posted by admin on May 10
Celebrity Cruises To Launch Two Retrofitted Ships In 2007
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Celebrity Cruises has recently been bestowed with two established ships as a result of parent-company Royal Caribbean’s acquisition of Spanish Pullmantur. These intimate-size vessels will each undergo retrofitting in dry dock before taking to the seas under the banner of Celebrity Cruises.
The ships will be very similar in size and amenities, but will differ greatly in their itineraries. Outfitted with the standard Celebrity Cruises compliments, each vessel will provide open seating in restaurants, a casually elegant atmosphere, two specialty restaurants plus:
Michael’s Club - A piano bar serving cocktails of all types.
Martini Bar - Offering over 20 types of martinis.
Aquaspa - A unique Celebrity inclusion designed to provide the utmost in pampering including acupuncture at sea.
Sensory Heaven spa treatments by Elemis.
Enrichment Activities - Take a culinary class, speak one to one with prominent authors and more.
Gourmet cuisine provided by world-class chefs.
Celebrity was recently voted “The Best Cruise Ships In the World” for the fifth consecutive year by Conde’ Nast Traveler. Living up to its reputation, Celebrity will spend over $70 million dollars on upgrades, the most impressive of which will include:
15 different classes of cabins.
In-cabin spa treatments.
Butler and concierge service for every cabin onboard (not just suites).
With a capacity of just over 700 passengers and one staff member for every two guests, these two new ships will give visitors plenty of opportunities for exceptional services.
Celebrity “Journey”
Previously deemed “Blue Dream” while flying the Pullmantur flag, Celebrity Cruises has renamed this ship “Journey.” She will set sail in May 2007 with a Bermuda itinerary, which will continue through October. “Journey” will then set course for truly unique destinations including Antarctica, Brazil and Chile.
Celebrity “Quest”
The second of the siblings sailed under the name of “Blue Moon” prior to the acquisition. Named “Quest” by Celebrity, this ship is scheduled to launch in October 2007 with a schedule of Caribbean itineraries. Her destinations will change several months after her maiden voyage to more exclusive ports of call including St. Barts, St. John, Santa Marta, Grand Turk and others.
For those who prefer a cruise experience that is more intimate, but still holds a high level of excitement and intrigue, Celebrity promises “Journey” and “Quest” will 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/european_cruises.htm"> European cruises</a> and <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/mediterranean_cruises.htm">Mediterranean cruises</a>.
What attire should you pack for your voyage on the Royal Caribbean Cruise
If you are planning to take a luxury Royal Caribbean Cruise, probabilities are you are all set for the grand getaway, right? At any rate, you may find yourself in a dilemma on what to wear on Royal Caribbean Cruises while in the middle of rummaging through your closet. So before you commence packing, take time to look over this article to assist you to determine on what to bring along with you for your trip. Since the trip can undoubtedly cost you a significant amount of money, you would want to enjoy it as much as you can and escape the hassle of distressing about having nothing suitable to wear on certain occasions on the vessel. So what are the other guidelines to keep in mind when pondering on what to wear on Royal Caribbean Cruises? Your clothing will mainly revolve around two categories - casual and formal attires, depending on the activities that you are planning to engage in. Casual Attire For the warmer day weather you will be opting to be in cooler attire. On land excursions, shorts or jeans with light colored t-shirts, polo shirts or short sleeved shirts would be ideal. If you were planning to walk longer distance, I would propose trainers or comfortable walking shoes. If you want to spend some time in the water I would suggest that you should also make sure to bring along several swim wears so you will not encounter the problem of stepping again into a wet suit. Don t bother on bringing a towel since fresh ones will be constantly provided in the cruise. If you do not want to skip your weekly fitness schedule, you may want to pop by the ship s gym so dress appropriately. It is requested that passengers would not wear shorts in public areas after six pm. So for evening casual wear - men its slacks and an appropriate short sleeved shirt or polo shirt. For ladies’ will be appropriate pants, skirts and cool dresses would be ideal. Shoes for ladies should be low heeled to avoid difficulty in maneuvering atop the deck. And don t forget bring along your favorite sun block lotion, so that you can work on getting a beautiful tan without suffering any sunburns. Formal Attire If you are taking a seven-day cruise or more, it would be advisable to bring along a formal suit or dress. If you are wondering on what to wear on Royal Caribbean Cruises during evenings or if you are planning to dine on one of their elegant restaurants, it would be best to have some classic clothing that will readily fit in the formal gathering. The most commonplace outfit for men is sport coats and neckties, and it is of great help to know that the wearing of denims in restaurants is usually discouraged. You may consider renting your formal evening wear, so please call up the cruise company in advance to find out if they cater for this. It may be a little costly but it saves you the hassle of packing your formal wear or if you do have one. As you may have gathered, the Royal Caribbean Cruises can tend to be quite dressier than any other cruises, so it would be best to be forewarned than to suffer in anxiety of feeling under dressed and noticeably out of place. Even minor matters such as the dress codes can potentially ruin your holiday. Most of your attire will revolve around what you will be doing about in the cruise so it s wise to do some homework of your own. You can mainly get much information from the cruise pamphlets, reading travel magazines or by calling the cruise office. Better still, if you have some close friends or family member who have gone on a luxury cruise, don t hesitate to consult with them on what to wear on Royal Caribbean Cruises. It is vital to have the right attire to fully delight in all the activities and amenities on the vessel and also to sidestep the chance of being forced to buy some dresses on the vessel. This will just cost you to make some unneeded expenses.
<p>The author owns the Informational Website about <a href="http://www.royalcaribbean.informativeguide.com/">Royal Caribbean Cruises</a> with tips and resource about various cruises and information about the Royal Caribbean Line. This article on <a href="http://www.royalcaribbean.informativeguide.com/What-Wear-On-Royal-Caribbean-Cruises.html">what to wear on royal caribbean cruises</a> and many more can be found at this website.</p>
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.
What Cruise Destinations are Hot
Right now, the areas of cruising that are selling very well are the Mediterranean and Alaska. These two areas are selling so well that Royal Caribbean has moved a total of 7 ships, from the Caribbean and Alaska, to mop up the excess business that has taken them by surprise. Carnival Cruises is launching their brand-new ship there-the Carnival Freedom. This is unprecedented for Carnival. Since they began, every new ship that they built was always launched in the Caribbean arena. After the Carnival Freedom finishes the Mediterranean cruises, it will be doing 7 day Eastern and Western Caribbean areas starting in the fall of 2007. Alaska cruises and Alaska cruisetours are selling very well. If you are planning on booking a cruise in either the Mediterranean or Alaska, you should not wait. These cruises are seasonal and space is obviously limited. The old ploy of waiting to get a last minute special is not going to work in these areas because demand is astronomical. If you are going to the Mediterranean or Alaska-book it now. Now, when there are areas that are booming, like the Mediterranean and Alaska, obviously that means there are areas that are lagging. This means you will find better than normal rates in these areas. Right now, those areas that are lagging are the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Bermuda. You can get lower than normal rates for these cruises because demand is lagging. My advice is don’t follow the crowd. If you really want to go to the Mediterranean or Alaska, unless you can find an off date that is affordable, wait until next year. Take advantage of the low rates for the Caribbean, Bermuda and Bahamas cruises. You will save a mint and still have a great time. Since rates are lower than normal, it is a perfect opportunity to find a new ship that you wanted to try out but in the past was out of your price range. The one thing that is a constant in the cruise industry is change. What’s hot this year won’t be the next year. Go against the crowd and it will save you a lot of money! All Aboard Cruises Corp are experts in Caribbean Cruises, Mediterranean cruises and Alaska cruises and can be found at http://www.allaboardcruisescorp.com. For more information on Caribbean Cruises, see All Aboard Cruises Corp.
President of All Aboard Cruises Corp <a href=http://www.allaboardcruisescorp.com>Caribbean Cruises</a>
You re Guide to Houseboat Sales
Have you thought about the idea of buying your own houseboat to either escape to on the weekends and holidays? or maybe you want to sell the house and live in your houseboat full time. If so a houseboat sale is the best option for you if you are considering this type of investment in such a prestigious and ever growing boating market.
Without a doubt one of the biggest trends to rise up recently is that of house boating. The houseboat industry is gaining in popularity day by day and more and more people are discovering the potential of a houseboat sale as a great way to secure their own unique watercraft for a very reasonable price. To help people such as yourself, I have put this article together for people who wish to look further into buying a houseboat from a houseboat sale and just what exactly you have to look for when you attend a houseboat sale and wish to make a purchase whether you re a first time buyer or an experienced boater.
When attending a houseboat sale you should also check the age of the vessel and also the manufacturer that originally built the boat, do some research to see whether the builder is a popular and reliable builder and doesn t have a bad reputation. Even call the builder up and let them know that you are attending the houseboat sale for one of their boats and verify the background of it. When inspecting the houseboat sale go over the whole thing with a fine tooth comb from checking the engine log books to making sure the oven works properly. Also look for structural integrity and make sure there are no cracks throughout the craft and major parts are not rusting. Check the engine hours and verify the service log books and generally make sure they are in good condition. Also check the hull or pontoons to make sure they are in good condition and have whether or not they have been sandblasted and repainted recently.
Although a houseboat is essentially a marine water craft you still have to approach a houseboat sale in the same way you would a house made of bricks and motor because in hindsight this is essentially what you are buying, a house. So before you get started you should do some research into a houseboat sale and get a good feel for the boating market in regards to price size brands of builders etc. You should also consider the amount of passengers also know as berths that your desired houseboat should have before attending a houseboat sale. You don t want to buy a 5 berth houseboat if there is 6 members in your family do you! There are strict laws regarding how many people you can carry on a houseboat so this is very important.
Jason Rusch is a houseboat enthusiast that writes information articles for www.modernhouseboat.com for more of Jason s great houseboat articles head on over to the site!
Cruise Europe On Luxury Cruise Ships For A Relaxing and Educational Vacation
Do you want to tour Europe’s coastline but feel exhausted about the daunting task of packing and unpacking many times? The perfect solution is to take a cruise along Europe’s coastline. There are numerous cruises offered for the Mediterranean, the North Sea, the Baltic and other coastlines of Europe. The cruise ships that ply those waters can range from 100 to 3000 passengers. All of the newer ships cruising Europe’s coastline, while very large, offer more amenities, like private balconies. All of the cruise ships will have pools, spas and entertainment.
There are alternative ways to cruise Europe. You could for instance take a river cruise on the Danube or perhaps the Rhine. These luxurious cruise ships will gently ply the rivers passing beautiful scenery. They will stop at many ports so the passengers can get off and explore. These cruise ships are not tall like other cruise ships because they are designed to fit under the many bridges that span the rivers. They do not carry the mega amount of passengers, usually 50 to 200.
Another choice would be a barge cruise. Many small barges have been converted to luxury cruise ships. These ships can maneuver in the smaller rivers and canals. Since they carry very few passengers (6-12) they are a more intimate experience. You will need time for cruises such as these. They travel slowly and make overnight stops in small villages.
Then there is a Yacht cruise which appeals to the heart of all wanna be yachtsmen. These too are much smaller and you will experience amore intimate cruise.
But let’s go with the traditional cruise that visits lots of ports during the cruise. Since you have invested a lot of time and money to get to Europe you will want to choose a cruise that visits lots of ports in many countries. Go for a 12 to 14 day itinerary visiting countries that interest you. Review the tours offered before you leave so you know which ones you want to book when you arrive at your cruise ship. Usually the cruise ship will stop in a port during the day traveling to the next port during the night. Occasionally, a ship will overnight in a port giving you more time to tour.
A typical day aboard a cruise ship in Europe starts with breakfast being delivered to your room and placed on your balcony so you can watch as you gently glide into port. If you don’t have anything planned for that day go the restaurant deck and enjoy a hearty meal.
If you have a tour booked, head for the meeting area that has been designated by the cruise line. In most cases the tours are four to five hours long giving you the rest of the day to explore more fully. If you have planned it right you can do your tour, then return to the ship for lunch, then go out in the afternoon to hit the spots you have chosen to see.
Most cruise lines set sail for the next port in the early evening around 5 or 6 o’clock. After you have watched the sail away, you have time to get cleaned up, have a drink and then have a leisurely dinner. There is always entertainment after dinner to enjoy. The casino and the bars will be opened to the late hours but remember you have an early start the next day.
If there are a couple of days where you are not in port the cruise ship will provide plenty of activities that you can join. They have art auctions, trivia, bridge, lectures, fitness classes and much more. And don’t forget the spa. Make your spa appointments early since the sea days tend to be booked solid.
So if you have decided to cruise the coasts of Europe you need to consider a few things.
There are many destinations to choose from with the Mediterranean being the most popular. But you can opt to do the Baltic, Scandinavia or the British Isles.
Now you have to pick a cruise line that sails in to your chosen itinerary. Some of the cruise lines, like Radisson, SilverSea, and Windstar are small and intimate. These cruise lines emphasis luxury and service. The other main stream cruise lines, Princess, Celebrity or Holland America, to name a few, carry thousands of passengers, from 1500 to 3000. They are really floating resorts. Of course the costs should be considered too.
If you can afford it choose to sail on a luxury cruise line. Now you have to compare the amenities of each luxury cruise line. The cabins on a luxury cruise ship tend to be the size of a suite on the mega cruise lines. Check the cruise lines brochure for square footage.
Find out what is included on the different luxury cruise lines. Some include drinks and wine with dinner. Others require no tipping. Some include the airfare. These are all things to consider when you choosing which luxury cruise line to sail on. Spa and beauty treatments will always be paid for by you. In some cases the tours are included and in other they are not. Do your homework to get the best deal.
Talk to an experienced cruise travel agent. They will help you get all the information you need. Many times by booking early you can see substantial savings. You can save a little money if you have frequent flyer miles, so request a cruise only fare. Most of the luxury cruise lines will not allow you to book a cruise except through a travel agent.
On a European cruise be aware that you will not have time to do any in-depth studies of the ports you visit. You will get a “taste” of each port that will whet your appetite to visit the destination again at another time and stay longer. You may want to choose a cruise line that overnights in a port or you could buy one of their pr or post packages in a port of call.
Go check out what cruising Europe’s coastline has to offer. A cruise may be just right for you because it is a cross between a resort vacation and a holiday in Europe.
Happy Cruising!
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. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com
http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com
and http://www.CruisingTips.com
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. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com
The Real Cruise Ship Employment Guide
Securing a job, while avoiding the advertising hype
Picture yourself plying over thousands of miles of ocean, while occasionally docking at historic ports of call. Not only are you traveling free, you’re getting paid for it, too.
The average cruise ship salary range is between $3,000 to $5,000 per month with zero living expenses and full insurance. The core sacrifice is being away from family for 4 to 6 months at a time. The core benefits are traveling the world, making great money, and meeting great people from around the world.
Most cruise ships built today resemble small cities. The average crew includes: personal trainers, chefs, wait persons, security guards, housekeepers, bartenders, blackjack dealers, and even golf pros. You can find hundreds of other jobs available on each ship.
With an average contract of about six months, and with high turnover rates, it’s obvious why companies need to fill so many positions.
However, for most people, finding one of these dream jobs can be as unpredictable as the treacherous waves in the high seas. Should you mail your application? How about faxing or e-mailing it? Would a direct call to a cruise line company help?
The mountainous information that is available on the Internet can make your job search even more confusing. Much of the information is vague, while other information is misleading, or is a straight up scam.
The Truth
What about web sites that claim to mail, fax and e-mail your application in for you? What are the real chances of getting hired that way? Common sense should tell you, that if someone is sending your application in with 100 others, you’re probably not going to get a job.
With a jovial chuckle, Damien Caldera, a former Carnival Cruises staff member states: “I don’t know a single hiring manager who employs anyone from any of those faxed or resume e-mail services in the marketplace. It’s just not done. Moreover, it’s a routine to delete and trash this volume of unsolicited applications!"
Richard Marshal, HR Fleet Operations, Management Recruitment, Royal Caribbean International, completely agrees with Damien’s declaration here.
The truth is that cruise ships never advertise 90% of their entry-level jobs. Instead, those jobs are handled by companies like eCruiseShipJobs.com. Yet, the cruise ship lines own Human Resources Department handles most management level jobs.
ECruiseShipJobs global hiring network is an independent confederation of cruise industry hiring managers with key relationships and hiring access with every major cruise line.
Further Investigation
On further investigation of the countries that supply most of ship crew members, I discovered that all of those countries use crewing agencies. In other words, prospective applicants need to apply through those agencies (who collect fees), and then they are usually employed within months, or within a year. Each agency has direct contact with H.R. personnel from various cruise ships.
Relationships are the easiest way to land a job on a cruise ship. Like the old cliché, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” The cruise industry is rife with this conduct, mainly, because it’s a hospitality driven industry, and the staff are conditioned to behave this way all the time.
Top 5 ways to get hired on a cruise ship!
- A referral from a hiring decision maker who works in the Human Resources Dept of a major cruise line. What better way to get a job than to have reference.
- Get a referral from a friend who has influence within the cruise line industry. This friend who has contact with those higher up in management, might have enough influence to help you get in.
- A referral from a current employee of a major cruise line. It sometimes helps knowing anyone who already is aboard a ship. They can sometimes give you helpful information about the people you need to contact.
- Replying to an ad placed by the cruise lines Management Human Resources Dept for a senior or non entry-level job! Sometimes, it’s possible to look in the local newspaper and see jobs offered directly from the cruise lines. These are usually found in newspapers in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and any other major cities where cruise ships embark.
- A top alternative way to land an entry-level job on a major cruise line is with the eCruiseShipJobs.com global network. They service the world. They have a 13 year hiring success record, and that record of achievement continues today. They have the contacts and the proper guidance to land you a cruise ship job.
The truth is, there are up to 30,000 jobs available each year aboard cruise ships. Plus, that number increases every year. Unfortunately, if you don’t follow the correct procedures, you could find yourself on dry land.
Stan Hawkins is an American freelance writer currently living abroad. He has traveled to over 50 countries in the past 25 years. Visit his site at http://www.stanhawkins.com or contact him by e-mail at: mailto:info (AT) stanhawkins DOT com
