Quantum of the Seas ; A Ship With Beauty and Brains

We knew she was a beauty, and now we find out she’s got brains too!  Introducing Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, the first “smart” cruise ship! How smart is she? She’s the most technologically advanced ship ever to sail. What will that mean to her guests?

Passengers can move from sidewalk to shipboard in 10 minutes!  Now, when guests do their online guest registration they may also complete the check-in process by uploading their photo ID’s. They will then be issued a digital boarding pass, which allows them to skip the check-in process at the pier!

Luggage will  be ticketed with an RFID tag, which allows guests to track their bags from drop-off to cabin delivery.

03B connectivity focuses satellite beams on the Quantum of the Seas as she sails giving guests lightning speed Internet connections.  They can Skype, stream video, and share photos faster and at a less expensive rate than they have on any other.

The enhanced Cruise Planner allows Quantum guests to schedule shows, meals, spa treatments and shore excursions in advance so they can start enjoying their vacation the minute they step onboard. The new downloadable app, Royal iQ combined with the RFID WOW band, reduces lines and waiting times. It will be easier to text and call friends on and off the ship.

Guests can stop by for a drink at the Bionic Bar, where robotic arms will mix up your favorite cocktail.

Be entertained by the Roboscreens at Two70 that can transform the floor to ceiling windows into any scene imaginable.

Royal Caribbean has always embraced innovation and the Quantum of the Seas will be the most  technologically advanced ship to sail the seas!"

Cruising to Québec

Have you always dreamed of experiencing the charm of Paris, but the thought of “crossing the pond” has squelched any hope of you doing so?  If so, you may want to consider cruising to Canada and New England. A stop in Québec City allows cruisers to discover a little bit of French flavor in North America!

Old Québec exudes European charm! The Upper Town is perched on cliffs overlooking the St. Lawrence River providing views of the countryside for many miles beyond. The castle-like hotel, Château Frontenac was built by the Canadian Pacific railroad at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and has dominated the city’s skyline ever since.  Old Québec is a walking city and nothing is as enjoyable as wandering the cobblestone streets of the Petit-Champlain district, the oldest neighborhood in North America. It’s a great place to shop, eat and people watch. Cafe tables overflow on the streets and flowers are everywhere, much like a Parisian neighborhood. There are lovely boutiques and cute shops, many which specialize in maple products. Ride in horse-drawn carriages, stroll by centuries-old architecture, enjoy street entertainers, singers, and artists, particularly at Old Québec's open-air art gallery, Rue du Trésor.

The French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded Québec early in the 17th century, and fortifications, ramparts, and gates that surrounded the city serve as a reminder of its role in the colonial wars. The city was the capital of New France until 1760, after which it fell under British control before eventually becoming part of an independent Canada. A key part of the city's fortifications, the star-shaped Citadel, sits high above the St. Lawrence River and the views are amazing! Today, the Citadel’s functions are ceremonial; the changing of the guard and the firing of cannons, but the Citadel is quite interesting and kids love exploring the grounds!

The Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, located only 20 minutes from Québec City, has been a “place of miracles” for the past 350 years. The shrine, North America's oldest pilgrimage site, attracts some one million visitors a year. It’s a neo-Roman style basilica with hundreds of stained glass windows, and valuable works of art including a golden statue of Saint Anne. The shrine is well worth a visit, whatever your beliefs.

Montmorency Falls Park, just a few minutes from Québec City, attracts nature-lovers and sightseers alike with its 272-foot waterfall. To put that in more relevant terms,  Montmorency Falls is one and a half times taller than Niagara Falls! There are staircases that allow visitors to view the falls from several different perspectives or a gondola that carries passengers between the bottom and the top of the falls. A suspension bridge over the crest of the falls provides access to both sides of the park as well as a spectacular view.

So if you’re looking for a cruise vacation with bit of European flavor, consider a cruise to Canada.  Look for an itinerary with Québec City as a port of call and it will be like visiting Paris…without the jet lag!

Chocolate Journeys with Princess Cruises

Chocolate and cruise vacations are two of my favorite things (not sure of the order ranking))! One has very little to do with the other…until recently. Princess Cruises has just introduced Chocolate Journeys, a rich and delicious chocolate experience onboard its fleet of 18 ships! The brand new program will offer guests a variety of opportunities to taste the inspired creations crafted by one of the world's foremost experts in chocolate, Norman Love.

For anyone who does not recognize the name Norman Love (he is a regular guest judge on Food Network Challenge series), let me just say that the man is a master chocolatier of international acclaim! In fact, a highly respected consumer ratings magazine recognized his company, Norman Love Confections, numerous times as the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation! So then, what does this new partnership with Princess Cruises offer guests onboard?

The experience begins with the “chocolate love pops” that are served with your favorite drink at the Captain’s Cocktail Reception.  Doesn’t that sound better then piggies in a blanket? A very special chocolate drink menu has been developed too.  The “S’more Chocolate” is made with vanilla vodka, a grand marnier spiked marshmallow and crushed pretzels on the rim of the glass! Other choices include the chocolate chilli margarita, a chocolate salted caramel rum shake, and a chocolate bacon bourbon special! Are you a wine drinker only? Vines Wine Bar serves premium chocolates paired with wine, a delectable combination!

As expected, guests can look forward to the most divine chocolate desserts, exquisitely presented, each and every night!   What can be better than finishing off your meal with a bittersweet chocolate mousse with caramel cream and milk chocolate crunch? Or chocolate tiramisu, mascarpone cream with espresso gelato!  Personally, my mouth is already watering for the moist chocolate cake with raspberry crème brulee and bittersweet chocolate mousse…with a tall cold glass of milk on the side!  Yum!

Lastly, bring your chocolate experience home with you by learning how to make your own treats at one of the chocolate cooking demos.  Guests will get expert tips from the onboard pastry chef with recipes prepared by Norman Love. Chocolate Journeys will premiere on Regal Princess in November 2014 and roll out to all Princess ships by January 1, 2015.

Norwegian Cruise Lines Adds An All-Inclusive Package

Cruising has always been pretty close to an all-inclusive vacation experience with accommodations, food, and entertainment all incorporated in the cruise fare. Imagine how convenient it would be if a cruise was truly comprehensive and you could step onboard knowing your credit card would not be charged another cent!  Well, for a limited time only, Norwegian Cruise Line will offer an all-inclusive package on all 2015 sailings (a few exclusions apply) for new reservations made from August 4^th through August 29^th!

So exactly what is offered in the new Norwegian Cruise Line all-inclusive package, how much does it cost, and will guests find it worth their while?  The price of the all–inclusive package added to a 7-night cruise is $899 per person but guests then receives 10% off the cruise fare! For those booking the more costly cabins such as mini suites, suites and the Haven, this savings may actually make up a good portion of the all-inclusive package price!  It also includes gratuities, which is something you would likely pay anyway, so it’s nice to get that expense out of the way.

In addition, the package includes the Ultimate Dining package, something that I’m a big fan of!  The dining package gives guests the opportunity to try a different specialty restaurant each night of their cruise, an experience you don’t want to miss!  Cagney’s Steakhouse, the French La Bistro, the Italian trattoria…the choices vary by ship but they’re all delicious!

The new all-inclusive package also adds the Ultimate Beverage package (unlimited mixed drinks, beer, wine and soda) to your cruise experience.  Depending on how much you actually drink will determine if this is worth having.  For many it is, but for someone that never has more than a glass of wine at dinner and maybe a cocktail later in the evening, it wouldn’t  provide much value.

A shore excursion credit of $200 per person, a 250-minute Internet package per person, 20 photos of any size, chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of wine, one bingo session and six bottles of water are also part of the all-inclusive package.  That’s all good!

The new all-inclusive package is priced by the number of days, and is available for all stateroom categories. For cruises from three to five days, the shore excursion credit is $100 per person; and for sailings from 9-14 days, the package includes 12 bottles of water. Remember, this is a limited time only offer, but I suppose if enough people find it advantageous, Norwegian Cruise Line would consider extending it.

Norwegian Cruise Line Debuts Dining Enhancements

Cruise ship dining has changed considerably in the last 10 years.  Passengers have so many wonderful options when it comes to the dining venues and gastronomy available onboard: French, Italian, Asian, Brazilian, steakhouses, sushi bars and seafood restaurants are all represented.  Conversely, with the addition of all these great choices which by the way, require a dining surcharge, many guests have returned from their cruise saying that the food served in the main dining rooms at no additional charge is not what it should be!

Whether or not this was a “hot topic” on Norwegian Cruise Line’s post cruise guest satisfaction surveys, guests sailing with NCL this summer and beyond can look forward to more choices in their ship’s complimentary dining venues. New regionally focused dinner menus will debut, meaning choices will vary by ship itinerary and will change each evening of the sailing. Popular traditional dishes (think prime rib or rack of lamb) will share the menu with current dining trends and exciting new dishes ( care to try mojito shrimp ceviche?). There will also be more seafood options available such as grouper, barramundi, sushi and crab dishes.  In addition, the menus will include a wine pairing recommendation and anecdotal culinary history.

For cruising foodies there’s even more to get excited over! Norwegian Cruise Line will host a “Chocoholic Night” one evening per cruise, featuring specialty chocolate-based desserts in each restaurant!  Just reading about some of the new offerings has my mouth watering and stomach growling!  Guests can indulge on warm chocolate lava cake, rich chocolate Nutella pot de crème or scrumptious white chocolate strawberry mousse…how divine!

Another enhancement sure to be well received is the ability Norwegian Cruise Line guests will have to make reservations for complimentary dining rooms up to 90 days prior to the cruise date.  Long wait times at these dining venues are a complaint that we as travel agents have been hearing quite a bit of lately.  In keeping with the Freestyle philosophy, guests now have a choice.  They can make a reservation a 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm or 8:30 pm or just show up whenever.

These changes will be available on most of Norwegian’s fleet by July 31, and onboard the Jade, Spirit, Sky and Pride of America by early 2015.

A Look At Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas

For many, many years people from the Northeast have enjoyed cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.  Ready for a change, those same travelers rejoiced when it was announced that the brand new Quantum of the Seas would replace the Explorer in November of 2014…only to bemoan her redeployment to Singapore in early 2015. However, all is not lost because after the shuffling of ships was completed, it was announced that Liberty of the Seas would homeport in Cape Liberty from May 2015 through October 2015!

Those that have cruised on the Explorer of the Seas will feel instantly “at home” on Liberty of the Seas.  It’s like the Explorer on steroids!  Built in 2007, the Liberty of the Seas includes all the amenities that debuted with the Freedom-class and was then refitted with numerous Oasis-class features during a 2011 stint in dry-dock. The end result is an amazing ship that cruisers of all ages will look forward to experiencing!

Liberty of the Seas offers energetic cruisers lots of different ways to keep active! There are mountains to climb (the iconic Royal Caribbean rock-climbing wall), oceans to conquer (in the form of a Flow Rider surf simulator) and battles to fight (check out the full-sized boxing ring for a high intensity cardio workout)!  Work up a sweat on the full-sized basketball court, or chill out by gracefully gliding across the ice-skating rink.  Be sure to leave time for a family tournament of mini-golf!

There are 4 pools on the Liberty, including the Solarium, an adults-only retreat, as well as the H2O Zone water park!  Little cruisers will have a splashing good time running through the Zone’s interactive water geysers and everyone knows that happy kids equals happy parents! A huge video screen has been installed in the main pool area showing movies in the evenings and music videos and such throughout the day.  And speaking of movies, there’s an indoor 3D theater that the whole family can enjoy!

“Saturday Night Fever: The Musical”, which premiered in the West End at the London Palladium in 1998, tops the list of Broadway caliber entertainment!  Fans of the original movie will find that Liberty of the Seas' version includes the same wonderful cast of characters and one show-stopping song after another! It won’t take longer than the intro number to have guests clapping their hands and dancing in the aisle!

Through the Royal Caribbean and DreamWorks affiliation, kids can look forward to movies and themed activities featuring characters from Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and more! There are meals, parades, photo ops, Meet & Greets, and lots of other fun programs that the whole family will find enjoyable!

Like all Royal Caribbean ships, there are plenty of dining options aboard the Liberty of the Seas.  Aside from the Main Dining Rooms and the Windjammer Café, guests may choose to dine in Jade (sushi and Asian fusion), Sorrento’s Pizza, the Café Promenade, Johnny Rockets, Chops Grille (steakhouse) and Portofino (Italian cuisine). There’s even a gourmet cupcake bakery!

So Northeast cruisers, exult!  Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas is coming soon to Cape Liberty, New Jersey. But don’t procrastinate, because she will be homeporting here limited time only, and you don’t want to miss the chance to enjoy this magnificent ship!

Cruising to Greece: Mykonos

Thus far we’ve stopped in Athens, Rhodes and Santorini on our cruise to the Greek Islands. This week we finish up our voyage with a closer look at the picturesque fishing-village island of Mykonos. The island is located almost in the center of the Cyclades complex in the Aegean Sea and a prettier island would be difficult to find.  All over Mykonos you will see what is referred to as typical Cycladic cubist style of architecture… whitewashed cube-like buildings lodged closely together to form a kind of haphazard labyrinth of narrow alley ways and streets.  What’s the best way to spend your time here?  Just get lost!

Other than the white architecture, the most recognizable feature of Mykonos is the windmills. They started to build them in the 16^th century to grind the agricultural harvests by harnessing the famous Mykonos wind for power. Sea-going vessels would stop to pick up the milled flour for transport all over the eastern Mediterranean. Although there were originally sixteen in number only a handful of windmills remain today and they are probably the most photographed object on the island…except for maybe Petros!

Petros the pelican is the mascot of the island of Mykonos.  You can get a glimpse of him as it strolls at an unhurried pace through the city's alleyways, although he is quite fond of the harbor area. Legend has it that more than 40 years ago an island fisherman stumbled upon a wounded pelican. He was so moved by the pelican's plight that he decided to take care of him until he regained his strength.  Yet when he was healthy enough to be set free the pelican did not leave the island, instead deciding to make Mykonos his home. (The original Petros passed away but his loss was so deeply mourned by the people of Mykonos that they introduced a substitute and the tradition continues).

Take some time to stroll to Little Venice, located on the western edge of the island, where colorful houses were built by the sea, their balconies hanging over the water. During the 16th and 17th century pirating was common and it is believed this area was used for the necessary quick loading and unloading of goods. Today it’s the perfect spot to stop for lunch or a drink while taking in the gorgeous views.

If you’d rather lounge in the sun and sand, the most famous beach in Mykonos is Paradise Beach, located 4 miles southeast of the town. The beach has facilities, and you can rent chairs and umbrellas. Most of the time, the sea is tranquil. You can get to Paradise Beach by the local bus or by taxi.

Greek mythology buffs and archeology enthusiasts might want to consider a half-day trip from Mykonos to Delos (either independently or as a ship excursion). Delos is said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Its history goes back to 3000 BC and was actually the largest city in the world at one point.  Today the entire island is a UNESCO site and the remains are in excellent condition You don't necessarily need a guide if you do your own research before visiting, however when I visited I found a guide to be helpful.

Thanks for cruising to Greece with me!

Cruising to Greece: A Day in Santorini

The last few weeks I’ve written about cruising to Greece covering the archeologically rich city Athens and the medieval port of Rhodes.  If your Mediterranean cruise includes Santorini, it’s an entirely different experience. Who doesn’t recognize the pastel colored buildings clinging to steep cliffs, along with whitewashed churches with bright blue domed roofs as the landscape of Santorini? When you arrive by cruise ship that is exactly the sight that greets you!

Sitting high on the cliffs is Fira, the capital of Santorini. From where the cruise ships disembark guests, there are several ways to proceed to town.  If you are fit and energetic you may walk all the way to the top or you can even have a donkey take you up there. In my opinion, the most sensible way to reach Fira is to be whisked up by the modern cable car.  (A word to the wise…when its time to return to the ship, if you plan on taking the cable car back down, leave yourself plenty of time!  If there are multiple ships in port the line can be very long, and tenders do not wait for guests that dawdle).

Fira is Santorini's busiest and most commercial town. The streets are filled with all kind of shops, especially jewelry shops, souvenir shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. On the southern edge of town is the Museum of Prehistoric Thira (not to be confused with the Archaeological Museum of Santorini). It houses amazing Bronze Age objects from the buried town of Akrotiri and other ancient settlements on the island of Santorini. It is well worth seeing if you have an hour to spare and a must see if you plan to visit the Akrotiri excavation site itself.

Akrotiri and its excavation site is about 7 miles from Fira and can be reached by bus or taxi. The ancient city was destroyed after the tremendous volcanic eruption about 3600 years ago. Similar to Pompeii, the volcanic debris that was deposited on the surface of the island covered the whole settlement, protecting it from the natural elements. Excavations began in 1967 and thus far only the southern tip of a large town has been uncovered. It has revealed complexes of multi-level buildings, streets and squares, with remains of walls still standing. My visit was fascinating and if you are interested in archeology, I recommend you take the time to visit here.

To many, Oia, situated on the northernmost part of the island, is the most beautiful village visited on a Greek Island cruise. White buildings, ochre doors, cobalt roofs and, fuchsia blooms- it’s no wonder it one of the most photographed village in the world!  There are basically two streets: one with traffic, and a lovely inland pedestrian lane, paved with marble and lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. Exploring the pathways deeper into the village is a lovely way to spend your time. Be sure to leave some time to stop for lunch at one of the tavernas that offer an awe-inspiring view of the caldera and the Aegean Sea!

The Santorini Santo winery has to have the most amazing view of any winery in the world making it worth a visit even if you’re not a wine lover! Should you decide to imbibe, they have a nice selection of local wine that you can order by the glass, bottle or as a wine ‘flight’ which give you the option of trying several different wines. You may also order platters of meat, cheese, olives, tomatoes and breadsticks…a perfect Mediterranean snack, or if you’re lucky enough to be in port overnight, the perfect spot on the island to watch the famous Santorini sunset!

Next time, as we continue to cruise around Greece we will stop in Mykonos…stay tuned!

Cruising to Greece: Rhodes

In our first installment of Cruising to Greece we took a look at the top sites of Athens.  Today, we journey to Rhodes, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, and the largest of the Dodecanese Island complex. It is one of the most beautiful Greek islands, with a landscape of fertile plains, low hills, and green forests. Rhodes is a port of call on many Eastern Mediterranean and Greece Island cruise itineraries and a full day in port presents a lot of options for exploring the island.

Hiring a taxi for a half or full day island tour is a great way to see as much of the island as possible. Cabs can be hired when you walk off the ship or can be booked online ahead of time.  You then have the freedom to set our own agenda (perfect for those that prefer to research a destination ahead of time) or follow one that the driver suggests (they do this day in and day out, so you’ll be sure to see all the island highlights possible in your allotted time).  Full day tours will usually include Old Town, a visit to the Grand Masters Palace, the Acropolis of Rhodes, the village and Acropolis of Lindos, the Valley of the Butterflies, a winery stop as well as a lunch break at a lovely restaurant on the Mediterranean Sea.

Many cruisers to Greece choose to spend their day on the island of Rhodes by renting a car or taking a taxi directly to Lindos. Located on the eastern shores of Rhodes, Lindos is a whitewashed labyrinth of little alleyways which was deliberately designed to confuse pirates.  Today it’s a lovely place to meander, with quaint shops and pretty cafes!  The climb from the village of Líndos up to its famous Acropolis can be quite exerting on a hot day, but its so worth the journey! (An alternative is to ride a donkey to the top; the station is by the main square and the cost is about 5 Euros). At the foot of the steps leading to the acropolis there’s a relief of a Trireme (ancient Greek warship) carved into the rock which dates back to 180 BC! Further up leads to the Acropolis gate with its ruins of sanctuaries, temples, and public buildings all built by the Knights of St John. Continue a bit higher to reach the stately remains of the 300 BC Doric Temple of Athena Lindia. Apart from the historical significance of the Acropolis, the view from the top is breathtaking…you can see the whole city of Lindos as well as the surrounding bays!

Of course, an entire day can be spent by simply exploring Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The medieval fortress-like buildings, walls, gates, narrow passages, minarets, old quarters, fountains, and lively squares make it feel like you have stepped back in time. The best place to start your tour is at the top… the top of city walls, that is! That’s the perfect spot to snap photos of the rooftops, fortifications and the moat. Then begin strolling the down the Street of the Knights, where many of the Inns of the crusading Order of the Knights of St John were based. It is one of the most complete medieval streets in the world, and its buildings of chiseled sandstone form one uninterrupted facade. The Palace of the Grand Master and Archaeological Museum are the two most popular attractions and are worth a visit. There is of course, plenty of shopping in Old Town and many lovely places to stop for lunch or a cold drink.

Rhodes, a port of call on many Mediterranean cruises,  has something for everybody; shoppers, beach-goers, history lovers and archaeology buffs! So whatever you choose to do with your day in Rhodes, I guarantee it will be memorable! Next stop…Santorini.

Cruising to Greece; First Stop Athens

The Greek islands are full of important cultural sites, breathtaking landscapes, idyllic beaches, and quaint villages of whitewashed buildings and cobblestone paths.  Its clear to see why its one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world!  Since Greece is made up of clusters of inhabited islands, there’s no better way to explore the region than by cruising to Greece!
 Lets take a closer look at Athens, the capital of Greece and one of the world’s oldest cities.  When you cruise to Athens you actually dock in Piraeus, about a half hour from the main part of Athens, a bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis with a population of over 3 million! Many cruise lines offer a shuttle to the heart of downtown, but subways and busses also connect the port to the city center.  Once you get to the heart of the city, there are certain sites that should be a “must-see” on everyone’s itinerary.

The Acropolis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, is known as the cradle of civilization around the globe. In ancient times, it was the greatest sanctuary of Athens, dedicated to the patron goddess Athena. The Parthenon (the main temple), the monumental entrance called the Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion (easily identified by the six draped female figures that support the entablature) are four masterpieces of classical Greek architecture that shouldn’t be missed.

If time permits, I highly recommend a visit to the Acropolis Museum. The juxtaposition of antiques and ancient artifacts displayed in a beautifully spacious modern glass building is striking! There is good signage and information in English, and an in-house archeologist is on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Just below the Acropolis is the Plaka district, a historic area filled with shops and restaurants. The shops are a mix of the tacky tourist items as well as jewelry, leather, furs and art. If you’re ready to break for lunch there are some really good, traditional, restaurants serving authentic food such as spanakopita, gyros, moussaka, and souvlaki.

 The Ancient Agora was the commercial, social and political heart of Athens during ancient times.  Excavation of the area revealed a large number of temples, stoas, altars and even a concert hall. Today two large buildings are intact: the Hephaisteion - the best-preserved temple in Greece, and the Stoa of Attalos, which is now, home to another wonderful museum. The rest of the Agora looks like a large park with ruins of ancient buildings visible all around.

The Temple of Olympus Zeus is known as the largest temple in Greece. The massive ancient complex took nearly seven centuries to complete. The temple stands today simply as a remnant of Greek history, and even though only 15 out of 105 huge columns remain, it is still worth seeing.

Plateia Syntagmatos (Constitution Square) is the central square of the city, near the Parliament and many upscale hotels. The most famous aspect of Syntagma is the 11 am changing of the guards by the Evzones in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The uniforms worn by the guards are quite unique, with the pleated kilt or fustanella and pom-pom decorated footwear!

A full day in Athens is enough to see all of the above sites with ample time for shopping and lunch. Watch for our next installment of “Cruising to Greece” where we’ll talk about  Rhodes.

Partying in Rio with Azamara Cruises

The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is a world famous 5-day celebration, the biggest carnival in the world, with two million people per day on the streets! The official start date is on the Friday before Ash Wednesday, and it finishes on Fat Tuesday, the day before the start of Lent. If you have ever considered cruising to South America, what better time to do so than the Azamara12-night Rio Carnival voyage on February 7, 2015.

The Rio Carnival is most known for its glorious Samba Parades. Held every year in the Sambodromo, it is the focal point of the carnival. There are four Samba Parades, held on all four nights of the carnival. The two big performances are on Carnival Sunday and Monday when the premier Samba Schools of the city compete against each other for the title of Champion. It is a stupendous show full of outstanding choreography, dazzling and sexy costumes, irresistible music and unimaginable props and floats. Tickets are very hard to get, but not for you!  If you book the Azamara 12-night Rio Carnival voyage, you will have the opportunity to purchase box seats or grandstand seats in the Sambodromo and be a part of this gargantuan event!

But don’t be confused into thinking that a samba school is actually a dance school; rather, its a musical organization. A typical samba school can have thousands of members, although only the most talented get the chance to “do their thing” in the big parade. These performers include singers, musicians, and dancers.  Other members are the bearers of the flags, banners and puppets. The rest of the school participates behind the scenes and are in charge of the creation of costumes, floats, props and whatever else is needed for the extravaganza.

In Rio de Janeiro, Carnival has been around since the mid 19th century, but in the 1920’s this unique music called Samba was incorporated. It’s an urban music style that arose in the slums of Rio de Janeiro and is a mix of influences from Europe, Africa and South America. Of all Brazilian music styles, Samba is undoubtedly the best known and has become a symbol of the Brazilian nation and its people.

Aside from the days you spend in Rio, the Azamara Journey’s itinerary also includes Montevideo, Uruguay, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Punta del Este, Uruguay, and Buzios, Brazil.  Although Carnival in Rio will undoubtedly be the highlight of your vacation, this is a wonderful cruise to discover the many cultural, natural and architectural wonders of South America!

Alaska Shore Excursions Worth Splurging On

Nothing is as amazing as an Alaska cruise vacation.  Add a spectacular shore excursion or two and you can make it the trip of a lifetime!  I’m talking about an expedition that cannot be replicated on other itineraries and is synonymous with the “real Alaska” experience. Here are a few suggestions well worth splurging on:

 Ketchikan

One of the most scenic excursions you can take out of Ketchikan is a floatplane tour to Misty Fjords.  The area is part of a vast coastal rain forest and cloud-shrouded monument, hence, its name. The best way to fully appreciate the dramatic beauty of land is from above.  Stunning waterfalls, steep fjords and rock walls jutting 3000 feet straight out of the ocean mark the region. This is a great area for wildlife viewing. Both brown and black bears, mountain goats, black-tailed deer, moose, and wolves roam the land while sea lions, harbor seals, killer whales, and porpoises share the waters. Most tours include an exhilarating water landing which gives you the opportunity to step out on to the plane's floats, where you can delight in the scenery and snap some photos that will make your friends drool with envy!

If you ever sat on the edge of your sofa engrossed in an episode of Discovery Channel's award-winning TV series Deadliest Catch, this is the excursion for you! Set out on the Aleutian Ballad crab boat, the only genuine Bering Sea crab fishing vessel licensed to carry leisure passengers.  It was actually a part of season two of the show, (no worries, the boat has been completely remodeled to provide for guests’ comfort and safety)! Be prepared with your camera as the crew hauls up 700 lb. crab pots full of Alaska King crabs, octopus, prawns and sharks, just to name a few, that are placed in the live tank on-deck before being released back into the wild. If you are brave enough you can try your hand at holding one yourself for the perfect photo to share when you get home!

When you cruise between July and early August you have the chance to experience black bears up close and personal! Just hop in a floatplane and fly along the Tongass National Forest to Anan Creek. Anan Creek supports one of the largest salmon runs in Southeast Alaska, and the bears like to congregate at its big, beautiful waterfall. To make viewing and picture taking safe and comfortable, the Forest Service has constructed an observatory near the falls.  Being able to observe these mighty creatures scooping up and feeding on salmon in their natural environment is certainly a site to behold!

Skagway

 I bet you didn’t know that the Alaska “state sport” is dog mushing.  Really! So what better way to experience the real Alaska than dog sledding on a remote glacier? Of course you must first get to the dog camp.  No taxi can make the trip, but that’s ok because this excursion includes a helicopter ride! After a kennel tour and getting to know the dogs you can tuck yourself into a cozy, warm sled and go for the ride of your life! Or, if you think you can handle it, ride on the sled as the musher, standing on the runners with a team of huskies dashing through the snow.

A ride on the White Pass Railway is one of the most scenic train rides in the world and a must-do excursion when in Skagway! This narrow-gauge railroad route was built during the gold-rush era and cab be quite the “white knuckle” ride as the train chugs along hugging sheer granite walls, crossing glacial rivers, passes rushing waterfalls, and traverses cavernous gorges! Now imagine taking the experience “up a notch” by disembarking the train at Glacier Station and continuing on with a wilderness snowshoe trek through a magnificent, snow blanketed, sub-alpine rainforest valley. This spectacular trail winds along the raging Skagway River and toward a smaller valley containing the Laughton Glacier.

Juneau

The Juneau Ice field, much of which is contained within the Tongass National Forest,  is home to 40 large glaciers including Mendenhall Glacier and Taku Glacier, as well as 100 smaller ones. Although not for the faint of heart, helicopter companies offer exhilarating excursions that give an aerial view of spectacular rock formations, rainforests, glaciers, icefalls, ice spires, and vibrant-blue crevasses of the Ice field.  

Upon reaching a destination glacier, the pilot/guide will shut down the helicopter and escort guests on an informative, relaxing walk along the glacier’s surface. For those that want to try something a bit more exerting, some tour companies replace the leisurely glacier stroll with a 2-3 mile ice trek. Guides will teach you the proper use of the mountaineering gear so that the remote areas of the glacier can be accessed. All you need to bring is a camera, and a craving for adventure!  Now while all this is very cool, if you’re thinking about this excursion, don’t put it off… global warming is causing the glaciers to rapidly recede and you owe it to yourself to experience them in all their magnificent glory!

Be daring…be adventurous…be courageous! Book one of these outrageous shore excursions and make your Alaska cruise vacation a once in a lifetime event!

For more information on Alaska Cruises and shore excursions, visit our new website at http://www.AlaskaCruises.travel.

Oceania Cruises Gives Us A Taste Of The World

Without a doubt, for me, one of the most satisfying aspects of traveling is eating! I’m a huge fan of tasting the food from every country I visit.  After all, if you don’t try the local specialties you lose a chance to truly explore the country and it’s culture! Well, it seems like Oceania Cruises feels the same way, confirmed by the introduction of the new and exciting “Taste of the World” menu!

“Taste of the World” is an option guests may select on the lunch menu served in the Grand Dining Room or the Terrace Café.  Each plate consisting of six or seven beautifully presented tastings representing the cuisine of one of thirteen countries. Guests may order the plate as their entrée or as an appetizer to share with their tablemates.

Traditional British cuisine is substantial, yet simple and wholesome. The plate that represents English cuisine consists of portions of salmon cake with tartar sauce, roast beef with coleslaw, soft eggs with potato salad, traditional fish and chips, honey & mustard pickled vegetables, classic Yorkshire pudding and minced beef and onion pie.

A blend of Chinese, Arawak Indian, French, Indian, British, African, and Spanish cuisines is what makes Caribbean food so unique.  The Caribbean plate created by the Oceania chefs is made up of jerk chicken with dirty rice, avocado & pineapple salad with passion fruit vinaigrette, crab cake with fiery poblano aioli, tart lemon marinated fruit salad, dhal puri flat bread and acras de morue and sweet potatoes.

The Provence region includes the Rhône and Durance valleys; highly fertile agricultural areas which are considered to be the garden of France. Fish and shellfish are also eaten in abundance. Oceania chefs represent the region with a plate of salted cod aioli, artichokes barigoule, chicken liver pate with aubergine in vinegar, spicy Nice black olive tapenade, fried barbajuan with spinach and ricotta stuffing, traditional salad nicoise with tuna and green olive fougasse.

The cuisine aboard the Oceania ships is amongst the finest at sea, yet their chefs have found yet another way to make it even more exciting. “Tastes of the World” gives Oceania cruisers the opportunity to immerse themselves more deeply into the culture of the region they are visiting through this new gastronomic experience.

Royal Caribbean Ships Certified as “Autism Friendly”

Autism on the Seas is an organization that arranges and staffs cruise and land resort vacations for families with special needs children including autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other developmental impairments. Autism on the Seas recently awarded Royal Caribbean ""autism-friendly"" certification, which makes it the first cruise line to receive this distinction.

So, what does this mean to a family with an autistic child that books their next cruise vacation with Royal Caribbean? It means that these families can be confident that all Royal Caribbean ships have autism friendly products and services that will help accommodate family members with autism.  Families will appreciate the priority check-in, boarding and departure, special dietary accommodations, Adventure Ocean Youth Program specialized grouping and Adventure Ocean toilet-trained policy exception.

Right now Royal Caribbean holds “bronze” level certification, but my late this year the cruise line hopes to be upped to “silver”. “Silver” status ensures that Adventure Ocean youth staff will have received basic awareness training in autism and other developmental disabilities Features that are being added include autism friendly movies when there are a least five children with autism onboard.  This means that films will be shown in a low-lit / low-volume environment in which guests can freely talk and get up and walk around during the showing. The cruise line looks forward to making appropriate toys available for lending as well as scheduled activities for children of all abilities. Written or visual guides will be made available to help families better prepare for the cruise experience.

Accommodating the needs of the growing and underserved autism community is a defining moment in the travel industry. Royal Caribbean’s initiative to accommodate this population should be commended, as it will open the door towards filling the gap for special needs families looking for a vacation with consideration made for their wide range of unique requirements.

Celebrity Cruises Visits Iceland

Exotic lands…mystical cities…Celebrity Cruise Line has certainly been putting together some of interesting land-sea vacation packages!   The Celebrity Constellation’s “Journey to Three Continents” gave travelers the opportunity to experience an African safari before cruising the Black Sea.  The newest pre-cruise escapade takes adventurous travelers to “The Land of Fire and Ice”… Iceland! Three nights are spent in the capital city of Reykjavik, the perfect home base for the adventure that follows!

More than half of Iceland’s 320,000 inhabitants call Reykjavik home, yet a mere twenty-minute drive from the city center takes you into the isolation of Iceland's spectacular landscape; striking features of boiling mud pools, gushing geysers, lava and hot springs. The Golden Circle Tour, one of three  excursions that are included by Celebrity, takes participants to these Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Gullfoss Waterfall, and the geothermal active valley of Haukadalur, which contains the geysers of Geysir and Strokkur.

Another guided tour visits the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.  Believe it or not, the spa was accidentally formed by run-off from a power plant, which pumps up the geothermally heated water from a full mile below the surface. People began bathe in the unique water and apply the silica mud to their skin. Conditions such as psoriasis were greatly improved from the mud application.  Those who oversee Blue Lagoon wisely saw opportunity in that, and began developing different spa services and products. Today the Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland!

However for many, the biggest draw of this trip may well be the Northern Lights, the eerie shimmering curtain of glowing colors, undulating across the night sky! Iceland’s location, just below the Arctic Circle, is a prime location for viewing this phenomenal masterpiece. Due to the longer periods of darkness and the magnetic field of Iceland’s northern latitude, one can see Auroral activity on a average 100 nights a year!

This amazing 3-night pre-cruise package can be added to the 12-night Northern Europe itinerary aboard the Celebrity Infinity cruise on 10/1/14 or the 14-night Canary Island itinerary aboard the Celebrity Eclipse cruise departing on 10/5/14."

Bermuda: Off the Beaten Path

With its blue sky, pink sand, and azure water, its obvious why there are so many cruise ships lined up at Kings Wharf, Bermuda between April and October!  Whether you’re cruising to Bermuda for the first time this year, or returning yet again, we’d like to suggest some places that will take you off the beaten path, allowing you to discover a different side of Bermuda.

Spittal Pond is a national park located in Smiths Parish. This 64-acre reserve, which stretches along the coast, provides a diversity of habitats having several freshwater ponds with surrounding marsh and woodland areas.  It’s Bermuda’s largest bird sanctuary, so remember to bring your binoculars.  Spittal Pond has unique geological features too, such as the checkerboard, a formation of marine limestone with a distinct pattern of cracks. Look for the ""Spanish Rock"", (also known as ""Portuguese Rock"") which carries the initials of a sailor and the date 1543! The initials are the earliest evidence of human presence on the island.  It is thought that a marooned sailor, while looking out for a ship from the cliff top, carved the rock.  Today the spot is still offers the perfect vantage point for some views!  The reserve can be easily explored by following the well-marked loop trail that starts at the parking area.

Cricket is the most popular sport on the Bermuda and there’s no better way to immerse oneself in the island’s culture than attending a match! Although the game play and rules are very different, the basic concept of cricket somewhat resembles that of baseball. Teams bat in successive innings and attempt to score runs, while the opposing team fields and attempts to bring an end to the batting team's innings. Cricket is played during the summer with the season culminating with the Bermuda Club Match. During this two-day holiday the whole of the island turns its attention to the game that opposes teams of each side of the island, the Somerset Cricket Club in the west and the St. George’s Cricket Club in the east.

Tom Moore’s Jungle (also called The Walsingham Nature Reserve) is found on the North East of Harrington Sound in Hamilton Parish. It was named after Thomas Moore, an Irish poet, who in 1844 wrote some of his famous works here, supposedly while resting under a calabash tree. The jungle, often described as a “time traveling experience”, transports you back to the 1500’s when Bermuda was an uninhabitable, uncharted piece of land. The most convenient entrance to the jungle is a dirt path to the left of the entrance to Tom Moore’s Tavern. The entire jungle can be accessed by one of two main trails. There’s a lovely trail that sticks closer to the shore, and a more difficult wooded trail with multiple tributaries that winds throughout the inland parts of the reserve.  Under the dense cover of trees hikers will pass through mangroves, forests and pools of water. There are amazing caves all throughout the walk, one viewable from a wooden deck. There is a hard to find swimming grotto with clearly defined steps leading to the water, but remember you are entering at your own risk.

Horseback riding is a beautiful way to experience Bermuda.  Horses cannot be hired and ridden without supervision, as Bermuda has very strict laws regarding horseback riding in public areas, however there are several equine facilities available for group trail rides. No riding experience is necessary, just a wish to experience the beauty of Bermuda on horseback.  The stables offer group horseback riding along the historic railway trail, through quaint villages and on the dunes of the south shore beaches. Trail guides share a wealth of information about Bermuda peppered with entertaining folk tales, making it a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

 So if you’re cruising to Bermuda this summer, and looking for something other than another blissful day at Horseshoe Bay, we hope you find these suggestions helpful."

Take a Quantum Leap…Limited Time Only

Since the initial news that Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas would depart from Cape Liberty, New Jersey for her inaugural winter season, there has been suspicion from travel agents and consumers alike as to why the ships itinerary was only disclosed until the spring of 2015. Well, now we have an answer. In an astonishing announcement, Royal Caribbean revealed that the Quantum would make Shanghai, China its homeport beginning late June 2015. The Quantum of the Seas will sail three to eight-night itineraries year-round from Shanghai to Japan and Korea.

I suppose from a business standpoint the decision is a smart one for Royal Caribbean.  After all, it makes senses that the major cruise lines will begin to look to the rapidly growing Asian cruise market and the Chinese market is huge!  Of course, that fact does little to alleviate the disappointment of Northeast American cruisers that were so looking forward to having the new ship in their own backyard.

So, what can Cape Liberty cruisers look forward to after the departure of the Quantum of the Seas?  Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas will take her place to sail to Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Canada and New England for the 2015 summer and autumn seasons. And then, Quantum of the Seas' sister ship, Anthem of the Seas, which launches in April 2015, will complete her inaugural Europe season from Southampton, before arriving to Cape Liberty in November 2015 to continue Quantum-class cruising to the Bahamas and Caribbean for the winter 2015-16 season.

Azamara Immersion Programming Attracts Life-Long Learners

Abraham Lincoln was quoted as saying, ""I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday."" Learning doesn't stop just because school does! Gaining new knowledge through experiences is a daily adventure that one carries and explores throughout life, including, or I should say, especially as you cruise to discover the world! Azamara Club Cruises acknowledges this way of life with new programs that compliment its destination immersion philosophy; a diverse lecture program, and two onshore experiences,” Insider Access”, and “Nights and Cool Places



Through a new partnership with Compass Speakers and Entertainment, Azamara Club Cruises will now present onboard lecturers covering subjects such as art history, environmental issues, sports, politics, destination information and more. Guests may have the opportunity hear a lecture on Royal History presented by Dr. Carolyn Harris, an expert in the history of European monarchy or listen to Dr. Christopher Whelan speak about World Affairs. Whatever the topic, these informative and enlightening seminars will entertain, while presenting guests with new perspectives and insights on various subjects.

“Insider Access” is an onshore program that takes small groups of guests to ancestral homes, workshops or places of business at a destination. For example, while visiting the Italian port city of Livorno, guests have the opportunity to explore the charming walled town of Lucca in a very unique way.  After strolling the ancient cobbled streets where the renowned composer Giacomo Puccini made his home, it’s off to the estate built by Count Cosimo Bernardini in the 1700s. One of the count's descendants will show visitors around the beautiful gardens while regaling them with stories of the family whose prominent role in Lucca dates to the 14th century.

Another new excursion program, “Nights and Cool Places”, offers after-dinner outings for small groups to places such as a tour at Malaga’s Picasso Museum after hours, drinks at Rio de Janeiro’s hot spot Scenarium, or a historic neighborhood for a guided architectural walk. This is a nice addition to the complimentary AzAmazing Evening tour that has become so popular! Both evening programs provide guests with exclusive activities on land that aren't normally available to cruisers.

There is great pleasure in learning for the sake of learning and there is nothing more rewarding then making the world your classroom.  Guests searching for a more in depth, personalized destination experience, one that will stimulate the mind and senses, will be pleased with the new Azamara Club Cruises programs.

Bicycle Adventures with Crystal Cruises

I love bicycling!  It’s a great way to get fresh air, enjoy a lovely day and maybe even burn some calories.  I particularly enjoy bike-riding tours with my family while on vacation.  We’ve done easy breezy pedaling atop the medieval walls of Lucca, Italy, mountain bike riding through the geological wonders of Yellowstone National Park, and exerted a significant amount of effort cycling up and down the hilly terrain of whitewashed towns in Andalusia. Biking is a unique way to explore a city or town up close and personal, something that cannot be said when touring from the window of a big bus.      

It seems that I’m not the only one who prefers pedaling through architectural treasures, historical landscapes and spectacular scenery.  Crystal Cruises has recently announced that they have added 16 bicycle Crystal Adventures in 2014 to their Northern and Western Europe trips, as well as their Mediterranean itineraries.

Crystal’s bicycle adventures vary in length and intensity, yet all promise an exceptional ride. For example… there’s a five-mile ride through the city of Barcelona and another of the same distance through a forest in Copenhagen. Guests may choose a nine-mile combination of flat and hilly roads as they cycle past the beautiful chateaus and vineyards of Bordeaux. Then there’s the 12.5-mile route through the countryside and then along the coastline in Malta…a route that no tour bus has access to!

Bicycle tours with Crystal Cruises are fun, good exercise, and an easy way to connect with fellow shipmates. They can give participants a novel approach to exploring an old city, or take them to out of the ordinary places few tourists ever see. I can’t imagine a better way to immerse oneself in a region!"

Consider an Alaska Cruise Tour

A seven-night Alaska cruise is one of the most spectacular vacations you can take! Exploring Alaska by sea allows passengers to behold the stunning coastal region of the Inside Passage, as well as the quaint port towns that dot the area, most of which aren't accessible by road. On an Alaska cruise the ship glides through icy blue waters as passengers look and listen for calving glaciers and scout the shoreline for Alaska's wildlife in its natural habitat. Guests have the opportunity to learn about Alaska's Native history through totem carving, traditional dancing, music, and crafts. And nothing is better than feasting on freshest seafood available…salmon, halibut and of course those famous Alaskan crab legs!

It’s hard to imagine that anything can surpass the experience of an Alaska cruise. However, for an even more comprehensive Alaska expedition, you must journey further than a cruise ship can take you. Alaska's largest cities, highest mountains, and grandest National Parks are all inland. The best way to see more of Alaska’s magnificence is to add a land tour, either before or after your cruise.

Itineraries that include an option for a land tour are sometimes called Gulf of Alaska cruises. The northbound cruises depart from either Seattle or Vancouver and end in Seward, Alaska.  The southbound cruises begin in Seward and end in Vancouver or Seattle. Ports of call are generally the same as the Inside Passage cruise.  The difference regarding this itinerary is the opportunity to explore the interior of Alaska.

Seward, Alaska is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, home to some of most breathtaking vistas in North America. Surrounded by steep mountain walls, the Kenai Fjords provides the perfect habitat for Steller sea lions, sea otters, orcas, humpback whales, mountain goats, bald eagles and a vast number of sea birds. The colossal Harding Ice field feeds the 38 glaciers of the Park. There are many half and full-day glacier and wildlife cruises that explore Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park, a trip that is not possible if you choose the Inside Passage only.

Mention Alaska and the first thing most people think of is Denali National Park. A visit to the park and its crown jewel, Mount McKinley, is at the top of many Alaska visitors' ""must-do"" lists.  But most people do not realize that Denali National Park is not an excursion option on an Inside Passage cruise itinerary.  It’s just too far away!  Denali National Park is a stop on almost every cruise tour itinerary, many including a 2-night stay!  But it’s not just the mountain that makes the park such a special place. Denali is home to a variety of wildlife, with moose, caribou, wolves and bears being sought out by anyone with a camera!

The Alaska Railroad has been part of Alaska history for over 90 years and riding the rails, even for a short distance, is a must-do! The tracks span between Seward and Whittier in South Central Alaska, through Anchorage and Denali National Park, and up to Fairbanks. From inside the glass domed cars travelers are given a unique perspective for viewing the countryside, as the train rambles over rushing rivers and through the pristine wilderness. Many Alaska cruise tours include a spectacular rail journey through the heart of Alaska that you would otherwise miss if you opt for a cruise-only Alaska vacation.

Anchorage and Fairbanks are the two largest cities in Alaska. A visit to either or both is available on most Alaska cruise tours. There is no other urban area like Anchorage. It’s a city nestled between the mountains and the sea with the wilderness in its backyard. Fairbanks is a city of unique experiences. There are summer months in Fairbanks when the sun shines nearly 24 hours a day! However, if you hold off your visit until late August there’s a great chance to see the magical and mysterious light of the aurora borealis!  In addition, Fairbanks is only 198 miles from the Arctic Circle.  Make the trip by plane or car and you will receive an official Arctic Circle certificate presented in ceremonious fashion. Now that’s something not everyone will be able to check off on their bucket list!

To really appreciate all that Alaska has to offer, savvy travelers head inland, to places that cruise ships cannot go.  The beauty of interior Alaska is breathtaking, and there is so much to see and do!  Consider an Alaska cruise tour, as it can turn a great cruise into an extraordinary trip of a lifetime."