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Let The Games Begin! While You Cruise

Whether going solo, with friends, your spouse or as a family, cruise ships are a great idea for a vacation. Today more than ever, cruise ships are getting bigger and more innovative, or basically floating amusement parks and shopping malls. Their destinations are awe-inspiring and offer many exciting experiences once you arrive to them. It’s what you can do on the boat, where you’ll be spending the majority of time – on the open sea – so make sure that the games are good!

Table Games – If table games are your thing, then there won’t be a shortage of options on a cruise ship. Most ships have a great supply of the most popular table games found at casinos around the world. No matter what you’re into, you can be sure to play it throughout your cruise. What table games can you expect to see some action on?

1. Roulette – A classic game that you’re sure to know from casinos everywhere and guaranteed to find onboard all of the best cruise lines. Whether you’re an even or odd or red or black strategist, there’s plenty of down time to get your fill of roulette while cruising.

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2. Poker One of the more popular games to be found on a cruise will be poker and it’s many varieties.

http://www.carnival.com/onboard/poker

Those varieties include three-card poker tables and more tournament focused poker, such as Texas Holdem and Omaha where you may spot fancy tables in use that are state-of-the-art touchscreen poker machines. If Texas Holdem is your poker game of choice, make sure to beat the cruise crowds and arrive earlier or signup in advance if the cruise offers signup sheets.

3. Blackjack – Unfortunately there are no blackjack pointers in this article, but you’ll find your own tricks onboard while at the blackjack tables with your fellow cruise companions. In case you’re not familiar with this very popular game, the goal is to beat your dealer.

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Don’t worry about your neighbors; it’s the dealer you’re up against. You’re a winner if you get 21 points on your first two cards (blackjack), your final score is higher than the dealer without exceeding 21, or your dealer exceeds 21 themselves. If you find yourself with a lucky lady, the holy grail of blackjack bets, you’ll be a bigger winner.

4. Craps – Make room for the dice! Perhaps the slight shifts of the ocean will result in your favor while playing craps aboard the cruise.

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Craps is always a casino favorite. Whether you’re ready to make wagers yourself or ride the wave on someone else’s game, you’ll be able to at the craps table. Craps is usually the center of attention where exciting action with applause and cheers is not uncommon – the craps table may be how you find the cruise casino from down the hall.

 

5. LuckyCowBingo– Who doesn’t love a good game of bingo?

That feeling when you’ve hit bingo and stand up and yell “BINGO!” Bingo on a cruise is a different experience. Sure, winning a prize or some money is exhilarating as it is, but everyone is in high spirits. You’re not the only one in a great mood, but everyone is happy and adding to the experience because they’re on holiday too! Make sure to get your bingo action while you’re making your way over to your destination.

LuckyCowBingo

6. Slot Machines – No matter what level of experience you have with casino games, slot machines are always a crowd pleaser.

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Offering both variety and excitement when the orchestra of bells, whistles, sirens and the clings and clangs of coins announce a win. You’re on a cruise, have a seat and play some slots!

Princess Cruises’ New Ship Begins Countdown to Summer 2017 Debut for China Year Round Cruising

first Chinese lion dance ceremony to mark construction milestone
Anthony Kaufman, Senior Vice President, Asia Operations, Princess Cruises (left); Attilio Dapelo, Fincantieri Shipyard Director (Middle) and Cherry Wang, Country Director, Carnival China (right) attend the official keel laying ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, featuring first Chinese lion dance ceremony to mark construction milestone.
 first Chinese lion dance ceremony to mark construction milestone
Anthony Kaufman, Senior Vice President, Asia Operations, Princess Cruises (left); Attilio Dapelo,
Fincantieri Shipyard Director (Middle) and Cherry Wang, Country Director, Carnival China (right) attend the official keel laying
ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, featuring first Chinese lion dance ceremony to mark construction milestone.
Traditional Keel Laying Ceremony at Fincantieri Shipyard Features First Chinese Lion Dance Ceremony to Mark Construction Milestone

Carnival plc recently marked the beginning of construction of Princess Cruises’ third new generation of ships with the official keel laying ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. As the keel – the bottommost part of the ship – was ceremoniously lowered into position, and shipyard officials celebrated the occasion with a traditional Chinese lion dance. This, yet-to-be-named ship, will be customized to appeal to the China market when it debuts in summer 2017.

Following the lion dance and a traditional blessing by a priest, the ship’s keel – which weighs approximately 500 tons – was moved into position by crane onto the keel blocks. The computer-guided maneuver took only minutes, belying the more than two million man-hours that will ultimately go into building the vessel. The 3,600-passenger, 141,000-ton ship will remain in the building dock until float out next summer.

“We’re incredibly excited to mark this step in the ship’s construction,” said Anthony Kaufman, Princess Cruises senior vice president of Asia operations, who traveled to Italy for the ceremony. “We’re very pleased to be working with our long-term partner, Fincantieri, on our newest ship and we appreciate their partnership and collaboration to customize and tailor the ship for the Chinese market.”

“The lion dance has been part of the Chinese culture for thousands of years and is performed on various auspicious occasions and celebrations. According to traditional Chinese belief, the lion signifies courage, wisdom, and good fortune and brings happiness, longevity, and good luck. We believe this special ceremony will bring prosperity and good fortune to Princess Cruises and our guests in China,” said Cherry Wang, country director of Carnival China, who also traveled to Italy for the ceremony.

The new Royal Class ship will offer many of the same special features as Royal Princess and Regal Princess, which have been so well-received by the industry. These include a dramatic multi-story atrium serving as the social hub of the ship; an over-the-ocean SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship; the Princess Live! interactive studio; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light.

Guests will enjoy the international flavor of cruising with Princess, including experiencing cuisines from China, Japan, South-East Asia, Italy, France, and North America among other regions; as well as an array of international festivals re-created to celebrate cultures around the world; Princess Watercolor Fantasy, a fountain and music show; Movies Under the Stars featuring the largest outdoor screen at sea; and balconies on all outside staterooms. Accommodations will be configured to appeal to families and multi-generational travelers.

In addition, the new ship will showcase the exclusive Princess Class experience designed specifically for the Chinese market. Delivered by the ship’s dedicated and caring crew, Princess Class enriches the travel experience of each cruise guest, enabling them to participate in unique cultural, culinary, entertaining and inspiring programs including the World Leaders Dinner, traditional English afternoon tea, a Lobster Grill, Ultimate Balcony Dining, an ocean-view hot pot dinner option, ballroom dancing, and an unparalleled duty-free shopping experience.

Additional details about the new ship’s features and deployment schedule will be announced over the coming months. For more information about Princess Cruises visit http://www.princess.com/.

American Cruise Lines Names New Mississippi Riverboat America

America
American Cruise LinesConstruction ahead of schedule for inaugural 2016 cruise season

American Cruise Lines recently  announced the name of its brand-new Mississippi paddlewheeler – America – currently under construction at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD.   The America is American built, flagged, and crewed, which is symbolic of the true all-American experience provided by American Cruise Lines.

America is being prepared to launch into the Wicomico River early next week, and will be moved to Chesapeake Shipbuilding’s East Outfitting Basin where the upper decks and outfitting will be completed. The America will be American Cruise Lines’ eighth ship and its second brand-new vessel this year.   Scheduled to begin sailing the Mississippi River in early 2016, America will be the finest Mississippi paddlewheeler ever built, introducing features never before seen on a riverboat.

American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise company and operates the newest fleet of riverboats and small cruise ships on more than 35 itineraries. Long established and deeply experienced in cruise travel, American Cruise Lines has been honored with multiple awards, including Porthole Reader’s Choice Awards in 2014, World Travel Awards “World’s Leading River Cruise Company” in 2013, “Gold Award Winner” for Travel Weekly’s 2014 Magellan Awards and a 2014 finalist for Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards. To learn more about American Cruise Lines, visit www.americancruiselines.com or call 800-814-6880.

Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces À La Carte Specialty Dining

Norwegian Escape
image004Norwegian Escape, the line’s newest and largest ship, will be the first in the fleet to feature enhanced menus and new per-item pricing that provides even more freedom and flexibility

Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced à la carte specialty dining at the line’s signature specialty restaurants, providing guests the freedom to savor an array of tastes and gourmet dishes and the flexibility to choose how many courses they wish to enjoy during their meal.

Guests will experience the ultimate in Freestyle Cruising beginning this October on the all-new Norwegian Escape, where they can choose to dine at any of 11 complimentary dining options or experience new flavors at Norwegian’s signature specialty restaurants La Cucina, Le Bistro, Cagney’s Steakhouse and the new Bayamo by James Beard Award winning chef Jose Garces, on an à la carte basis.

Norwegian’s signature specialty restaurants on Norwegian Escape will feature enhanced menus that include favorite dishes and new tastes alike, offering guests the freedom to select how many courses they’d like to enjoy during their dinner, with per-item pricing. Whether guests wish to have a light meal of a favorite appetizer and soup or salad, or indulge in a multi-course dinner featuring Maine lobster, with Norwegian’s new à la carte options, guests will now have the opportunity to create their desired dining experience, just as they would at any land-based restaurant.

At Cagney’s Steakhouse, starters on the new à la carte menu range from $4.99 to $7.95 and main courses from $17.99 to $29.99, featuring Certified Angus Beef® brand steaks, the world’s leading Angus brand and consumers’ top choice for premium beef.  At Le Bistro, guests will find delicious new main courses in addition to traditional French favorites, including Bouillabaisse, Pan-Seared Jumbo Bay Scallops and Veal Medallions with Sauce Morrel, starting at $15.99. And guests looking to find a taste of “la dolce vita” will be transported to the Mediterranean when they choose from an expanded menu at La Cucina, featuring antipasti, pasta, risotto and traditional secondi courses starting at $12.99 including Osso Buco alla Milanese, Free-Range Chicken with Prosciutto or Pan-Seared Sea Bass Filet.

Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki will remain at a cover charge of $19.95 and $29.95 respectively, as will entertainment dining including Wine Lovers The Musical and For The Record™: The Brat Pack.

Guests who purchase a Norwegian Specialty Dining Package have the freedom to indulge as they wish, as Specialty Dining Packages will allow guests to enjoy La Cucina, Le Bistro and Cagney’s Steakhouse at no additional charge. Guests with a Specialty Dining Package can dine in Bayamo by Jose Garces for an additional fee of $15.

In addition to Norwegian Escape’s specialty restaurants, Ocean Blue on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway will also begin offering à la carte options on October 3, 2015, and the new à la carte dining will be available fleetwide beginning January 1, 2016. Other entertainment dining across the fleet, including Cirque Dreams & Dinner and The Illusionarium, will remain at a cover charge. For those guests who wish to reserve their dining times ahead of time, they can continue to do so via MyNCL; there is no charge to make a reservation and guests will have any à la carte selections added to their onboard account at the time of dining.

For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line’s specialty dining, visit http://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-dining#specialty. To book a cruise on Norwegian, guests can contact their travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.

Cunard flagship Queen Mary 2 to undergo major refurbishment in early summer 2016

Queen Mary turns in the river Mersey to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Cunard
Queen Mary is the only ship in the world to offer dedicated kennels for dogs and cats (photo credit Simone Seckington) (PRNewsFoto/Cunard)
Queen Mary is the only ship in the world to offer dedicated kennels for dogs and cats (photo credit Simone Seckington) (PRNewsFoto/Cunard)

As Cunard marks its illustrious 175 year history with the arrival in New York of its flagship, Queen Mary 2, it is proud to announce the next chapter of innovation and investment, introducing new designs and guest experiences to the world’s most iconic ocean liner.

From the company’s inception, Cunard has been at the forefront of ocean travel. Through establishing the first scheduled Transatlantic Crossings, to the first electric lightbulbs and en-suite bathrooms at sea, to the grandeur of the floating palaces of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, to the launch of the current fleet.

To ensure the tradition continues, Queen Mary 2 will undergo an extensive 25 day dry dock refurbishment at the Blohm+Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany next summer, 27 May- 21 June 2016.

This major refurbishment will further refine and refresh guest interior spaces and launch new exciting innovations designed to exceed guest expectations. Three of the key developments are announced today, reflecting the changing needs of Cunard’s guests:

With an eye to the detail that differentiates Cunard, both a lamp post and a fire hydrant will be installed on the area of deck reserved for dog walking as part of the kennels development, so that dogs from either side of the pond will feel equally at home. This was previously a feature of the kennels on Cunard’s former flagship, QE2, and was first introduced on board Queen Mary at the suggestion of The Duke of Windsor.

Extensive research has informed a series of further developments which will be revealed over the coming months, building on the flagship’s strengths as the epitome of luxury on a grand scale.

Richard Meadows, president, Cunard North America, said:

Queen Mary 2 is an icon in the world of luxury ocean travel. A ship that turns heads everywhere she goes, she is the pride of the Cunard fleet and we are committed to ensuring her reputation grows ever stronger.”

“These enhancements are just the beginning of an exciting refurbishment for Queen Mary 2, and we look forward to making more announcements about this impressive refit in the coming months,” Meadows added.

The newly announced additional accommodation goes on sale on 15 July 2015 for Queen Mary 2 Summer sailings from late June 2016.

For more information about Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth and to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard toll free at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

Holland America Line’s ‘Fall Finale’ Program Features 60 Days of Savings on 60 Sailings with $60 Deposits on 2015 Cruises

MS Koningsdam

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE LOGOCruise Addicts looking to take a cruise in 2015 still have time to take advantage of exceptional savings with Holland America Line’s “Fall Finale” promotion. Under the program, guests can save up to $1,000 per stateroom on at least 60 sailings over the next 60 days secured with a $60 deposit. Bookings must be made by Sept. 10, 2015 (60 days from the launch of the promotion Monday, July 13th, 2015).  Fares will increase after the September booking deadline.

Select itineraries available with the “Fall Finale” promotion depart from August through December and range in length from seven to 75 days. Longer voyages, holiday cruises and Collectors’ Voyages that combine back-to-back sailings also are included.

“The year is far from over, and our ‘Fall Finale’ promotion gives travelers even more incentive to take a memorable cruise with us in 2015,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “The promotion features exciting itineraries to destinations all over the world; whether it’s a last-minute break at the end of the summer or a winter escape, there’s no better time to book a Holland America Line cruise.”

Guests looking to take advantage of the “Fall Finale” program can choose select itineraries to nearly all of Holland America Line’s global destinations, including the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, South American, Australia/New Zealand, Asia, Alaska, Canada/New England, Hawaii/Tahiti, Mexico and Northern Europe.

A sampling of Fall Finale promotional fares are:

  • Seven-day Alaska Explorer cruise on ms Amsterdam departing Sept. 13, 2015, starting at just $699.
  • Seven-day Canada/New England Explorer itinerary on ms Veendam departing Sept. 5, starting at $799.
  • Seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages this fall on ms Westerdam, starting at $499.
  • ms Volendam‘s 33-day Australia Circumnavigation departing Sept. 23, starting at $4,699.
  • ms Prinsendam‘s 14-day Mediterranean and Aegean Explorer voyage departing Sept. 28, starting at $1,799.
  • ms Zaandam’s 21-day South America and Antarctica Holiday cruise departing Dec. 22, starting at $3,199.

All fares are cruise-only, per person and double occupancy.

For more information about Holland America Line or the “Fall Finale” voyages, contact a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

CLIA Recognizes Mercy Ships as Their Charity of Choice

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has selected Mercy Ships as their Charity of Choice.  Through this partnership, CLIA will work with Mercy Ships to further endorse their initiatives to deliver healthcare to developing nations and make CLIA global members aware of the international nonprofit’s mission and efforts.

Mercy Ships operates floating hospitals that provide training for medical professionals, along with curative surgical interventions. The partnership will help Mercy Ships gain increased visibility in the cruise industry as well as facilitate collaboration with CLIA and its members.

“We’re proud to support the work that Mercy Ships is doing to increase access to healthcare throughout the world,” said Thomas P. Ostebo, President and CEO, CLIA. “The partnership is a natural fit, and we are delighted to be working with this reputable organization who is making a positive difference in the world.”

clialogocolor2014“As the world’s largest cruise industry association, CLIA will bring great value to our organization,” said Donovan Palmer, Group Managing Director for Mercy Ships. “Their knowledge of the industry and willingness to help get our message out to its members will be immeasurable.”

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. Mercy Ship volunteers have been able to operate across the globe. A few examples include:

  • 78,000 life-changing operations such as cleft lip and palate repair, cataract removal, orthopedic procedures, facial reconstruction and obstetric fistula repair
  • 353,000 dental procedures
  • Trained 5,800 local teachers
  • Trained 35,300 local professionals in their area of expertise (anesthesiology, midwifery, sterilization, orthopedic and reconstructive surgery, leadership)
  • Basic healthcare education classes for 183,000 local people
  • 1,100 community development projects focusing on water and sanitation, education, infrastructure development and agriculture

Windstar Cruises Introduces New All-Inclusive Cruise Packages in the Tropics

Three complimentary shore excursions, an unlimited beverage package, and more offered on 11 different itineraries bookable now through September 18, 2015

Windstar Cruises is offering travelers an opportunity to book brand new, all-inclusive cruise packages on select itineraries, valid on bookings made Windstar Cruisesnow through September 18, 2015. With this limited time offer, guests will enjoy a stress-free and effortless holiday in paradise for a great value. Voyages that include the All Inclusive package start at $2,499 per person.

The All-Inclusive Tropical Cruise package is available on 11 different itineraries throughout exotic destinations in Panama & Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and Tahiti, and includes:

  • Three free shore excursions
  • Free Private Event
  • Windstar’s free unlimited beverage package including cocktails and wines by the glass
  • Free onboard WiFi
  • All gratuities

The three complimentary shore excursions offered on each cruise are predetermined and vary based on the destination and itinerary, including experiences such as the Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Walk on the Passage Through Panama and Costa Rica voyage – a fascinating four hour guided tour that takes you through one of Costa Rica’s most treasured rainforests and offers a glimpse of wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, frogs, and more.

In Bora Bora, on the Dreams of Tahiti sailing, travelers can enjoy the Bora Bora Island Discovery, an opportunity to admire the ever-changing colors of Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon and discover the island’s endemic tropical flowers and trees.

The complimentary Prickly Pear Beach Snorkel Adventure on the San Juan & the Virgin Islands voyage reveals the mysterious underwater world at two of Virgin Gorda’s most highly regarded snorkel sites featuring fascinating rock formations with swim-throughs and colorful coral encrusted arches.

Each cruise also includes Windstar’s new Private Event, a spectacular onshore experience created exclusively for Windstar guests crafted to provide an in-depth local experience.

Windstar’s all-inclusive beverage package allows guests the opportunity to truly unwind without the worry of closing out a tab. The package covers unlimited cocktails, including several top shelf brands, sparkling wines and wines by the glass that are $12 and under, and beer, as well as mini-bar beverage selections and beverages provided through room service.

More details on all-inclusive sailings and prices here: http://offers.windstarcruises.com/tropics-all-inclusive/.

MSC Cruises Becomes Europe’s Number One Cruise Line

MSC Cruises - Seaside Project
The Seaside project plans to extend the existing fleet to follow the sun, making the most of the outdoor traveling experience within a luxury setting.

1280px-Msc_cruises_logo.svg The just-published 2015-2016 Cruise Industry News Annual Report places MSC Cruises as the number one cruise line in Europe, including in the Mediterranean.

The Report, which is one of the most reputable sources of information for the cruise industry, stated that MSC Cruises conquered the leading rank in the industry thanks to a deployed capacity across the continent of about 1.1 million passengers.

MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato commented: “We are particularly proud of this achievement. For it, we wish to thank all our guests whom with their vacation choice recognized the quality of our product and offering, thus making MSC Cruises the number one cruise line now also in Europe.

“MSC Cruises is a Europe-based company with bold global ambitions; we sail to many select destinations worldwide, from the Caribbean to South America and South Africa. But Europe, and the Mediterranean in particular, remains at the heart of our business, even as we grow and open up new geographical possibilities – Cuba being just the most recent example.”

Onorato added: “Going forward, we will continue to build on this position of strength in Europe to ensure we remain the cruise line of choice for more than 150 nationalities every year, in Europe, in the Mediterranean and in other markets, where our distinct cruise experiences set us apart.”

Swiss-based MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line. In addition to being the market leader in Europe, including in the Mediterranean, the company benefits from a leadership position in the South American and South African markets.

MSC Cruises will sail year-round from the Caribbean starting in November 2015 and also offers seasonal cruises in the French Antilles and other sought-after locations around the world from Northern Europe to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman.

Additionally, earlier this month MSC Cruises made the headlines when it announced that, as of December 2015, it will be the first global cruise line to offer travellers the opportunity to visit Cuba and set sail on one of the 16 cruises that MSC Opera will operate from Havana. MSC Cruises will give cruise travellers from around the world the unique chance to get aboard the completely renovated 65,542 GRT MSC Opera, part of the company’s $217 million Renaissance program, and cruise to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Mexico, with two nights and two and a half days in the Cuban capital. (Note: Pursuant to U.S. law, cruises to Cuba are not for sale in the USA nor sold to U.S. residents or citizens).

MSC Cruises is an ambitious young line that grew 800 percent in its first 10 years to become the fourth largest cruise company in the industry. The company is set to double its fleet capacity by 2022, through a $5.5 billion investment plan, which includes orders for seven ships in two state-of-the-art prototypes.

Of these ships, MSC Cruises recently also announced the opening of sales for MSC Meraviglia’s inaugural season – the company’s first next-generation ship, which is part of the above-mentioned investment plan. As of June 2017, the ship will sail in the Mediterranean from Barcelona, Genoa or Marseille. The second next-generation ship currently under construction, MSC Seaside, will sail year-round in the Caribbean starting in December 2017.

Cruising Sober: An Interview With Sober Julie from SoberJulie.com

Watch as Sober Julie and Rick discuss non-alcoholic beverage options while traveling and how to enjoy your vacation without the alcohol! I hope this interview will help Cruise Addicts who choose not drink. You may also learn some great tips to help you in your daily life as well.

See more at http://travelwithrick.com