Category — Cruise Ships

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Norwegian Cruise Lines is constructing an extensive water park to be featured on the Norwegian Breakaway. This water park will include five giant slides, a designated kids play area, two pools, four hot tubs and a bar and grill. The water park is in addition to a three-story sports complex that will feature a ropes course, full basketball court and miniature golf course. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Not since “The Love Boat” have cruise ships gotten so much screen time. Lifetime Network will be premiering  a new dating reality series, “Love for Sail,” which takes place on three of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships. The show will  premiere on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at 10 pm ET/PT.

In each episode of “Love for Sail,” four  women looking for love will board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, either Epic, Pearl or Star and set sail to exotic locations surrounded by a group of equally-eager single men ready to embark on what they hope to be the voyage of their lives.

“We are thrilled to work with Lifetime … on a unique series that showcases the many aspects of cruising from lavish suites and incredible dining options to innovative on board activities and exciting shore excursions,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “There is such romance in being at sea; this show will do a great job of showcasing that and sharing the stories of these guests who may find the love of their life aboard.” [Read more →]

By Brandon Biss, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

During my 9 year career at The Cruise Web, I have built quite a cruise resume. I have experience traveling with most of our partner cruise lines: short cruises and long ones, the Caribbean and Europe, mainstream and luxury.  When I first started, I took advantage of any opportunity that came across my desk.  Like many of my clients, I got the cruise bug!  Not only did I enjoy cruising, but I felt that it was important to experience as many cruises as possible so I may best advise my clients.

Just like many other things in life, my travel tastes have evolved with my different experiences.  Selecting a cruise is no longer about getting away for training or for the sake of just getting away.  I now think about the value of my time away from work, the value of the cruise experience, and what I want to be able to tell my friends, family and clients when I return home.  [Read more →]

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways.

Cruising with Avalon Waterways is about to get even more “suite.”   The small-ship cruise company will unveil two more ships – the Avalon Expression and Avalon Artistry II to join three other “Suite Ships.” A “Suite Ship” boasts two full decks of suites – 200-square foot Panorama Suites (293 total) and 300-square foot Royal Suites (10 total). That’s right, all cabins in these ships will be suites – bringing the fleet’s “Suite Ship” total to five.

The Avalon Expression and Avalon Artistry II will be joining the Panorama, Vista and Visionary in sailing the Danube, Rhine and Main Rivers in Europe in 2013.

 “Seeing the Old World doesn’t mean you have to cruise on an old ship,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways.  “On an Avalon cruise, travelers will step aboard Europe’s youngest fleet where they’ll find themselves surrounded by the most expansive views, innovative technologies and inspired designs available.”

[Read more →]

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, launching in April 2013, will have a whole new concept that  includes an oceanfront boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and bars, combined with three expansive, flowing decks of dining, bars, entertainment, gaming and more. The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place will take cruising to new heights and offer an unparalleled experience with a unique connection  to the ocean.

Norwegian Breakaway will sail from her year-round home port of New York City to Bermuda in the summer and The Bahamas & Florida and The Caribbean in the winter. [Read more →]

By Ken Cho, Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

When I was asked to write this article, the marketing folks at The Cruise Web handed me a loaded question: “what’s in store for the future of cruising?”

I’m not a seer with additional insight into the industry and the “future” can mean so many different things. Really, I’m still waiting for the flying cars I was promised 30 years ago. So I think we have to temper any predictions for the “future” of cruising with a foundation of reality but liberally laced with bits of fancy.

So let’s start with the concrete and immediate tangents of what we can expect for the future of cruising: new ships. [Read more →]

By Jen Crivelli, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

Have you ever wondered how a cruise ship works?  Where do they store all the food?  How do the chefs prepare that much food?  How does all the laundry get done?  How do you navigate a ship that large?

While on a cruise aboard the Norwegian Jewel, I had the opportunity to participate in a backstage tour of the vessel.  After a warm welcome from the Hotel Director, we were escorted to a crew elevator, which took us down to the lowest deck of the ship.  Our first stop was the garbage facility.  Wow, I thought sorting recycling at home was bad, on the cruise ship every single piece of trash is sorted.  Organic waste, paper, plastic, aluminum, and glass – all sorted into color-coded bins.  Some of the trash is incinerated, other compressed for off load. [Read more →]

A compilation from The Cruise Web employees.

This month’s spotlight takes you behind closed doors to provide a glimpse of the mysterious behind-the-scenes operations of cruise ships. Several members of our staff have experienced areas of cruise ships that most passengers never see, including steering a ship and partying with the crew. Continue below to find out which behind-the-scenes operations were most interesting to our employees.

Adam W. – Senior Cruise Consultant
In April 2009, I was invited to participate in a “Behind The Fun” VIP travel agent tour of the ship during the inaugural Carnival Pride sailing from Baltimore, Maryland. During a 2-hour tour on the last sea day of a 6-night Bahamas cruise, I visited many secured areas around the ship not seen by passengers. The tour took us through the engine room, main galley, photo lab, crew and staff quarters, and theatre. The highlight for me was meeting Captain Alessandro Galatto up on the bridge while the ship was sailing.

Tina C. – Senior Cruise Consultant
As a courtyard villa guest, I was able to get a private tour of the bridge. The Norwegian Gem is a very modern ship, and almost every instrument, procedure, and deck role has been automated, streamlined, and digitized. The deck officers, trained in Maritime Academies and their home countries’ navies, often spoke up about how much lower their workload is compared to every other ship they have sailed. For instance, instead of plotting a course on traditional paper maps, LCD moving maps chart their position in real-time and show their projected course. They steer the ship with a trackball and keyboard, yet there is still a traditional helm used mainly for piloting the ship in tight quarters. There are an array of radar sensors, video cameras, and computerized warning systems to alert the crew to any possible danger. According to the ship’s Captain Mikael Hilden, the Norwegian Gem is a “complete joy” to sail; “much better than retirement.” [Read more →]

By Brandon Biss, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

My First Luxury Experience: Part 1

Onboard Ambiance:  The Peace of Mind of All-Inclusiveness
Many myths exist in the luxury cruising world:  very formal, stuffy, snobby, only the high-society of life books on them, etc.  This is not the case.  Dress aboard Silversea vessels is very similar to most cruise lines.  Attire ranges from country club casual to formal depending on the night.  I noticed that the average age of the guests was younger than my recent cruises on the larger lines.  Many were very friendly, well educated, and very well traveled.  I found that most people were intrigued and interested in my “story” as opposed to “snubbing” me because I was younger.  I received a guest manifest at disembarkation and noticed that only half were from North America.  This resulted in a diverse and enriching guest interaction experience.

The benefit of an all-inclusive, luxury cruise experience isn’t in the cost.  You will never drink enough alcohol, eat enough lobster, or save enough on gratuities to make up the price-difference over a contemporary cruise line.  The benefit is in the mindset.  I can’t remember a decision I had to make besides which entrée or drink to order.  There were no costs for a lobster or steak upgrade.  If you consume wine, the pairings were included and an important addition to the meal.  I indulge in a fine meal once or twice per month.  Aboard the Silver Cloud, it was a nightly occurrence. [Read more →]

By: The Cruise Web, Inc.

Who knew? Who knew you could do so much on a floating city? Tennis… Basketball… Surfing… What!? All these sports on a ship! You’ve got to be kidding right… No joke!… You can do all of that and much, much more…

Imagine hanging ten, without being washed out to sea. On your next cruise vacation bring the bikini or Speedo and let’s get it on. This will be your opportunity to ride the big wave, have a fabulous video showcasing you riding the waves, and an absolutely incredible story to share with family, friends and co-workers who were not able to make this cruise, but will definitely go on the next one with you. [Read more →]