It’s not very often that  luxury liners stop in the United States as they are usually sailing to all the exotic corners of the globe, so our consultants jumped at the chance to tour the Azamara Journey when she docked in New York last month. After her brief stop, the Azamara Journey was cruising from New York to Paris on  a transatlantic voyage.

Upon boarding the ship the consultants made their way around the ship’s public spaces. The marvelous grand staircase on the 5th deck was a highlight.  It is surrounded by shops and a cafe. The library not only has a ton of beautiful hard cover books, it has a piano and a delightful mural painted on the ceiling.

Another highlight of the public spaces is the Looking Glass Lounge which has a dance floor that  is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows. When you don’t feel like dancing, the lounge also has great tables made for playing card or board games.

The outdoor spaces on the ship were also a highlight. The pool deck is bright and inviting, especially with the sun shining.The lounge chairs are plush and soft and there is ample shaded space for those seeking the ocean breeze but not the heat of the sun.

The tour also featured  a variety of staterooms from an inside cabin to the owner’s suite. No matter what the size of your stateroom on Azamara, the linens are made from Egyptian cotton and the room includes bath robes and slippers along with a mini-refrigerator and complimentary shoe shine service. Suites come complete with butler service and a marble bathtub, it’s quite luxurious.

But for most, the highlight of this tour was getting to have lunch at Aqualina, the ship’s Mediterranean inspired restaurant on deck 10. The menu included beef carpacio, lobster bisque and filet mignon served with wine and overlooking New York harbor. This was quite an experience.

Now that we’ve got a chance to see the wonderful accommodations on the Journey we’d love for you to experience all Azamara Club Cruises has to offer on one of their exciting itineraries.

Have you ever sailed on an Azamara Club Cruises ship?

The Cruise Web, Inc.
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Mother’s day is a chance to tell your mom that you love her. It’s a day to give her all the praise you should be giving her everyday. She’s done everything from changing your diaper to helping you change your child’s diaper. So what better way of saying thank you than giving your mom the vacation of her dreams…. a cruise.

We’ve asked a couple of our consultants to pick out the cruises they would give to their mom’s  this mother’s day.

John H.

I would take my mom to South America. Our family is from Peru and we never get tired of going to Machu Picchu. Also she loves wine and what better place to sample wines than in Chile.

Suggested Itinerary: A 13-Day adventure from Cape Horn to the Strait of Magellan on the Star Princess.

Rhiannon O.

I would take my mom on an Alaskan Cruise it has always been a dream of hers and she has done so much for me over the years and been there day in and day out. I would love to be able to make this dream a reality for her. My mom and I are more than just mother and daughter we have a strong friendship and I think this would be an incredible trip for the two of us to experience together!

Suggested Itinerary:  A 7-night journey from Seattle to Juneau on the Celebrity Infinity.

Lortou B.

I would recommend a Western Caribbean cruise to my mom, Sharon, in the month of December. She would love the warmer, tropical ports of call like Labadee, Fulmoth and Cozumel. The sights, sounds, culture and food are sure to remind her of Liberia, where she was born.

Suggested Itinerary: A 7-day sailing to the Western Caribbean on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas.

Now where would you take your mom?

The Cruise Web, Inc.
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For most people a cruise means a lot of fun in the sun. Days are spent on beaches, lying poolside and exploring the great outdoors. But while you enjoy the outdoors and all your cruise has to offer, there are a few simple things to do to make sure you don’t come back looking like a lobster.

1. Always, and we mean always, wear sun screen. No matter whether you are lounging on a beach or skiing through the mountains, sunscreen is vital. The sun’s UV rays are powerful and, though you might not see them, they are there. The CDC recommends a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you are going to be out all day, reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or any activity that causes you to sweat.

2. Cover Up. If you don’t want to keep lathering on the sunscreen, you could put on sun protective clothing. This means tightly woven long sleeve shirts and pants. The darker the color, the better. A great way to add an extra ounce of sun protection is to wear a wide-brimmed hat.

3. Spend some time in the shade. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the sun is at its strongest and can do the most damage. During these hours you can explore all the lounges and open spaces that your cruise ship has to offer. If you are in port, take in a museum or go shopping.

What are your tips for staying safe in the sun?

The Cruise Web, Inc.
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Nothing says Cinco de Mayo like a margarita. Ideally we’d love to be sipping one on the pool deck of a cruise ship heading toward the Mexican Riviera, but we’ll have to get by day dreaming this Cinco de Mayo. So for those of you stuck on land here is a recipe for a classic margarita, just think of the ocean breeze and some Acapulco cliff divers as you prepare it.

 Margarita (1 Serving)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. of tequila
• 2 oz. of lime juice (either fresh squeezed or from concentrate)
• 1 oz. of Triple sec
• ice
• salt to rim the glass

Instructions:

• Pour all liquids over the ice and stir.

It’s that simple. So how are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo?


The Cruise Web, Inc.
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One of the reasons most Western Caribbean cruises stop in Cozumel, Mexico is because it has the most beautiful coastline. But the beauty doesn’t stop at the shore, it extends under the turquoise waters that surround the island.

Suggested Itinerary: 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas.

The first thing you will want to do when your ship docks in Cozumel is to take a moment to look out onto the water. You will see that the Caribbean Sea, which borders the island, is composed of three very bright and beautiful colors. Closest to the beach the water is aqua marine. The next color is a brilliant turquoise that gleams in the bright sun. Then as the sand gets deeper the water turns to a glistening sapphire.

Under that stunning water is a world full of more vibrant colors. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef practically surrounds the island making most beaches a great starting point to discover the intricate underwater structure that extends over 600 miles from Mexico down to Honduras. This reef is home to more than 500 species of fish and more than 60 species of coral. From bright yellows and oranges to deep purples and reds, all colors of the rainbow are represented.

Jacques Cousteau, the famous french oceanographer,  said Cozumel is one of the worlds best scuba diving areas. There are many scuba adventures and excursions in Cozumel. For those with little underwater experience, snorkeling is a great option. Because the water is so clear (not to mention warm) in Cozumel you can see up to 200 feet away!

The beauty of this island will get even the biggest city-dweller to cozy up to mother nature.

What is your favorite thing to do in Cozumel?

The Cruise Web, Inc.
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Norwegian Cruise Lines is constructing an extensive water park to be featured on the Norwegian Breakaway. This water park will include five giant slides, a designated kids play area, two pools, four hot tubs and a bar and grill. The water park is in addition to a three-story sports complex that will feature a ropes course, full basketball court and miniature golf course.

The Norwegian Breakaway is currently being built in Germany and is expected to make its debut in May 2013. The Breakaway, which can accommodate 4,000 passengers, will have its home port in Manhattan where it will sail to Bermuda and the Caribbean.

The water park is made for passengers of all ages, from those who wish to lounge in the hot tub, to the daring cruisers who will enjoy the two slides where passengers enter through a trap door that gives them an extra thrill. Norwegian’s partnership with Nickelodeon will also be showcased  in a kid’s area that will feature SpongeBob SquarePants.

The three-story sports complex will have a rock wall and a ropes course that will include 40 different challenges. There will also be a ropes course specifically for children. The highlight of the sports complex is an eight foot plank that will extend over the edge of the ship. Those daring enough to walk the plank will get a commemorative picture of the event.

The ship will also feature two adult-only outdoor areas. Spice H20 will be a lounge by day and dance floor by night. The space will feature two hot tubs and a large video screen. Vibe Beach Club will be another area on the ship restricted to guests 18 and older. This feature will have a full service bar, water spritzers and chilled towels. Passengers will have to purchase an access pass to gain admittance to Vibe Beach Club.

Look for a post later this week highlighting some of the ships renderings.

Are you planning to take a cruise on the Breakaway next year?

The Cruise Web, Inc.
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Did you see that pivotal moment at the 1996 Olympics when the U.S. women’s gymnastics team pulled it together for the gold, or when Michael Phelps picked up medal after medal after medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics?  The Summer Olympics are only months away and even if you aren’t going to London you can still catch the games while on vacation because Celebrity Cruises has the exclusive rights to broadcast the Olympics live on its fleet.

Nearly 1 billion people will be tuning in to the games and Celebrity doesn’t want its passengers to miss out. Events like swimming, gymnastics, rowing, basketball and several other sports will be shown live. There will also be daily recaps of the games’ highlights shown each day. Passengers can watch the games in their cabins or at the line’s many bars and restaurants.

What is your favorite Olympic sport to watch?

The Cruise Web, Inc.
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The Norwegian Getaway will make the Port of Miami its home. The ship, which is set to begin sailing in Spring 2014, will be the largest ship to have its home in Miami.

Are you ready to Getaway?

The Norwegian Getaway will be able to hold 4,000 passengers and will be 144,000 gross tons. The ship is currently being built in Germany. Its sister ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, will be based in New York City and is set to begin sailing in Spring 2013.

Miami’s port officials have projected that the Getaway will generate $500,000,000 for Florida’s economy each year. Norwegian Cruise Line has been committed to the Port of Miami over the years. Norwegian Cruise Line is headquartered there and has been sailing out of Miami since 1966, longer than any other cruise line.

“PortMiami is pleased to be the home of the most modern and innovative ships on the seas today. Norwegian Getaway will be a great addition to our fleet,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “We are anxious to welcome Norwegian Getaway to the Cruise Capital of the World.” Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise brand to sail from Miami.

The Cruise Web, Inc.
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You’ve probably heard about themed cruises, or world cruises, or even having a butler for your cabin on a cruise, but do you know about hosted cruises?

Keep reading to find out how you can get this exclusive experience.

On a Cruise Web hosted cruise, you get special perks like a complimentary cocktail party and one free exclusive excursion. There is also a host available to help answer questions you may have while on board. All of this is available at no extra cost. The excursions are especially intriguing because they are only open to the select few that are on a hosted cruise. This gives you the opportunity to have more personal and in-depth experiences because there are no crowds or lines. It also enables you to have a more intimate experience with the people and traditions of the port city you are visiting.

Hosted cruises vary from ship to ship and itinerary to itinerary, but they all let you stand out from the pack while onboard and in port. A few of the upcoming hosted cruises include a 12-night Royal Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Barcelona with a special excursion to the town of Split in Croatia, including a meal with local specialties; a 12-night Silversea Cruises voyage roundtrip from Vancouver with a detailed look into Skagway’s Gold Rush; and a 10-night Regent Seven Seas Cruises sailing from Monte Carlo to Barcelona with a cooking class in Sorrento, Italy.

To find out more about a hosted cruise, ask one of our cruise consultants if there is an itinerary that fits your travel needs.

So are you ready for a hosted cruise?

The Cruise Web, Inc.
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From the time you board a river cruise, you begin a journey like no other. The ships are small and intimate, your scenery changes constantly and the easy access to the inner areas of towns and villages make river cruising an ideal way to enjoy a multi-destination adventure.

In the last five years, river cruise travel has grown up to 60% annually according to the Travel Trade reports. As a matter of fact, some river cruise companies are growing at double digit rates. Considering the rapid growth of river cruising, maybe it’s time to ask if river cruising is right for you…

Why Choose a River Cruise Adventure?

River cruises are ideal for first time and experienced travelers alike – it’s simply the best way to see many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. It’s a trip of a lifetime at a relaxed pace where you never miss a moment. You get to see places that you could not possibly get to on an ocean cruise. As a river cruise passenger, you also get in depth exposure to the rich culture and history of each town you visit. You enter into the heart of the city and get off your floating hotel just steps from historic sites and sought after landmarks. Since you dock so close to the city center (in most cases), you see the true culture and get a real epicurean delight with authentic foods and wine from the region you are in.

Care-Free Travel

River cruising provides a carefree way to travel. Once aboard your vessel, you will check into your nicely appointed cabin and then unpack just one time. After that, it’s complete comfort for the duration of your cruise. No traffic jams or other hassles that come with a land-based trip.

On board your river cruise vessel, you will find exceptional personalized service (where the staff knows you by name). The delightful meals are always freshly prepared and often include local options. Some lines even provide complimentary regional wines and beverages at lunch and dinner. Staterooms are all ocean view (well, “river view” to be more exact), many with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and French balconies to enjoy the crisp, fresh  river air.

Rather than your typical cruise ship entertainment of nightly shows, shops and casinos, you will enjoy an intimate piano bar or a small combo to dance the night away. In addition, there are intriguing workshops, cooking classes (we learned how to make Black Forest cake) and wine tasting (featuring wines from the region where you are sailing). There are also lectures and locals will often come aboard to entertain you with the customs of the region.

Many of the newer ships now have spas, swimming pools, Jacuzzis and fitness centers as well as free self-service launderettes (so pack a little lighter since most only allow one large suitcase).

A More Intimate Experience

River cruise ships generally sail with 150 to 300 passengers which makes for a much more intimate and cozy cruise experience. It’s very easy to make new friends and dine with different people every night (with open seating). There is no waiting in line to embark or disembark and no tenders. As I mentioned before, the staff all get to know you and by the time it’s over, everyone feels like family.

Travel Your Way

It’s YOUR river cruise vacation. You have so many ways to enjoy it. You can join one of the included guided walking tours with a fantastic local guide or go out on your own. Some ships even have complimentary bicycles on board for you to explore on your own. River cruise vacations are all about providing you with the best of both worlds. Remember it’s YOUR vacation.

Smooth Sailing

Inland waterways are much calmer and shallower than oceans, meaning passengers that are prone to seasickness don’t suffer. The specially designed flat-bottomed shape of the ships means there is little risk of a bumpy ride on a river cruise.

New Vistas (All Day, Every Day)

River cruising and breathtaking scenery go hand in hand. It does not matter where you are on the ship, there are amazing views. Going through the locks is a mind boggling experience for anyone. How the water rises or lowers to make you level to the river is an ingenious feat of engineering. And river cruises often sail at night, so each morning you awaken to a wonderful, new place. Compared to bus / land touring, it’s so much easier and much more relaxed.

Where Can You Go on a River Cruise?

A river cruise can take you almost anywhere in the world since they aren’t restricted to large ports and open water travel.

Western Europe

River cruises through this region include some of Europe’s greatest rivers like the Danube, Douro, Elbe, Main, Moselle, Rhine, Rhone, Saone and Seine. From these rivers you find yourself in large cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Budapest and Vienna. However, you also find yourself in small villages like Koblenz, Cologne, and Speyer in Germany and Dϋrnstein in Austria.

Eastern Europe – Russia and the Ukraine

Along the Volga River, the 4^th largest river in Europe, you will see a different side of Russia – the lakes and secluded islands of the enormous superpower. For a different experience, see the Ukraine via the Dnieper River where you’ll see historic cathedrals and monuments.

Asia

River cruises along the Yangtze offer exotic itineraries with stops in Beijing and Shanghai. Increasing in popularity is the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam. There seems to be a renewed interest in the history of these cultures and this region of Asia.

Africa / Egypt

The great Nile River, lifeline of Egypt, offers a bucket list of experiences, including the Great Pyramids. Plus, cruising the Nile provides a convenient way to see more of Egypt since most of the country’s great cities developed along the Nile, including Alexandria, Aswan, Cairo and Luxor. An exciting Nile River cruise is a journey through the ancient history of this mysterious land.

South America

Only a river cruise can get you up close and personal to the less explored regions of the Amazon River. In contrast to many other river cruises, Amazon itineraries spend less time ashore as the focus of the cruise is usually directed upon the Amazon River itself. However, when docked, popular shore excursions include rainforest expeditions and hikes through local villages.

If you are interested in cruising to new destinations and want a more “personalized” and intimate travel experience, then you ought to consider river cruising.

Don’t forget, river cruises fill up much faster than ocean cruises, so book early. Most river cruise customers tend to book at least a year in advance. However, there are still a few 2012 sailings left and 2013 itineraries are now available to reserve. Let us help you find your dream river cruise destination, and we will handle every detail before, during, and after your trip.

Happy Sailing.

Gloria Hanson
Senior Cruise Consultant
The Cruise Web, Inc.
1-800-377-9383 ext. 273
gloriah@cruiseweb.com