Biggest Cruise Sale of the Year

CLIA World’s Largest Cruise Night

Many of our preferred suppliers have put together some special offers and incentives so you can take advantage of these great deals, and book the cruise vacation you’ve always dreamed of. Below is a summary of offers. Note that the offers may not start before October 14th and restrictions apply. Call or stop by for additional details.   Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering a $100 per person shipboard credit booking incentive. Booking window October 1-November 14, 2009. Windstar Cruises is offering a $50 SBC on select Wind Surf and Wind Spirit sailings. Booking window October 14–November 9, 2009. Crystal Cruises is offering a $100 per person discount on most 2009-2010 departures. Booking window October 14–November 7, 2009. Silversea Cruises is offering a $100 per person or $200 per suite discount on any 2009-2011 Silversea Voyage. The Yachts of Seabourn is offering a $100 per booking bonus commission for bookings made during the Virtual WLCN (October 1-31) on request basis when booking is made. Disney Cruise Line is offering up to $100 OBC for January-December 2010 cruises. Booking window October 14–28, 2009. Azamara Cruises is offering up to $500 OBC on select 2010 Europe cruises. Booking window October 14–16, 2009. Celebrity Cruises is offering up to $200 OBC on select January and August 2010 cruises. Booking window October 14–16, 2009. Holland America is offering special 3-Day Sale rates on select 2009-10 cruises. Booking window October 14–16, 2009. Norwegian Cruise Line is offering ship board credits up to $250 Booking window October 13-20 Princess Cruise Line is offering reduced deposit, onboard coupon booklet & ship board credits on select sailings. Booking window Oct 14-16, 2009.

Norwegian Cruise Hawaii

Norwegian Cruise Line has the most comprehensive golf program for travelers on their Hawaii cruises. Take a look at all the features offered:

ON-BOARD PRO SHOP

You can buy everything but a new swing at our on-board Pro Shop.  NCL logo golf apparel (of course) plus tees, balls, hats, bags, shirts and so on.  And this is where you’ll find everything else you need for your round of golf.  Tee times, club rentals, a playing partner, rental shoes, club storage and more can all be arranged at the Pro Shop by the staff who might love golf just as much as you do.

GOLF CLUBS

Hey, it’s your call.  You can rent top line clubs from us and not have to drag yours through the airport.  Or, if you want the added edge of your sand wedge and the rest of your clubs, bring them along.

RENTAL CLUBS

You won’t need any excuses for a bad round when you golf with these top line Callaway clubs from our Pro Shop.  Included in each one of the six different sets we offer is a Big Bertha Driver, Big Bertha Woods, Irons and an Odyssey White Hot Putter.  Reserve any one of these sets prior to your cruise.

YOUR CLUBS

NCL’s Club Valet Service makes it a lot easier to play with your own sticks.  When you check in for your cruise, we’ll take your clubs and store them in a secure spot tagged with your name and stateroom number.  Every time you play, your clubs will be delivered to you on the pier.  For your convenience, all guests who bring their own clubs will automatically be enrolled in NCL’s Club Valet program.  There is a nominal fee for club storage and valet service.  For safety reasons, clubs cannot be stored in your stateroom. 

TOURNAMENTS

The Pro Shop staff can help you set up and/or run your golf tournament at any one of our partner courses.  Reservations, deposits and other details vary by course, and we can take care of everything to make the planning easy on you.

JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAM

Our exclusive Junior Golf Program is part of our latest generation of innovations.  For one low price, younger players can enjoy greatly reduced rates on many of Hawaii’s top courses along with the use of our US Kids Golf equipment – the #1 brand in Junior Golf worldwide.

RESERVE NOW

All of our golf excursions can be reserved ahead of time once you have booked your cruise.  To make your arrangement or for more info, go to www.ncl.com/golf

To start researching your NCL Hawaii cruise, click here http://www.atlastravelweb.com/norwegiancruiseline.shtml

NCL Epic 2010

MIAMI– July 13, 2009 – In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 11, Norwegian Epic made her first journey on water, cruising out of her construction quay at STX Europe in Saint-Nazaire, France where the 153,000-ton ship has been under construction since October 2007. Beginning at approximately 7 am, the massive 4,200 passenger ship was accompanied by a fleet of six tugboats and taken a short distance down the Loire Estuary. Within about one and a half hours, the ship was moored at the outfitting dock. Norwegian Epic’s float out represented a major milestone in the vessel’s construction as it indicates that the ship has now moved into the final phase of construction and work will begin immediately on the vessel’s interiors.

“Watching Norwegian Epic make her first journey on the water was a very moving experience,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Norwegian Epic epitomizes our continued commitment to innovation and represents the next generation of Freestyle Cruising, so we are thrilled to be celebrating her float out and looking forward to her delivery in less than a year.”

On hand for the occasion were Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman of the board of directors for Norwegian Cruise Line and chairman, president and chief executive of the Genting Group; Norwegian Cruise Line executives: Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer; Roberto Martinoli, president and chief operating officer; and Andy Stuart, executive vice president, global sales and passenger services, as well as Sang-Ho Shin, president and chief executive officer, STX Europe; and Jacques Hardelay, general manager, STX Europe, France.

Norwegian Epic is scheduled to be delivered in late May 2010, and will take part in inaugural events before beginning her Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from her year-round homeport in Miami. The first Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami is scheduled for July 17, 2010 and the ship’s alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are scheduled through April 2011.

Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Norwegian Epic’s Innovations & Features
Norwegian Epic is changing the face of cruise line entertainment. In another industry first, Blue Man Group will perform in the ship’s 685-seat Epic Theater. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience and will be seen for the first time ever at sea only on Norwegian Epic.

Norwegian Epic will have multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues throughout the ship so that guests can choose from a wide variety of entertainment each evening of their cruise. No longer will entertainment be focused on two nightly shows in one large main theater. Norwegian Epic will offer a number of entertainment options in specially-designed venues, some offered for the first time ever at sea, with choices to appeal to a broad audience.

On this ship, guests will find the only “big top” at sea. In this intimate 265-seat theater-in-the-round, famed producer/director Neil Goldberg will present Cirque Dreams® and Dinner. This one of a kind interactive theatrical dining experience will be performed in the air, while juggling dinner courses, with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. During this two-hour show, guests will marvel in amazement and become part of a celebration of spectacle and fantasy. The entire experience will be unlike anything else at sea.

Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 14 restaurant choices – the most at sea – and 18 bars and lounges. The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea — The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas and the first squash court at sea.

Norwegian Epic incorporates several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest ship-within-a-ship suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; a new category of inside staterooms for the value-conscious traveler – The Studios and Living Room; and spa and family-friendly accommodations.

For more posts about the NCL Epic, click here.

For more picturs of the NCL Epic, visit our Flickr account

NCL Epic Ice Bar

Inspired by the original ice bars and ice hotels in Scandinavia and one of only 14 ice bars in the world, the cruise industry’s first true ice bar is the ultimate chill. This frozen chamber of iced vodka is set in changing hues of blue, green and purple LED lighting that simulates the Northern Lights and creates a distinctive arctic atmosphere. The centerpiece is a giant ice cube that glows and changes colors as the hottest techno beats add to the energy of this unique nightlife attraction.

In addition, NCL’s Ice Bar features a bar, walls, tables, stools, glasses and life-size sculptures all made from ice. Located on deck seven, Ice Bar will accommodate 25 guests who will be given fur coats, gloves and hats to keep them warm, since the room’s temperature will not rise above 17 degrees Fahrenheit – creating the ultimate chill. To enter, guests will pay a cover charge with a drink or drinks included.

NCL Epic POSH Beach Club

Adult guests who purchase a POSH pass for the day or the week, will take a private glass elevator to enter this luxurious and exclusive outdoor entertainment complex styled with Mediterranean flare. During the day, guests can lounge on white-cushioned day beds and in private cabanas and cool off in the 35-foot long cascading waterfall while the POSH VIP Host and crew cater to every whim.

At night, things heat up as POSH Beach Club becomes an open air night club, complete with VIP bottle service, while the DJ sets the vibe for the non-stop party. Four POSH experiences a day are delivered:

• Early Morning (6 to 9 am)– POSH Vive
  Guests awake to yoga classes and body-and-soul treatments in private cabanas as the sun rises and the day starts anew.
• Morning (9 to Noon am) – POSH Rehab
  Guests can relax and recover from a night out with Salty Dogs, Bloody Mary’s, and mimosas combined with chill out tunes.
• Afternoon (Noon to 6 pm) – POSH Sol
  The best nightlife in the daytime with guests lounging on day beds, enjoying funky beach music and spiked POSH snow cones while chilling under a lit waterfall.
• Evening (8 pm to whenever) – Pure POSH
  A pure, sizzling, sexy, nightlife experience where guests enjoy sparkling drinks and bottle service served on silver trays. Look out Vegas, the vibe here is hot — guests can dance all night under the stars or lounge on a POSH bed.

 

Click here for more posts on the NCL Epic
Visit our Flickr Account for some great pictures of the NCL Epic

Baltimore Cruises

More cruise lines are keeping their ships in the U.S. for 2010, and Baltimore is the latest port to offer year round cruising.

The Carnival Pride, a 2,214 passenger ship just began sailing from there. The ship is currently offering 6, 7 and 8 day cruises, then beginning September 6, 2009,  the 7 day cruise program will begin departing on Sundays. The ship will alternate between 2 itineraries – the first will visit Grand Turks, Half Moon Cay & Freeport, and the 2nd itinerary will visit Port Canaveral, Nassau and Freeport. Each voyage will have 3 days at sea.

Royal Caribbean is moving the Enchantment of the seas, a 2,252 passenger ship will  sail year round from Baltimore beginning in 2010. In the meantime, the Grandeur of the Seas will offer seasonal service beginning June 19th, 2009. The Grandeur will offer 5, 7, 8 and 9 night voyages sail to Canada/New England, Bermuda and the eastern Caribbean, followed by a 14-night November repositioning cruise to the Caribbean, which then debarks in Tampa.

The Enchantment will offer 9-night Easter Caribbean cruises visiting San Juan, St. Thomas, Samana and Labadee.   Alternate itinerary will visit Port Canaveral, Key West, Nassau and Coco Cay. On select dates (Dec 6, 2010; Jan 17, Feb 07, Mar 21 & Apr 11, 2010,) the Enchantment will be doing a 12 Night cruise visiting Labadee, Samana, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, & Tortola.

Other ships in the port of Baltimore seasonal are the Norwegian Majesty which is offering 7-day sailings to St. George’s, Bermuda from May 24 through mid-August. Starting in November, the Celebrity Mercury will operate winter-time seasonal cruises including 12-night journeys to the eastern Caribbean and 9-night voyages to the Bahamas.

For best avaialable pricing on Baltimore cruises, call 800-942-3301

You Deserve A Cruise Sale

Posted:        June 8, 2009
Author:       CLIA
Category:   Press Release | Cruise News
Topic:         You Deserve A Cruise Promotion

When times are tough, a well-deserved vacation is therapeutic, doctor says Dr. David Hubschmitt, a New Jersey-based psychologist specializing in depression, agrees that vacationing during stressful times can be a good remedy. “A well-timed vacation may offer significant benefits for mental health. The relaxation provides a much-needed change of gears in a time-starved society, and may be an ideal time to reconnect with loved ones traveling with you. For those traveling alone, vacations may lead to a higher level of self discovery.”

A well-chosen vacation, according to experts, offers significant benefits and opportunities, including:

• Relaxation,shifting gears and change of scenery are good for one’s health – physical, mental and spiritual
• There is no better time or setting for reconnecting with family and friends and renewing relationships
• A vacation is an opportunity to discover or rediscover oneself
• There’s no better time to recharge and re-energize and to look forward with confidence and enthusiasm

What makes a cruise the perfect vacation therapy? There’s the ease of planning and the convenience of having a “home away from home” for the length of the trip, plus all-inclusive pricing that delivers excellent value. The diversity of cruise experiences means that there is a vacation for every taste, interest and budget. With more than 30 domestic ports of embarkation, millions of Americans are within driving distance of a cruise. And CLIA member lines are doing everything they can to create irresistible incentives. So take a cruise; it’s good for you!

That is the key message of the summer-long “You Deserve a Cruise” promotion just announced by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its member lines.

From June 8 through August 31, 2009, families, singles, seniors, first-time cruisers, honeymooners and groups of all descriptions will discover the important therapeutic benefits of vacationing as they take advantage of unprecedented cruise values, the latest savings and special cruise incentives.

Many cruise lines and thousands of CLIA-member travel agents are participating to tell consumers across the country that it is okay to travel – that the travel industry is vital to the economy, and they deserve to put daily worries on hold and take a break.

In fact, research, surveys of consumer attitudes and trends, and health professionals increasingly point to the beneficial effects of vacationing. Combined, these realities provide good cause to encourage consumers to take the break they deserve.

Now more than ever, a vacation is what people really need – a break from everyday stresses to get in touch with themselves, their families and what’s important, to reflect on the next steps which could be life-changing, and to renew physically and emotionally.

We are living in challenging times; we deserve the opportunity to reward ourselves while at the same time making a small contribution to the country’s well-being as well.

And, with the incredible, never-seen-before, and likely never to be seen again, values offered by CLIA member lines today, what better time could there be to get some ‘cruise therapy?

Terry L. Dale, President & CEO
Cruise Lines International Association

American Cruise Lines is offering a free category upgrade if you reserve a stateroom on a 2009 10-night Grand New England Cruise before Aug. 31.

Carnival Cruise Lines assures the lowest rate available if you book a three- to five-day cruise three months in advance, or a six-day or longer cruise five months in advance.

Celebrity Cruises is offering rates as low as $64 per day for Alaska, Europe and Trans-Panama Canal cruises, with price protection when those bookings are made by June 30.

Crystal Cruises’  “All Inclusive-As You Wish” promotion extends up to $2,000 in shipboard credits on nearly every voyage for 2009 and 2010.

Cunard is offering 30 percent off early booking fares on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria 2010 World Cruise full, liner and segment voyages.

Disney Cruise Line is giving onboard credits for verandah stateroom bookings on Caribbean cruises, with a $700 credit for most seven-night cruises sailings June 20-Aug. 8; a $400 credit for most four-night trips June 28-Aug. 9, and $300 for most three-night sailings June 25-Aug. 6.

Holland America Line is offering 50 percent off your deposit for each booked 2010 cruise, with no deposit required for the third or fourth guest, plus reduced fares on some sailings.

MSC Cruises is offering balcony staterooms on European cruises from $999 per person (savings of 60 percent), plus a “Kids Sail Free” offer, through June 30. Some Caribbean cruises are on sale for $399 plus “Kids Sail Free.”

Norwegian Cruise Line is offering weekly “Hot Deals” Atlas is also offering a 1 month NCL Sale (ends June 30th) with shipboard credit offers on every sailing. Pepsi promotion also offers complimentary soda package with 7+ day cruises.

Oceania Cruises is launching 2010 European sailings with a $2,000 price reduction off two-for-one cruise fares, with a free airfare per stateroom on all 2010 sailings to Europe.

Princess Cruises is offering free upgrades for balcony staterooms on certain cruises beginning June 15.

Royal Caribbean is offering $100 onboard credit per person on select fall Caribbean sailings booked by July 24.

Windstar Cruises offers free airfare from New York on select 2009 Europe sailings.

Norwegian Cruise Line Deals

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE AND PEPSI OFFER REFRESHING SAVINGS AND SWEEPSTAKES!

Guests can quench their thirst on board all Freestyle Cruising ships with limited time complimentary soda packages Norwegian Cruise Line and Pepsi are celebrating summer by offering up to two complimentary soda packages per stateroom on any seven-night sailing or longer. Guests who book a cruise on one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s 11 Freestyle Cruising ships from now through October 15, 2009 for sailings through 2010 can request the Pepsi Summer Cup promotion at the time of booking by referencing promotion code PGPOP. Once on board, guests are given a special Norwegian and Pepsi branded souvenir cup and have access to unlimited complimentary fountain soda refills at any bar, lounge or restaurant throughout the duration of the cruise and have the choice of selecting Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew or Sierra Mist. Pepsi fans can also try their luck with the ‘Sip. Save. Refresh’ sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three Norwegian seven-day Alaska or European cruises for two in an oceanview stateroom with round-trip airfare. More information on the contest can be found at http://www.pepsisipsaverefresh.com. The sweepstakes ends on August 31, 2009.

Pepsi ‘Sip. Save. Refresh’ codes are available on more than 20 million specially marked Pepsi fountain cups and scratch-off cards at participating restaurants in nearly all 50 states.

For more information or to book a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing with the Pepsi Summer Cup promotion, contact us at 800-942-3301

NCL Cruise Deals

Wondering where to go on your next vacation? How about where sea, shore, and sky each stretch towards an endless horizon of blue? Then jump in! NCL has the best of the “blues” on sale — in Alaska, Bermuda, and Hawaii. And, when you book in June, receive up to $150 per stateroom Atlas Exclusive shipboard credit!

Don’t forget: Bookings made June 1st through June 30th receive your Atlas Exclusive gift:

A per stateroom shipboard credit based on accommodations:

• Inside Accommodations: $50 per stateroom shipboard credit
• Outside Accommodations: $60 per stateroom shipboard credit
• Balcony Accommodations: $75 per stateroom shipboard credit
• Mini-Suite Accommodations: $100 per stateroom shipboard credit
• Suites & Villa Accommodations: $150 per stateroom shipboard credit

The Jumpin’ June Sale is going on now – book by June 30, 2009!

NCL Epic Record Bookings

Posted:          June 1, 2009
Author:        Norwegian Cruise line

Category:   Press Release

Topic:            NCL Epic 1st day of reservations

Latitudes Promotion Offers Past Guests Stateroom Upgrades, Cruise Discounts and On-board Credits

MIAMI – June 1, 2009 – Norwegian Cruise Line saw demand for its largest ever Freestyle Cruising vessel Norwegian Epic skyrocket in the first week that the ship’s itineraries went on sale to the public, beginning Thursday, May 21, 2009. Norwegian Epic’s first week of bookings far exceeded opening week sales for the company’s last two new ships: Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem. All categories of staterooms were in demand, from the groundbreaking new Studios for the value-conscious traveler to the ultra luxurious villas, penthouses and deluxe owner’s suites. Prices start from $699 per person; however, based on high demand, prices increases are taking effect on some of the more popular sailings.

“We are thrilled to see the keen interest in Norwegian Epic this early on. It’s a testament to the wide range of accommodations and innovative new features that will take Freestyle Cruising to the next level,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian’s executive vice president, global sales and passenger services. “We want our guests and travel partners to know that we appreciate their excitement and support in helping to make Norwegian Epic’s launch the most successful ever. We encourage those who want to experience this extremely innovative ship to book a cruise on Norwegian Epic during her inaugural season.”

Members of Norwegian’s past guest program, Latitudes, can take advantage of a special Norwegian Epic promotional offer from now through August 31, 2009, that includes up to a three category stateroom upgrade; additional discounts on the cruise fare of up to $100 per stateroom; and up to $500 in on-board credit for suites and villas*.

Norwegian Epic is scheduled to enter service in late May 2010, and will take part in inaugural events before beginning her Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from her year-round homeport in Miami. The first Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami is scheduled for July 17, 2010 and the ship’s alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are available through April 2011.

Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. Guests can make a reservation by contacting their travel professional or Norwegian Cruise Line at 866-234-7350. More information about the ship, her itineraries and offerings can be found at epic.ncl.com.

Norwegian Epic’s Innovations & Features
Norwegian Epic is changing the face of cruise line entertainment. In another industry first, Blue Man Group will perform in the ship’s 685-seat Epic Theater. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience and beginning in the summer of 2010 will be seen for the first time ever at sea only on Norwegian Epic.

Norwegian Epic will have multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues throughout the ship so that guests can choose from a wide variety of entertainment each evening of their cruise. No longer will entertainment be focused on two nightly shows in one large main theater. Norwegian Epic will offer a number of entertainment options in specially-designed venues, some offered for the first time ever at sea, with choices to appeal to a broad audience.

On this ship, guests will find the only “big top” at sea. In this intimate 265-seat theater-in-the-round, famed producer/director Neil Goldberg will present Cirque Dreams® and Dinner. This one of a kind interactive theatrical dining experience will be performed in the air, while juggling dinner courses, with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. During this two-hour show, guests will marvel in amazement and become part of a celebration of spectacle and fantasy. The entire experience will be unlike anything else at sea.

Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 14 restaurant choices – the most at sea – and 18 bars and lounges. The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea — The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas and the first squash court at sea.

The 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest ship-within-a-ship suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; a new category of inside staterooms for the value-conscious traveler – The Studios and Living Room; and spa and family-friendly accommodations.

*On-board credit and savings offers are based on cruise length and exclude suites. The on-board credit amount for suite bookings is per stateroom and will be applied to the first and second guests in the stateroom.

About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is the innovator in cruise travel with a 42-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, NCL has the youngest fleet in the industry with 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

NCL is presently building Norwegian Epic, a third generation Freestyle Cruising ship, for delivery in 2010.