IN PRAISE OF INDOOR POOLS

The pool at the Le Parker Meridien  (Photo: Gerry)

There's a new list out on TripAdvisor for "The 10 most amazing indoor pools." While this pool didn't make the Top 10, the indoor pool atop the Le Parker Meridien Hotel in New York has a pretty amazing view of Central Park. We took a dip during a recent stay there and we give it our four-pineapple rating for the best way to relax after a full day of shopping and sightseeing in the Big Apple. -- Gerry

AMTRAK CRUISING TO NYC

We meet, see and hear the most interesting people when we travel by air, land and sea.

Sometimes we feel so fortunate to have an opportunity to expand the friendship ring to include fascinating folks from around the world.

However, there are times when we look at each other, scratch our heads and wonder why people step into the world of travel armed with, seemingly, scant information.

An example?

A recent round-trip jaunt from the West Palm Beach station to Penn Station in New York City.  Twenty-four hours of clicking.

A fabulous alternative to flying, but train travel means you have limited space, and this should come as no surprise.

A roomette for two with a view.

If you are not prepared to be  very close and personal with your travel companion, may I suggest you book your own compartment for an extended trip.

Train travel suits us, but we accept that a Sleeper Car is only so big.

Photos-Cruising Squared

Riding the rails up the Eastern Seaboard is a wonderful adventure, but we suggest you check your large luggage and step inside with only a small bag of personal essentials, electronic or old-school entertainment tools, an appetite for good food and an open mind for meeting new faces.

All aboard the Silver Meteor from South Florida to New York City! -- Pam

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

STATUE OF LIBERTY TOURS INCREASED

Statue Cruises, who specialize in harbor tours to the Statue of Liberty in New York, have announced they are increasing their daily tours in anticipation of the reopening of the statue on July 4. They will feature up to 20 departures a day, seven days per week. More info available at www.statuecruises.com, or see our earlier post. -- Gerry

STATUE CRUISES ADD PARK RANGERS

Cruises come in all sizes, and a short cruise that has always been popular is seeing the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. Tour operator Statue Cruises has announced that National Park Service rangers are now on board their  harbor tours "to lend their valuable expertise to passengers." Their daily Statue of Liberty Harbor Tour provides up-close views of New York City landmarks. It departs every 30 minutes daily from 10 am to 4:45 pm. from Battery Park. More information at www.statuecruises.com. -- Gerry

NORWEGIAN DOUBLES DOWN ON NYC

As the debut of Norwegian Breakaway approaches, the cruise line is "doubling down" on New York, which is Breakaway's home port. Their just-launched new ad campaign is themed "The Best of NYC Sails to Sea." You can see it here:



More New York-inspired news from Norwegian:

"Norwegian has enhanced www.breakaway.ncl.com with new digital experiences that highlight the New York City experiences found on board and demonstrate how Norwegian Breakaway brings the best of NYC to sea. Site visitors can watch as a theater on Broadway is transformed into the Breakaway Theater and as New York’s popular SOHO Neighborhood transitions into The Waterfront on board Norwegian Breakaway. Additional transformations will be launched later in January including Central Park being morphed into the ship’s Aqua Park."