<![CDATA[Cruise Reviews - Cruise Reviews]]>

<![CDATA[Cruise Reviews - Cruise Reviews]]>Fri, 26 Jul 2024 06:28:42 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Seattle Cruise Port Overview]]>Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:33:38 GMThttps://cruisereviews.weebly.com/cruise-reviews/seattle-cruise-port-overviewNear the west coast of the United States, located between Lake Washington to the east and Puget Sound to the west sits Washington State’s biggest city, Seattle. Beyond these waters lie two high mountain ranges, the Olympics to the west and the Cascades on the east.

White settlers arrived at the Seattle area in 1850 to establish a townsite they named New York. The settlers then moved a short distance to the district now called Pioneer Square, which offered a good sea harbor. This second village was named Seattle, honoring a local Indian leader who had assisted the new arrivals. Processing and exporting timber was the first commercial enterprise of the new town. A further resource based industry came into being when coal was discovered in rich veins near Lake Washington.

In the 1880s and 1890s the population rose quickly when the city was joined up with the North Pacific railroad. In 1889 the city was largely ruined when a raging fire raged through the center. A period of reconstruction followed, this time employing fire resistant materials. The early 1900s heralded a period of strong growth, as people from all over the world flooded in to work in the business, resource and service industries.

During World War I, the city’s ship building industry underwent huge expansion. In 1919, the five day work stoppage of over 60000 workers led to the press and politicians to compare the population of the city to Russian revolutionaries.

In the following years, the Depression effected the city enormously, with business output slowing greatly. The city’s economy recovered in WWII, helped by the aeroplane manufacturer Boeing, who employed many more people to manage a strong orderbook.

Boeing’s success continued after the war, above all with the commercial success of the 707 airliner launched in the early 1960s. In 1962 Seattle sponsored a fully-fledged world's fair, the exciting Century 21 Exposition. The world fair left the city a permanent legacy of iconic structures like the Pacific Science Center, the Seattle Center, the monorail and the Space Needle. Today the city is a world center for industry, commerce and trade, home to well-known enterprises like Starbucks, Microsoft and Amazon.
From early days the economy of the city has been closely linked to the success of its port. The export of lumber and coal was the main activity of the port in the early years.

Apart from large cargo vessels, small ships followed the coastal route northwards, servicing resource-based businesses, which were based on mining, wood and fishing.

Summer voyages to Alaska were popular even in the early 1900s, with Alaska Steamship Company offering 7 day cruises. By the 1950s demand had slumped, and the Alaska Steamship Company stopped operations. No cruise line businesses ran cruises out of Seattle for the next 50 years.

But in 2000 the Port of Seattle constructed the Bell Street Pier cruise terminal, and from then the rise of Seattle as a cruise departure port has been remarkable. In 2009 the Smith Cove port was built to add more cruise ship capacity. In 2023 Seattle boasted 223 cruise ship visits with over 1.8 million passengers.

Seattle Port

Bell Street Cruise Port
The Bell Street Pier cruise port was inaugurated in 2000 as a central component of an 11-acre, city center, waterside, multi-purpose scheme. The terminal sits on Pier 66 which has a historic past all the way back back to 1914. During the following years the pier had many functions including CPR railroad station, storehouse and refrigerated storage. The terminal is 2 floors high, with a modern bridge platform giving transfer to the ship from the upper floor. Amenities at the terminal include snackbar, restaurant, concierge service, check-in, customs, baggage handling, rental car desk and shops. A 1700 space parking garage is sited just across the road. The cruise terminal has a single mooring, 1600ft long, 35 feet draught. Pier 66 homeports Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal

The Smith Cove cruise port is positioned 2 miles from the city center, on Pier 90 and Pier 91. The property was purchased by Seattle Port in 1912 for use as a commercial port. During World War II the navy managed the port as a supply station. On account of its previous use, Smith Cove surroundings have a very industrial looking appearance.
Facilities include customs, check-in, shops, luggage handling, concierge and car rental kiosk. A 1,000 car parking lot is sited not far away with a free shuttle minibus to the terminal. The cruise port has 2 ship moorings at Piers 90 and 91. Smith Cove is home to Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For the port website see Port of Seattle. For a full schedule of cruises see cruises from Seattle.

Excursions

Space Needle
Seattle’s iconic Space Needle is 605 ft tall, and has an exciting viewing level just under the top of the tower. You can see the islands in the sound, the far mountains, the sound and the downtown skyline. Drop by at the retail outlet for a souvenir or, for a meal with a twist, dine at SkyCity, the needle’s revolving restaurant that completes on orbit per hour.

Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is the site of Seattle’s first timber mill, the center of the original pioneer town. The original buildings were razed to the ground in the great 1889 fire. Today the area is distinguished by 1890s stone and brick buildings, and offers splendid architecture, interesting shops, welcoming cafes and art galleries. Pioneer Square is situated a mile south of Bell Street Pier.

Seattle Aquarium
Positioned by Pier 59, the Seattle Aquarium keeps an incredible range of sea life. Watch playful otters, long tentacled octopus, brightly colored fish, the coral world of the Pacific, Lake Washington fresh water reatures and Puget sound fish in excellently presented exhibits. Have a break at the stylish Aquarium café, then browse the aquarium shop.

Museum of Flight
The Seattle Museum of Flight has over 85 aircraft detailing the past and present of flying. Find out about the development of flight from the Wright planes, through WWI and WWII, to modern military and commercial airplanes. Check out a truly impressive collection of WWII fighter planes, a full size replica of the International Space Station, a history of air hostess style, the reusable Shuttle space plane and the supersonic passenger jet Concorde. Seattle Museum of Flight is situated 4 miles south of downtown.

Useful To Know

Currency USD
Timezone PST/DST

]]><![CDATA[New Orleans Cruise Port Overview]]>Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:41:14 GMThttps://cruisereviews.weebly.com/cruise-reviews/new-orleans-cruise-port-overviewNew Orleans - The City

New Orleans, the largest city in the state of Louisiana, lies on the Mississippi river. The city hugs the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain in a ‘C’ shape, hence its popular nickname, ‘The Crescent City’.

New Orleans was originally established by Jean Baptiste La Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, who in 1718 set up New Orleans as a deep water port to export produce from the surrounding lands.

In settlement of war debts, France ceded control of Louisiana to Spain, who ruled the colony for nearly 40 years from 1763 until 1801.

Nearly all of the existing 18th century architecture of the French Quarter dates back to this Spanish period.

Napoleon Bonaparte of France gained control of Louisiana in 1801, then sold it on for just $15 million to the US in the Louisiana Purchase.

Through the first half of the 19th century, New Orleans grew rich, as the premier Caribbean port city trading goods such as sugar cane, rum, tobacco and fruit.

The Civil War and Reconstruction put an end to economic success, but the city continued to grow. In the early 1900s the invention of electric pumps enabled the city’s suburbs to spread out into lower lying regions.

Throughout its history New Orleans has relied on its levees to protect the city from flooding. But catastrophe struck in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina brought category 3 winds and a massive tidal surge, breaking the levees, resulting in widespread flooding. The city has still not completely recovered from the hurricane’s destructive visit.

Today the visitor to New Orleans will find a city that boasts a historic charm, outstanding jazz, tasty cuisine, and a characterful Creole origin.

New Orleans Cruise Terminals

Originally constructed for the 1984 World's Fair, the Port of New Orleans cruise facility has been upgraded several times to match the ever increasing size of cruise ships. The port now offers two cruise terminals.

Julia Street Cruise Terminal

Since its inauguration in 1991 the Julia Street cruise terminal has undergone four major upgrades to adapt to the ever increasing size of cruise ships.

Available facilities comprise customs screening, a drive-off and pick-up area, an ATM, baggage handling, check-in and waiting areas, elevated passenger loading ramp, a refreshment stand and souvenir shop. The Julia Street cruise terminal is used by RCI and Norwegian Cruise Line. Carl parking is available in the nearby Whale parking area, off Convention Center Blvd.

Erato Cruise Terminal

The Erato cruise terminal, finished in Oct 2006, enabled the cruise port to homeport two big cruise ships simultaneously.

Available facilities include full air-conditioning, souvenir kiosk, a drive-in/drop-off area, elevated passenger loading bridge, a refreshment stand, customs clearance and baggage area. The top four stories of the terminal serve as a parking garage for over 1,000 vehicles. The Erato Street cruise terminal is used by Carnival.

For a calendar of cruises, see cruises from New Orleans.

New Orleans Shore Excursions

Jackson Square

Jackson Square is at the heart of the French Quarter, one of the best conserved historical neighborhoods in the United States. The Quarter even today has a unique Spanish and French personality. A number of interesting buildings look out over the square, such as the St Louis Cathedral, first constructed in 1724, the 1850 house, authentically furnished with fixtures and fittings of the 19th century and the 1791 Presbytére, now the Hurricane Katrina museum.

St. Louis Cemetery #1

St Louis Cemetery No 1 was started shortly after the great fire of 1788 , operating as the city’s most used burial ground. The beginnings of the above ground vaulted tombs is in dispute, it may be due to the high water table, or it may be due that it was a Roman Catholic practice. The cemetery is a short walk from the French Quarter.

Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street, full of hotels, boutiques, adult clubs, bars, restaurants and jazz club, is the best known street in the French Quarter. Enjoy listening to jazz music at The Famous Door, the oldest jazz club on the street. Treat yourself to lunch at Galatoire’s Restaurant, founded by Jean Galatoire back in 1905, which focuses on French Creole cooking. Call at Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, now a bar in a 1722 creole cottage. It was rumored that Jean Lafitte operated the forge as a respectable front for his privateer activities.

Moonwalk

The Mississippi river Moonwalk follows the west bank of the river from Jackson Square upriver to Canal street. The promenade was named after mayor Maurice Moon Landrieu, the mayor responsible for the building of the path. The Moon Walk is a favorite spot for street performers and chances are you'll hear lots of jazz, as well as seeing human statues, escape artists and stilt walkers.

]]><![CDATA[San Francisco - Departure Port For Hawaii, Mexico and Alaska Cruises]]>Sat, 27 Jan 2024 12:24:03 GMThttps://cruisereviews.weebly.com/cruise-reviews/san-francisco-departure-port-for-hawaii-mexico-and-alaska-cruisesIntroduction

The fourth most populated city in California, San Francisco straddles the northern end of a peninsula which separates San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

San Francisco now spreads across 40 steep-sided hills, though the city was originally developed over just seven - Mount Davidson which is SF’s highest natural point, Telegraph Hill topped by the stunning art deco Colt Tower, Mount Sutro owned by the UCSF, Twin Peaks a large natural park, Russian Hill named after Russian fur traders, Nob Hill affluent and exclusive and Rincon Hill now turning into a popular residential neighborhood.

San Francisco’s history starts in 1769, when Spaniards sailing from Mexico explored the bay. Based on their report of the area’s great potential, an expeditionary party was sent from San Diego to found a military station. The outpost was transferred to the US in 1848. In the very same year that SF changed ownership to the US, gold was found near to the city, attracting the attention of large numbers of speculative gold miners. Thanks to the predictable gold rush which followed the small settlement quickly became a city as the population increased from 1300 to 24000, which included large numbers from Asia.

From the 1860s through the 1890s San Francisco grew quickly with several ambitious building projects. The city’s finances flourished when the arrival of the transcontinental railroad spurred the establishment of revenue generating assembly line industries.

San Francisco's growth was curtailed in 1906 when a major earthquake wrought terribe destruction on the city. The tremor was so powerful it was felt as far away as Nevada. Due to the earthquake and the subsequent fires, about 3000 people perished and over two thirds of the city was destroyed including almost all of the city's center. Within just a few weeks reconstruction began, and soon San Francisco's famous cable cars were carrying passengers up and down the city streets again.

The 20th century saw good times come back to San Francisco. In the 1960s the city was the origin of the laid back Hippie Generation, a philosophy that was followed around the globe.

Today San Francisco is a global center for manufacturing, commerce and banking, and is also the home of a thriving port.

Cruise Terminals

San Francisco offers 2 cruise terminals, Pier 27 used for cruises which turnaround at the city, and Pier 35 a back-up facility used for some day-calling cruises.

For a calendar of cruises, see cruises from San Francisco.

Pier 27 Terminal

Late in 2014 the new James R. Herman International Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 came into operation as the city’s primary cruise terminal. Pier 35 and Piers 30-32 are kept as backup cruise moorings.

Services include toilets, information point, cafe, customs clearance and seating area.

Whilst in not such a great location as the old Pier 35, Pier 27 is still near to the celebrated Fishermen’s Wharf area, so it is still easy to promote the terminal as very convenient to SF’s celebrated sights.

Pier 35 Terminal

The terminal is next to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, and within walking distance of hotels, downtown, attractions and theatres.

San Francisco Shore Excursions

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a touristy section of San Francisco’s north-east waterfront, between Pier 39 to the east and Aquatic park to the west.

Favorite attractions comprise Aquatic Park, the SS. Jeremiah O'Brien (Pier 45), a two layer carousel (Pier 39), the USS Pampanito (Pier 45), bay cruises (Pier 43), a sea lion colony (Pier 39) and the cable car turntable (Beach and Hyde).

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge was finished in 1937. Incredibly on the day before it was opened to vehicles, nearly 180,000 people crossed the bridge by foot.

The bridge is easy to access for both bicyclists and pedestrians, and was built with sidewalks on both sides of the six vehicle traffic lanes. The east sidewalk is given over to people on foot, the west to bicyclists.

To visit the southern end of the bridge via public transport take a Golden Gate Transit bus (route numbers 101, 80 and 70) at Van Ness & Union near Fisherman’s Wharf.

Cablecars

The inventor of SF’s cable car network, Andrew Smith Hallidie, was set to the task by seeing the horrible deaths of five horses who fell down a steep slippery slope while towing a large load.

Today three original cable car lines are still in operation, the Powell-Mason, the Powell-Hyde and the California Street. Of the 3 the California Street line is the least busy, and is the easiest one to catch assuming you want to beat long queues.

Don’t miss out on the wonderful Market and Powell Street cable car turntable, one of the city’s unforgettable attractions.

Alcatraz

During the 29 years the island was served as a federal jail Alcatraz served as home to some 1576 of America's worst hoodlums including Robert Franklin Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz), Al Capone, Alvin Karpis, Arthur R. Barker, James Whitey Bulger and Rafael Cancel Miranda.

A guided tour of the prison includes the New Industries Building, the Library, Building 64, the Water Tower, the Main Cellhouse and the Warden's House.

Alcatraz Island is located in SF Bay, just over a mile from shore. An every half hour ferry service leaves from Pier 33, starting at 9.30am. Advance booking is preferable.

Chinatown

Even though many of the buildings in San Franisco's Chinatown may not be truely Chinese in design, the customs, food and inhabitants bring a genuine quality to the neighborhood.

The main area of interest to the tourist centers on Grant Av, where the colorfully ornamented road is lined with all kinds of oriental markets, eateries and shops.

Another idea is a trip to the Golden Gate Cookie Factory, the sole remaining fortune cookie factory in San Francisco where the cookies are hand made. Watch the process of making the cookies, take some pictures and purchase a packet.

]]><![CDATA[New York City - For Transatlantic, New England/Canada and Caribbean Cruises]]>Mon, 25 Sep 2023 09:19:28 GMThttps://cruisereviews.weebly.com/cruise-reviews/new-york-city-for-transatlantic-new-englandcanada-and-caribbean-cruisesIntroduction

In 1626 a Dutch settlement, New Amsterdam, was founded on Manhattan Island. In 1664 English forces conquered the colony and renamed it New York. Under the British New York expanded rapidly as a key trade center. New York was home to English troops throughout the Revolutionary war, but finally came under American control in 1783. For 7 years after the war, New York served as the United States’ capital city, until that function was transferred to Philadelphia.

The 19th century saw the continual growth of the city’s population. In 1825 the new Erie Canal, which linked New York port to the agricultural area of Canada and the US Mid West stimulated trade.

In spite of the setbacks of the Great Depression, and WWII, New York continued to grow all through the 20th century turning into a world center for industry, marketing and trade. A highlight of this century was the construction plan which led to the emergence of Manhattan Island’s fabulous skyscraper filled skyline.

All through the history of New York its shipping docks dotted around the Upper Hudson Bay have been central in the city’s growth. A large reason for the docks’ importance lies in the big numbers of people that have arrived in New York by boat. At the start of the twentieth century, passengers did not land at Ellis Island rather at Chelsea Piers on Manhattan Island, from where they were ferried back to the immigration station.

In the 1930s the New York City Passenger Ship Terminal was constructed to berth bigger ships. But convenient air travel resulted in the end of the era of the glorious transatlantic liner. However cruising came back to life when the New York City Passenger Ship Terminal reinvented itself as the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in the 1970s. As the demand for cruising grew, two more cruise terminals opened in the Hudson Bay. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook opened 2004 and Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal in Bayonnne, opened in 2005.

New York Cruise Ports

There are 2 cruise ports in NYC, the Mathattan Cruise Terminal on the Hudson River on the west bank of Manhattan Island, and 6 miles southwards Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on the east coast of Hudson Upper Bay at the Red Hook shoreline of Brooklyn. Nearby Bayonne in NJ is home to the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal, sited on the west shoreline of Upper Bay.

Manhattan Cruise Terminal

The Manhattan Cruise Terminal is situated to the side of West 44th through West 52nd streets on the west Hudson River coast of Manhattan . The cruise terminal has three docks, piers 88, 90 and 92. A terminal building sits atop each pier. Terminal facilities include snackbars, VIP areas, customs and immigration, rest rooms, newsstands, seating areas and check-in areas. Parking is located above each of the cruise terminals.

Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

Located facing Governors Island in Red Hook, the Brooklyn cruise terminal is a modern building on pier 12. On account of its previous use as a working port, the terminal has a utilitarian feel. The terminal has food vending machines, immigration, check-in, customs and restrooms. There is an adjacent parking area capable of handling 500 cars.

Bayonne Cruise Terminal

Cape Liberty cruise terminal is situated on the southern pier in Upper Bay. Opened in 2004, the port was originally the Bayonne Navy. The terminal has a snackbar, customs, restrooms, check-in desks and immigration. The cruise terminal is around half-a-mile from the quay, and passengers are taken by buses from the cruise terminal building to their ship. By the cruise ship dock lies the 9/11 Tear Drop Memorial. Near the terminal there is a big parking lot.

For a calendar of cruises, see cruises from New York.

New York Shore Excursions

Empire State Building
The Empire State Building Observatory with its spectacular views across Manhattan is one of New York’s main attractions. Catch the escalator to the Observatory and stroll around the promenade, 1050ft above the city’s busy streets. The Empire State Building is a half-hour walk from the cruise terminal.

Central Park
In the center of Manhattan island sits iconic Central Park, a huge landscaped park originally designed in mid 19th century. Highlights would be the Bethesda fountain, the Botanical Gardens, the Great Lawn, Belvedere Castle and the Zoo.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
This famous museum, opened in 1870, displays a huge array of works of art from all around the world. See Van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses, Rembrandt’s Aristotle with a Bust of Homer, Vermeer’s Young Woman with a Water Pitcher and the medieval tapestry The Unicorn in Captivity. The museum is sited on the edge of Central Park between East 81st and 82nd streets.

Brooklyn Bridge
Completed in 1883 Brooklyn Bridge which spans the East River is Brooklyn’s most famous icon. There is a walkway along the bridge, which can be reached at Tillary/Adams streets or by stairs on Prospect St between Cadman Plaza East and West. As you stroll across the bridge you can appreciate great vistas across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Hudson Upper Bayincluding the Statue of Liberty.

Statue of Liberty
For the numerous immigrants that fled from Western Europe to New York, the Statue of Liberty was the first sight they had of the US. Designed in Paris by the sculptor Bartholdi, with help from Gustave Eiffel, this marvellous testament to liberty was a present from the French to commemorate the centennial of the Declaration of Independence. Tickets to the base area may be booked or obtained at the statue. Tickets to the statue’s inner stairway and crown have to be reserved, as access is restricted to 240 visitors per day.

]]><![CDATA[Tampa - Cruise Port Overview]]>Wed, 09 Aug 2023 10:37:05 GMThttps://cruisereviews.weebly.com/cruise-reviews/tampa-cruise-port-overviewIntroduction

The city of Tampa is positioned at the center of the Gulf coastline of Florida in a large bay protected by the Pinellas peninsula.

Tampa can trace its origins back to the small settlement of Fort Brooke, founded by the US Army in 1824 at the head of Tampa bay to help keep watch over the native Seminole Indians. The new village suffered many setbacks, including yellow fever epidemics, a huge hurricane that devastated large parts of the village and war between the army and the Seminoles.

Then the 1880s heralded major changes when Henry B Plant built a railroad through the town. The railroad terminated at Port Tampa. After the railroad was finished, Henry B Plant founded a ferry ship service carrying mail, passengers and goods between Port Tampa, Key West, and Havana. Plant’s efforts did not finish with the railroad and ferry company, for he then started with a plan to construct several grand hotels in the area, such as the famous Tampa Bay Hotel in Tampa.

Also in the late 19th century rich phosphate seams were discovered nearby, resulting in a huge rise is mining and shipping activity. By the end of the 19th century Tampa had developed from a small village to one of the largest cities in Florida.

Today Tampa has grown into one of the major cities in Florida with a foremost commercial shipping port, and a thriving business area. The city's ports have had a major impact on the city’s economy right from the 19th century. There are now two main ports, as Port Tampa was joined by the Port Of Tampa in 1917 when a deep water channel was dredged all the way to the top of Hillsborough Bay.

The cruise company Carnival spotted a demand for Caribbean cruises out of Tampa, and established a cruise operation from the Port Of Tampa in 1994.

Tampa Cruise Port

Tampa has 3 cruise terminals, numbered 2, 3 and 6. For the port website see Tampa Port Authority.

Cruise Terminal 2

Cruise Terminal 2 was opened in 1998 as part of a 70-acre, downtown, coastline, multi-function scheme. Available facilites include a snack shop, customs, baggage trolleys, taxi rank and restrooms. The cruise terminal offers only one mooring. Terminal 2 is used by Carnival. Car Parking is located directly across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-storey car park. Car parking valet services are available.

Cruise Terminal 3

Cruise Terminal 3 was constructed in 2002 to meet a growing demand for cruise vacations from Tampa. The terminal offers a streamlined passenger embark and debark area, baggage handling services and streamlined security. The terminal has access to a single cruise ship berth. Terminal 3 is used by Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Car parking is located directly across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-level car lot.

Cruise Terminal 6

Cruise Terminal 6 is located just to the north of Terminal 3. Cruise Terminal 6 has been completely renovated for use by Holland America. The cruise terminal services just one cruise ship berth. Parking is located directly next to the terminal.

For a full schedule of cruises out of Tampa, see cruises from Tampa.

Excursions

Tampa’s Riverwalk
Experience the sights of the city and sweeping views across the Garrison channel by hiking the newly promoted Tampa Riverwalk. As the walk hugs the waterside it visits many attractions including The Florida Aquarium, Channelside Bay Plaza, Tampa Bay History Center, Fort Brooke Park, Florida Museum Of Photographic Arts, Kiley Gardens, Glazier's Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art.

SS American Victory
The cargo vessel SS American Victory served all through WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Today it has been restored by volunteers to make a working museum. Come up the gang plank and witness the entire ship including guns, signaling equipment, a hospital section, galley and cargo equipment. The ship is anchored at a dock close by the cruise port.

Florida Aquarium
Both young and old will marvel at the myriad of sea life at the Florida Aquarium. Much-loved exhibits include Ocean Commotion, No Bone Zone, Coral Reefs, Explore A Shore and Bays and Beaches. There are also special activities on offer like Swim with the Fish and Wild Dophin Ecotour. The Aquarium is sited next to cruise terminal 3.

Henry B Plant Museum
The railroad businessman Henry B Plant commissioned the magnificent Tampa Bay hotel as a destination for winter visitors to Tampa. It’s lavishly constructed in the style of a Arabian palace, with extra touches of Victorian stonework. Nowadays the hotel building is largely taken up by the University of Tampa, but it also houses the very educative Henry B Plant Museum, which details the life and times of the famous railroad magnate.

Busch Gardens Theme Park
At Busch Gardens you’ll be able to experience up-close encounters with amazing animals, take a memorable safari across the Serengeti plains, frighten yourself on heart stopping roller coasters and watch a stage show with live perfomers. Busch Gardens is sited 8 miles north of the cruise terminals.

Useful To Know

Timezone Eastern Time Zone
Currency USD
Language English

]]><![CDATA[Port Canaveral - The Start Of A Great Caribbean Cruise]]>Thu, 20 Oct 2022 10:07:22 GMThttps://cruisereviews.weebly.com/cruise-reviews/port-canaveral-the-start-of-a-great-caribbean-cruiseOn one of the barrier islands fronting Florida’s Atlantic coastline, midway between Miami and Jacksonville, sits the city of Cape Canaveral. The city is hemmed in on the west by the Banana River, southwards by Cocoa Beach, eastwards by the Atlantic Ocean and northwards by Port Canaveral.

The powerful tides which sweep around the Cape are perilous to ships, and many sailors have perished in wrecks on the Cape. The headland was named Cape Canaveral by Spanish seamen during the 16th century. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse was constructed in 1847 with the aim of making the coast less perilous for ships.

During the second World War the US Navy constructed the construction of Banana River Naval Air Station at the Cape to operate reconnaissance planes. After the war the US air-force, searching for a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic ocean to make an ideal launch base, selected the Cape.

The Cape Canaveral base needed a facility for importing large components by sea, and Port Canaveral was constructed and completed by 1953.

During the 1970s the port made a convenient port-of-call for cruise ships whose passengers were enthusiastic to make a trip to the amusement parks of Orlando. During the 1980s 3 cruise terminals opened, and Premier Cruises (now long defunct) and Carnival Cruises ships sailed out of at Port Canaveral, sailing on cruises to Nassau.
In the 1990s Disney cruises commenced operating cruise vacations from Port Canaveral, from the new specially built terminal 8. Two additional new cruise terminals were also constructed in this decade.

Today over 1 million passengers leave on their cruise trip from Port Canaveral every year. Disney and Carnival now have competition from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line who also operate out of the port.

Port Canaveral Cruise Port

Port Canaveral has six major cruise terminals.. These are terminals 5, 8 and 10 which are positioned on the north west shore of the port. And terminals 1 and 3 on the south shore of the port.

Terminals 5, 6, 8 and 10
Cruise terminals 5, 6, 8 and 10 are situated on the north or A side, alongside Charles M Rowland Drive. These more up-to-date cruise terminals possess longer docks able to moor the biggest ships, and each can handle more than 3000 passengers. Cruise Terminal 5 is a stylish building, with a 30ft tall glass atrium filled with tropical vegetation and imaginative water features. Embarking cruisers are handled on the top floor, disembarking passengers on the bottom. Cruise Terminal 8 was specified by and built for Disney Cruise Line, and is an appealing art-deco style terminal with an impressive 80 ft high glass entrance lobby. Cruise Terminal 10 has a 3 layered passenger embarking/debarking system, with fully automated baggage handling.

Terminals 1 and 3
On the south side of the port you'll find terminals 1 and 3, the most modern cruise terminals in Port Canaveral. Both terminals also offer easy access to the Cove shopping/restaurant area.

All terminals provides the basic facilities including pay phones, cab rank, ATMs, check-in desks, restrooms and vending machines. And each terminal has a parking lot.

For a calendar of cruises, see cruises from Port Canaveral.

Port Canaveral Shore Excursions

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Whether or not you can remember ‘That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind’ most people are enthralled by the concept of traveling to space. The Kennedy Space Center is the base of NASA’s operations and was the launch site for the famous moon-landing missions. At the Center you can go to the LC39 Gantry and the Apollo/Saturn V Center, watch a space movie at the IMAX center, enjoy the Shuttle Launch Experience and learn about what the future holds for space exploration at the Exploration Space exhibition. The Space Center is only 10 miles north from Port Canaveral.

US Astronaut Hall of Fame
The Astronaut Hall of Fame honors US astronauts. Tour an interesting collection including the Science On A Sphere exhibition, the Sigma 7 Mercury rocket, space suits and a realistic astronaut training simulator. The Hall of Fame is only 4 miles westwards of the Space Center.

Cocoa Beach Pier
Constructed in 1962 Cocoa Beach Pier is amongst the best-known spots on Florida's Space coast. The pier offers four bars, souvenir shops, 5 restaurants and occasional live entertainment. The beach next to the pier offers beach-hire concessions, all year lifeguards, restrooms and showers. Cocoa Beach is sited about 4 miles south of the port.

Currency USD
Timezone EST
Port Website Port Canaveral Port Authority

]]><![CDATA[Sydney Australia - Recommended Port for South Pacific and New Zealand Cruises]]>Fri, 19 Aug 2022 09:57:41 GMThttps://cruisereviews.weebly.com/cruise-reviews/sydney-australia-recommended-port-for-south-pacific-and-new-zealand-cruisesSydney is sited on the east coast of Australia. The Pacific Ocean is located to the east and the Blue Mountains are to the west. The city is the largest and most financially important city in Australia, and has a population of nearly four million.
The city is a well-liked tourist destination. Famous sights include Sydney Harbor Bridge, The Rocks, Bondi Beach and the Sydney Opera House. The city’s tourist attractions and coastal situation have helped make it a top cruise ship port. Nearly 150 cruiseliners make use of Sydney port annually.

Sydney Cruise Ports

Sydney’s cruise ship facilities are divided between two locations, the Overseas Passenger Terminal and White City.

Overseas Passenger Terminal
The Overseas Passenger Terminal has access to an eight hundred foot mooring, able to berth only one full-sized cruise ship. The terminal is a modern building with a complete variety of facilities for cruise passengers. It also has outside dining areas, restaurants and an hotel. The terminal is located at Circular Quay, opposite the Opera House within easy walking distance of Sydney’s tourist attractions.

White Bay
White Bay cruise terminal is a conversion from a building previously used as a commerical dock facility. The terminal can handle up to cruise ships, and 2500 passengers. Unlike the OPT, White Bay is not particularly convenient for the city centre, being around 3 miles away.

For the port website see Sydney Ports. For a full schedule of cruises see cruises from Sydney.

Excursions

The Rocks
The Rocks is the oldest area in the city, and several of the structures at The Rocks are excellently conserved, examples would be Cadman’s Cottage, the Merchants House, Campbells Storehouse and Susannah Place. Integrated into this historical area, the visitor will find cafes, restaurants, shops, galleries and bars. The Rocks area is adjacent to Circular Quay.

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House, situated on Bennelong Point on Syney Harbour, is reckoned by many to be an architectural classic. Designed by Jørn Utzon and constructed with much controversy, it was inaugurated in October 1973. If your itinerary allows, watch an opera, a concert or a ballet.. The Opera house is a quick walk up the shoreline from the OPT.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge has a footpath giving good access to the sightseer. Visit the Pylon Lookout on the southern end of the bridge to enjoy an absorbing display on the construction of the bridge. If heights don’t scare you sign up for the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, a 3 ½ hour expedition to the summit of the bridge. The outing takes you up girders, ladders and catwalks at day or night.

Royal Botanic Gardens
The scenic Royal Botanic Gardens is an oasis of greenery placed between the harbour and the busy city center. A path leads around the harbour front, offering fine vistas over Farm Cove and Sydney Harbour.

Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is famous the world over as as Sydney’s most popular beach. During summer Bondi is the beach for surf, sun and fun. The sandy beach has a magnificent outlook over a large moon shaped bay of deep blue ocean. Bus no 380 from Circular Quay gets you there in about 40 minutes.

Useful To Know

Timezone EST/DST
Currency AUD
Language English

]]><![CDATA[Baltimore, Recommended Port For Caribbean And Bermuda Cruises]]>Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:23:15 GMThttps://cruisereviews.weebly.com/cruise-reviews/baltimore-recommended-port-for-caribbean-and-bermuda-cruises
Baltimore is positioned in central Maryland, on the Atlantic coastline at Chesapeake Bay. A port was built on the bay in the early eighteenth century to export the crops of the many tobacco farms centered on the region. This small port has grown to become the USA’s eighth largest port, spreading over 25 miles of shoreline.

As well as trade, the port has traditionally offered passenger services. The port was the 2nd biggest destination for immigrants through the 1920s and 1930s. Steamship cruises around the bay were all the rage in the 1950s and 1960s. Nowadays there’s a sunnier choice of cruises on offer, though, as cruise ships travel to the gorgeous Bahamas and Caribbean.

Baltimore Cruise Port

The Maryland Port Authority made the decision in 2004 to move the out-of-date Dundalk cruise ship terminal. A big warehouse on South Locust Point was refurbished, opening as the Maryland Cruise Terminal in 2006.

The cruise terminal has the basic services including check-in desks, restrooms, an ATM, vending machines and pay phones. Next to the terminal stands a dedicated parking lot, with capacity of over vehicles.

The cruise port has a single berth, restricting the cruise port to just one cruise ship at any time.

For a calendar of cruises, see Cruises From Baltimore.

Baltimore Shore Excursions

The city has plenty of appeal for the tourist, with many interesting attractions. Stop by at the Inner Harbor Visitor Center where you’ll find leaflets, trail maps and information to aid the planning of your day. The Baltimore Water Taxi, which shuttles around the Inner Harbor, is a good method of traveling around the attractions.

Fort McHenry
Half-a-mile from the cruise terminal stands historic Fort McHenry guarding the harbor. During the War of 1812, US forces stationed at Fort McHenry successfully defended the city from attack by the British in a ferocious clash. The Battle of Baltimore was observed by Francis Scott Key from a boat offshore, and he was moved into writing the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner.

Federal Hill
Federal Hill was named after a night of partying instigated by the state of Maryland’s listing in the US constitution. Revelers launched a mock sailing ship, called the ‘Federalist’ from the top of the hill into the bay. Today it’s a a small green area, with manicured lawns and tall trees, giving a magnificent viewpoint of Inner Harbor.

Maryland Science Center
Favorite rooms at the Maryland Science Center are Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab, space, your body, dinosaurs, physics and geology. Also on site you’ll find a planetarium and an IMAX.

Historic Ships in Baltimore Museum
At the Historic Ships Museum check out USCGC Taney (the last remaining ship from pearl harbor), the USS Constellation (tall mast clipper), the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse (the oldest screw pile lighthouse on the Chesapeake), the Lightship Chesapeake and the USS Torsk (a sub).

National Aquarium
Transport yourself to the ocean world at the National Aquarium. Favorite exhibits are animal planet Australia, a stingray pool, a massive shark tank and very gymnastic dolphins.

Fell's Point
Around about a mile eastwards from Inner Harbor lies the notable area of Fell’s Point. In the 18th century the district was the center of a busy ship-building industry, creating clipper ships. The cobblestone streets, cramped market places and tall houses still evoke those early years. Today the visitor will also find many snack bars for a welcome break from exploring.

Information and Resources

Currency USD
Timezone EST
Port website Cruise Maryland

]]><![CDATA[San Juan, Recommended Eastern Caribbean Port]]>Wed, 25 May 2022 10:40:23 GMThttps://cruisereviews.weebly.com/cruise-reviews/san-juan-recommended-eastern-caribbean-portIn the year 1508, the celebrated Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon established the town of Caparra near a natural harbor on the north coast of Puerto Rico. In 1521 the settlement was vacated and resited to the present location of Old San Juan. During the early 16th century, San Juan was the origin of Spanish expeditions to unknown areas of the Caribbean.

Today the old part of San Juan maintains an authentic Old World atmosphere with nearly 400 restored Spanish 17th-century villas. It also is home to many shops, casinos and restaurants for cruise passengers to enjoy.

San Juan Port
There are three main pier areas in San Juan port. Old San Juan piers 1 thru 6, the Navy Frontier pier, and the Pan American pier. Normally ships dayporting at San Juan berth at the Old San Juan Piers, so passengers can walk into Old San Juan. Ships starting from San Juan will dock at Old San Juan pier 4, or the Pan American Pier (about 15 mins by cab from the center of Old San Juan). For a calendar of cruise departures from San Juan, see San Juan cruises.

San Juan Shore Excursions

El Morro Fort
El Morro, an enormous fort dating from 1539, defends San Juan from sea pirates. Its full name is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, taken from the favored saint of King Philip . You can walk around six levels of gun platforms and thick stone walls that tower over San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

La Fortaleza
Another must-see is La Fortaleza, San Juan's most ancient fortification, constructed in 1540. Later it was to become the governor's official residence. Guided tours take you on a walk through the luxurious building, with gilded banquet hall, high galleries, and rooms decorated in period style.

Cathedral de San Juan
This beautiful cathedral was built in 1592, on the site of the previous cathedral which was smashed by a storm. Situated along Calle Cristo, this neoclassical structure holds the crypt of Ponce de Leon, a famous Spanish seaman, and the 1st governor of Puerto Rico.

Escambron Beach
Every beach in San Juan is public, and Escambrion beach, on the northern coastline, must be amongst the most beautiful in the city. It's quick to reach, and offers wonderful views back along the coastline to El Morro. Condado beach, just further along the coast, is another beautiful beach.

Shopping
The hub of the shopping in Old San Juan is centered on the many shops along San Francisco, Cristo and Fortaleza streets. Also go to the two craft markets to find a big choice of fashions, art, souvenirs and jewelry. One of the markets is located at the Plaza de la Darsena, by pier 1, the second on the Paseo de la Princesa, just west of pier 1.

Information and Resources
Currency USD
Timezone Atlantic Standard Time
For San Juan port website see Port website

]]><![CDATA[Piraeus Athens Recommended Mediterranean Port]]>Tue, 17 May 2022 10:28:06 GMThttps://cruisereviews.weebly.com/cruise-reviews/piraeus-athens-recommended-mediterranean-portIntroducing Piraeus

Piraeus has been the port of Athens since the Golden Age. The port at Piraeus was conceived at the beginning of the fifth century BC by Themistocles, who realized the potential of its 3 deep water bays. The early buildings were consolidated by Pericles with the construction of 'the Long Walls' to protect the route to Athens. Nowadays Piraeus is an important center in its own right, containing much of Greater Athens' industry. For the majority of tourists, though, it is the inter-island ferries based in Piraeus that provide the reason for passing through. The port sees the departure of up to 60 ferries each day.

Beware that the Greek signs will use the spelling Pireas, rather than Piraeus.

Athens is only seven miles from Piraeus, and the majority of travellers will spend the visit in Athens. Situated on a plain between four mountains, Athens can get hot, sticky and dirty in summer. However at its center stands the magnificent Acropolis, a magnetic attraction for tourists from all over the globe. Jusrt North of the Acropolis lies the cosmopolitan tourist-friendly area of Plaka, a place full of historic interest, and these two are the main draw for travellers.

Piraeus Port

Your ship will berth in the Port of Piraeus located on the southern fringe of the city. The port sits on the turquoise-colored Aegean Sea. The port is an important ferry terminus, serving the numerous Greek Islands. Greece is made up of a multitude of islands, thus ferries are vital and ferries sail in and out of Piraeus 24 hours a day. The cruise ship berths are on the quays to the southern side of the harbor.

Cruise ships moor at Cruise Terminal A or Cruise Terminal B. Cruise Terminal A, approached by gate E11, is located in the middle of the harbour sandwiched by the Mioulis and Xaveris docks. Cruise Terminal B, approached by gate E12, sits at the mouth of the harbor, shielded by the Termistokleous pier. The capacity of Piraeus is around eleven cruise ships.

Piraeus makes an ideal departure port for cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean, including the exciting destinations of the Holy Land and Egypt. For full cruise schedules from Piraeus, see cruises from Athens Greece.

Excursions

In Athens

The Acropolis
The most popular focus of the visitor's attention in Athens is the Acropolis. There is a 12 euro fee to enter into the Acropolis.
The major sight in Athens is the Acropolis, a 150 m (512 ft) rock in the center of the city topped with a number of temples that were erected in around 400BC. The beauty of these ancient monuments makes the Acropolis known all over the world. It costs 12 euro to enter.
At the top of the Acropolis sits the beautiful Parthenon, an amazing classical Greek temple, a magestic sight from almost everywhere in the city.
Nearby stands is the Erechtheion. The 6 caryatids that serve as pillars are not real, you can see 5 originals in the Acropolis museum. Number 6 is in the British Museum in London, together with substantial parts of the Parthenon frieze.

Syntagma Square
Look at the soldiers wearing their unique skirt withwhite tights and bizarre shoes. Don't miss is the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Plaka
Just down from the Acropolis sits the Plaka District. This area is made up of pedestrian meandering streets.

Roman Forum
The Roman Agora is located towards the west end of Plaka. Here you'll find the remarkable Tower of the Winds, an eight sided tower with a different wind god in a frieze on each side. Joint ticket with Acropolis.

Shopping in Plaka
There are a lot of local products worth purchasing. olive oil, small carpets, and leather shoes are all sourced locally and offer great value for money. The local antiques market is always bustling and interesting.

Dining in Plaka
Dining in one of the sidewalk restaurants enjoying a dish of tasty food with some ouzo is a very enjoyable way to spend the lunch hour.

In Piraeus

Marina Zea
Zea, also called Pasalimani, is the place to catch one of the Flying Dolphins to the islands in the Saronic Gulf, and there are also the most fantastic yachts moored there in the marina, which is one of the largest in Europe. There are lots of restaurants, shops, and taverns along the shore; if you like boat-watching, sit outside a café and watch the activity in the beautiful harbor.

Hellenic Maritime Museum
This nautical and naval museum has many exhibits showing Greek ships, both modern and ancient. There are paintings, ship models, flags, maps, and all sorts of equipment used on ships. A section of the wall built around Piraeus by Themistocles in ancient times is here, and so are some items from Aristotle Onassis’s yacht. There are some weird little objects in this museum, such as ship models that prisoners carved from bone, and many very interesting exhibits for those interested in naval history.

Archeological Museum
The archeological museum has exhibits from ancient times, such as statues that date back to the 4th century BC. There is a very large funeral monument, grave markers, and important bronze statues of Apollo, Athena, and Artemis. Sculptures from both the Classical and Roman periods are on display, as are many treasures excavated in Piraeus; there are also ruins of an ancient theater nearby.

Useful to Know
Currency EURO
Language Greek
Timezone GMT+2
Piraeus Port Authority Website www.olp.gr

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