SeaDream Yacht Club introduces the first of its kind at sea, a “Raw Food” menu option. A once-radical form of vegetarianism called the “raw foods” or “living foods” movement is creeping into mainstream. Aboard the luxurious twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, gourmet raw food is now offered in addition to the regular menu.

 “Raw” refers to a style of preparation in which all ingredients are raw, organic and vegan (no fish, meat, eggs or dairy), and nothing is heated above 118°F in order to retain all the healthy micro nutrients. SeaDream’s Norwegian owners, Linn and Atle Brynestad were excited by the health benefits they personally experienced while eating “raw”. After an extended stay at the Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida, the Brynestads asked the Executive Chef, Renate Waller to bring her talents to SeaDream’s galley. Renate, a “Raw Food Chef” worked with SeaDream’s Corporate Chef, Sudesh Kishore to create a special, optional menu of delicious, gourmet raw food dishes. “Switching to a high percentage of raw, living plant based foods, enables people to reclaim feeling great and being well” says Hippocrates Chef, Renate.

The Hippocrates Health Institute was created over five decades ago. Over the years, it has developed the Life Transformation Program into the definitive blueprint for transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. The Institute helps people radically change their health by teaching them how to trade nutrient-deficient, “dead” foods to a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based proteins. The Hippocrates plan, replete with fresh sprout and vegetable juices, wheatgrass, colorful salads, nuts, seeds, and fruit, supplies the oxygen, enzymes, alkalinity, and bioelectrical charges vital to cellular and general health.

SeaDream’s reputation for providing a stellar culinary experience remains of utmost importance to the company. “The raw food menu is an added option. If you come aboard to enjoy filet mignon and double chocolate mousse, by all means it’s on the menu” said Kishore. He added “Nobody else at sea is offering this style of raw cuisine, and because we serve at most 112 guests, we can. One might assume raw food is boring or bland, but guests who chose to try it are in for a tasty surprise.”

SeaDream’s Chef shared several of the dishes being served from this optional, new raw food menu. Beverages such as Watercress Tang; a liquid mélange of watercress, Anjou pear, lime and pineapple; the Blood Apple Blaster; a blend of apple, ginger, red beet, lime juice and agave. Salad options include Asian style Cashew Curry Salad; crunchy and slightly spicy. An entrée such as Vegetable Lasagna uses pasta-like noodles made from spinach leaves and coconut meat, layered between a spicy cauliflower mash topped with a sun-dried tomato marinara.

SeaDream’s Pastry Chef is on board with raw food desserts. There is a tempting Cashew Lemon Cheese Cake with a crust made from almonds and dates and the filling’s main ingredients are cashews, lemon juice, almond milk and coconut butter. For those who prefer sugar free, we make that available too. You really can have your cake and eat it

In 2013, Disney Cruise Line will offer new itineraries, including an expanded portfolio of European cruises with new destinations such as Venice, Italy, and the Greek Isles. In addition, Disney Cruise Line will utilize a second homeport in Florida, with Caribbean sailings departing from the Port of Miami for the first time.

With the addition of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy to the fleet of cruise ships, Disney Cruise Line is able to take more families to more destinations around the world. Disney Cruise Line has always catered to the unique vacation needs of families, and next year will be enhancing the cruise options for guests — whether it’s sun and sand in the Caribbean, outdoor adventures in Alaska or experiencing the wonders of Europe.

Highlights of the Disney Cruise Line 2013 schedule (which can be booked beginning Jan. 26, 2012) include…

Mediterranean from Barcelona

Beginning June 1, 2013, the Disney Magic returns to Europe with plenty of new twists to the Mediterranean itineraries, including a four-night option and special 12-night sailings in addition to seven-night itineraries that treat guests to the best of Europe during the three-month season.

The new 12-night sailings visit destinations such as Venice, Italy, and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast on one itinerary and Ephesus, Turkey and the Greek Isles including Athens, on another. Each itinerary will offer a sailing departing in June and another departing in July.

All itineraries depart from Barcelona, Spain, as the Disney Magic takes guests on an exciting journey of richly diverse cities, cultures and people. With romantic boulevards, bustling bazaars, iconic locations, mild climates, sun-drenched islands and the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea, guests will enjoy a world-class family vacation with legendary Disney guest service.

Rates start at $796 per person for four-night cruises, $1,015 per person for seven-night cruises and $2,244 for 12-night cruises departing from Barcelona for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Four-night Mediterranean Getaway

Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Departure dates: July 9, Aug. 6

Seven-night Mediterranean Cruise

Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy

Departure dates: June 1, 8, Aug. 10, 17, 24, 31

12-night Mediterranean with Greece

Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Valetta, Malta

Departure dates: June 15, July 13

12-night Mediterranean with Venice

Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy; Venice, Italy (overnight); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Valetta, Malta

Departure dates: June 27, July 25

Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Miami

Disney Cruise Line will sail from Miami for the first time on Dec. 23, 2012. One six- and one seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard the Disney Wonder will set the stage for a schedule of four- and five-night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean between Jan. 5, 2013, and May 2, 2013. The four- and five-night cruises have a variety of itineraries. Ports of call may include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

The itineraries offer families magical days at sea to explore all of the fun aboard the Disney Wonder and days in port to lounge on warm, golden beaches, to swim and snorkel in azure waters or to shop to their heart’s content in exotic marketplaces.

Rates for four- and five-night cruises departing from Miami start at $440 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Five-night Caribbean

Ports: Miami, Cozumel, Castaway Cay

Departure dates: Jan. 5, 19, Feb, 2, 16, March 2, 16, 30, April 13, 27

Five-night Caribbean

Ports: Miami, Grand Cayman, Cozumel

Departure dates: Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11, 25, March 11, 25, April 8, 22

Four-night Bahamas

Ports: Miami, Key West, Nassau, Castaway Cay

Departure dates: Jan. 10, 24, Feb. 7, 21, March 7, 21, April 4, 18, May 2

Western Caribbean from Galveston

The Disney Magic, which will begin sailing from Texas in 2012, will continue to sail from the Port of Galveston through May 2013, to the Western Caribbean.

Rates start at $750 per person for six-night cruises and $920 per person for eight-night cruises departing from Galveston for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Six-night Caribbean:

Ports: Galveston, Grand Cayman, Cozumel

Departure dates: Dec. 15 and 29, 2012, Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23, March 9, 23, April 6, 20. May 4

Eight-night Caribbean:

Ports: Galveston, Key West, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel

Departure dates: Dec. 21, 2012, Jan. 4, 18, Feb. 1, 15, March 1, 15, 29, April 12, 26, May 10

Alaska from Vancouver

Beginning May 27, 2013, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska.

These cruises will combine the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Disney Cruise Line worked closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive-to-Disney family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to best experience Alaska’s natural beauty and rich history.

Rates for seven-night Alaska cruises departing from Vancouver start at $1,015 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Seven-night Alaska:

Ports: Vancouver, Tracy Arm (scenic cruising through fjord), Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan

Departure dates: May 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept. 2

Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Canaveral

The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will continue to sail a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral.

The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Special Eastern Caribbean sailings, January through April 2013, stop at San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for seven-night Caribbean cruises on the Disney Fantasy start at $1,085 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for three- and four-night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Dream start at $450 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Adventures By Disney

Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney will offer families unique land and sea experiences in the Mediterranean. Available on select departures, guests can maximize the magic with three-night or four-night pre-cruise Adventures by Disney vacation itineraries in Barcelona and Madrid. These immersive add-ons allow families to envelop themselves in the culture of the region with VIP access in the most-sought-after tourist destinations – such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona and the El Prado museum in Madrid – as well as hands-on lessons in archeology, flamenco dancing, local cuisine and stained glass crafting. Each Adventures by Disney departure is led by knowledgeable Adventure Guides who handle all the planning logistics so parents can relax and enjoy quality time with their family.

Families can also enhance seven-night and 12-night Mediterranean sailings with Adventures by Disney Onboard Experience packages. Throughout the voyage, guests will have access to exclusive Adventures by Disney activities and concierge service from dedicated Adventure Guides. These guides will also lead travelers at each port, helping them unlock the wonders of each destination through exclusive excursions and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Specific itinerary and pricing information for the 2013 Adventures by Disney experiences will be available in March 2012.

All Disney Cruise Line pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included. Bookings for the 2013 schedule open Jan. 26, 2012.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.

Simple statistics point to an essential mode of transportation in and around Ilulissat, third-largest settlement in Greenland and a prime tourist destination. Population is around 4,500; sled dog population is at least 4,000.

Greenland is home to about 60,000 residents.  It’s a land of giant icebergs, wide fjords and colorful villages where friendly Greenlanders greet guests with warm hospitality. Popular pursuits are hiking, sailing, kayaking, viewing wildlife and soaking up the culture of the Inuit, who have lived in this ancient land through the millennia.

This coming summer, The Great Canadian Travel Company is offering a sea voyage on board a ship of the Arctic Umiaq Line. You will sail the length of the west coast of Greenland, and be offered an opportunity to witness Greenlandic village life during en route stops. This 10-day, 9-night “Classic Greenland Coastal Voyage” is priced at $3659 per person, double occupancy, with 12 departures during June, July and August 2012.

You begin this adventure with a flight to Reykjavik, Iceland, where you spend two nights. During your stay, a full day Golden Circle tour is featured, visiting some of Iceland’s iconic sights — the ancient parliament site of Thingvellir, the waterfall at Gullfoss and the dramatic hot springs at Geysir. You will also have a free day to explore Reykjavik, or perhaps book one of the many day tours that are available.

Then it’s off to Greenland, where you spend three nights in Ilulissat , north of the Arctic Circle, situated in Disko Bay. Magnificent icebergs fill the fjord right outside of town and can be best seen on an optional full day excursion to the Eqi glacier, to experience the sights and sounds of a calving glacier at close range.

You can also hike to small and remote settlements where “old world” Greenlandic traditions live on. Other options include boat cruises among the icebergs and a helicopter tour to the ice cap. Active options include fishing and whale-watching.

After your stay in Ilulissat, you board the 249-passenger M/S Sarfaq Ittuk for the sailing south to Nuuk. This ship, a vital link for the Greenlandic coast, will be your home for the next 36 hours. While not extravagant, the on-board restaurant and lounge offer good food, and the chance to mix with both local
travelers and others touring this remote land.

The ship stops en route at Aasiat, Manitsoq and Sisimiut, offering you the chance to disembark and explore these tiny communities, and catch a glimpse into the daily life of Greenlanders.

Arriving in Nuuk, the Greenlandic capital, in the morning, you transfer to your hotel and have the balance of the day to explore the town. You may want to visit the Greenland National Museum, with its interesting collection of art and
archaeological artifacts. The next afternoon you will fly to Reykjavik where you connect to your homeward flight to North America.

The Classic Greenland Coastal Voyage includes round trip airfare between Iceland and Greenland, three nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Reykjavik and Ilulissat, one night’s accommodation with breakfast in Nuuk, arrival transfer and one local tour in Iceland, and accommodation on board the ship in a twin berth cabin. Airfare from North America to Iceland and meals other than breakfast daily are not included.

Reservations and additional information available from The Great Canadian Travel Company, 800-661-3830, www.greatcanadiantravel.com.

We at AllThingsCruise have received many calls and queries and requests for interviews since the Costa Concordia accident in Italy. So we put our heads together to and came up with this report:

1.      Bookings are still pouring in at a “Wave Season” Rate.  Our sister site, CruiseCompete, has encountered very few cancellations and we believe those that wish to travel via cruise ship will continue to do so.  Those we may be missing are those consumers new to cruising that this may affect as they may choose another type of vacation as they have in the past.

2.      Cruise prices may go down.  Not seeing that currently, but they may fall in the short term.

3.     Smaller ships and river ships, those that tend to hug the coastline, will become even more popular. Some cruisers will prefer sailing in vessels where they can “see the shore” most of the time.

4.     Carnival Corp. stock is taking a beating, but the loss of a large vessel would be damaging to any company, especially because of the deaths associated with it.

5.      Muster drills will be prioritized – Consumers say they will now pay more attention at muster drills, and ships will most probably schedule them immediately after all embarkations.

6.      Cruiser Comments - Very few comments from travelers

7.      Cancellations – Those that were queasy cancelled very quickly, it was a small number

8.      Safer time to travel – These next few months will be the safest time to travel, as all of the officers and crew will be looking very carefully at all policies and procedures.

9.      This is rare - Accidents such as this one are an extremely rare occurrence in the cruise industry, and cruising continues to be one of safest means of travel among all types of vacationing.

10.  Cruise insurance – May become more popular

11.  Cruise line changes to policy – We have not seen any of the lines change cancellation policies. But you can be sure that they will be closely scrutinizing their emergency and evacuation procedures.

12.  Cruise ship design – You can be sure that cruise ship architects will be looking closely at their top-heavy ship designs and the puzzling fact that the ship tilted away from the gash in its side, rather than toward it.

American Safari Cruises' luxury yacht, Safari Quest, at anchor while passengers enjoy a morning kayak in Balandra Bay off Isla del Carmen, Sea of Cortes, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Travelers needing an escape to sunny Baja have one more reason to book a Sea of Cortés yacht adventure with American Safari Cruises. All new reservations for cruises departing now through April 14, 2012 receive one complimentary hotel stay at Casa Natalia, a boutique hotel in San José del Cabo, Mexico.

The 22-guest, upscale yacht Safari Quest sails weeklong Aquarium of the World adventure cruises from La Paz, Mexico through April. The offer is good only for guests flying into Cabo. The Safari Quest package includes transfers between airport, hotel and the yacht in La Paz, plus one complimentary night either pre- or post-cruise at the award-winning European-style Casa Natalia. Breakfast is included at the hotel.  Transfer between Cabo and La Paz is via private shuttle.  The package is valued at up to $900 per couple.

“San Jose del Cabo is a very scenic destination with many opportunities for activities and relaxation,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Flying into Cabo affords our guests more flexibility in flight times, and by adding a hotel night there, guests can explore the area and enjoy the sightseeing trip up the peninsula to La Paz.”

Sailing roundtrip from the picturesque town of La Paz, the yacht explores amidst the hundreds of islands and islets in the Sea of Cortés—a place author John Steinbeck found “ferocious with life” and described by Jacques Cousteau as “the aquarium of the world.”  The itinerary includes exploration of Isla Partida, Isla San Jose, Isla San Francisco and Isla Espíritu Santo. A flexible and unhurried cruising philosophy promises time to seek out wildlife including many different species of whales, dolphins and sea lions—all prevalent in the wildlife rich waters of the Sea of Cortés.

Cruise fares start at $3,995 per person based on double occupancy. The inclusive cruise includes all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. The 22-guest Safari Quest features a hot tub, Tempur-pedic mattresses, heated tile floors in all bathrooms and upper category balconies. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1. Yachts can be booked as a private charter or by individual stateroom. To book a yachting adventure or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or American Safari Cruises at 888-862-8881 or email sales@innerseadiscoveries.com.

The travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and small expedition ships announces that is offering effective March 2012 five new  itineraries in Central and South America thanks to the re-launch of newly renovated M/V Sea Voyager.

AdventureSmith Explorations, http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/, brings this 60-passenger expedition ship into its fold at a time when demand for travel to Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador is on the rise, said Todd Smith, founder / director. He noted that the ship that provides both an experienced crew and affordable rates was a winner in Condé Nast’s 2009 Best Small Ships Awards.

Smith has worked with many of the newly assembled A-team representing the ship’s parent company, Sea Voyager Expeditions (SVE), and its partner Global Voyages Group. Among them are Michael Lomax, Brand Director Global Voyages Group, whom he met through Glacier Bay Tours & Cruises in the 1990′s; David Giersdorf, President & CEO Global Voyages Group, whose father gave Smith his first job as a naturalist guide; Dave Randon, Senior Sales Manager Global Voyages Group, who has joined Smith on Antarctic and North Pole expeditions; and Captain Jorge Murillo whom Smith met back when the ship was operated by Lindblad Expeditions.

“While I have not personally met Denise Landau, President & CEO Sea Voyager Expeditions, I am familiar with her because of her work at IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators),” Smith noted, adding that Landau is also noted as an eco-tourism advocate and expert.

Fares, priced seasonally, begin at $365 per day, per person, double cabin for 8 to 12-night cruises.  Included are all meals, pre-post hotels, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees.

Plus, travelers can save up to $2,000 per couple if they book their cabin on any of the M/V Sea Voyager departures by Jan. 31, 2012. Discount amount is dependent on time of year, cabin type and itinerary.

While cruising guests will venture with naturalists and guides into rainforests and sea in pursuit of land and marine life that is among the world’s most diverse. While on board passengers enjoy air-conditioned comfort in 31 outside staterooms with ample storage and private bath. On board are a lounge, bar, fitness and massage rooms, library with WiFi, dining room, buffet, fore and aft deck space and a platform for getting on/off Zodiacs. See:
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/accommprofile.php/d/costarica/accid/144

While other small ship cruises may be limited to Panama and the Pacific side of Costa Rica, traveling only November through March, M/V Sea Voyager will operate year round with itineraries inclusive of the Pacific and Caribbean side of Costa Rica, both sides of Panama and Panama Canal visits and coastal Columbia and Ecuador.

The five new itineraries are:

Panama to Costa Rica Pacific Cruise – 9 Days; Balboa/Panama City to San Jose/Costa Rica

Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean Cruise – 10 Days; Panama City/Panama to San Jose/Costa Rica

Panama to Colombia Caribbean Cruise – 9 Days; Panama City/Panama to Cartagena/Colombia

Columbia Caribbean Cruise – 9 Days; Cartagena/Colombia to Santa Marta/Colombia

Panama to Ecuador Pacific Cruise – 13 Days; Balboa/Panama City to Quito/Ecuador

One of my major volunteer activities each year is to run a Rally for the Cure ladies golf tournament and charity auction to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the foundation dedicated to the eradication of breast cancer. This issue is particularly close to me as my sister is a breast cancer survivor as are my two sisters-in-law.

So it was gratifying to learn that the Princess Cruises Community Foundation is going to fund two research projects in conjunction with Komen for the Cure. The monies are raised through on-board deck walks held on each Princess cruises. My husband and I have participated in many of these.

Here are the details:

The Princess Cruises Community Foundation and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® have announced a new three-year partnership for two research projects supporting the fight against breast cancer.

One of the Foundation-supported research grants, at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), will look at the molecular effects of the chemical BPA on breast cancer, while the other, at Stanford University School of Medicine, will study breast stem cell differentiation.

The projects are funded by the Princess Cruises Community Foundation’s On Deck for the Cure® program, which is a 5K fundraising walk for passengers held during the course of every Princess cruise.

At the same time, the Foundation has been welcomed into the Komen Million Dollar Council for surpassing this donation milestone.

“These two research projects are both important steps toward finding causes and treatments for breast cancer,” said Alan Buckelew, president of the Princess Cruises Community Foundation, and also president and CEO of Princess Cruises. “Reaching the million dollar donation level and being able to fund this work underscores our commitment to this cause, and we want to acknowledge the support of our passengers for this important milestone. On every cruise, they take time out of their vacation to circle the decks, raising both funds and awareness to fight one of the leading causes of death for women in the U.S.”

The research supported by Susan G. Komen with funding from the Princess Cruises Community Foundation’s On Deck for the Cure program includes:

• Determining the Molecular Effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) in Mammary Gland Stem Cells and Breast Cancer Proliferation

Headed by Dr. Susan Krum at UCLA, this study will investigate whether a chemical known as Bisphenol A (BPA) – commonly found in plastic containers, ranging from baby bottles to food containers – causes or accelerates breast cancer. BPA is similar to the hormone estrogen, which is responsible for stimulating the growth of a large percentage of breast cancers. Dr. Krum and her colleagues will test whether BPA, acting like estrogen, may also stimulate tumor growth.

• Functional Analysis of the DLK1-GTL2 Imprinted Region in Breast Stem Cell Differentiation and Tumorigenesis

Dr. Michael Clarke heads this Stanford University School of Medicine study to attempt to determine whether small RNA molecules (MicroRNA) from a specific region in breast stem cells can be used to treat or predict breast cancer. The study will also investigate whether restoring irregular MicroRNA in breast cancer cells can prevent tumor growth.

“Princess Cruises Community Foundation is a committed partner in the fight against breast cancer,” said Katrina McGhee, CMO & executive vice president for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Not only do they raise awareness on board every ship during every sailing, they also raise significant funds to help Susan G. Komen fulfill our promise to end breast cancer forever. We are so grateful to Princess Cruises Community Foundation and the Princess employees and guests for their dedication to our cause.”

Since the On Deck for the Cure program was launched on Princess ships in 2007, thousands of passengers have participated in the fundraising walks held during the course of each cruise. The five-kilometer walks around the ships’ decks always draw an enthusiastic group of passengers who donate a minimum of $15 to participate, and receive a special hat, and a post-walk appreciation reception.

It seems not all that long ago that I was in Port Canaveral watching the christening of the Disney Dream. We then got to sail on a two-day introductory cruise and thoroughly enjoyed this new vessel.

This week we got a first good look at the Disney Fantasy as it was floated out of its enclosed building dock at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Of course, there was a Disney touch: Fireworks filled the sky.

This symbolizes one of the final stages of this ship’s construction and marks a significant milestone towards the March 31, 2012 maiden voyage.

The Disney Fantasy features many of the innovations found on her sister ship, Disney Dream, with several new guest experiences exclusive to the ship. New experiences found on the Disney Fantasy include two Broadway-style musical spectaculars for the Walt Disney Theatre, a dining experience at Animator’s Palate where guests’ own drawings magically come to life, an interactive adventure quest starring the Muppets, a splashtacular water play area called AquaLab, a sophisticated nighttime entertainment area for adults inspired by European travel and much more .

The Disney Fantasy will sail seven-night alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries. All voyages will depart from Port Canaveral, Fla. and include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500.

Oceania Cruises is introducing more than 1,000 new tours and excursion packages that allow guests to custom design their destination experience and enjoy significant savings. This product enhancement is in addition to previously announced new beverage packages. Both constitute the third phase of the line’s ongoing Pillars of Distinction initiative.

“These new packages provide guests the opportunity to take full advantage of our onboard programs at a price point that is more compelling than ever before,” said Kunal S. Kamlani, the line’s president. “We continually strive to raise the bar, offering more with absolutely no compromise in quality.”

Choose 3 Different Ways to Explore

Beginning with its 2012 Europe season, Oceania Cruises is offering three distinct sightseeing options and more than 1,000 new excursions worldwide – many have been designed for the traveler who may be experiencing ports for the second or third time. In each case, guests enjoy substantial savings by booking prior to the sail date. Package highlights include:

• A la Carte – As before, individual shore excursions can be purchased in advance or onboard the ship. However, starting with the 2012 Europe season, guests who book excursions prior to sailing will enjoy 10 percent off on-board prices.
• Your World Collection – This option offers guests the flexibility to select a combination of excursions that most appeals to them and save 25 percent off on-board prices. The minimum number of excursions per package varies based on the number of ports on the itinerary. For example, on a voyage with eight ports, the minimum is five excursions.
• Unlimited Passport Collection – Designed for travelers who wish to fully experience a destination in depth, this package offers unlimited shore excursions throughout the voyage – a savings of up to 40 percent. Guests pay a set fee for the entire cruise and will be able to book an unlimited number of excursions. Package prices will vary based on the number of ports on the itinerary. For example, the package price for a cruise with seven ports is $699 per person. Guests who purchase the Unlimited Passport Collection also receive discounts on limited-availability tours.

Exclusive Early Booking Window

Guests in suites and concierge-level staterooms enjoy a 60-day advance priority booking period. Travelers who purchase either the Your World or Unlimited Passport collections also receive priority confirmation of their selections. This added benefit is especially appealing to those who wish to ensure they have a place reserved on the most popular tours in marquee cities such as Venice, Rome, St. Petersburg and Istanbul, to name a few.

 All excursion packages have the added convenience of being fully refundable until sail date and must be purchased in advance of sailing to enjoy the maximum savings. Packages will be non-refundable thereafter. A la Carte tours will remain fully refundable up until 36 hours before the excursion.

The line’s Pillars of Distinction is an ongoing initiative, with more enhancements and updates to be announced.

Following on the heels of its award-winning blog (“50 Essential Experiences”), Princess Cruises has launched a new blog called “Inspired to Cruise: A Year of Reasons to Get Away From the Everyday” (www.InspiredToCruise.com). Throughout 2012, the blog will gradually reveal 52 passenger stories about what compelled them to take a cruise vacation.

The blog will explore the myriad celebrations, accomplishments, family milestones and other inspired  reasons to cruise, and each week another passenger will tell their story. The posts will chronicle stories from a diverse group of contributors – from long-time cruisers to those who set sail for the first time. Readers will find that some events go as planned, while others do not, and that many cruisers have found that unforgettable surprises make the best stories of all.

“Our passengers regularly share deeply personal stories with us about why they’ve cruised, and we wanted to share some of the most remarkable ones,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “With this new blog we’re giving our passengers the starring role as storytellers, and we think their experiences will inspire others to think about the many reasons to cruise.”

The first post is from Nancy Chamberlain-Fox of Trabuco Canyon, California who tells the story of cruising to celebrate the second time she and her husband were married…..after a span of not being together for 27 years. The love story takes an unexpected turn when they discover that their multi-generational dinner table mates each share the same anniversary date.

Also featured on the blog each week will be a short video called an “Escape Inspiration.” These 30-second onboard moments will be introduced by a Princess crew member who will explain why the scene has meaning for them. The first video, introduced by Grand Princess Captain Anthony Herriott, features the mesmerizing wake view off the ship’s fantail.