Charleston, South Carolina, the birthplace of the American Civil War, was once the wealthiest city in America. It’s large plantations and architecture are remnants of this history. Visiting “The Holy City“, as Charleston is known, is to truly experience what once was the majesty and charm of the Old South. Boasting great food and that famous southern hospitality, Charleston is a great place to spend a day or two in before or after your cruise. More for the history buff than the explorer and more for the romantic than the party crowd, Charleston is a stark contrast from most of the ports in the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean and Florida that its cruises visit. So relax and enjoy this rocking chair of a city.
Archive for the ‘cruise travel’ Category
Charleston, SC – New Port Guide
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011A “Shore” Thing!
Monday, October 24th, 2011
Shore excursions can make up a fairly big piece of what is known in the cruise trade as “onboard spending”. That term simply means everything you spend on the cruise above and beyond the basic fare and taxes – things like alcoholic beverages, gambling, spa treatments, optional dining, duty free shopping, and shore excursions.
There are three ways that cruisers typically arrange shore excursions:
• Purchase them through the cruise line
• Purchase them in advance through an outside shore excursion company
• Walk onto the pier and wing it with a local taxi company or tour operator
While a number of community boards posters advocate “winging it” this practice is not for the faint of heart. After all, you are jumping into a cab or mini-bus with absolutely no guarantee of minor things like licenses, insurance and safety record. So, let’s eliminate the Russian roulette shore excursion method and concentrate on the first two.
There is a definite advantage of purchasing the excursions offered by the cruise line. They offer a high degree of reliability, operational oversight and the company is required to have proper insurance. But in the last several years, a second option for shore excursions has surfaced – private shore excursion companies based in the U.S. that offer a selection on shore excursions in the most popular ports in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. These companies put potential operators through a vetting process as intense as the cruise lines (and in some cases, they use the same exact tour operators as the cruise lines!). They allow you to pre-purchase the excursions prior to departure via online booking. Departure and quality is guaranteed. The key difference is these private companies can offer shore excursions choices similar to the cruise lines at prices that are often 15% to 35% lower than if purchased onboard. And because they generally accommodate smaller numbers their operators typically use smaller vehicles vs. giant motor coaches making the overall experience more personal.
One of the up and coming operators, the Shore Excursion Group counts most of the top cruise retailers in North America as clients and serves several thousands of cruisers per year. They have the most user friendly web site and competitive prices. The company is owned by two former executives of a major cruise line. To assist you in researching your shore excursion options, we have created a link to their web site: www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com
At Meet On Cruise we are all about giving our members good information and options. We want you to enjoy your cruise vacation to the fullest. And, in the meantime, if we can save you some money that is a bonus. So, no matter where you choose to arrange your shore excursions, it’s always a good idea to review all the options first.
Please share your experience with the various shore excursions options on our community forums.
Happy Sailing,
The Cruise Professor
Construction Milestone for Royal Princess
Friday, October 21st, 2011Royal Princess, the newest and largest ship under construction for Princess Cruises, reached a milestone yesterday when the keel was laid for the new ship in the dry dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
The 500-ton keel was lowered into position by a large crane, the first step in building the 3,600-passenger 141,000-ton ship.
“It’s always very exciting to mark this step in a ship’s construction, when several of the pre-built sections come together to form a new addition to our fleet, especially with a prototype design,” said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises who traveled to Italy for the ceremony. He explained that Royal Princess’ evolutionary design will include some exciting new elements and expanded spaces, while maintaining the classic profile and popular features passengers have come to associate with Princess.”
The most striking of the new features will be the SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed enclosed walkway extending more than 20 feet beyond the edge of the ship. The over-water SeaView bar will utilize the SeaWalk on one side of the ship, providing cocktails and unbeatable vistas.
Get a sneak peek at the Royal Princess by watching this video.
For even more Travel News & Views, check out Simon’s Blog at SimonTravels.net or follow Simon on Twitter @SimonTravels.
Boston – New Port Guide
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
Boston is known as the birthplace of the American Revolution, the birthplace of freedom, the birthplace of liberty (although Philadelphia might have something to say about that.) With its very famous harbor, which has hosted such events as the Boston Tea Party and the British invasion that prompted Paul Revere‘s famous ride, Boston is now a burgeoning cruise port.
Serving much of New England, cruises out of Boston will take you to tropical Bermuda or up the coast of New England and into Canada. Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America and Royal Caribbean all have ships sailing from Boston from Spring through October.
If you are planning a cruise out of Boston, plan on coming in a day or two before and check out one of America’s truly great cities. From the Freedom Trail to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, from getting a bowl of “Chowder” to shopping the Quincy Market there is no shortage of things to do, see and experience in Boston.
Learn more about Boston on the latest MeetOnCruise Port Guide. For those of you who are very familiar with Boston share some quick tips, so we can find all the best in Boston.
Hello from the Cruise Professor
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011Hello Fellow Cruisers,
I would like to take this opportunity to say hello and introduce myself to the MeetOnCruise.com community. I am thrilled to be joining the “premier social network for cruisers” as a special advisor. I will be a regular contributor to the blog as well as working with Faraz and Eddy to develop new programs and features for the site.
My blog content will be intended to share cruise industry tips and insight gained over the last 35 years. (Yes, I can remember when the entire cruise fleet was about 12 ships and I could name them all and where they went.) In fact, I got into the cruise business quite by accident when I was working at a travel agency in Torrance, California soliciting commercial accounts to purchase airline tickets. I was in the office one day and the Princess Cruises sales rep came in asked if anyone wanted to go on a free cruise that weekend. I was single, free and broke so a weekend of free food sounded appealing. My first cruise on the original “Love Boat” started a 35 year love affair with the cruise industry. And it has not ended. I still look forward to my next cruise with as much enthusiasm as my first one.
So, hopefully you share this enthusiasm and will also share your tips, comments and reviews with us here at MeetOnCruise.com. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email them to me directly at CruiseProfessor@MeetOnCruise.com. I promise to answer every email as quickly as possible.
So until next time, Happy Cruising!
Joe Ewart aka “Cruise Professor”
P.S.: We have a new contest coming in November – MeetOnCruise Trivia. You can win a $50 onboard credit for your next cruise just by being the first one to submit the correct answer. Watch for details coming soon.
Cruise Veteran Joins Meet On Cruise
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
I’m really excited to announce a new addition to the MeetOnCruise team – Joe Ewart! Joe has spent a ‘few’ years in the cruise industry – actually, more than a few – 35 years in total! He has managed a cruise line, served in executive roles in major cruise agencies and found the time to start a few ventures along the way. In short, there is little Joe has not done in cruise industry and the industry has taken note, as his 2005 induction into the CLIA Hall of Fame would atest.
Welcome Joe to MeetOnCruise!
Joe will serve as a special advisor to MeetOnCruise – helping us with membership and editorial development. What that means is MeetOnCruise is going to get better for you, our community. Join me in welcoming Joe to the team.
Stay tuned for lots of new features coming soon and as always, thanks for being part of this special community.
Faraz
P.S. Want to take a guess at how many cruises Joe has been on? It’s quite a bit…check out his profile here and you’ll understand why he is the “CruiseProfessor”:)
New Norwegian Breakaway to Sail Year Round from New York
Thursday, October 6th, 2011
Norwegian Cruise Line‘s newest ship will call New York home year ’round, the line announced today. Norwegian Breakaway, scheduled to enter service in the Spring of 2013, will be based at Manhattan’s New York Cruise Terminal, operating 7 night Bermuda cruises through mid-October 2013. The 7 night Bermuda cruises will offer 3 full days in Bermuda.
Itineraries have not been announced for the Fall/winter 2013/2014 season, but Canada/New England and Caribbean sailings are likely to be on the schedule.
In other Norwegian Breakaway news, artist Peter Max has been tapped to design and paint the hull artwork on the new ship.
“I’ve painted a plane and a stage for Woodstock, but never a ship,” he said. “I love ships and have traveled on them many times in my life. To see my artwork floating on Norwegian Breakaway out at sea will be a dream come true.”
“I am a huge fan of his work and know that the art he creates for Norwegian Breakaway will make the ship instantly recognizable,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s CEO.
NCL ships are known for their distinctive hull art, from the unique, bold Norwegian Sun to the minimalist Norwegian Epic.
For even more Travel News & Views, check out Simon’s Blog at SimonTravels.net or follow Simon on Twitter @SimonTravels.
Carnival Announces FunShip 2.0 Fleet Enhancements
Monday, October 3rd, 2011Carnival Cruise Lines unveiled a series of upgrades designed to take their FunShip fleet to the next level in dining, drinking and entertainment.
Guy’s Burger Joint, one of several new venues coming to the Carnival Cruise Lines fleet
At a press event in New York this afternoon, the cruise line debuted a number of strategic partnerships with the biggest names in food and entertainment.
Among the new features coming to Carnival ships over the next 4 years as part of the $500 million initiative, dubbed FunShips 2.0:
Dining
Guy’s Burger Joint- At this new, no-extra-charge restaurant fronted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, passengers will be able to enjoy “real, quality burgers” and hand-cut fries in an iconic setting offering a casual seaside diner vibe
BlueIguana Cantina – No-extra-charge Mexican menu with taco and burrito stations
Drinking
BlueIguana Tequila Bar – Poolside tequila bar, along the same theming as the line’s popular RedFrog Pub
RedFrog Rum Bar – A caribbean-themed Rum bar, again similar to the RedFrog Pub
EA Sports Bar - Live sports on big screens, draft beer and bar food
Alchemy Cocktail Bar – create your own custom cocktails at this pharmacy theme bar. You’ll write your cocktail order on a prescription pad
Library Bar – Upscale, quiet venue with wine vending machines
Entertainment
Hasbro Game Show – 30 minute interactive show based on Hasbro games and the popular Family Game Night TV show. Billed as “the first ever game show at sea”
Playlist Productions – new music driven shows. Think Motor City, Latin Nights, etc. Will feature LED screens with animation and video
DJ IRIE – First official DJ of Carnival Cruise Lines, will teach Spin’iversity where passengers can learn how to DJ
Punchliner Comedy Clubs Presented by George Lopez – Late night comedian George Lopez will be the “curator of comedy” and staff Carnival’s Punchliner Comedy Clubs. A new comedy brunch will also be offered
The enhancements will debut first on Carnival Liberty later this year, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Glory in 2012, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Legend, Carnival Pride and Carnival Victory in 2013, Carnival Elation, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Valor 2014 and finally Carnival Magic and Carnival Paradise in 2015.
“Fun Ship 2.0 is the largest and most ambitious initiative that our company has ever undertaken and it will serve to significantly transform the Carnival vacation experience for our guests,” said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines. “Through breakthrough partnerships with some of today’s biggest talents and most popular entertainment brands, plus our very own new branded experiences and on-board destinations, Carnival fans and those new to our cruises are destined for an incredible vacation experience.”
Meet on Cruise Members: What’s your favorite new feature coming to Carnival’s FunShips 2.0? Why?
For even more Travel News & Views, check out Simon’s Blog at SimonTravels.net or follow Simon on Twitter @SimonTravels.
Paul Gauguin to Add Second Ship
Friday, September 30th, 2011Paul Gauguin Cruises, the luxury cruise line that operates a single ship in the South Pacific, has announced they will be acquiring the luxury ship Le Levant from French “Yacht Cruise” operator Compagnie du Ponant.
Le Levant, sailing for Compagnie du Ponant
The 90-passenger ship will be re-christened Moana and join the Paul Gauguin Cruises fleet in December 2012 after an extensive renovation. Moana will be Paul Gauguin’s first foray beyond the South Pacific, with the new ship scheduled to sail the Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean and Latin America in the winter. Full deployment details will be announced early in 2012. Moana means ‘Ocean’ in the Polynesian language.
“We are monumentally proud to add a second ship to our Pacific Beachcomber portfolio and Paul Gauguin Cruises family,” said Diane Moore, President of Paul Gauguin Cruises. “This is an incredibly huge branding achievement for the growth of our cruise line and I look forward to welcoming fans of The Gauguin on board our latest addition.”
The new ship effectively doubles the line’s fleet, but with only 45 staterooms and 90 passengers, it will represent less than a 1/3 increase in passenger capacity when it joins the 332-passenger Paul Gauguin next year.
2012 is shaping up to be a banner year for Paul Gauguin Cruises, with the recently announced $7 million renovation of the line’s flagship early next year and Moana joining the line by year’s end.
Meet on Cruise Members: What do you think about the legendary South Pacific cruise operator venturing into new territory? Would you consider cruising on the new ship in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean? Tell us in the comments below.
For even more Travel News & Views, check out Simon’s Blog at SimonTravels.net or follow Simon on Twitter @SimonTravels.
NEW: Video Tours of Ships and Staterooms for Carnival Cruise Ships
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011
Did you know that balcony stateroom 7380 on the Carnival Magic has a gorgeous view of the whirlpool on the Lanai Deck and is above the Red Frog Pub? Well, it does, check out the video! To help you research the perfect ship and cabin we’re happy to announce that NEW this week on MeetOncruise, we’ve added Ship and Stateroom tour videos to each Carnival ship. Simply click on the link for each ship and you’ll see a variety of stateroom and ship tour videos.
Check out Carnival Ship & Stateroom Videos →
Of the hundreds we’ve added, here are some of our favorite ship and cabin tour videos:
Cabin 2225 on Carnival Conquest
HILARIOUS cabin tour video of suite 7249 on Carnival Victory (guaranteed to make you LOL)
Cabin 8435 on Carnival Triumph.
Also, for each ship, there are ship tour videos of the interior and exterior areas. If you are planning a cruise, these videos will be very helpful.
We’ll be adding the other cruise lines soon! What do you think of the new videos? Let us know in the comments below.
Meantime, here are the links for each of Carnival’s 24 ships. Enjoy!
Carnival Breeze - Launched Jun, 2012
Carnival Magic - Launched May, 2011
Carnival Dream - Launched Sep, 2009
Carnival Splendor - Launched Jul, 2008
Carnival Freedom - Launched Feb, 2007
Carnival Liberty - Launched Jul, 2005
Carnival Valor - Launched Dec, 2004
Carnival Miracle - Launched Apr, 2004
Carnival Glory - Launched Jul, 2003
Carnival Conquest - Launched Dec, 2002
Carnival Legend - Launched Aug, 2002
Carnival Pride - Launched Jan, 2002
Carnival Spirit - Launched Apr, 2001
Carnival Victory - Launched Aug, 2000
Carnival Triumph - Launched Oct, 1999
Carnival Paradise - Launched Nov, 1998
Carnival Elation - Launched Mar, 1998
Carnival Destiny - Launched Nov, 1996
Carnival Inspiration - Launched Apr, 1996
Carnival Imagination - Launched Jul, 1995
Carnival Fascination - Launched Jul, 1994
Carnival Sensation - Launched Nov, 1993
Carnival Ecstasy - Launched Jun, 1991
Carnival Fantasy - Launched Mar, 1990
Disney Cruise Line adds Second Hawaii Cruise in 2012
Friday, September 23rd, 2011
Citing overwhelming demand for their first and only Hawaii sailing scheduled for April, Disney Cruise Line announced a 2nd departure to the Aloha state in Fall 2012.
“We listen to our guests, and shortly after we announced our first Hawaiian voyage it was clear our guests wanted more options to visit Hawaii,” said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz.
The 3,325-passenger Disney Wonder will depart Los Angeles on October 14, 2012 bound for Kahului, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Honolulu, Oahu; and Hilo. Eight leisurely sea days will round out the 14 night voyage. Fares begin at $1,800 per person for an inside stateroom.
2012 is a year of unprecedented expansion for Disney Cruise Line, with new home ports in Seattle, New York and Galveston and the debut of the new the Disney Fantasy, sister ship to the well reviewed Disney Dream that launched earlier in 2011.
For even more Travel News & Views, check out Simon’s Blog at SimonTravels.net or follow Simon on Twitter @SimonTravels.
“Full Sail Ahead” for Windstar Cruises
Thursday, September 22nd, 2011Windstar Cruises announced this will that it will spend $18 million to renovate its fleet of three luxury sailing yachts.
The multi-million dollar refurbishment is part of the cruise line’s “Full Sail Ahead” initiative, an 18 month program that will also bring branding, technology and product upgrades to the Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit.
“This is a significant investment in our luxurious sailing yachts and will enable us to provide an unparalleled guest experience,” said Hans Birkholz, President and CEO of Windstar Cruises.
A refurbished stateroom on Wind Surf
The 347-passenger Wind Surf, the largest of the ships, will undergo a two-phase refurbishment, with suites, staterooms and corridors receiving new soft goods, furniture and wall coverings this November ahead of the ship’s 2011/2012 Caribbean season. Additionally, a new timber boardwalk will installed on the main deck in November.
In Fall 2012, Wind Surf’s public rooms will receive the same attention, with a new layout and soft goods in The Restaurant, a new Mediterranean bistro replacing the Degrees Restaurant and expanded outdoor seating and a revamped buffet at the Veranda.
New Wind Surf Corridor
In Spring 2012, the 159-passenger Wind Spirit and 168-passenger Wind Star will receive similar stateroom and public space rehabs before they head to the Mediterranean in mid- to late-April.
According to the Windstar Cruises blog, classic and stylish “yacht luxury” inspired the new look, which will underscore the cruise line’s promise of a “boutique yacht vacation” that is “180 Degrees from Ordinary.” The color palette combines sand and marine colors with the warmth of wood finishes. The line contracted with Trimline Interiors and MCVITTY Interior Consultants to design and coordinate the refurbishment.
Wind Surf at Sea
Windstar Cruises was established in 1984, and it was fully acquired by Holland America Line in 1988. In 2007, it was sold to Ambassadors International. After Ambassador declared bankruptcy in early 2011, the cruise line was sold to lodging company Xanterra.
“Our new owners, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, are committed to Windstar’s growth for the long term. Previously, there have been enhancements and refurbishment projects throughout the years to keep our yachts beautiful; however this is the most extensive fleet-wide refurbishment project in Windstar’s history,” Birkholz said.
Meet on Cruise Members: What do you think of the stylish new looks coming to the Windstar ships? Have you ever considered a cruise on Windstar’s unique computer-controlled sailing ships? Tell us in the comments below.
For even more Travel News & Views, check out Simon’s Blog at SimonTravels.net or follow Simon on Twitter @SimonTravels.
Jacksonville: Gateway to the Get Away
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011
Jacksonville is the biggest city in America (by land area). I bet you didn’t know that. Heck I didn’t know that a week ago. Did you know that it is known as the “First Coast”? Yeah, I didn’t either.
Well… what do you know about Jacksonville?
Jacksonville may just be the biggest city you know nothing about. It is a lot like the itineraries that leave its port: not extravagant, but convenient and fun. With 20 miles of beaches, a nice downtown, nearby historical and nature attractions, Jacksonville offers a great place to start and end your cruise. Carnival is the only cruise line operating out of Jacksonville, but that is not to say that there isn’t much cruise activity. Three, four and five day cruises to ports in the Bahamas and Key West are plentiful and did I mention fun?
Learn more about Jacksonville on the latest MeetOnCruise Port Guide. For those of you who are very familiar with Jacksonville share some quick tips, so we can find all the best in Jacksonville.
Revamped Sushi Choices Coming to Most of NCL’s Fleet
Monday, September 19th, 2011
Norwegian Cruise Line will revamp the Sushi offerings on nearly every ship in the fleet, according to a report in the Miami Herald this weekend.
Beginning this week on Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Star, Pride of America, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Spirit and debuting on other ships (excluding Norwegian Sky) by October 5, the revamped Sushi bar will offer choices similar to those found on flagship Norwegian Epic.
Items will be priced a la carte, a departure from the flat cover charge ($15) that had been standard in the Sushi bar on the ships that offered it. Prices will run between $3 and $4.75 per piece, with appetizers (miso soup, seaweed salad) and deserts (green tea cake, fruit sashimi) also available for about $4 each.
The revamped Sushi bars will be open for lunch on embarkation and sea days and will serve dinner nightly.
Meet on Cruise members: Which sushi offering (a flat fee of $15 or a la carte) do you think is a better value? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment below with your thoughts!
For even more Travel News & Views, check out Simon’s Blog at SimonTravels.net or follow Simon on Twitter @SimonTravels.
ms Paul Gauguin to Undergo $7 Million Renovation
Friday, September 16th, 2011ms Paul Gauguin, the luxury cruise ship that sails in the South Pacific for Paul Gauguin cruises will undergo a $7 million dollar renovation, the cruise line announced Thursday.
During a dry dock in January 2012, the ship’s staterooms and suites will get an extensive refresh, with new carpeting, refinished furniture sporting new fabrics, decorative side panels on the windows and new bathroom flooring. Balconies will also see an upgrade, with new teak railings being installed.
Restaurants and other public areas will also see extensive changes during the 11 night dry dock in Brisbane, Australia:
- The La Veranda restaurant will feature new solar shades, a refreshed entrance, refinished furniture and more
- Le Grill will boast a new buffet area and new decoratative divider partition walls
- Le Casino will be expanded
- A new dance floor will be installed in Le Grand Salon
- Numerous other updates and refreshes to hard and soft goods throughout the ship
The ms Paul Gauguin hosts 332 passengers and 217 crew and entered service for Radisson Seven Seas (later Regent Seven Seas) Cruises in 1998. The ship was acquired by luxury hotel operator Pacific Beachcomber in 2009, the same year she received her last renovation, totaling $6 million. The ship sails in Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific year round, offering luxury, destination-focused cruises that are unmatched in the region.
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