Sally Eng & Stu Morris

New Disney Ships: Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy

Published Sunday, March 15th 2009

Walt Disney Imagineers and the shipbuilders have been working full steam ahead since the fleet expansion was first announced in 2007. The new ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line and create even more family cruise options.

The Disney Dream is scheduled to launch in 2011, with the Disney Fantasy following soon after in 2012.

They are 122,000-ton ships, each with room for 4,000 guests (Disney's current ships are each 83,000-ton/2,400 guests).

The ships will each have 1,250 staterooms, an increase of 40% from 877. They will be two decks taller, and will follow the same design traditions as before - gold scrollwork at the bow, the existing Disney Cruise Line color scheme, and "classic" ship style. The artist's renderings of the new ships look remarkably similar to the existing ships, with the addition of two additional stateroom and lots more verandahs staterooms.

Repositioning Cruises:

Published Sunday, March 15th 2009

Good deals can be found with repositioning cruises. Although some ships spend 365 days a year sailing the same itinerary, or in the same region, many relocate a few times a year. For example, depending on the season, they may move from Canada/New England to the Caribbean, or Alaska to Hawaii.

Instead of sailing the ships empty, the cruise lines will usually sell these one-way routes at a discount. These voyages, known as repositioning cruises will often feature themes on subjects ranging from theater to wine, or are enhanced with enrichment options such as guest lecturers.

These “special” itineraries occur at the beginning or end of a regional cruise season. They will consist of voyages from the Caribbean, Florida, and U.S. East Coast to Europe (or vice versa) with stops in the Canary Islands or Azores along the way. On the West Coast, you'll find repositioning sailings between Alaska and the Southern California homeports, as well as Panama Canal voyages between California and Florida.

To find a repositioning cruise….. Look at regions that have very specific seasons year after year. For example, ships that spend summertime in Alaska have no choice but to relocate in September or October. This gives you an opportunity to find unique itineraries along the California coast, to Hawaii or through the Panama Canal.

In the springtime, look for trans-Atlantic cruises as ships reposition from the East Coast (like New York or Ft. Lauderdale) to Northern Europe for Mediterranean sailings. Other repositioning itineraries will journey to Asia, the Middle East and Africa. . Since South America and Asia are becoming more popular cruise destinations, you might also find repositioning cruises from the USA across the Caribbean to South America or across the Indian or Pacific Oceans.

Wedding Cruisesâ€¦â€¦.Marriage Renewalsâ€¦â€¦

Published Sunday, March 15th 2009

A cruise ship is a fun and exciting location for your memorable
wedding ceremony & marriage renewals.

Five years ago, there were practically no weddings performed on cruise ships; now there are thousands. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), cruise weddings have grown at a phenomenal rate the last few years.

This growth rate is not surprising. Wedding cruise packages are available through almost every major cruise line. What better way to say your vows; have your wedding and then sail off on your honeymoon! No travel time wasted. This is such a wonderful way to celebrate the big day and enjoy a vacation with your closest friends and family.

Putting together a cruise wedding can actually be a fairly simple process. With packages available in over 100 beautiful ports of call, you can choose a destination perfect for you and your guests.

Most packages vary from cruise line to cruise line. They have their own wedding planners who are very familiar with the special needs of a wedding cruise. Packages may include priority check-in for the bridal couple and their sailing guests, Wedding Coordinator, ceremony, officiant, recorded music, bridal bouquet, boutonniere with a matching bloom, keepsake marriage certificate, wedding cake, champagne, photography and one 8" x 10" wedding photograph. These amenities are flexible to the needs of the wedding couple, but just about everything relevant to a wedding can be included in wedding cruise package.

After the ceremony there is no cleanup for the wedding party. Everyone can all simply enjoy the company of one another and continue cruising. For adventurous couples and guests, a number of cruise ship activities can also booked as a group. Booking as a group can be a good way to get a discounted price on the activities.

Exclusive wedding service can be provided Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Windstar and HollandAmerica (Europe), as well as select ports for Carnival Cruise Line.

Cunard Ocean Liner Queen Mary 2

Published Thursday, March 19th 2009

Queen Mary 2 is definitely a “huge” ship of 150,000 tons with passenger capacity of 2,620. There are over 200 activities available onboard.

There are many enrichment programs onboard: Book Club, Academy at Sea conducted by leading professors in topics from opera to oceanography. There are numerous workshops which include literature, food, wine, interior design. There are art & dance workshops, discussion groups and computer center. There are master classes by performers and directors from the renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, plus readings, one-act plays, celebrity appearances.

Queen Mary 2 offers sports facilities like golf simulators, putting green, paddle tennis, shuffleboards, basketball, darts. They have Canyon Ranch SpaClub, pool with retractable dome, shops, lounges, casino, karaoke, high tea, a virtual space ride in the planetarium, a bookstore, largest library at sea, movie theatre, live jazz, Maritime Quest Exhibit (a museum-quality audio tour that takes you back to the golden era of ocean cruising), art gallery.

The Queen Mary 2 is more formal than others. Jeans and shorts are frowned upon, even around the pool area. Khakis, capri, and pantsuits are worn during the day; black ties and tails in the evening. There are children on board, but a lot less than some of the other cruise lines.

Their cabins are categorized by inside, oceanview & balcony and these passengers all dine at the magnificent Britannia Restaurant.

The suites are Queen & Princess suites, which offers concierge/butler services. These passengers dine at the Queen or Princess Grill.

James Taylor on Queen Mary 2

Published Friday, March 20th 2009

James Taylor Tickets

For those James Taylor fans, listen up…..the Grammy^® Award-winning singer-songwriter James Taylor and his band will perform during Queen Mary 2's June 19 eastbound Transatlantic Crossing. Sailing from New York to Southampton, England, Taylor will headline two Cunard Command Performances in the ship's RoyalCourtTheatre during the six-day journey. (Space is still available to book this very special voyage!)

Cunard is honoured to welcome James Taylor aboard their flagship Queen Mary 2 and into a lineage of luminaries who have sailed with Cunard during their 170-year history. "Our guests will most certainly enjoy this intimate concert experience with an American music icon." said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. In addition to the performances, passengers will have the opportunity to join a live Q&A interview with Queen Mary 2's Entertainment Director, where Mr. Taylor will talk about his award-winning career and the Summer European Tour he will begin after his arrival in England

Over the course of his celebrated career, Taylor has earned 40 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards and five Grammy^® Awards for works ranging from Sweet Baby James in 1970 to Covers, his most recent album featuring his own interpretation of tunes from the 50s, 60s and 70s, for which he was nominated for two 2009 Grammy Awards. In 2000, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Most recently, Taylor was one of a select few music artists who performed for President Barack Obama's inauguration.

"I've always wanted to take an ocean liner back to Europe. It's such a civilized way to go, and the Queen Mary 2 is the last word in first class travel. It was a dream to use the passage to transport and rehearse our summer tour: band, crew and family; kit and caboodle. I'm looking forward to the pair of concerts at the end of the trip and, hallelujah, no jet lag," Taylor said.

Cunard's lists of past famed entertainers include Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, Cary Grant and Clark Gable. Among the musical notables were Rod Stewart, Shirley Bassey, Harry Connick, Jr. and Lenny Kravitz. In addition, actors Uma Thurman, Angela Bassett, John Cleese, Richard Dreyfuss and Terence Howard have sailed aboard the grand liner.

Meetings at Sea

Published Tuesday, April 7th 2009

There is no better value than a Meeting at Sea….whether it’s corporate meetings, incentive meetings or seminars at sea.

Cruise lines have come to recognize the necessity to accommodate the needs of group meetings on cruise ships. Newer ships have been designed with expanded, easily accessible, dedicated meeting space. Whether your group consists of 25 or 500 participants, there are ample options on board to facilitate your group's meeting requirements. From conference rooms to boardrooms, from large lounges and theaters for awards presentations to small lounges and rooms for breakouts and cocktail parties on deck, the new cruise ships are designed for meetings at sea. As an added advantage, you will have a captive audience……They will attend!

Are you looking for reasons why?

· Meeting and Breakout Space

· Staging

· Audio Visual Equipment

· Deluxe accommodations and every amenity of a deluxe hotel.

· Confirmed dining room seating if desired

· 24-hour complimentary room service - extended menu

· Higher staff-to-guest ratio

· All-inclusive; all costs are upfront

· Far less expensive than a comparable land-based program

· No menus to plan - all food is included

· Can be upgraded by the traveler

· 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more night cruises allow more possibilities

· Airport Meet, Greet & Transfers

· Baggage Handling

- Something for everyone

· Great mix of meeting and leisure time activities to accommodate your guests

· Captive Audience - participants can't be off-site

· Multiple destinations while unpacking only once

· Shore excursions, full casinos, Island golf, live entertainment, spa facilities, duty free shopping....

· Great spouse programs, themed events, and team building opportunities

What's In It For The Meeting Planner? A More Successful Program with Far Less Work!

Organizing a group meeting at sea is extremely easy in the cruise environment. Due to their all-inclusive nature, cruises offer one stop shopping. There are no menus to plan, no airfare to arrange, no transfers to coordinate, no special activities to plan, no entertainment to locate; it's all included. Each ship has an on-board coordinator with whom we schedule meetings, audiovisual equipment and special events in advance of the sailing. Dining room schedules and seating can be pre-selected.

A cruise is the easiest, most cost effective meeting or incentive program to prepare

Gourmet Dining
Cruises offer multiple destinations, rather than one, relaxation for sunbathers, and good weather most of the time due to their ability to move and avoid storms. Cruises offer, guest lecturers, and lessons in gambling, wine tasting, painting, and photography. Seminars at sea in various fields and themed sailings are also available. Cruises can offer access to parts of the world which would otherwise be inaccessible other than by water. With a staff/guest ratio of one staff for every two guests, the service is unparalleled.

Multiple Itineraries with Multiple Destinations

Best of all, there are so many itineraries to choose from….. Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. There’s Alaska the Mediterranean, the Greek Isle, the Baltic's, the Rhine, the Danube, and the Scandinavian Fiords. Winter months offer the coast of South or Central America and the Panama Canal. Let’s not forget Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti and Asia.

What makes Meetings at Sea the planner’s dream?
The answer: The combination of a private, complimentary meeting space and the desire for something different, with the ease of planning and taking budget considerations.

Bermuda

Published Thursday, April 9th 2009

Yes…..the sand is really pink!

Summer is prime time for Bermuda cruises. There are ships that depart for Bermuda from a number of East Coast ports. They include Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk, as well as from Florida. For such a small island, Bermuda has two cruise ship ports - one at Hamilton, the island's capital, and the other at Kings Wharf.

Motor scooters and bicycles are available for rental to the visitors. Tourists are not allowed to drive cars in Bermuda. Upscale shops with fine products from around the world and especially Britain can be found. Bermuda also has an abundance of restaurants featuring the island's distinctively spicy cuisine.

HISTORY

Bermuda is a cluster of 150 small islands, arranged in the shape of a fish hook. It is located 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Bermuda has a semi-tropical climate, offering temperate summers and mild winters.

It was first inhabited in 1609. Bermuda has a population of 56,000 people with cultural backgrounds from United Kingdom, Africa, the West Indies and Portugal. It is one of Britain’s oldest, self-governing colonies

First inhabited in 1609, Bermuda is a cluster of 150 small islands, arranged in the shape of a fish hook and located 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Comprising an area of a mere 21 square miles, it is blessed with a semi-tropical climate, offering temperate summers and mild winters.

Tall Ships in Bermuda

Published Thursday, April 9th 2009

From June 11 - 15, 2009, the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 will be in Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda to help celebrate Bermuda's 400 years of permanent settlement.

The Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge, otherwise known as TSAC, is a major tall ships race involving seven ports on both sides of the Atlantic. It is organized by Sail Training International and the American Sail Training Association. The fleet will cross the Atlantic twice and at least half of the crew on board the ships will be trainees between the ages of 15 and 30.

The TSAC starts in Vigo, Spain on May 3^rd and the fleet races to Tenerife in the Canary Islands. On May 14^th the fleet leaves Tenerife and sails to Bermuda. During Bermuda’s official Tall Ships Festival (June 11^th – 15^th) the fleet of approximately 45 to 50 tall ships will be berthed in Hamilton and Front Street will become Festival Central with events for both the visiting trainees and local residents. The ships will depart in a magnificent Parade of Sail on Monday, June 15^th and will race to Charleston, South Caroline (June 25 – 29), Boston (July 8 – 13), Halifax (July 16 – 20) and then back across the Atlantic to Belfast in Northern Ireland (August 13 – 16) where the race will conclude in a grand finale of activity.

The "Atlantic Challenge 2009" begins from Vigo, Spain and ends in Belfast, Northern Ireland - a true race around the Atlantic and the first since 2000. Each port will host the fleet, with various festivals and activities taking place at every stop along the route.

Tall Ships Route

SAIL TRAINING INTERNATIONAL

The aim of Sail Training International is the development and education of young people of all nationalities, cultures, religion, economic and social backgrounds through the sail training experience.

They face both physical and emotional challenges with the ultimate goal to inspire self-confidence and personal responsibility. Most importantly, they will make friends and learn to trust others.

Norwegian Epic

Published Thursday, April 30th 2009

Have you heard about the Norwegian Epic yet? It’s NCL’s newest ship that will debut in May 2010.

It is 150,000-ton, 4,200-passenger, the largest and most innovative ship ever built by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Get ready to be soaked…..

Included are some fabulous activities for the kids and the “kids young at heart”. There will be a sprawling Aqua Park consisting of three waterslides, including one that utilizes an inner tube; a twisty slide, and one just for kids that actually goes right through the rock-climbing wall. The most unusual is "Epic Plunge," the slide that uses inner tubes -- passengers will zip down a 200-ft. channel into a bowl where centrifugal forces will spin them for a bit before they splash down.

There will be two pools with lighting effects produced at night, five whirlpools and a kids' splash pool with water spouting sculptures

Sports & other fun-filled activities…..

Epic's rock climbing wall is 33 feet high, 64 feet wide. There will also be a rappelling wall, the first at sea. This is a wall where you work your way down a cliff by rappelling off of it.

There’s a multi-use sports deck which includes a full size basketball court, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball, batting cage, bungee trampoline, rope adventure course and a 24-foot tall enclosed climbing cage called the spider web. Norwegian Epic will also feature the first squash court at sea, located in the fitness center.

The Norwegian Epic will feature six bowling lanes split between two venues.

The kids' area includes a space-themed play area, air hockey table, pinball, foosball, a video jukebox, flat-screen TV's, dance floor, multiple Wii and PlayStation areas, computer games, movie time, private karaoke. These are all age-related activities.

Let’s not forget the arcade!

Dining Options…….

Taste. NCL says "traditional and contemporary cuisine" will be served in this atrium eatery decorated with velvet curtains, white walls and brick accents.

The Manhattan Room. This will be an two-story Art Deco supper club with a dance floor and live evening music.

Cafe Jardin & The Great Outdoors. Wonderful traditional cruise ship buffet

Cagney's Steakhouse & Churrascaria. Cagney's is NCL's signature steakhouse, This time, an Argentinean churrasco will be added - skewered meats presented by tableside passadors. (Surcharge required)

La Cucina. An olive tree and hanging lanterns; a Tuscan-style Italian eatery. (Surcharge required)

Le Bistro. NCL's French bistro, Le Bistro, will feature contemporary and traditional paintings and sculptures. (Surcharge required)

Shanghai's. will serve a mix of Chinese dishes in a noodle bar setting -- noodles, wok fried dishes and dim sum will be prepared in an open kitchen. (Surcharge required)

Wasabi. Located outside the Teppanyaki restaurant, Wasabi is an expansive sushi and sake bar. (Surcharge required)

Teppanyaki. This will be NCL's largest Teppanyaki yet, and the largest at sea, seating 115 guests. Up to 24 chefs will cook nightly. (Surcharge required)

O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill. This 24-hour sports bar, will have three lanes of bowling, dart boards, pool tables, foosball and arcade games.

The Epic Club and Courtyard Grill. Reserved exclusively for Norwegian Epic's suite and villa guests. The Epic Club will feature a large wine display, glass sculptures and pearl drapes. The Courtyard Grill is a casual, outdoor area which serves suite and villa guests breakfast and lunch.

Explorer of the Seas Family & Friends Cruise

Published Saturday, August 22nd 2009

I just returned from a 9 night Royal Caribbean, Explorer of the Seas cruise leaving from Bayonne, NJ. We were a group of 38 people. Our trip started off with a chartered party bus which shuttled us from Queens, NY to Bayonne, NJ. What a sight that was to see this HUGE white bus come rolling down the street. That alone set everyone into a CRUISITUDE party mode!!!!

Our group consisted of 13 kids ranging in age from 12-15; 5 kids between 17-20 and 20 adults. We had 4 large tables for early dining; kids sat together & adults sat together. Every night was filled with chatter & laughter from each table. Many of the couples were celebrating “milestone anniversaries”. It was “178 years of marital bliss.”

Our ports of call were Bermuda, St. Maarten, St. Thomas & San Juan.

There were so many activities on the ship that we stayed up late every night & started early again the next day. The events were:

Parade in the Royal Promenade on the first & last night;
singing & dancing shows, comedy night, magic night, Ice Show, movies, art auctions;
trivia games, game shows, bingo, bridge playing;
dance lessons, poolside line dancing, dance parties;
scrape booking, ice skating lessons, bouldering lessons, watercolor lessons, fitness & health classes,;
tournaments (blackjack, royal flush poker, volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard), Nintendo Wii competition, Mr. Sexy Leg contest,
lectures (computer, digital photography, cooking), wine tasting, towel folding;

……and more! Just LOADS of ENTERTAINMENT! Of course, the fun was also spending quality time with old friends & new friends!

Visiting Bermuda

Published Saturday, August 22nd 2009

After the Explorer of the Seas left Bayonne, NJ, we spent a full day at sea and docked at King’s Wharf, Bermuda. King’s Wharf is also called Royal Naval Dockyard, which is on the western section of Bermuda. The Royal Naval Dockyard was an active navy base during the War of 1812, and is now a center for tourism.

Bermuda is approx 21 miles of land area. Visitors are not allowed to rent automobiles or operate any other kind of four or more wheeled vehicle on Bermuda's roads. The reason is the unfamiliar, often narrow, winding, sharply twisting roads. Besides that, the vehicles are driven on the left side of the road.

Mopeds or scooters can be rented. Mopeds have larger wheels than scooters and are safer. But again, they can be dangerous to those not accustomed to them driving on the “wrong side” of the road. Water taxi or “pink” colored buses are available for Hamilton or St. George’s.

Bermuda is known for its “pink sand”. It’s actually sand with specks of pink sand in it, giving it a “pink hue”. The beach sand is not volcanic but from finely pulverized remains of calcium carbonate shells and skeletons of invertebrates such as corals, clams, forams (single-celled organisms) and other shells. Horseshoe Bay is a beautiful beach with very fine sand & calm blue waters.

Things to do in Bermuda:
Diving & snorkeling (although snorkeling in the Caribbean is probably better), watersports, shopping, visiting the pink sand beaches, golfing, historical churches, dozens of ancient fortresses, art galleries, horseback riding, Crystal Caves tour, aquarium, lighthouse, museums.

Passport Letter

Published Wednesday, September 2nd 2009

Dear Sir:

I'm in the process of renewing my passport, and still cannot believe this. How is it that Radio Shack has my address and telephone number and knows that I bought a cable TV from them back in 1987, and yet, the Federal Government is still asking me where I was born and on what date.

For Christ sakes, do you guys do this by hand? My birth date you have on my social security card, and it is on all the income tax forms I've filed for the past 30 years. It is on my health insurance card, my driver's license, on the last eight damn passports I've had, on all those stupid customs declaration forms I've had to fill out before being allowed off the plane over the last 30 years, and all those insufferable census forms that are done at election times.

Would somebody please take note, once and for all, that my mother's name is Maryanne, my father's name is Robert and I'd be absolutely astounded if that ever changed between now and when I die!!!!!!

I apologize, I'm really pissed off this morning. Between you an' me, I've had enough of this bull! You send the application to my house, then you ask me for my freakin' address.

And would someone please tell me, why would you give a crap whether I plan on visiting a farm in the next 15 days? If I ever got the urge to do something weird to a chicken or a goat, believe you me, I'd sure as hell not want to tell anyone!

Well, I have to go now, 'cause I have to go to the other end of the city and get another freakin' copy of my birth certificate, to the tune of $60. Would it be so complicated to have all the services in the same spot to assist in the issuance of a new passport the same day?? Nooooo, that'd be too damn easy and maybe makes sense. You'd rather have us running all over the place like chickens with our heads cut off, then find some jerk to confirm that it's really me on the damn picture - you know,the one where we're not allowed to smile?! (bureaucratic morons) Hey, you know why we can't smile? We're totally pissed off!

Signed,

- An Irate Citizen

(just a letter poking fun.....hope you enjoyed the laugh!)

Fall Foliage Potamac River

Published Monday, October 26th 2009

We were in Washington DC this weekend and on this beautiful sunny Sunday, Oct 25, 2009, we started our drive home at 10 am. The temperature was low 60’s, it was a very clear day and the fall foliage was stunning, particularly driving along side the Potamac River.

Not only that, but it was the 34^th Annual Marine Corps Marathon, which started at 8 am on the National Mall. There were about 22,000 runners for this year’s 26.2 mile race. What a lovely scene.

New Disney Water Coaster

Published Sunday, November 1st 2009

It is a water coaster which boasts a thrilling 4-deck drop, and because of the clear acrylic tube, it offers breathtaking views of the ocean and ship below.

Oasis of the Seas

Published Tuesday, November 10th 2009

The Oasis of the Seas is quite an amazing ship. This will be the biggest cruise ship ever, at 220,000 tons, accommodating 5400 guests.

There are 7 “neighborhoods” on the ship.

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