My Tour of Norwegian Cruise Lines “Norwegian Pearl”

I toured the Norwegian Pearl on Sunday.  As you come on board you are greeted with champagne and/or orange juice (complimentary).  A very nice welcome (although we weren’t allowed to partake as visitors).  We started our tour at the top of the ship with the Owner’s Suites and Garden & Courtyard Villas.  These accommodations are incredible!  The Owner’s Suites are on deck 15 accessible only by a staircase from Deck 14.  The Courtyard & Garden Villas are on Deck 14 and you much have a key card to access this deck.  Roomy, plush, flat screen TV’s, Espresso machines, private balconies in each room, and community courtyards and sun decks!  These don’t come cheap, but for a family or group traveling together these would be great choices. 

 

From here we moved down to Deck 10 where we had the opportunity to see some standard staterooms, as well as some of the other suite options.  More luxury in the Pink & Blue Diamond Suites. 

From here we went down to the Summer Palace main dining room for lunch.  Spring rolls for an appetizer; lobster bisque and/or watermelon salad for the 2^nd course; choice of rib-eye steak or salmon for the entrée; and a sumtious chocolate dessert.  Served with wine of course, coffee to finish if you liked.  

After lunch we had about an hour to explore the rest of the ship on our own.  I started with the Bliss Lounge, filled with plush seating and beds against the walls – you could get very comfy here.  If you want a little more action you could try out the bowling alleys.  There are two-2 lane alleys on either side of the lounge.  You’d think it might be noisy, but you really don’t hear them.  Then I went to the Stardust Theatre – I wasn’t able to get pictures here because there were people watching a film about Alaska on a large screen.  This is a 3 story theatre done all in blue – stunning. 

I also walked through the Java Café, Art Gallery and past the Reception & Shore Excursion desks which were pretty busy on this embarkation day.  Peeked into the Lotus Garden, Teppanyaki Room, Sushi Bar, Le Bistro restaurants and got a look at Magnum’s Champagne Bar, the Corona Cigar Club and the Pearl Club Casino. 

I moved up from here to the Deck 13 to check out the climbing wall (actually on Deck 14), basketball court, several more lounges and Cagney’s Steakhouse.  Then I went down to Deck 12.  This is where you’ll find the Garden Café, Kid’s Club, Video Arcade, Pools, Spa and Fitness Center, and the pools.  I really loved that there are 2 pools on this deck, with a bandstand in between.  One of the pools has the big slide coming into it, the other has a waterfall at one end.  

Unfortunately, my time aboard the Pearl was over.  I’d had my tour and now it was time for me to disembark, knowing that there were a couple thousand people who’s week long Alaska Cruise adventure was just beginning.

For more pictures, check out my page on Facebook.

Good News from Royal Caribbean Today

Royal Caribbean International® is introducing a new way for guests to purchase their air transportation to and from their cruise with flexibility and peace of mind. With ChoiceAir, guests will be able to choose their preferred airline, specific itineraries, seat assignments and shop for the best prices from nearly all published airline schedules and fares as well as periodic ChoiceAir specials.

At time of booking, ChoiceAir conveniently allows the guest to enter in their frequent flyer information, add an airline special service request and purchase airport-to-seaport ground transfers.
Please see the attached flyers outlining the new program along with a FAQ flyer to answer your questions. 
Thank you again for your continued support of Royal Caribbean International.

Royal Caribbean Changing Bar Service System

Until now, a limited number of bar servers have roamed the main dining rooms to offer beverage service during dinner. As some guests have pointed out, it’s challenging for this number of bar staff to provide timely service to all guests due to the average of one bar staff member for each 150 guests.  Royal Caribbean is changing this and by the end of August the waiters on all of their ships will have taken over the responsibility of offering drinks as their guests are seated and thereafter. The ratio will become one server for each 24 guests. This change should greatly improve the flow and timeliness of beverage service during the dining experience. This also will mean that the bar service and wine orders can be included on one check which will be nice.  Although I must admit, the bar service I have gotten on my cruises has been fabulous – and I’ve always enjoyed getting acquainted with the servers. 

Royal Caribbean is implementing a training program and acknowledges that there will probably be some hiccups in the beginning.  Please be patience and encourage your servers by tipping well.

American Cruise Lines – New East Coast Itinerary

American Cruise Lines has announced a brand new itinerary to its 2010 schedule, the Philadelphia and Potomac Cruise, which will cruise between Philadelphia and the Washington DC area. This eight-day / 7-night cruise aboard the American Spirit will depart from either Philadelphia or Alexandria, VA following the Delaware River, through the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, into the Chesapeake Bay and up the Potomac River.

The new itinerary will give you the opportunity to visit cities and towns that played a role in shaping our nation, including three cities that have all served as the nation’s capital. From Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell to George Washington’s Mt. Vernon, this cruise will be a cornucopia of our nation’s founding history, culture and heritage.

This would be a great opportunity for a family cruise to study American History – imagine what a great experience the kids would have to remember forever.  This Itinerary is scheduled for June 2010 so they wouldn’t even have to miss school.

American Cruise Lines is a small ship cruise line.  The American Spirit holds just 100 passengers.

Should You Take A Cruise??

Almost everyone I talk with who has taken a cruise has absolutely loved it! In fact, cruise vacations have the highest satisfaction rate of any type of vacation!  Once in awhile though, I come across someone who says “I guess we just aren’t cruise people.” Generally after asking them a few questions about why they feel that way, the reality is that they were on the wrong cruise for them. So, how do you know that YOU are on the RIGHT cruise?

• Destination – there are literally hundreds of ports of call for cruise ships around the world. Most people think of the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Hawaii and the Mediterranean. Within these destinations there are probably 100 or more ports of call. There are cruises to Asia, Australia, South America and the South Pacific. What about River Cruises – in Europe, China, Russia and the US. Picking the right Itinerary with the right Ports of Call is very important.
• Cruise Line – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has 23 cruise lines as members. I know of several others, such as Cruise West, which offer wonderful experiences and itineraries even though they are not members of CLIA. Does the cruise line you choose really make a difference? If you crave quiet spaces where you can relax with your book and end up on a cruise line with non stop action all over the ship, or vice versa – the answer is YES, the line you choose can have a big impact on your vacation experience.
• Ship – OK, you’ve found the destination you would like to visit, you’ve chosen the cruise line – does the ship really make any difference? In some cases you won’t have a choice – if you want to go to Aruba on Royal Caribbean there may only be one ship that goes there. But if you want to go to the Eastern Caribbean on Royal Caribbean, and you don’t really care which islands you visit, you may be able to choose between a ship that carries 1900 passengers and one that carries 3400. Or, you may only want to sail on small ships with around 500 passengers (or fewer). In this case you may choose your destination after researching which cruise lines offer smaller ships.  
• Cabin Selection – you say your cabin selection doesn’t really matter because you won’t be in there that much? Well, you may not spend a lot of time in there, but while you’re waiting for your spouse to shower and dress for dinner would you rather be sitting on your bed in an inside cabin with no window or sitting on a lounge chair on your balcony sipping a glass of wine and watching the sunset?  Besides the decision of whether to get an Interior, Oceanview, Verandah or Suite – should you be in the front of the ship, the back, the middle?
• Timing – the time of year you go can impact your enjoyment of the trip quite a lot as well. If you really want to go to Alaska, but hate the cold, you probably don’t want to go at the beginning of May. If your cruise is a once in a lifetime vacation and you have a specific Caribbean island you don’t want to miss, you don’t want to go during Hurricane season when your itinerary could be changed due to storm activity. Number of nights is important as well – as a first time cruiser a shorter cruise may be best to be sure you are “a cruise person”.

These are all important things to take into account when planning your cruise vacation. There are many more, such as what is the occasion for the cruise? Is it a family reunion with a large age range of passengers; your Honeymoon; a girlfriend getaway; an affinity club? Where is the ship sailing from? How much time do you have for your vacation? Do you want a themed cruise? Do you want a lot of cultural activities that tie into the destination?

These are all decisions that a qualified travel agent can help you make.

And now is a great time to book your cruise vacation!  There are lots of specials going on – lowered deposits, special amenities, special pricing and more.  This makes for a wonderful family or group vacation.  And the best thing is that there is no risk!  I know the economy is a little scary right now.  With a cruise vacation your deposit is fully refundable up until the time you make your final payment (usually 60 days prior to cruising).  You can protect yourself even more by taking out travel insurance – some policies cover you for job loss or allow you to cancel for any reason almost up until the day you sail!

Bon Voyage!

What’s Happening in the Riviera Maya?

This area south of Cancun on the East Coast of Mexico is growing so fast it’s hard to keep track.  One of the new All Inclusive resorts is Sandos Playacar Riviera Hotel & Spa.  This is a sister resort of Playacar Beach Resort and Spa and guests have access to both resorts.

 

Sandos Resort has 400 junior and 2-room suites, many have large in-room hot tubs and all have balconies.  Most rooms are in three story buildings containing a few dozen rooms each, but there are also two story hacienda villas which have 10 rooms each.  These haciendas are popular for family reunions, weddings and other special events.  Each has its own private plunge pool.

 

The property at Sandos is shaded with palm trees and other foliage and it is just a short walk between the 2 resorts.  The sister properties share a new spa with 22 treatment rooms, each with a private shower.  There is also a fitness center with spinning, yoga and aerobic classes – these facilities are free other than the actual spa treatments.

 

The Beach Resort also has a kids program.  Once every week they take over the 600 seat theater performing in Disney character costumes and skits.  The disco is for teens only until 10PM when it changes to adults only. 

 

Each resort has several restaurants serving gourmet meals. For those of you who want the VIP treatment there is a hotel-within-a-hotel component called the Royal Club.  For only $25 extra per day you can have features such as private check-in, a dedicated concierge and a private club room with free top-shelf brand liquors and Internet access.

 

While in the Riviera Maya there are a couple of things you shouldn’t miss.  Snorkeling and Scuba Diving are fabulous here.  The Mayan ruins of Tulum are close by.  And the Dolphin Discovery where you have an opportunity to swim and play with the dolphins.

New Wine Bar in Gig Harbor, Washington

I know I usually write about exotic, tropical destinations like Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean, but I just have to share with you how wonderful this new wine bar is in my new home of Gig Harbor.  I had the house to myself last night and debated whether to just stay in and enjoy the silence, or venture out.  I needed a couple of things from the grocery store so as long as I was going out anyway I decided to check out the Forza / Harbor Greens Wine Bar.

 

When I walked in the door I was immediately greeted by Chad, one of the owners, who offered to help me find a table.  The little bar was packed and there were no tables available so he brought me a chair so I could sit at the counter.  He brought me a wine list and menu and explained that food is available Wednesday – Saturday, but wine is available 7 days a week.  He offered his wine suggestions and went off to get me my glass.  I liked that you could buy wine by the glass, ½ glass or bottle. 

 

By the time he returned with my wine, I had perused the food menu and chosen the Bruschetta.  It had mozzarella, prosciutto, a spicy red pepper jelly and balsamic vinegar (if I remember correctly).  You could also get salads, sandwiches, several other “small plates” and desserts. 

 

I relaxed with my wine and listened to the music provided by Dave Calhoun who does Jimmy Buffett style music and dresses in tropical shirts and shorts.  (See, there is a tie in with my tropical theme.)  The bar has music on Friday and Saturday nights.

 

My bruschetta arrived soon and looked really good.  I took a bite and the flavors just exploded in my mouth – I even mmmm’d aloud.  I thought to myself – these 4 pieces are not going to be enough, I could eat this all night.  About 10 seconds later, Nathan, one of the waiters stopped by and said “excellent choice” and asked how I liked it.  10 seconds earlier he wouldn’t have needed to ask because he would have heard me. 

 

I enjoyed good food, good wine and good music in the hour and a half or so that I spent at the Wine Bar.  The service was excellent – several employees stopped by to see if I needed anything.  They are all helpful in suggesting wines and food – the menu does suggest wine pairings that will go with each dish.  The bar was packed the whole time I was there so apparently others were enjoying the relaxed atmosphere as well.

 

I look forward to going back soon so that I can try some of the other delicious sounding dishes and wines.  And because this is also a coffee bar, my niece and her son can go with me – we can get a reasonably priced meal and glass of wine, then go next door to the Harbor Greens market for fabulous fresh produce, meats, fresh seafood and a huge wine selection. 

 

If you want to learn more about how Forza Coffee Shop became Forza Wine Bar click here for an article in the Peninsula Gateway.  This bar is not next to the water here in Gig Harbor, but it is only a couple of minutes off the Olympic Drive exit of Highway 16.  Just take a left at the light coming off the freeway (if heading west on 16) and look for Harbor Greens market on your right.  You won’t be sorry.

 

 

Mexico Travel Advisories

We’ve all been hearing a lot on the news lately regarding the violence in Mexico.  Since I have been posting some information on travel ideas to Mexico I thought I should address this issue.

 

Most of the violence has been in the border towns.  If you are going to one of the established tourist areas you should be fine.  Here is part of what the US State Dept. has to say:

 

“While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently.  It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim.  Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

 

U.S.citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities.  Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks.  Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.”

 

If you would like to read the full report, visit the US State Dept. website. 

Puerto Vallarta’s International Gourmet Festival

Need an extra reason to head south when the cold weather gets cold here in the Pacific Northwest?  How about the International Gourmet Festival  in Puerto Vallarta in November?  Established in 1995, this year will be the 15^th anniversary.  This 10 day, city wide event has more than 24 participating restaurants, educational gourmet programs and 20 renowned chefs from around the world. 

 

Every evening each of the participating restaurants offers a Gourmet a la Carte menu.  You can also enjoy Winemaker’s evenings; Cooking Demonstrations; Wine & Cheeses of the Worlds tasting; and don’t miss the Chef’s Hell Raising night!

 

You could even extend your stay and enjoy an escorted, food-focused package to other areas of Mexico including hands-on cooking classes and excursions to local markets and eateries. 

 

Just one more good reason to head to Puerto Vallarta this fall!

Somma Wine Spa

I read a lot of travel industry and travel magazines to try to stay current with what’s new in the travel world.  I haven’t had a chance to check this out myself, but it’s high on my list of places to go. 

 

The Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos has opened their Somma Wine Spa, one of 6 wine-themed spas around the world, which incorporate the antioxidants and other natural benefits of wine into spa treatments – and even offer up some wine tasting to go with it.  What could be better than drinking wine and being pampered at the same time.

 

You might want to try a chromotherapy bath infused with merlot, or a couples’ massage which incorporates a private Jacuzzi soak and a wine tasting with hors d’oeuvres.

 

I want to indulge in the Barefoot Dining Experience which blends reflexology on the beach with a lavish dinner beneath the stars, including wine tasting of course.  The chocolate body wrap and Chardonnay bubble bath both entice me as well.  Or maybe a facial – should I choose the Merlot, Lambrusco, Honey, Bamboo, or Honey & Chardonnay.  Oh, the choices – I just have to get there first!

 

Here is what their website says about Somma Wine Spa:

 

“The SOMMA Wine Spa is devoted to life, serenity and longevity. The latest developments in cosmetology, antioxidants and relaxation therapies are combined with a menu of innovative and exclusive wine-based treatments to make SOMMA one of the most unique spas in all of Mexico. The ambiance is peaceful and modern. From the moment you enter the beautiful interior, you will start to feel your body relax. A subtle sophistication surrounds you as the bustle of daily life melts away.

Wines from the Mediterranean and Baja California aren’t the only natural ingredients used at SOMMA. Chocolate, olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, lavender, hot stones, bamboo and other organic products are infused into various treatments.”

 

I hope you enjoy dreaming about these wonderful treatments as much as I do.  Hope to see you there!

 

The spa is not the only thing that Fiesta Americana has to offer – there is a secluded beach, 5 pools, 3 restaurants, a kids club and 2 golf courses.