BREAKAWAY ANNOUNCES CELEBRITY CHEF

Geoffrey Zakarian (Credit: Norwegian)

Breaking news around new Norwegian ship Breakaway continues to break.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced yesterday "it has engaged celebrity chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian to create and oversee a seafood concept to open May 2013 on the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway."

Zakarian will oversee Ocean Blue, a restaurant "envisioned as a luxury seafood dining experience." In addition, he also will have The Raw Bar, an adjacent bar highlighting crustaceans and wines by the glass, and Ocean Blue on The Waterfront, a more casual dining option. Zakarian will orchestrate "every aspect of his dining areas, from the uniforms to the glassware. On select sailings, Zakarian will also host meet-and-greets with Norwegian Breakaway guests, along with in-person cooking demonstrations and intimate cooking experiences for smaller groups."

FLYING PETS NEED SPECIAL ATTENTION

It is summer and no matter the mode of travel, our pets need us to consider their needs.


Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gets special treatment every single day. I'm sure your  pets do as well. However, Arlene Satchell, Sun Sentinel, tells us they need special attention when flying.
Take special care when flying with pets, experts say


Although she's not in a plane,  I think the face on our Cavi speaks volumes regarding special attention in the form of a tummy rub.

-- Pam

"BREAKAWAY" TO FEATURE 3 BROADWAY SHOWS

Rock of Ages on Breakaway (Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian Cruise Line has been promising more details about Breakaway, the 4,000-passenger ship set to debut in May, 2013. Those details came in a torrent late yesterday.

Let's talk entertainment. You said you wanted big-time, New York-caliber shows? Breakaway will have them. There will be not one, but three Broadway shows on the ship: "Rock of Ages," "Burn the Floor" and "Cirque Dreams and Dinner Jungle." Additionally, it will offer the comedy troupe The Second City and Howl at the Moon at Headliners Comedy Club and New York’s Slam Allen in Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club.

Details from the press release:

FROLICKING IN THE FJORDS

(Credit: Cunard)

Two of Cunard's three "Queens" had a close encounter for the first time this week in the Fjords of Norway. Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria are pictured here at Flaam, near Sognefjord, on June 25. Queen Elizabeth is currently on a 14-night Norwegian Fjords & North Cape Discovery voyage, while the Queen Victoria completes her one week Fjords & Waterfalls voyage in Southampton tomorrow.

I'M DREAMING OF A WORLD CRUISE

Queen Elizabeth world cruise (Credit: Cunard)

What's your "dream cruise"?

For Cruising Squared, it would be a trip around the world. Think what an adventure that would be! All the countries, the ports, the different cultures, the people you would meet. Not to mention the gigabits of photos that would take years to sort, crop and post.

In 2013, you have eleven different opportunities to go around the world on a ship, ranging from the 98-day "Pacific Adventure" departing New Zealand on the Crystal Symphony to a 139 days on the Seven Seas Voyager. (Wonder if they sell motion sickness pills by the gallon at Costco?)

You can get a complete list of the 2013 world cruises here.

A cool side benefit is once you've completed your world tour, you are eligible to join The Circumnavigators Club. Founded in 1902, it is "the only organization devoted to bringing together those men and women who have circumnavigated the globe." -- Gerry

VENICE VS. THE CRUISE SHIPS

Pam in St. Mark's Square (Photo by Gerry)

Venice! Even the name conjures enchantment. The romance ... the art ... the glass ... St. Mark's Square ... the canals ...the gondolas. It truly is among the most unique cities in all the world. Venice has long been a popular stop for cruise ships. But today's mega-ships are making waves, and not just in the water. There's been lots of controversy about how the big ships are wreaking havoc with the fragile environment of the water city. CruiseCritic.com had this recent article on the situation.There are plans under consideration to re-route the ships, but any solution won't be cheap, or quickly done. We are all for protecting this one-of-a-kind city, and hope the powers that be find an answer that doesn't make it off-limits for future cruise passengers. In the meantime, check out this nice photo essay. -- Gerry

PRINCESS BARTENDER GOING FOR THE GOLD

Matias Grosso
Credit: Princess Cruises

Whenever we see a cruise news item concerning "Bartender of the Year," it always catches our attention. In this case, Matias Grosso, a bartender aboard the Star Princess, will be competing in Rio de Janeiro next month in the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year finals. Princess Cruises actually had four bartenders competing in the recent semifinals in Miami. Worldwide, more than 10,000 entrants have been vying for a coveted chance to compete in Rio.

Princess said Grosso earned a place in the finals with his winning cocktail “Spring Dew.” Made from Ciroc vodka, Gewürztraminer wine, seedless red grapes, orange flower water and a small rose petal, Matias said: "The initial idea was to work on aromas and flavors from the garden or countryside. Moreover, I wanted to place emphasis on the characteristics of the main spirits and enhance them with the Gewürztraminer bouquet."

Diageo Reserve World Class 2012 Global Final Week will be held in Rio de Janeiro July 8-12. Good luck, Matias! (BTW -- we love the trophy you got. I think you could make a gallon of martinis in that shaker!) -- Gerry

CRUISE A DAY GIVEAWAY ON SHOPPING CHANNEL

What happens when Norwegian Cruise Line and the Home Shopping Network team up? Lots of free cruises! The Norwegian/HSN "Cruise a Day Giveaway" starts June 30. Throughout July, HSN customers can enter to win a free cruise for two every day, airfare included. Each day's winner will be announced at 8 p.m. live on HSN. Also, a bonus: "HSN shoppers who request a Norwegian Cruise Line brochure on HSN.com will also be eligible to receive a $100 on board credit to use towards their next Norwegian cruise of five days or longer, when they book before August 31, 2012." You can enter online at the HSN Arcade.

As if the other half of Cruising Squared -- Pam -- needed another reason to watch the Home Shopping Network! -- Gerry.

ALL HAIL THE LYCHEE NUT!

Remember when we posted our review of the new menu at 150 Central Park on the Oasis? (If you don't, go here and here.) Now the video mavens at Royal Caribbean are giving you a fresh look at the whole farm-to-table process. One viewing and we are hungry all over again!

OASIS TO GET INTERNET UPGRADE

Oasis to get high-speed Internet by next summer

This is good news and very welcome!

Thanks, Arlene!

Pam~Cruising Squared

PRINCESS SHOWCASES REASONS TO CRUISE

A recent post was all about reasons why we cruise. Princess Cruises is devoting an entire blog to the subject, for a whole year. It's called Inspired to Cruise: A Year of Reasons to Get Away from the Everyday, "offering readers a new collection of heartwarming passenger stories about the many things that can inspire travelers to choose a vacation at sea."

They have just added five new stories "from cruisers who have conquered fears, celebrated family milestones, honored those who’ve passed away, marked the end of military service, and followed doctor’s orders to just relax."

Then there's our favorite reason: Because we love it! -- Gerry, for Cruising Squared

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT

Do you read all about it?

Do you truly utilize the guide provided in your stateroom each day or do you give it a quick glance and toss into the waste can?

Personally, I can't imagine trying to navigate things and enjoy all the opportunities on a vessel without these wonderful guides. They tell you everything going on and then some.

I carry them around until they become dog-earned and crumpled.

My only difficulty with them is narrowing down the possibilities and making a decision.

I do admit it would be nice to have this information in some sort of electronic format.

How nice to be relaxing at the pool, reading something on my Kindle Fire and click over to a listing of activities. Or, make a restaurant reservation or book a shore excursion without leaving my deck chair.

However, as technology is currently a challenge in the middle of an ocean, not to mention expensive to use, we're not quite there at the moment.

So, until then-read on, the old-fashioned way!

Pam~Cruising Squared

ICE, ICE, EPIC ICE BAR

Shannon and Don, honeymoon on NCL's, Epic and make a stop at the super cool, Ice Bar.

The vodka will be great at 17 degrees, but those wraps are not going to keep those kids warm.

Cheers!

Pam~Cruising Squared

MSC ALL-INCLUSIVE BEVERAGE PACKAGE

Cruise Industry News is reporting this tidbit from MSC Cruises:

"MSC Cruises has announced an all-inclusive beverage package, ‘Allegrissimo’, allowing guests to enjoy unlimited wines, cocktails and beverages throughout their entire cruise. Adults can enjoy unlimited wines by the glass, cocktails, draught beer, soft drinks and juices, mineral water, smoothies, and take away ice creams. Children can enjoy soft drinks and juices, mineral water, hot drinks, smoothies and milkshakes, and take away ice creams. The package can be used at every venue throughout the ship during the entire cruise, with the exception of the à-la-carte restaurants and mini-bars."

Most ships now feature some variation of an "unlimited drink" package deal. What do you think? Worth it? Cruising Squared would be sorely tempted if martinis appeared on that list, don't you know. -- Gerry, for Cruising Squared

BOARDING EARLY OR LATE, THAT IS THE QUESTION

Cruise departure day arrives and the thought of boarding your ship and your exotic ports-of-call are exciting. You've done your prep work, have your proper attire all snug in their bags and you are ready to set sail.

But first, here are a few random things to consider before you decide on an early or late embarkation. Nothing profound, just my personal observations.

• First, check and re-check to make certain you have all required documents. It is easy to forget something in the excitement of any vacation or trip.

• Investigate your particular Port of Embarkation. If, like Port Everglades, there is a checkpoint before you are permitted through the gates, you will need to allow extra time. Long lines are possible as cars stack up while security checks your papers, gives you a parking card for your dash, sometimes even checks your trunk (just depends on their temperament, it seems).

• Want to step aboard as early as possible? Understand this could mean very long lines at the terminal check-in. All ships handle this differently in one way or another, and your stateroom location could play a role as well.

• Boarding early means you have even more time to roam the ship and the dining room buffet lines are not quite so crowded. However, you will also encounter other confused travelers also attempting to find their way. Sometimes your room won't be ready and if you carried your luggage onboard, you will have to find a place to sit and look after it.

• Boarding later in the day also has advantages and disadvantages. So, pick what works best for you and your companions.

• A late-in-the-day boarding usually means shorter lines and it always seems as though the terminal staff is more efficient at this point. Your check-in will go faster, as a rule.

• However, the ship is now almost completely loaded with passengers and things are hectic. Elevators are jammed, buffet lines are quite long and the narrow hallways are beginning to fill with luggage and wandering shipmates. Everyone is lost, but finding their way.

We have observed how interesting that by the second day, the ship seems completely settled with everyone as comfortable as can be. Everyone seems to  know where most things are located, elevators are mostly empty when you need one and  the common areas are not a glut of harried passengers.

As long as you get yourselves onto the ship, early or late, it will be fabulous and peaceful sailing exists! -- Pam, for Cruising Squared

KEEPING YOUR PASSPORT SECURE

One hassle nobody wants on a cruise, or any trip, is misplacing a passport. Sometimes just for the peace of mind it might seem a good idea to just have it surgically attached. The next best thing may be this:


"Keep your important documents secure with StoreSMART’s Passport and ID card holders (between $4.50 – $6.00). These can be worn around the neck on a lanyard and safely tucked away beneath clothing. Storing your valuables this way will keep them from being easy targets for pick pockets and purse-snatchers. The holders are made of durable vinyl with a black back, so their contents can not be seen through clothing. They also feature a water-resistant zipper closure, which will protect the contents from moisture and debris." Get more info here.

A PHOTO TOUR OF NORWEGIAN EPIC

Don and Shannon -- here are a few snaps from our time on Norwegian Epic!

The perfect place for a honeymoon couple

Shannon, we expect a review of the spa

ROMANCE ON ICE ON THE HIGH SEAS

Bon Voyage to Don and Shannon of Dallas, Texas, as they sail away for their European honeymoon at sea on NCL's, Epic. Departing from Barcelona, Spain, this newly-wedded couple with spend 7-days exploring wonderful ports-of-call.

When not exploring historic cities, they will explore all the great things about this amazing ship.

They have promised to share some of the highlights upon their return and we can't wait. It will be especially interesting to hear how long they were able to put the honeymoon on ice in the 17-degree, Ice Bar!

Speaking of the Ice Bar, here's a snap of Pam when she made the scene there. And yes, they really keep it at 17 degrees!

Congratulations and have a fabulous time!

OPERA IN 3D ABOARD QUEEN MARY 2

Movies in 3D are all the rage, even at sea.

Liping Zhang stars in "Madam Butterfly 3D"
(Credit: Cunard)

Cunard has teamed with the Royal Opera House and RealD, maker of digital 3D projection technology, to offer guests aboard Queen Mary 2 opera in 3D. Following up on last year's "Carmen in 3D," this year it's "Madam Butterfly 3D," which debuts July 6. The films are presented in the ship's 450-seat theater, Illuminations. Pam and I had the pleasure of experiencing Illuminations first hand during a Transatlantic crossing, which also functions as a planetarium. How cool to view the stars under the stars. One thing for sure when it comes to opera in 3D: You will know for sure when the Any Size Lady sings. -- Gerry, for Cruising Squared

DISNEY ANNOUNCES PIXAR-THEMED CRUISES

Pixar comes to Disney Wonder
(Credit: Disney Cruise Line)

Movie-goers have been amazed, inspired and entertained by Pixar movies like "Toy Story,"  "Finding Nemo" and "Cars." Now Disney Cruise Line has announced four Pixar-themed cruises, beginning Sept. 16, aboard the Disney Wonder. Each seven-night cruise will depart from Los Angeles and travel the coastline of California. Among the featured activities and offerings, the press release cited these:

•  Pixar Presentations and Sneak Peeks: Artists and filmmakers from Pixar Animation Studios will provide guests with an inside look at the creative process used in the development of an animated feature or short. Guests will go behind the scenes and explore the making of Pixar’s newest release “Brave” and get a look at footage of future Pixar films.
  

GIVE 'EM A GIMLET

Even before Don Draper and his advertising gang were all the rage, I was intrigued with the Vodka Gimlet.

Yes, I was old-school before it was chic to be old-school.

This cocktail is simple, which makes it top-shelf in my cocktail book.

A bit of lime juice, sugar and the most important ingredient, a nice vodka. And, by nice I mean nice vodka,  it doesn't have to top-of-the-line. Just good quality and smooth.

Here is the official recipe:

1 1/2 ounces vodka.
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice (must be fresh).
1 teaspoon sugar (extra fine, if possible).

Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well. Strain.

Serve in your favorite cocktail glass (garnish the glass rim with extra-fine sugar, if desired), garnish with a bit of lime and that's as ol-school as you are going to get!

Tell us how you feel about this cocktail, or share your favorite! -- Pam, for Cruising Squared

'MADAGASCAR 3' FACEBOOK CONTEST

Royal Caribbean is celebrating the release of Dreamworks' "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted," with a contest on their Facebook page. There will be two grand prizes, a seven-night cruise for four to either Europe or the Caribbean, plus daily instant winners. The contest ends at midnight on June 20. 

NAKATION? WE DIDN'T NEED TO SEE THAT

Maybe you saw this recent report from the GMA Network:

'Nakations' offer a respite from clothes and stress

"LAS VEGAS - When the Carnival Freedom sets sail from Florida next February for an eight-day cruise to Panama, it will offer the same amenities as any other Carnival cruise: three pools, a jogging track, a 1970s dance club and a cigar bar.

"But there is one stark difference. Passengers on the white behemoth of a ship, which can carry 2,974 passengers, will enjoy those facilities naked.

"The ship's expected nude sailing - the trip is 70 percent booked - underscores the vitality of the U.S. nude tourism industry, which the American Association for Nude Recreation says brings in around $440 million a year, up about 10 percent in the last decade."

To each his own, but just thinking about the scene at the Lido buffet, or the dance floor. On the other hand, you don't have to pack for formal nights.

'HAIRSPRAY' LIVE FROM THE OASIS

"Hairspray" on Oasis (Photo: Gerry)

While I don't usually tune in to awards shows, I did have to catch the Tony Awards Sunday night for the live "Hairspray" broadcast from Oasis of the Seas. Having just seen the show ourselves, and visited with the stars backstage on Oasis, we can attest to the fact it truly is comparable to anything you would see in New York. And how cool was that to see it broadcast live from the ship? From  a marketing point of view, it was better than any kind of advertisement Royal Caribbean might come up with.  -- Gerry, for Cruising Squared

LOTS OF OPTIONS FOR BREEZE EXCURSIONS

The toughest question for passengers on the new Carnival Breeze may be, "Where do I want to go today?"

Breeze, now on its debut cruise season in Europe, has over 180 shore excursions to choose from, everything from touring 12th century monasteries to a trek to Europe's largest active volcano, Mt. Etna. Personally, we like the tour that includes "sipping chilled wine aboard a luxury yacht." Here’s a sampling:

'COCKTAILS FOR TWO,' ANYONE?

As our readers know, here at Cruising Squared we are all about the two "C's" -- Cruising and Cocktails. While all things cruising will be our main thing, from time to time we invite you to join us for "The Cocktail Hour," when we switch gears, put on some jazz, lower the lights and get out the martini shaker. Just to set the mood, here's a clip featuring that popular comedic bandleader from the 40s and 50s, Spike Jones, with his immortal rendition of "Cocktails for Two."

CRUISE PLANNERS EXEC HONORED

Vicky Garcia

Cruising Squared is sending a well-deserved congratulations to Vicky Garcia, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Cruise Planners – American Express Travel, who was crowned the 2012 Woman of the Year by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society last Saturday.

“If not for the support of my friends, family, and colleagues this amazing honor and recognition would not have been possible,” said Garcia.  “For 10 weeks we all worked diligently to raise funds for the children and families fighting and surviving blood cancer.  From this experience I know that anything is possible, and I am forever grateful for the support given to me from past winners as well as my new friends at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  I am honored, humbled and forever changed by this incredible experience to impact the lives of those affected by this terrible disease.”

Garcia was able to raise $115,000, a record for Woman of the Year campaigns in South Florida. That's what we call a definite "win-win" all the way around!

  

NORWEGIAN WINNER OF SOCIAL MEDIA AWARD

Congrats to Norwegian on winning the "SMITTY Award."

They have the honor of becoming the first recipient of the SMITTY (Social Media in Travel and Tourism Award), from Travel + Leisure magazine for best use of a Social Media Platform by a Cruise Line. Norwegian was selected "for innovative use of Facebook during the launch of the company’s 'Cruise Like a Norwegian' brand campaign in October, 2011, which increased Norwegian’s Facebook fan following by 159% during the campaign period."  The full list of winners will be featured in the magazine's July edition.

SPRAY THOSE WRINKLES AWAY!

Cruising Squared is always on the lookout for products that make traveling easier. Here's one that popped into our email box this week that got our attention: Downy Wrinkle Releaser. The fabric softener folks now have something that can spray wrinkles away from cramped suitcase clothes. And it even comes in a 3-ounce size that passes TSA muster. Let's roll tape:

ANY ADVICE FOR SHIPPING WINE FROM EUROPE?

A faithful Cruising Squared reader asks: "How about some cruising help? Traveling to Europe and visiting Italy and France. Want to bring home wine but curious about how much we can bring back or should we arrange to ship it home? Any help for those of us cruising the seas?" --D.F. Dear D.F.: Based on our own trips aboard, Cruising Squared is a big advocate for traveling light. Ever since one of us had "HEAVY" stamped on a suitcase bound for London. Ahem. At any rate, if you do buy wine, there are purchase and duty considerations. A good source on that is travel guru Rick Steves. Here's his advice. Once you get the wine back home, a thorough tasting is recommended. I know of at least two volunteers. Happy cruising!

MORE ON SHORE EXCURSIONS FROM FROMMER

Recently we posted some tips on shore excursions. Here's some more useful information to pass along, from travel expert Arthur Frommer, writing in his blog on the topic, "How Necessary Are Those Cruiseship-Organized Port Tours?":

"I receive more questions on port excursions than on any other topic. Learning the prices of those motorcoach tours sold by the cruiselines, and multiplying the cost by all the ports visited, most people react with anguish to the resulting total cost. And recently, one reader asked me to assess the options in six different cities that would be visited on a Mediterranean cruise scheduled for later this summer: Nice, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples, Venice and Split. The idea of touring in a motorcoach didn't appeal, he wrote. Can't he simply tour these places on his own? Here's how I responded:"

Read more

A CELEBRATION FIT FOR A QUEEN

Queen Mary 2 proudly reveals a “Congratulations Ma’am” message in honor of
Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. (Credit: Cunard)

Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 sails past sister ships Queen Victoria and
Queen Elizabeth during the fleet’s historic Royal Rendezvous in Southampton, England, on
June 5, celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen. (Credit: Cunard)

Special to Cruising Squared from our U.K. blogger, Brian Wilson


Well - yesterday showed us Brits up in our true colours - we had waited for this day, we had planned, we had made cakes, we had thought of everything - but then the weather had it's say.

There is a famous painting by Canelletto of a River Pageant on the Thames - and the organisers used this as their idea.

It all started at Chelsea, where the Queen and Prince Phillip arrived to board her special Royal Barge. They were greeted by crowds and the Chelsea Pensioners - these are ex-servicemen and women who live at the nearby Chelsea Hospital (it was founded in Charles 2 time and is still going strong).

MEET US AT THE 'R BAR'

Now that's what I'm talking about: Combining our two favorite topics -- cruising and martinis!

This week's video from our friends at Royal Caribbean is all about the "R Bar" (Retro Bar), a new feature on their ships that have recently had a makeover, like Splendour of the Seas. Paying homage to the "Mad Men" era, you can get a hand-crafted drink made old school while enjoying some modern-day entertainment.

I would enjoy a chance to compare notes with the R Bar mixologists -- maybe even have a friendly competition on which one of us could concoct the best French martini. What do you say, guys?  -- Gerry, for Cruising Squared

Pam even has a "martini purse"

TAKING A BOW ON THE OASIS

Enjoying the shows aboard the Oasis of the Seas is only half the fun. The other half?

Hopping yourself on the stage and getting up-close and personal with the sets and the stars, which is exactly what we did.

The stars of Hairspsray.

Don't be shy, go to the shows and then don't miss it when they offer the opportunity to take a bow, so to speak.

CUNARD 'QUEENS' GATHER FOR ROYAL JUBILEE

Tuesday, June 5, Cunard is bringing all three of her "Queens" together to pay tribute to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, on the occasion of her Jubilee Anniversary, marking her 60 years of royal family leadership.

Cunard's Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2 will all be together at their home port of Southhampton. A full day of festivities will culminate in a fireworks display that night before the three Queens depart around 11 p.m.


For a live view, check out the web cams aboard each ship:


Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria

We are hoping for an on-site report from our intrepid British friends and guest bloggers, Brian and Mo. From this side of the Pond, may we say, "Long live the Queen!"

-- Gerry and Pam, for Cruising Squared

CARNIVAL BREEZE DEBUTS IN VENICE

Today Carnival's newest ship, Breeze, departed on her inaugural cruise from Venice, which ends June 15 in Barcelona (two of our favorite places, BTW). Breeze will be coming to Miami Nov. 24.

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO CRUISE?

If you are here, odds are you probably already love to cruise. Or at least have included cruises in your travel repertoire.

Pam and I have always loved to travel. But it took several years before we decided to give cruising a try. Why the reluctance? Maybe for some of the same reasons you waited:

• It's too confining. Once you are on the ship, your vacation is "programmed." Pretty hard to change your travel plans in mid-journey, unless you want to "jump ship."