The Theatre on Celebrity Edge

The Celebrity Edge, innovative and pioneering in so many ways, can also boast having the most technologically advanced theater aboard a cruise ship.

Picture an entertainment venue in which the main stage extends into the audience.  Where do the performers end and the audience begin? The haziness is intentional creating a more immersive theatrical experience. There are actually four stage areas and three moving projection screens making for an endless array of shifting backdrops and sets. Add two rotating staircases, aerial performance rigging, a duo-directional rotating platform that raises almost seven feet above the stage and other high-tech projections and screens and one can only imagine the shows guests will be treated to aboard the Celebrity Edge!

Viking River Cruises Ups the Minimum Age

Viking River Cruises has made a policy adjustment regarding the minimum passenger age, changing it from 12 years old to 18 years old.

A statement issued by Viking says, "Due to the nature of our cruise and travel itineraries, the 

Carrier does not maintain facilities or services on our Ships for individuals under the age of 18 years. For all cruise/cruise tours booked after August 1, 2018 (regardless of departure year), you must be 18 years old on or before the day you are scheduled to embark on the cruise tour. Cruises through 2019 may still have passengers under 18 [if] the cruises were booked prior to August 1, 2018."

Viking's ocean cruises already limit sailings to passengers 18 and older.

Royal Caribbean Introduces SoundSeeker

Royal Caribbean has a track record of using innovative technology to enhance the cruising experience (Bionic Bar, virtual balconies, RIFD bracelets..). In that same vein, the company announce SoundSeeker.

SoundSeeker is a groundbreaking, patent-pending digital experience powered by artificial intelligence (AI) designed to create original soundtrack and video based on the content of the photographs submitted by the passenger. By simply visiting www.SoundSeeker.com, users can upload three of their favorite vacation pics, and the AI analyzes them based on color, landscape, backdrop, emotion, body language and facial expression. SoundSeeker then turns those Royal Caribbean cruise vacation photos into a shareable and one-of-a kind soundtrack that can be sent to friends and family! 

Gosh, I remember when postcards were sent through the mail as a way of sharing vacation memories!!!!

My First Aid Essentials

When my son was little I traveled with so many medicines and first aid items, you would have thought I was trekking to the moon!  I was a nervous parent and always wanted to be prepared. These days I’ve paired down my first aid kit to what I consider my five essentials. Yes, I’m well aware I can make these purchases on the ship or in port but at 3 AM….let’s just say I want to be prepared!

Imodium: A must for digestive tract disorder caused by some street foods or water or foods and spices our systems aren’t used to, or even the stress and nervous stomach some people feel when traveling.

The New Carnival Sunrise

Next spring the Carnival Triumph will be dry docked in Cadiz, Spain for what is said to be the priciest cruise ship makeover ever! After it’s extensive remodel, the cruise line plans to rechristen the vessel with a new name: Carnival Sunrise! You may remember that Carnival has tackled such a project once before when the Carnival Destiny was reborn as the Carnival Sunshine.

The makeover will include the addition of cabins, the revamping of all existing cabins and the redesign of two luxurious Captain's Suites adjacent to the navigational bridge offering floor-to-ceiling windows and extended balcony grand suites.