A Cruisemates Review of Crown Princess Cruises Best For People Who Want: A roomy ship with ample choices for alternative dining, wide-ranging fitness programs; true onboard weddings as well as vow renewal; programs for children of all ages, tweens and teens; balcony cabins and mini-suites; plenty of nightlife choices, extensive golf and snorkeling programs.
Should Be Avoided By People Who Prefer: Small-ship cruising, extensive room service menu options, enrichment lectures, all-inclusive ships
Onboard Experience: Crown Princess entered service in June, 2006, a near sister ship to the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess presented in 1998, once the biggest cruise ship at sea, though that didn't last for long. Crown Princess comes in at a heftier 113,00-tons and carries about 410 more passengers at a capacity of 3080. Therefore, as opposed to the eerily empty feeling you can get aboard the spacious 2700-passenger Grand-class vessels, on these ships you get more of a feel of "abuzz with activity", akin to the 110,000-ton Conquest-class ships of Carnival that can hold as many as 3400 passengers.
However, thanks to shrewd layout, multiple dining venues, four expansive outdoor deck areas (1.7 acres!), multiple sports facilities, four pools, and nine hot tubs, passengers are rarely concentrated in any one area. Meanwhile, the mega-ship amenities included for those who can never get enough dining, entertainment, spa and fitness choices, means the Princess ships of this class make the best of everything for ships in this size and price range. Their programs for younger passengers are exemplary, and their Lido buffet dining spot is open around the clock.
One new feature which is a first for Princess is the Sanctuary, an adults-only spa-like space on the upper-most forward deck featuring quiet music and surroundings of lush greenery referred to by Princess as a "pocket of tranquility". There are outdoor cabanas where one can receive full massage services from the onboard Lotus Spa, or there are casual neck and shoulder massages available. The space also offers signature beverages and light meals such as smoothies, energy drinks, flavored waters and lemonade. A menu features fruit skewers, lettuce wrapped spring rolls, and spicy tuna.
An adjunct to the Sanctuary is the Thermal Suite, an area within the spa offering steam saunas infused with aromatherapy essential oils such as eucalyptus or lavender, a dry sauna, rainmist showers and heated ceramic "zero-gravity" beds to rest upon after your steam.
Another new feature is a spiced-up atrium known as The Piazza, featuring the a 24-hour International Café with sandwiches, tapas and special coffees available for very reasonable prices; and Vines, a wine bar where one can get expert advice from the on duty sommelier and sample a variety of fine wines by the glass. On the Piazza stage, various entertainers will appear seemingly out of nowhere to amuse and entertain you; jugglers, close-up magicians, tumblers and an assortment of costumed oddities.
Crown Princess also offers "Movies Under the Stars," a huge (300 sq. ft) flat panel rear-projection video screen and 6900 watts of sound power to show up to four different near first-run films daily outdoors above the pool. This was such a hit on Caribbean Princess that the concept was added to all the large Princess ships. On some ships they hand out headphones to viewers to alleviate complaints from nearby cabins.
Having offered the first wedding chapel at sea (with the Captain doing the honors) on Grand Princess, Crown Princess also offers true marriages at sea, as well as vow renewals. A complete professional digital photography studio in the F/X Digital Photo Center is perfect for those all-important wedding photos. The medical center is one of the most advanced at sea, the first to offer real-time teleconferencing support from a leading national cardiac care center in the United States.
The most incongruous, and arguably pleasing, factor about these mega-ships is that the public rooms aren't much bigger than those on much smaller ships giving it the feel of a much smaller ship than it really is. The one oddity of the "Grand-class" design is the compromised privacy of most balconies that extend out from the ship in a pyramid-like stacking arrangement which allows people from several decks above can look right down into your "private" enclave. From the Deck 11, for instance, you can watch other passengers on deck nine and ten balconies. Deck 10 occupants can in turn observe their counterparts on the Deck nine.
Decor: Unlike the theme park atmosphere of some other cruise lines, the décor on Princess ships extends an understatedly elegant and refined atmosphere, with hand-painted murals and etched glass partitions in the dining rooms. Little apparent expense was spared on materials, with rich fabrics, beautiful woods, and marble everywhere, all topped off with a $2 million art collection aboard each ship. The cabins are tastefully decorated in soft, inoffensive shades -- beiges, creams and muted pinks.
Public Rooms: The main gathering spot, the three deck tall, open Piazza, has boutiques, the 24-hour International Café, the Internet access room, the Vines wine-tasting room and and passenger services, all connected by circular glass staircases and glass elevators. It's the best people-watching place on the ship, especially when there's a string quartet playing a piece you adore, but watch out for the street performers who will sneak up on you and make you a captive audience of two. Among the nearby public rooms are the casino, entrances to the two open-seating dining rooms, and the shore excursions desk.
We favor the maritime-themed Wheelhouse Bar, full of memorabilia and paintings, not to mention comfortable leather wingback chairs, a small dance floor, and a piano singalong motif that will make you want to use it. The safari-themed Explorer's Club offers cabaret, trivia competitions, art auctions, and between-meals dancing. The gigantic Casino contains some 285 slot machines and gaming tables beyond counting. You can relax in the Cigar Lounge, or recline in leather chairs while perusing any of hundreds of books in the beautiful library.
The main showroom, the Princess Theater, presents production shows, cabaret, comedians and magicians. With seating for 1600 we found it unusually cramped with airplane-like seats jammed together and not enough footspace to allow for fast escapes during a brief production show set changes. Once you're in there, your stuck for the entire show unless you sit on the aisle. The upside is that everyone has a great view of the stage.
The Club Fusion Showlounge offers live dance combos for various kinds of music, Latin or Rhythm & Blues. Karaoke contests and theme-parties such as a "'60s British Invasion" also happen nightly. Later on, it doubles for a secondary disco for those who get light-headed scaling the heights to Skywalkers, the real disco on high at the stern of the ship. Unlike the smaller Grand-class vessels, however, Skywalkers is no longer suspended high in the air. It lies on Sky Deck and now has a large balcony included for smokers and those who favor the wind-blown look.
Cuisine: What can you say about a ship that offers three main dining rooms instead of the usual multi-tiered, bigger than life one? They are more intimate and definitely quieter, but the decor is not likely to elicit a "wow" response either. There are three dining rooms, two dedicated to "personal choice" dining which means open seating and country-club casual dress nightly from 5:30 to 11:00 p.m. For the more traditional minded, the third dining room, deck six aft, offers the standard cruise line seating, early at 6:30 and late seating at 8:15 (subject to change). Diners are assigned tables and tablemates, and are serviced at the same time and by the same waiters every night.
Unlike many cruise lines, Princess does not have an executive chef designing the recipes for the entire fleet. Each ship has its own executive chef who is responsible for the menu creation. This means cuisine is more tailored the region the ship is cruising, a nice touch. It also gives the chef the ability to change food selection according to passenger response. In talking to the executive chef on board, we were told that the best food is served in the open seating restaurants (though the menus are identical in all three main dining rooms) because of the ability to cook food as it is ordered, rather than according to a pre-determined time schedule. Our food always arrived hot and perfectly prepared.
The ship offers two alternative dining spots carrying cover charges. First is Sabatini's Trattoria where guests are required to try a little bit of everything on the menu, the only choice being your main course. The second premium dining option is Crowne Grill, featuring chops and seafood, and the one we preferred.
Service: While Princess has a well-deserved reputation for good service securely footed in its British roots, truly personalized service may be too much to expect on a ship this size. That noted, cabin stewards and waiters are both efficient and personable. And rote processes that should be standardized and well executed on other ships but often fail miserably, such as efficient disembarkation, are generally practiced and polished to the point of excellence here.
Restaurants: The three principal restaurants, the Michelango, Da Vinci and Boticelli Dining Rooms, seating just over 500 passengers, feature hand-painted murals and etched-glass partitions. The drapes and carpeting in the main dining areas absorb sound efficiently enough to preclude diners having to holler across the table to one another.
Personal Choice Dining offers either traditional cruise dining (In the Boticelli), with a set seating time (6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.) and the same waiter and tablemates each evening, or new restaurant-style seating, allowing passengers to dine when and with whom they choose, with each party seated at its own table, as at a restaurant ashore (offered in the other two dining rooms). Restaurant-style diners may be seated in either of the two elegant main dining rooms any time between 5:30 and midnight. Many passengers are understandably grateful for this reprieve from having to hurry to dress for dinner in the traditional way after a long day ashore.
Sabatini's Italian Tratorria dining begins with focaccia bread and olive oil. next comes a wonderful selection of Italian antipasti, complemented with Sevruga caviar, delicious seafood salads, homemade pastas, and soups. Salads are tossed before your very eyes, and soup ladled into fresh bread bowls. Seafood predominates on the list of main courses; there are lobster, langoustines, tiger prawns, Chilean sea bass and scallops, with red meat dishes also on offer. Save room for the exquisite Italian pastries that will be wheeled before you toward meal's end. The service charge is $20 per person.
The Crown Grill, featuring Angus beef and seafood specialties all custom-prepared in an open, theater-style kitchen, is the restaurant most preferred. The courses are served traditionally; salad, appetizer, soup, main course and dessert. The difference is in the quality and careful preparation. Using our meal as a sample, the carpaccio of pine nut-coated lamb loins with gooseberry chutney was the most unusual and delicious carpaccio I have ever tasted. Soups and salads include rockfish chowder or marinated goat's cheese. Main courses include a four-ounce Maine lobster tail, or for an additional $9.99 you can have an entire 24 to 32-ounce lobster, split and either grilled or steamed (your choice). Other main courses (no extra charge) are steaks of every traditional cut, lamb rack, pork, veal or beef chops; and seafoods including mussel pot, striped bass and tiger prawns or Australian barramundi. The recommended dessert choice is the chef's sampler which includes a small portion of every dessert offered. Service charge is $25 per person.
The Horizon Court is open 24 hours per day, with menu service at night, plus casual breakfast and luncheon buffet. There's also a festive pizzeria. For $100 per couple, you can book the Ultimate Balcony Dinner, to be served by a butler who discreetly makes himself scarce behind drapes or out in the hall between courses. The ship's photographer snaps a complimentary photo while you're eating.
At night, the Horizon Court restaurant is transformed into Cafe Caribe, offering a self-service buffet of tasty hot food in a very casual setting. Once seated there is full waiter service at fully set tables for drinks or anything else you may need. The courses change nightly, and it stays open until 4:00 a.m. (when breakfast begins). There is no service charge.
Room service on Princess ships is probably among the most limited you will find in this price range. They will not serve you a hot breakfast unless you opt for the $25 per person champagne balcony indulgence. They will bring you hot coffee, juice, rolls, cereal and yogurt. Lunch and dinner include the usual club sandwich, hamburgers and apple pie. There is no option to choose from the dining room menu, even during regular dinner hours. If you want a hot, fresh pizza they are delicious and enough for two people, but there is a $3 delivery charge.
The International Café in the Piazza offers a number of tidbits for just $1 apiece, including shrimp salads, tapas style hors d; oeuvres, and the best "service charge" items on the ship, the six scoops (choice of three different flavors) of real Italian gelato for a mere $1.50. You won't mind paying since the portion is more than enough for two people and includes toppings.
Entertainment: With a dozen or so venues for nightlife, you're virtually assured of finding something that floats your boat, to coin a phrase. There's no faulting the lavishness of the production shows, which feature extravagant special effects. The performers in the cabaret are a talented bunch. As stated, the theater itself is rather cramped and not easy to escape unnoticed.
The Internet room on these Grand-class ships do not qualify as "cafés" as there are no café-style treats available. Another drawback is the limited number of wi-fi wireless enabled areas on the ship, pretty much limited to the piazza area. It is too bad to see a modern ship without Internet access in the cabins. The connection speed was spotty, but usually fast enough to be workable. Tech support was almost invisible, but fellow passengers are knowledgeable enough these days to help in almost any situation.
Cabins: Cabins are built out from the body of the ship so as to permit bigger staterooms. 710 of the 1300 staterooms have balconies, ranging up to 257 sq. feet, but the balconies are not very private, as they're in plain view of the occupants of the cabin on the next deck up. Standard inside staterooms are 160 sq. ft., while outside cabins range from 168 to 210 sq. feet. Mini-suites with private verandas are 325 sq. feet. Vista Suites, called mini-suites on other Princess ships, range from 515 to 800 sq. feet. Sun and Dawn Princess offer larger minisuites for less money.
Closet space is minimal except in the suites; leave some things home! There are launderettes available on nearly every passenger deck, with coin-operated washers & dryers, ironing boards and soap and softener for sale in vending machines.
All staterooms have color TV with CNN and movies, a radio and small refrigerator, suites have spacious bathrooms with storage space and hair dryers, but any cabin of balcony category or less has a tiny bathroom with "huggy" shower curtains and barely enough rack space for towels for two.
Fitness/Spa: It is rare to find such ample fitness facilities, especially when you add in the Sanctuary and the thermal suite which serve as extensions to the existing spa and offer many of the same services and more. The thermal suite is offered for $10 per day, or at a reduced price for the entire cruise, reduced even further for pre-paying couples. Costs will be pro-rated if you decide to join mid-cruise.
The four pools, including a "swim-against-the-current" lap pool, are uniformly gorgeous, thanks in no small part to colorful mosaics and surrounding palm trees. Low marks, though, to whoever decided to put the separate jogging track right above the spa, as the relentless thundering of hooves overhead isn't terribly conducive to one's enjoying her massage or beauty treatment. Even though prices are substantially higher than ashore, spa services are very popular, especially in the afternoon. You'll occasionally have to stand in line for some of the more popular workout apparatuses in the gym. There's a wrap-around promenade deck for long walks, a golf simulator and 9-hole putting green, and courts for basketball, volleyball or tennis.
Attire: Seven- to 14-night cruises offer two opportunities to put on the Ritz in formal attire. Many men opt for dark suit instead of tux, while their distaff companions often prefer dressy pants to gowns. The rest of the time, think smart casual. Formal attire is only required in the traditional dining rooms, though most people opt to dress up no matter where they are headed that night.
Tipping: A charge of $10 per person per day (including children) is automatically added to your stateroom account for dining and stateroom personnel. This applies to all passengers, adult and child alike, whether or not they choose traditional or personal choice dining. The amount may be increased or lowered at the Purser's Reception desk during the cruise.
A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all beverage tabs. Gratuities for spa, casino and other staff are at your discretion. Every room service delivery must be signed for, and next to the signature line is the opportunity to add a gratuity - hint, hint.
Azamara Cruises, cruise line review, ships of Azamara.
Azamara Cruises is separate brand under the Royal Caribbean International umbrella. The two ships in the company were acquired as part of the acquisition of Spanish cruise operator Pulmatur in 2006. The ships are two of the former Renaissance R-ships, of which eight were built (all identical). At first, the ships were assigned to the Celebrity Expeditions branch of Celebrity Cruises (another cruise line under the Royal Caribbean International umbrella), but it was later decided, quite suddenly, to give these ships their own brand name in order to differentiate what they offer from Celebrity.
As discussed above, Azamara is a spinoff from Celebrity which is owned by Royal Caribbean. Unlike Carnival Corp, where every compnay in the fold is truly independently operated, in this case almost the decision making is done at the very top of the corporate ladder. So, as a brand, Azamara is designed to appeal to the more adventurous traveler who wants the sophistication of the Celebrity ships with the more exotic and adventurous itineraries a smaller ship can offer. Think of a smaller Celebrity ship where every passenger receives suite-like amenities.
This is not to say every stateroom is a suite. The ships each have the usual assortment of inside, oceanview, balcony and suite categories. But the ships themselves (there are only two of them) only carry 694 passengers, and each stateroom comes with butler service, a daily fruit basket, fresh cut flowers, 24-hour room service, a sweet surprise on your pillow each evening, afternoon canap???s, complimentary shoe-shine service, a 23" plasma television, personal stationery, Elemis bathroom products, two nights of complimentary specialty dining, new European bedding, and complimentary use of binoculars, umbrellas and plush robes.
People who book suites get, in addition; three nights of complimentary specialty dining (one night in each specialty restaurant), complimentary pressing of their laundry, a 23" plasma television, amenity bar, complimentary in-room nonalcoholic specialty coffees, soda and water, expanded Elemis bathroom amenities, afternoon tea service, a complimentary bottle of champagne and more. All suites have also been updated to include all new carpet and fine furniture.
Azamara focuses on the worldly passenger interested in knowledge and self-improvement. Even on the balmiest afternoon, far fewer fellow passengers are likely to be sunning by the pool than inside listening attentively to a guest expert lecture about destinations, technology, cultural explorations, art, music or design. Topics on tap usually relate to your destination or else cover a topic of more universal interest. Count on lectures on food and wine.
Entertainment options are simple yet diverse musical offerings that range from upbeat dance bands to intimate piano bar entertainers. The showcase theatre features a talented cast of singers and dancers as well as a host of variety entertainers.
Mostly widely-traveled couples in the 40 to 65 age group looking for good service and unusual destinations. Don't expect to see many if any children at all, especially on longer voyages.
The dress code is always resort casual with no scheduled formal nights. Formal attire is welcomed if the guest desires to wear it. No bare feet, tank tops, caps, bathing suits, or jeans are allowed in the dining room or specialty restaurants. Additionally, no tuxedo rentals will be available onboard.
Examples of resort casual attire include sportswear, shorts, casual dresses, skirts, and pants in light fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk and wool gabardine for the women. For the men the line recommends sportswear, golf shirts, shorts, pants, and a sportcoat if desired, (but not required) in light fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk and wool gabardine.
The focus for Azamara is adventure or intellectual destinations; itineraries will offer the far-reaching corners of the world. Azamara's shore excursions are said to go far beyond an ordinary tour; one must be prepared to be totally and completely immersed in local cultures, cuisines, history and lifestyle.
The brand boasts that each excursion is an experience unto itself solely because the ships visit the ports and cities that larger cruise ship rarely see. Let experienced guides take you down cobblestone streets; or relax in local haunts that far off the beaten path; taste authentic, local cuisine. "Experience life around the world" is part of the new brand identity.
Azamara Cruises will not offer any formal children's programming or have youth staff onboard. If you choose to take your kids, which obviously is not encouraged, you will be pretty much on your own. When in port the shore excursions deemed "easy" are said to be most suitable for families with children. The only other solace kids can look frward to on these ships will be rentals of Sony PSP (Portable PlayStation) units.
Celebrity's Captain's Club will extend to guests who become loyal guests of Azamara. Captain's Club members on Azamara will receive benefits similar to Celebrity. Reciprocal benefits apply between Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean whose Captain's Club program has been extended to cover the new brand, reciprocity benefits remain unchanged. Azamara guests who are Captain's Club members will be credited on their Celebrity's Captain's Club account.
The rewards program for Azamara Cruises is the same as for Celebrity Cruises, you can redeem credit card rewards points for onboard credits or cruise discounts with the exception of having the ability to redeem points for complimentary upgrades and cruises. If you are using your Celebrity Rewards credit card, you will receive double points for any dollars spent while onboard.
For your convenience, a gratuity in recognition of outstanding personal service of $12.25 per Guest, per day, will be automatically added to your SeaPassSM Account. This covers your Butler & Stateroom Attendant as well as all restaurant staff. Since our ships offer multiple open-seating dining venues and you will likely be served by many different staff members during the course of your stay onboard, the restaurant staff allotment is evenly distributed among them.
Please note that Bar & Wine personnel are acknowledged with the standard 18% of the beverages and wines billed for the service rendered.
Carnival Dream - Discount Cruises, Last-Minute Cruises, Short Notice Cruises - Vacations To Go
Travel aboard the innovative Carnival Dream, the largest vessel in the Fun Ship fleet. With elaborate facilities for children of all ages and high-occupancy cabins, the ship is perfect for families. Among the ship??s highlights are the two-level miniature golf course, WaterWorks aqua park, the Piazza??s live music venue and dance floor, and several lounges and bars. Three children??s programs include Camp Carnival for ages 2-11, Circle C for ages 12-14, and Club O2 for teens 15-17. While the kids are enjoying all these programs have to offer, adults have plenty to choose from as well. Visit the elaborate Cloud 9 spa, the resort-style pool or one of several scenic whirlpools extending beyond the ship's beam. For a little privacy, adults on board can also enjoy Serenity, an adults-only retreat. In addition to a variety of traditional staterooms, the Dream offers a new category of cove balcony staterooms, located closer to the water line.
Azamara Cruises, cruise line review, ships of Azamara.
Azamara Cruises is separate brand under the Royal Caribbean International umbrella. The two ships in the company were acquired as part of the acquisition of Spanish cruise operator Pulmatur in 2006. The ships are two of the former Renaissance R-ships, of which eight were built (all identical). At first, the ships were assigned to the Celebrity Expeditions branch of Celebrity Cruises (another cruise line under the Royal Caribbean International umbrella), but it was later decided, quite suddenly, to give these ships their own brand name in order to differentiate what they offer from Celebrity.
As discussed above, Azamara is a spinoff from Celebrity which is owned by Royal Caribbean. Unlike Carnival Corp, where every compnay in the fold is truly independently operated, in this case almost the decision making is done at the very top of the corporate ladder. So, as a brand, Azamara is designed to appeal to the more adventurous traveler who wants the sophistication of the Celebrity ships with the more exotic and adventurous itineraries a smaller ship can offer. Think of a smaller Celebrity ship where every passenger receives suite-like amenities.
This is not to say every stateroom is a suite. The ships each have the usual assortment of inside, oceanview, balcony and suite categories. But the ships themselves (there are only two of them) only carry 694 passengers, and each stateroom comes with butler service, a daily fruit basket, fresh cut flowers, 24-hour room service, a sweet surprise on your pillow each evening, afternoon canap???s, complimentary shoe-shine service, a 23" plasma television, personal stationery, Elemis bathroom products, two nights of complimentary specialty dining, new European bedding, and complimentary use of binoculars, umbrellas and plush robes.
People who book suites get, in addition; three nights of complimentary specialty dining (one night in each specialty restaurant), complimentary pressing of their laundry, a 23" plasma television, amenity bar, complimentary in-room nonalcoholic specialty coffees, soda and water, expanded Elemis bathroom amenities, afternoon tea service, a complimentary bottle of champagne and more. All suites have also been updated to include all new carpet and fine furniture.
Azamara focuses on the worldly passenger interested in knowledge and self-improvement. Even on the balmiest afternoon, far fewer fellow passengers are likely to be sunning by the pool than inside listening attentively to a guest expert lecture about destinations, technology, cultural explorations, art, music or design. Topics on tap usually relate to your destination or else cover a topic of more universal interest. Count on lectures on food and wine.
Entertainment options are simple yet diverse musical offerings that range from upbeat dance bands to intimate piano bar entertainers. The showcase theatre features a talented cast of singers and dancers as well as a host of variety entertainers.
Mostly widely-traveled couples in the 40 to 65 age group looking for good service and unusual destinations. Don't expect to see many if any children at all, especially on longer voyages.
The dress code is always resort casual with no scheduled formal nights. Formal attire is welcomed if the guest desires to wear it. No bare feet, tank tops, caps, bathing suits, or jeans are allowed in the dining room or specialty restaurants. Additionally, no tuxedo rentals will be available onboard.
Examples of resort casual attire include sportswear, shorts, casual dresses, skirts, and pants in light fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk and wool gabardine for the women. For the men the line recommends sportswear, golf shirts, shorts, pants, and a sportcoat if desired, (but not required) in light fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk and wool gabardine.
The focus for Azamara is adventure or intellectual destinations; itineraries will offer the far-reaching corners of the world. Azamara's shore excursions are said to go far beyond an ordinary tour; one must be prepared to be totally and completely immersed in local cultures, cuisines, history and lifestyle.
The brand boasts that each excursion is an experience unto itself solely because the ships visit the ports and cities that larger cruise ship rarely see. Let experienced guides take you down cobblestone streets; or relax in local haunts that far off the beaten path; taste authentic, local cuisine. "Experience life around the world" is part of the new brand identity.
Azamara Cruises will not offer any formal children's programming or have youth staff onboard. If you choose to take your kids, which obviously is not encouraged, you will be pretty much on your own. When in port the shore excursions deemed "easy" are said to be most suitable for families with children. The only other solace kids can look frward to on these ships will be rentals of Sony PSP (Portable PlayStation) units.
Celebrity's Captain's Club will extend to guests who become loyal guests of Azamara. Captain's Club members on Azamara will receive benefits similar to Celebrity. Reciprocal benefits apply between Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean whose Captain's Club program has been extended to cover the new brand, reciprocity benefits remain unchanged. Azamara guests who are Captain's Club members will be credited on their Celebrity's Captain's Club account.
The rewards program for Azamara Cruises is the same as for Celebrity Cruises, you can redeem credit card rewards points for onboard credits or cruise discounts with the exception of having the ability to redeem points for complimentary upgrades and cruises. If you are using your Celebrity Rewards credit card, you will receive double points for any dollars spent while onboard.
For your convenience, a gratuity in recognition of outstanding personal service of $12.25 per Guest, per day, will be automatically added to your SeaPassSM Account. This covers your Butler & Stateroom Attendant as well as all restaurant staff. Since our ships offer multiple open-seating dining venues and you will likely be served by many different staff members during the course of your stay onboard, the restaurant staff allotment is evenly distributed among them.
Please note that Bar & Wine personnel are acknowledged with the standard 18% of the beverages and wines billed for the service rendered.
Carnival Dream - Discount Cruises, Last-Minute Cruises, Short Notice Cruises - Vacations To Go
Travel aboard the innovative Carnival Dream, the largest vessel in the Fun Ship fleet. With elaborate facilities for children of all ages and high-occupancy cabins, the ship is perfect for families. Among the ship??s highlights are the two-level miniature golf course, WaterWorks aqua park, the Piazza??s live music venue and dance floor, and several lounges and bars. Three children??s programs include Camp Carnival for ages 2-11, Circle C for ages 12-14, and Club O2 for teens 15-17. While the kids are enjoying all these programs have to offer, adults have plenty to choose from as well. Visit the elaborate Cloud 9 spa, the resort-style pool or one of several scenic whirlpools extending beyond the ship's beam. For a little privacy, adults on board can also enjoy Serenity, an adults-only retreat. In addition to a variety of traditional staterooms, the Dream offers a new category of cove balcony staterooms, located closer to the water line.
Bequia, Grenadines
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles
Cabrits, Dominica
Cancun (Calica), Mexico
Cancun (Playa del Carmen), Mexico
Cartagena, Colombia
Catalina Island, Dominican Republic
Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic
Charlestown, Nevis
Costa Maya, Mexico
Cozumel, Mexico
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Curacao, Netherlands Antilles
Fort-de-France, Martinique
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands
Gustavia, St. Barthelemy, Guadeloupe
Iles Des Saintes, Guadeloupe
Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
Key West, FL
La Romana (Casa de Campo), Dominican Republic
Labadee, Haiti
Majahual, Mexico
Margarita Island, Venezuela
Mayreau, Grenadines
Merida (Progreso), Mexico
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Nevis, British West Indies
Norman Island, British V.I.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Port Antonio, Jamaica
Portsmouth, Dominica
Roseau, Dominica
Saba, Netherlands Antilles
Samana, Dominican Republic
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
St. Barts
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Kitts
St. Lucia
St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
St. Martin
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Vincent
Tobago Cays, Grenadines
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
We hebben om te starten ook al een reeks extra's toegevoegd aan uw blog, zodat u dit zelf niet meer hoeft te doen. Zo is er een archief, gastenboek, zoekfunctie, enz. toegevoegd geworden. U kan ze nu op uw blog zien langs de linker en rechter kant.
U kan dit zelf helemaal aanpassen. Surf naar http://www.bloggen.be/ en log vervolgens daar in met uw gebruikersnaam en wachtwoord. Klik vervolgens op 'personaliseer'. Daar kan u zien welke functies reeds toegevoegd zijn, ze van volgorde wijzigen, aanpassen, ze verwijderen en nog een hele reeks andere mogelijkheden toevoegen.
Om berichten toe te voegen, doet u dit als volgt. Surf naar http://www.bloggen.be/ en log vervolgens in met uw gebruikersnaam en wachtwoord. Druk vervolgens op 'Toevoegen'. U kan nu de titel en het bericht ingeven.
Om een bericht te verwijderen, zoals dit bericht (dit bericht hoeft hier niet op te blijven staan), klikt u in plaats van op 'Toevoegen' op 'Wijzigen'. Vervolgens klikt u op de knop 'Verwijderen' die achter dit bericht staat (achter de titel 'Proficiat!'). Nog even bevestigen dat u dit bericht wenst te verwijderen en het bericht is verwijderd. U kan dit op dezelfde manier in de toekomst berichten wijzigen of verwijderen.
Er zijn nog een hele reeks extra mogelijkheden en functionaliteiten die u kan gebruiken voor uw blog. Log in op http://www.bloggen.be/ en geef uw gebruikersnaam en wachtwoord op. Klik vervolgens op 'Instellingen'. Daar kan u een hele reeks zaken aanpassen, extra functies toevoegen, enz.
WAT IS CONCREET DE BEDOELING??
De bedoeling is dat u op regelmatige basis een bericht toevoegt op uw blog. U kan hierin zetten wat u zelf wenst.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u heeft een blog gemaakt voor gedichten. Dan kan u bvb. elke dag een gedicht toevoegen op uw blog. U geeft de titel in van het gedicht en daaronder in het bericht het gedicht zelf. Zo kunnen uw bezoekers dagelijks terugkomen om uw laatste nieuw gedicht te lezen. Indien u meerdere gedichten wenst toe te voegen op eenzelfde dag, voegt u deze toe als afzonderlijke berichten, dus niet in één bericht.
- Bijvoorbeeld:
u wil een blog maken over de actualiteit. Dan kan u bvb. dagelijks een bericht plaatsen met uw mening over iets uit de actualiteit. Bvb. over een bepaalde ramp, ongeval, uitspraak, voorval,... U geeft bvb. in de titel het onderwerp waarover u het gaat hebben en in het bericht plaatst u uw mening over dat onderwerp. Zo kan u bvb. meedelen dat de media voor de zoveelste keer het fout heeft, of waarom ze nu dat weer in de actualiteit brengen,... Of u kan ook meer diepgaande artikels plaatsen en meer informatie over een bepaald onderwerp opzoeken en dit op uw blog plaatsen. Indien u over meerdere zaken iets wil zeggen op die dag, plaatst u deze als afzonderlijke berichten, zo is dit het meest duidelijk voor uw bezoekers.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u wil een blog maken als dagboek. Dagelijks maakt u een bericht aan met wat u er wenst in te plaatsen, zoals u anders in een dagboek zou plaatsen. Dit kan zijn over wat u vandaag hebt gedaan, wat u vandaag heeft gehoord, wat u van plan bent, enz. Maak een titel en typ het bericht. Zo kunnen bezoekers dagelijks naar uw blog komen om uw laatste nieuwe bericht te lezen en mee uw dagboek te lezen.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u wil een blog maken met plaatselijk nieuws. Met uw eigen blog kan u zo zelfs journalist zijn. U kan op uw blog het plaatselijk nieuws vertellen. Telkens u iets nieuw hebt, plaats u een bericht: u geeft een titel op en typt wat u weet over het nieuws. Dit kan zijn over een feest in de buurt, een verkeersongeval in de streek, een nieuwe baan die men gaat aanleggen, een nieuwe regeling, verkiezingen, een staking, een nieuwe winkel, enz. Afhankelijk van het nieuws plaatst u iedere keer een nieuw bericht. Indien u veel nieuws heeft, kan u zo dagelijks vele berichten plaatsen met wat u te weten bent gekomen over uw regio. Zorg ervoor dat u telkens een nieuw bericht ingeeft per onderwerp, en niet zaken samen plaatst. Indien u wat minder nieuws kan bijeen sprokkelen is uiteraard 1 bericht per dag of 2 berichten per week ook goed. Probeer op een regelmatige basis een berichtje te plaatsen, zo komen uw bezoekers telkens terug.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u wil een blog maken met een reisverslag. U kan een bericht aanmaken per dag van uw reis. Zo kan u in de titel opgeven over welke dag u het gaat hebben, en in het bericht plaatst u dan het verslag van die dag. Zo komen alle berichten onder elkaar te staan, netjes gescheiden per dag. U kan dus op éénzelfde dag meerdere berichten ingeven van uw reisverslag.
- Bijvoorbeeld:
u wil een blog maken met tips op. Dan maakt u telkens u een tip heeft een nieuw bericht aan. In de titel zet u waarover uw tip zal gaan. In het bericht geeft u dan de hele tip in. Probeer zo op regelmatige basis nieuwe tips toe te voegen, zodat bezoekers telkens terug komen naar uw blog. Probeer bvb. 1 keer per dag, of 2 keer per week een nieuwe tip zo toe te voegen. Indien u heel enthousiast bent, kan u natuurlijk ook meerdere tips op een dag ingeven. Let er dan op dat het meest duidelijk is indien u pér tip een nieuw bericht aanmaakt. Zo kan u dus bvb. wel 20 berichten aanmaken op een dag indien u 20 tips heeft voor uw bezoekers.
- Bijvoorbeeld:
u wil een blog maken dat uw activiteiten weerspiegelt. U bent bvb. actief in een bedrijf, vereniging of organisatie en maakt elke dag wel eens iets mee. Dan kan je al deze belevenissen op uw blog plaatsen. Het komt dan neer op een soort van dagboek. Dan kan u dagelijks, of eventueel meerdere keren per dag, een bericht plaatsen op uw blog om uw belevenissen te vertellen. Geef een titel op dat zeer kort uw belevenis beschrijft en typ daarna alles in wat u maar wenst in het bericht. Zo kunnen bezoekers dagelijks of meermaals per dag terugkomen naar uw blog om uw laatste belevenissen te lezen.
- Bijvoorbeeld: u wil een blog maken uw hobby. U kan dan op regelmatige basis, bvb. dagelijks, een bericht toevoegen op uw blog over uw hobby. Dit kan gaan dat u vandaag een nieuwe postzegel bij uw verzameling heeft, een nieuwe bierkaart, een grote vis heeft gevangen, enz. Vertel erover en misschien kan je er zelfs een foto bij plaatsen. Zo kunnen anderen die ook dezelfde hobby hebben dagelijks mee lezen. Als u bvb. zeer actief bent in uw hobby, kan u dagelijks uiteraard meerdere berichtjes plaatsen, met bvb. de laatste nieuwtjes. Zo trek je veel bezoekers aan.
WAT ZIJN DIE "REACTIES"?
Een bezoeker kan op een bericht van u een reactie plaatsen. Een bezoeker kan dus zelf géén bericht plaatsen op uw blog zelf, wel een reactie. Het verschil is dat de reactie niet komt op de beginpagina, maar enkel bij een bericht hoort. Het is dus zo dat een reactie enkel gaat over een reactie bij een bericht. Indien u bvb. een gedicht heeft geschreven, kan een reactie van een bezoeker zijn dat deze het heel mooi vond. Of bvb. indien u plaatselijk nieuws brengt, kan een reactie van een bezoeker zijn dat deze nog iets meer over de feiten weet (bvb. exacte uur van het ongeval, het juiste locatie van het evenement,...). Of bvb. indien uw blog een dagboek is, kan men reageren op het bericht van die dag, zo kan men meeleven met u, u een vraag stellen, enz. Deze functie kan u uitschakelen via "Instellingen" indien u dit niet graag heeft.
WAT IS DE "WAARDERING"?
Een bezoeker kan een bepaald bericht een waardering geven. Dit is om aan te geven of men dit bericht goed vindt of niet. Het kan bvb. gaan over een bericht, hoe goed men dat vond. Het kan ook gaan over een ander bericht, bvb. een tip, die men wel of niet bruikbaar vond. Deze functie kan u uitschakelen via "Instellingen" indien u dit niet graag heeft.
Het Bloggen.be-team wenst u veel succes met uw gloednieuwe blog!
