Jan115

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll be a frequent visitor to the site and join in the conversation!

Welcome! There's nothing like planning and dreaming about a cruise to warm a cold winter day. I look forward to hearing all about your cruise.

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll be a frequent visitor to the site and join in the conversation!

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll be a frequent visitor to the site and join in the conversation!

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll be a frequent visitor to the site and join in the conversation!

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll be a frequent visitor to the site and join in the conversation!

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll be a frequent visitor to the site and join in the conversation!

[i'm not a particularly big shopper while on vacation, but when I do, I look for things hand made, home grown and otherwise native and notable for the area. Here are some great items to look for when shopping in the Caribbean. One note I'd like to add ... if you're purchasing artwork or crafts, and the artist is present, have someone take a photo of you, the artist and his work you are buying. The artist will feel important, and you will have a photo to go with the item when you display it at home. ~ J.] It's no secret Caribbean cruise ship passengers love to shop just watch the flow of the crowd when you visit a port of call. This is a shopping mecca, where you can find refrigerator magnets, Christmas ornaments, t-shirts and other typical tourist fare at every port. Plus, there's plenty of opportunities to buy duty-free jewelry and electronics, sometimes even at bargain prices. But should you want something a little more authentic to show off once you get home, there are also products actually made in the Caribbean. Here are 10 souvenirs worth the suitcase space: Woodcarvings: Look for local artists, such as Carl Henry in Antigua, who creates everything from turtles to miniature sailboats using local Caribbean wood such as mahogany and eucalyptus. A fun buy in this category is handcrafted masks like Puerto Rico's colorful caretas which depict evil spirits and look great hung on a wall. Hot sauce: Using locally grown peppers, hot sauce (also called pepper sauce) is a big obsession on many Caribbean islands. Great selections can be found at Spicy Caribbee in Old San Juan, Sunny Caribbee Spice Shop & Art Gallery in Road Town, Tortola and Pure Caribbean Specialty in Nassau, among other places. If your cruise includes Belize, look for Marie Sharp's hot sauce. Spices: Buy nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and other spices where they are actually grown. Make a beeline for the Spice Market in St. George's, Grenada. You'll also find spices at markets on other Caribbean islands. If your cruise includes Cozumel or Costa Maya, pick up a bottle of pure Mexican vanilla (much tastier than the supermarket variety). Rum cakes: Tortuga Rum Company, headquartered in Grand Cayman (but with stores also in Jamaica and Nassau), creates moist, delicious and loaded cakes based on a generations-old family recipe. Hand-glazed with Tortuga Gold Rum and then vacuum packed (in a box with a historic ship as a logo), the cakes are possibly the No. 1 Caribbean souvenir. Coffee: Coffee-lovers will want to bring home a pound or two of handpicked Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. But keep in mind other islands are also coffee producers, most notably Puerto Rico the island's super-premium Alto Grande has been hailed as one of the best coffees in the world. Booze: Look for deals on Bacardi and DonQ rum in Puerto Rico, Mount Gay and St. Nicholas Abbey rum in Barbados and Blue Curacao in Curacao, among other Caribbean-produced liquor brands. If you're cruising the Mexican Caribbean, stock up on Kahlua. In Trinidad, pick up the Angostura Bitters to make a perfect Manhattan. Also, don't miss the taste treat that is Guavaberry liquor in St. Maarten. Jewelry: On St. Thomas and St. Maarten you'll find familiar fine jewelry brands, but don't stop there. Handmade jewelry gets creative on many Caribbean islands, including St. Croix hook bracelets and amber jewelry in the Dominican Republic. Skincare products: In St. Barts, stock up on La Ligne St. Barth natural creams and skincare products (which use French recipes and extracts from native Caribbean fruits and flowers). Pure Source in Barbados also has a line of natural skincare products. In Aruba, check out Aruba Aloe, one of the oldest aloe companies in the world and one of the first to produce cosmetic products based on Aloe Vera gel. Baskets: Some of the best baskets are from Dominica, where Carib Indians use traditional methods to make creations from woven grass and leaves. In the Turks & Caicos, look for straw hats and bowls woven from fanner grass. Stop by the Nassau Straw Market for Bahamian plaited straw bags and baskets. Artwork: Bring home something beautiful to remind you of your Caribbean cruise. Local galleries can be found on all the islands. For much-coveted Jamaican art, visit the Harmony Hall Gallery in Ocho Rios. Check out the lovely watercolors at Zemi Art Gallery in Antigua and pottery creations at Earthworks Pottery in Barbados. When in St. Kitts, pick up gorgeous fabrics at Caribelle Batik. Museum shops are also worth perusing. By Fran Golden, USA Today (10 Caribbean Souvenirs Worth the Suitcase Space, Feb. 3, 2014) For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecrazies.com/index.html Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more Photo credit: J. Neves View full article

Sure, you're on vacation, but that doesn't mean you have to sleep the day away. You'll miss so much. Here are my five best reasons to force yourself out of bed before sunrise: (1) View a breathtaking sunrise at sea; you'll forget all about how much you wanted to sleep in. (2) Photograph nature in its best light. The natural lighting for taking photos is best early morning and just before sunset; this was especially true for the glaciers on our Alaska cruise and our cruise 2 years ago around the British Isles. (3) Photograph highlights of the ship without the unwanted crowds; you will impress your friends back home, who will wonder if you had the whole ship to yourself! (4) Enjoy the ocean view without distraction. No announcements, no blaring movie screen, rock music or chatty people - just you and Mother Nature. (5) Have a leisurely breakfast and coffee before the mad dash, with first dibs at the food. Photo: Bahama Sunrise, Disney Magic (J. Neves)

[i was so happy to see that the Celebrity Reflection made this list of romantic cruise ships. My husband and I will be sailing her Eastern Mediterranean itinerary in August, and look forward to strolling barefoot through real green grass. Read more on great ways to rekindle the romance at sea.] A romantic cruise is about time together as a couple, strolling hand in hand around the ship's open deck, dining at a table for two in a specialty restaurant, turning to mush with a couples' massage in the spa and luxuriating with breakfast in bed, among the attractions. Some ships and itineraries add a little something-something that further enhances that romance aspect. Check out these romantic cruises. Seabourn Spirit, Caribbean Cruise the quieter islands of the Caribbean with this luxury line and enjoy such niceties as caviar and champagne served in the surf. Weeklong winter cruises on the 212-passenger Seabourn Spirit between St. Maarten and Barbados, from $3,299 per person. SeaDream 1, Caribbean On this casually elegant, 112-passenger SeaDream yacht, pampering includes opportunity to spend the night outdoors on a cushy Balinese daybed for two, snuggling under a duvet while gazing at the stars. Weeklong winter Caribbean sailings, from $3,999. Royal Princess, Caribbean Slurp oyster shooters in the theatrically elegant Piazza atrium on this 3,560-passenger "Love Boat" ship and you'll feel like you're in Italy. For a special date night, order up lobster and champagne served on your stateroom balcony. Winter fares from $549. Wind Star, Greek Isles Cruise under this 148-passenger yacht's billowing sails as you visit the romantic Greek Isles – inspiration for ancient poets. Onboard, reserve a table for two and dine al fresco under candlelight. Fares for one-week sailings between Istanbul and Athens, May to October, from $3,399. Celebrity Reflection, Eastern Med On this stylish 3,030-passenger ship, romance includes opportunity to walk barefoot on real grass, admire top-flight art, indulge at the spa and dine in a variety of specialty restaurants. Summertime 10- and 11-day sailings from Rome explore the Eastern Mediterranean/Greece; fares from $1,599. Oceania Cruises’ Riviera, French and Italian Riviera This 1,250-passenger ship has a sexy style from its impressive Latin-focused artwork to its intimate, complimentary specialty restaurants. Indulge at the Canyon Ranch-operate spa or take a cooking class at the Bon Appetit Culinary Center. Weeklong cruise from Rome to Barcelona in June, from $1,649. Paul Gauguin Cruises,Tahiti Cruise one of the most romantic places on earth, visiting such dream-like islands as Bora Bora and Moorea. As if the scenery isn't captivating enough, the 322-passenger ship serves up a luxurious tropical experience that includes French cuisine. One-week cruises from $2,445. Royal Clipper, Italy Feel the wind in your face on a real five-masted sailing ship as you explore the gorgeous Amalfi Coast and Sicily. The romance of the sea includes opportunity to pull the ropes or kickback in the bowsprit net. Summertime 7-day cruises from Rome, from $1,887. Queen Mary 2, Transatlantic Enjoy old-time romance with a British pedigree on this 2,952-passenger oceanliner, while crossing the Atlantic. Dance to the tunes of a live big band and admire the stars both outdoors or in the ship's planetarium. Weeklong crossings between New York and Southampton, U.K., from $1,278. Viking Forseti, Bordeaux Do a river cruise in France on this contemporary, 190-passenger "longship," and sip French wine as you pass scenery including vineyards and historic chateaux. Dining options include open-air seating at the casual, conservatory-style Aquavit Terrace. Shoreside exploration brings visits to wineries. Weeklong cruises from $1,856. By Fran Golden, USA Today (“Set Sail on the Most Romantic Cruises of 2014”) For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecrazies.com/index.html Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more Photo credit: New York Daily News View full article

Thanks for the report, John. Having just suffered a bout of the "plague" myself, not cruise-related but spreading around my family like wildfire, it's a reminder to people that one can develop the illness anytime, anywhere - schools, colleges, day care centers - anywhere large groups gather. The big difference with a cruise ship, of course, is there's no escape. No comforts of home - just a tiny toilet and even worse if you're in an inside cabin with no fresh air! The article is right - we can't blame the cruise ships. It's my belief that some passengers do fib on the health forms, fearful of being turned away or quarantined to their cabin after investing a lot of money on their vacation. Then again, some passengers may board not knowing they are carrying the germs with them. It took me 2 days from the time I was infected until I saw the first symptoms, and in that time I could have boarded and settled into my cruise before being hit with the sickness. Noro spreads quickly, and once it does, and other than frequent hand-washing, there's not a whole lot that can be done to avoid it.

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll be a frequent visitor to the site and join in the conversation!

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll be a frequent visitor to the site and join in the conversation!

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll be a frequent visitor to the site and join in the conversation!

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll be a frequent visitor to the site and join in the conversation!

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll be a frequent visitor to the site and join in the conversation!

My recent all-too-brief winter escape to Castaway Cay on the Disney Magic reminded me how restful and relaxing these cruise line private ocean oases can be. Escape to one of these islands for your next tropical cruise get-away. As snow and sub-zero temperatures make us yearn for warmer climes, we present a visual feast of powdery beaches, palm trees and crystal-clear waters. Here is a selection of photos of private islands or beach destinations operated by cruise lines for the exclusive use of their guests. Cruise Line: Holland America Line Island: Half Moon Cay Location: Bahamas Top Features: Two-mile-long powder-sand beach, wild bird preserve, swimming in Stingray Cove, private beachside cabanas with butler service, wedding chapel, al fresco spa treatments, three watersports centers (think parasailing, snorkeling and kayaking), several waterfront bars, playground, horseback riding. No wonder it’s the most popular port of call for the premium line. Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International Island: Labadee Location: Haiti Top Features: Arawak Aqua Park with trampolines, water slides, rolling log, and floating water toys. Several beaches, 300-foot-long waterslide, longest zipline in the world over water, sea-view cabanas overlooking Nellie’s Beach, several open-air eateries, watersports including parasailing, kayaking tour and personal watercraft, shopping for handmade local arts and crafts. Oh, and the average high temperature in January is 84.9 degrees! Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line Island: Castaway Cay Location: Bahamas Top Features: Dock for the ships, sting ray experience, free child care, Disney character greetings, private cabanas in two locations, two water play areas, adults-only Serenity Bay Beach with open-air massages and yoga, teens-only activity area on beach, open-air BBQ dining locations, two shops, tram transportation, and watersports such as kayaking, glass-bottom boat tours and parasailing. Cruise Line: Princess Cruises Island: Princess Cays Location: Eleuthera, Bahamas Top Features: Lookout tower, marketplace, volleyball and basketball courts, clamshells and private bungalows for rent, supervised play area with a replica galleon, two barbeque pavilions, and water sports kiosk for paddle wheelers, kayaks, banana and glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling, floating mattresses and aqua chairs. Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line Island: Great Stirrup Cay Location: Bahamas Top Features: 250-acre island with snorkel trail, sting ray encounter, beachside BBQ, inflatable 175-foot-long Hippo Water Slide, kayaking, personal watercrafts, parasailing, straw market, private cabanas with VIP service and amenities for rent, and Lighthouse Beach Bar presented by Patron with large flat-screen TVs. By Theresa Norton Masek, Travel Pulse Porthole Magazine (“5 Cruise Trips Where You Get Your Own Private Island,” Jan. 22, 2014) For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecrazies.com/index.html Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more Photo credits: Travel Pulse Featured photo credit: J. Neves View full article

The new Norwegain Getaway is all the talk among cruise fanatics, and the following is a review of one travel writer’s brief glimpse of the new ship now docked in New York. I, for one, can't wait for my turn! I was among the lucky ducks who got a sneak peek at the brand-new Norwegian Getaway this week, as she is docked in New York's icy Hudson. Nearly identical to sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, which debuted in October 2013, the 4,028-passenger Norwegian Getaway boasts many of the same great features, but with her own distinct personality. From Breakaway-class favorites to exclusive features, here are my top picks of what to look forward to: The Illusionarium is an atmospheric den of mystery that is part supper club, part magic show. You’ll be entertained by magicians, illusionists, and mentalists, while dining on a delectable surf and turf. Kids are served their own favorites of chicken nuggets and French fries, mac and cheese, and a whimsically decorated banana cupcake for dessert! Dine at Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, Ocean Blue on The Waterfront, or The Raw Bar — three incredible seafood dining experiences. Then, top it off with a sweet treat from Carlo's Bake Shop by Master Baker Buddy Valastro. Music fans will lose themselves at The Grammy Experience, a Hard Rock Café-style exhibit of memorabilia from Grammy Award–winning artists. Check out the seductive velvet gown worn by Whitney Houston, for example. And, expect performances by Grammy winners as well on special sailings. Exclusively on Norwegian Getaway is the seven-time Tony Award–nominated Legally Blonde: The Musical, which will no doubt prove to be an immediate crowd pleaser as the audience falls in love, once again, with sorority girl Elle Woods. For now, Norwegian Getaway is in New York, transforming itself into the Bud Light Hotel for this weekend’s Super Bowl. Even in the frigid New York temperatures, visitors to the ship could envision the wild popularity of the SpongeBob-inspired Kid's Aqua Park and the innovative Waterfront line-up of restaurants and watering holes. After the week of partying and big concerts by big-name acts like the Foo Fighters and Run DMC, Norwegian Getaway will start the journey to her homeport of Miami. 
 And we can't wait till she gets here! By Judi Cuervo, Porthole Magazine (“Top 5 Things to Look Forward to Aboard Norwgian Getaway,” Jan. 29, 2014) For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecrazies.com/index.html Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more Photo credit: MaritimeMatters.com View full article

The Dream is next on my Disney list!

Keith and Rita - Have a wonderful cruise full of fun, relaxation and new adventures. Bon Voyage!

Have a wonderful cruise full of fun, relaxation and new adventures. Bon Voyage!