Great American Steamboat Arrives in Memphis

The Great American Steamboat Company’s American Queen arrived in its homeport of Memphis today after her first voyage up the Mississippi River since 2008. The U.S.-flagged steamboat was welcomed to the revitalized Beale Street Landing marking the return of overnight cruises on the great rivers of America’s heartland and the continuation of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company legacy.

Originally built in 1995 by the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, the American Queen is the largest and most opulent steamboat ever built accommodating 436-guests. Steeped in history, nostalgia and tradition, the steamboat offers an unrivaled All-American hospitality experience from its elegant staterooms to its palatial public spaces and celebrated Southern cuisine of famed Chef Regina Charboneau, the line’s Culinary Director.

“Today is a dream come true as we revive the fabled steamboat experience, introducing river communities to thousands of travelers, especially our hometown of Memphis,” shared Great American Steamboat Company President Jeff Krida. “The smiling faces greeting us here in the ‘Capital of Southern hospitality’ is humbling and it is no surprise most of our crew calls Memphis home.” 

After the christening, the American Queen will offer variety of voyage lengths, ranging from three nights to ten nights, and fares beginning at $995 per guest, offers exceptional value and convenience, with little or no flying required. With departures from iconic cities of Memphis, New Orleans, St. Louis, St. Paul, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, this legendary mode of travel is easy to enjoy.  A pre- or post-cruise luxury hotel stay, all bottled water and soft drinks, wine and beer at dinner and complimentary shore adventures are included in each port of call.

For additional information and reservations, kindly contact the Great American Steamboat Company at 888-749-5280, visit online at  www.GreatAmericanSteamboatCompany.com 

For more information take a look at the new profile in Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine at www.prowsedge.com/cruise-lines-Great-American-Steamboat-Company.html

Norwegian Cruise Line 3-story sports complex

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Breakaway will be showcasing unique recreation and lots of fun facilities when it launches in April 2013. 

Offering new and unusual fun and thrills for the entire family, the Norwegian Breakaway top decks will be home to the first Aqua Park at sea complete with 5, fun, full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever to be offered on a cruise ship. 

The  Norwegian Breakaway will also feature a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more. 

Norwegian Cruise Line also announced that the ship will feature Nickelodeon experiences for the whole family and will include a Nickelodeon themed Kids’ Aqua Park and the chance for many more Nickelodeon experiences, including the all-new Pajama Jam Character Breakfast, Dora’s Dance Party, where kids will have the chance to sing and dance to their favorite songs with Dora the Explorer and Team Nick; Nickelodeon Character Meet and Greets; Story Time with Dora; and Nickelodeon Arts and Crafts. Nickelodeon will also be a part of the entertainment offered on the main stage .

Norwegian Cruise Line is recognized as the innovator in cruise travel with a 45-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

For more information visit the NCL web site at www.ncl.com

Luxury Ashore with Celebrity Cruises

Several years ago, Celebrity Cruises took an unique  approach to the exploration of 13 of the world's most exiting ports of call when it introduced private shore excursions.

Now, Celebrity Cruises has significantly expanded the concept to offer private shore excursions in over 70 ports of call around the world, offering even more ways for cruise passengers to make the most of their time ashore by enjoying the luxury and convenience of a private vehicle with a driver or a driver and a tour guide.

By exploring a destination at their own pace, guests who opt for Celebrity's private shore excursion options also enjoy a more immersive port experience focused on the places that interest them most.

Now available in over 50 ports of call in Europe and over 20 ports of call throughout Alaska, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest and South America, Celebrity's private shore excursion arrangements give vacationers a way to personalize the way they experience some of the world's most compelling ports, in the comfort of a private car or van.

These arrangements are available for purchase online pre-cruise, for either a half-day or full day of exploration. The day's itinerary is at the guest's discretion and is coordinated directly with the driver and/or guide on the day of the tour, so meals and visits to local attractions can be chosen on-the-spot.

For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit the  Celebrity Cruises wesite or take a look at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine

Princess Cruises Sale Offers Special Deals

For five days only, beginning April 19, Princess Cruises is offering special cruise deals to destinations around the world, including cruises to Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Hawaii, South America, Asia, and Australia & New Zealand. With the World of Savings sale, passengers can take advantage of savings up to $2,000 per stateroom, plus up to $100 onboard credit.

These select September 2012 to January 2013 sailings feature the best of Princess’ worldwide cruise destinations, offering the opportunity to sail to exciting ports of call such as Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Rome; to explore the natural wonders of Alaska; or to enjoy the idyllic islands of Hawaii or the Caribbean.

In addition to fare savings, passengers booking interior or oceanview staterooms can receive an onboard credit of $25 (cruises up to 9 days) to $50 (cruises 10 days or longer), and in balcony staterooms or above can get credits of $50 (cruises up to 9 days) or $100 (for sailings 10 days or longer). All onboard credits are offered per stateroom.

Examples of cruise deals include:

• Alaska – 7 days : $999 balcony (was $1,649); $549 interior (was $874)
  
• Caribbean – 7 days: $849 balcony (was $949); $549 interior (was $599)
  
• Europe – 12 days: $1,599 balcony (was $2,790); $999 interior (was $1,790)
  
• South America – 13 days: $2,099 balcony (was $2,395); $1,199 interior (was $1,495)
  
• Australia & New Zealand – 14 days: $2,199 balcony (was $2,995); $1,299 interior (was $2,095)
  
• Hawaii – 14 days: $1,999 balcony (was $2,345); $1,299 interior (was $1,445)
  
• Panama Canal – 14 days: $1,799 balcony (was $2,299); $1,099 interior (was $1,599)
  
• Asia – 16 days: $2,499 balcony (was $3,195); $1,499 interior (was $1,995)

All cruise prices are per person, based on double occupancy. The World of Savings event begins at 12:01 a.m. PDT on April 19 through 11:59 p.m. PDT on April 23, 2012 and is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Reservations made during the sale require a non-refundable deposit.

Additional sale information is available at http://www.princess.com/sale.