Dining on Board Explorer of the Seas

“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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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