The Specialty Restaurants Aboard Quantum of the Seas

Today’s cruisers want more than a voyage that takes them from port to port, regardless of how inspiring the itinerary is. They want a vacation experience that will also take them on an epicurean journey…one that will provide opportunities to discover and experience new and diverse cuisines!  Royal Caribbean has met that challenge on the Quantum of the Seas by showcasing distinct 18 culinary concepts, representing cultures from around the country and around the globe. We’ve already talked about the concept of Dynamic Dining and the many complimentary choices it offers guests.  However, Quantum of the Seas also allows guests the opportunity to dine at seven additional restaurants, all presenting irresistible fare in intimate settings, well worth the surcharge.

If you’ve ever even half tuned into the Food Network or any of the morning show cooking segments, Jamie Oliver is a name that you are no doubt familiar with.  What you may not know is that this British chef and restaurateur is passionate about Italian cuisine!  In fact, there are over thirty Jamie’s Italian restaurants worldwide, with the newest opening on the Quantum of the Seas! The menu exemplifies a modern interpretation of home-style rustic dishes with bold and simple flavor. Handmade pastas and risottos are made fresh onsite every day. Jamie’s Italian is open for lunch ($15pp) and dinner ($25 pp).

James Beard award-winning chef Michael Schwartz isn’t new to life on the high sea. In the past he has created menus for 150 Central Park onboard Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas. His new gastropub, (yes, that’s a real word meaning a watering hole that serves high quality food…seems they’re all the rage in big cities across the country) on the Quantum of the Seas is aptly called Michael’s Genuine Pub. Stop in for munchies washed down with the homegrown craft beer on tap or in the bottle, such as Michael’s Genuine Home Brew. Pricing is a la carte.

I always felt the Solarium Bistro was a little-known gem of a place onboard Royal Caribbean ships, however it looks like it won’t remain much of a secret any longer! Now under the direction of celebrity chef Devin Alexander, Devinly Decadence at Solarium Bistro offers healthy breakfast (no charge), lunch ($10 pp) and dinner ($20 pp) options with an emphasis on freshness and lite cuisine. Devin’s philosophy on food is that you don’t have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods to be fit and healthy.  She demonstrates that way of thinking with a menu of scrumptious 100 calorie snacks and delicious meals under 500 calories. I like that!

Wonderland is just what it sounds like – a place of wonders, and of the strange and curious! The restaurant is surreal and whimsical…you might even say a bit “mad”!  Royal Caribbean calls the cuisine the “new post modern style of cooking”, but I call it cooking ingenuity! There are no courses to order.  Instead, the progressive menu is segmented into elements… wind, sea, ice, earth, fire, and dreams! This is indeed an unusual dining adventure ($45 pp) in which guests are presented with different textures, tastes, and arrangement s that delight all the senses at once.

If you are in the mood for great Japanese food Izumi has got you covered.  This restaurant features the finest Japanese dishes, both traditional and contemporary, including a wonderful selection of the freshest sushi, special rolls, the hot rock grill, and more. Hot Rock cooking is just as it sounds: a rock, heated for several hours in a hot oven. The waiter brings the hot rock grill and fish, meat and veggies of your choice to your table, so you can cook your own meal to your preferred level of doneness. Izumi is a fun way to dine on delectable Asian cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner with a la carte pricing.

I’m glad to see that Chops Grille will be included on Quantum-class ships. It will showcase a more contemporary décor and menu, with the pièce de résistance being the dry-aged steaks! Have you heard people talk about dry-aged beef and wonder what the buzz is all about? Dry-aging beef gives it a remarkable depth of flavor as well as tenderness.  Because of the high price and the space necessary to age meat, dry-aged beef is only served in the most trend-setting, expensive restaurants.  However, now it can be enjoyed at dinner ($35pp) on Quantum of the Seas. 

 Within Chops Grille is a private area reserved for the Chef’s Table ($89 pp).  This intimate dining experience is limited to sixteen guests. The five-course chef’s selection is the only option and the only one you'd want, as each expertly prepared course is more beautiful, flavorful and artistically presented than the next. The meal includes wines which are expertly paired by the sommelier.   To celebrate a special occasion, or create one, a reservation at the Chef’s Table is a must!

I’d be quite surprised if your mouth wasn't watering as you read through the options for specialty dining that will be available on Quantum of the Seas. Add to that the five complimentary full-service restaurants and the many casual dining options and you are certainly on your way to an epicurean journey aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship!"

Dynamic Dining Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas

If you have never cruised before you might equate dining aboard a cruise ship to be one enormous buffet restaurant serving sub par cuisine to the masses that line up throughout the day.  Passengers fill multiple dishes with a little bit of everything, then head off to search endlessly for an empty table, tray in hand. The experience culminates each evening when the extravaganza of the midnight buffet is presented, including intricate ice sculptures and decadent chocolate desserts!

However, if you’ve cruised in the past few years, you know nothing can be further from the truth!  Cruise line dining has come a long way, baby! Today’s cruise passenger is looking for an upscale resort style vacation that must include sophisticated dining options.  Freshly prepared meals made from the finest ingredients, breads and pastas made daily, meats cooked to order, innovative menus, a certain level of service, as well as intimate dining venues with ambiance and style. Does such an experience really exist? It certainly does! Let me tell you about Dynamic Dining aboard the soon to sail Quantum of the Seas!

Choices, choices, choices…that about sums it up!  The Quantum of the Seas offers guests a total of 18 different dining options, from the grab-and-go to a leisurely, formal fine dining affair. Choose to dine where you want, when you want, with whom you want!  The main dining room has been replaced with five smaller restaurants, all complimentary, with none seating more than 435 guests. Here’s a summary:

If you were to drive from N.Y. to California and stopped to sample the cuisine that certain U.S. cities are known for, you would have a good idea of what to expect from the American Icon Grill.  Maine lobsters, Southern fried chicken, and New Orleans’ gumbo are just some of the selections available.

The contemporary cuisine of Chic approaches ingredients with the utmost respect.  Eclectic blends of flavor redefine both meat and fish dishes. Here you’ll find the first dry-aged steaks at sea, mint crusted lamb chops and Mediterranean sea bass with turnips and wild fennel dressing.

The pan-Asian cuisine of Silk spans much of southern Asia. It’s basically ""Fusion"" cooking, bringing together ingredients & flavors from each ethnic group it encompasses… Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese and Japanese.

For those that love the “dressing up” opportunity that cruising has always offered, an evening at The Grande is something you won’t want to miss.  This is the most elegant restaurant aboard the Quantum of the Seas and every night here is formal night. The menu features timeless classics such as chateaubriand, sole almondine, and rack of lamb.

The last of the complimentary dining rooms, the Coastal Kitchen, is reserved for suite guests. The menu fuses the flavors and cooking styles of the Mediterranean with contemporary California cuisine.  Lots of fresh healthy options here including a selection of flatbreads.

There are six complimentary casual restaurants onboard Quantum of the Sea, many of which will be familiar to the Royal Caribbean cruiser.  The Windjammer Marketplace, a Royal Caribbean mainstay, is back with some modifications.  The set-up will feature food islands of international fare as well as more stations cooking to order.  One station will remain open 24 hours a day for those of you that get a case of the munchies after the midnight hour! Sorrento’s, featuring the yummiest pizza at sea, and the Café Promenade, everyone’s favorite spot for a warm, soft chocolate chip cookie, returns by popular demand. Johnny Rockets moves poolside, a convenient spot to grab a quick lunch without having to give up a minute of sunshine. The Seaplex Dog House, the only food truck at sea, will serve hot dogs and such.  It’s situated close to the action of the Seaplex area and that’s a good thing, because you’re sure to work up an appetite roller-skating, shooting hoops or bumper car racing!  Lastly, Café @ Two70, a gourmet marketplace, lets you grab a quick bite and packs it up for you picnic style! Soups, salads, sandwiches and more are served.  Dine there or anywhere!

Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?  Are you WOWED yet?  But wait, I still haven’t told you about the seven specialty restaurants that you’ll find on the Quantum of the Seas!  For that you’ll need to stay tuned for our next installment!"

Celebrity Constellation’s “Journey to Three Continents”

Cruising aficionados know that there is no better way to explore the world than on a lavish vessel sailing the seven seas.  However, sometimes the very nature of cruising puts restraints on where a ship can logistically take you, unless of course a land tour accompanies the cruise. That being said, one of the most exciting land - sea adventure I have ever seen offered is Celebrity Cruise Line’s “Journey to Three Continents – African Safari, Turkey, and the Black Sea!”

Yes, you read that correctly…an African Safari!  This once in a lifetime expedition will be offered in conjunction with sailings onboard the Celebrity Constellation.  Journeys are scheduled to depart on September 13, September 28 and October 7, 2014. Land accommodations in Africa are at four or five star hotels and game reserve lodges, and include most meals.

The five-night Africa pre-cruise journey includes two nights in Nairobi with a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum and Giraffe Center.  If you are wondering why that name sounds familiar, Karen Blixen was the author of “Out of Africa”, and lived in this house, now museum, on the outskirts of Nairobi from 1914 to 1931 where she ran a coffee plantation on the site.  The conservation and educational work carried out at the Giraffe Center is exceptional, particularly their efforts regarding poaching and conservation. The giraffe center gives a completely up close and personal interaction with the endangered Rothschild Giraffe, where guests have the opportunity to view the majestic animals as well as feed them.

Then it’s off to Lake Nakuru National Park, located in the Rift Valley of Central Kenya.  The park is legendary for the diversity of the bird life that inhabits the region, with the brightly feathered flamingos taking center stage. The black rhinoceros and white rhinoceros are a major attraction of the area but lions, zebras, buffalo, gazelles, warthogs, baboons, and monkeys also dwell in the area.

Say “African Safari” to anyone and the first thing to come to mind is Africa’s “big five”… elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions and buffalo. That’s why the “Journey to Three Continents” itinerary spends two nights at the Masai Mara National Reserve.  There have been some 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles and over 400 birds species recorded on this reserve. Nowhere in Africa is wildlife more abundant, and a visitor certainly has a good chance of coming home with photographs of the “big five”! Other game includes hippopotami, cheetah, gazelle, impala, topi, giraffe, antelope, wildebeest and the nocturnal bat-eared fox.

After the completion of the African Safari portion of the trip, guests are flown to Istanbul, the only city in the world that actually straddles two continents, Europe and Asia.  Here guests will board the beautiful Celebrity Constellation for a cruise through the Black Sea.

Cruising with Celebrity Cruise Line allows travelers to experience exciting itineraries taking in exotic ports of call, with the advantage of returning each day to luxurious accommodations, award winning cuisine, top-notch entertainment and impeccable service.  Take an exceptional Celebrity cruise and add something as unique as a pre-cruise African Safari, and you have a once in a lifetime adventure!"

An Exclusive Dining Room For Celebrity Suite Guests

We’re beginning to see it more and more; exclusive perks and amenities for cruise line passengers that are booked in the most elite accommodations onboard, the suites.  Priority check-ins, VIP lounges, concierge services, upgraded linens… amenities vary depending on the cruise line.  And why not?  For the amount of money these guests are paying, shouldn’t they be entitled to more than just increased square footage?

Celebrity Cruise Line has recently announced several upgrades to the suite experience aboard their fleet of ships. The latest addition is a dedicated private dining area reserved exclusively for these guests.  This new dining venue, available on every Celebrity ship, will be located within the main dining room but will have a separate entrance. The new suite “dining room” will have a dedicated chef and a menu featuring dishes not available anywhere else on board. It should be noted that suite guests would also have dining privileges at all specialty restaurants on the ship.

Toss the Bouquet and Sail Away…on a Honeymoon Cruise!

A honeymoon, without a doubt, is the most important trip you will ever plan.  It goes without saying that it must be magically romantic; a place where every wish is granted! It should give you the opportunity to spend quality time absorbed only in each other, offering as much, or as little to do as you desire. A honeymoon should take you someplace beautiful, maybe even exotic! And on the sensible side, it should be affordable, (yes, I realize it can be hard think in terms of practicality when pondering your honeymoon).  For all this and more, a cruise is the perfect honeymoon vacation!

Romance and the sea have always gone together. Imagine beginning the day sipping mimosas with breakfast on your private balcony. Lazy sea days can be spent lounging by the pool doing nothing more than soaking in the sun and breathing the fresh salt air. Maybe you’ll try a couple’s massage with perfumed oils, followed by a leisurely soak in a bathtub large enough for two. Pre-dinner drinks on the deck at sunset hold the promises of the evening ahead.  Gourmet dinners at a quiet little table in the corner and dancing under the stars…you begin to understand why it’s called a “love boat”.

If your dream honeymoon is full of palm tree dotted islands with soft white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters, then a Caribbean cruise is for you! Barbados, Martinique, Jamaica, Tortola…the names alone conjure up feelings of relaxation and images of paradise!   Frolic in the sea or take a long walk on the beach planning your future together. Be sure to leave some time for the bargains found while shopping in the duty free shops!

Or maybe your perfect honeymoon immerses you in the romance of the Old World. On a Mediterranean cruise you can take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice, share secrets over a bottle of wine at a café on the cliffs of Positano, or stroll hand in hand through the winding, narrow cobblestone streets of Eze.  Art, culture, history…it can all be found in the cruise ports of Europe and the Mediterranean!

Are you seeking an adventure filled honeymoon? Cruise to Hawaii, the quintessential honeymoon destination, for days filled with snorkeling, diving, fishing, and kayaking. Take in the beauty of the islands while hiking through lush green forests with rushing waterfalls thundering downward into sparkling freshwater pools. From the spiritual beauty of the hula to the primeval power of an active volcano, Hawaii is a cultural experience like no other.

Planning a wedding means paying the caterer, the florist, the musicians, the photographer, the limos, the dress, the tuxes…thank goodness cruising is so affordable!  There is a cruise line and cruise itinerary to fit every budget. In addition, the all-inclusive nature of a cruise means you know going into it what you’re spending. Accommodations, meals, and entertainment are all included in the price of your cruise. You can’t beat that kind of value for your money!

Are you looking for a honeymoon filled with romance, luxury, adventure, or a picture perfect destination?  Maybe it’s all of the above! Every couple will imagine something different when planning their perfect honeymoon.  Whatever that is, you will find it in a honeymoon cruise!

Direct Line Cruises Launches Its Loyalty Club

It’s been in the works for a while, but now it’s finally here! The DLC Loyalty Club has launched and we want you as an inaugural member! Its another way for us to say “Thank You” for your loyalty and for the trust you place in us when you allow us to assist in the planning of your cruise vacation.
 We are thrilled to announce that for a limited time, Celebrity Cruises is the exclusive sponsor of the DLC Loyalty Club! Only Celebrity lets you cruise in Modern Luxury! Experience beautiful ships that pair warm spaces with cool designs, distinctive dining experiences, and of course, amazing service that will exceed your expectations!

The DLC Loyalty Club rewards cruisers with points based on the total stateroom cruise fare excluding taxes, fees and other charges. New clients immediately begin accruing points with the first cruise they reserve with Direct Line Cruises!

But wait, because there’s more to tell you!  Book a Celebrity cruise with Direct Line Cruises now through April 15, 2014 and Celebrity will DOUBLE the loyalty points you would normally receive!  For example, if you book a $2,500 cruise you would normally receive 300 loyalty points.  However, during this limited time promotion, you would instead receive 600 loyalty points!  Even better, 50% of those points can be used immediately for that upcoming Celebrity cruise!

For those of you that have cruised with us before, bookings made between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012 will be grandfathered into our Loyalty Club and receive 100 free points for every valid cruise! Wow, that’s quite a bankroll of points for many of you!

In addition, everyone can begin earning bonus points by referring their friends and family members to Direct Line Cruises. One hundred points are awarded for every new client that has not previously booked with Direct Line Cruises, with no limit to the amount of referral points that can be earned. That can certainly add up quickly!

You have total control over how and when to redeem the points you’ve earned in the DLC Loyalty Club. Exchange your points for the rewards that are most valuable to you! Points can be redeemed for onboard credits (up to $500 worth!), specialty dining, wine, gift shop items, discounts off shore excursions, plus much, much more. A mere one hundred reward points is all that is needed to begin enhancing your cruise experience. Best of all, rewards do not have blackout dates, restrictions, nor do they expire!

As a member, you can view your personal account at any time by logging into the Direct Line Cruises website. There, you may check your cruise history, current available points, browse loyalty gift selections or redeem points. DLC Loyalty Club members will receive a periodic newsletter of insider’s cruise news and special offers. In addition, you will have access to special cruise deals not available to the general public!

We hope that you’re as excited about the new DLC Loyalty Club as we are! Membership is free, so be sure to enroll today at http://directlinecruises.com/loyaltyclub.htm.

Staying Sun-Safe On Your Caribbean Cruise

With the Polar Vortex bearing down on the Northeast, its no surprise there’s been a mass exodus to the Caribbean!  Cruise ships are heading south packed with people that are yearning to feel the heat of the sun penetrate through to their very soul!  However, before you start peeling off your parka, turtleneck and long johns make sure you pack the essentials to keep yourself sun-safe.

By now everyone knows it’s foolish to spend any time in the sun without slathering on an ample amount of sunscreen.  The Caribbean sun can be very intense, particularly for skin that’s been hiding under layers of corduroy and wool. Dermatologists recommend a water resistant broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Apply and reapply often, paying close attention to ears, nose and those spots that are hard to reach.  A lip balm with SPF is also a smart choice.

Clothing is the most basic, and one of the best means of sun protection. More and more outdoor clothing now carries a UPF rating (ultraviolet protection factor).   Many sportswear companies design fashionable high-UPF items such as swimsuits, swim shirts, cargo shorts, polo shirts, and summer dresses designed to keep you cool, dry, and protected.

The face and neck receive the most sun exposure and are particularly susceptible to sunburn, so every Caribbean cruiser should pack a hat! The Skin Cancer Foundation advises everyone to wear hats with a brim that extends three inches or more all the way around to shade the face, neck, ears, and even the top of the shoulders.  Baseball caps and fishing hats are also good choices to protect faces and balding heads

A great looking pair of sunglasses is not only a style statement, but vital in safeguarding the health of your eyes. When you're choosing sunglasses, look for a pair that blocks 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. Also, opt for wraparound sunglasses or close-fitting sunglasses with wide lenses that protect your eyes from every angle.

Lastly, if you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time lying on the beach or lounging poolside, you might want to consider an umbrella or cabana rental. Cabanas can be rented on some cruise ships (Celebrity has them up at the Lawn Club) and are also available on Royal Caribbean’s private island of Labadee and Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

Top Caribbean Cruise Shore Excursions

Ah, a Caribbean cruise!  Ask people what their plans are once their ship pulls into port and many will answer without hesitation…a day at the beach!  And who could blame them?  The Caribbean Islands are known for their miles of soft, sandy beaches dotted with palm trees, and warm azure waters so clear you can see right down to your feet. But if you’re looking for a little more to do with your day in port, we’ve compiled a list of popular shore excursions that are sure to please!

For Western Caribbean cruisers, the highlight of a stop at Grand Cayman Island is definitely Stingray City. Stingray City is a sandbar that has become a gathering spot to a whole fleet of southern stingrays. Locals say that the stingrays began gathering in the area decades ago when fisherman used to clean fish on the shallow sand bars. Tours include a boat ride to multiple sites for swimming and snorkeling, the highlight of course, getting the chance to pet, swim and have your picture taken with these amazing creatures.

If your cruise itinerary takes you to Ocho Rios, you’ll want to climb Dunn’s River Falls! The 600 foot falls are bordered by lush, green vegetation and usually tops the lists of the world’s most gorgeous waterfalls. The climb can be relatively hard so is often undertaken as a hand-holding human chain led by a guide to make it easier.  The guides make stops along the way allowing some time to splash around in the natural pools and are happy to snap photos along the way.

If you are cruising to the Eastern Caribbean, one of San Juan's most stunning natural attractions and most popular shore excursion is the 28,000-thousand-acre El Yunque Rainforest. El Yunque is the sole tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System. The rainforest is home to more than 240 species of plants and wildlife, waterfalls, streams and hiking trails leading to enticing locations. Tours differ in levels of exertion so choose accordingly.

Looking for an exhilarating day on the ocean?  St. Maarten offers the thrill of America’s Cup Yacht Racing excursion! Sail the actual boats from the 1987 competition, including Dennis Conner's famous Stars & Stripes! The expert crew will teach participants exactly what to do in a ""crew members"" position. Then it’s off to the races… grind a winch… trim a sail… punch a stop watch, or just sit back, relax. The best part… previous sailing experience is NOT necessary!

Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries that include Aruba also include the opportunity to tour the island off-road via ATV or an open jeep! This tour is great fun! If you don’t already know it, Aruba has a desert-like side which guests will explore on this tour. This excursion will bring you to such sites as Lighthouse, Gold Ruins, Natural Bridge, Natural Pool, Arikok National Park and of course Baby Beach, to cool off with a swim.

Most people are familiar with swimming with the dolphins, but have you heard of swimming with the sea turtles? Barbados, another Southern Caribbean port of call, is home to a healthy population of hawksbill and leatherback turtles. Once endangered by over-fishing, these great creatures are now protected and monitored throughout the Island. There are a wide range of tours that take guests swimming or snorkeling with the turtles. Most turtle tours are on catamarans which provide lunch, masks and snorkels. It's a great day out - sailing down the beautiful coastline, a delicious lunch, rum punch, and of course seeing and swimming along side the magnificent turtles.

Celebrity Cruise Line Partners With The Canyon Ranch Spa

A new partnership between Celebrity Cruise Line and the Canyon Ranch was recently announced and it couldn’t be a more natural fit!  After all, a segment of Celebrity Cruise Line’s popular Celebrity Life program was designed for those that have a passion for all things ""wellness” by incorporating a collection of activities to rejuvenate guests inside and out.  Similarly, Canyon Ranch Health Resorts are land-based sanctuaries where guests learn to take an active roll in their health and wellness.  Both programs aim to enlighten guests on living in a state of optimal health, well-being, and vitality through good diet, exercise, and treatments. You couldn’t find a more perfect alliance if you tried!

The luxurious Canyon Ranch SpaClub can be found on Celebrity Cruises beginning in April, and will include spa, beauty salon, wellness and fitness amenities presenting signature Canyon Ranch offerings. Exclusive SpaClub treatments and services tailored to the unique preferences of Celebrity’s guests, including new facial and body treatments, and unique yoga and meditation classes are part of the new alliance.

Fitness lovers can choose from private consultations to group classes, including yoga, Pilates, cycling, Mind/Body Connection and relaxation led by Canyon Ranch-trained fitness experts. Wellness programs such as personal exercise prescription, private nutritional consults, acupuncture, Chiropractic therapy and Canyon Ranch Healthy Feet™ centers will also be available on select ships. Additionally, Canyon Ranch health experts will provide onboard wellness lectures, workshops and cooking demonstrations.

Guests can add to the entire experience by booking an Aqua-class veranda stateroom; accommodations that offer spa elements infused into the stateroom experience. These spa-inspired cabins offer unlimited access to the AquaSpa Relaxation Room (on Solstice Class only) and Persian Garden as well as a host of other comforting extras. If you love the spa, there's no finer way to travel. In addition, those staying in an Aqua-class stateroom can enjoy Blu, an exclusive restaurant offering healthier options for breakfast and dinner.  The cuisine at Blu is called “clean cuisine”, a way of preparing popular dishes without fussiness, pretense, or more importantly, without heavy sauces.

Wellness makes lives richer and more enjoyable. How wonderful it will be to benefit from the Canyon Ranch Spa experience as you travel to exotic ports of call throughout the world, on your favorite Celebrity cruise ship!"

“Carnival LIVE”

There is nothing like the “live” concert experience! Loud music, bright lights, clapping to the beat and dancing in and around your seat!  The band plays your favorite song and you sing along! Excitement and energy electrify the room.  That’s what “Carnival LIVE” is all about!

This April, Carnival Cruise Line will launch a new series of live concert performances on select sailings.  Artists scheduled thus far include 38 Special, Chicago, Daughtry, Foreigner, Gavin DeGraw, and Jennifer Hudson.  Jewel, Kansas, Lady Antebellum, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride are also on the calendar. So are Olivia Newton John, REO Speedwagon, STYX, and Trace Adkins!

Getting tickets to the show will be as easy as purchasing them on Carnival’s online shore excursion booking page prior to sailing, or contacting the shore excursion desk once onboard (if there’s anything left by the time you get onboard). Tickets will cost between $20 and $40 dollars per person.  VIP tickets will sell for $100 - $150 per person but that will guarantee seating in the first three rows and include an exclusive meet and greet with photo opportunities."

Cruising to the Mexican Riviera

With temperatures hovering in the teens and snow covering the ground, it’s no surprise that residents of the northeast are looking to flee to warmer climates, even if it’s just for a week long cruise.  While most people think of the beautiful Caribbean Islands as the perfect cruise getaway, for those that don’t mind leaving from Los Angeles or San Diego, Mexico is a wonderful alternative!

Port cities on Mexico’s west coast are referred to as the Mexican Riviera and although each itinerary may be slightly different, the ports you are most likely to visit are Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. Each promises an abundance of sun, sand, snorkeling, sightseeing and shopping.

Acapulco has been Mexico’s most famous destination, and one look at the breath-taking physical beauty of Acapulco Bay and you’ll see why! The snorkeling and scuba diving here are supreme and there is nothing as thrilling as jumping on a jet ski and riding at full throttle across the beautiful bay! Unless of course you’re watching the cliff divers!  For more than four decades, daring locals have been risking their lives by free climbing the natural clefts in the cliff walls to reach the highest point, then diving into the ocean pool below! Crazy!

Cabo San Lucas began as a small fishing village, but today is famous for sports fishing and plays host to a gala of marlin fishing tournaments each year. Whether you’re looking to surf, launch a kayak or wave runner, or watch the whales up close and personal, there’s a beach in Cabo just for you! The Dolphin Center in the marina offers guests the opportunity to swim with the dolphins; a favorite activity for kids of all ages. Prefer sports on land? Golfers will love the many world-class championship golf courses in the area.

Do you prefer sun and sand or culture and history? In Mazatlan you don’t have to choose. With 11 miles of soft sand, huge waves for surfing and a long boardwalk for strolling, a day in Mazatlan is the perfect cure for the winter doldrums. In Old Mazatlan or the Centro Historico, life carries on as it did before the tourists arrived. Explore the markets and churches, sit in quaint cafes, and wander within the shady plazas of traditional neighborhoods.

Puerto Vallarta is a sports lover’s paradise offering an endless array of outdoor adventures. Choose from every imaginable activity from kayaking and sailing, to water skiing and surfing. The bountiful marine life in the warm Pacific waters of Banderas Bay offer some of the best snorkeling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing around. Those in search of land adventure can go mountain biking, opt for a jeep safari or go horseback riding.

A large dose sunshine paired with warm crystal clear waters and a sprinkling of soft, golden sand are the perfect remedy for a severe case of the winter blues. Why suffer when all this and more are available without a prescription on a Mexican Riviera cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ultimate Dining Package

My recent cruise aboard the Norwegian Breakaway, was like a trip around the world…even though I never got any further than the Bahamas! Each night my family and I dined in one of the many specialty restaurants and enjoyed the cuisine of a different country.  A week after we returned Norwegian announced their “Ultimate Dining Package.”  Boy, timing is everything! And now, having experienced all the different restaurants, this is a package I whole-heartily recommend!

The first night of our cruise we dined “all-American” at Cagney’s steakhouse.  I ordered the shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, and grilled sea bass.  I know, you’re asking how could I pass on a steak at a steakhouse? What can I say! There are a large variety of side dishes to choose from so we ordered and enjoyed several.  My meal was absolutely delicious!

We dined at Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian the following evening.  Now, this restaurant is not included in the dining package, but guests do receive a 20% discount if they have the Ultimate Dining Package.  The  $49 pp surcharge is a bit high, but what would you expect from an “Iron Chef”?  Well worth the charge, and the mussels were my favorite dish out of anything I ate all week!

The French fare at Le Bistro was a bit of a disappointment, but since it always gets such rave reviews from past cruisers, I’m willing to attribute it to an “off night”.  The onion soup followed by escargot bourguignon, certainly exceeded my expectations, but the salmon I ordered was overcooked and the service was inattentive.

Secrets of the Norwegian Breakaway

Last week I returned from a Florida / Bahamas cruise aboard the beautiful Norwegian Breakaway.  My experience was overwhelmingly positive and the Breakaway definitely ranks as one of the top 5 ships I’ve ever been on (I don’t believe I’d be able to pick a favorite within the 5 since each one has its own unique attributes). Since so many reviews have already been written about this ship, I thought I would just share some tips on how to make a great cruise experience on the Norwegian Breakaway an extraordinary one.

I highly recommend pre-booking specialty dining and shows, particularly if you are cruising on a busy week.  I was on the New Years Eve sailing and the ship was sold out.  Without pre-booking, I’m sure you can still eat at the restaurant of your choice, and see every show, but I’m pretty picky about when I dine, and pre-booking allowed me to secure a 7 pm reservation every evening.  If you don’t want to compromise on your dining time, or be stuck with a late show, book in advance.

Even if you don’t usually choose to dine in the specialty restaurants, for one evening try Waterfront dining.  The Waterfront on deck 8 includes outdoor seating for Cagney’s Steakhouse, La Cucina, Moderno Churrascaria, and Ocean Blu. We chose Moderno Churrascaria on the evening we were departing Nassau.  It was a balmy evening with no less than a zillion stars twinkling above us! After a delicious dinner we lingered longer than usual, finishing up our bottle of wine while listening to the whispers of the ocean. What a beautiful experience…this is what cruising is all about!

The Butler Did It…on Norwegian Cruise Line

The last time someone “drew my bath” I was about five years old and my mom made sure it included an overflowing capful of “Mr. Bubbles”!  I made the switch to showers shortly thereafter and never looked back.  However, after reading about Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Bath Butler Menu” featuring seven different luxury bath packages, I may be swayed to reconsider…at least when I’m cruising!

But first things first.  Before you may even consider indulging in this hedonistic pleasure, you would have to have booked accommodations that include a bathtub…specifically a suite.  Once you’ve got that covered, there a several options to choose from, each inspired by a different exotic locale visited by a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. In addition, every package also includes a specially selected beverage selection.

The “Mediterranean Soak” is truly extravagant at $499! Imagine soaking in French verbena bubbles, while sipping Dom Perignon champagne, poured from the bottle that sits beside you, and snacking on sturgeon caviar.  Pricey, but tempting if the tub comfortably seats two. If not, then maybe NCL should consider including a back scrubbing by the butler.

There are five other menu items more reasonably priced at $99 each.  What romantic honeymoon or anniversary gift to surprise your spouse with!

There's no need to cruise to Mexico to enjoy the “Mexican Riviera Retreat”.  It includes a lime exfoliating body scrub with loofah and a freshly made, margarita with 100% agave tequila, premium triple orange liqueur and fresh squeezed limes.

What's more relaxing then cruising to the Caribbean? The “Caribbean Calm” luxury bath! It consists of a passion fruit bath gel with exfoliator gloves, topped off with a hand-muddled Mojito prepared with Bacardi Superior, fresh mint and hand pressed limes.

Choose the “Hawaiian Bloom” and let the scent of pulmeria transport you to paradise as you soak in a milk bath with floating flowers. If you're not actually cruising to Hawaii, this is the next best thing! This bath is served with a coconut kiwi pineapple splash prepared with Bacardi Rock Coconut, pineapple juice, lemon lime soda with chunks of fresh pineapple and kiwi.

Conjure up images of the Alaskan wilderness while taking the The “Alaskan Plunge”.  This specialty bath invigorates body and soul with its refreshing pine bath salts and a back scratcher. After soaking, guests can enjoy a cold pitcher of strawberry lemonade with Stolichnaya vodka, fresh strawberries and hand pressed lemons.

Beware of the total relaxation effect of the “Great Island Oasis”! It consists of a seaweed eucalyptus bath, complete with bath pillow and passion punch made with passion fruit liqueur, vodka, fresh fruit juices and sparkling wine.

I’m not sure if Mr. Bubbles is still available on store shelves, but if not, parents can treat their kids to the “Wonder Waterfall”, for $49.  This includes kiwi fruit berry bath bombs and a yummy kid-friendly strawberry and banana smoothie, but even better than that, you don’t have to clean the tub when they’re through!"

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces the Bacardi Bar

A stop at Great Stirrup Cay has always been a highly anticipated port of call on a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary, and now there’s something new on the island to experience! A first-of-its-kind Bacardi Bar has recently opened on Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line’s private island. Inspired by Bacardi’s rich 150-year history and distinct Cuban heritage, the Bacardi Bar and terrace feature original Bacardi advertising artwork and Cuban-inspired fixtures including specially-designed tiles and shutters.

“We are excited to announce the grand opening of the Bacardi Bar,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “We are honored to partner with Bacardi for the launch of our island’s newest bar. Bacardi’s rich history and quality beverage products are the perfect complement to our private island experience. We know that our guests are going to love spending time here during their visit to Great Stirrup Cay.”

Guests who visit the Bacardi Bar during their island visit can experience some of Bacardi’s superior craft rums through freshly made specialty cocktails. Similar to a “wine tasting experience”, here guests can come and sample some of Bacardi’s most popular Mojito creations!  There will be exclusive events and entertainment on the patio, including live mixology, live DJ’s and a variety of interactive games.

Guests booked on the Norwegian Breakaway or the Norwegian Gem, cruising from New York City, can look forward to visiting the Bacardi Bar at Great Stirrup Cay on an upcoming sailing.

Dancing with the Stars…at Sea

Good news for “Dancing With the Stars” fans! Holland America Line has extended its  “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” program for another year! The 2014 schedule will continue to feature “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” programming on all sailings throughout the year, in addition to six special “Dancing with the Stars” theme cruises featuring the show’s professional dancers and celebrities. Currently scheduled to sail on the six theme cruises in 2014 are professional dancers Tristan MacManus and Kym Johnson and television personality Carson Kressley and actress Sabrina Bryan.

“Our collaboration with ‘Dancing with the Stars’ has been one of our most successful partnerships ever and we’re excited to be able to continue the experience through 2014,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president, sales, marketing and guest programs. “Dancing in all forms is among our most popular shipboard activities so it’s no wonder that the ‘Dancing with the Stars: At Sea’ experience is getting rave reviews from guests.”

Six theme cruises present the chance to sail with dance pros and celebrities from the hit ABC show.

June 14 and June 21 aboard ms Zuiderdam, 7-day Alaska roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia.
July 26 and Aug. 2 aboard Westerdam, 7-day Alaska roundtrip from Seattle, Washington.
Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 aboard Westerdam, 7-day eastern Caribbean roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Each theme cruise features guest performances from dance pros and celebrities. Additional events on theme cruises

include dance lessons with the ship’s professional dancers, a special fashion show featuring glamorous show costumes and a chance to meet the dance pros and celebrities, ask questions and take photos with them.

Beginning with cruises that depart on or after Nov. 26, 2013, every sailing on all 15 ships in the Holland America Line fleet including the theme cruises will feature an exclusive “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” program. Included are complimentary dance lessons with the ship’s dance professionals and a dance-off competition for participating guests to compete for a chance to represent their ship on the 2014 Champions Cruise on Dec. 6, 2014. There will be a total of 15 winners on the Champions Cruise. Competitions held on sailings departing on or after Nov. 26, 2013 and ending no later than Oct. 22, 2014 are eligible.

Winners of the guest competitions with the highest scores from each of Holland America Line’s 15 ships will be notified they have won a free ocean view stateroom on the Dec. 6, 2014, Champions Cruise to compete for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy and title of Holland America Line’s “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” Champion.

Celebrity's New Captain's Club

This months Celebrity Cruise Line announced major changes to its Captain's Club loyalty club.  At the core of the changes is a new system for earning points that puts far more emphasis on the type of cabin a customer books.  It looks like this:

2 club points for an inside or ocean view cabin.

3 club points for a veranda.

5 club points for a Concierge or Aqua Class cabin.

8 club points for a ""smaller"" suite (up to Sky Suites).

12 club points for suites larger than Sky Suites up to Royal Suites.

18 club points for Reflection and Penthouse suites.

Members’ previous cruise credits will be automatically converted to club points, and members will retain all of the benefits they earned in the program to date. The overhauled program will have six tiers — two more than before. Below is a brief summary of the amenities at each level.

As a Preview Member, you'll receive complimentary access to the Captain's Club Loyalty Desk service center and a Captain's Club newsletter with the latest program news and information.

As a Classic member (2-149 club points), you'll receive complimentary access to our Captain's Club Celebration event. You'll also enjoy great ways to save with exclusive onboard premium offers.

As a Select member (150 – 299 club points), you'll enjoy all the benefits of a Classic member, plus discounted Internet and laundry service specials.

Elite members (300 – 749 club points) know that loyalty yields great rewards, including complimentary Internet and laundry services and complimentary Captain's Club cocktail hour.

In recognition of the most devoted Elite members, they have created Elite Plus (750 – 2999 club points) - delivering a high level of recognition with greater benefits including; discounts on beverages and specialty dining, unlimited complimentary cappuccinos and lattes, 200 free internet minutes and much more.

The height of Captain's Club membership – Zenith (3000+ club points) - is designed exclusively for the most loyal guests, offering the quality benefits and perks befitting this ultimate level of membership, such as access to Michael's Club Concierge Lounge, a beverage package of your choice, complimentary laundry, and 1600 minute internet package.

“Guest loyalty is the cornerstone to any successful business, and that’s why, at Celebrity Cruises, we make our guests the center of our attention"", said Celebrity’s Director of Loyalty Lee Moreau.  “We hope this reinvigorated program will even more vividly show our guests how much we appreciate their loyalty, and allow us to welcome them back onboard even more frequently.”"

Cruise to Bermuda With N.Y. Ranger Legends

Any New York Ranger fans out there?  If so, you might be interested to know that  Celebrity Cruise Line has become the official cruise line of the New York Rangers.  You're probably thinking ""big deal, what does that have to do with anything?"" I suppose being the ""official"" anything for anyone can be just a lot of marketing mumbo jumbo.  However, in this case, the partnership brings Ranger fans a very special cruise event!

The August 3rd 2014 Celebrity Summit cruise will be a ""Rangers Legend Cruise."" The seven-night Bermuda cruise leaving from Bayonne, New Jersey will feature Ranger legends Ron Duguay, Adam Graves, Ron Greschner and Stephane Matteau.  The vacation package includes a cocktail reception ""meet and greet"", a hockey clinic, a Q&A panel, and an autograph session.  Guests will enjoy an exclusive breakfast, as well as a sunset BBQ on the pool deck with the Rangers.  There's even a poker tournament with the Rangers that guests can participate in!

Fans of all ages can sign up for optional shore excursions hosted by the Rangers.  You can tee off with your favorite Ranger great at the Port Royal Golf Club, or take part in a Dolphin Experience!  There is also an excursions to the Crystal Caves and a sunset cocktail cruise on a glass bottom boat!  This cruise has so many opportunities for fans to mingle with these legendary hockey stars that no Ranger fan will want to miss it!

A cruise to Bermuda on the Celebrity Summit is always something to get excited about.  When you add this once in a lifetime experience of cruising with legendary New York Rangers, Celebrity is taking things to the next level!  Interested?  Give the cruise consultants  at Direct Line Cruises a call, and we'll make sure you get onboard!

Visiting San Juan on an Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Puerto Rico is the smallest of the Greater Antilles Islands, which include Cuba, Haiti and Dominicana (sharing an island), and Jamaica.  Although Christopher Columbus discovered Puerto Rico on his second voyage in 1493, it wasn’t until 1508 that Ponce de Leon was sent to conquer the island for Spain.  In the late 1800’s Puerto Ricans began to press for independence and Spain relented by granting the island broad powers of self-government. But during the Spanish-American War of 1898 American troops invaded the island and Spain ceded it to the U.S. Since then, Puerto Rico has remained a U.S. territory with its people granted American citizenship under the Jones Act in 1917.  Today, San Juan is one of the world’s busiest cruise ports and one of gems of an Eastern Caribbean cruise.  

Favorite Beaches: Beaches in the Eastern Caribbean are lovely.   The best beaches of San Juan can be found at the resort areas, but there’s nothing to worry about...all the beaches are open to the public!

Condado Beach is just a 10-minute drive from the pier. It’s a fusion of both the natural and urban environment that brings the best of both worlds to beachgoers. With the clear Caribbean water and fine grain sand of the beach, you have the backdrop of trendy shops and restaurants steps away on Ashford Avenue.  The waters are generally calm so it's an ideal beach for families. Condado may not be the beach for you if you are looking for wide open, quiet spaces.

Isla Verde is directly adjacent to Condado Beach. Plenty of shady palms, local restaurants, parking and shower facilities are just a few of the amenities that make this beach so popular with visitors and locals alike. Here you can rent beach chairs and lifeguards are usually on duty.

Favorite Attractions: There is always plenty to do in the ports of call of an Eastern Caribbean cruise, and San Juan is no exception!

Old San Juan: A leisurely walk through Old San Juan is one of the most pleasant experiences anyone could have here in Puerto Rico. The colonial architecture of hanging balconies and cobble stone streets make you feel like you have gone back in time.  You can also take advantage of the free trolleys. The one marked ""City Hall"" concentrates on the streets of Old Town while El Morro Fort takes a very scenic route by the sea up Calle Norzagaray, past the museums and eventually to the Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Castillo de San Felipe: Commonly known as ""El Morro” this stronghold is believed to be one of the oldest Spanish forts in the Caribbean. Built to deter invaders who sought to topple the Spanish Empire, this six level fortress has 140-foot walls (15-feet thick) some of them dating back to 1539, it is even topped by a lighthouse! You can take an enjoyable guided tour through the whole complex which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

El Yunque: Forty minutes outside of the city, this national rainforest which is protected and maintained by the US Forest Service, is definitely worth the visit!  Inside its misty, dense vegetation you’ll find rare Puerto Rican parrots, hear the constant cheep of the tiny coqui frog and come across small waterfalls with picturesque pools to take a dip in. There’s a road to the top of the mountain so you can drive in, or you can park below and try to hike up. The visitor’s center about mid-way up the mountain has useful information on the rainforest’s plant and animal life, plus maps, restrooms and a cafeteria.  

Bacardi Run Factory: The six-story pink tower, where rum is distilled, is called the “Cathedral of Rum.” There are free tours of the plant leaving every 30 minutes, which allow you to see all the inner workings of this factory, which pumps out over 100,000 gallons of rum daily.

Shopping: The streets of the Old City are where you need to head for great shopping. Native handicrafts can be good buys, including needlework, straw work, ceramics, hammocks, as well as paintings and sculptures by Puerto Rican artists.  Look for santos, carved religious figures that have been produced since the 1500s. If you’re looking for designer handbags, there is a Coach and Dooney & Bourke shop to check out.

Discerning shoppers will want to visit the designer shops in the Condado Area. Condado offers brand-name stores such as Gucci, Dior, and Salvatore Ferragamo."

Visiting St. Maarten on an Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Could an Eastern Caribbean island be so exquisite that conquering countries would refuse to give it up? Obviously, yes! St. Maarten / St. Martin history shows that in the 1600’s the French (that arrived from nearby St. Kitts) and Dutch (that sailed over from St. Eustatius) were both eager to gain control of this beautiful land. After a few battles both sides realized the other would never retreat. In 1648 the Treaty of Concordia was signed, which separated the island into two distinct countries; one side owned by the French (St. Martin) and the other by the Dutch (Sint Maarten).  The French control twenty square miles in the north and the capital, Marigot, is quintessentially French and cosmopolitan. The Dutch rule over sixteen square miles in the south. It’s capital, Phillipsburg, has rapidly gained a reputation for being the shopping capital for Eastern Caribbean cruisers!  The border is almost imperceptible and people cross back and forth without ever realizing they are entering a new country.

Favorite Beaches:

The beautiful beaches are the number one draw on an Eastern Caribbean cruise. On St. Maarten, Dawn Beach as the name suggests, is known for its stunning sunrises, but lovely any time of day! With reefs just off the shoreline it provides great snorkeling opportunities. The surf can sometimes be a little challenging, so for very young children or toddlers, Dawn Beach is not always an ideal. There are a couple of restaurants on the beach, which great options for lunch.

Orient Beach is St. Martin's flagship beach and is often referred to as the ""French Riviera of the Caribbean "". This expansive one mile beach is home to numerous beach bar/restaurants offering various menus, from formal French to pizzas, burgers and local fare. Known best for being 'au natural', stick to the north end of the beach if you'd rather keep your bathing suit on.

Pinel Island is protected nature reserve that boasts a calm and sheltered beach, perfect for families. Lunch, beach chairs and umbrellas are available, and there's also great hiking. There are three beach bars / restaurants right on the beach, next to the ferry. To get to Pinel Island you drive to French Cul the Cac. Follow the road till you arrive at the seaside / big sandy parking lot. From there ferryboats go over. They charge you $6 pp roundtrip. First boat leaves at 9:00 am and last boat brings you back at 4:00 pm.

 Favorite Attractions:

Butterfly Farm: Within large meshed enclosures you can see hundreds of exotic butterflies flying freely, with dozens of the most spectacular species from all over the world. You can also witness all stages of their life cycle from tiny egg to curious caterpillar and jewel like pupa. Early in the morning is the best opportunity to see a butterfly emerging from its pupa and watch newborn butterflies take their first flight! The Butterfly Farm is near Orient Beach so it’s convenient to visit both places in a day!

Maho Bay:  This strip of white sand beach is within yards of the runway at the Princess Juliana International Airport. To be honest, people do not go to Maho because it is one of the best beaches on the island. The planes are the big draw! They have chairs and umbrellas for rent if you like, or you can just hang out at the bar. Grab a burger and a cold beer and get your camera ready. Photo ops are unbelievable! The daily 747 and Airbus 340 flights touch down around 2 p.m. A taxi from the port to Maho should be $26 for 1 or 2, and down to $8 pp in a group of 6 or more.

Fort St. Louis: This is the largest historical monument in St.Martin. It was originally built in 1767 to protect the settlement at Marigot from foreign invaders. The plans were sent over directly from Versailles at the order of King Louis XVI. The steep climb up to the summit provides a panoramic view of the island and the sea surrounding it. The area is open 24/7 and there are signs explaining historical events.

Shopping:

Everyone likes to get in a bit of shopping on a Caribbean cruise. The picturesque bayside town of Philipsburg is very close to the cruise ship pier (within one mile). You can walk 15 to 20 minutes or hop aboard a water shuttle that makes stops at the east and west side of town. It may only be four streets deep and one mile long, but this downtown area contains everything worth shop for! Front Street which is closest to the bay is literally lined with gold, silver, diamonds and other precious gems found in shop after shop!

The capital city of Marigot is perhaps the most French in spirit of all the cities in the Caribbean. The entire city is only four streets wide, so it is very easy to get around. Colonial houses stand beside smart cafés and bistros, pastry shops and trendy boutiques. There’s a shopping center at the foot of Fort St. Louis, with luxurious boutiques such as Chanel and Lacoste. At the southern end of town down by the harbor is the Marina Port la Royale; elegant stores with the latest in European designer fashions and fine jewelry.

Visiting St. Thomas on an Eastern Caribbean Cruise

In 1493 Christopher Columbus visited the present day Virgin Islands while searching for a route to India.  He named the beautiful islands “The Virgins” in reference to the legendary beauty of St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins.  The Danish West India Company thought the same, and settled St. Thomas in 1665. In 1917 the United States purchased the islands from the Dutch for $25 million in gold in an effort to improve military positioning during the critical times of World War I.  Today St. Thomas, (along with St. Croix, and St. John), make up the US Virgin Islands; a much loved  port of call on an Eastern Caribbean cruise!

Favorite Beaches:

Magens Bay is St. Thomas's most popular beach and one of the prettiest in the Caribbean! The water is usually very calm in this heart-shaped protected bay. Beach chairs and floats are available for rent and burgers, pizzas and other snacks can be found at the snack bar. Lifeguards are on duty every day. Taxi from Havensight Pier is approx. $10.00 pp each way, plus $3.00 to get on the beach. Plenty of taxis will be waiting at Magens to return you to the ship.

Sapphire Beach is a great beach for relaxing and for enjoying water sports. There is a water sports booth that offers wind surfing, kayaks and snorkel gear rental (the snorkeling is great!), as well as chair rentals. At the nearby marina you can rent jet skis or go parasailing. Food and drinks are available from a small open-air grill. Taxi from Havensight Pier is approx. $9.00 pp each way.

Lindberg Bay, also known as Emerald Beach is the closest beach to the new Crown Bay Pier. Several restaurants are available for having a nice lunch or grabbing a quick snack. A water sports booth offers kayaks, snorkeling, diving, peddle boats & windsurfers among other fun activities. Taxi from Crown Bay Pier is approx. $4.00 pp each way.

Favorite Attractions:

Coral World Ocean Park:  Experience the beauty and magic of life under and above the Caribbean Sea! Swim with sea lions, Sea Trek along the ocean floor, snuba, encounter turtles, sharks, and stingrays.  Gaze into the ocean from 15 feet under in the underwater observatory. Twenty-one tanks provide stunning views of hundreds of marine species in their unique habitats.  Coki Beach is right next-door and is great for both snorkeling and diving (there is a dive shop on sight). There is a beach side eatery, and rentals of jet skis, snorkel gear, beach chairs, and floats.

Mountain Top:  1,542 feet above sea level, the summit of St. Peter Mountain is the highest point on St. Thomas. The scenic overlook houses shops, a dining area and bar and of course a balcony for taking in the breathtaking view of Drake's passage, the British Virgin Islands and beautiful Magens Bay. Mountain Top holds the title for having the original and best banana daiquiris on the island.

Skyride to Paradise Point:  A seven minute aerial cable car takes you 700 feet above sea level. Stay at the top for as long as you want and enjoy unique shops, a neat Bird Show (10:30am & 1:30pm), and a fun bar and grill for a nice lunch and fabulous panoramic views of cruise ships, the Charlotte Amalie harbor and neighboring Caribbean islands.

Best Shopping:

The shopping is amazing on an Eastern Caribbean cruise! Hundreds of duty free shops line the streets and alleys of the capital, Charlotte Amalie. The best buys on St. Thomas include jewelry, alcohol, china, crystal, perfumes, watches and cameras. There is an area called Vendors Plaza where vendors set up small booths, tables and tents from which they sell an assortment of souvenirs. There you will find silver jewelry, t-shirts, tropical print wrap skirts, shirts and dresses, imitation bags and watches, trinkets and more. There is also hair braiding.

 It’s shopping galore right at the dock at Havensight! There are more than 50 shops, many of which are outposts of Charlotte Amalie's better-known boutiques, such as A.H. Riese, H. Stern and Royal Caribbean (the electronics store, not the cruise line).

Yacht Haven Grande Marina is a wonderful upscale shopping area.  From clothing, boutiques and unique gift shops, to electronics, art galleries and fine jewelry.  It’s walking distance from Havensight Pier; just follow the dock around the harbor."

Items To Shop For On A Caribbean Cruise

No vacation is ever complete without a shopping trip and if you’re taking a Caribbean cruise, you’re in for a special treat! Many of the Caribbean islands are known for their duty-free and even tax-free shopping. Luxury goods, designer fashions, jewelry, cigars, and liquor are often sold for much less than you would pay at home. There is also the opportunity to buy items native to or handcrafted in the Caribbean islands. Below is a summary of what to look for on the various islands.

Antigua:

Most of Antigua's shops are clustered on St. Mary's Street or High Street in St. John's. Visitors will find duty-free shopping for British woolens and linens, as well as locally made products like beautiful pottery, ethnic dolls, steel and wooden sculpture, photography and paintings. The Antigua Artist's Exhibition and the Craft Fair are the main exhibitions that happen in November, so if you are cruising then, you may want to check out. 

Barbados:

Broad Street in Bridgetown has the island's greatest concentration of duty-free shops including Harrison's, the island's largest department store. Local shops seem to specialize in all things English. Merchandise includes bone china from British and Irish manufacturers, watches, jewelry, and perfumes.  Located on the main road near Deep Water Harbour, just outside the shopping district, is the Pelican Craft Center. Housing over 20 shops and workshops, it’s one of the largest craft centers in the Caribbean.  Barbados rum has a distinctive flavor and Mount Gay Rum is a well-known name and a favorite souvenir of visitors.

Curacao :

On Curacao, an island with ties to the Netherlands, shoppers will find bargains on Delftware, clogs, and cheeses. One of the islands most famous exports is Curacao liqueur made from the laraha citrus fruit. If you get the chance, visit the Floating Market. Vendors from Venezuela bring their boats filled with fruits, vegetables, fish, and handicrafts to the island and then sell their merchandise directly from their boats.

 Dominican Republic:

The Dominican Republic is one of the few places in the Western Hemisphere where amber can be found. Much of it is made into beautiful jewelry. You’ll also find jewelry that showcases the locally found stone, larimar, a blue stone similar to turquoise.  Fuente cigars, handmade in Santiago, and those from the Ciabo Valley are very sought after. Locally made products include embroidery, fabric dolls, leather goods, mahogany and cedar handicrafts, Dominican rum, and coffee.

Grand Cayman Island:

This island is duty-free and tax-free and visitors can select from luxury goods like jewelry, china, porcelain, Swiss watches, and other items. Some of the George Town duty-free shops are located within walking distances of the island's cruise terminal. Locally produced items you might want to bring home include woven straw baskets, hammocks, jewelry made of conch shells, black coral, or caymanite, a marble-like stone from the cliffs of Cayman Brac. Don't forget to bring home a famous Tortuga Rum Cake from the Grand Cayman factory store/distillery!

Jamaica:

Visitors to Jamaica can choose from a variety of native foodstuffs as take-home treats such as Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee and Tia Maria, the coffee-flavored liqueur made on the islands. The famous jerk seasoning (a blend of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and other herbs) and Pickapeppa Hot Sauce are also very popular. Other common souvenirs include Jamaican rum, woodcarvings, woven baskets, and handmade sandals.

San Juan:

Truly traditional Puerto Rican handicrafts include papier-mâché masks called caretas, worn during Carnival and carvings of santos, which are religious figurines of patron saints carved out of wood, stone and gold. Puerto Rico is also famous for the quality of its handmade lace, which is called mundillo. The decorative lace is used for everything from home items like tablecloths to special creations such as customized wedding dresses.

  St. Maarten / St. Martin :

Because of the massive influx of cruise ships, shopping in Dutch St. Maarten is now about the finest in the Caribbean for deals in electronics, cameras, designer fashions, watches, and crystal, along with linens and jewelry. French St. Martin is especially good for fashion or perfumes imported from France.

  St. Thomas:

Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, is home to literally hundreds of duty-free shops, making it the top duty-free shopping destination in the Caribbean. Main Street, Back Street, and Waterfront Street and the alleys in between are homes to shops selling discounted jewelry, alcohol, cameras, clothing, and much more. Locally produced goods include shell jewelry, carved calabash bowls, straw brooms, woven baskets and handmade dolls."

Duty-Free Shopping On Your Caribbean Cruise

Beautiful white sand beaches are not the only reason for cruising to the Caribbean…. for many, duty-free shopping can be a pretty compelling reason! “Duty” refers to a tax levied on goods by a government. However, Caribbean shop owners can import goods and sell them to tourists who are leaving their country without import or export duty added to the price.  Duty-free shopping allows travelers to score extraordinary deals on cosmetics, fragrances, dinnerware, jewelry, watches, chocolates, candy, cigarettes, liquor and more…or does it?

The shopping talks offered onboard the cruise ship are often a good source of information on where to shop, including coupons and maps to the shopping districts. Quite frankly, the cruise line probably gets a kickback from the shops they recommend, but at least you can shop a bit more confidently in these establishments. Recommended merchants are vetted by the cruise lines and offer a guarantee should the purchase fail to live up to expectations.

It's important to know how much an item normally costs, because how else will you know if you’re getting a good deal?  Don’t take the store’s word that something is a bargain; do your homework before leaving home! That will allow you to quickly calculate just how much money you’re really saving. In addition, travelers should know that there are dollar limits on how much merchandise you can take into or out of a country.  Most cruise line-shopping consultants will be able to give you those numbers.

When shopping for designer handbags or jewelry, it's important to keep expectations in check. Often the price offered on luxury brands are tightly controlled by the designer, which means that labels like Chanel, David Yurman or Christian Dior have similar price points regardless of where they're sold. You will however, save U.S. sales tax if the item is purchased in the Caribbean.

Shopping for high-end watches and fine jewelry can be a bit trickier.  Quite often the warranties on those purchases aren't the same as similar items purchased in the U.S. For the best protection, shop only at an authorized dealer.  It may also be difficult to access the value of diamonds and gem stones, since the appraisals received may overstate the quality and value of the stone.

As far as electronics go, it's hard to get a price lower than at big-box stores like Best Buy. In addition, no matter where in the world you buy, prices on electronics such as cameras, GPS devices, and mobile phones, will be subject to fewer cost variations because they tend to be priced globally.  On the plus side, you may be able to pick up a gadget in the Caribbean that may not be readily available in the U.S.

So when it comes to duty-free shopping on your Caribbean cruise, the best advice I can give is “buyers beware!” There are deals to be had on the many islands you will visit but unless you’re a well-informed savvy shopper, you’re not going to recognize them!"

Miami’s Ultimate Ship, The Norwegian Getaway

Just like the Norwegian Breakaway has N.Y.City vibe, the soon to set sail Norwegian Getaway will comparably reflect its homeport city of Miami, Florida. The first thing that people will notice is the colorful, witty artwork painted across the front of the ship; a lovely mermaid that’s intended to look like she’s swimming in and out of the waves as the ship bobs up and down in the water.  It was designed by David Le Batard, the artist known as “LEBO”, who grew up and lives in Miami Beach and whose artwork adorns many of the city’s buildings. Guests onboard can find his paintings showcased in the atrium café and reception area, and the Art Gallery will feature a collection of his paintings for sale.

Once onboard, the theme continues in some of the bars and restaurants, designed to evoke the tropical feel of Miami and South Florida. The complimentary Tropicana Room (called the Manhattan Room on the Breakaway) is a supper club inspired by Miami Beach nightlife of the 1940s and ‘50s. Rich dark woods, luxurious purple and silver fabrics reflecting off of mirrored columns, along with nostalgic photos from Miami’s past, will make guests feel as if they are dining in a retro supper club. Featured menu items will represent the flavor of Miami with several Latin-inspired choices, including ceviche de camarón, churrasco con chimichurri (churrasco steak), and arroz con pollo (chicken with yellow rice).

The casual Flamingo Bar & Grill, an open-air eatery, will serve such traditional dishes such pierna asada (pulled pork), bistec con chimichurri (steak chimichurri), yuca frita (fried yucca), empanadas de espinaca (spinach empanadas), and pastelitos de guyaba (guava turnovers). Among the desserts are flan de leche (caramel custard), arroz con leche (rice pudding) and tres leches (three milks cake). A variety of regional drinks and Cuban coffee will also be available.

Up on the Waterfront, the Sugarcane Bar will serve mojitos and rum-based cocktails from an island-themed setting. The bronze bar features banana leaves made of bronze relief, which also circle the dual columns. The atmosphere is tropical and relaxed with leather and rattan furniture.

The Sunset Bar takes its inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s Key West, with design elements that are eclectic, masculine and adventurous. A large Marlin mounted behind the bar serves as the space’s focal point, while leather furniture and animal prints round out the décor in this eclectic lounge."