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Norwegian Captains Now Able to Perform Weddings at Sea

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

This spring, Norwegian Cruise Line became one of just a few cruise lines to allow couples to officially get married through its new Wedding at Sea program. Aboard the Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway, captains can perform legal marriage ceremonies using marriage licenses issued by The Bahamas. These ships even offer same-sex marriages in ports such as Florida, Boston, New York, major West Coast ports, and Hawaii, where these marriages are permitted by local law. Cruisers can also take advantage of the new nuptial services on board the Norwegian Escape when she launches later this year.

To help couples plan their event, Norwegian’s Wedding at Sea package includes a variety of items that make the day truly special. In addition to officiation by the captain and the attentions of an experienced wedding planner, a couple can expect a matching bouquet and boutonniere, decorations, wedding cake, and a festive champagne toast. They will also be treated to a romantic dinner, and will receive a special keepsake wedding certificate.

Other cruise companies whose captains can perform weddings at sea include Princess Cruises, a Royal Holiday-affiliated cruise line that is registered in Bermuda. For other cruise lines, it is generally still possible to have a wedding ceremony on board, but the paperwork has to be signed before leaving the port of embarkation.

For passengers whose ship’s captain can’t officiate a wedding at sea, an exciting alternative is to get married in a port of call. Arranging for the license can be complicated, but the memories of tying the knot in an exotic destination will last a lifetime. Keep in mind, though that weather can prove risky during certain times of the year in some ports, especially ones accessed by tender. A hurricane during a wedding is not the kind of excitement you want on your special day!

In addition to weddings, many lines offer plenty of other marriage-related events such as vow renewal ceremonies. Of course, a cruise also provides a perfectly romantic location to “pop the question,” or to celebrate an unforgettable honeymoon on the high seas.

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MSC Seaside to Take Cruising in a Futuristic New Direction

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

About a year ago, Italian cruise line, MSC Cruises, announced its “Seaside” project, in which it would build two advanced new ships, with an option to build a third.

This past month, MSC stated that the first new ship, MSC Seaside, would be delivered in December 2017. In an exciting first for the European company, the new vessel will cater specifically to North American vacationers.

MSC Seaside promises to bring a variety of innovations to the cruise line’s fleet. Currently under construction in Italy, she will be the largest vessel ever built at the Fincantieri shipyard. Designed for the North American market, she will emphasize amenities suitable for cruising the balmy Caribbean. According to company officials, she will be “the ship that follows the sun.”

In an age of increasingly elaborate ship design, MSC Seaside aims to redefine the look and feel of cruising. The ship will resemble a seaside condominium community, complete with sidewalks and outdoor cafes.

An exterior promenade will wrap around MSC Seaside’s lower decks, allowing cruisers to take open-air strolls around the ship and enjoy al fresco dining in several eating establishments. The on-board aqua park will boast five waterslides with a range of features for kids young and old.

MSC Seaside’s more than 460,000 square feet of public space will invite cruisers to explore the countless pubs, boutiques, restaurants, spas, theaters, and other entertainment venues. Inside, the thoughtfully appointed accommodations will provide the perfect place to rest up between all the fun activities. For passengers who want their own personal spa, select suites have private hot tubs.

MSC Seaside will homeport in Miami, Florida, and sail the Caribbean. When she arrives, she will exchange places with her sister-ship, MSC Divina, which will reposition to Rome. MSC’s second Seaside-class vessel will launch in early summer 2018.

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Cruise vacations the easy way

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

One of the many advantages of taking a cruise vacation is enjoying different destinations in the same trip. Starting July, Royal Caribbean offers over 20 cruise routes scheduled for departure to exotic and paradisiacal ports in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Mediterranean and South America. Come aboard majestic ships like The Adventure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas and get ready to be amazed with the spectacular comfort and fun filled decks.

There is so much to do on board, you might forget you on a luxurious shop, if not for the heartbreaking scenery of the open sea waiting for you on the open decks. Royal Caribbean’s top of the line ships host an amazing array of onboard experiences, ranging from climbing walls, sumptuous dining halls and relaxing Spa’s to children’s areas to keep them smiling for the duration of the trip. There’s something for the entire family.

And it gets better: enjoy exotic cuisine, fascinating culture and the most beautiful vistas with every stop at carefully selected ports, making your cruise experience an unforgettable memory to treasure for years to come.

Royal Caribbean offers the Gold Anchor Service in every cruise, ensuring personalized and friendly service from the crew to the passengers. No detail is small enough to make your trip a memorable experience. Enjoy the exclusive Gold Anchor Service, only with Royal Caribbean.

Go to royal-holiday.com and start planning your next cruise vacation! Enjoy world class service and non-stop fun aboard top of the line ships from Royal Caribbean.

 

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Beautiful Vancouver Gears Up for the Cruise Season

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Canada Place terminal’s 2015 cruise season began in late March with the arrival of Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess. The ship will depart the Vancouver, British Columbia, cruise terminal for Hawaiian itineraries this season, but other ships will soon be departing for cooler regions. On April 29, Vancouver will start servicing the dozens of very popular summer itineraries to Alaska.

Serving as both an embarkation port for many itineraries, and a port of call for others, the city of Vancouver is an exciting place to explore, whether one has several days or just a few hours to spend.

Once little more than a remote village saloon for lonely lumberjacks, today’s Vancouver is a startlingly cosmopolitan place. The city is a true melting pot, with more than one-third of the city’s residents born abroad. Due to its large immigrant population, visitors here will find an amazing variety of excellent ethnic restaurants, as well as the arts and crafts of many cultures.

Cruisers stopping in Vancouver will appreciate how easy it is to navigate, especially via the city’s well-developed public-transit system. It’s only a short 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal to explore the heart of Vancouver’s old town, with its historic Gastown and bustling Chinatown nearby. Vancouver also boasts a wide variety of galleries, museums, and boutiques. For the best local artisanal wares, visitors should head to Granville Island.

Those who enjoy the great outdoors will have little trouble finding something to do here. One of Vancouver’s main tourist destinations, the immense Stanley Park contains 1,000 acres of trail-crossed forest and several major attractions, including the Vancouver Aquarium. A serene Chinese garden has long drawn mystics and nature-lovers to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in Vancouver’s Chinatown. For a spectacular view of the entire landscape, visitors flock to the Sky Ride tram at Grouse Mountain.

Of course, Vancouver has countless other sights and experiences to offer cruisers. Travelers should be sure to do a little advance planning or sign up for a shore excursion tour to get the most out of their stay in this beautiful, sophisticated city.

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RCI’s Harmony of the Seas to be Largest Cruise Ship in the World

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Cruise line Royal Caribbean International (RCI) has recently announced that its third Oasis-class vessel, Harmony of the Seas, will be the biggest cruise ship in the world. Slated for launch a year from now, the behemoth will weigh in at 227,000 tons and will boast 16 decks with accommodations and entertainment for up to 5,479 cruisers.

Of course, Harmony’s immense size is only part of the story. Company officials have indicated that the new ship will offer an array of innovations for cruisers lucky enough to sail aboard her. Some types of cabins, for example, will be larger than those on Harmony’s Oasis-class sister ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Interior cabins, which lack windows, will instead feature “virtual” balconies that pipe in a real-time, rain-or-shine outside view for the enjoyment of guests. Suite passengers, too, will find a number of upgrades in their rooms, while all passengers will benefit from high-tech Royal WOWBand bracelets that serve as a cabin key, electronic wallet, and scheduler.

Like other Oasis-class ships, Harmony features several “neighborhoods,” each with a distinctive character and focus. Among the many decks, cruisers will find a number of unforgettable dining and entertainment experiences. Harmony will also host several restaurants that have recently debuted on other RCI vessels, including Sabor, which serves contemporary Mexican food, and Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Passengers can also enjoy a uniquely high tech experience at the Bionic Bar, where robot bartenders serve up precision-mixed custom cocktails.

Perhaps the most striking addition to Harmony will be three colorful waterslides perched atop the ship. Situated directly above the Central Park neighborhood, the slides will provide hours of fun for the whole family.

Harmony of the Seas will officially launch in April 2016 in Europe. She will sail the Mediterranean on her maiden voyage, visiting Barcelona, Rome, and other popular ports during that summer. Then she will sail to Florida in autumn 2016. From Port Everglades, her permanent homeport, Harmony will sail 7-night Caribbean itineraries.

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Martinique’s French-Caribbean Mystique Draws Tourists

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

In the last few years, one of the Caribbean’s most exotic island destinations has been sailing ahead full steam in its efforts to draw more tourists to its shores. Located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, the island of Martinique has recently seen a huge surge in cruise passenger tourists. This season, 280,000 guests are expected to visit, including those arriving on 24 ships that have never docked on the island before.

The rise in tourism on Martinique is the result of a concerted effort to advertise the island’s charms and accommodate new visitors. Beginning in 2011, the Martinique Tourism Authority initiated a program to make the island more accessible to guests from all over the world, especially North America.

The tourism authority has helped local businesses improve their signage, and uniformed English-speaking guides are now available to assist cruise passengers venturing ashore. In addition, many shop workers have voluntarily enrolled in English language classes to improve their ability to communicate with tourists. Resorts have revamped their operations to improve services for guests as well.

In terms of infrastructure, the Pointe Simon cruise terminal saw upgrades in 2013, and the Tourelles terminal has sought to streamline operations such as luggage handling. The government has also financed the dredging of the main harbor to accommodate larger cruise ships.

So what does Martinique offer cruisers?

The island’s deep Caribbean roots are intermingled with a distinctive European influence. Because it is a part of France, the culture of Martinique is unmistakably French in character—including the language, which can make for a challenging but unforgettable visit! Fields of banana trees and sugarcane dominate the island, and define much of the local cuisine and drink, including the popular rums made in the island’s several distilleries.

The main city is Fort-de-France, where visitors can take in a variety of museums and historical buildings. Shoppers will enjoy the local shops as well as high-end French boutiques and open-air markets. For a more decadent resort-style experience, go to nearby Trois Ilets. The beaches, cafes, and sunshine give this part of Martinique a sophisticated St. Tropez vibe.

Shore excursions include a variety of options, such as full-island or city tours, sailing and snorkeling, 4×4 adventures, and more. There are also a number of beaches around the island perfect for laid-back relaxation and all kinds of water sports.

With its beautiful beaches, elegant shopping, unique museums, forest treks, and excellent dining, Martinique has something for any cruiser.

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Cruising: More than Just a Fun Vacation

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

As cruise lines reach out to first-time cruisers and old sea dogs alike, they are continually striving to offer innovative yet affordable options for fun and relaxation during their passengers’ ocean vacations. With so many excellent restaurants, stage shows, casinos, and other entertainment venues available on a cruise, it’s clear that there’s practically no limit to the fun. Maybe it’s not so surprising, then, that cruise customers in a recent survey voted cruising as their number one vacation option.

However, can an ocean voyage actually be good for you, too?

The Cruise Line International Association took a stab at that question early this March when it released a comprehensive list of the beneficial effects of cruising—complete with the research to back them up!

Kick Back and Relax

Stress is a very real problem that can contribute to many potentially serious health issues. Luckily, a cruise is the perfect antidote to stress! Aside from providing an all-inclusive, hassle-free vacation, a cruise offers countless ways to unwind by the pool, in the spa, or on the beach. No matter what you do during your cruise to get away from the hustle and bustle of work, it’s likely to benefit your mind and body.

Enjoy the Sun and Surf

For thousands of years, people have known that sunshine and fresh sea air invigorate the body, and a cruise is the ultimate way to get both. Swimming in ocean water has been shown to improve circulation, and fresh sea breezes can make you feel more energized and awake. Sunshine helps boost the body’s production of Vitamin D, too. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Spend Time with Friends and Family

Little is better for the spirit than unplugging from the digital world for a while and having a good time with friends and family. With so many excellent eateries, dance clubs, pubs, casinos, and shore excursions, there are many opportunities to enjoy being with your loved ones and making new friends.

Try Something New

Perhaps the best part of a cruise is sailing to exotic destinations and experiencing new things. Cruises offer a huge variety of shore excursions and personal enrichment opportunities. In just a single cruise, you can explore ancient ruins, spot whales, learn to parasail, sample delicious local food, learn about the constellations in the night sky, and take a yoga class, along with dozens of other activities. The opportunities really are practically endless.

Whatever your plans are for your next cruise, be assured that you’ll return refreshed and fulfilled!

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After Cyclone Pam, Vanuatu Receives Aid from Cruise Industry

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

On March 13, the Pacific nation of Vanuatu suffered a direct hit from Tropical Cyclone Pam, a Category 5 storm that devastated 22 islands and displaced tens of thousands of people. In the few weeks since, relief efforts have continued, bringing together aid organizations from around the world to help the country rebuild shelters and businesses, repair water infrastructure, plant crops, and reestablish public services that were disrupted by the storm. In response to the Cyclone Pam disaster, the global cruise industry has also provided financial and material aid.

In addition to a donation of AUD$100,000 to the Australian Red Cross’ aid efforts, Royal Caribbean International has championed the Australian Red Cross Cyclone Pam 2015 Appeal through its Facebook page.

Carnival Australia made a donation to Save the Children Australia in the amount of AUD$150,000, while the chairman of Carnival Corporation, Micky Arison, announced a matching contribution through his family foundation. The company is also working with Save the Children Australia to land a support team in Vanuatu to help coordinate relief there.

In addition, the ship Carnival Legend made a call to the island of Santo in the days immediately following the storm in order to deliver emergency supplies. The Carnival Corporation subsidiary cruise line, P&O Cruises, has scheduled two more vessels, Pacific Dawn and Pacific Pearl, to visit Vanuatu’s Port Vila to drop off large shipments of bottled water, packaged food, and portable shelters.

The cruise industry response to Tropical Cyclone Pam is just the latest in a long history of providing relief in times of need. Along with the millions of dollars that individual cruise lines contributed to Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in 2013, the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation, the industry’s leading giving organization, also provided a sizable donation. Cruise lines were also instrumental in relief efforts after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010.

The cruise industry is founded on the principles of an ancient maritime tradition that compels them to offer service in times of need. Cruisers and crews alike can be certain that the industry will step up whenever the ports they visit are affected by a natural disaster.

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Carnival Steps Up to Meet Demand for Longer Cruises

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Several cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Holland America Line have traditionally offered 10-day, two-week, and even longer cruises. According to industry experts, these kinds of long voyages are gaining in popularity – and other major cruise lines are heeding the call.

Early this March, Carnival Cruise Line announced plans to provide a special program of nine- to 15-day vacations. Known as Carnival Journeys, the eagerly anticipated slate of sailings aims to introduce passengers to an array of lesser-known destinations, as well as a host of brand-new onboard entertainment options for vacationers looking for an extended cruise experience.

Carnival has long been recognized for its Fun Ship philosophy, and many relatively short three- to eight-day itineraries, especially to popular destinations such as Bermuda, the Bahamas, and well-known Caribbean islands like Jamaica and St. Thomas. The new Carnival Journeys program breaks the company mold. After listening to longtime customers, the cruise line created the initiative in response to passengers’ desire to visit more exotic destinations and to enjoy cultural experiences unavailable on shorter cruises – and to do so with characteristic Carnival fun and affordability.

The Carnival Journeys trips will embark from some of the nation’s busiest home ports on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts. From there, the ships, including some of the company’s newest and most advanced, will visit a variety of destinations throughout the Caribbean or the Pacific. While popular ports of call are found on these itineraries, so are a number of less familiar ones, such as Bonaire in the Caribbean, Ixtapa and La Paz in Mexico.

In addition, Carnival’s program will feature thoughtful new onboard experiences and shore excursions to complement the exotic destinations. Authentic Eats, for example, will bring aboard local chefs to prepare genuine food and drink from ports of call and will even offer shore excursions allowing passengers to sample still more local fare at the chefs’ own restaurants. The Academy of Fun promises to mix excitement with education through engaging lectures and enrichment activities on a variety of topics ranging from navigation to social media. Many other special activities are also planned for these long cruises, which means that guests of the Carnival Journeys program will hardly lack for memorable things to do.

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The Ideal Spring Break Cruise for You

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Winter is finally thawing, and countless young people across the country have already let out for spring break – or are eagerly looking forward to it.

Most universities and colleges have their spring break week sometime in March, while school children typically take time off around Easter, which will occur in early April this year. Together, those dates mean that this is currently one of the high seasons for cruise travelers.

So what should you think about when cruising this time of year? Well, it really depends on why you’re taking that ocean voyage.

Cruising for the Kids

Taking a cruise has become a favorite vacation option for families during the last several years, both for the value and ease of planning. If your spring break revolves around your children’s school schedule, then be sure to make plans early because so many schools let out at the same time. Fortunately, cruise lines understand that families have limited schedules and offer plenty of short – three to five-day cruises – to fun destinations like the Bahamas or the Caribbean islands. Cruise lines such as Carnival, Norwegian, and Disney cater to families and provide tons of activities for children of all ages.

Cruising for College Students

For university students, a three- or five-day cruise is an appealing option for fun – and saving money. This time of year, cruise lines like Carnival are known for offering fast, furious, and fun sailing itineraries to exciting spring break hot spots on the Mexican coast, in Jamaica, the Bahamas, and many other fantastic destinations. While at sea, these ships also offer plenty of options like nightclubs, fitness centers, and casinos to let you unwind during your week off away from the books. Before you book, though, be sure to take a careful look at the cruise line’s stateroom policy: some companies require that a cabin be occupied by at least one 21-year-old (or even older) passenger.

Cruising to Avoid the Spring Break Crowds

However, not everyone is looking for a crazy party cruise. For passengers who’d like a quieter voyage away from the younger crowd, consider taking a longer cruise of seven, 10, or more days. Also, smaller ships and premium cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises or Holland America Line tend to offer more adult cruise experiences, in general. But don’t forget that even on the big ships with lots of families, there are special adults-only facilities where you can kick back and relax, free of the hubbub of spring break.

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