Jan115

"Short, sweet & pure Disney!" Click here to view the cruise review

Hi Sandy & Ken - welcome! Aren't cruises great? You're in good company here, and I look forward to chatting. Enjoy the Carnival Dream! See you around the site!

I don't know, Janos ... maybe we'll be cleaning our own cabins.

I can't help wonder every time I fill out a health questionnaire at embarkation how many people might not be totally honest about their health when answering the questions.

My first Disney cruise, and I'm hooked! Review and photos to come later!

I agree about the security, MaryLou. I had read so many unfavorable reports before our one and only time there. We avoided all the harassment and did a tour with a trusted local guide. Even then, though, I never felt entirely at ease.

Oh, yes ... forgot that one. Thanks for the addendum!

Even before I embarked on my first cruise 11 years ago, I always envisioned long, lazy days at sea. After all, the thought of lounging leisurely in the warm sea air was what sold me on the idea of a cruise vacation in the first place. Give me a towel, chair, a book and a tube of sunscreen, and I'm good to go. However, I do acknowledge that what works for me, might not work for someone else - my husband, for example. Don't get me wrong; he likes to relax, too, but not for a whole day. Not even for an hour. That's about the limit for his time in the sun before he's ready for something new. Like many other cruisers, he's a guy who likes to be entertained. He likes to keep busy. The more activities to choose from, the better. So while I might be hanging out with the other slugs by the pool, he could be perusing art, taking in a lecture, working out in the fitness center, or losing money ... whoops - I mean, trying his luck .... in the casino. That's the beauty of a cruise vacation - it's your time away from it all, so do what feels right. If it's your first cruise, and you are looking to be entertained, here are some suggested activities to keep you busy. Keep in mind, of course, the larger and newer the ship, the more numerous and varied the activities. 1. Step out of Your Comfort Zone. Be adventurous and climb a rock wall. Fasten on that harness and strive to new heights. Fond of zip lining? Royal Caribbean has it. How about a ropes course? Carnival Magic has the first one ever at sea. Catch a wave in the surf pool or join the kids over at the water park. 2. Work Out. Head to the fitness center for some weight training, Zumba, cycles, treadmills and more, and work off those 4-course meals you're enjoying. Do a few laps around the jogging track. If mild activity is more your preference, take a stroll around the promenade deck. 3. Play Games. What would a cruise be without the hairy chest contest or the rubber chicken olympics? Activity directors dream up all kinds of crazy games and competitions. Don't be afraid to get silly. 4. Try Your Luck at the Slots. I like the casino, especially the slot machines - as long as I am winning. I hope you're luckier than I. 5. See a Movie. If you're the sedentary type or the sun has taken a vacation, leaving it rainy and chilly outside, take in a matinee in the ship's theater. If you're looking for a mid-day break from it all, catch a movie on the TV in your cabin. 6. Catch a Live Show. Production shows are not just for the evening any longer. For instance, Royal Caribbean offers up mid-day ice skating shows on their rinks, while Norwegian entertains the lunch crowd with a murder mystery meal. 7. Learn Something New. Think about it - when else will you find the time to learn a new skill? Cruise ships have a variety of ways to expand your mind. For instance, you might learn a language, try out a new recipe, learn ballroom dancing, paint pottery, take a photo class or learn new computer skills. 8. Take a Nap. If you're like me, you won't be able to stay awake for the late-night fun without a little afternoon siesta. Grab a few zzzz's, feel rejuvenated and ready to party! 9. Be Pampered. Book an appointment for a luxurious pampering. What's your pleasure? A massage? Botox? Teeth whitening? A facial? Perhaps a gooey wrap? The spa has the power to make you a new person. Sure, the service comes at a price. Just tell yourself, "I'm worth it." 10. Eat. If you really get bored, you can always rely on food. Start with early room service breakfast, then head to the buffet for second breakfast, followed by mid-morning coffee and pastry; then it's on to lunch, followed by the ice cream bar, a stop at the pizzeria, and a specialty coffee to keep you awake and alert. By this time, you're ready for afternoon tea. This is where a nap comes in, because all the food makes one tired. Get dressed, slap some water on your face, and it's time for dinner. A stop at the cafe for snacks followed by late-night room service, and your day of grazing is done. Don't forget to squeeze in some exercise, or at least take the stairs! 11. Drink and Be Merry! Do you prefer a liquid diet? There is a bar or lounge around every corner of the ship, and no shortage of spirits to imbibe. Pick your poison. Whether it's a bucket of beer, fine wine, or fruity umbrella drinks, you'll feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Just remember to drink responsibly. No one likes an obnoxious drunk. 12. Simply do nothing. Just because it's listed in the daily newsletter doesn't mean you have to participate. If sitting on deck and people-watching is more your style, by all means - indulge yourself. Hang around the pool and gaze in wonder at the hairy chests. Relax in the jacuzzi with a drink, close your eyes and just forget about life for a while. As I said before, it's your vacation! By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor 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: Janice Neves View full article

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!

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

Luka, I think you're right. Royal Caribbean definitely has the bells and whistles with the ice skating rink, surf park, boxing ring and all the other toys. Very popular with kids, teens and families! However, my personal favorite is Princess, which to me, is a step above. I don't need the amusement park stuff. I just want to cruise with class. :-) Tomorrow I'm headed on my first Disney cruise. Look for my review next week!

It's about time. Any improvement's gotta be good for this port, which is the ugliest, most congested I've experienced.

Congratulations, Larry! You're a great contributor around here, and you deserve the recognition.

Welcome - it's so nice to have you with us here on CruiseCrazies. You must be so excited for your upcoming first cruise! Mother-daughter cruises are special. I took a cruise with one of my daughters in October, and will be cruising again with 2 of them on Friday. I think this will become an annual tradition. Think of cruising as a Disney World Resort at sea - you'll love it. In fact, if you like Disney, maybe you'll like Disney's cruises, too. I'll be posting a review next week when I return. I'll let you know how it went! In the meantime, I look forward to getting to know you and sharing travel stories.

Geez, it's the Super Bowl, not a tennis match. What do they expect. Of course, the crowd will be rowdy. Let them have their 4 days of fun. It'll all be over before they know it.

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

Cruise vacations for couples are by their very nature romantic. On cruise ships there is opportunity to watch the sea, admire the setting sun and snuggle under twinkling stars. You can dine on fine cuisine, hit the dance floor and spend precious time together. But there are also ways to add romance to your cruise. Pick the right ship. Are you looking for a mega ship with lots of opportunity for date nights at a choice of restaurants, bars and clubs or a small ship or river ship with a crowd-free atmosphere? Look for a ship that's the right fit for the two of you. Find the right itinerary. For some people romance may be tropical skies and a white-sand beach, such as in the Caribbean or Tahiti. Others may want a cultural experience, which cruises in places including Europe, Australia/New Zealand and Asia afford. For some romance may be the exhilaration of an adventure cruise in Alaska or the Galapagos, among other places. Carefully choose your cabin. Sharing a tight, interior cabin may work for some, but for most of us desirable romantic features include a queen- or king-sized bed and ocean views preferably from a private balcony and maybe even a bathtub. Splurge on a suite and you may find such additional features as a Jacuzzi or private hot tub. Take advantage of room service. Order breakfast in bed (typically complimentary) and consider ordering dinner in your cabin too, if you have a balcony. In-cabin dinners are especially wonderful if you're on a luxury ship where your meal will be delivered course-by-course. On Princess ships you can do a four-course champagne and lobster dinner on your cabin balcony (for a fee). Book a couples' spa treatment. Say "ahhhh" together as you enjoy side-by-side massages, but don't limit yourself to the spa. You may be able to have your treatment in an open-air cabana on the cruise line's private island, such as Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay or Disney's Castaway Cay, or even in your stateroom/suite. Book a table for two. Enjoy a romantic dinner in one of your ship's alternative dining venues, but be sure to make your reservations pre-cruise, if possible (tables for two tend to book up fast). Plan shore activities. At ports, stroll hand-in-hand as you explore new places, lounge together on a quiet beach, get close on a Sea-Doo or in a kayak for two, or lunch in a fancy restaurant. Choose your hangout spots. In adults-only lounging areas, spend time in the sun or shade away from the crowds, and enjoy special amenities. There may be a fee, but it's worth it. At night, scope out bars with quiet corners where you can cozy up and toast your happiness, and plan a stroll on the empty outdoor decks. Splurge on a private cabana. Select ships including in the fleets of Princess, Holland America and Celebrity have open-air cabanas available for rent (for a fee) near the pool and elsewhere Celebrity's come with views of the ships' real grass lawns. Pretend you are Caesar and Cleopatra as you lounge behind billowing curtains and are pampered by the crew. Individualize your experience. Pre-plan in-cabin treats such as champagne or having your bed decorated with rose petals. You may also want to pre-load your iPad with romantic movies. If you're so inclined, while at sea there may be opportunity to say, "I love you" by renewing your vows. Check with your travel agent or the cruise line to see what's available. By Fran Golden, USA Today 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 View full article

A cruise is the perfect way to mark a romantic event. After all, nothing puts us in the mood than sun, sea and a cruise ship. Why not add a little something else to celebrate the grand occasion!Whether you are celebrating with an on-board wedding or simply looking for some alone time with that certain someone, cruise lines have made it easy to order gifts and packages to say "I love you." Your travel agent can help you choose the perfect gift or package. If you booked direct with the cruise line, log on to their website and choose from an array of gifts - spa treatments, champagne, wine, flowers, cakes, balloons, candy, special balcony dinners or breakfasts, and much more - or a complete package containing all or some of the the above. Don't want to treat yourself? Maybe a friend or family member is looking for a way to honor you on your special occasion. Simply put them in contact with your agent, or give them your booking info and show them where they can find it on line. For more tips in how to celebrate romance on a cruise, see today's article all about celebrating romance at sea.