LOVE COCKTAILS? HEAD FOR THE ALCHEMY BAR

Happy Monday, cruisers!

What better way to start the week than a cocktail? As part of Carnival Cruises' Fun Ship 2.0 program, the Alchemy Bar offers guests an out-of-this-world selection of new drink concoctions, including our personal favorite, the martini. We even hear the menu lights up when you open it. Check it out:





And here:

THE AMAZING CELEBRITY SEE-THROUGH SHOWER

Artist's rendering of Reflection suite shower
(Courtesy: Celebrity)

Last April we reported the news about the glass shower on the Celebrity Reflection's "Reflection Suite." Now Celebrity has released a new artist rendering really brings it to life.


Pretty amazing, right?


Here are all the details from the Celebrity press release:

"After revealing in April that the 'Reflection Suite' on Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Reflection will feature an all-glass shower extending out over the edge of the ship, the modern luxury brand has received so much interest that it has released renderings of the intriguing space.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Proof positive iguanas can't read (Photo:Gerry)

A CELEBRITY CRUISES WINE PRIMER

A few posts back we shared a video from Royal Caribbean on wine. The folks over at Celebrity Cruises take their wine seriously as well. Here's a video to prove it. And by the way, if you are ever on Celebrity Millennium, don't miss dining in the Olympic restaurant, where the wine and the food -- not to mention the original woodwork from the MS Olympic, sister ship to the Titanic -- are not to be missed! --Gerry

OASIS OF THE SEAS IS OASIS

July is pressing on toward August, and the heat and humidity of South Florida hovers all around and I am longing for an oasis.

Guess what? I found one.

Not that many weeks ago, there I was-smack in the middle of, Oasis of the Seas, catching a sizzling sunset. Perfect oasis, if you ask me.

Actually, I was not in the middle of the ship. Aft was where it was at. The sunset, that is.

Well, I found my Oasis-in-July. What's yours?

~Pam

PRINCESS CRUISERS SHARE THEIR INSPIRATIONS

When I check out Princess Cruises' "Inspired to Cruise" blog, where people share their stories of why they cruise, I am always, well, inspired. First person accounts have a "specialness" to them you just don't get with any other kind of writing, like the post Pam did on first-time cruiser Kathleen Shearer. Princess posts a new inspired reason to cruise every week this year. Among the latest reasons to cruise are:

Story #30: To Celebrate a Mother/Daughter Birthday – Ilene Briscoe of Overland Park, Kansas, shares the story of the cruise in which she and her daughter celebrated their mutual milestone birthdays. Plus, Ilene managed to tie the knot in a secret wedding as well.

Story #29: To Be with My Best Friend … Mom – Nicole Burton of Columbus, Ohio, tells how she chose to share a Mediterranean adventure with the mother who use to be an “embarrassing nuisance” but was now her closest friend.

Story #28: To Please My Girl – David Wenstrom of Redwood City, California, didn’t think he could cruise, but he relented to the pressure from his girl, and then quickly became a cruise convert after he found life onboard more enticing than he ever imagined.

Story #27: To See a Total Eclipse of the Sun – Joan Boyle of Grand Lake, Colorado, shares how she and her husband have found that the best way to reach an eclipse’s line of totality is on a cruise ship.

Story #26: To Sail the Open Seas Again – Gloria Walsh of Camano Island, Washington, shares how her life opened up again after she discovered that with cruising she could still experience her love for the open sea after the death of her husband, with whom she had shared a passion for sailing.

"Also featured on the blog are regular “Escape Inspiration” videos. Each 30-second favorite moment at sea is introduced by a Princess crew member who describes why the scene is meaningful to them."

Now, what's your story??? -- Gerry

TAKING A 'ROYAL' WINE TOUR

Those videographers at Royal Caribbean seem to always hit a Cruising Squared "hot button." They did it again this week with one of our favorite topics: Wine. That's something you'll find in abundant supply aboard Royal's fleet. Pam and I had a delightful, and educational, wine tasting aboard Oasis of the Seas, led by sommelier Eric Larkee, associated with executive chef extraordinaire Michael Schwartz. If you need any "extras" for your next wine video, give us a call. -- Gerry

NORWEGIAN ADVANCES IN SOCIAL COMPETITION

We've talked a lot in this space about social media and cruise lines. One name that crops up again and again is Norwegian. Now comes word they are the winners in the “South Florida #SocialMadness Competition” in the large company category, presented by the Business Journals and Capital One Spark Business. As such, they will be advancing to the national level competition.

Norwegian says in their release: "The #SocialMadness competition highlights companies of all sizes with the best social media strategies in a tournament style challenge. Throughout all three rounds of the South Florida competition, Norwegian dominated the large company category, ending with a winning score of 23,564 versus the runner-up’s score of 12,692.

VISIT 'DOWNTON ABBEY' ON A VIKING CRUISE

If there's anything Pam enjoys as much as cruising, it has to be the PBS Masterpiece series, Downton Abbey. In fact, she has me hooked, too. So when we get a press release that combines both cruising and Downton Abbey, you know that gets our attention. In this case, Viking River Cruises is renewing its sponsorship of PBS Masterpiece for two additional years, through 2014.

Pam took special note of this from their PR release:

"As an extension of its MASTERPIECE sponsorship, Viking also recently announced an optional Oxford & Highclere Castle pre- or post- trip experience for travelers on the Cities of Light or Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruises. On this itinerary extension, Viking guests will spend three days in the rolling hills of England's countryside, with a champagne welcome and special tour of Highclere Castle, known to television audiences worldwide as Downton Abbey."

What a dream excursion that would be. Of course, I would be a little concerned Pam might break away from the tour group and Mrs. Patmore might have an extra helper in the kitchen come season three. -- Gerry

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Oh, this does sound dreamy. But, as much as I love cooking, I don't the kitchen is where I could be found. No, you would probably find me rummaging through the fabulous clothing the ladies wear. Simply divine! -- Pam

SECOND ANNUAL TWEETUP CRUISE SET

Cruisers from the first TweetUp (Courtesy: Norwegian)

We all know how big social media is these days, as usage of sites like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest explode. In recognition of that, Norwegian Cruise Line will host the second annual #SeaTweetup cruise on board Norwegian Sky from October 12-15, 2012.

Says Norwegian: "The interactive cruise, coordinated by influential members of the South Florida social media community, allows enthusiasts to participate in special networking events throughout the cruise including group activities, social media marketing panels and discussions, giveaways and cocktail parties. Guests will also be amongst the first to experience the exciting new enhancements to Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

"The three-day cruise takes networking to the next level allowing social media insiders to share their experiences with followers, as they build and strengthen relationships, as well as create new ones. Participants will have access to the ship’s Internet Café and Wi-Fi network, as well as invitations to in-port events to post, tweet, and blog throughout the weekend to the twitter hashtag #SeaTweetup."

Tweeting, cruising and relaxing with a umbrella-adorned drink. Now that's a hard combination to beat! -- Gerry

PIX OF THE WEEK: A VISIT TO ST. THOMAS

Yes, that's us, on a shore excursion in St. Thomas. Bet you didn't know we were members of the "green" tour group that day. St. Thomas has been a longtime favorite stop for us (Can you guess why? Duty-free shopping, Pam ...need I say more?)

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While shopping in St. Thomas, I found a great hat for $10.00! Bargains are all around, you just have to look and ask for a deal. Even if you don't get a great deal on a hat like I did, it is still so much fun chatting with vendors and looking at their wares.
~Pam

MUSIC FESTIVAL GOES TO SEA

Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises

Big news this week from both the worlds of music and cruising. For the first time, the famed Goldenvoice Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is going to sea. The S.S. COACHELLA is taking place aboard the sleek and beautiful Celebrity Silhouette on two cruises in December.


"Guests can choose from two exotic itineraries: Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, December 16-19, 2012 or Fort Lauderdale to Jamaica, December 19-23, 2012. Pulp will headline, with performances by Hot Chip, Yeasayer, Girl Talk, James Murphy (DJ Set), Sleigh Bells, Simian Mobile Disco, Z-Trip, !!!, Warpaint, DJ Harvey, El-P, Killer Mike and more." The complete line-up is here.


Reservations for S.S. COACHELLA can be made beginning Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 10 am PDT (1 pm EST) with prices starting at $500 per person. Easy payment plans are available with only $250 due at time of purchase. Reservations and additional details are available at www.sscoachella.com.

Maybe it's time to dust off my rock music credentials and report live from the scene. What do you think? -- Gerry

STATE-OF-THE-ART FITNESS ON PRINCESS

Princess Sports Central (Courtesy: Princess Cruises)

Long gone are the days when a cruise meant days of reading books in a reclining deck chair. On today's ships, there is more to do than anyone can get to in a 24-hour day. That includes the very latest in exercise and fitness programs.

Yesterday, Princess announced what's in store for passengers who want to stay in shape aboard their newest ship, Royal Princess, which launches in June, 2013. Quoting from the press release, that includes:

Jogging Track – "This new double-lane jogging track on Deck 18 features separate paths for runners and walkers. In addition, a new circuit program with unique outdoor exercise stations will be set at intervals along the track, making it the perfect place for passengers who want to burn a few extra calories or work on strength moves al fresco. This modern outdoor fitness equipment will offer a new option for those who wish to work out on deck and enjoy the sea air. The track area will be decorated with art picturing iconic global travel destinations, giving passengers the opportunity to “run around the world.”

TEA FOR TWO, OR THOUSANDS

Afternoon tea aboard the Queen Victoria (Photo:Gerry)

Cunard. Ah, yes.

Queen Victoria. Ah, yes.

Afternoon tea. Ah, yes.

While cruising the seas on the luxurious, Queen Victoria, Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth, passengers have the opportunity to slip back in time and sip lovely hot tea and nibble on tiny sandwiches and scones. Harpist and violinist will lull you into a state of relaxation and comfort.

It's old-fashioned and divine. Trust me.

I'm telling you, it is so regal and refined it is positively a floating, Downton Abbey. Only thing missing would be the Dowager, also known in real-life as, Maggie Smith.

So, if you step dainty feet onto a Cunard ship, do not miss this elegant experience. If nothing else, being served by waiters in white gloves is worth your time. That is not something you see with regularity, now is it?

And, if you want to impress those pouring and serving, ask for a SKON (scone). I have it on the best authority that is the proper pronunciation of the word. The c becomes k and you sound ever so British.

Well done! -- Pam

EXHIBIT RECALLS 100 YEARS OF CRUISING ALASKA

The steamer City of Topeka sails in Glacier Bay around
1895. (Image courtesy of the Alaska State Museum)

If you're a history buff, and count me as one, you'll enjoy a new exhibit Princess is featuring aboard its Alaska ships. It provides a look back at the 100-year history of cruising in Alaska. Here's the full press release from Princess:

"Princess Cruises has unveiled a special exhibit aboard its seven Alaska ships that takes passengers back in time to the early days of cruising in Alaska. Developed in partnership with Princess and the Alaska State Museum, the show, entitled “Then & Now: 100 Years of Cruising Alaska’s Waters,” gives cruisers a glimpse of Alaska and the Inside Passage as it was a century ago, as experienced by early steamship “excursionists.”

"Displayed in the atrium of Princess ships during the port of call in Juneau, the exhibit features a selection of 30 historical photographs and artifacts largely from the collections of the Alaska State Library and Alaska State Museum, both in Juneau.

SHIP-TO-SHORE, EXCURSIONS THAT IS

Cruisers know that cruising and shore excursions go hand-in-hand. There's nothing like exploring a new, exotic port-of-call, and first-time visitors often find the shore excursion the best way to get acquainted. Below, Royal Caribbean has a new video that explores what you can expect from their excursions. Take a look! -- Gerry

COMING SOON: A FASTER CONNECTION AT SEA

Bill Martin -- Royal Caribbean CIO

In a world where people surveyed say they would give up anything except surfing the Web, being connected 24/7 is a big deal. So it's sometimes a shock when you try to use the Internet on a cruise ship and BAM! You feel like you've been teleported back to the Stone Age of modems and dial-up. Either your connection is s-l-o-w ... comes and goes ... or not there at all.

Guess what? Help is on the way.

Royal Caribbean, a longtime leader in innovation, has partnered with O3b Networks, located in the Channel Islands, to pioneer a new way for guests to connect while at sea.

Bill Martin, Royal Caribbean's CIO, said if all goes according to plan, the new service will debut on Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, around June or July of 2013. "We know staying connected is important to our customers," said Martin. "Using O3b will provide both more bandwidth and much faster access to the Internet."

That's because, as Martin explained it, O3b will deploy Medium-Earth-Orbit (MEO) satellites -- initially eight in all -- that will orbit at a much lower altitude than traditional geosynchronous satellites, which occupy a fixed place in the sky. Essentially, the signals don't have to travel as far, which means speedier response times.

One result, Martin noted, might be a big increase in passengers using social sharing services like Facebook. What's a more perfect application for Facebook than sharing photos of family and friends on a cruise ship vacation? Right now it can be pretty tedious. But that may all change soon. "Think about the viral marketing for the brand that provides," Martin added.

Why eight satellites? Since the satellites are in a much lower orbit, as the ship moves, there is a "hand-off" of signals from one satellite to another. O3b will be launching the first of these satellites in early 2013.

Royal Caribbean's CEO, Adam Goldstein, right,
at the Ob3 signing ceremony aboard Oasis
(Credit: Royal Caribbean)

Also key is the service area. O3b will be serving an area spanning either side of the equator, which is perfect for Royal Caribbean's fleet operating in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, Martin noted. For ships in the far latitudes, like Alaska, there will be something for them, too. Martin said Royal is working with the Harris CapRock Communications Maritime group out of Melbourne, Florida to upgrade service on those ships, starting with Enchantment of the Seas. 

What about price? Martin indicated they were exploring a number of potential options. One could be modeled after "what one might find at a high-end resort," where you have unlimited use of the Internet for a flat rate per day, depending on the number of devices connected. Bottom line, the expectation is passengers will get a much better service at a lower price.

If the rollout on Oasis proves successful and popular, you can bet it won't be long before Allure of the Seas is next in line, and then others in the Royal fleet. I suspect competitors will be watching closely as well.

Just the thought of a faster Internet connection at sea has me humming the Hallelujah Chorus. -- Gerry

DON'T LET YOUR BILL BE A SURPRISE

The headline caught my attention:

Cruise Ships Are Going Cashless And It's Costing Travelers A Ton

The story, which ran on Business Insider, talks about how most cruise ships make passengers use their plastic ID/stateroom cards in lieu of cash aboard the ship, essentially charging everything from shopping purchases to alcohol to their shipboard account. It makes the point that using it is so easy, some free-spenders will get a nasty surprise at the end of the cruise when the bill arrives on their stateroom door. We heard about one spouse who, unknown to the other, ran up over $3,000 in extra charges. Talk about a nasty surprise!

It also says, and we agree, keep a close eye on what you've spent as the cruise goes along. Many ships let you check your bill directly from your stateroom TV. You can also request a copy from guest relations at any time.

From the moment you step on board, you've started your "tab." Party-hardy, but don't let it spoil your trip! -- Gerry

EXCITEMENT BUILDING FOR REFLECTION

Reflection (Credit: Celebrity Cruises)

Pam and I are both big fans of Celebrity Cruises, and why not? They combine luxury and innovation at an affordable price, and their new Solstice-class ships are among the best at sea. The newest of the new is Celebrity Reflection, which will make her debut this October in Europe before coming to the U.S. You can feel the excitement building over at the Celebrity Cruises blog, where Reflection has taken center stage. Check out the ship and her many new features here. You'll be hearing and reading a lot more in the coming months. Pam, weren't we on Celebrity Eclipse when we first learned to love the French martini? -- Gerry

JOIN THE CHORUS ON QUEEN MARY 2

Members of the National Symphony Orchestra (Courtesy Cunard)

Attention, Mo and Brian -- this should be of special interest to you:


When the Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton Oct. 14 bound for New York, it will carry members of London's National Symphony Orchestra. They'll perform two concerts while on board, one a "tribute to American music, and the other in traditional 'Last Night of the Proms' style." But this is the cool part: Guests will have the opportunity to join an all-passenger chorus. The chorus will join the NSO on stage the last night of the voyage and lead the audience in singing such favorites as "Rule Britannia" and "Land of Hope and Glory."

Brian and Mo, our good friends from Bath, England who are renowned for their vocal accomplishments in many choral performances, should be a shoo-in to lead the singing. How about it, Cunard? -- Gerry

LUXURY LIVING AT SEA ON A PRIVATE YACHT

The World (Credit: The World)

It goes without saying we love to cruise. And probably so do you. But do you like it enough to live on a ship full time? That's the lifestyle that some 200 lucky people have picked. They are residents on The World, at 644 feet in length "the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth." (You can watch their video here.)

The 130 families on board own residences and spent their time cruising to the far corners of the earth, year-round. According to their FAQ, "itineraries are determined two years in advance" via a voting process that includes the residents and the Captain. In 2011, it visited 53 countries, with an average port stay of 2.5 days.

Of course, such a luxury lifestyle comes with a luxury price. How much? While exact figures aren't available, their site does report in 2010 there were 18 apartment that generated "$41 million in gross sales." Four of those were valued at $5 million-plus.

The World made the news recently when it docked in Seattle.

While we aren't shopping this year for an apartment on a privately-owned yacht, we are open to making friends with someone who lives on same. "Dinner at eight, your place? Great. Pam will make her famous artichoke dip." -- Gerry

ALL HANDS ON DECK CHAIRS

The best part of cruising?

Ask one-hundred passengers and you get one-hundred, possibly, different answers.

Personally, I am of the opinion that it is impossible to choose just one best part of cruising the high-seas.

But, top of my list?

Going old-school and seeking a comfy deck chair in a quiet spot and letting my heart and soul drift along with the waves.

Three cheers for Cunard and their fabulous old-school (yet, modern and chic) deck chairs.

--Pam

ENJOYING THE PUB EXPERIENCE AT SEA

While you know we at Cruising Squared delight in all things martini, you won't find us turning down a good beer, either. And where better to enjoy a tasty brew than a traditional English pub? If you don't happen to be in London, the next best thing can be found on many cruise ships. Check out this venue from Royal Caribbean. We'll take ours with some fish and chips, thank 'ya kindly.

INSIGHTS FROM A SENIOR CRUISE DIRECTOR

The website "E Travel Blackboard - Asia Edition" (at Cruising Squared, we scroll the travel news so you don't have to!) interviews John Heald, senior cruise director for Carnival Cruise Lines. It offers a some interesting insights on how using Facebook and blogging have become essential tools for the cruise industry. Heald also talks about what happens when passengers don't return to the ship on time from their port outings. Ouch! Read it here. -- Gerry

CRUISE READING: PRIVATELY PALMER

On a long ocean voyage there's nothing like a good book, right? I have a recommendation for a great read, by none other than the beautiful and talented other half of Cruising Squared, Pamela Barker.

Her latest book is Privately Palmer: -- "Palmer has a problem and it isn't just the stranger lurking in the moonlit surf near her beach shack. Disturbing dreams about her father and a long-lost cousin appearing on the scene shake her private world. Addison, her part-time lover, is a soothing salve for her discomfort, but it is up to Palmer to uncover the dark family secrets."


It's available for download now as an E book at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Gerry rates it 5 stars!!

THE FINE ART OF VEGETABLE CARVING

Chefs aboard the Queen Victoria demonstrate
vegetable carving (Photo: Gerry)

Some of the amazing vegetable creations (Photo: Gerry)

The executive chef of the Queen Victoria shows off a pirate ship
carved from vegetables (Photo: Gerry)

CRUISE PIX OF THE DAY

TGIF Cruisers! I'm not certain if Pam is pointing to another ship, a fish or just the fabulous ocean view (or perhaps a jewelry shop on an nearby island). But whatever, it definitely falls into "wish we were there" category. Have a great weekend! -- Gerry

FIRST-TIME CRUISERS RATE THEIR TRIP

Shannon and Don

We've been showing you pictures from Don and Shannon's cruise on Norwegian Epic. The honeymooners agreed to share their impressions of their first cruise experience:

1. This was your first cruise. What were the high points?

The excursions were the high points. Of course, we were in Europe and let's be real, Europe is tough to beat. The highlight for the actual cruise was the plethora of events offered. There was always something fun and interesting to do. The White Hot Party was so much fun. A huge group of people in white dancing and singing. So much fun.

2. How was your stateroom?

We had a balcony stateroom and loved it. We had plenty of room. The bathroom was very nice and the room was very comfortable.

3. How would you rate the food on the ship? The service?

The food was very good. Both in the main dining room and the specialty restaurants. The specialty restaurants were amazing and the service was impeccable. The service in the main dining room was not so great. The buffet food was very good and the service was fine. We really liked the way the staff sanitized your hands as you walked into the restaurant.

4. What was your favorite port of call, and why?

Barcelona. Hands down. The city was so beautiful. Art and architecture everywhere. The city was so clean and the people so nice. We even mentioned having a home over there when our kids become rich and successful.

5. On a scale of 1-10, rate your cruise overall.

We give it an 8. The cruise was such a good time. We loved it but wish the service in the main dining room and sports bar would of been better.

6. Last, any advice for other would be first-time cruisers?

My only advice for first time cruisers is don't get overwhelmed with the excursions. The excursions leave early and make for long days. So even though you are in Europe, make sure you plan half day excursions or just take a day in a city on your own.

Thanks to Don and Shannon for sharing. And we agree with you about Barcelona -- what a great place to visit, or live! -- Gerry and Pam

PORT OF MIAMI UPGRADE REPORTED IN THE WORKS

There are apparently big plans in the works for expanding the Port of Miami. According to a story by Scott Blake in MiamiToday:

"Port Miami has been tops in the cruise industry for as long as anyone can remember. Miami-Dade County's seaport has drawn the most cruise passengers of any port worldwide for about 45 years, said Kevin Lynskey, Port Miami's assistant director for business initiatives. He and other Port Miami managers plan to keep it that way, currently spending roughly $18 million to upgrade two cruise terminals. And they have plans to spend millions more on future terminal projects.On the drawing board is a huge multi-berth terminal complex that Mr. Lynskey said would boast a 'revolutionary design'."

Part of the upgrade is to accommodate the new Carnival Breeze, which will home port in Miami later this year. Sounds like a great port is just going get better. -- Gerry

HONEYMOONING ON NORWEGIAN EPIC

Those fun honeymoon kids, Don and Shannon, are back from their fabulous cruise aboard Norwegian Epic around the Mediterranean, and shared some pix with Cruising Squared. You can see they had a blast! (BTW, if you're a fan of cooking outdoors and BBQ, visit Don's blog, Holy Smoke!!)

Let's get this party started!

Flowers and champagne on the balcony --
Don, you did good!

A new meaning to having a cold one!

CUE THE VIDEO FROM THE TONY "HAIRSPRAY" EVENT

You may recall our earlier post about the live "Hairspray" broadcast from the Oasis of the Seas during the Tony Awards. Royal Caribbean has just released this video that captures more of the high-octave glamour around that event:

GOOD NEWS FOR THE QE2

There's good news today for fans of the QE2, which sailed the world's oceans from 1969 to 2008. Bought by a Dubai investment company after her retirement, she faced an uncertain future. It's now reported she will be converted to a 300-room hotel, set to open in 18 months. More details here. Long live the Queen!