Celebrity brings an Edge to Cruising

One of the benefits of attending Cruise Planners’ Annual Convention is it’s usually tied to “test driving” a new cruise ship. It’s even more so when a cruise line is introducing a new class of ship, like the Celebrity Edge, the company’s first new ship in 6 years.  Celebrity Cruises wowed the industry in 2008 with the Celebrity Solstice, the first ship to bring Modern Luxury feel to the Premium cruise segment. The Celebrity Edge is definitely a game changer and might not appeal to who is now a Celebrity cruisier (heads up they have the fleet scheduled to get “Edge” updates). I will preface that unlike a lot of new ships that launch in the spring and spend the summer in Europe, the Celebrity Edge came directly across the Atlantic, so I was on one of the first sailings with passengers.

Suites- the Celebrity Edge introduces an exclusive area for suite guests called The Retreat with a pool, pool bar and Retreat Sundeck. The suites have been designed by renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen, with a feel of a boutique hotel. Celebrity has kept the suite only restaurant Luminae from their other ships. I toured all the suites and they are amazing.

Living area of Iconic Suite

Retreat

Staterooms- Celebrity Edge introduces the Infinite Balcony, a design cue from Avalon Waterways Panorama Suite ships on Europe’s rivers. This extends the size of the room and gives you more room and a better view with the floor to ceiling window that can be opened. I think anytime you get more inside space in a stateroom it’s a plus.  Also the Edge has the popular Celebrity Aqua & Concierge Class staterooms featuring the infinite balcony.

Dining-Celebrity Edge does not have one huge main dining room, but 4 separate ones. This in my mind makes them less “cruise shippy” and more like a restaurant on land. They are slightly different themed, with specialty dishes, but also anytime favorites and Celebrity signature dishes. My suggestion to clients consider this ship would be to do “open dining” to try all 4 instead of set dining. There is also a selection of specialty dining restaurants onboard. I have heard many comment about Celebrity’s food, I felt the quality was what I expect from a premium brand.

Entertainment- I think this is where it gets “Edge-y”, as Celebrity created 5 production shows for this ship. No Broadway show or your standard cruise ship production numbers. The theater is in the round, so not a traditional stage. As I was only onboard for 2 nights, we saw the Jewelry Box and Hype, which the Jewelry Box being a combination of song, dance and Cirque and a story line that was somewhat hard to follow.  Then there is Eden, a beautiful 3 story location in the aft of the ship. In the evening the show is very performance art, with the actors interacting with the audience.  The Camp at Sea for kids and teens features interactive experiences and amazing learning opportunities with their STEM program.

Eden 

Theater

The Magic Carpet- This is a platform that moves alongside the ship. It can be an open air extension of Raw on 5 and what I find unique is it is also the tender dock when moved down.  With the large Destination Getaway opening up to the Magic Carpet and the ability to dock 2 tenders this is definitely going to speed up off loading at tender ports. Plus the tenders for the Edge don’t require tall people to crunch down, they have real seats, not benches and they are air conditioned! Trust me this is huge if you sail her in the Mediterranean in summer, personal experience in Santorini

Who’s a good candidate to sail on the Celebrity Edge- If you are a traditional cruiser this ship is probably not your cup of tea, especially if you like Celebrity’s sister brand Royal Caribbean or other lines in the contemporary category. With my 38 years of cruising experience, this ship is definitely the next step in the evolution of the modern cruise ship. I believe Celebrity is trying to reach sophisticated travelers who are non-cruisers with the Edge and upscale multigenerational family groups, that might not find their favorite luxury line the best fit for a trip with the grandchildren, which has been a great niche for Celebrity. I think those clients will really be wowed with the Retreat area and the variety of suites.

Solarium

Rooftop Garden

The Best of Both Worlds - A Family Cruise to Bermuda

   

       When it comes to taking a vacation on a cruise ship, seasoned travelers seem to have strong opinions on the subject, both pro and con.  But there is no denying the impact the cruise industry has had on how families travel over the last several decades, and they're working overtime to appeal to kids of all ages.  More and more ships are being built with state-of-the-art kids clubs, water slides, arcades, climbing walls, sports courts, and other activities designed for kids and teens.  And it's working.  Families now account for the second largest segment of cruise passengers behind only the retires.  Yet, despite all the new family friendly features on the cruise ships, if you and your family likes to explore and get to really know each port of call; then booking a cruise may not be for you.  Arriving into port in the morning and departing later that afternoon - as most cruises do - simply does not leave enough time to explore.  However, one destination seems to be a notable exception, one where you can enjoy all of a ship's on board activities and facilities, and immerse yourself in the local culture: Bermuda.

       What is great about a cruise to Bermuda is that on a seven night cruise, in addition to the four days at sea, you are docked on the island for three full days at Kings Wharf.  This allow you plenty of opportunities to explore all the fabulous places and experiences that Bermuda has to offer in detail and at your leisure. Accommodations on the island are limited and can get pricey.  With this option, you don't have to book a hotel or worry about where to dine out: the ship takes care of all that.  (As someone who travels regularly with a family of four, I know how the expenses for lodging and meals can add up quickly).

       With three full days on the island you will find a treasure trove of of places and activities for the whole family to enjoy.  The beach at Horseshoe Bay is world famous for its pink sand and rainbow-colored reefs, and is a prime location for families to enjoy.  Snorkeling is an activity the whole family can enjoy together, and the ares around Church Bay and Tobacco Bay are among the best family-friendly options you will find in North America.  If the kids want a day away from the water, a trip to the Crystal and Fantasy Caves to check out the amazing stalactites and stalagmites is an awe-inspiring visit.  If their is a golfer in the family, renting some clubs and playing a round at one of numerous world famous golf courses is a must.  And just visiting the towns and people of the high class former British colony is a treat.  Scooters are a popular and fun way to see the island.  The local buses provide a good alternative, and you can buy a three day pass that will take you anywhere on the island.  If you want a more scenic view, hop the ferry to Hamilton or St. George's for a great day trip.

      Cruises to Bermuda are offered seasonally, with the summer months being the most popular.  With cruises to Bermuda being offered from New York, Boston, and Baltimore, by Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Line.  Each line offers tons of on board family activities and multiple dining options, and some of the cruise lines are running their newer, and larger ships, which will offer plenty of company for your kids to enjoy the cruise with, ( during the peak summer months there will be 300-600 kids on board cruise to Bermuda).  For example, Norwegian Cruise Line places a great importance in family cruises to Bermuda by sailing their newest ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, seasonally out of New York City.  The Breakaway is the ultimate in family cruising; featuring a the Aqua Park with five multistory waterslides, a three level Sports Complex, featuring a rock wall, ropes course and a miniature golf course.  Other features for the kids Nickelodeon themed excitement and multi storied clubs for everyone based on age, and its all complimentary and supervised, so mom and dad can get some personnel time.  Add to that, three decks of daytime and nighttime entertainment, 28 dining options, with Norwegian's famous "freestyle dining", were no set dining time or formal dress up is require.  In addition the cruise has three family friendly Broadway shows and fireworks; you can see why Norwegian is targeting the family for a Bermuda cruise.  With a great island with perfect  weather to explore over multiple days; and great ships like the Norwegian Breakaway that offers endless shipboard activities for the entire family, this may be the perfect combination for a family cruise that everyone will love.

The Best Short Cruises for 2015

   

  When most people think about taking a cruise, they envision a full week sailing on a cruise ship to some exotic locale.  For many travelers, this exactly what they are looking for.  But for many others who would love to take a cruise, the thought of being on a ship for a full week will actually discourage them from taking a cruise.  Whether you do not having enough vacation time, or your lifestyle does not allow you to get away for a full week, or maybe you're a first-time cruiser who does not want to commit to a full week at sea; it does not mean you can't do a cruise.  The cruise lines get that you can't do a seven-night cruise, and the result is they are offering an increasing number of shorter cruise options.

       The three-, four-, or five-night sailings are often affordable priced, and travel to many popular destinations, especially in the winter/spring sailing season.  The cruises tend to be on older ships that have smaller cabins with fewer balconies, and lack many newer amenities like specialty bars and restaurants or water slides.  While these short cruises have had a reputation for attracting a party-hearty crowd looking for cheep fun, the cruise lines are now focusing more on attracting families, and travelers want the features and quality experience that a newer cruise ship has to offer.  The cruise lines are now offering some of their newer ships, and want to give the family or the cruiser for a better quality ship experience, the ability to enjoy a cruise experience in a shorter time frame.

Here are some winter and spring short cruise highlights for 2015:

Disney Cruise Line:  The cruise line who wrote the book on modern family ships operates 2 ships for shorter cruises.  From Port Canaveral, FL. (near Orlando); the Disney Dream sails on 3 and 4 night sailings to Nassau and Disney's private island , Castaway Cay, in the Bahamas.  Sailing from Miami, the Disney Wonder, in addition to 4 night sailings to the Bahamas is doing 5 night sailings to the Western Caribbean.

Princess Cruises:  Offering 4 and 5 night itineraries to the Eastern and and Western Caribbean on the Caribbean Princess from Fort Lauderdale, and sailing from Los Angeles, the Crown Princess visits Mexico on 4 night cruises.  These modern, innovative ships offer new dining and ship experiences in a casual yet elegant environment.

Royal Caribbean Line:  Offering newer and recently completely reconditioned ships, Royal Caribbean offers modern conveniences on a number of their short cruises.  From ships offering majority balcony cabins, to water slides and rock climbing walls to flexible and specialty dining to state of the art entertainment: these ships offer something fore everyone.  The Enchantment of the Sea does 3 and 4 night sailing to the Bahamas, including a stop at Royal's private island of Coco Cay, from Port Canaveral.  From Fort Lauderdale, Liberty of the Sea; and from Tampa, Brilliance of the Sea, both sail on 4 and 5 night adventure to the Western Caribbean.

Celebrity Cruises:  The Celebrity Constellation sails 4 night cruises to the Bahamas and 5 night cruises to the Western Caribbean.  The ship offers its guests modern and elegant sophistication with world class dining for people who want a little more in their travels.