Jan115

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Cruise ships continue to become more creative, with fun features like bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, and circus-like performances. Royal Caribbean leads the way with out-of-the-box amenities but other cruise lines have been releasing new vessels with innovative rides, hot-glass shows, sky walks, and ice bars. Oasis of the Seas Aquatheater Royal Caribbean made headlines when unveiling the Oasis of the Seas, both for its size (it can hold 5,400 passengers at double-occupancy capacity), and for its dare-to-dream amenities. One dream turned reality is the Aquatheather, the first-ever amphitheater at sea that showcases a high-diving show with music, lights, gymnastics and professional divers. Celebrity Solstice's Lawn Club For those seeking a bit of land at sea, the top aft deck of the Celebrity Solstice boasts a half-acre lawn (with real grass), a putting green, and bocce ball. A patio cafe and bar provides snacks, while the adjacent hot glass-blowing studio showcases performances from the Corning Museum of Glass. Queen Mary 2's planetarium Designed for trans-Atlantic crossings between New York City and Southampton, the regal Queen Mary 2 is the only ship to be fitted with a planetarium, which is also a lecture host to informative talks and other events. Paul Gauguin's marina For the ultimate romantic cruise, luxury cruise line Paul Gauguin offers voyages throughout the dazzling waters of Tahiti. The M/S Paul Gauguin was specifically designed to sail the shallow waters surrounding the islands and the ship is even fitted with a retractable marina. The smaller vessel anchors in remote coves, and passengers can take part in windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, or scuba diving — right from the stern of the vessel. Carnival Sunshine's live game show After undergoing a massive renovation, the Carnival Destiny has re-emerged as a new vessel: the Carnival Sunshine. Several of Carnival's ships (including the Sunshine) are offering an alternative to traditional evening shows by introducing live-action games shows. Passengers can participate in Hasbro, the giant version of Sorry, Connect 4 basketball, and other favorites to compete for games and prizes in front of a live audience. Disney's animated characters in unexpected places In true Disney style, there are number of innovative touches that bring the magic on board the ships. On the Dream and Fantasy, interior cabins are suddenly the desired category as animate porthole windows give kids a glimpse of the ocean – with guest appearance from their favorite characters. During a dinner show aboard the Fantasy, guests draw their favorite characters which are then "brought to life" on the big screen and become a part of the performance. The Norwegian Epic's ice bar Ice bars have been a novelty in Canada and Norway, and when NCL debuted the Epic as a competitor vessel to the Oasis of the Seas, they rolled out the first-ever ice bar at sea. Bar patrons are issued a faux fur coat when they enter the 17-degree watering hole that glistens from top to bottom in ice. Bring snow pants: even the bar stools are frozen. Allure of the Seas' zip line The Allure and its sister ship, the Oasis, are both fitted with a zip line that is located nine decks in the air across the center opening of the vessel. Spanning 85 feet, the zip line isn't as long as most on land, but the thrill factor is looking down upon the moving carousel and boardwalk, while cruising to a tropical island. Royal Princess SeaWalk Christened by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge in June 2013, Royal Princess is the newest addition to upscale Princess Cruises. Among the "first ever" features is a sea walk that extends out 128 feet over the water that is illuminated at night, and matching bar with glass floors for equally-stunning views. Oasis of the Seas' Central Park It's true that the debut of the Oasis was a game changer (and therefore makes our list twice), but Central Park is stunning. The middle of the vessel is left wide open so balcony cabins can face the ocean or the living, breathing, park as passengers stroll along restaurants, gardens, and shopping venues below. By Amber Nolan, USA Today ("10 Most Gee-Whiz Features At Sea", Sept. 26, 2013) For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecra....com/index.html Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more http://www.cruisecrazies.com Photo credit: Cunard.com View full article

Hi Brandee, Lucky you! I have been begging my husband to go on a Christmas cruise, but he won't have any of it. Found this little description on another site of Holiday activities on RCI last year (2012), so I imagine it would be similar: "Hanukkah: A rabbi will be onboard for services. Hanukkah will be celebrated with lighting ceremonies, songs, games, food and even a kids' history of Hanukkah. Christmas: Christmas celebrations will feature holiday music and decorations, as well as screenings of holiday movie classics in the theater, an ice-skating party (on ships that have rinks) and a special Christmas menu. Religious services will be led by an onboard priest. Kids in Adventure Ocean can enjoy a parade of Santa and his elves, Christmas cookie decorating, and a professional face painter or caricaturist. New Year's Eve: Festive countdown parties for kids and teens are planned, and the children's center will have extended hours. For adults, each lounge will have a New Year's Eve party, complete with party favors and decorations. The captain and cruise director will lead a countdown at midnight." Sounds like fun. Enjoy!

I wouldn't cruise a brand new ship in it's inaugural season, for the same reason I won't buy a car in it's first model year. I prefer to wait until they work out all the kinks. :-)

Another important lesson - if you're going to steal electronics, don't go and post them up for sale on line for the whole world to see - duh!

So are we, Howard ... on the Brilliance of the Seas from Boston! Are we on the same ship by chance?

It seems to be a novelty that history buffs and die-hard Titanic fans can only appreciate, but can it sustain a client base over time? Or will the excitement die down after the first couple of years? I am curious to see. As for classes, it doesn't seem so shocking anymore with new era of mega ships and their standard cabins vs. "aqua class". I think the cruise would be priced beyond my reach, but It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out.

I agree that there are many more ships in other historic ports spouting the same stuff from their funnels, so why is the Sierra Club picking on Boston? I like cruising from Boston, as it's less than an hour up the road, and would hate to see the ships driven out.

It's always exciting in my house planning a cruise. He wants to go here and I want to go there. Sparring over the destination has become part of the fun, but no matter who wins and where we end up, it's always a great adventure! Have fun planning your next cruise!

Welcome to the site! Are there any cruises in your future?

With thousands of ports around the world, no wonder choosing a cruise itinerary is such an overwhelming task, especially if you’re setting sail for the first time. Here are a few guidelines for choosing your cruise destination: Personal Style: First, ask yourself a few questions. Do you prefer tropical islands, the beach, sun and water sports found in the Caribbean? Do you want to experience the rich history of Europe? Have you been longing to see the glaciers and wildlife of Alaska? Do you see yourself relaxing on deck at sea for several days or do you want port-a-day touring in Europe? Embarkation Port: If you are the type who wants to drive to your port of embarkation this will, of course, limit you to ships that sail from those cities and destinations to which they are headed. On the other hand, if you are willing to fly to a distant port, you will have more options for seeing places you would not have access to otherwise. The Destination “Season”: Look at the cruises available for the time period for when you want to travel. Some destinations have their cruising seasons, while others have peak seasons but offer cruising year round. For example, Alaska’s season is May through September, while you can cruise the Caribbean year round. Budget: What can you afford? A port-intensive itinerary could mean more money out of pocket for transportation, touring and excursions, while a cruise with more sea days could save you money (as long as you refrain from added-fee onboard activities). If you’re limited by both time and cash, then a shorter 3, 4 or 5-day cruise might be an option. Most importantly, do your research. With a little planning, you’ll find the perfect cruise for your own personal style.

Cruisers unfazed by the recent rain in British Columbia's Princess Louisa Inlet who were on deck of Un-Cruise Adventures' 22-passenger Safari Quest were treated to the unusual spectacle of more than 200 waterfalls. Mother Nature shows off her finest to cruisers, and not just in sea views. Here are some amazing scenes you can see from a cruise ship. Active volcanoes The sight of the cone is itself starkly fascinating, but from your ship (at a safe distance) you are treated to the better-than-fireworks nighttime display of glowing lava shooting into the air. See Stromboli on Italy/Sicily cruises or Kilauea on Hawaii cruises. Glaciers A lake of ice slowly makes its way down a mountain and — from the comfort of your cruise ship — you can see its final journey as huge blue chunks thunderously calve into the sea. Alaska is the top place to see this sight. Waterfalls Around the world, from Australia's Kimberly to the Norwegian Fjords to the Caribbean, towering cliffs with powerful waterfalls bring gasps of delight from cruisers. The energy from the rush of water is palpable, and on small ships you may get close enough to feel the spray. Jumping fish Fish that leap out of the water are a common sight on itineraries in places including the Caribbean and Alaska. Some may be actual "flying fish," while others may be leaping while feeding, spawning or being chased by a predator. Colorful leaves In New England and eastern Canada in the fall, cruise passengers are treated to colorful vistas of red, orange and gold. It's like watching an artist's mural slowly unfold as you cruise past. Whales When the bridge announces a whale sighting, so many cruise passengers flock to one side of the ship or another you might think the ship will tip over. Look for whales on cruises in Hawaii, Mexico's Pacific Coast, Alaska, New England, Antarctica and elsewhere. Snow You may think of cruises as being about beaches and sunshine. But snow is in view on land or snow-capped peaks year-round in places including the Norwegian Fjords, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the Artic, Antarctica and New Zealand's Milford Sound. By Fran Golden, USA Today ("Seven Wild Sights Seen from Cruise Ships", Sept. 23, 2013) For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecra....com/index.html Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more http://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll visit often, ask questions, share your experiences and join in the conversation.

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll visit often, ask questions, share your experiences and join in the conversation.

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll visit often, ask questions, share your experiences and join in the conversation.

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll visit often, ask questions, share your experiences and join in the conversation.

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll visit often, ask questions, share your experiences and join in the conversation.

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll visit often, ask questions, share your experiences and join in the conversation.

September 19 - "Talk Like a Pirate Day" - is almost at an end, but I just wanted to pass along the official website in case you wanted a little history on the subject. Click Here: Talk Like a Pirate Day ♫ ♩ ... Yo Ho Yo Ho, it's a pirate's life for me ...

When I told my husband I would be cruising without him come October, he was less than enthused. We have enjoyed seven previous journeys at sea together, one being with Carnival, another on Norwegian, and the rest with Princess. I was itching to try another line, not because I disliked the other three, but simply because I want to say that I’ve sailed every major cruise line, at least once. David and I discovered cruising fairly late in life, at age 47. Why we waited so long to sail away on a ship at sea remains a mystery, but embarking on our first cruise for our 25th anniversary got us completely hooked. I spent countless hours over a 14-month span preparing for that first cruise - and the same is true for each one that followed. Has the excitement and anticipation dimmed over the years with each new booking? Not in the least. The only thing that has changed is the number of bookings I have in the pipeline. What was once the excitement and joy of booking one new cruise immediately after disembarking the last has now become booking three or four. My family says I'm obsessed, but I don't see it that way. I just love to be on the ocean and see it as an opportunity to try new experiences - new ships and new itineraries. No longer am I content to restrict my vacation time to the same week every summer to in order to work around a spouse’s school schedule. To quench my unending thirst for new cruises and to reaffirm my status as a cruise “junkie”, I began researching some other options and liked what I found. For instance, just up the road in Boston, Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas would be doing fall foliage runs up the coast through New England and Canada. I was super excited - it would be a new itinerary for me. Despite living in the Northeast my entire life, I had never been to any of the places on the schedule - Portland, Bar Harbor, Halifax and Saint John. Neither had I yet sailed Royal Caribbean, a line I've always wanted to try, but my husband always vetoed because "it's just not Princess." Well, I thought to myself, David will be busy with school when this cruise is set to sail, so here is my big chance to stray. Yeah, he'll object and otherwise put up a fuss over my going without him, but hey, he'll get over it. Next, I needed to find someone to join me. I don’t fancy the idea of traveling solo, and even if I did, I am not prepared to pay an obscene single supplement. So I started going through my meager list of family and friends and soon discovered it wasn’t easy to find someone with money to spare who wasn’t committed to work or babies. There was only one logical choice: our daughter, Jenn, who still had some vacation time coming. She jumped at the chance to take a week off from her hectic job in tech support, and I knew she would be a great travel companion, too - easy going, quiet and she doesn’t whine! I immediately blocked off a week from work and booked the cruise. Even better, as luck would have it, I qualified for a senior discount - another first for me. On one hand, I was dismayed that I would ever be considered "old", but on the other hand, I was grateful for the savings. Not willing to stop there, I continued my search for another cruise in the not-too-distant future. I had been badgering my husband for years about cruising during school break, but he would always protest, preferring to be home catching up on reading, TV watching or - more often than not - school work. What kind of vacation is that, I ask! Lo and behold, my email reveals that Princess, for the first time ever, will be sailing short 4 and 5 day cruises out of Fort Lauderdale, and wouldn't you know - one of them falls during April break! Surely, he will come around this time. After all, it's Princess, his favorite cruise line. Well, I was right. Not that it didn't take a little convincing, but he was on board with the idea pretty quickly. Before he had a chance to change his mind, I went immediately to the computer and booked our 5-day Caribbean cruise on the Ruby Princess scheduled to sail during April break. For what has become our annual summer cruise, my search for the new and different in 2014 resumed. We’ve been talking about the Mediterranean for a number of years, but when it came time to book, we’d always end up somewhere else on the map. Finally, it’s settled. Next August, we are jumping the Princess ship and climbing aboard yet another – this time, Celebrity. Once again, for David, it was not an easy sell to choose Celebrity over Princess, but the price was right, the promo was one we couldn't refuse, and both were really enraptured with the brochure depicting all the fun we would have aboard the very beautiful Celebrity Reflection visiting Italy and Greece. I can't wait to see what new cruise adventures await us in our retirement years ... some day. Maybe a transatlantic cruise? A repositioning cruise? A dirt-cheap last minute cruise only someone with a flexible schedule could possibly consider? The possibilities are endless, so stay tuned!

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll visit often, ask questions, share your experiences and join in the conversation.

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll visit often, ask questions, share your experiences and join in the conversation.

Thanks for joining us here at CruiseCrazies. We hope you'll visit often, ask questions, share your experiences and join in the conversation.