On Thursday, March 1, 2012, the next construction stage of the EUROPA 2 began with the keel laying. At the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the first block of the ship was lifted into the dry dock. Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Laurent Castaing, General Manager of STX France, each placed a coin in the block. The coins were welded into the block and will accompany the ship on all future cruises. This tradition is believed to bring luck to new ships. The first ship block has a length of 38.7 feet is 28.5 feet high and weighs 881,840 pounds.

Concurrently with the start of construction in the dry dock, the suites of the ship are being manufactured in the shipyard’s cabin factory. At the beginning of July 2012, the EUROPA 2 will take to the water for the very first time so that work on the interior of the ship can be initiated at the outfitting pier. A total of 835 shipyard workers are involved in the construction of the new ship. Until the delivery of the ship in the Spring of 2013 the shipyard workers will dedicate over 2.5 million hours of labor to the project.

The EUROPA 2, the sister ship of the existing EUROPA will be positioned in the luxury segment as a lifestyle-oriented, casual alternative, and is due to be commissioned in the Spring of 2013. With eleven decks and 251 suites, the EUROPA 2 will offer a maximum capacity of 516 passengers, and more space per passenger than any other cruise ship. The all suite ship has suites with balconies, with a minimum size of 301 square feet. Eight restaurants, as well as six bars, will offer culinary diversity onboard, and a large spa and fitness area taking into account the trend towards well-being on voyages.

Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime gourmet dining experience by introducing the Chef’s Table fleet-wide. Guests who attend the Chef’s Table dining experience will enjoy a nine-course, upscale menu consisting of unique and contemporary creations using the highest quality ingredients, sophisticated cooking techniques, flavor compositions and captivating presentations. All courses are accompanied by wines that are specially paired by the line’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson.

The two-and-a-half hour Chef’s Table dining experience begins with an intimate reception where guests enjoy a glass of champagne as they mingle with the ship’s Executive Chef, Food and Beverage Director, Restaurant Manager, Assistant Maître d’ and Head Wine Steward. Following the reception, guests are invited to take a group photo before sitting down to begin their gourmet culinary experience in an intimate restaurant setting that provides privacy and exclusivity. The Executive Chef welcomes the group and then goes on to describe the first two courses: an Amuse Bouche ‘Molecular Gastronome’ consisting of Spherical Mango, Vodka & Jalapeno Ravioli and an Orange-Wasabi Glazed Ahi Tuna Tartar with freshly-baked Sesame Crisp.

Courses one and two are accompanied by the Master Sommelier’s wine selection. Asparagus Cream is served for course three, followed by the fourth course, a Short Crust Tartlet and a Grapefruit and Moscato Granite is served as course number five. As the Executive Chef describes the ingredients and technique used to create courses three through five, the second wine selection is served and the Chef invites questions about the dishes. Course six consists of a Plantain- Crusted, Pan Seared Sea Bass accompanied by Mango, Papaya & Avocado Salsa and Lobster Veloute and a Milk-Fed Veal Chop with Anna Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach and Truffle Veal Jus rounds out course number seven. A specially-selected cheese platter that boasts an assortment of gourmet cheeses is served as course eight and course nine, is dessert, which consists of either a Yogurt-Mousse Dome with Lychee Raspberry Crème, Hazel Sablee and Lime Vanilla Reduction; or a Chocolate Log with ‘Spiced’ Dark Rum, Infused Banana and Cocoa Mousse.

This dining experience is offered for a cover charge of $75 per person, including gratuities, a behind-the-scenes galley tour, one group photo and an individual photo with the Executive Chef. The Chef’s Table is limited to 12 guests per exclusive dining experience and is offered once per cruise on board Norwegian ships fleet-wide, with the exception of Norwegian Jade which rolls out March 22, 2012.

Oceania Cruises’ summer 2013 itineraries feature three ships –Riviera, Marina and Nautica – deployed to ports throughout Europe. Including voyages from April through September, the summer 2013 European season is available for booking on March 7, 2012, and features first-time ports, new itineraries and the addition of extra sea days, allowing guests to fully enjoy the line’s onboard culinary and enrichment experiences.

All summer 2013 voyages booked by June 30, 2012, feature two-for-one cruise fares and free air transportation, bonus savings of up to $3,500 per stateroom and, for added value, two-for-one deposits on bookings made by March 31, 2012.

Guests can also utilize the line’s recently introduced beverage packages, priced from $29.95 per guest, per day, and new shore excursion options including an unlimited package of tours.

“Oceania Cruises’ 2013 Europe schedule offers extraordinary experiences in spring, summer and fall,” stated Kunal S. Kamlani, the line’s president. “With Riviera returning for a full season, we continue to provide our guests with the most exciting and unique itineraries throughout the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Black Sea and Scandinavia.”

Explore the Mediterranean & Black Sea

Riviera, which makes her debut in Europe in May 2012, returns in 2013 to explore the Western and Eastern Mediterranean with new 7-, 10- and 12-day cruises, from Barcelona to Istanbul. Featured itineraries include the 10-day Italian Escapade (July 3 and August 28, 2013) from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Venice with stops in Florence (Livorno), Sorrento and Amalfi along the Amalfi coast, Taormina (Sicily), Corfu, Montenegro and Dubrovnik (Croatia) and a full day at sea before reaching Venice for an overnight stay.

Marina offers a new 10-day Treasures of the Ancients itinerary, that sails round-trip from Barcelona (November 10) calling at Valencia and Palma de Mallorca in Spain; Algiers, a new port for Oceania Cruises; Palermo, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Florence (Livorno), Italy; Monte Carlo and Provence (Marseille).

Discover Northern Europe & Baltic Capitals

Marina and Nautica venture throughout Scandinavia and the Baltic, including a visit to the Polar Ice Barrier. Marina’s Baltic Odyssey, a new 10-day itinerary from Stockholm to Copenhagen with visits to Helsinki, St. Petersburg (three full days), Tallinn, Gdansk, and Berlin, departs June 25, July 5 and September 3, with a special Oceania Club Reunion Cruise on August 24.

On July 4, Nautica will offer an 18-day Voyage of the Midnight Sun from London to Copenhagen visiting 12 ports in Norway with overnight stops in Honninsvag (North Cape) and four sea days. Nautica’s July 22 Medieval Marvels, a 10-day cruise from Copenhagen to Stockhom, features the new port of Klaipeda, Lithuania, a picturesque seaside city at the mouth of the Dange River and Baltic Sea.

 Cruise Continental Europe in Grand Style

Rounding out the European itineraries, Marina and Nautica feature 7-, 10- and 12-day itineraries that capture “the best of the best” ports of call. “Cultural Connoisseur” – which departs September 27 – on Marina is a 12-day voyage from London to Barcelona, and on June 6, European Treasures on Nautica is a 14-day cruise from Rome to London.

For more information on summer 2013 cruise itineraries, see a professional travel agent, visit OceaniaCruises.com or call 800-531-5658.

Cruise without a fixed schedule on the Sea Cloud II

“Wherever the wind takes us” is the theme on the Sea Cloud II from 17 – 23 June 2012.  This cruise will sail the Aegean and the Cyclades without a fixed schedule.  The voyage will begin in Istanbul, with a night in the Bosphorus metropolis before the Sea Cloud ii heads for the Cyclades and, depending on the wind and weather conditions, puts into destinations such as Milos, Naxos or Syros.

Dates: June 17, 2012 to June 23, 2012 Istanbul – Piraeus, from US$ 3.895 per person.

River Cloud II trips with attractive Prague program

Five countries, four cultural metropolises and the picturesque landscape of the Danube form part of the schedule of the river yacht River Cloud II this summer, including Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava with their impressive Baroque architecture. There is an optional pre or post-cruise program in Prague. Besides a lot of extras, the additional package for US$ 99 per person covers two nights and a sightseeing tour of the “Golden City” plus transfers.

Dates: Passau-Passau, July 26, 2012 to August 2, .2012; Passau-Budapest, August 2 2012-August 9 .2012; Budapest-Vilshofen, August 25, 2012 to September 1,2012, each from US$ 2.875 per person.

Swan Hellenic’s Minerva sailed recently from Portsmouth, England on her first Spring cruise following an extensive multi-million dollar upgrade program.  The 350-guest Minerva, now offering more balcony suites than ever before and a wider selection of expansive new public areas, is gearing up for an exciting new era of discovery cruising.

Minerva’s enhancements include a number of new and improved features such as:

• The addition of 32 new balconies added to existing staterooms, increasing the number of balcony suites to a total of 44 suites representing 23% of total accommodations. New Egyptian cotton bed linen is available in all balcony suites.
• New Orpheus Lounge & Bar, a wrap-around forward observation lounge with expansive panoramic views, serves as an exciting new evening venue offering dancing and entertainment.
• The expansion of the popular Shackleton Bar includes new picture windows offering mesmerizing views
• New Livingstone Lounge, ideal for relaxing or reading
• New outdoor “walk around” Promenade Deck
• New en-suite facilities in all 181 staterooms
• New dedicated internet lounge and new Wi-Fi available throughout the ship
• New shaded areas on both Bridge and Sun decks
• Guests are now able to enjoy engaging talks from eminent Guest Speakers from three onboard venues

The ship also features a comprehensive library of approximately 5,000 volumes, many written by Guest Speakers past and present; two dining rooms offering open seating dining, which allows passengers to dine with their friends; plus the gym and spa services have also been relocated and upgraded.

A new video showcasing Minerva’s key enhancements, along with new cruise podcasts featuring Summer 2012 itineraries, can be accessed at www.youtube.com/swanhellenic. Minerva’s upgrade is the first major work on the ship since its original remodelling from a spy ship vessel called ‘Okean’ (named after the Ukrainian shipyard where it was being constructed).

“Minerva’s renovations mark a new chapter in the long history of Swan Hellenic and underline All Leisure Group PLC’s commitment to the future of this popular ship, enabling it to remain at the forefront of cultural discovery cruising for years to come,” explains Colin Stone, Managing Director of Swan Hellenic. “We took on board feedback from our passengers to ensure the major refurbishments allow the ship to continue to appeal to our loyal customers but also hopefully appeal to those who are keen to try their first discovery cruise on an intimate ship.”

“We are delighted to be able to offer more balcony suites for our North American market and we look forward to welcoming our guests aboard to experience the new Minerva for an unforgettable journey to new lands,” adds Ivonne Brown, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, North America.

Many of Minerva’s inaugural spring cruises around the Canary Islands, Mediterranean and Black Sea are already “sold out.”  Her new 2012 itineraries, ranging from 14-to-56 days include Summer/Fall cruises to the British Isles, Northern Europe, The Baltic, Mediterranean, Black Sea, Red Sea and the Middle East; and Winter 2012/13 cruises to majestic ports in the Far East and India.

Fares on the exquisite new Minerva start from $1,899 per person (from $135 per day) including shore excursions, all gratuities and port charges based on the March 16, 2012 Vintage Iberia & Italy cruise.  Fares are based on double occupancy and subject to availability.

Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime gourmet dining experience by introducing the Chef’s Table fleet-wide. Guests who attend the Chef’s Table dining experience will feast on a nine-course, upscale menu consisting of unique and contemporary creations using the highest quality ingredients, sophisticated cooking techniques, flavor compositions and captivating presentations. All courses are accompanied by wines that are specially paired by the line’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson.

The two-and-a-half hour Chef’s Table dining experience begins with an intimate reception where guests enjoy a glass of champagne as they mingle with the ship’s Executive Chef, Food and Beverage Director, Restaurant Manager, Assistant Maître d’ and Head Wine Steward. Following the reception, guests are invited to take a group photo before sitting down to begin their gourmet culinary experience in a luxurious and intimate restaurant setting that provides privacy and exclusivity. The Executive Chef welcomes the group and then goes on to describe the first two courses: an Amuse Bouche ‘Molecular Gastronome’ consisting of Spherical Mango, Vodka & Jalapeno Ravioli and an Orange-Wasabi Glazed Ahi Tuna Tartar with freshly-baked Sesame Crisp.

Courses one and two are accompanied by the Master Sommelier’s expertly-paired wine selection. Asparagus Cream is served for course three, followed by the fourth course, a Short Crust Tartlet and a delightful Grapefruit and Moscato Granite is served as course number five. As the Executive Chef describes the ingredients and technique used to create courses three through five, the second wine selection is served and the Chef invites questions about the dishes. Course six consists of a Plantain- Crusted, Pan Seared Sea Bass accompanied by Mango, Papaya & Avocado Salsa and Lobster Veloute and a Milk-Fed Veal Chop with Anna Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach and Truffle Veal Jus rounds out course number seven. A specially-selected cheese platter that boasts an assortment of gourmet cheeses is served as course eight and the grand finale, course nine, is dessert, which consists of either a Yogurt-Mousse Dome with Lychee Raspberry Crème, Hazel Sablee and Lime Vanilla Reduction; or a Chocolate Log with ‘Spiced’ Dark Rum, Infused Banana and Cocoa Mousse.

This exclusive dining experience is offered for a cover charge of $75 per person, including gratuities, a behind-the-scenes galley tour, one group photo and an individual photo with the Executive Chef. The Chef’s Table is limited to 12 guests per exclusive dining experience and is offered once per cruise on board Norwegian ships fleet-wide, with the exception of Norwegian Jade which rolls out March 22, 2012.

The Great American Steamboat Company announces Priscilla Presley as the godmother of the steamboat American Queen. Presley, who is synonymous with Graceland in the steamboat’s homeport of Memphis, will name her in a christening ceremony at the revitalized Beale Street Landing on April 27. Highlights of the festivities will include performances by local musicians, a bottle of champagne crashing against the stern and the sounds of the American Queen Calliope as she steams off up the Mississippi River.

The Great American Steamboat Company has also entered into an exclusive partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises. This collaboration will present the first Elvis Cruise on the American Queen from Memphis to New Orleans this December, as well as signature Graceland experiences for guests.

A daughter of an Air Force officer, Priscilla Presley attended high school in Germany, where she met her future husband, Elvis Presley. In 1979 she became co-executor of the Presley Estate growing it from a burgeoning entity into a phenomenally successful organization consisting of the famous Graceland Mansion, a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, television and video projects.

In addition to being a savvy businesswoman, producer and actress, Presley is an ambassador of the Dream Foundation, helping to fulfill the dreams of adults battling terminal illnesses. She became aware of the organization after helping to grant recipients’ wishes to visit Graceland. The organization is the only one of its kind working with adults as well as helping to create lasting memories for their family and friends. Priscilla has also joined Hollywood celebrities in an important fight against the overmedication of children. She is an advocate for Citizen’s Commission on Human Rights and a percentage of all purchases on PriscillaPresley.com are donated to support these two worthy charities.

“It is quite a thrill for Memphis as steamboating returns once again with the arrival of the American Queen,” explains Presley. “I look forward to her guests visiting Graceland and experiencing true Southern hospitality, which is why this city holds such a special place in my heart.”

“Priscilla Presley’s efforts leading Elvis Presley Enterprises exemplify both grace and dignity, two adjectives befitting the American Queen,” explains Great American Steamboat Company CEO Jeff Krida. “Both are stunning ambassadors to Memphis and we are humbled to bring our steamboat family and the Presley family together.”

The Great American Steamboat Company shares a common passion with Presley, which is its homeport of Memphis. Earlier this month the company hosted a job fair at the Memphis Cook Convention Center hiring 300+ new employees to work onboard the American Queen or at its downtown headquarters.  An annual economic impact of $89 million for the region is expected with the largest and most opulent steamboat ever built returning to the heartland’s iconic rivers.

After a sunset christening, the American Queen will depart for her inaugural voyage up the Mississippi River to the Ohio River with stops in Henderson, Ky., Louisville, Ky., and Madison, Ind., before arriving in her disembarkation city of Cincinnati. In Louisville she will take part in the wonderful tradition of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Great Steamboat Race with the Belle of Louisville and Belle of Cincinnati.

The American Queen will offer an unrivaled All-American hospitality experience from its elegant staterooms to its palatial public spaces and celebrated Southern cuisine of famed Chef Regina Charboneau, the line’s Culinary Director.

A variety of voyage lengths, ranging from three nights to ten nights, and fares beginning at $995 per guest. Pre- or post-cruise luxury hotel stay, all bottled water and soft drinks, wine and beer at diner and complimentary shore adventures are included in each port of call.

Representing Carnival Cruise Lines’ most ambitious refit and transformation project ever, Carnival Destiny will undergo a $155 million makeover next year that will incorporate all of the line’s “Fun Ship 2.0″ dining, bar and entertainment features, as well as a variety of innovations unique to this vessel.

The refit will also include a reconfigured layout, the addition of a partial deck and the expansion of two other decks within the forward section of the ship, providing the opportunity to incorporate a number of new and exciting on-board spaces. One-hundred and eighty-two cabins will be added, as well.

The redesign will be so extensive and wide-ranging that the ship will be renamed Carnival Sunshine following the 49-day dry dock, which will take place from February to April 2013.  The refit work will be completed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.

Following the dry dock, Carnival Sunshine will embark on a schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice from April to October 2013 then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean departures from New Orleans beginning November 2013.

“This is our most ambitious ship conversion project to date and it will radically transform the Carnival Destiny into essentially an entirely new ship offering a variety of exciting dining and beverage choices, spectacular outdoor spaces and entertainment options, and on-board innovations not available anywhere else,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Here’s a look at some of Carnival Sunshine’s many features:

Wide-Ranging On-Board Dining Choices

• Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries in an atmosphere that celebrates the chef’s California roots and love of car culture

• BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas that can be personalized with a variety of salsas and toppings

• Fahrenheit 555, a classic American steakhouse offering steaks and gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts, all enhanced by understated ambiance and impeccable service (venue will carry a surcharge consistent with other steakhouses in the Carnival fleet)

• Cucina del Capitano - or “The Captain’s Kitchen” – with Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in a fun and engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home (during the day, the venue will serve as a free casual lunch-time pasta bar with a nominal charge for dinner)

• A new full-service Asian restaurant inspired by the line’s popular Mongolian wok casual eateries that will feature an extensive menu of delicious favorites from the Far East, along with a striking Asian-themed décor (no charge for lunch with a nominal fee for dinner)

• An expansive casual poolside eatery, Lido Marketplace, offering an array of favorites from around the world, from paninis and pizza to a deli offering piled-high sandwiches and just about everything in between

• A new casual dining option, “The Comfort Kitchen,” located within the Lido Marketplace and offering an array of American-style “comfort food” entrees and side dishes

• Completely renovated main dining rooms that will offer extensive menus and wine lists, with a selection of salads, appetizers, entrees and desserts nightly, including Carnival’s legendary chocolate melting cake

• A newly designed coffee bar, serving a wide range of sweet and frothy concoctions such as cappuccinos, lattes, espressos and other caffeinated favorites, along with pastries  and other confections

Innovative Bar and Beverage Concepts

• RedFrog Pub where guests can enjoy the Caribbean rums and beers – along with Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red private label draft brew – and island-inspired pub fare while soaking up the distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West ambiance

• RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside adaptation of the RedFrog Pub offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red

• BlueIguana Tequila Bar, an outdoor watering hole offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers, perfect for chillin’ by the pool

• EA SPORTS Bar, a sports and video game lovers’ paradise where guests can catch live sporting events, check out scores on the real-time 24/7 sports ticker, and play the latest EA SPORTS games on a 16-screen video wall

• Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” that’s the go-to spot for guests seeking a unique experience with mixologists who “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients or guests’ own custom-created cocktails

• The Library Bar, offering full bar service for those seeking a more intimate spot for before- or after-dinner drinks

• An exciting new lounge, Havana Bar, a tropical-inspired nightspot located aft within Lido Marketplace featuring a panoramic ocean view from its floor to ceiling windows and offering a unique and memorable venue for cocktails, live Latin music and dancing

• The new Sunshine Bar, an elegant lounge with sun-splashed interiors located at the lobby level of the ship’s towering atrium where guests can enjoy a cocktail, dance and listen to live music

• A new cigar bar concept, with fine cigars and a variety of brandies, cognacs and liqueurs, ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks and conversation

Outdoor Fun and Relaxation

• Carnival’s first three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, an oasis of tranquility offering plush chaise lounges and chairs, a whirlpool, a cascading waterfall, teak-planked decks, a pool, a complimentary dining area with freshly made salads that can be customized by guests, and, of course, magnificent sea views

• SportSquare, Carnival Sunshine’s new open-air recreation complex that includes such attractions as a ropes course, mini-golf course, a lighted half court for basketball and volleyball, jogging track, ping pong, pool, and foosball tables, and bar with a large flat-screen for those who want to check out the action on TV

• WaterWorks, a “splash-tastic” top-deck attraction that’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages with wet ‘n wild thrills such as the line’s iconic “Twister” water slide, a Splash Zone kids water play area, an all-new thrill slide  and other fun features

• Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, a poolside 270-square-foot high-tech LED screen offering nightly “Dive In Movies,” along with a variety of concerts, sporting events and other programming, all of which are enjoyed in the fresh sea air

That’s Entertainment!

• Playlist Productions, which builds upon Carnival’s reputation for high quality entertainment by combining captivating live performances and spectacular staging and special effects to create enthralling music revues produced by the top directors and choreographers in the industry

• Hasbro, The Game Show, where guests are part of the show through a series of larger-than-life productions and entertainment activities based on the company’s iconic and popular games and presented in the ship’s remodeled main show lounge

• Piano Bar 88, a new twist on Carnival’s popular piano bar concept that will amp up the excitement with themed nights, an engaging new décor and opportunities for spontaneous sing-along fun

• The Punchliner Comedy Club Presented by George Lopez, featuring a hilarious line-up of both established and up-and-coming talent evaluated and vetted by the popular TV personality who serves as Carnival’s “curator of comedy”

• The Punchliner Comedy Brunch, for those who want a little merriment in the morning, serving up laughter along with delicious cuisine

Staterooms, Shopping and More

• All staterooms will be fully revamped and feature a new tropical décor that pays homage to the ship’s Caribbean itineraries with a combination of bright colors and soothing pastels, with 182 new staterooms to be added across a broad range of accommodations from interior to balconies, including 96 new spa staterooms

• Newly designed play areas catering to kids in three age groups, part of the line’s top-rated children’s programs – Camp Carnival (2-11), Circle “C” (12-14) and Club O2 (15-17), with enthusiastic counselors and fun supervised activities for each group, along with popular elements of Carnival’s new partnership with Hasbro

• The FunHub, featuring dozens of flat-panel stations for keeping up with the latest Carnival Sunshine happenings, surfing the Web, and staying in touch with friends and family back home

• Cloud 9 Spa – Designed as the ultimate refuge for rest and relaxation, this newly constructed facility will set a new standard in oceangoing wellness with a sophisticated menu of exotic therapies, an elaborate thermal suite with varying degrees of soothing warmth, private treatment rooms, and the latest exercise equipment

• Cherry On Top, which celebrates the joys of simple indulgences with bins of bulk candy, fun fanciful gifts and novelties, custom apparel and more

• Ocean Plaza, a stunning café and entertainment venue where guests can meet new friends, listen to music, enjoy drinks and light snacks, participate in a wide range of activities and people watch

Exciting European and Caribbean Itineraries

Carnival Sunshine will launch a series of Mediterranean cruises beginning with a 14-day voyage departing from Venice April 12 and arriving in Barcelona April 26, 2013. The ship will then operate a series of 18 nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises either round-trip from Barcelona or sailing between Barcelona and Venice.  These departures will visit a wide variety of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular ports, including Marseilles, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno (Pisa/Florence) and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Carnival Sunshine will then sail on a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing departing Barcelona Nov. 1 and arriving New Orleans Nov. 17, 2013, positioning the vessel for its year-round deployment from the Big Easy.

Following a special six-day cruise from New Orleans Nov. 18-24, 2013, Carnival Sunshine will launch its year-round seven-day cruise schedule from that port Nov. 24, 2013.  Three different week-long itineraries will be offered – an exotic western Caribbean route to Belize City, Belize; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, and Cozumel, Mexico; a Bahamas/Florida schedule to Key West, Fla., and Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas; and western Caribbean departures to Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel.

Carnival Sunshine will replace Carnival Conquest, which is currently based in New Orleans.  Additional details on the Carnival Conquest deployment will be announced in the near future.

Oceania Cruises will return to the great state of Alaska from May through mid-August 2013 after a one-year hiatus. For the first time Seattle will provide the point of departure for many northern voyages.

In addition to two-for-one cruise fares, free air and bonus savings of up to $3,500 per stateroom, Oceania Cruises is offering two-for-one savings on its new Unlimited Passport Collection package. The special tour package promotion, which has a value of up to $999, will be available for those guests who book an Alaska cruise by June 30, 2012.

“Regatta is one of the smallest ships operating in Alaska providing our guests with a unique and intimate experience,” said Kunal S. Kamlani, the line’s president. “With two-for-one savings on our unlimited shore excursion package, these voyages offer great value for travelers who wish to truly explore the The Last Frontier.”

Scenic highlights include cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage, the awe-inspiring Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. The destination experience can be further enhanced with excursions such as a sea kayaking adventure in Kachemak Bay State Park, a day of fishing followed by an outdoor salmon bake or an expedition aboard a sled pulled by a husky team through Alaska’s rainforest.

Travelers can choose from seven itineraries:

• Gateway to Alaska - 9 days between San Francisco and Vancouver, visiting Astoria, Oregon, Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Departure: May 9

• Fjords & Frontiers - 7 days roundtrip from Vancouver. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka and Wrangell. Departure: May 19

• Majesty of Alaska - 10 days between Vancouver and Seattle, a maiden port for Oceania Cruises, calling at Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah and Ketchikan. Departure: May 26

• Alaskan Wonders - 7 days between Seattle and Vancouver, with visits to Sitka, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Departures: June 5, June 12, June 29, Jul 6

• Alaskan Wilderness - 10 days roundtrip from Seattle. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah, Sitka and Victoria, BC. Departures: June 19, Jul 13

• Glacial Passage - 7 days between Seattle and Vancouver, calling at Sitka, Wrangell and Ketchikan. Departures: Jul 23, Jul 30, Aug 6

• Alaskan Grandeur - 10 days between Vancouver and San Francisco, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Victoria, BC and Astoria, Oregon. Departure: Aug 13

Travelers will discover Alaska aboard Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta – an intimate ship acclaimed for its open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and accommodations, and warm and attentive service.

Chef Cat Cora will step into the honored role as godmother to Oceania Cruises‘ newest ship, Riviera. Chef Cat Cora will name the ship in Barcelona at a lavish, invitation-only christening ceremony on May 11, which will culminate with a 15-liter Nebuchadnezzar of champagne, custom-made by Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, commemoratively breaking against the hull of the 1,250-guest ship.

Riviera is the second new ship launched by Oceania Cruises in under 18 months. Designed for epicureans, Riviera features 10 dining venues – six of which are gourmet restaurants – plus a Bon Appétit Culinary Center for hands-on learning and La Reserve by Wine Spectator, a professional facility for wine tastings and pairing dinners.

“Cat Cora’s passion for fine cuisine and her focus on the dining experience captures the essence of what we do every day,” stated Kunal S. Kamlani, Oceania Cruises’ president. “We are all excited to have her christen our newest ship and are proud to welcome her to the Oceania Cruises family.”

Cora is the first and only female Iron Chef on Food Network’s Iron Chef America, and this spring, steps into a role as co-host of Bravo’s new television show “Around the World in 80 Plates” with Curtis Stone debuting in May. The show follows 12 chefs competing in a culinary race across 10 countries in 44 days.  Many of the countries featured in the show include destinations her new ship, Riviera, will visit during its inaugural season.

In addition to her television credits, Chef Cora operates four restaurants: Kouzzina at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort in Orlando, CCQ, in partnership with Macy’s in Costa Mesa, California and Cat Cora’s Kitchen in San Francisco and Houston. A third Cat Cora’s Kitchen location will be opening at the Salt Lake City International Airport later this month. In addition to being a restaurateur, she also has her own branded olive oils, vinegars, sauces, tapenades and cookware, a collection of wines and is the author of three best-selling cook books and a children’s book.

“It’s an honor to have been asked to serve as the godmother for the beautiful Riviera,” said Cora. “Oceania Cruises has done an incredible job of developing ships custom-designed for food lovers, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it all.”

Oceania Cruises chose Chef Cora as godmother to Riviera, a role revered for its historic and symbolic value, also in recognition of her many philanthropic efforts to support emergency, educational and hunger-related causes. Cora is the president and founder of Chefs for Humanity, which she started in response to the devastating Tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004. The organization is dedicated to reducing hunger worldwide by supporting humanitarian relief and promoting nutrition education.

After the Christening Cruise concludes in Venice, Riviera sets sail on May 16 on her maiden voyage, a 10-day cruise that includes an overnight in Venice before visiting Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Monemvasia, Crete, Santorini, Kusadasi (gateway to Ephesus), Delos, Mykonos and Athens.