Royal Holiday

Last year, Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) made huge waves with the float out of its advanced Quantum of the Seas flagship, which features an array of innovative technologies and entertainment options. Since then, cruisers around the world have been eagerly anticipating news about that vessel’s sister ship, Anthem of the Seas, scheduled for launch this coming summer.

Earlier this month, RCI announced part of the Anthem’s stage entertainment lineup– including exciting news of two shows created just for the her! Like several other ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Anthem’s on-board Royal Theater is the venue for the popular Broadway musical, We Will Rock You. Inspired by the music of 1970s rock band, Queen, this show is a favorite among RCI’s music-loving cruisers. The Anthem’s Royal Theater will also feature a brand new production called The Gift. The musical promises to enchant viewers with a thrilling stage show brimming with fantasy and illusion.

A second Anthem-only production is slated for release in the ship’s interactive multimedia venue, Two70. Spectators here will enjoy panoramic sea-views through massive multilevel windows, which make the perfect setting for the theater’s live aerial performances and high-tech audiovisuals. Debuting in the this space will be the exclusive Spectra’s Cabaret, a show that will merge advanced digital technologies with pop music to create an unforgettable festival for the senses.

Of course, the Anthem is about more than music. Like her sister ship, the Quantum of the Seas, she will boast a number of other exciting entertainment options. RCI has already announced that the Anthem will sport a North Star, a glass-enclosed capsule that hoists cruisers 300 feet over the waves for spectacular ocean views. In addition, there will be a RipCord skydiving simulator, as well as a sprawling SeaPlex with ball courts, a roller rink, bumper cars, and even a flying trapeze.

The launch of Anthem of the Seas is still a few months away, so stay tuned for more news about the fun new activities she will offer!

With the end of Mardi Gras, the Carnival season is winding down, and countless people around the world are finally resting up from the festivities. Cruisers who happened be aboard a ship or in one of several exotic tropical destinations during the last month or so likely enjoyed a chaotically colorful Carnival of dancing, music, and great food.

If you missed the celebration, however, take heart. It’s not too late to get a little dose of Carnival fun this year!

The many nations and islands of the Caribbean celebrate their own special Carnival holidays throughout the year. With dozens of such days celebrated across the region, there are at least a couple of big parties going on almost every month—and each one has its own vibrant flair, with plenty of local customs, food, and music to share with visitors.

Trinidad

One of the most celebrated Carnivals in the world, Trinidad’s big holiday falls during the traditional time, in February. The massive riot of music and color draws partygoers from all over the world for a truly unforgettable experience.

Jamaica

Its world-famous reggae music is the foundation of Jamaica’s Carnival season. Celebrated in April, the holiday draws bands from all over to entertain partygoers in the streets and on the island’s excellent beaches.

Barbados

The middle of summertime is when the island of Barbados holds its yearly celebration. Historically called Crop Over, the big July party is actually the second largest in the Caribbean, after Trinidad’s. Expect lots of locally inspired food and drink, as well as endless Barbadian music and dance.

Belize

For a distinctly Latin American spin on Carnival, cruisers can head to Belize. The little country celebrates its version of Carnival in September.

The Bahamas

The fun and famous Junkanoo celebration is The Bahamas’ version of Carnival. Occurring in the Christmas season, the event has roots in West African traditions. It takes place the day after Christmas, and again on New Years’ Day.

These are just a few of the Carnival holidays that energize the Caribbean every year. With so many festivals on the calendar, a traveler could participate in celebrations every few weeks. This might not be practical, but you only live once!

Carnival recently announced that it would reposition two of its ships to Galveston, Texas. Beginning early next year, the Carnival Liberty will service Western Caribbean itineraries with stops in Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico, as well as other coastal destinations. The Carnival Breeze will sail from Texas to a variety of Caribbean ports in Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Barbados, the US Virgin Islands, and others starting at the end of 2016.

The repositioning has drawn attention to one of the lesser-known embarkation port cities in the US. Not as famous as the ports in Miami or New Orleans, the small city of Galveston has plenty of big attractions, and is worth a few extra days of exploration before or after a relaxing cruise.

A historic and trendy city, Galveston offers visitors a range of fascinating sights and fun things to do. Galveston’s picturesque downtown is right across the street from the cruise terminal, thus making it one of the most accessible port towns to explore. In fact, a number of historic districts, boutiques, and fine restaurants are within a short walk of the docks.

Galveston’s famous Strand District is the destination for avid shoppers and art lovers. The area hosts a number of exquisite galleries and artisan workshops, as well as a variety of stores where cruisers can pick up a unique souvenir or two.

History buffs will enjoy the city’s many museums. Moody Mansion and Bishop Palace highlight some of the area’s stunning architecture and give visitors a glimpse into the lives of the city’s most influential families. At the Texas Seaport Museum, ship lovers can visit the Elissa, a Scottish 430-ton square-rigger built nearly 140 years ago. The Lone Star Flight Museum and the Galveston Railroad Museum chronicle the history of transportation in its many forms.

Nature lovers should head to Moody Gardens to enjoy the amazing Rainforest Pyramid and the IMAX Theater. For some fun in the sun, Galveston Island State Park offers plenty of seaside hiking trails, while East Beach is the destination for the party crowd.

Anyone who has cruised the sunny islands of the Caribbean or the southern Atlantic or the Gulf Coast of the United States has probably passed through Miami, Florida. Located on the tropical coast of southern Florida, it is a natural embarkation point for countless cruise itineraries.

Miami has been in the news several times over the past year. Carnival Cruises just announced that it will operate Carnival Vista—soon to be the largest ship in its fleet—out of the port for the next few years. In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL’s) Miami-styled flagship, Norwegian Getaway, has been homeported there for several months. To top it off, NCL also announced that its upcoming new ship, Norwegian Escape, will also be based in Miami to service Caribbean itineraries starting later this year.

Why is Miami such a hot spot? For one reason, the town is more than just a conveniently located cruise port. In fact, many cruisers choose to spend a few extra days here before or after their voyages in order to take advantage of all the exciting fun and vibrant culture the town has to offer.

Even with just an afternoon to spend in Miami, a cruiser can easily walk from the port to Bayside Marketplace, where there are plenty of shopping and dining options. Just beyond that is the Mildred and Claude Pepper Bayfront Park, which is home to a number of monuments and a beautiful tropical garden.

Visitors with more time in port can experience some of Miami’s most famous attractions. The South Beach waterfront district boasts lovely renovated Art Deco architecture, countless trendy boutiques and cafes, and plenty of gorgeous people on the public beach. Little Havana is a bustling enclave of Cuban culture and the go-to place for excellent food, cigars, and music.

The Coral Gables neighborhood is a study in 1920s Florida history, while Bal Harbour is the destination for high-end shoppers. Nature lovers can head to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for a tranquil getaway. For an exciting natural adventure, on the other hand, visitors can drive a few hours to experience the unique wildlife and ecology of the Everglades.

For decades, cruisers have been drawn to Miami simply because there really is something to please every taste under the sun.¬

Although the year has barely begun, it’s not too early to start thinking about summer vacation plans—and for many people that means an enjoyable cruise along the gorgeous coast of Alaska. Most cruise lines haven’t started sailing these extreme northwestern itineraries yet, but now is the best time to start looking ahead.

Cruises to Alaska are among the most popular choices for summer vacationers. For many of those in the “Lower 48,” the cool, refreshing Pacific breezes are a welcome break from the stifling heat of the summer months. The region is also awash in history, with several ports of call offering a glimpse into the culture of Native Americans and life during the gold rush of the 1890s. And of course, the natural beauty of the Alaskan coastline is truly incomparable: immense glaciers and snow-capped peaks, and countless forms of wildlife like majestic whales, stately moose, and soaring eagles.

An often overlooked—but no less enjoyable—part of an Alaskan cruise is the city ports where cruise itineraries so often stop. Cruisers shouldn’t overlook the exciting, sophisticated activities these towns have to offer.

Vancouver

The embarkation or debarkation port for many Alaska cruises, this incredibly cosmopolitan city offers a little of everything, from art galleries to zip-lines. Vancouver’s bustling Chinatown and sprawling Stanley Park are among the city’s most popular attractions. The town is also widely known for the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the spectacular views from the Grouse Mountain Skyride tram.

Juneau

Nestled among towering mountains and evergreen forests, Juneau is a unique, isolated city with no roads leading into or out of town. Naturally, it’s a prime spot for outdoor shore excursions, including whale-watching, glacier-viewing, and scenic airplane flights. With the port located right in town, cruisers also have easy access to an eclectic variety of boutiques, cafes, museums, and pubs.

Anchorage

A surprisingly accommodating place, Anchorage has an energetic vibe that ranges from kitschy to haute couture. As the starting or ending point of many Alaskan cruises, the city has its share of touristy shops and eateries. Not far off the beaten path, though, cruisers can find a host of fascinating museums, cozy cafes, and innovative art establishments. Like other Alaskan destinations, the great outdoors is a big part of daily life here, so there are also more than a few options for hiking, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, nature photography, and more.

February 14th is on the horizon, and that means many seafaring couples are looking forward to a wonderful Valentine’s Day cruise. The idea of a romantic ocean getaway has long been a popular one. Many poems and films describe the allure of a cruise, and an incredibly popular television series focused on this idea as well. It seems everyone loves the idea of love at sea!

But what exactly makes a cruise so romantic? Those who have never sailed before should read on to learn about all the fun options available to couples on cruises.

Time together

The whole point of a romantic getaway is spending time together, and a cruise offers plenty of ways to do that. Ship restaurants are widely known for their amazing cuisine, and most ships have a few especially intimate dining establishments perfect for an evening out. Follow up dinner with a night of dancing, or take in a movie in the ship theater or even back in your cabin. A trip out to sea is also the perfect place to enjoy a little stargazing or a gorgeous sunrise.

Romantic relaxation

Want to be pampered? Consider booking a couple’s massage in the ship spa, or kicking back in a hot tub or sauna. Many ships also have adults-only decks, where cruisers can cuddle up on two-person deck lounges and enjoy a cocktail or two. The beaches at many ports of call, of course, also have lovely little cafes and private cabanas for rent.

Take it up a notch

A cruise is a special event, but why not make it even more memorable by popping the question? In addition, some couples choose to get married on an exotic island or on board the ship. Other long-married couples choose to renew their vows in touching ceremonies at sea. Contact your cruise line if any of these options interest you.

Of course, perhaps the best part of a romantic cruise is that you don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day. Love is an all-season affair, so start thinking about that special ocean voyage with your sweetheart today!

Cruisers preparing for a cruise usually expect to enjoy several days of excellent food, lazy days in the sunshine, fun nights out, exotic travel, and exciting shore excursions.

With this in mind, many inexperienced travelers might think that taking along an infant would make a pleasant cruise impossible. Nothing could be farther from the truth! With a bit of preparation, even busy parents of young children can have a rewarding ocean vacation, complete with plenty of fun memories.

Cruise ship amenities for parents with babies

Modern-day cruise vessels offer numerous family-oriented amenities specifically meant to make life aboard a ship easier for parents and their children. Many cruise lines provide nursery areas or babysitting services that enable parents to leave their infant in capable hands, allowing them a few hours to get away for a night of dining and dancing.

Packing

Packing light is always helpful, but this might be difficult when traveling with a baby. Think about purchasing certain bulky items, like diapers, near the cruise port to avoid an extra bag fee on the airplane. Also, remember that many ships don’t have bathtubs, so take an inflatable tub if baby can’t stand in a shower yet. It’s also a good idea to pack some extra supplies, like pacifiers, that you can’t purchase on the ship. For getting around, don’t forget the carrier or lightweight stroller—or the car seat, if you plan to use a taxi or rental car in a port of call.

Other things to consider

There are few other items to think about when cruising with a baby. Because staterooms tend to be small, many you might want to book a cabin with a balcony that lets you get some fresh air while your baby naps. You might also ask about the availability of rooms with special features like curtains or fold-up walls that can give a napping baby a little peace and quiet. It never hurts to ask if a ship offers certain services, such as a self-service laundry or pureeing food in the kitchen. Finally, researching destinations well in advance can point you to baby-friendly sights in your favorite ports of call.

Late last year, the White House announced that it would start normalizing relations with the island nation of Cuba, after 50 years of severe economic sanctions.

Located just 90 miles off the coast of Florida, Cuba has been isolated by travel restrictions and a decades-old embargo. Its close proximity and vibrant Latin culture has meant that the island has long been a forbidden but alluring destination for Americans curious to experience the Caribbean nation’s way of life. For this reason, when President Obama announced that trade with Cuba would be improving, devoted cruisers and industry insiders speculated that Cuba might soon open its ports to American tourists.

So, what does this new thaw in diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba mean for cruising?

Unfortunately, there are not likely to be any significant changes for Caribbean vacationers—at least not yet. For the time being, travel to Cuba remains restricted to a number of specific classifications, such as travel related to medical need, athletic events, journalism, religious reasons, or family visits.

The biggest change for Americans traveling to Cuba is that they are no longer required to acquire a special license from the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. Moreover, limits on how much money a visitor can spend there, and the types of business they can pursue, have been relaxed. This broadening of acceptable economic activities has the potential to further stimulate trade between the countries, and possibly encourage opening up relations further.

Despite all these changes, though, general tourism is still forbidden under the new rules—and that means no cruises. To allow larger numbers of Americans to travel to Cuba, Congress has to pass a law specifically permitting that. However, there appear to be no plans among American politicians to do that just yet.

Despite the complications and slow diplomatic processes involved, the latest announcement by the White House may the first step toward introducing an exotic new destination to cruisers’ Caribbean itineraries sometimes in coming years.

Of all the dream destinations available, there are only a few open exclusively to cruisers. These are the private island and beach resorts owned by some of the world’s largest cruise companies.

A private island has a lot to offer cruise passengers lucky enough to spend a day there. The facilities are safe, well maintained, and reflect the standards of the cruise line itself—something that a chaotic port city can’t always provide. In fact, a lazy day cocooned amidst the comfortable, high-quality amenities of a resort beach can be the perfect antidote to the non-stop exciting adventures typical of a cruise’s other exotic stops.

While these resorts have a reputation for being unimaginative if comfy, the truth is that they have a lot going for them. Because they are an extension of the cruise line itself, basic amenities, such as a beach lounger and a lunch buffet, are included in the price of the cruise. No additional purchase is necessary! Souvenirs, shore excursions, and so forth are also available, of course, but are completely optional.

As cruising has grown in popularity, companies have taken pains to differentiate their private resorts. Nowadays, guests enjoy just as many memorable moments on a private island as at any other destination.

The following are a few private island resorts that Royal Holiday members can visit:

* Coco Cay. Owned by Royal Caribbean, this small island offers three beaches and plenty of spots to relax and have a cool drink. Aside from the usual resort experience, this island also boasts a lovely nature hike and an underwater replica of Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the notorious pirate, Blackbeard.

* Great Stirrup Cay. The first private island opened for cruisers, Norwegian Cruise Line’s resort offers visitors a laid-back beach experience on a well-maintained beach, along with a water park, eco-trails, and plenty of other ways to have a good time in the sun.

* Princess Cays. Located on the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cruises’ private port packs a mile and a half of beaches into a 40-acre resort. Unlike many other private resorts, this one shares the island with a thriving little town that offers a unique culture all its own, including a summertime Pineapple Festival.