Vision Class: Luxury travel from Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class ships are large luxury vessels with fantastic entertainment on-board and a myriad of facilities for passengers to enjoy.  Despite the ship’s vast size, the crew strive to maintain an intimate feel for those traveling.

On a Vision Class ship you can enjoy stunning two-storey dining rooms, refreshing swimming pools, blissful spa treatments and a Vegas-style casino.  Plus much, much more!

This blog post will take an in-depth look at Splendour of the Seas, a Vision Class ship that’s undergone millions of pounds of recent refurbishments.  If you have travelled Vision Class before, please feel free to tell us about your experiences at the end of this blog post, in the comments section!

Other vessels also in the Vision Class fleet:

• Grandeur of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas
• Legend of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas

These ships all boast amazing facilities and offer fun and exhilarating experiences for all age groups.   As each ship offers something different and unique, it’s vital you choose the right one for your cruise holiday: to do that, click here!

You’ve heard of first class, but have you tried travelling Vision Class? was written by Sandra Conreen for Cruise 1st UK News

Newly Refurbished Carnival Spirit:

Holidayers will be pleased to hear that Carnival Spirit’s refurbishments are complete, and today we can share pictures of the exciting new Green Thunder thrill slide AND the Serenity adults-only retreat.  Here’s a sample of what you can enjoy on board the newly refurbished Carnival Spirit:

Green Thunder Thrill Slide:

The slide rises nearly 100 feet in the air above deck and plunges down into a hairpin turn, which goes over the edge of the boat, before coming back on board into a splash down.  The exhilarating ride is a must for all fun-loving passengers!  The new thrill slide can be found on deck 11 on the WaterWorks aqua park.

SplashZone:

Also in the WaterWorks aqua park, you’ll find the new “SplashZone”.  We’re guessing kids will love the 150-gallon PowerDrencher dump bucket and water play areas!

Serenity Adult Retreat:

Adults seeking a bit of peace and quiet can find just that in the new “ Serenity” retreat on Lido Deck 9.  Enjoy ocean views, relax in the jumbo-sized whirlpool and sample the bar’s wonderful offering of drinks.

Find out more:

Click here to find out more about Carnival Cruise Spirit and the wide range of facilities available on board.

Carnival Spirit undergoes a revamp: guests can enjoy new thrill slide & serene retreat was written by Claire Wilde for Cruise 1st UK News

One of our family’s favourite reasons for booking a cruising holiday over a regular holiday is the choice of things to do aboard the ship.  We’ve been on “land based” holidays many times in the past, but after you’ve visited the quaint little museums and local attractions (which the older kids usually term ‘boring’), paid over the odds for the nearby theme park and sunbathed on the beach, there really is not much else to do.  And because each bit of “entertainment” is in a separate place, we can often end up wasting time and money travelling to and fro. That’s why we love cruise ships so much: everything we need is right there, on board!

So, here are my top five things for families to do on cruise ships:

1) If you’re lucky enough to be holidaying on a ship like the Carnival Spirit, you can enjoy a big water park, such as the newly refurbished  WaterWarks aqua park with it’s new SplashZone play area. As your kids play in the water park, you can relax nearby finishing off your favourite book in the sun.   Sure, you could do this on a beach, but a beach doesn’t have a 150 gallon PowerDrencher dump buckets, water play areas and exhilarating water slides to entertain the kids!

2)  There are always LOADS of shows to watch on cruise ships, and if you’re lucky enough to be staying on a Disney cruise line you can treat the kids to a show like Disney’s Aladdin Musical Spectacular, or Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic.  Fancy something a little more grown up?  Many ships have facilities for kids whose parents wish to spend some time alone in the evening.  Think of it as a built in babysitting service! As the kids are entertained at a kids-only party or “sleep over” event, you and your partner can go and watch a movie or enjoy one of the ship’s gigantic productions.

3) Excursions are great, as they get the whole family out and about doing something together.  Either choose to book one of the predetermined tours, or enjoy some quality “family” time by alighting the ship and exploring on your own.  Plan in sight-seeing activities that will satisfy the whole family: there really is something for everyone, so nobody will be bored.

4) Can you remember the last time your family sat down and had a lavish meal together?  On a cruise ship you can do that every night if you choose!  Or, do you and your other half fancy a quiet night away from the kids?  Enrol them on an evening kids club & enjoy a romantic date together.

5)  Never feel guilty about wanting to ditch the kids at a kid’s club and spending quality time with your partner! You’ll find, like most families, you won’t be able to drag the kids away come closing time, as they’re having TOO much fun!

Some cruise lines (i.e. some Princess ships) even have “clubs” for teenagers too. Your son or daughter will enjoy hanging out with new friends of a similar age.  Princess’s teen’s clubs have computer consoles, karaoke, talent shows, teen-only dance parties and dinners, makeovers, mocktail (non-alcohol cocktail) making lessons, dance lessons, sports tournaments and much, much more.

If you have younger kids, most cruise ship programmes accept children from 2 years upwards, though others will only accept children from the age of 5, so it’s best to check first.  These activities change depending on age range, but can include things like designing t-shirts, pizza parties, watching movies, kids-only parties, sports, and so on!

See, there really is LOTS to do aboard a cruise ship, for all the family!  It’s easy to see why it’s my favourite type of holiday!

Image credit: Tanguera Cabaret Show, public domain.

Top 5 things to do on a cruise was written by Martin Bowe for Cruise 1st UK News

Last week we treated new cruisers to three of our fantastic penny-pinching tips.  We showed you how to be money-smart and advised against spending out on those frivolous extras, such as speciality drinks, meals onshore and expensive children’s activities.

Today we’re going to provide you with two final tips in the series:

TIP 4:  SPA DAYS

After spending weeks looking after everybody else at home, you may wish for a bit of “me time” aboard the ship and hope for a relaxing experience, taking full advantage of the onboard spa.  That is, until you the notice the price!   Although many would argue the spa is well worth the money, first time cruisers may not have enough money set aside to really enjoy everything that’s on offer.

So, here’s our top tip: try and wait until your boat has a port day and see if treatments are reduced or on special offer.  As others leave the boat, the spa owners may want to lure people into staying onboard and spending their holiday money with them instead of visiting other attractions onshore.  They may try to attract new clientele by slashing their prices.  It’s well worth keeping your eyes peeled!

TIP 5: SOUVENIRS

If this is your first cruise and you’ve never travelled before, it can be really tempting to buy LOTS of souvenirs as a way to remember each and every place you’ve visited.  This can become really costly, and sometimes souvenirs can be generally quite low quality.  Not to mention that once you get home they just sit in a draw or cupboard gathering dust.

If it’s your kids who are demanding a new souvenir for each place they visit, or who insist on trying to buy something every time you pass a shop on board, you should make a pact with them.  Allow them to spend their holiday money as they choose, but remind them you won’t be giving them extra towards anything else should they run out.

Before you go on holiday you could buy your children a cheap digital camera (or disposable one if they’re younger) and encourage photography by way of collecting memories, rousing their inner “David Bailey” at the same time!  Hopefully the excitement of a camera will quash the desire for little flags, trinkets and badges.

Top tip:  If your kids just can’t resist that cap with the ships logo emblazoned on the front, why not try to tempt them to wait for the last day of the cruise, when the store owners may just slash the prices?

[Part 2] The penny pincher’s guide to cruises was written by Claire Wilde for Cruise 1st UK News

Now is the time to start planning for the most romantic day of the year, Valentines’ Day!   With February 14th looming just around the corner, why don’t you show that special person how much you care by booking a romantic cruise for the both of you?

Why choose to cruise?

Imagine spending time with the person you love, both enjoying the idyllic experiences that only a cruise can offer: the open sea, glorious views, the warm sun by day and the glittering stars at night.  It’s the ideal setting for all couples, from newlyweds to those celebrating many long and happy years together.

Isn’t it too late to book a Valentines cruise?

It’s never too late to find a cheap cruise deal, but make sure you book sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment, this ensures you’ll get the cabin you want.

Where should I book a Valentines cruise to?

Although any cruise would make the perfect romantic getaway, it’s always nice to surprise a loved one with a trip to somewhere they’ve never visited before, especially if they have mentioned the place in the past and have suggested they’d like to go.

Can’t decide?  Why not soak up the sun in the Bahamas, explore Egypt or have an adventure in Asia?  There are plenty of other places to choose from too!  Popular romantic destinations also include the Canaries and the Caribbean.

Five other romantic touches for your cruise:

1. Secretly pack romantic goodies such as marshmallows, champagne and chocolates as an additional surprise for your loved one.
2. Book a pampering spa treatment, such as a couples’ massage for the early afternoon.  This will relax you both, eliminating all your tension, plus it will set you in good spirits for the rest of the day.
3. Choose the day’s itinerary and plan activities BEFORE February 14th.  This will ensure you don’t fritter the day away, wasting time choosing things to do, plus the last thing any couple needs is to be bickering over is which show to watch that evening!
4. Why not book a gourmet meal in a restaurant for your Valentines’ evening?  Remember to make the reservation as soon as you physically can, as you’ll be competing with all the other couples aboard the ship too.
5. Does your cruise ship have private couples’ steam rooms?  Be quick and book one up now before everyone else does!

Finally…

If you’re celebrating several years of marriage, why not book a cruise that stops at a place you love?  You could renew your vows on the beach together – so romantic!

What are your plans?

We hope you’ve extracted several ideas from this post, please let us know how you choose to spend February 14th by posting us a comment below.

And have a Happy Valentines’ Day!

Valentines Cruising! was written by Belinda Goodman for Cruise 1st UK News

With the global economy in dire straights it is difficult to escape the news reports, television shows and blog posts about finance and money.  It seems like every website you visit has a ‘recession-busting’ article or a guide helping you to curb your spending.  Today, we’re jumping on the bandwagon and providing you with our top tips for penny-pinchers on cruise ship holidays, as we know that many first-timers will be appreciate the advice.

So, this is our first of two blog posts, which today includes three ways to ensure you leave your holiday fresh and refreshed – not stressed because you’ve under-budgeted and overspent. In the two posts we’ll share lots of interesting tips with you, including how to avoid all the hidden costs on board AND how to grab yourself a deal in the spa.

TIP 1:  DRINKING

All cruises are different, but the majority will make you pay extra for “speciality” drinks (such as cola, fresh juice and fresh coffee or mixed drinks) when you’re on board.  This can come as a bit of a shock financially to those who saw the words “all inclusive” in the brochure, but didn’t budget for these extras.

Unfortunately, milkshakes, and soda drinks are the beverage of choice for most children and teenagers, which can be unkind to your wallet.  To avoid paying over the odds, try telling your child if s/he wants a non-free drink, it will come out of their own holiday money, which means they won’t be able to buy other fun items (such as toys or souvenirs).

If your child is fussy and won’t drink what is offered for free, some cruise ships do offer a pre-pay soda/fizzy drinks card that entitles the child to refills for a certain period of time.  Depending on your budget this could be a good option, plus it should be cheaper than buying individual bottles and cans all day long.

Remember:  You could end up paying a large premium for wine and beer,  especially if you enjoy a few drinks in the evening.  Set a daily budget for alcohol BEFORE you go on holiday and save up for this in advance.

TIP 2:  EATING

Most cruise packages come with meals included in the price of your ticket, so it makes a lot of sense to eat on the ship as often as possible.  However, you may be tempted to dine away from the ship when you have the chance to do so, but be warned: this will become expensive!  Even though it is tempting to explore new cultures and sample local delicacies you probably will end up paying through the nose for it.  In your budget, do plan for one or two meals on land, but make sure you save up a little extra for them in advance.

Remember:  Where possible, take your own snacks on excursions, especially if you have children.  This will save you money in the long run, as off the ship even small snacks can be costly.

TIP 3:  ENTERTAINING THE KIDS

On some cruises it’s possible to find activities and events where children can join in for free.  It’s certainly worth looking through your brochure or visiting your cruise provider’s website to research the cheap and free children’s activities before you start your trip.  If your ship doesn’t offer too many free children’s activities on board, get prepared by visiting a pound shop before your cruise to stock up on inexpensive toys, colouring books and activity sheets.  Bring them out as a surprise to quash the inevitable chants of “I’m bored”, and these should keep kids happy for an hour or two (thereby distracting them from spotting adverts or leaflets for the expensive paid for activities!)

Try this: Hide a small toy in a public place on board and write out clues for your child so s/he can find the prize.  You can sit in the vicinity and read your magazine in peace as your child conducts their treasure hunt!

Finally, if you want to catch a show at night and you have kids, it may be worth seeing if your ship has a “night nursery” or “slumber party” so you can enjoy the night’s entertainment.  However, to ensure you stick to your budget, this is something you should plan in advance and put money aside for.

The penny pincher’s guide to cruises was written by Claire Wilde for Cruise 1st UK News

Taking a cruise holiday has been one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK travel market for a number of years. Yet many people have preconceptions about having a holiday on the waves, however, once they’ve experienced it they seem to be hooked for life.
With approximately a staggering 10 million people per year jumping on board a cruise liner it leaves some of us wondering what it is that is so extraordinary that more and more people are deciding to trade in their 5* beach resort holidays for.  I have decided to try and get an insight to the reasons why cruises have become so popular amongst the public in the past ten years and why they are now the preferred and most luxurious way to spend a relaxing get away.
I am going to research the five most frequent questions asked by people who are interested in going on a Cruise but are a bit apprehensive. So lets start with the most obvious one which people are feeling uneasy about first:

Are cruises safe?

Anybody who has been debating booking on a cruise for summer 2012 has probably been easily swayed this week to reconsider his or her decision since watching the news. Despite this, people are more at risk when travelling in a car than being on a cruise. Cruises are regularly monitored and have to show the highest standard of health and safety before even being considered to leave the port. There is always trained medical staff on board and most cruises now have all the top of the range equipment to ensure the experience is a care free and safe one.

Will I get seasick if I go on a cruise?

It is possible for you to experience seasickness on board the cruise, as there could be a day where the sea is rough. However, the majority of itineraries sail through calm waters for example, if you chose to go on a predominantly Caribbean Cruise or Mediterranean Cruise it is not likely that you’ll encounter rough waters.

Do you have to be rich to go on a cruise?

One of the biggest preconceptions people have about cruises is that they are predominantly just for people with a six figure salary. This is not the case. Cruise liners have now been adapted to try and accommodate people of all ages, who have different holiday budgets and all of which want to visit various Cruise Destinations. Yes, you can get round the world cruises, which can be up to £50,000; however with the average cost of a cruise coming in at £1,000 and with websites such as Cruise1st giving you the option to see  “Cruise deals” from £599 it shows that they don’t have to be expensive.

Cruise ships are for older people and I want to go away with my family?

It is true that older people like cruises, although since growing in popularity the average age in the UK has dropped to 40 years old and the USA average is even lower.  This is primarily because the cruise ships are being made more modern, which therefore attracts a younger market, whereas older people usually stick to the more traditional cruises. There is even an “Orlando Stay and Cruise” which families are often drawn to as it features some of the best theme parks, shopping malls and golf courses in the world which is perfect for a family holiday, jam-packed with fun things to do!

Will I feel claustrophobic on a cruise?

Cruises work extremely hard on making sure that people do not feel claustrophobic on board as this is a deciding factor when looking into booking on a cruise. The cruises are designed to cater to your every need; for example, they would ensure there were some quiet places to go and chill out if you wanted some space yet also some places that were jam packed with entertainment with a buzzing atmosphere. As mentioned, researching the right cruise for you is important and it varies for different people. If this is a big concern maybe try looking at the smaller cruises with only a few hundred people rather to thousands.

Top 5 FAQ’s regarding Cruises was written by Belinda Goodman for Cruise 1st UK News

Don’t you love all the resolutions we make . . . and never keep at New Year? If you are going to make a resolution this New Year, make one to join the new Carnival Breeze cruise ship, which will be launched in June 2012.

Carnival Cruise Lines will have this wonderful cruise ship ready for go in just six months from now. The Carnival Breeze will be launched on June 1^st, just in time for those who wish to take a summer holiday. The whole concept of the Carnival Breeze embraces the freedom of the ocean and its windblown freshness with the idea of fun and things being easy and comfortable – a breeze.

The Carnival Breeze maiden voyage will be a 3rd June sailing with the inaugural breeze cruise going from Barcelona to Venice when the Mediterranean should be pleasantly into summer temperatures.

Inside the Carnival Breeze

Fresh and airy décor continues the theme and exciting new additions to the usual diversions you might find on a good cruise ship have been put in place.  The top deck, the best place to be when aboard, offers a spectacular aqua park experience that includes exciting slides, flumes and water-based thrills.

For those who think that being surrounded by water is enough, there is the new SportsSquare, also located on the top deck, dedicated to fun activities such as open air fitness areas, mini-golf and a fabulous ropes course for those who want to pretend they are pirates or sailors and experience climbing at sea. You can take it seriously as a fitness challenge or make it as much fun as you want. Just breeze it!

Should pampering and self-indulgence be more your style, The Lanai could be just the spot for you. It is a wraparound promenade with an enormous 270-square-foot poolside LED screen displaying movies, and other programming. Whirlpools extend over the ship’s sides so you can soak up the sun in a relaxing way and be entertained at the same time.

Sound good? Indeed it does. And you know what happens on inaugural launches – all the stops are pulled out to impress the passengers and the media. Why not take advantage of that and book a place on the Carnival Breeze now before it’s too late? It’ll only take a little resolve.

Carnival Breeze – What you Need to Know was written by Martin Bowe for Cruise 1st UK News

Start saving for your place on board Celebrity Cruises’ new-build Celebrity Reflection, sister to Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse and Silhouette. The fifth huge Solstice class ship is due to enter service on October 12, 2012 running a nine-night European cruise from Amsterdam to Barcelona.

About the Celebrity Reflection

The Reflection incorporates more inspired additions and has expanded with an additional deck. Now with 72 additional staterooms overall, there is increased seating in the main and specialty dining rooms to accommodate passengers and 245 more sun loungers on the pool deck and 45 more seats in theatre. Bigger, bolder and better accommodation facilities include the option of utilising the deck area exclusive to suite passengers in both the Signature Suites and the Reflection Suite. Reserving the entire deck for a private function will allow up to 26 guests to enjoy the facility.

In the enhanced Michael’s Club up to 50 international craft beers are available for passengers to appreciate. Wine-lovers might make their way to Cellar Masters, inspired by the Napa Valley vineyards, for world renowned wines for the discerning palate.

Why not take a painting class on the Lawn Club, with a Master Artist from the ArtCenter South Florida in The Art Studio and partner the outdoor experience with al fresco dining at the new Lawn Club Grill?  The Celebrity Reflection also offers individual cabana-style havens, The Alcoves, where you can relax and – reflect – if you need to escape the excitement and temptations elsewhere.

Many passengers judge a cruise by the cuisine it offers. Celebrity Reflection is keen to make sure the experience is sensational and passengers can spend their time in a variety of hostelries, cafes and restaurants for a taste of international dishes. The Murano Restaurant, Tuscan Grille Restaurant, Blu Restaurant, Qsine, The Alcoves, Lawn Club Grill and The Hideaway all offer superb food with dishes having their own specialty signatures.

And when the day is done – and you need a quiet moment – the Sky Observation Lounge is just the spot to retire to.

Celebrity Reflection to Start Cruising in October was written by Claire Wilde for Cruise 1st UK News

P&O have already been in the news this month and now another story relating to that line might be of interest to you if you prefer to travel without children on the passenger list. Some of us like to get away from children for a break and this move by P&O will certainly attract childless couples, teachers who wish to escape their charges and parents who desire some ‘couple’ time without reminders of their responsibilities back home. This ship is a place where grown-ups can relax and not feel guilty.

After spending a month in dry dock at the Blohm+Voss yard in Hamburg, Germany, the Oriana has emerged from its refit more adult-friendly than before it went in. Children’s areas have been done away with and one of the facilities to replace the former small persons’ areas includes a new, premium Marco Pierre White restaurant – The Ocean Grill. The décor in this new restaurant is overly opulent with swagged curtains, lozenge-back, carver dining chairs, intimate tables to seat four, stylish down lighting and chic chandeliers. Rich gold upholstery, curtains and carpet along with crisp, white table linen and mellow brown wood make the room spacious and luxurious. Swirls and curves in the patterns on the window dressings and flooring are echoed in the etched glass dividers and give a sense of movement to the surroundings. You’ll just want to sashay and swagger to your table and sit down to exquisite cuisine without a highchair or a child in sight.

In the Sorrento Terrace Bar and in the refurbished Al Fresco restaurant, never will you hear the pitter patter of tiny feet. There might be the clip clop of elegant kitten heels or the firm tread of deck shoes, but wherever you go on the new Oriana – it’s adults only.

Adults Only Aboard the Oriana was written by Martin Bowe for Cruise 1st UK News