Carnival Tests New ‘Steakhouse Entrees’ on Three Ships

Where's the beef?Located on the newest ships in their fleet, Carnival Cruise Lines’ classic American steakhouse restaurants have proven to be extremely popular with guests who crave a really fine steak, as well as those who want to celebrate a special occasion by enjoying a steak (or lobster!) dinner in intimate surroundings.That specialty dining option hasn’t been available to passengers on

NEW! Cruise Review: Emerald Princess

Our avid cruiser and frequent contributor Vincent Finelli shares some good advice along with his encore cruise review of Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess, "Unexpected things can happen on vacation. So go with the flow, rise with the tide, and live."In a departure from their usual in-depth reviews, Vincent focuses on what may occur on board if a passenger is not feeling well. It's unfortunate

Tropical Storm Nicole Diverts Royal Caribbean Ships

The National Hurricane Center's 2 pm EDT update on TS Nicole indicated the storm is moving north-northeast near 10 MPH accompanied by an expected gradual increase in the next 24 hours. Currently the storm is about 80 miles northeast of Havana, Cuba, and 225 miles southwest of Nassau. While tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 345 miles, maximum sustained winds are at 40 miles per hour.

On MSC Cruises It's ‘The More the Merrier’ For Christmas

Because MSC Cruises believes holidays are meant to be shared with families and friends, the cruise line is offering a special “The More the Merrier” rate with significant savings on the Christmas sailing of MSC Poesia in the Caribbean.

The special rate is available on MSC Poesia’s Dec 19th 7-night Western Caribbean sailing from Fort Lauderdale that includes calls at Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios,

Cirque Dreams® & Dinner Aboard Norwegian Epic: Demand Fuels New Menu & Increased Charges

With the launch of Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line also introduced a one-of-a-kind theatrical dining experience, which takes place under the unique Spiegel Tent. NCL describes it as “opulent eccentricity alà entertainment extravaganza presented with an array of world class talent, Broadway acrobatics, a touch of whimsy, and tasteful participation.” It is, they say, “a world where

Three New “Legends In Concert” Debut on Norwegian Epic

It's time to shake things up a bit aboard Norwegian Epic. Elvis has left the ship and taken Madonna and Tina Turner with him, although we are assured the latter pair are still alive. With their departure, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that three new "legends" will take their place as part of the ship's Legends in Concert show. Starting this past weekend, the artists making appearances on

Cruise West Owner, "Heartbroken" For Screwing You Over

Last weekend I happened to read a letter posted on the Avid Cruiser blog from Dick West, owner of the now-defunct Cruise West. In it, West said, "After 64 years our family business has succumbed to the global economy. We are heartbroken that we are going to be disappointing so many wonderful travel partners and guests, many of whom have become part of our extended family over the years. We did

Cunard's New Web Videos Showcase A Grand Celebration at Sea

Whoever first said a picture is worth a thousand words never anticipated You Tube. These days, a video is worth much, much more than words. So it stands to reason that in order to highlight their rich travel legacy and luxury cruise vacation experience, Cunard Line recently chose to launch its web video series with a focus on some of its signature offerings, such as world-class entertainment,

Celebrity Cruises Celebrates Autumnal Equinox by Naming Fifth Solstice Class Ship

In light of the images of sun and shadow conveyed in the names of Celebrity Cruises' stylish Solstice Class ships, the world's top-rated premium brand is marking autumnal equinox by announcing the name of the fifth in its 'Xceptional' series: Celebrity Reflection."Selecting the name of the fifth ship in the class led us to reflect back on the significant impact the Solstice Class has had on the

Malt Shop Memories Cruise 2011: Good News/Bad News/Good News

A Special Message from Time LifeTime Life, the folks behind the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, are dedicated to making next year's version the absolute best music vacation experience possible. Unfortunately, the original dates they announced for Malt Shop Memories 2011 were a challenge for many of the artists who want to share the experience with fans and passenger alumni as well.To make sure they

Delicious Competition Indeed; Enter Carnival Magic’s ‘Name the Dish’ Contest

Take a delectable combination of spaghetti, clams, garlic, white wine, olive oil, vermouth, pesto, brioche bread crumbs, cherry tomatoes, and arugula, all topped with shaved Parmesan cheese, and what have you got? That's for you to decide when you “Name the Dish.”Here’s a delicious way for you to have your name associated with an exciting new dining venue aboard the Carnival Magic when it debuts

Veendam "Bermuda" Cruise Re-Routed

As reported today by The Royal Gazette, "Bermuda will be back in business with the airport open, buses running from 6am, and ferries starting at noon."Hurricane Igor has moved on after lashing the island with winds gusting up to 93 miles per hour and leaving behind extensive property damage. Fortunately there were no major injuries or deaths reported; however, there has been "considerable damage

Queen Elizabeth II Sits For An Official Portrait For Queen Elizabeth

Confused by that headline? It’s really quite simple. If you look hard enough, you will usually find an official portrait of every ship’s Godmother displayed on board. Sometimes they are in the main lobby, sometimes they are elsewhere, but you can bet this portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be in a position of honor aboard Cunard Line’s newest liner, Queen Elizabeth.In line with the

A Look Inside Carnival Cruise Lines' Funville Blog

We enjoy reading a good blog as much as we do writing our own and we also like to share our favorites. If you scroll down this page, you'll find our "blogroll" in the column on the right-hand side. Every now and then we find one we've missed and add it. Over the weekend we rediscovered a forgotten gem—Carnival Cruise Lines' Funville Blog.Why is that blog a "gem"? While the entries are somewhat

Hurricand Igor: Surge Blasts Bermuda

This raw video from the Associated Press pretty much says it all.

Are You Ready To Go Back To Titanic?

Willtiger Corporation and Azamara Club Cruises are proud to announce Voyages! Titanic 2012, a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard Azamara Journey commemorating the historic maiden trans-Atlantic voyage of the RMS Titanic. Departing April 9, 2012, from Boston on a 9-night roundtrip itinerary, the voyage will arrive at the location of the final resting place of Titanic on her 100th anniversary and

Cruise West Ceases Operations

Cruise West today announced that they will cease operations on Saturday, Sept 18th. For the last year, Cruise West has aggressively pursued a number of options with interested parties to maintain operations, including investment, selling assets, and selling the company. In part because of the most recent dip in the markets and the continued lack of economic confidence, these options have not come

Hurricane Update from Norwegian Cruise Line

Update Sept 17, 2010 at 9:30 AMAt Norwegian Cruise Line, the safety and security of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance. Therefore, the company is closely monitoring the paths of Hurricane Igor, Hurricane Julia, and Hurricane Karl.As Hurricane Igor is forecasted to pass over the island of Bermuda this weekend, Norwegian Spirit’s itinerary has changed. The ship will now sail to Orlando

VH1 & Sixthman Team Up Again for “VH1 Best Cruise Ever” Aboard Carnival Inspiration

If you thought last year’s cruise couldn’t be topped–think again. Next year, Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Inspiration will serve as the venue for VH1 Best Cruise Ever, hosted by VH1 and Sixthman. The second annual music festival at sea will feature Train, Lifehouse, Colbie Caillat, The Script, and many more, setting sail from Tampa to Cozumel, Mexico on April 28-May 2, 2011.Grammy Award

Hurricane Igor Scrambles Bermuda-Bound Cruise Ships

It's still hurricane season and the National Hurricane Center reports today that the large and powerful Hurricane Igor is currently churning out in the Atlantic on a northwest track.In anticipation, the island nation of Bermuda is preparing for the storm by announcing the closure of its port.Royal Caribbean InternationalUpdate Sept 16, 2010 at 1:00 pmThe Port of Bermuda will be closed beginning

New Cruise Review, Holland America Line Veendam to Bermuda

Whenever we get an email from our old friend George Hall, we know it's going to be good. In this case, he reports on Holland America Line's Veendam to Bermuda.George began cruising in 1984, and he and his wife, the lovely Linda, do a minimum two cruise a year. They often take three and this year will be sailing four times. They stopped counting when they reached 50 cruises and sail any and all

Norwegian Cruise Line Kicks Off The NFL Season At Sea

Are you ready for some football?Norwegian Cruise Line will host America’s favorite pastime as the National Football League (NFL) season kicks off this fall by broadcasting 44 NFL regular season games, including three exciting match ups on Thanksgiving Day. In addition to the Sunday and Thursday night games, eight playoff games, the NFC and the AFC conference championships, the ultimate battle for

Cruise Travel: Deals For Cruisers

We don't often "advertise" (at least not for free), but we received a couple offers this week that readers of Cruise Diva might be able to take advantage of. Since we're into sharing good stuff when we find it and you might be considering a cruise vacation, we want you to get the best deal possible. While NCL's offer is short and offers the best deals to big spenders, Carnival's is restricted to

Hurricane Igor: Itinerary Changes, Oasis of the Seas & Carnival Dream

Due to the powerful category four storm Hurricane Igor and the possibility of rough seas, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines have reversed two ports of call on the itineraries of Oasis of the Seas and Carnival Dream, respectively.On their altered schedules, the two ships will now visit St. Maarten on Tueday and St. Thomas on Wednesday. Thus far, the remainder of their itineraries are

Marine Architect Joe Farcus to Concentrate Designs on Costa Ships

The genius behind Carnival Cruise Lines' bold and eclectic ship interiors since 1977 is marine architect Joe Farcus. History, art, and culture all mingle in Farcus' fertile imagination, which results in what he calls "entertainment architecture." Farcus views a cruise ship not as a floating hotel, but as an experience that carries passengers to another time and place. He once told me he creates

Allure of the Seas: What's New On The Menu

As the second ship in Royal Caribbean International's Oasis-class design, we didn't expect Allure of the Seas, debuting in Dec 2010, to break the mold. We aren't disappointed, although we have a vague feeling that we should be. With a few exceptions, dining options on Allure are pretty much clones of those on Oasis of the Seas, which couldn't be called trend-setting by any stretch of the

Olly Smith Brews Up Autumn Cocktail Treats

As October 31st and Halloween draws spookily near, the UK’s television drinks expert and celebrity Olly Smith has created four new cocktails to warm up chilly autumn evenings. While Smith isn’t a household name in American, in addition to his television credits he oversees The Glass House on P&O’s Azura, Britain’s newest and largest cruise ship.Smith says, “On a dark, chilly night there is

'A Taste of Celebration' Cookbook by Holland America Line Master Chef Rudi Sodamin Now Available

While my ability in the kitchen precludes me from joining the ranks of gourmet cooks, I love good food and have a "collection" of cookbooks at home to inspire me. A couple of my favorites are by cruise line chefs and the one I rely on the most is A Taste of Excellence by Holland America Line's Master Chef Rudi Sodamin. So, I was delighted to learn that Chef Rudi has written his third cookbook, A

YouTube Launches New Travel Channel Powered by Norwegian Cruise Line

In a very cool move, Norwegian Cruise Line has partnered with YouTube to power the first-ever YouTube Vacationer, a travel-specific channel within the world’s largest online video site providing vacation inspiration with ideas and advice from well-traveled experts, such as Lonely Planet, National Geographic, and Travel Channel. The YouTube Vacationer, located at YouTube.com/vacationer, is also

Cruise West Continues Restructuring Efforts

Even as they were planning to drop a disappointment bomb on some booked passengers, Cruise West—a global leader in small-ship explorations—wrapped up their late-afternoon announcement today with a note of optimism, "Cruise West believes that small is beautiful. Small-ship explorations allow up-close and personal experiences unmatched by the traditional larger cruise lines. For nearly 64 years,

Cruise West Sold & Suspends Bookings

Is this good news or bad news? We're not sure, but the family operated Seattle-based cruise line noted for its small ship voyages to Alaska is restructuring with new ownership, has suspended new bookings, and temporarily closed its reservations center. That's according to a recorded message I received when calling them this morning. At this time the new owners have not been named and my usual

Florida Lottery Features Royal Caribbean Prize in New 'CRUISE FOR CASH' Game

The Florida Lottery has announced an exciting new Royal Caribbean Intl themed Scratch-Off game: CRUISE FOR CASH. With ticket sales beginning yesterday, the $5 game offers Lottery players the chance to win up to $200,000 instantly. Plus, a second chance promotion on the Lottery's Web site offers players the chance to win a 7-night Caribbean cruise vacation for two aboard one of Royal Caribbean's

A Museum For Future Cruisers & Mariners

In a nod to maritime tradition, Miami Children’s Museum and Carnival Cruise Lines recently uncorked a confetti-filled bottle to launch a redesigned cruise ship-shaped exhibit where kids can sail on a sea of discovery and learn the secrets behind one of South Florida’s leading industries.The two-level 1,850-square foot exhibit–the country’s only cruise-themed children’s museum attraction–has been

Princess Cruises Reveals 2011-12 Panama Canal Season

Since its debut nearly a century ago, the Panama Canal has been considered one of the world’s most important engineering marvels. This 51-mile passageway between oceans can save a ship more than 7,000 transit miles around South America, and never ceases to amaze cruise passengers. Princess Cruises’ ships have long offered a front-row view of the Panama Canal, and in 2011-12 the line will offer 38

30 Amazing Days Aboard Silver Shadow: A Circle Australia Adventure

The Outback, Great Barrier Reef, koala bears, emus, wombats, wallabies—the places and words conjure up images in my mind of adventure, romance, and the exotic. And "Crocodile Dundee," of course.While they might not meet the famous croc-hunting star of the film (he lives in the U.S. these day) those places and sights Down Under are all on the menu for guests sailing aboard Silversea's first-ever

Americans "Lose" an Average of 459 Million Vacation Days Each Year

Over-worked, over-tired, and stressed-out American workers have one more thing to worry about this coming Labor Day—how many vacation days they could potentially be losing this year. And if the President of the United States, who famously has enjoyed numerous vacations this year, can find time to get away so often, then shouldn't everyone?The fact that people are not using all of their vacation

Cruise Travel: Hurricane Earl & Tropical Storm Fiona Advisory

Several cruise lines have offered the following updates.Carnival Cruise LinesWe are closely monitoring Hurricane Earl and Tropical Storm Fiona in the Atlantic. Rest assured, all of our ships will continue to operate at a safe distance from the storms.All departures for the sailings of September 1, 2010 – September 6, 2010 are scheduled to operate as normal.Holland America LineAt Holland America

Carnival to Redeploy Two Ships

With the announcement that two of their Fantasy-class ships will swap year-round homeport deployments for fall 2011, the big news here is that Carnival Cruise Lines will offer a 14-day Panama Canal voyage on each that will provide highly attractive longer length “Fun Ship” cruise options, as well as the unforgettable experience of transiting the Panama Canal.The homeport exchange will see the

Cruise Travel: Hurricane Earl Advisory & Itinerary Alterations

As Hurricane Earl makes its way north in the Atlantic, cruise lines are preparing by altering itineraries to insure the safety of their ships and the passengers and crewmembers on board. These are the most recent updates we've gathered.Holland America LineAt Holland America Line the safety and comfort of our guests and crew is our top priority. As a result of the projected path and strengthening

Her Majesty the Queen to Name Queen Elizabeth

Cunard Line is pleased to announce that Her Majesty The Queen will name the company’s new Queen Elizabeth, the third Cunard ship to bear the name, at a ceremony to take place in Southampton, England on Monday, Oct 11, 2010. Queen Elizabeth will set sail on her Maiden Voyage the following day. The naming will be a milestone in British maritime history and will be a major event of worldwide