Posts Tagged ‘Onboard Amenities’

Splish and Splash it Up on Royal Caribbean

What is your favorite thing to do when on a cruise? For me, I like to stay busy. I’m not one that will sit by the pool for hours.

That’s why I love sailing on Royal Caribbean.

They offer something poolside for people like myself, a busy-body, or for those that like to lounge with a good book (or now-a-days an electronic book!).

Royal Caribbean has six classes of ships, each offering the same simultaneous energetic and relaxing aqua-ambiance.

Sovereign Class –

  • Majesty and Monarch of the Seas are the 2 smallest ships in the fleet, weighing in at about 74,000 gross tonnage each.
  • There are 2 pools on each ship for you to swim your daily laps or just hang out with friends poolside.
  • There are also 2 whirlpools to soak your worries away.

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Evening Entertainment Onboard Carnival Cruise Line: 9 Reasons You Can NOT Hit the Hay Early

Carnival Cruise Line does indeed provide the Fun Ships!  I don’t even know where to begin with the numerous activities to choose from onboard a Carnival cruise vacation.

  1. Once you have completed your dinner (yum), you can take a stroll up on deck to enjoy the view of the night sky over the darkened ocean. OR, you can enjoy those same stars while watching Hollywood stars on the big screen of Carnival’s Seaside Theater (outdoor–not available on all ships).
  2. If you don’t feel like keeping your feet still, get your groove on and dance it up at one of the many nightclubs. The energetic dance floors and great music will have you out dancing the night away to the ‘oldies’  and the latest in pop songs.
  3. Be sure to attend at least one of the planned dance parties. Whether it’s the Sail Away Party, Fun Hop, Captain’s Party or Late Night Deck Party they will all keep you laughing and having a great time.
  4. If you don’t like to dance, then just hang out while enjoying the music, atmosphere and your new friends.
  5. I love the piano bars onboard, and Carnival has some of the most entertaining piano players that I have had the pleasure of listening too.
  6. In the main show lounge, relax with your favorite cocktail while watching a spectacular Vegas-style performance with talented singers, dancers, extravagant costumes and awesome scenery.
  7. There are comedians and sometimes amazing magicians to make you laugh so hard you cry.
  8. Okay, so you might get tired of watching other people perform, why don’t you head to the karaoke lounge to give your best performance?  Carnival holds karaoke contests where the winner gets to perform live on the main stage.  So warm up those vocals and sing it like you meant it!
  9. Don’t forget to bring your change and lucky rabbit’s foot to hit the fast-paced action of Carnival’s lively casinos.

Want to get a real taste of all a Carnival Cruise has to offer? You will receive a daily newsletter in your stateroom detailing the onboard activities being offered the next day. Get a sample of all of the excitement you have to choose from!

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originally posted 3/30/11

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Wipe Out! 5 Things To Know Before You Ride the FlowRider®

What is a FlowRider?!

This is a surf simulator where you can either ride a boogie board, or if you’re really brave a surf board.

The complimentary FlowRider experience is offered 5 of Royal Caribbean’s ships…Freedom, Liberty, Independence, Oasis and Allure of the Seas. Oasis and Allure each have two FlowRiders!

I have personally ridden the waves on three ships. I took my first ride on the Freedom of the Seas back in May of 2006, it’s hard to believe it’s been almost 6 years already. It is sooo much fun.

The one thing I noticed, both while riding and standing in line, is that everyone cheers for the person riding the waves.  Everyone is involved and cheering you on. That’s what makes it even more fun! You don’t have to worry about if people are going to laugh, because they don’t….really!

The staff working on each ship was always helpful and encouraging.

Here are my Top 5 suggestions on how to brave the waves on the FlowRider:

  1. Take the time to watch other people do it before you get on a board. It’s fun to watch and you will see what to do and what not to do
  2. If you haven’t been on a surfboard before, I would not suggest starting here. I would suggest getting a feel for the waves on a boogie board, you won’t have far to fall!
  3. When it’s your turn, listen carefully to the staff member on how to hold your board and where to aim when hitting the wave. It can seem intimidating, but if you listen to what they tell you it’ll work I promise.   Thankfully, I have never wiped out upon entering the wave.
  4. The one thing they don’t tell you—you can’t see!! The water is splashing up in your face so you can maybe see 2- 3 inches front of you.  Just be prepared for limited visibility. This is important when you need to steer, which you do simply by leaning either to the left or right, forward or backward.  If you go too far back…BAM! You are wiping out!  But, you get right back up and do it again!
  5. My top thing to know before riding the FlowRider? WOMEN: wear a one piece or a t-shirt and shorts on top of a 2 piece.  MEN: make sure your strings are tied tight!   I don’t think I need to say any more on this subject!

Whatever you do…HAVE FUN!! KOWABUNGA!!


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Celebrity Cruises' Cabanas, 'The Alcoves' are Full of Style, Luxury and Relaxation

Stylish, chic, modern, sophisticated, elegant, graceful.

All without being pretentious.

Such a thing does not exist, you say?

In that case, your next vacation goal is to experience ‘The Alcoves’ on Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Silhouette or Celebrity Reflection.

Just steps away from Celebrity’s revolutionary Lawn Club, a freshly manicured lawn with a Country Club atmosphere, The Alcoves are eight cabana-style settings that comfortably accommodate two to four guests.

Relax within your own private hip bubble, just overflowing with style and ambiance, and take in the sea views behind a lush, green lawn.

Within The Alcoves, guests can enjoy stunning views of the lawn and sea; ambient mood lighting for cozy, romantic evenings; complimentary amenities including:

  • A fresh fruit plate
  • Hand-held fans
  • Chilled towels
  • Four bottles of water
  • All-day use of an iPad loaded with a variety of music, movies, games and magazines.

Guests enjoying The Alcoves can even stay in touch with family and friends back home, if they choose, as the area is fully WiFi-equipped (fee applies).

An impressive amenity, Celebrity presents each airy cabana with a dedicated Alcove Attendant. Just a quick phone call to your attendant and you can purchase a la carte beverages, spa services, or, my favorite, themed picnic baskets.

These fresh, themed picnic baskets from the specialty restaurants onboard include antipasti, Mediterranean seafood pasta, and salads from Tuscan Grille; jumbo shrimp cocktail, assorted berries, organic breads and healthy salads from Murano; fruit brochettes and country-inspired sandwiches from Bistro on Five. Plus, have fun trying to choose from the desserts and a special beverage menu.

Wine and cheese evenings under the stars also can be arranged, along with special spa services, once onboard.

Just imagine, unwinding with an ocean breeze underneath the shade of a chic, white awning as you are receiving an indulgent massage, facial, or manicure. I believe that is the definition of magnificent.

A wide variety of spa services can be arranged for you to enjoy in your Alcove, you can find the full list here.

  • The Alcoves can be booked online in advance, which is convenient for those that want to plan their cruise vacation before setting sail. It also ensures that you are guaranteed a day of luxury, these cabanas have been very popular and reservations fill quickly.
  • The Alcoves are booked as full-day rentals, from 9 am to 9 pm, or can be reserved for the entire voyage.
  • Rates are $99 per Alcove (not per guest) per day on days in port, and $149 per day on days at sea.
  • Special values are available for guests who book one of The Alcoves for several days or for the entire cruise.

2012 Sailings on the Celebrity Silhouette

2012 Sailings on the Celebrity Reflection

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Celebrity Cruises' Wine Experience–a Private Worldwide Wine Tour by a Sommelier

Celebrity Cruises arguably has the one of the most extensive wine lists at sea, with sommeliers around every corner. If you are a lover of wine, you may have just met your vacation heaven.

Onboard, the wine collection offers you 480 selections on Solstice Class-ships, and over 350 selections on the Celebrity Century and Millennium Class-ships. The options are broad with every wine-producing region represented such as Champagnes, Rare vintages, and California Cults Wines, to name a few.

With one of the largest teams of Sommeliers in the world you have a chance to educate your palate. Each Sommelier is certified by the United States Sommelier Association, and one is designated for your convenience in each restaurant. They are there to assist you with wine pairing questions or to provide suggestions.

A rare vintage–If you happen to be sailing on one of Celebrity’s remarkable Solstice Class-ships, you will be immediately awed and inspired by the 2-story glass wine tower designed by renowned designer, Adam Tihany. Each tower holds 1800 bottles of wine!

One place you certainly do not to miss is Cellar Masters, Celebrity’s wine bar. Treat yourself to the amazing experience of a global wine tour. Learn about wines, receive expert recommendations, and relax with friends. One of the great features of Cellar Masters? It uses a state of the art Enomatic wine serving and preserving system. All you have to do is choose a wine, push a button, and pour a glass. Perfection, I say!

With Celebrity’s Wine Appreciation 101 workshop and Riedel® Comparative Wine Crystal Workshop, you have the opportunity to make the most of your love of fine wine.

To truly immerse yourself, Celebrity also offers Specialty Wine Cruises. The “Savor Your Destination” wine cruises offer memorable events designed to further your appreciation and understanding of wine and fine spirits.

Wine, champagne, sparkling wine and port tastings.
Learn how food can impact the flavor of wine
Discover what a spectacular pair port wine and chocolate make
Shore excursion to a winery with a wine tasting and dinner
Connoisseur Wine Dinner where French and California wines are paired to the Best of the Pacific Coast.
Learn how the shape of a wine glass affects flavors on the palate in the popular Riedel Wine Glass Comparative Workshop.

Call your Personal Cruise Guide for more information, and to reserve your Specialty Wine Cruise today! Cheers!

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