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CruiseDestination TipsMSC

Sail to the enchanting Mediterranean

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Disembark in enchanting ports, sunbathe magnificent island shores, and enjoy the rich history and gastronomy of such splendid region.

With 3 different itineraries departing in October and November.

Istanbul

Istanbul

MSC POESIA: 7 nights, sailing to Venice, Bari, Katakolon, Izmir, Istanbul, Dubrovnik and Venice. Departs: October 24 and 31; November 7 and 14, 2015**
From 4,290 HC Read More…

Step aboard and you’ll enter a refined world of comfort, from the spectacular foyer

Waterfall to the Zen Garden, authentic Japanese Sushi bar and opulent MSC Aurea Spa wellness Centre with steam room, sauna, massages and more.

Napoles

Naples

MSC FANTASIA: 7 nights sailing to Genoa, Naples, Messina, Valletta, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Marseille. Departs: November 1, 2015**
From 4,290 HC Read More…

The flagship from MSC Cruises is a masterpiece for its dimensions and luxury. For the first time on a ship, guests will walk on Swarovski crystal stairs. Enjoy 290,628 sq. feet of public space, 4 swimming pools, 5 restaurants, coffee bars, Aqua Park and lots more.

Palermo

Palermo

MSC PREZIOSA: 7 nights sailing to Genoa, Civitavecchia, Palermo, Cagliari, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Marseille. Departs: November 7, 2015**
From 4,290 HC Read More…

You and the kids will love the splash-packed fun and games of Doremi Castle Aqua Park adventures, to Vertigo, the longest single-rider water slide on the seas.

Experience the luxury, comfort and eco-friendly technology on board an MCS cruise ship.

Booking closing dates: August and September. Make your Holiday Advisor and discover why MSC Cruises claim the journey is the actual destination!

* Approximate cost per cabin for 2 people. **All-Inclusive Plan per person $40 USD, per night, per person.

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Cruise Tips

Making the Most of a Short Cruise

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Plenty of Royal Holiday members would agree that few getaways are as fun and relaxing as an ocean cruise. Unfortunately, a typical seven-or-more day sailing can be difficult to plan because of school and work obligations. For this reason, lots of people who might be interested in taking a cruise often dismiss an ocean voyage as a viable vacation option.

To help out these potential passengers, cruise lines are offering more and more two- and three-day itineraries. These short sailings make it much easier for a family to squeeze in a quick vacation, or for a couple to escape for a long weekend. They are also the perfect way for a curious traveler to experience cruise life for the first time without committing to the time and expense of a longer trip.

Of course, the convenience of scheduling a short cruise comes with one obvious drawback: not enough time!

When planning for a short cruise, the most important thing to remember is that it is impossible to see or do everything, especially on board today’s huge cruise ships. A savvy cruiser will identify what they want to get out of their trip, and make plans specifically for that activity. Remember to make any necessary reservations as far in advance as possible. This includes fine dining, concerts, shore excursions, and so forth. With a handful of special experiences neatly scheduled, all the other exciting stuff that happens on the cruise is just icing on the cake!

A cruiser on a short itinerary can also save quite a lot of time simply by looking over deck plans and event calendars before boarding. In this way, a passenger can get right to the fun without wandering around lost, or showing up for a canceled event. It also helps to have a few backup plans, so when something does get rescheduled, a vacationer can go straight to “plan B” without wasting time figuring out what to do.

In addition, remember that most ports of embarkation are fantastic destinations. One can easily schedule an extra half day or full day into a short cruise vacation just by planning to arrive early or stay late. Often, a few extra hours can be more than enough time to check out an attraction right before or after the cruise.

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Destination Tips

Take a Cruise and Make a Difference

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Fathom, a new Carnival Cruise Line subsidiary that focuses exclusively on “voluntourism,” will be hitting the waves next spring. Catering to travelers who wish to contribute their vacation time to a charitable cause, the line will be sailing humanitarian cruises to the Dominican Republic aboard the P&O ship Adonia starting in April 2016. In an exciting recent announcement, fathom also revealed that it would be cruising to Cuba, as well, with a full slate of cultural immersion activities and aid excursions available.

Of course, in order to make an impact, cruisers don’t have to sacrifice a whole vacation, or even sail with a specialist line like fathom. In fact, the cruise industry and their loyal passengers have a long-established reputation for charity. In the aftermath of natural disasters like hurricanes, for example, cruise ships are often instrumental in bringing emergency supplies and personnel to affected sites. Cruise companies and passengers alike also participate in special fundraisers that provide millions of dollars to port cities that need recovery aid.

Even when there isn’t an emergency in the headlines, the cruise industry and its patrons remain active in philanthropy. Countless cruises every year offer charity-minded customers plenty of opportunities to join in the giving spirit.

Many cruise lines occasionally partner with philanthropic organizations to host charity cruises that bring together many passengers in support of a specific cause. Even when a whole cruise isn’t dedicated to a particular organization, there are often specific events and activities on any itinerary that serve to raise awareness or collect funds for causes as diverse as children’s health, veterans’ affairs, or environmental issues. Such charity drives can take almost any form: collection boxes, auctions, dining events, shop sales, dances, sport contests, and more.

Many cruise lines also offer special shore excursions in cooperation with charity organizations in select ports of call. These outings engage cruisers in intense but rewarding activities such as working with disadvantaged children, contributing to scientific research, or replanting trees destroyed by storms.

There really are countless ways to make a difference—even on a cruise!

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Cruise NewsRoyal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has more for you

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

A cruise vacation is without a doubt an amazing experience that everyone should have the opportunity to experience at least once in life. Royal Caribbean knows this, which is why it is now offering more routes and types of cabins for Royal Holiday members.

If you want to go on a cruise, but you think it is very expensive, we have good news: Royal Caribbean offers many options at different costs that are ideal for all budgets. Want a few good examples? Take a look:

  • Bahamas: Escape on an express 3-night cruise to the Bahamas from 3,368 Holiday Credits. Set sail on August 7 from Miami aboard the Majesty of the Seas and enjoy the complete cruise experience.
  • 7 nights of adventure await you aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas. Leaving from Rome on August 16, you can enjoy this adventure from 15,504 Holiday Credits.
  • Caribbean: What do 9 nights of Caribbean paradise aboard the Liberty of the Seas sound like? The price sure sounds incredible: from 5,277 Holiday Credits departing November 13, from Galveston, Texas.
  • South America: Sail 3 nights from Santos Brazil aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas from 7,598 Holiday Credits.

These and many other Royal Caribbean routes are available to travel on impressive ships like Adventure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, which feature complete amenities and spectacular facilities for you to enjoy your time on board.  Also, with Gold Anchor Service, the crew will do everything possible to make your vacation unforgettable.

As if that were not enough, on board activities are plenty and varied, you will not have time to get bored even for a moment. Sign into the website, book your cruise and enjoy your vacation aboard.

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Before you cruiseCruise News

Cruise vacations the easy way

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

One of the many advantages of taking a cruise vacation is enjoying different destinations in the same trip. Starting July, Royal Caribbean offers over 20 cruise routes scheduled for departure to exotic and paradisiacal ports in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Mediterranean and South America. Come aboard majestic ships like The Adventure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas and get ready to be amazed with the spectacular comfort and fun filled decks.

There is so much to do on board, you might forget you on a luxurious shop, if not for the heartbreaking scenery of the open sea waiting for you on the open decks. Royal Caribbean’s top of the line ships host an amazing array of onboard experiences, ranging from climbing walls, sumptuous dining halls and relaxing Spa’s to children’s areas to keep them smiling for the duration of the trip. There’s something for the entire family.

And it gets better: enjoy exotic cuisine, fascinating culture and the most beautiful vistas with every stop at carefully selected ports, making your cruise experience an unforgettable memory to treasure for years to come.

Royal Caribbean offers the Gold Anchor Service in every cruise, ensuring personalized and friendly service from the crew to the passengers. No detail is small enough to make your trip a memorable experience. Enjoy the exclusive Gold Anchor Service, only with Royal Caribbean.

Go to royal-holiday.com and start planning your next cruise vacation! Enjoy world class service and non-stop fun aboard top of the line ships from Royal Caribbean.

 

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CruiseCruise News

Quick and easy: Cruises online

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

The option of a trip by cruise provides a complete holiday, visiting several destinations in one trip. And if you book online, you will find it easy and convenient. Plus, on reservations of more than 5,000 Holiday Credits you receive 500 gift for your next holiday.

Next, we explain the steps for booking your next vacation aboard a cruise through the website very simply. Ready?

  1. Go to the Cruises section on royal-holiday.com and look for available options. You can choose a cruise by route, duration in days, departure date, or ship. Some ships have triple and quadruple cabins, in addition to the double cabins you already know.
  1. Choose the ship and route you prefer, the number of passengers who will be traveling, and select search. The system will display cabin options and the cost in credits for each, as well as the all-inclusive cost. You can go to details for more information. With that, you can choose your favorite option and select
  1. At this time, the lodging is reserved for a limited time. So, it is important not to take too long to complete the process. Fill in the form with your contact information and accept the cancellation policies, terms and conditions. Select
  1. In this screen you must fill out all the passenger data of those traveling on the cruise. This information is required by the cruise operator and filling it out now will save you future paperwork. Remember to have the passports of all travelers with you, as you will need the information in these documents, in addition to the personal information of every traveler. In this section you can also indicate whether you are celebrating a special occasion or if you need any care or medical equipment in particular.
  1. In the next and final step you will view the total to pay, and you can choose which card to use. Fill out the information and select You will see a reference code and a bank authorization code. You will also be able to print the booking confirmation. The official documentation from the cruise operator will arrive by email 30 days before the cruise departure. Keep your receipts and confirmations and get ready for an incredible journey aboard a cruise. Remember that each reservation online, gives you a 500 Holiday Credits gift for your next vacation, also in a cruise!

Before booking, it is important to note that your passport must be valid for 6 months after the cruise trip ends, and you may need special documentation depending on the laws of the country or countries you visit.

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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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Cruise

The Boldest Cruise Itinerary Ever

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Royal Holiday travelers book cruises for multiple destinations in one journey with tons of excellent food, fantastic, even other-worldly vessels and plenty to see and do along the way.

But every cruise seems to inspire Royal Holiday travelers to bring that one more guest along. The introduction of enormous triple and quadruple cabins mean that more people are going than ever before, and as of March 2015, they’ll be sharing some of the best spaces on board, in complete style and with more fun for everyone.

Royal Caribbean International
Since 1968, the beloved Norwegian Cruise Line has distinguished itself with a fleet that’s grown to 22 vessels. These are divided into 6 categories, each with different levels of services and amenities and all with a standard of fun and quality that’s virutally unmatched on the high seas. With most vessels now totally remodeled, upgrades have included flat-screen TVs and new foors in the bathrooms. Big screens have made many common areas into big time viewing areas and though staterooms can vary from ship to ship, all include TVs, telephone, private bathroom with shower and hair dryers. Triple and quadruple cabins will be available on the Splendour of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas, and they’ll be sailing routes to South America, the Caribbean and all over Scandinavia.

Celebrity Cruises
Formed in 1989, Celebrity Cruises sails the classic, elegant ocean with cruises continually updated to adapt to current lifestyles. Differing from other carriers in their quest to offer a cruise experience that exceeds expectations, Celebrity offers high quality, superior design, spacious accommodations, grand style, attentive service and exceptional cuisine.

Passenger cabins are equipped with American and European electrical outlets but there’s also high quality shampoo, soap and conditioner and a hair dryer mounted on the wall. There’s even a free strong box to protect your most valuable belongings and an onship laundry service. Triple and quadruple cabins will be available on the Solstice, the Constellation and the Silhouette sailing routes to Alaska, the Greek Isles and all of the Mediterranean.

Pullmantur Cruises
Pullmantur has a better than 40 year history as the leading Cruise Line serving the Spanishmarket. Distinguished by the maximum care given to every detail of the onboard passenger experience they cater especially to families, and every Pullmantur cruise combines fun and entertainment with enjoyment for every traveler, regardless of age.

Excellent service has earned the company an Award for Best Onboard Service it for 5 consecutive years (2009-2013). Double, triple and quadruple cabins will be available on board the Monarch between June and August for itineraries sailing all over the Caribbean.

Costa Cruises
“Passion and a smile” still describes the Costa Cruise, still the biggest fleet in the world with 26 vessels active today, and three more on order for delivery by 2016. With nearly as many awards for service, the Costa business model is geared toward sustainable development and the steady creation of value for Cruise passengers.

Costa passenger cabins are comprehensive  and offer adjustable air conditioning, flat-screen satellite TV, hairdryer, safe, 24 hour room service, turn down service and more. For this and more, Costa Cruises are an ideal choice for Royal Holidays and cabins big enough for two, three and four passengers are available on the Costa Diadema or the Costa Celebration on nearly all their Mediterranean routes.

Royal Holiday is very pleased to offer double, triple and quadruple cabins for your next cruise vacation, and with all the flexibility you expect. Check the website or speak with Member Services about available dates and itineraries. When you set sail next time, you’ll be saying fewer goodbyes and more “let’s get onboard.”

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Destination Tips

Cruisers Will Soon Get New and Improved Internet at Sea

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Many people sail away on a cruise ship in order to get away from it all: to disconnect completely, kick back, and relax. However, for an increasing number of vacationers, “getting away from it all” doesn’t mean getting away from reliable Internet access. This is especially true of the younger “Millennial” generation of cruisers who have grown up with Internet technology at their fingertips. These twentysomething customers, after all, are the future of the cruise business, according to cruise line executives.

More ocean-going passengers have voiced a desire to stay connected with friends, family, and even work while at sea. Cruise companies, of course, have been eager to upgrade ship technology to accommodate their customers’ wishes.

Earlier this month, Carnival announced a new initiative to boost Internet connectivity on ships across all of its brands’ fleets. Called WiFi@Sea, the program promises speeds up to 10 times faster than what is currently available on cruise ships. Functioning much like cell phone service, the system will use land-based communication when near shore and rely on satellites when farther out to sea. The system, which is already deployed on select ships in the Caribbean, will expand to Alaska next summer and then on to Europe and Asia by the end of 2016.

Of course, Carnival is not the only cruise company hopping aboard the bandwidth wagon. Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) brand-new Quantum of the Seas set sail for the first time in the last few weeks, and has been hailed for its technological innovations, including ultra-fast Internet. In a partnership with Ob3 Networks, RCI has tapped into a state-of-the-art satellite system that will give passengers high-speed Internet comparable to what they might expect on shore.

The end result of cruise industry initiatives such as these will be an Internet experience that allows passengers at sea to enjoy real-time applications like FaceTime and Skype, as well as streaming services such as YouTube.

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Destination Tips

LEGO Coming Soon to MSC Cruise Ships

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Children sailing aboard MSC cruise ships will soon have a new and exciting place to play when the MSC Armonia relaunches later this month. MSC Cruises recently announced a partnership with the LEGO Group that will mean several additions to the entertainment options offered aboard the Italian cruise line’s vessels.

The first phase of the MSC/LEGO project will begin on the MSC Armonia, which is undergoing the final stages of a massive refurbishment. When the ship sets sail again in the latter half of November, she will sport a new, LEGO-themed play area for children. The toy company’s well-known DUPLO blocks will be available for young children 3 and under, while older children through age 11 will have access to piles of classic LEGO bricks and themed building sets.

In addition, both children and adults will enjoy other special activities. Over the course of a designated LEGO day on each cruise, children can enjoy LEGO building contests and a variety of games. LEGO enthusiasts will also have the chance to have their picture taken with Sailor Walkabout, the nautical-themed LEGO mascot. Children who take part in LEGO Experience Day will even receive a LEGO Junior Master Builder diploma to commemorate the fun.

For cruisers who want to take a bit of the fun home with them, select LEGO sets will be available for purchase in on-board shops. In fact, LEGO is even working with MSC to design a special MSC cruise ship LEGO set that will be offered exclusively on MSC vessels.

The LEGO features will be part of the total MSC Cruises experience on the MSC Armonia, available for free to all passengers. Best of all, the MSC Armonia is just the first ship in the MSC fleet to get the LEGO treatment. The complete LEGO experience will also be incorporated onto MSC’s newest vessels, which are scheduled to join the fleet in 2017.

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