Sep 14, 2012 Cruise Notes from Mary

Cruise Notes from Mary

Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant

September 14, 2012

 

Happy Friday Everyone

2013 Soul Train Cruise Sailing out of San Diego

 

The next sailing of the Soul Train Cruise is Oct. 5-12, 2013! We will sail on Holland America's m/s Westerdam, the same ship that we are using for the spring cruise. This new sailing sails roundtrip San Diego, with stops in Cabo San Lucas and an overnight stay in Puerto Vallarta.

 

As we know, the music is what matters most and this sailing will feature some of the most exciting performers in the "Soul Train" tradition. The lineup is not yet completed but already scheduled are

Earth, Wind & Fire        Gladys Knight                           The Bar-Kays

Confunkshun                Sugarfoot's Ohio Players           The Mary Jane Girls

The Dazz Band                         The Original Lakeside              Jody Watley    

A Taste of Honey featuring Janice Marie                       DJ Biz Markie

Comedian Alonzo Bodden                                             Party band DW3

Cruise with Mary from the Far East to Dubai

If you are interested in sailing with me from Singapore to Dubai on April 5, 2013, here is your last chance because this sailing is SOLD OUT. To take advantage of group pricing, your deposit is due October 1, 2012  In addition, if you are a member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, savings coupons are also available for this sailing.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2013 ... Everyone Will Be There

Week 1 - January 13-20, 2013

Week 2 - January 20-27, 2013

Did someone mention party? The party continues day and night at a variety of events including costume parties, pool games, Star Search, dancing and our all-night jam sessions. Now you know why The Smooth Jazz Cruise is The Greatest Party at Sea and an annual affair for hundreds and hundreds of guests.

2013 Lineup

David Sanborn                    Marcus Miller         George Benson

Jonathan Butler                Candy Dulfer          Alonzo Bodden

Rick Braun                           Brian Culbertson Richard Elliot

Ken Ford                               Jeff Golub               Bob James

Brian Simpson                     Angie Stone                         Steve Cole

Paul Taylor                           Dane Butcher          Pat Prescott

Special Excursions Planned in Cozumel for SJC '13

Enjoy sailing with Candy Dulfer, scuba diving with Richard Elliot, or tennis with Brian Culbertson.

SAVE THE DATE – The Smooth Jazz Cruise is Coming to the West Coast

October 12-19, 2013 – More Info to follow

2013 Super Bowl Cruise on Carnival Inspiration

Group pricing for oceanview cabins are going fast and only a few remain.   Once they are gone, price is subject to change based on availability.  A $100 per person deposit is needed to secure your space so do not delay

 

Azamara Club Cruises to Renovate their Two Ships

Shipwide renovations will include new carpets, upholstery, and a new color palette in public spaces. The ships also will feature new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture, resurfaced pool, and new sun loungers and pool towels on the outer decks. The Casino Bar will be expanded with new furniture and the Spa and fitness center will be refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment.

On the culinary front, guests will soon enjoy a new caviar and champagne bar within Aqualina as well as a new Chef’s Table concept featuring three wine degustation menus.  Azamara Quest will spend eight nights in drydock starting Nov. 7, 2012. Azamara Journey will enter drydoc on Jan. 6, 2013, for a seven-night renovation.

Carnival Dream Enters Dry Dock

Carnival Dream has entered a two-week dry dock that will add two new bars, RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar, along with Cherry on Top.  The two new watering holes will be located poolside on Lido Deck. RedFrog Rum Bar has a Caribbean vibe, with rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Carnival’s private label draft brew, ThirstyFrog Red. Across the deck will be BlueIguana Tequila Bar, which has a Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and Mexican beers. Cherry on Top features bins of bulk candy, gifts, novelties, custom apparel and more.

Cunard Cancels Queen Victoria’s Oct. 3 Cruise Due to Propulsion Problem

Cunard canceled Queen Victoria’s Oct. 3 cruise so it can repair the vessel’s propulsion system. The canceled cruise is a 16-night “Adriatic Discovery Voyage.” Passengers are offered an alternative Cunard sailing or a full refund, along with an additional 15 percent future cruise credit.

Statue of Liberty to Reopen Oct. 28 After Year-Long Interior Renovation

The day after New York City and the nation commemorated the 11^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, it was announced that the Statue of Liberty will reopen to the public on Oct. 28. The national monument is nearing the completion of a $27.25 million, year-long renovation

Celebrity Cruises’ “Top Chef” Cruise Adds Four New Contestants

Celebrity Cruises and its partners on  “Top Chef, The Cruise” have added four new chefs to the roster of participants -- “Top Chef All Stars” winner Richard Blais, “Top Chef Just Desserts” winner Yigit Pura, “Top Chef: Texas” winner Paul Qui, and “Fan Favorite” winner Fabio Viviani.  The departs April 11 from Miami on Celebrity Constellation.

Barbie Will Sail on Royal Caribbean in New Partnership

 

 

Royal Caribbean International has inked a partnership deal with Mattel to bring the best selling doll of all time, Barbie, onboard the line's fleet. Expect complimentary activities, a premium experience for little girls, and a nautically themed Barbie for sale only on Royal Caribbean's ships.

Carnival to Discontinue Future Cruise Certificate Program

Carnival Cruise Lines is eliminating its future cruise certificate program for departures on or after Sept. 27. Outstanding certificates will be honored up to the expiration date printed on the face of the certificate.  The onboard credit available through onboard booking remains the same.  The program is not offered during three- and four-day cruises or in San Juan, so is unavailable on Carnival Imagination, Inspiration, Sensation, Spirit and Carnival Victory.

Thought for the Month

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."  --Thomas Edison, American inventor

Wishing you a great weekend

Mary Engram, CTA/MCC

Your Personal Travel Consultant