Cruise Pulse: News and Notes for Jan. 4, 2016

Jason Leppert
by Jason Leppert
Last updated: 10:32 AM ET, Mon January 4, 2016

Photo courtesy of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen's Black Watch Saw in the New Year with a Magical Cruise Ship Horn Concert in Funchal, Madeira
As part of its 16-night "Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks" sailing, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Black Watch enjoyed a Cruise Ship Horn Concert on Dec. 31, 2015.

American Cruise Lines' Give-Back Program Raises over $10,000 for Connecticut Food Bank
American Cruise Lines has raised $10,500 for the Connecticut Food Bank via its Holiday "Give-Back" Program, one of a number of its charitable causes.

These New Cruise Ships Are Aiming for Gamers
As the cruise industry grows, several cruise companies like the Disney Cruise Line and its new Star Wars programming are appealing more and more to gamers.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Braemar in Dramatic Christmas Mid-Atlantic Yacht Rescue
On Dec. 27, 2015, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Braemar rescued four from a yacht that was adrift in the Atlantic Ocean for almost three days.

JUST THE LINKS

Gary Walther at Forbes calls Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' EUROPA 2 the "Best Small Cruise Ship For Kids."

Based on Facebook interactions, Disney Cruise Line ranked number one for social media in 2015 with Carnival Cruise Line coming in at a close second.

In port news, Royal Caribbean International has signed a 10-year deal to remain in the U.S. Virgin Islands; the Caribbean country of Grenada is expecting a busy cruise season as is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Azamara Club Cruises' Azamara Quest made its maiden call on a quiet Darwin, Australia.

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Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert - Senior Writer, Cruises and Cruise Travel - is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 100 sailings...

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