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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

Destination Tips

Take a Cruise and Make a Difference

by Royal Holiday July 18, 2015

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!

July 18, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Tips Destination Tips

Explore the Space Coast!

by Royal Holiday July 14, 2015

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.

July 14, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Destination Tips

Summer Festival Fun in Dominica

by Royal Holiday July 9, 2015

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.

July 9, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Cruise News

Carnival Cruises Partners with Casino Company

by Royal Holiday July 7, 2015

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!

July 7, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Cruise News

Major Internet Upgrade Coming Soon to All Carnival Ships

by Royal Holiday July 2, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Practically everyone today travels with a mobile device or laptop computer, even on their ocean getaways. In fact, for increasing numbers of cruisers, access to social media, high-quality apps, and other Internet features is an expected part of a fun, relaxing vacation.

Carnival Cruises is consequently upping its Internet game with the introduction of new onboard technologies to keep its passengers happy and connected. Earlier this year, the company had installed high-speed Internet on three ships. That pilot program proved so successful that Carnival has just extended it to nine other ships, with plans for three more this summer. According to company officials, most of the Carnival fleet will be converted to the new system by the end of October.

In addition to upgraded Internet, Carnival has rolled out a multi-tiered pricing plan that allows cruisers to choose the payment level that’s best for them. The low-end $5-a-day plan gives cruisers access to a variety of social media websites so they can easily exchange messages with friends and family back home. Passengers can extend their internet capabilities with Carnival’s $16-per-day plan, which includes the entire Internet except for high-bandwidth services. And for unrestricted access that includes streaming apps like Skype and music downloads, guests can opt for the upper-tier $25-a-day package.

Earlier this season, Carnival Cruises also introduced a mobile app called Carnival Hub on board their ship, Carnival Breeze. Passengers were able to test out exciting new free features such as ship calendars, account tracking, restaurant information, deck maps, and other tools that help cruisers plan their days and manage their spending. Company officials recently noted that this pilot program has gone very well, so passengers should expect to see the Carnival Hub app appear on other ships in coming months.

With Internet access and smartphone apps becoming so important in everyday life, it’s exciting to see cruise companies making every effort to keep their passengers in touch!

July 2, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Cruise Tips Destination Tips

Magnificent Mazatlan!

by Royal Holiday June 30, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Ever since the days when the Pacific Princess sailed the seas on “The Love Boat” back in the 1970s, the Mexican Riviera port of Mazatlan has been a favorite stop for North American cruisers. The city features miles of pleasant seaside promenades, gorgeous beaches, a thriving community of creatives, and—of course—plenty of vibrant Latin culture and cuisine.

The cultural heart of the city is Old Mazatlan. Located about a mile from the cruise port, this beautiful district offers cruisers countless places to explore, including shops, museums, restaurants, galleries, and historical sites. The town’s Moorish-style cathedral overlooks Plaza Republica, a picturesque town square perfect for people- and pigeon-watching. A few blocks away is Mercado Pino Suarez, the bustling central market where visitors can buy almost anything imaginable. Another favorite Old Mazatlan sight is the elegant Italian-style theater, Teatro Angela Peralta, which has been painstakingly restored to its original architectural beauty.

This historic district sits at one end of Mazatlan’s famous “malecon,” or beach promenade. One of the longest such walkways in the world, the malecon winds along the shore for about eight miles. Adorning the seawalk are numerous metal sculptures depicting a huge variety of subjects, from the fantastical to the historic. At the southern end of the promenade is Divers Point, where tourists can watch fearless cliff-jumpers leap into the waves far below.

The Golden Zone, or Zona Dorado, also lies along the malecon. With its resort hotels, non-stop beach life, and high-end boutiques, the Golden Zone is Mazatlan’s touristy hub of glitz and fun. The beaches here offer water-sports equipment, boat trips, and even high-adrenalin activities such as parasailing.

For more outdoor options, many visitors to Mazatlan wander away from the malecon. Hikers can head to Cerro del Creston, where a rigorous hour-long walk ends at the second-highest lighthouse in the world, El Faro. There are also eco-tour shore excursions available on several of the nearby islands, including Deer Island, Wolf Island, and Bird Island. Farther inland, tourists can explore quaint old mining villages nestled among the foothills of the fabled Sierra Madre mountains.

With so much on offer, it’s little wonder that Mazatlan has been attracting cruisers for so long!

June 30, 2015 0 comments

Before you cruise Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise News Cruise Tips

More and More Royal Holiday members Are Discovering Cruising

by Royal Holiday June 24, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Cruising is growing more and more popular with each passing season. Earlier this year, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) projected that 23 million people in 2015 will choose to spend their vacation on a relaxing cruise with friends and family. And of all those passengers, 60 percent are return customers! Apparently, greater numbers of people are recognizing that the many engaging activities and comfortable amenities available on board today’s ships make cruising an incredibly affordable getaway option.

To accommodate all these fun-seeking ocean voyagers, cruise companies are spending billions of dollars to upgrade ships and expand their fleets. Nearly 20 new ocean cruise vessels have been launched in the last 5 years, in addition to many other ships catering to specialty markets like luxury yachting and river cruises. Much of this growth has been in major Royal Holiday-affiliated brands such as Carnival, MSC, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean.

While cruising is growing more popular, the expectations of passengers are also evolving—and cruise lines are adjusting to meet their customers’ desires. By offering amenities such as flexible dining hours, Wi-Fi, themed cruises, and so on, companies are constantly striving to add features that appeal to every passenger.

Destinations are changing, too. The Caribbean’s countless diverse ports still make the area the most-cruised part of the world, by far. However, passengers are also expanding their horizons and looking to explore itineraries farther afield: bookings in the Mediterranean, Asia, and Australia are all on the rise.

In addition to offering more sailings in other parts of the world, cruise lines are increasingly calling on new ports, even in well-established markets. There are currently over 1,000 ports of call around the world, many of which are located far off the beaten path or in pristine World Heritage sites.

Perhaps the most exciting development for today’s cruisers is how much control they have over their ocean vacations. In addition to relying on travel agents to provide helpful advice tailored to each vacationer’s needs, cruisers will find that it’s easier than ever simply to go online to book a cruise, make dining reservations, and arrange shore excursions—all with the click of a mouse.

June 24, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Destination Tips

Beautiful St. Lucia, “Helen of the West Indies”

by Royal Holiday June 22, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Nicknamed “Helen of the West Indies” for its beauty, St. Lucia offers visitors an array of unique outdoor experiences that make this one of the most memorable ports of call in the world. Several lovely beaches ring the island, providing perfect launching points for snorkeling, diving, and sport fishing. In addition, a huge swath of the interior is protected from development, thus giving outdoors enthusiasts a chance to hike, climb, or zip-line through the region’s pristine lush forests.

Reflecting the island’s rich history, residents of St. Lucia speak both English and a form of French Creole. Evocative place names like “Soufriere” and “Pointe Seraphine” stem from the island’s old French colonial roots, while attractions such as tiny Pigeon Island National Landmark recall the area’s British naval presence and famous Caribbean pirate conflicts.

Soufriere, the island’s former capital city, is situated on the south side near the famous Pitons, the two distinctive volcanic peaks that rise up from the ocean just off the coast. The town has long preserved its colorful architecture, and offers delicious local cuisine such as Caribbean-style rotis, wraps stuffed with curried meat and vegetables.

The city of Soufriere sits near an active volcano, which warms the waters of several attractions in the vicinity. At Sulphur Springs, visitors can walk among steaming craters with smelly fumes rumored to possess medicinal qualities. Guests of nearby Diamond Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths can stroll through showers of tropical flower blooms and then enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs. While there, it is impossible not to marvel at the Diamond Mineral Baths Waterfall which mysteriously shifts color from green to yellow to black over the course of a day.

When stopping at St. Lucia, cruise ships actually dock at the bustling modern city of Castries. Taking a taxi or renting a car to the island’s most famous attractions is easy to do from the port. However, Castries itself has plenty to offer, as well, including historic Castries Market and the Craft Market—perfect places to pick up souvenirs!

June 22, 2015 0 comments