Author

Royal Holiday

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

Cruise Cruise News Cruise Tips

Cruise Ships Ramp Up the Waterslide Fun

by Royal Holiday July 30, 2015

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.

July 30, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Cruise Tips Destination Tips

Carnival to Open New Cruise Terminal in Barcelona

by Royal Holiday July 28, 2015

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.

July 28, 2015 0 comments

Cruise News

Kate McCue Makes History as Captain of the Celebrity Summit

by Royal Holiday July 23, 2015

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!

July 23, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Tips

Making the Most of a Short Cruise

by Royal Holiday July 21, 2015

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.

July 21, 2015 0 comments