I Love to Cruise Blog

2009-03-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

The Beautiful New Carnival Splendor

This is my second Carnival Cruise in the last two years I have to say I am very impressed. The service has been wonderful and the ship is beautiful. I have heard how the ship is very "pink" and it is but it goes well with all the art. Today I took a tour which was a scavenger hunt. I thought I would write about it and what I experienced.
The Web- The web room was really a nice set up. It is very private and they have headsets so you can listen to music etc.. What are really like is the wi-fi access in the cabins.No need to bring your laptop out to a public room when you can just send the email from your cabin. I was able to access the Internet with my Itouch as well which was a nice option. I would like to suggest to bring your web cam if you have a laptop. Great way to stay conned with family and friends. However, my favorite is to connect via Facebook. It has the best Im system.
Camp Carnival- I thought it was a very large space. Lots of video game terminals and of course the Nintendo Wii. I loved the bathroom with children sinks. It had a little dance floor and it was just a great space for little ones. I did notice how they have files for children with allergies so they can assist.
Circle C- This space was for the 12-14 year olds. I though it was a bit small and only one Nintendo Wii. It had three terminals for video gaming. It was really small and they could have done a better job.
Club o2- This was for the teenagers 15-17. It was a disco club just like the adult club is set up. You would not know unless they told you. I really like how its near the adult clubs. I never understand when some have it near the kid area. They want to act like adults and this gives them that impression.
Pinnacle- This is the Supper Club which is Carnivals upscale restaurant. It has a service charge of $30 per person. I love this place!! I have been many other lines upscale dinning and I can't find one that beats this. I love how they have a dance floor. Its not just dinner but an experience. The food is amazing and worth the fee. Your on vacation so spend the money and go. So many people won't since food is free in many other areas. Your missing an experience that will enhance your vacation. Very romantic and worth the funds.
Cloud9Spa- I really liked the gym area was very large and had a nice view. I liked the Thalassotherapy Pool and heated chairs. There is a 35 fee to use the Thalassotherapy Pool but a nice treat. If you book a Spa Cabin its included in your stay. I really enjoyed the Spa Cabin and if you love spa's its worth the every money.
Elite Golf- Want to improve your golf skills?? Its 45 a lesson so go for it. This ship also has a 9 hold minature golf area with a pirate theme. Great area.
Pools- Best I have seen from Carnival. I never cared for Carnival's Pools and I am impressed with the new look. I love the main pool area with huge dance floor. The pool is still small but no more tier deck. It is two levels and the second level has the Jacuzzis. The aft pool was a nice spot to see the wake of the ship. The main also has cover if needed. So rain or bad weather you will have a pool. They have a Mega Screen for movies and concerts.

I did enjoy the New Ship Smell!!

Disney Cruise

2009-01-28T22:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!!
Sorry I have not been blogging!! I promise for the year I will do a better job. In Nov I went on my first Disney Cruise!! It was a 3 night cruise between my trip at DisneyWorld. I own a DVC (Disney Vacation Club) aka Timeshare and decided to break up the trip with a cruise. It also saved my timeshare points since the cruise is on the weekend. I really love the ship. My favorite parts were...

Fireworks at Sea
The Private Island
No Casino!!

It was a very relaxing cruise and I can't say enough about the private island. I see now why sometimes the ship goes twice. It was beautiful and relaxing. In Feb Cruises Inc will be having an online seminar about Disney.. If you have always wanted to try them please attend the event.

Are you ready for Incredible!!!

2008-07-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

Oasis of the Seas

In 38 days Oasis of the Seas will start opening for reservation by Royal Caribbean. If your going to sail on the Oasis make sure you book early. This ship by far is the most amazing ship I have read about. The pictures and video looks amazing.
Here are some of its Stats!!

Launching late 2009
220,000 GRT
7 neighborhoods
5,400 guests
2,700 staterooms
16 decks high

I really like the open air theater on the back of the ship. I can't wait to see the shows!! I also like the airel trek. I thought rock climbing and surfing was cool!!! If you can book any cruise this is the ship to go on. I know it does not come out till 09 but its worth the wait!!! Book early for the best deals!! The word is not out yet!! Every cruise junkie will want on this ship!!

What are you Spending Your Stimulus Check on?

2008-05-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

It's May 2008 and you know what that means, it's tax stimulus time. This gift from the government is being provided to get consumers spending. A recent Goldman Sacks report showed that stocks like Royal Caribbean are sure to benefit from these dollars as consumers seek out their next vacation or upgrade from an ocean view stateroom to a private balcony with their new found monies.

There are a lot of places to spend the stimulus monies like on a new sofa, paying down some credit card bills, doing some home repairs or getting away on an exciting cruise vacation. But how about spending it on all or at least some of those things? We have some amazing getaways that won't deplete your whole stimulus check.

Getaway with the whole family this summer for as little as $32 a person, a day (for a family of four). Norwegian Cruise Line just announced they are moving a ship to the Caribbean this summer that will sail 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami and for a limited time, Kids Sail Free. There are a number of other ships and itineraries to choose from for under $50 per person, per day. Sail a 4-night Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Imagination from Miami or sail a 5-night Bahamas cruise on the Carnival Fascination from Jacksonville. For under $60 per day you can sail a 4-night Baja Mexico cruise on the Carnival Paradise from Los Angeles, a 4-night Bahamas cruise on the Carnival Sensation from Port Canaveral, a 4- or 5-night Western Caribbean on the Carnival Holiday from Mobile, a 5-night Baja Mexico cruise on the Carnival Elation from San Diego, a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans, or a 7-night Florida & Bahamas cruise on the Norwegian Majesty from Charleston. How about sailing in a Balcony stateroom for under $100 per person, per day? You can on a number of 7-night Caribbean cruises on the Carnival Triumph, Liberty or Valor, on Carnival Spirit's 8-night Mexican Riviera cruises or on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas 12-night transatlantic cruise.

There are a ton of deals out there and your Cruise Specialist is just the person to find them for you. So when your stimulus check arrives, go ahead and use some of it to pay down your mortgage, or make a car payment, but be sure to keep just a little to spend on a holiday for yourself and your family. This might be the only time the government pays for your vacation.

NCL's new project the F3

2008-05-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

I can't say it better then NCL... They are definitly changing their look. I love the bathrooms!! What a neat idea!! They have changed the way of how we dine and now how we sleep. Love it!!

Press Release from NCL...........
Norwegian Cruise Line Throws Cruising A Curve, Introduces New Wave Staterooms By NCL
F3 ships to feature the most innovative living space at sea
Miami - Apr 24, 2008 ---
Today at Aker Yards in France, NCL Corporation revealed the cruise industry's most innovative living space at sea - New Wave Staterooms by NCL. Designed for its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ships, F3, the New Wave standard, New Wave balcony and New Wave deluxe staterooms represent a giant leap forward in cruise ship accommodations with a completely fresh take on bathroom design, contemporary curved architecture and open living space.
"From the introduction of the first Caribbean cruise more than 41 years ago to the launch of Freestyle Cruising in 2000 and beyond, NCL has always blazed a trail of innovation," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "We have thrown away the rule book with the design of F3 and today are revealing the very first element with our New Wave staterooms. Gone are the regimented typical designs and in place are sleek staterooms that are totally outside the box, designed for the needs of tomorrow's guests."
The New Wave staterooms most distinctive design element is its curved walls and lines creating a modern and chic experience. NCL has maximized the living space with a bathroom that is completely unique with a separate shower stall, separate water closet and a modern vanity top sink. The staterooms feature a sophisticated earth-tone palette accented with a splash of color and rich, dark wood. Concealed contour LED lighting and back-lit domed ceilings set a relaxing vibe.
All the amenities and comforts of NCL's Freestyle 2.0 enhancements are included with upgraded bedding, linens and towels, Euro pillows, Elemis bathroom products and MP3 connectivity upon request. Balcony and deluxe staterooms have bathrobes, a customized fruit menu, a fresh-baked cookie at turn down on the last night of cruise, an escort to the stateroom on embarkation day, priority restaurant reservation and reception hotlines and special color keycard for ship-wide recognition.
"Today's announcement is just the first chapter in a series of innovations we will be revealing about our new F3 ships leading up to their launch in 2010," Veitch said. "These ships will further deconstruct the traditional cruise ship experience with innovations in design, accommodations, luxury and entertainment to create a cutting-edge resort vacation experience unlike any other at sea."
Further design details of the New Wave staterooms include: New Wave Deluxe:
A bathroom that's "outside the box," including:
Separate water closet
Separate vanity top sink within the room
Separate bathtub and shower or luxurious shower
Unique curved walls
Concealed contour LED lighting
Back-lit domed ceiling
Comfortable seating area
Flat-screen TV
Mini-Bar
Balcony
Expanded living space New Wave Balcony:
A bathroom that's "outside the box," including:
Separate water closet
Separate vanity top sink within the room
Separate shower stall
Unique curved walls
Concealed contour LED lighting
Back-lit domed ceiling
Comfortable seating area
Flat-screen TV
Mini-Bar
Balcony New Wave Standard:
A bathroom that's "outside the box," including:
Separate water closet
Separate vanity top sink within the room
Separate shower stall
Concealed contour LED lighting
Most inside staterooms feature the back-lit domed ceiling
Flat-screen TV
Mini-Bar
The two 150,000-ton F3 ships will each total 4,200 passenger berths, representing the largest ships in NCL's fleet. The new ship design will offer 60 percent more guest space than NCL's largest ships to date, which will be used to provide guests an even wider range of on-board activities, amenities and stateroom options. The ships' cabin mix will be the richest of any NCL ship with 100 percent of outside staterooms featuring private balconies. In total, each ship will have 1,415 balcony staterooms.
More details about the F3 ships including other innovative accommodations, public spaces, dining, entertainment/nightlife, cutting-edge technology and casino will be announced leading up to the launch of the first F3 ship in 2010.
For the latest updates on F3 with downloadable high-resolution images of the New Wave staterooms, visit F3.ncl.com.
NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line.
NCL is building two new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in 2010. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.

Drink Anyone??

2008-05-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

I know we have all heard the saying "booze cruise", however that is a saying most cruise lines do not use in todays market. Cruises are not about the drinking. Sure I have had a few to many on a ship, but that's not why I cruise. I love traveling to new destinations and meeting so many cool people. Anyways, let's now discuss drinking!

Prices- This can differ from ship to ship. I can tell you most ships have a drink of the day. Everyday you get some kind of newsletter sent to your room. It will have a drink special so try it!! My favorite drink is only made on one cruise line!! I tried it as a special of the day.

Souvenir Glasses- This is where allot of money is made when it comes to drinking. Try not to get the souvenir drink. You can always ask for it not in the take home glass and it will be cheaper. Also, it takes up space in the suitcase for your better souvenirs.

Packages- They will sell many soda and wine packages. You really have to know what you plan to drink. You know if you need this or not. It is a good deal if you drink a lot.

Travel Agents- Many give wine or champagne as a gift. Why book with the cruiseline and get nothing??

Parties on Board- Attend, Attend, Attend!! If you are asked to attend a party most likely something will be given out. The Captain usually has a party and if you are a returning cruiser with the line you could have additional parties. I attend about three a cruise now. I love it!!

Crusie Clubs- Each cruisline has some kind of returning member program. Join and let your agent know you belong. I always get a coupon for a free drink on my favorite line.

Volunteer- Sometimes you get a free drink just by assisting the Bingo guy count the balls!!

You can have a $50 bill to a $1500 since its up to you!! Just drink in moderation and you will have a great time. Please don't fall overboard!! (It's usually drunk people who do this) Next time your cruise with RCCL have my favorite drink the BBC!!! It's the best foo foo drink on the planet!!

Travel Insurance

2008-05-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Do I need travel insurance?? I have been on 23 cruises and two times needed insurance. One time I had it and one time I did not.
My first time was in 2004 due to a hurricane in Florida. Coming from the west coast all flights had been canceled. The ship left with out us!! This time I did have insurance and I was paid back in cash for my trip. I then rebooked it 6 weeks later. The second time I hurt my leg on board. I left with a big bill after seeing the doctor onboard. My health insurance did reimburse me when I got home, but that is not always the case.
Here is what insurance usually covers. I pulled info from a company I sell to my clients as an example.
Trip Cost Trip Cancellation & Interruption
$ 1,000 Trip Delay
$ 1,000 Missed Connection
$200 maximum per day
$ 1,500 Baggage & Personal Effects
$ 500 Baggage Delay
$ 50,000 Accident Medical Expense
$ 50,000 Sickness Medical Expense
$ 50,000 Emergency Medical Transportation

The medical really helps you if your sick in a foreign port. It's not cheap to get you back home. Read the fine print!! How will you be paid back??? Some our cash and some our future credits on a ship. This is huge!! You usually see this on policys that our cancel for any reason. I really love these programs. If your work is a problem get this kind of insurance!! I hope this information was helpful!!

The New Passport Card for 2008

2008-03-01T00:33:00.000-08:00

What is the passport card?? Well here is the definition from http://www.travel.state.gov ..

The passport card is a wallet-size card that can only be used for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card will provide a less expensive, smaller, and more convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea.

That's right its less expensive!! If you only travel to these countries why pay for the regular passport?? The cost of the passport card is only $45 for adults and $35 for children. I find so many people are buying the regular passport. This is a great alternative and really can save yourself money for those shore excursions!!

Wave Season is here!!

2008-01-13T00:58:00.000-08:00

What is Wave Season??

Well this is the time cruise lines and travel agents call their busy season. Most people book summer and fall cruises from Jan-April. This is ususally the best time to book your cruise!! Now some cruises have different Seasons. An example would be Alaska. January is to late for the coming summer season. However, most other cruises will be discounted during the wave season. You will see shipboard credits, upgrades, and just plain better deals.

I have attached my companys magazine to show some of the deals. Book now to catch the wave!!

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/wth/cruisesinc_winter0708/

Eight will be Great!!!

2008-01-01T19:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years Everyone!!!

Now its time for my new years resolution...

1- Loose Weight

2- Go on a Cruise to put it back on!!! Ha Ha

The hot place for 2008 is Europe!!! Many ships are going to be headed to Europe for the 08 season. Since the dollar is at its all time low its the best way to go!! A 7 night cruise can cost under $900 per person minus the airfare of course. I am currently planning a group cruise to Europe for Sept on Norwegian Jewel. I can't wait to go!!!

Golden Princess Review 9-07

2007-10-23T20:30:00.001-07:00

I thought this was a great cruise if its your first time to the Mexican Riviera. We were the largest ship in every port. At 109 ton we were a giant compared to NCL, RCCL, and Holland. I thought the ships layout was easy and the decor was nice.
Rooms- We had an inside cabin. Not a bad size for an inside. We had a mini bar, large closet, safe, and a nice size vanity. The room had plenty of storage for all the luggage. Pack away girls!
Food Quality- I thought it improved since the last time I was on a Princess Ship. I did not feel the alternative speciality dinning was worth the $$$$. The steakhouse was maybe worth trying at $15, but the Italian dinner for $20 was so so. I did like the hot dogs, hamburgers, and pizza at the pool deck. Main dinning was OK. The lobster had to be as tiny as a shrimp. Again the food was good but nothing to talk about.
Pools- Favorite thing about this ship!! They have over 4 pools!! All of them were beautiful and I wish I could have tried them all. At midnight we even had one to ourselves and this was common if you were a late pool person. They are open all night except when the seas are rough. Don't expect the last night they will be open. The seas will always be against you and I will show you in this video.

Activity- It had the usual from ice sculpting, line dancing, and bingo. My favorite activity was the galley tour!!! I never would have expected this to be so funny!! The chefs are hilarious and I would recommend getting their early it will be packed. You can also get your cook book signed by the executive chef. Of course I bought one!!

Bars- The nightclub is one of the best on all ships. I love how its set up with its one escalator. However, it never had more then 50 people of the 2600 passengers. It has so much potential.

Ports- We did the normally take me around in a bus tour. I would recommend the following in Puerto Vallarta -canopy flying, Mazatlan-Beach Time Golden Zone, and Cabo San Lucas -Shopping.

I would definitely go on Princess again. It was a very relaxing cruise and we met a lot of nice people. If you want a lot of activities my suggestion would be RCCL.

Well Its our last night on the Cruise

2007-10-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

I know I promised a daily update, but I have been having to much fun! It was a great cruise and we had a great time! I will write more when I get back due to the costs of internet. I will go over that in another blog! Goodbye Golden Princess!!

Hola from PV

2007-10-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

It was a great day in PV today. We rented a van with some other people and saw all the sights. Bill had some Mexican tacos while I had margaritas. Our final stop was shopping and a drink on the beach. Tonight we are dinning in a speciality restaurant call Desert Rose. Its the steakhouse on board ship.

Last night we ate at Sabatini's and it was delicious. I will post some pics of the food later today.
We bought a few souvenirs and I have purchased a nice watch on board. Can't wait for Mazatlan tomorrow.
Well we just set sailed so I must go wake up Bill from his nap.

First Day at Sea

2007-09-30T23:51:00.001-07:00

Today was a very relaxing day for us. The highlights of today included tea time, Europe Presentation, midnight swim, and formal night.
We had the entire pool to ourselves which was really nice. The water temperature is over 80 in the pool! We have 3 pools and they are all so huge!! The weather now outside is at least 95 degrees and it feels like summer again. I really like the anytime dinning which has been so fast. We don't eat till late so maybe that why but we have not waited. Hey mother if your reading this my ship card is black! You can keep the gold. I am elite on this ship so I get some extra amenities. We have a fully stocked bar in our room and the free dry cleaning have been useful. The soda card was only $3.99 a day which is really cheap so we each bought one. Our cabin steward is the best I have had in a long time. OK well got to go to bed. Its at least 1am. I will not post pictures every day due that its a pain.

Bon Voyage

2007-09-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

We left yesterday from the port of Los Angeles on board the Golden Princess. Our first two days are at sea which is a great way to start a vacation. I love sea days and they are a must when you book a cruise. We arrived at 2:20pm and took a risk by leaving our home so late. Final call was at 3:00pm and with Ca traffic I was very stressed. The best time to arrive is noon and is what I tell my clients. I guess in the future I should listen to my own advice.
Our cabin is very nice for being a inside cabin. Cabins are a personal choice when it comes to a cruise ship. My mother for example will only sail in a balcony cabin and myself whatever is the best priced. That never means the cheapest which I will do a future blog later about this subject.
Today I am looking forward to tea and a Europe Presentation. I have booked both speciality restaurants which I can not wait to try!! Enjoy the pictures to the right!! Sorry the video will have to wait till I get back. It cost way to much to download.

The Art of Packing

2007-09-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

So my cruise is in two days and I have not begun my packing!! I always recommend starting a list. It's not fun when your forget the water shoes or even better the bathing suit. Ladies you know that is not always easy to replace. I thought today I would give some tips on items related for cruises that I always bring.

1. Air Freshener- I like the one with the nightlight. Remember your digesting a lot of food and sometimes the room can smell. Just remember you can always send the men to the public restrooms!!

2. Toilet Seat Covers- You are not allowed to flush them down the public toilets. However, its nice to have them when your at the ports.

3. 3 Plug Outlet- This is a must if you plan to bring cell phones and your laptops. It's nice to be able to have a few things plugged in. Most rooms only have 1 or 2 plugs.

4.Web Cam- If your going to bring the laptop I recommend bringing the web cam. On my last cruise I was able to have a video conversation live from the ship. This is the cheapest from of communication on ship. Most Internet fees are .50 to $.75 per minute.

5.Lanyard- I hate to carry my cruise card in my purse. Pick up either a little wallet or lanyard at your local drugstore. It is so nice to wear it and be free of a purse for a week!!

6.Card Reader- If your going to bring your laptop bring a card reader for you pictures. You can then upload right from the ship.

7.Alarm Clock- All the rooms have wake up calls, but very few have the time. If they do have a clock its usually on the phone so you can't see it.

8.Business Cards- You can meet a lot of nice people why not keep in contact.

9.Magnets- These are great for you door! Most doors are magnetic so you can leave messages for your friends.

10. Small Bills- Its nice to have change when you need it.

Well I am off to pack!!

Golden Princess here we come!!

2007-09-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

This is my last week of work until my cruise starts this Saturday!! I will be going on the Golden Princess to the Mexican Riveria. We will be sailing to...

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Mazatlan, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

I live close to the port so this cruise is a no brainer if you live in California. The ship was built in 2001, 109 Ton, and carries over 2600 passengers. I plan to blog everyday on the cruise! I can't wait!!

Welcome to my Blog!!

2007-09-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

This blog is dedicated to my passion cruising!!! This blog will cover my adventures in cruising!! I will also cover what is new in the industry and some secret tips only junkies know about in cruising. Enjoy my blog!!

This picture is what started my cruise addiction. We were on the Voyager of the Seas during the week of 9-16-01. This was a few days after 9-11 and it took us over 30 hours to get to Florida. The ship was only 1/2 full and at the time was a little scary due to all the security. The ship was amazing and I have been hooked ever since. On the sailing we even rescued a guy who was lost out to sea. I was on my balcony when we found him and everyone was applauding. After such a tragic week it was nice to see something good happening.