Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers - Cruise News http://www.cruiselinefans.com Get your latest cruise news here! en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:48:48 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.cruiselinefans.com/images/styles/cruiselinefans/misc/rss.jpg Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers - Cruise News http://www.cruiselinefans.com Royal caribbean international appoints seven godmothers for oasis of the seas http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44253-royal-caribbean-international-appoints-seven-godmothers-oasis-seas-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:59:10 GMT An Unprecedented Assembly of Performers, Olympians, Philanthropists and Actors to Preside Over Seven Neighborhoods on the World’s Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship MIAMI, Nov. 18, 2009 – When Royal Caribbean International officially names its newest cruise ship, Oasis... *Link To Original Article (http://www.cruiseopinions.org/articles/001907.html)* An Unprecedented Assembly of Performers, Olympians, Philanthropists and Actors to Preside Over Seven Neighborhoods on the World’s Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship MIAMI, Nov. 18, 2009 – When Royal Caribbean International officially names its newest cruise ship, Oasis...

Link To Original Article ]]> Cruise News cruisenews http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44253-royal-caribbean-international-appoints-seven-godmothers-oasis-seas.html <![CDATA[Boston's Cruise Port gets $8MM in Upgrades]]> http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44243-bostons-cruise-port-gets-8mm-upgrades-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:34:45 GMT Boston's Cruise Port gets $8MM in Upgrades

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) announced plans today for a new passenger check-in, screening, and boarding area within the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal that will improve passenger comfort, increase terminal efficiency and position Cruiseport Boston for continued growth.

“These critical upgrades address customer needs and will bolster the popularity of Boston with cruise passengers and cruise lines,” said Thomas J. Kinton, Jr., Massport’s CEO & Executive Director. “Our ability to build on the success of Boston’s cruise business will bring significant economic benefits to the region.”

According to the Cruise Lines International Association, Massachusetts accounted for more than $434 million in cruise industry direct spending in 2008, a 6.5 percent increase over 2007. The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors’ Bureau
estimates that a cruise passenger visiting Boston for a day spends on average between $100-$150 on retail, dining, sightseeing or cultural attractions.

The renovations will create separate processing areas for arriving and departing passengers of a single ship, and involves the renovation of about 83,000 square feet of unused warehouse space on the terminal’s third level as well as improvements to first and second floors. New stairs, escalators, elevators and an inclined moving walkway will also be added to move passengers between floors.

The project is still in its design phase, and currently incorporates several sustainable features including solar shading and natural ventilation to reduce the cost of cooling, energy-saving LED lighting, and energy-efficient elevators.

Departing passengers will enter the terminal at the East end where they can check their baggage and proceed directly to the third floor. Additionally, new bathrooms and a companion-care restroom will be built. Arriving passengers will get off the ship on the second floor and can use an elevator or the new inclined moving walkway to bring them to a new baggage claim area one the first floor. Passengers will exit the terminal via the building’s West end.

The $8 million project is expected to generate 60-75 construction jobs, and is scheduled to begin in February 2010 and be completed by the end of the year. The new enhancements will be funded by an increase in the passenger facility charge beginning in the 2011 cruise season. The terminal upgrade is the second phase of a larger $11 million project to upgrade the Black Falcon terminal. Earlier this year, the Massport Board approved $3 million for exterior painting, lighting, and signage enhancements currently underway and due for completion by the beginning of the 2010 cruise season.

In 2009, for the third consecutive year, Boston’s cruise business set a new record for passengers using the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. There were 299,736 cruise passengers traveling through the Port of Boston, which is an 11% increase over last year.

The Port of Boston’s activity supports 34,000 jobs, and contributes more than $2 billion to the local, regional, and national economies through direct, indirect, and induced impact.

11/19/09 - Cruiseport Boston Gears Up for $8M in Facilities Improvements ]]> Cruise News timwilloughby http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44243-bostons-cruise-port-gets-8mm-upgrades.html Royal Caribbean International Appoints Seven Godmothers for Oasis of the Seas http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44227-royal-caribbean-international-appoints-seven-godmothers-oasis-seas-new-post.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:50:17 GMT 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:

Read more...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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Link To Original Article ]]> Cruise News cruisenews http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44227-royal-caribbean-international-appoints-seven-godmothers-oasis-seas.html MSC Cruises’ Express Check-in Will Expedite Embarkation for its Guests http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44218-msc-cruises-express-check-will-expedite-embarkation-its-guests-new-post.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:31:03 GMT MSC Express - MSC Cruises' online express check-in - is designed to make it virtually effortless for guests to meet new check-in requirements. Each cruise guest will now be required to check-in online at least 72 hours (3 days)...

Link To Original Article ]]> Cruise News cruisenews http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44218-msc-cruises-express-check-will-expedite-embarkation-its-guests.html House passes cruise safety bill http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44213-house-passes-cruise-safety-bill-new-post.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:41:32 GMT The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 was passed by a bipartisan vote of 416-4 in the House of Representatives today. Introduced by Representative Matsui earlier this year, the legislation is a critical and common-sense fix which will provide safety and security to Americans who go on cruise vacations without realizing they are not protected under U.S. laws when they leave its territorial waters, according to a press release from the International Cruise Victims Association (ICV). “Unfortunately, the status quo has allowed cruise ships to operate under foreign flags of convenience - but leaving our territorial waters does not mean that cruise ships should be allowed to operate without basic laws that protect American citizens,” Matsui said on the House floor during consideration of her legislation. “Over the past several years, I have met with far too many victims and their families who have experienced tragedy on the high seas, only to be left to fend for themselves. It has become increasingly apparent that this landmark legislation is both urgent and necessary.” Rep. Matsui was contacted regarding the need for increased protections for Americans on cruise ships in 2006, when her constituent, Laurie Dishman, wrote to her for help, the ICV said in a press release. Dishman was the victim of a sexual assault while on a cruise vacation, according to the ICV, and was given no assistance by the cruise line in properly securing evidence of the assault, identifying her attacker, or prosecuting the crime once back on shore. She reached out to Congresswoman Matsui for help. Matsui began working on this legislation and held multiple hearings with the support of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Elijah Cummings (D-MD). “Unfortunately, incidences of sexual attacks, missing persons and other serious crimes have continued to be reported on board cruise ships in recent years, despite increased media and Congressional attention on this issue,” stated Matsui. “The passage of my Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act will not only help recent victims of cruise crimes and offer them enhanced protection, but will help from preventing further crimes from happening.” Matsui’s legislation will require the cruise industry to comply with a number of security provisions including specific rail heights, peep holes, warning devices, and cabin security measures. Additionally, the bill necessitates that vessels are equipped with a video surveillance system to assist in documenting and prosecuting crimes, and requires vessels to maintain a log book to record reports on specified complaints. Finally, the law will mandate cruise vessel personnel to contact both the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the United States Coast Guard as soon as a crime involving homicide, suspicious deaths, missing U.S. nationals, kidnapping, assault, and other serious occurrences are reported. Passage of this legislation is in addition to the inclusion of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 in the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act f 2010 recently passed by the House of Representatives. The Senate is expected soon to take up consideration of companion legislation introduced by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) that was passed unanimously by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee this summer, and then be sent to the President. 11/18/09 - House Passes Cruise Safety Bill (http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/3416-111809-house-passes-cruise-safety-bill.html) The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 was passed by a bipartisan vote of 416-4 in the House of Representatives today. Introduced by Representative Matsui earlier this year, the legislation is a critical and common-sense fix which will provide safety and security to Americans who go on cruise vacations without realizing they are not protected under U.S. laws when they leave its territorial waters, according to a press release from the International Cruise Victims Association (ICV).

“Unfortunately, the status quo has allowed cruise ships to operate under foreign flags of convenience - but leaving our territorial waters does not mean that cruise ships should be allowed to operate without basic laws that protect American citizens,” Matsui said on the House floor during consideration of her legislation. “Over the past several years, I have met with far too many victims and their families who have experienced tragedy on the high seas, only to be left to fend for themselves. It has become increasingly apparent that this landmark legislation is both urgent and necessary.”

Rep. Matsui was contacted regarding the need for increased protections for Americans on cruise ships in 2006, when her constituent, Laurie Dishman, wrote to her for help, the ICV said in a press release. Dishman was the victim of a sexual assault while on a cruise vacation, according to the ICV, and was given no assistance by the cruise line in properly securing evidence of the assault, identifying her attacker, or prosecuting the crime once back on shore. She reached out to Congresswoman Matsui for help. Matsui began working on this legislation and held multiple hearings with the support of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Elijah Cummings (D-MD).

“Unfortunately, incidences of sexual attacks, missing persons and other serious crimes have continued to be reported on board cruise ships in recent years, despite increased media and Congressional attention on this issue,” stated Matsui. “The passage of my Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act will not only help recent victims of cruise crimes and offer them enhanced protection, but will help from preventing further crimes from happening.”

Matsui’s legislation will require the cruise industry to comply with a number of security provisions including specific rail heights, peep holes, warning devices, and cabin security measures. Additionally, the bill necessitates that vessels are equipped with a video surveillance system to assist in documenting and prosecuting crimes, and requires vessels to maintain a log book to record reports on specified complaints. Finally, the law will mandate cruise vessel personnel to contact both the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the United States Coast Guard as soon as a crime involving homicide, suspicious deaths, missing U.S. nationals, kidnapping, assault, and other serious occurrences are reported.

Passage of this legislation is in addition to the inclusion of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 in the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act f 2010 recently passed by the House of Representatives. The Senate is expected soon to take up consideration of companion legislation introduced by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) that was passed unanimously by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee this summer, and then be sent to the President.

11/18/09 - House Passes Cruise Safety Bill ]]> Cruise News timwilloughby http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44213-house-passes-cruise-safety-bill.html Trulli of Alberobello, Italy - Photo of the Week http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44207-trulli-alberobello-italy-photo-week-new-post.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:30:52 GMT 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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Link To Original Article ]]> Cruise News cruisenews http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44207-trulli-alberobello-italy-photo-week.html Cruise ship with 100 tourists stuck in Antarctica http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44205-cruise-ship-100-tourists-stuck-antarctica-new-post.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:14:58 GMT MOSCOW–

A Russian shipping company says one of its cruise ships carrying over 100 tourists, scientists and journalists is stuck in the ice around Antarctica.

German Kuzin of the Fareastern Shipping Company says the Captain Khlebnikov icebreaker and the tourists onboard aren't in any danger.

He told Russia's Vesti 24 television on Tuesday that the ship is waiting for a stronger wind to try to begin moving again. He said the icebreaker is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from clear water.
Kuzin said the tourists are using the unplanned stop to tour the surrounding area. Russian news agencies say a BBC camera crew is among the passengers.

For more information about Cruising and Russia ]]> Cruise News timwilloughby http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44205-cruise-ship-100-tourists-stuck-antarctica.html <![CDATA[Holland America Line's 2011 Grand Voyages Set to Explore Seven Continents, 65 Countri]]> http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44188-holland-america-lines-2011-grand-voyages-set-explore-seven-continents-65-countri-new-post.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:59:27 GMT 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 CountriesHolland America ms Prinsendam (c) Linda GarrisonHolland 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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Link To Original Article ]]> Cruise News cruisenews http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44188-holland-america-lines-2011-grand-voyages-set-explore-seven-continents-65-countri.html Royal caribbean oasis of the seas arrives in fort lauderdale, fl http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44173-royal-caribbean-oasis-seas-arrives-fort-lauderdale-fl-new-post.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:21:27 GMT World's Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship Sails into her Home Port of Port Everglades Flanked by Ceremonial Maritime Escort MIAMI, November 13, 2009 - Royal Caribbean International's newest cruise ship - the highly anticipated Oasis of the Seas...

Link To Original Article ]]> Cruise News cruisenews http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44173-royal-caribbean-oasis-seas-arrives-fort-lauderdale-fl.html Oasis of the Seas causing Ft. Lauderdale Traffic Jams http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44169-oasis-seas-causing-ft-lauderdale-traffic-jams-new-post.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:01:41 GMT Throngs of people trying to get a look at the Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, created traffic snarls at Port Everglades this weekend.

Oasis is not open to the public for viewing.

The $1.5 billion Royal Caribbean ship sailed into its new home for the first time Friday morning, drawing crowds of onlookers at vantage points surrounding the port.

Since then, the port has been flooded with people asking to get a closer look at Oasis or wanting to take a tour, Ellen Kennedy, spokeswoman for Port Everglades, said on Sunday. Only ticketed cruise passengers and authorized personnel are granted access to Port Everglades for security reasons, she said.

FMI: Oasis of the Seas causes traffic jams at Port Everglades -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com ]]> Cruise News timwilloughby http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44169-oasis-seas-causing-ft-lauderdale-traffic-jams.html Consumers to keep 2010 travel budget tight -survey http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44168-consumers-keep-2010-travel-budget-tight-survey-new-post.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:58:51 GMT Consumers to keep 2010 travel budget tight -survey

* More than 40 pct of consumers plan to travel less in 2010

* Every third consumer wants to spend less on board, lodging

* In Germany about 44 pct to cut spending on travel cost

FRANKFURT, Nov 16 (Reuters) - The tourism industry faces another tough year as holiday-makers around the world remain wary about splashing out on trips abroad despite a recent economic uptick, a survey showed on Monday.

More than 40 percent of consumers worldwide plan to travel less next year, and one in three wants to spend less on board and lodging, The Boston Consulting Group said in an industry survey.

"The fact that the economy is broadly recovering does not mean we are out of the woods yet," said Martin Koehler, the global head of BCG's travel and tourism sector.

Official data showed last week the euro zone shook off recession in the third quarter. Economists said the comeback appeared to be mostly driven by exports, and part of that was surely due to car sales lifted by scrappage subsidies.

Consumers were still cautious about spending as concern about looming job losses remained, Koehler added. This particularly affected the luxury goods, catering, fashion accessories and tourism industry, the survey showed.

Cutting back the holiday budget made a particular difference for low-income families. "This hurts less than denying your kids the desired toy or your wife a new pair of shoes," Koehler said.

While consumers in Germany and Japan aimed to cut back on travel costs, it was board and lodging that the Italians and the French plan to save money on. In Britain, people would look more for bargains, the survey showed.

The United Nations' World Tourism Organisation has said international tourism will decline by 4-6 percent this year. Travel companies around the world are struggling to cope with a drop in demand as consumers tighten their travel budgets. ]]> Cruise News timwilloughby http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44168-consumers-keep-2010-travel-budget-tight-survey.html <![CDATA[I'm a tourist, not a traveller : Article]]> http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44167-im-tourist-not-traveller-article-new-post.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:54:00 GMT I thought some of you Cruise Line Fans might find this article amusing and relevant.

'So, you went to Europe,'' she said, emitting a scornful huff. Instantly, I realised this was a competition - and I was about to lose. ''Yeah, well, I just spent four weeks in Bolivia.''

FMI: 'I'm not a tourist, I'm a traveller' ]]> Cruise News timwilloughby http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44167-im-tourist-not-traveller-article.html Have you sailed in the Salish Sea? http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44131-have-you-sailed-salish-sea-new-post.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:49:44 GMT You may have sailed in the Salish Sea and not even know it.


The U.S. Board on Geographic Names has adopted the name Salish Sea for the inland waters that stretch from Olympia north to Canada's Desolation Sound.

That area includes the off both Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia.
If you have sailed to Alaska, you have probable been in the Salish Sea.

Now they can start printing new maps
Attached Images
 
]]> Cruise News Blizzard http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44131-have-you-sailed-salish-sea.html Carnival Dream Is Officially Named in New York http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44113-carnival-dream-officially-named-new-york-new-post.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:50:22 GMT 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.
Read more...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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Link To Original Article ]]> Cruise News cruisenews http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44113-carnival-dream-officially-named-new-york.html Jet Boat Ride in Hells Canyon of the Snake River - Cruise West Shore Excursion http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44099-jet-boat-ride-hells-canyon-snake-river-cruise-west-shore-excursion-new-post.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:50:42 GMT 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 GarrisonJet 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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Link To Original Article ]]> Cruise News cruisenews http://www.cruiselinefans.com/cruise-news/44099-jet-boat-ride-hells-canyon-snake-river-cruise-west-shore-excursion.html