Cruise ships to face tougher security rules in the USA

President Obama has signed off a new US cruise ship law, which will set more stringent security rules for every ship calling at US ports.

This new law has been introduced following the disappearance of a US passenger who went missing on his honeymoon in July 2005. George Smith had been on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the Aegean Sea. Blood stains were found on an overhang below the couple’s private balcony on the cruise ship, but Smith’s body was never found.



The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act will come into force in 18 months and will impose major new rules for ships carrying more than 250 passengers.

This law will set requirements for deck rail heights, and will require peep holes in every cabin door, on-deck video surveillance and an emergency sound system.
 It will also require ships to employ a trained forensic sexual specialist as well as carry rape evidence kits and anti-retroviral medication.

Any Cruise lines that do not conform to theses new rules could be denied entry into US ports. They can also  face civil fines of up to $50,000 per violation and criminal penalties of up to $250,000 as well as potential imprisonment.

These laws seem very strict and I wonder will it put off or stop some cruise lines from entering the US.

Azamara announces land tours for 2011

Azamara Club Cruises has announced 13 land-tour itineraries to offer more “cultural experiences” for its travellers.


The trips range from two to six-night escorted land adventures in eight destinations, including Rome, Athens, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Istanbul, Jordan and Israel, India and China.
All land-tour itineraries will be lead by a tour director or a local host, and will feature accommodation in five-star hotels.

Chief executive of Azamara Club Cruises, Larry Pimentel said: “The introduction of these new offerings will enable up-market travellers to enjoy an even more immersive adventure with Azamara Club Cruises.
“Guests have more opportunities to experience the cultures of exotic destinations by extending their voyage with a land-tour itinerary for an enthralling holiday.”
In summer 2011, guests of Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest can choose a two-night Athens or three-night Rome cruise tour package. Meanwhile, in India, a five-night itinerary has been introduced, allowing guests to visit Delhi and the Taj Mahal

Food Glorious Food aboard Oceania Cruises

I was extremely lucky to visit the MS Regatta part of Oceania Cruises a few weeks ago and though people had raved about the standards of cuisine on board I have to say that the food was the best I have tasted so far.

So I thought I would share with you the delights that we sampled whilst on board.

Warm Crushed Baby Potato with Chive and Caviar

Polenta Souffle with Black Truffle Poricini and Morel Mushroom sauce

 

Risotto All'Aragosta

Lobster Risotto with Meat Jus Glace

Spiced Tenderloin of Black Angus Beef with Vidalia Onion and Sun Dried Tomato Sauce

Warm Valrhona Chocolate Bouchon

Silverseas to offer more UK departures for 2011

With a record number of cruises either departing or arriving at British ports, Silversea’s decision to increase the number of sailings in and around Britain follows the success of this year’s programme, which with 12 ex-UK cruises is double that of 2009.

Four of Silversea’s six ships have offered UK departures during 2010, but high demand from customers has encouraged Silversea to boost its ex-UK programme to 15 voyages in 2011 with more one-way cruises to the Mediterranean.

“Our ex-UK sailings for this year have sold out and it really has been a success story,” said Anil Swarup, UK and Europe marketing director.

“Convenience is a big factor and the British Airways strike and the ash cloud have all helped – we have seen increasing demand for top-end UK cruises.

“Next year we will have even more sailings, including three round-Britain voyages and more varied itineraries.”
He added: “UK cruises just used to be the Baltic and around Britain, but we have ships that sail from the UK to places like Monte Carlo and Barcelona, with passengers flying back.”
Next year Silver Spirit, Silver Whisper, Silver Cloud and Silversea’s expedition ship Prince Albert II will offer cruises that either start or finish in the UK.
Four cruises start and finish at UK ports such as Tower Bridge, Southampton, Portsmouth and Leith (Edinburgh).

Several one-way sailings, such as Southampton to New York, Southampton to Barcelona, and Athens to Southampton also include free flights.

Prices start at £2,618 for a seven-night Hamburg-Southampton cruise aboard Silver Whisper on August 31, 2011, including flight and transfers.

Cruise Ship Enthusiasts How the Oasis Of The Seas was built on Discovery Channel

Next Wednesday at 8pm on Discovery Channel see how the Oasis Of The Seas was Built

The Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. Apart from sheer size - with 18 decks, 2,700 staterooms and the ability to carry 5,400 guests - the ship is a high-tech vessel for the 21st century, presenting features that have never been seen on a ship before. To build it, designers and engineers are put to the ultimate test.

This is will be a fab programme to watch and see how the shell above became one of the most high tech ships to grace our seas so far,

The future of flying Ryanair standing seats and paying to use the toilet whatever next

Do you have thighs of steel? If so you could take advantage of Ryanair's latest borderline-insane plan to maximise revenue – standing tickets for its planes.


For as little as £4 the firm intends to sell space at the rear of its aircraft for anyone who thinks they can take three hours of dodging around drinks trolleys and other passengers queuing for the toilet.

There are three questions: Is it safe? Is it legal? And is it worth it?

Diana away in France (back Mon 5th July)

I am away in France helping my other half get our fishing lake ready for business as well as taking a few days off from work after a busy time. If you need any help whilst I am away, please contact one of my colleagues on 0800 408 6200 or send an email to contactus@cruise.co.uk.

Many thanks
Diana