AOL Travel Ideas

8 Money-Saving Tips For Your Next Cruise Vacation

AOL Travel Staff — 2013-04-22T16:29:00+00:00

Recent images of a cruise ship limping back to port after an engine malfunction didn't do the cruise industry any favors heading into the summer vacation season. And cringe-worthy accounts from passengers who had to make do without power or working toilets for five days may have turned some travelers off cruising for good.

But for those undeterred by the mishap that befell the Carnival Triumph in February, nor that of several other headline-grabbing woes that afflicted some of Carnival Corp.'s (CCL) other ships over the past year, this is a good time to save money on a cruise vacation, experts say.

Ready to set sail? Read these eight tips for saving money on a cruise vacation on Daily Finance.

You may also like:
2013 Cruises: River Cruising, Exotic Ports and More Trends for the Year
Cruise Tips: Five Things to Splurge on During Your Next Voyage
Titanic Attractions: 5 Cool Cruise Ship Exhibits
Titanic II: Coming to the Atlantic Ocean in 2016

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Titanic Attractions: 5 Cool Cruise Ship Exhibits

Harriet Baskas — 2013-03-21T10:18:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise

Whether you're a veteran of multiple trans-Atlantic crossings or have yet to set sail on your first weekend party cruise to the Bahamas, there's plenty to learn about the history of cruise ships and the culture of cruising. Don't worry if you're prone to seasickness. Only one of these cool cruise-themed museum exhibits is not on dry land.

%Gallery-181291%

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Titanic II: Coming to the Atlantic Ocean in 2016

AOL Travel Staff — 2013-02-27T11:42:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise

Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has unveiled his blueprints for Titanic II, a replica of the ill-fated cruise ship that succumbed to an iceberg in 1912 and, in the wake of that tragedy, became an object of fascination for generations.

Palmer may be more fascinated by the Titanic than James Cameron. He and his team, including main designer Markku Kanerva, will attempt to build a ship that is virtually indistinguishable from the original. Plans are to sail Titanic II across the Atlantic in in 2016. Everyone on board the cruise will be required to wear period attire.

News of the Titanic II has been received with awe, snark and a little bit of fear for those pesky Atlantic icebergs. As HuffPost Live asked yesterday (starting at 1:35 in the video above), will Titanic II be safe? According to the Guardian, Palmer says not to worry. Due to climate change, he says, "There are not so many icebergs in the North Atlantic these days." Titanic II will, however, have enough lifeboat and life raft capacity to handle all of the 2,435 passengers and 900 crew members.

What else will Titanic II have? Three classes of passengers who will not mingle.

What will Titanic II not have? Internet or television, in hopes of recreating the feel of an earlier era.

What do some people wish Titanic II would have? Alexandra Petri writes in the Washington Post that Palmer should consider: "For a special fee, you can stand on the front of the boat and insist that you are the King of the World." And then: "For an extra fee, you are entitled to push overboard anyone who does [the above] or starts to sing the Celine Dion song."

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Carnival Triumph Returns to Shore

AOL Travel Staff — 2013-02-15T09:37:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, News

After more than five days disabled at sea, the Carnival Triumph finally docked in Mobile, Alabama last night. Because only one elevator on the ship was working, it took several hours for all the passengers to disembark.

The passengers soon told all the horror stories about the dismal conditions on the ship in first person. "It was like a sauna of sewage," Cindey Gill told the Los Angeles Times.

At least one, though, had praise for the crew. Passenger Parisa Safarzadeh wrote on CNN: "If it wasn't for the crew on board, all of us would be severely injured, starved or crazy. Crew members always had a smile on their face and a concern in their voice. Honestly, these people deserve more than compensation. They deserve a huge thank you for their enduring support, service and compassion."

For the full backstory, check our earlier Carnival Triumph coverage.

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Carnival Triumph Remains Stranded in Gulf of Mexico (Update)

AOL Travel Staff — 2013-02-14T15:17:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, News

A tow line being used to pull the Carnival Triumph snapped this afternoon, setting back the efforts to bring the damaged cruise ship and its 3,143 passengers to port in Mobile, Alabama. Coast Guard Petty Officer William Colclough told the AP the ship is "dead in the water and when they reconnect safely, they then proceed on their way."
Feb. 14, 2013, 9:53 p.m.
The Carnival Triumph remains in the Gulf of Mexico for the fifth day, though the end of the sea-bound portion of the ordeal is almost over. The ship is now expected to reach port in Mobile, Alabama by 8 p.m. ET.

On Wednesday, a third tug boat began to help tow the crippled cruise ship. CNN also reports that the U.S. Coast Guard flew in a generator and other equipment via helicopter to help beleaguered passengers.

Carnival announced further compensation of $500 for each passenger aboard the Triumph. Passengers had already been told they'd be refunded for the cost of their voyage and that they'd receive credit for a future cruise.

Feb. 13, 2013, 2:41 p.m.
As the ill-fated Carnival Triumph slowly makes its way back to land in Mobile, Alabama, the city is readying to deal with thousands of unexpected guests. Huffington Post Travel spoke with David Randel, the president and CEO of the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, to find out what's going to happen to the thousands of passengers and crew who, judging by reports of conditions aboard the Triumph, will be happy to leave the ship behind.

For now, though, the spotlight remains on the Triumph and Carnival's response to the situation. Cruise Critic Editor-in-Chief writes "the tragedy of Carnival Triumph" will linger in travelers' memories.

Travelers scheduled to sail on the Triumph will need to make new plans as well. Carnival has cancelled all of the ship's voyages through April 13.

Feb. 13, 2013, 10:56 a.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board have begun investigating the engine room fire that left the Carnival Triumph adrift in the Gulf of Mexico Sunday. The ship is currently being pulled toward Mobile, Alabama. It's expected to arrive sometime Thursday.

Carnival president and CEO Gerry Cahill discussed the situation in a press conference last night. Among the concerns aboard the ship: the appearance of norovirus or another disease outbreak. A former senior officer for Carnival Cruise Lines told USA TODAY that staff members are "probably working double shifts to keep the mess clean and wipe down and sanitize all the common areas."

Feb. 12, 2013, 10:53 a.m.
The Carnival Triumph begins its third day at the mercy of Gulf of Mexico currents and two rescue tug boats, which Carnival president and CEO Gerry Cahill hopes will be able to return the ship, its 3,143 passengers and 1,086 crew members to Mobile, Alabama by Thursday.

That won't be soon enough for many of those on board, who have seen the conditions aboard the ship deteriorate in the wake of an engine room fire Sunday morning. The fire left the Carnival Triumph with emergency generator power and some auxiliary power, but without propulsion.

One passenger told Fox News that, in the wake of the fire, he's seen water and feces on the floors. ABC News reports that some people are sleeping outside in tents to avoid the stench inside the ship. There are also reports of people waiting hours for food. To help relieve the situation, other ships in the Carnival fleet are reportedly bringing supplies to the Triumph.

Carnival's Cahill released a statement that all guests on the Triumph will be refunded for the cost of their voyage, and they'll also get a future cruise credit.

For more about the situation aboard the Triumph, and reports from passengers aboard the ships, check out the video below.

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Carnival Sunshine: Take a (Virtual) First Look

AOL Travel Staff — 2013-01-30T12:59:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise

The Carnival Destiny's transformation into the Carnival Sunshine is one of 2013's most anticipated cruise events. Her maiden voyage takes place in the Mediterranean in April. We'll have reports from the ship.

In the meantime, take a look at just released virtual tour of the Carnival Sunshine.

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Cruise Tips: Five Things to Splurge on During Your Next Voyage

Paul Lasley — 2013-01-29T07:53:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, Tips & Tricks

Sometimes spending a little more during a cruise can buy you a lot in comfort and convenience. Consider these cruise tips.

SPECIALTY DINING
Splurge one night for a meal in one of the ship's specialty restaurants. Onboard steak houses typically offer the best value: For a $20 to $35 surcharge, you can enjoy a meal that would easily cost twice that ashore, and the quality can be exceptional.

The most popular restaurants often sell out early during cruises, so book your reservations as soon as you can. Also: Some specialty restaurants charge for dinner but offer complimentary dining at lunch. It's something to check out when you board.

EARLY BOARDING
Rather than spending a couple of hours hanging out on folding chairs in the cruise terminal, you can avoid long lines and start enjoying your cruise in the comfort of the ship. You might not have access to your cabin right away -- it takes time to clean them all -- but you'll have access to food and a bar or two. Or, you can snag your place in the sun early.

Cruise lines offer priority boarding to those with special needs, suite passengers and members of the line's VIP club. Travel agents can also often arrange for priority boarding. Carnival offers an early boarding option for a fee of approximately $50, which covers all cabin occupants.

GROUP PHOTOS
Group photos and portraits are often a good deal. Most ships now have several stations around the vessel offering different backgrounds where you can have photographs taken. The quality is often as good or better than you might find in your hometown studio. A color 8x10 print might cost about $20, a great value if you're traveling with your family. And remember, there's no obligation to buy the photos if you don't like them.

BEVERAGE PACKAGES
Several cruise lines offer prepaid packages for soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. Passengers pay upfront for unlimited sodas or alcoholic drinks, instead of paying for each drink in a lounge. Depending on your personal consumption, a package might make sense.

Do the math before you buy. Packages vary widely on cost and on what they include: alcoholic beverage packages cost about $50 per person per day; soft drink packages about $5 per person per day. Some luxury lines include all beverages, including alcoholic drinks, in the cruise fare.

LAUNDRY SERVICE
Some ships have free laundry machines on board, some do not. All have valet laundry services for guests. The system works pretty much like valet service in hotels, but on a ship it's usually much cheaper. However some lines offer laundry service by the bag. Fill a bag and they will do it for one flat fee. This is a great deal for families who don't want to spend valuable vacation time doing laundry.

[Photo of 150 Central Park restaurant on Allure of the Seas/Royal Caribbean]

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Cruise Tips: Seven Ways to Save on Your Next Voyage

Paul Lasley — 2013-01-28T16:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, Tips & Tricks, Budget

Cruising remains one of the best values in travel. On most cruises you can enjoy the adventure without paying extra for food, entertainment or most onboard activities. But increasingly, cruise lines have implemented fees that add to the lines' profits -- and threaten to bust your cruise budget. Here are some tips on how to save on your next cruise.

BUY A LESS EXPENSIVE CABIN ON A MORE EXPENSIVE SHIP
Not the other way around. Wherever your cabin is located on the ship, you'll typically have better food and service on a more luxurious line. Note: Make sure all cabins on the ship have access to the same amenities. Some ships have designated dining and lounge for certain cabin classes.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE INTERNET
If you're a do-it-yourself person, it's possible to book a cruise yourself online. Industry experts are divided, though, about whether you'll save money. Cruise lines work to protect their distribution channels and to some extent, are able to prevent discounting. But check cruise line websites frequently for price changes and special deals. Also, check websites that offer last-minute deals and flash sales. Checking these resources also keeps you informed of price changes so that you're a more informed consumer, however you choose to book.

BE FLEXIBLE ON YOUR SAILING DATES
Some departure dates for similar itineraries can be less expensive. Seasonality is a big factor. The best prices for Alaska cruises, for example, are typically early or late in the summer season. In the Mediterranean, prices will typically peak in July and August.

CONSIDER REPOSITIONING CRUISES
They're generally offered when lines move a ship from Europe to the Caribbean, for example, or to and from Alaska. They're usually affordably priced. Search for "repositioning cruises" and find many options.

BE SHORE EXCURSION SAVVY
Some excursions, like touring St. Petersburg, Russia's Hermitage Museum can be once-in-a-lifetime treats. But you can walk around most Alaska and Caribbean port towns on your own and get more from the experience than seeing them from a tour bus window. To explore deeper into the destination, consider going in with other passengers to hire a taxi; you can visit most of the sites included in the shore excursions, but at your own pace. Just remember: If the taxi breaks down, the ship won't wait for you. (If a shore excursion motor coach is delayed, it will.)

CONSULT A CRUISE-EXPERIENCED TRAVEL AGENT
Travel agents can alert you to deals you might not find on your own, and they typically have "preferred" relationships with certain lines, which can mean special perks for you. Among them: early boarding and spending credits. Knowledgeable agents can also help steer you to a cruise that suits your personality and budget. Plus, if something goes wrong, you have an ally.

BE PATIENT WHEN BOOKING SPA TREATMENTS
They're often more expensive onboard than ashore, but there are ways to save. While there's always a sales push when you board, patience can be rewarded. As the cruise progresses, you'll often be bombarded with special deals. And if you don't go ashore on days in port, you can sometimes save at the spa.

[Photo credit: Getty Images]

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2013 Cruises: River Cruising, Exotic Ports and More Trends for the Year

Paul Lasley — 2013-01-08T14:21:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise

Some 20 million passengers cruised in 2011, and indications are that the market remained strong in 2012. This in spite of a disastrous cruise ship accident and a spike in oil prices. All signs point to a healthy forecast for 2013 cruises. Here's a glimpse at what travelers can look forward to in the coming year.

RIVER CRUISING ROLLS INTO ITS OWN
If cruising is booming anywhere, it's on the world's rivers. Lines such as Viking River Cruises, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and AmaWaterways are building dozens of new vessels. Travelers have discovered that riverboats travel slowly and dock in the center of towns, combining the convenience of an ocean cruise with the up-close experience of a land tour.

With its scenic Rhine, Danube and Rhone rivers, Europe provides the biggest market, but U.S. waterways such as the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio are once again hearing the sounds of paddlewheelers like the American Queen, which entered service in April. The Mekong in Vietnam and the Irrawaddy in Burma (Myanmar) are seeing cruises from companies like Pandaw River Expeditions, whose ships are replicas of colonial river steamers.

Also of note: Egypt recently reopened a section of the Nile between Luxor and Cairo that was closed to riverboats for some 15 years. The addition of more than 400 miles of river extends the cruising range of hotel boats like those of Sonesta.

EXOTIC PORTS BECKON
As more experienced travelers discover cruising, they're demanding more exotic ports in their 2013 cruises. Although there aren't many distinctive ports left to discover, lines are seeking out unusual destinations. Some large ships, for example, now call at Canakkale, Turkey, to visit ancient Troy; and La Spezia, Italy, which is close to the Cinque Terre region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Another out-of-the-way stop: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.

OVERNIGHTS ENHANCE PORT STAYS
Ships aren't just taking passengers off the beaten path, so to speak. They're also offering more time in port. Ships become hotels, allowing passengers to go ashore to enjoy cities like Venice, Italy; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Mumbai, India, by night.

SHIPS BECOME THE DESTINATION
Continuing a trend that began a few years ago, today's large ships offer such a variety of onboard activities that many passengers view the ships as destinations instead of merely transportation. Cases in point: Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, the largest cruise ships in the world, offer surfing, zip-lining, ice skating and rock climbing. Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic has a bowling alley onboard. Carnival's newest ships have elaborate water parks, ropes courses and even two-level miniature golf courses. Princess Cruises' Royal Princess, debuting in 2013, will feature a laser shooting range.

FAMILIES FLOCK TO FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHIPS
Activities both onboard and onshore reflect the growing number of multigenerational travelers on 2013 cruises. Lines aim to please everyone from children to grandparents. For instance, teens between 15 and 17 years old line up to party in Club O2 aboard Carnival Cruise Lines' new ships like the Carnival Breeze. The lounge has the decor, music and ambiance of a South Beach club. In 2013, Disney Cruise Line's shore excursions designed just for kids include a hands-on visit to a traditional Venetian mask-making shop and a chance to make pizza in Rome. Even luxury lines like Crystal Cruises are installing expanded facilities for kids. Who's paying for everyone? Some grandparents are footing the travel bills for the whole family.

CRUISE LINES EMBRACE SINGLE PASSENGERS
Like multigenerational families, singles are a growing market. A few cruise lines are making halting steps to attract them. Conventional wisdom in the cruise industry dictates that a cabin should have two occupants, so lines typically charge individuals more. However, since singles now make up about 44 percent [according to the U.S. Census] of the U.S. population, cruise lines are grudgingly waking up to that market's potential. Increasingly, lines are offering low single supplements or even waiving them on some sailings. Due to the success of the single cabins on its Norwegian Epic, NCL is offering 59 single cabins on the Norwegian Breakaway, scheduled to set sail in May.

FOOD CHOICES GET MUCH, MUCH BETTER
After years of providing abundant, filling, mostly forgettable food, cruise lines are offering true fine dining on 2013 cruises. Eating in a room designed to seat half a ship's passengers is still pretty much akin to dining at a large banquet, but the coming year will see more specialty restaurants associated with celebrity chefs. Many of these options will be included in the cruise fare, but some will carry a surcharge.

Nobu Matsuhisa's Silk Road restaurants on Crystal Cruises' Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony approach the excellence of the chef's venues in Los Angeles, London and Tokyo. There is no extra charge for Guy Fieri's Guy's Burger Joint, located on some Carnival ships, and it dishes out some 1,200 burgers a day on the Carnival Breeze alone. French chef and TV star Jacques Pepin has brought his dining concept to Oceania Cruises with Jacques on the Oceania Marina. And Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian will introduce Ocean Blue, a seafood restaurant on the Norwegian Breakaway. Also: Look for more light and healthy spa fare and vegetarian meals on ships.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES EXPAND
On Cunard's Queen Mary 2, actors from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts -- whose graduates include Anthony Hopkins and Alan Rickman -- provide workshops as well as performances, and experts from the Royal Astronomical Society lead seminars. In Crystal Cruises' learning programs, passengers can study piano and filmmaking and hone their computer skills. Celebrity Cruises has licensed Apple Stores onboard, and classes fill up almost before the ship sails. Holland America Line offers programs on cooking, history and art and a computer learning program in partnership with Microsoft.

[Photo: Kent Phillips/Disney]

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Friends Of The Earth Grades Cruise Lines, Some Flunk

AOL Travel Staff — 2012-12-28T12:41:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, News

Friends of the Earth , a global network of activists from 76 different countries, has come out with its annual cruise ship score card that evaluates cruise lines based on three environmental factors - sewage treatment, air pollution reduction and water quality compliance.

Disney Cruise Line came away with top honors, an A minus, scoring high in all three areas.

Here's a look at how the cruise lines fared in each category:

Top three for sewage treatment:
Disney Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruises

Bottom three for sewage treatment:
Carnival Cruise Lines
Silversea Cruises
Costa Cruises

Top three for air pollution reduction:
Princess Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Holland America Line

Bottom three for air pollution reduction:
Silversea Cruises
Costa Cruises
Crystal Cruises

Top three for water quality compliance:
Silversea Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Bottom two for water quality compliance:
Carnival Cruise Lines
Holland America Line

Click here for more complete details of the Cruise Ship Report Card.

[Photo Credit- Flickr user NOAA's National Ocean Service]

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Steven Barry Krumholz, Allure of the Seas Passenger, Admits To Selling Drugs Onboard

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-07-26T09:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, News

runekrem/Flickr

A former Allure of the Seas passenger plead guilty in U.S. Virgin Islands court on Monday to dealing drugs while on board.

Steven Barry Krumholz, a West Hollywood, California man, admitted to selling ecstasy, methamphetamine and ketamine to his fellow cruise passengers while on a trip in February, the Associated Press reports.

Krumholz was arrested while the boat was docked in St. Thomas. Agents searched his cabin and found more than 142 ecstasy pills, almost 3 grams of methamphetamine, a small amount of ketamine and $51,000 in cash.

Agents also found drugs on another passenger, who claimed to have ordered the drugs from Krumholz prior to the trip and picked them up on board.

Krumholz faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine at his sentencing, which will occur November 2.

This isn't the first drug ring authorities have busted on a cruise ship: In January, drug-sniffing dogs found $94,000 worth of heroin and cocaine onboard Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas in Baltimore. Three weeks prior, the ship's crew members were busted trying to smuggle $65,000 worth of heroin and cocaine into the U.S.

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Disney Alaska Cruise: Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Flannel

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-07-25T17:20:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, Family, Disney

Disney Cruise Line

The third and final stop on this Alaskan adventure is Ketchikan, where passengers will get a taste of Alaska's native history and a dose of local celebrity.

At Potlach Park, a re-created native settlement, visitors can learn the ancient art of totem carving. Master Carver Brita Alander, demonstrates how these massive poles served as a form of communication. Here, kids have a chance to get in on the act and work on a real totem. Each can personalize a scale or feather that will become part of Alander's sea monster pole, made just for DCL guests.

Next, wrap yourself up in flannel and head to The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show to get a little rowdy. The hour-long show harks back to the turn of the 20th century when Ketchikan was a hub for the timber trade. Lumberjacks demonstrate competitions of skill and brawn like chopping, sawing, log-rolling and speed climbing. A few lucky Disney guests will even get a chance to blow off some steam by participating in the events.

Before heading back to the ship, take a spin on a crabbing boat - a celebrity one at that. The Aleutian Ballad was featured on TLC's "Deadliest Catch," but also takes Disney guests on a not-so-dangerous cruise during which guests can get up close and personal with local sea life.

Check out our Ketchikan video below - don't everyone rush to book their cruises all at once!

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Disney Alaska Cruise: Juneau, Alaska's Rough and Ready Adventure Hub

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-07-21T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, Family, Disney

Disney Cruise Line

Next up on our cruise itinerary: Juneau, the capitol of Alaska. It sits at the base of Mt. Juneau, which rises 4,000 feet above the city. This is the stop to indulge in activities that might be considered typically Alaskan, like whale watching, glacier climbing and, of course, dog mushing.

Hop off the boat in Juneau and onto another for some of the world's best whale watching. Summer - aka cruise season - is a great time to see the humpback whales that come to Alaskan waters to feed. There are orcas, or killer whales, as well.

Going from sea level to summit level, adventurous parties can explore Mendenhall Glacier National Park. A helicopter ride to the top of the glacier takes visitors to prime hiking territory. From the top of the glacier down, hikers can see steep ice walls, deep crevasses and towering mountain peaks. For those with little ones in tow, parts of the park are stroller friendly, so everyone can get a chance to explore.

The real rush of an offshore jaunt in Juneau, though, has to be the chance to participate in the official state sport: dog mushing. The practice originated as a mode of transportation in snowy Alaska, used to move around one's freshly hunted meat or strike it rich gold. Now these sleds, clocking in at mach speeds of 35 to 45 mph, are an exciting way to enjoy the outdoors. And, there are cute puppies, what else could we ask for?

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Disney Alaska Cruise: There's Gold in Them There Hills (VIDEO)

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-07-18T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, Family, Video, Seasonal, Disney

Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Wonder's first Alaskan port of call is the gold rush town of Skagway, where prospectors flocked by the boatload in 1896 after the glittering ore was discovered.

While the gold supply is pretty much tapped out and Disney's boats are a little more luxe, modern-day prospectors can still get a feel for what prospecting life was like. At Liarsville, a restored gold rush trail camp, guests can take a step back in time and try their hands at panning for gold - joined by a rough and tumble group of unshaved Disney characters.

When panning begins to get tiring, visitors hop aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad and take a three-hour ride up mountains and through forests. There are breathtaking views from the coaches and even the opportunity for adult-only time during the second half of the ride, when the kids are taken to an activities car and entertained.

Cruisers interested in roughing it can take in nature at canopy level on a zip-line course through the thick pine forest.

Check out the video below to learn about all there is to do in Skagway.

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Hurtigruten Cruise Ship Live Streams Voyage, Sets Ratings Record (PHOTOS)

Kate Auletta — 2011-06-23T08:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, News, Video

NRK

This may only happen in Norway: Live video feed of a Hurtigruten a cruise ship sailing the coast of Norway for six-days has set a ratings record in the country.

This may only happen in Norway: Live video feed of a Hurtigruten a cruise ship sailing the coast of Norway for six-days has set a ratings record in the country.

The fjord trip entitled "Hurtigruten--Minute by Minute", broadcast by Norway's NRK, was watched by 2.54 million Norwegians--more than half the country's population! Additionally, 7% of viewers came from Denmark, and 4% each from Germany, the U.K., France, and the United States.

The MS Nord-Norge sailed 1,460 nautical miles along the coast; it's voyage was streamlined on the NRK2 website for 134 hours straight (check it out here), Variety reports.

It took a crew of 22 with 11 cameras to capture the journey.

The ship left from the southwestern city of Bergen on Thursday and docked on Wednesday morning in Norway's northernmost point, a town on the Russian border called Kirkenses where the sun doesn't set in summer.

The highest volume time? Midnight on Sunday when the ship sailed into the Trollfjord in Lofoten, showing the Midnight Sun.

Well-wishers across the country met the ship at its ports of call. Even the Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg, got in on the action, Tweeting: "This is Norway at its absolute best."

According to the NRK website, the cruise line has been sailing the Norwegian coast since 1893, and it's been dubbed "The World's Most Beautiful Sea Voyage."

Check out some of the stunning views armchair travelers were able to see below, all courtesy of Flickr's nrkbeta.

%Gallery-126920%

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Cruisers' Choice Awards: Cruise Critic Survey Ranks Top Vacations on the Seas

Rebecca Dolan — 2011-06-20T13:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, News, Best Of

Paul Dickerson, flickr

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are two of the most highly favored cruise lines reveals Cruise Critic's first annual Cruisers' Choice Awards.

The two lines took home the most top honors in the survey, which is based on consumer-submitted ratings by a community of 700,000 members and more than 70,000 reviews. Vessels were rated in eleven categories, with each category divided between small, mid-size and large ships.

Royal Caribbean cleaned up, earning seven best rankings. Not surprisingly, most of those went to the behemoth Oasis of the Seas - the first ship to set sail with more than 6,000 passengers.

Best Overall, Large: Oasis of the Seas
Best Entertainment, Large: Oasis of the Seas
Best Embarkation, Large: Oasis of the Seas
Best Embarkation, Mid-Size: Grandeur of the Seas
Best For Families: Oasis of the Seas
Best Fitness, Large: Liberty of the Seas
Best Service, Large: Serenade of the Seas

Celebrity was right behind with six top nods. Three of those are for the Xpedition, which hosts an intimate 92 guests at a time.

Best Overall, Small: Celebrity Xpedition
Best Cabins, Large: Celebrity Solstice
Best Dining, Large: Celebrity Equinox
Best Public Rooms, Large: Celebrity Equinox
Best Shore Excursions, Small: Celebrity Xpedition
Best Value, Small: Celebrity Xpedition

Princess Cruises and Holland America Line finished next in line with four bests each.

Noticeably underrepresented were ships from Disney Cruise Line and Carnival. Disney earned only one top honor - Best Entertainment, Mid-Size for the Disney Wonder. Carnival fared a bit better with the Carnival Victory snagging Best Excursions, Large and Best Value, Large.

But, it's not just all about the big guys. Cruise Critics also offered a handful of best ratings to smaller lines: Paul Gauguin Cruises (Best Dining, Small); SeaDream Yacht Club (Best Embarkation, Small and Best Service, Small); Seabourn (Best Fitness, Small); Windstar Cruises (Best Public Rooms, Small); and Regent Seven Seas Cruises (Best Cabins, Small).

To see the complete results, visit Cruise Critic's webpage.

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Cruise Crew Life: Living and Working Aboard a River Cruise Ship

Libby Zay — 2011-06-19T07:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, Luxury

Libby Zay

"The crew makes the ship," declares Avalon Panorama hotel manager Dan Ungureanu as he makes his final dinnertime speech to guests. It was the end of the ship's first voyage through Germany, but the crew pulled everything off so seamlessly it was like they'd been traversing the same route for years.

As each crew member has their shining moment - a modest announcement of their name, job, and home country - it is easy to wonder how everything comes together. Each morning as guests sit bleary eyed at the breakfast table, the same waiter who served dinner the night before will smile and pour cups of coffee. And this is after the staff stayed up late doing closing out work and spending some time writing emails back home.

It turns out that many of these crew members have work days that last from 6am to 10am with only short breaks in between. They also stay on the ship and away from their friends and family for as long as eight months at a time. And they do it by choice.

In the Kitchen

Executive Chef Michael Zambersky works in a kitchen that is no bigger than a cramped hotel room - a workspace that he says is bigger and has a better layout than other ships he's worked on in the past. He and nine other employees work nearly round-the-clock to prepare three square meals a day for up to 160 people.

Libby Zay, AOL Travel

To get everything done, the ship employs a pastry chef who works alone to make all the on board sweets and two dishwashers who clean and peel potatoes and vegetables from dawn until well after dusk. The five other workers on Michael's staff are cooks.

When it comes down to crunch time, they have seven seconds to plate each elaborate course for meals that typically include five and seven plates of food - and that's not accounting for the fact that the ship gives guests two entree options, plus extra selections catered to vegetarians and those looking for healthy alternatives.

"It really is about organization and concentration," says the modest chef as he tries to portray the hustle and bustle of the tiny kitchen.

At the Front Desk

Another crewmember who knows a thing or two about organization is the senior receptionist, Petya Yordanova.

Petya has been working on ships for seven years and spends her days fielding questions from guests, keeping track of who is on land, answering phones, and putting together documents such as a daily bulletin and news updates in several different languages for guests.

When asked what the most difficult part of her job was, she didn't state an actual task but instead noted, "sometimes I miss the lazy days with nothing to do."

But Yordanova, who says she loves working on a ship because she gets to see different cities every day, has an advantage over other workers: she gets to work alongside her husband for much of the day. He's the hotel manager and also spends much of his time at the front desk. No wonder he think the crew makes the ship!

In the Dining Room

Sdenka Juranova, a server from the Czech Republic, is quite literally in the same boat. She's dating a crewmember on board. In reality, onboard romances are not uncommon when spending months on end together in close quarters. At least on the Avalon Panorama the crew has a little more privacy; their quarters house two people per room whereas most ships - both on rivers and ocean liners - hold four or more.

"I'm happy that I have the support," says Sdenka, who wakes up each day at 5:45am and finishes her day around 10:30. When she has free time, Sdenka says she likes to go explore the city and do some shopping, "but most of the time I'm sleeping because I'm tired."

Many other crewmembers had similar answers, saying they take naps or just sit back and relax when they have time off.

Peter Vadau, the Maitre'd or dining facilitator, says the hardest part of his jobs it to "motivate the tired crew" after a few months out on the water. Peter is unmarried and without children, and says he is typically away from home for eight months at a time.

Ariadi Putra, another server on the ship, has a wife two teenage children back home in Indonesia. He keeps in contact with them through email and smiles coyly when asked if he counts down the days until he sees his family. "The four month vacation is nice," he comments.

Why They Do It

The big breaks in between cruise seasons seem to be the main incentive for the crew to take these demanding jobs. Most say they chose to work on cruise ships because of their love for traveling, and many worked on ocean liners or in luxury hotels before joining the ranks of the Avalon Panorama.

The crew also held the company they work for in high regard. Peter, who has worked for Avalon for four years, says he feels like he is a part of the company. Others take pride in the design and cleanliness of the ship and proudly pointed out details where Avalon took their ideas into account, including the kitchen setup and less cramped cabins.

The 44 crewmembers who make sure every detail on the ship is prepped, pressed and perfect come from a variety of places. The majority come from Indonesia, Hungary, and Romania, but there are also some from Serbia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Croatia, to name a few. Even at the end of the maiden voyage, the crew had already formed bonds and was working as a team. From a server helping another fold and carry a table to the hairdresser who doubles as a housekeeper when she isn't busy, it was clear that no matter what might go on behind-the-scenes to the guests everything was flawless.

More on Cruise Crews

If you're interested in learning more about the life of the crew aboard cruise ships, there are several bloggers who write about their experiences. My Life at Sea is run by a 22-year-old American crewmember who is about to ship off once again, while the crewmember behind Crew Office stopped blogging about a year ago but his archives still make for a good read. There is also a Cruise Ship Crew Members group on Facebook that has over 8,000 members.

Photos by Libby Zay.

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Beatles Tribute Cruise: Hitting the High Seas in 2012

Chris Owen — 2011-06-03T13:19:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, News

Getty Images

For a fabulous vacation inspired by the Fab 4, Royal Caribbean's mega-ship Oasis of the Seas will host the Beatles Tribute Cruise 2012. Sailing from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades, the 7-night tribute to John, Paul, George and Ringo will hit the seas on February 4, 2012.

The trip will include ports of call in Jamaica, Mexico and Haiti with a boatload of Beatles-immersion. Headlining the show will be Revolution, a Beatles tribute band who will be performing twice during the cruise.

Also on board will be Tim Piper performing his critically acclaimed John Lennon show Just Imagine for the private group of cruisers. Laurence Juber, two time Grammy award winner and former lead guitarist for WINGS, returns to do two shows. Mark Hudson, Ringo's former producer, will offer two of his unique one-man rock band performances. Popular radio host Joe Johnson, host and creator of Beatle Brunch returns as the onboard MC of the show.

The sailing date for the Beatles Tribute Cruise 2012 marks the 48th anniversary of the Beatles appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Royal Caribbean has been known for a variety of top shelf entertainment ranging from superstar Godmother Reba McEntire to Broadway shows on board and pop star Rhianna in concert.

Rhianna and the Beatles aren't the only rock stars to take to the waves, the Carnival Destiny will be heading out to sea with a KISS Cruise this October.

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Gibraltar Explosion Sends Cruise Ship From Dock, Injures 12 Passengers

Chris Owen — 2011-06-01T09:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, News, Video

Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas was at the port of Gibraltar on Tuesday when a fuel tank exploded on the pier, injuring several passengers and forcing a hasty departure that left passengers behind.

Welding operations on the top of the fuel tank were apparently to blame. "The explosion blew the lid off the tank and sent a fireball high into the air," the Gibraltar Chronicle reported in an update on the story on Wednesday.

"Twelve guests sustained minor injuries and have received medical treatment on board," Surinder Manku, a spokesman for Royal Caribbean International, told the Gibraltar Chronicle. Reportedly the injuries sustained ranged from minor burns to a fractured shoulder.

Royal Caribbean said in statement that it immediately moved "a safe distance away from the dock" before heading to its next scheduled stop of Cannes.

Passengers left ashore at the time of the incident are being assisted by the Royal Caribbean to meet up with the ship in Cannes. The cruise will continue on its 14-night journey, the Agence France Presse reports.

Government officials said that while terrorism has not been ruled out, the exact cause of the explosion is not known.

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New Adult Only Entertainment Planned for Disney 'Fantasy' Ship

Rebecca Dolan — 2011-05-20T08:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, News

Disney Cruise Line

Ok, it might not quite be what you're expecting. Disney is planning a new look for the nighttime entertainment area on its latest ship, this time featuring a 'Night out in Europe" theme.

The Disney Fantasy, a sister ship to the Disney Dream, is currently under construction in Germany. It's scheduled to take its maiden voyage March 31, 2012.

When it gets underway, adult passengers will get to enjoy Europa, the ship's adult-only area. It will be similar in size to the Dream's adult zone, The District, but will be re-imagined with a European feel.

"It will be a night out in Europe," said Disney executive Joe Lanzisero to USA TODAY.

A lounge called La Piazza will take the place of the District Lounge on the Disney Dream, and will have a bar modeled after a vintage Italian carousel and other Italian themes.

The area will also feature a pub called O'Gills. (A throwback to the 1959 Disney classic Darby O'Gill and the Little People, perhaps?)

A popular feature of the Disney Dream, a Skyline Bar (pictured above), will make a reappearance in Europa. The bar, lined with electronic "windows" offers rotating views of major cities' skylines. On the Fantasy, these will all be of European locales - Paris, London, Barcelona, Athens and St. Petersburg.

Another facet of the adult only zone will be Ooh La La, a champagne bar designed with a French boudoir in mind. That means velvet tufted walls, Victorian furniture and Louis XIV-style chaise lounges, and a bar backed with sparkling diamond-like facets.

As for those who want to dance instead of sip champagne, The Tube nightclub will answer the call with a 1960s London theme. Retro furniture, a red English phone booth and an "illuminated Union Jack dance floor" will complete the theme inspired by London's train stations.

According to USA TODAY, all this attention to Europe doesn't mean the ship has plans to head to Europe. Instead, the Disney Fantasy will depart from Port Canaveral in Florida.

Designers were looking for a broad theme for the area and hit on "spending a night clubbing in Europe," Lanzisero said. "We just took that and ran with it."

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