Cruise Vacations

Dining on Board Explorer of the Seas

2011-07-28T23:11:00.000-07:00

“Explorer of the Seas” from Royal Caribbean, offers some fantastic dining options. The formal dining room here is spread out over three levels. It also offers one of the most affordable dining options across all cruise ships. It looks stunning too. There is the grand staircase, the gold-leaf columns, the ceiling dome through which the sun’s rays bursts through. The golden velvet curtains add to the charms as well. You can sit in any level you want – they are all decorated to the theme of a legendary explorer – Da Gama, Christopher Columbus and Magellan. You will find mosaics on the walls that depict their legendary journeys.

Dining Room

Royal Caribbean is not a gourmet dining cruise, but the food you will find here is still extremely well prepared. There are plenty of healthy options for you to choose from, such as the grilled sea bass dipped in ginger lemon sauce, and there are vegetarian preparations as well like the veggie chili. You will also find Indian veggie dishes in the menu. There is also the black angus top sirloin, chicken breast, Atlantic cod and more.

You are sure to love the salad bar. The chef, will custom make your salad according to your preferences. You may choose from all types of cheese, meats and vegetables. Of course, a lot of attention is given to keep everything fresh. You may go for the Brasserie30 option as well, where you can select from two menu options. It is a quickie before you head off to the pool or some other activity on board the Explorer of the Seas.

Schooner Bar

The Windjammer Café is the buffet restaurant here that serves lunch and breakfast. You will want to check out the egg station here during the breakfast. The Windjammer serves excellent baked items too. The Euro-Italian Portofino restaurant that sits 88 people is an intimate affair. Both the cuisine and the service are quite exceptional here. Go through the Italian delicacies, the pastas and the Caprese salad here. But remember, you must book early, as this is a reservation preferred restaurant. However, on the first night of the cruise, you might still find a few seats if you walk-in. It tends to get busier later. The peak hours are usually between 7 and 8:30 in the evening. If you don’t book early, you might have to dine later or earlier. Portofino will charge you a $20 surcharge.

Here’s something you should never miss. Check out Johnny Rocket, which has been decorated to the theme of the 1950’s. Most people on board prefer to have their lunch here. You will love the onion rings and the burgers they serve. There is a song-and-dance performance as well.

Windjammer Cafe

Explorer of the Seas offers 24-hour room service as well. So, you can order from a variety of sandwiches or snacks from your suite or cabin. There is no room service charge between 5 in the morning to midnight. But, you are expected to pay the tip. For late night orders, you have to pay a fee of $3.95.

You do not have to miss out on the big game, just because you are cruising. Just head to the Weekend Warrior Sports Bar. Get a beer and watch all the action at the sports bar.

You will certainly appreciate a nautical themed décor when you are on the sea. Explorer of the Seas offers the Schooner Bar. This is a signature bar, and a great favorite among the guests. There’s piano singing every evening too.

Cruising with Kids

2011-07-23T03:08:00.000-07:00

A cruise vacation is a fantastic option, no matter how you want to do it. But, it could be particularly special if you are sailing with kids. You can be sure that the kids are going to love you for taking them on the ship. They will be all excited and run along the decks, as you just sit back in the recliner, take a dip into the pool or head to the gym. The cruise vacation will remain in their memory for a really long time, perhaps, for ever. I went on my first cruise when I was just 12 years old, and still have those fond memories of standing on the deck and watching the blue waters of the sea, and the fish swim by the ship. I remember my father as he stood by me, with his hand on my shoulder. It was fantastic!

But, do remember a few things when you are selecting a cruise where you want to take your kids along. Remember, not all cruises are good for kids. For instance, you cannot of course take your child or infant on a ship that travels all the way to Antarctica – it might simply be too cold. And, if you are going on a month-long cruise, it might be a better idea to leave them back with the granny. A full month away from home and their friends might be too much for most kids.

And remember one more thing. Kids get bored easily, and so, no matter how beautiful it is, they cannot just look at the sea at all times. So, the ship you select should offer some interesting activities too. The kids are definitely going to love them. There are so many activities and shows to choose from that your little one can never get bored. Remember, there are hardly any activities or shows on cruises that travels the Nile River in Egypt. These ships must be narrow, as two of them must pass each other through the channel. With the cabins, restaurants and the machine rooms, these ships simply cannot include them.

So, what is the Right Cruise for a Kid?

Select a cruise that is anything between 7 and 10 days, 2 weeks maximum. If you are located in the United States, then you can pick one that travels to the Caribbean islands. The islands here are close to each other, and so, the travel time is never long. The beauty is stunning, and there are plenty of shore excursions. Some of the most modern vessels travel to the Caribbean waters. You can thus expect to find all the amenities and facilities on board.

If you are in Europe, then you can try one of the Mediterranean cruises. Your ship may touch various ports, such as, Barcelona, Marseilles, Naples, Malta, Monaco, the ports of Greece, and even those in Northern Africa. Or, you can also travel to Turkey and Crete.

If you are a history buff, then one popular option might be to combine Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and a little bit of cruising, as you travel from one destination to the next. But, such a program will take at least 3 weeks. So, it is best to leave it for the future, when your kids have grown up a little.

Unexplained Mysteries of Ghost Ships

2011-07-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some really eerie stories of the most famous ghost ships. The fact is, no one really knows what happened to these ships. But the circumstances are truly strange. Happy reading.

Mary Celeste (last sighting in November 1872)

The ship was carrying its shipment of alcohol to Italy, and was missing for a month. There was a lot of talk in town as everybody wondered what happened to it. Then all of a sudden it was discovered drifting away on its own in perfect condition with the cargo, and even the personal belongings of the crew to the last detail. But not a single person was on board, dead or alive.

Further investigations revealed some uncanny facts. It was discovered that the ship’s original name was Amazon, and the name was changed because everybody thought that it was haunted.

Over the years, as many as three captains have died while they were on board, and two others had made unexplainable errors that led to serious consequences. When it was in the shipyard, it suddenly for no apparent reason caught fire. There were many other near-disasters too, and so, it was sold off and renamed.

The owner became desperate to destroy the ship. Several attempts were made to sink it – but Mary Celeste simply refused to sink.

Carroll A. Deering (last sighting in January 1921)

The captain of the ship, William H. Merritt, suddenly fell ill and disembarked, and was replaced by Wormell. McLellan became the first mate. But unfortunately, the new first mate and the captain had a big fight and the first mate had to be arrested. The crew turned against the captain.

The ships destination was Norfolk, but it never reached there. It was found just off the coast of North Carolina at Cape Hstteras without any crew, lifeboats or personal belongings. It seemed a simple case of mutiny. Some people however also suggested piracy or hurricanes.

The US government felt uncomfortable because several ships or their crew have disappeared without good reasons in this area that came to be known as the Bermuda Triangle. There are far too many instances to ignore, and in most of them, the traditional causes could not offer proper explanations.

As many as five investigations were initiated by the US government, but the government for some reason, never made public any of the findings.

MV Joyita (last sighting in October 1955)

Joyita was first used as a private yacht, and then in the World War II. It never had any problems. In the middle of the 1950’s, the ship began to be used as a cargo vessel to transport dried coconut in the islands of the South Pacific.

On this fateful journey, it was supposed to reach the Tokelau Islands, but it never reached there. Instead, Joyita was found 600 miles away – it was not supposed to be anywhere close to where it was found. The hull looked completely empty. There was just a break in the cable – that was the only sign of any destruction. Suspiciously, somebody had concealed this break by painting it.

Strangely, there were some medical equipment in a bag on the upper deck, and there were a few rags dipped in blood too. But there were no lifeboats.

There was a lot of speculation about what happened to the crew as not a single person was ever seen again, dead or alive. There was no explanation about why they left, even if there was an emergency, because a floating vessel was always more safe than a lifeboat. Some people said that there might have been piracy or a mutiny. But then, there were no bodies.

Baychimo (last sighting in 1969)

This one is really strange, and it seems that the ship has a mind of its own.

It was doomed from the very beginning, as several times, it was thought that the ship was not sea-worthy. However, each time, the ship proved the crew wrong. In 1931 it was stuck in ice, and the crew left the ship because it was supposed to be sinking. However magically, it somehow, on its own, wriggled out of the ice and started floating again. So the crew boarded it again.

On the same trip, it again got stuck in ice. Two incidents in the same trip are extremely rare. Half of the crew had to be airlifted, but the others stayed back, because they were certain about the ship’s magical abilities.

A few days later the ship was spotted with not a sign of life on board. The cargo was intact, but the remaining crew members had all mysteriously vanished. Till this day, there is no explanation.

The Baychimo was boarded many times after this, but each time, without exception, the crew had to leave because of sudden equipment failure, bad weather or other reasons.

Ultimately, the owners just decided to let the ship go. It was left empty at sea. But fantastically, the ship survived. It managed to somehow float on its own without any equipment on board, and withstood all the gales, ice, and rocks, and kept floating for an incredible 38 years.

It was last seen in 1969. There is no news of its destruction yet. No wrecks have ever been found. No modern navigation technology has been able to pick it up on the radar. So presumably, it is still drifting somewhere out there, all on its own.

Adventure of the Seas Photos

2011-06-09T22:35:00.001-07:00

Here are some fantastic photos of "Adventure of the Seas" from Royal Caribbean. Enjoy!

Superior Balcony Ocean-view Stateroom

Adventure Theater

Pool Bar - for a drink and a dip!

Titanic Walking Tour

2011-06-06T02:28:00.000-07:00

RMS Titanic, the most famous cruise ship of all times, might have sunk on April 15th 1912, but the liner remains alive in the memories of thousands and millions of people from across the world. The wrecks were discovered in 1985, and the subsequent James Cameron classic “Titanic” has certainly kept the liner alive in public memory.

Titanic was launched on May 31st 1911, and this year, we are celebrating or marking 100 years of this event. The event is being marked all over the world, but at the very place where it was built, there is a memorial walking tour that takes people across the dock and gives them an insight into how this great liner was manufactured from scratch, a 100 years in the past.

Titanic Walking Tour – The Details

It is an easy walk, where the guide will take you through the flat ground at a leisurely pace. The tour lasts for 2 hours, and in between, there is the additional café break at the Pump House café for 30 minutes. Your guide will take you through Queens Island in Belfast, Ireland, where the Titanic and its sister ships were constructed. This is no ordinary walk. You can know in person how a legend was born.

What You Will See

You can see the famous drawing offices where Thomas Andrews designed the Britannic, Olympic and the Titanic.
You can see the building that houses the biggest attraction of Titanic. Valued at more than £97 million, as many as 500,000 tourists are expected to see this in 2012. See it before they do.
Take a stroll on the slipways where the ship was constructed and launched. See the exact spot where the ship first touched water. You can compare the pictures of then and now.
View the HMS Caroline, which is the last remaining World War I ship. It is in the dock and is still in service.
View the pump house and the dock. If you have seen the movie, then you will surely remember the ship sailing off. This is the exact dock from which it sailed into the ocean. The dock has remained unchanged ever since those days of 1911. You will definitely appreciate the massive size of the ship. At the pumping house you can see the original tool shops, and the huge pumping engines of the Titanic. There is an audio visual program here too.

The walking tour costs £12 for adults, for kids between 10 and 16 years it is £8. The cost is £5 for those who are under 10 years of age, and kids under 5 go free. Family ticket for 2 kids and 2 adults cost £30. Call up Colin at +447904 350339, or you can also visit www.titanicwalk.com.

Cruise Dining – Are You Being Taken For A Ride?

2011-06-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

It is a fact that a majority of the cruise liners of today have a plethora of specialty restaurants on board. Of course, there are many individuals, who would love a salad bar, an eatery that specializes on Thai cuisine or the choicest of Turkish delicacies, or an eating joint just for the tastiest kebabs. But there are those who are criticizing the cruisers for neglecting the regular dining operations. They say that this is being done smartly to entice the passengers to try out the fee-based establishments.

However, this charge is being vehemently opposed by the cruise lines themselves. The Associated VP, F&B of Celebrity Cruises, Scott Steenrod said, “Our main dining rooms are the heart of our dining operation, and we would never do anything to undermine that”. Though many passengers are critics are not convinced, but the cruise industry in general is agreeing with what Scott says. Explaining their position, they say that the experience of a specialty restaurant cannot really be duplicated in the large dining room. For instance, a steakhouse will always offer more choices than what will be there in a dining room.

This justification certainly sounds logical, but there is a key difference. When you are in the shore, you always have plenty of regular dining options, and could thus go to another eatery if you are not satisfied with one. But out on sea, with water all around you, the passenger has to accept what is being offered – no choices here.

Perhaps in response to such criticisms, many cruise lines have now stopped charging extra for the specialty dining experience. In Regent Seven Seas for instance, you do not have to pay more to dine at their two specialty eateries. However, you must still make an advance booking. So, no spur of the moment decisions please. In Crystal Cruises, there is no charge for the Italian or the Asian restaurant, however, you must pay $180 to dine and wine at the Vintage Room.

Impact of Tsunami on the Cruising World

2011-05-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to find out what impact tsunamis have on the cruising world. Yes, truly huge tsunamis like the one that happened in Asia are quite rare. But the fact remains that, smaller tsunamis happen all the time, and the cumulative effect of all this could really be quite devastating for the cruise liners. After all, who would like to sail on a vessel and stay exposed to the risks?

So what is the impact? Are fewer people booking or asking about a cruise vacation now? What are the cruise liners doing to allay the fears of the general public? Can the ships really do anything at all? And what about the bottom-line? Has there been any major impact there?

I was really keen to find this out, and started doing the research. I reached out to a few major liners, and asked them the critical questions. I visited the office of the Cruise Lines International Association to get their side of the story. I consulted various travel agents to find out whether there has been any major drop in the bookings or enquiries. I even went on a cruise myself, to find out what the on-board passengers felt.

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason for taking the cruise. I really love cruising, and can sail the ocean absolutely anytime. You just have to mention the word “cruise” to me, and off I go. LOL.

And here’s what I discovered.

Luckily, there has been little impact. Those who love to cruise would go anyway. Of course, they are concerned about their safety, but it seems that most people have retained their confidence in the ability of the companies to take timely action in case of such eventualities. And it seems that there is certainly a lot of logic here.

With the forecasting systems much better today than they were before, it is possible to know about an earthquake or a tsunami hours in advance. Since the ship is always wired or connected, call what you like, the captain can take timely decision and change the course to avert a crisis. Sure enough, you will miss a few ports-of-call, but then, your life will be saved. And certainly, that is all that matters. Doesn’t it.

Certainly the liners are all on a perennial red alert, ever since the big one in Asia, and the other smaller ones. They are always tuned in, listening particularly to such signals, and that’s precisely why there hasn’t been an incident in the last few years.

In fact, according to the Cruise Lines International Association, those who are on a cruise during the tsunami are always safe. This is what Lanie Fagan the spokeswoman of the Cruise Lines International Association said, “because a tsunami causes a rise in the height of the sea, a ship at sea is one of the safest places to be. It is when a tsunami approaches the coast that it causes damages as the wave builds in height and causes widespread flooding.”

That is certainly an interesting take. Who am I to challenge that?

Brilliance of the Seas

2011-05-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

The Royal Caribbean has done it again. Their 90,000 ton cruise ship Brilliance of the Seas with its multi-hued entertainment icons, images and venues is enthralling even the most seasoned voyager, many of whom are admitting that they have rarely seen such brilliance in a single enclave anywhere, be it on the land or sea. Take for instance, the ship’s elaborate Indian Raj- themed Solarium that displays three, 16-feet tall elephants that are dressed in royal brocade, posing in front of a cascading waterfall. Though sounding incredible, it sure depicts the fantasy and opulence that once formed a part of British rule in the Indian subcontinent. The contemporary American passenger in this vessel is sure to get bewildered at the awe inspiring sight just to commemorate the magnificent scene.

Or think of the 9-story glass constructed Centrum with its flashy bars, lounges and duty-free shops that sell the finest cognac at less than half the original price. Add to it the state-of-the-art technology that conducts this 962-foot floating elegance with 2510 passengers at a cruising speed of 25 knots over the rolling seas, and what you have is an awesome experience.

Brilliance of the Seas travels to these locations,

Canary Islands and Morocco
Dubai and adjoining areas
Egypt and the Mediterranean coast
European cruise regions

Here are some of the amenities that you will find in this ship,

Minstrel Dining Room is the ship’s prime elegant dining area that is featured with a cascading waterfall while providing numerous gastronomic fantasies.
Pacific Theater is where the passenger gets to see the Broadway or Las Vegas productions, while cruising on high seas.
The Art Gallery on board allows the cruisers to attend an auction, and buy the choicest paintings.
The Portofino restaurant is the pride of the Brilliance of the Seas. This is where the cruiser can get a taste of authentic Italian cuisine.
The Chops Grille serves as the rendezvous for the hungry seafarer who is in search of the perfect steak, late at night.
Champagne Bar is located at one of the convenient decks that serve as the ideal place to savor a glass or two of the sparkling beverage.
The Schooner Bar is for the seafaring guest who feels happy about hobnobbing with the ship’s navigational gears and components, while sipping a mellowed scotch.

With themed dining rooms and lounges, casinos, swimming pools, solariums, centrums and even a miniature golf course on the Brilliance of the Seas, the Radiance family of cruise ships offers something to excite for everyone.

Book a voyage online today, and look for the best time of your life now.

Cruise ship Aurora

2011-05-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

Cruising is now considered to be one of the most popular and quick growing sectors in the tourism industry. There are no issues of non-availability of connecting airlines, there are hassles of selecting the right place to stay, or the food to eat in an alien country, and above all, there is uncertainty about expenses to be incurred on a tour. On payment of a certain amount when you book the cruise, a traveler is assured of everything, and can wake up each morning to view a new country, a new port of call, and there’s the assurance of a comfortable cabin to relax, and there’s excellent food and beverage whenever needed. There is a lot of entertainment option too.

People running the P&O cruises since 1932 are well aware of these, and have left no stone unturned to see to it that their cruise passengers get the best of everything. In that respect, the P&O Aurora may be considered to be a world-class liner that is abundantly appointed with contemporary style and fitments. The impressive as well as diverse options in accommodation, dining and entertainment on board the Aurora are in keeping with the age-old British tradition that guides the cruise from start to finish.

As sea voyages are known to whet the appetite more, the Café Bordeaux, which is an inviting multi-cuisine bistro is kept open all the twenty-four hours on board the ship. Care and privilege is written large in every aspect of P&O management. For instance, a sliding crystal canopy protects one of the three on-deck pools from the vagaries of nature.

The ship can accommodate 1,878 passengers, occupying 939 cabins. Most of them are located outside, which means that, most passengers can always look out at the sea.

Here is Aurora’s total breakdown of onboard accommodation.

10 suits can accommodate 20 passengers
20 deluxe cabins can accommodate 40 passengers
96 staterooms can comfortably provide accommodation for 192 passengers
272 outside cabins with balcony can have 544 passengers
239 outside cabins without balcony can accommodate 478 passengers
280 inside cabins will take 560 passengers while
22 Disabled cabins are meant for disabled persons needing wheelchair

A total of 936 officers and crew members on board the ship look after the needs and whims of all the passengers in a round-the-clock manner. Also, as it is a British ship that is run by P&O, most of the on-board venues appear in British or colonial style as displayed under.

The Dining Rooms Medina and the Alexandria are both located on Deck 6, and can accommodate 550 and 520 diners respectively.
The Champion’s Sports Bar on Deck 7 can serve drinks to 120 guests at a time.
The Anderson’s Bar can serve 130 guests.
Charlie’s Champagne Bar with its grand piano can take care of 150 people easily.

Aurora is a family friendly mid-sized vessel that has certainly been rated very highly.

Adventure of the Seas

2011-05-19T01:03:00.000-07:00

The Royal Caribbean 138,000 ton cruise ship Adventure of the Seas is not just a fashionable floating city all by itself, but is also a modern engineering marvel, even to the last detail. It can accommodate a staggering 3,000 odd passengers and a crew that numbers more than 1100 skilled hands at any time. It boasts of a 125 feet in-line skating rink, the adventure dunes 9-hole mini golf course, and a rock climbing wall at one of its 14 decks. There’s the Casino Royale too, which is a hot favorite among a lot of cruisers aboard this wonderful vessel. There is a full-size basketball court too.

It is a super quality Voyager class ship that offers the highest space-per-guest accommodation, huge state rooms, expanded dining areas, and out-of-the-world recreational facilities. Adventures of the Seas sails the Southern Caribbean itinerary.

Here are some of the exclusive features on board the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas,

Fully equipped Fitness Center with state-0f-the-art gym and aerobics room accentuated by daily changing health and fitness programs.
Shopping galleria with duty free shops, jewelry boutique, all-purpose stores and logo stores.
Beauty salon with exclusive treatments.
Sauna/ steam rooms; full service spa with massage.
Royal Promenade lined with fabulous bars offering the best of liquors.
Especial deck that provides area for basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard and jogging track.
3 outdoor pools with swim up bar and 6 whirlpool spa.
Shore excursions plus trip advise
Active Ice skating rink with regular performances
900-seat studio-cum-auditorium.

Late night entertainment on board the Adventure of the Seas include,

Viking Crown Lounge where there are 5 separate lounges for cocktails with friends.
Imperial Lounge offers dancing and cabaret shows.
Casino Royale offers blackjack, roulette, Electronic Slot machines and Video Poker.
Connoisseur Club Cigar Club provides finest cigars and cognacs.
Jester’s Night Club has DJ and whole night dancing.
Schooner Bar is the right place to meet friends and enjoy a late night drinking session.

So, wait no longer. Book the cruise today – it’s available online too.

Celebrity Xpedition

2011-05-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

Though you might have already sailed in a large cruise ship that carries a mammoth crowd of vacationers, where the keyword is fun and frolic, a Celebrity Xpedetion cruise, can be quite a unique experience. You are sure to love a trip on this amazing liner. You can visit the timeless Galapagos Islands in a much smaller 2,842-ton ship, and because of its size, it can be an intense experience.

Yes, on the Xpedition, you can visit the famous Galapagos Islands, the place that inspired the legendary British naturalist, Charles Darwin to come up with his Theory of Evolution is bound to create exhilaration, so rarely experienced in any other fun-only cruise. You are sure to make friend, exchange views and discuss Darwin and his findings with your co-passengers as you cruise through and take in the beauty of the Galapagos waters. The ship can hold 92 guests at the maximum. Because of the smaller size, you can be sure to receive the personal attention that you deserve at all times.

To make the cruise enjoyable and at the same time exciting, Celebrity Xpedition provides valued service of expert naturalists who will not only accompany you to most locations throughout the Galapagos, but will also take part in nightly discussions on the subject aboard the ship.

The ship sails at 17 knots into the enchanted waters of the Galapagos. As it sails, you are likely to be surprised at the array of amenities available in the small ship – you will find hot tub, sauna and fitness equipment, massage, immaculate room service and restaurants commemorating Charles Darwin (DARWIN’S) and the Beagle Grill, memorializing the name of the ship that carried the naturalist to the Galapagos.

As for recreation and leisure, the Blue Finch Bar and the Discovery Lounge on board the ship provides just the ideal setting.

The Celebrity Xpedition staterooms include Penthouse suits that have two convertible lower beds, a sitting area with convertible full size sofa beds along with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that leads to the balcony. All suits are provided with the following amenities/ privileges…

Complimentary sparkling wine
Two lower beds, convertible to queen (except as noted)
Dual voltage 110/220 AC
Complimentary beach towel
Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
Laundry service
Room service
Luggage delivery at boarding
Duvet pillow-top mattress
Hair dryer
Complimentary use of premium Frette® bathrobes
Quality binoculars for use and available for purchase
Flat-screen TVs with DVD players
Direct-dial telephone
Individual safe
Desk
Thermostat-controlled air-conditioning
Private refrigerator
Mp3 docking station

Crown Princess

2010-05-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

Owned and operated by Princess Cruises, the cruise ship Crown Princess is not only considered as a Grand Class ship, but it is also regarded as the gemstone of the Princess fleet. The 113,000 ton, 951 feet long floating city having accommodation facility for 3080 passengers sails the Caribbean during the winter season, and Europe for the rest of the year. So no matter which cruise you choose, you are sure to enjoy an amazing cruise ship vacation.

The awe-inspiring luxury liner is loaded with features that are quite amazing among the many cruise ships that sail the seas. Its superb piazza-style Atrium housing the International Café and Vines wine and seafood bar are acclaimed as the most striking extravaganza ever created in a contemporary sea-going vessel. Also, the innovative dining arrangement provided in the Crown Princess goes beyond the customary food venues like its Crown GrillSM or Sabatini’s SM, reaching the passenger’s own private balcony, being part of the ship’s ultimate balcony dining.

Here is what the Crown Princess provides for its valued guests.

Art auctions for buying paintings made by renowned artists
Scholarship@Sea® courses for brilliant students
Movies Under the Stars® on deck movie theater
Wedding-at-sea event officiated by the ship’s captain
Nine-hole putting course and golf simulators
4 pools that include one that provides ‘swim-against-current’.
Wrap-around Promenade Deck
Sports Court and jogging track
Asian-themed Lotus Spa® with ocean-view gym
One of the decks dedicated to mini-suits
Around 900 staterooms having private balconies
Conference room with wireless Internet connectivity, PC with all peripheries and part time secretarial service
Caribbean-themed Café Caribe specializing in local delicacies
Two Specialty Restaurants – an extended Sabatini’s and the newly established Crown Grill famed for steak and seafood.
One of the most lavishly appointed casinos afloat
Skywalker’s Night Club-cum-Observatory

Carnival Legend

2010-05-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

If you feel tired, worn-out and exhausted, it is time to take a 7-day roundtrip Caribbean cruise on board the legendary cruise ship Carnival Legend and forget about everything else.

The 88,500-ton luxury liner sails from Tampa in Florida, and visits the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Belize, Isla Roatan and Honduras before bringing you back to Florida. But by the time you are back home, you have regained all your vitality and verve – thanks to the exotic food served in the ship, and the relaxing environment provided onboard the fabulous ocean liner. Take, for example, the Carnival Legend’s Atlantis Lounge, an ideal setting for meeting co-passengers who may turn out to be equally eager to meet you. And as for creature comforts, its luxury galore! There are five different styles of rooms to choose from while the options include Ocean view, Interior, Balcony, Jr. Ocean & vista suits and, of course, the majestic Grand Suite, complete with deep pile wall to wall carpeting and swanky décor.

Feeling lucky? Why not try your hand at blackjack, poker, roulette and many more exciting games at the Carnival Legend’s Club Merlin Casino for a change? Chances are that you may win. Or check out the ship’s Piano Bar for ultimate relaxation. Sit back and do nothing but listen to the live music, request a song or else hum a tune that you like most.

And when you feel hungry, stroll around to any of the ship’s elegant dining rooms. Flexible time dining routine for which is the ship is famous for, will not disappoint you. Explore the special quality food menu that ranges from sushi to chicken cream sandwiches. As for ice creams, there are endless varieties and tastes. By the way, there is also an excellent steak house on board the Carnival Legend. Order your steak as you like – Done, well-done or under-done.

On board the Carnival Legend the central theme revolves round the great legends of the world. This spirit is carried out throughout the ship’s 16 Lounges, 12 Passenger Decks as well as the indoor and outdoor promenades. The Spirit-Class “Fun Ship” also has a 9-deck high Atrium, duty-free shopping mall, on board golf program, video arcade and an amazing 1,800 square feet children’s play area.

Enchantment Of The Seas

2010-05-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

From Victor Hugo’s Toilers of the Sea to more contemporary Con Tiki expedition, people appear to have always been fascinated by sea voyages, especially when it is more oriented to fun than real life adventures. In the case of Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment Of The Seas however, the passengers can probably savor both. As a person enters the Enchantment, he/she is immediately confronted with the Centrum, a soaring seven-deck atrium that is studded with priceless art collections – a rare display for a cruise ship solely devoted to pleasure and pastime.

The Enchantment cabins, particularly the low-end ones measuring around 150 sq. ft. promise reasonable creature comfort, featuring a TV run through intra-ship channels mostly showing professionally produced promotional videos, a telephone, safe and toiletries. Hair dryers have recently been added for the benefit of the ladies. Storage space within the cabin is more or less OK while robes are provided to certain category of cabins only. Almost half of the ‘outside’ cabins of the Enchantment have balconies at different decks. As the liner travels through the open ocean, sitting in one of these balconies is sure to be an amazing feeling.

Breakfast and lunch is served in the ship’s Windjammer Café that also serves as an alternate casual dinner place - no reservation is compulsory. 24 hour room service can also be ordered by passengers. But there is a limited menu in this. The ship’s Solarium is famed for its hot dog and hamburger grill. The Royal Caribbean, nevertheless, prepares Ship Shape selection lists every night for the next day’s lunch and dinner menu which includes special items for the veggies.

The Enchantment’s prime enchantment venue is centered round its Orpheum Theater-Show Lounge which happens to be the most functional and intelligently designed structure ever created by the RCI. Since the seating arrangement is of the fixed type, adequate space has been left for enter and exit rows. The lounge also looks more neat and compact since peg tables have been replaced by beautifully designed peg holders inbuilt within the arm rests. In course of a week-long cruise, passengers are likely to view at least one show performed by a renowned entertainer, a couple of production shows, several evening time variety acts and, of course, a farewell feat.

Freedom Of The Seas

2010-05-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

If you want to experience the ultimate in contemporary naval engineering and see what it can do in terms of convenience, ease and luxury, you must take a trip in RCI’s Freedom Of The Seas. This beautiful ship is second only to the legendary cruise ship Queen Mary 2. However, it has almost replaced the Queen Mary 2 as the largest cruise ship in the world with its gross tonnage of 160,000 as against the Mary's 150,000. Nevertheless, the QM 2 is still regarded as the longest cruise ship since it is 20 feet longer than the Freedom.

Even when you think of the features, all other multimillion dollar vessels will cut sorry figures before the Freedom Of The Seas. Where will you ever be able to find Onboard Surf Park at sea; Cantilevered whirlpools extending twelve feet beyond the flanks of the ship, H2O zone® Waterpark complete with interactive sculptured fountains and amazing waterfalls cascading through the deck? Then there is the most awe inspiring rock-climbing wall with a multitude of routes for scaling it and central spire you may swing around just for the heck of it. Also, think of the extensive WiFi feats offering you connectivity for your cell phones as well as broadband facility for your laptop. Book a voyage and see for yourself to believe these wonders afloat a ship.

Ever since its launching a few years ago, the Freedom of the Seas is sailing seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami and calling at Mexico, Cozumel, George Town, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Jamaica and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s chosen destination.

Here is a list of some of the specialties of this great ship that awaits the pleasure of your visit.

Full-size flat-screen TV in all staterooms
Themed Bars and Lounges suiting your taste
Adventure Ocean® youth themes
ShipShape® Day Spa & fitness center
Casino Royale

Majesty Of The Seas

2010-05-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

Majesty Of The Seas is a sovereign-class cruise ship that is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International and it was placed in service in April, 1992. However since then, the ship has been extensively renovated to change most of her innate features and several new features. As a matter of fact, the 73,941-ton Majesty Of The Seas was taken to a dry dock on January 12, 2007 for a multi-million dollar refurbishment program. The restoration process covered the ship’s public areas, pool decks, restaurants, shops, centrums and cabins while the additions included Johnny Rockets, the Compass Deli, Seattle’s best coffee, Freeze Ice cream, Latin Night dancing venue as well as other customary Royal Caribbean electrical and mechanical thingamajigs.

When the Majesty Of The Seas was finally pressed into service (3-Night Bahamas roundtrip Miami, Florida or 4-Night Bahamas roundtrip Miami, Florida), she was practically a new ship with tastefully refurbished staterooms, newly remodeled pool deck, enhanced Day Spa and Fitness Center and many more. To be precise, her current features include the renowned Viking Crown Lounge overlooking the pool and sun decks, an onboard fully equipped Casino, 11-passenger elevators, two of which are glass-lined and two major swimming pools.

As for onboard bars and drinking dens, Majesty of the seas have the usual marine-oriented Schooner Bar, A Touch of Class Champagne Bar, Boleros Latin Bar, Windjammer Café, Poolside Bar and On Your Toes Nightclub. Apart from these wonderful watering holes, this newly decorated ship boasts of a full-size Basketball Court and an adventurous rock-climbing wall. Also, the ship’s comfortable staterooms have been provided with luxurious bedspreads, flat screen TVs and 110 V/220 V plug points plus wireless Broadband connectivity for Laptop users.

Majesty of the Seas is currently commissioned by the Royal Caribbean on a 7-day cycle that covers two weekly voyages to the Port of Miami, stopping at Nassau (birthplace of the internationally famous black celluloid star, Sidney Poitier), Coco Cay, a private island owned by the Royal Caribbean and Key West, where the renowned American novelist and Nobel Laureate, “Papa” Hemingway completed the manuscript for his legendary work entitled “Farewell to Arms”. Surprisingly enough, even though another equally famous American writer, Tennessee Williams, author of yet another fictional masterpiece, “A streetcar Named Desire” lived in Key West during the same period, these two literary giants never met each other.

Nautica

2010-05-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

The 30,277-ton Nautica is a very realistic cruise liner. It is not too big where passengers can lose their bearing, and it is not too small as well that makes a person jittery. To be honest about it, this ship best suits people who prefer a port-intensive itinerary, looks for a casual holiday on board a ship, are reluctant to pay additional charges for substitute restaurants and are non-smokers. Incidentally, Nautica’s port of call includes little known places like Guernsey, Palma de Majorca, Malaga, Oporto, Bordeaux and a few more.

True to her immaculate tradition, the price of spirits, wines, cigars, cigarettes and other modes of addiction on board the Nautica appear to have been kept at a higher level, probably in a vain effort to check inboard intoxication ! A great idea, no doubt, but whether it is applicable to people who have chosen a sea voyage primarily for relaxation remains a mystery.

However, the pleasures of the palate are guaranteed by most Oceania Cruise liners including the Nautica. The Grand Dining room opens at 6.30 in the evening and serves till 9.30 in the night, serving a grand assortment of victuals. However, it is always full and the acoustic arrangements in the room can hardly cope with the din, thus creating problems for a leisurely conversation. On top of that, 26 more tables (for two) have been currently added to serve more people in the already overcrowded dining room. The Terrace Café, adjacent to the pool deck, on the other hand, is a much more suitable place to enjoy your food in relatively tranquility. In fact, it is ideal for a leisurely breakfast where the servers hand out all that you may need in a friendly fashion.

The public rooms on board the Nautica have a typical “English inn-at-sea” feel. The spacious Horizons Lounge located at the bow section of the ship has extra large floor-to-ceiling windows that provide uninterrupted view of the open sea while strategically mounted brass telescopes allow inquisitive passengers to view in detail when a passing vessel appears on the horizon. Surprisingly enough, the no-nonsense vessel also has a well equipped Casino housed in her bosom while the Martini Bar attached to this gambler’s den boasts of a barman who has the credit of concocting 29 varieties of martini for the pleasure of his patrons.

Oceania cruise ship Nautica has 330 guest rooms, suits and penthouses aboard, most of them having verandas. However, the inside cabins on board the ship are indeed pretty undersized (160 to 165 sq. ft.). But the category C & D outsize cabins are large enough, sporting private balconies. Cruising in Nautica, by and large, can be called comfortable but not so very luxurious as compared to the other larger vessels.

Disney Magic

2010-05-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

The cruise ship Disney Magic represents an excellent mixture of ocean liner magnificence with glimpses of the legendary Disney fantasy. It encompasses the thrills of sea voyage, intermingled with Disney touches that make it truly memorable for adults and kids alike.

Even though the Disney Cruise Line is regarded as perfect for families with children, the Disney Magic is provided with lounges that are quite suitable for couples as well. Three of these lounges are grouped together to form an entertainment profile that is lovingly called the Beat Street, and it is mostly for the adult passenger.

Sessions, the piano bar is very enjoyable. It has comfortable seating with mega-portholes offering a grand view of the sea rolling below.

The Diversion Sports Bar can be exiting when any major sports event is shown on ESPN. People mill around this bar to watch games on the giant plasma TV placed at a convenient corner of the bar for best viewing.

Rockin-Bar D is the third lounge in the Beat Street. While it serves as a place for family entertainment in the early evening, the scenario changes later in the night giving the shape of an adult disco.

Apart from these three, the other lounges on the Disney Magic comprise the Cove Café adult Coffee Bar, Promenade Lounge and the Studio Sea Family Club that almost resembles a television sound stage.

The food is good in most of the restaurants and bistros on board the Disney Magic even though the choices are usually limited. The hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza offered at the Topsiders, which is a buffet joint, are quite tasty and healthful while the dinner menu at the Animator’s Palate is exceptionally good. But here again, the options are fairly limited. However, dinner at Parrot Cay is most fun filled, more like Jimmy Buffet’s at City Walk but, to be honest about it, dinner at Lumiere’s is the best. By the way, passengers enjoying their meals in any of these restaurants seldom wear anything but ‘casual dress’ all the while.

The Disney Magic has 3 levels of suits that range from Inside Standard Cabin that sleeps 2/3/4; 1,029 sq. ft. Royal Suite with balcony that sleeps 7 while the Deluxe Family Stateroom that can accommodate four to five persons. The ship also has six different types of cabins, quite suitable for her passengers.

Island Princess

2010-05-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

The Island Princess, as also her sister ship, Coral Princess have been especially designed to get through the Panama Canal (they usually traverse the Canal and the Gulf of Alaska) and hence, are comparatively smaller than the fleet’s bigger ships. However, these ships are still bigger than the mid-sized Princess-class ships that were so common during the nineties. But as a result, they enjoy the privileges of both, losing nothing in return. As a matter of fact, passengers feel more comfortable in navigating within the ship due to the re-sizing, which allows them better confidence in reaching their desired destinations than fumbling along oversize atriums.

92,000-ton Island Princess provides better facilities to its guests by shifting the public rooms to the lower decks and putting cabin decks higher up, which has allowed addition of more balconies to outside staterooms. This, incidentally, has also resulted in increasing cabin space on one hand and improving passenger flow on the other.

The food served in the Dining room and in the Lido Cafeteria featured in the Island Princess is typically Continental Ship variety comprising mostly Broiled lobster tail, Beef Wellington and the like. Passengers not used to such bland dishes prefer the Bayou Café to try spicy shrimp gumbo, grilled jumbo prawns, fried catfish or chicken and chorizo jambalaya amidst woody ambience. Those who feel still not very satisfied usually head for Sabatini’s for ultimate palate pleasure. But for those who insist on out-of-the-world savories, the Lotus Spa menu offers Chilled yogurt and Tamarind Soup sprinkled with grated lemon rind.

Interestingly enough, there is no dearth of invitingly intimate lounges on board the Island Princess, some with live music. Crooners, a Martini Bar mirrors the halcyon days of Rat Pack while the Churchill’s, a snug cigar lounge may remind one of early English country manors. The chunky nautical-themed Wheelhouse Bar (for no apparent rhyme or reason) holds many expensive original oil paintings.

The ship's Internet cafe, card room and library are mostly busy during days at sea. In fact, one may find himself/herself lucky in finding a place to sit. Because there are entrances from both the atrium and the midship elevators/stair tower, the locations are often used as passageways, not exactly ideal either for compute use or for reading.

As in other similar vessels, the captain of the Island Princes is empowered to marry intending couples in the ship’s Wedding Chapel while children are lovingly entertained at the Pelican Playhouse Children’s Center aboard the ship.

Celebrity Summit

2010-05-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

Let us be very frank before we enter this classy cruise ship. It surely is not for everyone. Take a look at some of the Celebrity Summit’s guests if you do not believe me. They are mostly wealthy Americans who have already reached their summits whether in business or in calling. You may also come across intercontinental playboys looking for the ultimate luxury offered in an expensive sea voyage where champagne & caviar can be a routine fare.

The passenger list also includes a few world-travelers who have nothing else to do but to seek new source of excitement wherever available. However, this need not dissuade you to join a cruise aboard this 91,000-ton luxury cruise ship which appears to have taken some slices off the legendary liner, SS Normandie, known for her opulence and style. Nevertheless, try to bear in mind that the Celebrity Summit maintains a crew of 999 skilled hands to serve 1,950 passengers when the ship is fully occupied! That’s some remarkable ratio indeed.

Anyway, now that you have boarded the ship, there is no harm keeping your eyes open to see the signs of elegance all around you. The first thing that sure is going to catch your attention is a seven-foot high stunning bronze statue resembling the goddess Athena, created by Leon-Georges Baudry, the noted Art Deco sculptor that forms a part of poise in the two-level Cosmopolitan Restaurant of the ship. Although the restaurant earlier had fixed-time seating arrangement for serving food, passengers currently have the option of having the same anytime within certain hours.

Among some of the upscale restaurants on board the Summit is the Normandie alternative restaurant where they serve you with searing hot food items. Even though it involves a surcharge, the experience of a waiter in white tie preparing flambé entrees table-side can be quite exhilarating. Also, you get special items here that include Rack of Lamb en Croute, Chateaubriand steak and few more. The Lido Café, deck 10 on the other hand, offers casual breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, snacks, pizza and late night munchies right up to midnight. The Summit often lays out themed midnight buffets that attract jubilant crowd. 24-hour Room Service is a standard feature in the ship.

Celebrity Summit cabins include Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms (170 sq, ft.) with verandahs featuring two convertible beds, a sitting area and panoramic view floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening out to the balcony. Lower priced Interior Staterooms with sofa-cum-bed having sitting areas, nevertheless, prove quite comfortable too. All cabins, however, have interactive television, phone with voice mail, hair drier, safe and a mini-bar. Use of bathrobes is optional.

Caribbean Princess

2010-04-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

Gone are the days when the legendary Nat King Cole hummed, “Take my way; hit the highway”. Today, people are more prone to leave their automobiles back home and explore the pleasures of the sea voyage aboard a cruise ship. Princess cruise liners appear to satisfy that craze to the fullest extent and something more. Among some of the Princess class of vessels that include Emerald, Crown, Ruby and a few others, the Caribbean Princess surely ranks apart in all respects. With astounding Atriums and spellbounding Skywalker’s Disco, the luxury liner is nothing but a super-size version of the earlier Grand-class of ships that sailed the seven seas decades ago.

Having an astounding onboard carrying capacity of more than 3000 passengers in its fabulous staterooms (881) and numerous full deck mini-suits, the Caribbean Princess can be compared to an island city that provides all forms of comforts right within its enormous bulk. On a dark night, she is a glittering jewel cruising through the phosphorescent sea.

Here a few of the special features of the ship that may prompt many to book a voyage today. Her destinations include Eastern Caribbean & Bermuda, Southern Caribbean, Canada & New England.

And here are the hot spots.

Traditional Dining is provided at several dining rooms aboard the ship in true cruise tradition with caring entourage paying special attention to each passenger. The Island Dining Room is where you get the best of service in an oceanic ambience.
Anytime Dining spares the hassle of reaching the dinner table at the sound of the gong. While aboard the Caribbean Princess, it’s the passenger’s choice of the dining hour and not otherwise. At the Cora Dining Room or the Da Vinci Dining Room you can walk in anytime in the day or night and ask for food, and it will be served with a smile.
Specialty Restaurants on board the ship serve exquisite local (whichever water the ship passes by) dishes and gourmet favorites, if ordered earlier. This includes the famed Trattoria Sabatini Restaurant and the Sterling Steakhouse.
The Hearts and Minds Wedding Chapel housed within the ship is the first of its kind that provides the industry’s singular Wedding-at-Sea program where the passengers can be married by the ship’s captain. A truly innovative approach towards an otherwise conventional social procedure.

Grandeur Of The Seas

2010-04-03T01:58:00.000-07:00

Even though there are many cruise ships that sail the Pacific, or cruise the calm waters of the Caribbean, this ship is so grand that its owners simply called it - The Grandeur of the Seas. In fact, everything on board the ship is grand and glittering. Right from the Grandeur Centrum to the Grandeur Solarium, all the fascinating features of this grand ship that blissfully accommodates 2446 guests spell class. With a full-service Spa, half a dozen whirlpools, an all-weather jogging track and a seemingly endless chain of well appointed bars and restaurants, the Grandeur of the Seas is a seven-star hotel afloat the deep. The Grandeur’s current destination covers the Southern and Western Caribbean.

Here are some of the countless amenities that you will find on board.

Boutiques of Centrum comprises of storefronts offering a wide range of fineries that include perfumes, jewelry, liquor and novelty cruise wear.
Grandeur Solarium consists of indoor/outdoor pool that is provided with a massive sliding glass canopy.
Great Gatsby Dining Room personifies the elegance and carefree lifestyle. A very impressive ambience for the current generation.
Palladium Theater is a two-tier amphitheater featuring nightly entertainment that often includes musicals.
Casino Royale is the gambler’s real haven featuring video poker, Caribbean Stud poker, electronic slot machines and more.
Singing-in-the-rain Lounge is a glass-walled 100-seat lounge offering magnificent sea views.
Schooner Bar is a nautically themed bar that makes a drink all the more enjoyable as if one is sitting in a wheelhouse.
South Pacific Lounge is for live music and dancing.
Champagne Bar is the right place to enjoy your bubbly drink poured into Tulip glass provided by the barman.
Windjammer Café is the seaside buffet-style booth for breakfasts and lunches. However, it changes color as the sun goes down the horizon, giving it the shape of a full fledged restaurant.
Observatory is for the stargazers. The star-studded sky, especially on new moon nights look amazingly beautiful when viewed on board a ship.
Adventure Ocean is a large playroom for the little ones who often become engrossed in pictorial books and miniature ship models that are provided here, usually guided by a member of the entourage.

Costa Classica

2010-04-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

Befitting its classy tagging, The Costa Classica is indeed classic in terms of comfort, style and elegance, not to speak of the delectable dishes like the Grilled lobster with drawn butter that is served in the Tivoli Restaurant. Exquisite murals in the celebrated restaurant transform its bay windows into scenic episodes from the Renaissance and the Roman era, and the tabletops in its Puccini Ballroom mirror sentiments from famed Puccini Operas.

In fact, every aspect of this magnificent cruise ship turns the head of passengers lounging its marvelous decks looking for something that is out of the ordinary. Take for instance, the Costa’s Galileo Disco and Observatory perched high atop the ship that serves as an observatory by the day and turning into a fabulous Disco as the night falls over the high seas.

In short, this luxury liner is a masterpiece of Italian cruise design where nothing was spared to give it the best of everything. Passengers strolling through its Tavernetta can browse through the chick boutiques, dine in its gourmet restaurant, unwind in jacuzzies (4 in number) or spend time in superbly equipped spa and fitness center located in one of its many decks.

While Costa Classica had served as an inspiration for creating its sister ship Costa Romantica, people fondly go for the Classica because of it inherent beauty and classical lines that makes this quite an unique ship.

The 52,926 ton, 723 feet liner with 13 decks can accommodate 1,302 Double Occupancy passengers in its 654 cabins that are served by a retinue of 590 skilled hands. Even though the ship’s maximum speed is rated at 20 knots, she normally cruises at 18.5 knots on calm seas.

Explorer of the Seas

2010-04-01T04:24:00.000-07:00

Royal Caribbean International’s MS Explorer of the Seas happens to be one of their largest cruise ships that can accommodate more than 3000 passengers, boasting the highest space-per-guest ratio in the cruise business line. The 142,000-ton Voyager-class cruise ship Explorer has a built-in Atmospheric & Oceanographic Laboratory that is used by scientists researching for the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. In shape, size and dimensions it is only second to Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2.

As a matter of fact, there has never been a ship like this, featuring so many fabulous things of interest. Imagine a rock-climbing precipice aboard a floating vessel, a skating rink and a street fair going in full swing right above the rolling seas. Fascinating, isn’t it? The mighty ship’s destination includes the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England. The Explorer is also often chartered for holiday cruises.

It is therefore no wonder that world-class food is served aboard this world-class ship amidst world-class ambience. However, here is a listing of the Explorer’s fascinating features that are soon going to lure you to book your voyage. Talk to your nearest agent; he may offer you a discounted price too.

Main dining room in the ship serves world-class food only. From out of the world appetizers and starters to delectable desserts, every food item in the Main Dining Room is simply superb.
The Portofino restaurant aboard the Explorer is the gourmet’s best refuge. Chefs at the Portofino are ever busy tackling international cuisine.
The Johnny Rockets restaurant sporting the authentic fifty’s décor is known for all-American eatables with shipside sauces.
The Champagne Bar is the ideal spot to celebrate your opening night aboard the Explorer. The beauty of this quiet cozy bar lies in the fact that it offers a wide variety of sparkling wines with an assortment of canapés for your pleasure.
Windjammer Café is ideally suited for a casual dinner for the family after a day of adventure, scaling the virtual rock.
Sport Deck aboard the ship features a full-size basketball court. Play the game whenever you can form a team but don’t let the ball go out of bounds.

Do whatever you like but do not forget to visit the Virtual Submarine Room, the Casino, and the Arcade Room before the cruise is over.

Carnival Glory

2010-03-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

The 110,000-ton 2,974-passenger Conquest-class cruise ship Carnival Glory operated by Carnival Corporation is a truly colorful ocean liner with each of its public rooms sporting all the vivid colors of the rainbow! The ship is easy to navigate (from the passengers’ point of view) since most of the public rooms that include the Camel Casino, White Heart Dance Club, Burgundy (wine) Bar and the Ultraviolet Teen Disco are centrally located. However, one snug corner boasts of a cluster of hot spots that includes the Sing-along piano bar, Cinn-a-Bar, the Ebony Cabaret beckoning late night dancing partners and the Bar Blue for jazz enthusiasts. The Carnival Glory’s singular Cigar Bar, The Ivory Club is located just below.

Even though the Carnival Glory’s passenger quota mostly comprises of newly married couples, the ship is also much liked by families because of its many activities. This of course often creates overcrowding at the buffet during peak hours, more on sea days and formal nights. Similar is the case with the Colors Bar in the atrium that tends to fill up for pre-dinner cocktails. However, the Green Sports Bar, Ebony Cabaret Lounge and the Ivory Club are where you could head if you wanted to escape the crowds.

The Carnival Glory’s dining options include both traditionally assigned seating arrangement in the Platinum and Golden dining rooms commencing at 6 and 8.15 pm as well as flexible timing system through Carnival’s Your Choice Dining Program that offers dinner in the central dining room where passengers can enjoy their supper anytime between 5.45 and 9.30 in the night. However, it must be admitted that keeping at par with other Conquest-class ships, the quality and selection of food on board the Carnival Glory is quite good, while the daily changing menu also lists the calorie and fat content of each dish for the benefit of the diners.

However, the most impressive part of the Carnival Glory’s exclusive dining deal relates to its reservation-only Emerald Room Supper Club where the elite menu combined with extra attentive service more than compensates its $25 cover charge per person. And the food they serve here is top class too - South African lobster, sizable porterhouse steak and prime-aged beef. What more does a passenger want?