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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
