Passengers taking seven night Mediterranean cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic next summer will for the first time be able to choose where they embark.  For example, a cruise leaving Barcelona on July 1 will embark some passengers there, some on July 4th in Civitavecchia (Rome) and yet more in Marseille on July 7th.  Everybody must stay on board for seven nights, so you can’t get on in Barcelona and off in Marseille, but this new move does mean that passengers buying cruise only can shop around for the best flight deals, and if they want to extend their stay, will not necessarily be restricted to Barcelona. 

 With several ships carrying 3000 or more passengers all departing Barcelona simultaneously on busy days in summer, spreading the load makes sense, as it takes pressure off flights.  But it does bust the traditional rhythm of a seven night cruise, as there’s no longer a common “first night,” a concept more traditionally minded cruisers may find unsettling. 

In June of 2012 Carnival will launch it’s answer to the “mega” ship competion.  The new “Breeze” will be the flagship of the Carnival fleet, and promises to be the greatest ship ever to sail for the Cruise industries largest company.  She will feature an enormous water park, several specialty resturants and a world class theater.  After viewing the Oasis and Allure  late of Royal Caribbean, this is Carnival’s response.  Details of this “floating island” can be viewed at www.carnival.com so just sit back and take the tour.  My agency has blocked 10 cabins on the October 13 sailing out of Barcelona Spain with stops in Monaco, Florence, Rome, Croatia and an overnight in Venice among others.  This is a 12 day grand Mediterranean Cruise on this fantastic new ship.  Cabins blocked are both inside economy and outside balcony, so take your pick.  If you would like to live the dream and take this vacation of a lifetime, contact me at nrennie@cruiseone.com or visit our web site at www.cruiseone.com/nrennie.

Having sailed on the Oasis of the Seas, I asked my associate Maureen Walsh to review her recent fabulous vacation aboard the new Allure of the Seas.  The only real way to describe these two is WOW!  The Allure is part of the Oasis Class which are RCCL biggest and most innovative ships.  The promenade is one of the most popular and favorite areas and it makes you feel like you are strolling through a shopping mall with so many gift shops, restaurants and even a Starbucks!  There is also a Sorrento’s Pizza that offers a variety of specialty pizzas and Italian desserts.  Other venues on this ship are the Central Park Cafe’,  Johnny Rockets, the Promenade Cafe and of course room service.  There is even a donut stand if you want to just grab a quick treat for breakfast. 

Cabins offer a view of either the inside or outside of the ship and balconies are plentiful.   Some over look the Boardwalk or the Aqua Theater or even the Central Park.  Your choice, they are all wonderful.  Prices vary according to deck and location. 

The entertainment was fabulous and you are able to book reservations in advance by going to the RCCL website.  If you have done so, all you need is your room key for scanning to get into your show. 

Other nice features are the touch screens located near the elevators that will show you what is happening on the ship You can view the occupancy of any restaurant and even check out the menu.

All in all the “Mega” ships are a great choice for any traveler.  In this case anyway, bigger is really better.  Consider either the Oasis or Allure for your next vacation.  Call for details.

If you ever venture down St. Thomas way have I got a tip for you.  My pal, Hollywood Joe and his loyal assistant Stephanie own and operate the sailing yacht Treazzure.  This 63 foot beauty is for hire if you want a day sail to St. John to snorkle, or a week’s charter to sail where ever your heart desires.  Joe provides the food, drinks and music for your dream vacation.  No need to bring any gear either as Joe has everything you might need. Rum punch and shrimp are provided in seemingly endless proportions as you cruise the crystal blue water of the Caribbean.  They do all the work and you have all the fun.  Just sit on the lounge, relax and listen to the sail catch the wind.  Joe is an ex-Marine and Vietnam vet that came home and bought a sailboat.  Ever since he has been living the dream going from island to island on his beautiful boat.  Prices are very reasonable considering the service and atmosphere, but you must book well in advance.   Joe is a real life Jimmy Buffet, pony tail and all.  I really can’t recommend this charter  enough.  If you are stopping in ST. Thomas on a cruise or staying for a week, contact Joe and Steph.  E-Mail is info@sailingvirginislands.com or call at 1-340-690-2735.  Tell Joe I said “Semper Fi”.

According to Travel and Leisure Magazine, here are  Travel Innovations we could do without:

1.  Mini Bar Sensors.  Sure you can have $12 bags of Gummy Worms or a $6 dollar Coke without leaving your room, but there’s nothing worse than finding a charge on your bill just for moving something!  Uck! 

2.  Batheroom Telephones.  Now that we  have cell phones, do we really need a receiver in the loo?  Aren’t we too busy doing other things anyway?  And do you really want to touch the thing?  Please……….

3.  Ridiculous Airline Fees.  Almost all domestic carriers with the exception of Southwest have fees for checked baggage.  Now there are fees for boarding early (American) using the overhead bin (Spirit) and soon for using the toilet. (Ryanair).  Free peanuts anyone????

4.  Electronic Key Cards.  Okay the magnetic strip offers greater security than a key inscribed with a hotel room number, but it seems to require more dexterity than most of us possess.  Sometimes, it is even deactivated if it touches your cell phone or credit card, sending you back to the front desk.  And man, do they look at you like your a moron.

5.  In flight cell phones.  My least favorite of all.  For now, domestic carriers prohibit using phones while airborne, but believe me this is going to change.  Many foreign carriers now allow their use on some aircraft.  If you thought having to converse with your seatmate was bad, wait until the dull never ending yakking becomes one sided.  Stick a plastic fork in my ear!