Posts Tagged ‘Norwegian Cruise line’

The Top 3 Cruise Lines for Cruisin’ Kids

May 21st, 2012
by Amber.
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If you are like me, when I take the kiddos on a vacation I want to make sure they have a great time because honestly, then they won’t be bugging me (tee hee).

Although all of the cruise lines have fun and interactive children’s programs onboard, there are three that are going above and beyond and make my top 3 cruise lines for the kids.

  1. Well I am sure you guessed it, my first selection is Disney Cruise Line. There is really not much to say, Disney does everything well and their cruises are no different. I guess you just can’t go wrong with the character meet and greets, the Disney shows at night, and all the activities going on. Not only do they have a great kids area on their new ships, the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy, they have a water coaster! The pools are tons-o-fun and the deck parties are suitable for all ages. Here is a hint–they also have amazing Adult Only areas on the ship, so while the kids are having a blast in the kids program enjoy some kids-free time. It is a win-win for everyone!
  2. Royal Caribbean would be my next choice. On the new Oasis and Allure of the Seas they have so much to do you can’t possibly fit it all in. The surf simulating, zip lining, rock climbing wall, miniature golf, merry-go-round(yes on the cruise ship), and awesome aqua shows will make sure your kids will always be entertained. Also check out the “How to Train Your Dragon” ice show on the Allure of the Seas. The costumes are ridiculous (in a good way) and everyone can enjoy the show.
  3. Norwegian Cruise Line. On specific sailings on the Norwegian Jewel you can have a slimey time with Nickelodeon onboard. Your kids can mingle with SpongeBob, Dora, or several other characters. Be a part of slime time or if you are like me, just watch from a safe distance. Freestyle Dining is perfect for traveling with children and Nickelodeon to entertain, this is sure to make the whole family happy.

These are my top three choices when cruising with my boys. I hope you have as much fun as we do sailing the seas!

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Your Go-To Guide: NCL Freestyle Dining and Specialty Restaurants

May 17th, 2012
by Michelle.
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Norwegian Cruise Line was the pioneer of “Freestyle Dining,” where the choice is yours. They started this a few years back, and was so popular with cruisers that it has caught on with pretty much every cruise line.

Unlike traditional dining arrangements, where you receive either the early or late seating and are assigned to a particular table for the duration of the cruise, with Freestyle Dining there are no fixed seating times, assigned tables, or set dining companions. You can dine when, where, and with whom you like.

Because you will not have the same wait staff each night, gratuities are usually automatically charged to your shipboard account, to be distributed to the appropriate crew members.  Although the concept of Freestyle Dining allows for a less formal atmosphere, many people still enjoy getting dressed up for the formal nights, even on a freestyle cruise.

**TIP: There is very rarely a wait time for seating, however, the dining rooms fill quickly at popular dining hours (6-7:30pm). You are able to make daily reservations for the Main Dining Room to ensure you have no wait. This is a great option if you are dining with a larger party.

Many of their newer ships also offer specialty restaurants. The specialty restaurants are those dining venues that require advance reservations along with a service charge.

Here are some FAQ’s about the specialty restaurants:

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How to Save Money and Pick the Best Stateroom for Your Family Cruise Vacation

May 7th, 2012
by Kim.
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If you are a larger family, with more than 4, you may have found it difficult to find a cruise line that can accommodate you without breaking the bank.

It can be stressful, but here are a few tips to help keep cost down.

  • Carnival Cruise Line does offer cabins for up to five passengers on some of the ships in their fleet.  The cabin setup is two lower twin beds (convertible to queen), two upper Pullman beds and a roll-away. Ships include the Destiny, Dream, Ecstasy, Elation, Fantasy, Fascination, imagination, inspiration, Paradise, Sensation, Triumph, and Victory.
  • Royal Caribbean also offers ‘Family Staterooms’ for up to 6 passengers on every ship in its fleet except for the Monarch and Majesty of the Seas. These cabins offer more square footage, two twin beds (convertible to queen), sofa and/or Pullman beds, separate sitting area, and a private bathroom with shower. TIP: Try to book these Family Cabins as early as possible, they fill very quickly!
  • Another choice for larger families is to book two cabins side-by-side, with an inter-connecting door. This is a great option as it also gives you an extra bathroom (so helpful!) and provides some privacy if you want the doors closed part of the time.
  • Or book a balcony cabin for the parents with an inside cabin directly across the hall for the children. This option works best if the children are older.
  • If you are traveling with children under 2 years of age, Norwegian Cruise Line is your best choice as they don’t charge a cruise rate for children under 2 years of age, only taxes!
  • With this in mind, some cruise lines do offer ‘Kids Sail Free’ promotions; if there are two full paying adults in the stateroom they do not charge the children a cruise rate, only taxes. These promotions are few and far between, but if you are patient and don’t have a specific time that you must travel it is a terrific way to save some on your family vacation. But book them quickly–this promotion is very popular so scoop it up while you can!

Overall a cruise vacation is an extremely affordable way to travel as a family: accommodations, food, entertainment, fun and lifetime family memories included!

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Ports of Departure: All About Cruising from the Port of Tampa

May 3rd, 2012
by Amber.
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Tampa is an up-and-coming cruise terminal as more cruise lines are utilizing this premier cruise port destination.

Several cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Norwegian (Oct. ’11) now offer 4, 5, 7, and 14-day cruise itineraries from Tampa.

Together with the city, the Port of Tampa continues to develop Channelside, an exciting complex along the water offering dining, shopping, an IMAX cinema just steps from the modern cruise terminals. There is also an outdoor plaza that hosts live music! The Florida Aquarium is between the cruise terminals, home to over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals from Florida and all over the world.

Check out the new cruise brochure, Tampa as a Homeport and More.

Parking: There is secure parking available at the pier for $14.00 per day. You do not need advanced reservations and they do accept all major credit cards.

Directions to the Port of Tampa Cruise Terminals

Click here for additional parking information.

Flying: If you are flying into Tampa the airport is approximately 10 miles from the pier. A taxi will be cost about $22.00 to the cruise pier. If you prefer to use the cruise lines transfers expect to pay around $40.00 per person for roundtrip transfers, depending on the cruise line.

Hotels: Tampa has a lot to offer visitors near the cruise terminal. You may want to extend your vacation a day or two and enjoy Busch Gardens, Ybor City, Florida Aquarium, some of the world’s best beaches, or drive an hour and visit the world’s ‘fun’ capital, Orlando.

If you decide to extend your stay, three properties conveniently offer FREE parking and FREE shuttles to airport and the cruise pier:

  • Hyatt Place
  • Hampton Inn Westshore
  • Comfort Inn

This is an absolutely wonderful port to depart form and the options of cruise lines and itineraries expand every year.

Cruises from the Port of Tampa 2011

Cruises from the Port of Tampa 2012

Photo Credit: Photomatt28 on Flickr

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5 Reasons Cruising on Norwegian Cruise Line Today is Better Than the Old Days

Feb 27th, 2012
by Jeff.
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For more than 40 years, Norwegian Cruise Line has been offering cruise enthusiasts innovative experiences at sea.  As the cruise industry has developed and changed over the years, NCL  has not only changed with it, they have driven the changes of what is now modern cruising.

Here are 5 of my favorite innovations:

1- Garden Villas -Three bedrooms, 5000 square feet, floor to ceiling windows, private Jacuzzi and steam room.  Sounds like a great home right?  Just ask your butler to have dinner delivered at sunset on your private terrace and you will know you have arrived.  The Garden Villa is all you can imagine and more.  A week in here and you will leaving feeling like royalty.  You will only wish home is this nice.

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