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Royal Holiday

5 Cruising Tips from the Regulars

by Royal Holiday October 16, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Grab the sun tan and the kids as it is time to take a cruise. Cruises are wonderful vacation trips that allow you to visit far off ports while enjoying all the amenities on board a luxury liner. Some cruise trips are tailored for guests, such as musical-themed voyages or children’s character-themed cruise lines. So you have abundant choices when you want to go on a cruise that everyone will enjoy.

As you get your clothes packed and your camera ready, use these 5 cruising tips to make the sea trip more enjoyable. You’ll be able to take advantage of the amenities without breaking your budget on the extras that you don’t want.

1: Book at the Right Time of Year

Looking for a better time of the year to go on a cruise with the kids while saving money? Then you will want to avoid spring break and look for the time of year when kids are going back to school. There are more deals at the end of August and the beginning of September. So planning a cruise during those months will lead to better bargains. Also, while last-minute online deals for popular cruises are great, sometimes you can get even better deals when booking months in advance as you can lock in some lower rates.

2: Get Spa Treatments Early

Spa treatments and saunas can get pricey on cruise ships. If you want to look your best while on the trip, then get a treatment at home before the trip as you can save a lot of money. If you do plan to indulge in the sauna or get a pedicure, sign up early and get spa passes so you can get the appointment at the time you want it. Also, you may get discounts (and some alone time) when you go for spa treatments while at port since most people will disembark to go on guided tours of the destination city.

3: Know What Isn’t Included in the Cruise Fare

There will always be those little extra amenities that can break your budget. Bottled water, soda, cocktails, beer, and wine always costs extra. While it might be nice to indulge now and again, you really have to watch your spending for these items. Also, going online to tell people about your cruise trip will also cost you. If you just have to log on to check your social media sites, look for free Wi-Fi spots when the cruise ship is at port and access the Internet then. You’ll be able to keep your extra charges down to a comfortable spending level.

4: Get to Know the Ship

You book the large stateroom by using your Royal Holiday membership points to have the best stay during your entire cruise. Yet, you can’t remember which door leads to it down the long hallway. Large cruise ships can become a virtual maze when you are trying to find the gym, spa, or even your booked cabin. Take the time to go over the deck plan to figure out which stairways to take to get to the places you want to go. Some people will even tape things to their doors, such as balloons, to figure out which room is theirs. It is also important to walk the ship to find the emergency exits as well as to locate the ship’s doctor.

It can also be a hassle when you get separated from the other members of your group. Bring along walkie-talkies so you won’t get extra roaming charges on your cell phone while you can find out where everyone is located. If traveling with kids, designate a meet-up spot and time before everyone disappears on their own separate adventures on board. Then you can all meet up at that location to enjoy family time together.

5: Pack an Alarm Clock and Double-Check the Safe when Leaving

Leaving the ship on the last day can be a real headache. Most cruise ships require people to leave at exactly 9am. Unless you are an early riser, you may sleep though the checkout time and find yourself missing the plane trip home. Since there are no alarm clocks in the cabin, pack your own or set the alarm on your smartphone to give yourself plenty of extra time.

Also, when you are in a rush to leave, you may forget something important, such as jewelry or a credit card in the safe. Make a mental note to check the room for items before leaving, set a reminder on your smartphone, or simply tape a note to the door the night before to remind yourself to retrieve the items out of the safe.

Everyone should take a cruise at least once in their life. Make the trip easier on yourself and your family by using the above tips and taking advantage of vacation membership programs. You will find that the trip is even more enjoyable than you had originally dreamed it could be as you will quickly book another cruise.

October 16, 2015 0 comments

5 Ways to Get the Most Out Of Your Cruise

by Royal Holiday October 8, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Cruising is one of the most exciting ways to travel. The ship itself is like a resort on the sea. Many of the cruise lines have outfitted their ocean liners to include amazing activities alongside the traditional swimming pool and Lido deck Jacuzzi. Newer ships have rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, miniature golf, and three story tube slides. There are also fantastic shows with relevant performers. You might recognize the name of the musical guest or the comedian who has two shows a week. There’s dancing, gambling, spa time, and games to play throughout the day and night. And then there’s the food.

Oh, you’ve heard about the food on a cruise before, haven’t you?

It’s like a non-stop smorgasbord of culinary delights. You can get something to eat any time of the day – seriously. Most cruise lines have two formal seatings in the dinning room. This requires you to dress up a little. They also have food in a sprawling buffet. There are specialty eateries as well serving pizza, food from the grill, or Asian cuisine. Sometime you’ll find a bakery, sometimes a candy shop. And, of course, there’s always room service. The amount of food available is mind blowing.

And that’s not even the half of it!

Don’t forget the destinations, the Captain’s dinner, the family portrait opportunities, the spa, the fitness center, the conversation with newfound friends… the list goes on and on!

Reading all of this can be a little overwhelming. And you haven’t even sent he ship yet! Once you do you will wonder where you should start. Indeed you may stand in the middle of the ornate lobby staring in wonder and disorientation. Don’t worry – it happens to the best of us. If you want to avoid that, read on. Here are 5 ways to get the most of your cruise:

Make a B-line to the Lido deck before you leave the port. This is one of those kick yourself moments – you get to your room and fool around unpacking instead of getting up top to see the boat pull away from the port. The luggage can wait – the fact is, you may not even see your luggage before the ship starts to move anyway. Most lines require you to attend a meeting about what to do in case you have to exit the ship unexpectedly at your muster station before leaving anyway. Since you are already out of the room don’t go back in. Instead, make way to the Lido deck. This will be where all your open air activities start. The buffet is usually up there as is the pool, Jacuzzis, mini golf, running track, etc. You’ll know you’re there because you’ll hear the music. Get up there and get yourself a drink and a good spot, which won’t be hard to do since every spot on the Lido deck is primo. While you might not have any confetti going a la The Love Boat, the vibe will be happening and you’ll find yourself laughing with people you’ve never met before and waving at the people left on land while you sip your tropical drink.
Walk the Boat.After you leave the port it’s tempting to stay on the Lido deck for the rest of the night and many people will. But those people will be wandering around looking for the comedy club later that night when you won’t. After you get going and your drink is low, take a walk around the ship to see where things are. Find the places you will want to go first and get the lay of the land. You will not be able to find everything – sometimes you will find yourself in a new spot on the boat that you hadn’t noticed before even on the third day! But getting an idea of where you want to go will help you feel more comfortable and will break that big beast down into something manageable.
Plan your Schedule. What? Planning on a vacation? Unfortunately, yes. But not much! It makes sense to look at the destinations the boat will visit and determine what excursions you want to enjoy if you haven’t done it already. Indeed, it is suggested that you perform this step at home, long before you ever get on the ship. That way you’ll know if there are any deals you can take advantage of. Use sites like Groupon and Living Social to compare the prices of tours and pick up your tickets early, if you can. If not, plan your trips and head to Guest Services to book your excursions before the crowd gets there.
Soda, alcohol, or tea? While this seems like a simple thing, it can be costly if you don’t thin about what you are doing. Review the packages and choose wisely. You don’t’ want to spend extra on something you are not going to get the benefit from.
Try everything!See a show; dance to the live salsa band; play one of the game shows in the auditorium with your fellow passengers; go to bingo night (the pots are huge!); eat dinner and then have a massive midnight snack; get dressed up for lobster night in the formal dining room; get a hot stone massage at the spa; pose for pictures; ponder the meaning of life as you look out at the vast sea. Do it all. A cruise is a treat to the senses – all of the senses. Let yourself experience it in its entirety. That is the meaning of vacationing in and of itself.

Ready to sail away? Royal Holiday can help – contact them today and make your vacation dreams come true.

October 8, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Royal at Sea 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