Luxury cruise line, Crystal, has begun to offer new shore excursions for their European itineraries that cater toward cruisers who pursue more active endeavors. From May through November the award-winning Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will offer guests 28 unique voyages showcasing the best-loved cities of Europe and the Mediterranean, now with an expanded roster of Crystal Adventures shore excursions that allow guests to live the experience in a dynamic new way.
This is different take on the typical shore excursions offered in Europe and the Mediterranean. Steering away from the general walking and bus tours of museums, historic sites and shopping tours, Crystal will offer bicycling in Barcelona, cliff climbing in Croatia, and a self-driven off-road Jeep adventure in Mykonos, among many others. According to John Stoll, Crystal’s director of land programs, “Our new outdoor Crystal Adventures offer more rugged encounters unique to each destination -- in some of Europe’s most spectacular settings.”
Many cruise lines have begun to expand their shore excursion programs to include “off the beaten path” destinations and activities. Time will tell if cruise passengers embrace these new options or if the tried and true selections will prevail.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
All About NY
Great news from the Jungle! We’ve launched our newest site, www.CruisingFromNewYork.com. Our staff has teamed up with editor, Anne Campbell, one the co-founders of Cruise Critic and Cruise Mates to bring you the best information on cruising from the New York area. The site offers just about everything you need to know about the three cruise terminals in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Cape-Liberty (Bayonne, N.J.) From the parking facilities to traffic tips for people driving to them, we’ve got it all. There also are comprehensive reviews of the ships that sail from the terminals and a detailed look at the many itineraries available to Bermuda, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Canada, New England and Europe.
New York is one of North America’s fastest growing cruise home ports. More than one million passengers embarked or disembarked through New York's cruise facilities in 2006. Eight lines now sail regularly out of the city, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Cunard and Celebrity. In addition to cruise information, our site provides tips on hotels, sightseeing, nightlife and shopping in the New York area.
New York is one of North America’s fastest growing cruise home ports. More than one million passengers embarked or disembarked through New York's cruise facilities in 2006. Eight lines now sail regularly out of the city, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Cunard and Celebrity. In addition to cruise information, our site provides tips on hotels, sightseeing, nightlife and shopping in the New York area.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Dancing like the stars
Royal Caribbean is featuring a unique opportunity on their Explorer of the Seas! They’ve teamed up with two time champion Cheryl Burke of the TV show Dancing with the Stars and Louis van Amstel, the Emmy-nominated choreographer for the ABC-TV show to bring guests an all new, interactive dancing competition. Guests can now compete in popular ballroom dance styles and mambo their way to the spotlight in “Invitation to Dance”, RCI’s newest production show featuring guests as the stars.
With the guidance of professional dancers, stylists and make-up artists, guests may just realize their true calling while on vacation. Guests are chosen during an evening of ballroom dancing at the beginning of each cruise, and four couples are selected to participate in the “Invitation to Dance” production show later that week. The finalists will then work with Royal Caribbean’s professional ballroom instructors to learn slick dance moves, attend costume fittings, and receive star treatment in preparation for their Royal Caribbean stage debut.
“Invitation to Dance’ is another example of Royal Caribbean’s dynamic and innovative approach to offering engaging entertainment and activities for our guests,” said Peter Compton, vice president, Entertainment and Guest Activities, Royal Caribbean International. “With all the excitement surrounding competitive dancing on television, we are now challenging our guests to live out a dream while enjoying their cruise vacation.”
With the guidance of professional dancers, stylists and make-up artists, guests may just realize their true calling while on vacation. Guests are chosen during an evening of ballroom dancing at the beginning of each cruise, and four couples are selected to participate in the “Invitation to Dance” production show later that week. The finalists will then work with Royal Caribbean’s professional ballroom instructors to learn slick dance moves, attend costume fittings, and receive star treatment in preparation for their Royal Caribbean stage debut.
“Invitation to Dance’ is another example of Royal Caribbean’s dynamic and innovative approach to offering engaging entertainment and activities for our guests,” said Peter Compton, vice president, Entertainment and Guest Activities, Royal Caribbean International. “With all the excitement surrounding competitive dancing on television, we are now challenging our guests to live out a dream while enjoying their cruise vacation.”
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
IMPORTANT TRAVEL BULLETIN
The U.S. Government has updated the travel requirements for cruise travel. Effective February 18, 2008, all passengers must board the cruise ship one hour prior to departure. Cruise ships departing from U.S. ports are now required to provide full passenger and crew manifests to the government authorities 60 minutes prior to the ship's scheduled departure.
If you will be cruising in the future here are some travel tips to ensure your cruise leaves on time and with you onboard!
· Submit your full passenger information as soon as possible but, at the minimum, prior to arriving at the pier. Many cruise lines now offer online check-in that customers are urged to participate in.
· Leave plenty of time in your travel schedule to get to the cruise terminal. If you are flying into the port city, it is suggested you arrive the day before to avoid in-transit delays. Each cruise line may have different final boarding times so check your cruise documents thoroughly when making travel arrangements.
· Make sure you bring the appropriate proof of citizenship documents with you to the port. Do not pack them in your luggage! At this time, cruisers are required to have a government issued ID, typically a drivers license and proof of citizenship including:
o Passport
o Original or certified copy of birth certificate*
o Naturalization papers
o For more information please visit: http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/whtibasics.shtm#3
Cruise passengers on international cruises who do not have proper identification will not be allowed to board their ship after January 31, 2008.
*Please note that Photocopies that do not have an original raised seal are not acceptable and may result in denied boarding.
If you will be cruising in the future here are some travel tips to ensure your cruise leaves on time and with you onboard!
· Submit your full passenger information as soon as possible but, at the minimum, prior to arriving at the pier. Many cruise lines now offer online check-in that customers are urged to participate in.
· Leave plenty of time in your travel schedule to get to the cruise terminal. If you are flying into the port city, it is suggested you arrive the day before to avoid in-transit delays. Each cruise line may have different final boarding times so check your cruise documents thoroughly when making travel arrangements.
· Make sure you bring the appropriate proof of citizenship documents with you to the port. Do not pack them in your luggage! At this time, cruisers are required to have a government issued ID, typically a drivers license and proof of citizenship including:
o Passport
o Original or certified copy of birth certificate*
o Naturalization papers
o For more information please visit: http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/whtibasics.shtm#3
Cruise passengers on international cruises who do not have proper identification will not be allowed to board their ship after January 31, 2008.
*Please note that Photocopies that do not have an original raised seal are not acceptable and may result in denied boarding.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
What’s New for 2008?
Greetings cruisers! We hope you all had a safe and enjoyable holiday. There are lots of new and exciting things coming to the Jungle in 2008. We’re working hard to make sure you get the best information on cruising at our sites.
Starting in early February, our sister site, www.GreatPorts.com, will feature information on the top cruise ports in Europe. GreatPorts is the number one spot to find hotels, transportation tips and sightseeing operators at all of your favorite North American ports. And you can find all this and more for many Europe destinations, just in time to kick off the European cruise season. And don’t forget, our Port Concierge is here to answer any and all questions you may have on your departure port!
Also, due for release toward the end of winter is our new site, CruiseXpertFinder.com Here we will compile and showcase a list of cruise travel agents who are experienced in many areas of special interest cruises like honeymoons, family reunions, music and art cruises etc. They can help you find and plan a special theme that is already existing or start one of your own. We like to think of it the "Yellow Pages of Cruising".
You can count on us to bring you great articles, the latest cruise news and hot deals for your future voyages. Check out our Community Boards for the latest updates and for all your cruise reviews. We look forward to hearing from you!
As always,
Happy Sailing!
Starting in early February, our sister site, www.GreatPorts.com, will feature information on the top cruise ports in Europe. GreatPorts is the number one spot to find hotels, transportation tips and sightseeing operators at all of your favorite North American ports. And you can find all this and more for many Europe destinations, just in time to kick off the European cruise season. And don’t forget, our Port Concierge is here to answer any and all questions you may have on your departure port!
Also, due for release toward the end of winter is our new site, CruiseXpertFinder.com Here we will compile and showcase a list of cruise travel agents who are experienced in many areas of special interest cruises like honeymoons, family reunions, music and art cruises etc. They can help you find and plan a special theme that is already existing or start one of your own. We like to think of it the "Yellow Pages of Cruising".
You can count on us to bring you great articles, the latest cruise news and hot deals for your future voyages. Check out our Community Boards for the latest updates and for all your cruise reviews. We look forward to hearing from you!
As always,
Happy Sailing!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
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!
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!
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