Balcony cabins on Norwegian Breakway.

Cruise ships can have a lot of different cabin layouts and categories, sometimes it takes having a PhD to figure out which one is best for you.

When looking for your next cruise you may want to consider booking a balcony cabin to extract the most enjoyment from your vacation.

Here are five reasons to why to book a balcony cabin:

1. Relaxation. When you’re one a cruise you’re typically on it for a vacation or some type of gathering. Water is every therapeutic and sitting out in the open air and reflecting is a great way to start or wind down every day. If you’re a couple, everything gets hotter when the sun goes down, right?

2. Open-Air Dining. Open air dining? Yes please! Sure you can go upstairs and dine with everyone else – there’s nothing wrong with that. But sometimes you just want to breakaway from the crowds, order room service and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner on your own private-table for two. With 24-hour room service, any meal can be enjoyed on your balcony. You don’t have to order room service. You can go to the main dining room or your favorite specialty venue and take the meal to go.

3. Space. If the actual cabin layout isn’t bigger, just having a floor-to-ceiling glass door in your room with a panoramic view opens up the cabin a lot, plus you have the extra 80+ feet of space on the actual balcony (depending on the category).

Enjoying my balcony aboard ms Zuiderdam.

4. Port Views. Imagine sailing into your favorite port of call with your own personal view. Sure, you could go to the top deck and jockey for space with a thousand other people — but doing it from your own balcony sometimes just makes more sense. From personal experience seeing Alaska, Europe, the Netherlands, Caribbean and Canada/New England from a balcony is breath taking and now a requirement. The wild life, stunning views and a place to sit outside in comfort of your own cabin is always a plus.

5. Own Private Party. We all know the sail away parties can be a blast on the upper deck, but sometimes after a long day of getting to the ship you may not feel like it. This is where a balcony comes into play. You can  enjoy the sailaway from your own balcony, crack open the champagne you brought or just enjoy the booze you snuck on.

There are many reasons to book a balcony cabin on your next sailing and these are just a few.  I have two great balcony memories: Sailing Alaska on Holland America’s Oosterdam and through Italy on Carnival Breeze.

A balcony cabin has its price — typically a couple hundred dollars more per person — but a small price to pay for total peace and serenity.

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Post link: 5 Reasons to Book a Balcony Cabin

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You may want to consider using the metro when you head into Manhattan, whether is be the cruise pier, exploring the city or a hotel. The ride into the city is very simple if you know what you’re doing.

The AirTrain

The AirTrain is JFK airport’s tram system that runs you between terminals and offsite location Jamaica Station. The train on this line also stops at Federal Circle Station, where you can pick up rental cars and hotel shuttles.

Step-by-step

Once you arrive into baggage claim at JFK, look for the signs that say AirTrain. You can pick it up from any terminal and take it to Jamaica Station. You do not need to buy a ticket until you step off the train and step foot into Jamaica Station. The cost is $5.00, which you can buy directly from a kiosk or at an agent at the station.

Once you arrive at Jamacia Station you have a couple of options with the metro pass to get you to the subway and into NYC. They have a single ride pass for $2.75 or an unlimited 7-day pass for $30. Keep in mind there is a one-time $1 fee when you buy the card so if you are going back to the airport after your cruise or spending a couple days in the city just make sure you hang onto your card and do the reload option.

To get into Manhattan you’ll want to go downstairs and take the E subway line into the city. The ride from Jamaica Station to the city takes about 30-minutes but goes by really quick.

Know what stop you’ll want to get off on. Chances are if you’re staying in midtown or the Times Square area you’ll want to get off on the 34^th (Penn Station),  42^nd (Port Authority Bus Terminal – don’t let the name confuse you). The 42nd streets stop is the closest to the cruise terminal.

One you get on the main street, you can head to a taxi stand or walk to the cruise pier or hotel. Keep in mind — depending on the street your hotel is on – it maybe easier to get off a stop earlier and walk up a couple of blocks.

In our case the InterContinental New York Times Square was connected to the subway stop. You’ll want to research these things before hand. We didn’t realize it and took a cab around the city block – in one big circle!

Subway Tips:

1. Keep your stuff close or under the bench you’re sitting on. There a lot of people that come on and off the subway and it would be easy for someone to take something of yours, get off on the next stop and be miles away before you even notice.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask. There are metro attendants on the actual metro line and at the station stops. These attendants will give you advice, advise you of track issues and make your transit easier.
3. Keep track of your balance. There is nothing more annoying than having a line of people behind you and realizing your metro card has a zero balance. You’ll have to back up and really tick the people off behind you.

This was my first experience on the NYC metro system from the airport (first time at JFK airport too) and I thought it was going to be very overwhelming. It wasn’t at all and was a great learning experience. There are plenty of free smartphone apps like Kick Map, maps, signage in the terminal and attendants who’ll be more than happy to assist you.

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With that said, one of the biggest questions we got while on board Norwegian Breakaway was: Are the bathrooms anything like Norwegian Epic?

The answer is no.

HEAR OUR NORWEGIAN BREAKAWAY BROADCAST HERE. 

The waves design cabins and the separate bathroom layout that was found on Norwegian Epic is non-existent on Norwegian Breakaway.

Below are two videos.

Norwegian Breakaway Bathroom Tour

Norwegian Epic Bathroom Tour

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Serenity area on Carnival Sunshine.

Carnival Sunshine – which recently underwent a groundbreaking $155 million renovation that added a host of new features and facilities – arrived today in Barcelona, Spain, following its inaugural 12-day cruise from Venice, Italy.

The unprecedented transformation added all of the line’s Fun Ship 2.0 dining, bar and entertainment features, along with a host of unique and exciting innovations and an additional 182 staterooms.

Today’s voyage from Barcelona represents Carnival Sunshine’s first-ever departure from the Spanish port and continues the ship’s summer schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages that will run through October.

Here’s a look at some of the many innovations added to the 3,006-passenger vessel during its comprehensive makeover:

Dining Choices

• Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, a stunning new full-service restaurant featuring an extensive menu of delicacies from the Far East, all enjoyed amidst striking Asian-inspired interiors

• Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries

• Cucina del Capitano, offering Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in an engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home

• BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas

• JavaBlue Café, offering lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated favorites, as well as “spiked” coffees made with liqueurs, and deliciously decadent confections

• Pizzeria del Capitano, an expansion of Cucina del Capitano offering five varieties of hand-tossed artisanal-style pizza, all available free of charge 24 hours a day

• Fahrenheit 555, a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks, gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts, with impeccable service and understated ambiance

• Shake Spot, the ideal “chill” spot where guests can enjoy hand-crafted milkshakes and floats, including “adult versions” of the frozen confections, available with fun toppings

WaterWorks on Carnival Sunshine.

Outdoor Fun and Relaxation

• Carnival’s first three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, offering plush chaise lounges and chairs, a whirlpool, a waterfall, a pool, and, of course, magnificent sea views

• SportSquare, an open-air recreation complex that includes a ropes course, mini-golf course, a basketball court, jogging track, ping pong, foosball and pool tables, and more

• WaterWorks, an expansive water park with 40 interactive water features, a gigantic drenching bucket, five different slides including the new racing-themed Speedway Splash, and a 334-foot-long Twister slide, the longest in the “Fun Ship” fleet

• Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, a 270-square-foot LED screen displaying nightly movies, concerts, sporting events and other programming

Raising the Bar

• RedFrog Pub, featuring the Caribbean’s best rums and beers – including Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red – enjoyed in a distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West atmosphere

• 

  Beer Station.

  BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a fun and festive outdoor watering hole offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers

• EA SPORTS Bar, where guests can catch live sporting events, check out scores on the real-time 24/7 sports ticker, and play the latest EA SPORTS video games

• Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” with mixologists who “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients

• RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside adaptation of the RedFrog Pub offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers

• The Library Bar, a warm and cozy venue offering self-serve wine dispensers and full bar service for those seeking a more intimate spot for before- or after-dinner drinks

• Havana Bar, which by day serves as a gathering spot for Cuban coffee and snacks, then at night transforms into a Latin-inspired courtyard for classic Cuban cocktails, music and dancing

Entertainment

• Playlist Productions, which combines captivating live performances of recognizable pop and rock songs and spectacular special effects to create enthralling music revues

• Hasbro, The Game Show, featuring larger-than-life adaptations of the company’s iconic and popular games and presented in the totally transformed Liquid Lounge

• The Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez, featuring a line-up of hilarious, laugh-out-loud comedians, part of the line’s partnership with the popular

Carnival Sunshine is spending the summer in the Med before repositioning this fall to New Orleans, where she’ll do seven-night year-round Caribbean itineraries.

Source/Photo: Carnival

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Queen of the Mississippi.

American Cruise Lines, operator of the newest riverboats and small cruise ships in the United States, announced today its Fall Cruise Collection, a selection of cruises handpicked to showcase the beautiful 2013 fall season. Cruise itineraries include the Columbia & Snake Rivers, the Upper Mississippi River, Hudson River, and American Cruise Lines’ newly launched itinerary, Puget Sound & San Juan Islands.

Columbia & Snake Rivers: In October of 1805, Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery paddled down the Columbia River on the famous expedition into the West. Today, the autumn colors and migratory wildlife that Meriwether Lewis described in his famous journal are much the same aboard Queen of the West, as it follows their exact route. Autumn is the perfect time to relive the historic expedition and experience the Northwest’s rich tapestry of landscapes and fascinating human endeavors. Featured Dates: October 12, 26

Upper Mississippi River: Autumn time cruising on the Mississippi River is a spectacular time to experience the American Heartland. The upper portion of the river features stunning scenery and quaint historic rivertowns. Guests will take a relaxing journey aboard the elegant Queen of the Mississippi, their minds wandering back in time on this authentic riverboat, as they glide by the colorful display of changing foliage and take in the breathtaking views around every bend of the river. Featured Dates: October 19, 26

Hudson River Fall Foliage: Surrounded by the Catskill Mountains on the western shore and the Taconic and Berkshire Hills to the east, the Hudson is rich in both history and beauty. This popular cruise showcases the bright changing colors and towering mountains for which the Hudson River Valley is so well known. The cities and towns along the way feature some of the most magnificent architecture in America. Featured Dates: October 19, 25

Puget Sound & San Juan Islands: Guests will leave relaxed and rejuvenated after eight days enjoying the delicious crisp autumn air of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. In autumn, clear skies and sparkling water offer a powerful contrast with the colorful coast where nestled between Canada’s Vancouver Island and the U.S. mainland are hundreds of islands that are home to a diverse natural wonderland filled with wildlife. Featured Dates: October 12, 19

“The fall season is one of the best times to experience small ship cruising with American Cruise Lines,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “This cruise collection showcases one of the most beautiful and anticipated seasons in America with various sailings offered during peak foliage. Each cruise offers an experience unlike any other.”

Source: ACL

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Outdoor aboard Norwegian Breakaway.

Three story sports complex.           

The ropes course was very popular, walk the plank (that puts you eight feet over the edge of the ship) was a hit and the nine-hole mini-golf course kept the families happy for what seemed like hours.

Probably one of the biggest draws on the outside of the ship is the waterparks. Five waterslides that drops you, tests gravity and races you to the end. I am dealing with a fractured ankle right now so I wasn’t going to test the slides but everyone I talked to absolutely loved them.

There are night time fireworks on Norwegian Breakaway, which is a cool Disney-like feature. We didn’t get to experience the fireworks on our cruise because the weather was nasty on our last night at sea but the ship is going to have fireworks on every voyage too.

The Waterfront

In the way of cruise ship design there isn’t much that hasn’t been done. It seems that every cruise line has revolutionized the industry in one-way or another. Norwegian Cruise Line did the same with The Waterfront located on deck eight. Picture shops, bars, eateries and chill spots — on both sides of the ship. There’s a seafood take out window, NYC hotdogs, Brooklyn beers, Italian food and more.

The CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, Kevin Sheehan, was on this sailing and I had a chance to ask him his thoughts on The Waterfront. You can hear the interview here. A lot of people use the word “game-changer”  in the cruise industry, but in reality most of it has been done in one way or the other. Take The Waterfront. Carnival Breeze has that area on deck five where they have Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ. However, there is a difference. They have one venue outdoors and not as nearly the amount of options as Norwegian Breakaway.  Also, Carnival Breeze has a big glass window pane on their lanai, Norwegian Breakaway just has a single railing that gives you an unrestricted view.

One thing that always concerns me on ships is “areas of mass congestion.” Places where people bottleneck and just a poor design or flow. We saw a couple of those spots on Norwegian Epic, but not so much on this ship. Granted, I was only on Norwegian Breakaway for a couple days but I didn’t experience any of those areas during my time.

The Waterfront on deck 8.

The Haven

This is one part of the ship that I barely got to see. My time on the ship had me consumed with so much that there just wasn’t time for everything. The Haven has 42-suites, 24-hour butler service (a little high brow for this guy) and offers a secluded pool and dining only available to haven guests. Sounds cool!

Conclusion

Norwegian Breakaway was an awesome ship and I feel if they keep the trend up they’ll get right up there with the premium line ships. I mentioned in an earlier post that Norwegian Breakaway reminded me a lot of Celebrity Solstice in terms of design and color (think 5 star hotel). Where will the future take Norwegian? Time will only tell.

Heading back into NYC.

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Post link: Trip Report: Norwegian Breakaway Outdoor Area

View from 20th floor of hotel.

Recently before doing a cruise on Norwegian Breakaway we had the opportunity to stay at the InterContinental New York Times Square in midtown Manhattan. This 36^th story, 607 room hotel has amazing views of Manhattan and the Hudson.

How do we get there?

If you are flying into New York City you can hire a driver, get a cab or take the metro to the hotel. The metro station at the 42^nd stop is connected to the hotel and is really convenient.

First Impression:

We had an early flight into NYC on our check-in day so we went straight to the hotel, arriving around 10:30am. From the front door staff to the check-in desk – everyone was very accommodating. They checked our bags and took our phone number so they could call me when the room was ready.

The room:

Two double beds in our room.

The accommodations were very nice. Plenty of storage in the room, very comfortable bedding, a nice long work area and plenty of plugs to charge up the phone, laptop and cameras.  We were on the 20^th floor and it gave stunning views of the city and the harbor.

What is close?

The hotel was very close to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. I walked to it a couple times during the stay but the final morning of embarkation we took a cab because the weather was getting warm and we had a lot of gear to roll on the ship.

The eatery:

Celebrity Chef Todd English has his own eatery on property called “Ca Va”, a French bistro with a great selection of food and a full-service bar. If French cuisine isn’t for you, there are plenty of diners and restaurants within walking distance.

What’s nearby?

Lots of theaters! This hotel is walking distance from 39 theaters and famous Hell’s Kitchen, known for trendy bars and great affordable food. The metro station is connected to the hotel outside and you can access anywhere in the city for $2.50 via the metro.

Who is this hotels for?

• Couples
• Families
• Cruise passengers wanting to stay in the city and close to the pier

Find out more info about this property and their seasonal saving visit the Intercontinental New York Times Square’s website.

Video Review:

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photo: Viking Ocean Cruises

Until last night we knew very little about Viking River Cruises navigating into the waters of ocean cruising. We knew they were dabbling in the market of ocean cruising but it was very vague. At an event in Los Angeles, Viking River Cruises announced their new line Viking Ocean Cruises, the first ocean-going line in nearly a decade. The new line will introduce two brand new ships in May 2015 and 2016, with an option for four more.

The first ship, Viking Star (photo right), will be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Venice, Italy. The steel cutting ceremony for Viking Star will be held in June and the first cruise is scheduled for May 2015 in Northern Europe.

The new 928-guest ship on order will tout all veranda suites, three-deck atrium, two-deck lounge above the bridge, multiple inside and open air dining options, piano lounge, onboard cooking school and a theater for nightly entertainment.

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Photo: Princess

Royal Princess becomes Princess’ largest ship ever to sail Canada & New England when it offers these cruises for the first time in fall 2014. With four departures from New York’s Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in September and October, the ship will take passengers on a seven-day itinerary to the New England ports of Boston, Bar Harbor and Newport and the Atlantic Canadian ports of Halifax and Saint John.

Royal Princess will joins Royal Caribbean’s 2014 new build, Quantum of the Seas (Bayonne, New Jersey) and Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand new Norwegian Breakaway  (Manhattan Cruise Terminal), who will both be in the area next fall.

Carnival Splendor recently announced year-round service from New York City earlier this week.

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Post link: Upcoming Royal Princess Eyes New York City

photo: wiki

Everyone should experience sailing out of New York City at least once. The sights, the sounds, the weather – it’s one great package. With that said, New York City is not cheap. The closer you stay to the cruise terminal the more money you’re going to pay for your hotel stay.

Recently we were in New York for a taping aboard Norwegian Breakaway and came across some great first-time lessons.

Eight tips for New York City tourists:

1. Location is key. Depending on where you are cruising out of is where you want to stay. We stayed at the InterContinental Times Square hotel on W 44^th street because it was only a few blocks from the terminal and we wanted to be close. The hotel was walking distance and less than a $10 cab ride to Pier 88. There are other areas to stay in around the city as well, it’s a matter of choice. Know what cruise terminal you’re sailing from and make your choice from there. There are a handful of cruise terminals in the New York and Jersey area.

2. Cheaper Hotels in New Jersey. Thanks to the metro systems, you can stay in Newark and be at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal at Pier 88 in about 45 minutes. If you are budget conscious you may want to consider staying around Newark and catching the train into the city, transferring when you get into the city and heading to your port. A hotel in Manhattan can cost up to $500 per night while a hotel at the Newark Airport can cost as little as $88 per night at the Ramada.

photo: Guy Fieri

3. Turn to Facebook. This may sound basic but because you’re going to a new place, ask your friends on your Facebook page what they suggest and what they do. Chances are your friends will provide a lot more insight than searching through thousands of Trip Advisor pages.  A good example is me asking my friend what’s the cheapest way to get into the city from JFK – he advised the metro. Without asking I would have taken a cab for $58+ instead of paying $7.50 on the AirTrain and metro.

4. Don’t Bring a Car.  I’ve seen hotels charge as much as $40 per night in NYC for car parking. The cruise pier charges $35 per day ($245 per week). If you’re flying in there is no reason to rent a car. If you live within the region you may want to consider taking a train into the city and skipping the car hassle.

5. Get a Metro Card. Use the metro (subway) system! For $30 per person for seven days you can get an unlimited metro pass. Even if you are planning on staying for a handful of days you may want to consider this option. The metro system runs $2.50 per trip. So if you plan on making over five round-trips take our advice and buy the unlimited metro pass. You can buy it at any kiosk or with cash from a metro attendant. In case you are wondering if it’s safe, I think it is and they have cameras everywhere in there. Millions of people use it.

6. Download the App. There are plenty of apps that can help you navigate NYC. I downloaded the New York City Subway 24-hour Kick Map app; then there’s Time Out New York for events close to you, and Menu Pages for close menus and dining. There are other apps like Trip Advisor that are great. Research and download these apps before you get into the city. *Definitely download the Kick Map for subway navigation (the lite version is free).*

7. Dine and Drink Away from Times Square. If you are going to dine right in Times Square, expect to pay an arm and a leg. For example, we went to Guy Fieri’s American Kitchen in Times Square and a burger was $17.50. We spent almost $200 on drinks, food and a couple of snacks – that doesn’t have to be you.

For lunch one day I found an amazing Thai place in Hell’s Kitchen that had a special for $6.95. The same can be said for the bars too. Try to find bars with a happy hour. We found one called Reunion Bar and a majority of the menu was half-off from 5-8p. Nothing says “Welcome to New York” like stock piling a bunch of drinks five-minutes before happy hour ends.

8. Arrive Early. If you plan on flying to New York, I wouldn’t risk it coming in day-of. There are flight delays, ground stops and anything else that can delay you coming into the tri-state area. Nothing says “this sucks” than knowing your ship is sailing off into the deep blue while you’re stuck on a tarmac somewhere.

You can do New York City as a tourists and on a budget at the same time. It depends where you want to go, what you want to see and how you utilize the metro system. Those $10 here and $14 cab fares add up quickly. Do your research before you get there and you’ll be a lot better off.

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photo: wikimedia

Royal Caribbean International’s Brilliance of the Seas has reemerged from a $30 million drydock.  The 2,100 guest ship will now offer vacationers signature Royal Caribbean amenities first introduced aboard Oasis-class ships including five new dining concepts, an exhilarating aerial entertainment experience and technology advancements allowing guests to stay more connected than ever before.

Doubling her dining options, Brilliance of the Seas now offers guests a wide variety of culinary experiences from family-style festivity at the Italian trattoria, Giovanni’s Table, to the intimate and exclusive multi-course Chef’s Table. Guests can expand their palettes at a multitude of other dining venues including Royal Caribbean’s signature Izumi Asian Cuisine, Park Café and Rita’s Cantina.

In addition, the five-story Centrum – which is the focal point of the ship – has been transformed into a spectacular new space featuring the Centrum experience, which includes the addition of the 60’s-inspired R Bar as well as a multitude of entertainment experiences including enriching daytime activities, nighttime entertainment and a new high-flying entertainment experience where aerialists glide through the vertical space of the atrium.

The ship also features a new locatin for the Concierge Club for suite guests, a Diamond Club for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members, a new English pub and the popular Royal Babies and Tots Nursery giving parents more opportunities to enjoy the ship’s amenities with peace of mind that their babies are being tended to by qualified care givers. Guests also will find that staying connected at sea will be easier with Wi-Fi access throughout the ship and enjoy a host of technology enhancements that include flat-panel televisions in all staterooms, an outdoor LED movie screen on the pool deck, as well as an interactive digital way-finding system. Old favorites such as the self-leveling pool tables, the adults-only Solarium and the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center can still be found onboard and are sure to delight guests of all ages.

The ship will spend a few weeks in Northern Europe before heading to Boston.

Source: RCI

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Carnival Splendor in New York City.

By: Sarah Phillips

Starting in 2104, Carnival Splendor will offer new itinerary options for the New York based ship, adding four- and five- day Canada cruises, seven-day Canada/New England departures, and the only program of eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages operating one-way between New York and San Juan.

Carnival Splendor is already offering eight-day departures to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Central Florida and these new destinations will give her a total of 10 different itineraries with more than 12 destinations throughout the Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S. Atlantic Coast.

Canada/New England. From June to October 2014, Carnival Splendor will offer four-, five- and seven-day cruises to Canada/New England. Destinations along this awe-inspiring route and historic route include Saint John, New Brunswick, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Boston, Massachusetts and Portland, Maine.

One Way Sailings from New York to San Juan. For the first time ever, Carnival Splendor will offer one-way voyages between New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico. These eight-day routes include stops at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Antigua, and St. Maarten and are available in Winter 2014/2015.

Eight-day Round-Trip Sailings. Carnival Splendor’s existing voyages offer year round, eight-day cruises calling at Port Canaveral, Florida, Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas, San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk, and Half Moon Cay.

There is no word when Carnival Splendor is scheduled for her Fun Ship 2.0 enhancements.

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View our photo gallery of Norwegian Breakaway

We talk to:

• Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line
• Nancy Schretter, Family Travel Network
• Travel Writer Art Sbarsky
• Geoffrey Zakarian, Iron Chef and Restauranteur

Read our Trip Report

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You’ve finally made it onboard your cruise and its vacation time!  Want to make your vacation even better? Take some time before you sail away to check everything out, get acquainted and get your bearings; this is going to be your new home for at least the new few days after all. Here are 10 things to do or find before you sail away.

Here are some of our cruise tips:

1. Room Location. This is almost always one of the first things I find when I get onboard. I want to drop off all my carry-ons and get exploring! You may not spend a whole lot of time here during your cruise, but it’s good to know where your room is in location to everything else. This one’s really important if you didn’t pick your room out when you booked your cruise.

2. Dining Areas. For me, eating is one of the 1^st things I do onboard. I LOVE cruise ship food and can’t wait to check it all out. Dining options can be quite numerous onboard a ship – in fact, the new Norwegian Breakaway has 27 different dining venues! By taking some time on the first day to explore all the options, you’ll be able to please even the pickiest eater in your party.

3. Find Reservations. Since most cruise lines let you make advance reservations before sailing, take some time to figure out where things like the spa, shore excursions desk and specialty dining are located.

4. Stake out the Sun. Well, the sun areas anyway. Most ships have multiple options and locations for getting your daily dose of Vitamin D. Depending on the day, your preference, and your traveling companions, it’s good to be aware of your options: Lido Decks, Serenity, Adults Only, Water parks, Kids Places, and more.

5. Gym. Yes, this really does exist – on almost every single cruise ship in fact. You can usually find this on the free spa tour offered on Embarkation day. In addition to some great fitness equipment and classes, the gyms typically offer sensational panoramic views.

Hot dog stand aboard Norwegian Breakaway.

6. Theater. Most of the time, the theater is where you’ll find your large-scale entertainment options, like Broadway style shows, game shows and live productions. Most ship embarkation day tours start here too.  Usually spanning at least 2 decks, it’s hard to miss this location.

7. Scout out Bars. Bars are a lot like dining options – something for every taste and type. A lot of newer ships are offering specialty or themed bars designed to give a world-class feel onboard. In addition, there are quiet bars, low-key bars, rowdy and party bars, bars with live music and more.  Usually you’ll know which one is going to be your go-to bar pretty early on in the cruise, but do yourself a favor and sample them all.

8. Meet your Cabin Steward. Some of the hardest workers on your cruise ship, they’ll make sure your room is perfect – several times a day! Most of them will make it a point to introduce themselves within a few hours and know your name and preferences by the end of the first day. I’m still trying to figure out how I can get one of these at home too.

9. Find Guest Relations. Got questions? Need some assistance? This is the place you’ll find that – once you find out where it’s located on the ship. Guest relations offers more services than you might realize. This is a must find resource for your cruise. They were lifesavers on my first cruise; they had Bonine for seasickness!

10. Muster Station. Safety’s the name of the game here. Some cruise lines require you to go to your muster station as part of the safety briefing. If your cruise line doesn’t, make sure you take a few minutes to find the exact location. In the very rare case you’d need it, you’ll be glad you know where it is.

11. Take a Ship Tour. A fantastic way to see all the items listed above (except for your cabin of course). This is especially great if this is your first ever cruise or your first cruise with this particular cruise line. You can usually learn some fun facts about your ship and find some hidden treasures too.

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