Category:

Cruise

CruiseCruise News

Cruise Industry Continues to Reduce Its Impact on Environment

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

A few weeks ago, Earth Day came and went with the usual fanfare as organizations and businesses touted their contributions to sustainable practices and a cleaner environment. While some industries, however, begin and end their green efforts during their Earth Day observances, the cruise industry takes its commitment to preserving the environment seriously.

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is an alliance of the world’s largest and most influential cruise companies. For Earth Day on April 22 this year, CLIA published a press release outlining some of the environmental initiatives its member cruise lines have embraced.

Cruise ships are enormously complex vessels that effectively serve as floating cities devoted to entertainment. With thousands of people on board, it’s no surprise that a lot of waste is produced. Despite the enormity of the task, CLIA member cruise lines managed to recycle 80,000 tons of aluminum, glass, paper, and plastic over the last year. In addition, cruise ships increasingly use ingenious new technologies to produce fresh water, provide heating, and treat waste water. Moreover, with every new launch and refurbishment, more and more energy-saving lightbulbs and appliances are installed on ships, from bow to stern.

CLIA is also committed to air quality. Many of its member companies’ vessels are powered by efficient engines and utilize scrubbers to clean exhaust. The newest ships take advantage of advanced coatings, hull designs, and piloting practices to further improve fuel efficiency.

In addition, cruise lines have a long history of partnering with well-respected non-profits to promote conservation of the world’s sea life and marine habitats. Last year, for example, Carnival Corporation announced a $2.5 million donation to The Nature Conservancy, which will use the gift to fund coral reef restoration projects.

The countless crew members, travel agents, engineers, and business people who make up the cruise industry have a vested interest in keeping the oceans clean and beautiful for the enjoyment of their passengers. For this reason, cruisers can kick back and relax during their vacations, knowing that their favorite cruise line is working to make their vacation not only memorable, but environmentally friendly as well.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
CruiseCruise NewsCruise Tips

Alaska – Things to Do and What to Pack

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

One of the most popular cruise destinations in North America is the majestic coastline of Alaska. Now that summer is practically here, countless cruisers are getting ready for a cool, relaxing ocean voyage.

Alaska isn’t exactly known for its sandy beaches and rum drinks, so what compels so many travelers to visit these northern shores year after year?

Itineraries along the western shores of Canada and Alaska offer innumerable opportunities to experience some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world. Rugged, forested mountains and imposing glaciers define the entire the coastline, while wildlife such as moose, bears, and whales can be spotted all along the way. In addition, ports of call present a surprising degree of cosmopolitan sophistication, fascinating native culture, and plenty of sporty outdoor fun.

It goes without saying, then, that preparing for an Alaskan cruise is a bit different than getting ready for a trip to the Caribbean!

The bikinis and Bermuda shorts can stay home, but you should still bring the sunscreen. The long northern days still can give quite a burn, especially after a day’s shore excursion to a bright glacier or an afternoon fishing expedition.

Much of Alaska’s allure is its natural beauty, so most people who travel there find themselves taking at least one or two hikes or other outdoor adventures. For this reason, be sure to take along some hiking boots, a small backpack, and plenty of bug repellent to keep the mosquitoes at bay. The Pacific Northwest is also very wet. Therefore, it’s a good idea to bring a poncho.

Binoculars are a must for anyone wanting to get a close-up view of wildlife on the coast, or whales among the waves. They’re also perfect for a little stargazing while at sea, far from the city lights back home. Of course, don’t forget the camera—and enough memory cards to store all those vacation photos!

Finally, remember to bring along an extra bag or two in which to pack all your souvenirs. Practically all the stops along the way have shops and museums where visitors can purchase beautiful native crafts, fine works of art, and an array of antiques and local products.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
CruiseCruise NewsDestination Tips

Boston Celebrates Opening of 2015 Cruise Season

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

On its way to Bermuda, the Norwegian Dawn stopped at the Black Falcon cruise terminal in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 1. Holland America Line’s newest ship, Veendam, set sail on her maiden voyage to Bermuda the following weekend. As the first ship to arrive and the first ship to depart from the terminal, the two ships marked the opening of the 2015 cruise season in Boston, a popular embarkation point for sailings to the US Atlantic seaboard, Bermuda, and Canada.

In honor of the new cruise season, officials at the cruise port decorated Terminal 2 with island-themed paintings created by elementary school-aged children and their families during a “Family Art Day” event on May 2. A number of port and cruise line officials also attended the event.

A major American port, Boston easily holds its own against other top seaside cities like Miami, New York, and San Diego. Therefore, cruisers departing from or arriving in the city should consider spending an extra couple of days before or after their ocean vacations to experience a little of what exciting “Beantown” has to offer.

Tourists in Boston have plenty to see and do. For example, the city’s Museum of Fine Arts boasts one of the most impressive collections in the US. Cruisers looking for a traditional aquarium experience will want to visit the New England Aquarium’s serene marine life exhibits. For those who’d like to get out on the sea, the aquarium organizes whale-watching tours. Shoppers can peruse high-end boutiques on Newbury Street, antique shops on Beacon Hill, and the bustling marketplace at Faneuil Hall.

Boston is also the home of a number of professional sports teams, including baseball’s Red Sox, football’s Patriots, basketball’s Celtics, and hockey’s Bruins. Visiting fans shouldn’t miss a game while in town!

Of course, Boston is also widely recognized as the epicenter of Revolutionary War-era attractions. The city offers a well-planned 2.5 mile Freedom Trail that takes tourists on a tour of 16 important historical sites, starting in beautiful Boston Common. However, it’s an extensive walk, and real history buffs may need a few days to take it all in.

The enormous variety of activities in Boston means there is something sure to delight every cruiser fortunate enough to visit!

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Before you cruiseCruiseCruise NewsCruise TipsDestination Tips

Are Big Changes Coming to Cruise Room Service?

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Cruisers have been paying close attention to Carnival Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line this April as the two companies have rolled out charges for select room service items.

Traditionally, one of the most widely appreciated perks of taking a cruise has been the availability of room service 24 hours a day, at no extra charge. The biggest and most affordable lines have always offered somewhat abbreviated selections on their room service menus, limiting these stateroom meals to sandwiches, soups, salads, continental breakfasts, and other simple fare. It’s also common to see late-night fees on service between, for example, the hours of midnight and 5:00 am. And, of course, tips are always appreciated by room service staff.

Despite these minor restrictions and policies, countless passengers over the decades have enjoyed the convenience and pampering that comes with room service. It goes without saying, then, that frequent cruisers today are watching the news of Carnival’s and Norwegian’s pilot programs with interest—and maybe a little concern.

Earlier this April, Norwegian added a $7.95 “convenience charge” for room service on its newest ships, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway. Similarly, a handful of Carnival ships are experimenting with adding service charges ranging from $4 to $7 on certain room service menu items, including personal pizzas, sushi, and wings. Many other items from Carnival’s traditional room service menu remain free.

While some cruisers are worried about rising costs on their vacations, others have pointed out that these fees come along with expanded offerings. Previously, for example, hot meals were rare on room service menus, while the new systems appear to offer a number of these kinds of heartier options, albeit at an extra charge. Moreover, the service fees typically don’t apply to suite passengers. In addition, cruise lines are always adding new dining, relaxation, and entertainment options all throughout their ships.

It should also be noted that this is not the first time that cruise companies have experimented with charging for room service. When Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess launched, the company added a $3 room service fee across the board. That program quickly ended, though, when passengers complained.

Cruise lines are generally known for listening to their loyal customers’ input, so this likely isn’t the last we’ll hear on this story. For now, it’s time to wait and see how cruisers respond to the changes.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
CruiseCruise News

Jamaica’s Youngest Port is Growing Up

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Just a few years ago, the Port Authority of Jamaica announced the opening of its fourth cruise port at Falmouth, built in conjunction with Royal Caribbean. When it opened in 2011, Falmouth’s port could accommodate two cruise ships: one for 4,000-passenger vessels, and one for the world’s largest cruise ships, which carry as many as 6,000 passengers.

In the time since the port’s grand opening, Falmouth authorities have seen an increase in opportunities to draw more cruisers to the town. For this reason, they have just announced plans to increase the size of the port so that both berths can host the largest, 6,000-passenger vessels. Expected to be completed by the end of the year, the project is just one of several improvements being planned for the beautiful Jamaican coastal town.

As the newest of Jamaica’s cruise ports, Falmouth is not as widely known or developed as its famous sister-ports at Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Conveniently situated right between those two venerable ports-of-call, Falmouth offers visitors a slightly different look into the “real” Jamaica and is just a short taxi-ride from some of the most popular destinations on the island.

Like the other Jamaican ports, Falmouth is home to a number of restaurants, friendly guides, and artisans selling traditional crafts and gifts. In addition to the modern port, the town also boasts a beautiful and walkable downtown area full of Georgian architecture. Falmouth is also in close proximity to a variety of interesting shore excursions, including the Good Hope Great House, one of the island’s most impressive historic plantations. Falmouth’s relatively small size also gives visitors unique opportunities to experience island life as the locals do, without wandering more than a few blocks off the beaten path. In addition, several beaches are easily reachable via a short cab ride from the port.

For visitors who want to explore farther afield, all the popular party hotspots of Montego Bay and its famous Hip Strip are only a 30-minute taxi-ride away. In the other direction, Ocho Rios provides gorgeous outdoor attractions like Dunn’s River Falls and Mystic Mountain, where cruisers can experience the best of Jamaica’s natural beauty.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Before you cruiseCruiseCruise DealsCruise NewsCruise TipsDestination Tips

Anthem of the Seas Takes to the Seas!

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

On April 20, one week after German shipbuilder Meyer Werft delivered it, Anthem of the Seas was christened in Southampton, England. During her maiden season this summer, she will service a handful of itineraries, primarily in northern Europe and the Mediterranean, according to recent press releases. Around 80,000 passengers—mainly from the UK and Ireland—are expected to enjoy the new ship’s much-anticipated features in the next several months.

Anthem will later relocate to Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey. Starting in October this year, she will sail from her new homeport to destinations such as Bermuda, the Bahamas, New England and Canada, as well as destinations throughout the Caribbean.

The second of Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI’s) advanced new Quantum-class vessels, Anthem weighs in at a massive 167,800 tons, and can accommodate 4,180 passengers. Her sister ship, Quantum of the Seas, launched last year, and is being repositioned to Asia in advance of the summer sailing season. The two new vessels are among the largest cruise ships in the world.

Like her sister ship, Anthem offers a range of technological innovations and forward-looking features, including some that are being introduced for the time ever. Today’s tech-savvy cruisers will appreciate the quick digital check-in, as well as ultra-fast onboard internet.

Anthem also boasts North Star, an experience that hoists cruisers in glass-enclosed capsule to a height of 300 feet above the waves for spectacular panoramic views. The ship also has bumper cars (a first on the high seas!), the huge SeaPlex sports and entertainment complex, a skydiving simulator, and many other exciting entertainment options.

There is also a bar featuring robotic bartenders that serve up precision cocktails. Those looking for more traditional fare, needn’t worry, though: they can enjoy superb meals in one of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s signature restaurants.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
CruiseCruise DealsCruise NewsCruise TipsDestination Tips

One Beautiful Island, Two Great Destinations

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Long regarded as a gem of the Eastern Caribbean, the picturesque island of St. Maarten/St. Martin is a great port of call for cruisers looking to get a taste of the famous laid-back Caribbean lifestyle with a little European panache—in two different flavors! The Netherlands and France share the island, which is the smallest island in the world managed by two different nations.

The main port is located in the town of Philipsburg in St. Maarten, the island’s Dutch side. As a result, this side sees the heaviest influx of tourists. To cater to visitors, there are several duty-free shops right at the pier. Cruise passengers wanting to wander a bit farther can easily stroll into pedestrian-friendly downtown Philipsburg, where they will find more duty-free shopping and excellent dining. Taxi queues are also conveniently located at the pier, and offer everything from simple one-way trips to all-day, whole-island tours.

Guests visiting St. Maarten can partake in a variety of activities. Many people flock to the popular casinos and resorts, while outdoor enthusiasts can take in exciting excursions like helmet diving and horseback riding. For a unique experience, some cruisers might stop by the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, where Nick Maley—a designer who has worked on a number of Hollywood animatronics projects, including Yoda—displays his movie memorabilia.

Easily accessible to cruisers who dock in St. Maarten, the French side, called St. Martin, hosts a number of fascinating attractions to draw cruisers of all interests. The Butterfly Farm offers countless of colorful photo opportunities. History buffs will enjoy the ruins of Fort Louis, while avid hikers will love walking through the tropical forest on the Pic Paradis, the island’s highest point. In the quaint capital city of Marigot, foodies can gather to enjoy an amazing array of cuisines. Shoppers looking for upscale French goods can often find them here duty-free, as well.

The island of St. Maarten/St. Martin has earned acclaim for its beautiful sprawling beaches, especially Orient Bay, part of which is renowned as a clothing-optional hot spot. There are 36 other beaches, though, where more modest visitors and families can kick back and enjoy the sun and surf.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Before you cruiseCruiseCruise DealsCruise NewsCruise TipsDestination Tips

Take a Cruise, Expand Your Mind

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

A few weeks ago, Royal Holiday Cruises looked at some of the health benefits that cruisers enjoy when they take to the high seas: sunshine and wind, relaxation, stimulating experiences, and new friends. Well, it turns out that the positive effects of traveling don’t end with building a healthier body and making friends. In fact, scientific research in recent years has shown that travel can actually improve the mind, as well.

Practically all cruises offer a variety of fascinating personal enrichment activities such as informative seminars and shore excursions. However, the mental benefits of cruising go far beyond a few Q & A sessions with a guide or instructor.

Vacations, in fact, offer some crucial positives that can actually boost creativity. Everyone knows that, aside from its healthy effects on the heart and body, a little rest and relaxation is a great way to clear the mind. Travel takes this idea a step further by putting a person in a new environment, where his or her mind can take advantage of its relaxed state and thrive.

A travel experience such as a cruise exposes a person to a huge array of unfamiliar sensations, personalities, languages, cuisines, and other “mini-adventures.” According to scientists, these kinds of experiences physically stimulate the brain. Even short vacations away from home, visiting new environments and cultures, open up cruisers to exciting new perspectives and opportunities for problem solving.

Consider all the ordinary experiences that become interesting puzzles when exploring an exotic new port of call. How do I get to that attraction? What style is this amazing music? How do I say “thank you” in the local language? What exactly is this item on the menu?

Dealing with small challenges like these makes the mind more flexible. Importantly, it also mentally separates the cruiser from work and the rest of home life. Getting away from old habits and familiar surroundings provides a new, more distant perspective—and this is what boosts creativity and problem-solving skills, according to experts.

So, next time you find yourself enjoying the sea breeze from the deck of a ship, don’t let yourself fret about work or other worries. Remember that the mental exercise of a relaxing cruise vacation could make you make you more creative and more productive when you get back home!

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
CruiseCruise TipsDestination Tips

Norwegian Captains Now Able to Perform Weddings at Sea

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

This spring, Norwegian Cruise Line became one of just a few cruise lines to allow couples to officially get married through its new Wedding at Sea program. Aboard the Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway, captains can perform legal marriage ceremonies using marriage licenses issued by The Bahamas. These ships even offer same-sex marriages in ports such as Florida, Boston, New York, major West Coast ports, and Hawaii, where these marriages are permitted by local law. Cruisers can also take advantage of the new nuptial services on board the Norwegian Escape when she launches later this year.

To help couples plan their event, Norwegian’s Wedding at Sea package includes a variety of items that make the day truly special. In addition to officiation by the captain and the attentions of an experienced wedding planner, a couple can expect a matching bouquet and boutonniere, decorations, wedding cake, and a festive champagne toast. They will also be treated to a romantic dinner, and will receive a special keepsake wedding certificate.

Other cruise companies whose captains can perform weddings at sea include Princess Cruises, a Royal Holiday-affiliated cruise line that is registered in Bermuda. For other cruise lines, it is generally still possible to have a wedding ceremony on board, but the paperwork has to be signed before leaving the port of embarkation.

For passengers whose ship’s captain can’t officiate a wedding at sea, an exciting alternative is to get married in a port of call. Arranging for the license can be complicated, but the memories of tying the knot in an exotic destination will last a lifetime. Keep in mind, though that weather can prove risky during certain times of the year in some ports, especially ones accessed by tender. A hurricane during a wedding is not the kind of excitement you want on your special day!

In addition to weddings, many lines offer plenty of other marriage-related events such as vow renewal ceremonies. Of course, a cruise also provides a perfectly romantic location to “pop the question,” or to celebrate an unforgettable honeymoon on the high seas.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Before you cruiseCruiseCruise DealsCruise NewsCruise TipsDestination Tips

MSC Seaside to Take Cruising in a Futuristic New Direction

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

About a year ago, Italian cruise line, MSC Cruises, announced its “Seaside” project, in which it would build two advanced new ships, with an option to build a third.

This past month, MSC stated that the first new ship, MSC Seaside, would be delivered in December 2017. In an exciting first for the European company, the new vessel will cater specifically to North American vacationers.

MSC Seaside promises to bring a variety of innovations to the cruise line’s fleet. Currently under construction in Italy, she will be the largest vessel ever built at the Fincantieri shipyard. Designed for the North American market, she will emphasize amenities suitable for cruising the balmy Caribbean. According to company officials, she will be “the ship that follows the sun.”

In an age of increasingly elaborate ship design, MSC Seaside aims to redefine the look and feel of cruising. The ship will resemble a seaside condominium community, complete with sidewalks and outdoor cafes.

An exterior promenade will wrap around MSC Seaside’s lower decks, allowing cruisers to take open-air strolls around the ship and enjoy al fresco dining in several eating establishments. The on-board aqua park will boast five waterslides with a range of features for kids young and old.

MSC Seaside’s more than 460,000 square feet of public space will invite cruisers to explore the countless pubs, boutiques, restaurants, spas, theaters, and other entertainment venues. Inside, the thoughtfully appointed accommodations will provide the perfect place to rest up between all the fun activities. For passengers who want their own personal spa, select suites have private hot tubs.

MSC Seaside will homeport in Miami, Florida, and sail the Caribbean. When she arrives, she will exchange places with her sister-ship, MSC Divina, which will reposition to Rome. MSC’s second Seaside-class vessel will launch in early summer 2018.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail