Crystal Offers Lower Single Supplement to More Departures

Crystal Offers Lower Single Supplement to More Departures

Crystal Cruises has added more than a dozen itineraries to its sole occupancy savings promotion for 2013. Now 26 seven- to 18-day voyages offer single supplements of just 10 percent for a deluxe stateroom. To cater to solo travelers, Crystal also offers "Ambassador Host" companions for dinner and dancing on every sailing, assigned dinner seating in the Crystal Dining Room, and "Table for 8," which brings individuals together for shared evening dining in the specialty restaurants. All-inclusive sole occupancy promotional fares begin at $2,865 per person if booked by April 30. For more information and to make a reservation on these and other Crystal Exclusive offers, contact TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or e mail at info@thecruiseoutlet.com

MSC Cruises Sets Year-Round Deployment from North America

MSC Cruises will launch year-round deployment in North America for the first time when the MSC Divina begins sailing from PortMiami in November. The Divina had been scheduled to operate out of Miami for the 2013-14 winter season, but now will remain there year-round. The announcement came as the Italian line christened its newest ship, MSC Preziosa, in Genoa, Italy. The year-round North America deployment was made possible by the company’s fast growth. MSC Divina, sister ship of MSC Preziosa, was christened last spring. MSC Cruises began an investment program in 2003 committing 6 billion euros to its expansion. Since then the line has acquired two vessels and built 10 new ships with one new vessel entering the fleet nearly every year. For the past eight years, the line has offered seasonal late fall and winter sailings from North America. "The popularity of our introduction of MSC Divina to this market among agents and consumers alike has been nothing short of tremendous," said Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO MSC Cruises USA. "We listened to their requests and are pleased that the vast expansion of our line allows us the ability to fulfill their wishes." The itineraries for the MSC Divina from Miami will be announced shortly. The ship has 1,715 staterooms, seven restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, five swimming pools (including an infinity pool), a bowling alley, theater, gym, spa, Internet café, conference center, kids and teen areas, and the line’s luxury ship-within-a-ship, MSC Yacht Club. An exclusive VIP section of the ship located in the upper foredecks, the Yacht Club includes 69 suites; butler and concierge service; complimentary select wines, spirits, soft drinks, juices and mineral waters; private access to the spa; and a private dining room. For additional information and to make reservations, contact TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email:
info@thecruiseoutlet.com

　

　

 

Mazatlan anticipates resumption of cruise calls

Cruise calls will resume on a limited basis in Mazatlan this fall, according to Frank Cordoba, secretary of tourism for the state of Sinaloa. Several cruise lines pulled out of Mazatlan in early 2011, citing safety and security issues for passengers following several incidents of crime near the port. Holland America Line, Princess, Disney and Carnival dropped their Mazatlan calls, swapping out extra port days in Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos. Holland America's Veendam, the Norwegian Star and the Azamara Quest will offer several Mexico cruises out of Los Angeles and San Diego, starting in October and running through the winter cruise season, Cordoba said.
Princess is expected to return in 2014. "The police instituted a number of safety measures, including enhanced lighting and numerous cameras. In addition, total crime in Mazatlan has decreased drastically in the past two years. We welcome the arrival of our passengers again," Cordoba said. For more information and exclusive rates, contact TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-775-1884 or e mail: info@thecruiseoutlet.com

Cunard relaxes evening dress code

Cunard Line said it would adopt a more informal dress policy on some nights, but keep the requirement for formal evening dress at least three times a week on transatlantic crossings and twice a week on other cruises. Cunard said on other nights of the week, informal dress will include jackets for men, but ties will become optional. Previously, Cunard had three evening dress categories: formal, semi-formal and casual elegant. The changes will take effect before the Cunard ships set out on their main sailing seasons in April and May, Cunard said. For more information and exclusive rates, contact TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-775-1884 or e mail: info@thecruiseoutlet.com

Carnival ship Problems continue to widen. 3 Ships in one week

The Carnival Legend is returning to its homeport at reduced speed following a technical issue with one of the ship’s Azipod propulsion units. The news comes after a malfunctioning generator stranded the Carnival Dream in St. Maarten on Thursday and all the passenges had to be flown home.  The Carnival Elation also suffered an Azipod malfunction earlier in the week, but ship operations have been unaffected.
Back to Tampa
Currently on the last leg of a seven-day cruise that departed Tampa, Fla., on March 10, the Carnival Legend is now sailing back to Tampa and is expected to arrive as originally scheduled on Sunday. A Friday visit to Grand Cayman was cancelled due to motor issues, but the ship’s hotel operations and safety systems are fully functional, according to Carnival. The vessel, with a capacity of 2,124 passengers and 930 crew members, also experienced propulsion issues in February 2010.
Refunds
Passengers will receive a credit of $100 per person and 50% off a future Carnival Cruise. They will also receive a refund of any pre-purchased shore excursions planned for Grand Cayman.

Cruise Outlet announces Funds available to help Non Profits Groups & Organizations

TheCruiseOutlet.com of Hamden, CT has available funds to be donated to benefit nonprofit organizations throughout the country.

This unique program saves people who are cruising hundreds of dollars while they help the organization raise thousands of dollars towards their mission and goal.

There are no additional charges and actually those supporting the organization receive significant other amenities on their cruise.

This program,　in its 15^th year by TheCruiseOutlet.com, does not require investment money from the sponsoring organization.　 Flyers, brochures, speakers & information booths are provided by TheCruiseOutlet.com staff.　One of the most effective fundraisers available, this program has helped numerous organizations throughout Connecticut and New England raise needed funds without straining the membership with hours of extra work.

TheCruiseOutlet.com established in 1990, is certified by the International Cruise Association and all the National cruise lines as a major provider of cruises.　They have been recognized by all the cruise lines for their experience and professional knowledge and have received numerous awards.　For additional information call 203-288-1884.　Visit them at their website www.thecruiseoutlet.com

Cruise destinations include Bermuda, Bahamas, Disney World, the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska.　 Many of the Cruise Lines that work with TheCruiseOutlet.com have fantastic children’s programs, as well as, educational programs for adults. Meeting and conference space is available as well.

　

Norwegian Breakaway to Feature New Environmental Systems

Norwegian Cruise Line said the Norwegian Breakaway, currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, will incorporate a number of emission reducing, energy saving and enhanced safety systems. The ship is scheduled for delivery on April 25. Norwegian Breakaway is equipped with a new generation of ABB XO Azipods that are smaller and more streamlined, which, together with a new Azipod Dynamic Optimizing system, will enhance steering and turning angles, leading to a saving in fuel and reduction in emissions, the company said. The Azipods are also equipped with a featured called an x-tail, which reduces fuel consumption even further. The company said the underwater hull has been optimized to provide the least resistance for the average speed of the ships planned itineraries, enhancing the ships speed/power ratio by 20 percent. The ship also will increase its energy efficiency and reduce emissions through the use of silicon-based anti-fouling paint on the hull. A new system called Pure Dry recovers fuel oil from waste oil, reducing the amount of waste oil that will be disposed of ashore. A new advanced remote control system for staterooms system allows for power, air conditioning and lighting to be switched off remotely when guests are not in their staterooms. Plus, most of the lighting in the public spaces is LED in order to increase the ships energy efficiency. The ship also will feature a new mustering tracking system for both guest and crew via Personal Digital Assistants.

For more information and to make reservations, contact TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884