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.

SEAHORSE MOTEL IN POMPANO

POMPANO BEACH --As we continue our quest to conquer a variety of historic hotels in South Florida, we decided to seek something that made us feel like we could have been in an episode of the old (black and white) Perry Mason show.

When on an adventure such as this one, you never know where the destination will fall on our Pineapple Scale (rating places with pineapples). You do your research, hope for the best and make it an adventure, no matter.


Photos-Cruising Squared

Reviews looked promising, so we pointed our trusty steed (the SUV) in the direction of the Seahorse Motel in Pompano Beach and our pineapple expectations were exceeded.

This is just a Quick-Slice-O-Pineapple preview -- more to come -- but the owners have done a fabulous job with this little jewel near the beach (motel sits directly across the street from the beach). Plus, I'm a sucker for a neon Vacancy sign.

It was a one-night stay, but we left feeling as though we could have hung out with Perry, Della Street and Paul Drake. Relaxing, fun and feeling old-school in a chic way, we plan on many return trips to the Seahorse Motel.

Best part?

Owners, Phillip and Darrin, gave us a very warm welcome (not always the case at travel destinations), and we left feeling we not only had a new favorite place to visit, but two new and very cool friends.

--Pam

CELEBRITY ADDS CARIBBEAN SAILINGS

Credit: Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises has three new sailings that feature top destinations in the Caribbean. The two nine-night sailings and one eight-night cruise depart roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., November 29 and December 13, 2014, and January 16, 2015, respectively. Ports include:
· St. Barts, an only eight-square-mile island of volcanic rock, and home to great beaches, luxury yachts, designer boutiques and celebrities.
· St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
· St. Maarten, with 37 white-sand beaches, plus year-round carnavals and cultural events.
· San Juan, the oldest city on U.S. territory, featuring Spanish colonial architecture.
· Celebrity’s private island paradise of Labadee, on the north coast of Haiti.

CARLO'S BAKE SHOP COMING TO 'GETAWAY'

Buddy Valastro (Credit: Norwegian)

Norwegian announced Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss” and “Next Great Baker,” will open his second Carlo’s Bake Shop at sea on the new Norwegian Getaway, coming to Miami in February.

Valastro's Carlo’s Bake Shop opened on Norwegian Breakaway, which began sailing from New York City in May 2013. Norwegian Getaway will be the second ship in the fleet to feature Carlo’s Bake Shop.

Carlo’s Bake Shop will be located on Deck 8 and his pastries will also be featured in the Atrium’s coffee shop.

FLORIDAN PALACE HOTEL: A STEP BACK IN TIME

By Brent Bradley
Special to Cruising Squared

Kimbra Bradley
Photos by Brent Bradley

“It’s like stepping back in to the days of Guys and Dolls”


TAMPA -- This Floridan Palace Hotel, formerly known as the Hotel Floridan,was a Tampa hotspot back in the late 1920's when it originally opened. Folks came from far and wide to see and be seen. Elvis Presley, Gary Cooper and many a "Wise Guy" enjoyed the hotel and its famous nightlife.

Unfortunately like many hotels over the years, it began to decline and eventually closed its doors in the mid 1960's. Native Floridians and many lovers of the hotel
dreamed that one day the Floridan would reopen but many feared that day might never come. The hotel eventually was added to the National Register of Historic Places and was finally purchased some years thereafter. The Floridan took nearly seven years to restore but finally in July of 2012 it once again opened it's rooms to the public.

I must say they did an amazing job. It looks like you stepped back in to the 1920's with the comforts of the 21st century. Our room was on the 19th floor, room 1906, with a gorgeous view of downtown Tampa, including the famous Tampa Theatre sign which was also added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, as well as the rest of Tampa’s skyline and its beautiful bay waters.

The hotel has a breath-taking ballroom that is perfect for all kinds of events, including wedding parties fit for a King and Queen.
There are two bars on the property: One connects to the Crystal Dining Room which serves four-star dinners and of course the Sapphire Lounge. I highly recommend three cocktails: First the drink that made the lounge famous, "Between the Sheets;" second, a "B-52" and finally my favorite, an "'Old Fashion" which is the best you will find anywhere.

Now there are a few small inconveniences staying in a historical hotel. First, there are no ice machines on any of the floors. If you need ice, you must hop on the elevator and head down to the bar or front desk. There are no pools on the property and they do not serve breakfast. But besides that you are golden.

There are many places in downtown Tampa to enjoy breakfast and one we highly
recommend is the Samaria Cafe, which is a 10-minute stroll. You can order
anything from a traditional full breakfast, Eggs Benedict, vegetarian plates
and some of the best fresh squeezed OJ you’ve ever had. The prices and
service are very good and believe me you will go away happy.

Parking at the hotel is free for guests and If you are in the mood for some nightlife in
famous Ybor City, a cab ride for two is about ten bucks each way, including tip. We hope you have as much fun as we did and and remember to bring a letter or postcard to drop in the mailbox. If you are fortunate enough to see many of the ghosts that live on the property, tell them we said hello.

GET TWICE THE FUN WITH A LAND-SEA PACKAGE

This week's video from Royal Caribbean spotlights the cruise line's affiliation with Universal Orlando. Guests sailing from Florida ports can opt for a land-sea vacation that features both a cruise and a visit to the theme park. Sounds like one big party to us. Here's the video: