WORLD BEST CRUISES

Uniworld Super Ship Antoinette - European River Cruises

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Sat, 19 May 2012 21:32:00 PDT

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises named its newest ship the "Super Ship" Antoinette, and the design and luxurious decor of the S.S. Antoinette demonstrate that its name is not just hyperbole. This gorgeous river boat has features not found on any other river vessel such as a swimming pool and top deck bar and dining area that retract into the boat to allow it to pass under low bridges. It also has absolutely spectacular interiors, and if the 10-foot Baccarat chandelier in the lobby doesn't make you say "wow", the swimming pool or the mosaics and other artwork will.

The innovations seen on the S.S. Antoinette are somewhat surprising, given the size constrictions that European river boats have. Although ocean-bound cruise ships have much latitude in size and configuration, the width and length of locks on the European rivers dictates the size of European river boats. Moreover, their height is constrained by the low bridges that river boats must pass under. So, the exterior of all European river ships looks much the same--narrow, long, and low, with usually only three interior passenger decks and a sun deck. It's the interior decor and innovative features that make the S.S. Antoinette special.

The S.S. Antoinette is named for Antoinette (Toni) Tollman, daughter of the founders of the Travel Corporation and owners of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Ms. Tollman was the visionary of the ship's interiors, and she and lead designer Brian Brennan primarily used an 18th century theme reminiscent of a more famous Antoinette--Queen Marie Antoinette of France. The ship's ornate, formal decor looks much like a French chateau and is certainly more luxurious than I've seen on any other river vessel.

Entering the S.S. Antoinette on deck three, the two-deck marble lobby is dominated by a 10-foot Baccarat crystal and sapphire blue chandelier that once hung at the Tavern on the Green restaurant in New York City's Central Park. In the corner of the reception area is the elevator, and forward is the main restaurant, aptly named the Restaurant de Versailles.

Aft on deck three are cabins, a 24-hour coffee station, and the well-equipped fitness center. The machines in the fitness center are straight from the 21st century, not the 18th.

Down the steps to deck two are more cabins, a boutique, passenger laundry room (no charge), and the movie theater, Le Cinema Pigalle. This 20-seat cinema features comfortable chairs, a lovely carpet, large flat screen, and Dolby surround sound. It will be perfect for watching movies with a bag of popcorn!

Going back upstairs past the reception desk and chandelier to deck four forward, you will find the magnificent Salon du Grand Trianon Bar. The carpet, draperies, numerous mirrors, and furnishings definitely reflect the 18th century French decor. The muted green colors are relaxing, the upholstery and furniture expensive, and the atmosphere elegant.

Moving past the 24-hour coffee station on deck four, be sure to note the interesting artwork that adorns the hallways. The Tollman family enjoys collecting art and furniture, and they incorporate many of these pieces into their boutique ships and hotels. I love the muted pastel colors used on each row of passenger cabins and suites. After you pass the massage room and juice bar, you will find the swimming pool.

Adding this pool was a great challenge to the shipbuilders. Just think of all that extra weight over the engines! The pool is heated, has a depth of five feet, and has water jets allowing those who like to swim for exercise to do by using the strong current. The pool is lined with blue tile, and has underwater music piped in. The indoor pool area is surrounded by large windows on three sides and has a sun roof and very comfortable lounges. The aft wall of windows opens to the outdoors, providing fresh air in addition to the wonderful views of the river scenery. The two back walls feature expensive mosaics done by the same artist as those in the Versailles Restaurant.

Uniworld S.S. Antoinette - River Ship Tour

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:26:29 PDT

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises launched its newest river ship, the Super Ship (S.S.) Antoinette in March 2011. At the time of its debut, the new ship had the most luxurious decor and innovative features of any river ship afloat. These features include a swimming pool and a second restaurant and bar on the top deck that retract into the ship.

The S.S. Antoinette is named for Antoinette (Toni) Tollman, daughter of the owners of the Travel Corporation, which is the parent company of Uniworld. Ms. Tollman designed the ship with an 18th century France framework, and her inspiration was Marie Antoinette and the Palace of Versailles. The Tollmans had purchased a chandelier from the Tavern on the Green Restaurant in New York City, and the rest of the ship was designed around this spectacular piece.

Uniworld S.S. Antoinette Is Christened in Amsterdam

The Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection's newest ship, the S.S. Antoinette, was christened March 18 in Amsterdam on a gorgeous sunny morning.

Chandelier in lobby of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection ship the S.S. Antoinette

The new ship was welcomed to the Uniworld family by members of the Tollman family (the owners of Uniworld and the Travel Corporation), company executives, Uniworld travel partners from around the world, shipyard executives, and the media.

Mr. Guy Young, President of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, began the christening program by thanking all of the special guests and Uniworld and shipyard employees who had worked so hard towards bringing the ship into service.

Mr. Young briefly discussed how the Travel Corporation first entered the river cruise business with their 2004 acquisition of Uniworld. Over the past several years, the ships have been refurbished to meet the standards expected by the Travel Corporation customers in their luxury boutique hotels, including many personal touches of Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, the founder and President of the company. This year Uniworld has acquired three new ships and is refurbishing three others.

Mr. Young then introduced Ms. Toni Tollman, the principal designer and godmother of the S.S. Antoinette. Ms. Tollman has closely worked on the decor and design of many of the Travel Corporation hotels, and now she is adding her expertise to the river vessels. Ms. Tollman thanked her parents for their confidence in her designs, and said she likes to think of Uniworld's ships as luxury boutique "boatels". Their goal is to give guests a 5-star experience, which means giving them everything they want through knowledge and endless effort.

The concept for the interior design and decor of the S.S. Antoinette started with a 2.5-meter tall chandelier that Stanley and Beatrice Tollman purchased from the famous Tavern on the Green Restaurant in New York City's Central Park. The Tollmans had dined many times under that chandelier, and when the restaurant closed, they purchased it for sentimental reasons, planning to use it somewhere in their company. Their daughter Toni appropriated it for the centerpiece of the new river ship, the S.S. Antoinette, and the spectacular chandelier now hangs in its 2-deck lobby. The ornate chandelier and the name of the ship led to its 18th century French decor. Although the ship is named for Antoinette Tollman (Toni), it also carries the name of a more famous Antoinette--Queen Marie Antoinette of France.

Viking River Cruises

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:23:00 PDT

Viking OFFERS A relaxing way to tour Europe, Russiaand

China

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Viking River Cruises Profile of Passengers:
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Viking River Cruises Accommodations and Cabins:
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Viking River Cruises Dining Room:
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Viking River Cruises Onboard Activities and Entertainment:
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Viking River Cruises and features:
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Viking River Cruises Spa, Gym and fitness:
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Marina Lounges - Oceania Cruises' Marina Bars and Lounges

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:41:00 PST

The Oceania Cruises' Marinahas numerous bars and lounges. Some also serve food, like Baristas, with its specialty coffees and snacks, or La Reserve, a wine bar with tastings and food and wine pairing dinners. Others, like the Marina Lounge feature live entertainment. Finally, there are the cocktail lounges, which feature comfortable seating and interesting decor for enjoying a drink with new or old friends.

Marina- Casino Bar

The small Casino Bar is often called the "purple bar" because of its purplish lights. The two sections of the casino are on either side, and overflow seating is found in the Grand Bar area.

Marina- Grand Bar

The Grand Bar on the Marinacruise ship of Oceania Cruises is on deck 6 mid-ship near the Casino.

Marina- Horizons Lounge

Horizons is the deck 15 panorama lounge on the Oceania Cruises' Marina. This large lounge has wonderful views of the ocean from its forward-facing windows. It has a large dance floor and music in the evening. Horizons is also used for afternoon tea, and has the only indoor smoking area on the ship, a small comfortable room off the lounge.

For Honest Reviews Online Click Here

Marina Dining - Oceania Cruises' Marina Dining and Cuisine

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 10:36:00 PST

The Marinais almost twice as large as Oceania Cruises' three smaller ships, giving the cruise line the flexibility to add several new diverse dining venues, all of which are superb. The Marinahas ten dining venues -- six restaurants, two casual eateries, and two special dining experiences with their own venue and an extra surcharge (Privee and La Reserve). None of the other eight dining options on this premium-category ship have an extra fee.

Oceania's goal was to build a ship purpose-built for epicureans, with all of the meals cooked to order, a la minute. Although I was only on the Marinafor three nights and did not have an opportunity to try all the dining options, those I did experience were certainly memorable, varied, and delicious.

Those who love Polo Grill, Toscana, the Grand Dining Room, the Terrace Cafe, and the Waves Grill found on Oceania's three smaller ships (the Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica) will not be disappointed since these five dining venues are also on the Marina. However, Oceania has added five new very distinctive venues -- Jacques French bistro, Red Ginger Asian restaurant, Baristas coffee bar, Privee gourmet restaurant, and La Reserve wine tasting dining room -- to the Marina.

All dining venue below are available on the Marina.

Baristas

Grand Dining Room

Jacques

La Reserve

Polo Grill

Privee

Red Ginger

Terrace Cafe

Toscana

Waves

For Honest Reviews Online Click Here

Marina of Oceania Cruises

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:31:07 PST

Elegant Marina Has Terrific Restaurants, Is Great Addition to Oceania Cruises

The Oceania Cruises' Marinais a 1250-guest ship launched in early 2011. The ship is absolutely gorgeous, with elegant, rich furnishings and interesting decor and artwork. Marina is perfect for Oceania's primary market of travelers over 50 who want a country-club-style casual cruise vacation to fascinating destinations, with good food and at a good value.

Since the Marina is about twice as large as Oceania's three smaller ships, she has more dining venues, lounges, public spaces, and cabin/suite categories. However, since the Marinais still a mid-sized ship, she can easily sail to many smaller, more exotic ports of call, which will be very appealing to her well-traveled clientele.

I attended the Marinachristening and sailed for three nights on a preview cruise of the new ship. Let me take you on a tour of the Marina.

MarinaCabins and Suites - Oceania Cruises' Marina Cruise Ship

The 1250-passenger Marina of Oceania Cruises has 625 cabins and suites, with four different cabin categories and four different suite categories. The Marinaaccommodations are found on decks 6 through 12.

All of the Marinacabins are generous in size, and the suites are as large as some apartments! The cabins range in size from the 174-square-foot interior cabins to the 282-square-foot veranda cabins and concierge veranda cabins. The suites range in size from the large 420-square-foot penthouse suites to the humongous 2000-square-foot owner's suites.
The decor of the cabins and suites is elegant and livable. Even the lowest category interior cabins have amenities usually only found on luxury ships such as a refrigerated mini-bar with free and unlimited soft drinks and bottled water, which is replenished daily, and luxurious Tranquility beds and linens.

For Honest Reviews Online Click Here

XXL cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:36:01 PST

The Royal Caribbean has been known for its fleet of cruise ships to outsized. The Oasis of the Seas, the largest ship in the world, has become the standard cruise XXL. While excess, this magnificent ship sailing in the Caribbean and stops in the Bahamasand Mexico.

Came into circulation in November 2009, the ship Oasis of the Seas has impressive dimensions. With its 360 meters long and 220 tones, it dominates the fleet of Royal Caribbean. It welcomes a crew of nearly 1200 people and can accommodate up to 5400 guests.

Its cabins are luxurious, like the facilities available on board. True floating city, is divided into seven major areas, each with a separate theme. Shops, restaurants, bars, pools, spas, gyms or performance, nothing is missing on the boat cruise XXL .

The Oasis of the Seas sails the Caribbean in two separate routes. Depending on the chosen cruise, guests will enjoy unforgettable ports of call: Fort Lauderdale, Nassau, St. Thomas and Philippsburg for the Eastern Caribbean and Fort Lauderdale, Falmouthand Cozumel for the Western Caribbean. Departures are held every month from Floridaand cruise last week.

Croisierenet.com site lists all the cruises offered by Royal Caribbean. Off promotion, a week of vacation aboard the Oasis of the Seas costs between € 1,574 and € 4,198 depending on the type of cabin selected for a departure in February 2012. However, prices are lower when the booking is made several months before departure.

Dream vacation on a luxury liner

XXL This cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas will be unforgettable. Everything is included in the price: accommodation, full board, port taxes, access to venues, participating in various activities available as well as the use of all equipment on the boat. Every effort is made to ensure that vacationers can relax and be entertained in a change of scenery.

Honest Reviews On Cruise

AMAWaterways Amalegro Cabins and Suites

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:12:00 PST

The Amalegro standard cabins are larger than those found on many other river ships--170 square feet compared to about 150-160 square feet. This additional 10 or so square feet doesn't sound like much, but it provides more room at the end of the bed, a larger shower, and space for a chair between the bed and the French doors (large window in cabins on the Piano Deck).

The cabin is quite comfortable and has plenty of hanging and shelf storage space for a one or two-week river cruise. The closet is lighted and has a safe. Robes, slippers, and umbrellas are provided for use on the ship.

Each cabin has a combination television/Internet Infotainment system. The television features English language programs via satellite, along with a selection of complimentary movies. The television doubles as an Internet monitor, and each cabin also has a keyboard and complimentary Internet access. However, most passengers seem to prefer accessing the Internet from the computer provided in the Aft Lounge, which was much faster than in the cabins. Free WiFi is also available in the common areas for those who have brought along their own portable computers. You just have to secure a code from reception.

The cabins also have a telephone and their own climate control. Passengers can call home for a fee--check with reception. One note for American cruisers--the voltage is the standard European 220 volt, so you will need to bring along a converter and adapter for any appliances or battery chargers. A hairdryer is provided in each cabin.

The cabin stewards restock the cabin daily with complimentary bottled water and bathroom amenities (soap, bath gel, shampoo, hair conditioner, and body lotion).

The cabins all have two nightstands, beds that can be made into queen or twin, a dressing table with mirror and chair, and an overstuffed chair. The floor to ceiling French balcony doors open into the cabin and provide wonderful views of the river/canal scenery as it slips by.

Honest Reviews On Cruise

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AMAWaterways Amalegro European River Ship

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:34:00 PST

AMAWaterways has six identical European river ships with musical names--the MS Amalyra and MS Amadolce (2009), MS Amacello and MS Amadante (2008), MS Amalegro (2007) and MS Amadagio (2006). In addition to these six ships, the company has four other owned/leased ships sailing in Europe and Russia and the MS La Marguerite sailing the Mekong River in Vietnamand Cambodia. AMAWaterways will be sailing the significantly refurbished Amakaterina on its Russian Waterways cruises starting in 2011. The Amakaterina will be the largest vessel sailing the Volga River and will feature 106 cabins, 76 of which will have full balconies (not French ones).

I sailed on the AMAWaterways Amalegro on a colorful 9-day April Tulip Time cruise in the Netherlandsand Belgiumand loved the ship, the itinerary, and the onboard and ashore activities. My favorite part of the ship was the 3-jet shower, which was the best I've seen on any cruise ship of any size!

Background of AMAWaterways

AMAWaterways was founded in 2002 as Amadeus Waterways by three people with extensive expertise in the travel business: river cruise industry pioneer Rudi Schreiner, cruise industry executive Kristin Karst, and former owner of Brendan Worldwide Vacations Jimmy Murphy. The company's ships primarily sail the great rivers of Europe--the Danube, Rhine, Mosel, Douro, Saone, Rhone, and Volga.

AMAWaterways also features a MekongRiver cruise tour in Vietnam and Cambodia. This fascinating itinerary travels by bus and river boat between Hanoiand Ho Chi Minh City, with stopovers at such "bucket list" locales as Halong Bay and Angkor Wat.

AMAWaterways Amalegro

This article provides a tour and information of the Amalegro. These accompanying photo galleries also show off the cabins and both the indoor and outdoor common areas of the Amalegro. The ship is lovely and comfortable, perfect for river cruising.

Honest Reviews On Cruise

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Disney Magic - Cruising with Mickey and All the Disney Characters III

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:13:26 PST

Disney Magic - Exterior Common Areas on the Ship

Many of the activities on the Disney Magic are centered on the out of doors, starting with the high energy sailaway party and continuing each day around the swimming pools. The ship has three pools, one for adults, the second for families, and the third just for kids. Each pool has attractive features such as the mega-movie screen or the Mickey slide, making them the center of daily life onboard for many guests.

Evening events are also held on the pool deck, the highlight of which is the "Pirates In the Caribbean" party. This party starts with a pirate theme dinner and then moves outside for music, dancing, and fireworks. It's a spectacular ending to a fun-filled night onboard the Disney Magic.

Disney Magic - Dining and Cuisine

The Disney Magic has three main dining rooms, and guests rotate amongst the three rooms during the cruise, always sitting at the same table number and with the same dinner companions. The wait staff also rotates, providing continuity to the dining experience. It's a great idea and works well.

Although these three dining rooms are good, the highlight of dining on the Disney Magic is a dinner or brunch at Palo's, the adults-only alternative restaurant. Palo's sits on the top deck and has wonderful views, exceptional service, and marvelous food. It even has a private room with a large dining table for adult parties.

For families looking for casual fare, the Disney Magic has a large buffet and several take-away food outlets near the pools.

Disney Magic - Cabins and Accommodations

The Disney Magic carries 2700 passengers in 875 cabins, many of which can sleep 4. Of the 720 outside cabins, 388 have private verandas, perfect for some quiet time to enjoy the warm Caribbeanweather. The cabins are brightly colored, with plenty of storage space and practicality. I loved the shelves in a vertically-place steamer trunk used as a storage cabinet.

The bath is split into two rooms, one with a sink and toilet and the other with a sink and shower tub. Each bath is tiny, but it is nice to have two separate rooms and two sinks when traveling as a family group.

The room steward was efficient and friendly, and kept the cabin clean. He also left us chocolates and towel animal creations each evening to top off the entertainment.

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Italy cruise ship disaster The new Titanic

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:16:55 PST

A sixth body has been found in the wreckage of the Costa Concordia cruise ship that capsized off the coast of Tuscany as rescue workers continue searching for survivors in the part of the ship that is above water.

The sixth body to be found on the cruise ship Costa off Giglio is still unidentified, though it has been confirmed by Italian news outlet Ansa that the man was a passenger on the ship. The man was found on the second deck in a part of the ship which was not flooded by water. He had his life vest on.

Sixteen people are still unaccounted for after the Costa Concordia, which was carrying 4,234 passengers and crew, hit rocks Friday evening near Giglio, a small island off the coast of Tuscany. Investigators say the ship was an "incredibly close" 150 meters (roughly 500 feet) from the shore.

The bodies of two passengers found wearing life jackets aboard the ship were identified Sunday, officials said. Both passengers were elderly men -- one Italian, the other Spanish. The bodies were found earlier Sunday near a gathering point in the submerged part of the luxury liner.

Experts are still analyzing the ship's black box, which has already revealed a one-hour lag between the time of the impact on the rocks at 9:45 p.m. local time Friday and the ship's alarm call to the coast guard at about 10:43 p.m. Investigators suspect Schettino tried to maneuver the ship before alerting coast guard, the Italian news outlet Ansa reported.

Schettino is in custody, facing possible charges of manslaughter and abandoning his ship. Schettino reportedly left the stricken vessel at approximately 12:30 a.m., while many passengers didn't get safely off the ship until 6 a.m., Ansa reported.

Ten passengers and six crew members are still unaccounted for. The number was reduced from an earlier estimate of 40 unaccounted for.

The U.S.embassy in Romeestimates 120 Americans were on board the ship, of which 118 have been accounted for.

"Our immediate priority is to account for all passengers and crew, and to secure the vessel to ensure that there are no environmental impacts," Costa Cruises said in a statement. "We have engaged the services of a top specialized salvage company to develop an action plan and help establish a protection perimeter around the ship."

The incident began with a loud bang followed by a blackout just as passengers were having dinner. Minutes later, an announcement from the crew said it was merely an electrical problem. But with the ship tilting, many passengers ignored their orders and scrambled to the deck.

Vacationers reported the crew did not want to lower the lifeboats. Many reported forcing their way on against orders. Some were lowered, but not everyone got on.

Disney Magic - Cruising with Mickey and All the Disney Characters II

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:30:02 PST

Disney Magic - Lounges and Bars

Although a Disney Magic cruise is centered on families, the cruise line hasn't forgotten how important it is for adults to have private time when on vacation. This factor is very evident on the Disney Magic, with several adult lounges, three of which are grouped together in the Beat Street neighborhood on deck 3. My favorite was the quiet Sessions, with live piano music in the evenings and those marvelous large portholes for ocean viewing. Sports enthusiasts love watching ESPN in the Diversions sports bar, and the Rockin' Bar D provides adult entertainment in the late evenings.

These lounges are also used for adult-oriented activities, such as wine tastings, which were among the most well-run and interesting I've ever been to on any ship.

Disney Magic - Bahamasand Eastern Caribbean Cruise Overview

I cruised the Disney Magic to the eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral on a seven-day itinerary that included two delightful sea days followed by two ports of call in the U.S. Virgin Islands -- St. Croix and St. Thomas. While on St. Thomas, I did a half-day shore excursion to the nearby island of St. John. We then had a final day at sea before spending the day at Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Although many cruise lines have private islands in the Caribbean, Castaway Cay is one of the best.

This cruise itinerary was a great mix of time at sea and time in port. With so many onboard activities for children, families, and adults, I'm glad we had three sea days to enjoy the Disney experience.

Disney Magic Western Mediterranean Cruise Overview

The Disney Magic is a delightful way for families or adults to see the western Mediterranean. The ship sails roundtrip from Barcelona in the summer months, stopping at well-known ports such as Rome and Naples and those that are not as common such as La Spezia and Ajaccio, Corsica.
This detailed travel log of a Disney Magic western Mediterranean cruise provides an overview of the ports of call along with some of the special Disney port adventures for families.

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Disney Magic - Cruising with Mickey and All the Disney Characters I

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:12:04 PST

The Disney Magic is an excellent mixture of classic ocean liner beauty and Disney whimsy. She is an exceptional choice for family cruising, but provides enough space, entertainment, and activities to draw couples and adults traveling without kids.

Disney excels at organization and entertainment, and these two elements are key to a successful cruise experience. Throw in the characters and the small Disney touches such as the "When You Wish Upon a Star" chimes, Mickey's voice on the wake up call, and the hidden Mickey heads woven in to the decor, and it's a fun week for everyone.

Disney Magic - A Look at the Outside of the Disney Magic

The Disney Magic was launched in 1998 and has a classic ocean liner look on the outside, with a black hull, shining white top, and two red funnels, both adorned with Mickey heads. There's no doubt which cruise line this ship belongs to!

Most modern ships only have one funnel, and this one is no different--one of the funnels is a dummy and houses the teen center. Keeping with the Mickey theme, the life boats are yellow (rather than the standard orange), making the overall look very Disney--black, white, red, and yellow. A glance at the bow will make anyone smile. The bow has intricate gold scroll-work much like classic tall ships of long ago. Mixed in with this elegant detail is Goofy, dangling from a rope and touching up the paint.

Disney Magic - Interior Common Areas Around the Ship

Much of the interior of the Disney Magic is done in Art Deco style, and the ship artwork includes many special Disney theme pieces. Exploring the ship is like a treasure hunt, as you will find yourself looking for the Mickey logo, which is creatively woven into the decor.

My favorite common areas of the ship were the soaring three-story lobby and the large Walt Disney Theatre. The lobby is the hub of the ship and features a wonderful bronze statue of Mickey Mouse at the helm. Topping off the lobby is a huge, multi-colored chandelier designed by Dale Chihuly.

The theatre seats 977 and has the best shows I've seen at sea. Each production show tells a story and is like a short operetta, filled with singers, dancers, and (of course) characters.

I'll be the first to admit that the Disney Magic far exceeded my expectations. I knew the ship was an excellent choice for families, but never dreamed it would be so much fun for adults traveling without kids. The highlights were the exceptional organization, the amazing Disney entertainment, dining at Palo's, and watching the faces of the children as they interacted with the Disney characters.

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Celebrity Cruises for Hawaii

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:45:00 PST

Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1989. Its main aim was to provide high-quality cruise cruise vacations at a reasonable price. It merged with Royal Caribbean International in 1997.Now they run 29 cruise ships. Today Celebrity Cruises offers best cruise throughout the world, including several which include the Hawaiian Islands.

Ten-Night Cruise on the Celebrity Century

Among Celebrity Cruises' Hawaiivoyages is a 10-night cruise on the 1,814-passenger vessel "Celebrity Century." This cruise begins in Ensenada, Mexico (just south of San Diego), spends five full days at sea and calls at the Hawaiian ports of Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; and Lahaina, Maui before concluding at Honolulu. Amenities aboard the Century include a full spa, Internet cafe, multiple restaurants and lounges, and a martini bar.

Thirteen-Night Cruise on the Celebrity Century

Another Celebrity Cruise offering aboard the Celebrity Century is a 13-night voyage, beginning in Honolulu and ending in Ensenada. This cruise calls at Nawiliwili, Kauai; Lahaina, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; and Honolulu before spending six days at sea en route to Mexico. Days at sea give guests an opportunity to enjoy the ship's many features, including a full European-style spa and multiple swimming pools and sun decks.

Fifteen-Night Cruise on the Celebrity Century in October

Vacationers with two weeks at their disposal might consider the 15-day voyage on the Celebrity Century. This cruise begins and ends in San Diego, with four days at sea en route to Hawaii, calls at Hilo, Lahaina, Honoluluand Nawiliwili (Kauai), five days at sea returning, and a call at Ensenada in Mexico. This itinerary is offered in both October and April.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:15:49 PST

Around a year ago The Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas was launched. It is the world's largest ship. It can carry over 6,000 guests when completely full. It's like a small city when you add in all the crew.

Allure of the Seas Cruise Ship Tour

The Allure of the Seas and her sister ship the Oasis of the Seas are the largest cruise ships in the world. The two ships have much in common, but also have their own distinctive entertainment, dining, and retail options.

Allure of the Seas Dining Options

Those who have sailed on Oasis will find some familiar restaurants. However, this younger sister ship has some interesting additions, such as the Brazilian steakhouse Samba Grill and Rita's Cantina Mexican restaurant. And, Allure even has a Starbuck's!

Allure of the Seas Outdoor Deck Areas

The Allure of the Seas has three outdoor neighborhoods--Boardwalk, Central Park, and the Pool and Sports Zone. Each of these has something to appeal to all ages and demonstrates the diversity and innovation in design of the ship's common areas.

Allure of the Seas Cabins and Suites

The huge Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas has 2,706 cabins and suites, ranging in size from the 149 square foot Q category Interior Staterooms to the 1,724 square foot Royal Suite with balcony. These photos demonstrate all the different cabin categories.

For Honest Reviews On Cruise by Real Travelers Read Honest Reviews Online

Cruise Lines Which are Serving Hawaii

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:30:21 PST

Celebrity Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Only Cruise for Hawaiiwhich has Seven Days In Port

Royal CaribbeanCruises

Explore & Enjoy Oahu (the most populous Island) Maui (Waterfalls) Kauai (Green island) & KOKO head volcanoes.

Princess Cruises

Best New York City Sightseeing Cruises

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:40:21 PST

For first-time visitors, sightseeing cruises offer a terrific overview and a chance to orient yourself, while learning a bit about New York City's history and architecture. No matter how many times you've visited New York City, New York City sightseeing cruises are also a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the city's skyline and waterways. New York City sightseeing cruises are a great choice for visitors of all ages and can accommodate the needs of most passengers.

Best Overall
If you've got the time, this three hour cruise will take you all the way around Manhattan, offering participants views of all five boroughs and a chance to see 20 different bridges! During the tour, a guide supplements the views with interesting information about New York City.

Since 1945, Circle Line has shown visitors New York City from the city's major waterways. The three-hour Full Island Cruise offers visitors a chance to circumnavigate the entire island of Manhattan, and see many of New York City's popular attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, South Street Seaport and the Empire State Building.

Attractions Featured on Circle Line's Full Island Cruise

· Jacob Javits Center

· World Financial

· Battery Park

· Ellis Island

· Statue of Liberty

· Wall Street

· South Street Seaport

· Brooklyn Bridge

· Empire State Building

· Chrysler Building

· United Nations

· Roosevelt Island

· Gracie Mansion

· Harlem

· Yankee Stadium

· Palisades of New Jersey

· George Washington Bridge

· Grant's Tomb

· Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument

· Passenger Ship Terminal

· The Intrepid

NCL Norwegian Pearl Cruise Ship

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:09:05 PDT

The NCL Norwegian Pearl is perfect for NCL's "freestyle cruising" concept. The Norwegian Pearl is a beautiful ship, with contemporary decor. The cruise ship has multiple restaurants of varied cuisines, lively bars and lounges, interesting activities ranging from quiet corners to the industry's first bowling alley, and family-friendly cabins of all sizes and prices.
I attended the naming ceremony for the Norwegian Pearl in December 2006 and then cruised on her for two nights and a day on a cruise to "nowhere". I took many pictures, and this article is based on that short cruise.
Bowling Alley on the NCL Norwegian Pearl cruise ship

Here are a few facts about the Norwegian Pearl:
Length: 965 feet
Width: 125 feet
Draft: 28 feet
Speed: 25 knots
Tonnage: 93,530 GRT
Decks: 15
Passenger Capacity: 2394 (double occupancy)
Cabins: 1197
Number of Restaurants: 12, along with 24-hour room service for all cabins. Villas, suites, and penthouse passengers also have butler and concierge service.
Number of Bars and Lounges: 14
Other Facilities: Atrium, Stardust Theater (1042 seats), fitness center, rock climbing wall, bowling alley, Mandara spa and salon, casino, swimming pools, sports deck, teen center, video arcade, kids club, retail boutiques, art gallery, Internet lounge, meeting rooms, library, card room, life style room, chapel, medical center

New York Best City Sightseeing Cruises

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:11:33 PDT

1. Circle Line Full Island Cruise

Best OverallIf you've got the time, this three hour cruise will take you all the way around Manhattan, offering participants views of all five boroughs and a chance to see 20 different bridges! During the tour, a guide supplements the views with interesting information about New York City.

Cobh - Historical Village on Cork Harbor near Cork, Ireland

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:51:40 PDT

Cobh (pronounced "Cove") is a picturesque harbor town just a few miles from Cork, Ireland. Cruise ships dock in downtown Cobh and run shore excursions to Cork, the Blarney Castle, Waterford, Killarney, or the Irish countryside. However, Cobh is a nice place to spend the day if you want to just relax and just enjoy strolling around this pretty little village on Cork Harbor.

Maritime history buffs will know that Cobh was the last port of call on the Titanic's tragic maiden voyage, and the Lusitania was sunk off Cork Harbor during World War I. The Titanic Memorial and Lusitania Memorial are both just a few blocks from the cruise terminal. Cobh was also the emigration point for 2.5 million Irish citizens who left Ireland for the United States or Australia. The first immigrants processed at Ellis Island started their journey to a new life in Cobh.

Japan Cruise

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 02:28:52 PDT

The island nation of Japan is a wonderful cruise destination. The country is exotic, the people are friendly, and sites are spectacular. First hav a look at some cruise photos you will hav during a cruise on the Silversea Silver Shadow in Japan.

Shimonoseki, Japan
Shimonoseki sits on the extreme northern tip of the Japanese island of Honshu, and the straits separating Honshu from the neighboring island of Kyoshu have been the site of many important naval battles throughout the ages. In addition to its historical importance and beautiful setting, the city is famous for its fishing, most notably the fugu or blowfish.
Kobe, Japan
Kobe was the disembarkation point for the Silversea Silver Shadow cruise. Although significantly damaged by a large earthquake in 1995, Kobe is a modern city and important seaport. It is also near the major international airport in Osaka, and a good entry point for those visiting Kyoto.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki was once Japan's "Gateway to the West". Nagasaki was the only Japanese city that allowed Western ships into its port from 1639 to 1859. The city is set on a beautiful natural harbor and its many hills are often compared to San Francisco. Since Nagasaki remained open while other Japanese ports were closed, it was the most important seaport in Japan for many decades. Although much of Nagasaki was destroyed in the atomic bomb blast of August 9, 1945, the city has completely rebuilt and even has some Western-style buildings left from colonial days. Here are some photos of Nagasaki on a cruise on the Silversea Silver Shadow.

Jobs On a Cruise Ship

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:10:00 PDT

LIVE ON A LUXURY CRUISE SHIP AND GET PAID FOR IT!
Doesn't It feels nice. Spend your winters in the Caribbean and your summers in Alaska or travel to distant and exotic ports in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South America and throughout the world on board a luxury cruise ship. Most people pay between 1500 and 10 000 dollars per week to live on the same cruise and visit the same places. You can do it for free (free meals, accommodation), plus you will get paid for it. It is an adventure job and a great way to save money and meet people from many different cultures. Cruise ship job is a great summer jobs for students also.

Information Technology Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: computer system manager, computer systems hardware technician, internet manager.
Casino Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: casino manager, casino dealer (croupier), cashier, slot technician, casino accountant etc.
Entertainment These positions deal with anything related to passenger entertainment and are the most popular among job-seekers: host and hostesses, cruise directors and staff, disc jockeys, performers, swimming instructors, shore excursion staff. These positions are usually filled by native English speakers.
Food And Beverage Department offerst he following cruise ship jobs: restaurant positions (F&B director, Maitre D', waiter, busboy / busperson, bartender / barmaid, bar steward, bar staff, buffet steward) etc.

Deck Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: deck officer (captain, staff captain, first officer, second officer, third officer, safety officer, security officer), seamen,bosun and security personnel.

Engine Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: engine officers (chief engineer, 1-st, 2-nd and 3-rd engineers, chief electrician), motorman, fitter, wiper, plumber etc.

Hotel Operations Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: hotel personnel (chief purser, purser, assistant purser, junior assistant purser, junior assistant purser, crew purser, shore excursions manager, receptionist).

Housekeeping Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: cabin steward / stewardess (cabin attendant), room service attendant, utility cleaner, laundry staff, floor supervisors, pool attendant etc.

Beauty Salon Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: beautician, hair stylists / hairdresser, massage therapist, cosmetologist, nail technicians, alternative instructors etc.

Cruise Staff Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: cruise director, assistant cruise director, cruise staff, youth counsellor, aerobics and fitness instructor / trainer, golf instructor, scuba diving instructor etc.

Medical Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: medical doctor (physician) and registered nurse.

Photo Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: photographer and photo manager.

Gift Shop Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: shop manager and shop assistant (duty free sales).

Information Technology Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: computer system manager, computer systems hardware technician, internet manager.

Galley Department offers the following cruise ship jobs: executive chef, sous chef, chef de partie, first cook, second cook, pastry chef, crew cook, dishwasher, butcher etc.

My Great Dane Puppies: Another key to Housebreaking

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:02:23 PDT

My Great Dane Puppies: Another key to Housebreaking

Romantic Cruise

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:22:00 PDT

Romance and cruise seems to go hand in hand, especially if you've spotted a cruise lines' glossy magazine ads: photos of couples admiring the front at sunset or sipping orange juice on their veranda private terry robes clothing, or even - and what we find it hard to believe - spend time alone on a deserted beach with their mega-ship anchored in the background.

Ads notwithstanding, however, the cruise can be one of the most romantic vacation options, but often it is the tangibles - atmosphere on board and lifestyle - which are most likely to contribute to a sense of "amore" at that sunset. Choosing the right cruise, and even more specifically, the right ship of the fleet, can be a great challenge.
In our search for first choice, we have mainly appealed to our own romantic travel experiences. Whether your definition of romantic is a party to any vessel or night ultimate pleasure and luxury, you identify with the criteria we used to assess the best choice. For example? A comfortable cabin with a large bathroom - and a private veranda - is an absolute necessity. We prefer to eat two (or at least able to eat when and with whom we choose). Exhibits with soft lighting are pleasant. And one more? Almost-private-open deck space for Star Gazing.

Princess Cruises

While we like any of Princess' Grand Class vessels for their blend of big ship options and small ship cozy, Crown Princess and Emerald Princess, the fleet's newest, offer some first-time-ever features.
Both boast the line's traditionally high percentage of suites and mini-suites (which means booking a bigger cabin may not be too much of a splurge). The "piece de resistance" is the Grand Suite, which features separate sitting area, balcony that stretches between living room and bedroom, and a fabulous whirlpool tub. But even the standard mini-suite is charming and comfortable.

What could be more romantic than a night at "Movies Under the Stars," a retro drive-in where you recline on padded loungers (you can snuggle under the wool tartan blankets)? During the day we love The Sanctuary. A completely new invention, The Sanctuary is a (mostly) shaded zen-like retreat, complete with waiter service, spa menu and massage services (a couples' massage is available).

Check out the spa's couple's Rasul room (it's a mud room with steam -- and it's more fun than it sounds!). Adagio, a new concept lounge featuring a cabaret singer, is lovely and private -- way up on one of the top decks.

Open-seating (as well as traditional) dining is available. But the most romantic option -- and unique to cruising -- is the Ultimate Balcony Dining dinner experience. For $100 per couple, cruisers are treated to a lobster dinner with champagne and course-by-course service. Only caveat: Your cabin must have a balcony. We also love the ship's two specialty restaurants. Request a banquette at Crown Grill, a steak and seafood restaurant with an open grill; Sabatini's, the line's Italian eatery, should not be missed. Another favorite is Vines, the ship's wine and sushi bar.

While the ship's deluxe mini-suites are lovely and comfortable, the all-open-air balconies (applies to any cabin on Dolphin deck) are anything but private. All of the Grand class ships are premier options for onboard weddings. Both have dedicated wedding chapels and captains empowered to perform ceremonies -- and friends at home can watch live via Web cams!

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises appears to be really targeting the family market with its latest ship, Ventura, but it hasn't forgotten the all-important couples market with its two adults-only ships -- older-style Artemis and the newer, stylish Arcadia. With its upscale dining restaurant and wedding packages, Arcadia is a great pick, particularly for British couples.
Arcadia has suites, mini-suites, and outside and inside staterooms. A nice plus: 685 of 984 have a balcony. Added touches in mini-suites (and up) include his-and-hers Molton Brown toiletry sets. Head to the Aquarius pool on the Lido Deck for relaxation and sunning!

The Orchid Bar, adjacent to the Orchid restaurant on Deck 11 is a great place to enjoy a sundowner (that's British for an evening cocktail!). With its warm terracotta, rust, chocolate and cream decor, it would also make a lovely venue for a reception following a wedding in the Viceroy Room.Try celebrity chef Gary Rhodes' restaurant, Arcadian Rhodes, for top-notch British cuisine. At £15 per person, it is worth a treat, particularly if it is a special occasion. Getting a two-top could be a problem in the main dining area due to the lack of smaller tables.Thanks to its Bermuda registry, the captain can marry people at sea. Wedding packages range from the low key affair to the full works. You can also have anything from a champagne reception through to a group dinner in Arcadian Rhodes.

Crystal Cruises

In general, Crystal is the best choice for folks who want big-ship features and small-ship luxury. In particular, while this newer ship offers many of the same features as Crystal Symphony does, the penthouse suites, the most romantic accommodations, are more plentiful.The aforementioned penthouse suites, which come in three categories. All have verandahs, butler service and marble baths with Jacuzzi tubs (not to mention state-of-the-art tech toys), and are roomy enough for in-room massages. Another plus? Passengers in these staterooms can order off the menu from Crystal Serenity's fabulous specialty restaurants. Head for any of the terraced decks on the back of the ship.

Head for a private corner of the Sunset Bar (at the forward end of the Palm Court) -- it's a great spot for sunset-watching. We also love the clubby-pubby Avenue Saloon.
Try any (or all) of Crystal Serenity's specialty restaurants, such as the Northern Italian Prego and the Asian Silk Road. Or indulge in course-by-course room service on your verandah.Crystal still maintains a set-time, assigned-tablemates scheme in its main dining rooms.

Thomson Cruises

British Tour operator Thomson is geared toward Brits looking for a relatively low-priced traditional cruise experience. The line's smallest ship, at 11,162 tons, the Calypso offers small-ship feel and is Thomson's one adults-only ship. It's a good choice if you are looking at the lower-end of the price scale for a cosy, unpretentious ambience. Although this ship caters to fewer than 500 passengers, it still has a variety of cabins -- 4 suites, 7 semi-deluxe staterooms, 147 outside view cabins and 85 interiors. The wooden promenade deck is great for walking or watching the world go by.

For meeting like-minded couples and enjoying your time on the ship, check out the show lounge -- which features cabaret, comedians and magic acts. L'Orhcidee, the main dining room, is located at the aft of the ship, and although tables are mostly on a bigger scale, it is again a great place to meet other couples. Wine prices are reasonable here, too. If you are looking for a more formal experience, Thomson may not be for you -- the Calypso's dress code is relaxed, as is the atmosphere.

Take Great Pictures On A Cruise Some Tips

noreply@blogger.com (kcg) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:02:01 PDT

On your cruise, you’ll collect memories to last a lifetime. But if you want to share them with family and friends back home, one of the best ways to do it is by taking pictures while you sail.Digital cameras with built-in zoom lenses make it possible to photograph people and places that are almost impossible to capture with a film camera unless you carry a tripod and invest a small fortune in different lenses. The biggest advantage of digital photography is seeing almost instantly how well your photos turn out. As a result, you can make any necessary adjustments quickly, refine your technique and even experiment.

Practice Before You Sail
Cruise vacation pictures are priceless. If you buy a new camera to take on vacation, practice with it at home first. You don’t want to be fumbling with new controls when a humpback breaches in front of your whale-watching boat near Juneau. Be sure you know how to adjust the white balance to get the correct colors, whether you’re photographing inside the ship, outdoors or at night. If the white balance is wrong, you may end up with purple where the sky should be blue in bright daylight. If you rely on your camera’s automatic system, then you’re likely to produce only average pictures that don’t take advantage of a digital camera’s full capability. To check or change the white balance settings, consult your camera manual. Each model works differently. Typically, all that’s needed is a twist of a dial and the push of a button to choose between sunlight, cloudy, fluorescent, incandescent or flash settings.Even if you think you’ve learned it all, take the instruction book with you. You’ll discover new questions along the way, and the book may make good reading on the pool deck. Maybe the person lounging next to you just bought a new camera too.

Shoot Creatively

Unless you’re shooting a panoramic landscape, don’t try to fit everything into a single picture. Select the most interesting aspects of what you see and cut out everything that’s not important. In Cabo San Lucas, concentrate on the famous Arch at Land’s End before visiting the other formations around it.Avoid centering your subject in every photo. It’s the natural thing to do because the center is where the camera auto focuses. But if every picture has its subject in the middle, your photos won’t be as interesting. Remember to vary your subject placement when shooting the famed Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. or an Alaskan glacier, where the scenery may seem repetitive at first glance.

Capture Silhouettes in the Sunset

Sunsets over the water are always popular cruise subjects. The key is not to shoot too soon. Here’s how: Hold your fist at arm’s length with your thumb aimed straight up and the bottom of your hand even with the horizon. If the sun is above the thumb, it’s too early for good silhouettes. Once the sun drops below the level of your thumb tip, start shooting. That’s also when it’s safe to look at the sun through a telephoto lens. Put an object in the foreground that identifies the location of your picture. Nothing is more meaningless than a series of photos of an empty ocean. They could be from anywhere. If you’re on a beach in Hawaii or the Caribbean, put a palm tree in the picture. In Croatia, make it the fishing boats in the harbor of the old medieval city of Dubrovnik. In San Juan, you can even use the massive El Morro fortress, behind which the sun sets at certain times of the year. On a day at sea, use the ship’s railing or a smokestack to indicate where you are.

1. A simple background focuses attention on the subject and makes a clear, strong picture. Move your subject or camera to find an uncluttered backdrop.

2. Objects in the foreground enhance a vista’s distance, depth and dimension. Incorporate contrast in front for a more pleasing scenic view.

3. Lines—the prow of a boat, the sides of a channel—add an interesting element to pictures. A perfectly framed bridge can lead the eye into a shot.

4. When shooting a silhouette against a sunset, turn the flash off. Use a tripod or brace your camera. With a manual camera, use a longer shutter speed.