Thursday, October 30, 2008

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis to Feature New Youth Zone

Royal Caribbean International announced the final neighborhood on the Oasis of the Seas -- The Youth Zone, a haven for children and teens including themed play areas, a teen club and a nursery.

Due to launch in November 2009, the 220,000-ton Oasis of the Seas will feature six other neighborhoods, including Central Park, Boardwalk with the AquaTheater, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, and Entertainment Place.
“The Youth Zone aboard Oasis of the Seas will continue to build on our award-winning Adventure Ocean youth and teen programs, and expand to include dedicated space and programming for our guests as young as six months,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

The latest neighborhood unveiling introduced kid- and teen-friendly adventures within the 28,700-square-foot Youth Zone. Among the features are Kids Avenue, a central boulevard connecting dedicated Adventure Ocean spaces and various themed play areas; the cruise line’s first nursery for infants and toddlers six months or older; and state-of-the-art teen areas.

The Royal Babies and Tots nursery, a first for Royal Caribbean, will serve as a fully-staffed nursery with trained professionals, as well as various playgroups created by Fisher-Price and Crayola. Open daily, the nursery will offer parents drop-off options in the daytime and evening, carefully maintaining an optimum staff-to-child ratio. Free-time play also will be offered daily.

Within the Youth Zone, Kids Avenue will serve as the main promenade for young cruisers. Arts and crafts activities, scavenger hunts, talent shows and other scheduled and guided age-specific activities will be offered to three age groups, each with its own space: Aquanauts, age 3 to 5; Explorers, age 6 to 8; and Voyagers, ages 9 to 11. In addition, there will be new common play areas, including the Kid’s Arcade for video games; the Workshop, where families can learn scrapbooking skills or create personalized jewelry; Imagination Studio where children can explore through the Adventure Art by Crayola; an Adventure Science Lab; Play, a circular area for sports and games; and Adventure Ocean Theater, a children’s theater at sea complete with a stage and curtains, audience seating and production equipment.

The teen-only spaces will be located one deck above and adjacent to the ship’s Sports Deck, where kids can try out the ship’s two FlowRider surf simulators; the miniature golf-course, Oasis Dunes; or the Sports Court for volleyball and basketball games. The physical separation of the teen-only spaces from younger Adventure Ocean guests is an enhancement recommended by Royal Caribbean’s Teen Advisory Board. Longtime teen-only spaces, Fuel disco and The Living Room, will return aboard Oasis of the Seas, only larger and more state-of-the-art. The Living Room is a hangout for teens with a “mock-tail” bar, which serves non-alcoholic sodas and juice concoctions. It also is the place for Scratch DJ 101 classes and surfing the Internet via the bank of computer stations. An outdoor deck is adjacent.

In addition to these areas, attractions for children will be located throughout the ship’s other neighborhoods. Along the Boardwalk, kids and teens will be able to shop at retail stores tailored to their interests, and infants and toddlers can ride the Carousel with their parents or enjoy the play space modeled after a 50’s style gas station next to the Johnny Rockets restaurant. The Challengers Arcade will return with the latest video games. In the Vitality Spa and Fitness Zone, teens and tweens can enjoy a menu of spa options specially tailored for them.

Oasis of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world, spanning 16 decks with capacity for 5,400 guests at double occupancy. Its inaugural voyage is scheduled to depart Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades on Dec. 12, 2009, for a season of Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Royal Caribbean Special Savings Sale


Valued at: $50, $100 or $200 off per stateroom!

Royal Caribbean is offering special savings for new Ocean View staterooms and above on select cruises, booked by 11/21/08.
Click HERE to see a list of applicable ships and sailing dates.
Contact us today to see which one works best for you!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Today In History

I thought I would throw out a few "Did You Knows" for the day...

1492 - Christopher Columbus & ship Santa Maria land in Dominican Republic

1881 - Pablo Picasso, one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century, is born in Malaga, Spain.

1962 - Author John Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Royal Caribbean Announces End to Fuel Supplement

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced that the company's fuel supplement will no longer apply to new Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises bookings made on or after November 10, 2008, anywhere in the world, for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2010.
This decision takes into consideration the recent reductions in global fuel prices. The company has also established specific guidelines that will determine whether fuel supplement refunds will be provided for sailings that begin in 2009 and later, which were booked prior to November 10, 2008, if fuel prices remain below a specific price threshold.
For 2009 sailings and 2010 sailings booked before November 10, 2008, the company will determine on a quarterly basis whether fuel supplements will be refunded. Refunds, in the form of an onboard credit, will be provided if the closing price of West Texas Intermediate fuel is $65 or less, at the closing time of the New York Mercantile Exchange, two weeks prior to the beginning of the upcoming calendar quarter. When those conditions are met, an onboard credit will be provided to all guests on sailings that begin during the upcoming calendar quarter.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Cruisin' Through Kentucky

Good afternoon all! You may have noticed that a few days have gone by without much posting activity here on our blog. Mark and I spent a long weekend visiting some really good friends in... Louisville, Kentucky!
What a spectacular, fun and charming city with old architecture and lovely brick homes. The weather was sunny and beautiful everyday and the fall colors were just starting to change. It made for a very scenic drive through Kentucky's horse/farm countryside. We visited an incredible bourbon distillery, Woodford Reserve. We also toured the Louisville Slugger museum and factory and watched the bats being made for the upcoming World Series. We had a ball (no pun intended), there was definitely a lot to see!

Although Louisville isn't a port for large cruise ships to visit, they do offer River Cruises that cruise along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. A great way to see America's Heartland and the Old South! Always something new to discover with cruising!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Congratulations to Crystal Cruises!







Congratulations to Crystal Cruises for winning a great award!

For an unprecedented 15th year, the discerning readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine have voted Crystal the Best Large-Ship Cruise Line. No other cruise line, hotel or resort in history has ever received such acclaim.


Passport Reminder

A passport, as I'm sure you know, is a document that one shows to government officials whenever one reaches a border between countries, so the officials can learn who you are, where you were born, and how you look when photographed unflatteringly. ~Lemony Snicket

Just a reminder to all you cruisers out there... Starting before June 1, 2009, the U.S. Government will soon require everyone (including U.S. citizens) to be in possession of a valid passport when traveling on any cruise. To make sure you are prepared at your departure port, visit www.travel.state.gov for the latest and exact passport requirements.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

SILVERSEA CRUISES... LUXURY ALL THE WAY!


Silversea Cruises is a luxury cruise line with personalized service that starts the moment you step aboard with a warm welcome... and follows throughout your voyage in unspoken anticipation of your every wish.
Owner’s, Grand and Royal Suite guests enjoy dedicated butler service for an elevated level of personalized pampering. From unpacking and packing, arranging a private car at the next port, drawing a bubble bath or orchestrating an elegant in-suite cocktail party, Silversea’s impeccable butlers are experts at providing unobtrusive, attentive service.

Their all-inclusive value includes:
  • Complimentary beverages served throughout the ship, with an extensive collection of fine wines, champagne, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks - all yours to enjoy courtesy of Silversea.

  • In-suite beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages.

  • All onboard gratuities are included - none are ever expected.

  • All open-seating dining for those to don't want an assigned table. When, where and with whom you dine is completely up to you.

  • Complementary "Silversea Experience"... a shoreside event exclusively for Silversea guests on select voyages. Recent outings have included dinner in the desert in Nambia and a concert at the ruins of Ephesus in Turkey!

It is Silversea's philosophy, an attitude — driven simply by their desire to please, to celebrate your personal tastes and embrace your unique preferences to your utmost satisfaction.

Join them on their special Wine Series voyage, enjoy enlightening guest lectures, tastings of vintage blends and optional guided excursions to renowned wineries and cellars. Experience the innovative Wine Restaurant by Relais & Châteaux* — Saletta aboard Silver Cloud and Silver Wind and Le Champagne aboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper. Enhancing the exceptional wine offerings that are part of every Silversea itinerary, a Wine Series voyage creates an unforgettable and enriching experience at sea.

Wine Series voyage starts December 3, 2008... 9-night sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to Bridgetown, Barbados - on the Silver Shadow!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas - Heads to Dubai for 2010 Season

Here's some fun news for your day! Royal Caribbean International will deploy the Brilliance of the Seas to Dubai in 2010, offering it's first regular itineraries based out of the United Arab Emirates.

From January to April 2010, the company will offer seven-night Middle East sailings, but exact itineraries will be announced in the coming weeks. “Dubai is a dynamic and thriving city that shows great growth potential. Building on our reputation for introducing revolutionary cruise experiences, we are excited to provide a different cruise vacation than traditionally offered in this region,” said Michael Bayley, senior vice president-international for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

The 90,090-ton, 2,500-passenger Brilliance of the Seas has a 10-deck-high Centrum, a rock-climbing wall, a nine-hole miniature golf course and five dining venues.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Exclusive Promotions

It's time for the exclusive promotions we have access to right now. Take a look and see which one works best for you!
  • AMA Waterways - save up to $1000 per stateroom on the Danube River cruise. Great deal! Book by October 30th.
  • American Cruise Lines - Complimentary shore tour... booking October 16th only!
  • Azamara - Up to $600 onboard credit on select sailings, book now through October 31st.
  • Carnival - Save $100 per stateroom, book by October 15th on select 3-5 day cruises. Perfect for that weekend getaway!!
  • Carnival - Choose Alaska or Europe and get $200 savings per stateroom PLUS an oboard credit of up to $150 per stateroom.
  • Celebrity - Up to $200 onboard credit on select sailings, book now through October 31st.
  • Royal Caribbean - Up to $200 onboard credit on select sailings, book now through November 21st.

There are some great values here, don't hesitate. Contact us for more information!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Quote of the Day

"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." - Bernard Meltzer

Friday, October 10, 2008

Cruise the Romantic Danube River!!

AMA Waterways is offering a great rate on an All-Inclusive Deluxe River Cruise Program starting from $2,059 per person on the ms Amalyra - April 5-16, 2009!
7-night Budapest - Vilshofen cruise & 3 nights in Prague

If you have cruised Europe before and are now looking for a more intimate and relaxing way to enjoy the country sides, river cruising is a fantastic idea!
There are many ways to travel, but none compare to the luxury, comfort, and convenience of a river cruise. Imagine having your favorite hotel follow you around wherever you go. Wake up at your leisure, and stroll to the dining room for a made-to-order omelet while enjoying glorious views of the passing countryside. With so few guests, the attention and personal touch provided on a river cruise ship is truly impressive. There are no large crowds onboard; you feel a deep sense of connection with your fellow travelers, your crew and your surroundings.
You have access to inland areas of countries that big ships can’t get to. You sail along the serene waterways, rather than congested highways. You stop in villages, towns and vineyards along the way. There’s no waiting in a long line to get on or off the ship; no need to tender into ports. And there’s always something amazing to see, be it a mountain, a castle, or a wonder of the world, on either side of the ship.
River cruising without a doubt is the most sophisticated and stylish way to travel!

Included Features:

• 7-NIGHT DELUXE CRUISE ACCOMMODATION IN AN OUTSIDE STATEROOM- 82% OF THE STATEROOMS WITH LARGE FRENCH BALCONIES
• 3-NIGHT HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN PRAGUE INCLUDING DAILY BUFFET BREAKFAST
• TERRY BATHROBES & WHITE-ON-WHITE PLUSH BEDDING IN ALL STATEROOMS
• INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM, INCLUDING TV AND INTERNET, IN EVERY STATEROOM
• GOURMET DINING WITH FREE-FLOWING WINE, BEER, AND SODA WITH EVERY DINNER; COMPLIMENTARY ESPRESSO AND CAPPUCCINO WITH EVERY MEAL
• BOTTLED WATER IN EVERY STATEROOM
• COCKTAIL RECEPTION &WELCOME DINNER
• DAILY EXCURSIONS AS DETAILED IN THE ITINERARY
• NIGHTLY ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT
• COMPLIMENTARY BICYCLES FOR EXPLORING
• SERVICES OF A PROFESSIONAL CRUISE DIRECTOR THROUGHOUT THE CRUISE
• ALL ENGLISH SPOKEN ONBOARD IN A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT (EXCEPT ON THE SUN DECK)
• ALL TRANSFERS INLCUDED WITH THE PURCHASE OF CRUISE, LAND & AIR
• ALL LOCAL TAXES

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Quote of the Day

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” - St. Augustine

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Guide To Luxury Cruising

If you’ve ever glanced through a cruise brochure or watched cruise commercials on television, you have probably seen or heard the word "luxury" and "pampered." Every cruise line proudly states how it pampers its passengers in luxury, regardless of budget or expense.

Though these words are overused, cruising is now well established as one of the most service-intensive vacations in the world - with ever more incredible state-of-the-art vessels being built each year. For most cruisers, "pampered in luxury" accurately describes the cruise experience.

In the "Guide to Luxury Cruising," we have chosen to focus on "six-star" rated ships (on a scale of I to 6, 6 is the highest). This is an arbitrary distinction. For example, the 1,101 square-feet Penthouse Suite aboard Celebrity’s ship, Mercury, is the epitome of luxury with a price tag of about $6,495 USD per person for 7-days, not including airfare. Overall, however, the Mercury is a "five-star" ship and therefore not considered in this guide.

A flawless combination of service and amenities
When you step up to luxury cruising, you are in the rarified world of nearly telepathic service, where crew and staff are highly trained to anticipate your every need and respond quickly and courteously to every request. Luxury brochures describe it as "an uncompromising commitment to flawless service."

In addition, the staff to passenger ratio is exceptionally high on luxury cruise ships. Regent's ship, the Seven Seas Voyager, carries only 700 passengers but has 445 staff onboard.

Did you order decaf cappuccino on your first night out? It will be there without asking at your next meal. Would you like six pillows instead of three? No problem. Do you want to be met by limo in port? Done. lt’s what cruise industry insiders call "software."

"Hardware" is the term used to describe the cruise ship and its amenities. On a luxury cruise ship you find rare woods, fine fabrics and leathers, expensive art, Lomoges, Villeroy or Boch china, Christofle silverware, Frette linens, hand-cut Hadeland crystal, expansive wine cellars, down pillows and comforters, personalized stationery, fully stocked in-room bars (on some vessels), well-appointed public areas and larger than average accommodations or suites.

While it is commonplace to find excellent service (software) and exceptional facilities and amenities (hardware) aboard most cruise ships, what sets luxury cruising apart is an almost mystical fusion of the two. It's the difference between a Hyatt and a Ritz-Carlton. Recently, cruise guide books by Frommer, Berlitz and Fielding have awarded the top Luxury ships with "six-Star" ratings, where "5-Stars" had been the highest rating.

How much will it cost?
If the above sounds expensive, it's all relative. Per diems can be significantly higher on a luxury cruise, ranging from $300-$2,000 USD per person per day, depending on the ship, length of cruise, destination and type of accommodation. Obviously, luxury cruising is not for everyone!

Keep in mind that many luxury cruises are truly all-inclusive, meaning that roundtrip airfare (economy), gratuities, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, meals, entertainment and even some shore excursions are provided.

Expect the best of everything on a luxury cruise - the best caviar and scotch salmon, the finest champagnes, the best service, the most exotic and unusual destinations and itineraries, internationally recognized on-board lecturers and gourmet cuisine.

When you put all of the ingredients together, luxury cruising can be a real value, -especially compared to land based resorts. In fact, luxury cruising arguably offers far more than a land-based resort. For example, on a recent check, a deluxe suite at the Ritz-Carlton in Bali, Indonesia, was $1537 USD per person per day, with five "meal presentations," but no entertainment, gratuities, drinks or activities. At the Regent in Hong Kong, a deluxe suite was $862 USD per person per day with no meals, entertainment, gratuities, drinks or activities. Standard rooms at the Regent were $309 USD per person per day. Hotel rates quoted are double occupancy and include applicable taxes.

The good news is, there are ways to save money - even on a luxury cruise. This is our specialty, as our cruise consultants are highly trained to know where the best bargains are at any given time.

How to Choose the Right Luxury Cruise
The choices in luxury cruising are relatively small, with each and every ship providing an exceptional cruise experience. Still there are some questions to ask yourself, and some distinctions between the various lines.

Big ships or small?
Ultra-deluxe ships come in all sizes - from Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Pride at 10,000-tons, (each are 208-passenger vessels) to Cunard's Queen Mary 2 at 150,000 tons and 2620 passengers. Smaller ships are, of course, frequently more intimate, informal and service-intensive. Larger ships like Crystal Symphony, Crystal Harmony, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 offer more variety in dining, entertainment and onboard activities. Smaller ships like the Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, offer a more private, yacht-like experience.

Choices in accommodation also vary according to the size of the ship. The Crystal Harmony, for example, offers 10 cabin categories, ranging from inside stateroom to Crystal Penthouse with veranda. Silver Sea's most modern vessels Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow offer some of the most spacious accommodations afloat with a passenger space ratio of 73.

While even the smaller luxury cruise vessels have state-of-the-art design and stabilizers, if you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider a larger vessel. The Regent Diamond may be another good alternative. Although she carries only 350 passengers, her unique twin-hull design makes her particularly stable in rough seas.

Destination
Luxury cruise ships literally span the globe. Many go to ports that are not visited, or rarely visited by other cruise ships. Throughout the year, you’ll find extensive itineraries in the Far East, Southeast Asia, South Pacific, Africa (including African land safaris) and the Caribbean. The Mediterranean is a favorite destination during the summer months.

Price
Like mass-market and premium cruising, luxury cruise pricing is a function of ship, length of cruise, destination and accommodations. While price may not be an obstacle for some in this category of cruising, there are many options available in terms of rates and accommodations - and also many ways to save money. Of course, the longer the itinerary, the more distant the destinations, and the more extravagant the level of accommodation, the more expensive the cruise.

The ship as destination
Finally, many people today consider the ship itself to be the destination. Onboard facilities such as spas, pool and open deck areas, Jacuzzi, lounges, casino, shipboard activities, spacious accommodations and legendary service make the ship a great place to relax, retreat, rejuvenate and play. The Seabourn Pride, Legend and Spirit as well as several Regent Seven Seas ships have platforms that drop off the back to create a private watersports area when the vessels are at anchor.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Take A Cruise... and Call Me in the Morning!

It's official!! Vacations are good for your health! So say reports in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. You might respond, "I knew that already." Ah, but now there's research to back it up. So grab your bathing suit, fetch your passport and tell your boss you're heading out on a cruise - doctor's orders!
  • An annual vacation can cut a person's risk of a heart attack by 50 percent.
  • Blood pressure, heart rate and levels of epinephrine - a stress hormone - decline on holidays of only one or two days.
  • Recuperation and improvement in exhaustion are facilitated by free time and warmer and sunnier vacation locations.
  • Travelers experience a 25 percent increase in performance on vigilance tests after returning from vacation. Travelers 45 or older show a 50 percent increase in performance.
  • Even the anticipation of vacation travel generates an increase in positive feelings about one's life as a whole, plus family, economic situation and health.

Rx: Begin your health improvement program immediately!! Time to book a cruise!!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Regent Seven Seas Cruises


The four small to mid-size luxury cruise ships in Regent Seven Seas Cruises' six-star fleet include all-suite, all-balcony ships Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, the all-suite Seven Seas Navigator and the Paul Gauguin.

Fares include all shipboard gratuities; complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits served throughout the ship; complimentary 24-hour room service; in-suite bar setup for suites with butler service; refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, beer and bottled water replenished daily, and much more.

Regent Seven Seas is currently offering free airfare, 2-for-1 cruise fares and up to $200 shipboard credit on select sailings!