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 MESSAGE
FROM THE EDITOR
"cks.
In
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES TO RESUME PORT
CALLS IN MEXICO
MIAMI (May 15, 2009) - Carnival Cruise Lines will resume
visits to Mexican ports of call based on the latest guidance
from the Centers for Disease Control, which is no longer
recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico. Once
all voyages with previously modified itineraries are completed,
those vessels will revert to their original routes featuring
stops in Mexico. Most itineraries were modified through
mid-June with the exception of the Holiday which was modified
through late May. A ship-by-ship listing including dates
for when each vessel will resume its original itinerary
is available at http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/cruise_control/itinerary_updates.aspx.
"We are very pleased to resume our previous itineraries
to Mexico, one of the cruise industry's most popular destinations,
and we thank those guests who were impacted by the modified
schedules in recent weeks for their understanding and patience,"
said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise
Lines.
Cahill added, "The health and well being of our guests
and crew is our highest priority and we are returning to
Mexico after careful evaluation and consultation with the
CDC. It is important to note that the concentration of H1N1
flu cases in Mexico has been inland rather than in the coastal
resort areas where our ships visit."
Cahill also noted that the cruise industry works closely
with U.S. public health officials in the CDC's Vessel Sanitation
Program in developing and complying with extensive policies
and procedures that are effective in mitigating illness
aboard cruise ships. Carnival will continue to follow CDC
guidelines for cruise ships which include pre-boarding health
questionnaires for all guests and crew, along with secondary
screening by shipboard medical professionals as necessary.
Additionally, all Carnival ships stock influenza test kits
and anti-viral medications for treating type A influenzas.
"Mexico has so many wonderful sites and attractions
and feedback from our customers suggests that the majority
support a resumption of port calls in Mexico. We know that
they and our port destination partners are very much looking
forward to our return," he added.
Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation &
plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is the largest and most
popular cruise line in the world, with 22 "Fun Ships"
operating voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length
to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii,
Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Europe and Bermuda. The
line currently has two new ships scheduled for delivery
between now and 2011. The first of those, the 130,000-ton
Carnival Dream, is set to debut Sept. 21, 2009.
For additional information or reservations on the "Fun
Ship" vacation experience, contact any travel agent,
call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
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tThere is good news this week
regarding the swine flu (H1N1) outbreak, and growing optimism
that the new strain is not more lethal or more easily transmitted
than the seasonal flus that circulate continuously around
the globe.
"We are seeing encouraging signs that the virus so
far is not looking more severe than a strain we would see
during seasonal flu," concluded Center for Disease
Control (CDC) Acting Director Dr. Richard Besser.
Still, Besser indicated that the situation was continuing
to evolve and that recommended precautions would remain
in place for the time being.
As of this writing, there are fewer than 700 confirmed
cases in the United States, less than 200 in Canada, and
less than 2,000 in the entire world.
The incidence of new cases is said to be leveling off in
Mexico City, where the flu circulated for over a month before
it was identified as a new strain. The city's mayor took
drastic measures last week, closing all nonessential government
and private businesses, schools and restaurants, cancelling
concerts and sporting events and urging people to stay home.
Mexico's Health Secretary has since declared that the epidemic
there "is in its declining stage," and many of
these businesses will be allowed to reopen.
Numerous people have written to ask me if it is safe to
board an airplane after hearing Vice President Biden say
last Thursday that he had advised his family not to fly
or ride the subway. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
immediately said the Vice President had misspoken and apologized
on his behalf, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
joined the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) in
declaring that it was indeed safe to fly.
That's good news for me since I will soon be leaving for
the airport.
After announcing this new influenza as a "swine flu,"
the CDC and the WHO scrambled to switch to the terms "H1N1"
and "Influenza A (H1N1)," respectively, to limit
the economic damage to pig farmers. Both the CDC and WHO
have stated that there is no risk of infection from this
virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.
From a practical standpoint, I don't expect the cruise
lines to return to ports in Mexico until the CDC lifts its
advisory against nonessential travel to that country. I
have no way of knowing when that will be but I am optimistic
that the day is not far off, and I will announce the lifting
of the advisory in this newsletter when it happens.
For the latest line-by-line update of itinerary changes
due to the temporary cancellation of calls on Mexico ports,
click here.
For a list of 45 great deals on ships that have significantly
altered their itineraries due to the swine flu outbreak,
contact your Travel Agent (courtesy Vacations to go).
Editor
xlibri@cyberus.ca
CRYSTAL
CRUISES Crystal
Buletin An impressive dosier of distinguished specialists in various
fields of health and wellness from the renowned Cleveland Clinic just received.This
exceptional cruise is part of the luxury Line's Creative learning Institute enrichmernt
progragram. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of complimentaryinteractive
classes and workshops led by top physicians from one of the country's most prestigious
medical centers. Subjects
on board will include -Food and water considerations while traling, Immunization
Considerations When Tralening Abroad, Overcoming Jet Lag and traveling with Asthma. Contact
your travel Agent or get in touch with Crystal Cruises
direct(www.crystalcruises.com under "Before you sail".)
NEW
SUBSCRIBERS I
am extremely happy to see so many new subscribers joined this past year.Welcome!
2007 was truly great Year for LiquidHorizons. We
have had a record number of subscribers to
our Print Newsletter. It seems that cruising is getting more popular every year
and with all the new ships coming along, This year promisses to be an exceptional
year for cruise destinations and bargains. We have just returned from the Caribbean
on"Grandeur of the Seas" and can thoroughly recommend this ship. WE
give them top marks in all catagories and can't wait for our next voyage on the
same ship in November this year. Have
you sent in your subscription yet? If not, make sure you go to the subscriptions
page and sign up today. Remember
at LiquidHorizons cruising is a way of life! Sincerely, 
Conrad Stoltz
Publisher/Editor
stoltz@liquidhorizons.com
Updated
April 7,,2009
| SEABREEZE
NEWS | | | ENCORE
CRUISES (Travel Agents Only) Home-Based Travel
Agents - here is the On-line Booking Engine for Encore Cruises. www.encorecruiseagent.com
Encore created this on-line booking engine
to make it easier for Agents to service their clients. Now, Travel Agents can
get quick answers for our membership. Be sure you give this address to you travel
Agent who will be able to show you on his or her screen exactly what they are
booking for you complete with deck plans, ship facts and video clip. You
will be able to view air, hotel as well as car and attractions being booked for
you.
Be sure to subscribe today to LiquidHorizons
Cruise Newsletter.  Holland
America - Zaandam
C
|
| CAVEAT
EMPTOR (Buyer beware!) When you compare
prices and agencies, be sure to compare ALL FEATURES offered. Also check if the
the agency have Government protection Insurance and if they are members of ACTA
,CLIA, TICO or similar Associations that protect the Agency as well as the customer. Book
only through accredited Travel Agencies with proper Insurance protection for their
clients. After
September 11th thousands of people lost all their money because they did not book
through an Agency that was protected by Government or Agency Insurance plans.
Your own credit card insurance is not cancellation protection. Check
all quotations very carefully. Compare 'apples with apples'. We will gladly
review your bids for you. Send a copy to our Service Desk at
LiquidHorizons via e-mail or
Fax. We do not need to know your or the Agency's name and address. Just Fax or
E-mail address, is all we need to get back to you to point out errors or concerns
if any, we may have with your quotation. Remember,
our mandate is to protect your interests. We are not a Travel Agency. We are cruising
enthusiasts looking out for each other. We are on your side. Our income from subscriptions
covers our expenses. We have found most Cruise Lines and Travel Agents to be reputable
and honest business people, but there is always the odd bad apple in the bunch
so beware.
LETTERS
TO THE EDITOR
NEW SEVEN-DAY CARIBBEAN CRUISES FROM MOBILE ABOARD
CARNIVAL FANTASY NOW OPEN FOR RESERVATIONS
MIAMI (April 20, 2009) - Earlier today, Carnival
Cruise Lines began accepting reservations for a new
series of seven-day western Caribbean voyages from
Mobile, Ala., taking place next year.
The new weeklong cruises will depart the Alabama
Cruise Terminal May 8 and 15, July 3 and 10, and Oct.
23 and 30, 2010, and feature three tropical Caribbean
ports of call: Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town,
Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.
Designed to complement the line's popular four- and
five-day schedule from Mobile, the new seven-day cruises
will be offered aboard the Carnival Fantasy, which
late last year underwent an extensive multi-million-dollar
renovation which included an expansive Carnival WaterWorks
aqua park, new Serenity adults-only retreat and redesigned
tropical-themed main pool area.
Carnival Fantasy's new seven-day itinerary is the
latest chapter in the line's continued expansion at
the Port of Mobile, which has garnered excellent consumer
feedback since Carnival launched the port's first
year-round cruise program aboard the Holiday in 2004.
Carnival Fantasy will replace the Holiday in November
2009, representing a 42 percent capacity increase.
"With its convenient location, excellent facilities,
and friendly and efficient staff, Mobile has been
a terrific market for us and these new seven-day voyages
provide our guests with an exciting longer-length
'Fun Ship' vacation option from this attractive homeport,"
said Lynn Torrent, Carnival's senior vice president
of sales and guest services.
In addition to the new open-deck upgrades, Carnival
Fantasy's suites, along with its 12,000-square-foot
Spa Carnival facility and formal and casual dining
venues, were renovated and cosmetic enhancements were
made to virtually every public area. A new "Circle
C" facility catering to 12- to 14-year-olds was
added, as well.
For additional information and reservations on the
Carnival Fantasy's Mobile sailings or any other "Fun
Ship" departure, contact any travel agent, call
1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
Dear Mr. Stoltz, According
to the provisions of the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 (PVSA) and the
Jones Act of 1920, cruise ships sailing wholly between U.S. ports (without stopping
in at least one foreign port) must be owned and operated (crewed) by Americans
and built in America. These laws are similar to laws in other countries,
put on the books to protect domestic cruise-ship-building industries. Unfortunately,
they didn't work. It's been more than 50 years since a large cruise ship was successfully
completed in an American shipyard, and no large cruise ships built in this country
are still in operation. In the summer of 2004, under a special exemption
to the PVSA passed by Congress the year before, Norwegian Cruise Line was allowed
to re-flag the Norwegian Sky into the U.S. registry and re-launch it as Pride
of Aloha, sailing wholly within the Hawaiian Islands. During the next couple
of years, NCL tripled its commitment to Hawaii with the launch of the Pride of
America in 2005 and the Pride of Hawaii in 2006. (Note: For the amazing background
of the Pride of America, the only ship in history to cross the Atlantic and sink
before it was launched, click here to read my newsletter from May, 2005.) Congress
granted the exemption with the understanding that it would create jobs and boost
overall tourism to Hawaii, with passengers pumping money into local economies
at every port call. With the exemption in hand, it seemed that NCL had secured
a monopoly on cruising in Hawaii, and they made a major investment with the hope
that the market would prove to be big enough to support three ships .Sincerely,R.
Alan Fox
Chairman & CEO
Vacations To Go Thank
you Alan.It would appear that Norwegian
is doing a better job than its pre-decessor The United States Lines
with The Patriot. I was on that inaugural cruise that turned
out to be a total disaster. I am so glad to hear that Norwegian is making a real
effort to fill that void. -Editor (You
may participate writing letters even if you are not a member. Members are subscribers
to our Newsletter. | | |
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SHOWS ABOARD NEW 130,000-TON CARNIVAL DREAM SET
NEW STANDARD IN SHIPBOARD ENTERTAINMENT
Largest Carnival 'Fun Ship' Set to Debut Sept. 21
MIAMI (May 27, 2009) - The massive scale of Carnival's newest
and largest "Fun Ship," the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream,
combined with recent technological advancements and the incredible
imagination of the line's entertainment team, have created the
most spectacular shows at sea that raise the bar on shipboard
entertainment.
In addition to three spell-binding production revues that will
feature elaborate sets and costumes, state-of-the-art video technology
and sophisticated special effects, Carnival Dream will offer a
multitude of entertainment choices, everything from solo singers,
comedians, and live bands to "Fun Force," the line's
high-energy acrobatic team, which will perform in different areas
throughout the ship.
"The increased size of the Carnival Dream provides us with
an expansive canvas to create some truly unique and innovative
entertainment options that are sure to leave audiences amazed,"
said Roger Blum, Carnival's vice president of cruise programming
who serves as producer for the line's shows. "'Fun Ship'
cruising is all about creating a lifetime of wonderful memories
for our guests and we can't wait to show off the wide range of
captivating shows and other forms of entertainment aboard this
spectacular ship," he added.
The first production show, titled "Dancin' in the Street,"
is a dramatic departure for the line, combining a gritty, urban
feel with the latest in special effects, including groundbreaking
neon lighting and video projection technology, to create a truly
spectacular and memorable show.
"Dancin' in the Street" makes maximum use of the Carnival
Dream's talented cast - particularly the "Fun Force"
team which takes center stage in the show and entertains guests
with break-dancing numbers, acrobatic Chinese pole routines and
even a high-flying trampoline segment to leave audiences breathless.
Realistic sets with city scenes - exposed brick walls, street
lights, and more - along with recognizable songs that run the
gamut from pop and R&B to hip-hop and hard rock, make "Dancin'
in the Street" a truly one-of-a-kind show.
The second show, "Get Ready," takes a musical look
at various professions through a variety of styles and genres,
from classic tunes of the Motown era to recognizable R&B hits
and songs from some of the greatest vocal artists of all time,
with elaborate production numbers themed to different occupations.
Showcasing the Carnival Dream's highly talented singers and dancers,
the 50-minute show is sure to have audiences singing and dancing
in the aisles.
In "Get Ready," legendary hits such as "Midnight
Train to Georgia" and "Mustang Sally" are playfully
employed to highlight transportation workers, while crowd-pleasing
songs like "Please Mr. Postman" and "Signed Sealed
and Delivered" offer a unique homage to mail carriers. Popular
contemporary tunes including "Sledgehammer" and "Work
to Do" are featured in the construction segment while "Rescue
Me" and "Hold On, I'm Coming" round out a high-energy
number focusing on rescue workers.
Like the name implies, the third show, "Xtreme Country,"
is a toe-tapping salute to country and western music with a unique
Carnival twist. The show opens, appropriately enough, with a visit
to a rodeo with singers and dancers donning 10-gallon hats for
a clap-along line-dancing number, followed by a stop at a ranch
and a raucous saloon, with authentic western-themed sets and costumes.
The show culminates in a memorable finale showcasing the U.S.'s
familiar red, white and blue, ending with a magnificent fireworks
flash.
In addition to these three lavish revues, Carnival Dream will
offer a diversity of entertainment venues to suit every mood or
taste.
These include the new Ocean Plaza which will not only offer a
unique venue place for guests to relax and unwind but will also
feature a wide variety of different entertainment options that
will vary throughout the day and night.
Also offered on the Carnival Dream will be the line's legendary
comedy revues with hilarious comedians who have appeared on network
talk shows and comedy clubs across the country. Carnival Dream
will also feature Carnival's Seaside Theatre, a massive LED screen
on Lido Deck that will display movies, concerts, sporting events
and other programming.
Other options include solo singers along the Dream Street promenade,
a dedicated karaoke lounge, rollicking sing-a-longs in Sam's piano
bar, steel drum and Calypso bands on Lido Deck and live bands
playing everything from rock to country to disco.
Carnival Dream is slated to debut Sept. 21, 2009, with the first
of three 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises operating round-trip
from Rome, followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome
(Civitavecchia) to New York Oct. 27 - Nov. 12, 2009.
From New York, Carnival Dream will operate two eight-day Bahamas/Florida
cruises departing Nov. 15 and 23, 2009, then reposition to Port
Canaveral, Fla., for a special one-time nine-day Caribbean cruise
departing Dec. 3, 2009. Carnival Dream will then launch year-round
seven-day service from Port Canaveral, Dec. 12, 2009, offering
weeklong voyages to the eastern and western Caribbean.
Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Dream's
various European and Caribbean departures. For additional information
and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL
or visit carnival.com.
The entertainment, cuisine and décor on
the Bleu de France will be
distinctly French, and French will be the official language onboard.
The ship will offer 7-night Mediterranean sailings departing from
Marseille, France during the summer and fall, and will reposition
to the Caribbean for the winter season.Cruising has long been
associated with delicious, abundant food, so just for fun we asked
what it takes to supply a typical week-long cruise on Royal Caribbean's
Freedom of the Seas, the largest ship afloat.
Here's
what is consumed every 7 days at sea
:234,000 appetizers;
105,000 meals and 300,680 desserts
20,000 lbs. of beef, including 69,000 steaks
12,000 lbs. of chicken
4,000 lbs. of seafood; 2,500 lbs. of salmon and 1,400 lbs. of
lobster
65,000 lbs. of fresh vegetables and 35,000 lbs. of fresh fruits
5,800 lbs. of cheese
28,000 fresh eggs
18,000 slices of pizza
8,000 gallons of ice cream 1,500 lbs. of coffee and 1,500 gallons
of milk
11,500 cans of soda; 19,200 bottles and cans of beer and 2,900
bottles of wine111500 lbs. of coffee and 1,500 gallons of milk
11,500 cans of soda; 19,200 bottles and cans of beer and 2,900
bottles of wine
Weighing in at 158,000 tons, the 5-star Freedom of the Seas currently
offers alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out
of Miami.
Weighing in at 158,000 tons, the 5-star Freedom of the Seas currently
offers alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out
of Miami. For more information on upcoming Freedom of the Seas
cruises, contact Freedom Cruises or see your Travel Agent
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