Friday, August 6, 2010

This week, I’m focusing on some new programs offered by Carnival Cruise Line. Our district sales rep just emailed a list of the line’s latest news.

Superstar Live Karaoke
For all you microphone-hugging funs, this new twist on a cruise ship favorite takes karaoke to the next level, allowing guests to sing on stage with a full band (drummer, bass, guitar, keys) and backup singers (on occasion.) Guests will have an extensive list of song titles to choose from for their moment in the spotlight as a superstar rocking out in front of a live audience. Superstar Live Karaoke recently debuted aboard the Carnival Conquest and Carnival Valor and will premiere on the Carnival Pride this week. It will be introduced to the 12 ships that operate itineraries of seven days or longer by year’s end.

Punchliner Comedy Club
The new Punchliner Comedy Clubs, dedicated comedy lounges, will roll out fleetwide by the end of the year, featuring a wide variety of comics offering guests loads of laughs with five 35-minute shows on multiple nights during each voyage, with at least two comedians performing nightly. The early shows offer fun for the whole family while the later performances feature adult-oriented comedy.

Carnival Poker Pro Challenge
All you poker fans don’t want to miss out on the Carnival PokerPro Challenge 2010! The popular "No Limit Texas Hold'em Poker Satellite Tournaments" will end on November 30, 2010. From there, Carnival will host a Grand Final Playoff with a total prize package of $75,000 aboard the Carnival Destiny departing January 29, 2011, from Miami! The $750 entry fee covers one seat per stateoom.

Behind the Fun Tour
Following on the heels of Princess, Carnival introduces the “Behind the Fun Tour,” offering participants a behind-the-scenes look at a wide range of shipboard venues that are normally off limits to guests. During the tour, key shipboard personnel, including the captain, chief engineer, chef de cuisine and other department heads, share their vast knowledge in their particular area of expertise. It begins with a stop backstage in the main show lounge then moves on to restricted areas such as the crew galley, crew gym and crew training center. Next it’s on to the main galley where talented culinary artists prepare upwards of 12,000 meals and snacks a day for Carnival’s guests. The tour also includes a visit to the ship’s bridge and engine room and with Q&A sessions with the captain and chief engineer. Guests will receive a number of commemorative gifts as well as a photo with the captain on the bridge. Booked through the shore excursion desk, the tours range between $55 and $95 per person.

Chef's Table Dining Option
Want to dine with the chef? Then the Chef’s Table was created just for you. The culinary experience includes a multi-course dinner hosted by one of the line's master chefs along with a private cocktail reception and a tour of the galley. With The Chef's Table, a group of 12 guests have cocktails and hors d'œuvres with the ship's chef de cuisine. The chef then takes the group on a tour to see the galley in operation. The evening concludes with a full-service dinner with appetizers, entrees and desserts. Depending on the vessel, the meal takes place in non-traditional dining venues throughout the ship, such as the galley, library, conference center, etc. The Chef's Table is available on the Carnival Dream, Ecstasy, Liberty, Sensation, Imagination, Inspiration, Pride and Carnival Fascination. The program can be booked on board through the ships' guest information desk. The cost is $75 per person and includes cocktails & wine with dinner.

More cruise line news coming up later!  In the meantime, Celebrity Cruise Line is offering onboard credit of up to $200 per cabin to Cruises Inc clients who book a balcony or above cabin on any Caribbean sailing from October through April.  Included are the Equinox, Solstice, and new Eclipse!  The booking window expires August 14, however, so call quickly!

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