The Port of New Orleans and Carnival Cruise Lines signed a new five-year agreement. The deal has Carnival sailing at least two ships year-round from the New Orleans port through 2019, superseding a three-year extension that took place in 2013 and offers three one-year options that could guarantee Carnival homeports at least two ships of equal or greater size than the Dream Class and Fantasy Class ships sailing from the Port today through 2022. The new agreement began July 1, 2014.
Carnival currently has two home-ported cruise ships sailing year-round from the Port’s Erato Street Cruise Terminal which was recently renovated to accommodate the 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream. The Carnival Dream launched seven-day itineraries April 14 from New Orleans with eastern and western Caribbean cruises. The Carnival Dream joined the Carnival Elation, which sails four- and five-day cruises to Mexico.
Royal Caribbean International is working with Google to be the first cruise line to launch Google Maps Business View using Google’s Street View technology onboard the Allure of the Seas. By using Street View technology, Royal Caribbean International will provide consumers with an interactive experience when they are searching for a vacation.
Guests will be able to virtually walk through the various decks of Allure of the Seas including the Royal Promenade, Central Park, the Boardwalk, the AquaTheater, the Entertainment Place, the Pool and Sports Deck and 22 restaurants on board.
Seabourn assembled an expedition team for its 2014-2015 “Ultimate Antarctica & Patagonia” voyages aboard Seabourn Quest beginning November 2014. The 17-person team will travel along on four 21 to 24 day voyages. There will be opportunities for guests to explore the region up close, including a complimentary Zodiac landing each day to selected Antarctic locations, digital photography coaching and opportunities for wildlife sightings from the ship and on the shore, as well as guidance from the expedition staff.
The cruises will also host guest speakers as part of the line’s Seabourn Conversations enrichment and entertainment program. The expedition team consists of naturalists, scientists, cultural and historical experts and other lecturers who will share their knowledge for Antarctica.