Beginning in 2010, Holland America Line will once again sail on regularly scheduled cruises between New York City and Bermuda. The line will call on both Hamilton and St. George's, with overnight stays.
The 1,350-passenger Veendam is designated to sail in late August 2010 on the first of 10 round-trips, marking HAL¿s return to New York as a homeport and to Bermuda as a destination.
HAL first visited Bermuda in 1926 when Veendam II, with capacity for approximately 500 passengers, left New York on the company's maiden Caribbean cruise. During the summers of 1930 and 1931, Veendam II sailed five-day round-trips between New York and Bermuda.
HAL's Rick Meadows, EVP marketing, sales and guest programs, called Veendam 'ideal' for the upcoming program: "She is a premium mid-size ship, the perfect size to navigate the narrow entrances to the harbors in Hamilton and St. George's." Passengers will be able to ashore into the center of each town.
Bermuda Premier Ewart Brown welcomed the new relationship with Holland America.
In addition to the 10 sailings between late August and October in 2010, the line will visit the island for a full season beginning in May the following year, with 20 or more departures anticipated.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Disney Contemplates Alaska Cruises
Mickey Moose, anyone? You might see just that in 2010 because Disney Cruise Line is investigating the possibility of cruising Alaska.Disney Cruise Line has applied for a 10-year permit (valid from 2010 to 2019) to visit Glacier Bay, one of the most popular destinations for scenic cruising on Alaska itineraries. Current regulations restrict the number of vessels that can visit this national park, as well as the number of days lines can have ships there throughout the season. Disney's application for a permit is a clear sign that the line is considering offering Alaska cruises.A spokeswoman for Disney Cruise Line confirms that Alaska cruises are in consideration, but says that the cruise line is always evaluating new itinerary possibilities. Indeed, Disney -- known for its Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries -- has tried out several new cruising regions over the past few years. Disney Magic tried out the Mediterranean in 2007 and the Mexican Riviera in 2005 and 2008. Next year, the ship will add two new Eastern Caribbean itineraries -- one featuring Tortola and the other St. Croix, both new ports for the cruise line. Might Disney send Magic to Alaska in 2010? Or is it seeking options for its new, larger ships, which will debut in 2011 and 2012? Right now it's anyone's guess.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Carnival Elation to Offer Shorter Routes
San Diego-based Carnival Elation will offer a new three- and four-day schedule starting Feb. 12, 2009. The ship currently operates four- and five-day cruises and will continue that program through the departure of Feb. 7, 2009.
On its new route, Carnival Elation will depart Thursdays on three-day cruises to Ensenada. Four-day cruises will depart Sundays and visit Ensenada and Catalina Island.
Carnival Cruise Lines has offered a similar program from Southern California for a number of years, currently on Carnival Paradise based in Long Beach, with departures on Fridays and Mondays.
"Between the two ships, consumers will have a choice of two very popular departure points, Long Beach and San Diego, as well as four different departure days each week to select from,"said Terry Thornton, Carnival's SVP marketing planning.
He added: "These will be the only ships in the Southern California market offering three- and four-day cruises starting in 2009, and with short getaways currently a trend among North American consumers, combined with the inherent value of a cruise, these voyages represent an extremely desirable vacation choice."
Carnival also operates longer cruises from Southern California. Carnival Pride sails weekly Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach year-round (to be replaced by the new Carnival Splendor in March), and Carnival Spirit offers seasonal eight-day Mexican Riviera voyages from San Diego.
On its new route, Carnival Elation will depart Thursdays on three-day cruises to Ensenada. Four-day cruises will depart Sundays and visit Ensenada and Catalina Island.
Carnival Cruise Lines has offered a similar program from Southern California for a number of years, currently on Carnival Paradise based in Long Beach, with departures on Fridays and Mondays.
"Between the two ships, consumers will have a choice of two very popular departure points, Long Beach and San Diego, as well as four different departure days each week to select from,"said Terry Thornton, Carnival's SVP marketing planning.
He added: "These will be the only ships in the Southern California market offering three- and four-day cruises starting in 2009, and with short getaways currently a trend among North American consumers, combined with the inherent value of a cruise, these voyages represent an extremely desirable vacation choice."
Carnival also operates longer cruises from Southern California. Carnival Pride sails weekly Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach year-round (to be replaced by the new Carnival Splendor in March), and Carnival Spirit offers seasonal eight-day Mexican Riviera voyages from San Diego.
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