Royal Holiday

Every year, holiday cruises seem to become more and more popular, as American vacationers opt to leave behind the headaches of cross-country car and air travel and the mess of huge meals. Before booking a cruise, though, it’s important to think about the kind of holiday experience you want. A little research in advance can help avoid some bad surprises and unpleasant memories.

Booking

Above all, it is important to understand that holiday season cruises are incredibly popular. Thousands of people annually seek out the fun parties and good food available on cruise ships this time of year. For this reason, prices generally rise quite a bit, and cabins are booked early. In order to ensure a spot on a holiday cruise, sign up at least a few months in advance.

Atmosphere

Virtually every cruise ship offers a traditional holiday experience, and each line typically goes all out to get in the spirit. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, that means lots of seasonal decorations and a huge turkey dinner. To accommodate those who celebrate Hanukkah, there is typically a rabbi on board who leads services and a lighting of the Menorah. New Year’s Eve almost always involves a ship-wide party, a countdown to midnight, and plenty of champagne.

Aside from the seasonal festivities, there can be a big difference in the holiday experience from ship to ship. Larger ships often have plenty of family-friendly amenities, such as extended baby-sitting hours on New Year’s Eve and special clubs and activities for teens. These kinds of features are very attractive to families with children— and larger ships can have around 1,000 kids on board!

Young passengers can be great fun for some cruisers, but something of a headache for others. For those who’d like a quieter holiday cruise, consider sailing on a smaller or older ship. Also, think about an itinerary longer than a week, or a route beyond extremely popular destinations like the Caribbean. Smaller ships and longer itineraries tend to be less popular with families with children, and therefore offer better opportunities for a quieter, more intimate holiday celebration.

Whatever sort of holiday cruise you’re dreaming of, be sure to do a little planning beforehand. That is the best way to ensure you’ll return home with plenty of happy holiday memories!

With 2014 drawing to a close, cruise aficionados are declaring their favorites for the past year, and industry publications are releasing lists of cruisers’ top picks.

Just a few weeks ago, one of the world’s leading consumer cruise publications, Porthole Cruise Magazine, finally announced the results of its 16th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Among the biggest winners, Royal Holiday-affiliated lines sailed away with top honors in roughly 20 categories.

Porthole Cruise Magazine readers were asked to submit their cruise favorites in more than four dozen “Best Of” categories. These discerning cruisers evaluated countless ships, entertainment options, dining establishments, shore excursions, itineraries, and more, and then voiced their opinions by mail, by fax, and online. Editors tabulated the numbers and revealed passengers’ favorites at the end of November. A few of the winners are listed here:

* Best Megaship—The brand-new Norwegian Getaway impresses passengers with an array of entertainment, excellent dining, innovative performances, and gorgeous layout, making this ship tops among the largest vessels on the sea.

* Best Value-for-Money Cruise Line—Carnival has become known as the most affordable line for cruises, making it an especially attractive option for families.

* Best Line for Short Cruises—Its huge fleet and large choice of itineraries helped Carnival win top honors with cruisers who are looking for great cruises in limited time.

* Best Onboard Activities—Royal Caribbean International offers some of the most sought-after entertainment options in the industry, making it a favorite among active cruisers.

* Best Specialty Restaurants—With dining establishments offering everything from exquisite French cuisine to hearty hamburgers, cruisers are raving about the eating options on Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

* Best Theme Cruises—MSC knocked one out of the park this year with its fun Baseball Greats theme cruises.

A large number of other awards were given in other categories, as well. For example, cruise lines such as Princess, Norwegian, RCI, and Carnival all earned recognition for their excellent itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans.

Attention all parrotheads! In less than a year, cruisers will be able to “waste away again in Margaritaville,” and actually live the lazy lyrics of Jimmy Buffet’s best island hits while relaxing on board one of the world’s most talked-about new cruise ships.

Cruisers who are fans of the laid-back melodies of the legendary singer/songwriter got some exciting news earlier this month when he announced a new partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Starting in late 2015, passengers sailing on NCL’s brand-new Norwegian Escape will be able to kick back and enjoy the “get away from it all” atmosphere of the world’s first Margaritaville restaurant at sea. The dining experience will offer favorites like the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and the “Who’s to Blame Margarita.”

The ship will also welcome aboard Buffet’s signature “5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar,” a beach-theme pub and music venue located right on The Waterfront. The tropical beats of the nightly live shows will entertain guests as they sip their favorite island cocktails in the Caribbean breeze.

The collaboration between Jimmy Buffet and NCL will not stop there, however. A 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar will be coming to NCL’s resort port at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, and Margaritaville-branded eateries will open on its newest private island, Harvest Caye, Belize. In coming years, the theme restaurants and bars will also expand to other ships in NCL’s fleet.

Insiders at NCL are certainly looking forward to the new business deal. According to company executives, the easy-going, escapist vibe of Margaritaville is a perfect match for NCL’s fun-loving, “do it your way” attitude. It is especially fitting that the Margaritaville experience will debut on the Norwegian Escape. The ship, which will be the largest ship to homeport in Miami, will exclusively sail the serene Caribbean Sea, taking vacationers on seven-day cruises to island destinations like the Virgin Islands and The Bahamas year-round.

A little over a month ago, Princess Cruises commemorated its upcoming 50th anniversary next year with the christening of its newest vessel, the Regal Princess. Serving as the ship’s godparents was the entire original cast of the romantic 1970s television show, The Love Boat. The naming ceremony was also attended by a number of other high-profile actors from that TV era, including many who made guest appearances on the beloved show. Of course, attendees also enjoyed a live performance of the famous Love Boat theme song, then danced the night away at a Love Boat disco party that evening.

Even today, nearly 30 years after the show concluded its run, The Love Boat clearly has left an impact on American television audiences. Since that show ended in 1987, however, no other cruise-themed television show has made such a lasting impression on pop culture.

In coming months, though, that could change. In an exclusive published by the entertainment news magazine The Hollywood Reporter, television network NBC recently announced that its studios are working on a brand-new comedy series set on a cruise ship. The concept of the show, which is called Port of Miami, has been favorably compared to Cheers, a wildly popular sitcom of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. The new show will center around a jaded cruise bartender and the colorful, international crew members whom he works with, who are all striving to achieve the American Dream.

NBC has released few details about the show, which is already in development. The network has tapped producers Matt Williams and David McFadzean, who are behind the hit TV series Home Improvement, to create the new comedy. The script will be written by Mark Perez, who has worked with Disney and Universal on a variety of projects.

If all goes as planned, cruisers may soon have a new television show to enjoy. Even non-cruisers could have the chance to experience the fun of a modern ocean voyage – right from their own living rooms.

A top cruise news and resources website, Cruise Critic, recently announced its highly-anticipated annual Editors’ Picks Awards. In addition to giving nods to cruise lines in a number of accommodations categories, the organization unveiled the year’s Best North American Homeport. And the winner this time around? New Orleans.

The Big Easy consistently scores high on cruisers’ lists of favorite ports. The city itself, which is rich in history, has had a huge impact on American culture ranging from Cajun cuisine to jazz music. With numerous festivals, museums, restaurants, bars, tours, parks, and much more, New Orleans is an ideal stop for any cruiser.

Primarily a point of embarkation rather than a port of call, the port at New Orleans has enjoyed some recent additions. Among these is the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, which brings several high-end shopping opportunities to passengers practically before they’ve left the ship. The cruise terminals are located near the New Orleans Convention Center, meaning that cruisers are just a short stroll or trolley ride away from the world-famous French Quarter.

True to its reputation, the French Quarter offers an amazing variety of things to do. Bourbon Street, of course, is renowned for its many drinking and partying establishments. Just a few blocks off the beaten path, though, there are countless quiet cafes, jazz clubs, bistros, and boutiques.

There’s plenty more to “NOLA” than just the French Quarter. The gorgeous Garden District will appeal to those with a passion for historic architecture or who might want to catch a glimpse of the celebrities who live in the posh neighborhood. Nature enthusiasts will love the Audobon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, as well as the Aquarium of the Americas. For a more enjoyable outdoor experience, an adventurous cruiser should consider a visit to the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge to view local wildlife, including alligators.

Food and music, of course, are the heart and soul of New Orleans. A number of top chefs have restaurants here, and the popular Cafe du Monde offers genuine New Oreleans-style beignets and cafe au lait. While enjoying the cuisine, visitors will not want to miss the constant jazz and blues music in the air. Preservation Hall is the go-to venue for jazz, but many other venues feature live music both day and night throughout the city.

The beginning of the holiday season means it’s finally the time of year for the leading cruise information website, Cruise Critic, to announce its annual Editors’ Picks Awards. This year, awards honored leaders in 18 categories, recognizing the best in innovation, service, and quality throughout the industry.

A number of Royal Holiday-affiliated cruise lines received accolades in this year’s list. Among the results announced are:

* Best New Ship – The debut of Royal Caribbean’s advanced Quantum of the Seas made waves in the cruise industry this year. The new ship offers many high-tech innovations to ease passenger check-in and internet access; in addition, several exciting new entertainment options, large cabins, and other features make it a standout among modern vessels.

* Best Itineraries – With routes all over the world, Princess walked away with the “Best Itineraries” prize this year. Especially known for its Alaskan cruises, the line’s ships also visit ports throughout North America, Europe, and the Pacific.

* Best Value for Money – A longtime favorite, Carnival Cruises proved itself the most affordable option for cruisers. With the largest fleet on the water, Carnival has something to offer pretty much everyone.

* Best Entertainment – Its huge variety of shows and other entertainment options put Norwegian Cruise Line in the top spot in this category. This is the line that offers the highly rated Legends in Concert series, as well as countless musicals, jazz clubs, comedy shows, and more.

About Cruise Critic

For nearly 20 years, Cruise Critic has offered thorough coverage of the cruise industry. In that time, the website has grown into the world’s leading source of cruise information and reviews. The site also hosts an enormous and very active online community, along with a range of planning tools, reviews, feature articles, and more. With such a high profile among cruisers, the Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards are eagerly anticipated throughout the industry every year.

If you have ever sailed the Eastern or Southern Caribbean, it is likely that you have spent a little time in beautiful, historic San Juan. The bustling capital city of the U.S. island of Puerto Rico is a common embarkation port for cruises, as well as a frequent turn-around stop. For this reason, many North American cruisers have found themselves wandering the Old Town’s cobblestone streets and enjoying the island’s unique music, cuisine, and natural beauty.

The city itself offers a lovely historical district where day-trippers can take in museums, sample excellent local food, and get in plenty of tax-free shopping. Colonial era architecture includes the lovely Cathedral of San Juan and the centuries-old fort, El Morro. Shoppers will especially appreciate the cafes and boutiques to be found along Calle San Jose and Calle Fortaleza. Souvenir hunters with an eye for the artsy might head to the galleries of Calle del Cristo, or Plaza Arturo Somohano, where local artisans sell authentic crafts.

Being a tropical paradise, Puerto Rico naturally has plenty of outdoor rest and relaxation for visitors to enjoy, too. A short taxi ride from the cruise terminal are several stretches of luxurious sand in the hotel districts of Condado and Isla Verde. For a more remote—but no less civilized—beach experience, consider renting a car to drive to Bahia Beach or Luquillo Beach for a quieter day in the sun.

About an hour inland, Bosque El Yunque, a U.S. National Forest, is a fine destination for hikers with an interest in exploring Puerto Rico’s distinctive wildlife, secluded waterfalls, and lush vegetation. For those with the time to take an evening boat tour, an unusual nighttime excursion awaits in nearby Fajardo. Guests here can kayak through one of the world’s only bioluminescent lagoons, and see the surface of the lake light up mysteriously as their boats glide through the water.

Of course, no visit to Puerto Rico would be complete without trying the local fare. Cruisers can start the day with a hearty “mallorca,” a ham and egg sandwich on a sweet roll. Those with time for dinner will also find a full spectrum of fine dining establishments catering to the island’s blossoming gourmet scene. And certainly not to be overlooked is a tour of the Bacardi Rum factory, for a little sampling of some of the best rums around.

The largest cruise company in the world recently announced that it would acquire several new ships, expanding its global fleet by almost 10 percent from 2014 through the end of 2016. In addition to obtaining new ships, Carnival Corporation has also focused heavily on refurbishing existing ships in recent years to provide passengers with the very latest innovations in cruise vacationing.

Carnival Corporation is the parent company of a number of well-known cruise lines. Included among its holdings are popular American lines like Princess and Carnival, as well as several European-based lines. The company also owns a number of luxury cruise brands. Across all its lines’ fleets, Carnival Corporation currently sails just over 100 ships.

A handful of christenings have recently added to that number. In a high-profile naming ceremony that involved the cast of “The Love Boat” sitcom of the 1970s, Princess cruises introduced its new flagship, the Regal Princess. Likewise this month, Italian line Costa Cruises—another Carnival Corporation property—christened its newest vessel, Costa Diadema. Two more ships will join the greater Carnival family in 2015, and still more will follow in 2016, including the highly anticipated Carnival Vista.

Existing ships will also enjoy face-lifts in coming years. In 2015, the company expects to refurbish 17 vessels. The renovations will include hi-tech upgrades to ships’ systems, as well as significant style and comfort boosts on ships in select markets.

So what does all this growth mean for cruisers?

According to Carnival Corporation executives, expanding its fleets and upgrading its ships is the best way to ensure guests continue to get the most out of their precious vacation time aboard Carnival-owned vessels. The expansions will push Carnival brands’ presence into new markets, and maintain the status of cruising as an affordable vacation option that provides the most memories and relaxation for the cost.

As one of the most famous stops on the gorgeous Mexican Riviera, Puerto Vallarta has long drawn tourists to explore the area’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Scenic shorelines define the coast of Puerto Vallarta, where posh resort beaches like those in the hotel-heavy “Golden Zone” compete with sportier beaches like Playa de los Muertos. There are also plenty of shore excursions for adventurous cruisers, with activities like jungle zip-lining, snorkeling, birding, kayaking, and countless other outdoor pursuits. At the same time, the picturesque downtown, El Centro, offers a pleasant profusion of cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and colonial architecture, with a constant serenade of music. No visitor should miss the Malecon, a restored seaside walkway lined with an array of thought-provoking sculptures.

Perhaps the biggest attraction in Puerto Vallarta is the food. The town is home to several of Mexico’s top restaurants as well as countless local cafes and street stalls serving up delicious traditional favorites.

This month, Puerto Vallarta continues its long-established role as a foodie mecca as it hosts the city’s 20th Annual International Gourmet Festival. The celebration features the works of over 30 renowned chefs from all over the world. Over the course of the 10-day festival, visitors and locals alike can enjoy cooking classes, “gourmet safaris,” cheese and beer tastings, and countless other interactive events with some of the most accomplished culinary talents around.

The foodie fun in Puerto Vallarta isn’t limited to November, though. In fact, the area is widely known for the many culinary festivals that grace the calendar from October through May. This past October, the Vallarta Nayarit Gastronomica brought some of North America’s top chefs to the area for four days of tastings, lectures, and exhibits. In May, many of the city’s 360-plus restaurants, participate in the town’s 10th annual Restaurant Week, during which guests can enjoy a huge range of prix fixe menus.

Given the region’s fascination with good food and fine dining, there is sure to be something in Puerto Vallarta to please even the pickiest cruiser!