Carnival Sunrise Officially Named in New York After $200M Ship Transformation

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May 29, 2019

Carnival Sunrise was officially welcomed to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet during its naming ceremony May 23 at Pier 90 at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City.

More accurately, the festivities onboard the 2,984-passenger ship represented a re-naming for a ship that for two decades had been called Carnival Triumph. A $200 million transformation gives the vessel new life and represents another way in which cruise lines can give passengers a new experience without building a brand-new ship.

Hundreds of media, travel partners and executives from the Carnival Corp. brand were on hand for a short but sweet ceremony to name Carnival Sunrise at its new homeport. The ship’s godmother is Kelly Arison, daughter of Carnival Corp. Chairman Mickey Arison and Madeleine Arison, who was godmother of Carnival Triumph, which first started sailing in 1999.

Kelly Arison’s grandmother Lin Arison is godmother to Carnival Sunshine, another ship that underwent a full transformation and rebirth. Carnival Sunshine went into drydock as Carnival Destiny and emerged in 2013 as the first of the new Sunshine class of ships. Sunrise is the second, and Carnival Victory next year will become Carnival Radiance when it’s the final ship to get a makeover as part of a $2 billion fleetwide enhancement program.

src=”https://cruiseaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/KathieLeeKellyMadeleineRomero.jpg” alt=”Carnival Sunrise with Kathie Lee Gifford, Kelly Arison, Madeleine Arison and artist Romero Britto” width=”864″ height=”691″ /> Kathie Lee Gifford, Kelly Arison, Madeleine Arison and artist Romero Britto gather on deck after the naming ceremony.

“To be a part of Carnival Sunrise’s official naming is more than I could have ever imagined and an experience I’ll never forget,” said Kelly Arison. “The ship is absolutely beautiful, and I’m so honored to not only carry on my family’s legacy as godmother but to also use this opportunity to raise awareness for a well-deserving organization, the Ehlers-Danlos Society.”

Kelly Arison is using her platform as godmother to help the organization, which dedicated to serving people with joint hypermobility spectrum disorders. Carnival also made a $50,000 donation to the organization as part of the naming festivities. Longtime brand ambassador Kathie Lee Gifford also appeared during the ceremony, sharing funny anecdotes from her 35 years working and cruising with Carnival. Gifford helped bring cruising to the mainstream as part of the first national TV ad campaign that debuted in 1984. Gifford also served as godmother of two Carnival ships: Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Celebration (now Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s Grand Celebration).

Carnival Triumph launched in 1999, and in recent years sailed from its homeport of Galveston. The ship earned a share of ignominy is 2013 when an engine fire caused the ship to lose power and it was stranded in the Gulf of Mexico for several days, drawing worldwide media attention and scrutiny for the cruise industry.

Now, with a new name and fresh look, Carnival Sunrise sails to Bermuda, New England and Canada and the Caribbean from New York.

With the transformation, passengers have many more options for food and activities. Carnival Sunrise features Guy’s Burger Joint and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse (in collaboration with longtime partner and celebrity chef Guy Fieri), BlueIguana Cantina (Mexican fare); Alchemy Bar (creative cocktails), WaterWorks aquapark and SportSquare recreation area (ropes course, mini-golf, basketball court, pool tables and shuffleboard).

The ship also has a Serenity adults-only retreat, RedFrog Pub, SkyBox Sports Bar, Cherry On Top candy shop and a Limelight Lounge (home to The Punchliner Comedy Club). Additional restaurants include Bonsai Sushi, Cucina del Capitano, Seafood Shack, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse and Pizzeria del Capitano.

After its season on New York, Carnival Sunrise heads to Fort Lauderdale for the winter cruise season.

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Carnival Sunshine Begins Sailing Year-Round From Charleston

By

John Shallo

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May 21, 2019

Carnival Sunshine has begun sailing four- to 11-day cruises from the Port of Charleston. Carnival Sunrise also becomes the newest ship to operate year-round cruises from Charleston.

Carnival Sunshine inaugural festivities on Saturday, May 18, included a luncheon for travel advisors, local officials and VIPs during which Carnival made a donation to One80 Place, a homeless assistance center supported by the cruise line for many years. Charleston-based ships have donated hundreds of mattresses, chairs, dishes and other items for use at the facility over the years.

Carnival Sunshine’s schedule from Charleston includes four- and five-day sailings to the Bahamas, six- and seven-day voyages to Bermuda and the Caribbean, and the first-ever Cuba cruises from Charleston with a series of five-day sailings calling at Havana. Also offered are longer-length 10- and 11-day Carnival Journeys sailings to the Caribbean with day-long calls at tropical islands, opportunities to sample local cuisine and entertainment and activities like a retro Throwback Sea Day.

“Carnival launched Charleston’s first-year round cruise program nearly a decade ago and we’re delighted to homeport Carnival Sunshine which offers our guests so many wonderful onboard features and amenities,” said Terry Thornton, senior vice president of nautical and port operations for Carnival Cruise Line. “This weekend’s festivities were a great way to celebrate the arrival of Charleston’s newest year-round cruise ship while supporting a longtime charitable partner that has made such a tremendous impact on the community,” he added.

Commented Jim Newsome, SC Ports Authority president and CEO, “Carnival Cruise Line is a great customer of the Port, and we’re proud to welcome the Sunshine as a reflection of their success in Charleston. Cruise operations are an important part of SCPA’s maritime commerce mission and the diversification of our business segments. We look forward to continuing this productive relationship with Carnival and applaud their commitment to supporting charitable organizations in our community.”

Besides featuring over 500 balcony staterooms and nearly 50 suites, Carnival Sunshine offers a wide range of onboard amenities that include stunning outdoor spaces like a three-level Serenity adults-only retreat, a suspended ropes course and Speedway Splash, dual racing slides part of an expansive WaterWorks aqua ark. A variety of food and beverage options such as Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub and the cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar are included.

Charleston is an important part of Carnival’s ship deployment strategy in which the line positions ships near large U.S. population bases along the East and West Coasts and the Gulf of Mexico. Carnival sails from 20 different North American homeports providing a convenient and cost-effective means for its guests to get to and from their cruise. It’s estimated that roughly half of the U.S. population is within a day’s drive of a Carnival homeport

Carnival launched Charleston’s first year-round cruise program in 2010 and the departures attract guests from across the Southeast and other regions. Carnival and other cruise operators generate $131 million in direct expenditures and account for nearly 2,400 jobs and $93 million in wages toward the South Carolina economy.

With Carnival Sunshine repositioning to Charleston, Carnival Ecstasy was deployed to Jacksonville for year-round four- to seven-day cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean. In turn, Carnival Elation, previously based in Jacksonville, shifted to Port Canaveral for a new four- and five-day Caribbean/Bahamas schedule from the Space Coast.

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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Five Reasons to Take an Adult-Only Cruise

By

John Shallo

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May 16, 2019

Rooftop Garden aboard Celebrity EDGE — Rooftop Garden - Deck 15 Aft Celebrity EDGE - Celebrity Cruises

Cruises are one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry. Last year, over 26 million passengers were carried by an ever increasing fleet of ocean liners and river boats. 13 new vessels were launched last year, the biggest of which can comfortably fit 5400 holidaymakers. It is an industry teeming with variety; there are long cruises, short cruises, trips to tropical destinations and others nearer to home. Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises are some of the most frequently requested, although Nordic cruises are also growing in popularity.

Another increasing trend is that of the adult-only cruise. Most cruise liners provide an adult-only area, somewhere to go for a little peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle. Companies saw a growing demand for such places and decided that there was a need that could be fulfilled with a child-free cruise. Now there are adult-only cruises available on many popular routes and the reasons to choose one are many.

Unused Facilities

Family cruise liners are designed with children in mind, so you would expect them to be overflowing with colourful activities and exciting entertainments. But even those that aren’t designed specifically for children, recognise that keeping them confined to a ship with no places to play is a bad idea. So adults cruising without children will still find their ship taken up by colourful water slides, children’s entertainers and entire playrooms that they have no desire to enter. Yet all this is still included in the bill. People cruising without children are paying for facilities that they cannot use, and finding that the space for things they do want to do is more limited. With a huge variety of companies, ships and routes out there, you can make sure that you don’t end up on a party ship, if you’re looking for an easy going time.

Adult-only cruise liners are not just designed for peace and quiet, the lack of children on board means that more space is given over to adult activities. These ships often offer grander dining experiences, spacious spas and glamourous casinos. The nightlife is designed with no fears of waking little sleepers, any cruisers can party away knowing that they can sleep off the hangover in peace.

Prepare to be Pampered

Brown towel on green fern with candles and black hot stone on wooden background. Hot stone massage setting lit by candles. Hot stone therapy for one person with candle light. Beauty spa treatment and relax concept.

Adult-only cruises are all about luxury. Many liners include premier spa and relaxation facilities, as well as onboard gym equipment and personal trainers. Virgin Voyages has just announced the specifications for their new adult-only vessels and they include a running track, outdoor yoga deck and hydrotherapy pool. With most holiday makers wanting somewhere they can relax and de-stress away from work, a floating wellness ship sounds idyllic.

The dining halls will feel more luxurious too. How many times have you sat down to a romantic meal, only to have it ruined by screaming children at a different table? With adult-only tables, the drama is kept to a minimum, the ambiance isn’t ruined by cartoon character themes and the chef is free to keep the menu high class.

Take a Little Risk

One of the biggest draws of adult-only casinos are the opulent casinos. Gambling is a great way to have fun with your friends or your partner and many cruise goers enjoy taking advantage of the facilities. With more space available, onboard casinos can be of a similar size and standard to land-based casinos; able to offer slots and table games, bars with table service, and round-the-clock entertainment.

Royal Caribbean offer fantastic casino cruises, with their adult-only vessels competing with the Las Vegas hotels for their sumptuous rooms and stylish casinos. Different games are available depending on which route you take, but all offer a few staples like slot machines. Slot machines are a great entry game for people who haven’t really gambled before, as they are easy to use and you don’t have to learn a load of rules to be able to play. They also have a host of great features, such as progressive jackpots and cascading reels which make the games even more exciting.

Something in Common

Whether you are in your twenties or your sixties, holidays are more fun if you are with people your own age. Not only will the people you meet understand where you are in life, but you will more than likely have shared experiences and views. Adult-only cruises offer likeminded people the opportunity to socialise. Whether by the pool or when grouped together on an excursion, if you’re a single person thrown together with families, you’re going to feel in the minority.

There are even divisions with the adult-only market to help holidaymakers find companions of a similar age. Several cruise companies market exclusively to the over 50s, offering cruises that are more laid back and guaranteed to be quieter than those marketed to millennials.

Room for Romance

Without the distraction of children – either your own or everybody else’s – an adult-only cruise is the perfect place to reconnect with your partner. Whether relaxing by the pool, chilling out with a tailored treatment in the spa, or enjoying a three-course candlelit dining experience, the focus can be 100% on you and your partner. The naturally peaceful atmosphere on an adult-only cruise creates a wonderfully romantic vibe that continues into the night: nothing breaks the mood like the screams of tired children from the cabin next door!

It’s easy to see why adult-only cruises have become so popular. The upscale dining rooms, space for improved spa and exercise facilities, and laid-back entertainment options are small perks when compared to the change in atmosphere that comes without moody teenagers or screaming toddlers. Whether your children have grown, been left at home, or you don’t have any of your own, there is something on an adult-only cruise to make everyone feel rested and relaxed.

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The Best Cruise Ships with Cabins for Solo Cruisers

By

John Roberts

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May 15, 2019

The studio cabin on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas.

More cruise travelers in the past decade have been enjoying the freedom and flexibility that comes with setting off on a trip on your own. Of course, it’s an amazing and rewarding experience to share a cruise vacation with a loved one or a friend or family member. But sometimes, scheduling just doesn’t work out, and you are left with the choice: cruise by yourself, or don’t cruise at all.

Cabins for Solo Cruisers

Also, many people simply enjoy the liberating feeling of going it alone on their journeys.

Cruise lines have heard this message, and are reacting. Solo cabins are becoming more mainstream on cruise ships. This means solo cruising, which too often can be cost prohibitive because of the dreaded “single supplement” penalty is now more accessible than ever if you can find the right cruise ship. Always check the fares closely, though, because high demand for solo cabins combined with sales promotions on standard staterooms can mean that you still might get a better deal booking a regular stateroom.

With that in mind, here is our list of the best cruise ships for solo cruisers.

The studio cabin on Norwegian Bliss — The studio cabins on Norwegian Bliss. Norwegian Cruise Line offers the most solo cabins of all the major cruise lines.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line was the first in the industry to design ships with solo cruisers in mind, offering a revolutionary Studio Complex and Lounge space that truly makes solo travelers feel like they have a home onboard with fellow single cruisers. These cabins also do not carry a “single supplement” fee (a higher rate – up to double — typically charged to solo cruisers staying in standard staterooms).

Several Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature solo cabins. You can book them on Norwegian Epic (128 cabins), Norwegian Escape (82), Norwegian Bliss (82), Norwegian Breakaway (59), Norwegian Getaway (59) and Pride of America (four).

The Studios are specifically designed and priced for solo travelers, offering up to 100 square feet of space. These stylish cabins also come with exclusive key-card access to the Studio Complex and Lounge (no lounge on Pride of America). This is a private shared space that has drink and room service. In the lounge, you can get a snack like fresh-made cookies or enjoy your morning breakfast or coffee. It also features a big-screen TV and reading materials.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas all offer 28 solo cabins, and Harmony of the Seas has 15 solo staterooms.

None of the solo cabins on Harmony of the Seas offer balconies, while Ovation, Quantum and Anthem feature interior cabins with virtual balconies and “Super Studio Ocean View with Balcony” solo cabins.

Several other Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer a handful of solo staterooms, all interiors. Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas have between two to five solo cabins.

All of these Royal Caribbean solo cabins carry no single supplement charge and range in size from 96 square feet to 199 square feet.

Cunard

To keep up with the rising demand from cruisers who want to sail alone and don’t want to be penalized with the added cost of paying for a whole cabin on their own, Cunard refurbished its ships to offer solo staterooms. The new Britannia Single Staterooms on Queen Mary 2 (15 cabins), Queen Victoria (nine) and Queen Elizabeth (nine) offer oceanview and interior rooms that range in size from 140 square feet to 180 square feet.

Cunard is a great choice, too, because of programming that appeals to solo cruisers. Set dining times allow passengers to join together with one another at assigned tables (solo cruisers are often seated together), and the ships also have gentlemen dance hosts who are there to help single cruisers fill their dance cards.

Holland America Line

Holland America’s biggest and newest ships have included solo cabins. Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam each feature 12 staterooms designed for singles, with no single supplement charge. These cabins offer ocean views and range in size from 127 square feet to 172 square feet.

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The Rise of Active Cruises: 6 Small-Ship Cruises that Adventure Junkies Will Love

By

John Roberts

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May 9, 2019

The Rise Of Active Cruises — Ponant and Backroads offer biking outings as part of their multi-sport adventure cruises in New Zealand.

I woke to a stunning sunrise. It was just past 6:30 a.m., and Ponant’s Le Laperouse was anchored in Queen Charlotte Sound just off the small town of Picton on New Zealand’s South Island.

After fueling up with a fresh-made omelet, it was time to board a water taxi at the expedition ship’s marina and head to a secluded trailhead for our long hike on the Queen Charlotte Track. This is a famous 44-mile-long route, and we set out to attack a nine-mile piece of it. This hike was just one of many highlights of our multi-sport adventure cruise with Ponant and Backroads.

Ponant is one of several small-ship cruise lines that have partnered with an active travel company like Backroads, which charters space on the vessels for groups of like-minded people who prefer more active ways to connect with nature in destinations like New Zealand. Several other lines also have added programs that focus on fitness and wellness while cruising.

I joined a group of two dozen travelers and three Backroads guides on challenging hiking, biking and kayaking outings as we sailed from Auckland to Dunedin over nine days on Le Laperouse. Aside from the nine-mile hike in Picton, we biked 25 miles in Napier along the coast and did a biking/kayaking double in Tauranga, among many other daily adventurous activities.

All this exercise was just a heart-pumping backdrop for our journey. We also were able to bond over wine tastings, fresh gourmet meals and the luxurious accommodations onboard Ponant’s 184-passenger ship.

Wellness-focused cruises are rising in popularity in recent years. To me, they represent the ideal way to enjoy places wonderful destinations that are historically, naturally and culturally rich. This is because you get a mix of intimate experiences off the beaten path and time cruising in pampered bliss — whether enjoying the food, spa services, dancing and other entertainment onboard.

Check out these six cruises that fitness fanatics will love.

src=”https://cruiseaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/PonantHiking-1024×576.jpg” alt=”Hiking Queen Charlotte Track in New Zealand” width=”1024″ height=”576″ /> Adventure cruise itineraries give you chances to go on amazing hikes, like this one in New Zealand with Backroads and Ponant.

Ponant and Backroads

Ponant features a fleet of six luxury expedition yachts. Le Laperouse was the first in the class, and the line and Backroads use these ships and others from the French cruise line to sail in numerous places that offer great adventures, such as Alaska, New Zealand, Iceland, Japan, Denmark, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Croatia and Italy.

You can choose from multi-adventure, biking or hiking/walking cruises.

Hiking cruise on the Danube with Backroads and AmaWaterways — AmaWaterways has partnered with Backroads to offer active cruises. You can do biking or hiking cruises throughout Europe.

AmaWaterways and Backroads

Backroads began its partnership with AmaWaterways on a few themed sailings in 2016. At the time, they offered the only themed biking cruises on the Rhine, Seine and Douro Rivers. Since then, the partnership has rapidly expanded, adding hiking cruises and full-ship charters for avid cyclists. In 2019 and 2020, Backroads will host more than 120 of these active theme cruises on the Rhine, Danube, Douro and Seine. These include nine full-ship sailings and select voyages on the new AmaMagna, an innovative double-wide Danube vessel.

Backroads groups average about 26 passengers who join the regular complement of AmaWaterways’ cruisers on the ships.

The Rise of Active Cruises: 6 Small-Ship Cruises that Adventure Junkies Will Love | 17 — Travel cycling cruises” width=”1024″ height=”608″ /> Scenic and Trek Travel offer theme cruises for avid cyclists who like to ride for hours daily.

Scenic and Trek Travel

Like AmaWaterways, Scenic has landed a well-regarded partner to lead biking charter groups on its ships. Trek Travel is an adventure company launched in 2002 from the Trek cycling manufacturer, and it is a world-leading bike tour operator. These cruises ramp up the daily mileage and especially appeal to avid cyclists used to riding more than 30 or 40 miles a day.

Trek Travel and Scenic offer departures on the Rhine and Danube Rivers, and you get to ride on high-quality carbon-fiber Trek road bikes.

UnCruise Adventures

The cruise line with adventure in its name doesn’t disappoint. UnCruise Adventures sails its fleet of nine ships (ranging in passenger capacity from 22 to 90) to exotic destinations such as Costa Rica, Panama, the Sea of Cortes, the Galapagos, Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, Columbia and Snake Rivers and, of course, Alaska, where it has been an expedition cruise leader for decades.

The ships all feature a marina, from which daily adventures are launched. Passengers can expect to kayak up to a glacier in an Alaskan fjord or hike on secluded islands and snorkel in pristine waters. Itineraries also included opportunities to try standup paddleboarding, bushwhacking and biking. Every day offers an array of options for active travelers.

Lindblad Expeditions<span data-ccp-props=”{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}”>

The cruise line has a partnership with National Geographic, and these cruises feature daily enrichment and adventure activities led by expert naturalists. The cruises visit places like the Galapagos, Greenland, Baja California, Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada, the Amazon, Peru and Patagonia, where you will interact with nature and wildlife doing activities like long hikes, kayak outings, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Quark Expeditions World Explorer — Quark Expeditions’ World Explorer is a six-deck luxury ship with a sports marina and fitness center.

Quark Expeditions<span data-ccp-props=”{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}”>

Quark operates a fleet of five small expedition ships, including the deluxe World Explorer that launched in 2019. These ships take voyages to the polar regions of the Arctic and Antartica, with their smaller size offering access into channels where larger icebreakers cannot reach.

Passengers look forward to capturing amazing photos of wildlife and up-close encounters with unique landscapes while snowshoeing, kayaking, hiking, paddleboarding, mountaineering and cross-country skiing.

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Preparing For MSC Seaside: A Family Cruise Preview

By

John Shallo

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May 3, 2019

Tomorrow we will begin our cruise aboard MSC Seaside. She is the first MSC ship built specifically for the United States cruise market. Christened in 2017, MSC Seaside is a large ship at 160,000 GRT with a total capacity of 5,179 guests. You might’ve guessed from the title, this will be a family cruise. We are just finishing up our packing and early tomorrow morning we will drive to Port Miami. We expect the drive to take around 3.5hrs. Then again, you never can predict Miami traffic. For this cruise I’ve chosen to try an off-site parking facility for the first time in Miami. The company is Global Airport Parking and they offer parking all over the country at Airports and Cruise Ports. A friend recommended this service and you can’t beat the amazing savings. Instead of paying the Port Miami garage rate of $22/night. I will be paying a rate of only $5.99/Night. I’ll let you know how this works out for us.

Since booking this cruise back in January, our whole family has been very excited. None of us has ever cruised with MSC Cruises before. or been aboard MSC Seaside. A new cruise experience is exciting to us all. My kids are looking forward to MSC Seaside’s huge water park and tasting the fresh pizza and pasta everyone is raving about.

Our Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 – Leave Port Miami
Day 2 – Sea day
Day 3 – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Day 4 – George Town, Cayman Islands
Day 5 – Cozumel, Mexico
Day 6 – Sea day
Day 7 – Nassau, Bahamas
Day 8 – Return to Port Miami

New Cruise Line, New Everything

The first question my daughter asked about this ship was, “Daddy, Where is the ice cream machine?”. I’m told MSC Seaside has only one soft-serve ice cream machine located in the family section of the Biscayne Bay Buffet on Deck 16. We’ll be heading there tomorrow to find if this is true? To prepare for this cruise, I learned ‘Gelato’ is the Italian word for “Ice Cream” and it is much healthier than regular ice cream. It is much lower in fat and calories. So we will have to indulge and sample the many varieties of Gelato onboard.

Our cabin will be a balcony cabin the four of us will be sharing. This ship has what looks like a pop-up bunk bed from the sofa. It looks nice and stylish compared to the traditional pull-man’s that fold down from the cabin’s ceiling. The room service menu looks generous and offers the option to have a hot breakfast delivered to our cabin for an extra fee. They even deliver a full pizza right your room for an extra fee. I’m not sure what I will or will not do during this cruise but, I’m impressed by having the options to stay in and enjoy relaxing in our cabin. For me some of the best parts of a cruise is just being at sea. Sometimes you don’t want to get dressed up after a long day in the sun. Sitting on our balcony in the middle of the ocean with the love of my life. Does it get any better than this?

Preparing For MSC Seaside: A Family Cruise Preview | 17 — alt=”MSC Seaside, atrium” width=”1024″ height=”683″ /> MSC Seaside, atrium

Entertainment & Activities

I’ve heard a lot of opinions about MSC Cruises production shows and entertainment. Our family is open-minded and we are looking forward to something different. I like variety and unexpected twists when going out and being entertained. I believe this helps keeps things exciting.

My family is looking forward to trying out the longest zip-line at sea, at a 394 feet long. We also are interested in trying the 5D theatre to see how it compares to ones we have experienced on other lines. I also have to admit, we love the game rooms aboard cruise ships. Me and my wife love to battle it out over a good game of air hockey. Our kids love playing the different arcade games and it is a fun treat for us all. We hope to try these things during our cruise.

More Things We’re Looking Forward To

Seven nights at sea is a great length for a cruise. It lets you relax and enjoy yourself and gives you time to experience and explore the cruise.
With two buffet restaurants open 20hrs a day and 11 food venues this will be a foodie paradise. We are looking forward to the fresh pasta and pizza everyone has been talking about. However, We are more excited to find unique find of our own to share with you.
The ship itself. MSC Seaside appears to be stunning inside and out. I’m looking forward to exploring her outer decks. The open-air promenade and two glass cat-walks help make this ship and its design unique. In interior looks to be very elegant and glamorous. I’m curious to learn what an actual MSC Cruise is like?
We plan on eating at least one of the specialty restaurants. We will make reservations once we make it onboard.

Stay tuned and follow us on Cruise Addicts social media channels. I will post often throughout the cruise and you can look forward to more in-depth coverage upon our return. If you have questions about the MSC Seaside, please leave a comment below.

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Carnival Sunrise Shines Bright As She Begins Her Inaugural Voyage

By

John Shallo

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May 1, 2019

Following an extensive $200 million renovation, Carnival Sunrise departed from Norfolk’s Decker Half Moone Cruise Center yesterday.

Carnival Sunrise is kicking off an exciting inaugural season of four- to 14-day voyages that visit destinations in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, the Panama Canal, New England and Canada with the first four cruises from Norfolk.

“The introduction of Carnival Sunrise brings an incredibly enhanced ship to our guests with all of the popular features from across our fleet,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We couldn’t be more proud to introduce Carnival Sunrise in Norfolk.”

Carnival Sunrise Shines Bright As She Begins Her Inaugural Voyage | 17 — Carnival Cruise Line.” width=”1024″ height=”682″ /> Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line.

“To be the first port in the United States to welcome Carnival Sunrise makes this a very special event for Norfolk,” said Stephen E. Kirkland, Nauticus executive director. “We’re eager to roll out the red carpet for these guests, and for the staff and crew of this beautiful ship.”

src=”https://cruiseaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Carnival-Sunrise-1024×768.jpg” alt=”Carnival Sunrise in Norfolk” width=”1024″ height=”768″ /> Carnival Sunrise in Norfolk

According to a study conducted by the Cruise Lines International Association, Carnival and other cruise operators account for $153 million in direct expenditures, 2,800 jobs and $170 million in wages for the state of Virginia each year.

Part of a fleetwide $2 billion ship enhancement program, Carnival Sunrise now includes popular features, such as:

Casual F&B options: Poolside venues like Guy’s Burger Joint and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, in collaboration with Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri, BlueIguana Cantina & Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, as well as upgrades to the Lido Marketplace, an expanded ice cream station, the Java Blue coffee bar and 24-hour Pizzeria del Capitano.
Specialty dining: The Chef’s Table fine dining experience, the cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, as well as Italian, sushi and seafood options.
Shopping and Personal Care: A Cherry on Top sweet shop, Pixels photo gallery, expanded retail outlets and renovated fitness and spa facilities.
Outdoor Decks and Attractions: A new water park with slides and a kiddie splash zone, a Serenity adults-only retreat, and a SportSquare recreation area with ropes course and mini golf.
Youth & Family Entertainment: Dedicated Camp Ocean, Circle “C” and Club O2 facilities hosting supervised children’s programming for kids 2-17, as well as an arcade.
Theater & Live Entertainment: The Punchliner Comedy Club in the new Limelight Lounge, Playlist Productions shows in the Liquid Lounge, live entertainment, deck parties, onboard programming and the popular sing-along piano bar.
Staterooms and Suites: Two redesigned Captain’s Suites and updates to all staterooms.

Carnival Sunrise’s Inaugural Season

Beginning May 23, Carnival Sunrise will set sail from New York through mid-October on a series of four- to 14-day voyages. Someone will hold an invitation-only naming ceremony on board prior to the May 23 departure with Kelly Arison, daughter of Carnival Corporation Chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine, serving as the ship’s godmother.

Carnival Sunrise will return to Norfolk in October for two six-day cruises then reposition to Fort Lauderdale for four- and five-day cruises beginning Oct. 28.

To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line or to make a reservation, visit Carnival.com, call 1-800-CARNIVAL.

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The Five Most Beautiful Places To Visit On A European River Cruise

By

John Shallo

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May 1, 2019

Lisbon, Portugal

With a history and heritage linked to seafaring, the stunning and vibrant city of Lisbon is often included as start or end stopover on Douro river cruise itineraries. Lisbon is a fantastic example of the interplay between old and new. With three UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites: Mosteiro dos Jerónimo, the Torre de Belém and the Cultural Landscape of Sintra. Imagined from the ruins of an old monastery, the latter became the first ever centre for 19th century Romantic architecture.

Contrasting completely against the port city’s rich history is its contemporary culture and vibrant city life. In neighbourhoods and districts that colour Lisbon’s streets, you’ll find the real draw to this city. Head to Chiado at the heart of the city for top restaurants, theatres and slick coffee shops. Try a few hours in Campo de Ourique for pastry shops and bakeries that are simply out-of-this-world, and if you still have the energy, pay a visit to trendy Príncipe Real for daytime shopping and drinks at dusk.

Cologne, Germany

While many travellers are charmed by the rural delights of Bavarian Munich, or the multicultural, laissez-faire culture of Berlin, Germany is a country made up of many interesting–and very different–towns and cities.

If your European river cruise is in the Rhineland, then Cologne simply cannot be missed. Instantly recognisable by its stunning and intricate cathedral, Cologne sits by the Rhine, un-flinched by its sister cities in the spotlight. Our top tip for Cologne? Climb to the top of the Cathedral and look out across this beautiful cityscape. Next up? Visit the Schokoladenmuseum chocolate museum and make your own tasty chocolate in one of their classes!

Belgrade, Serbia

If you cruise along the river Danube, once you’re done with Budapest and the other cities that often steal the limelight, why not take a chance on Belgrade, Serbia?

Unlike ‘iconic cities’, where towering, universally recognised landmarks dictate your adventure from the moment you land, Serbia is a little more low-key. As with all low-key cities, we recommend starting with the alternative quarter, which in this case is Skadarlija. Skadarlija is a perfect neighbourhood to grab a cold beer, listen to some local music and have a bite to eat. Once there, you can begin to ponder the rest of your trip. If history’s your bag, you might fancy a walk to Belgrade Fortress, where views of the Danube down below are fantastic. If that doesn’t take your fancy, head down to the Church of Saint Sava with is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Who said cities had to be iconic?

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest, in southern Romania, is a city that should be on your visit list if your next river cruise stops nearby.

With great value drinks, and the pound going further than in most countries (despite Brexit), visitors to Bucharest will find themselves in a similar situation to what Budapest must have feel like 15 years ago.

Home to the world’s heaviest building, (the Palace of the Parliament, erected in the 1980s under the Ceausescu Communist regime – we’re not entirely sure how they) weighed it, Bucharest is not short of culture. With cool bookshops littering the streets, and a mix-match of eras of architecture, it’s no wonder they call Bucharest the Paris of the East. For more information, visit https://www.hotelsinbucharest.net/.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

We thought it suitable to end with a more classic city: Amsterdam. If you’re headed up towards the Dutch capital, you’ll want to make sure you stop off for amazing waffles, the home of Anne Frank, romantic canal boat rides and a tasty lager or two in this wonderful city.

For a bonus, we recommend taking a visit to the Vincent Van Gogh Museum, the world’s largest Van Gogh collection, to see some outstanding works that defined a legend.

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The Most Exciting Things to Try on Norwegian Joy

By

John Roberts

-

April 29, 2019

Norwegian Joy Race Track — Norwegian Joy Speedway is located at the top of the ship and lets riders race in F1 replica electric cars.

Norwegian Cruise Line has added another cruise ship to its fleet in North America.

Norwegian Joy isn’t a new vessel, but it adds a fresh option for Norwegian Cruise Line aficionados. The ship has been in service since its debut in China in 2017, but the 3,900-passenger ship will now call America home after the cruise line relocated it to the Port of Seattle.

Norwegian Joy is set to sail itineraries in Alaska, the Mexico Riviera and the Panama Canal.

Norwegian Cruise Line says the Chinese market is good, but Alaska is better in explaining its reason to bring the ship to the U.S.

After an extensive and expensive refurbishment that some estimates place at nearly $100 million, Norwegian Joy has been given new life as a near-twin sister ship to Norwegian Bliss, which debuted in 2018 and also sails in Alaska.

Here are the six most exciting things we love about Norwegian Joy.

Galaxy Pavilion

This is a massive virtual-reality arcade and game center that lets passengers strap on a VR headset and drive a race car, walk a plank, try para-gliding or ride bumper cars.

Other immersive experiences involve a space battle, roller coaster and interacting with the 3D Wonder Wall.

Reservations are recommended to play, and the cost is $29 for a 90-minute session of unlimited rides. The facility’s F1 race car has a separate fee of $10 for the day. A weeklong cruise pass <span data-contrast=”auto”>for Galaxy Pavilion is $199.

Go-Kart Track

Norwegian Joy owns the distinction of having the first race-car track (pictured at top) on a cruise ship (Norwegian Bliss has one, too). The Norwegian Joy Speedway features electric cars that pipe in real engine sounds and offer a thrilling experience while racing at more than 20 mph against fellow competitors on the two-deck course. Drivers pay $10 for an eight-lap ride, or you can buy passes that allow you to ride as much as you like in one day ($30) or for the entire weeklong cruise ($200).

Ocean Loops on Norwegian Joy — The ship’s water park has the Ocean Loops slide that shoots cruiser over the ocean.

Aqua Park

The water park on Norwegian Joy includes the Ocean Loops slide, which is a heart-pounding free-fall drop ride that pulls the floor out from under you and sends you on a double-loop speeding through a see-through tube and out over the side of the ship. You also can race down the Aqua Racer tube ride or enjoy family time cooling off with the kiddos in the splash park.

Laser Tag

Norwegian Joy’s laser tag arena (fee) allows individuals or teams square off in an intergalactic shooting battle. You strap on your gear, grab a rifle and enter a post-apocalyptic world at the top of the ship to hunt, hide and test your combat skills.

Footloose

This energetic musical rendition of a favorite movie from the 1980s is the featured show on Norwegian Joy. Passengers need to reserve a spot to attend one of the showings, but the attraction is included in your cruise fare. It’s a lively interpretation of the Kevin Bacon classic that will have you dancing on your feet or in your seats as a lineup of memorable tunes take you back in time.

District Brewhouse

This bar on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ships has quickly become a hot spot for lovers of craft beer, live music and a relaxing place to hang out with friends. (That’s just about all of us, right?) District Brewhouse on Norwegian Joy offers dozens of draft and bottled beer selections from all over the United States. You can settle in to listen to music nightly and watch sports on TV day and night. You also get nice views of the ocean out of large windows.

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Antarctica21 Unveils New Ship And Itineraries For 2020/2021 Season

By

John Shallo

-

April 28, 2019

Antarctica21, a leader in the air-cruise model to Antarctica, announces its new 2020/2021 expedition schedule with 40 air-cruises this season. Joining the company’s fleet of expedition vessels and aircraft, the new M/V Magellan Explorer will make its maiden voyage on November 28, 2019.

“With the introduction of Magellan Explorer, we now have a modern vessel custom-designed for our unique Antarctic fly and cruise operations,” says Jaime Vasquez, Antarctica21’s Chairman of the Board. “We have operated air-cruise travel to Antarctica since 2003 and this new ship is the culmination of our extensive experience in this field.”

In 2020/2021 season, the elegant, 73-passenger Magellan Explorer will sail to Antarctica 18 times with four different itineraries. Fourteen voyages on the new ship will feature the 8-day, 7-nights Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise, one voyage will feature the 10-day, 9-nights Polar Circle Air-Cruise, which crosses the Antarctic Circle, and one itinerary is a 6-day, 5-nights Antarctica Express Air-Cruise. The season will also include a new 16-day, 15-nights South Georgia circuit.

Antarctica21 Unveils New Ship And Itineraries For 2020/2021 Season | 17 — Antarctica21 Group Photo

Besides Magellan Explorer, Antarctica21 will operate Classic Antarctica, Polar Circle and Antarctica Express expeditions on the 67-passenger Ocean Nova and the 75-passenger Hebridean Sky. Classic Antarctica rates range from $13,495 to $26,995 per person; Polar Circle rates range from $17,995 to $33,995 per person and Antarctica Express rates range from $5,795 to $8,595 per person. Triple cabins are also available on all voyages at reduced rates. In addition to daily programs presented by Antarctic experts, guests have the option to book sea kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing.

All guests are flown from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island in Antarctica on a private BAE 146/AVRO RJ jet, which accommodates 75 passengers and is specially designed to land on short runways. The flight takes two hours.

Introducing Magellan Explorer

Under construction since 2016, Magellan Explorer is now being completed at the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile. The sleek and sophisticated interiors, created by the Chilean interior design firm Enrique Concha & Co., will be unveiled in November 2019.

Antarctica21 has also partnered with US-based Anytime Fitness, the only fitness company with gyms in all seven continents, to design and outfit the fitness center aboard the stylish Magellan Explorer.

Other distinctive features of Magellan Explorer include: expansive observation decks; state-of-the-art navigation equipment for detecting ice; retractable stabilizing fins that reduce the ship’s movement caused by waves; a double hull; two main engines with a total power of 3,440 kW to guarantee plenty of propulsion and bow and stern thrusters of 500 KW each to allow the ship to be agile.

They have taken specific measures to minimize Magellan Explorer’s carbon footprint. The ship is equipped with energy-efficient engines and meets MARPOL’s stringent Tier lll emission standards, the most stringent standards in the industry. To minimize fuel consumption, a waste-heat recovery system recycles the heat produced by the ship’s engines and repurposes it to power the ship’s heating system and to warm the water used on board.

“Our small-ship Antarctic expeditions, with a maximum of 75 guests, offer an intimate experience in Antarctica. Our fly-cruise model avoids the tempestuous Drake Passage and provides a fast and comfortable travel option,” said Francesco Contini, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Antarctica21. “We look forward to offering our travelers a new level of sophistication with the launch of the beautiful Magellan Explorer.”

For further information, visit www.antarctica21.com or call toll-free 1-877-994-2994.

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Lisbon, Portugal

Cologne, Germany

Belgrade, Serbia

Bucharest, Romania

Amsterdam, Netherlands