On January 15, 2016, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) upgraded their Zika virus travel health notice to "Alert Level 2", (Practice Enhanced Precautions) with specific affected areas of the Caribbean and Central and South America. You may have received our previous communication providing this information. As of January 26th, the CDC notice now includes the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the affected areas. For the most up-to-date information on the Zika virus and countries affected, please visit the website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.
Zika virus is spread primarily through mosquitoes, which mainly bite during daytime hours. It is not transmitted from person to person. Symptoms of Zika typically develop 3-12 days after being bitten and may include fever, headache, skin rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from 2-7 days and most people who contract Zika experience no symptoms at all. Comprehensive health information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html.
There has been a recent increase in poor pregnancy outcomes among mothers who contracted Zika during pregnancy. These cases are being reported in areas where Zika virus outbreaks have occurred. Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is still developing. For this reason, the CDC Advisory particularly impacts women who are pregnant and women who are trying to become pregnant.
The CDC advisory recommends that women who are pregnant in any trimester consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. If pregnant women do opt to travel to Zika affected areas, the CDC recommends talking to their healthcare provider in advance and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during their trip. Specific guidance for women who are trying to become pregnant is also included in the CDC advisory. More information can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/question-answers.html.
There is no vaccine to prevent Zika Fever however individuals can reduce their risk of contracting Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses by following these steps prior to going ashore:
·Apply insect repellent which contains one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535.
·If both sunscreen and insect repellent is used, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.
·Repellent is available for purchase from the shops on board.
·Wear a loose, long-sleeved shirt and long pants, preferably of a light color to minimize the likelihood of being bitten.
Should a person experience any symptoms of fever, headache, skin rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes) while sailing with us, please have them contact their doctor They should tell their healthcare provider about their recent travel.
By Newswire | January 18, 2016
The new Oasis-class ship is set to launch in Europe, offering Western Mediterranean itineraries, beginning May 2016. Royal Caribbean International has announced the entertainment lineup for Harmony of the Seas, the line's new Oasis-class ship that is set to offer Western Mediterranean itineraries in Europe starting May 2016.
The ship will host a new, full-blown Broadway production of the musical "Grease." Additional entertainment options range from ice shows in Studio B and impressive performances at the oceanfront AquaTheater to, for the first time, Puzzle Break, an interactive, problem-solving group activity in a dedicated, fully-produced space.
The Main Theater having seating 1,380 guests, the ship's main Royal Theater is home to two headline shows presented by Royal Caribbean Productions: Columbus, The Musical! An original Royal Caribbean production created in the spirit of "Spamalot" and "Something Rotten," the story recounts the imagined history of Marvin Columbus, Christopher's fictional, down on his luck, distant cousin. Banished from his family's kingdom, Marvin sets sail on a madcap voyage of discovery in the hopes of claiming his own place in history. Unforeseen romance and a "happily ever after" story are on the map as Marvin Columbus crashes into his Caribbean destiny.
Grease – The all-new, never-before-seen stage production, specially adapted by Royal Caribbean Productions, will boast original choreography, costumes and aerial elements. Featuring a soundtrack of crowd favorites such as "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'," "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee," "Born to Hand-Jive," "Beauty School Dropout" and more, guests will follow the romantic twists and turns of Sandy and Danny as they navigate the tricky social waters of Rydell High School while keeping their reputations and relationship – together.
In the ship's AquaTheater, an acrobatic performance space introduced by Royal Caribbean with the Oasis class of ships, will offer new aerial capabilities, including two 10-meter high platforms and the hydraulic-floored pool, the largest and deepest freshwater pool at sea. New AquaTheater shows include the acrobatic The Fine Line and the comedic Hideaway Heist.
The ice rink in Studio B will offer a backdrop of ultra-high definition video and performances by world-class skaters. New Studio B performances include: 1887 An original Royal Caribbean production about love and adventure that begins in Paris on February 14, 1887, at the height of the career of Jules Verne. Beginning their journey on the frozen River Seine, Juliet and her mysterious time traveling companion, the Tempus, travel in multiple dimensions to discover the wonders of the world, and of the heart. iSkate Showcase A Studio B ice show where Royal Caribbean's skaters put their best blade forward in a showcase of their very best moves set to their own favorite tunes.
Returning Shows
Harmony of the Seas will also offer a number of favorite Royal Caribbean performances, including:
Puzzle Break: Escape the Rubicon A puzzle that transports players to another world and another time where they must escape. Players will collaborate with friends, old and new, as they attempt to find the hidden clues needed to solve a collection of puzzles that will eventually unravel the mystery of the Rubicon. With only 60 minutes of life-support, the suspense builds with every tick of the clock. For the first time, this activity will take place in a dedicated space designed in partnership with ShowFX Inc.
Red Party A high-energy party at sea with DJs, surprise performances, special effects and technology.
Stowaway Piano The pop-up piano player, which originally debuted on Anthem of the Seas, heads to Harmony. Behind the door. Around the corner. In the elevator. By the pool. Guests never know where the Stowaway Piano will turn up next.
On the Royal Promenade, Harmony of the Seas continues the tradition of Royal Caribbean's theme nights and parades with: Totally Awesome 90s Harmony of the Seas debuts the evolution of Royal Caribbean's Promenade 70s Party as the clock is pushed forward to the 90s. Guests can party it up in a new era when soundtracks are dominated by teen pop, dance-pop and the growing popularity of hip hop. A live DJ spinning favorite 90s hits, live pop-up performances and crazy neon track suits set the stage to transport partygoers back to this totally awesome decade. Let's Celebrate! Halloween, Birthdays, St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, Fourth of July and New Year's Eve will all be celebrated at once, in a wild and crazy parade.
Guests on Harmony of the Seas also can belt out tunes at the On Air Club, revel in a symphony of brass brilliance with the High Cs Horns, Harmony's horn-led, nine piece orchestra, and take in live comedy and music at Harmony's new nighttime hotspot, The Attic.
For more information and to make reservations on the Harmony of the Seas or other Royal Caribbean Ships, with exclusive rates and amenities, contact The Cruise Professionals at TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com
Crystal Cruises Replaces Calls in Turkey
By Newswire | January 15, 2016
Crystal responds to the recent attack on Istanbul. It will change the upcoming itineraries of two ships that were originally set to call in Turkey. Because of the ongoing security concerns for travel within Istanbul, Crystal Cruises has announced that it will reroute two of its upcoming cruises that were set to call in Turkey. The itineraries include Crystal Symphony’s April 24 and May 1 trips, previously planned to include visits to Istanbul and Kusadasi. These ports will be replaced with Greek destinations. “The safety and peace of mind of our guests are our primary concerns, and we do not take any risks with either,” says Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s CEO and president,. “The itinerary changes will allow our guests to continue with their planned vacations in the same standard of excellence and luxury, without the added worry of security in a particular destination.”
In addition, Turkish ports of call scheduled for April and November aboard Crystal’s new yacht, Crystal Esprit, will also be changed.
The new itineraries for Crystal Symphony include the following:
April 24 (seven days): Athens/Piraeus, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Souda Bay/Chaina (new destination), Navplion (overnight and new destination), Hydra and Athens/Piraeus (overnight and new destination), Greece.
May 1 (12 days): Athens/Piraeus (overnight and new destination), Patmos (new destination), Rhodes (new destination), Mykonos, Santorini, Navplion and Argostolios, Greece; Crotone, Sorrento and Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy.
The President’s Cruise, on April 24, will be one of Crystal’s few voyages to solely sail in Greece.
On both dates for Crystal Symphony , the pre-reserved Crystal Adventures will automatically be canceled. Crystal is in the process of developing a host of new excursions ashore.,
For more information and to make reservations on a Crystal Cruise with exclusive rates and amenities, contact The Cruise Professionals at TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com
