News from the world of cruising ~
August 20-27, 2001
Back to Cruise News Weekly Index & Archive
CHARLIE PALMER WILL CREATE SEABOURN MENUS
Award-Winning Aureole Founder To Add Flair to
Celebrated Shipboard Cuisine
MIAMI -- Ultra luxury cruise pioneer Seabourn Cruise Line has secured the services of renowned American chef-restaurateur Charlie Palmer to design over 200 new signature recipes for cuisine to be served in the exclusive, single seating restaurants aboard the line's elegant, yacht-like ships.
Charlie Palmer raised Progressive American Cuisine to a world-class level with creations lauded for their clever combinations of big, bold flavors, attention to the finest fresh, seasonal ingredients and playful, aesthetic presentations. He has established stylish, successful and critically-acclaimed restaurants in the most competitive markets across America from New York to California. Now he will take his clear, uniquely creative chef's sensibility onto the high seas, to explore the world's most mouth-watering destinations on ships whose talented staffs can do full justice to his culinary imagination. Because Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend each carry just 104 couples and have attracted highly skilled chefs, galley and wait staffs, the ships' single seating restaurants are capable of producing cuisine that Gourmet Magazine cited as "consistently excellent." When Charlie Palmer expands his palette to include the regional influences and fresh ingredients of the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and the America
"We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Charlie Palmer," said Richard Meadows, CTC, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Seabourn. "His fresh approach and unique creative sensibility have completely captivated critics and diners in the most competitive restaurant markets in America. Charlie's cooking thrills traditional gourmands as well as those looking to be surprised. It's a blend of savvy and sophistication that's a great match for the Yachts of Seabourn. We know that Charlie will take Seabourn's culinary excellence to a new level."
"I'm pleased that Seabourn's guests will be enjoying my recipes during their cruises," said Chef Palmer. "I frankly know of no other ships capable of consistently turning out quality cuisine to match what we create at Aureole. But I'm confident that Seabourn will do it."
The three year agreement calls for Palmer to create a wide array of signature dishes consisting of hot and cold appetizers, hot and cold soups and entrees, as well as vegetarian entrees, low-fat, low calorie options for the line's celebrated Simplicity offerings and desserts. These signature dishes will supplement the existing favorites to provide dinner menus rich with variety. The ship's chefs will be trained in Palmer's shoreside restaurants, and Palmer will then provide shipboard training and cook-through of the menus on each of Seabourn's three 104-couple ships: Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend. The new menus are expected to begin appearing on board in early 2002.
The yachts of Seabourn provide the ultimate in small-ship, ultra-luxury cruise vacations to the most desirable destinations on earth. The Seabourn fleet includes Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend. Seabourn Cruise Line is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Together, these member lines share a commitment to quality and value, offering cruise vacations that appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets and sail to some of the world's most exciting destinations. Charlie Palmer has combined his creative cooking spirit with his flair for business to establish an impressive roster of restaurants across the country - Aureole; Alva; and Métrazur in New York City; Aureole at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and Charlie Palmer Steak at The Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas; and Dry Creek Kitchen located in the Palmer-owned boutique Hotel Healdsburg in Sonoma, CA. In addition, Charlie Palmer owns and operates Astra East and West, impressive catering and event spaces located, respectively, in the D&D building in New York and the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.
Charlie Palmer is the author of 2 cookbooks, Great American Food and Charlie Palmer's Casual Cooking, and has developed a line of products, including handmade steak knives, savory pan sauces and dessert toppings. Source: Seabourn Cruise Line
Among the Charlie Palmer recipes that will be added to the Seabourn repertoire are:
Hot Appetizers: Butter Braised Lobster and Sweet Pea Leaf Ravioli with Carrot-Ginger Emulsion. Sautéed Escalopes of Foie Gras with Savory Corn Cakes. Herb Grilled Quail and French Green Lentils.
Cold Appetizers: Pepper-Seared Salmon and New Potato Terrine with Spring Leeks and Horseradish Cream. Slow Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Gateau with Toasted Walnut Vinaigrette.
Soups: Roasted Vidalia Onion Consommé with Sherry Braised Oxtail and Bone Marrow. Olive Oil Poached Rock Shrimp Gazpacho with Lime, Avocado and Cumin. Sweet Corn, Chanterelle and Bay Scallop Chowder.
Entrees: Sautéed Pheasant with Crisp Spring Rolls and Red Onion Marmalade. Rabbit Saddle with Truffle Sauce, Snap Peas and Pea Shoots. Grilled Venison Chops with 50 Year Old Balsamic Vinegar and Foie Gras Sauce. Grilled Lamb Loin with Roasted Morels, Parmesan Flan and Sweet Peas. Pan Roasted Halibut with Spring Asparagus Risotto. Lobster, Lobster, Lobster and Lobster Sauce.
Vegetarian Entrees: Slow Braised Root Vegetables and Black Truffles En Croute. Soy Glazed Shittakes and Gingered Greens, Crunchy Vidalia Onions and Onion Soubise. Savoy Cabbage Stuffed with Cepes and Caramelized Onions, Rosemary Polenta and Roasted Mushroom Jus.
Simplicity Selections: Crab Lasagna with Tomato Basil Coulis. Aromatic Braised Seabass with Fennel and Tomato Bouillon. Seared Chicken Breast, Four Grain Vegetable Risotto and Red Onion Vinaigrette.
Desserts: Crème Brulee En Parade (Classic Vanilla, Jasmine and Cappuccino). Caramelized Pear and Almond Tart with Sour Cream Ice Cream. Molten Chocolate Cinnamon Cake with Double Cappuccino Ice Cream and Crisp Tuiles.
Back to the top of the news list
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL & CELEBRITY CRUISES PARTNER WITH TOP TOUR OPERATOR ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S CRUISE DIVISION
MIAMI - 8/24/01 - Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. today announced
plans to expand operations into Europe. Partnering with a division of the
Abercrombie & Kent group of companies (A&K), both cruise lines will offer
cruise-tour packages in Spain, Italy, Denmark, France, Ireland and England,
in conjunction with all Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises
ships deployed on selective round-trip European sailings.
A division of A&K, the top-ranked tour operator and safari outfitter, will organize the pre- and post-cruise land tours for guests wishing to extend their vacation experience. With 42 offices globally, the company draws on a vast network to supply customers with knowledgeable and expert tour directors, four-star deluxe accommodations, transportation between cities, first-class amenities and culturally educational activities.
"We are enthusiastic about our alliance with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, which brings together two companies, each preeminent in their own right, to create a one-stop shop of tour operations across Europe," said Joss Kent, chief operating officer of A&K. "Working in partnership with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, we have been able to design creative itineraries, complete with intriguing tours, professionally-trained staff and upscale amenities, all at reasonable prices."
Three- to six-night packages will be offered in conjunction with European cruises on Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Rhapsody of the Seas, and Celebrity Cruises' Millennium, Mercury and Constellation. The six-night Barcelona cruise tour to Paris, Provence, an Barcelona incorporates TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) train transportation, a wine tasting in a Provençal winery, and walking tours.
Vacationers traveling to Italy can join the four-night tour of Rome, Florence and Siena, focusing on art, history and architecture. Additional land-tour vacations are available to destinations such as London, Stonehenge, Bath, Ireland and Copenhagen.
Royal Celebrity Tours, through an agreement with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, will manage the tour operations. "Based on the successful launch of our Alaska cruise tours, we realize that consumers want, and are responding positively, to the enhanced vacation products and varied itineraries we offer in Alaska, Canada and, now, Europe," said Craig Milan, president of Royal Celebrity Tours. "This partnership is an exciting opportunity to expand into Europe with a prestigious and reputable tour company and allows us to continue to build on our momentum in the land-tour market."
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that
operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal
Celebrity Tours. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com and www.celebritycruises.com.
Back to the top of the news list
Kids Can Fly! Free to a Disney Cruise
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL - With a little help from their parents, kids can fly free of charge to a "Never Land" of children's programs, a Mickey Mouse shaped swimming pool and more boating, biking, swimming and snorkeling than a kid could ever dream of when they book a Disney Cruise Line Kids Fly Free package.
The offer provides up to two children, ages 2-11, free air when guests book each child's seven-night package and two adult seven-night packages with air in one stateroom.
The package is valid for most seven-night cruise vacations and seven-night land/sea packages between Jan. 5, 2002 and Feb. 7, 2002, and Feb. 23, 2002 and March 21, 2002. Disney's eastern Caribbean cruise vacations feature magical entertainment, clever programming and unique dining experiences with calls at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay. Land/sea packages combine the fun and excitement of the Walt Disney World 100 Years of Magic celebration with a three- or four-night Disney Cruise Line voyage to the Bahamas and Castaway Cay.
Seven-night cruise and seven-night land/sea packages start at $829. Rates for guests, ages 3-12, traveling as a third or fourth passenger in a stateroom start at $399. Rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Government taxes and fees are not included. Both cruise and airline bookings are subject to availability and must be purchased through Disney Cruise Line.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, call Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500, or visit www.disneycruise.com.
Back to the top of the news list
Renaissance Cruises Names Cruise Industry Veteran, Hans Rood, Vice President of Marketing
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, August 21, 2001 Renaissance Cruises announced today that cruise marketing and sales executive veteran, Hans Rood, has been named Vice President of Marketing. Mr. Rood will direct all aspects of Renaissance Cruises marketing and advertising and will be actively involved in selecting a new advertising agency.
Mr. Rood brings over 20 years of travel marketing and branding experience to Renaissance Cruises. Most recently, he was Regional Vice President, Europe, Middle East, Africa for Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Ltd., where he was responsible for building brand recognition and sales performance. Mr. Rood has also held executive management positions at a number of leading cruise lines and travel organizations.
We are pleased to welcome Hans to Renaissance Cruises, said Manfred Ursprunger, Renaissance Cruises President & Chief Executive Officer.His expertise in cruise marketing and sales will enhance worldwide marketing efforts. He joins at an exciting time as Renaissance Cruises focuses on making the cruising public more aware of the great products Renaissance offers. Through increased marketing efforts, Hans will help develop the national sales force in order to support and grow travel agency business. He will also take an active role in selecting a new advertising agency that will launch Renaissance Cruises national advertising campaign.
After many years working in the cruise industry, it is a privilege to join the team at Renaissance Cruises, said Mr. Rood. Renaissance Cruises offers a unique product. I look forward to working with the outstanding management team, and with the talented sales force Renaissance Cruises has begun to build, to help travel agents and their clients become aware of what distinguishes Renaissance from other cruise lines.
Mr. Rood joins a new executive team at Renaissance Cruises drawn from the most experienced leaders in the cruise industry. With Mr. Roods arrival at Renaissance Cruises, the Company expects to further enhance the effectiveness of its advertising and marketing efforts directed towards the travel agency community, their valued clients, and the millions of cruise vacationers throughout the world.
The Company also announced that Derek Correia, previously Vice President of Marketing, has left Renaissance Cruises to pursue other opportunities.
Added Mr. Ursprunger, We appreciate all of the contributions Derek has made to Renaissance Cruises and we wish him well in his new endeavors.
Renaissance Cruises distinguishes itself from other cruise lines with its extraordinary destinations and Five Star service, on the youngest fleet in the cruise industry. For two consecutive years, the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have named Renaissance Cruises one of the top three large cruise lines in the world. The Company's R-Class ships have also received top marks in CruiseReports annual "Top of the Class" rankings. Renaissance Cruises offers year-round itineraries to the Greek Isles, Tahiti and her Islands, Africa, Asia, Northern Europe and Scandinavia, South America, New Zealand and Australia, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean on eight brand new 684/698-passenger R-Class ships and two 114-passenger Renaissance-Class ships. The recent launch of the latest R-Class ship, R8, brings Renaissance Cruises total capacity to 5,742 berths and secures the company's place as the fifth largest cruise line company in the world. For further information about Renaissance Cruises, please visit our web site at www.RenaissanceCruises.com.
Back to the top of the news list
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE NAMES
VICE PRESIDENT OF LAND & AIR SERVICE
MIAMI, FL - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has named Colin Murphy as vice president of land and air services. In his new role, Murphy will be responsible for three key areas - air, land and ground service and their day-to day operations.
Murphy will report directly to Maria Planos, senior vice president of passenger services. "A top priority for Colin will be managing NCL's relationships with key travel partners including airlines, hotels, ground transportation and related service providers," Planos said.
Murphy joined NCL in 1998 as director of land programs where he supervised all vendor negotiations and on-site operations. As director, he spearheaded the creation of NCL's groundbreaking Asia Cruise Tours.
Murphy has held positions at various travel companies including Vantage Deluxe World Travel Inc., where he was vice president of product development, Go Ahead Vacations, Inc., and Collette Tours, Inc.
A graduate from Polytechnic of The South Bank in London, Murphy holds a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Business Studies and is a Certified Travel Consultant.
Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line is an international cruise company and industry innovator that currently operates a fleet of eight ships sailing to more than 200 ports around the world. NCL is currently building three new ships: Norwegian Sun, a 1,960-passenger sister ship to the Norwegian Sky (for delivery September 2001); Norwegian Star, a 2,200-passenger ship that will be NCL's largest (for delivery in November 2001); and Norwegian Dawn, a 2,200-passenger sister ship to Norwegian Star (for delivery in December 2002).
Back to the top of the news list
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL PLACES THIRD SHIP IN GULF OF MEXICO FOR 2002-2003 SAILINGS
Separate ships will service Tampa, New Orleans & Galveston
MIAMI, August 21, 2001 - Royal Caribbean International today announced it will sail a third ship from the Gulf of Mexico during the 2002-2003 season, providing Tampa, New Orleans and Galveston with separate vessels dedicated to each port.
The third ship, Nordic Empress, will now sail from Tampa from November 2, 2002, through April 12, 2003, on 25 sailings. Nordic Empress joins two other Royal Caribbean ships previously scheduled to sail in the Gulf for the 2002-2003 season. Grandeur of the Seas will now sail from New Orleans from November 2, 2002, through April 12, 2003, on 25 sailings, and Rhapsody of the Seas will now sail from Galveston from December 8, 2002, through March 16, 2003, on 17 sailings.
"We are very happy with the strong response we are seeing for our first season of Gulf sailings, which begins this October," said Dan Hanrahan, senior vice president of Marketing and Sales for Royal Caribbean International. "During the 2001-2002 season, one ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, will sail from all three Gulf ports for 25 cruises. By using three ships, one each in Tampa, New Orleans and Galveston, during the 2002-2003 season, we can offer 67 cruises over a six month period. We look forward to continued success throughout the Gulf."
The 2001-2002 Season
Rhapsody of the Seas will arrive in Galveston on October 28, 2001, by way of a 14-night Panama Canal cruise that departs San Diego, California on October 14, 2001, with ports of calls at Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico, Puntarenas/Caldera, Costa Rica, and Cartagena, Colombia.
Rhapsody of the Seas will sail from the Port of Galveston on October 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25, and December 2, 9, 16, 2001, on eight seven-night Western Caribbean sailings, with ports of call at Cozumel, Mexico, Georgetown, Cayman Islands, and Key West, Florida.
On December 23, 2001, Rhapsody of the Seas will depart Galveston on a seven-night sailing to Oranjestad, Aruba, during the Christmas holidays, with ports of call at Georgetown, Cayman Islands, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Willemstad, Curacao. On December 30, 2001, Rhapsody of the Seas will depart Aruba on a six-night sailing to the Port of Tampa over the New Years holiday, with ports of call at Willemstad, Curacao, Georgetown, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel, Mexico.
Rhapsody of the Seas will sail from the Port of Tampa on January 5, 12, 19, 26, and February 2, 9, 16, 2002, on five seven-night and one six-night Western Caribbean sailings with ports of call at Costa Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel, Mexico, Georgetown, Cayman Islands, and Key West, Florida. On February 9, 2002, Rhapsody will make a seven-night cruise to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Rhapsody of the Seas will be repositioned on February 22, 2002, when it departs Tampa and sails overnight to New Orleans, with no guests.
Rhapsody of the Seas will sail from the Port of New Orleans on February 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2002, on six seven-night Western Caribbean sailings with ports of call at Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, and Georgetown, Cayman Islands.
The last sailing from New Orleans will depart on Friday, April 6, 2002, and will be a 16-night transatlantic cruise with ports of call at Kings' Wharf, Bermuda, Ponta Delgada, Azores Islands, Lisbon, Portugal, Paris (Le Havre), France, and Brussels/Antwerp (Zeebrugge), Belgium, and ending in Harwich, England.
The 2002-2003 Season
Nordic Empress will arrive in Tampa on November 2, 2002, by way of a six-night Caribbean cruise that departs San Juan, Puerto Rico on October 27, 2002, with ports of call at Catalina Island, Dominican Republic, Georgetown, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel, Mexico.
Nordic Empress will sail from Tampa on November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2002; January 4, 11, 18, 25; February 1, 8, 15, 22; March 8,15, 22, 29; and April 5, 12, 2003, on 23 seven-night Western Caribbean sailings, with ports of call at Georgetown, Cayman Islands, Belize City, Belize, and Cozumel, Mexico. The March 1, 2003 sailing of Nordic Empress will be a special seven-night cruise to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, and Progreso, Mexico.
Grandeur of the Seas will arrive in New Orleans on November 2, 2002, by way of a 14-night Mediterranean and transatlantic cruise that departs Barcelona, Spain on October 19, 2002, with ports of call at Alicante, Spain, Gibraltar, United Kingdom, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Nassau, Bahamas, and Key West, Florida.
Grandeur of the Seas will sail from New Orleans on November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2002; January 4, 11; February 15, 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; and April 5, 12, 19, 26, 2003, on 22 seven-night Western Caribbean sailings, alternating every week with port calls at Georgetown, Cayman Islands, Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico, or Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico and Key West. The Key West port calls include an overnight stay, near Duval Street and Mallory Square.
On January 18, 2003, Grandeur of the Seas will make 14-night sailing through the Panama Canal to San Diego, visiting Cartagena, Colombia, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. On February 1, 2003, Grandeur of the Seas will depart San Diego and return to New Orleans on a 14-night sailing through the Panama Canal, visiting Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, and Cartagena, Colombia.
Rhapsody of the Seas will arrive on Galveston on December 8, 2002, by way of a 15-night Panama Canal cruise that departs San Diego, California on November 23, 2002, with ports of call at Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico, Puntarenas/Caldera, Costa Rica, Cartagena, Colombia, and Key West, Florida. Rhapsody of the Seas will make a similar sailing through the Panama Canal, ending in San Diego, when it departs Galveston on March 23, 2003.
Rhapsody of the Seas will sail from Galveston on December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2002; January 5, 12, 19, 26; February 2, 9, 16, 23; March 2, 9,16, 2003 on 15 Western Caribbean sailings, with ports of call at Key West, Florida, Belize City, Belize, and Cozumel, Mexico. The Key West port calls include an 11 p.m. departure so guests can enjoy more of the Key West nightlife.
Bookings are currently open for all of Royal Caribbean's sailing in the Gulf of Mexico from October 2001 through April 2002, with fares beginning at $849 per person, double occupancy. Bookings for the November 2002 through April 2003 Gulf sailings will open on Monday, August 27, with fares beginning at $699 per person, double occupancy.
Several factors are seen as contributing to the success of company's Gulf sailings: the populations of the port cities and those of other metropolitan areas within driving distance; the ease of air transportation in and out of the cities; the simplicity of highway transportation for guests living outside the immediate port cities; port facilities; and the likelihood of guests spending pre- and post-cruise vacation days in the port cities themselves.
Rhapsody of the Seas made its maiden voyage May 19, 1997. It accommodates 2,000 guests in its 1,000 staterooms. Grandeur of the Seas made its maiden voyage December 14, 1996. It accommodates 1,950 guests in its 975 staterooms. Nordic Empress made its maiden voyage on June 25, 1990. It accommodates 1,600 guests in its 800 staterooms.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 14 ships in service and six 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.
Back to the top of the news list
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL OPENS BOOKINGS FOR SPECIAL 2002 ONE-TIME SAILINGS
MIAMI - August 20, 2001 - Royal Caribbean International recently opened bookings for a variety of special one-time sailings in 2002. Passengers looking to cruise to Puerto Rico, cross the Atlantic, or sail the Pacific Northwest now have several new options when planning their vacation.
An eight-night vacation from Boston to San Juan, Puerto Rico onboard Rhapsody of the Seas departs November 1, with ports of call in Nassau, Bahamas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. Prices start at $699 per person double occupancy.
Cruising in the opposite direction, the Nordic Empress sets sail from San Juan on April 25 for a 10-night voyage to New York. Ports of call include St. Croix, U.S.V.I; Philipsburg; St. Thomas; King's Wharf and Hamilton, Bermuda. Prices start at $1,049 per person.
Crossing the Atlantic, a 14-night voyage onboard Grandeur of the Seas departs from Barcelona, Spain, to New Orleans, LA on October 19. Passengers will enjoy ports of call in Alicante, Spain; Gibraltar, UK; Tenerife, Canary Islands; Nassau; and Key West before reaching their final destination. Prices start at $1,099 per person.
Brilliance of the Seas also will sail on a 14-night itinerary from Barcelona to Miami with ports of call in Alicante and Malaga, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Tenerife and Philipsburg. Prices start at $1,099 per person, double occupancy.
Royal Caribbean has also added three Pacific Northwest sailings to Radiance of the Seas' 2002 schedule. The newest ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet will sail two additional three-night roundtrip Seattle itineraries on September 17 and September 20, with prices starting at $379 per person, double occupancy. A three-night sailing from Vancouver to Seattle is scheduled to depart on September 14. Prices also start at $379 per person, double occupancy.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 14 ships in service and six More under construction or on firm order. For further information about the cruise line, please visit the company's Internet web site at www.royalcaribbean.com.
Back to the top of the news list
