30 Amazing Days Aboard Silver Shadow: A Circle Australia Adventure

The Outback, Great Barrier Reef, koala bears, emus, wombats, wallabies—the places and words conjure up images in my mind of adventure, romance, and the exotic. And "Crocodile Dundee," of course.

While they might not meet the famous croc-hunting star of the film (he lives in the U.S. these day) those places and sights Down Under are all on the menu for guests sailing aboard Silversea's first-ever voyage to completely circumnavigate Australia. Next year, Silver Shadow will sail on a 30-day, Sydney-to-Sydney voyage. From Jan 19 to Feb 18, the 382-guest, ultra-luxury ship will follow a counterclockwise course around the vast island continent with calls in Brisbane, Whitsunday Islands, Port Douglas, Cooktown, Darwin, Broome, Exmouth, Perth, Albany, Port Lincoln, Adelaide, Geelong, Melbourne, and Hobart (Tasmania).

"It's not often you have the chance to explore an entire continent on one voyage," said Steve Tucker, Silversea's vice president of field sales for North America. "This itinerary will hold great appeal for those who seek unique travel experiences off the beaten path."

Throughout this special voyage, guests will enjoy an exciting enrichment program, headlined by distinguished speakers from the worlds of film, art, nature, academia, winemaking and cuisine:

· Prof. Geoffrey Blainey, one of Australia's best-known historians and commentators, will share his interesting perspectives on the Sydney-to-Darwin segment, Jan 19 to 29;
· Mathew Macartney, executive chef of the Yarra Valley's famed Chateau Yering (a Relais & Châteaux member property), will join the ship Jan 25 to 29, Port Douglas to Darwin, to host culinary presentations;
· Prof. Craig Franklin, professor of zoology at the University of Queensland, will discuss Australian marine wildlife, Jan 29 to Feb 11, Darwin to Adelaide;
· Noel Miller, artist renowned for his landscapes of the Australian outback, will discuss Aboriginal art, Jan 29 to Feb 11, Darwin to Adelaide;
· Lyn Farmer, wine consultant for Silversea and James Beard Foundation Award-winning wine and food writer, will share his expertise, Darwin to Port Lincoln, Jan 29 to Feb 10;
· Jamie Sach, chief spokesperson for the iconic Penfolds Wines, will share his extensive knowledge of the wine industry, Feb 6 to 10, Perth to Port Lincoln;
· Simon Johnson, epicurean expert, will provide insight into Australia's rich abundance of artisan produce, Feb 11 to 14, Adelaide to Melbourne;
· George Francisco, executive chef of Jonah's, one of Australia's oldest and most respected hospitality establishments and a Relais & Châteaux member property, will present cooking demonstrations, Feb 13 to 18, Geelong to Sydney;
· John Stainton, the director and producer who directed all of naturalist Steve Irwin's documentaries, will lecture on Australian film, Feb 14 to 18, Melbourne to Sydney;
· Dr. Mark Elovitz, government advisor, historian and director of the Center for Strategic Geopolitics, will share his insights into world affairs throughout the 30-day voyage;
· Ian Denton, a native Australian and world explorer, will also be on board the entire voyage to host lectures as Silversea's destination consultant.

And to further showcase the region's intriguing cultures, dramatic natural beauty and exotic wildlife, the line is offering two new optional mid-voyage excursions:

** "Kangaroo Island Luxury Eco Expedition": Widely regarded as Australia's Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is brimming with diverse wildlife and natural beauty. Enjoy luxurious accommodation at the South Ocean Lodge and a staff of naturalist guides to lead your exploration of the island's unique attractions. Memorable sightings might include kangaroos, rare Cape Barron Geese, koalas and sea lions. This 3-day adventure is offered from Adelaide. Rejoin ship in Melbourne.
** "Australian Frontiers & Train Journey": Discover the heart of the Australian outback by rail aboard the glamorous Indian Pacific train as you watch unique landscapes unfold. Visit the opal-mining town of Coober Pedy, then travel to Adelaide to enjoy a culinary and wine adventure that takes in the famous Barossa Valley. This 6-day adventure is offered from Fremantle (Perth). Rejoin ship in Adelaide.

Aboard one of Cruise Diva's favorite ships, the elegant Silver Shadow, guests enjoy a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly one to one, an all-inclusive policy that includes a premium assortment of wines and spirits, impeccable service from a courteous and efficient staff, and luxurious onboard amenities. The ship's all-suite accommodations include ocean views, butler service, 24-hour room service; and fine dining features signature dishes by Relais & Châteaux. Silver Savings fares for this special 30-day Australia voyage are available. The optional mid-voyage land programs feature deluxe accommodations (if overnight stays are required), all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals. For more information, contact your travel agent or visit Silversea.com.

Americans "Lose" an Average of 459 Million Vacation Days Each Year

Over-worked, over-tired, and stressed-out American workers have one more thing to worry about this coming Labor Day—how many vacation days they could potentially be losing this year. And if the President of the United States, who famously has enjoyed numerous vacations this year, can find time to get away so often, then shouldn't everyone?

The fact that people are not using all of their vacation days is well documented and the statistics are staggering. According to data released in a 2009 Expedia Vacation Deprivation Study, U.S. adults—who only receive an average of 13 vacation days per year—typically leave three days unused. When considering that the U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics has recorded approximately 153 million employed Americans, this means that each year an average of 459 million vacation days are going unused in the United States.

Proving that point, a 2010 survey by LastMinuteTravel.com suggests that close to half (45%) of working Americans let hard-earned time-away go to waste in 2009; furthermore, three-quarters (78%) anticipate leaving as many as 10 vacation days on the table in 2010. Why the annual commitment to all work and no play? Most confess that coordinating schedules with family and friends is too difficult (51%) or they are not able to afford a "real vacation" (40%); others admit it is less about personal situations and more about work-life being too busy to enjoy time away (47%). While consumers express pessimism towards the possibility of a work escape, adults who choose to go on vacation feel reconnected with the family (53%), more productive and positive about their jobs (34%), as well as the health benefits of being rested and rejuvenated.

"Vacations are not a luxury, they're a necessity," says John de Graaf, Executive Director of Take Back Your Time, a nonprofit organization that studies issues related to overwork. "Men who take them are 32% less likely to suffer from heart disease than those who don't. For women, it's 50%. And women who don't take vacations are more than twice as likely to suffer from depression. Pass them by at your peril."

Based on the overwhelming facts, it's no surprise that Royal Caribbean encourages consumers to use their hard-earned vacation days and is reminding them that everyone needs to get away every now and then. Championing a "cruise them, don't lose them" message, Royal Caribbean is giving vacation-deprived consumers encouragement to leave their desks behind in favor of some much needed rest and relaxation. The cruise line has recently launched the video below—Vacation Daze—showcasing the irony of letting vacation days expire and the absurdity of this unfortunate reality.

"The average American spends 261 days commuting, filling out time sheets and wondering what's for dinner. As Labor Day marks the end of summer, we wanted to shine a spotlight on this perennial issue and also remind people to take a much needed and hard-earned break, even if it's just for a couple of days," states Betsy O'Rourke, SVP Marketing, Royal Caribbean.

Cruise Travel: Hurricane Earl & Tropical Storm Fiona Advisory

Several cruise lines have offered the following updates.

Carnival Cruise Lines
We are closely monitoring Hurricane Earl and Tropical Storm Fiona in the Atlantic. Rest assured, all of our ships will continue to operate at a safe distance from the storms.

All departures for the sailings of September 1, 2010 – September 6, 2010 are scheduled to operate as normal.

Holland America Line
At Holland America Line the safety and comfort of our guests and crew is our top priority. As a result of the projected path and strengthening of Hurricane Earl in the Atlantic, we have decided to modify the following published itineraries:

ms Eurodam August 19th 18-day Transatlantic Cruise: Port calls at Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia, have been cancelled. The ship will remain at sea and out of the projected path of the hurricane. The cruise will finish as planned on Monday, September 6 in New York where guests will embark for the 10-day Canada/New England cruise as scheduled.

ms Maasdam August 28th 7-day Canada/New England Cruise: On Tuesday, August 31st, Maasdam departed from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island as scheduled and sailed directly to Boston. Port calls at Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well as Bar Harbor, Maine, were cancelled. The ship arrived in Boston on September 2nd at 5:00 p.m. EST. Guests are welcome to stay onboard the ship until Saturday morning. Arrangements have been made to accommodate those guests wishing to disembark the ship earlier. No changes are currently planned for the September 4th departure of the Maasdam 7-day Canada/New England cruise.

ms Veendam August 29th 7-day Bermuda Cruise: On Friday, September 3rd, the Veendam will depart Hamilton a few hours early, and is scheduled to arrive in New York as planned on Sunday, September 5th. Guests embarking for the September 5th sailing will do so as scheduled.
We will continue to monitor the weather conditions closely and communicate any future impact on cruise itineraries to guests and others as they are implemented. Updates will be posted at HollandAmerica.com on a regular basis. Guests with questions may call 1-800-577-1728.

Norwegian Cruise Line
At Norwegian Cruise Line, the safety and security of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance. Therefore, the company is closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Earl and Tropical Storm Fiona. Because of the expected weather conditions, we are making the following changes:

Norwegian Dawn will depart Bermuda two hours early today, leaving at 3 pm. The ship is expected to arrive in New York as scheduled on Sunday, September 5.

Norwegian Spirit will stay docked at the Port of Boston tonight. The ship will depart late tonight or early Saturday morning.

We will continue to closely monitor the weather conditions and will update this information and notify our guests if there are any itinerary changes because of the storms’ projected paths.

Carnival to Redeploy Two Ships

With the announcement that two of their Fantasy-class ships will swap year-round homeport deployments for fall 2011, the big news here is that Carnival Cruise Lines will offer a 14-day Panama Canal voyage on each that will provide highly attractive longer length “Fun Ship” cruise options, as well as the unforgettable experience of transiting the Panama Canal.

The homeport exchange will see the 2,052-passenger Carnival Inspiration repositioning to Long Beach, California, for 3- and 4-day Baja departures and the 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise to Tampa, Florida, on 4- and 5-day Caribbean voyages. Carnival Inspiration is currently based in Tampa while Carnival Paradise operates from Long Beach.

To reposition the ships, Carnival Paradise will sail a Panama Canal cruise from Long Beach to Tampa departing Nov. 28, 2011, while the Carnival Inspiration Panama Canal voyage will depart Dec. 3, 2011, and operate from Tampa to Long Beach.

These voyages will be highlighted by the transit of the Panama Canal, one of the great technological achievements of the 20th century, where ships are raised 85 feet in the air via a series of three locks and then gently lowered back again. The transit also includes the crossing of 163-square-mile Gatun Lake, the world’s largest man-made lake, which is surrounded by a variety of native tropical foliage and interesting sites. Each voyage will also feature visits to five ports of call: Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the new schedules of the Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Paradise as well as the 14-day Panama Canal cruises. For additional information, visit Carnival.com.

Cruise Travel: Hurricane Earl Advisory & Itinerary Alterations

As Hurricane Earl makes its way north in the Atlantic, cruise lines are preparing by altering itineraries to insure the safety of their ships and the passengers and crewmembers on board. These are the most recent updates we've gathered.

Holland America Line
At Holland America Line the safety and comfort of our guests and crew is our top priority. As a result of the projected path and strengthening of Hurricane Earl in the Atlantic, we have decided to modify the following published itineraries:

ms Eurodam August 19th 18-day Transatlantic Cruise: On Friday, September 3rd, the Eurodam will call at Halifax rather than calling at Sydney, Nova Scotia. On September 4th and 5th the ship will be at sea and will remain out of the projected path of the hurricane. The cruise will finish as planned on Monday, September 6 in New York where guests will embark for the 10-day Canada/New England cruise as scheduled.

ms Maasdam August 28th 7-day Canada/New England Cruise: On Tuesday, August 31st, Maasdam departed from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island as scheduled and will now sail directly to Boston, arriving the evening of Thursday, September 2nd. Port calls at Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well as Bar Harbor, Maine have been cancelled. This will put the ship safely alongside in Boston ahead of the storm’s anticipated arrival. Guests are welcome to stay onboard the ship until Saturday morning. Subject to receiving approval from the various governmental agencies that are involved in the disembarkation process, we will try and make it possible for guests who want to leave the ship on Friday to do so. No changes are currently planned for the September 4th departure of the Maasdam 7-day Canada/New England cruise.

ms Veendam August 29th 7-day Bermuda Cruise: On Friday, September 3rd, the Veendam will depart Hamilton a few hours early, and is scheduled to arrive in New York as planned on Sunday, September 5th. Guests embarking for the September 5th sailing will do so as scheduled.
We will continue to monitor the weather conditions closely and communicate any future impact on cruise itineraries to guests and others as they are implemented. Updates will be posted at HollandAmerica.com on a regular basis. Guests with questions may call 1-800-577-1728.

Princess Cruises
We have been closely monitoring Hurricane Earl as it heads north and is forecast to be in the path of Caribbean Princess from Halifax to New York.

As the safety of our passengers and crew is our priority, we have cancelled Caribbean Princess' call to Halifax today and will sail directly for New York to avoid the worst effect of the hurricane. The ship will instead make a call to Manhattan on Friday September 3. During the early morning of Saturday, September 4 Caribbean Princess will reposition to the cruise terminal in Brooklyn in time for disembarkation Saturday morning.

We expect embarkation for the next voyage to commence as planned, and Caribbean Princess will sail from New York at 5 p.m. Saturday evening.

Royal Caribbean
Due to the forecasted path of Hurricane Earl, Royal Caribbean International has altered the current itineraries for Monarch of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Freedom of the Seas.

Monarch of the Seas was unable to call on CocoCay, Bahamas Tuesday, August 31. The ship sailed directly to Nassau, Bahamas, where it will stay until midnight Wednesday, September 1. The ship will spend Thursday at sea as it returns to Port Canaveral on Friday, as scheduled. Monarch of the Seas is currently sailing a 4-night itinerary, which departed Port Canaveral on August 30.

Majesty of the Seas extended its port call in Key West, Florida on Tuesday, August 31 until early Wednesday morning. It spent the remainder of Wednesday at sea, and calls into Nassau on Thursday, September 2. The ship will return to the Port of Miami on Friday, as scheduled. Majesty of the Seas is currently sailing a 4-night itinerary, which departed the Port of Miami on August 30.

Enchantment of the Seas called on San Juan, Puerto Rico Sunday, as scheduled, but cancelled its call at St. Thomas on Monday in order to avoid inclement weather from the storm. Instead, the ship called on Samana, Dominican Republic on Monday, August 30 and Labadee, Haiti, on Tuesday, August 31. The ship will spend Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at sea as it returns to Baltimore on Saturday, as scheduled. Enchantment of the Seas is currently sailing a 9-night Caribbean itinerary, which departed Baltimore on August 26.

Oasis of the Seas was unable to make its scheduled port calls to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas on Tuesday, August 31 and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten on Wednesday, September 1. The most recent forecast simply placed the storm too close to these ports of call during the time Oasis of the Seas would be sailing there. The ship will now call at Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Oasis of the Seas is sailing a 7-night Caribbean itinerary, which departed Ft. Lauderdale on August 28.

Freedom of the Seas will be unable to make its scheduled port calls to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas on Wednesday, September 1 and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten on Thursday, September 2. The most recent forecast simply placed the storm too close to these ports of call during the time Freedom of the Seas would be sailing there. The ship called on CocoCay, Bahamas on Monday, as scheduled, spent Tuesday at sea, and called into George Town, Grand Cayman on Wednesday. On Thursday, the ship will visit Cozumel, Mexico. The ship will spend Friday and Saturday at sea as it returns to Port Canaveral, Florida on Sunday, as scheduled. Freedom of the Seas is currently sailing a 7-night Caribbean itinerary, which departed Port Canaveral on August 29.

No other Royal Caribbean International ship's itinerary is currently being affected by Hurricane Earl. Royal Caribbean will continue to closely monitor weather conditions and will update this information if there are any additional itinerary alterations due to the storm's projected path.

Norwegian Cruise Line
At Norwegian Cruise Line, the safety and security of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance. Therefore, the company is closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Earl and Tropical Storm Fiona.

Because of Hurricane Earl’s path which took it west of Bermuda, Norwegian Dawn is sailing its original itinerary. The ship is currently en route to Bermuda and arrived on Wednesday morning as scheduled.

Because of the adverse weather, Norwegian Jewel did not stop at Great Stirrup Cay and instead docked in Nassau a day early. The ship stayed in Nassau overnight.

UPDATE: At this time, we expect all ships embarking this weekend to sail their scheduled itineraries.

We will continue to closely monitor the weather conditions and will update this information and notify our guests if there are any additional itinerary changes because of the storms’ projected paths. We appreciate our guests understanding.

Carnival Cruise Line
We are closely monitoring Hurricane Earl and Tropical Storm Fiona in the Atlantic. Rest assured, all of our ships will continue to operate at a safe distance from the storms.

Carnival Miracle, currently on an 8-night round trip cruise from New York, will return to New York one day earlier than originally scheduled, on Friday, September 3. The ship will dock overnight in New York and the cruise will conclude on schedule on Saturday, September 4.

All departures for the sailings of September 1, 2010–September 6, 2010 are scheduled to operate as normal.

We will update this information on Carnival.com if any new information becomes available. Most importantly, we look forward to welcoming our guests onboard this weekend.

Celebrity Cruises
Due to the forecasted path of Hurricane Earl, Celebrity Cruises has altered the current itinerary for Celebrity Summit.

Given Hurricane Earl's location and projected path, it is not possible for Celebrity Summit to call on both Saint John (Bay of Fundy) today and Halifax, Nova Scotia on Friday. Celebrity Summit will now visit Halifax today and spend Friday and Saturday at sea.

Celebrity Cruises will continue to closely monitor Hurricane Earl and any potential impact to Celebrity Summit's next sailing, which is scheduled to depart Cape Liberty, New Jersey on Sunday, September 5. Celebrity Cruises will update this information should any changes be necessary.

Cunard Line
UPDATE: Queen Mary 2 will arrive in New York as scheduled tomorrow and will now remain in New York until 5am on Saturday, September 4.

The call at Newport RI has been cancelled and she will now proceed directly to Boston where she will arrive as scheduled.

Her Majesty the Queen to Name Queen Elizabeth

Cunard Line is pleased to announce that Her Majesty The Queen will name the company’s new Queen Elizabeth, the third Cunard ship to bear the name, at a ceremony to take place in Southampton, England on Monday, Oct 11, 2010. Queen Elizabeth will set sail on her Maiden Voyage the following day. The naming will be a milestone in British maritime history and will be a major event of worldwide interest.

“The naming of a Cunard Queen is a very special occasion and this will be an historic event in the true sense of the word,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “The Queen launched Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1967 and named our current flagship, Queen Mary 2, in 2004. We are both honored and proud that Her Majesty will name our new liner, Queen Elizabeth,” added Shanks.

For more information, visit queenelizabeth.cunard.com.

Jillian Michaels Ultimate Wellness Cruise Features New Trainers, Comedians, Music & More Entertainment

Jillian Michaels wants her fans to have fun on their ultimate wellness vacation and assures us that the Jillian Michaels Ultimate Wellness Cruise, sailing Oct 21-25 on Norwegian Star, will not be "all work, no play." As Jillian says in the video message below, it is both a family cruise and a cruise for single travelers: there is something for everyone and anyone. The cruise will feature friendly competitions, workouts, speaking engagements, and entertainment; it is about rebooting, having fun, and learning to live well.

In preparation for the cruise, Jillian handpicked some of the best trainers, experts, and performers to join her. Leading onboard workouts are Jeanette Jenkins, president of The Hollywood Trainer and creator of Bikini Bootcamp; Steve Lee, who has conditioned martial artists, boxers, firefighters, and celebrities; Marco Borges, world-renowned exercise physiologist and author; Heidi Rhoades, Los Angeles yoga instructor; Madelene Karlsson, sports and fitness trainer; and celebrity trainer and fitness expert Basheerah Ahmad. HOPSports and NFL Play 60 are also joining the cruise to provide active entertainment for children, helping them create a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

For information on healthy living, guests will hear from internist and endocrinologist Katja Von Herle, MD, MSPH; psychotherapist Jo Ann McKarus; and aesthetician and green beauty expert Paige Padgett. When guests are ready to kick back, they can enjoy tunes spun by Michigan-based DJ Jenna Brown, Latin-Urban DJ Frankie Needles, Atlanta-based seventies throwback Yacht Rock Revue, and comedian Howard Kremer, whose half-hour special is currently running on Comedy Central.

Guests will have plenty of activities to choose from while on board Jillian Michaels Ultimate Wellness Cruise, and even during their stop at Great Stirrup Cay, guests can join a group workout. Jillian will take a photo with each guest as they board; guests will each get a group workout with Jillian and a seat for one of her speaking engagements.

For information on booking the cruise, visit jillianmichaels.com/cruise.

Cruise Travel: Effective Complaining

Sadly, there’s no such thing as a perfect vacation and things can go just as wrong at sea as they do on land. Minor quibbles can be brought to the attention of the crewmembers you come in contact with on a regular basis. However, for the really big problems, you should work your way up the managerial ladder to the top until you are satisfied.

The most important thing to remember is that you should deal with problem situations on the ship when they occur; there's not much that can be done after the cruise is over.

What happens if you weren't able to resolve a situation on board? When it comes to post-cruise problem solving, Cruise Diva has suggestions for Effective Complaining.

Hurricane Earl Prompts Itinerary Adjustments

After the quiet opening months of the 2010 hurricane season, things are beginning to heat up with Hurricane Earl, the fifth named Atlantic storm of the year, moving in on islands in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Proactively, Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line have altered some ships' itineraries to avoid the storm.

Cruise Ship Itinerary Alterations, Updated Noon 8/30

Carnival Cruise Lines: Carnival Dream, which departed Port Canaveral on Saturday, will sail to the Western Caribbean and call at Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, and Costa Maya instead of following the planned Eastern Caribbean itinerary that included Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

Carnival Victory, which left San Juan on Sunday, will bypass St. Thomas and remain at sea today. A scheduled call in St. Maarten has been canceled and the ship plans to visit St. Thomas later in the week.

Carnival Pride sailed from Baltimore on Sunday and has cancelled a Wednesday visit in Grand Turk. Instead, it will make a call at Port Canaveral, Florida. Instead of Half Moon Cay, the ship will call at Nassau, Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean: Enchantment of the Seas, which departed from Baltimore last Thursday, will call at Samana, Dominican Republic today instead of St. Thomas. It will visit Labadee on Tuesday and spend Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at sea in order to arrive in Baltimore on Saturday.

Oasis of the Seas will not make its port calls Tuesday in St. Thomas and Wednesday in St. Maarten. The ship made an extended Sunday call on Nassau, will spend today and tomorrow at sea, then visit Costa Maya on Wednesday and Cozumel on Thursday. Friday will be a sea day returning to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday.

Freedom of the Seas, which sailed Sunday from Port Canaveral, has been diverted to the Western Caribbean and will call at Grand Cayman and Cozumel on Wednesday and Thursday instead of the Eastern Caribbean ports of St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Epic, which sailed from Miami on Saturday will visit Cozumel and Roatan in place of St. Maarten and St. Thomas. Epic will lengthen a Friday call in Nassau.

Norwegian Dawn was scheduled to leave New York on time yesterday, but faces a possible itinerary alteration depending on the path the storm takes.

Port Outlook
Hurricane watches are in effect for Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and British Virgin Islands. Tropical storm conditions are expected over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico today, with the possibility of hurricane conditions tonight. Hurricane warnings have been issued for St. Maarten, St. Barth's, Antigua, St. Kitt's, and neighboring islands.

Cruising From New Orleans

Many people know that the Cruise Diva team is based in the South, but aren't aware of our Louisiana history. Throughout the 1980s, our home was in Baton Rouge and we grew to love the city, the state, and, of course New Orleans as well. We watched the televised coverage of Hurricane Katrina five years ago with sadness and growing concern.

Less than two years post-Katrina, it felt good to be going home to Louisiana again. Our mission was to embark on a cruise. After driving through the sad remains along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and skirting the edge of New Orleans' infamous Lower 9th Ward, we were relieved when the iconic Superdome came into view and we were once again in the New Orleans we knew from years past—long before the hurricane brought terrible flooding and death to sections of the city.

We wondered if the city had recovered enough for tourists to enjoy it as much as we always had. Just as we'd remembered, there's no better place to start a day in New Orleans than at the Cafe du Monde, the original French Market coffee stand since 1862. (You didn't think Starbucks invented the coffee house, did you?) Fortified with chicory-laced cafe au lait and sugary beignets, a walk through the French Quarter is in order. Boutiques, antique shops, and sidewalk cafes line the main streets of the Quarter. Bourbon Street enjoys a raucous reputation for smoky bars, music clubs, and strip joints, yet is also where some of the most elegant restaurants and hotels are located.

The downtown area is where everything is happening. Adjacent to either side of Canal Street are the French Quarter and Warehouse/Arts Districts with accommodations ranging from intimate bed-and-breakfasts to luxury high-rise hotels. With streetcars in service, as well as taxis and buses, getting around is easy.

Find out how to get there, where to stay, and what to see and do when Sailing From New Orleans.

Find a Cruise, or an Embarkation Port on Your iPhone

As a rule, I'm not one to promote products that I don't own or have at least tried out. However, I'm not about to give up my trusty BlackBerry for an iPhone, so this is something I can't share first-hand experience with. The ability to view deck plans on a small screen is probably better left to people with keener eyesight than mine, but I do like the idea of having port directions at hand whenever I need them. I know iPhone users love their apps, so this one is for them.

Any iPhone owners out there? Feedback is appreciated.

Carnival Invites Cruisers To 'Make The Magic Yours'

With only 246 days left before launch, let the magic begin! As Carnival Cruise Lines unveils new details about its newest "Fun Ship," Carnival Magic, fans and fun-seekers can learn more and join in the action, well before the ship sets sail next year. Carnival's new, interactive online home for Carnival Magic at www.carnivalmagic.com showcases the ship's standout features through a full-screen virtual tour and more, as well as many ways for "Fun Ship" enthusiasts to add their own unique touches to the new vessel, set to debut May 1, 2011.

Through the Make the Magic Yours campaign, which includes a wide array of contests and promotions, Carnival is inviting fans of fun to "make the Magic theirs" by submitting ideas and voting on their favorites, while supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. The campaign will run Aug. 24, 2010, through Feb. 18, 2011, and Carnival will make a donation of up to $50,000 to St. Jude, based upon participation and voting.

How You Can Add Magic Touches To the Ship
On the Carnival Magic microsite, users can learn more about participating in a sea of fun monthly contests and other promotions that comprise the Make the Magic Yours campaign, which will continue up to Carnival Magic's inaugural sailing in May 2011. Beyond bragging rights, Carnival will be giving away great prizes, from digital cameras to a free cruise. And by participating in many elements of the campaign, fans will also do good by generating monetary donations from Carnival to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Carnival will be challenging fun-seekers everywhere to name some of Carnival Magic's special features, including a gigantic 500-gallon water dump bucket, the largest at sea housed in the WaterWorks aqua park, along with the two-level mini-golf course in SportsSquare, and a delicious dish at Cucina del Capitano, Carnival's first Italian trattoria. Other opportunities include creating fun toasts, coaster sayings, and music playlists for its new island-inspired RedFrog Pub. This winter, kids will be invited to get into the act with creative ways to make the Magic theirs, as well.

So, raise your glass in a toast as the Make the Magic Yours campaign begins with the RedFrog Coaster Contest, challenging grown-up fun-atics to submit their best pub line. The winning sayings will appear on the thousands of drink coasters used each voyage in Carnival Magic's Caribbean-themed RedFrog Pub as pints of the pub's signature beer, ThirstyFrog Red, Fun Ship Specials and other beverages are enjoyed by guests.

Through Sept. 7, 2010, Carnival welcomes those ages 21 and above to submit the pub-appropriate lines they believe best capture the magical moments experienced on a Carnival "Fun Ship." Entries must be 60 characters or less and Carnival coaster-worthy, as they'll be judged by the company based on relevance, creativity and humor, then culled down to 10 finalists, nine chosen by Carnival and one wild card determined by consumer voting.

In mid-September, Carnival fans and fun-seekers will be invited to vote for their favorite sayings to choose three lucky winners who will be announced later that month. Each winner will receive a special commemorative version of their RedFrog Pub coasters and other items including a digital camera, RedFrog Pub bartending items and more. Additional information and contest rules are available at www.carnivalmagic.com/contest.

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic is slated to debut in Europe with a series of 7- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating May 1-Oct. 16, 2011. Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Magic will launch 7-day Caribbean service from Galveston, Texas, Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the port's largest year-round cruise ship.

Carnival Magic: The Countdown Continues

Now that they're down to 247 days until launch, here's one of the new spaces on Carnival Magic that will have sports junkies jumping for joy. It's SportsSquare. Taking Carnival's popular outdoor recreation areas to an entirely new level, SportsSquare will feature the cruise industry's first ropes course where thrill-seeking guests can traverse across nets suspended above Spa Deck 12 and offering spectacular views to the sea nearly 150 feet below. Surrounded by an eighth-mile jogging track, the expansive SportsSquare complex also includes the first outdoor weightlifting area on a cruise ship, along with Carnival's first two-level miniature golf course, a Vita exercise course, a lighted multi-purpose court for basketball, volleyball and soccer, along with ping pong and foosball tables. A full bar with a large flat-screen display is available for those who just want to relax and check out the sports action in the area or on TV.


Carnival Magic's other top-deck amenities include the splash-tastic WaterWorks aqua park (above) that will offer even more thrills with an exhilarating "Twister" spiral water slide, as well as the new Aqua Play splash park designed for youngsters and their families, featuring a gigantic, 500-gallon "dump bucket" and a host of other wet 'n wild features. Resort-style pool areas offer the perfect venue for catching rays or some Zs, although adults might want to head for the Serenity area for more peace and quiet.

In addition to the new features Carnival Cruise Lines has unveiled, Carnival Magic will also have a variety of signature "Fun Ship" elements, including:

• Expansive Family-Friendly Spaces: The ultimate family vacation, Carnival Magic offers more than 19,000 square feet of space catering to kids and families, including dedicated spaces for children (Camp Carnival), 'tweens (Circle "C") and teens (Club O2), with organized activities and enthusiastic counselors for each group.
• Serenity: The ideal space for some adult-only "me" time, Serenity offers comfortable chaise lounges and chairs, hammocks, colorful umbrellas and two jumbo-sized whirlpools, along with full bar service specializing in frothy, icy concoctions.
• Cloud 9 Spa: Guests in the mood for a workout or some personal pampering can visit this stunning and sophisticated facility. At the Cloud 9 Spa, troubles melt away as guests soak in the soothing thalassotherapy pool, unwind in the elaborate thermal suite or just take in the elegant, serene surroundings.
• Stateroom Innovations: With 1,845 staterooms, Carnival Magic offers a wide array of accommodation types, including two-bathroom/five-berth cabins and connecting staterooms that hold particular appeal to families; cove balcony cabins closer to the water line; and spa staterooms providing special access and benefits.
• Food, Glorious Food: Whether its authentic delicacies from India and China, a full-service meal in an elegant, two-level dining room, a late-night slice of pizza, an exquisite meal in a classic American steakhouse, or just a burger by the pool, Carnival Magic offers a tantalizing array of international cuisines sure to satisfy every palate.
• Dazzling Entertainment: From a laugh-out-loud Punchliner Comedy Club, live bands along the promenade, Superstar Live Karaoke where guests sing to channel their inner rock star fronting a four-piece band, or dazzling production shows incorporating the latest special effects, nights are truly special aboard Carnival Magic.
• Carnival's Seaside Theatre: This 270-square-foot LED screen and poolside seating is the perfect spot for guests to sit back, relax and watch classic and first-run movies, sporting events, news, concerts and other programming, either during the day or night.
• Ocean Plaza: A place to see and be seen, Ocean Plaza is a stunning indoor/outdoor cafe and live entertainment venue where guests can dance to live music and enjoy specialty coffees and sweets - even freshly made milkshakes. Full bar service, specializing in martinis and mojitos, is also available.
• The Lanai: Taking the traditional cruise-ship promenade to new heights, The Lanai is a half-mile, open-air promenade encircling Promenade Deck 5. Here, guests can stroll while enjoying spectacular ocean vistas, curl up with a good book, soak up some sun in a comfortable deck chair, or relax in one of four cantilevered whirlpools that extend out over the ship's sides.
• Fun Hub: Available on any guests' Internet-connected laptop or at dozens of convenient locations throughout the ship is the Fun Hub, a social network and comprehensive shipboard intranet portal that provides access to a variety of information on Carnival Magic's services, facilities and daily activities. Carnival Magic will also offer bow-to-stern Wi-Fi and cell phone service.

Carnival Magic: The Countdown Begins

They're counting down the days (only 248 more) at Carnival Cruise Lines' Miami headquarters. That's when their newest "Fun Ship," the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, sets sail.

While we wait, Carnival is giving us a peek through the porthole at some of the ship's unique spaces and fun features. From Carnival's first-ever pub, featuring its own private label beer, to an authentic trattoria that brings the heritage of Carnival's Italian captains to the table, to an expansive outdoor sports complex featuring the first-ever ropes course and outdoor weight-lifting area on a cruise ship—along with cruising's first gargantuan water dump bucket—Carnival Magic is destined to be the most innovative "Fun Ship" to date.

While Carnival Magic offers vacationing passengers a variety of opportunities for fun, relaxation, and enjoyment, the two innovations that appeal most to the Cruise Diva team are:


• RedFrog Pub: A new concept for Carnival, the RedFrog Pub (above) offers a laid-back Caribbean vibe with island-inspired snacks and drinks, including ThirstyFrog Red, a private-label draught beer brewed especially for Carnival Magic. Located on Promenade Deck 5, the 100-seat indoor/outdoor pub is a convivial place where guests can relax, meet new friends, sip a frozen cocktail, and snack on Bahamian conch salad, grouper fingers, firecracker Jamaican chicken wings, and other Caribbean favorites. RedFrog Pub will also offer tastings of top-rated rums of the Caribbean and a collection of the region's best beers. With a nod to Carnival Magic's Caribbean itineraries, which kick off in Nov 2011, RedFrog Pub's decor is decidedly British West Indies meets Key West, evoking the warmth and friendliness of a local island watering hole. Nautical-themed interiors with rich wood details, vibrant tile work, portholes, and images of ships at sea, along with foosball and shuffleboard tables, and a jukebox, complete the playful pub atmosphere.


• Cucina del Capitano ("The Captain's Kitchen"): An homage to Carnival's rich Italian lineage—all of the line's captains are Italian and many Carnival ships, including Carnival Magic, are built in Italy—Cucina del Capitano (above) is a dinner-time option with made-to-order Italian favorites in comfortable, relaxed surroundings. Dine on hand-made pastas, risotto, and fresh-from-the-oven Italian specialties—many served family style—complemented by a wine list specializing in Italian vintages. Many of the dishes and recipes were hand-selected by Carnival's captains. Framed archival photographs, many from the captains' personal collections, table arrangements that invite conversation, wood-beam ceilings, and ornate wrought ironwork recreate the ambiance of a cozy Italian home, while the warm service makes everyone feel like they're part of the family. Truly an unforgettable dining experience. Dinner carries a nominal fee. During the day, the space is utilized as a casual made-to-order pasta bar with items offered on a complimentary basis.

These and more of Carnival Magic's many features are highlighted on the interactive micro-site, CarnivalMagic.com, which features a full-screen virtual tour, exclusive images and videos, construction footage, and more. The virtual tour is exceptionally well done. The site also contains details on a series of unique contests and promotions Carnival will offer for fun fans to add their personal touches on Carnival Magic leading up to the ship's maiden voyage.

Featured Cruise Review: Celebrity Solstice

Last January our frequent contributors Mary and Vincent Finelli cruised on Celebrity Solstice to the Eastern Caribbean and enjoyed a memorable experience. So memorable, in fact, that they booked Celebrity Solstice again in order to give the new Aqua Class a try.

Cruise Diva is happy to share their Western Caribbean Aqua Class cruise aboard Celebrity Solstice.

Retail Therapy: Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth

Ever since Queen Mary entered service in 1936, Cunard’s Queens have been famous for offering the best on board shopping featuring some of the finest luxury brands and gifts from around the world. The new Queen Elizabeth, which enters service in October 2010, will be no exception. Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Arcade will feature iconic products from Fortnum & Mason. Since 1707, Fortnum & Mason has been the quintessential English store situated in the heart of London’s Piccadilly and issued with two Royal warrants. On board, Fortnum & Mason will offer unique teas, preserves, biscuits and gifts.

“Decades of experience have told us that on board shopping is important to our guests and Cunard has an unrivalled reputation for providing the finest shopping at sea,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “Queen Elizabeth will be no exception in this regard and I am very excited with the range that will be offered by high-quality world-famous brands that are a perfect fit for our brand and our guests.”

In addition to Fortnum & Mason, shoppers on board Queen Elizabeth will be able to purchase other brands that have never before been available at sea. The new Cunarder will be the only ship in the world to feature men’s designer clothing by Hackett of London, producers of the finest authentic and classic menswear and “The home of the essential British kit”; Harris Tweed, world-renowned for their genuine hand-woven Scottish woollen fabrics; and English fashion accessories by designer Anya Hindmarch, who always had a passion for bespoke details, the latest of which will be found on board.

Queen Elizabeth will also feature Chopard, watches and jewelery of exceptional quality, exclusively created to the highest standards in Geneva; Penhaligons, with fragrances and gifts for men and women including perfume, aftershave, cologne, eau de parfum, body lotion and bath oil; and Aspinal of London, best known for their hand-made leather photo albums, leather wallets and purses, leather journals, wedding albums and guest books in both classic and contemporary designs.

To celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s introduction, a new Cunard Signature Collection will offer a premium logo collection ranging from travel accessories to designer clothing.

Cunard was the first Line to offer suit hire facilities at sea, and Queen Elizabeth will continue this valuable service with Moss Bros Hire, providing everything needed for elegant formal events.

Queen Elizabeth will be the second largest Cunarder ever built and will join her sisters, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, as part of the youngest fleet in the world. She will feature many unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters and their predecessors, together with all the modern day luxuries Cunard’s guests have come to expect. There will also be features that will give the vessel her own style and personality. The first Queen Elizabeth was one of Cunard’s greatest ships, and the new Queen Elizabeth will reflect her predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist. From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at an experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from a modern-day cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship’s adherence to liner traditions, with elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood panelling, intricate mosaics, hand-woven carpets, gleaming chandeliers, and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth, reflecting The New Golden Age of Ocean Travel.

Queen Elizabeth will depart on her sold-out Maiden Voyage on Oct 12, 2010. This 13-night celebration will leave from the company’s home port, Southampton, and will call at Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (overnight call), and Funchal. For more information, visit queenelizabeth.cunard.com.

Plan Your Cruise Vacation With Carnival Cruise Lines On Facebook

Only a few days after announcing that a little Fun Ship birdie is answering cruiser questions on Twitter, Carnival Cruise Lines has announced the launch of a new social commerce Facebook application that allows users to easily view, compare, select, and share Carnival cruises with their Facebook friends. The application, the first of its kind in the cruise industry, allows users to engage their social network in their vacation planning through personalized newsfeed updates and even invite friends to book the same trip.

The application, available on Carnival’s official Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/carnival), enables the user to explore all available Carnival cruise options without leaving Facebook by providing the functionality to sort cruises by date, duration, port of call, and accommodation type. Once users decide on a particular cruise, they can share the detailed cruise information with their Facebook friends by simply clicking a button. Users can also customize their newsfeed messages, which include a link to the cruise, to invite friends to book the trip as well.

“A Carnival cruise is a very social experience and this application is a natural extension of our efforts to engage our nearly 250,000 Facebook fans in a unique and exciting way,” said Jim Berra, Carnival’s chief marketing officer. “By allowing our customers to share their cruising plans with Facebook friends, we are making it easier for them to plan group trips and encourage others to join in the fun.”

Now, I admit that I'm not the brightest bulb in the chandelier when it comes to social media programs, but I thought I'd give it a try before sharing this new application here on the Cruise Diva Blog. It took me a moment to find the “Cruise Finder” navigation tab (right at the top of the Carnival Facebook home page—duh). When I clicked on it a “Request for Permission” form appeared asking for the following:

Request for Permission
Carnival Cruise Finder is requesting permission to do the following:
—Access my basic information
—Includes name, profile picture, gender, networks, user ID, list of friends, and any other information I've shared with everyone.

I trust Carnival with personal information every time I am booked on a cruise with them, but I'm still a bit leery of openly sharing information on Facebook so I exited without going any further. Carnival calls this application groundbreaking, but I'll let someone else break that ground on Facebook.

Malt Shop Memories Cruise, Class of 2011

Break out your bobby socks and poodle skirts and get ready to join the Class of 2011. Sixthman and Time Life proudly announce that the second annual Malt Shop Memories Cruise will set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Nassau, Bahamas, aboard the Carnival Sensation. The cruise leaves on Sunday, May 8, 2011, and returns on Thursday, May 12. Performers include Chubby Checker, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Shirley Alston Reeves—Original Lead of the Shirelles, The Crystals, The Original Drifters, The Tymes, and more.

Based on Time Life's acclaimed Malt Shop Memories box set, the cruise brings the sounds of the 50s and 60s to life, with live performances from the best acts from the Malt Shop era. Along with live shows, guests will enjoy onboard activities such as dance contests and lessons, theme nights, and more.

Chubby Checker joins the Malt Shop Memories Cruise just in time for the Twist's 50th birthday. Shirley Alston Reeves, co-founder and original lead singer of The Shirelles, makes a great addition to the lineup, as do The Crystals, who had several top ten hits such as "He's a Rebel" and "Da Doo Ron Ron." Sixthman and Time Life are also looking forward to welcoming Philly group The Tymes who had a hit with "So Much in Love," as well as The Skyliners whose "Since I Don't Have You" topped charts in the fifties.

Radio personality "The Geator with the Heater" Jerry Blavat will again emcee the cruise, and several of the artists from 2010's cruise will return, including Little Anthony & The Imperials, The Original Drifters, and a capella doo wop groups The Del Rays, The Devotions, The Fireflys, and award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist Gino Monopoli (pictured above).

The first ever Malt Shop Memories cruise took place in May of 2010 and Cruise Diva was reporting from on board. Along with our fellow cruisers, we felt transported back in time to simpler days with the best music in the world. We forged new friendships and intermingled with the likes of Frankie Avalon, Little Anthony, Lou Christie, and Lesley Gore. Some of the activities we enjoyed included hula-hoop contests, a sock hop, wine tastings, and bingo.

Plan to be a member of the Class of 2011 and check out the details for the vacation of a lifetime at MaltShopCruise.com. Fares include entertainment, meals, onboard activities, and more.

Does My Cruise Vacation HAVE To End?

Other than hearing “are we there yet?” from little ones in the back seat during a family road trip, the saddest vacation quote I can think of is “it’s time to disembark the vessel.”

Royal Caribbean International has felt our pain and passengers on European sailings who wish to remain on board longer on departure day may now sign up in advance of the cruise for their Late Departure Program. Sign up online under Shore and Land Excursions for the port of call where the cruise terminates.

In another variant of “I don’t want the vacation to end yet,” for passengers on Oasis of the Seas who have time before their flight leaves, Royal Caribbean is testing an Extended Stay program that allows the Oasis passengers to store their luggage and enjoy a day in Hollywood, Florida in and around the boardwalk. This opportunity encompasses shopping, dining, going to the beach, riding the trolley, and/or relaxing at the cruise lines’ hospitality center. This opportunity is also available as a shore excursion under the port of call, Ft. Lauderdale, for all guests sailing on board Oasis of the Seas.

Tweet Carnival With Your Questions

When you have a question or concern about your Carnival cruise, who you gonna call? Provided that you can ask it in 140 characters or less, now you can tweet Carnival Cruise Lines for an answer.

Carnival has expanded its guest service options with a new Twitter profile that is specifically assigned to cruise-related questions or pre- or post-cruise comments from guests sailing aboard the “Fun Ships.”

Through the new Twitter profile (www.twitter.com/CCLsupport), you can submit questions regarding any aspect of “Fun Ship” cruising or post a query, comment, or concern, either prior to or following your voyage. Carnival’s guest service personnel are monitoring and responding to posts.

The new service-focused Twitter profile complements the line’s existing Twitter profile (www.twitter.com/carnivalcruise), which offers a variety of news and information on the happenings at Carnival.

Oh yes, and if you'd like to follow Cruise Diva, we also have a Twitter profile at www.twitter.com/CruiseDiva.