The Yachts of Seabourn’s highly anticipated new yacht Seabourn Sojourn navigated the River Thames and arrived at London with the early morning sun on Friday, June 4, 2010. Built by the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy, Sojourn is the second of three new luxury cruising vessels joining Seabourn’s fleet in three years, representing a 216 percent increase in capacity for the company.
Sometimes the best word to describe a suite is, well, sweet! Cruises vary widely depending on the type of cabin booked, and there’s no denying that the suite is in a class of its own. From the moment passengers step into a suite, it’s clear that their vacation is going to be extraordinary. The following suite experiences represent some of the sweetest as remembered by The Cruise Web’s employees:
Arthur Balin
My wife and I have sailed in quite a few suites on different cruise lines, but our favorite has to be our suite on Regent Seven Seas Voyager. It was most spacious and comfortable with a large marble walled bathroom and a large sitting area. The clincher, however, was the location: aft of the ship with oversized balcony and full panoramic view. I can still vividly remember watching the sun go down over the rocky cliffs of Corsica and sipping champagne served by our butler. Suite life indeed!
In December of 2008, I went to the Bahamas on the Norwegian Gem and got to stay in one of their Courtyard Villas. We were picked up by limousine early that morning in DC and started heading to New York. When we arrived at the port, we announced that we had a Courtyard Villa. Upon hearing that, the special treatment began. They quickly checked us in and asked us to wait in a private lounge with refreshments, which was nice since we had been driving all morning.
Elvis Presley Enterprises, Sixthman and Carnival Cruise Lines have announced The Elvis Cruise celebrating The King’s 75th birthday. The voyage will depart November 4, 2010 on Carnival’s Carnival Fascination from Jacksonville, Fla.
The four-day cruise, which will include a stop in Nassau, The Bahamas, will be hosted by Elvis’ friend Jerry Schilling and feature a number of musical artists, including original members of Elvis’ TCB Band.
Princess Cruises will offer adventurous passengers two opportunities in 2011 and 2012 to experience one of travel’s most grand voyages — the World Cruise. Sailing to multiple continents and encompassing dozens of the globe’s treasured places, these fascinating itineraries will give travelers the unique opportunity to experience the world while enjoying Princess’ famed style and service.
Just announced, the intimate Pacific Princess will sail on a 107-day journey from Ft. Lauderdale to Venice, departing January 13, 2012, offering the line’s popular small-ship cruising experience. For an Australian-style world cruise, Dawn Princess will sail roundtrip from Sydney on May 25, 2011.
In addition to offering guests world-class entertainment options on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a partnership with Gibson Guitar to let guests discover and explore their inner rock star in the privacy of their stateroom. The “Check-In-Rock-Out” program gives guests the opportunity to borrow a Gibson guitar, companion pod, and a private amplifier with headphones to take to their staterooms and rock out without disturbing other guests.
When she debuts this December 2010, Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas will bring a refreshing new array of features and amenities to the high seas as the world’s next largest and most innovative cruise ship. Following the announcement of Chicago: The Musical as the ship’s signature Broadway production, Royal Caribbean is sharing the next of several new onboard amenities that will surprise and delight Allure of the Seas’ guests.
“Allure of the Seas will offer guests a new set of onboard amenities and entertainment and dining options that will help make a most memorable vacation,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Though Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas are sister ships, each ship’s distinctive onboard experience will offer guests a wide selection of choices that appeals to every age and lifestyle. Throughout, guests will also enjoy the Royal treatment, delivered by every member of our world-renowned friendly and engaging staff and crew.”
Taking a baby on vacation may seem more challenging than rewarding, and in my experience it’s a bit of both. I always joke when I get back from vacation with my daughter that I need another vacation on my own! When Erin was six months old we decided to take her on her first cruise.
Hollywood Beach, FloridaI chose Holland America because they had the most suitable itinerary, sailing on the Eurodam. When choosing an itinerary with babies or young children, the Caribbean is a very good choice. We visited St Thomas, Tortola and Grand Turk which are best known for their soft sandy beaches. We went for 7 nights and traveled in the month of December.
Warm weather and sunny skies can only mean one thing, it’s time to hit the beach! And with so much cruising experience, it’d just be downright selfish if we didn’t share our favorite beaches. Without further ado, our favorite beaches and beach experiences:
Adam Wolf
My favorite beach is Magens Bay located on the north shore on the Caribbean island of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Magens Bay beach is a state park…the beach is heart shaped and is approximately 1 mile long, featuring serene turquoise waters, beautiful white sand, and plenty of shaded areas under the trees…typically there are no waves or currents at the beach. Lifeguards are on duty during the day and there is a bar, gift shop, and great bath facilities…don’t miss eating breakfast there at the snack bar. National Geographic magazine called it one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world!
Last summer, I took my then 6 and 9 year old boys to the little southern Swedish coastal village of Falsterbo. Falsterbo and neighboring Skanör are small old fishing villages that have turned into popular summer vacation spots for many Swedes, and have always been favorites of my children’s Swedish born “Farmor” (literally translated “fathers’ mother”).
As this was the first trip for my boys to the home country of many of their ancestors, we packed an active itinerary into our 10-day vacation. However, almost every morning, we made time for the beach! Waking in a family friends’ summer home as immaculate as every building and home in these pristine villages, the three of us would eat our Swedish porridge and then board our old-fashion rented bicycles – baskets, bells, and all – to bike 10-15 minutes to the crisp and breezy water of the Baltic Sea.
