Royal Holiday

On June 1, the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season officially blew in—with a whimper rather than a roar. In fact, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted a relatively storm-free summer ahead. This is fantastic news for cruisers looking forward to ocean vacations in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, or along the Atlantic seaboard this year.

Of course, whether meteorologists predict the summer stormy season to be a light one or an active one, vacationers should keep a few things in mind when planning a cruise this time of year.

Above all, it is important to remember that there isn’t anything to fear about cruising during hurricane season. In fact, even in active years, the odds are slim that a cruise will be affected at all. On those infrequent occasions when a hurricane does interfere with a cruise itinerary, ships go out of their way to keep their sailing as smooth and sunny as possible. To do this, they generally change course to avoid routes and ports of call in stormy regions. However, because hurricanes are hundreds of miles across, cloudy skies and some choppy seas might still affect a cruise. As long as passengers stay flexible and keep a positive outlook, they are still likely to enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable cruise.

So how does a well-informed cruiser prepare for a cruise during hurricane season?

Because rough seas are sometimes unavoidable, perhaps the best thing to pack is a favorite seasickness remedy. This helps even experienced cruisers avoid a few unnecessarily unpleasant days at sea.

A more important issue when dealing with hurricanes is scheduling. While cancellations are rare, delays are possible. When planning a cruise during this time of year, try to schedule in a couple of free days both before and after the cruise, in case of airport delays or altered cruise itineraries.

Some travel organizations recommend travel insurance to cover the possibility of cancellations or related mishaps. It is also important to understand the details of cruise and airplane tickets in the event that a passenger misses an embarkation or has another unlucky break due to poor weather. Most companies are happy to help in such an unfortunate event, but it’s good to know in advance how to deal with such a situation.

With a little forethought, a wise cruiser can relax and look forward to a carefree voyage—even when clouds gather on the horizon.

As summer approaches, countless Royal Holiday cruisers are preparing for fun-filled vacations in popular destinations like the sun-soaked Caribbean or the rugged Alaska coastline. A good number of American cruisers are aiming a bit farther abroad, and setting their sights on the Mediterranean—the home of ancient Rome, Greece, Egypt, Carthage, and many other civilizations.

Early summer is the beginning of high season for cruises around the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Bounded by Europe, the Balkans, and North Africa, the Mediterranean has long been a hotbed of exquisite culture, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history. Cruisers in this region can expect to see famous sights in top-tier destinations like Rome, Barcelona, Athens, and Istanbul. With an almost limitless number of postcard-perfect vistas and fine-dining options, there is certainly something on each Mediterranean cruise that that will appeal to every taste in entertainment, food, and culture.

New cruisers in the Mediterranean can expect all the amenities of many of the largest cruise lines in the world, including Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity. Of course, smaller companies like Italy-based MSC Cruises also serve the region—with a splash of local culture and exceptional cuisine.

The Mediterranean Sea itself is a truly inviting place to experience a relaxed cruise. With calm waters for most of the year, cruisers have little worry of stormy weather or motion sickness. In addition, with travelers from many countries on board, these cruises tend to have a very cosmopolitan feel.

Itineraries in the Mediterranean tend to be categorized into two broad groups: the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, though there is frequently a lot of overlap between the two.

Western Mediterranean cruises typically visit famous European ports like Barcelona, Marseilles, and Civitavecchia, the port that serves Rome. These destinations offer guests fantastic ruins, museums, and high-end shopping. Many of these itineraries also take in more exotic locales like the Canary Islands, Tunisia, and Morocco.

The Eastern Mediterranean is where East meets West. Generally including Adriatic ports like Venice and Dubrovnik, these cruises often make stops in bustling Istanbul, Alexandria, or Athens, as well as sunny Greek islands like Santorini. Some ships even sail past Istanbul’s storied Golden Horn and into the Black Sea to visit ports in Turkey, Russia, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.

In early May, cruise line Royal Caribbean excited the cruise industry when it began construction on what will be the largest cruise ship in the world.

At a ceremony at the STX shipyard in France, workers laid down the keel for the cruise line’s third Oasis-class ship, officially initiating construction of Royal Caribbean’s newest vessel, which is expected to launch in summer 2016. During the festivities, Royal Caribbean’s chief executive officer, Richard Fain, also revealed that his company had entered an agreement with STX to build a fourth Oasis-class ship, to be completed in 2018.

The award-winning Oasis of the Seas, the first in this class, launched in 2009. She made a splash among industry watchers and fun-loving cruisers alike, and has since won several accolades for her many innovations, including a split-deck design with outdoor “Central Park” and “Boardwalk” areas running down the middle of the ship. Despite the ship’s huge size, designers engineered her to have the feel of a cozy community in each of her seven “neighborhoods.” She and her sister ship, Allure of the Seas, also provide cruisers with plenty of entertainment options, such as hit Broadway musicals, a handcrafted carousel, and surf simulators.

The newest Oasis-class ships are being built with the same philosophy in mind. The as-yet unnamed Oasis III will have a three-deck water slide and a more expansive adults-only Solarium. Aside from these features, Royal Caribbean representatives have said little about what new features and amenities the upcoming ships will possess. However, in the tradition of the cruise industry, the new ships will likely offer a great number of other new concepts in entertainment and dining.

The new ships will be slightly larger than their predecessors. Oasis III, for example, will be over two meters longer than her existing sister ships, and nearly six meters wider. This will give her a maximum passenger capacity of 6,360—greater than any other cruise ship currently sailing. In addition to their slightly greater size, modifications to the newest ships’ hulls and propulsion systems will make them at least 20 percent more fuel efficient than the first two Oasis-class ships.

Still in its debut year, the Carnival Live! musical program continued its string of fun shipboard concerts in mid-March with a fantastic show by award-winning country music singer and songwriter Martina McBride. Performing in Cozumel in the 855-seat Sapphire Theater on board the Carnival Ecstasy, the artist entertained eager listeners with signature hits like “Independence Day” and “For the Girls,” as well as a number of popular covers.

Martina later commented that the experience of performing in a ship theater was very different than the huge arena performances she’s accustomed to. Despite the new venue, she had no problem keeping the audience dancing at their seats.

Announced in January of this year, the Carnival Live! program is an innovative effort to connect current and classic popular musicians with cruising fans. Because the cruise ships’ theaters generally seat several hundreds of spectators, rather than the tens of thousands that most arenas do, these shows have a much more intimate feel, and provide ticket holders with the unique opportunity to experience the stars of the show up close.

This year, a total of 49 Carnival Live! events are slated for eight ships in three ports: Cozumel, Nassau, and Catalina Island. Fifteen marquee acts will perform this year, including REO Speedwagon, Jewel, Styx, Olivia Newton-John, Lady Antebellum, and LeAnn Rimes. Because the inaugural season has been such a success, Carnival Cruises organizers are already busy lining up acts for a second season in 2015.

Passengers on participating Carnival itineraries can conveniently purchase Carnival Live! tickets in advance when they book their cruise, or after boarding by visiting Guest Services. General admission prices range from $20 to $40, making these concerts an exceptional value for such a unique musical experience. VIP tickets are also available for $100 to $150. These special commemorative passes entitle the holder to stage-side seating, as well as a face-to-face meeting and photo opportunity with the performer.

Here’s an interesting bit of trivia: the terms “nautical” and “nausea” come from the same ancient Greek word for “ship,” and for good reason.

For many cruisers, motion sickness is an unfortunate nuisance. To combat this unpleasantness, modern ocean-going cruise vessels are usually only piloted in relatively calm waters. These ships are also outfitted with stabilizing fins that eliminate up to 85 percent of the ship’s side-to-side rolling motions. Despite these features, some passengers are simply very sensitive to a ship’s gentle rocking. As a result, they experience the headaches, sweating, and upset stomach commonly associated with seasickness.

Fortunately, with a little preparation, most cruisers can reduce their chances of feeling ill during an ocean voyage.

Booking

People who are especially vulnerable to motion sickness may find it wise simply to book cruises that have plenty of days in port. Certain itineraries also sail in especially calm waters. For example, Mediterranean cruises around the beginning of summer and Caribbean sailings outside the hurricane season generally encounter placid seas.

Choosing the right cabin can also help. A centrally located stateroom with a window allows a passenger to see outside and maintain balance. A balcony provides fresh air that can quickly calm a bout of queasiness or cool down a sweating spell.

Remedies

There are plenty of over-the-counter medicines available to help with motion sickness. A quick chat with a pharmacist will help any cruiser choose the right one. For those prone to more stubborn cases of seasickness, there are also prescription medications available through a doctor.

Many cruisers prefer natural, drug-free remedies. Special acupressure bracelets are popular among many dedicated travelers to prevent motion sickness. In addition, many people use ginger pills to prevent nausea, while green apples, lightly flavored sodas, or crackers can help soothe mild cases of upset stomach.

Other Tips

Most passengers find that spending time in the fresh air on deck is a good defense against nausea. It also helps to avoid activities such as reading that force the head to remain still and focused close in. Instead, watching the distant, unmoving horizon helps maintain equilibrium.

Of course, the last thing an upset stomach needs is to be stuffed full of heavy food. For this reason, it’s generally a good idea to avoid overeating—no matter how tempting the day’s buffet is.

Now that the days are getting longer and summer is on the way, cruise season is heating up in one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations: Alaska. Royal Holiday cruisers who have booked an ocean voyage to “The Last Frontier” are now excitedly looking forward to a truly unforgettable vacation.

When Alaska Cruises Sail

Cruise season in Alaska runs from May through September, with the high season occurring in the summer months from June to August. The shoulder season months of May and September may be somewhat less expensive, but weather may cause some shore excursion cancellations. Cruises earlier in the year are likely to see snow lingering on the ground, while those in late summer will likely make for better wildlife viewing.

Where They Go

Several distinctive ports of call dot the coastline of Alaska and western Canada. Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a cosmopolitan town and hub from which a cruiser can embark on a variety of outdoor excursions, both inland and on the water. Rainy Ketchikan has a funky, artsy vibe, while Skagway retains an atmosphere of its gold rush past. Each of these ports– and all the others– offer a unique character against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.

What to do

The rugged Pacific coast boasts some of the most spectacular ocean vistas and coastline sights in the world. Especially throughout the famous Inside Passage, the gorgeous natural scenery of Alaska presents many unique opportunities for visitors to take in once-in-a-lifetime views of towering mountains and glaciers, as well as wildlife such as eagles, bears, and whales. To take it all in, there are shore excursions that offer basic walking tours, train rides, helicopter flights, and even dog-sledding.

For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Alaska provides plenty of outdoorsy fun, including boating, hiking, and ziplines. At the same time, it also offers a diverse range of cultural and educational experiences. Vacationers can visit traditional Native American villages, science institutes, historical reenactments, art museums, fine restaurants, and more.

A savvy cruiser can contact the cruise line or do a little internet research to arrange Alaska shore excursions to suit just about any taste.

How to Prepare

So how does a cruiser prepare to sail to Alaska? In addition to normal cruise preparation, it is helpful to know that open ocean cruising in the region can be choppy, so those sensitive to motion sickness should be ready. Of course, even in the hottest part of summer, Alaska can still get pretty chilly– especially cruising by icy glaciers– so pack a warm hat and sweater, and dress in layers.

For people with special needs, an ocean cruise provides one of the most reliable ways to have a memorable vacation free of worry and hassle. Because of the popularity of cruising among retirees, cruise lines have long become accustomed to providing special accommodations for their most mature passengers.

Accessibility and Cruise Ships

It is a requirement that any ship docking in an American port be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Moreover, as cruising continues to attract new enthusiasts, cruise lines are constantly designing or remodeling their ships in order to upgrade their services to the best advantage of all their passengers.

All modern ships, and older ships that have undergone refurbishment, offer a range of accommodations for passengers with disabilities. Such features include cabins equipped with roll-in showers and grab bars; elevators to facilitate moving between decks; wide doors into dining and entertainment venues; special fitness equipment; and countless other considerations.

Even though cruise lines make plenty of accommodations for the disabled on board most ships, it is still wise to carefully research each vessel. Cruise line websites provide detailed lists of the specific facilities available on board each of their ships. It is also important to remember there are usually few suitable staterooms and these tend to get booked quickly. For this reason, travelers needing extra accommodations should book well in advance.

To help plan a cruise for those with special needs, a number of travel agents specializing in such travel are available. These specialty agents, as well as many support organizations for people with disabilities, can provide the information any concerned cruiser might need.

Accessibility and Shore Excursions

Unlike ship accommodations, accessible shore excursions are much more difficult to plan. Excursions often involve a lot of walking or more strenuous activity, and utilize local transport not always capable of supporting wheelchairs. Moreover, ports outside the United States are not bound by the ADA. Many sites are simply too rustic or historic, and present difficult obstructions like cobblestones, stairs, and steep hills. For these reasons, easily accessible on-shore excursions are hard to find.

If no suitable excursions are available through the cruise line, one option may be to arrange a private tour— though doing so will usually be significantly more expensive than a regularly scheduled tour.

It can be very helpful to enlist the advice of a specialty travel agent or to contact an organization that supports those with disabilities. These experts will likely be able to provide solid alternatives to cruisers who want to make the most of their ocean voyage despite their special needs.

One of Royal Holiday cruise line affiliates, MSC Cruises, recently announced that they will be adding two advanced new ships to their growing fleet. On March 20, representatives from MSC signed a letter of intent with shipbuilder STX France to construct the first of an entirely new class of cruise ships featuring dramatic innovations in accommodations and technology.

Still to be named, these next-generation ships will be the largest ever contracted by a European company, and will dwarf even the immense Fantasia-class liners that currently head MSC’s fleet. They will also be the second-largest cruise ships in the world in terms of passenger capacity, with accommodations for 5,700 cruisers and over 1,500 crewmembers. Despite their great size—about 1,025 feet from bow to stern—the ships’ flexible design will allow them to visit nearly any port in the world.

MSC representatives said the ships will feature a range of upgraded options for dining and entertainment, including an amusement park/aqua park complex, expanded theater space, and a vast two-deck promenade. Cabin spaces will also be redesigned, including special accommodations for families. The luxurious MSC Yacht Club will be extended, as well, to include new private lounge and dining spaces, expansive duplex suites, and an exclusive solarium.

In addition to the many new features benefiting MSC passengers, the ships will also take advantage of advanced engineering for improved fuel efficiency and decreased ecological impact. The design incorporates cutting-edge technologies into the hull, propulsion, and exhaust systems. With these pollutant-reducing technologies in place, the new vessels will become flagships for environmental responsibility.

Construction of the two ships will begin in 2015, with delivery currently scheduled for 2017 and 2019. While the company has not yet announced what itineraries the vessels will sail, industry watchers have speculated that one will operate in the Mediterranean and the other in North America.

Wherever MSC’s newest ships end up going, passengers will be certain to enjoy all the memorable fun and relaxation that they have to offer.

The first order of business on most any cruise is fun, whether it’s a crazy waterslide, a sophisticated jazz lounge, or any of the hundreds of other activities available on today’s cruise ships.

Beyond the relaxation and entertainment, however, a cruise is also special because it can bring passengers closer to the natural wonders of the ocean world. When considering a cruise vacation, it is helpful to reflect on how the cruise industry takes measures to protect the marine and coastal environments upon which it relies.

Shipboard Programs

Virtually all cruise lines have in place programs aimed at boosting energy efficiency and reducing waste. Most ships recycle metals, cooking oil, plastics, electronics, paper, and countless other materials. They also increasingly utilize energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and participate in electricity and disposal programs in cooperation with port cities to ensure a minimal ecological impact.

Eco-Excursions

Interested cruisers can usually arrange an enlightening tour in destination ports. Whether it’s watching orcas in Alaska, snorkeling a reef off the Yucatan peninsula, or zip-lining with monkeys in South America, there are ample opportunities to experience nature close up, in informative and eco-friendly ways.

Passenger Learning

Many ships provide informative videos, seminars, literature, or other programs for cruisers interested in environmental issues. Some cruise ships also offer opportunities for vacationers to contribute to select environmental causes through ship purchases or direct-giving programs.

Ship Technology

The cruise industry has long worked with ship builders to create hull and propeller designs that improve engine efficiency. Even the coatings on modern hulls are specially engineered for smoother water flow and reduced fuel usage.

In the last year, several cruise lines have announced massive investments in pollution-fighting scrubber technologies. Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruises—leading a partnership with other lines—are both initiating multi-million-dollar upgrades to exhaust systems on dozens of ships over the next two years.