What's Good for the Goose . . . . . .

Celebrity Cruises will host an ambassador for Grey Goose vodka on eight ships across a range of itineraries from April to July. Trevor Burnett will conduct seminars on topics like mixing the perfect martini, provide drink recipes, train shipboard bartenders and interact with passengers.

Luis Ortega, Celebrity’s manager of beverage development, said it will be the first time his company has hosted a spirits ambassador on board. ‘We’re hoping to extend this pilot program to more ships and destinations in the future,’ he added.

But it's pronounced "key"!

You say tomato, I say . . .

Well in the "out island" business the spit of land known as a Cay is pronounced "key". Putting that burning issue to bed, Holland America Line announced that it has added a new Private Oasis at Half Moon Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, as a facility for groups and large families. The Private Oasis perches on a point, partially over water, so guests can enjoy their private gathering in a luxurious setting highlighted by both a private water slide and easy walkway into water. The new Private Oasis is 1,620 square feet, compared to the 15 beach cabanas ideal for up to four people that are 200 square feet each. The Private Oasis includes a large covered deck and sun deck with eight-person hot tub.

Royal Caribbean Chairman named to Hall of Fame

CruiseJungle CEO, Joe Ewart a 2005 Cruise Lines International Association Hall of Fame inductee, had the honor of introducing one of this year’s inductees at the recent CLIA Hall of Fame Banquet. Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, (parent company of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises) was honored for his creative insight, leadership and vision in guiding Royal Caribbean to its position as one of the world’s most highly respected cruise operators. He was also recognized as a strong ally of cruise and travel agents and a key driver of many retailer-friendly initiatives launched by company over the years.

The affair was held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in conjunction with the trade organization’s signature annual trade show, CLIA 360 that attracted more than 2000 cruise agents from throughout North America to the 3 day event.

Pictured from left to right:
Joe Ewart – President & CEO of CruiseJungle Holdings, Marvin Davis, former CEO Cruise Planners, Richard Fain, Brad Anderson – President America’s Vacation Center, and Terry Dale, President – Cruise Lines International Association.

Wii at Sea

Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing Nintendo’s hot Wii video game to sea. Since its launch last November, Wii has become one of the world’s fastest selling game systems. Wii is already aboard Norwegian Pearl and all NCL America ships and will be rolled out on the rest of the NCL fleet by next month.

The systems are equipped with Wii Sports, offering tennis, golf, baseball, boxing and bowling. Other games available on the ships include Wii Play, WarioWare: Smooth Moves and Excite Truck.

Colin Veitch, NCL president and ceo, called Wii ‘a natural fit’ for Freestyle Cruising. ‘With the addition of Wii to our on-board activities, we can now offer bowling, boxing, golf, tennis and baseball across the entire fleet. Cheering, yelling and high-fives will be highly encouraged,’ he added.