Carnival Cruise Lines have been innovators in the cruise industry for years. The cruise line is always updating and improving policies to stay ahead of the competition. Carnival is currently testing an all-you-can-drink program that will offer passengers unlimited drinks onboard, aptly named the ‘My Awesome Bar Program’ package, as well as implementing a check-in program in a popular port.
Beginning in 2013, Oceania Cruises will be expanding their loyalty program on all cruises. This expansion comes at the perfect time, right on schedule with the cruise line’s 10th anniversary. Where the previous loyalty program began at the Bronze Level, and required cruisers to accumulate 5 to 9 cruise credits, the new loyalty program, which applies to all 2013 cruises and beyond, allows passengers to join in the Blue Level and get loyalty perks after as little as two sailings.
Pumpkin flavored food and drinks are all the rage this month. From pumpkin soy lattes to pumpkin pie flavored bread sticks, now is the time to get your fill of this orange fruit in all its glory. And don’t worry about missing out on the pumpkin goodness while at sea, because cruise lines’ chefs and bartenders come prepared with pumpkins, nutmeg and cinnamon to ensure you get the taste of fall, even if you’re sailing in the southern hemisphere, where it’s spring.
The Norwegian Breakaway will be christened in May by a set of New York icons. No, not celebrities or intellectuals, the ship is going to be christened by the Rockettes.
The Rockettes are Radio City Musical Hall’s troupe of high-kicking dancers. This famous group of women have been a staple at Radio City since 1932. They have also become a part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where they have performed every year since 1957.
Think of the wonders of Paris, the smell of bakeries, the taste of rich cheeses, the grandeur of old buildings… and on top of that there is the alluring french language. From oui to mon ami to croissant, the words just seem to roll off your tongue.
But France is on the other side of an ocean, it’s a ways away. If you want to get the feeling of France just a bit closer to home, consider a Canadian cruise that stops in Quebec City. This city, which was founded by Samuel de Champlain over 400 years ago, has all that France offers from wonderful food, idyllic settings and, of course, the french language.
Everyone seems to have a bucket list these days and so do I. I created mine last year and it seems my list keeps getting longer and longer as I learn more and more about the world. I am fortunate enough to be in an industry where most of the things I have on my list, I can easily check off, and that is just what I did last month when what was supposed to be a business trip to Alaska to learn about the cruisetours offered by Royal Caribbean turned into an amazing experience.
Wow, Alaska! No picture you will ever see will do it justice. Alaska is truly a “must see” destination and if it is not on your list you should put it there immediately. The scenery is magnificent and the people are wonderful. Huge mountains – check, glaciers – check, snow – check, wilderness – check, wild life – check, history and culture – check, lots of flowers – check, excellent food – check.
Our resident videographer Barry Vaudrin recently returned from a 7-night cruise from Seattle to Alaska and back on the ms Oosterdam, a Holland America Line ship. While Barry is working to compile all the video he took of the cruise and excursions, he has provided us with a sampling of pictures that chronicle his adventure. Starting with his tour of Seattle.
