http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/ en david.simpson@seaview.co.uk Copyright 2012 2012-05-19T17:18:47+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/classical-star-maxim-vengerov-to-star-at-msc-divina-christening/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/classical-star-maxim-vengerov-to-star-at-msc-divina-christening/#When:15:26:02Z Critically acclaimed violinist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Maxim Vengerov will be among the stars and dignitaries attending the christening of the new MSC Cruises ship, MSC Divina, in Marseille on May 26.The Russian will be joining will MSC Cruises’ CEO Pierfrancesco Vago and MSC fleet godmother Sophia Loren for a question and answer session with international media that will follow a press conference. Joining an impressive line-up of international stars on stage for the evening’s main events, Vengerov, pictured, will then deliver a speech before releasing hundreds of UNICEF balloons with the help of local children. It is hoped that Vengerov, regarded as one of the world’s greatest violinists, will also perform. The high-profile christening ceremony is the perfect platform to highlight the organisations’ joint ‘Get on Board for Children’ initiative. This in turn funds the UNICEF-supported ‘Platform of Urban Centres’ project that aims to combat poverty and inequality in 94 favelas across Brazil by improving education opportunities for children. MSC Cruises and UNICEF have forged a strong partnership over the years and in recognition of this relationship, which is why key representatives and guests of the charity will be involved in the christening. Since 2009, guests on board each ship in the MSC Cruises’ fleet have raised over one million euros for the scheme. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Mediterranean Shipping Cruise Line (MSC) 2012-05-14T15:26:02+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/double-celebration-for-building-of-ncls-new-breakaway-ships/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/double-celebration-for-building-of-ncls-new-breakaway-ships/#When:13:04:54Z Norwegian Cruise Line has celebrated both the keel laying of Norwegian Breakaway and the first steel cutting of Norwegian Getaway over the past week.The events, at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, mark key stages in the construction of the two ships which are scheduled for delivery in April 2013 and April 2014. How the two new ships will look During Breakaway’s official keel laying ceremony, the first of 73 blocks that will comprise the 144,000-ton vessel were lifted into the covered building dock, marking the start of the block assembly. In the dock, Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer, laid the traditional “lucky coin” before the 350-ton first block was placed. “The anticipation is building for this incredible ship,” said Sheehan. “It’s thrilling to mark the start of the block assembly and realise that in one year we will take delivery of Norwegian Breakaway.  We can’t wait.” Norwegian Breakaway is the first ship being built by Meyer Werft utilising a more efficient construction process which will deliver a ship of more than 140,000-tons in less than 12 months. Following the Breakaway keel laying, the first plate of steel for Norwegian Getaway was cut by a plasma torch. This plate will become part of Block 40 that will comprise the new vessel. “Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway are going to revolutionise the cruise industry with their spectacular design and unique offerings,” said Sheehan. “Cutting the first piece of steel for Norwegian Getaway takes us one step closer to having this ship join our fleet in 2014 and begin sailing year-round from Miami, the cruise capital of the world.” The 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round homeport of New York City in early May 2013 from where the ship will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda. From October 2013 to April 2014, the ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida and the Southern Caribbean. Norwegian Getaway will sail year-round from Miami following her delivery scheduled for spring 2014. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line 2012-05-12T13:04:54+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/compagnie-du-ponant-names-new-yacht-le-soleal/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/compagnie-du-ponant-names-new-yacht-le-soleal/#When:11:13:26Z Luxury French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant will welcome a sleek new ship, Le Soléal, into its fleet in July 2013. With the same elegant contours as her two sister ships, Le Boréal  and L’Austral, Le Soléal will be further embodiment of Compagnie du Ponant’s ‘Yacht cruises’ concept. Its 132 sophisticated staterooms and suites will offer the same level of comfort as a private yacht, with its size allowing access to outstanding sites that are out of bounds to larger ships. Le Soléal is a combination of two of the company’s most powerful symbols – ‘le soleil’ (French for sun) and ‘the one who leads the way’. For her inaugural season in July 2013, she will be taking passengers to a new, rarely visited and exclusive, destination: the Arctic. From the legendary North West Passage (which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans) to the Bering Strait, from ice floe to tundra, these unusual itineraries will offer passengers the chance to discover hidden gems way beyond the Arctic Circle. Le Soléal’s 264 passengers will be able to follow in the footsteps of the great explorers, discover Inuit villages and watch extraordinary wildlife, including polar bears, brown bears, wolves, puffins, walrus and even belugas. Excursions in zodiacs, hiking excursions and helicopter tours will also be on offer for the most adventurous guests. Designed by architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, the contemporary interiors are inspired by the world of yachting. Nautical codes have been subtly revisited and applied to re-create the atmosphere of chic seaside resorts, with clean lines and combining the soothing colours of driftwood, and shades of grey and white. Restaurants, lounges, a library, theatre and spa also offer passengers a whole range of five-star facilities and commodities. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Compagnie du Ponant 2012-04-20T11:13:26+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/norwegian-cruise-line-unveils-norwegian-breakaways-the-waterfront-and-678-o/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/norwegian-cruise-line-unveils-norwegian-breakaways-the-waterfront-and-678-o/#When:16:13:34Z Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled a major innovation in ship design, The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place, on its newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, launching in April 2013.The concept includes an oceanfront boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and bars, combined with three expansive, flowing decks of dining, bars, entertainment, gaming and more. “We are continuing our tradition of innovation with a brand new ship design that will provide our guests with a unique experience unlike anything else at sea,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “The heart of Norwegian Breakaway and the elements that truly set it apart are The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place. Guests will enjoy al fresco dining while admiring the beauty of the ocean, along with the excitement and exhilaration of three expansive action-packed decks, as everything is designed to flow seamlessly.” Located on Deck 8, The Waterfront is a revolutionary outdoor experience that adds a whole new dimension to the line’s signature Freestyle Cruising, by offering a number of seaside venues that feature breathtaking views and a sense of connection with the ocean. The hub of the ship is 678 Ocean Place, a space that uniquely flows, intertwines and connects three decks of daytime and nighttime amusements. There will be a total of 17 dining venues combined on both 678 Ocean Place and The Waterfront, along with 12 bars and lounges. Norwegian will also introduce a new dining concept on Norwegian Breakaway, Ocean Blu, the line’s first ever all-seafood restaurant, which will include a premium raw bar, along with a separate sushi bar. The Waterfront boardwalk features eight outdoor dining options The Waterfront The Waterfront will feature eight outdoor dining and lounging options, including signature Norwegian favourites like Moderno Churrascaria; Cagney’s Steakhouse; La Cucina; Shaker’s Cocktail Bar; Malting’s Beer & Whiskey Bar; and the newest addition, Ocean Blu on The Waterfront, with outdoor seating and a special takeaway menu. The Waterfront will also feature another first for Norwegian – a gelato bar serving a selection of flavours. A yet-to-be-announced entertainment venue will also have an outdoor space. 678 Ocean Place connect the Waterfront to a variety of interior dining venues 678 Ocean Place On Deck 8, 678 Ocean Place connects the The Waterfront outdoor spaces with interior dining venues for Moderno; Cagney’s; Shaker’s; La Cucina; Malting’s and Ocean Blu, including the raw and sushi bars. An elegant modern take on an ocean-inspired theme with a glamorous feel, Ocean Blu is the newest addition to Norwegian’s Freestyle Dining line-up, offering a premium raw bar and a sushi bar. “In a recent guest survey, our guests chose a seafood restaurant as the number one type of restaurant they would like on board our ships,” said Sheehan. “We listened to that feedback when planning the dining on Norwegian Breakaway and will launch Ocean Blu as our newest signature restaurant concept.” La Cucina celebrates the Tuscan countryside and will continue to serve Norwegian’s delicious Italian dishes to guests who choose dine either al fresco on the outdoor patio on The Waterfront, in the main restaurant or the interior terrace option, giving guests the opportunity to dine along the interior walkway beneath twinkling lanterns, exposed wooden beams and greenery. Moderno Churrascaria is Norwegian’s signature Brazilian-style steakhouse. Whether guests dine indoors or out, they will feast from a huge salad bar, followed by a variety of grilled and slow-roasted meats that are carved tableside by passadors. Overlooking the Manhattan Room is another Norwegian signature establishment, Cagney’s Steakhouse, which will feature succulent grilled steaks, perfectly cooked double cut lamb chops and other steakhouse favourites. Guests cn enjoy watching the chefs prepare their meals in the open kitchen. You can dine al fresco on the outdoor patio of La Cucina Located between Cagney’s and Moderno, Prime Meridian will offer guests the opportunity to order a signature cocktail and soak in the action taking place around them on 678 Ocean Place. Guests will also find retail outlets, the photo gallery, and the Humidor Cigar Lounge on Deck 8. A three-storey open atrium with an exquisite LED chandelier with light changing effects will serve as the centrepiece of 678 Ocean Place with openings to all three decks and glass staircases connecting the levels. Spanning more than 18,000sq ft on Deck 7, the contemporary Breakaway Casino will have a stylish sophistication created by the use of rich materials, luxurious ornamental lighting and highly decorative artwork including gold tiles and upscale finishes. Breakaway Casino will offer guests the opportunity to try their luck on more than 300 of the latest slot machines; along with 26 gaming tables featuring poker, black jack, roulette and craps. Reminiscent of a private New York City supper club, The Manhattan Room is a complimentary restaurant on Deck 7 that will feature a dance floor as its focal point. As guests dine on cuisine that reflects the elegant and romantic nature of the room, they will enjoy live music and dancing. The two-storey high restaurant showcases floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. Due to the popularity of the noodle bar on Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway will feature Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, the largest noodle bar at sea. This exciting dining concept will offer all counter seating around an open kitchen and will serve traditional Chinese noodles, wok-fried dishes and dim sum. Another guest favourite, O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, returns on Norwegian Breakaway. This complimentary 24-hour a day neighbourhood sports bar and restaurant will serve classic American food. It will feature a giant two-story screen, perfect for watching sports and movies, along with miniature bowling, pool and air hockey tables and interactive games. A popular hotspot on several Norwegian ships, Bliss Ultra Lounge has been re-designed on Norwegian Breakaway to resemble a true hotspot, similar to trendy New York clubs. Guests will walk through the LED-lit tunnel entrance to the illuminated bar, LED walls and pulsating dance floor where they will dance the night away. Savor, one of the three complimentary main dining options on Norwegian Breakaway, will feature cuisine that is traditional with a contemporary flair. Across from Savor, is where guests will find Taste, another complimentary main dining venue. Taste will serve a variety of culinary delights to please every palate. Both restaurants feature clean lines and upscale, contemporary décor. Located between Savor and Taste is Mixx Bar, the perfect, pre- or post-dinner gathering place, with a modern twist to a classical design. Norwegian Breakaway joins the NCL fleet in April 2013 Norwegian’s signature Teppanyaki restaurant will continue to dazzle guests on Norwegian Breakaway with the addition of a traditional Japanese rock garden, featuring bamboo plants and bonsai trees to promote a pleasing aesthetic ambiance. With 96 seats surrounding 12 flat top grills, Teppanyaki chefs will showcase their knife-wielding skills while cooking exhibition-style Japanese cuisine. Le Bistro, Norwegian’s signature French restaurant, will feature an elegant indoor setting, along with a European sidewalk-style dining opportunity which will overlook the social hub of the ship, 678 Ocean Place. Guests will marvel at the three-story cascading LED chandelier above them, along with the constant flow of people as they dine on classic French dishes. Within the Atrium, located on Deck 6, guests will find a two-story video wall along with the Café and Bar at The Atrium. The Café will offer specialty coffees and fresh baked treats. The Bar at The Atrium will feature mixed drinks, along with a self-service wine bar. The Shore Excursion Desk, Internet Café and Art Gallery will be located in close proximity to the Atrium, along with two meeting rooms, card room and library. Additional dining options and bars not located within 678 Ocean Place will be announced in late April. There will also be a number of exciting entertainment venues located within 678 Ocean Place that will be revealed at a later date this spring. Entering service in April 2013, Norwegian Breakaway will sail from her year-round homeport of New York City to Bermuda in the summer and The Bahamas & Florida and The Caribbean in the winter. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line 2012-03-22T16:13:34+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/msc-cruises-completes-its-fantasia-class-series-of-ships-with-msc-preziosa/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/msc-cruises-completes-its-fantasia-class-series-of-ships-with-msc-preziosa/#When:18:56:46Z MSC Cruises' rapid expansion shows no sign of abating as it reveals that it has finalised negotiations with STX France to take over a 140,000-ton cruise ship following the termination of the agreement with the original owner. The new €550 million ship, to be called MSC Preziosa, will become the 13th addition to the MSC Cruises’ fleet, and the fourth and final ship in the series of Fantasia-class ships, which comprise MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida and the eagerly-awaited MSC Divina. MSC Preziosa under construction in France, the last of the four Fantasia Class ships MSC Preziosa, scheduled to arrive in March 2013, is in fact the sister ship of MSC Divina, currently having her final touches applied in the STX ship yard in St Nazaire, France, before her christening in May. Mr Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “When MSC Preziosa is delivered we will have four ships of every class, giving us a total capacity of over 40,000 berths and the strength to sail in all seas. MSC Preziosa herself will sail the Mediterranean, exploring the beauty of the Greek Islands, which represents the highlight of European cruising.” Added Laurent Castaing, STX France General Manager: “STX France is delighted with this successful outcome after months of negotiations. The length of time necessary to settle them is the perfect illustration of the challenges faced by the cruise industry in terms of financing, which impact our industry directly.” MSC Preziosa will boast 1,751 cabins, 26 lifts and 18 decks, 14 of them for passengers. Guests will be able to enjoy four main restaurants, two speciality restaurants, 21 bars, a casino, four swimming pools - including an infinity pool - 12 whirlpools, a bowling alley, a sports area with playing fields, a fitness centre, a children’s area and the superb MSC Aurea Spa. MSC Preziosa’s total construction is 45% complete and her mechanical zones are 70% complete. MSC Cruises will soon begin the fitting and furnishing of the 333 metre long, 38 metre wide ship. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Mediterranean Shipping Cruise Line (MSC) 2012-03-13T18:56:46+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/princess-cruises-auctions-first-royal-princess-inaugural-tickets-for-charit/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/princess-cruises-auctions-first-royal-princess-inaugural-tickets-for-charit/#When:17:04:21Z Princess Cruises is holding an unprecedented charity auction for a chance to secure a stateroom aboard Royal Princess's inaugural sailing on June 16, 2013.The auction, on eBay under the eBay Giving Works program, will enable one lucky bidder to become the very first passenger booked on the ship, while at the same time raising money to support worldwide charitable causes. The auction winner will sail in one of the new deluxe balcony staterooms All proceeds from the eBay auction will go to the Princess Cruises Community Foundation which supports causes around the globe. The winning bidder will secure a cruise for two on Royal Princess‘s maiden voyage - a seven-day, four-port Iberia sailing from Southampton to Barcelona with calls at Vigo, Lisbon, Gibraltar and Malaga. They will sail in a deluxe balcony stateroom offering additional space, a sofa bed and enhanced amenities. Bidding starts at just $1, and the auction will close with the highest bid winning the cruise on March 12, 2012. Anyone with an eBay account, regardless of location, may bid on the cruise. “We don’t open the books on Royal Princess until March 15, but we know many passengers are eager to reserve their stateroom,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “This auction will give someone the unique opportunity to be the very first passenger booked aboard the ship’s maiden voyage while at the same time supporting the worldwide charities that benefit from the work of the Princess Cruises Community Foundation.” Cruise News, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises 2012-03-04T17:04:21+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/royal-caribbean-commits-to-second-sunshine-ship/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/royal-caribbean-commits-to-second-sunshine-ship/#When:15:54:48Z Royal Caribbean Cruises today signed up to build a second Sunshine-class cruise ship for delivered in the Spring 2015.The ship will be built by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft on substantially the same terms as the first Sunshine ship due to be complete by the autumn of 2014. “This confirms our continued confidence in the success of this new generation of ships and our strong conviction about the Royal Caribbean International brand,” said RCCL chairman Richard Fain. Like the first Sunshine ship, currently under construction, the second ship will be 158,000 tons and accommodate 4,100 guests. Cruise News, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean 2012-02-29T15:54:48+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/new-royal-princess-to-debut-in-2013-with-season-of-mediterranean-cruises/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/new-royal-princess-to-debut-in-2013-with-season-of-mediterranean-cruises/#When:11:52:11Z Princess Cruises has unveiled the maiden season itineraries of its highly anticipated Royal Princess in June 2013, along with additional features of the ship's signature, and greatly expanded atrium.Preceding the ship’s inaugural program of 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises between Barcelona and Venice beginning on June 23, Royal Princess will sail on her inaugural voyage, a seven-day Iberia cruise from Southampton to Barcelona departing June 16. The Royal Princess maiden season cruises opens for sale on March 15. There will also be two three-day preview cruises sailing roundtrip from Southampton on June 10 and 13 that will be available for booking at a later date. How the atrium of the new Royal Princess will look “It’s fitting that our new ship will cruise on our most popular Europe itinerary, the Grand Mediterranean,” said Jan Swartz, executive vice president for Princess Cruises. “And the shorter preview cruises prior to the Mediterranean season certainly offer a unique opportunity to sample the new Royal Princess experience our passengers are eagerly awaiting.” Also revealed were more details about the ship’s atrium and its vibrant collection of always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. A dramatic artists impression of the new Royal Princess This signature space will be 50 per cent larger than on the newest class of Princess ships and will debut a number of brand new features, including Bellini’s Italian cocktail bar, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, a gelateria, and Celebrations, a new gift shop for those marking special occasions onboard. Favourite passenger spaces also return, many with a new twist, including the International Cafe, Sabatini’s Trattoria, and Crooners martini bar which will now feature dueling piano entertainment and a dramatic ocean vista. And the Bar Piazza will feature an exclusive twin tea tower with over 300 tea and infusion combinations. “Many features aboard the new Royal Princess will be exciting evolutions of the popular and successful features found throughout our fleet, and the atrium is no exception,” added Swartz. “The expansion in size of this space provided us an opportunity to add some brand new venues to what is already a favorite passenger area.” Inaugural Season Cruises 3-day Advance Preview Sailings departing June 10 and 13 These cruises will sail roundtrip from Southampton with a call at St. Peter Port on the Island of Guernsey in the English Channel. The preview sailings will open for booking at a later date when the inaugural celebrations for the ship are in place. Interested passengers are advised to follow www.princess.com for the availability of these cruises. 7-day Maiden Iberia Voyage departing June 16 The ship’s maiden voyage sails from Southampton to Barcelona with calls at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Gibraltar and Malaga. 12-day Grand Mediterranean Sailings departing June 23 to September 27 The nine Grand Mediterranean sailings will cruise between Barcelona and Venice, with calls at Toulon (for Provence), Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Athens and finally an overnight stay in the beautiful Italian city of Venice. Passengers on the seven-day voyage can combine their sailing with the first Grand Mediterranean cruise for a 19-day Grand Adventure. 18-day Maiden Venetian Passage departing October 9 This cruise begins in Venice with an overnight in this iconic city, and sets sail to Fort Lauderdale with calls at Messina (Sicily), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Cannes (for Monte Carlo), Barcelona and Funchal (Madeira Island). ATRIUM FEATURES Royal Princess’ expanded atrium is designed to enhance the lively street-cafe atmosphere passengers have become accustomed to on current Princess ships. With more open space for viewing live entertainment in the Piazza from decks 6 and 7, as well as new venues that appear to float mid-air, this new atrium represents a prototype design that builds on the line’s classic style. The first sight that guests on Royal Princess will get to see on arrival Atrium features include: Deck 5 International Cafe As on most Princess ships, the International Café will be serving fresh-baked pastries, panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies specialty coffees, and sweet desserts, but aboard Royal Princess this favorite venue will have an expanded seating area and an eye-catching new lighting feature, making it the perfect area to grab a light meal, meet friends for coffee or enjoy an a snack while watching the array of Piazza entertainers. Celebrations Gift Shop A new shopping stop, Celebrations will offer gifts especially for passengers celebrating a special occasion, or those looking for a well-deserved indulgence. Passengers will find premium chocolates, colorful flower arrangements, and other gift items perfect for someone enjoying a special day. Gelato For a delicious desert or afternoon delight, Royal Princess’ gelateria will serve up a variety of tempting treats such as designer sundaes, sweet crespelle (Italian crepes), creamy fruit smoothies, frosty shakes, and delightful homemade waffle ice cream cones. Vines A Princess passenger favorite, Vines wine bar will be pouring as many as 30 different wines by the glass, plus serving up an selection of tapas or sushi to accompany the many vintages. Passengers can also find favorite bottles for purchase or a gift for their favorite wine lover at Vines shop. Bar Piazza and Tea Tower This classic cocktail bar complements the Piazza vibe by offering an endless array of “anything you can think of” libations, complemented by a twin tea tower of artisan-crafted varieties and infusions for custom creations with over 300 possibilities. Mini-Piazza with Water Feature Just adjacent to the Piazza, a sparkling water feature will set off an extension area featuring the Passenger Services Desk and Shore Excursion Desk. This dazzling Mini-Piazza will provide a special atmosphere for passengers making a visit to ask questions of Princess’ gracious crew members. Sabatini’s Also located in the Mini-Piazza will be Princess’ signature Tuscan-inspired specialty restaurant, Sabatini’s. Known for its celebrated pastas, seafood and Italian specialties, Sabatini’s will feature a fresh menu of sophisticated Italian favorites with an a la carte experience. With a refined yet casual Italian ambiance, Sabatini’s offers attentive personal service and the feeling of having just stepped into a ristorante in the heart of Tuscany. Deck 6 Bellini’s This brand new Italian-inspired cocktail venue is a perfect place to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the atrium’s activities, while indulging in a Bellini-inspired drink. Passengers will also enjoy views of the Piazza below in this “floating” space. Alfredo’s After quickly becoming a passenger favorite since its debut aboard Grand Princess, Alfredo’s Pizzeria has kept up Princess’ reputation for serving the best pizza at sea. Aboard Royal Princess the sit-down restaurant will feature an expanded menu and more spacious seating, perfect for enjoying the fresh toppings and crisp crusts of a personal pizza right from the eatery’s stone oven. Photo and Video Gallery Now conveniently located in the atrium, the Photo and Video Gallery will offer new high-tech digital photo stations to help passengers easily find their images.  Deck 7 Ocean Terrace The new Ocean Terrace seafood bar will offer pearls of the ocean, fresh from the sea. Seafood lovers can indulge in an array of treats, including sushi, sashimi, ceviche and caviar in a space that seems to be floating over the atrium levels below. Crooners An expanded Crooners Bar will not only offer the venue’s famous menu of 75 different martinis and classic 1960s-style “Rat Pack” atmosphere, but also a new entertainment option with dueling glass pianos for a lively show to go with the breathtaking views. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises 2012-02-15T11:52:11+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/new-mega-suites-to-be-introduced-on-celebrity-reflection/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/new-mega-suites-to-be-introduced-on-celebrity-reflection/#When:14:28:56Z Celebrity Cruises is to introduce its first “Signature Suites” and the new “Reflection Suite”, which it describes as "jaw-dropping, on Celebrity Reflection. And SeaView has now acqutred a picture to whet our appetite.When Celebrity Silhouette arrived in July, she boasted new features including The Lawn Club and The Alcoves, but Celebrity is now working with New York interior design firm BG Studio to add a new class of accommodation for Celebrity Reflection, which arrives in October 2012. Wow: The Reflection Suite on Celebrity Reflection Located via a private entrance on deck 14 and accessed via key card, the five Signature Suites and the Reflection Suite will have use of a deck area which is exclusive to the suite guests. The entire deck can also be reserved for a private event, accommodating up to 26 guests. Signature Suites start from £5,311 per person and offer: A 441-sq-ft suite with a 118-square foot veranda Floor-to-ceiling windows and veranda doors, all designed to maximise the stunning views of the sea In-room iPad The 24/7 butler service that is a hallmark of every suite across the fleet Accommodation for up to four guests The Reflection Suite starts from £12,813 is Celebrity’s first two-bedroom suite and features: A 1,636-sq-ft suite with a 194-square-foot wraparound veranda, offering Panoramic views A sea-view bathroom extending out over the edge of the ship A veranda tub with a rain shower 24/7 butler service In-room iPad Accommodation for up to six guests Another first for Celebrity Reflection is the addition of the first AquaClass Suites. Each of these34 suites woffer 300sq ft of interior space and 79-square-foot verandas, paired with all the features from the AquaClass accommodations. This includes exclusive access to speciality restaurant, “Blu,” for healthy cuisine and unlimited access to the serene Persian Garden. The 34 new AquaClass Suites start from £3,722per person and will bring Celebrity Reflection’s stateroom/suite total to 1,515 along with an additional eight luxurious new Sky Suites, 19 additional ConciergeClass staterooms and 11 additional inside staterooms. “Everything we introduced on Celebrity Silhouette illustrated our devotion to offering new and differentiated experiences for our guests, and the feedback we’re receiving is rewarding validation that our guests love it – from The Lawn Club Grill, to The Porch, to The Alcoves, to The Hideaway, not to mention they continually tell us how much they love the first three Solstice Class ships,” said Celebrity’s presidentDan Hanrahan. “On Celebrity Reflection, we’ve taken the opportunity to further elevate our onboard offerings, with entirely new ‘Signature Suites’ and our first ‘Reflection Suite,’ in addition to our first-ever AquaClass Suites, collectively creating the most vivid examples yet of the modern luxury that defines Celebrity.” Guests booked in Celebrity Cruises’ Reflection Suite, Signature Suites and Penthouse Suite, can enjoy a premium Reverie® mattress that allows guests, with the assistance of their butler, to customise the softness of their bed. Reverie’s exclusive technology enables the suite’s iPad to act as a remote control for the Reverie Sleep System, allowing guests to easily operate massage features and adjust the elevation of the mattress. In addition, Reverie also offers and integrated remote control technology, which also enables guests to control the in-room technology from the iPad. Celebrity Reflection will also offer: :: 245 more loungers on its expanded pool deck to suit the increased overall guest capacity :: 45 additional seats in the Celebrity Theatre :: 118 additional seats in the Oceanview Café :: 24 additional seats each in Blu and in Tuscan Grille :: Four additional seats in Qsine :: 40 additional seats in the main dining room Celebrity Reflection, fifth in class of Solstice class ships will enter service on October 12, 2012, sailing a nine-night European cruise from Amsterdam to Barcelona.   Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises 2012-01-14T14:28:56+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/new-ship-norwegian-breakaway-to-sail-year-round-from-new-york/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/new-ship-norwegian-breakaway-to-sail-year-round-from-new-york/#When:14:05:44Z Norwegian Cruise Line’s new state-of-the-art 4,000 passenger ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will sail from her year-round homeport of New York City to the Bahamas & Florida and the Caribbean during her inaugural winter season in 2013.Following a summer inaugural season sailing seven-night cruises from New York to Bermuda, Norwegian Breakaway will embark on a series of 25 seven-night cruises to the Bahamas & Florida beginning on October 13, 2013. How the Norwegian Breakaway will look The ship will also sail two 12-night Southern Caribbean itineraries on January 5 and 19, 2014. “Norwegian Breakaway is one of the most highly anticipated new ships and has seen great demand for her summer sailings to Bermuda,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “For her winter inaugural season, Norwegian Breakaway will offer guests a chance to experience the tropics of the Caribbean and the Bahamas & Florida from the fascinating metropolis New York.  We are also excited to announce that the ship will stop at our newly enhanced private island, Great Stirrup Cay, offering an exclusive beach experience. Norwegian Breakaway’s Bahamas & Florida cruises include stops in Nassau, Bahamas; Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay; and Orlando & the Beaches (Port Canaveral), Florida; along with three relaxing days at sea. These sailings run to April 27, 2014. The ship’s 12-night Southern Caribbean cruises include the following ports of call: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Castries, St. Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Basseterre, St. Kitts; along with five relaxing days at sea. Currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Breakaway will be 144,017 tons and is scheduled for delivery in April 2013. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line 2012-01-07T14:05:44+00:00