Fall In Love With Cruising Again

     If you have been on a cruise ship over the last few years, like me you may have gotten somewhat overwhelmed by the crowds, 4000 passengers fighting for a deck chair or crowding into a port with 4 other ships the same size is not my idea of fun. Don't get me wrong, I have been cruising since 1980 and I still love sailing the seven seas. Plus having someone else to entertain a couple of teenage boys makes my vacation less stressful. Being in the travel industry, I know the ships have become the destination and that is the selling point for a lot of my clients. But I know there are others like myself, that cruising is an easy stress-free way to see somewhat logistically challenged itineraries.

   Well let me introduce you to Azamara Club Cruises. I was delighted to be on the Azamara Quest in August sailing the Eastern Mediterranean. It was a 10 day sailing from Civitavecchia(Rome), Italy to Istanbul,  Turkey.

The best way I can describe the ship is to call it a "boutique hotel on the seas." First of all, each Azamara ship carries only 684 passengers. I was able to enjoy a more relaxed and personalized experience on board the Quest compared to the typical cruise ship. Open sitting dining and dress code every night is country club casual. The value that Azamara offers is also very appealing, many items are included in your cruise rate, like gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and wait for it....select standard spirits, international beers & wines!!!!

Mosaic Café

Main Staircase

Drawing Room

Pool Deck

But what really sets Azamara apart from other cruise lines, in addition to sailing on a smaller ship which allows them to go to off the beaten path ports, is Azamara's philosophy of Destination Immersion. Unlike other cruise lines, Azamara gives you longer stays in port and more overnight stays. On our itinerary, we only sailed once before 10 pm, so you were not constantly watching the time so you didn't "miss the boat" and you had a chance to have dinner and drinks on shore. Especially good in the Eastern Mediterranean in August because the cities do take on a totally different vibe after the sun goes down.

Docked right in the heart of Skala, Patmos Greece

Another value included in your cruise fare will be an AzAmazing Evening, an exclusive bespoke event. Ours occurred in the port of Kusadasi Turkey, where after dinner we were taken to the Odeon, the old Roman theater in ancient Ephesus to hear a private concert performed by a 12 piece string orchestra.

So if unique itineraries, more time in port and smaller ships are what you yearn for, Azamara will be an Aza-mazing trip for you




   pictures: Courtesy of Azamara Club Cruises

Dynamic Dining on Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class Ships

           One of the biggest objections I find from people taking their first cruise is their thoughts on dining. They don't want to be tied down to a set time, they don't want to pack "formal" wear for the ubiquitous 2 formal nights found on a 7 day cruise. Perhaps they have gone to an all inclusive resort that has multiple restaurants and have wondered why on a ship you have one included in the cruise price.
       Well the cruise industry has been slowly moving toward a dining experience that resembles more of how people dine; whether they are at home or on a land based vacation.  Disney was the first by having 3 dining rooms that you rotate through during your cruise. A start, but you are still tied to either early or late sitting fixed dinner times. Then Norwegian Cruise Line shook up the industry by introducing Freestyle Dining, no set times in the main dining room and no formal nights.

Coming Soon to a Port Near You

       This is a great time to take a cruise.  Coming to a port near you, many of the cruise lines are bringing a spectacular new generation of cruise ships which will revolutionize the cruise industry.  With new innovations, fantastic new levels of service, revolutionary new activities, specialty dining, and more; these new ships will set a new standard  sure to please both the first time and experienced cruiser.  Here is a sampling of what you get to look forward too.

       With the launch of the Norwegian Breakaway last year, cruising out of New York year round, a whole new standard was set for Norwegian Cruise Line. Just entering service, and sailing year round out of Miami is the sister ship, the Norwegian Getaway.  They will will be joined by two other ships in the new Breakaway Plus class; the Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss, scheduled for 2015 and 2017.

       Royal Caribbean International is set to change what can be offered on a cruise ship with the launch of the Quantum of the Seas, sailing year round from New York, in the Fall of 2014.  She will be followed by her sister, Anthem of the Sea in the Spring of 2015.  Also planned are new Oasis and Quantum-class ships to be launched in 2016.

       Carnival Cruise Line is set to take its popular "Fun Ship 2.0" program to the next level with the Carnival Vista.  This 4000 passenger ship will make its debut in 2016.

       Princess Cruise Line wants you to "Comeback New" in their new flagship, the Royal Princess.  After the successful launch last year, she will be joined by her sister, Regal Princess, when she enter service in June.  She will feature the popular "Seawalk", which towers 128 feet over the ocean.

       Holland America has announced a new ship for early 2016.  It will be the first of a new design which will redefine the word "elegant".

       This year Viking Cruises launched an unprecedented 14  for their Viking River Cruises.  In addition, Viking Cruises will make a spectacular entrance on the ocean with Viking Star; setting sail in 2015.

       If you love luxury cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has an eagerly awaited addition to its fleet, Seven Seas Explorer, debuting in 2016.