The Cruise Cafe

Welcome to Cruise Cafe. The great new place to find out the latest in the cruise business. Whether it be the latest specials, great new itineraries or information on cruise ships or cruise lines. Feel free to add comments on your experiences too. You can always find out more at www.CruiseCafe.com or by calling us at 1-800-788-2545. For the latest specials, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CruiseDepot.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Starbucks and Royal Caribbean to Offer First Ever Starbucks at Sea on Allure of the Seas

Something unique is brewing onboard Royal Caribbean International's new Allure of the Seas, the world's largest and most innovative cruise ship - the first Starbucks at sea. Through the licensing agreement between Starbucks and Royal Caribbean International, guests seeking signature made-to-order espresso beverages and Frappuccino® blended beverages will have to look no further than their neighborhood Starbucks on the bustling Royal Promenade.

Trained baristas will offer signature and seasonal beverages and food, as well as the complete line of Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew products, between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, based on a la carte pricing. In addition to the Starbucks store, Seattle's Best Coffee®, a featured brand in the Starbucks portfolio and a Foodservice provider to Royal Caribbean for the past 10 years, will be served throughout the cruise ship, including in the Adagio main dining room, conference rooms and the ship's signature specialty restaurants.

Allure of the Seas shares the title of the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. With a cache of new distinct onboard activities and amenities, Allure of the Seas offers one-of-a-kind entertainment performances, culinary concepts, retail venues and technology innovations. An architectural marvel at sea, Allure's neighborhoods are divided into seven distinct themed areas, which include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. She spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas alternates a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Holland America Partners with Le Cirque Restaurant

Holland America Line is adding another famous partnership to its innovative culinary program as it enters into an exclusive agreement with the illustrious Le Cirque restaurant to offer “An Evening at Le Cirque” in the Pinnacle Grill aboard its fleet of 15 ships.

Holland America Line’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin is working with Le Cirque’s Executive Chef Craig Hopson to re-create the legendary eatery’s whimsical ambiance and award-winning dining experience on board — from serving the cuisine on fanciful orange Le Cirque china to featuring the restaurant’s famous crème brûlée.

On virtually every voyage, the Pinnacle Grill will be transformed for at least one night into a Le Cirque–like atmosphere. On those special evenings, menu offerings, wine selections, table decorations and the restaurant setting will be tailored to create an authentic Le Cirque dining experience that is sure to impress both the eyes and palates of Holland America Line guests. Reservations can be made for “An Evening at Le Cirque in the Pinnacle Grill” for a charge.

Not only will guests have the opportunity to dine on unique Le Cirque dishes including Lobster Salad “Le Cirque,” Sweet Corn Soup and Côte de Boeuf, they also will be able to learn how to cook a dish or two during special Le Cirque demonstrations in the on-board Culinary Arts Center.

Additional enhancements to the program include screenings of the HBO documentary “Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven” on in-stateroom television, as well as the opportunity to purchase a Le Cirque crème brûlée dish and Le Cirque founder Sirio Maccioni’s book, “Sirio: The Story of My Life and Le Cirque.”

A recipient of the coveted James Beard Award for restaurant of the year, Le Cirque has been ranked among the best in the world for decades by food experts, celebrities and high society. Le Cirque restaurants are located in New York, Las Vegas and the Dominican Republic and its founder, Sirio Maccioni, is a legend and one of the industry’s most-respected restaurateurs.

Monday, October 25, 2010

NCL Orders Two New Ships for 2013 and 2014

Following the launch of Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has reached an agreement with Meyer Werft shipyard to build two new next generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014.

Each of the 143,500 gross ton vessels will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths and a rich cabin mix.

Norwegian has decided not to build sister ships to the Epic after cancelling plans to build two more ships in the F3 (Epic) class. Instead, the company has placed a newbuilding order with Meyer Werft in Germany for two ships of a slightly smaller size.

Additional details about each ship's new and exciting features will be released as construction progresses. The contract price for the two vessels is approximately $1.6 billion. Norwegian has committed financing in place from a syndicate of banks for export credit financing in connection with this project.

"We have always been focused on a disciplined approach to capacity growth. Our decision to add two new ships reflects the significant progress we have made in improving our operating performance and repositioning the Company over the last several years, as well as the strong market demand we are seeing for Norwegian Epic and our other ships," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer.

"Building on the incredible success and popularity of Norwegian Epic, we are taking the best of what our newest ship has to offer, as well as drawing on our legacy of innovation in the cruise industry, in creating a new class of Freestyle Cruising vessel that is sure to provide our guests with the unparalleled freedom and flexibility they have come to expect on a Norwegian cruise."

"We are bringing this spirit of innovation to these two new build ships, as Norwegian continues to offer our guests new and exciting ways to enjoy their Freestyle Cruising vacation," said Sheehan.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Princess Cruises Will Add Alaska Ship in 2012

After two years operating just three ships on its Voyage of the Glaciers route, Princess Cruises announced that it will be returning a fourth ship to its signature itinerary for the 2012 summer season.

The decision by Princess to increase its Alaska capacity was prompted, in part, by recent changes to the head tax structure in the state and the more balanced approach to doing business in Alaska, according to the line.

Princesses’ Voyage of the Glacier itinerary is the line’s most popular Alaska itinerary, taking passengers between Vancouver and Whittier across the Gulf of Alaska with a visit to Glacier Bay and ports of call in the state’s southeast. Because many passengers on this one-way route usually spend extra time in Alaska’s interior utilizing Princess’ lodges, rail and motorcoaches, this itinerary provides significant tourism benefits to the state.

Full details of Princess’ 2012 Alaska deployment will be announced in spring 2011, including which ship will be added to the lineup.

Norwegian Sun Homeports in Port Canaveral

Norwegian Cruise Line’s 1,936-guest Norwegian Sun now calls Port Canaveral (Orlando) home as of Saturday, October 16, 2010. The ship, purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing every Saturday through April 7, 2012.

Guests can extend their vacation in Florida with easy access to pre- and post-cruise shore excursions. Those looking for an outdoor adventure can enjoy a scenic airboat tour within the heart of the Central Florida Everglades, kayak through the eco-trails of the Indian River, or spot native wildlife from a pontoon boat. Fast-paced excitement can found at any number of amusement parks from Universal Studios to Walt Disney World Resort, or by spending a day learning how to surf at Cocoa Beach.

Norwegian Sun features 14 Freestyle Dining options including Norwegian’s signature French restaurant, Le Bistro; 10 bars and lounges; a swimming pool with a kid’s pool and five hot tubs; a complimentary kid’s club and teen lounge; a casino; a full-service spa and salon; and a fitness center offering state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Royal Caribbean to Debut Saturday Night Fever: the Musical on Liberty of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International is slipping-on its boogie shoes this spring and debuting Saturday Night Fever: The Musical, the third licensed main-stage musical production at sea for the cruise line. The acclaimed-West End show will debut aboard Liberty of the Seas in April 2011, as part of the ship’s revitalization and shipboard enhancements beginning in late January 2011 aboard the popular Freedom-class cruise ship. Based on the hugely popular, 1970s feature film, Saturday Night Fever, the theatrical experience features a repertoire of hit songs from The Bee Gees song album sure to inspire guests to dance the night away.

“The debut of Saturday Night Fever: The Musical, created by Royal Caribbean Productions’ in-house entertainment team, continues to raise the bar for cruise vacations aboard one of our most innovative ships,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Our award-winning musical productions have been so incredibly well-received by guests, first with Hairspray aboard Oasis of the Seas and then with the announcement of Chicago: the Musical aboard Allure of the Seas. It’s only fitting we broaden the selection to include a West End hit as Liberty of the Seas embarks on its maiden season in Europe for summer 2011.”

Saturday Night Fever: The Musical premiered in the West End at the London Palladium in 1998 and has been seen by over 10 million people worldwide, thrilling theater and music buffs alike throughout the years. On Liberty of the Seas, the story of Tony, the ambitious Brooklyn youth who spends his Saturday nights disco dancing, will be brought to life on stage in the ship’s state-of-the-art, 1,320-seat Platinum Theatre. The storyline and music that created the worldwide disco phenomenon will take guests away to a different era with such cult-classics songs as “Stayin’ Alive,” “Tragedy,” “If I Can’t Have You” and “Boogie Shoes.”

Carnival Testing New ‘Steakhouse Entrees’ on Three Ships

Carnival’s classic American steakhouses offered on several ships continue to be hugely popular with guests. Last week, Carnival began a test, offering some of the most popular selections from its steakhouse menus in the main dining rooms on three ships that don’t feature steakhouses.

The entrees are being offered on the Carnival Paradise, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Inspiration and carry a fee of $18 each.

The four steakhouse entrees added to main dining room menus include a nine-ounce filet mignon, an 18-ounce grilled prime rib chop, broiled Maine lobster tail, and surf and turf consisting of a half lobster tail and petite filet mignon. The beef is USDA prime, dry aged, the same beef that is served in Carnival’s steakhouses.

The testing period is expected to run approximately three months during which time the company will evaluate guest demand for these specialty menu items.

The new steakhouse entrees complement the line’s wide-ranging main dining room menu choices, which include a flat-iron steak offered nightly, along with prime rib and broiled Caribbean lobster tail served every voyage.