'ANTHEM'S' COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER

'ANTHEM'S' REALLY BIG SHOWS

Passengers aboard Anthem of the Seas may be asking themselves, "Am I in Las Vegas or out to sea?" That's because of all the entertainment options aboard this Royal Caribbean ship. Here's a video that gives you a taste of what to expect, with a tip of the headline hat to Ed Sullivan:

TAKE A 'SONIC ODYSSEY' ABOARD 'QUANTUM'

An earth harp that takes three hours to set up is among the instruments creating the unique sounds in the show "Sonic Odyssey," aboard Quantum of the Seas. Go behind the scenes in this week's video:

LIFT, STRETCH, HAVE FUN

Who knew exercising could be so much fun ...

CUNARD TIMELINE CELEBRATES 175 YEARS

As part of Cunard's 175th anniversary year, they have put together a timeline video that showcases key moments from its illustrious past, including "Charles Dickens declaiming his 1842 cabin as a ‘profoundly preposterous box,’ to Cunard’s carriage of all the horses which charged with the Light Brigade in 1853, to the first time that the monarch’s wife is heard on the radio when Queen Mary was launched in 1934. The five minute video also explores Cunard’s impact on key moments in world history: From Cunard’s small ship, Carpathia, and her rescue of the survivors from the White Star Line’s Titanic, to Sir Winston Churchill’s words of esteem in thanking Cunard for the troops carried on Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, which, in his words, helped shorten World War II by at least a year."

'ANTHEM OF THE SEAS' BY THE NUMBERS

Here's a fun "info-graphic" video from Royal Caribbean on the float-out of Anthem of the Seas.

FOOD TAKES CENTERSTAGE ON NEW HOLLAND SHIP

If you haven't eaten, better stop now. This new video from Holland America showcases the all the new dining options on their ship, ms Koningsdam, launching in February 2016. If you love food -- and who doesn't? -- mark your calendars!

CARNIVAL LAUNCHES 'CRUISING 101' SERIES

Between social media, YouTube and and the Internet in general, there are more ways to get information on cruising out to the masses than ever before. And Carnival is taking full advantage.

They have engaged travel expert Samantha Brown to star in a new video series on Carnival’s YouTube channel "designed to provide 'cruise rookies' with all they need to know about the seagoing vacation experience, with helpful information on everything from on-board dining and activity choices to cruising with kids and frequently asked questions."

Here's more from Carnival:

'QUANTUM'S' CREW HAS A WORD FOR THE SHIP: 'WOW'

Okay, we've heard all the the "oohs" and "ahhs" from the passengers, travel agents and cruise writers since Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas made her debut. But what do the crew members think? In a word, WOW. That's the subject of this week's video -- and it helps if you are multi-lingual. Take a look:

SCHWARTZ CRAFT BEER: BEHIND THE SCENES

We've had the pleasure of meeting famed Miami chef and restaurateur Michael Schwartz and learning first-hand about his farm-to-ship approach as part of his association with Royal Caribbean. Already a winning combination, Schwartz and Royal have expanded the relationship for its newest ship, Quantum of the Seas. As Quantum Experience Advisor for Culinary, Schwartz will be showcasing his Michael's Genuine Home Brew craft beer and other taste delights from his farm fresh playbook. Here is a new video that goes into more detail. Bon appetit! -- Gerry

GETTING INTO SHAPE AT SEA

Dhani Jones, fitness guru for Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas, gives us another peek at what to expect fitness-wise onboard that much-anticipated ship, debuting later this year. Here's the video:

'QUANTUM'S' BEACH BOOT CAMP WORKOUT

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, will make its debut later this year with lots of "wow" factors. And they haven't forgotten their passengers who like to hit the gym on their cruise. Or should we say, hit the beach. Royal's Sports and Fitness Advisor, Dhani Jones, is developing a unique Boot Camp beach workout in partnership with Byron Blackwood for Quantum guests. This video will tell you more:

CARNIVAL LAUNCHES 'HOW-TO' VIDEO SERIES

Here's an idea that's both fun and useful. Today Carnival Cruise Lines launched a new “How To” video series to give "an inside look at the line’s signature recipes, fun-filled tips, special guests and vacation-inspired ideas that extend some of the most popular elements of the Carnival vacation experience to computer screens, tablets and mobile devices everywhere."

The first segment in the biweekly series is entitled “How to Make a Texas-Style Burger” -- featuring best-selling author, restaurateur, Carnival partner and Food Network personality Guy Fieri. The gi-normous burger can be special-ordered aboard the Texas-based Carnival Triumph, as well as Carnival Freedom, once that ship repositions to Galveston in February 2015.

Here are more details from Carnival:

"Upcoming 'How To' videos will show viewers how to master a myriad of shipboard specialties, including iconic recipes from the popular BlueIguana Cantina, deliciously mixed cocktails from the vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” Alchemy Bar, and, of course, creating the line’s legendary towel animals.

"In addition to Carnival’s YouTube channel, the how-to videos will be available on the line’s Facebook fan page and Twitter profile."

Special note to Carnival videographers: If you need any "extras" for the Alchemy Bar videos, we're available! -- Gerry

'QUANTUM OF THE SEAS' TAKING SHAPE

The excitement is building as Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas takes shape. Check out this video:

ICE SKATING IN THE CARIBBEAN

As someone in this video points out, there aren't too many places in the Caribbean where you can ice skate. In fact, it appears the only place may be on Royal Caribbean ships. It was no mean feat making that happen, but as a spectator, the effort was worth it. Those shows are amazing. Check out this week's video:

GOING CRUISING? DON'T FORGET YOUR SURFBOARD

When the Beach Boys were singing "let's go surfing" they probably didn't envision hanging 10 on a cruise ship. But the surf is definitely up on select Royal Caribbean ships, thanks to the innovation known as FlowRider. The surfing simulator lets guests experience riding the waves without leaving the ship. Gidget would have loved it. Check out the video:

SMOOTH SAILING SO THE SHOW GOES ON

High dives ... ice skating jumps ... high-octane musical dance numbers. Those acrobatic performances are hard enough on land, yet alone in the middle of the ocean. But that's what happens aboard Royal Caribbean ships every day of the year. It takes skillful hands and knowledgeable captains to hold "steady as she goes" while the show goes on. Here's more in this week's video:

STAYING SAFE AT SEA

There is one part of every cruise that no one really looks forward to -- the muster drill. While we may not enjoy it, we still know it's an important part of staying safe at sea. But when it comes to safety, that's only a small slice of the safety measures the cruise lines enact. That's the topic of this week's video from Royal Caribbean:

STAYING FIT AT SEA

A lot of cruisers take full advantage of the fitness centers aboard cruise ships, like the one in the video below from Royal Caribbean. Full disclosure here -- we aren't among them. But because we get our exercise walking from the deck chairs to the bar, there's more machines available for you! Take a look:

A ROYAL PARTNERSHIP

It may not take a village, but it does take commitment and attention to detail to create state-of-the-art cruise ships. Royal Caribbean has a partner to do just that in German ship-builder Meyer Werft, working to create their new Quantum-class ships. Here's more in this week's video: