posted by admin on Jun 22
Cruise Food: Personal Choice Dining Makes A Big Splash
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
In the golden era of ocean voyages, everyone was called to a single seating of dinner in the main dining room of the ship. Whether you were hungry or not, whether you liked liver p t or not, you came and you ate when and what you were told. Special requests from first-class passengers may have been accommodated, but they were done so at the quiet protest of the chef. Dining aboard cruise ships today has made dramatic improvements in both variety and service.
Cruising is now broadly accepted among the masses as a cost-effective and fun vacation alternative. What was once reserved for only the wealthiest is now available to practically everyone. Catering to the masses, especially families with finicky children, has become the delight of chefs, rather than an insult. Stretching their creativity, most of those on the kitchen staff take pride in developing new dining alternatives that suit their guests.
Options In Cuisine
Princess Cruises is a good example. With the advent of Personal Choice Dining , Princess has not only taken the restrictions off typical cruise ship dining, it has also expanded options for its passengers. With “Anytime Dining,” guests find most of the eight restaurants open all day. Some are open 24 hours. While the main dining room still has two seatings, it is open for Anytime Dining during breakfast and lunch hours. This allows passengers to eat when they are hungry rather than when the cruise line dictates they should dine. But time isn’t the only advantage to Personal Choice Dining .
Options in cuisine have become much more diverse. Making concessions for every age and appetite, Princess offers a little something for everyone. From an onboard, upscale Italian restaurant to a refined steakhouse to burgers, dogs and pizza at the caf , adults and kids alike can enjoy what suits their fancies. In addition, guests can curb those midday (or midnight!) snack attacks with a 24-hour buffet, featuring finger sandwiches, aged cheeses, chocolate-dipped strawberries, ice cream sundaes and more.
For those who prefer a more private way to dine, 24-hour room service is available with a full menu. Simply fill out the card provided in your stateroom, and any cuisine you desire from the dining room - including steak and lobster - will be delivered to you at the time you indicate. If you desire to dine on your balcony, your server will be glad to accommodate.
Dressing For Dinner
While the main dining room does have nights where formalwear is required, other dining options onboard allow passengers to dress in whichever attire they choose. Visit the buffet in your swimsuit and flip-flops, throw on shorts and a tank top for the late-night bistro or don your khakis and golf shirt for the steakhouse and other onboard restaurants.
If you’ve been under the mistaken impression that cruising means tuxedos and entr es with names you can’t pronounce, relax! Those days are long gone. Princess Cruises and other lines now have much more casual options you and your family can take advantage of. Eat when you want, where you want, what you want and make everybody happy!
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/princess_cruise_line.htm">Princess cruises</a>. Visit them today!
Review: Windstar Cruises Offers Unique Vacations Aboard Motor Sail Yachts
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
When the frantic, fast-paced flurry of most cruise vacations isn’t appealing to you, there is an exceptional alternative: Windstar Cruises.
Distinctive in every way, the most notable difference between Windstar and other cruise ships is the ships themselves. Not your standard luxury liner, Windstar voyages are aboard three stunning, intimate-sized motor sail yachts. With sails billowing in the breeze, you can head out to the far reaches of the world to many of the most sought-after destinations known to man.
Classic in every detail, Windstar cruises offer popular ports of call, luxurious amenities, access to everything onboard and a wide array of choices in dining and other options. Casinos, gourmet restaurants, spas and well-equipped fitness centers are among some of the appointments you’ll find, depending on which ship you choose. With a casually elegant atmosphere, Windstar Cruises also delivers some pleasantly unexpected alternatives as well.
Regardless of which ship you sail (Wind Star, Wind Sail or Wind Surf), these intimate-class vessels accommodate no more than 312 passengers. As you might expect, that equates to a level of personalized service unlike any other. From spa treatments to room stewards to dining staff, you’ll find your every whim accommodated with lightening speed. That’s absolute freedom!
In addition, your Windstar cruise also adheres to an open bridge policy. Stop by and introduce yourself to the captain and his crew, tour the bridge and discover the inner workings of a cruise ship. When you’re finished, make your way to the rear of the ship (aft) for skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling and other water sports directly from the water platform of the vessel. (Did I mention they are complimentary?)
Destinations
But the ships themselves are only part of the cruise experience. Not to worry! The destinations available from Windstar offer a grand selection of classic favorites that bear visiting again and again.
St. Thomas and Barbados are frequent stops on Windstar voyages to the Caribbean. Ports in Rome, Athens, Barcelona and Nice are all called upon during weeklong European tours. Costa Rica offers a tropical playground virtually year round and is available to you at any time you choose. Or, for a regal cruise in the tradition of the majestic days of ocean travel, book a transatlantic crossing - two glorious weeks at sea. You’ll quickly discover why Windstar gets an amazing 60% repeat booking rate.
Atmosphere
Intimate and casually elegant, all the ships in the Windstar fleet give you an entirely new cruise experience. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of other overcrowded ships, Windstar’s philosophy is to make you right at home. Certainly exciting, always fun, these motor sail ships bring a more dignified air to cruising. It’s as if you’re sailing on your own private yacht with 300 friends.
Dining
As you might expect, the cuisine onboard Winstar vessels is second to none. With a restaurant and a veranda on each ship, you have a choice as to when and where to dine. Gourmet meals prepared to order by expert chefs are served daily for your enjoyment.
Generally catering to adults, Windstar proclaims, these adventures are “180 Degrees From Ordinary.” You’ll agree. With teak decking, granite-topped surfaces and elegant sails, Windstar gives every appearance of a world-class cruise ship.
If you’re a cruise enthusiast who is looking for a new direction for your next vacation, Windstar might have just what you’re looking for.
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/windstar_cruises.htm">Windstar cruises</a>.
Destination Preview: Exotic South America
© 2007, All Rights Reserved
From cosmopolitan opera houses to cowboys on the range, South America is an immensely diverse cocktail of everything from regal to rustic. A cultural mecca as well as a wildlife sanctuary, this birthplace of the tango rewards visitors with constant sites, adventures and taste temptations. White-sand beaches, glacier-dotted coastlines and dense green forests offer every outdoor enthusiast something to anticipate. Five-star restaurants, boutique shopping and museums provide welcome relaxation.
Chile Offers Diverse and Interesting Activities
As you approach this port, you’ll immediately take note of the abundant wildlife. The confluence of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans is of particular appeal. On a few cruise lines, such as Celebrity, onboard naturalists are at the ready to show points of interest within this exceptional ecosystem. Once on land, you’ll want to enjoy one of the favorite local snacks here: Chilean wine and sausages.
Tour local wineries and visit private clubs, where you’ll delight in wine and sausage tastings. Take a tour aboard one of two 65-foot motor-sail yachts where you’ll be catered to with a gourmet lunch. For the more adventurous types, embark to the Andean Lake National Park on a canoe trip that escalates into a trek across Loreley Island. Still better for the extremely active, take a 4×4 safari, as you explore the foothills of Osorno Volcano and then ascend to 4,000 feet to view some of the most breathtaking scenery on the continent. Excursions are even available that allow you to snow ski while looking over the ocean!
From motor-coach tours to wildlife encounters with penguins to strenuous hikes, there is nothing ordinary about Chile.
Argentina Calls to the Intellectual and Adventurous
Regal: sophisticated: mystical. Argentina hails as the origin point of the tango and bears a striking resemblance in many ways to Europe. Opera houses, museums and cathedrals beckon to the intellectual while sea lions, river quests and gaucho fiestas call to the adventurous.
Take a comprehensive sightseeing tour and view the amazing architecture of the Recoleta Quarter, Plaza de Mayo and Metropolitan Cathedral. If you prefer excitement, a wide range of escapades are available. Spend the day in the company of authentic gauchos, as you attend a genuine Argentinean barbecue (called an asado). You’ll be entertained by local musicians and regaled with demonstrations of skill and horsemanship.
Need more adventure still? A day trip to Iguazu Falls sets you free to cruise the Iguacu River right up to the waterfall. Shift gears from your boat to a four-wheeler and zoom through the subtropical forest to take in all the native wildlife and foliage. Delta and river cruises are also popular.
At the end of the day, sit back, relax and let yourself be overwhelmed by the beauty and grace of professional dancers engaged in the tango. This entertainment extravaganza is the perfect way to end a fun-filled day.
From the Strait of Magellan to Brazil, Peru and beyond, Celebrity and other cruise lines now offer an impressive collection of premium South American destinations. With an entire continent to explore, you’re sure to find something for every member of the family to enjoy!
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>.
Carnival Elation Cruise Review
The Elation is a ship that was put together in 1998 for Carnival Cruise Lines. It was the primary cruise ship to have the azipod propulsion system. Everything you read about the Elation will include a diminutive blurb about the azipod system. You may wonder which the heck that is so I’ll tell you. It’s much like having front wheel drive on your car. Instead of the energy source pushing the cruise ship it pulls it instead. This makes piloting the cruise vessel much easier so you can be doubtless there won’t be any listing or tipping over of the ship on your cruise. Also it reduces those vibrations that cause nausea in passengers like myself. Enough about mechanics though because Carnival’s got the fun don’t they? Yessirree they do. The Carnival Elation has three swimming pools. One with a 214 ft water slide! This is where the music is and the pool games. Expect it to be overoccupied the beginning few days. My favourite pool is the one at the back of the ocean liner on verandah deck seeing that it takes new passengers about 3 days to find it so for the first couple days of your cruise it is uncrowded. The last pool is the kiddie pool on promenade deck at the mega liner’s aft (back). This pool is a bit like swimming in a toilet with all the babies in their swim diapers-which are not allowed. If gambling rocks your world then head down to the Cassablanca casino. There are more than 200 slots to favor from including several megacash machines that are linked with other Carnival vessels fleetwide. The biggest jackpot that I have seen was over a million bucks won on the now gone Carnival Jubilee. I stick to the slots, I figure it’s the quickest way to lose my alloted gambling coin then I can get on with the rest of the cruise. If you are a more complicated gambler than I there is also roulette, black jack and Caribbean stud poker to play. Free drinks on a cruise, doubtful you think. Not so. You can attend wine tastings or as we do go to check out the art an hour before the famed art auction where they pass out able wine and cheese. If you have been on more than one cruise with the same line you can attend the past guest party. Don’t dismiss this as a waste of time if you like to imbibe the drinks are free and plentiful and all you have to do is watch a short spiel where the cruiseline pats themselves on the back for giving you a great vacation. There is usually one evening where the liquor is able for tasting in the shopping area. If you are into healthier pursuits then you can head up to the jogging track on the Elation’s Sun deck or to the gymon the Sports deck. The Carnival Elation has a half court basketball court for your exercise and they do supply the basketball to play with. Elation has a full service spa onboard. I confess I have never been to the spa but I know they do mete out foot massages for about 20 dollars and everything up to a couples massage for $220. It sounds steep but just contemplate how relaxing it would be to have a message and after you don’t have to massage someone else! For the kiddies there is Camp Carnival. Our son has gone to Camp Carnival on many many cruises and loves it everytime. The kids are categorized by age groups and have activities planned for those ages. I recommend that your offspring goes to the earliest night where you can sign them up for the camp. They are introduced to each other and socialize a little. It doesn’t mean they ever have to go again and there is no extra charge although we usually tip the staff seeing that they can make of break your kid’s cruise experience. kids must be signed up to participate at any time so it is easier to just do it at the start and then they are free to join in at any time minus preamble. Our child went to an activity called swimming under the stars where the pool was not to be used at night except to kids in the program and so they had the pool and slide to alone. You just drop your child off for whatever activities they would enjoy. For small children you will be supplied with a pager so the employees can contact you in case your child wants to leave. Their activitiestake place inside kids’s World which is an area of 2500 sq ft filled with computers and toys and games. Activities for older kids take place in different areas on the cruise vessel-for example pizza preparation takes place in Tiffany’s. On the last night there will be a farewell party For the kids. Get there on time or you may not get in. All the kids receive a parting gift at this party ie a backpack or CD case. As for my personal favourite chunk, the art of gastromony there are a rich vein of choices. The two formal dining rooms on Carnival Elation are the Inspiration and the Imagination named after sister ships in the fleet. You will be assigned one of these with a specific dining time. I frequently check the menu early in the day so I can decide if I want to show up at my appointed time or eat elsewhere at my leisure. The other places to eat aboard the Elation are Tiffany’s which is the buffet restaurant that changes the menu everyday and is different for lunch than dinner or the snack bar on Lido deck where fries and burgers are handy for lunch. Tiffany’s lunch menu’s are called taste of nations where one day may be Mexican food with salsa and chips and another may be American BBQ where fried chicken and potato salad are offered. There was also Indian and Italian that I can recall. At the far back on the right hand side of Tiffany’s you will find Carnival’s famous pizza being made fresh all the time. You can order a whole pizza and choose your toppings of get a slice fresh from the oven. At the same location deli sandwiches are made. This is a wonderful spot to eat early on in the voyage as your fellow passengers won’t know about this yet therefore there will be no lining up for you. Sushi is served on promenade deck every evening. There was no raw fish (sashimi) the week we sailed but many varieties of fresh made before your eyes sushi to select from. Of course wasabi and pickled ginger and soy sauce were all on hand as well. There is also never a sushi line I presume as no one seems to realize that this also is included in your cruise fare. Needless to say we went there every single evening. Tortillas chips and salsa were served on Promenade deck on Mexican day in the night while a mariachi band played for us. Room service, room service how do I love thee, let me count the ways. Room service is able but a tip is in order. Pretzels or chips can come with any sandwich - a tasty midnight snack. Room service was invariably speedy and correct. You can also order cookies, crudites, fruit and salad. At your service 24 hours a day. If you need to keep in touch the Internet cafe offers internet usage at 75 cents a minute and different packages up to 250 minutes for 40 cents a minute. You can bring your own laptop and incorporate it in the cafe but not in your cabin on the Elation. You pay for usage wheather you use theirs or your though. Not sure if that makes it worth lugging it around. Speaking of cabins, we had an ocean view cabin category 6C. We had three people in the cabin and we fit comfortably. This cruise ship has only 26 demi suites (category 11) and twenty eight suites (category 12). It really doesn’t matter to me which deck as there are elevators to take you up and down. Virtual World video game arcade is right beside the Mikado lounge-a perfect spot to let your teen hang out while you catch one of the Las Vegas style shows in the lounge. There are the usual driving games and shooting games. The video games take tokens that are bought right inside the arcade. You can incorporate your sign and sail card to buy tokens. At some point during your cruise there will be a video game tournement For your rugrats in this case the games are free. It is a bit of the Camp Carnival program. The Mikado lounge is where all the shows take palce. There was a comedy show, a magician, a hypnotist, dancing show girls-rated G. There are musical shows too. The week I sailed there was a special guest announced at he end of one musical show. After much preamble Mr Stevie Wonder was brought onto the stage. Persons went running from the lounge theatre to get their peers and family to see Stevie Wonder. There was screaming that I thought only the Beatles could elicit. Being a pale face from Canada I’m not too clear on the likeness of Mr Wonder but I was pondering which cabin would Stevie Wonder stay in On the Carnival Elation. Don’t get me wrong the Carnival Elation is a appropriate ocean liner but someone of this caliber on my ocean liner , how could it be? The lights dimmed, I could hardly see. As I stepped forward to get a better look at our famous vesselmate I fell down the stairs. I tumbled head over heals down several flghts. Not one person turned or helped me up so enthralled were they to catch a glimpse of this celebrity. In the end “Stevie” took his wig off so that it may be revealed that it was only a celebrity impersonator. Everyone groaned that they knew it all along and they were never fooled. The next day I looked like I had a run in with the UFC star Tito Ortiz. The Mark Twain library is a bit of a misnomer. There doesn’t seem to be a convenient way to get at any books so bring your own. It is beautiful and usually quiet. Romeo and Juliet lounge is an elegantly styled room which was used for private parties some nights and for karaoke on others. Salsa dancing was popular night activity here. The Cole Porter lounge has folk and country music playing and dancing. I only passed by here on my way to the ocean facing massaging chairs. Duke’s is the piano bar named after the talented Duke Ellington. It is a jazz club with a striking entrance modelled on the Triumphal Arch from Washington Square park. This is an ideal place for photos around the white baby grand piano. We saw a wedding reception being held here. The Jekyll and Hyde disco is the place to party. Monitors show your fellow cruise mates dancing to the scintillating beat. The giant Jekyll and Hyde heads move to the music too-a bit creepy but cool after you’ve had a couple drinks. The Carnival Elation is a gorgeous ship. Somewhat muted by Carnival standards. It’s decor is of copper and inlaid woods. If you are hesitent to aim Carnival Cruise Lines then this is the mega liner to aspire primary. The service was 2nd to none. The price of a Carnival cruise is frequently reasonable but by booking way in advance, about eight months we got an even better deal some would call it a cheap cruise. Don’t be scared off by Carnival’s old reputation for being a bunch of party ocean liners. They are The Fun vessels after all. There is partying for sure if you want it but there are dozens of places to read or sit quietly on the Carnival Elation. Nothing is more peaceful than sitting on a chair atop the teak deck on the Carnival Elation looking out at the ocean passing slowly by. Whatever your concept of fun is they grant it. Believe them when they say Carnival’s got the fun.
A <a href="http://www.cruise-travel-review.com">Carnival Elation Cruise</a><br> is the experience of a lifetime. With the soft powdery beaches and duty free shopping, Caribbean cruises continue to grow in popularity. In fact, the Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations of all cruises worldwide. To learn more please visit => http://www.cruise-travel-review.com or post your own reviews in our forum at =>http://www.cruise-travel-review.com/forums
Orissa Tour Operator
Eastern Wonders India has always been known for its rich cultures. The ancient traditions and mores are so many in number - it could fill volumes. Forget about the whole of India - even a small part of it has so much to say for itself. So why should one of its states be any exception? But Orissa has managed to do it with aplomb and beauty. Though there is so much to say, Pradakshina Tours Private Limited says it all through its website, which is a treat in itself. Wonderfully done, it does full justice to what the state has to offer. Set against the background of a beautiful beach, the site page presents true eastern glory. Every important tourist attraction is mentioned on the first page - whatever catches your fancy, you can enter. The thing that is really impressive about the website is the comprehensiveness with which they have put everything in without making it look crowded. They talk about the tourist attractions, main festivals, beaches, spiritual tours, wildlife-everything is so varied, but still it s all there. Quite impressive. In the midst of all this you also get hotel, transport and tour packages-talk about multitasking! Even the designing is uncluttered and very structured. All the information about the above mentioned is given as little tabs that stick out of a planner-very attractive and useful at the same time. So the verdict? Well, if you plan to go on a holiday, just log on to this site because not only will it make you want to go to Orissa, but you won t even have to ask others for information. For more details log on to http://www.orissatourism.in/
vikas is a author <a href="http://www.orissatourism.in/">Orissa Tour Operator</a>
Take a Break - Enjoy a Cruise
Take a break, stay away from the busy city streets, free your spirit and meet new people. There are all kinds of specialty cruises, from cruises for hiking enthusiasts that stop at many choice hiking locations, to cruises for fisher people, health enthusiasts and other special interest groups. The cruise ship offers everything that is entirely for one’s enjoyment. You can take part in planned group activities, take in some sun, enjoy one of the many on board activities or just hang out in your cabin and watch movies. Enjoy the traditional way of relaxing near the pool with eyes set on the star-studded sky or flash one’s eyeballs on the beautiful people. Some ships offer spa and other beauty packages. As the night curtains are dropped, there are numerous bars and parties for you socialize and mingle with others. You may be surprised at the unique types of activities that are available. There are a lot of things and activities waiting for you so do not get stuck in a corner, go out and meet people.
You are on your way away from home; packing is the next thing to consider. There will be plenty of situations perfect for casual wear, such as shorts and t-shirts. For the night time something a little formal will do the trick. Besides the basics of clothes and toiletries, it’s a clever idea to bring at least a few swim suits. There’s just nothing fun about putting on an icy cold suit that doesn’t want to go on. If you’ve ever tried to squeak into a wet swimsuit, then you know what I’m talking about. Be sure to bring your camera because there will be tons of interesting things to snap pictures of. You’ll want these to record your vacation for yourself as well as share with friends once you get back home from your cruise vacation. Above all else, don’t forget to pack your sense of fun and adventure.
Turn your vacations into donations. Book your personal and business travel on our new travel website, http://www.travel4acause.com Get low rates and help a cause!
Alaskan Cruise Insider Tips Which Cruise Should You Take
There are so many Alaskan cruise lines and itineraries Get insider tips on which one you should take and which cruises to avoid
Holland America Welcomes Guest Chef Jacques Torres
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Chocolatier, pastry chef, candy maker and cookbook author. When it comes to sweets, Jacques Torres has it all wrapped up! This is one of the primary reasons Holland America Line invited Torres to be a guest chef during 2006 at its onboard Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine. Passengers are able to attend cooking classes in a theatre-style demonstration kitchen and also view the classes on large-screen plasma TVs.
With a charming smile and exciting personality, Jacques Torres is a natural with public speaking and teaching. Starting his career at the age of 15, Torres began his apprenticeship at La Frangipane, a small pastry shop in his hometown of Bandol, France. Upon graduating first in his class, Torres began to refine his intuitive sense of creativity and artistry under the direction of two-star chef Jacques Maximin at the Hotel Negresco.
Always a proponent of education, Torres went back to school to earn his Master Pastry Chef degree from 1980 to 1983. Immediately upon completion, he began sharing his wealth of knowledge and his talent with students at a local culinary school in Cannes. In 1986, however, Torres set a record by becoming the youngest chef ever to receive the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France medal: something in which he and his students took great pride.
An ever-growing list of distinctions follows Jacques Torres, including:
participation in the rededication ceremonies for the Statue of Liberty
winning the Japanese Pastry Chef Association’s gold medal
winning the 1986 French Championship of Desserts
guest chef on Julia Child’s Master Chefs program
recognition as James Beard’s Pastry Chef of the Year
receipt of Chefs of America Pastry Chef of the Year award
recognition as Chocolatier magazine’s 10 Best Pastry Chefs and
membership in Academie Culinaie de France
Likewise, his accomplishments are equally amazing. Torres has:
developed two television shows: Dessert Circus with Jacque Torres and Dessert Circus At Home
authored a companion cookbook entitled Dessert Circus At Home (Morrow, 1999)
opened two chocolate and pastry shops in New York: one in New York City and one in Brooklyn
made frequent guest appearances on the Food Network
sailed as guest chef onboard Holland America Line cruises
served as Dean of Pastry Arts at the French Culinary Institute
prepared desserts and pastries for presidents, kings, celebrities and the wealthy worldwide
and much more!
Deeply concerned with giving back to the community, Torres donates his time to a wide variety of notable charities, including the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, Gods Love We Deliver, New York’s Hard of Hearing Association, Sloan Kettering Cancer Research Center, the Association to Benefit Children and others.
With a fun, fanciful style, Torres creates delightful confections that look as fabulous as they taste. His goal is to appeal to all the senses, as he engages the eyes with creative presentations, the nose with exceptional aromas and - most importantly - the mouth with textures and flavors that can only be described as decadent.
The guest chef lineup for 2007 includes other amazing chefs. Check with your travel agent or Holland America for details on who will sail on which ships throughout the coming year.
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/holland_america_cruise.htm"> Holland America Cruise Line cruises</a>.
Carnival Cruise Line Introduces Fleetwide Upgrades
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
Carnival Cruise Line has always offered excellent value in cruising, but, these days, passengers will find even more to love. Carnival Cruise Line has recently announced several fleetwide upgrades, including more comfortable beds, shipwide WiFi service, a new loyalty program and more.
Carnival Concierge Club
As a way to reward past cruisers for their loyalty to Carnival, the new Carnival Concierge Club has been unveiled. For passengers who are platinum cardholders and have sailed with Carnival 10 times or more, certain privileges and perks are available, including:
One delivery of petit fours and/or canap ©s to your cabin
Personalized stationery
One specialty Carnival logo item
Guaranteed dining or supper club reservations
Waiving of $20 entry fee to blackjack tournament
Priority reservations and free treatment upgrades at Spa Carnival
Free wash-and-fold laundry service
Preferential embarkation and debarkation
Fully staffed concierge desk, at your service
and more!
Carnival Comfort Bed Sleep System
Developed exclusively for Carnival, this sleep system will all but guarantee you the best night’s sleep you’ve had in a long, long time. With a premium Bonell-spring inner core and high-density foam, these quilted-top mattresses can only be described as plush and luxurious. Add to that a set of high thread count, ring-spun, ultra-soft cotton sheets and fluffy faux down pillows that cradle your neck and head, and you’ll drift away to dreamland in sheer extravagance every night.
Personal Cell Phone Usage
For some people, getting away from it all means turning off the cell phones and every other form of communication to enjoy complete rest and relaxation. For others, not having access to a cell phone just creates more stress in their lives. That’s why Carnival has taken special measures to afford guests the ability to use their own personal cell phones while onboard any Carnival ship. This service is currently installed on the Carnival Triumph and will be retrofitted on the other 21 ships by early next year.
Provided your call plan allows coverage in the areas in which you are cruising, you can place and receive calls using your own mobile phone throughout your cruise.
Wireless Internet Access Fleetwide
Another technological advancement is the “100% bow to stern” installation of wireless Internet access (WiFi) on all Carnival ships. Whether on the deck by the pool, in the casino rolling the dice or relaxing in your suite, you’ll have full wireless Internet access to use with your wireless-enabled laptop. This project is roughly 75% complete. Shipwide WiFi will be fully installed on every Carnival ship by the end of 2006.
Recognizing its guests’ needs and making every attempt to accommodate requests for new features, Carnival is certain these new upgrades will thrill its past and future passengers. The Fun Ships are now also the most comfortable and most technologically advanced ships at sea.
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 super deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/hawaii_cruises.htm">Hawaii cruises</a> and other destinations from <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/carnival_cruise_line.htm">Carnival Cruise Line</a>. You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.
The Newest Treasure at NCL Freestyle — Norwegian Gem
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Norwegian Cruise Lines has announced another dazzling jewel in its fleet: Gem. In the tradition of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel class of ships, Gem is artfully decorated inside and out; specially designed uniquely for NCL Freestyle Cruising with its appealing freedom. Gem will begin with pre-inaugural cruises in the Mediterranean, and will offer seven-day excursions to the Bahamas and Florida.
Aboard Gem
Passengers can feast on delicious cuisine, from French to Asian to Latin and everything in between. Gem has 12 restaurants to choose from, and unique to NCL Freestyle Cruising - dining options with no restrictive schedules or dress codes, so there are no limits to vacation enjoyment. Gem’s unique features include 11 bars and lounges to choose from, offering cocktails from such distinct settings as the basket of a hot air balloon, a martini bar adorned in Art Deco, or an elegant lounge where passengers can savor champagne and wine.
As the sister ship to Pearl, Gem offers the exclusive Courtyard and Garden Villas, experienced only with NCL Freestyle Cruising. Travelers wanting luxurious accommodations will be enchanted with over 4,000 square feet to relax in. The Garden Villas offer a full bath with a whirlpool, and access to the exclusive concierge lounge, including a private courtyard area with pool, hot tub, and sundeck. Butler service and concierge are available to pamper Villa vacationers.
NCL’s accommodations offer the most flexible choices of all cruise lines, with inter-connecting staterooms in nearly every class, making it easy to plan family or group vacations. From lavish Villas to cozy inside staterooms, every passenger will find the perfect stateroom, as affordable as desired, and with all the expected comforts of an NCL cruise. Every stateroom has TV, refrigerator, and hair dryers — and a chocolate on your freshly fluffed pillow each night.
Freestyle Cruising allows family vacations to be enjoyed as never before. A mood lit bowling alley — first ever in the cruise industry; a giant water slide, and arcade. Gem has clubs specially designed so teens can have their own space; and supervised, age-appropriate activities to keep everyone happy.
Passengers planning an enticing vacation for two will have all of the romantic allure of the tropics, casinos, and dancing, or rare, carefree time spent sharing life’s moments. Norwegian Cruise Line anticipates and fulfills passenger desires aboard Gem, with a fitness center, and courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis, as well as an Internet caf , an art gallery, a library, a spa, and a theatre and more - there’s something to entertain everyone.
Itinerary
NCL Gem will be launched with pre-inaugural cruises, from Dover to Barcelona, Rome, Nice, Morocco, the Canary Islands, Gibraltar and Majorca. After crossing the Atlantic, cruises will be available from New York City, New York, with seven-day Bahamas and Florida destinations.
Whether you’re looking for family fun with theme parks in Florida, swimming, and snorkeling in the pristine waters of the Bahamas, or a dream vacation for two relaxing in tropical breezes before an evening at the casinos, NCL Freestyle Cruising allows the freedom to plan it your way, in advance or as you go.
Stops include a day on the private island Great Stirrup Cay where you can enjoy white sand beaches, kayaking, sailing, or simply unwinding in a hammock. Discover charming Key West on a trolley ride, the perfect place to de-stress and relax.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle Cruising lets you create your ideal vacation with its vast choices in staterooms, major dining flexibility, and complete freedom to control your schedule — or to have no schedule at all. Gem’s addition to the fleet is another radiant jewel in this array of ships that are custom designed for passenger delight.
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>.