How to Avoid a Hurricane while Cruising the Caribbean

Hurricane season typically runs from June through November but peak season for the destructive storms is generally August and September.  So if you’re concerned about a hurricane, common sense should tell you to pick an alternative destination during that time, including Hawaii, Alaska, the Mexican Riviera or Europe.  Also, keep in mind, if you’re searching for a summer cruise and the price seems low, it could be due in part to hurricane season. 

                                                          

If you’re set on cruising the Caribbean during the late summer then expect the unexpected.  If you have your heart set on visiting certain ports, then this probably isn’t the time to cruise.  Because of Hurricane Gustav, cruise lines have been rerouting their ships this past week and will continue to do so until the storm threat passes.  A western itinerary has turned into an eastern one, ports have been skipped or substituted and itineraries have been reversed.  Anything is possible.  With the latest satellite technology, the crew does its best to route the ship around the hurricane.  I remember a few years ago asking a fellow travel agent what it was like cruising during a hurricane and she said she had no idea how strong it was because the captain routed around it.  Also, you might get lucky, like I did.  My first cruise was a 10-day adventure in the Caribbean the last week of August and through Labor Day many years ago.  It was hot, windless and a trip I’ll never forget (for all the right reasons)!

It is unusual for a cruise to be cancelled because of a hurricane.  As mentioned, the itineraries are generally changed to accommodate passengers safely.  If you’re concerned you can check with the National Hurricane Center website at www.nhc.noaa.gov.  If a hurricane does hit and you’re cruising, that could be better than being stuck in a hotel where you can’t change your destination on a moment’s notice. 

Make sure to purchase insurance to cover your trip in case of cancellation or delay.  If your flights are delayed and you purchased air through the cruise line then your insurance should cover any incurred expenses.  If you purchase your air separately, the cruise line more than likely won’t cover delays so make sure the insurance you buy does.

Also, the southern Caribbean islands, including Aruba and Barbados may be safer ports as hurricanes generally hit locations further north in the Caribbean.  Of course you have to get to those ports and that means a likely departure from hurricane-prone Florida.

The bottom line, if you cruise through the Caribbean during the late summer months, be aware hurricanes are a possibility.  Don’t get your heart set on specific ports.  Be flexible.  Know that the cruise lines go through this every season and have installed the latest technology to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible.  Buy insurance to cover cancellation or delays.  And if you’re still uncomfortable with the thought of cruising during hurricane season, choose a different destination or date.

Happy travels!

 

Caribbean Cruise,  Hurricane Cruise,  Hurricane Gustav, Cruise Insurance  

 

 

Tailgating at Sea

A few years ago Superbowl enthusiasts wouldn’t be caught dead on a cruise ship during the big game.  But thanks to upgraded technology, now you won’t miss out.  The game is broadcast on several ships and if previous Superbowls celebrations are any indication, plan on one big, fun party at sea!

If you’re on a Princess cruise, how cool will it be to sit by the pool, in the middle of the Caribbean, drinks and nachos in hand, watching the New York Giants and New England Patriots battle it out in Superbowl XLII (42) in Arizona.  Plan on hanging out near the Jumbo Screen normally reserved for the “Movie under the Stars” program.  The game will also be shown in various public lounges.  

If you’re cruising on Royal Caribbean, the game is expected to be broadcast in the On Air Club along with various shipboard lounges.  I suggest you check the ship newsletter to find the exact location of the broadcasts.  Also, if you’re headed to a theater, get there early.  You can expect a line for seats.   Or if you prefer to avoid the crowd, watch it on your cabin TV.  If you’re cruising in Europe, don’t expect to see much.  Reception is spotty at best and futbol in Europe means soccer here. 

                                            

I love football.  I also love gourmet food.  But there’s a time and place for the fancy fare and it’s not during the Superbowl.  I wouldn’t expect any lobster on the menu, just good old-fashioned tailgate muchies, and plenty of them.  Chili, hot dogs, pizza, hamburgers and hopefully lots of guacamole.

One other note.  I’m probably an exception to the rule in this case but I’m not a fan of dressing up on formal night.  I’ve done plenty of dressing up through the years and to be honest, it just doesn’t float my boat anymore.  So if I can wear shorts, sneakers and a comfortable top instead of an uncomfortable, too tight dress and heels, I’m all for it.  In fact I’d be more than pleased if formal night coincided with the Superbowl, which it does on some itineraries.  Of course, if you’re a guy and have to play by your wife’s rules for the evening, you could take a page from one passenger’s book and sneak on your favorite team’s hat or t-shirt with your tux!

Kickoff time is 4:17 p.m. Arizona time, 6:17 if you’re in the east.  Happy sails! 

                                                                                          

superbowl cruises , princess cruises, royal caribbean cruises, caribbean cruises, sports cruises, football at sea

Size Matters…The World’s Largest Cruise Ship

Bow to stern it’s taller than the Eiffel Tower…port to aft it’s wider than the White House.  It’s time to crown the world’s largest (at least for now) cruise ship, the Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas.   

Built to carry 3,634 passengers (keeping their cool with an estimated 78,000 pounds of ice cubes every day!) and 1,000 crew members, the ship features a rock-climbing wall, boxing ring, ice skating rink and a water park equipped with a surf simulator.

                                                      

And how about this for a rarity in the cruise industry…heated, freshwater pools!  You may have wondered, why are ship pools mainly saltwater?  Simple.  Salt water is less maintainence.  But salt water crystallizes when it gets warm.  Using fresh water means more work for the cruise line’s fresh water generation system.  It also means constant filtration to keep the water clean.

In a nod to the growing European cruise market, the 800-million-dollar Freedom Class ship garners another first by earning a base in Southampton, England, the largest cruise ship to claim a European home port.  It’s debut cruise is set for May 2008, a four-night run, roundtrip Southampton.  The 154,000 ton ship will winter in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.                                                                                

Caribbean Cruises, Ft. Lauderdale, Independence of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Southampton, Biggest Cruise Ship

                                                                                             

Cruising Gets Greener

When you think green these days, you most likely think of recycling, cars running on vegetable oil, no more plastic bags at grocery stores, etc.  But when Celebrity Cruises talks grass, they mean lawn.  (Insert your own grass jokes here).   But seriously, lawn on a cruise ship?

Yep, they’re calling it The Lawn Club.  In fact here’s the exact description from Celebrity’s website:

The Lawn Club:

A freshly manicured lawn on the highest deck of Celebrity Solstice.  Enjoy casual outdoor activities in a decidedly Country Club atmosphere and let the grass between your toes take you places no cruise has gone before.

Patio on the Lawn:

Luxury adopts a casual, country club charm at the Patio on the Lawn.  Overlooking the beautiful The Lawn Club, it’s an ideal place to read the morning paper, your current novel, or enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee with friends.

The lawn area is expected to be a focal point of the new ship, which launches in December.  Celebrity’s CEO Dan Hanrahan says the Lawn Club will cover about a half-acre of the ship’s very top deck.  He says they originally considered installing just a putting green but as the idea of natural grass grew, they decided to expand the area.  So now you’ll be able to putt, picnic, play and enjoy the feel of real lawn under your bare feet.

In fact it took quite a bit of testing to figure out what would grow at sea.  Landscape architects, irrigation specialists in addition to soil and turf experts were all involved in the process.

It’s a concept Hanrahan hopes will bring an air of sophistication to Celebrity’s newest cruise ship. 

Solstice’s inaugural cruise is set to debut Dec. 14, 2008.  It’s a seven-night, Eastern Caribbean cruise, roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale.

FYI, my husband and I cruised on the Celebrity Summit a couple of years go.  It’s a beauty.  Food was very good.  We liked the separate dining areas.  We aren’t big on eating in the dining room every night.  Like to explore other options.  We shared an anniversary dinner in the Normandie Restaurant.  We’re still talking about that dinner.  But that’s for another post.   Overall, Celebrity is a luxurious line with large ships.  The cruise deals are off season which means, while the kids are in school.  Happy sailing!      

sl~cooper                                                                      

Caribbean Cruise, Celebrity Cruises,   Celebrity Solstice,  Celebrity’s Newest Ship, Green Cruises, Cruise Deals

A Movie Stars at Sea!

 

 Princess’ Outdoor Movie Screen

What could feel more like a vacation than relaxing poolside, enjoying the warm, tropical breezes and salt air as you watch a brand new movie…one you know you haven’t seen before because it’s never played anywhere else.  Well, get ready for the latest… 

Three acclaimed actresses make their debut…of sorts…at sea.  Kathy Bates, Jessica Lange and Joan Allen star in the premiere of Bonneville.  What’s unusual about that you ask?  Well, how about the fact that this is the very first time a movie will be shown on a cruise ship before it premieres on land.  It’s debut on all 16 Princess cruise ships will come a full two weeks before the film is released in U.S. theaters on Friday, February 29th. 

Bonneville is the story of a woman (Academy-Award winner Jessica Lange) and her good friends driving from Idaho to California in her 1966 Pontiac Bonneville to deliver her husband’s ashes.  It becomes a life-changing road trip for the women as they share  love, loss and friendship.  

In addition to its indoor theaters, Princess will also debut the film aboard all ships that are equipped with its popular 300-square-foot outdoor, poolside screens.  It’s all part of Princess’ current “Movie Under the Stars” program which offers passengers the opportunity to enjoy drive-in style outdoor movies on the top deck of the ship from chaise lounges, the swimming pool or the hot tub.  Seating is first-come-first-serve.  Don’t forget the popcorn…or maybe something a little more exotic.  Afterall, this is a cruise!

One other important note.  Princess and SenArt Films Releasing are working together to give away a 7-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise for two as part of an online sweepstakes.  Yep, you read right.   If you’d like to enter the contest and see a trailer of the PG-rated movie, click on www.bonnevillethemovie.com.   If you’d like to learn more about other available cruises, check out www.smartmoneycruises.com.

                                                       

                         Jessica Lange                         Kathy Bates                        Joan Allen

                                                                                        

sl~cooper

cruises, movies, vacation, celebrities, caribbean