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  • Staying Fit On a Cruise? Yes, its possible....

    3/9/201012:59:48 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Best Cruises to Get (or Stay) Fit

    by Erica Silverstein, Cruise Critic - March 9, 2010
     
     
     
    Joggers on a cruise (Photo: Barry Winiker/Index Open)

    If your idea of a great vacation involves daily runs in the open air, a leisurely workout in a hi-tech gym, or a smorgasbord of fitness classes like yoga and Pilates, you should know that a cruise may just be the perfect getaway for you. These days, cruise ships are about more than just eating and lying in the sun, and they're attracting fitness buffs, yogis, and health-conscious travelers in droves with active options both onboard and off.

    Believe it or not, on a cruise you really can lose weight—or at least break even. That's because fitness centers are growing in size to accommodate a more youthful and body-conscious passenger base, and often feature state-of-the-art equipment and 180-degree sea views. Ships are breaking new ground with cutting-edge workouts like Kinesis Walls and Tour de Spin classes, and offering trendy sessions in Pilates and tai chi. Deck games like shuffleboard and skeet shooting have made way for onboard surfing, rock climbing, mini-golf, and basketball. In port, active excursion options are plentiful. Cycling is big—not to mention hiking, kayaking, swimming, and diving. If breaking a sweat can be fun, cruise ships have found ways to offer those activities in the middle of the ocean.

    Royal Caribbean is leading the pack as the trendsetter in onboard fitness options. Its ships are the only ones afloat to offer onboard surfing, boxing, and ice skating. But it's not the only line to put an emphasis on fitness. Others are also expanding their gyms and their top-deck fitness options. Some of the smaller lines—SeaDream, Star Clippers, Windstar, Seabourn—focus on watersports, with onboard marinas packed with water toys that range from kayaks to watersurfing. Crystal and Seabourn are two luxury lines getting creative with gentler, senior-friendly workouts like Kinesis and walking, while river lines store bikes onboard for passengers to use ashore.

    Before we list our favorite lines for fitness, here are a few tips for working out onboard.

    • Onboard gyms can get crowded at peak hours, such as early morning and late afternoon before dinner. Some ships even have signup sheets for cardio machines with strict 30-minute time limits. Go during off-hours (or while ships are in port) for less crowded conditions.
    • Many group classes —Pilates, yoga, spinning—come with a fee (typically $10-$15). Classes can fill up, so sign up in advance. Instructors vary in ability, and as they teach all the classes, they might not have the same level of dedicated training in one tradition as your studio back home. Work out at your own risk and don't do anything that seems painful to you.
    • Onboard watersports marinas are great but they can only be used when the weather is warm enough and the ship can anchor in safe and relatively calm waters. If you're excited about taking out kayaks and Sunfish straight from the ship, hot weather cruises are better than colder, shoulder season trips (though the opportunity varies). On one October Windstar cruise in the Mediterranean the marina was never opened, while on a Seabourn cruise, same itinerary, same season, marina activities were a cruise highlight.
    • The smaller the ship, the smaller the gym. Luxury lines may have first-rate facilities, but a 200-person ship won't have the enormous workout space a 3,200-person ship will have.
    • Don't forget about shore excursions. Active tours are quite popular. You can get some physical activity—in the form of kayaking, walking, hiking and biking—while exploring a destination.
    • If you really want your cruise to be all about good health, choose a theme cruise. There are special cruises for runners and golfers, as well as general health and wellness lifestyle cruises (often featuring workshops on yoga, meditation, and healthy diets). For those who prefer less of a gym-based approach to working out, dance-themed cruises will keep you on your toes day and night.

    Best Onboard Gym

    The Line: Royal Caribbean's Freedom and Oasis Class

    Why: Because size does matter. Royal Caribbean's three Freedom-class ships—Freedom, Liberty, and Independence of the Seas—each have 9,700-square-foot fitness centers. In addition to state-of-the-art cardio, weight-training, and circuit-training machines, the ShipShape Center features spinning cycles; a Pilates studio with six reformer machines; and a full-size boxing ring, complete with speed bags, jump ropes, heavy bags, and padded punching mitts. All cardio machines sport personal LED screens for entertainment options while working out. Group classes on offer include step aerobics, yoga, Pilates, stretching, Tai Chi, boot camp, and indoor cycling. Additional cutting-edge workout equipment onboard includes the Cable Motion series of strength training machines and Power-Plate, a device utilizing advanced reflex technology.

    Oasis of the Seas—the largest cruise ship ever—is in its own league. In addition to the usual fitness equipment, it has 12 Gravity machines (providing body conditioning through Pilates and resistance training), a Kinesis Wall (circuit exercises utilizes a system of pulleys), Expresso Bikes (with 30 interactive, virtual rides) and Activio Cycling (providing heart rate feedback). Classes unique to Oasis include Kinesis group training, a combo cycling-and-jogging class called The Brick, and a jogging club.

    Honorable Mention: Princess' Grand Class

    Why: While no other onboard gym can really touch Royal Caribbean's newest models, Princess' Grand-Class ships come close. The Lotus Spa fitness centers onboard the line's newest ships are prominently set at the front of the ship with sweeping 180 degree views of the ocean. The gyms are equipped with treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stationary bikes, all with their own TVs for personal entertainment. Free weights and a wide range of weight machines are also on offer. But it may be outside the typical workout room that Princess gets the most creative. The line offers an exclusive fitness program called "Core. Balance. Strength." that targets three fitness areas with Pilates classes for building a strong core, yoga for centering and balance, and cardio classes to build strength. As part of the third phase, Princess offers Tour de Spin, a set of three spinning workouts. The larger vessels also offer a swim-against-the-current pool with an adjustable current for endurance training.

    And Princess gets kudos for including youth in its fitness program; teens, in particular, can get an age-appropriate workout with Fitness Frenzy boot camp classes.

    Best Luxury Workout

    The Line: Seabourn Odyssey

    Why: Seabourn Odyssey is the first new luxury ship design since staying fit became a mantra for successful living. As such, its designers have incorporated a more contemporary sensibility into the creation of its two-deck high spa and fitness center. Its most distinctive feature is the Kinesis wall, which is able to accommodate four passengers simultaneously. Kinesis technology uses a series of pulleys and cables to increase flexibility, provide rehabilitation, if necessary, and create better muscle definition, all the while being gentler on the body than traditional machines. Private Kinesis is available in higher-level suites.

    Other features of Odyssey's fitness facility include a range of classes (from stretching to Yoga, all complimentary) and state-of-the-art cardio, strength, and weight training equipment. And if you need to rejuvenate tired limbs after a tough workout, make a beeline for the gorgeous hydro pool/thermal suite area with heated loungers, aromatherapy sauna, rain mist showers, and waterbed.

    Honorable Mention: Cunard's Queen Mary 2

    Why: The first cruise ship to feature a spa and fitness facility operated by the renowned Canyon Ranch, Queen Mary 2—which offers both luxury and mainstream cruise experiences—is a superb choice. The Canyon Ranch SpaClub offers a wide variety of cardio machines (elliptical trainers, recumbent and stationary bikes, steppers, rowing machines, and treadmills), as well as a large strength training area with machines and free weights. Group classes run the gamut from standard offerings like spinning and Pilates, to more creative options such as "Totally Tubing," "Dance to the Beat," "Cardio Blast," and "Fitball." Passengers can book private sessions on the gym's Pilates reformer machines.

    The vast wrap-around outdoor promenade (remember that Queen Mary 2 was, prior to the launch of Royal Caribbean's behemoths, the world's largest ever cruise ship) is a great spot for active walking and jogging.

    Most Innovative Fitness Options

    The Line: P&O Cruises' Ventura

    Why: On this ship, marketed primarily to U.K.-oriented cruisers, the fitness facility and spa are more than adequate—but it's the fun stuff that takes Ventura over the top. Within its gym, Ventura sports Tixter bikes, the latest in indoor cycling. The bikes have movable handlebars to mimic real-world biking and cycling routines (complete with video) from scenic roadways in the Scottish highlands to deserts, highways, and city centers. It's like a PlayStation or Wii Cycling.

    But the best fitness feature is Cirque Ventura, where passengers can try bouncing and flipping on a bungee trampoline, or attend circus-school workshops led by skilled performers. Have a go at walking the tight wire, flying trapeze, clowning, juggling, and stilt walking—all at sea. It's a great workout and fun besides.

    Honorable Mention: Royal Caribbean

    Why: Ever the innovator, Royal Caribbean can take the credit for many cruise ship firsts—many of which fit right in with the line's "Get Out There" motto. It remains the only cruise line to offer an onboard ice skating rink—something no one thought they'd ever do on a Caribbean vacation—and wave pool for surfing and body boarding, activities previously limited to days in port. Royal Caribbean started the trend of onboard rock climbing walls, and fitness buffs can also enjoy boxing in Freedom- and Oasis-class gyms.

    Best Land-Based Workouts

    The Line: Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America

    Why: Hawaii is one of the best destinations for active pursuits, and NCL's Pride of America is the only ship to sail year-round seven-night cruises to the islands, visiting gorgeous places like Maui, Kauai, Kona, and Honolulu. You can go for a rainforest and waterfall hike, learn to surf or windsurf, golf at beautiful seaside courses, bike down the slopes of a dormant volcano, kayak through a wildlife refuge, scuba or snorkel, and take a horseback ride by the beach.

    Honorable Mention: Holland America's Half Moon Cay

    Why: Half Moon Cay, the private island operated by Holland America (and often shared with Carnival Cruise Lines), is chockablock with fitness opportunities. Guests have the opportunity to ride horses along the beach, hike along nature trails, jog along a scenic 5K course, kayak through a protected habitat, bike around the island, and snorkel or swim with stingrays. More competitive athletes can join a game of volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, or even horseshoes. Kids can work up an appetite climbing around a pirate ship and animal-shaped water toys in the aqua park.

    Best for Cyclists

    The Line: Ocean Village

    Why: Ocean Village—a casual, sporty British cruise line—actually carries its own mountain bikes onboard, earning it our vote for best cruise line for cyclists. The line offers guided bike rides in most destinations, and the four-hour rides include road cycling and some off-roading. Whether you're a novice but enthusiastic cycler, or an experienced racer, there will be a biking excursion for you. The only requirement—you have to be at least five feet tall.

    Honorable Mention: European river cruises on the Rhine and Danube

    Why: For more leisurely and less organized bike touring, book a Rhine or Danube river cruise. Lines like AMAWATERWAYS or Uniworld keep touring bikes onboard for complimentary use. Passengers can cycle through the countryside and cities, or even ride along the river, catching up with the ship in the next port. And as river ships tend to be smaller with low passenger counts, you often won't have much competition for the bikes and can borrow them whenever it suits you.

    Best for Walkers

    The Line: Crystal Cruises

    Why: Crystal makes more use of its ships' wrap-around promenades than most cruise lines with two innovative programs for walkers. The first, called Walking on Water (WOW) is a fitness program designed exclusively for Crystal. The program utilizes cotton vests that have pockets for weights, so walkers can increase their resistance training when striding around the promenade deck. Passengers can also make use of motivational music, day-by-day walking programs and instructions on how to safely and effectively use the vests.

    Crystal also offers Nordic Walking through a partnership with LEKI USA. Guests will have complimentary use of walking poles for a low-impact, full-body workout. Grab some polls and don a vest, and those other shipboard walkers are sure to be intimidated by your power and energy!

    Honorable Mention: Fred. Olsen

    Why: The England-based Fred. Olsen has partnered with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, a company dedicated to exploring the world on foot. On more than 20 "Cruise and Walk" voyages, Ramblers guides will arrange a scenic walk in each port. On La Palma in the Canary Islands, cruisers walk along the Route of the Volcanoes; in Olden, Norway, they journey to an overlook in view of four glaciers; and on the U.K.'s isle of Tresco, a coastal walk is combined with a stroll through the Abbey Gardens.

    Best Top-Deck Activities

    The Line: Royal Caribbean

    Why: On Royal Caribbean's newest ships, sundecks are incredible destinations for recreational pursuits. On Voyager, Freedom, and Oasis-class ships, head up and aft to find the FlowRider wave pool for surfing and body boarding (on Oasis, there are two). Rock climbing walls tower above basketball courts, miniature golf courses, golf simulators, and rollerblading tracks. A jogging track overlooks the pool deck below. Just keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't rain! Freedom-class vessels have boxing rings (where the workouts are incredibly aerobically challenging). On Oasis of the Seas, there's also zip-lining. And though not located on the sundeck, all ships' ice skating rinks feature open-skate sessions on sea days.

    Honorable Mention: Norwegian Cruise Line

    Why: NCL is nipping at Royal Caribbean's heels with innovative top-deck fitness offerings. Its newest ships now feature rock-climbing walls and basketball and tennis courts with bleacher seating for friends and fans. When Norwegian Epic debuts in 2010, it will have the biggest rock wall of any NCL ship and a new rappelling wall. The ship's multi-use sports deck will offer a variety of ways to work up a sweat, including a full-size basketball court, batting cage, bungee trampoline, rope adventure course, and a 24-foot tall enclosed climbing cage called the Spider Web.

    Best Water Sports

    The Line: Windstar

    Why: Windstar combines the best of small-ship cruising with the romance of a masted sailing vessel. Its three ships offer complimentary water sports straight from the ship in destinations like the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and the Greek Isles, with more limited offerings in the Mediterranean. Experienced sports enthusiasts can borrow kayaks, windsurf boards, Topper or Rumba Escape Sailboats, and inflatable boats. Snorkel equipment is provided free of charge, though organized snorkeling expeditions cost extra. Waterskiing is also offered by the ship's staff; two people at a time can water-ski in half-hour increments.

    Honorable Mention: Star Clippers, SeaDream, and Seabourn

    Why: In addition to Windstar, these cruise lines also have retractable water sports marinas. They offer a variety of options: Sunfish sailboats, jet skis, banana boats, waterskiing, tubing, windsurfing, and kayaking. On Star Clippers, the water sports staff organizes its own scuba trips and can certify neophyte divers.

    Best for Active Seniors

    The Line: Holland America Line

    Why: We love Holland America's program of mind-body-spirit classes. Guests can now participate in yoga, tai chi, and aqua aerobics free of charge, in addition to the for-fee classes like Pilates and spinning that are offered in the Greenhouse Spa's fitness center. Plus, many active seniors take advantage of the ships' wraparound teak promenade decks for leisurely strolls or brisk walks.

    Honorable Mention: Cunard

    Why: Cunard receives an honorable mention in this category for its devotion to ballroom dancing. Professionals teach waltz, tango, samba, and other dances during the day, and guests can practice their newly learned moves at onboard balls held in the evenings. No partner? No worries! Gentleman hosts are present on every cruise to make sure single ladies don't turn into wallflowers. Other fitness options include the usual fitness center equipment and classes, shuffleboard, basketball and paddle tennis courts, and golf simulators. When the new Queen Elizabeth debuts in 2010, it will feature a 1930s-inspired games deck complete with bowls, croquet, and paddle tennis.

    Best Spa Dining

    The Line: Celebrity Cruises

    Why: Dining is usually not an athletic event, but healthy eating often goes hand in hand with an active, healthy lifestyle. Celebrity Cruises was the first line to embrace this connection with spa cafes on its Millennium- and Solstice-class ships. Located by the spa pool, the cafes serve up healthy breakfasts and lunches, including smoothies, salads, fish dishes, and low-fat desserts. In addition, the Solstice-class ships have Blu, a private dining room reserved for passengers booked in Celebrity's AquaSpa cabins. Its menu focuses on natural ingredients and healthy fare.

    Honorable Mention: Costa

    Why: Costa is all about creating a complete spa experience for its spa cabin residents and that includes healthy dining. The line's Samsara Restaurant on its Concordia-class ships features wellness menus available for all three meals that have been created by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Bocchia. Regular passengers can opt to dine here, too, for a 20 euro surcharge.

    How do you stay fit on cruises? Share your thoughts, experiences, and advice by submitting a comment below!

     

  • Indulge your special interests....some other ideas?

    3/5/201011:22:28 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Cruises: cultural and specialist interest holidays

    Whatever your specialist interest, there is probably a cruise on which you can indulge it. Jane Archer offers a guide.

     

    By Jane Archer
    Published: 11:23AM GMT 05 Mar 2010

    1 of 3 Images
     
     
    Cruises: cultural and specialist interest holidays
    On-board historians can offer insights into the culture of places on cruise itineraries, including Loutro in Crete Photo: GETTY

     

    "Ciao. Mi chiamo Jane." It's a good start to a conversation in Italian. Unfortunately it would be a very short one as that is also just about the sum total of my Italian.  

    It's my own fault. I should have attended more lessons when I had the chance on Crystal Cruises' ship Crystal Serenity, but I was tempted away by a talk about the history of the Balkans. You know how it is. Once you fall back in class, you never quite recover.

    Italian lessons and history classes might not sound like holiday activities, but when you are spending quite a bit of time on a cruise ship you might as well use some of it to exercise the little grey cells.

    Lines such as Swan Hellenic and Spirit of Adventure have always had guest lecturers on board, who talk about the history and cultures of the places being visited. It tends to be heavy stuff, but I remember once on Spirit of Adventure, cruising from Cape Town, we had a wine maker on board who brought along a bush and showed us how to prune it. He was very apologetic at the end, realising the mess one of the crew would have to clean up, but the audience loved it. It was an interesting contrast to the fascinating South African history talk we had had the day before.

    Voyages to Antiquity (www.cruisestoantiquity.com), a new cruise line, will be doing much the same when its one ship, Aegean Odyssey, starts cruising in the Eastern Mediterranean in May 2010. The historian John Julius Norwich has thrown his name behind the new venture and will be accompanying some of the cruises; other experts in the region's history have not been confirmed but topics are not for the faint-hearted: "Archimedes and science in the classical world", "Mycenae, Delphi and the golden age of Athens" and "The history and archaeology of Syria".

    Cunard has what it terms an "enrichment" programme to help pass the long days at sea on Queen Mary 2's transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton. The topics seem to be chosen at random, although on my cruise we did have an art historian talking about the history of the Statue of Liberty, so there was a New York link, and a film historian who enthralled us with stories of David Niven, Ingrid Bergman and Alfred Hitchcock, so there was a British link (with a bit of Sweden thrown in).

    Increasingly, cruise lines are going a step further with themed cruises on topics such as cookery, wine, photography, gardens, music and antiques.

    They are not being entirely altruistic, of course: the idea is to encourage bookings from people keen to pursue their favourite hobby or those just enthused by the idea of learning something new while on holiday – but who cares if it's all free. Mostly, the activities are complimentary, although there might be a charge for more hands-on workshops and themed excursions, as well as wine-tasting sessions.

    CRUISE LINES THAT OFFER A CHANCE TO LEARN

    Unless otherwise specified, prices are for cruise only.

    Crystal Cruises

    Each year, Crystal announces its annual Wine and Food Festival, a rather grand name for a collection of cruises that spans the globe from Australia to the Amazon. Each voyage has a top chef on board. Anton Mosimann signed up a couple of years ago to share his culinary secrets and prepare a four-course signature dinner, but the chef chosen tend to be famous only in the United States. Meanwhile, experts from the world of wine host talks and tastings to educate your mind and tantalise your taste buds.

    But there is more to Crystal's special-interest cruises than cooking, with other themes ranging from fashion and film to theatre and language classes. Sign up for next December's 10-day transatlantic trip from Lisbon to Miami if you like big-band music, or for a 10-night Caribbean cruise from Miami, also in December, if you like jazz. There's a Science and Technology cruise the same month, a Links and Lobsters voyage in New England in October 2010 that combines the joys of eating lobster with tee-ing off under the eye of a PGA professional, and Mind, Body and Spirit voyages, on which lecturers will guide you in the art of staying healthy through yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi.

    Sample holiday A 12-day Taste of the Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Barcelona on Crystal Serenity departs on May 25, including stops at Dubrovnik, Taormina in Sicily, Sorrento in Italy and Cannes. It costs from £3,745 per person including flights and transfers, all meals and soft drinks, and US$1,000 per person on-board credit (020 7287 9040; www.crystalcruises.co.uk)

    Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

    Fred Olsen's ArtsClub is neither a club nor necessarily anything to do with art, but it does offer lots of themed cruises, ranging from genealogy and antiques to wine and ballroom dancing. There is even one with a theme based on The Archers (to the North Cape in Norway on July 16, if you're a fan). These cruises are accompanied by experts – or some of the cast in the case of The Archers – who give talks and lectures, mostly free, although there will be a charge for wine tasting and probably for materials for the arts and crafts sessions. Where possible, there are also themed excursions, maybe a vineyard visit on a wine cruise or gardens on a garden cruise, which have to be paid for.

    If you prefer to be more active, Fred Olsen has a selection of walking cruises in partnership with Ramblers Holidays (the rambles, with a guide, are free), and Flagship golf packages in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canary Islands and the Baltic. These cost extra (£425 per person in the Caribbean, £375 per person elsewhere), but include four rounds of golf on different courses and up to five lessons with a PGA professional.

    Sample holiday An 11-night Nordic legends and wildlife-themed ArtsClub North Cape Navigator cruise from Dover on Braemar on June 18, with stops including Molde, Tromso, Narvik and Olden, all in Norway, costs from £1,429 per person (01473 742424; www.fredolsencruises.co.uk)

    Hebridean Island Cruises

    Walking and cruising might not seem obvious bedfellows, but they have proved such a perfect fit for Hebridean Island Cruises that it has added more Footloose departures for 2010 – in the Northern Isles, the Highlands and Islands and on the Clyde. All are in Scotland as the cruise line has just one ship, the 49-passenger Hebridean Princess, sailing mainly from Oban or Fairlie in the Clyde. At each stop there is a long hike or a leisurely stroll for those who want a more restful holiday; all are accompanied by guides full of information about the places you will be visiting.

    This year, Hebridean has lined up guest speakers for some of its cruises. The wildlife expert Tim Earl will be on two seven-night Hebridean Outposts cruises on June 11 and 25, and also a Hebridean Summer cruise in August. On each, he will be hosting early-morning birdwatching sessions and small boat tours in search of whales and dolphins, as well as advising what to look out for the next day during after-dinner talks. In April, the gardening expert Nicholas Merchant will be accompanying a Castles and Gardens of the North cruise, which includes visits to Dunvegan Castle and Torosay Castle and Gardens.

    Sample holiday A seven-night Footloose in the Northern Isles cruise round-trip from Scrabster on Hebridean Princess, departing July 15, with walks in Orkney, Fair Isle, Shetland and Westray, costs from £3,656 per person including all meals, drinks, walking tours and gratuities (01756 704704; www.hebridean.co.uk)

    Hurtigruten

    Hurtigruten, the cruise line that sails daily along the Norwegian coast between Bergen and Kirkenes, takes top prize for offering the most unusual – and eclectic – selection of themed cruises, but they obviously sell well as more have been added for this summer. Want to learn about Norway's coastal bird life? There's a seven-day cruise in May with special boat trips and birdwatching safaris to get up close to seabirds including sea eagles, puffins and peregrine falcons. More interested in Viking history? There are two seven-night Lord of the Fjords cruises, on April 7 and 14, with lectures exploring the history and myth of the Norsemen. There are also two Ice Breakers cruises, on October 11 and 18, focusing on the history of polar explorers and exploration and Norway's Big Day Out, in April, to coincide with the special celebrations to mark the country's national day. There will be lectures about the history of the day, Norway's royal family and its national costumes, and folk music for entertainment. Come December 27, you could be cruising to the top of the world to welcome in the New Year at the North Cape.

    Sample holiday A seven-day In the Wake of the Great Polar Explorers cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes on October 11 and 18, with lectures by experts including Arne Kertelhein about polar heros such as Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen and their voyages, as well as the culture and inhabitants of the polar region, costs from £1,042 per person full board. There are no single supplements except on suites (020 8846 2666; www.hurtigruten.co.uk)

    Regent Seven Seas Cruises

    If you like chocolate you will love Regent, which has a chocoholics cruise in the Caribbean later this month on Seven Seas Navigator. There will be cookery demonstrations, wine experts giving advice on what you should drink with chocolate and even talks on its history. Oh, and with luck, you will be given the opportunity to taste copious amounts of chocolate too.

    Regent also offers food and wine cruises; one for keen golfers who get the chance to play some of the world's top courses; another dedicated to history; and three discovery voyages, when the oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau will lecture, show videos of his work and even accompany dives from the ship.

    There are also hands-on Le Cordon Bleu workshops – Regent's Signatures restaurant serves dishes created by chefs from Le Cordon Bleu school in Paris – comprising three two-hour sessions at which you learn the art of French cooking. The workshop costs extra – $499 (£323) per person – but for that you will have dinner with the Cordon Bleu chef and go away with a chef's hat, apron, tea towel and cookbook.

    Sample holiday A 15-night round-trip Cordon Bleu-themed cruise to the Norwegian fjords from Copenhagen on Seven Seas Voyager departs on June 19, with stops including Bergen, Geiranger, Honningsvag and Stavanger. It costs from £5,712 per person including all meals, drinks, excursions and gratuities (02380 682280; www.rssc.co.uk)

    Saga

    Saga's study cruises are so popular, even though you have to pay extra for the study package, that the company has increased the number on offer for 2010. The topics include wine appreciation on a 16-night Mediterranean cruise, gardens on an eight-night cruise to Ireland, wildlife on a 14-night cruise to Iceland, and classical music on a seven-night cruise to the Norwegian fjords. Each package, for around 30 people, includes lectures (or wine tastings) and related excursions – to Candie Gardens in St Peter Port and Trelissick in Cornwall for the gardens cruise; birdwatching and whale-watching for the wildlife cruise; vineyards and wineries on the wine cruise. Prices start at £120 per person for the classical music package, which also includes three on-board recitals.

    Saga, which is only for those aged at least 50 (although a companion can be aged 40 and above), also has a Remembering Dunkirk cruise in May, to mark the 70th anniversary of Operation Dynamo. There is no study package, but there will be lectures and excursions to First and Second World War battlefields, including the Somme, Ypres and Arnhem, and the D-Day landing beaches. Prices from £1,000 per person.

    Sample holiday A 14-night Iceland's Natural Wonders cruise from Dover on Saga Pearl II, departing on June 28 with stops including Heimaey, Reykjavik, Grundarfjordur, Isafjordur, Akureyri and Seydisfjordur, all in Iceland, costs from £2,204 per person. The wildlife study package costs an extra £400 and includes eight excursions and four lectures (0800 505030; www.sagacruise.com)

    Silversea

    With 12 special-interest golf cruises in destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean and Australia in 2010, this is a good cruise line for keen players wanting to improve their swing. Each Silver Links cruise is accompanied by a PGA golf professional who will take you to the courses (you have to pay for these, as for any ship's excursion) and who is also available for private lessons (which cost extra) or group golf clinics, which are free.

    Prefer to work on your cookery skills? Silversea has Culinary Arts voyages, with demonstrations by top chefs from around the world, and Wine Series sailings, with on-board tastings and shore visits to vineyards and wine cellars. Join one of the Viking Cooking School cruises and there will be a chance to sample and discuss a specially prepared meal during a lunch-and-learn class and go on a market tour with a chef to see how he chooses ingredients and transforms them into a culinary masterpiece back on board.

    The ultra-luxury line also has special cruises for lovers of art, history, nature and culture, each with guest lecturers. On the exploration ship Prince Albert II, there will be cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic, with ecologists, environmentalists and naturalists on board to teach you more about these extreme destinations.

    Sample holiday A 12-day cruise from Monte Carlo to Southampton on Silver Whisper on May 31, with optional excursions to the Club de Golf Llavaneras in Barcelona, Club de Golf de Malaga, Penha Longa Golf Club in Lisbon and St Malo's Dinard Golf Club, costs from £3,862 per person, including all meals, drinks and gratuities, but excluding flights (0844 770 9030; www.silversea.com)

    TRAVEL AGENTS' TRIPS

    Travel agents also organise special events on selected cruises.

  • Traveling in style on a new ship!

    1/26/20102:09:33 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Traveling on a new ship can be a memorable and exquisite experience. There is nothing like a new ship to get a cruiser excited so we encourage you to read the options below and see what strikes your fancy...then give us a call to book a new adventure on a new ship.

     

    Best New Cruise Ships for 2010

    by Dan Askin, Cruise Critic Associate Editor, January 26, 2010
     
     
    Cruise ship at sunset (Photo: iStockphoto)

    In 2009, the 225,282-ton, 5,400-passenger behemoth Oasis of the Seas shook the foundation of cruise travel (think Loft Suites, live trees, AquaTheater, Hairspray). 2010 will be the year in which another distinctive prototype design—Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic—makes its debut. The 153,000-ton, 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic has a bevy of new-to-cruise features to tout, including an ice bar, entertainment offerings headlined by the stylish Blue Man Group, the first-ever inner tube waterslide, and minimalist "studio" cabins that are aimed at a budget traveler.

    On the small ship front, we're really excited about Sea Cloud Hussar, the latest offering from the venerable Hamburg-based Sea Cloud Cruises. The luxurious 440-foot, three-masted tall ship, all burnished brass and gleaming woods, will offer cruises in the Red Sea starting in November. 2010 will also see the debut of new river ships from Avalon Waterways, Viking River, and AMAWATERWAYS, all lines that have both enjoyed explosive growth over the past few years.

    There are a few key trends in 2010:

     

    Carbon Casting from the Cruise Ship Mold. Of the 15 new cruise ships due out in 2010, all but three are at least the second (if not the third, fourth, or fifth) in a line of sisters. Costa took a surprising step down in size with Costa Luminosa in 2009, and sister Costa Deliziosa will be the second in its mid-size class. MSC Magnifica is the fourth in the line's Musica class. Celebrity's Eclipse carries on traditions begun by siblings Solstice and Equinox. German-based AIDA Cruises is debuting AIDAblu, the fourth (of six!) ships in its Sphinx series. And Allure of the Seas, the second in the Royal Caribbean's revolutionary Oasis class, will debut at the end of 2010.

    But ... Sister Ship Doesn't Necessarily Mean Spitting Image. Take British cruise line P&O Cruises' Azura, which is physically identical to sister ship Ventura. While Ventura went after the family sector by way of bungee trampolines, circus school, and an impressive kids' club, Azura is taking aim at a more sophisticated set of mainstream cruisers—such as couples that would be comfortable on Celebrity's Solstice-class vessels.

    New Ships Get Unusual Homeport Assignments. While cruise lines have long relied on North American passengers—and so have often debuted ships in the U.S.—there's been a sea change over the last few years. Celebrity Equinox was christened in the U.K. last summer and Eclipse will actually be based in England for a full season when it debuts this spring. Costa Cruises, which has been offering Dubai-based Arabian Gulf itineraries with its older ships, will seasonally homeport its two newest ships—Luminosa and Deliziosa—there in 2010.

    Beyond the trends, here's a line-by-line rundown of what's on tap in 2010:

    Cruise Line: Costa Cruises

    Ship: Costa Deliziosa

    Maiden Voyage: February 5

    The Inside Scoop: While there isn't much structurally to distinguish the 92,700-ton, 2,260-passenger Costa Deliziosa from identical sister ship Costa Luminosa, the homeport for the ship's maiden season—Dubai—is truly unique. Costa Deliziosa will be christened in the Emirate on February 23, marking the first time a new cruise ship has been named in the Middle East. It'll then offer a season of cruises out of Dubai through early May.

    Design-wise, Deliziosa and Luminosa will differ in terms of decor—both are designed by Joe Farcus, a ship architect best known for his dramatic and whimsical Carnival Cruise Lines interiors. Deliziosa's theme is "life's pleasures." This new class of ship represents a smaller prototype for Costa Cruises, and these more mid-size vessels can actually fit through the Panama Canal. Onboard highlights include the fleet's highest proportion of balcony cabins (772 of 1,130 cabins or 68 percent), PlayStation 3 (PS3) game consoles in every cabin, a 4D cinema, an 18-hole championship golf course simulator, and the line's now trademark double-deck Samsara Spa with adjacent spa accommodations.

    Where It Will Sail: Deliziosa will launch in winter 2010 with a season of seven-night roundtrip cruises from Dubai that'll visit Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Fujairah. Then it's on to Europe, with sailings in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and British Isles.

    Cruise Line: AIDA

    Ship: AIDAblu

    Maiden Voyage: February 9

    The Inside Scoop: AIDAblu is the fourth ship in the German cruise line's Sphinx series, which is currently comprised of AIDAluna, AIDAdiva, and AIDAbella. With the exception of an additional half deck of spa cabins, there will be few differences between AIDAblu and its three older sisters. Still, the series is one of the breeziest in cruising, with stylishly designed spaces and an absence of cruise conventions like dress codes and fixed seating. Onboard, the ship boasts the fabulous Theatrium—a soaring venue that plays host to everything from theater-in-the-round dance performances to shore lectures and cooking demos. Other high points are its massive spa and wellness area, themed buffet evenings, a selection of upscale boutique restaurants, and the first ever brewery on a cruise ship.

    In another interesting touch, the ship's godmother, designer Jette Loop, will do more than just give the nod for the Champagne smash; she'll also be designing uniforms for the masters and officers in the AIDA Cruises fleet.

    Editor's Note: While AIDA is owned by U.S.-based Carnival Corporation, this is a German/Austrian/Swiss product through and through. There is absolutely no effort made to reach out to non-German-speaking travelers, though of course all are welcome onboard.

    Where It Will Sail: The ship will offer cruises to Western Europe out of Hamburg during spring 2010, followed by cruises to the Baltic out of Warnemunde in the summer, and finally Canary Island cruises from Tenerife from September 2010 through April 2011.

    Cruise Line: MSC Cruises

    Ship: MSC Magnifica

    Maiden Voyage: March 7

    The Inside Scoop: Sister ship to the 93,300-ton, 2,518-passenger MSC Musica (2006), MSC Orchestra (2007), and MSC Poesia (2008), MSC Magnifica will share many of the same onboard features. These include a central foyer with three-deck-high waterfall; a large percentage of balcony cabins (about two-thirds of cabins have balconies); five restaurants; and a 16,000-square-foot spa area. There are, however, a couple of new features on Magnifica that weren't on its siblings. The biggest addition is a retractable roof, or "magrodome," above the mid-ship pool, which allows for continued swimming during inclement weather or on the ship's cooler weather cruises. On the smaller side, the Chinese specialty restaurant introduced on Orchestra, but absent on Poesia or Musica, is back by popular demand.

    Like other ships on our 2010 list, what really distinguishes Magnifica from its three sister ships are the itineraries. Magnifica will debut with a series of rather traditional Mediterranean voyages—but then the ship will cross the Atlantic to New York for a fall season of Canada and New England cruises, a first for the line and highly unusual for a European operator. MSC's aim here is most definitely to court more stateside cruisers—but it also wants to introduce its core European market to new itineraries, and Canada (and New England) definitely qualifies. The line's massive popularity in Europe will assure that even on the Canada cruises, the passenger mix will be cosmopolitan: a blend of Europeans and Americans.

    Where It Will Sail: Magnifica will sail in the Mediterranean followed by Canada and New England. After the fall foliage season, the ship will reposition south to Fort Lauderdale, where it will offer Caribbean cruises.

    Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways

    Ships: Avalon Felicity and Avalon Luminary

    Maiden Voyage: March 28 for Felicity; August 1 for Luminary

    The Inside Scoop: River cruising has always been a popular form of travel with Europeans, but as the cruise style has gained in popularity with English speakers in the 2000's, a number of fledgling English-language operators—including Avalon, AMAWATERWAYS, Viking River, Uniworld, and Tauck—have enjoyed rapid expansion.

    Avalon Felicity and Luminary are the fourth and fifth ships, respectively, in Avalon's "Scenery class" (Avalon Scenery debuted in 2008 as the first in the series). Like their predecessors, the new-builds feature an all-outside cabin setup, with standard cabins measuring 172 square feet—healthy footage for a river ship (where cabins are particularly tiny)—and junior suites at 258 square feet. A number of the ship's cabins have "French balconies," sliding glass doors with a protective railing (though you can't step out). Onboard, passengers will find a sun deck with a small pool, a "Sky Grill" for al fresco dining, two lounges, an open-seating dining room, a hairdresser, and a fitness center. Felicity and Scenery also boast some of river cruising's most modern touches, including flat-screen TV's in the cabins and an elevator for general passenger use.

    Where They Will Sail: Both ships will offer traditional river cruise itineraries along Europe's great waterways, including the Rhine, Danube, and their tributaries.

    Cruise Line: AMAWATERWAYS

    Ship: Amabella

    Maiden Voyage: May

    The Inside Scoop: Like competitor Avalon Waterways, the AMAWATERWAYS fleet has been expanding quickly—striving to increase capacity without having to reinvent the wheel. Like its half dozen near-identical siblings, Amabella will offer almost all-inclusive cruising. Beyond the cruise ship standards—food, accommodation, entertainment—there's complimentary wine and beer with dinner, unlimited Internet use, and guided tours in each port. There are also about 20 bikes available for exploring onshore (bike use included in the fare).

    Then there are the onboard innovations, the modern additions that have made AMA's ships some of the most modern on Europe's rivers. All cabins have "Infotainment" setups, basically flat-screen TV's with Internet access, movie and music libraries, bow and navigational cams, and more. Amabella also boasts bow to stern Wi-Fi, an elevator, wireless audio devices for port tours, and a collapsible bridge that enables it to pass underneath even the lowest river bridges.

    Editor's Note: For its first year, Amabella has been chartered for the Australian cruise market. It will be marketed exclusively to Aussies.

    Where It Will Sail: The ship will likely sail itineraries along Europe's great waterways, including the Rhine, Mosel, Main, and Danube.

    Cruise Line: P&O Cruises

    Ship: Azura

    Maiden Voyage: April 12

    The Inside Scoop: P&O Cruises' Azura will actually represent a dramatic departure from the family-centric Ventura, with which it shares a basic layout. That's because the 116,000-ton, 3,080-passenger Azura is being geared primarily to adults and couples. The majority of sailings will be two weeks or longer, which naturally limits the number of families, and the onboard ambience will be more refined.

    Highlights of Azura include single cabins, an adults-only sun deck sanctuary called The Retreat (with adjacent spa cabins), and an upscale Indian Restaurant, Sindhu, backed by celebrity chef Atul Kochar. Azura will also feature P&O's first giant poolside movie screen, a concept borrowed from sister line Princess Cruises. All this isn't to say Azura will be anti-family—the bungee trampolines and Wii room from Ventura are back, too.

    Where It Will Sail: Azura will debut with a season of Mediterranean cruises out of Southampton, then cruises to the Caribbean, then the Canary Islands (starting in October 2010), then the Caribbean. Most cruises are two weeks or longer, with a few shorter cruises mixed in.

    Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises

    Ship: Celebrity Eclipse

    Maiden Voyage: April 26

    The Inside Scoop: Celebrity Eclipse is the third in the innovative Solstice class of ships, which as of now includes Celebrity Solstice (2008) and Celebrity Equinox (2009); a fourth, Celebrity Silhouette, will launch in 2011. The 117,000-ton, 2,850-passenger Celebrity Eclipse will debut in Southampton and will offer all of Celebrity Solstice's innovations—the multiple dining venues from French to Asian fusion; the Lawn Club, a grass-covered spot for picnics, bocce, and other activities; a glass-blowing studio; and a gorgeous solarium with an indoor pool. Differences will be minor; decor and color palette will vary slightly, and there's a possibility that one or two of the restaurants may have new themes and menus.

    While sister ship Celebrity Equinox flirted with the U.K. cruising public—it was christened in Southampton in July 2009—Celebrity Eclipse is looking for a full-blown love affair. The ship will homeport out of Southampton for its maiden spring and summer season before heading to the Caribbean to offer roundtrip sailings out of Miami. Celebrity won't be going all out to cater to the local market (it also anticipates it will appeal to its core North American audience), but there will be little tweaks. Additions to the food menu include mushy peas, steak, and kidney pie.

    Where It Will Sail: Celebrity Eclipse will offer ex-U.K. sailings around the British Isles and Ireland, Scandinavia, and the Canary Islands, followed by Caribbean cruises out of Miami during the colder months. The ship will head back to Southampton in 2011.

    Cruise Line: Compangie Du Ponant

    Ship: Le Boreal

    Maiden Voyage: May 6

    The Inside Scoop: French line Compangie Du Ponant has two super sleek new-builds under construction at Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy: the 264-passenger Le Boreal, which will debut in May 2010, and sister ship L'Austral, which will set sail in 2011. These ships will be razor-sharp, state-of-the-art yachts, featuring all-outside cabins ranging in size from 200 to 398 square feet (95 percent of them will have balconies).

    Le Boreal will feature two restaurants, a main restaurant serving upscale French and international cuisine, and a casual outdoor grill venue. Other public areas include a venue for lectures and performances; a panoramic lounge with Internet access, a library, and a cocktail bar; a lounge for dancing, live music performances, and afternoon tea service; a sun deck with swimming pool and outdoor bar; a casino; and a spa and fitness center with massage rooms, steam rooms, and a Turkish bath.

    Intrigued but don't speak French? English-speaking audiences will get a taste of the ships via charter agreements with American-based Tauck World Discovery.

    Where It Will Sail: When Le Boreal debuts in 2010, it will be a path-finding super-yacht offering Mediterranean and Northern Europe (including Iceland), U.S. and Canada, Caribbean and Amazon River, Antarctica and South America cruises.

    Cruise Line: Seabourn

    Ship: Seabourn Sojourn

    Maiden Voyage: June 6

    The Inside Scoop: The 32,000-ton, 450-passenger Seabourn Sojourn, the second ship in the luxury line's Odyssey class, will be identical to the first-in-class Seabourn Odyssey (a third, still-unnamed sibling will debut in summer 2011). According to a spokesman from the line, there will be a handful of differences, but nothing major—slight tweaks in decor, for example, or a couple of new things in the spa.

    Speaking of the spa, Sojourn and sister ship Odyssey share the distinction of having the largest spa on any luxury cruise ship. Like Odyssey, Sojourn's 11,400-square-foot spa will span two decks and include indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, as well as a Kinesis wall in the fitness center that will combine cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training into one workout. The decadent, 750-square-foot spa villas are back as well, as are Odyssey's range of dining options, which include the avant garde Restaurant 2 with its tasting menu of innovative dishes; the indoor-outdoor Colonnade restaurant, where diners can watch their breakfasts, lunches, or dinners being prepared in the open kitchen; and course-by-course, in-suite dining. Also included in the design are traditional Seabourn favorites, such as a water sports platform.

    Seabourn Sojourn will be christened in Greenwich, England.

    Where It Will Sail: The 14-night maiden cruise will visit the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Norwegian Fjords, and the following itineraries include sailings in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and even the rivers of Western Europe. For the winter months, the ship will reposition to the Caribbean with cruises out of Fort Lauderdale.

    Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

    Ship: Norwegian Epic

    Maiden Voyage: June 24

    The Inside Scoop: Norwegian Cruise Line's 153,000-ton 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic, the lone new-build to emerge from the once two-ship "F3" project, will debut in summer 2010 as the largest, trendiest, and most innovative new design ever from NCL. While the line is transferring much of what already works on its smaller ships—freestyle dining (Epic will have over a dozen restaurants), a nightclub-cum-bowling alley (NCL's added another three-lane alley in the sports bar, O'Sheehans), tons of balconies (the majority of outsides will have them), and the Courtyard Villa complex—there are plenty of new concepts as well, solidifying Norwegian Epic's status as the most eagerly anticipated new cruise ship of 2010.

    On the sun deck, a sprawling Aqua Park will boast three waterslides, including one that utilizes an inner tube ("Epic Plunge"); a twisty slide (a la Carnival Dream's corkscrew slide); and one just for kids that actually goes right through the rock-climbing wall. The ship will also boast an impressive variety of active pursuits, including cruising's first batting cage at sea, a climbing cage called the "Spider Web," and a ropes course.

    As for accommodations, the already-trendsetting NCL is introducing a new style of cabin, the "Studio." There are 128 modern studios, a miniscule 100 square feet apiece, on Decks 11 and 12. The studios are all insides that sleep two passengers, each with a corridor facing window. Similar in concept to the ship-within-a-ship Courtyard Villa idea (though perhaps more like easyCruise in style), studio passengers get an exclusive, shared social space called the Living Room, featuring a bar, two large TV screens, a concierge for booking dinner reservations and shore excursions, and comfy seating for hanging out, ordering room service, or sipping pre-dinner drinks.

    On the entertainment front, the Second City improve troupe gains their own stand-alone comedy venue, and Vegas favorite Blue Man Group will join NCL's already innovative entertainment offerings.

    Where It Will Sail: Norwegian Epic will sail alternating weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises through April 2011. The Western Caribbean cruise includes stops in Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel. Norwegian Epic's Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Nassau.

    Cruise Line: Holland America

    Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam

    Maiden Voyage: July 4

    The Inside Scoop: The 86,000-ton, 2,106-passenger Nieuw Amsterdam, the fourth ship in Holland America's venerable history to carry the name, is a sibling to Eurodam, which launched last year.

    History aside, Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam will be largely identical to sister ship Eurodam, though interiors will pay homage to its namesake New York City. As part of the fleet's evolutionary Signature class of ships, new innovations include the addition of the Pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant; the fabulously exotic Silk Den lounge; Canaletto, a casual Italian eatery; Holland America's impressive enrichment opportunities (photo, culinary, and computer classes); and state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems. The ship will also feature the Retreat, an exclusive, open-deck area with private cabanas that are available for rent.

    Where It Will Sail: Nieuw Amsterdam will sail a variety of 12-night Eastern Mediterranean itineraries roundtrip from Venice or between Barcelona, Spain, and Venice. These cruises will visit ports throughout Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and Italy.

    Cruise Line: Cunard

    Ship: Queen Elizabeth

    Maiden Voyage: October 12

    The Inside Scoop: The 90,400-ton, 2,092-passenger Queen Elizabeth is a sister ship to Queen Victoria, which debuted in late 2007. There will be a few tweaks to Queen Elizabeth, including a very different design scheme evocative of art deco (Queen Victoria was more focused on British opulence). Other additions include a glass roof erected over the games deck (with its sporting pursuits inspired by those from the 30's, including bowls, croquet, and paddle tennis).

    Minor differences aside, both ships are aiming to please the classic cruise aficionado looking for Cunard tradition. There's the 1,000-square-foot dance floor for ballroom dancing during formal evenings, the wood-paneled 6,000-book library, the elegant theater complete with private boxes, and the cruise class structure (passengers in the Princess Grill suites, for instance, have their own dining room). In line with the ambience of elegance at sea, Queen Elizabeth's shopping parade will feature Harrods and Hermes shops.

    Where It Will Sail: Queen Elizabeth's maiden voyage will follow the same path taken by QE2 on its first voyage. Departing Southampton on 12 October, 2010, the 13-night voyage will sail from Southampton to Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, and Madeira. Other itineraries, from October 2010 to January 2011, include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

    Cruise Line: Sea Cloud Cruises

    Ship: Sea Cloud Hussar

    Maiden Voyage: November 4

    Inside Scoop: Sea Cloud Hussar, Sea Cloud Cruises' stunning 138-passenger, full-rigged, three-masted tall ship, will debut in fall 2010. At 440 feet long, the ship will be the largest of its kind at sea. The luxury sailing ship is currently under construction in Spain at Factoria de Naval Marin.

    Onboard, amongst the antiqued brass and polished veneer, passengers will find an elegant lido bar and bistro; lounge; traditional restaurant; library; spa with sauna, steam bath and relaxation area, hydro-massage shower, and treatment rooms; swimming platform; sun deck; and a small gym. All cabins are oceanview (23 have balconies) and feature bathrobes, slippers, hair dryers, TV's, and direct e-mail access. But beyond the upscale ambience, a cruise on Sea Cloud Hussar will focus on the sailing experience, and nautically minded cruisers will enjoy the top deck spaces where masts and sea breeze connect.

    Where It Will Sail: After an inaugural cruise from Athens to Larnaca, Cyprus, Sea Cloud Hussar will begin sailing cruises out of Dubai to destinations in the Arabian Gulf including Muscat, Fujairah, and Abu Dhabi.

    Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean

    Ship: Allure of the Seas

    Maiden Voyage: December 12

    The Inside Scoop: The 225,282-ton, 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas will join sister ship Oasis of the Seas as the biggest cruise ship ever constructed—the Oasis-class vessels are a whopping 40 percent larger than the previous titleholders, Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class trio. Allure of the Seas will feature all the same mind-blowing innovations found on Oasis of the Seas, including its Loft Suites, cupcake cupboard, zip-lining, 20-plus dining options, and zero-entry beach pool. Of course, the revolutionary neighborhood concept pioneered on Oasis is back. The ships are divided into seven regions, each with its own purpose—from Central Park, a tropical plant- and tree-filled promenade with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, to the Boardwalk, a Coney Island-esque space featuring a handmade wooden carousel and AquaTheater.

    Where It Will Sail: Allure of the Seas will sail alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises every Sunday from Ft. Lauderdale starting December 12, 2010. The Eastern Caribbean voyages will call on St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Nassau. The Western Caribbean voyages will call on Falmouth, Jamaica's new cruise port; Cozumel; and Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach on Haiti. Both itineraries will feature three days at sea.

  • Some great tips to plan a cruise with your children

    1/19/201012:42:21 PM Link 2 comments | Add comment

    Enjoy the article and then call us at 1-800-213-7777

    Cruising With Kids
    Questions to Ask When Planning a Family Cruise With Your Children
    By Linda Garrison, About.com Guide
    Cruises are perfect for multi-generational family vacations! Kids seem to love cruises, and many cruise lines have recognized the previously untapped market for families with children. Since cruises offer something for all ages, families can have fun together or have fun with others of their peer group, all in one vacation spot. In addition, since almost all of the major costs of a cruise are included in the base price, it makes budgeting for a family easier. Your teenagers (or teen wanna-bes) can scan the menu looking for "the most expensive items" and be disappointed. There are no prices! They can eat what they want (and as much as they want) without a corresponding shrinkage of your wallet. Cruises are like a big "all-inclusive resort", except they move across the water, providing new vistas each day for the entire family.
    Finding a cruise for adults is difficult enough, but finding a good match in a cruise for adults and children or teens involves some research and hard work. Most cruise lines allow children on board, but not all design activities specifically for kids.
    Following are some basic questions you should ask your travel agent and/or find out from the cruise line when selecting a cruise for a family with children. In "More of this Feature", you'll find overviews of the kids' and teens' programs on some of the cruise lines. Be sure to check with your travel agent before booking to get the specifics on each cruise ship. Some ships have different age categories, and others don't offer their kids programs year-round.
    Basics
    ·        What are the age restrictions for the cruise line?
    ·        Do my children's ages qualify them for a discount?
    ·        Does the Web site and/or brochure of the cruise line feature children in the pictures? (If not, it's probably not designed for kids.)
    ·        Are the special activities and child care/teen center available at the time we wish to cruise?
    ·        Will my children find the ports of call interesting? If not, is there enough to keep them happy on the ship?
    ·        Are discounts available for a 3rd and/or 4th person in our cabin?
    ·        If there a special place or playroom dedicated for children? For teens?

    Cabins

    ·        Are cribs and/or day beds or cots available to put in our room? If so, is there a rental fee?
    ·        Are adjoining cabins available? (If you have a BIG or extended family)
    ·        How big are the cabins?
    ·        Are guardrails available for bunk beds?

    Dining

    ·        Does the menu offer food my children will eat?
    ·        If not, are pizza and burgers and hot dogs and such available?
    ·        Is there a children's menu available for each meal?
    ·        Is early seating available or does the ship have "open" seating so that we can eat at a time close to when the children normally dine?

    Activities

    ·        What activities are planned for children?
    ·        Is there a children's-only pool available on the ship?
    ·        Will there be special movies or live entertainment that children will enjoy?
    ·        Are there any shore excursions scheduled that are geared toward children?
    ·        Is there a babysitting service available?
    ·        What are the hours and costs for the babysitting service?

    Child Care Center or Teen Center

    ·        What are the requirements for placing a child in the center such as age, vaccinations, or potty training?
    ·        How are the children's areas supervised? Is the teen center supervised?
    ·        What are the hours, costs, and restrictions on the centers?
    ·        What security methods are used when a child is picked up from the center?
    ·        What is the ratio of children to adult staff in the children's center?
    ·        How are the staff trained in the children's center? Do they know how to perform CPR on children and infants? Are the staff working in the children's center insured?