NORWEGIAN, KNICKS TO PARTNER

This is apparently the day for news out of the Big Apple. Today Norwegian Cruise Line and the New York Knicks announced a new marketing partnership naming Norwegian the “Official Cruise Line” of the team. Among other things, Norwegian will sponsor on-court promotions during select Knicks home games where fans will have the opportunity to win prizes ranging from Norwegian’s recently introduced gift card to a seven-day cruise. 

GOING 'QUANTUM' SHOPPING IN NEW YORK

If you need inspiration for a big ship, the Big Apple isn't a bad place to start. In this week's video from Royal Caribbean, Quantum Experience Advisor and HGTV star, Genevieve Gorder takes the Royal Caribbean team on a day of inspiration through her home town of New York City, on the lookout for ideas for Quantum of the Seas' lofts and suites "at textile showrooms, artist studios and her design meccas." Here's a video recap:

AUTUMN IN A VENEZIA PHOTO

October is winding down, and November lurks.

The sun is beginning to set earlier over the Atlantic.

Photos: Cruising Squared

When did the mellow season sneak up on us?

It is difficult to feel the change of seasons in South Florida, but does Autumn have the potential to be dull and monotonous, even in the land of perpetual flora?

Possibly.

Let me toss Monday into the mix of potential monotony, and my mind longs to take a brief vacation to a location that is anything but dull in the Autumn of the year.

Italy.


Venice.

Venice in November is perfection. Perfect climate, just enough rain to be romantic, lovely shops, great food, just enough people to make watching fun.

Forget Harry's Bar. It is famous as can be, but the Florian was my favorite libation destination.

So, I return there today, via two photos, knowing I must return in person.

I must return because I failed to get a handmade Casanova mask for my collection.

Visiting that glorious city, even in a blog post,  is anything but dull on the last Monday of October.

Beautiful Venezia, we left a part of our hearts in that square. -- Pam

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE PHOTO

TripAdvisor is asking you to vote for your favorite photo taken by travelers. Whether you vote or not, check out the entries here. Amazing photos -- the kind you only saw in National Geographic in the day before every phone had a 8-megapixel camera.

AMTRAK ADDING LONG DISTANCE CARS

Amtrak cars under construction (Credit: Amtrak)

Amtrak is adding some fancy new cars to its fleet. They announced "production of the first units of new Amtrak long distance passenger rail cars is nearing completion and they are expected to begin field testing this winter. The cars are being built by CAF USA at its facility in Elmira, N.Y., which hired more than 400 employees to perform the manufacturing and final assembly work.

"The $298.1 million order for 130 single-level long distance passenger rail cars includes 25 sleepers, 25 diners, 25 baggage/dormitory and 55 baggage cars. More than 120 suppliers in 25 states and 93 cities are providing parts for the new rail cars."

Here's more from their release:

ALL THINGS CRUISE ADDS CROISIEUROPE

Our partners at AllThingsCruise have an announcement: The addition of European river cruise line CroisiEurope. From the release:

"Since 1976, CroisiEurope has pioneered river cruising on the most beautiful waterways in Europe, and CroisiEurope is Europe’s largest and most experienced river cruise line, and a pioneer in river cruising. More than 200,000 passengers have taken CroisiEurope to the lands of their dreams, for the times of their lives. Its fleet of 30 ships sails to dazzling riverside cities in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Belgium—to the romantic Rhine Valley, the Rhône and Saône, the Seine, the beautiful blue Danube, the Douro Valley, Venice and more—where passengers explore and enjoy local food, wine, history, art and culture."

Welcome aboard! -- Gerry

READ THE RED LIPS AT RED TAPAS

Photo-Cruising Squared

It is late October and in So-Flo the surge of part-time dwellers is really beginning to swell.

Good for businesses, of course, but it also means locals cruising the Palm Beaches find fewer deals on almost everything.

I did say almost.

Digging just a little bit, we continue to find some sweet deals as we cruise on wheels, very close to home.

So, pull up a chair on the patio and read the red lips of Red Tapas Bar and Grille. Feel the cool breezes as you  enjoy the sights (people and palm trees) and sounds (live music beginning at 7:00 Wednesday). Relax and enjoy an evening of delicious cocktails and appetizers for bargain prices, all during Happy Hour.

Wait, there is more.

Need the perfect place to host your charity event?

Red is also dedicated to serving the needs of others. Check out, Red Relief.

Smooches, cruisers! --Pam

'QUANTUM' TAKING SHAPE AT SHIPYARD

Sparks are flying and cranes are working overtime at the shipyard where Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas is beginning to take shape. Here's a video progress report:

FLORIDA KEYS LIGHTED BOAT PARADES

Nothing says Christmas in Florida like a lighted boat parade. For those who want to mark their calendars early, here's a roundup of boat parades in the Florida Keys:

Credit: Key Colony website

Sunday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. (sunset)
Key Colony Beach Lighted Boat Parade (Marathon Area)
Spectators can applaud vividly lit boats in the Middle Keys at the Key Colony Beach Boat Parade. Open to all boats, the parade is set to start at the 7th Street canal and wind its way through canals on the west side of the city, ending in the canal between 11th and 12th streets. The best viewing spots include the Sadowski Causeway at mile marker (MM) 53.5 and the dock area behind city hall and the post office. An after-party with awards for captains and crews is to be held at Key Colony Inn, 700 E. Ocean Drive, with a free buffet and cash bar. Contact: 305-743-7214 or www.kcbca.org/kcbca-events/holiday-lighted-boat-parade/

Saturday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m.
Boot Key Harbor Boat Parade (Marathon)
At this Middle Keys holiday event, dinghies, mega-yachts and vessels in between are to cruise the harbor in a sparkling procession. The best viewing sites include Lazy Days South, Marathon Marina, Sombrero Dockside Lounge and Burdines Waterfront around MM 47-50. Contact: www.bootkeyharbor.com/christmas_parade.htm

BUSCH GARDENS CITED FOR SCARY THRILLS

Today we ran across an item for NAD (New Acronym Dept.): HAA -- otherwise known as The Haunted Attraction Association, which bills itself as "the only official association in the haunt industry." They report that "According to the National Retail Federation, 20.3% of Americans plan on visiting a haunted attraction this fall. Research further shows that many thrill-seekers carefully plan vacations and weekend getaways specifically around visiting America’s Top Haunted Attractions."

In Florida, they are recommending Tampa’s Busch Gardens, which "delivers on all accounts with their Howl-O-Scream Theme Park. Each season, this huge compound transforms into a seriously spooky destination. Explore the four main 'terror-tories:' Ripper Row, Vampire Point, Demon Street and Ports of Skull. Take the whole family and tour haunted houses like Cut Throat Cove and ride haunted roller coasters like The Loch Ness Monster."

Not sure we agree. The scariest thing we've encountered is driving on I-95.

VIKING HONORED

Congrats to Viking Cruises, once again named “Best River Cruise Line” in Cruise Critic’s 6th Annual Editors’ Picks Awards, both in the U.S. and the U.K.  Founded in 1997, Viking was established with four Russian river cruise vessels. Today, Viking owns and operates the world’s largest fleet of river vessels – 35.

10 NEW HOTELS YOU HAVE TO SEE

Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai  (Credit: TripAdvisor)

The latest list from Trip Advisor is "10 New Hotels You Must See." Sounds like a road trip to us. If you're planning to see them all, prepare to go from New York to Shanghai and London to Lithuania, and parts in-between. Not a bad gig, right? Probably the biggest surprise on the list is the 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville, Arkansas. And you thought the city was only on the map for being the world headquarters of Walmart. -- Gerry

'REGAL PRINCESS' TO DEBUT SOONER

Princess Cruises has announced the Regal Princess will debut next year earlier than originally announced, prompting the addition of two new sailings to her maiden schedule. The ship’s first voyage, which was previously scheduled for June 2, will now be May 20, 2014. Passengers can select from two new week-long Mediterranean cruises traveling between Venice and Athens. The two new Regal Princess Mediterranean cruises are:

May 20, 2014 (New maiden voyage) – Seven-day cruise from Venice to Athens including stops in Corfu, Mykonos and an overnight call in Istanbul.

May 27, 2014 – Six-day cruise from Athens to Venice including calls to Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Santorini, Katakolon (for Olympia) and Dubrovnik.

CHEERLEADERS GODMOTHERS FOR 'GETAWAY'

Miami Dolphin cheerleaders (Courtesy: Norwegian)

Norwegian Cruise Line and the Miami Dolphins announced today that the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders are the official Godmothers of Norwegian Getaway, which will home port in Miami. The Christening Ceremony will take place on Feb. 7. Also announced was a partnership with the Miami Dolphins that designates Norwegian Cruise Line as the “Official Cruise Line” of the Miami Dolphins and Sun Life Stadium.

At each Dolphin home game, ticket holders can picture how they would “Cruise Like a Norwegian” by having their photograph taken in front of a Norwegian Getaway backdrop and they can enter a sweepstakes to win a cruise for four on Norwegian Getaway. To celebrate the announcement, the cheerleaders will make an appearance at Norwegian Cruise Line’s photo area on the Grand Plaza (across from the Dolphins store at Gate G) at Sun Life Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 11 am to 12 pm. The Cheerleaders will be available for photos and will be giving fans commemorative posters.

TELL YOUR AMTRAK STORY

Amtrak reports today they carried a record 31.6 million passengers in Fiscal Year 2013, marking the tenth ridership record in 11 years. To celebrate, starting today, passengers are encouraged to share their rail travel stories and pictures at AmtrakStories.com for a chance to win prizes. More details on the giveaway from Amtrak:

"While we handled the driving, you were busy snapping nearly 100,000 photos on Instagram. You captured the beauty of the American landscape, our unique stations and a few selfies along the way. We know you have more to say to your fellow 31 million passengers. We're ready to help you share your stories. Submit your #AmtrakStories at AmtrakStories.com, and we'll share the best ones here on our blog. Oh, did we mention, we'll also give away a $100 travel voucher everyday to the best Amtrak story? Plus, one grand-prize winner gets an Amtrak Vacation pack for two at the end of our 31-day celebration!"

We can say "All aboard" to that! -- Gerry and Pam

CRUISING SOUTHSIDE TIKIS AT WATERWAY CAFE

Occasionally, it is necessary to drop anchor near home and that can be quite rewarding, especially when you reside in So-Flo. On any given weekend it is not difficult to find a refreshing spot on the Intra-Coastal where it is easy to grab a bite, a cool libation and watch a variety of boats drift (or speed) along. -- Pam

SouthSide Tikis at Waterway Cafe
All photos: Cruising squared


So, Happy Columbus Day.

Cheers from Cruising!

CELEBRITY TAKES CULINARY TALENT TO NYC

This month, Celebrity Cruises shifts from sea to land by participating in a series of culinary events in New York City. Those include a health food trends panel at NYC’s Michelin-starred Rouge Tomate, dinner at the legendary James Beard House, and a sponsorship of the  Food Network New York City Wine and Food Festival.

On October 12, Celebrity returns to the James Beard House for “A Taste of Modern Luxury,” featuring recipes from onboard Celebrity’s ships as well as new creations, and wine pairings.

At the 2013 Food Network New York City Wine and Food Festival, Celebrity will present Wine Seminars and Pairing Series Seminars hosted by FOOD & WINE. Celebrity notes, "The series will feature the world’s top sommeliers, cellar masters, wine critics, authors, James Beard Award-winning chefs, and other culinary industry leaders. Tastings will cover a wide range of insights into topics such as tips and tasting into the 'grape unknown' – unusual grape varieties, and learning the best way to taste and analyze champagne."

At the Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite, featuring all-day tastings provided by NYC’s top restaurants and chefs, Celebrity will feature the ship-inspired “Lawn Club Grill” experience, serving up "their very own take on a classic dish, soup and grilled cheese: Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup, Iberico ham, toasted Hazelnut, Sourdough Croutons and Raclette & Leek Grilled Cheese."

Having experienced the Lawn Club first-hand, we would suggest booking your trip to the Big Apple now. -- Gerry

MRS. MAC'S KITCHEN IS SMOKIN' IN KEY LARGO

KEY LARGO -- Personally, I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend than zipping down to Key Largo in the cool (metaphorically speaking) Florida Keys.

Never mind that movie with Bogie and Bacall, focus more on the song by Bertie Higgins. Sail away  (or drive like we did) to this relaxed, if a bit touristy, Key.

Better yet, stop in and focus on food at a place called, Mrs. Mac's Kitchen, established in 1976.

Their signage boasts of famous key lime pie, but I'm a skeptic when it comes to self-proclamations of any sort. In other words, I'll be the judge of the merits of a slice of pie.

The first thing you notice about this restaurant is the decor, inside and outside. The outside is brightly colored and festive, while the inside has the clean and welcoming feel of a friendly neighborhood joint. Swag lights over the tables are constructed of Florida license plates and the tables are fashioned along the lines of memory boxes. Inside your table top you will see an eclectic mix of maps, shells, tiny plastic flamingos and turtles. It is simply fun.

Fun aside, the food is the real deal here. We opted for the grouper sandwich, which arrived promptly. The serving was large and came with fresh lettuce, tomato and a generous side of fries.

Delicious.

Now, about that key lime pie. We had to try it, naturally.

The verdict?

World famous, as promised. Truly the most scrumptious key lime pie I have ever tasted. Not tart, just flavorful and smooth, with a perfect dollop of whipped cream.

Photos-Cruising Squared

Sitting on the beach in Key Largo, we happily gave the key lime pie, and Mrs. Mac's Kitchen,  a rating of four pineapples. The top ranking! -- Pam

NORWEGIAN ANNOUNCES SHIP NAMES

Credit: Norwegian

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced the names of the line’s two new Breakaway Plus class ships are Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss. Those were the winning names in the “Norwegians Name Their Ships” contest, which asked fans in five countries to help select the names for the line’s two new Breakaway Plus vessels. The contest got more than 100,000 votes in five different countries, including the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec), Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Norwegian’s new Breakaway Plus ships "will be the largest in the line’s fleet at approximately 163,000 gross tons and 4,200 passenger berths each and will be similar in design and innovation to the line’s current Breakaway class, the first of which, Norwegian Breakaway, launched in New York in early May and the second of which, Norwegian Getaway, will launch in January and arrive in her home port of Miami in February."

EX-NFL PLAYER TACKLING 'QUANTUM' PROJECT

Royal Caribbean continues to release more news about their coming-soon ship,  Quantum of the Seas. The latest involves former NFL player Dhani Jones. Jones, who played for the Eagles and the Saints, is also known for his Travel Channel show, Dhani Tackles the Globe.

Since June, Jones has been collaborating with Royal Caribbean's guest activities team in Miami to create ideas for Quantum's SeaPlex, "the largest sports and entertainment complex at sea – which will feature first-at-sea innovations such as bumper cars, roller skating and a circus school, complete with a flying trapeze."

More from Royal: "The next few months will see Jones sampling the existing programs while adding his trademark touches to distinct spaces onboard Quantum of the Seas, including four custom-themed SeaPods which will be found on the mezzanine level of the SeaPlex and will offer spectacular views of the sea." Here's a video that will show you more about his involvement and how the planning process works:

CELEBRITY TO DEBUT 'FINALISTS AT SEA'

Celebrity Cruises is teaming with Nite Raiders Entertainment in Las Vegas to premiere a new show on its Caribbean Christmas cruises -- “Finalists at Sea,” a series of concerts, Q&A sessions and autograph signings by finalists of past seasons of the popular television show, American Idol. Here are the details from Celebrity:

Two artists will perform on each sailing. The lineup includes:

10 PLACES OF FANTASTIC COLOR

Isola di Burano (Credit: TripAdvisor)

This week's Top 10 list from TripAdvisor is "10 fantastically colorful places." As you might expect, the tulip fields of Holland occupy a prominent spot. Also on the list -- Isola di Burano, in Venice, Italy (one of our most favorite places, don't you know). One of the islands of Venice, it is known for its fine lace as well as its buildings of many colors. Guess what U.S. destination made the cut. (Hint: It's also known as Sin City.) -- Gerry

AMTRAK ADDS GOOGLE TRACKING MAP

Credit: Amtrak blog

What did we do before Google maps? Now Amtrak is jumping onboard, so to speak, by introducing "an innovative way to see where trains are and when they are expected to arrive, including information on stations nation-wide, all through a new interactive train locator map built on the easy-to-use, familiar Google Maps interface." Here are the details from Amtrak:

"The new train location tracking system, available at Amtrak.com, provides near real-time train status of more than 300 daily trains, estimates of arrival times and station information - all in the context of the Amtrak national system map. Checking on train status is the second most popular action on Amtrak.com, just after purchasing tickets.

"In addition to helping passengers plan travel, this new travel resource is an excellent tool for those planning the arrival or departure of family and friends. Users can search for information by train number or name, city name and station name or code.

"The information provided in the map is aggregated data collected from GPS units on each operating train and other automated systems. The data is transmitted to Google's cloud, and then transferred to the map." Read more here.

VIKING ANNOUNCES 2015 SAILINGS

Credit: Viking

Viking Cruises announced the 2015 Mediterranean itineraries for the new Viking Star, as well as select 2016 sailings. They note that "by sailing in the winter months, Viking Star’s guests will see an entirely different Europe – quieter and more contemplative." Sailings include:

· Romantic Mediterranean (8 days; Barcelona – Rome) – While sailing along some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, this itinerary offers a perfect mix of glamour, rustic pleasures and memorable landscapes with visits to Toulon, Corsica and Monte Carlo, France; the Tuscan region of Italy; plus overnights in Barcelona and Rome.

· Mediterranean Getaway (8 days; Rome – Barcelona) – Explore historically significant sites and vibrant cities of the southern Mediterranean with destinations that include Rome, Naples (and Pompeii), Sicily and Sardinia in Italy; Tunis, Tunisia (and Carthage); and Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Barcelona in Spain. 

IT'S OFFICIAL: THIRD 'OASIS' SHIP COMING

Some big news from Royal Caribbean, with the emphasis on "big." A third Oasis-class ship is officially in the works, set to launch in 2016 as the "biggest cruise ship in the world." We heard Allure of the Seas has that title now, being a mere six inches longer than her sister ship, Oasis of the Seas. We'll have to wait and see where "Oasis 3" will come in. Here's a video about the news:

'GETAWAY' WILL HAVE A MIAMI VIBE

Credit: Norwegian

When Norwegian debuted Breakaway, it was all about reflecting the place she calls home -- New York City. When its sister ship, Getaway, debuts in January, it will also feature a heavy dose of her home base, Miami and South Florida. Among them will be restaurants and bars that evoke that feel of the tropics, including The Tropicana Room, Flamingo Bar & Grill, Sunset Bar and Sugarcane Bar. Here are more details from Norwegian:

"The Tropicana Room, a complimentary restaurant on Deck 7 aft, is inspired by the glitz and glamour of the Miami Beach night life of the 1940s and 50s. Rich woods, dark purple and silver fabrics and mirrored columns, along with nostalgic photos from Miami Beach in her heyday, will make guests feel as if they are dining in a retro supper club. Featured menu items will represent the flavor of Miami with several Latin-inspired choices, including ceviche (ceviche de camarón), churrasco steak (churrasco con chimichurri) and chicken with yellow rice (arroz con pollo).

"The Flamingo Bar & Grill, a complimentary restaurant on Deck 16, will serve food with a Latin flair throughout the day. An extensive menu is offered, including traditional favorites like pulled pork (pierna asada); steak chimichurri (bistec con chimichurri); fried yucca (yuca frita); spinach empanadas (empanadas de espinaca); and guava turnovers (pastelitos de guyaba). Desserts include caramel custard (flan de leche); rice pudding (arroz con leche) and three milks cake (tres leches). A variety of regional drinks and Cuban coffee will be available to complement the meal.