posted by admin on Aug 6
Celebrity Cruises To Launch Two Retrofitted Ships In 2007
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Celebrity Cruises has recently been bestowed with two established ships as a result of parent-company Royal Caribbean’s acquisition of Spanish Pullmantur. These intimate-size vessels will each undergo retrofitting in dry dock before taking to the seas under the banner of Celebrity Cruises.
The ships will be very similar in size and amenities, but will differ greatly in their itineraries. Outfitted with the standard Celebrity Cruises compliments, each vessel will provide open seating in restaurants, a casually elegant atmosphere, two specialty restaurants plus:
Michael’s Club - A piano bar serving cocktails of all types.
Martini Bar - Offering over 20 types of martinis.
Aquaspa - A unique Celebrity inclusion designed to provide the utmost in pampering including acupuncture at sea.
Sensory Heaven spa treatments by Elemis.
Enrichment Activities - Take a culinary class, speak one to one with prominent authors and more.
Gourmet cuisine provided by world-class chefs.
Celebrity was recently voted “The Best Cruise Ships In the World” for the fifth consecutive year by Conde’ Nast Traveler. Living up to its reputation, Celebrity will spend over $70 million dollars on upgrades, the most impressive of which will include:
15 different classes of cabins.
In-cabin spa treatments.
Butler and concierge service for every cabin onboard (not just suites).
With a capacity of just over 700 passengers and one staff member for every two guests, these two new ships will give visitors plenty of opportunities for exceptional services.
Celebrity “Journey”
Previously deemed “Blue Dream” while flying the Pullmantur flag, Celebrity Cruises has renamed this ship “Journey.” She will set sail in May 2007 with a Bermuda itinerary, which will continue through October. “Journey” will then set course for truly unique destinations including Antarctica, Brazil and Chile.
Celebrity “Quest”
The second of the siblings sailed under the name of “Blue Moon” prior to the acquisition. Named “Quest” by Celebrity, this ship is scheduled to launch in October 2007 with a schedule of Caribbean itineraries. Her destinations will change several months after her maiden voyage to more exclusive ports of call including St. Barts, St. John, Santa Marta, Grand Turk and others.
For those who prefer a cruise experience that is more intimate, but still holds a high level of excitement and intrigue, Celebrity promises “Journey” and “Quest” will deliver.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> offering the best deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/european_cruises.htm"> European cruises</a> and <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/mediterranean_cruises.htm">Mediterranean cruises</a>.
Vacation Hotspot: The Mexican Riviera
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
With some of the best-known cities in the world, the Mexican Riviera has long been an attraction for the wealthy and glamorous. It’s wide range of activities offer delightful excursions for every age range and interest. From the world-famous cliff divers of Acapulco to the exceptional snorkeling of Cabo San Lucas, touring the coast of Mexico makes for a vacation you’ll always remember. If you choose one of the premium cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, you’ll get more for your money and enjoy exceptional service, too.
Glitz and Glamour of Acapulco
If you want to see and be seen, Acapulco is the place! Jet setters, movie stars, the wealthy and more clamor for all that is Acapulco. Local bistros, mariachi bands and premium shopping are just a few of the delights this cosmopolitan town offers. But, without a doubt, one of the best-loved sights is the cliff divers.
Since 1940, men have trained themselves to plunge, unscathed, from rocky cliffs 136 feet high. As if this wasn’t enough, the divers land in just nine feet of water within a narrow channel filled with the churning ocean. One wrong move: one wrong calculation in timing: means certain death. Crowds flock to see this miraculous exhibition from the windows or outside deck of a local restaurant for each of the four daily shows. You won’t want to miss it!
Formerly owned by legend John Wayne, the Los Flamingos Hotel is a destination all to itself. With regular celebrity sightings, many people visit the hotel just to people watch. But if you crave something more than eye candy, try a high-speed jaunt up the Papagayo River onboard a jet boat. The setting for the blockbuster movie Rambo, this river boasts untouched wildlife and rich naturescapes.
Even if you partake in world-class golf, exceptional bird watching, cooking lessons from authentic Mexican chefs and intriguing archeological tours, you’ve only scratched the surface of what Acapulco has to offer!
Puerto Vallarta - From Sleepy To Stunning
Who would have thought the making of a movie could transform a sleepy little fishing village into the vibrant, stunning tourist hotspot? Richard Burton’s Night of the Iguana did just that for Puerto Vallarta. Today, the rich and famous flock to this international resort for great values on leather, jewelry and crafts as much as they do the white-sand beaches.
If you were asked to describe the perfect beach, what would you say? White, powdery sand? Palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze? Crystal-blue waters? You’ve just described Bahia de las Banderas, one of the most famous beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Relax, soak up the sun and the view, as you’re pampered beyond your wildest dreams. Princess and other cruise lines make sure your every wish is met!
When you’re ready for some excitement, book a dolphin adventure! Bottlenose dolphins greet you, as you get wet and wild with these friendly creatures. A local educational center sponsors these events that allow up close and personal encounters.
Jungle tours, mountain treks and other memorable excursions are available to make your stay in Puerto Vallarta everything you want it to be.
Cabo San Lucas - A Water Wonderland
The Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez merge at Cabo San Lucas. With water all around, you’ll have your choice of a long list of quests to choose from. As the ocean pounds the ancient rock formations, you can easily spot sea lions, pelicans and even hear the thunderous sound of whale tails crashing the waves.
Snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and scuba diving are also popular pastimes in this water-encircled Mexican village. If it is related to water, chances are, you can do it in Cabo!
Many top-quality cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, take great strides to provide out-of-the-ordinary experiences for your entire family while onboard or on land. With so much to choose from in the Mexican Riviera, you can opt for practically any length of cruise you wish to as many destinations as you have time 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 on <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/european_cruises.htm"> European cruises</a>.
Carnival Cruise Line's Chairman Heats Things Up
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
Standing on the deck of the ship Carnivale in 1984, Micky Arison (then president) announced a new direction in the Carnival Cruise Line advertising program. The theme? “We’ve got the fun.” It was the following campaign that released the slogan that is still used by Carnival today: Fun Ships . This shifting of direction - at the leading of Arison - was one element that catapulted Carnival from a line with one 950-passenger ship to the fireball that it is today.
Turning Up the Heat
That’s not surprising when you consider Arison is often associated with heat. He’s turned up the heat on many other lines as he progressed through his merger and acquisition plan over the last several years. Some of his conquests include Princess Cruise Line as well as luxury icon Cunard Line.
At the time he bought Cunard (in 1998), Arison had a vision of taking this once regal line and restoring her to the glory for which she had become famous. In 2004, Arison announced the christening of the largest, longest, highest and most expensive ship ever built: The Queen Mary 2 amid a flurry of worldwide media coverage. With the complete refitting of the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the upcoming addition of the Queen Victoria, Cunard will have three queens ruling the high seas.
But putting the heat on the competition isn’t all Arison is known for. He is also the managing general partner of the Miami Heat basketball team, which he inherited from his father, Ted. Arison will quickly tell you, however, that his management style is anything but hot. Joking about not being exciting, Arison said he purposely does little to draw attention to himself.
Owning the Heat
Unlike other NBA team owners, you won’t see him rushing the court to have words with a referee or launching his own Internet blog to voice his opinion about the state of NBA affairs. His idea of going crazy at a game? Wearing a “Go Heat” t-shirt or glaring with folded arms at a ref he disagrees with. Arison proclaims he simply is not out for attention.
Creating Some Heat
A major contributor to reinventing the cruise vacation, Arison is partially credited for breaking down the previous stereotypes and roadblocks average people faced when it came to cruising. The image of cruising has shifted from one of sheer exclusivity for the upper class to a fun-filled, family outing that is both thrilling and affordable.
Arison has expanded his empire by allowing practically everyone to experience the excitement and adventure cruise vacations offer. By attracting flocks of middle-class people who want to explore the world via sea, Carnival Cruise Line has managed to invent and capture an entirely new customer segment that has rewarded it with enormous growth and profits.
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.
NCL Freestyle's Newest Ship - Norwegian Pearl
by Roy Witman © 2006
The youngest fleet at sea. That’s the goal of NCL Freestyle, and they are continuing in their efforts with the call to service of Norwegian Pearl. Purpose-built to deliver Freestyle Cruising, Pearl is currently sailing through the Inside Passage of Alaska and to the southern and western Caribbean.
Shipboard Amenities
Several features set Pearl apart from other ships including her 14 bars and lounges, more than any other cruise line. Making use of an innovative Bar Central concept, Pearl offers a martini bar, champagne and wine bar, and a beer and whiskey pub all connected.
Exclusive to NCL Freestyle Cruising are Garden Villas. With shared access to a private pool, hot tub, sun deck and workout facility, families that opt for the Garden Villas can take advantage of a private staff of five butlers who are at your beck and call.
Families choosing NCL Freestyle Cruising have more options than the Garden Villas. Connecting rooms in almost every class make for family-friendly vacations regardless of budget. For those cruising as couples, other accommodations are available including value-minded inside staterooms that allow you to make the most of your vacation dollars. Each cabin includes TV, refrigerator, safe, duvet and hair dryer.
Another unique aspect of Pearl is her rock-climbing wall - a first on a NCL Freestyle cruise ship. Positioned high atop Deck 14, you can see for miles once you reach the top of the wall. But, the most innovative feature by far is her bowling alley at sea - a first on any cruise ship! Included within an entertainment complex called Bliss, passengers will be able to use the four-lane, 10-pin bowling alley during the day. This sports bar will also feature sporting events via television, air hockey, foosball and other arcade games. At night, however, Bliss will be transformed into a high-energy lounge with videos and music.
Destinations
Pearl is making her way through the frigid waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Sailing from Seattle, Pearl calls on ports including Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, plus Victoria, British Columbia.
While in the 49th US state, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to participate in excursions, including dogsled adventures, rainforest canopy and zip line exploits, whale encounters and wilderness kayaking.
If warm and sunny sounds more appealing to you than cold and frosty, then board Pearl in Miami for a southern or western Caribbean tour. Spending nine days flirting with the sun in balmy Barbados, Antigua or St. John is the perfect way to de-stress. Five-day cruises to Cozumel or Belize are also available.
Kid-Friendly Vacation
Of course, Pearl has plenty for the kids to do. With numerous age-appropriate group activities, kids of all ages can have a blast while at sea. The Kid’s Crew program provides a t-shirt (for painting), mom and dad’s night out, a chef’s hat (for cooking class), Crew News and more. Junior Sailors (ages 2-5), First Mates (ages 6-9) and Navigators (ages 10-12) all have special, supervised games and activities. Children under 12 are not allowed to leave the area unless picked up by a parent.
Teens also get special treatment onboard Pearl. With their own disco, movie events and teen parties, they’ll have a wonderful time meeting kids their own age.
NCL Freestyle Cruising allows you to choose how you dress, when you dine, who you dine with and what you do. This new freedom in cruising is only expanded with the addition of Pearl to the fleet of the youngest ships at sea.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">Cruise Vacation Center</a>. Visit them online today at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> for the best deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/alaska_cruises.htm"> Alaska cruises</a>.
Why It s Best to Take A Cruise Vacation On Celebrity Cruise Lines
When planning a trip why not consider a Cruise vacation. Having sailed on Celebrity Cruise Lines after reading many cruise reviews, I can highly recommend Celebrity Cruises for a great cruise vacation.
Scuba diving? Exotic cuisines? Going to a spa? Different activities for a vacation you can choose from, but why not do all of them on a Celebrity Cruise vacation.
A Celebrity Cruise is a cost and time efficient vacation. You won’t have to go to different destinations to enjoy the above activities. On a Celebrity Cruise vacation all the amenities you want, fitness center, restaurants, swimming pools, casino and gourmet food can be found on a Celebrity cruise vacation.
You do not have to worry about your luggage. You drop if off at the pier and it will be delivered to your stateroom. Unpack once and you’re done for the duration of your cruise vacation. After you have unpacked go to lunch, one of the best cruising activities is the parade of delicious dishes in Celebrity Cruise dining rooms.
Each Celebrity Cruise vacation has its own restaurant administered by the finest chefs in the world. Best of all, every meal and snack are included in your Celebrity Cruise package.
In every port tourist guides are readily available to assist you. Take a tour on a Celebrity cruise lines guided excursion. You do not have to worry about your children; there are several activities, which will keep them preoccupied while you are enjoying your own activity.
Taking a Celebrity cruise vacation enables you to enjoy every minute of your vacation and frees you from worrying about where to eat, what to do and how much it will cost.
All cruise lines offers these services to their passengers, however Celebrity Cruise Lines does it just a little bit better. Celebrity Cruise Line is one of the best cruise lines available in today’s market. They offer competitive packages and are just one step above other cruise lines. They have onboard upscale boutiques and entertainment ala Las Vegas, which was created and designed exclusively for Celebrity Cruise Lines by Cirque du Soleil.
You can try your luck at the Casino or even purchase some fine art at the onboard auction. Late in the evening check out The Bar at the Edge of the Earth, an exotic lounge provided exclusively by Celebrity Cruise Lines.
If you feel the need to relax, visit the famous Aqua-Spa by Elemis. There, you will experience a deluxe manicure, facial treatments, and a relaxing massage. Celebrity Cruise Lines also has onboard acupuncture center if you want to feel renewed and invigorated. You can book spa packages before you go on your cruise vacation over the internet
Your kids will also enjoy their cruise vacation on a Celebrity Cruise vacation. Celebrity offers the X-Club Youth Program exclusively for your kids. It has activities and entertainment for specific age groups.
A professional staff administers all of these activities, which include science and nature exploration, treasure hunts, talents shows, dinner parties, and more. Celebrity Cruises have reserved areas on the ship for younger seafaring passengers such as the Shipmates Fun Factory, teen center, and pools. This allows your kids enjoy their own activities while you are off enjoying yours.
Celebrity Cruise Lines has designed its ships to accommodate mobility-impaired passengers. There are staff members that are always ready to attend to any of their special needs. Celebrity has an onboard clinic staffed by a licensed doctor and nurse who can speak foreign languages
Food on a cruise vacation is available 24/7 in cafeterias and dining areas. You can also request room service if you want to have a romantic dinner with your spouse. We did this while we did a European cruise and the dinner came with a white linen table cloth, china, silver and crystal glasses. It was really beautiful and I have never experienced that on other cruise lines. There are formal dinners in the famous Celebrity Cruise Lines dining rooms two or three times during the cruise vacation, depending on the length of your cruise travel. If you do not wish to participate in this cruise activity there are casual restaurants that you can visit instead.
Celebrity Cruise Lines has a variety of itineraries from which to choose. Some of them our very exotic like the Galapagos or Australia. No matter which itinerary you choose you will always feel pampered on a Celebrity Cruise vacation. Celebrity Cruise Lines staff always go the extra mile to please you. Read some other cruise reviews and see if they don’t agree with me.
Enjoy cruising with Celebrity Cruise Lines!
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
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
Hawaii Dinner Cruises - Romantic Sunset Sailing
A never-to-be-forgotten experience during any visit to the Hawaiian Islands are Hawaii dinner cruises with romantic sunset sailing offered by many local tour operators. Specializing in spectacular sunset vistas over the open ocean, the dinner cruise provides true island “Aloha” to your day. No matter which Hawaiian island you have chosen to visit, there is sure to be a dinner cruise designed especially for your tastes.
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.
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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