In the rest of the cruise industry, Carnival Cruise Lines will be offering a Memorial Day sale for military personnel on all reservations made through May 31. Active and former military personnel can book up to three “Fun Ship” staterooms at discounted rates for themselves and their friends and family members. The offer is available in conjunction with a variety of three- to eight-day “Fun Ship” departures through April 30, 2014, including voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. Rates start at $299 per person for three- to five-day cruises; $334 per person for six-day departures; and $534 per person for seven- and eight-day voyages. Also included are 12-day Europe voyages starting at $949 per person.
Additionally, the Carnival Breeze will be offering two new culinary venues when it launches June 3, including include Bonsai Sushi, the line’s first full-service sushi restaurant, and an open-air barbecue venue called Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ. Following an inaugural 12-day cruise from Venice departing June 3, 2012, Carnival Breeze will operate a series of 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona through Oct. 25, 2012.
Another culinary update focuses on Holland America Line, which introduced a new vegetarian-only menu, as well as 30 new vegetarian dishes to their main dining room menu. The 22-dish vegetarian and vegan menu was designed by Rudi Sodamin, and highlights vegetables and other naturally healthy ingredients in culinary selections. The alternative menu includes a full range of appetizers, salads, soups and main entrées, and is available upon request at no extra cost for lunch and dinner in the main dining room aboard all 15 ships in the fleet.
Royal Caribbean International announced winter 2013-14 vacations aboard Explorer of the Seas, totaling 22 sailings on 16 itineraries to eight tropical ports. In Apr. 2014, Explorer of the Seas will offer a pair of five-night Bermuda and nine-night Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries. The shorter sailing features an overnight at Kings Wharf, while the longer itinerary calls at Kings Wharf, St. Maarten, San Juan and Labadee.