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Destination Tips

Mobile Tech at Sea Keeps Guests Happy and Connected

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Many cruisers use their time at sea to relax and unplug completely from life back home. However, for increasing numbers of younger passengers, using mobile devices and keeping in touch is part of the fun of vacationing.

For that reason, cruise lines have worked to use mobile technologies to improve the overall cruise experience for passengers. Internet prices are falling dramatically, and companies are finding creative ways to help passengers stay connected and have an even more enjoyable vacation at sea. Read on for a few of the latest mobile technology innovations from some of the world’s leading cruise companies.

Norwegian Cruise Line

With its iConcierge app, Norwegian was one of the first companies to deploy an on-board scheduling and communication app for its guests. The software runs on standard smartphones and similar devices, and allows passengers to text and call each other without racking up expensive roaming charges. The app also allows guests to track spending, leave messages, make restaurant reservations, and book shore excursions.

Royal Caribbean International

When Royal Caribbean launched Quantum of the Seas last fall, the cruise line also launched a host of innovative mobile technologies. The company announced a streamlined check-in process that involves hi-tech radio tags for luggage and digitized IDs. In addition to high-speed Internet and onboard messaging and scheduling apps, the company supplied crew members with networked tablet computers. To top it off, Quantum of the Seas even boasts a robot bartender!

MSC Cruises

This January, MSC released an advanced app that lets prospective passengers explore the cruise line’s fleet and itineraries in depth. Complete with virtual tours of staterooms, live webcam feeds from vessels at sea, and information about ports of call, the app is an invaluable aid to anyone looking to book a cruise with the company.

Princess

The famous cruise company will be deploying its latest mobile offering, called Princess@Sea Messenger, on the Apple iOS and Android platforms. It is provides a handy texting function for guests, as well as an easy way to schedule a busy day at sea or look up ship and port information.

Carnival Cruises

Earlier this year, Carnival announced that its casinos have gone mobile. Before boarding, passengers can download the iGaming platform for their Apple iOS or Android devices. The app allows guests sailing in international waters to virtually participate in select casino-style games, including poker and slots. Created by software developer Scientific Games, the system will eventually roll out on several Carnival vessels and brands.

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CruiseDestination Tips

The Princess Cruises Renewal Cruise!

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Whenever Royal Holiday travelers board a Princess Cruises they’re welcomed on board to a full course of culture, cuisine and local color. No fewer than 18 vessels explore destinations all over the world, and getting there is always a big part of the fun.

Princess Cruises has been continually lauded with awards ranging from:

  • Best Embarkation: Pacific Princess and Coral Princess from the Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Award, 2014
  • Best Cruises from the West Coast, again from the Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Award 2014
  • Best Wine Bar At Sea – Vines – USA Today 2014
  • Cruise Line with Highest Customer Satisfaction – TravelAge West Magazine Editor’s Picks 2013
  • Top 10 Large Cruise Lines – Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards 2011-2013
  • Top Large and Medium Cruise Ships – Conde Nast Traveler 2013
  • Best Cruise Itineraries – Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards 2013

That’s among many, many others over the years.

But why choose Princess Cruises? See that “Highest Customer Satisfaction” award above? What do you think a satisfied cruise customer should look like?

Well, one of the characteristics of a satisfied cruise passenger is a feeling of absolute renewal. A new personality, a new hair-style, maybe even a outlook on life!

Princess Cruises visit everywhere from Japan to Europe to Alaska (they’re regular rated the TOP cruise to Alaska!).  Coming back is – always – a whole ship full of brand new people!

Take just Alaska.  Glaciers and forests and placid inland bays. Princess even operates a train called “Direct to the Wilderness” and just for Cruisers. Bears, deer, eagles and wildlife are frequently visible from the panoramic windows on the train, and when you venture a little further things just get better. Royal Holiday members go full-in for the eco-tourism, hiking, and bicicycling and Alaska is not a hot, tropical place to break a sweat. On the contrary, visitors year round need to dress appropriately to get the full experience.

Then take Europe.

  • Oslo
  • St. Petersburg
  • Helsinki
  • Stockholm

How about Kerry on the coast of Ireland – or your pick of Greek islands glistening in the sun? The fact is, every cruise is a chance to rediscover yourself in a place you’ve only distantly imagined, and every time one of those distant ideas becomes an idea, you become more fully, and totally renewed.

And then there’s onboard. Every vessel in the Princess Cruises fleet is equipped with fine – even elegant – finishings. You can have your hair done or any number of spa treatments. Lounge on the deck, take in some entertainment, and watch as distant destinations come at long last into view.

There on the horizon, there’s a part of you. And it’s all up to you to discover it. Talk to Membership Services about the Princess Cruises cruise that’s perfect for you. 2014 is scheduled with a tremendous number to choose from.

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Cruise News

Cruise Lines Partner with Sports Teams for Business and Pleasure

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Early November 2013 saw a flurry of announcements of partnerships between several Royal Holiday-affiliated cruise lines and professional sports teams. These joint ventures are sure to give cruisers many additional opportunities for vacation enjoyment.

Carnival and the New Orleans Saints

Carnival Cruise Lines is now the Official Cruise Partner of the New Orleans Saints football team. This is a natural match for the two organizations, as Carnival has had a strong relationship with the Big Easy for nearly two decades. Today, the company bases two ships out of New Orleans, from which it takes more than 300,000 passengers on Caribbean cruises every year.

The partnership is Carnival’s first such collaboration with an NFL franchise. The November 17 game between the Saints and San Francisco 49ers coincided with the arrival of the completely rebuilt Carnival Sunshine. The celebration included a free-cruise giveaway to a lucky spectator at the football game. In coming years, the two companies hope to aim their shared devotion to exciting entertainment toward enhancing economic development in the New Orleans region.

Celebrity and the New York Rangers

In a similar arrangement, Celebrity was named Official Cruise Line of the New York Rangers ice hockey team. This marketing association will give Rangers fans special access to Celebrity perks, while the cruise line will be featured during hockey games at Madison Square Garden.

A centerpiece of this partnership will be The Rangers Legends Cruise aboard the Celebrity Summit. Debuting in August 2014, this seven-night theme cruise to Bermuda will give fans the chance to mingle with Rangers superstars Stephane Matteau, Ron Duguay, Adam Graves, and Ron Greschner.

Norwegian and the Miami Dolphins

The christening of Norwegian Cruise Lines’ newest ship promises to be a little unusual. Recently, Norwegian announced that the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders would be the official godmothers of the brand new Norwegian Getaway. The christening ceremony in February 2014 will also mark the start of a partnership in which Norwegian will officially be named the official cruise line of the Miami Dolphins football franchise. The affiliation will include promotions and cruise giveaways at football games.

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Destination Tips

Ocean Wear – Dressing for a Cruise Vacation

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Dressing for a cruise can be a little confusing for first-time passengers, and can even befuddle experienced cruisers now and then. The reason for this is that attitudes toward cruise attire have shifted significantly over the years. Prior to World War II, cruising was a formal affair enjoyed mainly by the wealthy. Cruise vacations became more affordable in the 1960s and began catering to more middle class passengers. By the 1990s, much of the formality had been replaced by more casual attitudes.

Today, cruise dress codes are relatively relaxed compared to 50 years ago, but they do vary from cruise line to cruise line. The best recommendation is to check the ship’s policy before packing in order to avoid any awkward surprises. In general, it is a good idea to consider five different situations when packing clothes for a cruise:

Lounging, Fitness, and Sports

The favorite daytime activity on most cruises is poolside lounging or taking advantage of the many shipboard sports and gym facilities. For these activities, of course, swimwear, shorts, tank tops, and athletic clothes are perfectly acceptable and expected.

Casual

For daytime activities away from the pool and courts, casual wear is generally fine: longer shorts, jeans, tee shirts, and other dress-down wear. For casual dining, most lido deck restaurants even allow flip-flops and a cover garment over a swimsuit.

Cruise Casual

When evening falls, parts of many ships might suggest a slightly more upscale dress code. Most of the time, “cruise casual” is encouraged at dinner and in most entertainment venues. This simply means a collared shirt and decent slacks or jeans for men, and a casual dress or slacks and a blouse for women.

Formal

Most cruises have one or two formal nights, as well. During these times, men are encouraged to dine in a suit or tuxedo, while women typically wear a nice cocktail dress or pantsuit. Some venues may encourage similar attire at all times—elegant restaurants or certain lounges, for example.

Excursions

How to dress for excursions varies by cruise and by destination. For sunny beach excursions, swimwear is the obvious choice. Urban excursions generally require comfortable shoes and casual wear suitable for a daytime lunch spot. A warm hat, sweater, or raincoat might also be wise choices depending upon the exact location.

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Destination Tips

Cruise Industry Unites in Typhoon Haiyan Relief Efforts

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

In early November, Typhoon Haiyan lashed Southeast Asia with some of the strongest winds and rains on record. One of countries hardest hit by the super-storm was the Philippines, a nation made up of several thousand islands particularly vulnerable to these types of weather events. Today, the country is still reeling from nearly 4,000 deaths, tens of thousands of missing or displaced persons, and an estimated $14 billion in economic damages.

The Philippines is home to a great number of employees in the cruise industry, so most cruise companies around the world can count many staff and crew who have been personally affected by Typhoon Haiyan. For this reason, the industry has shown an especially generous outpouring of support and monetary aid in response to the natural disaster.

According to the leading cruise resource website, Cruise Critic, a number of cruise lines have announced initiatives to help their Filipino employees, as well as provide significant donations to aid efforts. Royal Holiday affiliates Carnival and Norwegian, for example, have taken extra measures to help staff and crew members connect with family in the Philippines. In addition, Carnival has partnered with the Miami Heat basketball team to pledge $1 million to relief efforts in the region. Princess Cruises has donated $110,000 to various medical organizations operating in the region. Several other lines have also contributed financial or logistical support, and rallied their passengers to give to the cause, as well.

Overall, individual cruise lines have given in excess of $2.2 million for Typhoon Haiyan recovery, according to the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation (CICF). At the same time, the CICF itself has given an additional $100,000 to the American Red Cross for storm relief work in the Philippines.

Typhoon Haiyan has left a great deal of destruction behind it, especially in the Philippines. To aid in the region’s recovery, however, the entire cruise community—including companies, crew, and passengers—has risen to the challenge of helping those most affected by this disaster.

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