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New TV Show Finds Love on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ships

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 →]

March 28, 2012   No Comments

Plan to Cruise

By The Cruise Web, Inc.

You know that poster that says “Failing to plan is planning to fail?” Well that’s a motto here at The Cruise Web. Cruises are such a great getaway but choosing the best package and planning one can be a daunting task.  We pride ourselves in helping our clients plan out their entire getaway. We love to plan because it means you will love your experience.

So we’ve compiled some things that The Cruise Web always remembers to plan for:

1. Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s: You don’t want to show up ready for your cruise and find out your name was spelled wrong on your booking documents and they won’t let you on board. You also don’t want to book a cruise that goes out of the country and not have your passport available. We make sure your name is spelled correctly and that you have enough time to get the proper travel documents.

2. Getting the best deal: If you’ve been on a cruise you know that while on board you can visit the “future cruise” desk and put a down payment on your next cruise. We always remind our clients about this because planning a cruise while you are on a ship can lead to some of the best deals. [Read more →]

March 23, 2012   No Comments

Small Ship, Big Advantages

By Sherry Jefferson, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

Having cruised on many a large cruise ship, it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to my first small ship experience this past December on Silver Sea’s Silver Spirit.

It’s funny how when you see the ship by itself, it doesn’t seem very small at all. But then you see it next to one of the larger vessels and the “small ship” label starts to make sense. However, don’t let the smaller size fool you — cruising aboard a small ship has many BIG advantages.

First off, the ships are very easy to navigate with a lot less walking. The smaller size advantage also allows for docking in less used ports and often times you can dock where other ships may have to tender (when a smaller vessel ferries passengers between the ship and the shore). The ships themselves offer many of the same amenities you would find on the larger ships, but on a smaller scale. You’ll usually still have your casino, spa, gym, theater and library and there is a daily schedule of events from morning till night with lectures, live shows, trivia, games and karaoke. [Read more →]

March 21, 2012   2 Comments

My Evolving Travel Tastes

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 →]

March 21, 2012   No Comments

Avalon Waterways Unveils Two New Ships

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 →]

March 20, 2012   No Comments

Irish Eats: Soda Bread

By The Cruise Web, Inc. 

Just because you may be in international waters it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Many cruise lines offer up special holiday meals in honor of the holiday. Including green beer.

Anything can be made green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, it just takes a small drop of food coloring, but to truly get an authentic taste of Ireland, Soda Bread is where it’s at. The bread, which is made with baking soda instead of yeast, gained popularity in the 19th century and has been a welcome dish on any Irish dinner table since.

But to have authentic Irish Soda Bread, a Cruise to Ireland should be on your to-do list.

In the meantime we’ve got a simple recipe for you from Cruise Consultant Merry Keane, who has dual citizenship between the US and Ireland. Best of all this recipe only has four steps. [Read more →]

March 16, 2012   No Comments

NCL Breakaway: Features and Amenities

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 →]

March 14, 2012   No Comments

5 Essential Dublin Experiences

By The Cruise Web, Inc.

There’s a reason the city of Dublin is investing over 600 million euros into a cruise ship terminal. Cruises are offering more and more itineraries that include the Emerald Isle because there are tons of things for people to do and see.

Here is a sampling of some of the sights and experiences that await you in Dublin, the largest city in the Republic of Ireland.

Turn the Page

  • Dublin is also known as the city of words. It was the home to several major authors like James Joyce and George Bernard Shaw and the setting for some lauded novels like “Ulysses” and “Angela’s Ashes.” There are tours of significant places in the life of these authors along with the Dublin Writers’ Museum, which goes in-depth into the city’s literary history. There are even two institutions dedicated to sharing the work of James Joyce to visitors. [Read more →]

March 14, 2012   No Comments

The Iditarod: An Alaskan Tradition

By The Cruise Web, Inc.

Alaska is known as The Last Frontier and nothing exemplifies that motto more than the Iditarod race, which is in its 40th year. The race pays tribute to the 49th state’s sled dogs, which helped settle the state by transporting mail, groceries and even gold across the state’s vast wilderness.

The Iditarod has become one of Alaska’s most popular events and many cruise lines have excursions and cruisetours that put you right in the middle of the action. There are opportunities to try your hand at mushing. You can talk with former Iditarod winners and meet some huskie dogs that have or will participate in the race.

Keep reading to find out more about The Iditarod.

[Read more →]

March 9, 2012   No Comments

Dreaming of the Bahamas

By The Cruise Web, Inc.

It’s time to feel the ocean breeze and sunshine, even if you are sitting at your desk.  Cruise Consultant Rashell O’Neal just got back from a cruise to the Bahamas and we’ve asked her to share some pictures to brighten your day. Rashell sailed on the MSC Poesia with  her mom Faneice.

Come back in a couple of weeks to read all about Rashell and Faneice’s adventure, here on the blog.

The pool was the place to be on our day at sea heading to the Bahamas.
The pool was the place to be on our day at sea heading to the Bahamas.

My mom and I enjoying some tropical shopping.
My mom and I enjoying some tropical shopping.

I can't get enough of the blackjack at The Atlantis Casino on Paradise Island.
I can’t get enough of the blackjack at The Atlantis Casino on Paradise Island.

We tendered to get to Coco Cay.
We tendered to get to Coco Cay.

Ocean Love in Coco Cay. Look how blue the water is... simply gorgeous.
Ocean Love in Coco Cay. Look how blue the water is… simply gorgeous.

I can only describe this delicious meal as Thanksgiving in India.
I can only describe this delicious meal as Thanksgiving in India.

So are you ready to get away?

The Cruise Web, Inc.
The Cruise Web, Inc.
reply@cruiseweb.com
1-800-377-9383

March 8, 2012   1 Comment