Norwegian, Princess Return to Texas

Carnival Unveils Details of Revamped Sunshine
A new racing-themed water park, a tropical-themed Havana Bar and a full-service Asian restaurant will be among enhancements on the Carnival Sunshine when it enters service in April 2013. The vessel, formerly the Carnival Destiny, will undergo a $155 million makeover during a 49-day dry dock in Italy. Also included in the renovation is the addition of The Punchliner Comedy Club & Punchliner Comedy Brunch Presented by George Lopez. In June 2013, the vessel will reposition to Boston for a series of Canada voyages, followed by a move in October to New York for several Canada/New England departures.

Houston Departures for Norwegian Jewel, Caribbean Princess
Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises have committed to homeport ships at Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal. In November 2013, the 3,080-passenger Caribbean Princess will begin a series of Houston-based sailings, with 26 departures planned for the winter season. Beginning in fall 2014, the 2,374-passenger Norwegian Jewel will depart from Houston for at least three years. The last time Norwegian home ported a ship in Houston was in 2007.

Silversea Goes to the Galapagos
Silversea Cruises has opened its 2013 and 2014 Galapagos itineraries for booking. The year-round voyages will begin to operate in late September 2013 on the 100-passenger, all-suite Silver Galapagos. The ship, which is currently sailing as the Galapagos Explorer II, will undergo a major refurbishment in September 2013. Silversea is selling two itineraries for the revamped vessel, one that explores the western, southern and eastern islands of the Galapagos and another encompassing the northeast, central and southeast islands.

Carnival Glory Returns to Service
Following an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation, the Carnival Glory has returned to service. Enhancements to the ship include a new burger venue developed by Guy Fieri, along with several new bar and lounge locations. Hasbro, The Game Show, and Playlist Productions also are being added. Beginning this week, the ship is sailing on a winter schedule of seven-day Caribbean voyages out of Boston.

Princess Plans 2013 Fundraising Cruise for U.S. Veterans
From Nov. 5-9, 2013, the Caribbean Princess will carry military veterans and active duty military personnel on a fundraising cruise expected to raise $1 million for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and Operation Homefront. Princess president and CEO Alan Buckelew, a Vietnam veteran, will host the cruise. The ship will sail roundtrip from Galveston, with a call at Progreso, Mexico. A portion of each passenger’s cruise fare, totaling $500,000 in all, will be matched by Princess Cruises for a total of $1 million earmarked for the two veteran causes.

Paul Gauguin Unveils Shore Excursions
Paul Gauguin Cruises has detailed shore excursions for its upcoming 7-night Caribbean and 13- and 14-night Panama Canal voyages aboard the m/v Tere Moana. Caribbean excursions include Dolphin Royal Swim, eco-snorkel & kayaking, Yellow Submarine Tour, ATV Adventure and Best of St. Kitts  full island tour. Panama Canal excursions include Cartagena city tour, golf in Antigua, yacht racing and a Jewish heritage tour.

American Queen Launches Season During Mardi Gras
The American Queen will make its Mardi Gras debut this February to begin cruise line’s 2013 Lower Mississippi River season. The ship will be docked in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Fares begin at $1,395 per person, double.

American Cruise Lines Introduces New Collection
American Cruise Lines has launched its Discover America Cruise Collection, a variety of featured itinerary combinations and themes showcasing the U.S. Voyages include the 15-day Wild, Wild West, the 15-day Coast to Coast package, and the 22-day Great American River Run.

Crystal Adds Hobbit Experience on Winter New Zealand Cruises
Crystal Cruises will offer an exclusive new dinner experience and guided tour this December on the “Hobbiton” film set in New Zealand. The set was used for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and A new prequel film. The experience will debut on a Dec. 20 sailing and will be offered on a Jan. 29 voyage. The dinner and village exploration is priced at $265 per person.

Seabourn Announces 2013 World Cruise Speakers
Seabourn Quest’s world cruise in 2013 will feature Grammy Award-winning vocalist Patti Austin and actress Stefanie Powers, among other entertainers, historians and authors. Art collector Stephen Lash is also scheduled to speak, in addition to art historian Linda Ferreri and technology author William Gurstelle.

Oceania Expands Culinary Cruises
Oceania Cruises is expanding its Culinary Discovery Tours to the South Pacific aboard the Marina. The tours will be offered on the 18-day South Pacific Paradise Cruise, departing Feb. 7, 2013. Features include a hands-on cooking lesson focused on regional cuisine and visits to local markets, vineyards and farms, accompanied by an expert chef. Other upcoming South Pacific sailings from Oceania include the 20-day Ancient Legends voyage, departing Dec. 27, 2012, and the 11-day Tahitian Breeze trip departing Jan. 16 and Jan. 27, 2013.   

Royal Caribbean Partners With MGM Resorts
Royal Caribbean International and MGM Resorts International have formed a strategic relationship that combines the companies’ loyalty programs. Beginning in January 2013, all MGM M life members will receive benefits on Royal Caribbean cruises. Crown & Anchor Society members will receive access to pre-sales for MGM concert and boxing matches, along with priority hotel check-in and other VIP services.

Princess Cruises Launches Blog
Princess Cruises has launched a blog called “Inspired to Cruise: A Year of Reasons to Get Away From the Everyday,” featuring passenger stories. Over the next year, the blog will share a total of 52 stories from a diverse group of contributors. The blog also features “Escape Inspiration” videos featuring Princess crew members.

Norwegian Installs Ice Bar
The Norwegian Breakaway, the newest vessel in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, will offer an ice bar on board featuring ice sculptures of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building to pay homage to its homeport New York City.