A VISIT TO MONREALE IS A MUST

By Brian Wilson
UK Correspondent
Special to Cruising Squared





If your cruise ship calls into Palermo (the capital of Sicily) you may think of visiting the town – but to our mind there is only one thing to do – visit Monreale.

Look up into the hill side that surrounds Palermo for a small town set in a panoramic position on the slope of Monte Caputo overlooking the fertile valley of La Conca D’Ora that is famed for its citrus fruit trees – that’s Monreale.

Just take a taxi, or a local bus (if you are feeling “brave”), to this beautiful town that boasts one the gems of Sicily – the Cathedral or Duomo. The town is set on a promontory with a defensive setting and is a microcosm of Sicilian history.

As you journey up to Monreale think of the Bishop of Palermo who, in 831, had been “banished” when the Arabs took control of Palermo. Not wanting to leave Palermo, the bishop and his community found refuge in Monreale’s defensible position – and it overlooked their old home.

NORWEGIAN ADDS ICE CREAM BAR

Credit: Norwegian

That line of people you see on Norwegian Breakaway is no doubt connected to the just-announced Ice Cream Bar, which will also be available on its sister ship, Norwegian Getaway, arriving in Miami next February.

Located inside O’Sheehan’s, the Ice Cream Bar's "over-the-top menu" features milkshakes, malts and an assortment of ice cream sundaes, including classic Hot Fudge Sundaes, Hot Caramel Sundaes and Banana Splits. Or how about a classic Peach Melba, with peaches, vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce and whipped cream and Pear William, made with pears, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. If they need taste testers, we are available. -- Gerry

CARNIVAL GUARANTEES A GREAT VACATION

Some major cruise news from Carnival -- a new "Great Vacation Guarantee" that promises more than your money back if you don't enjoy your cruise experience with them. That's a big-time customer commitment. We say, kudos!

Here's the full press release:

Carnival Cruise Lines today unveiled an unprecedented new program that offers consumers a one-of-a-kind, hassle-free money-back guarantee when booking a Carnival cruise vacation. Designed to provide consumers with complete peace of mind, the “Great Vacation Guarantee” allows guests to end their voyage early and receive a 110 percent refund plus complimentary transportation home, along with a $100 shipboard credit for a future cruise, should they be dissatisfied with their cruise for any reason.

10 STUNNING SUNSETS FROM TRIPADVISOR

Credit: TripAdvisor

What says "vacation" more than that awesome display of Nature called a sunset? And if you happen to be somewhere special with that someone special, it becomes an indelible memory and of course, a Kodak, or should I say, iPhone moment.

TripAdvisor has rounded up their list of unforgettable sunset locations. Compare it to your own (and we have to admit, the sunsets we have here in Florida are hard to beat) and send us your favorite snap. TGIF everyone! -- Pam and Gerry

'GETAWAY' TO FEATURE ICE BAR

The Ice Bar (Credit: Norwegian)

Anyone looking for a place to "chill out" on Norwegian Getaway, debuting in Miami next February, will only need to head to deck 8 and the Ice Bar. Kept at a constant 17 degrees Fahrenheit, the “SVEDKA/Inniskillin Ice Bar” will be adorned with South Florida-inspired elements such as: South Beach’s Ocean Drive skyline, palm trees etched into the icy walls, a “Welcome to Miami Beach” sign and a life-size alligator throne made entirely of ice. The entire bar, seating and glassware will all also be made of ice.

It will accommodate around 25 guests at a time, who will don hooded coats and gloves to keep warm. Reservations will be taken from 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. nightly and the cost is $20 per person, which includes two signature cocktails that will be served in specially-created glasses made entirely of ice, naturally. Guests can choose from five drinks:

Tropicana: SVEDKA citron vodka, triple sec, lemon juice;
Carmen Miranda: SVEDKA vodka, peach liquor, orange juice;
Sittin’ on the Dock of Biscayne Bay: SVEDKA citron vodka, Inniskillin Icewine, lemon-lime soda;
Blue Caribbean: Inniskillin Icewine, SVEDKA vodka, blue curacao, club soda;
Key Largo Colada: SVEDKA colada, campari, sweet vermouth, orange syrup.

The Ice Bar will also serve two non-alcoholic drinks: the Sting Ray, made of strawberry puree, pineapple juice and lemon juice; and Parrot Island, made of orange juice, vanilla ice cream and milk. -- Gerry

BOCA RESORT: SMALL DETAILS ARE LARGE

One in an ongoing series of visits to Florida's historic hotels.

BOCA RATON --When we cruised into the Boca Resort and Club here (do you know the proper pronunciation for Raton?), I inhaled.

Immediately, you feel it. Architectural splendor and attention to detail appear in every inch. Lush landscaping. The ghosts of people from a time long ago. History.

Our camera and iPhones were maxed.  Almost.

There is much to say about this splendid place.

First, I want to live there, but unless the Powerball comes knocking, I don't see that as a possibility.

For this post, I push aside the larger-than-large images that is this resort sitting on the Intra-Coastal and cast an eye toward the small things.

Shopping at a resort is usually expensive, right?

But, enjoying an unusual shop at Boca Resort is free. Take a look at what I found. A live mannequin? No, but it fooled me for a second. So, cool.

Food and drink are always a big part of any adventure and we weren't disappointed when we ordered up this amazing burger at Cielo on the 27th floor of the Tower. It delivers. Simply divine.

By simply adding colorful lighting to the lobby pool (not for swimming), a stylish and relaxing atmosphere is immediately felt upon entering the beach facility.

Perhaps some don't notice, but paper napkins, embossed with the name of the place is such a fabulous touch. Makes me feel special, I tell you.

So, I give you the beach/pool bar and the Ladies Room napkins.  Paper isn't always just paper.

Details matter and Boca Resort & Club attend to every one.

Stay tuned. There's more to come. --Pam

HOLLAND SETS TUTU LECTURE, ADDS NEW DISHES

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the former archbishop of Cape Town, is scheduled to lecture on a segment of Holland America Line’s 2014 Grand World Voyage on ms Amsterdam. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate will sail March 28 to April 2, 2014, from Durban to Cape Town, South Africa.
Tutu will address guests at two speaking engagements on board about his role as the first black African to serve as archbishop of Cape Town and about his work forging racial equality throughout the world

• Celebrity chef Elizabeth Falkner's dishes will be featured on the main dining room menu of the line’s 15 ships. Among them are Cajun-inspired Shrimp, Andouille and Grits served with braised okra and roasted poblano peppers, or the Asian influences in the Vegetable Curry with Forbidden Rice and Soft Shell Crab Pad Thai. Falkner has been on "Next Iron Chef” and “Top Chef Masters.” Currently she’s at Luis Gonzalez’s new Upper West Side restaurant, Corvo Bianco.

• Last year, Holland America debuted a new alternative dining option exclusively aboard ms Rotterdam called “Taste of De Librije” featuring the cuisine of Michelin Three Star Chef Jonnie Boer. Now that has been extended to ms Eurodam. Named after Boer’s restaurant in the Netherlands, the menu showcases a selection of starters, soups, entrees and desserts from his land-based eatery. Once per cruise the Pinnacle Grill is transformed for dinner with service staff wearing the uniform livery from De Librije, the restaurant’s table set-up is replicated and the wine list highlights a selection of labels from the Lady De Librije collection. Reservations can be made for “Taste of De Librije” for a $69 surcharge per person including wine pairings.

NORWEGIAN ADDING DIGITAL SIGNAGE

Credit: Norwegian

One common question most of us have at one time or another on a cruise is: "Where am I?"

It's easy to get turned around, especially the first few days of the cruise. Now Norwegian has become the latest cruise line to install digital signage, first introduced on Norwegian Breakaway, to the line’s entire fleet by the summer of 2015. According to Norwegian, "the interactive touch screen signs will allow guests to order specialty items, get directions and reserve dining, shore excursions and entertainment simply with a scan of their stateroom key.

"Each Norwegian ship will have between 30 and 50 touch and static screens located in prominent areas around the vessel. The screens will give guests the opportunity to make reservations for restaurants, entertainment and shore excursions as well serving as a personal concierge. Guests will be able to order beverages, flowers, dining packages and more. The signs even provide guests with directions and maps to other locations on board, making it easy for them to navigate the ship."

The screens will also be a feature on the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Getaway, arriving to her homeport of Miami in February 2014.

HGTV DESIGNER NAMED FOR QUANTUM SHIPS

Royal Caribbean announces HGTV design star Genevieve Gorder will be the first Experience Advisor for the its new Quantum class of ships. We suspect it will give a whole new meaning to "attention to detail." This week's video provides more:

VIKING EXPANDS ORDER FOR NEW VESSELS

Demand for river cruising has apparently never been higher. Viking Cruises has announced it has increased its order for additional Viking Longships in 2014 from 12 to 14 vessels. According to Viking, by the end of 2014 "Viking will have introduced a total of 30 new ships in a three-year period – the most rapid fleet expansion program the cruise industry has ever seen. The 14 new ships in 2014 will sail Viking’s most popular itineraries in Europe."

In March, Viking set a world record with the inauguration of 10 new Longships for the 2013 sailing season in a first-of-its-kind simultaneous christening ceremony in Amsterdam. Viking notes it is enjoying "its most successful sailing season, with more than 90 percent of all available staterooms sold during the spring and summer months and record sales for the holiday sailings."

Take a video tour of a longship:

'DANCING' STARS JOIN HOLLAND CRUISES

Professional dancers Kym Johnson and Tristan MacManus, along with former celebrity participant Sabrina Bryan, will join the Jan. 5, 2014, “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” theme cruise and the Jan. 12 Champions Cruise. Both seven-day Caribbean cruises are onboard ms Nieuw Amsterdam.

Events include dance numbers from the television series, dance lessons with the shipboard professional dancers, a special fashion show and a chance to meet the dance pros and celebrities, ask questions and take photos with them. More from the cruise line:

DOC'S ALL AMERICAN: STAY TUNED

I admit it. I watch, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on occasion. It can be fun and Guy Fieri keeps the energy level high.

Have you ever driven past a place that you think could be on that show and later on wondered why you didn't just go ahead, stop and sample the goods?

Unlike Guy, I would never claim to be an expert on diners, drive-ins or dives, but something unique in this world of chain restaurants, is always alluring to me.

On a recent zip down to Delray, we passed an intriguing place called, Doc's All American. I grabbed my phone and snapped a quick photo from the car and made a mental promise to look it up once we landed back at home base.

Well, it has taken me a few days, more than a few, but I did check it out today and am now convinced there will be a trip to Doc's in the very near future.

According to their web site, they are a blend of the old and new. The drive-in establishments of years past, melded into a sit-down burger, dogs, fries and shakes haven.

http://www.docsallamerican.com/

So, I promise to be back with my opinion of all things Doc's as soon as I can convince Gerry to join in the fun.

Wait, he loves burgers and shakes, is always first in line for a new adventure, so I don't see a problem here.

Go ahead and have a look at their page, it will make you hear the Beach Boys in your head and make you hungry for the kind of fast food that was born before there was a specific term for it.

Oh, if you know of any other fabulous throw-back food places, let us hear from you. -- Pam