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.
Day 1 on Rhapsody of the Seas was longer than I had planned, and while it involved boarding a big and exciting cruise ship it largely involved sitting in Circular Quay.
Day 3: Thanksgiving. Ever heard of Turkey Pardon? No, nor had we, so we are compelled to wander down to the Royal Promenade (Deck 5) at midday to find out – after a tough morning testing the spa that’s suspended over the Caribbean Sea.
More Allure stats: The Central Park Neighborhood is a living park at sea, with 12,175 plants, 62 vine plants 56 trees and bamboo plants – and even piped birdsong.
Friday is Formal Day on board Celebrity Century and it’s fun to dress up – and shame on those slackers who don’t make the effort. Not that there’s many of them.
The spa experience, afloat on a ship, takes relaxation to the next level. Imagine drifting into bliss with a full-body massage, soothed by the real-life sounds of the ocean instead of a recording.
From giggling at comedians to putting your feet up by the pool, there’s never any shortage of activities to make your sea days memorable without spending a dime.Â
When picking a cabin, it is crucial to pick one that fits the type of experience you envision yourself having. Having the wrong cabin on a cruise can greatly impact the attitude you carry around for the rest of your vacation. It is important that you pick both a location within the ship and a style that will suit all of your needs.
Like packing for any holiday, packing for a cruise can be daunting. But getting the right mix of items for all your port calls, themed nights, and even time zones, and judge how much storage space you’ll have in your cabin needn’t be a hassle with these packing tips.
Tallis Borne Marcus reveals why 2025 is set to be a standout season for cruise enthusiasts, with new destinations, itineraries, and ships making European getaways more exciting than ever.
She's the most specious ship yet from luxury line Oceania Cruises. James Sitters tells Rose Kelly and Peter Lynch what's on board the new class of ship, including restaurants, spas and suites.
