Reviews
Nieuw Amsterdam
MS Nieuw Amsterdam’s inaugural cruise took place in July and I joined journalists and travel industry representatives from around the world for a four-day round trip from Venice to Dubrovnik. The cruise was packed with ceremonies and behind-the-scenes tours of Holland America Line’s newest ship, the line’s 15th and an almost identical sister to the Signature Class Eurodam, which launched in 2008.
Celebrity Eclipse
What sets Eclipse apart from her sisters? Celebrity Eclipse is the third of five sister ships in Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice Class fleet, but a brace of brand-new features sets her apart from her siblings. Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice Class ships are large but their design and décor are elegant; intimate rather than overtly sumptuous. Colours are never garish but there’s lots of ‘wow factor’, especially in areas such as the Tuscan Grille, The Lawn Club and AquaSpa by Elemis.
Rhapsody of the Seas Review
When the ship is as important as the destination... I believe all cruise ships are beautiful; some more than others. It’s a matter of comparing many factors. When my wife Sandra and I boarded Rhapsody of the Seas, we were a little disappointed at not being able to obtain a balcony stateroom, but we became pleased with our large Oceanview stateroom, with its picture window and more room than the usual balcony stateroom. Our cruise was headed north and we were looking forward to 10 days of R&R.
