Royal Holiday

On March 12, Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) announced that they would be adding a new ship, the Norwegian Escape, to their award-winning fleet in October 2015. NCL has already started construction, cutting the first steel for the new vessel at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. As of the end of March, NCL has begun accepting bookings on the new ship.

Able to carry 4,200 passengers, the Escape will be the largest in NCL’s fleet, with a capacity even greater than her massive sister ships, the Breakaway and the Getaway. The new ship will be based in Miami, Florida, and will service an eastern Caribbean itinerary that includes island ports of call at Nassau, St. Thomas, and Tortola.

Reflecting the energy and natural beauty of her Miami home port and the tropical route she will sail, the Escape will be decorated with hull art by noted Miami artist and conservationist, Guy Harvey. The design is said to feature a graceful sailfish, among a host of other sea wildlife and reef fish. This aquatic conservation motif will extend into the ship itself, as well. Passengers will be able to purchase artwork and other products in support of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative, a program aimed at preserving the delicate marine environment of the Caribbean Sea.

Of course, the Escape will also boast plenty of memorable vacation fun. NCL representatives have hinted that the ship will feature new entertainment options as well as the innovative programs and facilities available on her sister ships.

In addition to news of the Escape, NCL also made a number of other announcements in March. Over the coming year, the cruise line will reposition several ships to new itineraries in Europe and North and South America. The cruise company also has a second ship on order, the Norwegian Bliss, which will sail in spring 2017.

With spring break just a week or two away and summer on the horizon, many longtime cruisers are already planning a relaxing vacation on the waves. Less experienced vacationers may be asking themselves: exactly when is the best time for a cruise?

The answer depends upon the individual and where they want to go. Most people’s work schedules and kids’ school breaks limit vacation time. Additionally, local weather also impacts cruise season for different destinations. The Caribbean, for example, sees its slowest times during hurricane season, while Alaska shuts down during the frigid winter months.

High-Season Cruising

For the most part, the high season for cruising in North America and Europe is the summer, when the days are long, the sunshine is bright, and children are out of school. Most regions also see a high season during the winter holidays, when people take time off for Christmas. In addition, many Caribbean destinations generally see a flurry of activity in March when college students take their spring break.

Cruising during high season offers many advantages. During these times, ports of call generally offer the widest variety of exciting excursions. Restaurants and museums that cater to tourists are guaranteed to be open, and shops will have the greatest selection.

However, high-season cruising has two big disadvantages: the crowds and the prices. Cruise destinations are overrun with travelers, thus resulting in dense throngs of tourists and long lines. Additionally, because of the strong demand for products and services, prices tend to be higher in the high season. Everything from the cost of dining and souvenirs in ports of call to the price of travel to and from the port of embarkation is more expensive.

Low-Season Cruising

Cruisers with more flexibility in their travel schedules may find traveling during the low season a worthwhile option. During these times, there are not as many tourists and destination ports are generally more relaxed. Often—but not always—prices for transportation, food, and gifts, are somewhat lower. Many cruisers have found excellent deals by booking during the off-peak season.

On the other hand, low-season cruisers are more likely to encounter poor weather. In northern regions, winter can be uncomfortably cold. Travelers visiting southern islands and beach destinations will experience these locals’ rainy season. Moreover, many amenities, such as sightseeing venues, restaurants, excursions, and museums, often shut down when the hordes of high-season tourists leave.

Whether a vacationer chooses an ocean voyage during the high season or low season, there are plenty of options for a fun and fascinating cruise experience somewhere in the world any time of year.

As the ship pulls away from the dock, every cruiser is eagerly looking forward to relaxing in the sun, eating fine cuisine, exploring exotic lands, and making memories. Before planning a trip, though, experienced travelers must do a little extra planning to ensure that the memories they make are good ones – not bad.

The unfortunate truth is that visitors in foreign ports are enticing targets for local criminals. Most crimes experienced by cruise ship passengers on shore excursions are relatively minor property violations such as stealing cameras, purse-snatching, and pickpocketing. More serious crimes are occasionally reported – for example, armed robbery of entire tour groups – but such cases are fortunately rare.

The good news is that there are a few simple things that cruisers can do to minimize the chance that they will become targets for criminals during their on-shore adventures.

Do a little research. Use the Internet to understand the types of crimes in your ports of call. The U.S. State Department website provides extensive information and advisories for tourists. Cruise lines can also point you to valuable information.

Travel with a group. Most criminals go after individuals or very small groups. By sticking with a reputable organized group, you are much less likely to become a victim.

Maintain a low profile. When traveling alone or in a small group, smart vacationers dress and act in a manner in which they do not draw attention. Using a respectfully quiet tone and dressing like the locals will make it more difficult for criminals to pick you out.

Pack wisely. Keep the number of credit cards you have to a minimum, try not to tote a lot of cash, and carry it all in front pockets, if possible. If you must carry a bag, keep it slung in front of you in order to make it harder to cut into or snatch it. Finally, don’t carry important documents such as passports or plane tickets. Carry copies instead. (However, be certain to check the specific destination: Some countries require travelers to keep their passports on them at all times.)

Have fun! The reason for the extra awareness and preparation is to ensure that your vacation abroad is less stressful. Don’t fret. Just relax and enjoy your shore excursion.

With Valentine’s Day come countless plans by couples to spend the special day together doing something truly romantic and memorable. The wide array of special amenities offered on cruises have long made them a favorite choice for lovers young and old to get away from it all. In fact, most cruise lines make it easy to have a romantic getaway any time of year, making ocean voyages a popular choice for couples, even when it’s not Valentine’s Day.

Romantic Cruises

Virtually all cruise lines offer services especially for couples. Cruises are renowned for their fine dining options, and most ships have a range of options for dancing, movies, and other entertainment. For this reason, it’s easy to plan a perfect night out while on board a luxury cruise ship. Many lines offer special amenities such as couples’ massages in the spa, private poolside cabanas, and relaxing adults-only decks far from splashing kids.

Because romantic cruises are so popular, it is important to do a little planning. Certain offerings—like couples’ massages or special occasion packages—tend to sell out early, so book them well in advance. Also, on ships with traditional dining, it may be difficult to reserve a table for two without letting the restaurant know well in advance. Of course, ships also offer fine salon facilities that provide passengers with plenty of opportunities to prepare for a special evening.

For Those Special Occasions

The seductive atmosphere of the ocean air, stars overhead, and exotic beaches make the perfect backdrop for an especially romantic once-in-a-lifetime celebration. For this reason, many cruising couples plan their weddings or honeymoons on the high seas.

Most cruise lines offer special wedding accommodations. For example, Carnival Cruises, which hosts around 2,600 weddings every year, recently announced a revamped range of wedding packages with all the trappings, from intimate ceremonies for just the couple, to huge wedding bashes for dozens of guests.

Many honeymooners opt to sail to an exotic destination after getting married. While not all cruise lines offer special accommodations for newlyweds, it never hurts to mention it. Now and then, honeymooners might find it a little easier to reserve a special table or spa session.

For already married couples who would like to re-commit to each other, most ships provide an opportunity to renew vows. Depending upon the ship, this may be a ceremony performed for several couples at once or it may be special for one couple, so it is important to inquire before sailing.

Whatever the special occasion, cruises offer a host of opportunities for couples to enjoy an unforgettable romantic experience at sea.

Cruising has long been popular with senior passengers who have ample time in retirement to take long journeys across the ocean to discover exotic seaside locales. The concerns of mature cruisers are naturally a bit different than for others, but because they make up such a large fraction of customers, cruise lines typically go out of their way to cater to these most discerning of passengers.

Not content to sit back and relax, many senior cruisers seek a challenge on their vacations. For this reason, they carefully consider a ship’s enrichment programs before booking a cruise. Modern ships offer countless options for dance lessons, academic seminars, culinary exploration, and much more. Of course, ports of call also offer limitless opportunities to experience and learn. Whether on or off the ship, mature travelers can explore many possible routes to intellectual stimulation.

One of the most pressing concerns for older passengers is whether or not a cruise ship has special accommodations for health or mobility limitations. Fortunately, practically all modern cruise ships have top quality medical facilities on board. Increasingly, these have real-time connections to land-based facilities, as well. In addition, every ship offers staterooms, spa and sport facilities, and other considerations that make life easier for those with mobility impairments or other special needs.

Many mature cruisers also find themselves traveling alone. Recent innovations in shipboard accommodations– such as the affordable solo cabins on the Norwegian Epic– have allowed these passengers to enjoy a vacation without breaking the bank. Entertainment and dining venues are also increasingly considerate of those who are traveling alone.

Clearly, for the most mature and sophisticated passengers on the high seas, modern cruising is as comfortable, accessible, and inclusive as ever. How could it be any better?

In late 2013, a study on traveling among seniors was released by a trio of notable organizations: the US Travel Association, the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, and the Global Commission on Aging. Their findings indicated that travel experiences such as cruising have a positive effect on heart health and mental well-being.

Senior cruisers can now feel confident that their elegant ocean voyages not only provide memorable fun, but promote better heath, as well.