posted by admin on May 1
Celebrity Cruise Line Review
Every year when I take my vacation, I use Celebrity Cruises. I choose Celebrity Cruises because they never give me any trouble, and they are simply fabulous. Celebrity Cruises aren’t just about cruising, they have enrichment programs, which means I can learn something new on holiday. Last year I took a wine tasting class, and I am looking forward to sampling some of the lecture series, which are either informative or inspirational. The programs are very well developed, and the instructors are experts. My sister learned more computer skills when she took part in the program, and she really liked the instructor. My bridge instructor was also an amazing bridge player, I learned so much. I really appreciate the religious services that are offered on Celebrity Cruises. There are church services every day, and there is always a Roman Catholic priest on the ship as well. I didn’t really use the services, but if you are religious, your needs are well taken care of by Celebrity Cruises. When it comes to shows, Celebrity Cruises is great. There are so many different shows you can see, even one called ‘A Taste of Cirque Du Soleil, I’ve never seen it, but I love Cirque Du Soleil, and I bet the show is great. The shopping is awesome too. I have purchased some mementos from Celebrity Cruises that I treasure very much, like a silk flower arrangement that came from the Emilio Robba store. There’s also always a guide to let me know where to shop at the various ports we visit. The guide is so useful, and its just another way that Celebrity Cruises helps guests enjoy their vacation. When I relax on board, I love to do it at the Martini Bar. They have 26 different Martinis, and they’re always served in a chilled glass. There are several different bars on every ship, and the atmosphere is just brilliant when you visit them. Celebrity Cruises are experts at creating a beautiful ambiance for guests to enjoy.
To read other great articles on all of the different cruise vacation options avaliable to you then check out: http://www.enjoythecruise.com
Cruise Ship Dining Explained
There are many cruise ships now that have Freestyle Dining (Norwegian Cruises) or Choice Dining (Prince Cruise line) available. Or on Disney Cruise Lines they have what is called Rotational Dining . They have you and your table mates rotate through the three restaurants each evening. CRUISE TIPS: There is usually open seating for breakfast and lunch in the main dining room. Be adventurous with the menu because if you don t like something you can send it back for a replacement. And if they have two things on the menu that you like ask for both of them. My husband, John, always orders the Filet Mignon and the Lobster Tail when they are served on the same night. Many times he tells the waiter to bring what the waiter recommends for that evening. This means you don t have to choose first or second seating. (First seating is 6:00 to 6:30 and Second seating is usually 8:00-8:30). There can be more than one restaurant where you just walk in when you are ready to dine. Every ship will ask for your dining preference when you book your cruise. You can indicate first, second or flexible dining, whichever will make you more comfortable. The newer ships have a 24 hour dining spot which is always casual so if you don t want to do the formal nights you don t have to, although I find dressing up to be quite fun. You will have many options for each meal. You may have any meal delivered to your room, taken in the buffet restaurant or in the dining room. There is usually outdoor dining around the pool with hot dogs and hamburgers, pizza, salads, even Tacos. There are also alternative dining rooms available on some ships that require an additional fee but the service and food are generally 4 to 5 star and worth it if you want to splurge. In my experience families with young children and people who go to bed early usually dine in first seating. But if you don t want to be on a schedule or want to meet new people every night, go for the alternative dining option. Of course you can always ask for a table for two, but be aware that there are only a few of them. If you make a special request one night, John always asks for blue cheese, your waiter will bring it every night. They pride themselves on remembering your tastes. (This only happens when you choose traditional dining). On one cruise we asked for Melba toast, and you bet, every night we had Melba toast. There is one thing I always make clear to the waiter. I am not a big eater but I like to taste everything. I tell this to them the first night so they don t think I am unhappy with the food. It is their job to keep you happy and they take it very seriously. If you don t want to eat in the main dining room almost all ships have a Lido caf © where it is casual but you order from a menu and are served by a waiter. It s one of the many choices if you don t want to participate in a formal night or if you just want to eat by yourselves. On Carnivals single cruises they encourage this style of dining so the singles can meet more people. There are exceptions to this but not many. On some of the newer ships the Lido is open 24 hours a day. On most of the cruise lines they offer the food of the region that you are visiting. While on Hawaiian cruises expect to be served Hawaiian food. When on an Alaskan cruise you will be given the choices of salmon and Alaskan king crab legs. It makes more fun to dine on the local cuisine. All of the cruise lines offer healthy alternative menus or what they call spa menus. So if you want low-fat, low-salt, low cholesterol, vegetarian or any other type of diet, they are available. It is best however to inform your travel agent of any special needs so they can notify the cruise line ahead of time. If you have special dietary needs make sure the cruise lines knows before hand. For example, Royal Caribbean cruises cater to food allergy, Kosher, Indian, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Diets. To be really safe read all of the cruise reviews and cruise critics sites for each ships food and service ratings. Happy Cruising, enjoy it, we do! Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved. This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Learn from her at: <a target="_blank" href=http://www.PrincessCruises-Caribbean.com">Princess Cruises Caribbean.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com">Cruise Travel</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.CruisingTips.com">Cruise Tips</a>
Review: Royal Caribbean Launches Liberty May 2007
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Even amid sluggish profits, the growth in the cruise industry continues to increase. As it does, cruise lines are rushing to create new, more exciting and bigger ships to accommodate the demand. Royal Caribbean, which launches one ship per year, on average, made a royal splash in 2006 with the introduction of Freedom of the Seas, the largest cruise ship to date. However, 2007 holds promise as well - thanks to the pending launch of Liberty of the Seas this May.
Weighing in at 160,000 tons, Liberty will go nose-to-nose with Freedom in many respects, but will offer passengers a wealth of shipboard and shore excitement to choose from.
Accommodations
With something for everyone, Liberty will present a wide range of accommodation options. Economy-class staterooms with ocean views and ample space can be booked for reasonable rates. For those with more elaborate tastes (and wallets), practically every class of cabin is available all the way to the Presidential Family Suite.
With 1200+ square feet of living space, this suite delivers two master bedrooms, two additional bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a living area, a dining area and a private, 800+ square foot balcony - perfect for families or other groups.
Onboard Activities
Liberty has one of the most diverse selections of activities of any cruise ship. With innovations including a screening room, a solarium and cooking classes, guests of all ages can find something of interest. But Liberty also follows in Freedom s footsteps with a first-at-sea rock climbing wall, H20 Zone water park, ice skating rink, boxing ring and more. Of course, the popular favorites of day spa, casinos and pools are available with elaborate upgrades from those found on other ships.
And the kids have a world all to themselves with a tremendous lineup of age-specific fun things to see and do. Of course, activities are supervised by Royal Caribbean staff members to ensure safety at all times.
There s also a Royal Promenade complete with cobblestone streets. Filled with shops and restaurants, the entire family can enjoy this active spot. You ll especially enjoy a stop at Ben & Jerry s ice cream shop!
Destinations
Launching May 19, 2007, for her maiden voyage, Liberty will set sail for the Caribbean. Her lineup of itineraries will eventually include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman Islands; Montego Bay, Jamaica and other well-loved ports of call.
While visiting these popular areas, guests will be able to take part in a world-class selection of land and sea excursions. Horseback riding, mountain bike tours, parasailing, whitewater rafting, flight-seeing tours, golf, water sports of all types and wildlife tours are just a few of the exciting adventures passengers can take part in.
Business At Sea
Lending herself to also accommodate business travelers and those looking to conduct business activities onboard a ship, Liberty will make available a full-service conference center complete with audio/visual capabilities as well as WiFi throughout the ship. Whether you re looking for an innovative place to hold a conference or seminar or just need a way to keep in touch while you re at sea, the business capabilities of Liberty will impress you.
Godmother
Most cruise lines engage a celebrity or other well-known person to be the godmother of each ship they launch. Royal Caribbean, however, takes a new approach by bestowing this honor on everyday people.
Liberty s godmother is a wonderful lady named Katherine Louise Calder. Selected as part of a nationwide search, Calder was given the title due to her service as a foster mom to over 400 special-needs children. What a wonderful representative to have!
Reservations are currently available on Liberty for voyages scheduled for May and after. If you re looking for a massive vacation experience for the whole family, Liberty can certainly deliver!
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> offering the best deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/alaska_cruises.htm"> Alaska cruises</a> and <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/hawaii_cruises.htm">Hawaii cruises</a>.
You Don t Cruise, You Lose!
Mexico offers a wide variety of options for cruisers Cruises to Mexico aren t what they used to be they re much, much more. Whether you re single or married, gay or lesbian, with or without children, on a low-carb diet or abandoning it, blind, a nudist, or just a die-hard Disney fan, Mexico has the cruise for you. As an added bonus, those who travel to Mexico via a cruise wont need a passport to do so until 2008! While millions of tourists flock to Mexico every year by land and air, the country has also become the world s top cruise destination, with cruises becoming more popular and lifestyle specific every year. According to recent statistics released by Mexico s Tourism Secretariat (Sectur), some 6.5 million passengers arrived to Mexico s ports in 2005. The most popular port is by far on the island of Cozumel, located just south of Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean. According to Mexico s Communications and Transportation Secretariat, 754 ships arrived to Cozumel in the first ten months of 2006, carrying some 1.5 million passengers. The second most popular port is Costa Maya on the Mexican Caribbean, which received 263 ships, carrying more than 500,000 in the first ten months of 2006. Mexico boasts two dozen port cities. Apart from Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan are the most popular ports along the Pacific coast, while Costa Maya in Quintana Roo State and Puerto Progreso in Yucatan State are the most popular on the Caribbean side. In addition to being bustling metropolises in their own right, offering the best in shopping, cultural activities and cuisine to the traveler, most ports are also located just a stone s throw from the country s leading archaeological treasures and other attractions. Part of the popularity of cruises can also be attributed to the traveling public s desire to experience more destinations in one vacation, with most cruises offering stops in at least three or four different destinations. According to Sectur, in the past two decades the number of cruise ships stopping in Mexican ports has increased dramatically, with most major cruise lines now serving the Gulf, Central Pacific and Caribbean, having incorporated these popular destinations into their itineraries. In 2005, the Mexican government invested more than US $7 million in the development of the Port of Chiapas, Mexico s newest cruise destination. The port welcomed its first passenger vessel in February 2006. As the number of cruise passengers increases, the demand for a variety of services and themes have also increased, what the cruise industry often refers to as lifestyle cruises. Below are just some samples of new cruise offerings: Sun salutations The Radisson Seven Seas hosts several lifestyle cruises, among them a yoga cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to Cozumel, featuring Michael Lechonczak and Robin Whitney Levine, a New York City-based husband and wife yoga team, who will bring the art and science of yoga to guests of the luxurious 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner. Their daily onboard program will offer a variety of options for men and women, yoga beginners and experts of all ages. Classes on meditation and aromatherapy will round out the mix. Food & wine The Radisson Seven Seas also offers a special Food & Wine spotlight cruise on the Mariner in March. The cruise, which sails from Los Angeles and stops in Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco and Huatulco in Oaxaca, features a Cordon Bleu cooking school and Sonoma Valley wines. Max McCalman, chef formageur from New York s Picholine Restaurant will provide expert tips, instruction and 24/7 wine tasting. Mickey on board Disney Cruise Line is also increasing its presence to Mexico, offering a variety of cruises to Mexico including calls to Cozumel on the Caribbean side, as well as calls to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific side. Disney offers special programs for children, teens and as well as adults, offering something for the entire family. The Disney Magic ship to Mexico s western ports has been enhanced by a 24-by14 foot jumbo LED screen for poolside movies and an expanded fitness and spa center for adults. Low carbs and smart kids Carnival s Fun Ships will make more than 1,100 calls to Mexican ports in 2005, with Mexico being by far the most popular destination for Carnival. Carnival has also diversified its offerings by adding low carb meals to its menus and expanding its kids programs to focus on art, music, science, reading and physical fitness. Gay travel Atlantis (www.atlantisevents.com) is one of the largest gay travel tour operators offering cruise packages to Mexico. The Mexican Riviera cruise is one of the most popular, offering five Mexican destinations in eight days on the new Radiance of the Seas ship. Rated by Conde Nast Traveler s Readers Choice as one of the best ships in the world, Radiance of the Seas offers among its many amenities a rock-climbing wall, two pools and an African-themed solarium complete with 17-foot high stone elephants and waterfalls. In Mexico, the ship will visit Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Clothing optional For au naturel travelers, Bare Necessities offers a variety of clothing-optional cruises. And nudetravel.com also offers clothing optional packages including information on nudist resorts in Mexico. Blind cruises Damar Travel at 800-999-6101 offers cruises for the blind to Mexico. Below are some of the many cruise lines that dock in Mexican ports as part of their regular routes: Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, P&O Cruises About the Mexico Tourism Board The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. # # # Erick Laseca Mexico Tourism Board 312-228-0517 erick.laseca@bm.com
Erick Laseca works for Burson-Marsteller as public relations liaison for the Mexico Tourism Board in Chicago.
Experience An Alaska Whale Watching Cruise
An Alaska whale watching cruise is one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. When you take this cruise, not only will you view the some of the most majestic sites in the world, you will also see some of the world’s beautiful whales in their natural habitat.
The largest schools of Orca, Humpback, Beluga and gray whales are found in the waters of Alaska. On an Alaska whale watching cruise, you can see these incredible creatures frolicking in their native waters. Although all these types of common to the Alaska waters, only the Orca and Humpback whales can be seen frequently.
The Humpback whale has a long tail flipper with edges that are oddly shaped. Their color is usually black with a white patch on their throats and bellies. Their size is extremely large, and when they are seen with humpback whales whose favorite trick is to jump in the air, it is a sight to behold.
Orca whales are also known as killer whales. They can be recognized from a distance from their black and white markings and their tall dorsal fins. They can also be identified from a distance by the vapor that is present when they surface.
When you are out on an Alaska whale watching cruise, it is almost a certainty that you will see the whales do some tricks while they are frolicking. A trick that the whales perform often is called skyhopping. This trick is done when the whale projects itself into the air nose first from the water to stand vertically in the air. If the whale is really strong, it can hold up half of its body weight.
Another trick that you are likely to see on an Alaska whale watching cruise is call lobtailing. This is when a whale lifts its massive tail and slaps the water to create a large splash. This is similar to what dolphins do.
Another favorite trick that whales perform is to do a breach or lunge. This is completed when the whale lunges out of the water and slams the surface of the water on its side. Lunging generates more power then the other routines performed.
Although whales are what draw curious tourists to take an Alaska whale watching cruise, there are many other types of natural Alaska wildlife to see. You will see bears and moose grazing in their favorite fields to millions of birds in the nesting habitat. Sea lions and otters are abound in Alaska; you will enjoy watching their playful games. You will find interested and exotic wildlife wherever you turn.
One of the most unforgettable sites that you will see is the incredible glaciers in Alaska. These magnificent mountains of ice will capture your attention with their beautiful reflections of the suns rays.
When you are planning the perfect Alaska vacation, do not forget that there are plenty of recreational activities in Alaska. The favorites being kayaking and fishing.
An Alaska whale watching cruise is one of the most unforgettable experiences that you will ever have. It offers you the sites of all of nature’s creatures both big and small living together in harmony and beauty.
An Alaska cruise is the experience of a lifetime. With the fresh, natural landscapes and wildlife, Alaska cruises continue to grow in popularity. In fact, Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations of all the cruise lines worldwide. Read more about <a href="http://www.enjoythecruise.com/alaska_cruise.htm">Alaska cruises</a> here => http://www.enjoythecruise.com/alaska_cruise.htm