~ SEA VIEWS ~
The Newsletter for Cruise Travelers
January 15, 2002
Welcome aboard Cruise Diva's SEA VIEWS newsletter and thank you for subscribing. SEA VIEWS is a twice-monthly email publication containing the latest news afloat and the cruise travel information you want.
So many ships, so little time...
What do women and cruise liners have in common? Like ladies who have reached a "certain stage in life," our feminine floating counterparts appreciate a bit of sprucing up to ward off the aging process. There's always a new "look" for women to aspire to and the same goes for cruise ships.
In "people years" Crystal Cruises' luxurious Crystal Symphony is but a youngster (launched in 1995)... however, a ship at sea doesn't age quite as gracefully as her land bound cruise mates. There's all that sun and salt water to contend with, not to mention the wear and tear of thousands of guests who scurry up her gangways every year.
What happens when a cruise liner needs a bit of updated panache? Come behind the scenes with Cruise Diva to see what went into the dry-dock makeover of luxurious Crystal Symphony. Her POSH Crystal Penthouse is pictured here and her story and more photos are available at Cruise Diva's FOCUS is on Cruise Ships & Dry-dock
Cruise News Briefs
In the continuing saga of the Royal Caribbean/Princess/Carnival "Love Boat" Triangle, Carnival Corporation made an appeal to P&O Princess stockholders. Are they the better match? Read their Response to P&O Princess and you decide.
Royal Caribbean International has announced enhancements to the Crown and Anchor Society that benefit loyal past passengers.
With more ships slated to enter service in 2002 than in any other single year in the history of the cruise industry, the new year is shaping up to be a significant period for the North American cruise lines. Fifteen ships, accommodating 49 to 2,600 guests, will spawn intriguing new itineraries both close to home and around the world, an expanding roster of options and unprecedented value, says Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL).
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises will introduce new itineraries and services throughout its acclaimed luxury fleet during 2002 and begin to take bookings for the 700-guest, all balcony-suite Seven Seas Voyager, whose maiden voyage is scheduled for April 1, 2003. Also new, the Paul Gauguin and Radisson Diamond will offer butler service in top suites; the Seven Seas Mariner will sail her first Europe season; the Seven Seas Navigator will offer a 68-night "Circle South Pacific" voyage; and Song of Flower will ply a southern transatlantic route en route to spending her winter 2002/03 season in South America.
Great news on the southeastern home front--"drive in" cruises close to home. Beginning 12/13/02, Celebrity Cruise Line's Galaxy will sail 10 and 11 night cruises round trip from Charleston, South Carolina. The 12/13/02, is a 10 night cruise and she will alternate between 10 and 11 night cruises through 2/24/03, finishing the series with a 9 night cruise on 3/7/03.
Holland America has melted pricing for Alaska cruises and cruise-tour packages during peak summer travel months in 2002. Passengers who book by January 31st, can save up to $2000 per person with new 50% price breaks on more than 40 peak travel dates for vacations to Alaska. From May through August, Holland America will take 50% off Alaska cruise fares for all cabin categories with savings of more than $1,000 per person on inside cabins and more than $2,000 per person on verandah suites with balconies. Dates are available on all ships sailing to Alaska for Holland America, including the newest vessel, the 1,380-passenger ms Amsterdam, with round-trip Seattle, Washington-based itineraries to the Inside Passage.
Full news stories & more in the Cruise News
Who's cruising? Check the latest New Cruise Reviews!
Elsewhere on the Internet:
Cruise Ship & Port Web Cams -- Where's your favorite ship today? Get a view from the bridge or step ashore to visit the port of call where she's berthed.
Cruise Diva's Book Selection for January
100 Best Cruise Vacations: The Top Cruises Throughout
the World for All Interests & Budgets, by Theodore W. Scull
Cruise Diva's comments: Explore 100 top rated cruise vacations selected by distinguished maritime author Ted Scull. Beautifully illustrated and thoroughly researched, this book is a real treasure for the discriminating cruise traveler.
In the Next issue of SEA VIEWS
Come along with Cruise Diva to inspect Windstar's fabulous WIND SURF in Fort Lauderdale!
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Photo Courtesy of Crystal Cruises
