posted by admin on May 30
Emerald Princess: The Newest Grand-Class Ship Sets Sail April 2007
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
Spring 2007 holds wonderful things in store for cruise enthusiasts. Princess Cruise Line is currently finalizing all the details in preparation for launching Emerald Princess this coming April. Modern and luxurious, this ship’s theme is all about choices.
In line with other Princess vessels, Emerald Princess will offer Movies Under the Stars, a Princess innovation that began last year with great success. With towering, outdoor, plasma movie screens that feature the latest releases in movies, concerts and sporting events, this feature has become one of the most sought after. Other ship-wide favorites slated for inclusion on the Emerald Princess include Personal Choice dining, Lotus Spa and a very high ratio of cabins offering private verandahs.
Expanded Children’s and Teens Areas
Because kids and teens are an integral part of the family vacation, Emerald Princess will offer expanded children’s and teens areas. With three age classifications, kids and teens will find a wide range of activities, games, crafts, food and parties designed specifically with them in mind. Parents will be delighted to know their children are having the time of their lives while being supervised by the watchful eyes of trained ship’s staff members.
Larger Staterooms With More Verandahs
In keeping with the ship’s theme of choice, Emerald Princess will offer 13 classes of staterooms (including family suites) that are larger than those offered on other cruise ships. Passengers will find greater amenities, including queen-sized beds, refrigerators, walk-in closets, massage showerheads, laundry services and more (depending on which cabin class is booked). Plus nearly 900 staterooms will offer balconies, one of the most popular features requested by guests.
Engagements and Weddings At Sea
As the only major cruise line to offer these features, Emerald Princess passengers have the pleasure of getting engaged or getting married on the open sea with some truly memorable touches.
For those hoping to propose while on a cruise, “Engagement Under the Stars” provides help with making a personalized video to be shown on the big screen during Movies Under the Stars. Once the question is popped, the couple can enjoy a romantic dinner prepared especially for them and receive keepsake items to remember the occasion with.
For those getting married at sea, Emerald Princess has a newly designed and expanded wedding chapel for the ceremony. The captain officiates as the couple enjoys a completely customized day of their dreams.
From flowers and candlelight to musicians, photographers, onboard catering by the ship’s gourmet chefs and even tuxedo rentals, the ship’s staff helps to coordinate every element of the ceremony and reception to ensure this is a day no one will soon forget.
Inaugural and Primary Itineraries
Emerald Princess’s maiden voyage will be a 12-day Greek Isles cruise, which will set sail April 11, 2007. Visiting some of the most scenic spots in the Mediterranean, passengers will thrill at every port, including Venice, Naples, Olympia and more.
Emerald Princess will sail a series of Greek Isles and Grand Mediterranean cruises before docking in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in October. From here, she’ll take up Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries.
For lovers or families, for those seeking thrills or sheer relaxation, the new Emerald Princess is sure not to disappoint.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center based in Yonkers, New York. Visit them online today at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> for the best deals on <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">cruise vacations</a> including popular <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/alaska_cruises.htm"> Alaska cruises</a>. You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.
Royal Caribbean Cruise
An American-Norwegian company, the company runs out of Miami, Florida, although ships are normally classed as Liberian. The Royal Caribbean Cruise Line was originally founded in 1968 by the amalgamation of three Norwegian shipping companies, Anders Wilhelmsen & Company, Gotaas Larsen and I.M. Skaugen & Company.
Cruise Travel Close To Home From The West Coast
Cruise travel from ports close to home is what passengers want now. In almost all of the cruise reviews, cruise travelers have expressed concern with long airline trips to distant lands. Now they want to cruise from ports that are close to home to enjoy a less stressful cruise vacation. The cruise lines have caught on to this trend and are now positioning their ships up and down the United States East and West Coasts and along the Gulf of Mexico. Let’s explore the ports of embarkation on the West Coast starting in Southern California at the port of San Diego and go northward.
If you can take the time before or after your cruise travel, spend some extra time in San Diego. The city of San Diego is blessed with year round warm weather and seventy miles of Pacific Coastline. There are many activities to enjoy while in the city. They have a first class, world famous zoo in Balboa Park. At Old Town State Historic Park learn about the History of California. Near the downtown area there are 15 excellent museums and gorgeous gardens.
A little further up north is Long Beach just 20 miles south of Los Angeles. Here is where the Queen Mary retired to in 1967 and is permanently docked serving as a Hotel. With more 12,000 sea creatures the aquarium is a delightful spot to spend a couple of hours.
If you plan to take your cruise vacation out of Los Angeles there are plenty of sights to see. A pre or post cruise package from the cruise lines will allow you to see the many cultural centers or drive by the star studded neighborhoods of Malibu, Bel Air and Hollywood. Be sure to see Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Chinatown and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit funky Venice Beach and dine in the many excellent restaurants. And don’t forget to at least window shop on Rodeo Drive.
The dazzling Golden Gate Bridge will be what you sail under on you cruise vacation from San Francisco. Many cruise reviews have mentioned this city as one of the favorites from which to start a cruise. You may opt to take a side trip to the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Valleys for a day. While in San Francisco check out Fisherman’s Wharf, or take a cable car ride through the city. In this city there are numerous excellent restaurants. There is a ferry that will take you over to Alcatraz Island for a glimpse into the life of the prisoners.
Perhaps you have chosen Seattle, Washington as your embarkation port. The lovely Puget Sound area is rich with history of the maritime industries. The Olympic Mountains will leave you feeling awed when viewed from the Space Needle that is 607 feet high. For fun don’t miss the Pike Street Market for fresh seafood and produce. There are many fleets of sport fishing boats for fishing or for whale watching.
Even further up the coast you are now in Alaskan territory. Fairbanks, which was once a booming mining town, is the entrance to Alaska’s interior. If you stay here for a day or two try a really Alaskan adventure and go dog sledding. Maybe you would like to pan for gold, another part of Alaska’s history. If you want to see the Northern Lights plan your cruise vacation for late August or early September.
Choosing a cruise vacation out of Whitter, Alaska will allow you to go whale watching, and look for sea lions and bald eagles. This is a small quaint town that really lets you feel what Alaska is all about.
You will fly into Anchorage for departure from Seward, Alaska. Try to stay a few days to explore the riches Anchorage has to offer. There is the beautiful Denali National Park, where Mt. McKinney offers spectacular scenery. In Seward you can take a cruise to the Kenai Fjords as a day trip.
Any of these cruise ports will make a great start for your cruise vacation. So when planning any cruise travel pick a port that’s close to home and leave some time for exploring the town of embarkation.
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
Royal Caribbean's Freedom-Class Fleet: Newer, Bigger, Bolder
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
With one of the newest fleets afloat, Royal Caribbean is beaming when it comes to their Freedom-Class ships. And with good reason! The namesake, “Freedom,” is currently touring the Caribbean and - if she is any indication - the others in the lineup will cause quite a stir in the cruise industry. Quite frankly, the Freedom class is impressive and offers some truly unique features.
At over 160,000 tons, each of the three ships in the Freedom-Class fleet carries 3,634 passengers at double occupancy. They also have several other things in common.
FlowRider - The first ever surf park at sea, the FlowRider is a blast! This exciting surfing ride gives you the feeling that you’re hanging ten on a Maui wave without ever leaving the ship. It may be wet and wild, but it’s also easy to master, so everyone can participate. Instructors are always on hand to help when needed.
H20 Zone - Kids and their parents get in on the water-filled fun, too, in the H20 Zone. Brilliantly colored hoops, mushrooms and other shapes sprinkle and splash you with water, as you cool off. No other ships have this type of innovative water park.
Solarium - If a little de-stressing is what you need, the Solarium with cantilevered whirlpools is just the ticket. With its rainforest motif, the Solarium extends 12 feet beyond the sides of the ship, so you get a view like no other! What could be more relaxing than feeling as if you’re floating across the ocean like a bird?
Rock-Climbing Wall - This massive tower is another Royal Caribbean first. Standing almost four stories high, this rock wall has 12 trails to follow. Guests of every activity level can give it a try! Your reward? Not only will you get some great exercise, but you’ll also find a breathtaking view at the top!
Full-Size Everlast Boxing Ring - Complete with safety gear, this is the first boxing ring at sea. Enjoy sparring sessions with fully qualified instructors, mirror boxing, speed bags, master bags, one-on-one training sessions and more. It’s bound to be a hit!
Ice-Skating Rink - Put on a pair of skates and chill out on this full-size ice-skating rink. It’s a great way to chill out after spending time in a tropical paradise.
Royal Promenade - Not just a glorified hallway with shops, this is Main Street U.S.A.! Cobblestone walkways, street performers and more make this a fun place to be. Shops, restaurants, bright colors, skylights and bridges are at every turn. You’ll find the unique as well as the familiar, like Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!
With so much in common, how could you possibly choose between these three ships? Look for their scheduled itineraries. “Freedom of the Seas,” launched in 2006, offers 32 captivating Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean ports of call, departing from 10 different cities. “Liberty of the Seas” will launch in May 2007 with a limited Caribbean schedule, including the wildly popular ports of Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, St. Maarten and San Juan. And, coming in May 2008, “Independence of the Seas” will sail to classic European destinations.
Even if you’ve taken a dozen cruises before, sailing on a Freedom-Class ship is a must! With so many “firsts,” it will be a whole new vacation experience for you and your family.
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 on <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/european_cruises.htm"> European cruises</a>.
A Cruise Vacation That Can Include Airline Reservations
An air-sea cruise is when your cruise vacation has been booked with airline reservations to get you to the ship s port and back home again. The cruise line buys its tickets in bulk from the airlines. They find out where you are coming from for your cruise travel and book you passage from a nearby airport to one close to the cruise ship’s home port. Each cruise line has its own policy on how they deal with the sale of airline tickets, so here are some cruise tips in that area.
What is the cost of the tickets if I book them with my cruise?
The amount will be quoted when you book and will be shown on your bill.
If I need to cancel, are the refund policies different for the plane tickets than for the cruise?
No, as long as you cancel before the penalty phase begins.
Is there a service fee charged to have the Cruise Line issue my Airline reservations?
Only if you use their air deviations plan. The fee is around $50.00 each.
Do I have any choice in which Airline is used?
Yes, if you use there air deviation plan.
Can I get credit for my frequent flyer mileage if the cruise lines books my airline reservations?
No. You can use your frequent flyers if you book on your own.
Can I fly nonstop or have any control over the route that is taken, or do I just get what ever they find?
Here again, use the air deviation plan.
How do I get from the Airport to the ship s pier?
If you have booked an air/sea cruise vacation the cruise lines will supply you with a voucher for a shuttle bus. If you booked your own airline reservations it will be up to you to get to the port.
Is there a shuttle service available from the airport where you ll be arriving? Is there a charge for this service or is it included? Is the service included if you don t book your flight through the Cruise Line?
If you book your flights through the cruise lines, there will be a shuttle and you
use your transfer.
How and when do I meet up with Cruise Line personnel?
They will be standing in the baggage claim area and will hold a sign with the name of the ship. They will direct you to the shuttle.
How is my luggage handled, do I have to pick it up at the airport or is it automatically sent to the ship?
You will have to pick it up at the airport and then the shuttle will take it to the ship with you.
What accommodations, if any, are made if the Airline they use causes me to miss the ship?
If you have booked with the cruise lines they will accommodate you by getting a hotel room for the night and a flight to the next port.
There are many advantages to booking an air-sea package for your cruise travel. The cruise line takes care of the airline reservation. Since cruise lines buy in bulk and usually provide a discount package rate, the ticket price is generally lower than what can be found in the general market. The transfer of luggage is easier, and a free shuttle will take you from the airport to the docks for your cruise vacation.
The cruise line will have your flight information and will be able to track your flight in case of a delay. Others on the cruise might be on the same flight and they might just hold the ship waiting for you to board. The biggest advantage is that if anything goes wrong to delay you, the cruise line will generally become more involved in getting you to the ship.
There, of course, are disadvantages as well to booking an air-sea package. You might be able to find a better deal on your own, or you may have to fly an airline you don t like. You will not get credit for frequent flyer miles by going through the cruise line, and you might not be able to fly non-stop. Finally, you might end up flying a longer route than you d pick for yourself.
You could book your own airline tickets, but only do so if you can get a better deal. The strongest consideration should be how confident you are in being able to make it to the ship for your cruise vacation on your own. If you are already flying in a few days early, know you ll be there on time and you can save over the air-sea on plane tickets and shuttle costs, then you might just consider going it alone. But, remember you are going it alone. In many cruise reviews it is recommended that you book your airline reservation with the cruise line.
The cruise lines will be more likely to make accommodations and work with the airline if their booking didn t get you to the ship on time. They will be better able to track your late flight and might even delay the ship if they know you ll only be slightly late. There have been many cruise vacations that have delayed the departure from port especially if there is a large group of cruise travelers on a late plane.
Depending on the circumstances, they might even rebate some of your cruise or give you a discount toward your next cruise vacation with them. However, the airlines are independent contractors. Most cruise conditions of carriage state that since the airlines are independent contractors the cruise line makes no warranty and assumes no responsibility for any failure or delay in their contractor s services. This is another reason to purchase a strong trip insurance package.
When you book your own airline tickets for your cruise vacation, if the route you picked to make it to the ship fails, you are on your own. Don t risk missing your cruise travel over a few frequent flyer miles. No matter how you get to your cruise vacation, try to avoid this situation by booking a flight that leaves you plenty of time to get you to and from the pier to the airport. It is recommended that your go on the internet and read the many cruise reviews on this subject.
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
5 Tips For The single Gentleman Cruiser
A cruise can be a great “romantic escape” for everyone - the single ladies fantasize about finding the perfect romance in the perfect setting. Just being on a cruise ship with possibly hundreds of single ladies with the same idea in mind boosts your chances of success by 100% -unfortunately your not the only guy on board -So Here are some tips to further your chances with the ladies on your next cruise.
1. Take dance Lessons( preferably before you cruise) - ladies love a man of the arts - and a man who can move can tango into any ladies heart. Why do you think they always make those leading men dance in their movies? -take a page from their book and learn to move those hips!
2. Karaoke - Or sing with the band! You’ve always suspected that you have silky pipes worthy of Sinatra or Johnny Mathis - its time to put your talent in full view. You’ll make fast friends even if you cant sing to save your life - why? people like people who take chances and they’re more likely to approach and congratulate you ( and buy you a drink) regardless of you having murdered their wedding song.
3. Dress up for dinner . Think James Bond- suave, smooth, ever stirring and not shaken. Bring a great suit and gel your hair, mind your manners and light her cigarette. ( bring a lighter even if you don’t smoke-its a great Introductory tool-however don’t take this too far -people will mistake you for a waiter if you light up everyone)
4. If you have a DVD player in your room rent some videos of movies where your favorite actors moves are on full display -and practice! (refer to tips 1-3, great moves were invented on celluloid)
5. Get a Tan - it gives you “a -man-of-the -outdoors” look. Vibrant, energetic, full of “joie-de-vivre” . It might surprise you that many guys on a cruise are still pasty after a full week! Women love a tan complexion - it again evokes movie -star associations -and hell! you just look hotter!
The key here is “role-playing’ pattern yourself after your favorite movie- star. Copy their moves and liberally sprinkle in your own style elements - were not asking you to be the perfect mimic
( you wouldn’t want to be either) but it doesn’t hurt to have a great peg in mind. Above all be natural and have fun on the cruise!
For more ” suave and savvy cruise moves” visit http://www.deluxecruisenews.com
cruise with style