Liveboat USA cruises blog: June 2011

June 14-16 was a very historical moment in history for the North American cruise industry as New York City hosted the Cruise Canada New England 2011 Symposium.

Over 13 years have passed since New York has hosted a Symposium , the events return to New York symbolizes New York's status as the capital home port of the North East.

Hosted at Pier 88 , it was a stunning sight as I walked up the terminal to the the NY cruise banner inside the newly renovated Pier 88.

Day 1 consisted of an event hosted by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association )

where reporters , journalists and fellow attendees & delegates could talk with the CEO's , PR reps and presidents of a few of the major lines.

Present were

Crystal cruises , NCL , CUNARD , Holland America , Oceania cruises , AMA Waterways.

Jerrol Golden of Holland America Line

Peter Shanks of Cunard Line

During the visit I saw Tim Rubacky from Oceania , Jerrol Golden from Holland American Line , and lastly Mr. Peter Shanks from Cunard Line.

We also meet Mr. Rick Sasso from MSC cruises America.

Later in the day we boarded Circle Lines capital ship the Zephyr for the grand opening ceremony.

"The Symposium sets sail."

Supported by Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Inc and Circleline Downtown

The Zephyr.

The trip consisted of all the attendees , delegates and Intercruises staff setting Sail from Pier 88 in Manhattan to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, with Mark Robinson, Managing Director Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, and Thomas Spina, Director of Cruise Operations, NYCruise, welcoming everyone to Cruise Canada New England 2011 Symposium.

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As we cast off from Pier 88 it was a majestic sight , a sight seen by millions of sea travelers as they sailed from New York to distant lands , reminiscent of the golden age of Ocean Liners .

We sailed down the Hudson , as we were sailing at 15-21 knots cruising speed, we passed the Intrepid , Circle Line Pier and the forgotten bit still active United States Lines Pier now used by the NYPD.

The Facade Unchanged since the 40s , made me think of the S.S United States docked in Philly at Penns Landing awaiting a new future.

During the voyage we passed many landmarks , the beautiful weather holding off the imminent rain shower and many small craft tailing us as we gracefully sailed down the Hudson river to our destination on calm seas.

Rick Sasso , President of MSC Cruises USA on the top deck.

Reporter Byron Huart aboard the Zephyr cruising the Hudson.

I went down to the lower decks to grab a drink & a few photographs then I stumbled upon Peter Shanks on the promenade deck , looking at the stunning New York skyline as he sat in joy.

President of Cunard Line Peter Shanks aboard the Zephyr.

We then passed by the World Financial center were we could see World Trade center one rising from the site & the newly developed lower Manhattan with North Cove Marina.

Lower Manhattan , World Financial Center & the new World Trade Center 1 rising.

As we were nearing the Brooklyn Passenger ship terminal ,

Tom Spina & Mark Robinson welcomed everyone on the top deck and the lower decks on the intercom.

Everyone Gathered on the top deck to hear the announcement as we were docking at the Brooklyn Terminal.

After the announcement we docked at the Brooklyn Cruise terminal where guest were greeted with joy as Jazz music filled the terminal as the LIVE band was rocking the stage. The guests had an array of products to try out from the various vendors , Including genuine Brooklyn lager from the Brooklyn Brewery , Republic Vodka & other fine Brooklyn products and specialty items.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and joy as the guests got to see a taste of Brooklyn culture and cuisine as well as see the marvelous passenger ship terminal.

As you cruisers already know the Brooklyn Terminal first opened in 2006 with the Queen Mary 2 as it's landmark visitor along with the Caribbean Princess.

Brooklyn Republic Vodka.

Cool Jazz Band.

During the festivities at the Brooklyn Terminal

Marty Markowitz, President of Brooklyn Borough, and Steve Nielsen, VP Shore Operations, Caribbean/Atlantic Region, Princess Cruise Lines, greeted delegates at the reinvigorated Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, before a tour of the facilities that now service many lines en route to a variety of destinations.

Mural

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Then Peter Shanks came on stage to say a few words to everyone present.

After the festivities ended at the Brooklyn terminal ,

guests again boarded the Zephyr to sail to Battery Park to dine at the Battery Gardens restaurant where the main event of the evening , Lobsterfest was being hosted.

The stunning & sleek Zephyr docked at the Brooklyn cruise terminal.

During the final stretch of the cruise as we cruised in the harbor as the sun set over the Modern & ever changing New York skyline , we could see the rising World Trade Center 1 taking shape.

The mood reminiscent of the 1930s & 50s like a classic Humphrey Bogart film as the sun set over the harbor and the clouds & fog covered the city as we passed the Statue of Liberty briefly , as guests lined the decks to take photos and pose in front of Lady Liberty.

The Atlantica Yacht passing us.

Me & the Avid Cruiser.

It was starting to Drizzle as we stopped near The Statue of Liberty & the seas were getting rough for the ship was rocking as we turned 30 degrees and proceeded full speed to Battery Park.

Once we docked , guests proceeded to the Battery Gardens restaurant for a genuine New England Lobster feast.

The evening entertainment was delivered by the Don Campbell Band, an authentic American Rock & Country group from Maine , boy did they rock the house!

Dynamite music & tunes cranking through the evening.

The Lobster cuisine was served with genuine New England Clam Chowder , roasted potatoes and dessert was fine New York Cheese Cake.

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The food was delicious , made with such love and craft.

New England Lobster fresh off the boat.

Lobster Galore!

The Don Campbell band.

The night lasted til the we hours as the Don Campbell band continued to churn out tunes and popular cover songs like " The Ring of Fire."

The night had officially ended as day one of the Symposium came to a close , tomorrows celebrations would be even more marvelous.

Day 2 of the Symposium:

Lunch & Tour aboard the Carnival Miracle & an Evening at the Eventi.

I arrived at Pier 88 at 10:30 am est to pick up my boarding pass , I then zipped down to Pier 90 where the Miracle was docked.

As I boarded the Miracle with all the guests on the main deck , I was awed at the interiors and the glitzy signature Joe Farcus architecture.

The Main atrium and the style of the room looked similar to the interiors of the Costa Atlantica I visited in October of last year.

On this visit , I was accompanied by my fellow reporter Mr. Navin Das .

Reporter Navin Das

Guests & delegates then proceeded to the Bacchus Dining Room ( named after the Greek god of wine)

where the luncheon was taking place.

The event was Sponsored by Port of Halifax and Nova Scotia.

During the event we had announcements from Captain Rocco Lubrano of the Miracle , Thomas M. Dow , Vice President of Public affairs at Carnival North America LLC & Tom Spina of NY Cruise.

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Floor tile of dining room.

The biggest news announced by Captain Lubrano was that the Carnival Miracle will be sailing from the New York on a year-round basis beginning in April 2012, a first for the line.

The 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle will be homeported in New York doing eight-day cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas.

Reporter Navin Das & Tom Spina

From April to October, 2012, the Spirit-class vessel will cruise from New York to San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk; alternating with a Bahamas itinerary that calls at the private Bahamas island of Half Moon Cay (operated by sister line Holland America), Grand Turk and Nassau.

Our waiter Ricky.

The cuisine was phenomenal ,

here's the menu.

Cured Salmon and Candied Tomato

Dill cream , Stewed Apples and Grapes in Lemon Vinaigrette.

Peppered Cheese Ravioli in Truffle Cream

Served with Feta Crumbles , Tomato & Basil Jus.

Duet of Petite Filet Mignon and Short-Rib Confit

(Oven roasted Potatoes , Red Burgundy wine sauce)

Lastly for dessert we were served

Genuine Warm Melting Chocolate Cake

served with a choice of Vanilla , Strawberry butter scotch or chocolate ice cream.

After the Luncheon was finished we meet the Captain of the Miracle Rocco Lubrano & shared a few words on everything and congratulated him on the news of the Miracle being homported in New York.

Reporter Byron Huart with Captain Rocco Lubrano of the Carnival Miracle.

We then embarked on a short tour of the Miracle's main public spaces and her upper decks , we only had one hour due to our limited time aboard before she set sail on her 8 night Eastern Caribbean cruise.

Promenade deck

Happy Passengers

After the one hour tour aboard we departed the Miracle to the Intrepid Pier to watch her depart from Pier 90 , in style with a signature tug boat escort.