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Norwegian Cruise Line to Offer Upgraded Spa Experience

by Royal Holiday
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.

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CruiseDestination TipsMSC

Sail to the enchanting Mediterranean

by Royal Holiday
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

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.

Napoles

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

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.

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CruiseCruise NewsCruise Tips

Cruise Ships Ramp Up the Waterslide Fun

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Royal Caribbean’s recent announcement that it will install new waterslides on several ships is just the latest step in the cruise line’s race to offer even splashier fun for passengers. The company is going to add waterslides to two existing ships, Liberty of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas, during a refurbishment in the coming months. Even more exciting, the line’s expansive Oasis-class ship, Harmony of the Seas, will feature a four-slide water park when it sails for the first time next spring.

Of course, Royal Caribbean is not the only cruise line to offer waterslide fun. In fact, in order to appeal to kid cruisers and adventurous vacationers, the trend among most major cruise companies has been to build slides on practically every large ship that is newly launched or renovated.

Norwegian Cruise Line will soon hold the record for the largest water park on the high seas. When it launches in October, Norwegian Escape will boast four slides, including Free Fall and The Whip, popular rides that are already found on its sister ships, Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway.

The longest single-rider slide currently around is open to cruisers on board MSC Preziosa. The ride shoots guests along a curvy, 390-foot slide, complete with exciting strobe effects.

Carnival Cruise Lines ships also feature their own spin on waterslide entertainment. The cruise line’s 24 “Fun Ships” each offer at least one waterslide, and most go far beyond that with their signature WaterWorks parks, which offer corkscrew slides, racing slides, splash pools, and plenty of other options for wet fun on deck. The company seems to introduce more new attractions all the time. The upcoming Carnival Vista, for example, will spotlight Kaleid-O-Slide, a colorful, twisting 455-foot tube that promises to add a fun, visual dimension above and beyond an ordinary waterslide.

As more families consider cruising as an affordable vacation option, cruise companies will continue drawing them in by offering increasingly elaborate waterslide fun.

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CruiseCruise TipsDestination Tips

Carnival to Open New Cruise Terminal in Barcelona

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Barcelona, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, will be getting a new cruise terminal. The new facility will make it easier than ever before for ocean vacationers to enjoy the sunny Spanish city’s many inspiring attractions and fun, casual personality.

Carnival Corporation announced in late July that it had finalized a deal with the Port Authority of Barcelona to build another terminal exclusively for passengers of Carnival and its sister ships. Construction on the massive facility will begin next year and will likely be completed in 2018. When the facility is finished, it will be one of Europe’s biggest terminals and the first to include a public parking lot right on the pier.

The Port of Barcelona is the largest cruise port in Europe and the fourth largest in the world. The city owes its enormous popularity to a perfect climate, whimsical architecture, and a frolicking atmosphere that have long drawn crowds from all over the world. Barcelona’s vibrant lifestyle and rich history make it an excellent port of embarkation or debarkation, as well as an unforgettable port of call.

Visitors to Barcelona can enjoy a host of notable attractions, many of which are easily accessible from the port. The city’s most famous promenade, Las Ramblas, greets cruisers practically right at the gangway. The mile-long street, which is lined with countless shops and eateries, ends in the heart of the city: the great square, Placa de Catalunya.

Savvy travelers also recognize Barcelona as a hotbed of artistic vision. The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art features an impressive collection of works by modern masters. The city was also home of the beloved Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí, who designed many of the iconic buildings and sculptures found in the city, including the striking La Sagrada Familia cathedral and much of the artwork found in Parc Guell.

In addition, there are limitless other options for visitors in Barcelona: attractions to appeal to history buffs, foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and any other taste imaginable. In fact, the city offers so much to see that it would likely take many trips to absorb it all.

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Cruise News

Kate McCue Makes History as Captain of the Celebrity Summit

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

In August 2015, Captain Kate McCue takes command of a Celebrity cruise ship—the 2,158-passenger Celebrity Summit, which clocks in at 91,000 tons and 965 ft from bow to stern. Capt. McCue will begin her new job sailing popular itineraries between the East Coast of the United States and Bermuda. The 37-year-old native of San Francisco is the first American woman ever to helm a large cruise ship.

Capt. McCue comes to Celebrity with 15 years of maritime experience. Immediately prior to her latest appointment, she worked as a master mariner at Royal Caribbean. Over her career, Capt. McCue has sailed itineraries all over the world, including favorite Royal Holiday destinations like the Caribbean, Europe, and the Alaskan coast. She has also travelled to growing cruise vacation hot spots such as Asia and Australia, working her way up through the ranks after starting out as a cadet and deck officer upon graduating from the California Maritime Academy of California State University.

According to Capt. McCue, she has long aimed to be the first female American cruise captain. She finally achieved this goal in a time when more and more women are taking leadership roles all throughout the cruise industry.

Capt. McCue’s previous employer, Royal Caribbean, was already widely recognized for appointing women to top spots. The company named the first female of any nationality as captain aboard a major cruise vessel in 2007, and then hired another woman to command a ship the following year. And Capt. McCue’s new company, Celebrity, just recently appointed Lisa Lutoff-Perlo to be the cruise line’s first female chief executive officer and president.

Perhaps in the future, passengers will see more and more female faces at the helm of their favorite cruise ships!

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Cruise Tips

Making the Most of a Short Cruise

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Plenty of Royal Holiday members would agree that few getaways are as fun and relaxing as an ocean cruise. Unfortunately, a typical seven-or-more day sailing can be difficult to plan because of school and work obligations. For this reason, lots of people who might be interested in taking a cruise often dismiss an ocean voyage as a viable vacation option.

To help out these potential passengers, cruise lines are offering more and more two- and three-day itineraries. These short sailings make it much easier for a family to squeeze in a quick vacation, or for a couple to escape for a long weekend. They are also the perfect way for a curious traveler to experience cruise life for the first time without committing to the time and expense of a longer trip.

Of course, the convenience of scheduling a short cruise comes with one obvious drawback: not enough time!

When planning for a short cruise, the most important thing to remember is that it is impossible to see or do everything, especially on board today’s huge cruise ships. A savvy cruiser will identify what they want to get out of their trip, and make plans specifically for that activity. Remember to make any necessary reservations as far in advance as possible. This includes fine dining, concerts, shore excursions, and so forth. With a handful of special experiences neatly scheduled, all the other exciting stuff that happens on the cruise is just icing on the cake!

A cruiser on a short itinerary can also save quite a lot of time simply by looking over deck plans and event calendars before boarding. In this way, a passenger can get right to the fun without wandering around lost, or showing up for a canceled event. It also helps to have a few backup plans, so when something does get rescheduled, a vacationer can go straight to “plan B” without wasting time figuring out what to do.

In addition, remember that most ports of embarkation are fantastic destinations. One can easily schedule an extra half day or full day into a short cruise vacation just by planning to arrive early or stay late. Often, a few extra hours can be more than enough time to check out an attraction right before or after the cruise.

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Destination Tips

Take a Cruise and Make a Difference

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Fathom, a new Carnival Cruise Line subsidiary that focuses exclusively on “voluntourism,” will be hitting the waves next spring. Catering to travelers who wish to contribute their vacation time to a charitable cause, the line will be sailing humanitarian cruises to the Dominican Republic aboard the P&O ship Adonia starting in April 2016. In an exciting recent announcement, fathom also revealed that it would be cruising to Cuba, as well, with a full slate of cultural immersion activities and aid excursions available.

Of course, in order to make an impact, cruisers don’t have to sacrifice a whole vacation, or even sail with a specialist line like fathom. In fact, the cruise industry and their loyal passengers have a long-established reputation for charity. In the aftermath of natural disasters like hurricanes, for example, cruise ships are often instrumental in bringing emergency supplies and personnel to affected sites. Cruise companies and passengers alike also participate in special fundraisers that provide millions of dollars to port cities that need recovery aid.

Even when there isn’t an emergency in the headlines, the cruise industry and its patrons remain active in philanthropy. Countless cruises every year offer charity-minded customers plenty of opportunities to join in the giving spirit.

Many cruise lines occasionally partner with philanthropic organizations to host charity cruises that bring together many passengers in support of a specific cause. Even when a whole cruise isn’t dedicated to a particular organization, there are often specific events and activities on any itinerary that serve to raise awareness or collect funds for causes as diverse as children’s health, veterans’ affairs, or environmental issues. Such charity drives can take almost any form: collection boxes, auctions, dining events, shop sales, dances, sport contests, and more.

Many cruise lines also offer special shore excursions in cooperation with charity organizations in select ports of call. These outings engage cruisers in intense but rewarding activities such as working with disadvantaged children, contributing to scientific research, or replanting trees destroyed by storms.

There really are countless ways to make a difference—even on a cruise!

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Cruise TipsDestination Tips

Explore the Space Coast!

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

As one of the biggest cruise ports in the world, Port Canaveral sees hundreds of thousands of passengers come and go every year. And because it is situated right in the middle of Florida’s 72-mile-long “Space Coast,” the port makes a perfect home base for fun-loving cruisers who want to tack on a few extra days of fun before or after a cruise.

The area earned the name Space Coast because it is home to Kennedy Space Center. As one of NASA’s preeminent rocket launch facilities, the Space Center on Merritt Island draws countless tourists each year to learn about the rich history view the amazing technology of the US space program. The Space Center and nearby Astronaut Hall of Fame offer visitors the opportunity to meet astronauts, experience the G-forces of a launch, drive a virtual moon rover, and much more.

Merritt Island is also the site of two wilderness preserves: the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Canaveral National Seashore. Nature lovers will enjoy touring around the island by car or along one of several hiking trails. Often, visitors can spot endangered species such as loggerhead turtles or Southern bald eagles.

For a classic Space Coast beach visit, Cocoa Beach is a short drive away from Port Canaveral. The area offers lots of family-oriented attractions, although the main attraction is the Cocoa Beach Pier, with its fishing spots, restaurants, boutiques, and tropical-themed beach bars.

Visitors seeking a more historic perspective can spend a day at Cocoa Village. Because many of its buildings are restored or protected as historic sites, the town offers a laid-back, picturesque look at what Florida looked like 100 years ago.

Perhaps the biggest draw to the Space Coast is the immense complex of theme parks in the Orlando area. In addition to the most popular parks, like Universal Studios, Sea World, and (of course!) Disney World, there are other entertainment venues scattered throughout the area.

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CruiseDestination Tips

Summer Festival Fun in Dominica

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

The month of July is a time for festivals on the Caribbean island nation of Dominica. Residents kicked off the month with a host of celebrations of island and international cuisine. And in mid-July, diving enthusiasts from all over participate in several events highlighting marine conservation and water sports.

July opened with the Nature Island Food and Drink Festival. The four-day celebration featured cook-offs with top chefs, mixology contests, and culinary arts conferences, as well as fun food activities for the kids. The festival was especially focused on using fresh local ingredients to create delicious, healthy dishes.

In mid-July, Dominica hosts the annual Dive Fest, a multi-day event that draws divers and snorkelers from all over the world to enjoy the island’s pristine marine environment. Divers of all ages and abilities can hone their skills in a variety of educational events, and non-divers can enjoy whale-watching from shore as well as the famous Kubuli Canoe Races. The festival’s grand finale is the massive Dive Fest Beach Party.

For cruisers who can’t make it to Dominica this July, there is still plenty to do any time of year on this gorgeous island paradise. Unlike many other cruise ports, Dominica isn’t hyper-commercialized and full of name-brand chain stores. Instead, it offers a slower-paced visit full of breathtaking natural beauty and rich local culture.

Adventure travel is the main draw in Dominica. Inland, dense rainforests are home to countless varieties of birds, flowers, and wildlife, which visitors can explore by 4×4 or along the numerous hiking trails. The island’s volcanic geology has also sculpted an array of truly unique attractions including several spa-quality hot springs, the bubbly waters of Champagne Beach, and the aptly named Valley of Desolation on the way to Boiling Lake.

Dominica is also internationally recognized as having one of the most spectacular marine environments in the world. As a result, the island’s beautiful beaches and superb diving spots have long attracted tourists and conservationists alike.

The lovely city of Roseau also offers a variety of fascinating sights and walking tours for history buffs and food-lovers. Farther afield, one of the last populations of native Carib people lives in the northeastern corner of the island. These people warmly welcome visitors to their territory and create many of the handicrafts and food products found in local souvenir shops.

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CruiseCruise News

Carnival Cruises Partners with Casino Company

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Casino company Affinity Gaming has enacted a deal with Carnival Cruise Line to reward top players with cruise vacations to some of the most popular destinations in the world. According to a June 30 press release on Carnival’s website, members of the uppermost tiers of Affinity’s A-Play Players Club in 11 Affinity Gaming casinos will be eligible for the new benefits as of July 1. The best players will earn opportunities to enjoy complimentary cruises, while mid-level gamers will receive special discounts for Carnival’s services.

Of course, not everyone is a high-roller, but that doesn’t stop countless cruisers from enjoying the excitement of ship casinos every year. In fact, most large ocean-going cruise vessels—and many of the smaller ones—sport a lively onboard gaming room for the entertainment of their passengers.

Shipboard casinos are necessarily small when compared to the lavish casinos found on land. Still, these casinos generally offer all the classics, including lots of slot machines (including penny slots) and card tables, where blackjack and poker are especially common. Frequently, there are also a few tables for roulette and craps.

To add to the excitement, most ships host occasional tournaments, as well. Usually, these are slots or blackjack, but some cruise lines also sponsor Texas Hold’em or other poker contests. A few will even host a high-stakes game upon request.

Before heading to the ship casino, though, remember that gaming is tightly regulated, even on a ship. The minimum age is 18 on most ships, and it is often raised to 21 on select cruises. Casinos are usually open only when a ship is away from port; and even at sea, ships’ game rooms are usually closed during the day. Always check the cruise’s gaming rules and schedules before making your evening plans.

Gaming is an elegant cruise tradition that has long attracted guests to ship casinos. Whether a cruiser is a sophisticated casino devotee or just a casual visitor to the slots, almost anyone can find an appealing way to pass a few fun-filled hours in the game room!

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