posted by admin on Aug 27
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
You Don t Cruise, You Lose!
Mexico offers a wide variety of options for cruisers Cruises to Mexico aren t what they used to be they re much, much more. Whether you re single or married, gay or lesbian, with or without children, on a low-carb diet or abandoning it, blind, a nudist, or just a die-hard Disney fan, Mexico has the cruise for you. As an added bonus, those who travel to Mexico via a cruise wont need a passport to do so until 2008! While millions of tourists flock to Mexico every year by land and air, the country has also become the world s top cruise destination, with cruises becoming more popular and lifestyle specific every year. According to recent statistics released by Mexico s Tourism Secretariat (Sectur), some 6.5 million passengers arrived to Mexico s ports in 2005. The most popular port is by far on the island of Cozumel, located just south of Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean. According to Mexico s Communications and Transportation Secretariat, 754 ships arrived to Cozumel in the first ten months of 2006, carrying some 1.5 million passengers. The second most popular port is Costa Maya on the Mexican Caribbean, which received 263 ships, carrying more than 500,000 in the first ten months of 2006. Mexico boasts two dozen port cities. Apart from Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan are the most popular ports along the Pacific coast, while Costa Maya in Quintana Roo State and Puerto Progreso in Yucatan State are the most popular on the Caribbean side. In addition to being bustling metropolises in their own right, offering the best in shopping, cultural activities and cuisine to the traveler, most ports are also located just a stone s throw from the country s leading archaeological treasures and other attractions. Part of the popularity of cruises can also be attributed to the traveling public s desire to experience more destinations in one vacation, with most cruises offering stops in at least three or four different destinations. According to Sectur, in the past two decades the number of cruise ships stopping in Mexican ports has increased dramatically, with most major cruise lines now serving the Gulf, Central Pacific and Caribbean, having incorporated these popular destinations into their itineraries. In 2005, the Mexican government invested more than US $7 million in the development of the Port of Chiapas, Mexico s newest cruise destination. The port welcomed its first passenger vessel in February 2006. As the number of cruise passengers increases, the demand for a variety of services and themes have also increased, what the cruise industry often refers to as lifestyle cruises. Below are just some samples of new cruise offerings: Sun salutations The Radisson Seven Seas hosts several lifestyle cruises, among them a yoga cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to Cozumel, featuring Michael Lechonczak and Robin Whitney Levine, a New York City-based husband and wife yoga team, who will bring the art and science of yoga to guests of the luxurious 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner. Their daily onboard program will offer a variety of options for men and women, yoga beginners and experts of all ages. Classes on meditation and aromatherapy will round out the mix. Food & wine The Radisson Seven Seas also offers a special Food & Wine spotlight cruise on the Mariner in March. The cruise, which sails from Los Angeles and stops in Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco and Huatulco in Oaxaca, features a Cordon Bleu cooking school and Sonoma Valley wines. Max McCalman, chef formageur from New York s Picholine Restaurant will provide expert tips, instruction and 24/7 wine tasting. Mickey on board Disney Cruise Line is also increasing its presence to Mexico, offering a variety of cruises to Mexico including calls to Cozumel on the Caribbean side, as well as calls to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific side. Disney offers special programs for children, teens and as well as adults, offering something for the entire family. The Disney Magic ship to Mexico s western ports has been enhanced by a 24-by14 foot jumbo LED screen for poolside movies and an expanded fitness and spa center for adults. Low carbs and smart kids Carnival s Fun Ships will make more than 1,100 calls to Mexican ports in 2005, with Mexico being by far the most popular destination for Carnival. Carnival has also diversified its offerings by adding low carb meals to its menus and expanding its kids programs to focus on art, music, science, reading and physical fitness. Gay travel Atlantis (www.atlantisevents.com) is one of the largest gay travel tour operators offering cruise packages to Mexico. The Mexican Riviera cruise is one of the most popular, offering five Mexican destinations in eight days on the new Radiance of the Seas ship. Rated by Conde Nast Traveler s Readers Choice as one of the best ships in the world, Radiance of the Seas offers among its many amenities a rock-climbing wall, two pools and an African-themed solarium complete with 17-foot high stone elephants and waterfalls. In Mexico, the ship will visit Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Clothing optional For au naturel travelers, Bare Necessities offers a variety of clothing-optional cruises. And nudetravel.com also offers clothing optional packages including information on nudist resorts in Mexico. Blind cruises Damar Travel at 800-999-6101 offers cruises for the blind to Mexico. Below are some of the many cruise lines that dock in Mexican ports as part of their regular routes: Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, P&O Cruises About the Mexico Tourism Board The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. # # # Erick Laseca Mexico Tourism Board 312-228-0517 erick.laseca@bm.com
Erick Laseca works for Burson-Marsteller as public relations liaison for the Mexico Tourism Board in Chicago.
Destination Overview: Cruising Europe and the Baltic Sea
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
With histories that stretch back as far as time, Europe and the Baltic Sea are two regions that are always exciting to visit. Needless to say, exploring an entire continent would take a great deal of time, so most travelers split their vacations: seeing different sections with each trip. Making choices about which areas to tour first can be a heartbreaking process. After all, they are all so beautiful!
Princess Cruises’ new ship, “Emerald Princess,” is launching with a maiden itinerary to Europe. Along with some traditional favorites, she will also drop anchor at some less crowded ports, which are filled with interest and intrigue. Let’s look at some of the highlights of her European voyages, and perhaps you’ll be better equipped to narrow down your choices.
Unique Destinations in Europe
The Greek Isles
Always popular, the Greek Isles are filled with mystery and fascination. From touring the ancient coliseum and aqueducts to lunching at seaside cafes overlooking magnificent ocean views, the Greek Isles deliver beauty at every turn. With something for all your senses, you’ll taste incredible Mediterranean foods that are truly unlike any others in the world, see brilliant blue water with a stunning backdrop of green mountainsides dotted with classic white buildings. And you’ll delve into the mythical Greek gods and the power they held over this culture.
The Holy Land
Princess hasn’t sailed to the Holy Land in over five years. Adding a variety of tours to the lineup of both “Emerald Princess” and “Royal Princess” bring exciting new options for world travelers. Walk through Jerusalem and Galilee, following in the footsteps of Jesus. Visit the Isle of Patmos where the apostle John was exiled. Tour religiously significant regions of Greece, Italy and Turkey, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
According to their website, “The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. The World Heritage List boasts 830 properties including 644 cultural, 162 natural and 24 mixed properties in 138 States Parties.”
The Baltic Sea
Royal splendor awaits for those who choose tours to the Baltic Sea. With storybook grandeur, you’ll visit some of the most sought-after cities in this region. St. Petersburg, Russia, holds the majesty of ornate palaces and cathedrals draped with royal blue and gold. Stockholm, Sweden, comprised of 14 islands, delights the senses with a colorful cityscape surrounded by water in a country that was once ruled by Vikings and Czars.
In addition to these, you’ll also have your choice of other well-loved cities, including Oslo, Norway; Berlin, Germany; Copenhagen, Denmark and more.
When planning your next vacation, consider all that Europe and the Baltic Sea have to offer. Without much effort, you can find countless sites to see while touring these areas of the world. Holding something of interest for everyone in your family, any trip to these historic regions is sure to be the trip of a lifetime.
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>. You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.
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>.
The Master of Design: Joe Farcus, Carnival Cruise Line's Ship Architect
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
Who in the world came up with these ideas? Aboard the Carnival Celebration you’ll find yourself transported into the heyday of New Orleans Mardi Gras. On Fascination and Hollywood, you can step back into the golden era of ocean liners with vintage designs throughout the ships. But who thinks up and executes these amazing design plans? Joe Farcus, that’s who!
Joe Farcus is the ship architect for Carnival Cruise Lines. It is his vision passengers see each time they step foot onto a Fun Ship . Raised in Miami Beach, Florida, Farcus always fantasized about ships. His constant sketching of ocean liners was no doubt part of the reason he pursued an architectural degree. After graduation from the University of Florida in 1967, Farcus landed his first Carnival project - the redesign of the Carnivale - while employed for a local architectural firm.
Described as bold, daring and sometimes even brash, Farcus creates interior designs from his heart and his imagination. Working from an initial central concept, Farcus expands from idea to application, as his vision touches every part of the ship. From atriums to restaurants to staterooms, full control of the aesthetics of the ship is placed in the hands of this one man, as he gives each ship its own distinct personality.
Miracle is whimsical with an array of fictional characters splashed about throughout her common areas. Spirit is refined, featuring a Louis XIV-inspired casino and Chippendale Internet Caf . Destiny is dazzling and bright with a towering mirrored atrium elevator that stretches nine-decks high.
Where do the ideas come from? The Amber Palace show lounge (on Glory) was fashioned after the Amber Room in Russia while the Starry Night Jazz Club (aboard Pride) was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s painting of the same name.
What lies ahead for future ships? Freedom, set to debut in 2007, will carry a central theme of Decades Through the Centuries. From ancient Babylonia to the Victorian era to 1970s disco and beyond, passengers will walk through time, as they sail the sea. When asked about the concept, Farcus replied, “I thought it would be interesting to go back in time to find inspiration for the various public rooms. As always, I tried to use the function of the room to suggest how the room will reflect the central design idea.”
And other ships? What does Farcus hold in store for them? Splendor is slated to enter service in the fall of 2008, and Carnival has a super liner (yet to be named) under construction and scheduled for delivery in fall 2009. “I design each ship to tell a story, and it gives me great joy to be able to share these stories with guests.” So much so, in fact, that Carnival will soon be broadcasting videos aboard ship highlighting Joe Farcus and his design process.
With a seemingly never-ending supply of brilliant design concepts, Joe Farcus will surely continue to contribute to the fun that the Carnival Fun Ships have become so famous for.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center. 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/hawaii_cruises.htm"> Hawaii cruises</a> from <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/carnival_cruise_line.htm">Carnival Cruise Line</a> and others.
