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MSC Cruises Reveals Grand Celebrations For Their Largest New Ship

MSC Cruises will embark on the Company’s most comprehensive new ship launch ever. The events will commence in St Nazaire, France when the Company’s newest flagship MSC Grandiosa, officially comes into service on October 31. MSC Grandiosa will be the largest ship in the MSC Cruises growing fleet. The celebrations will span 27 days throughout 8 countries and 11 ports. This includes special events in the city of Hamburg, including a special light display in 19 locations created with international light artist Michael Batz.

MSC Grandiosa will remain in the Port of Hamburg from November 6-10 with the Christening on the evening of November 9. The Blue Port will be condensed into a maritime stage around the Elbphilharmonie. Twenty locations in Hamburg’s harbor will become ambassadors of light art, shining with a significant blue light, mixing industrial harbour light with graphic drawing. The color blue has been chosen for the events as it is a significant part of MSC Cruises brand and also represents water, symbolizing MSC Cruises’ long-standing commitment to the ocean.  With respect for the environment and the climate, many small lights with low energy consumption will be used. The dazzling installations will be created by renowned international light artist Michael Batz.

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Environmentally Friendly

MSC Grandiosa is equipped with two new and important technological innovations, including a selective catalytic reduction system which will decrease nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent and transform it into pure water and nitrogen.  The ship is also fitted with a state-of-the-art advanced wastewater treatment system that will lead to nearly zero impact on discharges and allow her to operate in delicate environments such as the Baltic Sea and Alaska.

These new features build on other effective technologies found on MSC Cruises’ fleet to further reduce any environmental impact. This includes a cutting-edge hybrid exhaust gas cleaning system, systems for the prevention of oil discharge from machinery spaces, a ballast water treatment system and various energy-saving improvements such as heat recovery systems and LED lighting.

Never Before Seen Features

Some of the guest highlights of this new state-of-the-art ship include:

  • Two original, never-before-seen shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea
  • The Mediterranean Promenade, which is lined with restaurants, including the new Il Campo, mall-style shopping and, to top it off, the 305 ft.-long LED Sky Screen displays atmospheric images and animations throughout the day and night
  • An immersive art experience in L’Atelier Bistrot with 26 original etchings by French Impressionist Edgar Degas
  • Dedicated kids areas designed in partnership with LEGO and Chicco
  • Plus the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant, ZOE, in every stateroom.

MSC Grandiosa will begin regular 7-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean starting November 23, 2019 with six embarkation ports calling Genoa and Civitavecchia, Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Valetta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France.

For more information on MSC Grandiosa visit here.


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Different Kind of Sports you can play on a cruise ship

The best way to unwind and enjoy a vacation is to book a trip on a cruise ship. A cruise ship vacation is great in a number of ways; you can get out of the city, you get to see new places, you get to enjoy the sea and the sun, you get to socialise and meet new people, and you get to enjoy great food and sample a few exotic drinks too. So, all in all, a cruise ship vacation is a great way to enjoy the finer things in life. Another great thing about cruises is you can find a lonely nook to enjoy a spin on spinzwin.com/scratch-cards/

Another amazing aspect of cruise ships is the sports you get to participate in and enjoy. Right from the person who hasn’t set his eyes on sporting equipment in his/her life to the athletic type who lives for the fun of sports each and everybody can enjoy some sort of sport on a cruise ship. Here are some of the most common Kind of Sports you can play on a cruise ship.

Shuffleboard

Any book, movie or TV show that involves a cruise ship has to have a scene with the characters enjoying a game of Shuffleboard. This is one of the most popular forms of entertainment available on a cruise ship and one that is generally not as popular anywhere else. Every cruise ship has one of more Shuffleboard court either on the promenade decks or somewhere up at the top of the ship. The best thing about this sport is that you can enjoy a game, which enjoys a conversion while enjoying the wonderful view of the sun, sky and the sea. If you are on a cruise, this is one activity you much experience at least once.

Golf

Golf is a game of leisure, and a cruise ship is all about leisure. Hence, most big cruise ships always have at least a nine-hole mini-golf course for the enjoyment of their passengers. Golf is a fun game, and it is something that is the least competitive of sports and hence, can be enjoyed with family, friends, acquaintances or even strangers. So, if it is rest and relaxation you are planning, enjoy a game of non-competitive golf on your cruise ship vacation.

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Tennis

Most cruise ships have paddle tennis or table tennis. Table tennis is a popular sport with people on vacation, especially at sea. Paddle tennis is very similar to ordinary lawn tennis, the only difference being you play with a paddle instead of a packet. So, there are two common sports that people enjoy on a cruise.

Bowling

Some cruise ships even have bowling alleys. Bowling is a sport that can be learnt quickly and can be played by any and everybody. So, this is another sport that you have to try when on a cruise.

Water Volleyball

Most cruise ships have a pool onboard, where passengers can enjoy a game of water volleyball too!


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Cruise Podcast: We Attend Hamburg Cruise Days 2019

Hamburg Cruise Days 2019
Hamburg Cruise Days 2019 © Jan Schugardt

Join your Host John Shallo as we learn all about Hamburg Cruise Days 2019 from Randy Warren of Cruise Addicts. He recently returned from a visit to Hamburg, Germany where he was able to attend Hamburg Cruise Days 2019. He was also able to visit Seatrade Europe to see all of the latest advances in cruise ship interiors and other areas.

Carnival Corp Signs Agreements with Government of The Bahamas to Develop Two New Destination Projects

Carnival Corporation
Carnival Corporation
 
The agreement was signed at the Prime Minister’s Office in Grand Bahama at a ceremony that included Dr. The Most Honorable Hubert A. Minnis, prime minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance The Honorable K. Peter Turnquest; Senator The Honorable Kwasi Thompson, minister of state for Grand Bahama; and other cabinet ministers. Several Carnival Corporation and Carnival Cruise Line executives were also in attendance, including Giora Israel, David Candib, Armando Corpas and Marie McKenzie, all from Carnival Corporation’s port and destination team and the leadership team for both new port projects. Also on hand were Terry Thornton and Chris Chiames, both representing Carnival Cruise Line. 
“We are very pleased to announce that Carnival Corporation’s projects in the Bahamas are full speed ahead,” said Prime Minister Minnis. “These developments and the significant investment in world-class tourism and hospitality operations are such a boon for our initiatives for national prosperity and economic stability.”
Once environmental and other permitting processes are completed, construction for both projects is projected to start by mid-2020. The projects are expected to play an important role in the country’s recovery from the recent impact of Hurricane Dorian. As part of the development, Carnival Corporation’s plans include construction parameters that are designed to meet or exceed guidelines for being able to mostly withstand the impact of a Category 5 hurricane.
Carnival Corp Signs Agreements with Government of The Bahamas to Develop Two New Destination Projects | 29
The agreement was signed at the Prime Minister’s Office in Grand Bahama at a ceremony that included Dr. The Most Honorable Hubert A. Minnis, prime minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance The Honorable K. Peter Turnquest; Senator The Honorable Kwasi Thompson, minister of state for Grand Bahama; and other cabinet ministers. Several Carnival Corporation and Carnival Cruise Line executives were also in attendance.

 “This is an exciting day for all of us involved with these two extraordinary development projects,” said Israel. “We have been working with the prime minister and his staff for some time with a shared vision for our design plans, and we want to extend our sincere gratitude for their collaboration and partnership. Our collective goal is to maintain the reputation of The Bahamas as one of our most popular and welcoming destinations for years to come, and it is very rewarding to see our joint vision finalized with today’s agreement.” 

Added Israel: “In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, there is poignancy with the timing of today’s agreement, and as we prepare for the pre-construction phase of these projects to begin early next year, they will provide jobs and a major boost to the recovery and rebuilding effort. At the same time, it is important to point out that much of The Bahamas experienced little impact from the storm. In fact, three of our brands – Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises – announced two weeks ago that they are resuming regular sailings to Nassau, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays this and next month, which is great news for the country. And now, with today’s agreement, our new projects will continue to build on the country’s reputation as one of our most popular destinations, while also providing jobs and economic impact that will support the effort to recover and rebuild, stronger than ever.” 
src=”https://cruiseaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Mardi-Gras-1024×398.jpg” alt=”Mardi Gras” width=”1024″ height=”398″ /> Mardi Gras

The two developments will allow Grand Bahama and Little San Salvador to welcome guests from the cruise industry’s larger ships, such as Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, which will debut in August 2020 as North America’s first cruise ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Mardi Gras will also be Carnival Cruise Line’s largest and most innovative ship.

Holland America Line has over 40 scheduled cruises planned to The Bahamas through the end of 2019. Two of Holland America Line’s newest ships, Koningsdam (delivered in 2016) and Nieuw Statendam (delivered in 2018), are both scheduled to visit Half Moon Cay this year.
 
The two projects will enhance the overall deployment choices and guest experiences in The Bahamas, which include Freeport, Nassau, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays. Six of Carnival Corporation’s nine cruise line brands currently have calls to The Bahamas scheduled for the 2019-20 cruise season.
 
Carnival Cruise Line’s new Grand Bahama destination will be developed on the south side of the island in cooperation with the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the government of The Bahamas. The new destination will offer guests a uniquely Bahamian destination with a spectacular beachfront and exciting features, along with job opportunities and positive economic impact for the local community. More details will be revealed over the coming months.
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The winner of Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Best Private Island award for the last 18 consecutive years, Half Moon Cay on the island of Little San Salvador is well known as one of the region’s most beloved ports, visited by guests sailing with Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. The current development on the western side covers less than 3% of the 2,400-acre island and includes a tender marina. The new addition will be on the northern part of the island and include a pier able to accommodate larger ships. The beautiful beaches of Half Moon Cay will continue to be a main attraction.

Together, the development of the new port expansion and existing facilities on the island of Little San Salvador will account for only about 10% of the island, leaving the remainder of this pristine paradise natural and untouched, as committed to in the original purchase agreement to maintain the vast majority of the island as a nature preserve and wild bird sanctuary.

In both developments, Carnival Corporation and the government of The Bahamas have established several key objectives, with a high priority on protecting the local environment, using renewable energy, significantly reducing or eliminating single-use plastics and other items, and similar environmentally friendly initiatives, as well as working with local business interests to create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamian residents. In addition to these developments, the company is also further exploring opportunities to deepen its involvement in the community and local cultural events, activities and organizations.

In addition to the new developments and cruising’s positive economic impact, Carnival Corporation, its brands and its philanthropic arm, Carnival Foundation, are supporting recovery efforts in The Bahamas following the recent impact of Hurricane Dorian. Initiatives include supporting the delivery of nearly 3,000 tons of food and supplies through donations and a partnership with Tropical Shipping. Two Carnival Cruise Line ships – Carnival Liberty and Carnival Pride – also recently visited Freeport to deliver relief supplies, including dozens of pallets of water, generators, chain saws and more. In addition, Carnival Corporation brands are conducting donation drives to support The Bahamas through Direct Relief and World Central Kitchen. To date, Carnival Cruise Line guests and employees have donated more than $500,000 to the two organizations supporting Bahamas relief efforts. 
Separately, in coordination with the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, $2 million has been pledged in funding and in-kind support for the relief efforts.

Nassau, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays received little impact from Hurricane Dorian, and the return to regular sailings is an important step in national recovery efforts in support of the country’s tourism industry and its vital economic impact on local businesses and people.

Carnival Corporation and its cruise line brands operate nine global ports and terminals, including Barcelona in Spain; Savona in Italy; Amber Cove in the Dominican RepublicPuerta Maya in Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Turk Cruise Center in Turks and Caicos Islands; Mahogany Bay in Roatan, HondurasLong Beach in California; and Santa Cruz de Tenerife terminal in the Canary Islands. Carnival Corporation also operates two private island destinations in the Caribbean, Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay, and has a joint venture in Dubai for the future operation of two cruise terminals. Additionally, through a joint venture, Carnival Corporation is a 50/50 operator with MSC Cruises of a terminal in Marseille, France. In total, Carnival Corporation cruise ships visit over 700 ports of call around the world.


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Carnival Cruise Line Reaffirms Commitment to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Day of Play (2019)1
Carnival Cruise Line employees host the annual Carnival Day of Play event for St. Jude patients and their families at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.

Reaffirming its longstanding commitment to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it will raise its pledge to a total of $33 million by 2024.

The announcement was made this week at the St. Jude campus in Memphis, Tennessee, during Carnival’s seventh annual Day of Play where patient families enjoyed a variety of fun activities hosted by the line’s team members. The Day of Play was held in conjunction with the cruise line’s hotel directors conference, where the leaders responsible for the guest operations on Carnival’s 26 ships traveled to St. Jude for business meetings and a tour of the hospital.

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At the event, Carnival announced an additional $15 million pledge to the hospital over the next five years after achieving its initial fundraising goal early. Since the partnership began in 2010, Carnival has raised more than $18 million in support of the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.®

“Because of the generosity of our guests and team members, we are able to increase our fundraising goal and look forward to continuing to support our friends at St. Jude,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line and member of the St. Jude Professional Advisory Board. “For the second year in a row, we have brought a group of shipboard leaders to St. Jude to see the work being done first-hand and to help incorporate the mission in meaningful ways with our guests, team members and travel agent partners. I know our hotel directors will leave Memphis inspired to do more for the kids and the health professionals who take care of them as we look for new ways to integrate our support into our shipboard and shoreside activities.”

“The Carnival Day of Play is always an unforgettable and fun event for our patient families, but today was especially meaningful as we celebrated an incredible milestone and Carnival’s expanded commitment to support our lifesaving mission to find cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “We’re so grateful for the wonderful partnership we’ve built with Carnival, their remarkable team members and their generous guests over the years, and we look forward to continuing our collective efforts to ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.”

src=”https://cruiseaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/St.-Jude-Day-of-Play-20192-1024×731.jpg” alt=”” width=”1024″ height=”731″ /> Carnival Cruise Line employees host the annual Carnival Day of Play event for St. Jude patients and their families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.

As the Official Celebration Partner of St. Jude, Carnival hosts events at the hospital and raises money through a variety of fundraising initiatives, both on board and ashore, including the Groove for St. Jude dance party and Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea where kids can create their own St. Jude-themed keepsake bear. Carnival Horizon also boasts a stunning three-deck-high “Dreamscape” LED atrium sculpture that displays artwork from St. Jude patients while guests on Carnival Vista can satisfy their sweet tooth with a Brownie Buoy, a delicious ice cream concoction designed by the children of St. Jude with all profits donated to the hospital.

Duffy also announced that Carnival’s new ship arriving next year, Mardi Gras, will feature a sculpture and other artwork designed by St. Jude patients. Mardi Gras is a highly anticipated ship that will boast a number of groundbreaking features and experiences, including BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, the first seagoing restaurant from famed New Orleans chef Emeril Lagasse, and six themed zones offering a variety of food, beverage and entertainment choices. Mardi Gras will also be the first ship in North America powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), part of Carnival Corporation’s “green cruising” platform.

src=”https://cruiseaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/St.-Jude-Day-of-Play-20195.jpg” alt=”” width=”640″ height=”457″ /> Carnival Cruise Line employees host the annual Carnival Day of Play event for St. Jude patients and their families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.

Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe on Aug. 31, 2020, before repositioning to New York for a series of voyages then shift to Port Canaveral for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in October 2020.

To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com. For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL.


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American Queen Steamboat Company & Victory Cruise Lines Hire Ares M. Michaelides as President

Rendering of the American Countess
Rendering of the American Countess

 

American Queen Steamboat Company  has appointed Ares M. Michaelides as President of AQSC and Victory Cruise Lines (Victory). In this role, Michaelides will lead the strategic growth plans of the AQSC fleet (American Queen, American Empress, American Duchess and the highly anticipated American Countess) and the Victory fleet (M/V Victory I and M/V Victory II and the M/V Ocean Victory scheduled to debut in 2021).

Ares Michaelides
Ares M. Michaelides Appointed President of American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines

Michaelides will lead each brand’s business strategy to continue to develop and innovate AQSC/Victory’s unique product offering – AQSC is a leader in US river cruises and Victory a leader in Great Lakes cruising – and elevate the vacation experience for its guests. Michaelides has 25 years of experience in the maritime and cruising industry and will build upon past success at various entities to optimize AQSC/Victory’s strategy and brand offering.

“American Queen Steamboat Company’s legacy is rooted in our ability to offer time-honored traditions on our river cruises from dining, to Broadway-caliber entertainment and top-tier shore excursions,” shares John Waggoner, Founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “As we continue to progress, we’re confident that Ares will tap into his long history and success in the industry to help continue the growth of the company.”

Prior to his role with AQSC, Michaelides most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Ship Supply International, a leading global supplier of goods and services to the maritime industry. Prior to that, over the course of 10 years, he held executive positions (Interim CEO, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer) with Starboard Cruise Services, the world’s largest cruise retailer. Previously, Michaelides spent over a decade in executive positions with the world’s largest cruise companies including Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Celebrity Cruises Inc. and MSC Cruises USA.

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“I’ve been very fortunate that my cruise experience has allowed me to have a hand in managing all aspects of the business, from understanding the economics of the cruise sector to retail innovation and execution to managing logistics for the world’s largest cruise lines,” said Michaelides. “I am honored to be a part of the American Queen Steamboat Company/Victory Cruise Lines team and look forward to leading a strategic vision that elevates the company to the next level and continues its success.”

Michaelides holds a Master of Science and Master of Arts degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Drew University and a Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Born and raised in New York, Michaelides now resides in Louisville, KY.

For additional information, please visit www.AmericanQueenSteamboatCompany.com.


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Find the Best Cruise Ships for Game Lover

Gaming has a sort of cult following these days with interested people even making it their profession. Just like a sports athlete, passionate gamers can now go pro and make gaming their living. A number of gaming companies are conducting gaming tournaments where successful players can win hundreds and thousands of dollars in prize money. In addition to that, thanks to the internet and video game streaming services, serious gamers have multiple ways to make money. To keep gamers earning millions happy, gaming companies in collaboration with different companies are providing special services. One such convenience is gamer-friendly cruises. Here are some of the best cruise ships for game lovers:

Norwegian Breakaway

If you are a Nintendo Wii fan and you want to experience the ultimate gaming, you have to book a cruise on the Norwegian Breakaway. This cruise ship provides gaming lovers with a Nintendo Wii hooked to a Monster two-storey screen for the best gaming experience. The immense screen means the whole family can get together and enjoy gaming. Thus, the gaming enthusiast can enjoy the luxuries of a cruise, great food and great ambience while ensuring that they stay in practice.

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Oasis of the Seas

The Oasis of the Seas is the dreamboat of every classic arcade game lover. In case you are all about reliving your experience of standing against a classic arcade unit, then you need to book a cruise aboard this cruise ship. You can enjoy the luxuries of an ideal cruise, the sun and the sea in addition to enjoying some of the video game classics like Pac Man. The best thing about this cruise ship is the complete video game arcade that caters to people from each and every generation. About the Oasis of the Seas, you can enjoy some of the classic cult favourites and get introduced to some of the modern popular video games/

Anthem of the Seas

One of the biggest woes of going aboard a cruise ship is that you aren’t allowed your gaming consoles. But when you board the Anthem of the Seas, you will totally forget about feeling bad about the Xbox you left at home. This cruise ship, considered to be the second most advanced cruise ship in the world, has an Xbox lounge and a high-speed internet connection. You can play all the latest games and even enjoy a few multi-player games thanks to the superfast internet connection. With plush interiors and surrounded by gaming lovers you will enjoy unlimited gaming sessions like never before!

Carnival Cruises Fleet

Ever dreamt of enjoying high-speed internet on the open seas? Then you have to book a cruise on the Carnival Cruises Fleet. Passengers are allowed to bring their consoles on-board and are allowed to connect them to the TVs in their staterooms. Thanks to the high-speed internet you can even connect to the internet and enjoy multiplayer online games. The Carnival Cruises Fleet is the best cruise option for all sorts of gaming lovers.


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Fast & Easy Modern Day Cruise Preparation Check List

Edge Villa Cat. EV - Bedroom - Room #15100 Deck 12 Forward Portside Celebrity EDGE - Celebrity Cruises

If you are like me, you’re not going to follow some three-page packing checklist for my upcoming travel. Whether your in the planning stages looking for Mumbai to Ahmedabad flights? Or getting ready for an upcoming cruise? I just want the essentials. So I want to share my current fast and easy prep list. I’ve also included items we have purchased to make our cruise experience more enjoyable.

Fast & Easy Modern Day Cruise Preparation Check List | 29

Reusable Luggage Tags

We recently purchased some reusable luggage tags that allow me to easily insert the printed luggage tags provided by the cruise lines. If you don’t own luggage tag holders like this, you’re going to be forced to stable them or tape them before your cruise. These tags are so nice and well made we wondered how we lived without them and won’t leave home without them.

Fast & Easy Modern Day Cruise Preparation Check List | 29Towel Clips for Lounge Chairs

The bath towels provided by the cruise lines and hotels are pretty hefty. However, A blast of wind can cause havoc so we have purchased towel clips to help keep them in place. We are not chair hogs, but I have seen people using them to save places as well.  We have really enjoyed this purchase as well and used them regularly now.

Fast & Easy Modern Day Cruise Preparation Check List | 29Toiletry Bag

A nice toiletry bag will help keep all your essential items in place and make sure you don’t lose anything. I had tried some alternative holders but, found they often would allow too much movement and it caused things to get messy. This is why the use of a proper toiletry bag can make all the difference to minimize mess and other problems.

Sunscreen Spray & Burn Relief

If you are going to take a cruise, you need to pack proper Sunscreen to protect yourself and the loved ones your traveling with. I once foolishly underestimated the intensity of the sun and received a serious burn during my cruise. Not only did it hamper my vacation but, the effects lasted many days afterward. We purchase SPF 50+ Sunscreen spray and apply it before heading outdoors to help make sure we are all covered properly. Don’t risk missing that one ear or the top of your foot and come back in serious pain.

As with everything, nothing is perfect. Make sure to pack some Aloe burn relief with lidocaine pain relief in case you need it.

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Cold Pill & Medicines

I always pack any prescribed medications but, I also bring cold medicine like Dayquil Day and Night-Time.  I also included a bottle of Ibuprofen. The combination of these items will help relieve a simple headache or a complex cold that may suddenly start while on vacation. I learned to always bring these items (or similar items of your choosing) when I woke up with a serious cold on a European cruise. Finding a drug store is not always easy when you’re in a strange place or small village. Now, three cruises later this is part of my routine, even on a short trip. I once even helped a fellow passenger get some cold relief by giving them some of my cold pills. Since they too were beginning to feel sick on our last river cruise.

Day of Cruise Carry-On

Passengers often have to wait for several hours before being allowed to enter their your staterooms. If your able to get on board early and want to make the most of your first day onboard, bring a carry-on bag with your bathing suits. You can also choose to wear your bathing suites under your clothes. This lets you immediately enjoy the pools, slides. If you have children this is a must-do, because they will surely want to get in the water or ride the slides in the waterpark once onboard.


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3 Things To Keep In Mind When On A Cruise In SE Asia

Southeast Asia is one of the most popular regions in the world when it comes to luxury cruises. This is unsurprising considering the gorgeous islands, interesting cultures, and low costs of living. There is a huge wealth of possible routes, with thousands of islands to explore.

Those are all factors in why people spend long trips on various islands there. Visit these luxurious villas in Phuket Thailand if you do want to stay for a while. But whether or not you are staying, there are certain things to keep in mind when traveling in Southeast Asia.

Be aware of the following 3 things.

Avoid Most Street Food

It is amazing going to a new place and trying their local cuisines. There is something incredibly satisfying about buying a cheap meal on the side of the road that tastes better than food you would get in a fancy restaurant. However, there are risks involved.

There is far too high a chance that you will get food poisoning when eating at street food outlets (or cheap buffets, for that matter). People who eat from them daily are far more immune to the conditions in which the food is made. I’m not saying that the food is unhealthy, but someone who only ever eats food made in a sanitized kitchen is all too likely to have a bad reaction.

I do recommend trying local dishes, but it is best if you do so at a restaurant.

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Hire a Driver

If you’ve got a lot of free time in a particular place, it is a good idea to hire a driver to take you around. You’ll be able to find drivers at really cheap prices in Southeast Asian countries. Then, rather than stressing about getting to a certain place on time, or the possibility that you won’t find your way back, you’ll always have your driver waiting for you.

Drivers also know a lot about the place, and will make excellent recommendations. Since they live there, they have a far more extensive experience of the place than a Western blogger who puts together a top 10 list.

Ask the organizers of your cruise if they can put you in touch with a driver – they’ll help you find someone who won’t try to take advantage of you.

Speak to Locals

Not all locals will speak English. In some places, very few will be able to understand you. But when you are around English-speaking locals, such as a driver or waiter, spend some time chatting with them. This is the best way to learn about the culture. You’ll feel a lot more fulfilled than if you only speak to fellow foreigners.

Don’t be too concerned about “bothering” them, either, if they’re in the service industry, in any case. English-speaking locals often want to practice their English, and they may well be proud of their home and its accomplishments. The worst that can happen is that they shrug you off, so you might as well give it a go!


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Cruises for Those Who Enjoy Cold Climates

Viking Cruises

When you think about cruises, you may picture sitting on a deck sipping cocktails, but cruises don’t just explore the Caribbean. They’re a great way to see the world, and that includes the colder climates where you can see glaciers, wildlife and spectacular scenery. There’s nothing quite like cosying up in your cabin, or standing on deck and enjoying the crisp, fresh air, and here are some of the best places to take a cold-weather cruise.

New England

New England is absolutely beautiful in the autumn, with colourful foliage and spectacular coastal landscapes. It’s a mixture of charming small towns and historic cities, so whether you enjoy sightseeing and learning about the earliest days of the USA or exploring boutiques and stopping at cosy little coffee shops, there’s something for you. The Freedom Trail in Boston is a popular day trip for those cruising around New England, showing a number of sites related to the Founding Fathers. Many cruises also stop in Portland, Maine where you can try locally caught lobsters or crab.

The Arctic Circle

From spotting whales in the Kenai Fjords National Park to taking photos of the giant glaciers that dwarf your cruise ship, Canadian and Alaskan cruises around the Arctic circle are once in a lifetime experiences. You can visit towns such as Juneau with its colourful buildings surrounded by evergreen trees, which is so remote that it’s only accessible by air or sea. The waters around Alaska are filled with some amazing wildlife, from sea lions to puffins, so you’ll no doubt spot some of these playful creatures.

Ireland

With breathtaking landscapes and lots of little islands to explore, the Emerald Isles are best enjoyed from the comfort of a cruise ship. Whether it’s a day exploring the cultural delights of Dublin or watching the fishing boats come in at Killybegs, there are plenty of excursions during the day. You’ll want to upgrade your memory card for pictures of the iconic Giant’s Causeway, and after a long day enjoying the bracing coastal weather, you can find a cosy pub for a pint of Guinness. 

Scandinavia

The Northern Lights are perhaps the biggest draw in the Scandinavian region, and some cruises from October to March offer views of the Aurora Borealis. However, there’s plenty to see during the day on a Scandinavian cruise too. Explore the colourful streets of Copenhagen, sail along the fjords of Norway, or spend time enjoying the cultural and historic sites of Stockholm. 

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Scotland

There are many relaxed, informal cruises around the Scottish coast, allowing you to enjoy the lush green landscapes of Scotland. Stop in small towns and enjoy the friendly hospitality or stay on-board for whiskey tastings and hearty local cuisine. 

Cruises are a great way to explore the world, allowing you to be pampered and enjoy luxurious surroundings while taking in lots of amazing destinations. If you prefer wildlife spotting and glacial scenery to exotic beaches, then there are lots of cruises around the world that will suit your travel style.


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