Royal Holiday

One of the most important events in maritime history was remembered this year at a gala marking the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Panama Canal.

A grand ceremony at the Canal’s Miraflores lock commemorated the passing of the steamer Ancón through the Panama Canal on August 15, 1914. Kicking off the centenary celebration, the Greek vessel Galini led the several dozen ships that passed through the busy canal during the first day of the canal’s second century. Dignitaries and guests enjoyed a 13-foot-long chocolate cake shaped to resemble the complex lock system, while performers of all sorts provided entertainment, including traditional Panamanian dances and a theatrical production depicting the waterway’s turbulent history.

Several other events have taken place throughout Panama to recognize the influential canal’s 100th birthday. A number of commemorative books were published, and a traveling interactive exhibit entitled “Centennial Experience of the Canal” visited nine provinces in the country. The three-day Ocean to Ocean race saw competitors paddle their way through the 49-mile canal from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. Even a new, limited-edition fragrance was released: “Canal,” the first-ever Panamanian brand of perfume, is said to evoke the entrepreneurial character of the canal’s long history.

The importance of the Panama Canal cannot be overstated. A true marvel of engineering at the time it was built, it dramatically decreased the time, fuel, and risk required for ships to take cargo and passengers between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As other canals have opened elsewhere in the world over the last century, the Panama Canal’s influence has declined somewhat. Nonetheless, roughly five percent of the world’s maritime trade still passes through it, and that number is set to grow in coming decades as Panama works to add a new set of modernized locks. The expansion will triple the waterway’s capacity, and allow super-sized “Post-Panamax” ships to use the Panama Canal. The expansion will ensure that the historic waterway continues to remain relevant throughout the 21st century.

Over the last few years, the number of cruise ships serving the Caribbean has steadily grown. In 2011, 212 ships sailed the region, whereas today there are 235. That number is likely to rise again for the 2015 cruising season, as four more ships are scheduled to cruise Caribbean itineraries.

The Caribbean has long been an incredibly popular cruise destination—number one in the world, in fact! This is largely because of its proximity to the huge North American market, as well as its year-round itineraries. Having such a large selection of ships and specific itineraries to choose from has kept prices down for passengers. Of course, this is fantastic news for cruisers seeking bargains. There are a great number of cruises currently available for less than $100 per night on many cruise lines throughout the Caribbean.

On the other hand, low prices pose special challenges for the companies that provide them. According to Cruise Critic, competing cruise lines universally agree that low rates are an unfortunate part of doing business in the Caribbean, especially during low season. Cruise companies are attempting to balance out pricing by situating ships to more effectively serve markets farther from the southeastern US ports in Florida. Several vessels will be relocated to homeports in Texas and California so that more cruise enthusiasts in the American West and Midwest can enjoy an ocean vacation without buying an expensive flight to get there. Other ships will be moved even farther in order to service growing markets in Asia.

Despite industry corrections, however, the Caribbean will remain an extremely popular destination for the foreseeable future—and that means it will stay an affordable cruise option for years to come.

In mid-August, the world’s newest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) acclaimed Quantum of the Seas, entered the water for the first time. The brand-new liner left the German shipyard Meyer Werft to start testing of critical systems, including thrusters and stabilizers. Until she finally arrives in the North Atlantic in mid-September, Quantum will undergo a variety of trials to verify her seaworthiness.

She is scheduled to sail to Southampton, England, on October 31, and then set off for Cape Bayonne, New Jersey. Although her first few cruises will be in North America, Quantum will relocate to Shanghai in May 2015 to serve the booming cruise market in Asia.

With the room for 4,180 passengers, Quantum is third-largest cruise ship in the world after her big sisters, RCI’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. As the first of her class, Quantum of the Seas brings several new features to cruising. The Seaplex—which will include a roller rink, carnival-style rides, and a circus school—will be the most expansive outdoor sport and entertainment facility on the high seas. There ship will also have a skydiving simulator and a special elevated capsule called North Star, which will rise 30 stories above the waves to offer incredible, 360-degree panoramic views.

Quantum also introduces a new, more flexible form of dining experience. No longer constrained by main dining rooms and set dining times, guests will be able to enjoy meals on their own schedule at 18 different restaurants. A handful of new cabin categories are also available, with staterooms that are nearly 10 percent larger on average than those on Oasis-class ships. Of course, a slate of new shopping outlets, shows, and venues will be added to the marquee, as well.

RCI has announced plans to launch two more Quantum-class vessels in coming years. Anthem of the Seas will be delivered in spring of next year, while a third yet unnamed sister ship will sail sometime in mid-2016.

While the Caribbean is the most popular destination for American cruisers, many of the best beach destinations in North America actually lie on the west coast of Mexico. This vast stretch of gorgeous oceanside landscape is known as the Mexican Riviera.

The Mexican Riviera extends hundreds of miles, from Baja in the north to Salina Cruz near the southern end of Mexico. Ports of call here offer a huge variety of things to do and see, including scuba and snorkeling, wineries, ecotours, beach resorts, historic sites, craft bazaars, and of course, fabulous Mexican food and music!

There are nearly two dozen exciting and unique cities scattered along the Mexican Riviera. Read on to learn about a few of the most popular stops for cruisers.

Ensenada

Located just 70 miles south of the U.S. border, Ensenada is the northernmost port on the Mexican Riviera. Its picturesque downtown boasts many fantastic bars, restaurants, and clubs, as well as countless shops and vendors displaying souvenirs and handmade crafts.

Cabo San Lucas

At the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is the site of the stately Land’s End rock formation, which separates the Pacific from the narrow Sea of Cortez. The area has earned acclaim for its pristine white beaches, choice fishing, and excellent scuba diving, as well as its austere desert landscapes.

Puerto Vallarta

Resting at the foot of the towering Sierra Madre mountains, Puerto Vallarta is a classic Mexican city. The majestic cathedral and the city’s old town, with its red tiles and cobblestones, whisks visitors back into Mexico’s storied past. The surrounding mountain forests attract tourists for the area’s many hiking and ecotour opportunities, while the cosmopolitan city itself offers fantastic restaurants, galleries, and nightlife.

Acapulco

Exciting Acapulco draws tourists for its beautiful ocean scenery, fearless cliff divers, and sizzling nightlife. For decades, this city was a favorite hangout for Hollywood elites. Today, Acapulco still offers up sumptuous resorts, breath-taking views, and world-class restaurants.

Many cruisers’ favorite shore excursions involve “zip-lining,” a heart-pounding activity that enables adventurous cruisers of all ages to zoom through the air at adrenaline-pumping speeds. Often combined with other outdoor activities, zip-lining is a truly unforgettable thrill!

What Is Zip-Lining?

Very simply, a zip-line is a pulley that rides along a steel cable that is mounted higher at one end than the other. The zip-liner is harnessed to the pulley and then allowed to zoom down the cable, sometimes alone and sometimes with a guide, depending upon the specific excursion.

Zip-lining is often part of a “canopy tour,” which might include a number of zip-lines, bridges, ladders, and rappelling ropes connecting several tree-top platforms in a jungle or forest setting.

Is Zip-Lining Safe?

Yes. Reputable zip-line operators throughout the world are certified by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), the largest American standards organization for evaluating recreational courses. Zip-line guides are professionals, and zip-line operators provide well-maintained safety equipment and thorough training to all their guests.

A wise cruiser will research the zip-line operator before leaving for his or her vacation. Plenty of information is available at every good operator’s website, and one can find helpful reviews from previous customers through sites like TripAdvisor and CruiseCritic.

What Should I Expect During My Zip-Line Experience?

Zip-lining is not for the faint-of-heart, and most excursions require at least a moderate level of fitness. An excursion usually begins with a hike or climb to the top of the course or tour, followed by a briefing on safety and training in the use of the equipment. There are usually also one or two short zip-line flights so those with second thoughts can excuse themselves.

After that, adventurous cruisers get to experience the rush of the wind as they soar high above the ground with the birds! They will usually zip between several platforms, making their way their way lower and lower, often learning about the local plants and wildlife at the same time. At the end of it all, snacks, refreshing drinks, and exciting conversation are almost always available.

Where Can I Try Zip-Lining?

Most cruise line itineraries based out of North America stop in at least one port that offers a zip-line shore excursion. These kinds of adventure tours are especially popular in locales with jungle terrain, such as Cozumel, Puerto Rico, Roatan, and many Caribbean islands. Alaska cruises also typically offer opportunities for zip-lining through lush Pacific mountain forests. The largest cruise ships—Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels—are so big

Earlier this summer, Norwegian Cruise Lines announced an ambitious, fleet-wide upgrade program called “Norwegian NEXT.” The initiative aims to enhance every ship in the fleet with new entertainment choices and cutting-edge technologies.

Many of Norwegian’s ships have already undergone refurbishing. Currently, the Norwegian Gem is in dry dock undergoing its NEXT makeover. The Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Star will receive their upgrades next year.

Dining

In its July announcement, Norwegian outlined many of the changes coming to its dining offerings. Dinner menus will be specially tailored based on the itinerary of each ship, thereby giving each ship’s meal options a regional flair. Likewise, seafood choices will be significantly expanded, while main dining room lunch menus will also be re-imagined.

Foodies will also be delighted by the new chef recommendations program. The new menus will feature several starter and entree suggestions, along with expertly selected wine pairings.

Entertainment

Norwegian’s fleet-wide upgrade will bring Nickelodeon-themed activities to every ship in the fleet. Cruising kids will enjoy games, eating options, shows, and other activities based on Nickelodeon’s beloved characters and game shows.

For grown-ups, Norwegian’s expanded slate of entertainment options includes the H2Glow club party—currently only offered on the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway—on every boat. In addition, Norwegian will add several new shows to every ship’s already exciting lineup.

Technology

Norwegian plans to upgrade onboard Wi-Fi throughout the fleet in the coming year, while Norwegian’s convenient iConcierge app will allow passengers to talk and text everywhere on each ship.

Ships will also undergo an environmental overhaul. To reduce polluting emissions and save fuel, select ships will get brand-new exhaust scrubbers and special hull treatments.

This August marks the first anniversary of a voluntary initiative by the cruise industry to improve the reporting of crime occurrences on board ships. At a US Senate hearing on August 1st of last year, the leaders of the three largest cruise companies committed to making public all criminal allegations on board their ships, going back to 2010, when the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act was passed.

True to their word, cruise operators Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian have been publishing crime statistics on their corporate websites.

Findings

The first thing that one notices when looking at the crime statistics is just how low criminal activity is on a cruise ship.

Last summer, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released data compiled by criminologist James Alan Fox, PhD, of Northeastern University. The numbers, which covered 90% of all North American cruise operators from 2010 to 2012, showed that crime on ships is incredibly low compared crime in general. For example, the general rate of aggravated assault during those years was about 249 per 100,000 people. The rate of assaults with aboard cruise ships, however, was a mere 3.8 per 100,000.

The latest data released by the cruise lines bears this out. Norwegian, for example, reported only a single criminal incident in the entire first quarter of 2014. During the same period, Royal Caribbean noted just two serious allegations, while Carnival (the largest cruise operator, with several subsidiaries, including Princess and Seabourn) reported only 12 incidents across all its brands.

It is important to note that these are reports of allegations only. Even if an investigation eventually showed an allegation to be unfounded, the incident is still reported in the statistics. This means that the true crime rate on cruise ships might be even lower than the statistics suggest.

Relax and Enjoy Your Cruise!

These numbers prove that there is little need to worry about crime on a cruise ship. While it is always important to be alert while travelling, you should feel free to kick back, relax, and enjoy your ocean vacation, safe in the knowledge that the ship’s crew is diligently looking after you and your family.

The long, warm days of summer are the high season for cruises to Alaska, one of the most popular destinations among American vacationers. Sailing along the northern Pacific coast gives spectacular views of wildlife in pristine forests, majestic snow-capped mountains, and shimmering glaciers.

There are also a number of fascinating ports of call along the way, each with a unique character. For cruisers with a taste for salmon, a heart for outdoor adventure, and an eye for Native art, scenic Ketchikan is the place for you.

About Ketchikan, Alaska

The most southeastern city in Alaska, Ketchikan is a small town that sits right at the entrance to the gorgeous Inside Passage. It’s a century-old fishing town supported by a thriving fishery and tourism, and set among some of the most stunning and photogenic scenery in the world.

Things to Do and See in Town

No cruiser on shore excursion should miss historic Creek Street. Built upon a pier over the water, this was once the ramshackle red-light district of Ketchikan, but has since transformed into a shopping wonderland of quirky boutiques and quaint cafes.

Ketchikan is probably best known for its totem poles. Dozens of the imposing Native sculptures are scattered throughout galleries and parks in town, including the Totem Heritage Center. There are also several museums showcasing the arts and history of the region as well.

Shopping

For Native arts, Ketchikan is the place to be. At shops throughout town, visitors can purchase traditional crafts such as baskets and intricate carvings, as well as more contemporary art forms like glassware. Be sure to look for the “silver hand” mark that certifies a product was handcrafted by a Native artisan.

Alaskan canned fish and historical items like antiques, nautical charts, and maps also make excellent souvenirs of the area.

Eating

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan offers exquisite seafood, as well as a select range of other cuisines, from fast food to fine dining.

Entertainment

There are several live music venues in many of the areas lodges, bars, cafes, and lounges. Most any genre can be found at some time or other, and (best of all!) many local acts are more than happy to let enthusiastic listeners join in with their own instruments.

Cruisers lucky enough to visit in July can also catch a showing of the wild melodrama, “The Fish Pirate’s Daughter,” a true Ketchikan original.

Outdoor Activities

Ketchikan is surrounded by Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world, which has countless opportunities for hiking, zip-lining, kayaking, and more.

A short distance away from town is Misty Fjords, where guests can take in breath-taking views of 3,000 foot cliffs carved by glaciers. Both cruise and flight tours are available to experience this unforgettable natural sight.

As a fishing town, of course, Ketchikan also offers a variety of sportfishing excursions, both on the sea and up-river.

The North American cruise industry moved closer to being smoke-free with the latest announcement from Carnival Cruise Lines. As of early October, the company will forbid smoking on all outside balconies, thus expanding the current smoking ban in all staterooms. Cruisers can still enjoy a puff in designated locations on the open deck and in select areas in casinos and nightclubs.

Carnival’s smoking ban is just the latest in an industry-wide movement to restrict smoking on board, especially on ships operating out of North American ports. Of the remaining large cruise lines, only Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America (a subsidiary of Carnival) still allow smoking on balconies.

Although it can be a contentious issue on cruisers’ and smokers’ forums, cruise lines’ smoking policies generally reflect a wider trend seen in entertainment businesses throughout North America. As fewer people are lighting up in the US, there has been a growing demand for smoke-free cruises. According to Carnival spokespeople, the company instigated the recent smoking ban based on feedback from their guests. So far, response to the ban has been largely positive.

What about E-Cigarettes?

In the past several years, “e-cigs” have become more and more popular as an inoffensive alternative to traditional cigarettes. A few cruise lines (for example, Princess Cruises) have enacted special policies to accommodate e-cigarette users. Most cruise companies, however, still treat these devices the same as regular cigarettes, so shipboard smoking bans generally apply to e-cigarettes, as well.

Smoking and Cruising beyond North America

Cruisers who sail farther abroad than the Caribbean or the North American coasts may find many ships with more moderate smoking restrictions. Ships that service primarily European or Asian guests tend to have more relaxed policies, as smoking is much more prevalent in those countries.

To avoid any unwelcome surprises, it is a good idea for Royal Holiday cruisers who smoke to examine a specific ship’s smoking policy before boarding. With a little preparation, all passengers—smokers and non-smokers alike—can enjoy a restful and trouble-free cruise vacation.