory will guide guests in the experience, providing stellar maps and information on the various constellations.

During Costa neoRiviera's 12-day Mediterranean cruise, guests will enjoy the romantic moments of a starry night on a call at San Lorenzo, Sardinia, Aug. 13. During the "night of the falling stars", Costa guests will admire the incredible Perseid meteor shower and, following tradition, make a wish.

Costa neoRomantica is deployed in northern Europe on 13- to 15-day cruises where daylight lasts longer during the summer. To better see the stars, the Stargazers activity is enriched thanks to the cutting-edge H-Alfa ray solar telescopes that offer guests the unique chance to watch the sun closely -- an exclusive activity only offered by Costa.

The Stargazers activity is a bonus event in the Costa neoCollection, a new style of "slow cruising" launched by Costa onboard the line's smaller ships. The intimate vessels sail to off-the-beaten-path destinations, allowing guests to deeply explore each place visited.

The nights between August 10 and 13, especially during the call at San Lorenzo, will be a celebration not only onboard Costa neoRiviera and Costa neoRomantica, but also on the other Costa ships deployed in the Mediterranean. All guests will be invited to participate in theme activities dedicated to the "falling stars." In addition, Costa staff will advise guests on the best spots from which they can admire the meteors.

Fitness garden to bloom on Crystal Symphony with fall makeover

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 09 August 2014 09 August 2014

Beginning fall 2014, Crystal Cruises’ guests can train like world-class athletes with new fitness equipment that has been the official choice for Olympic and World Cup competitors.  Complementing the luxury cruise line’s new, active shoreside options that launched in 2014, the new equipment, provided by Technogym – the official supplier of Olympic Games and World Cup events -- will make its cruise industry debut, along with an industry-first circuit training program, when installed on Crystal Symphony during a redesign commencing September 9.  Both elements will be key components of a new outdoor fitness garden and redesigned indoor fitness center that are part of a 19-day, $20 million-plus dry dock of the ship.

The new onboard fitness enhancements include:

– Indoor Fitness Upgrades – Continuing its tradition of industry-firsts with fitness, Crystal has chosen Technogym, a world leading company supplying products, services and solutions in wellness and fitness, to outfit Crystal Symphony’s large indoor gym.  Technogym will provide its premier cardio line – ARTIS, in addition, to expanding Crystal’s strength training equipment (previous industry-first) line of Technogym’s Kinesis™ equipment...The new indoor fitness experience will be fully immersive and the most technologically-advanced available, with an intuitive, tablet-like Unity™ interface programming system enabling guests to connect to music, data, workout-tracking, or TV-watching.

– Outdoor Fitness Garden – Decks 7, 8, and 12 aft will be redesigned into a multi-level, outdoor “garden” of fitness, using more than a dozen glass-blasted, stainless steel pieces of equipment from Danish innovator, Norwell Outdoor Fitness.  Beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level exercisers can familiarize themselves with the high-tech amenities via an efficient 25-minute, self-guided “Movement Journey” – a curated circuit training regimen featured only on Crystal, complete with warm-up and cool-down phases.  The ship’s 360-degree Promenade Deck on deck 7 will continue to offer several open-air fitness options, including exclusive Walk on Water® and Nordic Walking programs.

“A Crystal vacation is about choices, and we continue to offer our guests more choices that cater to active travelers’ lifestyles,” says Crystal President Edie Rodriguez.  “Many travelers are committed to a fitness routine and do not want to forgo their healthy lifestyle while on vacation, while others may be eager to start a wellness regime for the first time.  The options aboard Crystal ships suit those seeking an outdoor workout with grand ocean views, or a hi-tech experience for intense training.”

Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity both feature luxuriously-equipped, fully-staffed fitness centers on each of its ships, specialty classes such as ‘Tour de Cycle’ spin, yoga and Pilates Reformer® sessions (select cruises), special guest presentations related to subjects such as nutrition, and healthy dining options throughout the ship.   Earlier this year, the line debuted site-running excursions for running enthusiasts and increased bicycle tour options worldwide, along with dozens of hiking, kayaking, rock-climbing and other athletic pursuits.  

Other redesigns set for Crystal Symphony’s makeover include a more open layout for the Crystal Plaza and Cove Bar on deck 5 and newly refreshed décor in the Crystal Spa & Salon and Bistro Café.