THE NEWEST SHIP DESIGN TOOL: 3-D

At first glance it resembles the newest video game innovation from X Box, or maybe the Holodeck of Star Trek fame. But it's neither. Instead, it's the latest thing in cruise ship design: Virtual reality. Royal Caribbean engineers are using it to construct their newest ship, the Quantum of the Seas. Grab your 3-D glasses and join them in this week's video:

A MINI-YACHT FROM ITALY

The Jet Capsule (from their website)

Gizmodo calls it "the tiny luxury cruise ship you might actually be able to afford." It's the "Jet Capsule," an Italian mini-yacht that accommodates up to seven people. It also features, according to their website, "transformable bed solutions, photochromic windows, personal transforming sunbathing, completely customizable from 120Hp to 800Hp with hydro jet propulsion system." No word about the price, but it does look like a stylish way to cruise around the Greek Isles, or right here off Palm Beach. 

'GETAWAY' ONE STEP CLOSER TO DEBUT

(Credit: Norwegian)

Norwegian Getaway is one step closer to her debut early next year After 12 months, she was floated out of MEYER WERFT’s covered building dock II on Saturday in Papenburg, Germany where the 146,600-ton ship has been under construction. "The ship’s float out represents a major milestone in the vessel’s construction as it denotes that the ship has now moved into the final phase of construction with delivery taking place on January 10, 2014." Following inaugural events in Europe, New York and Miami, Norwegian Getaway will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises departing every Saturday from Miami beginning on Feb. 8, 2014. 

AMTRAK EXPECTS BUSY THANKSGIVING

The holidays are coming, and Amtrak is encouraging Thanksgiving and holiday travelers to plan ahead and book their tickets early for best availability and pricing. Thanksgiving is Amtrak's busiest travel week of the year, peaking on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday. They note that other than Thanksgiving Day, morning trains typically have more available seats than those in the afternoon and evening. Last year, Amtrak carried a record 737,537 passengers during the 2012 Thanksgiving travel period, up 1.9 percent over the previous year and the prior record set in 2011.

TOP 10 FINE DINING RESTAURANTS

The UK's Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons -- no. 7 (TripAdvisor)

TripAdvisor readers have chosen their Top 10 fine dining restaurants worldwide, and it's no surprise the number one spot belongs to France. It's Maison Lameloise, located in Chagny. France also claimed number three with Le Cinq, in Paris. America did have have one entry -- Colicchio and Sons in New York. You can find the complete list here. Personally, we know of several cruise ship eateries that could easily make the list. Bon appetit! -- Gerry

NORWEGIAN, KNICKS TO PARTNER

This is apparently the day for news out of the Big Apple. Today Norwegian Cruise Line and the New York Knicks announced a new marketing partnership naming Norwegian the “Official Cruise Line” of the team. Among other things, Norwegian will sponsor on-court promotions during select Knicks home games where fans will have the opportunity to win prizes ranging from Norwegian’s recently introduced gift card to a seven-day cruise. 

GOING 'QUANTUM' SHOPPING IN NEW YORK

If you need inspiration for a big ship, the Big Apple isn't a bad place to start. In this week's video from Royal Caribbean, Quantum Experience Advisor and HGTV star, Genevieve Gorder takes the Royal Caribbean team on a day of inspiration through her home town of New York City, on the lookout for ideas for Quantum of the Seas' lofts and suites "at textile showrooms, artist studios and her design meccas." Here's a video recap:

AUTUMN IN A VENEZIA PHOTO

October is winding down, and November lurks.

The sun is beginning to set earlier over the Atlantic.

Photos: Cruising Squared

When did the mellow season sneak up on us?

It is difficult to feel the change of seasons in South Florida, but does Autumn have the potential to be dull and monotonous, even in the land of perpetual flora?

Possibly.

Let me toss Monday into the mix of potential monotony, and my mind longs to take a brief vacation to a location that is anything but dull in the Autumn of the year.

Italy.


Venice.

Venice in November is perfection. Perfect climate, just enough rain to be romantic, lovely shops, great food, just enough people to make watching fun.

Forget Harry's Bar. It is famous as can be, but the Florian was my favorite libation destination.

So, I return there today, via two photos, knowing I must return in person.

I must return because I failed to get a handmade Casanova mask for my collection.

Visiting that glorious city, even in a blog post,  is anything but dull on the last Monday of October.

Beautiful Venezia, we left a part of our hearts in that square. -- Pam

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE PHOTO

TripAdvisor is asking you to vote for your favorite photo taken by travelers. Whether you vote or not, check out the entries here. Amazing photos -- the kind you only saw in National Geographic in the day before every phone had a 8-megapixel camera.

AMTRAK ADDING LONG DISTANCE CARS

Amtrak cars under construction (Credit: Amtrak)

Amtrak is adding some fancy new cars to its fleet. They announced "production of the first units of new Amtrak long distance passenger rail cars is nearing completion and they are expected to begin field testing this winter. The cars are being built by CAF USA at its facility in Elmira, N.Y., which hired more than 400 employees to perform the manufacturing and final assembly work.

"The $298.1 million order for 130 single-level long distance passenger rail cars includes 25 sleepers, 25 diners, 25 baggage/dormitory and 55 baggage cars. More than 120 suppliers in 25 states and 93 cities are providing parts for the new rail cars."

Here's more from their release:

ALL THINGS CRUISE ADDS CROISIEUROPE

Our partners at AllThingsCruise have an announcement: The addition of European river cruise line CroisiEurope. From the release:

"Since 1976, CroisiEurope has pioneered river cruising on the most beautiful waterways in Europe, and CroisiEurope is Europe’s largest and most experienced river cruise line, and a pioneer in river cruising. More than 200,000 passengers have taken CroisiEurope to the lands of their dreams, for the times of their lives. Its fleet of 30 ships sails to dazzling riverside cities in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Belgium—to the romantic Rhine Valley, the Rhône and Saône, the Seine, the beautiful blue Danube, the Douro Valley, Venice and more—where passengers explore and enjoy local food, wine, history, art and culture."

Welcome aboard! -- Gerry

READ THE RED LIPS AT RED TAPAS

Photo-Cruising Squared

It is late October and in So-Flo the surge of part-time dwellers is really beginning to swell.

Good for businesses, of course, but it also means locals cruising the Palm Beaches find fewer deals on almost everything.

I did say almost.

Digging just a little bit, we continue to find some sweet deals as we cruise on wheels, very close to home.

So, pull up a chair on the patio and read the red lips of Red Tapas Bar and Grille. Feel the cool breezes as you  enjoy the sights (people and palm trees) and sounds (live music beginning at 7:00 Wednesday). Relax and enjoy an evening of delicious cocktails and appetizers for bargain prices, all during Happy Hour.

Wait, there is more.

Need the perfect place to host your charity event?

Red is also dedicated to serving the needs of others. Check out, Red Relief.

Smooches, cruisers! --Pam