Archive for August, 2008

Some of my most rewarding cruise experiences have been not about the places I’ve visited by ships but about the people I’ve met on ships. Ramelan Lidan has worked on ships for 14 years. I caught up him on Holland America Line’s Oosterdam, where he told me that his love of the sea started with a photo of his uncle at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.  Read more... (228 words, 1 image, estimated 55 secs reading time)

The cheerful steward who attended daily to stateroom 620 on Maasdam was Hery Afandy. He hails from central Java, is father to a boy and girl, and confides that he likes to stay busy so that he doesn’t have time to think about his family. After all, thinking of them would only make him homesick.

And so Hery cleans, “15 staterooms with no assistant,” he boasts, and adds with equal pride that he does so at a rate of about 20 minutes per stateroom. Do the math, that’s three staterooms an hour — or all 15 in five hours. And don’t forget that Hery does this each morning and each evening, working from about 7 a.m. until about 2 in the afternoon (if you’re questioning our math, remember that Hery has other things to do other than clean rooms).  Read more... (363 words, 1 image, estimated 1:27 mins reading time)

Royal Caribbean has announced two new “neighborhoods” to be featured on Oasis of the Seas: a Pool and Sports Zone and a Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center.  Read more... (349 words, 3 images, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)

Though 40 percent larger than the current record-holders, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas will not be just a larger cruise ship, but a whole new breed of ship.

An architectural marvel, Oasis of the Seas will span 16 decks, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms, including several new categories. She will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas.

As the company slowly divulges details about the new ship during the next several months, travel agents have already started taking reservations for 2009/2010 sailings.  Read more... (461 words, 7 images, estimated 1:51 mins reading time)

Click here to read a special report featuring World Cruises in digital format.

 

. . . world cruises are becoming much more affordable. For example: Book an inside cabin on Holland America Line’s 2009 world cruise for $24,508. Think of it: a full world cruise that circumnavigates the globe, visiting 39 ports on five continents, for less than $200 per day. You’d pay more than that for a stay at a resort — that doesn’t move.  Read more... (118 words, 1 image, estimated 28 secs reading time)

Act quickly! Azamara is offering deals - for now.

Click here to read a special report featuring Azamara Cruises in digital format.

Given the skewed the valuation between the U.S. dollar and the Euro, it’s unusual to hear the words “Europe” and “good value” mentioned in the same sentence. But those words were in frequent use on a recent 14-night Mediterranean cruise on Azamara Quest.  Read more... (106 words, 1 image, estimated 25 secs reading time)

Click here to read a special report featuring Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas in digital format.  Read more... (187 words, 1 image, estimated 45 secs reading time)

You're Aboard Eurodam

Click here to read a special report featuring Holland America Line’s Eurodam in digital format.

Set aside what you’re doing for a moment, and come with me. Together, we will board Holland America Line’s brand new Eurodam for a virtual cruise. I’ll give you a few minutes to pack. Let me know when you’re ready.  Read more... (145 words, 1 image, estimated 35 secs reading time)