Cruising Out of Baltimore

Our “Hate to Fly” tagline, obvious in all print advertisement from Direct Line Cruises, is based on the fact that if you do hate to fly, you are never more than a couple of hours drive from a cruise terminal. However, it’s never a bad idea to arrive the day before, just in case (weather, traffic delays etc).  If you’re cruising on the Carnival Pride or Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas and Baltimore is where you’ll be embarking, I’ve put together some suggestions on how to spend the day before you board!

Halloween on the High Seas with Disney Cruise Line

Although Halloween is months away, Disney Cruise Line is already planning for it’s not so scary Halloween celebrations onboard its ships this coming fall. The festivities include lively entertainment and elaborate décor, including The Pumpkin Tree, which magically transforms throughout the cruise.

Other special experiences include:

·       Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party, a celebration with games, dancing and candy! Beloved Disney characters, wearing special Halloween costumes just for the occasion will join guests for a costume party.

Cruise Lines Protecting the Future of the Oceans

The cruise lines depend on the oceans so it is only right that they oblige to environmental practices which help preserve the marine environment. Here are some recent initiatives that confirm that commitment.

  

Royal Caribbean has pledged to eliminate plastic straws by the end of 2018. The line will ask guests to use paper straws instead of plastic, according to its Save the Waves program. The cruise line also plans to remove other plastic items, such as bags, cups and condiment packets, at the start of 2019. Royal Caribbean CEO Richard Fain stated,

“Healthy oceans are vital to the success of our company. For over 25 years, our Save the Waves program has guided us to reduce, reuse, and recycle everything we can."

 Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced that it has partnered with Ocean Conservancy. The company will join Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas Alliance, actively working toward solutions that will mitigate plastic waste entering the ocean. Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. said, “We are excited to lead the cruise industry by joining the Trash Free Seas Alliance® and support Ocean Conservancy’s vision of a world with waterways, beaches and oceans free of plastic waste.”

A Royal Amplified Independence of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is amping up your favorite ship!  Called Royal Amplified, these renovations are total transformations!  It took 30-days and a budget of $110 million, but Independence of the Seas, the first ship to undergo the modernization, is ready to strut her stuff!

New and exciting adventure experiences include:

• ·         The Sky Pad, a bungee trampoline apparatus used with virtual reality goggles
• ·         Battle for Planet Z, a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience
• ·         The Perfect Storm waterslides

Experiences Offered in the Cruise Line's Thermal Suite

I hope my explanation last week of a cruise ship’s spa area called the thermal suite was informative. As people begin to realize how the natural elements of the world we inhabit create such a strong foundation of healing and relaxation, the thermal suites aboard cruise ships become a real draw for passengers looking for holistic experiences that revitalize body, mind and spirit. Below are two of the best thermal suites at sea.

What is a Thermal Suite?

One of the most relaxing areas onboard a cruise ship is the thermal suite, yet many people are unaware of its existence or for that matter, what it is.    A thermal suite is a series of rooms in the spa designed to  expose the body to hot and cold temperatures, both wet and dry. Aside from pure relaxation, the various rooms are designed to sooth, stimulate circulation, and detoxify the body as well as invigorate the senses.  A thermal spa may consist of saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, tropical and cold showers, snow rooms, salt caves etc. And after trying out the various options there’s nothing quite like a nap on one of the heated ceramic loungers.

More Cuba Cruises to Choose From

If you’re ready to experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Cuba, chances are your favorite cruise line has a perfect itinerary for you. Whereas a year ago Cuba as a port-of-call was limited to short itineraries on select cruise lines, we are beginning to see several cruise lines expanding Cuba offerings.

Carnival Cruise Line has recently announced 23 new Cuba sailings for 2019. While many leave from the Florida ports of Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Carnival will also operate eight five-day trips to Cuba from Charleston, South Carolina!

Our Favorite Things About the Norwegian Bliss

It was a great weekend for the staff of Direct Line Cruises because it was spent on the beautiful Norwegian Bliss.  The Bliss is a Breakaway Plus class ship, and a sister ship to the Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape (one of my absolute favorite ships).  There’s so much to gush about, I could go on and on. There is NOTHING we didn’t like! However, due to space, let me share some of our favorite things:

 “Jersey Boys.” I kid you not when I say that our staff thought this show was better than the Broadway version!  Really! If you’re not familiar with this show (is that even possible?) it tells the story of '60s rock band Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. Really interesting story about the bands history and the music will never get old. I bet you still know all the words to "Oh What a Night," “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” "Walk Like a Man," and “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”

Work Out with Celebrity Cruises and Canyon Ranch Spa

I never thought I would say that the availability of a well-equipped fitness center has become a top criterion in selecting where I stay on vacation. Throw in some classes and I’m in vacation heaven!  Now with Celebrity Cruises and Canyon Ranch teaming up to revamp the current onboard fitness programs I think it’s time for me to book my next Celebrity cruise!

 

Celebrity Cruises is introducing twenty new fitness classes and seminar experiences are being introduced.  There are six class categories based on different core needs and exercise groups: Sweat, Conditioning, Longevity, Mindfulness, Nutrition, and Acupuncture.  For example:

Take a Cruise Vacation…For Your Health

I’m never shocked when I hear the statistic that the average U.S. employee only takes half of his or her eligible vacation time. Although I have all my vacation days planned out a year in advance (after all, planning is half the fun), I really must coax my husband into requesting all his due days!  Crazy, right? Well with summer right around the corner now is the time to plan a cruise vacation and I’ll share with you some reasons why it's actually good for your health!

Taking cruise vacation is good for your health! Lots of studies have highlighted the potential cardiovascular-health benefits of taking a vacation, including reducing the risk of heart disease. The Framingham Heart Study (a long-term, multi-generational study, designed to identify genetic and environmental factors influencing the development of cardiovascular and other disease) showed that women who take at least two vacations a year are eight times less likely to have coronary heart disease. A study done with men who had an elevated risk for coronary disease, showed that those who didn’t take an annual vacation were 32% more likely to die from a heart attack than the vacationers.

Vinotherapy On Your Next MSC Cruise?

How do you de-stress?  For me it’s sipping a glass of wine at the end of a long day. Or, once a month I treat myself to a massage or facial at the local day spa. Now how indulgent would it be to sort of

combine the two… and call it Vinotherapy?

Well, the idea is not new and MSC Cruises has just launched a signature collection of spa treatments created with vinotherapy products from Bocelli Wines!

So, what exactly is Vinotherapy?  Vinotherapy is holistic wellness idea dating back to Medieval times that uses wine by-products, such as grape seeds, skins, and stems to heal and rejuvenate the body. Think Merlot facials, Sauvignon massages, Chardonnay scrubs…

Viking’s River & Ocean Voyages

River or ocean cruise?  It’s a tough question to answer because I can easily make quite a case for either! To have the best of both is as simple as combining both into one fabulous, seamless itinerary.  So that is exactly what Viking has done. Beginning this summer Viking is combining river and ocean cruises in a single journey.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Q Texas Smokehouse

Country singer-songwriter and recording artist, Camille Rae will be performing on the Norwegian Bliss which is set to debut this spring. Accompanied by her four-piece band, Rae will perform country music’s hottest hits as well as signature classics from April 21–June 30 in Q Texas Smokehouse the ship’s new dining venue featuring authentic Texas barbecue.

Celebrity Cruises Adds More Adventure Shore Excursions

If you are under the impression that a cruise line shore excursion is nothing more than following a guide holding a little flag high in the air, you couldn’t be more wrong!  Not that this type of tour is always inappropriate…it certainly has a time and place.  However, these days, so much more is offered, especially through Celebrity Cruises!

A Perfect Day At Coco Cay

I love listening to a client chatter enthusiastically about their last Caribbean cruise! Would it surprise you if I told you that most of these cruisers share the same favorite port of call? Young or old, male or female, those traveling with kids and those without, all say their day spent on the cruise line’s private island was the highlight of their vacation! I must agree! Step off your ship on to pristine beaches, fine, white sand, crystal clear blue waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, colorful frothy umbrella drinks…I can go on and on! And these days the cruise lines are sparing no expense to make their private island the oasis you never want to leave!

In one of the company’s most ambitious projects yet, RoyalCaribbean has unveiled its new Perfect Day Island Collection, a series of unrivaled and exclusive private island destinations around the world. The first in the collection, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is a $200 million transformation of the cruise line’s existing private island in The Bahamas.

“The Secret Silk” Premieres on Princess Cruise Line

You may not know his name, but Stephen Schwartz is the Oscar-, Grammy- and Tony Award-winning composer of “Wicked,” “Godspell,” and “Pippin.” However, if you’re looking to see what he’s been doing lately, you’ll be far from Broadway.   Mr. Schwartz has taken his genius to the high seas collaborating with Princess Cruises on several projects.  “The Secret Silk” is the third production in the Stephen Schwartz and Princess Cruises relationship.

Dining Aboard the Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Cruises revealed details of the dining program aboard the soon to sail Celebrity Edge and I have to say, I absolutely love how they have updated the main dining choices! No worries, it’s nothing too radical…I’d call it a modernization of the dining program! Instead of a main dining room, the Edge will have four complimentary restaurants. I like this because although I’ve always found the main dining rooms on Celebrity ships to be elegant and beautiful, I personally prefer to dine in a more intimate setting.

All four of its main dining restaurants will be different, inspired by four different regions of the world.  Normandie will feature French cuisine, Cyprus Restaurant will highlight Mediterranean, Cosmopolitan will present new American cuisine, and Tuscan Restaurant will serve Italian-inspired dishes.  

Princess Cruises Opens a Denali Treehouse

Have you ever caught an episode of the Animal Planet television series, Treehouse Masters?  It’s been on for quite a few years and it’s a pretty cool show! It follows designer / builder Pete Nelson and his crew, as they travel around the country building tree houses! Amazing, incredible tree houses that are built for kids, for family homes, and even as retreats. And more recently, Princess Cruises, in association with the line’s partnership with Discovery Communications, had the crew create a custom designed wilderness treehouse located at Alaska's Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge!

Celebrity Cruises Introduces the Discovery Collection Shore Excursions

Some cruisers would never consider walking off their ship with or without a guidebook in hand, to independently explore a foreign city! Many like the comfort level a shore excursion, whether it be ship sponsored or not. Others would disagree, saying there is so much more enjoyment heading out to discover a port by wandering the streets, chatting with the residents, and sitting down to enjoy the local cuisine.  Personally, my familiarity with the port city will often hedge my decision one way or the other. But if I choose a shore excursion, it must be one that offers an authentic experience I could not achieve on my own.  That is why I find Celebrity Cruises’ Discovery Collection so appealing.

The "New" Mariner of the Seas

This coming summer Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas is repositioning to Miami to add some freshness and excitement to the standard three- and four-night Bahamas itinerary! 

However, before arriving in the sunshine state, Mariner will undergo a $90 million overhaul adding features that will make this ship a “must” for anyone looking for a quick getaway!

Here’s some fun, new experiences being added:

Disney Bringing Back Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea in 2019

Disney Cruise Line has announced that they will be bringing back the popular Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea on two different cruise ships in 2019.

Marvel Day at Sea will be offered on 10 Disney Magic cruises from Miami, Florida. Departing January 6 and January 20, 2019, the Western Caribbean itinerary includes George Town, Grand Cayman, and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Departing January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22, and March 8, 2019, the Bahamas itinerary includes Key West, Nassau, and Castaway Cay. Departing February 3, February 17 and March 3, 2019, the Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; and Castaway Cay.

How About Cruising to South America?

Many travel writers call South America the most exciting continent on the planet. It’s no wonder considering all that South America has to offer; cosmopolitan cities, rich cultures, gorgeous beaches and some of the world’s most amazing sights. The diversity of travel experiences is simply awe-inspiring and there’s no better way to sample it than by a land and sea cruise vacation!

Extraordinary Sites:  South America boasts over 100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!  Places such as Iguacu National Park in Brazil, the Galapagos Islands, Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, and Machu Picchu in Peru and the dramatic Chilean fjords are on many people’s bucket list.  In Brazil, no sight is more famous than the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio. A call at Buenos Aires gives access to the impressive Iguazu Falls, one of nature’s most impressive monuments. And there’s so much more!

Escape from Winter on a Cruise to…

So much of the east coast spent last Thursday sipping hot chocolate while watching Mother Nature cast her fury down upon us in the form of snow, wind and arctic temperatures, right outside their window.  And if you’re like me, you are looking past all that snow, absorbed in a daydream of balmy temps, palm trees, and powdery white sand between your toes!  It’s definitely time to hop on a cruise ship to someplace where the dress code is no more than shorts, tees and flip flops!

A Caribbean cruise is an obvious choice. The islands hit by this fall’s hurricanes are once again ready to welcome visitors and many cruises leave from a port near you, eliminating the hassle of a flight.   Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas offers some great itineraries right out of Cape Liberty, New Jersey. It only takes two relaxing sea days in Anthem’s gorgeous enclosed solarium before you can begin island hopping around Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados and St Kitts.  And no worries if it’s easier for you to drive to Baltimore. Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas can also get you to those same summer wonderlands!

My Cruising Resolutions for the New Year

Some years my New Year’s resolutions revolve around diet.  I will lose ten pounds, I will eat more veggies, or I will cook healthy meal at home instead of picking up a pizza for dinner. Other years my resolutions are all about organization.  I will clean out every closet, make photo books of my last ten cruises, or possibly tackle throwing out the stuff that’s boxed away in the basement.  Results have always been on the “not so good” side.  However, this year my New Year resolutions are all about travel and cruising! Pledges that will hopefully be a lot easier and more fun to keep!

I will cruise to a new destination.  And since my Cuba cruise is already booked for May, barring any emergency, that is a resolution I will keep.  What about you?  Have you cruised to Alaska, Northern Europe or the Mediterranean yet?  What about South America, Hawaii or Asia?  You can cruise to so many wonderful places!  And while Bermuda and the Caribbean are always a good bet for a lovely time, aren’t you ready for something new?

Cruise Line Apps

Since people of every age rely on their cell phones for all sorts of news, it’s just natural that a cell phone would be the tool of choice for cruise line passengers that are looking for up to the minute information once onboard the ship.   Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have their own smartphone apps to help passengers navigate their floating cities, check menus, and make reservations for dining, on-board entertainment, and spa services as well as review the ports of call. Here’s what’s coming in the near future.

First Cruise

For all cruisers out there, (and if you’re reading this there’s good chance I’m addressing you), I’m sure your very first cruise holds a special place in your heart.  There was something about that experience that hooked you, and you’ve been taking cruise vacations ever since. For me it was a cruise aboard the Carnival Holiday in 1988 to celebrate our 5-year wedding anniversary.

Everything about this ship, the itinerary, and the people we encountered was nothing less than stellar! We met a couple at dinner that we hit it off with immediately, and the four of us ate, drank and explored the Caribbean together for a week.  We kept in touch with them for many years after. 

The recollection of our first muster drills and photos we took modeling our life jackets still makes me smile.  I don’t think standing on deck in the strong Florida sun wearing that padded vest bothered me back then.  It was a necessary preparation for the exciting days ahead.

Celebrity Flora…A New Way to Cruise to the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands, what I consider to be a living museum of evolutionary changes, has been inching to the top of my bucket list. Yet for some reason, each year I bypass this particular itinerary Celebrity Flora may be just what I’ve been waiting for!

for another. I’m sold on the destination, but can’t seem to zero in on the right ship. The debut of the

Everything I’ve read about the Celebrity Flora intrigues me. Comparisons have been made to the Celebrity Edge as far as the look, feel, and the classic design. The ship’s standard accommodations, Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda, measures 330 square feet. The 100-passenger ship is intimate, yet there is still plenty of public space to enjoy. Guests can meet for drinks and conversation at the Sunset Lounge or relax in The Vista, an open-air hideaway with 360-degree views, cocoon-style loungers, and private cabanas.  

Cruising to Some of the Southern Caribbean’s Best Islands

For a cruise vacation with some lesser known ports of call, try a Southern Caribbean itinerary that include Antigua, Barbados or Dominica. Of course, all are perfect for beach and water sports…it is after all the Caribbean.  But that’s not all!

Antigua

 The island also is known for having 365 beaches or one for every day of the year. One of the better ones that is close to the cruise docks is Miller’s Beach. A taxi is the best way to get there; be sure to negotiate rate before getting into the cab. Another great one is Galley Bay Beach where the, surfing conditions are first-rate.

New Ships Sailing in 2018

Love to be the first on a new ship to experience the shows, dining, and of course, all the state-of-the-art innovations?  Here’s what’s setting sail in 2018.

Carnival Horizon 135,000 tons

Coming April 2018 

Things to look forward to:

• Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse/Brewhouse.
• Seafood Shack for for favorites like Crab Cake Sliders & Fried Buffalo Shrimp.
• SkyRide; zip around the suspended two-lane bike course high above the deck.
• Two movie theaters next door to one another, called the Carnival Multiplex.
• Dr. Seuss WaterWorks featuring side-by-side racing slides, splashy water-spray toys and a giant tipping top hat!

Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas  225,282 tons

Coming April 2018

Things to look forward to:

·        El Loco Fresh for all your Mexican favorites.

·        Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade with 30 big-screen TVs!

·        Laser Tag; An epic glow-in-the-dark experience.

·        The two level Ultimate Family Suite; a dream come true for kids of all ages!

·        Hairspray the Musical, a Tony Award winner!

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas; The Ultimate Family Suite

Are you thinking about taking your family on RoyalCaribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, one of the most spectacular ships to debut in 2018?  Then maybe you would also be interested in staying in the most magnificent family suite onboard…The Ultimate Family Suite!

The two level, 1,350 square foot Ultimate Family Suite will have two bedrooms and accommodate a family of up to eight people. To say it is kid friendly is a gross understatement!  It is so bursting with fun features, you may have a hard time getting the kiddos to leave long enough to enjoy the rest of the ship!

The Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line...a Personal Experience

I have cruised on mega-ships that are like floating cities housing over 5,000 guests with tons to do as well as lovely, intimate ships that carry less than 700 guests.  I love both for very different reasons, but the fact that I have always had to choose one over the other made me feel that I was compromising, or worse, conceding one important aspect of my cruise vacation to gain another!

How naïve I was! You see, I recently sailed the Mediterranean aboard the Norwegian Epic in a Haven suite and it was EVERYTHING I wanted my cruise vacation to be, and more! 

So, what exactly is the Haven? The Haven is a private access all suite enclave on the top of many Norwegian Cruise Line ships, accessible only by a platinum keycard. Guests staying in these gorgeous suites have access to an exclusive dining room, bar and lounge (select ships), a private pool, hot tubs and sundeck and even a  fitness center.

Splurge On Your Next Cruise

Cruising is the ultimate vacation experience! And with cruise lines becoming more “all-inclusive” they are also an incredible value. But what if you’re looking to make your next cruise vacation extra special? Here are my top three splurges that will take your next cruise vacation from marvelous to magnificent!

Splurge…on a Suite

For a special occasion (think honeymoon, 40^th birthday, or 25^th wedding anniversary) or if you just want a more luxurious cruise experience, consider booking a suite. Many suites will give you a lot of extra space with separate living and sleeping areas, large and lavish bathrooms as well as sprawling balconies. In addition to designer styled rooms, the top suites at sea almost always come with concierge service, priority embarkation and disembarkation, exclusive restaurants and lounges and other perks. I recently stayed in the Owner’s Suite on the Norwegian Epic and let me say that it was a cruise I will never forget!  Everyone should experience accommodations and service like that at least once!

Carnival Horizon to Debut Teppanyaki Restaurant

When I think of a cruise vacation aboard a Carnival cruise ship “fun” is what comes to mind!  So how can the addition of Bonsai Teppanyaki on the new Carnival Horizon be anything other than a perfect fit?

Teppanyaki refers to Japanese dishes that are typically prepared using a large, flat iron griddle. With this unique entertaining dining style, chefs have all utensils and ingredients lined on the borders of the grill and cook several dishes in front of diners with stunning flair and speed. The chef’s performance generally includes juggling food with spatulas and building steaming volcanoes out of tower of cooking onions!

What to Bring When Going Ashore

Spending a day in port is always fun, whether you’re heading to the beach, going to do some shopping, or taking an excursion.  Whenever I leave the ship for the day, regardless of where I’m heading, I always take along what I consider my “essentials”.

Photo ID:  Every cruiser knows that their Sea Pass card should always be carried whether you’re on or off the ship. This is required to get you both off and back on the ship. Well it’s just as important to carry a photo ID when you get off the ship.  Cruise line personnel will tell you when a passport will be required on return to the ship.  If it’s not necessary then it’s your choice to bring it or leave it locked up in your cabin (I bring mine). If you don’t bring it then be sure to carry a photo ID.

Cruising Aboard the Norwegian Bliss

New cruise ships always generate a lot of excitement! There are innovative, state-of-the-art recreation, exciting entertainment and delicious new dining concepts to look forward to. Every ship promising to deliver the ultimate cruising experience.

 It looks to me like the Norwegian Bliss does just that!

Looking for a little action on your next cruise?  How about playing some open-air laser tag? The backdrop for this action-packed game of high tech tag is designed to look like an abandoned space station. I don’t know who would have more fun, my husband or our son! Honestly, this is something the whole family can enjoy!

Preparing for Your European Cruise

This fall I will be taking a European cruise.  With departure about 6 weeks away, I’m starting to go review my checklists.  Since even the most seasoned traveler can benefit from a reminder now and then, I thought to share some of my miscellaneous thoughts with you here.

All countries around the world require a valid passport for entry, but a lesser-known requirement for some countries is that a passport must be valid for a certain number of months from the date of entry.

Should You Book Shore Excursions Through the Cruise Line?

When I cruise I want to make the best use of my time in port.  There’s always so much to see and do and a limited amount of time to fit it all in. Sometimes that means hubby and I will walk off the ship and head out on our own, other times we’ll book a private excursion and there are many times when we’ll book our shore excursion directly from the cruise line.

Here’s some reasons why you may want to consider booking your shore excursion with the cruise line.

Should You Book A Balcony Cabin?

What type of accommodations do you choose when you plan a cruise vacation? Many people select an inside cabin, reasoning that they will only be in our room to shower and sleep. I agree with that to an extent. However, it only took one stay in a balcony cabin for me to realize that for all future cruises, a balcony cabin was a must!

Here are my top five reasons for book a balcony cabin:

Norwegian Cruise Line Invites You to Meet the Winemaker

Norwegian Cruise Line announced the schedule for its 2017/18 Meet the Winemaker Cruises aboard Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Dawn. The lineup includes Michael Mondavi, Aaron Sanchez, Gerard Bertrand, Bill Whiting, and Salvatore Ferragamo.

While onboard the Norwegian Escape inaugural cruise in 2015 I got a glimpse of “The Cellars, A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar”, but I did not have a chance to explore any deeper than a quick look around. I’m told the bar boasts a curated wine list and service provided by a Court of Master Sommeliers certified Sommelier, which is quite a big deal to an oenophilia. This partnership was expanded to include Norwegian Dawn in 2016.

Celebrity Cruises Reveals Eden

Celebrity Cruise Line recently revealed Eden, a combination lounge, dining and entertainment area aboard their new Edge-class ship. To me, I think of Eden as a garden paradise anchored in the center by The Tree-of-Life. From what I have seen and read thus far, Celebrity designers have taken that same association and developed it even further creating an amazing architectural wonder.

Spanning three decks at the aft of the ship, this multi-use space is clearly nature-themed… there’s even a living tree in the dining area (a feature of Celebrity's Solstice class ships)!  However, with almost 7,000 square feet of glass that reaches 32 feet high, one cannot ignore the connectivity to the ocean, and isn’t that what people want when vacationing at sea?

Marvel’s Mightiest Sail from New York in Fall 2017.

Marvel Super Heroes and villains from The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as Spider-Man, join guests onboard the DisneyMagic for an exciting cruise filled with fun activities,  photo ops and meet-and-greets on select sailings from New York in October and November of 2017.

During the themed Marvel Day at Sea, guests will enjoy:

Cruising to Cuba...Updated

Just when it seemed that Cuba was becoming “the” Caribbean cruise destination of 2017, the threat of the reversal of U.S. policy regarding Cuba tourism hung over the cruise lines until the President’s announcement this past Friday.

However, based on the information that was publicized, it seems that  Caribbean cruises to Cuba will continue under the new restricted guidelines laid out by the Administration. From the start, the cruise lines made sure that all cruises to, and shore excursions in Cuba were in full compliance with regulations set forth by the US Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC"). What is uncertain at this point is if U.S. citizens can disembark their ship and tour with independent Cuban tour guides

What's Special About Alaska Cruise Tours?

A friend of mine  returned from an Alaska cruise tour last week and hasn’t stopped talking about it!   Majestic, Breathtaking, Grand…those are just a few of the words she used from an endless list of similar adjectives. Is a cruise tour better than just an Alaskan cruise? It’s not a fair comparison.  Everything about the cruise portion is also Majestic, Breathtaking, Grand!  The cruise tour just takes the experience up a couple of notches!

Here’s some things you can experience on a cruise tour that you can’t if you opt for just the cruise portion.

Norwegian Cruise Line Offers Ferry to St. George's, Bermuda

Good news for all those cruising to  Bermuda on a NorwegianCruise Line ship this year. Norwegian Cruise Line has just begun providing ferry service, exclusively for their guests, between Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard (where the NCL ships dock) and the quaint town of St. George’s.

The Dockyard area is a bit of a distance from tourist and resort areas including St. George’s and the capital city of Hamilton.  Residents and cruisers alike have complained about the crowded public transportation to access these areas as well as Bermuda beaches. Although taxis are lined up at the dock when the ships are in, they can be rather costly.

A Pre-Cruise Stay in Vancouver

Vancouver is such a beautiful city and it would be a shame not to spend a day or two before or after your Alaska cruise.  Here’ some of my favorite spots.

Just minutes from downtown Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a must-do! The sceneryis beautiful, with 3 different vantage points from the bridge, treetops and cliff walk.  The 450 foot-long Capilano Suspension Bridge soars 230 feet above the Capilano River. You can also get a bird’s eye view of the rainforest via Treetops Adventures or traverse the dramatic Cliffwalk, a 700-foot long, 300-foot high walkway anchored to the east face of Capilano Canyon and suspended out and above the river. Exhilarating!

A Pre-Cruise Stay in Seattle

This is Alaska cruising season and most of these cruises embark from the city of Seattle or Vancouver.  Both are beautiful, exciting cities worthy of a pre-cruise stay. Today let’s take a closer look at cruising from Seattle, Washington and the places that shouldn’t be missed if you have the time to spend a day or two pre-cruise.

Pike Place Market: One of the oldest continuously operating farmer’s markets in the country, this place has been around a while! Hard to believe it came from such humble beginnings; eight farmers that gathered to sell their crops in August of 1907. Today the market is a great for site seeing, shopping, eating, and people watching with approximately 500 shops, restaurants, and vendor stalls spanning over nine acres. If you want to know a bit about the market’s history there are several companies that offer specialized in tours.

Norwegian Cruise Line to Add Lifeguards

It doesn’t seem that long ago that I wrote about Royal Caribbean Cruise Line following Disney Cruise Line’s lead by adding lifeguards to their pools. I’m now happy to report that Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that it will employ certified lifeguards at all family pools across their fleet.

Lifeguards will be trained and certified by the American Red Cross in lifesaving rescue measures and will monitor the family pools during scheduled pool hours. They will begin service this summer on the line's four largest ships - Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic - and on the remainder of the fleet by early 2018.

Cruise Line Loyalty Clubs

I recently read about a couple that was celebrated onboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship for taking their 200^th cruise! It took them 15 years, meaning they averaged more than 13 cruises a year with Carnival. Wow, that’s loyalty!

Most cruise lines operate a loyalty club.  They have catchy names; in the case of Carnival Cruise Line it’s the VIFP Club…Very Important Fun Person Club. CelebrityCruises’ loyalty club is called Captain’s Club.  For Royal Caribbean its Crown and Anchor and for Norwegian Cruise Line its Latitudes. 

Crystal & Fantasy Caves of Bermuda

Bermuda is one of the most picturesque islands I’ve ever been to!  Beautiful blue ocean with foamy white capped waves, open stretches of pink sandy seashore, and pretty, pastel cottages painted butter, honeydew and mint!  But to see the most breathtaking views on the island, you must go underground, and discover the astonishing wonders of the Crystal and Fantasy Caves of Bermuda!

The caves were discovered in 1907 when two young boys were playing cricket and one hit the ball into a hole.  As the boys went looking for it, it soon became apparent that this was not your ordinary hole. What the boys had discovered was, in fact, the entrance to this spectacular natural wonder.

Princess Cruises 2017 Discovery at Sea

Princess Cruises’ Discovery at Sea program features regional destination specialists, as well as naturalists and experts in their fields to share their experiences on board with guests on select sailings. Whether your interests include regional culture, astronomy, well-being or pop culture, Encounters presenters are prepared to educate, inspire and entertain. 

Each speaker hosts a 45-minute talk followed by a question and answer session, as well as a meet-and-greet opportunity with photographs and in some cases, book signings. Here’s the impressive line-up of speakers for 2017 North America cruises.