Have a Holly Jolly Holiday at Sea
It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays. Lights are being strung, presents are being wrapped and cruise ships everywhere are beginning to drape themselves in holiday decor. Although you won’t have a white Christmas on a cruise you will find plenty of good cheer. It’s hard not to get in the holiday spirit when twinkling lights, decorated trees, poinsettias and mistletoe surround you. Carolers stroll the decks singing your favorite holiday songs while kids are busy making ornaments and decorating sugar cookies. There's even a ceremonial tree lighting and plenty of champagne toasts.
All cruise ships get into the holiday spirit but the bigger the ship, the bigger the festivities. So what kind of celebration is right for your you? Here’s a little advice on what you need to know about cruising over Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years.
Holiday cruises generally offer religious services. Typically, a rabbi, minister and priest sail aboard holiday cruises and hold Catholic, Jewish, Protestant and interdenominational services in the ship's chapel or in a quiet public room.
All cruise lines decorate for the holidays to some extent, with the larger lines showing more of the holiday spirit. Most ships display at least one Christmas tree decorated from head to toe, a menorah is displayed and lighted each day during the eight-day celebration, and poinsettias, wreathes, mistletoe, and holly are sprinkled about. Decorations generally go up around Thanksgiving and stay up until the New Year.
The larger family-friendly ships have plenty of holiday activities for the whole family including holiday-themed arts and crafts, caroling by the crew, an appearance by Santa, and sometimes elves too. But Christmas oriented activities are usually kept to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so that non-celebrating passengers do not get overwhelmed. On New Year's Eve, a ship-wide countdown is to be expected, as is a champagne toast.
There is no shortage of food during the holiday celebrations. Naturally, you can expect the traditional turkey and trimmings on Thanksgiving, plus lots of dishes made out of pumpkin. At Menorah lighting services during Hanukkah, you'll likely be offered Kosher wine and challah, while for Christmas look for roast turkey or goose, gingerbread everything, mincemeat pies, chocolate Yule logs, and, of course, holiday cookies.
The crew gets into the holiday spirit with waiters in Santa hats and cruise staff dressing up like elves, Baby New Year, and other holiday characters.
To keep up with the loads of holiday activities and full house during the holidays, many lines bring in extra staff to cope.
Planning your holiday cruise just got easier.
You can book your sailing by contacting me at:
732-617-1972 or
1-800-216-SAIL(7245)
Visit my website at WWW.TimetoSail.com
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Cruising Your Style Part 3
When it comes to a luxury cruise, the value far exceeds what is delivered by a luxury hotel or resort. Luxury or ultra luxury cruising delivers personalized service and high space to guest ratios, and are considered the highest quality of cruise experience available. With a staff to guest ratio of 1:1.5, guests’ needs are always anticipated and attention to detail waits around every beautiful corner. World-class cuisine is created and designed by leading celebrity chefs and served in an “open seating” environment where every meal is prepared to order. Some of the top Luxury cruise lines include: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Cunard Line, The Yachts of Seabourn and SeaDream Yacht Club. These lines are rich in amenities, service and style and focus on the world’s most unique destinations. These luxury cruise lines welcome between 100-900 guests and provide each traveler with the opportunity to be treated like an individual and not part of the crowd. Some sailings tend to be significantly more formal than contemporary cruise lines. Their ships tend to carry far fewer passengers and accommodations are often more spacious with a very high percentage of oceanview staterooms and balcony suites including king-sized beds, sitting areas and private teak wood verandahs. Many of these lines are “all inclusive” where items like gratuities, wine and spirits, custom shore excursions and more are included in the base cruise fare. These cruise lines are much more itinerary oriented and often feature longer cruises, international travel and follow warm weather around the world. Many luxury guests are more experienced and more discerning travelers. These sailings are not as "entertainment-oriented" as they are "experience-oriented". Luxury lines have very limited or no programs for children and would not be the first choice for families.
You can book your special sailing by contacting me at:
732-617-1972 or 1-800-216-SAIL(7245)
Visit my website at WWW.TimetoSail.com
You can book your special sailing by contacting me at:
732-617-1972 or 1-800-216-SAIL(7245)
Visit my website at WWW.TimetoSail.com
Cruising Your Style Part 2
A step above contemporary, premium lines offer more service and added amenities. Holland America and Celebrity are two well known premium lines and are famous for catering to more experienced cruisers. While still offering most of the activities of a contemporary line, premium lines include more upscale offerings such as white glove service, high tea, wine tastings, cigar bars, etc. Many itineraries are for seven+ days and travel to similar destinations as the contemporary lines, but longer more extensive itineraries including Europe and Alaska in the summer months. Holland America Line even offers a full 100+ day World cruise. Premium lines are great for couples of all ages and traditionally have good children’s programs.
The newest category in cruising is deluxe – the ships are more elegant but would not be considered “all inclusive” as most of the luxury lines are. The two cruise lines that fall into this category are Azamara and Oceania Cruises. The ships are smaller and carry fewer guests, approximately 800. Stateroom amenities are more luxurious with high thread count sheets, high end toiletries, pillow menus, etc. Entertainment is more cabaret style, casinos are smaller and the libraries are extensive. Itineraries tend to be longer that seven days and to more exotic destinations. These lines are not recommended for families with young children as there traditionally are not activities or staff dedicated to children and teens.
You can book your special sailing by contacting me at:
732-617-1972 or 1-800-216-SAIL(7245)
Visit my website at WWW.TimetoSail.com
The newest category in cruising is deluxe – the ships are more elegant but would not be considered “all inclusive” as most of the luxury lines are. The two cruise lines that fall into this category are Azamara and Oceania Cruises. The ships are smaller and carry fewer guests, approximately 800. Stateroom amenities are more luxurious with high thread count sheets, high end toiletries, pillow menus, etc. Entertainment is more cabaret style, casinos are smaller and the libraries are extensive. Itineraries tend to be longer that seven days and to more exotic destinations. These lines are not recommended for families with young children as there traditionally are not activities or staff dedicated to children and teens.
You can book your special sailing by contacting me at:
732-617-1972 or 1-800-216-SAIL(7245)
Visit my website at WWW.TimetoSail.com
Monday, September 29, 2008
Cruising Your Style Part 1
Cruising Your Style…
Today’s modern cruise industry is made up of many different styles and sizes of ships, from contemporary to deluxe to luxury and everything in between. All of this terminology can be very confusing but knowing the differences will help you and your Cruise Specialist make the perfect choice to fit your unique needs for your next cruise vacation. Let’s take a look at the differences between styles of cruise lines.
Contemporary cruises are the most popular segment of the cruise industry and may also be referred to as mass market or First Class cruises. Cruise lines included in this category are Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises and Costa Cruises. These larger ships cater to thousands of guests and typically have resort-style facilities with heavy emphasis on shipboard activities. Many short three, four and five day itineraries departing from close to home U.S. cities and visiting the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Baja Mexico are offered. In the seven day contemporary market, cruise travelers can enjoy the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and Alaska. Longer international itineraries of 10-14 days such as Europe, South America and Asia are also seasonally offered. Contemporary lines tend to have newer and larger cruise ships with lots of amenities including lavish show rooms, extensive spa facilities, large casinos, expansive children's programs, televisions and in-room movies in all cabins, double/queen beds, etc. A contemporary cruise will have something for everybody - all age groups. Best for families and kids of all ages as the award winning kids programs dedicate staff and space to entertain kids and teens of all ages.
You can book your special sailing by contacting me at:
732-617-1972 or 1-800-216-SAIL(7245)
Visit my website at WWW.TimetoSail.com
Today’s modern cruise industry is made up of many different styles and sizes of ships, from contemporary to deluxe to luxury and everything in between. All of this terminology can be very confusing but knowing the differences will help you and your Cruise Specialist make the perfect choice to fit your unique needs for your next cruise vacation. Let’s take a look at the differences between styles of cruise lines.
Contemporary cruises are the most popular segment of the cruise industry and may also be referred to as mass market or First Class cruises. Cruise lines included in this category are Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises and Costa Cruises. These larger ships cater to thousands of guests and typically have resort-style facilities with heavy emphasis on shipboard activities. Many short three, four and five day itineraries departing from close to home U.S. cities and visiting the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Baja Mexico are offered. In the seven day contemporary market, cruise travelers can enjoy the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and Alaska. Longer international itineraries of 10-14 days such as Europe, South America and Asia are also seasonally offered. Contemporary lines tend to have newer and larger cruise ships with lots of amenities including lavish show rooms, extensive spa facilities, large casinos, expansive children's programs, televisions and in-room movies in all cabins, double/queen beds, etc. A contemporary cruise will have something for everybody - all age groups. Best for families and kids of all ages as the award winning kids programs dedicate staff and space to entertain kids and teens of all ages.
You can book your special sailing by contacting me at:
732-617-1972 or 1-800-216-SAIL(7245)
Visit my website at WWW.TimetoSail.com
Introducing Celebrity Solstice
Introducing Celebrity Solstice
The largest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet will be setting sail in November with a CruiseOne exclusive 2-night sailing. Join us and be a part of this truly innovative experience.
Only on the brand new Celebrity Solstice will you be able to inhale the fragrance of a beautifully manicured lawn or watch glassblowers create art before your very eyes. You’ll dine in restaurants capturing every mood. You’ll experience the height of thoughtful design in open spaces and small details. And you’ll retreat to accommodations inspired by Celebrity’s Five Leading Ladies, including AquaClass, which centers around your love of the spa. Embark on a journey of imagination onboard Celebrity Solstice, where every moment exemplifies Celebrity’s tradition of impeccable service.
The Lawn Club is just one of the many firsts found on Celebrity Solstice. We invite you to stroll across this expanse of pure innovation. The refined setting is reminiscent of a country club, offering a casually sophisticated environment where you can practice putting, partake in the pleasures of an afternoon bocce tournament or just breathe in the fragrance of a freshly manicured lawn. As evening falls, witness the spectacle of molten glass being transformed into art at the adjacent Hot Glass Show, another ocean-going first fashioned through a unique collaboration with the Corning Museum of Glass.
Embark on a spirited culinary journey with some of the world’s finest chefs. Celebrity Solstice offers a vast assortment of refreshingly innovative dining experiences – complemented by one of the world’s most expansive floating wine cellars – rivaling anything found at sea or on land. Working closely with Elizabeth Blau & Associates, who helped orchestrate the culinary reform of Las Vegas, Celebrity has created a scintillating variety of choices to suit any mood and satisfy any craving.
Relish the dramatic sparkle of the Grand Épernay Main Dining Room, whose extensive champagne menu helps recreate the feel of a Hollywood venue. Treat yourself to one of the exceptional specialty restaurants – like the Italian-inspired Tuscan Grille or Silk Harvest Restaurant, their new Asian fusion creation. Or try something lighter and less formal, like a freshly baked scone in Café al Bacio & Gelateria or a freshly made crepe from Bistro on Five. As with every Celebrity cruise, what distinguishes the dining experience onboard Celebrity Solstice is the attentiveness of the staff, all of whom have been extensively trained in the fine art of presentation and eagerly anticipate guiding you on the culinary journey of a lifetime.
Nightfall is more than a time to go out, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in a myriad of places designed to elevate your evening. And when it comes to the allure of excitement after dark, nothing delivers like Celebrity Solstice. Feel the warmth of Cellar Masters, where you may eagerly anticipate the pouring of an exquisite cabernet while surrounded by inviting colors and enveloped by a soft chair. From there, move on to plan the day to come in the Passport Bar, which takes its cues from the map rooms found in the luxurious ocean-going yachts of old, or the Ensemble Lounge, whose elliptical bar can either bring you together to listen to music or serve as a stepping stone for more exciting events.
Slip into a classic cocktail in the Martini Bar, or move over to the adjacent Crush, where ice-filled tables unite the tastes and textures of vodka and caviar – exotic pairings that excite the palate. Venture further into your enchanted evening to Quasar, their exciting refreshing nightclub where retro styling fuses with contemporary rhythms to create a pulsating energy. Be seduced by the lights and the movement on the spacious dance floor, or take it all in from the VIP section, yours to reserve. Feel free to elevate the moment by ascending to the Sky Observation Lounge, where the canopy of stars appears to lie just within your grasp. Or feel the favor of fortune’s smile in Fortune’s Casino, inspired by Monte Carlo. Onboard Celebrity Solstice you don’t just go out for the evening, you surrender to the possibilities.
When the evening comes to a close, retreat back to your redesigned, more expansive staterooms, created to accommodate all of your desires. Your first step into your personal retreat will evoke a distinctive feeling of “ahhh,” but more importantly a feeling of gratitude for five very special women, their Five Leading Ladies. These five discerning travel connoisseurs – a frequent cruiser, a travel agent, a travel writer, a potential cruiser and a hotelier – contributed intuitive ideas about comfort, as well as their own personal wish lists, to the design of the staterooms and suites.
For a twist on the standard stateroom, you’ll find the new AquaClass, 130 contemporary staterooms dedicated to spa lovers like you. Created just for Solstice Class, these serene double occupancy accommodations allow you to enjoy a Celebrity cruise from an entirely new perspective – connected to it all yet secluded in your own hideaway. Allow a Personal Spa Concierge to arrange treatments for you at the nearby AquaSpa by Elemis. Or relax in the AquaSpa relaxation room and Persian Garden, both yours to enjoy at no charge. You’ll also enjoy complimentary dining in a specialty restaurant, Blu, dedicated to AquaClass guests, serving healthful yet delicious cuisine.
Be the first to discover this unparalleled class of ship on our exclusive 2-night sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 21, 2008. This weekend discovery cruise is the perfect way to experience all this new ship has to offer. This is an exclusive charter and only available through us.
You can book this special sailing by contacting me at:
732-617-1972 or
1-800-216-7245.
Visit my website at WWW.TimetoSail.com
The largest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet will be setting sail in November with a CruiseOne exclusive 2-night sailing. Join us and be a part of this truly innovative experience.
Only on the brand new Celebrity Solstice will you be able to inhale the fragrance of a beautifully manicured lawn or watch glassblowers create art before your very eyes. You’ll dine in restaurants capturing every mood. You’ll experience the height of thoughtful design in open spaces and small details. And you’ll retreat to accommodations inspired by Celebrity’s Five Leading Ladies, including AquaClass, which centers around your love of the spa. Embark on a journey of imagination onboard Celebrity Solstice, where every moment exemplifies Celebrity’s tradition of impeccable service.
The Lawn Club is just one of the many firsts found on Celebrity Solstice. We invite you to stroll across this expanse of pure innovation. The refined setting is reminiscent of a country club, offering a casually sophisticated environment where you can practice putting, partake in the pleasures of an afternoon bocce tournament or just breathe in the fragrance of a freshly manicured lawn. As evening falls, witness the spectacle of molten glass being transformed into art at the adjacent Hot Glass Show, another ocean-going first fashioned through a unique collaboration with the Corning Museum of Glass.
Embark on a spirited culinary journey with some of the world’s finest chefs. Celebrity Solstice offers a vast assortment of refreshingly innovative dining experiences – complemented by one of the world’s most expansive floating wine cellars – rivaling anything found at sea or on land. Working closely with Elizabeth Blau & Associates, who helped orchestrate the culinary reform of Las Vegas, Celebrity has created a scintillating variety of choices to suit any mood and satisfy any craving.
Relish the dramatic sparkle of the Grand Épernay Main Dining Room, whose extensive champagne menu helps recreate the feel of a Hollywood venue. Treat yourself to one of the exceptional specialty restaurants – like the Italian-inspired Tuscan Grille or Silk Harvest Restaurant, their new Asian fusion creation. Or try something lighter and less formal, like a freshly baked scone in Café al Bacio & Gelateria or a freshly made crepe from Bistro on Five. As with every Celebrity cruise, what distinguishes the dining experience onboard Celebrity Solstice is the attentiveness of the staff, all of whom have been extensively trained in the fine art of presentation and eagerly anticipate guiding you on the culinary journey of a lifetime.
Nightfall is more than a time to go out, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in a myriad of places designed to elevate your evening. And when it comes to the allure of excitement after dark, nothing delivers like Celebrity Solstice. Feel the warmth of Cellar Masters, where you may eagerly anticipate the pouring of an exquisite cabernet while surrounded by inviting colors and enveloped by a soft chair. From there, move on to plan the day to come in the Passport Bar, which takes its cues from the map rooms found in the luxurious ocean-going yachts of old, or the Ensemble Lounge, whose elliptical bar can either bring you together to listen to music or serve as a stepping stone for more exciting events.
Slip into a classic cocktail in the Martini Bar, or move over to the adjacent Crush, where ice-filled tables unite the tastes and textures of vodka and caviar – exotic pairings that excite the palate. Venture further into your enchanted evening to Quasar, their exciting refreshing nightclub where retro styling fuses with contemporary rhythms to create a pulsating energy. Be seduced by the lights and the movement on the spacious dance floor, or take it all in from the VIP section, yours to reserve. Feel free to elevate the moment by ascending to the Sky Observation Lounge, where the canopy of stars appears to lie just within your grasp. Or feel the favor of fortune’s smile in Fortune’s Casino, inspired by Monte Carlo. Onboard Celebrity Solstice you don’t just go out for the evening, you surrender to the possibilities.
When the evening comes to a close, retreat back to your redesigned, more expansive staterooms, created to accommodate all of your desires. Your first step into your personal retreat will evoke a distinctive feeling of “ahhh,” but more importantly a feeling of gratitude for five very special women, their Five Leading Ladies. These five discerning travel connoisseurs – a frequent cruiser, a travel agent, a travel writer, a potential cruiser and a hotelier – contributed intuitive ideas about comfort, as well as their own personal wish lists, to the design of the staterooms and suites.
For a twist on the standard stateroom, you’ll find the new AquaClass, 130 contemporary staterooms dedicated to spa lovers like you. Created just for Solstice Class, these serene double occupancy accommodations allow you to enjoy a Celebrity cruise from an entirely new perspective – connected to it all yet secluded in your own hideaway. Allow a Personal Spa Concierge to arrange treatments for you at the nearby AquaSpa by Elemis. Or relax in the AquaSpa relaxation room and Persian Garden, both yours to enjoy at no charge. You’ll also enjoy complimentary dining in a specialty restaurant, Blu, dedicated to AquaClass guests, serving healthful yet delicious cuisine.
Be the first to discover this unparalleled class of ship on our exclusive 2-night sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 21, 2008. This weekend discovery cruise is the perfect way to experience all this new ship has to offer. This is an exclusive charter and only available through us.
You can book this special sailing by contacting me at:
732-617-1972 or
1-800-216-7245.
Visit my website at WWW.TimetoSail.com
Sunday, September 28, 2008
22,000 Smiles to the Gallon
22,000 Smiles To The Gallon- Cruising has long had a reputation for being the top vacation choice. Now, more than ever, with the cost of fuel on the rise, finding and getting to that “oh so perfect” destination can be daunting. In an era of declining personal service, CruiseOne, stands out as a refreshing change. Our agents will combine the latest technology with old-fashioned personal service to find and plan that perfect cruise vacation, at the perfect price, and to the perfect destinations. We are the #1 seller of cruise travel. Today’s cruise market offers everything from ice skating to miniature golf and “surfing”. There's an entire staff on board organizing activities to insure that you and everyone you are traveling with always have a wide variety of activities to choose from. This creates some outstanding opportunities for parents and grandparents to relax in the spa, read a book by the pool, see a movie, try their luck in the casino or attend a wine tasting while your kids are having a great time on a treasure hunt.” With today’s hectic schedules, a cruise is the perfect solution for individuals with many different interests and is ideal for “multi-generation” groups. Now is the time to plan your family vacation.
For more information visit WWW.itstimetosail.com or call 732-617-1972 or 1-800-216-7245
For more information visit WWW.itstimetosail.com or call 732-617-1972 or 1-800-216-7245
Cruise to Alaska on Celebrity's Mercury on 9/18/08
This was CruiseOne's annual convention and this year it was in Alaska on Celebrity's Mercury. I didn't take many pix of the ship but I took many from the tours.
I went onto Mendenhall Glacier via helicopter. I visited the Raptor Center and saw some magnificent eagles. I road on the Aleutian Ballard of The Deadliest Catch fame. At the end of the Cruise I went on a 3 hour tour of Seattle and took an elevator up to the top of the Space Needle. Hope you like the pictures. I'll be posting details very soon.
View of Mendenhall Glacier from the helicopter.
Hubbard Glacier from On Mendenhall Glacier
my deck.
A waterfall seen while on the glacier.
Crystal clear glacier ice. Scenes from the Deadliest Catch tour.
A hand rolled cigar made in Victoria, BC.
This is the Alaskan Raptor Center. They rescue injured eagles and rehabilitate them for release back into the wild. If the eagles cannot be return to nature, they are used as education ambassadors throughout the United States.
After the cruise was over I went on a 3 hour tour and saw the Seattle Space Needle.p I also went to the Pike Place Market and saw the original Starbucks.
Mendenhall Glacier and the Helicopter ride will always be one of my favorite memories.
I went onto Mendenhall Glacier via helicopter. I visited the Raptor Center and saw some magnificent eagles. I road on the Aleutian Ballard of The Deadliest Catch fame. At the end of the Cruise I went on a 3 hour tour of Seattle and took an elevator up to the top of the Space Needle. Hope you like the pictures. I'll be posting details very soon.
View of Mendenhall Glacier from the helicopter.
Hubbard Glacier from On Mendenhall Glacier
my deck.
A waterfall seen while on the glacier.
Crystal clear glacier ice. Scenes from the Deadliest Catch tour.
A hand rolled cigar made in Victoria, BC.
This is the Alaskan Raptor Center. They rescue injured eagles and rehabilitate them for release back into the wild. If the eagles cannot be return to nature, they are used as education ambassadors throughout the United States.
After the cruise was over I went on a 3 hour tour and saw the Seattle Space Needle.p I also went to the Pike Place Market and saw the original Starbucks.
Mendenhall Glacier and the Helicopter ride will always be one of my favorite memories.
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