Tuesday, August 11
ARE YOU AN OPEN OR ASSIGNED SEATING CRUISER?
With each ship entering service, cruise lines introduce new features in an attempt to meet the changing needs of cruisers. However, nothing exceeds dining in terms of radical change and innovation.
A decade ago you had to take a pricey luxury vessel carrying fewer than 700 passengers to find single, open seating while today it’s an option available on nearly every vessel. And, you’ll still find plenty of cruisers – roughly half, the cruise lines report – opting for the traditional style of cruise ship dining.
As one cruiser told me “I love traditional. I love having the waiter remember I like having two glasses of ice tea, the fact that I love chilled soups. You don’t get that when you have to wait an hour to dine in a ship’s restaurant after you’re rushed back to shower and reach the restaurant before it gets packed.”
And, many cruisers have noted that the service is better in an assigned seating restaurant. Typically, the pace is more consistent and waiters form a bond with people they’re going to be serving over a period of time.
However, open seating is so popular because many cruisers prefer to dine when and with whom they please. And the enormous size of modern cruise ships ensures that there’s enough space for cruise lines to please everyone. Today, you note which dining plan you prefer and register it on the cruise line’s web site, along with shore excursions and spa appointments.
If you’re a first time cruiser and don’t know which dining option to pick, I recommend the assigned plan for those traveling with children and groups with six or more people. Otherwise, you may have to wait longer until a large enough table opens up. And, families typically opt for the assigned 6:30 dining so that children can get to bed earlier.
Among the new dining features we’ve seen this year and next:
** In 2009, Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean and Holland America moved to flexible dining by offering the choice of assigned or open seating.
** Royal Caribbean’s gigantic Oasis of the Seas will enter service this fall with 24 dining options. Nine restaurants will have either a surcharge of up to $35 per person or a la carte menu options including Johnny Rockets and the Ice Cream Parlor. The cruise line also introduced an expedited 40-minute dining experience for chilled aged 3-10 for passengers choosing the assigned 6:30 plan. A youth counselor will escort kids from the main dining room entrance back to the Adventure Ocean facility so they can resume playing with their friends.
** Oceania Cruises’ new Marina, scheduled to enter service in 2010, will boast six restaurants aboard the premium-class ship, none with a surcharge, including one designed by renowned chef Jacques Pepin. Even more revolutionary, Marina will offer passengers the chance to learn new cooking skills in an onboard school boasting 12 individual stations, each with its own oven.
** Carnival Dream, which enters service this fall, will host several new restaurants, including one that serves only pasta. In addition, in the “Taste of the Nations” Lido restaurant you’ll find fixed stations with Asian and Indian cuisine. The expanded room service menu will offer gourmet delicacies like Roast Beef on a French Baguette and grilled fresh mozzarella and Portobello mushrooms on focaccia.
** Norwegian Cruise Line, which offers “Freestyle Cruising” aboard all ships, will add to its roster of restaurants on Norwegian Epic, which enters service in 2010. The “Manhattan Room” will be a two-story art deco supper club with a dance floor and live evening music. The cruise industry’s first Churrascaria will feature skewered meats presented by tableside passadors.
Anne Campbell is editor of ShipCritic Blog and the internet magazine Cruising From New York.
Thursday, June 25
Oasis of the Seas - 24 Dining Options
"Oasis of the Seas showcases the evolution of Royal Caribbean dining," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Both the new concepts and the established Royal Caribbean offerings found throughout the neighborhoods are designed to meet contemporary dining standards, cater to individual preferences and schedules and foster epicurean curiosity. With so many options, guests could choose a new place to dine for every meal."
Fleetwide, Royal Caribbean strives to deliver the best dining experience possible by continuously developing innovative programs and upholding the highest culinary standards. As guests expectations continue to rise, the global cruise line introduces new elements of variety and flexibility, such as My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining. In addition, Royal Caribbean trains and certifies all culinary chefs through the American Culinary Federation's accredited education program and implements U.S. training standards of safe alcohol service.
From breakfast to late night snacks, guest's onboard Oasis of the Seas can find an extensive variety of food and beverage offerings, available at no extra charge, that will satisfy any craving, providing more options for breakfast, lunch and dinner than Royal Caribbean guests have ever had before. For additional convenience, dinner reservations can be made in advance through new features on www.royalcaribbean.com starting July 7, 2009. Let the culinary festival begin with the following highlights of the food and beverage offerings onboard Oasis of the Seas:
Central Park
* 150 Central Park - The most exclusive dining venue on Oasis of the Seas, 150 Central Park will provide an intimate dining experience that will combine leading-edge cuisine with modern design, creating a trendy upscale ambiance. Signature features will include a tasting menu with customized wine pairings. Open for dinner; $35 cover charge.
* Giovanni's Table - This Tuscan countryside influenced trattoria will be a more-accessible, casual Italian restaurant featuring both indoor and al fresco seating. Giovanni's Table will offer rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including toasted herbal breads, pizzas, salads, pastas, Italian sandwiches, braised meat dishes and stews, all served family-style. Open for lunch and dinner; $10 lunch and $15 dinner cover charge.
* Park Cafe - A casual dining choice providing a high level of variety and flexibility, Park Cafe will be an indoor/outdoor gourmet market with walk-up counters. From freshly prepared salads and made-to-order sandwiches, to paninis, crepes and hearty soups, guests will order directly from the chefs behind food stations. European pastries, sublime chocolates and decadent fudge will round out the offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.
* Vintages - Always a popular hot spot for Royal Caribbean guests on Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, the Vintages wine bar will evolve into a larger space on Oasis of the Seas. Great for a pre-dinner rendezvous, Vintages will provide a selection of cheeses and a broad tapas menu to accompany a robust selection of fine wines, from a tropical white Riesling to a mocha-inflected Merlot. Open for lunch and dinner; a la carte pricing.
* Chops Grille - Continuing the tradition, Royal Caribbean's popular signature steakhouse will offer premium cut, quality meats. Guests can choose to enjoy the upscale, contemporary setting indoors with views of Central Park or al fresco. Open for dinner; $25 cover charge.
Boardwalk
* Seafood Shack - The indoor/outdoor casual family restaurant will bring the surf style of beach side amusement parks to the Boardwalk, serving a variety of seafood, as well an extensive beverage menu of non-alcoholic cocktails and over-sized desserts. Open for lunch and dinner; $7.95 lunch and $9.95 dinner cover charge.
* Boardwalk Bar - The main bar in the Boardwalk will offer on-the-go snacks and a variety of pre-packaged sandwiches, fruit and salads. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
* Donut Shop - Guests can stop into the classically styled shop for a casual snack any time of day. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
* Ice Cream Parlor - The 1950's styled ice cream venue will display classic sundaes and a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings to choose from and then mixed-to-order on a frozen slab. Open throughout the day; a la carte pricing.
* Johnny Rockets - Extending the signature "eat-ertainment" hours, a diner breakfast menu will be introduced. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; $3.95 breakfast and $4.95 lunch and dinner cover charge.
The Royal Promenade
* Mondo Cafe - This new addition to the Royal Promenade will feature coffee, sandwiches and pastries native to countries such as Italy, Spain and Cuba. Steps from Boleros and open around the clock, it is sure to be popular after an evening on the dance floor. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.
* Sorrento's Pizzeria - The New York style pizzeria will feature a more extensive menu with made-to-order pizza pies and slices, in addition to the ready-made selections introduced with the Freedom-class ships. Open for lunch, dinner and late night snacks.
* Cafe Promenade - Located on the opposite end of the Royal Promenade from the Mondo Cafe, the popular cafe will continue serving Seattle's Best Coffee, fruit shakes, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day and night. Open 24 hours; a la carte pricing.
The Pool and Sports Zone
* Solarium Bistro - Located in the Solarium the contemporary bistro will offer health-conscious dining for breakfast and lunch in a casual setting. In the evenings, Solarium Bistro will transform into a romantic and intimate dining setting for specialty healthy-fare dinner and dancing under the stars. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; dinner has a $20 cover charge.
* The Wipe Out Cafe - The casual self-service buffet will offer a variety of options from pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches and fresh salads to quick snacks and desserts, for young cruisers on-the-go. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
* The Vitality Cafe - Located at the entrance of the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, the Vitality Cafe will feature healthy snacks, sandwiches, wraps and fruit, in addition to refreshing juices and smoothies from the Vitality spa menu for the calorie conscious guest. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
New Twists on Fleet Fixtures
* Opus Dining Room - The three-level main dining room will revive the grandeur of the 1920s and feature French art deco design. Catering to guests' varying preferences, the newly introduced My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining, as well as the traditional main and late seating options will be offered. My Time Dining provides guests with the option to enjoy the dining room ambiance with Royal Caribbean's renowned Gold Anchor Service whenever they wish during dining hours. Guests choosing My Time Dining will not have a pre-assigned table, but will be seated in the ships main dining room and will order from the same traditional dinner menu. My Time Dining guests can make daily reservations for specific seating times or choose to walk in. My Family Time Dining accommodates parents and children by offering an expedited 40-minute dining service for young cruisers, ages 3-11. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
* Windjammer Marketplace - Offering the utmost flexibility for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this next generation of the brand staple will feature multiple islands, each serving a variety casual buffet fare.
* Izumi - The new Asian cuisine restaurant will feature a sushi bar and hot rock cooking, as well as other Asian fare in a more formal setting. Open for lunch and dinner; a la carte pricing.
* In-Stateroom Service - Guests wanting to enjoy a meal in the comfort of their staterooms will be able to choose from the complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, as well as the recently introduced Dine in Delights menu, which offers name-brand culinary options ranging from the Original Johnny Rockets hamburger to Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookies. Open 24 hours; a la carte pricing for Dine In Delights and $3.95 service charge for in-room deliveries between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Wednesday, June 24
CruisingToday - June issue
The June issue of CruisingToday has just started to arrive in homes. Take a look at our digital version . 20 pages full of articles, and amazing cruise offers.
Click on teh Magazine cover for full access.
Saturday, May 16
Royal Caribbean - Travel Advisory Update
Royal Caribbean International will resume its port calls in Cozumel, Mexico, beginning with sailings that depart on or after May 24, 2009.
We applaud the decision of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to downgrade their previous "Travel Alert" to a "Travel Health Precaution for Mexico." RCCL guests we are anxious to return to Mexico. Until then, our guests will have time to fully review and understand the CDC's decision.
The ships with Cozumel port calls include Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas.
Mariner of the Seas will continue its modified Pacific Northwest itinerary, up to and including, its June 14 sailing.
RCCL will continue to utilize its Influenza Prevention and Response Plans, which its office of Medical and Public Health developed in coordination with the CDC and other health experts. The plan is based on three pillars: Preparedness and Communication; Surveillance and Detection; and Response and Containment.
Some of the proactive measures RCCL is taking include:
- Providing guests with H1N1 flu information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Screening all ship visitors, including guests and crew members to identify any flu-like symptoms
- Conducting enhanced sanitizing of all high-touch areas onboard
- Providing hand sanitizers throughout all ships
- Asking guests to follow the advice of medical experts regarding the best ways to help prevent the spread of flu and other illnesses - via proper and frequent hand washing, and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- And, if necessary, onboard medical staff can isolate and treat guests or crew members who display flu-like symptoms, using the supply of anti-viral medications kept onboard all ships.
Additional information regarding the H1N1 flu, and the “Travel Health Precaution for Mexico” is available at the CDC website: www.cdc.gov
Friday, May 15
Travel Advisory - Update May 15, 2009
Effective this afternoon, the CDC’s Travel Health Warning recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico, in effect since April 27, 2009, has now been downgraded to a Travel Health Precaution for Mexico.
CDC Recommendations
At this time, CDC has removed its recommendation that U.S. travelers avoid travel to Mexico. CDC continues to recommend that travelers visiting Mexico take steps to protect themselves from getting novel H1N1 flu. CDC also recommends that travelers at high risk for complications from any form of influenza discuss with their physicians the risks and benefits of travel in the context of their planned itinerary.
Current Situation
CDC has been monitoring the ongoing outbreak of novel H1N1 flu in Mexico and, with the assistance of the Mexican authorities, has obtained a more complete picture of the outbreak. There is evidence that the Mexican outbreak is slowing down in many cities though not all. In addition, the United States and other countries are now seeing increasing numbers of cases not associated with travel to Mexico. Finally, the risk of severe disease from novel H1N1 virus infection now appears to be less than originally thought.
This announcement was made at 4:30 pm EST today, May 15th
Tuesday, May 12
Travel Advisory - Update May 12, 2009
As a result of the heightened level of concern amongst travelers, you may find that hold times tend to increase as fellow customers inquire as to the status of their vacation plans. If you are not traveling within the next two weeks, please do not call as our hold times are lengthy and we need to assist those traveling immediately. We hope that the information below will allow you to obtain the desired information as expediently as possible.
· Jetblue
· US Air
· US State Department Advisory
Friday, May 8
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Tuesday, May 5
Travel Advisory - Update
This information is current for the week of May 4th. Many cruise lines are altering itineraries as a result of the Swine Flu concern in Mexico. Likewise, some hotels and airlines are being flexible with their policies for reservations traveling to Mexico. We know that customers who are currently scheduled to visit Mexico in the coming weeks are anxious to receive the latest information regarding their vacation. Please understand that cruise lines, hotels and airlines are making decisions regarding travel options on a week-by-week basis as the situation develops. If you are traveling after mid June, there is likely not solid information regarding your travel at that time. Please check back with us next week.
If you are traveling in May or early June, please read through the following information….
Carnival Cruise Lines has canceled port of call visits to Mexico for 15 of its ships that are currently operating voyages and had scheduled stops in Mexico. Their schedules have been modified. In many instances, the modification simply involved substituting an alternate port. We are emailing the revised itineraries to those booked on these sailings. We will be calling those customers whose length of trip has been changed or whose cruise has been cancelled.
Royal Caribbean has announced the temporary suspension of ports of calls in Mexico involving four of their ships - Enchantment of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. It also involves two additional ships scheduled to make upcoming Mexico port calls as they reposition - Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. For all ships but the Mariner of the Seas, we will be sending emails detailing the changes. The Mariner change is more significant, and we will be reaching out to those booked on those sailings to assist.
If you are booked on a land package, many hotel and airlines are willing to make changes to the reservation at this time.
For additional information please check the links below. As a result of the heightened level of concern amongst travelers, you will find that our phone hold times have increased as fellow customers inquire as to the status of their vacation plans. If you are not traveling within the next couple of weeks, please do not call as our hold times are lengthy and we need to assist those traveling immediately. We hope that this information has been of assistance.
· Jetblue
· US Air
· US State Department Advisory
Friday, May 1
Canival Cancels Mexico stops thru May 11
Carnival Cruise Lines said on Friday it has canceled all Mexico port visits for 16 of its ships through May 11 due to the flu alert.
The giant cruise ship operator had previous canceled Mexican stops through May 4.
"Itineraries for vessels departing between Thursday, April 30 and Monday, May 11 that included stops in Mexico have been modified," the statement said.
Carnival said it is offering refunds in the form of future cruise credit to customers who do not want to sail on the modified itineraries.Twitter- Must Read
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Thursday, April 30
Travel Advisory - Update
Many cruise lines are altering itineraries as a result of the Swine Flu concern in Mexico. Likewise, some hotels and airlines are being flexible with their policies for reservations traveling to Mexico. We know that customers who are currently scheduled to visit Mexico in the coming weeks are anxious to receive the latest information regarding their vacation.
As a result of this heightened level of concern amongst travelers, you may find that hold times tend to increase as fellow customers inquire as to the status of their vacation plans. If you are not traveling within the next two weeks, please do not call as our hold times are lengthy and we need to assist those traveling immediately. We hope that the information below will allow you to obtain the desired information as expediently as possible.
· Jetblue
· US Air
· US State Department Advisory
Wednesday, April 22
Why I am a Carnival Cruises Fan!!
Ted Arison started Carnival Cruise Lines back in 1972 when
he purchased the fleet’s very first ship for just one dollar. She
set sail as the Festival – and went aground on her maiden
voyage. Today, the Carnival fleet boasts 23 different “Fun Ships®”
and is just one of several cruise lines that comprise the Carnival
Corporation family. Sister companies include Princess Cruises,
Holland America Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, and the
Yachts of Seabourn.
I’ve sailed aboard the ships of every single cruise line, including
the world’s priciest vessels. And yet the more cruises I take, the
more I appreciate Carnival. Today’s Carnival cruise provides the
biggest bang for your vacation buck and pleases passengers
ranging from tots to retirees. And while Carnival once appealed
mainly to first-time cruisers, the contemporary version has many
repeat customers coming back for more of the cruise line’s
upbeat atmosphere and wide range of choices.
Until the late 1990s, Carnival primarily catered to twentysomething
cruisers in search of a “party at sea.” But over the past
dozen years, the cruise line has made significant upgrades
across all areas of its product offerings in order to appeal to a
much broader demographic. And while I’ve sailed on every ship
that Carnival has entered into service (usually aboard two-night
“introductory” cruises reserved for professionals in the travel
industry), it wasn’t until I’d spent a full week aboard Carnival Valor
that I recognized the exceptional level of quality that’s become
a hallmark of today’s “Fun Ship®.”
Here are a handful of areas where Carnival really excels…
Ship Design
I’m not really a “Fun Ship®” sort of person – I don’t gamble,
stay up especially late, or lounge by the pool sunbathing. But
Carnival’s ships are so wonderfully designed that it’s possible
for me to find the atmosphere I desire in a heartbeat. While many
passengers will opt for the disco or an adult-comedy venue,
I prefer to spend time in the piano bar or at the atrium, listening
to live classical music while people-watching. Bottom line?
Carnival makes it easy to find whatever it is you’re looking for.
Food
In my experience, Carnival’s food is among the industry’s best,
surpassed only by the offerings available from the luxury cruise
lines. After a hundred-some-odd cruises, I can easily determine
the quality of a cruise line’s food by heading to the lido buffet
shortly after coming aboard. I’ll sample the ship’s coffee and
chocolate – if one or both come up short, the same will usually
be true of everything else served onboard. Carnival’s ships
scored high in this regard. Breakfast and lunch menus were
as well-cooked, tasty, and varied as the cuisine I feasted on each
evening in the main dining room, while Carnival’s specialty or
“alternative” venues served meals every bit the equal of anything
I’ve enjoyed in New York’s finest restaurants.
The Dining Program
Carnival recently unveiled its “Your Choice Dining” program in an
effort to accommodate individual guest’s personal preferences.
Passengers may choose between single, open seating (dining
when and with whomever they wish) and an assigned seating
time of either 6 PM or 8:15 PM. One program feature I adore is
the 24-hour availability of fresh pizza and Caesar salad. Both
items are served ‘round the clock on each ship’s top deck.
Staterooms
While aboard Carnival Valor, I shared a balcony stateroom with
two companions and it was so superbly designed that we never
needed to utilize all of the available closet and storage space.
And even if you opt to sail on one of Carnival’s older, pre-balcony
ships (Elation, Fantasy, Imagination, Inspiration, or Sensation),
you’ll still find accommodations that are both comfortable and
spacious – at 172 square feet, Carnival’s “standard” staterooms
are among the largest in the cruise industry.
Entertainment
Carnival beats every other cruise line when it comes to onboard
entertainment. Evening productions, for example, are polished
and innovative (Carnival produces its own floorshows). But it’s
the cruise line’s range of entertainment that’s truly impressive,
ensuring that every guest will find something that suits him or her.
If you’re in the mood for quiet conversation in an elegant but
low-key lounge, it’s a snap to find one. Spending a day at sea?
You can choose to sunbathe in a lively area of the ship (featuring
pool games and performing musicians), or you can find peace
and seclusion in another section of that same deck.
Personally, this passenger always has a terrific time aboard a
“Fun Ship®” because today’s Carnival cruise offers me everything
I’ll need to have a blast during my vacation – terrific food,
a dining plan that’s flexible, comfortable staterooms, and an
enormous array of high-quality entertainment.
by: Anne Campbell
