Posts

Showing posts from May, 2016

Customer Feedback: 4 Day sailing on the Explorer of the Sea

Customer feedback on the 4 day, round trip Seattle, sailing on the Explorer of the Sea.  Ned and Carolyn are experienced cruises, many of those on Princess. We value and share their feedback. ----------------------------- We have found it fair to wait a week before we give you our thoughts on a cruise. This one was a little more controversial because there was a big difference between what we have grown accustomed to on Princess. Royal Caribbean sure did not perform as well as Princess. Experienced Royal Caribbean passengers said this trip was way below what they had seen on their previous cruises. But with that said, the cruise was still darn good. Here are some of our thoughts. Embarkation. One hour from getting in line until we had our ship pass. The line moved along but there were a lot of foks getting on. We got on board at 1 and they had the doors to the cabins closed with a note and announcements that the cabins would be available at 130 First meal. So everyon...

Memorial Day

Today, we remember those that gave their lives for our freedom. God Bless the families of those that didn't make it home.

Unique Shore Excursions

More cruise guests are looking for truly unique onshore experiences. So, cruise lines are offering some innovative new shore excursions: outings that are more active, educational, elegant or quirky than the standard bus tour. These new-style excursions are incredibly varied. For example, you could: Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Torres del Paine National Park for a day of hiking. Visit the Restoration Room at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, to see classic artworks brought back to life.  See the Alaskan coastline from a private catamaran. Take an overnight trip from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to the temple complex at Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Sound intriguing? To give you a better idea of what shore excursions can be like, here are some examples from our Cruise Holidays’ Distinctive Voyages series. Distinctive Voyages offer our clients an exclusive shore excursion on more than 300 cruises. Guests on the following cruises can look forward to these memora...

Spending Time in Saint Thomas

In 1917, the U.S. purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold coin. When you sail into the harbor on the island of Saint Thomas, you’ll agree that the beautiful islands, which lie to the east of Puerto Rico, were worth the price. The U.S. Virgin Islands include Saint Thomas, Saint John, Saint Croix and a sprinkling of smaller islands. Their relaxed Caribbean vibe is blended with remnants of European colonial days and some U.S.-style conveniences. Volcanic and hilly, Saint Thomas is covered with lush green jungle and ringed by white sand beaches and the distinctively turquoise water of the Caribbean. Cruise ships dock at the capital of Charlotte Amalie, widely known for terrific duty-free shopping. There are more than 400 shops along Main Street alone. But there’s much more to Charlotte Amalie and Saint Thomas. Charlotte Amalie is brimming with historical buildings, including Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the islands. Climb the 99 st...

Staying Healthy on a Cruise

When you embark on a cruise, you step out of your daily routine into a zone where it’s easy to forget to take everyday precautions against illness. Here’s a quick guide to staying healthy. Packing List Bring these items along with you: they are likely to be available on your ship, too, but it’s more economical and convenient to bring your own. Travel-size hand sanitizer Refillable water bottle Hat (for sun protection) Sunscreen Seasickness remedy Enough prescription medication (and some extra) for the duration of the cruise Daily Activities Remember to do these things each day to help stay healthy and ready to enjoy every minute of your cruise. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after touching objects (such as railings) that many other passengers touch, too. When soap and water aren’t available, use your hand sanitizer. Eat in moderation – it’s so easy to overindulge! Pace yourself; you have the entire leng...

Cruising to Iceland and Greenland

Cruises that venture to the Arctic reveal a beautiful world of water and ice, magnificent wildlife and dramatic Northern Lights. Cruise ships visit in summer, when the ice retreats a little; there’s 24-hour daylight; and the polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes and reindeer are at play. Some of these cruises explore the northern coast and islands of Norway or Russia; others take you to the impressive islands of Iceland and Greenland. The main cruise port in Iceland is the capital of Reykjavik, where visitors love the city’s distinctive and quirky character. There are sleek, modern buildings that contrast with colorful row houses and whimsical street murals. Fishing is a major industry here, and fresh seafood is expertly prepared in the city’s restaurants, which also showcase other local products. Some cruise itineraries schedule an overnight in Reykjavik to give passengers time to explore the city and to venture into the interior of volcanic rock and lava fields, glacie...