The US Department of State has finalized the International Land and Sea Document Requirements for US Citizens.  While a passport for AIR travel will still be required for travel to International Destinations, passports for cruises beginning and ending in a US port will NOT be required.  Cruise travellers can present a Birth Certificate and Driver's License as proof of citizenship and be able to visit international ports on the cruise. 

We still recommend obtaining a passport to our cruise passengers as the 'Gold Standard' in documentation for US Citizens, though it is not a requirement for cruising from a US Port.  Passengers sailing from a non-US port such as European cruises or those originating in South America, Asia, etc. will stil require a passport.

NCL Corporation today announced that for the first time in the company's 41-year history, it will deploy a ship year-round in Europe. The 2,400 passenger Norwegian Jade will sail a variety of itineraries in Europe year-round, extending its inaugural season in Europe that begins on March 30, 2008. The ship will now remain in Europe full time through to the spring of 2010 instead of the current seasonal deployment that was to end in November 2008. As part of this year-round deployment, NCL is introducing three new European itineraries - a series of 12-day Eastern Mediterranean sailings and nine-day Canary Islands and Morocco sailings, along with a 14-day Eastern Mediterranean holiday cruise, all roundtrip from Barcelona.

"We've seen strong growth in Europe and Freestyle Cruising has been a big success with our European guests," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "Norwegian Jade has been very well received in her first season, and our full three-ship fleet in Europe is doing so well that we are now confident in committing a ship year-round to this strongly growing market. With one of our newest and largest Freestyle Cruising ships in Europe sailing a year-round variety of port-intensive itineraries, we can now offer an exceptional cruise experience any time of the year for our guests who want to enjoy all that Europe has to offer."

Norwegian Jade's new European sailings from November 2008 through April 2009 went on sale March 3, 2008. The balance of the new deployment through to spring 2010 will be opened for sale shortly thereafter.

Norwegian Jade's new 12-day Eastern Mediterranean cruise includes stops in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Izmir), Turkey; an overnight in Alexandria, Egypt; and Valletta, Malta. Highlights of the nine-day Canary Islands and Morocco itinerary include five ports of call: Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands; Funchal, Madeira; and Granada (Málaga), Spain. In addition, Norwegian Jade will sail a special 14-night Eastern Mediterranean holiday sailing on December 21, 2008, that includes Rome (Civitavecchia) and Naples, Italy; an overnight in Alexandria, Egypt; Rhodes, Greece; Ephesus (Izmir), Turkey, Athens (Piraeus), Greece; and Valletta, Malta.

NCL just announced that they have the  youngest fleet on the planet, and that means you get the state of the art accommodations and the newest innovations at sea. NCL offers luxurious private Courtyard and Garden Villas with 3 bedrooms, 3 and a half baths and up to 5,000 square feet of privacy. Plus, almost half of their staterooms have balconies.  For those on a budget, their inside staterooms still provide nice amenities at an affordable price.  There's something for everyone on the modern fleet with up to 13 places to eat, 10 ultra-chic bars and lounges, and exclusive to NCL, the only bowling alleys at sea and Nintendo Wii" on a two-story screen.

Recently all the major cruise lines have implemented a 'Fuel Surcharge' of between $5 and $7 per person, per day depending on the cruise line.  These additional charges go into effect for all cruises departing on or after February 1, 2008.  The cruise lines have said this is a necessary charge for them due to the recent rise if fuel prices.

We have been alerting all our 2008 passengers to the fuel surcharge.  While some cruise lines are only charging this to the 1st and 2nd passengers in a stateroom, others are also including the supplement for the 3rd and/or 4th passengers in the stateroom. 

Please call us at 1-877-386-9243 if you have any questions on this new policy.

Recently all the major cruise lines have implemented a 'Fuel Surcharge' of between $5 and $7 per person, per day depending on the cruise line.  These additional charges go into effect for all cruises departing on or after February 1, 2008.  The cruise lines have said this is a necessary charge for them due to the recent rise if fuel prices.

We have been alerting all our 2008 passengers to the fuel surcharge.  While some cruise lines are only charging this to the 1st and 2nd passengers in a stateroom, others are also including the supplement for the 3rd and/or 4th passengers in the stateroom. 

Please call us at 1-877-386-9243 if you have any questions on this new policy.

Carnival cruise line is currently in the process of transforming all it's 'Fantasy' Class ships which include the Fantasy, Ecstasy, Sensation, Fascination, Imagination and Inspiration. The Carnival Inspiration is the first ship to be completed in October 2007 and the remainder will be completed over the next 2 years.

The new “Evolutions of Fun” spaces are some of the most amazing facilities that have ever been incorporated into a Carnival “Fun Ship.” They really add a whole new dimension to the outdoor facilities on our ship. The new features include Carnival WaterWorks - a spray park with different areas for splashing and fun, a dual-lane racing water slide and the piece de resistance - a massive 300-foot-long water slide that is the longest, most elaborate slide ever placed on a cruise ship. You’ll have to see it to believe it!

The redesigned main pool area is just as cool, with blue and yellow umbrellas, a tiled “beach” surrounding the pool, colorful new tiles, tropical-style thatched roofs covering the whirlpools, faux palm trees, etc. Very neat.

And, finally, there’s the new Serenity adults-only retreat, which really is designed to serve as a relaxing getaway. The area is located aft (where the kiddie pool used to be, ironically) in a secluded area that provides a fantastic view of the passing ocean. Within this area, there are plush chaise lounges along with a shaded area for relaxation and two whirlpools. They are offering bar service in this area and the Brasserie casual restaurant is just a few steps away.

All of these areas look fantastic. Like everyone else, I had seen the “Evolutions of Fun” renderings (which were awesome) and the real thing is so much better!