News from the world of cruising ~
August 13-20, 2001
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CELEBRITY CRUISES EXPANDS ARRAY OF OPTIONS IN CARIBBEAN
MIAMI - August 17, 2001 - Celebrity Cruises expands its presence in the Caribbean in 2002, with every elegant ship in its nine-vessel fleet sailing those tropical waters during peak Caribbean season, and two ships offering year-round Caribbean cruise vacations.
Guests will be offered a vast array of choices, in ships, itinerary length, destinations and ports of departure, with Celebrity's varied Caribbean itineraries departing from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, New York and San Juan, and ranging from six to 17 nights in length.
Celebrity's 2002 Eastern & Western Caribbean Itineraries
Century will continue to be based in Fort Lauderdale, offering year-round, alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with departures every Saturday. Western Caribbean ports of call include Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico and Key West, Florida. Eastern Caribbean itineraries include visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and Nassau, Bahamas. Prices begin at $799 per person double occupancy.
Celebrity's Millennium also returns to Fort Lauderdale for seasonal, seven-night, round-trip cruises to the Eastern Caribbean from October 14, 2001 through March 31, 2002, and again from November 10, 2002 through April 20, 2003. Ports of call include San Juan; Catalina Island, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas and Nassau, with fares starting at $949 per person, double occupancy.
On November 9, 2001, Horizon will begin round-trip sailings from one of Celebrity's newest ports of departure - Miami - departing at 10 p.m. every Friday through April 5, 2002. Ports of call include Key West; Georgetown; Cozumel and Progreso (for Merida and Chichen Itza), Mexico. Prices begin at $699 per person, double occupancy.
Both Horizon and Zenith will offer Western Caribbean sailings from Tampa, Florida, another new port of departure for Celebrity. Zenith will depart Tampa on Sundays from November 11, 2001 through April 14, 2002, while Horizon will depart on Sundays beginning November 3, 2002. Ports of call include Key West; Costa Maya; Cozumel and Georgetown, with prices beginning at $699 per person, double occupancy.
Mercury will complete the year 2002 with round-trip Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami at 10 p.m. on Friday nights beginning November 29. Ports of call include Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico, and Key West, with fares starting at $799 per person, double occupancy.
Celebrity's 2002 Southern Caribbean Itineraries
Celebrity's Galaxy will offer Caribbean cruise vacations from San Juan, departing every Friday through April 12, calling on St. Thomas; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados and Oranjestad, Aruba. Prices begin at $749 per person, double occupancy.
On April 27, Galaxy sets sail on year-round seven-night itineraries from San Juan every Saturday, with ports of call in St. Croix, U.S.V.I.; Castries, St Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; St. John's, Antigua, and St. Thomas. Fares start at $749 per person, double occupancy.
On April 19, Galaxy will present a special eight-night sailing, adding a call on Willemstad, Curacao, with prices beginning at $829 per person, double occupancy.
Infinity will join Galaxy in San Juan for weekly Saturday night departures from January 5 through April 20. Ports of call include St. Croix, St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and St. Thomas, with prices beginning at $949 per person, double occupancy.
The newest ship in the Celebrity fleet, Constellation, which launches in Spring 2002, will complete its inaugural season offering seven-night Southern Caribbean sailings from San Juan beginning November 15. Constellation will depart at 11 p.m. on Fridays, with ports of call in St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados and Aruba. Holiday sailings departing San Juan on December 20 and December 27 will visit Aruba, Barbados and St. Thomas. Fares start at $949 per person, double occupancy.
Celebrity's 2002 Ultimate Caribbean Itineraries:
For guests who wish to extend their voyages, visiting more destinations and enjoying additional time onboard, Summit will present alternating 10- and 11-night voyages departing Fort Lauderdale from January 4 through April 8, and again from October 18 through March 24, 2003.
Summit's 10-night itineraries call on St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts and St. Thomas, with prices starting at $1,029 per person, double occupancy. Eleven-night sailings visit Key West; Cozumel; Puerto Limón, Costa Rica; Colón, Panama; Cartagena, Columbia; Aruba and Grand Cayman. Prices start at $1,129 per person, double occupancy.
Celebrity's 2002 Special Caribbean Itineraries:
On April 28, Zenith will present a six-night sailing from San Juan to New York, with ports of call in St. Thomas and St. George, Bermuda. Prices begin at $559 per person, double occupancy. Following the Bermuda cruising season, Zenith will offer a 17-night cruise from New York to Valparaiso, Chile, calling on St. Thomas; Aruba; Manta, Ecuador; Callao (for Lima), Peru, and Arica, Chile. Prices start at $1,299 per person, double occupancy.
Horizon will offer two special, open-jaw cruises in the Caribbean in 2002. On October 19, Horizon presents an eight-night sailing from New York to San Juan, calling on Nassau; Tortola, B.V.I.; Antigua and St. Maarten, with prices starting at $679 per person, double occupancy.
On October 27, Horizon sets sail on a seven-night cruise from San Juan to Tampa, with stops in St. Thomas, Catalina Island, Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman. Prices start at $599 per person, double occupancy.
Celebrity Cruises is the highest-rated premium cruise line in the industry, with the youngest fleet of any major cruise line. Summit enters service in October, and Constellation will make its maiden voyage in 2002, bringing the Celebrity fleet to nine ships. For more information, visit the Celebrity web site at www.celebritycruises.com. SOURCE: Celebrity Cruises
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ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL REMAINS
TOP CHOICE FOR FAMILIES
MIAMI - (August 17, 2001) - Family vacations are more popular than ever. According to a Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown study of consumers who traveled with children ages 6-17 in the last year, 96 percent of parents feel that travel is an enriching and important experience for children.
As family vacations continue to increase, Royal Caribbean is continuing to enhance their programs to meet the demands of vacationing families.
"Our youth guests numbers have increased by 80 percent over the past decade," said Adam Goldstein, senior vice president of Total Guest Satisfaction, Royal Caribbean International. "Because more families are sailing aboard Royal Caribbean, we're committed to providing exciting and rewarding vacation and entertainment options that are unrivalled anywhere on land or sea."
From Adventure Science, which enables children to participate in 13 science experiments including "Wacky Water Workshop," "Staggering Through the Stars" and "Forensic Fun Laboratory," to the Adventure Art program, that teaches children about art around the world such as Gyotaku (art of Japanese fish painting) and Mexican silver trinkets, the "edutainment," or educational entertainment, of Adventure Ocean blends seamlessly into the cruise vacation experience.
Recent fleet-wide enhancements to the Adventure Ocean program include:
* Opening Adventure Ocean 30 minutes before departure of all morning shore excursions, which allows parents the flexibility to choose whether to take their children on a shore excursion or enjoy the day with adult family members and friends.
* Adding a fifth age group for guests from ages 15-17.
* Developing a new group for children ages 12 - 14, Navigators, separate from the Voyagers, ages 9 - 11 years.
* Creating the Adventure Ocean Computer Center, with age-appropriate software and staff-guided tutorials on all current and pending Voyager-class and Radiance-class ships.
* Eliminating the $4 charge for child services while ships are in port from noon until sailing.
* Extending the teen program hours past 2:00 a.m.
* Providing an Adventure Ocean Potion card, which allows children up to 18 years of age to enjoy 12 of their favorite non-alcoholic drinks, including "mocktails", which are available in the teen nightclubs, at a cost of $24.95, affording a considerable savings.
Other enhancements recently introduced include an expanded Adventure Ocean dining program, allowing young guests to eat dinner on several nights in the most popular dining areas with their favorite youth staff and new friends from Adventure Ocean. Last year, Royal Caribbean International also set sail with the family-friendly "Orlando Experience," a seven-night, cruise-and-land vacation package between The Bahamas and Orlando, in partnership with Universal Orlando(SM) Theme Parks and Resorts.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise company with 14 ships in service and six more under construction or on firm order. For additional information about the cruise line, please visit the company's Internet web site at www.royalcaribbean.com. source: Royal Caribbean International
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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LTD. HONORED AS ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP 100 BUSINESSES IN INNOVATIVE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
CIO Magazine recognizes business practices and services
Miami--August 15, 2001--Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has been awarded CIO Magazine's prestigious 2001 CIO-100 Award in recognition of the company's positive business performance through innovative practices and
products involving high technology.
Royal Caribbean was honored for its Information Technology Configuration Center, located in Hallandale, Florida. Built to Royal Caribbean's specification, the 22,000-square-foot facility houses more than 50 employees and is used to test and configure all computer system hardware
and software components before installation on the company's cruise ships.
The Configuration Center was designed to assist the company stage and test ship-wide computer infrastructures and train users on dozens of business and revenue systems in a realistic and integrated environment, simulating a cruise ship.
"It is a great honor to be recognized as one of the CIO-100," said Thomas Murphy, chief information officer for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "Our Information Technology team has redefined the process in which our ships are launched. These are enormous technological undertakings, involving as many as 3,500 separate components and four separate network environments, that must work flawlessly before the first cruise departs."
The CIO-100 Awards are presented annually and change their focus yearly to keep pace with ever changing business trends. This year's awards went to companies that demonstrated innovation to improve products, services, and relationships with business partners or clients.
The company's Configuration Center offers a separate staging and testing area for new ship preparations and a permanent shipboard environment in which to test new systems destined for existing ships. The facility allows Royal Caribbean to stage and configure all computer systems as they would exist on a ship. After testing each business or revenue system, the testing team plans and executes an integrated simulation of a full cruise business cycle with all systems operating "live." The company then has several weeks to train key shipboard personnel on system operations in an authentic shipboard environment where simulated voyages actually take place, with "guests," according to comprehensive testing scripts. No system is allowed "out the door" without passing user acceptance testing on functionality, user interface, interoperability, and financial reporting.
Prior to the Configuration Center, Royal Caribbean's Information Technology team actually pre-staged their equipment and software in the hallways and storage areas of new ships. Testing and final configuration was done post-installation with a fully staffed installation team staying onboard a ship to deal with any issues that might arise. With four ships being launched by the company this year, that type of installation would be impossible to manage.
In addition to providing a realistic shipboard environment, the Configuration Center was recently modified to host large shoreside hardware and software testing. Those changes led to a recent transaction volume test using 1000 simulated employees and 250 simulated workstations using four clustered servers. The successful test helped the company's office of Information Technology demonstrate the successful use of a new software
program and its effect on shoreside operations.
The recipients of this year's CIO-100 Awards were selected through a three-step process. First, companies filled out an online application form. Additionally, CIO staff and members of its expert panel nominated companies they deemed best fit the award criteria. A team of CIO editors and writers reviewed the application forms and expert recommendations and voted on the final 100. The judging objectives were to recognize positive business performance through innovative practices and products. Complete coverage of the 2001 CIO-100 Awards is featured in the August 15 issue of CIO Magazine.
"In order to survive in the competitive business world, companies rely on innovative ideas and development of those ideas into sound business processes," said Abbie Lundberg, editor in chief of CIO Magazine. "Honorees of this year's CIO-100 Awards have done just that and are being recognized for their ingenuity and success."
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Celebrity Tours. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises have a combined total of 21 ships in service and eight under construction or on firm order. Royal Celebrity Tours operates land-tour vacations in Alaska utilizing the world's largest glass-domed railcars. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com & www.celebritycruises.com. SOURCE: Royal Caribbean International
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Easy-to-Read Format Highlights Cruise Destinations
MIAMI, Aug. 15 - Delta Queen Coastal Voyages, a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages Co., announced today that its all-new 2002 brochure is now available. The 102-page, four-color brochure offers a streamlined format that makes it simple for passengers to get information about cruises to historic, exotic and picturesque destinations aboard the new 224-passenger twin coastal cruisers Cape May Light and Cape Cod Light.
"Our new 2002 Delta Queen Coastal Voyages brochure is refreshingly consumer friendly and makes it easier than ever for travelers to see at a glance which cruises are offered at the time they want to go and to the places they want to visit,'' says Scott McGinnis, Delta Queen Coastal Voyages' vice president of marketing.
An easy-to-use new feature of the brochure is a front cover gatefold with a month-by-month list of cruises through April 2003. Inside, vacations are grouped by four cruise regions: the tropical coastlines of Latin America, the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, New England and the Maritime Provinces, and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Colorful "stamps'' alert consumers to special deals on select cruises, such as a six-month early- booking bonus of up to $1,600 per couple or, on cruises booked before November 30, 2001, discounts of up to $3,095 per couple.
The centerpiece of the 2002 summer schedule is a total of 32 sailings to ports along the Great Lakes, one of today's hottest cruise destinations, including three-, four- and seven-night roundtrips out of Chicago, IL on Cape May Light. In its inaugural summer season, the Cape Cod Light, currently under construction, will sail a series of seven-night cruises on the eastern Great Lakes and along the picturesque St. Lawrence Seaway. Both ships' schedules also include seven- and 14-night cruises to historic and scenic ports from Jacksonville, FL to Halifax, NS, including cruises that highlight the historic cities of the Chesapeake Bay area and the glorious hues of the fall foliage in New England.
The winter schedule includes seven- and 10-night cruises to more than 25 different destinations along Central America's tropical coastlines, where passengers can discover the treasures of exotic climes, from tropical flowers and wildlife in lush rainforests to fascinating Mayan heritage.
Incorporating the six-month early-booking bonus, cruise-only fares for both ships, including port charges, range from as low as $995 per person double occupancy for three-night cruises to $4,195 for 14-night cruises. And unlike the majority of cruises today, the fare includes shore excursions in most ports of call, giving every passenger the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, culture and heritage of those destinations. At selected ports, optional shore excursions are also available, at an additional charge. For more information, consumers should contact their Travel Agent or visit www.coastalvoyages.com.
Delta Queen Coastal Voyages currently operates the 224-passenger Cape May Light, which is styled after the great coastal steamers of the late 19th century. The ship sails in New England and the Maritime Provinces, along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway and along Latin America's tropical coastlines, offering nearly 20 different destination-rich cruise vacations with an emphasis on the heritage, attractions and natural wonders of more than 100 unique locations. A second vessel, the Cape Cod Light, is scheduled to enter service in April 2002. Delta Queen Coastal Voyages is a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages Co., the world's largest U.S.-flag cruise company with a fleet of seven U.S.-crewed vessels. For more information, visit www.coastalvoyages.com or www.amcv.com. SOURCE: Delta Queen Coastal Voyages
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MIAMI, Aug. 14 -- American Classic Voyages Co., the largest American cruise company, today announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2001. Revenues for the second quarter were $78.1 million, an increase of $17.3 million, or 28 percent, over the second quarter of 2000. Net loss for the second quarter was $7.7 million, or $0.36 per basic and diluted share, as compared to net income of $1.3 million, or $0.06 per basic and diluted share, in the second quarter of 2000.
"Our financial results in the second quarter reflect continued pressure on yields as a result of a weak economic environment, particularly in Hawaii,'' said Phil Calian, AMCV's Chief Executive Officer. "Yet, our aggressive sales and marketing actions in the past several months have done much to stabilize our Hawaii operations, and we are seeing marked occupancy improvement for the second half of the year in Hawaii.''
The company reported that its advance bookings for the Independence and Patriot indicate occupancy levels of 104 percent in the third quarter and 88 percent in the fourth quarter, with yields for the second half of the year 10 percent to 15 percent higher than in the second quarter. As a result, the company said it now expects yields at American Hawaii Cruises in the $115 to $120 range for the full year 2001, versus previous guidance of $100 to $115; yields at United States Lines are expected to be in the range of $135 to $140 for the full year 2001.
The company also reported that its 2002 Hawaii advance group bookings were running 60 percent higher than advance group bookings at this time last year for 2001, and that group fare per diems were up 40 percent year-over-year. "While difficult to increase our yields amidst the general economic downturn, we are encouraged by our progress in developing a strong 2002 group base for Hawaii,'' Calian said.
The company said it expects yields on its Delta Queen river boats and coastal vessel of between $195 and $205 for the full year 2001.
Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2001 were $142.3 million, a 40 percent increase over the prior year period, primarily attributable to an increase in capacity from the December 2000 introduction of the Patriot. Net loss for the first six months of 2001 was $20.4 million, or $0.97 per basic and diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $5.1 million, or $0.25 per basic and diluted share, during the first six months of 2000. The second quarter and six month results for 2001 include an unrealized after-tax gain of $2.2 million, or $0.10 per share, for the periodic revaluation of the Company's Stock Appreciation Units.
The company expects its EBITDA in the second half of this year to break-even, excluding relocation costs. The company attributes the anticipated improvement in second half performance to increased revenues and reduced selling, general and administrative expenses from its cost control program implemented in June.
The company stated that discussions with Northrop Grumman/Ingalls Shipbuilding regarding issues affecting construction of two 1,900 passenger cruise ships, known as Project America, were continuing. "We and Northrop Grumman are focused on understanding and resolving the issues and we will provide a more detailed update when appropriate,'' Calian said.
American Classic Voyages is the largest owner and operator of U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed passenger vessels. Its cruise lines explore the inland rivers and coastal waters of North America and sail throughout the Hawaiian Islands. For more information, visit www.amcv.com. SOURCE: American Classic Voyages
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CARNIVAL TO DEBUT 'FUN SHIP' SAILINGS FROM EUROPE IN 2002
New 2,124-Passenger Carnival Legend to Operate 12-Day Northern Europe,
15-Day Transatlantic Sailings from London in Summer 2002
MIAMI (08/15/01) - Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce "Fun Ship" cruising from Europe in summer 2002 with a 12-day Northern European voyage and a 15-day transatlantic crossing from London (Harwich), England, to New York aboard the new 88,500-ton Carnival Legend, currently under construction in Helsinki, Finland.
"We've been eyeing 'Fun Ship' departures from Europe for several years and for our first foray into this market we've assembled two outstanding itineraries featuring some of the region's most historic, charming and picturesque cities," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president. "With its vast array of signature 'Fun Ship' amenities, spectacular indoor and outdoor promenades, and huge percentage of ocean view and balconied staterooms, Carnival Legend will bring a fresh new alternative to the European market and offer the ideal environment for exploring this popular cruise region," he said.
12-Day Northern Europe Voyage from London (Harwich) The Carnival Legend will inaugurate "Fun Ship" European cruising with a 12-day Northern European voyage sailing round-trip from London (Harwich) Aug. 24 - Sept. 5, 2002. The voyage will include stops at Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemünde, Germany (optional shore excursion to Berlin available); and Helsinki, Finland; followed by a two-day stay in St. Petersburg, Russia; and visits to Tallinn, Estonia; and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In conjunction with this sailing, Carnival will offer an optional two-night pre- or post-cruise land stay in London, which, when combined with the Carnival Legend's 12-day Northern Europe cruise, creates the ultimate two-week European getaway.
15-Day Transatlantic Voyage from London Following its 12-day Northern Europe cruise, Carnival Legend will sail on Carnival's first regularly scheduled "Fun Ship" transatlantic cruise, a 15-day voyage departing London (Harwich) Sept. 5 and arriving New York Sept. 20, 2002. Ports on this voyage include Le Havre, France (optional shore excursion to Paris available); Cobh (Cork), Ireland; Greenock, Scotland (optional shore excursion to Glasgow available); Reykjavik, Iceland; and St. John's, Newfoundland. Carnival will offer an optional two-night pre-cruise land stay in London with this sailing, as well.
Dickinson noted that because this is Carnival's first foray into the European market, these voyages are expected to sell out very quickly and consumers are encouraged to book early to reserve their spot on this one-of-a-kind vacation experience. "Guests have been requesting 'Fun Ship' voyages from Europe for a number of years and if these sailings are as successful as we anticipate, space will be at a premium," he said. Dickinson added that, based on response to Carnival Legend's European departures, the company may offer additional European sailings in the future.
Variety of On-Board Amenities, Dramatic 'Legendary' Interiors
The Carnival Legend, the third in Carnival's highly successful "Spirit-class" series, will offer a wide variety of "resort-style" amenities and facilities, which will be enhanced by dramatic interiors inspired by some of the world's most famous legends and historical figures. Among the Carnival Legend's many highlights will be 18 bars, lounges and nightspots, a duty-free shopping mall, a 13,700-square-foot health spa featuring the latest exercise equipment and treatments, an Internet Library, an expansive casino, a 2,400-square-foot children's play area, four swimming pools and a cascading water slide.
Myriad Dining Options, Spacious Accommodations
As part of Carnival's Total Choice Dining(SM), cruising's most comprehensive dining program offering the widest variety of formal and casual options at sea, the Carnival Legend will offer a two-level formal restaurant serving elaborate full-service meals, a casual poolside eatery offering full breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, and extensive salad and dessert bars, and a reservations-only supper club offering prime steaks, seafood and other upscale cuisine. A patisserie serving specialty coffee and sweets, and complimentary 24-hour pizzeria, ice cream/frozen yogurt and stateroom service will be available, as well. The ship will also house 1,062 staterooms, 80 percent of which will feature a spacious sitting area and ocean view, with 80 percent of those offering private balconies. Several levels of deluxe accommodations will be featured, as well.
Carnival is currently accepting reservations for the Carnival Legend's 2002 European and transatlantic departures. Prices for the Carnival Legend's 12-day Northern Europe voyage begin at $1,999 per person, while the 15-day transatlantic crossing is available starting at $1,099 per person. If purchased via Carnival's new "Fun Finance Plan(SM),"the 12-day cruise is available starting at $93 per month, and the 15-day voyage at $51 per month (based on a 24-month payment term at the lowest annual percentage rate available). Actual monthly payment and terms may vary according to the applicant's credit qualifications. Valid for U.S. individual bookings only. Certain other restrictions apply. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, as well as round-trip air transportation from a variety of North American gateways, are also available.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call Carnival's Special Europe Desk at 1-866-204-2979, or visit www.carnival.com. SOURCE: Carnival Cruise Line
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CARNIVAL PRIDE TO FEATURE JOE'S WORLD-FAMOUS STONE CRABS
MIAMI (08/14/01) - As part of an exclusive agreement between Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant and Carnival Cruise Lines, stone crab claws from the world-famous Miami Beach eatery will be served aboard the line's new 88,500-ton Carnival Pride, scheduled to enter service from Port Canaveral,
Fla., Jan. 12, 2002.
The succulent crustaceans, which made their shipboard debut on Carnival Spirit earlier this year, will be among the featured menu items in David's, the Carnival Pride's "steakhouse-style" supper club serving USDA prime aged beef, seafood, and other upscale cuisine in a refined atmosphere. David's will carry a $20 per person reservations fee.
"Stone crabs from Joe's were an immediate hit aboard the Carnival Spirit - an average of 300 pounds of claws are consumed each week - and we're delighted to offer this unforgettable culinary experience on the Carnival Pride when it debuts next year," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president.
The claws, native to Florida waters, are traditionally served cold accompanied by Joe's signature mustard sauce or drawn butter. The crabs' hard shells are cracked with a wooden mallet immediately prior to serving to preserve freshness.
In addition to crab claws from Florida's most famous restaurant, David's will offer an extensive menu modeled after New York's widely popular steakhouses with a choice of nine different salads and appetizers, nine entrees, including top quality, hand- cut dry aged beef, and a variety of decadent desserts.
Guests can begin their meal with starters such as New England Crab Cakes, Lobster Bisque with Vintage Cognac, Beef Carpaccio with Shaved Parmesan Cheese and Marinated Mache Lettuce, and the Parisian classic, Baked Onion Soup "Les Halles." Steaks, which are grilled to guests' exact specifications, include the 24-ounce porterhouse, 14-ounce New York strip, 18-ounce prime rib and nine-ounce filet mignon. Broiled Center-Cut Provimi Veal Chop, Broiled South African Lobster Tail with Citrus Butter, Grilled Double-Cut Lamb Chops and Whole Dover Sole Meuniere round out the supper club's diverse, wide-ranging menu. Accompanying entrees are traditional "steakhouse" side dishes such as creamed spinach, golden skillet potatoes, sautéed mushrooms and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes with wasabi horseradish. Desserts are just as varied, with the classic Trio of Crème Brulee, Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake, Tarte Tatin, a warm French apple tart, and Symphony of Cheesecakes, comprised of five, individual portions with assorted toppings, serving as a delicious finale. An extensive wine list and a specialty beverage menu featuring ports, cognacs, brandies and other after-dinner drinks, will be featured, as well.
Attentive, leisurely paced service will be the hallmark of David's, whose interior is dominated by a 12-foot-high replica of the famed Michelangelo statue, along with a décor featuring ornate wood patterns and other design elements reminiscent of the Renaissance style. Located at the top of a soaring nine-deck-high atrium and housed under a red-tinted glass dome that forms the forward portion of the Carnival Pride's massive winged funnel, David's takes its cue from the classic supper clubs of the past, with nightly entertainment and a dance floor. The restaurant also features an intimate bar, ideal for cocktails before or after dinner, and a cooking display area where diners can view the chefs preparing their culinary masterpieces.
An intimate dinner at David's is just one of several dining options aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride, which will also house the two-level Normandie formal restaurant serving multi-course, full-service meals, as well as the poolside Mermaids Grille. This casual Lido-area eatery will offer full breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, a 24-hour pizzeria, a New York-style deli, and Asian and American specialty areas. The Piazza Café, a patisserie serving specialty coffees and sweets, along with complimentary 24-hour room service, are also available. All of these options comprise Carnival's Total Choice Dining(SM), cruising's most comprehensive dining program offering the widest variety of formal and casual options at sea.
The 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride is scheduled to debut from Port Canaveral Jan. 12, 2002, on week-long eastern and western Caribbean departures, becoming the newest and largest cruise ship to sail year-round from this rapidly expanding Central Florida port. Eastern Caribbean cruises will feature the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay or Salt Cay; St. Thomas/St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands; and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, while the western route will include stops at Key West, Fla.; Belize City, Belize; and Progreso/Merida, and Playa del Carmen/Cozumel, Mexico.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call
1-800-CARNIVAL, or visit www.carnival.com. SOURCE: Carnival Cruise Line
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Pimentel Joins Brynestad in New Yacht Club
Venture -- SeaDream Yacht Club
The Pair that Set the Standard for Luxury Small Ships is Back Together
MIAMI Aug. 13, 2001 - Atle Brynestad, Norwegian industrialist who founded the former Seabourn Cruise Line, sold it to Cunard, and recently repurchased two of its luxury Yachts, today announced that Larry Pimentel, CTC, high profile international travel executive, will become co-owner, chairman and CEO of a new seagoing venture involving the two yachts called SeaDream Yacht Club. The yachts will be known as SeaDream I and SeaDream II.
The announcement marks a successful and exciting culmination to widespread travel industry speculation concerning Pimentel's future that followed his departure (in February, 2001) from the offices of president and CEO of Cunard Line Limited.
In commenting on the addition of Pimentel to the team, Brynestad said, "Larry Pimentel is a widely respected travel marketer who brings a unique wealth of marketing, sales and business acumen from a variety of other industry disciplines. His perspectives on marketing and sales of luxury products are well known and admired. He is a creative and imaginative executive with strong leadership skills. I am delighted to have him at the helm of our new endeavor. Under his leadership in the 90's, the luxury cruise line he directed consistently garnered top awards, honors and accolades from travel and cruise guidebooks and other authoritative publications.''
Pimentel stated: "I am thrilled to re-join my close entrepreneurial friend and associate Atle Brynestad in this exciting new club venture. We will operate the twin yachts on their existing published schedules through the end of April 2002 at highly favorable rates until they are entirely refurbished. This will provide a rare opportunity to sample these splendid yachts at value-packed pricing. These famous twins were the prototypes of intimate, ultra luxury seagoing vacations. These yachts have maintained their image and loyal following largely due to the outstanding crew.''
"In May 2002 we will totally refit and refurbish these yachts for an exciting reincarnation. We cannot discuss that re-birth now, but we promise to provide the unexpected. The product to be introduced will not be a cruise line product, but an extraordinary, ultra luxury, mega yachting experience not currently available. These yachts will be the top choice of individuals relentlessly seeking casual perfection. Expect the Unexpected!'' Pimentel said.
Pimentel promised further announcements in December to unveil a new and exciting genre of leisure lifestyle travel. "Expect the Unexpected''
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MORE THAN 50 EXOTIC SHORE EXCURSIONS ARE SET FOR CRYSTAL CRUISES' FALL AFRICA SERIES
LOS ANGELES, August 13, 2001 -- A game drive through Amboseli National Park in the shadows of Mt. Kilimanjaro, a hot air balloon ride over Luxor, a four-wheel drive exploration to Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, and a twilight pan-African banquet at the remote Phinda Rock Lodge in Kwazulu are just five of the more than 50 shore excursions developed for Crystal Cruises' fall Africa sailings. The specially-created shoreside programs along the east and west coasts of Africa are available in conjunction with five varying itineraries aboard Crystal Symphony, ranging from an eight-day voyage to a 46-day circumnavigation of the continent. Departures are Oct. 1, 17, and 25, 2001.
"In keeping with Crystal's penchant for providing guests a range of choices, we have scheduled a variety of programs to intimately explore the continent's historical, cultural, colonial and natural treasures, as well as its abundant wildlife," says Craig Laforest, director, land programs.
The luxury line will also offer some of the highest-rated Africa shore excursions from Crystal Symphony's World Cruise which sailed the region earlier this year.
Among the fall program's highlights:
* From Alexandria, Egypt, "Sakkara and the Pyramids" offers a rare opportunity to visit the Pyramid of King Zoser, Giza Sphynx, and the largest pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Cheops, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
* From Banjul, Gambia, local wildlife guides will take guests on a trek through the dense Abuko Natural Reserve, the rainforest that is home to trailing creepers and epiphytes, green monkeys, crocodiles, and more than 200 species of birds
* From Cape Town, South Africa, the Scenic Mountain Pass Journey travels the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the 1,300-foot summit of Sir Lowry's Pass affording views of the Cape Peninsula from Table Mountain to the lighthouse, Franschhoek Pass and Stellenbosch
* Unforgettable Phinda, a three-night program from Durban, South Africa, features game drives and bush walks in Zululand among Kenya's Ubombo Mountains, home to seven distinct ecosystems. Sightings of "The Big Five" -- lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros -- and whale sharks, giant leatherback turtles, antelope, and more than 350 species of birds, are juxtaposed with luxurious overnight accommodations in the ultra-exclusive Phinda Rock Lodge, where each "room," is actually a private cliff chalet with personal plunge pools overlooking Leopard Rock
* From Mombasa, the three-night Exclusive Ngorongoro Crater overland program highlights Tanzania's abundant 102-square mile wildlife preserve, with a descent into the crater via four-wheel drive vehicle, and overnight accommodations at the sumptuous Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offering personal butler service and views of the Crater more than 1,500 feet below
* Also from Mombasa, Shadowns of Kilimanjaro: Amboseli National Park offers a private flight and safari in the wetlands surrounding the mighty mountain
* From Safaga, Egypt, the Hot Air Balloon over Luxor provides a bird's-eye view of the majestic Nile, as well as the capital's gargantuan Karnak Temple
Crystal Symphony's fall Africa schedule features five cruises, free hotel
stays and savings of up to 60% off previously published brochure prices:
* Oct. 17-25; 8 days; Mombasa to Cape Town with calls in Tanzania and South Africa; cruise fares start at only $3,090
* Oct. 1-17; 16-days; Rome to Mombasa, with calls in Egypt and Saudi Arabia; cruise fares start at $6,170
* Oct. 25-Nov. 16; 22 days; Cape Town to Lisbon with calls in Namibia, Principe, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Senegal, Cape Verde, and Canary Islands; two-night pre-cruise hotel stay at Cape Town's luxurious Mt. Nelson Hotel and one-night post cruise hotel stay in Lisbon starts at only $4,995, a savings of up to 60% off brochure prices
* Oct. 1-25; 24 days; Rome to Cape Town with calls in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa; cruise fares start at $8,445.
* Oct 1-Nov 16; 46 days; Rome to Lisbon with calls in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Principe, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Senegal, Cape Verde, and Canary Islands, and one-night Lisbon hotel stay starts at $12,790, a savings of up to 46% off brochure prices
All fares listed are based on per person, double occupancy accommodations. At 50,000 tons with 940 guests, the spacious Crystal Symphony, and her sister ship Crystal Harmony, are the highest-rated, large luxury ships afloat. The line's most recent accolade is the sixth consecutive designation as "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line," as determined by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. Crystal Cruises is booked exclusively through travel agents. For a complimentary 2001 Africa highlights brochure, or information on any worldwide itinerary, call 800.820.6663. Visit the line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.
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Shipping Minister Declares Dovers Second Cruise Terminal Open
August 2001 -- Minister for Shipping, David Jamieson, declared Dovers second dedicated cruise liner terminal officially open today.
This is my first opportunity to visit a port in my official capacity since taking over the responsibility for maritime issues. I am delighted to see first hand this thriving seaport and to open this marvellous new cruise terminal, he said.
Mr Jamieson, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Devonport, was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, responsible for transport, in June. He was welcomed to the port by Robert Dibble, Chairman of Dover Harbour Board.
This is a celebration of achievement by so many - those who work for Dover Harbour Board, our suppliers and the teams behind the cruise lines themselves who collectively produce a product of which we are justly proud, said Mr Dibble.
Mr Jamieson unveiled a commemorative plaque in front of over 150 guests. After the ceremony, guests were invited on board Renaissance Cruises R EIGHT at Terminal 2, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines newly-inaugurated Braemar berthed at Terminal 1, for ship tours and lunch. SOURCE: Port of Dover
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