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.
Many cruises have music aboard, or offer fine dining, or invite distinguished guest lecturers to speak. Others go further and devote whole cruises to a theme, attracting like-minded devotees from around the world.
In a move which must have left many travel operators concerned, last week the US government issued a general travel alert to Americans with plans to travel to Europe.
As of Friday, the enforced gratuity charge of $7.50 per adult per day won’t be charged to your shipboard account; if you want to tip any a member of crew for exceptional service, it will be a matter of choice.
Cruising in Asia and the Pacific offers the chance to explore a rich array of native folklore and art. Indigenous culture is in vogue and interest shows no sign of abating. The movie Avatar, in which audiences side with the indigenous blue-skinned Na’vi people on fictional planet Pandora, was simply highlighting a trend.
Ever wondered where those obliging staff mostly come from, where they learned their craft, and what they like – and don’t like – about the business of serving you on board?
Further moves to keep passenger numbers in check and protect the environment mean this spectacular but vulnerable continent can be experienced only by a fortunate few.
As Canada settles down after the 2010 Winter Olympics in British Columbia we have a look at the sites of Winter Olympics around the world, for a side-trip on your next cruise.
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.
