Disney Cruise Line's "Water Coaster"

Cruise lines are pulling out all the stops to lure family cruise vacationers, and Disney is introducing a new type of attraction on its latest ship, the Disney Dream: a water coaster. Cleverly named the AquaDuck, this 765-foot flume ride sends cruise ship passengers on an inflatable raft through a clear acrylic tube that twists and turns around the top deck. The ride rises four stories off the upper deck, and includes a loop that swings out over the water, offering passengers a clear view of the sea 150 down. The attraction also passes through the forward funnel and careens through the kid's area inside the ship. The AquaDuck is free to cruise ship passengers, but kids must match the height limit, as the ride is too intense for small children.

Source: USA Today

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Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

New Cruise Ship: Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line has announced its newest cruise ship, the Disney Dream. Details about the new ship came during a much-vaunted New York City ceremony last week.

Currently under construction at Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard, The Disney Dream weighs in at an impressive 128,000 tons, and can carry 2500 passengers, but may be able to carry over 1200 more. The Disney Dream will include an adults-only area called The District, featuring bars and clubs. One example is the Skyline bar, which features skylines such as Tokyo and Paris displayed on the windows. The cruise ship also features a "watercoaster," The AquaDuck, a transparent water tube.

Joining the Disney fleet in 2011, the Disney Dream will sail out of Port Canaveral in Orlando, Florida. A sister ship, the Disney Fantasy, is slated to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet in 2012.

Source: Disney Cruise Line press release

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Carnival Cruise Lines Debuts New Ship: Carnival Dream

The new Carnival Dream will be the largest cruise ship run by Carnival Cruise Lines in the Caribbean. Now in Europe, the Carnival dream is making its U.S. debut on a voyage from New York to the Bahamas. Port Canaveral, near Orlando, will be the new home port of this 3,646-passenger, 130,000-ton beauty. The cruise ship will specialize in week-long sailings around the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Source: NY Daily News

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Royal Caribbean Debuts New Cruise Ship: Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas, the new cruise ship run by Royal Caribbean, is the first-ever cruise ship larger than an aircraft carrier. A veritable floating city, the Oasis of the Sea cost $1.4 billion to complete, carries up to 5,400 passengers, and weighs in at an impressive 220,000 tons. It is currently the world's largest cruise ship, and features an open-air park with trees, a boardwalk (think Coney Island), a pool with aqua acrobats and divers, and much more.

Source: NY Daily News

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise to Romania

Romania is a beautiful, friendly country that offers much to the world traveler. Once known as "little Paris," the capitol city of Bucharest is a charming, bustling mix of the old world and the new. The fall of the Soviet Union has ushered in many changes to Romania in the past two decades. This is still very much a country in transition.


















Many major cruise lines, including Princess Cruises and Seaborn, offer cruise vacations to Romania via the Port of Constanta, the largest port on the Black Sea. These include Princes Cruises, Holland America, Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, P&O Cruises, and many others. More than 90 cruise ships and 30,000 tourists enter the port every year.

Here are some pictures from my recent vacation to Romania...

Arcul de Triumf ("Arch of Triumph"), Bucharest:
























Palace of the Parliament, Bucharest:



















City Hall, Bucharest:
























Here is Poienari Castle, the fortress of Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula:


















Village Museum, Bucharest:



















Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

What Happens If You Miss Your Cruise Ship?

If you miss returning to your cruise ship at port, they won't wait for you and they won't come back to pick you up. You'll somehow have to get to the next port-0f-call in time to board the cruise ship there.

But what if you're running back to the ship and you cut it a little too close?

You get publicly embarrassed.

Like this guy:



So always wear a watch and make sure you get back to your cruise ship!

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Caribbean Cruise: Antigua

Antigua is famous for its beaches and harbors, but there is a lot more for cruise vacationers to explore on this Caribbean paradise.

The Block House Ruins
On a sheer cliff 446 feet above the seas, this was in 1787 the principle lookout for the First West India Regiment. From the officer's barracks, you get amazing views over Indian Creek and the Atlantic.

Shirley Heights
Named after Sir Thomas Shirley, this was the main fortification of the British Fleet at English Harbour. The stunning view from Shirley Heights takes in nearly the entire east coast of Antigua, including English Harbour and Flamouth Harbour.

Nelson's Dockyard
Named after its former commander, Horatio Nelson, Nelson's Dockyard is the last remaining Georgian naval yard still in use. Here you can see the Admiral's Inn, museum, mystery pillars, art gallery, and bakery. After your tour of the dockyard and the old stone quayside, refresh yourself with drinks at the 18th-century inn.

Cades Reef
Take a catamaran over the azure waters to Cades Reef and snorkel amid the Caribbean corals.

English Harbour
During the 18th century, the British Royal Navy established a base at the extreme southern end of Antigua. Today, English Harbour offers great yachting and other boating adventures.

North Sound National Park
This cluster of islands and reefs is home to a variety of birds and sea life.

Great Bird Island
Hike to the blow holes and catch panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean islands.

Soufriere Hills Volcano
Take a helicopter tour over the exclusion zone, which features this volatile 3,000-foot volcano.

Darkwood Beach
A white sand beach with turquoise waters.

Harmony Hall
This sugar plantation has views of the east coast and outlying islands.

Observation Tower
One of Antigua's newest landmarks, the observation tower offers an amazing 360-degree view of the island, but you'll have to climb 82 steps to get to the top.

Stingray Enclosure
Take a skiff ride out to the stingray enclosure. Put on your snorkel gear and join the stingrays in the sea. The waters are clear the and the stingrays friendly. You can touch and feed them, as the stingrays will only use their barbs when threatened.

Cedar Valley Golf Course
This par 70, 18-hole course was designed by Ralph Aldridge. It opened to the public in 1977. Cedar Valley's 6,157-yard course features rolling hills, tropical trees, and unmatched vistas.

Cricket
Antigua boasts a rich history in the sport of cricket. Fans should visit the Antigua Recreational Ground, the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, and the Sticky Wicket Restaurant and Bar.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010