posted by admin on Aug 5
A Cruise Ship Review Of The New 2006 Cruise Line Offerings For Your Cruise Vacation
If you are a veteran cruiser or just curious about cruising, the year 2006 will be introducing many new cruise ships for you to consider when planning a cruise vacation. Call your travel agent and ask about the cruise lines and their new cruise ships and then book a cruise vacation. Here is a cruise review of the new cruise line additions.
Holland America is introducing the Noordam. This new cruise ship was launched on February 22 and has been getting very good cruise reviews. It will be the last cruise ship of Holland America s Vista-class series.
However, it is the first to be designed for the cruise line s Signature of Excellence program.
The Noordam can accommodate 1,848 passengers. For this new cruise ship, there have been some design changes to enhance the cruise vacation. The new designs were focused mainly on the public areas and staterooms, the meeting point of many cruise travelers.
They have made additions to the very popular Explorations Cafe. As veteran cruise travelers are well aware, it is a coffee bar/Internet cafe, game room, and library.
NCL America s Pride of Hawaii is the newest cruise ship for 2006 by NCL America. It is the sister vessel of the Norwegian Jewel and offers an excellent cruise vacation.
For the cruise line, Pride of Hawaii marks the first new build from the hull up.
It launched was in June. This cruise ship will accommodate 2,224 passengers. It will be another cruise ship in NCL America s Freestyle Cruising concept being offered for your cruise vacation.
The Pride of Hawaii s interior decor will be, of course, Hawaiian.
This cruise ship will be departing weekly on Mondays for your cruise vacation and travel the islands, calling Honolulu home.
In December the Norwegian Pearl is set to sail in the Caribbean in the winter months and Alaska in the summer months for your cruise vacations. One of their innovations is the Bar Central concept. It features a martini bar, a champagne bar, wine bar, and a beer and whiskey pub all connected.
The Royal Caribbean s Freedom of the Seas was launched in May in time for summer cruise vacations. Cruise reviews call it the most innovative cruise ship for RCCL so far.
This 158,000-ton cruise ship has a capacity of 3,600 passengers. It will actually be 10,000 tons larger than Cunard s Queen Mary 2. It will be the largest cruise ship to be built so far.
The Freedom of the Seas has an added feature that other cruise ships do not. It actually has a place to surf on the top cruise deck. This is a new and unique amenity for RCCL s Freedom of the Seas cruise ship. Other cruise lines have virtual golf or movies under the stars but no one has a surf park. The cruise line has built the largest rock climbing wall ever.
Following its launching, the Freedom of the Seas will sail seven-day cruise vacations to the Caribbean from Miami.
The Crown Princess, Princess Cruises christened in June. The Crown Princess is expected to accommodate 3,110 cruise travel passengers with 1200 crew.
Princess Cruises lines redesigned the Skywalker s Disco, which gained popularity from cruise passengers on their cruise vacations. They also have the Lotus Spa which has been expanded on the Crown Princess.
New pastries and snacks will adorn the International Cafe. Crown Princess will have the first ever wine and seafood bar of the entire cruise line.
Expansions were made to other popular features like the Wheelhouse Bar, Sabatini s Trattoria, and the Sterling Steakhouse.
Crown Princess cruise vacations will sail roundtrip from the Red Hook terminal in New York. This cruise vacation will make stops in the Eastern Caribbean, Bermuda and Turks and Caicos.
MSC will launched their new cruise ship MSC Musica on July 01. Musica is an Italian ship that will bring MSC into the ranks of big cruise ships. It is expected to accommodate 2,550 passengers.
One of its outstanding features will be that a full 80% of its 1,275 staterooms will be outside rooms. In addition, 65% of these staterooms will have verandas.
It will also feature a large spa area. The Musica s cruise passengers will also have several dining options. They will enjoy a three deck high waterfall and many different entertainment venues.
Musica will sail the eastern Mediterranean from Venice.
The Costa Cruises new ship the Costa Concordia is owned by Carnival Corporation based in Miami, while Costa cruise lines is based in Italy.
This will be the largest cruise ship to join the Costa Cruises fleet. It will be launched late this year on July 14. It is expected to accommodate 3,000 passengers.
The Costa Concordia will have an European theme for its interior decor. All the room s names will be European inspired. They will have the Grand Bar Berlin, Cafeteria Helsinki, and the Milan and Rome dining rooms.
A unique amenity to the Costa Concordia is a Formula 1 driving simulator for cruise passengers to enjoy on their cruise vacation.
This new cruise ship will sail year round in the Western Mediterranean. For those taking their cruise vacation on this ship, they will make ports of call in Spain, France, Italy, Gibraltar, and Malta.
So much to choose from! Check out other cruise reviews of these new cruise ships to find out on which cruise ship you will spend your 2006 cruise vacation.
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
Your Cruise Vacation - Cruise Ship Embarkation Procedures For Cruise Travel
The Cruise vacation you have been planning for a year is now a reality. You’ve packed your bags with the appropriate clothes for cruise travel. You have filled out all of the cruise documentation, do this at home, don’t wait to get to your cruise ship, and now you are ready for this highly anticipated cruise. There are a few cruises tips about embarkation day that you should know before you head for your cruise vacation.
Keep all of your documents with you, that includes tickets for the cruise, any vouchers, passport and any immigration forms that the cruise line has sent you. That includes bus vouchers from the cruise line that will deliver you to the ship from the airport. In is wise to pack a change of clothes in your carry on in case your baggage gets delayed. If you have purchased the vouchers from the cruise line, a cruise line representative will meet you at baggage claim and take you to the bus or van that will transport you to your cruise ship.
If you decided to handle the transfer on your own, check ahead of time to find out how much a taxi will cost from the airport to the pier. It is good to know how long it will take to make the transfer so you have timed your flights accordingly. Make sure you have attached your cruise line tags with ship name, cruising date, and stateroom number. When you arrive at the pier a porter will relieve of your bags. He will expect to be tipped. The going fare is one dollar per bag.
Cruise tips are always helpful so pay attention to this one. Let the cruise line make your airline reservations. The reason for this is that if your flight is delayed the cruise line will handle it. If there are several other passengers on the same flight the cruise line will delay the departure of the ship. If it’s just you and your traveling companion they will probably put you up in a hotel in the town of your embarkation and get you on the ship at the next port of call. If you opted to do it on your own, you will have to make all those arrangements. So, for safety and peace of mind let the cruise lines do it.
If you have decided to go to the town of embarkation a few days before the cruise, that will not be a problem, so make your own reservations. Some travel insurance companies will pick up these expenses but make sure you read the fine print on the policy BEFORE your cruise vacation.
When you get to your cruise ship, embarkation could be a little chaotic. There will be lines, especially early in the check in process. There will be a lot of stressed out people so just relax and take it in stride. After you have gone through the check in process you will be aboard and your cruise vacations begins. Here is where it pays to have all of your documentation completely filled out. Many of the cruise lines have loyalty programs so if you are a repeat cruiser many times they have preferred check in areas. Many of the cruise lines will have preferred check in for cruisers who have booked suites or mini suites. Check this out with your cruise travel agent.
This is a little off topic but it’s one of the best cruise tips you will hear. Use a cruise travel agent for all of your cruise travel. It is important to deal with an agent that has sailed on many different cruise lines so they can give you an honest opinion on the difference between cruise lines. Check and see if they are CLIA certified cruise lines organization. Be careful they don’t push you onto cruise ships where they have preferred status which means they get a higher commission. Scour the internet for cruise reviews on cruise travel to back up what your travel agent is telling you.
Now back to the pier. While you are checking in you will have to give the cruise line a credit card for any on board charges. Most times your room card is also your credit card and identification for getting on and off at ports while on the cruise ship. If you can get on the ship early in the process you get two benefits. One you get to have lunch and two you get the first shot at spa and beauty appointments. It will also give you time to peruse your cruise ship and then head for the pool. Having been a savvy cruise traveler you knew to bag a bathing suit into your carry on luggage.
Just before you get to the gangway you will be stopped by the ships photographer and a picture will be taken to commemorate your cruise vacation. It will be on display in the ships photo gallery but you are under no obligation to purchase it. Check in procedures will be different from ship to ship even within the same cruise lines. It depends on the experience of the staff and the cooperation of the passengers. Remember that these folks that are checking you in have been working since seven o’clock in the morning off loading the people from last weeks cruise vacation. Then they turn around and start putting on a whole new set of passengers for the next cruise.
The most important advice is to try to keep a cool head. You are headed for the best thing you can imagine, a cruise vacation.
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
Cruise discounts that will make your dream vacation cheaper
About 60 days before the departure of a ship is the best time to look for a discount. This is the last day when people cancel their reservation penalty free. It is a great opportunity for you to buy a ticket, because the cruise company will offer great discount on these leftover places. You’ll be more likely to find a cruise discount off-season. For example, May is good months for a discount cruise in Alaska, because the peak season is in July or August. However, you might experience bad weather in May. Still off-season Caribbean, Mediterranean or Hawaii is always beautiful, so a cruise is pleasant at all times. You will be offered great scenery and you’ll be able to relax. Look for repositioning cruises, these are a gold mine for cruise discounts. These cruises have changed their itinerary and might have caused some inconveniences for the people who have already made reservations, so they sometimes cancel them. The cruise companies find it sensible to make major discounts in order to fill the ship. You can take advantage of this and buy a ticket. Discount cruises are available for those who enjoy eating and having a great time on board. Most of the times the extra activities spent on shore are expensive. If you are flexible about the time of your vacation, you have great chances of getting a cruise discount. Most cruise lines offer discounts on their last few tickets, so if you take the risk, you may even get peak season discounted tickets. When looking for a cruise discount, you can do research in many places. The Internet is one of the top places to find the best deals. The majority of the cruise lines have a web site and they immediately post their bargains on their web sites. Most cruise lines offer great discounts. Even the luxury ships have discounts; so who knows you might end up spending your vacation in a luxury cruise. If you don’t trust the electronic way, go to your closest travel agent. Make a custom of visiting him/her and always ask for some good cruise deals. Also make sure you ask about the cabin selection, you don’t want to end up in a small cabin when you suffer from claustrophobia. Ask about the travel insurance, if it is included in the price, or if you have to cater for that yourself. Make sure you read all the conditions specified on your cruise discount tickets. You most certainly won’t be able to return them later. An inconvenience that goes along the discounted tickets is that you cannot choose the cabin or the ship of the cruise. Don’t be taken in by the most amazing offers that you find on the Internet. Make sure you trust that cruise line and book only if you are certain you are familiar with all the conditions of that certain cruise. You might have to pay extra taxes or fees that are not specified on the contract, so you might not save money after all. But if you are flexible and patient, you will most certainly find a cruise discount that will suit your needs.
For more resources on <a href="http://www.cruise-heaven.com">cruise vacations</a> or getting a deal on <a href="http://www.cruise-heaven.com/Mediterranean-cruises.php">Mediterranean cruises</a> or <a href="http://www.cruise-heaven.com/Alaska-cruises.php">Alaska cruises</a>please visit Cruise-heaven.com
Reviews Cruise your cruise experience
Informative Cruise Review website guides you to the best of ordinary people s views Ever wanted to know what its like to view cruises realistically With so many cruise destinations to choose from: Alaska, Amazon, Asia, Baltic s, Canary s, Caribbean, Greenland, Mediterranean, North America, South America, Norway s fjords lets just say the World. Which would be the best cruise destinations? Cruising holidays have become very competitive with millions of people choosing to spend their holidays on board the luxurious cruise liners every year. The Review a Cruise website will become a collection of information to help you find the right cruise with the best amenities and services, for that once in a lifetime holiday. Together we will look at your best ports of call and many destinations around the world, you re most desirable and exciting experiences, and explore the most interesting cultures on the planet. The good, the bad and the ugly of places to go, we would like to know! What you recommend and why? We will look at the best ports or areas of the world, what were your experiences of different countries, and cultures the good bad or ugly of the places to go, The cruise ship review will give you an on board experience of ordinary people who have cruised before. Passenger comments will cover every single aspect of what to expect when you first board the cruise liner. Where you made to feel welcome? Was the baggage sent directly to their cabins? What were the rooms were like? Was the entertainment good, great, or fantastic? How clean was the pool? Or were the staff friendly? As most cruise ships now compete to have the best celebrity chefs with their amazing world class cuisine and 24 hour dining areas. Where the celebrity meal covered in the all inclusive cost, we will look at the diversity and freshness of the food quality the ambience and presentation and cleanliness of the food areas, to ensure the highest quality of food with the balance of excellent hygiene. Is it a luxurious dine with the captain or just the laid back informal occasion? What were the prices of the drinks? Was there a shock when you got your final bill? Do they provide the latest film shown in the cinemas? Was your movie ruined by a screaming child? We will look at different types of cabins sizes, the adequate, the cleanliness (for example quality of the sheets), the range of television channels, comfort of the beds and all the other available amenities As you travel to different destinations every day it would be very important to see how well the tours and excursions where conducted, what would you recommend and what was a waste of money? So is there a better way to travel around the various locations? We will recommend various publications and online websites that have great cruise deals and discounts that will aid you in maximising your cruise holiday. A cruise is a very unique experience; it is similar to a floating luxurious hotel in which you only have to unpack once as the world will visits you. Is it worth having an outside cabin? Will your cruise give you the option of paying your on board bill at the end of the cruise? To tell the truth, most cruise liners do have onboard money less systems. We will have reviews by cruise industry experts and also the reviews and comments of passengers giving us a unique insight of what you will really expect before your cruise holiday.
Paul Phillips entrepreneur some would say X pop star loves exchanging his travel experiences with fellow travellers, visit <a href="http://www.reviewacruise.com/blog" title="Cruise Reviews">Cruise Reviews</a> copyright of reviewacruise you may use this info on your website please leave article intact author paul phillips
Pelorus yacht
Pelorus is one of the largest private yachts in the world at 377 feet 3 inches (115 metres) in length. She was built at the Lurssen yard in Germany and was launched in 2003. She was briefly owned by a Saudi businessman who sold her to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich the following year. Abramovich had her refitted to his own requirements by Blohm & Voss. This included the addition of a second helicopter pad forward, four new zero-speed stabilizers and modifications to the exhaust, mast and stern. Pelorus is powered by two 3,600-hp Wartsila engines. Details about the interiors are scanty as Abramovich is protective of his family’s privacy and highly security conscious, but they were designed by Terence Disdale. Security features include a submarine for detecting limpet mines and a missile-detection system. (1) In 2005 Abramovich lent Pelorus to Frank Lampard and John Terry for two weeks as a bonus for being the two best players at his English football club Chelsea F.C. the previous season. Abramovich owns two other superyachts, Le Grand Bleu and Ecstasea. 32 pictures of Roman Abramovich’s Pelorus motor yacht from around the world
Maximov Andrey
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>.
Transatlantic Cruising - A Regal Route from England to the U.S.
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
There is something that every person should experience at least once in his/her life a transatlantic cruise. While the experience in and of itself is amazing, the grandeur is increased all the more when you choose a vessel suited for majesty, such as the Queen Mary 2.
In the tradition of the great ocean liners of the past, you’ll find yourself surrounded by splendor at every turn aboard a vessel that can only be described as “royalty afloat.” As feelings of relaxation and complete security wrap around you, you’ll begin to explore the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) and discover all there is to do during your six-night voyage.
Enrich Yourself
Onboard, you’ll find the world-famous Canyon Ranch SpaClub and a state-of-the-art gym. In addition, QM2 also offers delightful programs designed to help you enrich yourself by expanding your horizons.
Learn the art of acting under the instruction of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Discover the worlds of space and the sea through seminars held onboard at the first planetarium at sea and lecture halls. From culinary classes to book signings to workshops and seminars on a wide range of topics, every passenger will find a world of interesting and imaginative activities to participate in.
Indulge in All the QM2 Has to Offer
Exceptional cuisine awaits while dining onboard with 10 restaurants serving a wide variety of food from classic to exotic. The main dining room plays host to some amazing meals created by world-famous, award-winning-chef Todd English. From casual buffets to full-service Asian, Italian or American restaurants, you’ll find dining to be one of the many pleasures the QM2 has to offer.
Your stateroom boasts amenities not normally found aboard other vessels. Over 75% of the ship s cabins offer balconies, decks and/or ocean views, meaning you can enjoy even more of the transatlantic experience. From affordable interior cabins to expansive “Queen” suites with abundant luxury, you can select the stateroom that offers the amenities you most desire.
As your body and mind begin to unwind and settle, you’ll relish in the feelings of pampering and utter safety knowing you and your family are secure onboard an ocean-faring vessel.
A Unique Experience for Children
Children will enjoy cruising onboard the QM2, too. With two children’s centers - the Play Zone and The Zone - kids from ages 1 to 12 will find age-appropriate activities and games. Supervised entertainment is available, including board games, computers, a splash pool and other interesting and enlightening activities. Authentic English nannies are also provided to care for the toddlers.
Transporting People and Packages
Not only an elegant way to traverse the Atlantic Ocean, but a transatlantic cruise is also practical as well as relaxing. With no weight limits on baggage or other goods (such as the ones airlines impose), passengers can easily transport thousands of pounds in the storage areas of the ship.
Works of art, souvenirs, antiques, furniture, personal belongings and more can be stowed onboard at no additional charge. This feature makes transporting such items much more affordable and aids with ensuring the safe arrival of your valued belongings.
Four-legged Friends Are Welcome
The QM2 also accommodates pets. Unlike with airline travel, your pets will be housed in approved kennels operated in conjunction with Pet Travel Scheme to ensure they are comfortable and well cared for. Of course, during the voyage, you are welcome to visit with and walk your pet daily. How comforting it will be for them to see a familiar face regularly during their cruise.
What a delightful, safe and entertaining way to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Why book airfare between the U.K. and the U.S., when you can travel in regal style?
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.
At the Helm: Bob Dickinson, Carnival Cruise Line's CEO
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
Often hailed as the most popular and the largest cruise line, Carnival didn’t make it to number one on its own. It’s had a lot of direction from CEO Bob Dickinson. Who is this man and what measures has he taken to make sure every passenger has a blast when sailing on a Fun Ship ?
A former employee of both Ford Motor Company and RCA, Dickinson achieved the position of executive vice president of Carnival in 1972. In 1993, he was promoted to president and a short time later added CEO to that title.
With a strong marketing and operational vision for the cruise line, Dickinson has brought this once fledgling company to superstar status through his unique innovations. In fact, he is so admired in the industry that Dickinson was named “1999 Travel Executive of the Year” by Travel Trade magazine. He was also awarded a position in Advertising Age magazine’s 100 Best Marketers in the Nation.
Part of his management savvy is due to his willingness to participate in programs such as PBS’s Back to the Floor where six top bosses were taken from the top floor of their high-rise office buildings and demoted to blue-collar workers within their own companies. From cleaning cabins to waiting tables to sweating it out as a poolside bar server, Dickinson hung with the other employees during a weeklong cruise aboard the Carnival Imagination.
He took the time to listen and learn about employee complaints firsthand, such as the pink shirts poolside staff must wear. Joking about the “polyester-lead blend” material, Dickinson discovered just how personal management decisions about every aspect of the employee work environment can be.
An avid wine collector, Dickinson has pressed hard to create a truly impressive and virtually unmatched collection within the Carnival fleet. With over 18,000 bottles in his personal wine cellar, Dickinson says wine is more than a hobby, naming it as interesting, complex and a living thing. And his favorite bottle of wine on the Carnival wine list? A 1998 Legacy California Cabernet that sells for $50.
Often giving countless bottles of wine away for charity, the Carnival CEO quotes a net figure for one year of $800,000 raised for philanthropic purposes primarily due to wine. Dickinson’s passion has recently extended to his business life as well. Carnival launched its first ever Wine Cruise aboard Liberty in December 2005. It was such a hit - being hailed by some as “the most outstanding wine-related event” - that the cruise line has scheduled a sequel for December 3, 2006.
This seven-day itinerary sails to Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. During the voyage, passengers can take part in numerous wine-related activities, including seminars and lectures about every aspect of wine from its history to the science behind creating different varieties. And, of course, wine tastings are a focal point of the week.
While guests are not required to be members of Carnival’s wine club to participate, they do need to pre-register for the special functions prior to boarding. Your travel agent will have details on all the events and registration procedures.
Dickinson will undoubtedly influence Carnival’s efforts as well as those of its sister companies (including Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises) continuing the success of each. What’s the key? How has he been able to build and hold fast to the number one position for so long? When asked, Dickinson replied that it was all about taking the mystery out of cruising, making it affordable to the average person and putting the customers’ experiences first. Truly, Carnival has achieved the status as the cruise line for every man.
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/hawaii_cruises.htm"> Hawaii cruises</a> from <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/carnival_cruise_line.htm">Carnival Cruise Line</a> and others.
Carnival Cruise Lines to Launch Three Ships in Three Years
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
When a company gains the lion’s share of a marketplace, you might think they would choose to rest on their laurels. Not the case with Carnival Cruise Lines. Holding a reported 60% share of the cruise market, according to Kiplinger, Carnival has become a giant following a strategy of making cruising accessible to the average person. With that success comes a push for bigger, better and more entertaining ships. From 2008 until 2010, Carnival will build and launch “Splendor” plus two additional ships: The largest Carnival has ever endeavored to build.
Carnival “Splendor”
Announced in December 2006, “Splendor” is the second of four ships ordered from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. “Splendor” will weigh in at 112,000 tons and will offer several firsts in the Carnival fleet.
A massive spa (17,800 square feet), the largest ever built on a Carnival ship, will encompass two forward decks. The spa area will feature an elaborate thermal suite, as well as a thalassotherapy pool, featuring warm salt water plus a peaceful winter garden, which includes a ceremonial teahouse. Another first is the 5,500-square-foot children’s playroom complete with its own water play area. The mid-ship pool will boast an enclosure with retractable dome roof so that the pool can remain open even during rainy weather.
Of 1,500 staterooms planned for “Splendor,” 60% offer ocean views and 60% feature private balconies, giving more passengers the opportunity to cruise with a view.
“Splendor” is slated to launch in spring 2008.
Super Liners for 2009 & 2010
As spectacular as “Splendor” sounds, Carnival has even bigger plans. The super liners planned for 2009 and 2010 will be sister ships of a groundbreaking class for Carnival - 130,000 tons. Both remain unnamed at this point in time and details are sketchy, but each ship promises to exceed anything Carnival has ever launched before.
There are currently 21 “Fun Ships” in Carnival’s fleet that drop anchor in Alaska, the Bahamas, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and Panama. Carnival also offers ultra-luxurious transatlantic voyages.
By making once exclusive cruises accessible to everyone, Carnival has, in essence, created a beast it now must battle. Because cruising has become affordable to virtually all, the popularity of these vacations has soared. With it has come an increased demand for newer, better and grander ships. In order to keep pace with demand, Carnival, like other cruise lines, is now in a race to give the public what they want.
If you love to cruise, or if you’ve been thinking of trying it out, now’s an excellent time to find bargains. With all the cruise lines pouring money into new ships, they’ll be making deals to recoup their investments. Keep your eyes open and you’re sure to find highly affordable vacations to exciting destinations onboard one of these new, luxurious ships.
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 cruises from <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/carnival_cruise_line.htm">Carnival Cruise Line</a>.
Lake Tahoe Luxury Rentals ” What to Expect, and Why to get one
When you re looking at Lake Tahoe luxury rentals, you re looking for something that s going to be a little more expensive than just a simple rental. After all, that s where the luxury part comes in, otherwise it wouldn t be Lake Tahoe luxury rentals, but rather Lake Tahoe rentals. There are many benefits to having a Lake Tahoe luxury rental, and there are many different things that you can expect.
When you are shopping around for Lake Tahoe luxury rentals, expect to pay anywhere from $250 a night to, at the highest, $8800 a night. If you re looking at the Lake Tahoe luxury rentals that feature only two bedrooms and a bathroom, expect to be paying anywhere from $250 to $500 a night. Some of those Lake Tahoe luxury rentals will have a hot tub, but most aren t lakefront. If you re looking for three bedroom Lake Tahoe Luxury rentals, you should be in the $300 to $800 a night range. Some of these Lake Tahoe luxury rentals will include a hot tub, but once again, most of these Lake Tahoe luxury rentals will not be on the lakefront. Once you start to look specifically for Lake Tahoe luxury rentals that are on the lakefront, and those that have more bedrooms, you re looking into the more expensive Lake Tahoe luxury rentals. For starters, the cheapest five bedroom Lake Tahoe luxury rental you are going to find is $350 a night, and that s for something that barely compares to the other Lake Tahoe luxury rentals. Generally speaking, you ll find most of these Lake Tahoe luxury rentals in the $600 to $1000 range, but they are by far the premiere Lake Tahoe luxury rentals. The very highest of the Lake Tahoe luxury rentals that you re going to see is going to be nearly $9000 a night, but these Lake Tahoe luxury rentals are on the steep side, and spectacular.
Why would you consider some of the Lake Tahoe luxury rentals? Well, for starters the Lake Tahoe luxury rentals are surrounded by a variety of activities. Some of the Lake Tahoe luxury rentals are close to the ski hills, while other Lake Tahoe luxury rentals are closer to casinos and other night life. All in all, if you choose to go with one of the Lake Tahoe luxury rentals you can t go wrong.
Kevin Rockwell visits and writes about Lake Tahoe and the many wonders of this great area at: http://lake-tahoe-fun.com Find great mountain vacation ideas, real estate information, and fun vacation attractions at Lake Tahoe Fun!
