CRUISE INDUSTRY AMENITIES WAR HEATS UP

Celebrity Summit

By Bob and Sandy Nesoff
Members: 
American Society of Journalists and Authors
North American Travel Journalists Association
Special to Cruising Squared

Starting in 1492 the hottest route in the cruise market was across the Atlantic and the Caribbean basin. That’s pretty much the same today as it was 521 years ago.

Accommodations back then were somewhat sparse. Bunks were either wooden racks or hammocks strung between two posts. Meals -- when they were served -- gave passengers two choices: “yes or no.”

One of the most looked forward to activities was spending brief periods of the day above deck attempting to breathe in some fresh air and ward off sunlight deprivation. The activities director more often than not was a burly man with a long, leather whip who encouraged crew and passengers to swab the deck, climb the masts to adjust sails and a wonderful array of menial chores.

CELEBRITY PARTNERS WITH 54 BELOW

Guests sailing on Celebrity Summit to Bermuda will experience a taste of Broadway thanks to a new partnership with New York's "54 Below."  Located "in a cool, cozy cellar space beneath the legendary, disco-era Studio 54," it's described as “a throwback to the heyday of authentic New York nightlife” and “the hot new stage attracting Broadway’s brightest stars." Many of those stars will be featured during Summit's Bermuda vacation season, which runs May 5 through October, sailing from Cape Liberty, NJ. "We are incredibly excited to partner with 54 Below, offering our guests a unique theatrical experience featuring world-class Broadway talent in cabaret style performances," said Celebrity's Director of Entertainment Eric Bohus in their news release. -- Gerry

.