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Cruise lines open up kitchens, reveal secrets

By
Chris Owen
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The Dining Room - Deck 2 & 3 Aft Koningsdam - Holland America Line

Gourmet cuisine has always been a big part of the cruise vacation experience. On many ships, flaming Baked Alaska has been paraded around the dining room on formal nights. Signature menu creations like Carnival’s Warm Chocolate Melting Cake or Princess Cruises Fettuccini Alfredo keep guests coming back for more. In recent years, a focus on sharing what were once closely-guarded secrets has become quite popular. Cooking classes, events, demonstrations and even food and wine-themed sailings are becoming popular on most lines.

Learn to cook

Royal Caribbean International has partnered with Chefmakers Cooking Academy to offer unique cooking programs to guests.

Cruise CompeteAvailable now on several ships, guests will have an opportunity to enhance their cooking skills while sailing. For an additional cost, guests can learn everything from pumpkin carving to what it takes to host an elaborate dinner party. Chefmakers at Sea’s hands-on classes range from $40 to $125 and are suitable for beginners and the experienced home cook alike. With several essential programs like Knife Skills, Quick & Easy Fish, and All About Chicken, to highly social and interactive cooking parties like Asian Persuasion, New American Cuisine, and Surf & Turf, there is a wide variety to choose from. Successfully piloted aboard Mariner of the Seas, the three-hour programs are open to guests 18 and over.

Participants will receive their very own Chefmakers apron and recipe cards for all menu items prepared, as well as complimentary wine based on class selection. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase the high quality kitchenware and utensils that they learn to use in the classes.

Explore – Food & Entertaining

Foodies have a full roster of possibilities on Holland America Line. In their Culinary Arts Center, a dedicated party planner hosts a series of presentations showing how professionals do what everyday people might be interested in.

Partnering with Food and Wine magazine, passengers are encouraged to enroll in small, hands-on cooking classes. Want to learn how to make Steak Diane or Espresso Chocolate Mousse? They teach that here.

The Chef’s Table

In an effort to expand extraordinary on-board programs, Princess Cruises followed by big brother Carnival Cruise Lines have the ultimate on-board food event, The Chef’s Table, which lets guests tour the galley and dine with a working Chef from the ship.

The culinary experience includes a multi-course dinner hosted by one of the line’s master chefs along with a private cocktail reception and a tour of the galley. With The Chef’s Table, a group of up to 12 guests have cocktails and hors d’ouevres with the ship’s Chef de Cuisine. The Chef then takes the group on a tour to see the galley in operation. The evening concludes with a full-service dinner with appetizers, entrees and desserts.

We did this on our Alaska Cruisetour with Princess Cruises on the Coral Princess . It was a lot of fun and nothing to be scared of or intimidated by if you are not familiar with the operation of a huge kitchen that can serve thousands in one seating. It was really more of a look behind the scenes and foodies of all types would like this. We were not dodging waiters with huge trays full of food or slipping on banana peels carelessly dropped about. This place was spotless. Not “somebody is coming to inspect our kitchen” clean but a “this is the way it is” clean. Very impressive.

Nobody got to touch knives, get close to anything hot or argue with a waiter who brings back cold soup. We were given chef coats and paraded through the dining room as though we were going back to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking experience. What we got in our hands was fine French Champagne (thus the No-Knives designation) and various little creations someone made before we got there. Our photos were taken with the Executive Chef and Maitre ‘d then back to the dining room we went, minus the chef coats, to be dazzled by a multi-course dining extravaganza. I felt a little sorry for those dining around us. What they had must have surely felt like a TV Dinner in comparison to the opulent display brought forth by the culinary staff, course after course after course.

One of the best parts of this: Up close and personal time with the Maitre ‘d who should be at the top of anybody’s schmooze list on a cruise. The benefits of being a nice person with a Maitre ‘d in your corner can be staggering.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzrDugNB2MQ

Food and Wine-themed sailings

Continuing to focus on the guest experience at sea, Celebrity Cruises is adding to their Celebrity Life program with themed sailings called “Savor Your Destination“. The new addition centers around an invited guest chef on select sailings.

An expansion of “Savor”, the popular culinary-and-wine/spirits-focused pillar of Celebrity Life, Savor Your Destination will include a line-up of special interest cruises aimed at celebrating Celebrity’s onboard culinary experience by inviting guest chefs and other food and wine experts to enhance select sailings.

Program highlights include:

A meet-and-greet style cocktail hour with the invited guest chef

  • A cooking demonstration in the ships theater
  • Book signing for chefs with published cook books
  • A “Star Chefs” competition where guests team up with high-ranking Celebrity chefs for a cook-off judged by selected guests
  • Cooking classes for guests in the ships main galley
  • A food-and-wine-pairing by the guest chef in the ships specialty restaurant

Savor Your Destination kicked off with Chef Benjamin Christie sailing on Celebrity Eclipse on an 11-night Canary Islands cruise. Christie is an acclaimed television host, author, online food personality, and unofficial culinary ambassador based in Sydney, Australia. Future guest chef’s include UK-based chef Adam Byatt, Food Network’s Daisy Martinez, Zach Bell from Palm Beach’s Cafe Boulud, Carmen Gonzalez formerly of Miami’s Carmen the Restaurant and US chef John Currence.

In the future, Celebrity will announce additional Savor Your Destination events designed to give cruisers the opportunity to expand their culinary horizons while at sea. “The Savor Your Destination cruises are another experience in our robust onboard culinary enrichment program,” Van Staden said. “Our guests love great cuisine, a passion that expands to other gastronomic experiences such as winemaking. As we continue to develop the Celebrity Life Savor Your Destination cruise lineup, we will welcome not only chefs, but also winemakers and food artisans, to share their expertise with our guests.”

Classes, demonstrations, food events hosted by celebrity chefs and behind-the-scenes tours are just one part of an expanding culinary trend on today’s cruise ships. Most cruise lines are also offering a variety of themed cover-charge restaurants that require a nominal fee to attend.

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Give Cruise Lines A Break

By
Chris Owen
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ms Koningsdam.
ms Koningsdam.

A recent report from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) tells us that in the United States alone, 10.4 million people took cruise vacations on CLIA member lines in 2011, contributing over $40 billion to the US economy. If we stop right there, this sound like a really good thing for a recovering U.S. economy; something that should be encouraged. Still, there are those who would call the cruise industry in for questioning before a Congressional hearing, attempt to regulate what they do and publicly cry out for something to be done about them.

Why? Being foreign-flagged vessels, U.S. based cruise lines pay little or no taxes.

“The cruise lines take advantage of an obscure provision in the U.S. tax code which permits shipping companies to evade taxes by incorporating overseas and flying the flags of foreign countries,” says maritime attorney Jim Walker on his CruiseLawNews blog, in the game since 1983, adding “That’s why Carnival is incorporated in Panama, Royal Caribbean is incorporated in Liberia, and Princess Cruises is incorporated in Bermuda. “ And he’s right. Absolutely. No doubt about it.

My thought: So what?

Who, in business today, would not want to enjoy the benefit of paying little or no business income taxes? How much better, how much healthier, would any business be if they did not have to pay corporate income taxes?

Really. Think about it.

Cruise CompeteYears ago, I owned a small restaurant and dutifully paid in taxes required by law. During another economic slowdown, this one in the ‘80’s, I ended up closing the doors on that place. Had we been able to skip those taxes, we might still be there today. Such is the case for many small businesses. Big business too, does what they can to avoid paying US taxes. Apple has iPhone parts made outside of the US to avoid payroll taxes. Land-based operations for cruise lines pay those.

Admittedly, it’s a weak argument to be in favor of cruise lines, but I can sure see how being foreign-flagged has its allure. That same rule limits liability when things go wrong too. To me, that part is far more important than if they pay taxes or not.

The recent case of some cruise passengers being held at gunpoint on an island where crime is a known problem is a good case in point. At first, our legal system threw the case out agreeing that it is impossible for a cruise line to know everything about every shore excursion they offer. On appeal, it looks like the matter will get another look, rightfully or not. The foreign-flagged element will no doubt come in to play here too and end up saving the cruise line from an even longer legal battle.

That CLIA report also tells us that worldwide, 16+ million people sailed in 2011 and U.S. cruise passengers made up 10.4 million of that total. U.S. ports handled 60 percent of all global cruise embarkations, with nearly 10 million passengers sailing just from American ports. That’s good news for a healthy cruise industry, mostly American-based. From a purely financial view, that’s good news for the American ports those ships call “home”, the place they begin and end their itineraries.

Each time a ship stops, American goods are loaded on board and American services are engaged to support the ship’s arrival. Passengers embarking and disembarking use land-based transportation services, eat at local restaurants, shop at local stores and more, all contributing to the American economy. At the same time, all those passengers pay sales tax on those good and services they use and the cruise line pays port charges and government fees every time it docks, some of which is included in the price of a cruise fare.

So let’s turn it down a notch on the “cruise-lines-are-getting-a-free-pass” propaganda.

Some taxes are indeed being collected that can be directly attributed to cruise ship operations. Cruise lines provide jobs for crew members that come from impoverished nations where jobs are few and a future even more scarce. Cruise lines give back to society via involvement in a number of charitable organizations. They run safe ships that exceed the demands of International law, have passenger safety as their #1 priority and provide a good vacation value in the process.

Close the book, lock the door and move along; one of the very best parts of what cruise lines do is allow many Americans who might not otherwise have traveled, to get out and see the world.

They provide their cruise vacation product in a safe, secure environment that is unmatched in terms of quality, variety and value. They back it up by exceeding expectations when things go wrong, not because they have to, because they know that to continue to succeed in the long-run, they need to.

“In this uncertain economic environment, we are pleased to demonstrate the importance of the North American cruise industry to the U.S. economy in creating jobs and positively impacting the residents of all 50 states through direct and indirect spending,” said Christine Duffy, CLIA’s past president and CEO, summing it up nicely, concluding appropriately, “These findings are further evidence that the industry’s ability to provide outstanding choice and value that resonate strongly with consumers work in beneficial ways for the country’s economy as well.”

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Five Common (but good) Cruise Rookie Questions

By
Chris Owen
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Royal Caribbean International's Harmony of the Seas, the world's largest and newest cruise ship, previews in Southampton, UK. General views of the ship.

Cruise vacations have gained in popularity as an easy way to see the world. Many travelers have sailed multiple times on a variety of lines offering everything from a quick spin around the Bahamas to an Adventure sailing in Antarctica or Alaska. Some book online, others seek the advice of travel professionals who specialize in just cruise vacations. All have a bunch of logical questions and here are five of them.

1. What is the cancellation policy?

Unless you book a restricted fare that required a non-refundable deposit, you should be able to cancel at any time before the final payment is due and get back whatever you have paid on pretty much any line. The day the final payment is due, the cruise line charges a penalty for canceling.

The reason is that the cruise line might have sold that cabin to someone else but thought you were buying it. Preferring to sell cabins far in advance of sailing it is inconvenient for the cruise line to have to sell that cabin now. Most people plan and buy a cruise vacation way in advance so the cruise line will probably have to discount that cabin and feel they should not suffer because someone canceled late.

That penalty increases over time to where if you cancel close to sailing, the penalty equals the total amount paid and you get back only port charges for the ports you will not now visit. If that thought bothers you, we need to talk a little about travel insurance at some point.
Cruise Compete

2. How soon would you recommend booking to get the best availability and price?

Our Viking River

6 months ago. Seriously. As far in advance as possible. That way you get the best selection of cabins and maybe some of the lowest pricing, depending on the line and the way the wind blows. It’s best to book into less restrictive fares if you think you might change your mind, just to keep options open. That’s not always the least expensive fare but it might be worth whatever the difference was in price compared to paying penalties for changes down the line.

3. With regard to rooms, which area is the best value for what you get?

Junior Suite
Junior Suite

Personally, the choice is easy. Either an inside or a balcony. I think Oceanviews are a waste of money. The window does not open and there is a deck cam where you can see what the weather is like outside. If the price is not a problem, the balcony is a great way to go and even more so now…for non-smokers. Cruise lines are tightening up smoking regulations so there is a no smoking policy on balcony cabins. That’s either a really good thing for those who don’t smoke or something that will make smokers consider another mode of travel. Camping seems to be a popular smoking choice.

4. I don’t mind paying a bit more to be comfortable but I also wouldn’t expect to spend much time in the room?

Regardless of the room you pick, I bet you spend more time in there than you think you will right now, and rightfully so. Here you are in a wonderful, well-appointed space with a nice flat-screen tv, someone else making the bed (twice a day if you need it) and turning it down at night. If you want anything, most lines have 24-hour room service included in the price so you’ll want to be around (in your stateroom) for that. Also, if you select an inside cabin, odds are you may very well have the best sleep of your life what with the gentle rocking of the ship through the night and the fact that with the lights out, those inside cabins are pitch black.

5. What is the maximum number of people that can fit in a room on a cruise ship?

…like how many college students can fit in a phone booth? We actually have an answer for that version: 26 in an inside cabin on Caribbean Princess is the last record we heard/witnessed/OK we were there.

Better question: How many people can live comfortably in a cabin? Cruise line staterooms are equipped and rated for the number of guests they will accommodate (none of them hold 26). In standard staterooms on most cruise lines that are up to four, generally speaking. Many are rated for two and maybe the same square feet as a cabin for four but not have the beds to hold four.

Some lines have suites, family suites and other customized accommodations for larger parties.

Hurricane Season Cruises: What To Know Now And Later

By
Chris Owen
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Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 of each year.  That’s the time when hurricanes are most likely, although end of season sees the majority of storms.  Each year brings a unique mix of tropical disturbances, most of which never make hurricane status. It’s a variable that cruise travelers should consider but surely not one to prohibit sailing this part of the year. Still, booking hurricane season cruises armed with the facts is a far wiser decision.

Lower Pricing
Historically, hurricane activity increases in August, and peaks in early September, then again in October.  Statistically, we can avoid the lion’s share of trouble by not booking hurricane season cruises at all, and many travelers simply don’t. Cruise lines know that too and commonly offer lower pricing for that reason, along with the fact that kids are back in school which reduces the number of families available to sail anyway.

hurricane season cruises
Photo- Chris Owen

Actually Kids Are Often In The Driver’s Seat
If avoiding children is a priority, hurricane season cruises can bring one of the best times of the year to sail.  Kids are back in school, so fewer will be on board.  Extend that thought to other times of the year when school is out as well.  December is also one of the most economical times to sail, with the exception of weeks that include holidays.  Historically the least expensive week of the year to sail on a large ship with a family focus: the first week of December.

Hurricanes Are Part Of The Cruise Business
Obviously, ocean cruise lines do business in the waters affected by hurricanes.  They too have statistics on hand for how many itineraries are apt to be affected by named storms and know from year to year, some will.  In place are contingency plans to provide an experience that meets or exceeds the expectations of cruise travelers at any time of the year, including hurricane season.  Due to the unpredictability of hurricanes, these plans include modifying itineraries to stay out of the way of a storm’s path; the most common effect experienced.

Be Flexible And Determined To Enjoy Travel,  Or Don’t Go
Understand that the cruise line can and will change the itinerary in order to keep out of harm’s way.  As mentioned, that might mean skipping a port or modifying an itinerary.  Does the idea of that change bother you to the point that a modified itinerary will ruin your vacation?  If so, hurricane season cruises might not be for you.  Actually, if having every single part of the day go exactly as planned is a priority, travel at any time of the year might also not be for you.

Know The Hurricane Lingo, Track The Storms
Like so many travel topics, understanding the real vs. potential vs hyped threat of a hurricane disrupting cruise plans needs to be based on accurate information. TV weather reporters are often looking for a sensational story that will keep us tuned in.  Turn to reliable unbiased sources for everything from defining terms used in the world of hurricanes to tracking storms in development, their likely track and more.  The National Hurricane Center provides reliable information, the latest satellite imagery and more.

Hurricanes Not The Only Possible Disruption
Cruise lines modify itineraries more commonly for other reasons than a hurricane bearing down on their ships.  Ships calling at the beautiful island of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands often skip the port due to rough seas.  Running tender operations back and forth to the ship is simply too dangerous.  Ships calling at the port of Galveston, Texas are often delayed due to fog in the area that makes navigation unsafe.  Also possible to be disrupted: Your flight to the embarkation port or just flying in general.  Like when winter storms hit one part of the country, creating a cascading series of flight delays and cancellations affecting flights in entirely unaffected places, so do hurricanes.

hurricane season cruises
Photo- Chris Owen

Cruise Travel Value Highlighted By Hurricane Season
If comparing a week at a Caribbean resort vs. that time on a cruise ship, the cruise usually comes out ahead with travelers on the topic of value.  During hurricane season, another factor comes into play and is rather simple:  If a hurricane comes, your cruise ship can and will move out of the way.  Your island resort vacation was just cancelled.

Count On The Cruise Line To Do The Right Thing, At The Right Time
We have yet to see a cruise line not make accommodations for weather-related events to the best of their ability.  Most often a modified itinerary will be sailed.  Cruise lines commonly run itineraries backwards, shuffle ports or spend an extra day at sea, away from harm. However they go about dealing with each individual situation, cruise lines want us to feel confident that their reaction to a weather-related event will be appropriate.

Concerning  Travel Insurance
Generally speaking, in the event of a covered hurricane or other unforeseen severe weather, travel insurance provides coverage under the Trip Cancellation and Interruption benefit. If your trip is cancelled for a covered reason, travel insurance may refund the pre-paid, forfeited, non-refundable trip costs trip up to the limit of coverage.   Cancel For Any Reason elements of cruise line insurance commonly allow travelers to cancel and receive a credit equal to a certain percentage of what was paid to use on a future cruise.  The golden rule of travel insurance: never assume coverage details.  Also important: You must buy insurance before the storm is named, sort of like coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

Reality Check
Booking hurricane season cruises does indeed mean that disruption to your travel plans are more likely.  Does it mean your cruise will be a horrible experience?  Not necessarily, if prepared for the worst and flexible enough to make the best of whatever comes our way.

 

http://youtu.be/RRjrz-sUXCc

Ten Enduring Carnival Vista Features

By
Chris Owen
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It should come as no surprise that the latest ship from Carnival Cruise Line is a big hit with fans of the diverse Fun Ship fleet.  That has been the case on every new class of ship the world’s most popular cruise line has ever built.  Carefully examining what has worked in the past, adding features sure to please existing fans and throwing in a few forward-thinking attractions has been a solid success formula for decades.  Now that Carnival Vista has been in service a few months, we revisit the new ship to see which enduring Carnival Vista features are most likely to stay put on sister ship coming up in 2018.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features

Enduring Carnival Vista Features: Sports Square
This popular area includes the SkyCourse, an exhilarating suspended ropes course as well as an expanded outdoor activity park that also includes a new indoor sports hangout.  The Clubhouse at SportSquare features mini-bowling, ping-pong, arcade basketball, sports video gaming and more.

Enduring Carnival Vista Features

Enduring Carnival Vista Features: Red Frog Pub And Brewery

Delicious Caribbean bites are served here, but the star is the hand-crafted beer brewed on board in the line’s first onboard brewery developed in collaboration with Miami-based Concrete Beach Brewery. The Caribbean-inspired brews include the aromatic and citrusy ThirstyFrog Port Hoppin’ IPA, ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat spiced and unfiltered ale, and rich and creamy FriskyFrog Java Stout.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features

Enduring Carnival Vista Features: Havana Cabanas

Highly touted in advance of sailing, the Havana Cabana areas turned out to be some of the most popular on Carnival Vista. Tropics-inspired Havana Cabanas feature accommodations with private outdoor patios – complete with lounge chairs and hammock – that face the expanded Lanai ocean-air outdoor promenade and offer magnificent sea views in addition to easy access to the Havana Bar and Pool.  

Enduring Carnival Vista Features

Enduring Carnival Vista Features: IMAX Theater

Carnival partnered with IMAX® to bring the world’s most immersive  cinematic experience to sea with the first-ever IMAX® Theatre on a ship. Guests can take in the latest Hollywood blockbusters, IMAX classics and IMAX documentary content on a screen that’s three decks high. One element of this feature that is quite unique: Carnival has an exclusive contract with IMAX and will be the only cruise line to have the high-tech facilities. 
Enduring Carnival Vista Features

Enduring Carnival Vista Features: Family Harbor

Cruise CompeteThe new Family Harbor accommodations offer an array of deluxe ocean-view, balcony and interior staterooms that accommodate up to five family members. Parents and kids have even more room to relax at the new, exclusive Family Harbor Lounge, a secluded space designed as the ultimate family hang out with large-screen TVs, games and complimentary breakfast and snacks. Selling out quickly, look for this area to be expanded on future renditions of Carnival Vista. Look for this feature to be added to other classes of ships as they cycle through dry dock remodeling too.


Enduring Carnival Vista Features

Enduring Carnival Vista Features: SkyRide

With SkyRide, the cruise industry’s first pedal-powered open-air aerial attraction, Carnival has created some of the best and highest outdoor vistas ever offered on a cruise ship.  Active lifestyle riders (you have to pedal to make it work) can climb aboard hanging recumbent-like bikes to cycle their way around the 800-foot suspended track with panoramic views from 150 feet above the sea.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features

Enduring Carnival Vista Features: The Library Bar

The intimate Library Bar offers Carnival guests indoor/outdoor options, in addition to the hoppin’ RedFrog Pub and stylish Havana Bar.  One of the few quiet areas of the ship, the Library Bar is an oasis of calm in a sea of fun.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features

Enduring Carnival Vista Features: The Vista Atrium

The centerpiece Vista Atrium sets a festive mood with its giant, multi-deck-high centerpiece, the Vista Dreamscape that delights guests with its LED screens and changing visuals to create the right atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to welcome guests boarding the ship, meet friends at the bar or enjoy live entertainment and dancing.

Enduring Carnival Vista Features

Enduring Carnival Vista Features: The Havana Bar

This popular bar on other Carnival ships is even better on Carnival Vista, specializing in mojitos and Cuba Libres plus a full bar menu. From Sabor de Habana, a sampler plate, to ceviche de mariscos, ropa vieja and pan con bistec, guests can taste authentic dishes of Cuba.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features

Enduring Carnival Vista Features: The Alchemy Bar

Poolside bars BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar provide innovative outdoor  cocktail options.  The inside equivalent of fun, the Alchemy Bar has mixologists preparing custom cocktails, done so well it’s basically another entertainment option.  
A variety of other features ranging from an entirely different look in the main dining room to a buffet area with strolling musicians are also solid wins for Carnival Cruise Line sure to be seen on later FunShip versions.

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Secret Travel Agent Tools Revealed For Cruise Traveler Use

By
Chris Owen
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The Fun Ships of Carnival Cruise Line have introduced millions to the world of travel via cruise ship over the years.  As the world’s most popular cruise line grew, new classes of ships were built, reflecting an evolving cruise traveler who wanted more.  Keeping track of which ship or class of ships has features we want became a bit of a task but one we gladly invested time in.  Families wanted certain features while solo travelers, seniors, couples and others might be looking for something entirely different.

Vista Exteriors - 0001

Cruise CompeteTo help keep track of those features in most classes of Carnival Cruise Line ships, industry insiders had access to information not available to the general public.  Did you ever wonder how travel agents knew the answers to just about any question you could throw their way?  Secret travel agent tools were once the source as were dedicated telephone contacts for agents only.  That’s still the case today but some tools once secret are available for consumers as well.

 

Screenshot 2016-08-19 15.34.44Take away new Vista class ships on Carnival Cruise Line and we still have seven other classes in the existing fleet.  Each has unique features making them a good fit (or not) for everyone. Our list of Fun Ship Features details each ship in the Carnival fleet.

Want to know more about each class of ship on Carnival Cruise Line?  Click here for all the latest news.

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Queen Mary 2 Remastered Brings New Features, Cute Puppies

By
Chris Owen
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Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 is the world’s only ocean liner providing regularly scheduled crossings between New York and Southampton.  Since 2003, the 2961-passenger ship has carried cruise travelers back and forth across the Atlantic, much as Cunard Line has done for 175 years.  When time came for periodic dry dock maintenance on the line’s flagship, Cunard chose to do more than replace carpets, beds and slap on a fresh coat of paint.  It was a project so extensive that the word ‘remodeling’ was not quite the most accurate term for the extensive effort.  Queen Mary 2 remastered has brought a fresh look, updated accommodations, public venues and more.  The end result of the remastering project looks to be to a relevant cruise option that should appeal to a far broader audience of cruise traveler.

Cruise CompeteThose who dig deep into what makes cruise lines tick go to extremes when their interest aligns with any given brand.  Turning back our cruise history clock to a time when we sailed with kids, Carnival Cruise Line was a perfect fit.  We could not get enough of anything Carnival to help feed our obsession. Taking a break from family cruising, we sailed Queen Mary 2 from New York to Southampton during her inaugural year.  At the time, we came away with a number of impressions that seemed to hold true for the next decade or so.

  • For all practical purposes, every night is formal night.  This was at a time when formal was much more formal on other lines as well.
  • Just a few years after the blockbuster film Titanic had made it’s debut, it was no hard to imagine the scene after sailing Queen Mary 2,  probably the closest onboard experience to that depicted in the 1997 film available today.
  • Sailing mostly to the Caribbean and Mexico previously, six days at sea between New York and Southampton was an entirely different experience.  It was bitterly cold on deck in the open seas of the Atlantic.
  • Cunard Line has the most fabulous pillow mints on the planet.
  • We could have brought our dog along as Cunard Line has a few kennels just for that purpose.
  • Vueve Cliquot would from that point on be our champagne of choice.

QM2 Staterooms - 2
Queen Mary 2 remastered brings a ship that still has those elements which resonated with us at the time but has made them better.  Stop right there and we could call that project a win.  But the forward thinking people at Cunard Line took a different approach.  In addition to fine tuning the core experience that keeps Cunard fans coming back for more, new and appropriate features were added.

Queen Mary 2 Remastered New Features

  • New Kennels- We could still bring our dog along on the cruise and now she would have more friends to talk to with a dozen new kennels added as part of the Queen Mary 2 remastering project.
  • New Solo Staterooms- One would expect these to be small spaces, sized just big enough for one person.  The finished spaces proved to be nicely sized like “We could have two people in here easy”.
  • New Brittania Balcony Staterooms were added, 30  of them ranging from 242 to 248 square feet
  • New Dining Options top the list of major changes, bringing three new venues.  Carinthia Lounge and Patisserie serves  breakfast, lunch, coffee and Champagne afternoon tea by day then wine, small plates and live entertainment by night.  The Verandah specializes in French cuisine, replacing the Todd English restaurant.  A totally redesigned Kings Court Buffet provides flexibility to offer just about any food trend that might come up in the next decade or so
  • Top Level Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites on Queen Mary 2 were reworked as were their associated exclusive restaurants adding more tables for two and more space between tables in addition to a new menu.

Is Queen Mary 2 Remastered a good fit for any true fan of cruise travel?  Quite frankly, no.  This is not a ship or cruise line that a vast number of cruise travelers would enjoy.  New additions open that net a bit more but this is still very much a line and onboard experience that will most commonly be a special occasion sailing.  Retracing our heritage, we may find that our ancestors came to the new world on a Cunard ship.  Those who do not want to fly to Europe can transform the hassle and worry of travel by air into a jet lag free way to get there or back.  And then there are the puppies.

QM2 Kennels - 35

Photos- Chris Owen

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New Reasons To Consider Cunard Line For Your Cruise Of A Lifetime

By
Chris Owen
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Cruise CompeteMilestone events have always been a good reason to take a cruise.  Weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries are lifetime events that call for something special.  Graduation, retirement or reaching a challenging goal qualify too.  But which cruise line to choose?  As cruise travel has become more mainstream, drawing travelers who might never have considered a cruise before, just any cruise might not do. We want a cruise experience the quality of which meets or exceeds lofty expectations in every way.  Cunard Line has always been on the short list of sailing options commonly tagged to celebrate once in a lifetime achievements.  After a recent remodeling so extensive it was dubbed a remastering, flagship Queen Mary 2 comes to us with new reasons to consider Cunard Line for your cruise of a lifetime.

Consider Cunard Line

One part of the Cunard remastering of Queen Mary 2 included adding a number of new features.  Not exactly a total surprise; other cruise lines do that as well, updating older ships from time to time.  Still, the QM2 remastering brought a variety of unique features and good reason to consider Cunard Line:

  • 15 new, roomy Single Staterooms bring huge value for those traveling solo.  On the few other lines that offer solo accommodations, they are small spaces, measuring barely over 100 square feet.  Big enough to sleep in but there will be no lounging here.  Cunard Line’s new solo staterooms are 159-162 square feet and feature a double bed large windows and plenty of storage space
  • 30 new Britannia Club Balcony Staterooms bring more of the most affordable staterooms with verandah’s on the ship.
  • 10 new kennels enable cruise traveler to bring along the family pet
  • Restyling of all suites and staterooms added a new, light and contemporary look.  You will no longer feel as though you are sailing on your grandmothers cruise ship.
  • Restyling the top end Grills Dining Experience meets the blows past all top end dining offerings at sea.  This is the place for your special celebration.
  • Tea and coffee makers in each stateroom and suite are just a thoughtful addition we wish all cruise lines had.
  • The Verandah dining venue  is among entirely new dining spaces with regional French cooking
  • Winter Garden now an elegant, airy gathering venue
  • The Carinthia Lounge is another new venue, this one with light fare.
  • Kings Court moves beyond “the buffet” to a chef-manned demo of food journeys

Consider Cunard Line

Consider Cunard Line: Fresh Energy

The Cunard remastering of Queen Mary 2 solidly positions the ship, if not the entire cruise line to sail smoothly into the future. Long time fans will be happy with what has been done.  At the same time, the extensive effort effectively positions Cunard Line as a viable choice for a much broader range of cruise traveler.

“The Remastering is a testament to Cunard’s attention to detail, incorporating inspiration from our past that continues to propel the powerful Cunard story, which we think will strongly resonate with today’s travelers,” – David Noyes, CEO, Cunard Line”

Drawing on 80 years of heritage from her namesake RMS Queen Mary (now a permanent hotel in California) remastered Queen Mary 2 will continue to define luxury ocean travel with the most  offerings, unique excursions, and the widest range of entertainment and leisure options available at sea today.

Consider Cunard Line
If your thoughts about Cunard Line bring thoughts of sailing with ‘the newlywed or nearly dead’, as the old saying goes about cruises in general, think again.  It’s time for another look. It’s time to seriously consider Cunard Line.

CruiseCompete-LogoThis article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line Expands Margaritaville® at Sea Restaurants

By
John Shallo
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ncl_Esc_Mrgrtvlle_SignNorwegian Cruise Line has announced the expansion of its exclusive partnership with Margaritaville®. As a part of The Norwegian Edge™, a $400 million investment program dedicated to delivering an exceptional onboard experience, Norwegian will introduce new Margaritaville® at Sea restaurants onboard Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway this fall.

Building on its success and popularity on board Norwegian’s newest ship, Norwegian Escape, Margaritaville® at Sea onboard Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway will bring to life nostalgic island moments with a tropical menu that features signature items like the Cheeseburger in Paradise and Who’s to Blame Margarita, available à la carte, in an open air-eatery offering stunning ocean views.

“Norwegian Cruise Line has been bringing guests to paradise for nearly 50 years,” said Andy Stuart, President and Chief Operating Officer for Norwegian Cruise Line. “With the expansion of our partnership with Margaritaville to our Breakaway Class ships, our guests will now be able to enjoy the island lifestyle before the ship has even left port.”

Margaritaville® at Sea will open September 18 aboard Norwegian Getaway in the former Flamingo Grill, and on October 9 aboard Norwegian Breakaway in the former Uptown Grill.ncl_Esc_Mrgrtvlle

“We are excited to expand our relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line, allowing even more guests to escape to the Margaritaville state of mind,” said John Cohlan, chief executive officer of Margaritaville. “Norwegian shares our philosophy that combines fun with exceptional service and we look forward to continuing to take this partnership to new sea levels.”

Norwegian Breakaway revolutionized the cruise industry when she debuted in 2013 bringing the best of New York City to sea with industry first innovations like The Waterfront, a full deck promenade of restaurants, bars and lounge space which enhances the guests’ connection with the ocean; high energy Broadway entertainment with Rock of Ages and Burn The Floor; a wide variety of accommodations offerings and much more. Norwegian Breakaway sails from New York year-round, during the winter months offering seven-day sailings to the Bahamas and Florida as well as Caribbean sailings up to 14-days visiting some of the most sought after winter escapes, and seven-day sailings to Bermuda featuring three days in-port.

Norwegian Getaway, sister-ship for Norwegian Breakaway, sets sail from her home city of Miami and embodies the essence of the Magic City, the ship’s hull artwork was designed by Miami’s own David “LEBO” Le Batard and offers 26 dining options, two Broadway Shows, a thrilling Aqua Park with five heart-pounding slides, Splash Academy for kids and much more. Now through April 2017 Norwegian Getaway will sail seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries with alternating ports of call including Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras;  Harvest Caye, Belize, the Caribbean’s new premier resort-style port of call that is being developed by Norwegian and due to open in November; and much more. In Summer 2017, Norwegian Getaway will return to Europe for the first time since her delivery in 2014, and sail the Baltic Capitals from Copenhagen, giving guests the opportunity to experience the ultimate in freedom and flexibility on eight- or nine-day cruises. This spectacular itinerary will allow guests to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, take in the picturesque Baltic countryside and experience the unique history, cultures and architecture of these famed European cities. The itinerary includes calls in Tallinn, Estonia; Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; Warnemünde, Germany which features shore excursion options to Berlin; along with an overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia.

For more information or to book a cruise aboard Norwegian Breakaway or Norwegian Getaway, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.

Zumba Brings Back Exclusive Cruise Aboard Royal Caribbean

By
John Shallo
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 The sea party is back and better than ever with five spectacular nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas – Sails from Miami, FL. on April 23, 2017

Zumba Logo_PrimaryZumba is teaming up with Royal Caribbean International for the second year in a row to host the vacation of a lifetime aboard the Zumba® Cruise. Setting sail from Miami, FL. on April 23, 2017, the five-night Zumba Cruise onboard Navigator of the Seas will feature exclusive Zumba activities and experiences, and visit tropical destinations Nassau, Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico.

“We were thrilled with the incredible response we got from the success of the 2016 Zumba cruise. There’s no better way to enjoy the dance and fitness activities of Zumba than combined with the Royal Caribbean experience, with features such as the ice-skating rinks, rock-climbing walls, delectable dining and world-class entertainment,” said Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President, Sales and Trade Support and Service. “We’re excited to host Zumba once again, and now on Navigator of the Seas.”

Throughout the cruise, guests will experience Zumba® at an entirely new “sea-level,” with daily Zumba-themed classes as well as master classes taught by Zumba creator Beto Perez and more than 50 additional celebrity Zumba instructors. All classes will be filled with live music to the beats of celebrity DJs and live musicians. In addition to burning calories (and having fun while doing it), vacationers can enjoy more than 20 live music concerts with some of the hottest artists, soak up the sun, relax and take advantage of the ship’s signature amenities, which include ice skating, rock climbing, nightlife, the casino, a variety of dining venues, and the rejuvenating Vitality Spa and Fitness Center and running track.

“We have been overwhelmed with requests to bring back the Zumba Cruise because the experience with Royal Caribbean was truly one of a kind and a wild success,” said Zumba CEO, Alberto Perlman. “With new destinations, new experiences and new opportunities on Royal Caribbean, we are truly excited to offer our guests and their families another opportunity to have the vacation of a lifetime and a chance for Zumba fans around the world to celebrate and dance together outside of the class setting.”

Vacationers and Zumba fans alike can get their vacation in their calendars now and take advantage of the sun while they torch calories and have fun. To browse fun memories from 2016, travelers can search for #ZumbaCruise on social media, and visit zumba-cruise.com for more details and to make their 2017 Zumba Cruise reservation.

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