Disney Cruise Line allows shorts in dining rooms

Disney Cruise Line will drop language prohibiting shorts in the communications to guests about suitable dining room attire. The change applies to the three "rotational" restaurants on Disney ships, such as Animator's Palate, but not the extra-charge restaurants such as Palo or Remy. Disney spokesman Mark Sadowski said the change was driven by feedback from guests. "We started hearing more and more that's what they wanted," he said. "Especially in warmer climates, its just a natural attire." Other cruise lines that carry large family contingents, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Princess Cruises, all discourage shorts in the formal dining areas for dinner, although Norwegian says it really doesn't have a dress code. Sadowski said swimwear will continue to be prohibited in the dining rooms. For more information on a Disney Cruise, contact TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884. Special programs and promotions available.

Sex or a Good Book? Men and Women Differ on How to Relax on Vacation

How do you relax when you’re on vacation? According to a new survey, one in four women would rather read, while 34 percent of men would rather have sex. Perhaps that not so surprising, but that tidbit and other male-female disparities are detailed in the fourth annual "Relaxation Report" issued in conjunction of National Relaxation Day on Aug. 15. The survey also found that 45 percent of men feel relaxed when they get home from vacation while 43 percent of women feel tired and need a vacation from their vacation. It’s definitely interesting, although not all too surprising, to see a distinction between how men and women like to relax while on vacation," Most Americans age 35 and older said it typically takes them two or more days to settle into their vacation. Nearly two out of three prefer to take at least a full week’s vacation rather than taking days off here and there.Men and women also choose different dream celebrity traveling companions. Forty percent of women would like to travel with comedian Ellen DeGeneres, while 42 percent of men lean toward singer Taylor Swift and actress Scarlett Johansson. When asked which male celebrity Americans would want to vacation with, men and women both agreed with 22 percent on actor Hugh Jackman. When it comes to a musical companion, 18 percent of men and women chose Justin Timberlake while Rihanna got votes from 13 percent. Meanwhile, one in four Millennials (age 18-31 years old) choose sleep as the activity they want to do more while on vacation, but only 14 percent of Americans 65 and older want to sleep more on vacation. Nearly one in four parents prefer sleeping more on vacation than non-parents. In fact, for parents, getting more sleep is more of a priority than having sex (23 percent and 20 percent respectively).

The survey was conducted by ORC International among 1,008 American adults, ages 18 and older, between Aug. 1 and Aug. 4, using the CARAVAN landline-cell phone combined sample methodology.

No Smoking on Disney Cruise Balconies, Offenders Will Be Fined

Disney Cruise Line will prohibit smoking on stateroom balconies effective Nov. 15. However, portions of open-air decks on each ship will continue to be designated as smoking areas. Guests found smoking in their staterooms or on their verandahs will be charged $250 for air filter replacement, carpet extraction, verandah cleaning and cleaning and replacement of drapes, comforters, blankets and pillows. Guests and travel agents with verandah stateroom booked will be contacted by email about the change, and guests will be reminded of the policy when onboard. For more information and to make reservations for a Disney Crusie, contact TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 for exclusive rates and promotions.

Norwegian Buys 75 Acres in Belize for $50 Million Cruise Destination

Norwegian Cruise Line is planning to build a $50 million cruise destination on two adjoining islands in southern Belize. The master plan is still under development, but the company said the project will likely include a floating pier, an island village with open-air structures on raised platforms, a marina, a transportation hub for tours, a lagoon for water sports and a beach area. The development will be designed to be environmentally friendly and promote the nature, art, adventure and music of Belizean, Mayan and Garifuna history and culture, the company said. The 75-acre parcel, called Harvest Caye, was previously was earmarked for a resort development with an air strip. Norwegian first considered building on Crawl Caye, a small island also near Belizes Placencia peninsula, but that plan was rejected by the government, which then worked with the cruise line to find the new location. Norwegian confirmed the Harvest Caye land purchase and plans on Aug. 14. As our fleet continues to grow to 15 ships by 2017, we expect that we will double the number of guests sailing on our Western Caribbean itineraries and, once this new destination is complete, bring four times as many guests to Belize than we do today, said Norwegian President and CEO Kevin Sheehan. Norwegian retained IDEA Inc. of Orlando to design the destination and oversee the project. IDEA is a designer of branded ports of call and destinations and has worked with private developers, government ministries, and independent agencies to create branded destinations in Alaska, Florida, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Mexico, St. Kitts, Honduras, Bahamas and Jamaica. Norwegian has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Belize that calls for adherence to environmental standards and job creation for Belizeans. The new destination is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs. Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow has said that Belize needs to decentralize cruise tourism in an effort to reduce overcrowding, so the new destination will help relieve tourism pressures in Belize City. However, the project is facing some local opposition. The Belize Tourism Industry Association is against establishing a major cruise port in southern Belize because it could damage the environment in an area that should remain an eco-friendly low-impact destination, For additional information and to make a reservation for any Norwegian Cruise, contact TheCruiseOutlet.com for exclusive rates and offers. Call 203-288-1884 or email at info@thecruiseoutlet.com



　


　


 

Crystal Serenity to Get Allergy-Friendly Staterooms

Crystal Cruises has announced plans for industry-first hypoallergenic accommodations, dubbed Deluxe PURE Staterooms. The cruise lines is partnering with PURE Marine Solutions, sister company of allergy-friendly hospitality firm PURE Global, for a comprehensive transformation using a patented hypoallergenic process. During Crystal Serenity's "Extreme Makeover" drydock in November, each of the ship's current 70 "AA" verandah rooms will undergo PURE's seven-step air and surface purification process to remove allergens and reduce the risk of common irritants. Afterward, a medical grade air purifier will continue to filter out 99.9% of all impurities and dust. These Deluxe PURE Staterooms will be available to guests at no additional cost, and will debut November 27 and be designated as "P1" and "P2" in April. Imagine returning to your room after a full day ashore in a bustling city like Rome or Bangkok, and then slipping into your purified sanctuary of ultra-clean air and hypoallergenic bedding, says Jack Anderson, Crystals senior vice president, marketing & sales. For guests who suffer from allergies, have mild respiratory issues such as asthma, or who simply desire a respite from the air quality in many cities, these staterooms will become a haven of fresh air for no additional cost." Crystals housekeeping staff will be trained in any daily maintenance routines required. Every six months, PURE specialists will also re-service the rooms, ensuring spaces are kept to the highest of hygiene levels indefinitely.

For exclusive information on this program and rates and to make reservations for a Crystal Cruise, call TheCruiseOutlet.com, at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com

Royal Caribbean Plans $70 Million Cruise Terminal at Bayonne, N.J.

Royal Caribbean International plans to spend $70 million to build a new cruise terminal at Cape Liberty in Bayonne, N.J., to open in October 2014. The plans were approved this week by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The new cruise terminal includes a 36,000-square-foot check-in terminal, a 60,000-square-foot luggage area, a parking deck, additional parking and berth improvements. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer. Cape Liberty is home to Royal Caribbeans Explorer of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises Summit. It also will become the homeport for Royal Caribbeans new 158,000-ton, 4,100-passenger Quantum of the Seas, scheduled to enter service in November 2014. The cruise industry is one of this regions most rapidly growing markets, and this private sector investment will enhance our ability to generate significant revenues from the waterfront property we own, said Port Authority Chairman David Samson. With the regions largest vessel scheduled to dock at this port facility, we will be able to grow the jobs and economic activity that the cruise business has generated for this region for many decades. Passenger volumes at the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal have grown steadily in the past three years, from 393,000 passengers in 2010 to 476,000 in 2012. Passenger volume is expected to grow to about 600,000 after the new terminal opens.

Celebrity Shakes Up New Craft Cocktail Menu Fleetwide

Celebrity Cruises is shaking up its onboard bar scene by adding 30 new craft cocktails. The new drinks program was designed in collaboration with Hawthorn Beverage Group, founded by noted cocktail creator Josh Durr. The new craft cocktails will be available fleetwide by the end of 2013. The new cocktails blend vintage-style liqueurs with fresh ingredients, organic juices and artisanal spirits. A new line-up of "zero-proof" (non-alcoholic) cocktails also will be introduced with selections such as Sparkling Mint Lemonade and Raspberry Fizz. Celebrity also will offer more fine wines by the glass and international and craft beers. Durr has been given a "Rising Star Award" from Cheers magazine and editorial recognition in numerous publications. His client list includes Apiary, Diageo, Pernod, Remy Cointreau and Ruth’s Chris.

For more information on this new program and booking a Celebrity Cruise, contact TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 for exclusive rates and promotions