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Royal Holiday

Enjoy to the max the Royal at Sea program

by Royal Holiday October 5, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Royal at Sea brings you unforgettable experiences on board majestic cruises to the world’s most beautiful corners. Get ready for a 24/7 floating adventure-fun journey with everything from recreational activities, nightlife, theatre, spa, casinos, art galleries, extreme sports, to aquatic parks with water slides and surf wave simulators. Enjoy all this and more just by being a Royal Holiday member.

On board activities

Taking a cruise means, among other things, tasting scrumptious buffets and a-la-carte menus serving culinary international specialties to entice your palate, day and night. Most cruises offer the All-Inclusive plan, with unlimited meals and beverages. It’s a great vacation option for families wanting to spend time together during a holiday, or for honeymooners in search of a romantic getaway.

variedad-cruceros-actividades-royal-holiday

Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Your Royal Holiday membership comes with a number of holiday credits that let you choose the cruise, route, cabin, entertainment-type on board, and length of travel (3 to 11 days).

Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

The Royal at Sea program takes you to Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda Islands, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, South America and the Mexican Riviera.

Alaska Cruise

Remember to know your ports of landing once you select your cruise. Whether you the adventure, shopping, nightlife, working out, extreme sports, or sunbathing type, there’s a route and a landing port with activities and adventures for you.

Being a Royal Holiday member lets you choose from over 1,000 cabins in 50 routes and 4 continents navigating on these prestigious cruise lines like Carnival, MSC Norwegian Princess and Royal Caribbean.

Mediterranean cruises

Find a Cruise

Reap the benefits of your membership and conquer the 7 seas!

October 5, 2015 0 comments

Destination Tips

Best Islands to Find Adventure

by Royal Holiday September 25, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

When you go on vacation, it’s nice to take some time to relax, but you might not want to lie on a beach for a full week. Some people think that when you visit an island, relaxation is all the spot has to offer, but in reality, many islands offer fun natural adventures that take you out of your normal life and give you a taste of something unique or exotic. If you’re the sort who’s looking for an adventure, whether for your whole trip or part of it, head to these island destinations.

Dominica

This Caribbean island exposes you to mountains, geothermal hot springs and volcanic activity. You can explore the rainforest, see waterfalls and, best of all, have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of swimming within a volcano at Champagne Beach. At the top of the water, you enjoy refreshing coolness, but when you swim downward, you experience hot bubbles coming out of the seafloor from the active volcano.

St. Kitts

Instead of swimming in a volcano, hike up one on this Caribbean island – this time, it’s dormant. It takes two to three hours, depending on your speed, to reach the top of Mount Liamuiga, from which you’ll see the crater at the summit and views of the island’s rainforests, mountains and beaches through cloud covering around it.

The Cook Islands

Source: brianscantlebury.com / License

These islands of the South Pacific offer stunning views and amazing expeditions. Many people visit this area for scuba diving to see the area’s reefs. You can also explore the spectacular blue lagoons by kayaking within them and sticking to snorkeling, which still offers views of sealife if you’re not up for scuba diving. When on shore, you’re able to bike and hike – don’t skip hiking to the top of the highest point of the Aitutaki island, Maunga Pu.

Eil Malk

Source: drufisher / License

This island, one of the 500 islands of Palau in the Pacific Ocean, offers plenty of natural bounty to explore within its rich blue waters. One of the best adventures of this area is scuba diving or snorkeling to experience the water’s life up close. You can’t beat snorkeling on the island within Jellyfish Lake. Expect to be surrounded by endless hordes of jellyfish, which give off a gold hue that shimmers against the green lake. But don’t be too distracted by the jellyfish to realize you’re swimming in an ancient natural wonder that has remained largely undisturbed by people.

Molokai

One of the Hawaiian Islands, Molokai offers an experience off-the-beaten-path and away from the main tourist spots. You also get something more than the typical Hawaiian trip by going deeper into Hawaii’s natural glory. Adventurers will love the opportunities to bike and hike through the rainforests, jungles, eucalyptus forests and other natural areas. During your trip, check out a coffee plantation, the island’s leper colony and Moa’ula Falls.

Spanish Wells or Eleuthera

These Bahamas islands offer the chance to try or master kiteboarding, an extreme sport where you glide along the water or beach, with a power kite above you that catches the wind. You’re able to skim the waves and soar in the air, getting as wild as you choose. These islands have become the place to go for this sport with its perfect conditions for it. Both of these islands offer this adventure, while Eleuthera provides higher class lodgings and a little more to do in the evenings, such as bands playing, wheras Spanish Wells offers a native experience.

Isla Holbox

If fishing is your idea of an adventure, head to this Mexican island that is perfect for fly-fishing. You’ll have a vacation without a lot of human interaction, but with a lot of time spent with the fish and the water. Part of the fun of fishing here is the boating into the turtle grass flats. While you’re on the island, you can also partake in other water activities, including kayaking, swimming and snorkeling with whale sharks (they migrate here in the summer).

The Seychelles

Explore this bunch of Indian Ocean islands off Africa’s eastern coast. You can see and visit a bunch of these islands by going from one to the next by boat. There are cruises that will take you around and bring you to various islands where you can see rainforests, bike, sail, bird watch and engage in more adventures. And of course, you also have the chance to go scuba diving to see coral reefs and underwater animals.

As you can see, islands throughout the world offer impressive natural wonders and adventures to experience. The Royal Holiday vacation club offers stays in top-notch resorts across over 50 countries, including ones that put you in touch with amazing island activities. So even if you plan to enjoy some time soaking in the sun on the beach or in an infinity pool, be sure to spend some time checking out the natural splendors of the world’s islands on a fun adventure.

September 25, 2015 0 comments

Destination Tips

Top 5 Islands to Participate in Aquatic Sports

by Royal Holiday September 18, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Adventure awaits in the Caribbean for those who desire to go on early Fall vacation before the snowy winter weather arrives. Now is the perfect time for you to get out to one of the many resort islands and enjoy a range of different aquatic activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, tubing, and sailing. So pack up your bags and get ready to redeem your Royal Holiday vacation club membership credits at these top 5 Caribbean islands that offer aquatic sports so you can feel the surf surrounding your feet and the salty breezes tousling your hair.

Punta Cana

Located in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana offers scenic ocean views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The sparkling sandy beaches and endless clear waters will have you placing on the swimsuit and rushing out of the hotel before you have even checked in.

If you are in the mood to find out what types of aquatic life lurks underneath the warm waters, there are over 10 dive sites in Punta Cana for snorkeling and diving, including Cabeza de Toro Beach. You can look at the coral reefs, kiss a dolphin, or swim along nurse sharks and sting rays at the Marinarium. From July to September, fishermen take to boats to catch blue marlin. There are several tournaments hosted by the local Yacht Club as you can put your fishing skills to the test.

Turks and Caico

When you have seen and done everything that the Bahamas has to offer, pack your bags and travel southeast to a small archipelago just waiting for you to explore the turquoise waters. Turks and Caico island has 230 miles worth of beaches as you can go swimming along Long Bay or Pillory beach, scuba-diving at Provo’s barrier reef, or snorkeling at Salt Cay. If you travel to the back country of Turks and Caico, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy paddleboarding whether you are a beginner or a pro.

Oranjestad

Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba, which guarantees that you will find all the aquatic sporting adventures that you could possibly want on your vacation. During the day, people flock to the beaches to enjoy the cool waters yet it is the high winds that call to sports enthusiasts who want to take part in water activities. Wind surfing, scuba diving, kite surfing, paddleboarding and swimming are available for beginners and pros at places like Hadicurari Beach, while the young kids can go swimming in the waters at Baby Beach. Oranjestad is also the perfect place to learn about “snuba,” which is a combination of scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bonaire

If diving and snorkeling are your two main aquatic sports, then head out to the island of Bonaire in the Southern Caribbean by the coast of Venezuela. This beautiful reef-lined island with its mangrove forests is a true treasure of the Caribbean due to its conservation and preservation efforts of the ecosystem. When seeking a water sport adventure, your first stop should be Lac Bay. Go kayaking through the mangrove forest until it opens up enough for you to dive from the kayak and take part in a snorkeling excursion. While beneath the water, you will see upside-down jellyfish and babay manta rays. For people who want more active sports, then windsurfing at Sorobon is perfect for you.

Guanica, Puerto Rico

Image Source: Ricymar Photography / License

When going on an island adventure, some people don’t want to stray too far from the United States, especially if this will be their first vacation away from the mainland. Guanica, Puerto Rico offers the best of both worlds were you can be on an island that is still considered part of the US. Guanica is a quieter resort location versus more crowded, tourist attractions such as San Juan as this town is located toward the southwest section of the island. Here, you can find a relaxing vacation with the right amount of sand, surf and sports activities. Gilligan’s Island, named after the popular 60s sitcom, has clear waters that are perfect for kayaking and snorkeling. Swimming is allowed at the public beach of Balneario Cana Gorda with calm waters that are perfect for family vacations.

There are so many islands that feature water sports that there is really no way to name them all here. The type of island vacation to go on will be based on your personal budget, the amenities that you are looking for, and the time of year — since the waters and winds can get rough in certain places, and the crowds can make it difficult to book the perfect resort package. To save a few dollars while still having the best possible vacation for yourself, your significant other or for the entire family, look for deals at popular resorts and hotels through Royal Holidays. You can earn credits that can be put toward the hotel stay so you can have a longer vacation and enjoy every type of aquatic sport that you love.

September 18, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Cruise News Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Makes Choosing Shore Excursions Easier than Ever

by Royal Holiday August 20, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Royal Caribbean International has announced plans to refurbish its expansive Shore excursions program in ports all across the globe. Among the improvements is a lineup of activities offering plenty of fun, new ways for cruisers to pass the time in their favorite ports of call.

Recent years have seen a major trend toward unique, local travel experiences, and Royal Caribbean has tailor-made many of its new shore excursions with this in mind. One example is the cruise line’s ”cruise global, eat local” initiative. Designed for adventurous foodies, the program allows cruisers to enjoy a destination’s traditional cuisine in the same places that locals do.

Another challenge facing the cruise line is to get the number of shore excursions just right. With too few options, passengers can’t always book the ones they want. On the other hand, too many offerings can be overwhelming for tourists who wish they could see it all. Maintaining this balance isn’t easy for Royal Caribbean, which offers over 2,800 distinctive shore excursions in its worldwide itineraries.

To help guests sort it all out and find the perfect tour, Royal Caribbean has divided their tours into seven interest-based categories: Active Adventures, Caring Discoveries, Culinary Delights, Culture and Sights, Family Connections, Royal Tour Challenge, and the Royal Premium Tour Collection.

This new structure offers a wide array of activities. For example, Family Connections shore excursions provide experiences that build memories for kids, parents, and everyone else to cherish. The Culture and Sights category presents a number of traditional tour choices that include major attractions and museums, while the Caring Discoveries list offers unique ways for cruisers to perform volunteer work.

Royal Caribbean’s overhaul of its extensive shore excursion programs guarantees that practically every cruiser, young or old, will find something fun and fulfilling to do on his or her next ocean voyage.

August 20, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Cruise News

Fans Look Forward to Star Trek’s 50th Anniversary Cruise

by Royal Holiday August 18, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Science fiction fans are eagerly looking forward to a unique “out-of-this-world” voyage on the first-ever officially licensed Star Trek cruise.

Scheduled to embark from Miami in January 2017, the immersive six-day Star Trek theme cruise will celebrate the beloved television and movie franchise’s 50th anniversary. Passengers can participate in a host of Star Trek-related activities aboard the Norwegian Pearl, as they sail the beautiful Caribbean Sea. In between geeking out to their favorite TV show, cruisers will also enjoy stops in the ports of Cozumel, Mexico, and Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas.

William Shatner, who played the iconic Captain Kirk character in the original Star Trek series, will host the cruise. Joining him on this special sailing will be several cast members from the various Star Trek television shows. Currently slated to appear are Marina Sirtis, Jonathan Frakes, and Denise Crosby of The Next Generation; James Darren of Deep Space Nine; Robert Picardo of Voyager; and John de Lancie, who played the quirky, all-powerful character “Q” in several Star Trek series.

Cruisers can expect plenty of elaborate Star Trek-themed accommodations and events. In fact, several of the most famous sets from the series will be recreated on the ship. Guests will also enjoy costume parties, concerts, and nightclub events, as well as opportunities to participate in discussions with actors, scientists, and top Star Trek experts. In addition, there will be a special performance by the Enterprise Blues Band, whose members have all acted in Star Trek productions.

Of course, amidst all the Star Trek excitement, cruisers can still enjoy the many amenities of the Norwegian Pearl. Although she has no warp drives, she does boast over a dozen pubs and lounge areas, 16 eateries, a relaxing spa, a glitzy casino, and many other entertainment, shopping, and fitness venues.

With so many remarkable activities and comfortable accommodations available, the upcoming Star Trek cruise truly is an opportunity for die-hard fans “to boldly go where no one has gone before.”

August 18, 2015 0 comments

Destination Tips

Sun and Fun in San Diego

by Royal Holiday August 13, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Image by Prayitno / CC BY

For vacationers taking a West Coast cruise or a tour along the Mexican Riviera, sunny San Diego is a likely starting point—and what a wonderful starting point it is! The second-largest city in California, San Diego is rich with history, nightlife, and outdoor fun, making it an ideal spot for a cruiser to spend an extra day or two checking out the sights.

The San Diego cruise port is located in The Embarcadero, the city’s bustling bay district. Several museum vessels are moored here, allowing history buffs to wander the decks of many types of ships from the last 150 years. One can also sign up for a real adrenalin rush aboard the racing yacht, Stars & Stripes USA-11, or hop on a tour boat to go whale-watching or coastal sightseeing.

Just a short walk from the cruise port are two of San Diego’s nightlife hubs: the Victorian-era Gaslamp Quarter and the authentic Little Italy neighborhood. Each of these districts offers a variety of exquisite dining and evening entertainment options. Much of the year, they also host an array of street festivals that draw tourists from far and wide.

The biggest tourist draw to the region is SeaWorld San Diego, one of the largest marine parks on the planet. Guests here can enjoy a huge variety of thrill rides and stage shows featuring animal actors such as beloved Shamu. The theme park also has an educational element, where families can learn about their favorite sea creatures through engaging hands-on experiences.

San Diego’s 1,200-acre Balboa Park is also home to a host of world-famous attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, which has long drawn visitors to see its naturalist exhibits and resident exotic animals. It sits on 100 acres and encompasses miles of walking trails, so guests should plan to spend several hours here for the most fulfilling experience.

Aside from the Zoo, Balboa Park also contains nearly 20 museums, a handful of stages and theaters, and several beautiful gardens. A free trolley winds through the park during daylight hours, making it easy for vacationers to get around.

Of course, San Diego is also renowned for its laid-back beach life. Flanking the city are several family-friendly beaches like La Jolla Shores and Coronado Beach. For a funkier San Diego beach vibe, visitors should head to Ocean Beach, where one can watch world-class surfers hang 10.

August 13, 2015 0 comments

Cruise News

Celebs and Pups Board Carnival Dream for Dr. Seuss Reading Program

by Royal Holiday August 11, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Image by arctic_whirlwind
/ CC BY

Carnival Cruise Line is continuing to roll out its popular Seuss at Sea family program across the fleet. The initiative unites Carnival’s well-known focus on fun with activities inspired by the whimsical words of Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s books. The program includes a wide range of entertainment experiences, such as readings, dining options, games, movies, and more.

As part of the Seuss at Sea program, Carnival recently marked the release of the latest Dr. Seuss book with a celebrity reading aboard the Carnival Dream in New Orleans. Local media figure Angela Hill and all-star Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, wore huge red-striped hats as they read the book What Pet Should I Get? to a group of young Dr. Seuss fans.

After the reading, participating kids and adults enjoyed one of Carnival’s Seuss at Sea signature Green Eggs and Ham Breakfasts. They were joined by several famous Dr. Seuss characters, including Thing 1 and Thing 2, Sam I Am, and of course, The Cat in the Hat.

To highlight the theme of the book, a group of rescue dogs from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) also attended the event. As part of the initiative, Carnival has made significant contributions to SPCA this summer. The cruise line company has also promised to match Evan Longoria’s $100-per-home run pledge to Pet Pal Animal Shelter.

The book “What Pet Should I Get” is the first Dr. Seuss story to be published in 25 years. It is based on sketches and a manuscript discovered in the California home of the late children’s author, Theodore Geisel—the man more widely known as Dr. Seuss.

This reading is the just the latest family event sponsored by Carnival as part of its Seuss at Sea program. The series was launched last year, and its Dr. Seuss-inspired activities will soon be available on every ship in the Carnival fleet.

August 11, 2015 0 comments

Destination Tips

Atlantic Meets Pacific – The Panama Canal

by Royal Holiday August 6, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Image by David Carroll / CC BY

At just over 100 years old, the Panama Canal is one of the true engineering marvels of the world. For this reason, it is also one of the destinations that appears on practically every avid cruise enthusiast’s “to do” list. For those vacationers who have the opportunity, a Panama Canal cruise certainly won’t disappoint.

Ordinarily, a Panama Canal cruise is relatively long, taking two weeks or more from Florida to the West Coast. For those who may have only a week of vacation time, there are also partial cruises that go partway into the canal before turning around.

It is even possible to see the canal on a more traditional Caribbean or Central American cruise. Be on the lookout for an itinerary that includes Colon, Panama. From Colon, look for small boat or rail excursions that take cruisers the last 50 miles to glimpse the Pacific and bring them back to their waiting cruise ships.

Regardless of which Panama Canal route you choose, though, don’t forget to consider timing. The cruise season typically runs from October through April, but savvy cruisers might consider waiting until after the seasonal rains end in November.

A Panama Canal cruise attracts many travelers largely because of the area’s rich history and incredible natural beauty. The story of the canal is rich with tragedy, politics, and stubborn determination, so sailings here almost always include several informative activities highlighting its laborious construction and clever engineering.

Of course, in addition to the canal itself, there are a number of other interesting historical and cultural sites. From Colon, for example, a cruiser can visit a village of the native Embera people. And Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, is renowned for its lovely colonial architecture and ruins.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several parks and wildlife sanctuaries along the canal. Tortuguero National Park near Port Limon, Costa Rica, offers close encounters with area wildlife, including crocodiles, brilliantly plumed birds, and lively monkeys. More adventurous cruisers can also try their hand at white-water rafting.

August 6, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Cruise Tips

Norwegian Cruise Line to Offer Upgraded Spa Experience

by Royal Holiday August 4, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

When Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Escape, launches in October, she will offer guests several new ways to kick back and relax, including a refreshing snow room and the largest Thermal Suite on the high seas.

Spanning two decks, Escape’s innovative Mandara Spa will allow cruisers to unwind with spectacular ocean views as they enjoy an array of advanced fitness and beauty amenities. The Spa will boast several heated loungers, whirlpools, and other stimulating features to promote vacationing visitors’ health and well-being. Several different types of hot rooms will also be available, including a dry sauna, a sanarium, and a steam room.

After working up a cleansing sweat, cruisers can head to Escape’s newest addition: the snow room. The room, which is always maintained at brisk, sub-freezing temperatures, offers flurries of chilly snow to cool guests down. Norwegian’s spa experts claim the quick chill is the perfect way to boost the healthy cruiser’s immune system and invigorate their circulation.

In addition to Mandara Spa, cruisers aboard Escape have access to a number of other child-free venues to relax.

By day, Spice H20 provides plenty of space for lounging where adults can soak in the sun or in a hot tub. It also features a cool, exotic themed grotto where guests can escape the rays for a bit. Spice H2O transforms into an open-air bar and nightclub where cruisers can dance the night away after a day of relaxation.

Adult guests might also choose to take a visit to Vibe Beach Club, which offers a tranquil setting to enjoy a drink and calming water features. Luxurious perks like water spritzes and fruit skewers accompany a full-service bar and sun loungers.

While these amenities are targeted toward adult cruisers, Escape also offers plenty of sporty, healthy fun for the kids, too. A towering ropes course and zip-lines literally allow young thrill seekers’ to get their feet off the ground. And of course, Norwegian’s popular Aqua Park is the perfect way to cool off while having lots of splashy fun.

August 4, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Destination Tips MSC

Sail to the enchanting Mediterranean

by Royal Holiday August 4, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Disembark in enchanting ports, sunbathe magnificent island shores, and enjoy the rich history and gastronomy of such splendid region.

With 3 different itineraries departing in October and November.

Istanbul

MSC POESIA: 7 nights, sailing to Venice, Bari, Katakolon, Izmir, Istanbul, Dubrovnik and Venice. Departs: October 24 and 31; November 7 and 14, 2015**
From 4,290 HC Read More…

Step aboard and you’ll enter a refined world of comfort, from the spectacular foyer

Waterfall to the Zen Garden, authentic Japanese Sushi bar and opulent MSC Aurea Spa wellness Centre with steam room, sauna, massages and more.

Naples

MSC FANTASIA: 7 nights sailing to Genoa, Naples, Messina, Valletta, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Marseille. Departs: November 1, 2015**
From 4,290 HC Read More…

The flagship from MSC Cruises is a masterpiece for its dimensions and luxury. For the first time on a ship, guests will walk on Swarovski crystal stairs. Enjoy 290,628 sq. feet of public space, 4 swimming pools, 5 restaurants, coffee bars, Aqua Park and lots more.

Palermo

MSC PREZIOSA: 7 nights sailing to Genoa, Civitavecchia, Palermo, Cagliari, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Marseille. Departs: November 7, 2015**
From 4,290 HC Read More…

You and the kids will love the splash-packed fun and games of Doremi Castle Aqua Park adventures, to Vertigo, the longest single-rider water slide on the seas.

Experience the luxury, comfort and eco-friendly technology on board an MCS cruise ship.

Booking closing dates: August and September. Make your Holiday Advisor and discover why MSC Cruises claim the journey is the actual destination!

* Approximate cost per cabin for 2 people. **All-Inclusive Plan per person $40 USD, per night, per person.

August 4, 2015 0 comments