Royal Caribbean seeking lifeguards

Royal Caribbean International has put a help-wanted ad for lifeguards on its website. 
The ad is entitled "Posting: Lifeguard Staff" &  says the applicant would monitor swimming pools, the H2O Zone, Splashaway Bay and other designated water attractions. It said the job is a 1.5 stripe officer position within the Marine Department and would report to the Lifeguard Supervisor. Currently, Disney is the only cruise line that staffs lifeguards at pools. Other lines have said guests swim at their own risk, the same policy adopted by many resorts and hotels. Several children have drowned or nearly drowned in pools on cruise ships in recent years, leading critics to question the industry's pool safety practices. In June, an 8-year-old boy was pulled from the pool on Anthem of the Seas after being submerged for eight to 10 minutes, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. He died two days later.
For more information and to make reservations on a Royal Caribbean ship, and receive  exclusive rates and amenities, contact The Cruise Professionals at  TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com

NCL announces Cuba sailings

Norwegian Cruise Line announced cruises to Cuba aboard Norwegian Sky, sailing a series of five, four-day cruises from Miami to Cuba in May 2017 that will include an overnight in the capital of Havana. On Monday, May 1, Norwegian Sky will set sail for her first voyage to Havana, arriving on Tuesday morning and staying alongside until Wednesday evening, allowing guests the opportunity to go ashore and experience the island’s rich cultural traditions through people-to-people exchanges. Norwegian will also offer OFAC-compliant shore excursions, where guests  will have the opportunity to visit historical sites such as Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; view incredible art and listen to the vibrant local music scene; and visit with Cuba’s warm and friendly residents through people-to-people exchanges. The ship will continue on to call on Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island destination in the Bahamas. Passengers enjoy unlimited complimentary beverages as a part of the ship’s all-inclusive program. Additional Cuba cruise departure dates include May 8, 15, 22 and 29. The four-day cruises begin at $699 per person. For additional information or to book a cruise to Cuba on Norwegian, contact theCRUISEOUTLETLET.com for special rates and additional amenities at info@thecrthscruiseoutlet.com.  

Holland America Line to Cancel all Cruise Calls to Turkey in 2017

Holland America Line is the latest cruise line to cancel all calls to Turkey in 2017, citing "guest preferences for alternate ports." This follows the announcement earlier this week that sister cruise lines -- part of Carnival Corporation -- Cunard and P&O Cruises are also removing all calls to Turkey from 2017 itineraries. In a statement issued this morning, the line said: "Holland America Line has made the decision to cancel all scheduled port calls to Turkey through 2017 based on guest preferences for alternate ports. "Ten departures in 2017 are affected and booked guests and travel professionals on these sailings will be notified. Shore excursions booked in affected ports through Holland America Line will be refunded and taxes, fees and port expenses will be adjusted accordingly." Changes will affect voyages onboard Amsterdam, Prinsendam and Koningsdam with the line expected to reroute itineraries to stops in Greece or Albania, although the line is yet to confirm this.
The U.S. Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey and to avoid travel to southeastern Turkey.
The U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise that the threat from terrorism [in Turkey] remains high, although the situation has calmed since the attempted coup.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also cautions travel to Turkey.

For more information or to make reservations and receive exclusive rates and special promotional amenities,  contact The Cruise Professionals at  TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com.  

Empress of the Seas to Move to Tampa for Cuba Cruises

The Empress of the Seas will launch Royal Caribbean's Cuba program with a five-night sailing departing Miami on April 19, 2017.
The ship will then reposition to Tampa offering two itineraries with calls to Havana on April 30 (7-night sailing) and May 20 (5-night sailing), according to a statement.
The Empress of the Seas will homeport in Tampa for the 2017 summer season  the cruise line's first-ever summer program from the destination  offering a series of 4- and 5-night sailings, including port calls to Cuba.
"Royal Caribbean is the world's most exciting adventure company, and we're thrilled to introduce culture-seeking travelers to Cuba. As the unrivaled innovators of the cruise experience, no company is better positioned to help adventurers explore and experience this culturally rich destination," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

For more information or to make reservations and receive exclusive rates and special promotional amenities,  contact The Cruise Professionals at  TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com.  

Crystal Cruises Announces Barbara Streisand-Themed Film and Theatre Cruise

Crystal Cruises has announced the roster of performances on the Crystal Symphony Film & Theatre Festival sailing inspired by Barbara Streisand.
Guests can enjoy a combination of film and musical performances by seasoned veterans. Cruise goers can even go behind the scenes of the production process. Performing as Streisand will be leading tribute artist Sharon Owens.
In addition to Owens performances and hosted receptions, multiple other Broadway and Hollywood stars will be making appearances. Tony-nominated actress Lainie Kazan, who was Streisands understudy in Funny Girl on Broadway, will give presentations, while scar-, Grammy-, and Golden Globe-nominated songwriters Allan Rich and Jud Friedman, both of whom have worked with Streisand, will talk about scoring movies for the silver screen. Red carpet stylists will offer tips; costume designers will share their collections; and special screenings of Streisands hits will air in the Hollywood Theatre. 

The 19-day Panama Canal Adventure sailing departs Los Angeles for New York on April 30, 2017, calling in Puerto Vallarta and Huatulco, Mexico; San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Panama City, Panama (and transits the Panama Canal); Cartagena, Colombia; and Charleston, South Carolina. All-inclusive fares begin at $5,995 per person. 

For more information or to make reservations and receive exclusive rates and special promotional amenities,  contact The Cruise Professionals at  TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com.  

Carnival Raises Bottled Water Prices ... Again for the second time this year.

In July 2015, the cruise line banned passengers from bringing their own bottles onboard but appeased the masses by offering inexpensive 12-packs for pre-order at a cost of $2.99 each. Cruisers would then find the water waiting in their cabins. In March of this year, prices were raised from $2.99 to $3.99 -- an increase of more than 30 percent. As of December 8, the price for a 12-pack has jumped again, this time more than 10 percent to $4.50 (plus gratuity if ordered onboard), according to Carnival's website. 
"The ability to purchase bottled water in bulk and have it delivered to the stateroom continues to be a great convenience to our guests,"  The line declined to comment on why the prices were raised just nine months after the initial price increase.

For more information or to make reservations and receive exclusive rates and special promotional amenities,  contact The Cruise Professionals at  TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com.