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
January 23, 2008 by slcooper
Filed under Travel Tips
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
Posts
