Our news this week features news from Carnival and Celebrity Cruise Lines.
   Carnival's new advertising campaign asks "how do you live the Carnival Breeze life" with cruisers answering in a variety of ways such as: "I will spend my life at the buffet" or "From now on, my life will consist of waterslides and mini golf." They have also release artist rendering and pictures of the designs for the Breeze, which have a very different aesthetic from what Carnival has had in the past.  The colors are calming; the design is peaceful, almost invoking Pier 1.  We discuss our opinions on this new design and the advertising campaign.
   Last week, Celebrity Cruise Line announced price hikes for their specialty restaurants with prices topping out at $40 per person in several of these premium eateries. We wonder if the new focus on specialty dining will or has already hurt the quality of the food in main dining rooms as well as what normal traveler has the kind of money required to patronize these restaurants.  
   In our main segment, we spoke with Jennifer of Care Vacations and Michell of www.travelinwheels.com who told us all about accessible port touring, plus planning tips and gave us great resources. Jennifer explained the difference between tendering and docking and detailed how that might affect a person with disabilities.  She highlighted Holland America's tender lift system, which allows wheelchair bound passengers to board tender boats.  She also discussed cruise line shore excursions, and specialty travel agents, who can help passengers with disabilities navigate cruising more easily. 
   Michell highlighted Venice, Barcelona, and London, giving tips on how a person with disabilities or in a wheelchair can tour these cities, and some of the obstacles they might encounter.  

http://www.sagetraveling.com/Venice-Accessibility
http://www.disabledaccessibletravel.com/
www.InclusiveLondon.com
www.tourismforalluk.org

   Our cruise news this week features stories about new cruise terminals in the Dominican Republic and Port Canaveral as well as stories from Disney and the port of Baltimore. Carnival is funding the terminal in the Dominican Republic, which will likely be similar to their port in Grand Turk. The new terminal in Port Canaveral will be large enough to host Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships. 
   Disney's recent earnings release highlights the Disney Cruise Line as helping the company's profits for the quarter. Disney's ability to charge high rates for their newest ship is certainly a contributor.  Our last story is about how Carnival Cruise Lines has extended their contract with the port of Baltimore for an additional 2 years, strengthening another regional cruise port. 


  We learn about the cruise port of San Juan from James' friend, Harry, who grew up in Puerto Rico.  He explains the architecture of the old city and details some of the attractions such as El Morro and the Cathedral. A note: after the episode was recorded, we learned that Ponce de Leon is, in fact, buried in the Cathedral.

   Our cruise news this week includes stories from Carnival Corp. and the Mediterranean island of Malta. Carnival Corp. has ordered three ships for two of its subsidiary companies: 2 for AIDA Cruise Line and 1 for Costa Cruise Line. All three ships are larger than any previous ship in their respective lines.  The AIDA ships will be new additions to the fleet, while the Costa ship will replace older ships which are being sold off.  The ships will be delivered in 2013 and 2014. 
  The port of Malta is improving its terminal facilites, and will include ferries to Gozo as well as to the other side of the harbor.  Its cruise traffic has increased in the past few months, and is up for the year.  Malta is a great port to tour independently, and is a growing cruise destination.

  We interview Vanessa Bloy of Windstar Cruise Line and learn all about their ships, itineraries and dining options as well as discuss cruise news and deals.  She tells us about the upcoming cruise with Fabio Viviani of Top Chef fame, and details the role he will play on board, not only as a chef, but will provide cooking demonstations for passengers. 

  Our cruise news this week includes stories from Greece and about whether or not cruises are becoming less inclusive.  The taxi strike in Greece has continued, with increasing disruption of cruise passenger touring, not only in Athens, but also Crete and Thessolonica.  Drivers have vowed to march on Monday, and negotiations have failed.  Cruise lines have been forced to redirect ships and, in many cases have had to cancel shore excursions as the drivers have blocked roads, even laying down oil in certain cases.  Airport have also been affected. 
   A recent article asks if cruises are still inclusive with the increasing popularity of specialty restaurants and room service charges as well as extra fee services and events.  We discuss Norwegian Cruise Line's recent policy changes to room service and pizza delivery as well as the declining quality of the "free" food on cruise ships.

  We tour Barcelona, giving you a full itinerary with details every step of the way from the airport and cruise ship and back. We include prices and specific stops for public transportation as well as taxi and airport information.  Attractions highlighted include the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi architecture, the Gothic Quarter, Cathedral of Barcelona, Santa Maria del Mar, Picasso Museum, Las Ramblas and the Maritime Museum. 

This week we discuss the cruise port of New Orleans which is close to our hearts (and home), including attraction details, food options and hotels. We also report on recent cruise news.