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