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?
Monday, September 24, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, September 10, 2007
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.
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.
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