Announced Costa neoClassica for Dec 2014

Costa Cruises have announced that their ship the Costa Classica will undergo a huge refit and become the newest addition to Costa's neoCollection which is a new type of slowing cruising (which also saves fuel) which is designed to make every minute of your cruise worthwhile. 

The Costa Classica will undergo a major refit to be completed by December of this year and will be renamed the neoClassica joining the neoRomantica and neoRiviera. Together the three ships will offer cruises to unique destinations, boasting stunning natural scenery, amazing cultural attractions these are all places which large ships cannot reach. 

Costa Classica - Present Day

The completion of this refurbishment will coincide with the introduction of new destination & sailing itineraries. The first cruise will be 26 days in duration "From Egypt to the Spice Islands" which will sail from Savona on 18th December. 

After crossing the Suez Canal, on Christmas day the neoClassica will call at Eilat (Israel) where guests will be able to visit Jerusalem. To start off 2015 cruising to Oman, the Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius. 

The Costa neoClassica will offer four 16 day 'Indian Ocean, paradise on Earth' cruises, which will provide you with a leisurely itinerary with pristine beaches, turquoise water and palm trees of the Seychelles, with much more time in port to discover each destination. 

In March the neoClassica is scheduled to arrive back to the Mediterranean for a grand 32 night sailing. In the summer season a weekly sailing leaving from Istanbul to discover the Greek Isles. 

The neoCollection adds an extra luxury touch to your holiday slows down the pace and lets you enjoy the finer things. 

I think this will be a great move forward for Costa. 

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Royal Caribbean plan to Introduce new dining options

Looks like Royal Caribbean are having a whole new dining experience onboard their newest ships, Quantum & Anthem of the seas....take a read! 

Royal Caribbean is holding a big event on Wednesday to announce dining options on its brand new Quantum of the Seas cruise ship but we've got an advanced look at what we can expect to be announced.

A leaked document listing all the floor plans for Anthem of the Seas was accidently posted and lists the public areas, including all the restaurants onboard. The big news is there is no more main dining room and instead quite a number of restaurants for guests choose from.

Below is a list of all the restaurants onboard Anthem of the Seas, complimentary and specialty.  We do not know how much of a difference there will be with Quantum of the Seas, if any.

Michael’s Genuine Pub - Deck 4

James Beard Award-winner Michael Schwartz brings you delicious yet uncomplicated pub fare, plus his namesake craft beer.

Sorrento’s - Deck 4

For an authentic New York pizzeria experience, head to Sorrento’s for fully-loaded pies right out of the oven. Sample rotating creations from chorizo to Hawaiian to Pizza Florentine – with classic cheese and pepperoni always on call. For an authentic New York pizzeria experience, head to Sorrento’s for fully-loaded pies right out of the oven. Sample rotating creations from chorizo to Hawaiian to Pizza Florentine – with classic cheese and pepperoni always on call.

American Icon Grill - Deck 4

America’s favorite comfort foods, homespun in our kitchen with a few creative twists.

Silk - Deck 4

Weave your way through a vibrant tapestry of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Indian cooking. 

Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine - Deck 5

Our chefs twist the kaleidoscope to invent fantasy gourmet dishes, magical elixirs, and more never-before-seen fare. 

Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver - Deck 5

Chef Jamie Oliver presents a menu of rustic Italian favorites, handmade with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Coastal Kitchen - Deck 14

Exclusively for suite guests, a fresh new fusion of California cool and Med-inspired taste.

SeaPlex Dog House - Deck 15

The first food truck at sea, serving up traditional hot dogs, brats, and sausages, plus a variety of toppings to split a long bun.

Windjammer Marketplace - Deck 14

A global culinary pavilion that invites you to explore the world, dish by dish. Enticing food islands weave throughout, showcasing international fare while mapping your way between new, interactive stations with pressed paninis, fresh juices, and desserts at the on-site bakery. Plus a new 24-hour station, The Grill, with all-day breakfast and more on a menu that changes daily.

Chops Grille - Deck 5

Our hallmark restaurant now features a revamped menu that brings contemporary flair to traditional steakhouse offerings.

Chef’s Table - Deck 5

A once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience. In this exclusive space, 14 guests will enjoy a five-course menu of gourmet selections specially prepared and personally presented by the Chef de Cuisine. Every course is accompanied by wine pairings chosen to enhance your enjoyment of each dish.

Izumi Japanese Cuisine - Deck 5

The traditional Japanese dishes at Izumi will impress you with their pure, delicate flavors, freshness of ingredients and impeccable presentation. Diners can choose from popular sushi rolls, sashimi, our Hot Rock (Ishiyaki) Plates, sukiyaki and more.

Johnny Rockets - Deck 14

All the style of a classic ‘50s diner, now serving poolside — burgers, fries and the best old-fashioned malted milk shakes.

Solarium Bistro - Deck 14

During the day enjoy a classic bistro plate with a loved one or bring the family to this delicious dining experience that has something for everyone.

Information courtesy of RoyalCaribbeanBlog

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Diamond Princess Refurbishment

The Diamond Princess is undergoing refurbishment in Singapore, Princess aim to make the ship more appealing to the increasing Japanese cruise market. They are adding a bath area which will be modelled after a traditional onsen, also a new sushi restaurant and even more luxury shops. The sushi restaurant will be an extended version of the Kai Sushi, currently on Sun Princess, it will have table seating and bar and a variety of regional sakes. The new boutique shops will include Omega, a fragrance bar and boutiques with such designer brands like Burberry, Fendi & Salvatore Ferragamo. Other changes such as updating the ship's buffet, Horizon Court, 14 new cabins, a sports court, a new photo gallery and remodelled casino are also to be done. 

It is scheduled that the dry dock will be finished by the 2nd of April, the new Japanese bath and garden complex will 8,800 square feet, with bother indoor and outdoor spaces. The open-air hydrotherapy pool will be unisex, whilst the two indoor baths will be separated by gender. There will also be a oceanview sauna which will have an open air skylight, a dry sauna, a gentle mist sauna and a stone bath with an utaseyu, a cascade of hot water which is found in traditional onsens. 

On completion of the refurbishment the Diamond Princess will embark on her second season of sailings around Japan, homeporting in Tokyo. She will visit 15 ports in Japan, as well as Taiwan, South Korea & Russia. Diamond Princess will be celebrating her 10th anniversary in Nagasaki, where she was origianally built. 

Princess are adding traditional Asian customs and touches to its ships instead of having the same old American style and customs. 

I think it's great to have a bit of diversity even within one cruise line, because you don't just choose a cruise for the ports of call you choose the ship too. I wonder what will be next...

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Norwegian Escape Artwork Announced

Well it's official the newest ship to join Norwegian's fleet in October 2015, the Norwegian Escape, will be the third ship of Norwegian's Breakaway Class and will be sister ship to the Norwegian Bliss. She will be a grand total of 163,000 gross tons and be able to house 4,200 passengers. Both ships will be larger than both the Getaway and Breakaway. 

The Escape will be built at Meyer Werft GMBH shipyard in Germany where the Breakaway and Getaway were also built. Details about the onboard accommodation so is that there will be an expanded Haven with 55 suites, an outdoor terrace, a private restaurant, courtyard with retractable roof and pool, two whirlpools, a sauna, spa treatment rooms and a sundeck - sounds pretty fantastic to me! Adding to this they are going to expand its Studio area, for solo travellers, from the 59 on board the Breakaway & Getaway to  82 cabins again with its own key card access only lounge area. 

As is custom aboard Norwegian ships families will continue to have many category cabin options, consisting of 40 mini-suites located near Splash Academy, 172 family balconies near the children's facilities, 48 oceanview staterooms that can accommodate up to five, and numerous interior staterooms with additional Pullman beds. 

Norwegian let their fans name the two newest ships to join the fleet in a online contest, Bliss & Escape were chosen as the best names. 

The Escape will homeport in Miami starting in November 2015, it has been announced that the hulls artwork will be done by acclaimed conservationist and artist Guy Harvey. The main feature of the hull artwork will be a large sailfish, flowing through the rest of the ship will be turtles, stingrays, whale sharks & frigate birds. On the stern of the Escape will be depictions of reef fish & coral reefs. This design has been designed to compliment the homeport of Miami & the Eastern Caribbean itinerary she will be sailing, highlighting the numerous array of fantastic creatures that make this area their home. 

Onboard the Escape items featuring Harvey's recognisable artwork will be available to buy, fees from this will go toward the continued conservational research and education of the Caribbean.

It can safely be said that The Norwegian Escape will blow the Breakaway & Getaway out of the water. She sounds like a fantastic ship in the making, I cannot wait until the launch as I'm sure you can't either! 

Stay tuned for updates, thanks for reading :) 

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Cunard Turns 175!

Cunard are going to be celebrating their 175th Anniversary starting in May next year, when Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria & Queen Elizabeth will be sailing out of Southampton. The three ships are then set to sail out in formation with the QM2 leading for the first time. The main focus will be on QM2 when she sails into Liverpool on Sunday 24th May to stay overnight in port, being in sight of the Cunard building, which was the line's headquarters for 128 years until 1967. 

The Queen Victoria & Elizabeth will join QM2 on the 25th May and the entire fleet will line up on the river Mersey, where in July 1990 over 1 million people saw the QE2 sail into Liverpool. 

On 4th July 2015, 175 years to the day after Cunard's first scheduled ship, Britannia departed for New York. The fantastic QM2 will set sail from Liverpool to New York, this shall be the first time that a Cunard ship has departed for America since 1968. Like Britannia did the QM2 will be sailing for 10 nights calling at Halifax & Boston and will conclude on the 14th July in New York. 

Throughout 2015 there will be many anniversaries for Cunard, 7th May with mark 100 years since Cunard's flagship Lusitania was torpedoed during a trip from New York to Liverpool, in light of this Queen Victoria will honour the anniversary with a 7 night sailing calling at Cobh. Also a special service will held ashore, with a number of other tributes. 

It's safe to say that Cunard has a history like no other cruise line. I'm pretty sure that they will continue to make history for many years to come as they offer an experience until any other cruise line. If you are wanting to book one of the anniversary sailings then they go on general sale on the 13th March. 

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P & O Britannia

Who's excited for the launch of P&O's brand new ship! I know I am! I like the fact  that they are launching a truly British ship, stated with the large Union Jack on her bow.I must admit I will miss the iconic golden funnel but I'm sure she will stand out in on the seas in her own right. 

She is going to be 141,000 tonnes with a passenger capacity of 3,600. She will have a crew capacity of 1,400 and have a total number of 1,837 cabin on board comprised of only interior staterooms and balconies. 

Dining options I hear you ask? With a total of 13 different eateries to choose from where to start! Firstly there is of course the three main signature restaurants, with freedom & club dining. The Gala evenings have delicious classic European cuisine by the famous Marco Pierre White. There's also grab and go food outlets, with a variety of healthy snacks & sandwiches. And we have the Grill which allows you to indulge into gourmet burgers, fish & chips & stone-baked pizzas. So as you can see there's plenty to full your stomachs with! 

Interior Stateroom 

 As you can see from above even the interior staterooms are modern and fresh. They have a private bathroom with shower, pamper packs from The White Company & flat-screen TV's with films on demand. I know I'd be happy to spend the night in that comfy looking bed!! 

Balcony Stateroom

Again with the balcony stateroom the modern style continues straight out onto the balcony itself. With large opening window doors you can just picture yourself sitting out soaking up the sun and relaxing. Again these have private bathrooms with shower and TV's with films. 

What to do on board? There's a whole host of things to do day & night aboard the Britannia. Why not have a spa pamper day, enjoy dance lessons or watch a live theatre performance? Or you could always take part in a cookery class with renowned chef James Martin. There's a pool & bar dedicated exclusively to adults for some relaxation, can't beat it! There's lots of shopping boutiques on board too for some retail therapy. After you're stuffed from your evening of spoilt for choice eating options then you can head to the main theatre for performances that you won't forget, as the Britannia has a state of the art LED backdrop making every show come to life in front of your eyes!! 

Not convinced yet? Well how about if I tell you that sailings start from only £249pp! That's pretty amazing considering she's one of the largest ships to be based out of Southampton!

Take a look at this Video for a feel of her interior!

I do hope this has sparked your interest for the Britannia, please leave any questions or comments and I shall get back to you! 

Coming 2015!

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Where I’ve Travelled!

Where to start! Maybe close to home:

• UK – Dover, visited a Norwegian Cruise Line ship at Dover port for the day that was great we spent the afternoon on board and dined in the main restaurant. Liked Dover too got to see the Castle and experience the night life.
• France – Brittany, which was lovely we stayed in a cottage in the countryside surrounded by fields and wildlife.
• Holland – Amsterdam for the cultural side in amongst all the well you know. I enjoyed this visit as I went to the Ann Frank museum which was her house and how they hid in the attic behind a bookcase. Also driving through the Netherlands you see some lovely windmills and not forgetting the tulips!
• Poland – Auschwitz, that was an eye opening visit very humbling and interesting even though it was sad, I’d recommend going to see it something I’ll never forget.
• Turkey – Istanbul, drank Turkish tea whilst watching whirling dervishes perform. I’ve explored the Grand Bazaar, almost getting lost! I’ve been inside the Sofia Mosque and the Blue Mosque the architecture alone is amazing.
• Bulgaria – Sofia, Bourgas, Sunny Beach I’ve driven around a lot of Bulgaria on family holidays it’s a very lovely place with a variety of things to offer.
• Spain – Salou I only spent a few days here but the beaches were lovely, lots to do with a theme park close by.
• Canada – Toronto is an absolutely beautiful city perched on the great lakes, so much to offer. I’d go back tomorrow if I could!
• Hungary – Budapest, anyone who’s been there knows how lovely it is! The people, the food, the sites are all fantastic. Loved every minute I was there! Perfect city break.
• USA – Miami is like it is on TV hot, lively and great fun! Spending spring break on South Beach is a memory I will not forget in a hurry.
• USA – Chicago is definitely called the windy city for good reason! What an interesting city though, with a huge museum and great architecture, a great place to be!
• USA – Orlando, again a family holiday to Disneyland from when I was much younger I remember having a great time though!

That’s all that I can recall notching up on my travel belt for now! I’m looking forward to a week’s cruise in April around Italy, so I will have more to report! Until then!

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Royal Caribbean...What to do on board?

Worried there won't be enough to do on board?

Are you concerned that there might not be enough to keep everyone entertained. Think again, with Royal Caribbean there is plenty for the whole family to do! Lets take Royal's Oasis class of ship, for adults rest & relaxation there's:

• Vitality Spa
• Solarium
• Whirlpool
• Pools
• Fitness Centre
• Central Park 
• Library & Card Room 

And that's just for starters, to keep the adults entertained you've also got:

• Theatre
• Aqua Theatre
• Ice-Skating shows
• Casino
• Bars & Lounges
• Shopping
• Comedy Club
• Nightclub
• Outdoor Movie Screen
• Broadway shows
• Royal Promenade Parades

What about the kids I hear you ask! Well where to start, for action & adventure there's

• Zip Line
• FlowRider
• Rock- Climbing
• Ice-Skating
• Mini-Golf Course
• Basketball Court
• Carousel

For their entertainment Royal Caribbean have: 

• Dreamworks Experience
• Adventure Ocean Youth Programme
• Royal Babies & Tots
• Teen Lounge
• H2O Zone
• 3D Movie Theatre
• Nursery

And not to mention the Food & Drink on board! Look what there is to offer: 

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Buffet Restaurant
• Boardwalk Dog House
• Champagne Bar
• Chef's Table
• Chops GRille
• Cupcake Cupboard
• Giovanni's Table
• Izumi
• Park Cafe
• 150 Central Park 
• Portofino Restaurant
• Pub
• Rita's Cantina
• Samba Grill
• Vintage Wine Bar
• Starbucks

So as you can see Royal Caribbean truly accommodate for the whole family! There won't be a dull moment whilst on board! 

Hope you've found this useful! 

Until next time :) 

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