WATCH: Celebrity Infinity Slams Into Pier in Ketchikan, Alaska

Posted on 4 June, 2016 by Spacejunkie2

Celebrity Infinity crashes into the pier

The Celebrity Cruises cruise ship Celebrity Infinity ran into a little bit of trouble pulling up to a pier in Ketchikan, Alaska on Friday afternoon.

Video of the incident posted online shows the ship approaching the #3 berth at the Ketchikan cruise ship dock before crashing into the pier almost in slow motion, but hard enough to cause visual damage to the ship and what looks like major damage to the pier.

Weather on scene was reported to be gusting at 45-miles per hour when the incident occurred.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it was alerted to the accident on Friday afternoon by the ship’s pilot. No injuries or pollution have been reported.

“The Coast Guard is grateful no one was injured as a result of this accident,” said Lt. Dianna Robinson, command duty officer at Sector Juneau. “Our personnel are working to determine the cause of this accident and will work with local partners to ensure the continued safety of those using the cruise ship docks.”

Crystal replaces Turkey port calls on two cruises

Posted on 19 January, 2016 by Spacejunkie2

Crystal Cruise

Crystal Cruises said it would substitute Greek ports for Turkish ones on two upcoming cruises “in response to ongoing security concerns for travel within Istanbul.”

Revised itineraries for the Crystal Symphony’s April 24 and May 1 voyages will drop calls at Istanbul and Kusadasi.

The April 24 voyage will substitute Souda Bay/Chania (Crete), Hydra, and overnights in Nafplio and Athens/Piraeus, while the May 1 cruise will include Patmos, Rhodes and an overnight in Athens/Piraeus.

Crystal also said that pre-reserved Crystal Adventures in Turkey will automatically be canceled, while the line is in the process of developing new shore excursions.

On Jan. 12, a suicide bomb killed 10 people in Istanbul, mostly German tourists. Before that incident occurred, Disney removed Greece and Turkey calls from a summer 2016 cruise. Last summer, after an attack on the U.S. consulate in Istanbul, Celebrity and Costa canceled calls in Turkey.

Royal Caribbean’s Suite Class product includes butler service

Posted on 12 August, 2015 by Spacejunkie2

Royal Caribbean International said that for the first time in its history it will offer butler service in some of its top-end suites.

The cruise line made the disclosure in announcing the details of its Royal Suite Class product in 2016.

Suite Class debuted earlier this year on Celebrity Cruises, and Royal executives have said it was coming to Royal Caribbean, as well.

In the top level of Royal Suite Class, called Star Class, guests will receive the services of a butler whose training will be certified by the British Butler Institute. Rather than calling them butlers, however, Royal Caribbean refers to them as Royal Genies.

The Star Class encompasses the high-end two-story Royal Loft Suite, the Owner’s Loft Suite, the four bedroom Family Suite, Grand Loft Suite, Sky Loft Suite and two bedroom Aqua Theater Suite. Other suites will be included in the Sky Class and Sea Class levels.

Royal Suite Class will use the existing suites on Royal’s Oasis- and Quantum-class ships, but package or add amenities and privileges into the fare for those suites.

In addition to the butlers, the amenities at various levels could include free Internet service; special linens and mattresses; bath and beauty products; access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant; priority reservations for private cabanas at Royal’s private resort in Labadee, Haiti; a separate sun deck; and reserved VIP seating for entertainment productions. Also included will be complimentary specialty dining; an ultimate beverage package; and inclusive gratuities, Royal said.

Reservations for Suite Class can be booked on cruises beginning in May 2016.