CARNIVAL EXPANDS 'DREAM' SCHEDULE

Carnival Cruise Lines is expanding Carnival Dream’s year-round schedule from Port Canaveral to include eight-day Caribbean departures along with two new five-day options, and a four-port, seven-day eastern Caribbean itinerary. Carnival Dream’s two new eight-day schedules include stops at Aruba, Curacao and Grand Turk, and an eastern Caribbean itinerary to St. Maarten, Tortola, St. Thomas and Grand Turk. Carnival notes "the two new five-day departures mark the first time that Carnival has offered short-cruise itineraries on a Dream-class ship." One five-day program features Key West, Nassau and Freeport while the other visits Nassau and Grand Turk. -- Gerry

ROYAL 'WOWS' WITH GODMOTHER UNVEILING

It seemed natural the the biggest "Wow" event in Hollywood -- the Oscars -- would get support from the cruise line that promises "Wow" experiences, Royal Caribbean. So it was cool and clever how Royal announced the godmother for their forthcoming ship, Quantum of the Seas, debuting in the fall of 2014. It's none other than Emmy and Tony award-winning performer Kristin Chenoweth. Let's go behind the scenes of that great ad you saw on the Oscars:




And here's another look at the commercial. -- Gerry

'BREAKAWAY' FLOATED OUT

Breakaway emerges bow first in Germany
(Credit: Norwegian)

It's an exciting morning for Norwegian. They report Norwegian Breakaway was floated out of MEYER WERFT’s covered building dock II this morning in Papenburg, Germany where the 146,600-ton ship has been under construction since September 2011. Norwegian reports it is not only the first ship to depart there bow first, but also the largest ship ever constructed in Germany. It makes it's New York debut in 58 days. -- Gerry

REPORT: 'TITANIC' REPLICA MOVING AHEAD

The Daily Mail is reporting plans to build a replica of the Titanic "look set to go ahead after it was revealed that the shipyard chosen to build the ocean liner has begun upgrading its facilities in preparation of the forthcoming construction work." Funded by Australian billionaire Clive Palmer, "Titanic II is to be built at CSC Jinling Shipyard Company in Nanjing, China." Apart from the technology, it will be an exact replica, even down to offering passengers first, second and third class tickets. An earlier post on this story can be found here. --Gerry

CELEBRITY CHEF ANNOUNCED FOR 'GETAWAY'

Zakarian, left, and Norwegian
CEO Kevin Sheehan (Norwegian)

With Norwegian Breakaway, making her debut in May from New York, getting all the recent headlines, it's time for her sister ship, Getaway, to make some news. Today it was announced celebrity chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will create and oversee the opening of his seafood restaurant, Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, on Getaway, which will sail from Miami beginning February, 2014. Zakarian’s new restaurant is located in 678 Ocean Place, featuring "innovative outdoor spaces along The Waterfront, the ship’s oceanfront promenade offering guests an unparalleled experience with a unique connection to the ocean." -- Gerry

WELCOME ABOARD, ALL THINGS CRUISE

As you know, there are many resources for cruise travelers on the Web. But one of the better ones we've run across is All Things Cruise. Developed by Heidi Allison-Shane and Bob Levinstein, the founders of CruiseCompete, it's both a credible and objective source for cruise information, such as "How do I find the right cruise, the right ship, destination? Which is the right and best shore excursion? Will my cell phone work on board? What I will wear?” It also features a stable of recognized travel writers.

Now we are pleased to say Cruising Squared is joining with All Things Cruise to share their stories and features with our audience, as well as share our coverage with their readers. For starters, here's a recent review of a trip on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth, titled "High Tea on the High Seas." Having enjoyed high tea ourselves on the Queen Victoria, it's quite memorable (the scones are to die for).

Thanks to Heidi Allison-Shane for her help in bringing our two sites together. Enjoy! -- Gerry


High Tea on the High Seas aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth

By Ludmilla Alexander
Photos by Dimitry Bobroff

HMS Queen Elizabeth

British history and culture have always fascinated me, so booking passage on Cunard’s newest ship, the Queen Elizabeth, was an easy decision. The ship’s 12-day itinerary, named “Pearls of the Black Sea,” included Olympia, Mykonos, Santorini and Istanbul, as well as maiden calls at the Black Sea ports of Odessa and Yalta in the Ukraine, and Nessebur in Bulgaria.

My excitement, however, was mixed with some trepidation. Would we Americans fit in with the British? Would we understand their accents? Would my department store ballgowns be elegant enough for the four Royal Nights formal evenings? Would we have fun on a ship with no waterslides?

Read more.

TILLMAN 'ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR'

Cruise director Lisa Ball and Tony Tillman (Princess)

Congratulations to Tony Tillman, the new Princess Cruises 2012 Entertainer of the Year winner. Tony competed against four other finalists aboard Crown Princess. A star of “The Rat Pack is Back” tribute show in Las Vegas, Tillman receives a  cash prize of $5,000. Passengers aboard the Feb. 9-16, 2013 Crown Princess sailing voted on live performances from each finalist, including comedy and dance duo Alfredo and Seymour, comedian Sarge, and mentalist Wayne Hoffman. -- Gerry

A CUNARD ROYAL RENDEZVOUS IN LONG BEACH

Credit: Cunard

Queen Mary, meet Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Elizabeth, meet Queen Mary.

On March 12, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth will make a Royal Rendezvous in Long Beach Harbor with the legendary Queen Mary. The public is invited to witness the occasion, which will feature whistle salutes between the ships and a fireworks display. This is Queen Mary’s first encounter with a Queen Elizabeth since 1967 when "Queen Mary, during her final Transatlantic Crossing in Cunard service, passed by the original Queen Elizabeth" on Sept. 25. Free access to the ship will be offered from 4-9 pm. Queen Elizabeth will sail into Long Beach Harbor at approximately 6:30 pm, and the fireworks display will begin at 7:30 pm. Even the famous Goodyear blimp will be overhead.

In her 30 years of service, Queen Mary served as a troopship during World War II. Cunard reports, "Winston Churchill credited Cunard with ending the war one year early due to the troop transport that both the Queen Mary and the original Queen Elizabeth provided." Today she is a popular tourist and maritime destination as a hotel and museum. -- Gerry

READERS SELECT '25 BEST BEACHES'

Can you name this beach? (Credit: TripAdvisor)

Who doesn't love a beautiful beach? A warm expanse of sugary sand, the sound of the surf and seagulls, the endless blue water -- not to mention those drinks with the little umbrellas       and a reclining lounge chair. We all have our favorites, and this week TripAdvisor is out with their list of the "25 Top Beaches in the World" as selected by their readers. While Florida beaches made the list, I was a little disappointed one of our favs didn't -- Trunk Bay on St. John in the Virgin Islands. That's okay, better to keep that one our little secret. Happy Friday, all! -- Gerry

CRUISE COMBINES WINE, DINE AND MUSIC

What do you call a cruise that combines wine, food and music? How about the Wine, Dine and Music Cruise? It's billed as the "first annual wine, food and music extravaganza at sea," featuring famous recording artists, such as Kenny Loggins and Three Dog Night, seven wineries, including Rodney Strong, and an award winning chef, John Ash. Offered by Flying Dutchmen Travel, it departs for the Caribbean Nov. 9, 2013 from Tampa on Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas.


Prices start at $1099 and more info is at www.winedineandmusiccruise.com. There's also a Facebook contest for a premium wine package at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wine-Dine-and-Music-Cruise/178988348892079. -- Gerry

DESIGN YOUR OWN SOFT DRINK ON ROYAL SHIPS

Do you remember the days when Coca-Cola came in one flavor -- original? Your major choices then were Coke, Pepsi and RC Cola. Compare that to today, when just stocking all the available soft drink flavors and combinations takes a whole aisle in the grocery store. How would like to have all those choices, and many more, right at your fingertips? Select Royal Caribbean ships have the Coke lovers dream, an interactive vending machine where you can personalize an almost endless combination of Coke products into the flavor of your choice. We sampled it in person aboard Allure and Oasis and it's pretty cool. Find out more in this video. -- Gerry

'TRIUMPH' COVERAGE SCRUTINIZED

While the Carnival Triumph incident wasn't good news for the cruise industry, it apparently was for CNN. There are reports their coverage provided a ratings win over both Fox News and MSNBC. Despite that, at least one media critic points out their "tabloid" coverage was also risky. Writing in The Guardian, Martin Dunn pointed out "the close-to-the-limit hype can backfire. If coverage was not billed as 'The Big Story', it was being hailed as 'Triumph and Tragedy'. All this when no one died or was seriously hurt." Just goes to show in today's uber-connected world, no one escapes the spotlight. -- Gerry

'TRIUMPH' IMPACT MAY BE SHORT-LIVED

For the past week or so, the cruise news has been dominated by the well-documented engine fire and resulting related woes aboard Carnival Triumph. It's a tough situation for Carnival, and an industry that sells and promotes fun vacation experiences. But as anyone who travels knows, things don't always go as planned. Fortunately, such occurrences are rare, as this author points out in his article, "Can Carnival Weather the PR Storm?". The conclusion is they can, with most of the impact probably short-lived and affecting first-time cruisers. The cruising industry has worked hard to sell and elevate their product, which I think most would agree keeps getting better every year. With so much at stake, I'm confident they will, individually and collectively, re-double their efforts to make cruising the best vacation value in travel. -- Gerry

TRIPADVISOR'S 10 INCREDIBLE POOLS

A "jaw dropping" pool (TripAdvisor)

TripAdvisor is out with their list of "10 Incredible Hotel Pools." It is amazing what designers can do with concrete, glass and water, and make it all blend beautifully with the  natural surroundings. Some of these infinity pools will really knock your socks off, which is a good first step toward taking a dip. Others live up to "jaw dropping." They are all great fodder for cocktail conversation when you tell your friends about your latest trip. TGIF, everyone! -- Gerry

NORWEGIAN ADDS BERMUDA EXCURSIONS

The pink sand beaches of Bermuda (Credit: Norwegian)

With Norwegian Breakaway launching in May, Norwegian Cruise Line has expanded its tour offerings in Bermuda. They have added several new excursions only available on Breakaway, and  a number of excursions for guests on both Breakaway and Norwegian Dawn, sailing from Boston to Bermuda. Guests can go reef fishing at night, bike the original Bermuda railway trail or go at their own pace with a private boat tour. -- Gerry

WARM UP VALENTINE'S WITH HOT CHOCOLATE

Viennese Hot Chocolate (Credit: Viking)

With all kinds of promotions touting love and romance tied to Valentine's Day, we've taken a page from Viking River Cruises to pay our homage to Cupid. After all, what says romance more than chocolate? In this case, Viking's own recipe for Viennese Hot Chocolate. Viking credits Reiner Marks, "who prepared this drink aboard Viking River Cruises ships in Europe many times."

Ingredients:

Seven ounces premium dark chocolate, grated
Three cups of low-fat milk
One tablespoon granulated sugar
One cup heavy cream, chilled
One-half teaspoon vanilla paste (or vanilla extract, organic if possible)
One tablespoon confectioners' sugar
Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish

PRINCESS POSTS CRUISE STORIES

Gather thousands of people on a ship and what do you get? Lots of stories about their experiences, some of which are extraordinary. Princess Cruises is choosing the best of those stories for their new blog, “Linked by the Sea.” The first five have been published, and touch on subjects like romance, friendship and weddings. Each week Princess will post a story that "will illustrate how a cruise not only offers a relaxing retreat from which to explore the world, but often includes the discovery of new friends that lead to meaningful or lifelong relationships." Readers are encouraged to share their own “Linked by the Sea” stories through the blog as well. Submit at www.linkedbythesea.com/share-your-story to be considered. Here are capsules from Princess of the first five:

DISNEY RELEASES 2014 SCHEDULE

The Castillo de San Cristóba in Puerto Rico (Credit: Disney)

Disney Cruise Lines has released their 2014 cruise schedule. For the first time, Disney ships will homeport from Venice and San Juan, and the line is expanding their European voyages as well, highlighting the Greek Isles. From May to August 2014, the Disney Magic will sail from Venice and visit destinations in the Greek Isles and Sicily for the very first time, including Katakolon, Rhodes, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini and Corfu, Greece and Catania, Sicily. Disney Magic also will sail four cruises to the
Southern Caribbean from San Juan during September and October, including a stop in Grenada – a new port. Get more details about their 2014 schedule at http://www.disneycruise.com. -- Gerry

'REFLECTION' HOSTING FOOD FESTIVAL EVENT

"A Taste of Modern luxury" is coming to the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Hosted on Celebrity Reflection at the Port of Miami, it features six unique venues, where small plates from Celebrity’s onboard specialty restaurants will be paired with cocktails. One pairing will be a gin, ginger elderflower and rosemary cocktail called “Gentle Reflection” and a Muscovy duck breast with almond-crusted French toast and raisin-apple compote. The date is Saturday, Feb. 23, 11 am to 3 pm. Pre-registration is required, and tickets are $85. More details are available at www.sobefest.com/celebritycruises. The line notes all proceeds from the Festival benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University. Here's a video that talks more about how menus are developed for Celebrity restaurants. --Gerry

C.L.I.A. LAUNCHES 'CRUISE INDUSTRY TV' ON YOUTUBE

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) just launched a YouTube channel, Cruise Industry TV at www.youtube.com/cruiseindustrytv to offer "content on the value of cruising and industry operational practices." It features three primary sections: Cruise Vacationers, Travel Agents, and Industry Practices. Here's an introductory video that explains more from CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy:

FERRY SERVICE TO BIMINI DEBUTS

The ferry boat Maverick (Credit: Balearia)

It's been one year since Baleària Bahamas Express launched its ferry service between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Bahama. Today, the Spanish shipping company begins new ferry service linking Miami to the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. The ferry -- named Maverick -- sails at a speed of 30 knots and has a capacity for 357 passengers. Initially it runs three days a week (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) with plans to increase that number during the summer season. Departure from Miami is at 9 a.m. (arriving in Bimini by noon) and the return crossing is at 5 p.m. (arriving back in Miami by 8 p.m.) Round-trip tickets are $99.

Bimini is located 50 miles east of Miami and has a variety of accommodations and activities for visitors. Among them are the Bimini Big Game Club, in historic Alice Town;
Bimini Bay Resort on North Bimini, near white beaches and Bimini Sands Resort and Marina on South Bimini, featuring a full service deep-water marina. -- Gerry

FRIDAY PHOTO FUN: CARPET PORTHOLES

Photo: Gerry

Look out below! Diners at the Seaside Cafe on Celebrity Constellation get a bird's eye view of the ocean thanks to these portholes built into the carpet. While you eat you can watch the waves in front and below you. -- Gerry

'EXCITE THE SENSES' CRUISES ON CELEBRITY

Celebrity has announced its "Excite the Senses" cruises are back in 2013, tailored to offer "foodies a comprehensive sensory experience, including in-depth demonstrations, robust and enriching tastings, food and beverage pairing dinners and behind-the-scenes culinary experiences."

The cruise line will offer four "Excite the Senses" cruises this year, starting March 9 on its newest ship, Celebrity Reflection, on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean voyage round-trip out of Miami. There will be one-of-a-kind dinners, culinary demonstrations, plus interactive classes. Mixologist Junior Merino, also known as The Liquid Chef, and the creator of one of our favs -- the Molecular Bar -- will be on hand to interact with guests. Wonder if Junior might be open to a "French martini throwdown" with Cruising Sqauared? Bring it on!

Additional sailings will take place in July, August and October. More information can be found at www.celebritycruises.com/excitethesenses. -- Gerry

CUNARD OFFERS BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR

Touring the Bridge on the Queen Victoria
(Photo: Gerry)

Here's an idea we can personally endorse: Cunard is offering Behind the Scenes Tours.

Pam and I just about walked every inch of the Queen Victoria, from the Bridge to the engine room, and it is amazing to observe what it takes to support a "city on the sea." The just-announced tours (exactly 222 steps, according to Cunard) are led by senior officers and are available on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. The tour lasts three and a half hours and cost $120 per person. They note that one tour with a maximum of 16 guests is available per voyage and can be booked on board through the Tours Office. 

The tours include stops at:

CRUISE LINES SEE OPPORTUNITY IN CHINA

There's an interesting item on Business Insider that talks about how the cruise lines are trying to cultivate the China market, with good reason. They quote an analyst who expects "the number of cruise passengers in the Asia-Pacific region could shoot up to 5.5 million by 2020 from just 2 million in 2010, assuming the Asian market grows as quickly as the European market did between 2000 and 2010."

The article also notes "cruise vacations are much better established in North America and Europe than in Asia . . .There are about 3.3 cruise passengers for every 100 people in North America and 1.1 in Europe. Asia, on the other hand, has only 0.2 cruise passengers per 100 people."

So far, Carnival and Royal Caribbean have been "early adopters" in China, but like any new venture, there's always a learning curve. Quoting again from the article: "The cruises Chinese customers have traditionally been accustomed to are often little more than gambling junkets . . .Getting consumers to think of a cruise as a family-friendly vacation option, or a high-end indulgence, is a critical part of growing the luxury cruise market."

I'm betting the cruise lines will figure it out. -- Gerry

DORE SOUTH BEACH NEW ON THE SCENE

The Dore South Beach main dining room

South Floridians have a new "ritzy" destination for fine food and drink: It's the Doré South Beach, a new restaurant-lounge that opened this week at the Miami Beach Ritz-Carlton at 1669 Collins Avenue. The 7,000-square-foot space offers a main dining area, which seats 90; a Rotunda lounge, seating 40; a bar that accommodates 30 and a private dining room for 40 people. 

The Rotunda lounge

The menu boasts a distinctly international flair, including tapas, such as Duck Bresaola (house-cured, fig jam, parmesan sablé), Crudo (radish, cucumber, ponzu, soy), or Salmon Rillettes (crème fraîche, baguette). For appetizers, there's Lobster and Crab Cake (cilantro, apple curry sauce), Roasted Tomato Tart (burratina, arugula, balsamic caramel), Foie Gras (seared, fuji apple, brioche), or Raclette Terracotta (bresaola, potato, cornichon pickle). Among the entrees are Slow Braised Lamb Shank (soft polenta, rosemary jus), Tiger Shrimp (white beans, red pepper, hazelnut romesco), Lemon Sole (potato purée, spinach, lemon, crouton, brown butter), and  8oz Filet Mignon  (haricots verts, potato Gratin Dauphinois, peppercorn brandy sauce).

For entertainment, there's a DJ there nightly. Below is the menu, which is complemented by a tantalizing selection of "mixology" drinks, including   a number of martinis Pam and I will have to review personally. -- Gerry

CARNIVAL REPORTS BOOKING RECORD

They are no doubt popping some champagne over at Carnival with the news that "Carnival Cruise Lines set a one-week reservations record, taking gross bookings for 187,283 guests between Jan. 28-Feb. 3, 2013." Carnival President and CEO Gerry Cahill cited several factors, including the $500 million Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement initiative and recent marketing activities, such as the Vacation Awesome-ation sale and prize giveaway and the upcoming debut of Carnival Sunshine. -- Gerry

GRAND LUCAYAN'S ROMANCE PACKAGE

Credit: Grand Lucayan

If you're seeking out a romantic setting for that special someone, the Bahamas are a good start. To celebrate Valentine's Day, the Grand Lucayan resort on Grand Bahama Island is offering a special deal. Start with cocktails and canapés served on the resort’s private beach at Light House Pointe at 7 p.m., followed by a romantic dinner "set in red and white" by "a floating-candle-filled infinity pool," and a performance from Big Daddy of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. Tickets for dinner and entertainment are $150 per couple. Additionally, those who book three nights or more get a fourth night free with rates starting at $139, available through Feb. 28, 2013. For more information on the fourth night free offer visit http://www.grandlucayan.com/offers/winterrific-sale/

Taking the romance one step further, every proposal that takes place at the resort on Valentine’s Day will receive a free wedding with the purchase of a honeymoon of five nights or more. To learn more visit http://www.granqadlucayan.com/offers/free-wedding-package/. -- Gerry

REVIEW: OCEAN LINERS ON 'CONSTELLATION'

Ocean Liners (All Photos: Gerry)

ABOARD CELEBRITY CONSTELLATION -- Among the specialty restaurants you'll find on this ship is one tucked away on deck 3, mid-ship, by the elevators. With decor inspired by the classic ocean liners of years past, it features "contemporary French cuisine with a Mediterranean influence." With a per-person up-charge of $40, diners here should be prepared for a two-hour-plus experience, with many of the dishes prepared personally at table side.

As is often the case, the decisions start with the "starters." There is a wide range of choices, from "Smoked Salmon and Peekytoe Crab Parfait" to "Wild Forest Mushroom Cappuccino." We opted for the more traditional favorites, "Creamy Maine Lobster Bisque," featuring leek and shallot flan, cognac cream and crispy sweet corn fleuron (a crescent-shaped puff pastry).  Pam opted for the "Warm Goat Cheese Souffle," with smoked tomato coulis, Parmesan cream and basil pesto. Pam never turns down goat cheese. Both were rich and flavorful.

Dover Sole prepared table-side

As for the main event, again lots of choices. There was what you might expect -- lobster, duck breast, rack of lamb and veal chop. But one item we couldn't pass up was the "Dover Sole Veronique," described as "pan seared golden brown, a la Veronique with green grapes au Beurre Noisette." Basically, Dover sole served in a warm butter sauce with green grapes. We watched as our server expertly prepared the dish at our table, filleting the fish and removing the delicate bones intact, which elicited our applause.

Finally it was my favorite time of the meal: Desserts. Again, Pam didn't hesitate, going for one of her favs, the "Grand Marnier Souffle." I opted for the "Crepe Ballon Rouge," with Balsamic strawberries, vanilla ice cream and Chambertin sauce, prepared at our table flambe, always a good photo opt.

Flambe at the table

If you want a special evening and special treatment, Ocean Liners will provide both. But be advised if you are on a tight schedule or in a rush to catch a show or hit the casino, probably not for you. Two couples at an adjacent table apparently weren't planning for a leisurely meal, and left in somewhat of a huff when their food didn't arrive fast enough..

Don't we take cruises to r-e-l-a-x? Just saying. -- Gerry

TAKE A SMALL SHIP CRUISE TO TURKEY, GREECE

Credit: International Expeditions

When it comes to picking a cruise, consumers have lots of options, including how many passengers will share the journey with you. If you are among those who prefer a more personal experience, International Expeditions is expanding their offering of small-ship expedition cruises for 2013. They report that "in addition to year-round journeys to the Amazon River and Galapagos Islands, the company will operate a Turkey and Greece cruise aboard the 42-guest Panorama II departing Sept. 15, 2013. Each small-ship expedition is led by knowledgeable expedition leaders and guides who help travelers delve into the nature, history and cultures of places visited."

Along with the lovely scenery, history buffs will be delighted with the itinerary: "Designed for history and archaeology enthusiasts, International Expeditions’ Turkey and Greece journey spans centuries of history and culture along the ancient Turquoise Coast and Greek Isles. IE’s 12-day cruise offers an immersive survey of the region, from Bronze Age shipwrecks at Bodrum’s Underwater Archaeological Museum to an unexcavated acropolis in remote Lindos. Highlighting the tour are archaeologist-guided explorations of sites which were part of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the Colossus of Rhodes, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and Temple of Artemis. Guests also enjoy swimming off secluded coves and beaches, time to sample food at a local taverna and independent exploration." Prices start at $4,798.

Here's more info on their other offerings:

CUNARD RECIPENT OF RARE PHOTO

Neil Malloch presents the rare
 photo to Capt. Olsen (Credit: Cunard)

When Cunard's Queen Victoria stopped in San Francisco Feb. 3 as part of her 105-day World Cruise, a piece of history came aboard. Special guests from the California Heritage Council presented the ship’s Master, Captain Inger Olsen, with an archival photograph of Cunard’s original Queen Elizabeth in San Francisco during World War II.

Cunard noted the photo, taken on March 31, 1942, "is historically significant because it was the only time Queen Elizabeth ever entered a U.S. west coast port, doing so to pick up 8,000 American soldiers bound for Sydney, Australia, at the height of the most critical part of the Pacific campaign during the war. The image is also important as it was captured in secret: photography of ships in port during World War II was prohibited."

From their release:

ROYAL TAKING A 'QUANTUM' LEAP FORWARD

Big with "B" news today from Royal Caribbean: The cruise line has taken the wraps off their next generation of ships, known as Project Sunshine. Work has officially begun on the "Quantum" class, starting with Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. No doubt cruise news sites will be buzzing in the months ahead as more details about what to expect come out. The tagline for the project is "Designing for WOW." Judging from the "WOWs" they have already delivered, we are in for a special treat. Here's the introductory video. Wow, indeed! -- Gerry

CARNIVAL 'VICTORY' ARRIVES IN MIAMI

Carnival Victory (Credit: Carnival)

Carnival has announced the arrival of Carnival Victory at the Port of Miami, where it will embark on a new year-round schedule of four- and five-day cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Four-day cruises departing Thursdays stop at Key West and Cozumel; five-day cruises departing Mondays include stops at Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Nassau and five-day voyages departing Saturdays feature George Town, Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Carnival Victory replaces Carnival Destiny, which is headed on an 18-day trans-Atlantic crossing to Venice, Italy and a $155 million, 49-day renovation. Plus a new name: Carnival Sunshine and everything that goes with their Fun Ship 2.0 enhancement initiative. -- Gerry

ISLA PALENQUE: ECO-FRIENDLY PLUS LUXURY

Isla Palenque Beach Dining.
 (PRNewsFoto/The Resort at Isla Palenque)

We always have an eye out for interesting travel items, and here's one that came across our email recently: "Travelers in pursuit of a luxurious tropical getaway are veering off the beaten path to stay at a new private island eco-resort in Panama's Chiriqui Gulf, The Resort at Isla Palenque, opening February 14." Luxury, beauty, eco-friendly -- this one seems to have it all.

The release goes on: "The Panama resort on 400-acre Isla Palenque combines sustainability initiatives with high-end amenities and services for a luxury travel experience never before realized in Central America. Guests of the resort can choose from an intimate collection of sixteen immersed-in-nature rooms and luxury camping suites that provide comfortable living in the tropics through the use of passive cooling techniques."

Rooms are "perched among 100-year-old trees cascade down a bluff to meet the ocean, offering guests proximity to one of the island's twelve beaches and expansive views of the surrounding Pacific. . .Pioneering guests of Isla Palenque's soft opening will inhabit the six Estate Rooms overlooking Playa Primera. These chic, authentically appointed rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood furnishings made onsite by a local artisan, indigenous art and outdoor lounge areas that invite the stunning natural surround into the luxury space." The only thing missing is Pam and I occupying those chairs on the beach. -- Gerry

BIG DEMAND CITED FOR RIVER CRUISING

Credit: Viking River Cruises

Happy February, everyone. There's an interesting story today in Market Watch about the current boom in river cruising. Quoting from the story: "River cruise lines are having trouble keeping up with the demand," said Julie Walsh, the director of marketing for Cruise Travel Outlet, a booking website. “We are booking most of our customers on river cruises for 2014 because space is sold out for 2013.” What's behind it? They site the experience -- a bigger variety of ports and more immersion in the culture. Read the whole story here. -- Gerry