Archive for the 'Cruise News' Category

This story about a Caribbean cruise adventure, A taste of Europe while cruising the Caribbean is an article by Ken Brooks, well-known big-city radio personality, now Mr. Small Town himself found on (KMOG-1420/AM Payson) and a sometimes contributor to the Payson Roundup Newspaper. A newspaper serving a readership in and amongst the communities of Payson, Pine and Strawberry, Arizona, referred often to as "Rim Country," due to it's proximity to the Mogollon Rim. And now my new home town.

Retirement is a strange concept for me but I couldn't have picked a better place. Visiting here from Scottsdale, Arizona, (a mere hour and a half away) for past 25 years to camp, hike, fish, or just to sit on my Mother's deck enjoying cool mountain breezes and pine scented air (she moved here from MO in 2003).

To me, it seemed the day would never come. Over the years my wife and I would sit at a table in the Payson Airport restaurant (Crosswinds) with a gorgeous view of the rim, real estate brochures spread out among the remnants of biscuits and gravy. I always hoped I would be fortunate enough to actually live here someday. Well, here I am!

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Golfer Tees Off Near Spot Where Wounded As A Marine Over 40 Years Ago!

Now wouldn't that be an interesting headline and a passel of PR for Crystal Cruises? They could kick-off their first Golf-Themed cruise to Hong Kong and Singapore (with a stop in Vietnam) with a salute to Vietnam vets represented by yours truly. Be one of the fortunate few to sail on the luxurious Crystal Symphony accompanied by a former-marine, Vietnam vet, golfer and golf-oriented travel agent! An 11 day adventure by sea into Asia, transported in first-class style with a special group of people on a journey through Asia unlike any other. Pausing with a stop in a country that was once in turmoil, now on the list of places to see before you die, this cruise will be special. No doubt, the golf trip of a lifetime aboard the world's most luxurious floating caddy – the Crystal Symphony. Are you listening Crystal Cruises PR people?

More Like A Comfortable Small Town Than A Ship At Sea

A truly astounding ship, only 922 passengers and one of the most spacious cruise ships at sea. No worries of being hip-checked out of the desert que by an overeager youngster and the most spacious accommodations you will find at sea. First-class amenities are just too many to list but include: grand lounges, full-service fitness facility, Crystal casino, Feng Shui-inspired spa, 360° teak Promenade Deck, two pools, Jacuzzi®,award-winning cuisine and entertainment, in addition to, elegantly appointed staterooms most with private verandas. Make your reservation now and be one of the select few people to experience this once in a lifetime cruise aboard The Crystal Symphony – Departing April 20 – 11 Days, Hong Kong to Singapore, it's the "mother" of all golf cruises!

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Travel Advice for Current Times

With all the changes in current economic conditions, I felt it appropriate to offer the readers of this blog an inside look at what is going on in the travel industry these days. No matter the challenges of our current environment, people still feel the need, and deserve the opportunity, to get away and remind themselves about the importance of family, relaxation and fun. So, where are the deals and what should readers be looking for?

For international travel, one of the best deals these days is cruising. Cruises are paid for in US dollars, so if you desire to travel internationally, especially Europe, this is your best bet for value. However, one misperception is that if you wait until the last minute you’ll get a better price. This is not necessarily true. Yes, there are deals and discounts in the market from many of what are termed the “mass market” cruise lines. However, for popular or exotic itineraries, waiting until the last minute may well find you shut out of your vacation. In addition, by waiting until last minute to book your cruise, the savings you gain may well be lost on what you’ll pay for last minute airfare. (more…)

Thousands Lost As Ship Splits Apart In Frigid Seas

This is the headline the media wanted to use in this story. Fortunately, it is not true so they had to settle for something a bit less dramatic, "Ocean Liner Queen Elizabeth 2 Runs Aground" Not quite as sensational as the visual of people thrashing around in a black sea but enough to make you read further. Those who do so will be happy to learn that the passengers, crew and ship reached port safely. But for those who read only the headlines – all it takes is just one insecure, headline skimmer looking to be the first to bring the bad news, thereby drawing attention to themselves with a story that is based on half truth. Usually about the second paragraph they get to boring part of the story, no lives lost, no damage – yawn!

Admit it! Didn't my headline want you to read the rest of the story? What if the headline was "QE2 Drifts Into Shallow Sand Bar While Entering Southhampton Port – No Injuries To Passengers Or Crew Reported," would you still read the story? 

Here are the facts:

Yes, the ship did briefly run aground on a sand bar, but with the help of the tide and a tug it was soon on it's way again and is now docked safely at it's port in Southhampton, England.

The historic ship was on it's final voyage home, headed to the refit shop to undergo conversion to a hotel, after 40 years of impeccable service and over two dozen round-the-world voyages. The next time you see her will be as a luxury hotel, part of Dubai's Atlantis.

There were no injuries and no damage was sustained to the ship.

Prince Phillip will make a brief appearance to say farewell before the ship heads to Dubai

Watch the video as the majestic QE2 leaves New York for the last time.

Oasis Of The Seas

By Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

Re-invents the luxury cruise ship with the latest in state-of-the-art comfort, safety, amenities, navigation and much more! Royal Caribbean likes to say "we build incredible" and I have to say, wholeheartedly that I agree! With this newest addition to their line of luxury cruise ships, Oasis Of The Seas, a ship that has been years in the making and  started out as a top-secret program called "Project Genesis."

It is unlike any other ship afloat. Starting in the fall of 2009 (update: The Oasis has sailed, after extensive and "flawless" sea trials, from her shipyard in Norway and is currently at sea, sailing to her home port of Ft. Everglades, Florida, scheduled to arrive there on Nov 10, 2009.)

This mega-cruise ship, the largest seagoing vessel of all time, features "Neighborhoods", a unique new concept in cruise ship design offering a collection of amazing experiences where entertainment areas become neighborhoods and suites become lofts.

A Cruise Ship That Challenges The Imagination

By introducing the first "Neighborhood" concept in cruising, Royal Caribbean is singlehandedly reinventing the cruise ship. Oasis of the Seas is not just a ship, take a look at some of the newest "experiences" on board:

Central Park – a public space that combines nature with nautical that will enchant you with it's Town Square Theme, evolving from a peaceful atmosphere during daylight hours, transformed into a dining, entertainment and street carnival atmosphere at night. Central Park is open to the sky and brings the outdoors to six decks of staterooms overlooking the park.

Royal Promenade – The heart of the ship. With a mezzanine level that overlooks the space below and adds to the overall excitement of the Promenade. It features Rising Tide, a bar that rises up and descends through three decks and enough shops and restaurants to dazzle even the most seasoned cruiser. With it's parades, nightlife and entertainment for everyone it's a destination all it's own.

Boardwalk – Featuring AquaTheater - The Boardwalk entertainment area of the ship is dedicated to family fun and nostalgia. Featuring the first ever Carousel at sea Boardwalk is all about games, amusement and attractions for the whole family. AquaTheater is a spectacular water show that will mesmerize audiences with high-diving performances and water acrobats. A sundeck to relax by during the day and a theater by night.

Loft Suites – Onboard urban living at sea with multilevel loft suites which can be combined to offer up to 2,000 square feet of living space. These new suites redefine cruise accommodations with an open, high ceiling design, contemporary furnishings in vibrant, ocean-inspired colors and breathtaking views provided by floor to ceiling windows.

A Cruise Ship Unlike Any Other

There are not enough words to describe just how unique and exciting this ship promises to be. Come along on an adventure at sea that only a few get to realize.  Seize your opportunity to sail on the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 passengers, and feature 2,700 staterooms.

Contact a Royal Caribbean Certified Vacation Planner today!