I have to admit that I happen to really enjoy Freestyle cruising.  After spending 35 years watching the clock and the daily calendar, it is a great thing to be able to take a cruise and follow no one’s schedule but your own.  As I have stated before, NCL’s Freestyle Cruising is not for everyone.  But those who enjoy the flexibility and the wide choice of dining options generally stick to NCL for all their cruising choices.  So for these fans, the following news should be music to their ears:

Following the successful launch of Norwegian Epic, the Company’s largest and most innovative ship to date, Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has reached an agreement with MEYER WERFT GMBH of Germany to build two new next generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014, respectively.  Each of the 143,500 gross ton vessels, the largest passenger/cruise ships to be built in Germany, will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths and a rich cabin mix. Additional details about each ship’s new and exciting features will be released as construction progresses. The contract price for the two vessels is approximately €1.2 billion.  The Company has committed financing in place from a syndicate of banks for export credit financing in connection with this project.

“We have always been focused on a disciplined approach to capacity growth. Our decision to add two new ships reflects the significant progress we have made in improving our operating performance and repositioning the Company over the last several years, as well as the strong market demand we are seeing for Norwegian Epic and our other ships,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.  “Building on the incredible success and popularity of Norwegian Epic, we are taking the best of what our newest ship has to offer, as well as drawing on our legacy of innovation in the cruise industry, in creating a new class of Freestyle Cruising vessel that is sure to provide our guests with the unparalleled freedom and flexibility they have come to expect on a Norwegian cruise.”

Can’t wait for the new ships?  Your iCruise.com expert can find an NCL cruise that’s ready for you now.  Prices for this fall are very attractive across the fleet of 11 NCL ships.  Ask about our exclusive Cruise Combos that feature cruise, hotel, transfers and other amenities.  Current NCL Cruise Combos include Epic Caribbean, Epic Europe, Spirit New Orleans and Pride of America Hawaii.  Call 800-iCRUISE  (800-427-8473) for details.

The first of the two new cruise ships Walt Disney Co. is having built in Germany will float out of its covered construction dock for the first time next weekend, according to the shipyard building the vessel. Meyer Werft says the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream will float away from its sheltered dock on Saturday, Oct. 30.

The ship won’t go far. Upon leaving the dock, Meyer Werft says the Dream will remain in the shipyard harbor to undergo a series of trials, testing technical systems such as its stabilizers and rudders. It will remain berthed along the yard pier for at least another two weeks, as interior construction continues.

Meyer Werft said it expects the Dream to depart the shipyard on the second weekend in November, when it will be conveyed down the river Ems and into the North Sea. It is scheduled to arrive in Port Canaveral in January.

It’s a massive ship — the biggest ever built in Germany, according to Meyer Werft. The Dream will be 128,000 gross tons and 370 yards long. It will have a top speed of 23.5 knots.

Together, the Dream and the Disney Fantasy — which Meyer Werft is also building and which will debut in April 2012 — will more than double the passenger capacity of Disney Cruise Line. The Dream and Fantasy will each have room for about 1,300 passengers more than Disney’s existing Disney Magic and  Disney Wonder cruise ships.

The twin ships carry an estimated combined price tag of about $1.5 billion.  Reservations are now open at www.iCruise.com   (800) iCruise

When you think about taking a vacation for less than $38 a day this usually involves images of a road trip and a family visit to Aunt Martha’s or a roadside budget motel.  But now, thanks to iCruise and our partner,  MSC Cruises, we can change all that.  You can sail the new MSC Poesia on a two week cruise starting at just $529 per person.  Do the math.  That’s less than $38 a day.  And instead of Aunt Martha’s infamous meat loaf or a hotel room last updated when Ronald Reagan was president, the new MSC Poesia will carry you in style and comfort.  MSC combines the warmth of Italian style cruising with onboard service geared to American tastes.

The ship entered service in 2008 and sails from Ft. Lauderdale.  We have packaged together two 1 week itineraries into a 14 night back-to-back cruise that visits 7 ports in the Caribbean.  You can choose to start out with the Western Caribbean itinerary or begin in the Eastern Caribbean.  No ports are duplicated during the cruise and the prices are unbeatable.  And lots of days at sea for the ultimate in relaxation.

Just what will $38 a day buy you these days?  How about 3 fabulous meals and snacks a day, nightly entertainment, a comfortable and modern stateroom, access to all facilities and stylish transportation to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Nassau, Key West, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.  Departures are available from November 14 to December 19.  Holiday sailing rates are higher.

Your cruise expert at www.iCruise.com can assist you in selecting the cruise departure that is just right for you.  This is a once in a lifetime chance to enjoy a Caribbean cruise at prices not seen since the 1970’s.  But hurry because at these prices cabins will sell faster than an ice carving melting at a deck party.

Contact your iCruise expert right away at 800 iCRUISE (800-427-8473)

Princess Cruises and iCruise.com have teamed up to offer a 3-Day sale on a variety of ships and 2011 European cruise itineraries.  The sale runs from October 20 to October 22 and features balcony upgrades from $99, low fares and “cash back” in the form of onboard credits ranging from $25 to $100 per cabin.  For this special sale, deposits for bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable

See more of Europe than you ever dreamed possible when you sail with Princess Cruises and www.iCruise.com . Whether you’re drawn to the idyllic Mediterranean & Greek Isles, the storied Holy Land, sparkling Scandinavia and Russia or the grandeur of the British Isles, we have a Europe cruise vacation that’s perfect for you!

Available ships include Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Ocean Princess, Pacific Princess, Ruby Princess, and Star Princess.  Your personal cruise expert can start you on the way to a wonderful European cruise experience during this amazing 3 day sale.  Call (800) iCRUISE  (800) 427-8473 and dig out your passport!

A current TV add running shows an Alaskan cruise passenger sunbathing on deck while a large glacier looms in the background.  Fact or Fantasy?  Actually, a little of both.  While there are times that the weather on an Alaska cruise may promote sunbathing, generally the temperature is more typical of fall in the lower 48. Many first time Alaska cruisers have an image of all ice and snow and are amazed at the abundant flora and fauna that they experience in Alaska.  The fact is that that the weather in Alaska is quite varied during the cruise season which lasts from May to September.  Here are the average temperatures for Alaskan cruise ports:

May   Jun     Jul     Aug   Sep

While the above temperatures are averages, it is easy to see the weather is very mild and extremes are unusual. The advantages of early season travel are numerous. The weather is consistently good in May and drier throughout much of the state. Warm spring days aided by long hours of daylight bring Alaska’s wildflowers out in full bloom. The wildlife viewing is also excellent in May since the larger animals are migrating and returning to lower elevations where the snow has disappeared.

September is also a prime time to visit Alaska. Fall comes early to Alaska and many of the deciduous trees are blazing yellow and red by Labor Day. Combine the bright yellow colors of the aspen and willow trees with the blazing red tundra plants and you have the best fall colors experience Alaska has to offer. You will see why Polychrome Pass in Denali National Park earns it name! As a backdrop, the tallest mountains will have fresh snow on their peaks while the lower elevations are still dry. Wildlife search opportunities also improve in late season, as the larger mammals begin feeding in the lower elevations in an attempt to pack on as much winter weight as possible. Weather is characterized by large temperature swings between warm days and chilly nights. In fact, it gets dark enough in the Interior of Alaska to see the Northern Lights!

Alaska Cruise Travel Trip:  Try one of our exclusive Alaska Cruise Packages for great prices and values. Book early for the best rates and choice of accommodations as they sell out quickly for the short travel season!

I had the privilege to attend the naming ceremony of Cunard’s new Queen Elizabeth in the U.K. on Monday.  When it comes to regal and royal affairs nobody does it better than the British.  And this event lived up to all expectations.   A group of about 500 invited guests enjoyed a splendid ceremony on an uncharacteristically warm afternoon in Southampton.  As part of the North American travel sales group, I also spent 3 nights on board the ship before the naming enjoying festivities.

The Queen arrived pier side at around 2:30 PM and was escorted on a brief tour of the ship by the Captain and Cunard’s president Peter Shanks.  Outside, the assembled guests enjoyed music from the Bournemouth  Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.   Her Majesty’s tour was shown on the two giant TV screens so we got to share her time on board, albeit on the “telly”.   A great round of laughter went through the crowd when the Queen was visiting the bridge and was asked if she would like to toot the ship’s horn.  Shortly thereafter a short blast echoed through the city.  It seems even royalty likes to “touch the wet paint”.  She met and chatted with the assembled senior officers on the bridge and then made her way to the gangway and returned to her limousine which drove her the short distance to the dais where the other dignitaries awaited.

As they say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the following video will provide an insight in the pomp and circumstance that made up this historic day.  More to come on the ship itself.

PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VIEW THE NAMING CEREMONY:

Queen Elizabeth Naming Ceremony

Celebrity Cruises invites you to spend the holidays as their honored guest on one of their beautiful cruise liners. And while it may be the holidays, this is one event where you get the gifts in the way of special rates and onboard credits of up to $300 per stateroom. Gobble your way on the high seas aboard a 5, 7, or 11 night Caribbean or Bahamas cruise this Thanksgiving. There are 6 delightful ways to sail on a variety of Celebrity ships departing from Miami, San Juan, Baltimore or Ft. Lauderdale. With rates starting at just $279 per person (and no after dinner dishes), this might just be the best Thanksgiving ever. Grab the whole family and put out to sea for delightful dining and a fantastic cruise experience.

While there might not be snow on our special Celebrity Christmas Cruises, we can promise a lot of white, sandy beaches on a 5, 7, 8 or 10 night cruise to the Caribbean. And all ships will be decorated in the holiday tradition. Rumor has it that on Christmas Eve there might even be a visit from a jolly man in a red suit. We just hope he doesn’t try to shimmy down the smokestack. Stocking stuffer prices from $599 per person will get you into the right sprit.

Celebrity Cruises Speaking of spirits, enjoy the ultimate New Year’s Eve party with the Captain and his crew as your designated driver! There are 5 Celebrity cruises sailing this week. While every night is special onboard, the energy and excitement of welcoming in the New Year on board ship is simply unmatched anywhere. Gift wrap yourself and cruise away this holiday season. Your cruise expert at iCruise can help you find just the right cruise for you. Call 1-800- i CRUISE (1-800-427-8473) or book online at www.iCruise.com

Celebrity Cruises will illuminate its extensive wine program when the line launches its second annual Wine Harvest Celebration on sailings departing Nov. 1 to Dec. 11.

Wine-related events, including those offered year-round through the ‘Celebrity Life’ programming are planned.

Jacques Van Staden, vp culinary operations, said a high percentage of Celebrity customers are wine enthusiasts, which is why the line offers up to 480 wines per sailing and a number of wine-focused Celebrity Life activities.

The Wine Harvest Celebration will include an emphasis on French food, wine and spirits, presented in partnership with the French Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, available to passengers on cruises from Nov. 1-19.

Celebrity will reprise its 2009 unveiling of Beaujolais Nouveau simultaneously across the fleet on Nov. 18 (Nov. 19 on Celebrity Century). With a guest speaker and the shipboard cellar master, the event will include a tasting from oak casks, commemorative bottles, live music, dancing, canapés, a gourmet French cheese pairing and a roast carving station.

Other events include ‘Jazz, Port and Chocolate Tasting Seduction,’ with a free glass of port wine and a deluxe chocolate buffet and fountain, with a backdrop of light jazz.

A Celebrity Wine Harvest Exposition will be open to all passengers on embarkation day. Hosted by Celebrity’s sommeliers, the event features a free glass of house wine, canapés and hors d’oeuvres, and an overview of the wine experiences and packages available with the opportunity to make reservations for limited-capacity events.

Save $300 for Early Booking

It’s the end of summer but already the 2011 Alaska cruise planning season is in full swing.  Next year promises to bring back memories of the Gold Rush as cruisers line up to take advantage of the many cruise ships and cruise tours that visit Alaska.

iCruise.com is proud to announce that our popular Cruise Combo™ packages which blend cruising to Alaska with land tours and added benefits will return in 2011 with bigger and better programs.  The first program to be announced is the 11 day Discover Denali tour which includes a 7 night north bound cruise on the Celebrity Millennium from Vancouver, 2 nights in Denali Park with Natural History Tour, travel on a luxury glass-domed rail car and overnight in Anchorage. This exclusive Cruise Combo™ package is available only at iCruise and starts at just $1199 which reflect a cruise discount of $300 if booked by October 31^st.

You will cruise in style aboard Celebrity Cruises’ acclaimed Millennium enjoying fine dining and Celebrity’s signature service features for the entire week.  What do you call a place that offers world-class restaurants, Broadway-style shows, a luxurious spa and amenities that rival the grandest hotel on land? She’s called Celebrity Millennium; you’ll call her magnificent.

Don’t let this great opportunity to save sail away without  you.  Contact your iCruise.com personal cruise expert now at 800 i CRUISE (800-427-8473) to arrange your 2011 Alaska cruise to the Last Frontier.  Remember to ask your cruise expert about discounted shore excursions that can save you up to 30%.

After a popular debut last year, Princess Cruises is again offering Alaska cruise-tours designed for families. These tours incorporate features not usually included in a cruise-tour package, such as the opportunity to learn about dog mushing at the Iditarod Headquarters, pan for gold, take an interactive tour of Denali National Park, and a campfire experience.

The 12-night family cruise-tours include a seven-night “Voyage of the Glaciers” cruise plus a five-night land tour. The land segment also features such family-friendly extras as daily breakfast, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and a dinner-theater performance. At sea, Princess’ offers a Junior Ranger program for children in Glacier Bay National Park.

These Alaska cruises are aboard Diamond Princess or Coral Princess, and the land itinerary includes stays at three of Princess’ wilderness lodges — one night at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, two nights at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and two nights at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. The tours are offered on 34 departures with both northbound and southbound itinerary options.

Fares start at $1,648 per person for the first and second berths and $1,246 per person for the third and fourth berth passengers. For more cruises departing from Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver or Anchorage, contact a cruise expert at www.iCruise.com or call (800) i CRUISE (800-427-8473) or visit our sister company site at www.AlaskaCruises.com