The sports deck on Symphony of the Seas is packed with adrenaline-inducing experiences. From the FlowRider surf simulator to the Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea, these features dial up the excitement and adventure for the whole family.
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The game-changing Celebrity Edge has officially arrived at the new home of modern luxury – Port Everglades’ Terminal 25 (T25) in Hollywood, Fla. – following the ship’s first-ever, 15-day transatlantic crossing.
Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Richard D. Fain, said: “The arrival of Celebrity Edge today book-ends a major chapter in the growth of Celebrity Cruises. It’s the culmination of years of dreaming, designing and dedication to bring this magnificent ship to life. A new era is truly upon us.”
Viewing this momentous occasion from the bridge of Celebrity Edge with Fain, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, added: “The completion of her first-ever transatlantic crossing and arrival at T25 marks such a historic moment for Celebrity Cruises. This has been more than four years in the making. The collaboration and effort between teams across the world all comes together in this incredible moment. I can think of no better place to be than with Captain Costas and the crew of Celebrity Edge knowing that we are sailing into the future, literally and figuratively, with this beautiful ship.”
Adorning the decks as Celebrity Edge entered the channel for the first time, more than 1,400 excited crew members waved to a sea of shoreside colleagues who gathered to welcome the ship and her crew to their new home at an exclusive welcome event hosted at the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center — a fitting debut for Celebrity’s first new ship in six years and the first of a new class in more than a decade.
After the arrival of Celebrity Edge at T25, Lutoff-Perlo and Fain then hosted a grand opening ceremony in the revolutionary new terminal. Attended by key brand executives and esteemed Broward County and City of Hollywood officials, the dramatic ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official grand opening of the first terminal designed exclusively for the Celebrity brand, dubbed the new home of modern luxury.
Brought to life in collaboration with Broward County’s Port Everglades, Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Inc. and Moss Construction, T25 melds a stunning, warmly inviting design with unique technology, such as Expedited Arrival, which will make the check-in process absolutely seamless, as well as an interactive light wall art installation. T25 will also offer The Retreat guests a singular experience along the path to The Retreat, with an exclusive lounge, elevator lobbies, screening areas and even a private rooftop terrace.
Celebrity Edge embarked on the more-than 4,000-mile transatlantic voyage from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, on November 4, 2018, with more than 1,400 crew members on board. Along the way, the cutting-edge new ship visited ports in both Azores, Portugal, and Freeport, Bahamas.
Celebrity Edge begins her inaugural season sailing alternating seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruise itineraries, with her Maiden Western Caribbean voyage departing on December 9, 2018, and her Maiden Eastern Caribbean voyage departing on December 16, 2018. Then, in spring of 2019, Celebrity Edge crosses the Atlantic again to offer guests stunning vistas of the Mediterranean with a range of seven- to 11-night sailings visiting iconic cities, including Barcelona and Rome.
Bookings for Celebrity Edge are now open at www.celebritycruises.com/edge or through a travel advisor. Celebrity Edge will be joined by her sister ship, Celebrity Apex, in 2020, and two additional ships in the Edge Series will follow in 2021 and 2022.
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The iconic Rhine and Danube rivers get most of the hype when it comes to river cruising. Deservedly so, as these are amazing waterways that cut through the heart of historic Europe, winding past towns, villages, cities and some of the most breathtaking regions you can imagine.
You know what? The Dutch Waterways are pretty darn cool, too. I enjoyed a rich experience on the rivers and canals in the Netherlands and Belgium during my 10-day cruise with AmaWaterways — and it was all a result of a Mother Nature-prompted change in plans.
The driest summer in recent memory led to low water levels on the Rhine River. This meant that our original itinerary would be shifted from the Rhine to the Dutch Waterways while we sailed on AmaPrima. Looking back, it all worked out for the best, giving the 100-plus passengers onboard a chance to become fully immersed in an underrated cruise region.
Dutch Waterways itineraries are especially popular in spring time when the tulips bloom throughout the Netherlands. While this was not a classic Tulip Cruise, we still had a good time visiting interesting destinations on a journey that started and ended in Amsterdam.
Sailing within the compact network of inland waterways, many being fed by waters from the Rhine River as it flows across the border from Germany into the Netherlands, we explored scenic villages throughout the flatlands.
Colleen and I arrived and quickly settled into our cabin, ready to begin our cruise. AmaPrima would stay overnight in Amsterdam, which allowed us to relax for a bit to shake off the jetlag of our travels before enjoying our first dinner in the main dining room amid our fellow cruisers. We then ventured out for a walk. It takes only about 20 minutes to wander from the cruise port to the center of Amsterdam, and we found a nice little bar, ordered a couple Amstel beers and did a some people watching before returning to the ship.
The city, all lit up at night and bustling with activity, gave us a burst of energy and excitement for the rest our cruise.
After a good night’s sleep, we rose to take part in our first class in the AmaWaterways’ Wellness Program. AmaWaterways has designed a revolutionary fitness concept that soon will be available on almost all of its river cruises. Each day onboard, a Wellness Host offers four or five fitness classes that are available to passengers at no extra cost.
Throughout the week, the schedule included more than 40 classes, and we joined more than a dozen sessions, taking part in Pilates, yoga, stretching, core and circuit training sessions that were offered mornings and afternoons and run by our Wellness Host Andre from Portugal.
The classes take part on the sun deck when the weather is nice enough and in the lounge in the mornings for early risers to start their days with yoga and stretching. The stretching classes proved to be the most popular and a great way to get our bodies prepared for busy days exploring ashore.
AmaWaterways started its Wellness Program in 2017 on one ship, AmaLyra, and it has been so popular in the first year that it is going to be a fleetwide feature.
“The feedback, the ratings, the things we get back are really positive,” says Selina Wank, the cruise line’s first Wellness Host and the “sports scientist” who designed the program from scratch. “A lot of people even say they only came because we have this program.”
So, we were pleased to be able to keep up with our workouts during the week because the food on AmaPrima was enticing, with numerous options from the menu and buffet each day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. These included a wide range of healthy choices like salads, fruits and smoothies. I had more desserts than usual (there is a daily ice cream bar at lunch) as well as choosing the juicy burgers and delicious fresh-made pizzas for several meals.
We left Amsterdam and sailed to Rotterdam where we took a bike tour around the city. We pedaled for about 12 miles past canals, the seaside and into the heart of the action at the Market Hall and through the maze of the city’s unique Cube Houses complex.
AmaWaterways ships carry a fleet of bikes onboard that are used for guided excursions and also available for cruisers to sign out for independent exploration. We later used the bikes to get around on our own in Ghent and in the small village of Enkhuizen.
Rotterdam and Amsterdam were the largest destinations during our sailing, and they offered a lot to see and do. Passengers went to see the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. In Rotterdam, it was the biking outing or a cultural walking tour that included the city marina and Jewish heritage sites.
However, the charms of this voyage were unveiled in the smaller ports. We went for a run in Kinderdijk. The UNESCO World Heritage site is known by its majestic windmills. There are 19 of these monuments — most still occupied by families and in use — that fill the horizon and border the canals in this quiet village.
Ghent offered surpassing beauty on a lazy Sunday as we rode into town. The crisp weather was made pleasant by the sunshine and blue skies. We visited the medieval castle Gravensteen and sipped hot chocolate. Yes, made with real Belgian chocolate!
In Antwerp, we joined a culinary tour. First, it was fresh-made waffles with cream. Then, a sampling of top Belgian beers — and capped off with creamy chocolate pralines. It’s a good thing we had the Wellness Program to help us justify these sweet indulgences.
We also enjoyed plenty of scenic sailing time on AmaPrima, and our route took us into waterways both narrow and wide, along countryside settings, under bridges and through locks. We had plenty of time to relax onboard during this time, and nights were filled with guest entertainers, such as singers and dancers from the region. But the highlight was the Halloween party. Staff decked out the ship to give it a proper spooky vibe, and passengers and crew alike put on costumes and hit the dance floor for after-dinner fun.
Our journey wound down as we made stops in Dordrecht, Utrecht (to visit Castle de Haar and its pretty gardens), Enkhuizen and Hoorn in the Netherlands. We walked alongside canals, spotted more windmills and sought out pubs to duck out of the intermittent rains and savor a regional beer here and there.
All too quickly, we were arriving back in Amsterdam for one last day and overnight. We went for a run in Vondelpark, wandered the Museum Quarter and chose the AmaWaterways city tour that culminated with a stop at a café for a taste of three different ages of Reypenaer cheese (amazing) and the country’s national drink Jenever (a juniper-flavored liquor).
Colleen and I joined just one other couple on the tour, and we all considered ourselves fortunate to be able to cap our amazing cruise with such an intimate little party. We raised our small gin glasses, clinked them together, looked one another directly in the eyes (that is the polite and proper Dutch way to toast) and said “Proost!” to a wonderful trip.
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Nothing ruins a cruise like a bad case of the flu. In fact, showing any symptoms of an illness could quarantine you to your room for at least a few days out of your trip. You want to avoid catching anything before you embark on and during your cruise. With foodborne illnesses and harmful bacteria ruining vacations for many, it’s time to think more about how to take care of ourselves. It’s especially important on cruises where you’re exposed to so many people in a confined area and likely indulging in a few unhealthy habits while you’re at it.
But preventing yourself from getting sick while on your cruise doesn’t mean you have to avoid the treats, and it doesn’t mean you have to work out every day instead of lounging by the pool. In this article, we’ll discuss the dangers at bay and what you can do to minimize your exposure so an illness doesn’t ruin your vacation.
Recent headlines have made cruises look like a hotbed of germs. While viruses like the flu can spread fast and wide on a ship at sea, getting sick while on a cruise really isn’t as common as it seems. Most travelers sail happily and return home exhausted from a good time, not from a stomach bug. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take basic precautions. Since illnesses can spread so easily in this particular setting, it’s important to remember good hygiene habits like washing your hands regularly, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep.
Unfortunately, the flu isn’t the only bug that tends to spread on cruises. The UK’s Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued warnings to seniors planning a cruise because there have been recent STD outbreaks particularly among cruise guests over 50 years old. So if you have experienced symptoms of an STD, see your doctor. No matter your age, if you might have casual sex while cruising, be prepared with good quality contraceptives.
The most important and essential practice for avoiding illness, especially while on a cruise, is to wash your hands regularly. In fact, when you’re traveling, you should wash your hands more than you normally would. Take a few bottles of hand sanitizer with you, keep one on you in a handbag or pocket and one in your room. While hand sanitizer is not a replacement for washing with warm, soapy water, it’s a good alternative when you don’t have access to a sink.
Nurses recommend regular physical exercise and a healthy diet as some of the most effective ways of preventing illness. Regular exercise can prevent an excess of health issues like high blood pressure, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart conditions, and it strengthens your immune system to protect you from viruses and diseases. Adults should exercise at least 150 minutes throughout the week and children and teens should exercise an hour or more throughout the week. If you can keep up those habits leading up to your vacation cruise, you’re less likely to catch a bug and get quarantined for a few days while you get better.
Since you’ll probably treat yourself to a few indulgent meals and drinks throughout your trip, it’s also important to maintain a few healthier habits. Try to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables any chance you get. Ask for a side of fruit with breakfast or opt for a vegetarian dish if it appeals to you. But try to avoid buffets and self-serve foods because these areas can be breeding grounds for germs.
Staying hydrated will also be essential to preventing yourself from getting sick while on vacation. You might have coffee and mimosas for breakfast, and why not grab a cocktail at two in the afternoon — you’re on vacation! But those drinks can seriously dehydrate your body and if you’re visiting somewhere warm or tropical, you’ll be sweating too. Bring a reusable water bottle to use while on the ship, but avoid drinking tap water in some countries and stick with bottled. Make sure to drink plenty of water consistently and sip on a sports drink if you’re feeling dehydrated.
If you’re still worried about catching a bug while on your cruise, consider avoiding the crowds and booking a more intimate cruise. You can find less crowded cruises and activities by trying specialty restaurants, finding secret lounge spaces on the ship, staying on board when you port in destinations you’ve already been to, booking a special spa day, or just retreating to your cabin for a few hours. Getting the extra rest and excusing yourself from the crowds once in a while can help you avoid getting sick.
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The reimagined Boardwalk touts fresh energy and swagger with the addition of lively venues, interactive experiences and entertainment throughout the day and into the night. With the iconic hand-carved carousel, the exit of the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea; and the awe-inspiring AquaTheater – to deliver a seaside oasis for the entire family, from the little ones to the adults.
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Norwegian Bliss is on her way to Miami to offer Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning Nov.17, 2018.
She will offer seven-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean with calls to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas through Mar. 30, 2019. In April, she’ll cross the Panama Canal, returning to Los Angeles for select sailings to the Mexican Riviera before moving to Seattle to meet her sister ship, Norwegian Joy, who will make her U.S. debut on Apr. 25, 2019.
“Norwegian Bliss’s inaugural season surpassed anything we could have imagined, with guests and travel partners alike championing her innovation and beauty,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Miami has long been home to Norwegian Cruise Line, and we are especially excited to bring Norwegian Bliss, our latest ship, and one of our most innovative vessels, to the East Coast for a winter of Caribbean cruising.”
Following a record-setting inaugural season of Alaska cruises from Seattle and a month-long period of voyages to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles, Norwegian Bliss continues to break records from port-to-port. She is the largest ship to be christened in Seattle, homeport in Los Angeles and call to Vancouver and San Francisco. Norwegian Bliss is also the largest cruise ship to traverse the Panama Canal from both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Learn More:
For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
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Line Also Unveils Ship’s Dramatic New Hull Design And Livery That Pays Homage to Company’s Legacy as America’s Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line reaffirmed its place as the leader of innovation in the U.S. cruise industry today as the first steel was cut for the line’s newest class of ship and the new livery was revealed for the 180,000-ton XL vessel that will be the first-ever ship operating in North America to use liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The traditional steel-cutting ceremony held at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, signified the official start of construction of the largest Carnival cruise ship ever constructed, to be delivered in 2020. A second XL ship will start construction in 2020 and be delivered in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Carnival Cruise Line’s founding.
At the ceremony, the company also revealed a dramatic new red, white and blue hull design that celebrates its legacy as America’s Cruise Line and pays homage to maritime tradition. Developed by New York-based Bluarch Architecture, the design builds upon the company’s iconic color scheme that has made Carnival one of the most recognizable brands in travel and is highlighted by a stately navy blue hull inspired by officers’ uniforms along with vibrant red and white accents running the entire length of the 1,130-foot-long ship.
“This new ship promises to be truly special, from its groundbreaking technology and one-of-a-kind features to its distinctive livery and hull design that is both timeless and forward-thinking while paying tribute to our nearly 50-year history of making wonderful vacation memories for our guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Following the steel-cutting ceremony, construction began on the 5,200-plus lower berth ship which will offer a variety of never-before-seen innovations and will be the first North American-based cruise ship to be powered by LNG, part of Carnival Corporation’s “green cruising” design platform. “The start of construction of this amazing ship is a historic day for our company as we are laying the foundation for an unparalleled seagoing vacation experience that will be like no other and take our cruise offerings to the next level,” Duffy said.
“We are extremely pleased to work together with Carnival on this large and highly innovative ship. With the first steel cutting, our efforts in designing the hull, features and interior of the ship start to take shape. We are also very proud to build the first-ever LNG powered cruise ship for North American market, making this state-of-the-art green technology a reality,” commented Jan Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku.
The as-yet-unnamed ship will operate from Port Canaveral, Fla., beginning in 2020. The ship’s name is scheduled to be revealed in early December. Details on the ship’s inaugural season are planned to be announced in January, with information on the vessel’s vast array of exciting culinary, beverage and entertainment options to be revealed later in 2019.
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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There is a longstanding maritime tradition that calls for new ships to be blessed by a Godmother. But what about a Godfamily? Royal Caribbean is giving this tradition a modern twist by asking famous and longtime fans the PenaVega family to serve as the first-ever Godfamily of a cruise ship.
“Words can’t describe the overwhelming emotions we’re feeling,” said Carlos PenaVega, alongside Alexa and Ocean. “Royal Caribbean ships have been the backdrops to so many unforgettable moments in our life, and it means so much to us to be named Godfamily of Symphony of the Seas. Royal Caribbean continues to make amazing memories with our family, and this next adventure will be our best yet.”
The PenaVegas are no strangers to the spotlight. Carlos shot to fame after starring on the highly successful Nickelodeon musical comedy BIG TIME RUSH as “Carlos Garcia.” Since then, he has starred in a number of feature films, as well as the highly acclaimed TV remake of GREASE: Live as “Kenickie.” Equally impressive, Alexa made a name for herself at an early age as “Carmen Cortez” in the Spy Kids film series. She has since starred in a number of feature films, TV series and originals, most recently Enchanted Christmas for Hallmark Channel. Together, Alexa, Carlos and Ocean boast a collective nine million followers across their social media platforms, and are the embodiment of the adventurous millennial family.
Symphony brings to life every family’s vacation dreams with a bold lineup of energy-filled, heart-pumping experiences. The new ship offers the chance to go head to head in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag adventure, take the plunge down the Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea towering 10 stories high – or soak up some sun after getting drenched on epic waterslides and FlowRider surf simulators. After a day at play, families can dine at a variety of venues that will keep taste buds tingling, including Hooked Seafood, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and El Loco Fresh for Mexican street-food fare, all before picking up the sweetest of treats at Sugar Beach. Adding to the excitement is the Ultimate Family Suite, a one-of-a-kind, two-story home away from home designed for both the young and young at heart, where families can enjoy a signature in-suite slide, private cinema, LEGO wall, Luckey Climber vertical maze for kids and whirlpool, among other premium services and amenities.
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Carnival Cruise Line has announced the diverse inaugural schedule for the totally transformed Carnival Radiance, including 9- to 13-day European voyages, the line’s first to Cuba from New York and Norfolk, four- to nine-day sailings to the Caribbean, Canada/New England from New York, and a winter season of voyages to the Caribbean and Cuba from Port Canaveral, Fla.
Following a $200 million dry dock that will take place in Cadiz, Spain, Carnival Radiance will debut April 29, 2020, with a 10-day Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona followed by nine-and 12-day departures visiting top destinations throughout the region, including Italy, France, Croatia, Greece, Malta and Spain. The ship will then embark on a 13-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to New York June 11-24, 2020, positioning the vessel for its inaugural season in the Big Apple.
Once in New York, Carnival Radiance will offer a series of four- and six-day Bermuda cruises as well as a four-day cruise to Saint John, New Brunswick, eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages and the line’s first Cuba cruises from New York – nine-day sailings that include a full-day and overnight stay in Havana and two Bahamian ports of call. The New York program will conclude with a series of Canada/New England voyages featuring stops in Boston, Portland, Saint John, and Halifax.
The ship will also offer four five- to seven-day voyages from Norfolk in October and November 2020, including the line’s first Cuba cruises from that port. The week-long Cuba cruises will feature an extended stop in the capital of Havana along with visits to two tropical Bahamian ports. There will also be a five-day Bahamas cruise and a six-day cruise visiting three of the country’s most popular destinations, including the private island of Half Moon Cay.
Following the cruises from the Northeast, Carnival Radiance will reposition to Port Canaveral, Fla., to operate a winter schedule of six- to eight-day voyages to the Caribbean and Cuba beginning Nov. 8, 2020. The program includes six-day voyages featuring a day-long visit and overnight call in Havana and two Bahamian ports; a six-day sailing to Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic and Nassau, The Bahamas; and seven-and eight-day Caribbean voyages visiting some of the region’s most popular and beautiful islands, including Aruba, Curacao, St. Kitts and Grand Turk.
Building upon the popularity of short Bermuda cruises introduced on Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise will offer a series of “long weekend” getaways to Bermuda as well as longer length Caribbean voyages and cruises to Cuba from the Big Apple beginning May 21, 2020.
The program includes eight, nine-day voyages to Cuba featuring a full day and overnight call in Havana along with stops at the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay and Nassau. Eight, four-day “long weekend” voyages to Bermuda will also be offered, departing Thursdays and returning Mondays and spending a full day on the island. Seven, eight-day voyages visiting beautiful ports in the Caribbean and Bahamas will be offered as well. The program concludes with a 12-day Carnival Journeys partial Panama Canal transit from New York to Fort Lauderdale Oct. 19-31, 2020.
Carnival Sunrise will also sail from Norfolk, Va., in May 2020, offering a pair of five-day cruises to Nassau and Freeport, along with a three-port, six-day voyage featuring Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Freeport.
Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Radiance will each undergo extensive dry docks in 2019 and 2020, respectively. New culinary and beverage offerings will include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse developed by Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri, a classic American steakhouse called Fahrenheit 555, and the Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant, the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub. Carnival Radiance will also feature Big Chicken, a seagoing version of a landside restaurant operated by the line’s Chief Fun Officer, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.
A new WaterWorks aqua park featuring the new AquaTunnel slide as well as a SportSquare open-air recreation complex with a suspended ropes course will be added, as well. All staterooms will be renovated with a tropical color palette reminiscent of the ships’ Caribbean itineraries.
To make a reservation, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL. For more information, visit Carnival.com.
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Whether it’s your first cruise as a family or you’re a veteran cruise-goer, the most important way to ensure a great holiday is choosing the right ship. And while this is vital when you’re travelling as a couple, it’s even more pertinent when you’ve got your family with you. Having the right facilities, activities and food options for children can turn your cruise into a dream holiday. And with the innovative, modern Marella fleet, you’ll find a ship that meets all of your family’s needs. If you’re planning to explore ports of call during your cruise adventure, consider the convenience of renting a car from Rental24.co.uk at select destinations to maximize your family’s exploration and flexibility.
Marella Explorer
Marella Explorer has plenty to do for both adults and children. While your kids are enjoying the Kids’ Club, indoor cinema and sports facilities, you can relax in the adults-only Veranda or treat yourself to a massage at the luxurious Spa. When the evening rolls around, you can watch West-End-style shows at the theatre, dance to live music or even join in with a pool party or two! The food and drink onboard Marella Explorer is unrivalled, meaning all members of your family will find something to enjoy from the 10 restaurants. From handmade sushi and delicious pizza to Mediterranean medleys and Spanish tapas, there’s plenty to choose from. And kids will love the ice cream café! For adults, the 10 bars are fantastic places to try out, especially the panoramic views from the Indigo Bar.
Marella Discovery 2
Launched in 2017, Marella Discovery 2 has everything you need for a fantastic family holiday. She’s one of the cruise line’s largest ships, and has the best, most modern facilities. Children of all ages will love the gaming centre, and you can put your skills as a family to the test trying to break out of the on-board escape room! There’s a Kids’ Club, baby centre and teen hangout, so regardless of ages, children have somewhere to go during the day. With a gym, jogging track, rock-climbing wall and mini-golf course, there’s plenty of activities to enjoy as a family, too. By evening, choose from seven different restaurants – including Italian, Asian and seafood – then curl up under blankets by the pool for an outdoor cinema experience. With Broadway-style shows to watch and dance routines to learn, there’s never a dull moment on the Marella Discovery 2.
Marella Dream
Children love the extensive activities and fab facilities onboard Marella Dream. It’s a family-friendly ship where you can keep the kids amused while getting some time to yourself. There’s a special kids’ pool so you can relax on deck and admire the gorgeous views while the children enjoy themselves in the water. Plus, you can sign children up for the stage school, too, where they’ll perform at the ship’s theatre. Dream’s Kids’ Club is great for little ones, with plenty of fun creative activities. While the children enjoy the facilities, you can indulge yourself in the on-board spa or unwind in the sauna before choosing from the many restaurants to eat in. Each restaurant has child-friendly choices and portions – whether you go for Asian or steak, there’s a menu to suit even the fussiest eater.
Marella Spirit
Marella Spirit is perfect for the family – whether you’re bringing older teens or little children. Younger children and tweens will love learning theatrical skills at the Showtime Stage School, while the Kids’ Club keeps young children entertained with colouring and crafts. There’s a dedicated space for teenagers, called Graffiti’s, although you may find that older teens love the on-board photography gallery and enjoy the gym and pools. While the children are kept amused, you can relax in any of the lounge bars or book a treatment at the spa. The restaurants all cater for children, too, offering a range of tasty meals. You can choose from Asian cuisine and fine dining to beef burritos and hot-stone steaks.
For a family-friendly cruise, look no further than the Marella fleet. You’ll find plenty of great facilities and fun activities for travellers of any age, as well as a wide choice of family-oriented excursions and day trips when you reach your destinations. Depending on how old your children are, take the time to explore the facilities: older teens will love the galleries and extensive sports facilities, while little children will feel right at home in the Kids’ Clubs. Plus, there’s always lots of families on board, so your children are guaranteed to make some great friends and create special memories.
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