The new Queen Elizabeth, sister ship to the 2-year-old Queen Victoria, is taking shape at the shipyard in Italy! It has been under construction since 2009 and is just a couple months shy of it's naming ceremony in Southampton, England.
The QE will have some twists that will make it a little more unique that the QV. What gives it it's own personality is mostly in dining and entertainment, and also a couple of structural differences. The QE will have a sports deck on Deck 10 that will offer croquet and lawn bowling. It will also have 38 more cabins than the QV, giving the ship capacity for about 100 more passengers. More room for us Cunard lovers!
There is an art deco theme throughout the QE, in tribute to its namesake predecessor (the previous QE was built in 1938).
The QE will sport a new specialty restaurant, the Verandah, with a French menu created by Jean-Marie Zimmermann, a longtime Cunard chef. Another dining difference will be the return of the Britannia Club, the restaurant for passengers staying in the highest category of the ship's standard cabins.
Also new is that the QE's lido deck restaurant by night will transform into one of three restaurants with table service: Asado, modeled after an Argentinian steakhouse; Aztec, offering Mexican cuisine; and Jasmine, a pan-Asian eatery. There will be a $10 surcharge for those themes.
Other small changes include the addition of a central staircase in the Britannia dining room which really re-creates the ocean liner experience!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
PASSPORT FEES INCREASE
An FYI for all you cruisers out there who haven't gotten your passports yet!
Charges for U.S. passports increased on July 13th. The fee for a new passport jumps from $100 to $135 for adults and from $85 to $105 for those under age 16. The fee for renewals goes from $75 to $110. These rates include a $25 execution fee. Details are online at www.travel.state.gov
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What's Your Travel Personality?
More than 500 travelers weighed in...
When you get back from a cruise vacation you are...
89% - More relaxed
11% - More stressed
When it comes to stateroom robes, you're most likely to...
88% - Not be caught dead in it outside the spa!
12% - Stroll through the ship wearing it
On group cruises or family reunion cruises, you...
51% - Sneak in some room service
49% - Always eat with the group
When it comes to working out while cruising, you...
67% - Think, "nah, I'm on vacation"
33% - Hit the onboard gym
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Introducing the DreamWorks Experience
Royal Caribbean is proud to announce a strategic alliance with DreamWorks Animation!
Bringing these two forces together is going to raise the bar and produce something amazing and wonderful for Royal Caribbean cruisers.
Make your next family vacation an absolutely unforgettable adventure! Set sail with Royal Caribbean International and DreamWorks Animation and discover once-upon-a-time moments filled with your favorite characters from Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and more.
From 3D movies to ice and aqua shows, enjoy the DreamWorks experience exclusively onboard Royal Caribbean.
Starting this December 5, 2010 on the Allure of the Seas.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
FUN FACTS!
53 -
Percentage of cruisers who normally buy a souvenir!
41 -
Percentage of cruisers who say they'd be willing to try cruising solo.
30.2 -
Percentage of cruisers who prefer sea days to port days.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
"Sea Princess" Stars on National Geographic
The immense job of dry-docking "Sea Princess" will be featured in the June 3rd episode of National Geographic Channel's show, World's Toughest Fixes. You can go behind the scenes and follow the entire process from the time the ship enters the dry-dock to the final sea trials.
The episode will focus on the ENORMOUS task of completing a multitude of dry-dock projects in just.... 15 days! With an emphasis on several technical "fixes" on the bottom of the ship that could only be accessed when the ship is out of the water.
This is a unique opportunity to really appreciate the amazing around-the-clock efforts needed to keep cruise ships in top shape to deliver the experience that passengers expect.
Don't forget to tune in... Thursday June 3rd at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the National Geographic Channel. It will give you a glimpse into a very interesting experience!
The episode will focus on the ENORMOUS task of completing a multitude of dry-dock projects in just.... 15 days! With an emphasis on several technical "fixes" on the bottom of the ship that could only be accessed when the ship is out of the water.
This is a unique opportunity to really appreciate the amazing around-the-clock efforts needed to keep cruise ships in top shape to deliver the experience that passengers expect.
Don't forget to tune in... Thursday June 3rd at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the National Geographic Channel. It will give you a glimpse into a very interesting experience!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
NCL Epic to Debut Advanced Ticketing
Great news for all you EPIC travelers out there! NCL has debuts its advanced ticketing system for onboard entertainment! You can log-in to the "My NCL" section of their website where you can select and reserve your desired performance for...
The Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams and Dinner, Legends in Concert, The Second City Comedy Troupe, etc. The online bookings open 45 days prior to your cruise and you may make one reservation for each show per sailing.
Of course you can always wait and make your reservations once you get onboard, but this does give you all another option!
The Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams and Dinner, Legends in Concert, The Second City Comedy Troupe, etc. The online bookings open 45 days prior to your cruise and you may make one reservation for each show per sailing.
Of course you can always wait and make your reservations once you get onboard, but this does give you all another option!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
10th Annual Great Girls Getaway - Confirmed!
Drum roll please........ :)
The next annual Great Girls Getaway will be April 10, 2011. 7 fun-filled nights on the Carnival Glory sailing the Eastern Caribbean! Bring your friends, sisters, mothers and join us as we just enjoy the fun. Warm Caribbean weather, shopping, nightlife... all with the fun women in your life.
Call us for details on the ports and pricing. It's an amazing rate!
The next annual Great Girls Getaway will be April 10, 2011. 7 fun-filled nights on the Carnival Glory sailing the Eastern Caribbean! Bring your friends, sisters, mothers and join us as we just enjoy the fun. Warm Caribbean weather, shopping, nightlife... all with the fun women in your life.
Call us for details on the ports and pricing. It's an amazing rate!
Great Deals on Princess
There are some great deals on Princess Cruises Fall 2010 Caribbean sailings right now.
Book before June 30th and save!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
10th Annual Great Girl's Getaway!
STAY TUNED FOR NEWS ON OUR 10TH ANNUAL GREAT GIRLS GETAWAY... FOR SPRING 2011...
IT'S AN EXCITING SHIP AND FUN ITINERARY!
JUST ANNOUNCED! Carnival's New Ship Name
We are excited to announce that the Carnival Breeze has been selected as the name for their brand-new ship which will join the fleet in spring 2012!
The 3690-passenger cruise ship will be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the current builder of their Carnival Magic (debuting in Europe May 1, 2011).
As the third ship in the Dream-class, guests can expect all the amenities on the Carnival Breeze that you've come to love on the Carnival Dream. Features include expansive, modern facilities for children and teens, a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, and The Lanai, an outdoor promenade featuring cantilevered whirlpools that extend over the ship's sides.
Other features will include the popular WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide, and a stunning indoor/outdoor cafe and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza. Of course, Carnival will offer a wide range of staterooms to match your tastes and budgets, including deluxe ocean views with two bathrooms and some family-friendly accommodations that feature five berths.
Carnival Breeze will be the 24th vessel in Carnival Cruise Lines' fleet, which operates three-15-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England and Europe.
Stay tuned for updates on the Carnival Breeze as it is being built!! If you have any questions about the new ship, contact us anytime!
The 3690-passenger cruise ship will be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the current builder of their Carnival Magic (debuting in Europe May 1, 2011).
As the third ship in the Dream-class, guests can expect all the amenities on the Carnival Breeze that you've come to love on the Carnival Dream. Features include expansive, modern facilities for children and teens, a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, and The Lanai, an outdoor promenade featuring cantilevered whirlpools that extend over the ship's sides.
Other features will include the popular WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide, and a stunning indoor/outdoor cafe and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza. Of course, Carnival will offer a wide range of staterooms to match your tastes and budgets, including deluxe ocean views with two bathrooms and some family-friendly accommodations that feature five berths.
Carnival Breeze will be the 24th vessel in Carnival Cruise Lines' fleet, which operates three-15-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England and Europe.
Stay tuned for updates on the Carnival Breeze as it is being built!! If you have any questions about the new ship, contact us anytime!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
9th Annual Great Girls Getaway
We're back! And what a wonderful time we had together... laughing, dancing, and enjoying each others company. The "Zaandam" was beautiful with it's music theme, gorgeous theater and staterooms. We spent a lot of time in the piano bar playing "Name that Tune", and a small group of us gals did win on one night!
Catalina Island was our first stop on the Pacific Coastal itinerary. Always a fun place to be. We walked along the marina, stopped in all the shops, bought ice cream cones and lattes. After Catalina we spent two days at sea, and I will say the seas were a little on the rough side. But a sea-sick pill with lunch and dinner, and all was great! Astoria, Oregon was the next stop where we spent the afternoon at their annual Seafood and Wine Festival. We were SO lucky to be there on that weekend. We ate oysters (well, I didn't), amazing melty fresh crab sandwiches, tasted wine from all over Oregon and bought some fun things to bring home. The next day brought us to Victoria, BC and the always lovely Butchart Gardens. If you have not been there, it is an absolute MUST-SEE on your next visit into Victoria. Not only is the history of the gardens very interesting, but the many gardens are filled with gorgeous flowers and colors. We also enjoyed a wonderful high-tea! And of course you can always get your high-tea at the Empress hotel as well as the gardens!
The end of our journey brought us to Vancouver where we hopped on a motorcoach down to Seattle. For some of us, Seattle is home, and others onto other parts of the country.
I hope you join us next year for the 10th year in a row of the Great Girls Getaway. We are doing some preliminary planning but are focused on the Caribbean so pack your sun screen and join the fun!
Catalina Island was our first stop on the Pacific Coastal itinerary. Always a fun place to be. We walked along the marina, stopped in all the shops, bought ice cream cones and lattes. After Catalina we spent two days at sea, and I will say the seas were a little on the rough side. But a sea-sick pill with lunch and dinner, and all was great! Astoria, Oregon was the next stop where we spent the afternoon at their annual Seafood and Wine Festival. We were SO lucky to be there on that weekend. We ate oysters (well, I didn't), amazing melty fresh crab sandwiches, tasted wine from all over Oregon and bought some fun things to bring home. The next day brought us to Victoria, BC and the always lovely Butchart Gardens. If you have not been there, it is an absolute MUST-SEE on your next visit into Victoria. Not only is the history of the gardens very interesting, but the many gardens are filled with gorgeous flowers and colors. We also enjoyed a wonderful high-tea! And of course you can always get your high-tea at the Empress hotel as well as the gardens!
The end of our journey brought us to Vancouver where we hopped on a motorcoach down to Seattle. For some of us, Seattle is home, and others onto other parts of the country.
I hope you join us next year for the 10th year in a row of the Great Girls Getaway. We are doing some preliminary planning but are focused on the Caribbean so pack your sun screen and join the fun!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Book an Oceanview... Get a Balcony!
A great deal to throw out there for all you last minute cruisers!!
Book on the Carnival Miracle sailings to the Caribbean through May and June, and get a balcony stateroom for an oceanview price. Not bad!
Give us a call to take advantage of this. Space is limited!
Book on the Carnival Miracle sailings to the Caribbean through May and June, and get a balcony stateroom for an oceanview price. Not bad!
Give us a call to take advantage of this. Space is limited!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Voyages to Antiquity
If you have a passion for ancient Rome, classical Greece the Byzantine Empire or other past Mediterranean civilizations, check out the new premium line, Voyages to Antiquity.
Created for an in-depth exploration of the Mediterranean, this premium line should appeal to all you well-educated cruisers for whom ancient sites are the ultimate vacation draw.
Voyages to Antiquity's itineraries encompass the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic seas with port calls in Greece, Italy, Sicily, Albania and Croatia. Others focus on North Africa and the Holy Land. And new for 2011 - Black Sea itineraries!
Two weeks in length for 2010, the itineraries were designed by the cruise line's staff in conjunction with such renowned historians as author Lord John Julius Norwich. On one of their cruises, you might stroll through ancient Carthage in Tunisia, visit well-preserved Greek Temples or explore remote Roman ruins at Palmrya, Syria or Baalbek, Lebanon.
The ship capacity is 380 guests for a more intimate and small-ship experience. The new configuration onboard includes suites, junior suites and staterooms with and without balconies. The staterooms start at 130-215 sqft, and 275 sqft for balcony staterooms. Junior Suites are 300 sqft, while Owner's Suites have 500 sqft of space.
All dining venues have open seating. Offering Continental cuisine with regional food and wine on every itinerary, the Marco Polo restaurant serves lunch with dinner. It has full waiter service and casual, country-club elegance, although a jacket is suggested for gentlemen at dinner.
Terrace Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating and has a grill, buffet and a wine/aperitif bar. In the evening, Tapas on the Terrace replicates a Mediterranean bistro. Guests also enjoy afternoon tea and room service, as well as late-night snacks in two bars.
A robust onboard lecture program boasts renowned historians, archaeological experts and food and wine aficionados.
This ship has no formal night, disco or casino. For fun onboard, guests might peruse a well-stocked library, take a pool dip, email friends from the Internet Cafe, work out in the gym, listen to music, experience a top-deck yoga class or luxuriate in the spa!
While Aegean Odyssey is a mid-sized ship, it's small enough to easily navigate around the scenic islands of the Adriatic and Mediterranean and transit Greece's Corinth Canal. Most shore excursions are included in the fare as well.
This cruise experience will definitely be a life-enhancer for you, and allow you to get up close and personal with the ruins and villages where history was made.
Created for an in-depth exploration of the Mediterranean, this premium line should appeal to all you well-educated cruisers for whom ancient sites are the ultimate vacation draw.
Voyages to Antiquity's itineraries encompass the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic seas with port calls in Greece, Italy, Sicily, Albania and Croatia. Others focus on North Africa and the Holy Land. And new for 2011 - Black Sea itineraries!
Two weeks in length for 2010, the itineraries were designed by the cruise line's staff in conjunction with such renowned historians as author Lord John Julius Norwich. On one of their cruises, you might stroll through ancient Carthage in Tunisia, visit well-preserved Greek Temples or explore remote Roman ruins at Palmrya, Syria or Baalbek, Lebanon.
The ship capacity is 380 guests for a more intimate and small-ship experience. The new configuration onboard includes suites, junior suites and staterooms with and without balconies. The staterooms start at 130-215 sqft, and 275 sqft for balcony staterooms. Junior Suites are 300 sqft, while Owner's Suites have 500 sqft of space.
All dining venues have open seating. Offering Continental cuisine with regional food and wine on every itinerary, the Marco Polo restaurant serves lunch with dinner. It has full waiter service and casual, country-club elegance, although a jacket is suggested for gentlemen at dinner.
Terrace Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating and has a grill, buffet and a wine/aperitif bar. In the evening, Tapas on the Terrace replicates a Mediterranean bistro. Guests also enjoy afternoon tea and room service, as well as late-night snacks in two bars.
A robust onboard lecture program boasts renowned historians, archaeological experts and food and wine aficionados.
This ship has no formal night, disco or casino. For fun onboard, guests might peruse a well-stocked library, take a pool dip, email friends from the Internet Cafe, work out in the gym, listen to music, experience a top-deck yoga class or luxuriate in the spa!
While Aegean Odyssey is a mid-sized ship, it's small enough to easily navigate around the scenic islands of the Adriatic and Mediterranean and transit Greece's Corinth Canal. Most shore excursions are included in the fare as well.
This cruise experience will definitely be a life-enhancer for you, and allow you to get up close and personal with the ruins and villages where history was made.
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