Inside look at NCL's Gem

I just recently returned from New York where I had the privilege of attending the naming ceremony of the brand new Norwegian Gem. In keeping with NCL's ongoing commitment to think and act out of the box, the Godmother of the ship was chosen in a unique fashion. Instead of the traditional naming conducted by a celebrity or member of a royal family, the sparkling new ship was christened by the winner of the NCL "IT" girl video contest. It was a case of "You Tube Meets Family Feud" so to speak. Loyal female NCL cruisers (sorry guys) were asked to submit a creative video about why they wanted to be the NCL "IT" girl based on the GEM's marketing buzz word ad campaign. The winner was Cindy Cardella, a 31 year mother of 3 from New Jersey. She got to pull the magic lever (from inside the theatre because it was 30 degrees outside) that smashed the traditional giant champagne bottle against the ship. We then sailed out for a 2 night cruise for the trade and press that showcased the amenities of the ship.

For those who haven't cruised on NCL recently or just don't get the whole "Freestyle" thing, the ship is a great example of the evolution of the cruise industry. First seating is when you want to go to dinner and so is second seating. You can eat at 7:11 PM or 9:23 PM. Dining in the two main restaurants as well Tequila Latin, The Garden Café, La Cucina, Blue Lagoon and Topsiders is included in the fare. Many traditional cruisers balk at "paying for food" on a cruise but I think of the $15 or $20 cover charge as the gratuity for the staff. Can you dine in a good restaurant ashore for $30 to $40 for two? No way. On the GEM, the alternate dining venues include the Tepanaki (think Benihana at Sea), Sushi Asian, The Bistro (chic European) or Cagney's Steak House. So many choices you will think you have found Bliss. But not so, because Bliss is the name of the nightclub complex on deck 6 that incorporates a disco, South Beach style lounging and ersatz VIP rooms AND 4 regulation bowling alleys. Throw in a few slot machines and you've got one very unique venue. And everyone makes it past the velvet ropes!

The truth of the matter is that Freestyle is not for everyone. Some people just like being told when and where to eat. And frankly, to see the various shows does require some degree of scheduling. But at the end of the day, if cruisers take the time to understand in advance how the system works and appreciate the ultimate in on board flexibility they get hooked on the Freestyle Cruise concept for life.

And the suites on the GEM are to die for. In fact, NCL has the largest suites at sea, including the magnificent 3 bedroom 5,000 + square foot Garden Villa complex replete with butler, private hot tub and sun deck. Billed as a "cruise with a cruise" the two Garden Villas are joined by equally exciting, if somewhat less enormous, Courtyard Villas, Penthouses, Owner's and Romance Suites.

NCL is a company on a tremendous fast track. Just a few years ago, the company operated older ships, had lost a little of its luster and struggled financially. Today under it's aggressive leadership team and buoyed by a $1 billion dollar investment by Apollo Management (who also owns majority interest in Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises), Norwegian Cruise Line operates the youngest fleet of ships in the cruise industry with two more "F3" class ships to be introduced over the next four years.

So, cast off the lines because you ain't seen nothing yet!

To see more of NCL’s Gem, click here

Europe with Your Family

Planning a family vacation? Not sure where to go? Well don’t mark Europe off your list of potential destinations. It’s a common misconception that traveling to Europe with the kids is a daunting task. And it’s easy to see why many people feel this way. Ten hour flights, different hotels every night and days of exotic foreign food are enough to make any kid just a little cranky. Throw in a Dad who has to lug the suitcases and a Mom who watches her wallet shrinking, it's no wonder that an excursion to SeaWorld might be preferable.

But traveling to Europe with your family can be easy…and dare I say it…fun! Cruises are a great way to see several European destinations without the hassle of a typical land tour. With the introduction of new European itineraries from some of the more family friendly cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you and your family can take a trip that they’ll remember forever.

The pros
You get to stay in the same place every night! No packing and unpacking, long bus or train rides or uncertainty. After exploring the port, it’s back to your ship and all the comforts of home. Your picky eaters will get to enjoy those American classics they love, making dinner time that much easier. And let’s not forget that all your meals on board are included in every cruise you take, easing "Euro menu sticker shock". Somewhere, ashore tonight, there is a family paying $30 per person for fish and chips!

Children's programs for all age ranges and babysitting services allow travelers time to mingle with their peers and make new friends, plus offers the adults some time alone.
There are also occasional days at sea to recuperate and rest your weary feet. Touring different cities day after day can become tiresome for the little ones so it’s nice to have time to enjoy all the amenities of the ship and rest up

And let’s not forget the greatest "pro" of them all…You’re in Europe!!! Most ports in Europe are steeped in history and beauty and will make your vacation educational as well as fun. I know, education may not be a big selling point to the kids while planning, but there is something exciting about actually getting to see all the places your kids have only read about in school. Cruise lines offer many different types of shore excursions at each port so it’s a breeze to pick some that will satisfy even the toughest critic in your bunch!

The Cons
There’s no way around it. Until technology catches up with our imaginations, you will have to take a plane to get to your departure port. But modern technology has made these trips a little easier. Personal TVs, portable DVD players, i-pods and the like all help to entertain you and the kids. While flying business class for the whole group may be a tad expensive, foreign flag airlines tend to offer a bit more legroom in the back because their planes are used for virtually 100% international travel. Book flights early and be sure to check your airlines web site to make sure your seats are away from the lavatories and galleys. A good web site to check out "best seats" is www.SeatGuru.com It may also be a good idea to book an overnight flight so that you will be more inclined to sleep for a large portion of the journey.
The second con is that you don’t get to spend all long days in some ports. Most stops are from 8 to 10 hours in each city. This may not give you and your family enough time to see every single sight in the port. It’s best to think of these kinds of cruises like an appetizer sampler at your favorite restaurant. You’ll get to have the best of the choices, but you may have to come back a couple times if you want to try the whole menu.

So while you’re planning your next family trip, take a look at the many Europe cruises available. They’re an easy, exciting and relatively affordable way to take your family to new destinations around the world!

Shore Excursions: A Beginner’s Guide

Many first time cruisers often wonder if they should buy shore excursions directly from their cruise line or just wing it when they get to the port. And while there will always some discord among experienced cruisers, most will give you the same answer: It depends on what you want to do and where you are going!
When planning your cruise and excursions it is important to ask yourself about your personal traveling preferences. A little research about the ports themselves will also go a long way. Here’s a quick and easy guide on picking travel excursions.

Step 1: Take a look at your itinerary and do your research
Almost every cruise line has a description of the highlights of each port and what shore excursions will be offered from the cruise line. Also there are various online sites dedicated to providing information on destination ports. Using these tools, you can find the options available for you and your traveling companions.

Step 2: Decide on which excursions and spots appeal to you
After looking at all your options, pick a few that hold your interest. You may decide on a walking tour through the city, snorkeling with the kids, or a bus tour of the historical sites.

Step 3: Compare the benefits and potential downsides
Now that you have decided on what type of excursions you are interested in, you are ready to make some decisions. This is the time when your personal preferences come into play. Do you like organized outings? Will you worry about missing the ship? If you answered yes to these two questions then a cruise line sponsored excursion is probably your safest best. These excursions often provide guides, some inclement weather insurance, and a guarantee that the cruise line will know exactly where you are and will wait if your tour is delayed. But if these two factors don’t faze you then you may want to consider other arrangements. Here are some tips:
Beach/Shopping/Local Bars: These often can be done without purchasing the excursion from the cruise line. Taxis and vans will be waiting outside the pier to take you to a number of destinations. You can just tell them what you had in mind and they will take you there and often come back to pick you up (but don’t pay them the return fare until after they drop you back off at the port). This option is especially great for ports that your research has shown is relatively safe and has nearby attractions
Water sports and city tours: With these tours you can find several options. Excursions are available from the cruise line, before you depart from home from an independent tour company or directly at the pier upon disembarking from the ship. These independent tour companies often offer the same tours at a lower price, but do not have the same guarantees that come with purchasing a tour from the cruise line. Choosing one of these tours does involve some risk on your part. They may take you to a substandard area, not provide quality tours or may be late in returning you back to the ship. If you choose to go this route it is important to use your best judgment and instincts. If you feel uncomfortable with the tour provider at any time, do not book with them or ask to be returned back to your ship.
Destination Excursions: Sites like museums, historical places or natural attractions, especially in regions like Europe and Alaska, are often best seen with a knowledgeable tour guide. This is especially true if the attraction is a "must see" part of your trip. In this case, don’t risk it. Book the excursion with your cruise line. You’ll feel better knowing you’ll visit the exact places you want to see with a reliable tour operator. And often times, the organized shore excursions from the ships offer priority entrance and tickets to traditionally high demand attractions.
After your cruise: If you are looking to book an excursion for your pre or post cruise vacation, check out GreatPorts. They provide great information on all the attractions in every North American departure port as well as information on reliable independent tour operators.

A Look at the Queen

The much anticipated arrival of Cunard’s Queen Victoria is finally here. And Cunard fans couldn’t be happier. The hype and excitement over this new ship has been discussed for months now on almost every cruise media available .The christening of this ship took place yesterday by the Duchess of Cornwall and she’ll set sail on her maiden voyage on today.

So why all the hoopla over the Victoria? In the days of mega ships and every amenity imaginable available, it may seem somewhat surprising that cruisers are so excited by a ship that is relatively small in comparison. Weighing in at 90,000 tons, the Victoria is much smaller than the adored Queen Mary 2. And this is a key selling point for the many Cunard fans. One of the main criticisms of the Queen Mary is that the ship is too large and impersonal. This new, smaller vessel is said to focus on elegance and superior service that is reminiscent of the classic cruise liners of the past. And sneak peeks of the ship lead me to believe the designers may be right on target.

One of the grand features on the Victoria is the ballroom. Called the Queen’s Room, it boasts gold-leafed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and even hand-crafted inlaid wood floors. The ship also has the first at sea two story library complete with a spiraling staircase, a two floor shopping area and an authentic British Pub.

If elegance is the name of the game, then the Queen Victoria seems to be right on track. But will she live up to all the hype? I am certainly ready to hear what the inaugural passengers have to say. As always, we’ll keep you posted!

The Great Debate

Royal Caribbean’s new Genesis class ship will launch in October 2009. And with this new behemoth of a ship comes a vast array of questions. “Where will it dock?” and “Will it be too congested” are two of the top contenders. Considering the massive increase in the size of these ships (with the Freedom class measuring 154,000 tons to the Genesis class ships with a record breaking 220,000 tons), these questions definitely hold some weight.
Royal Caribbean has announced that both of the new ships will reside in Port Everglades, requiring one of the terminals to be remodeled to accommodate this influx of passengers. And who’s going to pay for this remodel? You guessed it! All future passengers will pay a surcharge of $5.70 when they arrive and leave. This is on top of the $9.95 port user charge that every passenger currently pays.
Is it fair? I guess that depends on how you look at it. This editor is a huge fan of Royal Caribbean’s city like ships, so I’m happy to pay the fee to travel on what will be the largest ship in the world. In the grand scheme of things, it just means I’ll skip those last two poolside Bahama Mama’s. But what about those of you that are skeptical? Is the fee worth it? Will you even like traveling with 5,000+ of your closest friends?
This is one of those crucial moments where you must reflect on what you value from a cruise vacation. Ask yourself the question “What is my favorite part of a cruise?” If your answer was a small ship atmosphere, with numerous intimate lounges and extremely personalized service, well then this class of ships may not be for you. But if onboard activities, fun atmosphere or sultry Caribbean ports came to mind, then these ships just might be your cup of tea.
One major task that Royal Caribbean will face is how they will manage this huge increase in passengers onboard. Dining arrangements and tender services are going to require a major overhaul as well as embarkation and disembarkation procedures. It will be interesting to see how they plan to serve 5,000 prime rib dinners in the typical 4 hour period allotted for dining. My guess? They’ll introduce multiple dining times and several dinning rooms along with multiple tender areas around the ship. Or follow in NCL’s footsteps and have open seating and allow passengers to choose times for disembarkation. This is also where the new surcharge comes in to play. $11.40 seems like a small price to pay for a more efficient embarkation terminal and system. Royal Caribbean’s plans are not yet published, but we’ll keep you posted as information becomes available. As for me, put my name on the passenger list! I know where I’ll be cruising in 2009.

Happy Sailing!
Michelle

From the Jungle to the Small Screen…

Well kind of! We’re proud to announce that Cruise Jungle has formed a partnership with VBN.tv to bring you all some great cruise related videos.

Coming soon, Jungle fans will be able to watch videos and programs featuring some of the worlds largest and most exciting cruise lines. The programs will be on-demand and interactive to give our viewers a whole new perspective on cruising. Currently VBN.tv broadcasts interactive children’s and family programming for entertainment and educational purposes. I’m personally excited to see what kind of insider tips and on-board videos are in store for us. This is a whole new way to find information on the cruising industry. We’ll keep you posted on when the first videos will be available. Until then, visit VBN.tv or check out our cruise line videos available on the site. www.cruisejungle.com/web/cj/video

Happy Sailing!

Cruise Fuel Surchages in Perspective

There has been a lot of discussion in the marketplace about cruise lines adding fuel surcharges to their rates. While no one likes surprises, it is important to note that most lines have absorbed staggering fuel cost increases for the last 18 months and are now in effect "correcting" for the future prices. In actuality most surcharges are in the range of $6 per day. One could say that this equates to one fancy drink with umbrella per day.

In perspective, I just opened my electric bill. My actual electric was $88.30 but the surcharges added another $20 plus to the bill. That sounds like almost a 25% surcharge. And hotels and rental cars - forget about it! So a $42 surcharge on a $1200 one week cruise is not so bad after all.

Save Money on Cruise Ship Parking

If you are driving to a port to embark on your cruise there is not much you can do to save on the cost of fuel. But there are some things that you can do to save on the cost of parking. There are three options that you have when arriving in your port city – A. Park at the pier B. Park off site at a nearby lot or C. Stay in a hotel before or after your cruise that offers a "parking package". The cost for parking at the pier can run as high as $20 per day but often local lots charge less than half of this and will shuttle you to the terminal. If you are considering taking advantage of the local attractions before or after your cruise, then a hotel cruise and parking package is a good option. The cost of the room might be slightly more than a week's worth of parking at the pier but spending your "parking money" on a pre-cruise hotel is a good idea. There is a good resource for offsite parking at http://www.GreatPorts.com

Enjoy the holidays on a Carnival "Fun Ship!"

In my last blog posting I mentioned the many benefits of taking a Christmas/Hanukah and/or New Year’s sailing. All the work done for you, as well as it being cost-effective, hassle-free and a wonderful time for families to “reconnect” while having a fun and relaxed time, as opposed to doing all the work yourselves! While everyone is back home getting stressed, you will be blissfully at sea, getting pampered! You can even do your Christmas shopping in those fabulous Caribbean duty-free shops!

I will start here with Carnival Cruise Lines and in the next week or so continue with the other major cruise lines, so I hope you check back and let me know if you have any questions.

All of Carnival Cruise Lines’ 22 ships will operate holiday cruises in 2007, and each will have oversized Christmas trees, wreaths and other traditional touches. There will also be special programs as well as entertainment.

These special holiday cruises are of various duration and will include four- and five-day Caribbean/Bahamas cruises from Miami; four-day Baja cruises from Long Beach, CA; seven-day Caribbean cruises from Miami and five- and seven-day Caribbean cruises from Tampa.

When boarding the “Fun Ships,” passengers will find themselves in a festive ambiance, with the atrium and promenade areas decorated for the holidays. A highlight of these cruises is an elaborate revue in each ships’ main show lounge evoking a “home away from home” atmosphere with cozy sets featuring faux oversized fireplaces, large comfortable sofas, Christmas trees with decorations created by the kids from the “Camp Carnival” program, and, of course, a visit from Santa! There will also be caroling with both guests and crew strolling throughout the ship singing classic and contemporary holiday songs, while popular holiday-themed movies such as “The Polar Express” are shown on the in-stateroom televisions. It's a lot of fun!

Best of all, no cooking! Holiday menus include the traditional oven roasted turkey with all the trimmings and freshly baked pecan pie, among many other selections.

On New Year’s cruises, there are celebrations, including the traditional countdown and complimentary noisemakers, party favors and champagne and you don’t have to worry about enjoying the bubbly and then having to drive home!

These sailings are a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the “Fun Ships” to the fullest and enjoy the family during the holidays. Check with your cruise specialist about these sailings, as they book up quickly and before you know it, the holidays will be upon us!

Do you believe it is already mid-October? While many, especially those fortunate enough to live where there are beautiful fall foliage colors look forward to this time of year, dread can quickly set in when remembering the holiday season will be here before you know it.

Of course, you could look forward to a cruise over the Christmas/Hanukkah/New Year’s holidays, as well as Thanksgiving. How does the Caribbean sound? More and more people are turning to these holiday cruises, as they are totally hassle-free -- and they are fun!

Imagine the holidays without crowded stores, supermarkets, cooking, loading the dishwasher and not having to entertain all those relatives? Does being catered to on a cruise in the Caribbean with the gentle tropical breezes of the tradewinds, the scent of tropical flowers and the magnificent ports of the Caribbean, each with its own special charm, sound enjoyable to you? You could even do all your Christmas shopping there in the countless duty-free shops!

Thanks to many of the cruise lines, this does not have to be a fantasy! In fact, it is the perfect solution for extended families to also make this into a family reunion, with none of the hassles. There are specially prepared menus, including Christmas dinner, lighting of the candles for the Menorah and of course, Santa and gifts! All you have to do is enjoy the holidays and the family.

The New Year’s cruise is also celebrated onboard and what could be more fun than counting down to the New Year, enjoying some bubbly, without having to worry about driving home. There are onboard parties and there is nothing better than celebrating at sea.

In the next few weeks, I will be writing about what some of the cruise lines are doing more specifically for the holidays, so start thinking now about how you want to spend them, doing all the work or having someone do everything for you while you are pampered in the sunny Caribbean. These holiday cruises book up quickly; so don’t wait until next year for a holiday at sea.

If you have experienced a “holiday at sea,” please share you experience with us. Was it enjoyable for you? Did the entire family go? Would you do it again?

Prices Fall this Autumn on Repositioning Cruises!

If you’re looking for a good deal on a cruise, and who isn’t, this is a great time to find them. During the fall there cruise lines have what are called “repositioning cruises,” when cruise lines move their ships from one part of the world to another due to the change in seasons. For instance, many ships sailing in Alaska and Europe are returning to warmer climes for the next sailing season.

This may mean a repositioning transatlantic sailing from Europe with some European port calls, a crossing of the “Big Pond” as well as some Caribbean calls before arriving in Fort Lauderdale, Miami or wherever their winter homeport is. This allows for a lot of sea days, which may not be for everybody, but many people love, because they get to completely relax and enjoy the sea experience. Of course, there are plenty of onboard amenities, if you choose to enjoy them or simply do nothing at all!

Ships repositioning from Alaska typically sail via the Panama Canal to warmer weather ports and some from Canada do trans-Pacific crossings to Hawaii.

The reason I am telling you this is most of the cruise lines offer excellent discounted rates on these cruises, so contact your cruise specialist and get all the details! A fall cruise is a great way to relax pre-holidays and get a very good deal at the same time.

Serenity for adults-only on Carnival Inspiration

OK, you love cruising with the family and you want to see the kids have the time of their lives you promised them, but let’s face it, you could use a break from them too! Don’t feel guilty, I bet every parent onboard feels that way and is looking for a little “alone” time, aka quiet, with no kids!

If you have heard yourself looking toward the heavens, as in Seinfeld, pleading for “serenity now,” you are in luck! Carnival Cruise Lines, which has earned a reputation as a great family cruise lines with its “Fun Ships,” now has a special adults-only area, aptly named “Serenity” on its Carnival Inspiration.

This is the first of Carnival’s ships to offer this special area, which is located aft in a secluded section. You can completely relax in this quiet private part of the ship, where there are special plush chaise lounges and chairs. If you want some shade, there are also large umbrellas.

If you think it can’t get more peaceful, think again. How does relaxing in a whirlpool sound? Carnival has put two there, so there really is no reason not to relax.

But wait, it gets better! The “Serenity” area also boasts complete bar service, so as you laze in the sun (or shade!), waiters will bring you your choice of ice cold cocktails and frozen drinks. The casual Lido Restaurant is nearby, if you desire a snack or meal.

So now, if you want a change from all the activities offered on Carnival Inspiration, you have a close-by retreat: “Serenity.”

Let me know your thoughts on this! Do you look for an adults-only area or do you want to be where your kids are?

Extravagant Dinner on Crystal Serenity this October

Upscale Crystal Cruises, which always caters to its guests, has come up with something very special. For those interested, there will be a unique dinner, the most extravagant they have offered up to now. If you like to grab a quick pizza for dinner or some sushi, this is not for you. But for others, this experience will be a dream come true!

The dinner will be held on the October 6, 2007, sailing of the Crystal Serenity, so if you want to partake in this unique experience, you better book your cruise NOW.

The sailing, from romantic Istanbul to Athens, will allow true connoisseurs to indulge in an extravagant menu prepared by acclaimed Master Chef Anton Mosimann, paired with the world's most exceptional vintages presented by Master Sommelier and President of the Guild of Master Sommelier Fred Dame. Due to the rarity of the wines, this one-of-kind event is priced at $1,250 per person, the highest price the line has ever charged for an onboard Vintage Room Dinner.

A nearly impossible-to-get 1961 German Riesling and a 1959 Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac (rated 100 by Robert Parker) are among the seven superb wines to be showcased during Crystal Cruises' second Ultimate Vintage Room Dinner. Available for up to a maximum of 14 guests in Crystal Serenity's intimate Vintage Room, the event must be booked on board through the dining room maitre d'. The first Ultimate Vintage Room Dinner, which debuted on Crystal Symphony in May 2007 at a price of $1,000 per person, sold out within hours of its onboard announcement."Pairing the most celebrated of wines with a meal prepared by one of the most decorated chefs in the world offers an unprecedented experience at sea," says Toni Neumeister, Crystal Cruises' vice president, food & beverage operations. "Crystal's Ultimate Vintage Room Dinners were conceived to satisfy and surprise connoisseurs. Our luxury guests treasure exceptional experiences - but that experience has to be authentically memorable."The October menu features the following wines:* Krug, Vintage Brut, Reims, France 1990 * Riesling, Auslese, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, J.J. Prüm, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany 1961 * Chevalier-Montrachet, Grand Cru, Domaine Leflaive, Burgundy, France 1998 * Barbaresco, Angelo Gaja, Piedmont, Italy 1989 * Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France 1959 * Grange Hermitage, Penfolds, South Australia 1986 * Graham's Vintage Port, Portugal 1955 Food courses include:* Goutte d'or, Coriander and Ginger * Steamed Scallops Mâitre Lurkin * Risotto ai Funghi * Vacherin Cheese * Mille-Feuilles with Red Berries, Cardamom Ice Cream Since 2003 Crystal Cruises has been offering wine-makers dinners in the specially designed Vintage Rooms aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. The head sommelier or guest wine experts guide guests through the experience, providing insights on where the wines were made, the aging process and why it works with a particular dish. The wine-makers dinners are offered several times each cruise for approximately $180+ per person, depending on the wines chosen. The Ultimate Vintage Room Dinners will only be scheduled a few times per year. The Crystal DifferenceAboard the ultra-luxurious ships of Crystal Cruises, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and quality, providing worldwide vacations that bridge the best of land and sea.

Health and Fitness at Sea

For a growing number of travelers, a vacation is no time to leave health and fitness behind. For them, paradise includes a spa, fitness facilities and nutritious, healthy cuisine. Increasingly, that paradise is to be found on a cruise ship.

Among approximately 175 cruise ships belonging to members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the majority has been built since 2000 and almost all have health and fitness facilities, with full-sized luxury spas and shipboard sports facilities among the major features of the larger vessels. More important, virtually every CLIA member ship offers delicious "spa cuisine" or other healthy dining selections, often in a choice of restaurants and dining rooms, and innovative wellness, exercise and fitness programs. Many lines even offer theme cruises focusing on wellness and featuring some of the world's top fitness, wellness and culinary experts. The result is exciting, new opportunities for travelers to go on vacation and rejuvenate their mind, body and soul.

In 2007 and 2008, many CLIA member lines will offer fitness, holistic or wellness programs - both on board ships and on land - and themed cruises throughout the world, from the Caribbean and Europe to Asia, Scandinavia, the Pacific, Alaska and Canada. Here is a sampling:

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
Completely revamped "Spa Carnival Fare" culinary offerings incorporate the latest trends in gourmet preparation, ingredients and presentation to create the ultimate in healthy fine dining options. The new selections are featured on all dining room menus and include nearly 50 salads, appetizers, soups, entrees and desserts. In addition, Carnival and Shape and Men's Health magazines have teamed up for the fourth annual "Mind/Body Cruise" on Carnival Conquest, departing from Galveston December 2. The seven-day voyage will include fitness and wellness seminars, cooking demonstrations and nutritional workshops.

COSTA CRUISES
Guests will experience a true mind and body overhaul on Costa's "Holistic Holiday at Sea" aboard the Costa Fortuna. Departing from Fort Lauderdale on March 30, 2008, the seven-day cruise will feature world-renowned teachers and authors, more than 50 workshops on vegan and macrobiotic cooking, shiatsu massage, meditation, cancer prevention, heart disease and other topics. The Caribbean voyage includes stops in San Juan, St. Maarten, Tortola and Grand Turk.

CRYSTAL CRUISES
Crystal Serenity will offer a rejuvenating Caribbean journey for "Mind, Body and Spirit" over Thanksgiving this year. The 11-day voyage, departing from Miami on November 19, will feature renowned Tai Chi and yoga masters, fitness expert Debbie Rocker and a health specialist from the Cleveland Clinic as well as Crystal's signature "Walk on Water"
program and professional golf instruction. In 2008, a number of theme cruises will also address the topic of health and fitness, in addition to two "Mind, Body and Spirit" sailings, including three expanded golf cruises, and a ten-day transatlantic crossing in November featuring "Big Band & Ballroom Dancing."

CUNARD LINE
Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 features the only Canyon Ranch SpaClub(r) at sea, offering 24 massage, body and skin care treatment rooms, a gymnasium and weight room with more than 50 pieces of cardio and weight-training equipment, a juice bar, and men's and women's locker rooms. Canyon Ranch SpaClub also offers a vast selection of spa treatments, fitness classes and the only chiropractic services at sea.
Complimentary Canyon Ranch lectures take place on every voyage and cover a wide range of subjects including exercise, nutrition, osteoporosis, digestive concerns, aging, living with cancer, and motivation. All three main dining rooms offer specially designed Canyon Ranch SpaClub menu choices for those that want delicious tasting nutritious meals.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Fitness and health are high priorities on all Holland America cruises, with each ship offering a comprehensive fitness program featuring such special activities as Pilates, indoor cycling, yoga and Tai Chi coming in 2008. Shipboard Greenhouse Spas and beauty salons offer a full menu of massage, skin therapy, body rituals and extensive water therapies in the Thermal Suites and Hydrotherapy Pools. The ships' Fitness Center classes include Kickboxing, Step Aerobics, Fit Ball, Core Training, Fab Abs, Circuit Training, Total Body Conditioning, Stretch & Relax, and Sit & Be Fit. Fleet wide dining offers healthy lifestyle options at every meal.

MSC CRUISES
Guests on MSC Cruises are offered numerous opportunities for cruises with wellness, fitness and organic food and wine themes. Among the shipboard programs are: in-depth study of massage techniques and beauty treatments, "well-being" packages with Balinese and Thai massage, reflexology and ayurveda, group fitness programs, special healthy menus, even "well-being" cocktails. This year, the MSC Opera will offer a wellness cruise from Copenhagen beginning September 13; the MSC Lirica will feature an organic food and wine theme on a seven-day sailing from Genoa on September 29, and MSC Sinfonia will feature fitness on its eight-day sailing from Buenos Aires on December 9. These themes will be repeated in 2008.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Healthy cruising on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) encompasses nutritious dining options and fitness activities to suit every type of cruiser.
NCL's Freestyle Cruising allows guests to enjoy up to 10 restaurants on each ship with cooked-to-order meals and no fixed seating times, and healthy menu options ranging from appetizers to desserts are available thanks to a partnership with Cooking Light. The ships' 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness centers, swimming pools, basketball courts and putting greens are complemented by activities such as Pilates, aerobics, yoga and spinning. On NCL's newest ships, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem (October 2007), guests can even try their hand at on-board rock climbing walls and enjoy the first-ever bowling alleys at sea.

PRINCESS CRUISES
Princess Cruises offers passengers the opportunity to stay active during their vacation with an extensive selection of exercise classes, fitness programs and gym supervision. Specialized fitness opportunities include personal training and consultation sessions and a series of health and nutrition seminars. Classes include Step Xpress, Total Body Conditioning, Xpress Circuit, yoga, Pilates, pulse cycling, KickBoXpress, aerobic dance and power walking. More advanced options include one-on-one training, body composition analysis and a Chakra balancing capsule. In addition, shipboard restaurants offer a diverse selection of Lotus Spa menu selections.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
In addition to its shipboard Carita Spas, which offer an extensive range of physical regimens, including health and revitalization, Regent Seven Seas will offer two wellness themed cruises in 2008 on the Seven Seas Voyager. Departing May 26 and June 2, the Mediterranean itineraries will feature a "Circle of Interest" program led by the renowned wellness guru Oz Garcia and his brother Albert. Focusing on their specialty, anti-aging and longevity, the Oz brothers will offer personal consultations onboard and wellness-themed excursions onshore.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
Royal Caribbean gives cruisers a "total mind, body and soul vacation"
through its new Vitality program. Introduced on the line's two newest ships - Liberty of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas, the program provides an integrated approach to wellness incorporating all aspects of the cruise experience. Vitality pairs new fitness classes and spa treatments with food choices, such as Vitality menu selections on the line's trans-fat free menus, energy bars, protein shakes and Tazo teas.
Other features include seminars on stress and relaxation, weight management, health and fitness, and land-based activities, such as New Balance self-guided jogging trails at ports-of-call and the Dragon's Breath Flight Line on Labadee, the line's private beach destination in Haiti.

SEABOURN CRUISE LINE
"Pure Pampering" is a complimentary program of "shamelessly sybaritic services" on Seabourn yachts. The program includes a menu of five soothing and revitalizing Molton Brown therapeutic bathing experiences, with the option of having the bath drawn by the guests' personal suite stewardess. There is a Sensual Bath that is perfect for sharing; an invigorating Ginseng Bath featuring the restorative powers of Brazilian ginseng; a warming Eucalyptus Bath; the Yuan Zhi Peacemaker Bath for calming and soothing the mind; and the Oceanic Stress-Relieving Bath, with the healing properties of Dead Sea salts, seaweeds and horse chestnut extracts.

SILVERSEA CRUISES
Integrating classes in nutrition and exercise, fitness activities, spa therapies and healthy dining options, Silversea's new "Wellness Program"
creates the opportunity for complete rejuvenation of mind, body and soul while at sea. The program is incorporated into the line's new "Spa at Silversea" concept, offering a more personalized and holistic spa experience that focuses on the guest's individual needs and lifestyle.
In addition, the fitness centers aboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper have been expanded, adding 300 square feet for new cardiovascular training equipment. A comprehensive fitness regimen includes workout programs such as aerobics, Pilates, circuit training and yoga that are paired with a daily collection of light and low-carb menu selections created by Silversea's master chefs.

Leave the steamer trunk at home when you cruise!

There are really no 'dress codes' on cruise ships but more like guidelines to assist you in bringing the right items. Having traveled with a spouse and two teen age daughters, this writer is, however, painfully aware of the cruise shoe formula – take the number of cruise days and multiply by 5. How else could one possibly pack 35 pairs of shoes for a one week voyage?
But seriously, less is often more on a cruise. The style of ship you have selected usually dictates the way that passengers dress. The shorter and less expensive cruises skew toward very casual and the longer cruises on luxury ships tend to be more formal. Speaking of formal, most cruise ships have at least one gala night where passengers generally dress their best. Does this mean tuxedos and evening gowns? Yes, you will find these in evidence on longer cruises but the trend is to allow more freedom of choice on ships and this translates to dress guidelines that suggest instead of require formal wear. The dark suit or even sport jacket and tie seems to be edging out the tuxedo and dinner jacket. And even on gala night most ships offer an alternate dining venue for people who just plain refuse to dress up.
The best place to get some hints as to the suggested dress on board is in the Welcome Aboard materials provided by the cruise lines prior to your trip. But again, keep in mind that these are created to cover broad a spectrum of diverse guests. In almost all cases, shorts, bathing suits and t-shirts are banned from the main dining room at dinner time.
Ladies should remember to bring a sweater or shawl because the public rooms may be chilly.
Ashore, clothing suggestions depend a lot on what part of the world you are in. In the tropics, shorts, t-shirts and jeans (basically everything you are not supposed to wear in the ship’s dining room) are fine ashore in a beach environment. In Europe and Asia, travelers tend to be more conservative. And if your shore excursions include a visit to a cathedral or house of worship, bare shoulders or abbreviated wear for the ladies may result in denied entry. The shore excursion or purser’s staff can provide specific guidance on board. And always check to see that at least one pair of those 35 pairs of shoes are COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES. Navigating the stairway of the Sistine Chapel in stiletto heels would be an excursion of its own!
When packing, again, less is more for a cruise. Most first time cruisers report back that they used about half of what they brought. Veteran cruisers try to see how little baggage they can get away with. Somewhere in between will probably work for you. Most of the medium to larger ships offer laundry and pressing service. And some of them have self-service laundry facilities (although we don’t think most people consider doing laundry a fun vacation event.) Take a lot of mix and match clothes based on the length and style of your cruise. A folding umbrella is always a good idea.
Planning is the most important part of the packing process. Don’t throw your suitcases on the bed the night before you leave and start to toss everything you own inside them. Remember, during many parts of the trip, YOU will have to drag, roll, or coax them to their check in point.
So to summarize: Make a list. Take half the stuff off the list. Divide by 2 and you have the ideal amount of cruise wear for your trip! A good rule of thumb is that if you find your travel mate looking in the yellow pages under 'Moving and Storage Companies' instead of 'Taxi and Limo services', you may have packed too much! Bon voyage.

Delta Queen to cease Rolling on the River

The historic Delta Queen steamboat will sail its last season in 2008 after Congress failed to enact legislation to extend the vessel’s exemption to modern fire safety rules.
Majestic America Line plans a farewell season with events that will commemorate the ship’s 80 years of service on the rivers, said president David Giersdorf. A company spokeswoman told Seatrade Insider that plans for the paddlewheeler beyond 2008 have not been firmed.

Built in 1926, the Delta Queen sports a steel hull and a wood superstructure. Subsequent fire safety regulations prohibited wooden superstructures, but Congress decided more than 40 years ago to provide a special exemption for the Delta Queen.
Lawmakers extended the exemption on six occasions. The current exemption is due to expire in November next year and Congress did not extend it despite a campaign that highlighted the vessel’s spotless safety record.

How to get a cruise cabin upgrade

Norwegian Cruise Line launched a new promotion, ‘Pity the Procrastinator,’ which offers a free best available stateroom upgrade at the time of booking. The offer is applicable fleetwide on inside, ocean-view or balcony categories for most fall 2007 and winter 2008 sailings.

The promotion is aimed at motivating customers to ‘hurry up and book.’ NCL said the deal provides the lowest price for an inside, ocean-view or balcony stateroom, with customers automatically receiving the best available stateroom within that category at the time. Those who don’t procrastinate could receive up to an 11-category upgrade free, NCL noted.

Cruise News You Can Use

Fun Ships to remain in the Big Easy
Carnival Cruise Lines and the Port of New Orleans announced a two-year contract with an option to renew the deal for an additional two-year period, the cruise line said today.

The current contract is retroactive to October 2006, and if the two-year extension is renewed, Carnival would sail regularly in the Crescent City through 2010, the line said.

Under the terms of the contract, Carnival said, the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy would make at least 70 annual calls at New Orleans' Erato Street Cruise Terminal, sailing four- and five-day cruises to the western Caribbean year-round, visiting Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

Carnival also said that it plans to hold its quarterly meeting of national sales managers on Sept. 24 and 25 in New Orleans in order to highlight the city's rebounding tourism industry to its leading sales personnel.


Get an early start on 2008 River Cruises and save
Uniworld, one of the most popular river cruise operators has announced a special discount program for early bookers that covers a variety of 2008 departures. By booking and depositing on your river cruise before November 30, 2007 you can save up to $600 per couple.

The $600 savings program is available on these itineraries:
Eastern European Explorer (2008) European Jewels (2008) European Serenade (2008) Grand Christmas and New Years Cruise (2008) Grand European Discovery (2008) Grand European Explorer (2008) Grand European Serenade (2008) Grand France (2008) Legendary Rhine & Moselle (2008)

Call your cruise specialist for all the details.


Clink, then Drink
Celebrity Cruises has announced a new partnership with Riedel, a manufacturer of finely-tuned crystal glasses, to ensure cruise holiday passengers the highest level of elegance while tasting wine on board its vessels.Starting in mid August, guests on Celebrity ships will be able to take part in an official Riedel comparative wine workshop during their cruise. Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, vice president of entertainment at Celebrity Cruises, said: "We constantly strive to deliver a comfortably sophisticated vacation to our guests and becoming the first cruise line to offer the unforgettable Riedel tastings onboard is a tremendous opportunity for us."She added that wine tasting has become an increasingly popular excursion for its passengers, with the partnership with Riedel offering a new level of graceful style on their cruise holiday.Earlier this month, Celebrity Cruises reported that its guests would be able to enjoy a number of valuable works of contemporary art as part of its recently-launched self-guided art tours.

Alaska Cruise Boom to continue in 2008
Alaska’s biggest cruise and tour operator, Princess Cruises, is giving travellers even more reasons to visit the land of ice with the launch in 2008 of new longer ‘Connoisseur’ sailings.
The boutique 670-passenger Tahitian Princess – the ‘baby’ of Princess’ Alaskan fleet - will swap palms and blue lagoons for spruce trees and ice-blue glaciers when she debuts in the region next year to offer the line’s first two-week, eight-port sojourns in Alaska. She is one of eight Princess cruise ships to sail on Alaskan voyages in 2008, offering more passenger capacity than any other line.
Designed to attract nature lovers seeking a complete Alaskan experience as well as past visitors keen to see more of America’s largest and wildest State, the new ‘Connoisseur Voyages’ will sail round-trip from Vancouver and showcase hidden gems not featured on shorter Alaskan cruises.
New ports featured include Kodiak with its famous brown bears, the breathtaking Kenai Fjords of Seward and Alaska’s ‘Little Switzerland’ at Valdez in addition to the popular ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Victoria and a day in Alaska’s number one attraction, Glacier Bay.
In total, the 2008 Alaska line-up for Princess Cruises will feature 135 sailings through Alaska.

Ice Skating in the Caribbean????

A bevy of international ice skating champions have signed to star in Willy Bietak's new ice skating musical production "Encore" - to be featured on the Royal Caribbean's Liberty Of The Seas which will sail the Caribbean this summer and fall 2007.

Among the International skating champions to be featured in the new Bietak ice skating musical extravaganza 'Encore- include Angela Vandermissen and Brandee Malto from the United States; Tim Pulin, Valery Medvedev, Anastaia Diveeva and Alexey Merkulov from Russia; and Annie Laurie, Marc-Olivier Bosse, Jodeyne Higgins and Sean Rice from Canada. The 'Encore- musical production has been created by Willy Bietak, who is co-producing the show with Royal Caribbean Productions executive producer, Peter J. Compton. Other upcoming Royal Caribbean ice skating musicals for six additional cruise ships are in various stages of pre-production and will be announced shortly, 2007.

Kids Free at Sea

Crystal Cruises announced that children 11 and under to sail for free on two Panama Canal voyages this Thanksgiving when sharing a stateroom with two adults.
With the new promotion and special discounts, travelers can save up to 60% off brochure fares. The cruises are a 10-day voyage from Caldera, Costa Rica, to Miami (Nov. 14-24) on Crystal Symphony and an 11-day voyage from Miami to Caldera (Nov. 19-30) on Crystal Serenity.
The ‘kids sail free’ promotion brings starting fares per adult to $2,195 and $3,380 for the 10- and 11-day cruises, respectively.

Royal Names Female Cruise Ship Captain

Royal Caribbean Cruises recently announced the appointment of Karin Stahre-Janson to the position of captain on the Monarch of the Seas. Ms Stahre-Janson is the first female captain on the company’s fleet and the first in the whole cruise industry to take the command of a major ship.

Adam Goldstein, president of Royal Caribbean Cruises, said: "This is historic news - for our company and the entire cruise industry - and a tremendous inspiration for women in any line of work, particularly a maritime career."Captain Stahre-Johnson was previously staff captain on the company’s Brilliance, Serenade and Majesty of the Seas vessels.

Naming Ceremonies in Abundance

An incredible six cruise ships are being christened this week. Two namings are today -- Liberty of the Seas in Miami and Delphin Voyager in Hamburg. Two more follow on Saturday -- Costa Serena in Marseille and Fram in Oslo.

The week opened with Sunday's christening of Emerald Princess in Piraeus and continued with MSC Orchestra on Monday in Civitavecchia. The godmothers include a princess, film stars, television actresses, a shipowner's daughter and a travel agent distinguished for her community service.

One vessel, Emerald Princess, boasted four godmothers -- two famous television mothers and their on-screen daughters. The women doing the honors are TV actresses Florence Henderson, Susan Olsen, Marion Ross and Erin Moran (Emerald Princess); film star Sophia Loren (MSC Orchestra); Katrin Hackmann, daughter of the Hamburg shipowner Heinz-Herbert Hey (Delphin Voyager); travel agent Donnalea Madaley (Liberty of the Seas); movie actress Marion Cotillard (Costa Serena); and Crown Princess Mette Marit of Norway (Fram).

Live Web Cast of MSC Ship Naming

The May 14 naming ceremony of MSC Orchestra in Civitavecchia will be webcast live at 7 p.m. local time/1 p.m. Eastern Daylight time. Viewers can log on at www.msccruises.com.

Uniworld River Royale Review

To paraphrase a phrase from a giant cruise line’s TV commercial, “Suddenly it dawns on you that this is much LESS than a cruise”. That was my pleasant reaction to my first experience with river cruising. It certainly won’t be my last, after a week cruising the south of France on the River Royale, operated by Uniworld. The River Royale is the company’s latest river boat (the captain was quick to point out that our vessel was a boat, not a ship), starting its second year of service.

The first thing you notice upon embarkation are the wall to wall smiles from the attentive crew. There were about 80 passengers aboard for the April 14th departure from Arles, France. The ship holds 140 at capacity and crew members said it is virtually full for the rest of the season.

If rock climbing walls, lavish stage shows, enormous casinos and expansive pool decks are your thing, then river cruising may not be your cup of tea. But if you are looking to explore some awesome places conveniently and comfortably then the river fleet operated by Uniworld could be just the ticket.

The Royale was tastefully decorated. Public rooms are limited to a basically the Renoir lounge and the Cezanne dining room. Both rooms comfortably accommodate all passengers. Dining was open seating buffets for breakfast and lunch with an excellent with a variety of choices ranging from fresh omelets to hand carved pork and delicious pasta dishes. While galley facilities are not as extensive as on larger cruise ships, the variety and freshness of the cuisine made up for it several times over. Dinner was open seating served tableside by the always smiling crew. Usually there were 2 fixed entrees, salad, desert and the ever-popular cheese side board where guests could help themselves to an incredible variety of local cheeses (after all we were in France!). The next evening’s menu is delivered to your stateroom during turn-down service and the maitre d’ was happy to arrange an alternate main dish if the selections were not to your liking.

It was also clear that the chef was taking advantage to the incredible local seafood, and produce available at the numerous country markets we docked near. And the soups were to die for! The bread and deserts would make a French country bistro chef jealous.

In addition to the 3 main meals, a small ante room just outside the dining room, the Patio served coffee and pastries 24/7. There was no room service available and dining choices outside meal times was limited. Most guests stocked up their staterooms with snacks and beverages (great local wines were about $8 per bottle and no need to “sneak” it aboard) to tide them over. As we always docked right “in town” it was usually a quick walk to nearby super markets to stock up on items for the cabin.

Traveling with less than 100 people allows guests to meet and mingle with new people everyday. While there are tables for two, most passengers are quick to join others in the dining room encouraged by the family atmosphere that is spearheaded by the genial crew. By the end of the week, we had made several new friends and plans to keep in touch after the cruise.

Staterooms on the River Royale are the largest in the company’s fleet but even these would be considered “compact” by contemporary cruise ship standards. All are outside and the top deck cabins have a small French balcony that allows you to stand but not sit outside. Cabin lighting and closet space is fine for a week if you don’t bring everything you own. Dress on board is quite casual. There were 2 “formal” nights for Captain’s welcome and farewell parties but most of the men wore sport jackets and about 50% of us went tie-less. During the day it’s jeans, climate friendly tops and comfortable walking shoes.

The most important distinction of river cruising is how and where you go as compared to ocean liners that dock at large ports. We sailed from Arles on the Rhone River and visited a series of unique ports in France transiting north from the Rhone at Lyon to the Saone River and ending our cruise in Chalon sur Saone. In every port, there was a complimentary shore excursion which was usually a walking tour of the area conducted by superb local guides. Care was taken to select tours that were not overly arduous with only a moderate amount of walking required. In some cases, our cruise manager, Christian, arranged taxis for guests who had mobility issues. In 2 ports of call, optional excursions were offered that were excellent in quality and were priced fairly at about $45 Euros per person. Note that while the guest list is predominantly North American, all charges for shipboard accounts are in Euros.

All announcements and programs are conducted only in English although there are many multi-lingual staff on board. Christian, alone spoke 5 languages fluently. All in all, the feeling on board was more North American than international.

Many of the guests on onboard were confirmed river cruisers who would not dream of setting sail on a large cruise ship. On the other hand, several were equally at home cruising on traditional ships as well as river boats. And there were quite a few like myself who tried it for the first time but not the last. Of course, for travelers who have concerns about “mal de mer” (seasickness) – not to worry as the vessel never leaves the ribbon like smoothness of the river. On our cruise, we passed through several locks which raised the ship as much as 60 feet. A fascinating and unique experience. In some locks there was only about 3 inches clearance on each side of the boat so the captain truly earned his pay maneuvering in and out.

Speaking of engineering marvels, it was fun to watch the old timer’s guage the reaction on the newbie’s faces when the crew began to lower the entire sun deck awnings, railings and navigational equipment to allow the boat to pass under some of the lower bridges en route. Imagine our surprise when the captain lowered the entire pilot house several feet hydraulically one afternoon and then popped his head out of the “sunroof” to guide the ship under a bridge.

The entire river cruise voyage is composed of unique experiences which one is unlikely to find in other forms of water borne travel. It is exciting and adventuresome yet ultimately comfortable. Foreign yet with a feeling of being at home and with family.

And most of all, it is a chance to get to know more intimately some of the lesser known destinations in Europe and beyond. One of the more interesting side bars to the trip was the fact that the local residents of the Provenance region that we visited could not be more friendly and amicable. Sadly, our first experience with less than gracious rude people was in Customs and at the McDonald’s counter at Newark Airport. Go figure!

All in all, a great trip and one to put on your “must do” list of future vacations.

$1000 per person Dinner on Crystal Cruises

Beginning with a 1996 Cristal Rose champagne and concluding with a 1983 Château d'Yquem, Sauternes, Crystal Cruises is introducing the Ultimate Vintage Room Dinner for connoisseurs willing to pay $1,000 per person.

During Crystal Symphony's May 17 sailing from Dubai to Rome, Crystal will debut this dining experience featuring some of the world’s rarest wines. The first eight-course French dinner will be prepared by André Soltner, former chef/owner of Lutèce, paired with, among others, a nearly impossible-to-get 1959 Château Lafite - Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux and a Screaming Eagle 1996 from Napa Valley, considered its dream year.
Available for a maximum of 12 guests, the event must be booked on board through the dining room maitre d’

Azamara Cruises’ President on the new brand.

Besides the marketing designation of being the industry's first "deluxe" line, what's distinct about Azamara Cruises, the industry's newest brand? In terms of per diems, the first cruise on Journey this week was free, as everyone was given a refund because the ship ran a day late. But looking ahead, management has said that Azamara rates will run 40% higher than Celebrity, and, clearly, a product needs to be different to attract such per diems. Azamara President Dan Hanrahan discusses three areas of differentiation: the ships, the itineraries, and the name.The Ships: Q) In terms of software, having butler service in every stateroom is distinctive, as is the fact that Azamara will have no taped music onboard--all live.

But what's distinctive about the hardware of the Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest?Hanrahan: The R-class is distinctive. People have demonstrated that they like the R-class hardware--you don't hear mixed reviews. What we try to do is make these former R-class ships even more distinctive with upgrades [$19 million spent in the past four weeks]. If you start at the top of the ship, in the front observation lounge which we call Looking Glass, it was a pretty dark lounge, so we opened it up and made it a spectacular place to see the views from wherever the ship is going. The other benefit is we turned this into a nightclub. As you continue back the ship, in the casual dining area called Window's Cafe we put a sunset bar. I don't think anywhere else there is a beautiful sunset bar on the aft of any other R-class ship. Again, we did this to make sure people can see the spectacular destinations we're going to while relaxing in a beautiful setting.There are numerous other changes, ranging from our completing redoing the lobby to adding a coffee bar in the atrium bar, recarpeting everything, and so on.Our effort is not to have this as one of the best, but the best dining experience at sea. What I've heard about the other brands with R-class ships is that these ships have fabulous dining in the main restaurant, but less so in the alternative restaurants. We have two specialty restaurants: Prime C, which will feature steak and seafood, and Aqualina, which will have multi-course Mediterranean-style cuisine. We have developed very distinctive menus in both and have set a very high standard for us in this alternative dining area.

Thanks to the relationship with Celebrity, we have a great art collection, as we took art from Zenith [the former Celebrity ship being moved to Pullmantur] and took that over to Azamara. That was the art collection put together by Christina Chandris back in the 1990s.

Excertped from an interview conducted by Cruise Week

What's Good for the Goose . . . . . .

Celebrity Cruises will host an ambassador for Grey Goose vodka on eight ships across a range of itineraries from April to July. Trevor Burnett will conduct seminars on topics like mixing the perfect martini, provide drink recipes, train shipboard bartenders and interact with passengers.

Luis Ortega, Celebrity’s manager of beverage development, said it will be the first time his company has hosted a spirits ambassador on board. ‘We’re hoping to extend this pilot program to more ships and destinations in the future,’ he added.

But it's pronounced "key"!

You say tomato, I say . . .

Well in the "out island" business the spit of land known as a Cay is pronounced "key". Putting that burning issue to bed, Holland America Line announced that it has added a new Private Oasis at Half Moon Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, as a facility for groups and large families. The Private Oasis perches on a point, partially over water, so guests can enjoy their private gathering in a luxurious setting highlighted by both a private water slide and easy walkway into water. The new Private Oasis is 1,620 square feet, compared to the 15 beach cabanas ideal for up to four people that are 200 square feet each. The Private Oasis includes a large covered deck and sun deck with eight-person hot tub.

Royal Caribbean Chairman named to Hall of Fame

CruiseJungle CEO, Joe Ewart a 2005 Cruise Lines International Association Hall of Fame inductee, had the honor of introducing one of this year’s inductees at the recent CLIA Hall of Fame Banquet. Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, (parent company of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises) was honored for his creative insight, leadership and vision in guiding Royal Caribbean to its position as one of the world’s most highly respected cruise operators. He was also recognized as a strong ally of cruise and travel agents and a key driver of many retailer-friendly initiatives launched by company over the years.

The affair was held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in conjunction with the trade organization’s signature annual trade show, CLIA 360 that attracted more than 2000 cruise agents from throughout North America to the 3 day event.

Pictured from left to right:
Joe Ewart – President & CEO of CruiseJungle Holdings, Marvin Davis, former CEO Cruise Planners, Richard Fain, Brad Anderson – President America’s Vacation Center, and Terry Dale, President – Cruise Lines International Association.

Wii at Sea

Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing Nintendo’s hot Wii video game to sea. Since its launch last November, Wii has become one of the world’s fastest selling game systems. Wii is already aboard Norwegian Pearl and all NCL America ships and will be rolled out on the rest of the NCL fleet by next month.

The systems are equipped with Wii Sports, offering tennis, golf, baseball, boxing and bowling. Other games available on the ships include Wii Play, WarioWare: Smooth Moves and Excite Truck.

Colin Veitch, NCL president and ceo, called Wii ‘a natural fit’ for Freestyle Cruising. ‘With the addition of Wii to our on-board activities, we can now offer bowling, boxing, golf, tennis and baseball across the entire fleet. Cheering, yelling and high-fives will be highly encouraged,’ he added.

A Royal Welcome for 6 Princesses

Princess Cruises will deploy a record six ships in Europe in 2008. The season, which starts in early April and stretches through November, will include five new itineraries and visits to eight new destinations. Cruises will range from seven to 23 days.

New to Europe will be Crown Princess, which adds capacity to Scandinavia/Russia itineraries, and Pacific Princess, which gives another small-ship option in the Mediterranean and will significantly increase Holy Land sailings.

The 710-passenger Royal Princess returns with a new schedule, including a ‘Classical Europe’ route which combines Scandinavia/Russia with the Mediterranean. Emerald Princess, which debuts this spring in the Mediterranean, sails once again throughout the Med and Greek Isles. Grand Princess showcases both Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, and Sea Princess sails on one- and two-week Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries from Southampton.

Silversea's Spa Sensation

Silversea Cruises is launching a new spa concept throughout its four-ship fleet, starting with the Silver Shadow. The new spa brand, known as The Spa at Silversea, will replace the line's existing Mandara Spas and will feature new treatments and ceremonies designed to offer a more personalized and holistic spa experience that focuses on the guest's individual needs and lifestyle.

Recently unveiled during the Silver Shadow's World Cruise, The Spa has a refurbished décor of new artwork and contemporary furnishings in a color palette of white and silver with subtle hints of color. The new spa will be implemented aboard Silver Wind in July, and will be expanded to the Silver Cloud and Silver Whisper in the following months.

Emerald not Emeril

The Emerald Princess will introduce the Chef’s Table when she enters service this spring, offering ‘foodies’ an opportunity to join the executive chef for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the galley, followed by a multi-course tasting dinner in the dining room.

The new Chef’s Table concept will give a select group of passengers the opportunity to visit the galley at its busiest time – dinner – where they will be served French champagne with appetizers while the chef previews the menu he has created for them. The fare will be at the chef’s discretion – perhaps focusing on regional cuisine or ingredients from a recent port – and will not be offered elsewhere on the ship.

The group will then go to their special table in the dining room, where wine selected by the maitre d’ is included. The chef will join the group for dessert. The Chef’s Table can be reserved by up to 10 passengers on select nights at a cost of $75 per person. After its debut on Emerald Princess, the concept will be gradually introduced fleetwide.

Cruisin' Kids Rule on Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International provided details of its previously announced loyalty program for young cruisers. The Crown & Anchor Society Youth Program is designed for passengers under 18 and will launch with Liberty of the Seas’ maiden voyage on May 19.

Children will automatically attain their parents’ membership level -- Gold, Platinum, Diamond or Diamond Plus -- when enrolled in the program. Members will be welcomed at the beginning of each cruise with a Youth Ultimate Value Booklet, which includes coloring pages, puzzles, games and special offers for shipboard amenities such as Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Airbrush Tattoo, arcade games and Y-spa (teen treatments). Members also will receive Crayola Twistable crayons or a Royal Caribbean messenger bag.

Parents can enroll their children at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/youth.

Wine but no Whining Allowed

Celebrity Cruises unveiled more details of the two wine-themed voyages that will bookend the Mercury’s Alaska season. The ship will depart San Francisco on April 27 for a seven-night voyage to Vancouver with stops in Monterey (Calif.), Astoria (Ore.), Seattle and Victoria. On Nov. 2, Mercury casts off from Vancouver for a 10-night wine cruise to San Diego via Victoria, Seattle, Astoria and Catalina Island, with an overnight in San Francisco.

Activities on board will include talks by a California winemaker or wine expert, wine appreciation seminars, wine and cheese tastings, blending courses and culinary demonstrations.

Shoreside, excursions will include tastings and winery tours, a seafood cooking school, a wine and chocolate tour of Victoria’s Butchart Gardens and an overnight stay in Napa Valley with visits to Sterling Vineyards, The Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant, Opus One Winery, Jarvis Winery, Rubicon Estate Winery, Robert Mondavi Winery and Domaine Chandon. Also available are a post-cruise, chauffeured culinary adventure through British Columbia’s Fraser Valley and a tour of Oregon's prominent Willamette Valley wineries, Willakenzie Estate and Ken Wright Cellars.

Contact your cruise specialist for more details, rates and reservations.

Destiny's Delightful Dominican Diversions

Carnival Destiny’s new five-port, seven-day itinerary from San Juan will feature an overnight in La Romana/Casa de Campo, along with visits to St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados and St. Thomas/St. John.

The new route kicks off Jan. 8, 2008.
Prices start at $479 per person, double occupancy. Air supplements from a variety of North American gateways are available. Contact your cruise specialist for details.

In the Bag

With the new Princess Luggage Valet service, US and Canadian passengers can have their baggage picked up at home and delivered to their cabin on board.
The service will first be available for European voyages, beginning aboard Grand Princess on May 14, Emerald Princess on May 17, Star Princess on May 22 and Royal Princess on June 1. The program will be expanded to other destinations later in the year.
Shipping for Princess Luggage Valet will be provided by DHL Worldwide Express. Prices start at $90 per bag each way for domestic shipments, and vary depending on baggage weight and destination.

Something for everyone?

Each year, like the swallows returning to Capistrano, key cruise industry executives flock to Miami Beach for the industry’s signature event SeaTrade. This editor had a chance to attend the conference and report back on the “State of the Industry”. The various presentations and panel discussions provided an insider's view of what is in store for cruising in 2007 and beyond. And the news is really good for cruise enthusiasts.

Firstly, a ship building boom not seen since the late 90’s is in full swing. In fact, at the conference, Silversea Cruises announced a new building and Oceania Cruises, not be outdone in the ultra premium/luxury segment, unveiled plans for not one but two new ships. It all adds up to 39 cruise ships scheduled for delivery over the next 5 years at a cost of more than 20 billion dollars.

What does this mean for the cruising consumer? More choices and increasing diversity of available amenities. Unlike the past shipbuilding boom where most vessels were in the super-size category, this time there is an abundance of ships of varying sizes – from smaller luxury liners to mega-ships. More capacity means continued competition for the traveler’s dollar and the need to differentiate the onboard experience.

Itineraries and ports of call were also a hot topic at SeaTrade as U.S. based cruise lines continue to set their sights on foreign shores, namely Europe and Asia Pacific. Royal Caribbean and Carnival have expanded their presence in Europe and the strength of the Euro means that North America travelers are discovering that the best values lie in purchasing European cruises priced in dollars.

The Caribbean remains a popular and well priced destination due to some short term over capacity in that sector. That bodes well for cruisers looking to optimize their spending, especially throughout the balance of 2007. Cruise lines are aggressively seeking to develop new and re-invented Caribbean ports of call to appeal to the “been there, done that, crowd”. For example in recent years Carnival Corp. has invested in the development of destination ports in Costa Maya, Mexico and Turks and Caicos and just announced a $50 million project in Roatán, Honduras. Not to be outdone, Royal Caribbean International has finalized a joint venture with the Aruba Ports Authority for a 40 acres waterfront development in Orangestad. What does this mean to cruisers? It means better port infrastructure and facilities consistent with those delivered on-board.

All in all, it’s a good time to take a cruise and an exciting time for the cruise industry as all engines are set for Full Speed Ahead.

Carnival debuts "Family Fun Tours"

Carnival Freedom’s inaugural 12-day European cruise program will offer more than 150 shore excursions, including new ‘Family Fun Tours’ in Turkey.

Also featured are several new excursions, including a wine cellar tour in Barcelona, and a land/sea adventure in Dubrovnik, a driving tour of France’s Provencal villages, and a visit to Florence’s Uffizi Gallery.

Among the ‘Family Fun’ options are ‘Ancient Past & Modern Istanbul’ which includes city highlights, a stroll along a local café-lined street, traditional Turkish lunch and a ride on an old-time trolley. From Izmir, ‘Ephesus and The Train Museum’ combines the ancient Greek city of Ephesus with a visit to Hadrian Temple and a stop at Camlik for its open-air Train Museum.

Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas Float Out

Here is a photo of Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas at float out. Note that she is also one of the tallest buildings in Turku, Finland (and the only one that will leave in April). She enters U.S. service in May 2007 in New York.

Sizzling Seabourn Luxury Cruise Savings

Seabourn Cruise Line is offering a free two-night pre-cruise stay at London’s Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel and 50% savings on Seabourn Pride’s 11-day trans-Atlantic voyage departing Sept. 18.

The ship will sail from Dover to St. John’s, Newfoundland; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Bar Harbor, Maine. The voyage ends in Gloucester, Mass., just a short coastal drive from Boston.
With the 50% savings, fares start at $3,898 per person, double occupancy.

Cruise Ship Cuisine Re-defined

Carnival Cruise Lines revamped its ‘Spa Carnival Fare’ to incorporate the latest trends in preparation, ingredients and presentation.
The new selections will be featured on all dining room menus and include nearly 50 salads, appetizers, soups, entrees and desserts, all lower in calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium content, and free of trans fat.
For example, a tilapia fillet over ratatouille, zucchini cannelloni and asparagus nage is 280 calories, 7 mg fat, 50 mg cholesterol and 330 mg sodium.
The new items debuted over the weekend at inaugural events on Carnival Freedom in Italy.

Turn Silver into Gold on Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises is offering savings on 25 ‘Elegant Explorations’ – extended voyages ranging from 27 to 69 days – in 2007 and 2008.
The program offers savings and on-board spending credits of $500 per suite (based on double occupancy) for customers sailing 44 to 65 days and $1,000 per suite for those sailing 66 to 109 days. Free business-class air upgrades are also available with the purchase of the optional air program on cruises of 50 or more consecutive days.

Super Size this McCruise Burger

Royal Caribbean International's newly revitalized Majesty of the Seas now has a Johnny Rockets restaurant onboard. This is the eighth Johnny Rockets to open on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The Johnny Rockets menu features hamburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. Majesty of the Seas recently underwent a 28-day makeover. Majesty of the Seas sails three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries out of Miami. The three-night itinerary visits Nassau in the Bahamas as well as Royal Caribbean's private island, CocoCay, Bahamas. The four-night itinerary will feature an additional stop in Key West, Fla

A Goofy Idea?

You be the judge! No longer content to be known as a Mickey Mouse Cruise Line, The Walt Disney Company announced plans to expand its cruise business by adding two new ships. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the demand for Disney's family cruise vacations. The company signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard, based in Papenburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build the two 122,000-ton ships, which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms. Specific design plans and itineraries for the yet-unnamed ships are still in development and will be unveiled at a later date.

Carnival Corp. Sells Windstar Cruises

Carnival Corporation & plc has signed an agreement to sell its Windstar Cruises brand to Ambassadors International Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Windstar will be sold for $100m, $40m of which is payable in cash and assumption of liabilities, and Carnival will provide mortgage financing for $60m. The loan will be payable over 10 years at 7% interest, collateralised by the three Windstar ships.

Commenting on the news Carnival chief Micky Arison said: ‘Windstar is an outstanding and unique cruise product and has garnered an extremely loyal following, however, Carnival Corp’s growth strategy is focused on expanding our core growth brands and opening new markets.’

QM2 to Host Fund Rasing Event

Cunard Line will welcome guests from the New York City Opera and Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) aboard the Queen Mary 2 on May 24 for The Britannia Ball, a gala evening benefiting both cultural institutions. The ball will include cocktails, dinner, dancing to Peter Duchin and his orchestra, and a special performance by Tony Award-winner Patti LuPone, who will perform "The Lady with The Torch" in the ship's Royal Court Theater. The Britannia Ball will be sponsored by CIT Group Inc., a provider of commercial and consumer finance solutions. Cunard President Carol Marlow will serve as a hostess for the evening. The QM2 will be docked for the night at its New York home, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. The Britannia Ball guests will have access to all the public areas of the liner including the Queens Room, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, the Royal Court Theater, and Illuminations, the only planetarium at sea. Tickets for The Britannia Ball are $1,000; VIP tickets are $2,500 and include access to an exclusive cocktail reception and preferred seating for the performance and dinner. Approximately 1,000 guests are expected to attend. For tickets, call 718-636-41

Texas Hold-em at Sea!

The growing poplularity of Texas Hold-em in casinos and poker rooms around the world has convinced the cruise lines to take a second look at this game. While while not wildly profitable for the house, it is a wildly poplular for the dedicated players always on the look out for a game.
When our main site, www.cruisejungle.com launches in April, it will contain a complete guide to gaming on all cruise ships. Until then, here's some breaking news about the addition of computerized "Poker-Pro" tables to some Princess Cruises ships:

PokerTek completed the trials of its automated PokerPro tables with Princess Cruises and has equipped three Princess ships. Twenty-two tables are scheduled to be installed on the fleet by year’s end.
PokerPro is a 10-seat table that can deal 50% to 60% more hands per hour than a manual table, according to PokerTek, the Charlotte, N.C.-based manufacturer.
‘We continue to be impressed with how quickly the Princess guests learn to play PokerPro and how reliable the product has proven itself,’ said Rodney Dofort, vp casino operations for Carnival Corp.

LUXURY ON THE HIGH SEAS

Luxury accommodations at sea run the gamut from “mini-suites” to “oh my goodness” palaces fit for a king. Suites come in all shapes, sizes and prices. While never considered cheap, suites can represent exceptional value in terms of comparable shore side accommodations.

Most cruise ships offer suites of varying quantity and styles. A fairly recent innovation from luxury cruise operators such as Regent Seven Seas are “All Suite” ships meaning 100% of the staterooms qualify as suites. Many of the contemporary “mass market” cruise lines are incorporating unique suites into their new builds. For example Norwegian Cruise Line created a new class of accommodations called Garden Villa Suites that feature 3 bedrooms and up to 5,000 feet or living space that includes a private garden area. NCL also features its Courtyard Villa suites on their newer ships that include exclusive access private pool and sun deck areas and a suite-guest only concierge lounge. These accommodations are extremely popular with families and multi generational groups.

Just like luxury automobiles can run the gamut from sporty 2 seaters to plush sedans the same is true for suites. On the lower end a mini-suite might offer a separate sitting area that is incorporated into the sleeping area of the stateroom. Virtually all suites have balconies commensurate with their size and price. Full and grand class suites usually have a separate living and dining area and up to 3 bedrooms. Some have guest bathrooms off the living room. All of them come equipped with lots of gadgets ranging from plasma TV’s to a private hot tub on the balcony.

Top of the line luxury suites usually include the crème de la crème of personal attention – butler service. Usually an experience reserved for the rich and famous, now it only takes booking a suite to experience this ultimate indulgence. From having the butler pack and unpack for you to serving dinner en suite course by course there is literally no limit to the services your butler can provide. About the only thing you can’t do is pack him in your suitcase and bring him home – although you may be sorely tempted to do so once you have experienced butler service on a ship!

No butler? Don’t fret, because most cruise ships also offer Concierge service for their deluxe stateroom passengers. While not quite as personal as a butler, your concierge will perform many of the same services for you as part of their duties. If you have access to a concierge make sure you introduce yourself to him or her early in the cruise and find out what services they can provide. Because cruise ship concierges tend to serve more total passengers than butlers, they may be more reactive than proactive to requests and are usually accessible via voice mail or in person during their hours of service.

Even though the very name of the industry – cruise lines - might imply waiting in lines, there is no such thing for suite passengers. From special check in areas on the pier and first choice for alternate dining reservations to priority tender boarding tickets, your special privileges are abundant.


Your cruise specialist can provide you with complete information on touches of luxury on the high seas. And if you don’t deserve it, who does?

All in the family

Family Reunions

You’ve just endured another night of Uncle Al’s snoring, finished last night’s pile of dinner dishes and are in the middle of explaining family values to your teens when suddenly it dawns on you – We could have gone on a cruise and had a lot more fun!

Sure family reunions are a wonderful idea but when held ashore at someone’s home (or even a nearby hotel), someone always get stuck doing the lion’s share of work or planning. And if that person is you, then maybe this year you should choose to cruise.

There is no better place on earth for a family reunion than the high seas. On board a cruise ship virtually all the work involved in running a family reunion cruise is done by someone else – the staff. You can select a ship that offers a multitude of accommodations at varying prices so that the “high rollers” can boast about their suites while the newlyweds can stay within their “just starting out” budget.

Sometimes, a little separation during family events is a good thing. You can get together as often or as little as possible. And each member is free to do their own thing – from a little recreational gaming to just sitting by the pool with a good book. One thing that you will soon realize is it’s surprisingly easy to create your own level of family participation on a cruise ship.

And the kids? There are organized children’s programs most cruise lines that encompass a variety of ages from toddler to Teens. So, the smaller set is free to enjoy a range of activities that is designed to prevent the “B” word – boredom. There is much more to do for them on a ship than at home or in a hotel. Tip! Larger mega ships have more in the way of children’s facilities.

Dishes? There are hundreds to be done on this reunion and the good news is that you won’t have to do a single one. In fact, just get up and leave the table after every meal like the guests did at your house last year. Making beds, cleaning the house and laundry? Leave it to your personal staff to attend to.

A great family reunion starts with your knowledgeable cruise specialist. They can help you identify the right itinerary, budget and amenities to insure that your family reunion gets off on the right step. And everything should go swimmingly on board as cruise ships host groups from 10 to 1,000 guests every week.

And Uncle Al? Just don’t get the cabin next to him!

Why use a Cruise Specialist?

There are many ways to reserve a cruise but really only one good way to plan one. Seasoned cruisers have learned along the way that having someone who “knows the ropes” is very helpful in creating a good cruise travel experience.

Many first time cruisers mistakenly believe that using a cruise agent will cost them more due to fees being charged above and beyond the cost of the cruise. But savvy cruisers know that cruise and travel agents receive their compensation from the carrier and do not “mark up” the cost of the cruise.

In the current market environment, pricing is virtually standardized in terms of rates that a cruise agent, online seller or cruise line direct planner will see. That’s because the cabin rates they see all come from the cruise line themselves on a common computer “feed”. Cruise lines generally discourage rebating and discounting and for all practical purposes rate quotes are consistent.

One thing that a knowledgeable cruise agent does bring to the party is that they don’t have a built in bias to one line over another. Sure they may have their personal favorite, but they also know that to get you as a repeat customer the important thing is that they get the cruise that is right for YOU and not for THEM. They can view multiple cruise lines, departure dates and promotions to develop the best offer available.

Cruise agents also deliver an important intangible ingredient – insider tips, knowledge about pre and post cruise logistics, and personal experience. It is a good idea when selecting a cruise agent, first “interview” them for the job. Gauge their cruise experience, how long have they been in their business, and the reputation of their company. Remember anyone with a few dollars can have a slick web site. Don’t be shy to ask for credentials and references.

Ask your cruise specialist to look for “specials” once you have narrowed down the choices. There’s a myriad of offers available at any given time such as Senior, Military, Regional, and Past Passenger rates as well as cruise line on board credits, upgrade programs and transportation credits. A good cruise agent will research all these programs to check if you are eligible to take advantage of any or all of them.

Next time you are going on a cruise take a friend along – a good, knowledgeable cruise agent. You’ll be glad you did.