CruiseSource Cruise News – September 28, 2012

Fun news this week with announcements on the new Norwegian Breakway, the Royal Princess and the Carnival Dream.   Read more to find out about the first-ever salt room at sea on the Norwegian Breakaway!  Then, Princess Cruises unveils their top deck highlights of the Royal Princess including SeaWalk, pools, a spectacular light show and larger Movies Under the Stars poolside theater.  Last but not least, the Carnival Dream drydock is complete and the candy store “Cherry on Top” is ready for business!

Norwegian Breakaway to Feature Cutting-Edge Spa and Fitness Experiences
Norwegian Breakaway will redefine relaxation and fitness at sea when the ship launches in late April 2013, featuring an expansive spa with the first-ever salt room at sea and state-of-the-art fitness facility offering a variety of exciting and innovative fitness options. The combined spa and fitness area spans two decks, encompassing more than 23,000 square feet.

Offering the ultimate in indulgent experiences, Norwegian Breakaway’s tranquil Mandara Spa and thermal suite will offer guests the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of New York City and will feature the first-ever salt room at sea. Popular in top spas around the world, salt room therapy has been proven to alleviate respiratory and skin ailments, strengthen the immune system, promote better sleep and have a long-term positive impact on overall lung function. Spa guests visiting the Salt Room will be immersed in a dramatic grotto setting as they enjoy this unique, indulgent and beneficial spa experience. The tranquil thermal suite also offers guests spectacular unobstructed views of the ocean, the opportunity to melt away on one of the 13 heated loungers, vitality pool, whirlpools, sauna, solarium and steam room, along with a full-service salon and barber shop.

Royal Princess Top Deck

Princess Cruises Releases their Top Deck Highlights of the Royal Princess
Princess Cruises unveiled additional details about the outdoor entertainment features that will be found on the top deck of the new Royal Princess including the dramatic SeaWalk, the pool areas, an evening light show and a 30 percent larger Movies Under the Stars poolside theater.

The top deck features are detailed in the company’s latest video previewing Royal Princess, viewable at princess.com/royalprincess.

Among the new top-deck features of Royal Princess are:

Sea Walk — Extending 28 feet beyond the starboard side of the ship, the SeaWalk will be one of the ship’s most striking features. At 60 feet long and hovering 128 feet above the ocean, this dramatic glass-bottomed walkway offers unparalleled views available on no other ship. Just as the captain on the bridge can look through glass panels in the floor of the bridge to get a look at the sea conditions below, passengers will now have that same sense of stepping out from the side of the ship for a breathtaking experience. Across the ship the SeaView Bar also extends over the waves for cocktails with unbeatable vistas.

Fresh Water Pools — Directly adjacent to the SeaWalk on the ship’s expansive top deck area passengers will find a host of lounging options, beautiful palm trees, and two fresh water pools flanking an island area between them. During the day passengers can relax and rejuvenate poolside in a variety of seating options, including circular loungers, garden-style furniture, bar-height tables and stools, and chaise lounges. In the pool areas, entertainment options will include games and live music inspired by the ship’s ports of call.

Water and Light Show — At night, the top deck of Royal Princess will transform with architectural lighting effects to set the mood. The island area between the two pools will become a stage showcasing an interactive sound and light show featuring dancing fountains. With a sophisticated lighting and sound system, and a computerized fountain featuring 85 water jets, passengers will marvel as streams of water shoot 33 feet into the night sky.

Movies Under the Stars — Princess’ signature poolside theater will feature a 30 percent larger screen for true widescreen viewing, coupled with a high-tech visual and audio system for an unforgettable open-air movie-going experience. Passengers can enjoy movies, sporting events, and concerts while relaxing on a comfortable chaise lounge, complete with pillow, blanket, and free popcorn. For those who’d like to watch from the water, the ship’s large whirlpool spas above the pools offer great sightlines for enjoying Movies Under the Stars while soaking.

Evening Entertainment — On select evenings, the island will be transformed into an outdoor dance floor and will play host to the popular Ultimate Deck Party. Perched two decks up on a special balcony, a DJ will get the crowd moving with an energetic music mix.

Carnival Dream Completes Dry Dock
After 13 days in dry dock, Carnival Dream is making its way back to Port Canaveral, Fla., with some fun and exciting new venues, ready for guests to enjoy.

The candy bins at Cherry on Top are filled to the brim with delicious confections and the bars are fully stocked at BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar ready to dish up refreshing daiquiris and margaritas. Carnival Dream Photo Manager Kevin Gardner, who has documented the entire dry dock process, captured some amazing pictures of the finished product as shown in the following slideshow.

Carnival Dream welcomed its first guests post-dry dock when it resumed its year-round seven-day Caribbean schedule from Port Canaveral on Sept. 22, 2012.