Category Archives: Cruising

My Baltic Cruise

Sylvia Keys is one of our most active and widely-traveled group members. In April 2019 she took a Baltic cruise on the MSC Meraviglia and visited Iceland, Copenhagen, Estonia,  St. Petersburg, Kiel and Helsinki.  Here is a journal of her journey.

Cruising to St Petersburg Russia turned out to be an unexpected pleasure. Two years ago, my Travel Dawgs and I discussed what our next adventure would be. Someone mentioned Russia. I had never thought of visiting that country. Fast forward to April 2019.

The Travel Dawgs planned a return trip to Morocco and Spain. Since we’d just been there six months prior, I didn’t want to return so soon, I decided to cruise SOLO to the Baltic Sea, which included….Russia.

I selected the MSC cruise line because I like their ports of call, their cabin sizes and I had MSC cruise points.

I was extremely apprehensive about cruising alone, however the Dawgs will never want to travel there (too cold), so this was my opportunity.

I have sailed the Caribbean solo before, and lived in Europe years ago, however I had never SAILED solo to Europe before.

This was my pre-cruise checklist:

  • Buy Baltic Sea cruise books to study and prepare myself. Done
  • Book Baltic cruise. Sailing on SUNDAY April 28th from Copenhagen Denmark, going to Helsinki Finland, Tallinn Estonia, Kiel Germany and ST PETERSBURG RUSSIA. Done
  • Book Scandinavia airline (SAS) the only airline which flies direct to Copenhagen. Seven-hour flight from IAD. Done
  • Buy cruise, air and medical insurance. Done
  • Updated the State Department STEP program, which alerts the State Department of international travel. Done
  • Ordered euros, rubles and kroners. The latter two countries don’t use euros or US dollars. Which turned out to be false. All those countries even took pesos! Done
  • Charged up my six mobile chargers and gathered all my gadgets and USB cords.
  • Brought my smart watch (which had all the time zones and times), my smartphone and my iPod.
  • I will not be solo. Done.
  • Packed appropriate (or so I thought) cold weather clothes. Done
  • Paid bills, packed meds. Done
  • I selected all my excursions and ship Wi-Fi. I had to be connected at all times.
  • Not to be obsessive, I also ordered land Wi-FI from my provider.

I also picked up the Apple package of wall plugs for over 20 countries….just in case. I was ready… or so I thought.

Monday, one week prior to SUNDAY flight, I get an email from SAS, welcoming me, to my much-anticipated flight on SUNDAY. Yay!

Tuesday, another email from SAS, which I didn’t read, however, I saw the words “if u want to rebook”. Why would I want to rebook? I didn’t pay any attention to the rest of the email, I just kept packing.

On Thursday, I get another email from SAS, which I did read, stating that the airline SAS pilots were going on strike…Saturday…. THE DAY BEFORE MY FLIGHT TO COPENHAGEN!

I was stunned. OMG …fast decisions had to be made. I did shed a tear or two, then thought of my options:

Cancel everything  or, MAKE THIS TRIP HAPPEN.

Right away. I called travel friends to get their advice and thoughts.

Some said take a chance and go to the airport anyway on Sunday; IN THE EVENT, the strike is over by then. Hmmm. I’m not a gambler.

Others said, cancel everything and rebook the cruise, sometime in the near future. Booooooo.

I decided to make this trip happen, until the Universe threw up another challenge to make me stop.

I called SAS and canceled flight to Copenhagen (no cancelation fee, thank you very much), but kept the return flight HOPING the strike would be over in one week. I’m guessing at this point.

Went online and found other airlines flying to Denmark albeit WITH LAYOVERS.

There were many flights, however in my opinion some of the layovers were too dicey for me.

I “lucked up” and found an Icelandair flight, leaving on FRIDAY (two days ahead of my initial reservation) and arriving In Copenhagen, on SATURDAY, a day before the cruise, with a two-hour layover in Iceland.

Iceland?   I. C. E. L. A. N. D. Iceland was never on my bucket list, never knew anyone who had been there or knew anyone from there. What the heck. The clock was ticking.

I bought a one-way ticket, two days before the new flight. Mo money, however the Universe was keeping me going. Two seats were left. Snatched one (please don’t be a middle seat).

I also had to book a hotel in Copenhagen. I booked a Marriott near the airport. I can’t do Airbnbs, too old school, plus I had some points with Marriott. Traveling solo. Have to be safe.

The flight from the East coast to Iceland is only six hours, nice. Ok. Let’s do this.

The light was superior. I met and talked with millennials from Scandinavia. Everyone was so nice and friendly. They also turned me onto a nice app, called BEEN, which tracks your travels. The adventure had begun.

We had a two-hour layover in Iceland, so I went straight to the gift stores.

Since I’m from Chicago, I thought I had seen winter clothes.

Oh my. The winter clothes were off the hook in Iceland. Survival clothes.

I bought, as gag gifts, wool gloves, sans tips, so you could text, as well as looooong wool scarves. Which, as it turned out saved me on the trip. I wore all of them.

The flight to Copenhagen took all of two hours. I landed in Copenhagen on a lovely Fall- like day, even though it was May.

 

The following are my reviews of my favorite ports of call for the most fascinating, educational, beautiful, insightful, friendly, awesome and yes stressful due to the strike, cruise I have ever taken. And I enjoyed every nanosecond of it.

BTW, the strike ended two days before my flight home. SAS had salmon and unlimited free drinks all the way back home. Great flight.

ICELAND (Keflavik International airport)

The airport was large with an abundance of stores and shops.

I found felted soap, which is a combined soap and washcloth. Upon returning home, Amazon has similar soaps!

COPENHAGEN DENMARK

WEATHER: 50 degrees. Clear skies. No wind.

I had booked a Marriott, and actually used the Apple converter plugs. Other travelers did not bring converters, so they had to have the Reception desk charge their gadgets. At one time I saw over 20 smartphones being charged.

Lol. I even thought about my BFTT family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I toured on a Hop on Hop off bus, which lasted four hours. A Japanese couple “adopted” me, and we toured all day together.

Copenhagen is a beautiful, upscale, cosmopolitan and diverse city, originally a Viking fishing village established in the 10th century.

What truly amazed me about Copenhagen was that every person has at least 1.5 bicycles.

Beautiful bicycles. You saw bicycles everywhere; there are dedicated bike lanes all over. Bikes were sitting at shopping malls, on streets, near the Metro stations…and NONE OF THEM HAD LOCKS ON THEM. To be clear, the Danes do not lock their bikes in Copenhagen. Think about that.

TALINN, ESTONIA

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEATHER: 40 degrees, grey skies, drizzle, then off and on downpours. Some ship passengers booked the bicycle excursions…we saw them fly by…and none looked happy with their decision.

Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia. It is on the northern coast of the country, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland in Harju County. From the 13th century until 1918 (and briefly during the Nazi occupation of Estonia from 1941 to 1944), the city was known as Reval. Tallinn occupies an area of 159.2 km (61.5 sq mi) and has a population of 434,562.I didn’t take any shore food photos in any of the ports, because the tours were so busy, there wasn’t time to eat. I only ate on the ship.

Tallinn has become a hub of technical inventions. The software for Skype and Angry Birds were developed here, said the tour guide. There are lots of parks and forests.

People commute to Finland for work. New mothers are paid for 1.5 years, and their jobs are kept for them. We even visited a medieval village with a McDonalds in the middle of it. Everyone was friendly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST PETERSBURG RUSSIA

WEATHER: 75 degrees!!!My favorite port of call. I was expecting gray skies and grim people. It was gorgeous, historical, scenic and friendly.

Saint Petersburg is famous for its beautiful palaces, picturesque canals, singing bascule bridges. Golden fountains, famous paintings – and impressive cathedrals. Russia gets 30 days of sunshine a year. We lucked up. The weather was gorgeous.

I took two tours, one from 8am-12pm, and the other 1pm-5pm.

 

 

 

 

 

It is a beautiful city. Very well laid out. Everyone was speaking English and everyone was friendly.

 

 

 

 

 

I only saw one brown face, during my eight hours of touring, and I believe she was East Indian.

You don’t need a visa, IF you are on a cruise excursion, and you stayed with the group. If you don’t book a cruise excursion, you would have to have a Russian visa before sailing or you couldn’t get off the ship. When disembarking we were told if we lost our passports, we could not get back on the ship. The American Embassy is in Moscow.

Both tour guides told us that  there were pickpockets on the tourist paths, and warned us to  guard our belongings.

680 Rubles are worth $10. I had ordered $300 worth of Rubles, which made my pockets bulge. Lol

 

The tours were awesome. We visited castles, churches, parks, souvenir outlets, saw a parade and drove around St Petersburg for hours.

There are 65 waterways in St Pete’s, and about 20 of them have bridges that go up.

 

St Petes used to be called Petrograd, then Leningrad and now St Petersburg. There are hundreds of museums, a vodka museum, a bread museum etc. Seven million people live in St Petes.

We stayed on the tourist track, and thus everyone was smiling and happy and everyone spoke English. We visited the Cathedral of Saint Petersburg that had gold everywhere.

The remains of the Romanov family were buried in this cathedral in 1998, and the buried Romanovs were declared saints in the Russian Orthodox church. But two of the children’s remains were missing: Maria and Alexei.

While in the church, we heard a private hymn sung by the “famous” Russian priests. It was humbling and awesome. We were told not to film or audiotape the event. Some of us did. It was beautiful.

KIEL GERMANY

 

WEATHER: very cold, high 30s, it was grey and cloudy, then it rained and hailed.

Kiel is the capital and most populous city in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, with a population of 249,023 (2016).

There are 700 fishing companies here and lots of windmills, which supply electricity to the area.Its 23% forest, selling over 800,000 Christmas trees a year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We visited the Plon castle, which was lovely. And to our lucky surprise, we saw a wedding party arrive in an old Model T Ford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped in a small village for 20 minutes of shopping, restroom stop and food. I asked a small restaurant for hot chocolate. They didn’t know what that was. I ended up having a nice hot cappuccino.

 

Helsinki FINLAND

WEATHER: 40 degrees, sun shining. No rain.

Helsinki is the capital and most populous city of Finland. Located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, it is the seat of the region of Uusimaa in southern Finland, and has a population of 650,058.

 

We arrived in Helsinki on May 1st, which was their day of celebration. There were lots of balloons and white hats.

 

 

 

May 1 is Labour Day in many countries, including Finland. However, the Finns also see it as a chance to celebrate the arrival of spring, and numerous festive student traditions are also associated with the date. In fact, just about everyone gets in on the action – May Day and the preceding evening represent the biggest party of the year. There were students with decorated outfits on, wearing white hats and balloons for sale, everywhere. The streets were packed with happy celebrations. There were no medieval structures in Helsinki.

MSC Cruise

The Meraviglia, one of the largest in the MSC fleet, carried 5000 passengers, 1500 support staff.  I cruised with  Russians, Italians, 10 Americans (2 brown), Canadians and Australians. The cabin was large with balcony, private elevator on our wing. I needed a balcony, so I wouldn’t feel isolated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My cabin was only one level down from food and pool. However given the temperature, I didn’t make much use of that pool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was one the best cruises, I’ve ever taken. Very beautiful and educational.

I would like to return to Russia, however, with friends so we could visit the side streets.

MSC SEASIDE – SHIP REVIEW

Recently we took a western Caribbean cruise on the MSC Seaside. Although we had taken 25 cruises, we’d never been on MSC so we were eager to experience the brand. As always we did considerable research so that we’d have an idea of what to expect. What we found was nothing short of amazing. It was one of the most beautiful ships we’d ever cruised on. MSC is an Italian-owned company that has mostly focused on other areas of the globe, but it’s new to the Caribbean. They plan to move 4 ships to the North American market in the next few years, with a focus on Caribbean itineraries. So the newest ships have been designed with that focus in mind.

MSC Seaside is their newest mega smart ship, and it is truly a sun-lover’s paradise, with a revolutionary industry-first elegant Miami Beach condo design; specifically designed for warmer climates. She is the first of a new class of ships, designed to bring guests closer to the sea and can carry more than 5000 passengers. The ship has a very open feel and is the first ship we’ve sailed on that has an outdoor seafront promenade. It circles the entire ship on Deck 8. We were amazed at all of the things to do on that deck; places to eat, drink, shop, swim and sunbathe.

From the moment we got onboard we were captivated by the beauty of the immense double deck Atrium that is the center of onboard activity, and the heart of the ship. It stretches over two decks, creating an atmospheric venue for live entertainment with spectacular ocean views.

It is also an impromptu, multi-media, multi-level stage that features a variety of entertainment including, dancers, acrobats, flash mobs, light shows, live entertainment and one of the best DJs at sea. The crowning glory of the Atrium is the staircase where the surface is lit up as if inlaid with sparkling gems.

The interior design of the ship rivaled that of a 5 star luxury hotel. The colors, light and design elements were well balanced. Many of the sitting/lounge areas had great views of the ocean and all were extremely comfortable. Although there were more than 5000 passengers onboard, we never felt cramped or crowded. The entire ship was designed for comfortable navigation on the walking surfaces and even the many staircases were easy to climb – not too steep.

The elevators were smaller than those on some of the other new mega ships and were often crowded. So at times it was easier just to take the steps; great way to burn off extra calories.

ENTERTAINMENT – The entertainment was top level some of the best we’ve seen at sea. With 115 different nationalities onboard they did an excellent job of providing entertainment that everyone could enjoy.

There was a different show in the Metropolitan Theater every night, typically a high-h energy production, covering a variety of musical styles, dancing and acrobatics, and only 30 minutes long. There were 3 performances per night. Shows are free but guests are encouraged to make reservations. Our favorite was Starwalker, a tribute to Michael Jackson where the talent was amazing!

The cruise director and his staff did an excellent job of facilitating the activities and kept a high level of energy. They hosted games shows, and theme nights; Gatsby Party, 70s night and a white party that began in the Atrium then moved to an outdoor deck where we partied ALL night long.

BARS – There are 20 large bars in various locations throughout the ship; each with a great staff of bartenders and service was great. Robert and I managed to visit them all but we each had our favorites. His was the Sports Bar, and mine was the Venchi Chocolate Bar where they served not only chocolate but also gelato and crepes. We both were pleased with the quality of the wines, beers and liquors.

DINING – We had heard mixed reviews about the dining on MSC ships so we definitely wanted to do our own review. There are 11 dining venues onboard including the main dining room, 2 buffets and specialty restaurants. We only ate in the buffets and main dining room. The food in the main dining room was not as good as food that we’ve eaten on other cruise lines; there were fewer menu choices and the food was somewhat bland. We chose to eat most of our meals at the buffets, where there were more choices. The quality of the food overall was very high – fresh and well prepared without the additives, preservatives and GMO ingredients that are prevalent on many cruise lines. The desserts were exceptional and so was the pizza (to be expected since MSC is an Italian cruise line).

ONBOARD ACTIVITIES – There are so many activities to choose from that we didn’t have time to do all of them. There are 4 pools, 4 waterslides, and several hot tubs. There are also plenty of deck chairs for sunbathing. The zip line is 350 feet – the longest at sea.

There are two unique glass-floored catwalks and a 131 ft. high ‘Bridge of Sighs’ where we had a view of the ocean like never before. A waterfront boardwalk, the widest on any ship ever built, wraps around the ship, while panoramic elevators connect everything together.

Other activities include trivia, dance classes, Ping-Pong tournaments, scavenger hunts, and art auctions. Extra-fee activities include a self-leveling pool table, an arcade with a Formula One simulator, a 4-D cinema, dual bowling lanes and an air hockey table.

Of course there is a well-equipped casino where we spent quite a bit of time.

The Seaside is designated as non-smoking, except for certain areas, but we never came into contact with any smoke – even in the casino.

AUREA SPA – The Aurea Spa offers a large menu of services; massages, body treatments, facials, manicures/pedicures, haircuts, color and styling, waxing and men’s grooming. One of the highlights is the thermal suite (available for an extra fee), featuring sensory steam rooms, sauna, aromatherapy, a Thalassotherapy pool and a cold room with real snow. Outside of the spa there is a private sundeck for use exclusively by passengers who have booked spa treatments.

FITNESS – There is a large, well-equipped fitness center with state of the art equipment, heavy bags, free weights, cardio machines and rings. They offer classes like yoga, stretching, spin and Thai boxing as well as personal training (available for an extra fee). There are women’s and men’s locker rooms with showers, changing areas and saunas. Although we work out regularly at home, we didn’t spend much time in the fitness area – but we burned plenty of calories climbing stairs and just walking around that huge ship.

STATEROOMS – We had a mid-ship balcony cabin on Deck 15 and were pleased with the location. The cabin size was good, although there wasn’t much storage/drawer space. However, it did have a bathtub. The linens were high quality and the mattress was particularly comfortable. There were no miniature toiletries, but the soap, shampoo and shower gel dispensers were refilled daily.

Since the Seaside is a smart ship, it offers the latest in onboard technology.

The MSC for Me app is the digital innovation program that uses the latest cutting-edge technology to connect travelers seamlessly with the experiences that matter to them, whether at sea or on land. We downloaded the app onto our smartphones and found that it made it easy to navigate the ship, connect to WI-FI, and book shows. There are several WI-FI packages to choose from, but you’ll get the best pricing by booking online before you sail.

FAMILY FRIENDLY – It is a family-friendly ship and there were lots of children onboard. They were able to enjoy the full-sized bowling alley, a dedicated kids only restaurant, and the most interactive, multi-story water park at sea featuring four different water slides, an AquaPlay™ area designed for tots and an adventure trail. In addition, MSC Seaside boasts colorful kids’ play areas created in partnership with LEGO® and Chicco®. So it’s a great option for a multi-generational vacation.

One of the aspects that we enjoyed most was the international vibe. With 115 different nationalities onboard, there were guests and staff from all over the globe. All of the announcements were given in several languages including Italian, Spanish, English, German, and French. All of the staff that we met was multi-lingual and communicated with guests easily. We were invited to a cocktail party with the captain and his officers and he gave his remarks in 4 different languages. Even passengers who looked like us didn’t necessarily speak English. Some spoke Spanish, others spoke French or Portuguese.

EMBARKATION/DEBARKATION – We found the embarkation process to be smooth and seamless. We decided to arrive at 1:00pm and there were no lines. We got through the process in less than 10 minutes. So we recommend arriving around that time. People who arrived earlier got caught up in the mix of departing and arriving guests. Our staterooms were ready by 2pm and our luggage was delivered before 4pm. The debarkation process was just as smooth.

One of my least- favorite first day activities has always been the safety/muster drill. As a long-time cruiser I have memories of having to don a lifejacket and stand on the deck until the drill was completed. But it was not like that on the Seaside. Our muster station was actually at the Champagne Bar – how good is that? The drill took less than 30 minutes.

CUSTOMER SERVICE – Customer service was excellent; from our cabin steward, to the dining staff, guest relation’s staff – everyone we met was pleasant and efficient.

Other lines that we’ve cruised on connect your credit card to your reservation during the online check-in or embarkation process. However on the Seaside it’s different; there are ATM machines located in various locations throughout the ship where you do it yourself. So if you plan to pay your onboard expenses with a credit card, be sure to do that as soon as you board. It was easy.

In summary, we would definitely sail MSC again, but only on one of their newer ships. As an overall grade, we would give our Seaside experience a B+.

Cruising the Mediterranean

Malaga….Marseille…Morocco…..these are just a few of the ports that Sylvia Keys and her friends visited during their recent Mediterranean cruise that  sailed from Lisbon, Portugal. The itinerary also included  Barcelona, Spain and Genoa, Italy.     

These ladies have been globetrotting together for some time and have been to Dubai, the ABC Islands, Australia and Fiji. They work in various professions and each brings her special skills and talents to the group. Sylvia is the group leader and researcher who finds the trips, studies the travel books and scopes out the best shopping deals wherever they go (like the Jade Market in Tokyo).  The financial analyst maps out the costs of each trip.  Several of the ladies work in the medical field and focus on keeping everyone healthy. One is a doctor who has loads of Marriott points (a great benefit to everyone).

They selected MSC, an Italian-owned cruise line because it offered an itinerary with the ports that they all wanted to visit.

Since the ship sailed from Lisbon, they spent time exploring the city and learning about its rich history. Before long it was time to board the ship and set sail on the MSC Preziosa.

As an  experienced cruiser, Sylvia provided good information about the Preziosa and their onboard experience. The other passengers were mostly from Russia, Eastern Europe, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Malaysia and Portugal. There were only ~10 other Americans onboard. There were only 18 Black people, all total. The ship was large and very well maintained.

The  cabins were comfortable with large showers and large balconies. They even cleaned the balcony doors several times when the ship was in port.

Customer service was excellent and Sylvia described the staff as FABULOUS. Most of them were from Madagascar, South Africa and the Caribbean; all spoke several languages.

Entertainment was different from other cruises they’d experienced – no musical or comedy shows – probably due to the fact that the passengers spoke so many different languages. Other onboard amenities were standard and included swimming pools, a casino, spa, hair salon and even a 4D movie theater.

Food was fresh and included fresh fish, Indian food and burgers.      As much as they enjoyed the shipboard experiences, the real fun began when they docked. Barcelona was the first port of call and they enjoyed its many sites, including La Sagrada Familia. Sylvia even remembered to send regards to our BFTT group.

In France they explored the port city of Marseille, gateway to the Provence region. Even though it rained some,  that did not dampen their spirits.

Then it was on to Genoa, one of Italy’s most underrated gems. One of the highlights of the trip (and there were many) was visiting Morocco. In Casablanca they shopped in the bazaar for about four hours, visiting vendors who sold herbs, textiles, rugs, Goyard items and other souvenirs. The bazaar can get pretty hectic, but they found someone who guided and protected them from the more aggressive vendors, and even helped them find ATMs and taxis.    The bazaar has ~400 kiosks, shops and stores. It really was the shopping experience of a lifetime.

It really sounds like these ladies had the trip of a lifetime. It must be great to have travel buddies that you can travel with regularly. If you’ve ever traveled with a group, you know that group dynamics can be “interesting”. But even with five different personalities and mindsets, these ladies seem to have it figured out. As a matter of fact they are already making plans for their 2019 trip.

 

Cruising 2.0

Have you been on a cruise lately? If so, you have experienced some of the great new innovations that have been introduced by the cruise lines. Of course cruising is not a new experience; it has been used for centuries to transport people and products. But the invention of the steam engine made the process much faster and the passenger ship industry began to flourish.

If you watched television in the 1970s you’ll remember a weekly series called “The Love Boat” that was set aboard a Princess Cruise ship. Each of the episodes included several story lines that revolved around the cast and crew. It provided an inside look at what vacationing onboard a cruise ship was like. It was also a great marketing tool for cruise lines.

Fast-forward to 2017 and you’ll find that cruising is no longer just a way to travel from point A to point B. The cruise game has changed completely. In the last 20 years cruise lines have continued to build bigger, more innovative ships – they have become floating cities! Onboard activities include IMAX theaters, zip lines, ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, world-class spas, designer shops, waterslides and much more. Here are some examples:

In 2009 Royal Caribbean introduced the world’s largest cruise ships; the Oasis Class. They can carry more than 5000 passengers and 7 different neighborhoods, a 5-deck high Central Park with lush tropical gardens, a boardwalk with a full-size working carousel. Entertainment options are many and besides the usual casino and main showroom, guests can enjoy the comedy club, aqua theater, ice shows, and several nightclubs. Active cruisers can zip line, rock climb, ice skate or hit the waves on one of the FlowRider surf simulators. There is also plenty onboard for the little ones since Royal Caribbean has partnered with DreamWorks so you never know when you’ll run into someone like Shrek or Fiona.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carnival has expanded their fleet to include activities like an IMAX theater, an onboard waterpark and even flying bicycles!

On the newest ship, the Vista guests can enjoy SkyRide at SportSquare. It is a twin-track suspended bike course — strap in and race around for the win or just cruise for great views.

Celebrity offers modern luxury cruising and its newest ship, the Edge, is advertised as “a ship to leave the future behind”. It does exactly that with transformative spaces. As the sun sets, the groundbreaking spaces on Celebrity Edge transform to deliver completely new experiences. By day, outward-facing ocean views, ever-changing abstract artwork, and unexpected entertainment create a luxurious resort-style atmosphere. At night, ambient lighting, unique al fresco dining, and live music set the scene for energy, intimacy, and elegance.

Custom-built for the spectacular, the Norwegian Bliss will cruise Alaska and the Caribbean seasonally beginning Summer 2018. In addition to the aqua park you can also burn rubber on the largest racetrack at sea and then challenge your friends or family to some friendly competition on the Aqua Racer. Dare to whoosh over the side of the ship on Ocean Loops before dodging lasers during an exhilarating game of laser tag.

Bellissima is the newest flagship of the MSC cruise line. The two-deck inside promenade features a spectacular 260-foot-long LED dome, and is lined with places to shop, eat and drink. There are 20 bars and 10 restaurants to choose from, including specialty restaurants. For entertainment, you can enjoy 2 brand new Cirque du Soleil® shows designed especially for MSC Bellissima, and relax in the desert themed Water Park – an oasis for kids and families.

Princess, the original cruse line of the Love Boat continues to expand its fleet with its new Medallion class ships. Its latest ship, the Regal Princess will debut in November 2017. Enjoy sweeping views from one of more than 1,400 balconies on Regal Princess or stroll on the SeaWalk®, a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship! From the tranquil Sanctuary, a retreat reserved for adults, to the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show and more, there are diversions for every mood.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive luxury cruise experience, look no farther than Crystal and choose from 3 different cruise types – ocean, yacht or river cruise. The award-winning Crystal Serenity has a contemporary style with a bright, modern décor. Guests can shop at chic boutiques or dine under the stars at Trident Grill, a light and airy courtyard beneath a retractable glass roof. Most striking is the lush greenery – variegated “living walls” and live olive trees under-planted with lavender.

If ocean cruising is not your thing, consider taking a river cruise. It’s a great way to experience the beauty and scenery along the world’s greatest rivers like the Danube, Rhine, Yangtze or Nile. Traveling by river, beyond the reach of roadways, you’ll discover the true nature of these fascinating lands and the people who call them home. You’ll travel with ease, unpacking just once and enjoying the ever-changing scenery along the banks as you are gently carried aboard an elegant, intimate ship to your next destination.

Disney fans that want a “magic included” cruise experience can find it on one of Disney’s world-class ships. There is something onboard for everyone with activities for children and adults-only areas as well. They even offer convenient Wave Phones that let you call and text your fellow passengers while you’re onboard or at Castaway Cay (their private island) so you can always keep in touch.

World Cruises – If time and money are no problem, consider taking a world cruise. Sail from Los Angeles to London (120 days), Sydney to Vancouver (Australia, Asia & Alaska, 79 days), or Athens to Hong Kong (50 days). If you haven’t made vacation plans for 2018, it’s not too late to book the Princess Cruises 2018 world cruise, sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale where you can spend 111 days visiting 5 continents and 28 countries. However, the ship only holds 672 passengers, so it’s very likely that it is already sold out.

As you can see, there are LOTS of different cruise experiences to choose from. Cruise ships have become floating resorts. There is so much to do onboard the larger ships, that it can be difficult to experience everything. We have taken transatlantic cruises on Royal Caribbean’s mega ships, the Oasis and the Allure of the Seas and even with 12 days on the ship, we didn’t manage to do or see everything.

 

 

 

 

 

ENJOYING THE MERRY-GO-ROUND ON THE ALLURE

It goes without saying that cruising is not everyone’s cup of tea – there is no “one-size-fits-all” vacation. But cruising comes pretty darn close. Here are some of the benefits:

There is something onboard for everyone. Whether you’re a party animal who wants to be in constant motion, or a loner who prefers “me time”, there are spaces and activities for you. Even the ships that carry 5000 passengers are so well designed that there are always private nooks and crannies.

Cruises are a great way for families to travel together. There are age-specific areas and activities for all ages, so it’s a great way to vacation with the kids and still enjoy some “grown folks” time too.

Cruising offers the best value for your vacation dollar. Although many are not all-inclusive (you have to pay for alcoholic drinks, sodas), it’s still a good value. The cruise fare includes unlimited dining (in dining room, buffet and snack areas), 24 hour room service, nightly shows (we’ve seen Grease, Hair Spray and Cats with actual Broadway casts), nightclubs (no cover charge), and of course transportation between ports. The total for those activities for a 7 day vacation would be much higher than a cruise fare.

Cruising also offers an element of safety. A solo traveler who might be hesitant to stroll around a big city after dark would be perfectly safe going to dinner, a show or nightclub on a ship.

Are all cruises wonderful? Absolutely not! It is important to choose the cruise line and itinerary that fits your travel style and budget. As you can see from the list of ships and activities they are all very different. The experience depends on the ship and the itinerary that you choose. I’m not a fan of old or small ships, so I don’t book cruises on them. It’s also important to book the right cabin. I’ve heard people say that the cabin doesn’t really matter since you don’t spend much time there. Maybe it doesn’t…..to them. For me the cabin is a very important part of my cruise experience. So I want to be as comfortable as possible. I’ve heard people say that they don’t want to be “cooped up” on a cruise ship. That can happen if you’re in an inside cabin with no windows or outside light. But a cabin with a balcony provides an entirely different experience. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the ocean in complete privacy, and enjoy beautiful scenes like this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your idea of a vacation is a nonstop pool party, I wouldn’t recommend taking a river cruise – they tend to draw a quieter, more elderly crowd (#no turn up). Or if you are a senior who prefers to vacation with people in your age group, a spring break Caribbean cruise would not be the best choice for you.

What’s the best way to decide? Talk to an experienced travel advisor who has cruised and is familiar with all of the cruise lines. They can help you make the best choice.

The cruise industry continues to innovate and re-invent the cruise experience.  It’s a great way to vacation and a great way to see the world.

 

How Did You Learn to Travel?

plane at gateHow did you learn to swim? Did you go to the deep end of the swimming pool and jump in? Probably not. You probably started with inflatable water wings, then moved on to swimming lessons and soon enough you were dog-paddling your way across the pool.

How did you learn to ride a bicycle? Did you hop onto your bike and take off down the street? Probably not. It is more likely that you started by pedaling around on a tricycle, and then it was on to your first little bike with training wheels. Finally Mom took off the training wheels, let go of the back of your bike, and you wobbled your way to two-wheeled freedom.

How did you learn to cook? Was the menu for your first dinner party standing rib roast and grand marnier soufflé? No, it was probably more like grilled cheese sandwiches and canned tomato soup.

So how did you learn to travel? What are the ABCs of globetrotting? Is it necessary to take lessons? Of course not – travel is a very individual experience and each of us has very specific preferences. It’s not as simple as learning a set of “dos” and don’ts”. There is no school, travel is more of a learn-by-doing experience. However, if there was a Travel University, and they asked me to teach Travel 101, here are some of the topics I would include in the course curriculum.

passportsHow to Pack – If you are planning to be away from home for more than a day, you’ll need to take at least a few things with you. Your destination, and the length of your trip determine what you take. You might be able to manage an overnighter by throwing a few things into a backpack. Some people even manage to take long trips with only a backpack. But if you are going on an extended journey or are planning to visit a different climate, you’ll need something larger. It also depends on your personal style. If you are one of those creative types who can make 27 outfits from 2 pieces of clothing and a few accessories, you won’t need much luggage. But if you’re one of those people who want to make a different fashion statement every day, you’ll need to pack accordingly. Small cosmetics and fragrance samples are a great way to conserve space and weight.

Think about where you’re going and pack accordingly. For example, If you’re going to a tropical climate it’s doubtful that you’ll need that down jacket. Since most airlines charge baggage fees, taking too many pieces of luggage can be quite costly.

How to dress – Be sure to dress for the climate that you’ll be visiting. Last October I spent a week in Dubai where the temperature was triple digits every day. Then in November I traveled to China where it was quite cold and snowing. I took the same amount of luggage for both trips, but used very different packing strategies.

It is also important to dress for the culture that you’ll be visiting. Scanty or revealing clothing is frowned upon in some cultures and at many holy sites. I’ve seen young ladies in hot pants turned away from St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. In Dubai I was very careful about what I wore. I saw many women in traditional dress and just as many in western-style clothing. I wanted to make sure that I was cool and comfortable, but did not offend in any way.

adrienne in jerusalemOne of the accessories that I always carry is a light pashmina. It doesn’t take up much space and can be used to cover my head and/or shoulders when necessary.

How to pick the destination – It is important to choose a destination that you really want to go to. You will be investing your time and money, so you want to get a good return on those investments. I’m a travel professional, so often clients look to me to help them decide where to go. In order to do so I have to ask them several questions like:

What is your budget? I’ve found that many people haven’t even considered total cost. In reality, that’s what’s going to drive your travel decisions. In addition to airfare, there is the cost of lodging, meals, tours, tips and entertainment. So all-inclusive resorts are good options since they include all meals, drinks (soft drinks and alcoholic beverages) gratuities and non-motorized water sports. Cruises offer excellent value since they include all meals, nightly shows, night clubs, childcare, and of course transportation from port to port.

What sort of travel experience are you looking for? If they are retired and looking for a quiet relaxing getaway, I won’t suggest that they take a Disney cruise. If they are young wild and free, I know several resorts that will give them exactly what they’re looking for.

What are your interests? Interests vary widely, so it is important to identify destinations that will satisfy those interests. An adventure traveler with an interest in wildlife might enjoy a trip to the Galapagos Islands. A history buff might enjoy a tour of the Tower of London. That fashionista would definitely enjoy a trip to Paris to shop on the Champs Elysees.

Aerial Oasis of the Seas - At Sea off Miami shoreline Oasis of the Seas - Royal Caribbean International
Aerial Oasis of the Seas – At Sea off Miami shoreline
Oasis of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International

Even cruises differ widely. An Amazon River cruise through the Brazilian Rain Forest on a small vessel allows passengers to experience wildlife, piranha fishing and all that the jungle has to offer. An ocean cruise on a big ship can be like a floating city. On a recent transatlantic cruise my husband and I sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas with 5000 other passengers. We enjoyed gourmet dining, Broadway shows, an onboard surf simulator, ice-skating, a world-class spa, designer shopping and more. It was a 12-day nonstop party from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona.

Take it Slowly – In today’s fast-paced world people often think that they have to rush into traveling at top speed. You don’t have to jump in at the deep end; it’s OK to ease into experiences. You may want to take your first trip with a buddy who has been to the destination before and can show you the ropes.

The good news is that there are some really good flight deals on the market. But before you book one, make sure it’s a destination that you really want to visit. If that’s not the case, it’s not a deal for you. And make sure that you can get lodging that fits within your budget. Hotel prices are often driven by demand. Recently we found a great airline price to Las Vegas. But when we checked hotel prices for those dates, we found that they were astronomical. Needless to say, we didn’t book those flights.

Start by taking local trips- there are many attractions near our homes that can be great ways to explore local history and culture. This is especially valuable for families who want to introduce their children to travel. A trip to a local museum can give them an appreciation for art exhibits so that eventually they are ready for the Louvre. A trip to a nice restaurant will allow them to get comfortable with ordering from a menu, being served and tipping a waiter. We began cruising with our son when he was quite small, so he learned the art of fine dining at an early age.

There is no single way to learn to travel, it is an individual endeavor. Learning as you go is part of the fun and It is well worth the investment. As a wise man once said, “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sailing Takes me Away

allure of the seas“Sailing takes me away
To where I’ve always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free”

These lyrics are from the song “Sailing” by Christopher Cross. When he wrote it back in 1980, I don’t know if he was referring to cruising as we know it, but it serves as a nice cruise reference. Cruising happens to be one of our favorite ways to travel. We started in 1988 and since then have taken 18 cruises in locations all over the world. The cruise industry has evolved quite a bit since then, but it still remains one of the best values for the vacation dollar.

Aerial Oasis of the Seas - At Sea off Miami shoreline Oasis of the Seas - Royal Caribbean International
Aerial Oasis of the Seas – At Sea off Miami shoreline
Oasis of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International

Here are some of the benefits:

Cruising is a great way to enjoy several destinations in one trip. For example, on Mediterranean cruises we’ve visited Venice, Dubrovnik, Naples, Florence, Athens, Santorini, Monte Carlo and Barcelona. We were in each city 1-2 days, so it was a good way to get introduced to those cities and decide if we’d like to go back and spend more time there. If we had booked flights to each of those cities the trip would have been REALLY expensive.

Cruising is great for family/multi-generational travel. There are activities onboard for every age group – from infants to toddlers, to children, teens, adults and senior citizens – everyone can find something that interests them.

Cruising is great for group travel. There are even themed cruises that are targeted to specific affinity groups: jazz cruises, blues cruises, crafting cruises, singles cruises, adventure cruises, Disney cruises…. the list goes on and on. So chances are there’s a cruise that caters to your interests….whatever they may be.

allure promenade view“It’s not far back to sanity
At least it’s not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away
And find serenity”

This verse from Christopher Cross’ song speaks directly to one of the best benefits that cruising has to offer….relaxation. The sea rocks you gently to sleep each night. And there is nothing quite as peaceful as sitting on your balcony watching the waves gently roll by. A cruise is a great place to refresh and renew.

Cruise ships offer a variety of dining options. The main dining room offers a fine dining experience every day. But there are also buffets for those who prefer a more casual atmosphere. And there are many other options like burger spots, pizza parlors and so much more. Of course there’s always 24-hour room service available, so you can just pick up the phone and order whatever you like. The price of unlimited food is always included in the cruise fare. Many ships offer specialty-dining venues where, for a small cover charge you can enjoy an exceptionally fine dining experience with impeccable service. I’ll admit, I was doubtful that the specialty restaurants could be better than the main dining room….until our last transatlantic cruise when we decided to try it. It was FABULOUS!

lamb shank

Cruises offer so much for one price. Unlimited food, excellent stage shows and Broadway caliber, entertainment, nightclubs, state-of-the-art gym facilities, designer shopping, duty-free shopping, beautiful swimming pools and Jacuzzis, housekeeping services from your stateroom attendant who will clean your cabin 2-3 times each day and turn down your bed every night.

Is cruising right for everyone? Of course not. There is no one travel style that fits everybody – but cruising covers quite a few of the bases that make a vacation enjoyable. However, it’s important to remember that all cruises are not created equal. It is important to choose a cruise that fits you and will deliver what you want from your vacation. So here are a few tips:

  • Consult a travel professional who is familiar with cruising and can help you plan your cruise vacation.
  • Choose the right cruise style. There are huge ships that can carry in excess of 5000 passengers, and very small ships that only carry a few hundred people. There are ocean-going ships that sail on the open seas and there are river cruises that only sail up and down rivers. There are smaller vessels that do adventure cruises down the Amazon or to the Galapagos Islands. There are cruise lines that cater to young people and others who cater to an older crowd. There are Disney cruises So it is very important to choose the ship that fits you best. Choosing the right ship can make or break your cruise experience.

lees on dockk2

  • Cruise at the right time of year. Be sure to research weather patterns in the region that you plan to cruise. For example, hurricane season can hit the Caribbean anytime between July and September. The Alaska cruise season goes from May through September.
  • Choose the right cruise length. There are cruises as short as 3-4 days. FYI, the cruise lines tend to use their older ships for the short cruises, so they can be more worn and not have all of the modern amenities of the newer ships. But they are a great choice for a long weekend or an introduction to cruising. On the other end of the spectrum there are also world cruises that last from 89-132 days and visit some of the world’s most iconic destinations.

I have logged quite a few travel miles during the last 30 years, and I’ve traveled by land, by sea, by air and by car. But cruising is still my favorite way to go……sailing takes me away.
ac balcony silouhnette