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Unique Alaskan Port of Call Looks Forward to a Facelift

by Royal Holiday June 19, 2015
written by Royal Holiday

The Alaskan cruise industry recently announced that one of the most recent additions to its bustling cruise itineraries, Icy Strait Point, will soon be receiving a major upgrade—a new floating pier. A joint project between the State of State of Alaska, the City of Hoonah, and the Huna Totem Corporation, the new 400-foot pier will allow the port at Icy Strait Point to host even the largest cruise ships. This means that ships will be able to tie up directly, rather than relying on tenders to ferry guests back and forth.

In addition to growing docking capacity, the Icy Strait Point project will also expand guest facilities. A Tlingit-inspired visitor center will welcome passengers, and a new excursion departure lounge will house cruisers before they leave for shore-side adventures.

Officials expect the construction of the Icy Strait Point facilities to be completed in time for the 2016 Alaska cruise season next summer. When it’s finished, more visitors than ever before will be able to experience the fascinating cultural offerings of historic Alaska.

And what is the Icy Strait Point experience like?

Compared to other popular Alaskan cruise destinations, Icy Strait Point is not your run-of-the-mill, hyper-commercialized port of call. Opened in 2004, the facility has been specifically designed to enable visitors to capture the essence of “wild Alaska.”

Shore excursions here highlight the richness of Alaska’s wilderness, with offerings such as extensive forest hikes, whale-watching boat tours, or salmon-fishing expeditions. Area buildings are built sustainably, using traditional techniques and locally sourced timber. A handful of restaurants offer a genuine taste of the region’s own bountiful seafood, while shops feature native crafts and goods.

In order to preserve the authentic natural and cultural experiences it can offer cruisers, Icy Strait Point limits access to relatively few ships, mainly from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Holland America Line. For anyone fortunate enough to have an itinerary that includes this unique port of call, the experience is sure to be unforgettable.

June 19, 2015 0 comments
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Welcome to Grand Cayman, a Culinary Paradise

by Royal Holiday June 10, 2015
written by Royal Holiday

Of the many cruise destinations in the Caribbean, few are as classically “Caribbean” as beautiful Grand Cayman. The island boasts excellent snorkeling and scuba, a huge variety of duty-free shopping opportunities, and famous Seven Mile Beach – considered by many to be one of the best beaches anywhere. A variety of fun and interesting attractions unique to Grand Cayman also draw countless cruisers ever year: Cayman Turtle Farm, the jagged landscape of the town of Hell, the historic Pedro St. James Castle, among many others.

What may be less known about Grand Cayman is its amazing culinary reputation. In fact, the island has a handful of spectacular restaurants. Read on to learn about a few of these amazing eateries that are sure to please even the most finicky cruiser’s palate:

For luxurious fine dining…

Given the island’s immense popularity, it’s not surprising that Grand Cayman is home to one of the best restaurants in the world. Blue by Eric Ripert, which occupies the ground floor of the Ritz-Carlton, has earned a great deal of recognition for its elegant seafood dishes and decadent desserts. The only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in the Caribbean, Blue offers an ever-changing selection that includes a popular tasting menu inspired by celebrity chef Eric Ripert’s famous New York City establishment, Le Bernardin.

For fresh, locally sourced ingredients…

For a delicious farm-to-table island eating experience, many cruisers head to Michael’s Genuine. Like its sister restaurant in Miami, Florida, the cuisine here is as exquisitely designed as the dining room itself. The restaurant features locally-sourced ingredients prepared with influences from Asian, Latin, and Mediterranean cuisines.

For authentic island flavor…

Of course, no trip to Grand Cayman would be complete without tasting real Caymanian food. For this, visitors and islanders alike flock to Champion House II, which has been serving locals for 50 years. The eatery offers hearty traditional West Indian fare including curried goat, turtle soup, and Caymanian heavy cake, a dense, sweet dessert made from cassava flour and coconut milk.

June 10, 2015 0 comments
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Upgraded Allure of the Seas Returns from Dry Dock

by Royal Holiday June 8, 2015
written by Royal Holiday

A few weeks ago, the largest cruise ship in the world came out of a two-and-a-half-week dry dock with a host of new features sure to keep its 5,400 passengers happy. Royal Caribbean’s upgraded Allure of the Seas started sailing out of Barcelona at the end of May this year. Throughout the summer, Allure will sail Mediterranean itineraries before returning to its home port in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in November.

Allure has always been a near-twin to her sister ship, Oasis of the Seas. She claimed the title of “the world’s largest cruise ship in the world” because she is just 5 centimeters longer than Oasis. More importantly, both vessels are laid out on a “neighborhood” plan with spaces that evoke an experience, such as a leafy green park or a pleasant stroll along a seaside boardwalk. Each ship offers a number of fun and festive features such as a zip-line, an old-fashioned carousel, and FlowRiders. In addition, both boats are highly-regarded for their wonderful child-oriented programs that make Oasis cruises perfect for families.

So what’s new on Allure since her makeover?

Like Oasis, Allure now offers a for-fee Mexican-inspired restaurant called Sabor Taqueria. In an effort to expand culinary choice for cruisers, three new establishments now occupy the space once occupied by Adagio restaurant: American Icon, The Grille, and Silk. Sushi bar Izumi now has its own restaurant, too, while Coastal Kitchen has been added as a suites-only dining option.

On the entertainment front, Allure will now be showing the popular musical “Mamma Mia!” after running “Chicago” for several seasons. A handful of retail outlets have been added to the refurbished ship, as well, including high-end brands Michael Kors and Kate Spade New York.

In order to accommodate passengers seeking to book larger staterooms, 10 suites have been added. They include six Aqua Suites, two Royal Suites, and two Royal Family Suites.

With her latest refurbishment, Allure of the Seas has received a number of exciting upgrades across the board.

June 8, 2015 0 comments
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Extraordinary Cozumel: Popular for a Reason

by Royal Holiday June 3, 2015
written by Royal Holiday

Until the 1960s, the island of Cozumel was home to little more than a handful of sleepy fishing villages. A lot has changed in the decades since famed marine explorer Jacques Cousteau made a documentary that popularized the quaint Mexican island as one of the most gorgeous places in the world for scuba diving.

Today, Cozumel is the hottest tourist destination in the western Caribbean. Its busy port welcomes up to eight ships a day and over a million cruisers every year. Vacationers here enjoy some of the most comfortable resorts around, as well as delicious food, a thriving nightlife scene, and plenty of duty-free shopping.

Despite the touristy hubbub, though, the island has retained much of its idyllic original character. Two-thirds of Cozumel remains undeveloped, which means visitors can enjoy lounging on vast stretches of pristine beach, wandering through mysterious Mayan ruins, or exploring multicolored coral reefs.

Visitors to Cozumel will be stunned by the variety of things to do on such a small island. The major city, San Miguel, is almost entirely devoted to serving cruisers. Guests will find all the familiar American eateries and brands, as well as plenty of more traditional Mexican restaurants and crafts shops. Shoppers will enjoy the Villa Mar Complex, a modern mall located just off Plaza del Sol, as well as Los Cinco Soles, a sprawling store that offers a bewildering array of clothing, jewelry, hot sauces, and other crafts.

A number of small Mayan ruins dot the island of Cozumel, offering historically-minded cruisers a perfect way to take a step back in time. One of the most popular sites is San Gervasio, which served as a place of worship dedicated to the goddess Ixchel. Just a few miles away is tiny, serene El Cedral, the oldest Mayan ruins on the island.

However, no visit is complete without exploring the beautiful waters that Jacques Cousteau made so famous. It’s easy enough to take a dunk in the azure waters right off one of the popular beaches near the docks. Experienced divers can arrange to visit spectacular spots like Palancar Reef, a sunken airplane at La Ceiba Reef, or Chankanaab Caves. Even those who don’t want to get their feet wet can still enjoy the beautiful underwater world here by taking a glass-bottom boat tour.

Of course, there is so much more to do on Cozumel than can be described here. The best advice is to do a little research before arriving, so you can make the most of your visit to this island paradise.

June 3, 2015 0 comments
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Experts Predict Relatively Quiet Hurricane Season This Year

by Royal Holiday June 1, 2015
written by Royal Holiday

With the beginning of June, schools all around the country are letting out for summer, and countless families are looking forward to their yearly vacations. Savvy cruisers also know that the beginning of June marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. For this reason, people who have booked a Caribbean cruise tend to pay a little extra attention to the weather forecasts for their favorite destinations.

Fortunately, the hurricane outlook is generally favorable for cruisers. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center is predicting a quieter-than-average season for storms this year.

The NOAA forecast sees a 70 percent chance for a below-normal hurricane season. That means scientists are expecting between six and 11 named storms. Three to six of these storms might become hurricanes, with up to two of them turning into “major” hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.

While this hurricane season is likely to be relatively quiet, experts caution that this is only a prediction. In fact, there still is a small chance—about 1 in 10—that it could turn out to be an above-normal year. Additionally, it’s important to remember that even a quiet season can still produce serious storms.

So how will this affect cruisers?

Fortunately, the truth is that hurricanes really don’t pose much of a safety threat to passengers at all. The odds of encountering a storm during a particular cruise are very small. And even if there is a storm, sophisticated weather forecasting and communications equipment on today’s cruise ships makes it simple for the captain to alter course to avoid it. Ships can easily outrun a hurricane, so typically all that happens is an unexpected change in itinerary or some choppy seas.

It is probably those unplanned ports of call or days at sea that impact cruisers the most. During hurricane season, it’s a good idea to keep an open mind and remain flexible. While your heart might be set on your favorite island getaway, a hurricane could shut that port down. Consider the occasion a unique opportunity to explore an exciting new destination, or spend some quality time enjoying your favorite shipboard activity.

June 1, 2015 0 comments
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Celebrity Will Bring More Overnight Stays to Caribbean Cruises

by Royal Holiday May 29, 2015
written by Royal Holiday

Perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences available on select cruises is the opportunity to spend a night in an exciting port of call. Paying close attention to passenger response in Europe and Asia, Royal Holiday Cruises-affiliated cruise line Celebrity has recently announced that it will include more overnight stays in select ports of call throughout the Caribbean, including Aruba, Barbados, Cozumel, and St. Maarten, among several others.

The new itineraries announced by Celebrity take full advantage of the many popular Caribbean destinations that provide overnight accommodations. In this way, the company promises to allow cruisers the opportunity to experience a different side of some of the most beloved seaside destinations in the world.

Of course, daytime excursions provide plenty of enjoyment, whether it’s relaxing in the sun, adventuring among ruins and rainforests, sampling local cuisine and music, or wandering historic sites and museums. But overnight stays in port open up a completely new world of nighttime fun and exploration.

It’s easy enough to stay on board and enjoy all the amenities available on the ship, but that means missing out on much of what makes an exotic port so special. These kinds of stopovers are the perfect chance to check out the local nightlife or to explore beyond the port town itself—all without worry of missing the boat.

So how exactly does a cruiser get the most out of an overnight port of call?

Without that curfew to worry about, many cruisers enjoy the classic night out: dinner and a show. Others prefer simply to wander unfamiliar streets, people-watching and relaxing in seaside cafes late into the night. Still others can take advantage of longer shore excursions with hours that conflict with day-only calls.

Getting around need not be a hassle just because the hour is late. Taxi services proliferate in the larger tourist towns where overnight stops are most common. Local buses and trains can be an adventure in and of themselves, but be sure to check timetables to avoid getting stranded after hours. For maximum freedom, of course, renting a car is also a fine way to explore, especially for those with their sights set on more distant attractions farther away from the port.

May 29, 2015 0 comments
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MSC Promises Exciting New Offerings for North American Cruisers

by Royal Holiday May 27, 2015
written by Royal Holiday

Exciting developments are in the works for one of Royal Holiday Cruises’ frequent cruise line affiliates. In the wake of its ship Divina’s maiden call to New York City earlier this spring, officials from MSC Cruises revealed some of the line’s upcoming plans to serve more North American cruisers in the near future.

In North America, MSC might be regarded as a particularly exotic choice compared to more familiar cruise lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean. Based in Italy, the company has primarily served European vacationers, and has focused on itineraries in the Mediterranean and South America. Because of its European focus, MSC ships have sometimes seemed unfamiliar to North American travelers, due to the languages spoken onboard, menus, entertainment, and decor.

With the announcement that it will reposition Divina to a permanent homeport in Miami this November, MSC has indicated a new commitment to serving US passengers. In addition, the Divina has been retrofitted to suit North American tastes, and a handful of other MSC ships are already based here, sailing out of Florida.

MSC has made special efforts to address some of the misconceptions that American travelers might have about the company’s ships. Smoking, for example, is not allowed outside of the few designated areas on each MSC ship. Company officials have also stressed that, although menus are multilingual, the cuisine itself is created to suit an American palate, with popular offerings like Caesar salad or steak and potatoes. The company has also taken special care to book entertainers who can please any audience, no matter what language they speak. These acts include magicians and acrobats, as these performers offer visual spectacle and emotional impact.

The cruise line has also established partnerships with a range of popular businesses that are sure to appeal to North American passengers. Familiar quality brands like Italian restaurant Eataly, toy-maker LEGO, and confections company Nutella can be spotted on many MSC cruises. And, according to company officials, more such offerings are on the way.

As MSC orients its business toward American cruisers, the company is going out of its way to offer the most relaxing and enjoyable ocean vacations possible to all its guests.

May 27, 2015 0 comments
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Health Agency Recognizes Ships for Keeping Passengers Safe

by Royal Holiday May 18, 2015
written by Royal Holiday

Although uncommon, outbreaks of illness aboard cruise ships do occasionally happen. One of the main reasons such occurrences are so rare is because cruise lines and the governments of the countries they visit work hand-in-hand to ensure passengers’ health and safety.

Incidents of illness in the cruise industry are minimized through national guidelines that have been developed to protect cruise lines’ guests. One of the most intensive cruise health and safety programs in the world is administered by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which conducts surprise cleanliness inspections twice a year in order to verify cruise ships’ adherence to health standards. Every ship that calls in a US port is required to undergo these tests. To pass the inspection, ships must achieve at least an 86 out of a 100-point grading scale. The CDC has already carried out inspections on 55 vessels so far this year.

A few weeks ago, the CDC announced the results of inspections completed to date in 2015. The vast majority of these ships have passed their inspections, and only two ships—neither of which is a Royal Holiday affiliate—have failed. The best news is that 11 ships earned perfect grades. Of these top scorers, most are ships run by Royal Holiday-associated cruise lines, including the following:

– Carnival Miracle and Carnival Pride

– Celebrity Infinity

– Island Princess and Ruby Princess

– Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Sky

Congratulations to all the ships that passed their inspections with flying colors!

Next time you are relaxing on a gleaming cruise ship while looking forward to your next exotic destination, be sure to offer a word of thanks to the hardworking crews that constantly strive to keep their guests safe and healthy.

May 18, 2015 0 comments
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Cruise Industry Continues to Reduce Its Impact on Environment

by Royal Holiday May 12, 2015
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.

May 12, 2015 0 comments
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Alaska – Things to Do and What to Pack

by Royal Holiday May 6, 2015
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.

May 6, 2015 0 comments
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