Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Line Ratings & Review

South Pacific Cruise

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:26:14 +0000

South Pacific Cruises have exotic locations such as Tahiti, Fiji, and Guam. The South Pacific has great weather all year round. During May to October there is a slim chance for rain, but most days are breezy and sunny. From November to April rain starts pouring, temperatures are warmer, and the humidity picks up.

South Pacific Cruises have many major ports.These include: Bora Bora, Huahine, Madang, Tahiti, Nadi, and Pago Pago. Though there are thousands of islands in the South Pacific they are divided into three major regions: Melanesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia. Each region is known for specific terrain, views, and cultures.

Melanesia includes a terrain of multiple islands that consists of mountains. Polynesia has wide ranges of scenery. There are lagoons and forests accompanied by high peaks and vast beaches. Micronesia is easier to navigate in a smaller vessel. This area is north of the Equator and the rain season is reversed from Melanesia and Polynesia.

There are many reasons why South Pacific cruises are popular. The islands are spaced very closely together making exploring a lot less time consuming and a lot more fun. The ports are usually bare and you won’t see a crowd when you dock. The South Pacific islands are rich in culture. Take the time to meander through the islands and check out everything they have to offer. If you can, stay and extra few days and take a more in depth tour so that you can truly immerse yourself in all the islands have to offer.

Cruise and Stay

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 02:38:35 +0000

A Cruise and Stay vacation can be the best choice for some people. You get the opportunity to experience a cruise ship vacation or stay in a luxurious hotel in exotic locales. With a cruise and stay you don’t need to choose; you can do both! For those who have not been on a cruise before and have worries of whether or not it is right for them, there is no need to fret. With a cruise and stay holiday you’ll be able to join your cruise and accustomed vacations into one another.

A cruise and stay vacation also gives you the flexibility of visiting multiple cities in depth than if you were just to cruise alone. You can experience both day and night life in that area. Another advantage of this type of vacation is that you don’t necessarily have to book a hotel at each port. Your cabin on the cruise ship can essentially be your room in each city. You can go exploring and enjoy the city without having to worry about finding a place to sleep. This will ease a lot of worry and you can spend your time indulging yourself in the wonderful cuisine and with the native locals.

Depending on what you enjoy and where you want to visit, you have many different places to choose from. If your idea of a great vacation includes warm weather, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters than the Caribbean is an ideal place. Many different cities offer the chance to cruise and visit the city. Look into a cruise to the Mediterranean, Europe, South America or even Alaska. Each city has unique qualities to offer.

Take a chance and try out a cruise and stay vacation. You’ll be able to go on excursions that will immerse yourself in the culture, the different foods, and locals that will provide an unforgettable experience.

South America Cruises

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 02:18:48 +0000

South America cruises offer different varieties of landscape and beauty that you will be in awe. There are huge cities with the hustle and bustle and serene spots of the wild rugged outdoors to explore. You can enjoy views of the mountainside or even experience trails through a lush and vivid rainforest.

South America cruises can last up to 50 days or more. More popular time intervals include 7-14 days. The most visited ports in South America are those on the Atlantic coast which visit the Amazon River and heads towards Brazil. Peak season for trips to South America begin late Fall and end late Spring. A great perk of going on a South America cruise is that you can choose to move on to explore Antartica as well.

Weather in South America ranges widely. Towards the equator it can be warm and humid and towards the lower half it can be cool and crisp. Because South America is so vast most cruises will generally be longer than a week. There are two major routes that cruise ships use: through the Amazon and Around Big Horn. The Amazon route offers amazing views of nature. You can experience the Amazon river, the jungles, rainforests, amazing waterfalls, and wildlife. If you choose to travel Around Big Horn you will be able to set sights on mountain ranges, sweeping deserts, and grand valleys. You also get the option of an excursion to Antarctica. In Antarctica you will be able to see killer whales, penguins, and majestic sights of glaciers. The Big Horn routes are usually more extended because you have more area to cover.One downside to this beautiful terrain are the choppy waters.

The major ports that South America cruises head to are: Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, and Ushuaia.

Biggest Cruise Ship

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:13:40 +0000

The biggest cruise ship in the world, as of today, is Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. There are tons of activities and entertainment options for both adults and children on board this massive ship. Oasis of the Seas is longer than three NFL football fields and stands 16 stories high. The ship cost a pretty penny to build at $1.5 billion dollars and took more than two years to build.

Oasis of the Sea can accommodate about 6000 passengers and still have room for 2000 more crew members. The ship has impressive features which include a theater, an ice rink that can accommodate 780 people, and a park with live trees and plants. There’s a carousel, zip -line, and 7 different themed neighborhoods on board. There is an outdoor AquaTheater, which is a stage, for high dive and water ballet shows but can also be used to take scuba lessons. The Rising Tide is a bar that moves within 3 different floors.

With Royal Caribbean, great customer service always tops of the list. Fine dining is available. There are nearly two dozen restaurants onboard and for the first time, guests can choose to dine at any desired time in the main dining hall. The premium restaurants are also available at an extra cost, however more than 3/4 of the restaurants are included in your fare.

Many activities are available for kids. There is more than 28,000 square feet specifically made available to cater to the Kids Zone. It includes a day care for those older than 6 months, a space where families can come together to work on crafts, and a video arcade – games are at an extra fee.

The biggest cruise ship on the water today has bragging rights. This vessel is 5 times larger than the infamous Titanic and wider than the wingspan of a Boeing 747 airplane. What is remarkable about this ship is that with all the capacity on hand and the thousands of people crammed in one space you don’t feel cramped. This ship has it all to make your vacation an unforgettable experience.

Cruise Ship Weddings

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:24:13 +0000

Cruise Ship Weddings are all the rage. Have you pondered whether you should have your wedding on a cruise? There are great reasons why you should really consider it. It’s been reported that more and more couples are deciding it’s a great venue. One big advantage of a wedding cruise is the option of having a built in honeymoon.

Cruise ship weddings can take place in many different locations. You can choose to have a destination wedding on a beautiful beach, in a National Glacier Park, or on the cruise ship itself. The Grand Princess has its own wedding chapel and the captain has the ability to marry you while at sea. Royal Caribbean has a wedding chapel on board the Voyager of the Seas but you will need to get married while docking.

You can enjoy the great amenities when choosing this type of wedding. You’ll be able to have your guests come aboard and enjoy your ceremony and the festivities, yet they will be able to leave the ship afterwards if they choose. If you prefer, you can invite your guests to stay throughout your honeymoon.

The price of a cruise ship wedding can range from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars. You need to decide on your budget, the ship you want to have your wedding on, and start consulting with a cruise line. They will do their best to make sure all your needs are taking care of. There are great cruise deals available if you do some research. Consider the option of a cruise ship wedding and it’ll be an unforgettable event not only for the happy couple, but all those that attend.

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Fri, 14 May 2010 05:37:19 +0000

American Cruise Lines offers small ship cruising in the small rivers and waterways of the US. The maximum number of guests on board is 120. With a small ship you can experience greater attention to detail and have a better chance of getting to know your neighbors. There are many different ports of call which include: rivers in Florida, the Grand South, Pacific Northwest, Maine, New England Islands, Hudson River, and Chesapeake Bay.

Small ships are ideal to take passengers up close to their destinations. American Cruise Lines offers the same amenities as larger cruise ships but are just in closer quarters. Standard ships are 4 decks high. There are roomy cabins and spacious baths, most rooms include private balconies. Flat screen TVs, DVD players, and hair dryers are in every stateroom. Community areas are glass enclosed with panorama views of the horizon. Most cruises last in between six to fourteen nights.

Dining on American cruise lines is top notch. Chefs that have studied in culinary institutes offer varied entrees five star worthy. Dining on the ship is relaxed. You can dress casually for meals and seating is unassigned. Menus are catered to the surrounding areas that is toured that day. Every evening, before dinner is served, guests are invited to socialize over complimentary hor d’ oeuvres and drinks.

If you would like to cruise with a good chance that you can connect with other passengers American Cruise line is for you. Quarters are cozy allowing you the chance to interact with other guests. The calm atmosphere makes it easy to relax and unwind. You will also have the chance to visit, up close, the multiple unique cities and waterways of the United States.

Cruises to Jamaica

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Thu, 13 May 2010 02:31:38 +0000

Every year more and more people are taking cruises to Jamaica. If you have vacationed there before, you know of the beautiful scenery and friendly locals. If you would love to visit the place again or would like to visit the country for the very first time a cruise vacation could be perfect for you. You could relax on a magnificent vessel while it gets you to your destination. Most things are included in your fare and you have plenty to do before you reach your destination. Jamaica is a wonderful place for families, seniors, and those who want to go on romantic get-aways.

The cruises to Jamaica usually stop in one of two popular places: Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Both of these cities have large ports that are convenient to dock for the huge cruise liners. Once you get off the ship there are tour guides and buses available to take you out on the town to sight-see and tour the area. Prices range from $35-$100 for a tour around the island.

If you would like to explore Ocho Rios you should look into visiting Dolphin Cove or the beautiful waterfalls. Montego Bay has many tours of large plantation style mansions. You can also visit Bob Marley’s birthplace in Nile Mile. Tour companies in both towns also offer activities for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing.
Cruises to Jamaica usually last anywhere between four to fourteen days. With competition between cruise lines you can find great deals on trips to this beautiful island. To save extra money, book early in advance and try to go during low season. This is considered before or after holidays and not during school vacation periods. Jamaica offers great sights, and sampling the way of life is one experience you don’t want to pass up.

Mississippi River Cruises

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Wed, 12 May 2010 03:51:31 +0000

Mississippi river cruises are great for a nice cruise meandering through the streams and lakes. They are on slow moving paddle wheeled steamboats which will provide a feel of old times in the Victoria era. You will be able to cruise along the Southern tips of the States and through the Heartland of America. Currently there are 3 steamboats that take passengers: American Queen, Delta Queen, and Mississippi Queen. On all three, you will be greeted with an American crew which will happily oblige your every whim and need.

Mississippi river cruises travel through ports such as New Orleans, Louisiana, St. Louis, Missouri, or travel to Nashville and many great cities of Tennessee. Each port has it own unique flare and charm. The river cruises are split up between three different regions: Upper Mississippi, lower Mississippi, and Wilderness Rivers. You can travel a broad range from the Northern point of Minneapolis, to the Eastern tip of Pittsburgh, and down to the very tip of the Gulf of Mexico. There is plenty to explore.

Many river cruises also offer a fun theme. You can choose to go through Cajun grounds, golf your way from city to city, or learn about the diverse culture of American Indians. Cruises are available year round and are great for any budget. You can choose cruises with a minimum of 3 days up to 12 days. Make a Mississippi river cruise a part of your vacation and experience a romantic and charming ride that’ll transport you back to when the times were slower and the days were stress free.

Dining Choices on Serenade of the Seas

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Wed, 12 May 2010 03:40:02 +0000

Dining choices on Serenade of the Seas was unbelievable. One of the reasons I enjoyed cruising so much was because of all the options I had available for my dining pleasure. Each venue on the ship included different foods and different ambiences. On Serenade of the Seas you will find the Windjammer Cafe, Seaview Cafe, Solarium Bar, Reflections Dining Room, Chops Grille, Portofino, and room service.

The Windjammer Cafe has a buffet style setting. Windjammer Cafe is open for all meals of the day. Breakfast is served from 6:30am to 10:30am. Lunch is served till 3pm. Dinner is served till 10pm. Here you will find typical American meals. In the morning you have a vast variety of breakfast foods such as eggs, hash, sausage, and pastries. During lunch you will be able to find a salad and fruit bar, pastas, soups, meat carving stations, sandwiches, and wraps. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and french fries can be found at anytime of the day.

Serenade of the Seas has the best waiter and assistant waiter you can imagine. Hira and Kumar were available every evening and waited on our table of 10 like we were superstars. I have never had someone wait on me that was so attentive and remembered exactly how we liked certain things in just a short period of time we were on the ship. One of the reasons I enjoyed my cruise vacation on Royal Caribbean is the impeccable service and the strive of excellence that the crew endured night after night. The waiters were extremely polite and anything we asked for, or wanted during dinner service, was granted with a smile. Dinner at the main dining hall, for us, was at 6pm every night. We were asked to come on time but would be accommodated if we showed up a few minutes late. Every night, you had a choice between delectable appetizers, entrees, and deserts. My most memorable entrees included roasted duck, New York strip steak, lobster tails, and prime rib. Each meal was prepared exactly how I wanted and was superb each time. There was one desert that was amazing. It was a flour – less chocolate cake that tasted like it was on big truffle and melted in your mouth. We really enjoyed desert that night and I will never forget how good it was.

We had a couple of late night explorations while on the ship. In the very back of the vessel you will find the one place that is open all night and will serve you food and drinks to the wee hours of the morning. The menu at the Seaview Cafe never changes and they are staples. They serve: vegetarian sandwiches, hot dogs and fries, fish and chips along with salads and fruit plates. There are also deserts available: cookies, brownies, and tiramisu. Brownies and a tall glass of cold milk makes a delicious midnight snack. I had my fair share while on vacation.

One thing that we failed to take advantage of is the room service. The full menu is broadcasted on one of the channels on the TV in your stateroom at all times. There seemed to be great choices. Honey stung chicken always popped out at me. I also noticed steak burgers and chicken salads were available. It would have been awesome to order room service and sit on the balcony to enjoy a good meal. We’ll make sure to order room service next time around.

We had choices of Portofino and Chops Grille for the premium restaurants. These restaurants you had to make reservations for and there was a small fee for each person at each meal. We didn’t try the restaurants and didn’t feel the need to go. We had five star meals every night in the main dining room and didn’t feel spending the extra money would get us better meals than we were already getting at no extra cost.

Dining options are widely available. Serenade of the Seas did not disappoint. We had so much to choose from and the menu varied daily. We felt that dining was above par in taste, quality, and service in any of the restaurants available on the ship. It was fantastic to have such a wonderful array of items to choose from.

Activities on Serenade of the Seas

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Wed, 12 May 2010 03:00:27 +0000

Serenade of the Seas has plenty to do. You won’t have to worry about being bored. We just returned from a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean and there was not a dull day. Besides the great meals and fine dining there were endless activities to choose from. You can shop duty free on the ship, walk and view the art gallery, and attend art auctions. This is a great way to get a nice glass of champagne because it is provided during art auctions without charge.

Swimming in the pools and jacuzzis are great. There is also a Solarium which is an adult only indoor pool. It is air conditioned with a bar close by serving food and drinks. Plants and birds chirping create a great ambiance for a relaxing day.

Ping pong tables are scattered around deck 12. Most of the time. you can find a table open, if not, wait times are not long. There are ping pong tournaments available as well. You can also choose to play games of mini golf. There are 9 holes for you to work on your putt. A rock climbing wall is available during the daytime. Signing up takes a few minutes and you can start climbing away immediately. There is a basketball court available and matches are played often.

If you would like to work out during your vacation you have the option of going to the gym. In the locker room you can go visit the steam room or sauna. This allows you the chance to relax after a long day of walking around and exploring the new city.

During the day you can watch movies in the theater. There are 4-5 movies that are replayed within the week. In the evening you can enjoy live entertainment. Entertainment varies each trip. We had the pleasure of seeing comedians, musicals, dance shows, and a Motown concert. Serenade of the Seas had two shows one at 7pm and another at 9pm.

You can also choose to participate on Royal Caribbean excursions. These usually provide activities and a lunch for the day when you are at port. It’s a great way to spend the day to explore your new port of call. Most excursions leave early giving you ample time to experience the activity and make it back to the ship before it sails again.

Besides the excursions, the best part of having all the activities above is that it is absolutely free! These are all included in the fare of your trip so take advantage of all Royal Caribbean has to offer.

Windjammer Cafe on Serenade of the Seas

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Sat, 08 May 2010 02:05:39 +0000

We had access to unlimited food the entire week and it was superb. There are multiple restaurants and venues to choose from and you get something different everyday. I was impressed with the food selection the ship had to offer. The Windjammer Cafe is one of many places you can go to grab a bite to eat on Serenade of the Seas. Meals at the Windjammer is included in your fare.

Coming on board the ship, the Windjammer Cafe is already open for your dining needs. Windjammer has a buffet style setting. For breakfast, there are eggs, hash browns, potatoes, bacon, pork sausage, turkey sausage, and morning pastries. There is an omelet station where you can specify exactly what you want on your omelet or get eggs any way you like the. Cereal, grits and oatmeal are also available. Fruit, yogurt, and toast are healthy choices for breakfast. You’ll also be able to find french toast and pancakes to satisfy your sweet tooth. There is coffee, tea, tomato juice, orange juice and apple juice to choose from. For a small fee, you can get fresh squeezed orange juice, a Peach Bellini, or a Bloody Mary. You can enjoy breakfast in the spacious dining room or choose to have your meal on the enclosed deck where sunshine is streaming in and the breeze blows through open windows.

For lunch there is always a fresh salad bar. The usually staple of iceberg lettuce or field greens is available. Toppings include: broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, eggs, and croutons. Dressing has a wide range from ranch to balsamic vinegar. There is also a sandwich and wrap station. Most days, sandwiches and wraps were made of turkey, ham, tuna salad and chicken salad. There are pre-made sandwiches but if you would rather have yours made a specific way, the servers are happy to oblige. There are usually two different kinds of soups available each day. I tried the Thai soup and a split pea soup which were fantastic. You will also find a carving station during lunch. The meat at the carving station was different each day: lamb, turkey, chicken, roast beef, ham, and variation of chicken or beef were served. Pasta and pizza is always on the lunch menu. You will also always be able to find hot dogs, hamburgers, and french fries at the Windjammer. The desert station has fruit at all times and plenty of different cakes and cookies to choose from. I tried the flan and tiramisu during lunch and I didn’t think it was very good. The self serve ice cream, however I did like very much.

For dinner I really didn’t step into the Windjammer much. Main dining on the cruise ship was always offered and so I enjoyed dressing up and heading out to dinner with my loved one and friends. I did step up to the Windjammer one evening and peeked at what they offered during supper time. In the evening you’ll be able to find the usual salad and bread stations. There was a beautiful layout of fresh fruit, cheese, and nuts. Sushi was offered that night and looked very tasty. A few items that caught my eye were Singapore noodles, Indian curry, fried fish, baked fish, and sausage jambalaya. I walked over to the desert area and found it interesting that some of the featured desert items at the Reflections dining room where also offered at the Windjammer Cafe.

For those who don’t like to dress and up and would rather have a casual quiet meal, the Windjammer Cafe would be the right choice. You have plenty of items to choose from. The vegetables and fruits are fresh and crisp. You have a bountiful array of entrees and the menu changes every night. Deserts are available for every palette and you can always go back for seconds!

Holland America Cruise Line

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 01:34:40 +0000

Holland America Cruise Line has been in business for 136 years. It was initiallya shipping and passenger line and headquarters were located in Rotterdam. In 1895 the transportation company offered its first vacation cruise. It was such a success that in 1973 the company sold it’s cargo division and teamed up with Carnival Corp. the largest cruise company in the world.

Currently the cruise line offers 14 ships that sail 500 times a year going all over the world. The cruise line specializes in areas of the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, South America, Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. There are 700,000 passengers a year that experience the exceptional value Holland America Cruise Line has to offer.

Among the various things to boast about, Holland America Cruise Line is a recipient of the Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Science. Guests enjoy the cruise so much that the rate of return is highest in the industry.

The service provided on the cruise line is luxurious and exceptional. The employees of the cruise take pride in their work and are at your every beck and call. Each guests feel pampered because the cruise line is serious about yourr needs. The ratio of guests to employees are 2 to 1 making everyone passenger feel specially tended to.

Dining on Holland America is exquisite. Enjoy the many different varieties of foods and venues. You can enjoy a casual meal beside the pool or a sumptuous rich meal in an elegant and romantic atmosphere. Choose from many different restaurants such as: Tamarind Restaurant, Terrace Grill, Canaletto Restaurant, Lido Restaurant, The Pinnacle Grill, or take a meal in the Main Dining Room. Whatever meal you fancy, chances are, it’s offered on board.

There are multiple things to keep you busy on the cruise. The Culinary Arts Center provides classes that allow you to sample different wines and dishes that originate from the port of call you are visiting. You can also learn to re-create local dishes with specially trained chefs. There also art tours which allow you to view and explore at your own pace. There are self guided tours available so that you can explore at your own pace. Coffee shops are available on board where you can read or go online. If you need some extra pampering visit the Greenhouse Spa and Salon for a massage.

With Holland America Cruise line you’ll have a wonderful time exploring the different numerous ports of call. The ship offers exceptional service with staff that is attentive and detail oriented. You’ll feel pampered,relaxed, and experience nothing but lavish luxuries.

One Day Cruise

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 02:51:55 +0000

Choosing to go on a one day cruise is a great way to inexpensively experience a cruise ship vacation. There’s no need to worry about taking time off from work and other responsibilities to enjoy a relaxed mini trip. The cruise departs early in the morning, way before the sun rises, and will return for the night.

Two meals are offered on the duration of your trip. During your one day cruise you will get to experience all the amenities the ship has to offer. Most cruise ships have swimming pools, hot tubs, youth facilities, an arcade, bars, lounges, multiple restaurants, and even casinos. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy these activities in between ports. You can even take a nap in your stateroom before you get to your port of call.

The disadvantages of a one day cruise is the short length of time. If you decide to take a nap you don’t want to sleep too long or you might miss out on your chance to explore the new city you’ve reached. With the few hours the ship docks at the port of call you don’t get the chance to visit the local city and experience more than a few scheduled activities.

A one day cruise gives you the chance to experience the luxury of cruising without the hefty price tag and extended time off. You’ll get the opportunity to enjoy yourself and also get to explore new exotic locations.

Disney Cruise Ship

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 01:55:15 +0000

Each Disney cruise ship has its own distinct design with the infamous ears of Mickey and golden scrolls running across the deck. The ships were built keeping family fun in mind. Disney cruises wanted to have something for everyone on board each of it’s magical cruises.

Each ship has tons of activities, exceptional shopping, recreational fitness rooms, nightclubs, and great dining. There are 3 different ships on the Disney Cruise line: Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, and Disney Dream.

Disney Cruise Ship #1: Disney Wonder
Disney Wonder is considered one of the most recognized ocean liners of the world. It is known for the modern upgrades and impeccable designs. At 10 decks high, 964 feet long, and 83.000 tons the ship can hold 2,400 guests. There are 3 dazzling pools on deck, each one catering to it’s own audience: just kids, families, or adults only.

Disney Cruise Ship #2: Disney Magic
Disney Magic is the sister ship of Disney Wonder. Weighing 83,000 tons, 964 feet long, and 10 decks high the ship can accommodate 2,400 passengers and 945 cast and crew members. Disney Magic cruises through many ports in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. The interior of Disney Magic is filled with rich art and deco. There are numerous paintings, murals, sculptures, and rare animation cells that can be admired on board. Magnificent details can be observed throughout the vessel.

Disney Cruise Ship #3: Disney Dream
Disney Dream is the latest edition to the Disney Cruise line. The cruise ship starts sailing in January 2011 so be one of the first to sail across the ocean on a brand new ship. Cruises will be sailing Bahamian cruises that last either 3,4,or 5 days. At 1,115 feet long and weighing 128,000 tons Disney Dream is the largest of 3 vessels. Disney Dream can hold 4,000 guests and 1,458 crew members. The main attraction of the ship is the AquaDuck which is the first water roller coaster out at sea. Disney Dream boasts youth activity clubs. imaginative restaurants, lounges, and amazing theater spaces.

No matter which Disney cruise ship you decide on, all three: Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, and Disney Dream encompass one common attribute – they all cater to family fun. Every guests feel like they are transported into a world of whimsical magic and will treasure the experience that Disney has to offer.

Cruise Ship Vacation

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:42:11 +0000

Taking a vacation on a cruise is an easy way to travel the world. You can choose from a variety of vessels. It can range from a massive cruise liner or a smaller more intimate river cruise. There are countless destinations, and you can travel all year round.

For those who have never gone on a cruise ship vacation before decide on where you want to visit and determine your budget. There are even all – inclusive cruises which will cover your room, meals, and drinks taking you from one port to another so that you feel like you are experiencing many mini vacations on one trip.

The key to finding a cheap cruise ship vacation is timing. Research where you want to visit and see what the peak times are for tourists. If it is possible, try to avoid these destinations during that period. For a cruise to a warm region, try visiting the months during spring and fall. This way you can stay of out the summer rush and avoid crowds with those looking to find warm weather during winter months. For colder destinations, such as Alaska, North Europe, and Antarctica try to avoid the summer months because it is peak season. You can get great deals to areas around the Caribbean with last minute bookings. The cruise ship will always want to fill empty cabins by offering hard to pass discounts.

Depending on the size of your vessel and which cruise line you are on, there are a multitude of activities to chose from. There will most likely be swimming pools, Jacuzzis, lounges, bars, and casinos. Larger ships can hold boxing rings, ice skating rinks, and even a roller coaster! There are many different types of cruises that you can choose from, which includes: family oriented, singles cruises, luxury cruises, river cruises, holiday cruises, adult-only cruises, themed cruises, gay cruises, and etc. You can find something for everyone.

If you are considering a cruise ship vacation decide on where you want to go and what ports you’d like to visit. Save money by going during off season and plan your trip early in advance. Going on an all inclusive trip will allow you the ease of not worrying about extra expenses unless you decide to go shopping or participate in any excursions. You will also have the luxury of visiting many cities and countries all within one trip. This offers you the chance to visit more than one locale and you can explore much more in one trip.

Fred Olsen Cruises – The Boudicca Review

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:39:25 +0000

The Boudicca ship is part of Fred Olsen Cruises. It is a smaller vessel which offers 449 cabins and can accommodate 865 guests. This ship is full of British character and provides an intimate atmosphere. The Boudicca cruises through the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canary Islands, and West Africa. There are also mini cruises departing from Liverpool, England.

There are many dining options aboard Fred Olsen cruises. On the Boudicca, you can find the Four Seasons Restaurant, Secret Garden Cafe, The Heligan Room, Tintagel Restaurant, The Galley, as well food being served at the Rotunda, Marquee Bar and Poolside. The Four Seasons offers delectable entrees with the sumptuous desserts.

Enjoy the rest of your evening at one of the multiple lounges offered on deck. Each lounge provides a different decor and ambiance. Enjoy a cocktail at the Secret Garden cafe before you head into dinner. The Neptune Lounge offers shows and an evening of cabaret before you head in for the night. Spend some time in the Lido Lounge and sample some of the most exotic alcohol concoctions and beers.

Boudicca offers an arts and crafts room where you can let your creative juices flow. If you are in the mood to paint or draw, feel free to go in and express yourself. You can also enjoy one of the many art classes offered on the ship. If you’d like to work on your drive while on vacation feel free to use the golf nets. There is also a card room where you can start a game of poker with your new pals.

With Fred Olsen cruises you’ll have a great time exploring. There are so many different activities that you’ll be entertained to no end. The Boudicca offers an intimate setting on a smaller ship so that you get dedicated service while exploring your destination ports.

Fred Olsen Cruises – The Black Watch Review

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 01:40:54 +0000

Fred Olsen Cruises offers the Black Watch which can hold 804 passengers within 423 staterooms. There are multiple cabins and suites with balconies that face the amazing views of the ocean. In December 2009 there was a vast renovation of the ship. It includes a new dining area and many different furnishings to the multiple lounges and bars.

There are many different facilities offered on Fred Olsen Cruises. On board the Black Watch there is a casino, the Internet center, a reception area, the medical center and a Starboard Side Bridge Deck. You can head to the Reception area where you will find dedicated agents to answer any questions or deal with any issues you may have while on your vacation aboard the ship.

While on board you can relax at the Atlantis Spa or enjoy a nice steam at the Sauna. Take a walk outside on the Lido Deck Promenade or slip in the hot tub for a tranquil soak. If you want to stay active on board you can use the fitness center where there are multiple machines, dance lessons, and aerobic sessions.

Fred Olsen Cruises travels through many different cities and the Black Watch has several ports of departure which include: Iberia, Canary Island, West Africa, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. Come on a Fred Olsen cruise and experience the wonderful amenities they have to offer. It’s luxury on water.

Fred Olsen Cruises – The Balmoral Review

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:13:38 +0000

Come experience Fred Olsen Cruises aboard the Balmoral Ship. The Balmoral ship is one of the most luxurious ships in the fleet and offers the cozy atmosphere expected of a Fred Olsen experience. With 710 cabins, the ship can hold 1.350 passengers.

One of the perks of Fred Olsen cruises is your ability to use your cell phone during the trip. The ship also offers an Internet center where you can stay up to date on the news and keep your communication lines open.

With so many different forms of entertainment you won’t know what to do first. Try your luck at the casino where you can play games such as Black Jack or Roulette. If you’d rather, you can choose from many different lounges and bars on board. The Observatory Lounge offers fantastic views of the ocean, opt to use the binoculars strategically spaced around the area. A grand piano plays in the background setting the mood for a romantic evening while you dance on the glass floor.

If you’d like a relaxing massage head to the Atlantis Spa and Salon and be pampered. You can also enjoy the Jacuzzis, the multiple pools scattered around the ship, and an open Lido deck for sun-bathers. Take a stroll through the Art Gallery or meander through the library and check out the wide selection of titles to choose from.

The Balmoral ship cruises through Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Canary Island, and West Africa. Come aboard one of the Fred Olsen cruises and experience great luxury.

Fred Olsen Cruises – The Braemar Review

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:08:50 +0000

The Braemar ship is part of Fred Olsen cruises. This vessel offers a lavish and charming atmosphere. There was a recent renovation of the ship which claims the title of “The Best Refurbished Ship” in Cruise Critic’s Editor’s Pick Awards’ of 2009. There are 484 cabins which will accommodate 929 passengers.

With so many activities on the ship you have dozens of diferent facilities to utilize. The highlights of those facilities include: the Internet center, an Atrium, a medical center, a laundry room and a reception area.

Multiple dining options are available on the cruise. You can choose from the Braemar Room, Coral Club, Lido Bar, Skylark Club, as well as multiple bars and lounges scattered on the ship. The Braemar Room has a string trio to keep high spirits while mingling with fellow guests. The Braemar Room is situated in the center of the vessel making it an ideal place to catch up on the news and chat with your new neighbors.

There are three different full sized restaurants to choose on the cruise. The Grampian Restaurant is a U-shaped dining area that lets the light flow through the cleverly situated windows on either side. At the Palms Cafe you can enjoy a casual meal in a buffet style setting. The main restaurant on board is the Thistle Restaurant. Here the menu has a variety of foods. It carries a distinguish air where you can enjoy a sumptuous dinner.

On Fred Olsen cruises exotic destinations top the list. Aboard the Braemar your ports of call include: the Caribbean, Northern Europe, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Expect an unforgettable experience on a luxury cruise when boarding this Fred Olsen ship.

Alaska Cruise Deals – How to Snatch Up a Good Deal

Cruise Ship Reviews | Cruise Review & Ship Ratings — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 22:12:35 +0000

Alaska Cruise Deals are highly popular and sell out quickly. Alaska is a unique port with so many different sights and activities that cruise lines sell cabins and suites fast. In order to save money on a memorable vacation you should look into the following tips.

Since there is such great demand for a vacation cruise in Alaska you need to work fast. Look into different Alaska Cruise Deals at least 6 months in advance. The more time you have to plan, the better the chance you will snag better discounts. Suites, Balconies, and Family Staterooms go quickly so give yourself more time and make sure that you book those even earlier.

Another way to snatch up a good deal is to be flexible. If you are open to different dates you can get major discounts. The high season for tourists in Alaska is in the summer: June, July, and August. Instead of choosing the summer months, choose a time in late Spring or early Fall to vacation. The days are not as long, and the temperature will be cooler but you will still be able to catch amazing views of Alaska.

Do research. There are several different forums with large communities of frequent cruise takers. On these forums you’ll be able to find special discounts and extra deals for those that have already experienced a great vacation. Be sure to take an active part and ask questions. You’ll be surprised to find a bunch of information on these sites.

There are numerous ways to find Alaska Cruise Deals. With an open mind, a little planning, and some good research you’ll be able to find great discounts and enjoy the breath-taking views of Alaska. You’ll have an unforgettable experience that won’t break the bank.