family cruise vacation ideas

Best cruise ship horn battle!!

Filed under: Blog — Tags: battle, best, cruise, horn, ship — @ 1:30 pm December 3, 2011

Princess Cruise Lines Diamond Princess and Sun Princess fairwell each other in Melbourne, Australia. Huge horn battle between the two, catching eyes all over the Melbourne bayside.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Cruise Ship Jobs – Activities

Filed under: Blog — Tags: activities, cruise, jobs, ship — @ 1:30 pm December 2, 2011

Cruise Ship Jobs – Activities

There’s one way to see the world without spending a lot of money – working on a cruise ship. And there’s no better department to work in than the activities department. This section offers those who like working with people the chance to see such far away destinations as Panama Canal and Antarctica, without breaking the bank. If you’re ready to work hard, and receive lots of job satisfaction in return, then consider working in a cruise line’s activity department in one of the following capacities below.

Activity coordinator
This person coordinates all of the different activities on board by ensuring that the activity staff is doing their jobs. The coordinator should enjoy interacting with others and have a talent for supervising others. Experience in the field (not necessarily aboard a ship) is a plus.

Lecturers
Besides plenty of food, cruise lines are also known for their outstanding lecture series on board.

If you enjoy public speaking and have knowledge about the different destinations, then this position would be ideal.

Host/hostess
This person is responsible for greeting passengers when they board, and they help set up any special requests that passengers might have such as an onboard birthday party or other social gathering. This person should enjoy interacting and helping others.

Arts and crafts instructor
These positions require experience in teaching arts and crafts. They should also be artistic. Usually, the instructor will be responsible for supplying the materials for the class.

Shore excursion manager
A huge part of cruising is the shore excursion piece. Cruises hire a shore excursion manager to help drum up business for the cruise line’s shore excursion packages.

This person is responsible for supervising the shore excursion staff, as well as promoting and selling the trips to the passengers on board. In addition, this person oversees all of the monetary transactions and accounting. The position is suitable for someone who is organized and has experience with sales and marketing.

Shore excursion staff
These staff members work under the shore excursion manager’s direction. They are responsible for manning the tour sales desk and they also deal with passenger complaints. They need to be personable and they should enjoy interacting with others, even under times of stress.

Hurricane season offers one of the best opportunities for real good cruise deals
http://www.lastminutecruises.com

MSC Poesia is Here! MSC Cruises’ Ship Arrives for Inaugural Caribbean Season

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: arrives, caribbean, cruises, here, inaugural, msc, poesia, season, ship — libertees @ 1:03 pm December 1, 2011

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – Welcomed by local and port officials and popular television star and entrepreneur Suzanne Somers, MSC Poesia arrived in Port Everglades today to begin her inaugural season of Caribbean sailings.

“We are very excited to introduce MSC Poesia to North America,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc. “It is an elegant ship in every respect – spectacular public areas, and a wealth of choices for dining, entertainment and activities, all with a style that epitomizes MSC cruises.” 

Somers presented Sasso with a plaque commemorating the ship’s arrival.

MSC Poesia is poetry in motion and we are excited to have her sail to our shores,” said Port Everglades Director Phil Allen. The Italian, family-owned line is bringing the elegant MSC Poesia to Fort Lauderdale for a season featuring itineraries of 3, 5, 7, 8 and 10 nights throughout the Caribbean and to Bermuda during the winter season before returning to Europe in spring 2010.

MSC Poesia features 1,275 staterooms, of which 80% are outside staterooms and 65% have a balcony. Guests can enjoy 2 pools and 4 hot tubs, a 13,000-square-foot spa, and four restaurants, including a Sushi Bar themed restaurant.

MSC Poesia arrived in Fort Lauderdale this morning after a 17-night transatlantic journey from Venice. Her Caribbean season will include:

•    5-night sailings: Nov. 10 and Nov. 15
•    10-night itineraries – Nov. 20, Nov. 30, Dec. 10
•    7-night Christmas itinerary, departing Dec. 20
•    7-night New Year’s itinerary, departing Dec. 27
•    7-night itineraries – a variety of eastern and western itineraries Jan. 16-April 10
•    7-night Bermuda itinerary – departing April 17, features 3 nights in Bermuda
•    3-night Bahamas cruise, departing April 24

MSC Poesia departs Fort Lauderdale April 27 on an 18-night voyage to Hamburg.

During the 2009-10 season, MSC Poesia will host an extensive lineup of theme cruises, including:

•    President’s Cruise: Nov. 10, 2009 — 5-night “Caribbean Escape”
•    Latin Music: Jan. 23, 2010 — 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”
•    Comedy: Jan. 30 2010 — 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”
•    Country Music: Feb. 20, 2010 — 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”
•    Oldies Music: March 20, 2010 — 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Dream”
•    Festa Italiana: April 10, 2010 — 7-night “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”
•    Baseball Greats: Nov. 20, 2009 10-night “Dazzling Dutch Caribbean & The Panama Canal”; 7-night sailings: Jan. 16, 2010 and Feb. 6, 2010 “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”; March 6, 2010 “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”; April 3, 2010 “Eastern Caribbean Dream.”
•    Big Band: Dec. 10, 2009 — 10-night “Remarkable Rainforests & The Panama Canal”
•    Polka: Jan. 9, 2010 — 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”
•    Baseball Greats & Big Band: Feb. 27, 2010 — 7-night “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”
•    Life Modification Cruise: January 16, 2010—7 night “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”

On each sailing, guests will enjoy the line’s highly acclaimed entertainment, European-style ambiance, dishes from “La Cucina Italiana,” and top-of-the-line pampering.

For more information on MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or a local travel professional.

Press author for Mediterranean Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Bill Ospring brings news of MSC to cruise fans. Topics vary from MSC in the industry, new ships, and deals for cruises to the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Europe and theme cruise packages.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/msc-poesia-is-here-msc-cruises-ship-arrives-for-inaugural-caribbean-season-1471631.html

Cruise Ship Vacations — 10 Secrets Experienced Cruisers Know That Will Make Your Cruise Better

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: better, cruise, cruisers, experienced, secrets, ship, vacations, will — libertees @ 1:03 am November 26, 2011

Cruise ship vacations are a great way to travel, relax and visit exotic lands. Every cruise I take I learn something new that makes my next trip more enjoyable. Here are 10 secrets that will make all your cruise ship vacations memorable.

1. Most cruise lines offer special discounts for past guests, police officers and firefighters, military personnel (active duty, retired, and sometimes even veterans with as little as 2 years service), senior citizens, airline employees and more. I had already been on several cruises before I found out I was eligible for a military discount. Don’t rely on your travel agent to point it out. In fact, it was a fellow passenger who gave me this hot tip. You can find this information on the cruiseline’s website, but it might take a little digging. (Hint: start at FAQ or search for ‘special cruise pricing.’) It’s worth the effort — the military discount I received applied to both me and my wife and was very generous.

2. When you’re booking your cruise, you may be able to choose where you want your cabin — toward the front of the ship, the rear or the middle; upper decks or lower. Generally, the higher the deck, the more expensive the cabin. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your location:
~ being close to the elevators might be convenient, but it can also be noisy. This is especially true of service elevators.
~ avoid being under the disco or gym because you’ll hear people partying late into the night or working out early in the morning.
~ the front and rear of the ship can be noisy from anchors and propellers.

3. The elevators get crowded, especially at mealtimes and when getting off the ship in port. I always push both call buttons and get on whichever elevator gets there first. Even if I have to go the opposite direction, I found it’s still faster than waiting in the lobby for the right elevator.

4. To save closet space in your cabin, slide your suitcases under the bed after unpacking. You won’t need them until it’s time to disembark.

5. If you attend any of the shopping and excursion orientations, sit up front. They frequently throw free stuff out into the audience to build excitement.

6. Some cruise ships have a cruise director’s TV show to keep guests informed about the ship’s activities. Call or write in with comments or questions and you’ll likely win a free bottle of champagne or other gift. Cruise directors love guests who participate.

7. Bring a small flashlight or plug in night light. The cabins get very dark, especially inside cabins.

8. There’s always plenty of food on a cruise ship, but try not to overdo it. Set food goals. If you have a big breakfast, have a light lunch. Maybe the next day do the opposite. Try to balance what you eat in terms of carbs, proteins, sweets, etc.

9. Instead of waiting in the buffet line for breakfast and hoping you’ll find a table, eat breakfast in the dining room. It’s hardly ever crowded and you’ll get some great choices for breakfast that you probably won’t see on the buffet line.

10. Pack a travellers first aid kit with sun block, aspirin, bandaids, ointment, and be sure to include insect repellent. On a recent cruise we toured a zoo in the jungles of Belize, and the insects were overwhelming! My wife came back covered in bug bites. While cruise ships have a medical doctor on board, there’s a charge to see the doc… it can be pretty expensive for treatment of minor mishaps.

These 10 simple tips will make your cruise ship vacations more enjoyable. Each time you cruise and pick up new tips, jot them down so you’ll remember them when it’s time for your next cruise.

Want to see what cruise ships are really like? See all the major cruise lines, ships and ports of call through the eyes (or camera lens) of the passengers. Visit http://cruisevacations.vocalpointmedia.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/cruise-ship-vacations-10-secrets-experienced-cruisers-know-that-will-make-your-cruise-better-1447706.html

Differences in Cruise Ship Cabin Options

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: cabin, cruise, differences, options, ship — libertees @ 1:02 pm November 6, 2011

A cruise is an extremely popular vacation choice, and for good reason. Whether you want to spend hours lounging on a sun-drenched deck with a book, or hop from port to port, soaking up rich foreign cultures, a cruise can deliver. Cruises offer relaxation, adventure and luxury.

But before you book your next vacation, it’s important to decide what kind of cruise ship cabin will fit your needs. Just as hotels offer standard rooms, suites and more extravagant options, so do cruise ships. The price of your cruise ticket will depend largely on what kind of cabin you choose. Use this quick cruise ship cabin overview to help you plan your trip.

Inside or Lower Level Cruise Ship Cabins

If your room doesn’t have a window, it is typically called an inside, interior or lower level cabin. Cabins that are below the waterline and only have a small porthole fall into this category as well. These are the cheapest cabins, and for good reason — unless you walk out to deck, you probably won’t be able to tell if it’s day or night.

Cruise ships have changed a lot in the past several decades. Today’s interior cabins are often brightly lit and cheerful, rather than the gloomy closets with bunk beds that were once found at the lower levels. Generally, lower level cabins are just as nice as most hotel rooms — they just don’t have windows. If you’re on a budget and these are the only rooms in your price range, rest assured that it probably won’t affect your overall cruise experience. Between the exciting ports of call and the huge selection of on-board activities, you won’t be spending much time in your cabin anyway.

Moderately Priced Cruise Ship Rooms

If you can’t stand the thought of a windowless cabin, check out the next step up in price. These rooms may let in a little light, but often, they’re found in inconvenient locations on the ship, or are smaller than the lower level cabins. Depending on the cruise ship, there might be multiple rooms within the “moderate” range. Some ships have 15 to 20 different price points on rooms, most falling in this level. So how can you be sure that you’re getting the best cabin for the price?

Before booking a room, consider at two important factors: location and size. You want to be close enough to the activities and amenities you enjoy, but if your room is right beside the bar, it might be hard to sleep at night. And keep in mind that a smaller room that’s closer to prime activity hubs may be the same price as a larger room that’s in a less convenient location. Take the time to consider what’s important to you on your vacation.

Cruise Ship Veranda Cabins

Rooms with balconies are called veranda cabins. These cabins are a popular choice for couples, and allow guests to have some private outdoor space. The balcony may look out over the ocean or over the deck. Some veranda cabins will fall into the moderate price range, while others will start to get a bit expensive for most people on a budget. Once again, size and location are the two main factors.

Cruise Ship Suites

Like hotels, most cruises have suites on all decks for guests who want a more luxurious vacation. Suites are at least two rooms, but may have as many as five or six. As you’d expect, they’re typically fancier than most other rooms, and include better televisions and bigger beds. Certain suites even feature personal hot tubs. Depending on the cruise ship, some suites include access to a private VIP deck, pool and lounge areas, which are typically quieter and less crowded. Sometimes, cruise ships even have exclusive restaurants and other facilities for those in VIP suites.

Other Types of Cruise Ship Rooms

Cruise ships try to cater to the tastes and needs of their guests. Most ships have rooms for smokers (though some are completely smoke free). You can also find cruise ships that have handicapped accessible rooms, which are located on main decks that are close to activities. Many ships also offer cabins that are linked together, which is perfect for larger families, or travelers with teens who still need some supervision.

Whichever cabin you decide is right for you, be sure to book it early. Even if there are still tickets left, there is no guarantee that the room you want will be available. Some cruises only have a few suites, for example, and others have very few rooms available at the lowest price point. Book your cruise early and make sure you request the specific room you want. Cruise lines sometimes fill up fast, so be prepared with backup options on the ship, or on another cruise if you don’t get your first choice.

Ryan Anderson is a freelance writer who writes about vacationing, often discussing a specific kind trip such as discount cruises.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/differences-in-cruise-ship-cabin-options-1377620.html

Researching Your Cruise Ship Options

Filed under: Blog — Tags: cruise, options, Researching, ship — @ 12:35 am September 27, 2011

Researching Your Cruise Ship Options

There are a large number of cruise lines that operate numerous cruise ships.  In fact, there are so many cruise ships available that many individuals, maybe even yourself included, do not know where to start.

The first step in planning a cruise ship vacation is making the decision to take one.  Traveling aboard a cruise ship can be a fun and exciting experience, but it is not for everyone.  Cruises ships often require residing in close corridors for an extend period of time.  If you have a difficult time dealing with crowds or you are looking for an overnight vacation, you may want to reexamine your decision to schedule a cruise ship vacation.  

If you have already decided that a cruise ship vacation is what you want, you will need to find a cruise ship that interests you. This is where many individuals develop a problem.  As previously mentioned, there are a number of different cruise lines. Each of these cruises lines operates a number of different cruise ships.  Each cruise ship is likely to travel to different destinations and offer different activities, services, and facilities.  

When searching for the perfect cruise ship, you have numerous options.  Many travelers automatically start searching for the cruise ship of their dreams. Searching for a cruise ship is, in a way, different than searching for a cruise line.  If you do not have a preference as to which cruise ship line youd like to travel with, it may be easier to search for cruises based on themes, destinations, or onboard activities.  A standard internet search is a great way to educate yourself on the cruise ships available.  

If you prefer to travel with a specific cruise line, you will want to research that particular cruise line.  You can visit the cruise lines online website to further educate yourself or else you can perform a standard internet search.  If you are unaware of the cruise line selection you have, you can easily familiarize yourself.  There are a number of travel websites that offer information and links to the websites of popular cruise lines.  Performing an internet search with the keywords cruise lines, is likely to produce a large number of results.  

In your search, it is likely that you will come up with popular cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruse Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, and much more.  Once you are able to view the online website of each cruise line, you can begin to search for cruise ships with reservations still available.  When browsing through each cruise ship, you will likely be presented with standard information. This information may outline the activities available onboard, destinations, travel stops, and the cost of reserving a cabin.  

The Disney Cruise Line is one of the most well-known and sought after cruise lines for individuals vacationing with a family.  If you are interested in scheduling a Disney cruise, you will see that the two cruise ships used are named Disney Wonder and Disney Magic.  Each ship has onboard Disney characters and beautiful dcor.  The main differences between the two ships are the character statues found onboard.

Carnival Cruise Lines is well-known among frequent travelers.  They offer a wide range of cruises; however, their main focus seems to be on fun cruises.  When researching Carnival Cruise Lines, you will see that they have over 20 fun ships.  These ships target cruise goers who are interested in socializing, partying, and having an adventure over the water.  Popular cruise ships include, but are not limited to Fantasy, Ecstasy, Celebration Fascination, and Sensation.  

Royal Caribbean is another one of the many well-known cruise lines in the world. They are famous for their international cruises.  Just a few of their many cruise ships include Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas.  With twenty-one cruise ships, you are sure to find what you are looking for with Royal Caribbean

Researching each cruise line and cruise ships, individually, may take time.  If you are pressed for time you can seek the assistance of a travel agent.  Whichever method of research you select, research is important. It is the best way to find the perfect cruise ship for you and your family.

Written by Hiero

Common Cruise Ship Amenities

Filed under: Blog — Tags: Amenities, Common, cruise, ship — @ 6:36 pm August 31, 2011

Common Cruise Ship Amenities

Are you interested in taking a cruise?  If so, you are not alone.  Each year a large number of individuals consider vacationing aboard a cruise ship.  If you have never been on a cruise ship before, you may be wondering what activities, facilities, and services can be found onboard.  The activities found onboard a cruise ship will vary from ship to ship, but many cruise ships have a number of activities and services in common.

Some of the most well-known facilities found on cruise ships are dining halls, restaurants, and cafeterias.  Large cruise ships may offer a number of onboard dining facilities.  It is important to note that many of these dining facilities are considered upscale restaurants.  In addition to a sit-down restaurant, there area usually a number of small eateries located onboard.  Elegant dining restaurants are popular among cruisers.  To ensure that you are able to enjoy an elegant meal, you are encouraged to schedule a reservation as soon as you board the ship.

Aside from dining facilities, bars and dancehalls are also found on most cruise ships. As with most of the bars and dancehalls found on land, there may be age restrictions in place.  If you are traveling with your family, they may have to complete other activities while you enjoy the nightlight over the seas.  If this should occur, you are in luck because most cruise ships have daycare centers and other activities geared towards children of all ages.

When it comes to placing your child in the care of a ships daycare center, you are urged to quickly familiarize yourself with the staff.  This familiarization may help to calm your nerves.  It is also important to note that cruise ship employees are often closely monitored, highly educated, and properly trained.  While it may be difficult at first, you should feel comfortable leaving your child in the care of a cruise ship childcare worker.

Childcare is ideal for smaller children; however, if you are traveling with a teenager, daycare may not be an option.  Swimming pools, libraries, video arcades, and movie theaters can often be found on cruise ships.  Adult supervision is a policy that prevents children under a certain age from roaming freely around the ship.  
Teenagers may be able to visit these facilities without adult supervision.  Each cruise ship is likely to have different adult supervision policies.  You are encouraged to review these policies before purchasing your tickets.

In addition to the above mentioned bars and dancehalls, gaming halls or casinos can be found on most cruise ships.  As with gambling on land, there are age limits on those that can gamble aboard a cruise ship.  Popular gambling activities include slots, blackjack, poker, and much more.  Many onboard casinos are open for business twenty-four hours a day.  Gambling is a popular cruise ship pastime.  If you are booking a cruise just to gamble, you may want to further explore the gambling options aboard each ship.

Cruise ship operators know that many travelers take a cruise to escape their daily routines.  Unfortunately for some, one routine that cannot be left behind is exercise.  That is why almost all cruise ships have onsite fitness centers and fully equipped gyms.  These gyms are often similar, and sometimes even better, than the gyms found in your hometown.  In addition to a fitness center, a large number of cruise ships have jogging tracks.  

If a particular activity or event is the only reason why you are interested in booking a cruise, you are urged to physically check for that event or activity before making your reservation. The above mentioned services, facilities, and activities are found on a number of popular cruise lines. These cruise lines are likely to include, but are not limited to, Carnival Cruise Lines, Paradise Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises.  With the click of a mouse or a toll free phone call, you can easily determine if your favorite activities can be found aboard the cruise ship of your choice.

Written by Hiero

Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship Evaluation

Filed under: Blog — Tags: cruise, Epic, Evaluation, Norwegian, ship — @ 9:38 am August 27, 2011

Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship Evaluation

Article by Gustavo Burton

I was invited to attend the unique 2-evening (July 2 – 3, 2010) pre-inaugural sailing for NCL’s latest and greatest ship, the Norwegian Epic. Departing from NY City, the sailing started with the ship’s naming ceremony, which was hosted by comedian Jeff Garlin and featured the ship’s godmother, Reba McEntire. Adding to the festivities was the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display which was broadcast dwell from the Epic on nationwide television (WNBC). It included musical performances by Justin Bieber, Enrique Iglesias and LeeAnn Rimes. As I have experienced many instances in the past, the people at NCL seriously know how to throw a party! But let’s focus on their new ship, the Epic.The “Hardware”When discussing the bodily attributes of a cruise ship (i.e., it’s layout and physical appearance), business pros often refer to the ship’s “hardware”. So, let’s get started there.At 153,000 tons with a passenger capability of four,one hundred (primarily based on double occupancy), the Norwegian Epic is, by far, the largest ship in the NCL fleet. In actuality, with the exception of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas (which was launched in December 2009), NCL’s Epic is among the largest cruise ships at sea. It is also one particular of the most uniquely created cruise ships that I have ever been on (…and I’ve been on quite a few). In most situations, that “uniqueness” is a quite constructive attribute which displays the thoughtfulness and consideration that the Epic’s designers should have compensated to maximizing the use of room to accomplish a considerably greater, extensive-open “feel” to all of the ship’s public places. And, the way that a single spot just appeared to “flow” into the subsequent (with no the “cookie-cutter” rigidity occasionally discovered on cruise ships) was really outstanding. But, in a number of places, I did not perceive the distinctive style of the ship to be an advantage. For instance, the exterior form of the ship seemed a bit “odd” to me. The bow is somewhat “stubby-looking” and the stern is “squared-off” so that the ship does not have a “sleek” look from the exterior. Adding to the irregular search is a substantial 3-deck appendage that was seemingly “plopped” on top of the front part as an afterthought (or, additional probable, to further maximize the ship’s interior room). Of course, the ship’s designers had to make some “trade-off’s” to achieve every thing they did within the ship and, right after all, from a passenger’s point of view, the interior style and design is far additional critical.The decor of the Epic is contemporary and fairly a lot more “toned-down” than other NCL ships. Obtaining around was not really as simple because of the ship’s exceptional interior style. Rather than getting its public areas running at a uniform width by way of the middle of the ship, the Epic’s interior gave the illusion of being developed that way but, in various unique areas, the interior width of the ship would seemingly range and you would go to the appropriate or to the left to enter one more venue. So, just when I believed I had seen the overall ship, I would find out a new region. Having been on around 50 cruise ships, I found the layout of the Epic to be really intriguing and “refreshing”.The MealsConsidering that all eating places offer a assortment of culinary selections, any evaluation of meals is influenced not only by particular taste but also by what things are chosen from the menu. For instance, on the first evening, my spouse and I ate at the Manhattan Area, 1 of the ship’s main dining locations. She had a chicken dish, which she evaluated as “OK”, although I had scallops which were extremely good. Like all public regions on the Epic, the layout and décor of the Manhattan Room was a tribute to the ship’s designers. Extensive open and “airy”, the Manhattan Place had the glimpse and really feel of a good dinner theater. In reality, I was somewhat amazed when our dinner host (one particular of NCL’s executives) knowledgeable us that the Manhattan Space was not a specialty restaurant. The other primary dining space, appropriately referred to as “Taste”, was also extremely nicely laid-out and pleasing to the eye. At the center of Taste is a lovely chandelier (claimed to be the largest at sea) that spirals down from the deck above. Although I did not consume in Taste, I am informed that the menu is the very same as the Manhattan Area, so I would presume our evaluation of the meals would have been about the same (i.e., “OK” to “very good”, depending on the entre’ chosen and, of course, private taste).1 of the hallmarks of NCL’s acclaimed “Freestyle Cruising” is the selection of dining alternatives and, not surprisingly, the Epic normally requires this function to a new stage. In addition to the two major dining places, the Epic presents 17 other dining venues, each with its personal cuisine and ambiance. This incorporates the spacious principal buffet place (the “Garden Cafe”), in which the food was constantly clean and of higher-good quality (albeit with fairly less range than we’ve skilled on some other ships). It also contains the poolside grill (“Spice H2O”), “O’Sheehan’s” (a massive, sprawling pub that grew to become the meeting put and “social nucleus” for many of the ship’s guests) and numerous specialty eating places this kind of as La Cucina Italian restaurant (which was even much more attractively decorated on the Epic than on other NCL ships), Tepanyaki Japanese grill (a lot greater than on other NCL ships) and Le Bistro French restaurant just to title a handful of. Each and every of the specialty restaurants has a “cover charge” (which ranges from to per man or woman) but, in my opinion, they are all properly really worth the income.On this pre-inaugural cruise, I attempted two of the specialty eating places, Cagney’s steakhouse and Moderno Churrascaria, a Brazilian “all-you-can-eat” barbeque in which visitors signal their servers with a green card (“Okay, I’m prepared for more”) or a red card (“No far more, please. I’m stuffed”). My wife and I have raved about Cagney’s steakhouse on a number of other Norwegian cruise ships (e.g., the NCL Dawn, the NCL Gem and the NCL Jewel) and we liked it just as considerably on the Epic. On the other hand, we were not practically as impressed with the Epic’s Moderno Churrascaria, which is the initially these kinds of restaurant on any cruise ship. The salad bar was absolutely wonderful (in particular the plump shrimp and wonderful gourmet cheeses) but, other than the sirloin (which the servers reduce proper in front of you), my spouse and I had been equally disappointed with the good quality of the meats. Ironically, my son Greg (who is CEO of Immediate Line Cruises) and many of our workers members tried Moderno Churrascaria and actually liked it. So, don’t get my phrase for it.For far more information about “shower door NYC”, you need to go to: shower door NYCThe ServiceA cruise passenger’s perception of onboard service is so typically dependent upon who their stateroom attendant was and which waiters / waitresses served their meals. Considering that my wife and I began Direct Line Cruises, there have been various circumstances in which diverse clientele on the very same precise cruise would report radically distinct program levels. So, at very best, any evaluation of program really should be taken only as a generalization based mostly on minimal person experiences though onboard.Getting prefaced this component of my review (to “cover my tail” in scenario the reader has a distinct practical experience), my spouse and I identified the program on the NCL Epic to be consistent with what we’ve knowledgeable on other NCL cruise ships (i.e., quite excellent with only minor exceptions).Enjoyment And ActivitiesIt may possibly be very difficult to think but the exhibit by the Blue Man Group in fact exceeds NCL’s hype! It was the most exceptional (…yes, I’m employing that phrase once again…) and specialized act I’ve witnessed on any cruise ship. Completely humorous and entertaining, I would rather see that display evening following evening than to sit by way of some of the very same outdated “Broadway song-and-dance” shows I’ve witnessed on so several other cruise ships. The Blue Man efficiency was in the ship’s most important theatre which, considering the size of the Epic, was reasonably tiny (with a seating capacity of underneath 600 people today). On the other hand, despite that simple fact, the theatre was not “packed” due to the fact, steady with NCL’s idea of “Freestyle Cruising”, the Epic was intended with several enjoyment venues, each and every supplying a diverse display.In addition to Blue Guy Group, the NCL Epic showcased “Legends In Concert”, which featured impersonated performances by Elvis, Madonna, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and other “super-stars”. If you like this type of factor, you will probably get pleasure from it extremely much. Otherwise, you could discover it to be “OK”, as I did.An additional Epic “first” is Cirque Dreams and Dinner which is performed by an exceptionally talented group of acrobats in a distinctive theater-in-the-round referred to as the Spiegel Tent. Several of our employees members noticed this exhibit and mentioned that it was incredibly very good but, possibly, a bit also long. My spouse and I noticed a extremely various present in the Spiegel Tent. Our 3-yr-aged granddaughter, who we had been ready to provide with us, is a big fan of “Dora the Explorer” and “Diego” and she just cherished the Nickelodeon character breakfast which, in addition to Dora and Diego, also featured “Sponge Bob Square Pants”, “Jimmy Neutron” and other folks. In an unique offer with NCL, the Nickelodeon characters are presently appearing on the Epic and the NCL Jewel (which now sails 12 months-round out of

There Are Numerous Cruise Ship Jobs As The Cruise Ship Industry Is Booming

Filed under: Blog — Tags: Booming, cruise, Industry, jobs, Numerous, ship — @ 6:36 am August 14, 2011

There Are Numerous Cruise Ship Jobs As The Cruise Ship Industry Is Booming

Despite the economic downtrend, the cruise ship industry is said to be experiencing a booming business.  Cruise ship jobs abound, because in 2009 alone, eleven new ships have become fully operational. The shipping industry posted 12.6 million departures from U.S. ports last year which is an indication of the vigorous trend of cruise ship activities that will provide additional cruise ship jobs for 2010. It is projected that about more than 14 million North Americans will be boarding cruise ships this coming year.      

A cruise ship is said to have in its employ about 500 at the least and 1,500 at the most in terms of crew staff and support groups. If the continuous boom in the shipping industry will be maintained, the major projections from cruise ship companies will result to additional 5 to 10 new luxury sea vessels that will ply the seas each year. At 5 new ships needing manpower at the very least figure of 500 per ship, that will be additional 2.500 new cruise ships jobs every year  to fill in.    

You might wonder why there’s a high rate of turnover in cruise ship jobs, lest you think that this is a negative factor. Actually, cruise ship workers themselves don’t really stay on because they take cruise ship jobs only during vacations or spring breaks. Some of the regulars get promoted while some others try to find variety by changing cruise ships or cruise lines. Others have amassed considerable savings and have returned home to begin a new life.

This is not far from happening because the average cruise ship job contract may last for three months at the least and nine months of the most. Most of your cruise ships earnings will not be spent since your living expenses are practically free while your medical insurance is at the expense of the cruise line company.  Not to mention the tips you can get from guests who will be happy with your services. Although this is not something you should expect from all the guests but just one of the amenities of a cruise ship job of attending to the passengers’ needs.    

Cruise ship jobs can be the most lucrative form of employment because of all the perks and benefits that come along with it. While on board you will be staying in a stateroom shared with another cruise staff while all your meals are free. If you find yourself docking at a distant land you can take a plane bound for home. Medical insurance is free and even your laundry services will be rendered free. As a cruise ship support group, you will be entitled to discounts at the ship’s stores and even in some of the bars, restaurants and shops on land. As if those benefits are not enough, your family and friends will be entitled to pay cruise rates at reduced prices when traveling aboard the company’s cruise ships.       

Another indication of how cruise ship business is getting a good boost from increasing cruise passengers are seventeen new ports of call in the US which include New York City, New Orleans, Baltimore, Mobile and Charleston. In fact, cruise ship jobs will expand their itineraries all across the globe.   

Curious now as to what kinds of cruise ship jobs await you? Work opportunities have a wide range of selection, from deckhand to ship officers. There are also manpower requirements for repairs and maintenance crew, tour guides, bartenders, food and beverage handlers, waiters, servers, gift shop personnel, recreation organizers, fitness directors, swimming pool lifeguards and so many more. You will surely find one that will fit your expertise or experience.  

The good thing about cruise ship job openings is that there is no strict requirement for cruise ship experience. You can have any service related work experience in hotels, restaurants, night clubs, bars, boutiques, libraries, retail stores, health clubs, museums and a long list where you will surely have one to indicate as your work experience.    

Find yourself a cruise ship job website which can help you prepare to land a cruise ship job. Get ideas on the kind of interview question to expect, document and licensing requirements where necessary, different travel tips and advice in informative materials. However, you may have to register as a member and pay a certain fee upon registration.

Nevertheless, you can always research the Internet for any information you’ll need or post questions at forum sites and ask opinions from others who have had experiences in cruise ship jobs.  

For more useful information, please visit our website: THE KNOWLEDGE BASE, and look for the TRAVEL section.

Written by ja_schmidt

Are you Thinking About your Next Get-Away Trip? Try a Cruise Ship Vacation

Filed under: Blog — Tags: cruise, getaway, next, ship, thinking, trip, vacation — @ 11:46 pm August 6, 2011

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