Navigating Your Cruise Ship

Some cruise ships are as large and as populous as a small city, so knowing how to find your way around is important. Even on a smaller ship, the number of decks, elevators, and hallways can make things a little confusing. Fortunately, there are a variety of resources to help you get to where you want to be.

You can start by becoming familiar with the ship before you cruise. Most cruise lines provide online deck plans for their ships; if you prefer paper, your professional travel advisor can provide a deck plan brochure or printout. Use the deck plan to locate your cabin and see how you can get to the closest elevators, the pool, the dining room and buffet, the show lounge, etc. If the cruise line’s website includes photos of the ship, take a look at them so things will seem at least a little familiar when you get on board.

Once on the ship, take a little time to orient yourself and develop a sense of forward (toward the front of the ship) and aft (toward the back of the ship). If you have a keen sense of direction this may be easy, but don’t be surprised if it takes a little time.

Deck plans are often posted in cabins and near elevators and stairs. This signage is usually quite detailed, including cabin numbers and the names of restaurants, theaters, and other common spaces. There may be deck plans inside the elevators, too, to help you know which way to turn when the doors open.

You can also call up deck plans using the cruise line’s app on your mobile device; downloading and using the app will put lots of additional information about the ship, itinerary, and daily schedule at your fingertips, too.

Your ship may have wayfinding kiosks with screens that display deck plans and other maps (very helpful if you want to see the deck plans on a larger screen). If the kiosks are interactive, you can simply touch the venue you want to find or enter its name to make directions appear on the screen.

There’s one more reliable way to get just about anywhere on board – ask a member of the crew. They live on the ship for weeks or months at a time, are familiar with every inch of it, and will gladly direct you.

For more onboard navigation tips, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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Port Calls of the Caribbean

The Caribbean is balmy all year long, the water is beautifully blue, and the beaches are legendary. For these reasons, it’s one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations. If you haven’t already sailed there, here’s a quick introduction to the region and the places cruise ships call on.

The Caribbean Sea is defined by the Greater Antilles islands on the north, the Lesser Antilles islands on the East, the northern edge of South America on the south, and Central America – plus Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula – on the west.

Cruise destinations in the Greater Antilles include Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic (which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti), Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. The Greater Antilles, made mostly of continental rock, are known for mountainous beauty. Popular ports include San Juan, Puerto Rico (the departure port for some Caribbean cruises); Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Georgetown, Grand Cayman.

The Lesser Antilles is an arc of small islands that stretches from the U.S. Virgin Islands (at the northern end) to Trinidad and Tobago (at the southern end). Some are low-lying atolls, edged by coral reefs; and some are volcanic, with lovely peaks and valleys. Islands of the Lesser Antilles that are beloved by cruisers include St. Thomas, St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Kitts, Dominica, Martinique, and St. Lucia.

Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries may call on some of the Lesser Antilles but often focus on one or more of the ABC islands – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. While the ABCs are not far from the coast of Venezuela and South America, they are part of the Netherlands. Cruises that call on the ABCs often visit Barbados, which lies just outside the Caribbean.

Cruises of the Western Caribbean often call on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, where popular ports include Cancun, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. Some itineraries also visit islands off the coast of Belize and Honduras, including Ambergris Caye and Roatan, a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Depending on the port of departure, Western Caribbean cruises may call on Jamaica and Grand Cayman, too.

We haven’t mentioned The Bahamas or the Turks and Caicos islands because they are geographically in the Atlantic, rather than the Caribbean; but, you’ll find these pretty islands on quite a few Caribbean itineraries, too.

For much more information about the many options for Caribbean cruising, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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Must-Try Dishes at Sea

On many cruise ships, food is a main attraction. Why? There are a few reasons:

·         Cruise ship food has a historic and justified reputation for being both plentiful and delicious.

·         On most ships, several dining venues are included in the fare, with specialty dining experiences available for a reasonable charge.

·         Most ships offer a choice of restaurants and cuisines to sample.

·         Cruise ship menus have shifted to a greater focus on healthy choices and fresh ingredients.

·         On some cruises, menus highlight the food of the region the ship is sailing in.

·         Cruise line chefs are used to accommodating special dietary needs.

So, what are some must-try dishes at sea? There are so many that it’s difficult to name just a few; and, what you’ll enjoy most depends on your personal taste. But, here are some favorites.

·         Clothesline Candied Bacon from Pinnacle Grill, Holland America Line. Chef David Burke’s appetizer involves a tiny clothesline and bacon bathed in a marinade that includes maple syrup, Dijon mustard and orange zest.

·         Lobster Pad Thai from Red Ginger, Oceania Cruises. A light, fragrant broth lets tender lobster meat and rice noodles shine; the galley will make it as mild or spicy as you like.

·         Cochinita Pibil from Los Lobos, Norwegian Cruise Line. Pork braised in bitter orange juice with annatto (achiote) seeds is a delight; and don’t miss the fresh guacamole prepared at tableside.

·         Pizza Margarita from Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Princess Cruises. Princess is known for some of the best pizza at sea, and Alfredo’s Neapolitan-style pizza starts with a made-from-scratch, hand-stretched crust.

·         Loup de Mer from Murano, Celebrity Cruises. Grilled Mediterranean sea bass with a sauce Nicoise (cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers) is a gift from the sea.

·         Any steak from Steakhouse at The Verandah, Cunard Line. Your server will show you the different cuts available before your selection is cooked as you like it; the result is so tender, you may not even need a knife.

·         Amalfi Lemon Meringue Cheesecake from Jamie’s Italian, Royal Caribbean. Creamy lemon cheesecake on top of lemon curd and topped with fluffy meringue – yes, please.

Keep in mind that cruise ship menus can change quickly. But, if you don’t find a favorite dish on the menu during your next cruise, there are sure to be many others that will provide a palate-pleasing, memorable meal. For more dining tips, ask Anita, your professional travel advisor, about their favorite dishes at sea.

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Cabin Location: Forward, Middle or Aft?

Compared to other choices you need to make before a cruise – such as a cruise line, destination, and itinerary – picking a cabin may seem like a relatively minor decision. However, where your cabin is located on the ship can enhance your cruise experience. Should you pick a forward (toward the front), middle, or aft (toward the back) cabin?

Be assured that there’s no one correct answer to this question; the answer that’s right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Let’s start with cabins that are mid-ship. The most important thing to know about them is that they are usually the most stable if the ship has to sail through rough water. If you’re prone to motion sickness, a midship cabin may be the best choice. These cabins are often close to more than one set of elevators, too, which may be an advantage for you.

Forward cabins can be a good choice if you value having a view from your cabin. The sides of a cruise ship often curve inward a bit near the front of the ship, so forward cabins that have a window or balcony may offer a wider view (but, work with your professional travel advisor to make sure your view won’t be obstructed by equipment). The curving side walls can contribute to unique (and more spacious) cabin layouts, too. However, forward cabins do tend to feel the most motion if the sea is choppy.

Like forward cabins, aft cabins may offer a bit more space, especially if they are located at or between the back corners of the ship. When these cabins have balconies, they are often the most spacious on board, with a great view over the ship’s wake. Because of this, aft cabins can be quite desirable. However, a potential disadvantage of aft cabins is periodic noise or vibration from the operation of the ship’s engine and anchor.

It's important to consider the vertical location of your cabin, too. Higher decks usually offer bigger views and more balconies but are more likely to feel the sway of the ship. Lower decks are more stable, but inside cabins don’t have windows – still, that can be an advantage if you’ll mostly use your cabin to sleep, shower, and dress.

There’s more to know about selecting a cabin location; for expert advice, including specifics about pricing, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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A Look at Cunard Line’s New Queen Anne

The newest Cunard ship to sail under the cruise line’s signature red and black funnel is the Queen Anne, which accommodates up to 2,996 guests and 1,225 crew members. The ship is sailing a variety of itineraries from its homeport of Southampton, England, venturing to Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, and beyond.

The Queen Anne is Cunard’s first new ship in 14 years, and it blends the cruise line’s traditional art deco elegance with a contemporary vibe. Examples include the Grand Lobby, which has a timeless black-and-white marble floor, but also a three-story-high LED screen where constantly changing images tell the Cunard story.

Another triple-deck space on the Queen Anne is The Pavilion, centered on a pool surrounded by modern navy and white tiles. Overhead, a glass dome opens or closes to suit the day’s weather. The dome also shelters a bright and open Wellness Studio, a small performance stage, and a new restaurant, the Pavilion Wellness Cafe. (If you prefer an open-air pool, the Queen Anne has one toward the aft of the same deck.)

The top deck includes an open-air observation lounge and space for deck games, including some firsts for Cunard: a state-of-the-art pickleball/paddle tennis court, and an archery area for beginners or experienced archers.

Cunard fans will notice that the Commodore Club lounge is larger than on other Cunard ships, with plenty of seating, a stage, a fabulous 270-degree view, and a round bar. In fact, many of the ship’s bars and public spaces are round or curvy, designed to help passengers interact.

The Queen Anne has 15 restaurants, more than double the number on any other Cunard ship. New options include Aranya, which features the flavors of India; Aji Wa, serving sushi and an omakase tasting menu; Tramonto, a fresh air venue with sharable Mediterranean plates; and Sir Samuels, a high-end steakhouse. On the Queen Anne, even the Cunard mainstay Golden Lion Pub has a new menu created by famed chef Michel Roux.

The Queen Anne’s spa features a luxurious thermal suite with a pool and heated tile loungers. There are experience showers, reflexology foot baths, a Himalayan salt sauna, and Cunard’s first cold room.

With all these features and more – including updated suite and stateroom designs – the Queen Anne is ready to please passengers who enjoy a blend of tradition and progress. To plan a voyage on this new ship, talk with Anita,  your professional travel advisor.

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Cruising the Saint Lawrence River

A cruise on the Saint Lawrence River is a wonderful way to explore part of the border between the U.S. and Canada. The river is the main outflow of the Great Lakes, flowing east from Lake Ontario to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, and onto the Atlantic Ocean. The eastern part of the river is deep and wide enough to accommodate midsize cruise ships (and also whales, which you may spot near Saugenay-Saint Lawrence Marine Park).

Ships often sail from Boston or New York through the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, then as far as Québec City or Montreal (or the reverse). Port calls to or from the river may include Portland or Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The historic port cities on the river include Québec City, Trois-Riviéres, and Montreal.

Québec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America, and its old city walls still stand. You can see churches and a monastery that date from the 1600s, or picnic on the Plains of Abraham – once the site of a battle in the Seven Year’s War, now a spacious park. Or, sip afternoon tea at the beautiful Château Frontenac hotel, then stroll Dufferin Terrace for lovely views of the river.

It’s fun to visit Trois-Riviéres’ downtown pedestrian mall and its museums; they include Musée Pop, which presents Québécois culture; and Borealis, where interactive exhibits highlight the region’s paper mill industry. The Old Prison is fascinating, too, with many stories to tell about its more than 160 years of operation.

Montreal is a major, French-speaking city on a large island in the river. Unique  neighborhoods include the Underground City, which connects downtown office buildings, shopping centers, universities, and performing arts venues. Above ground, Montreal is known for its parks, churches, universities, professional sports, and food: try the poutine, a delicious mix of crispy fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

Some Saint Lawrence River cruises are on smaller ships that can sail the narrower, shallower stretch of the river west of Montreal. These itineraries usually sail in a scenic area called the Thousand Islands, and even into the Great Lakes.

Cruise season on the Saint Lawrence is generally May through October; early fall sailings have the added attraction of fall colors along the shore. To learn more about the many options for exploring this river by cruise, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor

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What to Do if You Have a Complaint on Your Cruise

While every aspect of a cruise is carefully planned to deliver a terrific passenger experience, there’s always the possibility that something may go wrong. We hope you never have a cruise complaint, but if you do, here are some steps you can take.

Talk to someone about your complaint while you’re still on the ship. Don’t wait until later to write an email or letter of complaint to the cruise line. Instead, allow the crew to improve your cruise experience while it’s happening.

Take your complaint to the right crew member. This usually is not the cruise director, whose job is to manage onboard entertainment and activities, but not to manage complaints. To find the right crew member, visit the passenger service desk, briefly describe your complaint, and ask who you should speak with.

Talk about the specifics and details of your complaint. When you talk with crew members who can help you, provide as much detail as you can. The goal of the cruise line and the crew is to give you a great cruise experience, and providing details about your complaint will give them a better chance to make things right. Many valid complaints – such as a cabin that isn’t cleaned by the time you return from a shore excursion, air conditioning that doesn’t work well, or slow service in a bar or restaurant – can be quickly fixed once they’re brought to the crew’s attention.

But, some things that you may find unsatisfactory may not be easy to fix. Examples include your view being blocked by another ship while in port, or a port call being cancelled due to dangerous weather. These issues are due to circumstances that are beyond the crew’s control.

And, things that simply don’t align with your personal preferences – such as your cabin’s floor plan or the juice selection at the breakfast buffet – may also be difficult for the crew to change. But, crew members want to help and will do what they can to make you a happy and satisfied guest.

No one can guarantee a problem-free cruise, but there are steps you can take before you cruise to minimize any chance of complaints. These include taking care to choose a cruise line, ship, destination, itinerary, cabin, and shore excursions that you’ll truly enjoy. Anita, your professional travel advisor, can help you research your cruise options and choose those that fit you best.

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