CruiseSource’s Cruise News – May 9, 2012

CruiseSource’s Cruise News

Enjoy our brief round-up of important cruise stories happening this week.  It’s good to know that you can now satisfy your vegetarian palette onboard Holland America Line, and experience the indulgent “Suite Life” on Celebrity Cruises!

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Holland America Line Introduces New Alternative Vegetarian Menu
Holland America Line has introduced a new alternative, vegetarian-only menu, as well as 30 new vegetarian dishes to their main dining room menu, furthering the line’s commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences for all guests.

Holland America Line’s award-winning Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has designed an exclusive 22-dish vegetarian and vegan menu that highlights vegetables and other naturally healthy ingredients in vibrant, flavorful culinary selections.

The alternative menu includes a full range of appetizers, salads, soups and main entrées, and is available upon request at no extra cost for lunch and dinner in the main dining room aboard all 15 ships in the fleet.

Celebrity Cruises Upgrades Suite Offerings
Vacationers who love a rich array of luxurious services and amenities have always enjoyed an indulgent experience while sailing in any Celebrity Cruises suite. And now, the “suite life” on Celebrity — already offering one of the industry’s broadest array of luxury amenities – is even sweeter.

In addition to one of Celebrity’s most idolized suite offerings – modern, 24/7 butler service that has consistently yielded rave reviews – suite guests now will enjoy an even broader list of services and amenities, including the Celebrity eXhale™ bedding program, with premium mattresses, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, and plush duvets and pillows; BVLGARI luxury bath products; dual iPod/iPad docking stations; reserved theater seating, and an upgraded “welcome” bottle of Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine, complete with a commemorative label featuring exclusive artwork from ArtCenter/South Florida artists.

Costa Introduces New Flagship Fascinosa
Costa recently introduced their new flagship Fascinosa at a ceremony in Venice, Italy.   Together with sister ship Costa Favolosa, the Fascinosa is now the largest Italian-flagged passenger vessel at 114,500 gross tons and carrying 3,800 total guests.  The delivery ceremony was attended by Italy’s Minister of Tourism Piero Gnudi, and his daughter Elsa was the godmother of the new flagship.

Costa Cruises and Fincantieri made a joint donation to the Papa Giovanni XXIII Community by Father Oreste Benzi, for the “Rainbow Project,” which aids children in need worldwide and is supported by Elsa Gnudi. The Fascinosa will sail weeklong cruises in the Mediterranean from Venice and from Bari, and will sail to South America for the winter season, calling in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas to Undergo Renovation
Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas will undergo a five week long dry dock renovation totaling $48 million at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain.  Grandeur of the Seas’ renovations will include technological upgrades, new entertainment offerings, a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests, a transformed Viking Crown Lounge and an overall refreshment of furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms.

The ship will also receive a variety of new restaurant venues including Giovanni’s Table, an Italian trattoria; Izumi Asian Cuisine; Park Café, an outdoor market; Chops Grille, the cruise line’s signature steakhouse; and Chef’s Table – an exclusive five-course dinner and wine pairing event hosted by the Executive Chef and Sommelier.