Westerdam to Alaska: Glacier Bay

Greeted by a pod of humpback whales, Westerdam entered Glacier Bay and we enjoyed some of the world’s most stunning sights. They really speak for themselves.

Our whale "hosts"

Lamplugh Glacier

John Hopkins Glacier

Margerie Glacier

Westerdam to Alaska: Sea Day

One of the most appealing aspects of any cruise is the food. Another is learning about food and how the galley operates. So, we went behind the culinary curtain to tour the galley and watch some of Westerdam’s chefs in action. A big favorite was the pastry shop where cookies, pies, cakes, chocolates, and petit fours are created. The delicate artistry that goes into the making of marzipan cake decorations for High Tea proved to be mesmerizing.

Is it possible to cook at home like a Holland America chef? Probably not in my home, but that has nothing to do with the efforts that go into the cooking demonstrations and hands-on lessons presented in Westerdam’s Culinary Arts Center.

Today’s schedule in the Culinary Arts Center was highlighted by “The Flavors of Bali” with guest chef Chris Salans (pictured here). Originally from Washington, DC, Chef Salans attended the prestigious Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris. After stints in Europe and New York, his appreciation of Asian cuisine led him to Bali, Indonesia where the Modern Balinese Cuisine served in his restaurant Mozaic has earned worldwide accolades.

Our class was introduced to exotic ingredients from Asia as Chef Salans prepared Sesame Crusted Tuna and Cherry Tomato, Carambola and Rosewater Apple Salad. With some of the traditional ingredients of Bali not available in the United States, Chef Salans encouraged us to experiment with substitutions. His recipes are only guidelines and he stressed that we should be creative with ingredients. The resulting dishes should be a medley of flavor, color, and texture. For dessert, we were treated to a Lemongrass Sorbet with strawberries and lime leaf that Chef Salans also prepared for us.

I may not be able to make the sorbet at home (sadly, my appliances don’t include a sorbet maker), but I do look forward to trying to prepare the tuna. Truthfully, not being talented in the kitchen, the afternoon’s Martini Mixology lessons were more my speed.

After tonight’s formal dinner and the production show featuring the Westerdam singers and dancers, we’ll be turning in early. Tomorrow morning we enter Glacier Bay.

Westerdam to Alaska: Embarkation Day

Here in Seattle, where Holland America Line is headquartered, the process for transferring from hotel to ship is seamless. After an early morning pre-boarding check in with the Holland America rep at the Fairmont Olympic, we had simply to call a bellman to pick up our luggage. The next time we saw it was in our cabin aboard Westerdam.

After a leisurely breakfast and relaxing in our room (we decided to hang out there because it was pouring rain outside), we gathered to board a motorcoach for the 15-minute ride to the new Smith Cove cruise facility at Terminal 91. Luck was with us and the rain stopped as we approached. It appeared that we arrived at exactly the peak boarding time and we eyed the line inside with some trepidation. However, it moved swiftly and we were past security, checked in, and on the gangway in short order. The process was extremely efficient and Holland America employees here in Seattle would put their counterparts in other embarkation ports to shame. From hotel to embarkation on Westerdam took less than an hour.

Here’s a hint for your future Holland America cruise. Be sure to complete the online check-in procedure before leaving home. Having done that, we didn’t even have to produce a credit card to establish our onboard account.

Unpacking was interrupted by the late-afternoon boat drill and we were on our way in what seemed to be record time. What would sailaway be like without pizza? And a chocolate chip cookie! Even with afternoon snacks beneath our belts, we look forward to what Westerdam’s chefs have in store for us. Since we’re in salmon country, that’s sure to be a favorite entree choice (as it was when we sailed on Westerdam in the Caribbean last year). And dinner? The first of what promises to be Alaska treats. Pecan encrusted salmon.

That’s the new cruise Terminal 91 in the photo above that I snapped while on a harbor tour yesterday. Did you notice that the ship isn’t ours? It’s Holland America Line’s Amsterdam, also making Seattle her summer home for the Alaska season.

Tomorrow’s installment is a day at sea and we have a lot to look forward to with a galley tour and cooking demonstration by a surprise guest chef.

Pre-Cruise: Seattle Day Two

When I think back to today’s adventures in Seattle, two four-letter words will come to mind. The first is “rain” because that’s what the weather was like when we awoke. The second is “walk”—my sore feet attest to the fact that Seattle is a great walking city. We started the day with a cup of Seattle’s Best coffee. This is the center of the universe in terms of coffee shops and we’d have been remiss not to have stopped at one.

After making our way through Pike’s Market, we found the Pike Place Hillclimb stairway that leads under the highway and comes out in front of the Seattle Aquarium. Fortunately, some local residents pointed us in the right direction. The few signs in the market weren’t very clear.

Past the Aquarium and Miner’s Landing, we got our tickets at Argosy Cruises for the one-hour harbor cruise and were soon on our way aboard Royal Argosy. This is really the way to see the Seattle waterfront and especially the iconic Space Needle. Our guide pointed out major parks and buildings and explained how significant the shipping industry (both cargo and passenger) is to the region. We got a bit of history and humor and thoroughly enjoyed the brief cruise. Although the day began with rain, it cleared up and we spent most of our time in Elliott Bay on the open observation deck, but we could duck back into the interior and still see everything through floor-to-ceiling windows. Royal Argosy carries 800 people for cruises that include dining, but there were fewer on our 11 am cruise-only.

The Crab Pot Restaurant in Miner’s Landing caught our attention as we docked back at pier 56 so we headed straight there for lunch. We were seated right away, but by the time we left there was a long line of hungry folks waiting for a table.

Instead of going back up the Hillclimb, we walked toward Bell Street Pier, where Norwegian Star was docked today, and found the public elevator that is an easier “climb” back to the Pike Place Market level. Again, it could have been marked better—even our walking tour map only estimates its location.

Nearly six hours of walking and we’re really ready to board Holland America Line’s Westerdam tomorrow. Holland America Line and the Fairmont Olympic Hotel offer what appears to be a seamless transfer process. We'll share more about that later.

Thankfully, once Westerdam sails we’ll have some sea time to catch our breath before we reach Alaska and our first “stop” at scenic Glacier Bay.

Pre-Cruise: Seattle Day One

It’s been a long travel day for us, particularly with the three-hour time difference between our home and Seattle. After an early morning flight, we were pleased that we could check in at the gracious Fairmont Olympic Hotel shortly after noon. Naps were in order (we got up at 3am!) and then we set out to explore and make a few purchases—yes I did forget to pack an item.

In the heart of the Emerald City, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel is on the original site of the University of Washington and close to numerous downtown attractions—Pioneer Square, the Seattle Art Museum, and Pike’s Market are within walking distance and the Space Needle is a short monorail ride away.

In the tradition of our Florida neighbors, we set out to find dinner at 5pm. Rather early for locals, but we are on eastern time. In the quest for seafood, we found Cutter’s Bayhouse and were seated with a view overlooking the harbor. A three-course early bird special included a seafood bisque that was quite simply one of the best I’ve ever been served. Mel chose seafood pasta and I went with the battered cod for entrées. We barely had room for the dessert and I hated not to finish my cheesecake.

Unlike the last time I was here, when it rained constantly, today was sunny and warm and we've seen people with their dogs everywhere during our walks downtown. There is even an adorable little Yorkie here in the hotel. Our cat Elvis will surely be jealous when he hears that, but he’s already having a great time with his cat-sitter.

We have a lot to see tomorrow and have a harbor cruise-tour tentatively on our agenda. That will whet our appetites the real thing on Sunday when we board Holland America Line’s Westerdam for our cruise to Alaska.

Cruises, the Social Network Way to Travel

When we boarded our first cruise ship there was no Facebook, no Twitter, no Internet message boards. In fact there was no Internet as we now know it.

We—my husband Mel and I—crossed the gangway and began our first cruise vacation not knowing another soul. At the time, it actually didn't occur to us that we would ever want to "friend" a fellow passenger ahead of time, send a "tweet" out to potential cruise mates, or join a "roll call" in order to have a ready-made social circle on our cruise vacation.

The fact is, unlike a resort vacation, cruises are an inherently social form of travel and it didn't take us long to meet people after embarkation.

While a cruise is a great vacation for families & friends, it isn't necessary to have a ready-made group of acquaintances in order to feel comfortable on a cruise. In Cruises, the Social Network Way to Travel, Cruise Diva explores the pros and cons of meeting your fellow passengers online before your cruise.

On-Line Video Offers Virtual Tour of New Carnival Dream

To showcase its newest and largest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, Carnival Cruise Lines has produced an informative video to provide a unique look at the 3,646-passenger vessel, which is currently under construction in Italy and set to debut this month. The video can be viewed on the Carnival Dream’s website here (be patient, it takes a moment to load on my cable broadband).

Featuring the latest production techniques and state-of-the-art animation, the video takes viewers on a virtual journey throughout Carnival Dream, utilizing fun, energetic narration and editing that is evocative of the Carnival brand.

The video highlights Carnival Dream’s wide variety of bars, lounges and nightspots, formal and casual dining areas, and open deck amenities, including the Carnival WaterWorks aqua park and the Seaside Theatre LED screen. Also showcased is Ocean Plaza, a stunning new indoor/outdoor café and live music venue, and The Lanai, an outdoor area featuring a wrap-around promenade and cantilevered whirlpools hanging over the side of the ship.

Carnival Dream is slated to debut Sept. 21, 2009, with the first of three 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Rome (Civitavecchia). Following a 16-day transatlantic crossing, Carnival Dream will operate two eight-day voyages from New York, then reposition to Port Canaveral, Florida, for a special nine-day voyage followed by the launch of year-round seven-day Caribbean service Dec. 12.

Celebrity Cruises Introduces “Celebrity Select” Flexible Dining Option

For many loyal past passengers, the food has always been a good enough reason to book a Celebrity cruise. Celebrity Cruises has long been an industry leader when it comes to putting guests at the center of attention and they also listen to what their guests want. As a result, Celebrity Cruises has introduced Celebrity Select Dining, a new flexible dining option that allows guests to choose when they dine in the main dining room onboard, on a day-by-day basis, which includes the industry’s first pre-cruise day-by-day flexible dining reservation system.

“Celebrity Select Dining gives our guests the flexibility to spend their days any way they like,” said Jacques Van Staden, Vice President of Culinary Operations, Celebrity Cruises. “Whether they wish to enjoy more time in a specific port of call one day and dine later that evening than another, or whether they wish to keep a traditional set dining time, they will receive the same amazing service and enjoy the same menu. It’s all about our guests, and it’s all about choice.”

No other cruise line that offers a flexible dining option also offers pre-cruise day-by-day reservations. Through this industry-leading technology, Celebrity’s guests can go online to choose their desired dining time–anytime between 6 and 9:30 pm–for each day of their cruise, up to four days prior to boarding. Reservations also can be made onboard with the main dining room’s Maitre d’. Pre-cruise reservations are strongly encouraged in order to ensure the best possible dining experience. Guests can pre-book their dining times online at CelebrityCruises.com. All dining times are subject to availability, and guests who elect Celebrity Select Dining must pay gratuities.

During the booking process, guests will choose either Celebrity Select Dining or traditional dining. Guests will be accommodated on a first-come/first-served basis. Guests who choose to customize their onboard dining times through Celebrity Select Dining also will have the choice to either dine with only their own traveling companions or with other guests on the cruise, and Celebrity will work to accommodate this choice. Guests sailing on Celebrity’s newest ship, the 2,850-guest Celebrity Equinox, beginning with the Sept 26, 2009 sailing, will be the first to experience Celebrity Select Dining. Online booking for pre-cruise day-by-day dining reservations for this sailing has opened. Guests who are already booked on Celebrity Equinox’s sailings taking place on or after Sept 26 can choose to switch to Celebrity Select Dining.

With the exception of sailings on Celebrity Xpedition, the 92-guest mega-yacht sailing year-round in the Galapagos Islands, the option to choose Celebrity Select Dining is now available for all other participating ships beginning with the sailing dates noted below and continuing through all cruises currently open for sale. Celebrity Select Dining’s online day-by-day dining reservations will be available for all participating ships as of Oct 15, for sailings beginning with those noted below and continuing for at least two months from those sailing dates. For sailings not available for booking day-by-day online reservations as of Oct 15, guests will be able to place their day-by-day reservations no less than 30 days prior to their sail date.

• Celebrity Solstice – Jan 10, 2010 sailing
• Celebrity Constellation – Jan 17, 2010 sailing
• Celebrity Century – Jan 23, 2010 sailing
• Celebrity Millennium – Feb 1, 2010 sailing
• Celebrity Summit – Feb 13, 2010 sailing
• Celebrity Mercury – Feb 15, 2010 sailing
• Celebrity Infinity – Feb 28, 2010 sailing

Guests planning to experience Celebrity Eclipse, the third ship in Celebrity’s new Solstice Class, which will enter service in April 2010, will be able to elect Celebrity Select Dining on a date that will be announced later. Guests can visit CelebrityCruises.com/celebrityselectdining to see a more comprehensive list of sailings for which Celebrity Select Dining’s day-by-day reservations will be available for booking, and what the booking dates are.

Individuals who elect to take advantage of Celebrity Select Dining before cruising will be required to pre-pay (before the cruise) Celebrity’s recommended gratuity amounts for their waiter, assistant waiter, dining room management and stateroom attendants. If guests wish to choose to change from traditional dining to Celebrity Select Dining after they have boarded, they can do so within the first 24 hours of their cruise, on a space-available basis. Guests who choose Celebrity Select Dining while onboard or who are otherwise not eligible to be charged prior to sailing will automatically have gratuities added to their onboard portfolio account.

Celebrity Select Dining is subject to availability. Only groups of 20 or less can be seated at one time. Celebrity ships that offer specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room already offer online pre-cruise reservations that can be made up to four days prior to boarding. Guests who dine in Celebrity’s specialty restaurants are charged a per-person reservation fee. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit CelebrityCruises.com.

Disney Cruise Line To Create More Magic at Castaway Cay

With two new, and larger ships on the horizon, Castaway Cay, Disney's private island paradise in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, is getting an extra dose of pixie dust. Expansion and enhancements will provide guests with more water-based family-fun, additional conveniences and a slice of beachside luxury all designed to complement the idyllic island setting.

The additional island amenities, described in the video below, are scheduled to be complete by summer 2010, in time for special 5-night cruises aboard the Disney Wonder with two stops at Castaway Cay, and the Disney Dream cruise ship which starts sailing in early 2011. Castaway Cay is consistently rated by Disney Cruise Line guests as their favorite port of call—the ultimate private island escape for adventure, relaxation and quality time with the family. It was certainly one of Cruise Diva's when she enjoyed biking, parasailing, and feeding the stingrays there a few years ago.

"The numerous enhancements and additions planned for Castaway Cay will take the already extraordinary guest experiences on our private island to the next level," said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. "Whether our guests are seeking recreation or leisure—or a combination of both—they will find it at Castaway Cay, all complemented by unparalleled Disney service."

Walt Disney Imagineers designed Castaway Cay with one-of-a-kind areas and activities for every member of the family, while celebrating the natural beauty of the 1,000-acre island. Among the crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and lush landscapes, guests soon will find the following transformations.

Expanded Family Beach: The Castaway Family Beach will be extended by more than 700 feet for families to enjoy the pristine white sand, build sand castles, relax in the shade under an umbrella and take a dip in the warm azure waters of the lagoon. As an added convenience for guests, enhancements to this area of the island will include:
-- New Cookies Too family lunch buffet location serving all-you-care-to-eat barbeque, island spiced rotisserie chicken, burgers, grilled fish, fresh salads, flatbreads, ice cream,complimentary soda and more, in a covered pavilion just steps away from the expanded family beach.
-- New Sand Bar beach bar mixing up drinks like Castaway Cay's signature Konk Kooler, other tropical concoctions, cold beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.
-- New Flippers & Floats beach rentals providing inner tubes, snorkels, masks and fins.
-- New Buy the Sea Shore merchandise location selling a variety of Castaway Cay-exclusive items along with towels, sunscreen and other beach essentials—a complement to the island's other merchandise location, She Sells Sea Shells & everything else.

New Water Feature and Water Play Areas: Guests can slide and splash at a new water feature called Pelican Plunge. The 2,400-square-foot floating platform, located within swimming distance from shore, celebrates the island's native pelicans. Various flotsam and jetsam—such as nautical rope, cargo nets, buoys, signaling flags, and starfish-like ornamentation—adorn the platform. Two exciting water slides—an enclosed corkscrew slide and a 140-foot-long open slide—take guests on a twisting ride, ending with a splash into the lagoon. A giant "bucket dump" delivers hundreds of gallons of water, soaking eagerly awaiting guests. Four water cannons provide sharp-shooting fun with floating nautical targets approximately 20 feet away.

On the island, a brand-new, 2,400-square-foot water play area called Spring-a-Leak helps guests cool off while immersing them in what appears to be the remnants of a washed-away beach dwelling leaning in the direction of the prevailing winds. The watery fun begins as guests enter the storm-ravaged structure, greeted by dripping pipes, broken plumbing and hissing misters, exposed and twisted by the tropical tempest that wiped out the original structure. A "splash pad" is the focal point and gives the impression of water pooled on the ground. Water jets squirt, spray and saturate guests. Shade is provided by leftover pieces of the corrugated steel roof, aged and distressed fabric and the occasional palm tree growing up through the floor foundation. Parents can relax and have a seat—or, better yet, join in the fun—as kids frolic in the wet and whimsical setting.

The "hub" of youth activities on the island, Scuttle's Cove, will feature a new water play area for the youngest Disney Cruise Line guests to splash and enjoy as part of supervised youth activities on Castaway Cay. A 1,200-square-foot soft wet deck area provides fresh-water fun with an array of pop jets, geysers and bubblers. Overhead, shade sails circle the area like a compass and marine props—a captain's wheel, boat oars, life preservers and nautical rope—complete the castaway theme.

One of the coolest features about all the new water play facilities is that there will be no charge to enjoy them.

New Beach Cabanas: Guests can have a little piece of paradise all to themselves at one of 20 new private cabanas. The premium rental cabanas provide the privacy and luxury of a deluxe beach retreat with an option to add the personalized service of a cabana host. Sixteen of the exclusive 325-square-foot beach cabanas will dot the far side of Castaway Family Beach, giving guests more privacy along with a spectacular view of their Disney cruise ship from the cabana's large front patio deck. Four private cabanas will be located on Serenity Bay Beach, exclusively for adults, providing the ultimate in upscale seclusion.

Each well-appointed cabana is furnished with comfortable cushioned chairs, luxurious chaise lounge chairs, stylish side tables, and a dining table. Other convenient features include a refrigerator, lockable storage unit, outside fresh water shower, and sail cloth for shade on the deck. Amenities included with a beach cabana rental include non-alcoholic beverages, suntan lotion, and fluffy towels. A variety of a la carte services and packages will be offered, including special food and beverage options.

Other Enhancements & Additions
-- The popular Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure will be moved to a different location in the lagoon, adjacent to the existing Gil's Fins & Boats beach rental. Once complete, guests will be able to swim and interact with stingrays in an even larger area within the private lagoon.
-- Teens will enjoy Hide Out, an all-new secluded area on the island just for them. Off the beaten path, but near everything, this teen retreat is a great place to hang out and soak up the sun just steps away from the beach, activities, food, ice cream, and refreshments. Multi-colored deck chairs and sail cloth shades create the ideal getaway to gather, kick back, listen to music, and watch the action at the nearby beach volleyball and soccer areas.
-- In Da Shade Game Pavilion provides guests who want to take a break out of the sun a place to play games such as table tennis, foosball, billiards, and basketball. The new shaded structure is centrally located, near Castaway Family Beach.
-- To provide additional adult pampering, three new massage cabanas will be added to the adults-only Serenity Bay Beach. For unparalleled relaxation, adults will be able to enjoy a therapeutic massage, or couples massage, at one of eight private cabanas overlooking the ocean.
-- Guest transportation is provided to and from various points on the island via tram. For greater convenience, additional tram paths will be created and a new Pelican Point Tram Stop will be located farther down Castaway Family Beach, near most of the new additions to the island.
-- Marge's Barges & Sea Charters Dock will be expanded to accommodate additional excursion boats for parasailing, fishing tours and more.
-- The cruise ship dock at Castaway Cay eliminates the need to tender, making the ship easily accessible throughout the day. To accommodate Disney Cruise Line's new ships, additional mooring dolphins will be installed to lengthen the dock.

Disney Cruise Line sails to Castaway Cay on all itineraries originating from Port Canaveral, Florida. Disney Cruise Line offers 3-, 4- and 7-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean with special voyages to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in 2010. Land/sea packages that include a stay at Walt Disney World Resort provide the ultimate Disney vacation. A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line delivers an experience that every member of the family feels was created especially for them. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit DisneyCruise.com, or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.

Cruise Travel: Going North, To Alaska

It may be a bit late in the season to be talking about a cruise to Alaska, but that is exactly where Cruise Diva is headed later this week. My cruise, aboard Holland America Line's Westerdam will be spending a day in Glacier Bay, the highlight of any Alaska cruise. Naturally, there will be a Cruise Diva “Blog From The Bay” that you can catch here next week.

In the meantime, if you are planning an Alaska cruise of your own for next year, Holland America Line has announced an enhancement to their 2010 Alaska program aboard Amsterdam with the addition of Glacier Bay to the 14-day Alaskan Adventurer itinerary. A day of cruising spectacular Glacier Bay National Park, always a great favorite, has been added to eight of the nine 14-day Alaskan Adventurer cruises in 2010. On those cruises, you will enjoy a double glacier experience with visits to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. One departure on July 12 will visit the twin Sawyer Glaciers in picturesque Tracy Arm fjord along with Hubbard Glacier.

“We recently acquired additional permits to visit Glacier Bay,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs. “By adding them into the Amsterdam’s new 14-day itinerary—which already contains the exciting new ports of Homer, Kodiak and Anchorage—we’re offering the best of the best in southeast Alaska.”

The 14-day Alaskan Adventurer cruise departs on nine round-trip sailings from Seattle May 17 through Sept 6, 2010. Historic ports of call include Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, Victoria, British Columbia, and new for 2010, Anchorage, Homer, Kodiak and Juneau.

Cruise Diva will be pre-cruising for two days in Seattle before sailing to the ports of Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria (British Columbia), as well as Glacier Bay and you're invited to follow her progress. For a taste of what to see and do, we share Alaska Ports of Call on CruiseDiva.com.

Cruise Travel: To Fit Your Lifestyle

So many ships, so little time... how do you decide which cruise line and ship to choose?

The first step is to answer the question, "What are your expectations?"

Cruise lines fall into loose categories that are generally termed Mainstream, Premium, and Luxury. Learn what distinguishes them from one another and which fits your style:

• Mainstream
• Premium
• Luxury

Cruise Diva shares the information you need to find the perfect cruise vacation to suit your lifestyle in Cruise Line Profiles.

Reservations Now Open For 98 New Balcony Staterooms Being Added During Carnival Fascination's Upcoming Refurb

It’s a “how did they do that?” and “why didn’t they do it sooner?” puzzle. What I mean is the addition of balconies—one of the hottest accommodations amenities afloat—to several of Carnival Cruise Lines’ popular Fantasy-class vessels. Every time Cruise Diva has sailed on one, she longed for a private balcony, which, until recently, were limited to those passengers who booked suites.

However, when Carnival Fascination enters a 28-day dry dock in January 2010 for refurbishment, continuing the extensive makeovers to the line’s eight 70,000-ton Fantasy-class vessels, the ship will emerge with 98 new balconies. The third ship to be retrofitted with them, Carnival Fascination joins two sister-ships in a balcony bonanza. Carnival Ecstasy, which will receive new balconies during its dry dock in September, and Carnival Sensation, which had similar work completed earlier this year.

Yesterday marked the opening of reservations for the 98 new balcony staterooms aboard Carnival Fascination, which sails a 4- and 5-day cruising schedule from Jacksonville, Florida, the only cruise ship deployed year-round from that port. On this popular route, 4-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas. Five-day voyages departing Mondays visit Key West, Fla., and Nassau, while 5-day sailings departing Saturdays call at the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay and Nassau.

The new balconies are only part of what is scheduled to transform Carnival Fascination during her multimillion-dollar makeover. To get a good look at the other enhancements in store for her, Cruise Diva introduces the “Evolutions of Fun” features already on board Carnival Imagination.

Will all eight Fantasy-class ships eventually be retrofitted with balconies? We don’t know, but we will keep you posted!

Comedy Club Concept to Debut on New Carnival Dream

Building upon its reputation for offering the most diverse entertainment choices at sea, Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce the line’s first comedy club on its new 130,000-ton Carnival Dream. The club will feature six comedy shows on four different nights during each voyage. The new 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream—the line’s largest ship—is set to debut Sept. 21, 2009.

Presented in the 425-seat Burgundy Lounge, Carnival Dream’s comedy club will highlight a wide variety of comedians offering both family-friendly and adult-only performances each night. Six 35-minute shows will be presented nightly, with show times at 6, 7:15, 8:30, 9:45, and 11 pm, and 12:15 am. The last two performances will be R-rated adult-only shows. Carnival Dream’s comedy club will showcase the talents of both the line’s established comedians and up-and-coming performers, many of whom have appeared on television specials and in comedy venues throughout the country.

Carnival Dream’s comedy club is one of several entertainment options aboard the spectacular “Fun Ship” that will offer guests an unparalleled mix of entertainment and activity choices from early in the morning to late at night. These include three high-energy revues—“Dancin’ in the Street,” “Get Ready,” and “X-Treme Country”—each of which will feature elaborate sets and costumes, state-of-the-art video technology, and sophisticated special effects.

Offered for the first time on Carnival Dream, Ocean Plaza is a stunning indoor/outdoor café/live music venue with activities and entertainment planned from 9 am until 1 am. Here, guests can relax with specialty coffees and sweets while enjoying a variety of live music, from rock and roll bands to a Latin trio, classical pianists, solo singers, and more. Located on Promenade Deck 5, Ocean Plaza will also serve as the venue for activities ranging from scrapbooking classes and trivia contests to karaoke, and art, spa, and photo seminars. Jugglers and magic shows also will be presented, while the Fun Force, Carnival’s energetic acrobatic troupe, will amaze guests with their high-flying antics.

Other diversions on Carnival Dream will include solo entertainers along the Dream Street Promenade, a karaoke lounge, rollicking sing-a-longs in Sam’s Piano Bar, steel drum and Calypso bands on Lido Deck and live bands playing everything from rock to Latin to disco. Carnival Dream will also feature Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, a massive LED screen on Lido Deck showing movies, concerts, sporting events and other programming.

Get a sneak peek at Carnival Cruise Line's largest “Fun Ship” ever from CruiseDiva.com, Your Carnival Dream Is About To Come True.

Disney Dream Begins Taking Shape With Keel-Laying

Beneath a sprinkling of pixie dust, Disney Cruise Line celebrated the keel laying of the Disney Dream yesterday at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Disney Dream is the first of two newly-designed ships destined to expand family cruise options to more people in more places around the world.

“Since our inception, families have come to know and love Disney Cruise Line, and they are looking for additional ways to enjoy all that we have to offer,” Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz said during the ceremony. “Our fleet expansion will allow us to satisfy demand on both the East and West coasts of the United States while also giving us the flexibility to explore additional global destinations for our Guests.”

The keel laying ceremony is the first time the Disney Dream will begin to take shape after many years of design work. In the maritime industry, the ceremony marks a momentous occasion when the first block—or section—of the ship is lowered into the building dock and a coin is placed under the keel for good fortune.



Doing the honors of placing the coin (and getting a little help from one of our favorite Disney characters) was Captain Tom Forberg, pictured above. With a distinguished maritime career aboard Disney Cruise Line, Forberg was the first crew member hired and the captain who launched the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Recently, Forberg was named as the future Master of the Disney Dream.

The ship will continue to take its form through a block construction process in which pre-fabricated complete hull sections are joined together in block units and are then brought together to form the ship. The Disney Dream will be made up of 80 blocks, with the first block weighing in at approximately 380 tons.

Designing the Disney Dream
The Disney Dream is scheduled to join the current fleet in 2011, followed by Disney’s second new ship, the Disney Fantasy in 2012. Together the two new ocean liners will more than double the capacity of Disney Cruise Line, each having 1,250 staterooms and a tonnage of 128,000. Synonymous with its name, the Disney Dream will evoke the heritage of the company’s ideals in creating enchanting places and stories where families’ vacation dreams come true.

Bringing together innovation in superb shipbuilding and creativity in imaginative storytelling, Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering, along with the Meyer Werft shipyard have created a truly distinctive design. Like the existing ships, these ocean liners were designed to deliver a unique vacation that every member of the family believes was created just for them. Design details will be revealed later this fall.

Homeports
Both new ocean liners will call Port Canaveral, Florida, their home, where expansion efforts are underway to accommodate the larger ships and additional guests. In addition to an extension of the dock and enlargements to the one-of-a-kind Disney terminal building, a new multi-level parking structure will be built, complementing the design and storytelling elements of the ships. The new enhancements will provide guests an even more seamless transition from land to sea during their vacation experience.

Based in Celebration, Florida, Disney Cruise Line established the family cruise market when it launched its business in 1998. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit DisneyCruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500 or (407) 566-7000.

For a peek at a week-long Caribbean cruise aboard Disney Cruise Line, check out Cruise Diva's Disney Magic Blog.

Southern California Airport Transfers Just Got an Affordable Business Class Option for Cruise Passengers

Airport Transportation to and from Southern California's airports and cruise and train terminals just got a new affordable business class option for passengers who don't want a limousine or town car, but would prefer a non-stop airport transfer without the hassle of a taxi or shared-ride shuttle. Express by ExecuCar (formerly Express Shuttle LA) introduces a new 24-hour non-stop service available from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Burbank Airport (BUR), John Wayne Airport (SNA), Ontario Airport (ONT) and Long Beach Airport (LGB). For Cruise or Amtrak passengers Express will also be available to and from the cruise terminals of Los Angeles and Long Beach and local Amtrak stations.

This Express airport transportation service is also eligible for earning airline miles on Delta Airlines SkyMiles , Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns , Northwest Airlines WorldPerks , United Airlines Mileage Plus, or US Airways Dividend Miles programs when reservations are booked online.

For more information on Express by ExecuCar airport transportation go to ExecuCarExpress.com or call 1-800-I-ARRIVE (1-800-427-7483).

ExecuCar is a division of SuperShuttle International, based in Phoenix, AZ. SuperShuttle serves 33 airports, carrying more than eight million passengers a year. Airports served by SuperShuttle include some of the largest in the country including Los Angeles, New York, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Washington, D.C. and Miami. Visit SuperShuttle.com for more information.

Waitlist Opens For Norwegian Epic’s First Transatlantic Sailing

Norwegian Cruise Line announces it is now offering guests the opportunity to book a waitlist reservation on Norwegian Epic’s first transatlantic cruise. Guests on the waitlist will have first priority to secure their booking once the sailing date, itinerary, and pricing are announced. Guests can call their travel agent or Norwegian at 866-234-7350 to be put on the waitlist.

Norwegian Epic’s 2010 inaugural sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Miami are open for sale. The first Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami is scheduled for July 17, 2010 and the ship’s alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are available through April 2011.

Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. Guests can make a reservation by contacting their travel professional or Norwegian Cruise Line at 866-234-7350. More information about the ship, her itineraries and offerings can be found at epic.ncl.com.

Originally known by its project name “F3” Cruise Diva covers Norwegian Epic’s progress:

• With Details About the F3 Ship, NCL throws us a curve. Catch the NEW WAVE in innovative ocean-going accommodations.
• Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals Epic Nightlife Options — NCL sailed into a sea of dreams to share a peek into the future of nightlife afloat.
• Freestyle Cruising Accommodations to suit every type of guest are revealed for Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic, formerly known as F3.

Cruise Travel: Your First Aid Kit

Before I could fully explain how I scraped my knee aboard Holland America Line's Veendam, the ship's nurse smiled and pointed to several baskets of supplies on her desk when I appeared in the infirmary. I left with several adhesive bandages, a packet of Neosporin cream, and the advice that swimming in one of the ship's salt water pools would promote healing.

Over the years, I've stubbed my toes, toppled down stairs, and experienced any number of other clumsy little accidents, not to mention nasty cuts while swimming over coral reefs, and the ultimate indignity—blisters from 'stylish' shoes.

With the exception of the time I broke my leg, fortunately most of my injuries were minor. Unfortunately, they didn't all happen within close proximity of the ships' medical centers. As a result, I've learned to be prepared at all times with basic items for first aid. My tote bag always contains a few adhesive bandages and a small bottle of waterless antibacterial hand sanitizer, which can also be used to clean small cuts.

For all around care for minor bumps, bruises, and cuts, here are Cruise Diva's suggestions for a Cruising First Aid Kit.

Win a Caribbean Cruise for Two On MSC Poesia with ‘Poetry in Motion’ Sweepstakes

Become a fan of MSC Cruises on Facebook, for a chance to win a balcony stateroom for two aboard a 7-night MSC Poesia Inaugural Caribbean Season Cruise during the “‘Poetry in Motion” Sweepstakes.

Guests interested in cruising the Caribbean have an opportunity to follow MSC Cruises while utilizing the social networking tool, Facebook, during the sweepstakes which runs through Nov 10. Entering is fast, free, and easy. Become a fan of MSC Cruises, click on the “Win a Cruise” tab, and then click on the “Enter Now” button to complete the sweepstakes registration form. If you’re already a fan on Facebook, look for the sweepstakes box on the MSC Cruises page in order to enter.

Limit one entry per person, per e-mail address regardless of method of entry. The sweepstakes is open to all legal residents of the 50 states in the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec), who are 18 years of age or older as of Aug 21, 2009. The Grand Prize winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries on or about Nov 20, 2009. The winner receives a balcony stateroom for two onboard the MSC Poesia for a Caribbean cruise valued at about $3,600, including cruise fare, port charges and government taxes.

After you become a fan on Facebook you can follow MSC Cruises on Twitter and watch them on You Tube. Sweepstakes registration is also available online at MSCCruisesUSA.com.

Holland America Offers Pampering Packages

Promoting relaxation and well-being enhancements, three pampering packages provide Holland America Line guests with more ways to customize their cruise vacation. The Well-Being Package, Suite Amenities Package, and Suite Elite Package feature select combinations for fitness, luxury and revitalization. Bundled together, the packages are a cost effective way to receive additional services and amenities while on board.

“As the needs and expectations of our guests continue to diversify, we, in turn, continue to vary our offerings that entertain, educate and energize,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest services. “These packages further enhance luxury cruising for our guests that are wanting an exclusive and personal experience.”

Well-Being Package
The Well-Being Package promotes rejuvenation through the Greenhouse Spa and fitness center. One fitness session is included which guests can choose from a class schedule while on board. Guests select either a fifty minute facial or massage treatment from a collection comprised of a La Therapie Facial, an Elemis Aromapure Facial and a Swedish or an Elemis Deep Tissue Massage.

Guests will also enjoy an advanced revitalization treatment with an Alpha Capsule session which combines dry-heat sauna, vibratory massage and soothing aromatherapy. Unlimited access to the hydro pool and thermal suite is added with a souvenir monogrammed bathrobe for each guest. At a preferred time, a platter of sliced fresh fruit is delivered daily. The Well-Being package starts at $299 per person on seven-day sailings.

Suite Amenities Package
The Suite Amenities Package offers special suite-like services for guests booked in staterooms other than suites. Either high tea or cold canapés are delivered to each stateroom daily as well as complimentary laundry and pressing through the length of a sailing. Guests also enjoy an Explorations Café coffee card for ten drinks and a daily DVD selection from the video library with hot popcorn. For an evening of fine dining, a dinner for two is provided at the Pinnacle Grill restaurant.

Fresh flowers, pillows à la carte and a beverage set-up with two bottles of wine and two bottles of liquor are prepared along with two souvenir monogrammed bathrobes in each stateroom. Special disembarkation including luggage pick-up and departure at leisure is offered with access to a disembarkation lounge with refreshments. The Suite Amenities Package starts at $285 per person on sailings up to 10 days.

Suite Elite Package
Exclusive to suite guests, the Suite Elite Package pampers guests even more with additional amenities for a deluxe cruise experience. An initial beverage set-up of two bottles of wine and two bottles of liquor are placed in each stateroom. A Culinary Arts Center cooking class is included along with a session of premium wine tasting and a dinner to share in the Pinnacle Grill.

For relaxation, unlimited access to the hydro pool and thermal suite is offered on all sailings. An internet card of 100 minutes, an Explorations Café coffee card for ten drinks, daily turndown truffles and a deluxe flower arrangement complete this package. The Suite Elite Package starts at $429 per person on sailings up to 10 days.

For additional information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425), Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576 or visit HollandAmerica.com.

Ruby Princess Swimming Pool Becomes Latest Canvas for Famed Marine Life Artist Wyland

Princess Cruises has certainly come up with a new eco-friendly twist on the popular “dolphin swim” and it’s one that even PETA would approve of.

As Ruby Princess approached Venice this week, passengers aboard the Princess Cruises ship were treated to a special live art event as famed marine life artist Wyland painted an unusual canvas—the bottom of the ship’s Neptune Pool. Known worldwide for his unique works featuring sea animals, Wyland is aboard the ship for special art events and meet and greets with passengers. However, painting the ship’s pool was not on his original agenda. Ruby Princess Captain Tony Draper suggested the idea to the artist after being inspired by watching ship crew members painting the Princess “seawitch” logo on the bottom of the ship’s other main pool. A first for the cruise line, Wyland agreed to paint the mother dolphin and her baby as a way to increase awareness of his conservation message. Passengers were invited to follow along with a live top-deck event hosted by the ship’s cruise director, including live video of the painting in progress broadcast on the ship’s Movies Under the Stars screen.

“This is certainly one of the most unusual ways we’ve ever painted a pool,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “But it’s a wonderful way to work with Wyland to address our shared concern with the importance of marine conservation, and to give our passengers a unique experience as they witnessed a one-of-a-kind artwork taking shape.”

Marine life artist Wyland is an accomplished painter, sculptor, photographer, writer and SCUBA diver. His non-profit Wyland Foundation has supported numerous conservation programs since 1993, including the monumental Whaling Wall mural project—and epic series of more than 100 life-size marine life murals that spans 14 countries on four continents and is viewed by an estimated 1 billion people every year. Wyland and Princess Cruises have a long-time association. Many Princess ships incorporate his sculptures in the swimming pool areas, and are featured in his latest book “100 Whaling Walls.” Wyland’s artwork is also featured in the ships’ onboard art galleries.

Ruby Princess is currently sailing on 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyages between Barcelona and Venice, with calls at Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples/Capri, Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Athens. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at Princess.com.

Sail along on an exclusive Cruise Diva ship preview of Ruby Princess.