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

Recommended reading:
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

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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

Rescue Crew Medevacs Cruise Ship Passenger to Hospital

An 85-year-old passenger aboard the Holland America cruise ship Zuiderdam was medevaced to Torrance Memorial Medical Center on Wednesday after suffering stroke-like symptoms. The incident occurred 20 nautical miles southwest of Long Beach. A Coast Guard crew responded to a 6 pm call from the cruise ship. They flew in an HH65C Dolphin rescue helicopter from the Coast Guard Air Station in Los Angeles. The medevac team lowered a rescue basket to crew members aboard the Zuiderdam, who secured the man in the basket. He was then hoisted up to the helicopter and taken to the hospital. The patient's medical condition is not known at this time.

Source: LA Daily News

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Staying Safe on a Cruise

When visiting other countries on your cruise vacation, safety should be a primary concern.

Cruise Lines remain in constant contact with authorities, monitoring travel advisories that might impact their cruise ship itineraries. If the U.S. State Department issues a travel advisory for a specific location, the cruise line may make adjustments to their published itinerary.

Most recently, the swine flu outbreak in Mexico caused several cruise lines to avoid Mexican ports of call. However, these situations are rare. Understand that such changes are made for the safety and security of passengers.

Keep in mind that travelers must assume the ultimate responsibility for their actions while ashore. When visiting ports-0f-call, travelers should take some common-sense precautions:

• Stay in the normal tourist areas. If you travel far afield, it is best to take a guided tour. Book shore excursions through the cruise line so they can track your whereabouts and know if you'll be late getting back to the ship.
• Never leave your belongings unattended in public areas.
• Be aware of people around you.
• Never accept packages from anyone you don’t know personally.
• Dress and behave conservatively. As a tourist in a foreign port, keep a low profile. Drawing attention to yourself may put you at risk.
• Be careful when eating and drinking ashore. Alcohol can impair your judgment. If you are planning to dine in port, get recommendations from the cruise line.
  

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise to Cabo San Lucas

For those who enjoy sun-kissed beaches when they travel, Cabo San Lucas beckons. Crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches await on the tip of the world's longest peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

There are lots of fun things to do at Cabo San Lucas...

Catch a tourist boat to the amazing rock formations of Los Arcos and get a glimpse of pelicans, sea lions, and migrating whales. Humpback, minke, and gray whales are common sights during whale-watching season, January through March. But remember, whale sightings are not guaranteed on whale-watching tours.

Snorkel and scuba dive at Pelican Rock Cove, where you'll swim among the angelfish, Moorish idols, and yellowtail.

Kayak in the secluded waters of Santa Maria Cove.

Visit the village of San Jose del Cabo. Shop, explore the mission church, and wander the tree-lined plaza. See 750 species of cacti in the ecological garden of Cacti Mundo.

Explore the village of Todos Santos, where the Jesuit mission dates back to 1724. Now, shops and gallaries greet tourists, as well as the famous Hotel California.

Take a catamaran to Lover's Beach, which is only accessible by boat.

Discover the Cabo Canopy, a UNESCO protected area in Baja California's high Sierras. Tour groups with trained guides are available. Features include the "commando bridge," the "crazy ladder," and an 800-foot zipline.

Board the Nautilus II for a semi-sub tour of the Sea of Cortez. View ports below the waterline give you a spectacular look at the marine life around Lover's Beach, Los Arcos, and the sea lion colony.

Swim with the dolphins. Talk, touch, and play with the fun-loving bottlenose dolphins. There are special programs available for kids aged 4 to 9.

Be sure to visit the Los Cabos Corridor, the glass-blowing factory, Pedregal, and the San Jose Estuary.

Other fun activities include vehicular expeditions: Baja buggy, ATV, and 4x4. Horseback riding on the beach is always popular.
Public and private yacht tours are also available. Adventurers may prefer surfing and sportfishing.

A few cautions:

• Beaches may be crowded during tourist season.
• Do not wear sunscreen or jewelry in the dolphin pools.
• Beware the steely knives of Hotel California.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Two Cruise Ships Collide in Cozumel

Two cruise ships were damaged in a collision in Cozumel, Mexico. The Carnival Legend and Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas were pulling out of Cozumel late Wednesday when the incident occurred. Strong winds apparently pushed Legend into the Enchantment of the Seas. The Legend carries 2,124 passengers; the Enchantment of the Seas carries 2,446. No injuries were reported, and both cruise ships will continue on their scheduled itineraries.

Source: USA Today

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Los Angeles Port Development Approved

A $1.2 billion renovation plan for the Port of Los Angeles has been approved by harbor officials. The plan includes a new cruise ship terminal, an eight-mile promenade, and other tourist attractions.

The industrial port complex looks to lure diners, shoppers, and pedestrians, as well as accommodate the influx of cruise vacationers to Los Angeles.

Supporters claim the renovation will create thousands of jobs, but some residents fear that the new cruise ship terminal will negatively impact boaters in the marina and may spoil the beauty of local beaches.

The vote by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners certified the environmental impact report, allowing the project to move forward.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise to Cozumel, Mexico

Travel to Cozumel, Mexico for sun-kissed beaches, turquois waters, and fabulous adventures on land and sea. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is the gem of the Mexican Caribbean.






Take a cruise ship to Cozumel, Mexico. Many of the major cruise lines offer voyages to this popular destination. Search online for the best cruise ship deals.







Enjoy the beautiful white-sand beaches of Cozumel, Mexico. Relax under a golden sun and meditate on the tranquil, turquoise waters:











Cozumel has wonderful reefs to explore:







And what better way to see the reefs than snorkeling?







SCUBA diving is also very popular in Cozumel:












The dolphins love the Cozumel waters:











Lovely day for a Catamaran:












The view from a glass-bottom boat:












Cozumel offers a great opportumity to do some horseback riding on the beach:












Tulum is a prime destination for adventure travel. Cozumel features the only coastal Mayan city. These extraordinary ruins of a once-glorious civilization are a must-see:











Be sure to check out the San Gervasio Mayan ruins:












On the Yucatan Peninsula, north of Tulum, is Dos Ojos, a flooded cavern system:







For more information, get this terrific guidebook: Best of Cozumel






Photo credits: Ken Thomas, Derek Kastner, Rob Inh00d, kthypryn, mhedstrom, eschipul, joiseyshowaa, Brave Sir Robin, Dag Lindgren

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise to Ephesus, Turkey

The ancient city of Ephesus offers many unique sites to cruise vacationers. From the port of Kusadasi, visit the ruins of this Greek colony in Asia Minor, which once held the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the world) and which played an important role in the early Christian church.

Important sites include the Library of Celsus, the ancient theater, the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Domition, the Gate of Augustus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and St. John's Basilica.

Here are some photos from my recent vacation in Ephesus, Turkey.

The library of Celsus, who was the Roman governor of Asia in 115 C.E.:






















Theater at Ephesus, the largest outdoor theater in the ancient world:

















The House of the Virgin Mary:


















St. John's Basilica:


















The tomb of St. John:

















Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Discovery Cruise Line Gives Free Cruises to Military

Military personnel who served in Iraq or Afghanistan can get a free "Discovery Day" cruise to Grand Bahama Island. They must have served during the preceding year. This is part of special program for the military that Discovery Cruise Line has offered for the past several years.

The offer is good for one free roundtrip cruise to Grand Bahama. It includes meals, service charges, taxes, and Bahamian departure fees. Discovery Cruise Lines says there are no additional costs involved.

Source: Discovery Cruise Line

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Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise Ship Environmental Report Card

Cruise vacationers who care about protecting the environment may want consult the latest study by Friends of the Earth, which recently ranked the major cruise lines on three environmental criteria: sewage treatment technology, air pollution reduction, and water quality compliance in Alaskan waters. Top marks went to Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises. At the bottom were Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line.

Source: Friends of the Earth

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Royal Caribbean Contest: "Reporter at Sea"

USA Today and Royal Caribbean are sponsoring a contest to help promote the unveiling of Royal Caribbean's new ship, Oasis of the Sea. Contestants are asked to submit a short video (no longer than 45 seconds) demonstrating their reporting skills and explaining why they should be chosen to be a citizen journalist for Royal Caribbean. Ten finalists will be selected, then voted on via the Internet. Winners receive a three-night cruise for two aboard the Oasis of the Sea, plus air fare and hotel. Deadline is October 9, 2009.

For more information: Reporter at Sea Contest

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Harbor Pilots and Cruise Lines Sailing into Court

A dispute over harbor pilot rate increases for Galveston Island and Texas City is sending Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival Cruises, and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association sailing to court. The companies filed paperwork asking for a judicial review of proceedings from earlier this year. Meanwhile, rate increases are still being considered.

The harbor pilots have insisted that all cruise ships in and out of Galveston Island and Texas City require two pilots on board. The second pilot would bill the cruise lines at 50 percent of the standard tariff. Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises believe that modern cruise ships to not require a second harbor pilot.

Source: Houston Business Journal

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Port of Los Angeles Renovations to Benefit Cruise Vacationers

Cruise lines are looking forward to major new upgrades now under consideration at the Port of Los Angeles, which may be getting its largest redevelopment project in history. Harbor commissioners are considering a $1.2-billion project to turn Ports O'Call Village in San Pedro into a bustling waterfront retail and conference center.

In addition to benefit cruise vacationers visiting the renovated port, this project will offer locals such benefits as new waterfront promenades and expanded recreational space.

Source: L.A. Times

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise Istanbul, Turkey: Topkapi Palace

On your Istanbul cruise, be sure to take time to visit Topkapi Palace. There's a lot to see on this palatial estate, and you may want to set aside a good 2-3 hours to take in the grandeur.

This was the home of the Turkish Sultan during the Ottoman Empire. It was the Sultan's primary residence from 1465 to 1853. In 1985, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Among other things, Topkapi Palace was famous for its Harem, home of the Sultan's concubines. Admission to the Harem is a separate charge, but it's well worth it.

Here are some photos from my recent visit to the Topkapi Palace:


















Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010