~ SEA VIEWS ~
The Newsletter for Cruise Travelers
December 15, 2001
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...
Cruise Diva's FOCUS is on the Cruise Lines and it's never been a better time to book a cruise. Fares are generally lower than ever before and choices are high. It's those very choices that make it all the more difficult to select the cruise line and vessel to fit your lifestyle. Cruise Diva set out to simplify that decision-making process by creating nearly 150 pages of exclusive cruise line and cruise ship information.
In this FOCUS feature, you'll find:
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Cruise Style Categories -- What are your expectations? Be realistic. Cruise lines fall into loose categories that are generally termed Mainstream, Premium, and Luxury. Learn what distinguishes them from one another.
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Cruise Line Profiles -- Use the Cruise Line Profiles to get a flavor of what to anticipate from each of the major cruise lines. Each profile includes the cruise line's category, special features, sailing regions, who your shipmates will be and, what makes them attractive for children and families.
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Cruise Ship Fun Facts -- Learn some fun and interesting facts about your favorite cruise ship.
Pre-cruise, where to stay near Port Everglades?
Hyatt Regency Pier 66 ~ Fort Lauderdale - The 22 acres of swamp land purchased by Phillips Petroleum a half century ago has grown from a simple watercraft gas station to one of Fort Lauderdale's premier landmarks. It's my choice for the ideal pre-cruise overnight.
Cruise News Briefs
In a traditional maritime hand-over ceremony at Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland, Carnival Cruise Lines took delivery of the new 88,500-ton Carnival Pride, the 16th vessel in the line's "Fun Ship" fleet.
While in Helsinki, Carnival Corp chairman Micky Arison noted that cruise industry consolidation will continue, as lines with relatively weak bottom lines seek the protection of companies with stronger financial positioning. He had no comment when asked about the pending merger of Royal Caribbean and Princess.
Holland America Line has announced a revised delivery schedule of new ships. The first of the vessels, the 1,848 passenger ms Zuiderdam will be delivered Nov. 15, 2002.
Cunard Line has signed a letter of intent for the construction of a new 1,968 passenger liner to serve the British market. Costing approximately $400 million, the ship will be delivered to Cunard in January 2005, just one year after the launch of the line's much anticipated Queen Mary 2.
Royal Caribbean unveils a tasty treat: The Royal Caribbean International Cookbook. Available at bookstores nationwide for $25.00, it can be purchased online at a reduced rate through the Royal Caribbean Store at www.royalcaribbean.com (select the Gift Catalog & Royal Caribbean Store merchandise links).
Holland America Line offers travelers eight opportunities in 2002 to take a three- or four-day cruise among mystical islands, by rustic towns perched upon forested shores and into bustling harbors to sample the sights and delights of three of the Pacific Northwest's most intriguing cities: Seattle, Vancouver and Victoria.
For the 10th consecutive year, Holland America Line was named the "Best Overall Cruise Value" by the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society.
Full stories & more in the Cruise News
Who's cruising? Check the latest New Cruise Reviews!
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Nancy Nelson finds the smoke-free atmosphere on Carnival Paradise is particularly refreshing.
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Armand Mantia discovers some "off the beaten path" Caribbean islands while cruising on Holland America Line's Zaandam.
Just in time for holiday stocking stuffers:
The Magellan's Catalog contains a wide selection of gear for the serious cruise traveler on your list. Through December 19th, orders will be upgraded to rush shipping at no additional charge.
Hot Tip: Pack a pad of Post-It notes to leave messages for your cabin steward, family, & shipboard friends. ~ Find more Hot Tips... here
Elsewhere on the Internet:
Cruise Gourmet -- What's for dinner? Cruise Gourmet cooks up some of the best food afloat and ashore. Meet the chefs and create your own culinary masterpieces with their gourmet recipes for successful dining.
Coming in the next SEA VIEWS Newsletter:
Wrapping up 2001 and a look ahead at what's new at sea for 2002!
BON VOYAGE!
Linda Coffman, Editor & Hostess
CruiseDiva.com
"The world's best islands are the ones that float and move.
They're called cruise ships." ~ Cruise Diva
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Photo Courtesy Hyatt Regency Pier 66
