Eurodam, The Inaugural: Surfing the Digital Workshop

Eurodam guests can return home from their cruise with more than a tee-shirt to remember the journey. Earlier today I explored several different ways to enhance my cruise memories with technology in the Eurodam’s Digital Workshop powered by Microsoft Windows. During the complimentary session this morning, Eurodam’s Microsoft-trained “techspert” outlined the series of workshops and we got right down to business using Windows Vista’s photo editing tools. (I didn’t even realize I have them on my home PC, so I discovered something important right away.) I learned to easily remove red eye, improve the color, crop, and resize photos, and even stitch together five separate images to create a panoramic shot.

In the classes (soon to be available fleetwide on Holland America Line), even novices can learn to take better vacation photos, create away-from-home movies, edit pictures, make scrapbooks, and share digital memories through email, blogging, and social networking. Friends and family members can see where you've been cruising and what you’ve done even before you're back at home.

The free workshop sessions are hands-on, with personal assistance from the “techspert” on how to unlock the possibilities available in the digital world. I knew I could make custom greeting cards on the computer, but was unaware that I could also get creative with stickers and even personalized wrapping paper.

Workshops include:

• On the Download - How to move images between a digital camera and a Windows-based personal computer, with basic instruction.
• Put Your Best Face Forward - How to crop and color-correct digital photos and easily create panoramic pictures by stitching photos together using Windows Live Photo Gallery.
• Your "Home Away From Home" Movie - How to add music, special effects and titles to your videos and publish to a DVD using Windows Movie Maker.
• Show and Tell - How to create and upload photos to a personal Web page, invite friends to view the Web page and email photos using a variety of Windows Live services.
• Your 15 Minutes of Fame - How to turn your vacation journal into a blog by creating a basic Web page and blog entries using Windows Live Spaces and Windows Live Writer.
• A Click Ahead - How to design a photo card and a basic scrapbook, as well as how to order notepads, stickers, posters and other photo-related items from the Internet using Windows Live Photo Gallery.

Take one course or attend them all. Mine was really fun, easy to follow, and totally not in “tech-speak” so that even non-geeks can understand. I’ll put what I’ve learned to the test tomorrow afternoon—that’s when Eurodam is being named by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands right here in Rotterdam.

Eurodam, The Inaugural: Arrival In Rotterdam

To say the people of Holland take a great deal of pride in their country and its history is an understatement. They are hugely proud—as they should be—of the accomplishments of their countrymen. At no time was this more evident than early this morning when scores of Dutch citizens awoke early and made their way to the banks of the Nieuw Maas River as Eurodam made her way for the first time to her dock in Rotterdam.

Met in the city by waving, enthusiastic crowds, Eurodam was saluted by a fireboat before settling into her berth adjacent to the historic Holland America Line headquarters, While she makes her home here for the next few days, thousands of visitors will come aboard to tour the ship, and some will sail this evening with us on a special one-night black tie dinner/dance cruise.

It was quite a splendid arrival, demonstrating how Holland America Line, while no longer headquartered in Rotterdam, nevertheless reflects the true heritage of Dutch seafarers and explorers. On board Eurodam we are surrounded by traditional Dutch art, from antique furnishings and ship models to more contemporary pieces and even a nod to American baseball—a replica of the World Series trophy is displayed in the Sports Bar where guests can kick back in baseball glove shaped chairs.

Self-guided art tours are offered on all Holland America Line ships, with iPods available to use free of charge on board. I’m off to get the Eurodam narrative loaded on my iPod and begin my tour right now.

Eurodam, The Inaugural: Sailing From Southampton

It was great to board ms Eurodam early Saturday morning for several reasons. The first is the most important, though… the food. Getting to London, of course, meant an all-night flight and the food on Delta wasn’t terrible, but it was, well, airline food. Lunch aboard Eurodam was served in the Lido Restaurant and my selections included an incredible cheese and crab chowder, Caesar salad, and pasta with a creamy, cheesy, white sauce.

After a nap (I didn’t sleep much on the plane), I joined colleagues for dinner in Tamarind, Eurodam's Pan-Asian specialty restaurant. Typically, I flunked the chopstick test, but enjoyed sushi and sashimi (with a fork), shrimp filled dumplings in lemongrass sesame broth (with a spoon), and a rare Wasabi & Soy Crusted Beef Tenderloin served on an oak plank with jasmine rice and stir fried veggies on the side.

Holland America Line has outdone themselves with the new restaurant concepts here on Eurodam. Tamarind carries only a $15 cover charge for dinner and lunches are complimentary. Pinnacle Grill, where we’ll dine tomorrow night is even more of a bargain than when I sailed on Westerdam just a few months ago. With new menus, the surcharges of $10 for lunch and $20 for dinner are great values. Eurodam also has a complimentary Italian restaurant, Caneletto (located in the Lido Restaurant) and Slice, for pizza (available on a nearly 24-hour basis).

As-You-Wish dining is now available throughout the Holland America fleet and offers the choice of an open-seating option in the formal dining rooms in addition to the more traditional fixed seatings.

There’s a lot more to share about Eurodam, but we’re losing an hour tonight as we cross a time zone on our way to Rotterdam—we arrive there in the morning after sailing down Holland’s River Maas. So, I’ll leave you with the cute towel critter pictured above—created by my cabin steward, who taught me the secret of how to make them myself. This little touch is just a sample of the level of personal service aboard Eurodam. I’ll be going from my cruise with a newly acquired skill. Right now, I'm going to sleep.

Eurodam, The Inaugural: Sailing From Southampton

It was great to board ms Eurodam early Saturday morning for several reasons. The first is the most important, though… the food. Getting to London, of course, meant an all-night flight and the food on Delta wasn’t terrible, but it was, well, airline food. Lunch aboard Eurodam was served in the Lido Restaurant and my selections included an incredible cheese and crab chowder, Caesar salad, and pasta with a creamy, cheesy, white sauce.

After a nap (I didn’t sleep much on the plane), I joined colleagues for dinner in Tamarind, Eurodam's Pan-Asian specialty restaurant. Typically, I flunked the chopstick test, but enjoyed sushi and sashimi (with a fork), shrimp filled dumplings in lemongrass sesame broth (with a spoon), and a rare Wasabi & Soy Crusted Beef Tenderloin served on an oak plank with jasmine rice and stir fried veggies on the side.

Holland America Line has outdone themselves with the new restaurant concepts here on Eurodam. Tamarind carries only a $15 cover charge for dinner and lunches are complimentary. Pinnacle Grill, where we’ll dine tomorrow night is even more of a bargain than when I sailed on Westerdam just a few months ago. With new menus, the surcharges of $10 for lunch and $20 for dinner are great values. Eurodam also has a complimentary Italian restaurant, Caneletto (located in the Lido Restaurant) and Slice, for pizza (available on a nearly 24-hour basis).

As-You-Wish dining is now available throughout the Holland America fleet and offers the choice of an open-seating option in the formal dining rooms in addition to the more traditional fixed seatings.

There’s a lot more to share about Eurodam, but we’re losing an hour tonight as we cross a time zone on our way to Rotterdam—we arrive there in the morning after sailing down Holland’s River Maas. So, I’ll leave you with the cute towel critter pictured above—created by my cabin steward, who taught me the secret of how to make them myself. This little touch is just a sample of the level of personal service aboard Eurodam. I’ll be going from my cruise with a newly acquired skill. Right now, I'm going to sleep.

Eurodam, Getting Ready to Board

I'm on my way to Southampton to board Holland America Line's brand-new ms Eurodam tomorrow and it's going to be a thrill to sail on Holland America Line's first "Signature-class" ship for a week. Our itinerary is unusual because we'll be docked from Sunday through Wednesday in Rotterdam. Eurodam will be christened on Tuesday at 4pm by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands, with a Gala Dinner afterward and a huge fireworks display that night. You can be sure that thousands of proud Dutch citizens will be on hand for the festivities.

To prepare for my trip, I've been avidly following the Eurodam News Blog. In the past week Paul Lasley, an award-winning journalist who writes and broadcasts extensively on cruising, has been chatting with members of the Eurodam crew. His "podcasts" on the Eurodam News Blog include interviews with Captain Jeroen van Donselaar, Pam Kern van Donselaar, (Eurodam's tireless blog correspondent, photographer, and Captain van Donselaar's wife), second executive chef, Francis Leong, Neptune Lounge concierge Arturo Bowalan Jr., and Rudi Sodamin, the consulting master chef for Holland America Line. I look forward to seeing them all in person.

Give Paul Lasley's Eurodam podcasts a listen, and if his voice sounds familiar, it’s because he is the producer and host, along with his wife, Elizabeth Harryman, of the iPod art tours available across the Holland America Line fleet.

Don't forget to follow along right here on the Cruise Diva blog for daily reports during the upcoming week from the Eurodam Inaugural Cruise, including the Naming Ceremony and Gala Celebration.

Image Above: Artist's rendering of a Eurodam Spa Stateroom

Eurodam, First of Holland America Line's "Signature Class" Ships

I was recently asked, "What is a Signature-class ship?" With nearly one crew member for every two passengers, Holland America Line has traditionally provided gracious service aboard ships that define classic cruise travel. In recent years, the entire HAL fleet was treated to extensive "Signature of Excellence" enhancements to staterooms and public rooms. The always-elegant ships—noted over the years for fine dining, stimulating activities, and enrichment programs—have been refined for a new generation of cruisers without losing sight of their reputation for tradition and grace. Slightly larger than her fleetmates, Eurodam is poised to set sail as the first Signature-class ship with the entire "Signature of Excellence" package in place—and even more.

With an additional deck, Eurodam has 63 new staterooms more than the latest Vista-class ship. Forty-seven are verandah cabins and ten are a new style with ceiling-to-floor and wall-to-wall panoramic windows. Eurodam also features 56 Spa Staterooms, so named because of their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities. In total, Eurodam carries 1,052 double occupancy staterooms. Staterooms provide the Signature of Excellence premium amenities of plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat panel TVs, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads and professional grade hair dryers.

Eurodam also includes a new pan-Asian restaurant and bar, Tamarind and Silk Den; casual Italian eatery, Canaletto; and Pizzeria Slice. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating and a new photographic and imaging center.

Cruise Diva will be boarding Eurodam in Southampton on Saturday. Watch for daily blog reports right here.

"Wii" Get Fit on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is the first cruise line to offer passengers the chance to get their hearts pumping with the headline-grabbing new release on Wii™. After the much-anticipated Wii Fit™ system debuted across the country last month, the line unveils this fitness innovation at sea this week after shipboard staff completed special onboard trainings with Nintendo team members. All Princess ships, which have long featured Nintendo’s popular Wii systems onboard, add the revolutionary Wii Fit balance games, challenging passengers of all ages to put their athletic skills to the test with active video game tournaments such as the ski jump, Hula Hoop® or heading soccer balls.

Exciting family competitions will be held onboard, including on the dramatic Movies Under the Stars poolside screens. The distinctive 300-square-foot screens are featured on Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Sea Princess, and the upcoming Ruby Princess. The Wii Fit Balance Board™ is a precisely engineered platform that senses both weight and shifts in movement and balance. It connects wirelessly to the Wii console and serves as the centerpiece for more than 40 fun activities that challenge users in areas like yoga, aerobics, strength training, and balance. Helpful virtual trainers in the game talk users through the different motions and makes suggestions for improvements. Wii Fit even tracks users’ progress, which lets people see how they’ve improved while challenging them to better their scores and stay motivated to keep going.

Youth and teen centers will also offer younger cruisers the opportunity to participate in Wii Fit activities throughout their vacation. Wii Fit gets everyone pumped up about making physical activities an enjoyable part of their daily routines. “Kids” of all ages enjoy playing games such as Wii Sports™ Golf and Tennis using the unique Wii Remote™, which enables a player’s movements to directly affect what happens on screen.

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 www.princess.com.

Your Carnival Dream Is About To Come True

It's been the kind of week that cruise ship aficionados and those of us who cover the cruise industry dream about. Two major cruise lines have shared a look at the exciting and novel features their new vessels will offer and now we have a third. Not the largest of the new-ship trio, but certainly not the least, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream will be the largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed by Carnival Cruise Lines and an all-new ship class offering a host of on-board innovations and amenities.

Currently being constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream will usher in a new era of “Fun Ship” cruising when it makes its debut in September 2009. With a new layout, sleek hull, and distinctive profile, Carnival Dream is designed to deliver the ultimate vacation experience. With even more space to play, creative interiors by design genius Joe Farcus are sure to pique the imagination of all guests.

Unique features of the Carnival Dream include a new concept in entertainment called The Piazza, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live music venue; the most elaborate children’s facilities at sea, including expansive play areas and a huge Carnival WaterWorks aqua park; “scenic whirlpools” that extend over the ship’s beam; and a variety of new stateroom categories, including those specifically catering to families. Carnival Dream will also offer many other exciting and innovative features that will be announced in the coming months.

Take a look at the images and get the details at CruiseDiva.com.

Royal Caribbean Welcomes You to More Oasis of the Seas Neighborhoods

Steeped in a philosophy that innovation and imagination contribute to a remarkable cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean is once again raising the bar with the announcement of the latest amenities on its newest ship under construction. Launching in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the world’s largest and most revolutionary ship introducing the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept, which will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal styles, preferences or moods.

Boardwalk, will be a breathtaking space for families inspired by the nostalgic seaside piers of yesteryear with a twist; the ship's amphitheater at sea, AquaTheater, will celebrate water with the largest freshwater pool found on a ship offering a full spectrum of activities and performances for guests; and the urban living concept will take to the high seas with the introduction of industry-first loft suites offering expansive ocean views and luxury amenities. Enhancements to the cruise line’s signature Royal Promenade will include a new design allowing guests to have a physical connection with the neighborhood above, Central Park, as natural light cascades down from the sky through the Crystal Canopy sculptured glass domes.

Other surprises include two rock-climbing walls flanking the AquaTheater (illustrated above) and the first zip-line at sea suspended nine decks above Boardwalk. We introduced Central Park in April; now take a look at more Oasis of the Seas neighborhoods. CruiseDiva.com has the details and images, along with the itineraries you've been waiting for.

Norwegian Cruise Line Sails on a Sea of Dreams

After a brief peek at the Ice Bar on NCL's F3 ships, we promised more details about the nightlife under construction and we have it for you on CruiseDiva.com. Five distinctive places to party are the heartbeat of NCL's entertainment options and they are like nothing you've ever imagined at sea... like the aerial acrobatics demonstrated at left.

Just like in Las Vegas this week, where we partied like Paris (Hilton, that is) at PURE nightclub, passengers on NCL's F3 ships will be able to purchase a Beyond the Velvet Rope package to gain access to the exclusive clubs on board. Like Freestyle Dining, think of this as Freestyle Nightlife. The cover charges are for "crowd control"—and if you've ever seen clubs like PURE or TAO in Vegas, you know what we mean. Don't want to pay to party? You don't have to. There will be no charge for entry to Bliss Ultra Lounge or Spice H2O.

World, hold on—there's even more coming as NCL’s F3 ships incorporate a universe of new features. The F3 ships represent NCL's third generation of Freestyle Cruising ships—a further evolution of the cruise line's progressive dismantling of the structure, regimentation, and constraints of the traditional cruise experience. The 150,000-ton ships will each total 4,200 passenger berths, representing the largest ships in NCL’s fleet.

Join us for the beach party, acrobatics, and more as Norwegian Cruise Line Sails on a Sea of Dreams.

Join Samantha Brown for a "Fun Ship" Great Cruise Weekend

When Emmy Award-winning Travel Channel personality Samantha Brown wanted a real break from the daily grind--a place to kick back and chill out--where did she go? She packed her sense of adventure and boarded Carnival Inspiration for a 4-day "Fun Ship" cruise from Tampa to Cozumel. During her 4-day cruise, Samantha combined relaxation with experiencing Carnival Inspiration's array of on board amenities and Caribbean ports of call.

One of the reasons Carnival Inspiration was ideal for Samantha's cruise is the extreme ship makeover the "Fun Ship" recently received. As part of Carnival's $250 million dollar Evolutions of Fun program, Carnival Inspiration was improved and enhanced from bow to stern. Complete with Carnival WaterWorks, a tropical resort-style pool, and the Serenity Adult-only Retreat, Carnival Inspiration is more fun than ever before.

Don't take my word for it that Samantha had a great time. You can join her by tuning in to the Travel Channel tonight, Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 10pm and Samantha will show you just how much fun a "Fun Ship" cruise can be. Want a preview? Visit Carnival Cruise Lines' web site for a video peek at Samantha's Great Cruise Weekend. And, because it's the Travel Channel, if you miss it the first time around, the show is certain to be repeated again.

NCL's F3 Cruises Into A Sea of Dreams

Last night NCL sailed into Las Vegas with a vision for the future of nightlife at sea. Along with the sizzle of Vegas and the beat of South Beach, F3 vessels—the next generation of freestyle cruise ships—will blow out the walls and reach for the sky with a line-up of new day-to-nightclubs.

“There is nothing ordinary about these ships. The F3s are unconventionally extraordinary,” said Colin Veitch, NCL president and CEO. To demonstrate the diversity of the experiences, we caught him chilling and chatting with a fur-clad Ice Queen poolside at Caesar’s Palace last night in Las Vegas (pictured here).

The F3 will feature a genuine Ice Bar—a cruise industry first—similar to the originals in Scandinavia. At 17 degrees Fahrenheit, the frozen chamber is lit in changing hues of blue, green, and purple LED simulating the Northern Lights. A giant ice cube creates a glowing centerpiece amid the bar, walls, tables, stools, sculptures, and even beverage glasses made of ice. Fur coats, gloves, and hats will keep 25 guests at a time warm as they sip icy chilled drinks (included in the cover charge).

There are other really cool spots on board that CruiseDiva.com will share in the coming days.

ms Eurodam Officially Delivered to Holland America Line

Holland America Line officially accepted delivery of its newest ship, ms Eurodam, in a formal handover ceremony near Venice, Italy, on June 16. The 2,104-guest ship, built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri shipyard, is the 14th ship in the premium line’s distinguished fleet and the first in its Signature-class series.

“The Eurodam is a gorgeous ship,” said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, Holland America Line. “We are proud to be the industry’s leading premium experience and the addition of this new ship allows us to offer our Signature of Excellence to even more cruisers.”

Following her inaugural season in the Baltic region, Eurodam will offer its first transatlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean sailings for the remainder of 2008.With an additional deck, Eurodam has 63 new staterooms more than the latest Vista-class ship. Forty-seven are verandah cabins and ten are a new style with ceiling-to-floor and wall-to-wall panoramic windows. Eurodam also features 56 Spa Staterooms, so named because of their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities. In total, Eurodam carries 1,052 double occupancy staterooms. Staterooms provide the Signature of Excellence premium amenities of plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat panel TVs, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads and professional grade hair dryers.

Eurodam also includes a new pan-Asian restaurant and bar, Tamarind and Silk Den; casual Italian eatery, Canaletto; and Pizzeria Slice. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating and a new photographic and imaging center.

The Eurodam will arrive in Southampton, England, on June 27 to begin a series of introductory events for past guests, travel sellers, media and local officials. She then sails to her homeport, Rotterdam, arriving June 29 for three days of festivities including a naming ceremony with Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands officially dedicating the ship on July 1. Watch here for Cruise Diva’s first-hand reports from on board beginning June 28th.

NCL Freestyle Cruise Rewards Offer Instant Benefits

In line with Freestyle Cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle Cruise Rewards program offers freedom and flexibility for both passengers and travel agents, making it unique and unmatched within the cruise industry. While sailing on an NCL ship, you can book a future NCL cruise with a one time $250 refundable deposit that holds the entire stateroom (not just one person!) and you'll instantly receive a $100 on-board credit to use on your current cruise. Freestyle Cruise Rewards allows you the opportunity to secure a stateroom on a future cruise and sail whenever and wherever you want without having to choose a specific ship, sailing date or stateroom category and without having to provide passenger names.

Freestyle Cruise Rewards are transferable and available in four world currencies–the British pound, the Euro, and the Canadian and U.S. dollar–which makes them the perfect gift for the avid cruiser. By purchasing a Freestyle Cruise Reward, you have 12 months to book the cruise and 30 months to sail. For travel agents, Cruise Rewards make booking easier and more efficient. Agents are notified when one of their clients books a Freestyle Cruise Reward on board. When the client is ready to finalize their plans, the travel agent can then confirm the reservation.

If you're thinking you can deposit the $250, use the $100 on board credit, and then cancel out later for a full refund, then think again. Should you change your mind, the deposit refund will be the $150 difference. For more info on Cruise Rewards, just speak with the Cruise Consultant while on board or call 1-866-234-7352.

And, by the way... Cruise Diva is in Las Vegas today for NCL's second F3 "reveal" tomorrow evening. What happens in Vegas isn't staying in Vegas. I'll be sharing the F3 details here on the blog and on CruiseDiva.com.

Surf's Up in Grand Turk Cruise Terminal

Who knew that Carnival Cruise Lines’ President and CEO Gerry Cahill is such an awesome surfer dude? Among the first to “catch a wave” on the new Grand Turk FlowRider attraction at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, Cahill hangs ten (photo at left) with Carnival Triumph docked in the background. The FlowRider is an artificial wave created by a pair of high-pressure water jets that produce a thin, two- to three-inch layer of water moving over a pre-formed and cushioned surface at high speed. Cahill was on the island of Grand Turk for the grand opening of the FlowRider attraction, which is operated by Grand Turk’s Margaritaville restaurant and bar.

“The FlowRider is exhilarating—not to mention a lot of fun—and, when combined with Grand Turk’s excellent beaches and interesting sites and attractions, offers yet another exciting shore excursion option for cruise ship guests,” said Cahill. “Grand Turk is one of our most popular Caribbean ports of call, and the FlowRider adds a new dimension to all that this wonderful destination has to offer,” he added.

The new Grand Turk FlowRider—the only attraction of its kind at a cruise port facility—provides guests the opportunity to participate in both body boarding and stand-up board surfing. While tickets to the FlowRider are sold on board through the shore excursion desk on ships calling at Grand Turk, Carnival also expects to offer FlowRider tickets online in the near future. Prices are $24 for body boarding for a half-hour on the ride and $34 for hour-long stand-up surfing sessions. During the session, participants will have an opportunity to surf multiple times and friends and family are invited to watch at no charge. Each surfer will also receive a complimentary certificate of participation. Professional photographers will be on hand to capture both the awesome rides and gnarly wipeouts of surfers that will be available for purchase, along with a variety of other souvenir items of the FlowRider experience.

The FlowRider is just the latest addition to Grand Turk, one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled and beautiful islands. The $60 million Grand Turk Cruise Center serves as a gateway to this magnificent destination and encompasses a state-of-the-art pier and a 13-acre complex offering an 800-foot-long private beach, swimming pool, and a variety of retail shops, including the Caribbean’s largest “Margaritaville”-themed bar and restaurant. The FlowRider attraction is currently available in conjunction with all cruise ship calls at Grand Turk, including Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Imagination, Carnival Liberty, and Carnival Triumph. Additional cruise lines that call at the island include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, the Yachts of Seabourn, and Costa Cruises, among others.

Seriously, for all you cruise dudes and divas who haven't been there, book a cruise with Grand Turk on the itinerary and you won't be sorry.

Photo Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Eurodam Nears Completion

For weeks now I've been following Holland America Line's Eurodam News Blog and counting the days (only 15 more!) until I reach Southampton and embark for a week-long sailing that includes the Dedication Ceremony in Rotterdam on July 1st. Having experienced a similar event aboard Oosterdam a few years ago, I know it will be a HUGE celebration, especially with Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands serving as Eurodam’s godmother.

Completion of the ship is certainly moving along at a quick pace. Only yesterday the materials for the fourteen cabanas to be located in the Retreat on Deck 11 were hoisted on board, and workmen are already busy assembling them. Cabanas in the Retreat offer a spa-like private area where passengers can relax with refreshments and deluxe leisure amenities. The tented cabanas are being furnished with modern woven chaise loungers, ottomans, and upholstered settees. All include the use of bathrobes and plush towels, hand-held fans, an Evian spray mister, and iPods preloaded with music. Chilled waters are available and guests can look forward to iced fruit skewers in mid-morning and frozen grapes, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a glass of champagne in the afternoon. An additional eight cabanas located around the Lido pool. Sounds heavenly and I'll certainly try to reserve a cabana before they are all booked up.

On a practical note, I'll be "connected" while aboard Eurodam with my own laptop computer so I was pleased to learn that 60% of staterooms feature safes large enough to accommodate a laptop, while the remaining 40% have a standard-size safe. Due to the ship’s structural design, stateroom location determines whether it has a laptop-size safe or standard safe in the closet. I'll try to find out how to determine that in advance while I'm on board. All in-cabin safes are operated by using a personal four-digit code so valuables are conveniently accessible.

In order to share the unique experience of the special inaugural cruise and Eurodam Dedication Ceremony, mark your calendar and check the Cruise Diva Blog for daily updates starting on June 28th. In the meantime, catch the Eurodam News Blog for photos of the ship's progress.

Mama Mia! That's Some Pizza

As part of the company’s 60th birthday celebration, Costa Cruises made history last Sunday in Sydney, Australia by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest pizza line. The world record was broken when 826 freshly-cooked pizzas stretching 221 meters were lined up on Norton Street in Sydney’s Italian quarter of Leichhardt. The line was equal to the length of Costa’s cruise ship, Costa Classica, which will be based in Asia Pacific beginning in May 2009.

Thousands of spectators turned up to watch the feat, which started in the early hours of the morning and finished at 1 pm. As soon as the Guinness World Record adjudicator deemed the record broken, the pizzas were delivered to local charities to feed the homeless and disadvantaged. With Costa donating $10 for every meter of pizza and hundreds of locals participating in the charity event, more than $5,000 was raised for Variety, the children’s charity.

Led by Sydney chef Ashley Hughes from the restaurant Alio, twenty-five Sydney chefs tackled the pizza-making challenge, which used more than 500 kilograms of flour, 250 liters of tomato sauce and 350 kilograms of mozzarella cheese.

There's no word on whether the crusts were hand-tossed, but the joint effort broke the previous pizza-line record, set only three weeks ago in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Disney Cruise Line Breaks A Record

We'll bet that this is one they weren't going for. According to recent Panama Canal authority reports, Disney Cruise Line paid a record $331,200 when the 964-foot Disney Magic crossed the Panama Canal on May 16th.

Canal fees were increased by Panama last year and cruise ships are now assessed according to the number of beds onboard rather than cargo capacity. With 875 staterooms, Disney Magic surpassed the previous record fee of $313,000 for a passenger ship, which was charged in Oct 2007 to each of two Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Your Bermuda Port Call: Will It Be More Entertaining?

One advantage of a Bermuda itinerary is that cruise ships remain docked at night, which affords the opportunity to dine ashore and sample the nightlife. There's always been a downside to onboard life, though. While most shipboard services—dining, lounges, and the fitness center and spa—continue to hum along as usual, duty-free shops and casinos have been required by Bermuda government regulations to remain closed when in port. Additionally, professional entertainment in the show lounge has been curtailed, although a movie might be screened there instead. Many ships offer a "Bermuda Night" tropical-theme deck party; however, ships docked in Hamilton and St. George's generally wrap up the outdoor festivities around midnight as a courtesy to local residents.

Happily, though, there may be a change on the horizon. The Royal Gazette reports that the Bermuda government is making a move to allow cruise ships to open signature shops and offer full entertainment onboard, including the operation of casinos after 10pm while docked. But will public opinion, and the local distaste for gambling, prevail over the government's desire to boost tourism and keep those cruise ships calling? The initiative seems up in the air to me, although others see it as a done deal.

Celebrate MSC Orchestra Coming To Town & Win A Cruise

MSC Cruises has selected the winner of the first free cruise in the cruise line’s year-long celebration leading up to the arrival of one of its newest ships, MSC Orchestra, in North America. Marcia Pascuito of Sarasota Springs, NY, is the first winner of a free 7-night cruise on MSC Orchestra in the Caribbean. She was the lucky winner selected from those who entered online at the line’s new website, www.theorchestraiscomingtotown.com. Additional free cruises will be awarded before MSC Orchestra arrives in Fort Lauderdale Jan. 2, 2009 for her inaugural Caribbean season.

“We invite everyone to visit theorchestraiscomingtotown.com to learn more about this magnificent ship and the MSC Cruises experience,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA). “Plus, by entering the contest daily, they increase their chances of being the next winner of a free cruise or other free gifts.”

Guests who visit the website also will find:

• Ship information, including an extensive slide show and flash presentation complete with factoids;
• Fun & Free Stuff, including free downloadable wallpaper and e-cards, several shuffle picture puzzles and memory games;
• Special promotions on MSC Orchestra itineraries, including the line’s “Kids Sail Free” offer, where youngsters under the age of 17 sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

MSC Orchestra will sail alternating 7-night roundtrip itineraries through April 25, 2009:

• Eastern Caribbean, calling at Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John, Antigua; and Nassau, Bahamas, and two days at sea.
• Western Caribbean, calling at Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic, and two days at sea.

A special 7-night roundtrip Bermuda sailing departs Fort Lauderdale April 25, 2009 and includes three days in King’s Wharf, Bermuda and a day in Nassau, Bahamas, and two sea days.

MSC Orchestra will depart Fort Lauderdale May 2, 2009 on an 18-night voyage that includes a two-day visit to New York City before heading eastbound to Copenhagen, with calls at Ponta Delgado, Azores; Lisbon, Portugal; Vigo, Spain; La Coruna, Spain; and Dover, England.

For more information about MSC Cruises and the arrival of MSC Orchestra, visit www.theorchestraiscomingtotown.com. While you're there, enter to win a free cruise!