CruiseSource Cruise News – September 19, 2012

What’s new this week?  We are excited to hear that the famous Rockettes will be the Godmothers of the new Norwegian Breakaway!  Also – Royal Caribbean adds more dining choices to Serenade of the Seas, the Carnival Dream is almost done with its two week drydock, and Azamara Club Cruises is set to renovate their two ships.

New York Icons The Rockettes® Named Godmothers of Norwegian Breakaway

Rockettes Named Godmothers of Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Cruise Line and MSG Entertainment announced today that the Rockettes, one of New York’s most illustrious and beloved icons, will christen Norwegian Breakaway as the official Godmothers, further strengthening the ship’s strong ties to New York. The christening ceremony will take place in New York City on May 8, 2013 on board Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship to homeport year-round in New York. The partnership with the Rockettes will include Norwegian Cruise Line as the designated “Official Cruise Line” of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall, and as the “Official Partner”of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. As part of their role as Godmothers, two Rockettes will sail aboard the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, beginning May 12, 2013, and the first sailing of each month thereafter, taking part in special events for guests to enjoy.

Royal Caribbean Brings Popular Culinary Offerings and Experiences to Even More Ships
Caribbean International continues to provide its guests with the ultimate vacation experience by enhancing its onboard dining options with the addition of Oasis-class amenities to even more ships. Next in line is Serenade of the Seas, which is scheduled for an extensive revitalization this fall.

Serenade of the Seas will wow guests in December when she re-emerges from her dry dock with a new lineup of specialty restaurants, which will include Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, Izumi Asian cuisine and the intimate Chef’s Table dining experience, as well as dining packages for guests to enjoy all of them at incredible value. Guests will have the option of choosing the Royal Choice Dining Package, which includes dinner at Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi for $55 per guest, or the Chef’s Table Dining Package for $130 per guest, which includes all of the specialty restaurants as well as the Chef’s Table.  Serenade of the Seas also will offer additional dining deals at Giovanni’s Table.

Further enhancing its onboard culinary offerings Royal Caribbean is expanding its partnership with renowned wine producer Domaines Barons de Rothschild by offering the exclusive Lafite Wine Tasting Experience onboard. Available for $23 to $25 per person, depending upon ship and itinerary, the experience, which was first introduced onboard Allure of the Seas, offers guests a unique tasting showcasing the renowned vintages from France’s Bordeaux region.

Carnival Dream Drydock Update
According to the Carnival Cruise Lines blog, there are only a couple of days until Carnival Dream’s “final reveal” out of its two-week-long dry dock in the Bahamas, Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar and Cherry on Top are almost ready to start serving up some fun memories.

Carnival Dream Photo Manager Kevin Gardner continues to document the progress of the ship’s makeover, capturing some truly dazzling images of the new and exciting spaces that have been added over the past 10 days.

Carnival Dream is scheduled to resume its year-round seven-day Caribbean schedule from Port Canaveral, Fla., Sept. 22, 2012.  Be sure to check back for additional images as the ship’s dry dock continues.

Azamara Club Cruises to Renovate Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest
Azamara Club Cruises, the cruise line that has set the bar for delivering destination immersive experiences to up-market travelers, today announced plans for the renovation of its two European boutique hotel-style ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. Both ships are scheduled separately to enter drydock in 2012 and 2013, respectively, where each will receive a shipwide facelift and a new profile with a new dark-blue hull. Guests will delight in the beautifully refreshed ships, along with Azamara’s signature exceptional personal service from every staff and crew member, exciting destinations around the world where larger ships cannot reach, and more late night and overnight stays in port to be immersed in the nightlife of the destinations.

Shipwide renovations will include new carpets, upholstery, and a new color palette in public spaces reflecting the cruise line’s inviting atmosphere; new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture for suites and staterooms; and a resurfaced pool, and new sun loungers and pool towels on the outer decks.  The Casino Bar also will be expanded and enhanced with new furniture, while the Spa and fitness center will be refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment. Furthermore, a range of enhancements will be made behind the scenes in the staff and crew area to add to the comfort of the cruise line’s most valuable asset.